Monday 6 November

The amount of entries we are throwing out at the moment is huge. The weather is still playing havoc slightly. Queenohearts has had a massive number of entries - she is a big 'National Hunt Type' of mare and at this stage we would not want to risk her on any ground quicker than Good To Soft. It was all looking good for Southwell today, and as every drop of rain fell on Saturday we were thinking 'At Last - she gets her day out', but a chat with the clerk yesterday revealed that he was going to put a bit of water on the Good bits to maintain them - so that ruled her out of there. She is in on Wednesday in Chepstow, which is currently Soft with just 2-5mm forecast between now and raceday. She should get her ground - let's hope she doesn't get balloted out! Classic Ben ran a cracker in Chepstow on his rules debut, finishing a very good second in a good race. he also has an entry in the Chepstow bumper, but wouldn't want it too soft, so he has entries in Newbury on Thursday, and Sandown on Sunday. I hardly dare write that Pull Together has an entry in Fontwell on Friday. He has had 3 entries in the past, and each time he has failed to meet his target - we think he reads the Racing Post! Fingers crossed he gets to go later this week. Maria's Benefit has an entry in a good mares novice hurdle on Thursday in Newbury - she is in great form. She will also have an entry in Sandown on Sunday. Now McGinty has an entry in Chepstow on Wednesday - he too is in good heart and the galloping track should suit. The horses that ran last week are all OK. Chandos Belle was very sore behind for a day or two, but is much better now, the vet checked her over, and he thinks she just pulled herself about. She had a few cuts and bruises which have healed well. When she is back on the road she will just have her wind tinkered with. Cloonacool is fine and is also having his wind done, in an attempt to help him at the business end of his races. Bumper winner (sounds good doesn't it)? Kaloci is also OK. Sneaking Budge worked on Saturday and worked well. He is fine this morning, will work again Wednesday - and as long as his work is OK we can start looking for races for him. Apasionado is now trotting around the place and is in fine form. He is doing his exercise with Domesday Book - 2 nice ones together. Molly Childers is in great order, and will be out in Towcester in a couple of weeks. Recent Fakenham winner Theclockisticking is ready to go again, and will have entries form this weekend. Land League is cantering away after having his soft palate done, further entries for him will not be far off.