Admiralty at Kempton ....................................................................................................

Admiralty - Kempton

Admiralty is none the worst for his spill at Southwell when he slipped over coming on to the course and ran loose for five minutes. He was fine but the decision to withdraw was unanimous in light of what had happened.

He is back over 7f for which in essence is his first race in four months. In truth, he has been ready to run for over a month but a series of minor blips; a pricked foot, snow at Kempton and then the fall at Southwell.

Like Light Burst, the rest was purely because he needed a break. He is a horse that has been a case of a work in progress. I think we are finally there. We seem to have cured his slow starts, 7f is probably his ideal trip (although he will try 6f in time) and he is best with forcing tactics.

This is a weak 0-75. Indeed, if the race hadn't be re-offered, The Guru of Gloom wouldn't be in the line-up. You have to respect his chance seeing he has won in this grade and has only been raised 3lbs.

Admiralty is up in grade but he has improved a lot and, even though he is drawn in seven, the most pertinent thing is that he is the sole speed in the race. He is a horse with a high cruising speed and, with Tom Brown banned, Joe Fanning takes over and there are not many better judges from the front.

Teds Brother caught the eye on his return from a break when just behind Jake The Snake. Both, however, need a strong gallop, along with  Master Mylo and The Guru of Gloom. The intention will be not to do that.

Terry