The end of February
As February draws to a close we start to look forward to longer and warmer days, and the start of the flat turf season at the end of March. Unfortunately geopolitical issues still put things into perspective where normal people’s sufferings makes us think twice about whether we have picked the right race or tactics for a horse we have a share in. However the show goes on and February’s stats of 3 runs, two wins and a second make for very pleasant reading.
So onto March, incidentally the Ides of March once signified the new year, which meant celebrations and rejoicing. We hope to have 5 different horses running this month so hopefully we can keep within the old tradition! Our first March runner could be Surrey Princess at Lingfield on Wednesday. She’s very well and ready for what we hope will be her last all weather run before hitting the turf from April. We have tried to pick the right race for her in order to pick up her second win and have had some aborted plans (Chelmsford and Wolves) the past couple of days. She will be declared tomorrow but we do need 7 of the entries not to declare for us to make the final cut so it’s a bit touch and go. If she does run then Trevor Whelan is booked for the ride in the class six, 10 furlong handicap that is scheduled to go off at 13.00.
Surrey Mist is also ready to run again but will have to wait until the middle of the month with the most suitable option being a novice at Kempton on March 16th, over 11 furlongs. That is also the date of the Ballymore Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival that Surrey Quest has an entry. His work has been improving at home but it’s probably still unlikely he’ll run at the festival this year. He does also qualify for the EBF Final at Sandown on March 12th but winning that race with a rating of 133 is historically virtually impossible but we’ll catch up with Nicky this week for an update. Gran Luna is well, there are plenty of options for her towards the end of March when she’ll be due to run again.
Charlie is very happy with Surrey Knight’s progress and we watched him yesterday on the Al Barathri gallop (which was described to us as ‘where the magic happens’!) under a really easy ride by Jamie Spencer where he wasn’t pushed at all. Jamie commented afterwards that normally he’ll pick up on something but there was really nothing to say, he continues to do everything that’s asked of him. He’s going to be a real stayer, certainly 1 mile 4 furlongs but Charlie thinks the further he stays the better he’ll be. If all goes to plan over the next three weeks (which in horse racing is a big IF!!) he will make his debut at Doncaster on the 26th March. That first race at 1 mile 2 furlongs may actually be too sharp for him but he’ll love Doncaster’s big galloping track and he’ll certainly appreciate cut in the ground. We also watched Surrey Noir float up Warren Hill yesterday, he’s another who is doing everything that is asked of him. He’s certainly going to have a two year career over 6 or 7 furlongs but we don’t think he’s going to make his racecourse debut for a few more months yet as he matures and grows.
Surrey Charm continues her education whilst Surrey Belle moves into Hughie’s tomorrow to start hers as a proper racehorse. Surrey Gold came back in last week and looks amazing, the underwater treadmill has certainly worked wonders for his physique, so much so that we could see him back on the track in April. We’re looking forward to seeing 30 of the Belle and Gold owners and families next Saturday morning where we will get an update on both horses and Hughie’s plans.
Finally – this Wednesday is our Cheltenham preview on zoom hosted by one of owners, Oli Bell, who will be joined by Chris Hughes, Charlie Austin and Toby Lawes plus we are hoping that Ruby Walsh can pop on to give us the Irish opinion. Feel free to send the invite to family and friends – it’s an open invite, no need to register – just remember where your mute button is!
Topic: Surrey Racing Cheltenham Preview
Time: Mar 2, 2022 18:30 London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82548037566?pwd=V1doWVF0bGJLcVlFdXhTRi9CSTdzUT09
Meeting ID: 825 4803 7566
Passcode: 832000
Lets hope we’re also celebrating and rejoicing another win by Surrey Princess!
2022
March
Wednesday 2nd – Surrey Princess – Lingfield – 13.00
Wednesday 2nd – Surrey Racing Cheltenham Preview hosted by Oli Bell, 18.30 – 20.00
Saturday 5th – Hughie Morrison Stable visit for Belle and Gold Owners
Friday 11th – Surrey Mist – Wolves
Saturday 12th – Surrey Quest – Sandown – EBF Novice Hurdle Final
Wednesday 16th – Surrey Quest – Cheltenham – Ballymore
Surrey Mist - Kempton
Saturday 26th – Surrey Knight – Doncaster (Maiden Stakes)
April
Tuesday 5th – Surrey Mist – St Cloud
Sunday 25th – Hughie Morrison Open Day
July
Sunday 3rd – Surrey Knight (153rd German Derby, Hamburg) ) 92 left in – next stage Mar 7th https://www.deutscher-galopp.de/gr/renntage/rennen.php?id=1330172&d=20220703&s=N