Wednesday 21 February

Classic Ben returns to Doncaster this afternoon for the 3m handicap hurdle. He last appeared on the racecourse there, but failed to run his race in the Grade 2 River Don Novices Hurdle. We came away from that day non the wiser really. Had he not stayed, had he not gone on the soft ground, was it just an off day, was it the step up in grade, or was it a combination of the four. The form book suggests that the step up in grade should not have resulted in him being beaten that far. We felt that the trip was right up his street, after staying on well to win in Huntingdon on Boxing Day. He has been in good heart before and after the run, so we settled on the fact that he was unsuited by the soft lifeless ground. So today he returns - 3m again, better ground, and a class drop to a handicap, although he is burdened with top weight. Today heat is a qualifier for the Challenger series final in Haydock on Easter Saturday, a race that Stuart won with Petethepear a couple of years ago. CB needs to finish in the first 8 today to qualify, and a trip to Haydock would be a great way to round of a successful first season with him. Back at base, Sneaking Budge will have a w beside his name when he next appears on the racecourse. he had a minor wind op on Monday. These are now pretty routine procedures, and he was back home Monday night, and ate up well, despite the fact that he was sure to have a sore throat! He will have a few days on the walker, and resume cantering. Chandos Belle has come out of her race in Market Rasen in fine fettle, and will be out again in 2-3 weeks. Molly Childers is very much on track to run in Doncaster a week on Saturday. She is in great form at home. Queenohearts is also looking fantastic, and has just stepped up her work in preparation for a tilt at the Listed bumper in Sandown on March 10th. Her first piece of quicker work since her Towcester win gave everyone the feeling that she has improved again. Land League is fine, he will be back out again when we get some genuine spring ground. He receives regular massages and manipulation, and could well have a quick trip to the vets for a touch of medication before we see him again. Horses remain very difficult to source - ones that we want anyway. We should have a new arrival tomorrow - more on that when it arrives, and we continue to try and source more quality young stock for Stuart to go to war with. If anyone would like to own a half share in a horse, I have clients that are looking for a co-owner - we have found the horse, we just need someone to go halves! If you are interested in joining any of our ownership groups, please give me a call on 07909 518902, or email nickbrownracing@gmail.com - we will have options to suit all budgets. Kaloci has come out of her latest brave run in good form as well. She is another that has a good bit of massaging etc. She could have an entry in Doncaster on March 2nd, but would need to show Stuart her well being before she is committed - at the moment it is her first option. Pull Together is also in good form, and has come out of his Towcester race well. His form is working out well, and we can hopefully pick up a novice or maiden hurdle with him before he heads off for his summer holidays - he has a bright future over fences next season! Maria's Benefit remains on course for her big day in Cheltenham.