Saturday 19th December 2020

It’s been a very wet week, conditions today will be shocking. Going stick readings of 4 suggest it will be last horse standing stuff. Proper gruelling races.

We’ve not had any runners so far this week, and I’m pleased we haven’t. It can take weeks to get horses back after running on such ground. However, we do send Tinsmith to Lingfield on the AW at 3:40.

Tinny is on the comeback trial after breaking ribs. He’s a horse that doesn’t want bad ground so were giving him a couple of confidence boosting runs on the level to get back into the swing of things. Tinsmith is huge standing at 17.1h, hopefully he’ll enjoy himself.

I’ve had a couple of bets.

I was impressed with Cheddleton when he won at Carlisle last time. He runs today at Haydock in the 12:20. I’m hoping his jumping will win the race for him. Cheddleton also stays further than two miles which is needed on such ground. Odds of 5-2 looks fair, I think he could be smart.

Over at Ascot, I very much hope Main Fact can land the ten timer in the Long Walk for David Pipe. Conditions will be perfect for him, but I think Paisley Park will be tough to beat.

Another one of our trainers horses should also have a good chance, Le Grand Fromage 2:50 Newcastle. Trained by Tom Lacey. He’s bred for a fence, stays further than two miles and the quicker pace should suit. Odds of 3-1.