Out of luck at Catterick today

Despite dropping back in distance from 2½ miles to 2 miles, we did think that a slightly easier opportunity had been found for Paper Roses who had been runner up in 3 previous races - all handicaps. It was not to be, she started favourite but looked in trouble down the back straight when she had to be rousted along to keep pace with the leaders. She weakened 2 out and finished fifth.
It could just be that her effort at Carlisle 28 days ago took more out of her than we thought.

Back to a trip around 2m 4f after a break, I guess.................

Couple of runners at Ayr tomorrow.....

...with profiles at extremely different ends of the experience scale.

Handicap hurdler Hartforth will be having his 50th race all told, and tries to regain some form in the 3m handicap hurdle. It's been a wee while since the gelding has shown his best, and although he continues to enjoy himself at home, his enthusiasm for racing may be on the wane slightly.
He does enjoy Ayr and the heavy ground conditions will suit as well, so we'll see.......good luck to The Brave Lads Partnership.

Meanwhile, the 5 year old Bluefortytwo makes his racecourse debut in the bumper facing 9 opponents. 
Phil Kirby runs his course and distance winner Hangard who will put his experience to good use, although the form of that race has not worked out too well. The Northern powerhouse stables of Scobie, Nicky Richards and GNWTLR each introduce a horse with attractive pedigree, with possibly Nicky's Idee de Garde being the pick of these but Younoyounoyouno and Thepensionfund are bred to be competitive in such races.
Ewart has caught the eye this season already with his bumper winners/runners ratio (3-10) and the booking of Brian Hughes catches the eye for the unraced Drenek. He's sure to be a tall, rangy, scopey type.......

Our gelding has been working upsides our better work horses in his morning work, and is at the stage where he will be brought forward by a racecourse appearance. Owner Rob Bewley's son Callum (fresh from a double at Musselburgh today) comes in for the ride, and best of luck to all.

 
The chestnut Hartforth pictured leading the grey Bluefortytwo