Carlisle on Monday - couple of runners from Dodlands
Gusty winds and drizzle forecast for Carlisle for most of Monday, and
while our two runners won't mind a further bit of softening of the
ground, ~40 mph winds make is a less enjoyable day for horses, jockeys
and those in attendance.
Anyway, we've got a couple of runners on probably soft ground and best
of luck to our owners.
Carlisle 5th February : 2.32 pm 2m 3½f mares' novices' hurdle (Class 4)
Having finished down the field in a couple of bumpers last season, Houxty Reiver will need to take a step forward on her hurdling debut in this race.
The Moffat/Charlotte combination have recorded several successes this season and will have been delighted when their dual hurdles scorer Lunar Discovery picked up valuable black type when placed in a Listed hurdle last time. They'll have to concede 10lb to Pauling's Southern raider Drumlee Spud though and it could be tight at the finish.
Henry Brooke rides Bill Aitchison's home bred mare for us and we hope that they enjoy a safe passage through the race.
Houxty Reiver on the right
Carlisle 5th February : 4.07 pm 3m ½f 0-100 handicap chase (Class 5)
Chase debut for Nights
In Venice but there are several factors in his favour.
He's well bred for this job as his dam is a half sister to a Sussex
National winner (French Executive) and he possesses the ideal
conformation for a staying chaser - a tall, lengthy type. Plus he jumped
hurdles very well, if a tadge slowly so we're hoping he can adapt well
to fences.
We just felt his breathing may have been holding him back towards the finish in his races this season so he's had a small wind operation meantime.
Henry Brooke takes the ride for Legends In Disguise syndicate.
In what could be a wide open race, the handicapper may not have quite caught up with Coltherd's hat-trick seeking Breeze of Wind just yet. And Wavelength from Nick Alexander's Kinneston yard is tantalisingly weighted to go close in an event such as this.