Wednesday 10 June

Apologies to all who read this page on a daily basis - but due to recent changes in the set up of the news page, and my undoubted incompetence, I managed to put yesterdays news item in last years section which may have meant that you were unaware that Daurica was running at Southwell last night. For some it may have been a blessing in disguise, as I did say that it looked like she had a bit to do off of her rating of 103. Well - it shows what I know!! As she absolutely bolted up by 18 lengths on her handicap debut!! Stuart did say that she had improved, but no one realised it was by over a stone!! Well ridden by Tom O'Brien (why did he win so far)! She fairly skated away from a competitive field around the top bend and just did not stop. Her jumping was electric, she is so quick over her hurdles, and it was nice to win the race for the second time (Cyd Charisse was the winner 12 months ago). Well done to everyone at Fences Farm. A shame that Mrs Robeson cannot be identified correctly by members of the press yet again. I rang the Racing Post after Ogees win at Aintree, and pointed out that her name was Renee Robeson, and not Pauline as they keep writing, and the News Editor assured me he would send a memo to all contributors and point out her correct name. A bit disappointing then to see that 'Pam' Robeson was the winning owner,trainer and breeder last night!! Another confirmation of the good form shown by Kikos in his last run, as the horse in fifth that night, Saafend Rocket, was the winner of the opener at Southwell last night off of the same mark. It just goes to show that with the winner and the fifth winning it was strong form, and Kikos lost nothing in defeat from a 10lb higher mark than he was succesful off of. Stuart gave him a piece of work yesterday and he went very well - we think that the drop to 2 miles with usual forcing tactics should be right up his street at Uttoxeter in 3 weeks time and we are all looking forward to running him!