Re:Scotia on Freedom Day

Good morning all on Freedom Day.

I must say with all the great racing this week, I felt it needed highlighted on a separate thread and circulation post via WhatsApp.

Let me just mention the political side of Freedom day, I did have many comments but have decided to bite my tongue.
I will just say that the great Nelson Mandela must be turning in his grave with the damage and corruption that his comrades have done to his people and country.
Some good news re Guptas ban from the UK but when will SA take action?

We still have our “Thoughts and Fears” thread and “Covid” remains frightening considering the situation in India and our thoughts and prayers with all experiencing tragic times 🙏

Let’s move on to this weeks racing and something positive.

Punchestown three day festival.

Not sure if you are aware but the incredible Rachael Blackmore is only 4 wins behind Paul Townend to win the Irish jockey championship.
It is unlikely she can achieve this as Paul has the better mounts over the 3 days but will certainly add another dimension to the festival.

On day one : Freedom day.
Paul has Chacum Pour Soi 15/10 vs Allaho 2/1 for Rachael.
The best race of the day where Monkfish (Paul) 11/10 vs Envoi Allen 14/10 for Rachael.

Day two Wednesday
Gold Cup where we have to stick with CLAN DES Obeaux at 9/2.
Paul has Al Boum Photo.

Day three updates to follow when jockey arrangements made.




We also have a very open 2000 gns from Newmarket on Saturday and the 1000 gns on Sunday where Santa Barbara looks a decent 2/1 fav.

Now on the local front, I am sure we can’t wait “ 4Racing” to get through the red tape and give us some transparency on where local racing is heading?
I am not sure where these additional stake money is coming from, and if the rumours of a further increase is on the cards for August?
We are obviously a long way away from attracting new owners/syndication unless we can attract tote players?
Your guess is as good as mine on how to change the punters perception and image of the Tote.

WSB has again stepped up to the challenge with extra sponsorship.

As far as local racing this weekend, we are in for a feast.
Champions Day on Saturday, could you have written a better script than Malmoos, GTGL and Summer Pudding clash.
It’s also a very exciting card and the exotics should be worth catching.
Then we move to Sunday with Rainbow Bridge, Captains Ransom and Kommetdieing to ensure a magic weekend for racing.

We have an abundance of tipsters to help us catch these elusive exotics, but remember it’s your ultimate selection that counts.

We have a superb July thread running full of excellent views, well worth a visit.
Plenty early speculation, this could be one of the best July’s ever.

www.africanbettingclan.com/index.php/kun...st-entries-this-week


Have not done a video link for a while as I really don’t know what’s going on?

Good Punting

Dave, I had to do a double take on your "early speculation..".

For a second there I thought the days ahead got you too excited :oops: :lol:

Just to get you in the mood for tonight's clash

From Racing Post

www.racingpost.com/news/previews/envoi-a...t=Story1&utm_term=C1

Taking a favorite quad:

Magic choice
Masakeen
Chachun Pour Soi
Monkfish

Have just been advised that I am in Group B for the 'Jab".
Should be in May but they did not say which year!

Runners Today:
PCH R2 Echoes in Rain
R6 Monkfish
NOT R3 Puy Mary.

Great song choice there Dave

Echoes In Rain wins well.

One for Paul .......the gap is 5

Off the subject,but maybe of interest.
Last year during the strict Lock Down the racing from Oz and Hong Kong and I got very interested in the South China Morning Post website which has a very good Racing Section It is a sort of Chinese Racing Post...in English.
There are news articles etc etc and one was interest as it referred to David Ferraris.
He buys decent horses in SA for his owners who cannot for whatever reason buy in the in the Top Dollar bracket.
His recent experience has forced him to put a hold because Horse/s had to quarantine in Mauritius,then were sent to Dubai,then forwarded to Rome but then sent on to London before forwarding to Hong Kong.I may have missed out one of the flights .
This extra moving around is all due to Covid and by the time they arrive they need even longer to recuperate.This whole thing took many months and with the uncertainty and frustration let alone extra cost he has put a hold on buying SA until some kind of normality returns.

What an anti climax and result for the bookies 😪

They are all trained to peak at Cheltenham.