Okavango Delta – Musselburgh

OKAVANGO DELTA (3.15) won really well at Musselburgh ten days ago and the manner of it suggested he’d get three miles. 

When we went from two miles up to two-and-a-half he seemed to travel so much better so we’re hoping the extra distance on top this time will bring even more improvement out of him. 

I spoke to Craig Nichol and Dobbs about it and all three of us were in agreement that he’ll get the trip. When you have someone of Dobbs’ experience, it’s well worth listening to. 

The handicapper raised him 6lbs for the win the other day, which I think is a bit harsh. I was expecting four to be the upper limit of what he’d get so it was a bit of a blow hearing what he’d been given. 

But he’s in great form at home since his last race, he came out of it so well and is ready to go again. 

We’re hoping there’s more to come from him, we know he likes the track and if he’s in the same mood as last time he should be up to going close again. 

I was happy with Cannock Park’s run at Kelso on Sunday, he travelled well and while he got outpaced in the end, stayed on right through to the line.

Ryan Mania got off him and said straight away that he needs a step up in trip so that’s what we’ll be looking at the next time.

Overall, it was really encouraging and we’re looking forward to finding his next target once he’s ready to go again.