Thursday 11 July 2013 17:58, UK
On Friday, Dusky Queen runs in the Piper-Heidsieck E.B.F. Fillies' Handicap.
In contrast Birkacre ran well first time at Catterick and might just have needed it. She was a breeze-up buy from Doncaster and we are running her back a little quickly here. She should improve for the first run but I just hope she doesn't bounce. I'm just worried Lord Clyde may be a short runner ahead of the Haylin Nursery. He has loads of speed and they won't take him off the bridle early but it's just a question of whether he can last it out in the closing stages. Bridle Belle is in foal and has her last race in the GroceryAid Chairman's Charity Cup before heading to the paddocks. She ran alright at Chester last time but the handicapper has had her all her career. We take five pounds off with George Chaloner which will help but I'm a little worried about the ground for her. The surface is also a worry for High Office who was very disappointing the other day. He needs to bounce back and along with Bridle Belle would only have a small chance in a competitive race. Arctic Feeling is another for whom fast ground would be a worry, he just won't let himself down on it. That said the Cranswick PLC Food Group Handicap is the right race for him and he remains in great order at home. I'm convinced Size is still improving. He's won three of his last four and his work at home is getting better, much more professional. I'd expect him to run really well in the Acturis Handicap. Finally Majestic Moon runs in the closing Electrolux Appliances Apprentice Handicap. He has become frustrating as he can gallop and should be winning handicaps but has had four goes now and hasn't done so yet. Everything is right for him here, the ground is ideal, so is the trip, and the track. Hopefully this is the day he gets it all together.
