The 2025 turf season is underway but as always it is quite a tame start. The bandwagon is creeping along rather than kickstarting a runaway train. Following a weekend of action at Doncaster, the flat is a little dis-jointed, with minimal turf meetings and reverting back to the artificial surface. Thankfully Musselburgh offered perfect spring ground for their opening meeting, where Mon Na Slieve took advantage in the 5f Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap.

Having not won since his debut, Mon Na Slieve had quite a bit to prove coming into the new season. He had been given every chance to regain his form, but continued to run disappointingly over the winter. Whether the surface didn’t suit him or whether Mon Na Slieve was becoming a little bit lazy in races, a solution was not obvious.

Down to a very handy mark of 77, Mon Na Slieve lined up against 7 rivals with Shane Gray in the saddle. Spring sunshine had been beating down on the Scottish track, meaning the ground was lovely for the opening meet. Mon Na Slieve bounced out of the stalls and was quickly into stride, showing some zest early on.

Pressuring the leader throughout the early stages, Mon Na Slieve was certainly racing with far more enthusiasm than has been shown in recent performances. With the speed recorded at 43mph, the field were quickly down past halfway and into the business end of the race. Shane allowed the chestnut to race in his hands and the 4yo travelled smoothly towards the stands side rail. Mon Na Slieve looked to be going well, although the fav was looming dangerously towards the outer as the race began to heat up.

Shane got to work on his mount and Mon Na Slieve picked up, really showing a willing attitude on the day. The pair moved through to lead as they headed inside the final furlong and quickly took control of the race. With his nearest rivals unable to match him, Mon Na Slieve started to edge away as Shane drove for the line. He didn’t really hit top gear until 1/2f from home and it was at this point that Mon Na Slieve began to assert. Pulling clear, Mon Na Slieve ran out a ready winner, crossing the line with a length advantage.

It is always nice to see a horse turn their fortunes around and Mon Na Slieve had to stop his slide, which he did in good style. Now a 4yo, Mon Na Slieve doesn’t have that many miles on the clock and so he can build on this and rise back through the ranks. He is a very quick horse and there should be plenty of 5f races coming up for him and with this sort of enthusiasm, Mon Na Slieve can bounce back to his best.

Returning from a winter break can be quite hard to assess before the event. Some horses come back needing a trip longer than previous, some have strengthened up and have got sharper. Platinum Crystal was dropping in trip for her seasonal debut, but it was a successful move as she took the 6f Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap at Newcastle.

Platinum Crystal only arrived at Hambleton Lodge late last year and improved with each of her three runs. Starting over a mile, she then improved when dropped to 7f. Having shown decent form, the handicapper allotted Platinum Crystal a handicap mark of 70.

The fixtures didn’t really offer Platinum Crystal many options and despite feeling as though an extra furlong would be preferable, Kevin was limited to running over 6f. Whilst the race looked wide open, the trip was always a concern as there were 6f perfumers who were proven and could still be open to improvement.

Kevin Stott, back from a stint in New Zealand, was booked for the ride and gave a typically strong performance. Despite never tackling sprinting, Platinum Crystal was sharply away and prominent from the off. Sat on he leader’s girths, the 3yo was in a nice rhythm through the first couple of furlongs, chasing a fairly even gallop.

By halfway the pace was increased, with the front two holding a gap to the rest. Platinum Crystal maintained her position with the leader and matched her rival, showing no ill signs of sprinting inexperience. The race really began to heat up entering the final 2f as Kevin began to work in the saddle.

Coming out of the pack were the other two market leaders, who began to chase down the front tow, leaving the final trio weakening out of it. Platinum Crystal was vying for the lead now but just started to edge left under a drive. Kevin was working hard to keep her balanced and the filly continued to respond. The final furlong was a real ding dong battle between the front two but the favourite was flying home to try and spoil the party. Platinum Crystal continued to drift left, taken her rival along with her as the fav flew down the near side. The three flashed past the line together and it was hard to see who had managed to claim the win. The photo was called in favour of Platinum Crystal but she would have to survive an enquiry before confirming the win.

It was a good performance from Platinum Crystal to win on her seasonal return and over a new trip. She showed good speed throughout and battled all the way to the line. The extra stamina did show towards the end of the race to edge the win. Although Platinum Crystal did edge left in the latter stages, it was probably due to the inexperience she has over this trip and she will certainly improve for the run. It was great to see her back in action and now there are far more options for her moving into the turf season. Having won over 6f, it does open up plenty more races but she could be stepping back up in trip next time out.

We Never Stop has really started to fulfil his potential over the winter months, starting to match his home work with track performance. Always a sprinter that looked like he could be a real Saturday performer, We Never Stop took his biggest prize in the 6f Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap at Southwell.

Despite winning as a 3yo last season, We Never Stop put in lack lustre performances either side of that sole win. It felt as though he was going through the motions and so a gelding procedure was undertaken, along with a break. This immediately did the trick as he returned with a win when tackling the all-weather for the first time. He was unlucky not to add to his tally but continued to show strong form with three runner up results. As his form dipped in subsequent runs, We Never Stop was given a break to freshen up before one last push on the all-weather.

The 11 runner field consisted mainly of veteran sprinters. Despite We Never Stop being the young pretender in the line up, many of the field have raced off handicaps far and away higher than this level. Shane Gray maintained his partnership with the gelding as they looked for a career best.

With the field jumping on level terms, Shane was able to edge over from his wide draw without doing anything too crazy. One rival inside of him wanted to go on and was allowed to do so. With the bend coming up, the rest of the filed began to thin out into a more streamline formation as the leader started to kick clear. We Never Stop sat off the pace in second as they entered the bend going great guns.

Hallways saw the field stretched out like they had been at Cheltenham earlier in the afternoon. The leader was pressing on from halfway and ensured he held a large advantage over We Never Stop and the rest. Shane was happy to continue sitting off the frantic pace as they round the bend and stared down the home straight. As they hit the top of the straight, with just over 2 1/2f to run, the chasing pack started to get the hurry up. There was a clear advantage at the front and now came the “catch me if you can” moment.

Shane was one of the later jockeys to get to work but was well positioned to have first crack at the leader. Nudged along, We Never Stop began to bridge the gap, reeling the leader in with every stride. Heading into the final furlong he had reeled in the leader whilst also keeping those behind at bay. Full of running, We Never Stop hit the front and swept past the long time leader with ease. Momentum was on his side and energy in his legs, so despite a late flourish from the eventual runner up, there was no stopping him. We Never Stop galloped out through the line, securing his best win by 1 length.

This was a strong performance and showed that he is equally adept over 6f and 5f. Whilst the big sprint handicaps will await during the turf season, there is a nice end of season race at Newcastle on Good Friday, for the all-weather finals. It is a huge pot available for the all-weather performers and this will surely be his aim before the turf season gets into full swing.

They say a break can be as good as a change. Time to re-charge, grow and mature can make the world of difference to younger horses, especially moving from 2 to 3 yo’s. The Vital Spark had progressed in his first three runs but that came to an abrupt halt last time out. With three months between runs, he returned to action by winning the 5f Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap at Newcastle.

As a juvenile, The Vital Spark took time tom come to hand and was very much a work in progress throughout last season. Steadily he improved with each run, with he turf season culminating in a fine run at York, where he showed blistering speed. It looked as though a win was just around the corner when the 2yo turned his attention to handicaps.

An opening mark of 64 looked very fair and offered a chance for The Vital Spark to potentially have an all-weather campaign. Unfortunately that was immediately shelved when he ran poorly in a nursery just before Christmas. It was a disappointing run, which did leave connections scratching their heads as he had shown are than the performance had shown.

Given time and freshened up, The Vital Spark returned to action  3 months later. The 3yo handicap looked very competitive on paper with 9 to go to post in the contest. Tom took the ride and showed his hand immediately leaving the stalls. Jumping well, The Vital Spark was straight into stride and straight into the lead. Having taken the lead he tracked over from stall 2 to take the field along towards the near side. Setting a strong gallop, The Vital Spark was racing with enthusiasm but well within himself.

Giving his main rivals a nice toe into the race, The Vital Spark was having to cut out the hard work in front. He was in a nice rhythm racing past halfway as Tom looked to kick for home passing the 2f marker. The pair maintained their advantage but couldn’t shake his rivals who matched the leader stride for stride. This injection of pace did split the field in two as The Vital Spark set sail for home.

The lead had been cut to a very minimal advantage but The Vital Spark was still moving forward. Having gotten within a nose, his nearest rivals couldn’t go past as Tom was getting a bit more from his mount. Entering the final furlong the pair had repelled all comers but had the favourite to deal with now. Cutting between runners, the fav went on the hunt for The Vital Spar. Tom was getting a great tune out of his mount as the 3yo stuck his head down. Again the lead was diminishing but The Vital Spark was tough. The line came in time and all the hard work had been done, with The Vital Spark securing his first win by a short head.

The Vital Spark showed his true colours in this performance and it was nice to see him bounce back to form. Always one who showed ability at home, he had been progressive before that blip last time out. He showed blistering speed here before buckling down and really sticking his neck out. This win was against race fit rivals and after coming back from a layoff, it feels as though there could be more to come from The Vital Spark. The turf season is just around the corner so there will be plenty of races and he can really build on this maiden win.

What can a 1/5 shot do to impress? Winning isn’t usually enough, it’s expected, so what can you do to get some plaudits? Hammer The Hammer was seen as a virtual certainty and he dually showed his class. What was little more than a racecourse gallop for the 3yo, he ran away with the Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Maiden Stakes at Southwell over 5f.

An expensive breeze up buy, Hammer The Hammer made a pleasing career start finishing fourth in a hot Doncaster maiden over 6f. Having shown good speed, he dropped to the minimum trip next time out. Unfortunately he just bumped into a well fancied newcomer but again ran with promise. Off the track since that run , he returned to action last month with another runner up effort, which saw him receive a mark of 80.

Eligible for a handicap, Hammer The Hammer had options but it was decided to stick with Novice company, in a race which looked very winnable. Superior to his handicapped rivals, by 8lbs, the race looked at the mercy of Hammer The Hammer if he could run anywhere near his best. It was no surprise to see his odds of 1/5 but everybody knows that there are such things as certainties in horse racing.

Tom Eaves took the ride and he won’t have many easier riding fees earned in his career. Bouncing out from stall one, Hammer The Hammer went straight to the lead to set the fractions. Quickly into a nice rhythm he led the field of 6 and would not see another rival until pulling up.

Travelling easily heading to halfway, Hammer The Hammer had his rivals hard at work just to keep tabs on the leader. Tom was motionless in the saddle as they strode on, easily moving away from the rest. The race was pretty much over, barring a disaster of the highest magnitude. Just over 1f from home, Tom gave his mount a shake of the reins and Hammer The Hammer quickly put distance to his rivals. It was a breeze and the winning margin was a guessing game.

Hammer The Hammer couldn’t have done much more and he took advantage of a great opportunity. He is a very fast and classy horse who will definitely go on from this. It would be hard to see the handicapper doing too much with his mark so a starting point of 80, or just over, should see the 3yo improve upon, especially back on the turf.

It has been a successful winter season so far and there are a few more horses coming out to join the all-weather team. This is the point of the year where some 3yo’s will be beginning their year with the turf season in mind. West Tyrone had returned to action last month and with that race fitness under his belt, he gained his first career win by taking the 1m Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap at Southwell.

The son of Zarak had shaped with promise last year but did look like a 3yo prospect. Having thrived over the winter he made his handicap debut in early February. It was a fine effort, looking like the winner everywhere bar the line. The lack of race fitness maybe just caught him out, so with a run under the belt he seemed like a winner waiting to happen.

Southwell presented a similar race, although a different test of track. Tom Eaves looks to be positive from the off and jumped to the front to dictate the race. There was no fight for the lead and so he led at a sensible gallop along the back straight. With rivals happy to take a lead, West Tyrone led into the bend, striding on in first time cheek-pieces.

At halfway West Tyrone was swinging around the bend and utilising his stride. Tom allowed his mount to gallop away in a rhythm he was comfortable with. He was never left alone on the lead but West Tyrone was always travelling nicely in Tom’s hands as they continued to wing left handed.

Hitting the top of the home straight, West Tyrone was 1/2 length up as Tom began to loosen his grip. Beginning to wind things up, Tom nudged his mouth along moving into the final 2f. His rivals were lining up their challenges in behind as West Tyrone looked to lengthen out in front.

The lead looked to be under threat around 1 1/2f from home but West Tyrone had yet to really find his stride. Tom changed his hands, gave a couple of flicks and asked his mount to go through with his run. West Tyrone responded, changed leads and started to assert. Suddenly the lead opened up as his rivals could not match his change of gear. The final furlong was deciding the winning margin as West Tyrone galloped out in isolation, securing his first win by 1 3/4 lengths.

This win, whilst not guaranteed, did look to be coming and West Tyrone couldn’t have done it any better. He is a big, galloping type and Tome utilised that from the off. You may say that Southwell wouldn’t have been the ideal track for him, with a sterner test likely to suit. He is learning with every run and there does look to be plenty more to come from him, especially with the turf season around the corner.

Learning to race is one of the most important factors for horses when they begin their racing career. They develop at different stages and even horses with the biggest engines can take time to unlock their potential until they have learnt what to do during a race. Star Zia made a belated debut on the all-weather, back in December, and has shown signs of ability. That was all confirmed when she won on her fourth start, taking the 6f Boost Your Acca At BetMGM’s Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes.

Star Zia had progressed in her three runs to date but her keen nature wasn’t allowing her to really finish her races. Enthusiastic early on in her runs meant that she was just over racing, something that Tom (Eaves) was well aware of as he was tasked with the ride. Drawn 9 of 9 wasn’t ideal and immediately after the stalls opened, Tom took back and tracked in behind runners. As her rivals went on in front, Star Zia settled at the rear of the field.

The filly settled a lot better and with plenty of cover she could find her rhythm at the rear. The pace was strong enough as they swung left handed around the tight track and saw the runners enter the second half of the race.  With the favourite forcing the issue up front, Star Zia had plenty to overcome when they straightened for home but today she was giving herself every chance of finishing off her race.

As they rounded the bend the field entered the final couple of furlongs and the leaders looked to quicken up. Star Zia traveled well along the rail but she had rivals in front of her so Tom would have to wait and see what happened in the home straight. Still having plenty of ground to make up, the short straight wouldn’t give her much time to lay down her challenge.

The leaders swung off he bend which, for a moment, looked to have given. clear daylight down the inside. Quickly a rival swept across to take that line, meaning Tom had to switch around the three rivals in from of him. Star Zia quickened up nicely to move up to the leaders entering the final furlong. Now Tom asked his filly for maximum effort and she went through with her run. Finishing off well, Star Zia began to assert late on and galloped away from her rivals, securing the win by 1 length.

It was a nice performance from Star Zia, she settled well, travelled smoothly into the race and then finished off strong. She has obviously learnt with her racing and is improving physically too, shown by her finishing burst. Although she won and had a mark of 68 before this race, it is hard to see what the handicapper might do. It looks as though she could be run-in off a similar mark next time and there is no reason to think that she can’t go on from this performance.

After gaining his first career win, Causin A Commotion looked like he had set the foundations to build upon. He hasn’t quite gone on from that performance but had been running consistently enough. Returning to Wolverhampton proved to be the key as Causin A Commotion came from last to first, taking the 6f Win £1M With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap.

Rider restricted races were in place for this week of racing, which saw Oisin McSweeney booked for the ride. Drawn wide, in stall 8, Oisin immediately took action to shorten his journey. Dropping into the rear of the field, Causin A Commotion only had one rival behind him as he moved over to the rail. There was a blistering pace set up front as they raced down the back straight and into the bend.

Causin A Commotion found himself well off the pace as they raced around the bend but Oisin was sat patiently. The leader had the field well stretched from early on but passing the 3f pole saw them swinging towards the home straight. As they continually turned left the front runners were winding things up, maintaining the gallop. Oisin still had the entire field in front of him but remained still, waiting for his chance.

Moving into the final 2f the field began to enter the top straight with the jockeys working away, throwing their hats into the ring. With the field kicking off the bend, they gave Oisin some daylight and he quickly switched left towards the rail. Now he asked Causin A Commotion to quicken and the gelding responded. The pair immediately swept passed half of his rivals and looked to chase down the leader.

Oisin had no worries with a clear run up the inner so he put his head down and worked away. As they entered the final furlong, Causin A Commotion had cut through the field and only had a small deficit to the front runners. The 3yo was full of running and his momentum took him along to vie for he lead. Oisin was getting a fine tune from his mount and the pair edged to the lead with 50 yards to run. There was no time to respond so Causin A Commotion maintained his run, stretching out to take a neck victory his second of the all weather season.

Causin A Commotion has shown a great attitude in both his wins, overcoming big deficits to reel in his rivals late on. He had to be patient and not get involved in the early pace battle. Once he found his feet, Causin A Commotion showed a great turn of foot and the final stages of the race were his best. Although it was only a neck, he was worth a bit more and there will be plenty more opportunities for the 3yo to add to his winning tally.

Winter all-weather season isn’t usually a period that sees many runners from Hambleton Lodge. This year has again been steady but the horses that have been running have shown some strong and consistent form throughout the winter. Probably the leading couple of performers added another double to the tally as Apiarist and Barnaby continued their rise through the handicap.

Apiarist has taken time to really find himself but now a more mature animal, he is really starting to show his quality. Since December, Apiarist has taken to the track five times and this latest win was his third, storming home from last to first in the 7f Win £1M BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap at Southwell.

Having captured the feature at Chelmsford a couple of runs ago, Apiarist saw his handicap mark rise to 95, as he stamped his quality on a decent field. He looked to repeat that performance last time out but failed to produce his best, likely owing to the short turn around between runs, just six days.

Apiarist has been racing very enthusiastically in his races so a drop to 7f was an idea, with the likelihood of a strong pace helping to settle the gelding. Rab Havlin was booked for the ride as the pair lined up against 10 rivals. From stall one, Rab was able to quickly anchor his mount towards the rear as rivals moved forward and covered up Apiarist’s route. Racing over a furlong shorter, the 4yo settled into a nice rhythm as the faster pace stopped him from being too free.

There were plenty of the runners vying for the lead and it changed hands a couple of times as they race left handed and into the second half of the race. It looked as though the leaders were taking each other on so there was no let up but Rab was just looking on from the rear. They were quickly exiting the bend and moving into the home straight which took the field inside final  couple of furlongs.

As they race into the straight the leaders looked to quicken up again and stretch the field. The fav was travelling powerfully and moved through to challenge for the lead, still hard held on the bridle. Apiarist was the only other challenger who was travelling well as the rail cut away and gave Rab a lovely clear run down the far side.

The favourite swept to the front 1 1/2f from home and kicked, trying to put the race to bed. Apiarist had been stalking him throughout and matched this move but had a couple of lengths to make up. As they passed the 1f marker, Apiarist had closed on the leader, sitting on the girths and challenging with every stride. Stamina was guaranteed but the fav was not lying down and as the front two pulled away from the rest they were battling away neck and neck. Every stride saw Apiarist get stronger and stronger, getting his nose to the front with 50 yards to run. Taking over the lead, the 4yo galloped all the way to the line and took the win by a neck, going away.

It was another career best from Apiarist and he won with a bit in hand. The strong pace allowed him to settle and he showed a great turn of foot to sweep through the field. He is a very strong traveller who has a turn of foot and this bodes well for the big handicaps in the summer where the pace is usually strong.

Barnaby has proved to be a revelation over the winter and his winning tally has been phenomenal. Overcoming rise after rise in the handicap he had to contend with that once more following his most recent win. It proved to be no problem as he took his sixth victory at Newcastle in the 7f Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap.

Lining up against his sternest rivals so far, Barnaby took on 9 rivals in the 7f contest. Oisin McSweeney was in the saddle with his valuable 3lb claim. Drawn towards the stands side, Barnaby popped out to sit just behind the early pace. The field quickly tracked over to the stands side which gave Oisin cover through the first furlong. An even gallop was set which allowed Barnaby to track through against the rail.

The field were all well bunched up racing through the first half of the race and Barnaby travelled nicely, sat prominently. As the pace remained sensible, it allowed all the field to get into the race. Barnaby has shown that he needs a little time to warm up to his task when asked, so there were no distress signals when Oisin began to wind him up from 2 1/2f out.

Moving into the final 2f the front runners began to kick, trying to get a march on the rest. It was here that Barnaby began to find his stride, maintaining his position as the pace increased. Asa couple of rivals weakened away, Oisin switched off the rail and around the two leaders. Daylight appeared and Barnaby made headway towards the centre of the track.

Having made headway, Barnaby was now asked for full commitment passing the 1f pole. He responded and changed leads to quicken up and challenge the new leader. There was a half length deficit but Barnaby was really hitting top gear. The leader was finding a bit more in front but it was Barnaby who was proving the stronger. He got his nose in front with 100 yards to run and continued with his run. Driven out he stretched the lead with every stride, taking his sixth course win by a comfortable 1 1/2 length margin.

It has been so impressive to see Barnaby rise through the ranks and continue to put up top performances. His toughest test to date and Barnaby passed with flying colours. This will again see his handicap mark rise to a new career high and test the credentials of Barnaby.

There are serial course specialists throughout the years in racing and Hambleton Lodge has seen a few of them too. Different characteristics and nuances of the tracks can be the reason for this or maybe there just isn’t any explanation. Barnaby has had a fantastic winter and took his fifth career win, all at Newcastle, when bouncing back to form in the 7f Win £1M With BetMGM’s Golden Goals Handicap.

The Autumn saw Barnaby thrive, winning four times on the bounce and gaining 21lbs in the handicap. Due to this run of form he secured a bonus, being crowned the horse of the month for November. His subsequent runs couldn’t add to the winning tally but he was still running well, showing that the hike in the weights may not have stopped him just yet.

Obviously with his form at Newcastle any options at the track would have to come under serious consideration. The 7f handicap would see him line up against 8 rivals and Barnaby was installed as favourite. Tom Eaves took the ride once again and got into a lovely position from the off. Drawn on the near side, the pair settled in just behind the pace. As many of the runners were looking for cover, the leader was allowed to go on and took them down towards the centre of the track, going at a decent clip.

Always in clear daylight and travelling nicely, Tom had Barnaby  around 2 lengths off the leader. Barnaby had previously shown that his last furlong was usually his best so he looked perfectly poised through the first half of the race. For a small field the runners were quite well strung out, showing that the pace was not easing up.

Passing the 3f marker the leader began to try and kick away from the rest. Barnaby can hit a little flat spot at this stage but Tom gave him a little squeeze to move up a little and maintain his pitch. Barnaby responded and moved well to edge up the near side as the leader began to weaken.

The pace began to collapse as those in front started to back track. Barnaby was nudged along moving inside the 2f marker and started to move through the gears. He was slowly reeling in the leader but looked to be the one full of running. Barnaby took the lead passing he 1f marker but he was under a strong challenge down the inner. Once he heard the hooves rattling, Barnaby switched leads and quickened up once more. Nothing could respond and under Tom’s drive, Barnaby finished off strong. He galloped out to the line, opening up a 1 1/2 length advantage, securing his fifth course win.

It was great to see Barnaby back to form and even more so off this sort of mark. He has only put one poor run out through the winter and this was at Southwell. It suggests that, whilst not necessarily a course specialist, Barnaby may enjoy a nice, galloping track like Newcastle. To secure a fifth win sin September shows incredible consistency and he won with a bit in hand. Barnaby will gain another career high but he will likely be out again to try and move up the leaderboard for the AW Horse Of The Year.