20th February 2016

Let’s get the disappointment out the way – Very Intense never travelled and the sheepskin cheek pieces made no difference at all, nor did dropping him in. Surely, the handicapper will drop him allowing him back into a lesser grade. He’s a 13 raced maiden and needs a chance. He won’t run again until we get better ground. It will dry at some point.

Now for the positive. Isle of Ewe did as predicted, she ran a blinder and certainly didn’t disgrace herself. She was beaten 20 lengths by more experienced rivals and gave them all weight. She was only a head away from a rosette and I am over the moon with her. About 4 or 5 months ago, I explained to her owners that she was showing us nothing and they may want to start thinking about finding her another job. However, I did say, I maybe telling you something different in a few months if your willing to carry on paying the bills. She has just improved and improved, and will surely be winning races given her performance today. I am delighted they choose to persevere as I think she’s going to give us all plenty of fun.

This morning, Man O’ Words, Hagstone and Pinnacle Panda swung through on the woodchip. Hagstone won’t run at Taunton, the ground will be too soft. Man O’ Words will go to Doncaster with Pinnacle Panda on Wednesday. The others cantered varying distances on the deep sand gallop and the babies hacked around the farm.

Tomorrow, we head off to Buckfastleigh with Bells on Sunday. We are getting value for money from our road tax.