Today’s racing
Flinteur Sacre, the full brother to Sprinter Sacre, makes his second start under rules today when he contests the second division of the bumper at Kempton for trainer Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus.
The five-year-old ran into the Ben Pauling-trained Your Darling at Newbury last month, when he was beaten by three and a quarter lengths into second. With that run under his belt, it would be no surprise to see Flinteur Sacre step up from that performance.
Bangor-on-Dee also race over jumps today while there are all-weather meetings from Southwell, Chelmsford and Dundalk (Ireland).
Logician back in training
St Leger hero Logician has returned to trainer John Gosden’s yard having been treated for peritonitis at the Newmarket Equine Hospital this winter.
The condition, which occurs when the protective membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the intestines is punctured either by accident or because of a disease, is potentially life-threatening.
Lord Grimthorpe, Racing Manager to Khalid Abdullah, told the Racing Post: “Logician was successfully treated for peritonitis which can be a serious condition. I’m pleased to say he’s been cleared by the vets and is now back with John Gosden.
“There’s nothing to suggest that this is ongoing and basically you’re either clear of it, or you’re not.
“There seemed to be no obvious reason for it, and he seems fine now. Obviously, he’ll be a little behind schedule, but he was unraced as a two-year-old and in normal circumstances I doubt John would’ve been in a great hurry with him anyway.”
Marie’s Rock out of Cheltenham
Middleham Park Racing’s unbeaten mare Marie’s Rock has been ruled out of running in next month’s Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham after suffering a setback.
Tom Palin, Jumps Manager for the syndicate, told the Racing Post: “Marie’s Rock is out for the season. Luckily, it’s nothing too serious but it’s hugely frustrating and very disappointing.
“It’s unfortunate timing for a setback, it’s even more gutting that she was favourite. It’s a real kick in the gentleman’s region.
“It’s a slight stress fracture which means she’ll have six weeks in her box and then we can resume walking and light trotting exercise. In terms of next season, it shouldn’t affect her at all.”