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 in top form at home, looking really well and ready to go when the right opportunity arrives. He was a prolific winner last season, winning four races, and has options at Bangor, Worcester and Uttoxeter before a potential tilt at the valuable Silver Trophy at Chepstow in October.
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 returned from his holidays in great order and is back trotting as he builds towards an autumn return to action.
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.
Blackwaterfoot following a frustrating campaign in which Blackwaterfoot has had a few setbacks and has not always been easy to keep completely sound, alongside the warm weather making suitable ground difficult to find, we have decided with Charlie Pike that the time is right for him to retire from racing, and we are delighted that he will now enjoy a happy retirement with Niamh Townsend and her family, who already have a very special connection with him.
Love Always has an entry for Southwell on Monday, but also Kempton on Wednesday, which at the time of writing would be Ollie Sangster’s preferred option for her debut.
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 ready to go and has an entry at Wolverhampton over 1m1f on Tuesday 1st September.
From Me To You is declared for the 18:00 at Windsor tomorrow. He is joint-top rated in the 6f nursery, facing ten rivals. If he can reproduce his latest effort, he should have a good chance, and even more so if he can continue his progression.
Redbud Sixteen is in good order and hopefully with some rain this weekend can run at Salisbury on Thursday 3rd September.
Lord d’Or recorded his fourth second place finish this season at Hamilton last Friday, but picked up some nice prize money for it. he has come out of the race well.
Magic Runner is doing well and entered at Wolverhampton on Tuesday 1st September.
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, which is expected to suit her better.
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.
