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Captain's Blog - 12th December 2011

We went to Southsea yesterday to take part in a three mile Santa run along with 1500 other folk. We ran as a family pushing our 11 month old daughter round in her tinsel clad running buggy. Despite very windy conditions we completed the route and then spent an enjoyable afternoon with family in Gosport. Not having done any training at all for yesterday I am feeling the effects of the run this morning and having to get up with a very energetic daughter at 6.00am was a little harder than it normally is, but as ever she has made me smile all morning and the early rise is now long forgotten.

I have a pretty busy week. The Christmas bash is on the horizon, the car needs a service, we need to buy a Christmas tree and my wife is out on a bash on Saturday. I also need to fit in a few days work as well. It is always busy at this time of year and this year just seems more hectic than ever. I will be glad when Christmas day comes and we can all sit back and relax at home together.

I am not sure about Grandouet being a future Champion hurdle winner. He is clearly a stronger and better horse than he was last season and I was impressed with his win in the International Hurdle on Saturday. The most impressive part of his makeup is his high cruising speed which will always ensure you get a good run for your money with him, but is he really good enough to be a champion? I am not convinced to be honest and the way that the race is shaping up at the moment I am inclined to think that if Hurricane Fly turns up fit and well he will win again. Grandouet still has something to prove and whilst he could win a sub standard Champion I cannot see him bothering Hurricane Fly. My feeble word on the race at this stage is surely Paul Nicholls is tempted to run Prospect Wells in the Champion, after all the race without Hurricane Fly is very much up for grabs.

Right, I need to bring this to a close as we need to get to Homebase to buy a new stand for the Christmas tree, one that will hopefully prevent my daughter doing her lumberjack impression over Christmas.

All the best, to you all.

Today's Selection

3.45 Wolverhampton - Grand Stitch (each way)