7:10 Kempton - Doc Hay 14/1 another one where i think the price is just too big and definitely worth a small ew. Triple Chocolate would be my main worry
City - He got across from the wide draw quite comfortably and led all the way to about 1 1/2 out, seemed to settle better in front but had no answer when they challenged him and dropped to 4rth at the finish. The handicapper dropped him a pound last time and should drop him another couple but he might not.
Agree with you about Doc Hay, the price does look big, but the one for me in that race is Yeeoow. Hasn't shown much of late but is usually running in a lot better races than this one, if showing up at all tonight I'd think he'd be hard to beat. Could just as easily finish stone last, that sort of horse, but I'll take my chances.
Very well done, not one of those I feared would beat us! Our lad ran a nice race tonight but we have to be honest and say he isn't the animal we thought he was and his gallops form doesn't translate to the track. Still, I love him to bits and I am confident that sooner rather than later he will find his way to the winners enclosure. Turning for home tonight we were heading for victory as we thought he could stay out in front. Tough to know what to do with him now. He looks one-paced at the end of his races but Havlin said tonight that he took an eternity to pull up. On the positive side of things he is a very willing horse and he definitely is still maturing. Havlin reckons he would be 10lb better on the turf but he is hardly going to tell owners they have a donkey now is he. Personally I think we have a nice horse, a bargain actually considering what we paid for him, and I actually strongly believe that he would make a lovely hurdler. Thanks for all the good wishes, sorry he didn't repay the faith and I have to tell you that coming fourth really sucks!
So you own Squire then Stick? I haven't been on in a while so not up with the latest forum news. I didn't see the race, but his effort from looking at the form doesn't look so bad, drawn 12 and only beaten a couple of lengths. Must have used up a lot of gas getting to the front. Maybe with a better draw next time he can go closer.
I didn't realise Squire was running today. Did he get a better ride today. I see a different jockey this time.
I'd seriously consider a different trainer Stick. Not a bad run at all today though and he'll probably pop up when you're not expecting it. That was two competitive handicaps within 2 weeks.
Unlucky this evening Stick - I think Rab Havlin could be right about the turf. The all weather does really suit some whilst not others. I also think there is a question to be answered before knowing what may be worth trying next which is why is he not finding what is hoped in the final furlong and half? is it because he is not staying the 10f fully and reaching the end of his stamina or is he simply unable to quicken but able to continue travelling. If it's the first then a drop back to a mile would be worth a try as his best form from the maiden was at that trip, or should he be upped to 12f in the in the hope this is what is needed to stop others having too much toe at 10f at the business end. I think I would try and find a maiden at 8 or 10 f next and stick to Kempton. if 8f go for a lead from the front and make it a test. Your time will come I have no doubt and he looks a lovely horse who is certainly trying his best.
If his form at home is on turf then the jockey may well be right. What does the clock tell you at home stick? Any indication about optimum distance?
I'm also one who doesn't think that the horse is too well placed. Yesterday's race threw up a field that had won about 35 races between them, this had to be a hard race to win, especially for a maiden. As has been pointed out before, maiden races are thin on the ground, but some other path has to be found, I don't think a class 5 is the answer, they are just too hot. (Unless a very small field can be found) But things are not that bad. I would not lose faith in the animal. There is only so much fuel in the tank. Spend some to hunt across then lead them up draws deep from the reserves, that's why he hit the wall at the end. And remember, this was a class 5 with well tested horses. Both of Squires last two runs have been testing events for a lightly raced non winner. Why set the animal a mountain to climb when a hill will do just fine. Blue makes a couple of good points about the horse's best distance. I'm not too sure that the mile is the answer, they will probably be a bit to nippy. And the fact that Squire took some pulling up I think indicates that he probably wants more than 10 furlongs. I don't know how hard they are to find, but a small field of maidens at 12 furlongs might be worth a thought. Interesting that Stick mentioned hurdling. An exciting thought. He's hardly a strapping type, but over the small stuff, he doesn't really need to be. If he goes down that road, would he be allowed to start in a bumper? Don't give up on the little fella guys.
