News@Neardown 19.12.12

News@Neardown 19.12.12

Air Force One

He ran a better race at Bangor back over hurdles last week. He came home fine from the race and has been dropped 7lb in the handicap to 115 so we might stay over hurdles for a bit.

Attimo

We are steadily upping his work load all the time, Charlie plans to school him tomorrow for the first time which we are all really excited about. He is in a routine going on the grass up ‘back of the hill’ and seems to be enjoying it.

Ballymurry

I rode him this morning for the first time in a while, and declare him the best ride in the yard! He is such a good mover for being such a big horse. He is now back in his normal routine after his run, and could go next to Chepstow on the 27^th December.

Big Jer

He ran a blinder to finish 3^rd at Taunton last Thursday. There was some pretty good form in the race with the likes of Gasline Boy. Noel said he was green as grass and would have preferred softer ground. He said he would make a really nice Chaser one day.

Duke of Monmouth

Holds and entry at both Ascot and Haydock on Saturday, with Ascot looking the more likely, Rose rode work on him this morning and he flew up the gallops. I have never seen him look as happy and well as he does now.

Enter Paradise

He remains in terrific form and is ready to run again, we are just holding out for better ground. I am looking forward to seeing him out again as he took off with me up the gallops yesterday!

Feisty Lass

I rode a piece of work on her this morning on the grass. I could not have been happier with the way she worked; she is a real tough cookie and was very honest in the way she did it. I think Charlie hopes to run her next week.

Fine Parchment

Nicky rode him this morning and reported him to be in great form. She also hinted on gaining a few extra Christmas pennies next time he runs! He will hopefully run next week somewhere.

King Arthur

Sam Thomas came in to ride work on him on the grass, he was happy with the way he worked and thought that he may like the soft ground. He has also schooled him a few times and he will school him again tomorrow morning.

Lord of House

Won very nicely at Folkestone, he jumped well and loved the soft ground. Noel feels there is more to come from him and should get further. He just needs to learn to settle.

Maringo Bay

He remains in great form after his run at Chepstow, Charlie hopes to run him again next week at Ffos Las, Wincanton or Chepstow again.

Masked Man

He did a strong piece of work this morning. He could go to Wincanton next week. Charlie didn’t run him today as he thought 3m on very soft ground would be a bit much for him.

Prolinx

Sam rode him in a bit of work this morning, upsides Victor Leudorum. He is eating well at the moment and holds an entry at Uttoxexter, we have struggled to get as much schooling into him as we would have liked due to the frozen ground.

Seventh Sky

He did a strong piece with King Arthur this morning, Paul was very happy with him. He holds at entry at Haydock this Saturday which he could head to.

Shockingtimes

He has been into the vets for some further checks and a decision has not yet been made to the next step with him.

Stoney Silence

He ran up a little light after the work he did a few weeks ago, so we haven’t worked him again but he is still cantering away nicely.

Surrey Dream

He did a strong piece of work this morning with Fine Parchment, he is really ready now to have a crack over hurdles. The soft ground at the moment should suit him well.

Van Diemens Land

He is back in his routine having come back out of his last race better than his previous runs. He will be ready to get back out soon. He was dropped 3lb in the Handicap to 109.

Victor Leudorum

It was very exciting to see him school for the first time over fences last week as he jumped like a little bunny, this now opens up the options for him. He could have a few more runs over hurdles first.

Western King

We were happy enough with his run yesterday as he just looked to get a bit caught in the ground at times, especially over 3m. He has returned home fine today. Sam suggested we drop him back in trip and look for better ground. The Handicapper put him up 1lb to 126.

Who Owns Me

He holds and entry at Haydock on Saturday, which Charlie thinks he might run him in as he is on such good form at home. He is taking it all very well so it is an opportunity whilst the ground is soft that he doesn’t want to miss out on.

Yazdi

He could look a bit better; it will just take a bit of time to get him to fill out again as it knocked him a bit when he was gelded. He does however eat up well. He is going up the ‘back of the hill’ due to his light frame and goes well up there.

Working this morning 19.12.12

Feisty Lass (nearside) working in perfect unison with Who Owns Me

King Arthur (nearside) working with Seventh Sky, going a very quick gallop.

Fine Parchment (nearside) with Surrey Dream, both working very well strongly, Surrey Dream just getting FP for a bit of pace.

Schooling

Mr Big leading 3yos King Arthur and Surrey dream over the hurdles.

Western King followed by Victor Leudorum schooling for the first time over fences.

News@Neardown 12.12.12

Air Force One

He holds and entry at Bangor in a 0-135 Hurdle on Friday. I hope he goes for this. He looks terrific in his skin.

Attimo

I rode him up ‘Back of the Hill’ this morning; he is a nice horse that gives you a great feel. However he is enormous for a 3 year old. He has a big knee action which will be perfect for the soft ground in these winter months.

Ballymurry

He ran a nice race for us at Warwick on Sunday. Sam was happy with him especially with his jumping; however he felt he hated the ground. He thought if it was better /softer ground rather than tacky holding ground he would have preferred it. He has returned home safe and well.

Big Jer

He heads to Taunton tomorrow for a Novice Hurdle. I hope he has nice day out and learns from the experience. He will come on for the run.

Duke of Monmouth

He has freshened up nicely after enjoying a quiet week. We will now put him back into a routine with all the others and will run him again soon. Charlie might give him a pop in the morning just to get his confidence back.

Enter Paradise

He has enjoyed a quiet few days since his run. So much so he took off with Nicky up ‘Back of the Hill’ this morning and jogged all the way home! He seems a much happier horse this year.

Feisty Lass

She looks great at the moment. Kyryl rode her this morning and was very happy with her. She did a nice piece of work last Saturday and Charlie hopes to work her again this Saturday.

Fine Parchment

He was running a blinder on Monday when he went a bit long 2 out and unshipped his pilot. Whether he would have won or not is for you to decide! He has returned home fine and well and we will find a race for him again soon.

King Arthur

He did a very good piece of work this morning upsides Lord of House. Paul was impressed with him; he thought he showed a very professional attitude to his work. He is still on course for a run at the end of the month.

Lord of House

He did a good strong piece of work this morning with Kyryl on him. He still looks amazing and holds and entry at Folkestone next Tuesday in a Novice Hurdle.

Maringo Bay

He ran a strong race on Saturday at Chepstow, coming up against one too good for him on the day. He has come out of the race well which means hopefully we can get him out again a bit quicker than last time. He is eating well and looks great.

Masked Man

He worked with Gavin on him this morning, he reported him feeling fresh and well. He is slowly putting his condition back on, but I feel I could still get some more shine into his coat.

Prolinx

He looks well at the moment and has put a good bit of the weight he lost at Newbury back on. He should be out again soon; we plan to school him over a fence in the morning.

Seventh Sky

He did another strong piece of work this morning. He holds an entry at Lingfield on Saturday, we will have to see how the race turns out.

Shockingtimes

He was a disappointing 3^rd on Monday and has returned home a bit stiff. We have sent him into the vets for a full check up.

Stoney Silence

He has had 2 nice canters up the bank today after his 2 bits of work last week, he feels to have come on a lot for the work. He will have a nice quite walk tomorrow.

Surrey Dream

He worked upside Victor Leudorum this morning. He looks pretty fit now after a couple of runs on the flat. He will school in the morning with the hope of running him over hurdles soon.

Van Diemens Land

He was right there turning in yesterday at Fontwell, however the tacky holding ground just caught him out. I think a step up to 2m 4f over better ground will just help him out. He has returned home fine today.

Victor Leudorum

He did a good bit of work this morning with Surrey Dream, he is getting fitter all the time. We plan to school him over a fence tomorrow morning and see how he takes to it.

Western King

Rose rode work on him this morning, alongside Air Force One and was delighted with him, however she did say he can get a bit lazy in his work sometimes. Charlie hopes to school him over a fence in the morning in the hope of running him in a Beginners Chase at Folkestone next Tuesday.

Who Owns Me

Once again the Golden Star! He put up such a battle for such a little horse. He was given a great ride by Paul. He has returned home fine and has been out for a walk this morning. The Handicapper knocked him up to 125 and I imagine he will go up another 4 or 5lbs for Monday’s efforts.

Still almost -6 at 10 this morning, 2nd lot on the way back from going up 'Back of the Hill'.

News@Neardown 06.12.12

Air Force One

He remains in an upbeat mood at home. He has been working well lately. He was entered in a 4m race at Exeter but the ground came up heavy in places so it was decided to give it a miss. A race over hurdles will be sort in an attempt to freshen him up on the racecourse.

Attimo

We have been slowly upping his work load. He is a very straight forward horse. We haven’t learnt a massive amount about him yet but we do know he is a good doer and has a nice nature. Charlie hopes to have him out by the end of January.

Ballymurry

Noel rode him on Saturday and did what looked to be 2 strong bits of work. Unfortunately we couldn’t school him this morning due to the frozen ground. He holds some entries over the next few days, including Chepstow on Saturday. Everyone is excited about seeing him run; although we are all aware of the fact his hurdling career is a mere stepping stone to taking on a fence.

Big Jer

Continues to grow both physically and mentally, which has really showed in his work lately. Yesterday morning he did his strongest bit of work yet and looked to really enjoy it. He is a horse that will improve no end with time; he is however close to a run.

Duke of Monmouth

Duke had the most horrific fall at Friday at Newbury, which he really didn’t deserve. Luckily both Gavin and Duke returned home unscathed. He has had a few quiet days since and as a precaution the chiropractor looked at him and found him a little sore through his withers. The plan is to take it easy with him for the rest of the week.

Enter Paradise

He was just pipped to the post again. Poor Enter Paradise put up another brave performance in defeat. It is safe to say he will have his turn soon. He came home in good order and will have a quiet couple of days.

Feisty Lass

She has completely recovered from her coughing, her bloods are now fine. She is back in the normal routine and we plan to work her on Saturday. She looks very perky and his behaving in her usual mischievous manner!

Fine Parchment

He ran a really good race at Newbury last Thursday. He was given a very good ride by Harry in what was his first ride against the pros. They both looked to love it out there. The handicapper dropped him a further 2lbs in the ratings. He could go to Fakenham again on Monday, if he gets his own way I think he will run another strong race.

King Arthur

He did his first bit of work yesterday. Charlie seemed to be impressed. He has been showing us lots of good signs at home and so far has been very straight forward. The plan is to run him in a Juvenile Hurdle towards the end of the month.

Lord of House

He had a few little coughs a fortnight ago but he seems absolutely fine now. We plan to work him again on Saturday. He looks terrific and will have lost very little fitness.

Maringo Bay

Is now ready to go again, he looks and feels fantastic. He looks to have a good chance in a Beginners Chase at Chepstow on Saturday.

Masked Man

He is now back in full work and as predicted on his first day of being ridden out he claimed another victim, Harry Bannister our new jockey for Fine Parchment was orbited in to sky! The wind op has taken a bit of weight out of him but I don’t think it will take long to put back on.

Prolinx

Hated the ground on Friday, however he did need the run badly. He will come on a tonne for it. He came out of the race well and should have another run in a few weeks; I would look to run him over a fence now.

Seventh Sky

Did what looked to be a very strong piece of work yesterday on the grass up ‘back of the hill’. He will need a couple more bits of work like this then will head out on the racecourse.

Shockingtimes

 He is in good form at home and really enjoying himself at the moment. There is a nice 0-110 Beginners Chase over 3m at Fakenham on Monday.

Stoney Silence

Did his first piece on the grass up ‘back of the hill’ yesterday, we could not have been more pleased with him. He is taking everything in his stride which is impressing considering how little he had done.

Surrey Dream

Aimee gave Surrey Dream a great ride yesterday. He broke well and was up there with the pace, he looked to be just looking after himself turning for home. I think he will need soft ground back on turf with a hurdle next time out.

Van Diemens Land

He did a nice piece of work yesterday with Seventh Sky. He is an incredibly straight forward horse to deal with. He is moving well for him at the moment.

Victor Leudorum

Did his first half speed yesterday and loved it! He bounced all the way home – he is such a fun horse. He went for a steady hack with the others this morning.

Western King

Hated the ground at Ascot 10 days ago, Noel said he felt great just really struggled with the heavy ground. He has returned home none the worse for it and is ready to go again.

Who Owns Me

He received Neardowns Gold Star this week with an impressive win. He has come out of the race well. He could be out again on Monday however he will have 12st 3lb. I think there is more to come from him.

Yazdi

Started cantering this week and has been very fresh. We don’t know too much about him yet but he seems to be very bubbly horse.

Peter Toole giving Mr Big a school ahead of the Vine & Craven Meet at the Malt on Saturday!

News@Neardown 22.11.12

Air Force One

Had us all excited for a moment on Sunday with a good front running performance, where his jumping returned to its best. However he did weaken very quickly 3 out, he maybe just thinking about it too much at the moment. He has come home from his race fine.

Attimo

3yo Chesnut Gelding

SIRE: NAYEF (USA)

DAM: ALANDA (GER)

DAMSIRE: LANDO (GER)

Is the most enormous horse for a 3 year old, although flat bred he looks made for a fence. He finished 3^rd in France in July ridden by Olivier Peslier who Charlie has spoken to, he thought he was a nice horse. We have just been steadily hacking him away at the moment.

Ballymurry

He worked nicely yesterday upsides his usual partner Prolinx. Paul was very happy with him; he thought he was doing it a lot more easily. He does look at lot straighter now. He schooled very professionally this morning, however he is crying out for a fence. He holds entries and Lingfield and Fontwell next week.

           

Big Jer

I rode him yesterday in a piece of work with Stoney Silence. It really is amazing how much he has come on in the last few months. He is using himself well and has developed a nice top line. He schooled well over the fixed brush fences this morning, he is definitely a chaser in the making.

Duke of Monmouth

Has the most amazing skin on him at the moment and really looks to have filled out so much in the last few months. He is very fresh, so much so that it is difficult to leg people up on him! He did a nice piece of work yesterday with Who Owns Me and should be out on the racecourse again soon.

Enter Paradise

He has come out of the race incredibly well. We thought he ran a blinder, unfortunate just to get beaten on the line by a nice horse of Evan Williams. The obvious thing to take away from the race is that he does need further. We will get him fresh again and run him again in a few weeks.

Feisty Lass

Unfortunately she is still throwing a few coughs, we took a scope from her that informed us she has a little infection, the vets are not too worried about it. Hopefully it won’t take to long to get her back in full swing.

Fine Parchment

‘Took The Mick’ last week at Bangor, he needs to be ridden handy. Personally I would re apply the cheek pieces. My suspicion of this was confirmed when I couldn’t hold him up the gallops yesterday morning.

King Arthur

3yo Chesnut Gelding

SIRE:  ELNADIM (USA)

DAM: KONIGIN SHUTTLE (GER)

DAMSIRE: BIG SHUFFLE (USA)

He came over from Germany last week from Mario Hofer the trainer of the German Derby winner this year, Air Force One also came from him. So far he has been a very pleasant horse to deal with. He eats well and is a pleasure to ride. We schooled him this morning and he looks to be a natural, he comes from jumping bloodlines. He is an exciting prospect for a juvenile/novice hurdling campaign.

Lord of House

He experienced a very frustrating race at Uttoxeter on Saturday. They crawled along then sprinted for home, tactics which in no way played to his favour. He did jump well and Noel reported that he dealt well with the very soft ground. He has come out the race absolutely fine, we hope to get him out again soon.

Maringo Bay

Remains in his usual routine and is in very good spirits. We are just waiting for an obvious race to pop up as he has completely recovered from his race at Towcester.

Masked Man

He is on the walker until Sunday, just to allow him time to fully recover from his wind-op, I certainly won’t be the first to ride him on Monday morning-he looks fresher everyday!

Prolinx

He is in really good order at home. He did a strong piece of work yesterday and schooled very well this morning, although with a little too much enthusiasm! We won’t worry about this too much as he obviously loving it! He could head to Newbury next Friday for a Novice Hurdle.

Seventh Sky

He has completely recovered from his mild infection. He is now slowly moving back into his routine. Peter has been riding him lots lately as they seem to get on very well. Charlie hopes to get a bit of work into him on Saturday.

Shocking Times

He ran a really nice race at Taunton last Thursday. There looked to be obvious improvement for the step up in trip and a fence. I would be hopeful of him having a big chance next time out. The Handicapper gave him a 3lb rise.

Stoney Silence

Sam Thomas worked him yesterday morning and really liked him. He described him as ‘green as grass’ but he has a great attitude and will be a really exciting horse when the penny drops. He went for a nice walk today.

Strictly Rose

She has thrown a bit of a splint on the off fore, it is going the right way but she is on the easy list for the moment.

Surrey Dream

He gave Aimee the thrill of her life yesterday riding in her first race, it turned out to be a successful day as both horse and rider returned home safely. They could both head to Southwell on the 27^th for another spin on the flat.

Van Diemens Land

He is very much back in his usual routine. He is eating well and I am very happy with him. Sam schooled him yesterday and said he went very well. He had a walk round the roads today.

Victor Leudorum

It is great to have Victor back in the yard with us after giving us so much fun in the summer. He has returned in his usual energetic manner. He is cantering up the bank, and looks to have come back from his break a bigger stronger horse. This bodes well for a Novice Chasing campaign.

Western King

He is ready to get back on the track again. He has worked well and schooled very well today. He is bouncing out of his skin. He holds and entry for Ascot on Saturday, it doesn’t look like a bad race-there could be easier options.

Who Owns Me

The plan is to head to Exeter on Sunday, which he is in flying form for. He is another one that did a really solid piece of work yesterday and jumped well this morning. I would be hopeful of a good run from him.

Yazdi

3yo Bay Gelding

SIRE: GALILEO (IRE)

DAM: LUCKY SPIN

DAMSIRE: PIVOTAL

Charlie brought him at the Newmarket Horses in Training sale, we have since gelded him which he has taken well. He will start hacking away next week. He had a rating of 90 on the flat.

News@Neardown 14.11.12

Airforce One

We have been continuing to vary his routine, he has been enjoying spending a few days going up ‘the home’ which is some grass near the ‘back of the hill’, which we have been able to use due to the rain. I still think a spin over hurdles is what he needs although it is proving difficult to find a race for him. Charlie has entered him in the Southern National on Sunday, but Fontwell could be a bit tight for him.

Ballymurry

Sam Thomas came in to ride him again this morning; he was delighted with the progress he had made since he last sat on him. He continues to think he is an exciting prospect for a fence.

           

Big Jer

I rode him this morning and was very impressed with how much he had come on lately. I rode him upsides Who Owns Me and Stoney Silence on ‘the bank’ and he gave me a really good feel. He is still a horse we have to take our time with.

Duke of Monmouth

A great performance last Wednesday at Warwick to knock in our first winner from Neardown. He has come out of the race well, and seems to already be fresh again! He has matured a lot more from last year, where it would have taken him more time to recover.

Enter Paradise

He heads of to Ludlow tomorrow where I think he has a really good chance. However 2m 5f could be just a bit short for him.

Feisty Lass

She has been going very well at home, we have stepped up her work and she impressed us with her first piece of work on the grass on the ‘back of the hill’. She coughed a few times yesterday but her bloods have come back all clear.

Fine Parchment

I have just watched him run a very disappointing race at Bangor, as yet we have no obvious reason for it. Hopefully something will come to light.

Lord of House

Sam Thomas rode him in a piece of work this morning up the ‘back of the hill’ with Surrey Dream. He was delighted with him. He is entered in a 2m Novice Hurdle at Uttoxeter on Saturday which looks to be the race for him.

Low Gales

I have just been on the phone to Iffy who was at the races with him today, he has taken a horrific fall. He said he is a little stiff and shaken but as of yet there does not look to be any major damage. We will know more in the morning.

Maringo Bay

Ran a good race at Towcester last Thursday, in what looked to be a very hot race. Noel was very happy with him and said it was the ground that beat him; he could do with it softer and would benefit from going the other way round.

Masked Man

His breathing problem came back to haunt him on Saturday. Therefore he went for a Wind-Operation on Tuesday, I have just returned from picking him up from the vets, he still looks very well.

Prolinx

He has really started to come into himself lately. He is bigger and stronger than he was this time last year and will just take a bit more work to get him where we want him, ensuring he is fit and ready for the track.

Seventh Sky

Thrown a few coughs in the last few days so we took a blood from him. It has shown a very mild infection, we will give him a few easy days. The vet has assured us it is nothing to worry about; it is such a shame as he is working so well.

Shocking Times

Runs tomorrow over fences for the first time and an increased trip of 2m 7f. The plan is to have him out in front from the start. He is in good order at home.

Stoney Silence

He did a nice bit with Big Jer this morning with Gavin on him, as ever he impressed us with the ease in which he did it. He is continuing to take his work well.

Strictly Rose

She is continuing to do some nice canters; she seems straight forward and has a good attitude. We have not asked anything too much from her yet.

Surrey Dream

He is still in great form and continues to impress who ever rides him, Peter has been getting on with him particularly well and rode him again this morning in a strong piece of work with Lord of House. He will be entered tomorrow for Lingfield on the 21^st.

Van Diemens Land

He is still slightly stiff from his last race, we have been doing lots of steady exercise on him. He looks terrific in his coat.

Western King

 Has come out of his race remarkably well and is enjoying doing some good canters on the grass.  I think he will be out again soon.

Who Owns Me

He did a nice strong piece of work this morning, I think you will see him out again very soon.  However 2m 4f at Uttoxeter might just bit a bit on the short side for him. He looks very well and is on terrific form at home.

Za’Lan

Jumped out in front today with blinkers, however this Plan B didn’t seem to work. I haven’t spoken to David Crosse yet to get his opinion. It might be back to the drawing board again with him.

News@Neardown 7.11.12

News@Neardown 07.11.12

Airforce One

We have been varying his routine just to keep the old boy interested. He had a nice canter round ‘The Bowl’ yesterday which he seemed to really enjoy. I feel it could be an idea to give him a spin back over hurdles to get his confidence back; however the Handicapper would have to drop him as he is off a mark of 127.

Ballymurry

Really starting to sharpen up, Dave Crosse rode him this morning and felt he was doing his work a lot more easily. He thought he was more settled in his head. Another 3 or 4 weeks and he should be ready to take on the race track.

Big Jer

Did a good strong half speed this morning upsides Stoney Silence, he looks to have strengthened up enormously since he first started doing them. It was his most impressive bit he has done. The plan still remains the same, to keep it steady giving him every chance to grow into himself.

Duke of Monmouth

Heads off to Warwick today with every chance, he will love the ground and the trip and goes well fresh.

Enter Paradise

In the process of getting him freshened up, it is not taking much as he is still taking a keen hold up the gallops and is really enjoying life! He will hopefully be out again in a couple of weeks.

Feisty Lass

She has come on lots from her last couple of bits of work, which showed as she went so well in her work this morning. However she does still have a belly on her and will need a few more bits of work before she is ready.

Fine Parchment

In very good order, I am looking forward to sending him out on the track. There is a 3m H’Cap Chase at Bangor on 14^th November which I think Charlie is planning for him.

Lord of House

He has come out of his race in great spirits. It is a very good sign as he has a light frame. He is back in his normal routine and will be worked again on Saturday. Charlie hopes to have him out again soon.

Low Gales

He has come on a tonne in the last week. He is looking fitter and going well. He took off with Charlie round ‘The Bowl’ yesterday which has done him the world of good as he worked like Shergar with Gavin on him this morning! There could be a race for him next Wednesday, due to the new rules there are no other suitable races in the near future.

Maringo Bay

Will run tomorrow at Towcester where he will love the ground, the track and the trip, however it is a hot contest.

Masked Man

Flew up the gallops this morning and heads to Sandown on Saturday, where I think he should run a good race.

Prolinx

Worked well this morning with Ballymurry, he is incredibly enthusiastic about his work. There is still a bit to come off his belly so the next few bits of work should conquer this before he hits the track. We might take him up the grass next week to bring him on a bit.

Schumpters Lad

Ran a good race at Kempton on Monday, he just needs the ground to be a bit quicker for him than it was. He will now have a break and come back for some racing in the spring.

Seventh Sky

Charlie made the decision not to run him this week as he just felt he might come on for a few more bits of work. He could go to Ludlow next Thursday.

Shocking Times

Schooled very well over fences last week, he will school over them again tomorrow. He worked strongly with Surrey Dream this morning, he looks to have come on a great deal since his run. He should hopefully be out again soon.

Stoney Silence

Did a nice half speed with Big Jer this morning. He seems to enjoy it and do it all very easily. He has held his weight very well whilst we have been upping his work.

Strictly Rose

Continuing to head in the right direction, however we still haven’t asked too much of her. She has been enjoying cantering on the grass up ‘back of the hill’, her work will be steadily increased.

Surrey Dream

It seems that the more we do with him the more he impresses us, he did his strongest bit of work yet this morning with Shocking Times. The plan still remains for him to have a run on the flat on the 21^st November.

Van Diemens Land

Was given a mark of 110 after his run at Ascot on Saturday, he will be easier to place now with a mark. He came out of the race a bit stiff. I gave him a steady canter up the grass this morning which he loved.

Western King

Ran a blinder to finish 3^rd at Kempton on Monday whilst carrying a penalty. He returned home fine, however he did lose a bit of weight which is not a bad thing as he will come on for it.

Who Owns Me

He remains in really good order at home, we are trying to keep him as fresh as possible. He did a strong piece this morning which he did with his usual enthusiasm. Charlie has put him in a Claimer at Southwell on the 12^th November however it looks to be a tough enough contest.

Za’Lan

Should go to Sandown on Saturday with some head gear on, it looks a tough contest however he has been on good form at home and loved having a spin round ‘The Bowl’ yesterday.