The yard hasn't ventured to the racetrack in ages (well, for a couple of weeks at least) but makes up for that this weekend with declarations at Wetherby & Aintree (Saturday) and Kelso (Sunday). A bit like vaccines..........

A couple of runners at Aintree (Saturday)

And two of our best at that.

Early start at Aintree where Dali Mail runs in the 2m 4f Class 3 (0-135) handicap chase at 12.20.

Evan Williams' classy hurdler Quoi de Neuf will be all the rage on his second start over fences, stepping up to a trip that should suit. But this is an ultra competitive race and the winner could come from anywhere.

Dali Mail has come out of his seasonal pipe-opener, when 4th in the Graduation Chase at Carlisle last month, in grand form but this will be his first race at further than 2m 1f. He travels strongly, jumps well when in good form and the softening ground will not come as an inconvenience.
Callum Bewley is again in the saddle, and good luck to Nicola & John Mackin (watching on from afar).

 
Dali Mail (Callum) leads Stainsby Girl (Georgina)

The very next race (12.55pm) is a Class 2 handicap hurdle where Eternally Yours races off bottom weight (10st 3lb), and additionally Blair Campbell will take off his 3lb claim.
At the other end of the handicap are a couple of very useful hurdlers in Ballymoy and Navajo Pass. Both are in form and Navajo Pass is progressive and takes a drop in class here - a lethal combination for opponents. There are several who would appreciate a sound surface or shorter trip but another couple who look to be in contention are Kateson (formerly useful, and dropping down the weights) and Mint Condition (a novice up in class but progressive and acts on soft).

The good to soft going may not last long with the forecast steady rain on Friday.

Eternally Yours has been going well at home, and the more rain the better but this is a step up in grade for her too, on belated seasonal debut.
She runs in the stable colours these days so good luck to, er, all involved.

 
Eternally Yours (Georgina)

Meanwhile, Stainsby Girl heads to Wetherby

6 opponents await Stainsby Girl at 2.12pm in the Class 3 0-140 2 mile handicap hurdle at Wetherby. The advance going is soft (good to soft in places) but there is a good deal of precipitation around and any more would favour our hat-trick seeking Shirocco mare.
'Hat-trick seeking' - not often we get to use that phrase about one of the string.............

But this will be her first venture into competition against geldings, as well as a bit of a step up in grade.

Both Fransham and Fin and Game ran over course and distance at the end of October with Fransham coming out on top with Fin and Game 4 lengths back in 3rd. There is a 5lb swing in favour of the latter but that may not be enough. More of a concern for Fransham would be any further rain but this in form 3-time course and distance winner is a progressive sort. Fin and Game may look slightly exposed in comparison, but is another in form and has a string of useful performances under his belt to call upon.
Ilaya was well held that day and has been beaten since but is dropping down the handicap, so can't be ruled out at all.

Jimmy Moffat's Altruism is better known as a summer jumper but this gelding, who is approaching the veteran stage of his career, is clearly well capable of good performances on soft ground after a break - which is what he faces here.

Kirby's En Meme Temps, who likes to race prominently, takes a drop in class here and although his runs this season show him to be below his best, he could spring a surprise (especially if there is market support.......).

The line up is completed by Thor de Cerisy who has a 10lb swing for a 14 length beating by Altruism when last seen out in March. A consistent type who is suited by soft/heavy and he is making his seasonal debut here.

Just 7 runners, but as you would expect a competitive event. Fransham may stand out as the one to beat but there are ground conditions to consider.

Stainsby Girl has come out of her Hexham race in good spirits and we were tempted to run her again quickly but held off as she's still quite a young mare. We hope she can progress and be competitive in this race.
Craig Nichol has recently returned from a spell on the sidelines and takes the ride for Al Duncan and Helen Simpson. Best of luck to all.