Handstands couldn’t be in better form ahead of his chasing debut at Wincanton

I’LL be doing HANDSTANDS if we win the Rising Stars today.

I’ve been over the moon with him in the run up to this — I don’t think I could have him any better ahead of his first run.

We’ve had this race in mind for him for a long while. Two and a half miles around this track should be spot on. I’ve been really excited by his schooling.

My only slight worry is the ground and it is just pretty quick wherever you go at the moment. I’ll have to walk the track and check before racing but fingers-crossed.

Last weekend we had to take a few out and it gets frustrating as there is going to be a real backlog of nice horses that trainers are desperate to run. It’s no one’s fault — we just need some bloody rain!

Handstands has definitely got the ability and looking at the other runners I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t run a very big race.

We had a good day at Newbury on Thursday where Bowtogreatness finally got his head back in front. Harry Redknapp, his owner, was chuffed and that’s what it’s all about.

He doesn’t have millions of horses but all the ones he has with us do very well — he’s definitely a lucky owner!

Ben Jones gave him a superb ride and we have some nice races in mind for him as the season gets going. He’s somehow still a novice so might be able to make his experience count in some graded races and catch a few of the younger horses cold.

We were pleased with Roysse on his first start over hurdles, too. He did everything but win and just took a big blow after the last when travelling like the best horse.

His bumper from last season has worked out well and we think he’s a serious horse. Ben got some stick on social media afterwards but it’s complete nonsense.

Far too many people just love having an opinion and it’s not needed. What do they think they’re getting out of it?

Ben rode him like a good horse and he blew up after the last with a mistake not helping. There’s no skullduggery — of course we want to win.

There’s a novice at the Coral Gold Cup meeting at the end of the month for him.

We’re pretty thin on the ground today because of the conditions.
LOCK STOCK (4.05, Wincanton) goes in what looks a tasty bumper. Our lad has been working nicely. This is his first day at school and he has a bit to learn.

Up at Aintree, FOLLOWCATO (12.20) starts life over hurdles. He’s one for the future. He’s done enough work but will come on for it.

Tomorrow DE KINGPIN (1.40 Sandown) is worth looking out for. His bumper form is strong and he’s one of our nicer novices.

NO QUESTIONS ASKED could go up to Carlisle on Monday if the ground is safe enough. He’s another one we really like.

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