Across the pond

[Mylute]

Perfect Power (Ardad) won the G2 Norfolk.

[BaroqueAgain1]

Subjectivist snuck away on the front in the Gold Cup, all while the whole field seemed to gang up on Stradivarius. He was blocked on the rail by two layers of horses who were intent on keeping him from finding open space in time. Frustrating trip for Dettori and Strad.

[barbaro111]

Subjectivist snuck away on the front in the Gold Cup, all while the whole field seemed to gang up on Stradivarius. He was blocked on the rail by two layers of horses who were intent on keeping him from finding open space in time. Frustrating trip for Dettori and Strad.

I could see he just was unable to get out of horsey prison!!! But I do have a question, couldn't Dettori have gotten him more outside?
I so love this horse

[Kurenai]

Regarding gate crews: usually the blindfold gets removed right after the horse moves into the gate, the jockey doesn't wait til the gates open, so it's not a problem at all. I don't think any gate crew at the head of the horse could have prevented what happened to Harry Angel either. There was someone right behind his stall. I think it happened in the very last second before the gates opened.

While it might be easier and much safer for the jockey (and horse!) if there is a handler inside the gate in case a horse rears, everything has a downside too. It is possible to have someone in the gate with you, if the horse is known to be quite unruly. I've seen quite some starts in the US where the gate crew was asleep and didn't let go of the horse early enough, horses not being able to start straight cause they had their head yanked.

@Baroque Again: it's not about safety issues for the crew What makes you think that? I did put horses in starting gates and the most dangerous part was when you duck (basically crawl for 2 steps) out right next to their legs to get out of it. I would have gladly taken a seat up on top, a much safer spot.

[stark]

Would like to hear from somebody like GStevens who has ridden in both environments, with and without a partner inside the starting gate. Which did he prefer? If anybody hears an interview like that, please share here, thanks.

[Kurenai]

Personally I think someone with the horse in the gate is a big plus. But I don't like that they are holding the horses heads before the start. Grab the reins if a horse rears, otherwise leave it alone.

While I can't possibly know what GS think about it, this is also what I heard from two Euro jockeys who had rides in the US. They liked the outriders and the crew as a backup. Didn't like the ponies at all and preferred to really warm up their horse on their own. Also helps a big bunch to get a real feel for the horse (if you don't know it already).

[WaquoitNBroadBrush]

Perfect Power (Ardad) won the G2 Norfolk.

Both of Wesley Ward's runners burned up in the early pace. Any more entries due from him in this meeting?

Also, nothing seen here about Laura Pearson's victory in the final race Wednesday. Still noteworthy when a female jock gets a win at Royal Ascot, so congrats to her. She's been steadily gaining momentum this flat season.

[Starine]

Perfect Power (Ardad) won the G2 Norfolk.

Both of Wesley Ward's runners burned up in the early pace. Any more entries due from him in this meeting?

Ward-trained Campanelle favored in Commonwealth Cup
https://www.drf.com/news/ward-trained-c ... wealth-cup

[BaroqueAgain1]

Today's commentators were speculating that Campanelle's chances may be affected by the softening ground.
The rains that were predicted arrived toward the end of today's card, so the course may not favor the firm-ground-loving filly.

[WheresMyWhite]

I don't think any gate crew at the head of the horse could have prevented what happened to Harry Angel either. There was someone right behind his stall. I think it happened in the very last second before the gates opened.

The guy with the flag in the middle of the course should have seen the blindfold and not waved the flag. At least in my opinion. The red seemed to be fairly visible through the gate grid before the doors opened.

[Kurenai]

The guy with the flag in the middle of the course should have seen the blindfold and not waved the flag. At least in my opinion. The red seemed to be fairly visible through the gate grid before the doors opened.

I agree, I could see that mistake happen with a black hood on a dark horse, but in that case I don't get it either.

[HB1994]

Today’s racing at Royal Ascot may be cancelled due to all of the rain. The course is being inspected now.

https://www.racingtv.com/news/ascot-to- ... al-meeting

ETA: racing goes ahead.

[Mylute]

Sandrine (Bobby's Kitten) won the Albany.

Alenquer (Adlerflug) won the King Edward VII. Foaled in France but German-bred through and through.

[BaroqueAgain1]

Just heard something cool...the dark bay horse ponying Wesley Ward's Campanelle is none other than Strike the Tiger, Ward's first Ascot winner.
Alenquer was impressive in the "Ascot Derby," and it is too bad that his sire, Adlerflug, has passed away.

[Mylute]

nail biter in the commonwealth

[Starine]

I would take Dragon Symbol down. He took her halfway across the track.

[luvsgeldings]

yeah Strike the Tiger has been ponying Ward's horses all week - really nice to see - - yikes... looks to me there should be a DQ in the race now - that gray really herded the ward horse - in my opinion.

[BaroqueAgain1]

That was a tremendous duel between Dragon Symbol and Campanelle but, after watching the replay from the front, it's seems clear that the winner impeded the filly, pushing her all the way over to the far rail. Not the way Ward wants to win if she's put up, I'm sure, but IMO his filly was cost the race.

[luvsgeldings]

i agree - the ward filly should get the win - she was very tough - very brave - great race.

[luvsgeldings]

and yeah.... the colt took the filly several paths across the track.