Year of the rabbit

I added another to the string recently as the CSH bought a Mizzen Mast filly at Keeneland.  The filly is a full sister to Mystery Sail, who beat Lord Peter Flint in her only start at Newbury – that race was only a couple of hours before the Keeneland auction.  She was cheap, partly because she had a chip on …

A new one for the string

I added another horse to my string today – Max One Two Three, who won so well at York last time.  I’ve been eyeing her up for a while I was intending to try and buy her before the York race but I didn’t get around to it – I had a decent bet on her but the price went …

Heaven knows what I’ll back today

It’s a great day’s racing today, with the afternoon highlight for me the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster.  This race has thrown up the Derby winner three times in recent years – in a hot contest I’ll go with City Leader of Brian’s, who is a half brother to a previous winner of this race and may be improving. In …

Betty baby

A debutante from a new trainer for me today as Bet Noir comes out in the 2:20 at Donny.  She is owned by a syndicate made up of members of the Betfair senior management – I have 1/4 of her.  Walter has said from the start that she is a backward type and is unlikely to win this year so I’m not …

Winner is not my choice

Lilac Moon ran well enough in third last night.  She handled the surface well and was running on again at the finish – she was drawn 13 of 13 which is a tough place to be at Wolver and she may just have needed it. In the Dewhurst today I can’t see past New Approach.  He’ll handle the ground and …

The Moon is out

Lilac Moon runs for me in the 8:55 at Wolver tonight.  We claimed her from a mile claimer at Carlisle and sent her to Nicky Vaughan – Mick liked the look of her profile beforehand and she won well enough.  From breeding and running we think she should get a little further and she runs over 9 1/2 furlongs tonight.  …

Nick Gifford stable visit

I visited Nick Gifford€™s yard in Findon on Wednesday morning to catch up with news of the four horses owned by the Core Strength syndicate of which Bert forms a third. The horses are all five year old geldings who were selected with a long term perspective and there has been little racecourse action from them as yet €“ Better …

Today’s fancies

Quite a few old favourites running today, and I’ll be having a few bets. I spent a fair bit of time with Pete C-H last week, and he runs Spirit of Sharjah in the first at Ascot.  From what I’ve heard of the horse I give him a small edge over his principal opponent Captain Gerrard, another favourite of mine and a …

Catching Up

A week away and a lot to report. Effingham came nowhere – the vet has found a small fracture which could be the problem.  He’ll be gelded now – should be ok next season. We’ve had a decent offer for Lord Peter Flint which is subject to a vet’s exam – if he passes he’ll be sold.  I’ll update later. …

Effingham at Windsor

A good day Saturday.  Not so good on Sunday – I’m sad that Authorized’s racing career ended on a low note. Effingham goes today in the first at Windsor.  I had a good chat to Barry this morning – having originally thought him to be a sprint type (on the basis of appearance) he now thinks he is more of a …