Monday 26 April
It was a beautiful morning at Fences Farm on Saturday, some real strength in the sun. And the sight of blossom in the hedgerows really making for an enjoyable walk to the top of the gallop for first lot. Three 3 yr olds were first past, all fillies, and all completing the second phase of their education. All three went well, with the Silver Patriach sister to Rock Wren and Troglodyte catching the eye. College Ace then did a reslly nice piece of work with Daurica. Both of these scoped slightly dirty before their last intended run at Cheltenham, and after a few days on the easy and a course of medication they both seem in great form. It was nice to see Peter and Karen Barber over for second lot to see their boy Mattaking, and I am sure that they were very pleased with what they saw. Mat seems in great order, and worked very well with E Major. He will need just a few more pieces of work to put him spot on, and on what we saw on Saturday he should be up to winning again. Also out second lot were Ogee and Important Business who worked together. IB really looking the part and making Ogee go a bit. IB has always worked like a very good horse, and I believe he can be very good over fences, as I think the slightly slower pace and smaller fields will suit him far better than the hurly burly of 20 odd runner competitive handicap hurdles. Lots to look forward to!Ogee will be entered for a big handicap chase at Uttoxeter this weekend. Kikos went for a casual walk around the farm and then spent a couple of hours in the field with Jardin De Vienne, both seem fine after their runs last week. Memories of one of our old stars came flooding back on Saturday, as Church Island won 'The Whitbread' at Sandown. As his jockey said on the way back to unsaddle 'he was some novice a few years ago..' of which there is no doubt - but he was no match for our star Olney Lad who had him pulled up behind at Punchestown 4 years ago!! It shows how good Olney Lad was and what a shame it was to lose him at such an early stage of his chasing career!
