Harry's Stable Whisper

THIS weekend's meeting at Doncaster is the last flat racing of 2000 on turf.

I hope the weather improves by Thursday or Doncaster could be under threat of the elements.

At Hambleton this week gallops were cancelled as four inches of snow fell in less than two hours.

Kevin Ryan and Les Eyres have several horses ready for an all weather campaign and our own Hambleton Highlite is looking very impressive, but there are not many five furlong races suitable until Lingfield in two weeks, but I think the fast surface at Lingfield will really suit him.

At Musselburgh on Wednesday James Fanshawe and Oscar Urbina are scheduled to make a very, very rare raid to this Scottish course and I have heard good vibes about Ecclesiastical.

James also has So Tempting in the same race, whichever one they run will take all the beating.

On the same Musselburgh card William Jarvis sends Five of Wands all the way from Newmarket and has booked Jimmy Fortune to ride and should go very close.

If Haydock goes ahead on Thursday both Father Krismas and Prince Among Men have big chances.

At Doncaster on Friday the Henry Cecil trained Jolly Sharp will run a big race.

In the Ladies Riders Champion Stakes at Doncaster on Friday I would like to see my friend Diana Jones get a good horse to ride as it would help her win the ladies title again. She has had several offers of rides and I will have a few bob each way on the one she chooses and even Diana does not know what she will ride yet.

Well on Saturday at Doncaster it is the final day of turf racing, and I hope to go out with a couple of winners. Diamond Max, Mubtaker, and in the last big handicap of the year the November Handicap, Flossy is my nap with the Mick Easterby horse Nowell House an each way selection with a little value.

Looking back over the 2000 flat season, I suppose I am a little disappointed I only had two winners, Last of the Whalleys and Hambleton Highlite, but when I think back that both my two year olds won I have been very lucky.

But the highlight of the 2000 flat season is that my very good friend Kevin Ryan had a very successful season with 29 flat winners and one over the hurdles, Ribble Assembly. Have a good week.

Tips for the week

Musselburgh: Wednesday -- Ecclesiastical (nap); Five of Wands.

Haydock: Thursday -- Father Krismas (nap); Prince Among Men.

Doncaster: Saturday -- Flossy (nap); Diamond Max; Mubtaker; Nowell House (EW).