Musselburgh (Friday) review

On the face of it, 7th, 9th and 10th from 3 runners doesn't make very encouraging reading, but we were quite uplifted by our 3 runners' performances.

Paper Roses jumped quite big throughout her novice hurdle race and, whilst never even touching a flight, lost a couple of lengths on each occasion. At the finish, she stayed on into a never dangerous 7th place. In the hope that her confidence will have been improved - Callum said that she felt strong between flights - another outing in a couple of weeks time is in order. She's a nice filly, and looks sure to win a race at maybe somewhere like Perth on good ground.

Bollin Julie is taking her time to come to hand after an 18 month absence, but jumped really well (a last flight mishap apart) and came to challenge 3 out. Fitness started to tell at this point, and she weakened out of it, completing in 10th position. Ability is there, and we hope the Denholm Park Racing will have some fun over the next couple of months.

Our bumper debutant Side of the Road was kept wide throughout by Callum. She was nicely in touch with the leading group, but was soon outpaced as these horses set sail for home, but kept on nicely to the finish albeit 20 or so lengths adrift in 9th. Of course by racing wide, she gave up several lengths, but it was more important that the filly got a clear, unhampered run and enjoyed the experience.
She certainly did and was bouncing around the following day.