02/08/20

Just two runners last week and both came home with some prize money as Spanish Mane ran another great race at Yarmouth to finish third whilst Noble Account came home in fourth place despite the race not going quite to plan. He was wearing blinkers for the first time and they made him a bit too keen so he ended up making the running which wasn't ideal but he managed to stick it out and be in the mix.

As you know, we've had a mini heatwave recently and we started work an hour early on Friday morning to make sure that the horses were done and dusted before the hottest part of the day. It does mean that our plans for runners this week have been a bit scuppered due to the firm ground that is around at most tracks.
I had three entries at Yarmouth on Monday but only Winter Snowdrop goes there. She probably is better with some more cut in the ground but she is in good form after finishing second over the course and distance last time so hopefully she can replicate that on the firmer conditions.
The same comments would apply to Alibaba who goes to Windsor that same day. He has been in flying form since the lockdown ended with two wins from two runs but the handicapper has put him up 11lbs in the ratings as a result. He is running in his highest grade race to date so he will need to improve again but he keeps on surprising us so fingers crossed there is a bit more to come from him.

We love a trip to the seaside at Yarmouth and last week we had to take Bonnie with Spanish Mane in the horse box to keep her company so she made the most of the day out by heading down to the beach to get some sea air into her lungs. Bonnie doesn't have the best feet either and the seawater is great for hoof problems, as made famous by Red Rum training on Southport beach all those years ago. She loved it down there and even had a paddle amongst the waves!

We'll be back to the coast on Friday as Yarmouth also holds a fixture that day too. Engrave is in good form now since taking a few runs to get fit after the lockdown. Her run last time was good considering the grade of race and she should find things easier now she is in a lower class so I hope she can go close to winning.
Divine Queen is also entered but I wouldn't run her if the ground was too firm. I fancied her to win last time but the conditions were a bit too quick for her and she might not have stayed the mile either so dropping back to 7f will help.