Yearly Archives: 2020

Carlow Farmer ran well on debut for us and will improve a good deal for the experience. This is a decent race, though, and if he finishes in the first four or five I'll be delighted.

The Macon Lugnatic had good form last year but had a problem with his shoulder at Leicester and had to be pulled up. If anywhere near the old form he'll run a nice race but he's unlikely to be winning yet.

Shah An Shah will be a nice staying chaser next season and he's made great strides in a short time this term. If he can win a hurdle it will be a bonus, and the way he ran last time, going another half mile, he could go close today. Certainly an each-way candidate.

The Edgar Wallace, a stunning son of Flemensfirth, was a shade unlucky on his only previous start at Exeter. He ran a blinder and we felt he should have won. That form has been boosted, so while this looks a good race on paper he should go very close.

Ballybeg has had lots of experience pointing and should put that to good use. He has been working well at home and certainly holds an each-way claim.

This lovely-looking grey has gradually come down the handicap. He ran well last time and has won on this track. Place chances and possibly better if it goes his way.

Duke Of Navan ran his best race for some time when third at Doncaster. He is getting some assistance from the handicapper and has a good chance today.

A competitive-looking race, but Sarim has come on for his last run and we think the step up in trip will help him.

We stepped Shaffire up to a mile when she joined us last year and she was unlucky not to win last time. A strong finisher, if she can get a decent start from the inside draw, she will be hard to beat on these terms.

This is a hugely-competitive race with six runners who all probably have a good reason to run. This in quality terms is a big step for Two For Gold, a very likable horse who on paper ought to finish fourth. We think he will go far closer than that and give him a great chance…

Emitom was ring-rusty last time out having come back from a minor setback. He has been doing plenty of schooling to get him sharp and shouldn’t be far away.

Thegallantway is very consistent and in great form at home. He may well prefer conditions to be a bit better than this but he is still a good each-way bet.

Estrela Star has been very progressive the last couple of runs. We're sending him out quickly again with a double penalty before he gets re-handicapped. As long as he can take three quick runs he ought to be very hard to beat.

I was surprised when Emraan won so impressively first time but it may not have been the greatest of races. He's improved since and he definitely should have benefited from the experience. It will be interesting to see if he can take the step up in class. I'm hopeful he can.

A trappy four-horse race. First Flow has been consistent all season and a repeat of his Sandown second should be comfortably good enough to win this.

We're going for the hat-trick with Lucky's Dream. It'll be tough as he's up another 5lb. It'll be a tricky, tactical race but PJ knows him well and hopefully that strong finish can kick in again in the closing stages.

Blazon is now back to a mark that he won off here last year. He seems well in himself and we are hoping for a good run. Place chances.

Estrela Star had improved for trying staying trips He was unlucky in running a couple of times but finally put it all together at Kempton a week ago. He can defy the penalty on his way to bigger things.

We like Rouge Vif very much. He was a smart novice hurdler and looks as though he'll be an even better chaser. His second at Kempton over Christmas reads well and he can go one better today.

Ector is in good form at home. Jumping is his main asset and now with experience over fences in his armoury, I think he could be in the frame.