Mud lovers at the ready

After a sodden week it was nice to see the sun again this afternoon and the horses in the field seemed to appreciate not getting a soaking once more.
The rain hasn't been too much of a pain though as it means we can get a few of the mud lovers out this week for a run. Opus Too was very weak as a two-year old but has come back from his winter holiday a lot stronger and is now ready to make his debut at Leicester tomorrow. He is a big galloper so will want a trip in time and this experience should bring him on a lot and wake him up mentally as he is pretty laid-back.
We've been having a bit of trouble with Bushy Glade's back recently which has kept her off the track but a visit from the chiropractor has sorted her right out. She was tight in the area behind the saddle and it all stems from a bad tooth which causes her to tense up when ridden. The problem tooth has been extracted and the improvement in her back is remarkable. Hopefully now we can kick on with her.

Bushy Glade (Ryan) & Opus Too (Shelley)

 

On Tuesday, Handheld and Bethan travel to Yarmouth and I'm hoping the track gets plenty more rain as they both love soft ground. Handheld looks a bit high in the handicap at present but he tries his hardest and won't be far away.
Bethan is still a maiden but has come very close to winning in the past. She is quite one-paced so soft ground suits her and if it is testing, she will be right there at the finish.

Bethan (Danny) & Handheld (Ross)

 

The same day, No Such Number goes hurdling at Southwell, the track he made his 50/1 winning debut at. It is the first time he has run in a handicap and I thought the mark of 115 was a bit harsh so we'll have to see how he goes but the drop back to two miles is ideal.

No Such Number (Reno)

 

The best chance of the week probably come on Friday when Automotive travels down to Goodwood. He was a very impressive winner over course and distance last August and is fully fit after two runs this season. Both his career wins have come in amateur races so he seems to enjoy that type of event and I think he should be in the money at the end.

Luhaif (Graham) & Automotive (Ross)

 

Veeraya finished mid-division in a big-field handicap at Newmarket last time but I don't think that was too bad a run on a track he didn't like and the winner has come out and won again since. Sandown next time will be ideal and he is ready to win.

Veeraya (Adam)

 

Another who should be winning soon is Avidly. She has been a bit frustrating since showing early promise but it has taken a while to get her head straight and I think we're getting on top of her now. She goes to Yarmouth in a couple of weeks in what might be a bad maiden handicap so hopefully she can get off the mark there.

Avidly (Graham)