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Captain's Blog - Tuesday 2nd October

I hope you enjoyed our Prix de L'arc de Triomphe preview yesterday. If you missed the one hour program you will be able to catch it here on the website. Unfortunately since we put the whole thing together it seems that Danedream will not be taking her place in the line-up on Sunday.

An infectious equine disease has been discovered in the training centre where she is based and local vets have put a hold on any horse traveling in and out. Indeed it seems as if the racecourse there will be shut down for a good while. This is such a shame for connections of Danedream, who was bidding to become the first horse since Alleged to win back-to-back Arcs and she had a big chance. It is also a disappointment for the race itself, which this year looks very much up to scratch.

I still fancy the Japanese runner (Orfevre), despite the negativity that is coming from connections. I think for the word negativity we should substitute caution and should not be put off backing the horse.

If you watch all of his races in Japan you will come to the conclusion that he is a rare talent and although he has his quirks, in Christophe Soumillon he has the perfect partner. With many firms he is still available at 4/1, which still makes plenty of appeal.

Caterina was my selection yesterday at Bath and she ran poorly, failing to handle the soft conditions. Today I am keen on the chances of Hong Kong Island in the 2.20 at Sedgefield. This horse is a hurdling recruit off the flat and is now with Donald McCain. He looks to be the type to make a fair hurdler and is certainly with a trainer who will get the best out of him. He starts his hurdling career in a modest event and looks certain to run well. I rate him as a four star win bet.

That is it for today folks.

Today's Selection

2.20 Sedgefield - 4* Hong Kong Island

* If I have a strong view about a selection I will always make that apparent and I scale the confidence I have in my selections. One is minimum faith and 10 is maximum bet stuff.