Inauspicious start for the Email Service

The Email Service has not got off to the start I was hoping for. Sunday's selection filled the runners-up berth at Uttoxeter, whilst today's was a casualty at the second last when looking held. It is debatable whether he would have held on for a place but, regardless of that, one can't help feeling he was sent for home soon enough by his young rider (who was having his first ride since mid June) on a demanding track. Having made good headway between the fourth and third last flights, he found himself in front rounding the home turn. However, he came under the pressure soon after the third last and looked tired when hitting the deck at the next. While it isn't much consolation for those who supported him today, I still think he is on a fair mark. He went through the race like the best horse.

Despite the fact they were short prices, there were 5 winners today (England & Ireland combined) featured in One Jump Ahead. If The Cap Fits was a smart bumper horse for Paul and Clare Rooney last season and the Harry Fry trained gelding made a successful start to his hurdling career with an eight lengths victory in division one of the two and a quarter mile novices' hurdle at Exeter. Making all and jumping well, he only had to be pushed out to secure a ready win.

The French Revolution section in OJA has made a decent start and Vengeful won on his Irish and hurdles debut under Jack Kennedy at Thurles. Indeed, he got the better of Dis Donc (also included in the same feature) prevailing by a head. The section should have had a double with another Gigginstown House Stud French import being denied on the line in the juvenile hurdle at the same venue. Mitchouka appeared to be toying with his rivals as he swept clear between the final two flight. Unfortunately, Davy Russell's mount got in close at the last and gave the favourite Apparition a sniff. Joseph O'Brien's 89 rated Flat racer didn't need a second invitation and led on the line. The runner-up will hopefully gain compensation soon because he looked a class above his rivals for the majority of the two mile contest. He reportedly hit 1.01 in running which just sums things up at the moment. If you haven't seen the race, it is worth checking out the replay.