Turfani and Versaki run at Longchamp tomorrow; Versaki in a 1,400-meter claimer and Turfani in the second half of the Tierce handicap. We’re not sure what to expect from Versaki any more, but he is dropping way down in class here and it is an easy lot. He certainly has the ability, but he’ll decide whether he wants to use it. We have Greg Benoist back up, which should be a plus – Greg has done the best job with him so far, and we haven’t been able to get him recently because of his other commitments. Turfani is in super form, and should run well. Mathias Sautjeau is back up after doing a good job with her at St. Cloud. But her race is quite tough and she’ll have to work hard. I had a back-up entry for her at Compiegne on Monday, which would have, in hindsight, been a much easier race for the same amount of money. But I have had much better luck at Longchamp than at Compiegne, so I didn’t pay much attention to that entry once I was sure we’d get in to Longchamp. That was a mistake, I’m afraid, because she would have had a good chance to win in Compiegne. I will study the entries better next time and hope she forgives me for having to run her heart out tomorrow.
After that, it’s off to the sales at Newmarket next week. This sale is one of two there every year I never miss, because there are bargains to be had. I don’t have anything particular to buy this time around, but I can’t stay away. If anybody wants to send me their list, I’ll be there.