Back of the string.
Overcast and drizzly although the sun is emerging now.
A busy weekend in store starting with a trip to Lord’s for the second ODI today. England were a little lacklustre on Thursday, so hopefully they can turn in an improved performance with the forecasters predicting a relatively warm afternoon.
We hosted a very pleasant couple for a tour and breakfast this morning. Hopefully they had fun.
Four runners this afternoon spearheaded by Oasis Fantasy in the Old Borough Cup at Haydock. We cannot exorcise him from the demons of the draw this season, but he continues to run well and Frankie felt he did not stay two miles at York last time. Trip and ground should be perfect for him, while we have enlisted cheekpieces to help him concentrate at the business end.
We send two to Kempton with Kitten’s Red returning to the polytrack in light of the recent we weather. He has been knocking on the door since his Bath win and not a lot went right for him when he ran over course and distance last time and his mark is ok. This looks a trappy little race, but he have a lovely weight.
Tajathub has been gelded since his disappointing effort at Leicester and it might be a case of the all-weather suiting him better. It’s hard to say he’s thrown in off 79 judged on his maiden victory, but he remains unexposed and is well drawn.
Lastly, Scrutinise heads to Thirsk and it will be his first run of the year on turf as he wants some give underfoot. He has been wonderfully consistent this season and it was a career-best effort at Kempton last time. All About Time is the one we all have to beat, but our horse remains capable of better.
One declaration for Monday with Michael’s Mount set to make his second start in the median auction maiden at Windsor. Pat Cosgrave will ride.
A number of entries for Friday including Times Up at Doncaster. He could run in the Cup or the Mallard Handicap – we will make a decision next week.
I hope you all have an excellent weekend. Rarely has a Group One looked so open than today’s Sprint Cup and the lack of Muharrar makes this sprinting title really up for grabs.
Back Monday.
Ed.