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.

News@Neardown 31.10.2012

News@Neardown 31.10.12

Airforce One

Ran OK at Wincanton on Sunday. Turning down the back the second time he looked to pick up the bit again after a few reminders from Sam Thomas, then slightly fell away again turning for home after a few jumping errors. On the whole Sam was happy with him; he said he felt a bit rusty and got a bit tired. He has returned home fine and well.

Ballymurry

Improving with his fitness all the time, did a strong piece of work upsides Who Owns Me this morning. He is looking a bit tighter over the last few days. He still needs quite a bit more work. We hope to school him in the morning.

Big Jer

Coming on a tonne in his work, we have been trying to get him to use himself in the hope he finds life a bit easier as he is such a big horse. He schooled really well with Gavin on him last Thursday.

Duke of Monmouth

Very nearly ready for a run, worked on the grass again this morning which he loves. There is a race for him at Chepstow over 3 miles, which could be a good place for him to start.

Enter Paradise

Ran a blinder to finish Second at Aintree. After a bold bid to make all he was just headed in the last 150 yards. I think he should stay over hurdles for the time being as he looked more comfortable than he does over a fence. He has returned home still full of beans.

Feisty Lass

Did a good strong piece of work this morning, she has definitely come on for her last two pieces of work. However there is still lots more to be done to get into her. We plan to school her in the morning.

Fine Parchment

I rode him in a really strong piece of work this morning upsides Seventh Sky, he doesn’t feel too far off a run. He has been schooling very well and feels in good order.

Lord of House

Ran a good race to finish third at Aintree. However 6 of the 9 hurdles were omitted due to low sun, which lead to them going a crawl then sprinting home. Sadly we didn’t learn an awful lot about him, but he has returned home fine and we hope to learn more next time out.

Low Gales

Schooled very well over a fence last Thursday. He did a strong piece of work this morning up the grass. However he is still a few weeks off a run simply because he is a big stuffy horse.

Maringo Bay

Is flying at home, he schooled brilliantly last Thursday. I was delighted with his work this morning. He holds and entry in a competitive Novice Chase over 3 miles at Wetherby, where it is forecast to come up soft for him, however it could just be a week to soon.

Masked Man

Did a good piece of work this morning, and looks to be one of our more forward horses. He is on course for a 2m 4f H’Cap Chase at Sandown on the 10^th.

Prolinx

Did a good strong piece of work this morning, still looks a bit heavy which does give us something to work on. A bit of time off a run but he is going in the right direction.

Schumpters Lad

Is fresh, well and ready to get back on the track. Charlie has him in at Kempton and Plumpton on Monday , providing the ground dries up a bit he should take his chance in one of the two.

Seventh Sky

He has really come into himself in the last 10 days. He looks well and is working very well too. Holds entries at Kempton and Plumpton on Monday, however it could just come a week to early for him.

Shocking Times

Back on the work list, he looks to have tightened up for his run. I think he has mentally recovered from his race a lot quicker than he ever did last year, he should run again in 10 days or so.

Stoney Silence

Still an absolute pleasure to deal with. He is definitely made for a fence one day. He is doing everything we ask of him very easily at home. He could just nick a bumper on the way.

Strictly Rose

Still hacking away up the grass, she is in a nice routine and looks to have completely settled in to her new home. Rose has been riding her a lot lately and has commented on how she is always trying to please.

Surrey Dream

Really enjoying his work and taking it very well. However there is still more to put into him. He could be out on the flat shortly.

Van Diemens Land

Back on the work list this morning, he has come on from his run at Cheltenham. He holds an entry for Ascot on Saturday where he will most likely run.

Western King

Come on a tonne in the last few weeks, he is not far off a run. He has been schooling very well and could go to Kempton on Monday.

Who Owns Me

Another one back on the work list. He has tightened up for his run. Tanked up the ‘Bank’ this morning with Peter on him which is great to see. The Handicapper has dropped him 2, which should be a help to him when he next runs in a couple of weeks.

Za’Lan

Looks fit and ready to run. He is not always the most genuine in his work at home, which could lead to Charlie putting on some head gear on his next outing. We will school him in the morning then will look for a race for him very soon.

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