Wednesday 9 November

A good day! Yesterday started with a trip over to Fences Farm. Good to see Ken Jackson - in to see new girl Chandos Belle, we wish him luck with her. After selling a couple more shares in her yesterday - if everyone does what they say they are going to do - there are just 2 shares left in her - so get in touch quickly if you would like to come and see her (07909 518902) nickbrownracing@gmail.com She is going very nicely, and has an entry in Leicester next Monday, although the ground will need to ease considerably! We also got to see Bold Conquest wizz off the top - he is in great heart. Sneaking Budge and Wolf Of Windlesham worked well together, and both are ready to run at the weekend (ground permitting). After seeing Ken it was off to Huntingdon, where Apasionado was engaged in the opening novices hurdle. Burdened with a 7lb penalty from his debut hurdling success in Uttoxeter, and against a couple of smart enough looking types it was certainly no gimme. This allied with no apparent pace in the race - meant that we were hopeful rather than confident. Josh had come up to ride him, before heading back to Lingfield for one in the last, meaning that most of his Birthday was spent on the M25. As the tapes went up, it was clear there was to be no great pace, so Josh just let AP bowl on. He umoed great, and as they came to challenge one by one he bravely fought them off, crossing the line just over a length in front - a shade cosily. One thing we learned yesterday was that front running is not the way to go with him, but even so, he still had enough to carry 7lbs extra and win! Scenes of celebration, and a good afternoon! He seems fine this morning, and we will now consider where to go next. He will be upped in grade next month, we will just have to decide where!! A logical route would be to run in a Graded Novice next month, then give him a bit of a break before a run in February on the best ground we can find before a date in the Cotswolds in March. I see he is 25/1 with a few bookmakers for The Supreme Novices Hurdle - one of the top quoted 2m novices form the UK - how exciting, although 25/1 does seem very very skinny!! The dream is very much still alive!!