ANOTHER GRADE 2 FOR THE SEASON

27-04-2018

THIS WEEK Finally the sun has been shining and our lorry has been back on the road to the racecourses at last!  We may have had to travel far but it's all been worth while, as we scored a final fantastic landmark victory up at Ayr with Bigmartre winning our second Grade 2 for the season on Saturday.  An amazing achievement for all the team and the hard work they have put in throughout the season.  Since then we've also been to Punchestown and various other places in between.  So as we close off the season we're feeling pleased with all that we have achieved and grateful to everyones support in making it all happen. REPORTS Bigmartre finished his season off in perfect fashion, with a win in the Grade 2 Future Champions Novices Chase at Ayr on Saturday.  He lead under jockey Harry Bannister and jumped extremely well yet again.  He was headed going onto the final circuit by Adrien Du Pont and Mia’s Storm and briefly looked in trouble, but his jumping kept him in it.  Harry asked him to close turning in and he to poked his nose back in front at 4 out.  He produced a big leap and set off for home, sticking on well up the straight to win by just under 2 lengths.  This success topped off a cracking season for him and he remains competitively handicapped for next season.  This was his 6th win for the yard, which makes him the winning most horse in HWR history.  He's been an absolute legend rewarding the whole team with each of his successes and his proud owner Phil Dixon who has been an amazing supporter of ours right from the start. Anemoi produced an improved performance to finish 5th on his second bumper start at Ayr on Saturday.  This was a very competitive field and he travelled very well on the pace under jockey Richard Johnson.  He clearly appreciated the better ground and turning in he looked to have every chance.  He led the field to the 2 furlong pole, but his penalty started to tell late on and he weakened into 5th.  This was a step up on his Huntingdon win and he’s a very exciting hurdling prospect for next year. The Grey Enforcer finished a promising 4th on racecourse debut at Market Rasen on Sunday.  He switched off nicely in mid division under jockey James Bowen and travelled well for much of the contest.  They got racing leaving the far side and he made eye catching progress to get onto the heals of the leaders.  He looked to have every chance on the run in, but he showed signs of greeness under pressure and could never quite get on terms.  This was a good debut and he will progress for the experience.  He’s another nice prospect for next season. Hoke Colburn was pulled up on his latest start at Huntingdon on Tuesday.  He travelled well in mid division for the first circuit but when the field passed the stands he started to come off the bridle.  He did make a brief move down the back straight, but was soon struggling again.  He was pulled up before 2 out.  This was a disappointing run and he may wear some headgear next time. Spirit of Rome finish 5th on her first handicap start at Huntingdon on Tuesday.  She jumped off in a handy position and was very free in the early stages.  She jumped well in the main, though she did get close to a couple on the way around.  She was right in the mix coming to 2 out but her early exertions told and she was only able to stick on for 5th.  This was a solid run and if she settles she’s capable of further improvement. Charlie Papa Lima produced a cracking performance to finish 2nd on chase debut at Taunton on Wednesday.  He made the running under jockey Harry Bannister and led the field over the first few fences.  His jumping was very tidy throughout and although he was headed after 4 fences he still travelled well.  Charlie pressed the leader coming to 3 out but wasn’t as quick as Tikkinthebox and lost a couple of lengths.  He stuck on up the run in, but couldn’t ever get back on terms, eventually going down by just under 2 lengths.  This was a cracking chase debut and there’s plenty more to come from him over fences. Cold March finished 10th on his latest start at Punchestown on Wednesday.  He got further back than ideal early on, but did travelled with more zest than at Newbury last time.  He could never land a blow on the leaders, but did make up ground turning for home and passed a few in the home straight to finish 10th.  He finished his race off nicely after his wind operation and should be competitive when he gets some better ground and drops in class. Tangoed finished 11th in first time cheekpieces at Taunton on Wednesday.  She raced in mid division early on, but didn’t travel from an early stage.  Harry kept her up to her work, but she could never get on terms with the leaders.  She did stay on in the straight to finish 11th.  She didn’t take to the first time cheekpieces and we will try something different with her next time. ENTRIES Jumbo Davis missed her intended engagement at Sedgefield on Monday because of drying ground and will take her chance in a Mares bumper at Towcester later today.  The forecast softer ground should suit her, the stiff track over this trip shouldn’t be an issue and we are looking forward to finding out more about her.  This is a 16 runner heat, but her point to point form is solid and she should be competitive. Until next week...