Monday 3 November

Yesterday we headed to Huntingdon hoping to see a more polished performance from Cloonacool. Up against, stable jockey, Wayne Hutchinson describes as one of the best horses in Alan Kings yard, Cloonacool was always unlikely to be troubling the judge, but we needed to see a more orthodox way of running, and proof that he learnt from his run in Stratford. Realistically a placed effort under a penalty was all that could be hoped for in terms of finishing place, and we managed to tick both boxes. Cloonacool travelled and jumped (despite a blip at the last) supremely well, and looked a real threat at the end of the back straight, but on the shred bends that were cut up, he lost a bit of ground and Brendan was very mindful of him up the home straight. It was a very creditable run, with lots of positives coming from Brendan after the race - he is already looking forward to getting him over fences! We will see what sort of mark he gets over hurdles and go from there. A drop back to 2 miles isn't out of the question, and we will plot and plan his next race when we see where we are with his handicap mark. Maypole Lass is on her way to Plumpton, and we are praying that they miss the forecast heavy showers this morning. Their ground has gone Soft, Good to soft in places, and it wouldn't want to get to much deeper. ML has the best hurdles form in the race, but Stuart will have to assess the ground when they get there. With just 2 horses finishing outside the first 3 (one fell, and one was fifth in Cheltenham) they do have them all in fantastic form, and it is shaping into a very good season - even at this early stage. I have just 1 remaining share in Cloonacool, so if you would like to fill the Partnership up, then please have a look at him on the For Sale page, and give me a call on 07909 518902, (or email info@nickbrownracing.co.k) he is a very nice horse, with some very nice form, and will be a super chaser when he makes the switch!