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Major drift in market throws doubts over Mastercraftsman for Guineas.
Late this evening, Aidan O'Brien's Mastercraftsman has undergone a major drift in the market for the 2,000 Guineas, and there must now be serious doubts as to whether he will even line-up in the Newmarket Classic.
Lord Shanakill out of Greenham.
At a routine pre-race medical this morning, Karl Burke's Lord Shanakill was found to have a temperature, and the decision was immediately taken to scratch him from tomorrow's Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Connections will see how the Mill Reef winner goes over the next week before they discuss an alternative plan for their main 2,000 Guineas hope.
Meanwhile Godolphin are said to be very happy with the pre-race condition of Shaweel, and Richard Hannon is also very happy with Elnawin and Iceslator, the latter two trying to keep up Hannon's winning run in tomorrow's race, as he won it in 2007 with Major Cadeaux, and last year with Paco Boy.
Maoineach could be the dark filly in 1,000 Guineas market.
After disposing of her rivals in unobserved style in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas trial, Maoineach comes over from Jim Bolger's stable to compete in tomorrow's Dubai Duty Free Stakes at Newbury, once more, in unannounced style. But the facts are, apart from one bad run on loose ground at Longchamp, which the trainer admits his filly does not like, Maoineach has done nothing wrong, yet she is as high as twenty five to one for the 1,000 Guineas.
We have a feeling Maoineach's price will be a lot shorter after tomorrow's fillies contest at Newbury, for Jim Bolger does not send horses over from Ireland unless he thinks they have a good chance of winning.
Strong field for Scottish Champion Hurdle.
With proven Grade 2 performers Snap Tie and Blue Bajan heading a field of fourteen runners, tomorrow's Scottish Champion Hurdle looks the most competitive in several years.
Emmpat, who won the race in 2007, has only raced over hurdles on two occasions since that victory, and Charlie Swann is not sending him over from Ireland for the good of his health. But perhaps the most interesting runner is the novice Medermit. Alan king's charge chased Go Native home in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham, and a victory in senior grade tomorrow could see him catapult up the betting for the 2010 Champion Hurdle.
Have you noticed how owners cannot make up their minds?
It was only this morning we were assured, Kalahari King was all set to run in the Kathal Ryan Memorial Chase at the Punchestown Festival, but guess what, this afternoon, we are assured he will run in the Sandown Bet 365 Celebration Chase next weekend.
The only sufferers from this twisting and turning by connections are poor hacks, and the ever punished anti post punter.
Scoop Six reminder for 18 April.
As the Totesport Scoop Six bet has continued to roll-over, it is estimated tomorrow's current Win and Bonus Funds will reach a combined pot of just over a million pounds.
For those wishing to try their luck, tomorrow's six important races are as follows:
Leg 1 - Newbury 2.05 pm.
Leg 2 - Newbury 2.35 pm.
Leg 3 - Ayr 2.50 pm.
Leg 4 - Newbury 3.10 pm.
Leg 5 - Ayr 3.25 pm.
Leg 6 - Newbury 3.45 pm.
Festival news from Punchestown.
To accommodate the vast interest in the Munster versus Leinster rugby union clash wich takes place on the last day of the Punchestown Festival, racecourse officials have announced the meeting on 02 May will now commence at 1.10 pm, and the rugby game, which takes place at Crowe Park, will be shown live on the giant screens located in prime positions around the Punchestown racecourse.
To enhance the pleasure of all attending this year's Punchestown Festival, the racecourse have also announced daily pre-race, and post -race entertainment will be provided by top Irish performer Liam O'Connor, who will be accompanied by the Slovak national orchestra.
Tregonning keen on Taameer Derby prospects.
According to Marcus Tregonning, Taameer, who finished one and a half lengths behind Kite Wood in last year's Autumn Stakes, has wintered well, and has grown into a real racehorse. The trainer intends to give his charge a seasonal debut in the Sandown Classic Trial, and if all goes well, the Epsom Derby will be the preferred target for his son of Beat Hollow.
Meanwhile, Godolphin have announced Taameer's conqueror in last year's Autumn Stakes, Kite Wood, will go for the Dante Stakes at York before going on to the Derby.
Bolger confirms Vocalized participation.
Jim Bolger has confirmed his recent Curragh winner Vocalized will take up the option of a run in tomorrow's Greenham Stakes at Newbury. Another win in the Group 3 contest would almost certainly put Vocalized amongst the favourites for the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas, but the trainer has already expressed a preference for the Boylesports Irish Guineas for his obviously talented three year old.
Godolphin purchase french winner Trincot.
Having already won the Group 2 Prix Harcourt this season, Trincot has been purchased by Godolphin to strengthen their challenge for middle distance honours across europe. With immediate effect, the four year old has been transferred to the Godolphin operation in Newmarket, and he could be seen in action as early as next month's Chester meeting.
Chester targeting younger audience.
We all know the future of horseracing depends on the industry's ability to attract a younger audience to future meetings. Although research has shown Chester racecourse they are already in the advantageous position of having seventy per cent of their annual spectators coming from the under forty five age group, they are still undertaking a pro-active campaign to increase this number to a higher per centage figure.
The racecourse have opened sites on Face Book, Twitter and U Tube, and if this promotional model proves to be successful, it could be a yardstick for one method of prmotion which could be undertaken by the whole racing industry - So we say, 'Bravo Chester'.
Confirmed Punchestown Target.
Philip Hobbs is hoping Fair Along can improve on his run at Cheltenham by putting in a good run in the World Series Hurdle at this year's Punchestown Festival. The trainer was a little disappointed with Fair Along's performance in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, but he believes his charge has never been fitter, and he is hoping for at least a first three finish at Punchestown.
Ayr water as Dear Villez goes to the head of the weights.
In preparation for tomorrow's Scottish Grand National, Ayr yesterday started watering of the track to ensure good jumping ground for their major national hunt meeting.
In another development, the withdrawal of Notra Pere and Miko de Beauchene at the forty eight hour decleration point has promoted Dear Villez to the head of the weights for tomorrow's Grade 3 marathon chase.
Mahoney quits as Boylesports chief.
Citing personal reasons, Daniel Mahoney has quit his position as Chief Executive of leading Irish bookmaking firm Boylesports. The resignation comes into effect immediately, and until a replacement can be found, the CEO's duties will be shared between Chairman David Chapman and Managing Director John Boyle.
Goldstein transferred to Brighton hospital.
Conditional jockey Mark Goldstein, who suffered several broken bones, concussion, and major cuts after a horrendous fall from Lease Back at Fakenham last week, is to be transferred from Kings Lynn hospital to Brighton hospital to continue his recouperation. His injuries, which include a double fracture of the pelvis, are expected to keep the twenty three year old on the sidelines for around a year.
Bumper Sunday at Stratford.
Stratford are due to host the first of their regular summer Sunday fixtures this coming weekend, and once again, a british racecourse has managed to buck the current economic trend by staging a six race programme worth over fifty three thousand pounds.
It has to be said, if the rest of business showed the acumen and genuine hard work exhibited by many of the british racecourses, we would soon put this current recession behind us.
Celebrate your winnings, or commiserate with others with fine wines & champagne’s:
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