International Racing

Ron, in the Sha Tin win, he came home the last 800m in 43.91 and in the TJ Smith, he was the only horse all day to break 12 seconds for each of the last 4 sectionals. He was 3-4 lengths better than any other horse on the day. The track was heavy.

 

I wonder what the jockey was saying to those behind

 

Not that it means anything but if we assume (for simplicity) that the last 600 metres was at the same rate as the last 800 metres, that equates to a last 3 furlong sectional of 33.13 (40.75mph). In the July Darley Stakes, the winner, Harry Angel clocked his last 3 fur in 33.43 (the 3rd horse Brando clocked 33.10 - the fastest finisher). No idea how the surfaces compare but it's (sort of) interesting how similar the times are.

 

Here's one serious racehorse. The massive chested Tenor Of The Ruel destroys the field in the Monte Derby of Austria. He's No 14 and in white, red sleeves and yellow cap. He's second last, on the outside just after the start when the ambo passes under the field.

 

Arrogate, the highest rated horse in the world has imploded big time in the San Diago Handicap. He put in a shocker. Of the $2,671,938 held in the pool, $2,457,472 was invested on Arrogate. In the USA they're talking about this being one of the biggest upsets in racing history. Others have been beaten, but this run was a abysmal. Mike Smith said the horse refused to try. Bob Baffert said after the race that the horse seem ok, he just didn't want to go.

 

Am in state of shock!

It will be interesting to see how the 'bookies' react with their AP prices for the Breeders Cup Classic.

 

Arrogate available at 9/4; next best Gun Runner at 7/1 with Wm Hills. Am seriously tempted by the 7/1 offered on Gun Runner as they might just say that Arrogate has done 'enough'. Clearly the 'second' best older horse in the USA and no outstanding three year old colt this year would be determining factors.

 

One of the major black type staying events on the European trotting calendar is the G2 Prix De Buenos -Aires over 4150m at Enghien. The winner No 17 Virgious Du Maza spotted them a 25m handicap and a nice beating. He's in the yellow and blue with yellow and blue banded cap. He's fourth last on settling. It was a bold drive.

 

San Diego Handicap, Del Mar – 22 July 2017

World’s top rated racehorse Arrogate beaten into fourth behind Accelerate. Punters left wondering why they tried to buy money at 1/20...

If you are looking for lame excuses, this was Arrogate’s warm-up race for the Pacific Classic and it was not run over his optimum trip. Perhaps he just had an off day. What may worry his followers is that the Breeders’ Cup Classic this year is at Del Mar.

Followers of the winner got much better odds than they would normally get when he races as he has never failed to place in ten starts. Accelerate has now raced against Arrogate twice and finished ahead of him twice, the other when Arrogate was third and Accelerate was second on debut in 2016.

 

Just saw a post on F'book which included a newspaper article from the 'Abendzeitung' on the upcoming Grosser Dallmayr Preis at Munchen Riem this Sunday. Although a Group1 a Group 2 horse from the UK, Ireland and France would usually be good enough to take home the Euros.

The great thing about the race and the memories prompted were that it was one of my Mum's favourite days out if we were in Munich at the end of July. Entrance was very cheap, usually about eight euros, eats and drinks were various and inexpensive plus there was an on course bookmaker where you could have a bet on the UK and Irish racing. An added bonus especially for my Mum was that the sponsors, Dallmayr, are one of the finest delicatessens in Germany and probably Europe. They provided 'goodie' bags for guests, particularly brassed neck old biddies from Edinburgh who would return for a second 'gift' and then co-opt their weak willed son to repeat the task.

The weather was usually excellent so come late afternoon my Mum would retire to some shaded corner for a nap which allowed yours truly to indulge in a few Weissbiers at an on course biergarden.

Our return to Marienplatz would be preceded by a very enjoyable meal at the Gasthaus (restaurant) just outside the entrance to the track; oh happy days!

All in all a great day for both of us which was, of course, made more enjoyable if we had some returns from the Tote.

 

The trainer of the number 3 ranked trotter in the European Masters Championship, the USA import, Propulsion was over the moon when his charge took out the G1 Hugo Abergs Memorial for the second year running. He's of the opinion that Propulsion is one of the best horses in the world. He might have a point. On a wet track the big horse set a Swedish record for the flying mile. The two ranked above him are Bold Eagle and Timoko. He's drawn the inside alley on the front line.

 

UET Masters Series Points. (Top 9)

3200. Bold Eagle.
2900. Timoko.
1900. Propulsion.
1850. Nuncio.
1800. Lionel.
1700. Un Mec D'Heripre.
1700. Twister Bi.
1450. Oasis Bi.
1300. Timoke Ek.

 

Holy Dooley, how's this for a win? A neddy called Big Headache finishes faster than a 16 year old on his first date. No 4. In the red with a big black stripe down the front and back. About midfield on the outside. 2875m race worth 65,000 Euros. Run today.

 

Phew, what an extraordinary finish, unbelievable! Cyc, what on earth was that headgear the No.11 Sem Jafet (red - in lead a lot of the way) had on? Can't understand how on earth the poor horse could see anything?

 

The three semis for the Coral Sussex Cup have been run and won. The first two from each race will meet in the final on the third of next month.

Trap draw and betting for the final.

1. Barracane Tiger. 7-2.
2. Shaneboy Freddie. 4-1.
3. Starring Storm. 10-1.
4. Oakfield Caesar. 16-1.
5. Donation. 7-4.
6. King Kid. 11-4.

 

Nothing lifts a sport more than watching a dyed in the wool champion strut his stuff. Today one of the best trotters, if not the best in the world, Bold Eagle looks to further cement his place at the top of the European Trotting Masters points leader board. He's off to the Mons circuit in Belgium to contest the G1 Grand Prix de Wallonia over the 2300m trip. If he wins, and he should, he'll match the 15 G1 wins of the wonderful Timoko.

Bold Eagle's major opposition looks to come from Oasis Bi, (placed in the 2016 Prix d'Amerique behind Bold Eagle) Quick Fix, Ave Avis, Olmo Holz and Bold Eagle's stable mate Billie de Monteford.

How lucky is Frank Nivard? Not only did he get to sit behind Ready Cash, the world prize money record holder and duel Prix d'Amerique winner, he now drives Ready Cash's son Bold Eagle to outstanding victories in the Prix d'Amerique in 2016 & 2017. How often do champions go to stud and throw one as good as, if not better than themselves?

Hopefully I can post the race later.

 

The Replay.

 

After failing in the July Cup, Caravaggio was sent across the ditch to contest the G1 LARC Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville. As in the July Cup, Caravaggio missed the jump from the inside for Moore and never look a chance after that. He started favourite. The July Cup placed horse Brando, trained by Kevin Ryan, proved too good. Tom Eaves rode him a treat. He's in yellow.

 

You could have called him the winner from a long way out eh Ron

 

He had it shot to pieces a fair way out.