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We’re heading to Mallow with 2 runners tomorrow. The horses have been running away well and it has been slightly disappointing to see several of ours start favourite, rún their race and still get beat. Every yard hits a seam of form where a few horses come together, land on good races and take their opportunities. For a small yard we have a few in that kind of shape but they haven’t been converting their chances. Still I’ve been in worse spots, hopefully we’ll grab one or 2 soon. Chessman goes for a 7f Premier handicap tomorrow and it is very very competitive. He’s just not the horse he was 2 years ago but he has been running away well without that real zip that I know he has. He’s in good form at home, the trip will suit and he should run his race. He’s so talented and it would be a pity for his entire career to pass by with just one maiden win to his name. Hopefully. Golden Valour runs in the 1 mile Apprentice handicap. He could have easily won first run back when roaring home late at Leopardstown. He then went to Cork and it was a poor enough race choice from me. He started favourite and ran well without ever looking like winning. Accounting for his claim he was carrying 9lbs more at Cork in a higher grade of race. He’s not up to that over that trip. He’s down in grade and up in trip tomorrow. He should be competitive but it’s still sharp for him. Cheek pieces may help.   I’d be happier with the horses than I have been for a while. They’re taking plenty of tough training, running their races and holding their form. It’s not quite enough at the moment. It’s pointless expecting the competition to ease and I suppose the handicapper isn’t going to relent either. Just get on with it I suppose, it’s that simple.