Blue threat

So You Think silenced his doubters as he won the Prince of Wales stakes, a race he should have won last year as well. That horse is all class and on his best day can beat anybody between 10 and 12 furlongs. In his post-race comments, it was extraordinary to hear Aidan O'Brien admit his failings in training the horse properly, something I have been screaming on rooftops countless times since last year. The conditioner has blown it big time in getting the best out of the Australasian monster but I found him very classy to step up and apologize. Not many would have done so.

Planteur lost the race before the start as he sweated profusely in the paddock. I think he does not take to Ascot and its crowd, as he also failed to fire last year. He's still a top-class horse and is can compete when he goes back to race in France, though.

Thursday sees Fame and Glory trying to retain his Gold Cup crown. He probably will, but I think the value in the race is Opinion Poll. This is as honest a horse as there is. He has a fantastic record with Frankie Dettori but he latter has preferred stable mate Colour Vision. Last year, the Italian also preferred Holberg but it was Opinion Poll that was the main threat in finishing second to Fame and Glory. The Halling colt was partnered by Barzalona, again his rider tomorrow, with whom he has 2 second place finishes out of 3 outings. I think he will again be in the whereabouts at the finish and give him a good Place chance.


Place: Opinion Poll

Montjeu the Majestic Stallion

Barcelona drew with Milan. The no-score match gave the Milanese hope for the return match; if they can achieve another draw other than nil-nil, they will be through. I don't think it will happen. Barcelona are poised to make the difference at home next week.

Really sad news today to hear of the death of Montjeu, one of the world's greatest stallions at the age of 16. A real tragedy for the sport and the breed, as there was no better sire of world-class performers at Classic distances. His stock have dominated the important 12-furlong races of the past years, having provided Derby winners such as Motivator, Authorized and Pour Moi. Names such as Hurricane Run, Scorpion, Fame and Glory, Camelot, St Nicholas Abbey to name a few are testament to his contribution to the breed. His name always stood out for me when analyzing Group middle-distance races. A great loss, not just for Coolmore.

Cartier coronation

It's jubilation galore as Ireland, Portugal and Czechoslovakia justified the confidence placed in them in these playoffs. While the Irish and Czechs had virtually booked their tickets to the finals in the first leg, the Portuguese were left with all to do to overcome the Bosnians and they did not disappoint after another brilliant display from Christiano Ronaldo.

At this moment, it's obviously too early to have any kind of inkling as to how all the qualified teams will fare at Euro 2012. Injuries, team form, suspensions, fatigue etc are bound to be major factors and it will be speculative to have a punt on any one of them now.

In racing, the Cartier awards were held yesterday and I pretty much am agreeable with the outcome in all the categories. Invincible Frankel winning the top honours is stating the obvious. Cirrus des Aigles beating So You Think for the older male category is fine too since he beat the Ballydoyle horse in the Champion Stakes. Danedream's stupendous win in the Arc was voted best filly over Blue Bunting. The manner of her victory was certainly decisive there. Dabirsim was unbeaten in 5 races as a juvenile and won the category deservedly. It will be interesting how he fares next year. Being by young Japanese stallion Hat Trick, there is not much history or guidance as to the route of his development. Fame and Glory was best stayer but you feel he can't be categorized in the same class as Yeats, yet!

The American version of the Cartier, the Eclipse awards, is on the other hand, spurring lots of debate mainly as regards crowning Horse of the Year. Basically there is no clear front runner as a few of the top contenders flopped at the recent Breeders Cup. The debate is sure to rage on until January when the winners will be announced.