At home with Kylie!

The good run couldn't last forever I suppose and, after winners in each of the last three weeks, we drew a blank this one. That's not to say they ran badly, far from it. Dark Diamond ran a much better race in a visor and looks sure to win soon on only his second start for us. Dakota City also ran an improved race at Newbury on Thursday when finishing fourth. We rode him more forcefully and that looks the way to go as well as running him over a few furlongs further.

Dakota City (Phil Collington)

I'll be able to enjoy watching most of Royal Ascot for once this year with no runners entered until Friday. I love watching the Royal meeting and I certainly look back with fond memories on Spirit Of Sharjah's fine third place finish in the Norfolk Stakes a few years ago. A small yard like ours rarely has anything good enough to run there so it makes the moments you do even more special.
Instead on Friday we will be represented at Newmarket as the track hosts its first music night of the year. I think most people will be at the course to see Kylie Minogue perform after racing but I'll be more interested on what's happening on the track!
I'm looking forward to seeing what Limerick Lord can do on his first run for us. He seems to be a pure sprinter on his homework and its hard to think why previous connections only tried him over five furlongs once - and he won. The run will tell us more about the horse but I hope he can show some promise.

Limerick Lord (Adam) & Honeymoon Express (Megan)

Also at HQ on Friday is Meddling. I've been waiting for ages to run her at our local track as she doesn't like travelling and usually gets quite upset when going racing. Hopefully the short trip to Newmarket will help her stay calm and she could show an improved performance.
Also entered that night are Harry Bosch and Go On Gal but it looks unlikely that they will get a run with lots of horses entered in their respective races.

Meddling (Ross) & It's A Sheila Thing (Mark, hidden)

The following day we will have little travelling again with a couple at Newmarket.
The Ducking Stool has been coming along nicely in her first two runs this season and has dropped a few pounds in the weights too. The step up in trip will be ideal for her and, although she will be taking a right hand turn which she usually doesn't handle, it does come with almost a mile to race so she should hopefully cope with it. Ducky is a horse we all know and love and it'd be great for her to be back in the winner's enclosure soon.
Another with a good chance has to be It's A Sheila Thing. She ran encouragingly on her debut last month and the step up to seven furlongs is just what she needs. The form of her debut race isn't working out very well but she is better than she showed that day and I hope she can make a good impression.

The Ducking Stool (Kelly) & Harry Bosch (Ross, hidden)

As you may know, we like to keep the horses mentally and physically active so now and again we will give some of the older horses a pop over some jumps to give them a bit to think about. It was Guising's turn this time and he was a natural, making a great shape over the jumps and looking like a pro. His owner Carol has made it very clear though that he won't run over hurdles so jumping will remain a recreational hobby for the horse! Hopefully this experience perks him up as he's in at Chelmsford on Thursday.

Guising (Adam)

I'm pleased to report that Vastly is making good progress on his comeback from injury. We have been travelling him over to the world famous Warren Hill to get plenty hill work into him and he seems to be loving it. His enthusiasm is still all there and if his body holds up, he should be back on the racetrack in a couple of weeks.

Vastly (Tess)