17th February 2012

HORSE RACING: Good ground makes a differen

WITH much of Britain frozen, racing has been at a premium recently, but last Friday’s racing at Newbury on the polytrack saw two of local trainer Bob Buckler’s horses take the opportunity of running in bumper races on good ground writes Stuart Broom.

Glenwood Present whose three races to date have been disappointing, showed what he could do, by finishing an excellent third in the Check Betfair Before You Bet Jumpers' Bumper NH Flat Race over two miles.

Nathan Sweeney tucked the five-year-old, wearing a tongue tie for the first time, in at the back of the field, and entering the final straight in last place looked to have no chance.

But a gap opened on the rails and Sweeney quickly took advantage as Glenwood Present ate up the ground to contest third place.

Although odds-on favourite Tetlami won with some to spare from Hard To Swallow, Buckler’s 100/1 outsider was only 2½ lengths down on the winner.

Buckler was delighted with his horse’s performance. “Like Malin Head, he is by Presenting, and most of his offspring want fast ground.

Malin Head proved that recently following three below par performances when he too ran a superb race on better ground to win at Folkestone recently.

“You have to remember that the winner is one of the favourites for the William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle with a rating of 130 which is consider generous, whilst the second horse is also an excellent prospect although not in the same class, so to finish third e to them is quite an achievement.

“Because he has been working well at home we were worried that there was something wrong with him, but it is obvious he doesn’t cope with soft ground. Hopefully the ground will now start improving as we go into spring, and because he jumps well he will go over hurdles next time.”

Lady Madonnina finished seventh in the two mile Follow At BetfairRacing On Twitter Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race on the same card and didn’t disappoint Buckler.

“It’s a pity that it turned into a sprint over the last three furlongs. It was a fairly slow race and Nathan had her handily placed for a lot of the way.

“We know she stays and it’s a pity perhaps they didn’t try to force the pace because it was so slow and as she has a relentless gallop might have drawn their sting, but I am not overly disappointed with her run.”

All being well Digger’s Mate is expected to make his debut at either Newbury on Friday in the Class 1 bumper or at Ascot the following day.

“He is a huge horse, the biggest I have ever trained, but is very green and has lots to learn. He’s only four, so this will be an educational race to introduce him to the experience of racing in front of a crowd.”

Buckler has also announced that potentially one of his best ever horses is being retired to stud. Mizzurka who won the Dbs/e.b.f. Mares' Standard Open Nh Flat Race Final (listed) race at Newbury last March which earned her black type status, has a possible suspensory ligament problem that could leave her lame should she break down if raced again.

She will be covered by Black Sam Bellamy who is full brother to champion sire Galileo, and so it is hoped that this will produce top class offspring.

Crank Hill who was owned by the Come racing Syndicate has been purchased privately by one of the members and will go hunting.