Angus McNae
At least Cirrus Des Aigles is a gelding
2 July 2012
Today’s selection:
8.25 Ffos Las - Andalieb
Cirrus Des Aigles has failed a drugs test after finishing second to Golden Lilac in the Prix Dd'Ispahan last month. The details of the positive test are somewhat sketchy, although it would appear that the drug used was an anti-inflammatory. Connections of the horse are now in a difficult position. They are keen to deny that they have had any involvement in administering the drug, but in this suspicious and rather cynical world they will have to be careful that they do not protest too much.
The sample taken from the horse has undergone rigorous testing by a corroborating laboratory and unless connections can prove that foul play has occurred or that the labs have mixed the samples up they will be disqualified from second place in the d'Ispahan. Perhaps more importantly this horse’s career will always carry with it a hint of suspicion, which may be grossly unfair but is a natural and harmful consequence of such revelations. At least he is a gelding for if he were a colt such an episode could potentially have had dramatic consequences for a stud career.
Michaelangelo won for us at the weekend at Newmarket meaning that in what was a poor month we at least ended with something of a flourish. Today I am keen on the chances of Andalieb in the 8.25 at Ffos Las. This horse won a Doncaster handicap comfortably last time up on soft ground and an 8lbs rise in the weights may not be enough to stop him tonight. Prior to that he finished a good fifth to Fennell Bay at Newmarket and that horse went on to win at Royal Ascot. Andalieb should be backed with confidence tonight.
I am in the Studio today covering all the action from Pontefract. They are staging an eight-race card which will keep us honest throughout the afternoon. I toyed with the idea of tipping Euxton Hall in the 4.00. He did not handle Epsom when fourth in the Woodcote, but the form is working out well and on a more conventional track he will probably get his career back on track, but he is likely to be returned at restrictive odds.
That is all for a quiet Monday.
All the best
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