Spring in the step

Despite the intermittent rain showers, it definitely felt like spring was in the air this week with the temperature rising and the daffodils starting to grow. Come rain or shine, we are always lucky to have great support from the owners and this Saturday saw another big turnout, fueled by Dilly Tucker's wonderful cakes.
There's the important matter of Cheltenham to get out of the way first but the turf season is just around the corner (although looking at the fixture list) you couldn't tell as, after the opening meeting at Doncaster, there is very little turf racing until well into April. However, it is great to plan ahead and think of visits to the likes of Pontefract and Brighton which hold their own unique charm and character.

Team Feilden on the gallops this morning

We had a quiet week runners-wise with just the one traveler and this week will see us in action on only Tuesday but with a trio of raiders at Southwell.
Limerick Lord really should have won last week but didn't get the gaps to open and hopefully he can make amends for that this time. He is a keen horse at home so we just keep him fresh between his races and he seems to take it well.
Veeraya will be stepping on the fibresand for the first time in his career and I wouldn't be too confident about him liking it but the race conditions are perfect for him and it is worth a try. He isn't the toughest so a bit of kickback in his face will put him off but hopefully he can stay out of it and show his ability.
Completing the trio is Go On Gal in the concluding apprentice race. We have been using young Finley Marsh quite a bit this winter and I really do think he is a jockey you will be hearing plenty of in the future. He is very tidy in the finish and talks well after the race. He is an asset in these kind of races and if he can get Go On Gal's head in front for the first time he will have done better than a lot of other more experienced jockeys!

Thank you for all your entries into the 'Four To Follow' competition and it is a record year with over 100 entries fighting it out this year. Regular points updates will appear at the end of the blog each week so keep your eyes peeled and let's hope everyone notches plenty of points!