Tuesday 19 March 2013

Readying the troops for Turf 2013

After what has been an odd winter, we have suddenly found ourselves upon the threshold of the 2013 turf season.
The all-weather season has been nothing if not interrupted over the winter, but 2013 began well for us when we enjoyed our first ever treble at Wolverhampton on January 7th with Aubrietia, Spark of Genius and Little Dolly doing their bit for girl power (or strident feminism, as it's known in our house). We've had a reasonable amount of winners since and have been especially pleased with Aubrietia's rise through the handicap. She's been a revelation, winning 5 of her 6 starts this year, only being denied  in the 6th by the smallest of margins (2nd in a very tight photo finish). Her most recent start saw her winning by a decent 1 1/2 lengths, despite giving weight all round and she's certainly a filly on the upgrade. She has an entry in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on Saturday 23rd March (Lincoln Day) and another for the Prix Cor De Chasse at Fontainebleau on Good Friday. There is a small domestic dispute in the McCabe household as to which she should go for, but that will be settled by her very knowledgeable owners. Masterful Act has also impressed us since joining the yard from the jumping ranks in December. He underwent a small wind operation after our eagle-eyed vet spotted him displacing his soft palate as she removed an endoscope from his throat and his first start for us was a decent 3rd place over 1m4f at Southwell. He was finishing especially well, so was subsequently stepped up to 1m6f on the same surface next time and duly won by 9 lengths. As the handicapper sought to raise him 11lbs for the victory, the decision was taken to run him within the week under a 6lbs penalty, before his new rating took effect. He won this race by an easy 13 lengths and has been raised a further 11lbs, bringing his new flat rating up to 87. This precludes him from participating in a 0-85 at Southwell we had earmarked as his next outing and an entry has been made in the Doncaster Shield on Friday as an alternative, but he looks an exciting staying prospect for his owner John Hughes' Universal Recycling Company.
The two year olds are developing nicely and we look to have some real quality among them. A couple may be out early and these include our Sleeping Indian homebred Spirit O Goodchild and a sharp Auction House filly owned by Heather Chellingworth named Loma Mor. Neither will be lining up for the Brocklesby though as it's probably a little too soon for our way of training, although I would say they won't be too far off a run. It's also been nice to welcome some new owners into the yard as well as some returning friends with their untried two-year-olds and I think we could be in for quite an exciting season - expect parties!
Heading across the road to Southwell races now to watch the enigma that is Follow The Flag. He could win if he wants to (as with every race we've ever run him in) but, as always, it's a very big 'if'. He's an old bugger, but I can't imagine the yard without him - lovely old War Horse. At least he know where the stables are and usually runs his fastest sections down the straight towards them. Bless him.