Plenty to see

Our sole runner last week certainly didn't disgrace us when Oceanus finished fifth at Southwell. It was his first go at the track and we always think that horses need a run there to get used to the hectic style of racing. Sometimes the horse can be put off the next time if they get loads of sand in their face but Oceanus managed to stay out of it and looks likely to be competitive back there over a furlong shorter next time.

We will be a bit busier this coming week with a trio of horses entered, two of which come on Monday at Kempton.
Oud Metha Bridge went into plenty of notebooks when finishing second on his debut for us last time. He got a bump at a crucial time and it certainly cost him a length so the result would have been much closer otherwise. The winner that day re-opposes him so hopefully we can turn the tables. He is a lovely gelding but doesn't like being crowded so don't be surprised if he does come wide in the straight as it will be for his benefit. Obviously racing on a straight track on the turf will be much more suitable for him so anything he can do on the all-weather before the new season kicks off will be a bonus. 

​Accompanying him will be Lulu Star. She has shown plenty of promise in two maiden runs for us since we bought her cheaply from Richard Fahey in October. The handicapper has given her a fair rating of 65 after those efforts and hopefully she can progress a bit more now going over a mile, a distance I think will see her in a much better light after running on over shorter before.

Lulu Star (Shelley) & Sunset Bounty (Gemma)

The final runner of the week comes at Southwell on Thursday when Maazel makes his first visit there. As I said earlier, it often takes a run for horses to get the hang of things there and the fact he is a slow starter won't be a help but hopefully he can stay out of the kickback and come with a late rattle. He seems to stay well enough and hopefully the one-paced style of racing will see him to good effect. He has been rated a bit high since joining us but is coming down to a good rating now.

Maazel (Ross)

As you will have noticed, we will be adding some video footage to the blog for you to enjoy and get a feeling of being there on the gallops. For a while now we have been supplying video footage to owners via the free to use smartphone app WhatsApp and if you have been missing out on these, please do get in touch. It is available to all owners in any syndicate, except the N.E.T. Racing Club. Please email rbirkett1989@hotmail.co.uk if you are eligible.

Below is another video, this one of Champagne Reef, Tallulah's Quest, Our Cilla and Go on Gal striding out on the Southfields grass.
If you have any particular requests for behind the scenes footage, please pass your suggestions on to us and we'll see what we can do!