Pop Label (pictured) looked superb in the paddock last night, but blew the start again. I suggested the groom holding his tail in the gate next race, and was told his tail was already being held! Add in the boggy ground, which wouldn't suit his style, and the result was predictably disappointing by the time he passed the finish post in seventh. Next time...Blacklister has been booked up for a couple of optional races in England - one on the 23rd, his name now being down for the six-furlong 2:30 at Brighton (which is the Class 5 Donatello Restaurant Maiden Auction Stakes), and a second at Salisbury on the following day (the 2:10 EBF Stallions Belgrave Maiden Stakes) over seven furlongs. Saturday's race is off.
The only other bit of news worth relaying is that Massabielle may have met his match on Sunday. Some in the training camp are suggesting missing the race, but sense is prevailing - he will run, and if he gets beaten, so be it (as long as he puts up a good fight), while if he wins, it's a superb achievement. You can't hide from strong competitors forever, especially as you move up the classes.
Anyway, Massabielle, Irish Harp and now Rush Attack are confirmed for Sunday; Rush Attack runs in the 4R at Hakodate with Miura Kosei. Also, a new booking is Beat The Boarder, making her comeback at TCK on the 26th in the 1400m 7R. Let's hope she can get something other than the outside gate! A bit further ahead, Phosphorus looks a cert for the next Kawasaki meeting, when we'll be looking for some sweet revenge.
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