Friday 14th December 2018

Aldrin wasn’t quick enough for the AW racing earlier in the week. The pace of the race was slow, and it turned into a sprint as it can so often at Lingfield. Aldrin kept going at the same pace but couldn’t find another gear. The likelihood is this would be the same on AW surface.

We learned Aldrin needs further on the level and a galloping racecourse. It’s holiday time now but we’ll revisit the flat racing at some point next year. There’s a race to be won at some point.

The two-day International meeting starts at Cheltenham this afternoon. The field sizes aren’t huge due to the ground conditions, it’s the same over at Doncaster. The main Irish horses haven’t made the journey for this reason. Racecourses are drying up again up and down the country, it’s becoming a real pain.

Angels Breath is worth keeping an eye on in the 12:10. Trained by Nicky Henderson, positive reports have been forthcoming about this horse. Elixir De Nutz sets the standard and holds a rating of 138. Angels Breath will have to show smart form to win this on debut but it’s possible we might just be watching a festival contender come March.

Fact Of The Matter ran well on his first try over the Cross Country fences last month. If improving a little for the experience, he should have good EW claims at 7-1 EW.