TRUSTINTIMES WINS AT ASCOT

The victory of Trustintimes in a valuable Class 3 handicap hurdle over two miles at Ascot on Friday, 22 November was offset by my frustration at not running Idaho Sun and Beat The Bat because of my concerns over the ground.

I felt both had good chances but after barely any rain since last Saturday and a frost overnight I didn’t want to risk them in conditions that were quicker than ideal for winter jumpers.

Trustintimes, however, enjoys summer ground and excelled in gaining his fourth successive win in the colours of The Time On Our Hands Boys’ syndicate in a tight finish with the favourite Fortune De Mer.

He’s a horse that is a bit under the radar at home and prefers to keep his best work for the racecourse.

He is on a roll and showed a great attitude to hold the strong late challenge of Fortune De Mer, and as the winning distance was only a length, the handicapper should not be too hard on him.

We now have several options for Trustintimes who could run next in a Class 3 handicap at Kempton over Christmas or switch back to novice company.

Then he could have a short winter break and wait for better ground in the spring.