Masonic rates a solid betting proposition for the Maiden Auction Stakes over a mile of Chelmsford polytrack tonight, mount of champion-elect apprentice, Josephine Gordon!
What a remarkable 2016 it has been for this young lady, a virtual unknown 12 months ago and disillusioned by racing due to lack of reward from hard-work and dedication.
Thankfully Josephine would not be denied, had confidence in her ability to succeed and stuck to the task, and ambition, of being a successful jockey; on Saturday she will receive the outright ‘champion’ award and I’m delighted, along with Michael Hills!
The now-retired ‘fifty-something’ veteran has invested a lot of time guiding Josephine at the Newmarket Racing School, Michael has concentrated to a great degree on her use of the whip, can’t you tell?
When Ms Gordon gets into ‘the drive’ she looks rhythmic and most effective, without looking to flail with her whip like so many inexperienced youngsters do, in a finish. You can’t beat experience
Last year 2005 joint champion apprentice, 33-year-old Hayley Turner, retired; she was my idea of the ‘complete package’ but injuries compromised her brilliance, now it’s Josie, Georgia Cox and Hollie Doyle who are flying the ‘female flag’ with wind in their sails.
Masonic will be advantaged by the 3lbs allowance, especially over this course and distance on which they teamed up for the first time last month; significantly Robyn Brisland’s charge improved considerably and was beaten only half a length in a nursery.
Why did they need to ‘chase the money’ in an extremely valuable ‘Sales’ race over six furlongs at Newmarket, TWO DAYS later?
As it happened Masonic nigh on relicated his time-handicap mark and though forecast-favourite, Claire’s Secret, is bound to be ‘on the premises’ I’m confident distance and the ‘persuasive’ Josephine Gordon will provide success at the sixth attempt for this Intense Focus colt which is napped!
Chakra was last on debut last month at Haydock, no surprise if Michael Bell’s charge causes one in the Maiden Stakes over a mile of ‘good to firm’ Brighton.
Selections
10.00 Chakra
1.50 Masonic
2.50 Bolt Phantom