Placed effort at Haydock on Saturday

Well, he always pleases us, and Saturday at Haydock was no exception as Shades of Midnight ran a fine race in finishing 3rd in a Class 3 handicap hurdle over a trip just shy of 3 miles on heavy ground.
He blew a fair bit in the unsaddling enclosure afterwards which backed up the visual impression that he would come on for the race.

He's been branded a 'plodder'  (jeepers!) by certain sections of the racing press (that'll be The Racing Post then - ed).....well, just wish we had another dozen 'plodders' in the yard. We're convinced he's at his best on genuine National Hunt ground - good to soft - and the heavy ground of Saturday was more of a hindrence than a help.

There are some nice prizes to aim at over the next 4 months, and without rushing this fellow, our aim would be to pick up a race at a galloping track over 2m 4f - 6f.

Later on this week at Doncaster...

We've entered Paper Roses in the mares only National Hunt Flat race at Donacster on Saturday, which is on Great Yorkshire Chase day (except they don't cal it that anymore - ed).

Favourite race of ours (the Great Yorkshire), I remember The Fossa winning it before running in 'that Grand National' won by Foinavon.  The Fossa came out and won the Scottish Grand National a couple of weeks later.

But, I digress.

'Neve' is a lovely filly who has matured mentally beyond all recognition in the last 2 months, and is a very attractive physical specimen as well. She'll be suited by better ground (good to soft forecast), so we hope she makes the cut at there are 41 entered.

Paper Roses, she's done well since this photo was taken back in November

The next day, Ellistrin Belle wont have any difficulty in getting into the 2m handicap hurdle at Sedgefield. She's well, loves Sedgefield, suited by 2m, so we hope she can be competitive.

 
Ellistrin Belle (Ross) on the left, with Shades of Midnight in 3rd place again (sorry, Nick)