IT WAS lovely to get off the mark on the flat for 2025 with Ocean Heights winning at Doncaster. This was actually our eight year old’s first win on the turf on the flat, his other career wins being on the all-weather and a bumper at the start of his career.
The handicapper had given him some help in recent starts and it was great to be able to capitalise on this. Young apprentice jockey Jack Dace gave him a lovely ride and he quickened up well against the rail two furlongs from home. He has an entry at Haydock on Friday over a slightly short trip, which will not be a problem, and he does not get a penalty from his win so it looks a good opportunity for him to run again quickly. Jack Dace will ride again and can claim seven pounds this time instead of the five he did the other day.
Old Bridge made an encouraging stable debut to be second at Bangor over hurdles. He led before slightly losing his position after three out but then staying on strongly for Jack Tudor’s urging from approaching the last. He has room for improvement with his jumping which we can work on and he will appreciate stepping up in distance at some point and is capable of winning a similar contest next time.
Our first runners this week come at Southwell on Tuesday. It will be a girl’s day out with Nini Star and Micronormous our representatives and Jack Tudor will be on board both. Nini Star took a big step forward from her hurdling debut at Worcester last time and if she can progress again she should run well in the mares maiden hurdle.
Micronormous returns to hurdling over three miles having run well to be second at Exeter last time over the larger obstacles. She has had a wind operation since then and can run from a slightly lower handicap mark in this. She is in good form at home.
On Friday, we have entries at three different meetings, two meetings on the flat at Haydock and Goodwood and a few at Worcester over jumps. Bashful Boy is likely to run in the staying handicap at Goodwood and Josephine Gordon is booked to ride. He ran well in the Chester Cup last time, staying on strongly from an impossible position and he should improve for that first run back since a winter break.
This looks competitive again but does represent a slight drop in grade. Our jockey rode him well in the Cesarewitch in October and the handicapper has given him some help so I hope he has a good each way chance.
At Worcester Jaipaletemps, Chemical Warfare and Micronormous are our entries before a quiet weekend. Keep checking the Daily News on the website for all the latest news on the stables runners.
I am heading to Doncaster Sales, having been through the catalogue with a fine tooth comb; we will be looking to purchase a horse or two! There are horses to suit all budgets and do all jobs, flat and jump, so if you would like to know more information or get involved please do get in touch with the office on 01884 840715 or email [email protected]