Good morning all,

Off to Sandown shortly to work in Tatts for the day, so hoping the worst of the weather has already passed.

It's going to be pretty testing there today after 6mm of rain overnight, and I'd expect a few non-runners before racetime.

Wincanton also stage a televised fixture this afternoon and it's to be hoped the fog doesn't descend too badly – we don't want another Haydock-like fiasco from a few weeks ago.

My thoughts on today's TV races on the main piece. Read More »Sandown Saturday

Good morning all,

No sooner had I posted yesterday than Lingfield pulled stumps on their fixture as a result of their frozen ground, and it's the same story at Ludlow today, with temperatures not likely to rise in time for their fixture this afternoon.

I'm getting a bit of cabin fever down here in the South – the dog had the longest walk he's ever had yesterday, poor thing's still knackered – and there's a temptation to go to Hove this afternoon for their greyhound fixture. Only ever been once but really enjoyed myself there. If I get tomorrow's cards done in time, I may pay a visit.

With so many odds-on jollies at Wetherby, the e/w thieves could be having a field day, but there's a couple I'm interested in – one in particular that's on my 10-to-follow list this year. Read on….Read More »Wetherby To The Rescue!

Good morning all,

We revert back to the midweek fayre we’ve become rather more used to than the superb racing that’s been dished up over the last few days, and we need to cheat a couple of inspections at both jumps venues too.

As much as I enjoyed watching Thistlecrack on Monday, Native River’s win under top weight in the Welsh Grand National yesterday really was a joy to watch. Any worries I had about the race coming too quick for him were dispelled and although he took a bit of time to warm up, once he turned for home and put them to the sword the race was over in 200 yards. I have no doubt he is Gold Cup class, and will give his more illustrious stablemate something to think about come March.

And no sooner do I mute the idea of Cue Card possibly being aimed at the Ryanair rather than Gold Cup, out comes Joe Tizzard to say that that is indeed being considered a possibility. (Perhaps he reads the Punt? ;-)) The 6-1 on offer with Coral is only a fair price, given there’s plenty of time for things to happen between now and March but if he did show up there, he goes off a short priced favourite (assuming Douvan goes Champion Chase route, which he surely does).

Sadly yesterday’s selection, Onenightinvienna, was pulled up early in the Welsh National, and was sadly euthanised later. A sad loss as he looked like being a very useful staying chaser this year. Thoughts are with connections, as ever.

 Today’s selection comes from Leicester, where I’ll be working today, along with a look at two other races. Read More »A Frosty Start