Carlisle has managed to survive an early morning inspection and Newman Des Plages can revel in the mud and follow up his recent course win in the 2.20.
Martin Todhunter's eight-year-old was a one time useful chaser in France and impressed me with his staying qualities when winning over 2m 4f last time out in a decent little race in which we ran Go Silver Bullet who finished fifth.
He charged up the Carlisle hill that day suggesting that today's step up in trip to 3m would bring about further improvement.
We run Master Sebastian against him today, but he is returning after an absence of 617 days He was nearly ready to run last season when striking into himself and severing a portion of his tendon. We are delighted that he is back, but he will probably be ring rusty for this run and I think Newman Des Plages is the one we all have to beat.
Lucinda and I also have three other runners on the card. Battle Group makes his hurdling debut in the opener (12.55) having schooled proficiently at home. If he handles the heavy conditions he should run well.
Against The Wind makes his seasonal debut in the 2m 4f novices hurdle (1.25) and although still learning we think that he should improve on what he achieved last season.
Finally we run Seeking Straight in the amateur riders hurdle (3.35). It's a case of the more rain the better for him, and we have taken his headgear off as he seemed to sulk a little last time with it on.
