Kelso - Premier Hurdle Day

KELSO – Saturday February 28^th

Going – Good to Soft

A chilly day to see out February but some decent racing for Kelso’s valuable card, with rain threatening for much of the afternoon before setting in come five o’clock. I walked the course before racing and my estimate was it was good to soft, tending toward soft in places, so I don’t think it would have favoured good ground performers.

 1:55 2m ½f Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

A wide spread of ability in this contest with the two class animals dominating, though a promising run from  a newcomer in 3^rd place.

BALLYBOLEY came to this off the back of running down the pack in the Betfair Hurdle. Much more at home in this company, he raced prominently, took it up two out and didn’t have too many problems after that. If he is aimed at valuable contests this spring I would imagine they will be novice handicaps.

GO CONQUER couldn’t match the winner from two out but ran up to previous form and should gain consolation.

Much promise back in third from the Sandy Thomson mare BEECHROAD ALLY who made steady progress from midfield in the last half mile and saw her race out well enough. Apparently she had shown very little at home, but the Thomson stable had her nicely fit for this one and will be most encouraged. She’s worth a try in mares only company as this effort is plenty good enough to win such races in Scotland and the north.

SPINNING AWAY kept on for fourth albeit well held, but is hinting at ability and might turn into a winning racehorse given time.

TOMAHAWK WOOD has not gone the right way since a promising jumps debut. He was well beaten here and gave the impression in the paddock of being rather headstrong.

DIAMOND FIZZ was in the process of running into a likely third place when going seriously wrong behind before two out. Sadly he couldn’t be saved.

 2:25 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase

 A decent looking renewal of this contest.

 VENGEUR DE GUYE came there swinging two out and came clear of a decent measure in Aye Well. The winner is likely to go on from this decent effort.

AYE WELL tried to match the winner but has nothing remaining in the locker when challenged before the last. A sound enough effort though and he remains in good form.

FORWARD FLIGHT was outpaced down the far side but kept on up the hill to take third place. He won a hurdle in testing conditions over 2m 4f last season and a step up in distance appears called for.

CANGO tried to make all and jumped nicely in front. He gave way before the last and weakened, but I suspect this was a better effort than a bare fourth of four finishers suggests. A bit more cut in the ground would probably help.

DANEHILLS WELL was never going and had a tough task on chase debut. He was struggling by halfway and pulled up in the latter stages.

KITCHAPOLY was disappointing and stopped very quickly before four out.  The vet found no abnormalities post-race.

 

3:00 2m 2f totescoop6 Premier Kelso Hurdle (Grade 2 Novices' Hurdle)

 Kelso’s top event of the season and one that regularly throws up a decent performer. It would have been nice if Channel 4 could have made the effort, though credit to Racing UK who had ‘Broonie’ reporting live from the track.

 GLINGERBURN was second to last year’s Clever Cookie on his racecourse debut at Musselburgh in autumn 2012. Turns out he was beaten by a distinctly useful animal that day and Glingerburn has gone from strength to strength this season. He came to challenge going really well and, though briefly hanging and crossing the second, came clear in impressive style. I understand the plan is likely to be either Aintree or Ayr now and it will take a decent animal to lower this one’s colours.

BRISTOL DE MAI ran a sound race but was outpointed by a superior opponent. Probably better suited by a bit more cut in the ground, he holds an entry for the Triumph Hurdle.

INTENSE TANGO was outpaced before the last, though probably ran up to his level of 140. A bit short of the top level of juvenile a decent juvenile or novice handicap might be a target.

SHADES OF MIDNIGHT had a large collection of followers dressed in yellow and blue scarves. Their charge was not totally disgraced in fourth though outpaced in the home straight. He won well here in more lowly company last time and will find much easier contests.

MEDICINE HAT ensured a decent pace was set but was put in his place in the last half mile.

EXCLUSIVE WATERS and NASHVILLE were dropped in the deep end and duly floundered, though the latter did at least pick up some pocket money for completing. 

3:35 2m 5½f 84-110 Premier Traffic Management Handicap Chase (for Hamilton Memorial Trophy)

A competitive event for its level. I watched this from down by the last fence which gives a nice view for judging jumping and the progress horses are making.

DOUGLAS JULIAN has never been the most consistent sort, but won nicely in hunter company here last time and put in a fine round of jumping to beat handicappers on this occasion. Trained by Katie Scott, at 27 the youngest trainer in Scotland, Douglas Julian took up the lead and consistently out jumped the opposition. His trainer has him in good heart at the advanced age of 13 and he is now aimed at the Aintree Foxhunters’ Chase.

WHAT A DREAM has slipped down the handicap but is capable on his day. He raced up with the pace and had every chance but was outpaced in the closing stages.

ROMANY RYME was in rear at halfway but kept on for pressure from two out. His jumping isn’t as accurate as some.

MONOGRAM was beaten by Douglas Julian last time, not looking straightforward when the chips were down.  He was held from two out having been on the premises for most of the way.

SADDLE PACK is often held up in rear. He made moderate progress from three out but was never near the leaders.

OSCAR LATEEN was well backed off the back of a promising effort in December. He was in touch until weakening before two out. And this looked a step backward.
AMETHYST ROSE was close enough if good enough most of the way but found wanting from three out.
KAI BROON never got involved and was well behind in the last half mile.
LORD REDSGIRTH has been uninspiring in recent outings and made no impact here before being pulled up.
BESCOT SPRINGS was very disappointing and not on a going day, similar to OR DE GRUGY who was being ridden along after a circuit.
RED TANBER is a light of his 2012 self and was beaten four out and soon pulled up.

 

4:10 2m 7½f totepool Premier Chase (Listed)

 A field of a quality that justified the Listed tag and we had the unusual occurrence of all six runners being trained by female trainers. The race has yielded the Grand National winner in two out of the last four years and Carlito Brigante looks best of the two Aintree entries.

 RUNSWICK ROYAL was being tested over a new trip but saw the distance out in impressive style, leading at the last and staying on well for victory. I would presume he will be aimed at either Aintree or Ayr.

UPSILON BLEU, a winner at Auteuil and Wetherby of late and not totally disgraced in top company at Newbury, jmup3ed very well. He had every chance but was headed at the last and held though seeing his race out. 

CARLITO BRIGANTE would not have been suited by the tacky ground, since he is definitely best. He didn’t threaten the leaders in the final half-mile but kept on to take third. He may not disgrace hims3elf at Aintree should the going come up good and the Scottish National would be a fall back option.

CLOUDY TOO looked well enough after a break and theoretically but a 10lbconcession to some decent animals made a difference. He was outpaced from two out and not dangerous from that point.

Dianne Sayer is now forced to fly quite high with BAILEYS COINCERTO after a rattling good 2014. He raced keenly in rear and was held from four out.

SAPHIR RIVER was on and off the bridle and struggling when coming down four out. He was returned to the stables in the horse ambulance but sadly had suffered a broken shoulder and was put down.  He was a decent performer on his day and capable at this level, but plagued with bad feet and thath probably kerbed his career achievements.

 

4:45 Andersons Award Winning Butchers North Berwick Handicap Hurdle (84-110)

A big field full of exposed performers.

LUCEMATIC was brought back fresh off a 21 month absence. He made headway going out on to the final circuit, joined issue two out and looked a likely comfortable winner only to hang on desperately as the second renewed his challenge.  He has only run 10 times and has three wins to show for his efforts. If he can be kept fit there may still be some improvement to be eked.

The racecard summary wasn’t madly complimentary about OMID but on this occasion he rallied well having set the pace for a long way before being outpaced with half a mile to go. He has to be caught on th3 right day but has a respectable record over jumps and will continue to be competitive in similar events.

BALLYVOQUE ran well enough in third but was put in his place approaching the last flight.

CONJOLA has fewer miles on the clock than some. He had every chance two out but was held up the final climb. He has decent form with a bit more cut in the ground.

GOLANS CHOICE ran respectably in fifth if held from before the last. His connections will be hoping for a little respite from the handicapper.

Pint sized Alison Waugh is often seen leading round the stable charges, but was aboard NEWYEARSRESOLUTION on this occasion. He was finding the task of running from 9lbs wrong a bit beyond him when coming down three out.

DUN TO PERFECTION, decent at this level on his day, ran no sort of race this time. He lost a shoe and finished distressed, so presuming he gets over whatever was ailing him he can be forgiven this race.

 
5.20 3m 2f Newcastle Arms Coldstream Open Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)

Two serious competitors were followed home by three point-to-pointers from the same stable.

MAJOR MALARKEY has been a decent stayer, 11^th in Aurora’s Encore’s National, and clearly retains enough ability for this level. He made all jumping well and had the race comfortably won by two out.

RAILWAY DILLON had to be on top of his game and was being pushed along to cover the winner by the twelfth fence. His chance had gone barring accidents by the home turn.

A Victor Thompson trained trio filled the next three places, SENOR ALCO staying on from well back a mile out to take third place. TOMMYSTEEL was arguably third best on the day since he did at least take on the first two until feeling the pinch before four out. WAR ON never got competitive.

BAYFIRTH isn’t good enough at this level and was well behind on the final circuit before being pulled up approaching two out.

AP Farewell Tour - Kelso Leg!

KELSO – Thursday February 12th

Going – Good to Soft

A decent crowd attended one of Kelso’s best meetings of the season and the Kelso leg of the ‘AP McCoy Farewell Tour’.

The going estimate of good to soft seemed spot on to my judgement as I walked the chase course before the meeting. I reckon 18 minutes for an undulating 1m 3f isn’t bad for unfit and mid-50s, though I definitely needed the outing and should come on a bit for it!

2.00 2m ½f Kelso Annual Members Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

This may prove to be a pretty decent novice hurdle. The penalised second is a decent marker and likely ran near to his best. The winner ENDLESS CREDIT was a bit novice in his jumping at times, but had the race under control from two out. He wasn’t a bad performer on the flat and he can progress from a performance here which would rate low 120s at worst.
THORPE has had a tendency to find one or two too good under a penalty in these events. He ran a sound enough race.
IM TOO GENEROUS looked an awkward soul in the paddock, but was better behaved on course. He seemed to progress marginally on his debut Catterick form and kept on for third place.
HA’PENNY WOODS looks a chasing type and anything he does over hurdles would seem to be a bonus. On that basis a keeping on fourth place was very promising and he’s one to make a note of for the future.
JACK STEEL was under the shove from a long way out, but kept at it to finish fifth. AP commented post-race that ‘he was keen early on and needs a trip’ so he can move forward from this.
FREDERIC was disappointing, running prominently but fading in the straight.
DUTCH CANYON was making some progress when unseating three out.
Jimmy Moffatt reported that the well beaten TOKYO BROWN  bled from the nose.

2.30 2m 7½f Monteith Memorial Handicap Chase (105-130)

A competitive contest and three were in a line fifty yards from the post.

WILLIAM MONEY has presumably been difficult to train since winning over fences at Carlisle in 2013. He raced in rear for much of the race, and didn’t seem to be going anywhere much on the home turn, but he picked up well up the Kelso slope and stuck his head in front close home. The impression is that there may have been a little more in the tank and he could win again.
VELATOR was up with the pace, got outpaced to two out but then battled back to have very chance on the flat. He does have to caught on a going day.
WHATS UP WOODY ran an admirable race, setting the pace and only getting worn down on the flat.  He hasn’t won since November 2012, but isn’t doing much wrong this season.
BLUE KASCADE was outpaced four out and looked beaten but stayed on well up the hill though never quite getting to the first three.
EDMUND was outpaced after the home turn and there are probably better handicapped horses.
ISLA PEARL FISHER weakened from two out and came home in his own time. Peter Buchanan’s opinion was that the ground was a bit tacky for him and he ‘just needs the ground to come right’. He needs genuine good ground to produce his best.
THE LAST SAMURI came to challenge two out and looked the likely winner. He hit the fence and unshipped Jason Maguire who missed the remainder of his rides. His mount is inexperienced but is probably on a generous mark and worth another chance, particularly if facing fellow novices in a handicap.
BALLYBEN who took a heavy fall at Newcastle last time dropped away from four out and was pulled up before two out.

3.00 2m 2f Timeform Morebattle Hurdle (Class 2)

A decent event often used as a warm up for championship events later on.

The winner GLINGERBURN is a progressive novice and was impressive in seeing off last year’s Fred Winter winner. He is entered in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle but may find a few too good in that. The Kelso Premier Hurdle here at the end of the month over this distance would be a possible if he comes out of this OK, and I wonder if Nicky Richards might target Aintree or Ayr in April.
HAWK HIGH ran an honest race and found a progressive sort too good for him.
Keen going sort MEADOWCROFT BOY set a decent pace and kept on after being headed two out. He was held by better opponents at these weights and this was encouraging for when he returns to handicaps..
TANERKO EMERY faded from the home turn and doesn’t look as good as he was for David Pipe. A heavy fall over fences last term may have dented his confidence.
COOL BARANCA had a tough task at the weights and gave way from before three out.

3.30 3m 2f Ivan Straker Memorial Chase (Class 2)

HOLYWELL, re-fitted with blinkers, saw off inferior rivals comfortably in his warm up for a tilt at the Cheltenham gold Cup. His jumping was sticky at the slow early pace, but much better once McCoy upped the tempo in the last two miles. He stays well and isn’t without a chance at Cheltenham. FENTARA stuck to her task well to take second place. She’s been off her game a bit of late but this looked better.
DIOCLES jumped a bit big and, having looked the likely second he ran out of puff on the run-in.
ROSE OF THE MOON was the first to crack as they went away from the stands for the final time. He’s not running well enough to make a mark off 130 at the moment.

4.00 Kelso Annual Members Handicap Hurdle (105-125)

Most of these were well exposed but the race was won by the one progressive animal. Lightly raced WARRIOR’S TALE eased up to the leaders three out and was in no trouble once leading two out. He gave the impression that a mark of 110 seriously under-rates his ability.
TANTAMOUNT was held up in rear and made eye-catching progress down the far side. He seemed likely to challenge the winner two out but could make no impression despite seeing out his race honestly. He was tired afterwards and connections felt that the race was needed after a break. On that basis this was a decent effort and there should be more to come this spring.
DUN TO PERFECTION raced close up and led three out but gave way from two out. A decent effort off a break and he remains competitive off this mark since the remainder were strung out around the Borders countryside.
ROCK RELIEF laboured into a well beaten fourth having been off the bridle for much of the way. He seemed a keen sort in the preliminaries but is hard work in the race.
GOLD CHAIN hasn’t looked keen on occasions and jacked it in going away from the stands for the last time.

4.30 2m 7½f Linglie Open Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)

There’s nothing progressive or exciting as yet from local hunters and the finish here was fought out by three campaigners who have been around the block.

DOUGLAS JULIAN was in the process of running a decent race when coming down here last time. He raced prominently and showed plenty of resolution to hold off two challengers. He’s in good heart and may squeak another win on the Scottish or Northern England circuit.
RAILWAY DILLON didn’t exactly strike me as the ideal sort to be ridden by a relatively inexperienced rider. However, Emma Todd clearly knows what she is doing and got a good tune out this enigmatic staying chaser, bringing him into the race from three out and he stayed on to the line. On a going day he has ability to win a similar race and a stiffer test would help.
MONOGRAM is another who wouldn’t be the most reliable, but Kit Alexander coaxed a decent charge out of him from two out. He briefly threatened at the last, but hung towards the stands rail and couldn’t get to the winner.
HIDDEN FUTURE got to the front four out but was held before the last and weakened on the flat. His best chances may be in minor points.
SIR DU BEARN dropped away approaching four out but it turned out he finished lame behind. Assuming the injury is not too bad he can prove he is capable at this level.
WAR ON raced prominently early but felt the pinch from before four out. Simply case of being up against better opponents.
BARACHOIS SILVER didn’t look particularly keen with a circuit to go and finished well beaten.
BAYFIRTH raced prominently for a way but was struggling with four to go and was pulled up alongside former Willie Mullins trained SOME TARGET two out, the latter looking to be a back number now.


AYR 10th Feb and MUSSELBURGH 11th Feb

WE had a burst of three meetings in three days. I haven’t had a chance to look in depth at the Ayr and Musselburgh meetings but there are some useful pointers.

GILNOCKIE ran into a decent improver in One for Arthur but ran a creditable second in the three mile novices handicap hurdle at Ayr. He was hampered by a faller and would have been a bit closer, but he’s up at the sort of trip he needs and should find a staying hurdle before long.
YES TOM was ridden prominently by AP in a way that suits him and won well. He will go up a bit for this, but he seems to sulk if things don’t go his way so can pop up out of the blue, being particularly favoured by a smallish field.
BENNY’S SECRET ran sixth in the bumper that closed the Ayr card. He is well regarded at Kinneston and didn’t look at all suited by the sprint that this race turned into. He did however keep on to the line and will leave the form well behind in time.

Difficult to find too much to take forward from a low key card at Mussleburgh. However, the previously mentioned Emma Todd showed up well to pick up a second Rules win on DROM who just held off previous winner Nowurhurlin. Good pace judgement from Miss Todd and there might well be value in keeping an eye on anything she rides in future, particularly outside the Drury yard.

The bumper only had five runners but it looked a decent contest. The winner GINGILI has looked decent previously and is worth noting for hurdling in future.
The second IS IT I is trained by that equine magician Don Cantillon. Anything this man runs is worth a second glance and I am sure it well within his powers to find a race or two for this one.
CROCKETT rattled home in the manner of one who would appreciate a stiffer test. He won at Wetherby and then ran third to another decent looking McCain animal DUKE ARCADIA at Ayr 24 hours previously. Noel Wilson can find races going forward with the four-year-old Crockett.


*** Look out for LIE FORRIT in today's GRand National Trial. He won well at Kelso back in January in a Veterans Chase, had plenty in hand that day and is in as good nick as he ever has been. His end of seasona target remains the Scottish National.

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT has had minor setbacks but I understand that he is in decent nick and today's Rendlesham Hurdle has been the principal target for his return for a while. I am on at 85 for the World Hurdle, and for that to be a goer I would want to see him put away his Haydock opponents in an event he won last year.

Musselburgh - New Year's Day 2015

MUSSELBURGH – 1^st January 2015

Going – Good to soft, turning Soft (rain throughout)

Musselburgh rang in 2015 at their ever popular New Year’s Day meeting, a crowd of 4,250 attending to watch a competitive card supported by the New Year Sprint for the human athletes. This despite a windy and rainy day which caused the ground to soften during the afternoon.

12:25 2m toteplacepot First Foot Juvenile hurdle (Class 3)

The current crop of northern juvenile hurdlers hasn’t set the world alight, a fact spotted by Charlie Mann who sent an interesting newcomer up from Lambourn to bag a decent prize.

Having recorded a fair record in middling staying events in France for Jonathan Pease, SUPERB STORY was bought for €80,000. Looking plenty fit enough on hurdling debut, he travelled comfortably throughout here, leading three out and clear by the time he reached the last flight. Given that second and fourth have handicaps marks which they seemed to run to, then the winner would be worth at least mid-120s and probably a fair bit more to come given the experience.

EL BEAU ran a sound enough race under a double penalty, sticking to his job once passed by the winner, and just seemed to run into a very capable newcomer.

SILVER DUKE never got to the leaders, but put in encouraging work in the closing stages and snatched third place close home.

COOKING FAT is a robust sort who will probably develop with time and, even at this stage, has the look of a chaser.

The others were well beaten off, ADRAKHAN never seriously getting into the race. He looks the part but his form to date is no more than moderate and handicapping is likely to present best opportunities.

1:00 2m 4f Happy New Year From totepool Handicap Hurdle(94-119)

A competitive event contested mainly by relatively lightly raced animals, with the least raced coming out victorious. Top Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell wasted little time in notching her first winner of the year, UISGE BEATHA leading two out and going clear in impressive fashion. He will be up a grade after a handicap rise.

ALWAYS TIPSY continues to please in defeat, keeping on without threatening the winner. There’s a similar race to be found if he avoids anything seriously progressive.

GOLD CHAIN has been on the go for a while now and is well exposed but ran her in just being pipped by the second. She was held up and never near the winner, doing her best running in the latter stages.

CENTRAL FLAME was a keen sort in his early days and is generally held up. Cathy Walton kept this one a fair way off the pace before allowing him to pick up down the far side. He kept on for a never nearer fourth place, a stiffer track or another step up in trip would seem likely to help.

ALL THE ACES raced prominently but had nothing left once challenged two out. This was his best effort over hurdles for some time.

MWANGAZA got into a decent position three out, but belted that hurdle and his effort petered out soon after.

WYFIELD ROSE doesn’t strike me as totally committed to the game and proved to be a right madam on this occasion. She dug her hoofs in and refused to take any part, though considerate enough to signal this early enough to allow her backers a refund.

1:35 2m 4f totequadpot Scottish Premier Handicap Chase (115-135)

Lucinda Russell grabbed a one-two with REAPING THE REWARD swooping to mug his stablemate Quito Du Tresor right on the line. His jumping has been a bit hit or miss of late, but he was given a cracking quiet ride by talented conditional Craig Nichol, making a sustained run from three out. For all that he is now 11 years old, Reaping the Reward has few miles on the clock and might be capable of going forward from here.

QUITO DU TRESOR is more battle hardened than his stablemate, but proved that he has returned to form with an excellent effort in ground that would be softer than ideal for him. Going on three out, he looked the likely winner until right on the line. He can pick up a 0-120 or 0-125 event in the coming weeks if the ground doesn’t go against him.

Completing an 11 year olds 1-2-3, SHADRACK set the pace until three out, seeing out his race once passed. He is consistent and in good heart.

TIPTOEAWAY has had a few problems which have limited his racetrack appearances in recent times. While never far away he always seemed just held from three out. This was his best effort since a couple of two mile wins in the spring of 2012.

WORKBENCH had his chance but was held from two out. His wins have come on good ground so the rain won’t have helped.

VIVA COLONIA was well touted here, had every chance turning for home but faded from that point. Twice a winner over this course and distance for connections who would presumably be disappointed that this race didn’t signal a revival in fortunes.

WHY BUT WHY moved up to chase the leaders on the home bend but that was as close as he got. This ground was too soft and a drop down a grade would do no harm.

SWING HARD seemed to race a tad freely in behind the leaders and weakened quickly from the twelfth fence.

WITNESS IN COURT fell at the second.

2:10 2m totepool Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle

We should have seen the New Year Sprint Final run before this but the starter for that event went AWOL. I chatted to Sprint commentator Lee McKenzie after the event and he said that the quick decision to run the handicap hurdle first caused some complications in the commentary box, one pair of headphones being shared between Lee and horse racing commentator Gareth Topham. A quick swap, more or less seamless to those of use listening, and Gareth was able to take over.

The feature event, one of Musselburgh best of the season, saw a competitive field take part. A Grade 1 Finale Hurdle winner as a four-year-old, RUACANA is a decent enough performer in top level handicap hurdles without previously landing one. Never far off the pace, he came to lead two out and showed plenty of determination to hold off a persistent challenge from the runner-up. A decent effort and the obvious next target would be the Scottish County Hurdle here in early February.

STRONGPOINT generally performs well here, having boasted a 3 out of 6 record at Musselburgh with wins from 3m 110yds down to this 2 mile contest last year. He settles nicely in front and made this a searching test, showing typical tenacity when passed in the straight and making the winner pull out the stops. I presume his trainer would like to have a go at the Cheltenham County Hurdle, but don’t count him out in the Scottish equivalent come February.

HAWK HIGH was well spoken of in the preliminaries and was the class act here, coming off the back of not being discredited when last of five behind The New One at Haydock in conditions that would not have been ideal. He’s at his best on a sound surface and was held from the last here, but he’s certainly worth bearing in mind why the ground dries a bit.

MEADOWCROFT BOY was running for only the sixth time and was not disgraced in fourth, though giving way from before the last. He’s on a workable mark and Alistair Whillans should find an opportunity.

THORPE found this much tougher than the novice contest he won at Haydock, a race which does not rated as the strongest Listed event. He had his chance but was good enough from three out, though I wouldn’t be surprised if he can get competitive at this level with experience.

LIGHTENING ROD and FISHER, essentially progressive going into this, were both out the back all the way and never got into the contest. I would expect them to produce better in future.

I backed the winner here amongst my three against the field, but it could have been so much better as I secured 23 the evening before the race on Betfair about the 15/2 SP second. So near yet so far!

2:09 (and a few minutes) New Year Sprint Final (Handicap) 110yds

Starter traced and ready, the sprint final took place some time after the feature race. The handicapper once an excellent job with very little to choose between the first four.

CAMERON TINDLE was impressive in his Cross-tie (Semi-Final), winning with a fair bit to spare having been well touted pre-event along with last year’s winner Dylan Ali, though the latter didn’t make the final this time. However, the Edinburgh AC youngster was pushed to the limit in the final, hitting the front a stride from the line to win the £4,000 prize. He recorded a time of 11.21 for 100m last year and has time to develop given that he is only sixteen years old. With the right encouragement he may go some way to making up for the lack of Scottish sprinters in the Commonwealth Games, a state that Sandy Sutherland lamented in the raceday programme.

Ryan Houten lunged for the line to get closest to the winner. He’s another 16-year-old, though favoured by the handicap here and a bit behind Tindle in terms of official performances.

The girls are still awaiting their first win though they filled third and fourth places with Jazmine Tomlinson, the third, another youngster who is showing promise. The more experienced Stacey Downie, impressive in her cross-tie, ran creditably in fourth place.

Although it was a tight contest Lee McKenzie used his commentator’s eye to make a confident call that Cameron Tindle had won, and to my eye Lee was spot on. The call called caused some commotion amongst the officials who wanted to look at the photo, but Lee was spot on as Tindle prevailed by 0.03 seconds (short head maybe?).

This event was a good chance for an annual catch up with Lee who has been the commentator for the event in recent times. Having given up regular racecourse commentating to work on the 2012 Olympic Games and more recently the Sochi Winter Games, he now does a fair bit of raceday presenting at various venues, principally Windsor, Goodwood and Fontwell, appearing at various other locations including locally Hamilton Park. I understand from Lee that among his commitments he has dates lined up at Musselburgh and Hamilton in 2015.

2:45 3m totepool Supporting Scottish Racing Handicap Chase (87-110)

PURCELL’S BRIDGE is a consistent sort and won this with a good deal to spare.  He was always going well in touch with the leaders and led three out, easing clear and winning with little fuss.

BERTIE MILAN performed better than of late. Raced up with the pace, he was headed three out but plugged on to take second. He is suited by a real stamina test and this was a creditable effort.

WAKHAN has flattered on a number of occasions, hinting that this sort of trip would suit, but he made no impression from before four out.

JUST AWAKE disputed the lead until giving way early in the straight, while DRUMLISTER was out the back most of the way and could do no more than make a little progress before four out without ever threatening.

OR DE GRUGY needed the urn and was beaten five out.

RYTON RUNNER disappointed once again and pulled up.

BLAZIN WHITE FACE broke a blood vessel and the pattern of her form hints that this isn’t first time it has happened.

3:20 3m 110yds Collect totepool Winnings at Betfred Shops Handicap Hurdle

FLY VINNIE looked a decent proposition against exposed opponents on the basis of a promising handicap debut last time and being upped in trip. He travels nicely in front, dictated the pace and then motored clear from three out to record a performance which seemed to border on 140 class. Sandy Thomson will be looking to set his sights higher with this one and don’t be surprised if a visit to Cheltenham or Aintree appears on the schedule.

The others had a private race for second, HARTFORTH keeping on well enough having looked to be in trouble before three out.

SOLWAY SAM is an out and out stayer and plugged on into third.

RATTLIN for whom the conditions would be no excuse gave way from three out, while CAPELLANUS and ARCTIC COURT were beaten before the turn for home.

 * My wife sat in the Links Pavilion for much of the afternoon to keep out of the worst of the weather. There are three video screens in that area but there was no sound for much of the afternoon. An email of complaint to Bill Farnsworth did elicit a swift reply, which doesn't surprise me as the Course Manager is very much hands on. Hopefully things will be better in future.

'Saltire Festival' Meeting at Musselburgh

MUSSELBURGH – Friday November 28^th

Going – Good

A low class card but, with good going prevailing after a reasonably dry spell in Scotland, decent sized fields unlike at a number of other courses of late.

12.05 3m ½f Saltire Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (64-100)

ONE FOR HOCKY is a progressive staying hurdler and that helps at a level full of regressives and non-achievers. Always travelling well, he took the lead before two out and soon put the race out of reach of his opponents. He will be up a grade now but should hold his own up in class.

BALLYREESODE stayed on for second without getting near the winner. He wasn’t disgraced on a track that doesn’t play to his strengths as well as the likes of Hexham and Newcastle.

DISCOVERIE has ability, but is hard work and could only plug on from two out. He often runs passably well but has yet to win.

WYFIELD ROSE set the pace until before two out. Still pitching for second at the last she faded on the run-in and she has yet to prove she sees out three miles.

CLONLENEY raced keenly up with the pace and was beaten three out.

FARMERS CROSS was visored for the first time, but he has been struggling of late from out of the handicap.

LEROY PARKER was a fair flat performer in Ireland (rated 74 at one time) but his jumps efforts in the UK have been generally dire. Hood and to the usual blinkers achieved nothing.

12.35 2m Dalhousie Bonnyrigg Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)

THANKYOU VERY MUCH, a winner on the flat this year, raced prominently, took it up three out and stayed on well to hold her challengers. A step up on her Wetherby effort and there may be a mares’ novice event for her under a penalty. I suspect her trainer will be looking for decent ground.

TARA MAC stepped up on her previous effort, moving into contention up the straight but never getting to the winner. She blundered at the last, but I don’t think she would have won the race.

CATCHTHEMOONLIGHT ran creditably in third, picking off rivals up the straight but not getting to the winner. She needs riding like this, so if she’s going to win will probably be suited by a few battling for the lead and passing them late on.

STYLE SETTER got into contention in the straight but a couple of jumping blunders didn’t aid her cause and she was held form the last.

DEFINITELY GLAD disputed the lead but was under the pump three out and gradually faded.

KNOCKLAYDE SNO CAT is a lightly made filly. She wasn’t able to step up on a fair third at Ayr, making no impression up the straight.

1.10 2m 4f Donaldson Timber Engineering Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (101-120)

Irish trained BEARLY LEGAL was pressing the leader when left in front at the last. The likelihood is that he needs this decent ground so his trainer might well seek similar opportunities here in the coming months.

BORUMA raced well up with the pace, but he’s a dicey jumper and after taking a few liberties with his fences came a cropper at the last. He needed a decent leap at the last, put in a short one and clipped the top and came down. He has the speed but his jumping needs to improve.

COBAJAYISLAND raced up with the pace but was another who put in some risky leaps. He was keeping on when hampered by Boruma’s fall though recovering sufficiently to take second.

BETTER B QUICK raced keenly, though held a chance three out. He kept on after being left in third but would likely have been no better than fifth otherwise.

REAPING THE REWARD stayed on from three out. He looked to be getting just the worst of the argument when severely hampered at the last. He had to swerve violently to avoid Boruma and Craig Nichol did well to stay in the saddle, though any chance he had disappeared. Worth a try up in trip.

RYTON RUNNER never got into the race on chasing debut and his jumping didn’t convince.

THE ICE FACTOR looked very fit. He raced too keenly and he needs to pay more respect to his fences.

THINGS CHANGE was disappointing. His jumping was less than fluent and he was beaten three out.

BROKETHEGATE veered out towards the stable block at the start and did not take any serious part. He jumped four fences very stickily when tailed off before Diarmuid O’Regan pulled stumps.

1.45 2m 4f Cornhill Building Services Ltd Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)

FLY VINNIE built on a promising third here in a three mile event. This was arguably a bit short of what is likely to prove his best trip, but Danny cook set out to make the best of his stamina. He responded well when challenged and held on gamely from a determined challenger. Bearing in mind a promising rules debut it was hard to see why he started at 25/1. He’s a nice sort who will make up into a chaser sooner rather than later.

RED SPINNER put up a creditable effort in second on hurdling debut. Pressing the winner from three out, he lacked nothing in effort and was clear of a fair performer in third. A visit to the winner’s spot looks very likely in the near future.

TRADEWINDS was tapped for speed from three out. He has been beaten by a succession of decent hurdlers and his day will come.

MERCHANT OF DUBAI, second to a progressive type in handicap last time, probably ran to his 115 mark here. He had work to do at the weights with the third and the first two are likely to be at least high 120s performers.

THE COBBLER SWAYNE disputed second four out but faded form the final bend and nothing lese was in the contest over the last three hurdles.

2.25 2m BAM Construction St Andrew’s Day Handicap Chase (87-115)

UN ANJOU raced close up, led four out and looked a likely clear winner at the last. He was idling on the flat and almost caused close home by a rallying second but had enough in hand to hold on. His early career in France was spent running in deep ground, but he looks a better animal on decent ground.

CHESTNUT BEN ran without his declared tongue-tie after problem with the equipment in the preliminaries. He was outpaced early in the straight but rallied and was staying on when making a mistake at the last. He finished with a rattle, just too late to pass the winner.

WOT A SHOT, who has had plenty of chances over jumps to date, could never quite get to grips with the leaders down the straight despite keeping on to the finish.

WHY BUT WHY had every chance four out and wasn’t far away at the last, but the tank was empty and he faded on the run-in. He needs the ground and stays only the minimum trip.

TWEEDO PARADISO was made joint favourite though I don’t have an earthly as to why that was. He unseated here on his last run and never got seriously involved in the contest on this his second outing over fences.

SADDLERS DEAL was beaten from three out.

REGAL D’ESTRUVAL has been well beaten in most of his chasing efforts. He led until five out but dropped away once turned for home.

BALLYCOOL and YOURHOLIDAYISOVER both jumped stratchily in rear and never got in a blow.

2.55 2m Be One Step Ahead Handicap Hurdle (66-99)

ENDEAVOR showed admirable resolution to take this. It was a contest where many had questions marks but the winner has been giving his running consistently of late and battled well to hold two serious challengers. He has 12 wins form 77 efforts which is creditable from one operating at this level.

CLAUDE CARTER wasn’t disgraced on follow up to his win here. He stayed on and was closing at the line.

DALSTONTOSILOTH looked to be going best of any approaching three out but didn’t find enough when asked. His jockey wasn’t very complimentary about this one’s attitude afterwards and you get the feeling he has more ability than he cares to let on. Not one to risk the mortgage money on.

PEGASUS WALK stayed on when the contest was over, but performed adequately on handicap debut.

VAN MILDERT was thereabouts for much of the way before fading from two out. Not a bad effort from out of the handicap but he will need a very weak race if he is to score.

3.25 2m Belmont Wallyford Maiden Open NH Flat (Class 6)

A few here that might make up into jumpers in time.

IM TOO GENEROUS built on a promising second to take this very comfortably. They went no pace early on and Stuart Crawford’s charge came clear under Crawford frere Steven once asked for an effort. He was second in a Bartlemy maiden point, and the other one from that contest to have come out under Rules won at Chepstow (and the second there has won since), so he’s likely to have a future over obstacles.

There is definitely a bit to work on with LEADING SCORE who battled on for second. He will step up on this in time.

CHAIN OF BEACONS looks a chasing type, so a staying on third place augurs well for the future. This was a satisfactory debut for Sandy Thomson.

MASIRANN didn’t look suited by the four furlong sprint that this turned into. He was under the pump much of the way up the straight, but did stick to his job and was never completely seen off.

ATTENTION PLEASE was well beaten back in last but I wouldn’t worry too much at this stage. He looks a jumping type who should develop with time and was rather green in the preliminaries. He’s a half-brother to a decent sort in Court In Session.

Musselburgh Jumps Opener

MUSSELBURGH – Thursday November 6^th

Going – Good

A damp and chilly day to pen the jumps season at Musselburgh, but the course avoided the worst of the wet weather that hit Scotland. The resulting ground was described by jockeys asked as ‘perfect’.

1:00 2m 100% Racing UK Profits Return to Racing Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (93-108)

A low key start to the season here, six Class 4 events, and the opener saw a bunch of largely exposed performers take each other on in a ‘whose turn is today?’ handicap hurdle.

CLAUDE CARTER is capable on his day, but I’m sure even his trainer can’t be sure when that day is going to be. He took up the running on the final bend and saw off all-comers up the straight. He’s by no means guaranteed to produce a similar effort next time and is now 4 from 52.

AMILLIONTIMES has been consistent for his Aberdeenshire trainer over the summer and put in another sound effort, always prominent and chipping away at the winner from two if unable to wear him down. He goes well on good ground and is most likely to be seen here again if the ground remains decent.

ENDEAVOR isn’t running badly at the moment and stayed on from two out for third place. He has fair wins to starts record, but can be difficult to catch just right.

SEPARATE SHADOWS was nicely fit after a break, came there with a chance three out but couldn’t make an impact from thereon. No real excuses as far as I could see, he just wasn’t good enough on the day.

URBAN KODE was up with the pace but faded from three out. The race will have done him no harm.

Three-year-old ISTIMRAAR was comfortably held from two out, but may well benefit from the handicapping debut against more seasoned opponents.

BEIDH TINE ANSEO disappointed, as did the veteran DHAULAR DHAR, consistent on the flat of late but perhaps not over enamoured with hurdling in the damp and chill.

Son of the winning trainer, Ewan Whillans has retired as a jockey and now taken to assisting his father with training. Don’t be surprised if the license passed to son in the near future.

1:30 2m Bespoke Event Management Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

The principals here all seemed fit enough to do themselves justice.

Coming into this race with the best Official Rating, ROSERROW made all and was comfortably in command up the straight. He took time to click over hurdles but is now going the right way.

RIDE THE RANGE followed up a win at Hexham over an extra four furlongs by staying on late take second place. This would be more than sharpish for him and a stiffer test would suit better. On the face of it a decent effort and it would be reasonable to expect a win under a penalty given the right circumstances.

NARCISSIST had every chance here and simply wasn’t good enough at the sharp end. I’m just wary of his commitment at the business end.

CRINKLE CRAG was held up and never got to grips with the leaders. He’s probably of stepping up on this.

WHY BUT WHY has plenty of jumping experience and won over fences in Ireland. He’s a two miler and it’s likely to be in handicap chases where he will show up best.

2:00 2m 4f Racing UK Available Anywhere Now Novices’ Handicap Chase (87-105)

An eventful race in which only one finished recording the first ‘finished alone’ that I can recall watching in over 40 years of watching live racing.

SHINE A DIAMOND had to survive a number of dicey jumps, including practically walking through the twelfth, before being left on his own three out. Even then he was getting the worst of the issue at that point. He doesn’t look reliable material against competent fencers at this point. All credit to the capable Graham Watters for a great ‘sit’ at fence 12.

BORUMA hadn’t been anywhere near foot perfect and along with the winner had to skip round a faller and an errant loose horse on the way round. There’s probably a chase in this one with experience and, at four-years-old, one would hope he will learn.

THE BACKUP PLAN had put in the odd sketchy jump before coming down at the eighth. I watched from side on to this fence and Jason Maguire was optimistic asking a novice to pick a stride. The writing was on the wall two strides out, two became three and the partnership slithered to the ground landing side. Maguire held on to the reins to make sure The Backup Plan didn’t go hurtling off and no damage done to either party. This one will win a chase in time.

TWEEDO PARADISO thumped the fourth and decanted Wilson Renwick, subsequently making a pest of himself to the two remaining runners down the far side for a second time.

2:30 3m ½f Bet With Your Racing UK App Handicap Hurdle (64-105)

ONE FOR HOCKY, a keen sort who was equipped with a hood in the paddock, has proven consistent and showed determination to get his head in front close home. I’m not sure he’s the easiest ride but Brian Hughes was on the money here, producing his mount on the spot. He saw out the trip well enough and there should be plenty of options even if he is moved up above the 100 level in the ratings.

DUN TO PERFECTION is a fair stayer at this level and led most of the way, kicking on with a circuit to go and only worn down close home. He rallied well and is one to keep on the right side in these lowly stamina tests.

ANOTHER DIMENSION chased the leader three out but weakened in the closing stages. A fair effort and he may find them getting away from him a bit around this quick circuit.

DRUMLISTER and FIGHT AWAY BOYS were held from three out, though the latter is less exposed and may do better in time over this sort of trip.

3:00 2m 4f Watch Racing UK Anywhere Handicap Hurdle (100-120)

Not a bad handicap hurdle for the level and won by a progressive type that may well step up in class.

NEXIUS finished last season in good form and picked up where he left off. Brought seriously into the race from three out, he asserted in the last half furlong as a pair pulled clear. This might prove a better effort than the winning distance suggests and he looks one to keep on the right side. There are some decently prized handicap hurdles he could be aimed at here in the coming months.

MERCHANT OF DUBAI is lightly raced over hurdles and arguably put up a personal best in finishing a close second. His sustained effort made a progressive opponent pull out all the stops from the last. He may run into the winner again, but I would imagine Jim Goldie will eye up similar opportunities here.

MO ROUGE has done sterling work alongside stable companion AMilliontimes this year, and ran another admirable race in finishing third. He was tapped for pace from before the last, but the slow early tempo wouldn’t have helped and he was not disgraced. He needs good ground so, like his stablemate, will likely be aimed here if kept on the go over the winter. Thumbs up to Inverurie based trainer Jackie Stephen who has done a fine job from her base two and half hours drive north of her nearest track.

TOTAL ASSETS set the pace and to his credit didn’t give up the ghost once passed. He summoned up sufficient stamina to keep on for fourth place. He probably needs a slightly stiffer test than this.

GURKHA BRAVE chased in vain from three out, while BOGSIDE was on the tails of the leaders early in the straight before giving way after two out.

3:30 3m Download RacingUK App Handicap Chase (75-105)

Unusual to finish with a staying chase, but the light is plenty good enough at half three on an afternoon in November.

The jumping was good deal better here than in the novice event earlier.

SHADY SADIE broke her maiden tag in convincing style, jumping soundly and going clear after leading two out. She needs decent ground and stays well.

FOOT THE BILL was on and off the bridle but put in some good work under pressure in the latter stages. He’s another unlikely to appear on ground too much softer than this and is regularly thereabouts in similar company.

LADY OF VERONA raced close up and stuck to her game under pressure up the straight before fading on the run-in.

The three were clear of GENEROUS CHIEF who remains a maiden and was held from two out.

ARMEDANDBEAUTIFUL travelled from Inkberrow in Worcestershire and was well fancied here. However, her jumping was sloppy and she was beaten before the final bend.

WINTER ALCHEMY won a selling handicap chase at Kelso in May, but generally finds a few too good in anything bar the weakest company. He set the pace for much of the way but gave way from three out.

MUSSELBURGH – Friday November 7^th

The ground softened a shade overnight to Good to Soft, though the weather was much brighter at race time. I couldn’t make it for this card but there were some pointers worth noting.

The staying maiden hurdle was light on numbers, but the three finishers are well worth keeping in the notebook.  MASTER DEE was hammered by a distinctly useful animal in Maximizer at Carlise, but stayed on well to land the spoils here. He’s not run a bad race to date and his trainer should be able to place him successfully in future.

TOMMY O’DWYER ran well to take second on hurdles debut and wouldn’t be hindered by a stiffer track.

FLY VINNIE, nibbled at fancy odds in the market,  found the first two a bit too good, but wasn’t disgraced in third place and Sandy Thomson should be able to find a little staying contest for him near to home. He may have a fair purchase on his hands at £6,700.

The novices’ handicap chase was no more convincing for the future than the previous day’s effort. REAPING THE REWARD looked the likely winner until walking through five out and unseating. Left in front, WALTZ DARLING didn’t look overkeen when unaccompanied and odds-on favourite WELSH BARD didn’t look convincing at any point.

The two feature handicap hurdles had really decent prize money. FIRST FANDANGO, returning to hurdling, just held off CAPELLANUS in the three miler, the pair well clear of FULL JACK who has struggled off high marks since coming over from France.

In the two miler SMART RULER just held off in-form MASON HINDMARSH. However, the one I noted from this was YORKIST who wasn’t given an over-hard time once held and would relish softer ground (4 from 8 on soft or heavy). He has run well enough off his elevated mark to suggest he can pick up a stamina test in the mud.

BAILEYS CONCERTO continues in rattling good form for Dianne Sayer and ran up a seventh success in 8 attempts. He showed too much resolution close home for ROBBIE, though the latter was by no means disgraced. If we don’t get too much rain then there’s a decent two and a half mile chase here on New Year’s Day which might be a target.