Sunday 20th March
March 20, 2016
On Thursday we started the evening off at Chelmsford where TAPER TANTRUM and ALCANAR were taking their chances. TAPER TANTRUM started the evening off for us and was heading into the race in good form. He chased the leaders and was ridden when having every chance two furlongs out. He was soon driven and looked unable to quicken, weakening inside final furlong. He certainly will come on for the run and maybe a return to the turf is in order, as he has not shown a lot in his only two starts on the all-weather. Later on the card ALCANAR got completely left in the stalls and was always up against it. He was settled at the back of the field and never really got a chance to be competitive. He is certain to come on for the run and I am sure he will be much sharper next time.
On Friday we started the afternoon at Lingfield with SCHOOL FETE who gave an encouraging account of himself on his season’s debut. He took a keen hold towards the rear of the field and was pushed along over one furlong out. He had no chance with winner, but kept on inside final furlong and almost snatched second. It was a good effort from the horse and he could be one to keep an eye out for this season. We were delighted when later on the card at Fakenham INSTANT KARMA got his first victory over hurdles winning in nice style. He raced in the middle of the pack for the majority of the race and then quickened to lead three out. He was pushed along and never looked in any danger of securing his first win. It was a great effort from him and we are sure there is more to come now, when hopefully the ground will be in his favour.
Last night we headed to Wolverhampton with STETCHWORTH PARK. Held up towards the rear, he made some good headway over five furlongs out. He was ridden along and stayed at the same pace entering the final furlong. He is sure to keep improving and a step up in trip might be on the cards.
BIG ORANGE has left for Dubai and should arrive at some point this morning. Hopefully he will have had a good flight and Gill our Travelling Head Girl who travelled out on Friday will be there to meet him. He is getting use to flying now having made the long journey to Australia and hopefully it will not have taken too much out of him. He is due to run next Saturday, which gives us six days to continue preparing him for it. He looked in great form yesterday morning coming back along the Cambridge Road and there is a nice piece in the Racing Post about him this morning.
Yesterday the horses worked again on the Cambridge Road.
Big Orange leading War Department
Rock of Max and Graceland (Blue Hat)
Clear Evidence, March Past (Wearing a Hood) and Davey Boy (White Face)
Bocking End (Orange Jacket) and Aksum
Duck A L’Orange and Purple Magic (Red Cap)