Category Archives: Latest Results

We are confronted by a very well-handicapped Gordon Elliott horse who won last time despite jumping poorly. It will be hard to beat him but Parisencore will have got confidence from his last win and could give the favourite something to think about.

I was happy when Big Bad Bear came back to form with a win at Newcastle after a disappointing time. That wasn't the greatest race but it will have given him some confidence and the 5lb rise would not be beyond him on his old form.

Mortlach was very consistent in his Irish points and made a promising start for the stable when runner-up in a big field at Southwell. That was over two miles and it seems fair to anticipate a stronger showing over the longer trip. Big chance.

Dis Donc won his seller well at Wetherby and happily the handicapper has left his mark untouched. The grade is fine; the question will be whether he can handle this faster ground. If he does he should go very close.

Stay Alert is a nice filly who showed promise first time over a mile. She will be better for the run but if fit enough she should go close. The step up in trip will be in her favour.

Mokaatil is back on the scene of his most memorable success - in the Dash here last Derby Day. He is back on the same mark of 82 and if in the same form he is the one they all have to fear.

Sonification is a lovely Telescope gelding who has been very workmanlike in his exercise at home and has been a pleasure to train. As with all my bumper horses, the main objective first time out is principally educational. If the ground does go to good to firm he will not run.

Thundersockssundae has been running well without getting his head in front and last time he gave notice a win might be around the corner. For that to happen today he'll need to stay three miles which is something unproven so far. Possibly if he can anywhere it could be at Huntingdon.

Hardy Boy put up an improved showing last time at Hereford when he would have got up in another stride. That was his first time in a handicap and even with a 5lb rise in his rating he looks poised to go one better today. Big chance.

If Salamanca School could get back to the form he showed when making a winning chase debut over course and distance in October he would be hard to beat. He needs to revive after some less impressive performances.

The Bogmans Ball made a promising start at Exeter, running well but not quickening in the closing stages. He should know more about it today.

Moktasaab was bought out of the Shadwell dispersal. He showed plenty of promise for Owen Burrows last year and on what he has shown so far he could be well handicapped. Each-way claims.

Enemy run well stepped up to this longer trip at Meydan last time and should have been nearer if not denied a run turning for home. I was surprised to see his drift in the betting this morning, but believe that will be only temporary. I would have preferred a draw further out as he…

Checkandchallenge is on a fact-finding mission to see whether he is worthy of a tilt at the 2,000 Guineas next month. He has been delighting me in his work and will enjoy the step up to a mile at Newcastle after his debut win over seven furlongs around Wolverhampton. After finding the early stages there…

Samatian ran okay last time at Hereford and a repeat of that run should see him being placed again.. Could be better still if the cheek-pieces make a difference.

Queens Gamble is an unraced four-year-old by Getaway. Her dam, who raced for the same owner with Jessie Harrington, was useful and Queens Gamble is a laid-back filly with a lovely attitude who really enjoys her work. She is very unfurnished and like all my bumper debutants is not trained to the minute but i…

Malakahna is so tough and genuine I hesitate to say she cannot continue the winning run but realistically some of these less exposed types could have a good deal of improvement to come. Each-way hopes are probably the sensible approach especially as she carries a big weight for a small filly. I intend to have…

This represents a drop in class for City Derby who looked to be on the way back when a close third at Musselburgh. He is in great form at home and looks the one to beat.

Captain Cattistock probably needs further but he will like the ground and generally runs well here. Should run his usual solid race.

Captain Cattistock probably needs further but he will like the ground and generally runs well here. Should run his usual solid race.