Following weeks of watching classic trials a thought occurred; "these good horses don't come along too often" and Aidan O'Brien will be realising that as he approaches the Epsom Derby without a suitable candidate.
They spend absolute fortunes in a quest to win such prestige races but the knowledge of John Magnier, the wealth of his team comprising Michael Tabor and Deryck Smith, which makes Ballydoyle so unique, doesn't always pay dividends; they need to be successful every season because a fallow period ranks not only disappointing but costly, to a colossal degree.
In order to be the best, you need to surround yourself with the best and so-called master trainer O'Brien has found this a tried and tested formula for success; imagine one moderate season followed by another!One exceptionally good thoroughbred every year can offset costs, guaranteed stallion revenue supports the good ship Finance but have a look at the inmates of this phenomenally successful complex for 2015 and estimate the balance of the in tray and outgoings!
Methinks the vast majority of Ballydoyle three-year-olds this season have already been consigned to other business and unless Gleneagles flies the flag at Royal Ascot (or Epsom!) a reality check will be necessary; whereas Tabor and Smith are somewhat phlegmatic and accept disappointment with a shrug of that's racing Magnier hates failure and he'll be calling a tune in the inner sanctum of Ballydoyle.
It's right "these good horses don't come along too often," as a veteran trainer said only recently; other major yards pray for summat special among thousands of two-year-olds which are purchased for them but "money can't buy you love" (of joy and success!) and it doesn't help to stave off those empty feelings when juveniles go through the motions in early spring-time but fail to impress!
What now is the look on beleaguered owner's faces; they aren't all super rich and nothing drains finances like love and racehorses!Ownership may be stimulating but it can be extremely costly!Hold on for the latest news, O'Brien has now hinted that Found, close runner-up in the Irish 1000 Guineas, may be supplemented for the Epsom Derby at a cost of �75000!
They are obsessed with the worlds greatest race because of the stallion potential and reward but to supplement a filly in preference to the Epsom Oaks smacks of panic; what you say?Today looks extremely difficult but Mark Johnston pops up the road to good to firm Redcar where he'll saddle Suzi Icon for the winnable Maiden Stakes over twelve furlongs; we also have a couple of jumpers!
Taweyla is expected to supplement recent gains in the Novices' Hurdle over two miles at Huntingdon and Father Edward, entered twice, is nigh on a cert in whichever race is chosen.
SELECTIONS
12.20 SUZI ICON
2.10 FATHER EDWARD
3.20 TAWEYLA