A busy day as we head to both Kelso and Uttoxeter with a total of 5 runners.
First up in the 1.15 Uttoxeter, a Maiden Hurdle, is Norn Iron who has been with me for a long time but hasn’t raced for me yet. He ran two encouraging races for Oliver to start his career and I really hope he runs well for his exceedingly patient owners Paul and Linda Kelly. He’s a nice horse. I feel like after being this long off the track it’s a little bit like starting again. The things I want to see from him today are a nice round of jumping, for him to settle and come home well. I’m sure if he was at his absolute fittest then he could be very capable of running well in this race. He is fit enough to do himself justice but obviously he will massively improve for this run having been off the track for so long.
A similar story with Sonification in the 1.50. His bumper run was good and his one run in a novice hurdle reads well but he has had over 700 days off the track. Very much a case of just getting him back started. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was a little bit fresh early on in this race but as long as he settles, jumps well and gives us some encouragement for the future then I’ll be thrilled to get back on the track.
Up at Kelso our first runner is Shared in the Handicap Hurdle at 2.05. Shared is having his sights lowered after struggling in the spring last season. He seems in good form at home, I think this is a nice starting point for him and we’re hoping that he shows some more encouragement after some races below his best. Hopefully he can run a nice race. Two and a half miles on a left handed track on good ground will suit very well.
Next up is Kansas City Star in the 3.50 Handicap Chase. He is a difficult horse to predict. He’s had four races for me; two first places and two last places. Not the easiest to predict but he is very capable on his day. I’ve trained him for this race since he came in on the first of July and I couldn’t possibly have him in better condition. It is very much down to how he feels on the day I think but he’s very capable of running a big race off a light weight.
O’Grady’s Hill runs in the 4.25, Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle. She has run three really good races for me in defeat. This is her first step into handicaps and I’m optimistic that she can be competitive. The dryer the ground the better for her. I think she stays well and I’m sure she’ll give a good account of herself