Turfani eliminated, Skid gets ready

Turfani was eliminated from her handicap Wednesday, which is a shame because she’s really ready for a run. She was 16th on the list, which would have just given her the last spot in the 2,400-meter race on the fibersand in Deauville, but there were 27 start declared and two had priority because they had been eliminated in previous races. So we wait. The next best chance for her is Aug. 19 in Deauville, this time on the turf, so it has to rain.

Skid, meanwhile, is entered for the bit Tierce handicap on Monday at Clairefontaine, Deauville’s second track. He seems very ready to run, and this would be a good time for him to step up and do well. Nadege will ride, which is a bit of a risk because it’s her first try at the big handicap, but I know she is very motivated to do well and will keep her head together. I am getting quite a bit of pressure to change to one of the big-race jockeys, but I think she deserves her shot, and I’m going to give it to her. Doing well here would help her career a lot, she knows the horse well and she wants to win. Skid will go without the earplugs this time and is stepping up to 1,400 meters in distance, but I think he can stay that and I think the turn might help him.

Pixie has a race the following Friday, also at Clairefonetaine, in an 1,800-meter handicap. She has been lowered to a sensible 29 rating, so she should be in more suitable company now.