Battle of Britain was a man on a mission this morning. He travelled easy along the back straight for Neil who took a hold of the gelding at the top of the Randwick straight. The pair bowled solidly to the winning post before the son of Jet Spur decided to pick the bit up again and run with it, Neil finally pulled him up at the 1400m mark. Upon return Neil was all smiles and said, "it has been some time since I had a ride like that".

Over the moon with Lifetime Honor (Encosta De Lago) who was dominant in his work, Tim saying he was strong the whole way. Electrical (Redoute's Choice) has turned the corner and was Robyn's best. Tuxedo Royale (Encosta De Lago) and Joy Toy (Encosta De Lago) matched strides all the way down to the line.

Royal Battalion (Encosta De Lago) and Light Brigade (Redoute's Choice) worked for the two girls Jessie and Robyn, both competent horse-woman who do a garnd job.

Of the babies Valleyofthekings (Redoute's Choice) is great said Blake. Lady Vavuzela (Hussonet) and Pie Cart (Charge Forward) are lovely rides said Nash, while Iridesse (More Than Ready) got the thumbs up from Tim. Boardwalk Dancer (Strada) and Marquis of Lorne (Royal Academy) are both very professional.

The Canny Lad/Ladies Day colt and the Fastnet Rock/Barawin filly were a great pair. The Canny Lad is a tall leggy colt with lots of presence and he is owned by His Excellency Nasser Lootah and his son Hussain. The filly is a joy.

Just a Blaze (The Gladiator) was in blinkers today and I told him if he did not improve he would have a severe reprimand from his trainer and his owners.

Tullamore (Savabeel) came out of zombie zone this morning when matching strides with his equally dopey mate Power Personified, a son of Exceed and Excel who I thought was a real Golden Slipper horse at one stage but he has successfully maintained his maiden-hood.

Nash's unequivocal best was Two for Tea (Drama Critic). The big rangy chestnut commences racing next Saturday at Newcastle and I told him not to speak to Just a Blaze before the race.

Tim was delighted with the unbeaten Avec Mon Ami (Savabeel) who bowled over 1400m .

King Lionheart (Al Maher) was so fresh yesterday I gave him interval training at ? pace today and Mark said that shut him up. Show Dancer (Zabeel) Tim gave what I call a ?quiet stretch and extend' before his Friday engagement and he commented he stays all day so 2400m won't worry him.

Kontiki Park (Thorn Park) was Mark's absolute best and declared he will win next start.

Wednesday at Canterbury races with the first race run, Cinderella's Secret runs fourth, so I said to Damo lets get a coffee from Mezzapiccas. We had time to kill so I mentioned we should visit Trish Muir's antique shop. If there is something you need Mrs Muir always has it as she has a  very astute eye for beautiful things, even her husband says that's why she chose him.

Architectural Decor, you would never find it unless someone gave you the tip but it is only minutes away from the racetrack. It is run by Tony Healy and it has everything that you could imagine. I had called in to buy some urns, I wanted something lovely for the resting place for my parents and old jock. I have been looking for something for a long time and sure enough AD had exactly what one wants except it was attached to the sides the most beautiful old clock. I said I want those but had no place for the clock and understandably no deal could be struck.

The thing I took real fancy too was a little boat with the initial DR on its side. It once cost 20c per ride when they had is sat outside the famous Doyles Restaurant at Watsons Bay.

As anyone who has ventured into Tulloch lodge will know it is, as my Dad would say, 'full of junk'. Gai likes to acquire bits of art and culture but Dad never appreciated my artistic bent. "What the devil are you doing filling the stable with junk?" he would ask and of course the answer is that I am trying to make the stables as interesting as possible.

Antony Thompson at Widden has kindly given us an update on all the stud's stallions that did their racing out of Tulloch Lodge.

Hi Gai,

Great to hear the news on the Strada colts, we have been very pleased to get so many positive reports on his first crop. 

Dreamscape (above) has settled in at Widden wonderfully and he looks great. We have had many breeders visit the farm to inspect him and all have been suitably impressed. He is such a relaxed, cool customer and if he could talk I'm sure he would say he's enjoying his retirement in the Widden Valley! We're pleased with the response from breeders and his book is shaping up nicely. We anticipate when the majority of breeders get a chance to see him in the flesh during the open days at the end of August that he will leave many of them with no alternative but to support him.

I can't remember a more exciting time at Widden, heading into a breeding season with first crop foals of our new stallions Sebring, Northern Meteor & War Pass due any day now. Who can forget Gai's two champions Sebring & Northern Meteor and the impression they left on race goers in their short careers. Both stallions were the most popular by number & quality of mares in Australia last season. 

A sample of the mares due to foal to Sebring are the likes of :

demerger, bramble rose, rose archway, coolroom candidate, press the button, PLEASANTSUNDAYGIRL, UPSETTHYM, LACEY UNDERALL, CROWN PRINCESS, DEMOGRAPHIC, HIDDEN STRINGS, DREAM THE DREAM, VIETNAM and Champion South African mare NATIONAL COLOUR.

Also the dams of stakes winners such as phelan ready, HEADTURNER and KRONER, ABSOLUTE GLAM, GOD'S OWN, ZIP ZIP ARRAY, UNDOUBTEDLY, eagle falls,love conquers all, mimi lebrock, royal discretion, REGAL KISS, HORIZONS etc.

Those to Northern Meteor (Above) include the likes of:

tempest morn, bulla Borghese, BEAUTY WATCH, BEAUTIFUL GEM, basra, BLAB, crevette, flying object, LISTEN HERE, HIGH ROLL'N WOMAN, pasikatera, SHE'S PURRING, SOCIAL GLOW, JADE DIVA, only words, matras, etc

Also the dams of stakes winners such as Danni martine, SPEEDY NATALIE, CROWNED GLORY, GAMBLE ME, MISS MARIELLE, swift alliance, keen commander, VINTNER, etc.

It's great to see Gai continuing to build the families of these two exciting stallion prospects with such promising gallopers Pureness (1/2 to Sebring) and Kiss From A Rose (3/4 to Northern Meteor)

Before I go we're also thrilled to read the reports on the Strada's with you particularly the My Pirouette (Boardwalk Dancer) colt who appears to be one of the most forward of the stables' rising 2yo's. He was of course born at Widden and bred by Lea & Bruce Stracey.

As mentioned it's an exciting spring ahead!

Kind Regards,

Antony.