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.

Non-runner

Dj Pete runs in a maiden hurdle over 2m 3f. He ran ok in two bumpers before going hurdling, shaping like a stayer on both occasions, and for a weak horse, still running with credit. His first hurdle race at Doncaster was interesting, as he treated each hurdle differently and looked very green. He had done a lot of schooling at home but with some horses, nothing beats experience. We are expecting a better show today.

Scrum Diddly won easily last time out at Ludlow, his first run in a handicap over 3m. I don’t think it was the strongest of races but he did it well, and as he’s going up 12lb, I’m running him here with a 7lb penalty. He was green initially when arriving here but has been sharpened up by the cheek-pieces. Hopeful.

Non-runner

Times Are Blue has had a mid-season break. He would appreciate a longer trip but does like good ground. It's a trappy race but he should run well and offer promise for the rest of the spring and summer.

Mystic Man runs in a novice handicap chase over 2m4f. He had a disappointing time last winter but was hindered by wind issues along with other minor problems. This will be his first chase but he has run in five point-to-points, winning one, so his jumping is good. Hopeful.

Scrum Diddly runs in a novice handicap hurdle over 3m. He has been a bit disappointing so far over hurdles, considering he was placed in an Irish point before joining us. He has appeared on the green side and also probably didn’t really handle softer conditions during the winter. His last run in February on good ground was an improvement. For this first run in a handicap he is wearing first-time cheek-pieces, I don’t think he’s ungenuine, but he can lack concentration over his obstacles at times.

Mountain Pass makes his debut in a bumper over 2m1f. He is a good-looking grey son of St Leger winner Kingston Hill, He’s quite cheeky by nature but he enjoys his work. He goes nicely enough but as with all my bumper horses, he will improve for the experience.

Royal Lake has really turned the corner since we treated him for ulcers, winning at Fontwell and then running a good third at Southwell. He returns to Fontwell tonight with a proper favourite's chance.

Police Academy runs in a mares' handicap chase over 3m. She was consistent all last season, initially over hurdles and then in her two recent runs over fences, when she jumped particularly well each time. This will be her first attempt at this trip but she did win a point-to-point in Ireland before joining me, so we have to be hopeful.

Non-runner

Queens Gamble makes her jumps debut in this mares' maiden hurdle. Queenie, as her top-class bumper form shows, is obviously very talented and already has valuable black type from her second bumper run. She has schooled nicely and in theory, has only to jump around to win this, but as keen followers of jump racing, we all know there is no such thing as a certainty. She is a sweet filly who is incredibly easy to deal with - she just eats, sleeps and does her work! Fingers crossed!

Jersey Gem ran well on her debut here two weeks ago, She travelled nicely early on before losing her place and then staying on strongly at the finish. As you know, I like my horses to run through the line so I was happy that Lewis wasn’t over-hard on her, and maybe if she’d held her position in the back straight, she might have been closer at the end. Most importantly, she came back from that race full of confidence, and should show the benefit this evening.

Non-runner

East Bridge has been a nightmare to train, mainly because of problems with his feet but also other niggles, which have meant that although he's a 7yo, he's only had one run so far. His sole effort in a bumper at Warwick wasn’t very inspiring, He looked extremely gawky that day and he came back sore. Happily, though, we've had a clear run with him for a good while and he seems to be moving as well as he ever has. He’s a horse that has always worked nicely at home, so hopefully he will give a better account of himself today.

Republican has been a largely disappointing horse, but to be fair to him he’s had plenty of bad luck, poor lad, which led him to lose his confidence. He won at Hereford two runs ago but then he didn’t really travel when finishing 4th  at Southwell. We later found him to be suffering from ulcers, for which he has been treated, and hopefully, he can be back on track today.

Norn Iron ran with credit on his debut in a Chepstow bumper last month when he finished a staying-on fourth. He has done plenty of schooling and his jumping is good, especially as he’s such a big horse, and he’s clever on his feet. This trip may be a bit on the sharp side for him but the track should suit.

Our other runner Jersey Lady would definitely have a chance. She has been waiting for better ground since running a nice race when 3rd at Doncaster in February. If the rain makes the ground too soft, I would probably take her out.

Newtonian has been a nightmare to train, having issues with his jumping, and last time, after finishing 5th at Hereford, was found to have an irregular heartbeat. We've given him time to get over that, but he wouldn't be one to have your life savings on!

Non-runner

We always liked Captain Lara but we've only managed to get him on the track for a bumper almost a year ago when he failed to live up to expectations. He's had loads of issues and while I think he's over them, it's very much a case of look and learn with him today.

Non-runner

Jersey Gem is a well-bred filly making her debut in this mares' bumper. It's always difficult to assess what you see at home against what might happen on the racecourse against more experienced rivals, but we like her a lot and hopefully she goes there with a nice each-way chance.

Maclaine looked the likely winner three out at Doncaster before folding and appearing not to get home.
A huge horse who is still on the weak side, it was still disappointing, so we had his wind checked out and he has had a cauterization. Maclaine has been declared to run several times over the past few weeks but the ground has been unsuitable. This galloping track around here should suit him and hopefully the ground will be acceptable too.

Cokytho ran well last time out, but just made a mistake at the wrong time. He will love the softer ground and goes there today with a live chance.

Mount Ferns was very disappointing on his racecourse debut at Huntingdon last month. As I said in the write up beforehand, he is a gassy horse at home who needs to learn to relax. Unfortunately, as soon as Brendan jumped off that day he realised he was too close to the pace and the horse was doing too much. Unsurprisingly he didn’t get home. Mount Ferns is a lovely-looking horse who works well at home but he’s probably going to need to run a few times to learn to settle and breathe properly.

Royal Lake, despite showing glimmers of ability, has been a largely disappointing horse on a racecourse even though he works nicely at home. He had a wind procedure before his most recent race yet he still ran poorly, so we checked him for ulcers and we found them and treated him. The treatment doesn’t always make any difference, it’s just a case of covering all bases to get him to show us on a racecourse what he does at home.

Scamallach Liath runs in this 3m novice handicap hurdle. His name means Grey Clouds, and as he's a very handsome grey out of a Cloudings mare, it’s a good name, just impossible to say. His owners Sue and Joe call him Cloudy but obviously that name belonged to the great man the late Sir Trevor Hemmings so he’s generally known as Simon by the team. He has been consistent in his races here, while  not making it easy for his jockeys by racing lazily before staying on at the finish. To try to negate the flat spot he’s been fitted with first-time cheek-pieces today. Each-way candidate.

Police Academy runs in a mares' handicap chase over 2m 4f. Police Academy won a point-to-point before joining us and after three consistent efforts over hurdles we decided to send her chasing. Her first outing over NH fences was at Fontwell, which can be tricky, but she jumped impeccably and looked the likely winner three out before being beaten by a better horse on the day. This track takes a lot of jumping but everything we’ve seen from her at home points to that playing to her strengths.

Non-runner

Mystic Man does have ability but he has been disappointing so far. Anthony Bromley arranged the syndicate and son Ben, a promising young rider, is his regular partner. The wind-op before his last race and changes to his headgear could help, but I'm going there very guarded about his chance.

Norn Iron makes his debut in a bumper over 2m. He is a very tall horse who has had his share of growing issues over the last 18 months, and his owner has had to be really patient. I hope Norn Iron, a gentle giant and a thorough galloper in his work, can repay that patience over the coming seasons.

Cokytho made a noise when making his UK debut and had to be pulled up. We've given him a wind-op since and today will be a case of look and learn. He liked soft ground in France so will enjoy conditions today and we'll see how we go with the future in  mind.

I'm not sure about the ground for Queens Gamble. We got the tactics wrong last time but she is a dual winner at Cheltenham and would possibly have an each-way chance if handling these conditions. Then again, she's against the boys and that's a totally different chapter.

Scamallach Liath has been third in both hurdle runs for us after winning an Irish point-to-point. He’s looked quite green each time and his jumping hasn’t been as good on a racecourse as it is at home but I think that is just him. He’s very laid back and a bit cheeky, but it’s just him being a bit of a boyo. He’s been ready to run again for a few weeks but I’ve been waiting for this much-needed rain in order to get him back on a track. He will get this trip as he’s already won over 3m. Hopeful.

Court In The Act is a nice little horse, and although immature, I think he'll be nearer the front than the back. However, if the ground becomes too testing through the afternoon, I'll probably not run him.

Rhebus Road has been sold to go to America and join my ex-jockey Tom Garner, owned by his about-to-be wife and future sister-in-law. We’ve had a lot of fun with Rhebus over hurdles where he won and was placed several times from very few runs. He loves top of the ground so America will be perfect for him and I’m sure they’ll have as much fun, if not more, with him. Rhebus ran back on the flat recently at Wolverhampton over 4f shorter than today, but unfortunately fell out of the stalls and lost track position. He did stay all the way to the line and wasn’t beaten far. Hopefully he’ll be sharper for that outing and break better to help Tom out.

Police Academy won a point-to-point in Ireland before joining us but this will be her first outing over fences under Rules. She has run consistently over hurdles this season but because she’s a bit one-paced she will find chasing easier. She has schooled well at home so hopefully she will be okay, but this can be a trappy course. Police Academy is quite highly strung and quirky to deal with but there’s no nastiness in her. Hoping for a good first run.

Maclaine looked the likely winner three out at Doncaster before folding and appearing not to get home. I realise he’s a huge horse who is still on the weak side, but that was disappointing so we had his wind checked out and as a result he has had a cauterisation and this is his first outing since. Maclaine won around here first time out and the track seemed sharp enough  but this looked the right race to go for.  He hasn’t stopped growing since we’ve had him and he’s close on 18hh now so he is entitled to need more time to mature physically. He looks likely to make a better chaser but needs racing experience in the meantime.

Non-runner

Mount Ferns makes his debut in this bumper over 2m. He's a big, good-looking son of Mount Nelson and a busy horse at home who is a thorough galloper. I’m hoping he can remain calm in the preliminaries because he’s always on the go when being ridden and will be wearing a hood which we use on him at home too. Hoping he allows himself to show his true ability first sight of a racecourse.

Vintage Rascal ran ok on his first outing on the all-weather at Wolverhampton, finishing 7th but not beaten all that far. His latest outing at Southwell was regressive and we're fitting him with first time blinkers, although he has worn a visor in the past. He needs to show much more to be a factor here.

Newtonian, who wears first-time blinkers today, showed ability in both of his bumpers but he has been a total plonker since he went hurdling. He's so laid back and lazy in himself that in his races he tends to go to sleep and forgets about the obstacles. He does have ability and I’m hoping the blinkers sharpen him up and get him to cop on a bit.

Imperial Hope won a point-to-point in Ireland before joining us following it up with a bumper win first time out at Doncaster. His form then became patchy due to wind issues and being too keen in his races. Imperial has had two runs over fences this season, jumping well, unfortunately his wind problem resurfaced on heavy ground last time out and he has since had a procedure. He is a big, tall horse who still looks pretty unfurnished but it might just be his make and shape. He can be a strong individual on the gallops but Stef (my head lad) has done a good job with him.

Non-runner

Everyone knows all about Kansas City Chief. On how he works in the mornings to his runs on the track you would never believe he's a 14-year-old and he ran another blinder at Doncaster last time. He returns there today and as usual I expect him to be knocking on the door.

Scrum Diddly has his third run after which he will be handicapped and then there should be easier opportunities. He's yet to show on the track what we see from him at home but even in this four-horse race he's likely to find the two favourites very hard to beat.

Red Bond won four races at a modest level on the flat for Keith Dalglish. We started him off in a claimer at Leicester but he ran appallingly on the desperate ground there, pulling up. It has to be a case of look and learn with him today.

As with Royal Lake, Havanella has been a severe disappointment. From initlally being over-keen in her races, she now drops herself right out. Cheek-pieces and a more positive ride are the hoped-for way forward but really it's probably a case of look and learn.

Royal Lake has been very disappointing and consequently his mark has dropped below what I believe is his ability potential. We're trying first-time blinkers today and if they have the desired effect he could run well at his big price. Maybe worth a tiny each-way.

DJ Pete ran a cracker last time and hopefully will improve again today. This is a strong maiden hurdle, but while he is more a horse for next year, he could figure at the finish.

Makety runs today in a mares' handicap hurdle over 2m 6f. She's consistent this level, very honest and usually jumps well.
That said, she fell at the first flight when last seen at Fontwell in November, which was completely out of character and she must have been unsighted by other runners going into the flight. Although shell shocked afterwards, thankfully she suffered no actual injuries. We have been waiting for some decent ground to run her again.

Police Academy has run well the last twice and until she pecked on landing at the 2nd last at Huntingdon last time, she was making a decent fist of it with a smart mare of Dan Skelton's and would probably have finished second. She's been knocking on the door and I would be disappointed if she didn't finish very close today.

Rhebus Road is due to go to race in the US around Cheltenham-time where the fast ground will be tailor-made for him. The move has been arranged by Tom Garner who used to ride for me but is now based full time in the US. We're just giving him this run on the flat to keep him on the move as Tom says another win over jumps will limit his early opportunities there.

Vintage Rascal refused early on debut over hurdles on his first start for us after 16 months off the track. We took him back to the flat and he ran okay in 7th at Wolverhampton but beaten only four lengths. He seemed to stay the trip well enough and is now flourishing after the run and it clearly has done his confidence good as he was quite timid when he arrived. Place chances.

Jersey Lady ran no sort of race at Exeter last time after a break but the ground there was horrible and it was worth having a shot as it was a valuable race. As with Ballaquane, we've been waiting for a sounder surface and she's fit and well so we're hoping for a decent run.

Ballaquane has not run since winning at Fontwell in November, purely because we have been waiting for some half decent ground. We're going up three furlongs with him here but he jumped well at Fontwell and all he did that day was stay, so the extra distance shouldn't be a problem. Hopeful.

Non-runner - meeting abandoned (frost)

Queens Gamble is the apple of everybody's eye at Neardown having run twice so far, both times at Cheltenham and winning impressively on each occasion. She is obviously suited to that track and it will do her good to try a totally different racecourse as she is still very green. She takes no work at all at home so we're going there pretty confident, but as you know, there's no such thing as a certainty in racing!

As I've said before, Republican has had no luck at all over the past couple of seasons and completely lost his confidence as a result. It's not something you can restore instantly - it takes time. His runs this season have been okay but he still worries a bit if things don't go right. He's done plenty of schooling but that has never been a problem. Hoping he can get back to his smart novice form.

A Time To Shine ran an encouraging first race when 4th at Exeter after almost two years off with a leg injury. He should improve for that and must have a big chance in this small field.

Scrum Diddly was disappointing in his bumper but it was a cock of a race as they crawled then sprinted and he didn't have the pace for that. His first hurdle was a messy race too with an early faller casuing mayhem. He's very much a stayer so up in trip here hopefully he will do better now.

Newtonian was 5th at Doncaster in November but unfortunately broke a blood vessel. We've given him time to recover from that and hopefully he should be fine. Initially he lacked concentration at his hurdles but he's much more accurate now. Hoping for a decent run.

Rhebus Road was successful oin the flat for Ralph Beckett before joining us and has been consistent over hurdles winning once and placed numerous times. He has changed hands through Tom Garner who is now based in America and he will be going over to the States later this month. He is running on the flat because Tom wasn't keen for him to win another race in the meantime as it would cut down his opportunities there. He will make a cracking hurdler there as he loves fast ground which he is sure to get.

Red Bond makes his debut in this claiming hurdle. He had useful form on the flat when trained by Keith Dalglish, winning four of his 33 starts. He was cheaply bought at the October HIT sale and initially on coming here was very keen and buzzy but has settled nicely. He schools well and hopefully we're starting him at a realistic level although the favourite looks tough to beat.

There's only one way to describe 14-year-old Kansas City Chief - he's a total legend. He's a wonderful horse to deal with as he remains competitive and loves his work and schooling. He ran a blinder last time at Doncaster when he finished a close 3rd but looked the winner until just before the line. I am a little worried about the ground with the frost coming out and it might be tacky, but I'll leave the decision on whether to run with Vic, who knows him so well.

Mystic Man was a nightmare to ride when he first arrived with us. He used to panic and throw himself about and that wasn't nice for his jockeys. Fortunately our team including Lewis and Vic have done a good job with him and now anyone can ride him. He made a noise on horrible ground at Leicester so we sent him away for a procedure and we've had to take our time so he won't be as sharp today as would have been the case. He is a good jumper and will be going over fences next season. This is his third hurdles run and he will probably fare better in handicaps in the future.

Royal Lake didn't take to chasing so we've brought him back hurdling and he ran okay under top-weight in horrific ground at Uttoxeter, staying on strongly for sixth place at the finish. His confidence has improved for that outing so hopefully he can be competitive again at this level. 

Trevada has been a bit of a work in progress for after winning his bumper he was very keen over hurdles which meant his jumping went to pot. He was a good 2nd last time at Exeter and the winner has gone on to win again. He was very relaxed that day and his jumping was good so that was a pleasing effort and something to build on.  A big horse, he'll go chasing next season but he likes decent ground and that's why he hasn't run for a while.

Vintage Rascal was bought at the sales out of my neighbour Tom Ward's yard. He won first time out as a 2yo for Tom but became disappointing. He's a tall, leggy gelding and when he recently made his debut over hurdles at Fontwell unfortunately it was an incredibly rough race. He was almost brought down at the first flight and thereafter the loose horse caused havoc. He lacks confidence anyway and while he schools well enough at home, I thought it best to give him a run on the flat to help him.

This is the Last Chance Saloon for Cilaos Glace. He has completely lost his way on the racecourse but annoyingly he has been flying at home so he still retains plenty of ability. I wouldn't put anyone off from having a pound each way as he could easily make the frame if he got it in his head to try, but we have to accept that he will probably be retired after today and have a new career as an ROR horse. 

Police aAademy ran okay on her debut  for the stable when just touched off for second at Leicester. The two mares that finished ahead of her are quite smart so that was no disgrace but I would have been happier if her jumping had been as slick as it is at home. I'm dispensing with the hood for the race but will utilise the red hood to keep her calm beforehand. Good each-way chance.

Maclaine moves up into handicap company after winning his novice hurdle last time at Fontwell. Whilst all out that day there was plenty against him, particularly the sharp track and inadequate distance. He'd been very weak until that point but is starting to mature and it will not be until he goes chasing next season that we'll see the finished article. Hopeful of a good run on a track that will suit him much better.

Ballaquane won his first race over fences at Fontwell recently when to his credit over that trappy course he avoided making any sort of mistake, winning going away. Now he goes for a novice handicap chase up 3lb and over half a mile further which should suit him. It's a tougher test, but he should be suited by it.

Dj Pete has been placed in both his bumpers to date, looking a real galloper but also still a bit of a baby. He has done plenty of schooling and while jumping very big and carefully initially, he has become much slicker but could still be quite green early on.  He's a very tall horse who does show ability, but he won't have a hard campaign this winter.

Seaston Spirit became frustrating last season having had a good campaign previously. We tried various things including hunting to perk him up but while he was always okay at home he remained less enthusiastic on the racecourse. This autumn he had a thorough overhaul and he we found he was suffering from ulcers but hand on heart I don't know if that made any difference. Keith is now in the Last Chance Saloon and if he doesn't show any vigour in the next two races he will be retired. He has always been happy in his work and schooling at home so it's impossible to know  if last season was a blip. He has done plenty of work, stays and loves heavy ground but it will be tough for all runners today.

Non-runner

A Time To Shine had the whole of last season off with a tendon injury. When he runs today at Exeter he will have been off the track for 658 days. He had useful form over hurdles and when going chasing he finished second staying on well at Hereford. I ran him back at Warwick but it was too soon and he pulled up. We hope he can show promise for the future now.

East Bridge makes his debut in the bumper. He's a horse we've had for two years but he's had lots of problems with his feet including a fractured pedal bone. A lovely-looking big gelding, he's a typical horse of his late owner's and while he goes nicely enough, he's a proper galloper.

Cokytho came over from France a couple of months ago after my landlord Charlie Mann bought him for a syndicate. Only four, he's already had nine runs over fences, jumps well and will need proper soft ground to show his best. Charlie points out that he's had a busy autumn and might need a break, so hopefully he'll show promise today and we can look forward to a bright future with him.

Maclaine won last time at Fontwell and while he looked all out, there was plenty against him. He's a huge horse (17hh) and the sharp track wasn't ideal and the trip too short. He's looking more furnished these days and while he won't be at his peak until going chasing next season, we are hopeful he will put in a good show first time in a handicap.

Royal Lake has had two runs over fences, slipping on landing and pulling up early on debut and then he clearly didn't enjoy his second run around here so we've reverted to the smaller obstacles. He's been much happier schooling over hurdles and has been working well. 

Havanella ran well on her chase debut at Hereford, jumping well but two and a half miles is too short for her. She has been ready to run for ages but this winter has been impossible, dry ground followed by frost. At least it means she's fresh and well and hopefully she can enjoy a busier spring.

Republican has plenty of ability but he has had so much bad luck over the past couple of seasons and has completely lost his confidence. In an attempt to help him regain it, we've brought him back hurdling this season and he ran okay on debut. Hopefully as the confidence returns we can get him back to somewhere near his useful novice form.

Kansas City Chief is a grand old favourite who turns 14 on Sunday! Age hasn't dimmed his enthusiasm and it is easy to excuse his run at Cheltenham which came too soon after a much better showing at Wetherby on seasonal return. He will love this track and ground and I think he has a small each-way chance today.

I bought Vintage Rascal on spec. Our second runner in this novice contest, he has had some little niggles on the way to this debut and is very much a work in progress. Look and learn is the idea for today.

We run two in this novice race. Scrum Diddly ran in a bollocks of a race at Ascot and while he was disappointing it wasn't really his fault and he has shown us a fair bit at home. He jumps well and while I am not expecting him to win, I think he'll run a good race. 

Cilaos Glace has had his share of issues over the years and sadly as a result he has never achieved the heights his ability deserved. He still loves his work and schooling so there is no reason to be negative about today but he did pull up first time at Lingfield. He has been in cracking form on the gallops and I just hope he retains the enthusiasm on the racecourse that he shows at home.

Scamallach Liath (Grey Clouds in Gaelic) ran well on debut for us at Plumpton when he was green throughout and also tended to jump to the right, hence he is running this way round today. His jumping was good if a little deliberate but overall it was a pleasing Rules debut and he stayed on well having been outpaced at the end of the back straight. He should come on for that.

Mystic Man also runs in the 2m4f novice hurdle. He started for us over a wholly inadequate (in hindsight) two miles at Southwell, because he had been a gassy, keen horse and we were worried he could over-race. As it was my team, principally Lewis Saunders, had done such a good job with him at home he was very chilled and all he did was stay on having been flat out for the majority of the race. He jumps well and I'm hoping for an improved run today but he may fare better once he's handicapped.  

Royal Lake slipped on landing early in his chasing debut at Exeter and Johnny allowed him to jump one more fence before wisely pulling him up. He has schooled twice since, slightly lacking in confidence the first time but good last week. We always thought he would be a better chaser, so let's hope he has a nice clear round today and we can build on that in the future.

Non-runner

Rhebus Road ran well first time out at Fakenham finishing second to the vastly-improved Sophosc. It's well documented that he takes a lot of work to get fit, so he was always going to improve for the outing. We then ran him back here at Huntingdon, dropping to 2m and he was readily out-sprinted by the winner. Reverting to the longer trip again he has to have each-way claims.

Trevada is a difficult horse to place off his mark. We're going up a little further in trip in the hope that helps and he also has a first-time tongue-tie. Even so, I can't see him beating Henry Daly's horse on these terms.

Police Academy won an Irish point before joining us and ran with credit when fifth on her Rules debut at Chepstow in October. She tends to be keen and gassy and Johnny gave her a lovely ride, dropping her out last, settling her, creeping into the race and finishing strongly. She jumps her hurdles very fast and over the extra half-mile today we have to think she has a good each-way chance.

Times Are Blue has run with credit in both hurdle races this season after winning a bumper last spring. He's a tall, leggy horse who is still on the weak side. He's only a four-year-old who wouldn't handle soft conditions at this stage of his career. Whilst the ground remains decent he'll continue to gain experience and hopefully get his head in front somewhere.

We supply two of the six runners in this 2m5f novice hurdle and Vic Malzard rides Newtonian, who has been very frustrating. He showed he had ability when placed in two bumpers and running okay first time over hurdles at Taunton last season. Then he fell twice in succession at Fontwell, jumping all right until losing concentration. He's been jumping the fences on the Mandown schooling ground every Thursday for two months now and had a short spell with Henrietta Knight last spring and hasn't made a semblance of a mistake. We're hoping all that preparation will have had a positive effect on him. 

Trevada ran better than the bare form suggests on his seasonal debut at Chepstow last month. He's a big horse that takes a lot of work and he definitely needed the outing, travelling well until blowing up three out. I was happy enough with him and he's obviously improved for that race. Hopeful of a good run today.

I've taken Republican out a couple of times recently before what should have been his seasonal return because the ground turned bottomless. He's a horse I like a lot but he had no luck last season. He's in great form for this return and I'm very hopeful he will run a big race.

Rhebus Road ran well on his season reappearance at Fakenham last month when 2nd to the promising Sophosc. He takes a lot of work to get fit and had a good blow after the race so he'll definitely be sharper today. That race was over half a mile further than today's, but he is versatile to trip and has won over two miles around here. He won't handle anything on the soft side so hopefully conditions today will be perfect.

Republican has been off since January with various niggles but he's came back well and on his best form he would have a decent chance. In retrospect, his last run over fences when he was fourth trying to give weight to Slipway, was shown to be fair form when that horse won at Fontwell on Sunday. Another each-way chance. 

Cileos Glace will love the ground today and we have put him back to hurdles as he never seemed to enjoy fences although he did jump them well at home. On his best form he would go close and looks a decent value each-way bet.

Non-runner

Royal Lake has a profile a bit like Ballaquane who won first time over fences yesterday. While his hurdle runs hadn't been exciting, there were usually reasons for them and I always thought he would be a better chaser. He returns after a six-month absence and I'm hoping for a good showing first time over fences.

Scamallach Liath makes his debut in this 2m4f novice hurdle having won one of his three Irish point-to-points. He was sourced for me by Leighton Aspell who rode winners for this horse's owners Sue and Joe Norman. He is easy to deal with and has schooled well, although considering he has had three runs, he is still quite a green horse. Place chances.

Makety ran well stepped up to 3m for the first time at Hexham last time, looking the likely winner until fading from the last fence. That showed she retains her enthusiasm and we're dropping her back in trip as this looked the right race for her. Each-way chances.

Ballaquane finished third on his bumper almost three years ago but proved less inspiring over hurdles. Sold as he had been owned by the late Trevor Hemmings, I bought him back to go chasing. He has schooled well and in what looks an ordinary contest we are hopeful, although Fontwell can be a tricky course for a novice.

Maclaine has been a work in progress. A huge horse who had looked weak and immature previously, he has now filled his frame and strengthened. A fast-finishing fourth after initially looking no threat in his bumper, he then went hurdling and knocked the first flight over on debut. Back to basics next time he finished third and now after a good break he should be ready to show what he can do. Hopeful.

Queens Gamble, a home-bred filly whose owners raced her dam with success with Jessica Harrington, made a wide-margin winning debut on the track in April, so it was sensible we thought to try to get some black type in this Listed bumper. Queenie has been working nicely at home and has the most wonderful attitude: she just gets on with life and nothing phases her. Looking forward greatly to seeing her back on the track.

Mystic Man makes his debut for the stable in this NH maiden hurdle under good amateur Ben Bronley. Ben knows him well having finished runner-up on him in a Stratford bumper in May for his previous stable and also having ridden him in English points, winning one of five. A nice type who should go well.

Diplomatie won four times (the last over hurdles at Nimes in September) from 14 runs in France. She obviously has ability and was pretty fit when she joined us but we're still finding out about her. She schools and works well and I'm hoping she will run a good first race for us in this mares' handicap hurdle.

Ocean Drifter - Murphy in the stable - had good form two seasons ago, but the following year sustained an injury and has been off the track foir 568 days. He came back in the summer and has been working and schooling wlell but after such a long time off will obviously be better for the run.

Peur De Rien lost his way completely last season and today will hopefully be a confidence boost. He continues to work well at home and I don't think he'll run too badly today.

Imperial Hope was running very well in his first chase at Bangor the other day when his race had to be declared void. A point winner in Ireland, he should go well today.

Non-runner

Jersey Lady has been pretty consistent apart from a couple of times early in her career while her last run in June is best ignored as she had had enough for the season and went straight out after for her break. She already has black type and will be a cracking broodmare, although not yet as there are still races to be won with her. Hoping for a good start back today.

Times Are Blue won his bumper last spring and then finished second on hurdles debut three weeks ago, still looking green. There is obviously improvement in him but he is a gawky horse by nature so it might take more racing for the penny properly to drop. He is a tall leggy four-year-old who loves decent ground. I won't over-race him and when the proper winter going arrives he'll have a mid-season break. A stayer in the making, he should run a nice race today.

Scrum Diddly had two runs in Irish points, falling when still in contention in the first and then finishing a good third in his most recent after which we bought him. He is very good over his hurdles and as with all my bumper horses he has not been hard trained. Win or lose today he will go hurdling next time.

Kansas City Chief ran with credit on stable debut at Wetherby ten days ago, jumping fantastically well and then after going for his girths in the straight, he ran on again from the last flight. He's a sprightly 13-year-old and has come out of the race really well. Vic rides him and pretty much trains him, and I rely totally on her feedback. A star of a horse to deal with, he can be a bit of a boy on the gallops but is a real professional and I'm looking forward to the run today.

Rainbow Storm ran well on his only outing last season when finishing third at Taunton over this trip, he subsequently picked up a hair line fracture of his cannon bone so he didn’t run again. He will was given plenty of time to recover followed by a good summer out, he’s definitely grown and filled out as a result which can only help him. Rainbow has been in good order at home and this will be Lewis’s first ride for me after moving to us this summer from Tim Vaughan, he intends to turn conditional in the new year which should bring more opportunities for him.

Jersey Wonder has been consistent at this grade in the last couple of seasons since joining us, he loves his jumping and it seemed to freshen him up after a decent flat career. With only one two runners it’s a great opportunity for him on his preferred quick ground and he has won around here before.

Rhebus has had five runs over hurdles so far and he’s only been out of the four once, that was when my horses weren’t right back in January. He loves his jumping and it was lovely to see him get his head in front at Huntingdon in May, he bounced along in front and it never really looked in doubt. I’d be inclined to ignore his next race at Warwick when he got very upset at the start as that’s a classic sign that a horse has gone over the top, which is understandable he’d been on the go a long time having come from a busy flat season before arriving at Neardown. Rhebus is a horse that takes a lot of work to get fit, he’s done as much as I can possibly do with him at home and he now needs a race to sharpen him up but he will definitely improve for the outing today.

Kansas moved to us about six weeks ago along with his regular partner Vic Malzard who is now my pupil assistant trainer. Vic is an accomplished amateur jockey who rode 10 winners this summer in her native Jersey taking her tally to 16 and she’s keen to get as many outside rides as possible, she still claims a valuable 7lb. Kansas has been a total star for his connections and I was delighted to be asked to have him this season, Neil Mulholland did a great job with him so it’s going to be a hard act to follow especially as he’s now thirteen but you wouldn’t know it to look at him. He is a bit quirky at home, Vic rides him out in a bit less bridle and he very much does his own thing on the gallops, he’s done as much work as I can possibly do but he will definitely improve for this outing. Apparently he’s always needed his first run of the season but this is a good starting point for him.

Bal Amie is relatively new to me, the gelding having been raced exclusively over hurdles in Jersey for the past couple of seasons after starting out with a win over fences in France. He was trained in Jersey by Alyson Malzard, whose daughter Victoria rides him in all his exercise and on the track today. A very quick jumper, I'm looking forward to finding out from Vic more about him. Hopefully he will run a nice first race for us today.

Times Are Blue won his bumper on debut at Fontwell in the spring in good style despite running green. He went through the line that day in the style of a potential stayer and should enjoy every yard of this trip. He jumps nicely and we are hopeful of a winning start over obstacles.

Jersey Wonder has been a consistent horse at this level since joining us from a reasonably successful career on the flat. He enjoys his jumping and it initially rejuvenated him in his new role as a hurdler, he’s got a bit cuter nowadays but still retains ability if things go his way. He will stay further than this distance but it is a stiff finish here and he’s not devoid of speed, the better the gallop they go the better chance he will have.

Makety ran better at Newton Abbot last time out when third of four over fences, she got a bit behind before staying on well that day around a track that was on the sharp side for her. She’s reverting to hurdles today, only because it’s the right race, this course with its uphill climb to the finish should suit her better. She is a fun mare who is honest and jumps nicely, she is easy to deal with and generally good to ride. She can be a bit gassy when she’s fresh.

Nazwa was bred to run on the flat but he managed only one run before an aversion to the stalls effectively ruled that out as he refused to enter them before his propsed second start. He has done well for us over hurdles and won twice in May before a disappointing latest effort at Worcester the following month. He's had a nice break and as this is a strong race I've decided to run him in blinkers for the first time. Hopeful he will run his race.

Jersey Wonder is a cheeky character who has had a busy life, initially as a useful staying handicapper on the flat. He needs an end-to-end gallop over hurdles nowadays and that wasn't the case last time. We're fitting a first-time visor, which could also help. Each-way chance at a nice price.

Makety was due to run last week but she didn't eat up the night before so we didn't risk it. She's been fine since and while she disappointed last time at Worcester that was her first outing after a break and she is fitter now. Just a four-horse race and she should be in there pitching.

Non-runner

Puffin Bay had the winter off and came back with a promising second at Plumpton in April. We expected her to back that up at Huntingdon the following month but she disappointed and afterwards was found to have been in season. That's the one drawback with training mares, especially in the summer, but she seems fine now and we're hopeful she can go close today.

Jersey Wonder, a useful staying handicapper on the flat with Jamie Osborne has been a consistent hurdler for us and he made a winning comeback after his winter break. Last time he was second at Ffos Las to a horse we reoppose today. He jumps and stays well and won't mind the ground so we are hopeful of a big run.

Makety had an issue after her latest run when she pulled up and we've given her time to get over it. She's now in great form and if she can repeat her earlier effiorts she will be knocking on the door. There will be some improvement to come fitness-wise but I'm expecting a solid performance.

Nazwa has been a little star since being fitted with cheek-pieces. He deserves to run in a better race and while it's competitive he has a low weight and could not be in better form at home. Hoping for the hat-trick!

Won well last time at Fontwell - up 3lbs for that win and the drop back a few furlongs is fiine. But into a better race here so will need to find a bit more. Is well at home though and the good ground is a big plus. Each-way claims in an open affair.

Jersey Lady finished second last time out at Warwick when being beaten by a filly carrying 20lb less than her, it was a solid performance. She has gone the right way since having a wind operation she had become very keen in her races, her breathing was obviously bothering her even though there was never any noise. She can be very gassy at times and she will wear a red hood in the preliminaries today just to keep her calm.

Jersey Wonder ran better than the bare form suggests last time out at Market Rasen, he got held up in a pocket on the rail going to two out and by the time Johnny got him out and running again it was too late. At least he ran to the line though after having an issue with a fibrillating heart once last season. He came out of that race well and he’s one of a small team that I’ll keep going through the summer. He is a character at home who loves his jumping, he’s easy to ride and deal with.

Little Awkward had a season ruined by a series of niggles but he is fine now. He is going novice chasing later in the season and I thought I should give him a run over hurdles now before he goes away for the summer.

It was very satisfying when Rhebus Road won so well at Huntingdon last time as he had been struggling on the winter ground while the team was out of form in mid-season. He recovered from his race so quickly that I decided to give him one more run while the ground is good. Hopefully he can win again and then go off to enjoy his summer break.

After some near misses Nazwa got his head in front last time and that should mean he has gained in confidence. This race is a two-runner affair and the Dan Skelton horse will go off favourite but with Nazwa now a winner, he might not have it all his own way.

Nice horse that was gelded last June and is ready to run now. Track debut here today but has been doing well at home and this NH Flat race looks a nice place to start him off. Goes without saying the Henderson and Skelton runners are respected but ours should run well and a horse to note after regardless.

Has had a break since running at Lingfield in heavy ground back in January. Down 5lbs from that and seems well for the time off. We are still learning with the horse a bit as that was only his second run for us since coming from the Hobbs yard, but an experienced chaser with 16 runs. Better ground is fine and has run well off a break in the past too. Looking forward to a nice run back but the Pipe, Newland and Tizzard horses have had the benefit of recent runs.

Bonny little horse. Consistent profile over hurdles from her opening 5 runs - winning and only out of the frame once too. Solid run on her return to the track last month (2nd) and has come on for the race at home and improved for it. Same mark here today and similar race so we come here as one of the leading players and although she's still learning should not be far away and would have a great e/w chance.

Royal Lake finished second last time out at Warwick, it was a good run and he really stuck his head down and galloped to the line. His previous three outings for us had been disappointing but he had his reasons, ground then wind and in January my horses weren’t right. He looks as if he’ll make up into a better chaser, but I wanted to get him a bit more experience over hurdles before he goes off for his summer break.

After three good runs including a win in a bumper, Trevada was disappointing with his jumping on his first hurdle race last month. He’s a big horse who had schooled nicely, but he just looked as if the hurdles got in his way and he never got into any rhythm at Hereford. I’m sure this course will suit him more. He is from a very good family of jumpers from which I had the talented Tarada for Trevor Hemmings, he’s a very honest horse who will make up into a nice chaser with some more experience.

Times Are Blue is a bonny little horse who is more a stayer than a speed merchant and I think he will like this ground. He looks okay at home without showing anything special and it's probably a case of look and learn with him today.

Jersey Wonder ran far below what we had come to expect of him at Southwell in January and afterwards we found he had an irregular heartbeat. We have given him a complete rest and today we will monitor him beforehand to ensure everything is fine. His work and schooling have been tremendous and I have to be hopeful of a big run today

Nazwa has been frustrating. He's usually placed but you always feel he has a little more to give. He had a wind-op before his last run and they often take an outing to appreciate the benefit. We're adding cheek-pieces and hoping the longer trip will suit. He goes there with an each-way squeak if everything works.

Thebus Road will be much happier on the better ground. I've been very happy with him at home and I think he goes there with a live chance as long as there's not something hidden.

Ballaquane has been improving; and will benefit from the step up in trip. He starts handicapping on a fair mark and has a food each-way chance with the horses running so well.

Sonification is a lovely Telescope gelding who is very workman like in his work at home and has been an absolute pleasure to train. He has been working well at home but like most of my bumper horses it's solely educational, if the ground goes to good to firm he will not run.

Puffin Bay is a consistent little mare who has never run a bad race, she has had a mid-season break and went back home for a couple of months for a well deserved holiday. She has been working and schooling well at home, but she will undoubtedly come on for this run.

She has been going well at home and, like Guerlan, her future lies over fences. Unfortunately she just seems to think she’s quicker than she is, so today is about settling and I think that will come with the more racing she does.

We were really disappointed with his last run at Newbury, but 24 hours later a huge abscess appeared beneath his jaw and burst out. I'm sure that was the reason he ran so poorly, he's a lovely big horse who's future lies over fences.

Dj Pete runs in the bumper, he's a lovely type who has done everything nicely at home. Pete is a very laid back character with a lovely attitude and as you know, most of my bumper horses do come on for the run, so this is very much a look and learn process. Alfie Jordan claims 10Ib, the reason I’ve put Alfie on him as he knows him inside out as he rides him everyday.

Jersey Lady ran well last time out at Southwell over 2m4f. I think she would have preferred a stronger gallop as she stayed all the way to the line. She has come out of that race well, she can be very buzzy after her races but she seems to be taking her races better with age. I think this galloping track will suit her and I'm hopeful of a positive run.

Trevada has won and been placed in bumpers before joining me, he’s a full brother to a potentially very good horse that I trained for Trevor Hemmings called Tarada and that is why he came to us to be leased by the Hot To Trot (jumping) syndicate. He is a big horse who will make up into a lovely chaser, he’s not similar to look at as Tarada but he does seem to have a good way of going, so hopefully he can continue the talented family line. He was bred by Robert and Jackie Chugg of Little Lodge Farm, Robert was a great friend of mine for many, many years and he recently passed away, he was a fantastic character who commanded so much respect within our industry and also the breeding and bloodstock world. I’d love this horse to run well in tribute to his him but whatever he does over hurdles would be a bonus as was the case with Tarada.

Jersey Bean has been a wonderfully consistent horse since the application of blinkers two seasons ago, he was never ungenuine they merely helped him with his jumping making him more slick over his obstacles. He was very brave last time out when winning at Haydock over half a mile less than this, he was giving nearly two stone to the runner up and he battled hard from the last to just get up on the line. In a perfect world I would have given him a prep run a month ago but he can’t handle very soft conditions and as my horses weren’t right at that time it didn’t work out, he’s obviously fit but it would just have sharpened him up. Bean is a character at home who never fails to make you smile with his enthusiasm, he’s generally good to ride and he and Tara have a wonderful relationship.

Nazwa had been progressive until his most recent start when a wind issue was diagnosed and treated and this is his first run since. When Nazwa first arrived here he was a very sour horse, he can still be a bit grumpy in his stable but he’s completely different in his attitude now and he really seems to enjoy his jumping which has obviously helped him. He is a good work horse at home and he’s very slick over his hurdles, he will enjoy this ground.

Royal Lake hasn’t exactly set the world alight in his two runs so far, he’ll probably fare better once he’s handicapped and I intend to send him straight over fences after this. He looks as if he’d make a better chaser but he would have to show improved form in his next few races or he’ll be off to the sales in May along with any other horses owned by the late Trevor Hemmings that haven’t made the grade. He is a kind horse to deal with, he’s good to ride, he generally jumps well and he’s a very straightforward person in all aspects.

Back from a wind operation after running below par at Ludlow the last day. 3lbs lower here helps and prior to that run had been progressing well. We are also helping with the jockey taking off 10lbs - Alfie has ridden only 26 times, but is capable and won a race in the past. First run back after a wind opp is always a bit of a fact-finding mission but has gone well fresh in the past and seems well. Each-way.

Had a break since falling at Warwick last time out but returns 4lbs lower here. The better ground will also help so will have much more suitable conditions here today. Tom Cannon rides and would have e/w claims.

Going to be a tall order against the hot odds on favourite here, but nice to get going with him again. Will be one step nearer getting a handicap mark here today and be seen in a better light then. But is well, has ability and one to note going forward.

Guerlain was due to run at Ascot two weeks ago but when he arrived at the course he was in a muck sweat. This was not usual for him, but the vet checked him over and found nothing wrong but my travelling head girl Amy was still concerned because he didn’t drink anything. As a result we decided not to run him, he travelled back perfectly well and has shown no ill effects since. Guerlain stayed on well to just get up on the line to win by a head in his most recent race, he showed a good attitude on that occasion and even though the runner up had the excuse of a sloppy jump at the last the track was sharp enough for our boy. He was bought by The Million In Mind syndicate from The Crawfords and we’ve enjoyed a lot of success over the years with horses that have come down that route, The Organist being a prime example. The horses are always so well schooled when they arrive and they are horses that know their job but haven’t been overtrained, leaving plenty for us to work with.

None the worse for his fall last time out - was still going well that day and having won well the time before we feel he's an improving chaser. We've done some work on his jumping and confidence since that last run. Will love the soft ground and has run at the track before. Only slight worry is that he's unseated and unplaced from two runs at the course, but we feel he's a better horse now. Fear the Wadham horse most, but if Cilaos can leave that last run behind him then would have a big chance.

Brummie was disappointing last time at Uttoxeter first time over fences. He kept jumping to his left and couldn't seem to get into a rhythm. We have decided to revert back to hurdles. He has seemed a lot more comfortable/confident at home schooling over hurdles, He's never been flashy at home he just does what is asked of him. He did win on his last run at 3 mile over hurdles at Southwell so we're hopeful this race should suit him. Alfie Jordan claims a valuable 10Ib which should help him.

Seaston Spirit was unlucky to be almost brought down when trying repeat his 2021 Sussex National success a Fontwell last time. Trip and ground will be in his favour today but he will be among the outsiders and will need to step up a good deal of his recent form to figure today in this Surrey National.

Peur De Rien was taken off his feet when trying a half-mile shorter trip at Wincanton. This more galloping track and extra distance will be much more to the liking of this thorough stayer. If he gets into a rhythm he could go well at a big price

Mistersister was a French import who never really fired for my landlord Charlie Mann last term He ran a much better race when fourth on stable debut at Sandown where he was a 66/1 shot. Now starting over fences, we are hopeful he will run a big race. Each-way chance.

Maclaine has shown ability in both of his races to date, he was staying on strongly to be fourth in a ridiculously slowly run bumper before finishing fifth on his debut over hurdles, both races were here. The hurdle race was over half-a-mile further than this and he shapes like a stayer, but I’ve dropped him back in distance today because he was too keen last time and he wasn’t quite strong enough to see out that trip. That took us by complete surprise because he’s so laid back at home and doesn’t even pick up the bridle. As a result he will be ridden with more restraint today in order to get him to relax, but depending on the pace of the race, if they don’t go a great gallop I can see him getting outpaced three out and then hopefully staying on strongly to the line. He has plenty of talent but he’s a big raw horse who has to learn about racing and settle if he’s to progress at this stage. His jumping is generally good, but he can look awkward when he gets in tight… he is very much a work in progress.

Ran no sort of race last time out at Kempton when a beaten favourite - just seemed to run flat and no cam to light as to why. Is down 3lbs for that run and is certainly better than that as prior to that ran well behind the in-form Kansas City Chief in a good race at Cheltenham. We gave him a few months off to get over that last race and freshen up. If you can forgive that last run then does look a big price considering he's 4lbs lower than that Cheltenham run and we are also down in grade here. Small e/w claims.

This race is likely to go to either the Henderson or Skelton yards but our mare is going the right way and in a race that lacks depth would have place claims. A former winning Pointer, she was last seen running down the field at Uttoxeter but it was a fair run that has taught her more. The slight drop in trip here will help too, but probably could have done with a bit more rain. 

Better for his return run at Warwick in November and is 4lbs lower here. Fair record over hurdles, but has only had three runs over fences too so still learning. Ground is fine too and has been doing plenty of work since that last run. Might be hard-pressed to beat the O'Brien and Lavelle runners but expecting an improved run on last time and would have small e/w chances.

Won this race 12 months ago so as the defending champion can't be ruled out at a track we know he likes. Hasn't won since though and not sparkled in two races so far this season. That said, this has always been the plan and will be better for those runs and is now also rated 3lbs lower than when winning this last year - is carrying 6lbs less in racing weight too. Ground is fine and no surprise to see a much better effort than recent ones. Competitive as always though for this Sussex National, but is proven in the race and must have a fair e/w chance again.

Former Pointer that returned from a wind op last time at Warwick, but ran down the field that day. Needed the run and is still work in progress really. Would have improved for that experience but looks a tough ask to topple the first two in the betting and will also be better once handicapped.

Came to us from the Charlie Mann yard a few months ago. Ran okay on debut for us at Sandown last month (4th of 10) and Katie, who rode that day, keeps the ride. Soft ground is fine and with the expected improvement from last time and down slightly in grade is not without a chance, but the Sam Thomas horse - Galileo Silver - seems to set the standard.

Won twice on the flat for the Ralph Beckett yard. Has only had two runs for us over hurdles and getting better with each one. Wan well to be second at Fontwell last time in a Juvenile Hurdle but is into a handicap for the first time here, so that will help. Cheekpieces are also on today to help him concentrate on his jumping as a few ragged leaps last time. Open race, but should have a decent chance and looking forward to seeing him in action again. Each-way.

Down the field when last seen at the end of November at Donny but returns here 3lbs lower. Softer ground will help and with Alfie's 10lb claim that will help. Needs to bounce back really but off this mark and on softer ground no shock to see an e/w run.

Little Awkward has been very consistent so far, winning twice from his only four outings, finishing second and fourth on the other occasions. He has plenty of ability and he looks like he will make up into a nice chaser but I just wanted to get a bit more racing experience under his belt first. He had to have a wind operation earlier in the autumn, hence why he’s not run so far, this is his first race since. He is an honest horse who usually jumps well, he’s done plenty of work but as you e seen the majority of my string have improved for an outing. He is a flashy looking grey who is virtually white now, he’s easy to deal with and to ride although he can be a bit of a plonker when he’s fresh.

Brummie won his last race, a handicap hurdle at Southwell, he looked beaten two out but he ran on strongly to the line. That was encouraging to see as previously he’d not always looked the most resolute in his races but to be fair to him he has always looked a physically weak horse. He looks much stronger this season, he’s held his condition well and he’s finally filled his frame. He has schooled fairly well at home, he can be very good one minute and clumsy the next, this is his first chase so it will be interesting to see if chasing is going to be his game.

Ballaquane has had one run in a bumper when a fast finishing second at Wetherby, he was very green on that occasion and once the penny dropped in the last furlong he flew. Unfortunately when he went home for the summer he picked up an injury whilst out at grass which forced him to miss last season. He is a tall good looking horse who has ability, his schooling has been good and he’s done plenty of work but because he’s so fresh he might be a bit gassy early on so he’s sure to improve for the outing.

Havanella won a point to point in Ireland before we bought her and because she’s a staying type of filly she was ridden prominently first time out in a bumper at Ffos Las, with hindsight it didn’t really work out on such testing ground and she finished well beaten. With its long home straight and usually bottomless ground Ffos Las can be a demanding track for youngsters but Alfie wasn’t hard on her once beaten and she came back from there fine. She can be quite a buzzy filly to ride and I hope she relaxes early on today, she is an athletic horse who usually jumps well.

Peur De Rien got loose on his way out of the paddock at Huntingdon just over a week ago, he can get into a bit of a state sometimes when the jockeys get on and he often has to be mounted on course. I’ve no idea why he does it but he was once a very gassy horse to ride so it seems to be a remnant from that. He finished fourth on his debut this season at Worcester, he got very tired that day on ground that was given as good to soft but ended up being pretty bottomless. He raced up with the pace and jumped brilliantly but Sam thought he was travelling just out of his comfort zone on that ground which contributed to him weakening quickly in the home straight. He is a confidence horse who loves to get into a nice rhythm in his races, I am slightly concerned that this track and trip could be a tad on the sharp side for him but the fences are big around here and his jumping is usually exceptional. I think an easy three miles is probably his best distance but there were no suitable alternatives this week on good ground.

Milly's Daughter is the first foal of a high-class and tough mare I trained to win a Listed hurdle at Taunton. This filly is very relaxed although she doesn't do anything too flashy in her work. We've done as much as we can with her at home and this will be a case of look and learn today.

Initially disappointed by Devonshire Rocco's run in a bumper last year, on arriving home we found he had fractured a leg. Off for almost a year he returned with a fair effort at Chepstow considering he was a 150/1 shot. A future staying chaser, I'll be looking for a step forward from him today.

Jersey Lady finished third against the boys last time out at Wincanton. I was delighted with that run because her jumping was so much better than her first hurdle race, which she won, where she lost her confidence after being hampered. She is from a stout staying family, her half brother Burrow Saint won the Irish Grand National a couple of years ago, so she should appreciate this step up in trip today now she’s learnt to relax in her races.

Methody has only had one run to date, a bumper at Worcester, where he finished fourth on pretty horrible rain softened ground. When Methody crossed the line that day Johnny thought he had gone wrong and jumped off him immediately, it turned out that he’d pulled one of his front shoes off and the other was twisted and hanging off. This was obviously uncomfortable but fortunately there was no damage to his legs from the twisted plate because that can be nasty. He’s only a four year old so I gave him time to recover from that race and I also wanted to get plenty of schooling into him including getting him on grass, which we have done finally over the last two weeks.

Royal Lake has run in two point-to-points in Ireland before being sent to me by the late Trevor Hemmings and this will be my first runner in his familiar colours since his sad death. He fell in his first point and then finished third next time out, I’m not sure what the form is worth, but he did have to have a wind operation shortly after arriving here so hopefully there will be plenty of improvement in him. He is a tall horse who is not flashy on the gallops, but he does seem to be relentless in his work, he has always schooled well at home. He’s done plenty of work but he is bound to be sharper for an outing and gaining experience in a big fields will do him good.

Puffin Bay is 5Ib out of the handicap with Miranda in the race having to give a stone plus to her rivals. She is in great form at home, she’s been very consistent and is really tough in her races. Ideally we would have liked to get a bit of black type before the proper winter ground sets in, but unfortunately there's nothing around at the moment. This will be her last run before having a little winter break, before returning for a spring campaign.

Havanella has run in two point-to-points before we bought her, winning the second one. She is running for the Four Musketeers and this is their first venture into ownership so let’s hope they are going to be lucky. She is a racey mare who loves her work and schooling, she’s a staying type who will make up into a nice hurdler after this race. She has done plenty of work but all of my horses are improving for a run, she wears a hood which seems to keep her more relaxed and it will be interesting to see how she takes the whole experience today.

Manning Estate is a frustrating horse, he has tons of ability but sadly he doesn’t always choose to show it on a racecourse. He was running perfectly ok on his debut this season at Hereford last month before making one slight mistake and dropping away tamely. He came back from that run very fresh and well which would tell me he didn’t over exert himself. To be fair to him my horses have all been needing a run so he will be sharper for that outing.

Puffin Bay was unlucky to be denied last time at Exeter, headed on the line. She is quite a small filly so I wouldn't want the ground to get too soft for her. She's very game though and will appreciate the extra distance. A good each-way chance.

Newtonian is so laid back he's almost horizontal at home! Because of that characteristic he was clueless until the penny finally dropped 100 yards from home in his only bumper to date at Fontwell when he stayed on for a promising second place. He jumps nicely and we'll go hurdling after this run and I think he will give a good account of himself today.

Bembridge built on some encouraging runs to win his latest novice hurdle in May, so he qualifies still to run as a novice this winter. He jumped well that day and drew away from the opposition in emphatic style. He will go chasing soon enough and will probably be even better at that discipline but I want to get some more experience into him first. Hoping for a big run today.  

Rainbow Storm was well below par on his last start at Plumpton so we sent him away earlier than planned for his summer holiday. He has come back in good form and this looks an ideal starting point for the new season.

Makety finally got her head in front at Worcester on her second attempt over fences. She jumped well that day and deserved to win a race after so many near misses. Hopefully she will go on from there.

Cossack Dancer had been generally disappointing until showing much more when second at Perth. He was probably just immature mentally but now the penny seems to have dropped he should begin to realise his obvious potential.

Has been consistent since he began his hurdling campaign, from six runs he has won twice and been placed three times. His only unplaced effort came at Haydock in a more competitive race but he had excuses as the ground had gone to soft and he couldn’t handle conditions. He went away for a short holiday after his last run at Ffos Las in June but unfortunately he had a bad bout of colic whilst there, he ended up at the vets for a couple of days, thankfully he didn’t need to be operated on but we had to take things slowly with him when he first returned to Neardown which is why he hasn’t run for so long. He only does what he has to in a race, he had a busy flat career before joining us so he is pretty cute about looking after himself. This represents a step up in class to the races he was winning in the spring but he does have to have good ground and obviously he’s too high in the handicap now for those type of events.

Came back from his summer holiday looking absolutely fantastic but also as if he was about to have twins, he has done as much work as I can possibly do with him at home but he will improve for the race. He needed his first race last season and he still managed to win that but it was a less competitive race than this. He was a revelation last season after the application of blinkers, he won three times including here in April so he does have course form. He loves really good ground and whilst he doesn’t have to lead he does like being close to the front, he’s a thorough stayer who is very honest, he wears blinkers to sharpen his jumping up as he tends to over jump without them on.

3lbs lower than last seen here in June (5th), so a bit more needed on that run. Eased in grade here though will help and ran on well the last day despite still being around 14 lengths off the winner. Jonathan Burke rides him again and in this easier race and off this lower mark certainly capable of improving on that last run. We are, however, taking on some in-form runners from the O'Brien and Dr Newland camps, so only a small each-way chance being realistic.

We are slap bang in the middle of moving yards, my wife Tarnya, Emma my PA and Stefan my head lad are flat out organising tack rooms, Office, feed rooms etc before the horses move over later this week. I myself am actually in Ireland at the Tattersalls Derby Sale trying to buy new recruits for our exciting new venture at Neardown Stables which begins soon. After 37 years, where I have been privileged to train at this beautiful historic yard, sadly this will be my last runner from Rhonehurst. I hope he does us proud before we “move over the road” to Neardown Stables but whatever he does we are still looking ahead to the next few years of challenges and continued success in our new base. The horse is fit and well, and we hope the first-time blinkers will help eke out a bit more. More needed but could sneak into a place if the race falls apart off this career-low mark.

The Skelton runner will be hard to beat here for us all I suspect. However, our mare come sback to the yard after a spell at Colin Heard's team. We know the horse well as we've had her before and will like the good ground. We'll know more were we are after this though as returns from over 2 months off, but doesn't look too badly treated on career-low mark of 105 and hoping we can find a few races for her over the summer. 

We took Seaston Spirit out of a race the other day when the ground firmed up and that will be the situation if the much-needed rain stays away. That said, It would be an ideal race for him under satisfactory conditions and should go well if that's the case.

Dominateur has had a frustrating season so far, pulling up last time at Sandown. We're trying first-time cheek-pieces if he makes it to the track and will be looking for a revival.

With the change in the weather, the worry is that even Ffos Las which always seems to catch the rain might be unsuitable for our three entries today, all of which require softish conditions. If the ground is deemed unsuitable none will run. Pebbly New Moon was unlucky to click heels on the home bend last time and must have a chance here if taking up the engagement.

A Time To Shine was placed in a point-to-point in Ireland before we bought him and he then went on to finish third in two hurdle races. He’s a huge rangey horse that is an exceptional jumper and hurdles almost seemed to small for him, so we sent him chasing last time out at Hereford, where he was a fast finishing second. He only made one mistake and unfortunately it was two out, otherwise he would probably have beaten the winner. Hereford was sharp enough for him, I think he’d prefer a much more galloping track and Warwick is all about jumping and another four furlongs should suit him.

Although only sixth at Uttoxeter I was happy enough with Bringthehousedown as he has been difficult to train. He has big flat feet and they have needed constant attention from our farrier Ben Wishart. He's got on top of him now but the horse is still quite backward and will only be competitive once he gets a handicap mark and can run against his own class.

After finishing second on debut Ocean Drifter won his next two races thereby qualifying for this race. I deliberately saved him for it and took the chance to give him a break with Chris and Clairey Bonney who run a pre-training yard nearby and do such a great job with all our youngsters. He's come back in great shape and we're looking forward to the run. Super competitive, but a nice horse that is improving all the time. Each-way.

After two promising runs Cossack Dancer disappointed at Doncaster in January and a problem with his wind was detected which we've had addressed. Hopefully he will show progress today but he will need to improve a good deal to take a hand in the finish in this decent contest.

Considering he lost his legs when jumping an early flight on hurdles debut at Taunton, Jersey Wonder ran creditably staying on well after being allowed to recover by Gavin Sheahan. He's run in two jumpers' bumpers since then, running well in the first then clearly taking little interest in the latest. He's a character and it depends on his mood. He could run well but if he decides it's not his day there's little his rider can do about it. Jonathan Burke has that job today.

A bumper winner, Little Awkward switched to hurdling at Plumpton in December and won impressively, jumping very well. He's had niggly issues since but should be ready to run his race and is the main opposition to the hot favourite.

We've been having a quiet ten days since our last runner and What A Glance will be our first of the month. He has run respectably in a couple of hurdle races on ground that was not ideal and I think he's much more of a spring/summer horse. He should be handicapped after today and hopefully have a good campaign from then on.

Minella Royale ran with credit on his first outing for us at Warwick when finishing fifth, it was a competitive race and he hadn’t run for two years. He won a point to point before being bought by Trevor Hemmings for £100k he went to Paul Nicholls who struggled with lameness issues with him. He returned to Gleadhill Stud and after investigation he was found to have bone chips in his knees, they were removed and he was given time to recover. He was sent to me last autumn before Mr Hemmings decided to have his dispersal sale, I had had no issues with him until that point so I bought him back. He is a very straightforward horse, he’s not flash in his work or schooling but he does everything he’s asked to do and he’s kind, honest and willing. He shapes like a proper stayer at home and as the cliche goes whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus because he’ll make a nice chaser.

Lady In Hiding had decent bumper form in 2019 before having a nightmare winter the following season due to lung infections, we just couldn’t keep her healthy for any length of time so she didn’t make it back onto a racecourse until earlier this year. After such a long lay off it was a perfectly respectable run on very heavy ground at Newbury, she looked as if she could be involved turning into the home straight before weakening from two out. Daryl looked after her and she’s improved plenty for that outing. It was her first hurdle race and I was pleased with her jumping as she can be quite deliberate at home and she’s not over big.

Bringthehousedown has only had one run since joining me because he’s a nightmare to train, he’s got big very flat feet and he’s constantly bruising his soles, pulling off shoes or banging his joints so I rarely get a clear run with him and he spends a lot of time in the equine pool. My farrier Ben spends more time with Joe than he does with his wife and dreads Stefan (my head lad) coming back from the downs without a front shoe on, a regular occurrence unfortunately. He ran okay on his hurdling debut, after bulldozing his way through the first couple of hurdles he got the hang of things, then his jumping was fine until he got to the last flight which he met all wrong at a time he was tiring after being off the track for so long. It’s been another 177 days since then and his owners have the patience of saints so I hope he can repay their faith at some stage. He’s bound to improve for this outing on this ground after such a layoff but I’m just happy to get him back on the track.

Westreet has had a disappointing season so far, he comes out of his races very well so I have to think he’s saving a bit to himself, as an 11-year-old he’s actually perfectly entitled to be a bit cute. I’ve put blinkers back on to him for the second time, he loves this ground and hopefully he will give a better show. He is most likely to go off hunter chasing after this season, he’s a great jumper so he would be highly recommended.

Francolin is a good looking son of Cokoriko, it’s not a sire I know but he’s got a good attitude and he enjoys his work so I would be happy to have more. He was kindly sent to me by his breeder, he was due to run in point to points but that has obviously been curtailed this spring. He’s not been with me for very long but he does go nicely enough.

A Time To Shine is a huge horse who finished third in a point to point before joining me and he has been placed in both of his hurdle runs this season. This will be his chasing debut but he jumps so well and because he’s got such an enormous stride hurdles look too small for him.

Kaphumor has been disappointing in both of his races for me this season having won a point to point previously. He’s a horse that shows plenty at home on the gallops but he has not travelled in his races and I think he might need some form of headgear on in future and he’s most likely to go chasing after today.

Dom disappointed in the Welsh National last time out but the ground was no where near soft enough for him, he loves it completely bottomless and everything happens too quickly for him in better conditions. He is a talented horse but I think he could still show us more on a racecourse so he’s wearing first time blinkers today and that’s why I’ve dropped him back in trip, in case he does too much early on.

Seaston Spirit has won both his races so far this season, a hurdle race at Ffos Las and then the Sussex National at Plumpton. He was pretty impressive on both occasions on his favoured heavy ground. Today is a more competitive race around a track that won’t play to his strengths but he’s desperate for another race and the ground will definitely suit him so he will take his chance en route to a tilt at the Midlands National.

Even though Walk In The Wild finished fourth in his first race, a bumper at Hereford, I was slightly disappointed with the way he ran. He hung very badly left and he didn’t really finish his race, nothing came to light post race so I have to ignore it and carry on. He is a big rangy horse who is still pretty backward but he shows me enough at home to hope his first race was a blip, his schooling was initially very good before becoming flippant so he had a short educational jumping spell with Laura Collett. Laura did a good job of getting him to concentrate more on his jumping and he has schooled well at home since then. I’m unsure of the ground today, he has a round action to suggest he wants softer conditions but it’s a case of whether he is strong enough at this stage.

Brummie Boys is a tall, unfurnished horse who has been a bit disappointing so far this season but he’s had niggly issues so I would forgive him. I’ve been desperate to step him up to this trip but was I was worried he wouldn’t be strong enough to cope. He has no weight today, he will love the ground and I remain hopeful he build on last season’s efforts.

Lady In Hiding showed a good level of form in three bumpers all on soft or heavy ground the season before last but a variety of problems have kept her off the track for 14 months. She has done plenty of schooling and while she can be slightly deliberate I don't think that is too much of a fault. While she will be fine on the ground it's a big ask to expect her to be competitive after so long off.

Feodora didn't run too badly here on similar testing ground to today's on her seasonal reappearance and was entitled to get tired in the closing stages. She will be a big outsider again today but she is going well at home and is a real galloper, who will probably need further. She will do better once able to run in handicaps.

Bembridge is a big backward baby who has run perfectly well in his two races to date without troubling the judge. He looked very much a galloper on both occasions and probably found both tracks sharp enough for him over 2m. He is a horse who won’t be seen at his best until he goes chasing over a trip but I do want him to show enough for his owner to warrant perseverance, hopefully today’s course will be more suitable for this big striding gelding.

Jersey Wonder ran perfectly well on his debut over hurdles at Taunton when finishing fourth. We have been waiting for some half decent ground for him to run back over hurdles again since, but this seemed to good an opportunity to miss. He had decent flat form over two miles on the flat when trained by Jamie Osborne, he has run on the all weather many times and he seems to cope with the surface.

Cilaos ran well on his seasonal debut when finishing second at Wetherby in October. He jumped right on occasions for no apparent reason but his jumping was basically good, and he was entitled to get a little tired on the run in after a seven month break since his previous outing. He never really fired last season and even at home he didn’t show the same level of work as the previous year, he is a horse that has had his share of problems and even though we found nothing seriously amiss something was obviously bothering him. Unfortunately his niggles resurfaced after his Wetherby race, hence the long gap since then. He is a very good looking horse who is strong to ride on the gallops, he generally works very nicely and so far he has schooled much better this season than last.

Monkey Puzzle is consistent but he is a little bit frustrating, he has plenty of ability but things have to go his way to a certain extent and he prefers good ground, which we haven’t had for a while. He is a half-brother to Presenting Percy and he is a horse that needs to be fresh to be at his best, he’s had a good break now so hopefully he can give a better show.

Cossack Dancer ran well enough on his debut in a bumper at Newbury when finishing seventh, with the penny dropping late on. He then finished third in a novice hurdle at Southwell. He jumps perfectly well but he found it all so easy and he became flippant, so we sent him over to Laura Collett to do some intensive schooling, she did a good job with him and he’s grown up a lot since.

What A Glance has run with credit on both his starts under rules, he was placed in a bumper before finishing sixth on his first outing over hurdles. He is very athletic over his obstacles and he works nicely enough at home.

Pebbly shaped like a stayer on his only run to date, a bumper at Ffos Las, where he ran on well to finish second. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury that day and hasn’t run for 597 days. He is as fit as I can get him at home but he will obviously improve for the outing, he’s a big horse that will make a cracking three mile chaser in time.

Manning Estate has had a couple of adequate runs over fences but at this stage I think he'll probably do better back over hurdles. We're making the switch as we need to rekindle his enthusiasm a shade.

Bayaanaat is a well-bred horse that started out for Shadwell Farm with Dermot Weld where he disappointed and he was picked up quite cheaply. He has shown glimmers of ability over hurdles and works very well at home, so I'm interested to see how he'll do returning to the Flat.

Le Boulevardier is a half-brother to Volturnus and while he has more natural ability he is less straight-forward than his sibling. He has a mind of his own and is a bit of a playboy whose early bumper form was good but he has become more frustrating. Possible place chances.

Volturnus's jumping career was interrupted by injury and after a year's absence his October return was disappointing. He likes decent ground so this jumpers' bumper should be suitable especially as he was a three-time winner on all-weather when trained by Jamie Osborne before joining us.

We really like him, but [owner] Andrew Brooks, his team and I weren't keen on going down the bumper route for the rest of the season, so we decided to go hurdling, although there was no point going round the gaff tracks at this stage of the campaign. We know he loves soft ground, so we thought we'd put him in good races and if he wins, happy days, we'll be over the moon, but if he doesn't he'll run in a couple of others and have the experience as a second-season novice hurdler next term. He's been a bit rushy in his schooling – seeing the hurdles and charging at them – so he's got to relax a bit, but his actual jumping is very good. I wouldn't have done this on decent ground, but we know he handles this soft, horrible ground.

Severano has won both his starts over fences this season jumping well on both occasions, he won his last race by a long margin but it was a race that fell apart in the end because of the fast pace they went on such testing ground. He has continued to school nicely at home since then and he is a decent work horse without being flashy.

Jersey Lady won her first race, a bumper at Ludlow and followed up that win with a good run in a listed mares' bumper at Cheltenham when she finished a staying on well third. She is from a good staying pedigree and she already has some black type, which will make her a valuable broodmare at some stage in the future. A lovely filly at home, she’s very honest and straightforward, she loves her work.

After finishing second in a point to point on her debut Feodora hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck, she slipped up in a bumper and then ran poorly in two further races where the ground was pretty grim and she was unable to handle it at that stage of her career. She is a good looking mare from a solid family that has plenty of winners in her pedigree. She’s an honest mare who enjoys her work and she has schooled nicely.

All the horses in this race cost less than 30k, Little Awkward won his bumper nicely at Fontwell and then finished fourth under a penalty at Exeter. The form of the Exeter race has worked out well. We sent Little Awkward to Laura Collett to do some pole work a few weeks ago as he could be quite flippant over his hurdles. He has come back a lot sharper and is know economical over his hurdles. I backed off him a little after Exeter and gave him time to freshen up again, he's been in great form at home and hopefully he'lll run a nice race.

Bembridge runs in the Novice Hurdle at 12:15pm. Bembridge ran a creditable fifth in a bumper at Fontwell on his first run. The form of that race has worked out ok, he has come back from that race well and has been schooling nicely at home. I do think he'll appreciate further in time when he's stronger but this looks like a nice race for his hurdling debut.

Ocean Drifter managed to ground out a win last time out at Fontwell after a very promising debut over hurdles at Uttoxeter when finishing second. He wasn’t hugely impressive but the trip was on the short side for him and a win is a win at the end of the day. He was very keen when he arrived at Rhonehurst, hence why I began him over 2m even though he’s going to be a stayer and Kai has done a good job of relaxing him but he still needs to chill a bit more to truly fulfil his potential. This will come with racing, he’s getting there.

Cossack Dancer ran okay in his bumper when finishing seventh, it was nothing special but he was very gawky and green, so there is a lot of improvement in him. He does think life is all a bit of a game at this stage, he has schooled well at home, so hopefully, he’ll now knuckle down a bit, but whatever happens he is likely to continue to improve with experience.

Jersey Bean is having a cracking season, he’s won his last two races and his confidence is sky high. He didn’t look convincing as a chaser before the application of blinkers, which were a recommendation of Henrietta Knight after she had him for two weeks of intensive schooling, and they have transformed him. He wasn’t a bad jumper before but he was too deliberate and he took too long in the air over his obstacles. Bean and Brendan have struck up a great partnership, they have confidence in each other and it’s lovely to see him enjoying his racing again.

It’s not ideal to have two runners in one race but if the conditions suit both horses and the owners want to run, it happens. A Time To Shine is a big horse who has the most unbelievable scope, he will make a much better chaser but he needs racecourse experience and he is very much a work in progress.

Kaphumor is a different horse in that he’s not so backward but he ran below par first time out for us at Chepstow, he came back with a really nasty overreach which took a while to heal hence why he hasn’t run since. He disappointed me in the way he travelled that day but I’ve no idea when he picked up his injury.

Peur De Rein won nicely first time out this season at Uttoxeter, it was his debut over fences and he didn’t miss a beat – it was an impressive performance and the form of the race has held up. He then went to Huntingdon and after an incident in the paddock he was at the start far longer than necessary, but this was just the beginning of his woes, because everywhere he went he found trouble and ended up pulling up. A few weeks later and seemingly unperturbed from that experience he ran at Warwick where he got into a brilliant rhythm before making one mistake at the first fence in the back straight… he then lost his head and pulled up again. Clearly the Huntingdon experience affected him more than we realised, he is a confidence horse but he has plenty of ability and he can jump, so frustrating is an understatement. I don’t know what will happen today, he’s been in great form at home and he’s been much more relaxed in his last few pieces of work so we’re hopeful rather than confident.

Devonshire Rocco is a good looking son of Shirocco who is from a good jumping family. He is a good workhorse at home but as with all of my bumper horses he will improve for the whole experience and my main priority is for him to finish his race well and to enjoy his day out.

Book has been a disappointing and inconsistent horse since his novice hurdle season, he does have ability but unless things go his way he isn’t the most resolute these days. He won this race twelve months ago and the ground today will be more suitable than on his debut at Southwell. where he never travelled, he is wearing first time blinkers so let’s hope they bring about the necessary improvement. He was once a bit of a lad at home but he’s good to ride now and it could be that he needs a change of scenery so we will reassess his future after today.

Minella won his only race, a point to point in Ireland, easily and he was then bought by Trevor Hemmings for 100k that was two years ago. He originally went into training with Paul Nicholls who experienced on-going lameness issues with him, this culminated in him having several bone chips removed from his knees last spring. He joined me in the autumn and then when Mr Hemmings decided to cull his string he went through the sales ring where I bought him back for 15k. Obviously the operation he had worked and we’ve not had any problems with him since he arrived here in August. He works nicely at home, he’s not flashy he’s a proper galloper who will stay further than this. He has done plenty of work and he’s as fit as I can get him but he is bound to be sharper for an outing.

Jersey Wonder had good staying flat form when trained by Jamie Osborne, his owner Tony Taylor has horses with us both so Jersey Wonder moved to me a couple of months ago. Initially I sent him to Clairey and Chris Bonner to have a couple of weeks away from Lambourn and whilst there Claire did some grid work and show jumping with him. He took to it quickly and he’s got a good jump in him, plenty of scope. He’s done plenty of schooling with us since he came back from there and he’s improved each time but more importantly he enjoys it. He was a thorough stayer on the flat so this trip may be on the short side for him but it will give us a chance to asses him to see where we go from here.

Sevarano won at Sandown on his debut over fences last month, his jumping was impeccable on that occasion and he has continued to school well at home so hopefully he can replicate that today. He is a tall rangy horse who has taken time to strengthen up in himself, he doesn’t look a lot different physically to how he looked as a four year old but he’s now able to finish his races properly, something he didn’t do as a youngster.

Brummie finished fourth on his seasonal debut at Fontwell, it was okay but I was a bit disappointed by the way he travelled, the ground wasn’t very nice but I wouldn’t use that as an excuse. He will enjoy this step up in trip today, he’s by Flemensfirth and they’re usually staying types, this is his first run in a handicap.

What A Glance ran nicely enough on his debut under rules when finishing third, he had a few traffic problems, which isn’t unusual at Lingfield but he was really staying on well to the line. Windy is a good looking horse who enjoys his schooling at home, he’s a good workhorse who is a thorough galloper.

Brave Bairn looked as if she was going to be fourth on her debut at Taunton when fading in the last furlong, she had done a little bit too much early on in the race, so she just ran out of steam. It was an encouraging first run, she’s a very laid back filly at home, so it was unexpected that she ran with the choke out. There’s a lot of improvement in her.

Paseo likes good ground and, because he’d had a quiet winter last year, I kept him going through the summer after racing was halted in March. With hindsight it was probably a mistake not to give him a summer break as he ran a bit flat in his first three outings this season. He then did have a break and, because he does everything so easily at home, he needed his recent outing at Kempton on his reappearance. He’ll be sharper for that outing and is a horse you can’t bully in a race, you need him to think he’s going well and keep him happy. He’s wearing first time cheek pieces in an attempt to help him travel.

Weststreet made an uncharacteristic bad blunder last time out at Fontwell when unseating his jockey, he made no real effort to jump the fence. When I watched it live I thought he’d been blinded, but after seeing the replay it was obvious he wasn’t, a lapse in concentration can happen to any horse but he’s usually a pretty good jumper. The trip today will be on the short side for him, but he needs this ground and with little prospect of any proper rain for the time being I wanted to get him back on a course. He didn’t really fire last season for no apparent reason, he’s been very bright so far this autumn so I’m hopeful he’ll run better – as long as he can remember to jump!

Rainbow Storm is a little star at home, he loves his jumping and he’s very honest in his work. His three races to date have been perfectly okay but he will obviously fare better once he has a handicap mark and this race looks competitive enough on paper. Once a horse has a couple of duck eggs against their names you regularly get balloted out of novice hurdles, so it’s not easy to pick and choose a weaker race, which is why it’s easier when they have a handicap mark.

What’s Occurring was beaten a long way last time out at Bangor, the ground was probably too soft for him that day and he made one mistake which seemed to make him loose his confidence. We sent him to Laura Collett to do some intensive schooling and he's come back a lot slicker and full of confidence. He's been working well and hopefully the ground/track will suit him today.

Prince won at Huntingdon on his seasonal debut twelve days ago, he travelled well through the race that day and his jumping was very good, he was left in front at the last fence and he could possibly be considered a lucky winner but we’ll never know. He will be sharper for that race and I just hope this doesn’t come too soon for him but it looked the right race to go for on paper. He is a tall good looking horse who has had a lot of bad luck over the last couple of years, he’s been challenging to train due to his various niggles so I was delighted to see him win for his lovely owners who have been incredibly patient.

Grandeur D’Ame was impressive on his debut at Newton Abbot when winning nicely. It was how we hoped he’d run but he is still on the weak side so I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to cope with the soft ground at this stage. He came out of that race well and he has seemed more relaxed at home, it was a little bit of a concern first time out that he might boil over in the preliminaries as he was very gassy when he arrived here.

Weststreet has been ready to run for a while but I’ve been waiting for his favoured soft ground to coincide with a race over a longer trip, he’s a thorough stayer. He had a quiet season last winter but often horses like him that run over extreme distances especially on heavy ground can be like that, he didn’t run badly but he just didn’t sparkle. He has been in good form at home this autumn, he’s been trying to run away with Stefan on the gallops lately and there’s not many horses that can do that.

Republican ran well enough on his first outing over fences at Ascot when finishing fourth. His jumping was good in the main, he was a bit brave at one or two but he quickly learnt from it and the fences around there are big. He will appreciate this longer trip today and after a nice introductory clear round I’m hopeful he can now build on that.

Goes without saying a hot race with a lot of early-season reputations on the line. Jersey Lady won her first race, a bumper at Ludlow, she showed a great attitude that day she got a bit tapped for toe turning into the hone straight before staying on strongly to the line - so the track today should suit her perfectly. This is a step up in grade but she is from a staying family so - as mentioned - this stiffer track should suit her. Each-way chance.

Le Boulevardier had good bumper form but he hasn’t transferred that to hurdles so far, unseating at the first on his debut and then not facing the first time blinkers last time out at Market Rasen. There is no doubt he has a mind of his own but he also has ability, we’ll give him a couple more runs to see if we can find a key then we’ll re-group with his owners and decide his future.

A Time To Shine is a big good looking horse by Malinas who finished third in a point to point before being purchased by Dominic Burke and Tim Syder. The form of that point has held up really nicely, even the horse that finished last has since won a novice hurdle at Uttoxeter. He is a very good jumper who still has some strengthening up to do and you won’t see the best of him until he goes chasing.

Monkey Puzzle won first time out at Fontwell putting up a brave performance and really grinding out the win. He then finished third in a slowly run race at Exeter, He had to make his own running that day which doesn’t suit him – he’s very lazy in front and looks around everywhere, he was beaten quite a long way, but the first two were decent horses. He’s been in good form at home since, he’s won around here before and he’ll love the ground.

Book Of Gold showed initial promise as a youngster but he has become frustrating. He won a chase at Warwick last December under a great front-running ride from Leighton, he had the run of the race that day and he got into a lovely rhythm, it was probably his Gold Cup. He then pulled up in two competitive chases after that. This ground may be a tad lively for Book but with limited opportunities at the moment and his preference for a small field he’s going to take his chance.

Pontresina won his last race at Kempton after being demoted to second on his first outing at Fontwell, so he thinks he’s won two-from-two and he’s been cock a hoop at home – the big dog, he’s even managed to unseat two of his jockeys in the last week – which is unheard of! He is a little legend who has been a consistent horse throughout his career, he’s not over big but he’s really taken to fences and even though he saves a little bit for himself he’s honest in his attitude.

Prince is a horse with plenty of ability but he has been a nightmare to train, he’s had all sorts of issues mostly niggly things but he did have a tendon strain in August 2018 which required a twelve month spell on the sidelines to recover. He takes a lot of work to get fit because he does things fairly easily on the gallops, we have done plenty with him but he will obviously be sharper for the race.

What A Glance has had one previous run in a point to point where he pulled up on unsuitably soft ground. He wants decent ground hence why he is running in an all weather bumper today. He is owned by the family of my new pupil assistant Tom Britten, he’s been at Rhonehurst for just over a month and the work he’s done has been good.

Paseo has had a break since his last race where he ran a bit flat. He is an enthusiastic member of the string and is a happy jaunty person who loves his work. First run back for around 3 months so no matter what will improve for this too.

Working Class will love this good ground, he has schooled very well at home and he has grown up a lot since we’ve had him. He was extremely strong originally, it’s been a process to switch him off enabling us to run him over further, he’s always wanted a trip but he has been a work in progress.

Seaston Spirit had a good season over fences last winter winning three times on his favoured soft ground, there were no suitable chases available for him to run in so he’s back over hurdles today. He is a very good jumper of a fence so hurdles wouldn’t play to his strengths but with Kai’s ten pound claim it does give him more of a chance. He is a lazy horse at home so he will definitely improve for this outing.

After falling in his first chase at Carlisle Dominateur had a good season over fences last winter, winning a couple of soft ground chases at Chepstow. His final race was in the Midlands National and it was just a step too far at that stage of his career. The ground today wouldn’t be ideal for him but he has to begin somewhere and with only three runners it seemed an ideal starting point. But obviously does have a bit to find with Nicky and Harry's horses on the ratings too.

Sevarano finished off last season with a decent second in the EBF final at Kempton, he had been consistent in his four previous starts including two wins. He is a tall leggy horse who had shown glimmers of ability before last season but he needed to strengthen up in order to finish his races. He has schooled very well at home, he always jumped his hurdles like a chaser so I’m hopeful fences could bring about more improvement in him. Obviously be delighted with a good clear jumping round, but does look to hold every chance if his jumping holds out.

Bembridge is a very laid back son of Westerner, who is having his debut run here today - he doesn’t burn up the gallops but he goes well enough and he gives me the impression he’ll be a relentless galloper. He has the most wonderful attitude, nothing bothers him and he’s kind and very good to ride.

Peur De Rien had all sorts of traffic problems last time out at Huntingdon and after being jumped into at the second fence he just never got into any rhythm at all, it’s not the first time I’ve seen that happen in a fast run race around there. Fortunately it didn’t affect his confidence at all, he’s continued to school well at home and he’s been very fresh for the last ten days, desperate for another run. He is a stunning looking horse who is easy to deal with in his stable but he can get a bit gassy out on the downs at times… you just need to keep a lid on him. Very open race, but must have e/w claims.

Ocean Drifter ran a blinder on his debut over hurdles for us at Uttoxeter when finishing second to an odds on favourite. He jumped nicely on that occasion and more importantly he settled well which was encouraging because he could be a bit keen and buzzy at home. He took that race in his stride and he seems much more relaxed now at home and based on his last run should have every chance here.

Cossack Dancer is a very good looking son of Sholokov who is owned by new clients to Rhonehurst in Bryan Burrough (of Corbiere fame) and Valda Burke, whose husband Dominic already has several horses here. Cossack fills the eye and he moves nicely on the gallops, he’s not flashy in his work, he’s more of a galloper. As you know my bumper horses will always improve for an outing, not in fitness but because they are not trained to the minute. I like them to enjoy the whole experience and no matter where they actually finish I like them to be going forward so they run through the line and they are not given a hard time. He has bit of something about him, he’s basically good to deal with but he can be quite cheeky at times and a little bit arrogant too.

Jersey Bean won last time out at Newton Abbot when making most of the running and really jumping from fence to fence. He’s been a revelation since the blinkers were fitted and, as I said before, it’s not that he’s ungenuine – they’ve just focused his mind and sharpened up his jumping. He’s been full of confidence since that race and has really blossomed in his work. Another step forward needed in this competitive race - up in grade and off 5lbs higher - but full of confidence at the moment so must have a nice e/w chance.

Rainbow ran okay at Plumpton last time out, two miles around there was a bit too sharp for him but I liked the way he galloped to the line that day. We've stepped him up in trip but the softer ground is a question mark, but being in the first race today we'll get the best of the ground. Today is still a look and learn process though really.

Felix ran well first time out at Fontwell when finishing third, I mentioned at the time that he’d previously been a playboy both at home and in his races but he really put everything into that run and it took him a while to recover. He was quiet for a while afterwards so we’ve given him plenty of time to get over that race, he’s been fresh and well again lately. This is a new trip for him today and I think now he’s stronger this should suit, he’s pretty laid back in his races which will also help him to get the extra two furlongs.

Squaw Vallee won her only race to date, a mares’ bumper over 2m at Worcester, she was tough that day because she’s not over big and she got bumped a few times in the last half mile. Unfortunately, Indy picked up an injury after that, she was rolling in her stable and kicked the wall, she damaged her stifle so we had to send her away to recover. She is very diminutive in size but not in heart, she is as tough as teak and loves her work and her schooling.

Vinnie ran better than his position suggests at Market Rasen last time out, when finishing fourth. It was a competitive truly run race and Vinnie didn’t miss a beat with his jumping, which was something that let him down last season, he was still travelling well turning into the home straight before the first three pulled away going to the last. This was his third run in quick succession and Johnny felt he was just a little bit flat compared to his previous race where he bucked all the way to the start. This is another big step up today but he’s got no weight and he deserves a chance at this level, he will want further once he completely relaxes but he’s not short of boot. Each-way claims.

Grandeur D’Ame is a full brother to Dominateur who is a multiple winner for us and is also owned by Kate and Andrew Brooks. Dominateur is a much more laid back character than Grandeur, and whilst Dom loves soft/heavy ground he may not yet be strong enough to cope with these conditions. He is still very unfurnished and a long way from the finished article, I hope he relaxes today in the preliminaries and shows potential.

Brave Brain is a lovely looking daughter of Brave Mansonnien, she is the first horse I have had by this sire and she is very laid back in her work, so I don’t know first hand if that is a trait but I’m led to believe it is. She is an easy filly to deal with, she is very relaxed both in her work and in herself. Looking forward to a nice debut run and certainly one look for in the future, but still expecting a solid run here and not without place claims.

Spice War finished fifth last time out at Fontwell and I was initially disappointed because he didn’t finish his race but he had in fact lost a front shoe and struck into himself so he did have a valid excuse. He has won a couple of staying all-weather flat races so hopefully this step up in trip today will suit him.

Bayaanaat ran okay in his only hurdle race so far up at Doncaster in the spring when finishing fifth, he jumped alright on that occasion but he’s the type who will improve with racing and possibly once he’s handicapped.

After a decent novice hurdle campaign, Whats Occurring won his only chase at Ludlow before picking up an injury and having last season off. Because he’s only had one run over fences I’m keen to get some experience into him over the bigger obstacles, this is a decent race on paper but I’d rather run here in a small field than with 16 runners in a lesser race. He is a sweet horse at home, he’s quite a sensitive horse who can be a bit over exuberant on the schooling ground when he’s fresh. Looks to rest between Nigel and Harry's horses though.

Kaphumor won his only start to date, a point to point at Larkhill before being sold to The Million In Mind syndicate. He is a good looking son of Kapgarde who is very laid back at home, he works nicely and jumps very well. He won his point on good ground but I’ve no reason to think he wouldn’t handle softer conditions.

Storm Katie is a lovely looking filly by Kapgarde who was bred by her owners Dominic Burke and Andrew Brooks. She goes well at home but she does need to learn to relax as she can be quite buzzy at times, she is likely to improve with racing once she settles.

This will be his first race. He is a big good looking horse by Walk In The Park he works nicely at home but he is still far from the finished article, he will need another summer on his back to properly strength up. He has also done plenty of jumping in anticipation of going hurdling at some stage and he does love it, he bucks and kicks on the schooling ground and if we look after him I think he has a bright future. He will only run if the forecast rain arrives.

Brummie is a tall horse who was very unfurnished last season, he has filled out a lot but he will continue to strengthen up yet. He ran well enough in a bumper and his first two outings over hurdles before disappointing on his final start, the ground was heavy that day and I just don’t think he was strong enough to handle it. He schools nicely, he’s very professional in his work and attitude. Tom Scudamore rides and in a race that looks likely to go to the Honeyball horse, most of the rest of us would have e/w claims.

Manning Estate ran well on his reappearance over hurdles at Uttoxeter earlier this month when finishing fourth, he would have just needed that race and Daryl wasn’t hard on him once he was beaten. He has only had one previous outing over fences at Huntingdon and as is typical of that track they went a good gallop, he never got into any rhythm and he ended up on the floor at the tenth. Unfortunately it affected his confidence and then the ground went against him so he didn’t get back on a track again for four months, as a result we then decided to revert to hurdles with him and he duly won. He has done plenty of schooling and we’ve decided to put blinkers on him today to get him to concentrate on his obstacles, he can spend too long in the air without them. El Presente sets the standard but we get plenty of weight off the Bailey horse and that will help, while any flaws and we can hopefully take advantage.

Norley is a stunning looking son of Yeats who finished fifth in his only race to date, a bumper at Warwick. He is a bit of a playboy and it’s because of that he got left so far at the start of his bumper, he was looking around and not concentrating when the tapes went back, he found himself in the rear and then encountered all sorts of traffic problems when trying to make up ground. He was doing his best work at the end of that race and Leighton struggled to pull him up once they passed the line. He has schooled well at home, he’s an athletic horse over an obstacle, he continues to be a bit of a jack the lad but it doesn’t affect his work. Looking forward to today and should be going well.

Rainbow ran with credit on his only start to date, a bumper at Fontwell when finishing fourth, all he did that day was gallop after being caught a bit flat footed four furlongs out. He has schooled nicely at home, he’s an honest type who loves his work and jumping so I hope he will give a good account today. He will be ridden by Kai Lenihan and it will be his first ride as a conditional jockey. Kai has been with me for three seasons now and he’s a good lad who rides well, he’s been busy concentrating mainly on his point-to-pointing until this time, he can claim a valuable 10lb off my runners until he rides another four winners.

He was very unlucky at Kempton last time when I think he should have kept the race - won the race but was placed second in the end after getting in the way of the runner-up. Raised 4lbs for that, but drop back 2 furlongs is fine and he does have a squeak today of making amends, as he loves the good ground and is well at home.

He’s been a bit of a bugger so we put the blinkers on him, I can’t see him winning, but I can see him being placed today. In good order at home and he has got lots of ability, but he’s just a little monkey!

We were over the moon with Peur De Rien last time out at Uttoxeter when he won nicely at his first attempt over fences, he is a horse we have always thought a lot of but sadly he had wind issues which looked likely to curtail his career. He had a revolutionary new procedure performed by Ben Brain which grafted a muscle to the side of his larynx for support, thus enabling him to breathe properly at the business end of a race. As he only had one run last season, due to ground, we were unable to see if it had been successful. It has been a big team effort by all involved and also to Rupert Fowler for giving him the chance to undergo the surgery. He got into a lovely rhythm at Uttoxeter and his jumping was exceptional, he came back from that race full of confidence and he has continued to school and work well at home. Looks to have another leading chance.

I was delighted with the way Jersey Bean ran last time out at Uttoxeter when finishing third, he was wearing first time blinkers and it really sharpened up his jumping, he did just need that run, he tired from two out so there is improvement in him and should run a nice race. He should also enjoy this track and he loves decent ground.

Little Awkward won his only race to date, a bumper at Fontwell. He travelled nicely that day and put up a good performance, the form hasn’t worked out to date but I’m sure he’s improved. He is a flashy looking grey, he’s a good moving horse who does everything nicely at home.

Monkey Puzzle put up a brave performance last time out when winning at Fontwell. It was only his second run over fences and Fontwell can be tricky but he was clever, he stayed extremely well and he really wanted to win. He has not enjoyed the best of luck previously, nothing serious but enough to limit his racecourse appearances so hopefully he has plenty of improvement to come.

Volturnus only had one run for us last season when finishing a creditable fourth at Ffos Las, he picked up an injury subsequently and this is his first run since. He works nicely at home, as a result he does everything so easily so he will definitely improve for this outing. He’s a horse that schools well and will go on to make a chaser.

Jersey Lady is a lovely looking filly by Martaline, I bought her at the Goffs Land Rover Sale in 2019 for Tony Taylor, who names all of his horses with the pre fix of his home of Jersey. Jersey Lady goes nicely at home, she has a stout pedigree but doesn’t appear to lack speed on the gallops. She has a wonderful, honest temperament and only wants to please.

Two runners today at Fontwell but if the stormy forecast is correct they may not run.

Two runners today at Fontwell but if the stormy forecast is correct they may not run. 

I was very pleased with his last run, when winning well at Uttoxeter and the form is holding up. It’s quite a competitive race and he’ll have a lot of weight today (raised 8lbs for that last win), but he’s in great order. It’s another step up the ladder and it’s a great prize so subject to any jumping errors he’ll be bang there.

Vinnie The Hoddie ran a blinder here last week in a competitive race where four horses had a chance winning going to the last fence, Vinnie had been a bit keen early on in the race that day so unfortunately he had no more to offer on the run in. The most pleasing thing about that run was his jumping, he’s got tons of scope at home but he can lose concentration in a race and as result he lost his confidence last winter. I am concerned that this race may come a bit soon for him but there is nothing else for him for a few weeks and long gaps between his races doesn’t really suit him either as he gets too fresh and keen again ....then you’re back to square one. Vinnie is a talented horse but he is a work in progress, he just needs a few confidence boosting clear rounds and to learn to relax in his races so I can eventually step him up in trip because all he does is gallop. Vinnie is a gent to deal with but he is cold backed to get on and he can be strong on the gallops. He will be ridden by Jonathan Burke.

Jersey Bean has run over fences three times previously and his jumping has been good but a bit too careful - but been second twice so not a bad start for him over the bigger obstacles. Bean went over to Henrietta Knight a month ago where he did some intensive schooling and she suggested we try blinkers on him, not because he is ungenuine but to get him to concentrate more on his fences, we have used them on him at home and his jumping is more accurate as a result. Bean has ability but he’s not the biggest horse and when the handicapper had him in his grip he was unable to shoulder the big weights in lower grade hurdle races but he found bigger races a bit too competitive. Bean is a cheeky horse by nature, a bit of a playboy but harmless. He will be ridden by Brendan Powell. If the blinkers help in the race then another of ours with place claims today.

Cervaro Mix (Alan) ran well on his seasonal debut at Southwell last month when finishing a close up third. Gavin gave him a patient ride on that occasion because he can be very keen when he’s fresh but they went a good gallop in the race so he actually settled nicely. Alan will improve for that outing but he is carrying top weight today and he’s not over big. Alan is a sweet horse at home although he can be strong on the gallops. He will be ridden by Gavin Sheehan. Open affair but if building on that last run should have fair e/w chances.

This will Rainbow Storms first race, he was ready to run last spring before the shutdown. Rainbow goes nicely at home, he’s a thorough galloper that may get a bit tapped for toe but I’m confident he’ll stay on to the line. Rainbow is a real trier and what he lacks in size he makes up for in heart. Looking forward to getting going with him and even though the Lacey and Mulholland look the obvious ones we are not without place claims.

Pontresina is an honest horse who has been placed five times from eight runs when running on his favoured good ground. He has schooled nicely at home he’s not over big but he’s neat and athletic over an obstacle, he’s not flash in his work but is very competitive when upsides. This will be his first run for us over fences, but he did win a point to point before joining Rhonehurst. He is a thoroughly likeable horse who is very straightforward to deal with. Looks to have an e/w chance here today.

Vinnie began his chasing career last season with credit at Wincanton when finishing second, he jumped exceptionally well on that occasion and the fences around there are pretty big and can be trappy for novices. After that he rather lost the plot. Vinnie is a highly-strung horse and he just seemed to lose concentration in the jumping department, it’s so frustrating knowing how well he can jump, he has tons of natural scope. He can be a gassy horse especially when he’s fresh so first and foremost I want a clear round today so we can rebuild his confidence because he does have ability. Vinnie is a gentle horse to deal with in his stable but he can occasionally be a bit of a boy to ride, quite cold backed and spooky he’s also fairly keen on the gallops in his work.

This will be his first run over fences and his second race since a major wind operation. He’s a stunning looking horse who has been disappointing so far in his races but he was found to have a serious wind issue and due to ground he has only had one outing since so it’s impossible to know how successful it has been. As you know it sometimes takes horses a couple of runs to gain confidence and realise they can breathe properly again. We decided to send Roger chasing because his schooling has always been very good at home and if he can enjoys fences he will find it easier on his wind than hurdling. Over hurdles horses tend to go a good gallop and quicken off it and there isn’t so much emphasis on the jumping whereas chasing is much more about rhythm. Roger is a kind horse at home, he’s generally good to ride but he can be easily wound up if something upsets him.

Little Awkward is a good looking grey gelding by Monmatre. I bought him in Ireland at Goffs Land Rover sale as a 3yo and had racing not been suspended in March he would have run in a bumper in the spring. He goes nicely enough at home, he’s a good moving horse and because of his colour he catches the eye. As with all of my bumper horses he is not trained to the minute, he knows his job but he will improve. I never like my youngsters to have hard races at the beginning of their careers, if they are looked after and enjoy the whole experience it does wonders for their confidence and future racing life.

Monkey Puzzle is a horse that wants decent ground so last winter was a nightmare for him, he had wind surgery in December after a poor show at Taunton on his only chase run and he was being readied for a spring campaign when racing was halted. He enjoys his schooling and he has always jumped well at home, he’s not flashy in his work but he’s done plenty so he should be fit enough if good enough. He is a sweet horse but he’s a bit of a goon at home and he likes to act the fool, he’s generally lazy in his work. Looks to have Flying Verse and Never Learn to beat.

Felix is a lightly raced 6yo who has shown glimmers of ability but his jumping can occasionally let him down. He jumps perfectly well at home but he can lack concentration on a racecourse. He is a bit of a playboy and I’m hoping he has grown up a bit now and he can finally knuckle down to the job of being a racehorse.

Bringthehousedown or Joey as he is known, arrived with us last winter thanks to Ron Hodges who recommended us because of our equine pool. Joey has big flat feet so therefore he has had plenty of annoying issues with bruising etc. He spends a lot of time swimming and Ben, my farrier, is his constant companion. He is a big, strong horse who won on the flat In Ireland, although how he even went into the stalls is beyond me. He is a good workhorse at home, he’s not flash but he’s very honest, you can’t help but like his attitude.

Le Boulevardier has run well in both his previous starts in bumpers finishing third and second respectively - so should have a good chance today. Both of those races were won by horses trained by Fergal O’Brien and they produced professional performances whereas Le Boulevardier still looked a bit green and gawky - he'd have learned a lot from those outings. Le Boulevardier is a cheeky horse at home, he’s always looking around and acting Jack the lad....there’s no harm in him though.

I was pleased with his run here last time, he showed his inexperience when he hit the front 2f from home - but still did well to stay on well to be a close-up third. The form of that race has worked out well and the horse of Jamie Snowden’s, who just beat us is in the race today, looks a fair sort - that horse was meant to run here today too but is a non-runner now. Our horse is a very laid back individual and I'm hoping he has come on for that run - should be bang there.

Cervao Mix ran very flat in his last race in early March, he’d been on the go a long time and I think he just needed a break. He went away for a good holiday after that. He would probably prefer a bit further than this two miles but he can be very keen when he’s fresh so I’ve dropped him back in trip today in the hope there is a good strong gallop and he can settle. He is a horse that has ability, he hasn’t always helped himself by not relaxing in his races and I would like to step him back up in trip once I’ve got the gas out of him. He’s pretty fit but he will improve for the outing.

West Coast Flyer won two novice hurdles last summer and I had intended to send him back over hurdles initially this season but at this time of year he would be giving plenty of weight away and his jumping is very good, so as he’s a thorough galloper I thought fences should suit him more. He is a big good-looking horse who came to me after a busy flat campaign, he had a good break after his last run where he ran very flat. I’m hopeful he can improve for that holiday and as a one-paced horse I think fences will suit him as long as he can get into a good rhythm.

Spice War won a couple of low grade races on the all-weather before showing promise in his first run over hurdles at Kempton, he didn’t back that up on his next two starts so he went away for a good long holiday over the winter. He had literally just arrived back in the yard from his pre-training with Mark Palmer when racing was halted. It seemed sensible to keep him going though because he takes a lot of work to get fit. He has been in good form lately, he’s been very fresh, especially on the schooling ground.

Bringthehousedown or Joey as he is known at home - arrived with us last winter thanks to Ron Hodges who recommended us because of our equine pool. Joey has big flat feet so therefore he has had plenty of annoying issues with bruising etc. He spends a lot of time swimming and Ben, my farrier, is his constant companion. Joey is a big, strong horse who won on the flat In Ireland, although how he even went into the stalls is beyond me. He is a good workhorse at home, he’s not flash but he’s very honest, you can’t help but like his attitude. Joey can be a bit flippant with his obstacles but he’s had plenty of practice at home so he’s ready to roll and he can only improve for the experience.

Paseo had a recent spin on the flat at Chepstow, it was a slowly run affair and he was caught flat footed when they sprinted three furlongs out, it happens and he didn’t have a hard time. Paseo loves his jumping and he had a progressive profile last winter. Pads was placed in all of his hurdle races and won at Fontwell on his penultimate start but I’d say his final run over hurdles at Doncaster when finishing third was probably his best performance, it was a decent race and the ground was softer than ideal. We ran him on the all weather through the winter when the ground went against him and I don’t think he enjoyed the kickback. Pads is a cheeky chap at home, good to ride, a bit spooky but he’s a happy person you can’t help but love. Hoping he'll be fitter than some with that recent flat run and holds an e/w chance.

Debut run here today. Le Boulevardier is a big good looking home bred gelding - he is related to flat winners and he was ready and waiting for decent ground before racing ceased in March. Thankfully his patient owners Lord & Lady Blyth, allowed us to keep him going through the summer so he is fit and ready to roll. Le Boulevardier is not flash in his work, he’s pretty lazy and he only does what he has to but I love that type, I’m sure he’ll just keep finding at the business end of the race.

Has been ticking away during the summer and doesn’t take much getting ready. Hated the all-weather, trip and track will be ideal. He has got a small each-way chance. He will definitely go hurdling or chasing after this.

Ballaquane is a well related son of Scorpion and as with all of his sire’s progeny he’s very good looking. He is a galloper and to put him into context of the youngsters we’ve run so far he doesn’t have the speed of Ocean Drifter, he’s more like Norley in his work and he therefore will be exactly what his owner looks for… a staying chaser in the making.

This will be his first run for us having run in three point to points, winning his final start, then being bought by Tim Syder in December. Ocean Drifter is a neat good-looking horse who was quite a buzzy horse when he first arrived here, he’s settled down a lot now but can still be keen at times. He works nicely but as with all my bumper horses I just want him to enjoy the whole experience and for us to learn about him. The Bailey horse looks the obvious danger.

Juliet won her second start over fences at Southwell on ground like this, she jumped well that day and really saw the trip out. It might be best to ignore her last outing at Wetherby when she pulled off a front shoe and finished very sore, she doesn’t have the best feet so it definitely affected her and she took a while to come back right again. Looks a very open little race with all five runners having a say.

Broughton’s is a star, he’s been consistent all of his career but as he’s so one-paced he always finds one or two to good for him. He’s a very good jumper and a lovely honest horse to deal with.

Dominateur has shaped like a stayer in his two wins on soft ground at Chepstow. His last run is best ignored because the ground had dried out so much and as a result he was taken out of his comfort zone early on, he did jump well though even though he was flat out so that’s a positive. Obviously this is a big step up in trip and even if you think they are going to stay you never know for sure until they try, he does tend to race behind the bridle which will definitely give him every chance of getting this mammoth trip.

He won nicely at Huntingdon last time out when we finally got a bit of decent ground which he loves, it was also his first race after a cauterisation of his soft palate. The ground today will be softer than ideal but it will be better than most tracks because it’s a light soil, the track and trip will be right for him. Each-way chance.

This is a re-organised final after the race was abandoned last weekend, I think Sandown would probably have suited Sevarano more but he did win his bumper here. Sevarano has had a good season, he’s been consistent and the races he’s won have worked out well., I’ve put a visor on him just to get him to travel as he can run lazily in his races. He was a good second last time out when giving ten pounds to the winner who went on to win again this week, so it was a good performance. Each-way.

Republican was brave when winning at Taunton in December, he really put his head down and battled on to beat a decent favourite by a head. Republican qualified at Ffos Las on desperate ground which he didn’t enjoy, I think this ground will be better for him and he should like the track, the winner of that race was only just beaten in the last at Cheltenham yesterday.

Prince disappointed last time out when pulling up suddenly half a mile from home. Leighton thought he had gone wrong because he lost his action but it must have been a bang as he was absolutely fine immediately after he came to a halt. Prince has not missed a day since and he has continued to work and school as well as ever. Prince showed ability before picking up a leg injury which kept him off the course for a long time. He will be ridden by Conor Shoemark.

Weststreet won this race last year and he often comes good in the spring for no apparent reason. Weststreet has ability and loves heavy ground, he’s got a bit cute these days and only does what he has to but his latest race at Exeter was a step in the right direction and he had a similar profile at this stage last season. Should go well and looks to have a solid e/w chance.

Norley ran better than his placing suggests on his first outing at Warwick when a staying on fifth. He can be a bit gawky at times and he just completely missed the break, then when Leighton was threading his way through the field he had all sorts of traffic problems, only really getting a clear run two furlongs from the line and the first four had flown by then.These things can happen in any races but especially with youngsters that are looking at everything going on around them, the main thing is he didn’t have a hard race and he came back from the experience full of himself. Each-way chance.

He won two pretty average races from a lowly mark by wide margins therefore obviously he took a hike in the handicap. He ran in a better quality race last time out at Chepstow and he was never going, with hindsight I’m not sure he was a hundred per cent right as he was very quiet afterwards. One or two of my horses were definitely affected by their flu jab in January and I think he’s one of them. Seaston has been third around here before and I wouldn’t say it’s his ideal track but race and ground conditions are exactly right. Only 6 runners but fair e/w chance.

Book won nicely here in early December under a brilliant ride by Leighton, he got him into a great rhythm, he jumped well and it never looked in doubt. The following race is best ignored, he missed the break and then decided it was all a bit too much like hard work and I’m afraid he didn’t try over hard. Book is frustrating at times, he does have ability but he does also need to be in the right frame of mind. He usually jumps well and he loves heavy ground.Each-way price.

Laurie was very disappointing last time out at Exeter for no apparent reason, the ground was horrible but I wouldn’t necessarily use that as an excuse. Previous to that his first two runs over hurdles had shown promise. Laurie is a lazy type of horse who will make up into a staying chaser eventually, he’s had little racing for a six year old but he was initially very backward and suffered from continual lung infections as a youngster. Each-way price.

Donladd showed promise in both his bumper runs last season, but we’ve had a nightmare time with him this winter, hence the long gap since his last race. It’s mainly been annoying little niggles until we realised he needed a wind operation before Christmas. Donladd is a horse that works nicely at home and I thought he could be above average last season and even though he ran ok in his bumpers he didn’t fulfil his promise, maybe that was weakness or maybe his wind time will tell. He schools very well at home. Each-way chance.

Cilaos has had a wind operation since his last race. He didn’t make a noise at Leicester but we were suspicious that he had cut out so quickly so we had him checked out. With hindsight he didn’t get home in his first race either but we thought that was a lack of race fitness on the soft ground. Cilaos showed potential last season but because he was such a keen horse he had been a work in progress, we thought he would go on to be a better chaser as he’s a big type who has always schooled so nicely. He’s been due to run several times over the last couple of weeks only for the meeting to be abandoned and as he’s had time off due to wind surgery we’ve decided to revert to hurdles today, it’s pointless winning a novice chase now.

Paseo fell out of the stalls in his most recent flat race at Kempton it was only his second flat race and he looked like a jumper, racing in a relaxed style and then staying on at the finish. Paseo wants decent ground so therefore we haven’t been able to run him over hurdles for a while. He’s running here to keep him ticking over and after today he will have a handicap mark, we will then have the option of running him on the flat if these desperate conditions persist...it’s just another string to his bow and it gives us options.

Following a cauterisation of her soft palate Wheesht has shown decent form in her two runs since, latterly finishing second to a nice type at Fontwell. Wheesht has been in good order since that race and she’s always schooled very well, she’d jump a fence without any problems. The ground today is given as good to soft and I would be a bit concerned if it gets desperate when the rain arrives and as the ground opens up. Looking forward to a good run and should go well.

After the news that Leighton will be retiring today, this will be his final ride for us. Everyone knows how much I appreciate what Leighton has done for the yard over the years, so we all thank him and wish him all the best for the future - we are sure we'll still be seeing a lot of him!

Anyway - Ventura didn’t deserve to end up on the floor last time out at Leicester, he jumped the hurdle well enough and just plugged in the heavy ground. He was traveling well enough at the time, but it was too far from home to know where he’d have finished. Ventura took a while to come to himself over hurdles and even though he was placed a couple of times it wasn’t until his Hereford run in November that he finally looked as if he’d turned a corner, unfortunately next time out at Wetherby he picked up a bang to his joint which took a while to heal. Ventura is a kind horse to deal with and good to ride, I would dearly love him to win this for Lash (Leighton), but it is a more competitive race than last time out. Trip and ground are fine so should still go well and fingers crossed for a nice run.

Weststreet loves heavy ground and extreme distances, he ran ok last time at Plumpton but as he’s a hold up horse the track didn’t exactly play to his strengths, this course will suit him a lot more. Weststreet looked good in the spring at Hexham and Perth when winning nicely, he needed his first outing this term at Carlisle and was then hampered at Kelso when pulling up on his next start. Harrison rides and claims a handy 5lbs - really just be delighted with a step back in the right direction here. Small e/w 1 1/2 stars.

This is the final EBF qualifier and as with Sevarano at Doncaster, Brummie needs to finish in the first four to be eligible to be entered in the final on March 7th. Brummie has run well in all of his races to date but he is still on the weak side, he’s not the fastest but so far he’s looked a thorough galloper who will want this ground when he’s strong enough. I want to get some experience into him before he goes off for a good summer holiday and if he picks up a decent race in the meantime all well and good, hence trying to get him qualified for the final of this series. Should go well with the Whittington and Tizzard runners looking the obvious dangers.

Bayaanaat was bred by Hamdan Al Maktoum in whose colours he ran in his first outing on the flat for Dermot Weld, he was then sold to Peter Hiatt where he had a further three races not showing a lot. Peter and his team had already done a bit of schooling with him before he arrived and he’s been a natural jumper from day one. It’s difficult to know how Bayaanaat will run because his flat form is very uninspiring but he is honest and he’s done nothing but improve in his work since arriving.

This is an EBF qualifier and horses that finish in the first four will be eligible to enter the final at Sandown on March 7th. The weather has played havoc with these qualifying races and this is the penultimate chance to qualify, these wouldn’t be the exact conditions I would like for Sevarano and he is giving away a lot of weight but I’m hoping he’s good enough to get into the four. Sevarano ran a bit flat last time out at Newbury, nothing came to light but he was quiet for a while afterwards so I don’t think it was his true running. It’s a cliche but he is a chaser in the making, he jumps his hurdles like fences already and he’s an out and out galloper, so I don’t think we will see the best of him until he takes his place in that sphere.

This is her first run since wind surgery and she won this race impressively last year under the same weight. Gloria is a frustrating mare to train, she has tons of ability but her form is so in and out. I’m hopeful that her wind issues have played a part in that but you can never be certain. She is a big good looking mare, she is very laid back at home and in her races, she is wearing her usual cheek pieces to concentrate her mind but she is not ungenuine, just lazy.

Paseo has enjoyed a decent good start to his jumping career being placed and winning from his four runs over hurdles so far. He wants decent ground so I haven’t been able to run him for a while based on that, but he’s got so fresh at home that I decided to let him have a spin here on the AW to help. Paseo is a lovely horse who is full of enthusiasm for everything he does, he enjoys his jumping and with a bit of luck he’ll make up into a nice chaser next season. Tom rides and claims 3lbs.

Debut run here today. Norley is a lovely looking son of Yeats who has a lot of presence about him and as with all of my bumper horses he will improve for the whole experience today, he is not trained to the minute but if he’s good enough he knows enough. You will also be aware that I like bumpers predominantly for educational purposes, we do win plenty but my horses are never given a hard time. They need to enjoy themselves and come home full of confidence at the beginning of what we hope will be a long career and his owner Trevor Hemmings will be anticipating a future staying chaser in the making.

Felix ran better than the form suggests last time at Exeter but he hated the ground and jumped poorly as a result. He has had a couple of sessions with Yogi Breisner since then and he’s been good. Felix will probably fare better once he has a handicap mark.

He is another that has had a frustrating winter waiting for better ground. He did run ok in slightly softer than ideal conditions last time out at Taunton but Gavin heard him make a bit of a noise and he has had a small wind procedure since that race. Another of ours today that is a course winner - but first run back after a wind op so just hoping for a solid run to build on.

He hasn’t run since falling in a novice chase at Huntingdon on his seasonal/chasing debut. We have been waiting for better ground ever since so it’s been a frustrating winter for his owners. There is little point going back chasing at this stage of the season and with the ground conditions still not ideal, we’ll keep him to hurdles for the remainder of this winter and reassess when the new season arrives. Course winner here too so that helps, but just looking for a step back in the right direction. Small each-way - 1 1/2 stars

Dominateur has won his last two races over fences at Chepstow nicely, having fallen on his chase debut at Carlisle. Dominateur could be above average but he’s an extraordinary horse to watch as he races lazily and looks as if he’s going nowhere, then when his jockey shakes him up he almost gets to the front too soon then he can lose concentration and belt the odd fence...he takes a bit of knowing but he can be like that in his work at home, mostly lazy but occasionally he will get lit up and a bit uptight if something upsets him. Dominateur will love the ground and I’m hoping he’s grown in confidence from his wins and concentrates on the job in hand.

He needed his first outing here first time out and the track wasn’t ideal last time at Taunton, even more so when they took half of the fences out because of the low sun. Shaun is a lazy horse at home therefore he is difficult to get fit which is why he tired so much on his seasonal reappearance, he sharpens up with racing. Shaun has jumped well so far and more importantly he seems to enjoy fences, you can tell this by their demeanour after beginning their chasing career and he’s been bright and bubbly...not worried by the experience. 2lbs lower than last time and we feel the longer trip will be fine. Has acted with give in the ground before too, so overall pleased with the horse and another bold showing on the cards. 2 1/2 stars.

He has been in good order this winter and he has won his last two chases by fairly wide margins, he has been raised 18lbs for those two victories so obviously he will need to improve again. For no apparent reason he just didn’t fire last season and he didn’t seem to enjoy jumping fences, we brought him back to hurdles and began over fences again this time and he’s been a revelation. I always thought he was ok but he had become so frustrating he was even entered in a sale - maybe the thought of leaving Hotel Rhonehurst spurred him into action. More needed, but happy with the horse and think we've got a decent e/w chance here today.

Republican showed real guts when winning at Taunton last time out but I do think the second horse (who was favourite) ran a good bit below his best. Unfortunately the handicapper didn’t share mine and Timeforms opinion of the runner up’s performance and gave Republican a mark of 130. He’s a horse that has improved with racing and I’m sure he will be worthy of that mark at some stage but handicapping is supposed to be on performances not potential. This race is an EBF qualifier so if he finishes in the first four today I might look at running him in the final but it is always a good race so he’ll need to keep improving to warrant taking his chance. Hobbs horse might prove hard to beat, but we look the clear second-best in the race and any below-par run from the favourite and we'll be hoping to cash-in.

Ventura looked booked for a place at Wetherby last time out when giving himself a nasty bang under his joint, he pulled up sharply before the line and Leighton dismounted. It took a while to heal, Ventura had run really well on his previous outing to that at Hereford when finishing a good second, finally showing somewhere near the ability he had shown on the flat before joining us.

524 days since he was last seen on a racecourse and even though he’s done plenty of work, he is bound to improve for the race. Prince can be quite keen and he’s bound to be fresh today hence the step back in trip, his jumping is usually good, he’s very exuberant over his obstacles. Prince is a horse that does have ability and it will be great to get him back on track for his enthusiastic owners they are a lovely bunch who have been very patient.

She has had a cauterization of the palate and I'm hoping this will help her? She has always worked and schooled well at home. We've dropped her back in trip as she seems to travel well in her races but just doesn't seem to find much off the bridle. We've also applied cheek pieces to make her a little more sharper.

Maestro is a long term prospect who has a lot of physical development to do yet, he is related to Earth Summit so he has a staying pedigree who can only improve with time. Maestro has shown enough to know the ability is there once he strengthens up, he is a sweet person who is easy to deal with at home. Just be delighted with an improved run that will carry on his progress.

Beaufort West will be hard for us all to beat here. Our runner - Wheesht - had a cauterisation of her soft palate after a disappointing first run for us in a bumper at Aintree, she put up a much better performance next time out at Wetherby when finishing fourth so it seems to have helped. Leighton felt she didn’t quite get home that day so I’ve dropped her back in trip today and the form of that race has work out well. Looking for another step forward here but might have to settle for second or third.

Makety has had a frustrating winter waiting for some decent ground, she ran ok on her only outing this season finishing fourth at Stratford but the ground was pretty tacky that day and she hated it. Makety is a mare that does have talent she finished fourth in a nice novice hurdle at Newbury last season when looking the likely winner at one stage. We then decided to put her away because she’d had an interrupted season and we thought she could only improve, I really like her. Each-way claims, but only 7 runners.

Vinnie has had two sessions with Yogi Breisner since his first fence fall at Sandown last time out where he just didn’t get high enough. He has been good but as you know we’ve never had a problem with his jumping at home, he’s very highly strung and at times he just doesn’t concentrate when in a racing situation. Vinnie did put in an exceptional round of jumping on his first outing over fences at Wincanton when finishing second, they take some jumping around there which only makes him more frustrating. Vinnie has plenty of ability but he does want good ground and regular racing to get the fizz out of him, let’s hope his fall last time out will concrete his mind.

Papagana ran a blinder against the boys last time out, here in the Long Walk. If she’d really winged the second last she probably would have got up for second because L’Ami Serge was backpedaling at the time. Papa didn’t jump the third or second last fluently that day which is unusual for her, she was probably just being taken out of her comfort zone but her owner thought it could be that the ground was at it’s worse on that part of the course. Either way she should be happier back against her own sex today and she does enjoy soft ground. Papa is a very honest mare who gives her all and we have freshened her back up again since that race but it was only a month ago so you never know if it has left it’s mark until you run again. Last year's winner of the race - Magic Of Light is of course feared, but we head here with a big chance too. 2 1/2 stars

Sammy Bill has won both his starts this season looking impressive in doing so but he’s still a way off the finished article, he is a big horse who is very keen going with a huge stride and he needs to learns to relax properly in his races if he’s going to fulfil his potential. Sammy Bill has jumped well enough until this point, he can take the odd chance but usually because of his forward going style and keenness. Up 11lbs from that last run means we've obviously got to kick-on again, but the horse is well and another bold bid on the cards. From the rest, the winner of this race for the last 2 seasons - Mercian Prince - has to be respected.

Spice was an unfortunate faller two from home at Doncaster last time out, he’d jumped well up until that point and it was just a bit of a novicey mistake, he didn’t deserve to end up on the floor. Thankfully he was unhurt. It’s difficult to say where he would have finished, he certainly wouldn’t have beaten the winner but he may have run on for a place...who knows? Spice has done plenty of schooling since then and he has been good. Spice wants decent ground and it will be better here than most places at the moment but he’s a big horse so it probably wouldn’t be his ideal track though so that would be a concern. Just be happy with a clear run and to get some confidence back into him.

Weststreet needed his first run of the season, when 5th at Carlisle and he was then nearly brought down last time out at Kelso (pulled up) I didn’t realise how close he’d come to ending up on the floor until I saw a slow motion replay the following day. The ground cannot be soft enough for Weststreet, he’s a typical Westerner in that sense and he needs an extreme test of stamina, he won over 4m last season. He’s also a horse that does nothing in front so he needs holding up which obviously can lead to traffic issues at times, as was the case last time out - so hoping he gets a bit more luck in front of him this time. Still 4lbs higher than last win so more needed off this mark, but hoping the ground is soft enough for him and if so should be running on through beaten horses. Small e/w 1 1/2 stars.

Vinnie would prefer better ground but he’s a horse that takes no work at home and he gets fresh very easily, he needs regular racing otherwise he races too keenly and we are then back to square one with him. Vinnie will benefit from more experience, his jumping is electric at home but he can occasionally be flippant at the races, usually through lack of concentration. Vinnie will get further once he really relaxes in his races and hopefully he can have a good spring back on decent ground. 1 1/2 stars.

Book got into a wonderful rhythm over the fences last time out at Warwick when scoring for the first time, it’s hard to believe after the promise he showed as a bumper horse that he was still a maiden at this stage of his career. He was raised 8lbs for that win, which is fair enough. Book loves heavy ground and he is a thorough stayer, he has continued to school well and I hope he can realise the potential he’s previously shown in his races. Open race but we look set to go off favourite (or thereabouts) and I think that's about right. Should not be far away.

Has ability but often messes about at home. Still needs the penny to drop in his races and then he'll be a horse to follow. The Fry horse looks the one to take this race but with little depth after that one in the race then not without a small e/w chance. 1 1/2 stars

Ran well at Plumpton last time out despite finishing a well beaten third. Was a slowly run race that day and just got tapped for toe around the back straight, but then stayed on well again. Will want further in time but at the moment isn't strong enough so the extra yardage so just be happy with an improved run here and to get more confidence into him.

Didn't stay the 3m trip last time at Leicester - despite us thinking he would as he's a bit one-paced. Fit and well, plus an easy horse to manage and a good jumper - deserves to get his head in front but does seem to have a habit of being placed more often than winning.

Seaston Spirit - Keith - as he's known at home - finally got his act together over fences at Lingfield last time out. Was a very easy winner that day and has been hiked up 9lbs as a result - so will need to step up again. But he travelled and jumped well that day and seems a lot more confident now after that win. Looking for another solid run and should not be far away on ground he's also proven on.

We are putting Jersey back over hurdles here after three runs over fences. We still think he can win over the bigger obstacles but he just doesn't look to be enjoying it at the moment since losing his confidence at Fakenham. So back over hurdles here to try and get his confidence back. Decent ground is important to him though and even though the handicapper has given him a chance he's not a big horse so carrying top-weight (11-12) is a worry.

Ran a fair race his first run over fences at Chepstow - 3rd. He jumped well and raced in the mix for much of the way until getting tired on the ground. He takes a bit to get fit and with that also being his first run of the season he was always going to need it. He's been more himself since that race and schools well at home still. He'll handle the soft ground and a much better run is expected - my only niggle is that he's a big horse and the sharp track here at Taunton might not be totally ideal.

Okay run here last time (3rd) - albeit well back. He jumped well though, which was pleasing and the fact he didn't hang either was a plus as he'd done that in previous races. Taking a bit of time for the penny to drop and we think he'll be a better horse once handicapped and also when on better ground.

Average form on the flat before coming to us - a natural jumper from day one but we were worried about his wind and breathing. Has therefore had a wind op and this will be his first run since so we'll see how he gets on - just be happy with a solid run to get the horse some confidence back.

Steve - aas he's known at home - has won both his starts this season, he was more impressive last time out here when defying a penalty against some nice types and I did toy with the idea of running him in the Challow today but it looks a strong race on paper and his owner (Tim Syder) has another good horse running in the race. Sevarano has grown in confidence after his two wins, he’s so much more switched on in his work now and it’s lovely to see him thriving and enjoying his training. Only 4lbs higher for his last win here, that came over this CD, but in this better race he carries 4lbs less in actual weight. Open affair but each-way chance.

Dominateur - CD winner that won here last time out - is up 10lbs for that last win though so more on his plate here, but remains well at home and should have more to come. Might need to brush up on the jumping as gave us a few scares last time out, but certainly going the right way and his proven course form will be a big plus. Should not be far away.

Won well at Southwell last time out over this same trip and also on this sort of ground. She is a true stayer that jumps well. She's a decent laid back sort which allows her to save energy for the end of her races. Hoping we've found another good chance for her here, despite being 5lbs higher.

Tarada - Ran a cracker last time out at Huntingdon when finishing second to Slate House - that form was of course franked again yesterday with that horse winning at Kempton. He was fit last time, but will also be sharper for it as he'd been off the track for around 9 months. He's had a lot of jumping work over the last year of so and that seems to be paying off. Just the three runners here but we look the one to beat and really based on our last run we'd be disappointed if we are not taking this. Coole Hall looks the obvious danger.

Ran well to be fourth last time at Hereford - he just got tired in the last half a mile on the soft ground. We've dropped him back in trip today to help on that score. He's shown ability, but is still a shell of a horse and needs more time to grow and develop, plus also gain more experience. More of a longer term prospect.

Ventura had been disappointing until his latest run (2nd) when he finally looked more the part, he has been in cracking form at home since that race. With the expected improvement then should be in the mix - each-way.

Wheesht was disappointing first time out and she has had a wind operation since, she will be ridden with more restraint today (hopefully) and she schools nicely at home - just be delighted with an improved run.

Papa won first time out at Kempton in a listed race, she was obviously fit enough to do herself justice that day but there was a lot of improvement in her. Papa is as honest as the day is long, she usually jumps well and like all good stayers she races behind the bridle which enables her to stay on strongly. We are all obviously playing for places behind Paisley Park but we'd be delighted with a second - and you never know in racing!

She is a big mare who takes a lot of getting fit, she looked rusty at Newbury on her first outing last month and I’ve re fitted her with blinkers today just to sharpen her up. She has plenty of ability but she can be frustrating, I don’t think she’s dishonest, she just needs a bomb up her arse at times to make her concentrate and cop on. She will love the ground though.

No No Maestro has run well in his first two races, being placed in both. On his first outing over hurdles at Plumpton he jumped extremely well and he was going nicely turning into the home straight, before looking a little bit weak from the last to the line on the heavy ground....he is only a four year old and he’s not a strong robust type of horse. We’ve given him plenty of time to recover and he has come out of it well. The Jonjo fav sets the standard but with little depth to the rest of the race then we've decent e/w claims.

Paseo was incredibly brave last time out when winning against older horses at Fontwell, that was over three furlongs further and on soft ground so it was unknown territory on only his fourth ever race. Paseo is a horse that is still growing, he’s not a sharp three year old but he is improving, he jumps his hurdles like a chaser and I think he will only get better with time. I’m mindful of giving him a break between his races but he’s been so fresh at home lately I needed to run him again. Goes without saying the Henderson horse looks the one to beat but still feel we can give a good account.

Spice ran with a lot of promise at Kempton on his first outing over hurdles. Because he was a stayer on the flat we started him over an extended two miles but he was just too weak to get home over the trip.....at two miles he’d have been placed in a decent Kempton race. We gave Spice a break after that, he’s a big backward horse and he’s already shown a good level of ability, we have to allow him to strengthen up in order to realise his potential. Looks be have an e/w chance.

Vinnie jumped very well first time over fences at Wincanton, a course that takes some jumping, he then wasn’t really concentrating when unseating Leighton at the second fence next time out at Kempton. It was just one of those things, he’s always schooled nicely at home but he can get lit up at times and I think the big field that day meant he wasn’t exactly thinking about the job in hand. He does want good ground and Doncaster has a lighter soil that drains well and you will get better ground there than at most other places when the weather is so wet, although it’s still bound to be softer than ideal. Vinnie has run well here at the track before and with so few runners I’m hoping we can get get some more experience into him ahead of a spring campaign on his favoured ground. Vinnie is quite highly strung, he’s pretty good most of the time but he can boil over on occasions, Megan does a good job with him at home - looks like Knight In Dubai will be the likely winner on this race, but with the horses running really well we might be able to pick up some of the pieces if the Skelton horse runs below-par. 1 1/2 stars

He's back over hurdles today as he made a mistake at Ascot and then lost his confidence. He is still quite highly- rated over hurdles, but I do believe he has a nice race in him somewhere. He can be keen in his races but I'm hoping he'll settle here today as they tend to go a good gallop around Taunton. Hopefully they won't get to much rain as he does prefer better ground too - looks an open race so even though not without a chance with the horses running well, we'd be delighted with an improved run from last time.

Book Of Gold - He's been disappointing on the track! He has been working and schooling well at home which is frustrating. He's slipped down the Handicap and we're running him with a tongue-tie today to eliminate that thought process. He ran well here in his bumper and the ground shouldn't be a problem. Place claims in an open affair.

Cilaos was disappointing at Chepstow on his reappearance this season, he got slightly hampered early on in a race that has worked out well and as my horses weren’t firing at the time maybe I’m being a bit harsh. Cilaos works extremely well at home and has always shown promise but he was a horse that needed to learn to relax in his races, I feel we’ve reached that point now and this is his first run over further. The ground won’t be a problem either - look to have Venetia's to beat but the horses are going well and feel we've a decent e/w chance.

Weststreet ran ok on his reappearance at Carlisle last month, he has improved for that run not so much in fitness but he’s sharper. Weststreet had two years off with a tendon injury and thanks to his patient owners he returned last season better than ever, he is a thorough stayer and usually jumps well. Weststreet is a typical Westerner, he loves soft/heavy ground and he has his quirks, he’s generally good to deal with but he can have his moments but there is no harm in him.

Tarada showed enormous potential last season from only three runs, finishing second twice before winning nicely at Fontwell on his final appearance. He won in February and I had intended to run him again before he had a setback, he then went home for a long summer holiday. When Tarada came back in from the field he was sent to Lucy Jackson (a top event rider) to do some ground work. He’s a huge horse and because of his muscular issues last spring Lucy worked hard to get him using himself correctly, he spent two months with her and came back to me looking fantastic. Lucy has continued to come and ride him out once a week ever since then and she’s been really happy with him. Tarada is a gentle giant, he’s just lovely to deal with and very kind. Obviously Slate House to beat but we come here happy and with a decent chance.

Dominateur fell on his first outing over fences at Carlisle - he had jumped perfectly well up until that point and it was just a silly novicey mistake - it happens. He showed plenty of potential over hurdles last season, he’s not a flash horse in any way but he does have a relentless gallop in him. Dom has continued to school well at home since that run and it doesn't appear to have affected his confidence so nice to get going with him again. Dominateur is an easy horse to deal with, he’s good to ride kind in his stable. Open race but feel if his jumping holds up then a decent e/w chance.

Sammy Bill - On his return run at Kempton Sammy Bill finally showed on the track what we have seen from him at home - but he has been and 'still is' a work in progress horse....Of course we were still delighted with that win. He’s got a huge long stride to him and he can be very keen, he had to be dropped right out last time to get him to settle and finish his race. Bill is potentially very well handicapped but this is only his second run over fences (apart from a point-to-point) and only the sixth race of his career, so obviously the main objective is to get around and to learn to relax - there will be more to come. Bill has been in cracking form since his last race, it’s amazing what a winner can do for a horses confidence, he’s normally a good ride at home but Kai has had to sit tight over the last couple of weeks. The horses are going well too so looking forward to a nice run.

Dorrell has had wind issues and he has had his soft palate cauterised ....this did work initially but as occasionally can be the case he had to have it re done last season. Dorrell shows plenty at home but he has not enjoyed a lot of luck on a racecourse and he’s not always been easy to assess regarding his best trip because of his wind. Dorrell is also wearing a first time tongue tie on today. Dorrell jumped perfectly well on his first outing over fences in a competitive race at Taunton, he blew up three out and then Leighton wasn’t hard on him once beaten so the form reads worse than it is, he takes a lot of work to get fit and he has improved for that run.

Castlegrace was bitterly disappointing on her first outing for us, a bumper at Fontwell, where she pulled up three furlongs out. She was very wobbly when coming off the racecourse and because her heart checked out fine it makes me think it was wind related but there was no noise. Castlegrace was thoroughly checked over afterwards including for a wind problem and nothing came to light so I have to ignore it and hope she maybe swallowed her tongue, she is fitted with a first time tongue tie today to help. Certainly a  chance, but after last time on the track would be delighted with a solid run and build from there.

Broughtons is still a novice at ten and he’s been second a million times but it’s not because he’s ungenuine, it’s because he’s one paced and he always seems to find one too good for him even at a low level. Broughton’s was originally very buzzy and keen so we kept him at two miles, he’s now much more relaxed therefore we’ve been able to step him up in distance today and I think he will get further than this. Each-way.

Laurie ran perfectly ok on his first outing over hurdles here a couple of weeks ago, he looked quite green but his jumping was good and he ran to the line. Laurie is much more of a long term project and whilst I hope he’ll run well he will fare better once handicapped.

Sevarano won nicely on his reappearance at Chepstow confirming the promise he showed early last season, he went on to disappoint a couple of times but I’m convinced that was just weakness. Sevarano is a very tall horse, he’d be close on 17hh and he’s naturally a lean type but he is definitely stronger this winter, so hopefully he can continue to improve. He was caught a bit flat footed first time out before galloping on strongly to the line, I’ve always thought/hoped he would be more of a staying chaser type and the way he jumps his hurdles a future career over fences looks promising. Conditions will suit and so will the extra furlong here. Should go well, but this will also be a tough task, as he has to carry a penalty today against a couple of nice horses and on testing ground - but we have to hope he’s continuing to improve and that he will give a good account.

Monkey ran in snatches last time out at Wetherby, he was on and off the bridle and hung both ways. Again, he was thoroughly checked over and his wind was checked out, as is usual when horses run well below par. Nothing came to light. Monkey has always jumped his hurdles like a chaser so I’m hoping fences here bring about a return to form for him because he has got talent, he will prefer to be going right-handed here today too.

Republican hung violently to the right in his last race at Huntingdon having travelled extremely well early on. We have checked his back & teeth he’s seen a chiropractor and has had massages, nothing major has come to light so I have to hope it was a one-off. Republican has ability and he’s continued to school and work nicely since, he can be a bit of a playboy at times and maybe he was just being a goon. Not a race with much depth, with the Nicholls horse seemingly setting the standard, but if behaving himself then we are not without a small e/w chance. 1 1/2 stars.

I was pleased with his run in his bumper last season. He still looks a little unfurnished but has pleased me with his work and his schooling. I do think he'll fill out his frame in time but I love his attitude - Skelton horse sets the standard but with little depth to the race then each-way chance. 1 1/2 stars.

Ventura was a decent soft ground horse on the flat before joining me but he’s been pretty disappointing so far over hurdles. Ventura isn’t the scopiest of jumpers but he can get from a-to-b perfectly efficiently, he’s a sweet horse but he probably saves a bit for himself on a racecourse after having a busy flat career.

Pontresina is as honest as the day is long, he might not be a superstar but I’d love to have a yard full of horse with his attitude. Pontresina ran well first time out after a lay-off when finishing second, he got outpaces and blew up three out before staying on towards the line to grab second. Pontresina isn’t over big but he does jump very well so he will probably go novice chasing in the spring on his favoured good ground. His consistency will give him another each-way chance here.

Papagana - I didn’t have a straightforward run with Papa last season so I think there is still improvement to come. Papa is a very genuine and talented mare, she will enjoy this trip and whilst the ground will be fine as she will handle very soft conditions. Lay-off to overcome, but has come well fresh in the past and well at home. Not without a chance.

Felix was a non-runner at Southwell last week when the ground changed to heavy, this race is much more competitive but I wanted some better ground for him. Felix was second on his only outing to date, a bumper at Fontwell, he slightly disappointed me that day - not in his finishing position but in the way he travelled during the race. Felix has taken a while for the penny to drop with regards to his schooling but he is good now. Nice to get back going with him so really just be happy with a solid run and build from there.

Shaun has been a slow learner but he has ability, horses are no different to children in that they learn at different rates so we can’t judge him yet. Shaun is a big good looking horse, who can jump and he is a thorough galloper. Chase debut today, but schooled well. Back from a break here but been doing plenty of work and won first time out last term so that's a good sign. Expecting a solid run if his jumping holds out.

Laurie has had one run in a bumper and finished down the field, he ran better than the position suggests as he travelled well throughout the race and then didn’t get home. Laurie has been a challenging horse to train so far, he has had so many lung infections over the last two seasons, he just seemed to catch anything that was going, every time we got him close to a run he would become ill again. Luckily he has patient owners in the Mellett’s and they have allowed me to give him the time he’s needed to shirk off his immunity issues. Laurie works ok, he’s very willing and a galloper. His schooling has been good. Laurie only went up to Perth for his first outing to get some decent ground as I was desperate to give him a race before he went out to grass, it’s a race you should ignore from a form perspective. Overall, nice to get going with him again and small place claims in a race that lacks a bit of depth.

Lady ran a blinder here against the boys on her seasonal debut and the second race of her career on ground similar to what she will encounter today. Lady is a half sister to a good mare I trained called Hitherjaques Lady (who is now in foal to Jack Hobbs) and she also relished testing conditions. Lady is a smaller version of Hitherjaques but she’s much feistier in nature, Hitherjaques was a little bit timid at times but she was a decent mare and I’m hoping Lady can prove to be as good. Tough NH race and probably contests not to get too involved in, but we certainly come here with a fair chance. Each-way.

Working Class has been a consistent horse over hurdles then after a loss in form he had a wind operation which brought about an immediate improvement with a win at Fontwell. We stepped him up in trip on his last two runs and I do think he would prefer further than this two miles but he is running here for the ground. Harry rides and claims 5lbs so that helps. We've all got the Nicholls horse to beat so probably playing for places, but we'd be happy with that and build from there. Small e/w. 1 1/2 stars.

He ran better than the form suggests last time out at Fakenham when he slipped going into a fence early on, a few of the jockeys in the race reported the same problem afterwards, he lost his confidence and actually did well to finish second in the end on a track that didn’t play to his strengths. He ran at Fakenham because the ground there is generally good which is what he prefers, he can handle a bit of cut bit not proper winter ground. Better for it though and looking forward to seeing him again over fences and with the horses running well certainly head here with e/w claims in a tight affair.

Southern Sam showed a decent level of form last season in novice hurdles but he always looked as if he’d make a better chaser. Was last seen back in May winning over hurdles at Uttoxeter - but was entitled to at 1/5 that day! Sam is very laid back at home and not a flashy horse in any way but on a racecourse he has a relentless gallop and he’s very honest. Sam did finish second in a point-to-point before Tim Syder bought him, he has schooled well at home and even though he will improve for a run he’s done plenty of work. 1 1/2 stars.

Archie won at Fontwell on his third start over hurdles but then his jumping went to pot, it’s just a confidence thing. Archie’s jumping was much better at Wincanton last time out when he was attempting to give away 7lbs to two nice horses on ground that was softer than he’d prefer. I want to give Archie one more run before a well- deserved holiday to try and build upon his last run with regards to his jumping technique. A step back in the right direction would be the aim, with the Skelton horse looking the one to beat if it's jumping holds up on hurdles debut - but we've fair e/w claims still if Archie jumps well.

Vinnie ran a blinder first time out over fences at Wincanton when finishing a close second, his jumping was fast and accurate on that occasion and he looked decent. The winner broke a blood vessel next time out so there is no way of evaluating the form yet. Vinnie has always looked the type to make a better chaser, he’s one paced but he’s a strong galloper who is very athletic horse over his obstacles. Open race but seems to have improved for that last run and must have a fair e/w chance.

Spice has won two all weather flat races for us over the winter, he was well handicapped and it made sense to get a bit of prize money ahead of what will hopefully be his proper job. Spice has done plenty of schooling, he’s a very good jumper but he can be flippant. He’s a big horse who will jump a fence better than a hurdle. Fit from the flat, but just be delighted with a nice hurdles introduction to be honest. 1 1/2 stars.

Sammy Bill - He has always worked seriously well at home but he was too keen on a racecourse to get home. He is an enigma, I’m still not sure of what trip he wants or the best way to ride him. Sammy is an enormous horse with an equally huge stride, he’s a free going type and I’m not sure whether to let him bowl along and use that stride or hold him up with a view to finishing strongly.....He has schooled well at home, he’s neat on his feet yet he still has plenty of scope. Overall feel we've got an e/w chance here.