4th June 2016

 

Two runners up the breadth of the country, with two travelled to France for tomorrow

 

A frustrating day yesterday with Decorated Knight and Final Choice getting touched off by the finest of margins. 

 

Decorated Knight ran a blinder on ground too soft for him, and on a course that was too undulating. What was so pleasing was how relaxed he was from when he arrived at the course, to going to the start and in the race. He is making great mental steps and is in a very happy place. In our view he hit the front and we assume he became a little unbalanced just before the line, which led to Andrea changing his hands and he just lost momentum and the lead. It was painful to watch but at the same time we are very happy with the horse.

 

Final Choice pulled his usual trick of missing the break by 7 lengths, caught up with the pack, cruised through them and on hitting the front looked sure to win but just ran in to the rail and got caught out wide. There are races in him.

 

Imperial Aviator and Ayrad left the yard last night at 7.30 and took the train to France. They arrived at the yard at Chantilly 9hrs after they left and had a good trip. What ground conditions they will find out there is anyone’s guess, but the view with Ayrad before he arrived with us what that soft is what he wants, whilst we would prefer to run Imperial Aviator on soft than firm. So we will see.

 

 

 

Imperial Aviator

 

Imperial Aviator has a good draw in 5, and plenty of the fancied ones are drawn wide, which is helpful. He needs to progress as much as he did between Leicester and Newbury, and if he does he will be right in the mix. He worked well last Saturday and his rider thinks he is in great nick. He has a great mind on him.

 

 

 

Ayrad

 

Ayrad is a lovely horse. He is such a nice character and is a real favourite in the yard. He beat some good horses last time and I think he was a bit unlcucky to be caught flat footed by the winner. Andrea suggested that he was still holding condition last time and would come on again, so hopefully he deals with ground and can take a step forward.

 

 

 

 

Blakeney Point

 

Blakeney Point left the yard on Friday morning and headed for Scotland. He arrived yesterday afternoon and travelled well. He has eaten up this morning and has taken it all well. It is a competitive 13 runner handicap, as it should be for the money on offer. His form is looking solid with the first three from Goodwood all winning again, and the race he won at Leicester has seen the 5th and 7th win since. His 5lbs rise could have been harsher and I hope he can run a good race for his enthusiastic owners.

 

 

 

De Aguilar

 

De Aguilar was a bit disappointing last time at Bath, but the form is quite strong. He has been gelded and the cheek pieces can hopefully keep him focussed. He is a good looking horse and has ability.