A stunning morning and great to see Jo Stainer in good form to watch 1st Lot, including his Southwell winner Lord Condi, work up the gallops.
Warren Marston was in 1st lot too and we also worked Sarasota Star, Eclat Des Mottes, Black Panther, Pinnacle Peak, Ben Buie, Ten Past Midnight, Enforcement, Solstice Star, Dreamsundermyfeet, Robsam, Mozzaro, Reve, CityNeverSleeps and Beneagles. The rest cantered or those in less work walked and trotted.
Matt Capp was in 2nd lot watching Robsam and Dreamsundermyfeet and owner Chris Dee, whose Eclat Des Mottes worked 1st lot, rode Beneagles and Capricia – good to see them both. Paul Davis was in to watch work before heading to Newton Abbot to assist with our 4 runners tonight.
So a busy night with James Best now taking over on all four as Richard Johnson is too sore to ride and was down to ride Raving Bonkers and Mr Mafia. James knows them all well though having ridden out throughout Lockdown and since and had a winner himself yesterday.
Raving Bonkers needs a change of luck as has had far too many unlucky runs where it is a case of what may have been. His owners are so patient – there will be one hell of a party when he wins again and I’d love it to be tonight. He seems to have come out of the Southwell race ok where he was badly impeded at the 2nd last and thankfully instantly pulled up by Richard Johnson. He’s been schooled since so we hope it’s not knocked his confidence.
Capital Force is next and reverts to hurdles after giving himself a scare over fences on his reappearance. He ran a blinder last time over hurdles at Stratford and a repeat of that sort of run would have him running better than his odds suggest. He seems in good form and looks a picture.
Mr Mafia is our third runner and although there are only 5 runners it’s a competitive race but he’s won there before so we know he likes Newton Abbot. He’s a real family and yard favourite and we know the Boggis family adore him too. He ran an absolute blinder last time out giving his all when he looked beat and battling all the way to the line just going down to probably a very well handicapped rival. He’s sure to give his all again tonight.
Finally Gold Mountain runs in the 2m 5f Handicap Chase and he’s been knocking at the door for us and running some huge races without quite winning. James Best gave him a brilliant ride last time at Newton Abbot a couple of weeks ago and he deserved to win that day and surely deserves to get his head in front soon too. I’d hope he’d go close again tonight.
So a busy night and thanks to my team for all their hard work.