Super Sierra

Watch Marion extricate himself in the straight the first time... this was one key to the race, the other being that she was able to go for last 800 meters and not just 200. Obviously getting stronger and is very well at moment.


Of the three of us Mr William Green seems happiest for some reason!

Sierra at Cabourg

Sierra

as been running well without much luck. In the video she runs on well for second at Mont St Michel on 16 May (race 4)off 25m. She then had a frustrating run aat Reims where Marion eventually got her clear from behind the leader/winner but was disqualified for going through too narrow a gap (hmmm..). Then at Caen yesterday he was forced to go 3 wide on the first turn and, ending up in the 3 wide death at the 500, wisely decided there was no point in pursuing a doomed cause. There is always another race... Meanwhile Snowball is ready to race when the grass tracks dry out.

All Black and Annalisa

My Mood West babies look very nice ! All Black (Festina) at top two and Annalisa (Polina) bottom two

I'm finally getting around to processing the images (photographic and mental) from a wonderful month down under. Here are the Love Yous being worked by Murray (D'Arcy) and daughter Lisa (Lucie) in behind ?? ( a year older) driven by son Scott. Lucie (centre ) trots very much like her dad according to Laura and won't require any weight. D'Arcy (bottom) was neat and effective. All vibes are good with both for the moment and everyone is pleased with the way they are progressing. This was their last work before going back to Wendy of Gerolstein for a final six weeks in the paddock before back to Motukarara and the real thing.

the ecurie 070310

Ulena (Festina) survived the cut, whereas United (Moonlight) didn't. Kurt has lost track and he's not the only one, so here is the current state of pay... play. Interests in 14 in France in a few weeks time if the coming foals are ok. C'est ridicule!
Stallion: Orlando
Broodmares: Festina and Polina
4yos: Sierra (Festina) and Snowball (Moonlight)
3yos: Twilight (Moonlight) and Titus [Tina went off be a rider]
2yos: Ulena (Festina), Underland and Uranie (see below)
1yos: Venus (Festina) and Veronique (Polina)
0yos: A (Festina) and A (Polina)
In NZ
Dutchess (Monarch), Lucie and D'Arcy (Love You).

the Orlando colts on view

And now there are seven 2yos (Ulric from Lune not having survived the winter cut, along with Moonlight's United). I liked Underland (above, from Milady) not least because I have an interest in him. And Ulster (below, from Olda by Coktail Jet) who I should have an interest in given his name is where my parents come from! Udon from Ivana and Uriel from Kalima were also on show and it was thrilling to see the progeny of one's stallion in action rather than that of one's mares. The fillies will be back in action in the next week or two including Uranie from Her majesty (who I have a share of) and Umaelle from Omaelle and Une Fleur from Mademoiselle Fleur.


Opposite the 2yo boxes was a field full of another bunch of Orlandos, plus the petite and very gentle Veronique from Polina and Venus from Festina (by Gros Grain in both cases). Babes by Mood West will be arriving shortly and I have ordered a boy and a girl because we are back to A in the naming system. And both will go to Querido next time to help give him his chance as Orlando has had his.

And just to show that trotting people have other interests here are Jack and Fabienne Planqueel (owner of Querido, Raurelia and a rather interesting Orlando Vici 2yo) with Pascal (toasting) and Marion and Teresa drinking champagne. Naturellement, but where? In the club after the Evreux-Boulazac basketball match which 'our team' won by 16 (I had them by 10 watching the warmups and studying the form).

Love You colt fetches $NZ140,000 (72000 euros)

Top price of the day including mainly pacers. Out of a Chiola Hanover mare. The filly out of a Pine Chip mare fetched 107,500 the day before.

prix d'amerique 2010

great site to explore

Dutchess moves on

John McD reports:

... Just to let you know that Dutchess went back to work yesterday at Vicki"s. ... she certainly looks a picture and I cannot see any benefit in giving her 6 months off as Murray suggested.

The horse that won her qualifying trial by Muscles Yankee is highly regarded and has already won a race. You never know, you may just see her on the track in April, keep your fingers crossed.