So for the first time in several months, there is no stable premium for the riders because Belle didn’t quite come through on Friday. Despite the recent dry spell (at least results-wise if not rain-wise), I am very optimistic for the season ahead. Belle ran well and stayed the distance, but we now know she has no turn of foot in the stretch. Thulliez said he would ride her differently next time, keeping her farther back in the pack but starting to push for home earlier. He liked Belle quite a lot and said he would be happy to ride her next time out. We agreed she looks a useful sort once we find the buttons. She’s really had very little racing for a four-year-old, with Friday being only the 10th race of her life. I’m not sure where she will go next, but I doubt she will act on very heavy ground, so that will be the determining factor. I will probably keep her between 2,100 and 2,400 meters, in any case.
We have a quiet spell ahead in terms of racing. Next up will be Versaki , who will try for the Tierce in Maisons-Laffitte on April 8th, and then I hope Hard Way will be ready for his seasonal debut at Longchamp on April 11. Stay tuned…