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CAPTAIN KANE
25th May
CAPTAIN KANE
17th & 20th May
Captain Kane has now won 5 of his last 6 starts. He was on and off the bridle under young apprentice Benoit de la Sayette; who was having his first ride at Ripon and looked in a moments worry as the pace increased. However Benoit didn’t panic and kept him organised. Although he didn’t handle the ridges particularly well, was a comfortable winner on the line with the front two pulling a long way clear. He’s now booked himself a step up in grade and I’ve no doubt he will be able to go further in time.
Captain Kane made it two wins in just three days and certainly looks a horse that’s on the improve. We changed the tactics at Wolverhampton, dropping him in off a steady pace. Ben Curtis didn’t panic and moved through the field steadily to win in commanding style back over a mile and a half. He seemed to take the race well and showed plenty of life between runs giving me the confidence to head to Bath. Darragh Keenan took over the reins and again dropped him out. He found a little bit of trouble when making a challenge but ultimately won very impressively. He seemed to relish a return to the turf. He’s now won four of his last six starts placing in the other two. It’s hard to know where his ceiling is but he’s proving very progressive. Finally, well done to the team at home for keeping in such fine fettle.
ROCKET RODNEY
29th April
Rocket Rodney put his experience to good use showing a blistering turn of foot at Goodwood. He had the race well under control after the first furlong and cruised to an easy 4 ½ length success. He’s an unbelievably laid-back character and it’s hard to know quite how good he could be. It remains to be seen where he goes next but I’m very hopeful he could turn up in the Windsor Castle or even the Norfolk at Royal Ascot. He’s an exciting two year old and we’re very much looking forward to the season ahead with
T MAXIE
27th April
T Maxie has always shown plenty of ability. I was very disappointed with her first run after seeing her work at home. It became evident she had a wind issue. We subsequently gave her a wind operation which seems to have worked. I was pleased to see her dropped in under a patient ride from Dan Muscutt. She travelled smoothly down the Brighton hill and never looked like being beaten. I hope this is a starting point for a productive season ahead with her and Icould not be more pleased for my dear friend David Underwood who’s colours she won it.
PRYDWEN
23rd April
Prydwen put in another impressive display winning at Wolverhampton only a week after a similar performance at Lingfield. He travelled smoothly and put the race to bed in a matter of strides, looking much the best horse in the race; even with the additional weight. He will now most likely have his next start on the grass, where I’m confident he’s going to be more effective. He has a lovely pedigree and seems to be maturing mentally and physically all the time. I’m not quite sure where his ceiling is; but I’m hopeful that he will be a horse we can all enjoy for some time.
PRYDWEN
16th April
Prydwen started 2022 as he finished 2021 - winning comfortably under Marco Ghiani. He travelled smoothly, although still showed signs of greenness and picked up in the style of an improving horse. I’ve been very pleased with his training and it was evident he had strengthened up both physically and mentally. He has a pedigree to back up his performance; being by the mighty Camelot out of a Shamardal mare which is the same cross as Derby winner Latrobe. I hope this is the start of an exciting season for Prydwen and his owners Blue Starr Racing. There’s no reason why he can’t be a horse that can take them to some better meetings throughout the year.
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CAPTAIN KANE
2nd April
Captain Kane had no concerns dropping back in trip at Wolverhampton. He was well positioned by Ben Curtis and showed an excellent attitude to quicken up smartly for the grade. He’s a likeable, progressive horse that seems to be thriving. He’s had three relatively quick runs so we’ll look to freshen him up over the next few weeks. I see no reason why he can’t continue on an upward trajectory.
SARVAN
2nd April
Sarvan took his season to a perfect 2 from 2 with another explosive display at Lingfield. Daragh Keenan saved ground the whole way, before peeling off for a clear run. He had a very willing partner in Sarvan who quickened up smartly to put a competitive handicap to bed. He does look a happier horse this year. He will now head to the Chester May meeting, where a turning track will suit well. I just hope they don’t get to much rain in the lead up to the festival.
RUBBELDIEKATZ
26th March
Rubbeldiekatz stayed on strongly to the line to win under exciting apprentice Benoit De La Sayette. She broke slowly but was able to take advantage of a slow early pace and to get an excellent position. She showed a very willing attitude. It was a particularly satisfying win for me as the Evan’s family have had horses with us since my time at Warren Place. Rubbeldiekatz is from the family Chachamaidee, Sir Henry’s final Group 1 winner. I’m looking forward to seeing her on the grass and it’s not impossible she could stretch out a little bit further.
CAPTAIN KANE
15th March
Captain Kane was a little immature both mentally and physically last year and he’s taken a winter to strengthen up. His three year old debut was very encouraging, just being caught out by a slow pace. There was no mistake under Dan Muscutt as he dictated the race from start to finish, staying on well for pressure. I would be very hopeful he will continue an upward trajectory this season and it could be that he’s as effective over further as he strengthens up. I’m delighted for his owners Bluestarr Racing who have been fantastic supporters of the yard. I’m looking forward to the season ahead with him.
SARVAN
26th February
Sarvan swooped from last to first under a particularly well timed Darragh Keenan ride to bounce back to form on his seasonal debut. Sarvan is a horse that has always shown a huge amount of ability, but occasionally let us down through parts of last year. We’ve worked hard through the winter to keep him mentally stimulated, and it seems to have done the trick. I’m very much hoping that this could be a springboard for the rest of the season. He’s a yard favourite and his owners Keith Breen & Chris Wright have been particularly patient with him. Off his 83 he should still be well handicapped and I’m looking forward to his campaign this year.
MELLYS FLYER
6th February
Melly Flyer backed up his previous winning performance under another excellent Dan Muscutt ride. He jumped cleanly from the stalls and dictated the race from the front, he showed a particularly good attitude, winning with something in hand. Mentally, he continues to improve and I very much hope he can make up into a Saturday horse for his owner Liam Melly.
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