Annoying on Wednesday as Cheddar George burst a blood vessel in his run and finished with blood pouring from his nose. He was held up pretty much in last place when Holland asked him for his effort in the straight. He was making rapid headway when he came to a sudden halt – I had guessed what had happened before I got the text from Pete. It’s not the end of the world – I don’t think it would have happened if he had built up his run more slowly. We can win more races with him.
I have two runners today. Beating Harmony goes in the first at Southwell – I claimed him on a whim after he ran last time and I’m not really sure why I did it. He’s no worldbeater but he goes ok – Tom thinks he has a respectable chance and is surprised at his long odds. I’ll probably stick him back in a claimer after this regardless of what he does.
Bad Sir Brian in the first at Fontwell is more interesting. The first time he ran he inhaled a clod of dirt into his lungs – he finished distressed, and the second time he ran he was hesitant to go after his previous bad experience. Nick assured us that he was a horse with ability and we should ignore those early runs – he turned out to be right when he won his bumper nicely at Plumpton a couple of weeks back. He’s grown up a lot since then and we’re happy to have a go over hurdles. This looks a tough race as Fontwell novice hurdles go but we’re very positive and think he has an excellent chance.