Best Of The Best: November 2016 Horse Racing Recap
Breeders Cup Turf
I love it when a plan comes together, somebody once said, which describes feelings about the result of this race. Highland Reel excelled with a brilliant front running ride by Heffernan and had enough left at the end to win by a couple. He’s had a busy season, been on the go since April. I hope that he is now prepared for the Hong Kong Vase in December, rather than the Japan Cup which I think would be asking a bit too much. US immigrant Flintshire ran well as expected, the result being very similar to last year’s Hong Kong Vase. Found came third, obviously, a race too far, she will now start a much-deserved career as a brood mare. Ulysses was beaten quite a long way into 4th, the experience will have done him good and may well improve into a decent performer next season.
Breeders Cup Mile
A very strongly run renewal. I must admit that I underestimated the chance of Tourist the winner, who had previously shown consistent G1 level form. I was seduced by the chances of the better fancied runners, a common mistake. Anyway, while the winner was ridden brilliantly and produced at just the right time, I do feel that Tepin is again the horse to take away from this race. Tepin will probably continue to race next year and I do hope that she travels. There is talk that she may even go to Hong Kong for the Mile race in December, that would be a race to savor. Ironicus was closing as usual, just didn’t get going early enough to finish 4th, that’s what happens when you recommend a horse EW. No excuses for Limato, ran well, but against such a strong pace he didn’t last home in my opinion. 6f/7f is his trip really. The Hong Sprint in December would be an interesting target. Alice Springs was gone for the season, but should be back winning next year I hope.
Best Of The Best 2016 Selection Record
Notebook
Limato was the only notebook runner in November, who rather disappointed in the BC Mile. Anyway, I have left him in the list for next year as he is top class over 6f/7f and should win good races again. I have added Maurice to the list after his first win at 1m2f in the G1 Tenno Sho, he will only have one more race before retirement, in the Hong Kong Cup, so I’m hoping for a successful swan song.
The following is my current list.
Whats Coming Up In December?
My favorite meeting of the year is the Hong Kong International Races. European horses are at a disadvantage due to the traveling which a few haven’t handled in the past. Also being at the end of the season for European horses, a few of them have gone over the top by now. Conversely it is the height of the Hong Kong season, and their better performers target these races, and have been very successful in recent years.
Betting on Hong Kong racing has opened up recently in the UK since the announcement of a co-mingling agreement with the UK Tote, though Bet365 have always taken bets on all Hong Kong races, and will lay bets at fixed odds and tote prices.
The HKIR races are broadcast live over the web from the excellent HKIR website.
The author can be followed or contacted at https://www.betgeeks.com/members/steven-marsh80gmail-com/profile/
SGN APPROVED
Steve Marsh
Retired, dont want to do any "real work" anymore. Devoting most of my time to Horse Racing, specifically pattern class turf flat racing worldwide. That is European racing in the summer and Hong Kong / Dubai racing in the Winter. Cant be bothered with jump racing any more.