Looked sure to win when sweeping to the front a furlong out [matched at 1.02] but was nailed on the post by his stablemate
Very disheartening to see him just nabbed like that. Is 50/1 for the '23 Triumph Hurdle and given who his owners are, I guess, this is the way they will go with he son of Golden Horn. Unless, Joseph has real belief that Nusret could win a decent prize on the level...
Are all the horses Munir and Souede acquire purchased with one eye on the jumps? They seem to be having more runners on the flat than I can ever remember but not sure whether they are targeting flat races or if this is just a prep for jumping?
They have increased their Flat brigade, haven't they. No idea what angle they are taking (or if indeed there is any plan) but makes sense in a way, I suppose, as its almost like having 2 goes for the price of 1! Flat career and if that fails stick the horse over hurdles. Dear old Lady Bamford has been doing something similar (with a decent level of success) for years so maybe they decide to copy her. Nusret wasn't hugely expensive (€62,000) so there wouldn't be any steely determination, I wouldn't have thought, to keep him on the level at the expense of a jumping career. If he does go the latter route I guess they will keep him with Joseph. Unless, of course, they are sweet talked into moving the son of Golden Horn by the forum's favourite trainer...
Joseph said to be cutting down on the jumping game, and will probably be like his Dad sooner rather than later in being flat horses only
Really wonderful to see Nusret get his head in front at the weekend. Much deserved. Seemed a step up as well. Really interested to see how connections go now...
Old boy, don't know if you noticed but really good and promising weekend for the Munir / Souede axis on the Flat. Not only did the above mentioned, Nusret oblige but their 3YO filly, Seisai, achieved black type (very decent runner up in a Group 2) and their unraced, Alpha Capture, was a most, most eyecatching 2nd at Newbury on debut. He's already been gelded but I can't see any chance of him going hurdling as he's a half-brother to Acklam Express (Group 1 placed over 5f). Was surprised, in a way, they debuted over 6f but Alpha Capture kept on well and looks a surefire maiden / novice victor next time out.
Sep up to 12 furlongs and being ridden with confidence has transformed the horse,next run will probably be on Irish Champions weekend
Perotan straight into listed class tomorrow night at Down Royal [7.30] Could be up to it, 6-1 at the moment
Very popular this morn and now down to a best priced 9/2 (7/2 in a place). Interesting sideline to Perotan running this eve is before then is the latest forfeit stage for next Thursday's Group 1 Nassau Board Stakes. Will the filly retain her entry in that top table contest??? Normally, you'd say 'no' with a turnaround of just 6 days but the stable of Mr O'Brien have a history of stepping rapidly improving fillies up markedly in class and very quickly. Fascinating to see if they keep her in the Goodwood heat...
Seems like the duo are concentrating more on the flat as have some nice yet to race juveniles, including one with Joseph O'Brien who I am told is quite a nice colt Intellotto