It has been a while since we headed to the races with some good chances as we haven't had too many to run recently and the ones that have run were mostly going for the experience. Hopefully this week will see some good results as I think we have some decent chances.
Oud Metha Bridge had a holiday over the summer as he doesn't like firm ground and he came back from that with a solid fourth place at Nottingham a few weeks ago. He should come on for that run and the return to the all-weather at Kempton on Wednesday isn't a bad thing as he has good form on it. He does need a decent draw to be seen at his best so hopefully he can get that and put in a good show.
On Thursday Highway Robbery stays closer to home at Chelmsford and I see no reason why he shouldn't be competitive. He hated the heavy ground at Windsor last time so the return to the all-weather is in his favour too as he won at Lingfield in the summer. He is tough and honest so should give it his best shot.

We have three horses entered at Southwell on Friday but it remains to be seen which ones can get a run. There have been so many entries in low-grade races recently with a whopping 111 horses balloted out at Wolverhampton on Saturday evening. It just goes to show that these horses need catering for but the BHA and racecourses just don't want to know them. I don't know how true it is but someone did say this week that there are over 1000 horses in training rated below 45 - and most of them are trying to get into the same races! The authorities need to realise that there are owners paying for these horses and they should be able to run them - yes we all want to have high-class horses but the reality is that there are far more of the lesser ones than the good ones.
​Miss Green Dream is entered at Kempton on Friday too but she looks unlikely to get a run.

Limerick Lord is a Southwell regular so I hope he can get into his race that day as he should be a lot fitter than last time. He always needs a run or two after a break so we weren't too disappointed last time. He is on a good handicap mark now and is ready to win when he feels like it.
​Candesta is in the same race too and will likely need the race after a long holiday.
Sea Shack ran very well on his first try at the course last time and seemed a natural on the deep Southwell surface. He showed plenty of speed so dropping back to seven furlongs looks a good move and he is in a race he is capable of winning so let's hope he gets luck on the day as he deserves to win after some very near misses.

I'm delighted to report that our new stable block isn't far off being finished as the roofers could make the most of the dry weather and get the tiles on. I'm really happy with howe they look with great air flow and loads of natural light. There will still be a few little jobs to do once the roof is on but they should be ready to use very soon at last!

I have to say the week's break in the flat racing calendar was very welcome this week and although people working in the yards can't completely switch off as there are still horses to look after, it is nice to have seven days without worrying about any runners and nearly every jockey in the country made the most of it by leaving the country! There is a similar break planned for next spring before the turf season starts and I hope they do become a regular fixture in the calendar so we can plan around them.
As I said, you can't take your foot off the gas in the yard as there are still runners to keep healthy for the following week and we have two heading to the races in the next few days.

On Wednesday, Lily Bonnette will be at Kempton dropping back to 7f after showing good speed over a furlong further last time before running out of steam. Retirement beckons if she can't show a bit more on this occasion but there will be no excuses in the saddle as we have the excellent Hollie Doyle booked to ride.

The following day sees Big Bang racing at Chelmsford where he will be having his third career run and will then qualify for a handicap rating. He has found life tough in novice races so he is best watched until next time.

Although we are lucky to not see any of the horrific flooding people have had up north, it has still been pretty grim with nearly a whole week of rain. It was so bad on Thursday morning that I didn't have the heart to make the staff (or horses) ride out in it so they all enjoyed a day on the walker which I think they appreciated. Some of the the horses had galloped the day before so there was little point in getting them soaked just for a light exercise.
The yearlings have been getting plenty of work though and they seem to be thriving on it. The problem is trying not to do too much as it isn't even Christmas yet and they are already going nicely up the canter. It is definitely the nicest bunch of youngsters we have had in many years and hopefully they will do the business on the track next year.