We head to Uttoxeter today where Ten Past Midnight not only faces the horse that he finished 2nd to last time out but also Ambassador, who won for us earlier in the month but then moved stables under new ownership. Ten Past Midnight will appreciate any give in the ground and has the assistance of Sean Bowen, who is in red hot form, in the saddle.
We added another 2nd to our ever increasing list of 2nd places at Southwell on Tuesday when Duke of Luckley ran a much improved race but, despite looking like the winner at times up the home straight, finished 2nd. A pleasing run but, yes, another 2nd! That was our 6th 2nd place from our last 8 runners! Debden Bank’s breathing caught him out again and another trip to Ben Brain’s beckons for him.
Borderline (James Best) ran at Worcester yesterday and found the ground softer than ideal and ran far too keen on it early on which hindered his chances. He needs to learn to settle but does appreciate better ground so we’ll wait for that next time – crazy to be saying that in late July!
We have been in Ireland for 24 hours collecting Freddie who has been with Gordon Elliott and his Cullentra Team all week. Gordon invited him to go over this summer at Cheltenham last winter and it was a brilliant experience for him and his friend Richard Cook who went over with him. Gordon kindly put them up in his house and couldn’t have been kinder to them and they have ridden a variety of horses and Freddie was lucky enough to be allowed to school over hurdles yesterday which he loved. Their facilities were superb and it was very impressive to watch 50 horses out both 1st and 2nd lots that we watched! Thanks to everyone who looked after them.