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.
Bu hikaye Racing Ahead dergisinin October 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Racing Ahead dergisinin October 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
LOOKING BRIGHT FOR IRISH STARS
Karl Hedley reports as jumps challengers pile on the heat across the water
WELL SET TO STEP AHEAD
Ben Morgan has ten warming prospects to follow in the coming weeks
CUE FOR MANY A CELEBRATION
Graham Buddry recalls the life and times of jumps legend Cue Card
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
TWISTER RUNS MASTER CLASS
John Anthony watches Nigel Twiston-Davies' star catch time judges' eye
NO LEAVES ON LINE TO SLOW THESE FLYERS
Simon Nott enjoys a West Country Weekend catching up with ring pals
EXPECTATIONS SOAR AT RIDGE
Nick Townsend talks to rising Newmarket training star James Owen
KID KAN DOO FOR NICHOLLS
Paul Jacobs casts a close eye over leading picks for this month's big races
NORMA'S COLOURS ARE FLYING PROUD
Robert Cooper sees Percy Willis and Kaadam grace white and green spots and red cap
CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS
Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.