Girl power and teamwork
I can usually take or leave the Shergar Cup. Having jockeys who are unfamiliar with track and the horses running means I am reluctant to get involved. But I have to admit to being glued to the screen for the last few races last week.
Joao Moreira showed why they call him the Magic Man when he rode a double for the Rest of the World team in the last two races. Per-Anders Graberg and Andrasch Starke both won races for Europe who finished second overall.
Hayley Turner won the Silver Saddle by one point from Moreira thanks to her second place in the final race. The girls team won the cup itself. It was a real team effort as the girls scored points in every race.
While on the cup it has to be said that trainer Andrew Balding definitely enjoyed the day. He had three winners, a second, and a third from five runners.
This was something else
Unforgettable Filly hacked up by eight lengths at Haydock. I thought she would run well but this was something else. She did have form last season but this was surprising. Maybe these blinker things really work.
Main Edition was one of the “victims” of the interference in the Duchess Of Cambridge alongside Pelosa. They finished 1-2 in the Sweet Solera. Both are engaged in the Lowther at York alongside Angels Hideaway, who has won easily since the Newmarket race, and Pretty Pollyanna who looked so good winning that race.
It will be interesting if all show up although Pretty Pollyanna may go to France for the Prix Morny.
For what it’s worth I think Main Edition needs at least seven furlongs now. Both were tipped up by yours truly #FinallyAWinner But I have saved the best until last. Alpha Centauri proved she is the best miler in Europe at the moment when winning the Prix Jacques le Marois in the style of a champion.
She won in a fast time by two and a half lengths and she was not all out. That is the mark of a very good athlete. And the best news is that she stays in training next year.
The Ebor meeting takes place at York next week and I will preview the weeks racing nearer the time. The highlight is surely the Juddmonte International and it is hoped that the major players show up to do battle.
The race has been won by two of my all time favourites in Falbrav and Giants Causeway (in another thrilling battle with Kalanisi) and nine years ago a truly great champion battled back when for a second he looked beaten. But in 2012 Frankel made it look oh so easy.
