KELSO – Sunday May 26th
Other commitments kept me away from Kelso for Ladies’ Day,
but kept up with the action via race replays on www.sportinglife.com . Replays are free
via Skybet and they generally post them up quite quickly.
The opening novices’ hurdle was won comfortably by Some Day Soon
from the other main contender Valentino Dancer. However, the one that caught my
eye was the third BROKOPONDO. Given just enough encouragement to finish a comfortable
third he was last of the remaining three to come off the bridle and showed enough
to suggest he will make a mark once handicapped.
The novices’ handicap chase over the minimum distance (2m
1f) was won by FELIX MENDELSSOHN who started for Aidan O’Brien in Ireland and
raced in Listed company for David Simcock on the Flat in 2015. He’s dropped
back from that level but has done what was required to win at Perth and then
here. There a fast pace but even then the winner looked to idle a bit in front
late on. His mark will still be low enough to seek out similar events at the
likes of Perth and Cartmel in the coming weeks.
LOVELY SCHTUFF plugged on for second and should give the Stephen
stable some fun in low level two milers. LYCIDAS jumped extravagantly but not
always accurately in front and paid for a number of howlers as he weakened
after two out.
The 2m Coppola Family Handicap Hurdle looked a decent event
if only attracting six runners. ST GALLEN was having only his fourth race, won
a maiden last time, and looks a nice type to progress over the summer for Olly
Murphy. The winner got first run on MANAMITE who has proved a decent handicap
hurdler, was tapped for speed as they quickened after two out but then saw his
race out well enough to suggest he can win again before long.
The next event was a 2m 7f Class 3 Handicap Chase, a contest
landed by Olly Murphy’s BEAU SANCY to give the stable a quick fire double. The
winner eased to the front at the last and won with any amount to spare and
Murphy will have an eye on the better staying handicap chases over the summer.
VIENS CHERCHER had an uncontested lead for most of the way
but was quickly outpointed by the winner. Of those behind, Cultram Abbey and
Lowanbehold ran their race but are well exposed veterans. Elusive Theatre is a
temperamental sort, and was fighting a losing battle when decanting his rider
two out, while Blue Kascade jumped scruffily and was beaten four out.
The four runner staying novices’ handicap chase was won by
CAKE DE L’ISLE, the most fluent jumper of the three that finished. I’m not
quite sure how much the winner achieved as Petite Ganache laboured a bit in
finishing second though plodding on to the end. Fly Rory Fly jumped sketchily and
was well beaten from three out. Potters Story was pulled up after clouting the
second fence down the side first time round.
The Hunters’ Chase boasted the biggest field for such an
event in Scotland this season, justifying the £7,000 first prize. A waiting race
of the highest order ridden by Jamie Alexander on RACING PULSE who made headway
steadily on the last circuit, coming to take it up after the last and forging
on. Alexander gave a few years and more to the other pilots but his years of
race experience clearly made a difference, though he did have to ‘summon a taxi’
after his mount made a clumsy leap at the first!
MR MERCURIAL looked the most obvious choice and looked the
likely winner approaching the last, but was outpointed on the run to the line
and held into third.
SHIMLA DAWN led or disputed most of the way and was still
there with every chance at the last, while NINE ALTARS was another performing
most creditably having taken on the leader for much of the second circuit and
kept on well for second place.
ZAKHAROVA made experience pay in winning the closing mares’
bumper. That was a third win and she should make hay in mares’ novice hurdle company
going forward. It was a fairly narrow win, but her rider used no more than
hands and heels and I suspect there was a fair bit more in the tank.
Nicky Richards introduced three and by far the best performance
came from HEADSCARF LIL, the only one to give the winner the hurry up. She
stayed on strongly up the straight and must surely win a bumper.
The rest were soundly beaten though another Richards
newcomer KITTY HALL went well enough to the home turn. Lack of condition seemed
to tell from that point and there was more than a hint of greenness. I suspect
there will be better to come in time.
Kelso now takes a rest for the summer before a September return. In meantime I expect to take in two or three of the meetings at Perth alongside a few flat meetings. I can't guarantee a full report each time but will flag up horses to follow.
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