SPRING seems to be edging ever closer judging by the sunshine around yesterday morning at Harper Lodge Farm and by how the horses were looking.
It was only a fortnight ago that we had freezing temperatures, to the extent that even my camera was struggling to function never mind stable staff not being able to feel their fingers in bitterly arctic-like conditions. What a difference a couple of weeks makes!
I went up to Harper Lodge Farm for my weekly visit and although it was still quite frosty for first lot pulling out at around 8.15am, as the morning wore on, the sun’s rays began to filter through and horses and staff soon warmed up.
Librisa Breeze
At this time of year, with most horses having been clipped out, one would not expect them to be looking their best but I was impressed with what I saw in terms of their coats and how they worked. Dean and the team are keen to put a disappointing 2020 behind them and are looking forward to the new turf season which begins in just 27 days time at Doncaster on 27 March.
Librisa Breeze is being prepared for a tilt at the Lincoln Handicap on the opening day of the season and he worked nicely, showing plenty of zest and enthusiasm under Travelling Head Lad, Graham Mash.
Sever-year-old Badenscoth has a fabulous 20% strike rate with seven wins in 35 races. Although he’s not been back in work long, he really caught the eye on looks and how he went under lad, Jo Cousins.
Dancinginthewoods
Solario Racing’s own Dancinginthewoods has clearly benefitted from his three month break at Childwickbury Stud. He’s yet to do any serious work but he cantered nicely under Drew Cummins and as he usually comes to hand early, he’s being aimed for the start of the turf, possibly at Town Moor. The 4yo son of Garswood looks in rude health.
The Cheltenham Festival will soon be upon us and despite the lack of crowds, it will be a fabulous four days racing. But the turf flat season beckons and Dean Ivory and Solario Racing cannot wait!
