Archived Quotes

Makuri is a little better off with the favourite on her recent run at Brighton but it will still be tough for her to turn that around. Each-way chances

Asgard's Captain has already enjoyed a great year and I think he will love York. The track, trip and ground are all in his favour so there will be no excuses. He's fit and well and we go there with high hopes.

Artificer did everything wrong when beaten a long way on debut at Wetherby last month. We're hoping the tongue-tie and the experience will help her to a better performance tonight.

Gogo Yubari continues to improve and is flying at home after her last win. People tell me you can't win out of stall 2 over 5f at Lingfield and I would prefer her to be in 10 but she gets out fast and usually that means she wins. She deserves to run in a 20k race and we're going there as one of the main contenders.

It's exciting to get the big boy out again. Silver Sword is in good order and has thrived through the winter. I think he has the speed for 7f and am surprised he's as big a price as he is. I'm confident he'll run a big race.

Wannabeawallaby was expected to improve on a modest debut run last time at Lingfield but disappointed. Like Rock And Royal at Brighton earlier, he might find things happening too quickly over this trip and we'll be going up in distance later on.

Confederation is a frustrating type who continues to flatter to deceive. For a while last time he looked likely to give Voodo Ray a race but weakened late on. Maybe dropping in trip will persuade him to go through with his effort.

Rock And Royal is still learning about racing after two runs on the AW. He's on turf for the first time and may well be better when he can try further in handicaps.

Non-runner

Expressionless has been getting going too late in his races over 1m2f. I know it's a stretch to be trying 1m6f but if Kyle can keep him in touch, he'll be the one with the finishing kick in the last furlong.

Like Gogi Yubari, Mart has been flying on the gallops. The switch to turf is the question but there's no reason he shouldn't act on it - his mother won on heavy. Hopeful.

Gogo Yubari has been improving all through the winter and is now on a hat-trick. Up a total of 6lb for the last two wins, she's been flying at home and I have to be confident.

Rock And Royal has had one run but showed greenness and will probably need it again today. Handicaps down the line for her will be the way to go.

You need the right horse for Brighton and Confederation is the ideal type. I've been 2nd with him off 74 and he's now down to 50 yet is working as well as he ever has. One day he's going to bolt up off his mark, but I'll never know when that might be!

The horses have been a little out of form although Asgard's Captain ran well yesterday, so I'm going there today with hope rather than confidence. Makuri will enjoy the distance but the draw isn't great. I think she might need another run before striking form.

Asgard's Captain was going for the four-timer when caught out by the hill at Lingfield. We've given him a short break and he resumes on the turf off a much higher mark than when he left off for previous connections. His ability on soft ground is unproven, so it's fingers crossed.

Artificer is a very nice filly. She's working well on good ground at home but I've no idea how she'll handle this soft going at Wetherby.  I had hoped she could win this. She has an Oaks entry and you do not make them about unraced fillies for fun. If she did win today it would be the Oaks Trial at Lingfield and then the Classic, the same route the Clovers took with Rogue Millennium starting with this race two years ago.

Justahunch ruined her chance last time with a slow start - not ideal over 5f. If she breaks more alertly today, off 2lb lower, she can be getting to them in the straight. Hopeful.

Cerulean Summer ran well in both starts last year and needed the comeback run when she also hung losing some ground. We expect a more polished performance the first time in a handicap and the starting mark looks very fair.

Hello Miss Lady ran once last year, making little impact. We hope she has improved over the winter, but it would take a massive jump for her to figure in this company.

A handicap mark of 53 is never likely to be good enough to win a 3yo fillies' maiden at this time of year and Charlotte's Luck is up against even in a five-horse field. Hoping that the first time hood brings some improvement.

Serendipitous Lady was bought at the HIT sale in October. She won over 7f here for her previous stable and was still with Michael Bell for her run the following month. We're hoping for a good start but she should be better for the run.

Expressionless found the mile of the Lincoln too short on comeback and was staying on more recently over this trip. He squeezed in at the bottom here and should be running on at the end again. Each-way value.

Mart came back from his short break with two more good runs, staying on well into a close 2nd last time at Lingfield. This will be his first time here and I think he might enjoy the flat track. Hopeful.

non-runner

El Bufalo won nicely at Wolverhampton and while this represents a big step up in class and the first time on turf for him, we think he has a chance. The ground will be fine and afterwards we'll know where we stand. If he has a hard race and we have to give him six weeks off, that's only the end of May so there will still be a long season ahead of him.

Gogo Yubari has really got her act together with three wins this year. She needed every yard at Lingfield last time but again at 5f, and only 2lb higher, we're hoping to strike while the iron's hot.

We have a hood on Rock And Royal for this debut. She shows promise and David Probert is a good choice to teach her something with Rhys at Wolverhampton.

Makuri gradually improved in her two-year-old season and left her best run till last when a close 4th at Chelmsford. She's fit for this after a five-month break and I wouldn't be shocked if she finished in the first three at a value price.

Wannabeawallaby is in good form and if it wasn't for the fact he's so sluggish at the gate, I'd give him a decent each-way chance. We've given him lots of stalls work at home, but I don't expect much of an improvement in that direction. Hopefully, though, he'll be pegging them back in the straight.

Justahunch showed us absolutely nothing before he finished 2nd at Southwell and again has likewise shown nothing since. I've no idea who backed him that day and where the run came from! This is a very poor race - I was telling Rhys this morning it's one of the worst ever run on UK soil - so I'd hope he could be in the money - but 15/8?

Thelastwinterarrow has been struggling in his races at between 1m and 1m3f, showing very little in the way of speed. I know it's a big step up in trip and he's hardly bred for it, but at this level, miracles can happen!

Mart should win - he just bumped into one here last time but stayed on well at the finish. That was his first run for a while and he should be sharper today.

Expressionless had a couple of wins in the spring last year, but after six months off, never again got near that level. Disappointing two weeks ago at Doncaster, but that will have helped his fitness for today. Ground no problem.

Charlotte's Luck went to Saint-Cloud for her debut last autumn and was understandably a bit green, but evidently hadn't learnt much as she started slowly and again showed inexperience at Wolverhampton soon after. We are hoping for much more from her this year.

Gogo Yubari ran very well under her penalty at Chelmsford the other day and now is 3lb better in. A CD winner, she could hardly be in better form and from bottom-weight has to be a contender.

Battleofbaltimore races very freely and the last twice over Chelmsford's 1m he has found the latter stages a shade too far. Back to 7f, if he can get the lead from his middle draw he could be dangerous, but this is competitive.

Mart won three of five for us before his near three-month break. Unfortunately, he's drawn out in the car park, never advisable around here at 6f but even 4th place would be worthwhile.

Gogo Yubari needed his narrow win at Lingfield a week ago to squeeze in at the bottom of this field. He has a nice draw and if the penalty proves too much, I would still be delighted if he ran in the first four.

Asgard's Captain came home from his hat-trick win at Newcastle on Monday in great shape. He gets another 5lb to his already rapidly rising mark but won again with authority and has a great draw. He shouldn't be far away.

I think Cerulean Summer is decent but I would have preferred another week or two with her. She's probably 90% fit and that might be enough to make the frame. If she were to win, I'd have to admit she's better than decent! As to having a stable jockey, I'm so pleased I was able to get Rhys. I was recommended to him last year and watched back on his races and had to agree he would be ideal. When he came back after winning the Brocklesby it was like Ryan Moore - so professional - but then he was brought up in the same place!

Justahunch has his first start for us. At this stage, I would say he's limited and needs to drop a few pounds to get in those 0-50 handicaps somewhere like Brighton. If he did win it would reflect more on how well the team is going.

Confederation is Confederation and you never know what you are going to get. A measure of his ability is that he worked very well with Silver Sword the other day and he's rated 51lb higher! He has gone well for talented amateur Fletch in the past and has a good draw. Who knows?

Asgard's Captain should win. He has been flying at home since the last two wins and Rhys got on well with him on first acquaintance last time. The hat-trick beckons.

We run two in the Lincoln consolation race. Dirtyoldtown was becoming frustrating last year as he has so much ability, but then he put it all together on heavy ground at Newmarket on his final start. He's 6lb lower than he was in this race last year when he bombed for previous connections, and we'll be dropping him out to get the trip.

Expressionless joins Dirtyoldtown in this. While not the most consistent, he comfortably beat Alpha Crucis, who runs in the Lincoln, at Epsom on soft ground last June and would be meeting him on much better terms now if they were in the same race. A handy backup to Dirtyoldtown.

We have done plenty with Zminiture and he knows his job. The Brocklesby usually takes plenty of winning but I expect him to handle the start and also the ground. He'll be ridden off the pace and it's just a case of whether he'll get home in the conditions. Hopeful.

I really like Gogo Yubari in this. She ran well when 4th in a competitive 0-68 last time and this is a 0-60. The thing about Lingfield is that luck in running often comes into it, but we seem to do okay there. Hopeful.

I fancy Moliwood quie a lot tonight. His best form is over 2m at Kempton, obviously before his long injury, but he twice beat Coltrane there getting around 14lb - now it would be 35lb! He's taken a long time to regain his confidence after serious injury problems, but he seems in good form and ready to run a big race.

Thelastwinterarrow wants further - it was just such a weak race that I had to put her in it. Even then she might get away with it, but I won't be backing her.

I think Moliwood is over-priced. He prefers Wolverhampton to Lingfield where he disappointed last time. Before that, he was three-quarters of a length behind Artisan Dancer when they were 2nd and 3rd to Palace Boy and he now gets a 15lb pull with Charlie Johnston's horse. Should be thereabouts and a good each-way chance.

Confederation was in last month's Tatts online sale but I bought him back as I think there are still races to be won with him. He's been 2nd off 72 for me and is now down to 54. All he needs is confidence. He's drawn in two so if he can bounce out he could go close. If he misses the break by half a length it will be tougher. Still hoping.

I told you how confident I was about Asgard's Captain on Monday at Wolverhampton and he duly romped home. He's been in great form at home since then, not leaving an oat and looking fresh and well. As it's not an amateurs' race Rhys takes over from Fletch and despite the 5lb penalty, I think he'll win again.

Predictably, 4yo filly Thelastwinterarrow found it hard going conceding weight to classy 3yo's in her two novice races this year. She showed a bit more in a 3yo maiden on debut at the end of 2023 and now has a more realistic chance in her first handicap. The trip might be an issue, but she has shown us some ability and I'm looking forward to the run.

Asgard's Captain just got outstayed in a similar race over a little bit further at Newcastle last time. This will be somewhat less testing especially around here and I will be very, very, very disappointed if he and Fletch don't win this time. Fletch is one of the most stylish flat amateurs around but apart from one victory we've now had three seconds in a row together and it's time he turned that into another win!

Gogo Yubari didn't quite get the run of the race and was a little outpaced when the winner struck last time over 5f. Up to 6f which should suit better, he can get his head back in front this evening.

I fancy Gogo Yubari but a lot may depend on what Luke Morris does on Jungle Dance. If he goes on at a good pace as when winning nicely from the front last time, she will find them coming back to her as she makes up for her usual slow start. If there's no gallop, it might be a little more difficult. Hopeful.

Confederation ran well when 2nd in a decent race at Lingfield yesterday under an amateur. He seemed okay this morning when we trotted him up and is in great form. Rhys resumes on him and he has to have a chance of going one better tonight.

You know my opinion of amateur Fletcher Yarham - I think he's the best in the business despite getting few opportunities. He's in here against some of the acknowledged top flat-race amateurs but can claim 3lb. We'll need it as Confederation, who has plenty of ability isn't too keen to show it, although he was 2nd here a week ago. Fingers crossed he wants it today.

Clipsham Gold is standing up to her racing well but remains difficult to win with. Last time at Kempton she looked sure to win after taking up the running over 1m3f at Kempton, then emptying. Back to a mile but in a small field, she maybe has her best chance of winning for us, when hopefully, first-time cheek-pieces could help.

Confederation has so much ability but he doesn't really want to show it. Last time here he was last, albeit not beaten far, in a similar six-horse field around here. He often carries his head high and is not one you could follow with any confidence.

Moliwood has come back after his year's absence with some good placed runs this winter. His 3rd last time when a 22/1 chance over 1m6f at Wolverhampton was an excellent effort and he looks poised to get back in the winner's circle here.

Asgard's Captain disappointed last time but Lingfield was no help to him as he's just a galloper. Newcastle will suit him much better and I think Fletcher who rides him is the best amateur in the country. If they go slow, he'll take up the running, but if it's a decent pace he can ride a race on him. Very hopeful.

Cervetto should follow up last week's win. He has no penalty but in South Africa, we have a saying: "Small fields, big upsets", which I hope doesn't apply here. Despite his age - he's a 4yo and still a colt - he's immature, a big horse who could develop into a nice handicapper. Hopeful, as we were last time, I just don't want to end up with egg on my face.

Clipsham Gold is always more likely to run into a place than win, but in fairness to her, the handicapper has got hold of her and she keeps running well enough for him not to drop her to a winning mark. I reckon she will be in the first four again and if she is, she'll have done well.

Havana Smoke has been unlucky the last twice and could have won both if thongs had gone his way. He's very well at home and I'll be disappointed if he doesn't win this time. It's unusual to say this, but Luke could do with a winner back here after his spell in Japan. Havana Smoke will get all his attention!

Confederation has all the ability but I think the handicapper got a hold of him early on, and he's lost his confidence. That's not to say he won't run well but he's more a place chance than a likely winner.

Gogo Yubai missed the break at Southwell yesterday and didn't do badly in the circumstances, finishing 3rd. He goes again today when a faster exit would be the key.

Cervetto is one of our nicer handicappers. We took him over from William Jarvis when he retired and we moved into his stables. Cervetto found 5f too short last time but I think he will have every chance today.

This will be Gogo Yubari's 2nd run for us. She had been difficult coming out of the stalls, which wasn't much use for a 5f sprinter, but we seem to have sorted that out and she seems to have improved in general. If she gets away on terms she could go very close here although she is up against a couple of last-time winners.

I hope Asgard's Captain gets there okay. He's been stuck for an hour (8.15) at the Dartford Bridge and we're hoping it can reopen soon. That said, he's a tough sort and did well to win first time out for us up 14lb on his previous rating. The race has worked out very well with the 2nd and 3rd both winning since. Just hope he gets there as if he does I'm confident he'll win. 

We were videoing one of our three-year-old fillies last March for her owners as the snow swirled around and I said, "It's the last arrow of winter". One of them suggested it would be a nice name, so the now 4yo Thelastwinterarrow was named. She is a nice filly but will need 1m4f or even 2m in time, so don't expect much today. When she's handicapped and running at her right trip, that will be a different matter.

Moliwood is a talented stayer who was off for more than a year before finishing an excellent 2nd at Chelmsford. He didn't follow it up at Kempton last time but 1m6f around here should be ideal and David Probert is flying at the top of the AW jockey standings. Each-way chances.

Clipsham Gold, like Confederation, has me tearing my hair out. She has had plenty of chances but just doesn't seem to want to win. She's working well at home - all three of them are - and is probably in line for another place.

Havana Smoke is my pick of our three runners. He ran easily his best race when caught late over this trip at Newcastle. This time, going around a bend, he should get home okay. Big chance.

Confederation is very hard to win with but he likes Kempton - he's run well there off much higher marks than tonight's 58. He needs bullying to show his best and has a strong capable amateur on board. Each-way chances.

Asgard's Captain was picked up at the online sale after coming over for two easy wins from his previous connections in Ireland. He starts with us off 14lb higher and is most likely better than this field but pulls really hard and could easily run himself into the ground. He's not easy to deal with and Kieran will have his work cut out.

Havana Smoke has shown plenty of ability and last time stayed on into 4th over 6f here. The extra distance should help him get into the money this evening, but seven runners make it an unappealing each-way bet.

Moliwood was off for 13 months before his recent comeback run when 2nd over 1m5f at Chelmsford. He stays this 2m very well and having had enough time to recover from that run, he's in great form for this evening. Hopeful.

Mart has done us proud since joining in the autumn, winning three times. He's up 4lb for his success at Wolverhampton on Boxing Day and goes up in grade today. His opponents are all in form but we think he can make the stretch and keep the upward trend going.

Cervetto was previously in training with William Jarvis and joined us when William retired and we took over his lovely yard. Showed promise in his run last October and hopefully, will give a good account today.

Clipsham Gold keeps running well without managing to win a race. Place chances again for her here.

Thelastwinterarrow is a nice filly making her debut. She will be green but is worth having a look as I think there will be plenty to come from her next year.

I really fancied Havana Smoke last time after his good 3rd at Chelmsford. In the event, he ran disappointingly but getting trapped wide around Wolverhampton is not normally the right place to be. This straight six should be more to his liking, and he can be competitive.

We run two at Newcastle today. Neither seems over intent on winning a race but with the team in such good form, I have to give them both each-way chances. Clipsham Gold has been thereabouts a few times around Chelmsford lately and if she gets a gallop to run at, will be running on at the finish of this stiff mile.

Mart is in great form and I expect a good run. He's in the right race, has been flying at home and now has a better draw than when in the car park at Lingfield last time. Big chance.

El Bufalo made a very promising start at Newcastle. I think he's improved since and in this company he's a good thing if ever I've seen one!

Gogo Yubari was picked up cheaply from the sales earlier in the month. She has been starting her recent races for her previous connections slowly, but if she can improve that and get over from her wide draw, she will run a big race.

Wannabeawallaby is a nice type making his debut this afternoon but will need the experience. He is more one for next year.

It's hard to win races on the AW. Just a slight misfortune in running or as with Mart at Lingfield yesterday, a terrible draw that is impossible to overcome even when as in his case he's running his best race yet. Clipsham Gold is running back quickly as she's in great shape. Last time the pace was slow and then they sprinted, but here she has a good draw and if they go a gallop I'd be very hopeful she can end our run of near-misses.

Mart has won his last two races and the only negative I can see today is his wide draw. He did overcome being on the unfavoured side at Newcastle and also won over this CD, so if he can avoid trouble early on I would be hopeful he could win as he seems to be improving all the time.

Clipsham Gold will need luck in running. She pulls hard so has to be dropped in and we will be relying on a strong pace for her to run her best race. If she gets it, she can go close.

I think Battleofbaltimore will win tonight. We tried stepping him up from 5f and 6f to a mile last time and he ran very well, just tiring in the closing stages. Now he's run at the trip and with cheek-pieces added for the first time to his customary tongue-tie, he can last out the distance in what looks a poor race.

El Bufalo is by stallion sensation Havana Grey and has some fast relatives on the dam's side. We're hopeful he can make a positive start to his career.

We gave Ace Rothstein a try over hurdles in a competitive race at Kempton but he made a couple of costly mistakes and faded away. He's having his first try on AW since joining us. He's done little of note on the surface before, but if he can run to the best of his 2m turf form for us, he would have place chances.

Expressionless could never get past midfield on his latest run over this CD, but it was a Class 3 with a much higher ceiling. He's off the same mark but will appreciate the lesser company. Each-way chance.

Clipsham Gold ran very well under an even bigger weight at Chelmsford last time. She has her chance again if running to a similar level over what should be a more suitable extra two furlongs this evening.

As with our winner Mart at Newcastle yesterday, Havana Smoke has a bad draw to overcome. That's never easy at Wolverhampton, but if he can get a decent start and clean run through, he should win this.

Non-runner

Expressionless paid for two nice early summer wins with a big hike in his handicap mark. He tries all-weather having worked nicely in the cheek-pieces. I'm expecting a good run today and a successful season in 2024.

Mart won nicely last time and I think he can follow up if he can beat that slow far-side draw. He's fit and well, it's just that the track has a definite bias at the moment.

Confederation has been disappointing but he does love Kempton and while often not far behind without managing that finishing kick, he's dropped down the handicap. From the plum draw in one and with a good  3lb apprentice on board, he is ready for a big run.

Cerulean Sunset ran into a couple of decent ones on her debut at Chelmsford but still ran very well until tiring late on. While no star, she has improved in the meantime and I have to be very hopeful.

Ace Rothstein has been running well on the flat since joining us in the summer and Tabitha Worsley who rides him, has been in to school him a couple of times and loves him. He was 2nd last time jumping to Arqoob who won easily at Sandown yesterday, so I have to be hopeful of a big run here.

Makuri was never in a challenging position in her mile race here on Tuesday but confirmed my opinion that she needs a trip as she was pegging the leaders back nicely in the last furlong. She goes an extra two furlongs here and we have to give her a solid chance.

Gold Medal is in good form but he needs pace in the race to be effective so it's always tough for him. Good rider up and if they do go a gallop he will go close. Horses are flying at the moment and we're squeezing the lemon dry.

Moliwood hasn't run for 13 months, since last year's Cesarewitch so he will need the run today, but he has done enough at home. I'd be happy to see him run around and come home safely after a long year of bringing him back from injury.

Makuri is the more backward of our pair in this nursery. While he has beaten only one opponent in his races to date, he's run quite well on occasion and again ridden prominently as with Battleofbaltimore, he could show a little more of the ability I believe he has.

We run two babies in this nursery. Both are still physically immature and weak. We expected plenty from Battleofbaltimore early on, but it didn't happen. He'll be ridden forwardly and I hope that brings a good result.

Clipsham Gold ran a better race last time. He's done well in the meantime and I think he can go close.

All About Alice won a two-mile amateur riders' handicap easily at Lingfield before finishing 4th at Southwell over this trip. She would have been nearer but for hanging in the straight and will need to avoid that tendency if she is to follow the Lingfield win. Should run well.

Dirtyoldtown soon cried enough the other day when headed at Lingfield but that was a smart horse that he was taking on. On what we've seen on the track he's hard to gauge.

Havana Smoke is drawn 12 of 12 which is never easy over 6f at Chelmsford. It looks tough enough without that, so we can't have a lot of confidence.

Faro De San Juan will love the ground and I expect him to run a huge race. Paul Mulrennan is a great booking and I'm confident Faro will outrun his odds.

Although Expressionless probably needed another ten days to be properly tuned up for this, the flat turf season is ending so he needed to run. Small chance of a place.

Confederation is well-drawn and has been going okay. He's hard to crack and I'm hoping Probert can get the best out of him, but he's not the most trustworthy horse to follow.

I really fancied Dirtyoldtown at Kempton last time on stable debut and he let me down so I'm wary today. He works like a 100 horse but was extremely disappointing there so tread with caution until he shows more will to do it on track.

Mart will be a big runner today. I expect him to win this. Very hopeful.

Charlotte's Luck should run well. She's a nice type and will be lovely next year, but I am hopeful of a good performance tonight.

Clipsham Gold hated the soft ground last time and will be much happier here, the scene of her win before joining us earlier in the year. She's only 3lb higher and in great shape at home. Each-way chances at a big price.

We run two unraced babies in this 7f fillies' race and both of them will need further than 7f. Empress Lulu is by Muhaarar and I've done as much as I can with her at home. All she needs is experience and I hope she enjoys herself. She will know much more about it next time.

As with Empress Lulu, Hello Miss Lady starts her career today. She is a daughter of Gleneagles and as with her stablemate, she will need further in time and also will be much wiser for this first look at a racetrack. It's down the road, so hopefully it shouldn't be too daunting a first experience for them.

Gold Medal won twice early in the year and then lost his form. We've worked very hard to get him right again - he's a horse with lots of issues - but he seems back to his best now and the stiff 7f should suit him. I'll not be travelling up today as we're still busy doing the changeover into William Jarvis' lovely yard. We hope to have that finished by the end of next week. We've managed to get 19 yearlings at the various sales and I was delighted that we did so well from Book 3 last week, We were there when everyone else seemed to disappear! Time will tell how we did!

Mart was bought from Michael Bell's stable where he showed promise. We had him gelded straight away and we've been happy with him. He needs 7f but we're starting him at 5f as he's been keen in his races and work at home. Both our horses here today can run well and I've told Greg who rides them that Newcastle is similar to his home track Kenilworth in South Africa, in that there's a stiff finish so to take his time. Hopeful, but there will be more to come in the future.

Non-runner

Expessionless has done us proud winning twice on soft ground in the spring, the first time overcoming a long winter break. There should therefore be no problem in his returning after around six months off and he can make a bold show of defying top-weight and the 8lb rise with the ground again in his favour. Kyle was on board for both wins and keeps the ride.

Ace Rothstein ran very well at a massive price last time at Nottingham. He has improved since joining the stable and has a good partner in Tabitha in this jump jockeys' flat race. Her biggest problem might be lugging all that weight in the saddle!  Optimistic of another good run.

Silver Sword was far from disgraced first time in Listed company at Sandown, staying on nicely into 5th after getting slowly away. It's another grade higher again for this Group 3 and while the soft ground is not ideal he's a progressive horse and should run a nice race again.

We expected plenty of Battleofbaltimore before his first race but he didn't really come up to expectations. He showed signs of temperament there, and had become very disappointing from then on so we had him gelded. I had intended to finish him for the season but he's recovered quickly from his operation and has reacted very well to it. Hopeful of a big run.

Makuri went all the way to Ffos Las last week and I was pretty excited as we were getting soft ground which she likes. Of course, the meeting was abandoned and now we're here on less suitable ground. She is going nicely though and improving. She has a low weight, good draw and jockey so I'm hopeful.

Faro De San Juan would prefer the ground to be softer but won on officially good at Chester in the summer, although the time suggested it was nearer good to soft. He is back down to just 1lb higher, so well handicapped, and has an each-way chance if they go a decent gallop.

Cerulean Summer is a nice filly who has been showing plenty of promise. Oisin came in and worked her on Saturday and was making optimistic noises afterwards, so we have to be hopeful she will make a decent start today.

The owner was keen to run Charlotte's Luck here. She's a promising filly but it looks a tough race for her debut. Soumillon isn't a bad jockey booking!

We haven't had Dirtyoldtown for long, but if he can replicate what he does on the gallops, I think he can win this off 80. He might be a morning glory, though, as his owner says he's lost a fortune backing him, but he's the only horse I have in the yard that goes close to getting Silver Sword off the bridle. Hopefully, he'll do what we think he can!

Dylan Cunha comment unavailable

Clipsham Gold ran a promising first race for us at Southwell this month and as a dual course winner, including over this 1m, we have to be hopeful of a big run despite top weight. Obviously, we're busy at the yard preparing for our impending move into William Jarvis' stable just up the road. William has just announced his retirement after an honourable and highly successful career from his historic Phantom House Stables.

Silver Sword was impressive in winning at York and he's been ticking over since. He has a fair bit to find on these horses in what is a very strong Listed race, but I'm sure he won't be disgraced. Looking forward to the challenge for this talented horse.

Havana Smoke is a green, backward horse but really nice and I expect him to come into his own as a 3yo. This is a decent field and while I don't think he has a chance of winning, the aim is to be in the first six which would qualify him for a nice race at York on October 13. If he's 7th, don't try to talk to me afterwards!

Confederation has everything going for him today, unlike last time when the ground wasn't ideal. It will be fast today, so perfect for him, and from a good draw he should be able to get on the rail. Connor claims a handy 3lb too so there will be excuses if he doesn't get the job done.

We bought Clipsham Gold in July and he was in good form at the time. We think he has done well since coming here, but my slight worry is that he has run poorly twice at Southwell. It's a suitable race and we're looking for a solid start from him.

All About Alice had some good placed form over 2m for her previous stable early in the year but she hasn't quite matched it for us. She's back at the trip after a couple of runs over shorter and should have the ability to run into a place in this sort of company.

Silver Sword was unsuited by the very testing ground at Goodwood last time but having looked a very possible winner, still battled on to the line. He has been in great form at home since then and this has been the target for a while. Hopeful.

Confederation is hard to catch right but on his day he has plenty of ability. He may find it hard to get a suitable easy lead today as the favourite is also a front-runner, but he did run very well at Bath last time.

You know I like this horse but so far he hasn't shown on the track what he does at home. He did a piece of work on the Al Bahathri last Wednesday and he flew around there. His draw in 8 of 12 is a bit of a worry but he has a Northern jockey on him and hopefully, he can navigate him round safely.

I think Ace Rothstein will run a huge race. We were only just getting to know him when on third run for us he ran very well when 3rd at Sandown. I'm dropping him back in trip and am very hopeful after he did a nice piece of work last Wednesday with Silver Sword.

The luck turned for us when Mr Fayez won at Brighton. We had that little bit of luck in that they abandoned racing after his race and now he's won at Brighton, he's done and will be my riding horse and stable hack. All About Alice was about the worst affected when my horses were sick and you can forget her last run. She's in the best form now since I've had her, has a good jockey and stays very well. Hopeful.

Mr Fayez has been picking up some prizemoney and we know he handles Brighton. What he needs is a pace collapse and that might happen with a big field today. I'd just like to get one more little win out of him, preferably this afternoon, and then he'll retire. He won't be going anywhere, though, he'll be the yard pony and my riding horse!

Military Micki ran much too freely last time on debut in what was a fair race, the winner going on to follow up at Goodwood last week. This time he'll be dropped in trying to teach him something. While the horses haven't been showing it on the track yet they are looking better and once one of them wins, we'll have a few I'm sure.

Faro De San Juan takes his chance at Ripon despite his lack-lustre run yesterday at Haydock. We held him up behind other horses yesterday and Greg said he was going so easily, loving the ground, but when he pulled him out he didn't go a yard. He might as well run today. he trotted up sound last night and again this morning and ate up. Even if he finishes last of four today, he will have picked up more in two days than for winning an ordinary handicap. He'll run his race and hopefully will enjoy the small field, but he's a hard one to trust.

Faro De San Juan has his ground, is in form at home, he looks well and I couldn't be happier. Grey knows him well and will be intent on getting cover early in the race, as he can be very free. I'm hopeful with place money down to 6th and only seven runners! He's in another almost as valuable race tomorrow and there are only four in that so hopefully, he can take in both.

This is an interesting race we've found for Confederation. He can run well in one race and less so the next and he's the same on the gallops with his work. Kieran will be positive on him tonight, getting him up there from the outset and hopefully, that will play to his strengths.

Silver Sword has been aimed at this race for some time. He's a winner on AW and on fast ground last time at Pontefract. What he'll make of heavy ground is anyone's guess. He's in great form and it depends entirely on how he acts, whether he wins or finishes tailed off.

Havana Smoke is a colt by Havana Grey bought at the breeze-ups. He has shaped nicely but first time out in a big field won't be easy.

Non-runner

I told Micky Quinn (our Racing League team manager) that I had one for Yarmouth, especially if they get the rain. It's soft now so there will be no excuses for Faro De San Juan. Very confident of a big run.

We're just getting to know Ace Rothstein a bit better having taken him over in the spring. He's had a couple of runs and can now go off 4lb lower. Expecting a much-improved run, so each-way chances at a big price.

The horses were coughing for a couple of weeks, causing us to lose a number of nice opportunities but they've been clear for a week. Battleofbaltimore has shown promise on both starts and is the type to keep improving. I hope he can win this.

Military Micki is a nice filly by Oasis Dream from a decent family. She will benefit from this debut run.

Mr Fayez finally got his head in front last time, I must admit surprising me more than a little. He's always been a horse that worked better than he performed on the track, but now he's won a race, we have to hope he can do it again.

Makuri is quite a nice filly but she already needs a mile and a quarter. The rain will slow the others down a shade but probably not enough to bring her into the argument.

Non-runner

We expected a big run on debut for Battleofbaltimore at Brighton but he was too free and didn't quite get home. He will know more about it today and if he runs the way he has been working he will be hard to beat.

Like Gold Medal, Confederation is very well and again I think this is the perfect spot. He's run a couple of blinders at Kempton and although he can be quirky, he has loads of ability. Big chance.

Gold Medal won a couple earlier in the year and remains in very good form. I think he still has a few pounds to come and he's in the right race and has been very well at home. I fancy him to run a big race.

I've missed my first ever day in the yard. It's the fifth time I've had Covid and by far the worst. I was already feeling ropey when Silver Sword won at Pontefract on Sunday but on Thursday I couldn't get out of bed. Ace Rothstein will be travelling north without me and I was persuaded by the owner to go for this race as the meeting is special to her. I am worried that Ace might not get two miles on this tough AW track even though he stays it over hurdles. I hope she is right!

Although only low-grade, All About Alice has won a couple of races in the past. We hadn't had her long after her previous trainer retired when she made her debut for us and she weakened quickly over 2m. We're dropping her back in trip today and hopefully, that will suit her better. Can run well.

Faro De San Juan won well at Chester last weekend and I'm less worried about the 4lb rise than the short time between races. He still seems and looks in great shape, shouting for his feed, and as long as he doesn't get in difficulties from his draw in 9 of 15, he can go very close. A double would really put us on the map!

I'm still utterly frustrated about missing the Golden Gates at Ascot yesterday which went off with just 15 runners when it could easily accommodate 20 in which case Silver Sword would have got in. He's in fantastic form but now we're running for 10k rather than 50k! He's a 10-furlong horse but this is a stiff mile and the low draw should enable him to get into a challenging position early. Very confident he can win this.

Makuri is a nice filly and I'm certain she will run a much better race tonight. You can ignore the first run as she banged around in the horsebox on the short trip to the track, cutting her leg. She wants further and will be a 1m2f filly next year. I'll be delighted if she's 3rd or 4th tonight.

I've said before Mr Fayez isn't the most reliable but he battled on into 2nd at Brighton, unable to do much when Bernard Spearpoint went clear and that horse followed up readily at Yarmouth. Should make the frame, but do not put your life savings on him!

I was hoping for rain before racing for Faro De San Juan but I'm expecting a good run whether it happens or not. Greg is pretty confident and we're planning to ride him more aggressively than last time when he was held up. Hopeful.

Battleofbakltimore goes very nicely at home. He's still a little green and he showed that this morning when it took us 20 minutes to load him onto the box to go racing and there's always a worry about whether horses act around Brighton. If he does, I'd be pretty confident.

Mr Fayez ought to win as he ran very well last week, but his main job is to lead the babies. When I expect him to run well he usually disappoints, but when I think he has little chance, he often excels himself. I have no confidence in backing him myself, but I would love him to win.

I've only had All About Alice for three weeks since her previous trainer retired. She has plenty of form at this level and so far she moves well and looks good too. As to her work, it's been okay, nothing special, but we have a great jockey booking in Oisin and I'll certainly know a lot more about her after tonight.

I think Gold Medal has a great chance today. He was unlucky last time when he ran into a wall of horses. I expect him to run a huge race tonight.

It took a while to sort out Silver Sword but he showed his true colours with an easy win at Southwell. We had the London Gold Cup last month as his target but when he trotted up in the morning he was a little off. He's been fine since, so we've re-routed him here. He could be a blot in the handicap on what is his turf debut.

Alpine Springs last raced almost two years ago for Simon Pearce. The owner moved him to me this season and hopefully, he will show promise on this first run. He has a good apprentice booked.

Mr Fayez wasn't beaten very far last week. Greg said yesterday's runners struggled on the firm ground at Windsor but he doesn't mind it and last year he was a good third over the same 7f on fast turf. As I said last week, I can never trust him entirely, but when I trotted him up this morning, something I do with every runner before they to go to the races, he looked the best I've had him. He's never a bet for me but I think he'll run well.

I've only had Ace Rothstein for three weeks - we inherited him when Martin Smith packed up training - so I'm still getting to know him. What I can say is that I've managed to put a bit of weight on him and I think he's nicely handicapped on his old form. He's back a little in distance and can run a nice first race for us.

Faro De San Juan ran off with his jockey, fired up by the blinkers at Doncaster last time, yet came back as though he'd not had a race. I've taken them off today and with a normal ride, I think he'll be hard to beat.

Saturday was a nightmare. Half an hour after we spoke Silver Sword looked sore so he trotted up again for the vet at home before leaving for Newbury and we had to scratch him. He's sound again now and I'm looking at the 10f race on Derby Day for him. Mr Fayez is only moderate. His job is to lead the babies as he's a very sensible horse. His two runs at Brighton last year brought a 4th off 59 and a 2nd off 58, so now off 45, he could easily run into a place, but not with my money on. If he does get in the frame, we'll have a small celebration anyway.

Non-runner

Non-runner

Makuri is a nice filly by Magna Grecia. She will be fit for this and will not be green either. I expect her to run straight and true but she really needs a mile already and I'll be happy if she finishes the first five.

I've never known a horse with the consitution of Confederation, he just eats and eats and takes so much work. We're running him back fairly quickly after Windsor and while I'll be surprised if he turns the form around with Hiatus, I've told the owners I expect him to get much nearer as he banged his leg early in the Windsor race and was off work for a couple of days. He's fine again now.

It's funny how things can change in racing. The other day I contacted Gold Medal's owners to tell them there wasn't a suitable race for him for the next six weeks. An hour later came the news this meeting was switching to all-weather and as I'd been keeping him going, it was a no-brainer to run him. I'm actually very confident and all that he needs is for the gaps to appear at the right time as his style is to come from the back.