BLUE SKIES AND A FEW NEW ARRIVALS

28-04-2017

THIS WEEK We've been knocking on the door with our past few runners recently, each of which have been finishing nicely and in the winners enclosure although sadly not quite first past the post.  So although a number of horses are now finished for the season and going off on their summer breaks, there are still a few in to run over the summer months.  So as the blue skies continue to brighten there is still plenty to keep us occupied... REPORTS Charlie Papa Lima returned from a break to finish 2nd at Plumpton on Friday.  He set out to make the running under jockey Harry Bannister, but was soon headed by the hard pulling Wine Women An’song.  Charlie moved his way back upsides the leader to ensure a decent gallop, before taking up the running turning for home.  He kicked a couple of lengths clear up the home straight but was tracked through by the flat bred White Valliant.  He quickened up past Charlie, but Charlie didn’t give up and stayed on to go down by just the 2 lengths.  It was another cracking bumper run and he will now turn his attention to hurdles. Bridge of Cally ran an improved race to finish 3rd at Southwell on Friday.  He made the running under jockey David Noonan, setting a good gallop throughout the contest.  He was pressed for the lead by Colonial Dreams most of the way and when he quickened into the straight, Bridge couldn’t go with him.  He showed signs of greenness when he came under pressure, but when he got organised he stayed on well to the line.  He is a horse who shows lots of ability at home and will keep improving with experience.  He will now go for a summer break, before returning for another bumper in the autumn. Tierra Verde took a step forward to finish an excellent 2nd at Wetherby on Sunday.  She made the running under Jerry McGrath and showed an excellent attitude throughout.  She was headed down the back briefly, before taking it up the running again turning for home.  She looked like she would be swallowed up by the closing pack, but stayed on well to just find one rival too good for her on the day.  It was a great performance and granted some more ease in the ground she’s up to winning a bumper. Blandfords Gunner ran below his best, to finish 5th at Stratford on Sunday.  He sat just behind the pace under jockey David Bass and jumped well in the main.  He is normally a smooth traveller, but ran in snatches on this occasion.  When they quickened he got outpaced and came home in his own time to finish 5th.  He is another who will now go on his summer break. ENTRIES Benefit of Luck is set to have his 3rd start for the yard, at Chepstow this evening.  He ran a much improved race at Ascot last time out, staying on nicely from off the pace.  The good ground suited him that day as did the hold up tactics, so we will look to do similar here.  The step back to 2m shouldn’t be a problem for him around this more galloping track.  He is in good form and we are hopeful he will take another step forward. Until next week...