Manager’s Thoughts – A Busy Day for Ursa Major

It’s a busy one today with five of ours heading to the track, split between Doncaster and Newcastle. The team have the horses in great form, and with the trainers firing with the other horses, we go in full of hope.

We kick off at Doncaster in the 5.15 with Marhaba The Champ, who runs for Sophie Leech with Charles Bishop onboard. His price today feels a bit disrespectful if I’m honest. Last time at York he had no luck in running – just as he was coming into it, he was hampered badly. Even so, that was a stronger race than this. If he gets a clear run, he’s more than capable of showing his true ability. Charles is having his first ride for us, he’s riding with confidence at the minute, and I’m hoping he can really get a tune out of him. The ground is a slight question mark, but overall I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t right in the mix.

Then we’re quickly up the A1 to Newcastle at 5.25, where Straya lines up for Katie Scott, partnered by Rhys Elliott. She’s another who didn’t get the rub of the green last time but still ran on well. It’s a competitive little race, but if she can get a smoother passage, I’d like to see her at least hitting the frame. At her odds, she looks a fair each-way play.

Later on in the evening we’ve got Tarlac (7.30 Newcastle) for Katie with Jason Hart back on board. He’s been a little in-and-out this season, but that’s just him – you know pretty early in a race whether it’s an “on” day or not. Jason knows him well and that’s a plus. It’s a deep enough contest, with plenty of horses in the same sort of boat, but if Tarlac is on a going day, he’ll be in there fighting.

For me, the one I’m most excited about is Cooperation in the 8.30 at Newcastle. This lad has been so unlucky not to have got his head in front already – he’s bumped into some very well-handicapped rivals each time. Tonight could be the night. Paul Mulrennan takes the ride, and I think he’s an ideal fit. He’s brilliant at those patient, hold-up rides, and that’s exactly what suits Cooperation. The one worry is whether they’ll go fast enough up front for him to aim at, but if they do, I can really see him finishing best of all.

We round off the night at 9.00 with Carolus Magnus (pictured below) for Mick and David Easterby, ridden by Billy Garritty. He’s one I’ve been pushing to get onto the all-weather, because everything about his pedigree suggests he should handle it really well. The plan is to go forward, get into a rhythm, and try to make them play catch-up. That’s not always easy to pull off at Newcastle, but if the race sets up right, I’d love to see him nick a place at least.