Altior
27th April 2019 – Sandown – Trainer and jockey now appear to be united in their belief that he wants a longer trip nowadays. If he ran in the Amlin against Cyrname he would surely be advantaged by the fast pace that one would set. Conversely my biggest concern with him would be if he failed to settle in a slowly run affair over four or five furlongs further; even more in a King George. Given all the recent noise on the matter – I doubt very much that, whatever he achieves over further, the possibility that he may not stay will be fully taken into account in the market.
Sceau Royal
27th April 2019 – Sandown – He had a small field and fast conditions which are his ideal conditions. What he proved here was that he can perform to his best at this time of year. He was stalking the champion when getting the second last fence wrong; consequently he did well to get so close to Altior in the finish.
God’s Own
27th April 2019 – Sandown – He was only three lengths behind the runner up and has probably performed fairly close to his best over the minimum trip. Certainly closer to his best than I thought likely.
Vosne Romanee
27th April 2019 – Sandown – He was only beaten seven and a half lengths by Altior which is more a reflection on how the race was run rather than a significant achievement on his part.
Diego Du Charmil
27th April 2019 – Sandown – He was over travelling if anything even after the last of the Railway Fences. He stayed closer to the favourite than any of his rivals and maybe paid for that tactic plus the exuberant way he travelled through the race. He was a spent force by the time he got to the Pond Fence. I was hoping to see him held onto before picking up some late pieces. I have no idea if this would have made any difference – he did appear to be on good terms with himself though.
