Reflecting on the big meeting in France at the weekend. It was good to see the mare Alpinista get the job done in the Qatar Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe. It was a very good ride by Luke Morris, on ground that was very testing, he used his low draw to his advantage, and never really gave any ground away, by staying close to the inside rail. Travelling well in the turn into the straight, Luke did not panic and then was able produce his mount at the right time. I’m sure his boss was really taken by his confident ride, as I don’t think he could of ridden the race much better.
Well prepared by her veteran trainer Sir Mark Prescott Bt, who is 74 years young, naturally he seemed delighted after the race, as is understandable. It’s Sir Mark’s biggest ever winner, and even though he has always been a good trainer, he has not had that many Group 1 performers over the years. Prescott is usually more at home having a winner at one of the three Scottish tracks in the north of England. Hamilton, Ayr or Musselburgh , he has had a number of good horses over the years, one thing that has never been in doubt is Sir Mark can train a racehorse.

He is a very witty and funny person, if you ever have the pleasure of seeing him as an after dinner speaker, his stories are legendary. My brother in law used to work for him, he said he was always very fair with his staff and his racing background and expertise are vast, he knows lots about numerous things, coursing and fighting cocks being one. I recall seeing over his large red wall at the bottom of the Newmarket Heath( Bury side) lots of cock hens all out on the grassed ring he used for horses to walk around.

I’m not sure if Alpinista will race again, nothing has been said as yet. Looking ahead to the weekend, a good card at Newmarket on Saturday, a number of really good races. One race that looks as good as ever on Saturday is the Darley Dewhurst Stakes. I do like a number of horses entered in it, with Sakheer and Nostrum being at the forefront, both are really promising colts. Looking at the betting market, Nostrum at 5/1 would be my selection each way. I do think it will be between the two of them at the line, if they both run.
Regards having a bet, as yet I’m waiting, Naval Power and Chaldean, are two other very promising colts, who will also be bang there at the latter stages of the 7f event.
Hopefully I can find a winner or two before then.

More soon.