Sunday 8 January

Cloonacool ran a good race to be fourth in a very competitive handicap hurdle in Sandown yesterday. Blinkers were fitted for the first time, as we were slightly disappointed with his finishing effort in Kempton over Christmas. This race was not in the original plan, but it was taken in to test both the application of headgear, and his lower hurdles handicap mark. It didn't quite work out, but we learned a bit, and Paddy who was delighted with him, and said he retained all of his old ability, suggested a return to hurdles would be the thing to do - which in fairness, was the plan after yesterday. Cloonacool is rated 140 over hurdles, and that would allow him to run in some really top handicaps in the spring, but most of those are left handed, so the suggestion is that we try him left handed next time, although a trip to Scotland could also be on the cards! Stuart and I will discuss over the course of the couple of weeks. Cloonacool has come out of the race fine, and we can now plan a course with him (over fences) for the rest of the season! At Fences Farm yesterday morning, we saw a fine piece of work from the exciting Maria's Benefit. She looks like a really bright prospect. Land League worked with her, and the pair put distance between themselves and some solid workhorses in behind. There are a few shares left in Land League, who is very much on course to run very soon - and will have his first entry in Market Rasen on the 18th. Chandos Belle breezed off the top and looked in fine fettle, her possible races are on the 24th,25th and 26th of January. Second Lot, Sneaking Budge did two good canters with Stuart on board - hopefully he will be able to quicken up very soon. Ben was in yesterday to see SB, and I showed him what Stuart and the team are dealing with - a swelling that is slow to move. I got him to run his hands down SB's legs before he went out, and he could plainly feel why we are having to be very cautious with him. Thankfully the vet his pleased with the progress, but we have to be guided by him as to the timing of his step up in training. Molly Childers moved great, and is very much on course for her next run in the middle of February. Apasionado cantered and is on course for Kempton in late February. One of the highlights of the morning was to see the three three year olds go a shade quicker as a bunch. Paul Wells has now named his Kalanisi gelding - and he is called Kingsley - it suits him very much! Him, Top Gary, and 'Frankie' the Flemensfirth 3 yr old filly really looked the part yesterday - with the filly looking like she is really coming together and is showing good improvement. As I say - all three went really well!