A fantastic performance by Composite last Wednesday at Kempton saw him defy the penalty and get us off the mark for 2024. Under a super ride once again by Hector Crouch he backed up his previous victory from a few weeks ago in impressive style. Trained by George Boughey and owned in partnership with the shrewd Ed Babington this is a venture we have expanded again for this season and who wouldn’t with the ownership team operating at a 29% strike rate!
On Saturday Wonderwall had his first start for Peter Bowen and was desperately unlucky to be brought down in The Lanzarote Hurdle when looking like he was travelling strongly. Fortunately unscathed he could head to Sandown on the 3rd February where hopefully he’ll enjoy some better luck.
We then headed to Chelmsford for Juicy who was attempting to back up her debut victory. Giving heaps of weight away to her rivals she fluffed the start and failed narrowly finishing second. Unfortunately bookmakers odds create expectations and having gone off at odds of 30/100 fav against a small but lightly raced field there was some initial disappointment, however having rewatched the race a number of times I remain confident that she could be a smart prospect and look forward to her next start.
Finally on Sunday Give it Up travelled to Lingfield for the 7 furlong handicap – his initial mark of 75 awarded off the back of his second place at Newmarket to subsequent Dewhurst third Eben Shaddad looks harsh, a step up in trip could also be in his favour.
This week we head back to Kempton on Wednesday with 3 runners. Back Tomorrow attempts to follow up her recent victory once again under Simon Walker. Aidan Andabettin has his second start and lines up in the same race as debutant Tommy The Gun.
On Sunday all roads lead home to Chelmsford with Give it up, Keyser Soze and Sweet Harmony all holding entries on the same card.
