Tuesday 31 January

Before Cloonacool resumed his Chase career on Saturday, Stuart had been in touch with the handicapper to enquire why he was asking him to run off of a 12lb higher mark than the one that he currently had over hurdles. The handicapper was adamant that Cloonacool was worth his chase rating of 140. On Saturday, he proved to all that he needed so assistance, and this morning, the assessor has dropped him 5lbs to a chase mark of 135, and a further 3lbs over hurdles to a new mark of 125. We will continue to run Cloonacool over the course of the spring, so that his confidence can continue to grow, and hopefully get him back into the sort of form he was showing last season. All of the jockeys that have ridden him recently report that the ability is still there, and we are sure that when his confidence returns, he will be back to winning ways. With the disappointing news that Sneaking Budge has taken a backward step in his recovery, and will miss the remainder of the season, I have been busy trying to source a replacement from off of the subs bench. That process is near completion, and I should be able to announce a new arrival in the next day or so. Brendan Powell in this morning to ride a few on his way to Southwell. Also on her way to Southwell is Grey Warbler, who makes her debut in the second division of the bumper. She is a big strong filly, out of the Listed Chase winner Cettis Warbler who was bred by Mrs Robeson. Hopefully she enjoys the first outing of her career.