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Tuesday 28 February

Tue 28 February 2017

Dutch Uncle

We appear to have caught the dreaded disease that sometimes inflicts a stable called seconditis. Our last three runners have all been second and been beaten three quarters of a length or less. It is a small consolation that they have all run well and look like they will win races in the future but it is incredibly frustrating at the same time. I hope we can end the run soon and it is at least a positive that they are running well.

 

Blushing Red improved for the step up in trip and he was beaten by the right horse when second yesterday in the 4:55 at Wolverhampton. He still looked to be a little green and he should benefit from a further step up in trip in time. The race lacked depth but the winner could well be a progressive type.

 

Dutch Uncle runs in the 3:00 at Lingfield this afternoon. It looks to be an extremely trappy race and all five runners cannot be ruled out. Van Huysen has not been out of the first four in his last seven starts and he is the outsider of the field. It does look like the handicapper just has his measure at the moment. Banditry may not be suited by the way the race pans out but he may have the most progression in him and was awarded a very competitive Doncaster handicap and won a Chelmsford handicap comfortably when last seen on the flat.

 

It is maybe hard on Sennockian Star to say he is exposed given he has won three of his last six races but all three wins have been at one mile four furlongs and under a penalty life will be tougher for him today. He has won a handicap off a six pound higher mark before back in 2014 but he was behind Coillte Cailin over a similar trip recently when getting four pounds and he has to give her a pound today. Strictly on the form book it is hard to see him turning the tables with her. Coillte Cailin has improved markedly for the move to the O’Meara yard and whilst her one disappointment recently has come over course and distance she was only beaten two lengths, a tactical affair may not suit. Our horse won well in a weaker race last time but the second has won since which gives the form a more solid look. We hope the win will have done his confidence good and the trip of 1m2f seems to be his optimum. It is a very tight race and there will not be many lengths separating the field.



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