Yearly Archives: 2023

Bonttay was very smart in bumpers and while she hasn't yet matched that level over hurdles, she won once easily and has been 2nd the other twice. Cheek-pieces should help and surely this initial mark of 110 coud be very generous. Hopeful.

Heros De Romay loves really soft ground and I just hope today's surface will be testing enough for him. One of three bumper winners in the race, this will be a tough call. We think he has improved for his win at Exeter and although this is a very different type of racecourse, we are…

Sound And Fury was only half fit when he won first time the other day at Fontwell. I think going up in trip will help him as he won his Irish point in good style last year.

It's hard to work out the form of Broomfield Present's Catterick second as the winner has not run since. Visor should help as although this is only a small field, it looks competitive. Should go close.

Equus Dreamer is part-owned by Mark and Melinda Laws who sadly lost their horse at Wetherby yesterday so it would be very fitting if he could win this. He should stay the trip and yes he does have a chance of putting smiles back on his owners' faces.

Art Of Illusion didn’t stay over the extended trip last time but this should suit better. A very consistent horse who is sure to put in a good run.

The way Famous Bridge won here over 2m5f two weeks ago first time over fences suggested he wants three miles. We'll give it a go today and as he remains in good order, I'm hopeful he can keep our decent run going.

We thought Joe Dadancer would win on debut at Wetherby but he had an issue with his wind, which we corrected. He has been progressing in his two runs since and hopefully today will be the day.

Glencassley has been off the track for a long time and is likely to improve a good deal from today's comeback. His main objective will be chasing next season and today will help him prepare for that.

Maninsane won at Huntingdon in November but a four-horse race around there last month when forced to make his own running was never going to suit. He ought to have a decent gallop to run at here and I think if it pans out, he could run into a place if not better.

The heavy ground will be no bother to Uncle Alastair but this trip under these conditions could stretch his stamina. He's in grand order though and will give the champ a great ride round.

Coniston Clouds ran well around here in a bumper just under a year ago. He's handicapped now over hurdles and I'm not sure how well treated he is but this is a modest race. Hopeful.

Our second contender Silver Hallmark has gone more than two years since winning and showed no immediate promise at Cheltenham In January. This represents a drop in grade, but is still tough enough.

Autonomous Cloud has been 2nd in all three starts over fences, his mark annoyingly going up each time. This is a tough race but he is at the right end of the weights. Place chances again.

Trelawne is a big, imposing gelding who has been waiting for soft ground for some time. He ran well when winning at Ffos Las but this represents a huge step up in class. This track might be a bit sharp for him but the distance is right. Place chances.

Luckie Seven was beaten some way when 2nd in a bumper here in January. We like him a lot and I'm looking forward to seeing him run.

Luckie Seven was beaten some way when 2nd in a bumper here in January. We like him a lot and I'm looking forward to seeing him run.

Miss Milano has been progressing nicely and now meets just four opponents as she tries to complete the hat-trick. It's a tight handicap but I think she can just about do it.

Global Citizen is in great form. He has had an unusual preparation, running in the US and then in the Kingwell Hurdle but he is trying to win this for the second year running. He'll make a bold bid from the front, setting a good gallop, and hopefully he can stay there to the finish. 

After some disappointments, Rock Chant came good trying 2m at Lingfield. The 5lb penalty may not stop the follow-up as he remains in very good form.