TEAM DOUBLE AT EXETER

We enjoyed a double at Exeter on Monday 20 November with Might I and Gidleigh Park and came close to a treble with Anno Power running a race full of promise when a close second in the bumper on her racecourse debut despite racing a bit too keenly. They were all ridden by Johnny Burke who is an important part of the team and is back to his best after an injury kept him on the sidelines throughout the summer.

Might I started long odds on in the opening £10,000 novice Chase and took full advantage of a golden opportunity when his only opponent was pulled up at half-way after his saddle slipped. While he enjoyed a nice solo school round once he was left on his own I’d say he still needs to learn more about jumping fences at speed.  He had anything but a hard race and could turn out at Kempton next Monday under a penalty. Just in case things didn’t work out at Exeter I also gave Might I an entry at the last minute in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot this Saturday though nothing is set in stone at this stage.

Gidleigh Park then made a highly pleasing winning debut over hurdles in the colours of the Eyre family. He travelled beautifully through the race before stretching clear of the well fancied second favourite Range with the pair miles clear of the rest. The future is bright for Gidleigh Park who is a fine, big, tall, rangey type who was successful in his bumper, will stay further and is likely to run in a novice hurdle under a penalty before we step him up in grade. He is a galloper and might run at Cheltenham’s next meeting where the stiff finish on the new course should play to his strengths.

Photo – PPA