Yearly Archives: 2021

Author's Dream gets a drop in grade at the same time reverting to all-weather which he seems to prefer. He had a good chance before the news that Oisin will now be riding him.

East Asia has had a break after a busy year and will be all the better for it. He is two for two when William Buick has ridden him so let's hope if will be three out of three after this.

Malakhana may find Fakenham not stiff enough to bring out her stamina. This is her first run over hurdles and there is a bit of quality about her so if not today there are possibilities for her further down the road.

Not At Present has been running well, with a novice win and handicap second. Up 2lb for that last effort he should still be the one to beat in an ordinary handicap hurdle.

Northern Bound has been kept busy lately but has really put it together winning his last two. Of course the result is he's 8lb higher today but he continues in good form and has a decent shot at completing the hat-trick.

Bonttay, a daughter of Westerner, won her bumper at Market Rasen in easy fashion. She is probably a little behind our other runner Jeremy The Jinn on what we've seen to date.

Samba Dancer comes here on a hat-trick and this is a stronger race than the one he won easily at Stratford  last time. He was value for moe than the 6lb he's been raised for that and is the better prospect of our pair in this competitive handicap.

Bushfire ran an encouraging race when third, staying on late on soft ground at Salisbury. If he copes with these even more testing conditions he will go very close.

A similar story with Headscarf Lil who overall has been a little frustrating. She seems in better fettle with herself this time though and I'm optimistic she will put in a better effort today.

Quinto Do Mar is a nice horse and I hope he is still progressing. Although it was probably his best run, I was still disappointed with his final outing at Cheltenham in the spring as I expected better still. He will enjoy the ground up there today and hopefully can win this on the way…

Rickety Gate was a little disappointing only running on late into fifth last time at Kelso. We're going up in trip today and I expect him to be knocking at the door and hopefully going through it first!

Fair Frontieres ran well when caught on the line in a 20-runner maiden hurdle at Navan and the winner of that race is now rated 141 after one more victory. With the Ian Williams horse a non-runner we are the form choice but one or two less exposed types could be dangerous.

The Toojumpa is in great form for this stable debut. She starts on her lowest mark in a tricky four-horse race but we are very hopeful she will go close.

Lawful Command, a son of Churchill, put it all together nicely when winning for the first time at Yarmouth last week and although carrying a penalty he can continue the good work. The high draws running down the stands side rail have been favoured at recent meetings here and he has a good chance of…

Angels Landing has been consistent and generally progressive through her five runs to date and her best effort came last time when a strong-finishing second at Ffos Las two months ago. I'm hopeful she will finish in the money again and at present odds looks a good value each-way bet.

In his two runs for the stable so far Norley has appeared not to stay a longer trip so we're bringing him back half a mile or so on a galloping track. On his best form for his previous trainer he would not be without a chance.

Desert Gulf is in good nick. He's well drawn today and this stiff six furlongs should suit him; in fact he ought to be strong at the finish as he got seven well enough at Newmarket. Big chance.

Visions Of Glory is in good order and should be happier at seven furlongs having not lasted out the mile last time. He has a nice draw - always important here -and looks an excellent each-way candidate.

Salamanca School ran well last time out and has been schooling very well over fences at home. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do here today.

I hope we aren't going to the well too often with Reelemin who would probably be favourite if this were at Kempton. It's competitive but he must have a decent chance.