God. The anticipation is killing me. If Notable Speech vs Rosallion was happening in a boxing ring, we'd have pay-per-view numbers through teh roof and celebrities fighting for ringside seats. Instead, we've got these two heavyweight milers squaring off at Newbury in what promises to be an absolute barnstormer of a Lockinge.
I was there at Newmarket last year when Notable Speech powered home in the 2,000 Guineas, and I still remember my mate Steve grabbing my shoulder so hard he nearly dislocated it as the Appleby colt surged past Rosallion. "That's a proper horse," he yelled, spilling half his pint in the process.
The revenge factor
Let's not forget how this rivalry has unfolded. Notable Speech drew first blood in the Guineas, but Rosallion got his sweet revenge at Royal Ascot in the St James's Palace. I backed Notable Speech that day and tore up my betting slip before they'd even hit the furlong marker. He was never traveling.
What makes today so fascinating is that both are making their seasonal debuts. No prep runs, no fitness advantages. Just raw talent.
Notable Speech reminds me of one of those brilliant but slightly temperamental footballers. When he's on song, he's virtually unbeatable - that Sussex Stakes win at Goodwood was spectacular. But then he throws in the occasional stinker, like that fifth in the Prix du Moulin.
I spent £200 on that trip to Paris last September. Waste of money.
Why I'm leaning towards the Godolphin colt
Look, I'm not claiming to have inside information here, but I've always felt Notable Speech has a slightly better turn of foot when everything clicks. Charlie Appleby knows how to ready one for this race too - remember Modern Games in 2023?
But this is absolutely no two-horse race.
Dancing Gemini could crash the party
Roger Teal's Dancing Gemini is the forgotten horse here. Two stunning wins already this season, and he ran a blinder in the French Derby last year. Ryan Moore taking the ride speaks volumes.
The jockey merry-go-round for this race has been absolutely mental. Shoemark jumps off Dancing Gemini to ride Fallen Angel. Ryan, who was on Dancing Gemini last time, switches to Tamfana. And Murphy, who usually rides Tamfana, ends up on Lead Artist... who normally has Shoemark aboard!
Makes my head hurt just thinking about it.
A sneaky 7-1 shot at Newmarket
While everyone's eyes will be on Newbury, I'm having a decent each-way bet on Original Outlaw in the 1:40 at Newmarket. Since being gelded, he's shown a much better attitude in his work (according to my contact at the Beckett yard... though he'd kill me for saying that).
His second at Salisbury to Royal Playwright last season was top drawer form, and off a mark of 85, he should be absolutely lobbing in this.
Kingscote takes the ride again, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has a day to remember across all the ITV races at HQ.
Sunway - the headstrong talent worth a second look
Back at Newbury, the Aston Park Stakes (12:50) sees the return of Courage Mon Ami, but after being off since August 2023, he'll surely need the run.
Sunway interests me each-way. Yes, he holds his head like he's constantly looking for aircraft, and yes, he hasn't actually won since he was a two-year-old. But... his second to Los Angeles in the Irish Derby and fourth to Goliath in the King George show he's got serious ability.
The lack of a front-runner is a concern.
Anyway, I'm off to Newbury with high hopes and a wallet that'll probably be considerably lighter by 3pm. But isn't that half the fun?
Yeeehaaa and good luck!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ensure the safety and well-being of both horses and riders during a race.
In UK horse racing, the safety of horses and riders are of paramount importance. Stringent regulations are in place to ensure that racecourses meet high safety standards, including the condition of the tracks and the quality of the jumps. Horses must be examined before and immediately after races. The jockeys wear protective equipment like body protectors or helmets. Moreover, the sport employs rapid response teams and veterinarians on standby to manage any incidents swiftly and competently.
What is the function of a racecourse steward?
Stewards are responsible for ensuring that all horse racing is conducted in a fair and legal manner, according to the racing rules. Stewards have the responsibility of overseeing the conduct and behavior of jockeys, other racing personnel and trainers. They monitor races for any rule infractions and hold hearings into any incidents. The Stewards are also empowered to impose penalties for any rule violation, including fines or suspensions.
What types of horse racing are there in the UK and what is their history?
There are many different types of horse racing in the UK. They fall primarily under the categories of Flat Racing and National Hunt (or Jump) racing. Flat racing, which doesn't involve obstacles, takes place on level tracks, ranging in length from 5 furlongs all the way up to over 2miles. National Hunt racing focuses on both the horse’s jumping and speed. Races like steeplechases and hurdles feature obstacles. Within these two broad categories, there are also variations such as handicaps, maidens, and conditions races, each with specific entry criteria and rules.
What is meant by the jockeys silks and why?
The jockeys’ silks consist of colorful and patterned clothes worn by the jockeys in a race. Each set of silks is unique and registered with the horse's owners, making it easy for spectators and officials alike to identify horses during a race. Owners can choose to include colors, patterns and emblems that have sentimental or traditional value.
What does the word "Going" mean in horse racing?
The surface of the racecourse on the day of the race is called 'going'. It is an important factor that can influence the performance and outcome of a racing. The Going' is a range of conditions, from heavy (indicating a soft, wet surface) to firm (indicating a dry, hard surface). There are several gradations in between, such as soft, good to soft, good, good to firm, and hard. Trainers and jockeys must consider the 'Going' when deciding on racing strategy and equipment, such as the choice of horseshoes for better grip.
What does it mean when a horse is described as a 'stayer' in racing terms?
A'stayer horse' excels when racing over long distances. Typically, these distances are beyond one mile and four furlongs. Stayers require not only speed, but endurance as well to maintain their pace during long races. Renowned keepers often compete at long-distance races, such as the Ascot Gold Cup.
Statistics
- Around 14,000 thoroughbred foals are born each year in the UK with the goal of becoming top racehorses.
- Approximately 6 million people attend horse racing events in the UK each year, making it the second most popular spectator sport in the country.
- Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
- The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
- In the UK, more than 14,000 people are employed directly in the horse racing industry.
- The prize money for the Epsom Derby stands at approximately £1.5 million, with the winner taking home a substantial portion of this sum.
External Links
How To
How to Bet on Grand National
Aintree Racecourse and online betting sites are the best places to bet on Grand National, Britain's most prestigious steeplechase. Beginners should stick to simpler bets such as 'win,' 'each way', or 'each finish'. The latter covers both a winning and placing finish. Be sure to research the horse, its trainer, and the jockey before you place a bet. Use an online calculator to calculate potential payouts and take advantage of betting promotions. Always remember that betting is supposed to be fun. So, bet responsibly and don't bet more money than you can afford.
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