AYR - Western Meeting – Thursday September 16th to Saturday September 18th
It’s normally safe to assume that the going will be on the soft side for showpiece of the Scottish flat season. This wasn’t the case though as the west of Scotland avoided any significant rain, the ground drying out from just softer than good on Thursday to touching fast on Saturday.
The meeting opened with an ordinary maiden in which the favourite didn’t fire, Another Citizen passing Macho’s Magic in the final furlong. SHADOW CATCHER was outpaced in the first half of the race, but picked up nicely in the final two furlongs and looks to need a stiffer test than this six furlongs.
NORTHSIDE PRINCE impressed me with his battling qualities in the feature event, the mile and a quarter Kilkerran Cup Handicap. He has progressed through the season but was just pipped by PENDRAGON, another who has come on in leaps and bounds in recent months.
PUY D’ARNAC ran a decent race in Thursday’s closing 1m 5f Handicap. His best from has been on soft ground, and he’s not been over-raced this term, so there must be an opportunity or two in the closing weeks of the turf season.
WELL SHARP quickened up nicely to win the seven furlong maiden on Friday’s card. His family improves with distance and he looks a handy prospect for next year.
ALBEN STAR won a decent looking maiden on his debut at Musselburgh, the second, fourth and sixth having all won since. He had to work to hold off Drawing Board in the nursery here, but he looks to have a fair bit of scope and could make a mark in Pattern company in time.
Exposed performer ARCTIC FEELING won the Listed Rosebery Stakes with a late burst. On the face of it we could have seen the best of him, but it’s worth considering that he comes from a family who have won races as three and four-year-olds.
DESCARO has improved for being upped significantly in distance, and won the extended 17 furlong Eglinton Cup with ease. He showed some promise over hurdles last season and his trainer now has a choice of flat or hurdles for the coming weeks.
Frankie Dettori weaved his way through on the stands’ side to win the Ayr Gold Cup on REDFORD. The winner has since followed up over a furlong more at Ascot and looks to have a little more in hand in current mood. This was a very high class renewal which would have made a strongly contested Listed contest. The popularity of the Ayr sprint event is emphasised by the fact that the course can fill both Silver Cup and Bronze Cup. HITCHENS won the race on the far side in finishing third, the stands’ side holding a two or three length advantage over most of the meeting.
TIGER REIGNS took a strong renewal of the Ayrshire Handicap, but one I’d take from the race is OUR JOE MAC who rallied well in the closing stages for fourth after being caught for pace two. Off a mark of 94 there may be just a little scope for easing the latter in class, or perhaps a taking a three-year-old handicap if the opportunity arises.
HAMILTON – Sunday 19th September and Monday September 20th
STATE OPERA put up the most significant performance of Hamilton’s two day seasonal finale. A lengthy colt who looks to have some developing, in similar mould to the same stable’s Sergeant Ablett, Mark Johnston’s charge wound up the pace from four furlongs and came clear when asked. The third is on a solid looking 77 rating and that must put the winner up in then 90s. One for next season assuming he strengthens over the winter.
MING MENG looks to be an improving sort and was a staying on third in the six furlong Flower Of Scotland Handicap.
Mark Johnston has TOBERNEA at the right end of the handicap, Joe Fanning setting a typically well judged pace over the eleven furlong trip and his mount seeing off challengers up the hill. He should pick up another race this autumn.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Catching up with.... Sedgefield in early September
Apologies for infrequent updates of late. I'm not able to commit as much time as i'd like to my reports these days. I do have a number of Scottish meetings lined up for the coming weeks as there are a number of weekend meetings. I do feel happier doing an on the spot reports rather than picking up replays off the internet.
SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday September 7th
Going – Good To Soft
Overnight rain, and a subsequent softening of the ground, led to a number of non-runners and the four chases were weak affairs. The last fence was omitted once again, the open ditch being the last fence giving a run in of well over two furlongs.
3.35 2m 4f Poker@Bet365 0-95 Handicap Chase
STOLEN LIGHT recorded a first win over fences, pretty much having the run of the race here. He set the pace, was still going best two out and was driven out to win. Subsequent tasks are likely to be tougher.
FESTIVAL KING made a promising re-appearance after missing last season. Held up early, he got into the race from three out and made steady progress approaching the last. He kept on under pressure and connections must take encouragement from one who can step up on this.
KEOGHS BAR, a pointing winner representing Irish trainer Irene Monaghan, had every chance from the final but wasn’t good enough.
In form from hurdling, ISLE OF INISHMORE was making a chasing debut. He got into the argument three out but was another found wanting in the closing stages.
COLOURS OF AUTUMN made bad mistakes at crucial stages and dropped away after thumping two out. He didn’t do badly in Irish points but is finding handicap chasing a tough assignment.
MAIDSTONE MIXTURE is capable at best but rapidly descending the handicap. He weakened from three out and is offering little encouragement.
SENDEED raced close up until weakening from three out. He went lame on landing over the last and was pulled up.
4.45 2m ½f bet365 Best Odds 0-112 Handicap Chase
A weak event went in ratings order with CALCULAITE staying on to pick off the front runner on the line.
FILM FESTIVAL was plenty keen enough, but kept up the gallop until finding the final climb just too much. He is suited by this tight track where he can get out in front and lead his field a merry gallop.
SCHINKEN OTTO was held from two out and probably not suited by the overnight rain.
SKIDDAW JONES is readily opposable, jumped poorly and was pulled up before three out.
TIGER KING doesn’t look a natural chaser, jumped clumsily in rear and was pulled up before the seventh. He looks better kept to hurdling.
5.20 3m 3f Bet365.com 0 – 91 Handicap Chase
ARCHIE’S WISH showed once again that he’s much happier over fences than he was over hurdles. That being said, this race didn’t take huge amount of winning. He tracked the leader all the way round and forged clear on the run-in.
I’ve suggested in the past that EXECUTIVE’S HALL can improve with time and a decent trip. The move to the latter brought about some improvement as he set the pace until overhauled at the last. He kept on but didn’t have the pace of the winner.
The acquisition of a visor on Executive’s Hall is not a good sign. I do feel that a jumper needs to be able to see what’s going on around him, though the aids do work on occasion, notably with Carrietau last season.
MOON MELODY has a fair record for a lowly rated horse. He’s best on a turning track but the ups and downs here may not have suited so well and he was held from two out.
SHULMIN, a three time course and distance winner, has periods in form and periods in the doldrums. After a purpled patch at Cartmel in the springs she’s back to moderate form, being outpaced form two out on this occasion.
The Scottish summer jumping season comes to end in the last week of September, Perth closing up for the year with a two day meeting. Kelso then starts the winter campaign with its first meeting on October 3rd, Hexham picking up the threads in early October just over the border.
On the flat, an Ayr Western Meeting summary will follow then I'll be at Musselburgh for their meeting a week Sunday(26th).
SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday September 7th
Going – Good To Soft
Overnight rain, and a subsequent softening of the ground, led to a number of non-runners and the four chases were weak affairs. The last fence was omitted once again, the open ditch being the last fence giving a run in of well over two furlongs.
3.35 2m 4f Poker@Bet365 0-95 Handicap Chase
STOLEN LIGHT recorded a first win over fences, pretty much having the run of the race here. He set the pace, was still going best two out and was driven out to win. Subsequent tasks are likely to be tougher.
FESTIVAL KING made a promising re-appearance after missing last season. Held up early, he got into the race from three out and made steady progress approaching the last. He kept on under pressure and connections must take encouragement from one who can step up on this.
KEOGHS BAR, a pointing winner representing Irish trainer Irene Monaghan, had every chance from the final but wasn’t good enough.
In form from hurdling, ISLE OF INISHMORE was making a chasing debut. He got into the argument three out but was another found wanting in the closing stages.
COLOURS OF AUTUMN made bad mistakes at crucial stages and dropped away after thumping two out. He didn’t do badly in Irish points but is finding handicap chasing a tough assignment.
MAIDSTONE MIXTURE is capable at best but rapidly descending the handicap. He weakened from three out and is offering little encouragement.
SENDEED raced close up until weakening from three out. He went lame on landing over the last and was pulled up.
4.45 2m ½f bet365 Best Odds 0-112 Handicap Chase
A weak event went in ratings order with CALCULAITE staying on to pick off the front runner on the line.
FILM FESTIVAL was plenty keen enough, but kept up the gallop until finding the final climb just too much. He is suited by this tight track where he can get out in front and lead his field a merry gallop.
SCHINKEN OTTO was held from two out and probably not suited by the overnight rain.
SKIDDAW JONES is readily opposable, jumped poorly and was pulled up before three out.
TIGER KING doesn’t look a natural chaser, jumped clumsily in rear and was pulled up before the seventh. He looks better kept to hurdling.
5.20 3m 3f Bet365.com 0 – 91 Handicap Chase
ARCHIE’S WISH showed once again that he’s much happier over fences than he was over hurdles. That being said, this race didn’t take huge amount of winning. He tracked the leader all the way round and forged clear on the run-in.
I’ve suggested in the past that EXECUTIVE’S HALL can improve with time and a decent trip. The move to the latter brought about some improvement as he set the pace until overhauled at the last. He kept on but didn’t have the pace of the winner.
The acquisition of a visor on Executive’s Hall is not a good sign. I do feel that a jumper needs to be able to see what’s going on around him, though the aids do work on occasion, notably with Carrietau last season.
MOON MELODY has a fair record for a lowly rated horse. He’s best on a turning track but the ups and downs here may not have suited so well and he was held from two out.
SHULMIN, a three time course and distance winner, has periods in form and periods in the doldrums. After a purpled patch at Cartmel in the springs she’s back to moderate form, being outpaced form two out on this occasion.
The Scottish summer jumping season comes to end in the last week of September, Perth closing up for the year with a two day meeting. Kelso then starts the winter campaign with its first meeting on October 3rd, Hexham picking up the threads in early October just over the border.
On the flat, an Ayr Western Meeting summary will follow then I'll be at Musselburgh for their meeting a week Sunday(26th).
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Gannin' down the East Coast Line...
...to see the Blaydon Races!
NEWCASTLE – Monday August 30th
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
I made my annual August Bank Holiday pilgrimage down the east coast to Newcastle for a card featuring the Blaydon Race Nursery. Regrettably the meeting seems to be done on the cheap since the Class 2 feature race ‘rewarded’ the winner with only £5050 and the winning owner’s ‘take home pay’ for the Class 6 handicap was a mere £1107. It may be a case of ‘While you can get away with it’ I suppose, and the racing was well supported, but Northern Racing doesn’t seem inclined to dig too deep for what could be a showpiece card.
Having lost the privilege of a company car on being made redundant earlier this year I had to be content with a journey by train. That being said, it wasn’t expensive booked in advance and the trip down the coast around Berwick is as scenic a section of railway as I’ve travelled on. The track is about a mile and a half from Regent Centre Metro station, 12 minutes journey from Newcastle Central, with a bus connection to the course. As it was I chose to walk which took about 25 minutes, on the return walk sharing the pavement with joggers and runners presumably limbering up for the Great North Run. The jogger who I could keep pace with while walking has a lot of work to do…
The rail on the stands’ side was moved to allow 3 metres of fresh ground to come into play. The only one to try this ground was P J McDonald on Coole Dodger in the claimer. To my mind the gelding performed above himself at the weights, but no one else took the hint.
2.15 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division One)
There are normally one or two of interest in the maiden on this card, and we had a bonus of two divisions this year. The first division appeared the weaker of the two heats, but the times were identical.
LOUKOUMI stayed on under pressure from two out having been held up. She seems likely to see out a mile and that might bring about a little more improvement.
The fly in the ointment here is the 100/1 second RUDEGIRL who had shown little on her first two outings. On the face of it there was no fluke since she came through to lead inside the final two furlongs only to be run out of it in the final 200 yards. She is entered in a Sales race at Fairyhouse in September and after this effort it wouldn’t be a total surprise if connections had a go there.
IBSAAR didn’t particularly impress in the paddock and was keen going down. He competed for the pace until after two furlong pole, only raising one pace from that point.
DEEP APPLAUSE never got into the contest seriously but stayed on to some effect in the final two furlongs. He’s from a middle distance family and should be seen to better effect when stepped up in trip next year.
MAVERIK, equipped with a cross-noseband, was taken down early. He had every chance over a furlong out and wasn’t good enough. He does now qualify for nurseries.
THE BELLS OF PEOVER raced prominently on the far rail but was one paced from two furlongs out.
Newcomer PINK DIVA opened at 11/2 but eased to 7/1. She’s entered in the Fillies’ Mile at Ascot, but she was green in the paddock and struggled after a slow start. She has enough about her to suggest there’s better to come in time.
2.50 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division Two)
The time was identical to the first heat but the first two here were both newcomers and caught eye in the latter stages.
The winner SERGEANT ABLETT is far from the finished article. He’s a lengthy gelding who looks to have some filling out to do, and looks likely to benefit from a winter’s growth. As it was he led one and a half furlongs out and soon had the race safely secured. His half-brother Drill Sergeant is a three times middle distance winner and stays two miles, and Sergeant Ablett looks the same sort of material.
SUD PACIFIQUE was held up by Daryll Holland and pretty much caught out by Sergeant Ablett’s burst. He would have won most similar contests as he quickly pulled clear of the remainder and his visit to the winner’s enclosure is only delayed. By Montjeu out of a sister to a Prix Marcel Boussac winner, Sud Pacifique has Group 1 entries and is clearly well regarded.
INDIAN GIVER is a sound marker and probably ran to his 69 rating though totally outclassed by the first two from two furlongs out. There’s probably a minor fillies’ maiden for her, or she could be aimed at staying nurseries as her new mark is downgraded to 65.
FACE THE FUTURE stayed on for fourth and improved on his Ayr debut effort.
WHITE FUSION raced prominently but was held from two furlongs out.
A few were headstrong on the way to post, particularly ADLINGTON who has regressed from his initial efforts.
3.25 1m LA Taxis Claiming Stakes (maximum claiming price £10,000)
I’m very comfortable assessing claimers and this race threw up the best bet on the card in MOODY TUNES who looked very well in himself. A fair enough handicapper, these races are much easier for him and he pulled clear from two furlongs out having raced prominently.
JUST FIVE is rated a couple of pounds less than the winner, and is possibly a few pounds better on Southwell’s artificial surface than he is on turf. He kept on well for second and it’s worth bearing in mind that he has been eased from 80 down to 77 in the all-weather ratings.
WIGWAM WILLIE plugged on a well held third. He won a handicap off 85 last year so even at the age of eight his trainer may have something to work with off 73.
TEN TO THE DOZEN kept on after a sluggish start to pick up fourth place, but he’s only rated 40 and the position probably flatters him.
COOLE DODGER ran better than his 50 rating suggested he might. He was brought up the stand rail, the only one to try it during the meeting.
4.00 1m freebetting.co.uk Blaydon Race 0-83 Nursery Handicap
We were treated to Lindisfarne’s version of The Blaydon Races in full in the minutes leading up to the main race on the card, though I can’t help feeling that there was very little play on the theme during the afternoon.
The time was 0.7 seconds greater than that of the claimer, but at the weights that’s at least respectable and would suggest the winner is capable of running to a good bit more than his mark here of 74. MY SINGLE MALT is a robust looking colt who needed the attentions of two handlers in the paddock. He went about his business well when asked for an effort two out, and held on well from the persistent second.
Of the first two I’d probably give a little more weight to the performance of NEXT EDITION. He led until the furlong marker and was not brushed aside from that point. A good effort and he looks likely to step up a place soon.
ARABIAN STAR stayed on for third and seemed happier here than he had at Epsom.
The fourth REGIMENTAL should be worth keeping in mind for upcoming races. He came through to challenge with the winner but was held form the furlong pole. There’s a class difference between the two and this one would have a strong chance is a lesser contest.
MY MATE JAKE struggled with pace form halfway but stayed on in the closing stages.
Course winner CHIN ‘N TONIC had every chance but wasn’t good enough in the final two furlongs.
4.35 7f Hanro 56-72 Fillies’ Handicap
CLUMBER PLACE is an occasional winner who pulled clear with her nearest challenger ALWAYS DAZZLING, another near the bottom of the weights. It’s difficult to believe that the two have improved so much over third placed LEITZU, another exposed performer, and my gut reaction is to take the form with a pinch of salt. Cue wins for all three!
LUV U NOO didn’t appear to run to her recent level in finishing fourth, she was held from two out but did at least keep on, and SILLY GILLY was below form in fifth.
5.10 5f Alexandra Cars 46-65 Handicap
Twelve turned up for the princely first prize of £1419 (oh yes, and 29 pence) and CAYMAN FOX was given an easy ride to the purse. Allowed a comfortable lead, she forged on from two out and was never in danger. She’s in good heart and might just have another race in her in the near future.
DISPOL KYLIE chased the leader from two out without making an impression. She has been thereabouts at this level a few times, but hasn’t won for a couple of years.
FUTURE GEM, who has struggled this term, hinted at a return to form in third. She appears to retain her ability and might just squeak a weak sprint handicap before the season is out.
DIVINE SPIRIT kept on for fourth but is difficult to win with and on a long losing run.
5.45 5f Happy 21st Birthday Laura Jane Fenwick 56-72 Handicap
BRONZE BEAU was another leader able to dictate and took charge approaching the furlong pole. This was a pattern that had been repeated throughout the afternoon, late runners not getting near to the front. Linda Stubbs’ consistent gelding is noted as enigmatic but he’s not been out of the first three for some time.
JIGAJIG added another place in what has been a successful season. A right ‘street fighter’ type, he’s probably as high as he needs to be in the handicap but continues to give his best.
DANCING FREDDY made his effort approaching the furlong pole but was held.
TEXAS QUEEN got tapped for pace two out and, though she picked up again, she could not make an impression on the leaders.
AREEG was outpaced at halfway and isn’t good enough in this company.
TILLYS TALE faded approaching the furlong pole and looks held by the handicapper at present.
6.15 6f Waverley TBS 61-80 Handicap
GINGER TED had the race set up for him here. He needs to come off a decent pace and was able to do so, taking the lead approaching the furlong pole and running on well.
MANGO MUSIC was near the head of affairs most of the way. He kept on well enough in the final furlong. Given that he was coming off a break this run was very encouraging and, in the hands of a shrewd trainer in Richard Fahey, he can be placed to advantage soon.
REVUE PRINCESS has been in good form and looks a sound marker with her third place finish.
Three exposed sorts followed home the first three in AVONTUUR, BOND CITY and BAYBSHAMBLES, none having any discernable advantage over the assessor.
NEWCASTLE – Monday August 30th
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
I made my annual August Bank Holiday pilgrimage down the east coast to Newcastle for a card featuring the Blaydon Race Nursery. Regrettably the meeting seems to be done on the cheap since the Class 2 feature race ‘rewarded’ the winner with only £5050 and the winning owner’s ‘take home pay’ for the Class 6 handicap was a mere £1107. It may be a case of ‘While you can get away with it’ I suppose, and the racing was well supported, but Northern Racing doesn’t seem inclined to dig too deep for what could be a showpiece card.
Having lost the privilege of a company car on being made redundant earlier this year I had to be content with a journey by train. That being said, it wasn’t expensive booked in advance and the trip down the coast around Berwick is as scenic a section of railway as I’ve travelled on. The track is about a mile and a half from Regent Centre Metro station, 12 minutes journey from Newcastle Central, with a bus connection to the course. As it was I chose to walk which took about 25 minutes, on the return walk sharing the pavement with joggers and runners presumably limbering up for the Great North Run. The jogger who I could keep pace with while walking has a lot of work to do…
The rail on the stands’ side was moved to allow 3 metres of fresh ground to come into play. The only one to try this ground was P J McDonald on Coole Dodger in the claimer. To my mind the gelding performed above himself at the weights, but no one else took the hint.
2.15 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division One)
There are normally one or two of interest in the maiden on this card, and we had a bonus of two divisions this year. The first division appeared the weaker of the two heats, but the times were identical.
LOUKOUMI stayed on under pressure from two out having been held up. She seems likely to see out a mile and that might bring about a little more improvement.
The fly in the ointment here is the 100/1 second RUDEGIRL who had shown little on her first two outings. On the face of it there was no fluke since she came through to lead inside the final two furlongs only to be run out of it in the final 200 yards. She is entered in a Sales race at Fairyhouse in September and after this effort it wouldn’t be a total surprise if connections had a go there.
IBSAAR didn’t particularly impress in the paddock and was keen going down. He competed for the pace until after two furlong pole, only raising one pace from that point.
DEEP APPLAUSE never got into the contest seriously but stayed on to some effect in the final two furlongs. He’s from a middle distance family and should be seen to better effect when stepped up in trip next year.
MAVERIK, equipped with a cross-noseband, was taken down early. He had every chance over a furlong out and wasn’t good enough. He does now qualify for nurseries.
THE BELLS OF PEOVER raced prominently on the far rail but was one paced from two furlongs out.
Newcomer PINK DIVA opened at 11/2 but eased to 7/1. She’s entered in the Fillies’ Mile at Ascot, but she was green in the paddock and struggled after a slow start. She has enough about her to suggest there’s better to come in time.
2.50 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division Two)
The time was identical to the first heat but the first two here were both newcomers and caught eye in the latter stages.
The winner SERGEANT ABLETT is far from the finished article. He’s a lengthy gelding who looks to have some filling out to do, and looks likely to benefit from a winter’s growth. As it was he led one and a half furlongs out and soon had the race safely secured. His half-brother Drill Sergeant is a three times middle distance winner and stays two miles, and Sergeant Ablett looks the same sort of material.
SUD PACIFIQUE was held up by Daryll Holland and pretty much caught out by Sergeant Ablett’s burst. He would have won most similar contests as he quickly pulled clear of the remainder and his visit to the winner’s enclosure is only delayed. By Montjeu out of a sister to a Prix Marcel Boussac winner, Sud Pacifique has Group 1 entries and is clearly well regarded.
INDIAN GIVER is a sound marker and probably ran to his 69 rating though totally outclassed by the first two from two furlongs out. There’s probably a minor fillies’ maiden for her, or she could be aimed at staying nurseries as her new mark is downgraded to 65.
FACE THE FUTURE stayed on for fourth and improved on his Ayr debut effort.
WHITE FUSION raced prominently but was held from two furlongs out.
A few were headstrong on the way to post, particularly ADLINGTON who has regressed from his initial efforts.
3.25 1m LA Taxis Claiming Stakes (maximum claiming price £10,000)
I’m very comfortable assessing claimers and this race threw up the best bet on the card in MOODY TUNES who looked very well in himself. A fair enough handicapper, these races are much easier for him and he pulled clear from two furlongs out having raced prominently.
JUST FIVE is rated a couple of pounds less than the winner, and is possibly a few pounds better on Southwell’s artificial surface than he is on turf. He kept on well for second and it’s worth bearing in mind that he has been eased from 80 down to 77 in the all-weather ratings.
WIGWAM WILLIE plugged on a well held third. He won a handicap off 85 last year so even at the age of eight his trainer may have something to work with off 73.
TEN TO THE DOZEN kept on after a sluggish start to pick up fourth place, but he’s only rated 40 and the position probably flatters him.
COOLE DODGER ran better than his 50 rating suggested he might. He was brought up the stand rail, the only one to try it during the meeting.
4.00 1m freebetting.co.uk Blaydon Race 0-83 Nursery Handicap
We were treated to Lindisfarne’s version of The Blaydon Races in full in the minutes leading up to the main race on the card, though I can’t help feeling that there was very little play on the theme during the afternoon.
The time was 0.7 seconds greater than that of the claimer, but at the weights that’s at least respectable and would suggest the winner is capable of running to a good bit more than his mark here of 74. MY SINGLE MALT is a robust looking colt who needed the attentions of two handlers in the paddock. He went about his business well when asked for an effort two out, and held on well from the persistent second.
Of the first two I’d probably give a little more weight to the performance of NEXT EDITION. He led until the furlong marker and was not brushed aside from that point. A good effort and he looks likely to step up a place soon.
ARABIAN STAR stayed on for third and seemed happier here than he had at Epsom.
The fourth REGIMENTAL should be worth keeping in mind for upcoming races. He came through to challenge with the winner but was held form the furlong pole. There’s a class difference between the two and this one would have a strong chance is a lesser contest.
MY MATE JAKE struggled with pace form halfway but stayed on in the closing stages.
Course winner CHIN ‘N TONIC had every chance but wasn’t good enough in the final two furlongs.
4.35 7f Hanro 56-72 Fillies’ Handicap
CLUMBER PLACE is an occasional winner who pulled clear with her nearest challenger ALWAYS DAZZLING, another near the bottom of the weights. It’s difficult to believe that the two have improved so much over third placed LEITZU, another exposed performer, and my gut reaction is to take the form with a pinch of salt. Cue wins for all three!
LUV U NOO didn’t appear to run to her recent level in finishing fourth, she was held from two out but did at least keep on, and SILLY GILLY was below form in fifth.
5.10 5f Alexandra Cars 46-65 Handicap
Twelve turned up for the princely first prize of £1419 (oh yes, and 29 pence) and CAYMAN FOX was given an easy ride to the purse. Allowed a comfortable lead, she forged on from two out and was never in danger. She’s in good heart and might just have another race in her in the near future.
DISPOL KYLIE chased the leader from two out without making an impression. She has been thereabouts at this level a few times, but hasn’t won for a couple of years.
FUTURE GEM, who has struggled this term, hinted at a return to form in third. She appears to retain her ability and might just squeak a weak sprint handicap before the season is out.
DIVINE SPIRIT kept on for fourth but is difficult to win with and on a long losing run.
5.45 5f Happy 21st Birthday Laura Jane Fenwick 56-72 Handicap
BRONZE BEAU was another leader able to dictate and took charge approaching the furlong pole. This was a pattern that had been repeated throughout the afternoon, late runners not getting near to the front. Linda Stubbs’ consistent gelding is noted as enigmatic but he’s not been out of the first three for some time.
JIGAJIG added another place in what has been a successful season. A right ‘street fighter’ type, he’s probably as high as he needs to be in the handicap but continues to give his best.
DANCING FREDDY made his effort approaching the furlong pole but was held.
TEXAS QUEEN got tapped for pace two out and, though she picked up again, she could not make an impression on the leaders.
AREEG was outpaced at halfway and isn’t good enough in this company.
TILLYS TALE faded approaching the furlong pole and looks held by the handicapper at present.
6.15 6f Waverley TBS 61-80 Handicap
GINGER TED had the race set up for him here. He needs to come off a decent pace and was able to do so, taking the lead approaching the furlong pole and running on well.
MANGO MUSIC was near the head of affairs most of the way. He kept on well enough in the final furlong. Given that he was coming off a break this run was very encouraging and, in the hands of a shrewd trainer in Richard Fahey, he can be placed to advantage soon.
REVUE PRINCESS has been in good form and looks a sound marker with her third place finish.
Three exposed sorts followed home the first three in AVONTUUR, BOND CITY and BAYBSHAMBLES, none having any discernable advantage over the assessor.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Late August Steeplechases in the North
SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday August 24th
Going – Good To Firm
The last fence, the ‘Johnny Ridley Fence’ was omitted as ‘ground under repair’.
2.45 2m ½ f Clem’s Fish Restaurants 0-98 Handicap Chase
This was a poor contest with the top rated departing mid race and only three completing.
TROODOS JET is normally thereabouts in moderate events here, and a six runner contest was just about up his street. He made progress from two out and held the upper hand under pressure on the long run from the last.
SCHINKEN OTTO generally goes well here and had conditions to suit, but he doesn’t often win these days and was held in the closing stages.
ALFLORAMOOR failed to see out the three miles over hurdles at Southwell. He is headstrong, which doesn’t help at any distance, and was struggling from two out.
SKIDDAW JONES belted the second and unseated.
SAN DENG raced up with the pace but was off the bridle when unseating at the seventh.
WHATCANYASAY has been right out of form of late and was tailed off when taking a tired fall at the last.
3.45 2m 4f Classic Excel 0-91 Novices’ Handicap Chase
Another poor event with reasons for opposing each runner.
ARCHIE’S WISH had only moderate to poor hurdle form to his name carried forward to his chasing debut. There were a couple of runs which suggested a little promise, but clearly he’s a little better over fences, though it’s a moot point as to how much he achieved in winning this. He progressed down the far side for the last time, joined issue two out and then forged clear of his challenger from the last. He’s only a six-year-old and might have a little improvement but is likely to struggle in anything but the lowest class.
PUGNACITY probably has more ability than he cares to let on and can be a soft touch in a finish. However, this quirky course seems to bring out the best in him and his record here now reads 1441P122.
FIRST FOUGHT plugged on for third, but he seldom gets involved at the business end.
SIR BUMBLE has been in decent form, and led three out but he was headed on the final bend and weakened on the run-in.
EXECUTIVE’S HALL led early but ponderous jumps slowed him down and he was beaten two out. Though kept to decent ground sop far he gives me the impression that a greater stamina test would suit, and he does at least have time on his side.
ELLANDSHE added another completion though well held from two out.
JANAL often races prominently but never got into the race here and was beaten when hampered at the tenth. He’s a very weak finisher even if getting involved.
BOCCIANI lost touch from the tenth and showed no immediate aptitude for chasing.
MISS MOLLY BE RUDE disappointed on chasing debut, in rear early and tailed off when pulled up with four to go.
Having raced prominently early, NOBBY KIVAMBO was throwing out distress signals when falling at the tenth.
HAPTHOR wasn’t interested and would not go with the rest at the start. He looks disenchanted with the game.
GRAND ZOUKI put in a fair performance in the opening two and a half mile novices’ hurdle and looks good enough to make a mark handicapping.
The form of the minimum distance novices’ hurdle looks sound enough with BANDANAMAN just holding off a sound marker in RIO GAEL, the pair clear of the remainder.
CARTMEL
Thursday August 26th
Cartmel added a Thursday date to the August Bank Holiday weekend ‘Festival’. It seems likely that this fixture will remain, though at the time of writing the July fixture has yet to be confirmed.
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)
5.55 3m 6f Agrilek 0-115 Handicap Chase
VOLCANIC ROCK followed up a previous course win, stepping up in trip from his May victory. Clearly suited by this quirky circuit, the Irish trained runner stuck under driving form the last.
PETITE MARGOT is a cussed individual who does as little as she can get away with. That being said she does produce an effort for driving and remained in contention for Sam Twiston-Davies’s urgings although held form the home turn.
This course would not be the best for SIMPLY SMASHING, and the ground would be a little softer than ideal, so he wasn’t disgraced in staying on for third place. If the serious rains hold off he would be worth keeping in mind for a staying event at a stiff track this autumn.
THUNDER HAWK jumped very well up front, but he found opponents too strong in the latter stages and weakened into fourth.
SHULMIN raced in rear and struggled from four out. Twice a course winner earlier in the year the race will presumably have brought her on a bit.
6.25 2m 1 ½ f Cartmel Thanks Nigel Taylor Beginners’ Chase
With a rating suggesting anything like a competent jumping performance would bring comfortable victory, MAGICAL LEGEND obliged in decent style. That being said, her supporters had to survive a scare when she took two out by the roots, but she came clear on the run-in if idling significantly.
AMALFI COAST stayed on for an outpointed but clear second.
RISK RUNNER looked hard work at times but kept on for third.
Hopelessly outclassed LITTLE GIRL was detached approaching four out.
DOUGALL struggled from halfway and unseated when well beaten two out.
6.55 2m 1½f CLB Coopers Ahead Of The Field 0-89 Handicap Chase
A dreadful contest with an ungenuine 89 rated top weight that finished tailed off and nothing else rated better than 78.
COLDITZ has occasionally hinted at ability over jumps but it’s been mixed amongst plenty of dross. In a desperate finish he just held on despite hanging and is not one to carry forward with confidence.
PEAK SEASONS runs often but wins seldom. He does go well here and added another place, staying on from the last.
STOLEN LIGHT led from the eighth but thumped the last and was headed on the final bend. He couldn’t raise his game nay further.
DEVILS DELIGHT, winner of a poor handicap hurdle at Sedgefield, was outpaced from three out.
ICE IMAGE has ability but his attitude is questionable and he regularly finds ways of getting beaten. He was well behind from three out.
Saturday August 28th
Going – Good
2.05 2m 5 ½ f totepool Flexi Betting Beginners’ Chase
FRANKIE ANSON is a big gelding who doesn’t look immediately suited to this sharp track. The didn’t seem any great problems though as he well in touch with the leaders, led at the last and won with ears pricked, if racing a little lazily once out in front. He will be competitive in stronger company.
MISTER FIFTY TWO lost nothing in chasing home a stronger opponent. An Irish point winner, a Rules victory looks only delayed. He was keen here, but if settled looks a type to benefit from a stiffer test.
LOCKSTOWN, last seen out winning in swamp conditions at Ayr over hurdles in March 2009, but in a fair effort here but was held from the last. The race should do him good and he can step up on this effort.
OVERQUEST, and Irish point winner, was well held from four out.
FINZI CONTINI, having been reluctant to go to the start, looks ungenuine and wasn’t putting it in from halfway.
WAPITI CREEK stepped up on recent efforts over hurdles, leading until headed and falling two out. She was winner of an Irish point where she beat subsequent bumper winner Lovey Dovey.
2.35 2m 1 ½ f Grant Thornton UK LLP 0-102 Novices’ Handicap Chase
MIORNING SUNSHINE was keen early on but held enough in reserve to challenge going to two out, going on rounding the final bend and holding on well.
TRANOS chased the winner under pressure form the last and was gaining approaching the line.
EMOTIVE had every chance and was one paced from the last.
Sadly HIGH STAND LAD went wrong in the closing stages and was put down. He led the race and was still battling to stay in contention when stumbling on the crossing to the village exiting the final bend. He was quickly pulled up.
3.10 3m 2f Hadwins 0-127 Handicap Chase (Cavendish Cup)
I’ve had a decent opinion of NO PANIC since seeing him contest a decent novice event at Perth last summer. This level of summer chase is just up his street and he stayed on gamely having nicely all the way. He raced of the level he ran off last summer and there may just be a little more in the tank if pushed.
COOL RUNNING, a keen sort equipped with a cross-noseband, raced midfield until closing to two out. He stayed on from the last and was steadily gaining going to the line.
VOLCANIC ROCK was pulled out again a couple of days after victory over a longer trip. He couldn’t quite match the first two from the home turn but in a better contest lost little in defeat.
BACKBORD was equipped with blinkers, tongue-tie and cross-noseband, none of which suggest he’s straightforward. He challenged at the last but faded on the run-in.
SEIZE jumped slowly in rear and struggled from four out.
DEAD OR ALIVE raced prominently but gave way approaching two out.
SPEEDY MAX led from the twelfth until headed two out. He came under pressure and weakened.
SEYMOUR WELD is a light of his former self. He led early but finished tailed off.
Monday August 30th
Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)
2.55 2m 5½f cube247.co.uk 0-90 Handicap Chase
A very moderate handicap chase won by a capable performer at the level who has been off form this year. MISCHIEF MAN had decent form around the minimum trip in the last couple of years, but was charting new territory over this trip. What he achieved is open to debate but stayed on under vigorous riding to beat a moderate second. The drying ground helped him as his best performances have been on good or faster.
PEAK SEASONS kept on for driving to take second having been close up throughout.
MURPHY’S BEAU lost touch from three out. His recent form has been dire and he is flattered by the 3 in his form for this run.
CHARMING KNIGHT has struggled since moving up from hunter chases. He was pipped for third having inherited that place at the last.
ELLANDSHE lost touch from the eleventh and completed in his own time.
ARCHIE’S WISH provided some confirmation that he’s better over fences than hurdles. He fell at the last when close up but maybe getting the worst of the argument amongst the three leaders. A blunder three out didn’t help his cause as there’s little time for recovery with the fences down the wood side coming in quick succession.
HAPTHOR refused to race once again and is becoming a pest. An alternative occupation beckons.
3.30 2m 5½f Chas Kendall 0-125 Handicap Chase
SILMI made it three wins from four runs at Cartmel, running to something like the mid to high 120s mark he’s capable of at best. Leading two out he was well clear by the straight and eased significantly. His options are limited here; this being the last meeting of the year, and a move into the 120s won’t help.
INDIAN PIPE DREAM stayed on from rear division for second but his form has been on the downgrade for a while.
OHANA kept on for third. He is kept to good or fast ground these days.
JIMBATAI weakened from two out while STAGECOACH AMBER led until four out before giving way quite swiftly.
SPEEDY MAX, behind here on Saturday, took over four out but was deposed two out and weakened from the last.
MORE EQUITY ran a poor race, tailed off from four out, finishing just in front of PLAYER who lost touch from the eleventh.
FINZI CONTINI refused to race and is one to avoid in current mood.
4.05 3m 2f Cengis ‘Gus’ Sadik Memorial 0-91 Handicap Chase
IHAVENTABOB has more scope for improvement than the rest of this moderate field. He belted a couple on the way round, a mistake at the last certainly not helping, but he recovered and was driven out for victory. He was ploughing through the mud in his early career and will surely now be kept to good ground where possible.
GIFT OF THE GODS led until headed on the final bend. He stayed on under pressure for second.
FEELING PECKISH was left behind by the leading pair from the last and recorded race number 76 without a win.
DASHER REILLY represented the sponsoring family but was up against it from 8lbs out of the handicap. He was outpaced approaching the water (4 out) and the game was up.
STAR OF RAVEN was well beaten in fifth, similar to most of her sporadic racecourse appearances.
BYNACK MHOR has been in good form but palpably couldn’t handle this quirky track. The form looks poor but he’s worth another chance.
Going – Good To Firm
The last fence, the ‘Johnny Ridley Fence’ was omitted as ‘ground under repair’.
2.45 2m ½ f Clem’s Fish Restaurants 0-98 Handicap Chase
This was a poor contest with the top rated departing mid race and only three completing.
TROODOS JET is normally thereabouts in moderate events here, and a six runner contest was just about up his street. He made progress from two out and held the upper hand under pressure on the long run from the last.
SCHINKEN OTTO generally goes well here and had conditions to suit, but he doesn’t often win these days and was held in the closing stages.
ALFLORAMOOR failed to see out the three miles over hurdles at Southwell. He is headstrong, which doesn’t help at any distance, and was struggling from two out.
SKIDDAW JONES belted the second and unseated.
SAN DENG raced up with the pace but was off the bridle when unseating at the seventh.
WHATCANYASAY has been right out of form of late and was tailed off when taking a tired fall at the last.
3.45 2m 4f Classic Excel 0-91 Novices’ Handicap Chase
Another poor event with reasons for opposing each runner.
ARCHIE’S WISH had only moderate to poor hurdle form to his name carried forward to his chasing debut. There were a couple of runs which suggested a little promise, but clearly he’s a little better over fences, though it’s a moot point as to how much he achieved in winning this. He progressed down the far side for the last time, joined issue two out and then forged clear of his challenger from the last. He’s only a six-year-old and might have a little improvement but is likely to struggle in anything but the lowest class.
PUGNACITY probably has more ability than he cares to let on and can be a soft touch in a finish. However, this quirky course seems to bring out the best in him and his record here now reads 1441P122.
FIRST FOUGHT plugged on for third, but he seldom gets involved at the business end.
SIR BUMBLE has been in decent form, and led three out but he was headed on the final bend and weakened on the run-in.
EXECUTIVE’S HALL led early but ponderous jumps slowed him down and he was beaten two out. Though kept to decent ground sop far he gives me the impression that a greater stamina test would suit, and he does at least have time on his side.
ELLANDSHE added another completion though well held from two out.
JANAL often races prominently but never got into the race here and was beaten when hampered at the tenth. He’s a very weak finisher even if getting involved.
BOCCIANI lost touch from the tenth and showed no immediate aptitude for chasing.
MISS MOLLY BE RUDE disappointed on chasing debut, in rear early and tailed off when pulled up with four to go.
Having raced prominently early, NOBBY KIVAMBO was throwing out distress signals when falling at the tenth.
HAPTHOR wasn’t interested and would not go with the rest at the start. He looks disenchanted with the game.
GRAND ZOUKI put in a fair performance in the opening two and a half mile novices’ hurdle and looks good enough to make a mark handicapping.
The form of the minimum distance novices’ hurdle looks sound enough with BANDANAMAN just holding off a sound marker in RIO GAEL, the pair clear of the remainder.
CARTMEL
Thursday August 26th
Cartmel added a Thursday date to the August Bank Holiday weekend ‘Festival’. It seems likely that this fixture will remain, though at the time of writing the July fixture has yet to be confirmed.
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)
5.55 3m 6f Agrilek 0-115 Handicap Chase
VOLCANIC ROCK followed up a previous course win, stepping up in trip from his May victory. Clearly suited by this quirky circuit, the Irish trained runner stuck under driving form the last.
PETITE MARGOT is a cussed individual who does as little as she can get away with. That being said she does produce an effort for driving and remained in contention for Sam Twiston-Davies’s urgings although held form the home turn.
This course would not be the best for SIMPLY SMASHING, and the ground would be a little softer than ideal, so he wasn’t disgraced in staying on for third place. If the serious rains hold off he would be worth keeping in mind for a staying event at a stiff track this autumn.
THUNDER HAWK jumped very well up front, but he found opponents too strong in the latter stages and weakened into fourth.
SHULMIN raced in rear and struggled from four out. Twice a course winner earlier in the year the race will presumably have brought her on a bit.
6.25 2m 1 ½ f Cartmel Thanks Nigel Taylor Beginners’ Chase
With a rating suggesting anything like a competent jumping performance would bring comfortable victory, MAGICAL LEGEND obliged in decent style. That being said, her supporters had to survive a scare when she took two out by the roots, but she came clear on the run-in if idling significantly.
AMALFI COAST stayed on for an outpointed but clear second.
RISK RUNNER looked hard work at times but kept on for third.
Hopelessly outclassed LITTLE GIRL was detached approaching four out.
DOUGALL struggled from halfway and unseated when well beaten two out.
6.55 2m 1½f CLB Coopers Ahead Of The Field 0-89 Handicap Chase
A dreadful contest with an ungenuine 89 rated top weight that finished tailed off and nothing else rated better than 78.
COLDITZ has occasionally hinted at ability over jumps but it’s been mixed amongst plenty of dross. In a desperate finish he just held on despite hanging and is not one to carry forward with confidence.
PEAK SEASONS runs often but wins seldom. He does go well here and added another place, staying on from the last.
STOLEN LIGHT led from the eighth but thumped the last and was headed on the final bend. He couldn’t raise his game nay further.
DEVILS DELIGHT, winner of a poor handicap hurdle at Sedgefield, was outpaced from three out.
ICE IMAGE has ability but his attitude is questionable and he regularly finds ways of getting beaten. He was well behind from three out.
Saturday August 28th
Going – Good
2.05 2m 5 ½ f totepool Flexi Betting Beginners’ Chase
FRANKIE ANSON is a big gelding who doesn’t look immediately suited to this sharp track. The didn’t seem any great problems though as he well in touch with the leaders, led at the last and won with ears pricked, if racing a little lazily once out in front. He will be competitive in stronger company.
MISTER FIFTY TWO lost nothing in chasing home a stronger opponent. An Irish point winner, a Rules victory looks only delayed. He was keen here, but if settled looks a type to benefit from a stiffer test.
LOCKSTOWN, last seen out winning in swamp conditions at Ayr over hurdles in March 2009, but in a fair effort here but was held from the last. The race should do him good and he can step up on this effort.
OVERQUEST, and Irish point winner, was well held from four out.
FINZI CONTINI, having been reluctant to go to the start, looks ungenuine and wasn’t putting it in from halfway.
WAPITI CREEK stepped up on recent efforts over hurdles, leading until headed and falling two out. She was winner of an Irish point where she beat subsequent bumper winner Lovey Dovey.
2.35 2m 1 ½ f Grant Thornton UK LLP 0-102 Novices’ Handicap Chase
MIORNING SUNSHINE was keen early on but held enough in reserve to challenge going to two out, going on rounding the final bend and holding on well.
TRANOS chased the winner under pressure form the last and was gaining approaching the line.
EMOTIVE had every chance and was one paced from the last.
Sadly HIGH STAND LAD went wrong in the closing stages and was put down. He led the race and was still battling to stay in contention when stumbling on the crossing to the village exiting the final bend. He was quickly pulled up.
3.10 3m 2f Hadwins 0-127 Handicap Chase (Cavendish Cup)
I’ve had a decent opinion of NO PANIC since seeing him contest a decent novice event at Perth last summer. This level of summer chase is just up his street and he stayed on gamely having nicely all the way. He raced of the level he ran off last summer and there may just be a little more in the tank if pushed.
COOL RUNNING, a keen sort equipped with a cross-noseband, raced midfield until closing to two out. He stayed on from the last and was steadily gaining going to the line.
VOLCANIC ROCK was pulled out again a couple of days after victory over a longer trip. He couldn’t quite match the first two from the home turn but in a better contest lost little in defeat.
BACKBORD was equipped with blinkers, tongue-tie and cross-noseband, none of which suggest he’s straightforward. He challenged at the last but faded on the run-in.
SEIZE jumped slowly in rear and struggled from four out.
DEAD OR ALIVE raced prominently but gave way approaching two out.
SPEEDY MAX led from the twelfth until headed two out. He came under pressure and weakened.
SEYMOUR WELD is a light of his former self. He led early but finished tailed off.
Monday August 30th
Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)
2.55 2m 5½f cube247.co.uk 0-90 Handicap Chase
A very moderate handicap chase won by a capable performer at the level who has been off form this year. MISCHIEF MAN had decent form around the minimum trip in the last couple of years, but was charting new territory over this trip. What he achieved is open to debate but stayed on under vigorous riding to beat a moderate second. The drying ground helped him as his best performances have been on good or faster.
PEAK SEASONS kept on for driving to take second having been close up throughout.
MURPHY’S BEAU lost touch from three out. His recent form has been dire and he is flattered by the 3 in his form for this run.
CHARMING KNIGHT has struggled since moving up from hunter chases. He was pipped for third having inherited that place at the last.
ELLANDSHE lost touch from the eleventh and completed in his own time.
ARCHIE’S WISH provided some confirmation that he’s better over fences than hurdles. He fell at the last when close up but maybe getting the worst of the argument amongst the three leaders. A blunder three out didn’t help his cause as there’s little time for recovery with the fences down the wood side coming in quick succession.
HAPTHOR refused to race once again and is becoming a pest. An alternative occupation beckons.
3.30 2m 5½f Chas Kendall 0-125 Handicap Chase
SILMI made it three wins from four runs at Cartmel, running to something like the mid to high 120s mark he’s capable of at best. Leading two out he was well clear by the straight and eased significantly. His options are limited here; this being the last meeting of the year, and a move into the 120s won’t help.
INDIAN PIPE DREAM stayed on from rear division for second but his form has been on the downgrade for a while.
OHANA kept on for third. He is kept to good or fast ground these days.
JIMBATAI weakened from two out while STAGECOACH AMBER led until four out before giving way quite swiftly.
SPEEDY MAX, behind here on Saturday, took over four out but was deposed two out and weakened from the last.
MORE EQUITY ran a poor race, tailed off from four out, finishing just in front of PLAYER who lost touch from the eleventh.
FINZI CONTINI refused to race and is one to avoid in current mood.
4.05 3m 2f Cengis ‘Gus’ Sadik Memorial 0-91 Handicap Chase
IHAVENTABOB has more scope for improvement than the rest of this moderate field. He belted a couple on the way round, a mistake at the last certainly not helping, but he recovered and was driven out for victory. He was ploughing through the mud in his early career and will surely now be kept to good ground where possible.
GIFT OF THE GODS led until headed on the final bend. He stayed on under pressure for second.
FEELING PECKISH was left behind by the leading pair from the last and recorded race number 76 without a win.
DASHER REILLY represented the sponsoring family but was up against it from 8lbs out of the handicap. He was outpaced approaching the water (4 out) and the game was up.
STAR OF RAVEN was well beaten in fifth, similar to most of her sporadic racecourse appearances.
BYNACK MHOR has been in good form but palpably couldn’t handle this quirky track. The form looks poor but he’s worth another chance.
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