Tuesday 13 May

Mixed emotions in Towcester last night. Maypole Lass ran an absolute cracker and everybody was thrilled - but unfortunately she was a close up second, so everyone was frustrated! In fairness thrilled should be the overriding emotion as her participation was in doubt on Saturday morning as she had what looked like a niggling little problem. Thankfully, after a great deal of hard work by everyone at the yard, and a thorough assessment by the vet on Monday morning she was given the green light to run. Josh took the ride, and gave her another peach. Riding her from the front away from trouble she jumped superbly and stretched the field down the back straight. Turning up the hill she had them all beat bar one, and that one was the A P McCoy ridden favourite, who proved to be just too strong in the dying stages up the stiff hill. ML is only 4 and taking on her elders she ran really well. She will be much stronger after a summer break, and will now head off on her holidays and be back for an Autumn campaign, during which she will have a wind op. She is fine this morning. This weeks handicap amendments are: San Telm +6 to 126, and Mr Maynard -5 to 97. MM will be worth following off of that mark.