Have been in God's own county, Devon, for the past week and a half, only getting back this afternoon. Otherwise would have loved to have given my opinions on a couple of runners at Ffos Las today.
I've spoken about Clearance (and Relative who ran earlier on the card) in the past but was slightly put off both, somewhat, by there this morn, being a warm, and seemingly very difficult to beat, favourite opposing both.
Haven't seen either race (just the reports) but it would appear that Clearance ran a race full of promise in just going down by less than a length. Certainly gives the Blake's something to work with. Although, personally, I suspect that Clearance may be better handicapped over hurdles (112) than on the level (78 today).
Relative, in comparison, was absolutely woeful earlier in the day and went backwards rather than forwards following her debut earlier in the month.
By the way to touch on the above mentioned Fergal O'Brien and amateur races. Did the Board boy (or anyone else for that matter) notice that last week Fergal O'Brien claimed a 3YO gelding - Dream Chaser. Initially I thought for juvenile hurdles but I note he has declared, the newly acquired, Dream Chaser in an amateurs heat, at Redcar (4.40), on Saturday. Fern O'Brien rides as well.