My horses are in cracking nick and this 14-1 shot has a big chance in the Lanzarote Hurdle

IF there’s one thing I miss about ‘the good old days’ it is the characters.

The likes of Barney Curley, Dodger McCartney and Charlie Sparrowhawk are all names that come to mind when I look back.

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Mark Of Gold can make a mockery of his odds in the Lanzarote Hurdle[/caption]

Don’t get me wrong, we still have them down south, ‘Tracksuit Dave’ for instance, but it is not quite the same.

I suppose that’s the least of our worries these days, as there is plenty I’d change if I was at the helm.

For one, I’d already want to see the back of Sunday racing — I do my best to avoid Wolverhampton where I can.

I’m not a huge fan of evening racing generally. We need time to let our staff have well earned rest.

I do wonder sometimes why we can’t be like France — just look at their prize money, despite our racing being just as good.

Anyway, back to the here and now, where I’ve got a trio making their way to Kempton for the Lanzarote (2.42).

The weather has been diabolical lately and just when I wanted soft ground, Kempton might end up being good today!

Mark Of Gold has won here before and fell at the first last year when he was better handicapped.

I was slightly disappointed with him last time, but my horses are in cracking nick now and I think he has a big race in him.

Hermino AA ran well last time and he would enjoy a real test at the trip, but of my three, he will enjoy the ground the least.

Teddy Blue is the one who should enjoy it the most, but I’m at my wit’s end with that boy.

He’s been disappointing all year and I can’t blame the ground anymore really.

He’s been working well but I wonder if he’s putting it all in when he gets to the track.

Keep an eye out on Yellow Star (12.20) earlier on the card too.

Tim Lord KC is a new owner in the yard and I’m hoping he can do himself justice.

Speaking of new owners, shout out to Running The Game, who won in the colours of Old Gold Racing at Kempton earlier this week.

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