Two New Fillies

Wimbledon is on at the minute so I suppose the weather was always going to be unpredictable last week and it went against us more than once.

Premier League is a Southwell specialist so any ease in the ground is better for him but when my husband John walked the course at Newbury on Tuesday, he was disappointed to see it had dried out considerably and was no where near the official description of 'good'.

I do feel that course clerks put 'good' in a going description to tempt trainers wanting soft ground into running and, although it gets a fair bit of stick, I think the GoingStick is a more reliable source for finding out how firm it is. As it gives a numerical value on the softness of the turf, there can be little argument with it.

Thankfully, the weather did turn in our favour by the end of the week in time for Acer Diamonds at Newmarket on Friday. He loves soft going and the deluge the night before helped his case but a troubled passage in running saw him struggle to show his best. We still believe he's got an engine and hopefully he'll be able to exhibit it next time out.

On the other hand, Emma's Gift didn't really like the soft ground but still ran admirably in fifth. She's so tough and deserves to win another after her Ascot success earlier in the year.

We've had a couple of new arrivals in the yard over the last few weeks, the first of which was a three year old filly by American stallion Green Tune. She has only just been broken in but is forward going and has strengthened up a fair bit already. The other new one is a full sister to Premier League, being out of Ellie Simmonds and by Firebreak. She has never been ridden and is only two years old. She looks like she needs a bit of time to grow so don't be expecting to see her on the racecourse any time soon!

Firebreak two year old

Green Tune three year old

There should be a fair few more coming into the yard over the next few weeks as the July Sales at Tattersalls are only around the corner. The pair that we bought at the auction last year (Sail Home and Entrance) have both won for us and we'll be looking to find a few more bargains.

Sail Home is entered this week and I'm hopeful of a good run after she worked well on Saturday morning. She's back at Yarmouth where she won two starts ago and although she didn't drop in the handicap for a defeat last time, she will run well.

We're trekking up to Pontefract tomorrow with Entrance and Generous Genella, both of which I think should land a place at least. Genella ran a much better race last time in a tongue strap even though she didn't stay the distance. I've dropped her back in trip now and it should suit her.

Entrance is looking for back to back wins after scoring at Nottingham last time and I can't see why she shouldn't. She went up four pounds for the win which was a fair rise and if she gets lucky, hopefully she can win again.

Ground dependant, Red Hearts and Pyjoma go to Warwick on Friday. Red Hearts won a maiden earlier in the season but is struggling a bit now but I hope the step up in trip will eek a bit more improvement out of her. Pyjoma is handicapping for the first time and has a decent weight but she does get a little bit wound up at times so it's hard to know what to expect.
The following day, Exopuntia will run if the ground is soft enough and she'll go close if taking her chance.



Three To Follow Update

No points scored this week so standings are as before.