Like the sweetest of 'Land Ho's!' to a listing over-laden lifeboat, next Saturday's Bletchingly Stakes signifies that first creeping finger of hope amidst the inky winter black; the soothing rays of a pure spring sun full of the promise of drier tracks, quality horseflesh and sweet punting salvation. It has been a tough winter for me personally, and though still very much trapped within its frozen grip, tucking into the Bletchingly's comforting hot soup reminds me annually that there are, indeed
Like the sweetest of 'Land Ho's!' to a listing over-laden lifeboat, next Saturday's Bletchingly Stakes signifies that first creeping finger of hope amidst the inky winter black; the soothing rays of a pure spring sun full of the promise of drier tracks, quality horseflesh and sweet punting salvation. It has been a tough winter for me personally, and though still very much trapped within its frozen grip, tucking into the Bletchingly's comforting hot soup reminds me annually that there are, indeed, better days.
A quick glance at the Bletchingly honour roll reveals an unusual proliferation of what you might term 'warhorses'. The likes of Let Go Thommo, Apache Cat, Le Zagaletta, Super Elegant, Dandy Kid and Sports - hardy souls all who raced for multiple seasons and seemed to bob up for feature race wins spring after spring. This is perhaps fitting - given the event's bleak location on the racing calendar - with only the most robust and enduring gallopers able to brave the elements, warming winter coat or otherwise, and make certain of victory.
An early tip to kick-start a spring bank for this year? Break out those emergency winter chestnuts and load up on Pinwheel, because if he runs, he'll win.