Magnificent Seven

I’m pretty sure we’ve never had seven runners in one day before so Monday may be setting a new record as we take that many to our favourite track Yarmouth.
I did have nine entered and only really expected four or five to get a run as there were so many others entered in each race but some of the fields cut up meaning that a few extra can take their chances.
The 7f nursery split into two divisions meaning Highway Robbery gets a chance to run. I was happy with the rating he got after three runs but thought that he would run better on handicap debut last time. Maybe he didn’t quite stay the mile distance that day so the drop back to 7f could help him out. He is still a bit weak and immature so it won’t be long before he goes on a winter holiday to strengthen up.
I think the same can be said for Approve The Dream. He is just starting to look like he has hit another growing phase so we will see how he does in the second division of the nursery on Monday. I was hoping he would get a handicap rating of 60 or less so the 62 he got given is a touch high. I’m still not sure whether 6 or 7f is his best trip so we will learn more about him this time.
Owner Carol Bushnell only has one set of racing silks and for good reason - I don’t think she ever expected to have two runners in the same race! Sir Fred and Our Cilla will be up against each other in the staying handicap and it would be hard to choose between the pair. Our Cilla has had a frustrating year waiting for soft ground which means she hasn’t had a chance to run much but at least she is fresh and would have a squeak if there is a bit more rain. Sir Fred is very versatile with regards to the ground and has run well at the track before. Like I say, it’s hard to split their chances so I’ll settle for a win from either of them!
Gas Monkey is another horse who hasn’t had much racing this year but that is mainly because he is still growing and needs time between his races to recover. He has lots of ability and is well handicapped so should be winning again providing the 1m2f doesn’t get too testing on soft ground.
There is no doubt that Oud Metha Bridge is a better horse on the all weather but he is rated a stone lower on the turf so it makes sense to try and exploit that before a winter campaign on the sand. He has been a bit sulky in his last two runs but Shelley can now ride him again and he seems to go best for her. The straight track and wide draw should be to his liking so hopefully he can get back into form.
By the time Pitch High is our last runner, we’ll either be singing from the roof tops or desperate to get home depending how the others run but he is just the type of horse who could spring a surprise. He has always shown more ability at home than on the track but some cut in the ground would really suit him and there is no doubt that he is well handicapped it’s just a case of whether he wants to do it!
That rounds off our seven runners on Monday at Yarmouth, hopefully all come home safe and sound, the owners have a great day out and we bring back a winner or two!