Warned Off Trainer Wins Group One.In a remarkable twist of fate, trainer Paul Blockley, who has been warned off from racing from the end of the current flat season, trained Zafisio to win this afternoon's Group One contest at St Cloud in France. Tidal Bay reverts to Carlisle plan.Earlier in the week, the Howard Johnson yard were having to comtemplate the long round tripp to Exeter for stable star Tidal Bay, but ground conditions at Carlisle have improved sufficiently for them to revert to the original plan of running him in his seasonal debut at today's fixture. >>>> follow on story - Tidal Bay was very impressive, winning his Intermediate Chase with ease, and against today's opposition, it proved he is in good heart for tougher contests during the coming season. The problem remains - What Contests? Tidal Bay is so versatile, he could run in Grade One races from two miles up to three miles, and punters are not sure which race would best suit him at Cheltenham in March. Besides, he might even get the Gold Cup distance, and that could create all sorts of problems for potential punters. Nicholls stars fine after trip.Having now returned from their successful day out at Down Royal, Kauto Star and Noland are both reported to be in fine form at their Ditcheat stables, and trainer Paul Nicholls is reported to be already planning their training schedules for their next outings. Roll Along reminds Hennessy rivals.Roll Along is in many ways, a forgotten horse. A couple of season's ago, he was considered as a prime prospect for major honours, but then seemed to lose his way. However, yesterday's Ascot win, and the manner of his victory, has put him back on many punters short list for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury at the end of the month. Levy deal means extra fixtures.As part of the last minute deal which has secured the levy contributions from the Bookmaking Firms for the 2009 2010 campaign, the Levy Board has agreed to provide extra racing fixtures. Although these additional meetings will probably involve limited prize money, and will not appeal to mass racing support, they will provide extra opportunities of finance to the betting industry. After the deal was achieved, both sides agreed a new formula must be worked out for future negotiations, as the on-going problems over deciding levy contributions are bringing the racing industry into disrepute with both the public and the government. Al Eile misses whole season.John Queally has confirmed his Aintree specialist Al Eile will miss the whole of the up-coming national hunt season due to ligament problems. His dual purpose star was due to run in today's Irish November Handicap, but his absence will be most noticed at the Grand National Festival, where, in recent years, he has made the Aintree Hurdle his own.
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