Sunday 7th June
June 7, 2015
On Wednesday BORN TO REIGN failed to impress in his race at Lingfield. He was kept in a lovely position for the majority of the race tracking the leading pair. When asked for his effort he did not really respond and soon dropped away. He was given every chance, but looked a bit flat footed when the rest of the field quickened. He certainly looks more comfortable over a longer trip. Later on the card PENANG PAPARAJAH was stepped up in trip for the first time was never far away. He plugged on when under pressure to finish fourth. It was an improved effort and he may just need a bit further. In the evening we headed to Kempton with BAREFOOT DANCER who was coming back after his recent gelding operation. He was kept in a midfield position for most of the race and when asked for his effort he stayed on nicely. He was not beaten far and is it was certainly a better effort from him, than his last start at Lingfield. He will come on again for that run and is capable of doing himself justice in handicaps.
On Friday it was great to see STRAIT OF MAGELLAN go in after a promising effort at Lingfield on Monday, where he looked to have stumbled across a nice horse and certainly got given the tougher of the two divisions. He looks to have improved for the step up to this trip and needed no second invitation when a gap appeared up the inside rail before pulling clear for a decent success. The race took little winning and hopefully the handicapper will not be too harsh on him.
Yesterday we started the afternoon off at Epsom where TAPER TANTRUM was making his eagerly awaited return to the track. He certainly did not disappoint after being shuffled right back in the field and having to come round a field of horses to make his run. He stayed on strongly inside final furlong to go third close home. If he got a clear run up the rail when he needed it maybe it would have been a different story, but you have to be pleased with his effort and this run certainly showed he has talent. In the evening we headed to Lingfield where AUSSIE BERRY was taking his chance. He possibly was not at home on the fast ground and was always struggling. His homework had been much better. We rounded the evening off with a winner when NEYMAR went in at Newcastle. He was settled nicely in behind the leader and when asked for his effort it took a while for the penny to drop before he quickened up nicely. He was given a lovely ride by Louis Steward who never panicked and got him going at the right stages. It was especially pleasing as Louis has had a quiet time of things so far, which can often happen when you go down to claiming three and so hopefully this will give him a boost, as he is definitely one of the best three pound claimers riding. We have always thought that NEYMAR has potential and it would be great to see him build on that now. He is due to return from Newcastle this morning and we will see how he has taken the race before making further plans.
Due to the beautiful weather we have no runners declared so far next week we could certainly do with some rain or it could be a quiet week.
Today the horses worked on the watered gallop
Golden Hello (White and Black Cap), Show Legend (Black Cap) and Machine Learner
Rosecomb and Duchy (fluorescent Jacket)
George Cinq
Left to Right Niblawi and Banditry
My Strategy (Blue Cap) Stone Roses (Grey Horse) and Touchline
Left to Right Graceland and Sarita