Sunday 12th July 2020 – we’re off and running with a winner on the second day back jump racing.

I was thrilled to get onto the scoresheet on the second day of the new NH season when Timoshenko won on hurdling debut at Uttoxeter on Monday, and with a couple of 2nds recently as well it shows the summer team are in good form. 

Timoshenko was our first winner on the second day of the new NH season.  He jumped well in the main, although he will get slicker, and he showed a great attitude as he was bumped and barged early on, and knuckled down well from the back of the 2nd last to get his head in front going to the last.  I was impressed with his turn of foot from the back of the last when Gavin gave him a smack – he really quickened clear – which shows that not only does he have the stamina and is sure to improve up in trip, but that he isn’t short of speed either…….hopefully quite a potent combination.  We’ll see how he comes out of this race over the next few days and then hope to look to find another suitable novice over 2m under a penalty in 3-4 weeks’ time. 

Meanwhile, Included was just touched off on her debut for us at Stratford on Wednesday.  She jumped beautifully out in front in the novice handicap chase, but landed a bit flat footed over the 2^nd last and lost some valuable momentum.  She was then just caught inside the final 50 yards to be beaten only a length with a yawning gap of 13 lengths back to the 3^rd horse.  With the lack of racing next week, it looks like we might struggle to get her back onto the track without a penalty before her new handicap mark kicks in – lets hope the handicapper doesn’t over react as she’s yet to win over fences.

Of our other runners this week, Floral Bouquet was beaten less than 3 lengths at Market Rasen on Friday where she was outpaced leaving the back straight and around the home turn, but then rallied and stayed on really strongly from the back of the 2nd last to be doing her best work inside the final furlong.  She should improve for this run and I’d hope the handicapper may give her some help now.

Regrettably Adrrastos couldn’t add to his winning tally in the Grade 3 Summer Plate as it went wrong right from the start.  The first bend and the run to the first fence is always critical in this race.  However, there was a false start and as the tapes went back on the standing start Adrrastos shied and having dwelt he jumped off in about 5th position and was trapped in on the rail.  He then didn’t see the first fence and made a mistake and was then flustered and couldn’t get into a rhythm from there on in.   Gavin has sensibly looked after him as there will be another day for him.