North goes South to Newbury

NEWBURY – Thursday July 23^rd

Going – Good to Firm

A trip south to visit family in Berkshire gave me a chance to visit Newbury for the first time in 10 years. The course is no more than 15 minutes drive from Mum’s place.

My memories were of rowdy crowds at Saturday, but the evening meeting seems a much more civilised affair. Developments around the course in recent years have made it a pleasant venue, with good viewing and plentiful food and drinks outlets serving decent fare. I can recommend the Cornish pasty served from the bar at the top of the Grandstand.

The Newbury Weekly News reported fighting at the Weatherbys Sprint Meeting the previous Saturday, which suggests those who enjoy their horse racing are probably better off visiting the course midweek.

5.00 7f Arab Handicap (0-60)

The meeting opened with an Arab event over seven furlongs, an event advertising the decent Arab card coming up on Sunday 26^th July. Admission is free so well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Paddock inspection found the winner in one of my two against the field. The veteran WHISPER took up the running two out and looked certain to be a clear winner, but ended up just hanging on as the chasers closed. She’s a versatile mare that has proved effective over distances between 6 and 14 furlongs.

CALLYMAY shrugged off an 8lb rise in the weights to just miss out in second and this may prove a useful warm up for a similar event that closes Sunday’s card.

The four year old filly SYNERGY showed promise on only her third run, another closing in at the finish.

5.30 1m 5f 61yds NSPCC Amateur Riders’ Handicap (51-70)

A game effort by MOOJANED to win this under a creditable first winning ride from Katherine Begley, the latter worth keeping an eye out for in these events. Miss Begley set the pace then kicked on seven furlongs out. Moojaned was briefly headed three out, but battled back, rallied well and just had enough in the tank to hold on. A very good effort and he looks a game sort.

COTTON CLUB looked well in the paddock and returned to near his best. He put in a sustained challenge from three out but was just held. He might now be on a reasonable mark.

THE DUCKING STOOL is a regular in amateur and apprentice races and put in a sound effort in third. He goes well at Yarmouth so stable are probably finding it galling that the Norfolk track’s return to action has been delayed.

DARK AMBER had every chance but was held from the furlong pole. This trip probably stretches his stamina a bit.

TAPIS LIBRE had a chance two out but then weakened. He won at Musselburgh in May and may have just needed this race on his return to the track.

BALLYHEIGUE was very awkward at the stalls. He is capable on his day and threatened three out, but one to be wary of.

6.00 Bathwick Tyres EBF Maiden 2yo (Class 4)

Runners from Newbury maidens are normally worth keeping an eye on. In this one Mark Johnston’s ADVENTUROUS proved that his first outing was of benefit, stepping up here and coming clear in the final furlong. This track probably suited better than Epsom’s downhill turning six furlongs. He can go on from here.

Much promise in second from newcomer MANSON. He made headway two out and saw his race out to the line to take second. There are plenty of winners in the family and it shouldn’t be too long before he joins them.

JACK NEVISON, a decent enough looker, chased the leader in the closing stages but made no impression in the latter stages. This was a creditable effort on debut from one who will benefit from an extra furlong.

EASTER MATE kept on in the latter stages without being close enough to threaten and is likely to be suited by contesting nurseries.

GEORGE WILLIAM looked plenty fired up in the preliminaries, had his chance but was held from the furlong pole.

FORCE looks an awkward sort. He was very fizzy in the preliminaries, way to keen in the race and beaten before the final furlong. Frankie Dettori didn’t seem over chuffed post-race.

SEA OF FLAMES looked reasonably fit for his debut but was keen early on and never got into the race. HE will find easier opportunities and has enough about him to make an impact in time, more than likely when stepped up in trip.

6.30 7f NSPCC Nursery Handicap (61-77)

We lost the likely strong favourite when Welford was pulled out. He was replaced as odds-on shot by AUXILIARY but this one made hard work of the task. He was keen early on and wayward when asked for an effort, but credit to Liam Jones for coaxing sufficient out of him. Auxiliary is not straightforward and I would oppose him at short odds off his new mark.

CLIVE CLIFTON showed up nicely here, finishing closer to the winner than at Chester. Settled in front, he saw his race out once headed, though may just benefit from returning to six furlongs.

INDIGO had her chance but was held from the furlong pole. She hints at some ability and might be one for a minor maiden at one of the flat ‘gaffs’.

BUKLE was a bit keen and had nothing in reserve from a furlong out. His form looks regressive at this stage.

7.05 1m 2f 6yds NSPCC Charity Race Evening 3yo Handicap (71-83)

This might prove a reasonable little contest with two progressive sorts fighting out the finish.

BISHOP’S LEAP was held up and made good progress from two out and just got the better of a duel to the line. This was only his third race, he’s learning and there is probably more to come.

ROYAL TOAST caught the eye in the paddock. I suspect he has needed time to come to himself, but he put in a decent effort here, just denied in a determined battle. The step up to this trip helped and there should be a race for him soon.

MYWAYALWAYS looks a fair measure and saw his race out having been passed at the furlong pole, though outpointed by the first two. He set the pace and will be suited by a sharper track where he can dictate.

MARCANO had his chance two out but was held. He won a maiden at Salisbury as a two-year-old, but hasn’t made much impact since and this was as close as he has been since then.

FIT THE BILL was fizzy in the paddock and taken down early. Beaten before the furlong pole, he uses up energy pre-race though all-weather record suggests he’s decent at this level.

JARGON has not recovered two-year-old form and was well held.

7.40 6f 8yds NSPCC Handicap (62-75)

Two stood out on looks in the paddock, Bush Warrior and HEAD SPACE and the latter provided this paddock watcher with a decent winner at 12/1. He has plenty of miles on the clock but fitness edge looked the key here. Sporting a natty pair of pink and black diamond patterned visors to match his jockey’s silks; he made headway two out and took control from the furlong pole. I think his trainer will need to strike quickly to take advantage of his peak fitness again.

GOLD CLUB challenged two out for couldn’t match the winner. He held the rest though and remains in good from.

BUSH WARRIOR was the second horse noted for fitness, but didn’t threaten the winner. He was driven at halfway but did at least see his race out for third. He needs encouraging but is regularly thereabouts in this company.

GROUNDWORKER race close up and had every chance to follow up his course and distance win, but was found wanting. This looked a slightly better contest.

PRCE REGAL led until past halfway but weakened from the furlong pole and is proving difficult to win with at this time.

FEVER FEW looked worked up in the preliminaries and at the start. She was keen in the race but had a chance before one out and it appeared that the race will have brought her on a bit.

8.10 1m Al Basti Equiworld Fillies’ Handicap (68-81)

Three non-runners left only three to contest this race. I’m indebted to Alan Potts for giving the background which suggests the three absentees were never likely to urn anyway. They were all declared after the race was re-opened with only the three eventual runners initially declaring. Not a good situation and one I would hope the BHA would attempt to address, though breath is not held.

NO DELUSION set in behind the leader and had the best acceleration when push came to shove.  She saw her race out nicely.

SHARQEYIH was the hare for the other two and just caught flat footed by the winner. She just held second place.

BRIDIE FFRENCH was the most exposed of the three. She threatened approaching the final furlong but couldn’t match the pace of the other two.

8.45 1m 4f 5yds NSPCC Fillies’ Handicap (72-92)

SPACELAB is a strong filly who was on her toes in the paddock. Fit enough after a break, she was held up and made rapid progress from over a furlong out to get in front in the shadow of the post. There may be a little more to come given that she shouldn’t be over punished by the handicapper for a narrow win.

MELODIOUS looked to have snatched the race when leading at the furlong pole but was caught close home. She saw out this trip well and can gain compensation in similar company.

SERENE BEAUTY was well touted beforehand, but couldn’t match the first two in the closing stages. Condition wise she didn’t look as well as the winner.

MOONRISE LANDING had her chance but was held from the furlong pole. She had tried two miles previously and might benefit from a step back up in trip.

NORFOLK SKY ran a creditable race off a long break. She led until two out and weakened in the final furlong but the race will have done her no harm.

NORTHERN MEETING was fit enough but not good enough and beaten two out.

Hamilton - July 11

HAMILTON – Saturday July 11^th

Going – Good to soft (Soft in the loop)

A busy Saturday evening, proving that moderate racing and chilly, damp weather doesn’t stop the crowds coming along, and 4,200 were present. There was a concert afterwards by Sam Bailey and Jay James, who I must admit I had never heard of, though mention of the latter having worked with Booker T Jones did at least ring the right bells with me!

6.15 5f Class 5 2yo Maiden

A moderate contest with MR CHUCKLES winning a duel against a persistent runner-up. Not a strong race but the pair were clear and the winner showed speed and determination.

CANDY HILL still doesn’t look fully wound up with a bit to work on. However, there were plenty of encouraging signs as she showed speed and plenty of determination once the winner headed her.

The favourite SEARANGER didn’t fire and was reported as unsuited by the ground.

GRIFFIN STREET looks too keen and will probably benefit from a return to a sharper track, having shown up well at Musselburgh on debut.

6.45 5f 38-60 3yo Handicap

A moderate race won with any amount in hand by ALASKAN WING. He was quick out of the stalls and effectively had a free run up front as Macarthurs Park, rated only 38 was flat out to match him. He had the race won with over a furlong to run. He was a close third at Hamilton in a contest which probably didn’t have the same make-up, again since but should have more races in him.

COMPTON RIVER ran up to his form to take second without threatening the winner.

MILADY EILEEN was outpaced in the early part of the race but kept on to take third.

PANCAKE DAY struggled off a career high mark, briefly threatening over a furlong out but not able to get in a blow.

7.15 6f 53-68 Handicap

The third of four sprints in a succession on a card which needed mixing up a bit.

OCEAN SHERIDAN was the three-year-old taking on a generally exposed bunch and won this cosily, taking command in the final furlong. There may be a bit more to come.

ORIENT SKY doesn’t look the most straightforward character, but he saw out his race well enough having been done for pace early on. He’s hinting that a try at seven furlongs might be worth a try, though I suspect eh will be difficult to win with.

INDEGO BLUES led until one out and kept on for third. As fair enough effort but he’s vulnerable to anything progressive or given a chance by the handicapper.

MUNJALLY had the race run to suit when winning here a while back and probably isn’t as good as that race suggested.

PABUSAR has never won on ground this slow and was held from two out.

7.45 6f 47-58 Handicap

AFFECTIONATE LADY was sweating and rather fizzy in the paddock, and not madly co-operative at the stalls, but managed to point her energies in the right direction when it counted. She was outpaced early and ridden after two furlongs, but responded well up the hill and led inside the final furlong. Given that there were so many negatives this was a fair effort and she may be able to move forward from here.

PULL THE PIN was made favourite, the cliff jumpers love this one, and once again managed to lose a race he looked likely to win. Generally thereabouts he does at least keep Placepot punters happy.

GRUMPY ANGEL performed well enough on handicap debut, following three anonymous runs on Tapeta. She had every chance one out but was just held. She’s on a low mark but hints at ability.

STRATEGIC ORDER kept on without threatening, and whenever he has seen out his race has suggested he needs a bit further.

8.15 1m 3f 51-72 Handicap

TRIPLE EIGHT was tapped for pace three out, but stayed on up the hill to take charge inside the final furlong. He saw out the trip well enough and has won off a significantly higher mark than this. The negative is that his overall win rate is not great.

The one to take out of this is DIDDY ERIC. He needs the cut in the ground and ran a cracker from out of the weights. He was travelling really well over two out and hit the front, but flattened out in the final furlong. Dropped in class on similar ground and maybe back to ten furlongs he may well be a good thing. His jockey said ‘he was travelling and I didn’t want to disappoint him, but probably hit the front too soon’.

NORTHSIDE PRINCE stayed on well in the latter stages to challenge for second. He’s well exposed but mixes it at this level.

PIXIE CUT had her chance but was held in the closing stages and is a tad frustrating.

8.45 1m 57-69 Handicap

SAKHALIN STAR finally ended a run of places, whizzing clear once hitting the front. Assuming he enjoyed the experience then a follow up would seem likely, but he does need to come through horses.

The handicapper keeps tabs on PADDY’S ROCK who is running well.

RIOJA DAY is consistent but frustrating, running a sound race but possibly a bit keen and, though leading three out, found wanting close home.

ECHO OF LIGHTNING has been in good form but didn’t find as much as may have been expected, while CADMIUM looks held by the handicapper after a decent burst of runs.

Musselburgh - Late June Evening Meeting

MUSSELBURGH – Monday Jun 29th

Going – Good

A run-of the-mill Monday meeting at Musselburgh with many of the regular equine performers pitching up. The £20 admission charge is excessive for moderate fare, particularly bearing in mind you now have to pay another £2.50 for the racecard. It’s not a cheap evening out and the racegoers are paying Premiership prices for lower Division fare.

Exit arrangements from the public car park were a shambles. Instead of being routed down past the stands, cars were sent down a potholed track behind the stable block and along an equally bumpy route down the back straight. The route was poorly signposted and may be fit for 4x4s but is no fun in your average car.

The bend past the stands is being re-cambered with work commencing the day after this meeting. The bend will be out of action until next year, so the inner all-weather surface jumps track bend will be in use for the rest of the flat season. This means races will finish up the jumps track, so I hope that the track measure and advertise their distances properly for the rest of the season. I will be on their case if they don’t.

6.15 2m Racing UK Apprentice Handicap (47-65)

A field full of exposed performers with COWSLIP backed to carry on from a successful jumps season running off a very low mark. It’s not always a case of simply transfer the form and Cowslip was well beaten here. He looked fit enough so condition was no excuse.
Versatile trainer Mike Smith won this with EILEAN MOR who forged clear from two out down the middle of the track and won with a bit in hand. Smith trains jumpers, pointers and showjumpers alongside flat racers and has shown he knows how to train on the level. The winner did well last year and may be worth looking out for now he has hit form.
JAN SMUTS runs an honest enough race but doesn’t have an extra gear in a finish. He stayed on in sound enough fashion to take second without ever threatening the winner. Wilf Storey does a sound job with a small string and his animals are often thereabouts in moderate contests.
WOR LASS raced a bit keenly in touch with the leaders. She kept on for third.
ALEKSANDAR set a reasonable pace but was held once overtaken two out. He did see out his race and would not be without a chance when able to dictate and this hints at a return to last year’s decent form.
PIXIE CUT was tapped for speed from three out. She’s probably better suited by Hamilton’s stiff uphill finish.
LA BACOUETTEUSE normally goes well here but never got in a blow.

6.45 7f 30yds British stallion Studs EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 5)

Mark Johnston’s WELFORD made short work of these after stretching on from two out. He showed the typical Johnston charge head down determined attitude and will presumably now go on to nurseries.
LIVELLA FELLA chased the leader from two out and finished a clear second. He clearly sees out the trip well enough and has not done too much wrong to date. There should be a minor maiden or a nursery for him over this trip.
NOVINAPHOBIA chased the leaders but was held from the furlong pole. A step up on his York debut and he seems to be going the right way.
GOODKNIGHT PERCY doesn’t look straight forward at the moment. He was rather fizzy in the preliminaries, still looks green and could only muster the one pace once the tempo increased.
HOLLYWOOD KEN is tall and leggy and looks to have some filling out to do. He made a promising effort three out but was beaten from the furlong pole. His breeding suggests time is required and he will need a stiffer test than this.
INVINCIBLE BOND and THE AULD KIRK, both from stables not renowned for producing two-year-olds, were well beaten. I did a double take when I saw Aimee Waugh leading round a two-year-old! She’s more likely to be seen at Kelso in winter than Musselburgh in summer.

7.15 1m 4f 100yds Eddie Kricak Memorial – The Rocks Handicap (45-65)

An exposed bunch but a clear winner as NEUF DES COUERS came clear from two out. Stepped up significantly in trip from 1m 1f, she won this with any amount in hand and her trainer will presumably try to strike before the handicapper catches up again.
Veteran DHAULAR DHAR looked an absolute picture and Jim Goldie certainly knows how to keep his horses sweet in the old age. He never looked like winning but saw out his race soundly enough to take second. He remains in good heart.
HARRISON’S CAVE, fizzy in the paddock, kept on if held from over a furlong out. He runs the occasional decent race but is normally one to oppose.
NEW COLOURS led two furlongs out but was soon headed and then held.
YOURHOLIDAYISOVER normally gets involved some how, but only has one jumps win to his credit. He was ridden hands and heels in the closing stages, just keeping on steadily, and this is presumably how he has to be ridden.
LACERTA is a big strong type who is lightly raced. He was held from two out and it looks as if his table are trying to find his trip. I wonder if he might be better with a stiffer finish, as it might happen a shade too quick for him around Musselburgh.

7.45 5f Ivestec June Selling Stakes (Class 5)

Down at the start for the previous race I heard the jockeys discussing this contest. Joe Doyle said that the favourite SMART MOVER ‘has not gone forward’ with racing but they thought she should win this. She was driven over one out and looked in trouble, but responded and just held on from a fast finished. Her connections went to £11,000 to retain her, but she is not going the right way and this looked a very ordinary contest.
TOTAL POWER, a stocky muscly colt, was outpaced early on but scythed through the field and was in front a stride past the line. E would seem to have better prospects going forward than the winner, particularly with a stiffer finish.
CANFORD KILBEY wasn’t disgraced dropped to selling company, though clearly has her limitations. She kept on for third place.
RIO DEVA set the pace and rallied once headed but held in a close fourth near the line. She has the basic pace to give her some hope in similar contests.
FRANK BRIDGE looks pony sized, probably less than 15 hands. He showed early pace but weakened from the furlong pole and prospects look limited in all but the most dire company.
Beverley claimer winner LOLAMOTION was another held from the furlong pole.

8.15 5f Racing UK Handicap (46-70)

THORNTOUN LADY is quite lightly raced for a five-year-old sprinter.  She closed steadily from two out and led on the line. She does have a tendency to race too freely, but settled better here.
GO GO GREEN looked the winner one out but was done on the line by his stablemate. He wins in his turn but does need things to fall right, though he does have chances if his mark allows him into this grade.
BUSY BIMBO showed decent speed and kept on for third. She races often but wins seldom.
TADALAVIL made an effort two out but was held and needs things to fall right.
JEBEDIAH SHINE looked the progressive three-year-old up against an exposed bunch. However, she was driven and outpaced over one out and under a 6lb rise couldn’t match her all the way Thirsk effort.

8.45 7f 30yds Edinburgh Gin Handicap (70-80)

Veteran RASAMAN forged clear in the latter stages. He’s been running soundly and is another to advertise Jim Goldie’s abilities with the more elderly contestants.
JUST PAUL came back to form with a prominent effort. He led briefly two out but was outpaced by the winner. Certainly worth an interest here if dropped a grade.
SILVER RIME kept on for third for a seasonal best.
RALPHY BOY had his chance but was held from the furlong pole, as did TRUE PLEASURE.

9.15 1m Edinburgh Gin Finest Quality Handicap (49-65)

HIDDEN REBEL led inside the final furlong, then pricked her ears and flashed her tail though saw her race out. She has worn a hood and doesn’t look straightforward, though plenty good enough at this level when in the right frame of mind.
BAHAMIAN DESERT saw his race out nicely. He was well held over 5 furlongs, but this trip seems much more suitable and it would not be unreasonable to expect a win before long.
LET RIGHT BE DONE set the pace and kicked on to three out, he was ridden and then headed inside the final furlong.  A fair enough effort on debut for the stable who bought him for £8,000 out of a Leicester claimer.
Irish challenger STARSHAPED kept on in the latter stages having been outpaced and seems certain to be better suited by a return to a stiffer track, his win having come at Newcastle. His trainer is not averse to crossing the Irish Sea on a regular basis.
Best of the remainder was SPIRIT OF THE SEA who made eye-catching progress to challenge for fifth. Worth keeping an eye on.

Next flat meeting on the radar is Hamilton on July 11th. I will then be back on my 'home territory' catching up with family and taking in Newbury's evening meeting on July 23rd. Looking further ahead we are visiting Jersey in late August, visiting the closing meeting of the Jersey Race Club season at Les Landes.

Cycling - Squirrel Criterium at Dunfermline

A bit of a diversion from the normal content, but I had a very smooth journey back from Hamilton racecourse on Thursday June 4th in time to catch the Women's and Men's races around the Dunfermline circuit.

The exacting circuit started in Pittencrieff Park with the start/fiinsh straight being one of the few level parts of the track. The riders then went up through the park past the Glen Pavilion, turned right up to Dufnermlnie Abbey then down the paved section to St Margaret Street and up the steep climb. There was then a left turn onto the cobbled Abbey Street, Maygate and Kirkgate, left turn into Bridge Street before a very swift section down through the park, then the haul uphill to the finishing straight. The course took about 4 and a half minutes for the quickest men and 5 and a quarter minutes for the faster women racers.

WOMEN'S RACE

This was a showdown between two talented cyclists hailing from Fife, Charline Joiner and Eileen Roe. Joiner came hot from a win in the Tour Series and Roe has also been in good form.

A group of seven riders quickly broke clear in the 40 minutes plus two laps contest and stayed together for around 6 laps before Joiner and Roe made the break. It was nip and tuck from then on with Joiner proving stronger in a sprint finish.

The rump of the leading group fought out third place with promising youngster Erika Allen recording the fastest lap of the race to burst clear in the closing stages.

MEN'S RACE

This turned into a one man race with Scottish Road Race, Hill Climb and Criterium champion Steven Lawley attacking on the first lap and then pulling steadily away throughout the race to win by over three minutes, lapping all bar seven of his opponents. I walked round the course during the first laps and Lawley came tanking past me on both laps and kept up the pressure throughout.

Lawley has had a cracking season, showing up well in the An Post Ras stage race in Ireland where he finished 21st in the overall classification.

Moda Anon rider Phil Trodden called out vainly to the other riders "Come on, help me!" as the chasers came up St Margaret Street on the second lap, but nobody amongst the chasers was strong enough. Trodden faded in the latter stages to finish seventh.

The original chasing group of eight was whittled down to three with Fraser Martin of Spokes, the Scottish yopungsters project, taking second from Lawley's Neon Velo team mate Peter Murdoch and another Spokes rider Ruari Yeoman in fourth.

Kinross Cycling Club's Calum Sharpe put in a fine ride to take the Cat3 prize, matching better rated riders throughout the race.

A very entertaining event, but just a pity that there wasn't better publicity as I am quite sure there would be bigger crowds. I am told that the local tourist office knew very little about the event. Keep an eye out for this event next year!

Hamilton - early June meeting

HAMILTON – Thursday June 4^th

Going – Good To Soft, Soft in places on the loop though drying during the meeting

2.00 5f Lockton Maiden Auction Stakes 2yo (Class 5)

RISK ADJUSTED had gone close on three occasions and took this contest with authority, taking charge over a furlong out to win with little fuss.  Ann Duffield is generally smart with placement of her two-year-olds and should place this one to advantage again, be it in a novice stakes or a nursery.

COMPARINKA impressed most in the paddock. She was turned out looking fit and well and ready for her debut and made the right impression. She was a bit at sea going down the hill, but picked up encouragingly when hitting the incline and stayed on well to take second place. She may find a minor maiden race and certainly has what it takes to win races.

There’s often value to be had from paddock inspection in these races and I couldn’t believe it when I saw this one at 40/1 in a small field. She was always held by the winner, and my minor win bet never quite looked like being landed, but I got a sound enough run for my money at the odds.

IRISH CAILIN improved on her debut, just shaded for second on the run to the line. She’s done enough in two runs to suggest she will be competitive in nurseries.

COTTON CAMERA was never travelling and may well need quicker ground, or perhaps a level track.

FIRST BOMBARDMENT is a stocky but small sort. The impression is that he’s not got much growing to do and it’s not encouraging that his form is already regressive.

CANDY HILL was withdrawn on vet’s advice at the start, but no Stewards Report was returned so I’ve no idea what the problem was. That aside, she was the most backward of the six that went to start and looks to need a bit of time assuming there’s no major physical problem.

2.30 5f Winning Groundstaff Team Apprentice Handicap (51-64)

A race run to mark the RCA Groundstaff award to the Hamilton Park team. The course and surrounds were presented in their customary fine condition, a fact that makes the course such a pleasure to visit for racegoers and racing professionals alike.

INSOLENCEOFFICE transferred all-weather form to the turf, making steady headway from two out and getting his head in front in the closing stages. For all that he has run well on the artificial surfaces, his recent runs on turf have been and rather belied his 33/1 price. I wouldn’t write him off as merely a ‘sand boy’ and he’s a decent animal at Class 6 level on his day.

CHOOKIE’S LASS looked very well and put up a sound performance in second. She’s lower than her previous winning mark and is worth bearing in mind for upcoming engagements. She uphill finish here and at Carlisle seems to suit her.

ELAND ALLY has only won once in 37 attempts and, though having ability, isn’t one to trust with your money. Gemma Tutty complained that she was ‘caught in a pocket’, but I reckon that probably helped as her mount stayed on through the field for third. His best chance will come in a speed packed contest where the rest come back to him.

I’LL BE GOOD seemed found out by the 6lb penalty, running creditably but held once passed in the final furlong.

SARTORI struggled to go the pace though kept on in the closing stages. He’s between two stools at the moment, not seeing out six furlongs but caught for speed over five.

PULL THE PIN is on a long losing run, often running well but finding one or two too good. Made favourite here he was held from two out. He may well win a race in the near future, but guessing when it will be is no easy task.

3.00 6f Watt Fences and Watt Plastics Maiden Stakes (Class 5)

UNDER SEIGE showed good pace and stayed on well to take the contest with a bit to spare. By my reckoning he recorded a rating around the 66 mark, so it’s no lower than Class 5 handicaps next up.

SECOND CUT is a nice type who placed a respectable third in a big field handicap  at Thirsk, kept on in the final furlong and should be capable of landing a handicap off current mark. He could be one to progress somewhat as he becomes race hardened.

EUXTON is a rather light filly who may develop with time. On that basis her form to date is respectable. She got tapped for speed down the hill but kept on up the slope to finish third.

ELEUTEHRA is a strong sort with scope and made a fair impression on debut, showing good speed, if held in the final furlong.

ALPHA DELPHINI was prominent in the market but a shade disappointing and never threatened the leaders. She is worth another chance on quicker ground.

JESSIE ALLAN was making a debut at the age of four. While held in seventh after missing the break, she wasn’t totally disgraced and may reward connections’ patience in time.

The stewards deemed Under Seige’s improvement worthy of an enquiry. It’s a maiden and lightly raced horses improve, are we going to have enquiries any time anything wins such a race at a double figure price? Pity they couldn’t let us know what happened to Candy Hill earlier on…

3.30 1m 65yds Alex Fergusson Memorial Handicap (52-65)

DAY OF THE EAGLE has no more than a stub of a tail since he got an infection and had to have the majority of his tail removed. It doesn’t stop him racing well though and he came back from a three month break to win a trifle cosily, making smooth headway from two out to take it up at the one pole. He has a good record coming off a break and these days that might be the time to catch him.

PADDY’S ROCK stayed on and finished a never nearer second. This was a step up on his efforts this season and he is now back on his previous winning mark.

RIOJA DAY disputed the lead and stuck on well once passed. He’s only had one win in 29 goes, but has recorded a number of creditable efforts in recent times.

LENDAL BRIDGE hasn’t got a bad record for a horse rated 56 and isn’t often beaten too far.

INDIAN GIVER won over a longer trip last time and kept on here for fifth.

ROCKWOOD was blinkered for the first time and led round in a headcollar and looks headstrong. He is not straight forward, came to have every chance two out before weakening from the furlong pole. He has ability but there could be too much going on in between his ears.

4.00 1m 1f 36yds Weatherbys Private Banking Hamiltonian Handicap (60-85)

FIRST SITTING showed promise last year for Dermot Weld and won this in the style of an upwardly mobile handicapper. Racing in touch, he made steady progress from two out, led one out and soon had the race comfortably won. This was only his fifth race he looks potentially a bit better than this class and is one to follow. Another furlong shouldn’t prove a problem.

The current form of those behind looks the lynch pin as far as the merit of the winner. SAKHAKLIN STAR is running well without getting his head in front, finished well but just ran into one too good. He’s not been far away on any run this season and must surely find a similar race.

TIN PAN ALLEY led and stuck at it once passed. A cracking effort from 3lbs out of the handicap. Lightly raced for a seven-year-old, but still a maiden, he seems honest enough and should find a race dropped back in class.

ARCHIE’S ADVICE couldn’t hold his position early on, and was stopped in his run two out, but kept on well enough in the closing stages.

TECTONIC was held approaching the final furlong and from past experience is one to be wary off.

EUTROPIUS needs quicker ground.

4.30 6f 5yds Weathersby Private Banking Handicap (53-70)

Most of the field here were hold up horses so I’m not sure of the value of the form, and most are well exposed anyway. I spotted two that might be able to run within themselves and not be inconvenienced by the way the race panned out. It was rather galling to have the Exacta foiled by a fast finisher as a 6 furlongs and 4 yards race would have seen a decent payout!

MUNJALLY went into this as a 14 run maiden, but he race handily and dug in well from the furlong pole. Bear in mind though that things fell right.

ROCK CANYON finished with a rattle to deny the North betting bank a significant boost. He was raised for a double win at Ayr but remains competitive off his current mark.

Lightly raced ORIENT SKY picked up nicely up the hill, looked the likely winner one out but then wandered around under a drive and was denied second close home. There should be a moderate sprint for him, though he may not be totally straight forward. There was a hint in the unsaddling area that blinkers or a visor may be applied.

NEW LEASE OF LIFE stayed on from the rear for fourth place.

SEWN UP made up some ground he lost down the hill, but his run petered out in the final furlong.

MINISTER OF FUN went down to start the best part of 20 minutes before off time. He was the least exposed of these, but is presumably a fizzy sort and faded after showing early pace.

5.00 1m 5f Ladies In Business Lunch Handicap (45-64)

VIEW FROM ABOVE was turned out looking very fit and scored for the first time since the same event last year. All her best from has come at tracks with a stiff finish, a record 1U256121, against a mere one place in 26 goes at sharp or flat tracks.

SCHMOOZE stayed on from the rear for second. She needs things to fall right.

EILEAN MOR chased the leader from three out but could make no impression. On his mark but running reasonably well.

HENPECKED kept on for fourth without remotely threatening those up front and the rest were well beaten.

Kelso - Ladies Day closes the spring programme

KELSO – Sunday May 24^th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

A bright day for Ladies Day to finish the Kelso spring campaign, with a chilly stiff breeze blowing across the track with the going a tad on the fast side. Decent ground nevertheless though the bends had to sanded early on as they were just a little slippery.

Milnathort Racing Club’s The Village pitched up seeking to atone for misbehaviour at Perth when refusing to start.

2.10 2m ½f Lyntoun Taxis & Andersons Butchers East Lothian Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

He made little impact at Perth but RUNNING BROOK was presented looking a picture on this occasion and belied odds of 40/1. He raced handily, challenged two out and wore down the leader on the flat. A pleasing effort and this point winner should be capable of holding his own over the bigger obstacles.

ANGUS GLENS set the standard racing under a penalty and looked the likely winner approaching the last. He pecked and lost the initiative though keeping on to the line. There should be another event for him under a penalty before long.

ANOTHER BYGONES didn’t quite get to the front two but kept on for third place.

SO SATISFIED ran a satisfactory race, keeping on nicely to the line without being over punished. He has ability and chances will likely come once he has a handicap mark.

NABURN was left in the lead three out but held from two out. He would need a soft non-handicap but is another likely to show up well enough once handicapped.

SKY FULL OF STARS looks to need a bit of time. He was outpaced from two out.

VITAL EVIDENCE led until falling three out. He has ability but would be one of the lesser lights in the McCain set up.

PARKIE BOY is chasing type who will need time. He was well behind when unseating two out but should leave this from behind in time.

2.40 2m 7½f  Elliot Henderson Novices’ Handicap Chase (79-105)

JACK ALBERT is a keen going front runner and was always in the lead or near it. He pushed on from four out and was clear two out. What you see is what you get with this one.

VISION DE LA VIE stayed on for second without threatening the winner.  He has three years in hand on the winner and looks well capable of winning a chase or two.

KING OF THE DARK carried a bit of condition, but he ran recently so presumably it’s just how he looks. He challenged three out but was held from two out, just being denied second place. He’s unexposed and confirmed promise of his Sedgefield run.

EMKAE, a bit grinder who must wear his teeth down, was outpaced three out and then kept on again up the hill. A more forward from previous chasing efforts.

ACCORDINGSCRIPT led or disputed until falling away from four out. His jumping was not as flunet as that of the winner and it told in the last mile.

JUST AWAKE is capable at this level but has a tendency to miss out a fence or two. Ridden patiently, he looked to be going best of all when coming down four out.

3.10 2m 7½f  Elliot Henderson Novices’ Handicap Chase (75-101)

This race was run over two seconds a mile quicker than part one as it showed with only two horses in contention two.

LEANNA BAN was considered gifted the race at Carlisle, but proved he’s at least that good and better. Front running, he burnt off all the bar the second turning for home and went clear after his challenger hit two out.  He was impressive, looks better than this class and his trainer will presumably try to strike while the iron is hot.

BROTHER SCOTT got close to the leader two out having travelled well, but he hit the fence and his chance was lost. He beat the rest a long way and will not always run into one as sharp as the winner at this level.

TRIBAL DANCE was outpaced a mile out and eventually kept on past beaten rivals to take third. He tried to take on the winner early on and may have paid for that.

LOCHORE raced in rear and struggled from halfway.

COOLANURE was well outpaced going on to the final circuit and his trainer reported he had sulked.

WHERE’S MALACHY was outpaced from four out and has yet to make a significant mark.

BLAST MARTHA ran well for a long way and looked destined for third before being pulled up and dismounted before two out. If there are no serious problems she hinted at enough ability to get in the mix in similar contests.

DISCOVERIE was not on a going day, always in rear and pulled up before two out.

3.45 2m 1f KOSB Novices’ Handicap Chase (79-105)

The big event of the afternoon as far as some of us were concerned, but we managed to collect another last place, though not without some encouragement. A close contest with all in contention at the last.

BEIDH TINE ANSEO is a bit better than this level if he puts his best hoof forward. He was tapped for speed at the top end of the course, but stayed on well from two out to lead on the flat and on top close home. A nice performance which gave some in the Russell box cause to celebrate and he might score again while in good heart.

GREAT DEMEANOUR, a faller when looking destined for third of 4 at Perth, apparently improved on previous efforts. He had every chance and saw out his race well enough.

CLONLENEY race keenly, keeping on after being slightly caught for toe from two out. This run at least offered connections some encouragement on chasing debut.

SCORPIONS STING, a winner over hurdles last time, didn’t jump fluently and paid for that at the sharp end.

MWANGAZA led to two out and then faded on the run-in. She may be suited by more cut.

NO SUCH NUMBER raced close up but couldn’t raise his game from two out.

Finally to Milnathort Racing Club pride and joy THE VILLAGE who was just pipped for sixth place on the line and thus finished last…, again! With tongue-tie removed he was much better behaved that at Perth and jumped off nicely. He was too keen early on, and needs to learn to settle, but put in some decent jumps. Unfortunately he made mistakes four out and three out and was hanging right and difficult to steer around the final bend. He made up a fair bit of ground to the last and was in a line for third, but then either the petrol or resolve ran out and he was running on the spot going for the line.

Peter Buchanan report was fairly upbeat, that our gelding needs a right-handed track but the quick ground suits him. There are only two convenient right-handed tracks on the go in the summer, Market Rasen and Perth and he’s most likely to appear at the latter.

The jury are out, and possibly tending towards a ‘guilty’ verdict, but it’s no done deal and there might just be a competent chaser in there.

4.20 2m 2f Coppola Family Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (103-119)

Only six runners but a tight little contest won in taking fashion by MAKE IT HAPPEN. He made a bad mistake four out which set him back a bit. He had to work after that but stayed on well to win cosily. The ground here suited and he could be one to take forward for the summer campaign.

APACHEE PRINCE went on and looked the likely winner two out and kicked on but was worn down close home.

UN ANJOU wasn’t disgraced on his return to hurdling, holding a chance going to the last but then held.

CRINKLE CRAGS went up 11lbs for a Sedgefield win and hasn’t matched that form since. The Co. Durham course can throw up some specialist and it’s worth bearing in mind it was softer that day. He’s looked a long term project though and chasing will probably be his game.

SILVER SHUFFLE was put in his place before two out.

NINEPOINTSIXTHREE jinked an unseated his rider some way after the second flight.

4.55 3m 2f Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Challenge Cup Hunters’ Chase (Class 4)

Winner of the Heart Of All England chase at Hexham, CAVE HUNTER added some notable scalps in a better event here.  He raced in the lead or disputing most of the way and showed determination to rally and lead before the last. He hung left no the run-in, crossing his pursuer, but had the race won, though his jockey got 3 days off.

NOWURHURLIN is a consistent sort who unseated in the Aintree Foxhunters’. This trip stretches his stamina and he was held when switched run-in, his jockey spotting the opportunity and making a bit of a play. A sound effort.

YOUNG HURRICANE was behind for much of the way but stayed no well from three out to take third place.

KALASTAR was soon off the pace and never got into the contests but inherited fourth palce.

CHANCEOFALIFETIME is another whose stamina is stretched at this tri0p. He was weakening when taking a heavy fall two out.

DANNANCEYS HILL was getting outpaced when coming down four out.

ROCKITEER led to the thirteenth but dropped away once headed and dropped away before being pulled up.

BEGGAR’S VELVET was never seriously in the contest and pulled up before two out.

5.25 3m 2f Border Facilities Handicap Chase (101-125) – Patricia Crawford Memorial Trophy

BALLYBEN was progressive last year and picked up the thread after some disappointments. He raced prominently, led two out and forged clear to win with a bit in hand. He’s headed in the right direction again.

BUDDY LOVE made an effort two out but never got to the winner. This was a decent effort in the class and he can find a race if kept going into the summer.

BEEVES led for a long way before being held from two out and ran to his form.

LORD BRENDY kept on in the latter stages without threatening the lead.

FULL JACK raced prominently but faded from the home bend.

PURCELL’S BRIDGE didn’t get in a blow from three out. He has some decent form on right-handed tracks and might do better at Perth.

GENEROUS CHIEF wasn’t’ a factor, the novice MO ROUGE jumped slowly and deliberately which didn’t help in senior company and moody ACTION MASTER didn’t show much zest.

5.55 2m ½f Jane Sturrock 40^th Birthday Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5)

Karen Mclintock hasn’t had the flow of bumper horses of late that she has in the past. However, she has found a decent animal in BANKS O’ HOUXTY who came clear in impressive style from two furlongs out.

SHOW ON THE ROAD was rather green, but he stayed on well enough for second. He’s a four-year-old who should develop with time and this was a sound start.

BOOGIE LIFE, a winner last time, sets the standard after a Carlisle win. Under a penalty she saw her race out but was held once the winner forged ahead.

NUTS WELL ran a good second here but may have found this surface a little more lively than ideal.

Make a note of FAIRY THEATRE who was held up in rear, but made steady progress in the final half-mile to take fifth. This looked a step up on her previous effort and she might be one for mares’ hurdles in time.

BAYSBROWN looks a big baby and may well need time. However, he made some progress from three furlongs out before getting outpaced. He should make up into a jumper in time.

John Wade’s CORRELATE led for the first mile but weakened quickly once turned from home. He will presumably show up better in the long term if going chasing.

Kelso - First May Meeting

KELSO – Wednesday May 6^th

Going – Good To Soft

A bit of rain about, but generally not too bad a day for Kelso’ penultimate meeting of the spring campaign. The ground was reported a shade on the dead side but generally riding quite well.

1.50 2m 1f Black Bull Inn Wooler Novices’ Chase

I worked the morning and then drove down to Kelso for the afternoon. I had expected the runners to be in the paddock when I arrived at 1.35, but none to be seen. They really ought to on view earlier and I do feel that racecourses should be making sure runners are on view as early as possible.

A close battle between two quite evenly matched animals, the fitness of PAIR OF JACKS possibly just making the difference in the closing stages against KATACHENKO coming off a break. Assuming they remain near to current marks, the winner may go up a pound or two, then both can be competitive in handicaps. Jumping from both was sound enough and Pair Of Jacks in particular seems an amenable animal.

The ten-year-old SILK HALL jumped the early fences well but wasn’t so sharp once the tempo increased. He’s rated 130 at the moment for handicaps and he doesn’t look that good as a chaser.

NEVILLE WOODS had much to find with the others but jumped around safely for fourth. He will be better off in handicaps having been given tough tasks, with our own enigmatic character The Village (rated 66) not too far behind in his race at Carlisle.

2.20 2m 6½f Hunter Real Estate Investment Managers Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (81-107)

ISAACSTOWN LAD has never really stepped up to the mark after showing a little promise early in his career, though described to me as ‘a plank’ by a previous owner. Nicky Richards has obviously done a bit of streamlining to the piece of wood, since he travelled well, led two out and had the race in safe-keeping at the last. Taken at face value this race suggests more to come.

HURRICANE RITA moved to chase the winner from two out but couldn’t get close enough to challenge. This was only her fourth race and she appeared well suited by the step up in trip. Stuart Coltherd is shrewd enough to place her to win a staying novices’ event.

IORA GLAS chased the leader swinging for home but was found wanting from two out. He has to find extra off his current mark.

LORD USHER, stood down for what was deemed ‘an easy’ here over two miles last time, set sail for home after three out but found disappointingly little when challenged.

DUTCH CANYON struggled to get into the race on the final circuit. He looks a stayer without a deal of tactical pace.

SPOILS OF WAR led early jumping well and set a decent pace. His jumping went to pieces on the final circuit, but it turned out he had been seriously struck into and was pulled up. Lucinda Russell told me that things were touch and go for a while, but thankfully he has been treated and is now on the mend.

2.50 2m 7½f Anne MacDonald Birthday Bash Selling Handicap Chase (73-99)

For this type of contest it really wasn’t all the bad a race.

The in-form MY FRIEND GEORGE travelled well until briefly outpaced going to the open ditch two out. Driven back up to the leader he challenged at the last and gave generously when asked. He was rated 84 going into this, so will remain firmly below the top mark for the class, which has to be an advantage with an animal on good terms with the world.

Last year’s winner WINTER ALCHEMY looked likely to make it a double when taking up the running going well two out. To my eye he didn’t stop but just found the winner a little too good. Winter Alchemy has generally gone well in the warmer weather and is not a lost cause for upcoming engagements.

CHICAGO OUTFIT jumped really well in front but was held once passed two out. He hit the last when held and is difficult to win with.

BROKETHEGATE has had a few problems but wasn’t disgraced here and connections must take some encouragement. He was well there until weakening from two out.

PISTOL BASC runs a lot of passable race without visiting the winner’s place more than in his turn. He was under the pump four out and beaten by two out.

SADDLE PACK is normally held up and was never remotely competitive on this occasion. He has yet to prove he stays this trip under Rules.

WEST SHIP MASTER has run creditably over fences a few times but has yet to break his maiden. He weakened from three out on this occasion and was rather disappointing given recent efforts.

OXALIDO ran well at Perth but was never seriously in the contest here.

WAR ON is not good enough in hunters and struggled in this company.

ULTIEP pulled up having struggled from a mile out and of no account these days.

3.20 3m 2f Bedmax Handicap Chase (88-115)

WINGED CRUSADER’s form has been bitty, but he was impressive here, jumping really well and ridden clear from two out. A good spot by the Twiston-Davies yard to pick off this contest.

VIKING REBEL ran a creditable race insecond. He’s running well enough at this time, but time is not on his side at the age of 13. Not inconceivable that he could pick up a Class 4 or 5 event before retirement beckons.

REVOCATION ran a passable race in third if never looking the winner from three out. He’s lightly raced and will not always run into one such as this winner.

GIBBSTOWN was held from three out. She goes well at Hexham but I don’t think she qualifies for any staying chases at that course in the remaining meetings this spring.

STONEY has won a trio of points, but has been found wanting in this company since moving from Ireland.

ACTION MASTER was ridden as if needing kidded home. He made stealthy headway to be going as well as any on the home turn, but hit two out and quickly dropped out. There was no report of a physical problem and it looked to me as if he ‘jacked it in’.

RESOLUTE PERFORMER flattered down the far side for the last time but dropped away from four out. This was a step up in class on his previous wins and he was found wanting.

ROMANY RYME wasn’t totally disgraced when last of five finishers in the Highland National. That race may have left its mark as he made no show here.

FARMER MATT raced prominently early but struggled on the last circuit and was pulled up. He was coming back from a long break and the outing looked needed.

JEWELLERY struggled from halfway and pulled up before four out.

3.55 2m ½f Principal & Prosper Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (100-118)

TURTLE WATCH was well touted by a few reliable sources. He had been expected to do the business at Ayr but opinion was that he wasn’t given the best ride. On this occasion he travelled well throughout in the hands of Graham Watters, eased up to the leader going well two out and won with any amount in hand.

PETERS GREY showed promise here a couple of runs ago and was not disgraced in a better event at Ayr last time. He ran into one here and looks the right material to win a similar contest. He’s certainly one I would take out this meeting.

SURPRISE VENDOR is a fair measure in this sort of company and ran a sound enough race in third place.

CADORE disputed two out but weakened before the last.

SHANROE SOCIETY came here off a long break and was never put in a competitive position.

STENTORIAN challenged going very well two out, but was tiring when falling at the last flight.

KEALIGOLANE, returning after a long break, was revved up as ever and led but was spent by three out.

4.30 2m 5½f Berwick Speedway Novices’ Hunters’ Chase (Class 5)

This didn’t look an over strong contest.

CHANCEOFALIFETIME was presented with just that being rated significantly higher under Rules than his opponents. In the event he had to work at it, driven out from the last having travelled well enough.

MISTER D gave the race his best shot in second. He led from three out until the last and saw out the contest well enough. This appeared a step up on recent point and hunter efforts.

DARSI DANCER, pulled up in The Heart at Hexham, was comfortably put in his place from two out.

DURBAN GOLD was made joint favourite here. Given that he was down in distance after a second of a two at Balcormo when looking an out-and-out stayer, the reasoning of those backing him is obscure. He never went the pace and would have been suited by another lap.

The remainer pulled up with MR SHAHADY well outpaced on the final circuit, AFTERCLASS never travelling for Kit Alexander and HECKLEY HERBERT looking plain slow.

5.05 2m ½f Cheers Bar Standard Open NH Flat – Division 1 (Class 5)

A double dose of bumpers and plenty to take out from the two contests.

My paddock inspection suggested the Alan Swinbank trained newcomer MICKLEGATE RUN looked the one primed to win a flat race. His trainer apparently would have been pleased with ‘first four’ but rumour has it he’s a pessimist! In the event the winner led two out but then ran green and had to work hard to hold a fair opponent in second. A good start and there looks a bit more to come.

GULLY’S EDGE followed up a sound second last time with another decent effort. He kept the winner honest and a visit to the winner’s spot looks no more than delayed. One slight worry is that he races in a tongue-tie.

CATCHING SHADOWS was not disgraced in third under a double penalty. He was reported as hanging right down the straight.

One to note long term here is KALANITI. Travelling well enough most of the way, he hung left over one furlong out but stayed on steadily under gentle encouragement. He will make up into a jumper and I’d be surprised if he can’t win races.

As one who will turn into a stayer, BENNY’S SECRET was sent on by Lucy Alexander. He was outpaced by more speedy horses from two out, but once presented with a trip over hurdles he will be a better animal. He’s well regarded at Kinneston and worth placing on the list as a novice hurdler for 2015/16.

SEVEN DEVILS ran second to a bumper winner in his Irish point. He was held from two out but should do better in time.

5.40 2m ½f Cheers Bar Standard Open NH Flat – Division 2 (Class 5)

DANTE’S WAY is a nice sort who should make up into a jumper before long. It is pleasing that he showed enough pace to win this and he’s in the right hands going forward.

NUTS WELL progressed nicely from his Hexham debut. He led two out and, though given it his best, just had to give way in the final yards. A decent effort and his stable should place this half-brother to Runswick Royal to advantage in future.

DANMURPHYSDOOR probably needs obstacles in front of him to show his best, so a third here is a bonus. He raced prominently but was held in the final furlong.

LIMOS performed better than on his Hexham debut, if held from two out.

Jim Goldie’s THISULLDAEUS has plenty going for him on breeding but looks to need time and was well beaten after racing prominently early on.

A non-runner here was McGINTY’S DREAM, but note this one for the long term as he’s another animal well regarded by trainer Nick Alexander.