Our columnist is back to reflect on near-misses at Newbury and Warwick and look ahead to his weekend team.
Looking back…
The Wolf – 3rd, Newbury, December 29
This was a much better run from the horse and I like him a lot. He disappointed me with his jumping at the same track on his reappearance but was much better in that department here and is maturing all the time. He looks to be going the right way now which is good and he should be winning before too long.
Printing Dollars – 2nd, Warwick, December 31
She probably bumped into one – and not for the first time – as Yellow Dockets was an impressive winner. My mare needs a trip as she’s not the quickest and we’ll probably go up to three miles next time. There’s a mares’ maiden hurdle at Exeter on January 20 which looks ideal for her.
The week ahead…
Lovenormoney – 1435 Lingfield, Friday
He made his chasing debut over two-and-a-half miles at Uttoxeter and this stiffer test of stamina is what he needs. It will be a test on the ground at Lingfield which will suit him – ideally he’d like even softer ground than they’re forecasting – and from the mark he achieved over hurdles he should be running very well here.
Young Lieutenant – 1530 Wetherby, Friday
He’s a horse who I like a lot. He just had a few niggly issues but seems to be back on track now. I had been considering whether to start him out over hurdles or go down the bumper route and have decided on the latter. This looks a nice way to get him going and he’s a horse who’s capable of running very well in a race like this before going over timber. He has the most fabulous attitude and I’m looking forward to running him.
Top Rock Talula – 1720 Kempton, Friday
She seemed to step up a little on her previous hurdles form at Leicester last time and I’d been half thinking of running her on the Flat from a very lowly mark. She should be competitive here - for all she probably wants further than a mile-and-a-half – as it doesn’t look a great race. It will be interesting to see how she goes.
Kyllachy Gala – 1550 Wincanton, Saturday
He’s also in at Taunton next week. He had a high rating on the Flat and I took him to Huntingdon for his hurdling debut. His schooling had been okay but on the day he didn’t jump well enough. He’s been with Henrietta Knight since then had seems much better in that department. He’ll school again on Friday morning and then I’ll decide whether to run him at the weekend or leave it a little longer.
Mythical Prince – 1240/1340 Plumpton, Sunday
He’s been hard to train with a few niggly problems but does have ability. He has run okay in his two races for me but I do think there’s more in the tank. We’ll look to find the easiest of the two races.
