- Monday, 02 October 2017 15:42
- Written by David Pipe
I was pleased to see Newton Abbot survive an early morning inspection following a soggy weekend and it means that with four runners at the Devon track today (Monday), and another at Stratford it is a busy start to the week. Indeed, with a number of further entries later in the week, following a quiet spell on the racing front it is good to see things beginning to pick up.
We only had three runners last week, although I was encouraged to see Red Square Revival and Aero Majestic shape with promise in their respective races. Red Square Revival showed the benefit of his previous start over fences when a close third at Warwick on Tuesday. Jumping well at the head of affairs, he looked in trouble when headed on the home turn but rallied well and was doing his best work in the closing stages to be beaten just over a length. Hopefully, he can improve again with this run under his belt and he looks as though he will benefit from a little further. If that is the case, he should be more than capable of winning something similar before too long.
Aero Majestic also improved for his first start over obstacles when finishing fourth in the novices’ hurdle over 2m4f at Worcester on Friday. Coming from an unpromising position, he passed plenty of horses in the straight to grab fourth close home. He is another who could benefit from a bit further and will be out again sooner rather than later.
As I have already alluded to, we have five runners this afternoon between Newton Abbot and Stratford with Mister Drifter, Work, Ramses de Teille, Lady Of Longstone and Marangu Pass representing the yard, although the next runners are unlikely to come before Friday. Purple ‘N Gold is engaged at Fontwell on Friday and Saturday and we will have a look at both races and he will run in the race in which we deem he has the best opportunity. He has gone well at the course in the past, winning in June and finishing runner-up in his two previous starts at the Sussex track. The other weekend entries consist of Aero Majestic, Ramses deTeille and Kalifourchon at Uttoxeter on Sunday.
Work on our Wexford sand gallop (pictured below) was completed last week and I have been very impressed by the results. A lovely safe, consistent surface it really makes the horses (and riders) work hard as they complete their exercise. I am sure it will be another excellent tool moving forward.
What a fantastic performance from Enable at the weekend as she landed the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly in a canter. It was the first time a British three year old filly had won France’s premier middle distance race and she is quite clearly exceptional. Congratulations to John Gosden and his team and of course the inimitable Frankie Dettori who was winning his fifth Arc…a wonderful achievement.
Finally, I was delighted to hear that Myracing.com have stepped into the realm of race sponsorship with their support of ten race meetings (seven jumps and three flat) at Arena courses this coming season. I wish them every success with the venture and very much hope that it leads to wider spread support in years to come. Indeed, with Betfred due to conclude the majority of their sponsorship arrangements next year there is a big hole to fill and it is good to see the likes of Myracing.com stepping up. You can find out more about them at www.myracing .com
Meanwhile, for all the other news from Pond House you can keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat or by following us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
