Monthly Archives: December 2023

Finn Russell has been running well, winning twice and then finishing just behind the leaders the last twice in a busy spell. He is prone to pulling hard and I hope that he isn't too difficult a ride for his inexperienced partner in the hands and heels race.

Henry's Friend will have come on a bundle for his recent run at Doncaster. He is another of ours that can run a big race today.

Our other runner Oneforthegutter won on Shergar Cup day in July and while running consistently since, hasn't enjoyed much luck. Along with Zealander, he completes a decent duo for the stable and either of them could collect.

When One More Fleurie won four of five chases in the latter part of the 2020-21 season he looked destined for the top. But last season was a wash-out as he seemed to lose his confidence and there wasn't too much positive to be gleaned from his return last month. One to watch until he…

Young Buster has made an excellent start to chasing, winning on debut in May and following up impressively on his season's return around here. He's dropping back a furlong but that should not be an inconvenience and the hat-trick beckons.

Trac ran into an in-form Bolsover Bill in this race 12 months ago and I hope we won't be encountering another similar handicap snip. The ground will be ideal and Emma is the only rider in the race able to claim 3lb as she's riding for her stable in this conditionals' handicap. Trac jumps well…

Duo D'Enfer improved from first run to second, both at Wetherby since coming over from France. Again, he's a multiple winner there and put up a great show until tiring last time. He would probably prefer another two furlongs, but I think he has a great each-way chance.

Halpha Soleil ran really well on his comeback run over this trip at Hexham. I expect him to come on for the run and to be mega competitive. Great each-way chance.

Landen Calling keeps battling away in these three-mile and a little more chases and never knows when to give up. He's going further again in the Lincolnshire National and while it's a tough task against more established long-distance performers he could stay on into a place.

Crambo finished like a train in 3rd in a valuable handicap at Haydock and looks sure to be competitive at top level from now on. Big chance today.

Famous Bridge got his season going very nicely over this course and distance last month. We've always thought a lot of him and are optimistic that he can manage the 6lb increase with another top performance. Hopeful.

I think Singapore Trip can go well here and expect him to outrun his odds. He needed his first run on stable debut at Wetherby the other day, but is fitter now and some of his French form in valuable handicaps fits in very well with his mark over here.

Tide Times may be a few pounds out of the handicap but he has been higher in the past and has a great record at Ludlow. Good each-way candidate at a value price.

Whatsupwithyou has been in the grasp of the handicapper for some time. I hope there will be another day for him some time, hopefully, this afternoon judged by how he is at home.

The form of Harjo's 3rd at Huntingdon a couple of months ago hasn't worked out well, but he got racing a long way out that day. I think he'll appreciate dropping back in trip. Hopeful.

Blue Bikini needs to get back on track after a disappointing run last time. She has plenty of ability though and hopefully Fern, who's over today and at Ludlow tomorrow from working at Willie Mullins' stable can get her to bounce back.

A point winner on her only racecourse appearance so far, Realta Liath has done nothing but please us since her arrival. Goes well at home and stays well, so we will know more after today.  

Royal Velvet was very slowly away as a complete outsider at Kempton but finished nicely and did well to get so close. I think she can run into a place or better.