Cold and frosty again now, a beautiful crisp and clear day. Maillot Blanc didn’t really show up at Musselburgh for some reason, travelled and jumped well but found little and finished 7th, did stay but he is better than this.
Burning it Up (Jesika)
On to Hexham tomorrow where we have three runners on ground that is described as soft with heavy places – it could be holding which is never ideal.
Orkney Blue
Same for them all though and we start off with Orkney Blue in the 1.20, he should be able to build on his Carlisle 4th and whilst he will be better over further in time this will be more than enough of a test at this stage. It’s a nice race for him as he ran well in a bumper at the track that is working out well so he should play a part so long as it doesn’t come too soon – 10 run and Bruce rides.
Cream Of The West
We are then double handed in the 2.50 with Cream of the West (Danny) and Scalloway Bay (Bruce). Cream of the West was progressive over hurdles last season and has run well at Hexham, he has schooled well and there should be plenty more to come from him though this does look a busy sort of race for his chasing debut; it’s an open handicap whereas I’d have preferred a novice to start with but the programme seems designed to cater for punters rather than optimise the development of horses which is a shame. Anyway, a clear round will be the priority and hopefully he will run well.
Scalloway Bay
Scalloway Bay has the benefit of a run over fences, he ran very well that day and should have come on for it so can hopefully play a part – 14 run.
Clan Legend