Nottingham Races

 A surprising journey to Nottingham races came from ditching going to university for the day. With some of the cracking races, it was well worth it. The race day had nine races, the first two being tricky as they were maiden races with the runners being two-year-olds. My highlight again went to Fantasy Master, who won by a length backing up his prior win on course. 

The second race had Ryan Moore win for Sir Michael Stoute. Noon Star the winner was very clearly going to triumph, the willingness to continue to fight back either to chase or to go on to lead. Ocean Road and Mrs Fitzherbert were big outsiders and slowly away, struggling to get into the race but once they found their feet were away and in the final stages showed promise. First place was Noon Star by 3 1/4 lengths, the second was Ocean Road by 1/2 length and third was Mrs Fitzherbert by 5 1/2 lengths. 

The listed race of the afternoon, the Rous Stakes saw the favourite take the glory. Wonderwork led the way initially in the sprint. With Dakota God, Alijady close up. He was tracked by Tis Marvellous and a lot of the horses were in the middle of the field- not having much impact. At four furlongs out Dakota Gold took over the lead, Wonderwork did give chase as did most of the field moving forward. With three furlongs to go Alijay was pushed along and went on strong. In this race, many of horses appeared to hang and struggle. Dakota Gold, in the end, could not be caught, he went to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Second Alijay was 1 3/4 lengths clear of third, who was Wonderwork by 3/4 lengths.  

Additionally, we must give Hollie Doyle a shout out as yet again, she's breaking records (this time however it's her own). In back to back years she has upped the record despite, the current Covid situation. The new record is 117 and I am sure this will be built on greatly. 

Nottingham races

 Yesterday I attended Nottingham Races for the first time this season, despite the lack of atmosphere and the true spirit behind racing it was not too bad. I had a really lucky day and picked a winner or a place in every race. The first two races were tricky as many were unraced and young horses. Only one favourite won on the day. 

The first race had an 80/1 shot under the unstoppable Tom Marquand win! Prospect led the race, chased by High Security, Harworth and Jennivere. There was a few dwelling at the start including Fantasy Master, Strangerontheshore and Rosa Bonheur. Fantasy Master struggled in the early stages and stumbled, having to be pushed at three furlongs on. At two furlongs out, Fantasy Master made headway as did High Security and Jacattack. At one furlong out, Fantasy Master stumbled again but Prospect was having to be pushed along. High Security and Harworth struggled for room if they had enough space next time they might be ones to watch. But it was Fantasy Master who managed to get the win by 1/2 length, the second was Prospect and third by 3/4 lengths was High Security. 

The 2.20 Inhaler was a little ahead of Jadwal with Mishal Star and Vedute tracking the leaders. Temple Bruer lacked for room but at two furlongs out when he had space he went on. Vedute and Muay Thai were running on strong with Bhubezi who went to lead. At one furlong out the lead changed again was briefly Vedute before Mishal Star took keen hold. Tempel Bruer tried to challenge, however, didn't have enough to compete. First place was Mishal Star by 1 1/2 lengths, the second was Temple Bruer by 2 3/4 lengths and third was Vedute by a neck. 

A new blog will be out soon, this will discuss how more and more jockey's keep testing for cocaine metabolites and the question mark over the outcome of Oisin Murphy in France.