Light Burst runs at Southwell..........Mubtadi gains a hat-trick

Light Burst - Southwell Feb 19

He is a horse that is probably now at the upper end of his handicap mark. The switch to Fibresand and the booking of Tom Brown to claim a valuable 5lbs is something I've done to try and squeeze some improvement.

That said, this an easier race than his last two starts - both in 0-85 - and he is a horse bred to go on the surface. His sire was a top class dirt horse and, although all three of his progeny have been beaten at Southwell, all three have travelled well on it.

It's not a strong race. Abi Scarlet, though 3-3 at the track, has been in awful form and I'm not convinced that she stays 7f. Add to the fact she was entered in the seller on the card suggests all is not well. You do have to respect Piceno on the surface, though.

The key for Scott Dixon's runner is that he is the sole speed. Tactically, it is a tricky race for Tom. Light Burst will travel well and I don't  mind the draw in nine, but he can be keen and does need some cover, that may mean he might get kickback in the process.

But with Tom's claim (a very useful 5lbs) he is effectively only running 4lb above his 8 length win at Brighton. The 3 month break was at the request of the owner. He has been fine and does run well fresh. Can he win? Yes. Do I think he will? Hopefully, ;-)

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Mubtadi's hat-trick today has been a testimony to forward planning, a gelding operation and three superb rides from Tom Brown. I do all the tactics, but they still have to be carried out. Brown, barely 21, has done it perfectly three times.

Andrew Balding's apprentice is 4-4 for Ismail and, is in my mind, one of the top three apprentices in Britain. His tactical awareness for one so young is astounding. His relationship with Mubtadi is like coffee and cream.

Mubtadi was a nutcase before his gelding operation. Now, after also changing tactics and how he works at home, you couldn't wish to meet a nicer horse. He is still way below his mark of 80 and he is a much happier horse as well.

We also now use the blindfold to avoid missing the break, and the step up to 1m 2f gives us more options. He can make the running or come from behind. He is likely to only go up around 5lbs for today which will still leave him on a tasty 67.

Mubtadi will have a short break, but is earmarked for a 0-70 at Brighton in April over 10 furlongs at a track he has already won at. So pleased for horse and jockey, and, of course, Ismail

Terry