Cazoo Derby Festival: Bolshoi Ballet and High Definition head Ballydoyle challenge June 2, 2021 Ireland’s champion trainer Aidan O’Brien has outlined his plans for the 2021 Cazoo Derby Festival at Epsom Downs. Already the most successful trainer of all time in The Cazoo Derby with eight victories, the master of Ballydoyle confirmed that the premier Classic, which he described as “the most important race of all” remained the plan [...]
Hong Kong Racing Tips: Ted with weight advantage at the Valley June 1, 2021 KEEP an eye on the weather when racing resumes with a nine-race programme at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Three track records were smashed on a lightning quick surface at the city-track last week but don’t expect a similar scenario this time around. The temperature is still extremely hot in the city at present, but thunderstorms [...]
EP: 60 The Cazoo Derby & Cazoo Oaks Previews May 31, 2021 In this special bonus episode brought to you by CAZOO, City A.M. racing editor Bill Esdaile takes an in-depth look at this week’s two major Group 1 classics for the 3 year-old colts and fillies at Epsom racecourse. Hosted by Chris Barnett. The City A.M. Punter Podcast ‘The Punter’ has been City AM’s dedicated sports [...]
EP: 59 Haydock, Beverley, Catterick & Hong Kong May 28, 2021 We look forward to some competitive racing this Saturday with meetings in the north of England leading the way. Trainer John Quinn has his string of horses in great form and he sends two to Haydock where El Astronaute and Safe Voyage both have leading chances, and David Menuisier talks about the future plans for [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: Derby runners put through their paces May 26, 2021 Ahead of next week’s Cazoo Derby, a couple of contenders had their first taste of Epsom Downs racecourse and here are the thoughts of their connections. ONE RULER – CHARLIE APPLEBY “I was very pleased with what I saw there. He is a naturally balanced horse but he hasn’t encountered anything like that before. The [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: Reaction from connections as Oaks contenders get first taste of Epsom May 26, 2021 Three of the main protagonists for next week’s Cazoo Oaks had their first sighting of Epsom Downs racecourse on Monday and here are reactions of their connections ahead of the fillies Classic. SAFFRON BEACH – JANE CHAPPLE-HYAM “She was nice and relaxed. She was on the right lead and you would have to be happy [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: Roger Varian thinks Third Realm “ticks a lot of the boxes you want” May 26, 2021 Newmarket trainer Roger Varian thinks his Cazoo Derby candidate Third Realm “ticks a lot of the boxes you want” ahead of the premier Classic at Epsom Downs on Saturday 5th June. Varian, who has had only one Derby runner previously, said: “I thought he would run a nice race at Lingfield and run very well but he had [...]
Cazoo Derby Festival: William Haggas hopes Mohaafeth can follow in Shaamit’s footsteps 25 years on May 26, 2021 Trainer William Haggas spoke about his hopes for the Cazoo Derby Festival at Epsom Downs (June 4th-5th), which are headed by leading Cazoo Derby contender Mohaafeth. It is 25 years since the Newmarket-based handler landed The Derby when Shaamit took the honours under Michael Hills. It was Haggas’ first Derby runner and Shaamit was making [...]
Hong Kong Racing Tips: The Mauritain Magician’s a man on a mission May 25, 2021 JOCKEY Karis Teetan looks a man on a mission at present, taking the final Group 1 of the season, the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup, aboard Panfield at Sha Tin on Sunday and presently can’t stop riding winners. Seven wins from his last 35 rides bares testament to that and, with victories at the [...]
Hong Kong Racing Tips: Daddy could put in Superb performance May 25, 2021 A TYPICAL head-scratching contest for the form students, the Class 4 Westlands Handicap (1:45pm) could prove to be a tough ask. Most of the dozen contenders can be given some sort of chance on their best form, with the likelihood of the draw and speed tempo playing an important part in determining the result. The [...]