Crus Brushes Rivals Aside!

The stable horses continue in good form with Grands Crus proving the highlight with another impressive victory in the Listed "Fixed Brush" handicap hurdle at Haydock to follow-up his Cheltenham success from the previous weekend.  Saturday's win netted connections a cool £42,757.50, and the race was seldom in any doubt.  Tom Scudamore was running away aboard Grands Crus for much of the three mile trip and if I was him, I would be ashamed to take the riding fee!  He jumped the brush hurdles very well and is going to make up into a fine chaser in time.  The handicapper will no doubt have his say, and it could be that David is now going to have to run this highly progressive five year old in conditions races from now on.

I'msingingtheblues, Piraya and Consigliere all ran well to reach the frame at Ascot, while it was good to see Laustra Bad show a bit more sparkle with his good second at Huntingdon on Saturday, and a similar run should see him winning again.  It has been almost three years since his last success but he looks to be capable of going in again from his current mark.

Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander landed the Betfair Chase on his seasonal reappearance at Haydock and immediately after connections were speaking of the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.  Jockey Paddy Brennan seemed a little concerned about Kempton's right handed track but there aren't that many races where you can run these top-class horses.  As it turns out, the horse has a small injury that could put a much anticipated head-to-head with Kauto Star off the agenda - I will watch his progress with interest.

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Whilst playing in a club golf match, yours truly scored a hole in one at the eight hole at Churston - it's the third one I have had on that 170 yard par three and my fourth in all...it just shows you how much luck is involved in the game of golf!

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I see that it is former rugby player turned pundit Stuart Barnes' birthday today - he is 48.  Stuart must have been pretty quick in his playing days as he doesn't appear to have cauliflower ears!

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Finally, I have a couple of pictures of Prince Geeno and Master Overseer from a recent schooling session on the gallops.  Prince Geeno jumps nicely and will be seen out on his chasing debut in the near future.

  
Above left: Prince Geeno and right: Master Overseer schooling over fences