logo

Yet Celtic Swing is still only a Derby winner and after yesterday's far from

Posted by admin   ·     ·   Jump to comments

Yet Celtic Swing is still only a Derby winner and after yesterday's far from effortless half-length defeat of Poliglote that is surely all he will remain. He is in super form."Simon Dow, trainer of Young Ern, said: "It is a slight deviation from our original plan which was to go straight to Royal Ascot for the Queen Anne Stakes, but I would say it is 60-40 he will run He will handle Epsom, most horses trained here do.". Such was the volume of rain pouring into Julian Wilson's microphone as he interviewed Peter Savill after the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) here yesterday that both must have been in considerable danger of electrocution But Savill at least would have been cheeky to complain. I suppose Young Ern is the danger but I think Sonic Boy will run very well. He gets on well with the horse - he has won twice on him and done nothing wrong. "He is stepping up in class but we don't have much option. But Quinn was back on board when Sonic Boy made all for a six-length victory in a handicap at Haydock a week later and Fulke Johnson Houghton, the colt's trainer, said yesterday: "Jimmy will ride him.

Going for Illingworth instead is another "common sense" style decision He was definitely the chairman's choice.. Jimmy Quinn's successful partnership with Sonic Boy has ensured that he, rather than Pat Eddery, will be aboard the colt when he contests the Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Friday. The Newmarket-based lightweight was replaced by Eddery when the colt finished third to the Derby hope Tamure in the Glasgow Stakes at York last month. The selection of Richard Illingworth will surprise even more Tufnell and Yorkshire's Stemp were the popular choices. It suggests to me that Ray Illingworth is not happy with the form of any of the candidates for the wicketkeeping slot and has plumped for Stewart as the all-rounder in the side (bat and gloves) and looked for a replacement to partner Atherton. It is remarkable they have made it to the Benson and Hedges semi-final next week.oooI was surprised to see Robin Smith in the Test team. At Northamptonshire, we have 28 paid professionals, which is probably too many, but Somerset, who won the Second XI Championship last year, released eight players at the end of the season and are now struggling with injuries.

The message seems to be: "You wanted more money? OK, we'll have fewer players."To cut the playing staff to this extent and expect trialists - most of whom will be trying to hold down jobs outside cricket - to fill in the gaps is a serious mistake. But the amount of cricket they play does allow for two solid days' coaching. That's important.The talk of a shake-up to the seconds is based on the fear that counties are going to reduce squad size, I believe, to around 16 paid professionals when the new minimum salaries agreed with the Test and County Cricket Board come into effect later this year. I disagree - but then coaching up-and-coming players at the moment I would say that, wouldn't I. Allan Lamb, the captain of Northamptonshire, believes the system is outdated.

readers comments

Comments are closed.

NBA

NBA

MLB

MLB

NFL

NFL

NHL

NHL

WWE

WWE

Your sideblock text goes here