Following a very quiet December and early January where the horses were not right it is great to see them back running well with 3 winners in the last 8 days.
It all started on the 1st Febuary with Court Master winning well over 3m at Newcastle ridden by Richard Patrick for owner Lynne Maclennan. Making all and jumping well he went on to win easily by 6 lengths. This victory set him up nicely to be able to return there on the 26th February for the Eider chase. This time rideen by Richie Maclernon due to Richard Patrick being suspended, this was also Court Masters’ first go over an extreme distance like this. He ran a great race and a career best effort to be fourth beaten just over 10 lengths. This now sets up a possible crack at the Scottish National in April. Do Your Job also made the long trip to Newcastle on the 26th, a horse who has been running well in graded novice chases had his first run in a handicap and also a step up in trip with his first try at 2m4f over fences ridden by Luca Morgan for owner Mark Dunphy. The step up in trip seemed to do the job with Do Your Job winning by 1/2 a length, but probably good for more as he very much seemed to idle in front but a great ride from Luca Morgan. He has gone up 4lb for this win so is now rated 144, he will now head to either Aur or Aintree for a nice novice chase.
27th February saw us take 3 to Hereford including Sashenka who looked to have found a good opportunity to finally get off the mark for us having been been second 5 times including once on the flat. Ridden by Tom Scu for owner Neil Pickett, having jumped and travelled wel she took up the running after the last to go on to win by 4 lengths. This was her first run since having a wind op, so hopefully she can kick on from here. This win qualifies her for a nice race at Kelso at the end of March or we may go to Cheltenham in April, she picked up a cut during the race so will let that heal before making any firm plans.
Thor De Cerisy went back to Auteuil in France to run on the 28th, this was his fourth trip to France and has been very unlucky not to win here when falling at the last with the race at his mercy. He ran another good race here to be 6th not beaten far but unfortunately the ground was not soft enough for him. He has come back happy and well and will hopefully head back out in a few weeks. Cents in The City ran a great race at Wolverhampton to be a fast fishing third over 7f having been badly drawn. Hopefully he can build in this and should go very close next time.
Rolfe Rembrandt took the long journey to Newcastle last night for his first run of the season having his first try on the all weather ridden by Pierre-Louis Jamin claiming 3 lb and having his first ride for us. He jumped well out the stalls and made all to go on and win by 2 lengths, this was an exciting performance from a 4 year old who has often threatened to be smart. Hopefully he can kick on from here now and give her owner breeder plenty of fun. Blazer Two headed to Lingfield today still looking to get his head in front for the first time having been second on his last 4 occasions!! Sadly today was no different and another second to add to his tally!! He traveled strongly throughout took up the lead with 1f to go only to be run out of it just before the line. Ridden by George Rouke for his owner Tina Evans he has been a model of consistency hopefully his luck will change soon.