Blog

Shanacoole Prince improved a good deal on his Irish point-to-point form when rather surprising us by winning first time out at Hereford. He has improved since, but with one at least to beat we're probably looking at place chances.

Capone obviously needs to improve as he’s been quite disappointing so far. The track and ground should suit and hopefully we can get him back to last season's level in which case he'll be an each-way prospect.

Drewmain Legend would have an obvious chance. Her first run of the season was excellent and she’s got the blinkers back on to help sharpen her up. We have a couple to fear including the horse who beat us last time, but I expect a big show and am hopeful she’ll win.

This looks competitive but Audacity finished strongly in third on debut after running very green throughout the race. He has improved for the experience and Harry’s useful 5lb claim should help him get into the mix again.

One More Fleurie ran well on seasonal debut at Hereford and should be sharper today. The step up in trip will do him no harm and he must have every chance of getting his head in front.

The favourite looks a tough nut to crack but the step up to this extended trip will suit Blue Laureate enormously. If he could match his staying form on the Flat he would not be too far away.

Mr Perfect ran a promising race when second on debut at Huntingdon. He should go well again here.

Minella Tara is a very nice four-year-old who goes nicely at home. We are very hopeful he can make a successful start.

Global Fame is a lovely big horse who shows plenty of ability. He is basically a stayer so will want a decent gallop. If he gets it he should have each-way claims.

Estrela Star put in an excellent run last time over 1m4f and it looks like stepping up in trip won’t do him any harm. Tom Marquand is a good jockey booking so fingers crossed that he’s got an obvious chance.

Laurie Come On ran perfectly okay on his first outing over hurdles here a couple of weeks ago. He looked quite green but his jumping was good and he ran to the line. He is much more of a long-term project and while I hope he’ll run well he will fare better once handicapped.

Matewan has his first run since winning nicely at Ripon in the summer. He's up 2lb for that and has to have a chance in this small field especially as he ran well here on his only previous all-weather start in August last year.

Star of Lanka put up a solid effort at Sandown, his first run since his summer break and a wind operation. He has come on for that run and is in great order. Hopefully his low  weight and the  5lb that Ben Jones takes off his back will see him go close.

I really like this horse. He won well at Warwick and has improved at home since. Hoping for a very bold showing and expecting him to go close.

Puerto Banus probably found things happening too quickly last time over seven furlongs. He was earlier third on stable debut over a mile at Carlisle and has a decent chance here.

I bought Chazza at the Cheltenham sales and failed to sell him.. I like what I have seen of him at home and expect him to go very close. He had good point-to-point form in Ireland.