It’s a slightly frustrating time at the moment as some of the horses are not running because of cancellations, ground conditions etc., but also some are not doing serious work at home as the conditions have been so bad. I have one runner over the weekend – Berkhamsted who runs at Lingfield, probably his last run in my colours. It’s slightly sad to reflect that I have never seen the horse run in the flesh.
Tom Dascombe has had a good week on the all weather – he’s had a winner on each of the last three days. He’s been winning with horses that he’s taken from other trainer’s and had been running terribly – he’s put them right and he’s won races with them. I’ve got no doubt that he’s destined to be a successful trainer – I just wish he could squeeze a win out of Berkhamsted for me.
The racing high point of the weekend for me will be the 3.20 at Cheltenham, where a number of the principal contenders for the Triumph line up. Five of the top juveniles of the season so far, including Good Bye Simon, Katchit and Pauillac take on the 112 rated flat horse Mountain, who is making his debut. If this were a flat race Mountain would be giving huge lumps of weight around – he is rated 2 stone ahead of Katchit – but as it is he will be receiving half a stone as he is a maiden.
Mountain may turn out to be a superstar, but I couldn’t back him on his debut in this ground against such a strong field. Katchit was the star of the early season juveniles and is coming back after a short break – he may need a race to sharpen him up. If I have a bet I will probably side with Good Bye Simon who has solid claims and should give me a decent run for my money.