Dr Mathias is swerving his entry at Lingfield tomorrow as I felt the race was extremely competitive for the money and it was better to wait for other opportunities in the next week or two.
Our new two year old with David Evans is now named and will hopefully run at Kempton next week. The son of Kodiac , has been named Johnny Hancocks in honour of the legendary Wolves and England winger of the forties and fifties. Johnny made 378 appearances for Wolves and scored 168 goals, a phenomenal strike rate for an outside right. The idea of the name came when I saw the size of the horse, as Johnny was only 5ft 4in tall and wore size two boots, he was renowned for his cannonball shot as well as his pace, it is of course the pace we hope the two "Johnny's" have in common. Johnny was known as a keen racing fan and was once part of a group who attempted to buy in to the old Dunstall Park racecourse. In later years Johnny suffered a stroke and died in 1994 but will always be remembered as one of Wolves greatest players of all time. Had to smile at the first thing I saw on TV after arriving home last night from another evening racing at Dunstall Park, the sight of David Beckham wearing the Yellow and Green anti-Glazer coloured scarf, being one of his cutest examples of self-publicity. Good to see both Arsenal and Manchester United progressing so comprehensively in european competition, showing that despite the domestic game seeming to be in a financially poor state our game is still very healthy on the field relative to the competition from abroad. I do feel that Bayern Munich could be a danger to all, their form has improved dramatically since October after an indifferent start to the season.
The Last Bottle was very disappointing on Friday evening and once again returned slightly lame. His racing future is in the balance while we make a final decision.
Dr Mathias is reported as coming out of his race at Kempton very well. Opportunities are limited for him at this time of year and he may go for a race at Lingfield on March 19th.
We now have a second two year old on the books, he is by Kodiac out of Taisho and trained by David Evans. It is hoped he will make his debut at Kempton on March 27th. We have declared The Last Bottle for Friday for what looks to be a competitive apprentice handicap, limited to jockeys who have ridden 20 winners or less. Shane Ryan , who won for us on Zennerman at Nottingham in August, takes the ride and the horse is drawn in stall 3. It is hoped he can show us a bit more of his old form now he is dropped in grade as he has needed his two runs to date.
Dr Mathias had a pleasing re-introduction last week at Kempton after his winter break. Davis Probert gave him a good ride without being hard on him, understandably tiring in the last 200 yards and beaten 4 lengths. He should run again in the second half of March.
Hopefully I will be able to announce details of a new purchase or two shortly, as offers have been made on a couple of two year olds. There is interest from existing and new members, so I hope to have some news soon. |
