Short journey to Kelso today...

....where we hope to bust a few ghosts with Egon Spenglar.

Truth be told, we see his future as a staying handicapper who's aim would be to win a small race in time.
Today marks his hurdling debut, his only previous run being in a bumper last season, so this is very much his first step in gaining experience of racing in general and hurdling in particular.

Perversely, and following on from our theory of experience, we would have preferred more runners in the field (there are just the 6) which would have ensured that our gelding got a good lead into each flight. I suppose he'll get a good sight of the hurdles, but hope that he wont become too detached.....boy, are we negative today or what?

The race in run in memory of the late George Harrow, a Hawick baker and a much respected man who loved horses and racing in general.
George had a few horses with Brother Ali, best in recent times being prolific winner Lady Bluesky, now making a career as a broodmare.
We miss you George.

Egon Spenglar

Review of Carlisle last Sunday

A couple of unplaced efforts may appear to sum up our day, but there were several positives associated with our 2 runners Tomahawk Wood and Shades of Midnight.

We thought 'Shady' in particular ran a fine race on his seasonal debut. Settled nicely in mid div, the Midnight Legend gelding's hurdling was slick and fast, and he was bang in there on the heels of the leaders 3 out before lack of fitness told in what was a quite competitive event. He's only a 5yr old, who we will be aiming for a nice race come the turn of the year and this was a promising start.

When we saw Tomahawk Wood on the racecourse, we were struck by the thought that we can't wait to start this fellow over fences. He's not really respecting his hurdles, I mean he needs to jump obstacles rather than just rattle through them just because he's a big, robust sort.
Like 'Shady', 'Chuckie' will come on for the run but despite our bold, chasing statement, he'll stick to hurdles in the short term so hope the handicapper will drop him a few pounds.

Tomahawk Wood (nearside, Pinkie) and Shades of Midnight (Ross)