The month started with me wearing my syndicate manager’s hat as Only Fools Own Horses’ newest recruit, Memphis Bleek, was due to run at Stratford. We picked him up at the backend of last year from Ivan Furtado in the hope that he would make a tidy hurdler. After some educational runs we were pretty hopeful he would be a bit better than his opening mark.
Having said that, I don’t think any of us were that confident that we decided to knock him into 4/1 from 20/1. I was very surprised to see such a move but I think a lot of mainstream bookmakers take £20 early and get very defensive so I wouldn’t read too much into the alleged ‘gamble’.
He eventually eased back out as expected and looked to be a good each way bet. The sharp nature of Stratford would suit and his hurdling was good going into the race. What we didn’t expect in the middle of August was a monsoon half an hour before the race. Watching from my living room, I wasn’t too worried as he had some good form on soft but as the race developed, it was clear this ground was much worse than soft. As the tempo quickened, his wheels began to spin and Tom O’Brien gave him a very easy time of it from then on in.
It was very disappointing for all of his owners but that is the great British weather for you. Tom said it was the worst ground he had ridden on for quite some time and after watching the remaining races at Stratford I would certainly agree. Hopefully Memphis will be back out soon and I will be able to report some better news next month.
Denne historien er fra October 2020-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.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 2020-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree