Manager’s Thoughts – Friday Runners (Doncaster & Cartmel)

A busy day for the team today with four runners in the Battenberg silks across two meetings – Doncaster and Cartmel – and over 30 owners set to attend. It promises to be a fantastic day, with each horse holding a realistic each-way chance. Here’s how things are shaping up:

Doncaster

2:50 – Bay Dream Believer

Runs for Mark Walford with Jason Hart taking the ride. Jason knows her well and this looks an ideal opportunity. The plan will be to ride her patiently, switch off early, and look to come with a late run. She’s in great form at home and we’re hopeful she’ll be staying on strongly at the finish. A solid each-way contender.

3:55 – Lumenbourg

Debuts for Ursa Major today under Ryan Sexton for Julie and Steve Camacho. A horse with a solid track record and he’s been showing up well at home. At the time of writing, he’s around 12/1, which looks a fair each-way price. We’d be delighted to see him hitting the frame first time out in our colours.

5:05 – Noble Consort

Same combination again with Julie, Steve, and Ryan. If Noble Consort can transfer his strong all-weather form to the turf, he’s certainly one to keep an eye on. He’s been working very well and we think he has the ability to go close. He’s drifted slightly in the betting to around 7/1, but we remain hopeful of a big run.

Cartmel

4:18 – Defence Witness (pictured below)

Goes for Sam and Jonny England. A proven course and distance winner, he arrives in top form and we’re expecting another strong showing. That said, there’s been plenty of market support for the Bowen runner, who has to be respected on stable debut. The forecast rain is a concern – if the ground turns too soft, we’ll switch plans and reroute to Sunday. The team are on top of the weather watch, but if he lines up today, we’re confident he can run a very big race.

With a strong team out and fantastic owner support on course, we’re looking forward to what should be a brilliant day. Best of luck to all connections – fingers crossed we’re cheering a winner (or two) home!