There has been news in the last few days of some retirements. Dancing Bay is a member of the fairly exclusive club of horses that have won on the flat, over hurdles and fences. He has recently been retired after a career that started in 1999. He won 11 races in total but ran his best in defeat. He was runner up to Mac’s Joy in the 2004 Swinton Hurdle and 2nd in the Coral Cup the following year. On the flat he was 2nd in the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2004.
The high class filly Peeress has also been retired this week. She won 7 times including a couple of Group 1 races, The Sun Chariot in 2005 and the Lockinge in 2006.
Lastly and on a rather sadder note serious injury looks to have ended the career of Henry Daly’s top hurdler Mighty Man. The injury was sustained at Punchestown in April. Although twice placed in the World Hurdle it is for his exploits at Aintree that he will best be remembered. He won the John Smith’s Liverpool Hurdle in 2006 and 2007 and on both occasions beat the reigning World Hurdle champion. Until he was pulled up injured in Ireland he had only been out of the first two twice in 14 races.
I have been keeping an eye on the 3 year old races in the early part of the season and the following horses have caught my eye.
Elusive Dreams (J Gosden), Flavious (M Stoute), Fondled (J Fanshawe), Gold Prospect (M Bell), Hazytoo (N Callaghan), Jamboretta (M Stoute), King’s Event (M Stoute), Lucarno (J Gosden), Manbar (M Stoute), Praxiteles (M Stoute), Riggins (L Cumani), Spice Route (M Bell), Sister Act (J Fanshawe), Wing Express (L Cumani).
Looking at tomorrow’s racing there is not a lot that makes much appeal. In the 6.10 at Sandown Tatbeeq is a half sister to several winners including Crosspeace and So Sweet and is one to watch out for.
In the 6.40 the lightly raced Queen’s Best will handle the ground and looks to have strong claims.
In the 7.50 Mount Kilimanjaro represents our list to follow. He won a tactical affair at Nottingham last time out and has winning form on soft ground. He should go well. Among his rivals is Allegretto, winner of last season’s Lancashire Oaks who has a first time visor, and last years winner Tungsten Strike.
Magic Mountain tried to make all at Chester last time but was swallowed up. The extra distance in the 8.20 should not be a problem tomorrow but he is unproven on soft ground.
Black Rock was 3rd to Diamond Tycoon at Newbury and the form of that race is working out very well. He is likely to be favourite for the 8.50 where the main concern would be the trip as he is bred along miling lines.
See you tomorrow.
ahorse 