A rare visit to Swindon paid dividends on Tuesday evening as the brilliant Southfield Poppy made it a hat-trick of wins when taking the ladies open in 28.51. She missed the break but showed her early pace to lead into the corner and never really looked like being caught. She hadn’t seen those boxes since October so hopefully she’ll break a bit better next time.

There was another busy day on the gallop Wednesday with 23 dogs going through their paces. Sir Oreo and Start The Engine were particularly impressive while of the recent arrivals, Jazzy Belle and Baroness Velvet also moved nicely on their first gallop.

Unfortunately, our very quiet Derby dream came to an end at the 2nd round stage when Antigua Kestrel just failed by a head to qualify on Friday evening. He found himself plenty of trouble along the way but was very strong into the pick-up again and will be given a try over further next time out. While we won’t be winning any Derby this year, we’ve had great pleasure in following the Wildcat progeny and he had a great 2nd round when siring 4 of the heat winners.

We didn’t have any runners at Oxford on Friday but did have 8 trial dogs to take. Coppice Ella looks a different bitch since returning from injury as she flew the lids to win her trial very nicely in 26.57. Jacktavern Chief charged the boxes but still posted 27.15 in behind Ella while Lightfoot Jamie qualified for racing when posting 27.57. Kranky Drake continues to impress in his qualifying work and he won his trial well in 26.82. Once again he was flying from the 3rd bend and will be given a trial at Central Park next week where the tougher trip should prove much more to his liking.

Witton Mac looks a nice puppy and clocked 27.29 in only his 2nd ever time over four bends. Baran Tombstone showed nice pace in the same trial but tired a little to post 27.61. Dreamin Francis returned in great shape from a knee injury when posting 15.04 while Rioja Maxi continued her comeback from seasonal rest as she trialled in 15.25.

Kennel star, Rioja Oisin continued his comeback from injury with a stunning 15.90 first look at Central Park on Saturday evening. He flew the lids and ran the track very well. He’ll be given one race before the Silver Salver begins.
Coppice Ronnie moved nicely to post 16.24 and also heads back next week.

We had another good night at Oxford on Saturday as we returned with 4 open race winners. Highview Jasman made it 7 wins from her last 8 races as she took the stayers open in 39.56 and has been great fun for her owner Mick Freshwater. Witton Thomas got a much deserved first career win as he led home kennel mate, Deelish Crofty by 1 1/2 lengths in the first heat of the maiden competition. They came together a little on the last bend but he stayed on nicely to win in 27.03.

Droopys Lettie looks another lovely bitch for owner Andy Weller and she was fearless going into the corner to make it hers and ran away to win by 3 1/2 lengths in a personal best 26.77. She’s only an October baby and hopefully she handles the draw in trap 2 in the final. Coppice Lottie led home kennel mate Union Piper in the ladies race as she just got up on the run in to win a head in 26.80. It was a good quality race with Signet Nayla also running well to finish a close-up 4th.