Monthly Archives: August 2022

Moon King was in fair form the last time we saw him over jumps early in the year, but still some way short of his best. There was little encouragement to be had from his two runs on the flat this year so it's hard to know what to expect back over jumps this evening.

Cheltenam De Vaige won for us at this meeting over shorter 12 months ago, and has spent some time since pointing with Hannah Lewis. Another three-horse affair, these can be funny races and while he hasn't been in the best of form lately he can pop up when least expected!

Elham Valley's last two runs have been disappointing but you don't have to go back far for his latest win. On his present mark he has a chance, so as the outsider in this small field he might represent a little value. The 7lb claim helps too.

Kimifive was rated in the early 90's for much of his career but was down to the high 60's when joining us this summer. Yesterday's run over course and distance showed a little more promise than for some time and now the first-time hood could complete the renaissance if yesterday's exertions have not taxed him…

Quoteline Direct ran well when second in an amateurs' race at Pontefract last time. Without a win for more than four years, he is always more likely to be placed and that is our hope along with giving his young rider some more racecourse experience.

Based on his latest run at Haydock, Typical Man has an outstanding chance here. Up a little in trip, he also gets the exceptional William Buick in the saddle. Very hopeful.

Chartwell House has the best form of these and it is undersdtandable that he is the favourite in early betting. He can be quirky and I'm hoping the hood will help him relax and get into a rhythm. He has plenty of speed so has been running at six furlongs so far, but being by…

Sarsons Risk lived up to earlier promise when battling hard to get a first win at Leicester earlier in the month. With plenty of improvement still possible, his 4lb increase in the ratings should not rule out the chance of a follow-up and the absence of the overnight favourite can only improve his prospects.

I see Bon Retour has tightened up in the market this morning. She is in good form after her break and the champion rides. As long as she settles I think she'll be hard to beat.

Vino Victrix has been unlucky a few times lately on the all-weather, just giving best in tight finishes but he should enjoy the conditions. He gives weight to Our Jester and that might be the crucial ingredient, but I don't think there will be much between them. A one-two would be nice!

Carnival Zain has been improving all year and did nothing wrong last time when a close second off his new higher mark. A winner over this trip at Thirsk, this is a tough race but we're taking off the 5lb for Aiden and if he can get him to the front a furlong out, we…

Vino Victrix has been unlucky a few times lately on the all-weather, just giving best in tight finishes but he should enjoy the conditions. He gives weight to Our Jester and that might be the crucial ingredient, but I don't think there will be much between them. A one-two would be nice!

We've always liked Anjo Bonita and she ran a blinder last time making most and only losing out in the closing stages. She has improved again since and will enjoy stepping up in trip from a better draw than last time. The one to beat on form.

Regal Ramber made a promising start at Kempton. He will have learnt plenty from that and with the favourite clearly vulnerable with so many beaten runs, we have to hold a very good chance.

When a horse like Larry Looby sets up a winning sequence you have to be realistic and think whether this will be the day the winning stops. He's in great form and his three opponents all have questions to answer. If he can get them out of their comfort zone going into the last circuit…

The Wise Traveller has ability but he has rarely shown it on the racecourse. He needs to pull his finger out!

Now One Touch has his confidence back after his narrow win at Uttoxeter last time, hopefully he can continue his revival. His 8lb hike looks a little harsh but he is in the form to defy it.

Northern Bound ran disappointingly last time and I hope it was just that he didn't jump that well and nothing more sinister. If he could get the jumping right again he would probably go close.