Apologies for being rather slow in updating. I’ve changed jobs this month and my energies have been geared toward that rather than race analysis. That being said, the notebook has been active and there are few horses noted as worth following.
Not quite fitting the May round up brief, but worth noting from April 30th, was the Hexham Heart Of All England meeting. The main event threw up a dual from which both combatants can be noted for future Rules appearances. Six-year-old BITTER BLUE just held seven-year-old IMPACT ZONE in a sprint from the last, the pair well clear. Boasting 3 from 4 and 8 from 14 respectively in points, both look good enough to hold their own in senior Hunter company. The latter has been handicapping in the past, and is rated only 84, but pointing seems to have improved his confidence.
REXMEHEAD ran respectably to fill second place in the selling hurdle behind Folk Tune and may be worth noting for a lowly chase in the next month or two. Consistency isn’t his strong point, but he has ability at his own level.
MISTER WALL STREET, oft highly tried over hurdles, may well have found his niche in chasing. He won the 2m 4f novice chase here, jumping very well all round and staying on under pressure. While this wasn’t the toughest event, Hexham is a stiff test and Mister Wall Street proved well up to it.
PERTH – May 11th
While England complains of lack of rain there was no shortage in Perthshire, the ground coming up ‘Soft’ for the day May meeting. The final hurdle was set back before the last fence, giving an unusually long run-in here of 300 yards plus.
SEAN SIRGEAD won a weak novices’ handicap hurdle from SOLWAY BLUE. The second has had plenty of opportunities and only won a Market Rasen seller, so the form isn’t strong. The third, RED TANBER, is a potential winner at the lowest level, but he’s headstrong and not helping himself. The rest are a motley crew, and it’s difficult to see them mustering many wins.
MAID IN MOSCOW showed fair form at Kelso and stepped up to take the 3m novices’ handicap chase. She won again at Sedgefield, this time over 3m 3f and looks to be an out and out staying mare. Stuart Crawford takes advantage of the ferry service from his Larne base and this mare is worth noting on any further trips for staying chases. (Won at Cartmel today in a soft event, but so easily she could well pick up another race soon) . DOLLAR MICK was a fair second and is bred to stay well, rallying on the run-in though just held. He’s not been over raced and James Moffatt can place him to win. John Wade’s APACHE BLUE is not bad at this level and was held from two out.
Tom George has made a few raids from his base at Slad in Gloucestershire. BE DEFINITE saw off a moderate bunch ion the 0-115 conditionals handicap hurdle at the minimum distance. He held on in a driving finish from RICH LORD who has been out of form for a couple of years. They were followed by TIME MACHINE who looks held off 115 and PETE who has ability but is often uncooperative.
Dual point winner FIDDLER’S REEL won the maiden hurdle. The result suggests there’s better to come as the second, RIVAL D’ESTRUVAL won at Cartmel’s first meeting of the season. The winner will be of interest when going chasing. QUEL ELITE stayed on from well back for third, seemingly finding this track too sharp. There’s a race in him at a stiffer circuit.
CABBYL DOO held BABE HEFFRON in the two mile handicap chase. The former would appear to have some scope for improvement in chases. Malcolm Jefferson’s veteran POLAR GUNNER holds his form and filled third place.
OSCAR’S BALLAD couldn’t cope with a 15lb rise in the weights when favourite for the closing staying handicap hurdle. The race he won here previously didn’t seem anything special and he may continue to struggle. LEWLAUR SUPREME is steadily improving in these contests and was pushed out to win with a little in hand. AMORE MIO and SAM PATCH stayed on to fill the places. Richard Phillips seems to have rejuvenated the former after a quiet period and might coax a small race out of him, while SAM PATCH will presumably contest lowly staying contests in Scotland and the north with some hope.
TRENDELENBURG didn’t look totally straightforward in winning here at the Festival. Made short priced favourite for the Intermediate Hurdle he disgraced himself by ducking out through the wing at the last, challenging though having to be rousted along. Exposed chaser SELECTION BOX was thus presented with an easy win. He beat little else and we learnt very little.
The novice chase was blighted by jumping varying from moderate to appalling. GRAY MOUNTAIN took the race despite being messy and guessy at his fences. He worth comfortably though and may progress IF his jumping is improved. I’d be loathe to take a chance on him in a bigger field than against the three opponents here. THE PADDY PREMIUM jumped best of the quartet but is rated only 100 so second here was respectable. FIGHTSTAR was all over the place at his jumps, just holding third from favourite WIKAALA who has ability, but is ungenuine and didn’t relish her task.
FOOL’S WILDCAT comfortably beat two others when landing the odds in the claiming hurdle. We learnt little but were reminded that Gordon Elliott is master at spotting opportunities.
Hit or miss SOTOVIK got his jumping right in the 3 mile staying handicap chase and won with something in hand. He’ll go up a fair bit for this and a repeat is unlikely.
CURRAHEE seems in good heart at the minute and ran creditably in second, he might pick up a minor handicap off his current mark. He has since dotted up in an uncompetitive novice event at Hexham, a win which won’t have done his confidence any harm.
SCOTCH WARRIOR was not disgraced on his first effort in handicap company, having run some fair races in hunter chases. He handles better ground than this and would be worth an interest if kept on the go.
For Lucinda Russell, ET MAINTENANT was below par in fourth, while GO SILVER BULLET ran no sort of race and was pulled up four out.
DARK BEN has had spells off the track but this exuberant front runner generally gives his running. He was going well enough when unseating at the fourteenth.
MISS VIVIAN won Perth’s novice hunter ‘championship’ seeing off point winner PEAR CHARLES and 110-rated MOMENT PRESENT. I suspect the form’s not as good as the latter’s rating might suggest, but this event has thrown up some fair performers in the past.
Gordon Elliott scored with WESTERN BOUND in what appears a competitive 0-120 2m 4f hurdle. He was chased home by CIRCUS CLOWN who improved in the mud over previous months.
DRUSSELL’s effort in third probably wasn’t bad and Richard Phillips seems willing to travel to place his charges. This one won for Steve Donohue last year and hints at recovering that form, significantly now that the handicapper has given him a chance.
BURY PARADE stepped up on his debut performance to take the closing bumper ahead of a staying on NOW IT’S MY TURN. The close third TEKTHELOT had been well beaten twice previously, and most of these will need time and development if they are to produce anything worthwhile.
KELSO – Sunday May 22nd
Going – Good
Ladies Day opened with a couple of pony races, useful for those noting possible riding stars in years to come. In the 148cm and under class Ned Curtis on Little Pea saw off Lorcan Murtagh on Miss Tiny. Both are sons of trainers, the former having travelled from Weston-Super-Mare, and he had Channel 4 exposure this past weekend when winning at Newmarket. Murtagh is only twelve and will presumably be a force in these events for the next three years.
Overnight rain gave us perfect good ground; a healthy crowd around the 3,500 mark witnessing some decent racing to close Kelso’s 2010-11 campaign.
2.15 2m ½f SSAFA Forces’ Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
A very moderate novices’ hurdle opened the card with lightly raced STRONGHAVEN holding off two challengers from the last flight. Hurdles newcomer RANGEFINDER, decent at best on the flat, filled second place by keeping on though unable to make an impression from the furlong pole. 112-rated MR TALLYMAN was third, racing in touch but held from the furlong marker.
This bunch was not impressive in the paddock. However ZARU, immaculately turned out in typical Ewart stable style, at least has some scope. He’s tall and leggy, needing to fill out a fair bit, but stayed on encouragingly having been outpaced three out.
SANTIAGO BOY was equipped with bandages in front and walked feelingly round the paddock. His jumping never looked comfortable and he was pulled up after jumping violently left twice down the far side.
2.45 2m 1f KOSB Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-106)
PEACHEY MOMENT created a favourable impression when winning at Perth, and backed that up with a determined performance here. He was dropped in distance which probably wasn’t in his favour and up 9lbs, but saw off his main challenger from the last. Peachey Moment has more improvement in him stepped up in trip. He jumps very well which is a key at this level.
SHERIFF HALL was on good terms with the world on this occasion. Leading for most of the way, he still held the call at the last but was worn down on the run-in. He’s generally thereabouts and probably a bit better than the 93 he ran off on this occasion.
TRANOS plugged on for third, though well held from three out. BALLABROOK, winner of a soft event at Wincanton, was outpaced down the far side and struggled thereafter. Donald McCain runners often catch the eye in the paddock, but Ballabrook wouldn’t rate as one of their best lookers. BARRON WATLASS made no mark on this race and seems happier at Sedgefield, even if he should consent to perform to his best over fences. SANDMAN has shown little in recent times, while BALNAGORE was behind from halfway. His second at Carlisle flattered him, as it was a very moderate contest and he was well held.
3.15 2m 6½f Reece, Ben and Jessica Coppola Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
ANOTHER DIMENSION, an improver when winning at Huntingdon in March, suggested that staying in his game. Wilson Renwick wound up the pace going away from the stands for the final time and his charge showed ample stamina to hold off his only serious challenger OMOKOROA, the latter 24 lengths clear of the third.
HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL chased in vain from three out, though performed a little better than on his Hexham hurdling debut.
Well backed LATIN CONNECTION, who has been a bit frustrating, fell at the third flight.
3.45 3m 1f Jacques Handicap Chase (0-124) for the Wilf and Patricia Crawford Memorial Trophy
BADGER FOOT made a successful first Rules appearance for Lucinda Russell. A winner for Jonjo O’Neill at Hereford last season, he would appear to have benefitted from a spell of picking up point-to-point wins in the north. Three pulled clear from two out here and the winner stayed on to win comfortably, the suggestion being that there’s more in the tank from this improving six-year-old.
HARRY FLASHMAN lost nothing in defeat to what may turn out to be a generously handicapped winner. He’s generally on his game at this time of year, and normally goes well at Hexham where he may still have an opportunity or two in the coming weeks.
JUSTWHATEVERYOULIKE stayed on through rivals from the rear. That’s not untypical, but he’s back on manageable mark now and a drop in class could pay dividends.
OR DE GRUGY faded before the last and finished fourth. Judging from previous campaigns he’s likely to have a rest until the autumn.
LETHEM PRESENT performed respectably from 13lbs wrong, staying on late and wouldn’t be a lost cause in a little event at Hexham where he often runs well.
OUR JIM’s comment in the programme stated “Latest success came courtesy, and needs to pull out extra to take this”. Err…, yes! He struggled from three out when the pace picked up.
BAY CHERRY faded from two out and hasn’t fulfilled potential as yet.
RORY BOY weakened quickly approaching three out, whilst MORE EQUITY never got competitive.
4.20 2m 2f Peter K Dale Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (0-117)
This was probably a fair event in which any could be identified as potential future winners in some shape or form.
RED TANBER set the pace but his exertions told from half a mile out. He was 13lbs out of the handicap but needs to calm down.
WHAT A STEEL raced in touch led at the last and stayed on well. He was staying on over 21 furlongs at Market Rasen suggesting a greater stamina test might bring about further improvement.
COOL BARANCA made headway from three out and stayed on for second. He jumped better than on previous efforts.
FREDDIE BROWN is gradually calming down, though he still pulled too hard for his own good here. He les three out and went clear but was caught on the run-in. He tends to keep on once passed and I reckon an increase in trip might pay dividends.
The rest were held. CITY GROUND was well held when hitting the last and slowed to a walk close home as he had gone lame. He has ability so the hope is that it’s nothing lasting.
4.55 3m 1f Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Challenge Cup (Hunters’ Chase) (Class 4)
These contests can turn into a procession, but this was closely fought for much of the way. ABRAGANTE was nursed along in midfield but picked up from three out and led in the final furlong. He’s not the easiest ride but he was put into the race to perfection.
SPECIAL PORTRAIT probably lost this race with a couple of sloppy jumps down the far side for the final time. Those cost him 5 lengths, and he only lost by two. He was considered good enough to appear at the Cheltenham Festival and we probably haven’t seen the best of him in this sphere yet.
FLOREANA kept on for third if unable to match the front two. This was much better than her Perth effort.
SACRED MOUNTAIN took up the running four out but was found wanting in the straight. He’s won three times in points but found this company just too good.
BEAU TRAVELLER looked half asleep in the paddock. He woke up on the track though leading to four out and remaining in contention when his saddle slipped approaching the last.
L’OUDON was just picking up when thumping three out and then he dropped away.
KILBRICKEN ROSE, a pointing winner but nowhere near good enough here, finished a remote late and appeared lame post race.
ROYAL MAN, bandaged in front, struggled from halfway and was pulled up before two out.
5.30 2m ½f John Smiths’ No Nonsense Standard Open NH Flat Race
Linda Perratt’s huge gelding ANITOPIA re-appeared here having made a good impression at Perth in late April. He’s very big, but all in proportion and once he picked up four out he had this field on the stretch. Once again he ran green when asked the question, but picked up in the final 100 yards in strong style. He remains an exciting prospect.
I’d identified two newcomers who had enough on breeding and looks to make an impact. It proved the case as THE WEATHERMAN and MIA MATRARCH were the ones still in contention at the furlong pole. THE WEATHERMAN doesn’t look the finished article and as a four-year-old still has some strengthening to do. He stayed on well enough and will likely pick up a race. Meanwhile owner bred MIA MATRAIARCH kept on after the first two and this half-sister to three winners, including the previously mentioned Harry Flashman, must surely be capable of winning races. If her trainer could find a mares’ bumper for her it would be at her mercy at this time of year.
GEORGE MY FRIEND completes the set for my ‘follow the first four from Kelso bumpers’ system. He looks a staying type, keeping on through the field late on.
FLEET FOX is a neat sort who is related to jumping winners. Nick Alexander has had some fair prospects running in bumpers over the last couple of years and this one looks the time to reward his stable in time.
5.50 1m 5f Fine Fillies Charity Flat Race – sponsored by the Injured Jockeys “Fund in aid of The House That Jack Built”
Old red shirt himself, Jack Berry, was on course as this was run in aid of his charity effort. He was rewarded with an excellent contest, many winners to show between the first three jockeys home, Polly Gundry, Fiona Needham and Pauline Robson.
Sadly one opportunity from this race has already passed as winner HONG KONG ISLAND followed up at Pontefract last Friday. He just held off RAIN STOPS PLAY who recently won over hurdles and lost nothing in defeat here. She seems to be getting the hang of things now and, having won over hurdles recently, could find another race soon. GRAND DIAMOND was right in the mix until the last 100 yards.
I've not seen much flat racing this season, but hope to get in a few notes before the weekend. It's a busy time for Scottish racing with meetings at Hamilton (Thursday), Musselburgh(Friday and a big day on Saturday) and Perth Gold Cup day on Sunday. All of this I'll miss as I'm off to my brother's wedding at Christchuch in Hampshire, or Dorset, or whereever it is these days! Even with racing on family comes first.
Monday, 30 May 2011
Monday, 2 May 2011
Perth Festival 2011
This year’s festival, taking place a little later than normal due to a late Easter, was blessed with sunny skies and excellent crowds, culminating in 8,000 present for the last day which coincided with the Royal Wedding holiday. The watered ground was just what connections had been crying out for following a period of fast ground and small fields. The management must be thankful that the River Tay runs close by allowing a plentiful supply of irrigation water, the river taking ‘first pick’ before the city supply intake a little further downstream.
A quirk of timing meant that there were a plethora of Intermediate contests. Since this was effectively ‘last season’s meeting’ as it were, those races previously novice events would have been diminished in quality as many would be rendered ineligible. A tweak of race conditions allowed 2010-11 qualified novices to take their place.
Job commitments meant I was only able to take in the Friday card in person, but I kept an eye on the rest of the meeting courtesy of AtTheRaces.
Wednesday 27th April
Going – Good
2.10 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Maiden Hurdle (Division 1) (Class 4)
Nigel Twiston-Davies, often prominent in Perth trainers’ tables, wasted no time in getting off the mark with hurdles newcomer WHAT A WARRIOR. This wasn’t a strong contest, but he put his main rivals away with the minimum of fuss and should have no trouble seeing off novice company under a penalty.
FIDDLERS REEL, a dual point winner, returned after a long break to run a promising second. Racing a bit keenly early on he had enough left to hold on for second. He should pick up a race somewhere along the line, possibly when stepped up to chasing.
Fife-trained PAPAMOA had shown promise previously and wasn’t disgraced in third. Another returning from a break, he was in touch with the leaders two out and kept on into third. A stamina test should suit and he would prove interesting once qualified for handicaps.
PYJAMA GAME had run some promising races in defeat in bumpers. He was perhaps a shade disappointing in fourth, but has some speed and should build on the experience.
MASTER ACT wasn’t disgraced in fifth on hurdles debut, in the firing line two out before fading. He’s a long term project and is worth keeping and eye on.
2.45 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Maiden Hurdle (Division 2) (Class 4)
SIVOLA DE SIVOLA looked to have the edge on previous form and prove that so, pulling clear on the run-in. He’s been highly tried but this was more his level and he should build on the win if campaigned sensibly.
LORD REDSGIRTH challenged approaching the last but was held. He has ability and Gordon Elliott will presumably bring him back to Perth and place him to advantage.
FOUR FIDDLERS performed similarly to stablemate Papamoa in running third. He might always run into one or two too good in non-handicaps, but will benefit once qualified for handicaps.
Long standing maiden RAIN STOPS PLAY flattered for a while before giving way, while BRAVE SPARTACUS kept on for fifth and might prove a chaser in the long term.
3.20 3m 110yds EBF Future Champions NH Intermediate Hurdle (Class 2)
BLENHEIM BROOK turned round Sandown form with Mic’s Delight. I thought connections were aiming a little high with that Sandown effort, but a convincing performance from this progressive gelding proved them right. He quickened clear before the last and, though idling, still had a bit to spare. This winning pointer goes forward as a prospect for staying handicaps next winter and then a novice chase career.
MIC’S DELIGHT made much of the running, but was held before the last. His previous races had been over stiff tracks and that was the difference here as he couldn’t match the winner from two out.
EIGHT IS MY NUMBER is a big strong sort whose future lies over fences. He was tapped for pace from the home bend, but he will leave this effort well behind over the bigger obstacles.
Locally trained WATERSKI was well outclassed but picked up prize money for turning up and completing.
3.55 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Intermediate Chase (Class 3)
A disappointing turn out here, but NINE STORIES has more than enough to hold a less than committed second. He stayed on well to make it 2 out of 2 in chases for the in-form Howard Johnson stable.
WIKAALA has plenty of ability, but doesn’t match it with will and was easily outbattled from the last. He wants a bigger field and the chance to be kidded home.
FIGHTSTAR jumped a bit awkwardly on his chasing debut and was held from three out. He wasn’t convincing over hurdles, needs to improve his fencing and to be aimed a little lower.
WIND SHUFFLE set the pace but disappointed once again, fading quickly from three out.
4.30 2m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Hurdle (0-132)
The tongue-tie had a negative effect on PLAN A last time and my research suggests it’s not the panacea it might be. The win rate for first time tongue-ties is a little over 6%, the problem being that the application suggests and inherent problem anyway. Divested of the ‘aid’, PLAN A notched up Gordon Elliott’s first winner of a very successful meeting, driven out to hold his main challenger. This wasn’t the strongest 0-135 contest and he’ll have tougher tasks if bumped up a few pounds for this.
EXOTIC MAN led briefly before the last but gave way to a better4 opponent on the run-in.
BOGSIDE was held approaching the last and seems better suited by the stiffer test presented at Kelso.
JEWELLED DAGGER came off best of the Jim Goldie pair, fading before the last but presumably coming on for the run, while TOSHI never got in a blow and remains below par.
5.05 3m Aberdeen Asset Managers Handicap Chase (0-132) – Scottish Memories Challenge Cup
This was contested by a well exposed bunch of chasers of which the handicapper has a fair measure. SHAKE THE BARLEY has run some fair races in recent times and notched up a second stable win on the afternoon. Racing in midfield he progressed to lead two out and stayed on under pressure form the last.
Lightly raced LOGAN’S RUN closed under pressure from the last but was too late to trouble the winner. He would have more prospect than the others here of progressing.
OR DE GRUGY ran better than he has done for a while. The Kelso specialist was outpaced going to two out, but stayed on again after last for third.
APPLEADAY won’t have been helped by a 5lb rise for a defeat at Ascot and was held from two out having set the pace to three out. He went well enough around this sharp track.
BROOKLYN BROWNIE kept on from two out though never threatening. He will presumably be aimed at The Perth Gold Cup in early June.
THIRD LEVEL TOM was going well approaching three out but found little, while SOUBRIQUET lost his place at the thirteenth and never got seriously involved.
ET MAINTENANT didn’t see out trip, YABORA was tailed off from four out and SCHINDLER’S MAZE pulled up, unable to make a mark from out of the handicap.
5.35 3m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle (0-105)
OSCAR’S BALLAD built on the promise of his third at Down Royal, challenging before the last and running on well. The leaders went a strong gallop and Jamie Codd picked off his rivals in the last mile. Gordon Elliott has a knack of getting improvement out of his handicappers and a follow up is possible.
BANOGE kept on for second but isn’t especially reliable, though he takes credit for sticking at the job having raced up with a strong pace.
Maiden BELOW THE DECK ran creditably to fill third, while DELIGHTFULLY stayed on late for fourth and really needs a stiff finish to stop the others.
Thursday April 28th
Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)
2.20 2m 110yds Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)
Progressive filly SOUNDS OF THUNDER provided Gordon Elliott’s third winner of the meeting, pulling clear after two out. She’s a progressive sort, seeing off three other previous winners, and was following up a Tramore maiden win.
RUMBLE OF THUNDER ran well enough in second given that the sharp track wouldn’t have played to his strengths. He was one paced from two out but held second under pressure and will benefit from a greater test of stamina.
BOW BADGER was held from two out not far in front of the exposed TOLEDO GOLD who’s more of a low grade handicapper. The rest were well seen off.
Favourite RENARD D’IRLANDE was beaten two out and quickly pulled up after the flight.
2.50 3m Bill And Bunny Cadogan Memorial Intermediate Handicap Chase (0-121)
COLUMBUS SECRET is a striking big strong gelding who has progressed quietly through the winter. This looked a step up on his Southwell win and the race was in safe keeping from two out. His jumping isn’t foot perfect but providing it is sharpened he can mix it with better rivals.
SOTOVIK ran as well as he has fro some time, but his jumping was sloppy and a win doesn’t look imminent.
POSH BIRD was held from tow out. She did better over half a mile further at Downpatrick with some cut and such conditions might slow the others down for her.
ROSSINI’S DANCER was well off his game on a hat-trick bid while THE PADDY PREMIUM was beaten four out on his first run for the Alexander yard.
Three were pulled up. CAYO LAVENTADO was never going with great fluency, PLATIN GROUNDS never took much interest and FLYING SQUAD was never going. The latter’s trainer, Milton Harris, has been declared not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a licence, which doesn’t inspire, though he continues on a temporary licence until an appeal is heard.
3.20 3m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (0-114)
The fact that this race was won by a 10-year-old maiden doesn’t provide much encouragement for those beaten. Gordon Elliott once again proved his talent at producing improvement where others can’t was proven by WESTERN BOUND, providing a fourth win of the meeting for the County Meath yard.
VALLANI stayed on for second and has performed creditably in recent times.
The remainder look an eminently beatable bunch, though the sixth to finish, CROP WALKER will not have been seen to his best round this sharp track. Kate Walton might still eke out a win at a stiffer track.
3.50 2m 4f 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase (for the Kilmany Cup) (0-138)
The Kilmany Cup has had various re-inventions in recent years. It’s been a three mile conditions chase in recent years, but reverted to a handicap this year, a more competitive field resulting.
DOOR BOY has been aimed at decent handicaps in recent months but has been found wanting. He’s useful on his day, better than the 126 mark he ran off here, and stays three miles so there should be further opportunities.
Progressive ROUDOUDOU VILLE is on to keep on the right side. The six-year-old stayed on to take second place and is going the right way.
PREMIER DANE stayed on to take third place. He’s put up two decent efforts since returning to chasing and would be of interest if dropped in class. His mark of 118 allows a bit of room for manoeuvre.
STORYMAKER kept on for fourth but couldn’t threaten the leaders. He’s been highly tried recently, and was by no means disgraced when finishing midfield at Cheltenham, but would be suited by some cut in the ground.
One or two back in the field may have had one race too many for now, notably SAFARI ADVENTURES who faded quickly after leading to the eleventh. SONGE looks high in weights and laboured for most of the way.
4.20 3m 2f 110yds Weatherbys Bank Champion Stayers Hunters’ Chase (Perth Hunt Cup)
The Alexanders were well represented in the training and riding stakes in what is their local hunter championship. Kit Alexander rode a fine race to win on COMMERCIAL EXPRESS trained by Lucy Alexander. Brought into contention four out, Commercial Express was squeezed up at the last, but switched right he produced a burst to catch the two horses in front of him in the final 100 yards. The family have a good grounding in the pointing field and the stable is making progress on the Rules front, this result added to two places on the first day of this meeting getting their 2011-12 season off to a sound start.
SIR BATHWICK jumped well in front and still looked most likely at the last. He was ridden after the last but had no time to respond once headed.
SCOTCH WARRIOR had every chance at the last but was run out of it close home.
NOIR ET VERT was beaten three out while GLACIAL RAMBLER ran a bit better than of late before giving way in the straight.
4.50 2m 4f 110yds PJO Industrial Handicap Hurdle (0-129)
Gordon Elliott closed an excellent day with a 1-2 in the closing handicap hurdle. MARTIN SCRUFF held off the challenge of stablemate HEARTHSTEAD DREAM on the run-in. In this form neither seem harshly handicapped and it’s worth keeping an eye out for further raids here or at Ffos Las.
Sadly WASHINGTON IRVING collapsed and died after finishing third. He never quiet fulfilled his promise over hurdles and the suspicion was that something was hurting him at the business end of races.
SOUTH O’ THE BORDER, one who goes well here, was held approaching the last. He doesn’t look especially well treated at the moment.
Friday April 29th
Going – Good
A bumper crowd pitched up in glorious sunshine for the final day of the Festival. This does bring it’s problems though, with big queues for everything and decent viewing positions difficult to be had on the Grandstand side. As the afternoon went on the crunching sound of trodden on plastic glasses could be heard regularly, and more than one punter got covered in split beer. A few in the crowd had had too much to drink far too early in the proceedings and their behaviour was boorish.
I took myself off to more quiet locations down by the last hurdle and last fence, the latter in particular a calm spot to follow the races. It’s out of earshot of the commentary, but with binoculars and a memory for colours I can follow the action well enough.
2.20 2m 110yds Scot Ads National Hunt Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
Meeting winner number six for Gordon Elliott came via DEFINITE ALL STAR who was probably going best when left clear at the last. It’s been hard work getting a win out of this seven-year-old but he’s a nice sort with a fair amount of ability. He has enough about him to score again.
THE COCKNEY MACKEM challenged from two out but seemed to be going less well than the winner when falling at the last. He has shown enough to suggest that a small race is his for the taking.
Add REAPING THE REWARD to the notebook for an excellent second place coming off a two year lay-off. He wasn’t hurried, held up at the rear, but made significant progress three out and stayed on up the straight. This tall, leggy gelding has presumably been difficult to keep fit, but he seems to have a decent engine and Andrew Parker should be able to place him to win.
MAR OCEAN threatened two out but couldn’t raise his game from that point. Patrick Griffin will presumably bring him back to the Scotland on the north soon.
DIZZY RIVER kept on for fourth. He’s now qualified for handicaps which will help him.
Tom George’s COOLBEG ran prominently for some way, but looks more of a chasing type.
2.50 2m 4f 110yds Book Mijas Villa on 01241 879662 Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (0-115)
POKFULHAM has run a succession of decent races through winter and spring. He’s proved a good deal better than the class of the seller he won at Musselburgh, and came clear readily. He will go up for this win, but Jim Goldie apparently intends to keep him on the go through the summer and he might be good enough to add another win.
COUER DE FOU, who has been given time between races, chased the leaders to the last and kept on under pressure.
Make a note of ANAY CAR who finished third. Although he wouldn’t have won, he was stopped in his tracks when distracted by a plastic bag approaching the last flight. He hit the hurdle and couldn’t recover, losing second in the process, but he proved that his Newcastle fall hasn’t troubled him. Anay Car has ability and Howard Johnson should find a small handicap for him.
ROYAL AND ANCIENT and LATIN CONNECTION followed close behind but both are eminently beatable.
SOLE WITNESS led until two out, falling at the last when beaten. He sideswiped MR NOBODY as he got to his feet, but the latter was doing no more than passing beaten rivals at the time. Wilson Renwick did well to avoid the hooves as he rolled clear of Sole Witness.
3.25 2m 4f 110yds Lonmar Global Risks Intermediate Handicap Chase (0-123)
With four from the previous day declining to turn out again, using that irritating facility of ‘self certification’, and one other defecting, we were left with five runners. While it would not be fair to point at those involved here, self certification is a licence for connections to take the mickey out of those who support the sport through the betting market. Either you run or you provide a proper reason for withdrawal, and if you don’t intend to run two days in a row then don’t enter as such. Off-course punters, who, it should be remembered, contribute significantly to the sport, have no chance when half the runners defect.
One final point is that it’s about time the crowd were informed as to why horses have been declared non-runners. The only course I can remember reasons being given was Wolverhampton. It would make a change from “the trainer states that xxxxx will not run”, which authorities seem to think sufficient.
Back to the action and PEACHEY MOMENT won this under a fine ride by Graham Lee. Jumping well all the way round the winner came to the last swinging on the bridle, pinged the fence and came clear with a minimum of fuss. There’s much more in the tank here and I’d be amazed if the winner doesn’t score again.
The winner’s rider had to point out another plastic bag lying on the course while inspecting the last fence before the start. The groundstaff should perhaps be a bit more wary of such hazards.
COTTAGE ACRE jumped well enough in front but found the winner too good from the last.
STOLEN LIGHT was held by better opponents. He will find softer events than this around the likes of Sedgefield and Cartmel.
CATCH BOB fell early on and sustained a fatal injury. The vet was on hand to sedate him, but the screens took an age to appear and the remaining runners were going pass before they were put up.
THE COCKNEY SQUIRE was left behind down the far side and pulled up before four out.
4.00 2m Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase(0-129)
I would guess that most must have got a hint of who was the main sponsor of the festival by this point!
REGENT’S SECRET has not always been the easiest character to ride, but his record around Perth is excellent and now stands at 5 wins from 9 races. Whereas he has to be held up at some tracks he regularly runs with the pace at Perth. Racing keenly but always handy, he came to challenge on the flat and led close home. He’s not overburdened on the 103 he ran off here and might still be placed to add to his Perth collection.
QUITO DU TRESOR, a decent fifth at Cheltenham and not disgraced at Ayr, led jumping well. A particularly good leap four out gained a couple of lengths, but he couldn’t resist the winner’s challenge in the shadow of the post. The track and conditions suit.
GRINGO raced at the back and was never comfortable. He passed two late on but never threatened and that’s been a theme of his recent runs.
FRED BOJANGALS has not been at his best of late and was held from the home turn as was PROFESSOR HIGGINS.
4.35 3m 7f Press & Journal Highland National Handicap Chase (0-118) for the Julian Llewellyn Palmer Memorial Trophy
This event didn’t boast the numbers of previous years but provided an excellent contest with the closest finish of the three days.
PETITE MARGOT hasn’t always been the easiest ride and often requires stoking up from early on. On this occasion she applied herself from the start, always making sure she was at the head of affairs. As Bally Wall came to challenge at the last she stuck her head down, produced a fluent leap and battled determinedly to the line. The race fell to her on the nod but on the day she was a worthy winner.
Shortly to visit Kayf Tara, I’ll look forward to seeing how her son or daughter performs on the track. If ever there was mating designed to produce a stayer, it must be this one.
BALLY WALL did nothing wrong. Raced in midfield, Keith Donoghue brought him to challenge going well at the last. He looked the likely winner, but the leader found just enough to hold on. Bally Wall looks a type to fight out the finish of similar staying contests.
KEENAN’S FUTURE progressed through the field in the final mile, but seemed to lack the commitment of the first two.
BALLYCARRON LAD race up with or in touch with the pace for much of the way. He couldn’t keep up the effort once turned for home.
Second in this event in 2009, but pulled up in the mud last year, KELLS CASTLE has not been in the same form of late. He was another to race prominently but found wanting from three out.
LAMPION DU BOST didn’t see out the trip, weakening on the home turn.
SAMMY SPIDERMAN has proved me wrong by seeing out 3m 1f, but he found 3m 7f beyond him. He had a tough task from 7lbs wrong anyway.
SAPHIRE NIGHT raced in the rear and was outpaced down the far side for the last time, pulling up before three out.
DUKEOFCHESTERWOOD was another to race in rear. He was hampered when Mersey came down at the water, but in truth was never going well enough to get involved and pulled up before four out.
ITS TEESCOMPONENTS raced in similar fashion to recent outings. She went well up front for a long way but weakened quickly approaching three out and was soon pulled up.
Racing at the rear of the pack, MERSEY stumbled on landing over the water (fence 16) and fell.
CARSONSTOWN BOY, a winner here over hurdles in 2009, raced in midfield and was well held when coming down at the last. He’s not been able to match his hurdles form over fences.
That was story of this year’s renewal of one of my favourite races.
5.10 3m 3f Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-128)
There aren’t many hurdles of this distance over a season, more so on the Irish circuit, so I’m sure Gordon Elliott was glad to be able to place TRENDELENBURG to win this. Elliott thus ended with seven wins in the three days.
Trendelenburg looked a bit of a handicap snip and I’m sure a few trainers might like to ask Elliott how it gets away with it! Held up off a decent pace by talented Scottish youngster Callum Whillans, he made steady progress through the field from four out and eased to the front going very well. He had to be rousted to hold off a determined runner-up, but the margin may be a blessing to keep a workable handicap mark.
JAUNTY JOURNEY made the pace or was in touch for most of the way. He looked held approaching the last but responded to his rider’s urgings to push the winner. His best form has come on soft ground but it could be that a true stamina test is what he needs.
ELZAHANN, in and out over fences, ran respectably in third. She is a fair front running chaser on her day at her level.
CATLEEN kept on for fourth. She often gets close but remains a maiden.
BORERO is a bit of an all or nothing performer with recent form figures 0P01P16. He set a strong pace before giving way before two out.
5.40 Evening Express Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5)
DOME RUN had shown enough in two runs to suggest this race was there for the taking, given that many here were never likely to excel in a two mile flat race. He came clear in the final three furlongs and would be a prospect over hurdles.
Howard Johnson’s VIKING CHIEF was presented looking fit for his first outing. He chased the leader from two out and ran well enough, but what you see is what you get.
The long term notebook should be pulled out for the third ANITOPIA. A brother to winning chaser Primrose Time, this gelding is a big, rather angular chasing type and, on this evidence, he’s blessed with an engine to match his frame. Brian Hughes commented afterwards that he had run around a bit when asked for his effort but had performed well given that the course is not likely to see him at his best. He will need a stiffer track and softer ground, but Linda Perratt has a fine jumps prospect on her hands. Remember this one.
He was followed on by the arguably even bigger MARLEE MOURINHO trained just down the road at Glenfarg by Lucy Normile. My paddock judgement was that he will need time, so a fourth place here promises much.
The third contender from the ‘land of the giants’ was HARRY HANDSOME who lives up to his name. He was tapped for speed in the straight but is a chasing sort who will be seen to better effect in time.
Lucinda Russell’s TEAR N TURN was well beaten but is a tall mare that needs to fill out. She’s only a five-year-old and will benefit from another winter behind her. She led racing keenly for six furlongs but struggled after. Not an immediate prospect but don’t give up on her.
Thus with notebook busy with jumping prospects the Perth Festival drew to a close. We stopped for a meal in Perth, a place with stacks of choice for an evening out, and then back on the road to Dunfermline. We passed the SIS vans, presumably on their way to the Heart of All England meeting at Hexham, of which more to follow.
A quirk of timing meant that there were a plethora of Intermediate contests. Since this was effectively ‘last season’s meeting’ as it were, those races previously novice events would have been diminished in quality as many would be rendered ineligible. A tweak of race conditions allowed 2010-11 qualified novices to take their place.
Job commitments meant I was only able to take in the Friday card in person, but I kept an eye on the rest of the meeting courtesy of AtTheRaces.
Wednesday 27th April
Going – Good
2.10 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Maiden Hurdle (Division 1) (Class 4)
Nigel Twiston-Davies, often prominent in Perth trainers’ tables, wasted no time in getting off the mark with hurdles newcomer WHAT A WARRIOR. This wasn’t a strong contest, but he put his main rivals away with the minimum of fuss and should have no trouble seeing off novice company under a penalty.
FIDDLERS REEL, a dual point winner, returned after a long break to run a promising second. Racing a bit keenly early on he had enough left to hold on for second. He should pick up a race somewhere along the line, possibly when stepped up to chasing.
Fife-trained PAPAMOA had shown promise previously and wasn’t disgraced in third. Another returning from a break, he was in touch with the leaders two out and kept on into third. A stamina test should suit and he would prove interesting once qualified for handicaps.
PYJAMA GAME had run some promising races in defeat in bumpers. He was perhaps a shade disappointing in fourth, but has some speed and should build on the experience.
MASTER ACT wasn’t disgraced in fifth on hurdles debut, in the firing line two out before fading. He’s a long term project and is worth keeping and eye on.
2.45 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Maiden Hurdle (Division 2) (Class 4)
SIVOLA DE SIVOLA looked to have the edge on previous form and prove that so, pulling clear on the run-in. He’s been highly tried but this was more his level and he should build on the win if campaigned sensibly.
LORD REDSGIRTH challenged approaching the last but was held. He has ability and Gordon Elliott will presumably bring him back to Perth and place him to advantage.
FOUR FIDDLERS performed similarly to stablemate Papamoa in running third. He might always run into one or two too good in non-handicaps, but will benefit once qualified for handicaps.
Long standing maiden RAIN STOPS PLAY flattered for a while before giving way, while BRAVE SPARTACUS kept on for fifth and might prove a chaser in the long term.
3.20 3m 110yds EBF Future Champions NH Intermediate Hurdle (Class 2)
BLENHEIM BROOK turned round Sandown form with Mic’s Delight. I thought connections were aiming a little high with that Sandown effort, but a convincing performance from this progressive gelding proved them right. He quickened clear before the last and, though idling, still had a bit to spare. This winning pointer goes forward as a prospect for staying handicaps next winter and then a novice chase career.
MIC’S DELIGHT made much of the running, but was held before the last. His previous races had been over stiff tracks and that was the difference here as he couldn’t match the winner from two out.
EIGHT IS MY NUMBER is a big strong sort whose future lies over fences. He was tapped for pace from the home bend, but he will leave this effort well behind over the bigger obstacles.
Locally trained WATERSKI was well outclassed but picked up prize money for turning up and completing.
3.55 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Intermediate Chase (Class 3)
A disappointing turn out here, but NINE STORIES has more than enough to hold a less than committed second. He stayed on well to make it 2 out of 2 in chases for the in-form Howard Johnson stable.
WIKAALA has plenty of ability, but doesn’t match it with will and was easily outbattled from the last. He wants a bigger field and the chance to be kidded home.
FIGHTSTAR jumped a bit awkwardly on his chasing debut and was held from three out. He wasn’t convincing over hurdles, needs to improve his fencing and to be aimed a little lower.
WIND SHUFFLE set the pace but disappointed once again, fading quickly from three out.
4.30 2m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Hurdle (0-132)
The tongue-tie had a negative effect on PLAN A last time and my research suggests it’s not the panacea it might be. The win rate for first time tongue-ties is a little over 6%, the problem being that the application suggests and inherent problem anyway. Divested of the ‘aid’, PLAN A notched up Gordon Elliott’s first winner of a very successful meeting, driven out to hold his main challenger. This wasn’t the strongest 0-135 contest and he’ll have tougher tasks if bumped up a few pounds for this.
EXOTIC MAN led briefly before the last but gave way to a better4 opponent on the run-in.
BOGSIDE was held approaching the last and seems better suited by the stiffer test presented at Kelso.
JEWELLED DAGGER came off best of the Jim Goldie pair, fading before the last but presumably coming on for the run, while TOSHI never got in a blow and remains below par.
5.05 3m Aberdeen Asset Managers Handicap Chase (0-132) – Scottish Memories Challenge Cup
This was contested by a well exposed bunch of chasers of which the handicapper has a fair measure. SHAKE THE BARLEY has run some fair races in recent times and notched up a second stable win on the afternoon. Racing in midfield he progressed to lead two out and stayed on under pressure form the last.
Lightly raced LOGAN’S RUN closed under pressure from the last but was too late to trouble the winner. He would have more prospect than the others here of progressing.
OR DE GRUGY ran better than he has done for a while. The Kelso specialist was outpaced going to two out, but stayed on again after last for third.
APPLEADAY won’t have been helped by a 5lb rise for a defeat at Ascot and was held from two out having set the pace to three out. He went well enough around this sharp track.
BROOKLYN BROWNIE kept on from two out though never threatening. He will presumably be aimed at The Perth Gold Cup in early June.
THIRD LEVEL TOM was going well approaching three out but found little, while SOUBRIQUET lost his place at the thirteenth and never got seriously involved.
ET MAINTENANT didn’t see out trip, YABORA was tailed off from four out and SCHINDLER’S MAZE pulled up, unable to make a mark from out of the handicap.
5.35 3m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle (0-105)
OSCAR’S BALLAD built on the promise of his third at Down Royal, challenging before the last and running on well. The leaders went a strong gallop and Jamie Codd picked off his rivals in the last mile. Gordon Elliott has a knack of getting improvement out of his handicappers and a follow up is possible.
BANOGE kept on for second but isn’t especially reliable, though he takes credit for sticking at the job having raced up with a strong pace.
Maiden BELOW THE DECK ran creditably to fill third, while DELIGHTFULLY stayed on late for fourth and really needs a stiff finish to stop the others.
Thursday April 28th
Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)
2.20 2m 110yds Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)
Progressive filly SOUNDS OF THUNDER provided Gordon Elliott’s third winner of the meeting, pulling clear after two out. She’s a progressive sort, seeing off three other previous winners, and was following up a Tramore maiden win.
RUMBLE OF THUNDER ran well enough in second given that the sharp track wouldn’t have played to his strengths. He was one paced from two out but held second under pressure and will benefit from a greater test of stamina.
BOW BADGER was held from two out not far in front of the exposed TOLEDO GOLD who’s more of a low grade handicapper. The rest were well seen off.
Favourite RENARD D’IRLANDE was beaten two out and quickly pulled up after the flight.
2.50 3m Bill And Bunny Cadogan Memorial Intermediate Handicap Chase (0-121)
COLUMBUS SECRET is a striking big strong gelding who has progressed quietly through the winter. This looked a step up on his Southwell win and the race was in safe keeping from two out. His jumping isn’t foot perfect but providing it is sharpened he can mix it with better rivals.
SOTOVIK ran as well as he has fro some time, but his jumping was sloppy and a win doesn’t look imminent.
POSH BIRD was held from tow out. She did better over half a mile further at Downpatrick with some cut and such conditions might slow the others down for her.
ROSSINI’S DANCER was well off his game on a hat-trick bid while THE PADDY PREMIUM was beaten four out on his first run for the Alexander yard.
Three were pulled up. CAYO LAVENTADO was never going with great fluency, PLATIN GROUNDS never took much interest and FLYING SQUAD was never going. The latter’s trainer, Milton Harris, has been declared not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a licence, which doesn’t inspire, though he continues on a temporary licence until an appeal is heard.
3.20 3m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (0-114)
The fact that this race was won by a 10-year-old maiden doesn’t provide much encouragement for those beaten. Gordon Elliott once again proved his talent at producing improvement where others can’t was proven by WESTERN BOUND, providing a fourth win of the meeting for the County Meath yard.
VALLANI stayed on for second and has performed creditably in recent times.
The remainder look an eminently beatable bunch, though the sixth to finish, CROP WALKER will not have been seen to his best round this sharp track. Kate Walton might still eke out a win at a stiffer track.
3.50 2m 4f 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase (for the Kilmany Cup) (0-138)
The Kilmany Cup has had various re-inventions in recent years. It’s been a three mile conditions chase in recent years, but reverted to a handicap this year, a more competitive field resulting.
DOOR BOY has been aimed at decent handicaps in recent months but has been found wanting. He’s useful on his day, better than the 126 mark he ran off here, and stays three miles so there should be further opportunities.
Progressive ROUDOUDOU VILLE is on to keep on the right side. The six-year-old stayed on to take second place and is going the right way.
PREMIER DANE stayed on to take third place. He’s put up two decent efforts since returning to chasing and would be of interest if dropped in class. His mark of 118 allows a bit of room for manoeuvre.
STORYMAKER kept on for fourth but couldn’t threaten the leaders. He’s been highly tried recently, and was by no means disgraced when finishing midfield at Cheltenham, but would be suited by some cut in the ground.
One or two back in the field may have had one race too many for now, notably SAFARI ADVENTURES who faded quickly after leading to the eleventh. SONGE looks high in weights and laboured for most of the way.
4.20 3m 2f 110yds Weatherbys Bank Champion Stayers Hunters’ Chase (Perth Hunt Cup)
The Alexanders were well represented in the training and riding stakes in what is their local hunter championship. Kit Alexander rode a fine race to win on COMMERCIAL EXPRESS trained by Lucy Alexander. Brought into contention four out, Commercial Express was squeezed up at the last, but switched right he produced a burst to catch the two horses in front of him in the final 100 yards. The family have a good grounding in the pointing field and the stable is making progress on the Rules front, this result added to two places on the first day of this meeting getting their 2011-12 season off to a sound start.
SIR BATHWICK jumped well in front and still looked most likely at the last. He was ridden after the last but had no time to respond once headed.
SCOTCH WARRIOR had every chance at the last but was run out of it close home.
NOIR ET VERT was beaten three out while GLACIAL RAMBLER ran a bit better than of late before giving way in the straight.
4.50 2m 4f 110yds PJO Industrial Handicap Hurdle (0-129)
Gordon Elliott closed an excellent day with a 1-2 in the closing handicap hurdle. MARTIN SCRUFF held off the challenge of stablemate HEARTHSTEAD DREAM on the run-in. In this form neither seem harshly handicapped and it’s worth keeping an eye out for further raids here or at Ffos Las.
Sadly WASHINGTON IRVING collapsed and died after finishing third. He never quiet fulfilled his promise over hurdles and the suspicion was that something was hurting him at the business end of races.
SOUTH O’ THE BORDER, one who goes well here, was held approaching the last. He doesn’t look especially well treated at the moment.
Friday April 29th
Going – Good
A bumper crowd pitched up in glorious sunshine for the final day of the Festival. This does bring it’s problems though, with big queues for everything and decent viewing positions difficult to be had on the Grandstand side. As the afternoon went on the crunching sound of trodden on plastic glasses could be heard regularly, and more than one punter got covered in split beer. A few in the crowd had had too much to drink far too early in the proceedings and their behaviour was boorish.
I took myself off to more quiet locations down by the last hurdle and last fence, the latter in particular a calm spot to follow the races. It’s out of earshot of the commentary, but with binoculars and a memory for colours I can follow the action well enough.
2.20 2m 110yds Scot Ads National Hunt Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
Meeting winner number six for Gordon Elliott came via DEFINITE ALL STAR who was probably going best when left clear at the last. It’s been hard work getting a win out of this seven-year-old but he’s a nice sort with a fair amount of ability. He has enough about him to score again.
THE COCKNEY MACKEM challenged from two out but seemed to be going less well than the winner when falling at the last. He has shown enough to suggest that a small race is his for the taking.
Add REAPING THE REWARD to the notebook for an excellent second place coming off a two year lay-off. He wasn’t hurried, held up at the rear, but made significant progress three out and stayed on up the straight. This tall, leggy gelding has presumably been difficult to keep fit, but he seems to have a decent engine and Andrew Parker should be able to place him to win.
MAR OCEAN threatened two out but couldn’t raise his game from that point. Patrick Griffin will presumably bring him back to the Scotland on the north soon.
DIZZY RIVER kept on for fourth. He’s now qualified for handicaps which will help him.
Tom George’s COOLBEG ran prominently for some way, but looks more of a chasing type.
2.50 2m 4f 110yds Book Mijas Villa on 01241 879662 Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (0-115)
POKFULHAM has run a succession of decent races through winter and spring. He’s proved a good deal better than the class of the seller he won at Musselburgh, and came clear readily. He will go up for this win, but Jim Goldie apparently intends to keep him on the go through the summer and he might be good enough to add another win.
COUER DE FOU, who has been given time between races, chased the leaders to the last and kept on under pressure.
Make a note of ANAY CAR who finished third. Although he wouldn’t have won, he was stopped in his tracks when distracted by a plastic bag approaching the last flight. He hit the hurdle and couldn’t recover, losing second in the process, but he proved that his Newcastle fall hasn’t troubled him. Anay Car has ability and Howard Johnson should find a small handicap for him.
ROYAL AND ANCIENT and LATIN CONNECTION followed close behind but both are eminently beatable.
SOLE WITNESS led until two out, falling at the last when beaten. He sideswiped MR NOBODY as he got to his feet, but the latter was doing no more than passing beaten rivals at the time. Wilson Renwick did well to avoid the hooves as he rolled clear of Sole Witness.
3.25 2m 4f 110yds Lonmar Global Risks Intermediate Handicap Chase (0-123)
With four from the previous day declining to turn out again, using that irritating facility of ‘self certification’, and one other defecting, we were left with five runners. While it would not be fair to point at those involved here, self certification is a licence for connections to take the mickey out of those who support the sport through the betting market. Either you run or you provide a proper reason for withdrawal, and if you don’t intend to run two days in a row then don’t enter as such. Off-course punters, who, it should be remembered, contribute significantly to the sport, have no chance when half the runners defect.
One final point is that it’s about time the crowd were informed as to why horses have been declared non-runners. The only course I can remember reasons being given was Wolverhampton. It would make a change from “the trainer states that xxxxx will not run”, which authorities seem to think sufficient.
Back to the action and PEACHEY MOMENT won this under a fine ride by Graham Lee. Jumping well all the way round the winner came to the last swinging on the bridle, pinged the fence and came clear with a minimum of fuss. There’s much more in the tank here and I’d be amazed if the winner doesn’t score again.
The winner’s rider had to point out another plastic bag lying on the course while inspecting the last fence before the start. The groundstaff should perhaps be a bit more wary of such hazards.
COTTAGE ACRE jumped well enough in front but found the winner too good from the last.
STOLEN LIGHT was held by better opponents. He will find softer events than this around the likes of Sedgefield and Cartmel.
CATCH BOB fell early on and sustained a fatal injury. The vet was on hand to sedate him, but the screens took an age to appear and the remaining runners were going pass before they were put up.
THE COCKNEY SQUIRE was left behind down the far side and pulled up before four out.
4.00 2m Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase(0-129)
I would guess that most must have got a hint of who was the main sponsor of the festival by this point!
REGENT’S SECRET has not always been the easiest character to ride, but his record around Perth is excellent and now stands at 5 wins from 9 races. Whereas he has to be held up at some tracks he regularly runs with the pace at Perth. Racing keenly but always handy, he came to challenge on the flat and led close home. He’s not overburdened on the 103 he ran off here and might still be placed to add to his Perth collection.
QUITO DU TRESOR, a decent fifth at Cheltenham and not disgraced at Ayr, led jumping well. A particularly good leap four out gained a couple of lengths, but he couldn’t resist the winner’s challenge in the shadow of the post. The track and conditions suit.
GRINGO raced at the back and was never comfortable. He passed two late on but never threatened and that’s been a theme of his recent runs.
FRED BOJANGALS has not been at his best of late and was held from the home turn as was PROFESSOR HIGGINS.
4.35 3m 7f Press & Journal Highland National Handicap Chase (0-118) for the Julian Llewellyn Palmer Memorial Trophy
This event didn’t boast the numbers of previous years but provided an excellent contest with the closest finish of the three days.
PETITE MARGOT hasn’t always been the easiest ride and often requires stoking up from early on. On this occasion she applied herself from the start, always making sure she was at the head of affairs. As Bally Wall came to challenge at the last she stuck her head down, produced a fluent leap and battled determinedly to the line. The race fell to her on the nod but on the day she was a worthy winner.
Shortly to visit Kayf Tara, I’ll look forward to seeing how her son or daughter performs on the track. If ever there was mating designed to produce a stayer, it must be this one.
BALLY WALL did nothing wrong. Raced in midfield, Keith Donoghue brought him to challenge going well at the last. He looked the likely winner, but the leader found just enough to hold on. Bally Wall looks a type to fight out the finish of similar staying contests.
KEENAN’S FUTURE progressed through the field in the final mile, but seemed to lack the commitment of the first two.
BALLYCARRON LAD race up with or in touch with the pace for much of the way. He couldn’t keep up the effort once turned for home.
Second in this event in 2009, but pulled up in the mud last year, KELLS CASTLE has not been in the same form of late. He was another to race prominently but found wanting from three out.
LAMPION DU BOST didn’t see out the trip, weakening on the home turn.
SAMMY SPIDERMAN has proved me wrong by seeing out 3m 1f, but he found 3m 7f beyond him. He had a tough task from 7lbs wrong anyway.
SAPHIRE NIGHT raced in the rear and was outpaced down the far side for the last time, pulling up before three out.
DUKEOFCHESTERWOOD was another to race in rear. He was hampered when Mersey came down at the water, but in truth was never going well enough to get involved and pulled up before four out.
ITS TEESCOMPONENTS raced in similar fashion to recent outings. She went well up front for a long way but weakened quickly approaching three out and was soon pulled up.
Racing at the rear of the pack, MERSEY stumbled on landing over the water (fence 16) and fell.
CARSONSTOWN BOY, a winner here over hurdles in 2009, raced in midfield and was well held when coming down at the last. He’s not been able to match his hurdles form over fences.
That was story of this year’s renewal of one of my favourite races.
5.10 3m 3f Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-128)
There aren’t many hurdles of this distance over a season, more so on the Irish circuit, so I’m sure Gordon Elliott was glad to be able to place TRENDELENBURG to win this. Elliott thus ended with seven wins in the three days.
Trendelenburg looked a bit of a handicap snip and I’m sure a few trainers might like to ask Elliott how it gets away with it! Held up off a decent pace by talented Scottish youngster Callum Whillans, he made steady progress through the field from four out and eased to the front going very well. He had to be rousted to hold off a determined runner-up, but the margin may be a blessing to keep a workable handicap mark.
JAUNTY JOURNEY made the pace or was in touch for most of the way. He looked held approaching the last but responded to his rider’s urgings to push the winner. His best form has come on soft ground but it could be that a true stamina test is what he needs.
ELZAHANN, in and out over fences, ran respectably in third. She is a fair front running chaser on her day at her level.
CATLEEN kept on for fourth. She often gets close but remains a maiden.
BORERO is a bit of an all or nothing performer with recent form figures 0P01P16. He set a strong pace before giving way before two out.
5.40 Evening Express Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5)
DOME RUN had shown enough in two runs to suggest this race was there for the taking, given that many here were never likely to excel in a two mile flat race. He came clear in the final three furlongs and would be a prospect over hurdles.
Howard Johnson’s VIKING CHIEF was presented looking fit for his first outing. He chased the leader from two out and ran well enough, but what you see is what you get.
The long term notebook should be pulled out for the third ANITOPIA. A brother to winning chaser Primrose Time, this gelding is a big, rather angular chasing type and, on this evidence, he’s blessed with an engine to match his frame. Brian Hughes commented afterwards that he had run around a bit when asked for his effort but had performed well given that the course is not likely to see him at his best. He will need a stiffer track and softer ground, but Linda Perratt has a fine jumps prospect on her hands. Remember this one.
He was followed on by the arguably even bigger MARLEE MOURINHO trained just down the road at Glenfarg by Lucy Normile. My paddock judgement was that he will need time, so a fourth place here promises much.
The third contender from the ‘land of the giants’ was HARRY HANDSOME who lives up to his name. He was tapped for speed in the straight but is a chasing sort who will be seen to better effect in time.
Lucinda Russell’s TEAR N TURN was well beaten but is a tall mare that needs to fill out. She’s only a five-year-old and will benefit from another winter behind her. She led racing keenly for six furlongs but struggled after. Not an immediate prospect but don’t give up on her.
Thus with notebook busy with jumping prospects the Perth Festival drew to a close. We stopped for a meal in Perth, a place with stacks of choice for an evening out, and then back on the road to Dunfermline. We passed the SIS vans, presumably on their way to the Heart of All England meeting at Hexham, of which more to follow.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Kelso says farewell to season 2010-11
KELSO – Saturday April 23rd
There was plenty of racing in the area over the weekend, Carlisle running an all chase card and Musselburgh a two-day flat meeting. Nevertheless there was a decent attendance for Kelso’s sole evening meeting of the season. The chases suffered with small fields, but the hurdles events were plenty competitive.
After a dry week, rain set in just before 5 o’clock, continuing steadily until around 6.15, the going easing from an early Good to Firm to GOOD.
5.40 2m 6½f Border Facilities’ Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-125)
A disappointing turn out for what was opened as a 0-135 contest, but the reported fast ground, all chase card at Carlisle and jumps card at Haydock didn’t help.
FRANKIE ANSON jumped nicely and looked to have the contest in safe keeping appro0aching the last having kicked on three out. He started to labour on the uphill run-in allowing MONSIEUR JOURDAIN to overhaul him close to the post. FRANKIE ANSON is a winner at Cartmel and would be suited by a return to that sharp track.
There was some doubt as to whether or not the trip would suit MONSIEUR JOURDAIN, but he got home well enough. He might find things harder in a more competitive contest.
PILGRIMS LANE moved closer approaching three out, but he was soon outpaced and couldn’t match the first two from that point.
APPEAL DENIED, two stone out of the handicap, jumped poorly early on. He did clear the fences a bit better from halfway, but he was well detached from that point. Connections picked up £287 for the fourth place but he will struggle in anything but the lowest class.
6.15 2m ½f NSPCC School Service Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
This was weak event and many of these will struggle to get competitive in any company.
NELSON’S CHIEF was given a gem of front-running ride by Richie McGrath, stepping in for injured stable jockey Harry Haynes. Winding it up steadily from the fifth he stayed on determinedly from the last to hold a couple of challengers. The slightly quicker ground here might well have suited him.
One for the notebook is INOOGOO who stayed on well to take second, a performance with which connections were well pleased. He will come into his own over further and looks to be a chasing prospect.
FORTUNI performed better than on previous hurdles’ outings, though held in the final furlong. There’s always going to be a question mark about his stamina and I suspect he will need fast ground and a sharp track to be seen at his best.
AGRICULTURAL appeared to improve on previous efforts, keeping on for fourth with OH SO BEAUTIFUL just behind, stepping up a bit on last summer’s debut.
I might end up looking silly over this one, but one to keep in mind for a couple of years hence might be Bruce Mactaggart’s KING KALIUM. The five-year-old is a big, chasing type, who probably has bit of strengthening to do and is hardly likely to be seen at his best at two miles over hurdles. He only lasted a mile, so the jury could be near to a quick verdict, but patience might be rewarded.
Sue Bradburne’s BATTLE HONOUR showed a little promise in the winter, but seems regressive and was well behind in the last mile, being pulled up before the last.
6.45 2m 2f Arfurminute Bulldog Handicap Hurdle (0-112)
ROLECARR is in decent form and wore down the long time leader on the run-in. He shouldn’t be too heavily punished for this win and will remain competitive even if moved above the 115 mark.
BOW SCHOOL returned to his best blinkered for the first time. He led at a sensible pace but couldn’t shake off the in-form winner.
SHERIFF HALL has ability but has always been quirky. He looked held from the last, but his steering problems cropped up again as he hung left toward the far rail in the final furlong. He is on a mark he’s well capable of winning off, but backers have to take it on trust that he is putting it all in.
BARRON WATLASS stayed on late without ever threatening. There is a suggestion of a return to form though, and it’s worth noting that he goes well at Sedgefield.
Lightly race NISAAL kept on for fifth and might be of interest in a low grade novices’ handicap. He handled quick ground on the flat.
Well backed as he often has been, ALTAN KHAN faded from two out.
7.15 3m 1f totepool Handicap Chase (0-115)
Ideally ZITENKA needs a recent run to perform to his best. However, he was presented plenty fit enough here and saw off opposition who all have their own quirks. At his best he can match it with better company and will be worth an interest if appearing again in the next couple of weeks. Disputing or leading all the way, he pulled clear from the final turn.
MORE EQUITY kept on for second but n ever got the winner from three out.
Blinkers made no difference to the weak finish of GUNS AND BUTTER. He chased the leader from two out but weakened after the home turn.
COPPER’S GOLD needs things his own way, and wins when able to dominate inferiors, but was never given any leeway here.
RAINING HORSE didn’t jump fluently and lost touch after clouting the fourteenth. He was pulled up before two out and is struggling.
7.45 2m 6½f Pharmistice at 20 Handicap Hurdle (0-123)
Tracing prominently was the tactic that worked most of the evening, STOPPED OUT making most to take the staying handicap hurdle. A previous course and distance winner, and one who has arguably had excuses of late, he proved determined in front from the last and couldn’t be worn down.
PREMIER GRAND CRU, dropped from 131 when appearing in the Scottish County Hurdle to 120 here, put up his best performance since arriving from France. Looking as immaculate as everything that James Ewart ran at the meeting, he moved into contention three out and made the winner pull out all the stops. He looks likely to win before long.
SENDALI raced close to the pace and challenged at the last. He couldn’t quite keep up the effort close home but remains in good form and will meet less determined opponents.
POLITICAL PADDY kept on into fourth but, like so many of Rayson Nixon’s runners in recent times, couldn’t make sufficient mark at the business end.
Notable under performers here were FLYING DOCTOR, on a losing run and tailed off by the eighth, and novice winner WHISPERING DEATH who ran no sort of race and was pulled up before two out. THE SHY MAN was also below form and hasn’t firing since a win at Aintree in October.
8.15 2m ½f Radio Borders Cash For Kids Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Kelso closed the 2010-2011 season with a close fought bumper, though it does seem ridiculous that Plumpton started next season less than 18 hours later! Can't we just have a bit of a break?
This wouldn’t rate as the strongest bumper run at Kelso this season, but the front two were clear and have plenty to like about them. The third has run well enough previously to underpin the form.
CAPITAL VENTURE led or disputed all the way and Nathan Moscrop wound up the pace down the far side. That was enough to have a few hard a work some way out. Typical of a Ewart inmate, Capital Venture kept finding a bit down the straight and held a promising newcomer in a bobbing finish. He will now go jumping and is likely to improve for a longer distance.
SIMPLY NED looks a nice sort and showed plenty on the track, joining issue with the leader three out and pushing him all the way to the line, probably leading inside the final furlong. Nicky Richards should place this one to advantage with a run behind him.
THIRTY DAYS OUT ran a fair second at Hexham and wasn’t disgraced here though couldn’t match the first two from three furlongs out. She will have opportunities if taking to hurdles.
VENITZIA looks a chasing type, so I suspect anything he does in these events will prove a bonus. He raced in touch but was held in the straight.
Out of a winning three mile hurdler, KINDER SCOUT wasn’t disgraced in fifth and has enough about her to suggest she will progress.
One or two such as RHYMERS HA’, a one paced seventh, and JOHN CRABBIES, a fairly backward jumping type who was well beaten, will need time.
There was plenty of racing in the area over the weekend, Carlisle running an all chase card and Musselburgh a two-day flat meeting. Nevertheless there was a decent attendance for Kelso’s sole evening meeting of the season. The chases suffered with small fields, but the hurdles events were plenty competitive.
After a dry week, rain set in just before 5 o’clock, continuing steadily until around 6.15, the going easing from an early Good to Firm to GOOD.
5.40 2m 6½f Border Facilities’ Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-125)
A disappointing turn out for what was opened as a 0-135 contest, but the reported fast ground, all chase card at Carlisle and jumps card at Haydock didn’t help.
FRANKIE ANSON jumped nicely and looked to have the contest in safe keeping appro0aching the last having kicked on three out. He started to labour on the uphill run-in allowing MONSIEUR JOURDAIN to overhaul him close to the post. FRANKIE ANSON is a winner at Cartmel and would be suited by a return to that sharp track.
There was some doubt as to whether or not the trip would suit MONSIEUR JOURDAIN, but he got home well enough. He might find things harder in a more competitive contest.
PILGRIMS LANE moved closer approaching three out, but he was soon outpaced and couldn’t match the first two from that point.
APPEAL DENIED, two stone out of the handicap, jumped poorly early on. He did clear the fences a bit better from halfway, but he was well detached from that point. Connections picked up £287 for the fourth place but he will struggle in anything but the lowest class.
6.15 2m ½f NSPCC School Service Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
This was weak event and many of these will struggle to get competitive in any company.
NELSON’S CHIEF was given a gem of front-running ride by Richie McGrath, stepping in for injured stable jockey Harry Haynes. Winding it up steadily from the fifth he stayed on determinedly from the last to hold a couple of challengers. The slightly quicker ground here might well have suited him.
One for the notebook is INOOGOO who stayed on well to take second, a performance with which connections were well pleased. He will come into his own over further and looks to be a chasing prospect.
FORTUNI performed better than on previous hurdles’ outings, though held in the final furlong. There’s always going to be a question mark about his stamina and I suspect he will need fast ground and a sharp track to be seen at his best.
AGRICULTURAL appeared to improve on previous efforts, keeping on for fourth with OH SO BEAUTIFUL just behind, stepping up a bit on last summer’s debut.
I might end up looking silly over this one, but one to keep in mind for a couple of years hence might be Bruce Mactaggart’s KING KALIUM. The five-year-old is a big, chasing type, who probably has bit of strengthening to do and is hardly likely to be seen at his best at two miles over hurdles. He only lasted a mile, so the jury could be near to a quick verdict, but patience might be rewarded.
Sue Bradburne’s BATTLE HONOUR showed a little promise in the winter, but seems regressive and was well behind in the last mile, being pulled up before the last.
6.45 2m 2f Arfurminute Bulldog Handicap Hurdle (0-112)
ROLECARR is in decent form and wore down the long time leader on the run-in. He shouldn’t be too heavily punished for this win and will remain competitive even if moved above the 115 mark.
BOW SCHOOL returned to his best blinkered for the first time. He led at a sensible pace but couldn’t shake off the in-form winner.
SHERIFF HALL has ability but has always been quirky. He looked held from the last, but his steering problems cropped up again as he hung left toward the far rail in the final furlong. He is on a mark he’s well capable of winning off, but backers have to take it on trust that he is putting it all in.
BARRON WATLASS stayed on late without ever threatening. There is a suggestion of a return to form though, and it’s worth noting that he goes well at Sedgefield.
Lightly race NISAAL kept on for fifth and might be of interest in a low grade novices’ handicap. He handled quick ground on the flat.
Well backed as he often has been, ALTAN KHAN faded from two out.
7.15 3m 1f totepool Handicap Chase (0-115)
Ideally ZITENKA needs a recent run to perform to his best. However, he was presented plenty fit enough here and saw off opposition who all have their own quirks. At his best he can match it with better company and will be worth an interest if appearing again in the next couple of weeks. Disputing or leading all the way, he pulled clear from the final turn.
MORE EQUITY kept on for second but n ever got the winner from three out.
Blinkers made no difference to the weak finish of GUNS AND BUTTER. He chased the leader from two out but weakened after the home turn.
COPPER’S GOLD needs things his own way, and wins when able to dominate inferiors, but was never given any leeway here.
RAINING HORSE didn’t jump fluently and lost touch after clouting the fourteenth. He was pulled up before two out and is struggling.
7.45 2m 6½f Pharmistice at 20 Handicap Hurdle (0-123)
Tracing prominently was the tactic that worked most of the evening, STOPPED OUT making most to take the staying handicap hurdle. A previous course and distance winner, and one who has arguably had excuses of late, he proved determined in front from the last and couldn’t be worn down.
PREMIER GRAND CRU, dropped from 131 when appearing in the Scottish County Hurdle to 120 here, put up his best performance since arriving from France. Looking as immaculate as everything that James Ewart ran at the meeting, he moved into contention three out and made the winner pull out all the stops. He looks likely to win before long.
SENDALI raced close to the pace and challenged at the last. He couldn’t quite keep up the effort close home but remains in good form and will meet less determined opponents.
POLITICAL PADDY kept on into fourth but, like so many of Rayson Nixon’s runners in recent times, couldn’t make sufficient mark at the business end.
Notable under performers here were FLYING DOCTOR, on a losing run and tailed off by the eighth, and novice winner WHISPERING DEATH who ran no sort of race and was pulled up before two out. THE SHY MAN was also below form and hasn’t firing since a win at Aintree in October.
8.15 2m ½f Radio Borders Cash For Kids Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Kelso closed the 2010-2011 season with a close fought bumper, though it does seem ridiculous that Plumpton started next season less than 18 hours later! Can't we just have a bit of a break?
This wouldn’t rate as the strongest bumper run at Kelso this season, but the front two were clear and have plenty to like about them. The third has run well enough previously to underpin the form.
CAPITAL VENTURE led or disputed all the way and Nathan Moscrop wound up the pace down the far side. That was enough to have a few hard a work some way out. Typical of a Ewart inmate, Capital Venture kept finding a bit down the straight and held a promising newcomer in a bobbing finish. He will now go jumping and is likely to improve for a longer distance.
SIMPLY NED looks a nice sort and showed plenty on the track, joining issue with the leader three out and pushing him all the way to the line, probably leading inside the final furlong. Nicky Richards should place this one to advantage with a run behind him.
THIRTY DAYS OUT ran a fair second at Hexham and wasn’t disgraced here though couldn’t match the first two from three furlongs out. She will have opportunities if taking to hurdles.
VENITZIA looks a chasing type, so I suspect anything he does in these events will prove a bonus. He raced in touch but was held in the straight.
Out of a winning three mile hurdler, KINDER SCOUT wasn’t disgraced in fifth and has enough about her to suggest she will progress.
One or two such as RHYMERS HA’, a one paced seventh, and JOHN CRABBIES, a fairly backward jumping type who was well beaten, will need time.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
A Sunny Spring Afternoon at Hexham
HEXHAM – Sunday March 27th
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
Normal instructions for Hexham are to wrap up warm, but the weather came up warm and sunny for the first spring meeting at High Yarridge. Many thanks to the ladies on the ‘passes entrance’ who helped arrange badges for two of us.
I made a quick re-acquaintance with the Hexham surroundings, confirming that if you want creature comforts this is not necessarily the place to be, but for an excellent view of racing there aren’t many better.
2.10 2m ½f SIS Novices’ Hurdle – Div 1 (Class 4)
The race favoured those running close to a moderate pace. Those coming form behind weren’t able to get into the contest and the first had been up there all the way.
Chunkily built FLINTY BAY was always going well. He didn’t help himself by making a mess of two out and stumbling, but forged clear up the straight.
BUNRATTY, a big gelding who doesn’t look one who will do anything too quickly, raced up with the pace and kept on once headed. I wouldn’t imagine he would want the ground much faster.
Sprinter URSUS kept on from midfield for third though well held. Paddy Aspell felt he didn’t settle early on so the third place looks creditable. His chances would seem at their best on sharp tracks with quick ground.
Irish challenger VIVALDI was disappointing, as were all of James Lambe’s runners on the day. He never got to the leaders and couldn’t make any impression under pressure. He’s better than this and wasn’t suited by the way the race was run.
Hurdles debutant TOWER made some late progress but there was no promise from the remainder of a moderate bunch.
2.40 2m ½f SIS Novices’ Hurdle – Div 2 (Class 4)
The stronger of the two divisions of this event and run 9 seconds quicker than the first heat.
Once again it paid to be prominent, the winner ATTAGLANCE leading from start to finish and pulling clear in the closing stages. He was outpaced over two miles at Bangor but the stiffer track here helped and a return to a longer distance as he own over 2m 3f at Market Rasen. He might be good enough to pick up another novice event under a double penalty.
BELOW THE DECK chased the leaders and kept on for second, but he’s a nine-year-old inconsistent maiden.
SENDIYM kept on from two out though never threatening. Post race Graham Lee expressed the opinion that he may have a questionable attitude.
IT’S A MANS WORLD came from a long way back to finish fourth despite making a hash of both three out and two out. A modest miler on the flat this does at least suggest he might be competitive in lowly company over hurdles.
James Lambe’s IMPERIAL BREEZE never got into the race. Howard Johnson trained HOBSON’S BAY faded up the hill and seems to be going the wrong way.
3.10 3m 1f Northern Racing Club Beginner’s Chase(Class 4)
This was an uncompetitive event, won by a gelding that has shown attitude problems in the past. Wearing the colours of popular veteran Mister McGoldrick, FINAL VETO battled well to win this having appeared held approaching the last. A fair chase debut but he’s not guaranteed to repeat the form.
SILENT CLICHÉ made most of the running but came under pressure on the flat and was caught close home. The impression was he may have idled, but on looking at him in the unsaddling area and listening to connections he appeared to have given it his best.
NICK THE SILVER, a hurdles winner in 2005, ran quite well for an unsuccessful pointer. He was outpaced from three out.
CITY OF DORAL added to the list of Lambe stable disappointments, left behind from three out.
QBUSTER looked tubby and couldn’t keep up in the final mile, while PAN PAN, well related but only an occasional visitor to the racetrack, lost touch at the thirteenth and was soon pulled up.
3.40 2m 4½f Roe Deer Handicap Hurdle (0-122)
A prize of £2927 for the ‘feature event’ on the card reflects how difficult it is to put up decent prize money these days. That being said, the low rewards didn’t stop a full house of runners on the day.
CHARINGWORTH has struggled a bit over fences of late, but showed he retains ability with a late rattle on the flat to take this event.
BOLLIN RUTH could be set to pick up a spring prize on the Scottish and Northern circuit. Racing handily, she took up the running two out and stayed on only to be denied in the final hundred yards.
TEXAS HOLDEM ran another excellent race to finish a close second. Having reached a handicap mark of 126 in 2006, he was off the track for a couple of long breaks but has been admirably consistent this term. He stayed on from two out but just couldn’t get to the first two.
TEENAGE IDOL, wearing light bandages in front, challenged from two out but couldn’t raise his game on the flat.
STICK TOGETHER ran respectable race back over hurdles after a two month rest. He was in the firing line approaching the last but then gave way.
GOLFER’S CROSSING, raise 11lbs and up in class, found the combination too much to overcome.
4.10 3m Red Fox N.H. Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Winning chaser EYRE SQUARE looked a cut above these in the paddock and proved as much on the course. Always going well, he came clear down the home straight to win with authority. He’s relatively lightly raced and there could just be a little improvement left.
Twice a course winner, MAJESTIC MAYHEM lost nothing in following home the winner under14lbs of penalties.
The unsaddling area owners’ love in that followed SADDLER’S SECRET’s third place suggests that connections weren’t setting their sights high. She plodded on through the field having been behind three out. Her achievement does at least suggest that, for some owners, prize money matters little compared with the thrill of getting into the first three.
LUA DE ITAPOAN chased the leaders three out but struggled in the straight and lost third on the flat. DRUM BUSTIBLE pulled up to end a dismal afternoon for James Lambe. Staying chaser BAY CHERRY showed little sign of a revival, weakening up the hill to finish in sixth place, while his stable mate SENOR ALCO stumbled and unseated at the fifth flight.
4.40 3m 1f Primary Websites Handicap Chase (0-115)
This was a competitive event for its level and went right down to the wire.
MORGAN BE finished a tired third in the Eider having been pulled up after two out, rested a while and then sent over the last to gain some prize money. He showed no ill effects, challenging two out and battling determinedly to hold the challenge of Lockstown on the flat. Assuming he doesn’t go up too much for this victory he would get into the Highland National at Perth in late April and would have a chance assuming the ground doesn’t get too fast.
LOCKSTOWN was disappointing at Carlisle but came right back to his best here. He was a bit outpaced no the downhill run to three out, but picked up nicely from that point and made the winner pull out the stops.
CAMDEN GEORGE is a frustrating sort who has ability but doesn’t win all that often. He had every chance at the last but couldn’t raise his game on the flat.
DAWN RIDE, never going in the Eider, made a bit of late headway to pick up fourth while AGHILL came from tailed off down the far side to stay on for fifth place.
OVERLADY was in with every chance until weakening quickly before the last. She probably needs softer going but hasn’t hit the heights of her 2009 form.
FIFTYFIVE DEGREES raced prominently until dropping away from two out. He’s been out of sorts this year.
IT’S A CLASSIC made the long trip from East Garston but struggled in the second half of the race was pulled up four out. He’s 11lbs higher than his last winning mark and struggled in this company.
COPPER’S GOLD went up 10lbs for winning a weak race last time and a mark of 109 makes life tough. He raced up with the pace until weakening quickly two out and pulled before the last.
BALLYMACDUFF ran no sort of race, SOTOVIK jumped sketchily and TEERIE EXPRESS made no impact from halfway, the trio being pulled up.
5.10 2m ½f Hexham For Tourists Maiden Open NH Flat – Div 1
I suspect this was the weaker of two bumper heats. BOSTON BOB, third on his previous bumper outing, looked very fit and was driven out for victory. This Irish pointer cost £150,000 which looks very steep, though he has scope about him to make into a chaser.
THIRTY DAYS OUT showed promise in a decent bumper at Kelso last time and stayed on well enough for second. Donald Whillans should place this one to advantage once going jumping.
BURGUNDY BEAU made a fair enough debut, racing prominently but one paced in the straight. He has enough about him to suggest Willie Amos can coax a race out of him in time.
James Ewart’s RIVERSIDE POPPET looks to need time and more of a stamina test. He was well behind four furlongs out but kept on to take fourth place.
5.10 2m ½f Hexham For Tourists Maiden Open NH Flat – Div 2
Karen Mclintock specialises in bumper horses and took her record to 12/52 in bumpers since 2007. BYGONES SOVEREIGN, benefitting from a couple of decent previous runs, was kicked on six furlongs and came clear down the straight for an impressive victory. Although McLintock will have focussed on a bumper win, this one is well enough related to have a decent future over hurdles.
VICTOR HEWGO was well held but stayed on from two out. He had the remainder well beaten off and should pick up a race.
HIDDEN HARMONY, bringing forward only moderate form from the pointing field, chased the leader in vain from four furlongs out. He did give a glimmer of encouragement for the future.
CAPITAL VENTURE was another James Ewart runner staying on late and will be better suited by a stamina test.
AHHDEHKEN, a nice jumping type, couldn’t match the principals from two out but has enough about him to make up into a chaser.
Best in the paddock was TUTCHEC. A fine big grey gelding, he still has a frame to fill into. He was well outpaced down the far side, but as a long term project he is worth keeping an eye on since there is plenty of encouragement in his breeding.
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
Normal instructions for Hexham are to wrap up warm, but the weather came up warm and sunny for the first spring meeting at High Yarridge. Many thanks to the ladies on the ‘passes entrance’ who helped arrange badges for two of us.
I made a quick re-acquaintance with the Hexham surroundings, confirming that if you want creature comforts this is not necessarily the place to be, but for an excellent view of racing there aren’t many better.
2.10 2m ½f SIS Novices’ Hurdle – Div 1 (Class 4)
The race favoured those running close to a moderate pace. Those coming form behind weren’t able to get into the contest and the first had been up there all the way.
Chunkily built FLINTY BAY was always going well. He didn’t help himself by making a mess of two out and stumbling, but forged clear up the straight.
BUNRATTY, a big gelding who doesn’t look one who will do anything too quickly, raced up with the pace and kept on once headed. I wouldn’t imagine he would want the ground much faster.
Sprinter URSUS kept on from midfield for third though well held. Paddy Aspell felt he didn’t settle early on so the third place looks creditable. His chances would seem at their best on sharp tracks with quick ground.
Irish challenger VIVALDI was disappointing, as were all of James Lambe’s runners on the day. He never got to the leaders and couldn’t make any impression under pressure. He’s better than this and wasn’t suited by the way the race was run.
Hurdles debutant TOWER made some late progress but there was no promise from the remainder of a moderate bunch.
2.40 2m ½f SIS Novices’ Hurdle – Div 2 (Class 4)
The stronger of the two divisions of this event and run 9 seconds quicker than the first heat.
Once again it paid to be prominent, the winner ATTAGLANCE leading from start to finish and pulling clear in the closing stages. He was outpaced over two miles at Bangor but the stiffer track here helped and a return to a longer distance as he own over 2m 3f at Market Rasen. He might be good enough to pick up another novice event under a double penalty.
BELOW THE DECK chased the leaders and kept on for second, but he’s a nine-year-old inconsistent maiden.
SENDIYM kept on from two out though never threatening. Post race Graham Lee expressed the opinion that he may have a questionable attitude.
IT’S A MANS WORLD came from a long way back to finish fourth despite making a hash of both three out and two out. A modest miler on the flat this does at least suggest he might be competitive in lowly company over hurdles.
James Lambe’s IMPERIAL BREEZE never got into the race. Howard Johnson trained HOBSON’S BAY faded up the hill and seems to be going the wrong way.
3.10 3m 1f Northern Racing Club Beginner’s Chase(Class 4)
This was an uncompetitive event, won by a gelding that has shown attitude problems in the past. Wearing the colours of popular veteran Mister McGoldrick, FINAL VETO battled well to win this having appeared held approaching the last. A fair chase debut but he’s not guaranteed to repeat the form.
SILENT CLICHÉ made most of the running but came under pressure on the flat and was caught close home. The impression was he may have idled, but on looking at him in the unsaddling area and listening to connections he appeared to have given it his best.
NICK THE SILVER, a hurdles winner in 2005, ran quite well for an unsuccessful pointer. He was outpaced from three out.
CITY OF DORAL added to the list of Lambe stable disappointments, left behind from three out.
QBUSTER looked tubby and couldn’t keep up in the final mile, while PAN PAN, well related but only an occasional visitor to the racetrack, lost touch at the thirteenth and was soon pulled up.
3.40 2m 4½f Roe Deer Handicap Hurdle (0-122)
A prize of £2927 for the ‘feature event’ on the card reflects how difficult it is to put up decent prize money these days. That being said, the low rewards didn’t stop a full house of runners on the day.
CHARINGWORTH has struggled a bit over fences of late, but showed he retains ability with a late rattle on the flat to take this event.
BOLLIN RUTH could be set to pick up a spring prize on the Scottish and Northern circuit. Racing handily, she took up the running two out and stayed on only to be denied in the final hundred yards.
TEXAS HOLDEM ran another excellent race to finish a close second. Having reached a handicap mark of 126 in 2006, he was off the track for a couple of long breaks but has been admirably consistent this term. He stayed on from two out but just couldn’t get to the first two.
TEENAGE IDOL, wearing light bandages in front, challenged from two out but couldn’t raise his game on the flat.
STICK TOGETHER ran respectable race back over hurdles after a two month rest. He was in the firing line approaching the last but then gave way.
GOLFER’S CROSSING, raise 11lbs and up in class, found the combination too much to overcome.
4.10 3m Red Fox N.H. Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Winning chaser EYRE SQUARE looked a cut above these in the paddock and proved as much on the course. Always going well, he came clear down the home straight to win with authority. He’s relatively lightly raced and there could just be a little improvement left.
Twice a course winner, MAJESTIC MAYHEM lost nothing in following home the winner under14lbs of penalties.
The unsaddling area owners’ love in that followed SADDLER’S SECRET’s third place suggests that connections weren’t setting their sights high. She plodded on through the field having been behind three out. Her achievement does at least suggest that, for some owners, prize money matters little compared with the thrill of getting into the first three.
LUA DE ITAPOAN chased the leaders three out but struggled in the straight and lost third on the flat. DRUM BUSTIBLE pulled up to end a dismal afternoon for James Lambe. Staying chaser BAY CHERRY showed little sign of a revival, weakening up the hill to finish in sixth place, while his stable mate SENOR ALCO stumbled and unseated at the fifth flight.
4.40 3m 1f Primary Websites Handicap Chase (0-115)
This was a competitive event for its level and went right down to the wire.
MORGAN BE finished a tired third in the Eider having been pulled up after two out, rested a while and then sent over the last to gain some prize money. He showed no ill effects, challenging two out and battling determinedly to hold the challenge of Lockstown on the flat. Assuming he doesn’t go up too much for this victory he would get into the Highland National at Perth in late April and would have a chance assuming the ground doesn’t get too fast.
LOCKSTOWN was disappointing at Carlisle but came right back to his best here. He was a bit outpaced no the downhill run to three out, but picked up nicely from that point and made the winner pull out the stops.
CAMDEN GEORGE is a frustrating sort who has ability but doesn’t win all that often. He had every chance at the last but couldn’t raise his game on the flat.
DAWN RIDE, never going in the Eider, made a bit of late headway to pick up fourth while AGHILL came from tailed off down the far side to stay on for fifth place.
OVERLADY was in with every chance until weakening quickly before the last. She probably needs softer going but hasn’t hit the heights of her 2009 form.
FIFTYFIVE DEGREES raced prominently until dropping away from two out. He’s been out of sorts this year.
IT’S A CLASSIC made the long trip from East Garston but struggled in the second half of the race was pulled up four out. He’s 11lbs higher than his last winning mark and struggled in this company.
COPPER’S GOLD went up 10lbs for winning a weak race last time and a mark of 109 makes life tough. He raced up with the pace until weakening quickly two out and pulled before the last.
BALLYMACDUFF ran no sort of race, SOTOVIK jumped sketchily and TEERIE EXPRESS made no impact from halfway, the trio being pulled up.
5.10 2m ½f Hexham For Tourists Maiden Open NH Flat – Div 1
I suspect this was the weaker of two bumper heats. BOSTON BOB, third on his previous bumper outing, looked very fit and was driven out for victory. This Irish pointer cost £150,000 which looks very steep, though he has scope about him to make into a chaser.
THIRTY DAYS OUT showed promise in a decent bumper at Kelso last time and stayed on well enough for second. Donald Whillans should place this one to advantage once going jumping.
BURGUNDY BEAU made a fair enough debut, racing prominently but one paced in the straight. He has enough about him to suggest Willie Amos can coax a race out of him in time.
James Ewart’s RIVERSIDE POPPET looks to need time and more of a stamina test. He was well behind four furlongs out but kept on to take fourth place.
5.10 2m ½f Hexham For Tourists Maiden Open NH Flat – Div 2
Karen Mclintock specialises in bumper horses and took her record to 12/52 in bumpers since 2007. BYGONES SOVEREIGN, benefitting from a couple of decent previous runs, was kicked on six furlongs and came clear down the straight for an impressive victory. Although McLintock will have focussed on a bumper win, this one is well enough related to have a decent future over hurdles.
VICTOR HEWGO was well held but stayed on from two out. He had the remainder well beaten off and should pick up a race.
HIDDEN HARMONY, bringing forward only moderate form from the pointing field, chased the leader in vain from four furlongs out. He did give a glimmer of encouragement for the future.
CAPITAL VENTURE was another James Ewart runner staying on late and will be better suited by a stamina test.
AHHDEHKEN, a nice jumping type, couldn’t match the principals from two out but has enough about him to make up into a chaser.
Best in the paddock was TUTCHEC. A fine big grey gelding, he still has a frame to fill into. He was well outpaced down the far side, but as a long term project he is worth keeping an eye on since there is plenty of encouragement in his breeding.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Cheltenham..., then on to Kelso
Scottish stables played on the fringes at the Cheltenham Festival, though there were some fair performances and it’s good to see at least some significant presence.
Jim Goldie’s single runner, LA VECCHIA SCUOLA, couldn’t make an impact on her first hurdles outing for a good while. She kept on from two out but couldn’t get a blow in at the leaders.
James Ewart raced two on the Wednesday of the meeting. CAPTAIN AMERICO raced up front for three miles before dropping away in the National Hunt Chase. He didn’t see out the trip but has plenty of ability and can become a decent handicap chaser at shorter distances. AIKMAN put up a creditable performance in the 2m 5f Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle. He led until just before the straight and kept on battling away once headed, not being beaten too far in seventh. He will have a future as a chaser and his hurdling performances augur well.
Lucinda Russell’s THE STARBOARD ROW ran creditably on handicap bow in a competitive Fred Winter Hurdle. Meanwhile QUITO DE TRESOR put up arguably the best Scottish effort with a fine fifth behind Oiseau De Nuit in the Grand Annual chase. Having every chance before the last Quito Du Tresor just couldn’t raise his game any further. He’s still only seven and may have a bit of improvement left.
Sandy Forster’s STORYMAKER wasn’t disgraced in finishing tenth, staying on late, in conditions which wouldn’t have brought out the best in him.
Meanwhile Musselburgh can boast two Cheltenham winners who won their prep races. DIVERS landed the novices’ handicap chase having won the novice chase at Musselburgh’s Trials meeting, an event previously won by Kalahari King and Fiendish Flame. More surprising was the Foxhunters’ victory of Musselburgh Hunter Chase winner ZEMSKY. Although he won comfortably at Musselburgh he did seem up against it at Cheltenham. However, even allowing for Baby Run unseating two out, he was looking to have every chance and came home well clear of the remainder for Northern Ireland trainer, and Scottish circuit regular, Ian Ferguson.
If I may indulge a little I can mention my own Cheltenham victory. My propensity for selecting outsiders certainly helped in the The Racing Forum’s www.turfpix.com Cheltenham Big 4 Competition. With points scored according to price I was much indebted to Thousand Stars, Cross Kennon and What A Friend for their placed efforts in Cheltenham’s Big 4 feature races. Thanks to Tracy Roberts of Turfpix for her support of the competition.
At Hexham Nick Alexander’s SEEKING POWER came close to landing his target race, the four mile Black Grouse Handicap Chase. The race, run in testing going and over this stiff circuit, suits Seeking Power down to the ground. Unfortunately he found the enigmatic MATMATA DE TENDRON on one of his going days, closing on the run-in but not able to get his head in front. The pair were well clear of a partially revived PANAMA AT ONCE who will be better suited by drier ground.
KELSO – Monday March 21st
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
With the ground fast drying out we are starting to see a few spring horses coming to the fore. This was a decent card for a Monday with plenty of pointers to future contests.
The opening 2m 2f novices’ hurdle looked a fair contest and I suspect the form will work out. WYSE HILL TEABAGS franked the form of his third behind Bold Sir Brian here last time. Running prominently he was going well two out, went on at the last and was pushed out to come clear. He might be good enough to take a place in one of the novice races at Aintree.
QUEL ELITE continued his progressed, just wining the fight for the places. He’s shown promise on all three outings and is now qualified for handicaps.
FREDDIE BROWN still looks a bit headstrong but he had sufficient in hand to push all the way for second, having to settle for third place close home.
KAI BROON ran a sound enough race, running prominently but just held for the places on the run-in.
ROSSINI’S DANCER had a nice opportunity in the novices’ handicap chase and was ridden clear from the last. The second BORDER REIVER has ability but lacks a bit of oomph at the finish, while MAID IN MOSCOW was held from the last.
WINTER ALCHEMY had been bustled toward the rear at times and unseated after dragging his hindquarters through the open ditch away from the stands.
BLACKPOOL BILLY is looking uncooperative and refused at the third.
CHICAGO OUTFIT departed early as his saddle slipped and he was pulled up after two fences.
In the Class 4 two mile hurdle the leaders came back to the rest and it was those waited with who held sway. BYWELL BEAU set the pace, but he was done with at the last, while POKFULHAM race prominently until thumping two out and weakening. He’s better than this effort suggests.
KING MAK was held up in touch, taking over at the last and staying on. He pulled clear, but is exposed and won’t be done any favours in the weights after this.
LATIN CONNECTION progressed from the rear two out and kept on in vain pursuit on the flat. His Irish based trainer often raids this side of the Irish and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one pulled out at Perth next month.
COUNTY COLOURS led two out but he’s an awkward customer and was well held from the last.
COOL BARANCA’s rider lost his irons and had a wonky bridle form four out, but stayed in contention until lack of steering told as eh ran out at the last. He seemed willing enough under the circumstances and could find compensation.
The 2 miles 1 furlong handicap chase was a competitive event. TARTAN SNOW took some time to get the hangs of things over fences, and has not had the best of luck recently, but he impressed in winning this. He jumped tidily enough and stayed on well from the last. Allowing for his mishaps he ahs been running well and even at the age of 11 looks one to keep in mind in similar contests.
MY MOMENT led from the eighth until wandered on the run-in and headed. This was his best effort for some while and Henry Daly might be able to place him to win.
GRINGO kept on from the rear for second. He has dropped a couple of pounds despite a good autumn second to Noble Alan here. He has run well in the spring in recent years.
CARRIETAU, wearing a sheepskin noseband instead of his usual headgear, looks just held by the handicapper at the moment and was one paced in fourth. He has difficulty dominated in this grade but tried hard.
QUICUYO raced prominently until fading before the last.
HAZELDENE jumped better than last time but wasn’t good enough in this company.
BOB’S DREAM was easily brushed aside and is struggling at the moment, while HEAVENLY CHORUS was never going here.
In form RAYSROCK hit the sixth and unseated.
A bunch of exposed performers competed in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle. SENDALI burst through from the last to take this event but had to work for it and has nothing special to recommend him going forward. BERTIE MILAN performed to his best in second, but the proximity of the less than reliable LEITH WALK, LAWGIVER and CATLEEN doesn’t give the form a strong look.
GRANDAD BILL has not been at his best this season and never figured. EVERAARD, winner of a weak event at Musselburgh in February, faded tamely from two out.
The hunter chase was marred by the demise of popular performer ROBBERS GLEN who gave Val Jackson a crashing fall at the sixth fence. Despite efforts to save him he was put down and it was a sad way for as fine campaigner to exit.
QUOTICA DE POYANS added another Kelso success to his collection. He made a mistake at the fence in front of the stands but his fencing was generally sharp. He was too good for a game second from the last.
ARDNACLANCY was held up to give him a chance and closed to the last but could only offer one pace from there on in. He’s an honest sort and might pick up a hunter chase if he can avoid the winner.
HOT ‘N’ HOLY was outpaced from three out but plugged on into third. Rated 125 at best, he is on the downgrade but tried hard enough and earned some pocket money.
THUNDER HAWK did as well as could be expected in finishing fourth.
NORTHERN REVOQUE raced prominently until three out. Her best opportunities are in the pointing field.
Kelso bumpers normally throw up a noteworthy performance or two. Another useful performer has come off the Karen McLintock conveyor belt in the shape of NODFORM RICHARD. He was pushed clear in the final furlong and, out of a decent flat performer, has decent jumps form in his pedigree. Expect this one to progress from this.
PYJAMA GAME was well clear of the third and rallied once headed. This one has been second three times but should turn into a jumper and will surely win races.
FARM PIXIE came from well back to take third place. He’s taken time to learn but his last two runs augur well for one who is out of a half-sister to Grand National runner up Blue Charm. One to keep an eye on over jumps.
DOME RUN made headway to chase the leaders on the home bend but couldn’t challenge.
These were followed by two George Charlton horses. MONASHEE weakened into fifth having raced prominently while BALVERNIER came from well backed to fill sixth place. Charlton often has horses ready for bumpers but these two may need a little time.
I'm crossing the broder to Hexham on sunday March 27th so notes to follow from there on a well attended card that sees two races divided.
Jim Goldie’s single runner, LA VECCHIA SCUOLA, couldn’t make an impact on her first hurdles outing for a good while. She kept on from two out but couldn’t get a blow in at the leaders.
James Ewart raced two on the Wednesday of the meeting. CAPTAIN AMERICO raced up front for three miles before dropping away in the National Hunt Chase. He didn’t see out the trip but has plenty of ability and can become a decent handicap chaser at shorter distances. AIKMAN put up a creditable performance in the 2m 5f Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle. He led until just before the straight and kept on battling away once headed, not being beaten too far in seventh. He will have a future as a chaser and his hurdling performances augur well.
Lucinda Russell’s THE STARBOARD ROW ran creditably on handicap bow in a competitive Fred Winter Hurdle. Meanwhile QUITO DE TRESOR put up arguably the best Scottish effort with a fine fifth behind Oiseau De Nuit in the Grand Annual chase. Having every chance before the last Quito Du Tresor just couldn’t raise his game any further. He’s still only seven and may have a bit of improvement left.
Sandy Forster’s STORYMAKER wasn’t disgraced in finishing tenth, staying on late, in conditions which wouldn’t have brought out the best in him.
Meanwhile Musselburgh can boast two Cheltenham winners who won their prep races. DIVERS landed the novices’ handicap chase having won the novice chase at Musselburgh’s Trials meeting, an event previously won by Kalahari King and Fiendish Flame. More surprising was the Foxhunters’ victory of Musselburgh Hunter Chase winner ZEMSKY. Although he won comfortably at Musselburgh he did seem up against it at Cheltenham. However, even allowing for Baby Run unseating two out, he was looking to have every chance and came home well clear of the remainder for Northern Ireland trainer, and Scottish circuit regular, Ian Ferguson.
If I may indulge a little I can mention my own Cheltenham victory. My propensity for selecting outsiders certainly helped in the The Racing Forum’s www.turfpix.com Cheltenham Big 4 Competition. With points scored according to price I was much indebted to Thousand Stars, Cross Kennon and What A Friend for their placed efforts in Cheltenham’s Big 4 feature races. Thanks to Tracy Roberts of Turfpix for her support of the competition.
At Hexham Nick Alexander’s SEEKING POWER came close to landing his target race, the four mile Black Grouse Handicap Chase. The race, run in testing going and over this stiff circuit, suits Seeking Power down to the ground. Unfortunately he found the enigmatic MATMATA DE TENDRON on one of his going days, closing on the run-in but not able to get his head in front. The pair were well clear of a partially revived PANAMA AT ONCE who will be better suited by drier ground.
KELSO – Monday March 21st
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
With the ground fast drying out we are starting to see a few spring horses coming to the fore. This was a decent card for a Monday with plenty of pointers to future contests.
The opening 2m 2f novices’ hurdle looked a fair contest and I suspect the form will work out. WYSE HILL TEABAGS franked the form of his third behind Bold Sir Brian here last time. Running prominently he was going well two out, went on at the last and was pushed out to come clear. He might be good enough to take a place in one of the novice races at Aintree.
QUEL ELITE continued his progressed, just wining the fight for the places. He’s shown promise on all three outings and is now qualified for handicaps.
FREDDIE BROWN still looks a bit headstrong but he had sufficient in hand to push all the way for second, having to settle for third place close home.
KAI BROON ran a sound enough race, running prominently but just held for the places on the run-in.
ROSSINI’S DANCER had a nice opportunity in the novices’ handicap chase and was ridden clear from the last. The second BORDER REIVER has ability but lacks a bit of oomph at the finish, while MAID IN MOSCOW was held from the last.
WINTER ALCHEMY had been bustled toward the rear at times and unseated after dragging his hindquarters through the open ditch away from the stands.
BLACKPOOL BILLY is looking uncooperative and refused at the third.
CHICAGO OUTFIT departed early as his saddle slipped and he was pulled up after two fences.
In the Class 4 two mile hurdle the leaders came back to the rest and it was those waited with who held sway. BYWELL BEAU set the pace, but he was done with at the last, while POKFULHAM race prominently until thumping two out and weakening. He’s better than this effort suggests.
KING MAK was held up in touch, taking over at the last and staying on. He pulled clear, but is exposed and won’t be done any favours in the weights after this.
LATIN CONNECTION progressed from the rear two out and kept on in vain pursuit on the flat. His Irish based trainer often raids this side of the Irish and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one pulled out at Perth next month.
COUNTY COLOURS led two out but he’s an awkward customer and was well held from the last.
COOL BARANCA’s rider lost his irons and had a wonky bridle form four out, but stayed in contention until lack of steering told as eh ran out at the last. He seemed willing enough under the circumstances and could find compensation.
The 2 miles 1 furlong handicap chase was a competitive event. TARTAN SNOW took some time to get the hangs of things over fences, and has not had the best of luck recently, but he impressed in winning this. He jumped tidily enough and stayed on well from the last. Allowing for his mishaps he ahs been running well and even at the age of 11 looks one to keep in mind in similar contests.
MY MOMENT led from the eighth until wandered on the run-in and headed. This was his best effort for some while and Henry Daly might be able to place him to win.
GRINGO kept on from the rear for second. He has dropped a couple of pounds despite a good autumn second to Noble Alan here. He has run well in the spring in recent years.
CARRIETAU, wearing a sheepskin noseband instead of his usual headgear, looks just held by the handicapper at the moment and was one paced in fourth. He has difficulty dominated in this grade but tried hard.
QUICUYO raced prominently until fading before the last.
HAZELDENE jumped better than last time but wasn’t good enough in this company.
BOB’S DREAM was easily brushed aside and is struggling at the moment, while HEAVENLY CHORUS was never going here.
In form RAYSROCK hit the sixth and unseated.
A bunch of exposed performers competed in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle. SENDALI burst through from the last to take this event but had to work for it and has nothing special to recommend him going forward. BERTIE MILAN performed to his best in second, but the proximity of the less than reliable LEITH WALK, LAWGIVER and CATLEEN doesn’t give the form a strong look.
GRANDAD BILL has not been at his best this season and never figured. EVERAARD, winner of a weak event at Musselburgh in February, faded tamely from two out.
The hunter chase was marred by the demise of popular performer ROBBERS GLEN who gave Val Jackson a crashing fall at the sixth fence. Despite efforts to save him he was put down and it was a sad way for as fine campaigner to exit.
QUOTICA DE POYANS added another Kelso success to his collection. He made a mistake at the fence in front of the stands but his fencing was generally sharp. He was too good for a game second from the last.
ARDNACLANCY was held up to give him a chance and closed to the last but could only offer one pace from there on in. He’s an honest sort and might pick up a hunter chase if he can avoid the winner.
HOT ‘N’ HOLY was outpaced from three out but plugged on into third. Rated 125 at best, he is on the downgrade but tried hard enough and earned some pocket money.
THUNDER HAWK did as well as could be expected in finishing fourth.
NORTHERN REVOQUE raced prominently until three out. Her best opportunities are in the pointing field.
Kelso bumpers normally throw up a noteworthy performance or two. Another useful performer has come off the Karen McLintock conveyor belt in the shape of NODFORM RICHARD. He was pushed clear in the final furlong and, out of a decent flat performer, has decent jumps form in his pedigree. Expect this one to progress from this.
PYJAMA GAME was well clear of the third and rallied once headed. This one has been second three times but should turn into a jumper and will surely win races.
FARM PIXIE came from well back to take third place. He’s taken time to learn but his last two runs augur well for one who is out of a half-sister to Grand National runner up Blue Charm. One to keep an eye on over jumps.
DOME RUN made headway to chase the leaders on the home bend but couldn’t challenge.
These were followed by two George Charlton horses. MONASHEE weakened into fifth having raced prominently while BALVERNIER came from well backed to fill sixth place. Charlton often has horses ready for bumpers but these two may need a little time.
I'm crossing the broder to Hexham on sunday March 27th so notes to follow from there on a well attended card that sees two races divided.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Kelso Premier Hurdle Day plus notes from elsewhere
Ayr – February 24th
Mark Hughes’s progressive SPECIAL PORTRAIT was a comfortable winner of the hunter chase. Word is that the gelding will now make the journey from his Cumbria stable to contest the Foxhunters’ Chase at Cheltenham. The five times pointer will find the task much tougher than this, but he’s on the upgrade and it will be fair pointer to future prospects. The Alexanders’ NOIR ET VERT ran an honest race in second place and there may be an easier opportunity.
Odds-on FLINTY BAY just held PROUD TIMES in the novices’ hurdle, part of a Nicky Richards treble, but the pair were well clear and the form looks solid.
Meanwhile at Huntingdon, James Ewart’s AIKMAN put the southerners to the sword at Huntingdon in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle. He was given a soft lead for the first half of the race, but found plenty when challenged by MINELLA CLASS. Aikman took a bit of time to warm up this season, but he’s starting to look a decent performer and Ewart’s charge to Cheltenham with a sound chance of breaking into the places in the 2m 5f novice event on the Wednesday.
Newcastle – February 26th
The ground was bottomless for this meeting and the Eider Chase finish was an unedifying sight. COMPANERO, one who I thought could win a decent race, showed bags of guts to make all and get home. However, he took the last from a walk, and was very tired by the line. He’ll take a long time to recover, as will the second GILES CROSS who, having tried to match the winner, virtually walked through the last. MORGAN BE had been pulled up before the last but, after having a pause for rest, was eventually pushed on to complete. Much as I like my staying chases I can’t see that many get benefit from this event.
Some might consider the equine hero of the day to be TYRONE HOUSE. Plugging on in second behind CHAMIREY in the staying novice chase, John Wade’s gelding decided enough was enough, refusing at the last and sending James Reveley over the fence.
THE TRACEY SHUFFLE won the bumper, forging clear in the final two furlongs. He’s entered in the Festival bumper, as is the second ROCKS RULE. Both will win more races once going jumping, but they will have to up their game a bit more if taking in the Cheltenham event.
More of interest is the third DANCING ART, noted as decent sort by my paddock spy David Cormack of The Racing Forum. He couldn’t hold the first two but wasn’t over punished once held and should win a bumper before advancing to jumping. There’s a nice mix of flat speed and staying power in his pedigree, and he could be in worse hands that those of Keith Reveley.
Kelso – Saturday March 5th
Going – Good to Soft
A healthy crowd of around 3,900 attended Kelso’s feature meeting of the National Hunt season. The weather was cloudy and rather on the chill side, but that made no difference to a decent day’s racing with Scotland taking the feature race.
2.00 2m 1f Bedmax Handicap Chase (0-115) for the Hamilton Memorial Trophy.
An event contested by generally exposed performers, but it provided a tight finish with three fighting out the race from ‘the elbow’.
The veteran POLAR GUNNER retains his enthusiasm and, having disputed from three out, stuck his neck out in determined fashion to hold his younger rivals. He boasts a tally of 12 wins from 40 runs over nine years. Given that he won’t be over punished for this win and that he’s real trier, it’s clear he could add to that list of victories.
BENE LAD raced prominently. He was rather caught for pace approaching the last but was gaining as the runners approached the line. He’s got a solid record in chases, still seems on a reasonable mark and goes particularly well at Kelso.
DUKE OF MALFI ran a sound race to finish third. He led briefly on the run-in, but couldn’t sustain the effort close home. This was a decent effort given that he’s probably better with a bit more cut.
SEEYAAJ got rather outpaced mid race but stayed on late without threatening the first three. He’s a good ground performer, seems in fair heart and will be one to watch in the spring.
GUNS AND BUTTER has suffered breathing problems and dropped away from four out.
TARTAN SNOW was in contention when clipping Bene Lad’s heels on the flat before the ninth fence.
SUPER BABY unseated at the second, taking off too soon and landing on top of the fence. To me he doesn’t look entirely comfortable in his hind quarters and I wonder if something might be ailing him. His brain is plenty sharp enough though as, leading the field riderless; he took the right course at the intersection after the open ditch. One clued up local!
2.30 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 3)
NINE STORIES jumped badly to the right early on. He started to warm to his task down the far side though and was driven out on the run-in. He showed ability over hurdles and should prove a fair recruit to the northern chasing ranks.
Dappled grey SIGNALMAN looked as if the race would be of benefit after a near two year lay-off. He was held up early, progressed into the contest after halfway and kept on from the home turn if held by the winner. There is better to come and it won’t be long before he wins a chase.
ALFIE FLITS jumped better than he did behind Premier Sagas here last time, but his limitations were exposed when outpaced going to two out. He kept on from the last.
HAZELDENE has the build to be a chaser, but his jumping here was not impressive. That being said he stayed in contention for quite a way and will do better if his fencing improves.
WIND SHUFFLE was consistently out jumped from halfway and was well beaten from two out.
3.05 2m ½f Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Six came well clear of the rest in this contest which looked a fair event.
POKFULHAM won a seller at Musselburgh, but he’s better than that suggests having twice been runner-up in handicaps since. He’s a determined sort and stayed on under driving to secure the race in the final furlong. He should remain competitive in handicaps even off a raised mark of 115.
PROUD TIMES challenged the4 leader up the run-in but couldn’t get his head in front. He did nothing wrong and will surely win a hurdle. A step up in trip wouldn’t do any harm.
Four-year-old PATTERNING raced prominently, led from three out to the last and only gave way in the final furlong. He ahs time on his side and this was a creditable effort.
FREDDIE BROWN once again impressed me on looks. Unfortunately he is proving headstrong, very fidgety in the paddock and pulling hard in behind the leaders. He was outpaced in the straight though keeping on for fourth. I fancy he’ll need a longer trip in time, but he does need to settle better.
THESCOTTISHSOLDIER raced up with the pace but was held form two out. He’s indicated can compete and a mark of 88 suggests he would be best aimed at low level novice handicaps.
BATTLE HONOUR led until headed before two out. He’s been given a mark of 102 in handicaps, not nearly as well treated as TheScottishSoldier.
3.40 2m 6½f totesport.com Premier Chase (Class 2)
This event has proved a decent addition to this card, having been won by the useful Money Trix and Sa Suffit since its inception. The course executive must have been pleased with the small but select field that turned out for this renewal. A couple of reports from usually reliable sources suggested that the last fence was omitted. This wasn’t the case suggesting either that the reporters were unfamiliar with the course, or that they reported from their armchair, or a combination of both!
SKIPPERS BRIG looked aimed for this event. Nicky Richards has specifically targeted races at Kelso before and his charge looked spot on after a light campaign. The race turned into a sprint from the home turn, Skippers Brig passing Ballabriggs in the final furlong. He’s aimed at the National but doesn’t look an out-and-out staying type to me.
BALLABRIGGS in well fancied for the National, being quoted amongst the favourites at present. However, a strong run 3m-3m 2f looks more his cup of tea than an all out staying contest. He jumped well in main until walking through two out. A tough sort he remained at the head of affairs, kicking on after the last only to be denied past the elbow.
CHIEF DAN GEORGE made a couple of slow jumps and was feeling the pinch at the last. He kept on for third, this race having brought him a bit on in preparation for an attempt at repeating last year’s Cheltenham win.
WATCH MY BACK was pushed into contention approaching the last but held on the run-in. The race will definitely help bring him on. His mark has now dropped by 5lbs and it is worth noting that his wins have come around 2m 4f.
Rated 69lbs worse than anything else in the race, Jean McGregor’s WATERSKI pootled round in his own time to earn travel expenses and a few days’ grub.
4.15 2m 2f totesport Premier Kelso Hurdle Race (Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle)
This was as competitive novice event as there ahs been in the north this season. It featured nine hurdles winners, though ironically the winner had only won a bumper before.
Given time to mature, BOLD SIR BRIAN stepped up significantly on his previous hurdling effort, though supported by a few at decent odds. Held up early, he closed to three out and asserted impressively on the run-in. He’s not entered at Cheltenham but likely to be aimed at an Aintree novice event. He goes there as a progressive type who could surprise a few. Whatever happens in the short term, he has the makings of a chaser in future.
DESERT CRY, turned out looking in very decent condition, challenged at the last but was held in the final furlong. He’s another likely to be held back for Aintree.
WYSE HILL TEABAGS, a surprise winner at Musselburgh last time, proved that no fluke with a decent effort in third. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Jim Goldie targeted the Ayr Scottish National meeting with this one.
MOON INDIGO was once again put in his place by Wyse Hill Teabags. Previous Kelso winner BOGSIDE was held from two out, finishing just in front of PRICELESS ART who should progress with time.
Well fancied STORM BRIG was very disappointing and must surely have had a problem. He was never going and it was rather a surprise that Brian Harding persisted in the last mile. He’s much better than this run suggests.
VOSGES raced prominently early but dropped away three out. He was touted as a Cheltenham possible but a rest might now be on the cards before a tilt at Aintree or Ayr.
4.50 2m 6½f Royal Caledonian Hunt Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)
QOUTICA DE POYANS saw off his field with a bit to spare, making all and jumping well other than a howler at the seventh fence.
SCOTCH WARRIOR didn’t do much wrong in second chasing the winner for most of the race and keeping on if comfortably held.
ARDANACLANCY was outpaced four out but stayed on again in the closing stages to take third place. His Rules wins have been on good and good to firm, so he is one to watch out for as the ground dries out.
VIKING REBEL was best on Official ratings here but held in the straight.
SPELLCHECKER was walked round on the grass in the paddock. He struggled from the twelfth.
Veteran JOEUER D’ESTRUVAL made progress to get involved down the far side, but he gave the fourteenth fence a clout and struggled afterwards. He still retains some ability but needs a weak event if he is to win again.
THINK LUCKY and TWELVE PACES never got seriously involved. The latter has been capable on his day but is moody and seems regressive now.
I SEE A STAR’s rider Miss E Stead weighed in light and was suspended for three days. He was readily outpaced down the far side.
ELLANDSHE plodded round at his own slow pace, adding another completion to his collection.
DOC ROW looked outpaced and held when falling two out.
LAURA’S LIGHT raced in rear, getting well behind before pulling up approaching the last. He’s done nothing in recent times and seems a back number now.
5.25 2m 6½f The Voice Of Rugby Handicap Hurdle
This contest was run in memory of Bill McLaren and supported by The Bill McLaren Foundation which aims to raise money to promote rugby union, provide sporting opportunities for young people and to create an educative centre to include the Bill McLaren Archive.
GOLFER’S CROSSING is a sparely made sort who struggled in a couple of chases for Lucinda Russell. He performed adequately in a novice hurdle last time and was much more at home giving weight to inferiors in a moderate contest.
LEITH WALK picked off the field in the latter stages. She did the same when winning at Musselburgh last year and needs things to fall her way.
KINGS GUARD was checked over by the vet at the start. He made progress to three out but made no impression when ridden before the last.
EVERAARD made some progress form the rear to tow out but never got the leaders.
MOUFA TANGO made progress to the heels of the leaders before falling two out, rider Brian Harding suffering a broken arm in the process.
Sedgefield – Sunday February 6th
CLOUDY TOO comfortably saw off 117 rated EIGHTEEN CARAT and 11 rated MALIN BAY in the opening novices’ hurdle. Second and third look fair measures and the form looks reasonable. CLOUDY TOO is already a point winner and it would be a surprise if he didn’t notch further successes.
The remainder of the card was moderate in nature, the handicappers in particular a well exposed bunch. SAM LORD won the beginners’ chase but he’s been ungenuine in the past, and it’s not unreasonable to assume that the race fell his way. LIGHTENING ROD was eased into the race, perhaps cautious after his fall last time. He wasn’t overpressed in finishing second and might repay the kindness.
Newcastle – Tuesday February 8th
The ground was once again very testing at Gosforth Park, fields were small and the conditions must leave their mark on some of the competitors.
Willie Amos’s WILLIE HALL has progressed nicely at his own level. He just held off ROLECARR in the two mile handicap hurdle but might prove better than the bare form suggests.
Carlisle – Thursday February 10th
Another day of tough slogs in the mud, two fences and one hurdle being missed on each circuit.
BLAZING DIVA won the 3m 2f handicap chase and Sandy Thomson’s mare is in her element in such conditions. She’s entered for the ‘Hexham Four Miler’ in Cheltenham week and could follow up as this race didn’t seem to find the bottom of here. OVERLADY has been struggling, but fifth here was a better effort and she might now start to show up a bit better. She’s another holding the Hexham engagement.
I was pleased to see TEXAS HOLDEM rewarded with the win that a series of honest have deserved. He stayed on too well for ASCENDANT and DICKIE HENDERHOOP, the latter putting in an encouraging performance, in the Hands And Heels contest.
Karen McLintock does well in bumpers and here ROJO VIVO was comfortable winner of the closing contest, clearly suited by the stamina test.
News from Carlisle is that the new hurdles circuit, running inside the chase course, will be used for the first time in the autumn.
Mark Hughes’s progressive SPECIAL PORTRAIT was a comfortable winner of the hunter chase. Word is that the gelding will now make the journey from his Cumbria stable to contest the Foxhunters’ Chase at Cheltenham. The five times pointer will find the task much tougher than this, but he’s on the upgrade and it will be fair pointer to future prospects. The Alexanders’ NOIR ET VERT ran an honest race in second place and there may be an easier opportunity.
Odds-on FLINTY BAY just held PROUD TIMES in the novices’ hurdle, part of a Nicky Richards treble, but the pair were well clear and the form looks solid.
Meanwhile at Huntingdon, James Ewart’s AIKMAN put the southerners to the sword at Huntingdon in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle. He was given a soft lead for the first half of the race, but found plenty when challenged by MINELLA CLASS. Aikman took a bit of time to warm up this season, but he’s starting to look a decent performer and Ewart’s charge to Cheltenham with a sound chance of breaking into the places in the 2m 5f novice event on the Wednesday.
Newcastle – February 26th
The ground was bottomless for this meeting and the Eider Chase finish was an unedifying sight. COMPANERO, one who I thought could win a decent race, showed bags of guts to make all and get home. However, he took the last from a walk, and was very tired by the line. He’ll take a long time to recover, as will the second GILES CROSS who, having tried to match the winner, virtually walked through the last. MORGAN BE had been pulled up before the last but, after having a pause for rest, was eventually pushed on to complete. Much as I like my staying chases I can’t see that many get benefit from this event.
Some might consider the equine hero of the day to be TYRONE HOUSE. Plugging on in second behind CHAMIREY in the staying novice chase, John Wade’s gelding decided enough was enough, refusing at the last and sending James Reveley over the fence.
THE TRACEY SHUFFLE won the bumper, forging clear in the final two furlongs. He’s entered in the Festival bumper, as is the second ROCKS RULE. Both will win more races once going jumping, but they will have to up their game a bit more if taking in the Cheltenham event.
More of interest is the third DANCING ART, noted as decent sort by my paddock spy David Cormack of The Racing Forum. He couldn’t hold the first two but wasn’t over punished once held and should win a bumper before advancing to jumping. There’s a nice mix of flat speed and staying power in his pedigree, and he could be in worse hands that those of Keith Reveley.
Kelso – Saturday March 5th
Going – Good to Soft
A healthy crowd of around 3,900 attended Kelso’s feature meeting of the National Hunt season. The weather was cloudy and rather on the chill side, but that made no difference to a decent day’s racing with Scotland taking the feature race.
2.00 2m 1f Bedmax Handicap Chase (0-115) for the Hamilton Memorial Trophy.
An event contested by generally exposed performers, but it provided a tight finish with three fighting out the race from ‘the elbow’.
The veteran POLAR GUNNER retains his enthusiasm and, having disputed from three out, stuck his neck out in determined fashion to hold his younger rivals. He boasts a tally of 12 wins from 40 runs over nine years. Given that he won’t be over punished for this win and that he’s real trier, it’s clear he could add to that list of victories.
BENE LAD raced prominently. He was rather caught for pace approaching the last but was gaining as the runners approached the line. He’s got a solid record in chases, still seems on a reasonable mark and goes particularly well at Kelso.
DUKE OF MALFI ran a sound race to finish third. He led briefly on the run-in, but couldn’t sustain the effort close home. This was a decent effort given that he’s probably better with a bit more cut.
SEEYAAJ got rather outpaced mid race but stayed on late without threatening the first three. He’s a good ground performer, seems in fair heart and will be one to watch in the spring.
GUNS AND BUTTER has suffered breathing problems and dropped away from four out.
TARTAN SNOW was in contention when clipping Bene Lad’s heels on the flat before the ninth fence.
SUPER BABY unseated at the second, taking off too soon and landing on top of the fence. To me he doesn’t look entirely comfortable in his hind quarters and I wonder if something might be ailing him. His brain is plenty sharp enough though as, leading the field riderless; he took the right course at the intersection after the open ditch. One clued up local!
2.30 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 3)
NINE STORIES jumped badly to the right early on. He started to warm to his task down the far side though and was driven out on the run-in. He showed ability over hurdles and should prove a fair recruit to the northern chasing ranks.
Dappled grey SIGNALMAN looked as if the race would be of benefit after a near two year lay-off. He was held up early, progressed into the contest after halfway and kept on from the home turn if held by the winner. There is better to come and it won’t be long before he wins a chase.
ALFIE FLITS jumped better than he did behind Premier Sagas here last time, but his limitations were exposed when outpaced going to two out. He kept on from the last.
HAZELDENE has the build to be a chaser, but his jumping here was not impressive. That being said he stayed in contention for quite a way and will do better if his fencing improves.
WIND SHUFFLE was consistently out jumped from halfway and was well beaten from two out.
3.05 2m ½f Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Six came well clear of the rest in this contest which looked a fair event.
POKFULHAM won a seller at Musselburgh, but he’s better than that suggests having twice been runner-up in handicaps since. He’s a determined sort and stayed on under driving to secure the race in the final furlong. He should remain competitive in handicaps even off a raised mark of 115.
PROUD TIMES challenged the4 leader up the run-in but couldn’t get his head in front. He did nothing wrong and will surely win a hurdle. A step up in trip wouldn’t do any harm.
Four-year-old PATTERNING raced prominently, led from three out to the last and only gave way in the final furlong. He ahs time on his side and this was a creditable effort.
FREDDIE BROWN once again impressed me on looks. Unfortunately he is proving headstrong, very fidgety in the paddock and pulling hard in behind the leaders. He was outpaced in the straight though keeping on for fourth. I fancy he’ll need a longer trip in time, but he does need to settle better.
THESCOTTISHSOLDIER raced up with the pace but was held form two out. He’s indicated can compete and a mark of 88 suggests he would be best aimed at low level novice handicaps.
BATTLE HONOUR led until headed before two out. He’s been given a mark of 102 in handicaps, not nearly as well treated as TheScottishSoldier.
3.40 2m 6½f totesport.com Premier Chase (Class 2)
This event has proved a decent addition to this card, having been won by the useful Money Trix and Sa Suffit since its inception. The course executive must have been pleased with the small but select field that turned out for this renewal. A couple of reports from usually reliable sources suggested that the last fence was omitted. This wasn’t the case suggesting either that the reporters were unfamiliar with the course, or that they reported from their armchair, or a combination of both!
SKIPPERS BRIG looked aimed for this event. Nicky Richards has specifically targeted races at Kelso before and his charge looked spot on after a light campaign. The race turned into a sprint from the home turn, Skippers Brig passing Ballabriggs in the final furlong. He’s aimed at the National but doesn’t look an out-and-out staying type to me.
BALLABRIGGS in well fancied for the National, being quoted amongst the favourites at present. However, a strong run 3m-3m 2f looks more his cup of tea than an all out staying contest. He jumped well in main until walking through two out. A tough sort he remained at the head of affairs, kicking on after the last only to be denied past the elbow.
CHIEF DAN GEORGE made a couple of slow jumps and was feeling the pinch at the last. He kept on for third, this race having brought him a bit on in preparation for an attempt at repeating last year’s Cheltenham win.
WATCH MY BACK was pushed into contention approaching the last but held on the run-in. The race will definitely help bring him on. His mark has now dropped by 5lbs and it is worth noting that his wins have come around 2m 4f.
Rated 69lbs worse than anything else in the race, Jean McGregor’s WATERSKI pootled round in his own time to earn travel expenses and a few days’ grub.
4.15 2m 2f totesport Premier Kelso Hurdle Race (Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle)
This was as competitive novice event as there ahs been in the north this season. It featured nine hurdles winners, though ironically the winner had only won a bumper before.
Given time to mature, BOLD SIR BRIAN stepped up significantly on his previous hurdling effort, though supported by a few at decent odds. Held up early, he closed to three out and asserted impressively on the run-in. He’s not entered at Cheltenham but likely to be aimed at an Aintree novice event. He goes there as a progressive type who could surprise a few. Whatever happens in the short term, he has the makings of a chaser in future.
DESERT CRY, turned out looking in very decent condition, challenged at the last but was held in the final furlong. He’s another likely to be held back for Aintree.
WYSE HILL TEABAGS, a surprise winner at Musselburgh last time, proved that no fluke with a decent effort in third. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Jim Goldie targeted the Ayr Scottish National meeting with this one.
MOON INDIGO was once again put in his place by Wyse Hill Teabags. Previous Kelso winner BOGSIDE was held from two out, finishing just in front of PRICELESS ART who should progress with time.
Well fancied STORM BRIG was very disappointing and must surely have had a problem. He was never going and it was rather a surprise that Brian Harding persisted in the last mile. He’s much better than this run suggests.
VOSGES raced prominently early but dropped away three out. He was touted as a Cheltenham possible but a rest might now be on the cards before a tilt at Aintree or Ayr.
4.50 2m 6½f Royal Caledonian Hunt Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)
QOUTICA DE POYANS saw off his field with a bit to spare, making all and jumping well other than a howler at the seventh fence.
SCOTCH WARRIOR didn’t do much wrong in second chasing the winner for most of the race and keeping on if comfortably held.
ARDANACLANCY was outpaced four out but stayed on again in the closing stages to take third place. His Rules wins have been on good and good to firm, so he is one to watch out for as the ground dries out.
VIKING REBEL was best on Official ratings here but held in the straight.
SPELLCHECKER was walked round on the grass in the paddock. He struggled from the twelfth.
Veteran JOEUER D’ESTRUVAL made progress to get involved down the far side, but he gave the fourteenth fence a clout and struggled afterwards. He still retains some ability but needs a weak event if he is to win again.
THINK LUCKY and TWELVE PACES never got seriously involved. The latter has been capable on his day but is moody and seems regressive now.
I SEE A STAR’s rider Miss E Stead weighed in light and was suspended for three days. He was readily outpaced down the far side.
ELLANDSHE plodded round at his own slow pace, adding another completion to his collection.
DOC ROW looked outpaced and held when falling two out.
LAURA’S LIGHT raced in rear, getting well behind before pulling up approaching the last. He’s done nothing in recent times and seems a back number now.
5.25 2m 6½f The Voice Of Rugby Handicap Hurdle
This contest was run in memory of Bill McLaren and supported by The Bill McLaren Foundation which aims to raise money to promote rugby union, provide sporting opportunities for young people and to create an educative centre to include the Bill McLaren Archive.
GOLFER’S CROSSING is a sparely made sort who struggled in a couple of chases for Lucinda Russell. He performed adequately in a novice hurdle last time and was much more at home giving weight to inferiors in a moderate contest.
LEITH WALK picked off the field in the latter stages. She did the same when winning at Musselburgh last year and needs things to fall her way.
KINGS GUARD was checked over by the vet at the start. He made progress to three out but made no impression when ridden before the last.
EVERAARD made some progress form the rear to tow out but never got the leaders.
MOUFA TANGO made progress to the heels of the leaders before falling two out, rider Brian Harding suffering a broken arm in the process.
Sedgefield – Sunday February 6th
CLOUDY TOO comfortably saw off 117 rated EIGHTEEN CARAT and 11 rated MALIN BAY in the opening novices’ hurdle. Second and third look fair measures and the form looks reasonable. CLOUDY TOO is already a point winner and it would be a surprise if he didn’t notch further successes.
The remainder of the card was moderate in nature, the handicappers in particular a well exposed bunch. SAM LORD won the beginners’ chase but he’s been ungenuine in the past, and it’s not unreasonable to assume that the race fell his way. LIGHTENING ROD was eased into the race, perhaps cautious after his fall last time. He wasn’t overpressed in finishing second and might repay the kindness.
Newcastle – Tuesday February 8th
The ground was once again very testing at Gosforth Park, fields were small and the conditions must leave their mark on some of the competitors.
Willie Amos’s WILLIE HALL has progressed nicely at his own level. He just held off ROLECARR in the two mile handicap hurdle but might prove better than the bare form suggests.
Carlisle – Thursday February 10th
Another day of tough slogs in the mud, two fences and one hurdle being missed on each circuit.
BLAZING DIVA won the 3m 2f handicap chase and Sandy Thomson’s mare is in her element in such conditions. She’s entered for the ‘Hexham Four Miler’ in Cheltenham week and could follow up as this race didn’t seem to find the bottom of here. OVERLADY has been struggling, but fifth here was a better effort and she might now start to show up a bit better. She’s another holding the Hexham engagement.
I was pleased to see TEXAS HOLDEM rewarded with the win that a series of honest have deserved. He stayed on too well for ASCENDANT and DICKIE HENDERHOOP, the latter putting in an encouraging performance, in the Hands And Heels contest.
Karen McLintock does well in bumpers and here ROJO VIVO was comfortable winner of the closing contest, clearly suited by the stamina test.
News from Carlisle is that the new hurdles circuit, running inside the chase course, will be used for the first time in the autumn.
Saturday, 26 February 2011
Mid February Action in Scotland and The North
CATTERICK – Monday February 14th
Going – Good To Soft
MAC AERA and EIGHTEEN CARAT were clear in the staying novice hurdle which opened a run-of-the-mill jumping card. Both look out and out stayers with Mac Aera possessing a little more scope to progress. STREAMTOWN was well held but might make an impact in handicaps in time.
CHAMIREY’s departure when going well three out left YOU KNOW YOURSELF to come home in isolation to secure the staying novice chase.
ONLY THE BEST unseated five out when dropping away behind the first two. The penny took a bit of time to drop over hurdles and he might just need some learning time over the bigger obstacles.
PRET A THOU won a fairly decent Class 3 2m 3f handicap chase and is going the right way. DE BOITRON was held from the last but put in a sound effort and is a good marker.
COLUMBUS SECRET was not disgraced in third. He was held by the first two from three out, but he’s going in the right direction and acquitted himself well in this company, performing better than when I saw him at Ayr in January. He will be of interest in handicaps if dropped in grade.
NEWCASTLE – Tuesday February 15th
Going – Heavy
The ground was very testing at Gosforth Park and most of the runners were struggling to get home. The vast majority of chasers were out on feet by the turn for home, despite not having to jump so many obstacles with two missed out in the back straight. It may be worth ignoring form of some of the beaten horses as conditions will seldom run as testing.
The opening maiden hurdle was won in comfortable style by BUNCLODY forging clear with ears pricked. This wasn’t the toughest opposition, but he looks capable of better and this run aids weight to the form of his previous conqueror, STORM BRIG.
PRINCE TAM is not the strongest finishers, but it was ability to keep galloping that mattered in the 2m Class 5 Handicap Chase. He forged clear from four out and, though tired, saw out his race steadily. THE GREEN HAT is a bit of a slow plodder who has tried at various distances, but he kept on for second. MIGHTY MAGNUS was well held from four in the gluepot.
JERINGA led all bar the last fifty yards of the Class 4 Handicap Chase, adding another runner up spot to his record. His effort couldn’t be faulted though and he should eventually get his head in front where it counts. TEERIE EXPRESS had just a little more in reserve to pass his only surviving opponent, the other two still standing having sensibly called it a day when very tired.
WILD CANE RIDGE finished the best part of a furlong clear of the only other finisher in the three mile chase. After MISTER MARKER unseated three out when tired, the winner just clambered over two out and it looked touch and go if he could get over the final obstacle. Stoked up approaching the fence, Wild Cane Ridge responded gamely and a fine leap at the last saw him home. Future prospects depend on whether the handicapper lends any weight to this form.
TOP DRESSING plugged round for a distant second. IT’S TEESCOMPONENTS emptied very quickly before five out having led up till then.
SEE YOU THERE just couldn’t handle the conditions and KING KILLONE, pulled up once again, now looks a back number.
MUSSELBURGH – Wednesday February 16th
Going - Soft (Good to Soft in places)
We’ve had a fair bit of rain in the East of Scotland recently, the going at Musselburgh being as testing of late as it has been for a few seasons. The bends in particular chopped up badly as the East Lothian course brought there winter campaign to a close.
1.50 2m 4f EBF NH Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
BLENHEIM BROOK jumped accurately all the way round and had no problem seeing off a moderate field, winning by 16 lengths eased right down. He is now aimed at the EBF Final at Sandown in March. I think he will need soft going to make a mark at Esher.
SMITHY THE HORSE kept on from three out and seems to be going the right way. He should progress in staying events given time.
BLAZING BAY plugged on for third but doesn’t look any great shakes as yet.
2.20 3m 110yds Weatherbys Private Banking Handicap Hurdle (0-100)
VALLANI has improved since joining Lucinda Russell from John Barclay’s yard. She’s not madly quick, but does stay on and her determination was enough to wrest the race from a gallant second. When her jumping holds up she’s competitive at this level.
FESTIVAL KING, in form over fences, ran with zest out front only to be denied the race near the finish. He’s in good heart and this augurs well for which ever target Pauline Robson points him at.
FAIRYNUFF, equipped with a first time tongue-tie, ran a sound race though unable to match he first two from before the last. If the breathing aid continues to work then he may well land a small staying hurdle.
PROFICIENCY was well there most of the way held from two out. A small mares’ staying event might be her chance, while WOTCHALIKE ran respectably coming off a break and should come on enough to have win prospects in the spring.
2.50 2m 4f Eildon Hill Stables Hunters’ Chase
That aside, the ‘fun runners’ showed up their full time counterparts by serving up the biggest chase field of Musselburgh’s season. It’s been a struggle to fill the course’s steeplechases all season.
The start here was a mess, KINFAYRE BOY being very reluctant and severely interfered with NIRVANA DU BOURG. The starter should have some serious questions to ask since I can see no way this could be considered a fair start. One wonders what he was watching!
ZEMSKY had some decent novice hurdle form when with Nicky Henderson. He’s been successful in the pointing field and only had to kept up to his work to win this, having run prominently from halfway. He looks the type to win another hunter chase or two.
SPELLCHECKER won a moderate maiden chase at Sedgefield last season. He probably isn’t the most resolute performer but should find this sphere easier. He led at the twelfth but wasn’t good enough once passed by the winner two out.
THUNDER HAWK is another better off in hunter chases. He led for the first half of the race, dropped back down the far side and then stayed on again from three out. This sharp two and a half miles would not have favoured him.
BOW SCHOOL never got into the race here and could only plug on into fourth. The race won’t have done him any harm and he can be more competitive.
NIRVANA DE BOURG, carrying forward a dismal pointing and hunter record from last season, caught up with his field after the starting debacle. He dropped away down the far side but too his credit stayed on a bit in the latter stages, a first time tongue tie seemingly eking out just a glimmer of improvement.
QUECHUA DES OBEAUX’s brief effort approaching four out came to nothing.
SCOTCH WARRIOR briefly threatened approaching four out, but was getting the worst of the argument when coming down at the next fence.
ATHOSS made no impact against opponents better than himself, BARRY THE CRACKER faded before the final bend and has made little impact under Rules,whilst PENDLE FOREST continues on the downgrade.
Five-year-old MARKADAM made a winning pointing debut recently. He ran well enough before a bad mistake at the twelfth put paid to his chances. He hints at ability and might be worth keeping an eye on.
3.20 2m Nairn’s Oatcakes Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (0-104)
This race yielded a future Grade 1 winner last season in Orsippus. I can’t see that being the case this year, but the winner does at least progressive, ANTOELLA setting a decent pace and pulled clear comfortably from two out.
MIEREVELD was keen early on, which won’t have helped, and could only keep on after the winner.
CAPRICORNUS stayed on from three out. Evidence to date is that he’s not a possessor of great pace, but might do a bit more if given a stamina test.
Brian Toomey gave LADY PACHA a few too many cracks to my mind after the sixth. It may be the filly doesn’t give it her all, but the rider’s effort did not look pretty.
3.50 2m Weatherbys Wealth Planning Handicap Hurdle (0-130)
DONTPAYTHEFERRYMAN won this in fine style. Having set the pace from the start, he quickened three out and then stayed on determinedly in typical fashion. He’s been in decent form on the flat recently and a jumps follow up looks possible.
POKFULHAM chase in vain from three out, but this was another decent effort. He should find a handicap opportunity off his current mark.
GRAND DIAMOND kept on for third, but his only hurdles win came when the race fell ‘into his lap’ at Kelso and he does need things to go his way.
VIVA COLONIA was held here despite stepping back down in trip.
4.20 2m 4f NSPCC Social Services Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-110)
ROSSINI’S DANCER has been running reasonably well of late without threatening to win. He put things right here with a determined finish, working his way into contention before four out, leading two out but then hitting the last before rallying and staying on tenaciously.
QUINDER SPRING led or disputed until headed two out, got the better jump at the last only to be headed near the line.
POSH BIRD plugged on for third from well back, but isn’t especially well treated.
GUNS AND BUTTER weakened three out and regularly finishes weakly.
NONOTREALLY jumped left for much of the way. He got in touch by the eighth but soon dropped back. His amateur rider wins no friends for needless whip wielding on the turn out of the back straight when his mount was clearly going nowhere.
LOCKED INTHEPOCKET went well until falling at the eleventh.
4.50 2m CMYK Digital Solutions Standard Open NH Flat Race
GRANDIOSO, out of Westerner by 12 furlong winner, is bred to be favoured by a stamina test. He stayed on well if a bit green, and this must augur well for the future.
PYJAMA GAME was outpaced early in the straight before staying on for second.
DIZZY RIVER will be better suited by a stamina test over jumps. He was well held form three furlongs out.
THINK GREEN ran out of puff three furlongs out.
KELSO – Thursday February 17th
Going – Soft
A decent midweek meeting at the Borders’ track, headlined by the appearance of Peddler’s Cross in the feature event.
1.40 2m 110yds Kelso Members Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
This didn’t look a bad novice event won in decent style by BOGSIDE, staying on up the long run-in. The form of his Musselburgh third looks solid and he should be capable of picking up further races.
MUSIC OF THE MOOR closed on the run-in and confirmed the promise of her Sandown debut. She will be interesting if returned to a juvenile hurdle and it wouldn’t be out of the question that Tom Tate might take her to Cheltenham.
PRICELESS ART made a satisfactory hurdling debut. He kept on but found the first two a little too nippy from the last.
THE GALLOPING SHOE held every chance before being held form the last. He lost a shoe at Musselburgh first time and this was much more encouraging.
In a race full of notebook horses, RUMBLE OF THUNDER was done for pace form the last. He will be suited by a stiffer test.
Anyone looking for a quiet one to take out of this contest could do worse than put QUEL ESPRIT on the ‘eyecatchers’ list. Out the back until three out, he made steady progress to the heels of the leaders approaching the last and kept on from there. His breeding is unremarkable, and the stable are out of form, but there was plenty to encourage in this performance.
2.10 2m 2f Oswald Hughes Handicap Hurdle (0-110)
CIRCUS CLOWN is a progressive gelding, adding an impressive win here to his Ayr success. He quickened on the flat and had enough in hand to suggest he will add to his two successes.
WILLIE HALL is improving with experience and acquitted himself well stepping up from novice company. He couldn’t hold the winner from the last, but kept on well enough for second.
TEXAS HOLDEM ran a sound race in third. The twelve-year-old’s trainer must hold out hope of a win before long as he often gets in the mix and seems to try hard enough.
NO SUPPER is not the most resolute in a finish. He looked to be going well two out but was held on the flat.
2.40 2m 6f 110yds Lloyd Vaderstad Handicap Chase (0-126)
ALWAYS RIGHT confirmed the sound impression from his previous run here. John Wade’s stable has been spot on of late and this former hunter chaser is well up to Class 3 standard, leading at the last and staying on well.
CAMDEN GEORGE is frustrating, but kept on for second.
HOCKENHEIM led until the last but was then held. A fair effort, but he doesn’t stand much racing and looks collared by the handicapper.
LOCKSTOWN, presented with the race at Newcastle last time, was never looking happy enough here and held in fourth.
Course specialist OR DE GRUGY seems a bit high in the weights now and was held form two out.
DAWN RIDE was outpaced on the run to the fourteenth.
HEEZ A STELL was in rear when unseating at the twelfth.
PHARDESSA took a heavy fall at the first but seemed none the worse.
3.15 2m 1f Timeform Festival Trial Novices’ Chase
PREMIER SAGAS is turning into a decent novice chaser. He proved he can mix it with the handicappers when finishing second to Sagalyrique at Ayr, and this was his second novice victory since that. Although he bit awkward over two out, he generally jumped well and had the race in safe keeping from the last. He’s below the top band of novices but this performance looks to have earned him a crack at Cheltenham or Aintree.
ALFIE FLITS was outpaced to two out, rallying late to reclaim second. He jumped tidily enough here in November, but he has not been foot perfect since and that is holding him back.
KING O’ THE GYPSIES has the pace to mix it in this company, but his jumping here wasn’t good enough. He does have plenty of racing pace, but needs to sharpen his fencing.
THUMBS UP chased the leader two out but came under pressure approaching the last and had no more to give.
SOUL MAGIC isn’t remotely in the class of the first four but completed in his own time for fifth.
3.50 2m 2f Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle (Class 2)
PEDDLER’S CROSS maintained an unbeaten record here, though he had to be rousted to see off Bygones Of Brid from the last. He responded well enough, and given that he’s had a interrupted training schedule of late the performance looks sound enough. He’s done nothing wrong to date and, with the champion hurdle threatening to quite an open contest, he goes to Cheltenham with a live chance.
BYGONES OF BRID pushed the winner before being seen off before the final furlong. Things haven’t quite fallen for him handicapping, but he retains his ability and is at his best when there is a decent amount of cut.
HOLLINS ran a fair race in third but was held from two out whilst ORSIPPUS, who weakened on the run-in having looked likely to finish third, needs better ground to show his best.
4.25 3m 1f Connolly’s Red Mills Horse Feeds Open Hunters’ Chase
QUOTICA DE POYANS got the job done eventually but needed severe rousting approaching the elbow. He walked through a couple of fences, something he couldn’t get away with against tougher opposition. Add to that a tendency to hold his head at an odd angle on the run-in and it looks to me that he has few questions to answer before making a mark at the highest hunter level.
Recent point winner OPTIMISTIC HARRY retains his enthusiasm and tried his best if held in the closing stages.
GENERAL STRIKER kept on to take third, whilst RIMSKY and LUKSAR were outpaced from two out.
5.00 2m 110yds EBF/DBS Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Unfancied TOUBEERA was a ready winner and Michael Smith looks to have a decent mare on his hands. She might be wroth a crack at Graded Mares’ Bumpers on this evidence.
LUCIA BAY chased the winner from two furlongs out but couldn’t make any impression. She will find an easier contest and breeding suggests she can make a mark over hurdles.
MOLANNARCH was held up, made headway before the straight and kept on for third. There’s plenty of stamina in here pedigree and she may be seen to better effect at longer trips over jumps.
SERENTIATIS and THIRTY DAYS OUT followed the first three and their previous placed form lends some weight to the value of the result.
SILVER BY NATURE put himself in the picture as live Grand National contender with a superb win at Haydock. If anything his jumping improved as teh ontest went on and he left his field behind from two out.
News from Nick Alexander's stable is that his multiple winner ISLA PEARL FISHER recently suffered a hairline fracture to a hind pastern. He's had a spell at the Glasgow University's Equine Hosptial and has been reported as on the mend.
Going – Good To Soft
MAC AERA and EIGHTEEN CARAT were clear in the staying novice hurdle which opened a run-of-the-mill jumping card. Both look out and out stayers with Mac Aera possessing a little more scope to progress. STREAMTOWN was well held but might make an impact in handicaps in time.
CHAMIREY’s departure when going well three out left YOU KNOW YOURSELF to come home in isolation to secure the staying novice chase.
ONLY THE BEST unseated five out when dropping away behind the first two. The penny took a bit of time to drop over hurdles and he might just need some learning time over the bigger obstacles.
PRET A THOU won a fairly decent Class 3 2m 3f handicap chase and is going the right way. DE BOITRON was held from the last but put in a sound effort and is a good marker.
COLUMBUS SECRET was not disgraced in third. He was held by the first two from three out, but he’s going in the right direction and acquitted himself well in this company, performing better than when I saw him at Ayr in January. He will be of interest in handicaps if dropped in grade.
NEWCASTLE – Tuesday February 15th
Going – Heavy
The ground was very testing at Gosforth Park and most of the runners were struggling to get home. The vast majority of chasers were out on feet by the turn for home, despite not having to jump so many obstacles with two missed out in the back straight. It may be worth ignoring form of some of the beaten horses as conditions will seldom run as testing.
The opening maiden hurdle was won in comfortable style by BUNCLODY forging clear with ears pricked. This wasn’t the toughest opposition, but he looks capable of better and this run aids weight to the form of his previous conqueror, STORM BRIG.
PRINCE TAM is not the strongest finishers, but it was ability to keep galloping that mattered in the 2m Class 5 Handicap Chase. He forged clear from four out and, though tired, saw out his race steadily. THE GREEN HAT is a bit of a slow plodder who has tried at various distances, but he kept on for second. MIGHTY MAGNUS was well held from four in the gluepot.
JERINGA led all bar the last fifty yards of the Class 4 Handicap Chase, adding another runner up spot to his record. His effort couldn’t be faulted though and he should eventually get his head in front where it counts. TEERIE EXPRESS had just a little more in reserve to pass his only surviving opponent, the other two still standing having sensibly called it a day when very tired.
WILD CANE RIDGE finished the best part of a furlong clear of the only other finisher in the three mile chase. After MISTER MARKER unseated three out when tired, the winner just clambered over two out and it looked touch and go if he could get over the final obstacle. Stoked up approaching the fence, Wild Cane Ridge responded gamely and a fine leap at the last saw him home. Future prospects depend on whether the handicapper lends any weight to this form.
TOP DRESSING plugged round for a distant second. IT’S TEESCOMPONENTS emptied very quickly before five out having led up till then.
SEE YOU THERE just couldn’t handle the conditions and KING KILLONE, pulled up once again, now looks a back number.
MUSSELBURGH – Wednesday February 16th
Going - Soft (Good to Soft in places)
We’ve had a fair bit of rain in the East of Scotland recently, the going at Musselburgh being as testing of late as it has been for a few seasons. The bends in particular chopped up badly as the East Lothian course brought there winter campaign to a close.
1.50 2m 4f EBF NH Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
BLENHEIM BROOK jumped accurately all the way round and had no problem seeing off a moderate field, winning by 16 lengths eased right down. He is now aimed at the EBF Final at Sandown in March. I think he will need soft going to make a mark at Esher.
SMITHY THE HORSE kept on from three out and seems to be going the right way. He should progress in staying events given time.
BLAZING BAY plugged on for third but doesn’t look any great shakes as yet.
2.20 3m 110yds Weatherbys Private Banking Handicap Hurdle (0-100)
VALLANI has improved since joining Lucinda Russell from John Barclay’s yard. She’s not madly quick, but does stay on and her determination was enough to wrest the race from a gallant second. When her jumping holds up she’s competitive at this level.
FESTIVAL KING, in form over fences, ran with zest out front only to be denied the race near the finish. He’s in good heart and this augurs well for which ever target Pauline Robson points him at.
FAIRYNUFF, equipped with a first time tongue-tie, ran a sound race though unable to match he first two from before the last. If the breathing aid continues to work then he may well land a small staying hurdle.
PROFICIENCY was well there most of the way held from two out. A small mares’ staying event might be her chance, while WOTCHALIKE ran respectably coming off a break and should come on enough to have win prospects in the spring.
2.50 2m 4f Eildon Hill Stables Hunters’ Chase
That aside, the ‘fun runners’ showed up their full time counterparts by serving up the biggest chase field of Musselburgh’s season. It’s been a struggle to fill the course’s steeplechases all season.
The start here was a mess, KINFAYRE BOY being very reluctant and severely interfered with NIRVANA DU BOURG. The starter should have some serious questions to ask since I can see no way this could be considered a fair start. One wonders what he was watching!
ZEMSKY had some decent novice hurdle form when with Nicky Henderson. He’s been successful in the pointing field and only had to kept up to his work to win this, having run prominently from halfway. He looks the type to win another hunter chase or two.
SPELLCHECKER won a moderate maiden chase at Sedgefield last season. He probably isn’t the most resolute performer but should find this sphere easier. He led at the twelfth but wasn’t good enough once passed by the winner two out.
THUNDER HAWK is another better off in hunter chases. He led for the first half of the race, dropped back down the far side and then stayed on again from three out. This sharp two and a half miles would not have favoured him.
BOW SCHOOL never got into the race here and could only plug on into fourth. The race won’t have done him any harm and he can be more competitive.
NIRVANA DE BOURG, carrying forward a dismal pointing and hunter record from last season, caught up with his field after the starting debacle. He dropped away down the far side but too his credit stayed on a bit in the latter stages, a first time tongue tie seemingly eking out just a glimmer of improvement.
QUECHUA DES OBEAUX’s brief effort approaching four out came to nothing.
SCOTCH WARRIOR briefly threatened approaching four out, but was getting the worst of the argument when coming down at the next fence.
ATHOSS made no impact against opponents better than himself, BARRY THE CRACKER faded before the final bend and has made little impact under Rules,whilst PENDLE FOREST continues on the downgrade.
Five-year-old MARKADAM made a winning pointing debut recently. He ran well enough before a bad mistake at the twelfth put paid to his chances. He hints at ability and might be worth keeping an eye on.
3.20 2m Nairn’s Oatcakes Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (0-104)
This race yielded a future Grade 1 winner last season in Orsippus. I can’t see that being the case this year, but the winner does at least progressive, ANTOELLA setting a decent pace and pulled clear comfortably from two out.
MIEREVELD was keen early on, which won’t have helped, and could only keep on after the winner.
CAPRICORNUS stayed on from three out. Evidence to date is that he’s not a possessor of great pace, but might do a bit more if given a stamina test.
Brian Toomey gave LADY PACHA a few too many cracks to my mind after the sixth. It may be the filly doesn’t give it her all, but the rider’s effort did not look pretty.
3.50 2m Weatherbys Wealth Planning Handicap Hurdle (0-130)
DONTPAYTHEFERRYMAN won this in fine style. Having set the pace from the start, he quickened three out and then stayed on determinedly in typical fashion. He’s been in decent form on the flat recently and a jumps follow up looks possible.
POKFULHAM chase in vain from three out, but this was another decent effort. He should find a handicap opportunity off his current mark.
GRAND DIAMOND kept on for third, but his only hurdles win came when the race fell ‘into his lap’ at Kelso and he does need things to go his way.
VIVA COLONIA was held here despite stepping back down in trip.
4.20 2m 4f NSPCC Social Services Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-110)
ROSSINI’S DANCER has been running reasonably well of late without threatening to win. He put things right here with a determined finish, working his way into contention before four out, leading two out but then hitting the last before rallying and staying on tenaciously.
QUINDER SPRING led or disputed until headed two out, got the better jump at the last only to be headed near the line.
POSH BIRD plugged on for third from well back, but isn’t especially well treated.
GUNS AND BUTTER weakened three out and regularly finishes weakly.
NONOTREALLY jumped left for much of the way. He got in touch by the eighth but soon dropped back. His amateur rider wins no friends for needless whip wielding on the turn out of the back straight when his mount was clearly going nowhere.
LOCKED INTHEPOCKET went well until falling at the eleventh.
4.50 2m CMYK Digital Solutions Standard Open NH Flat Race
GRANDIOSO, out of Westerner by 12 furlong winner, is bred to be favoured by a stamina test. He stayed on well if a bit green, and this must augur well for the future.
PYJAMA GAME was outpaced early in the straight before staying on for second.
DIZZY RIVER will be better suited by a stamina test over jumps. He was well held form three furlongs out.
THINK GREEN ran out of puff three furlongs out.
KELSO – Thursday February 17th
Going – Soft
A decent midweek meeting at the Borders’ track, headlined by the appearance of Peddler’s Cross in the feature event.
1.40 2m 110yds Kelso Members Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
This didn’t look a bad novice event won in decent style by BOGSIDE, staying on up the long run-in. The form of his Musselburgh third looks solid and he should be capable of picking up further races.
MUSIC OF THE MOOR closed on the run-in and confirmed the promise of her Sandown debut. She will be interesting if returned to a juvenile hurdle and it wouldn’t be out of the question that Tom Tate might take her to Cheltenham.
PRICELESS ART made a satisfactory hurdling debut. He kept on but found the first two a little too nippy from the last.
THE GALLOPING SHOE held every chance before being held form the last. He lost a shoe at Musselburgh first time and this was much more encouraging.
In a race full of notebook horses, RUMBLE OF THUNDER was done for pace form the last. He will be suited by a stiffer test.
Anyone looking for a quiet one to take out of this contest could do worse than put QUEL ESPRIT on the ‘eyecatchers’ list. Out the back until three out, he made steady progress to the heels of the leaders approaching the last and kept on from there. His breeding is unremarkable, and the stable are out of form, but there was plenty to encourage in this performance.
2.10 2m 2f Oswald Hughes Handicap Hurdle (0-110)
CIRCUS CLOWN is a progressive gelding, adding an impressive win here to his Ayr success. He quickened on the flat and had enough in hand to suggest he will add to his two successes.
WILLIE HALL is improving with experience and acquitted himself well stepping up from novice company. He couldn’t hold the winner from the last, but kept on well enough for second.
TEXAS HOLDEM ran a sound race in third. The twelve-year-old’s trainer must hold out hope of a win before long as he often gets in the mix and seems to try hard enough.
NO SUPPER is not the most resolute in a finish. He looked to be going well two out but was held on the flat.
2.40 2m 6f 110yds Lloyd Vaderstad Handicap Chase (0-126)
ALWAYS RIGHT confirmed the sound impression from his previous run here. John Wade’s stable has been spot on of late and this former hunter chaser is well up to Class 3 standard, leading at the last and staying on well.
CAMDEN GEORGE is frustrating, but kept on for second.
HOCKENHEIM led until the last but was then held. A fair effort, but he doesn’t stand much racing and looks collared by the handicapper.
LOCKSTOWN, presented with the race at Newcastle last time, was never looking happy enough here and held in fourth.
Course specialist OR DE GRUGY seems a bit high in the weights now and was held form two out.
DAWN RIDE was outpaced on the run to the fourteenth.
HEEZ A STELL was in rear when unseating at the twelfth.
PHARDESSA took a heavy fall at the first but seemed none the worse.
3.15 2m 1f Timeform Festival Trial Novices’ Chase
PREMIER SAGAS is turning into a decent novice chaser. He proved he can mix it with the handicappers when finishing second to Sagalyrique at Ayr, and this was his second novice victory since that. Although he bit awkward over two out, he generally jumped well and had the race in safe keeping from the last. He’s below the top band of novices but this performance looks to have earned him a crack at Cheltenham or Aintree.
ALFIE FLITS was outpaced to two out, rallying late to reclaim second. He jumped tidily enough here in November, but he has not been foot perfect since and that is holding him back.
KING O’ THE GYPSIES has the pace to mix it in this company, but his jumping here wasn’t good enough. He does have plenty of racing pace, but needs to sharpen his fencing.
THUMBS UP chased the leader two out but came under pressure approaching the last and had no more to give.
SOUL MAGIC isn’t remotely in the class of the first four but completed in his own time for fifth.
3.50 2m 2f Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle (Class 2)
PEDDLER’S CROSS maintained an unbeaten record here, though he had to be rousted to see off Bygones Of Brid from the last. He responded well enough, and given that he’s had a interrupted training schedule of late the performance looks sound enough. He’s done nothing wrong to date and, with the champion hurdle threatening to quite an open contest, he goes to Cheltenham with a live chance.
BYGONES OF BRID pushed the winner before being seen off before the final furlong. Things haven’t quite fallen for him handicapping, but he retains his ability and is at his best when there is a decent amount of cut.
HOLLINS ran a fair race in third but was held from two out whilst ORSIPPUS, who weakened on the run-in having looked likely to finish third, needs better ground to show his best.
4.25 3m 1f Connolly’s Red Mills Horse Feeds Open Hunters’ Chase
QUOTICA DE POYANS got the job done eventually but needed severe rousting approaching the elbow. He walked through a couple of fences, something he couldn’t get away with against tougher opposition. Add to that a tendency to hold his head at an odd angle on the run-in and it looks to me that he has few questions to answer before making a mark at the highest hunter level.
Recent point winner OPTIMISTIC HARRY retains his enthusiasm and tried his best if held in the closing stages.
GENERAL STRIKER kept on to take third, whilst RIMSKY and LUKSAR were outpaced from two out.
5.00 2m 110yds EBF/DBS Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race
Unfancied TOUBEERA was a ready winner and Michael Smith looks to have a decent mare on his hands. She might be wroth a crack at Graded Mares’ Bumpers on this evidence.
LUCIA BAY chased the winner from two furlongs out but couldn’t make any impression. She will find an easier contest and breeding suggests she can make a mark over hurdles.
MOLANNARCH was held up, made headway before the straight and kept on for third. There’s plenty of stamina in here pedigree and she may be seen to better effect at longer trips over jumps.
SERENTIATIS and THIRTY DAYS OUT followed the first three and their previous placed form lends some weight to the value of the result.
SILVER BY NATURE put himself in the picture as live Grand National contender with a superb win at Haydock. If anything his jumping improved as teh ontest went on and he left his field behind from two out.
News from Nick Alexander's stable is that his multiple winner ISLA PEARL FISHER recently suffered a hairline fracture to a hind pastern. He's had a spell at the Glasgow University's Equine Hosptial and has been reported as on the mend.
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