Monday 20 November

A handy drop of rain last night has softened the ground in Leicester a bit, which is in the favour of Sneaking Budge in the 1.50. SB has been off since he ran in Uttoxeter a year ago - he was held up by very irritating niggly little problems, and his owners have had to be very patient. In an odd way it may have been a blessing, as he is a big horse, and has strengthened up considerably - it is a testament to his ability that he was able to win on heavy ground as a juvenile - hopefully he will repay the patience with a good season! Josh Moore rides - good to have him back after an unfortunate injury - I suppose they are all unfortunate though!! Hillcrest Fire joins him on the trip. Her hurdling debut - she was sourced for Jim Humberstone, and we wish him and his family the best of luck with her! Kaloci is still sore after hurting herself in her stable, and the vet will be out to her in the next couple of days to scan the affected area. Hopefully there will be nothing too serious! Chandos Belle is improving, but is still not 100%. She had the back lady to her over the weekend as there is no serious damage - in Stuarts words - she must have pulled herself in half in her race! We have discussed Classic Ben this morning, and made a decision regarding his immediate future - he is to go hurdling. If we wait any longer to debut him over hurdles - we run the risk of a very short novice hurdle career - and if he stays down the bumper route, where he certainly has the ability to win one - he will only have 2 more runs this season - so now is the time to unleash him over an obstacle - and he will have an entry in a couple of weeks! Cloonacool is in good form after his wind op - he will be out again soon - we will have a look for races for him shortly. Paul Wells' Kingsley will have an entry in Ascot on Saturday in a bumper. Queenohearts is fine after her run, but she tried very hard, and has taken a but out of herself - we will have to be patient with her, and she will will not be out again until nearer to Christmas. She has shown herself to be a lovely prospect, and will be well worth the wait! I saw Pull Together school last week and he was very very good. He will hopefully make his hurdling debut in Towcester on the 30th. His jumping was superb, and the track and trip will suit him far better than his bumper run in Wincanton, where he showed up well for a long time, before getting tired on the rain softened ground after a long absence. Land League will travel to Fakenham tomorrow for a 2m Handicap Chase. He is in good form, and the form of his last outing in Kemoton has worked out well, so he should if he gets round the tight track he should go well!