May 5th Update
Doesn’t horse racing have the ability to bring you back down to earth with a bump !
This week we had two long away trips for the horse owners where the journey felt longer to return home after disappointing runs from Surrey Belle at Wolves and Surrey Force at Doncaster.
Monday evening racing at Wolves is soulless but we travelled in the hope we would pick up our first win of the season as Surrey Belle has been performing well on the gallops, especially as Hughie and his team have high hopes for her this season. In a low grade 4 horse race we were fairly confident but having had 180 days away from racing Belle was too fresh and pulled for most of the 14 furlong contest and had nothing to give against two horses who had run in the past 13 days, finishing 3rd. Hopefully that run will settler back into the routine for the next race.
Surrey Force made his handicap debut on Thursday at Doncaster, his first race on the turf on a nice galloping track with a little bit of cut in the ground which really should have suited him perfectly. It wasn’t to be as when he was asked to challenge he just didn’t bother and trailed in 5th, some 20 lengths back. Obviously it was a disappointing run, in fact it was a real shock to the jockey and Kevin’s lads who thought we’d win the race, their body language afterwards told a story. Force must have been showing ability at home for them to think that but Benoit said as soon as he moved out to mount a challenge Force didn’t want to know and that was that. Force wasn’t blowing at all after the race, he’d just had a jog in the park. The task for Kevin now will be to sort out his attitude which does require some drastic changes. He’ll be gelded this week, and will wear some sort of headgear in his next race which could be over slightly further. He’s already had 3 runs this year so a couple of weeks off won’t do him any harm.
There are excuses for both Belle and Force but the next race for both of them becomes important as if they are to perform to a level that the trainers lead us to believe then they should be more competitive of their low marks (which will no doubt get adjusted lower by the handicapper on Tuesday).
One horse that doesn’t really have any more excuses is Surrey Noir who races back on the all weather on Wednesday at Kempton, currently scheduled for 7.30, in a class 4 handicap over 7 furlongs. He had a poor seasonal debut at Windsor, which may have been because it was on turf, or he just needed the run, so we’ll find out more on Wednesday, He’s another that we are expecting a good showing from especially with top jockey James Doyle back on board.
Surrey Shadow is enjoying himself, his debut has really sharpened him up which is great news. Incidentally, the winner of that race, Balmacara, was given an opening mark of 94! There are three potential options for his next run on Friday 17th over 7f or a mile at either York, Newbury or Newmarket. We will strategise with Tom – dare we dream!
Of the rest, Surrey Quest has been joined by Surrey Lord, who moved back to Dorking yesterday, apparently he’s really filled out his frame and looks very imposing. Surrey Fortune still has another 6 weeks in Cornwall. Surrey Charm is recuperating, Surrey Mist has just started again at Newmarket, while Surrey Fire is now being stepped up to two hacks a day. The vet was very happy with his legs and will check again in two weeks time.
The sales season is in full flow and we nearly bought a French bred Shalaa filly this week but were the underbidder so it’s off the Deauville on Friday to try again and it’s great to be joined by some owners in France. There are 50 lots (book size is 205) with French premiums so hopefully enough of a choice to pick up the right horse for the right price. Overall so far, median prices have been down about 10% for their lofty 2022/2023 record highs.
We are now closed for the golf day with a reserve list in place – that’s just over 2 weeks away and thankfully it looks like it’s starting to get warmer!
Good Luck to the Noir Syndicate Owners - see you Wednesday!
Possible races and events
May
Wednesday 8th – Surrey Noir – Kempton – 7.30 pm
Thursday 9-11th – Arqana Breeze Up Sale
Friday 17th – Surrey Shadow – York, Newmarket or Newbury
Tuesday 21st – Surrey Racing Golf Day – Silvermere Golf Club