Taunton Trio

There are three jumps meetings today at Taunton, Newcastle and Warwick and we have three runners close to home at Taunton.  Navarau, Morradi and American Sniper make up our trio of runners and they will all be partnered by Jack Tudor.  Navarau runs in the opening contest of the day, a junior novices hurdle for three year olds who have not run on the flat.  Navarau is making his career debut and he is the only one in the field without any racecourse experience but he has been to Worcester and taken part in a schooling trial so it is not like he hasn't had any away days.  He took everything in his stride that day but this will be different and will be like his first day at school.  He has handled everything we have thrown at him at home well and he shows ability and a likeable attitude.  There has been a decent level of form shown by some of his rivals already so it may be tough but I would like to think he has a good chance and whatever he does today there should be plenty more to come going forwards.

Morradi makes his Pond House and hurdling debut in the 1.05pm novices hurdle.  He is a well travelled four year old who started his career in Sweden, racing to quite a high standard there before running in France where he didn't win but has some good form in the book.  We claimed him after he finished second in an above average claimer at Deauville and he has a rating of 80 on the flat so he does possess an engine!  He has schooled well and is by one of my favourite sires, Cracksman.  While it will be a watching brief for me today he is currently a good each way price of 18/1.  He will like the track and the ground but the front couple in the betting could be hard to beat.

American Sniper is our final runner of the day and he runs in the 2.35pm handicap hurdle.  He didn't enjoy the soft ground at Plumpton last time but ran well enough to be third.  Today will suit much better and while the trip might be on the short side for him, the blinkers go back on and he is not short of speed.  I think he has a cracking each way chance but it is a competitive looking race once again.

There is one all-weather flat meeting today at Chelmsford while in Ireland they have a jumps card at Punchestown.

Yesterday, both of our runners ran well and finished third.  Green Sky travelled and jumped well but couldn't quite go with the market principles as they approached the last hurdle.  I think it was step forward from her debut for us and quite often they take a run after their wind operation to find their confidence and I would be hopeful she can build on this next time.  Bashful Boy was held up off the pace in his race at Kempton on the all-weather and finished like a steam train to be third, he probably would have won in another few strides and the jockey had trouble in pulling him up!  This was a pleasing performance from our nine year old in a strong race for the time of year and there will be easier opportunities.  He seemed to enjoy himself and I am sure he will be back to winning races very soon.

Last night in the Champions League there was a good win for Manchester City away at Real Madrid and Arsenal were easy winners while Newcastle drew 2-2.  Tonight it is Europa League action and Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are all in action with away fixtures.

Two Tips for Christmas:

1.  Forget the past.  You can't change it.

2. Forget the present.  I didn't get you one.

Have a good day!