A bit of rain this morning but hardly enough to wet the ground here. I’m hoping that the forecast rain doesn’t materialise at Stratford as they are watering too and any extra rain will go against the chances of Stephen Sugden’s First Angel (Adam Wedge). He steps up in trip in the Handicap Novices’ Chase over 2m 3 1/2f and is well at home but Adam reported that they had done such a good job watering at Southwell last time that the ground went against him and he would have preferred a quicker surface.
Earlier in the evening Borderline makes his hurdling debut under James Best after three encouraging runs in bumpers where he was placed a couple of times. He has done plenty of schooling but may need the experience but we are still hoping for a good run from Mike & Mella Wright’s 5 year old who we have had since he was a foal.
We worked a few this morning including Blazing Court, Brianna Rose, Forecast, Culverwell, Ben Buie, Miladygrace, Ten Past Midnight, Debden Bank, Bella Ciao and Kazontherazz. Ernie Verburg is on a fortnight’s holiday and has been home to Holland but was back in this morning to work Debden Bank – can’t keep her away! Most of the rest of the team have had the majority of their holidays as the horses start coming back in slowly but surely and the yard fills up.
Initially I was a bit disappointed with Duke of Luckley’s 3rd place yesterday as he looked like the winner turning for home and Sean Bowen reported that he didn’t think he put in much of an effort when challenged. However, he was giving the winner 24lbs, the second 23lbs and was 15 lengths clear of the fourth horse who he was giving 29lbs to! He seems A1 this morning and we’ll discuss with his owners where to go next with him.