Sunday 22 January

It was a chilly morning at Fences farm, but it was good to see all the horses in such fine fettle. First lot (and second) was frosty, with a hint of fog, making it very atmospheric. It was good to see a new horse out early - a 138 rated chaser from Ireland - an exciting addition to Stuart's ever increasing string. At this rate he will be building even more stables!! After breakfast it was good to see Sheridan and Fran in with their friend Trevor. Fran has shares in Molly Childers and Apasionado. Bob Graham was also in to see his three - Molly, Cloonacool and Sneaking Budge, and Paul and Jan Wells also braved the cold to see Maria's Benefit, Kingsley, and the 'Frankie'. Second Lot we saw the 4 yr olds, Top Gary and Kingsley stride on - they both went really well, and it will not be long before they are ready to make their racecourse debuts, they could well have a short trip to Towcester in early Feb for a racecourse gallop. It was so good to see Sneaking Budge tucked in behind them, as he went quicker for the first time in a few weeks. The good news is that he seems to have retained an awful lot of his fitness, and it will not take too much to have him ready to run again! It has been frustrating with him - but he looks like he is firmly back on track. Apasionado is another that has not lost too much for his short break. He went very well, and at this rate, he could be ready before the 25th February, which would mean that we would have the option of picking a race on some suitable ground should it appear in the meantime. Molly Childers is also in fine form, and very much on track for her next run in the middle of February. Chandos Belle was also out second lot but she just did one canter after her iffy scope earlier in the week, as did Land League who is bouncing after his run in Market Rasen. After a quick cuppa, we headed back up the hill to see four of them do a proper piece of work. With Ascot falling foul of the frost, Wolf Of Windlesham stayed at home, and instead of racing he worked upsides recent flat winner Elusive Cowboy. Both worked very well. In behind we saw Cloonacool upsides Maria's Benefit. Maria caught the eye, and went really well - she will have an entry in a mares bumper in Doncaster next Saturday. Cloonacool sported a tongue tie for the first time yesterday, something that may just help him in his next run should Stuart choose to employ it. Cloonacool will also have an entry in Doncaster next Saturday, but could well wait until the following Saturday and head to Musselburgh for the Scottish Champion Chase. We will look at entries and weather early next week.