Dry January is nearly over & it’s nearly time to be ‘Back on the Lash’! You’ll not be surprised that I didn’t put myself through dry or vegan January and we weren’t really surprised that the Handicapper thought Lash was pretty impressive at Cheltenham and has put him up 10lbs.
Back to today and two runners in North Yorkshire as Sarasota Star and Reve head up to Catterick. Sarasota Star runs in the Juvenile Hurdle and we hope he will build on his hurdling debut when he was 3rd at Ludlow. He needs to settle more than he did that day but he gets on well with Patrick Cowley at home and has continue to school well so we are hoping for a big run from him.
Reve won at Catterick last time for Ollie & Irene Ryan before Christmas and he seems in great form again today. Only 5 run in his race but it looks competitive but I’m hopeful he’ll go close. Patrick rides him too and takes 5lbs off.
Black Prince made a good return to action on the all weather at Kempton Park two evenings ago with plenty of support from his owners – Martin Keighley Racing Partnership 6. They were as excited to meet Tom Queally and Tom did exactly what I wanted to and didn’t give him a hard ride when beaten. He had an awful draw – 14th of 14 so was going to struggle but made a solid return and will build on that fitness wise and may even go back on the flat again before going hurdling. Tom has now got a dual license so seemed keen to keep the partnership together whichever way he goes! There are a few shares still in him – it’s a partnership of 20 and no initial outlay as he’s leased so an affordable way of joining ownership and one step up the ladder from our Racing Club.