Monthly Archives: September 2024

I've been saying that Saint Riquier is a better hurdler than flat racer. Three recent wins on the level - after a two-year absence under either code - have put the jumps/flat ratings into a fair relationship. I'm very hopeful he can strike first time back over hurdles too.

I'm taking my chance with Surrey Belle even though there are questions about the ground. Both her wins to date have been on AW and I've no idea what to expect here, but we are rather running out of time.

Chancycourt returned from a break with an early unseat around here this month. Before his summer off, he had run well at Southwell. He needs some luck but if he gets his jumping right he will be involved.

We've always thought Switchel had an engine but she hasn't managed to put everything together. She clearly didn't handle heavy ground last time, but this surface should be fine. She'll probably be going home after this - unless she did win of course.

Beach Point goes up to 1m3f but I'm confident he'll handle it, especially on AW. He has the Richard Hughes horse to beat but he's in great shape and shouldn't be far away.

Tailorman has been running consistently all summer and is unexposed on AW - one run in the spring as he was just getting going. This looks his for the taking if he is okay on the surface, which I'm confident he will be.

Peter The Wolf made a good step forward from first run to second, finishing a creditable 3rd in a Class 2 race at Ascot. A similar improvement ought to make him a big threat down to Class 5 in this Confined race.

Jaramillo has not been in the best of form in his recent runs on the flat but looks nicely placed here on jumping form earlier in the year. Each-way chances.

Jet Of Dreams looked an improved performer after a wind-op in the spring. He's had a good summer break, returning off 6lb higher. That might not stop him from following up.

A winner at Newton Abbot in June by when she had a better than 50% (six in 11) strike-rate Carrigeen Kampala has blotted her copybook with early exits over hurdles (3rd flight) then at the first on chase debut. She reverts to hurdles and Jack takes 3lb off. If she gets the jumping right, she…

It's almost two years since Alien Storm recorded his only win in 14 starts, but his mark has been coming down. He starts chasing here and if he handles the course I expect him to go nicely.

The Dark Edge returns from his summer break after a final run, his first in handicaps, which suggested he was improving. As long as the ground doesn't get too soft he can take advantage of his light weight.

22/09/24 - 2nd 10/1 Original quote: "A winner at Newton Abbot in June by when she had a better than 50% (six in 11) strike-rate Carrigeen Kampala has blotted her copybook with early exits over hurdles (3rd flight) then at the first on chase debut. She reverts to hurdles and Jack takes 3lb off. If…

Tailorman won at Ripon and wasn't disgraced when 3rd around here. The obvious one of our pair and Ryan's 7lb could swing the issue his way.

We have taken our 2yo out of his earlier race here with worries about the ground, but Atlantic Gamble should handle it. He has been in great form winning five of his last six and the upward momentum can continue. Hopeful.

We came here 12 months ago thinking Not So Sleepy had no chance but, enjoying the heavy ground, he won nicely. I was yesterday bemoaning the fact that there was no other option for him but after the 15 mils last night he must be going there with a good chance again. He is 12…