Still rattling the till

Although we went without a winner this week, I certainly can't complain about the form of the horses as from our six runners, three finished second, one third and the other two fourth. We have already got a great tally of 15 winners on the board so I guess we are due a few near misses but I hope it doesn't go on for too long!
We are not renown for having two-year olds win on debut as I like to see them progress throughout the year so it was great to see Pitch High run such a good race to finish fourth on his first visit to a racetrack at Sandown. He is a horse we have always liked and I think he will be winning before the year is out.

It was a struggle to find any value at Tattersalls' July Sale a couple of weeks ago and at Ascot's July Sale last week it looked a similar story but I think I got the bargain of the day with the horse I came away with.
Sold by Godolphin, out of Saeed Bin Suroor's stable, four-year old gelding Best Example has some impressive form to his name with a win at Chelmsford in October and a second place when last seen in January. He is rated 85 so is already established as a decent performer and his form still seems to be on an upward curve. He is a strong and handsome animal who comes from a world-class family - his dam (mum) is a half-sister to world champion Goldikova.
He has just enjoyed a mid-season break so will be ready to kick on with soon. 10% shares are available in him for £1200 each plus £200 per month all-inclusive training fees, commencing on September 1st. Email me on juliafeilden@aol.com or CONTACT US for more details.

Best Example winning for Godolphin in October

It looks as though we are finally set to be enjoying some proper summer weather and, although I can't complain too much, it means a few horses won't have their preferred ground for a while.
One such horse is Handheld. He handles firm ground but his form is a lot better on the softer stuff. He is entered for Nottingham on Tuesday and we will monitor conditions before making a decision whether to run. He ran a blinder over one mile there last time and the step up two furlongs is a plus, as long as he can perform on the firmer ground.

Serendib's Glory (Caitlin) & Handheld (Liam)

There won't be any ground worries the following day though as we head to Lingfield for some all-weather action.
Serendib's Glory has been very disappointing since trying handicaps and I am hoping that the return to sprint trips and the all-weather will see her in a better light. We still haven't found the key to her and her homework is very good so there is ability there if we can just unlock it.
Star Of The Stage will be accompanying her and he was a good winner at the course the time before last. He didn't enjoy the rough and tumble of Beverley last time and a return to more civilised racing should see him in a better light. He has never looked better and is carrying more muscle than ever before so hopefully that equals more speed on the track.
Also entered on Wednesday is Attain at Sandown. He ran a blinder at Beverley last week to finish second, just failing to get in front on the line. I will see how he is after that run before making a definite decision.

Thursday will be another busy one with three entries.
Dakota City is in at Yarmouth but he is unlikely to run as he seems a little stiff after his run there last week.
​More likely to go is Secret Ballerina. She has had a bit of a break after getting a cough but she is now fully recovered and the rest has done her some good as she has put plenty of weight back on. She is working well at home but might find a few too good. She is one to keep an eye on in handicaps in the coming weeks.

Tallulah's Quest (Adam), Sunset Bounty (Liam), Veeraya (Chloe) & Secret Ballerina (Chelsea)

Also entered on Thursday is The Ducking Stool at Newbury. She finished third in the race last year on ground that was too firm and a similar scenario looks likely again this year. She is in good heart though and always gives you a run for your money.

Finally on Friday, Spirit Of Sarwan has entries at Thirsk and Newmarket. They are both handicap races and I think he could be underestimated on what he has shown so far. I will have a look at both races and see which is the easier option.

Duke Of Diamonds (Caitlin), The Ducking Stool (Ross) & Sabre Rock (Mark)

Harry Bosch (Sarah)

It's just as well we don't have Sheikh Mohammed as an owner because I couldn't see him chipping in to help with the straw delivery as these willing souls did on Saturday morning!

​THREE TO FOLLOW LEADERBOARD

​Jonathan Kinge 52
Annette Hall 51
Jean Allen 43
Barbara Walton 42
Ross Birkett 41
Maureen Case 40
Anthea Telford 40
David Haddrell 39
Liam Doran 39
Gary Wardle 39