Equinties - Hukum to Japan

Gm Equinauts

Oh dear…

Be fun to see how this discussion turns out. More to come!

Now, let’s dive in.

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HEADLINE ROUND UP

THANK YOU, HUKUM

Owen Burrows’ brilliant HUKUM has been retired from racing and will stand as a stallion in Japan with Darley.

The six-year-old full brother to BAAEED returned to the track this year after an unfortunate post-race injury after his 2022 Group 1 Coronation Cup victory at Epsom.

Following a win over DESERT CROWN at Sandown and a gritty success in the Group 1 King George VI Stakes, HUKUM put in a disappointing effort in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on his last start and connections have understandably called time on his career for a new life at stud.

"I always knew there was a big one in him and then he won the Coronation Cup,” said Jim Crowley. “For him to then come back from injury to win the Brigadier Gerard and the King George is testament to how tough and genuine he was. The King George was probably one of the best for a decade and he won that day on guts."

Happy retirement, HUKUM!

NEWMARKET TO AMERICA

This year’s 1000 Guineas winner, MAWJ, will be aimed for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile for her next start.

The three-year-old by EXCEED AND EXCEL was off the track for 160 days before making a winning comeback at Keeneland in the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Challenge Cup last weekend.

Although a go at the Grade 1 Fillies & Mares Stakes at the Breeders’ Cup could be an easier task, trainer Saeed Bin Suroor is unsure about her stamina, as he said: “She will head to Santa Anita now for the Breeders' Cup Mile.

“If she stayed against the fillies, it would be a mile and a quarter and a mile is the best trip for her, she's proved that.

“Because she's a tough filly she stayed nine furlongs at [Keeneland] but the Mile is for her, she's a top-class filly. She's not very big so the two turns over a mile will suit her.”

BILLY THE KID

Billy Loughnane, a name not even on the jockeys list the last time the champion apprentice title was awarded, will pick up his deserved award on Champions day, Saturday.

With 59 winners in the bag, Billy raced away with the title early and smashed through a 100 career wins milestone with ease on EVASIVE POWER.

In an interview with the Racing Post, probably the nicest kid in racing stated one of his favourite wins was riding his first winner for Godolphin on SAPPHIRE SEAS.

Billy’s next target is the all-weather title and of course, 100 winners next season.

GO, BILLY.

YOUNG BLOOD

14.05 NOTTINGHAM

VALVANO has been squeezed into odds on in this small field race. By NIGHT OF THUNDER and from a dam line that has produced the likes of EL DRAMA, he should be versatile on ground.

CONTACTO is by STUDY OF MAN. Pedigree suggests top of the ground needed which he won‘t get today.

TOKYO BAY for Burkey has a fast ground pedigree too being by LOPE DE VEGA and out of a dam who’s family enjoyed fast ground.

MOUNT DUKONO is interesting on pedigree despite the drift (5’s out to 8’s). Price suggests he might need the run but this lad is full brother to dual Gr1 winner AVENIR CERTAIN. He’ll love the ground.

GODSEND has a slop loving pedigree being by NATHANIAL. His last two runs and price indicates the Plot King SMP is saving him for next year.

BELIEVITDUCAN probably has the best pedigree for the ground today but might lack ability vs his more expensive rivals. He’s 100/1.

Verdict: VALVANO has been punted as if losing is out of the question but our eyes will be focused on MOUNT DUKONO for Charlie Johnston. If he’s ready and firing, he could lead and stay on to not be caught.

STATS OF THE DAY

A 2nd and 3rd for this section yesterday, there is only one standout stat today in:

17.45 KILLALOAN goes for Nicholls who is 2 from 3 in this race.

RISK ON

18.00 KALAMUNDA

Bolted up lto and well clear on ratings. Should prove tough to beat today.

16.15 GOOD POINT

Surprised he’d not favourite here in these conditions. The fact he isn’t is a slight concern but the price makes him a play at 11/4.

Should be fave in this ground. The fact he isn’t isa slight concern but his price makes him a bet at 11/4.

Small stake sloppy place acca for Nottingham:

15.10 BETWEEN ME AND U, 15.45 GOLDEN MOVE and 16.15 GOOD POINT all to place pays 9/1.

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