Mr T at Exteer

Today there are two jumps meetings at Southwell and Exeter and one flat meeting at Pontefract.  The stable has just the one runner at Exeter, Mr Tambourine Man in the novices handicap hurdle over 2m5f at 3.35pm.  He returns from a mini break as he wasn't enjoying the deep winter ground when last seen in action and he will appreciate the quicker conditions this afternoon.  He has been running consistently prior to that and deserves to get his head in front for the first time over hurdles in this country.  His rating as come down and he restarts from the right end of the weights and we are hopeful of a good run with Tom Scu in the saddle.  This looks to be Tom Scu's only ride of the ride of the day while Fergus Gillard and Philip Armson are also both in action at our local track.

Yesterday we got a step closer to finding our the final 40 runners that will take part in this year's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.  With very few horses coming out it leaves are highest rated runner, Romain De Senam, 47th on the list so it is not looking likely that he will get in.  This probably means he will run in the Topham, over the Grand National Fences on Friday.  The horses that made the cut after yesterday's defections that were not in the top 40 before this stage were Deise Abaa, Blacklion and Poker Party.  Top weight Chris's Dream was not confirmed and so now last years winner, Minella Times will now head the field with Rachel Blackmore on board.  I see there has been a lot of market support for the Charlie Longsden trained Snow Leopardess for the big race and with the possible rain forecast this will only aid her chances.  Sometimes racing does produce fairy-tale results and this could be one of them come Saturday tea time.  

I see that Jack Barber is leaving the training ranks at the end of the season.  Jack has done very well as both as a point to point jockey and point to trainer in the west-country before getting his professional licence.  The training ranks are extremely competitive and it is difficult to get horses and winners and then the knock on affect of being able to make it pay.  Jack is a really nice chap and I would like to wish him will in his next venture.

What do you call a guy who's really loud?  Mike!  Have a nice day.