18 October 2016
I would fully recommend more European trainers making the trip..... Yes, initially I was a little disappointed as he took too many liberties at a few of the American Hurdles, doing well to stay on his feet on one occasion, but these mistakes clearly ruined any chance he had of winning. I actually thought he might be pulled up down the back straight on their final circuit, however he got second wind and flew up the hill to come an honourable third. I know he is a lot better than that, but jumping is the name of the game....... And Rawnaq is clearly a very decent horse and should not be underestimated if he does come over for the Festival next Spring. Remember he was only beaten a couple of lengths at the festival two years ago.......
The plan with Sharp Rise now will be to go for the Colonial Cup down in Camden, South Carolina on the 19th November. He has to stay out in America for the next month anyway as he was taken out of quarantine, so he might as well have a run there before coming home. During that month he will stay with Paddy and Leslie Young in Pensylvania and they will get him ready for the race. I am sure they will mainly concentrate on his jumping as he will have to jump better and up his game if he is going to get close to Rawnaq, but I definitely think that is possible.......
While we were away we managed to win a couple of races with Zara Hope and Leith Hill Lad and also go close with Vivas and Tree of Liberty - it is great to see them all running well. We just need to change a few of the placed horses into more winners!!
Tomorrow we have a very busy day at both Worcester and Fontwell. At Worcster we run Monty's Award, Nightfly and Monbeg Charmer. All three are lovely youngsters and although it looks very competitive at Worcester they should all run very well. Then at Fontwell Hannibal The Great, Western Miller, Moletrap and No No Jolie all run. Hannibal bids to rediscover some of his old form and NNJ makes her debut and she seems a likeable sort..... Fingers crossed!!
