Spoilt rotten (I wish!)

Apologies for the late blog but Mothering Sunday was a busy one for me and unfortunately it wasn't because I was getting pampered by the kids! Instead we had two runners at Doncaster and it was great to be back racing on the turf. It also made a refreshing change to go to the races sand see a big crowd as you are so used seeing just one man and his dog at all-weather meetings. It definitely makes the job feel more enjoyable when there's are loads of people having a great day out.
Handheld ran a blinder on his first run of the year to finish third in a big-field handicap. He is a pleasure to train and gives his all every time. He was the first runner for the new N.E.T. Racing Club - for just £180 a year you can be part of it and cheer the club's four horses home. If this debut was anything to go by, it won't be too long before we're in the winner's enclosure.
Candesta also went to Donny that day and, after thinking he would like some soft ground, it turns out he probably doesn't. He is such a big horse you'd think he would like some cut but he couldn't get his feet moving quick enough.
Silver Alliance ran a cracker earlier in the week to finish second at Wolverhampton. It was his first run back after a winter holiday so it was a step in the right direction and he should be in for a good year.


Silver Alliance & Handheld chill out at the weekend

 

Kicking off  this week's runners is No Such Number at Southwell. I put him in the race because there were few runners and he went well at the track on the only time he tried it. He is in the grips of the handicapper a bit but he usually runs an honest race so it wouldn't surprise me to see him in with a chance.

Veeraya heads to Lingfield the following day and we'll be trying something new with him as he's running over 1m2f. He has been in great form over one mile recently but we feel he is worth a shot over further and hopefully his extra speed should be an advantage in the finish. He isn't a keen horse so he should settle and that will help him get the extra trip.

Veeraya & Automotive lead the string home

 

With a bit of a lull in the fixture list, we've got a few horses who are just being kept ticking over until suitable races arrive. It happens every year - the turf season starts but you have to wait a week or two before there are any turf fixtures.

Attain (Reno)

Tiger's Home (Graham)

Honeymoon Express (Ryan)

Rounding off the runners on Thursday is Previous Acclaim at Lingfield. She was desperately unlucky not to win at the track the time before last and I hope this will be a similar race. She isn't a world beater but tries her heart out so winning a race shouldn't be too hard.

Previous Acclaim (Ross), Italia (Adam), Celestine Abbey (Shelley)