Amlad
Good morning from Newmarket. Yesterday was a partial success, as Perla Blanca was successfully loaded into the stalls by Craig Witherford and Josie Gordon, but then proceeded to run a rather disappointing race. Hopefully we are now getting on top of her stalls issue, and she can return to amateur races under regular pilot Sophie Smith before the end of the season.
Our only runner today is Amlad in the 7.45 at Wolverhampton, and whether or not he will be able to arrest our poor run of form is open to question. A good natured four-year-old son of Lope De Vega, he showed plenty of ability last year, winning a Beverley maiden and a handicap on the July course, both at a mile and a half. He finished the campaign on a rating of 87, which was probably quite a bit too high in truth.
Regrettably, he has not had much opportunity to show what he can do this season due to various niggling issues. He returned to the course with a good effort at Haydock on his first try at a mile and three-quarters, but he has only beaten three rivals in two runs since and has not raced since early July. He continues at his usual mile and a half trip today, and the positives are that he handles the all-weather, is refreshed after a quiet season, and he seems to be back in good shape. It is a comeback run after a long time away from the track, however, and he does remain four pounds above his last winning mark. He has the talent to be involved, so a good effort would not surprise me in the slightest, but given our recent run of form it is hard to be confident! Ben Curtis is booked to do the steering.
All the best,
Ed.