Tuesday 4 March

After a good meeting with his owners last night, it has been decided not to confirm Benefit Cut for the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday. He was given a thorough check by Brett The Vet yesterday, and although he was deemed in good enough order to run, there are still slight concerns about his cut, and everyone feels that he would benefit from a few more days easy work, and a bit of sunshine on his back before he is cranked up to his peak again. The plan now is to run him in Ascot at the end of the month, before taking a trip to the Punchestown Festival.

The handicap ratings were published this morning for last weeks runners. Saturdays winner Dawn Commander was raised 6lbs to 135. A pound less than anticipated, and a new mark that would allow us into a couple of races I had ruled out - but we feel that it would not be fair to ask him to lump top weight, and we will continue with the original plan and go to Aintree to run for a big pot while he is obviously in the best form of his life!! His Chase mark has also gone up 2lbs to 129 as they do these days. Maypole Lass was dropped 2lbs to 105, and I am sure that she will be seen in a much better light next time when she will get to run in her grade, and over a trip.

Colebrooke and San Telm have entries later this week, and we will look at the weather forecast, and suss out the opposition before we decide what the running plans will be.

Smart Exit is in good order, and recovered form hi Towcester 'ordeal' well. I am just starting to look for races for him. Native Princess is back being ridden, and should be cantering again at the start of the week after next. I