Thoughts on today’s runners

Helm Rock

Helm Rock is the first of our two Saturday runners. He returns to the track today after his winter break in The Lincoln at Doncaster at 3.35pm. Ben Curtis will be in the saddle.

Helm Rock matured mentally a lot last season and the results followed, he won three times. He faces stiffer competition than he’s encountered before, but conditions will suit as he relishes the mud. You need a bit of luck in these races and he’s beaten some of the more fancied runners in the past so whilst everything needs to align, it’s great be having a go. He’s done plenty of work at home and should be fit enough to do himself justice.

A hugely competitive race as you would expect. There’s a lot of hype around some of the more lightly raced horses from big Newmarket yards. It’s going to be attritional. A horse who handles the conditions and stays well is going to be as important as sheer ability. Atrium looks the obvious candidate, he’s got good form in the conditions. Awaal is really intriguing, he’s very lightly raced and saw off a very good horse in one of his novice runs and has won on heavy at the end of light three year old campaing.

Helm Rock runs in the colours of owners Capture The Moment VII Syndicate and will be led up by James Pulley who cares for him at home.

Lil Guff

Next up is Lil Guff who is also making her seasonal return to the track in the 4.25pm Class 3 Fillies Handicap at Kempton, Richard Kingscote rides.

Lil Guff gave everyone a lot of fun as a three year old, winnng twice to add to her two wins as a two year old. She also ran with credit at some of the biggest meetings. The busy season caught up with her towards the end of the season and she’s had a lovely break and returned in good form. She’s done enough work to be ready to run but we’d expect some improvement for the race. She was a course and distance winner under Richard as a two year old.

A tight little contest despite just five runner and you can find a case for any of them. The stable mates Cuban Breeze and Dora’s Penny seem the most obvious candidates. The former has a bit of class to her form while the latter arrives match fit.

Lil Guff runs for owner Mr Wayne Clifford and was bred by Sarah Clifford. She will be led up by Epona Miller who rides and cares for her daily at home.