Thoughts on Saturday’s Runners

Another busy day for the team as we send out 4 runners at 3 different meetings on Saturday 25th May. DECEIVER is first up as he heads to York for the 5.05pm 4 year old plus handicap over 7 furlongs with Jim Crowley in the saddle.

We then go over to Windsor for our next two runners, VINCE LOMBARDI is having his first run for the yard in the 5.35pm 6 furlong 12 yards handicap. Debutant ACCRUAL lines up at 6.40pm in the restricted maiden stakes, also over the 6 furlongs 12 yards, both runners at Windsor will be partnered by Jack Mitchell.

We conclude our busy two hours around the different racecourses at Salisbury where HILLTOP goes in the 7.00pm handicap over 6 furlongs 212 yards, Dylan Hogan will be taking the ride on the filly this evening.

DECEIVER

Deceiver was too keen last time out over a mile last time and drops back to seven here. He should get a strong pace in this race with the big field. He is a talented horse but a little frustrating at present.

The race is a very wide open affair typical of the track and the obvious start point is Riot who on over course and distance at last weeks Dante Meeting with several of these rivals in behind.

Decevier runs in the colours of Oakmere Homes and was bred by Gary & Lesley Middlebrook. He will be led up by James Pulley who cares for him at home.

VINCE LOMBARDI

Vince Lombardi has been a real project to get back to the races. He came to us late last summer but didn’t do any training until early this year. His feet were in a bad way and needed time for our skilled farriers Steve Boddy and Lance Setter to get them into a condition where he could be trained effectively. This is his first run for us so very much a fact finding mission. His heart rate recovery data at home suggests that he will come forward for the run.

Big field sprints always require a bit of luck. Antiphon ran well in a huge field at Ascot a couple of weeks ago and if the draw isn’t a hindrance is one to look out for. Crazy Luck looked back to near her best in a fillies handicap on her most recent start. Coup De Force put up a good effrot in a higher grade race a couple of weeks ago and is another that can be involved. Coco Bear probably wants slightly slower ground to be seen at his best.

Vince Lombardi runs for owners Dark Blue Bloodstock. He will be led up by Shannon Pasotti who cares for him daily at home.

ACCRUAL

Accrual makes his debut. We’ve sent out three of his half siblings to win, including Silver Leaf who won on her debut. Accrual is very closely related to Seneca Chief who won six times for the yard. He’s likely to benefit from todays first experience of the races.

Ezra Cee showed a good level of ability on his first two starts but was not very well behaved on his third start when favourite, gelded, given a break and with a new trainer if he behaves he looks the most likely winner. Arkhalia Flynn showed ability on debut in July last year and if able to take a step forward looks another to get involved. Ethandun hasn’t really progressed and cheekpieces need to spark something.

Acrual runs for owners Gary & Lesley Middlebrook, who also bred this gelding. He will be led up today by Epona Miller who cares for him daily at home.

HILLTOP

Hilltop went close dropped back to six furlongs last time out. She ended up a bit further back than ideal in race that favoured those near the front. She finished to good effect and should be fine with the return to seven furlongs on her turf debut. Her draw could have been a little kinder.

SIlver Trumpet was progressing nicely until running no race last time out. Master Franca has been consistent at this sort of level.

Hilltop runs for owners Gary and Lesley Middlebrook who also bred the filly. She will be led up today by Josh Britton.