Archived Quotes

Mystic Man runs in a novice handicap chase over 3m. He has been a revelation since going chasing and although he has won two average races, he’s done it well. His confidence after his first win was sky-high and he was more impressive last time at Fakenham when making all the running and jumping extremely nicely. He hasn’t run since then because poor Ben had an emergency operation to remove his appendix, from which thankfully he has recovered pretty quickly.

Ar El Bee is having his second outing for me over hurdles having run eight times on the flat without success. He is a keen-going type who jumps perfectly well but he does need to learn to relax. I think he will fare better once handicapped.

Jersey Wonder needed the run last time much more than I had expected but he's much fitter now. Whether that means he can win I'm not sure as he knows more about the game than all of us! We're winding down with just a couple of runners before the end of the month still to come and I take up my post as Harry Derham's assistant on August 1.

Times Are Blue has been disappointing. He is very laid back, hence the reason for putting the blinkers on. They have certainly had a positive effect at home so hopefully, he definitely will have a chance here, if they work as well on the racecourse.

This is a first run after a break for Jersey Wonder. He has been very consistent and on his best form I'm confident he can go close, but equally, he will benefit from the run. Trip and ground are ideal so he'll go there with a degree of optimism.

Ar El Bee is a new horse to us. He jumps well but needs to learn to relax. It's very much a case of look and learn today.

Times Are Blue is a total playboy who has ability but he needs to knuckle down and concentrate more, hence the fitting of first-time cheek-pieces. His jumping last time out was disappointing because he schools so well at home but hopefully, the addition of the headgear will help with that.

Jersey Lady runs in a handicap hurdle over 3m 2f. She has won her last two races over 2f shorter, but she is from a stout staying family so I think the extra distance will only help her. Vic Malzard has ridden her on both of those occasions and she claims a valuable 5lb off her back. She is a lovely honest mare who generally jumps very well, and she will enjoy the ground. This will most likely be her last run before going off for a holiday.

Mystic Man jumped well on chase debut at Southwell and he looks the one to beat in this three-horse race getting so much weight from the other pair. Ben knows him well having ridden him in all his UK points before joining us and I'm confident Mystic Man will stay the extra distance.

Scrum Diddly runs in a handicap hurdle over 3m 1f. He is on a hat trick, having hacked up in two races over the last two weeks. it’s not ideal running again so quickly but we’re trying to stay ahead of the handicapper and he hasn’t had hard races on either occasion. This is a much more competitive race, as it should be for the prize money. You can never tell how horses will handle this unique, very tight track until you try but he deserves his chance at a good prize while he’s in this type of form.