Tuesday 14 February

I do not love coming second! It is the worst possible finishing position in a way - so near and yet so far away. Chandos Belle was second yesterday - to add too an ever increasing tally of seconds for the yard. Saying that second is better than third I suppose! CB ran a fine race, she travelled like the best filly in the race by far, and was sinply beaten by a stronger, more stoutly bred mare. She has come out of the race fine, and we will look to go again with her in around 3-4 weeks. She will have a few days easy now to recover, and should be spot on for her next run! We will see if the handicapper gives her a mark, and if he does, what sort of mark it is, and then a plan can be hatched. Talking of seconds - it very much looks as though Land League could fill that spot tomorrow when he takes on a projected 1/12 shot in Solighoster in Towcesters 3.40. Solighoster from the Neil Mulholland yard is a decent sort, we know he is - he beat our own Pull Together by just under a length when they made their debuts in an Irish Point to Point last year, but apart from him the rest of the field look moderate at best, and hopefully LL can pick up some prizemoney tomorrow. It very much looks as if Molly Childers will head to Fakenham on Friday. Speaking to Ciaran yesterday, he felt that she has all the attributes to go well round there. MC is in fine form, and we are looking for a very good run before a step up in grade next month! Exciting times this week - with two new arrivals for Stuart - one from Ireland, and the other from one of Mrs Robesons families. Both have amazing pedigrees, and hopefully will be very decent additions to his ever increasing (quality) string.