?Tony Mccoy, fresh from a fantastic week, even by his high standards, should enjoy a "steering job" aboard Black Jack Blues in the Novices' Hurdle over two and three-quarter miles of Stratford this afternoon. What a wonderful place to be "cruising down the (adjacent) river on a Sunday afternoon." Plenty will be and the racecourse should be packed to the rafters, "weather" or not it's fine and sunny, or raining. We've not had rain for some time. Doubtless, the clerks of courses will be getting their hoses all primed for an assault on their tracks. If only they would just water sufficiently to encourage growth of grass, in order to provide a cushion as against soaking them and causing false patches.
That, incidentally, was the directive from our Jockey Club, all those years ago, when watering was introduced. If thoroughbreds enjoy underfoot conditions they'll express themselves accordingly. Worst scenario is when lulled into a false sense of security and hit a false patch, tragedy - a tendon problem. Speed isn't at issue to the same extent with National Hunt racing but Black Jack Blues can motor and chances are, his engine wont be out of second gear. NH is also scheduled for Ascot, where Hellfire Club will be difficult to beat in the Maiden Hurdle over two and a half miles, and at Wincanton, one of my "favourite" tracks, there is an excellent opportunity for Tzora in the Maiden Hurdle over two miles.
Selections:
?AT ASCOT: 9.00 HELLFIRE CLUB
AT STRATFORD: 9.20: BLACK JACK BLUES
11.40: ALROYAL (e.w.)
AT WINCANTON: 11.30: TZORA (nap)