Wednesday 5 April

We had a very enjoyable day out in Kempton yesterday, where Tricky Silence ran in a hot little novices hurdle. Even with only 6 runners, expectations were not at a very high level - sort of level with an ants knee really! TS has races in him, but he was not going to beat most of yesterdays opposition on those terms. He needs a handicap mark, and the chance to run off a proper weight against horses of his calibre. Yesterday was his qualifying run, and to be fair he ran well. He appreciated the better ground, and managed to get his loyal band of followers into the winners enclosure again - all be it at the wrong end - 4th not 1st. Josh was very happy with him, and said that when he has his mark, and can compete in races at his level he will be winning for sure. Although yesterdays better ground helped his breathing - he is still travelling to the vets on Thursday to have it checked out. When we know what he needs doing, we will know what the future holds for him and us. Maria's Benefit will travel to Aintree tomorrow for the Mares Listed Bumper. The top race of its kind in Britain, this will be a very tough ask, but she is in fantastic form, and the track and ground will be right up her street. Stuart couldn't be happier with her, and who knows, the yard could get their second spring Festival winner, after Domesday Books fantastic win in The Cheltenham Festival!! Both Top Garry and Kingsley knew they had been in a race on Monday, but both will be fine - TG ran well, K was disappointing, but they know from his homework that Monday was just not his running, and he, along with TG will be back after a summer break. LL is in bouncing form - and will have plenty of entries between the 13th and the 18th of April. He will revert to 2 miles.