Hallalulu
It has been another busy morning here at La Grange with horses and humans going through their paces and preparing to send three runners to Kempton this evening. We had contrasting results with our two runners at Newcastle yesterday. Sanam put up a much-improved performance when winning his first race over 1m 4f under Ben Curtis. He travelled well off the pace and picked up nicely in the final furlong to win by a length. I congratulate his owners, The Lime Street Partnership and hope Sanam can continue this progress. Sparte Quercus was disappointing. After travelling well in the early stages, he faded tamely when asked for an effort. We will give him a thorough examination and review our plans from there.
This evening I send three to compete at Kempton. First to the gates is Mr Jaber’s Hallalulu in the 6f ‘Wise Betting At racinguk.com Fillies' Novice Stakes’ (6.00). She has been pleasing me at home, but It is her first day at school and the experience she gains tonight will be essential to her future progress.
Amlad is next to the starter when he runs in the 1m 4f ‘32Red Handicap’ (8.00). This looks a tough and competitive contest with a field of experienced handicappers. Amlad ran well on his seasonal reappearance over 1m 6f at Haydock to finish third and has been working well since. I think he will cope with the drop back in trip and hope he will have an EW chance in a tight contest.
My final runner tonight is Al Nafoorah in the 1m ‘32Red Casino Fillies' Handicap’ (9.00). Mr Jaber’s filly enjoyed a fruitful 3yr old campaign and runs tonight from a career-high mark of 85. She will need to improve again to defy this rating, but I feel she can. It will be her first run since October, so will she be entitled to be a little ring-rusty. She has been working well at home, and I am hopeful for a decent first run of the season.
All the best,
Ed.