Good Morning Friend,

I hope you're having a great week so far.

It's an early start for me today as I, along with 32 members of our RTP Syndicates are heading to Worcester to watch The Plumber (2.15) and Proud Mari (2.50), one in each division of the bumper. It's always great seeing our colours on the course.

Given we're not yet 9 months I'm quite proud of where we are at the moment and excited for the future. 65 or so members across both syndicates, 33 going today inc guests (all with Owners & Trainers badges/meal vouchers), what fun.

It's so enjoyable I've just bought another Irish Pointer who arrives at Amy's tomorrow. Hopefully another bargain like The Plumber, but, more news on him another time. You wont want to miss out this time! :)

I thought I'd share with you the preview post I pulled together for members. I do this before every race, including a review. Those who can't make it track-side today will be kept up to date in our WhatsApp groups, with videos from the course, including the horses in the parade ring, and Jack's pre and post race debrief. We try and bring you as close to the action as possible. I'll try and not have too many pints of Guinness before 2.15! :)

Before that, a slight detour... I have pulled together some trainer pointers for York's Dante meeting this week... you can find those HERE >>>

Onto today... 

In brief summary: –

The Plumber

• We’re all expecting a big run and I think whatever beats him will have to be smart and will be worth following! He’s come on a fair bit fitness wise from last time, and mentally. He is flying at home, pleasing them all, giving Jack a lovely feel on Saturday when he rode him in his last piece of fast work.

• I think that Market Rasen race was decent and ‘on paper’, better than this one, but time will tell! There are more unraced horses this time- on one side his experience and fitness should count for plenty, on the other they are unknown quantities and ‘could be anything’ types.

• We know he’s got a cracking attitude and he shouldn’t mind if the rain comes. Proper soft would be a question but a bit of cut may well be ideal, as he does hit the ground hard enough.

• I expect Jack to put his experience to good use and try to make all again, unless something takes him on. Hopefully he’s carting him along off the bend, he asks him to stretch and gallops on. From 4f out we shall see what happens, if he runs his race, and if something else has too much for him. His last run was good ‘on the figures’ and we should rightly be excited. He’s shown enough to my eyes both LTO and at home to know he will be winning races, it’s just a question of when.

• One caveat, as per the video, if this goes proper soft/they receive a deluge, we would be into the unknown there. We think some cut will be just fine, proper soft, no real idea.

Proud Mari

• She’s obviously a different proposition, a proper ‘home-bred’, inexperienced, a bit immature but she’s stepped forward for every piece of work and when last asked a question at home did travel strongly and much more kindly than she had done at times – taking a grip on the bridle and galloping on, happy in between horses.

• Many of Amy’s NH horses do come on for the run but she’s done plenty of work and as with The Plumber, he was nearly fit enough to win. I think she will move well until 4f from home/turning for home, and then I don’t know what will happen. She could ‘blow up’ needing it from 2f out or so, but her class and ability may get her through. She may well be all at sea a bit under pressure, with other horses around her, before the penny drops and she storms home – and we shall see where that places her. I think there’s a chance she could be in the mix here and she will enjoy any rain that falls.

• We know she’s well related, her mother was a Grade 1 winner, who herself has produced smart horses including Pendra (who won a bumper) It is a family that develops for time and for jumping a hurdle or fences, and who will want further in time. Her mother took 3 NHF runs for the penny to drop before she then took off.

• I think she’s shown enough at home, including working with The Plumber, to suggest she’s got the ability to mix it here on debut, even over what could be a sharp 2m for her. The question is what she does under pressure and if she needs the run a tad – Amy hasn’t left her race at home on the gallops, she’s worked hard, but not as you would in a race situation. She cannot be soured, she has a very very bright future and if she ends up anywhere near as good as her mother will give us some incredible days out and memories in the seasons ahead.

• For now, we shall see what she does here! Anything could happen in this race with her, all results a possibility.

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Below you can find my video preview of today's two races and our two horses. There’s a short weather update/intro, then a look at The Plumber’s race and from 21 minutes in, a look at Proud Mari’s race. As always, if I’m not going quick enough for you, click the cog in the bottom right hand corner of the screen and increase the ‘playback’ speed. I touch on the oppo also...

WATCH MY VIDEO PREVIEW HERE >>>

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That's all for today,

All the best,

Josh