Manager’s Thoughts – Baby Rover at Carlisle

We head to Carlisle today with our sole runner, Baby Rover, who takes her chance in the 5:15 under Katie Scott’s care with William Pyle booked to ride. It’s always exciting to see her on the track, as she’s a filly we’ve come to know has plenty of ability, but she does like to keep us on our toes.

One of her quirks is down at the stalls, where she can sometimes let her attitude show. That’s been a bit of a challenge for her in the past, but Katie and the team have worked hard on her behaviour, and hopefully she’ll keep her mind on the job today. If she goes in quietly and jumps away on terms, that already gives us a strong platform for her race.

Form-wise, she’s in good order at home and has been pleasing everyone on the gallops. The race itself is competitive, as you’d expect at this time of year, but she’s shown enough ability to suggest she can make her presence felt. William knows her well, which is a big positive, as he understands how to get her into a rhythm and bring out her best.

Credit must go to Katie for the way she’s managed Baby Rover so far. It hasn’t always been straightforward with this filly, but Katie’s patience and persistence have really started to pay off. Every run brings a bit more experience, and you get the feeling there’s more to come from her once everything falls into place.

We go there hopeful rather than expectant, but if she behaves herself and gets a fair run at things, she should be capable of running a big race and giving us all something to shout about.