1825: Right time for me to head north. Hope I go as quick as Homecoming Queen who hit a top speed of 30mph in winning the Guineas. Her fastest furlong was 11.5s from the seven furlong pole to the six furlong marker. Her last three furlongs were 12.32s, 12.6s and 13.8s. Love this sectional timing malarky.
Chester and York to come in the next fortnight...I love this game!
1820: Attendance figures through for the day and we had 13,037 here today - up 4% on last year. It was hard work for racegoers with the rain through the afternoon but at least they saw a spectacular performance in the big one.
1815: Go on then - admit it - you weren't expecting a happy ending but we have one! Ord Morning Line team three from three and Sparkling Portrait a horse that will keep improving. He only seems to do enough.
1735 Result:
1st 3 Sparkling Portrait 4-1
2nd 10 Deia Sunrise (IRE) 5-1
3rd 6 Open Water (FR) 7-1
1750: Sparkling 'Morning Line' Portrait to come. We need this one Tony H.
1745: Betting reaction is swift and Ladbrokes are as low as 7-1 about Kailani for the Investec Oaks. Our sponsors Sky Bet and Paddy Power go 10-1.
1740: Winning trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni said: "I wasn't surprised by that. I thought she'd like the ground. We are aiming towards the Oaks with her and we haven't decided whether she's going to run beforehand.
"Mickael (Barzalona) liked her, he said she's a nice filly. She was a bit funny at the stalls, she seemed to hit something before she went in. But in the race she was relaxed. Frankie (Dettori) said not to judge Lacily on that. We need better ground for her before we know how good she is. I still liked the way she kept going."
1735: Like mother like daughter - on the card where her dam Kazzia first burst onto the scene, Kailani routs her Pretty Polly rivals. She's not in the Oaks - but that's about to change.
1700 Result:
1st 5 Kailani 6-1
2nd 1 Hazel Lavery (IRE) 4-1
3rd 6 Lacily (USA) 5-1
1725: Significant late support for Arsaadi here. I was obsessed with William Haggas yesterday.
1722: Three minutes to post time. I thought Red Hand might run well here - but then I've been obsessed with John Gosden all day.
1710: Not surprise that Royal Ascot is firmly on the agenda for New Pearl. David Brown said: "He really wants six furlongs and fast ground. The plan would probably be another run and the Coventry."
1708: Jamie Spencer deemed guilty of careless riding aboard Parisian Pyramid earlier and he has been banned for three days (20-22 May).
1704: It's officially dank here now. I said dank. The going has been changed to soft.
1659: News now that the next race will be run at 1725 and the finale at 1755. The country music is now but a distant dream.
1652: A most impressive performance from the buzz horse and what a job David Brown is doing with the Pearl Bloodstock horses he's being sent.
1625 Result:
1st 8 New Pearl (IRE) 7-2
2nd 3 Emirates Echo 15-2
3rd 4 Gold Hunter (IRE) 9-2
1644: Nice bunch of two-year-olds here and Gold Hunter looks wonderful. He did cost 220,000 guineas though!
1640: Aidan O'Brien holds some hand in the three-year-old division and he's 7-2 with Ladbrokes to win all five English Classics this term. Camelot has been cut to 5-2 (from 3s) to complete the Triple Crown.
1635: Just seen a replay of the Guineas again and the Godolphin fillies finish in the last two positions. Discourse is hampered early on. Lightening Pearl shaped very much as a non-stayer on the ground.
1627: More on the sad news concering Gray Pearl who had to be put down after sustaining serious injuries when becoming restless in the stalls ahead of the QIPCO 1000 Guineas.
Racecourse veterinary surgeon Simon Waterhouse and Chris Hammond, the BHA veterinary officer, attended the filly.
Hammond said: "Gray Pearl went down in the stalls and incurred an injury in the process. On examination by the racecourse vet, it became evident that she had lost the use of her hind legs and was suffering from an apparent spinal chord injury.
"To minimise the distress to the filly, a decision was made to have per put down on welfare grounds."
Amy Starkey, managing director of Newmarket Racecourses, said: "We are extremely sadded by what happened to Gray Pearl. Our sympathies are with all the connections of the filly."
1625: And where did Alben Star finish? That's right...fifth. Hope you each-way backers were on with Sky Bet.
1550 Result:
1st 2 Maarek 12-1
2nd 18 Shropshire (IRE) 25-1
3rd 1 Colonel Mak 33-1
4th 15 Parisian Pyramid (IRE) 9-1
1618: Interesting specials from William Hill - Aidan O'Brien 4-5 to win the Investec Oaks and 2-1 to win both Classics at Epsom.
1615: Raining now. After a return from Starscope here's to Alben Star!
1608: O'Brien now has a stranglehold on the Investec Oaks market. Our sponsors Sky Bet have introduced Homecoming Queen at 5-1. Betfred are 8s from 33s and they have Kissed as their 7-2 favourite. Coral also have Kissed at 3s with Maybe out to 6-1 from 7-2. The Fugue ran a nice Oaks trial as expected and is 12s from 20s at Sky Bet.
1606: Of Camelot the master of Ballydoyle adds: "We were very happy with him but he probably didn't like the ground. Watching the tape he struggled in the ground a bit so we were delighted with him."
1604: Aidan O'Brien says of his 1000 Guineas heroine: "She has a big heart. We were very happy with her. She's been working really well and was in a good place. Ryan (Moore) said if nothing else was going to make it he'd be happy to go on and he let her go.
"She has a big engine and a great pedigree. She's fiercely determined and when you have all those things together anything can happen. Ryan said she'd stay further, she could go to the Curragh, Ascot, we'll have a meeting next week to decide her target."
1602: A truly remarkable performance from Homecoming Queen who is nothing to look at but clearly has some engine. She's run them ragged from the front to win by nine lengths. Starscope rewards the each-way support in second.
1555: I'm afraid to bring some bad news and Gray Pearl sadly suffered fatal injuries in the incident at the stalls. Thoughts with her connections and those closest to the filly.
1515 Result:
1st 5 Homecoming Queen (IRE) 25-1
2nd 16 Starscope 33-1
3rd 12 Maybe (IRE) 13-8 F
1536: Latest information is they hope to have the race started in ten minutes.
1533: Plenty of criticism over the lack of information for the crowd here at Newmarket. We've now been told Gray Pearl has been loaded into the horse ambulance and the loading process is about to start again.
1525: A significant delay and a worrying one as Gray Pearl has become restless in the stalls and is on the floor underneath them. The other horses have been taken out.
1513: Very interested to see how The Fugue runs here with one eye on the Investec Oaks. I expect she'll be coming home strongly.
1510: Maybe? Well she certainly took the eye, considerably more so than Camelot before yesterday's race. Not surprised to see she's such a solid market leader.
1508: Diala and Discourse look straight, the latter is starting to appeal at 14-1.
1504: Awful lot to like about Mashoora in the paddock - and Lyric Of Light oozes quality too. I favour Discourse of the Godolphin pair but only just now.
1502: The jockeys aren't convinced there's much difference in the racing surface from yesterday. Darryll Holland says its on "the dead side", Mickael Barzalona "soft", Frankie Dettori "the slow side" and Tom Queally "maybe a bit better than yesterday, less holding."
1455: John Gosden felt the conditions of the race were against Izzi Top, saying: "She wins a Group Three in November and gets a penalty but you can win a Group One in July and August and not have one. It's strange. She's done it well though and we're thrilled with her. We'll have a look at the Middleton at York next.
"There's a much better programme for these fillies now. We'd have been standing here 15 years ago and there was nowhere for these horses to go. They've made a big effort in putting this programme together and as result you get these better fillies staying in training which is great."
1445: A somewhat unsatisfactory race in which they go no gallop then sprint from the dip but despite being fresh through the early stages Izzi Top is well in control by the line. Timepiece never threatens to land a blow. She'll improve significantly for this.
1435 Result:
1st 1 Izzi Top 3-1
2nd 2 Captivator 6-1
1433: Timepiece proving easy to back here and no doubt she looked as though the run would tighten her up. Money for Izzi Top and Captivator.
1418: Forgot to say upbeat bulletin on Camelot from Aidan O'Brien and confirmation that all roads lead to the Investec Derby.
He said: "He was back home in his box at Ballydoyle by 9.30 in the evening. He had a walk out this morning, had a pick of grass and he seems absolutely fine.
"He has a very good mind for a Montjeu and has coped with it all very well. The Derby is the obvious target and if all goes well he goes to Epsom. He won't have another run before."
1416: At least the run of Caucus was a filip for the Gosden team later on...and yes I am clutching at straws.
1414: At 1224 I wrote.."I'll go for the race-fit Charles Camoin who is 12-1. The non-runner lessens each-way appeal though. No surprise to see Ithoughtitwasover run a big one either." This is indeed a cruel, cruel game.
1405 Result:
1st 9 Ithoughtitwasover (IRE) 10-1
2nd 15 Local Hero (GER) 5-1 F
3rd 2 Caucus 11-1
1400: Final going update and we remain good to soft with an overall goingstick reading of 7.4. On the straight course it's 7.3 stands side and centre, 7.4 far side.
Clerk of the course Michael Prosser said: "I think the track has improved from yesterday and the horses should get more assistance from it. It was dead yesterday and hard work at times."
1352: I know he was a Pricewise selection but Local Hero subject of a sustained gamble here. Steve Gollings is one of the good guys so would be nice to see him run well...second to Charles Camoin would suffice.
1350: Good crowd here - and a family orientated one. Hope they all leave before the last though. The VW Golf will be pointed north about 1830 and I need a clear run to pick up the last hour of Ridings FM's country music special. Some very dark minds at work in that genre.
1340: Still dry here and a bit of a breeze developing. Interesting to see what the times are like in the first couple of races.
1335: Uncle Ernie and I are in need of a Clarehaven revival today. He says: "Looking forward to a great day of sport, but concerned that you will get by on such a meagre breakfast! John Gosden horses seemed out of sorts yesterday, but hoping for a better show by the stable today."
I'm probably completely wrong but I do think Starscope is going to run much better than her odds suggest in the Guineas UE.
1320: The general feeling here is that the stands' rail may not be the place to be this afternoon and the bulk of the runners are going to stay down the centre of the track. We'll know more in about an hour's time. Anyway methinks the time is right for a spot of shepherd's pie.
1310: Few market moves from our sponsors Sky Bet.
2.05 Newmarket - Caucus 9/1 from 10/1
3.15 Newmarket - Moonstone Magic 15/2 from 8/1
3.50 Newmarket - The Confessor 8/1 from 12/1
1250: Interesting little heat for the QIPCO Dahlia Stakes. Timepiece ought to win but not at the price for me. Thought Primevere might run well for Roger Charlton but will sit this one out.
1235: New Pearl was the early buzz horse ahead of the Makfi Future Stars Maiden Stakes but there's been each-way money today for Emirates Echo and Shearian. EE is a son of Pivotal and should at least handle the ground.
1225: The opener doesn't look a race for those of us with blood pressure issues. Wouldn't be surprised if either Godolphin horse won but I'll go for the race-fit Charles Camoin who is 12-1. The non-runner lessens each-way appeal though. No surprise to see Ithoughtitwasover run a big one either.
1215: It's nearly Derby Walk time for John Sandys who says: "So, another dawn brings with it another Classic morning! Thought Camelot ran a very good race yesterday, made up plenty of ground quite quickly and then appeared to quicken again when French Fifteen stayed on!
"The one that caught my eye was Fencing. Went with Camelot for a few strides but couldn't sustain the run. Think 25's plus could be a nice ew bet in The Derby. For today fancy the French to go close again, as well as the Hannon 2yo's
"3 weeks to the day till TheDerbywalk2012, manic from now on!"
Good luck with it JS - wonderful effort for a fantastic cause.
1200: Another Richard Fahey horse I like - and more importantly so does he - is Sparkling Portrait who runs in the closing Al Rayan Handicap at 1735. He won despite the ground at Beverley and I just sense the Musley Bank team feel there's plenty of fun to be had with him this summer.
Incidentally do you remember my sparkling appearance on The Morning Line? Well I still have it on Sky Plus if you want to come round and watch it. I was asked for two horses to follow this season and put up War Poet and Sparkling Portrait. Both have won their only starts since (WP at 20-1). And to think I'm a figure of fun in some quarters.
1145: Tom Segal and I have an awful lot in common. Well we don't but we both fancy Alben Star today. He of course runs in the Qatar Racing Handicap at 1550. Sky Bet are paying five places and I've also fallen forWaffle who is an infrequent winner. He's back on an attractive mark though and shaped well enough on his reappearance at Doncaster. 14-1 is probably fair enough.
1130: My main fancy for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas had been Discourse but I'm concerned over the ground and the fact she's had far from a straightforward preparation.
I can't back Maybe at the price so I've rolled the dice and gone with small each-way tickles on Diala and Starscope.
The former is partly down to the fact I'm obsessed with William Haggas but her form reads well and the gallop reports are very encouraging. I was also very taken with the way Starscope came home in the Nell Gwyn. She looked the best filly in the race for me that day and while William Buck prefers The Fugue, I'm perfectly happy to have Jimmy Fortune aboard my 33-1 poke.
1120: Simon Adams is another of the good guys and he says: "Wonderful showing from Camelot yesterday. Hated the ground but cracking attitude and showed he'll win on anything. Miles and miles of heart! God bless the replay on sportinglife....kazakh tv wasn't showing it live.
"I could pick 10 in the 1000 guinneas today. But I cant help but remember Discourse at the course last year and the way she toyed with them that day had her in the book as a guineas horse for me cant see her minding the ground to be honest. I just cant take Maybe the same way that I took Camelot yesterday. Power was so disappointing with a line through La Collina it puts me off.
"I am a big fan of irish heartbeat and regardless of how many times he lets me down I always seem to want to back him again so at 20/1 ill be on eachway. Alben Star has a solid review from Fahey in his column and after what mayson did yesterday you have to listen to him at the moment.
"Looking forward to seeing what Khawlah does. An ante post slip somewhere was lost on her this time last year and its good to see her back. Big talent and the top one wont like the trip and timepiece always runs better 2nd time out and seems to enjoy being an unlucky loser.
" Sandusky, khawlah, DISCOURSE, Alben Star/Irish Heartbeat, New Pearl, Lacily, Good of luck - the ones to go to war with today! All the best to the middleham park lads and lasses today. Hope Lilys Angel has a great time. Lovely bunch!"
Cheers SA. I've backed Alben Star this morning and I'm about to reveal my 1000 Guineas plays...drum roll please.
1110: Top of the morning to Darren Fleming who I presume is back in the Merrie City. He says: "Had a Good day yesterday despite no winners whatsoever! Did catch a glimpse of you but you were bounding (yes bounding) up the stairs near the parade ring despite your niggling calf injury
"Confidence has gone a bit as everything I invested my hard earned cash in was tucked away at the back of the pack and never even got into the race yesterday but like riding a bike its time to climb back on and have a go at the following Maybe looks the obvious choice in the big one but like lyric of light too
"Also thought Parisian Pyramid ran well from bad draw at Ponte a couple of weeks ago and is a possible on a really competitive days racing. Enjoy day two."
And you DF. I am an example to others with how I overcome my physical setbacks. Calf worse this morning but no-one would know.
1100: A very good morning to John Carus who writes: "I trust you had a pleasant evening with plenty of decent beer to set you up for the second big day. I am hoping that the O,Brien bandwagon continues as I have Camelot and Maybe in a nice double. Think she has a good chance of winning as her form is very strong. I am on Izzi Top in the preceding race as the ground will suit. Have a nice day."
And you JC. I'm taking the fav on in the 1000 - but then again I took the fav on in the 2000 too.
1045: I forgot to mention...please email your thoughts on today's action, George And Mildred or Hi De Hi to daveord55@gmail.com.
1040: I do cherish my overnight stays in Bury St Edmunds but my one complaint about the quaint little town is the opening hours of their newsagents. Two are closed on Sunday and the one that is open is out on the outskirts of the metropolis.
I set off walking down there in search of a Racing Post but having been greeted by the sight of a rotund gentleman, topless, drinking cider from what seemed to be a milk bottle, I returned for the car.
1025: Dramatic scenes at breakfast in my small boutique Bury St Edmunds hotel. I was second down for the most important meal of the day (two rashers of bacon, one fried egg, one Cumberland sausage, half-a-slice of fried bread, fried tomato) and being the sort of man I am cheerily greeted my two fellow diners with a hearty "good morning".
Imagine my surprise when they reciprocated the greeting, turned round and I was faced with the sight of comedy actor Brian Murphy and his wife Linda Regan.
You must recognise the names, BM of course was George in George And Mildred, Alvin in Last Of The Summer Wine and appeared in the last series of Benidorm. Linda is best known from playing April, one of the yellowcoats in Hi De Hi.
I was going to take a trip down memory lane with both but Brian's kipper arrived and they turned back round. Probably for the best. I once mentioned having seen the repeats of Hi De Hi on UK Gold to Jeffrey Holland and he went off on one about how little they receive for each showing.
Of course Paul Shane lives in my home village so I now have something else to talk to him about as we sink a pint of John Smith's Cask in the Boot And Shoe. This showbiz world of ours really is a small one.
1020: Good morning and welcome to Newmarket where after a dry night the going remains good to soft. Most jockeys yesterday felt it was riding dead, particularly from the dip to the finish line.
Talking of jockeys, first person I saw at HQ this morning was Hayley Turner walking what looked to be a very obedient boxer dog. I see obedient, but I was comparing him to my own Yorkshire Terrier Jasper over whom I have at the very best, marginal control. Turner's hound was off leash and walking to heel.
