Tuesday 20th September 2011- newton Abbot

3m2f on good ground (G/frm in places) and some old favourites contest it again 
you have to start off with  Mr J A Best (7)  riding Estates Recovery going for the three timer at this track and distance. Going for the four timer sequence today and the ground is perfect for him. Last time he was out off an official rate of 122 and is up off a mark of 133 which he almost matched last time on the Vfb which we made at 131 but he was 10l clear of Templer that day (off 125 recorded 130), that one came out at Ffos lass winning from Frosted Grape by a shortening margin right on the line.
 My Money is on Frosted Grape having only her second try at this distance with the Tongue Tie and visor on again today.This one very progressive chaser who is a decent leaper and stayer. She is a proven front runner who hit a flat spot against Templer only to pick up the bit  as the front runners paddled their way over the last two. 
Will, I hope, be ridden with  a bit more restraint today to conserve the energy and come with a late rattle to foil Estates Recovery who has had my heart in my mouth as have backed it for all its last wins and does seem to find the last fence its biggest obstacle. 
I thought  Frosted Grape mark of 130 last time was harsh (the same as her hurdling mark)  but she did it well and the conditions of the race allow her to get in on 1lb less today off a mark of 132. 
Good luck today 
 Bob