Brian Hughes’ blog 08/10/23 – Malystic jumping great ahead of seasonal Return
It’s been a bit quiet and I’m eager to be getting on some of the better winter horses, so it’s good to see a few of them out at Kelso on Sunday.
Brian Hughes’ blog 08/10/23 – Sunday at Kelso Racecourse
I’m three from three on Autumn Return (2:00pm), so I couldn’t’ really have a bad word to say about her.
She won well the last day when stepped up to 2m4f but has won three times over this shorter trip too, so coming back in distance shouldn’t trouble her.
They’re due a bit of rain which wouldn’t inconvenience her either, especially back at 2m, and you’ have to hope she’s going there with every chance.
Darkest Day could be one to keep an eye on as he bids for a hat-trick, but it won’t be easy for him stepping out of 0-100 company.
With Donald’s McCain, Hidalgo De L’Isle, there was a bit of uncertainty as to whether he’d run given the rain that’s forecast, so I thought I’d chance my arm with Autumn Return. She doesn’t have to step up much to win this sort of contest.
It will be the first time I’ve sat on Gainsbourg (2:30pm) and it’s his first start over obstacles, so there are plenty of unknowns.
He’s got a fair level of form on the Flat that suggests he could be useful if taking to hurdling, but we’ll have to wait and see.
It’s great to be back on Malystic (3:30pm), who finished last season with a good win up at Ayr under Danny McMenamin.
I schooled him the other day and he jumped great, so hopefully he’s fit enough to do himself justice.
You don’t really know until you run them just how fit they are, but I know the trainer has been targeting this race for a while and will be expecting a big run.
Lavida Adiva (4:00pm) was a good English point-to-point winner and bought for a fair sum, so hopefully she’s a nice type.
Ruth [Jefferson] has done well with the pointers she’s bought, and she’s nicely bred too.
I’ve not sat on Do No Wrong (4:30pm) nor ridden for trainer Justin Landy before, but he’s a pretty shrewd operator.
He’s won the last twice at Uttoxeter, so arrives here in good form and will hopefully run another big race.
