The turf is back!!

The new turf season finally kicks off again next weekend and I'm delighted to have two runners heading to Doncaster for the opening meeting.
We also had Luhaif entered in the valuable Lincoln handicap there but his recent efforts have suggested that one mile is a bit too short for him so we'll be upping him in trip next time.
The pair who will be racing on the green stuff on Sunday are both in great form but could do with the ground riding on the soft side, something which looks unlikely with the dryish forecast.
Handheld has been kept fit leading the babies all winter without running as he isn't as good on the all-weather but he is in great form ahead of his return to action. He won two races last year on soft ground and that really is the key to him so we had better hope the heavens open.
Also wanting some rain is Candesta. He has shown promise in three maidens and goes handicapping off a competitive mark but he is a big, strong galloper who hits the ground hard so the softer the ground, the better for him.

Bethan (Danny), Candesta (Ross) & Honeymoon Express (Ryan)

 

Before that, we have quite a busy week with runners almost everyday, kicking off on Tuesday with Sheila's Heart at Southwell. He ran a great race to finish second at the course last time and another place looks to be on the cards. There are a couple in the race who could be useful but he tries and acts on the unique surface so they have more to prove than he does.
We're back at Southwell the following day when Bethan hits the track. She too was a runner-up there last time and it seems she is finally getting the hang of this racing game. She is in good form so should be in the shake-up at the business end.
Avidly is entered at Kempton on the same day too but may not run as there are better options for her in the future.

Handheld (Graham)

 

Of the horses who enjoyed a long winter break, Silver Alliance will be the first to run as he has come to hand very quickly and there is an ideal race for him at Wolverhampton on Thursday. The grey boy has come back with a real spring in his step and he put in a fantastic gallop on Saturday. He isn't 100% fit yet but he is definitely ready to win so fingers crossed for a good comeback.
Meddling is another down to run on Thursday but at Southwell. There were very few entries in the race as it is for fillies only so I thought it would be worth a shot. She prefers left-handed tracks which Southwell is. The only uncertainty is the surface but we will only find out by running on it.

Silver Alliance (Shelley)

 

Automotive is another who had the winter off and he too is back better than ever. He was starting to get the hang of winning last year and he seems a lot calmer this season. There's a good starting point for him on April 9th and it should build up to a good year for him.

Veeraya (Shelley) & Automotive (Ross)

 

Completing a busy week are No Such Number and Avidly on Friday. I've put Number in a race at Wolverhampton because there were few entries so it may turn out to be a weak race. He is fine after his run over hurdles last time.
Avidly too was a late entrant due to a lack of entries at Lingfield. It is a maiden but she will probably be the highest rated so they've all got her to beat according to the figures.

We've got five two-year olds this term and already some are showing themselves to be more ready than others. Our first runner looks set to be Italia at Windsor in a few weeks' time and she is acting very professionally and doing all her work easily. She is bred to be an early type and looks likely to be one.

Celestine Abbey (Ryan) & Italia (Shelley)

 

There have been lots of people joining the new racing club which is great to see. It really is phenomenal what you get for £180 - the club has four decent horses in The Ducking Stool, Tiger's Home, Handheld and Previous Acclaim. They will be running plenty at a variety of tracks so you'll get your money back through free admission alone! They all look like winners too so there is plenty of excitement to be had too!
You can email me at juliafeilden@aol.com for more details.