23rd February Update
We were hoping to add to our WIN column last week with Sea Presenting one of the favoured horses at Huntingdon last Wednesday and to be fair she ran as a favourite should. Kevin had her up there with the early pace, completing turning the tables on Betty’s Tiara (a 6-length turnaround) but unfortunately bumping into one better mare, the on-form Harry Derham’s Diamond Encore, with Sea Presenting 3 lengths back in second, way clear of the other 13 runers. She won’t always meet a better one and she will be winning races, so we are very pleased with another gallant effort from a very consistent mare. She was fine after the race and now she has qualified for the Grade 2 EBF Mares Final at Newbury on Saturday March 22nd so she’ll appreciate the 4 week break from racing before turning out in Berkshire. The handicapper will have a say on Tuesday, we feel a 1-2 lbs rise is fair but taking Betty’s Tiara 110 into account, she could be hit with a heftier hike, let’s see.
It’s been a fantastic February, 6 runners, a winner and 3 places, and in 2025 we’ve not had a UK runner outside of the money. Our win/place rate this year is 62.5%, there are challenges ahead, but there are more good performances to come!
We may have a runner on Saturday at Doncaster as we will look at the entries tomorrow for Surrey Quest either in the Grimthorpe, a class 2 chase over 3m 2f or the next race on the card which is a class 2 (0-145) 3-mile handicap hurdle. He’s not certain to run in either, as Toby would prefer the longer hurdle race at Warwick on Sunday 9th but we wouldn’t turn down a good chance of winning! As we mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we feel a hurdle to sharpen Quest up, as well as protecting the handicap, is the best option before a crack at the Scottish Grand National in April.
Surrey Lord has his eye on two potential races in March, at Southwell (2 mile) on the 3rd or Fontwell (2 mile 2 furlong) on the 6th, both maiden hurdles.
Surrey Shadow has come out of his race well and the handicapper left him on the same mark (82). He will head to Doncaster for the Lincoln on the 29th although if he gets in (doubtful, because there are 48 horses ahead of him) he’ll carry a 5-pound penalty. The good news is that if he doesn’t get in, he’ll run in the consolation race, the Spring Mile, off 82, which will give him every chance. We will be visiting Shadow and Surrey Moon on Saturday 8th so let us know if you wish to join us.
Surrey Fire and Surrey King are well, we are looking forward to seeing them with the owners on the 22nd, handily arranged with Newbury later in the day in mind!!
Another date for your diary – Tuesday May 13th, the Surrey Racing Golf Day, more details nearer the time.
The Grade 2 EBF Mares Final, The Lincoln. The Scottish Grand National, all within the space of 30 days of each other – that’s an impressive 3 races to look forward to!
Good Luck to the Quest owners if he heads to Doncaster on Saturday, see you in Donny!
Possible races and events.
March
Saturday 1st - Surrey Quest – Doncaster – 3.15 or 3.55
Monday 3rd – Surrey Lord - Southwell
Thursday 6th – Surrey Lord - Fontwell
Saturday 8th - Surrey Shadow/Surrey Moon @ Tom Clover stable Visit – 09.30
Sunday 9th – Surrey Quest - Warwick
Saturday 15th – Surrey Quest – Uttoxeter ?
Saturday 22nd - Surrey King/Surrey Fire @ Hughie Morrison stable Visit
Sea Presenting – Newbury – EBF Mares Final
Saturday 29th – Surrey Shadow – Doncaster – The Lincoln
April
Saturday 12th – Surrey Quest - Ayr – Scottish Grand National
May
Tuesday 13th – Surrey Racing Golf Day, Silvermere Golf Club