Gaikoku Banter

Raining Dollars came third in his jump-out, but the trainer is happy with the way he behaved and performed, not least because the two horses ahead of him were very experienced past winners. The potential for a successful Australian campaign is definitely there...

On the other side of the world, River Spirit finished sixth in her debut race at Bath in the UK. I have a feeling she'll be far closer to the head of the field next time out, now she has some experience of race-day transport, the paddock and competition, and others share my confidence, too, if this predictor is anything to go by. Her proper starting price was 10/1, by the way, which made her fourth favourite.

PS. Just had a report come in from 'The Lord' on River Spirit, and everything went pretty much as expected with youngsters, including a good few incidents along the way. As the main man says: "In short, she knew she was a racehorse today. A different filly for it!"