3 minute read

The Henry II and the Brigadier Gerard are two famous outings for stayers. Both G3.

With Royal Ascot not too far away these races are good preps for some of the big events at that meeting, and they have just announced an increase in public to be admitted each day.

The Henry II is over the Melbourne Cup trip of 3200m and has a field of five runners which has to be disappointing.  As it stands the favourite is Ocean Wind at 10/11 for Roger Teal with Jack Mitchell in the irons.  We think something on the outsider of the field Rainbow Dreamer at 16/1 with Alan King having booked Hollie Doyle for the ride could be a go.

The Brigadier Gerard is in memory of the late and very wonderful Joe Mercer and it too has only 5 runners. Sir Michael Stoute virtually owns this trophy as he's won it 11 times already and this edition sees him saddle Sangarius and Ryan Moore has the ride.  They should do it and so far are in the black – just – on 11/10.

Very good interview this week with Mick Channon who expressed the view that the biggest problem in UK racing is prizemoney.  He is not alone in this view and already some smaller trainers have quit or are quitting.  Channon says he relies on a couple of his bigger owners to help pay the bills but many other owners are only there because they love racing.

Another interview with Sir Mark Prescott bemoaned the lack of stable variety in the Derby which is getting to be more and more a race for horses from the bigger yards.