One-time Epsom Derby hopeful Water To Wine runs for the second time at Kempton on Wednesday. His race follows an Epsom gallops morning in which two of Britain’s leading Derby and Oaks hopes stretched their legs across the downs.
Here is today’s racing news rounded up for Wednesday.
Water To Wine headlines Wednesday racing
Water To Wine is the headline name among Wednesday’s racecards. John & Thady Gosden’s three-year-old was a hugely impressive winner on debut at Newbury earlier this season. He was touted as a potential Derby horse afterwards, but connections have opted to bide their time instead. His second race is on Wednesday evening at Kempton, where he will try to defy a 7lb winners’ penalty. He is strongly odds-on, with second favourite Humphrey an unraced stablemate in the contest. (Racing Post)
Derby hopefuls gallop at Epsom
The Epsom Derby takes place a week on Saturday. Two of Britain’s leading chances for that race, and the Oaks the day before, galloped on the track on Tuesday. Ancient Egypt was one of those. He cantered clear of a stablemate for Charlie Johnston and will carry Amo Racing’s colours in the Derby. Meanwhile, Legacy Link also galloped along the Downs. She is trained by the Gosdens and is second favourite for the Oaks behind Ballydoyle’s Amelia Earhart. (Thoroughbred Daily News)
Haydock fixture moved to Carlisle
Haydock’s two-day fixture at the end of this week has been abandoned. The meeting was cancelled due to the sinkhole which appeared to cause Friendly Soul to stumble on Saturday. As the fixture was due to be broadcast live on ITV, the races have been saved. Carlisle has stepped in, with the entire card taking place. ITV’s cameras will be in place at the Cumbrian venue instead. (Sporting Life)
More Thunder on course for Queen Anne Stakes
Lockinge Stakes runner-up More Thunder is on course for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. William Haggas’ charge was an impressive winner over 7f in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes last term. His step up to 1m went well at Newbury recently when only downed by Notable Speech in the Lockinge. Connections are set to keep him at 1m at the royal meeting, with a rematch against Notable Speech looking likely. Haggas has suggested his horse is “bouncing” ahead of his next run. (At The Races)
Ex-jockey Tony Ives dies aged 74
Former jockey Tony Ives passed away at the age of 74. Ives died in Thailand as reported on Tuesday. His career included more than 1,500 winners across a 25-year span. One of those came in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, his only Classic success aboard Forest Flower in 1987. He never won one of the British Classics, but did also secure his richest victory in the Arlington Million. He guided Teleprompter to victory in the 1985 renewal of that American race. (Racing Post)