24th September Upate
The miserable weather at Sandown last Wednesday scuppered Surrey Charm’s chances of running so we will try again this week and without any turf options she will run (probably as bottom weight) this Wednesday at Kempton, the third race on the card at 6.30 , in a class 5 (0-70) handicap over 11 furlongs for three year olds only. We think the all-weather surface should suit her as the pace is normally quicker so fingers crossed she finds room, through what is going to be a sizable field, for a late run to glory! It looks like a great turnout from the horse owners as well, 18 at the last count, so with Kempton only giving out 8 badges some horse trading skills needed from us this week!!
We will probably have two runners this week, as Surrey Belle returns with possibly three entries. On Thursday she is entered to run at Pontefract, in a class 5 (0-68) handicap over 12 furlongs and on Southwell’s all-weather surface in a class 5 (0-70) handicap over the same distance with Rob Hornby booked to ride. She may also get an entry at Chester on Saturday as Hughie mulls the different options. Chester is a tight track and likely to be a stronger race, turf undoubtedly suits Belle better, but the tactics of the all-weather race would probably suit the best of all !! She will run where we think she has the best chance of winning which the syndicate owners all agree with.
Surrey Noir has returned to work following his flu jab and looks in good shape. There are two options for him the following week, Kempton on the 4th and Salisbury on the 5th. As much as all of horse owners would prefer to see him running on turf, it’s hard to move away from a surface that he runs well on. Charlie will enter him into both races and we will see where he has the best chance especially considering he’s now 7 pounds higher in the handicap.
Of the horses that have yet to run, Surrey Fire looks to be the closest to making his debut as he has come on nicely over the past few weeks and we think he’ll be on track for a first appearance in the first half of October, and likely to get two runs in on the turf before the season is over. Surrey Fortune is making tracks on Billy’s sand gallops, that’s really helping him to strengthen but as we’ve said before, we don’t think we’ll see him on the track until November. Surrey Force is still on the easy list whilst Surrey Mist and Surrey Shadow continue with their longer term R&R.
We have been discussing race plans with Toby for Surrey Quest and Surrey Lord who are both in good shape and now with softer ground will start schooling on the gallops. Surrey Lord will start in a bumper, of which there are a few options towards the end of October and early November when Toby thinks Lord will be ready. Toby would prefer Surrey Quest to start chasing in a novice handicap over 2.5 miles, preferably a 0-120 level (Quest is 122 rated but should get in to the lower level) to try to give him a soft re-introduction but there aren’t too many options through October. One such race is on Wednesday 25th October at Worcester, which also has a bumper on the card, so it works for both horses as they can enjoy a day out together. It’s not a definite but certainly an idea, plus Quest owner Shane has his Ounce https://ouncebar.co.uk/ restaurant right around the corner from the track and I’m sure he’ll look after the syndicate owners !!
Arqana have moved the yearling sale back a day to start on Tuesday October 17th, so we will be travelling to Deauville on Monday 16th, returning Thursday morning, only one space left in the car!
Good luck to the fillies this week, touch wood, we will be celebrating two good performances to keep the current run of form going.
Possible races and events
2023
September
Wednesday 27th – Surrey Charm - Kempton
Thursday 28th – Surrey Belle – Southwell and Pontefract
Saturday 30th – Surrey Belle - Chester
October
Wednesday 4th – Surrey Noir – Kempton
Thursday 5th – Surrey Noir - Salisbury
Saturday 7th – Toby Lawes Owners Morning
Tuesday 17th – Day 1 of the Arqana Yearling Sale in Deauville
Wednesday 25th – Surrey Quest/Surrey Lord - Worcester