The sun returns to Kinneston, a glorious morning, very welcome. A mixed day at Kelso; a career best from Lance les Des who was just denied in his first handicap, Ginger Mail packed it in at the cross hurdle for the third consecutive time at Kelso – too many battles up that hill I fear, and after jumping and travelling beautifully for a circuit the age and weight combination proved too much for Elvis Mail. He was bright and well post race and ate up overnight – he’s been an absolute star so I guess we will decide other adventures await.
Dubai Days (Kim) in the rising sun this morning
After an exciting looking clash at Murrayfield this afternoon it will be on to Musselburgh tomorrow where the ground is soft with good to soft places and may ease a bit further with today’s sun due to be replaced with a little more sleet and snow. That shouldn’t bother our four runners and we start with Lester Mail in the Maiden Hurdle at 13.50; somewhat to my surprise not only does he have to take on Nicky Henderson’s £600k purchase for the Triumph Hurdle sponsors but he also has to give him 12lb! That would be a nice upset to pull off but I fear it is unlikely; Lester is in good form and it will be interesting to see how he handles the track, can hopefully run well for the minor honours though the weights do favour the 4yo’s – Bruce rides and 11 run.
Lester Mail
Anamanda drops back in trip in the 14.50 as we try to find the key as she has lost her form. I’m not convinced the trip is the answer as she was very competitive over 3 miles last season but it will be interesting and it will allow us to ride her positively which is how she was at her best on the flat in France – Bruce rides and 9 run, she will be well handicapped when we find the key.
Anamanda (right)
Veteran Artic Mann has to give weight and age to all in the staying handicap hurdle at 15.50 which seems a little tough but Dom gets on well with him and will claim a useful 10lb so I’d like to think he can run well – 7 run.
Artic Mann
Finally Beat the Retreat attempts to win back to back renewals of the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 16.50, he won well off 2lb lower and also won at Ayr on his penultimate start prior to appearing not to stay 3m here last time. Can hopefully run well with a visor back on – Dom rides and 7 run.
Beat the Retreat
Weather permitting we will be at Carlisle on Monday where the ground is soft (well frozen today) and we have one runner – Eagles Cairn in the 14.05, he seems to like the track and shouldn’t mind the ground so hopefully can run with credit, Bruce rides and 11 run.
Eagle’s Cairn (centre)
Elvis Mail (listening)