Rod Millman Racing

Future Star Galatian Runs Out A Convincing Winner At Leicester (08/08/10)

A huge half brother to Masai Moon, Galatian was progressive in his three maidens last season but setbacks have hampered his 2010 campaign. However, he started to fulfil some of his potential when winning at the sixth attempt at Leicester. Although it wasn’t the strongest of races, he made all the running to win quite easily. Whatever he does this season is a bonus, as he’s still very much on the weak side and also quite immature, we hope he can become one of our future stars next season.

Ocean Blaze shaped better in first time blinkers when beaten just half a length into third at Bath on Thursday evening. She seems to have lost a bit of early speed and are considering stepping up to six furlongs in a bid to see her in the winners enclosure.

Busy Week Ahead, Especially At Salisbury’s Mini Festival (08/08/10)

It’s Windsor on Monday night as Tony Hollis and Mackenzie Spears bid to improve on their second outings in quite competitive maidens although both will probably be seen to better effect in handicaps. Tuesday is a day in the yard while Wednesday it’s off to Salisbury with nice two-year-olds Basilica and Rosina Grey. Having made a very promising debut when finishing fourth at Bath, despite running very green, Basilica has had a few setbacks that have kept him off the track. We think he could be very nice but having had so long off the track, he could still be quite green. Meanwhile Rosy bids to follow up her Chepstow success under a penalty.

Thursday is very busy with three potential meetings. Shy is on for a hat-trick at Salisbury, having gamely battled to victory at Chepstow and over CD. It’s a step up in grade against some useful fillies but they will have to fight hard to beat her. Shy’s half-sister Pragmatist is also in action over half the distance but she should go very close in the fillies sprint, having been second and third in two previous attempts over CD. Businessmoney Judi has shaped with promise over an inadequate twelve furlongs in her maidens and should benefit from stepping up in trip into h’cap company for the first time and has a good chance. Despite being unruly in the preliminaries, Brewers Boy made a promising debut at the same track three weeks ago and as long as he behaves, shouldn’t be too far away. Alshazah was very green when making his debut two months ago at the same track and has improved plenty on the gallops since the but his task won’t be easy off top weight. At Epsom, Hi Shinko will benefit from dropping back to seven furlongs and with his decent course record won’t be far away. On The Feather goes to Chepstow and will benefit from dropping in grade while Highland Cadett goes there or Nottingham on Friday and is handicapped to run well, having had no where to go at Newmarket last time.

On Friday, Easy Terms steps up to twelve furlongs, having been slightly outpaced over a mile the last twice. She doesn’t have much to find at the ratings and James will be eager to win it as run in the memory of a good friend that died last year, let’s hope she can do it for Ruthie!

Rosina Settles To Secure Second Success (03/08/10)

Despite having won over 5f at Bath in May, James was convinced Rosina Grey wanted a bit further and was proved right when she powered home for a convincing success over six furlongs in the rain at Chepstow. Having been unable to do the weight on Rosy’s last three outings, she had run far too keen under other jockeys and was failing to see out any distance. Switched off at the back of the pack she came with a strong run inside the final furlong to win quite easily, despite hanging right across the track in the closing stages. The handicapper was also impressed and is going to raise her 10lbs in future h’cap, so she will make a quick reappearance under a 6lb penalty at Salisbury and also steps up to seven furlongs, provided she settles, we think she can improve again.

Eastern Paramour Wins At Epsom (22/07/10)

Having won her bumper as a three-year-old, Eastern Paramour failed to take to hurdling with Charlie Mann so joined our yard in May. This huge five-year-old mare filled third on her first two outings for the yard at Lingfield and Salisbury before running out a game winner at Epsom.

Royal Opera Dead Heats To Secure £10,000 Yearling Bonus (20/07/10)

Having just failed to get up on his h’cap debut at Ascot, Royal Opera dead heated at Ffos Las. Having looked likely to win the race outright, he was joined on the line and it was an agonising wait before they called the verdict, as the race was eligible for the £10,000 Racing Post Yearling Bonus, a big bonus with prize money at ridiculously low levels. He ran a cracker when third in a competitive nursery at Newbury the following week.

Shy Follows Up Chepstow Success In Game Style (10/7/10)

Having taken sixteen attempts to lose her maiden tag, Shy made it two in a row when gamely holding onto victory by a neck and a short head at Salisbury on Saturday evening. Sat second off a fast pace, she hit the front inside the final three furlongs and wasn’t going to be denied. She’ll have a short break before she bids for a hat-trick. Her half sister Pragmatist finished runner-up on the same card, finishing well in the final furlong having being boxed in early on. She too would prefer easier ground but there are more races to be won with her.

We were doubly represented in the £10,000 nursery at Ascot and Royal Opera nearly grabbed victory having been outpaced at an early stage. He showed ability in his three maidens but once again suggested a step up to seven furlongs will suit and he should provide the Links Partnership with plenty of fun this summer. Rosina Grey was too keen early and needs to learn to relax in her races but she’ll be okay dropped in next time.

It’s a quiet week coming up but hopefully the horses can continue to run well. Princess Seren was left with too much to do on her h’cap debut at Salisbury and did well to finish fifth. In another weak event at Ffos Las on Monday, she shouldn’t be far away under in form jockey Debra England. Highland Cadett looked to need further at Bath last week and drops into a seller for the first time as he bids to get in the winners enclosure at Windsor, over the same CD in which his brother, Highland Homestead, was successful for the yard.

Light From Mars Battles Back For Third In Bunbury Cup (9/7/10)

After having no luck with the draw at Goodwood and Royal Ascot on his last two starts, a middle draw looked ideal for Light From Mars in what was a competitive renewal of the 32Red Trophy (Bunbury Cup). However, as soon as the gates opened there was a lack of pace as Light From Mars raced handy up the middle, with James unable to get cover without dragging him back through the field. He led entering the final three furlongs before getting outpaced two out, dropping into sixth place before rallying back into a game third place, beaten just over two lengths. It was another strong effort from this admirable gelding and granted a bit of luck, a big h’cap can come his way.

On Friday night, Lenkiewicz put up a game effort to finish runner-up at Newbury on her first start for Thurloe Thoroughbreds. Having lost her maiden tag at Warwick, she had top weight in a competitive fillies h’cap and was sent off at 20/1. Always to the fore, she hit the front 100yards from home before being swamped by the short priced favourite, Our Drama Queen who was five pound well in and received 10lb from Lenkiewicz. She’s very game and further success awaits.

Having won three races last season, Hi Shinko suffered with the handicapper at the start of the year, but having dropped seven pounds, he returned to form with a game third place at Epsom, just fading in the final 100 yards. He loves the undulations at Epsom and he should be competitive in similar events there this summer, especially if he gets a bit of ease in the ground.

Shy Loses Maiden Tag With Game Chepstow Success (30/06/10)

Despite being a 5yo maiden, Shy is a game filly that is a bit one paced, leaving her vulnerable in a slowly run race. Having received a bit of help from the handicapper and reunited with James, she ran out a cosy winner and should have a profitable summer, especially if getting a bit of give in the ground. It was also great to give Mrs Jenny Willment her first winner for the yard, having being a faithful supporter over the past few seasons. Our other runner was Cadeaux Fax who was once again disappointing for no apparent reason, it’s back to the drawing board with that one.

It’s a late Friday night as Easy Terms makes her handicap debut at Haydock in the 9.20. Progressive in her maidens, finishing second on her latest start at Salisbury, she is fairly treated off 72 and we hope for a big run from this consistent Trade Fair filly. On Saturday Mrs Boss returns to Leicester and hopes for a bit of luck, having being carried across the track over CD before having no gaps to go through at Salisbury, she’s perfectly capable of winning this race. Macroy has been slightly disappointing since finishing second at Warwick and drops into selling company at Nottingham. If Timeteam breaks from the gates he’ll be hard to beat but that’s not a given so he has an each-way chance.

Blackdown Gives James Birthday Winner (28/06/10)

Back in May 2005, we bought a chestnut filly called Shielaligh for James to gain some valuable race-riding experience. Little did we know that five years later, her first foal Blackdown Boy would provide James with a winner on his 23rd birthday and took him off the cold list in the process! He made a very promising debut finishing second in a soft ground maiden at Salisbury, with four subsequent winners behind him. He was then made a very short priced favourite at Bath but didn’t handle the very firm ground over five furlongs. With Windsor well watered, he just got away with the good to firm ground, hitting the front inside the final 100yards to win going away.

We were busy throughout Windsor’s three day meeting, with George Thisby and On The Feather both finishing sixth on Saturday. George was slightly disappointing but looks as if he needs to step up to seven furlongs or even a mile. On The Feather shaped better on her second outing after a 620 day absence and has the potential to win a small race. Rosina Grey ran in a very competitive fillies conditions event on the Sunday and ran right up to form finishing fifth, despite looking as if she will benefit from a step up to six furlongs. At Salisbury, Eastern Paramour picked up another third and should win a similar event soon. Meanwhile Princess Seren was probably left with too much to do in the Apprentice Hands And Heels race, making up plenty of ground in the final furlong, suggesting that there’s a race in her from a mark of 49.

Blaze Lands The Odds At Bath (24/6/10)

ocean blaze.jpg Having run creditably in h’caps throughout the season, Ocean Blaze has been struggling with the handicapper and was dropped into a claimer at Bath yesterday. With at least 9lb in hand, she was made a heavy 8-11 favourite and duly obliged with George Baker, who went on to land a treble, enjoying an armchair ride. Hopefully this will have boosted her confidence, perhaps with a bit of help from the handicapper, she can win in slightly higher grade this summer.

A slow pace meant the gaps didn’t come in time for Mrs Boss, although she ran on late to claim another fourth. She heads for a similar event at Leicester next Saturday. Into The Wind needed the experience in her maiden at Salisbury but from a late maturing family, she’ll need plenty of time. Swift Chap was slightly disappointing but probably found the ground fast enough and is still six pound higher than his last winning mark. Having been very lame when losing a shoe on his reappearance, it was a relief that Irish Jugger returned home sound when finishing tenth. He ran better than the results suggests, getting hampered at the start before making nice mid race progress then getting tired inside the final two.

We had two fourths at Goodwood, Businessmoney Judi has been steadily improving and has a nice future in staying handicaps while Galatian improved on his reappearance but this huge gelding is still on the weak side and will make a better four-year-old.

Busy weekend with a three-day meeting at Windsor to keep us occupied. On Saturday George Thisby and On The Feather go to the riverside track in small field h’caps. George has been slightly disappointing this season but showed plenty of speed on his reappearance over course and distance back in May and hopefully he can return to the useful form he showed last summer. On The Feather was outpaced over six furlongs on her return from a long absence at Chepstow but made good late progress so could nick a place stepped up to a mile.

On Sunday Rosina Grey returns from a short break in a valuable fillies conditions event at Windsor and won‘t be disgraced. Having won her maiden at Bath, she ran a cracker when third in a winners race at Salisbury and uses this event as a trial for the Weatherbys Super Sprint, in which she only carries 7st12 and we won with Lord Kintyre back in 1997. Having finished third at 100-1 on her Flat/Yard debut, Eastern Paramour goes to Salisbury and has strong claims. A big strong filly that has taken a while to settle down and can definitely improve from that first run, although the Sir Michael Stoute trained pair will be hard to beat. Princess Seren was only allotted a mark of 49 after her three maiden runs but could be better than that and has a chance in what is likely to be a weak apprentice event.

Draw Hampered Ascot Challengers (20/06/2010)

$C:\Users\Millman\Pictures\Light From Mars Kemp.jpg$ We went to Royal Ascot more in hope than expectation with our useful handicappers Light From Mars and Shavansky. With thirty runner fields, the draw plays an important part on the straight track, with the bias seemingly changing from day to day. Drawn six in the Hunt Cup, Shavansky had little choice but to come down the stands side but by halfway it was apparent that his group were at least five lengths adrift of the bigger one on the far side and they only got further behind. To be fair, Shavansky wasn’t travelling that well anyway but Chris Catlin didn’t give him a hard time when his chance was gone. There will be other days for him but will probably step back up to ten furlongs. Light From Mars was drawn right in the middle in the Buckingham Stakes and James chose to head towards the far side. Unfortunately a hot early pace meant that although they got four horse widths off the rail, the field were so strung out that they couldn’t get any cover which doesn’t really suit the gelding. Having got outpaced two furlongs from home, Light From Mars picked up in the final furlong to finish tenth, beaten just over five lengths which wasn’t a bad effort and was first home of those that had middle draws. He’s not had much luck this season but we retain the faith that a big h’cap can come his way.

Mrs Boss was extremely unlucky when beaten just under a length into fourth place at Leicester on Thursday evening. She was carried right across the track when making her challenge in the final furlong which cost her at least second place and maybe a winning effort. On the positive side, she showed some battling qualities that had been missing in previous efforts and can hopefully gain compensation in the not so distant future.

We’re a bit busier this week, and we should get at least one winner to take us off that dreaded cold list! On Monday, Dark Shines makes his racecourse debut at Chepstow, in an event which Light From Mars won for the same owners two years ago. He’s still very much on the weak side and will improve plenty for the experience but it isn’t a strong race and we wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaked a place as he’s got some ability. Hi Shinko was badly hampered inside the final furlong at Brighton last time out and returns to the seaside track on Tuesday. He’s dropped 5lb since the start of the season and his turn can’t be far away, although any showers will help his chances.

Ocean Blaze has struggled with the handicapper this season, running consistently well without winning. She drops into a claimer at Bath on Wednesday and has outstanding claims at the weights and it will be disappointing if she can’t get on the score sheet. Having been very lame when losing a shoe at Nottingham, Irish Jugger makes his second start for us on the AW at Kempton. It’s still a learning exercise with the Johannesburg gelding but he was $220,000 as a yearling so has the potential to be quite good but the main aim will be for him to come back safe and sound! Mrs Boss heads to Salisbury to gain compensation, she will be joined by Swift Chap who wasn’t disgraced at Epsom and is gradually coming back down to a winning mark and Into The Wind makes her racecourse debut. A full sister to Hawridge Miss, who won for the yard a couple of years back, will improve for the experience.

Having found five furlongs on the sharp side, Galation returns to six furlongs at Goodwood on Thursday. A huge half brother to Masai Moon that has had a few feet issues in the spring which has taken a long time to get right but he could be pretty decent when things come together. Businessmoney Judi ran well when fifth in a competitive maiden at Chepstow and she should build on that effort on the same day, although she will find handicaps that much easier in the future.

Doubly Represented In Royal Ascot Handicaps (14/06/10)

It’s Royal Ascot week and we’re lucky to have two live chances in the big handicaps. On Wednesday, Shavansky takes his chance in the Royal Hunt Cup and is a live outsider. Successful on his return at Nottingham when needing the run, he was unlucky not to follow up when the gaps didn’t open in a sprint finish at Ffos Las, finishing third in a very competitive race. He has a high cruising speed so dropping back to a mile could suit, and he certainly has a big race in him on fast ground. On Friday Light From Mars goes for the Buckingham Stakes over seven furlongs. In what looks a competitive event (top 29 currently rated 93-103) the fast pace looks guaranteed to suit Light From Mars and he should be able to track the early leaders before pouncing in the final furlong, that’s the plan anyway! With both horses needing fast ground, we’re hoping the sun shines all week for what promises to be some top class racing.

Elsewhere it’s quiet, with Mrs Boss taking on older horses in a fillies h’cap at Leicester on Thursday. She keeps picking up prize money but we’re hoping blinkers might see her back in first place. Lucy’s Perfect bids to return to some form at Warwick on the same day and has been disappointing this year, despite having developed well over the winter.

Masai Back To Form But Out Of Luck (13/06/10)

Having been slightly lacklustre this season, we decided to put some blinkers on Masai Moon to sharpen him up and they produced the desired effect, as he bounded clear in the final furlong of an 18k h’cap at Doncaster, only to be denied a head by a Cumani hotpot in Day Of The Eagle, pulling four and a half lengths clear of the rest. Unfortunately the handicapper took a dim view and raised him 6lb which makes life hard but he ran well to finish seventh in a stronger race at Sandown, where he was badly hampered in early scrimmaging which made him race too keenly and he didn’t stay up the hill. He’s got a quiet week before returning in July.

Easy Terms is improving all the time and finished runner-up in a maiden at Salisbury, having earlier met trouble in running when sixth at Goodwood. She can’t be far off winning a race soon! Ocean Blaze wasn’t disgraced finishing fourth but is currently in the grip of the handicapper, while a similar comment applies to Hi Shinko who wasn’t disgraced when hampered in sixth at Brighton last week.

Frustration As ‘Placeditius’ Strikes The Yard (3/6/10)

On the whole the horses have been running well of late, just not quite coming home in front. It’s frustrating but it won’t be long before our luck turns - we hope!

There was some good prize money on offer at Ffos Las last week and we picked up two thirds with Masai Moon and Shavansky. The latter has improved enormously over the winter and won a competitive event at Nottingham, despite needing it on his reappearance. With no pace on early, it turned into a tactical event and the gaps just failed to open in tine, with Shavansky flying in the final furlong to be beaten under half a length. His next target is the Royal Hunt Cup and he could be value at a big price as he has an extremely high cruising speed think a lot of him. He’s another that could also be heading to Dubai next winter as he loves fast ground. Despite dropping in the handicap, it’s now being two years since Masai last won and some hard races when rated in the high 90s could have left their mark as he found disappointingly little, although he probably didn’t stay a mile. We’re trying blinkers in a valuable handicap at Donny on Saturday and if he doesn’t shine, he will be campaigned in claimers before a trip to July Sales.

The admirable consistent Sherman McCoy produced a career best when coming third in a competitive handicap at Newmarket, beaten under two lengths. He will step back up to 1m6f in a bid to beat the handicapper but has picked up prize money on his last eleven starts, you can’t ask for any more than that. His long term aim is the Ebor at York and is currently better than Sergeant Cecil when he was four so hopefully he can keep on improving! Light From Mars ran a cracking trial for the Buckingham Stakes at Royal Ascot when finishing sixth at Goodwood, where a poor draw in one and getting badly hampered in the final stages cost him dearly. As long as the ground stays on the fast side he has a big shout.

On her second start for the yard, Shy picked up more place money when third at Chepstow, a slow pace leaving her flat footed before staying on in the final furlong. Hopefully the right race will come her way soon as she tries her heart out, despite being a maiden at five years old. The ground was very fast at Nottingham on Wednesday and this didn’t suit George Thisby and Macroy who ran respectably when finishing third and fifth. The opposite happened at Leicester the previous day when heavy rain turned the ground soft, which didn’t appear to suit Highland Cadett as he didn’t travel as well as he did on fast ground at Salisbury and he plodded on for a slightly disappointing sixth.

The bookies didn’t fancy our chances at Lingfield on Wednesday as both our representatives were outsiders yet they ran great races be in the frame. Having won a bumper at Newbury, Eastern Paramour became disappointing over hurdles and was sent to us for a Flat campaign. She’s quite a nervy filly and has taken a while to settle down but has shown up nicely in her work. With options limited for older horse maidens, she ended up in a very hot event but having tracked the leaders, she stayed on nicely up the home straight to finish third at 100/1, two lengths behind some potentially useful fillies owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum and the Niarchos Family respectively! Our homebred mare Mrs Boss ran on to take second behind an extremely impressive winner, Dever Dream in the fillies h’cap at 12/1 and a repeat performance should see her win again in the summer.

It’s a busy weekend as Swift Chap represents the yard at Epsom on Friday in a hot twelve-runner h’cap. He was hit hard by the handicapper for back-to-back successes last autumn and might need a bit more help but he’s such a trier that a prominent showing wouldn’t surprise. We’re doubly represented at Goodwood by two nice fillies. Easy Terms has strengthened up nicely since coming third at Windsor but a field of sixteen won’t make things easy, but we will see where we’re at as regards a h’cap mark of 72. Pragmatist was beaten in a photo finish when third on her first run for the yard at Salisbury and normal improvement should see her go very close in the finale, although stall one might not be helpful if she gets crowded.

Pat And Mustajed Fly Home For Newbury Success (23/05/10)

Nine year old veteran Mustajed has been running consistently well this winter, recording a fourth, third and three second places but age has dented his speed and he’s been unable to quicken off slow paces. However, there was no such problem at Newbury as the amateurs went a proper gallop from the start and most ended up legless entering the final furlong, enabling Mustajed to plug on for victory.
It was Pat’s third win and they should enjoy a fun season in amateur races and the pair could reappear under a penalty at Newmarket on Friday.

On her first start for the yard, Pragmatist ran a cracker when finishing third at Salisbury, beaten a short-head and neck, having had just one run in the past eighteen months. She should come on plenty for the run and have a profitable season. Despite being difficult to load, Highland Cadett travelled well on his h’cap debut but didn’t quite get home over twelve furlongs. It was a competitive h’cap and he should come on for the run/experience and hopefully won’t be far away next time.

Unfortunately Mattamia has been plagued with problems this spring and we went to Chepstow on Friday more in hope than expectation. Having been hampered coming out of the stalls, he soon tracked the pace and having looked dangerous entering the final furlong, he failed to pick up and weakened quickly. He’s going to spend six weeks out in the field and might have an autumn campaign in a bid to get him back on track. Swift Chap was slightly disappointing when sixth at Goodwood but he might have found the ground on the lively side and stayed on again past beaten horses. Hopefully the handicapper might give him some slack as he’s 9lb higher than his last win at Newbury.

There’s plenty to look forward to next week and hopefully we can get a few more winners on the board. Cadeaux Fax bids to return to form at Leicester on Monday, having been slightly disappointing at Chepstow three weeks ago. We feel he has improved over the winter and a mark of 62 is winnable, although the lightly raced Plutocraft could be dangerous. The maiden at Leicester has been divided and we’ve ended up in the much hotter version with Royal Oprea. He improved plenty for his debut when third in a warm looking maiden at Goodwood but will need to improve again against some useful types. With the race put back to 5.00, James can’t get across to Windsor to ride Phantom Whisper, who has been incredible frustrating of late. He’s very well handicapped and if he can travel a bit better in the early stages, he won’t be far away.

It’s off to Ffos Las on Wednesday with some good chances. Shavansky surprised us when winning at Nottingham and steps up to 0-100 H’cap Company off a mark of 92. Hopefully there won’t be very many runners and he is an extremely useful horse on his day so shouldn’t be far away. Masai Moon has been running well without success in the last two years and the handicapper is finally giving him a bit of respite, having dropped to 84, we hope he can finally return to the winner’s enclosure. The only query would be the step up to a mile but he’s that bit older now so we hope he’ll get it ok. Milldown Magic ran a cracker when fourth at Salisbury (first two go for the National Stakes) and he’s improved again at home and looks a nice prospect. He could run in the maiden or wait for a bonus race but is one to keep an eye on.

Fast Ground Finds Out Blackdown At Bath (18/05/10)

Having made an extremely promising debut when runner-up at Salisbury, we hoped Blackdown Boy would go one better in a five runner maiden at Bath on Monday. However, having bounced out in the lead, he changed his legs from three out on the very firm ground and didn’t pick up as expected in the final furlong finishing third, beaten just over two lengths. It wasn’t a bad effort but he’ll have at least three weeks off before his next run and wait for a bit better ground. Patrick was also in action on Monday and he finished fourth on Mustajed at Wolverhampton. Unfortunately the old boy doesn’t quicken at the age of nine and they plugged on in the home straight. Both Pat and Mustajed make a quick reappearance at Newbury on Saturday.

Shy wasn’t disgraced when making her debut for the yard at Newbury on Friday, finishing seventh of sixteen runners and we learnt plenty about her. Her next aim will be a fillies h’cap over a mile and a half at Chepstow and she won’t be far away. Ocean Blaze got harried for the lead at Newmarket and probably went a bit hard in the early stages and her run is best forgotten. George Thisby was only beaten four lengths despite finishing eighth the following day at HQ but the handicapper’s being generous and dropped him to 70, making things much easier in the future.

Like most of our two-year-olds, Milldown Magic showed much improved form on his second start at Salisbury, finishing fourth in a hot looking maiden. He was still green in front and will improve again, he heads for a £10,000 Racing Post Bonus Maiden at Chepstow on the 25th. Unfortunately the saddle slipped on Mrs Boss and her run is best forgotten. Hi Shinko stepped up to a mile at Bath and stayed the trip, finishing sixth but not beaten far. He’s getting help from the handicapper and shouldn’t be far away next time.

It’s quite a quiet week for once, but hopefully another winner might pop up. We’re doubly represented at Salisbury with Pragmatist and Highland Cadett and both have each-way chances. Pragmatist is a half-sister to Shy and also makes her debut for the season in an eighteen runner field. We feel she’s well handicapped off 61 but like her sister, it will be a fact finding mission. Having progressed in his maidens, Highland Cadett makes his h’cap debut in a hot little event which features two last time out winners. He’ll improve for the step up in trip but is working nicely at home. The sunny weather should help Mattamia when he runs at Chepstow on Friday, he’s had a few problems this spring but it doesn’t look the hottest of races and provided he handles the undulations won’t be far away. On Saturday, Swift Chap heads to Goodwood and bids to improve on his second at Ffos Las while Lucy’s Perfect goes to Bath on Sunday and will be suited by dropping back to ten furlongs and is well handicapped at present.

Lenkiewicz Breaks Maiden Tag In Style At Warwick (12/05/10)

After finishing third in the Watership Down Sales race at Ascot, where she picked up £24,000, Lenkiewicz had been slightly disappointing on her two subsequent starts but did have excuses, racing too keenly on heavy ground at Salisbury before struggling to get involved in a competitive fillies h’cap at Kempton. However, she was the clear form pick in what looked a weak maiden at Warwick but the market didn’t agree as she drifted out to 9/1 by race time. Nicely placed by Tadhg O’Shea, as James couldn’t do 8st6, she tracked the early pace before quickening clear in the home straight to win by two and a half lengths. This should have done her the world of good and can have a strong season in fillies’ h’caps. We nearly doubled up as Macroy finished runner-up in the three-year-old sprint. Having failed to handle the undulations at Chepstow, he showed that form was all wrong, staying on nicely to finish a length behind the winner. He’s not being quite a hundred per cent this spring and further progress should see him win races.

We’re not too busy this week but our runners should perform with credit. Hi Shinko goes to Bath this evening and tries a mile for the first time in a competitive h’cap. He’s high enough in the weights after three wins last season but wins in his turn and a prominent effort would be no surprise. We’re double handed at Salisbury on Thursday, Milldown Magic bids to build on a debut where he was extremely green, with the rail draw he could run well at a price. Who knows how Mrs Boss will perform but with a wide draw, James hopes he can challenge with daylight and hopefully she’ll produce her best. Ocean Blaze is slowly coming to the boil, finding the ground a bit too soft when third at Goodwood and shouldn’t be far away at Newmarket on Friday. James is off to Newbury as Shy makes her debut for the yard, still a maiden having finished runner-up five times for her old yard. She shows plenty of speed on the gallops, so we’re dropping her back to ten furlongs but it’s more of a fact finding mission, although it would be disappointing if we couldn’t get a win out of her this year. Our only entry at the weekend is at Newmarket on Saturday with George Thisby who needed his first outing at Windsor last month. He’s come on nicely and should run well, especially if there’s the odd shower about this weekend.

Two Year Olds Shaping Nicely (09/05/10)

Although we haven’t run too many two-year-olds, they have performed creditably and they appear to be a nice bunch. Obvious flag bearer at the minute is the tough filly Rosina Grey, who lost her maiden tag at Bath before improving again to finish third in a very competitive fillies event at Salisbury. She’s just come back from a week in the paddock and her next target is the National Stakes at Sandown, it’s aiming high but she might just nick some black type. Having been in the stalls a long time on his debut at Leicester, Royal Opera ran well to finish sixth and he duly improved stepping up to six furlongs when third in a very competitive maiden at Goodwood. He’s not the biggest but is a tough sort that will have a fun and busy season for the Links Partnership. The Zafeen colt, Basilica is a much larger sort and he was quite green in the preliminaries at Bath. After breaking well, he got a bit lost in the early stages before flying in the final furlong, overtaking eight rivals to finish fourth. His aim will be to win a £10,000 Bonus maiden before hopefully going on to bigger things. Milldown Magic made his debut at Goodwood and things didn’t go right, missing a beat at the start, making up the ground then got hampered by the winner from which there was no way back. He’s much better than he showed and races will come his way this year.

Although not a two-year-old, Blackdown Boy ran a cracking race on his debut, finishing runner-up to a 72 rated horse of Henry Candy’s and pulled five lengths clear of the rest. He’s been hard work but behaved impeccably at Salisbury and as long as he goes the right way, a maiden should be a formality in the coming weeks. Mustajed picked up his third second of the year trying two miles at Chepstow, showers did for Ocean Blaze at Goodwood but she still picked up good prize money for third. Masai Moon showed he was on the way back with a promising fifth in a competitive event at Southwell and having received a bit of help from the handicapper, should soon be back in the winner’s enclosure. Despite being 9lb higher than his last success, Swift Chap ran a cracking race to finish runner-up at Ffos Las while Phantom Whisper had no luck in running at Goodwood on the same day with Businessmoney Judi making a promising flat debut when sixth in a competitive maiden.

Double Success At Bath With Rosy And Sherman (28/04/10)

After a slightly slow start to the season, we’ve ended the month with a bang, three of our last five runners winning competitive races. We had a great day at Bath on Sunday as we doubled up with Rosina May and Sherman McCoy, are only runners on the day. Rosy was very green on her debut but was also badly knocked over after two furlongs and could never get involved. However, the race has worked out extremely well so we were hopeful of a good run on Sunday. Despite being difficult in the preliminaries, she jumped sharply from the gates and tracked the leaders before quickening through a gap entering the final furlong to win quite decisively, despite running green in the final furlong. She’s a tough little filly and could reappear in the Conditions race at Salisbury on Sunday, in which Mrs Boss was third last season. A frenetic early pace suited Sherman McCoy in the £13,000 Staying H’cap as he settled nicely in third, nearly eight lengths behind the leading pair. They gradually came back to the field and Sherman took the lead inside the final furlong to win by two lengths. You couldn’t ask for a gamer horse, he puts his all into every race and will have a month off before his next races, possibly a £35,000 H’cap at Hamilton.

Having missed some work due to a sore heel, we thought Shavansky would need his seasonal debut at Nottingham last night. However, having won his first two races for us last season he appears best fresh, as he sauntered through the pack to take the lead inside the final furlong and despite tiring in the dying strides, held on by a nose. He loves fast ground, which probably hindered some of the fancied runners but he has plenty of ability and a valuable h’cap could come his way this season. Our new purchase Irish Jugger settled nicely in the opening stages of the mile classified stakes but couldn’t quicken when it mattered on the very firm ground, not helped by losing his stick on shoe inside the final two furlongs and has returned home a bit sore. He still showed enough to suggest he can win races.

Windsor saw two of our useful sprinters in action and Phantom Whisper fared best finishing fifth. Having been very disappointing on his seasonal debut at Lingfield, he again raced lazily in the early stages but James kept at him and he stayed on very nicely in the final furlong to claim an unlucky in running fifth. He is extremely well handicapped off 76, having been 95 this time last year and hopefully this will have boosted his confidence and he can soon return to winning ways. George Thisby made his seasonal debut and having made the running, tired in the final furlong. He’ll come on for the run and should have a good season.

Black-Type For Mars At Leicester (24/04/10)

Light From Mars made a quick reappearance in the Leicestershire Stakes on Saturday and was made favourite in a weak Listed event. James tracked what he thought was the main danger, the 108 rated Alyarf, but was left in front when that rival stopped suddenly two out. Having looked likely to win entering the final furlong, he found little off the bridle and was overhauled by the first two. He’s had three races in three weeks now and will have a short break but has achieved his target of black-type for his owner-breeder. There was mayhem in the stalls for the two-year-old maiden, but our colt Royal Opera, was extremely well behaved on his racecourse debut, despite being in the stalls for nearly ten minutes. He was slightly green in the early stages but kept on nicely for a promising sixth. He’ll be better over six furlongs and should be a fun horse for the Links Partnership. Hi Shinko had a successful season last year, winning three times but is probably a bit high in the h’cap but was still disappointing when well beaten on his seasonal reappearance. Tom felt the ground was plenty quick enough but he’s a quirky character and he’ll bounce back. A similar comment applies to Swift Chap who reappeared in a hot h’cap at Sandown and having travelled nicely, was left behind in the final two furlongs. He’s 10lb higher than his last win but is a tough sort and will be back in the winner’s enclosure when getting a bit of help from the handicapper.

Mustajed plugged on for another place at Southwell on Thursday. He seems to have lost a bit of speed and could step up to two miles next week and is very well handicapped off 60 on the grass. Mrs Boss also claimed third in a claimer at Kempton, running her usual race and doesn’t seem to like being crowded but has the ability to win again. Ocean Blaze is a little high off 81 at present but ran well in a competitive sprint at Epsom, finishing fifth beaten just two lengths. She’ll win again dropped slightly in grade. Easy Terms progressed from her Ffos Las fourth to finish third at Windsor. She’s still a bit on the weak side and she’ll have a few weeks to strengthen up before her next run. Princess Seren ran better than her final finishing position of eleventh suggests as Tom was very easy on her in the closing stages. She’s come back sound and should win races when sent handicapping.

Game Sherman Battles To Brave Victory At Kempton (11/04/10)

After a slightly frustrating week, it was a relief when Sherman McCoy got us off the mark for the new season when gamely making all at Kempton on Wednesday evening. Having progressed throughout last year, with victories at Goodwood and Newmarket, we have high hopes of further progress again this season but we fully expected him to come on for his seasonal reappearance. Having looked likely to get swallowed up entering the final two furlongs, Sherman battled on bravely to hold on by a head. His next aim is at Goodwood early in May and he’s one to look forward to this year.

With Warwick abandoned, we started the week at Ffos Las, a fair trek for most stables but still only three hours for us. With small fields likely during the summer, it could become a profitable track for the stable. Rosina May was out first two-year-old representative of the season and made a promising debut, finishing seventh. Having broken smartly from the stalls, she got bumped around a fair bit, losing position and momentum before staying on nicely in the final furlong. She should come on plenty for the experience and has shown enough to suggest a strong performance next time out. Easy Terms found six furlongs on the short side but also shaped with promise, more importantly she returned home sound and should be out again in a couple of weeks. Mrs Boss ran her usual race, losing ground when she was crowded at the start before staying on the one pace to finish fourth, although she did pick up some prize money.

We have high hopes for Mattamia this season but he was slightly disappointing on his return at Nottingham, where he found little once asked to quicken. However the ground was very soft and hopefully he will be seen to much better effect on a sounder surface and maybe stepped up to six furlongs. Lenkiewicz got bashed around on her return at Kempton before getting tired in the final furlong to suggest she might benefit from dropping back to seven furlongs. The bumper at Aintree proved to be a rough race and Businessmoney Judi was badly hampered rounding the home bend. She was probably beaten anyway but James basically pulled her up, just in case she had sustained an injury but thankfully returned home sound. The form of her Sandown race hadn’t really worked out with most disappointing, suggesting that the mares had had a hard race on tiring ground that day. Masai Moon didn’t travel with his usual fluency on his seasonal return and didn’t really get involved. He seems to have lost his confidence slightly so we’re going to step him up to a mile and let him get an easy lead next time.

It’s a bit quieter this week, with Kempton likely to see our only runners during the week on Wednesday evening. Mustajed has been in good form and is still handicapped to win despite being nine years old. Cadeaux Fax had a great first season at the yard, winning twice with his mark rising from 21 to 64, similar improvement would see him rated 107 this time next year! His work this spring has being good and he should have another successful year but as we’ve seen before, you need plenty of luck at Kempton.

Light From Mars Extremely Unlucky In 50k H’cap At Kempton (04/04/10)

The fifty thousand pound h’cap at Kempton proved to be an extremely dramatic event and everything went wrong for our useful grey gelding Light From Mars. As all the runners were installed, Mark Johnston’s Thebes burst through his gate, with the ‘bang’ also causing Capricorn Run, drawn next to us, to burst through his as well, coming down and getting stuck in the stalls. During this ‘melee’ Light From Mars had also banged his head trying to anticipate the start. The runners had to be unloaded and reloaded again, the commotion not helping Light From Mars’ mental well-being behind the stalls. When the race finally began, he hesitated from the gates and was broadsided by The Scorching Wind causing him to lose four lengths from the main pack. James sensibly took him across to the rail to, trying to save as much ground as possible. However, with Thebes a potential front runner, there was no pace, leading the runners to ‘stack up’ going into bend causing countless hard luck stories. Light From Mars had a wall of horses and very little space in the home-straight before flying in the final furlong, ending up fifth, beaten just under a length and was in front just ten yards after the line. Unfortunately this was a typical AW h’cap but it shows he has improved again and should have a good season. The aim is to step up to Pattern company, although he must have a fast surface before heading to Meydan in 2011, with the Godolphin Mile a long term aim.

Season Finally Steps Up A Gear (04/04/10)
With the Easter weekend upon us, we finally start to have a few more runners, although the atrocious weather means the ground could be too soft for a few of them. We hope to be at Warwick on Monday with Lucy’s Perfect, but there is an 8am inspection as it is currently waterlogged. We don’t know if she will go on the ground but has improved over the winter and should have a good season, especially in fillies h’caps.

It’s off to the new Welsh track at Ffos Las on Tuesday and we will be represented by our first two-year-old in Rosina Grey. She does everything right at home and should make a two-year-old, her dam having won all three of her starts at two but will come on for the experience. With the new track having an extremely good drainage system, the ground shouldn’t be too bad as she wouldn’t want the it too heavy, however, everybody else knows that and it’s a hot little race with three of the opposition already runner-up on their only starts to date, experience being a big advantage. Easy Terms goes for the older horse maiden and should run a nice race. Although six is on the sharp side, it looks a weak event and she shows enough to be able to pick up some prize money. Our homebred Mrs Boss should be suited by returning to turf, although she did lose her maiden tag in style at Lingfield in February. It’s another competitive event but a relatively small field and we hope she can pick up some prize money.

On Wednesday it’s a double header with Nottingham and Kempton in the evening. Having won the three-year-old h’cap at the corresponding meeting last year, Mattamia steps up into conditions company on his first start in 2010. He went up 23lb last season but has strengthened up nicely in the winter and we hope he’ll make up into a Group race sprinter. He does prefer faster ground but it will be nice to start him off in a small field and will put him spot on for next time. At Kempton, Lenkiewicz reappears in a competitive looking fillies h’cap over a mile. She picked up over £24,000 when third in a Sales race and we’d ideally like to start her off in a maiden but there is nothing suitable but this should also put her spot on for next time. A similar comment applies to Sherman McCoy who starts on the AW as there are no suitable grass races. He wasn’t out of the prize money once last season and should continue to progress through the staying ranks this year.

We’ve entered Businessmoney Judi in the Aintree Mares Bumper on Friday and the ground will decide if she goes there or Cheltenham the following week. She has come on again for her fourth in the DBS final at Sandown and is a lovely filly to look forward to.

With the Lincoln meeting marking the start of the Turf season, we finally start to get busy with plenty of runners in the coming days. On Wednesday, our smart sprinting mare Ocean Blaze returns to the track at Kempton. A second on her final start last there season shows she handles the course and distance and has been going well at home recently. However, she is against some winter regulars and isn’t best drawn in stall three but should still be thereabouts. At the same meeting we’re also represented by Flute Magic who makes his debut for the yard off a rock bottom mark of 50. He works much better than that at home but does have a few ‘issues’ which wouldn’t make him the most reliable. The biggest concern, however, is being stuck wide in stall two which makes life extremely hard over seven furlongs. He’s in again the following day over a mile and has a better berth in stall nine so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.

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The forecast doesn’t look good for a sound surface at Doncaster this weekend. Light From Mars has been aimed for the Lincoln all winter and is in great shape but isn’t particularly effective on soft ground and unless the weather clears, we might be forced to miss it. Luckily, there is a £50,000 h’cap on the AW at Kempton the following week which could be a possible before stepping up into Group Company. Mattamia is entered on Sunday but he too wouldn’t want the ground too soft, especially trying six furlongs in a big field so might have to wait for a Conditions race at Nottingham. He has strengthened up nicely over the winter and we’re hoping he can also make the step up into Group Company. We will be represented by Mustajed in the amateur race on Sunday, he has been on good form on the polytrack, finishing runner-up on his last two starts. Having shaped promisingly on her debut at Goodwood in May, Easy Terms returned with a slight leg injury and missed the rest of the year. She goes nicely and we were second at 66/1 with George Thisby in the same event last year and she should run ok.

Our gallant veteran Whitbarrow was slightly disappointing when only fourth in the claimer at Southwell last week but he has had a good winter, finishing in the first four in nine of his ten starts, including landing his thirteenth career success in December. He’s on a long summer break and might return next winter, but he’ll tell us if he wants to go again.

Judi Runs A Cracker To Claim Fourth In Mares Final (14/3/10)

Having hated the very soft ground, combined with a poor preparation due to the snow, Businessmoney Judi had excuses for a slightly disappointing effort at Taunton in January but showed a much higher level of form when staying on for fourth in the DBS Mares Listed Final at Sandown on Saturday. She settled nicely at the back of the field off a strong pace and was making ground before being stopped in her run going round the home bend. She then got outpaced by the leading trio but stayed on well in the final furlong to be beaten just over three lengths by some high class mares but still picked up £1,300, nearly as much for winning an ordinary bumper. We might aim high and go for the Aintree Mares Bumper on the Friday of the John Smiths Grand National Meeting. With the ground normally quite quick, we’re hoping she’ll be able to travel through the pack a bit easier and get even closer but she won’t be far away.

We’re quiet during Cheltenham week, with Whitbarrow only running on the Thursday at Southwell. He’s had a short break since disappointing six weeks ago but seems in great form and shouldn’t be far away. However, we’re very busy the following week, with Macroy, Ocean Blaze and Flute Magic all set to run on the AW before Doncaster, with Light From Mars still on target for the Lincoln, in which he is currently a 33/1 chance.

Two Seconds At Lingfield For Mustajed (10/03/10)

Mustajed has returned to form with a vengeance in the last couple of weeks, twice finishing runner-up in competitive thirteen furlong Lingfield h’caps. On the first occasion he was unlucky to meet the improving Spruce, who then followed up at Southwell five days later and has been mentioned for Listed races. He was then badly hampered entering the final bend on Wednesday, with James having to snatch up and it took him a while to get going before flying in the final furlong. He’s currently well handicapped off 67 (61 on grass) and heads to Doncaster for an amateur race over 1m2f on 28th March under Patrick.

On his third run, Highland Cadett wasn’t disgraced at 100/1, finishing fifth of seven over a mile. The stop-start pace didn’t see him to best effect but he should make his mark in low grade staying handicaps this summer.

Much Better From Highland (23/02/10)

Having failed to go in the stalls on his intended debut at Kempton in December, Highland Cadett was again slightly difficult in the prelims before running green at Lingfield ten days ago. However, he didn’t put a foot wrong at the same track today, going straight in the stalls and he also broke much smarter. He travelled nicely through the race but was left a little outpaced when the tempo quickened two furlongs from home and then stayed on steadily up the home straight. He gave away plenty of weight to his rivals and will be seen to better effect over further in low grade h’caps and certainly has a future.

Mrs Boss was slightly disappointing at Wolverhampton yesterday. She likes a bit of daylight but found herself forced very wide in the home straight to take a one-paced fourth. We’ll put her out in the field for a few weeks and bring her back for the grass, but she achieved the main aim of losing her maiden tag.

James had a frustrating Sunday, as he was well on the way to Southwell with Mustajed before it was abandoned due to heavy snow. It looked a winnable race which makes it even more frustrating but he’s all set to go to Lingfield on Saturday. Sadly it is more competitive, although he’s well handicapped at present and will have the blinkers back on. Highland Cadett is also entered and might make a quick reappearance.

Mrs Boss Loses Maiden Tag In Style (07/02/10)

Mrs Boss wins Having been delayed by the Big Freeze, Mrs Boss needed her first two starts this year but returned to form in devastating fashion, winning her maiden at Lingfield by three and a quarter lengths. Settled in behind her three other rivals, who went plenty quick enough, James pulled her out in the home straight and she easily swept by them. She had shown useful form as a juvenile and hopefully this will give her the confidence to go on to bigger and better things. She was also the first horse we’ve ever bred and that makes the success even more satisfying for the yard.

Having negotiated a poor draw to gain a good position entering the first bend, Patrick had a lapse of concentration down the back straight on Mustajed and ended up getting forced five wide. He was then badly hampered running into the home bend and the race was effectively over. Hopefully he’ll drop a few pounds in the h’cap and can return to form in the coming weeks. Having been extremely busy since June, Red Suede Shoes is having a well earned rest after running a bit flat at Lingfield on Wednesday. He has given his new owners, the Essex Racing Club some fun and should have a successful summer when he returns.

It looks like being a quiet week, with only Highland Cadett a possible runner at Lingfield on Saturday. He failed to go in the stalls on his intended debut at Kempton and the main aim will be to get him round the track successfully. Being a half-brother to Highland Homestead, he can only improve with time and a trip.

Pat Goes For Repeat Glory On Mustajed At Lingfield (02/02/10)

We’re a bit busier this week with four runners and lots to look forward to. Whitbarrow ran at Southwell today but was a bit flat after a busy spell this winter and is going to have a welcome break and won’t be running for six weeks, he is eleven years old!

Red Suede Shoes is another that has been very busy, performing extremely consistently on the AW before disappointing at Kempton last time. He didn’t have a great preparation but James felt he could have gone over the top, we’ll find out more tomorrow but it looks a competitive race for the time of year.

Mustajed gave Pat his second winner when winning the amateur race last year and returns off a 3lb higher. He probably needed his first two runs this winter at the age of nine but seems to have come to himself in the last fortnight and we’re hoping for a big run.

After missing plenty of work during the big freeze, Mrs Boss also needed her two runs a fortnight ago, but wasn’t disgraced finishing third and fourth. She’s in two maidens at the weekend, Lingfield on Saturday and Southwell Sunday. Hopefully we pick the right one but she has strong chances in either.

Mrs Boss Third Again (24/01/10)

It was a bit of a frustrating week as the four runners performed slightly below expectations. The snow had seriously hampered Mrs Boss preparation for her winter campaign (it’s much easier to keep, rather than improve a horses fitness during such a cold spell) and she has needed her two starts this week, finishing fourth in a h’cap at Wolverhampton and third in a maiden at Lingfield. She’ll be back out in two weeks and will hopefully get that elusive first win. Businessmoney Judi ran in the bumper at Taunton on Thursday but probably found the ground to deep, especially against older mares but still finished sixth out of fourteen runners. We’ll wait for some better ground but she’s still a nice prospect for the future.

No runners this week but lots to look forward to in February, Whitbarrow returns to Southwell in a bid to win as an eleven year-old, Mustajed bids to win the amateur race at Lingfield under Patrick for the second year in a row and the two-year-olds begin to go a bit faster in their work at home, as we see if any superstars luck among them.

Two Seconds In 48hrs For Whitbarrow (14/01/10)

Whitbarrow is keeping the show on the road for the yard at the minute and had two more seconds at Southwell this week, earning another £1500 in prize money in the process. At the age of eleven, he is proving to be extremely consistent and has only been out of the first four once since returning from his summer break. He’s got a few weeks off before going back to Southwell in February.

First Runner Of 2010 Sees Whits Run A Brave Third (05/01/10)

With the frost causing the abandonment of all jump racing, the C4 cameras were at Southwell on Saturday and Whitbarrow ran his usual game race when finishing third, beaten just over a length. With the surface harrowed extremely deep to beat the freeze, it was extremely hard work and they went quite hard early, with Whitbarrow the only front-runner to feature in the finish. Although he’s now eleven, he’s very consistent on the fibresand and will be back there on the 12th over seven furlongs.

The end of year newsletter is now online and is a nice round-up of what has been a very successful year for the yard.

New Season Begins In Earnest (23/03/10)

With the Lincoln meeting marking the start of the Turf season, we finally start to get busy with plenty of runners in the coming days. On Wednesday, our smart sprinting mare Ocean Blaze returns to the track at Kempton. A second on her final start last there season shows she handles the course and distance and has been going well at home recently. However, she is against some winter regulars and isn’t best drawn in stall three but should still be thereabouts. At the same meeting we’re also represented by Flute Magic who makes his debut for the yard off a rock bottom mark of 50. He works much better than that at home but does have a few ‘issues’ which wouldn’t make him the most reliable. The biggest concern, however, is been stuck wide in stall two which makes life extremely hard over seven furlongs. He’s in again the following day over a mile and has a better berth in stall nine so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.

The forecast doesn’t look good for a sound surface at Doncaster this weekend. Light From Mars has been aimed for the Lincoln all winter and is in great shape but isn’t particularly effective on soft ground and unless the weather clears, we might be forced to miss it. Luckily, there is a £50,000 h’cap on the AW at Kempton the following week which could be a possible before stepping up into Group Company. Mattamia is entered on Sunday but he too wouldn’t want the ground too soft, especially trying six furlongs in a big field so might have to wait for a Conditions race at Nottingham. He has strengthened up nicely over the winter and we’re hoping he can also make the step up into Group Company. We will be represented by Mustajed in the amateur race on Sunday, he has been on good form on the polytrack, finishing runner-up on his last two starts. Having shaped promisingly on her debut at Goodwood in May, Easy Terms returned with a slight leg injury and missed the rest of the year. She goes nicely and we were second at 66/1 with George Thisby in the same event last year and she should run ok.