Candy man can

As expected this time of year is always a bit slow moving on the race track, that's because we are all gearing up for the start of the season which now is not too far away. Our only runners last week were Tight Lipped, who ran disappointingly although he had excuses as he does not like being crowded and that is exactly what happened and he was never enjoying himself. The other runner Tolly McGuiness ran a little more encouragingly, however we are still trying to work out which distance suits him best.

Candesta (Tessa) and Moment To Dream (Adam)

Our only runners next week galloped together on Saturday along the Cambridge Road polytrack. Candesta (left in picture) has run some cracking races in defeat and responded well to the Chelmsford surface last time so he goes there again on Thursday. He has been extremely frustrating but we are hopeful of another good effort. Moment To Dream is an unraced filly we recently bought from the sales, I am not sure if she will run on Thuursday as I think she could do with a little more education at home first, she is still quite green, however I think after a few runs she will begin to show some of her true ability.

Handheld (Tina)

One horse I am very much looking forward to running after his break is old stalwart Handheld. We will be aiming him for the first meeting of the season at Doncaster where we are hopeful he will get his preferred soft ground. He usually runs best fresh and although he is on quite a high handicap mark I hope he can begin the season in style.

Sabre Rock (Mark) and Attain (Shelley)

 Also back after a short break is the mighty Sabre Rock (far side), after his incredible 4 wins on the bounce he was given time to freshen up again and is aiming to run again at the beginning of next month. He has also been given a tentative entry on the Group 3 Winter Derby which can sometimes be a pretty weak contest for Group class, but he will need to go up another heap in the weights if he will have any kind of chance. He galloped along side Attain who will be running very soon and is another I hope to have some fun with in the lower grade.

Silver Alliance

 Gearing up for his comeback is Silver Alliance. He is a real old favourite in the yard and I am sure another fruitful season will be ahead for him, although he is another that is a little too high in the handicap for his own good, he still retains alot of ability and as enthusiastic about racing as he has always been.

Honeymoon Express (Niall)

Honeymoon Express was a little disappointing last year after a promising beginning but I just hope it means she is on a good handicap mark for next year. She just gets bulkier every year and I still don't think she has stopped growing which may explain why she was just going through the motions.

It's A Sheila Thing (Mark), Go On Gal (Niall) and Dakota  City (Tessa)

It is always a very exciting time seeing the two year olds progressing at home and this year we have really been impressed by our four fillies. A couple of them bunched up in behind Dakota City at the weekend and It's A Sheila Thing (hidden) would probably be the speediest of the bunch, she has a wonderful attitude and is tough as old boots! Go On Gal (second) also is very professional about her work and if they can keep going the right way they will provide alot of fun for us all this season.

Duke of Diamonds (Tina)

Duke of Diamonds has just begun cantering after a long break in the paddock to strengthen up as he was not ready to race last year as a two year old. He is quite nervous but I am sure as he progresses through is training he will toughen up and is still very much a blank canvas.

Meddling (Shelley)

A filly I am very fond of is Meddling, she came to us a real handful but now she is such a pleasure to train and really seems to enjoy her work. She likes to have quite a bit of time between runs and so will soon be ready for another outing.