Kicking off the season

Finally for the first time since November there will be flat turf racing on Friday. The winter is a dreaded experience for most people, especially those who have to work outside like us, but we are through the worst of it and it's now time to gear up for 8 months of glorious flat racing.

With only a small string for the all-weather, the rest have been having a well earned break and now fighting fit for the weeks ahead. Automotive (below), is still yet to discover the grass but we are confident that it will suit him better than the polytrack, with a galloping track in mind too I think we are aiming him for Yarmouth around the beginning of April. With his breathing sorted now and at a rock bottom handicap mark he is sure to have a fruitful season ahead.

Sancho Panza (below), has had a long time off the track and I have been itching waiting for him to come right to run him again. He was really progressive a couple of seasons ago, although it may have been a blessing in disguise to of had the time off as he has grown and filled out enormously.

Another really progressive horse is No Such Number, he is still only lightly raced and yet to fill his true potential. Another who will be much more suited to the turf he will be a long distance type to watch out for as the season progresses.

Tomorrow we have 3 runners at Kempton. Vastly makes his reappearance after an encouraging debut, he takes a step up in trip which he would definately need in time anyway, but I hope he will stay the extra 2f. Old yard stick Spirit Of Sharjah also runs and has won twice at the track, he still maintains a high grade which makes it hard for him to get his head infront, his turn will hopefully be soon.

The first day of the flat is on Friday at Doncaster and we will hopefully be there with The Ducking Stool. She ran a great race yesterday to finish 4th and with a bit of rain forecast it will do her cause no harm at all. Our only other runner for the week is Handheld, who also travels to Doncaster but on Saturday. However, I would be a little concerned if there is alot of rain as the 1m 2f distance may stretch him a little on the softer ground.