Sunday 29 January

Two travelled to Doncaster yesterday. Cloonacool ran in the 2m handicap chase. He looked in fine form in September, where he looked like he was going to bolt up in the Listed handicap hurdle in Market Rasen that he won in 2015. Unfortunately he took a crashing fall that day, and has struggled with his confidence since. he looked to be back on song in Sandown earlier this month, and so he was back over fences, but yesterday showed that he is still short of his peak form. Brendan Powell rode, and gave him a great ride, but when push came to shove he just looked after himself a bit - Brendan says he is sure that all the old ability is there, he just needs to get his confidence back. We will continue to campaign him with that in mind this season, and hope that a summer off will rekindle him. It looks as though he will have a date in Market Rasen next September again! In the concluding bumper, Maria's Benefit made her debut for Paul Wells. Maria was purchased after failing to make her reserve at the Cheltenham Sales in December, and although we really liked her form the very start, it proved a struggle to syndicate her!! Thankfully Paul, for whom she was his first runner, stepped up to the plate, put his trust in our judgement, and purchased her outeright. Yesterday she repaid him - he had a great day out with bis wife Jan, and friends Phil, Mary and Dave. MB was very keen in the early stages, and was still taking a ggod grip as they went over rose hill - a mile into the race. With that in mind it was a very good effort to cruise into contention, and look the likely winner 2 furlongs out! In the end her early exertions told, and she couldn't quite keep it up to the line, just getting run out of it by a winner to whom she was trying to give 11lbs. She tried very hard, and is both talented and tough. Brendan rode, and was delighted with her - she looks to have a nice future! It is great for Stuart to have two nice fillies like Molly Childers, and Maria. Both are tough and have plenty of ability, and should see their owners at some of thee bigger meetings this spring. Back at base Land League is in sparkling form, and did a great piece of work yesterday. He will head to Towcester in February - with a light campaign in mind before running on through the summer. There are shares for sale in Land League - don't be like those that missed out on Maria - Land League is a nice one, and will be great fun for his owners through 2017! Chandos Belle is still just cantering after suffering a respiratory infection a couple of weeks ago, she will be back up to speed soon. Apasionado is also in fine form, although a little like your correspondent, he is carrying a few extra pounds. We will cover all bases with him, and he will have entries in Doncaster (22nd), Huntingdon (23rd), and Kempton 25th. He will also have an entry in The Supreme Novices Hurdle at The Cheltenham Festival. The three unraced 4 yr olds are all having a week off of hard work, and are hacking around the farm. They need a break in routine, and will be back at it next week.