Shawhill showed again what a game filly she is without getting her head in front. The ground was totally different to anything she had encountered to date, but she dealt with it well. She blew a lot more than last time and she’s due a rest. I’ve had a chat with Tom – we’ll give her longer breaks between races now but go for better races. I’m hoping she’ll progress into her fourth year and I want to give her every chance to get there fit and well.
At the HIT in October last year we (the Comic Strip Heroes) sold a couple of 2yos. One of them was called Billy Dane – he is now with Richard Fahey and he comes out tomorrow at York. It’s the policy of the CSH to sell at the end of the 2yo year, but I didn’t want to see Billy go and I regretted it afterwards. He had an unlucky time as a 2yo – he should have won more than he did and is lower in the handicap than he should be. He is an uncomplicated horse with a good attitude, and room to fill out and improve as a 3yo. Fahey is an excellent trainer – he’s given Billy a good long rest. I’ll be watching with interest – Billy is a big price (33/1 with BF as I write) suggesting a win is unlikely but I’ll be having a small bet all the same.
The Duke of Yorks is an excellent looking race this year, and I fancy a few of the 4yos coming through will go well. In particular there is a lot of hype about Amadeus Wolf – Kevin Ryan has been talking him up and the conditions look very much in his favour. He didn’t collect once as a 3yo – I’ll be backing him to get his 4yo year going with a win.