The weather has been having a big impact on fields this week with reams of non-runners due to the change in the going. This has re-opened the debate on 48 hour declarations but I am of the belief that it is a seasonal problem.
Many trainers are desperate to get a run into their horses before the end of the turf season but are not prepared to risk two-year-olds on very soft ground. The late defections are simply the price we have to pay for having the information to hand 48 hours in advance. I certainly wouldn’t want to go back to the 24 hour declaration system which greatly reduces the time for studying the form. Bookmakers would probably revert to pricing the races up on the morning of the race and I’m sure this would not be helpful as far as the online betting revenue is concerned.
For Wednesday’s selection I’m heading to Kempton and the all-weather. Godolphin’s Murasil really caught my eye when running a fine race on his debut to finish second to the useful Diamond Mine. The chestnut is a gelding by Elusive Quality and started at 8-1 that day under Mickael Barzalona. He was slowly away that day but travelled comfortably throughout and cut through the field turning into the straight.
He looked sure to win until Kieren Fallon galvanised Diamond Mine and snatched the spoils by a head on the line. Murasil lost nothing in defeat and will be even better with that experience under his belt. Godolphin also run Aalim who was behind that day and the disappointing Saddaqa who has surely had enough chances with four seconds.
A bigger danger is likely to be James Fanshawe’s Okavango (not to be confused with Ocovango who ran in the Derby and Arc this year). This Nayef filly was second to Fersah at Leicester in May but has not been seen since. If she is fit after 142 days off the track, she could give Murasil something to think about.
Sharareh showed something at Windsor earlier in the season and could reach the frame but it will be disappointing if Murasil cannot take this on the way to better things.
Murasil (Kempton 8.40)
