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There have been many Epsom trials and quite a few bubbles burst. There's also been a lot of talk about trainers ducking the Derby.
Jim Bolger trains both the Derby and Oaks favourite in New Approach and Lush Lashes respectively, and having already ruled out the former, it seems likely that the Tattersalls Musidora winner won't go to the fillies' Classic either.
Then there's Dermot Weld, who is unlikely to send over either former Oaks ante-post favourite Chinese White or Leopardstown scorer Casual Conquest from Ireland. Twice Over's defeat in the Dante led Henry Cecil to all-but rule him out of the Derby.
Do these defections devalue either Classic? Not in my opinion. Trainers are not deliberately avoiding Epsom any more than they have in the past.
Epsom is an idiosyncratic track and it does not suit every horse.
It still takes a good horse to win a Classic and it's the one race that every jockey and trainer would love on his CV.
Sir Peter O'Sullevan had it spot on when he said: "I think it is a bit alarmist to say that everyone is avoiding Epsom and that the meeting itself is losing its appeal."
Couldn't agree more.
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On Monday I had the pleasure of giving my good mate AP McCoy yet another award. It's something I never tire of. Honest.
AP won the Jockey of the Year title at the Anglo-Irish Jump Awards, held at London's Cafe Royal, where Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Denman was crowned Horse of the Year and hailed as the best chaser over three miles or more as well.
Denman joins Kauto Star, Brave Inca, Moscow Flyer and Best Mate as a holder of the prestigious title.
Conditional rider of the Year went to Brian Hughes, who arrived in Britain in the Autumn of 2005 and had 39 winners last season. He has already had six winners from 30 rides this term and his aim now is to consolidate and build on a successful year. I've been very impressed with him.
He's a level-headed young man and a good rider. He has certainly progressed as he has gained more experience. As long as he keeps his feet on the ground - and I've no doubt he will - Brian will have a rewarding career.
I was also humbled when made a recipient at another ceremony. Children's charity SPARKS presented me with a Lifetime Achievement award, which ranks right up there with any riding highlight.
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Former Racing Channel presenter and the Racing Post's NFL guru Simon Milham had the thrill of turning out for a charity football match at St James' Park, Newcastle United's ground, on Tuesday evening, playing alongside Liverpool's dual European Cup-winning left back Alan Kennedy.
"I hadn't played for nearly ten years and it showed," said Milham. "The first thing I did was give the ball away and Kennedy barked 'Oh come on, that was ******* lazy, son'.
"He was a true gent, though" added a hobbling Milham. "Over a few beers he admitted that his goal against West Ham in the 1981 Milk Cup final at Wembley, which ended 1-1, should have been disallowed for offside. Hammers fans have waited 27 years for him to say that!"
For the record, West Ham lost the replay 2-1 and referee Clive Thomas isn't remembered fondly by the Upton Park faithful.
On Wednesday morning the news broke that Newcastle were set to offload full-back Stephen Carr. Perhaps boss Kevin Keegan is ready to ask Milham to come out of retirement full-time?
"There's less chance of that than there is of you coming out of retirement to ride again," he quipped. "And could he afford me?"
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