Introduction
What an exciting week, Thahab Ifraj goes and wins at a staggering 66/1, whilst Cry Wolf takes his third win of the season bringing the total yard prize money this season across both codes to £150,000. Taunton comes around again next week and we have got lots of entries there for Thursday, hopefully we can see as many of you there as possible!
Round Up of runners
Fortune seems to have favoured Thahab Ifraj, whilst being denied a run at Chelmsford he squeezed into a 0-135 at Wincanton, winning at a huge 66/1. Adam gave him a great ride and the race was run at a steady pace on the ground he loves, allowing him to get into the race which he has been denied on previous runs. He took the lead 2 out and held on well to the last. The handicapper has not been the kindest to this horse and he was put up a harsh 3 pounds for his Stratford second, but on Thursday it all worked out without the need for any headgear.
Cry Wolf, the only runner on the flat this week, made it 2 winners this week with a great effort at Wolverhampton. This is the shortest trip he has run over for us and it was a small concern, however Cry Wolf did not share this thought. He appreciated having a clean run for the first time in a while sweeping wide and was able to make use of his trademark staying prowess. He has been with us 5 months now, only finishing outside the top 4 once and picking up 8 top 4 finishes, 3 of those wins.
Tactical Manoeuvre and Hill Fort both ran in the first race at Exeter on Sunday, with Tactics finishing the better of the 2. He was ridden towards the rear on the inner and made progress steadily from midway in the race, with the field well strung out turning coming into the last bend. He stayed on better than the horses around him, to finish 5thof the 17 runner field. He has improved much for his first run at Taunton, though is still having to carry top weight, hopefully the handicapper will be kind to Tactics and give him the drop he deserves. Hill Fort on the other hand was having his seasonal debut and will come on for the run, we will see how he comes out of the race before planning his next venture.
Envole Toi made his yard debut over fences and took to them well. We decided to hold him up this time, and it looked to work though up the run in though he just tired a little coming to 2 out. That being said this was a very good race, with the winner winning a class 3 last time out and the 2nd 3rd 4th and 5th placed horses all winning class 4 races on their last runs, so we were in very good company.
Statistical Summary
Jumps 18/19
Earnings - £40,202
Wins - 3
Top 4 finishes – 27/81 (33.33%)
Flat 18
Earnings - £110,127
Wins – 14
Top 4 finishes – 57/180 (31.67%)
