I’m very pleased to report that Boothill is none the worse for his fall at Kempton in the Desert Orchid. It was very unfortunate – Johnny Burke was very happy with him. He was travelling comfortably within himself and jumping well up until the point where he just came up too soon, snatched at the fence and gave neither himself nor Johnny any chance whatsoever. The main thing is that they’re both unscathed and we can go again another day. Even the best make mistakes sometimes.
All being well, we’ll look forward to going to Newbury for the Game Spirit in early February, where we will hope to make amends.
Monday, Exeter
We’re bringing in the New Year with a trip to Exeter, where Danton kicks off the day in the 2m5½f handicap hurdle (13:00), having won over the course and distance last time out. We’re four pounds higher for that success but he appreciated the step up in trip and, hopefully, he can go well again off his revised rating. He’s the type that I think will be progressive and there should be more to come.
Then we have Geezer Rockstar in the 2m2½f maiden hurdle (14:10). He was fourth on his hurdle debut at Taunton. The trip and track were probably a bit sharp for him; they went quite fast and he was doing his best work late on, staying on nicely at the end, so the step up in trip here should certainly suit him. He’ll be all the better for that first experience over hurdles as his jumping was a bit novicey to begin with but improved as the race progressed. We’re hoping that he’ll take a good step forward from his hurdle debut.
He won his bumper and I think that he’s more than capable of winning a maiden or a novice, without a doubt, but he needs to step forward on what he did the last day.
Wishing you a Happy New Year.
All the best,
Harry
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