The race is named in honour of one of her favourite horses, a winner of many races at Les Landes.
That being the case, victory for Mellors or Princess Danielle in this nine furlong handicap would be appropriate as both race in Joan May’s colours.
Sadly, it doesn’t always work out like that and Mellors would need to improve considerably on his last of seven behind Time To Wyn at the last meeting to figure in the shake up.
Princess Danielle is on a decent mark and could run well, but she needs a longer trip nowadays.
Johayro has been very frustrating at shorter trips and is running off a mark just a pound lower than last time while the much hyped Vrubel was beaten a long way in a poor race at the end of July.
No More Pressure would have been strongly fancied for this, but he was last over hurdles recently when his trainer told the Stewards that the horse had suffered from serious wind problems; hardly inspiring of confidence.
With question marks about most of these the safest bet is probably Reliably Won who is, as his name implies, consistent at his proper level.The programme opens with the 825825 Card Handicap Hurdle, the longest race run in Jersey at two and a half miles.
This is the first of four races generously sponsored by Ladbroke.
It is a modest affair, mostly involving horses too slow to win at a shorter trip.
Casa Rosa does have winning form, but she has seemed below par recently; Strathfillan and DarmontSF are preferred and in that order.The Football Coupon Handicap over seven furlongs is an exciting race in prospect.
Sky Of Hope is officially the second-best horse in Jersey (after Minnie’s Mystery) and he has gone up a pound for his game win over this trip on 13th July.
That means Hush Money, more consistent this season, gets a one pound pull for the half length that separated them last time.
Leonora Truce, a further length behind on that occasion is also only a pound better off.
Unveil hit form with a bang over a shorter trip on 27th July, but may not be as effective over the extra distance while Highland Flight is best watched after suffering a setback last time out.
Catcando has a five pound pull with Sky Of Hope, but has run poorly twice on the trot.
Sky Of Hope can make it a hat trick.The 4.15, the Ladbroke Ladies Day Handicap, sees Jersey Derby winner Minnie’s Mystery trying to give seventeen pounds and more to her eight rivals over a mile and a quarter – a tough task.
Actually, if the Derby form is reliable, it’s mission impossible because Off Minor was beaten just half a length at level weights in the Jersey Derby and now opposes on 18 pounds better terms: work that one out! Crossways and Compassionate also ran well in the Derby, eventually finishing fourth and fifth with fifteen lengths between them.
Time To Wyn is back in form, but up four pounds for winning a fortnight ago and probably better at a shorter trip.
Palala River is on a roll having won her last three, but in slightly easier races; still she is in the form of her life and can’t be ignored.
Benjamin ran poorly last time when well fancied and, if that form is overlooked, is in with a great chance.
The formbook says Off Minor is a good thing.The card winds up with the Ladbrokes Best Service In Jersey Handicap over a mile and a half.
Countrywide Pride has been a model of consistency this season and is a credit to his young trainer and jockey.
A really solid second to Palala River last time and just a pound higher here, he must have a good chance if getting the extra quarter of a mile.
Old Bold Enough has been the flag bearer for her stable this year, but at ten she is not getting any quicker while Out On A Promise’s chance lies in making it a true test of stamina.
Carouse has been rested and may need this run; presumably his target is a repeat win in the Clarendon next time.
Warrior’s Path has shown bits of form while Snow Lark ran quite well after behaving herself at the start for a change last time.
Out On A Promise is taken in the hope that he is given an enterprising ride.Finally, enthusiasts of the sport of kings (not to mention their courtesans) may spot a small, impeccably dressed, silver haired gentleman taking a close interest in the racing.
Those who do not instantly recognise him may find it hard to believe they are looking at a legend.
One of the greatest, no, the greatest jockey of them all, Lester Piggott will be at Les Landes tomorrow.
