| DATE |
PROFILE/COMMENTS |
| 10 Apr
| The Channon runner last year was a seller class runner
from an owner bred source and his representative here with Strictly
Royal has the same profile. By the first season sire Imperial Dancer,
whom the trainer handled and stands at his Norman Court Stud, out of a
mare who showed no worthwhile form. The trainer's debut runners haven't
gone well to date for the most part and he can probably be ruled out for
the day.
|
| 13 Apr
| The fourth runner was one of a batch of homes breds Mick
Channon has produced so far. Strictly
Royal is entered for the Conditions race at Newmarket next week
which ought to mean they think he might be a solid winner. The picture
shows a good sized 2yo with solid muscle. However, he appeared to be too
lengthy through the body and this raised an issue about whether his movement
behind was correct. On size and strength he ought to be a 70+ rater but
the movement issue was one of a number that raise doubts. On the day he
wasn't fit enough to compete strongly and he was mentally immature and
entirely different in outlook to the 'manly' Northern Tour. Added to that
he was visored for debut which suggests they are trying to get him to concentrate
and co-operate.
In the race he ran badly with a slow start and then driven along soon after
the end of the first furlong. This might have been mental awkwardness or
perhaps movement issues with him unable to raise that pace given the fitness
and st-up issues. 5 lengths back at halfway behind just an average pace
he soon dropped furthe rback as the leader upped the pace and didn't respond
to being whipped inside the final 2 furlongs. One to avoid until he shows
he is on-side although not dismissable because of his size, strength and
scope for mental and fitness improvements.
|
| 15 Apr
| The performance of Strictly Royal will be interesting.
He runs without his visor for STO after a display at Folkestone which hinted
at unco-operativeness and also possibly poor movement. Chris Catlin rides
this time and perhaps has been asked to 'sort him out' if that's possible.
He wasn't fit enough at Folkestone, nor mentally mature enough, to compete
anyway so it would be a surprise if he were to compete for the win here
even if he tries properly.
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| ~Comm~ |
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![[Picture]](../../08_Publish_Pics/StrictlyRoyal_080410_folk5.jpg){kind=link}