Looking back briefly to yesterday’s Arc the race was all about two things – the quick ground and the extraordinary self-belief of Frankie Dettori. Both Golden Horn and Flintshire were proven at a high level on fast ground, and it … Read More »

I have always loved Arc weekend. I don’t get to Longchamp much these days, but I have been very lucky in the big race itself, going back to 1981 when I tipped 50/1 winner Gold River in my Warm Up … Read More »

There are a few days in the autumn racing programme which are essential viewing, and St Leger and Arc trials weekend must rank top of the list. Apart from the final Classic of the season there is also an informative … Read More »

I could probably have chosen a quieter weekend to spend a few days away, but I have a long-standing engagement in Verona on Saturday evening to celebrate Alex and my Ruby Wedding anniversary. I have, at last, come to a … Read More »

This is my favourite time of year, with the better quality late-developing two-year-olds starting to appear. I am not sure that Worlds His Oyster falls quite into that category, but he looked very useful when showing a sharp turn of … Read More »

There have been persistent rumours in the last fortnight that Aidan O’Brien may be ready to move along and make way for someone else to take over at Ballydoyle. Apparently he was upset that his son Joseph was replaced by … Read More »

One of the most frustrating things for a serious backer, especially one who is looking more towards the long term, is a sudden or unexpected change in the ground. We have had plenty of occasions in recent years when that … Read More »

Looking back over Goodwood the three horses I would bring to your attention are all three-year-olds. I confidently expect Dartmouth to be competing in Group races this time next year. It is rare for Sir Michael Stoute to talk so … Read More »

Looking back over Goodwood the three horses I would bring to your attention are all three-year-olds. I confidently expect Dartmouth to be competing in Group races this time next year. It is rare for Sir Michael Stoute to talk so … Read More »

This week is all about Glorious Goodwood which, for all its glamour and attraction as a spectacle, can prove deeply frustrating for serious backers. I have said time and again that Goodwood is a track where the best horse in … Read More »

I am not sure convinced Golden Horn has done enough to warrant his lofty BHA rating of 130 – especially when you consider that is the same mark as Frankel achieved. I have no doubt that if the two were … Read More »

By Marten Julian Looking back to the events at Royal Ascot last week my overall verdict would be that it was challenging. from a betting perspective, but a great success for the occasion. From the betting viewpoint I just about … Read More »