This is one of those racing weekends in danger of falling between two stools. Worldwide, it is just slightly out of sync with the other exciting events programmed at this time of the year.
This is one of those racing weekends in danger of falling between two stools. Worldwide, it is just slightly out of sync with the other exciting events programmed at this time of the year.
In Europe, it is a week before the G1 Investec Derby at Epsom and the G1 Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly. In America, it comes after the first two legs of the American Triple Crown and two weeks before the third leg.
And, in Australia, where the best horses are currently racing in Brisbane, the G1 Doomben 10,000 takes place, but with a field of 9 runners or less, which is a far cry from the 'old days' when there would be scores wanting to run.
Possibly, it is just a case of there being a limit to the number of high class horses that can be kept on the go through the Australian autumn into winter.
Low key, I think, is the phrase I am looking for to describe this weekend. Or, maybe, it should be lower key.
Nevertheless, it is a big day for Newmarket trainer Hugo Palmer, who is set to saddle his first runner for Godolphin, the four-year-old Home Of The Brave, in the G3 Timeform Jury Stakes at Haydock Park in the UK.
It has been a momentous 12 months for Palmer, who has jumped to the top of Newmarket's 'young bucks' line-up, all eager to take on the long-established battalions of Stoute, Gosden and Cumani, etc..as well as the Godolphin teams at Godolphin Stables and Moulton Paddocks.
Palmer's handling of the staying filly Covert Love was exceptional last season, and marked his as a stable on a steep upward curve. Then, producing Galileo Gold to win the G1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket earlier this month also did his reputation no harm.
Home Of The Brave, a son of Starspangledbanner, faces 10 rivals in Saturday's Haydock race, going there off the back of a fine win in the Listed King Richard III Stakes at Leicester. Three of his Jury Stakes rivals finished behind him that day -- Here Comes When (3rd), Johnny Barnes (4th) and Convey (7th).
The David O'Meara-trained So Beloved, who has won six of his 24 starts, is a horse, who is always a threat in this grade. Adaay and Breton Rock are others with good credentials.
In Chicago, Godolphin trainer Eoin Harty sends out Innovative Idea to tackle the G3 Arlington Matron Stakes, over nine furlongs. The Bernardini filly is 4 wins from 13 starts, and she made an impressive debut, winning at Arlington Park back in September 2014, so she likes the track.
In Brisbane, Godolphin trainer John O'Shea aims Souchez at the G2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes, over 1,350m, which is another important stepping stone for this talented Lonhro colt, and also the three-year-old filly Ghisoni, in the G3 Glenlogan Park Stakes.
Ghisoni comes to Brisbane freshened after her 5th to Japonisme in the G2 Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick on April 9.
The feature, the G1 Doomben 10,000, should go the way of Azkadellia, a quite brilliant filly on her day, who finished 3rd to Winx and Happy Clapper in the G1 Doncaster Mile at Randwick last month. She starts from the outside barrier.
As mentioned above, this is a relatively low-key weekend, but one full of interest, just the same.
