There is no hiding from the fact that the Somerville Lodge record since July has to go down as the worse in recent memory. Most of the horses are not running to peak levels.
It is highlighted by the comparison of the older handicappers that have a record of 1-16 from the 01 July this year compared to a record of 4 from 15 in 2025.
At this point of the season in 2025 there had been 70 3yo winners, compared to 50 this year.
On Sunday the trip over to Hopergarten in Germany provided a small reward with Finalise getting some black type for finishing 3rd in the listed staying contest. Seren Star unfortunately was well beat despite being sent off as the market leader.
The story of the afternoon was the desperately unlucky Division in the Group 1 Prix de Maurice Gheest. He broke well and was tracking the winner Samamgan but didn’t get a clear run at a vital time and failed by a neck to catch the Mikael Barcelona ridden winner.
He is a horse whose career has been defined by misfortune – he nevertheless fully deserves to claim a Group 1 prize before the season ends.
At Leicester Al Maslool settled better but couldn’t cope with the fast ground and was well beaten in 4th. Our only bet of the weekend Venetian Sky drifted like a barge from 2/1 to 4/1 – that is usually curtains. She was given very little chance, held up 2L last in a very slowly ran race – she eventually got going to finish 2nd beaten 3/4L.
The final runner of the weekend Art Lover, was withdrawn due to the fast ground, it was a shame they didn’t withdraw Venetian Sky, as well. It ended a very dismal weekend for Somerville Lodge. Obviously the narrow defeat of Division was both the highlight and the agony at the same time.
The defeat of all 12 runners leaves the yard still struggling to find anywhere near its usual form. With another heat wave on the way and continued restrictions on the use of turf gallops at Newmarket, unfortunately betting opportunities will be minimal. The usual anticipation of the upcoming York Ebor meeting is this year replaced by a feeling of intrepidation.
Mondays runners
Two horses head north to Ayr, normally a happy hunting ground for Haggas followers.
Next of Kin will be to the front of the market in the 6f maiden fillies stakes that opens the card at 1.45. In a normal season she would be a potential betting opportunity. However, most of the 2yo’s that have ran in the last 10 days have regressed from their first outings and the juveniles cannot be supported until that very unusual trend for Haggas horses changes.
No Bet Recommended
Lorca’s Waltz is stepped up in trip and gets a chance to run on decent ground in the 3yo handicap at 3.15. He was dropped a 1lb for a disappointing run at Sandown, although the form has worked out exceptionally well his mark of 78 still looks high. The gelding will appreciate the drop in grade but the extra 2f is not certain to be ideal and I will watch without investing.
No Bet Recommended.
One horse that has provided a crumb of comfort recently was Another Abbot who given the stable form was the subject of a remarkable gamble from 14/1 into 4/1 when winning at Windsor at the end of July.
Both the win and the gamble was a surprise as the 4yo had been out of form on its last two outings. The win was achieved with a minimum of fuss and at no stage did the club victory come into question.
That was a career best performance and the 4lb weight rise doesn’t look overly harsh. The draw seems to have less impact at Windsor in recent years and with pace across the 16 runner field, Marquand will allow Another Abbot from stall 12 to race prominently and hopefully repeat the win of Elmonjed in this race in 2024.
Another Abbot is proven on fast ground and although there are plenty of dangers, with 16 runners and 5 places available the gelding is worth an each way interest. This race offers a rare opportunity for a bet on what will be a quiet week. Small stakes only.
Recommended Bet 0.5pt ew Another Abbot 7.15 Windsor
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