Golden Horn Tackles The King George, New Race At Cheltenham Festival and Jamie Joins Ryan On The Sidelines
This Friday we look ahead to one of the biggest flat races of the season, welcome a new race to the Cheltenham spectacular and report on more bad luck for the Moore family.
Horn Hard to Oppose In King George
Billed as one of the biggest clashes between the Classic generation and the older horses of the season, this year we have just the one three-year-old going to post for the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. That three-year-old happens to be the wonder horse of the year to date, Golden Horn. Having already conquered his elders in the Eclipse, it will be hoped he can do it again over this mile and a half trip. It will be particularly interesting to see how Gosden’s star gets on against Flintshire here as that horse has close form ties with the wonder mare Treve. Hopefully Golden Horn can blow them all away again and set up a mouth-watering clash with Treve in the Prix De l’Arc De Triomphe.
The biggest threat to the Derby winner’s perfect record could yet come from the weather. The ground at the track is currently good to firm, good in places, but with some forecasts predicting up to 60ml of rain, who knows what the conditions will be come 3.50 on Saturday afternoon. The son of Cape Cross may well handle soft ground but given how well he goes on good and good to firm there would have to be some doubt. The bookies certainly seem to have their doubts, as the odds on the jolly started to drift almost as soon as the words “rain in the Ascot area” were spoken. That said, Coral’s offer of 5/1 on Golden Horn to place remains too good to turn down!
From 27 to 28, Cheltenham Festival Gets Extra Race
We didn’t think Cheltenham, the crown jewel of the jumps racing year could get any better, but in 2016 we will have a brand new race for our viewing and punting pleasure. Many owners, trainers and breeders have bemoaned the lack of big race targets for the National Hunt fillies and mares in training for a while now, and over the last year or so this argument has built up a head of steam. So much so that the organisers at Prestbury Park have managed to create a brand new fillies and mares only Novice Hurdle. Going by the name of the Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, this Grade 2 contest will be run over a trip of 2m1f and will take place on the Thursday of the Festival. The move has received a universally positive reception and is expected to provide a significant boost to the breeding industry. Having witnessed some brilliant fillies and mares in recent years through the likes of Annie Power and Quevega, any incentive which gives rise to more opportunities for such animals can only be applauded. We look forward to the inaugural running.
Moore Injuries
First Ryan and now Jamie. It certainly has been a bad month for the Moores. Following Ryan Moore’s unfortunate stalls incident, which now looks set to see him out for the remainder of the year, his brother Jamie suffered a nasty injury of his own when coming to grief at the first flight at Worcester. A pelvic injury is suspected which could see him on the sidelines for some time. So what of the third member of the Moore riding trio, Joshua? You guessed it, he’s also out injured having broken his collar bone back in April!
