Fife point-to-point at Balcormo

BALCORMO MAINS – Saturday April 23^rd

Going – Good

A disappointing turn out runner wise at Balcormo for the Fife hunt point-to-point where ground judged on the quick side by some, despite watering, saw only 23 contest six races. I understand two horses travelled from Wales but were pulled out as trainer considered the ground too quick. Spectator wise it seemed busier than last year, but some seemed to pack up and go home early. My wife wasn’t impressed to note two and three runners in the first two races, but things did get a little better.

Weather was mainly dry, though a brisk north wind did bring in the odd wintry flurry.

2.00 Turcan Connel Fife Foxhounds Hunts Members, Subscribers and Farmers Race

Fife isn’t over-endowed with active point-to-point trainers at this time, so this event isn’t likely to yield too many runners unless the Alexanders turned up mob-handed. In the event the latter’s entries were selective and they gave this one a miss. However, the two that turned up were at least quite evenly matched.

Connor Wood, who looks a decent pilot in the making, set a sensible pace on the Russell’s BADGER FOOT and gradually wound the pace up in the final mile. Despite the best efforts from Gemma Cochrane her charge MILANO MAGIC was held from two out.

2.30 Subaru Restricted

A weak contest and not likely to produce a prominent contestant for the Stratford final.

Rodd Wilson set the pace on PHARAWAYDANTE and pulled clear from three out to win by 25 lengths. The grey stepped up on some lousy recent form and seemed happy being able to dictate the pace.

AFTERCLASS was held up, outpaced from three out and only kept on to pass a weakening opponent late on. He won an Overton Maiden last year, but his form is patchy and he has bled in the recent past.

FLYING CENTRAL won a 2m 4f Maiden at Hexham last year. On this evidence he struggles to see out three miles and he had called enough by the second last.

3.00 Lundin Homes Ladies’ Open

The field sizes were incrementing by the race and four turned up for the Ladies’ contest.

SHRIVARRY’s recent form reads well with wins at Overton and Dalston as well as a second to fair performer at Corbridge. Brought steadily into the contest down the far side for the last time by Aimee Waugh, he challenged two out, led at the last and forged clear on the run-in.

WHISPERDALE has run some fair races this season without getting his head in front. He disputed early and went on at the sixth, only being headed at the last and not having the resources to respond.

RAIFTIERI won races back in 2013 and 14 but has been generally toiling since. He was outpaced when the first two upped the tempo, but passed a toiling rival in the latter stages to gain a place.

THE SHRIMP was a winner of two handicap chases in 2014 when rated 81, but has shown precious little recently and hasn’t beaten another this year. He was before two out here and probably needs softer ground anyway.

3.30 Pentland Land Rover Mens Open

Nose bleed time as five pitched up for the fourth race, but it was not a strong Open race.

ALLTHEKINGSHORSES has some decent staying form to his credit and the surface here was just up his street. Veteran pilot Jamie Alexander was able to kick on from the fourteenth and his mount was always producing sufficient to hold his rivals.

FOR A FINISH was rated lowest of these but was well ridden by Phil Moore. Creeping gradually into the race on the final circuit his mount chased the winner from two out but was held by a better opponent. For A Finish was rated 127 when winning 6 races in Ireland up to 2012, but he’s nowhere near that level now and this was a best effort for some time.

OLDRIK is a non-stayer, so the quick surface will have helped. Given his problems with the distance he did well to hold a chance two out but is a weak finisher in these events.

HAVE ONE FOR ME set the pace early, but was struggling by three out and well held from that point. He won twice in 2014 but looks on the downgrade these days.

SUPREME REGIME has some form to his name, but was struggling from three out here and well beaten. He’s up against it in Opens.

4.00 Bruce Farms NPPA Members’

Jamie Alexander notched up a double as he rode ROYAL CHATELIER to win this event. Under a text book hold up ride, the winner came to challenge before the last and was ridden to hold the pace setter from the last. A decent enough effort from one that goes well in softer ground and is competitive in Opens.

Jamie’s nephew Kit set the pace on MR SHAHADY who saw out his race after being passed at the last. He’s inconsistent but runs the odd decent race.

PYJAMA GAME runs some fair races but is not prolific winner these days. He shared the pace for much of the way but gave way from before two out though still only beaten 5 lengths. For a Will Ramsay view of this race atop Pyjama Game, including his opinion on the going at around 1:56,  check out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ztsxh_e0k

SILENT SNOW didn’t jump with any fluency and his chance had gone by three out. He hasn’t sparkled in two efforts this term.

4.30 Rathbones Open Maiden

This race fell apart down the far side on the final circuit with three departing.

ELUSIVE CLASSIC was entitled to have every chance on the best of his Irish point form. He unseated on UK debut at Corbridge, but made up for that. Left disputing with a sole opponent at the sixteenth he forged clear from two out. What he actually achieved here is debatable as the second is a poor performer.

BURNETT’S JOINT is a non-stayer who is a frequent non-finisher. He did at remain competitive in a weak race but was held from two out and it probably isn’t worth getting carried away with a 2 in his form line.

Bruce Lynn reported that LOCKIESEDGE tried to run out at the sixteenth and unseated. This one was off the track for a long time before this season, hints at ability but clearly has quirks.

TIME FOR VINO hasn’t shown much but was still in contention when unseating midway round the final circuit.

DAPPER LADY has shown little ability, jumping poorly here and was well detached when unseating at the fifteenth.

A First Visit to Wetherby

A trip south to visit various relatives in the south of England should have included a trip to Newbury racecourse. However, a wet spell put the meeting in jeopardy, with a Thursday downpour administering the coup de grace. As it was we sat out a rainy Friday afternoon with my mum who lives a few miles from Newbury.

We headed north to Wetherby to take in their Sunday jumps meeting. I've been past the place any amount of times, but this was a first ever visit to the track.

WETHERBY – Sunday April 17^th

Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

We had another scare before this meeting went ahead as the course had to survive an early morning inspection. The go ahead was given, although three fences and one hurdle were omitted per circuit in order to avoid the soggiest parts of the track. The fields were reduced in size as 21 of the 54 declared runners were no shows, though the small fields still provided some decent racing.

For the record a cancellation at Stratford meant that all races were re-timed to start 5 minutes later.

2.05 2m National Festival Circus Is Here Today Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (95-112)

CACTUS VALLEY built on a decent effort at Kelso when a blunder at the last cost him his chance. On this occasion he tracked the leader, but was driven from two out and looked to struggling. After the last Tom Cheesman aimed him between the first two and he took off in the last 100 yards to win going away. He seemed to relish running between horses suggesting running in big fields might help. (He has subsequently run creditably in a better event at Perth)

CELTIC AGENT, a tall keen going sort, was produced fit enough after a long lay-off. Challenging tow out he led at the last but was run out of close home. This was a decent effort on handicap debut and he should find a similar event.

POLARBROOK made the pace and stuck to his task well against two challengers, just giving way on the run-in. This was a good effort dropped back in distance. He’s not a prolific winner, only 2 from 33, but looked honest enough here.

BOLDBOB has not progressed from a Cartmel win last August and was beaten from three out.

SUPER COLLIDER didn’t look comfortable and was the first beaten.

2.20 Mascot Gold Cup (Handicap over 1 furlongs with 6 jumps)

53 entries for the mascot race. It’s easy enough to spot the likely contenders in the parade as they are ones sporting training shoes!

ONGO BEAR (representing Ongo Homes) came with a run to take it up approaching the last only to fall and left the at the mercy of SILENTNIGHT HIPPO (representing Rooms Furniture of Keighley).

2.40 1m 7f racinguk.com Handicap Chase (92-115)

These events are listed as ‘about two miles’ but lack of decent tape measure at Wetherby before ‘Wetherby Distance-gate’ means they now race at a shade over fifteen furlongs.

Only three turned up but this was a decent contest, all three in with a chance passing the omitted two out.

I’ve seen TRUST THOMAS a few times of late and he looked as well as I have seen him here.  He jumped better than the second and a fine leap at the last clinched the race. He handles this testing ground well enough.

ROXYFET did not jump well and that cost him the race, a clumsy jump at the last conceding the contest. He’s been raised in the weights and will need to sharpen his fencing if he is to add to his tally of wins.

FREE WORLD bowled along in front jumping impressively. He still held a chance on the run to the last but was outpaced. He kept on to challenge for second and his mid-Wales based trainer must hold out some hope that she can find a race for this veteran.

3.10 2m 3½f D M Keith Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)

I’ve often said that these contests don’t take an awful lot of winning in the north. However, we were treated to a cracking battle between the two serious contenders.

TWO SMOKIN BARRELS is an attractive jumping sort who will likely go on to make a mark over fences. She had to battle hard but after a prolonged head-to-head she got on top in the last 50 yards. Promising behind a long odds-on chance at Chepstow on Rules debut, she’s a point winner and will have no trouble staying further than this.

ANGEL FACE lost nothing in defeat on her debut for South Wales trainer Paul Morgan. She’s not a big mare, but clearly has a heart as she made the winner pull out the stops. Morgan should place her to win a similar contest.

BYGONES FOR COINS is a headstrong flat maiden who has yet to encourage over hurdles. She led until being quickly left behind from the top bend and was left to come home in her own time. It’s difficult to see much prospect of success for this one.

3.45 3m wetherbyracing.co.uk Handicap Chase (115-130)

Not a bad contest for the main race on the card and won by a progressive young chaser.

The mare STREETS OF PROMISE has made steady progress in recent times and followed up her Newcastle victory with an impressive all the way win. She pulled clear from two out and this seven-year-old mare looks to have prospects of making a mark in a higher grade next term.

BARAFUNDLE put in a number of slow jumps and couldn’t match the winner, though given how much ground he gave away at the obstacles this was a reasonable effort. He’s a twelve-year-old now though and will struggle win again without a significant improvement in his jumping.

SWING HARD briefly threatened after four out but never got to the first two. He kept on at one pace and is probably better on a stiffer track.

BEFOREALL was in rear for much of the way and not travelling. He kept on past tired rivals for a never nearer fourth place.

OSCAR O’SCAR was disappointing here, but he’s gone up in the weights and this could have been one race too many for now. Although a winner over similar trip at Kelso he may just be better at a shorter trip.

RUSSBOROUGH was not seriously competitive in the final mile. He was pulled up and dismounted as Liam Treadwell felt he had gone lame, but the vet found nothing wrong during a post-race examination.

TOP OF THE RANGE ran no sort of race and was pulled up on stable debut after a near two year lay-off.

4.20 2m Bulloughs Cleaning Services Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

This looked a shoo-in for the long odds-on favourite Flashjack. However Simon West’s OVERTHEEDGE improved on previous Rules efforts and won quite nicely. I get the impression that his trainer has a fair impression of this one, with staying chases being the ultimate aim, but evidence here is that he has some speed. Leading two out he saw his race out well and the pair were well clear, so even allowing for a below form second, this is at least respectable form.

FALCON’S REIGN has won over nine furlongs on the flat, but doesn’t look an obvious sort for two mile hurdles in testing ground. Having chased the leaders he weakened in the straight.

CAPTAIN MOWBRAY is a headstrong type who was held up in rear and picked off a couple in the straight.

The other two competitors were FIRST OF NEVER is a 66-rated hurdler who had no chance here and DESERT NOVA is a fourteen-year-old maiden.

4.50 2m 5½f Sunday Car Boot Fair Every Week Handicap Chase (92-112)

A weakly contested chase won by the only contestant who ran up to form.

THE DRINKYMEISTER can be hard work, but sticks to his task and ground out a victory from the front. He has dropped significantly in the weights and could win again given his own way in front.

PAY THE KING wasn’t totally disgraced, but he invariably drops a clanger or two over the fences and wasn’t fluent here. Unless his fencing improves he would need to find a very soft contest.

CROWN AND GLORY was up in trip and reported as unsuited by the going.

BONNET’S VINO jumped significantly right most of the way and was beaten with three quarters of a mile to travel.

                              

5.20 2m Royal Pigeon Racing Association Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 5)

This looked an interesting contest at first glance. In the end it cut up a bit, but the first two look reasonable mares and the third might do better in time.

Point winner CHAMPAGNE TO GO came clear nicely from a previous winner and looks one capable of taking on better company.

Catterick winner KELKA was comfortably held once passed two out. However, she’s out of a 4-times winning staying mare in Scarvagh Diamond and will be interesting once going jumping over a longer distance.

BANJO GIRL was outpaced in the straight. She’s a half-sister to 3 winners and should produce better given time.

PALM VALLEY was beaten a long way, has shown nothing in points and prospects are not good on this evidence.

REINE DES CHAMPS caught my eye as a strongly built jumping type. However, she started to labour down the far side, was pulled up and had suffered a fatal injury.

Kelso - Premier Race Day Rescued!

Kelso – Sunday March 13^th

Going – Soft

Uncharacteristic get up and go by the BHA resulted in Kelso being able to re-schedule their principal meeting of the season. We were treated to a fine performance by last year’s National winner and a decent contest for the Kelso Premier Hurdle.

The ground was quite testing and a course walk revealed rather tired winter ground just crying out for some spring growth. The hurdles course was generally pretty chewed up, but the chase course had some stretches of better ground, though the jockeys didn’t appear to make an effort to search it out.

The hurdles run-in was set at 140 yards, as short as I remember it since the finishing straight was re-arranged.

1.50 2m Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Not a strong contest to pen the card and Oliver Sherwood picked up a bonus with his main runner’s box companion. THE FRESH PRINCE looks all over a chaser but saw off moderate opposition in nice style. He’s a point winner and will presumably go chasing sooner rather than later.

GREXIT, not having made an impact in Irish points, made a promising Rules debut here. Having got on to the tails of the leaders going to two out he saw out his race without seriously threatening the winner.

BERKSHIRE DOWNS brought fair form from mares’ company, but was put in her place well before the last having led much of the way. She has done well enough of late and connections are keen to have a go on faster ground.

ANGE DES MALBERAUX was well held from the home bend and has looked moderate to date. DUBAI CELEBRITY couldn’t back up moderate promise from debut.

COACHIE BEAR was on a ‘what have we got?’ discovery mission and connections were not downhearted by a sixth place finish. He was very novicey over his hurdles and looks just a galloper long term rather than a two miler.

2.20 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (106-125)

Lightly raced sort SUPERIOR COMMAND led two out and stayed on well enough from the last to break his maiden under Rules. His jumping wasn’t perfect on chasing debut so there should be improvement in him.

Point winner LOWANBEHOLD looked to have a tough task on chase debut after a lay-off. However, he acquitted himself very well, racing close out and sticking on to the line.

GOLD OPERA, making a quick return to the races after winning two days before, probably found this trip a little on the sharp side. He did make a pretty good fist of winning for the sponsoring family though, leading to four out and then battling back after being outpaced going to two out. His jumping has sharpened since his last run here.

MORNING ROYALTY took up the running four out and kept on after being headed two out. He wasn’t beaten far in fourth place.

QUICK BREW looked just held when blundering and unseating at the last.

2.55 2m 7½f totepoolliveinfo.com Premier Chase (Listed)

This was a strong a renewal of the race as I can remember, very much a justification of Listed status.

MANY CLOUDS made a second trip to Kelso having had a fruitless trip the week before. He jumped really well here, took up the running four out and comfortably came clear from two out. He looks in rude health and must have a decent chance of following up at Aintree. The encouraging point is that there still appeared to be a little to work on fitness wise.

UNIONISTE never got near to the winner but stayed on under pressure from two out to take second place. He stays well but to my mind doesn’t convince with his jumping enough to make a National contender.

CARRIGDHOUN ran a blinder to third. Having raced up with the pace he looked to be struggling four out, but stuck on gamely from two out and just held third place. Future prospects depend on what the handicapper makes of this, but connections can be proud of their grey gelding’s effort.

SAUSALITO SUNRISE, weighted to go close on the ratings, tried to match the winner but was struggling by the last and run out of a couple places up the final slope. This looked significantly below recent efforts.

CLOUDY TOO could make no impression from three out and probably found this soft gorund not quite testing enough.

GOLD FUTURES was always towards the rear along with MAGGIO who was reported as unsited by the ground.

3.30 2m 2f totescoop6 Premier Kelso (Novices’) Hurdle (Grade 2)

A strong renewal of this contest with six hurdles winners and none that could be completely ruled out.

LE PREZIEN is a genuine Grade 2 performer having gone close at Haydock. Going well turning for home, he stayed on under driving to hold a persistent second. I would imagine that there will be an Aintree target for him.

THE DUTCHMAN looks a very interesting prospect for Sandy Thomson, running a cracking race on his third hurdles outing. Having disputed the lead or led to after two out, he looked held once headed but battled back well on the run-in. He has been given time and that looks to be paying dividends.

LAKE VIEW LAD set the pace but was put in his place from the home turn.

OVERTOWN EXPRESS couldn’t match the principals from two out and needs sights lowered a little.

VIEUX LILLE made a hash of the seventh flight and couldn’t get back into contention afterwards. She’s better than this run suggests.

4.05 2m ½f Premier Traffic Management Handicap Chase (Hamilton Memorial Trophy) (83-109)

Three non-runners meant the field cut up to five but it gave a chance for VOYAGE A NEW YORK to show a class edge. Tongue-tied for the first time, and returning after a bout of colic, he came clear from two out for a comfortable win. This should boost his confidence.

SUZY’S MUSIC briefly looked a threat going to two out but couldn’t match the winner. A fair enough follow up to her chasing debut win.

Blinkered for the first time, OSCAR LATEEN led to two out and then weakened. He was a clear third on the run-in and a big slap from Steven Fox’s whip seemed totally out of order.

OIL BURNER struggled from four out and isn’t threatening a win despite racing off lower than his last winning mark.

PROUD GAMBLE didn’t impress with his jumping and weakened quickly down the far side. He was reported as having a breathing problem.

4.40 2m 6½f Rocky Lion’s Pride of Hazelrigg Handicap Hurdle (90-110)

MARLEE MASSIE has progressed throughout the season. Ridden confidently by Kit Alexander he took it up going to the last and saw out his race well. His rider has a nice way of getting his horses moving forward and comprehensive outrode the amateur aboard the second.

SEE DOUBLE YOU was turned out for the third day in a row and made it three places from those three runs. He looked well enough, despite some concern from the grandstand sages. He held every chance going to the last, but his trainer/rider starting flapping, his mount hit the last and on the short run-in he was held.

It didn’t inspire confidence when Ronana McNally suggested “ We should go around (the paddock) again as I don’t where I’m going!” There was a shade of concern when he was at the front of the bunch at the start!

HUNTERS BELT looked hard work in rear early on, but progressed on the final circuit to challenge two out. As is customary he found something too good but he wasn’t disgraced.

CRUACHAN was well backed but, on his toes in the paddock and not an easy ride, he was held from two out. There is ability there but it’s hard work.

LORD USHER is another tough ride and was never nearer than fifth place.

KILQUIGGAN looked plenty fit enough, is suited by a staying test but generally disappointing.

BOP ALONG needs better ground and connections are searching out a longer race with a contest at Carlisle over Easter a target. Nevertheless seventh here was below expectations.

I’m told SMUGGLER’S STASH was a struggle to saddle and is another less than straight forward character, being well beaten here.

SEE THE LEGEND is more of a summer type and was well beaten off a long break.

There, a whole report in March with no mention of the C place!

Kelso - Morebattle Hurdle Day

Thursday February 18^th

KELSO – Heavy (Soft in places)

The Morebattle meeting is one of Kelso’s top meetings of the season, with decent prize money for two conditions event but small fields for reasons discussed later in this piece.

We were among a group of Kelso Annual Members sponsoring a couple of races on the card. The hospitality in the Younger Stand was excellent, the superb is really good, and the coast was very reasonable. We will certainly return next year assuming a similar sponsorship arrangement is put in place.

I led the sweepstake held in the hospitality box going into the last race but was foiled as I could only manage a second place and a couple of others passed me. It was a hot contest as three winners, two seconds and a third only earned me third place! Can’t really complain though since it was a bumper that let me down and they are my favourite ‘jump’ races.

The going was reported as ‘very testing’ by a number of jockeys. The first hurdle in the straight and the nearby open ditch were omitted all afternoon.

1.20 2m Kelso Annual Members Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

My wife and I were among the group on ‘Best Turned Out’ selection duty for this contest. The party selected Barry Murtagh’s SCRUTINY as the winner with Liz Butterworth on duty and she’s also listed as owner of this one. A multiple winner on the flat up to 10 furlongs, Scrutiny looked fit, but didn’t look at all happy slogging round here in the winter mud. He was detached by halfway and pulled up before the last.

Three came clear and look at least fair animals. The winner ROAD TO GOLD got outpaced by his two main rivals coming around the home bend, but picked up nicely going the last and won going away. A pointing winner in Ireland, this one shouldn’t struggle if upped in trip.

WESTERN RULES has run into one or two decent sorts. He seems to lack an extra gear at the business so is probably suited by the tactics adopted to set the pace. He held every chance at the last but found the winner too strong up the final hill.

The mare WATER SPRITE came here off the back of a Clonmel maiden hurdle on balance a 7 length third here was about an equivalent performance. She would have every chance in a mares’ race with a penalty and her trainer should find a suitable race for her.

The remainder were well beaten. FINAL FLING showed a glimmer of promise in bumeprs but hasn’t built on that in three hurdle races. RED MYSTQUE hasn’t got close over hurdles and his best efforts have been on better ground. ANNA GREY pulled up here, having been beaten a very long way on debut.

1.55 2m 7½f Border Hotel Kirk Yetholm Handicap Chase (108-125)

A disappointing turn out for a decent prize, but with consistent heavy going the sloggers are spread thinly.

ROCKING BLUES doesn’t have a huge amount of miles on the clock for an 11-year-old. He looks progressive now and bounded clear from before the last to win with any amount in hand.

CARRIGDHOUN set the pace and was headed after two out. He rallied but was held by a better handicapped horse.

GOLD OPERA’s jumping was sketchy and he paid the price. He held every chance passing the omitted open ditch, but weakened quickly. He has to prove he stays this trip and his jumping needs to sharpen.

LUCEMATIC lost touch on the long run from two out and has been below form on two runs this year.

REDKALANI was on and off the bridle and lost down the far side for the last time, pulling up before three out.

2.30 2m 2f Morebattle Hurdle (Class 2)

Pre-race discussion amongst the centred on the small fields for the main events. One suggested that this race should be made a handicap. This is understandable, but therein lies the problem. I strongly suspect the reason is that those running horses against highly rated runners are frightened of finishing too close and handicap mark suffering.

There’s an easy solution to the above. Firstly you have to have a handicap mark and secondly mark can’t be changed after a run in such an event.

With the Champion Hurdle market wide open TOP NOTCH came here as an outside contender for the title. He did prospects no harm, easing clear on the bridle with minimum of fuss.

ONE FOR HARRY ran to his best, driven to stay with Top Notch approaching the last but easily left behind once headed.

CHIC NAME was comfortably outpaced by the first two on the long run from two out.

CROCO BAY set a decent pace but weakened in the home straight. He presumably has a Cheltenham chase as a target.

3.05 3m 2f Ivan Straker Memorial Chase (Class 2)

This event had a sad conclusion since NEPTUNE EQUESTER collapsed and died on the horse walk returning after the race. He had been in fine form, having won the Borders National and went out on a high, producing as good a performance as any he had to chase home Unioniste. He took the race to the winner but was outpointed and sadly the after effects claimed him.

UNIONISTE was headed after two out but driven to lead and pulled clear. He jumped soundly here is aimed at the Grand National, but he tipped up early last year and has a moderate record in big fields.

SOLL ran a lack lustre race in conditions which should have suited. He was struggling on the final circuit and eventually allowed to come home in his own time.

CORRIN WOOD Was readily outpaced from the twelfth and pulled up soon after. He is another entered in the National, but this run offered no encouragement.

3.40 2m 6½f Kelso Annual Members Handicap Hurdle (104-124)

The curse of the low sun struck so that the final hurdle was removed and only 6 jumped in the race.

SHADES OF MIDNIGHT was considered worth a run in the Grade 2 novice here last year. I always felt there was more to come and he proved it in emphatic style at this level. He came well clear after turning for home. Difficult to judge from with so few hurdles though, and I would keep an eye on how the handicapper views the performance.

PILGRIMS BAY had every chance on the final turn but was well outpaced by the winner. He came clear of the remainder but tied up and was pipped for third on the line.

KINDOFEASY shared or took the lead for much of the way. He was outpaced by the winner but saw his race out to the line to snatch second place and lacks for nothing in attitude.

TEDDY TEE weakened on the long run-in.

LANDECKER raced prominently but he’s a difficult character, although he is capable on his day, and dropped away from the home turn.

4.15 2m 7½f P & G Allan Catering Open Hunters’ Chase (Class 5)

It paid to stick with proven stayers in this race as there were stamina doubts about some of the fancied runners. No fences in the home straight due to low sun.

DURBAN GOLD is an out-and-out stayer, and ideally probably needs further, but the gruelling conditions allowed her stamina to kick in up the home straight. Watch out for this one in the more extreme distance hunter contests.

WICKLOW LAD loves these conditions and was given every chance by Kit Alexander who kicked on entering the final circuit. He kept on for second place and is worth considering when the ground is deep.

MISTER MARKER stays well but didn’t have the pace to lay up in the latter stages.

BARACHOIS SILVER is well below second and third in the official figures and ran creditably before giving way in the home straight. She runs honest races and worth an interest in the weaker hunter events.

WAYUPINTHESKY was held no the long run-in. He needs to raise his game in this company.

HAVANA JACK scored in a poor maiden point at Balcormo and was up against it here, well behind from two out.

This was too much of a stamina test for BOBCATBILLY who didn’t help his cause by pulling hard early on.

KINGS GREY is a non-stayer and would need to be aimed at the shorter hunter events on better ground.

4.50 2m Racing UK in HD Next Month Standard Open NH Flat (Class 6)

Only two got seriously involved at the business end.

LADY BEAUFORT is quite a compact sort, well prepped for her first outing. She wore down the favourite in the final furlong, the pair well clear. A good start and she is a half-sister to four winners including Kadarann so there must be good prospects going forward.

RANDY PIKE was forward enough on debut as is normally the case with Richards’s runners. He responded well and picked up when driven two out, but was worn down in the latter stages. He’s got plenty to like about him and should make up into a jumper.

BRACKENMOSS RORY is related to chasing winners. He’s far from the finished product but kept on steadily without matching the first two. This was promising and he will produce better in time.

MOVE TO THE GROOVE, well presented as is the norm for McCain runners, led at a steady pace but was tapped for pace from two furlongs out. He is likely to be a different proposition once he has jumps in front of him.

I got chapter and verse on COACHIE BEAR. His previous stable didn’t really have a clear plan with this big chasing type and he had a physical on his sole outing last year. He has now changed hands and resides in Katie Scott’s yard, connections using this as a fact finding mission more than anything else. On that basis a prominent run and a fifth place must be encouraging. It might take time but there is a jumper waiting in this one.

Musselburgh Cheltenham Trials Day

MUSSELBURGH – Sunday February 7^th

Going – Soft (Good to Soft in places)

A rather wild day for Musselburgh’s biggest fixture of the jumps season, Cheltenham Trials Day, with rain in the early part of the afternoon accompanied by strong winds. The going turned officially soft, though soft here is like good to soft elsewhere and it wasn’t excessively testing.

Only three fences in the straight once again due to course alignment to save newly laid turf and a run-in of a furlong and a half.

1.00 1m 7½f Skybet Supreme Scottish Trail Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2)

CHARBEL was held by Yanworth at Ascot last time in a Grade 2, but found this contest easier and made all comfortably. He pulled clear from two out and merits a visit to Cheltenham where he should be capable of pitching for places.

BRAIN POWER was well fancied here after a win at Kempton first time up over hurdles. He chased the leader up the straight but couldn’t make any impression. He’s a nice enough sort and there should be further races to be won as experience is gained.

IMPULSIVE AMERICAN has yet to score over hurdles but kept on honestly enough for a decent third place. Handicaps may offer his best chances.

ALWAYS RESOLUTE was held from three out and found this a bit competitive.

AZZURRI wasn’t disgraced no hurdling debut in fifth, given that this was a tough race. He can make a mark if his sights are lowered.

SIMON SQUIRREL was disappointing and beaten quite a way out.

LAC LEMAN was getting the worst of the argument when slithering and almost coming down three out. He was quickly pulled up, but appeared none the worse.

ALTRUISM was never going and pulled up as Richard Johnson reported he had lost his action.

2.00 2m toteexacta Scottish Champion Chase (for the Bowes-Lyon Trophy) (115-136)

CHESTNUT BEN had a tough task at Doncaster last time, but eased in class a little back at the course he previously won at he stepped up to the plate. Jumping nicely, he was always in touch, came to challenge two out and took charge on the run-in.

Winning jockey Ryan winks did a flying dismount and then, encouraged by Derek Thompson, gave a rendition of ‘We Are The Champions’ for the throng! He does a tidy job as a jockey and there are plenty of worse 7lb claiming amateurs on the scene.

YORKIST has dropped to a workable mark and looked a possible winner two out before being run out of it. A sound enough effort.

QUITO DU TRESOR was never near the leaders, but stuck on well enough to take third place on the run-in. He’s running well enough but is difficult to win with these days.

THE GREY TAYLOR raced prominently for much of the way, and still held a chance at the last, but weakened quickly on the run-in.

AYE WELL finished a never dangerous fifth.

GOT THE NAC raced too freely in front and faded once headed three out.

IRISH THISTLE never got seriously into the race and nor did MY BROTHER SYLVEST, both well beaten.

FULL SHIFT was reported as not suited by the ground, but it isn’t very soft here and the excuse doesn’t really wash. Maybe he didn’t take the long trip well?

2.00 1m 7½f totetrifecta Scottish Triumph Hurdle (Listed)

A disappointing turn out, but juvenile hurdles have struggled for runners in recent times. There was a time when many horses would have tried hurdling off a three-year-old flat career, but these days the all-weather conveyor belt reduces the flow of hurdlers.

TOMMY SILVER wasn’t particularly convincing with his jumping but came clear from two out to win with a bit to spare. Talk of the Triumph Hurdle seem optimistic as this form probably doesn’t rate higher than 130 at best, given the third seemed below form. He should improve with time though.

ASHOKA put in a sound effort in second, the only one to seriously threaten the winner. He could make no impression from two out.

SIR CHAUVELIN was below his previous best, though stayiong on in the latter stages to take third.

SIKANDAR struggled from three out and a current rating of 114 looks his level. There will be easier opportunities.

2.30 2m 4f totepoollive.com Scottish Future Champions Novices’ Chase (Class 3)

Only two got seriously involved in this…, until the last 100 yards when FIVE IN A ROW stayed on from the clouds to mug the other two main contenders. He was struggling four out and looked well held, and even at the last looked comfortably held some 15 lengths down. However, he picked up in the final furlong and came steaming past Sametegal and Ittirad to win by half a length going away. What this form is worth is anyone’s idea, but the winner does stay further.

SAMETEGAL looked the likely winner at the last and was holding his main chaser until passed in the shadow of the post. Sam Twiston-Davies reproached himself afterwards, but would have won 99 times out of 100 from his position with 100 yards to go.

ITTIRAD appeared to find this trip just stretching his stamina. He didn’t help by belting three out and then clambering the last.  Two miles on good or fast ground looks his bag and he may be worth holding back now for the spring.

OVERTHEEDGE fluffed his ‘pootle round for fourth prize’ opportunity, crashing out at the third, though he was apparently unscathed.

3.00 1m 7½f totepool Supporting Scottish Racing Scottish County Hurdle (Handicap) (121-150)

This is generally a competitive heat that takes some winning and it was pleasing the home brigade produced an impressive winner. Upwardly mobile Iain ‘Scobie’ Jardine has some decent animals in his stable, and as progressive as any is SHREWD who came to challenge at the last and quickly put distance between himself and his rivals. Jardine has his eye on the consolation race at Kempton, a plan which involves not making the cut at Cheltenham. I don’t think Cheltenham will suit him so watch his trainer’s placing carefully.

VENDOR was thereabouts all the way and kept on well enough to hold second place. He’s probably pretty much on his mark at 138 and ran to it here.

CARDINAL WALTER is more lightly raced than the others and ran an encouraging third, having held every chance going to the last. He looks well capable of picking up a handicap off his current mark and is worth putting in the notebook going forward.

ZAIDITN held a chance going to the last but didn’t land running and that cost him a place or two. There should be handicap for him on good ground.

HAWK HIGH needs better ground and was outpaced before the home turn. He rallied to hold some chance but was held before the last.

ARISTO DU PLESSIS holds a Champion Hurdle entry, but he didn’t to win this comfortably to justify that and he wasn’t up to it. He raced keenly as ever, possibly doing a little too much in this company, and was found out before the last. He would probably be better suited by a quicker surface and his target is the Scottish Champion Hurdle.

3.30 2m 7½f Albert Bartlett Scottish Trial Hurdle (Novices) (Class 2)

A small field but a decent contest run at a searching pace.

O O SEVEN strayed on gamely to hold two decent rivals. Cheltenham is a stiffer test, and whether he is quite Cheltenham Festival class is debatable but he is a decent performer.

FAGAN was on my list of horses to follow on the basis of a bumper win against decent performer Meet The Legend. This is his sort of trip, but I get the impression he needs quicker ground to show his best. I fancy he will improve over this sort of trip on better ground.

DELUSIONOFGRANDEUR caught my eye at Carlisle early season when second to impressive Shantou Village. He set an honest pace here and, having been caught for toe going to the last, fought back determinedly on the run-in. A genuine stamina test looks ideal.

CALIVGNY was outclassed here but brought home in his own time for fourth prize.

4.00 3m 2½f Northern Point-to-Point Scottish Foxhunter Chase (Class 3)

A battle of attrition with the cut in the ground, one that suits RAILWAY DILLON as much as any. He has never looked the most straightforward character to my mind, but talented Emma Todd has formed a decent relationship with him in recent times. Her mounting style in the paddock was rather ungainly, but all went swimmingly after that. Railway Dillon will now be aimed at Cheltenham, but I fancy targeting one or two other extreme tests might pay.

PENA DORADA made a most encouraging debut for his stable. He was just outbattled after the last, but lost little in defeat and looks nailed on for a Northern hunter chase before long.

NOWURHURLIN would have found this trip stretching his stamina and was held from three out. He’s one of the better Northern Area performers and should find a hunter chase before long over shorter trip. Watch out for him at Kelso.

The remainder were pulled up.

The ground was softer than ideal for ISLA PEARL FISHER and he never got competitive. On quicker ground he should go close at this level.

This trip is well beyond NEAREST THE PIN’s best and a significant drop in distance is required.

NO LOOSE CHANGE made some headway from the eleventh, but was struggling soon after and can blow hot and cold.

DAMIENS DILEMMA led but weakened quickly once headed with a mile to go.

PHARAWAYDANTE was way out of his depth on Rules debut.

LITTLE FRITZ skewed at the first and his jockey was jettisoned.

4.30 3m 2fPertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) (128-154)

Off a long break CUP FINAL was backed down to a very short price for what looked a competitive event. He held off a serious challenge from the last and now goes to the Final of this event, the paln top go chasing on hold for a while.

WARRIOR’s TALE pestered the winner up the run-in and lost little in defeat.

TAGLIATELLE was making eye-catching progress when blundering three out. Taking a little while to recover, he could never quite get to the leaders but stayed on well to take third place. Off a mark of 154 he won’t have many opportunities but is worth noting if contesting a handicap on good ground.

We had a chat with Sandy Thomson pre-race and he said that SELDOM INN has generally run decent race with excuses when he hasn’t fired. His jumping hasn’t been sharp enough over fences so he was tried back in a hurdle. He led three out and held a chance going to the last but was held on the run-in.

SY KHAN stayed on from the rear without threatening. He is another that would be ideally suited by slightly better ground.

CALL THE COPS who struggled with the cut. He’s better than his well held effort here and will have opportunities as the ground dries out.

MUSSELBURGH – Monday February 8th

ASCOT DE BRUYERE was an eye-catching winner of the opening novices hurdle and can win again under a penalty. DUBAI DEVILS kept on well enough for second, clear of a fair marker in third and should win a similar contest.

BOP ALONG has needed a trip and ran a promising third handicapped over a three mile trip here. He was off the track for a while but is gradually coming to himself and should be capable of taking a similar contest.

The bumper won by Atomix turned into a three furlong sprint. However, keep an eye out for MULTIPEDE, outpaced before two out, but picking up nicely to stay on to take fifth place.

Kelso closes the Scottish programme for 2015

KELSO – Tuesday December 29^th

Going – Heavy

A few factors have kept me off the course for a while, a combination of foul weather and the Forth Bridge closure meaning I missed the Borders National meeting. However, the weather relented enough to allow this meeting to go ahead, and travel wasn’t too bad though M90 was down to one lane north of the bridge. Why couldn’t they sort that when the bridge was closed?

The course drained really well, a pre-meeting walk revealed a good covering of grass and very few soggy patches bar a short ‘swampy bit’ in the dip on the chase course near the 2m 2f hurdles start. The conditions were testing but in most races finishers were not bottoming out.

12.05 2m 6½f McGrath 1000 Bags Of Carrots NH Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)

A race sponsored by Colin and Ruth McGrath as a mark of their regular ‘prize to the horse’ presentation for each race at Kelso.

FLEMENSFIRTHLEADER, a keen going mare, ran an absolute cracker here and was unlucky not to win after coming down at the last. Her jumping can be sharpened but she clearly stays well. She was down for 15 minutes or so but rose to cheers and applause from the decent sized holiday crowd. She looked none the worse and should pick up a staying hurdle, particularly if her trainer can find a mares’ only event.

TAKINGRISKS was three lengths down and being worked on when left well clear at the last. He is progressing nicely, stays well and this looks solid form.

SEVENBALLS OF FIRE was outpaced from two out but kept on for second. He’s a big chasing type, this was only his second racecourse appearance coming off a 14 month break, and there is likely to be better to come. I suspect a patient approach may pay dividends.

DAKOTA GREY chased the leaders before giving way from two out. He may have found the going at this trip a shade too taxing.

EGRET was on the heels of the leaders when he all but came down when slipping on landing at the ninth, Derek Fox’s self-preservation instincts kicking in big time. He had no chance afterwards, but he can be forgiven this one.

ASHES CORNER was a long way behind in the final ¾ mile. He was very tired when clambering over the last and walking in. His jockey made his excuses to the stewards, but in my opinion common sense should have prevailed and the gelding should have been pulled up.

MAHLER LAD was beaten a long way out and pulled up. He didn’t handle the ground.

12.40 3m 2f Joe Sullivan Memorial Handicap Chase (103-120)

TOTAL ASSETS had run decent races in his two chases and built nicely on that. HE forged clear nicely to prove that he sees out this longer trip. He had hinted that this sort of stamina test would suit and can kick on from here.

PRESENT FLIGHT was not disgraced in second but this slog probably stretched his stamina to the limit. A sound enough effort and he can win again on slightly better ground.

CHAVOY was outpaced going to two out and stuck on again up the hill. He doesn’t look especially well treated right now but gave this his best.

CHANCEOFA LIFETIME was another keeping on to the line. He probably needs a little easing in the handicap to give him a live chance.

MORE MADNESS never got into the race and was well beaten from three out.

TIPSY DARA gave encouragement on return after a long break. She bowled along in front or disputing for a long way before weakening from four out. She was soon pulled up but this run suggests she is no back number as she approaches 12.

I heard encouraging reports pre-race regarding DREAM FLYER, but to me he looked short of a gallop or two. He was struggling from the fourteenth, soon pulled up and reported as having a breathing problem. A watching brief is advised right now.

1.15 2m G Marshall Tractors Case IH Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

This isn’t the strongest division and this race looked a moderate contest the two with official ratings being on 106 and 109.

PRESENTING ROSE showed a good attitude to triumph here, despite a few less than accurate leaps. She battled gamely to hold all-comers from two out. Stephen Mulqueen got in a bit of a pickle with his whip hands on the run-in, but his mount was always best and not in any danger in the stewards’ room, though her rider picked up a 2-day ban.

BERKSHIRE DOWNS had her chance, saw her race, but wasn’t quite good enough. She didn’t do too much wrong and there should be a small contest for her.

ATTENTION SEAKER had every chance until giving way from the last. On looks it appeared that the race would do her some good and she wandered under pressure up the hill.

RIVABODIVA came to have her chance two out but weakened before the last. She won a mares’ maiden point at Lisronagh and will likely need further.

1.50 2m 1f Monteith Memorial Handicap Chase (89-112)

This race was won by an exciting young filly CARALINE who won by 15 lengths but could have doubled that and more. It’s rare that we see a four-year-old filly winning chases, and this was her third including one in France.

Joe Colliver reported that the winner jumps so well the more jumps there are the better, and she will have no trouble with further. She went into this race rated 97 which seems significantly below what she is capable of reaching. It’s worth noting she is rated only 91 over hurdles.  One way or another put this one in the notebook.

TRUST THOMAS ran a decent race and was the only one to stick anywhere near the winner from two out. He’s in good heart and there should be a race for him soon.

RUPERT BEAR raced prominently, was still there turning for home but weakened in the latter stages. He’s taken time to get going this season but this was a bit more encouraging.

Apart from the winner note VINNY GAMBINI who looked in need of this race. He was outpaced from two out but will come on significantly for this and is worth keeping in mind going forward.

RETRIEVE THE STICK was well beaten and had an off day.

AMETHYST ROCK disputed to four out but was very tired and well beaten at the finish.

CASTLELAWN was up with the pace early but faded and was pulled up before two out. He won twice at Hexham in 2013 but has had a mixed record on occasional appearances since.

FORMIDABLEOPPONENT has regressed from his Irish form, never figured and was pulled up before two out. His yard is basically a pointing yard and doesn’t have many Rules winners.

ENDEAVOR won in heavy way back, but I don’t think he relishes these conditions. Keep him in mind though if the ground dries as he does have a good wins to runs record for one at this level.

2.25 2m 6½f SPG Fire and Security Ltd Handicap Hurdle (89-115)

There were two non-runners here, both due to the going. Now given that the going on declaration was ‘Heavy, waterlogged in places’ then their only excuse would surely be that they were expecting a swimming event?

Nick Alexander has been collecting doubles recently and ANOTHER MATTIE provided the second half of his brace here. The gelding loves the mud and relished these conditions. Lucy Alexander clearly did here course work, plotting a wide coursed for the better ground.

BESCOT SPRINGS has plenty of miles on the clock but is running as well as ever. He made the pace, rallied once passed and saw his race out to the line for the syndicate of Kelso members in whose colours he runs.

KIND OF EASY disputed three out but was found wanting in the closing stages. This was step up on his debut for the stable after long time off the course and gives encouragement going forward.

ALMOST GEMINI was there until weakening two out and may have found the conditions just a little testing.

BORUMA found the conditions too taxing and can be given another chance if conditions dry out.

3.00 2m 5½f Children’s Immunology Trust Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (95-120)

I watched this contest from the in-field and was very impressed with the jumping of LORD WISHES. He had struggled over fences prior to this, but jumped his field into submission on this occasion including a stupendous leap at the last when he might had the excuse of being tired. A decent handicap hurdler at best, he can move up a class if able to reproduce his jumping effort.

KILBREE CHIEF was held up and stayed on for second place. A most encouraging effort after a prolonged period of the track.

WHAT A DREAM was outpaced down the side of the track, rallied again but had nothing left before the last. He had a tough task from out of the weights and wasn’t disgraced.

GLACIAL ROCK had his chance but was beaten before the last.

VAYLAND was very tired when walking through the last and with hindsight may have been pulled up. He’s not been totally convincing over fences and could do with jumping out of better ground.

FRANKIE’S PROMISE was not the greatest jumper of hurdles and gave Lucy Alexander some hairy moments. All credit to the rider for her stickability, but she understandably called it a day when her mount was well beaten approaching the last.

AGENTLEMAN didn’t handle the ground on chasing debut.

3.30 2m 2f Take It Easy Tiger Handicap Hurdle ( 98-119)

MAXIE T was well held by Alizee De Janeiro in similar conditions last time. He turned the form round in convincing fashion on 7lbs better terms, forging clear from two out to win easily. He needed cut on the flat and would appear progressive over hurdles.

ALIZEE DE JANEIRO was beaten by a progressing opponent and lost little in defeat as he was well clear of the remainder.

RENOYR had his chance two out but was beaten before the last.

HUNTERS BELT wasn’t totally disgraced in fourth. He has won three times here, but generally beatable these days.

PISTOL was outpaced from two out. He won at Sandown and Newbury back in the day but doesn’t give the impression he’s in love with the game.

BENNY’S SECRET chased the leaders but was beaten when falling at the last. I suspect a longer distance and better ground would do no harm.

BOP ALONG needs further, but was soon off the bridle and this run was disappointing.

Musselburgh New Year meeting approaching followed by Ayr on Saturday but, due to other commitments, my next on course report will be from Musselburgh on January 4^th. Hopefully I can put up a summary for the intervening meetings.

Musselburgh then Kelso

I've been a bit busy, so a slightly more abbreviated report than I would like from a couple of consecutive early November days at the races. There have been a few meetings in quick succession and I hope to flag up a few to note from the likes of Carlisle and Ayr in the next few days.

MUSSELBURGH - Friday November 6^th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)

The going eased a shade from the previous day following overnight rain, but it takes a lot of rain to make much difference at Musselburgh.

VILMAN was made favourite for the opening juvenile hurdle, but was by no means the fittest of the bunch and was bad value. He was already under the cosh when hitting three out and was soon pulled up.

SIR CHAUVELIN hurdled neatly enough a newcomer, took it up two out and ran on well to take the spoils. He was nice and fit for this debut, but this division can be uncompetitive in this area and Jim Goldie should place him to win under a penalty.

Jersey champion jockey Mattie Batchelor made a now rare UK appearance on BIG McINTOSH. Ability wise he’s probably best of these, but his hurdling was abysmal, he hardly met one flight correctly, and having set the pace he had to give way from before the last. Others will catch up and he has to improve his jumping.

The mares’ novice hurdling division is another weak sector in the north. Philip Hobbs must have thought he had found a good opportunity with BRISE VENDEENNE but she had to give best to Nicky Richards’s CARINENA who came through two out to take the race nicely. She can be placed to win a mares’ novice under a penalty.

BLAYNEY QUEEN was held in third and the rest weren’t remotely good enough.

Take notice when the name Don Cantillon appears alongside any runner as the man is a wizard of a trainer. He bred, trained and owned WESTERN WAY who stayed on nicely to win a 2m 3f Class 3 handicap hurdle. HE has really clicked in recent months and continues on an upward curve.

The obvious danger was SERENITY NOW who wasn’t disgraced in second, while the oft raced COOL BARANCA stayed on from the rear for third place.

SLEEP IN FIRST couldn’t dominate here and was well behind in the latter stages.

PRESENT FLIGHT is a progressive staying novice chaser and his task was made easy in a four runner when trail-blazing THE BACKUP PLAN hit the thirteenth and came down. The winner jumps really well and shouldn’t be difficult to place again.

TO BEGIN closed on sufferance as the winner was eased.

MO ROUGE jumped sketchily, having got a way behind, stayed n to some effect late on.

ARISTO DU PLESSIS was the most impressive winner of the day. He jumps superbly, skimming over the hurdles, won with any amount in hand giving the suggestion that James Ewart has an animal to take to some top venues.

SPACE SHIP ran creditably on his second go in handicaps. His rider Andrew Lynch then had to miss his other two rides as he was feeling ill.

MEADOWCROFT BOY looked as if the race would still do no harm, keeping on well enough from two out. I do feel that he is capable of running to a greater rating than his current mark of 132. Time will tell.

Philip Hobbs picked a good race for VILLAGE VIC who jumped nicely and asserted up the straight in the 2m 4f handicap chase. His solid jumping sets him in good stead even if rising significantly in the ratings.

QUITO DU TRESOR put up a solid effort for the locals. He’s finding winning difficult these days but retains a fair amount of ability and may be placed to win, though bear in mind that he doesn’t want soft ground.

EMPRESRIO led for much of the way and stuck to his guns once passed. He won at Galway in July and this six-year-old should have more chases in him.

MOONSHINE RIDGE didn’t immediately catch the eye in the paddock, but Alan Swinbank know the time of day in these events and his charge just saw off a more jumping oriented type in a duel.

Make a note of SAND BLAST who should come into his own when going jumping, particularly in the long term when going chasing. He’s a solidly built type, and this race will have done him no harm.

HANDITTOLEWI is coming along steadily and ran passably well to secure third place in this six runner event. He will probably need a stiffer test and Dianne Sayer should be able to make a racehorse of him.

KELSO – Saturday November 7^th

Going – Soft

A soggy day at Kelso and those of us brave enough to watch from the top of the old stand were rather wet by the end of the afternoon. Still it sorts out the keen ones from the part-timers…

A weakly contested staying novices’ hurdle came down a duel won in fetching style by JONNIESOFA. Building on a promising debut at Carlisle he saw off his one serious rival in pleasing style.

WESTERN RULES looked As if the race wouldn’t go amiss and was getting the worst of the argument before the last. He can strip a bit fitter and will step up on this form in time.

JACKOFHEARTS ran up to his mark in third, not given a hard time once beaten and can stay competitive back in low level handicaps.

THROTHEHATCH won the minimum distance novices’ handicap chase in impressive style. He jumped superbly in front and had his race in the bad from two out. He’s a progressive chaser.

TOMORROW’s LEGEND ran a sound race in second, clear of the remainder and should pick up a run-of-the-mill chase assuming he avoids anything like the winner. He certainly gave plenty of cause for optimism on chase debut.

ISAACSTOWN LAD travelled well throughout in the staying handicap hurdle over 3m 2f. Plenty fit enough off a break he came clear and won with a bit to spare.

NEPTUNE EQUESTER led until headed by the winner and saw out his race for second. Not easy to catch right but in this form he might pick up an extended distance handicap chase.

DONNA’S DIAMOND will benefit from the race after a break. He weakened approaching the last but held on for third place. He’s not been heavily raced and there may be a little improvement to be eked out with this race behind him.

RIVAL D’ESTRUVAL plugged on in fourth place and this may be a warm up for efforts in staying chases. I wonder if his trainer might be eyeing up the Borders National back here in early December.

KILGEFIN STAR recorded a first win over fences, seeing off Present Lodger. The winner probably has improvement in him as his jumping can be improved a bit, while PRESENT LODGER looked dangerous when hitting three out, after which the winner had his measure.

GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS is consistent but vulnerable to improvers and was held from two out to finish third of three finishers.

CREEPY was never travelling and is more miss than hit, though capable if putting his mind to it.

I NEED GOLD disputed for a long way but tired in the ground after a mistake three out.

INDIAN VOYAGE won the 2m 1f Class 3 Mayfield Restaurant Chase, which has been a higher rated event in previous years. The winner hadn’t shown much of late, but it’s worth noting that his best form is on soft or heavy ground and he came clear from two out.

VENGEUR DE GUYE kept on from two out but could make no impression on the winner. He’s on his mark right now.

QUICK DECISSON ran creditably off a break for third place, admittedly beaten a way. There’s scope for a slight ease in class and he can build on this.

Don’t write off WOODPOLE ACADEMY, despite the fact that he recorded a fifth consecutive non-finish. He jumped very well up with the pace before weakening for three out and being pulled up. The handicapper has dropped him another four pounds and he may pop up at a fancy price sooner rather than later.

ROCKAWANGO ran well but was held in third when taking a tired fall at the last. He was down for an age, and some of his connections looked rather worried in front of me, but one of the biggest cheers of the day was reserved for his appearance form behind the screens. He didn’t look to be suffering too badly as he walked back to generous applause.

Nick alexander was quick to deny he had a bet on CLAN LEGEND but serious money reduced the gelding form a morning 25/1 to an SP of 4/1. In a weak race he showed admirable determination to break his maiden in seeing off ALIZEE DE JANEIRO. The pair were well clear and the form looks solid enough going forward. The handicapper has raised both, but they are going in the right direction.

BAMBYS BOY was produced nice and fit for his debut in the bumper. He wandered all over the place in the last two furlongs, but seemed happier once he found the rail in the final furlong and was eased considerably yet still had plenty in hand. He has the build of a jumper.

CAPTAIN  MOWBRAY led and then suffered even more serious steering problems than the winner from two out. He totally lost his momentum in the final two furlongs and was denied second place. Hopefully he can learn from this and showed enough to suggest he can win a minor bumper at least.

BLACK INK, a well proportioned gelding who should make up into a jumper, and BEEN DECIDED, who looks to need a bit of time, were well backed but held in the straight.