I have compiled a list of 12 Irish horses that it should pay to follow over the weeks and months ahead, a few of which may well have gone under the radar.
Battleground – AP O’Brien
Battleground didn’t exactly burst onto the scene in an emphatic fashion last year. Beaten two-and-a-half lengths on his debut at Naas, the son of War Front was always going to improve for lightning-quick ground though. Considered good enough to contest the Chesham at Royal Ascot, he showed dramatic improvement to get the better of March Law and Seattle Rock to record a cosy victory over the pair. He built on that the following month when he was sent to Goodwood for the Vintage Stakes over seven furlongs and despite being badly drawn and having raced wide throughout, Ryan Moore was still able to coax him home in front of Devious Company and Youth Spirit. Following a three-month break, a trip to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland came next. Despite avoiding most of the scrimmaging early doors, he was always playing catch-up to the winner Fire At Will. Three lengths separated the pair in the end but Ryan Moore justifiably satisfied that there would be better to come. He holds entries in the English and Irish 2000 Guineas as well as the Irish Derby and should make an impact in Group One races this season.
Shandra – Dermot Weld
Denne historien er fra May 2021-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
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Denne historien er fra May 2021-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton