Yearly Archives: 2024

United Front won six of 50 races on the flat ending with an AW rating of 83. He was too free on jumps debut at Huntingdon but we've been working on that since. If he relaxes he should go close.

Catuaba looks to have found the better division for his style of racing. The main dangers both like to come from further back and if he can get an easy lead, he should go close.

I'm sure I'm not the only one to find the timing of this Newmarket meeting rather unnecessary. Mistral Star has been in terrific form at home and this Listed race looks a good opportunity.

Castel Gandolfo always runs well in these big-field, high-value handicaps and especially goes well here. He has been 2nd in this the last twice and despite the odds should not be far away at the finish.

It should be nice ground at Haydock for Story Horse. I'm optimistic that he will get the 1m6f and if he does he would have a nice each-way shout.

On first sight, race number 16 of 2024 for Mokkaatil produced a below-par run, but his 8th at Nottingham disguised two spots of interference and he was beaten less than four lengths. At the foot of the weights for number 17, he could go very close with a clear run.

Hackney Diamonds ran on very well for 3rd last time and was always going to do better going a little further. This is a nice spot for her and I'm confident she can run into the money.

Billams Legacy has become so frustrating with seven 2nd places in a row. Johnny Burke takes over and we hope he can provide the key to enable her first win over hurdles - her one success coming in a bumper almost three and a half years ago.

Green Team last ran over 2m at Newcastle, continuing his sequence of poor performances. He has a much smaller chance of getting back to form than our other runner Haliphon.

Dancing In Paris won well at York's Dante meeting and didn't disgrace himself when 2nd under his 6lb higher mark at Goodwood. He looks the one they have to beat.

Aalto looked like finally living up to expectations at Haydock last week but after leading inside the last furlong, was edged out near the line. Losses may only be lent!

Atlantic Gamble has done us proud, winning three in a row. Looking at the market, he's obviously the one to beat and the hope is he can manage his big weight although Brandon's 5lb helps in that regard.

I've been wanting to stretch out Beach Point to 10f for a while. The ground should be okay and I'm putting on cheek-pieces rather than a visor to change things up. Value each-way.

Lord P returns after a long time off the track. A mile on testing ground is likely to be too far for this sprinter around this galloping circuit.

Mighty Bandit began to show on the track what we had thought he could do with an excellent 2nd last time at Chepstow. He should be eligible for a handicap mark after today and while we're expecting a good run here, that should be when he comes into his own on the flat before reverting…

Haliphon was rated 93 when he began last year's campaign, and that mark has slipped alarmingly to 70. He had a break before his two latest runs, but neither has given much hope of a revival. It's hard to know what to say, but the ability is in there somewhere.

Giselles Defence, an impressive winner four runs back at Pontefract, gave notice of a return to form with a good 2nd to Siempre Arturo at Leicester a fortnight ago. Decent chances here in an open contest.

Sacchoandvanzetti was still not done with when falling three from home last time at Hereford. Prior to that, he was a creditable 3rd in an amateur riders' AW race over 10f at Chelmsford. He needs a confidence round after the fall but is in good form and can run into a place.

Chess Player had a productive time over fences last summer. He hasn't yet been in the same form in his two runs back but is on a nice mark and would only need to retrieve last summer's form to be a big factor off this mark.