February Update will be emailed next Monday

I am currently working on the February Update, which will be emailed to clients next Monday (2nd February). Unfortunately, the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown this weekend has fallen over the crossover from January to February. I therefore want to wait until the meeting is over before sending the Update out. Plus, on Monday, the six day entries for the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury (7th February) will be published.

The Update will include full analysis of the two mile event and there is an interview with Warren Greatrex who string have in excellent form this winter operating at a strike-rate of 24%. There are ante-post selections, including one for the Flat season, and a look ahead to some of the other major handicaps during February. If you haven't ordered a copy, please head to the Publications section of the site.

It was pleasing to see El Cairos atone for his unlucky defeat at Leopardstown over Christmas, when winning comfortably at Thurles on Thursday. A mistake at the last - not too dissimilar to the one he made on his hurdles bow last month - will ensure his doubters will be out in force between now and the Festival, but it was important he enjoyed a confidence boosting win here and book his place for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle in March. I have discussed Gordon Elliott's charge in much more detail in the February Update. 

Charme De Faust was highlighted as a horse to follow in the French Revolution - Part III section in the Christmas Special. The daughter of Goliath Du Berlais had finished runner-up on her debut at Auteuil in September before being bought privately on behalf of Rich and Susannah Ricci. Making her Irish bow against geldings, she powered away after the second last to record a nine lengths victory. Her winning time was nearly eight seconds quicker than that recorded by El Cairos half an hour later. Entered in the Triumph Hurdle, she put her hat in the ring with his performance and looks another smart recruit for the pink and green.