Kelso - Saturday October 22nd

 Going - Good To Soft

After a slow start to Kelso's 'winter' season we've had a bit of rain of late and the action picked up seriously for this meeting which saw one of the better crowds since lockdown.

1.05 2m Class 4 Handicap Hurdle

A run of the mill contest won comofrtably by MELBURNIAN. This mare has had a stop-start hurdles career but saw off moderate oppostion with a fair bit to spare. 

1.40 2m Class 4 Maiden Hurdle

This looked a really decent maiden with a nubmer of horses that will be capable of winning in time.

Though he didn't win an Irish point SNAKE ROLL had shown plenty of promise in that sphere. He travelled well in front all the way and Derek Fox had to do little more than let out a little rein to enable him to cruise clear from two out. This one could be very decent.

CAPTAIN BROOMFIELD has chaser stamped all over him and showed plenty in chasing hte leader home. Should win a hurdle, though he did bleed when last seen out at Huntngdon in January so may need a rest between races.

NINETOFIVE kept on nicely from two out having been tapped for speed on the run from three out. Sandy Thomson's charges normally benefit from a run, so he should come on for this, and a step up in trip looks likely to be of benefit.

The one that caught my eye in the paddock was TAKE CENTRE STAGE. He's an attractive sort, though the race looked sure ot bring him on. He ran once in Ireland, showing promise at Punchestown and subsequently appeared in a bumper for Rebecca Menzies early in the year. He chased the leader for much of the way before lack of condition told in the home straight. This half-brother to useful performer Tommy's Oscar looks likely to progress significantly on this.

Keep a quiet eye on KAUTO OF GOLD. He's got a lovely action but is perhaps a little green and will likely need time. He raced in otuch before weakening after the trun for home and looks al ong term project.

2.15 2m 7.5f  Class 5 Handicap Chase

You don't expect to see many good walkers at this level, but GET WITH IT looks to float on air in the paddock. He has plenbty of ability on the track too, hitting the front going to the last to win this one. He did idle in front, a trait he's shown before so needs to be held up, but he should be able to step up a grade.

MATCHMAKING went to the front two out but was outpointed from the last. This was a very encouraging chasing debut and Laura Morgan can place this one to davantage before long.

DOMANDLOUIS looks well handicapped but his jumpnig needs to improve, though he warmed to his task in the latter stages in chsing debut.

2.48 3m 2f Class 2 Edinburgh Gin Handicap Chase

Arguably the best staying handicap chase of the season to date.

SOUNDS RUSSIAN was progressive through last season and won this well enough to suggest there remains more to come. This takes his mark to 157, which severely limits handicap opportunities, but he seems well capable of stepping up to Pattern company. Ruth Jefferson confirmed that he will be aimed higher, but the King George is off the agenda as Sounds Russian is said to be unsuited by the sharp right hand bends.

AYE RIGHT looked as if the race would bring him on, yet still held every chance approaching the last and ran a fine race. He'll presumably have opportunties in the Listed or Grade 3 chases.

HILL SIXTEEN was another who looked as if hte race would bring him on. He kept on for third in encouraging fashion.

CASTLE ROBIN ran a sound enough race in fourth and a mark of 134 should enable placement in slightly less exacting company.

BIG RIVER needs an outing these days and never got competitive. His trainer will look for other opportunties at this his favourite track through the season. 

3.23 2m Class 4 Handicap Hurdle

A race of exposed sorts, LOCK DOWN LUKE out battlnig BOLLINGERANDKRUG with the pair clear of the rest. 

4.00 2m 1f Class 4 Handicap Chase

Five-year-old CORRIGEEN ROCK has potentially more scope for improvement than most in htis race. He held on well from Irish challenger GLADATORIAL on the run-in. 

TRESHNISH is best at Hexham, but ran respectably here and is generally thereabouts in this company without being particularly favoured by the handicapper.

4.35 2m 1f Class 5 Handicap Chase

HERITIER won well on first chasing appearance three runs ago and returned to that form here. Forging clear from two out and hinting that there might still be some progression in him.

BAK ROCKY stayed on well from two out and shoudl be capable of taking a similar contest.

TRAVAIL D'ORFEVRE looked as if the race would bring him on so a third place was very encoruraging, having disputed the lead two out. The Alexander stable should move up a few notches in the coming weeks and a step up is likely for this one.

NORTH PARADE led until weakening two out, a distinct step up on his previous two efforts in handicap hurdles.

5.10 3m 2f Class 4 Conditinoal Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

The curse of the low sun finally struck adn the second last hurdle was omitted.

COSMIC OUTLAW stepped up on previous efforts for Rose dobbin and the extreme trip clearly suits.

BRANDY McQUEEN is a good marker in these efforts and race solid race in second.

The remainder are largely exposed

Kelso - Sunday May 29th

KELSO - Sunday May 29th

Going - Good To Firm

2.12 2m Novices' Hurdle (Class 3)

Irish trainers must have a chuckle when they check out novice hurdles in the North of Great Britain at this time of year as they are very weakly contested. The two Irish challengers filled the first two places.

CIRQUE ROYAL followed up his Perth win with a comofrtable victory here, pulling away from his main rival from before the last. He goes very well on fast ground and, with a douible penalty looming in novice contests, may well be aimed at handicaps in the coming weeks.

TED HASTINGS looks more of a chasing trype than the winner. He kept on from two out without threatening hte winner. 

FOXHOLLOW was outpointed by the first two but ran a decent race, stepping up significantly on Perth form, despite looknig as if the race owuld still bring him on. 

ZIHUATENAJO raced prominently for a long way, offering some encouragement after a long time off the track.

2.47 2m 5f (Class 4) Handicap Chase

EXIT TO WHERE has proved difficult to win with but held on here despite sticking his head in the air once he had passed the second. Not sure he achieved much as the runner-up conceded a lot of ground at the start and I would oppose a follow up.

FLAMBOYANT JOYAUX was left 10 lengths at the start. He worked his way into the contest and looked the likely winner when kicking on from two out, but a scruffy jump at the last allowed the winner to head him. He battled back but was just held.

PASSNOTALEGEND jumped well and raced at or near the front for a long way. He weakened quickly in the straight, but no report of anything amiss so I assume it was lack of condition.

3.22 2m (Class 2) Handicap Hurdle

No better than an average Class 3 contest with the top weight on 131.

RICH BELIEF showed a distinct 'tippy-tappy' fast ground action on the way to start, and he clearly revels in these conditions. All six runners had a chance two out, but on the run to the last Rich Belief was the only one not under the pump and he asserted comfortably from the last. One to keep an eye on this summer both sides of the Irish Sea if fast surfaces prevail.

THE NAVIGATOR ran a solid enough race to finish second to an opponent well favoured by conditions.

INGLEBY HOLLOW normally runs well at this level but often finds one or two too good. He had his chance approaching the last but could find no more and had to settle for third.

CASTEL GANDOLFO jumped indifferently, so probably did well to finish a reltaively close fourth. 

GAELIK COAST reverted to hurdles with a first time tongue tie, but continues a little below par.

3.57 3m 2f (Class 4) Handicap Hurdle

Not a strong contest for the level, but won in encouraging style by hte improving BRANDY McQUEEN. This one caught my eye at Musselburgh in March (2m 4f) and has improved with the step up in trip. He doesn't do anything quick but gallops on relentlessly and is well suited by a stamina test. Looks the type for staying chases in time.

PADDY THE PANDA kept on without threatening the winenr, as did TARTAN COOKIE. As with BONNY HOUXTY who led for a long way, they should be competitive in Class 5 staying events.

4.32 2m 7.5f (Class 3) Novices' Handicap Chase

HIDDEN COMMANDER reversed form with CASTLETOWN on 8lbs better terms for C/D defeat here earlier in the month. The winner's stamina was a doubt, but it proved no problem and he comfortably held a chief rival who doesn't find much under pressure.

YOUNG JACK YEATS jumped poorly and was beaten two out.

HOLD THE NOTE last on in 2018, a wind operation and first time blinkers bringing about no improvement. He was beaten three out and almost stopped to a wlak on the run-in.

5.07 3m 2f (Class 3) Hunters' Chase

Things do not look good for hunter chasing in the area. There have been small fields all season and less races programmed then in previous seasons and there's a lack of quality performers.

STEELY ADDITION turned around form with Perth conqueror POINT THE WAY. He led three out and had the race in safekeeping on the run to the last. His trainer has had a successful season with this one, bagging all 4 points that he has contested and adding a hunter chase to that collection here.

GRAASTEN, a traveller from Chinnor in Oxfordshire, kept on for second in honest fashion but will need a weak contest to score under Rules.

POINT THE WAY made his effort before hte home turn but wasn't good enough on the day.

5.40 2m (Class 3) NH Flat

COME ON DU BERLAIS passed the 'looks like one who could win a flat race' on paddock inspection. In a race run at steady pace until the home straight she showed far too much basic speed for the others.

OUR LAURA B is a robust filly who had shown promise at Sedgefield. She kept on encouragingly for second and will be one to benefit from obstacles as she has the look of a chaser and presuambly has a bit more physical development to come.

TAMLAGHT EYES led a steady pace but was readily outpaced by the first two once the tempo increased.

Musselburgh - Saturday May 21st 2022

This blog has been in deep freeze for a couple of years. However, now retired I'm on the racecourse more often than in the past, now a member at both Kelso and Musselburgh, so a good chance to pick up the meeting reports.

MUSSELBURGH - Saturday May 21st

Going - Good (Good To Firm in places)

A medium busy Saturday more Edinburgh Cup day with all the drinkers routed off to the marquees past the stands. Leaves the paddock and stands with decent elbow room.

To save rather repetitive race titles the meeting was sponsored by Edinburgh Gin. Other gins are available but the Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger is my wife's favourite.

Cafe 1816 at the Members' entrance is relatively quiet, food's decent and no higher than 'outside world' cafe prices. 

1.53 5f Class 6 Handicap (3yo)

Not a strong event, but WAVERLEY STAR (best in the field on paddock inspection) had knocked on the door in similar company and got the best of a last furlong duel with 3 times raced BALLISTIC BERRY in a bobbing finish. Both showed a good attitude and should continue to pick up prize money at this level.

ERUPTION beat the winner here last time, but ran disappointingly at Thirsk last time. Back to nearer his best here but couldn't match the first two.

2.28 1m 4f 100yds Class 6 Handicap

I'd normally go down the track to the start for races over this distance, but with the alcohol flowing crowd were kept at arm's length and then some.

Paul Hanagan got the pace spot with MAHANAKHON POWER. Leading from the start he kicked on in the straight and had all bar one opponent beaten off by the furlnog pole. CLAN JOCK was persistent, but Mahanakhon Power found extra close home when challenged. This seems to be the winner's level and he gives his best, while Clan Jock remains a maiden but with Jim Goldie's stable in rattling form he should be placed to win a simialr race.

UCCELLO plodded on gamely for third without threatening the first two. He turf runs this year have been an improvement on previous efforts so he's not a total lost cause.

3.03 5f Class 2 2yo Conditions' Stakes

This often throws up a decent animal or two. First two look useful and pulled well clear of two previous winners in the final furlong.

REMARKABLE FORCE looks quite forward for a two-year-old. He showed good speed, asserted in the last 100 yards and as a dual winner will presumably be Ascot bound.

EDDIE'S BOY is smaller than the winner but has plenty of zip. He responded gamely when challenged but was held close home.

JUNGLE TIME couldn't match the first two and looks likely to find her level in nurseries in time.

3.38 1m 1f Class 4 Handicap

Arguably the mopst difficult race to crack. The leaders Hayadh, Mi Capricho and Alpha Cru went off a tad too quickly and folded in hte last two furlongs.

TOMMY G was held up, made headway two out to hit the fornt in the final furlong and just held a fast finishing second. I rpesume Jim Goldie will be eyeing a Sunday Series race here in a couple of weeks time, if he can get a run. The trainer does well to keep these old campaigners sweet.

VINDOBALA was left a few lengths at the start. Last around the top bend he made steady headway up the straight and was gaining at the line, down by just a head. The way this race was run suited him.

ALPINE SIERRA stayed on well offering improved form on third run since arriving from Dermot Weld's yard. Chances for this one if dropped in class.

TILSITT ran into trouble in behind the leaders and the principals had gone once he was in the clear. 

4.13 1m 4f 100yds Class 3 3yo Handicap (Edinburgh Cup)

Perhaps a little below it's usual level as the top rated was rated only 85, but there were some progressive sorts here.

HILTS can with a strong late burst and probably had a little more in the tank. He won't go up far for this and a step up in trip again wouldn't seem a problem.

CHARLES ST raced prominently, flashing his tail in the closing stages but saw his race out out to the line. 

BELKE OF ANNANDALE looked to have a tough task down the bottom of the weights but ran a cracker in third place, chasing up the first two if just held close home. She would be a shoo-in for a fillies' handicap, particularly if dropped in class, and shouldn't be long before winning.

Lightly raced favourite NATHANAEL GREENE raced in rear but was tapped for toe early in the straight. He ran into traffic problems trying to come through as he stayed on to the line. A stiffer track or longer trip will probably help.

4.48 7f Class 6 Handicap

The largest field of the meeting, but a weak contest. The favourite, double winner AQUAMAS, was niggled along early and never really looked likely getting involved in the latter stages. 

CRAGSIDE hit the front two out, looking to have the race at his mercy, but wandered about in front and was mugged by a fast finisher. Two sound efforts in a row and should win a handicap at this level.

YAASER hadn't shown a huge amount previously, though his fifth of five at Ayr was his best effort sicne moving from France. Stable hit form and he stayed on to lead close home. 

TACITUS stayed on for third, stepping up on previous efforts. 

5.23 5f Class 6 Handicap 

The finish was dominated by latecomers.

Koropick ducked right at the start inconveniencing both the second ISLE OF DREAMS and the third THE GLOAMING. The Gloaming is a small filly and seemed to get the worst of the scrap, but dug deep from a furlong out and probably would have won with a clearer passage. An outside draw might suit in future as it would give her more manouevring room.

LORD OF THE GLEN had a clearer passage and kept on late to lead on the line.

The first three all have decent pace for this level. ISLE OF DREAMS is the most lightly raced and may have a more to give.

Horses To Follow - National Hunt 2020/21

 

The blog fell into disuse last year for various reasons but taking the chance to breathe some life back into the outlet. The Covid-19 restrictions have not helped and I've not been racing since early March 2020. I have been putting up successful handicap ratings on The Racing Forum which has been rewarding, the method having been resurrected from a booklet I bought in 1980.  

My list of horses to follow for the 2020-21 National Hunt season is given below. Drawn from Scottish and Northern stables the list gives one or two that might make a mark at Graded level, some for a Class 4 or 5 tickle and some middle of the road animals with promise or proven ability.

ALL HAIL CAESAR 6 g (Rebecca Menzies)

Still a maiden hurdler but beat Louis Vac’ Pouch to win a jumpers bumper at Newcastle so clearly has an engine. Didn’t make a mark on seasonal debut at Carlisle in mid-October but trainer felt run would bring him on and will be seen to greater effect over further than 2m 4f.

BUSTER VALENTINE 7 g (Ruth Jefferson)

Won a novice handicap chase at Market Rasen but sustained an injury that kept him off since. Given time to recover this one is well rated by the stable and will be aimed at 3 mile chases with Peter Marsh at Haydock as a long term goal.

 

CAVETARA 8 g (Sandy Thomson)

By Kayf Tara out of L’Aventure which is as good a recommendation for a staying chaser as you can get. Was going well when coming down in Sandy’s favourite race, the Borders National last season and will be targeted at that race this season. Has relatively few miles on the clock and mark of 115 gives room for manouevre.

 

CLONDAW CAITLIN 5 m (Ruth Jefferson)

Progressive hurdler last season culminating in winning the Grade 2 Premier Hurdle at Kelso. Dropped in at the deep end on chasing debut at Cheltenham, jumped stickily early on but stayed on nicely up the hill to provide encouragement for staying chases going forward.

 

CRACKING DESTINY 7 g (Alistair Whillans)

Steadily progressive over fences in the summer and his fifth in the Old Roan Chase reads well. Might be rested for a while and brought back in the spring, but there is still room for progression. Stays 2m 4f but has enough speed to be competitive at the minimum distance. Handles soft ground, though probably wouldn’t want it too deep.

 

ELVIS MAIL 6 g (Nick Alexander)

Considered by his trainer as possibly the best he has had charge of. A decent handicap hurdler won twice last term in a truncated campaign. Disappointed at Newbury behind Epatante but didn’t eat while in Berkshire so the race can be ignored, and possibly best kept within daily range of home.

Goes novice chasing this season and would be considered one of the brighter prospects on the northern novice scene.

 

FAIRE PART SIVOLA 5 g (Lucinda Russell)

Fair novice last season for Nick Williams, winning at Leicester and then tried in Grade 2 company. Pulled up in a Uttoxeter gluepot in March but that form can likely be set aside. Goes handicap hurdling this year and far enough south of a 140 mark to give a few opportunities in Scotland and the north.

 

FOLKS LIKE US 5 g (Alistair Whillans)

Owned by a fellow Kelso regular who gave me the heads up about this one who will operate at a relatively low level. Picked up a nasty injury pointing and took some time to get over that. Carefully handled he came good at Kelso in early October and remains on a workable mark in handicap hurdles. Probably won’t want the ground too soft.

 

HOME FIRE 4 g (Nicky Richards)

An unraced bumper prospect owned by the Robinsons (owners of Simply Ned) who provide a conveyor belt of young horses for the Richards yard. By Frankel out of a Group 1 placed mare who was rated 113 on the flat. I assume this one is late developer but owner/trainer produce so many decent animals this one has to be of interest.

 

KITTY HALL  6 m (Nicky Richards)

Winner of a mares’ bumper at Carlisle in January and not disgraced at Doncaster subsequently. Dam won a bumper and a handicap hurdle.

 

LANTY SLEA 5 g (Nicky Richards)

Just scrambled home in a 3-runner bumper at Carlisle in March and the season was halted soon after. Difficult to learn much from that one outing, but options under a penalty in bumpers before progressing to hurdles.

 

LITTLE BRUCE 8 g (Phil Kirby)

Tough staying chaser who has notched up plenty of miles for an eight-year-old but seems to thrive on racing. Had a pipe opener over hurdles, at which discipline he remains well handicapped so may be worth a try over the extended trips at the likes of Kelso and Sedgefield. Sporting reports he has schooled round the Cross-Country course at Cheltenham.

 

MAROWN 6 g (Nicky Richards)

Won a couple of novice hurdles last season after a single bumper win in 2019 so currently unbeaten. Worth following either in handicap hurdles or novice chases.

 

MAX APPEAL 5 g (Lucinda Russell)

Clear winner of a 5-runner bumper at Ayr in March beating a previous winner from the Richards stable. Expected to pick up a novice hurdle or two this term. Half brother stayed 2m 6f and won a couple for Tim Vaughan.

 

NAVAJO PASS 4 g (Donald McCain)

Grade 2 winner and fourth in the Triumph Hurdle last season.  Campaign likely to be split between the lesser conditions’ events and handicap hurdles.

 

RAVENHILL ROAD 9 g (Sue Smith)

Lightly raced staying chaser. Was in the process of running a decent return when coming down two out at Market Rasen recently. Mark of 133 doesn’t look over harsh and there should be opportunities on the northern circuit.

 

RAYNA’S WORLD 5 m (Phil Kirby)

Placed at the Cheltenham Festival in March yet went into the autumn a maiden hurdler. Dotted up in a canter on return in a maiden hurdle at Hexham and should make a mark at a much higher level with options available in novice and mares’ races. Could be a very decent hurdling mare.

 

ROAD WARRIOR 6 g (Rebecca Menzies)

Moderate novice chase whose form was heading nowhere but has benefitted from wind surgery. Prominent runner likely to be seen to best advantage on decent ground at a sharp track and may pop in at a decent price.

 

SCOTTISH ACCENT 7 g (Rebecca Menzies)

Promise in novice hurdles last season without winning. Never got in a blow when needing the race in a novice handicap chase on return and there should be much better to come in time. Handles soft and heavy ground well enough so a mid-winter campaign likely to pay dividends.

 

TUPELO MISSISSIPPI 5 g (Brian Ellison)

My Kelso contact turned up at Musselburgh expecting to win a bumper only to run into this one that he was told was rated by Brian Ellison as ‘potentially the best jumps horse I’ve trained’. Stamina should be his forte and a very exciting prospect for staying novice hurdles this term.

 

WINDSOR AVENUE 8 g (Brian Ellison)

Didn’t fulfil early promise over fences last season, but had wind surgery after his Haydock run in January and better now expected. Will start off in the Colin Parker Chase, which will set his level, and 2m 4f is his optimum trip.

Flat Runners - Catch Up

LATHOM won well at Ayr and looked capable of following up yesterday at York. He made little impact in finishing midfield, but I suspect the quick ground meant he may have been taken off his feet. I'll keep him on the list for now.

HAROME won in a small field at Ayr then just missed out upped in class a bit the next day. He seems favoured by a small field, but goes for the 1.45 at Ascot today. I do feel he may pick up one of these races working his way through the field, but has something to prove.

In the same race I am interested in EEH BAH GUM who ran a decent fourth in the Gosforth Park Cup and looks the sort to pick up a big field sprint somewhere along the line. 

CHARLES KINGSLEY has been well held in Class 2 company a couple of times. This class stretches him a bit, though he's worth looking out for when running on a turning track where his best prominent running style can be put to best use.

A decent effort for second place in the Northumberland Vase (Plate Consolation) by RARE GROOVE, who stayed on up the straight to come clear of the peloton but just ran into a progressing sort in Carnwennan. He ran in snatches but his trainer seems right that he is an out and out stayer. One to keep on the right side in similar contests.

Micky Hammond’s three year old IRV showed a decent turn if foot to win a Class 3 mile handicap at York. Willing to squeeze through a gap, he hit the front a furlong out and asserted very well to break his maiden. This one appears to need quick ground and the mile looks ideal. He ran off bottom weight here so in a position to exploit further opportunities at this level.

How they ran at Ayr

LATHOM really caught my eye with his attitude when chasing home Spirit Of Wedza* at Hamilton. He has a turn of pace at the business end and used it to great effect yesterday at Ayr, putting 2 lengths between himself and the rest. He will go up between 6 and 8lbs for that, but I can’t see that is necessarily going to stop him winning as he does no more than he has to. He can certainly step up to Class 3 on the basis of yesterday’s effort.

* Can’t find any news on Spirit Of Wedza who hasn’t appeared since. As an aside I worked through that one’s trainer Julie Camacho’s record and you could pretty much cover any of her runners over 5 and 6 furlongs in handicaps and turn a profit.

HAROME was swamped in the final furlong having shared the pace for the first four furlongs. Looking at his record he’s never won in a field of more than 9 runners and I think he needs to dominate a small field. Add to that his winning has been done almost exclusively on quick ground then we have the best circumstances identified. Roger Fell continues to churn out the winners and Club Wexford won the opening Class 2 mile handicap taking a significant step up in grade. Right now I’m keeping a close eye on anything Roger Fell runs.

CHARLES KINGSLEY ran a respectable race up in class finishing fifth. I get the impression he’s better on a turning track than on the more galloping type like Ayr. He seems taken off his feet as the pace increases down long straights.

Nothing to add to the list this time, though I will have another look at yesterday’s Ayr races just in case I’ve missed something. There are a couple of decent races at Pontefract that I will keep an eye on. Perth jump report to follow.

Flat Runners at Ayr - June 22nd

CHARLES KINGSLEY steps up in class to contest a 1m 5f Class 2 Handicap at Ayr today. He has gone up significantly in the handicap, but while big on numbers this isn’t a particularly strong Class 2 event and Mark Johnston’s challenger is upwardly mobile.

HAROME goes for the 3.45 a Class 4 five furlong handicap and can win this if he reproduces his Epsom effort which saw him work through the field to sixth after a slow start. LATHOM goes in the same race, remains well capable in this grade off his current mark and a reverse Exacta would pay nicely if things fall into place.

Unfortunately I can’t get to Ayr today, but will be keeping an eye on the east coast action while at the jumps meeting at Perth.

MOON OF LOVE was aimed high at Ascot yesterday but it was always going to be a tough task and she was out the back in the Albany. She will be competitive when aimed lower.