Saturday 1st April 2023

The flat season kicks off today.

The Lincoln meeting comes around early, it then goes quiet until Aintree. For me that’s when the level starts proper, once the Grand National has come and gone.

We run, Had To Be Hugo at Uttoxeter in the 5:05. This will be Hugo’s last run of the season who has shown fair form in his first few races for us. Hugo will be a cracking staying chaser and it’s all about next season and beyond for him.

Conditions will be biblical at Uttoxeter, no horse will enjoy it, but some will handle the deep mud. Hugo steps up in trip to three miles for the first time. Horses will have to stay beyond the trip this afternoon so we’ll see if Hugo does.

Breizh Alko is the proven stayer in the race, he's won over 3m3f on bad ground.

Little time to look at the racing today but, Aztec Empire should go well at Kempton in the 3:15.
Al Mubhir has been aimed at the Lincoln for some time by William Haggas, he handles the ground and should give you a decent run.