Takes his last rides in this country (unless............) today, with his final ride being King Of Steel in the Champion Stakes (Ascot 3.45). Not just one of the greatest jockeys in my lifetime, but in my opinion one of the greatest sportsmen. I would think there will be thousands of accumulator bets going on his five mounts today, if only for old times' sake! But if he takes the first five, I'd imagine one of his colleagues might give way in the last and step down. To my eyes, Kinross (1.50) looks his best chance. I think that Mostahdaf (who he rode last time in Crowley's absence) might have the edge against his King Of Steel in the Champion. But good luck to Lanfranco as he sees out his career in the States. We will be lucky to see his like again!
We'll see him again. With him carrying on in the states he'll get the bug for the big races again. Wouldn't be surprised if he's booked for classic mounts and big festivals. The reason he's going to America is because he doesn't want to ride out for Gosden. By cutting his association he gets to cherry pick his rides.
2 bets for me today. Sandrine in the Sprint. Not sure I like the fav, and the rest of the field are Group 2 horses at best. She won over 7f last time out on soft, but tanked through the race. Think she's a brilliant price. Migration in the handicap at the end of the card. Carries top weight but won the Lincoln on similar ground in the spring and has been given a break since a run in summer. Two win bets and an each way double.
Bluestocking for me today. Was unlucky not to win over in Ireland. Will like the ground and is decent price. Only thing is it has a tendency to get worried out of it in a finish.
Wow, waiting for itchy feet for a treble, 5/4, winner an a 10/3, winner both at Newton Abbot going on Itchy Feet at s/p, C,O,Y,R.
