Plenty of racing today.  With the ground drying out at most tracks, Market Rasen will have good ground, they do a fantastic job of keeping the track in perfect condition, lush grass, which is reported to ride like a carpet.  They have a really good watering system.

Racing gets started at 2.00 with a competitive Novice hurdle.  Mon Port had his own way last time when winning at the track, he was given a very good ride by today’s rider,  claimer Fergus Gregory.

I have been really impressed by this talented rider, he is excellent value for his 5lb allowance.  His chief rival today is Al Kherb who was pitched into a good handicap last time when well beaten at Ascot, he will not mind the quicker ground, it is hard to choose between the two of them, the Olly Murphy yard are in better form of late.  Small fields at Plumpton, He’s A Goer could well give Champion jockey Richard Johnson a winner in the 4.30, a good second last time, he has a solid chance in what looks a  less competitive event.

The news yesterday that big race favourite,  Too Darn Hot, has not yet recovered from his setback, and will be unable to run in the  2,000 Guineas in the first week of May.  Hopefully followers took my advise ( 20th March post) and had a bit each way on Persian King at 14/1 and Madhmoon 20/1.  Persian King is now 4/1 second favourite, he won easily in his trial in France, Madhmoon is currently 14/1 after a decent second on soft ground in his trial.  Both should give a good account of themselves if they run, I backed them both when they were good value. Too Darn Hot has an issue with a splint, which needs plenty of time to recover.  Hopefully he will be ready for some of the group races a bit later in the year, although he is in the Derby, he looked like a horse that was very speedy to me, I’m not convinced he will be as good over 12f.