Shady goes South

The best laid schemes o' mice an' men,  Gang aft a-gley

It may have been a mouse's nest that our Rabbie was writing about, but we know how he felt.

Last week Hexham was abandoned (flooding), yesterday Musselburgh fell to the same fate (frost). Of course we had horses due to run at each venue - and nowhere else -  so we sat at home in the afternoons, cursing.
And looking at the opposition in the Bet365 Long Distance Hurdle tomorrow at Newbury, that 3-times-unlucky feeling is not far away. Over the last 5 or 6 seasons, this particular race has not been that competitive, small fields with just one or two at most stand-out horses.

Not so tomorrow - this year's renewal is a very hot race. Shades of Midnight faces 8 opponents, comprising of 4 Grade 1 hurdle winners, 2 Grade 2 hurdle winners, plus a listed placed hurdler and a listed chase winner. The Potassium Partnership's 6yr old gelding is progressive, and fit and well, but there's no doubt tomorrow is a stern test.
More rain the better, as Shady will be suited by the soft ground and 3 miles.

Good luck to his strong band of supporters and enjoy the day.

Shades of Midnight (Callum) on the right