The Search For 'Bugatti'

Having made the decision to put 'Jaguar' into retirement, the search for his replacement begins. About the only things I know about the newcomer thus far is a) he will have to be bloody big, as in 525kg plus when in racing trim; b) he will be dark bay so as to distance him from 'Jaguar', and c) he will be christened 'Bugatti' as soon as he becomes mine. The hardest part is going to be filling in all the other bits, from d) through z), but it should be an interesting next few weeks, that's for sure...

Stop Press

River Spirit has been pulled from the Warwick race in favour of the Lingfield one on the 12th, as the ground had gone too heavy to suit her. I shall bring you a report on the race as soon as it finishes. Should be fun!

How Many More?

Mephisto Waltz ran out of steam halfway through the race today, so although he looked good for the first half, it means he'd given up after just six furlongs, and is nowhere near fast enough to compete in a sprint, ruling him out of both longer and shorter distances. In other words, another meaningless performance to add to the catalogue of Carrot Club disasters this year. Finishing 14th and 3.8 seconds off the pace, I've seen quicker donkeys on the beach at Blackpool. I don't know whether Carrot Club can restore any pride next weekend, with at least four chances being mooted from amongst my lot, but I'm not putting money on it, let's put it that way...

Hopefully River Spirit will do well in England later in the day. There is trust there, which can't be said about the vast majority of JRA trainers, and the pre-race report was full of honesty and a depth of feeling you just don't get out here, unless you're talking to NAR folks. Whatever happens, I know the Channon family will deliver some great value for money, as well as a bit of fun on the side.

Meanwhile, a decision has been taken on the future of 'Jaguar' (Mayano Time). Much as it hurts to let him go, I've decided to allow him to retire to a peaceful spot grazing in the sun all day. He went down after Merryl-chan left the stable (there was no longer a young filly for him to impress!), and then again after his pal Ukon died. With the weird weather playing havoc and a busy schedule, including competitions in places he simply doesn't like, it has taken its toll recently. He's coming back nicely now, and so it seems like a good time to tackle the long journey to his retirement home before the hot summer months start draining his energy banks. The next few weeks will be hard for me.

Carrot Catch-Up

Of the four-year olds, Tenshinramman is back at Miho TC and there's no sign of the nosebleed she had recurring. As such, a decision on which race to enter her in next will be made soon. Much the same situation with Harmony Fair, with her training going well, and a race booking imminent. Mistoffelees is fast in practice, and thoughts of an 1800m dirt race at Niigata are circulating for the 17th or 18th; Ishikawa-kun will be in the saddle again, hoping to do better than last time. The same dates and track are being mooted for Miracle Rouge, with either an 1800m or 2000m run on turf being lined up.

Of the three-year old crop, Mephisto Waltz is entered at Niigata on the 10th in the 6R (a 2400m turf race), and there are a couple of proposals floating around for the 17th - Belle Plage at Tokyo-Fuchu in a 1400m turf race with Yutaka Yoshida at the controls, and Irish Harp at Kyoto in a 1400m dirt race. Dinner Bell should be out again in a couple of weeks, and the trainer wants one more race with Single Cask before the summer. Joyful Step has gone on an R&R trip, which is frankly wasting time and money - any horse so far off race-ready at this stage in the proceedings is never going to do anything but make up the numbers in the races no-one else wants to enter.

Of the younger horses, Time For Love has passed her gate test with ease, although she will have a break now, as she has rather a strong character and can't be pushed too hard. Seems fair enough.

News on the non-Carrot horses: The English filly, River Spirit, will indeed run at Warwick tomorrow, which is close to where I was born (my family has roots there anyway, as it happens). Back in Japan, Divine Daughter is back at Miho TC and will be ready for JRA action soon, and good ol' Phosphorus will be racing at Kawasaki at some time during the week beginning the 19th May. That's certainly something to look forward to.

All Dolled Up

With Funabashi and a mad schedule since, I haven't been able to do this piece, even though I've been wanting to as soon as the confirmation came through. Godiva's Pride didn't work out - these things happen - but I've signed up with something quite different to keep my relationship with Ilka Gansera-Leveque and her enthusiastic team in Newmarket going for the time being, until something else can get sorted with Godiva Racing, with Sophie becoming a shareholder in a delightful young filly called All Dolled Up.

Why Sophie? This is where it gets interesting. Ilka came up with a wonderful idea of a ladies-only syndicate a while back, as the fairer sex are sure to want something more from ownership than a badge and the regular perks. I'm sure the guys won't mind me saying a more refined ownership experience is probably the order of the day here - a chance to dress up and be glamorous amongst like-minded people that don't shout quite as loud on the run-in, plus all the usual stuff, such as private yard visits, viewing work on the famous gallops and so on. I saw a few magazine shoots that give an idea of the concept, and can only scratch my head wondering why no-one has thought of it before.

So officially, All Dolled Up belongs to the girl. One thing that doesn't change whoever's name is on the paperwork, though, and that is the horse's bloodlines. Sired by Aussie Rules, a winner of the French 2000 Guineas, as well as three stakes races, this ensures Danehill's DNA will be passed on, although Last Second (the Irish-registered dam of Aussie Rules, bringing together Alzao and Crystal Palace blood) was quite spectacular, too, clocking up four wins from seven starts, including GII races.

All Dolled Up's mother is All On Sugar by Red Ransom - a handsome chap sired by my beloved Roberto. The female line is dominated by German blood that Ilka grew up knowing before her move to Newmarket, with a proven winning formula and Danzig and Buckpasser in the mix. All told, it should be a fascinating experience on all fronts. What's more, there are still a handful of shares in the syndicate available if you want to join in the fun...

Sad Scenario

A few times recently, 'Jaguar' has been a little under the weather, but I still wasn't prepared for the sorry-looking thing that greeted us at the stables today. His eyes are still burning bright, and he certainly hasn't lost his appetite (you'd swear he'd never seen such a tasty apple before judging by the way he attacked the one in my hand), but his coat has gone treadbare overnight - the summer coat not replacing his winter one as it should. His heart is fine, but his Ph balance is off, largely due to all this mad weather we've been having - the freezing cold days followed by summer-style heat and then cold and wet again taking its toll on his condition. He shall have a very easy time of it over the next few weeks, and this, combined with some drugs to get the big fella shipshape again, should bring him back to his old self. Fingers crossed anyway...

River-Chan

Not sure quite what's happening with River Spirit at the moment, as she's been booked for Warwick on the 10th, and Lingfield on the 12th. Both are Class 5 Stakes races, but The Lord and his merry men are waiting to see which will suit her the best. A video of her on the gallops a couple of days ago shows a willing, happy horse, although she may need one or two more runs for experience before she start to see her blossom...

Fabulous Funabashi

You've probably heard of 'Glorious Goodwood', but around these parts we have 'Fabulous Funabashi'! With the first two days of the Funabashi week falling on Bank Holidays this meeting, the crowds were amazing, despite the cold and damp weather. They were treated - as always - to some fine racing, as well as some sideshows put on to entertain those who were less hardcore than the regulars, and a wonderful jockey event on Monday in which all those not competing in the 12R turned out to sell Funabashi goods that help local charities. Tokoro's Megumi-san did lead-out duty for the main race, too, which added another angle of enjoyment. It was good to see so many old friends, and a few new ones were made, too - the folks that support NAR are a special breed, and very much my kind of people.

Phosphorus (pictured) ran on Monday, but he played up in the stalls, and the starter couldn't have picked a worse moment to let them go. As such, poor Kota was left trying to make up ground without a whip (Phos's antics in the gate had knocked it from his hand) and sand being kicked up from all angles - a scenario we know Phosphorus hates. In the end, to come fifth in a classy field was brilliant, and in some ways, the performance was even better than his win. Even so, he exerted so little effort, he'll be out again at Kawasaki, which I very much look forward to. What a remarkable beast! If we can find that button that unleases all he can give, he will be unbeatable. For myself, and especially Louis and Sophie, a couple of great days to remember...

Classic Malt

After the complete cock-up yesterday, at least Single Cask put in a sterling performance today to come home in third - two-tenths of a second down on the winner, and within three-quarters of a length of the horse in front. At least some effort was visible, which is all you can ask for, and Single Cask has been consistent on that front. It could be argued that Joyful Step (aka Sorrowful Limp from now on) put in a fine last-minute dash, so deserves some credit. But I'm sorry - it makes no difference even if you break the track record and finish 25 lengths down. Maybe a five length gap, and it becomes a different story, but certainly not 25...

Anyway, we've got Phosphorus in NAR action tomorrow at Funabashi, and I'm sure Kota Motohashi will be looking for some revenge for his last outing with the big fella. The race plan will doubtless be quite different with what we learnt four weeks ago, when Kota just cruised him in knowing the race was lost. Whatever, it will be fascinating to see what happens. Good luck to both horse and rider!