A sunny Kempton park greeted the Muffinmen (and woman) as they congregated outside the owner's and trainers bar during the first race. Kirkie cunningly selected a 4-6 on favourite that romped home in the second race while the rest of us opted for donkeys, a trend that was to be repeated with great regularity over the course of the evening. At the end of the evening, the company accountant quite corrrrectly pointed out that 4-6, 11-8 and 15-8 winners plus one loser was better than any number of high-priced losers.

Kittow-square arrived during the third race with the news that the star of the show was in good spirits and news that there was an open handicap at Ascot in mid-May that looked like it would be suitable for Muffin.

As our race drew near, we discussed the favourite, a Dunlop horse that had cost 130k as a 2-year old. Was he just an overpriced prospect that didn't pan out or a very good horse that was still ahead of the handicapper?

After a couple more wins for Paul's short-priced choices, it was time to go see our boy in the parade ring. Fergus arrived with his usual smile despite having come all the way to Kempton just to ride Muffin. And our boy did not let him down -- he was hardly out of the parade ring before he attempted to dislodge Fergus.

Always the attention seeker, Muffin kept everyone waiting briefly while he made a fuss of going into the stalls. Then they were off. Much was made of our 'poor draw' but Fergus got Muffin our of the gate and into prime position, just to the outside in about fourth place coming around the bend.

Coming down the home straight, Fergus moved him out, hit the gas, and Muffin cruised past the three horses in front of him. Unfortunately, the favourite proved his quality with a fantastic run down the inside from nowhere, picking up not only the early leaders but also blowing past Muffin to win going away by about three lengths.

All in all, though, Muffin was a superb race, doing all that was asked of him. Fergus and Stuart got the tactics spot on and we just have to accept that the winner was simply far too good for him.

With prize money for second place in excess of £1700 the Guild's financial gurus should be thankful for Stuart's decision to bring Muffin to Kempton this week rather than trecking all the way to somewhere near Scotland at a cost of £1000 for a race that was probably too good for him.

Muffin showed clar improvement from a 3yo to 4yo, and after two races this year, there is every reason to think that he has improved again over this past winter. Indeed, his half brother recently won as an 8yo, so the Merry Band of Muffinmen can look forward to many more good days (or evenings).

Marc