CARLISLE - Monday November 7th
Carlisle put on an excellent card by normal Monday standards, headlined by a feature event with a penalty value a shade under £13,000.
KUDU COUNTRY made an impressive debut over fences, seeing off the well regarded BOLD SIR BRIAN by eight lengths. The winner, a half-brother to decent chaser Noble Alan, looks as if he’s better over fences than hurdles and is an exciting prospect. BOLD SIR BRIAN jumped well enough here, but he’s still far from the finished article and will be better in a season’s time.
Lucinda Russell won the novices’ handicap hurdle with TAP NIGHT. This one absolutely cruised up here and will stand a rise in class.
Russell added the staying handicap chase with an equally facile win by the much improved DO IT FOR DALKEY. He’ll probably be forced up in class for another easy win, but there is still a fair bit to come from this relation to Silver By Nature. The 3m 2f here was no barrier. A Kelso winner over hurdles two days before, SOPRANO ran a cracker in second and should pick up a staying chase. TEENANDO hinted at a return to form in third and will have every chance in a lower class.
AIKMAN was made 6/4 favourite for the three mile Betfair Graduation Chase, the feature event. This was doing a great disservice to 149 rated SARANDO who was too strong from three out. He survived a bad blunder two out, but had plenty in hand. AIKMAN didn’t do too much wrong on his second chasing effort, jumping well enough but tapped for pace by the winner. He probably performed around his mark of 140.
Decent staying hurdler CROSS KENNON was never going and has something to prove over fences on this showing.
The bumper was probably a fair event, won in convincing style by SYDNEY PAGET who can cope with classier races. RHYMERS HA’ ran a creditable second and should improve once going jumping, keeping on well enough here though held in the final two furlongs.
SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday November 8th
SIMPLY NED dotted up in the opening novices’ hurdle. He’s a potential Graded class hurdler.
Ferdy Murphy has started to get a few into challenging positions and managed two winners on the card. GOING WRONG won here, but wasn’t madly convincing in a race which FLINTY BAY looked the most likely winner until thumping the open ditch two out and unseating.
Murphy won the next with GAVROCHE GAUGAIN, but the one to take forward form that event is NIGHT IN MILAN who was staying on well in the two mile and a half handicap chase. He’s coming into form and should win a handicap chase before long. A stiffer track or longer trip would do no harm.
Frustrating CLAUDE CARTER finally got his nose in front in the closing Class 5 handicap hurdle. He beat some regular opponents, so it’s not inconceivable he could manage a repeat, but he’s not one I would trust at shorts odds. THE DUNION proved his Kelso victory wasn’t a complete fluke, keeping on for fourth place.
Newcastle – Friday November 11th
EUROHUNTER made a very promising comeback after a long lay-off. The Willie Amos trained novice hurdler moved smoothly into contention in the straight, but was held close home by the tenacious Kent Street. Eurohunter’s place in the winner’s spot looks only delayed.
Nick Alexander took the staying handicap hurdle with FORCEFIELD, brought with a well timed run by in-form claimer Lucy Alexander. The winner had shown promise in early races, and seems to have found his forte at three miles. He didn’t win by far but did it well enough to suggest he might pick up another race.
ISLA PEARL FISHER is another from the Alexander stable who is one to carry forward. Returning following a leg injury, he was on the tails of the leaders when unseating two out and may well have won. Lockstown stayed on best to take spoils, but I’d be surprised if Isla Pearl Fisher doesn’t add to last season’s decent record of wins before long.
John Wade’s stable dominated the Class 4 two mile hurdle, KING’S GREY coming to take the race off front running DIAMOND FRONTIER close home. The pair were clear, and Wade has proved himself a master at training and placing his steeplechasers.
CUE TO CUE took the mares’ maiden hurdle in decent style. She stayed on strongly and will see out three miles. She will see off decent staying mares and would be a decent prospect in mixed company. Her dam Marello was a talented staying hurdler and she looks likely to follow in here mum’s hoof prints.
Lucinda Russell’s GLENORA GALE was not disgraced in second. She won’t come up against many mares as goods as the winner and ought to win a race sooner rather than later. There is staying chaser blood in her family.
HEXHAM – Wednesday November 16th
It’s taken me a long time to achieve the childhood dream of being involved with a winning four mile chaser. Milnathort Racing Club, in which your correspondent has a small portion, scored their first winner as OUTLAW TOM outstayed front running Double Default after the last. Much will depend on how the winner comes out of this one but, given that he proved he stays all day, he will be aimed at stamina tests in the 0-120/0-125 grades in the north. The ground was soft here, and he coped with it well, though I don‘t think really heavy will suit him.
DOUBLE DEFAULT lost nothing in defeat and front running tactics over a trip suit him down to the ground. The one I would take out of this though is the third, five-year-old REBEL SWING. Just out speeded in the straight, he stuck to his task and will be a nice one for the Smith stable in the next year or two.
LIGHTENING ROD won the opening limited novices’ handicap chase in the style of one who can go on to better things. He jumped superbly, and it wouldn’t surprise if he is making his mark in decent company by spring.
James Ewart’s SIGNALMAN wasn’t disgraced in just holding on to second, having tried to match the winner from the bottom of the hill.
BURY PARADE won the novices’ hurdle in decent style, in a race where well fancied KING’S GRACE was very disappointing.
My eyes were looking farther back here, with CAPITAL VENTURE staying on for third. He beat decent novice Simply Ned in a Kelso bumper, but he looks to me to be crying out for a longer trip over hurdles. FOG PATCHES was another to stay on, but he looks a long term job, and will probably be seen to better effect over fences in a season or two.
Like Capital Venture PAPAMOA is on my list to follow on The Racing Forum. He looks progressive, staying on having been off the bridle a mile out, only to meet another progressive sort in DUSKY BOB who held him after the last. Both should win in future, and it’s a mark of their achievement that they were well clear of a previous winner filling third place.
TANZANITE BAY flew the flag for Lucinda Russell’s satellite yard at Kilduff. She stuck to her task well to hold previous course and distance winner DOMOLY from the last in then novices, handicap chase. She won’t go up too much for this but looks progressive.
I'm now due to take in Musselburgh next Friday and then a first visit to the Fighting Fifth meeting at Newcastle. That might be my lot until after Christmas due to other commitments, but I'll keep an eye on any meetings that take place in December. Weather permitting I'll then be off to Kelso and Ayr over the Christmas holidays. I suspect Musselburgh Ne'er Day Meeting might be missed as we are due at a Hogmanay do the night before. Now, when I was younger...
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Friday, 11 November 2011
Kelso - November Meeting
KELSO – Saturday November 5th
Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)
A decent card at Kelso was blessed with pleasant weather and afternoon long sunshine. The course was in superb condition, as is normally the case here, for a card topped by a decent standard two mile limited handicap chase.
12.25 2m 6½f Premier Traffic Management ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle
(Class 4)
These contests are normally well fought out here and there were one or two potentially above average stayers on show.
ROWDY ROCHER put in a solid performance to win at Hexham previously and was always one likely to benefit from a distance of ground. Always going well in touch with the leaders, he battled hard from the last and just got up on the line. Rowdy Rocher is only five and has the look of a chaser about him, having won a point in Ireland. Only surprise was that he was allowed to start at 12/1.
TARLAN is a typical attractive Donald McCain chasing type who will go on from this decent start. He jumped really well up front and looked the winner at the last, only to be pipped close home. He’s a winner in waiting and another who will be seen to full effect over fences.
STORMIN EXIT ran a typically honest race under a penalty, staying on under pressure for third. I believe his target is now the Paddy Power Gold Cup, which would be a tough ask, though he should have a few other options.
RAVENS SECRET is another big chasing sort and John Wade should have no problem placing him to win in time. He got outpaced from three out and couldn’t get back to the leaders here but he may pick up a small novice hurdle before going over the bigger obstacles.
ROS CASTLE has more of the hurdler look about him. This trip suits but he was another tapped for pace from three out. He could find one or two too good in non-handicaps, but will be interesting once handicapping.
Double bumper winner DARK GLACIER looked as if the race would bring him on. He was still in contention three out but was outspeeded from there. He’ll be a different proposition next time up.
Best in the paddock was RAGGIO’S BOY but he was totally clueless on the track, jumped awkwardly and lost touch early on. He is a chasing sort and is worth keeping on a look-out list as he is the raw material if the penny drops.
1:00 3m 1f Ship Inn, Dalkeith Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-100)
SUPER ALLY has improved since going chasing and picked up a second course win in decent style here. Racing prominently, he was headed at the last, but responded when passed and got the upper hand in the final furlong. He has a sound attitude which makes a difference at this level and I see no reason why the progression shouldn’t continue.
FRONTIER BOY stepped up significantly on his previous effort, the trip helping and his jumping having been sharpened significantly. Bagging another in Bryony Ewart’s increasing pile of Best Turned Out Awards, he looked well readied here. He led briefly at the last but was held by a better opponent on the run-in. Staying chases are clearly his game and he is one to take forward for the coming months.
Wilson Renwick was ‘done’ under the new whip rules for his ride on CHICAGO OUTFIT. While I can understand the need to quantify the use of the whip, instances like this perhaps shows there are two sides to the argument. John Wade’s charge raced lazily early on and Renwick administered a couple of cracks with a circuit to go. Driven from two out he picked up well on the flat and finished fast for third, but suffered one slap too many. Presuming that things don’t change on the whip front then Wade has a task on hand to get the best out of this one. Lightly raced and potentially better than this level.
Hexham winner QUETZAL was held from three out, while ELIADES BOY looked as if the race would bring him on and couldn’t make an impact from two out.
1.30 2m 6 ½ f Persimmon Homes Handicap Chase (136-115)
A race in which a progressive winner was hard pressed by a consistent stayer in second. The rest bar one finished close together a few lengths back.
The last open ditch was bypassed on each circuit due to damage received in the previous race.
THE PANAMA KID won comfortably here last time and stepped up on that effort off a much higher mark. He thumped the middle one down the far side first time, but apart from that jumped very well near a pace set by the eventual second, hitting the front on the flat and holding Garleton’s challenge from the elbow. He won well enough here to suggest there is still more in the tank.
GARLETON is a consistent stayer and made a brave attempt to make most of the running. He needed geeing along a bit with a circuit, which is a bit out of character, but he responded all the way home. Despite being collared on the flat he was still battling back at the line. The problem might be that the handicapper will split the difference back to the third and bump him up a few pounds. Anything over 140 starts to cut down palatable options, and this event was over as short a trip as he would be raced at. Chatting to one of the joint owners, I understand that the plan is either the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle or the Becher Chase at Aintree, with the former favoured.
MIRAGE DORE made progress from the omitted two out, but never quite got to the leaders. He is going the right way however and retains a fair amount of his ability.
RAYSROCK kept on for fourth without seriously threatening to win. A reasonable effort, but he doesn’t win often.
INDIAN GROOM looked very well on his seasonal debut but was held in the straight. As a six-year-old he has time on his side and is boarded in a stable likely to get the best out of him.
CIRCUS CLOWN was dropped in at the deep end on chasing debut. He jumped well enough and was not disgraced in a close up sixth place. Twice a winner over hurdles he would be of interest in novice handicap company.
SAFARI ADVENTURES was held up here, possibly to help see out the trip, but he was held in the last three quarters of a mile.
DOUGLAS JULIAN appeared to fins the task a bit tough in this company, while DEN OF INIQUITY was another Ferdy Murphy horse in need of the run.
2.05 3m 3f Graeme Todd Haulage Handicap Hurdle (98-127)
This is one of the longest hurdles of the campaign, only Sedgefield staging anything past this distance over the small obstacles.
A largely exposed bunch were put comfortably in their place by SOPRANO, following up a Perth win in July and having run creditably on the flat recently. He pulled clear from the last to win with a bit in hand.
SCOTSWELL followed up a fine Aintree third with another decent performance in second here, having been in fine form over the summer. He led before two out but was held from the last.
MORE EQUITY kept on for a never nearer third.
BOLLIN FIONA put in a good effort from 3lbs out of the weights, but was held from two out. She would benefit from a drop in class, though she seems to need a distance of ground and her chances are in the hands of the racing programme.
Nothing else threatened, though KING FONTAINE was on premises when walking through three out. He didn’t recover, but might be worth keeping in mind as he is a fair chaser who finished in the National last season.
2.40 2m 1f Mayfield Restaurant Limited Handicap Chase (166-122)
The open ditch was back in use for this race after repairs were carried out.
This event has filled a nice little niche in early season for two mile chasers, balancing up the Haldon Gold Cup which takes place down at Exeter the same week.
For backers these contests can be money spinners as they favour certain types. In typical Sue Smith had STAGECOACH PEARL spot for this contest and he made all in decent style. Those around about the minimum mark can be favoured in these contests as the ones above are handicapped to the hilt. On decent ground the winner might be capable of scoring again, but finding suitable races can be a problem.
SA SUFFIT was making a comeback following a career threatening tendon injury. He stays 2m 6f at least, so his trainer can try different options. Never far off the pace, he stayed on determinedly up the run-in, but was always just held by a well prepared winner. This was a promising effort from a stable boasting more strength in depth than ever before.
TCHICO POLOS has moved to Lucinda Russell, though staying in the same ownership. There were doubts about suitable races for this one, but this race was a decent alternative to the Haldon Gold Cup and I understand Ayr might lay on a contest at their upcoming meeting. Tchico Polos was chasing the leader most of the way, though held from the last if keeping on well enough. Long term target would likely be either the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and start was sound enough.
PREMIER SAGAS made no impression from two out, but ran well enough from 9lbs wrong and should be interesting once running off his real mark.
TARTAN SNOW performed admirably from 24lbs out of the weights, but was tapped fro pace at crucial stages. Given that he was coming off a 6 month lay-off this effort augurs well fro the future when back in his class.
KALAHARI KING looked forward enough to do himself justice, but finds everything happening a bit quick at this trip these days. He lost touch with the leaders three out and was well held. He is another with a long term target of the Ryanair Chase, but short term he’ll go to the Betfair Chase just to see if he can see out the three miles in decent company.
DE BOITRON needed the race and was struggling form the seventh. He’s weighted to have a chance in handicap chases and this race will have brought him on.
3.15 2m 1f Ferneyhill Handicap Chase (93-115)
A race marred by the lost of Lucinda Russell’s improving young chaser THE COCKNEY SQUIRE. He was sitting in midfield when unseating at the fourth, jumped two more fences with the field and then collapsed with a heart attack.
The race was won by virtue of a superb front-running display by STORM SURGE, ably ridden by Lucy Alexander who notched up a third win in three days. Kicking on going away from the stands, nothing ever got near enough to put in a serious challenge. The winner jumped well and was driven out to maintain the lead on the flat.
BAAHER ran a not untypical race, staying on through the field to take second place close home.
PRIMROSE TIME is probably handicapped to her best, but kept from the last for third.
BENE LAD was another who kept on late and Timmy Murphy was of the opinion that he should be stepped up to two and a half miles. That makes sense since he won hurdle over that distance in January.
DUKE OF MALFI chased the leader but was held from before the last. He’s now moved from the Russell yard to that of Harriet Graham near Jedburgh.
BISHOPS HEIR looked as if the race would do him good after a lay-off and he faded form two out. CARRIETAU couldn’t dominate here and was struggling from some way out.
RICH LORD needed the race on his chase debut and never figured.
3.45 2m 2f Flannigan Skip Hire & Border Skip Hire Handicap Hurdle (83-106)
The curse of the low sun struck this contest. Graham Lee and Timmy Murphy took their mounts down the last, had a peer from behind the hurdle and decided the sun was too bright. Thus a ten hurdle contest became six hurdles with a run-in of four furlongs plus.
The winner FLAYGRAY looks as if he could make progress. He won a bumper then shaped well in novice hurdles without winning. He came clear comfortably here and won with enough in hand to suggest he will stand a rise in class
INOOGOO close from the last down the far side but couldn’t make an impact in the final two furlongs. He’s lightly raced type who showed promise, initially in bumpers, and will be suited by a step up in trip.
KARMADICE showed up well until held from passing the omitted last hurdle. He’s not been too reliable previously but seemed on good terms with himself in the paddock, showing up for most of the way on the track.
CASSIUS has been out of sorts of late. However, he stayed on having been outpaced leaving the back straight. He probably needs softer ground and could be of interest in the winter months when the rain arrives.
JUMBY BAY ran down the field after a 725 day lay-off. He needed the race, and briefly progressed on the home turn but never got into the contest. He will probably prove well handicapped once reaching full fitness.
BALNAGORE was struck into when the field jostled for position on the stands’ bend. Campbell Gillies eased him to a halt, and reports are that he suffered only a superficial wound and it will just need time to heal.
Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)
A decent card at Kelso was blessed with pleasant weather and afternoon long sunshine. The course was in superb condition, as is normally the case here, for a card topped by a decent standard two mile limited handicap chase.
12.25 2m 6½f Premier Traffic Management ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle
(Class 4)
These contests are normally well fought out here and there were one or two potentially above average stayers on show.
ROWDY ROCHER put in a solid performance to win at Hexham previously and was always one likely to benefit from a distance of ground. Always going well in touch with the leaders, he battled hard from the last and just got up on the line. Rowdy Rocher is only five and has the look of a chaser about him, having won a point in Ireland. Only surprise was that he was allowed to start at 12/1.
TARLAN is a typical attractive Donald McCain chasing type who will go on from this decent start. He jumped really well up front and looked the winner at the last, only to be pipped close home. He’s a winner in waiting and another who will be seen to full effect over fences.
STORMIN EXIT ran a typically honest race under a penalty, staying on under pressure for third. I believe his target is now the Paddy Power Gold Cup, which would be a tough ask, though he should have a few other options.
RAVENS SECRET is another big chasing sort and John Wade should have no problem placing him to win in time. He got outpaced from three out and couldn’t get back to the leaders here but he may pick up a small novice hurdle before going over the bigger obstacles.
ROS CASTLE has more of the hurdler look about him. This trip suits but he was another tapped for pace from three out. He could find one or two too good in non-handicaps, but will be interesting once handicapping.
Double bumper winner DARK GLACIER looked as if the race would bring him on. He was still in contention three out but was outspeeded from there. He’ll be a different proposition next time up.
Best in the paddock was RAGGIO’S BOY but he was totally clueless on the track, jumped awkwardly and lost touch early on. He is a chasing sort and is worth keeping on a look-out list as he is the raw material if the penny drops.
1:00 3m 1f Ship Inn, Dalkeith Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-100)
SUPER ALLY has improved since going chasing and picked up a second course win in decent style here. Racing prominently, he was headed at the last, but responded when passed and got the upper hand in the final furlong. He has a sound attitude which makes a difference at this level and I see no reason why the progression shouldn’t continue.
FRONTIER BOY stepped up significantly on his previous effort, the trip helping and his jumping having been sharpened significantly. Bagging another in Bryony Ewart’s increasing pile of Best Turned Out Awards, he looked well readied here. He led briefly at the last but was held by a better opponent on the run-in. Staying chases are clearly his game and he is one to take forward for the coming months.
Wilson Renwick was ‘done’ under the new whip rules for his ride on CHICAGO OUTFIT. While I can understand the need to quantify the use of the whip, instances like this perhaps shows there are two sides to the argument. John Wade’s charge raced lazily early on and Renwick administered a couple of cracks with a circuit to go. Driven from two out he picked up well on the flat and finished fast for third, but suffered one slap too many. Presuming that things don’t change on the whip front then Wade has a task on hand to get the best out of this one. Lightly raced and potentially better than this level.
Hexham winner QUETZAL was held from three out, while ELIADES BOY looked as if the race would bring him on and couldn’t make an impact from two out.
1.30 2m 6 ½ f Persimmon Homes Handicap Chase (136-115)
A race in which a progressive winner was hard pressed by a consistent stayer in second. The rest bar one finished close together a few lengths back.
The last open ditch was bypassed on each circuit due to damage received in the previous race.
THE PANAMA KID won comfortably here last time and stepped up on that effort off a much higher mark. He thumped the middle one down the far side first time, but apart from that jumped very well near a pace set by the eventual second, hitting the front on the flat and holding Garleton’s challenge from the elbow. He won well enough here to suggest there is still more in the tank.
GARLETON is a consistent stayer and made a brave attempt to make most of the running. He needed geeing along a bit with a circuit, which is a bit out of character, but he responded all the way home. Despite being collared on the flat he was still battling back at the line. The problem might be that the handicapper will split the difference back to the third and bump him up a few pounds. Anything over 140 starts to cut down palatable options, and this event was over as short a trip as he would be raced at. Chatting to one of the joint owners, I understand that the plan is either the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle or the Becher Chase at Aintree, with the former favoured.
MIRAGE DORE made progress from the omitted two out, but never quite got to the leaders. He is going the right way however and retains a fair amount of his ability.
RAYSROCK kept on for fourth without seriously threatening to win. A reasonable effort, but he doesn’t win often.
INDIAN GROOM looked very well on his seasonal debut but was held in the straight. As a six-year-old he has time on his side and is boarded in a stable likely to get the best out of him.
CIRCUS CLOWN was dropped in at the deep end on chasing debut. He jumped well enough and was not disgraced in a close up sixth place. Twice a winner over hurdles he would be of interest in novice handicap company.
SAFARI ADVENTURES was held up here, possibly to help see out the trip, but he was held in the last three quarters of a mile.
DOUGLAS JULIAN appeared to fins the task a bit tough in this company, while DEN OF INIQUITY was another Ferdy Murphy horse in need of the run.
2.05 3m 3f Graeme Todd Haulage Handicap Hurdle (98-127)
This is one of the longest hurdles of the campaign, only Sedgefield staging anything past this distance over the small obstacles.
A largely exposed bunch were put comfortably in their place by SOPRANO, following up a Perth win in July and having run creditably on the flat recently. He pulled clear from the last to win with a bit in hand.
SCOTSWELL followed up a fine Aintree third with another decent performance in second here, having been in fine form over the summer. He led before two out but was held from the last.
MORE EQUITY kept on for a never nearer third.
BOLLIN FIONA put in a good effort from 3lbs out of the weights, but was held from two out. She would benefit from a drop in class, though she seems to need a distance of ground and her chances are in the hands of the racing programme.
Nothing else threatened, though KING FONTAINE was on premises when walking through three out. He didn’t recover, but might be worth keeping in mind as he is a fair chaser who finished in the National last season.
2.40 2m 1f Mayfield Restaurant Limited Handicap Chase (166-122)
The open ditch was back in use for this race after repairs were carried out.
This event has filled a nice little niche in early season for two mile chasers, balancing up the Haldon Gold Cup which takes place down at Exeter the same week.
For backers these contests can be money spinners as they favour certain types. In typical Sue Smith had STAGECOACH PEARL spot for this contest and he made all in decent style. Those around about the minimum mark can be favoured in these contests as the ones above are handicapped to the hilt. On decent ground the winner might be capable of scoring again, but finding suitable races can be a problem.
SA SUFFIT was making a comeback following a career threatening tendon injury. He stays 2m 6f at least, so his trainer can try different options. Never far off the pace, he stayed on determinedly up the run-in, but was always just held by a well prepared winner. This was a promising effort from a stable boasting more strength in depth than ever before.
TCHICO POLOS has moved to Lucinda Russell, though staying in the same ownership. There were doubts about suitable races for this one, but this race was a decent alternative to the Haldon Gold Cup and I understand Ayr might lay on a contest at their upcoming meeting. Tchico Polos was chasing the leader most of the way, though held from the last if keeping on well enough. Long term target would likely be either the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and start was sound enough.
PREMIER SAGAS made no impression from two out, but ran well enough from 9lbs wrong and should be interesting once running off his real mark.
TARTAN SNOW performed admirably from 24lbs out of the weights, but was tapped fro pace at crucial stages. Given that he was coming off a 6 month lay-off this effort augurs well fro the future when back in his class.
KALAHARI KING looked forward enough to do himself justice, but finds everything happening a bit quick at this trip these days. He lost touch with the leaders three out and was well held. He is another with a long term target of the Ryanair Chase, but short term he’ll go to the Betfair Chase just to see if he can see out the three miles in decent company.
DE BOITRON needed the race and was struggling form the seventh. He’s weighted to have a chance in handicap chases and this race will have brought him on.
3.15 2m 1f Ferneyhill Handicap Chase (93-115)
A race marred by the lost of Lucinda Russell’s improving young chaser THE COCKNEY SQUIRE. He was sitting in midfield when unseating at the fourth, jumped two more fences with the field and then collapsed with a heart attack.
The race was won by virtue of a superb front-running display by STORM SURGE, ably ridden by Lucy Alexander who notched up a third win in three days. Kicking on going away from the stands, nothing ever got near enough to put in a serious challenge. The winner jumped well and was driven out to maintain the lead on the flat.
BAAHER ran a not untypical race, staying on through the field to take second place close home.
PRIMROSE TIME is probably handicapped to her best, but kept from the last for third.
BENE LAD was another who kept on late and Timmy Murphy was of the opinion that he should be stepped up to two and a half miles. That makes sense since he won hurdle over that distance in January.
DUKE OF MALFI chased the leader but was held from before the last. He’s now moved from the Russell yard to that of Harriet Graham near Jedburgh.
BISHOPS HEIR looked as if the race would do him good after a lay-off and he faded form two out. CARRIETAU couldn’t dominate here and was struggling from some way out.
RICH LORD needed the race on his chase debut and never figured.
3.45 2m 2f Flannigan Skip Hire & Border Skip Hire Handicap Hurdle (83-106)
The curse of the low sun struck this contest. Graham Lee and Timmy Murphy took their mounts down the last, had a peer from behind the hurdle and decided the sun was too bright. Thus a ten hurdle contest became six hurdles with a run-in of four furlongs plus.
The winner FLAYGRAY looks as if he could make progress. He won a bumper then shaped well in novice hurdles without winning. He came clear comfortably here and won with enough in hand to suggest he will stand a rise in class
INOOGOO close from the last down the far side but couldn’t make an impact in the final two furlongs. He’s lightly raced type who showed promise, initially in bumpers, and will be suited by a step up in trip.
KARMADICE showed up well until held from passing the omitted last hurdle. He’s not been too reliable previously but seemed on good terms with himself in the paddock, showing up for most of the way on the track.
CASSIUS has been out of sorts of late. However, he stayed on having been outpaced leaving the back straight. He probably needs softer ground and could be of interest in the winter months when the rain arrives.
JUMBY BAY ran down the field after a 725 day lay-off. He needed the race, and briefly progressed on the home turn but never got into the contest. He will probably prove well handicapped once reaching full fitness.
BALNAGORE was struck into when the field jostled for position on the stands’ bend. Campbell Gillies eased him to a halt, and reports are that he suffered only a superficial wound and it will just need time to heal.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Mussleburgh open their jumps season
MUSSELBURGH – Thursday November 3rd
Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)
Musselburgh kicked off their jumps campaign with a pretty decent card offering the three best prizes countrywide on the day. Credit is due to the course management for their efforts on this front. They were blessed with decent weather, the overnight rain serving to do no more than freshen the surface a little, with mid-teen Celsius temperatures and bright sunshine prevailing.
Although the ground was touch on the fast side, the ground was in good nick. It is worth warning though that the difference in ground between Musselburgh and other tracks can mean form here doesn’t work out so well elsewhere. It’s an unusual jumps meeting at the Honest Toun when ‘good’ doesn’t figure somewhere in the going description.
1.0 2m 4f Scottish Racing Handicap Hurdle (125-103)
The meeting opened with a competitive looking class 3 hurdle, though the winner set a comfortable and had plenty in reserve from the last.
John Wade has steadily cranked up his training operation in recent seasons, now boasting over 60 boxes, and the quality is steadily on the up. BOW BADGER was acquired by Howard Johnson’s self-inflicted forced absence from the game and made a fine start. Taking up the running from the offset, Bow Badger was a few lengths clear two out and continued the gallop to the line. A lightly race, this one should have enough improvement to win a race or two more.
Housekeeping note – Someone at the Wade yard appears to have put the silks on the hot wash. The maroon and white colours were maroon and pink on this occasion!
MY ARCH, a two mile plus on the flat, won in convincing style here when last seen out over fences in the corresponding meeting in 2009. He jumped his field silly on that occasion, but couldn’t get into the race over hurdles until staying on up the straight for second. He should win a hurdle race given a stiffer test, and I reckon he could be a bit better over fences if given another chance.
ROCKAZAR ran better than his Irish form suggested to fill third place though held from two out. The decent ground helps and he will presumably be shipped back here over the Irish Sea before long. The course probably helps as well, as his last win came at Bellewstown, a track plenty sharp enough if a little more undulating than Musselburgh.
The rest look pretty well held in their place by the handicapper. THE STARBOARD BOW was back to what looks an ideal distance but made no impact from three out.
BEAT THE SHOWER, possibly one with more scope for improvement than others here, exited early when falling at the third. He routed himself on to the chase track and jumped a fence quite neatly in the straight.
1.30 2m 4f Download Your Free Musselburgh App Now Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)
Last year’s renewal of this contest yielded a ride of the year for Matt Crawley. This year’s event was more mundane.
A 98 rated performer was made favourite, and a 99 rated exposed performer was still there at the last, so the level is pretty well established. The winner D’GIGI has more scope about her than most and should make up into a chaser. A robust mare, she was sweating a bit in the preliminaries but it proved no problem on course. Always thereabouts, she had the race in safe keeping when those chasing were hampered at the last. It made no difference to the result and she can win again in moderate company.
TALK OF SAAFEND is an exposed performer but wasn’t out of the battle for second when falling at the last. She is no more than moderate though and 2m 4f is at the buckle end of her stamina.
GOLDEN SPARKLE was presented with second when third and fourth were hampered at the last. She hadn’t made any impression on the leader from three out and kept on at one pace from the last.
Wilson Renwick did well to stay on GROOVY DANCER when knocked sideways at the last. He then managed to get enough of a run out of her to take third place. This was not a bad jumping debut and she might well take a mares’ maiden or novice event.
MADAMLILY was made favourite, but was up against it on the final bend and didn’t threaten the winner. She doesn’t look overly keen on the game.
2.00 2m 4f Daikin UK Novices’ Chase (Class 4)
Three times point winner BALLYCOLIN looks every inch a chaser and took this in quite decent fashion. His jumping wasn’t fluently early, but when the pace picked up he was much sharper and had the race won despite idling on the run-in. Currently rated 121, he looks potentially a bit better than that. His Trainer Ian Duncan has recently settled in at Coylton in Ayrshire after a mover from Ireland.
MAGGIO looked very well in himself and set the pace until four out. He kept chasing the winner and was closing at the line. His place in the winner’s spot appears merely delayed.
BENEFICIAL REFORM had something to find with the first two on the book He was held from three out, but it’s worth noting that a racecard interview quoted James Ewart as expecting him to win a race here this season.
MYSTIFIED doesn’t have the build of a chaser and wouldn’t be good enough in this company.
HOLLINS didn’t relish a first attempt at fences. He jumped ponderously in the rear.
Peter Beaumont ended up on the deck for the second time in an hour as chasing newcomer DEVOTION TO DUTY unseated at the first open ditch.
2.30 2m Racing UK November Handicap Hurdle 128-100
The £10,000 pot for this race put other courses to shame on the day, but Musselburgh might have expected more than eight to contest the race.
GOLDEN FUTURE has an excellent record at Musselburgh on the Flat and added a cosy hurdles win here. He was left in the lead two out and picked up nicely when asked after the last. This was a creditable win and his current mark should allow him a chance to add to his course record.
KING FINGAL looked sharp enough on seasonal debut and stayed on for second. Lightly raced over hurdles, he should soon add to his single win over this course and distance.
AGGRAVATION stayed on under pressure for third but he looks handicapped to his best at the moment. He reversed Kelso places with BEIDH TINE ANSEO who is another in his place in the ratings.
A change of tactics threatened to pay dividends for GRAND DIAMOND until he unseated two out. Formerly a hard puller, and normally held up, he set a fair pace here and was still going well when departing.
HIGGY’S BOY joined Sandy Thomson recently and the Greenlaw trainer has gradually upped the strength of his string. This former Nicky Henderson one looked well enough but was held from three out, though only beaten 7 and a bit lengths. His mark of 128 looks workable and if he’s eased to 125 or less that would increase options.
TOSHI and GENTLEMAN JEFF remain out of sorts.
3.00 2m Edinburgh Evening News Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
This could prove to nave been a fair contest in the long run.
GORDONSVILLE has looked a natural hurdler on his two previous attempts, but his flat speed got him home after the last. I had to watch the replay to pick up his run, I hadn’t noticed him until the run-in, but he jumped the last two well which gave him momentum to pick off four rivals on the flat. He needs holding up, so the race pretty much fell for him, but he’s capable and big field handicaps might prove his cup of tea.
ALLOW ME has a string of places against his name but lost nothing in defeat, looking the winner from the last only to be denied close home.
GEORGE ADAMSON looked the likely winner at the last, but jumped the flight awkwardly and couldn’t recover. Four times a winner on the flat he should win a hurdle race.
Perth winner JET MASTER could never quite get to the leaders up the straight, but kept on for fourth place.
ALSAHIL pulled hard, but remained on the premises until tapped for pace approaching the last. This was a step up on his previous hurdles effort.
CIVIL UNREST is a sturdily built type, and not one who would be seen to his best around here. That being said, he went well enough in front until outpaced from two out. This performance was probably better than the bare placing suggests.
3.30 2m 4f Fugro Subsea Handicap Chase (95-120)
It was pleasing to see a double figure turn out for this handicap chase as there wasn’t one all last season.
FRED BOJANGALS is decent at this level when he is at his best. He was ridden to perfection by Lucy Alexander who snuck up the inside of Heavenly Chorus at the last, and stayed on well enough to the line. He is two wins from three attempts at Musselburgh.
HEAVENLY CHORUS is another who isn’t always straightforward but she has a fair win record of 7 from 45. The decent ground suits her and she was only cut down after the last here, finishing well clear of the third.
ROSSINI’S DANCER finds two and a half miles around here too sharp these days, but, given that his trainer has the most northerly yard in the country she can be excused for looking for opportunities nearby. This one needs a return to three miles and I’d expect him to pick up a race before long.
WORD OF WARNING was held from three out and looks held by the handicapper.
BOB WILL raced up with the pace until weakening three out. He had a tough task in this company and his current mark gives scope for a drop back to a more comfortable level.
ALTAN KHAN never got a blow in at the leaders. He may be better dropped back to two miles. Exposed UNANSWERED weakened form three out, LIVVY INN didn’t look comfortable on chasing debut and OCARINA struggled in the final straight having been up with the pace from the start.
THE PADDY PREMIUM dropped away quickly after the turn for home. He’s better than that, but is higher than he should be for beating moderate opponents at Perth. His trainer really needs the handicapper to clock this if he’s to be competitive.
4.00 2m Racing UK ‘Newcomers’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 6)
While light on numbers this contest saw the introduction of six potentially interesting types. The pace was very steady for the first mile and a bit, and the runners sprinted from four furlongs out. The three fittest contenders filled the first three places.
FRANKS A MILLION is bred to need a distance of ground, so the fact that he showed speed enough to win here is encouraging. He showed a good attitude in holding off a determined second, the latter being am ore obvious bumper contender.
MADAME BLAVATSKY is a small filly who is bred to be effective at two miles. She pressed the winner to the line and would win a mares and fillies’ event.
ALL AMERICAN looked best in the paddock but raced very keenly. He was left flat footed turning for home, only to come with a wet sail up the stands’ side in the final furlong. He wants a more truly run race.
DETROIT RIVER looked a bit tubby and the race will bring her on. She kept on well enough if not quick enough to deal with fitter opponents. She might need time, but is bred well enough to make up into a jumper.
REASONABLE FORCE was held up and couldn’t make an impact from two furlongs out. He wasn’t far away and offers hope for the future.
New Zealand bred TWEEDO PARADISO needed the race and was well outpaced in the straight.
HEXHAM – Friday November 4th
Action has been flying thick and fast in the area over the weekend, so a summary only from Hexham.
Ferdy Murphy’s runners have looked short of peak fitness to date this season. However, OCKEY DE NEUILLAC was much too good for the selling hurdle field here, cruising clear from the home turn. Favourite PALOMAR would beat these at his best, but struggled in third and must have problems.
SYDNEY COVE cast away moderate previous form to win the Class 5 handicap hurdle. The key to him has been getting him settled, and he picked off his field gradually from two out, taking up the lead on the flat. Sydney Cove has proved a difficult character for more than one trainer, but rewarded hard graft put in by Nick Alexander and his staff.
ROLECARR won a novice chase in which only three finished and the rider of the second LIVELY BARON was ‘given 13 days’ for breaking the whip rules. ROLECARR’s determination in the final 100 yards saw him prevail, but the finishers were very tired and the other five pulled up.
DANNY JOHN BOY was comfortable winner of a moderate staying handicap chase but will find life tougher off a likely much stiffer mark.
PANTHERS RUN saves his best efforts for Hexham and saw off TIPSY INDIAN in a close battle form the last. Henry Brooke acquired a 13 day suspension for overuse of the whip on the winner. The winner’s overall record is lousy, though he has ability which mostly stays hidden, and I wouldn’t trust to him to repeat the form.
Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)
Musselburgh kicked off their jumps campaign with a pretty decent card offering the three best prizes countrywide on the day. Credit is due to the course management for their efforts on this front. They were blessed with decent weather, the overnight rain serving to do no more than freshen the surface a little, with mid-teen Celsius temperatures and bright sunshine prevailing.
Although the ground was touch on the fast side, the ground was in good nick. It is worth warning though that the difference in ground between Musselburgh and other tracks can mean form here doesn’t work out so well elsewhere. It’s an unusual jumps meeting at the Honest Toun when ‘good’ doesn’t figure somewhere in the going description.
1.0 2m 4f Scottish Racing Handicap Hurdle (125-103)
The meeting opened with a competitive looking class 3 hurdle, though the winner set a comfortable and had plenty in reserve from the last.
John Wade has steadily cranked up his training operation in recent seasons, now boasting over 60 boxes, and the quality is steadily on the up. BOW BADGER was acquired by Howard Johnson’s self-inflicted forced absence from the game and made a fine start. Taking up the running from the offset, Bow Badger was a few lengths clear two out and continued the gallop to the line. A lightly race, this one should have enough improvement to win a race or two more.
Housekeeping note – Someone at the Wade yard appears to have put the silks on the hot wash. The maroon and white colours were maroon and pink on this occasion!
MY ARCH, a two mile plus on the flat, won in convincing style here when last seen out over fences in the corresponding meeting in 2009. He jumped his field silly on that occasion, but couldn’t get into the race over hurdles until staying on up the straight for second. He should win a hurdle race given a stiffer test, and I reckon he could be a bit better over fences if given another chance.
ROCKAZAR ran better than his Irish form suggested to fill third place though held from two out. The decent ground helps and he will presumably be shipped back here over the Irish Sea before long. The course probably helps as well, as his last win came at Bellewstown, a track plenty sharp enough if a little more undulating than Musselburgh.
The rest look pretty well held in their place by the handicapper. THE STARBOARD BOW was back to what looks an ideal distance but made no impact from three out.
BEAT THE SHOWER, possibly one with more scope for improvement than others here, exited early when falling at the third. He routed himself on to the chase track and jumped a fence quite neatly in the straight.
1.30 2m 4f Download Your Free Musselburgh App Now Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)
Last year’s renewal of this contest yielded a ride of the year for Matt Crawley. This year’s event was more mundane.
A 98 rated performer was made favourite, and a 99 rated exposed performer was still there at the last, so the level is pretty well established. The winner D’GIGI has more scope about her than most and should make up into a chaser. A robust mare, she was sweating a bit in the preliminaries but it proved no problem on course. Always thereabouts, she had the race in safe keeping when those chasing were hampered at the last. It made no difference to the result and she can win again in moderate company.
TALK OF SAAFEND is an exposed performer but wasn’t out of the battle for second when falling at the last. She is no more than moderate though and 2m 4f is at the buckle end of her stamina.
GOLDEN SPARKLE was presented with second when third and fourth were hampered at the last. She hadn’t made any impression on the leader from three out and kept on at one pace from the last.
Wilson Renwick did well to stay on GROOVY DANCER when knocked sideways at the last. He then managed to get enough of a run out of her to take third place. This was not a bad jumping debut and she might well take a mares’ maiden or novice event.
MADAMLILY was made favourite, but was up against it on the final bend and didn’t threaten the winner. She doesn’t look overly keen on the game.
2.00 2m 4f Daikin UK Novices’ Chase (Class 4)
Three times point winner BALLYCOLIN looks every inch a chaser and took this in quite decent fashion. His jumping wasn’t fluently early, but when the pace picked up he was much sharper and had the race won despite idling on the run-in. Currently rated 121, he looks potentially a bit better than that. His Trainer Ian Duncan has recently settled in at Coylton in Ayrshire after a mover from Ireland.
MAGGIO looked very well in himself and set the pace until four out. He kept chasing the winner and was closing at the line. His place in the winner’s spot appears merely delayed.
BENEFICIAL REFORM had something to find with the first two on the book He was held from three out, but it’s worth noting that a racecard interview quoted James Ewart as expecting him to win a race here this season.
MYSTIFIED doesn’t have the build of a chaser and wouldn’t be good enough in this company.
HOLLINS didn’t relish a first attempt at fences. He jumped ponderously in the rear.
Peter Beaumont ended up on the deck for the second time in an hour as chasing newcomer DEVOTION TO DUTY unseated at the first open ditch.
2.30 2m Racing UK November Handicap Hurdle 128-100
The £10,000 pot for this race put other courses to shame on the day, but Musselburgh might have expected more than eight to contest the race.
GOLDEN FUTURE has an excellent record at Musselburgh on the Flat and added a cosy hurdles win here. He was left in the lead two out and picked up nicely when asked after the last. This was a creditable win and his current mark should allow him a chance to add to his course record.
KING FINGAL looked sharp enough on seasonal debut and stayed on for second. Lightly raced over hurdles, he should soon add to his single win over this course and distance.
AGGRAVATION stayed on under pressure for third but he looks handicapped to his best at the moment. He reversed Kelso places with BEIDH TINE ANSEO who is another in his place in the ratings.
A change of tactics threatened to pay dividends for GRAND DIAMOND until he unseated two out. Formerly a hard puller, and normally held up, he set a fair pace here and was still going well when departing.
HIGGY’S BOY joined Sandy Thomson recently and the Greenlaw trainer has gradually upped the strength of his string. This former Nicky Henderson one looked well enough but was held from three out, though only beaten 7 and a bit lengths. His mark of 128 looks workable and if he’s eased to 125 or less that would increase options.
TOSHI and GENTLEMAN JEFF remain out of sorts.
3.00 2m Edinburgh Evening News Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
This could prove to nave been a fair contest in the long run.
GORDONSVILLE has looked a natural hurdler on his two previous attempts, but his flat speed got him home after the last. I had to watch the replay to pick up his run, I hadn’t noticed him until the run-in, but he jumped the last two well which gave him momentum to pick off four rivals on the flat. He needs holding up, so the race pretty much fell for him, but he’s capable and big field handicaps might prove his cup of tea.
ALLOW ME has a string of places against his name but lost nothing in defeat, looking the winner from the last only to be denied close home.
GEORGE ADAMSON looked the likely winner at the last, but jumped the flight awkwardly and couldn’t recover. Four times a winner on the flat he should win a hurdle race.
Perth winner JET MASTER could never quite get to the leaders up the straight, but kept on for fourth place.
ALSAHIL pulled hard, but remained on the premises until tapped for pace approaching the last. This was a step up on his previous hurdles effort.
CIVIL UNREST is a sturdily built type, and not one who would be seen to his best around here. That being said, he went well enough in front until outpaced from two out. This performance was probably better than the bare placing suggests.
3.30 2m 4f Fugro Subsea Handicap Chase (95-120)
It was pleasing to see a double figure turn out for this handicap chase as there wasn’t one all last season.
FRED BOJANGALS is decent at this level when he is at his best. He was ridden to perfection by Lucy Alexander who snuck up the inside of Heavenly Chorus at the last, and stayed on well enough to the line. He is two wins from three attempts at Musselburgh.
HEAVENLY CHORUS is another who isn’t always straightforward but she has a fair win record of 7 from 45. The decent ground suits her and she was only cut down after the last here, finishing well clear of the third.
ROSSINI’S DANCER finds two and a half miles around here too sharp these days, but, given that his trainer has the most northerly yard in the country she can be excused for looking for opportunities nearby. This one needs a return to three miles and I’d expect him to pick up a race before long.
WORD OF WARNING was held from three out and looks held by the handicapper.
BOB WILL raced up with the pace until weakening three out. He had a tough task in this company and his current mark gives scope for a drop back to a more comfortable level.
ALTAN KHAN never got a blow in at the leaders. He may be better dropped back to two miles. Exposed UNANSWERED weakened form three out, LIVVY INN didn’t look comfortable on chasing debut and OCARINA struggled in the final straight having been up with the pace from the start.
THE PADDY PREMIUM dropped away quickly after the turn for home. He’s better than that, but is higher than he should be for beating moderate opponents at Perth. His trainer really needs the handicapper to clock this if he’s to be competitive.
4.00 2m Racing UK ‘Newcomers’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 6)
While light on numbers this contest saw the introduction of six potentially interesting types. The pace was very steady for the first mile and a bit, and the runners sprinted from four furlongs out. The three fittest contenders filled the first three places.
FRANKS A MILLION is bred to need a distance of ground, so the fact that he showed speed enough to win here is encouraging. He showed a good attitude in holding off a determined second, the latter being am ore obvious bumper contender.
MADAME BLAVATSKY is a small filly who is bred to be effective at two miles. She pressed the winner to the line and would win a mares and fillies’ event.
ALL AMERICAN looked best in the paddock but raced very keenly. He was left flat footed turning for home, only to come with a wet sail up the stands’ side in the final furlong. He wants a more truly run race.
DETROIT RIVER looked a bit tubby and the race will bring her on. She kept on well enough if not quick enough to deal with fitter opponents. She might need time, but is bred well enough to make up into a jumper.
REASONABLE FORCE was held up and couldn’t make an impact from two furlongs out. He wasn’t far away and offers hope for the future.
New Zealand bred TWEEDO PARADISO needed the race and was well outpaced in the straight.
HEXHAM – Friday November 4th
Action has been flying thick and fast in the area over the weekend, so a summary only from Hexham.
Ferdy Murphy’s runners have looked short of peak fitness to date this season. However, OCKEY DE NEUILLAC was much too good for the selling hurdle field here, cruising clear from the home turn. Favourite PALOMAR would beat these at his best, but struggled in third and must have problems.
SYDNEY COVE cast away moderate previous form to win the Class 5 handicap hurdle. The key to him has been getting him settled, and he picked off his field gradually from two out, taking up the lead on the flat. Sydney Cove has proved a difficult character for more than one trainer, but rewarded hard graft put in by Nick Alexander and his staff.
ROLECARR won a novice chase in which only three finished and the rider of the second LIVELY BARON was ‘given 13 days’ for breaking the whip rules. ROLECARR’s determination in the final 100 yards saw him prevail, but the finishers were very tired and the other five pulled up.
DANNY JOHN BOY was comfortable winner of a moderate staying handicap chase but will find life tougher off a likely much stiffer mark.
PANTHERS RUN saves his best efforts for Hexham and saw off TIPSY INDIAN in a close battle form the last. Henry Brooke acquired a 13 day suspension for overuse of the whip on the winner. The winner’s overall record is lousy, though he has ability which mostly stays hidden, and I wouldn’t trust to him to repeat the form.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Carlisle - plenty of pointers once again.
CARLISLE – Sunday October 30th
Going – Good to Soft
KOUP DE KANON won the opening novices’ handicap hurdle with any amount to spare. Second and third are exposed, so he probably beat a huge amount, but he’s a likeable sort out of which the McCain yard should find more improvement.
The second CLAUDE CARTER has ability but doesn’t find much at the sharp end, and NORTHERN ACRES plodded on thorough the field for third. Not much encouragement for any of the others.
David Pipe has a decent novice chaser on his hands in NOTUS DE LA TOUR. Jumping really well, he had his field beaten from four out and this decent handicap hurdler will stand a step up in class over fences.
STOPPED OUT stayed on promisingly for second on chasing debut and should find a similar event in the north.
Lightly race QUEL BALLISTIC kept on for third without ever getting into the contest. He’ll be better for this and John Wade should get a win out of this one.
SIGNALMAN jumped exuberantly, typical of many a Ewart trained chaser, but paid the penalty for taking on the winner, fading into last of six. I presume he’s been difficult to train, as races have been few and far between, but he has some ability and will be competitive once finding his level.
SUPER DUTY was a very easy winner of the 2m 3½f novices’ hurdle. Previously a Bangor bumper winner, he came clear of two previous winners. E was a bit green out in front but still eased close home. His pedigree suggests he will improve with distance.
Previous winners BENEFIQUE and HOUSTON DYNIMO ran to form under penalty and double penalty respectively.
A half-sister to Sir Harry Ormesher, FASHION STAKES was well beaten in bumpers last year, but showed a glimmer of ability in keeping on from well back for fourth. There’s plenty of work to be done still, but she hinted that she may progress from here.
The Cumberland Handicap Chase is a competitive early season Class 3 event and the first five here all look to be going in the right direction.
POWER PACK JACK impressed with an all the way win at Perth, and proved he’s versatile with another front-running win over this stiff circuit. He unseated last time, but he jumps boldly and also has plenty of stamina.
QHILIMAR was always on the premises and stayed on for second place. He seemingly ran into a well-handicapped winner and shouldn’t be out of the winners’ spot for long.
HUMBIE progressed up the hill and looked the main danger to the winner at the last. He skewed left which cost him a few lengths, but he recovered to close on the first two and just miss out on second place. He’s improved with steps up and trip and might well come on again over a longer distance.
CAPTAIN AMERICO never quite got the leaders but kept on to take fourth. He’ll find easier contests.
Hexham novice winner LACKAMON found this tougher, but he held every chance up the straight and was far from disgraced in a close fifth. He will know more next time he faces this company and I think he will progress into a decent staying chaser.
The Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase has proven a decent pointer in recent years and the six competitors are worth keeping an eye on for various reasons.
Sue Smith is adept at pulling here horses out to perform well after a break and MR MOONSHINE was impressive here. He jumped nicely in front and was allowed to fiddle the last two when well clear.
HIDDEN KEEL, rated 149, was probably a bit below par on seasonal debut and outpointed from three out. However, from past experience I suspect second here will prove a reasonable effort.
Ferdy Murphy’s horses are all short of top fitness at the moment and his three will no doubt come on for the race. KELLYSTOWN LAD came from well back to take third place. He was lowest rated here and his place probably owes something to the way the race was run. LORD VILLEZ chased the leaders but was well outpaced from four out, while DIVERS was never going and pulled up before three out. He’ll need to be much fitter if aimed at the upcoming Cheltenham meeting.
GILBARRY was niggled at for much of the way and never got into the race. He’s much better than this effort suggests.
The Class 5 handicap hurdle does not look an awful lot of help for the future. The winner ARISEA has only won in selling company previously and a rise for winning this won’t help him in handicaps since he had a couple of regular soft touches in second and third. KING BENNY, admittedly a winner at Newton Abbot where the quirky course may have suited him, seldom finds much late on and ditto LEITH WALK who capitulated when asked for an extra effort approaching the last.
I was eagerly awaiting the juvenile bumper with a good vibes eminating from the Ewart camp for UEUETEOTL, suggesting they might have a decent animal on their hands. Leading from the front he quickly went clear when asked three out. In the end it was a close run thing, with Malcolm Jefferson trained HI GEORGE closing at the line and just failing with a telescope needed to view the other runners. The pair are both bred to do a job over jumps, could just be very sharp and their hurdling debuts are eagerly awaited.
Going – Good to Soft
KOUP DE KANON won the opening novices’ handicap hurdle with any amount to spare. Second and third are exposed, so he probably beat a huge amount, but he’s a likeable sort out of which the McCain yard should find more improvement.
The second CLAUDE CARTER has ability but doesn’t find much at the sharp end, and NORTHERN ACRES plodded on thorough the field for third. Not much encouragement for any of the others.
David Pipe has a decent novice chaser on his hands in NOTUS DE LA TOUR. Jumping really well, he had his field beaten from four out and this decent handicap hurdler will stand a step up in class over fences.
STOPPED OUT stayed on promisingly for second on chasing debut and should find a similar event in the north.
Lightly race QUEL BALLISTIC kept on for third without ever getting into the contest. He’ll be better for this and John Wade should get a win out of this one.
SIGNALMAN jumped exuberantly, typical of many a Ewart trained chaser, but paid the penalty for taking on the winner, fading into last of six. I presume he’s been difficult to train, as races have been few and far between, but he has some ability and will be competitive once finding his level.
SUPER DUTY was a very easy winner of the 2m 3½f novices’ hurdle. Previously a Bangor bumper winner, he came clear of two previous winners. E was a bit green out in front but still eased close home. His pedigree suggests he will improve with distance.
Previous winners BENEFIQUE and HOUSTON DYNIMO ran to form under penalty and double penalty respectively.
A half-sister to Sir Harry Ormesher, FASHION STAKES was well beaten in bumpers last year, but showed a glimmer of ability in keeping on from well back for fourth. There’s plenty of work to be done still, but she hinted that she may progress from here.
The Cumberland Handicap Chase is a competitive early season Class 3 event and the first five here all look to be going in the right direction.
POWER PACK JACK impressed with an all the way win at Perth, and proved he’s versatile with another front-running win over this stiff circuit. He unseated last time, but he jumps boldly and also has plenty of stamina.
QHILIMAR was always on the premises and stayed on for second place. He seemingly ran into a well-handicapped winner and shouldn’t be out of the winners’ spot for long.
HUMBIE progressed up the hill and looked the main danger to the winner at the last. He skewed left which cost him a few lengths, but he recovered to close on the first two and just miss out on second place. He’s improved with steps up and trip and might well come on again over a longer distance.
CAPTAIN AMERICO never quite got the leaders but kept on to take fourth. He’ll find easier contests.
Hexham novice winner LACKAMON found this tougher, but he held every chance up the straight and was far from disgraced in a close fifth. He will know more next time he faces this company and I think he will progress into a decent staying chaser.
The Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase has proven a decent pointer in recent years and the six competitors are worth keeping an eye on for various reasons.
Sue Smith is adept at pulling here horses out to perform well after a break and MR MOONSHINE was impressive here. He jumped nicely in front and was allowed to fiddle the last two when well clear.
HIDDEN KEEL, rated 149, was probably a bit below par on seasonal debut and outpointed from three out. However, from past experience I suspect second here will prove a reasonable effort.
Ferdy Murphy’s horses are all short of top fitness at the moment and his three will no doubt come on for the race. KELLYSTOWN LAD came from well back to take third place. He was lowest rated here and his place probably owes something to the way the race was run. LORD VILLEZ chased the leaders but was well outpaced from four out, while DIVERS was never going and pulled up before three out. He’ll need to be much fitter if aimed at the upcoming Cheltenham meeting.
GILBARRY was niggled at for much of the way and never got into the race. He’s much better than this effort suggests.
The Class 5 handicap hurdle does not look an awful lot of help for the future. The winner ARISEA has only won in selling company previously and a rise for winning this won’t help him in handicaps since he had a couple of regular soft touches in second and third. KING BENNY, admittedly a winner at Newton Abbot where the quirky course may have suited him, seldom finds much late on and ditto LEITH WALK who capitulated when asked for an extra effort approaching the last.
I was eagerly awaiting the juvenile bumper with a good vibes eminating from the Ewart camp for UEUETEOTL, suggesting they might have a decent animal on their hands. Leading from the front he quickly went clear when asked three out. In the end it was a close run thing, with Malcolm Jefferson trained HI GEORGE closing at the line and just failing with a telescope needed to view the other runners. The pair are both bred to do a job over jumps, could just be very sharp and their hurdling debuts are eagerly awaited.
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Carlisle's late October Meeting looked a decent card
CARLISLE – Thursday October 20th
Going – Good to Soft
This was a cracking Carlisle card, plenty of strength in depth over a range races and there should be a fair few winners to emerge for the future.
The first of the 2m 3½f novices’ hurdle heats looked to be the stronger. OSCAR DAVY looked the likely winner until diving at the last and coming down. He looks a sure winner of a similar contest and family record suggests this is around his right distance. SIVOLA DE SIVOLA may find life a bit tougher with a double penalty, though he stayed on admirable once given his winning chance. BOUND FOR GLORY ran a sound race and will win races for the McCain stable, while MAJORCA KING was finishing best of all back in third and looks to be crying out for three miles.
CAPE DUTCH won the second division of the novice with a fair bit to spare. Hurdling newcomers WESTON LODGE and DOUBLE ROSS performed soundly on debuts. While this didn’t look as competitive as the first heat, the time was pretty much the same.
DO IT FOR DALKEY has clearly benefitted from a wind operation and strolled home in the Class 5 2m 4f handicap chase. He’ll go up a fair way but he jumped really well and had so much in hand that there seems no reason why he shouldn’t win moved up in grade. MALKO DE BEAUMONT has had a miserable couple years, but he stayed on well for third and is worth noting for the future. He’s 30lbs below his last winning mark, has a fine record around Carlisle (also 2 out 3 at Haydock) and clearly retains enough ability.
Multiple point winner HORSHAM LAD won a decent looking 3m Class 3 handicap chase. He looked well readied for this but might pick up another race while on a high. VAMIZI put up a decent effort in third, and the in-form Lucinda Russell should find a race for this one before long. One amongst a whole raft of newcomers at Arlary, this one looks as if he needs a thorough test of stamina. The stable might just consider the Borders National at Kelso in early December.
During the 2m 1f Intermediate Handicap Hurdle I noted that commentator Darren Owen referred to the ‘false straight’ on the new hurdle course. Longchamp transported to Cumbria? ATTAGLANCE strolled this and looks sharply progressive. CIRCUS CLOWN was outpaced form the fourth flight but picked up again in the latter stages to finish best of anything. THE STARBOARD BOW plugged on for fourth and probably need a middle distance on evidence of two runs this season.
The Beginners’ Chase might well turn out to be a distinctly decent contest. FRASCATI PARK was well readied for this one and held the upper hand from two out.
BOLD SIR BRIAN took a fair time to warm to his task. His jumping was a little untidy early on, but having almost been brought down at the fifth, he picked up well to the bottom bend. He would probably have been held by the winner, but thumping two out meant his winning chance had gone anyway. Keeping on well after the winner, he still looks work in progress, but has any amount of potential as a chaser.
AIKMAN jumped well enough, was outpaced from four out and then stuck on well up the hill. He needs further than this, but he’s got chaser written all over him and will win over fences. GOING WRONG filled fourth, fading two out, but he’s another that’s likely to win chases particularly over a distance of ground.
Willie Amos’s WILLIE HALL found this a bit tough on chase debut, and can sharpen his fencing. However, he looks the type to do well enough in chases once he finds his level.
Keith Reveley’s CROWNING JEWEL won the bumper in decent style, going clear from two out.
The second and third are both more stoutly bred than the winner. Jedburgh trainer Robert Bewley has a decent prospect on his hands in the runner-up BURY PARADE, and he should improve once going over a longer distance in hurdles. OSCAR ROMEO finished with a rattle to take third on his racecourse debut and is another who will benefit from a longer trip in time. I suspect he can probably pick up a run of the mill bumper in them meantime.
Going – Good to Soft
This was a cracking Carlisle card, plenty of strength in depth over a range races and there should be a fair few winners to emerge for the future.
The first of the 2m 3½f novices’ hurdle heats looked to be the stronger. OSCAR DAVY looked the likely winner until diving at the last and coming down. He looks a sure winner of a similar contest and family record suggests this is around his right distance. SIVOLA DE SIVOLA may find life a bit tougher with a double penalty, though he stayed on admirable once given his winning chance. BOUND FOR GLORY ran a sound race and will win races for the McCain stable, while MAJORCA KING was finishing best of all back in third and looks to be crying out for three miles.
CAPE DUTCH won the second division of the novice with a fair bit to spare. Hurdling newcomers WESTON LODGE and DOUBLE ROSS performed soundly on debuts. While this didn’t look as competitive as the first heat, the time was pretty much the same.
DO IT FOR DALKEY has clearly benefitted from a wind operation and strolled home in the Class 5 2m 4f handicap chase. He’ll go up a fair way but he jumped really well and had so much in hand that there seems no reason why he shouldn’t win moved up in grade. MALKO DE BEAUMONT has had a miserable couple years, but he stayed on well for third and is worth noting for the future. He’s 30lbs below his last winning mark, has a fine record around Carlisle (also 2 out 3 at Haydock) and clearly retains enough ability.
Multiple point winner HORSHAM LAD won a decent looking 3m Class 3 handicap chase. He looked well readied for this but might pick up another race while on a high. VAMIZI put up a decent effort in third, and the in-form Lucinda Russell should find a race for this one before long. One amongst a whole raft of newcomers at Arlary, this one looks as if he needs a thorough test of stamina. The stable might just consider the Borders National at Kelso in early December.
During the 2m 1f Intermediate Handicap Hurdle I noted that commentator Darren Owen referred to the ‘false straight’ on the new hurdle course. Longchamp transported to Cumbria? ATTAGLANCE strolled this and looks sharply progressive. CIRCUS CLOWN was outpaced form the fourth flight but picked up again in the latter stages to finish best of anything. THE STARBOARD BOW plugged on for fourth and probably need a middle distance on evidence of two runs this season.
The Beginners’ Chase might well turn out to be a distinctly decent contest. FRASCATI PARK was well readied for this one and held the upper hand from two out.
BOLD SIR BRIAN took a fair time to warm to his task. His jumping was a little untidy early on, but having almost been brought down at the fifth, he picked up well to the bottom bend. He would probably have been held by the winner, but thumping two out meant his winning chance had gone anyway. Keeping on well after the winner, he still looks work in progress, but has any amount of potential as a chaser.
AIKMAN jumped well enough, was outpaced from four out and then stuck on well up the hill. He needs further than this, but he’s got chaser written all over him and will win over fences. GOING WRONG filled fourth, fading two out, but he’s another that’s likely to win chases particularly over a distance of ground.
Willie Amos’s WILLIE HALL found this a bit tough on chase debut, and can sharpen his fencing. However, he looks the type to do well enough in chases once he finds his level.
Keith Reveley’s CROWNING JEWEL won the bumper in decent style, going clear from two out.
The second and third are both more stoutly bred than the winner. Jedburgh trainer Robert Bewley has a decent prospect on his hands in the runner-up BURY PARADE, and he should improve once going over a longer distance in hurdles. OSCAR ROMEO finished with a rattle to take third on his racecourse debut and is another who will benefit from a longer trip in time. I suspect he can probably pick up a run of the mill bumper in them meantime.
Monday, 17 October 2011
Kelso - Mid-October Meeting
KELSO – Saturday October 15th
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
The weather forecast got progressively better during the week and in the end the rain avoided us altogether. In fact it was a pleasant afternoon, blessed by the sun for a fair part of the time. The course is in great nick, and a few prominent northern trainers clearly aim their horses at Kelso on this basis.
The card opened with a Pantomime Horse Race in aid Macmillan Cancer Support which commentator Lee McKenzie admitted was one of the more difficult races he has had to cover! The presence of a pantomime zebra, a cow and a elephant suggests the rules were pushed to the boundaries. Papillon won for Five Star Taxis who donated their winning prize money to the charity.
1.35 2m ½f Edinburgh City F.C. NH Maiden Hurdle (Div 1) (Class 5)
East Of Scotland league team Edinburgh City got two heats of this contest for their money. While their officials enjoyed themselves at the races, their team progressed to the next round of the Scottish FA South Region Cup with a 3-1 win away to one of my local teams Burntisland Shipyard.
Meanwhile, back on the racecourse we witnessed a very easy win for an interesting prospect in SIMPLY NED. I noted this one when a close second on his bumper debut here in April and placed him on my horses to follow list on The Racing Forum. He did me proud here, running comfortably in touch for most of the way and cruising home after leading on the run-in. He was produced looking very fit here, but so easy was his win that he must surely trouble much tougher opposition then he faced on this occasion. It’s also worth noting that Nicky Richards regularly aims his horses at particular events at Kelso.
James Ewart’s CIVIL UNREST appears to have progressed over the summer, his creditable second here a marked step up on two down the field bumper efforts. He led until after the last and was comfortably outpointed by the winner, but he stayed on well enough for second as will be unlucky to run into others as good as the winner. He should win a maiden or novice. Rider Nathan Moscrop was fined and given a three-day suspension because he ‘had weighed in at 2lbs or more than the weight at which he weighed out’. One assumes he left something behind when weighing out.
PYJAMA GAME looks to need further than the minimum trip. He never got near the leaders but was staying on at the end for third. Rose Dobbin should find a ace for this one at two and a half miles or more. He looks an uncomplicated sort and should have a decent jumping career in front of him.
JAWS was held up in the rear and stayed on late for fourth. A sound start at the age of seven for this brother to Material World.
James Ewart’s huge gelding ZARU raced in touch and was not far off the leader when capsizing at the last. He would likely have been in the first four and has prospects going forward.
Donald McCain’s BE TRUE had steering problems by the stands bend. He pretty well jacked it in after that and does not seem in love with racing. On hurdling debut, the same trainer’s RED ROCCO was hampered by his stablemate’s antics and never got back into the race.
2.10 2m 6 ½ f Clifford & Martin Firth Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase (for the Marshall Trophy) (109-126)
Unfortunately the trophy hadn’t been returned by the previous winner’s connections, so the connections of THE PANAMA KID will have to wait for it to adorn their mantelpiece. The winner is a progressive sort who stepped up on a Perth win to win by 10 lengths. His mark will go up into the mid 130s which will push him up to the better novice events or into senior company. He may need a race or two to acclimatise at the higher level.
GOLFER’S CROSSING appears to be one who doesn’t take too much racing. Coming off a break he ran well enough, and certainly jumped a good deal better than he has done in the past. It would be a surprise if he didn’t pick up a chase if given a rest between races.
SOFT SPOKEN GUY stayed on late for third. He has won over course and distance but may be better at slightly further.
LIVELY BARON was hard at work three out and could only plug on into fourth. Like many from the McCain stable at the moment he seems a gallop or two short of race winning fitness.
VOSGES jumped well enough on his chase debut until getting tired three out. He has filled out nicely over the summer, but he looked as if this race was needed to put him right.
Coming off a long lay-off, BLUE SHARK was very awkward at the first fence in front of the stands. He made up ground at his jumps down the far side, but was struggling by halfway and pulled up after the open ditch away from the stands. I’d need proof that he has retained his ability.
1.30 2m ½f Edinburgh City F.C. NH Maiden Hurdle (Div 2) (Class 5)
Part 2 of the maiden hurdle didn’t look as good as the first. Unconsidered BORULER led on the flat and quickened clear from the furlong pole. He’ll find things tougher under a penalty.
ALLOW ME made a fair comeback after a season off. He led from three until after the last. I think a try over a longer distance might help him.
PORRIDGE stayed on under pressure from three out, improving on his Perth hurdles debut. ROS CASTLE stayed on late, probably needs further and will benefit from the experience.
A dampener on the value of the form was well exposed RED TANBER who finished fifth. I do feel he might squeak a minor handicap hurdle one of these days, but he’s only rated 73 and surely hasn’t suddenly improved?
DR FLYNN needs further and didn’t jump well enough anyway.
CAPITAL VENTURE beat Division 1 winner Simply Ned in a bumper here in April. However, they look different sorts to me and I suspect this one will need time and a bit more ground to cover. He struggled from three out but will leave this form behind in time.
Another long term project is the massive four-year-old TUTCHEC, now with Nicky Richards. He was in rear much of the way, closed a bit to two out but then couldn’t offer any more. He looks to need time, but is another who will step up on his effort here.
3.25 3m 1f EDF-ER Fallago Rig Handicap Chase (117-138)
A decent turn out for the feature race on the card, an event also graced by Channel 4 coverage. It would be nice if Highflyer would send a team up to cover direct from the course, but in these days of belt tightening it would seem unlikely.
Alistair Findlay suffered an injured ankle as HEEZ A STEEL tumbled over Columbus Secret at the first and the fence was missed on the two subsequent circuits. Findlay’s mount needed the race but didn’t get much strenuous exercise here.
BESCOT SPRINGS is a well regarded sort at the Lucinda Russell stable. His form suggested he may have a tough task here, but he pulled clear nicely on the four furlong run-in from the second last, the intended last being omitted. His trainer regards him as better at this distance as this excellent result would attest.
GARLETON seems high in the handicap on 136, but he’s an honest sort who normally gives his running and is 8 wins from 31 in his career. He went well in front until held from two furlongs out.
ACCORDING TO PETE stayed on from two out but never threatened the winner.
The race looked likely to bring CAPTAIN AMERICO nearer to his peak. He was outpaced down the far side for the last time but kept on into fourth place. I’m sure he will step up on this before long and win races.
HENNESSY ran a sound enough after a lay-off since winning whatever they called the ‘Whitbread’ in 2009. Given time to settle in the rear he made eye-catching progress from three out, eventually running out of puff in the final furlong. He retains his ability and is one to keep an eye on.
STAR BEAT found this too competitive and was held on the final circuit, as was COOL MISSION whose jumping doesn’t convince in this company.
FAR MORE SERIOUS who has stringhalt in both rear legs in the paddock, ran no sort of race and ambled in well behind the rest.
COLUMBUS SECRET appeared to be unsighted by Bescot Springs at the first and came down. He’s a lovely big sort who will make up for this mishap in staying chases.
3.55 2m ½f Peter Doyle Handicap Hurdle (97-115)
A contest full of exposed performers and won by the in-form WEETFROMTHECHAFF, who was following up his win at the last meeting here. He went up 9lbs for that, but this was close and he might still be able to win another off a revised mark.
BEIDH TINE ANSEO stuck on well for second and might win a race before long, but the first few were in a heap and all look in their place in the handicap.
THE GALLOPING SHOE showed more than he did last season over hurdles. He kept on in to third, while AGGRAVATION had every chance but couldn’t sustain his effort in the last 100 yards. The latter looked hard fit and as a nine-year-old you have to think this is as good as he is.
PETE didn’t find too much after the last and faded to seventh.
4.30 2m 6½f Cooper Burton 1st Birthday Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Eleven runners contested this event, but some are well exposed and only five were in contention at three out.
STORMIN EXIT is a decent chaser and Jim Goldie took advantage of his hurdling maiden status. Looking very well after a break, he was always up with the pace, led two out and stayed on strongly from the last. He would have every chance under a penalty in a similar event, and this does indicate he’s in good heart should his trainer return him to chasing.
A winner of a novice hurdle at Wetherby in May, MILANO SUPREME stuck on for second place without threatening winner. He might have a chance of picking up a moderate novice staying event under a penalty.
Lightly raced ROYAL DEAL made significant progress approaching three out but couldn’t sustain the effort on the long run-in. This wasn’t a bad effort though on only his third hurdles outing and he has time on his side.
HARRY HANDSOME, looking well and on his toes in the paddock, was outpaced from three out but this first hurdles outing should do him some good.
DREAMERS OF DREAMS looks a decent sort and is well related. He hadn’t been pushed when rapping three out and losing his action. After being pulled up he was ridden so there seems no lasting damage and he’ll be in the mix in similar company.
5.05 1st Choice Fire Protection Services Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-110)
I missed this bunch in the paddock as I was introduced to course commentator Lee McKenzie and stopped for a chat. Lee was keen to chat and really enjoys his trips to Scotland, making sure he’s a regular on the roster north of the border despite being based in London. It was interesting that we had a few common memories of racing down south, particularly one of the ‘flag man’ on the hill at Brighton who let those in the stand know 1m 4f races had started. That was before TV coverage and Lee revealed that, since the start was hidden, he and his colleagues hand timed races off that flag! I used to rely on speed figures in those days as well…
Back to Kelso action and THE COCKNEY SQUIRE gave Lucinda Russell a double on the day. He raced too keenly at Perth previously and was pulled up, but he was always going well here and was always holding the others once turned for home.
SOUL MAGIC has been in fine form over the summer and was not disgraced in occupying second place. He made progress to three out and kept on without troubling the winner.
BAAHER stayed on from rear for third, showing a bit more interest in chasing than he ahs done previously. This run suggests he could win a chase but he isn’t one to rely on.
Pointing winner BENEFICIAL REFORM wasn’t disgraced on his chasing debut. He couldn’t match the winner from the home turn, but he has enough about him to make a chaser and will be served better by a longer trip.
ROYAL MILE chased the leaders to the last but his effort petered out on the flat. He jumped Ok though and there’s a chance a drop in class may be of benefit.
I understand THE PADDY PREMIUM has been interrupted in his work since his last run at Perth. He faded from two out and is capable of better, though he’s possibly a bit high in the handicap now. JUSTTHEONEFORYOU was never going and ambled in a remote last.
5.40 2m 6½f Betfair Training Series C.J. Handicap Hurdle (64-100)
Reportedly fit after a back operation, SOLWAY SILVER won this race with any amount in hand. This wasn’t a great contest but he was never seriously troubled, leading all the way and pulling clear from three out. It would be handy if he could be pulled out again under a penalty but he might well shrug off a rise in the ratings. As he hadn’t been placed before Lisa Harrison was referred to the BHA, but a combination of recovered fitness plus moderate opposition should see no punishment.
TANZANITE BAY stayed on well for second place, the trip clearly suiting her. DICKIE HENDERHOOP briefly threatened to get to the leader going to two out, but his run came to nothing and he made no impact on the run-in. He’s well exposed as is STICK TOGETHER who bagged pocket money for fourth place but couldn’t get any closer from two out.
FUNKY MUNKY has been in form of late but faded from two out and disappointed. ANY GIVEN MOMENT chased the leader for a long way but faded once turned for home.
There’s an interesting meeting coming up at Carlisle on Thursday and I’ll keep an eye on Racing UK for anything significant. Musselburgh and Ayr close their flat seasons before Musselburgh pick up the National Hunt baton on November 3rd. I should be at that meeting as well as a return to Kelso for another potentially decent card on November 5th.
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
The weather forecast got progressively better during the week and in the end the rain avoided us altogether. In fact it was a pleasant afternoon, blessed by the sun for a fair part of the time. The course is in great nick, and a few prominent northern trainers clearly aim their horses at Kelso on this basis.
The card opened with a Pantomime Horse Race in aid Macmillan Cancer Support which commentator Lee McKenzie admitted was one of the more difficult races he has had to cover! The presence of a pantomime zebra, a cow and a elephant suggests the rules were pushed to the boundaries. Papillon won for Five Star Taxis who donated their winning prize money to the charity.
1.35 2m ½f Edinburgh City F.C. NH Maiden Hurdle (Div 1) (Class 5)
East Of Scotland league team Edinburgh City got two heats of this contest for their money. While their officials enjoyed themselves at the races, their team progressed to the next round of the Scottish FA South Region Cup with a 3-1 win away to one of my local teams Burntisland Shipyard.
Meanwhile, back on the racecourse we witnessed a very easy win for an interesting prospect in SIMPLY NED. I noted this one when a close second on his bumper debut here in April and placed him on my horses to follow list on The Racing Forum. He did me proud here, running comfortably in touch for most of the way and cruising home after leading on the run-in. He was produced looking very fit here, but so easy was his win that he must surely trouble much tougher opposition then he faced on this occasion. It’s also worth noting that Nicky Richards regularly aims his horses at particular events at Kelso.
James Ewart’s CIVIL UNREST appears to have progressed over the summer, his creditable second here a marked step up on two down the field bumper efforts. He led until after the last and was comfortably outpointed by the winner, but he stayed on well enough for second as will be unlucky to run into others as good as the winner. He should win a maiden or novice. Rider Nathan Moscrop was fined and given a three-day suspension because he ‘had weighed in at 2lbs or more than the weight at which he weighed out’. One assumes he left something behind when weighing out.
PYJAMA GAME looks to need further than the minimum trip. He never got near the leaders but was staying on at the end for third. Rose Dobbin should find a ace for this one at two and a half miles or more. He looks an uncomplicated sort and should have a decent jumping career in front of him.
JAWS was held up in the rear and stayed on late for fourth. A sound start at the age of seven for this brother to Material World.
James Ewart’s huge gelding ZARU raced in touch and was not far off the leader when capsizing at the last. He would likely have been in the first four and has prospects going forward.
Donald McCain’s BE TRUE had steering problems by the stands bend. He pretty well jacked it in after that and does not seem in love with racing. On hurdling debut, the same trainer’s RED ROCCO was hampered by his stablemate’s antics and never got back into the race.
2.10 2m 6 ½ f Clifford & Martin Firth Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase (for the Marshall Trophy) (109-126)
Unfortunately the trophy hadn’t been returned by the previous winner’s connections, so the connections of THE PANAMA KID will have to wait for it to adorn their mantelpiece. The winner is a progressive sort who stepped up on a Perth win to win by 10 lengths. His mark will go up into the mid 130s which will push him up to the better novice events or into senior company. He may need a race or two to acclimatise at the higher level.
GOLFER’S CROSSING appears to be one who doesn’t take too much racing. Coming off a break he ran well enough, and certainly jumped a good deal better than he has done in the past. It would be a surprise if he didn’t pick up a chase if given a rest between races.
SOFT SPOKEN GUY stayed on late for third. He has won over course and distance but may be better at slightly further.
LIVELY BARON was hard at work three out and could only plug on into fourth. Like many from the McCain stable at the moment he seems a gallop or two short of race winning fitness.
VOSGES jumped well enough on his chase debut until getting tired three out. He has filled out nicely over the summer, but he looked as if this race was needed to put him right.
Coming off a long lay-off, BLUE SHARK was very awkward at the first fence in front of the stands. He made up ground at his jumps down the far side, but was struggling by halfway and pulled up after the open ditch away from the stands. I’d need proof that he has retained his ability.
1.30 2m ½f Edinburgh City F.C. NH Maiden Hurdle (Div 2) (Class 5)
Part 2 of the maiden hurdle didn’t look as good as the first. Unconsidered BORULER led on the flat and quickened clear from the furlong pole. He’ll find things tougher under a penalty.
ALLOW ME made a fair comeback after a season off. He led from three until after the last. I think a try over a longer distance might help him.
PORRIDGE stayed on under pressure from three out, improving on his Perth hurdles debut. ROS CASTLE stayed on late, probably needs further and will benefit from the experience.
A dampener on the value of the form was well exposed RED TANBER who finished fifth. I do feel he might squeak a minor handicap hurdle one of these days, but he’s only rated 73 and surely hasn’t suddenly improved?
DR FLYNN needs further and didn’t jump well enough anyway.
CAPITAL VENTURE beat Division 1 winner Simply Ned in a bumper here in April. However, they look different sorts to me and I suspect this one will need time and a bit more ground to cover. He struggled from three out but will leave this form behind in time.
Another long term project is the massive four-year-old TUTCHEC, now with Nicky Richards. He was in rear much of the way, closed a bit to two out but then couldn’t offer any more. He looks to need time, but is another who will step up on his effort here.
3.25 3m 1f EDF-ER Fallago Rig Handicap Chase (117-138)
A decent turn out for the feature race on the card, an event also graced by Channel 4 coverage. It would be nice if Highflyer would send a team up to cover direct from the course, but in these days of belt tightening it would seem unlikely.
Alistair Findlay suffered an injured ankle as HEEZ A STEEL tumbled over Columbus Secret at the first and the fence was missed on the two subsequent circuits. Findlay’s mount needed the race but didn’t get much strenuous exercise here.
BESCOT SPRINGS is a well regarded sort at the Lucinda Russell stable. His form suggested he may have a tough task here, but he pulled clear nicely on the four furlong run-in from the second last, the intended last being omitted. His trainer regards him as better at this distance as this excellent result would attest.
GARLETON seems high in the handicap on 136, but he’s an honest sort who normally gives his running and is 8 wins from 31 in his career. He went well in front until held from two furlongs out.
ACCORDING TO PETE stayed on from two out but never threatened the winner.
The race looked likely to bring CAPTAIN AMERICO nearer to his peak. He was outpaced down the far side for the last time but kept on into fourth place. I’m sure he will step up on this before long and win races.
HENNESSY ran a sound enough after a lay-off since winning whatever they called the ‘Whitbread’ in 2009. Given time to settle in the rear he made eye-catching progress from three out, eventually running out of puff in the final furlong. He retains his ability and is one to keep an eye on.
STAR BEAT found this too competitive and was held on the final circuit, as was COOL MISSION whose jumping doesn’t convince in this company.
FAR MORE SERIOUS who has stringhalt in both rear legs in the paddock, ran no sort of race and ambled in well behind the rest.
COLUMBUS SECRET appeared to be unsighted by Bescot Springs at the first and came down. He’s a lovely big sort who will make up for this mishap in staying chases.
3.55 2m ½f Peter Doyle Handicap Hurdle (97-115)
A contest full of exposed performers and won by the in-form WEETFROMTHECHAFF, who was following up his win at the last meeting here. He went up 9lbs for that, but this was close and he might still be able to win another off a revised mark.
BEIDH TINE ANSEO stuck on well for second and might win a race before long, but the first few were in a heap and all look in their place in the handicap.
THE GALLOPING SHOE showed more than he did last season over hurdles. He kept on in to third, while AGGRAVATION had every chance but couldn’t sustain his effort in the last 100 yards. The latter looked hard fit and as a nine-year-old you have to think this is as good as he is.
PETE didn’t find too much after the last and faded to seventh.
4.30 2m 6½f Cooper Burton 1st Birthday Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Eleven runners contested this event, but some are well exposed and only five were in contention at three out.
STORMIN EXIT is a decent chaser and Jim Goldie took advantage of his hurdling maiden status. Looking very well after a break, he was always up with the pace, led two out and stayed on strongly from the last. He would have every chance under a penalty in a similar event, and this does indicate he’s in good heart should his trainer return him to chasing.
A winner of a novice hurdle at Wetherby in May, MILANO SUPREME stuck on for second place without threatening winner. He might have a chance of picking up a moderate novice staying event under a penalty.
Lightly raced ROYAL DEAL made significant progress approaching three out but couldn’t sustain the effort on the long run-in. This wasn’t a bad effort though on only his third hurdles outing and he has time on his side.
HARRY HANDSOME, looking well and on his toes in the paddock, was outpaced from three out but this first hurdles outing should do him some good.
DREAMERS OF DREAMS looks a decent sort and is well related. He hadn’t been pushed when rapping three out and losing his action. After being pulled up he was ridden so there seems no lasting damage and he’ll be in the mix in similar company.
5.05 1st Choice Fire Protection Services Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-110)
I missed this bunch in the paddock as I was introduced to course commentator Lee McKenzie and stopped for a chat. Lee was keen to chat and really enjoys his trips to Scotland, making sure he’s a regular on the roster north of the border despite being based in London. It was interesting that we had a few common memories of racing down south, particularly one of the ‘flag man’ on the hill at Brighton who let those in the stand know 1m 4f races had started. That was before TV coverage and Lee revealed that, since the start was hidden, he and his colleagues hand timed races off that flag! I used to rely on speed figures in those days as well…
Back to Kelso action and THE COCKNEY SQUIRE gave Lucinda Russell a double on the day. He raced too keenly at Perth previously and was pulled up, but he was always going well here and was always holding the others once turned for home.
SOUL MAGIC has been in fine form over the summer and was not disgraced in occupying second place. He made progress to three out and kept on without troubling the winner.
BAAHER stayed on from rear for third, showing a bit more interest in chasing than he ahs done previously. This run suggests he could win a chase but he isn’t one to rely on.
Pointing winner BENEFICIAL REFORM wasn’t disgraced on his chasing debut. He couldn’t match the winner from the home turn, but he has enough about him to make a chaser and will be served better by a longer trip.
ROYAL MILE chased the leaders to the last but his effort petered out on the flat. He jumped Ok though and there’s a chance a drop in class may be of benefit.
I understand THE PADDY PREMIUM has been interrupted in his work since his last run at Perth. He faded from two out and is capable of better, though he’s possibly a bit high in the handicap now. JUSTTHEONEFORYOU was never going and ambled in a remote last.
5.40 2m 6½f Betfair Training Series C.J. Handicap Hurdle (64-100)
Reportedly fit after a back operation, SOLWAY SILVER won this race with any amount in hand. This wasn’t a great contest but he was never seriously troubled, leading all the way and pulling clear from three out. It would be handy if he could be pulled out again under a penalty but he might well shrug off a rise in the ratings. As he hadn’t been placed before Lisa Harrison was referred to the BHA, but a combination of recovered fitness plus moderate opposition should see no punishment.
TANZANITE BAY stayed on well for second place, the trip clearly suiting her. DICKIE HENDERHOOP briefly threatened to get to the leader going to two out, but his run came to nothing and he made no impact on the run-in. He’s well exposed as is STICK TOGETHER who bagged pocket money for fourth place but couldn’t get any closer from two out.
FUNKY MUNKY has been in form of late but faded from two out and disappointed. ANY GIVEN MOMENT chased the leader for a long way but faded once turned for home.
There’s an interesting meeting coming up at Carlisle on Thursday and I’ll keep an eye on Racing UK for anything significant. Musselburgh and Ayr close their flat seasons before Musselburgh pick up the National Hunt baton on November 3rd. I should be at that meeting as well as a return to Kelso for another potentially decent card on November 5th.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Wetherby - Scottish Challengers and the Void Race
Wetherby - Wednesday October 12th
The main talking point of the afternoon was the void race following an injury to Ashburton Lad. I haven't seen the race so can't comment in full, but a photo I have seen suggests the riders passed a few yards from an official waving a yellow flag. On that basis the riders should have stopped and have to take their punishement. On course staff are occasionally called on to make a swift judgement on safety issues and the head groundsman deserves support on this occasion.
Thoughts should go out to Ashburton Lad's connections on their loss.
Keep an eye open for northern circuit regular LINDSEYFIELD LODGE. He hinted at a return to form when running an admittedly well held third in the Class 5 handicap chase. He showed a similar sign of revival before scoring at Kelso around the same time last year and might just be worth a few bob in upcoming outings. Don't risk the mortgage on him though!
SAFARI ADVENTURES led the Bobby Renton Handicap chase field a merry dance for most of the way, jumping exuberantly as ever. Lucinda Russell's kept on well once headed, finished a clear second and looks in good heart. Chris Bealby's winner PERSIAN GATES won this comfortably, is progressive and is likely to make a mark in upcoming middle distances chases.
BLENHEIM BROOK is well regarded as a potential chaser by Lucinda Russell. He took a while to warm to his task over hrudles, and I suspect the same is happening over fences. He kicked on four out but found MR MOSS too strong in the closing stages. I suspect the runner-up has come across two potentially decent chasers in Astracad and Mr Moss.
The main talking point of the afternoon was the void race following an injury to Ashburton Lad. I haven't seen the race so can't comment in full, but a photo I have seen suggests the riders passed a few yards from an official waving a yellow flag. On that basis the riders should have stopped and have to take their punishement. On course staff are occasionally called on to make a swift judgement on safety issues and the head groundsman deserves support on this occasion.
Thoughts should go out to Ashburton Lad's connections on their loss.
Keep an eye open for northern circuit regular LINDSEYFIELD LODGE. He hinted at a return to form when running an admittedly well held third in the Class 5 handicap chase. He showed a similar sign of revival before scoring at Kelso around the same time last year and might just be worth a few bob in upcoming outings. Don't risk the mortgage on him though!
SAFARI ADVENTURES led the Bobby Renton Handicap chase field a merry dance for most of the way, jumping exuberantly as ever. Lucinda Russell's kept on well once headed, finished a clear second and looks in good heart. Chris Bealby's winner PERSIAN GATES won this comfortably, is progressive and is likely to make a mark in upcoming middle distances chases.
BLENHEIM BROOK is well regarded as a potential chaser by Lucinda Russell. He took a while to warm to his task over hrudles, and I suspect the same is happening over fences. He kicked on four out but found MR MOSS too strong in the closing stages. I suspect the runner-up has come across two potentially decent chasers in Astracad and Mr Moss.
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