16th February 2012

At last the cold snap has abated, and we can finally have some racing. We declared Ballyboker Boy and Millers Reef for Folkestone on Tuesday, only for that to be called off in the morning, so we declared them both for Southwell yesterday, which was thankfully on.

Unfortunately the Southwell race for Ballyboker Boy was unbelievably competitive with 4 or 5 Cheltenham entries in the line up. Ballyboker Boy was in the process of running a fine race, and looked certain to play a hand in the finish, however he was cannoned into rounding the final bend with 2 to jump by Baby Shine, as Dominic Elsworth went for a gap that was never there, and it knocked Ballyboker Boy out of the race. How frustrating.... and even worse is that Bally is sore this morning as a result.

Millers Reef ran a very promising race, but was hampered at the 2nd last by a faller in front of him, and the leaders quickened away from him at the same time. It was a frustrating day, but ces't la vie. Onto Sandown tomorrow where we run Graduation Night in the 3 mile handicap chase, and Caminero in the 2 mile novice hurdle. Graduation Night was very progressive prior to disappointing at Doncaster last time, and I think the visor will sharpen him up. Caminero is a lovely horse, and I am looking forward to seeing him run, but I fear 2 miles may be a touch short for him.