Preview of Sedgefield tomorrow

Another cold spell apart, we're off to Sedgefield tomorrow with a couple of runners.

Sam Patch could probably find his own way there, and will be one of the contenders in the 2m 6f handicap chase.

Bollin Fiona is up in class, but 3m 3f on soft ground should suit her in the handicap hurdle. She is very well.

Sam Patch on the left

Review of Catterick last Friday

Although she faced only 4 rivals on her racecourse debut, we felt Ellistrin Belle took a lot of merit from her third place in the bumper. Callum settled the mare tracking the leader, and she travelled nicely for most of the race. With the weather the way it has been, we had done a fair bit less with Ellistrin Belle beforehand, and it showed slightly when she wandered 2f out as Callum asked her for a bit more effort. Sensibly, Callum put his whip down and applied hands and heels pressure to bring the horse home.

There's a fair difference of opinion in the yard as to the type of ground she would prefer (it's ok Donald, the dissenters will be summarily dealt with - Ed) - she travelled strongly, and may be better suited by a sounder surface.

Ellistrin Belle will have a few weeks rest before having another bumper run, and then we'll take it from there.