Ascot gone, Lingfield next!

I can't believe another Royal Ascot has been and gone already which must mean we're well into the season now. Unfortunately we didn't have anything to run at the meeting this year which was a shame because it is always an honour to have a runner at such a prestigious meeting but it just goes to show you how hard it is to have a runner there, never mind a winner. You only have to look at some of the big names who couldn't get on the score sheet to realise that.

I don't like dressing up that much anyway so I'll be much more at home at Lingfield tomorrow when Tolly McGuinness hits the track for the first time this year. He just had one run last year but he was very weak so I expect him to put up a good show this time around. The one mile might be a bit far for him but there are limited opportunities for maidens to run so he is going there for some more experience.

Tolly Mcguinness (Shelley) & Bushy Glade (Ryan)

 

We like to have a few runners at out lucky track of Yarmouth so we've got a few heading there for their two-day meeting, starting on Thursday.
No Such Number has been mixing hurdles runs with the flat and, as there aren't any races for him over the timber, he's back on the level. It looks a good race for him and he's in decent form so I expect another consistent effort.
Also there will be Luhaif. He seemed to bounce right back to form last time when second at Nottingham and, if he can repeat that, he should have a great chance of going one better. The key to him is making the running so hopefully he can get an easy lead in front.
Completing the Yarmouth trio will be Previous Acclaim. She ran well last time and is a better horse on turf I think so don't be surprised if she's in the shake-up again.

No Such Number (Danny)

 

Another runner on Thursday is last week's hero Automotive. He came out of the win in great order and was put up five pounds in the ratings by the handicapper which I think is fair. He seems to like galloping tracks so the long straight at Leicester should suit him and we can't have any complaints with the jockey as Ryan Moore has been booked to ride. The only thing is that Automotive has only won amateur races to date but I think Ryan is a bit better than most amateurs!

Making the trip to the coast at Yarmouth the following day is Bethan. She is desperate for soft ground to show her best but we're unlikely to get that anytime soon so she might as well run. She can still run well on firm ground, as proven last time so she should get some prize money again.
Yarmouth legend The Ducking Stool is entered this day too but she's also in on Tuesday at Newbury and she will run depending where conditions are most favourable.

Proud Chieftain, Opus Too (Adam) & Bethan (Ross)

 

Completing a busy week, we have Opus Too and Honeymoon Express at Lingfield on Saturday evening. Opus ran well on his debut last time and the step up in trip will be right up his street. He's one for the longer term but it'd be nice for him to score some early points at this stage of his career.
Honeymoon struggled a bit last time and it may be that the handicapper has her in his grips but she had some excuses and could bounce back.

Tiger's Home (Graham) & Honeymoon Express (Shelley)

Attain (Graham)

 

We're well used to having visitors here at Harraton Stud so we were delighted to welcome a professional photographer who was visiting to take some snaps for a local magazine. It was all a bit 'arty' and Shelley had to pull some moody poses but Silver Alliance proved to be a natural model and, as you can see, he was more than happy to steal the limelight!