Goldikova only third in prep

[Bob B]

Her second loss of the year. She raced keenly from her wide draw and never pulled away. Varenar came late to win for HH Aga Khan and Royer-Dupre at 20-1, Sweet Hearth got second at 40-1 and Goldi was third at 4-9. More comments to come from Freddie Head on BC plans and hopefully a Youtube video.

Ghanaati was also beaten in the G1 Sun Chariot at Newmarket this morning going down to 16-1 French filly Sahpresa. Second Frenchy to steal a Group 1 at Newmarket this weekend.

[Bob B]

Head, who won the Foret fivetimes as a jockey, said of Goldikova's defeat: "I don't really know what happened. They went a good gallop but I saw, coming into the straight, she wasn't herself.

"For the moment, the Breeders' Cup is the plan but it's not definite."

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-ra ... 38454/top/


The plot thickens...

[Bob B]

And as promised the Youtube video. She is on the far outside in the blue silks with white sleeves in caps. Peslier must have thought she was in the Abbaye at 5 furlongs tomorrow. Not a ride to put on his video cv in my opinion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuJLT8GKQ8o

[Sluggo4171]

Not sure it cost her but not the best of rides. Agree Bob B

[Njdevilsteve]

She may have been used a bit early but I can't blame the jock. She was better stalking at OSA last year, however.

[Risen Star]

I wouldn't fault the rider at all. Goldikova had that outside gate to overcome and she had to fly out of there, then hitting the first turn, she took the lead, but I don't think the jock hadn't as yet, laid a hand on her. He didn't start urging her on until those two other horses came charging alongside of her close to the finish. The pace looked pretty hot as well, and Goldi was pressured all the way. By the time she got to the rail, she may have run out of gas.

I think her gate position may have been the biggest ultimate factor, though I won't take anything away from the first two, who ran their race and beat Goldi. It also looked to me like as soon as the other two horses looked her in the eye, it was at that moment that she fell back, but that's just a guess on my part. Goldi is just not used to losing.

I watched the replay twice. I thought Goldi ran a good race, just didn't have enough on this particular day to get it done. I trust they'll look her over and make sure everything is OK physically and mentally.

On a sidenote, I love the French replays, even though I don't understand the language. These replay videos seem very high energy, I love the post race analysis and the different isolated shots of the race, and French is such a beautiful language anyway, that it's very enjoyable.

[Bob B]

Goldi is still coming to the BC. Came out of her losing race well. Personal note to Peslier, get her some cover and don't go to the front in the Mile.

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news ... ikova.html