Carlisle review - a win for Stolen Money and Lady Villanelle runs well too on return

Much improved performances from both our runners at Carlisle yesterday (Monday) with Stolen Money staying on strongly for a thrilling win in the last after Lady Villanelle had run well for a long way earlier on.

By the time Stolen Money lined up for the concluding race (a 3 mile handicap hurdle) on the card, there were clear signs that the persistent rainfall during the afternoon had made conditions fairly testing. Which suited our lad down to the ground.
Craig jumped the gelding off in the leading pair to give him a good look at his hurdles, and he was like a transformed character!
Stolen Money travelled well and more creditably jumped well too.
Facing the challenge of market leaders (Fevertre and Headscarf Lil) after 4 out, he made his one slight mistake 3 out but was soon travelling strongly again in pursuit of the duo.

Craig galvanised a really good run heading to the last where a fantastic jump propelled his mount into the lead and despite idling close to the line, Stolen Money held on well for a very fine victory. The presence of the 2nd and 3rd give the form a solid look to it.

Stolen Money had been working much better than last season - he's not the quickest in the yard - but he can be quite a stuffy sort so we were a bit unsure if he'd need the race or not. We - including Craig - kept waiting for the horse to empty but he never did!! He's progressing nicely.

The plan was to move onto fences but after this we might just go for another staying hurdle.

Stolen Money (on the left with Callum)

And earlier Lady Villanelle ran a much better race than her 5th place in the Mares' Handicap Hurdle, beaten 14 lengths would suggest.

With instructions to jump off handy and give the mare a good view of her hurdles, Callum was in the leading group for much of the way. If anything, Lady Villanelle was showing too much enthusiasm and raced a bit keenly but it was so good to see her grab hold of the bit after her poor run, when a bit under the weather, at Hexham in March.
The 2 mile trip is probably on the sharp side for the mare as she was still in with a chance with the leaders 2 out but was outpaced approaching the last and Callum eased her home.

She should come on for the run, and with the help of the handicapper, softer ground and a slight step up in trip Lady Villanelle has given her connections a lot to look forward to this season.

Lady Villanelle (Laura)