Yearly Archives: 2024

Diamond Dealer has his kinks but also plenty of ability. He struggled for one reason or another last season but he's starting fresh this time and seems in good form and ready for his first run. If he can put his best foot forward he will be bang there.

Dark Mystery ran one of his better races at Newbury the last day and has run okay a couple of times at Southwell over the two miles. It's a competitive little race but he should give his running and can go close if he does.

Reach For The Moon was a talented flat horse in his younger days winning the Solario Stakes (Group 3) at two and the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot, also Group 3, at three. After a luckless start over jumps, he won impressively last time out. He has a penalty to carry here but if…

Warning Sign has been giving owner-rider David Dunsdon some great sport this summer. He could hardly be more versatile, 2nd three times going 1m, then 1m2f and lastly, 1m4f when 2nd in the Amateurs' Derby over the full Classic course. The one-mile run suggests he'll have enough speed for this 7f on testing ground and…

After a disappointing season last time around for Obsessedwithyou, we've changed things around for her this time. She wasn't beaten far at Newton Abbot and hopefully, she can get back to winning ways here.

Queen's Company is in good form. She is probably better on turf, but we have to run on AW as she doesn't handle soft ground. She has run well here in the past so possibly an each-way chance tonight.

Bob Mali has won his two races and he will like the ground. His Chester form last time is working out well. The Hannon filly made a winning start at Newbury and will obviously be a threat but I'm hopeful.

Profitman kept galloping on after a tardy start last time over an inadequate 6f at Kempton. He's now back up to his previous winning distance and as he came out of Kempton well, we're anticipating another decent showing now.

Smokey Malone has had a summer break. He was a CD winner here off 3lb higher in January when also returning off an absence. This looks a weak contest, so while he may just need the run, hopefully he is fit enough to do himself justice.

Havana Smoke has been knocking on the door and one of his best efforts was over this CD three runs back. Good each-way chance in a wide-open handicap.

Shes Perfect won nicely on debut at Haydock and this valuable prize was the obvious next step. I have absolutely no idea if she will handle the ground but there are hints in her pedigree that she might do. Ryan Moore takes over from Kieran Shoemark who is unwell.

Novus has been waiting all year for her favoured ground since a good run on this course first time out in early May. and it would be typical if the heavens opened and caused Goodwood's abandonment. Otherwise, with a first-time tongue-tie, she's the one to fear.

If Magic Memories would struggle to get in Saturday's Cambridgeshire, Alpha Crucis would need twice as many to be withdrawn. He likes soft ground and this easier company should be at his mercy. Big chance.

Sanitiser had three more flat runs over the summer from his still very high mark. In contrast, his jumps rating is very workable and it just needs things to click for him hopefully, to begin a winning sequence.

Call Off The Dogs looks interesting. Before his summer break, he won twice including over the CD before winding up with a 2nd  place. Hopeful he can regain the winning thread on this return.

Nala Star has plenty of experience and that should help her get away on terms. She doesn't have the greatest of draws but is a speedy filly and the plan will be to go forward and keep things simple. Big chance.

Small Fry has been getting his act together after a slowish start since coming from Ireland. He has won two of his last three and we would be delighted if he could provide a winner for Franny Norton on his final day as a jockey on the track where he has been the undoubted "King"…

Cervetto goes for the amateurs' race with regular rider Fletch on him. They won together at Wolverhampton a few runs back and I think he's a good each-way chance. Also, he's overpriced - I think he should be half those odds.

Stapleford Park found the 5f too sharp last time out at Catterick. Seven should be absolutely fine, especially on a sharp track like Chester. He can run well.

Falcon Nine has been one of the most frustrating horses I've had to train this year as he is much better than he has shown but nothing has gone right for him. He needs quick ground and a decent pace to aim at which he should get today. He is a lively outsider.