Cold and drizzly this afternoon but a dry March and the farm is no longer a swamp which is a big relief. Racecourses have generally been dry which carries some risk as going can easily become quick, hopefully not at Kelso tomorrow where the application of 6-7mm of water today should give us nice good to soft ground.
We have four runners starting with Kingsman Mail making his hurdling debut in the novice hurdle at 14.40; he ran three nice races to be placed in bumpers and schools well so should ultimately be better over hurdles, probably over further in due course – 11 run and Bruce rides.
Kingsman Mail
Gorvennec makes his chasing and handicap debut in the 15.40; he had been off for a while and wasn’t really himself on his only start in the autumn so we gave him another break and have brought him along slowly with a view to a spring campaign on better ground which he should have tomorrow. I’d like to think he will also improve for fences and the step up in trip so, whilst his opening mark doesn’t appear overly generous I hope it will in time – perhaps tomorrow! 10 run and Bruce rides, clear round the first priority.
Gorvennec
Maillot Blanc has also had a little break with a view to the spring and has a nice light weight stepping up in class in the 16.15; I’d like to think he will outrun his odds as conditions should suit well – 8 run and Dom rides.
Maillot Blanc
Finally My Lady Elektra returns to the track in the 16.46; the form of her two course and distance placed efforts in the autumn has worked out well so a repeat of that should see her involved again – 8 run and Sean rides.
My Lady Elektra (left)
No joy at Newcastle yesterday, lacklustre efforts from both of our runners – they were long odds but as ever I had hoped for better, market was right!