19/12/21

We're well in to the final push to Christmas now and there is a turbulent background along with it as it seems like we will be heading for a two-week lockdown shortly afterwards due to the rising omicron numbers so I think it is best that we all make the most of the coming days as our future freedom looks very uncertain.

Racing packs up until Boxing Day after Wednesday but we still have a few runners to send out before then.
Engrave heads to Wolverhampton on Monday as she bids to back up her win 10 days ago at Chelmsford. She handles her racing schedule very well and the 3lb rise by the handicapper for that win is fair although hardly lenient for winning by a head. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd horses from that race all re-oppose one another so there might not be much between them again. The question mark for us is Engrave's form away from Chelmsford because all five of her career wins have come at that track whilst she doesn't have much form anywhere else. It's her first taste of Wolverhampton so you never know, she might like it. 

Then before the Christmas break we have a trio of entries at Southwell on Wednesday.
Oud Metha Bridge is very unlikely to get a run with his race over-subscribed but the other two should be able to take their chances.
Arpina didn't run badly last time on her comeback after a summer holiday and the drop back to 6f looks like what she needs. She has a win in her and I think it'll come this winter, she just needs things to go her way.
​Smokey Malone comes back from a short holiday himself and I don't see why he shouldn't continue the consistency he has shown all year. He won at Southwell when it was the old surface and I think the new one will be just fine for him as it seems to suit hold-up horses like him. He is fit and well so should be thereabouts at the finish.

Another big thank you to everyone who has dropped in to the yard over the past few days and left the team some presents. It's fair to say that they will be able to eat for a good while with all the food that has been left! The horses will be out on the Heath right up until Christmas Eve so please drop in and come watch if you have the time, it would be great to see you.

​If I don't see you before then, have a fantastic Christmas Day and I hope you get to spend it with all your loved ones.