Mixing It With The Big Boys

Itoldyou showed that he could mix it with the big boys when competing in a (0-135) handicap chase at Kempton today (15/4/2014).  Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls, Kim Bailey, Philip Hobbs and Emma Lavelle all had runners.  With the ground drying quickly it was necessary for Itoldyou to keep closer to the pace and Andrew Thornton had him in the right place throughout to be competitive at the end.  He moved into 4th place rounding the bend for home and soon took third.  He stayed on over the final two fences to be beaten three quarters of a length and six lengths.  In this company it could well prove to be his best run to date.

Spring In Their Step.

The first of this year's crop of foals was born this week when Hopeshedoes gave birth to a filly by Watar.  Mother and daughter are both doing well.  Owners, Gillian and Martin, were at the stable on Saturday to see the foal for the first time.  Two other mares should be foaling in the next couple of weeks.

Below - Gillian gets to know the foal.

 

Kingscombe Makes It Four.

Kingscombe completed a four timer today (1/4/2014) at Southwell.  Carrying top weight, under Robert Havlin, he took 4th position of the five runners, just behind the leaders, as the field set off up the straight for the first time.  He held this position down the back straight until two of the field fell away, leaving three to battle it out.  Coming off the bend into the final straight he was a length behind the second favourite who was 14 pounds better off than when they met last time.  The change in the weights made no difference, however, and Kingscombe kept on strongly up the straight to go on and win by 3 and three quarter lengths, with a further 20 lengths back to third.  So Linda's great form continues with this win making it 8 for the year so far.

Andrew Nose What He's Doing!

Andrew Thornton took the ride on Itoldyou this time at Fontwell (15/3/2014) in a 3 and a quarter mile handicap chase.  Although there were only four runners the betting was tight and Itoldyou and West Cork Flash vied for favouritism at about 6/4.  West Court Flash had been runner up to Itoldyou last time out , but this time Itoldyou was 6 pounds worse off at the weights and the race was half a mile further on better ground.  Andrew settled Itoldyou at the rear of the field and let him enjoy lobbing round in this position.  He jumped well and going out on the final circuit he took second place three lengths behind West Cork Flash who had set the pace.  Itoldyou jumped 4 out so well that Andrew found himself almost upsides the leader a little too early.  He eased back and at the same time Jamie Moore, on West Cork Flash, kicked on and a gap appeared again.  Andrew needed to ask Itoldyou to quicken to take closer order.  At the last fence West Cork Flash had only a tiny lead and Itoldyou soon went in front.  However West Cork Flash renewed his effort in a classic battle for the line and they crossed the line locked together and a photograph was called for.  There was an anxious wait until the result was announced, with the photo showing that Itoldyou had held on by a nose.

Hat Trick Hero.

Kingscombe completed a hat trick today (12/3/2014) at Southwell when winning a 1 mile 6 furlong handicap, on his beloved fibresand surface.  Up against the horse he had beaten last time, but six pounds worse off for the neck he had won by, the betting suggested that the outcome would be reversed.  Rab Havlin jumped him out to take a position just behind, and to the outside of, one of the outsiders who led.  The pace was nothing more than steady and the four runners were still in a bunch turning for home.  Here Rab asked Kingscombe to go on and take the lead, which he did pursued by his rival from the previous time.  Despite the turn round in the weights Kingscombe would not give up the lead and went on to win more easily this time by 1 and a quarter lengths.

Sunshine Schooling

It was a beautiful sunny morning at the yard today and some of the horses were schooled over hurdles on the all weather gallop.

 



Southwell Success

Linda continued her excellent run when Kingscombe returned to Southwell this afternoon, the scene of his recent win.  This time he was facing an extra two furlongs, and under Seb Sanders he broke well and was soon in the lead, out of the kick-back,  setting a sensible pace.  He still led turning into the home straight and soon shook off all but one challenger. He was headed by this horse a furlong out but, as he did last time he ran there, he rallied to get back up by the line, winning by a neck with a further five lengths back to third.