Two more interviews

He may not have been a betting proposition but it was good to see Roach Power finally get off the mark at Ripon on Monday. Featured in the Top 40 Prospects, the half-brother to stablemate Art Power had run well at the same track and Leicester earlier this year before finding the ground too quick at York last time. Given a break of 51 days, the son of Ribchester was dropping back to five furlongs for the first time and it suited him. A half length scorer from a 64 rated rival, it was a comfortable win and hopefully the grey will enjoy a productive second half of the season. Ease in the ground is important to Tim Easterby's charge.

On Monday, I conducted two more interviews with Chris Gordon and Olly Murphy. The former enjoyed a personal best campaign with 43 winners last term and has put together a decent team of youngster. Based in Hampshire, Chris is tremendous company and always worth listening to. He has done particularly well with horses acquired from leading Irish point-to-point handler Donnchadh Doyle and has raided the same source in recent months.

Olly Murphy also had his best ever season with 92 winners at a strike-rate of 17%. The former assistant to Gordon Elliott once again has a strong team of youngsters including some exciting bumper winners, plus some expensive recruits from the Irish pointing field.