Gm, Equinauts

THE BROCKLESBY is always the sign of the return of the flat season, and we honestly do love it—but sometimes it feels like nothing more than a teaser, only to be taken quickly away with the distinct lack of turf meetings in the following week.

Pontefract is the next meeting, but that’s over a week after the Brocklesby.

We’d absolutely LOVE for there to be at least one turf flat meeting introduced in the week following the Brocklesby. Just to keep us busy.

Alas, we wait for Pontefract next Tuesday and then it’s all systems go as Nottingham fast follows the next day, along with Catterick! We just hope it rains now so we can bang in some slop lovers. We don’t ask for much do we.

As the two-year-old season gets into full flow, we will be looking to make it pay—there are certain yards (wink-wink) with very good stock this year which we need to make the most of.

We find betting on the flat a lot easier. The information is more reliable when making decisions (sometimes we can have the whole field wrapped up), the ground has a greater influence on outcomes (which is our thing), and—perhaps most obviously—there are no obstacles in the way!

Most reading this simply enjoy horse racing as a recreational pastime and keep their betting fun. That’s perfect and, in all honesty, probably the best way to approach it.

But for those wanting to take their punting more seriously, now is the time to stick to the punting ethos we’ve been preaching for years: bet less and PROTECT the bank at all costs, so that when a strong single comes along, you can back it with conviction—all while maintaining a disciplined staking plan.

Let’s dive in.

HEADLINE ROUNDUP

🏹BOUGHEY’S ARROWS

Like the Burke feature earlier this week, George Boughey has two pages in the Racing Post giving his thoughts on his big guns, progressive handicappers and a several young ones who might be worth following. Also, like Burke he is keeping a bit back for himself too.

The star horse is obviously BOW ECHO who we followed last year backing him on every occasion (and yes, that double did land):

BOW ECHO will go straight to the GUINEAS, then possibly the Irish version and then the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot if every thing goes to plan.

Boughey’s DARK HORSE to follow is PROTECTION ACT - another one we won on first time out. It’s almost as if we knew!

He’s a big old tank and we think will make an ever better 3yo this season. He is very good.

Of the older horses to watch out for, BROOKLYN missed all of last season but is described as a more ‘finished article’ this year and can hopefully get back on track. The £175k son of NIGHT OF THUNDER will start in another novice before climbing the handicaps.

SURVIE is a relatively new recruit from France who raced for Boughey Saturday, over a trip too short. Boughey says he bought her to win a GROUP 1 and she’ll reappear primed for the Gr2. Dahlia Stakes back at her optimum trip.

Boughey thinks TRYST could be well in and Saturday when we bet her. She was reportedly working very well at home but Boughey describes Saturdays race as ‘messy’. One to keep on side it seems…redemption awaits.

They’re looking forward getting DELLA PACE out this season who has wintered well and will be stepped up in trip - that will suit her pedigree nicely!

Boughey put up EVENFALL and HAVANA LIGHTNING as early 2yo’s to watch out for but we should have a better guide on his 2yo’s than what is printed in todays article!

🤪CALAMITOUS

Trainers have had good reason to be a bit peeved this week. First Cheltenham canned all their remaining fixtures owed to a fast forwarding of the drainage work they’re set to carry out. It really begs the question - what have they found!? Did they roll the danger dice by carrying on with the Cheltenham Festival!? Stinks.

Now, Chelmsford have temporarily shut shop!

Racing at CHELMSFORD has been abandoned today with the future of subsequent fixtures now in serious doubt. The BHA refused to grant a racecourse licence to Golden Mile Racing Limited, the new company set up to operate the Essex track.

Every one knows the racecourse has faced ongoing financial difficulties (and not for the first time). Its previous licence holder, Great Leighs Estates Limited, was placed into administration earlier this year. GMRL was intended to take over operations but, after a preliminary decision not to approve the licence, the company made written and oral representations to the BHA board on March 31. Despite this, the BHA confirmed it “did not consider it appropriate” to grant the licence.

As a result, no fixtures will be staged at Chelmsford until the outcome of any appeal process. This includes the high-profile Good Friday meeting on April 9, which has now been cancelled. The reasons behind the BHA’s decision have not been publicly disclosed.

Chelmsford has previously required special dispensation to host events, highlighting its more than precarious financial position and now the latest development raises serious questions about the long-term future of racing at the venue.

More on this as it comes.

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