Entries & Recent Form
- Friday, 08 April 2011 07:34
- Written by James C Smith
The horses ran creditably yesterday at Aintree with Grands Crus in particular putting up a gallant performance in defeat against the mighty Big Buck’s. The winner is surely one of the finest staying hurdlers for some time and to be clear second best to him is no mean achievement. Indeed, we were all thrilled with him and we went to celebrate with part owner Roger Stanley in the bar afterwards. Grands Crus is clearly a tip-top staying hurdler and will be a really exciting prospect when sent over fences.
- Thursday, 07 April 2011 07:06
- Written by James C Smith
Well, at last it is the start of the three day Grand National meeting at Aintree - all of the National Hunt stars will be out in force over the coming few days, and what a way to kick off proceedings than with Big Buck's versus Grands Crus rematch? It should certainly be an exciting contest and let's hope that both contenders give their true running and provide us with another race to remember. I think the track will suit our charge, although he would still appreciate a softer surface to show his very best form. I am sure that Big Buck's will be beaten one day, it would just be nice if it was our fellow that was able to do it...remember Cheltenham form is often turned on it's head come Liverpool - either way, I can't wait to find out!
- Wednesday, 06 April 2011 07:09
- Written by James C Smith
I cannot wait to see the rematch of Big Bucks and Grands Crus at Aintree tomorrow. It will very tough to call the winner as Big Bucks has already won three times at the track and is an exceptional horse. I think Grands Crus will like the track. Remember, he has won at Haydock a flat left handed track and it is just a shame he is around when one of the best staying hurdlers of recent years is about. I am sure Big Bucks will get beaten one day, what about tomorrow?! Fingers crossed that both horses turn up in top form and provide another great race like they did at Cheltenham and most importantly return safe and sound which is the main thing.
- Tuesday, 05 April 2011 07:08
- Written by James C Smith
Following yesterday's confirmation stage for the Grand National, unsurprisingly most of the field (65) have stood their ground. We will have three runners in the big race on Saturday: Or Noir de Somoza, Comply Or Die and Piraya, while we have two further entries, Faasel and Junior. Junior is actually our shortest priced horse in the race, but he needs nineteen to come out before he will get a run and there is next to no chance of that happening...what a story it would be if he could win at Royal Ascot, the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National?!
- Monday, 04 April 2011 07:45
- Written by James C Smith
It was another good day for the yard on Saturday when E Street Boy and Dan Breen completed an across the card double at Chepstow and Uttoxeter. E Street Boy was completing a quick-fire hat-trick under jockey of the moment Conor O'Farrell, having scored in facile style at Wincanton, Hereford and Chepstow within the space of six days. I would imagine that the handicapper will take a dim view of his recent run of success and will reassess his handicap mark tomorrow. In the meantime he has several entries this week and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him turn out again quickly if everything is okay.
- Sunday, 03 April 2011 00:00
- Written by James C Smith
The Grand National meeting starts this Thursday and I will be up there each of the three days on my annual pilgrimage with David. Most of my mates want to come too - well on Friday at least...I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that it is ladies day?! The girls go all-out (in some cases quite literally) in their finery and always have their spray tans topped up to tangerine colour! The thing that makes me laugh however, is that you often see the girls walking down the roads in a pair of flip flops before changing into their high heels when they are on the track!
- Saturday, 02 April 2011 06:59
- Written by James C Smith
This time next week our old friend Gino will be getting our breakfast ready before we fly off to the Grand National. Gino and Jeanette have played host to myself and David for the last few years now during the Grand National meeting and I'm hoping that we don't wear out our welcome this year. It is always a great atmosphere at Aintree and I am getting goosebumps just thinking about the big race - I can't wait!
