Dreich today – damp and misty after a wet night. Off to Carlisle tomorrow with three runners on ground that I am hoping will have eased slightly from the current “good”.
Old Comrades
We start off with Old Comrades in the novice hurdle at 13.17; he looked like an out and out stayer when he won his point to point in Ireland in spring 2025 and he ran like he hadn’t acclimatised on his two starts for the yard last season. He seems much better this time round and is having a run over 2m to bring him forward. Hopefully a horse to look forward to when he steps up in trip this winter – 13 run and Bruce rides.
Bel Amigo
Bel Amigo drops back in trip to 2m in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at 13.52; my initial inclination had been to step up in trip but he has a good record over this course and distance including when runner up in this race a year ago so thought worth another go. This year’s renewal looks more competitive but he is 5lb lower now and ought to give a good account – 8 run and Dom rides.
Half Track
Finally we run Half Track in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle at 15.02; he was out of sorts last season and as a result has come down the weights and is now 15lb lower than when runner up here in December 2024. Certainly has a chance on paper if anywhere near back to his best – that’s the question, I’ve been very happy with him at home. 13 run and Bruce rides.
At Hexham yesterday neither of our runners handled the track particularly well but we were very pleased with Lester Mail staying on nicely to be 3rd and Burning it Up did what was required in terms of completing safely prior to finishing 6th – he’s better than this though. An excellent card at Carlisle tomorrow for anyone inclined to have a day at the races – great to see the wonderful Golden Ace appearing in the best hurdle of the season so far.