Friday night's action at Romford was superb and hopefully a taster of what is to come over the next few weeks as the Grand Opening looms large. The Coral Champion Stakes final will be the centre of attraction that night and last Friday we kicked off with six very competitive heats. Chubbys Caviar recovered very well from trouble at the first bend to comfortably qualify when 3rd and Antigua Vows showed that she’s a bitch very much in form with an all the way success in a decent 35.06 with Aayamza Express not too far away in 3rd. Saleen Ash showed the promise of a good run two weeks ago to take his heat in fine style in 35.27. Unfortunately our only casualty was Brigadier Bullet who was eliminated here.

 

With the TV Trophy heats just over a week away as well Romford are trying to put plenty of marathons on and two cracking 750’s produced a 1-2 for the kennel when Avastorm caused a surprise by hanging on bravely to beat the more fancied Aayamza Breeze by a short head in an excellent 46.79 while Tiffield Maximus and No Can Boogie were down the field in another 750 but not beaten too far. Surprisingly the 750 Maiden was won in a super fast 46.60 by Forest Candy though our Bumblebee Bullet ran respectably in 3rd and should improve for the look.

 

Last night at Nottingham we may not have won the Puppy Classic at Nottingham as that went to the very impressive Ice On Fire for Jimmy Fenwick but I was still pleased with the performance of our Antigua Rum who was a fast finishing 4th and the inevitable step up in trip is on the cards sooner rather than later.

 

It was my turn to do the Racing Post Column this Monday and I did write, hopefully, a nice piece centring around my milestone 55th birthday, as I said I can’t quite believe I’m that age but certainly don’t seem to be slowing down!

 

As well as a busy Friday at Romford we hope to have a few runners at Monmore on Saturday as their twice monthly opens with good prize money continues and on Monday the East Anglian Derby kicks off at Yarmouth. Brinkleys Poet and Antigua Romeo have trialled well enough at the tricky track after short breaks while Coolavanny Messi also is entered.

 

 

As said a big night at Romford on Friday with the Champion Stakes semi finals and some pointers towards the TV Trophy.

 

We will be at Monmore on Saturday and should have a few in opens on Sunday at Henlow.

 

On Monday the Easy Anglian Derby kicks off at Yarmouth with 8 heats.

 

 

Both Chubbys Caviar and Aayamza Express qualified for the semi finals of the Champion Stakes though I am kicking myself I didn’t put up our other bitch Antigua Vows who won well, they all face tricky draws though.

 

The East Anglian Derby kicks off on Monday at Yarmouth and we are all hoping we see the true Brinkleys Poet. He has trialled well at the East Coast track and bookmakers could possibly price him up with a bit of value

 

BRINKLEYS POET - 2 pts ew ante post - East Anglian Derby - Yarmouth - starts Monday

 

 

CHUBBYS CAVIAR - 2 pts ew ante post 12/1 - Coral Champion Stakes - Romford - semi final Friday

 

AAYAMZA EXPRESS - 2 pts ew ante post 10/1 - Coral Champion Stakes - Romford - semi final Friday