Tuesday 5 February

A good day yesterday, summed up by the word gutsy! Genny Wren was all guts in her run in the 3 mile handicap hurdle. GW is not the fastest thing on 4 legs and has had her share of problems, but showed real bravery and determination to finish second. She was outpaced from half way, and Sam had to be very determined on her (it was a brilliant ride) to get her rolling up the home straight. She popped in a shorty at the last which checked her momentum, but in reality I don't think it would have changed the outcome. Gutsy summed up our decision to turn Tannermans tactics on their head and walk him in a detached last at the start. I felt that he needed to be held up to help him get the trip, but that was never going to be easy in a 23 runner field! Sam did it perfectly (another top class ride). Jumping off mid division was never an option as it would light Ted up good and proper, so he had to be stone last, and after the second flight Ted dropped the bridle and hacked along in rear before making his move turning in. He jumped really well and scythed through the pack, but could not quite get to the front 2, going down by 4 lengths in the end. We were all thrilled with the run, and now that we have the key to the big man, and he is getting more and more confident a win is surley just around the corner! Shares still available at £20/week!! Both horses seem to be fine this morning. A real shame that the BHA had the foresight to reschedule a Champion Hurdle trial at Doncaster after the contenders hurlde was lost at Sandown on Saturday, only to have it marred by the fatal fall of Darlan at the last. A terrible thing to see happen and our commiserations go out to the Henderson team who have an empty stable this morning, and some very big boots to fill.Condolences also to the Carroll and Easterby teams who were left with empty boxes as well last night. Before we went I got to see both Smart Exit and Benefit Cut school in the morning. SE was electric and seems in great form ahead of his run on Thursday. He has been put up a further 5lbs (to 110) by the handicapper, after the horse he beat last time went and won again last Friday, but because the weights for this weeks race were published Monday he will run off his old mark, and is in effect 5lbs well in! Benefit Cut seems back to his old self and schooled well - he will be out on the better ground in the next few weeks (if it ever stops raining)! Colebrooke is in good heart and will be out again in the middle of the month. San Telm is on a weeks easy work, and will be scoped again on Friday to see if he can work on Saturday. If all is well he will be entered at a couple of meetings on Saturday 16th February!