Berlios has a ‘special’ look for a 3—y—o Maiden Stakes over five furlongs at Southwell this afternoon, trained by David Barron, undisputed ‘King of the fibresand’ since it’s introduction back in 1989.
On several occasions I’ve mentioned Barron as good as it gets in the world of training; he’s a hard—headed, no nonsense, businessman whose ruthless approach is precisely what is needed in the toughest game on this planet. He trained one for me, Princess Singh, way back in the 19980’s!
Princess Singh was purchased for a grand (privately!) after running well in a fast—time Nottingham seller and allowed to stay in Barron’s yard.
If I’d claimed her officially Princess Singh would have needed to be transferred elsewhere, that’s still the rule.
A few days went by and David entered her for a seller at Beverley; we agreed that it looked ideal and Ray Cochrane was booked, we were working the Epsom Derby meeting.
Over the phone Barron asked me whether to buy Princess Singh back at the subsequent auction or let her go and for how much; winning was a formality, not even at issue.
£3500 was my reply!
Walked into a local Epsom betting office, told the staff just before the off Princess Singh was a ‘cert’ and listened to a commentary, no pictures those days!
‘Princess Singh smartly away, clear at halfway and made all comfortably’ was the gist, gamble landed; next day The Sporting Life included the words, ‘sold to C Tinkler for £3600 guineas!’
That was before all—weather racing started, why didn’t we have anymore with Barron? why indeed?
Ex—Irish—trained Berlios has consistent, hitherto luckless, Phantom Flipper to beat, trained by Dandy Nicholls, former jockey for Barron.
Nicholls subsequently courted Barron’s apprentice female jockey, Alex Greaves, and married her!
It was an interesting time, believe me!
69—rated Berlios hasn’t encountered this surface, will he act on it?
Given the fastidiousness of Barron you can bet Berlios will have been ‘on the track’ for an outing; it’s not an issue!
Basma could well be Owen Burrows’ first winner as a private trainer for Hamdan al Maktoum in the Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over six furlongs of Chelmsford polytrack tonight, but could be a ‘bit short’ according to Barry Hills, now assistant!
Therefore I’ll give Lady Lloyd another chance, consistency usually brings reward.