Same track as last week (it's a few kms from the Mont St Michel) but a very different race. Again for Apprentis-Lad Jockeys but Porto was now off 25m with a tape (elastique) start, in which he hasn't always been smartly away. So I didn't fancy the 3 to 1 on offer (compared with 9 last week) but the team were surprisingly optimistic even though the track was slush after heavy and continuing rain (reflected in the times on the day). The 3s looked very short when DMH couldn't get him near the front quickly (even though he went away well this time) and even shorter (to me) when he pulled out from the rear and came 3 wide down the home straight with a round to go. But Porto stayed out there round the turn... stayed out there down the back... stayed out there through the final turn putting the two inside leaders under increasing pressure... and actually came away in the straight to win by about 4 lengths - with brio according to Paris-Turf and without having a hard race, which is in many ways the best news of all. David said afterwards that the going was actually better 3 wide on this heavily cambered track, which was why he went there. So I finally got to see Porto win and break the curse I was starting think I had on my horses. It was a landmark for DMH being his 10th win in the sulky. He can now drive in many more races, including ones for 2yos. Many congratulations, David, especially on getting out of sick bed to triumph.
Next outing for Porto will probably be 6 September at Amiens... autostart, but this time it's an ordinary race so David will be up against mainly Professionels (50 or more wins). The draw will be crucial.
All in all a super visit (exquisite rabbit Teresa!) during which Marion worked SUPERBOWL in the forest and SIERRA on the track. Both continue to promise but patientez is the word with growing 2yos.
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