by Hayley
We're at that midway point of the week again, the year is rushing by and we're very nearly at the end of the turf season. We still have a couple of unraced two-year-olds that we will be hoping to get out before the grass draws to a close but luckily for us we have the fantastic all-weather track at Newcastle now to keep us going through the winter. Two of our handicappers are headed there this eveing. Arnold runs in the 7.55pm with Cuppacoco in the next at 8.25pm, both to be ridden by Franny Norton. Arnold was withdrawn at the start last time as he was reported to be lame, we haven't seen a problem at home before or after so it's a shame he missed out as tonights race is an undoubtedly hotter contest. Still, his previous form there is decent and we hope that he can knick a place at a bigger price. Cuppacoco is also another horse with a bit of character and course form. She wears blinkers for the first time this evening in a bid to sharpen her up, George worked her in them the other day and so we'll give it a go this evening. She clearly handles the track having won here twice before so if she puts her best foot forward she will outrun her odds.
Last night was the first properly cold night of the season and hats and gloves were donned this morning. We can be an office of 'moody mares' at this time of year, with Anna, Ann and I all affected by the gloomy weather! We can handle the cold though when it's a lovely sunny day like today, the sunshine does wonders for keeping spirits high in horses and humans alike. A couple of winners wouldn't hurt either, fingers crossed!