There were a couple of Plinys – the Elder and his nephew the Younger. They were awfully clever chappies in Ancient Rome. I don’t know how Pliny the horse trained by Venetia Williams got his name as he is by Accordion out of American Chic. There seems little evidence that either Pliny played the Accordion or associated with American ladies. Judging from his efforts on the racecourse thus far, including a win in a bumper at Towcester on Boxing Day, our Pliny looks likely to prove a stayer. Whether 2.5 miles around Fontwell in the 1.10 tomorrow is a sufficient stamina test for him remains to be seen. He should win races though.
Up at Hexham Etoile D’Or could be a bit of a dark horse in the 1.50. Her only success to date came on the flat in a seller at Yarmouth but it is just possible that she is a bit better than her form figures indicate. Now with trainer Tim Vaughan and ridden tomorrow by Richard Johnson we might just see a different animal!
At Wolverhampton Marco Botti introduces an interesting newcomer in Rainbow Six in the 7.50. Potentially the best horse on show at Wolverhampton however is La De Two who runs in the 8.20. He ran just once last season finishing 2nd to Kite Wood with Monitor Closely in third. As those two horses have gone on to finish 2nd and 3rd in the St Leger La De Two should be up to winning a race at a venue like Wolverhampton. He hasn’t run for 420 days but he has moved to Godolphin who are more than capable of getting a horse fit after a long absence.
Tomorrow night sees the first day of the Breeders Cup at Santa Anita. Now I am not familiar with the form of the American horses so I can’t really offer any tips (a blessing in disguise I suppose!) I will be rooting for the British and Irish contingent however and in particular Father Time, Midday and Rainbow View.
Lastly, Luska Lad is my only selection in Ireland. He runs in the 2.05 at Down Royal where Ruby Walsh has the ride.
Good luck.
ahorse 