Monday 26 October
The season has really kicked into gear now - and this week we have horses entered everywhere! Sadly Our Bubba was eliminated from his intended Chase debut tomorrow in Bangor, and now has Sedgefield as his next option. Wednesday Volkovka is declared to make her hurdling debut in Fakenham. She has done nothing but impress since her arrival - her schooling has gone very well, and nothing seems to phase her at all. There are a few unknowns about her run on Wednesday, including the suitability of the tight track, but it is the right race to start her off in. She is sure to improve for her hurdling debut, they nearly all do - but we can't wait to get going with her. Hi Ho Silva Lining makes his debut in the bumper for clients, The Ivo Partnership - he is a very weak 4 year old, and this is really just a learning experience for him and connections. The ground in Taunton is still very much on the quick side of good, so Blue Bikini will have to wait a few days for her chance to make her debut - she will now be entered in Warwick early next month. On Thursday Go Millie Go is entered in the mares maiden hurdle in Stratford. She also has a back up entry in Huntingdon on Sunday, but Stratford is very much the right race for her. The form of her last race looks good, with the winner going in again last week - her and GMG pulled well clear of the rest of the field in that heat - so a decent run is expected on Thursday. On Friday Yauthym heads to Uttoxeter for a 2m mares maiden hurdle. She is in rude health, has been working well, and Fergal and Sally think she has improved from last season. I hope the ground doesn't get too deep for her, if it doesn't she too should run well. On Sunday Classic Ben is entered in a 3m2f Chase in Carlisle. This looks like the right race to start him off in - it won't be easy, but will give him a good break before he returns to Sandown for the London National in December. The Kapgarde filly down at Jason Maguires is having a little break before coming back into pre training. She is a big girl, and has already shown what quality she has, so Jason is rightly taking his time with her - he is very impressed with her, and it looks like she could have a big future, if we look after her at this stage. Queenohearts is well, and, touch wood, sound at the moment. She is being aimed at a 3m mares handicap hurdle in Chepstow in early November. The step up in trip should suit, and we are all excited about getting her back. Her run here will tell us where she goes for the rest of the season, but at this stage, the aim is to go chasing with her. On a sad note - Molly Childers has left Fences Farm for the last time. Having been the one that got through last season injury free, she was found to have picked up a niggle that was going to keep her off the track for 12 months - so the owners have decided to retire her to stud. Most of the group want to remain part of her story, and will retain her as a broodmare. They are all very much looking forward to the next chapter of her life.