Wetherby

WE were left cursing our luck a couple of weeks ago at Ayr when FETE CHAMPETRE (4.07) came down at the second last when he looked to have the race in hand. It was really unfortunate because he was running well until that happened. 

He’s come out of it fine – he was even bucking around the other morning – so we’re going again at Wetherby tomorrow and sending him over three miles for the first time. At Ayr it looked like the race was just starting for him before the mishap so I’m confident he will get the step up in trip.  

Craig Nichol knows him really well so partners him again and hopefully this time we can get a clear round. If he puts it all together this time he’ll be very competitive and fingers-crossed he can give us a much-needed winner. 

There’s no doubt the older horses we’ve been running are coming back into form and AAZZA (4.45) was another sign of that at Wetherby ten days ago. She ran an absolute blinder to finish second to the favourite trained by Nicky Henderson. 

We know she likes the ground and the track, so if she’s in the same type of fettle she’ll run well. Craig continues their partnership. 

FOREVA ALFIE (5.20) won’t be wearing a tongue-tie, that was a mistake on my part declaring him with that piece of equipment. He was off for a long time so we’ve brought him along slowly, running over two miles and two-and-a-half miles. 

This will be the first time he tackles three miles and that trip should suit him. 

After Wetherby we’ll head further south to Stratford for FREEDOM DAY on Saturday for his first crack at a handicap. We won’t be expecting too much from him but it’s a grade he should be comfortable in.