Monthly Archives: September 2021

Storm Melody is a low-grade eight-year-old handicapper but he gives his owners plenty of action and fun. Last week over this course and distance he finished well to be second, still giving the impresion he saves a bit for himself. He's better drawn this time and I'm switching from cheek-pieces to blinkers hoping they will…

After his win here last time Curtiz inevitably is the one to beat and if he turns up he should justify the short price. That win brought a 10lb rise, rather a knee-jerk reaction you would think, but with a 5lb penaly he is 5lb well in and hopefully will take the opportunity.

Byron Flyer, who started 2021 rated 9lb higher, is finally getting some respite from the handicapper at age ten. He did run well in the Queen Mother Cup at York in the summer and also has performed well around this course on Derby Day 2019 when second to handicap snip Soto Sizzler. He will be…

This horse has never won on a rating above 66 and today he is running off 67, but I'm not sure what that means in this race. Luke Morris knows the horse well and he must have a great chance of going close, but Blazon is an odd horse who needs to have things go…

Samba Dancer made a promising start for us when second at Worcester. We have to be hopeful as Paddy now knows him but it's a tricky little race.

Champagne Noir has won off higher in the past but is not the most straighforward to train. He has the ability to win this race on that best form and is in good order. With him though there is always a slight question-mark. 

Liberated Lad has yet to show too much for us, but that has resulted in a steady decline in his mark. We will need to see more before suggesting he is ready to win a race of this nature.

Locke has a very good chance. His form is good and he ran very well here last time and the only worry is his very wide draw.

Brief Ambition won his maiden hurdle in good style and was not disgraced first time in a handicap. He's had a break over the summer and returns with first-time cheek-pieces. They might help see off his younger Irish-trained market rival.

Spanish Kiss won a couple of nice races earlier in the summer but has been a little disappointing the last twice. This is his first try at two miles and as he has been a little more relaxed lately I am optimistic he will stay the distance. If he did he would have a decent…

Brief Ambition won his maiden hurdle in good style and was not disgraced first time in a handicap. He's had a break over the summer and returns with first-time cheek-pieces. They might help see off his younger Irish-trained market rival.

Ocean Rose recorded a hat-trick last season with two easy chase victories and after a break another over hurdles at Kempton. On a 12lb higher chase mark than previously she is no betting proposition today and we just hope she comes home safely.

Dropping back to six furlongs from a mile at Thirsk where he finished well last week is probably not ideal for Fiftyshadesaresdev but the owners Resdev have a box there today and are entertaining staff so the date has been pencilled in for a while. At least it's a stiff six so he could be…

Storm Melody ran a very good race last time at Wolverhampton but even if he could repeat it he's a low-grade older horse against progressive youngsters. He has been a great fun horse for his owners and while not the most consistent, they get a lot of fun following him and will be delighted if…

Glorious Spirit stepped up to win her bumper at Uttoxeter in July and makes her hurdling debut here. She schools very nicely and will enjoy the ground and the step up in distance. I think she has a decent chance getting 7lb from the favourite today.

If Train Hill had jumped either of the last two fences at Market Rasen as well of most the earlier ones he would have won. He's still only a five-year-old so it seems sensible with the chase handicap mark in the bag to return to hurdles. I think he has a great chance today.

Blue Sans has been running well in her novice hurdles and came up against a tough performer in Drumlee Watar last time on this track. She should not be troubled by this shorter trip and is the one they all have to beat.

No No Maestro got a belated first win when narrowly outstaying the only other finisher at Uttoxeter. With that success under his belt he is fancied to follow up off a mark only 1lb higher today.

No No Maestro got a belated first win when narrowly outstaying the only other finisher at Uttoxeter. With that success under his belt he is fancied to follow up off a mark only 1lb higher today.

Regaby has yet to get everything in place over fences but remains on a fair handicap mark. Three miles around here should be ideal and  if he can get round without mishap I would expect him to go very close.