Thursday 28 February

Smart Exit got stuck in the Lingfield mud yesterday - not surprising - it was very gluey! He travelled well for a long way before the effort of getting his feet out of the treacle took its toll and he tired turning in. Tom is convinced he will be better on a sounder surface, and will win another handicap hurdle. We will try the theory out next month before SE heads off on a summer break. Tom also said he is crying out for a fence, so he should make into a lovely staying chaser next season. He is fine this morning. Grassfinch in Ludlow today. Small field a real plus - a great conditional in Brendan Powell booked - she is in fine form and should run well. Homework this week and next, will be planning an assault on a valuable handicap with San Telm. With Yesyoucan who he has beaten twice (by 3/4 length off level weights and nearly 40 last time) now rated 144 he looks to be on a handy mark, and we need to capitalise! I am dusting off the French dictionary!! News on our annual owners cricket match tomorrow - a date is in the programme book!! Hope you can all make it!!