She's A Rocca is a grand filly with a good pedigree. She's done everything we've asked her to do and it would be great if she could win. It wouldn't be a big surprise if she did!
I think we've found quite a weak race for Dan Gun. It's split and with Connor's claim he looks quite well in. He seems to have enjoyed the move to the new place, like many of the horses, so today ought to be his day.
Shanacoole Prince has had plenty of runs in Irish point-to-points and although the overall form might not be the best, he did win one. He is a lovely horse who has a very likeable way of going and has been working well enough at home to suggest he could be placed in this although he…
Global Tour seems to be in great form and should run another solid race. Or it could be that he's coming to the end of a long season and needs a break. A risky bet but hopeful each-way.
First time over hurdles for this horse today who ran well in a competitive bumper on debut last year. We are hoping for a safe round of jumping to start him on his hurdling career.
Sammy Bill has always worked seriously well but has been too keen on the racecourse. He is an enigma, and I’m still not sure of his trip or how to ride him. He's an enormous horse with a huge stride and he’s a free-going type. The question is whether to let him bowl or hold…
Amberose, a very consistent mare, is a winner around Carlisle. We're hoping for a good run as she's in form and she could easily get into the first three.
Star of Lanka won two novice hurdles for us last year before moving into high-level handicaps. This will be his first run this season having had a wind-op which should help him. Ground and trip should not be a problem so we would like to see him in the frame.
Totterdown won the corresponding race a year ago when with Richard Phillips. This will be his debut for us but he has been in good form and apparently loving life. He must have soft to heavy ground. He's got it!
Young Bull has come out of his hurdles debut in really good form and we feel the softer ground and galloping track will suit him better. This looks a good opportunity for him and we have always said that whatever he does over hurdles will be a bonus as he is a proper staying chasing…
A tricky three-horse race and while Newtide makes his first appearance over fences, he was comfortably the best of the trio over hurdles. Very hopeful of a winning chase debut.
Heavy ground and an uphill finish are ideal for Lord of the Island who has been in flying form at home. He stays further than this and I would be shocked if he wasn't in the first three.
Bernadelli is well into the veteran stage and comes here after a year when he made it to the track only once. There was never anything wrong with him, just that he needs soft to heavy ground and that was in short supply. Conditions are to his liking now and from a decent handicap mark…
Uncle Jonty won his first point-to-point handily enough but then encountered a little problem. He does have ability but this is his first day back and if he runs a nice race I'll be happy. Then how he is tomorrow morning will be the main thing.