The string greet the trainer walking down Warren Hill.
Overcast and damp but the temperature remains particularly mild.
We saddle two at Lingfield this afternoon starting with Ras Al Mal in the mile maiden. He is a nice sort with a solid middle-distance pedigree as a half-brother to the mile and a half Group 3 winner Midnight Soprano, but he will benefit from this initial experience and should come into his own next year.
Timia makes her third start in the seven furlong fillies’ maiden and this looks a pretty decent race on paper, despite the withdrawal of Rahyah and Bretoncelles. She hasn’t shown up too badly in both starts to date, getting tired over course and distance on debut before resenting the kickback at Chelmsford, but she has a good bit to find to get involved.
While I’m at it, we also saddle two at Chelmsford tomorrow afternoon. Toffee Apple runs in the seven furlong median auction maiden in which the Richard Fahey-trained Hutton should take all the beating. Our filly will improve for her debut effort, but she is more of a long-term prospect.
Lastly, Justice First has the opportunity to build on his recent Lingfield second in the seven furlong handicap. He is a much more settled horse these days and he seemed to get the trip well last time. His mark is not a gift, but the same can be said for plenty in the race, and if he handles Chelmsford he should be right in the thick of things.
Finally, Rose – the middle of our three daughters – turns 17 today so I would like to wish her a very happy birthday!
Back soon.
Ed.