Chepstow

Geoffrey runs at Chepstow this Saturday . I've probably seen enough of Wales to last me a lifetime - but as I'm away in Portugal - I will just have to watch the race on the box . Haven't spoken to DP yet - so not sure what to expect ! CU

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First ...

things first !
Bit late with 'la blog' - but down to Ceret this week - popped in to see the Clayaux's and Littlemissdynamite - has to be all one word - else too many letters - so LMD to my reader .
And so far - so good ! Emmanual had her looking all smart and shinny - quite righty - but she was put through a really good workout - a mile one way - then back - and then a couple rounds of jumping . She is well proportioned - not over big - but has a nice attitude - and she doesn't seem to get fazed . Felix De' Giles - who is now Emmanuals first jock - schooled her - and was suitably impressed . Well - he would say that - wouldn't he ! Anyway - all things being equal - she should be racing sometime this summer .
Emmanual also showed me a very strong looking gelding by Network / Fee Magic . Now - Fee Magic is mum to 'The Brothers ' but unfortunately she recently died - so this 1/2 brother is one of her last . This one is black - and have to say -looked the business !
And what is be said about Geoffrey's dire performance on Saturday ? I understand where my reader comes from - when he says that Geoffrey is better over 1/2 mile shorter trip - but I think this time it was just the wrong tactics . Again- he was carrying top weight in a tough race - and I don't think he'll ever win going from last position . He's caught in that trap - 145 is good but he either needs to step up to graded races or he'll always be struggling to win . The French Gallop race program - with less emphasis on handicaps - would suit him far better .
Anyhow - on the bright side - he's been dropped a couple of pounds - so we might have to patient for a few more races !! CU - sorry this is the only photo of LMD - phone froze !

Newbury

Just to keep everyone updated - Geoffrey does run at Newbury tomorrow - more later - CU

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Ffos Las ...

... fiasco !
Well - what a lovely way to spend a Saturday - a 9 hour round trip to the west Wales ! I don't mind - but it was obvious - driving through the torrential rain - that we were all completely waisting our time . Does not the clerk of the course read the weather forecast ? I've sort've recovered now - just enough to write a 'la blog' update .
Firstly - just like to say thanks to all of you who send me their comments . It's a shame it's so difficult to get those comments direct on to 'la blog' - it something to do with not having a Google account . If anyone can help to make it easier - let me know . It would be more fun .
Anyway - TT and John came up with the theory that Geoffrey does not fully get 3m - and that his wins to runs ratio at 2 - 2 1/2m is an excellent one . Yes - but his two biggest wins - Brush Hurdle at Haydock - and his chase success at Newbury - were both at 3m - and he made all in both . I recon it is all about the pace of the race - he gets done on quickening off a slow pace . Remember - he normally carries top weight . I would prefer him to run in level weight races .
And - with all that in mind - we have entries for 'our' Geoffrey this weekend - at Newbury Saturday - and Exeter on Sunday - both 3m handicaps . I can't believe it - but perhaps DP doesn't read 'la blog' . CU
Ps - I'm off to France this weekend and will call in to Emmanuel's and see how Little Miss Dynamite is progressing - so plenty to look forward to .... I hope !
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Ffos Las ...

... fiasco !
Well - what a lovely way to spend a Saturday - a 9 hour round trip to the west Wales ! I don't mind - but it was obvious - driving through the torrential rain - that we were all completely waisting our time . Does not the clerk of the course read the weather forecast ? I've sort've recovered now - enough to write an update .
Firstly - just like to say thanks to all of you who sent me their comments . It's a shame it's so difficult to get those comments onto 'la blog' - it something to do with not having a Google account . If anyone can help to make it easier - let me know .
Anyway - TT and John W came up with the theory that Geoffrey does not fully get 3 miles - and that his win ratio at 2 to 2 1/2 m was excellent .
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Entries

for Geoffrey .
I think we'll change his name ! Mr Enigma suits him better !! Bless him - but he does drive his owners & trainer to distraction . I suppose one must think of all the wonderful days he's given us in the past - his win to runs ratio is actually a good one - but unfortunately doesn't always 'put it all in'. He's better than he's showing .
Anyway - with that in mind - we are looking at possible weekend races at Sandown & Ffos Las - for him . There is also the possibility of Newbury the following week . Neither are easy targets - but off 145 there aren't many options . Ffos Las looks a bit doubtful with more rain forecast . Sandown can also be susceptible to water logging . Ah ....great to be back !! CU
Ps - Anton would like to say a 'hello' to all our golfing chums at Camporeal ! I say - 'bring on the yellow paint'!