WE have had an encouraging week back racing after our recent layoff so hopefully Newcastle gets the go ahead when they inspect in the morning. The ground is already heavy, so we just have to hope they don’t get all the forecast rain tonight and tomorrow morning.
As you all know, we didn’t have any runners for a few weeks because we were not happy with how they were and they were scoping wrong, so it was great to see our horses perform with credit at Musselburgh and Doncaster.
Chosen Flame ran a brave race to be third to a well-handicapped Paul Nicholls winner and probably would have been second had we not got racing with him up the home straight. Rath An luir had a most encouraging run at Doncaster, showing he is a proper stayer by powering home for second place despite having been off the bridle for a very long time. He is one we are most excited about with the future in mind, especially when he goes chasing.
Jonniesofa settled far better than he had in previous runs, but made a mistake just as he was trying to come with a run and I was a bit disappointed by his finishing effort. We will look at dropping him back in trip next time out, but the way he settled gives us hope that he’ll kick on again.
So we move on to Newcastle, where SOME REIGN (2.10) will be our first runner in the 2-mile handicap chase. He is a hugely talented individual but comes with a lot of quirks! He burst a blood vessel last time at Doncaster and I think that was because he made such a fuss getting to the start. If he behaves himself he’s certainly got the talent to be competitive, and although the ground will be very soft for him, hopefully he’ll get away with it over the minimum trip. I’d love to give you more of a steer about how his day is likely to go, but, really, you’d be better asking him!
WILD POLLY (3.20) goes next in the mares’ novice hurdle and she is a nice little horse who goes well at home. This looks to be a good opportunity for her and while we think she will want further in time, the conditions and test of stamina means the minimum trip will be fine.
BAKO DE LA SAULAIE (4.30) seems very well at home. It’s a pretty competitive race, and shorter than ideal for him, but again the heavy ground will help him.
Finally, LE CHEVAL NOIR (5.05) takes his place in the two-and-a-half mile novice hurdle to conclude the card. A bumper winner at Kelso, we had high hopes when he went to Wetherby next time but that run was too bad to be true and I’m inclined to put a line through it. He’s much better than he showed that day and we hope to see him back to himself.