Woodlark Wins Again!

I thought that it was a good, game performance from Woodlark Island to score at Kempton yesterday.  Our four year old made most of the running and stayed on gallantly to see off Cortinas by 3/4length in the handicap chase.  I was watching the racing on television yesterday when I fell asleep in my armchair, I awoke just as Woodlark Island reached the start - it was like some kind of good omen, so I had to have a little flutter.  It reminds me a bit of a story about Michael Dickinson and the Newmarket Sales.  He had an owner who would fall asleep and then buy whatever was in the ring when he woke up - he finished up buying Captain John...who needs form books?!

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Don't forget that it is David's stable tour in today's Racing Post and there is a great pullout section which features David's hopes for the season ahead.  It is a good read, so keep an eye out for it.

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I was impressed with Frankel in the Dewhurst at Newmarket on Saturday despite his tendency to pull far too hard for his own good in the early stages.  Sadly we were deprived of the opportunity to witness the battle of three exceptional two year olds, with both Dream Ahead and Saamid failing to run any sort of race, but it was performance right out of the top drawer from Frankel nonetheless.  Having said that, I have to be slightly dubious about whether he will get much further next year, and I wouldn't want to be backing him for the 2011 Derby at this stage.

Henry Cecil clearing is of the same mind, saying that he thinks he might stay 1m2f, and if he thinks that, then I would have to agree with him.  Regardless, granted normal improvement from two to three years, he looks sure to take all the beating in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket next season.

The Cecil/Queally quickly completed a Group One double for the yard by landing the Champion Stakes for the second time with Twice Over.  It was a hugely popular success, and I for one was delighted for the master of Warren Place.