AFTER the storm of the Grand National… a few days of Classic calm.
I’ve been lucky enough to witness some truly cracking performances while working at Newmarket for ITV.
PAChappers reckons Russell can win another National in the Scottish showpiece on Saturday[/caption]
Away from the equine stars, however, what struck me most during the Craven meeting was a real change in attitude from the Flat’s leading protagonists.
There was a time as a reporter that you would dread the end of the jumps and the beginning of the multi million pound investment that is all part of those horses that run on the level.
Quite simply, the majority of jumps trainers are open and good fun, while those on the Flat might make the job of those of us who try to unearth nuggets of information nigh on impossible.
That, though, is no longer the case.
Not a single Flat trainer refused an interview this week, and many gave plenty — I’m talking John Gosden, William Haggas, Charlie Appleby, Charlie Johnston, Charlie Hills, James Ferguson and Roger Varian to name just some — while being entertaining at the same time.
Even Sir Michael Stoute was in cracking form!
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This is great for the sport. Perhaps everyone understands that we have to sell this great game.
And yes, I know they’ll be some reporters — and obviously I’m including myself here – that not everyone will respect or enjoy. That’s just life.
However, I really feel Flat participants — trainers, owners and jockeys — are now making a huge effort to connect.
Many understand that one good interview might result in another horse being sent their way.
So, a big thank you to them.
It was hard not to be impressed by Mammas Girl in the Nell Gwyn as she charged from nowhere under a fabulous Sean Levey drive to hack up for Amo Racing and Richard Hannon.
The latter quipped afterwards that all his Classic winners had been defeated in their trials, but that merely suggests Mammas Girl might be really good.
As for the Craven, in the past often the number one trial but not quite so dominant in the modern era, Indestructible proved just that for Karl Burke and another for Amo.
He’s clearly talented, although I’d be surprised if he won a Newmarket Classic.
This afternoon the ITV cameras move on to Ayr for the Scottish Grand National and to Newbury for more Classic trials.
It’s the perfect combination of the two codes of horse racing that bring so much pleasure to millions of horsey fans.
At Newbury all eyes will be on Chaldean, currently about 5-1 second favourite for the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas, in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes.
The son of Frankel just got better and better last term for Andrew Balding and Frankie and the Dewhurst hero is reported to have done well over the winter.
If you fancy him to hack up here then have a few quid on for the Guineas before this. He’s hard to oppose.
Elsewhere on the card, former St Leger hero and Arc third Hurricane Lane is back in the Group 3 John Porter, while I’ll risk a few quid eachway on REMARQUEE in the Group 3 Dubai Duty Free Fred Darling 1,000 Guineas trial.
I’m not sure about Swingalong at the trip, but the Ralph Beckett and Rob Hornby beast will definitely stay.
She’s from a family the trainer knows well and looked on debut at Salisbury and should have more to come.
Meanwhile, in a cracking betting heat for the Spring Cup I’m all over LATTAM who absolutely bolted up in the Irish Lincoln for William Haggas.
Off just 5lb higher I see no reason why he won’t do so again.
Finally, for many the big betting race of the day will be the Coral Scottish Grand National up at Ayr.
If former winner MIGHTY THUNDER is ever going to come back to form then this is the moment.
Rather oddly, he’s been pumped up 1lb for finishing a distant fifth at Kelso last time, so the handicapper has seen something. There have been glimmers of hope recently.
A mark of 128 is 16lb lower than when he landed this back in 2021.
At the age of 10 he should not be over the hilt and I’ll take a chance on the National heroes in Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore.
What a fabulous sport.