Monday 16 October

Three runners in three days for Stuart and the Team, and three get to unsaddle in the winners enclosure. Maria's Benefit kicked things off on Friday. She made the long trip to Newton Abbott for a novices hurdle, against the boys. It had been the plan to keep her to mares company - but the race cut up, and Stuart saw the opportunity and took it. With Ciarans claim, she was off of a feather weight, and it looked like a really good chance for her to get off the mark over hurdles. A little keen in her races, the plan was to bounce out, and just let her bowl on in front, which she did. She was still taking a bit of a tug as they passed the stands, but quickened down the back, and was nit for catching. She won by a very comfortable 2 lengths, and looks sure to be better in a stronger run race. She could well revert to mares company again now, after breaking her duck over hurdles. It was a good trip to and from Devon, and we will be going back there when they resume racing again next summer for sure! Saturday we had a day at Fences Farm - Nick and one Ollie in to see their horses - we presume the other Ollie that was due in celebrated his Birthday a little too hard on friday as we he was not sighted!! All of the horses that worked were very good. Classic Ben and Clondaw Native had a breeze ahead of their Chepstow runs, Cloonacool worked in behind a couple and looked in great form. Sneaking Budge went really well under Stuart, and a return should not be far away. Molly Childers did a super piece of work with Land League, and will have an entry in Ffos Las next Saturday, along with Queenohearts and Top Garry, who are both ready to run in a bumper. It will Be QOH's debut, and she works nicely at home with the likes of Grey Warbler - so we know the ability is there. Top Garry will be having his second start after a pleasing debut in the spring, he is still a big weak 4 yr old, but he does look the part! Paul Wells' Kingsley was an eyecatcher as he went upsides Now McGinty - and he should be ready to run in a couple of weeks. Yesterday we headed to Chepstow. Classic ben and Clondaw Native making their rules debuts in either division of the bumper. Traditionally the bumpers at this meeting have always produced an above average class of horse, so we weere travelling in hope more than expectation. Both are nice horses, but this was a 'get to know you' exercise, and one that looked sure to bring them both on. Classic Ben was first up - he had had 4 runs in Irish Point To Points - so we felt there was no point messing around and the plan was to bounce out and be handy - in reality he was as green as grass - he needed a good bit of riding to even get to the start in front - and the same when the tapes went up. In the end he got a handy lead, but unfortunately fro him it didn't last long enough - as the paul Nicholls trained Bubble O'Clock faded at the entrance to the long straight, and left Ben in front. He had a right good look around when out on his own, and Ciaran had to be at his best on him - in the end when he was joined by other horses - he knuckled down and ran right to the line, finishing a very creditable second just 2 lengths of a very highly regarded winner. He is a lovely prospect, and well above average, and will head to another bumper in 3-4 weeks time. The Racing Post Analysis reads: Classic Ben was 0-4 in points but he is bred to be a chaser and this was an encouraging first run under rules. In front early in the straight, he stayed on really well, only finding the winner too strong in the closing stages. He ought to be hard to beat in ordinary company next time. There are a couple of shares left in him - so be quick if you would like to own a 10% share in this cracking son of Beneficial who is only going to get better! 07909 518902 (nickbrownracing@gmail.com). Clondaw Native also ran a cracker in the second division to be a close fourth. he too will benefit from the run, and is a lovely prospect for his owners! All in all a very good three days - with three lovely young horses! There will be more action towards the end of the week - more of that tomorrow!