Successful trip south

As discussed, I headed south on Monday for my annual trip to interview various trainers for the new edition of Ahead On The Flat. I am delighted to say it was a very successful few days speaking to George Boughey, William Haggas, Ralph Beckett, James Owen and Roger Varian. All five have in excess of 100 horses and have plenty of quality throughout. William Haggas and Ralph Beckett, in particular, have formidable teams of three year olds for 2025. Ralph, who sent out 51 juvenile winners last year, believes it his strongest ever squad. The Kimpton based handler has expanded his operation by purchasing the famous Lambourn stable of Uplands to act as a satellite yard for his juveniles. James Owen has seen his string expanded from 37 horses to 108 inmates at Green Ridge Stables on the Hamilton Road in Newmarket, while George Boughey has recently purchased two ex-Godolphin stables in the town as his yard continuing to expand at a rapid rate. 

The good news for Cheltenham Festival Update clients is that I shall be including some of the information I gained from the visit regarding some early season types who have already been pencilled in for certain targets - these include the Lincoln at Doncaster in late March. Don't forget, last year's Cheltenham Festival Update highlighted first time out winner British Camp who scored at Kempton - on the Wednesday of the Festival - at 18/1. Expect more of the same this time around.

Please head to the Publications section of the site to order a copy of the Cheltenham Festival Update, if you haven't already done so.