Hope Road a big hope for his first run over hurdles

Today, as long as there are no further downpours or last minute cancellations will see the first run of Hope Road for the ONEWAY National Hunt Partnership. He's a nice horse and probably a more natural jumper than either Political Intrigue or Master Of The Race. I'm not sure if he's got the same ability of Political Intrigue but I hope he will show more willingness than the Master. The partners are 2 for 7 over hurdles, it would be great to be 3 for 8 but it is probably wishful thinking first time out.

The race looks interesting with the favourite having run second to Celestial Halo at Newbury. That run may or may not count for much as Prideus was a distant second but it gives everyone a yard stick. The horse that strikes most fear is the David Pipe trained Rock All. Already a 'St Leger' winner this runner could be anything.

The yard is in good form with 3 winners from 7 runners in 2008. I feel that we've been slightly unlucky with the last two runners. What's For Tea ran a solid enough race on Tuesday but came up against an unraced horse who clearly knew the time of day. Yesterday Michaela rode Savile's Delight at Lingfield and the race just didn't pan out as we would have wanted. No pace meant she had little choice but to try and make all which is very difficult at that course. They were second beaten 1/2 length. The horse may run again next week.