There is racing at Borrowdale Park this Friday, 21st April 2023, with the possibility of two features, but final declarations will only be made today.

So, with Weights & Draws on hand, let’s guess what might be going on. The dominant three-year-old, Grand Warrior, has been nominated for both the 1600m Independence Trophy and the Zimbabwe 2000, the second leg of Zimbabwe’s Triple Crown.  Grand Warrior was a late scratching from the first leg, the Zimbabwe Guineas won by his stable companion Jacky Sparrow.

The Independence Trophy would be tougher for the unbeaten Grand Warrior, where he could meet most of Borrowdale’s best. Personally, I hope his connections decide to take this route – just how good is this son of Global View – but if I had a share in the colt, I might prefer the easier option.

The only problem is that all but one of the six three-year-olds nominated for the Zimbabwe 2000 are trained by Debra Swanson, so will the Bridget Stidolph-trained Etsa Moralo stand his ground?  If not, there will not be a race.

If Grand Warrior takes part in the Zimbabwe 2000 he is likely to be the hottest of favourites, and he should account for Jacky Sparrow and Down To Business – and the rest of the field.

If he runs in the Independence Trophy, he will have some weight on his side – and he has won in open company.  On the 14th of January, he beat Raining Again in a 1500m Progress Plate, which was his last start.  However, it remains to be seen whether Grand Warrior can account for the likes of Holy Land, Wantage, Bugatti Blue etc etc – but it would be SO interesting.