The Flat starts in earnest

[Pedigree Ann]

ANybody else blown away by Fantasia at Newmarket today? One second she's running with the field and 2 seconds later she's 5 lengths clear. The commentators said she's going to the French Guineas!?!? Why wouldn't her connections bring her back for the real Guineas on a track she obviously enjoys?

[brockguy]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

ANybody else blown away by Fantasia at Newmarket today? One second she's running with the field and 2 seconds later she's 5 lengths clear. The commentators said she's going to the French Guineas!?!? Why wouldn't her connections bring her back for the real Guineas on a track she obviously enjoys?

her owner owns the favourite as well who beat her fair and square last year?\

she did look very good today, but she beat trees. She deserves a shot at the English 1000, but the owner has a better one waiting it seems, Might as well win 2 Guineas rather than run 1-2 in one.. . Tomorrow's Craven should be very informative tomorrow!

[Pedigree Ann]

Originally Posted by brockguy

her owner owns the favourite as well who beat her fair and square last year?\
!

I have noticed that horse-people in the British Isles seem to think that horses don't change from 2 to 3, or 3 to 4 for that matter. If a horse was a modest 2yo, it can't possibly turn into a pattern-type 3yo. Once a handicapper, always a handicapper. Obviously, the ideal horse is a as good at 2 as at 3 and at 4, but very few horses are ideal. Why couldn't Fantasia have grown up more than her rival and be better now?

[brockguy]

Originally Posted by Pedigree Ann

I have noticed that horse-people in the British Isles seem to think that horses don't change from 2 to 3, or 3 to 4 for that matter. If a horse was a modest 2yo, it can't possibly turn into a pattern-type 3yo. Once a handicapper, always a handicapper. Obviously, the ideal horse is a as good at 2 as at 3 and at 4, but very few horses are ideal. Why couldn't Fantasia have grown up more than her rival and be better now?

I couldnt disagree any more... that is just ridiculous, there are a million and one cases of horses improving leaps and bounds from 2 to 3, 3 to 4, from the spring of their 3yo career to the Autumn etc etc etc.. Fantastia showed she is in good heart, but Im sure Rainbow View has as well on the gallops..

[NoChanceToDance]

I do actually think that Fantasia could well have improved past Rainbow View over the winter. She always looked like more of a three year old type.

Don't get me wrong, I really like Rainbow View, but I'm just not sure if she is going to be any better this year than she was last year, whereas I'm convinced (and I've thought this all winter) that Fantasia has LOTS of improvement left in her, even after her great display yesterday.

It's very unlikely she will be seen running against Rainbow View this year. George Strawbridge thinks the world of Rainbow View and couldn't have her facing a tough task in the Guineas, so he bought her main rival (just like Godolphin do, time after time).

It's a great shame, because I honestly think that Fantasia will be the better of the two this year.

[NoChanceToDance]

Not been a great Craven meeting for me. I had my biggest bet in a long time on Twice Over in the Earl Of Sefton today. I know some will say serves me right for betting and odds on shot in a "money buying" stab in the dark, however this was not the case.

I often find horses much better than this grade make this seasonal debuts in this. Notnowcato, Manduro and Phoenix Tower for example (all three have been large bets for me).

Twice Over was miles clear on form in this, he obviously loves the track and the distance looked ideal. Henry Cecil has started this flat season well and is always keen to make his mark at this meeting.

My one concern last night was the ground, I was concerned it might be a little too quick for him. The very next moment I heard a thunder storm outside, drenching the ground with a nice drop of rain (remember, I'm only 5miles from the track). I assumed they got the rain, too. Agaian this morning we had some heavy showers. Surely the ground would be no faster than good?

I went to work, expecting a big pay day after snapping up evens and 5/6 about a horse I thought should have been around 4/7.

However, none of the previous rain hit the track and the ground was arguably quicker than the descripted good to firm. The horse hated it and didn't pick up as expected.

I felt sick.