14th September 2016

Hi ,

What an amazing weekend it was with Harbour Law winning The St Leger our final classic of the year for Laura Mongan. The Epsom based trainer was overjoyed as her stayer galloped on resolutely in the final furlong to land the spoils.

It was a pity that favourite Idaho fell but it’s highly possible the winner would have outstayed him anyway. I think Laura could well have an Ascot Gold Cup candidate on her hands for next season.

To me it is wonderful to see the smaller yards without the finance behind them putting one over the big boys very much in the same way as Leicester winning last seasons Premier League and proving sometimes it’s not just money that buys success.

You must admit it’s a David and Goliath type story and don’t you just love it when the little guy or woman in this case comes out on top. It’s the first Epsom trained classic winner since 1969 and it was nicely summed up by Laura’s husband Ian who rode for Sir Henry Cecil when he said that Henry once told him you are only as good a trainer as the horses in your yard.

The other cracking race was the Champion Stakes at Leopardstown which was won impressively by Almanzour coming from last to first. However Harzand finished lame and in my opinion Minding although finishing 3rd ran way below her best. So the form may not be quite so good as some people think.

There is plenty of racing on offer today and for Howies Hottie I’m going back over the Irish sea to Listowel for the 3.35. Regular readers will not be surprised I’m tipping Romantic again who won for this column last time out.

The gelding goes on any ground and although going up in the ratings he does seem to be on an upward curve at present.

HOT HANDICAPPERS

FLAT

Windshear trainer R.Hannon - Seems to be running with more enthusiasm and could be on a competitive mark.

Monumental Man trainer M.Attwater - Another good Epsom trainer worth following and I’m sure he will find a suitable entry for this front runner.

Alberta trainer Jim Best - Won at Epsom last week and there could be more improvement to come.

First Mohican trainer A.King - Getting on in years but retains lots of ability. Many won’t remember but this was the only horse that could keep up with Frankel when with Sir Henry Cecil.

Minding Trainer A.O’Brien - 3RD in the Irish Champion stakes the filly ran below expectations and on her best form I still believe nothing would live with her.

JUMPS

Sgt Reckless trainer S.Hodson - The big gelding has changed hands and I’m sure the new connections can win nice races with him this jump season.

Back next Wednesday be lucky.

Howard Davis-Shaw.

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