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Captain's Blog - Friday 13th July 2012

Day one of the July meeting done and dusted and make no mistake the ground is soft at Newmarket. The times were slow and there were some disappointing performances from some horses who would have preferred better ground.

After more rain it could be even more testing today and a punting wealth warning should be issued to all those wanting to get involved at the meeting.

I felt the full force of the bad weather at Epsom last night, and I must apologise for looking like a trawlerman when in front of the cameraman, but the waterproofs that I had on were very much required. It felt like a cold wet November night not the middle of summer. Despite the weather a number of die-hard Will Young supporters spent the whole night in the elements waiting for their hero, I hope the wait was worth it

Our selection yesterday finished a well-beaten third. Today I am keen on the chances of Varnish in the 2.50 at Newbury. Switched to a handicap for the first time last time out this filly ran well when second at Newbury last time up in a fast time race. She has some scope for more improvement as well and is sure to run a big race for the Hannon team this afternoon.

I am in the studio this evening to help out with all the action from Chester, which has survived the weather and then on Saturday I am scheduled to be at Salisbury. That track is subject to a 9.00am inspection tomorrow morning and Jeremy Martin, their Director of Racing, has said that they could be in danger of losing the meeting if there is any more rain. I will know my fate just after breakfast tomorrow.

Today we get to see a really good filly in the Falmouth Stakes. She is called Golden Lilac and I really believe she is the real deal. She will be a restrictive price and thus I will not be backing her, but I will be very disappointed if she is beaten. She is already a Group One winner and has a tremendous turn of foot. She is returning to a mile today, which should be ideal for her as she has a lot of speed. Let’s hope the race is truly run and is not a Mickey Mouse, stop-start affair.

Plenty of action to enjoy on today folks.

All the best.

Today's Selection

2.50 Newbury - Varnish