Morris previews his Wolves rides and discusses the latest racing controversy
The AW Champ talks us through his Saturday rides and has his say on the recent news from France…
There’s only really been one topic of discussion this week in the weighing room which is the plans to bring in a 2kg weight allowance for female riders in France.
I have to say that if I was a female jockey then I’d find the situation a bit demeaning. Jockeys like Hayley Turner, Josephine Gordon and Cathy Gannon have proved themselves against the men and carved out good careers for themselves.
I don’t see any real logic in it. While male jockeys are stronger it’s not all about strength, sometimes it’s about finesse and a tactical brain. Strength is not the be all and end all.
Hayley Turner is a female jockey who has forged a brilliant career in the UK
Female riders have a similar stature to the male riders now, so to think that they need a weight allowance to succeed seems demeaning to me. You’d also have to say that if someone like Josephine or Cathy had a 2kg allowance, which is about 4.5lb, then they’d be pretty damn impossible to beat and would be winning a hell of a lot of races.
I can sort of understand that they’re trying to incentivise trainers in France to use female jockeys more. But the allowance does not apply at pattern level so it would seem to me they’ve put a ceiling on how high up the girls can go.
If you’re using a female jockey in a pattern race you’re going to be 4.5lb wrong essentially and that would suggest to me that they’re only really going to be competing at a lower level.
Saturday’s Rides
6.15 Wolverhampton – Tripartite
He was in very good form last summer but lost his form towards the tail end of the year. With the stable in good form now you’d hope he can come back to the form when he was running well. If he could do that he has a chance.
6.45 Wolverhampton – Peachy Carnehan
Luke sees Peachy Carnehan as his best ride of the evening
He looks my strongest ride of the day. He won a maiden and connections have found a nice opportunity for him. He’s rated 72 and in a seller that’s a good mark, and from a nice draw I’d be disappointed if he got beaten.
7.15 Wolverhampton – Big Country
He ran well in some competitive races in Ireland and this is probably the weakest race he’s ever run in. Ceyhan looks the one to beat, but if he runs up to his Irish form then he’s sure to be in the mix.
7.45 Wolverhampton – Paddys Runner
He’s an interesting horse. I like horses that have been in good form over hurdles that transfer back on to the Flat. He could have potentially improved since his last Flat run as he’s only lightly raced so could be underestimated. I’d like to think he’d have a good chance.
He’s a solid horse. He needs to come back to form to take a hand, but it’s a weak race so you can give him an each-way chance.
8.45 Wolverhampton – Pensax Lady
She’s solid in her grade but hold no secrets from the handicapper. She’s honest and genuine so she’s another that can hopefully run well and have an each-way chance.
Cheers,
Luke
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