We’ve had three places from four runners over the past three days, so things are going along pretty well here. Sotka debuted a great 2nd in Maisons-Laffitte on Saturday and looks set for bigger things. It was not the toughest race in the world, but she was having her first run and will certainly improve. Comment Dit debuted 3rd in a small race in Wissembourg on Sunday, while Panisette was 6th in the same race. I actually found Panisette the more promising of the two. She is a big filly and will really be better next year, but she is so cool and collected that she should do well. Comment Dit is a very fizzy filly, and will probably win as a two-year-old, but I’m not sure how well her head will hold together.
Strictly Rhythm ran a great race today at St. Cloud – once again, coming up against big hopes from the big stables and no pace. But this time we went out front, where she relaxed and held on really well for fourth, beaten just a length. The Aga Khan nosed us out of third-place honors, but we did finish in front of the favorite from Khalid Abdullah, so I take personal pride in that. Strictly has handled herself admirably against very tough company, and she just keeps getting tougher herself. Maybe she knew her owners couldn’t be here today, so she decided to spring the big one when they are here.
Tomorrow we’re off to Angers with Hold That Emperor and Talawa. Emperor debuted down in Toulouse and fell asleep in the gate. That won’t happen again, and I think he should run well tomorrow despite tough company. He has been showing serious speed at home. Talawa is debuting, so we’re hoping she can nose into a check. Then it’s on to Lyon on Wednesday with the debut of Layman’s Terms. Fabien is riding and Lyon is a long way away, so I think I’ll sit this one out in front of the tele!