Is it Spring Yet?
Newsletter #33
Post Christmas blues, failed New Years Resolutions and freezing temperatures all combine to create some degree of misery for the first month of the year. Yet, the excitement of better times ahead is what keeps our hearts warm. Be it a tropical holiday in the Bahamas, warm summer evenings or (like me) the anticipation of what our equine beasts may transform into.
As I write this, we are 65 days out from the start of the flat turf season. The past week has been quite cold yet the winter sun provides a sense that spring is around the corner. George Boughey moves into the year off the back of a phenomenal 2021 with 88 winners and notable black type success in France, capped off with our stable star Cachet outrunning all expectations with a fourth place finish from the front at the Breeders Cup in Del Mar. With these exciting horses back in training and gently trotting, the main aim is to not overdo things this time of the year.
Hitting the back of the net early with many humbly bought two year olds, one would assume Boughey had these under the gun far earlier than is the norm. This is the opposite to the truth as less is most definitely more when it comes to nurturing these still developing animals. While it may be regarded as lost time to give the ‘babies’ a break over Christmas and New Year, it actually provides them with essential time to relax and develop before they get tuned up towards the start of the turf season. Seen below is a picture that gives me great satisfaction, our Holy Roman Emperor filly that we bought to go into training with George Boughey. You can see how she has grown into her frame, gained great muscle definition in her hind quarters, shoulders and neck and physically looks in rude health. Personally, following her development from the sales ring to the racecourse will be an element of my ‘job’ at GB’s that I will take huge pride and satisfaction from.
Holy Roman Emperor x Maoineas
Charlie talks…IT’S On!!
Finally no dodging, no hiding, no running we have a proper 2 mile chase clash at Ascot tomorrow. There is still less than 24hrs for either Nicky Henderson or Willie Mullins to baulk at the last minute but lets hope that both Shishkin and Energumene line up and the Ascot crowd get a mouthwatering clash to saviour ahead of Cheltenham.
All week the talk has been who do you think will win however I’m really struggling to nail my colours to either horse and alot will depend on how they both jump tomorrow. First Flow is no pushover either but it will be bitterly disappointing if one of the big guns don’t deliever.A race to enjoy!
Elsewhere on the Ascot card Le Breuil a thorough stayer has to overcome a poor recent run. However if perked up at all by the first time blinkers with his jockey claiming off 5lbs could bounce out and run his rivals into the ground. While slightly risky odds of 20/1 are worth taking with the above in mind.
A top class card at Lingfield today for their winter millions series. They have been rewarded for putting up the extra prize money as all the races look very competitive and hard to solve. Mobashr stood out as the best bet on the card for me but again a few dangers lurking in his contest also.
In the Winter Oaks Umm Hurair looks the one to beat also and could get the new dual trainers Roger and son Harry Charlton off to the perfect start.
Horses to follow:
Le Breuil 1.10 - Ascot - Saturday
Mobashar 1.55 - Lingfield - Saturday
Umm Hurair 3.40 - Lingfield - Saturday
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Just our two fillies chilling after their first day together on the gallops @BoherguyStud Shares still available… https://t.co/Xz30p74EJZ -
RT @sazoconnell: Regardless of which code, this industry never ceases to amaze me! https://t.co/i34HXOQ6g2