Babies are back

The flat season may have officially ended at Doncaster this weekend but things never really stop here at Harraton Stud as there is always something going on.
This week saw the arrival back to the yard of our first crop of yearlings. They were at a pre-training yard to get them started on their paths of being a racehorse and ridden for the first time. I went to see the fillies before they returned and I was delighted with what I saw - they all look very sensible and, more importantly, look like they can run. Of course, they can't race until next March when the new turf season starts so in the meanwhile, we will have to get them trained up, physically and mentally, for the job.

Thumbs up: It's A Sheila Thing, Approve filly & Little Orchid

Luckily, all bar one of the fillies have owners already but there are still a few shares left in the filly by Approve. She is bred to be an early type and looks the most likely out of the lot to be a speedy and precocious youngster. As you can see from the picture below, she has a big back-end on her and this is where the 'engine' is so is a good sign that she should have plenty of speed. A 10% share is available for £2000 with £200 per month all-inclusive training fees. She isn't even named yet so you could have the chance of giving her one!

Looking sharp: The Approve filly

On the track, it was another week of near-misses as The Ducking Stool ran a gallant second at Nottingham on Wednesday. She has had an unbelievable year, only finishing out of the money once in 12 runs. It would be an honour to train a yard full of her like as she is very genuine and a pleasure to train. I was going to give her a well-earned holiday after this but she is in such good form, I though another run would be ok. She is rated a few pounds lower on the all-weather so I'll try her out on it to see if that mark is worth exploiting.

Hopefully the horses will be able to run as well this week as we have quite a few chances.
I can't believe Tolly McGuinness hasn't performed on the track yet as his homework is very good. He has had excuses but he is running out of chances now so he better show his best at Kempton on Wednesday night. He worked very well again yesterday so it's now or never!
Making the trip with him will be Candesta. He ran a great race on his comeback last time, only getting tired late on. He is a much better horse on the all-weather and if he can build on his last run, should be in the mix.

Tolly McGuinness (Shelley) & Honeymoon Express (Ryan)

 

Sabre Rock only came to the yard two weeks ago but he was race fit on arrival so should be ready for a run at Southwell on Thursday. He hasn't done anything wrong at home but we are still learning about him so it is hard to know what to expect.

Avidly looked like a winner at Kempton last week but threw her race away by not looking too enthusiastic. She has loads of ability but will need kidding along is she is to eventually win. She goes to Wolverhampton on Friday and, if in the mood, will run well.

A similar type of horse is Automotive. On his day he is very good and he has been working well at home so a good run at Lingfield on Saturday wouldn't be a surprise. He is still well handicapped so has every chance.

Candesta (Tess) & Automotive (Ross)

Bushy Glade was given a few months off after going a bit weak but is now upping her work gradually. She tries hard and ran well at Yarmouth earlier in the year to finish third. The important thing with her is to keep the weight on her so she is getting plenty of grub and looks a lot bigger and stronger as a result.

Bushy Glade (Danny)

THREE TO FOLLOW UPDATE

With a month to go, there is still little to choose between those at the top.
In joint first we have Sophie Feilden and Harry Hurst on 31 points. One point behind them is Mark Henry with Sophie Collington another point adrift.