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James Best schooled Lalor on Wednesday and he jumped really well. He’s looking very professional over his fences which is good to see.

He worked well on Tuesday also and won’t do much now, just a little canter each day, nothing too strenuous.

He’s been ready to run for a while, but he looks happy and relaxed.

We obviously would have liked to have seen a bit of rain at Cheltenham, but they’re very good at ensuring safe ground there so it’s all systems go for the Arkle Trial on Sunday (13:50).

It looks a very good race, there are several Grade 1 winners in there and horses with experience over fences.

As long as he comes back safe and sound having had a nice educational experience, that’s all we’re looking for. We’ve got a long term plan working back from the spring.

On Sunday, he’ll have his breakfast at 06:30, I’ll then drop my three-year-old daughter Bella off at the yard at 08:00 where I’m sure she’ll have some of her words of wisdom for him!

Twinkle the travelling companion

If our horses are going to the races by themselves, we always send Twinkle, our miniature Shetland pony, for a bit of company and to keep them calm.

All the horses in the yard love her. She’s a very experienced traveller and she’ll have been to Taunton, Uttoxeter and Cheltenham by the end of the week, so she’s certainly racking up the miles.

The Major

The Major goes to Uttoxeter on Saturday for the two mile handicap hurdle (13:15). He’s very fit and well and this looks a nice starting point.

I’m expecting him to be a bit gassy, as he was quite keen last season, but he’s definitely learning to settle.

The drop back to two miles will help with that first time out and hopefully he’ll put up a good effort to start off his campaign.

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