Wendigo has enjoyed his summer break and returned looking fantastic. He has developed and strengthened up nicely and is now doing two routine canters each day. After a brilliant season that included a Grade 2 victory and a 22-length success at Ayr, he has three of the biggest races of the season in his sights: the £250,000 Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow and, most famous of them all, the Grand National at Aintree.
Handlethekettle is declared for the 19:06 at Worcester on Friday 4th September, which should set him up nicely for the Silver Trophy at Chepstow next month.
A Path To Ronda was a real star last season, winning twice and placing in Listed and Grade 2 company. She enjoyed her summer holiday before unfortunately stepping on a blackthorn, which needed removing. She is now back trotting and will continue to build up her work over the coming weeks. There are some nice targets over fences this season, including several Listed possibilities, while Jamie also has the option of switching her back to hurdles, something he has successfully done with other quality mares in the past.
Jukebox King has been cantering nicely on the round gallop and on the hill. He will have a small wind operation as he did last year.
Legendary Luke won twice last season and has developed and strengthened up over the summer. Jamie is looking forward to sending him novice handicap chasing this season, with plenty of options throughout the campaign. The National Hunt Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival is a potential main aim later in the season.
Pigeon Forge has returned from her holiday looking stronger, more mature and in fantastic condition. With the ground currently so quick and few suitable races available, she’ll be brought back gradually, with an autumn campaign in mind. The plan is for her to return to the racecourse in September/October in 3m handicap hurdles.
Love Always has come out of her debut at Kempton in good order. She should strip fitter for this and learn plenty from this experience. She will do some more stalls work before her next run.
Victory Max has been showing a good attitude and is working well with some other two year olds. He has been doing some nice faster work on the Cambridge Road gallop and Harry Eustace is pleased with his progression.
Lucky Luna is fine after her good second at Wolverhampton and has an entry at Leicester on the 8th.
From Me To You is fine after his Windsor run and can hopefully bounce back to form on the 7th with entries at Windsor and Wolverhampton.
Redbud Sixteen has come out of her Salisbury race well and has options ahead at Chester (12th) and Newbury (18th).
Lord d’Or is declared for his handicap debut in a heritage handicap at Ascot on Saturday 5th September (14:10). Nicola Currie takes the ride.
Magic Runner is fine after her Wolverhampton run and Ruth Carr is looking ahead for some easier options for her next race.
Denby’s Dream is in top form at home and ready to run again. Hopefully, with the recent rain there will be some nice options for her on softer ground soon. She has options ahead at Lingfield (12th), Bath (13th) and Southwell (17th).
Red Spirit is doing very well and working nicely alongside other horses. Andrew Balding has been impressed with him and hopes he can make his debut towards the end of September. The team have been pleased with his stalls work.
Stepanov has settled in very well at Bonita Stables. He has started some jumping and has taken very well to it.
