Bethan off the mark

It had already been a great Bank Holiday weekend thanks to the successes of Attain and Harry Bosch but Bethan gave us some more to celebrate when finally getting her head in front on Monday. She had been very unlucky not to win up until then, with plenty of places to her name, but she has come back a lot stronger this year and that has shown on the track. I was delighted for her owner Hannah Ranner who has been so patient with her mare and thoroughly deserved some success!

Hannah gives Bethan a well-deserved carrot

Hopefully this week can bring some more success as we have plenty of entries.
Veeraya kicks things off at Leicester on Monday and he has to have a great chance, if building on his promising second last time. He has taken a while to find his grade but he is just about there now and seems very happy at home. His usual rider Adam Beschizza has had to ride elsewhere but we have got the services of leading jockey Adam Kirby so there should be no worries in that department.

Veeraya (Ross)

Harry Bosch got right back on track last time with a win at Bath and hopefully that has done his confidence some good. He goes to Brighton on Tuesday and seems to be in good health since his last run. That was only his third start for us so there could be more to come.
Also heading down south is Silver Alliance. He got back to a bit of form last time too and is coming down to a good handicap mark. He wouldn't want too much rain but I imagine the course will be to his liking and he should be thereabouts.

Silver Alliance (Mark) & Bushy Glade (Meg)

Completing the trio of runners is Bushy Glade at Wolverhampton. She has disappointed since going close to winning at the track a few runs back and the only hope is that she can somehow replicate that effort.

On Wednesday it's a return to Dunstall Park with Meddling. She ran a blinder to finish second there last time and seemed to like running at the place. She has kept her condition well since then and hopefully another similar effort is on the cards.

Meddling (Nick)

Bethan won an apprentice race on Monday so it would be silly to not take advantage of the fact that she won't get a penalty if running again before reassessed by the handicapper so she goes to Lingfield on Thursday. The distance and grade should be absolutely fine but the one concern would be Lingfield's unique turf track. If she handles it, I hope she can score again.

Then on Friday, Attain will be the one hoping to make it back to back wins. He just got up at Nottingham last time but has only been raised two pounds by the handicapper. Plenty of rain will help him out and he is full of confidence since getting his head in front.


THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE
Bethan's win gave a few people plenty to shout about but Ros still leads the way.

Ros Cousens	13
Steve Moore	11
Julie Feilden	9
Malc Shields	8
Mark Rimmer	8
Geoff Roberts	7
Barbara Walton	7
Gordon Hill	7
Shelley Birkett	7
Adam Beschizza	7
Jim Stevens	7
Megan Digby Baker	7
John Birkett	7
Poppy Feilden	6
Brian Reilly	6
Eddie Partridge	6
Jonathan Kinge	6
Rita Aspland	6
Allan Forster	3
Bill Burgess	3
Linda Wright	3
Stephen Broadley	3
Martyn Clark	3
Trevor Fuller	3
Dominic Lisle	3
Barry Hine	3
Sam Feilden	1
Steve Springford	1
Ryan Moore	1
Julia Feilden	1
Liz Moore	1
Dave Morris	1
Paula Smith	1
Jason Coote	1
Sophie Collington	1
Steve Clarke	1
Chris Shirran	1
Phil Collington	1
Rachael Shucksmith	1
Rob Weston	1
Dave Barnett	1

PLUS 31 OTHERS ON ZERO POINTS

Riding on a double-decker bus!

They say that winners are like buses - you wait ages for one and then two come at once and that was never truer than this week when we finally got another winner...and had another the following day!
The yard usually does hit a bit of a flat spot at this time of year with plenty of pollen in the air but there had been signs over the past couple of weeks that things were looking up and Attain duly proved that by just getting up to win at Nottingham. He needs soft ground to be seen at his best and the good ground was only just soft enough for him but he still got his head in front where it mattered. I definitely think there is more to come from him and he could add to his duo of wins this year no problem.
Attain is one of four horses in the Newmarket Equine Tours Racing Club which at £180 per year offers fantastic value for money - you can get that amount back in free admission alone if you are a regular racegoer. Email me on juliafeilden@aol.com if you would like more details.

Harry Bosch and Attain chill out after their victories

Not to be out done, Harry Bosch went to Bath the following day and built on his promising Brighton effort with a cosy win. Adam Beschizza was very confident before the race and he rode him like the best horse in it and was rewarded suitably. The horse hadn't won in a while but this should have done his confidence the world of good on only his third run for us.

Hopefully the good run can continue this week with a handful runners.
Starting tomorrow, Dark Diamond and Bethan head to Leicester. It will be Diamond's first run for us after being bought from Robert Cowell and it will be a bit of a fact-finding mission to see where we are at with him, distance and fitness wise.
Bethan ran a great race on her comeback to finish second and, if the ground is good or softer, I think she has a top chance. She has come back a lot stronger and more mature since her break and I'm sure a win isn't far away.

Then on Thursday, Automotive heads to Sandown. He needed his comeback run last time and I think he'll need this run too as he usually takes a couple of spins to get into top form.

Friday could be a busy one with four horses entered. I'll wait to see what the handicapper does to Harry Bosch on Tuesday and if he doesn't go up by six pounds or more, I'll save him for a race next week.
At Newmarket, Go On Gal will hit the track again. She didn't disgrace herself on debut in a race that has worked out well - the winner won a listed race at York last week. The step up in trip will help her and I hope she can put in another respectable effort.
Honeymoon Express was really disappointing last time with the blinkers on for the first time. She had galloped well at home in them but it's a different scenario at the races and, with horses around her, she didn't seem to face the headgear. I'll put her usual cheekpieces back on and hope that she can find some form again.

It's A Sheila Thing (Adam) & Go On Gal (Meg)

Honeymoon Express (Caitlin)

The Ducking Stool came out of her seasonal reappearance absolutely fine and has a couple of entries at Nottingham and Newmarket. A lot depends on where has the most rain as she likes a bit of juice in the ground but she is very happy in herself and never lets us down.

The Ducking Stool (Sarah)

Meddling (Nick)

Duke Of Diamonds (Ross)

Shares in new boy Limerick Lord have been selling like wild-fire and there are just two 10% shares left in him now. He has been really impressing me on the gallops and looks an out and out sprinter. He is completely unexposed and looks sure to improve on what he has already achieved. I have ear-marked a race for him early next month so don't hang around! You can join this exciting syndicate for just £1500 plus £200 per month all-inclusive training fees. Email me at juliafeilden@aol.com for more details.

Limerick Lord (Ross)

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE
Plenty of points scored this week with the two wins and Ros Cousens is our new leader after picking both Harry Bosch and Attain.

Ros Cousens	13
Julie Feilden	9
Geoff Roberts	7
Barbara Walton	7
Gordon Hill	7
Shelley Birkett	7
Adam Beschizza	7
Jim Stevens	7
Megan Digby Baker	7
John Birkett	7
Steve Moore	6
Poppy Feilden	6
Brian Reilly	6
Eddie Partridge	6
Jonathan Kinge	6
Rita Aspland	6
Allan Forster	3
Bill Burgess	3
Linda Wright	3
Stephen Broadley	3
Martyn Clark	3
Trevor Fuller	3
Dominic Lisle	3
Barry Hine	3
Malc Shields	3
Mark Rimmer	3
Sam Feilden	1
Steve Springford	1
Ryan Moore	1
Julia Feilden	1
Liz Moore	1
Dave Morris	1
Paula Smith	1
Jason Coote	1
Sophie Collington	1
Steve Clarke	1
Chris Shirran	1
Phil Collington	1
Rachael Shucksmith	1
Rob Weston	1
Dave Barnett	1

PLUS 31 OTHERS ON ZERO POINTS

Running with credit

Last week was a busy one and, although no winners came, it certainly wasn't a disaster as many ran with credit and showed signs that a win won't be far away.
Bethan made a great comeback from her tendon injury with a fine second at Wolverhampton. The winner won easily but she showed plenty of promise and looks a much stronger and more mature horse this year.
Silver Alliance once again did himself proud with a third at Bath. He needs to drop a couple of pounds in the handicap still but his turn to win isn't too far away.

Looking to this week, it won't be as busy but there is still plenty to keep me occupied.
Avidly has been very frustrating as she has lots of ability but getting it out of her is a problem! She seems to be very happy at home and looks fantastic in her coat so things look promising from my end.
Accompanying her to Lingfield on Wednesday will be Inauguration. She too hasn't quite shown what we think she's capable of yet but we galloped her in a tongue tie on Saturday and she seemed to be a lot more settled in it and really stuck her head out when asked to quicken so we'll give it a go and see if it has a positive effect.

Avidly (Tess), Dark Diamond (Nick - hidden) & Attain (Ross)

Inauguration (Adam) & Harry Bosch (Mark)

Veeraya (Megan) & Duke of Diamonds (Caitlin)

We tend to do well with the older horses we have and year in, year out, the yard favourites such as The Ducking Stool retain all their enthusiasm and win races. I'd like to think it's because we try and keep their routines varied and give them plenty to keep them mentally stimulated.
One thing we had never done though is go to the beach and, with it being only a short drive away to a horse-friendly beach, there was no reason not to. Handheld and Veeraya were the test dummies and they seemed to love it - paddling in the water and having a canter on the sand. The salt water is great for the feet and legs - some yards have spent thousands of pounds on a 'sea walker' but we had a free one! Hopefully we can have the time to make it a regular thing as the horses loved it.

Handheld & Veeraya go to the seaside

Bonnie keeps an eye on proceedings!

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE

Although no one is among the winners yet, the competition standings are beginning to take some shape. There have been plenty of placed horses and it looks like it is going to be a tight competition all year!

Steve Moore	6
Julie Feilden	4
Allan Forster	3
Bill Burgess	3
Linda Wright	3
Stephen Broadley	3
Ros Cousens	3
Martyn Clark	3
Trevor Fuller	3
Dominic Lisle	3
Barry Hine	3
Malc Shields	3
Mark Rimmer	3
Geoff Roberts	2
Barbara Walton	2
Gordon Hill	2
Shelley Birkett	2
Adam Beschizza	2
Jim Stevens	2
Megan Digby Baker	2
John Birkett	2
Poppy Feilden	1
Brian Reilly	1
Eddie Partridge	1
Jonathan Kinge	1
Rita Aspland	1
Sam Feilden	1
Steve Springford	1
Ryan Moore	1
Julia Feilden	1
Liz Moore	1
Dave Morris	1
Paula Smith	1
Jason Coote	1
Sophie Collington	1
Steve Clarke	1
Chris Shirran	1
Phil Collington	1
Rachael Shucksmith	1
Rob Weston	1
Dave Barnett	1
+ Lots of others yet to score!

Ready for a busy week

They say there's no rest for the wicked and that certainly applies to me this week as I've got runners entered every day.
Kicking off on Monday we have Bethan making her seasonal reappearance at Wolverhampton. She is still a maiden but has gone excruciatingly close to winning on numerous occasions. She has done well over the winter and strengthened up quite a bit. I expect her to improve for the run but she is well handicapped and certainly fit enough to do herself justice.
Bethan runs in an amateur race, as does Candesta the following day at Chelmsford. He found the one mile trip too sharp for him last time so the step up to 1m2f should be in his favour and he is a horse I think our amateur Ross will get the best out of as he he good on the strong-travelling types who need a bit of kidding along.

Silver Alliance (Ross), The Ducking Stool (Nick) & Dakota City (Mark)

After clocking up those miles, we'll almost be doubling them on Wednesday with the long trek down to Bath. Hopefully it'll be worth it as I think we have two good chances.
Silver Alliance really struggled in the soft ground at Pontefract last time so the return to a faster surface will be right in his favour and he seems to be in a good frame of mind at home, despite being a bit high in the handicap.
Joining him will be Honeymoon Express. She has recovered from her bad experience at Doncaster where she broke out of the stalls and ran loose. She passed her stalls test at Nottingham on Friday and I was pretty relieved as I think this is a race she has a great chance in and can hopefully bounce back to some kind of form in the blinkers.

Thankfully on Thursday we are a lot closer to home with The Ducking Stool making her first appearance of the new season at Newmarket. She is in terrific form but is very high in the weights so I expect her to find things a bit tough until she drops in the handicap a bit. It will be great to see her back on the track though as she has certainly become a yard favourite.

On Friday, Dakota City heads to Newbury with a decent chance. We're still trying to figure out his likes and dislikes but I think a bit of cut in the ground will suit him fine and the long, galloping straight of the track should be good for him too. His ideal distance is still a bit of an unknown as is his handicap mark but we'll find out more on the day.

Finally, completing the week is Automotive at Doncaster. He had to miss his engagement at Nottingham last Saturday due to the soft ground but he is in flying form and certainly ready for a run. He is a hard one to predict but if he is in the right frame of mind, you'd hope he could finish in the money.
So it is a busy week but hopefully can be a rewarding one. I think the best chance of some success could be at Bath on Wednesday. It's a track we usually do well at so fingers crossed the past fortune can continue. I hope to see plenty of you at various places this week!

Avidly (Sarah)

Vastly (Adam)

Duke Of Diamonds (Caitlin)

I've been on Twitter for a few months now and have really got into it. It's great to keep up to date with the latest news as it happens but also to have a bit of banter with other people on there. Luckily I don't get much abuse from irate punters!
It's also a good opportunity to show the world just what we do at Harraton Stud and I put up a great photo on there today of the three boys (Automotive, Handheld & Silver Alliance) having a chill out in the field on a Sunday morning.

Ross has reassured me that there will be a Three To Follow update next week. He has been keeping tabs on the scores but has just been waiting for the points to build up before updating us all.

Two exciting new prospects

You can't keep standing still for too long in racing as, if you do, you'll probably get left behind. It's important to constantly be bringing in fresh talent into the yard as and when space allows it and I was delighted to be able to buy two new recruits at the Tattersalls Guineas Sale on Friday.
The first is a lovely looking colt who was sold by Qatar Racing called Limerick Lord. As many of you may remember, the same outfit sold a horse called G Force very cheaply before he went on to win a Group 1 so it is not unknown for some good horses to slip through their net. Limerick Lord was recommended to win by his former trainer Stuart Williams as a likely improver and you can tell from his size that he will only get better with time. He has already won but has never run on the turf so there is plenty more to come. Although some shares are already sold, you can still get involved as the remaining 10% shares are available at £1500 each plus £200 per month training fees. Get in touch with me if you'd like to get involved in this exciting prospect.

Limerick Lord

The second new face is another fine looking bay called Dark Diamond. He too came highly recommended and it is hard to believe that he has only had seven career runs despite being five years old. Having said that, he is a great big horse so may have needed all that time to fill his frame. I've seen his last few races and definitely think there is improvement to come and he reminds me a lot of Sabre Rock who won five races on the bounce for us soon on arrival. Hopefully he'll run for owner Dick Creese if I can talk him into it!

Dark Diamond

The biggest invasion on the south coast since William The Conqueror landed in 1066 is likely to be seen on Tuesday as we send a raiding party of four horses to Brighton.
It just so happened that a lot of ideal races for a good few of my horses were scheduled that day and it's a  track I've been lucky at in the past so thought it a good opportunity.
First up is Inauguration. She is back in maiden company but it is a weak race and she is well treated at the weights due to the conditions of the race. She is very tough and has plenty of experience so hopefully that will put her in good stead against some less-experienced rivals.
Veeraya has been a bit of an enigma since joining us but it has probably just been the case that he was too high in the handicap after winning a maiden. He is coming down the weights now and will eventually find his level. He carries his head quite high so we're putting a tongue strap on him just to try and get him to drop his head a bit. The unique track could perk him up and I hope he can start getting back into some form.

Harry Bosch (Adam) & Veeraya (Ross)

Third up will be Harry Bosch. He too is falling down the weights and his debut run for us last time wasn't bad at all. He is a big stuffy horse and will improve for the run again but he seems very happy in himself and I hope he can win some prize money.
Completing the quartet is Bushy Glade in the apprentice race. She was very disappointing last week at Wolverhampton so I'm turning her out again quickly because she needs to redeem herself! She'll wear cheekpieces and hopefully they can perk her up a bit.

As if I hadn't had enough of the place from all the Tuesday runners, we're back at Brighton again on Wednesday. Avidly is a really tricky customer and guessing how she'll perform is near impossible but she does seem very happy at home and her gallops have been quite impressive. We're just going to let her do her own thing and hope that the ups and downs of Brighton are to her liking.

Avidly (Tess)

The horsebox gets a day off before hitting the road again on Friday. It's A Sheila Thing makes her debut at Nottingham and I hope she can put in a good performance. She hasn't been blasted at home as I didn't want to wind her up too much but she seems to have plenty of raw ability and hopefully she can show this on the track. It should be a good education for her to build on over the coming weeks.

Nottingham is on the menu again on Saturday with two entries, although only one will run. If the ground is firm, Automotive will take his chance. He is flying at home and is more than ready for a run. A lot depends on what side of the bed he wakes up from but he is more than capable of running well. If the rain falls, Handheld will head there instead. He loves soft ground and has won at Nottingham twice before so those aspects hold no fears although I do think he's a bit better later in the year.
She may not be running but Honeymoon Express will also go to Notts on Saturday to complete her stalls test before racing. She got very upset and burst out the front at Doncaster last time so she needs to pass this test to race again. I don't think she should be a problem and it was just a one-off so, all being well, she can hit the track again soon.

Handheld (Ryan), Dakota City (Mark) & Automotive (Ross)

It was a shame The Ducking Stool couldn't take her chance at Wetherby last weekend but she is back in flying form and could have a run at Newmarket the week after next. She is likely to improve for the day out but it will be good to get her season started again.

The Ducking Stool (Nick), Bethan (Megan) & Vastly (JF)