Weekend Afterthoughts 7/8June 08

The weekend did not quite go as planned, but am not too dissatisfied.

Thor's Echo's return to the track was low key, but he finished a tidy 4th behind Benny The Bull, only losing by less than a couple of lengths. He can only improve after this run and I am looking forward to his next run.

Frozen Fire only finished 11th in the Derby, but he was not disgraced and there should be a group race in him somewhere. He holds entries for the G2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on 20 June and the Irish Derby on 29 June at the Curragh, plus the Coral Eclipse on 5 July. Whichever his connections decide to go for, he should still in with a good chance. One report said that Frozen Fire did not like the hill at Epsom at all! It was nice to be able to see him in person.

This is a photo I took of him:

Expectations For Frozen Fire's Derby

Well, today is one of the most exciting days since I started picking crops in 2001. It is the first time that one of my lot is taken its place in the ye olde Epsom Derby.

Frozen Fire will go the post in the historic race over the Epsom Downs. And in my opinion he goes in with a great chance. He was only just beaten by a head in the Dante by Tartan Bearer and the Dante has had a habit of delivering Derby winners in the last few years. He should be able to beat Tartan Bearer. Frozen Fire is relatively inexperienced, but he has improved from last year and should be able to stay the Derby distance.

What a twist it was earlier this week when Jim Bolger announced New Approach would go to the Derby after all. It certainly made the race more interesting.

Still, for me it is still Frozen Fire. I honestly believe he has the stamina and the guts to win this.

And you know what the best thing is? I will be there to see it! I am hoping to be at Epsom this afternoon. It looks to be a nice day, so I am looking forward to it. So nervous already for the Derby!