Oud the dude

Last week's addition to the blog of videos from the gallops seemed to be lucky as the first one posted of Oud Metha Bridge during his final bit of exercise before running on Monday saw him subsequently win!
After an unlucky-looking second at Kempton the time before, we had hoped he could go one better and for once a long-term plan came together. This race was a London Mile qualifier and also held a £2000 bonus if the winning horse was owned by a member of the Racehorse Owners Association, which he is. Having been bought for 10,000gns in October, Oud Metha Bridge has already won £10,500 prize money in just two runs.

Oud Metha Bridge's delighted syndicate of owners

Before buying him, we had realised that the chestnut gelding didn't like being crowded in his races, hence the reason why we kept him wide from his wide draw last time. A lower draw this time meant we had to have a change of plan however. Having watched his races in the past, he won at Newcastle last year when making the running so we thought we would give it a go this time and luckily there were no other front-runners in the race so Shelley could just go her own pace in front and the pair kicked away at the top of the straight to win a bit cosily.
Hopefully there is still more improvement to come from the horse and his syndicate of owners can have plenty of fun this year.

Oud Metha Bridge wins at Kempton

We are forecast to receive a fair bit of snow early this week so I hope it won't effect the trio of entries we have. Snow on the gallops doesn't really hold us back as we are lucky to have a hard-working bunch of heathmen who will harrow the tracks all night if needs be to ensure they are usable the following day. The only concern is the roads as it doesn't take much of the white stuff to send drivers crazy!
Our first runner will hopefully be Champagne Reef at Kempton on Thursday. We thought she would do well in a bumper on her first run but she failed to stay the distance after showing plenty of promise. The drop in trip now running under flat rules will help her out but it is a very competitive novice race and her best bet will probably be in handicap races later down the line.

Oceanus (Sarah) & Champagne Reef (Ross)

One horse who is ready to win is Spirit Of Sarwan and he should have a good chance at Lingfield on Friday. He didn't stay 1m2f last time and I think he is best fresh too so the drop in trip and short break since then won't be a problem. He is a hold-up horse so needs luck in running but he has dropped to a good rating now and should be in the shake-up.

Sir Fred (Sam), Go On Gal (Lucy) & Spirit Of Sarwan (Chloe)

Also entered at Lingfield that day is Maazel. He was due to run at Southwell last week but gave himself a little cut the day before and wasn't 100% to run. He has recovered well though and I've put him in this race because there weren't many entries. I'll have a look at what he might be up against and decide whether it is worth running. He takes his racing well and is a great fun horse for the N.E.T. Racing Club.

More action from the gallops: