Leopardstown postponed until Monday. Wetherby abandoned. Still action this morning at Sandown, Musselburgh and Newcastle. A side dish of Chantilly for the diehards.
Harry Cobden with a masterclass – another masterclass – aboard Norn Iron in the novice chase at Sandown. Light hands, precise eye, natural patience and nerves of steel. What else is there? Cobden was recently appointed number one rider for J.P. McManus for next season. Deservedly. Although it’s a tough development for Mark Walsh. A steady standup who has done nothing wrong since earning first call for the world’s biggest jump owner. A sport. And a business.
Cobden went to Sandown with a strong book of rides but lost two of them when Leopardstown couldn’t race because of waterlogged ground. Sean Bowen back on Bollin Thou. A winner. Paul Townend back on Kitzbuhel. A favorite.
“You can’t miss what you haven’t had,” Cobden said.
Add positive attitude to Cobden’s bag of tricks.
Here at home, cancellations shot holes through the menu as well. Aqueduct and Laurel Park for two.
Gulfstream offers the best card. Alpyland tries to make it four in a row in the Kitten’s Joy at 2:15. Irad Ortiz Jr. jumps off Class President and onto Solitude Dude in the Swale at 3:45. Brad Cox goes double fisted with Sneaky Good and On Time Girl in the Forward Gal at 4:45. Sister Troienne tries to make it five in a row for Virginia neighbors Woodslane Racing in the Sweetest Chant at 5:15. Incredibolt, Cannoneer and Nearly clash in the Holy Bull at 5:45.
Good card and a good way to stay warm.
If you’re keeping score, it’s 8 degrees and the snow isn’t going anywhere at 35538.
