Blurred Lines – Breeders’ Cup Weekend

Good morning to the Clan,

We’ve been treated to some fantastic racing over the past few weeks, and let’s hope that momentum continues into this weekend! 😀

We now move from Australia to the United States for the Breeders’ Cup, where Aidan O’Brien holds a few strong aces up his sleeve.

Breeders’ Cup Highlights

Friday

Minne Hauk for O’Brien and Christophe Soumillon takes on Rebel’s Romance – Race time 23:41

Saturday Morning

Precise for O’Brien – Race time 01:05

Ted Noffey – Race time 01:45

Gstaad for O’Brien and Christophe – Race time 02:25

Saturday Night

The big one! Sadly, Sovereignty — the pre-race star — has been scratched, which is a real pity for the connections 😢

Expect Forever Young and Sierra Leone to battle it out for glory.

Race time 00:25

At 01:05, Notable Speech looks the one to beat, but all South African eyes will be on One Stripe for the Hollywood team, drawn in Gate 1 and a massive 33/1 shot.

Looking Ahead – Melbourne Cup

Don’t forget Tuesday morning’s Melbourne Cup, the race that stops a nation!
Al Riffa could be worth a small each-way punt.

Local Racing

Some excellent horses have been on show as we build up to the Betway Summer Cup.

PE Friday

As usual, I’ll be keeping an eye on Zietsman’s runners, and giving Strange Magic another chance.

When in trouble, remember: If in doubt, Richard Fourie will get you out! 😉

Ones to follow: Kingdundee, Sports Fan, and My Best Shot.

There’s also a night meeting at Hollywood Greyville, and a great card at Turffontein on Saturday — with the Charity Mile always a special event.

African Pride looks a very good sort, and we’ll be cheering on Major Arcana and Elegantrix for their connections.

Football

Arsenal remain in a strong position in the Premier League 💪 — much to Georgie the Greek’s delight!
And I was over the moon to see Heart of Midlothian beat Glasgow Celtic, live on our local TV!

Politics

Corruption continues to dominate the headlines — it’s time for the ANC to step aside and allow South Africa to rebuild its potential.

On a Personal Note

You may have spotted a few typos recently — courtesy of my bad eye 👁 😉
Turns out cortisone isn’t great if you’re diabetic… after a shocking blood sugar reading of 17 on my new machine, I’m definitely seeing Blurred Lines!

A catchy song indeed — hard to believe it’s over ten years old now...

Good punting, everyone! 👍

Autumn Glow in Ozzie 10 million dollar golden eagle race this week end. unbeaten 7 from 7 . Zac Lloyd rides the main danger Line backer. Chad Schofield rides Modella 150/1 shot. Moreira rides Lord Penman also a ruffie. 7:45am Saturday

Just to add a bit of drama to the Breeder's Cup , Frankie Dettori has announced he will be retiring from race riding in America after the meeting!

Odds on to boot home a winner or two and give us his famous flying dismount 😊

• Aidan O'Brien becomes the Breeders' Cup's winningmost trainer in the Juvenile Turf with Gstaad
• Donnacha O'Brien gets first winner at the meeting with Balantina in Juvenile Fillies Turf
• Cy Fair strikes for America in the Juvenile Turf Sprint
• Ted Noffey wins the Juvenile, Super Corredora takes the Juvenile Fillies

Big race comes up shortly 😎 

Forever Young for Japan 👏

Notable Speech 
Stunning 😍 
One Stripe led for a long way but fell away 😢

Terrible ride. Just the pacemaker Drawn one came off the rail to allow notable speech a clear run. What a waste of time and money.

Willie Mullins - Grand National - Breeders Cup and now for the Melbourne Cup.....Absurde...?? All in a single year, that would surely be one of the greatest training feats of all time??

Incredible from Willie Mullins 👏 🙌 

It would be Absurd if he was to win the Cup but that could go to another Obrien 😉