In the bumper at Fontwell on Friday we have the rarity of seeing a horse sent over from Germany. Il Presidente is German bred and trained by Andreas Woehler in the Krefeld area and, because most of you have never heard of him, I did a bit of research on the German racing websites. First thing to report is that the yard hit a bit of form over christmas. They sent 4 horses out on boxing day, 3 to Neuss and 1 to Deauville. In Neuss they had 2 winners and a 2nd place, and the one who went to Deauville also won. Not bad. Looking at his general form I would say this is a good yard, he has plenty of winners, also in the bigger flat races here in Germany. So what of the horse? The only noteworthy horse on breeding is Intersky Falcon who was by the same Dam Sire. Otherwise you'd be looking more at a 10 furlong handicapper. But what the hell? How often do we see such a brave move? As I have lived in Germany since 94 I'll be having a nicker each way. What about it Swanny?
Intresting oddy! Surely the stable must feel they have a chance otherwise they wouldnt be sending it over, and they seem to do well when sending them over I will be having a lil punt on him while im there tomorrow afternoon.
Betfair have 12/5 Unex Degas and 16/5 Il Presidente ....................... sometimes I can't make head nor tail of their prices though
Check out RUGGED JACKs win at Uttoxeter. Did it really really well despite the jockey having to ride with virtually no tack for the final 1.1/2 furlongs! Looks like it was a very decent race too as the second and third have both since been placed. Despite carrying a penalty tomorrow he will take all the beating!
Stick - haven't they booked Glassonbury to take 7lb off ? How good is Pipes ? It will be very tacky ground tomorrow as well
Oddy: Our Krefeld office is making an urgent investigation into this possible Woehler coup. As you know, we have ways and means............Will revert. Seem to remember that trainer Christian von der Recke used to send over the occasional hurdler, to Fontwell too (seems popular?), and I even think he had a runner or two at Cheltenham? Had a few successes and his winners were always well-backed. Nice guy who speaks perfect English, and is very forthcoming about his entries.
Glassonbury was on when it won at Uttoxeter Grizzly. The Pipe runner is owned by Bill Gredley who of course had some very useful horses in his time (User Friendly for one) but a few things would put me off notably that it tired quite badly on debut and its going to take some getting tomorrow and they have been very quick to reach for blinkers! That said the runner up on his debut outing has come out and won since!
Oddy: OK, re. Il Presidente. On breeding, has a lot going for it, with the distance of 1m6f being fine. Must presume he's fit as they wouldn't bring him all the way over for fun. Fly in the ointment? The going, which is forecast to be heavy (soft in places). Sire Red Dragon handled it OK, and grandsire Danehill liked a bit of cut as far as I can remember. However, damsire Polar Falcon preferred better ground, but did handle good-to-soft. Will have a small dabble myself, but would be concerned about the ground?
Unex Degas gets 18lbs off Rugged Jack. The first time out winner will have to be a son of Pegasus to win this gents. Umadachar won really easily last time out. Everything looks set for a great run from Unex Degas. Unless there's an above average newcomer I'm confident Pipe will be in the winners enclosure.
