Melodies
With rain hitting many parts of the country again, we have escaped relatively lightly at HQ with a few showers. Our two runners yesterday performed with credit without troubling the judge. Global Spirit was forced to drop in from his high draw and having done so it was difficult to make further ground as the pace in front slowed. He did stay on well from his position to finish 7th and I think there will be more to come from him. Dubai Frame seemed to be momentarily outpaced at a crucial time on the final bend and then stayed on nicely in the final furlong to finish 6th. He should improve plenty for the outing.
Today I send two to Nottingham with Melodies first to the gates in the 1m½f ‘British Stallion Studs EBF totequadpot Fillies' Handicap’ (3.20). This is Melodies first run in handicap company after showing promise in her 3 runs from last season. It is a family I know well having also trained her Dam Singersongwriter for owners Cliveden Stud and Melodies has been pleasing me at home. The rain forecast at Nottingham should not hinder her chances and while she will be entitled to progress from her first run since October I hope she can give a good account.
Dagueneau is next under orders when he lines up in the 1m6f ‘totesport.com Download The App Handicap’ (4.50). Mr Gemmell’s 3yr old gelding steps up in trip today and takes on his Beverley conqueror Quantatmental on 3lbs better terms. The slight easing in the ground should suit Dagueneau, as should the increased emphasis on stamina. His two runs this season have been encouraging and I hope he can continue this progress today. With a field of relatively unexposed stayers in opposition, Dagueneau will need to improve further to win off his mark of 67 but I feel this is within his compass and hope he will have a decent chance.
All the best
Ed