Author: Russ

Several followers have messaged me questioning the expected performance of the unraced 2yo’s from the Haggas yard running this weekend at Newbury and Doncaster. Here are the facts about all 2yo’s running in Maiden and Novice Stakes races at Doncaster and Newbury on the equivalent day this weekend this century. 55 Runners – 4 Winners…

On Wednesday 3 2yo’s were sent off 1 or 2 in the market and all were beaten. Generally, this years crop is slow to come to hand and cannot be backed with confidence even after a run, as we have found out to our cost. We also got it right not backing Dramatic Star who…

There are just two runners on Thursday before weather permitting Somerville Lodge throws everything but the kitchen sink at the meetings on Friday and Saturday, more on that tomorrow. We got it right at Newmarket on Wednesday with all the 2yo’s beaten including 2 well backed favourites. Although Zenner Storm became only the 2nd unraced…

Although we got it right avoiding Silver Chamber, the Somerville Lodge 2yo’s continue to be underwhelming and despite being heavily backed Fractional was still very green and ultimately disappointing only finishing 3rd. With heavy ground forecast at the weekend and the below average form of the 2yo’s there is no point hoping for a strong…

Yarmouth has been the venue for many leading Somerville Lodge 2yo’s to learn about racing especially In the Autumn months. The win strike rate in the last 10 years is 50% with 2yo’s running at Yarmouth sent off 1,2,3 in the market. Significantly several of the fillies progressed onto listed and group races. Probably the…

The weekend once again added to the roller coaster season where once again ‘expect the unexpected’ was the rule. As Haggas himself inferred it was almost impossible that all the jockeys in the Balmoral Handicap would come across the the stands side and enable Crown of Oaks to make all . It was brilliant for…

Division ran far too freely and showed every sign that the one concern of the race coming soon after York unfortunately proved to be the case. The poor run of horses from the yard on the International stage this month continued this morning in Australia when despite being heavily backed both Sam Hawkens and Lake…

An extra look at the 4.40  given Somerville Lodge runs two Crown of Oaks and Godwinson.  Both are drawn high if that appears to be favoured in the earlier races or has equal chance don’t dismiss Godwinson whose last couple of runs can be ignored.  At 33/1 if the track suggests high numbers have a…

Good ground and a day of intrigue and expectation for Somerville Lodge as the curtain comes down on a roller coaster season. The brilliance of the training methodology has again shone through with horses making phenomenal improvement alongside frustration with setbacks and misfortune to leading stars Economics, Montassib and Almeraq.  There has also been the…

The Haggas yard have had a fantastic Autumn at Haydock Park and it should get even better on Friday. There seems no reason why both Eternal Force and Kinswoman will not collect in the 15.05 and 16.50 on Friday. The form book,the track conditions, and the draw are perfect as is the forecast pace of…