Monthly Archives: October 2020

This is first time in a handicap for Ros's Dream. She's stepping up in trip and this is not a great race, so we will see how we get on.

Oscar Rose took to fences very well in a highly-competitive handicap chase at Uttoxeter. This race suits her in all ways and off the same mark she should win this on that form.

Spangler, a half-brother to Kipps, has shown promise. He will learn plenty from this debut and one more run after this, probably on all-weather, will probably do for his season.

We are expecting a big step up in form for Champagne Noir dropped back to two and a half miles. I think he will be a considerably better chaser than hurdler.

Wild Flower lost her chance at the start at Bath when stumbling badly, but won well at Yarmouth and Chepstow before that. She goes well on soft and is worth a try on today's heavy ground. If she gets away on terms she could go very close.

Whitehaven won at Lingfield and didn't run too badly afterwards at Kempton. We're not going there today expecting to win, but are quite hopeful he'll make the frame.

Lleyton is a new arrival in the yard, having been running recently over jumps for Justin Landy, appearing not to see out the trip. A two-mile winner on the Flat in Ireland last year, he has a turn of foot and the Wolverhampton track should suit him. Small each-way chance.

Always Resolute bounced back to form with a battling performance at Chester. He will love the ground and was raised only 1lb for that win so should go close again under the same 7lb claimer.

I was delighted with Jersey Bean's third last time at Uttoxeter when first-time blinkers really sharpened up his jumping. He just needed that run, tiring from two out, so there is improvement in him. He should enjoy this track and he loves decent ground. Great chance.

Any more rain will be welcome for Not So Sleepy who must have a great chance. Fourth last year, he comes fresh following his nice win at Pontefract after his summer break. Then again there are usually one or two who come out of the woodwork for this race.

Billy The Squid is a monkey pure and simple, but blinkers have turned him into a racehorse. If he could concentrate he would have an each-way chance.

Irish point winner Scene Hot Herd made a very promising start to his hurdling career at Warwick, just tiring from the home turn. He will be fitter today and should go close.

Kipps is Kipps. He's always a danger in these valuable handicap and one day he's probably going to win one. Hopefully it will be today.

Courtandbould has had a fantastic summer and deserves his shot at this today. He may be slightly outclassed but will lack nothing in toughness and honesty.

We're trying a longer trip with Kingbrook today so it's imperative he settles better than at Newbury. He certainly came home strongly that day confirming our high regard for him. Big chance in a very hot handicap.

Bennie Boy is a nice newcomer who goes well. Each-way claims but less experienced than Alaphilippe.

Alaphilippe had plenty of experience in points in Ireland, winning the latest of them in February. He goes very well and will love the ground. Will take all the beating.

Both El Presente's runs this season have been good and a repeat of his latest Market Rasen third off a 9lb higher mark than before should put him firmly in contention. It's only a small field but a competitive race in which he should go close.

Quaint did not appreciate holding-up tactics here last week. If she gets away better I would not be shocked if she went close to making all the running.

This is a mightily-competitive mares' handicap hurdle. Yeavering Belle was not right last time and she has has a bit of a break since. She seems well now and can put that disappointment behind her to go close and run into a place.