Yearly Archives: 2023

Hello Zabeel won nicely last time at Southwell but he picked up a niggle afterwards and that's why we've not seen him on the track for three months. He seems in good order at home and I'm pretty sure he is still ahead of his mark. Ryan Moore on board is always a help.

It's been almost a year since Capricorn Prince gained the last of his four course wins at Lingfield, although he wasn't beaten far last time at Chelmsford six weeks ago. This a deep race but it will be great to have Ryan available to ride him today. Obvious each-way chance in an open race.

Skinflint is still a maiden but he has been consistent. He has small place claims today as he will enjoy the drying ground.

Kentucky Kingdom likes it around here and is down to a nice handicap mark. He should be thereabouts.

The penny is dropping with Mintana now. She's a likable and pretty fast filly who should give a give account once more. Big chance.

Big Jim remains a maiden at six, but he returned after almost two years' absence with a promising 3rd over a furlong less here two weeks ago. His outside draw is a negative, but after the last run he should have an each-way chance.

Poncho looked an exciting prospect when 2nd of 18 on debut over hurdles at Chepstow. This looks a less competitive affair and we are hopeful he can collect his first success here.

Jerrash won a couple last winter but found the EBF Final outside his comfort zone on his final start at Sandown back in March. This is his first run back and as it's a qualifier for a popular series it will take plenty of winning. Hoping for a positive start to his campaign.

Hermino ran well both on debut in a bumper at Ascot and then when 3rd in a competitive novice hurdle at Doncaster. It would be a disappointment if he failed to land the odds here. 

Unfortunately Dynakite is still not showing us much. We're dropping him in class and might ride him in a different way. That said, the favourite looks very hard to beat.

By Saddler Maker, Git Maker is from a very high-class French female family. He was progressive in Irish points, winning on his final appearance in that sphere and then won three of his four starts in his first season for us. A promising 2nd on his chasing debut at Sandown on this season's return, he…

Everyone knows Engrave is a bit of a Chelmsford specialist but there aren't too many opportunities for her there at the moment so we're trying her at Newcastle today which I think should suit her. She is an uncomplicated ride and on a good rating now so we would be disappointed if she didn't finish…

Bobmahley is a lovely consistent staying chaser who ought to relish these conditions. I think he has a cracking chance and like his stable companion, has each-way chances. Maybe a 1-2?

Kitten's Dream was running some good races in defeat earlier in the winter often giving his rivals a lengthy start but retrieving most of the ground and appearing an unlucky loser twice in succession. In his last run, just over two weeks ago, over this CD, he finished behind three of today's opponents. He has…

Shaw Park is a 4yo gelded son of Aclaim making his debut against a field of 3yo's. He concedes a minimum of 16lb and a maximum of 23lb and if he were to figure, we'd probably have a decent performer on our hands. We can dream!

Justcallmepete has exceeded our expectations since we equipped him with blinkers and his win over this CD on Sunday to complete the hat-trick suggests he's still getting better. He was on terms much earlier in that race, having got up very late the previous twice and in a five-runner field that will be a major…

Gorak was disappointing at Wolverhampton the other day when a well-backed favourite but he had been showing plenty of speed at home and I did tell the owners the trip was a concern. He travelled well but found little off the bridle and I think the drop back in trip will suit. He is by…

Purple Ribbon is a very good filly but she will need to be carrying top-weight in a decent handicap. She is in cracking form at home and the drop back to ten furlongs shouldn't be a problem.

We won one of these 0-50 Classifieds around here on Tuesday with Donald Llewellyn, a 20/1 shot after two years off the track. Big Jimbo is also a 6yo and like Donald has been off for a long time, in his case 21 months. Maybe it's asking lightning to strike twice but he has worked…

Visibility had a couple of wins around here late last year, including over CD early last month. Couldn't follow up with a penalty a few days later and remains higher than when winning, but does seem a massive price and could pinch a place.