Trainer Talk 
/ Paul Smith / 07 May 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Can Michael Bell's Horseradish land a seventh win? Will you be on if he does?
"I don’t think the ground will be a problem for Ballesteros - he has gone nicely on the grass at home on the few times we have tried him. I think he is one to follow."
The Flat season is in full swing now with a host of good racing across the country. Our two star columnists saddle a number of runners and you can read their exclusive thoughts here.
Brian Meehan
Ascot, Saturday
14:50 1m Handicap
Bea Remembered: She has her first run for us and she is a nice filly who has been working well in the spring. Like most of ours, she should come on for the run and the handicapper doesn't look to have taken any chances with a mark of 95. This should give us a better idea of what we can expect going forward.
15:25, 7f Handicap
Manassas: He's a really solid handicapper who loves these big park courses. He isn't a big horse, but he does seem to enjoy galloping tracks. He has dropped down the weights a bit and usually gives his running in these races - there is a theory that he is best fresh but I am not sure about that. He had a few problems as a young horse but he is over them now and is a lot more durable.
16:00, 5f Maiden
St Barths: He's a nice horse but it is no secret that most of our 2yos improve for a run and I don't think he will be any exception. Whatever he does here, it will be once he is upped to 6f, or even 7f, that he will show us what he can do.
Haydock, Saturday
14:30, 6f Maiden
Ballesteros: This is a very nice colt who has shown up very well on the gallops. He's a sharp type and even allowing for the fact that most of ours need a run, I would think he had to go well here. He's by Tomba but I don't think the ground will be a problem - he has gone nicely on the grass at home on the few times we have tried him. I think he is one to follow.
17:20, 1m2f Handicap
Onyx Of Arabia: He is one who I would want some rain for. They have had a bit of rain and more is forecast, but he definitely doesn't want it too quick. He is a bit of a character and you never quite know what to expect - it depends on his mood.
Nottingham, Saturday
15:30, 6f Listed
Mortitia: I thought she ran a nice race in the Fred Darling on her reappearance and that run should bring her on. We are trying to pick up some Black Type for her and I would think she would give a good account. The drop in trip shouldn't be a problem - this looked like being a weaker event than the 7f Group 3 at Lingfield - and I would be hopeful that she could finish in the frame.
Warwick, Saturday
19:15, 1m2f Maiden
Mia Madonna: I am looking forward to her returning to action and she looks to have a cracking chance here. She was disappointing when she ran at Pontefract last autumn but her earlier form was pretty good and this step up in trip will suit (she is by Motivator). It doesn't look the strongest maiden and she has plenty in her favour.
Michael Bell
Ascot, Saturday
15:25 7f Handicap
Horseradish: He is in very good form ahead of the Victoria Cup and I couldn't be more pleased with his preparation. He has been trained for the race ever since he won at Doncaster at the end of last year and I think a mark of 100 is still within his range.
It probably isn't ideal being drawn on an extreme wing but saying that, I feel that the ground is sometimes better on that part of the track. He is equally effective at 6f or 7f and everything looks in place for a big run.
Warwick, Saturday
19:45, 7f Handicap
Freckenham: She is ideally suited by a turning track and relishes fast ground, so conditions should suit her well. I was a bit frustrated that the handicapper put her up 4lb for winning an ordinary maiden but she has bits of form that give her a chance and the extra furlong shouldn't be a problem around here.
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