Thursday 9th May, 2024
Shibuya Song runs today at Stratford in the maiden hurdle at 4.40pm with Finn Lambert onboard. She improved for the better ground on her last run at the track, jumping more fluently than she did on a softer surface. Hopefully she will come on again today for that outing and we look forward to her taking advantage of the better going this summer.
Ned Cash is declared at Warwick on Saturday evening in the National Hunt maiden hurdle run at 6.05pm. He has always shown promise at home but pulled too hard on his hurdling debut recently and will wear a hood on Saturday. Brendan Powell has been booked to ride and hopefully he will be more settled this time and thus jump with more fluency as he has always schooled well at home.
The Lost Drop showed plenty of promise on her hurdling debut at Warwick on Monday finishing a pleasing fourth. She jumped and travelled nicely before being a bit outpaced in the straight and will ultimately get further when she is a bit stronger. We will see what the weather does and hopefully get another run into her in a few weeks time before giving her a summer break. I am sure she will continue to give a great deal of fun to her owners The Littles.
Elfride could do with a more galloping track than Warwick and a stronger pace to be seen at her best but ran on well in the straight under Harry Bannister. Harry reported she had a few traffic problems turning for home otherwise would have finished a bit closer but I am sure she will competitive again once conditions are in her favour.
Organdi (pictured) found Fakenham too sharp and may well have needed a longer gap after her excellent Cheltenham run to be seen at her best. However Finn Lambert wisely pulled her up after she made a bad mistake on the last circuit and we look forward to finding another opportunity for her in a few weeks time now the ground has come right for her.
Bluenose Belle got a bit tired after making a challenge in the straight last night at Kempton but I am sure she will come on for the run having been off the track for quite a while. She has grown into a fine looking mare and we look forward to her returning to winning form in the coming weeks and months for her patient owner Geoff Lansbury.
I spent a very enjoyable afternoon yesterday as one of the many guests to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace hosted by The King. On the most beautiful afternoon of the year so far, it was a privilege to be able to enjoy the splendid setting and be treated to a rather special afternoon tea.
