MARKET RASEN
1:35
Final Straw (James Bowen)
He’ll end up a nice Handicapper further down the line but actually ran much better than I thought he would on debut at Southwell. He ran very green early in the race but stayed on nicely, which was a positive sign. This looks like a deep race, however, and he might just struggle at this stage of his career.
2:40
Goblet Of Fire (James Bowen)
There is a fair bit of rain forecast, which is an obvious worry for both of ours to be honest; I’m probably the only trainer hoping the rain stays away for a little bit longer! This has been his objective for quite some time, and I was very pleased with his run in the Swinton Hurdle in May off the same mark. He’s had a little break since then, is nice and fresh, and I’m very happy with him.
3:12
Bhaloo (James Bowen)
I think an extended 2m5f+ is the right trip for him; to be honest, I think he found 2m4f around Uttoxeter a bit too sharp, so the step back up is in his favour and we’re putting a set of cheek pieces on to help him travel because he needs to be up there so hopefully they will help him travel in a race they’re likely to go a good gallop. He loves quick ground, and, as with Goblet Of Fire, this race has been the plan for quite some time.
NICO NEWS
I’m pleased to report that Nico (de Boinville) is recovering very well and has just started the process of rehabilitation, whereby he’s free of all neck braces and things like that, so is now able to fully begin his route to getting back in the saddle.
He can now go full-on fitness-wise, and if all goes well, which it should, he’ll be back on a horse in a few weeks.
He hasn’t set a date for his return, because there is obviously no need to rush back for anything, but he’s hoping to be ready at some stage in September, which is all very good news.
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