Wait almost over for Watcher return
Wait Watcher will bid to erase the memory of last year’s controversial Curragh run when she returns to the track for Friday’s Blandford Stakes.
Paul Blockley’s charge will be back at the Co Kildare venue after finishing first in the big fillies’ sales race last September, only to lose the victory in the stewards’ room.
“She is an intended runner,” confirmed Blockley.
“We did have a bit of an unfortunate time last year but there are no bad memories and it would be nice to think we could go well this time.
“I’m hoping for some rain as I don’t want it really quick. I don’t know if they’ll get it but as long as it’s safe ground, we would be happy.”
Wait Watcher has had just five starts to date but has been off the track since finishing unplaced at Newbury in April.
Blockley underlines her absence was by design, with connections having decided to wait for easy conditions in the autumn rather than plan a summer campaign.
“She’s very well and just wants some soft ground,” explained Blockley.
“She has been off a while but there’s been nothing wrong with her.
“We ran her at Newbury and were then going to get her ready for the Guineas but the ground turned quick so we decided to give her a break and wait for soft ground.
“We roughed her off then it started to rain, we thought it would stop but it just carried on.
“By the time we had got her ready, it had dried up again so here we are.”
Wait Watcher will be trying Group Two company for the first time at the Curragh and Blockley added: “It is a hot race, definitely a step up from what she has run in before but we will have a go.”
