ANTICIPATION and excitement abound on the HQ gallops on Saturday
as the return of racing get ever nearer. I was out there at 5.30am when only
birdsong and the breeze in the trees were to be heard, how peaceful it was and
I love it as always, hope I do for many years to come.
TRAINER Hugo Palmer sent LOCKDOWN over to work under Jack
Mitchell on the watered gallop early Saturday morning and the son of Charm
Spirit, owned by Qatar Racing, this juvenile showed in his work that he is
ready for his first racecourse appearance and he impressed me very much in this
work.
SIR Michael Stoute sent unraced three-year-old colts HYDROS and
RANSOM to do strong work on the Al Bahathri under Louis Steward and the master
of Freemason Lodge can't wait to unleash them on the track. VERACIOUS, the
daughter of Frankel looked extra well in her work at the weekend. HIGHEST
GROUND went up Warren Hill in fine style yesterday and is progressing at a rare
rate of knots at present.
ROGER Varian put strong work into as yet unraced SEMPSTER and
the son of Siyouni showed what a quality colt he is becoming and will be a
force this season for his Carlburg yard.
WILLIAM Haggas had a big team of workers out on Saturday
and has horses well forward for the start of racing. Unraced AMETIST, a gelded
son of Dutch Art stretched out well in his work, owned by Cheveley Park Stud,
this horse should be easy to place to advantage to win his maiden. BOOSALA a
son of Dawn Approach is doing very well in the Haggas string and on course to
run early. BORN WITH PRIDE is a filly the Somerville Lodge trainer plan to run
in an Oaks trial, she is in fine form out on the gallops here at Newmarket and
carry high hopes for this season.
CHARLIE Appleby had a nice type in NOBLE DYNASTY impressing in
his work Saturday in company with two good class stable companions and is a
horse I am looking forward to this year.
