3YO Blog horses, updates.

 Our first runner was STRIKE ALLIANCE last week, who overcame stall 11 of 11 at 9/2 when winning a 10.5 furlongs 0-60 at Wolverhampton. Pushed up early, and eventually keeping on powerfully in the final furlong. Looked as though appreciated every yard of the trip and could improve again for further. Should surely be up to winning again off the revised mark of 63, in C6 and hopefully will continue to progress in higher grades. One to keep onside.

A very different story for BURGLAR, who had impressed on debut, but did everything wrong when turned over in a Kempton novice at odds-on. Was fitted with a hood to post, keen in the hands of William Buick and although raced prominently didn't really handle the bend, and had an awkward head carriage too. This was a step back and I'd tread warily. A gelding operation might straighten this lad out, BUT I WON'T BE BACKING HIM UNLESS that happens, and given that he is a valuable colt, it's not a given that it will be done.

I will try to update this page regularly throughout the season - Warts and all I assure you - with progress as often as possible, but I can't guarantee to write up every run of every horse.

ALSO, I'm prepared to add or remove horses as we go through the year. I'm sure Aidan O'Brien's comments about Auguste Rodin won't have escaped many. Prices will disappear but formlines involving that horse should be interesting to follow closely.

I'll also try to highlight runners before they run, and start an occasional post on horses I fancy. NOT one to charge for tips and always caveat emptor, all my blogs in good faith only.

Joseph O'Brien has said that Al Riffa will probably be kept to trips shy of 12F, a good decision I think. Might bring in the French Derby though, and/or one of the Guineas.

ADD 6 APRIL: Our third runner tomorrow, FLIGHT PLAN heads to all weather finals day at Newcastle for the opener, the Listed Burradon Stakes. On the face of it, a somewhat surprising choice. A half decent run, beaten say three or four lengths, by 100+ rated horses, will blow any decent handicap mark. It's just his third ever start and I've no issue with the step up to a mile. Drawn nicely 9 of 11 on the straight mile, where it usually pays to come towards the stand side from off the pace with protection from the usual prevailing (cold!) wind. 

Clearly they think, as I do, this horse, who is the least experienced in the field with just two runs, is a high class colt. However I have significant concern that the yard is yet to hit its straps, admittedly some of the worst efforts have been on heavy ground, but that can be a sign of lack of fitness. 

No doubt this lad will have been prepared with this lucrative prize in mind so we can reasonably hope fitness will be less of an issue, but that yard form, combined with the lack of experience (but equally most scope for improvement), I couldn't have a full on stake. I'm torn, and perhaps Friday a small ew play would be my way to go, available widely \at 7/1 as I write this update, with 4 places available.

EDIT: Got to be thrilled with Flight Plan, from a yard out of form, his third career start led a furlong out and finished second to the highest rated (104) horse in the race, who had more experience and Flight Plan just looked a touch less professional in the finish, still learning I think. 

Frustrating that the cat is out of the bag, as he'll be on every tracker now, but satisfying to know we have a nice horse who should win good races, on our blog.