Juveniles get into gear

After the tropical conditions which saw out last week, the arctic chill made an unwelcome return recently and dispelled any thoughts we had that summer may be on its way.
The grass gallops were still in use though and we got up early on Saturday morning to get the fresh ground before the bigger strings in town use it.
We haven't had a two-year old runner yet this year as they have been put back a bit by the weather but the pair who are closest to running had a gallop together. Old handicapper Entrance led Bushy Glade and Primrose Posy along and, although green, they showed they have enough speed to be ready for a run within the next month. They will have a few more bits of work to ensure they are fully tuned up and then some training in the starting stalls but it will be great to get some juveniles on the track.

Entrance, Primrose Post & Bushy Glade

The older brigade were also out for a spin and No Such Number showed that he's more than ready for his run at Doncaster next weekend. He's had the winter off and really matured physically. He should be more than fit enough to do himself justice and hopefully can get the firm ground he loves.
Going along with him was Sancho Panza. He missed all last season because of injury and isn't as fit as Number at the minute but he is showing some of his old sparkle so can hopefully continue his promising career.
The third of the trio was a useful handicapper called Maison Brillet trained by Clive Drew. We sometimes let others work with our horses as not all trainers are lucky enough to have as good gallops as we do.

No Such Number, Sancho Panza & Maison Brillet

Two horses I'm really excited about for this season are Attain and Omega Omega who worked together on Wednesday. The pair are both well handicapped after lacklustre seasons in 2012 but have thrived during their winter holidays.
Attain goes to Wolverhampton tomorrow and everything looks in place for a big run. He has good form over the course and distance, seems fit enough and we have a good jockey in Shelley Birkett as it is a race for apprentices who haven't ridden more than 10 winners. The only concern is his attitude as he lost enthusiasm towards the end of last season but he seems keen enough at home and we have been trying to keep him sweet.
Omega Omega runs the following day at Yarmouth. She is on a good handicap mark but my only worry is that she may need the run. She will improve for the race and is definitely one to follow.

Omega Omega (Annalie) & Attain (Ross)

Also at Yarmouth on Tuesday are Spirit of Sharjah and Silver Alliance. Both find it hard to win as the handicapper is harsh on them but they are in good form and have ideal conditions. I couldn't be too confident to say they will win but the races are weak enough for them to be in with a squeak.

Like Attain, old warrior Khajaaly has his own ideas about the game but turning him out in the field at the weekends and learning how to handle him have seen some positive results as he is now flying at home. He'll be at Yarmouth in a few weeks time and should be able to win off his rock-bottom turf handicap mark.

Khajaaly (Billy)

At the other end of the scale, two fillies who know very little about the game are Amelia George and Bethan. Both are unraced but are getting closer to a run and did the most work they have done yet by cantering upsides on the grass. With lots of owners present, there was plenty to look at and the two both had a good stare at the crowd as they went by. The experience will do them good though and they will have learnt a lot for this.

Amelia George (Reno) & Bethan (Billy)