Monthly Archives: April 2021

Jersey Bean is a very genuine and consistent performer and generally a good jumper. He will improve from his recent run at Newbury which was his first after a winter break. He's only a slight horse so it is surprising just how much work it takes to get him fit. He should be ready today.

Ted's Friend did quite well when third on debut in heavy ground at Warwick. Conditions will be much less testing today and Max can make good use of his experience against the favourite who is unraced. Should go well.

Sir Sholokhov's winning debut over fences at Sedgefield was very pleasing and one that suggests there will be plenty more to come. He has a great chance of a follow-up today.

It's a big day for stable-favourite Tequila Blaze as this mares' maiden hurdle for GB-breds carries a £20k bonus. Her overall level of form is probably the best on offer and we would be thrilled if she could come through and gain a well-deserved victory. 

The better ground has brought much improved performances lately from Just A Sip. We're hoping she can get her head in front this time.

Imperial Knight has yet to win a race but he has been knocking on the door. His last run was possibly his best when runner-up at Southwell and that offers encouragement that he might stay this marathon trip. Each-way chances.

The better ground has brought much improved performances lately from Just A Sip. We're hoping she can get her head in front this time.

Almazhar Garde won here in the autumn and was not disgraced last time at Cheltenham. If he can get in a rhythm near the front he will have a good chance of returning in the winner's enclosure.

One More Fleurie has a mega weight but is a course and distance winner and probably would have won also last time at Fakenham but for making an uncharacteric mistake and losing his rider. He looks to have a favourite's chance.

Onagatheringstorm stays well and ran on very strongly on hurdles debut last time to finish a creditable second to a smart Kim Bailey novice. He needs only to make normal improvement to win this.

I see that on Nov 23 2018 Ballycrystal, when with his previous stable, ran off level weights and was fifth to Cloth Cap (rating 125) in a handicap chase. Two and a half years on, he's 32lb lower while the 14lb well-in Grand National favourite's new mark of 162 means a disparity of 69lb in…

Peking Rose ran well when fourth in Listed company at Ascot before Christmas and he will love the ground. We are hoping for a solid run today but he will have to improve on the Ascot effort to finish in the money.

Happygolucky ran a blinder at Cheltenham and a repeat of that run would put him in with a huge shout. On form he's a worthy favourite - let's hope he runs like one!

When Brian Hughes rode Getaway Jewel over two and a half miles here last time he came back afterwards and advised us to drop him back in distance. He has the chance to prove his judgment correct today. Big chance if he's right, but then he is the champion!

Agent Valdez will have everything in her favour today including an eye-catching jockey booking. After having no luck when unseated after being impeded early on at Warwick, she could do with an incident-free round today in which case she should win this.

Commit No Nuisance proved once and for all he has to go left-handed and almost made it at Lingfield last time. This race has cut up, so similar front-running tactics will be the plan and if he can get an easy lead he might be harder to peg back this time.

Corbulo was quite weak as a juvenile but we gave him his three runs and then gelded him immediately after the last one. He's come back a different horse. He runs in my colours so hopefully he can put in a good run today as he'll definitely be in the shop window!

Buxted Two shaped with a lot of promise in his two runs as a juvenile. We gelded him afterwards and hopefully he has a bright future starting on a positive note today.

Dragons Will Rise is in good form at home and it will be interesting to see how he translates his excellent Wolverhampton form to Pontefract. He has his regular winning jockey on board, has a good draw and I must say I'm very hopeful. 

Paseo was pretty disappointing last autumn because he cannot handle soft ground. As a result he's had a nice long break and is very fresh and well. He loves his jumping and with conditions today to his liking he could go very well.