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15th Sept
This evening he is best priced 11/1 for tomorrow with Paddy Power. The Racing Post are tipping him and have him at 10/1 in their tissue. Although I know very little about 10 furlong races and the distance is a step into the unknown the odds available look attractive. A three month layoff will put off many punters but the fact is that he has been prepared for two races during that period, and has missed very little work.
15th Sept
Pinny is in good shape for Newbury tomorrow. The farrier is happy with him, Jim is happy with him, Jenny is happy with him. I have no idea what the trainer thinks. This morning he did the normal pre-race breeze from the barn (4 furlongs). Cool Hunter led and they covered the last three in 36.24.
On the off chance that he wins, or runs very well, expect his Cambridgeshire odds to shorten soon after 3.30. There will probably be some shortening of his odds this afternoon with some bookmakers. 20/1 is still available with several as I write this.
14th Sept
Newbury Racecourse put 6mm of water on the course on Tuesday/Wednesday to stop it getting too firm. They then had some heavy rain last night (13 mm). Whilst they have not yet changed the going description this should happen this afternoon. There will probably not be much more rain, unless it arrives on Saturday. Anyway the Going looks like it will be fine for Pinpoint. Maybe his luck is changing?
12th Sept
Pinpoint followed Sky Quest up the gallops at a respectful distance today. No serious work was done as he had a second racecourse gallop at Kempton on Sunday. Ridden by Adam Kirby, he worked with Cool Hunter again, and Viking Spirit worked with Rezzago.
Jimmy continues to be bullish about his chances on Saturday. Raindancing has started and every cloud that passes near Newbury on the BBC Weather website is being implored to drop plenty wet stuff. Ted Durcan is booked, which is good. Adam Kirby will be in Scotland for the Ayr Gold Cup.
No ante-post book has surfaced yet. Perhaps there will be no betting until the 48 hour decs are out. I expect him to be about 10/1 if Sir Gerard and Rohaani are declared to run. Sir Gerard has just been bought by Sheikh Mohammed, which makes his participation a little less likely. He may go instead for the nine furlong Conditions Stakes at the same meeting? Sir Gerard was owned by a 19 year old Irish Cross Country runner called Rose-Anne Galligan, and her family. Rose-Anne is currently at college in the United States and must have been one of the less likely owners of a Royal Ascot winner. A lot of unlikely people own bits of racehorses. :-)
11th Sept
Pinpoint is 14th on the list of 5-day entries for the John Smith Stakes on Saturday, so he will get in the race comfortably. Sir Gerard, ante-post favourite for the Cambridgeshire, is also in the field. Pendley Stables have a good record with syndicate horses in this race. Komistar won it in 1999 and 2000. Kirovsky was placed in 2001 and 2002, and Northside Lodge was placed in 2003. There will probably be an ante-post market after the list is published tomorrow.
8th Sept
It sounds like he had a pleasing workout at Newbury on Wednesday. Ridden by Adam Kirby and led by Cool Hunter he worked well over one mile. Adam also rode Viking Spirit though he is unlikely to ride him in the Ayr Gold Cup because his boss Clive Cox has Out After Dark, Woodcote and Kostar in the race.
Today he went another sedate solo canter in 42 secs for the final three furlongs. Mention of a problem with a shoe, on a rear foot this time, kept things nervy. Showers are forecast for Newbury from Tuesday for most of the week. Apologies to the good people of that town but I hope it lashes down. The ground is currently described as Good/Firm and it will be hot and sunny over the weekend.
Sky Quest is at Bath tomorrow on his preferred fast ground. The track has a stiff uphill finish which should suit. The meeting to decide whether to retain him is Sunday week soon after Pinpoint’s and things are in the balance. Whilst still on a handicap mark of 73, and a useful horse by most peoples standard, it has to be said that he has had a disappointing season so far. Sky’s highest winning mark is 84, but his latest finishing places go 5,4,5,4,5 off marks in the 70s. I can’t find a bookie who will just quote prices for a 4th place finish today.
5th Sept
He cantered on his own at typical Pinpoint pace, 44 secs for the final three furlongs. With no horse to chase and no urgency from the saddle it was just a gentle stroll. Tomorrow he goes with Cool Hunter, Viking Spirit, Grand Show and one other to Kempton, for his racecourse gallop. This is more mental preparation for Newbury than fast work. It is a bit worrying that the weather is warm and mainly dry down south. It would be annoying to get firm ground in mid September. There is no rain on the horizon until Monday at the earliest.
1st Sept
Pinpoint worked with Cool Hunter again. On account of delay chatting and drinking coffee I was too late to see all but the last part of the gallop. By then Pinpoint was going ahead of Cool Hunter and he sprinted clear by four lengths or so. Without a time, and other information to judge it by, the significance of the gallop was unclear. However Jim seemed more than happy with it and thinks that he has Pinny in the best condition he has been!
31st August
The only horse that seems to be attracting ante-post players in the early action is Cesare at 16/1 and 14/1. That is a strange one to me. He will be 12 lb. higher than when he won the Hunt Cup. He picked up a 4 lb. penalty for winning a soft 7f Class 4 Conditions Stakes at Warwick the other day. Personally I would look at that as more of a negative than a positive. The stable is shrewd enough to avoid picking up penalties for nothing, if the Cambridgeshire is an important target. Clearly he is progressive but there must be better handicapped horses in this race.
On nine bookmakers lists Pinpoint varies from 14/1 to 20/1. This is rather disappointing. 20/1 looks solid, perhaps 25/1 will become available over the next two weeks?
30th August
The Cambridgeshire weights were published today, at last. There are 151 entries with a safety limit of 30. 55 are above Pinpoint in the weights. In 2003 the lowest rated horse to get a run was 86, 2004 - 85 and 2005 - 93. So Pinpoint should get in.
Totesport, the sponsors, have issued these prices :-
10-1 Sir Gerard, Smart Enough, 14-1 Belenus, Cesare, Spectait, 16-1 Bolodenka, Dunelight, Fairmile, Hinterland, Notability, Pride Of Nation, 20-1 Acrobatic, Champions Gallery, Charlie Cool, Dansili Dancer, Heaven Knows, Khyber Kim, Minkowski, Pearly King, Pinpoint, 25-1 bar.
I can’t see anyone falling over themselves to take these prices. Though there may be those that think Smart Enough is value at 10/1. He went up 9 lbs. for the York win.
29th August
Another routine canter today. Cool Hunter went off in front by two lengths. Pinpoint gradually caught up and Jenny pushed for a while to get him to finish one length up in 36.9 for the final three.
Sky Quest was at Warwick Races yesterday for another one of his never dangerous mid div placings. When he returned home Pinpoint got excited, he was calling out and clearly very relieved at the return of his buddy. Pinny has a new luxury tartan rug, £199, no expense spared. This horse will have to win a big handicap to justify the five star treatment he is receiving.
The racecourse gallop will be Wednesday 6th September at Kempton, after racing. Viking Spirit is due to go with Pinny in his preparation for the Ayr Gold Cup, plus at least one lead horse. Viking Spirit is on the way back from a serious pelvic injury which has required lots of box rest and the steady building up of exercise these past few weeks. He is currently rated 94, the same as Pinpoint, and was three times placed in high class six furlong handicaps in the first half of 2005. Having not run since April the Ayr G.C. is a tough ask.
25th August
Pinpoint cantered with Northside Lodge. He started two lengths down, caught up about two fulongs out and nosed ahead very easily. The final three furlongs in 37.46. Jim commented that he thought he looked magnificent at the moment. The first time I have heard that from Jim. He looks much like he has done all summer, to me. Whilst no oil painting he is as big and powerful a racehorse as there is in the stable.
The entries for the John Smith’s Stakes were published this week. There are 107 entered and Pinpoint is 28th on the list. The safety limit is 20. Whilst a run is not guaranteed he should get in comfortably. Jenny is confident that he will stay 10 furlongs, he settles so well,
The Cambridgeshire entries have still not been published, though they closed over a week ago. The weights were set today. Smart Enough was very impressive at York this week and will surely be one of the favourites. Hopefully the handicapper will have raised his rating sky high. Tucker is not entered. I expect Pinny will be about 25/1 in the early market, as he will have fallen off the public’s radar after his long break. A racecourse gallop is planned for either Tuesday or Wednesday, probably at Kempton, maybe at Lingfield. There is also talk of a racecourse gallop at Newmarket, after Newbury. The meeting when we decide whether to keep Pinpoint another year is set for the day after Newbury. Walter would not tell me what his advice will be. A letter is due soon.
22nd August
Pinpoint cantered with a three year old maiden called Birkside. It was just a moderate canter upsides in about 38 seconds for the final 3f.
Nearly a year ago Pinpoint raced at Newmarket coming up against a promising handicapper called Notnowcato. He couldn’t quite stay with Notnowcato as they quickened to the front in that race and Pinny faded out of it inside the final furlong. Today Notnowcato won the Group 1 Juddmonte International at York, one of the most prestigeous of middle distance races worth £283,000 to the winner. I remember being at the Juddmonte International in 2003 when Blacky was running in the 6 furlong handicap. That day two of the finest looking thoroughbreds I have ever seen, Falbrav and Nayef, graced the York paddock. They were awesome.
19th August
The entries for The Cambridgeshire will be published this coming week. An Ante-Post market will be formed soon after, as this is one of the biggest betting races of the year. Stablemate Fairmile is sure to be one of the favourites for the race. Following his John Smith Cup win and “unlucky” second at Haydock Fairmile is now rated 99, and so is Tucker, raised 1 lb. for his near miss at Ascot. As things stand they would both have to concede 5 lbs to Pinpoint. Interesting !
16th August
The plans have been sorted out. He is entered in the John Smith’s Stakes at Newbury on 16th September. This is a £100,000 added Heritage Handicap over 10 furlongs. This will be the prep race for the Cambridgeshire which is on 30th September at Newmarket. The Newbury race is in part chosen as a test of his stamina for the Cambridgeshire, but it is a very valuable race in its own right and the aim will be to get him 100% for Newbury. To this end he will have a racecourse gallop a couple of weeks beforehand. It is a relief to have a plan again.
11th August
Pinpoint was back cantering again this week. Today he did a moderate canter with Sky Quest in around 45 secs for the final three furlongs. Further examination and discussion between the vet and farrier has reached the conclusion that the condition of his feet and shoeing has been the main problem, rather than injury. His front feet have worsened over the summer, no doubt the hard stony ground out in the field has not helped. No effort will be spared to get over this problem. His front feet are padded and taped before he goes back out in the field each afternoon. He is on supplements which encourage hoof growth. He has a stick-on plate on the off-fore.
Pinny has been entered for the Cambridgeshire, which closes on Wednesday. No definite plans for a prep race have been decided yet. Maybe he will meet stablemate Tucker in the big race at Newmarket? Tucker ran a tremendous race in the Shergar Cup Mile on Saturday. He led until headed by Prince of Thebes a furlong out. He rallied and looked to be back in front at the line, but his head was up and Prince of Thebes head was down, so he lost out in the photo finish. Shame!! Tucker is a sweet horse, very friendly. Prince of Thebes was a fast diminishing neck in front of Pinny in the Victoria Cup, and ran an excellent race to be third in the Golden Mile at Goodwood.
2nd August
He is out of the race. The foot problem flared up again after yesterday mornings exercise. He will have work done on his feet, including some minor remodelling. The Cambridgeshire is now the target. There is no plan yet for a prep race before the Cambridgeshire. Patience is a virtue.
1st August
Goodwood had 7mm of rain overnight. With the lower temperatures we are having now that may have been enough to keep him in the race. The going seemed Good, or just on the fast side, for the first day of the meeting.
There was a scare this morning. He got yet another stone in his hoof and despite protection of both feet overnight he was lame this morning. He limped around the trotting ring but gradually got moving sufficiently well to allow him to canter. As he steadily improved there is every hope he will be 100% again on Wednesday. It is a very nervy time.
Tomorrow morning we will know the draw (high draw v important) and whether he can take his chance. Adam Kirby is booked to ride.
31st July
The five day entries for The Golden Mile show Pinpoint 15th in the list, so he is certain to get in the race. Today he was cut in the ante-post betting from 16/1 to 14/1 fifth favourite. Whether he runs or not could depend on how much rain falls on Goodwood overnight. There may also be rain on Wednesday, but now that the new 48 hour declarations system applies the decision has to be made first thing on Wednesday. It will be a difficult call. Personally I would rather enter, see how it goes and withdraw on the day of the race if the going is fast, risking a fine. That is not the way the stable normally operates though. If he misses this race there is no comparable target until The Cambridgeshire, and few valuable handicaps at all at 8-10 furlongs.
28th July
Pinpoint was impressive on the gallops today. His galloping companion was Constant Cheers, a moderate (57 rated) brother of Fairmile, the recent winner of the valuable John Smiths Cup at York. Pinpoint started from the bottom two lengths down. Gradually pulled up to 1/2 length down two furlongs out, when he was asked for an effort by Pat. He immediately went passed Constant Cheers as if that horse was rooted to the spot, was five lengths clear within a furlong and finished 10 lengths clear. The final three furlongs timed at 36.7, but Pinny was flat out for only 1 1/2 furlongs of that. The change of gear off a good pace was the impressive thing about it. The raindancing for Goodwood starts now.
25th July
More fast work today. He followed Barolo one length down. Took closer order halfway. Came almost alongside and stayed that way without being shaken up. 36.75 for the final three furlongs.
Another high class four year old miler has joined the stable. This is Tucker, previously trained by David Elsworth, Currently rated 98, he was highly tried as a 3YO (2000 Guineas - beaten less than 5 lengths, St James Palace and Sussex Stakes) and now runs in handicaps (mid-div Royal Hunt Cup). He was out second lot today, looked good and should be an excellent galloping partner for Pinpoint.
23rd July
Yesterday Pinpoint’s 3YO kid brother Grand Entrance won his first race, a 7 furlong Maiden at Newmarket. It was his sixth race and his official rating of 75 looks about right at this stage. Pinpoint’s 2YO brother Ahoy, who is racing in Ireland, is obviously well regarded as he has been favourite on each run so far, twice ridden by Kieron Fallon. Ahoy has contested three Maiden races and his best is a second place. It looks only a matter of time before he is in the winners enclosure as well.
21st July
Some fastish work this morning. He led Sky Quest from the bottom at a fairly strong gallop. Soon Sky Quest came up to his girths, and there he stayed right through the final three furlongs, timed at 36.4 secs. Jenny did not have to shake Pinpoint up as she usually does, because Sky Quest never threatened to get on terms.
After the exercise Pinpoint was back to box walking. :-(
There was a forfeit stage for the Totesport Mile on Tuesday. £370 paid to add to the £140 entry fee and another £50 if he runs. The chance of him running I would put at about 40/60 at the moment. 20 entries dropped out including nine above him in the list. The horses on the same weight as him are numbers 21 to 26 on the list, so with a safety limit of 20 runners he is virtually certain to get in if the ground and everything else is OK.
18th July
Thanks to the lameness and also the hot weather we have discovered that Pinpoint has, at least temporarily, overcome his box walking habit. He now seems quite settled in his box next to Sky Quest and whilst the heatwave is on they stay in their boxes until returning to their field at 5.30 pm. He has recovered fully from the lameness but his feet are not the best and more care than normal is needed when shoeing. Stick-ons are apparently not a satisfactory answer.
This morning he had only a sedate canter, the last three furlongs in 41.8, in a group of three with Barolo bringing up the rear. Apparently a fast piece of work is planned for Friday. Barolo is due to run at Deauville in a 1mile 6f race which sounds more like his distance to me. Sky Quest is aimed at Leicester Wednesday week over 12f. The ante-post market for Pinpoint’s race is very sleepy. The favourites are Sir Gerard and Hinterland at 8/1. Perhaps there is a general feeling that betting should be avoided before the going and draw are known. I learnt to my cost in the July Cup last week that just some light watering overnight on worn ground can change the draw advantage and whole complexion of the race. As this is the second time in two years that this has happened you could say I am a slow learner.
14th July
Pinpoint was back cantering this morning 2nd Lot. He is apparently fully recovered and it is all systems go for Glorious Goodwood. The Totesport Mile has 86 entries with Pinny 32nd on the list. The safety limit is 20 runners but he should get into the race OK. He is installed as joint sixth favourite at 16/1. Ladbrokes have already cut him from 20/1 but this is not a race for an Ante-Post gamble. There are two big question marks, namely the going and the draw. A high draw is important over a mile at Goodwood. Today one of the horses that hampered him in the Victoria Cup, Mine, won the Bunbury Cup for the third time, a remarkable achievement.
10th July
In an effort to get the stone-bruise to heal quickly Pinpoint is confined to his box, now just lame on his off-fore. I am told he can settle for long periods now with Sky Quest in the next box. I have my doubts, though they do have a very calming influence on each other.
6th July
Today he is slightly lame on both front feet. Both are polticed and he should be OK in a few days. The farrier is not to blame as a test was carried out checking the sensitivity of the off-fore. The daft horse has probably been galloping flat-out around his field with Sky Quest and picked up bruises from the firm ground. Meanwhile whilst places west and north of Sandown are being deluged with rain hardly any has fallen on Sandown, so maybe he wouldn’t have run anyway.
I have added a separate page of photos from our day at Royal Ascot.
5th July
Yesterday he did not work because of lameness in his off-fore. The farrier had put his racing plates on him on Monday and later he was lame. When looked at mid-morning on Tuesday he was obviously sore on the off-fore and the shoe was suspect number one. Most probably one of the nails was pressing against the tender centre of the foot, alternatively it could be a ‘stone’ bruise? Anyway the shoe came off and a poltice was applied. Today he is not right so he will not run on Saturday.
This is a great shame because we are having big thunderstorms and for the next two days the chances of large amounts of rain falling on Sandown are high. The Wimbledon Tennis Championships are currently in progress not far from Sandown, and each rain delay there will twist the knife a little bit more.
He is being entered in the Totesport Mile at Goodwood on 4th August. This race has a total prize fund of £150,000, so is an even bigger prize than the Hunt Cup. The ground was Good/Soft there last year so here’s hoping it is once more.
3rd July
The entries are now published for the Totescoop6 Handicap. There are 40 entries including the winners of the 2004 and 2005 races Pentecost and Ace Of Hearts. Three horses who finished ahead of Pinpoint in the Hunt Cup reoppose him, including the winner Cesare who is now set to carry an extra 8 lbs and Hinterland. Pinny should get into the race comfortably. All we need now are thunderstorms, and the weather forecasts are becoming more encouraging.
30th June
Today he went a strong gallop from the bottom again with Barolo. Barolo led by 2 lengths until Pinpoint took closer order 2 furlongs out. Jenny shook him up and he came level, Barolo vigorously ridden. Then Pinny went ahead by three parts of a length to finish well on top. This is what you would expect with a miler matched against a two miler although Barolo does have plenty of speed for a stayer. The final 3 furlongs were timed in 35.31 (approx 34.9 for Pinpoint), which is useful at the end of a fast 7 furlongs.
It was another beautiful morning on the gallops. We are forecast exceptionally hot dry weather for the next few days, at least, so his participation at Sandown must be in doubt.
27th June
Today the decision was made to go for the ToteScoop6 Handicap at Sandown on Coral-Eclipse day. That is Saturday 8th July. The race is another Heritage Handicap over a mile. Like the Royal Hunt Cup, the prize money has £100,000 added, so as British handicaps go it is a big one. It is supposed to be hot for the next few days, so with apologies to holidaymakers I shall be hoping for nice big juicy thunderstorms.
He came out of the Hunt Cup in good shape, and was back cantering in two days. Today he did a moderate canter with Barolo. Barolo ran a fair race in the Ascot Gold Cup until his stamina gave out early in the straight. Anyway today Barolo led by two lengths most of the way and Pinny got to his girth towards the end, neither of them asked for a big effort.
22nd June - Royal Hunt Cup, Royal Ascot
Well after all of that build-up the ground was too firm for him. Ted returned to tell us that Pinny would not let himself down on the ground, which means that it was hurting him, and he was holding back. Nevertheless he finished 6th in a field of 30 so it looks like an OK run. He was beaten 6 lengths and for an ultracompetitive fast ground handicap the field were well strung out. For example, half way down the field Impeller was beaten 14 lengths, This suggests that the pace was fierce and the two who fought out the finish, Cesare and Stronghold, are very useful indeed. The third Akona Matata also. Hinterland ran an excellent race, as well, considering how close he was to the fast pace and the way he went clear 3f out. It will be hard for the handicapper to assess this race. The 12 who raced along the far rail were never in it, and he may well undervalue what the placed horses achieved here. On fast ground they are certainly horses to follow.
For us the race went well, until the business end. Beforehand he was not as wound up as at the Victoria Cup. He did not appear in the Pre-Parade ring at all, came into the paddock late and was out again after one lap. Pinny broke well, was soon covered up in mid div, had a reasonable passage through the race apart from an odd bout of scrimmaging and improved 4 furlongs out. We were waiting and hoping for the fireworks to happen. At 3f out he was in a good position to challenge, Hinterland quickened to the front but then Pinny did not pick up at all and he just kept plugging on, one pace, to the finish.
In the post mortem Ted advised not to run him on fast ground again. We knew after Windsor, that there was a possibility he would not show his best on fast ground. Plenty of Pivotal’s stock share this trait, eg Somnus. Ted still has faith that there is a big race to be won with him. Walter said that we must accept withdrawing him if it comes up fast again. The Cambridgeshire, seems to be Pinpoint’s ideal race, and will replace the Royal Hunt Cup as the Dream. I was hoping for him to improve about 7-10 lbs on the Victoria Cup form, and that is still possible. In which case he will remain a major contender, whenever the ground is right, for all the top 8-10 furlong handicaps.
In the pre-parade ring the Shot To Fame party were next to us, and some friendly banter passed between us. Shot To Fame spent his first five seasons at Pendley before Dandy bought him, and he runs in the same colours as Blackheath. In the winter, turned out in their field, I remember that he used to put Tribal Prince in his lowly place, with the occasional nip or kick. Anyway joking I asked if they could set us a scorching gallop up the stand rail. Lo and behold Shot To Fame did just that, perhaps taking the idea too literally! He made the race a very searching test for everybody. He himself ran out of gas after 5f and finished tailed off, beaten 73 lengths. That sums up the 2006 Royal Hunt Cup for me, a very tough race.
21st June
Well it is Royal Hunt Cup day at last.
The one worry, there always has to be at least one :-( is that the going is good to firm and there was probably only light rain at best last night. However, thinking back, conditions were fast enough at Salisbury when he clocked 1.03 inside standard, so the theory that he may need some ease in the ground is questionable. They have been watering regularly at Ascot and there is supposed to be an excellent cushion of grass.
Otherwise everything is good. If there is any draw bias it is in his favour, drawn in 4. The Coventry Stakes and Kings Stand were won down the stand rail. Ted won the Coventry on Hellvelyn so his confidence will be high.
Pinny could not be in better shape. He had the usual pre-race breeze yesterday. The plan is to get to the track late, to be in the paddock for the minimum time and to go down early.
16th June
The five day declarations came out today and he is safely within the top 30 in the handicap. In fact 15 above him dropped out and even Minority Report scraped in. Another with a live chance Akona Matata looks like making the race too. Anyway barring mishap he will run on Wednesday. 10/1 is the best price available, apart from Corals who cling to their 12/1 which is only available to small bets.
Today he did a light exercise canter only. Tomorrow he will do his last piece of faster work.
14th June
Our bid to win the Royal Hunt Cup with Pinpoint was featured in the Sportsman newspaper today. In a piece about Walter’s entries for Royal Ascot the headline was “Swinburn pinning hopes on fairytale Pinpoint victory”.Psychic Star and Suzie Bliss have outside chances in their races. Barolo has fully recovered from his ill fated trip to the Melbourne Cup and should be in contention in the Ascot Gold Cup.
13th June
A moderate 7f canter today. His last piece of fast work before the Hunt Cup will be on Wednesday. After that he will just be ticking over. Jimmy (Head Lad at Church Farm) could not be happier with him.
9th June
Another quickish canter from the bottom. This time with Psychic Star a very useful 7 furlong 3-Y-O filly currently rated 94, the same as Pinny. Similar pattern to Tuesday with Pinny shaken up and going a half length up, after P Star had come level, in 36.9 for the last 3f. Pyschic Star shares Pinpoint’s manic box walking habit and has spent the last month in a paddock across the way from Pinny and Sky.
Pinpoint has finished shortening in the Royal Hunt Cup Ante-Post betting (12/1 Corals, 11/1 in a couple of places and 10/1 generally). A strong gamble has gathered pace on Another Bottle (16/1 -> 7/1 fav). This horse was backed from 18/1 to 15/2 favourite to win the Newbury Spring Cup, where he finished fourth after coming with a promising run, no extra in the final furlong. He is trained by Roger Charlton who’s stable can be quite fond of a gamble. This I found out when we, and many others, shared a huge ante-post gamble on Patavellian for the Wokingham in 2003, the only race Patavellian didn’t win that year. :( Rumours have it that Another Bottle has been working very well and recently beat Blue Monday in a gallop. Blue Monday won last years Cambridgeshire and a 10f Listed Race at Goodwood two weeks ago.
Racing abounds with this type of rumour and it pays to not get too excited or concerned about them. Another Bottle’s form at the track is nothing to fear, although he is certainly a contender.
8th June
Five above him in the handicap dropped out at the first forfeit stage. That is just about par for this type of race. I do not expect some of the Group and Listed horses at the top of the handicap to run. Those sorts of horses often have loftier targets and alternative entries. Nevertheless the cut off point looks like being very high this year. Perhaps as high as 92 or 93. Some well fancied horses like Minority Report and Forgery might not make the race?
6th June
He went nicely today in a moderate canter from the bottom (7 furlongs) with Miss Provvidence (4 times winner from 7 races, currently rated 90). Pinpoint (Jenny) started 2 lengths up, Miss P (Mary) came alongsides with about 2 furlongs left. They quickened up for a furlong with Pinny putting his head down as willing and honest as ever, drawing ahead again in 37.75 (Don 37.6).
Both Pinny and Sky Quest look a picture at present. They were waiting to be collected at the gate this morning. A good sign that the training regime is not affecting them.
Needless to say it was Jimmy that got all the 25/1 last Thursday. As the guy that gets up at 5 o’clock every morning to feed Pinny and Sky he certainly deserves the price. The best on offer is now 12/1, and that is only available with Corals and Blue Square. There is a forfeit stage today, but it is normal for only a few to drop out this early in the run-up to a big handicap.
5th June
The bookmakers continue to cut Pinpoint’s odds. Ladbrokes 14/1 >12/1, Victor Chandler and The Tote 14/1 >10/1, Betdirect > 10/1. Only Corals and Paddy Power still go 14/1 and that is unlikely to last much longer. He is generally joint second favourite, to 8/1 Pride of Nation. Others to have been well backed are Notability (unplaced Victoria Cup favourite), Another Bottle, and also Hinterland who was introduced to the betting at 14/1 following his Epsom win on Friday.
1st June
The Royal Hunt Cup Ante-Post betting market opened today. At 8.27 am Betdirect went 25/1 Pinpoint. That lasted just 4 minutes, when they shortened him to 20/1. That lasted 3 minutes, when they went 14/1. For a while 16/1 was offered by William Hill, Corals and Bet365. William Hill soon cut him to 14/1 ;) and all available 16/1 had gone by midday. 14/1 is the best you can get now.
Today I visited Moss Bros to arrange the fancy dress for Royal Ascot. He had better run after this. The top hat looks ridiculous. :-(
31st May
The Royal Hunt Cup entries list came out today. There are 110 entries, 39 above Pinny in the handicap and another eight also on 8st 8lbs. On past evidence at least 50% of the entries towards the top of the handicap drop out and a horse rated above 90 would be unlucky to be balloted out. The safety limit is back up to 30 for the Royal Meeting.
Pinpoint’s handicap mark has been left at 94 following the Victoria Cup. The three horses who finished in front of him have all been raised in the handicap. This is Timeform’s comment on his run :-
PINPOINT (IRE) is still lightly raced having made his debut less than a year ago and he gave the strong impression he has races in him again this season, looking fit but considerately handled for the most part, meeting trouble 3f out as he started to improve then badly hampered over 1f out, keeping on strongly without being knocked about, shaping as though he'd have gone very close with more luck; raced at 1m last season, winning twice in 6 starts, he's very much one for the Hunt Cup short list.
On Tuesday he had a very sedate solo canter up the gallops from the bottom (48.73 for the final 3f). I was worried that the buffeting he got in the race might conceivably have pulled muscles or put his back out, but he is fine and very much on target. Arbella’s win at Haydock and Pinny’s run has lifted the gloom somewhat. The Stable had been on a barren run for a while.
Sky Quest is due to run at Nottingham on Thursday. From what I have seen, if the ground is Good or faster, he should go well. He has gone very well fresh in the past.
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