JAGGER
23/08/2005
Since our last report the yard has hit a better patch of form. Even though we didn't have a winner at York I was quite pleased with the way the horses performed, with the exception of Natalie Jane who has possibly had one race too many. She misbehaved quite badly at the stalls so now she is due for a nice break with the possibility of one more race before the end of the year and hopefully she will come back into training next year.
I thought JAGGER performed quite well in the Ebor, possibly going off a shade too quickly but he certainly gave us a run for our money. SUMORA probably put up her career best performance running so close in the 3 year old 5 furlong handicap.
We also had our first winner over hurdles in the last 5 years when COMPTON DRAKE won at Worcester. I am sure his hurdling will improve and there are a few more races in him over hurdles, although I would also like to take a look at The November Handicap at the end of the year for him.
We headed to Chester at the end of the Ebor meeting and I thought JAGGER put up a very brave performance in collaring Musafi right on the line. I thought that LEAGUE CHAMPION oozed class by winning on Saturday, he certainly had scant regard for his opponents. We have two options for him this week – Salisbury and Deauville. He has come out of the race very well and seems in good form with himself.
This week we have entries for NAYYIR at Windsor and Goodwood. I have not yet made up my mind but there is a possibility we will wait for The Strensall Stakes at York next week and hopefully get him back in line once again.
We have made entries for SHAMILA at Lingfield and York. There is a strong possibility that she will head to York on Saturday and all being well we will be busy with runners at Newmarket, Windsor and York on Saturday and Goodwood on Sunday.
This time of year is the busiest for a trainer with the yearling sales kicking off plus the amount of racing that is taking place. We ventured over the Deauville Sales for the first time but unfortunately we weren't successful in making a purchase, although I am sure we will find quite a few choicely bred yearlings over the next few months.
