So the flat season has begun now and we've had a few runners to get things going and they haven't run without promise. Bit Of A Quirke surprised us a bit when he cruised into contention at Pontefract and stuck on for third, he was as fresh as paint the next day when we turned him out so is clearly starting to feel well with himself and all been well he will go to Beverley next week, a track he took a shine to last year. The jumpers are also in good heart, Oliver's Gold, Uno Valoroso and Quest For Life have been putting up good efforts and will hopefully get their heads in front soon. Uno is the one we're most pleased with, despite him not quite striking he is best on bottomless ground so his efforts of late have been pleasing! 

Whilst at Wetherby with Oliver's Gold we were delighted to secure the fourth in the seller, Donna's Dream, for a group of owners who are a keen and very supportive bunch. Trained by Chris Grant she has been placed plenty and still looks lightly raced, she's a big strong daughter of Kalanisi and looks a chaser in the making, but she clearly needs time and can hopefully get better with age and give her new owners some fun.

We have a nice bunch of 2 year olds this year to go to war with, but as is the case with young horses sometimes they need time. We x-ray their knees to see how their growth plates are, this gives an idea of their development and if they have not closed up fully then it invites problems further down the line if you continue with them now. A couple of the 2 year olds haev had the all clear to continue training whereas the others need a bit more time. One who we've given a bit more time to develop is Magical Max, he's by Coach House and his homework so far has been very good and we're hopeful he can be one to get excited about. The Music Master is a hardy type and is another we like, along with a Lethal Force filly  She Sure Is, but with young horses it's always easy to get excited at home and we'll let them do the talking when they get to the track.