Fontwell today with two runners so an early start for them. Lord Condi makes his chasing debut in a competitive looking six runner race. After a purple spell in the summer/autumn of 2018 where he won three races he’s not completed in his last three runs due to one thing or another. We are therefore hoping that the switch to fences will bring about a change of fortune for him and that he jumps well and runs an encouraging race. He has done plenty of schooling and seems well but he does need to show it on the course so fingers crossed.
Gold Mountain runs later on in the day in a Handicap Chase over 2m 5f. He’s been consistent all summer and we are a little frustrated that we’ve not managed to get his head in front as both us and also Leighton Aspell have been convinced we would have done before now. He’s unproven on soft ground but doesn’t seem to mind working up our grass when it is soft and he certainly deserves to win one soon. Leighton rides both horses today.
Solstice Star has been dropped a pound by the Handicapper following Saturday’s Chepstow run where he ran well for a long way but showed that he is still in the grips of the handicapper, fading late on. He’s A1 after his run. It was great to see the Foxtrot colours that Solstice wears in the Winners’ Enclosure at Aintree after the Grand Sefton Chase later in the day with Hogan’s Height – well done to all connections of him.
James Best in first lot before rushing to Fontwell with me. We schooled Samtara, Be Thankful, Ben Buie and Lucky Circle.