Tuesday 20 December

Colebrooke did his owners proud yesterday, when he finished 3rd beaten 10 1/2 lengths at Bangor. We declared on Good To Soft, having disappointed on nearly heavy ground the time before, but the constant rain all day turned the ground heavy and to carry a 7lb penalty as a 3yr old in that ground was a big ask! The defection of overnight favourite Gotany O's left Colebrooke at the head of the market, but a lot of that was because of his inflated rating of 127, which is just way too high - and with his penalty, as every drop of rain fell his chances decreased. He was given a very good ride by Sam, jumping out and trying to find the best of the poached up turf he led them all the way to 2 furlongs out when the extra burden took its toll. He has eaten up and is sound (and full of beans) this morning and the next option is probably another juvenile, and try and claim off of him to offset the penalty. He will be out again in early to mid January.Back at home - Smart Exit has a foot abcess, which has been dealt with, but he has had a couple of days off games and it will be a bit touch and go if he makes Leicester on the 28th, but there are options for him going forward. I have sold more shares in Montegonian (more tomorrow) and he looks the real deal. He did a sparkling piece of work with Colebrooke on Saturday, and this, allied with his natural jumping he could be very decent, he is a very exciting prospect.San Telm is in great form and his first target will be back at Fakenham on New Years Day, but there are plenty of options for him going forward as well if Fakenham is hit by the weather. Omaruru is in great from - looks fantastic - and will hopefully be cantering in the very near future. It's the turn of the girls now as Silver Wren goes to Ludlow tomorrow and Justazippy goes to Hereford on Thursday. SW seems in great form and gives the impression she has improved again after her Warwick run, and if she deals with the softer ground she will go well. Justazippy, a winner last time out, will be tried on soft, which everyone thinks will suit. Good luck to all connections!