Yearly Archives: 2021

King Of The South got tired on his first experience of soft ground at Doncaster and on his comeback after a long break since the spring. He will have come on for that run and will be happier back at Newcastle where he has a superb record. Big chance.

Wilhelm Vonvenster has been a disappointing horse but now he's serving a purpose as a schoolmaster for the young lads to learn their trade. Today's rider should benefit from the experience and there is a small chance the partnership could run into a place.

Regaby is a disappointing horse who has not won as many races as his ability warrants. This is an ordinary contest and if he could run to his best he would probably win as he is on a modest handicap mark.

Wilhelm Vonvenster has been a disappointing horse but now he's serving a purpose as a schoolmaster for the young lads to learn their trade. Today's rider should benefit from the experience and there is a small chance the partnership could run into a place.

Hunny Moon did well over hurdles last season, winning a couple and was generally competitive in nearly all her races. She made a promising start with a third on debut over fences and can build on that today. Very genuine mare who might enjoy the small field.

We were delighted with Tip Top Cat's stable debut at Ludlow three weeks ago. He was staying on strongly at the finish and is now off 2lb lower. We are very hopeful that he can get off the mark for us today.

Snow Leopardess had a great first season over fences. She needed her comeback run last year and I expect her to come on for today's return. I have her pencilled in for the Becher Chase in four weeks and this should put her spot on.

Castle Robin was a very useful and consistent novice hurdler and we've always thought him likely to be at least as good over fences. These novice handicap chases are usually very competitive but if he can get in a rhythm I would be hopeful that he can go very close.

Today's better ground and reverting to two and a half miles after finding two miles insufficient at Bangor should suit Voyburg. Place chances.

Ardmayle has had a wind-op since his below-par run at Bangor. He likes soft ground so I hope it isn't drying out too much for him. His mark has come down a long way from its peak and as he's still only nine there should be a few more wins awaiting him, hopefully starting today.

Yauthym is a very consistent mare but she barely stays two miles and in this large field and with her big weight as always it will not be easy for her to get her head over the line. The sharp track should suit but probably a place is the likeliest outcome.

Due Reward had good form in Ireland but he struggled a bit on his stable debut. I'm dropping him back in trip today and hopefully that will help him, but top weight will not be easily defied in this company.

Volkovka is a smart filly and you can ignore her last run as the Sandown racecourse vet reported her to have finished sore after the race. She was progressive before that and will take all the beating despite top weight on this return to action.

In retrospect I probably shouldn't have run Brief Ambition at Worcester as he much prefers better ground than he encountered that day. He jumps fences brilliantly and while the favourite looks tough to beat, Brief Ambition could give him quite a battle. Chance for the frame.

These veterans' races are competitive and this is no exception. Wandrin Star should love the course and be placed at least. On his best form he would go very close.

Transfer Friendly was a slow burner in his Irish point campaign, pulling up in his first four, before completing in seventh and finally finishing second in the last of them. Two miles over hurdles is a totally different proposition and I'm looking forward to seeing where he fits.

Teqany enjoyed a rewarding summer on the Flat and as ever ran his heart out when third to Sceau Royal at Kempton on his return to hurdling. He will battle away again in a race that is rather above his level but with the ground to his liking he can run to form. Maybe not…

Foster'sisland needed his comeback run and will be straighter today but he would prefer more ease in the ground. This is competitive enough and he stretches out to 2m5f which could suit under ideal conditions. Tough enough task here.

This is the first time I have ever run a four-year-old over fences. Hamilton Dici had good hurdle form - he won on this track - and seems to enjoy his jumping at home. Chester Williams rode him last season and being a conditional race he again gets the ride. Place chances.

Hoot At Midnight continues to run well at a low level without managing a win but surely one will come her way before long. She receives a massive 33lb from the in-form top-weight and favourite and as they say weight stops freight trains. We'll see if that's true today.