Back to Worcester today with three runners and I’m going early to have a walk around. They did a great job on the ground last time and it’s a course we like to support so we are pleased it’s back.
Our first runner is Cul De Poule (James Best) in the ‘Ask The Loud One if They’re OK Novices’ Handicap Chase for Roger & Yvonne Allsop. He’s not run for 5 months but seems well ahead of his chasing debut. He’s not the easiest to ride at home and Deb Butler does a great job on him.
Our second runner is also owned by Roger & Yvonne – Samtara who runs in the ‘Make Your Mental Health A Priority Handicap Hurdle’ and he was one of our most unluckiest horses last season when he finished 2nd by a neck and also by a short head and remains a maiden. Patrick Cowley is on board again today and we hope to put a line through his last outing and bounce back to form today.
Finally Solstice Star requires no introduction after winning 9 times for the yard and nearly £100,000 in prize money. He’s a real favourite and anyone who is lucky enough to have his name next to theirs on the riding out board is always happy! He will always remain a real favourite of Freddie’s too as he’s the horse who he rode throughout Lockdown #1 in 2020 and was not only the first horse he cantered up our long gallop but also the first horse he rode fast work on too. I don’t think he deserves to be the outsider of the field as he has been given a chance by the Handicapper – our physio Hannah Ashton couldn’t be happier with him and he looks an absolute picture.
Let’s hope they keep our good start to the season going. Good luck team.