Makin Up For Lost Time

Peter Makin has been training at Bonita Racing Stables in Ogbourne Maizey since 1971, having acquired the property from theatre impresario George Edwardes' daughter Norah. Norah herself was married to 3 previous incumbents of the yard, the brothers Paddy and Martin Hartigan, and finally Rupert Laye, all of who trained with some success. Sir Gordon Richards was apprenticed to Martin Hartigan, and also rode regularly for Laye before taking his turn as master of Bonita Stables himself. The last occupier of the famous yard before Peter and Natalie Makin took up residence was Bill Marshall, who sent out the flying greys My Swanee and Raffingora to win 37 times between them.

Makin has carried on the tradition, with his Elbio emulating Raffingora by winning the Temple Stakes, and that feat was made more remarkable as he was carrying a tenner of my hard-earned cash on what was my first ever visit to Sandown. It's no surprise that I've had a soft spot for the operation since, and after a couple of rather wretched seasons, a scaled-down Makin team has been performing with credit this season, with a winner and 2 close seconds from the last 4 runners to represent the yard.

It's intriguing that Peter and Natalie are persevering with the 4-y-o maiden Saint Boniface (16:20 Lingfield), a son of Bahamian Bounty from a family replete with black type. With the yard in the doldrums last year, it's no surprise he failed to cut much ice, but he showed up much better when tried in eyeshields on his return to action over C&D in June, finishing fifth of 14 in a race which didn't get to the bottom of him. There is no shortage of pace in this 7f handicap, and that should suit this hold-up performer, who is well drawn one off the rail and should have no excuses from what appears a potentially lenient mark. Backing maidens in handicaps is often cited as a quick route to the poorhouse, but it would be surprising if Saint Boniface didn't at the very least trade short in running, and he looks a perfect back-to-lay vehicle. 

In the 17:20, it may be worth throwing a few shekels at Blue Deer, who looks set to get a soft lead should he want it, and went close at Epsom last time over 1¼m. He scored off a 5 lb higher mark at Kempton in October (7f), and while he's not proved the most consistent since, he would have an excellent chance here if putting his best foot forward. There isn't a guaranteed front runner in this field, and with Ashley Morgan having dictated on him last time, it seems sensible that he should attempt the same feat here, particularly with the innermost stall another incentive to go forward. Stamina is a concern, but he lasted the trip well enough off a slow pace at Epsom, and has every chance of seeing things out under a repeat of such tactics. Once again, he appeals as likely to trade short in the run.

Recommendations:

Both at Lingfield

Back Saint Boniface @ 14.0 in the 16:20 (NAP)

Back Blue Deer @ 23.0 in the 17:20 (NB)