Blog

Mandalayan was promising on the level, winning once last year for Johnny Portman. Since joining me he has schooled very well and we are hopeful of a progressive run.

This former English point-to-point winner ran well to finish second at Hereford on his only start over hurdles. This is a big step up in class but he should run well and be placed.

Working Class started out consistently over hurdles, but after a loss of form, a wind operation brought immediate improvement with victory at Fontwell. I think ideally he requires further than this two miles, but he is running here for the ground. If it did get soft, as with Jersey Bean earlier, he'd probably miss the…

Southern Sam showed a decent level of form in novice hurdles last season but he has always looked as if he’d make a better chaser. He is very laid back at home and not a flashy horse in any way but on a racecourse he has a relentless gallop and he’s very honest. He has…

Skiddaw Tara ran too badly to be true in his bumper and all through the summer we were wondering if he was any good. Then when he returned he ran at Carlisle and to his credit he was staying all the way up the hill and finished fourth. He's a proper three-mile chaser but there's…

De Name Evades Me ran a lovely race on his chase debut. This race suits him ideally and he will love the track and trip. Will go close.

She's A Rocca is a grand filly with a good pedigree. She's done everything we've asked her to do and it would be great if she could win. It wouldn't be a big surprise if she did!

First time out today for this son of Pivotal in this junior bumper. He has been working well at home and there is every chance he could go close.

Little Jack ran well last time out. He goes into his first handicap today and we think he should finish in the frame.

Lochinver ran well to win at Stratford last time. He is up 9lb but I am hopeful he will make the necessary progress to follow up.

One More Fleurie has been off since May. He tackles his first handicap and we will be hopeful that he can start the new campaign on a positive note.

I think we've found quite a weak race for Dan Gun. It's split and with Connor's claim he looks quite well in. He seems to have enjoyed the move to the new place, like many of the horses, so today ought to be his day.

She should like the ground and she jumps okay, plus, it’s a miserable race. She’s got decent form over fences and has to have a favourite’s chance.

Shanacoole Prince has had plenty of runs in Irish point-to-points and although the overall form might not be the best, he did win one. He is a lovely horse who has a very likeable way of going and has been working well enough at home to suggest he could be placed in this although he…

Global Tour seems to be in great form and should run another solid race. Or it could be that he's coming to the end of a long season and needs a break. A risky bet but hopeful each-way.

First time over hurdles for this horse today who ran well in a competitive bumper on debut last year. We are hoping for a safe round of jumping to start him on his hurdling career.

Sammy Bill has always worked seriously well but  has been too keen on the racecourse. He is an enigma, and I’m still not sure of his trip or how to ride him. He's an enormous horse with a huge stride and he’s a free-going type. The question is whether to let him bowl or hold…

Amberose, a very consistent mare, is a winner around Carlisle. We're hoping for a good run as she's in form and she could easily get into the first three.

Totterdown won the corresponding race a year ago when with Richard Phillips. This will be his debut for us but he has been in good form and apparently loving life. He must have soft to heavy ground. He's got it!