Quiet weather still, a bit grey and cold but grand for the time of year. On to Carlisle tomorrow where we have four runners on ground that will be soft, hoping they caught some rain today to prevent it being too holding. We start with Gipsy Lee Rose dropping back in trip in the Mares Chase at 2.55, she’s been running well at the track this winter and seems in great form so can hopefully run well again – 6 run and Bruce rides.
Gipsy Lee Rose
We have two runners in the Staying Handicap Chase at 4.00, Cream of the West (Danny) and Travail d’Orfevre (Bruce). The former didn’t quite get home over an extended 3m at Haydock on very holding ground last time but he ran well to a point and fitness may have played a part. Down in grade tomorrow he looked progressive last season and is back to his last winning mark so he has a chance.
Cream Of The West
Travail has been wonderfully consistent and won nicely when stepped up to this trip for the first time at Ayr last month so he also has a chance round a track he appreciates. A shame these two are running in the same race but it is the right race for both of them and I feel horses have to take their chances when they arise given the vagaries of the weather etc. 15 run so it is a busy race.
Travail D’Orfevre
Finally Eagles Cairn runs in the bumper at 4.33, he’s a lovely young horse who was very green on debut last time, he should have improved for that experience and is working well at home – 6 run and Bruce rides.
Eagle’s Cairn
Musselburgh Saturday saw Platin Moon again run far too free early on after a messy start, he did then settle and stayed on into a fortunate 5th. Mack the Man travelled and jumped well and led turning in but was swallowed up by the younger legs of the opposition up the home straight in a highly competitive contest – we will find something easier for him next.