A Cracking Christmas

I hope you all had a great Christmas weekend and enjoyed spending time with your families. It is a lovely time of the year but with horses to look after, things never really stop here at Harraton Stud and I'll be happy when the working world returns back to some normality! With jumps racing taking centre stage over the weekend, it was great to sit back and relax whilst watching some top-class jumps action. Cue Card's King George win has to go down as one of the classics whilst it was a joy to watch two greats like Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy battle it out the following day.

It's back to business now though and we kick off with Art Beat at Southwell tomorrow. She has shown some promise in maidens and has been given a low rating by the handicapper but I suspect the six furlong trip might be a bit sharp for her against some more experienced rivals.

Then on Wednesday we head to Lingfield with a pair of raiders. Teputina ran a blinder to finish second on her debut at Chelmsford last time and the run has really woken her up at home. She should be a lot more street-wise this time and I hope she can grab a place in what isn't a too strong maiden race.

Teputina (Caitlin)

Also at Lingfield is Star Of The Stage. He hasn't had much luck since joining us but his last run was a step in the right direction and I feel he is now coming down to a rating he can be competitive off. We are still learning about him but I wouldn't be surprised if he ran well.

Star Of The Stage (Mark)

There's not a lot on then until Saturday when Dissertation goes to Southwell. She looked a much better proposition over a long trip last time and I think two miles at this kind of track will be ideal. She always works like a horse with plenty of ability at home and we just need to find a way of unlocking it!

Dissertation (Ross)

Dakota City continues to train exceptionally well ahead of his try over two miles next week. He will have one more gallop before then and that should put him spot on for the new assignment.

Dakota City (Mark) & Candesta (Sarah)

Veeraya (Sam)

I'm delighted to report that stable star Sabre Rock is now back in light exercise as he begins his recuperation from injury. He kept us all warm last winter by winning all five of his race for us and I still think he is a horse with plenty more improvement to come. We will take things slowly with him but the aim is to have him back by April. He has come back looking like a tank and was delighted to be out on the Heath again!