A great weekend of racing which saw us have a Saturday winner at Doncaster and another Grade One winning purchase for RH Bloodstock over in Ireland in Petit Mouchoir.
But it was a mixed weekend for all of us in racing, with the brilliant followed by the tragic. Many Clouds, who bravely out-battled Thistlecrack to land the Cotswold Chase, sadly passed away following the race. He gave connections some great times and our thoughts are with Oliver Sherwood, Trevor Hemmings and all the team at Rhonehurst.
Last Week’s runners
Valadom returned to Cheltenham after running in the Cross Country race in March. We had high hopes ahead of the race and he ran a great race for fourth, galloping up the hill better than ever before. Unfortunately, the rain softened ground and a battle for the lead with Cantlow perhaps took a bit much out of him. Despite that, Jamie Bargary gave him a cracker of a ride and he’s come out of the race in tiptop shape. We’re hoping to come back here in March for the big one, but we might give him a spin over hurdles somewhere in between to keep him ticking over.
Dame Rose ran a terrific race under Conor O’Farrell to give us a Saturday winner in the Doncaster bumper for owner Carl Hinchy. She was a bit keen early on, but travelled strongly throughout the race. She stayed on really well and found plenty for pressure to win by three and a bit lengths. We may give her one more run this season, which would probably at Mr Hinchy’s local track Aintree, but that’s still a long time away and we haven’t made our minds up.
Fulgus continues to frustrate, unseating Jake Hodson at the first in the opener at Fontwell on Sunday. Poor Jake didn’t have much of chance, but at least Fulgus seemed to enjoy himself once he was riderless. Perhaps it’ll take a few races for the penny to drop with him and in light of that he’s entered for a quick return on Monday at Lingfield.
This Week’s runners
As said Fulgus will be entered for a quick return on Monday at Lingfield. It’ll probably be testing ground and there looks to be a few decent types in opposition, but hopefully we can get some experience into him.
Caprice D’anglais is entered up at Catterick on Friday in the Novices Handicap Chase at 2.20. We’re hoping he can get back on track after his disappointed run last time out. The ground looks to be good to soft at the minute, which should suit considering his two wins this season. It looks like he’ll have a fair bit of weight to carry and some decent horses in opposition, but we’re hopeful he can bounce back to form.
Other
Chic Name has been given an entry in the RSA Novice’s Chase. He would have to take a massive step up, but we’re keeping our options open with him at the moment. He is crying out for a step up to that sort of trip and we’re hoping to run him over the sort of trip at Warwick this month.