It’s been a quiet week at Newstead Cottage but trainer Ruth Jefferson is back with two runners at Kelso on Morebattle Hurdle Day, and has further entries in the week at Newcastle & Market Rasen.
Ruth Jefferson: Morebattle Hurdle Day 2025
We haven’t had any runners this week, but I’m looking forward to taking the lorry to Kelso on what is traditionally an excellent day of National Hunt racing, and fair play to the course for putting up some excellent prize money. Our first runner is Maple in the 2m Juvenile Hurdle, where we’re hoping he can finally get his head in front after some very good runs in defeat.
Ruth Jefferson: Mighty Maple
He should be there or thereabouts based on his recent form, finishing second in Juvenile Hurdles at Sedgefield, Musselburgh and Catterick in what is becoming a serial bridesmaid. He chased home an odds-on favourite for the Harry Derham yard, who have the favourite here, so they should know how good one is to the other. Nevertheless, I schooled him yesterday and he’s in really good order. His jumping has really come on the last few months, and he knows his job well. He’s in grand order, and Jamie Hamilton rides.
Ruth Jefferson: Boum to Bounce Back
Jamie also partners Hashtag Boum in the 2m 6f Handicap Chase, with her stepping up in trip after running in a trio of Handicap Chases over two and a half miles. She won’t have any trouble with the longer trip, having won over 2m 6f last season here over hurdles, and just looked in need of a trip when caught for a bit of toe last time out at Ayr.
That form has already been franked with the winner (Lucinda’s El Elefante) winning subsequently, and she’s come out of the race well. The handicapper has dropped her 2lb for that run last time out, and I think she will run well. Last time out winners Leader In The Park and Walk on Quest are both respected, but we’re in good form and will give it a good go.
Ruth Jefferson: Next Week
We have two entered at Market Rasen midweek, with Autumn Return on the comeback trail after a pair of lacklustre efforts at Cheltenham and Musselburgh. She back into calmer waters after disappointing in a couple of warm Class 3 Handicaps, and will be suited by the step up in trip. There won’t be any problem with carrying the weight, and I think she’ll go well.
Lunar Chief is entered in the 3m Handicap Hurdle, stepping up in trip after finishing third last time out at Kelso. The ground might be a little quick for him, so we’d love a drop of rain. He’s so laid back at home he’s practically horizontal, but he has worked exceptionally (for him) in the week and I’d love to run him. I still think he has the potential to be better than a mark of 112. Let’s see!
Mobile Mamma really disappointed us when downing tools last time out, but I think her confidencet was knocked by a mistake three out, and I’ve not given up hope on her yet. She travelled well up to that point, so we may run her at Newcastle on Monday over two and a half. If she doesn’t run there, we may try and win a Mares’ Maiden Hurdle with her instead.
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