Monthly Archives: August 2021

Curtiz didn't exactly cover himself with glory here last month but with Oisin's assistance he got home bravely at Ffos Las and is only 2lb higher here. This is quite an ordinary contest and if he runs to his Ffos Las form he has to go close.

Fern has had a couple of rides on Lockdown Dream and he has in truth not been finding much at the finish. He is a fair bit better at the weights with My Brother Mike to whom he was fourth at Nottingham and that could bring him closer this time.

It seems I've been getting Liger King's distance all wrong. He has always gone well at home and I've even tried him up to a mile and a half. Now it's seven furlongs and down to 0-65 class and to my mind the right race so we have to be going there with a good…

I can't say I'm too optimistic about Ravens Ark but the owners are local, wanted a day out and the races for him will thin out as the autumn arrives. I thought he possibly needs a break after a busy time but we'll see how he goes today.

Locke made a big step forward second time out when fourth behind Asymmetric at Goodwood. He worked well on Thursday morning and we are very hopeful he will build on that Goodwood effort today.

Fern enjoyed her winning ride on Lord P in a race at Carlisle that proved well within his reach. He has been raised 7lb for that but the rider will know more what to expect and now Lord P is running over the right trip the pair should make another bold challenge. Definitely the one…

We bought Ajrad at the July Horses In Training sale at Newmarket last month and I've been keen to run him  in a Racing League race as he goes quite nicely. I would have liked to have got one more work into him, so he might just need the run but I still believe he…

Kingdom Girl ran a nice race at Newmarket first time up but then from a wide draw on slow ground at Goodwood it never really happened for her. Back on a faster surface I expect her to run well today.

Lawful Command has a great chance today after a much-improved effort last time at Yarmouth. A 150-1 chance, he stumbled after the start so without that would probably have been closer than a six-length fifth in his first run since being gelded. He starts handicapping on a fair mark.

Thunderclap won well here three weeks ago but his draw in ten is not helpful - last week Oisin was able to hide him near the rail before launching his run. If everything goes right then even with a 6lb rise he would have a big chance but I wouldn't be rushing to take 5/4…

It's been a struggle so far for Red Amapola and it would be something of a miracle if she could re-invent herself and get close today. I don't believe in miracles.

Pencreek returns after a break. He should be competitive off this mark on his form in novice hurdles at Newbury and Southwell late last year.

She's A Novelty has plenty of experience on the Flat and over hurdles including handicaps. We will try to make use of that by going from the front or from a handy position. She should go very close.

Puffin Bay ran promisingly first time at Southwell and she has come on loads from that outing. I will be disappointed if she doesn't go very close.

William didn't fancy riding Teemlucky around here. We are dropping her back in trip which might suit and as long as she can hold her position early she could be staying on strongly at the finish.

Not At Present is relatively lightly-raced and ran easily his best race yet when narrowly denied at Market Rasen. This looks an excellent opportunity  for a first win despite the 2lb rise.

Shut Up Michael was a fairly inexpensive breeze-up buy in the spring and he goes nicely. Looking at the other connections and the sales prices of some of the runners it's hard to think he will be good enough to win this newcomers' race. We will be looking for a decent run from which to…

Head On ran his best race over hurdles last time and the winner is now 30lb higher. He is bred to be a chaser so we go first time into a novice handicap with hopes of at least a run in the money.

Shinobi did not finish off his race trying three and a quarter miles last time having looked all over the winner two furlongs from home. Coming back considerably in trip should suit him and I am very hopeful he can get his head in front today.

I think this course and distance will suit Mrs Fitzherbert who has plenty of ability but has yet to show it on the track. This is a competitive fillies' handicap in which she could figure off her low weight.