Kelso late October - and a few to keep an eye on

KELSO – Saturday October 24^th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)

A little rain during the morning meant the ground eased slightly, though a walk of the course suggested there weren’t that many ‘patches’. On the whole I can’t imagine good ground horses would have excuses.

1.55 2m Carnacrack NH Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

The pace wasn’t particularly strong here so some finished closer than might have been expected.

BIG RIVER won what looked a decent enough bumper here in March. Looking fit enough for his hurdling debut, Big River asserted from the last to win in workmanlike fashion. I would expect there to be better to come in time.

JUST GEORGIE looks chaser in waiting, so a close second here was most encouraging. Leading after the fifth he was headed before the last but didn’t go down without a struggle. He should find a hurdle before long, but I will look forward to seeing him take on the larger obstacles. I understand that jockey Danny Cook felt this one was a little in need of the race.

PETAPENKO didn’t look straight forward at Perth but ran a sound enough race here, not far off the pace to two out and keeping on up the hill.

CHAIN OF BEACONS will be better off when handicapped. He was another plugging on at the business end, suggesting a step up in distance will do no harm.

HERECOMESNELSON showed apparently improved form and may have been flattered by the slow pace.

COSMIC TIGRESS looked fit enough but was outpaced mid-race before keeping on up the hill. A females’ race might be an idea.

2.30 2m 7½f Clifford and Martin Frith Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

Strong novices’ chases are a rarity in this area these days, but this contest normally throws up some horses with prospects going forward, and I have no reason to doubt that this time around.

ONE FOR ARTHUR jumped well, challenged the leader two out and was soon going away. He stayed on well to win impressively and could turn out to be a decent staying chaser. We need one up here right now as decent Northern chasers are few and far between!

SELDOM INN showed promise last season in hurdles before his jumping went a bit awry. Nothing wrong with his leaps here and he saw out his race well, if not quite as good as the winner. Nevertheless a promising chase debut and he can go on from here.

BLAKEMOUNT, off the track for nearly a year, jumped very well in front but lacked the pace of the first two from two out. The race will have brought him on a bit and there’s probably better to come.

SHUBAAT has yet achieved his hurdling level over the larger obstacles. He was beaten two out here.

RACING EUROPE, looking in need of the race on chasing bow, didn’t jump well and was struggling after belting the tenth fence.

LANDECKER has ability but is apt to sulk and was never really touch. He did rally briefly to three out but faded and was walked in from the half furlong pole.

COOTE STREET was well outclassed on stable debut, tailed off four out and pulled up.

U NAME IT unseated at the sixth fence.

3.05 3m 2f EDF-ER Handicap Chase (120-138)

Question marks against many of these, but GOLD FUTURES is as consistent as any. He was eased into the race down the far side for the last time, led two out and won a shade comfortably. He is well suited by this extended trip.

STRAIDNAHANNA ran a sound enough race on return. He kept on well enough to line and can step up from this.

BALLYBEN wasn’t disgraced in this class, though outpaced from the second last. He’s probably best on this sort of ground.

VALLEYOFMILAN never got into the race seriously. He’s on his last winning mark and, though he has won over three miles, is probably better around the two and a half mark.

CHICAGO OUTFIT won four races at Hexham earlier in the year but is now some 41lb higher than when the urn started. Unfortunately his Hexham options are limited off his current mark.

WILLIAM MONEY, white and black colours looking more grey and black (through the hot wash maybe?), was well held from four out. He is better than this on his day.

HARRY THE VIKING ran well enough up with the pace, but totally misjudged the fifteenth then guessed at the next two, capsizing three out.

3.40 2m Sir Maxwell Harper Gow Handicap Hurdle (90-115)

Largely exposed types contested this and at this level it’s difficult to run up a sequence.

ALIZEE DE JANEIRO made it three on the day for Lucinda Russell and I understand gave Peter Buchanan a first ever treble. He challenged two out, led before the last and stayed on well to show better form than he had last season.

CLAUDE CARTER often runs passably without winning, and kept on through the field to take second place.

BARABOY led briefly two out until headed by the winner before the last after which he weakened into third. This wasn’t a bad effort off a break.

MIGHTY WHITEY set a strong early pace and paid for it in the latter stages.

BEECHWOOD ALLY ran prominently for a long way, was outpaced before two out and then stayed on again. She’s lightly raced, this wasn’t a bad effort and she can get competitive at this level.

4.15 2m 6½f Eric Gillie Transporting Horses 40 years Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

What looked a two horse race turned into quite a decent contest. The winner OSCAR BLUE set the pace and gradually stepped up the pace from a mile out. Having been headed at the last he rallied well to lead near the line. He lacks nothing in stamina and his attitude is good.

SUNNY WEST looks a staying chaser in the making, but made a favourable impression on the second Rules effort. Challenging two out, he led at the last but was just held near the line. A fine first jumping effort and word is the race will have done him some good, so worth noting for a similar contest in the near future.

MAJOR IVAN may not have been suited by the steady early pace, was under the pump before two out but saw his race out well enough if held from before the last. An even tougher stamina test looks likely to suit.

HA’PENNY WOODS ran soundly enough in fourth place, though held from two out.

Better was expected of JOHN WILLIAMS who weakened rapidly from before two out and was treading water afterwards. The suspicion is a possible physical problem during the race, as he has strengthened through the summer.

LUCYDOLI had proven a poor performer in bumpers and points. She didn’t look particularly fir and was predictably beaten a long way.

4.50 2m 6½f BARK Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle (74-100)

A poor contest, but a good opportunity for Nick Alexander’s ANDHAAR who saw off inferiors in encouraging style, staying on much the best from two out. He proved this was no fluke with a creditable effort against better company at Ayr two days later.

WILLIE HALL has ability, but has generally been difficult to win with. Not bad this level on his day he had his chance but was held by the winner on the flat.

MARRAKECH TRADER needed the race after a long lay-off. He threatened two out but could only muster the one pace after that. He has clearly had his problems but he is no lost cause.

WINTER ALCHEMY is a moody sort. He ran well up front for a fair way, dropped back through the field only to stay on again for fourth

AINTREE – Sunday October 25^th

KALANITI was flagged up as a potential prospect in a decent looking bumper at Kelso last season. She confirmed the impression with a creditable second behind the well touted La Bague Au Roi in the mares bumper. She won’t meet one that good very often in mares’ races and must be a prospect going forward, particularly when taking on fellow females.

AYR – Monday October 26^th

A Kelso bumper won by Big River back in March is looking a strong contest and IMADA franked the form with an eye-catching win in the two mile novices’ hurdle. He idled near the finish but still held Double W’s who was considered good enough to contest a Grade 2 bumper last season.

Meanwhile back in fourth BENNY’S SECRET was held but is well regarded by his trainer, will likely come on for the race and needs more of a test than two miles on good ground. Keep this one in the notebook as I believe he will reward the patience.

Martin Todhunter’s MONBEG RIVER won the two mile handicap chase and his early chasing efforts smack of those of the same trainer’s Presenting Junior last season.

The bumper looked a decent contest. MEET THE LEGEND created a favourable impression but was just held by Gordon Elliott’s Fagan with the rest a long way back. The former has plenty of pace and some reckon could make a Flat horse, while I can’t wait to see FAGAN go over hurdles and the sky could be the limit for this one. He’s won three points, so jumping isn’t likely to be a problem.

Back in third SPIRIT OF KAYF created a sound impression and can go close in the near future if he avoids anything of the quality of the first two.

Carlisle open their autumn jumps programme

CARLISLE - Thursday October 15^th

Going - Good (Good to Firm in places)

A re-visit to Carlisle after a gap of a few years revealed a number of significant developments which have moved an already decent course up a notch or two. There are a few different viewing places almost give a view of the whole course, though the reservoir just stops us getting a 100 per cent view. It’s worth taking a stroll down past the main stand, a rooftop and rooftop terrace give an excellent view of the action.

The course makes a play of having a ‘full colour race programme’, but the downside is that it costs £3 and Musselburgh(£2.50) and Kelso(£2) both manage the same for less. The Trendsetters Guide is of limited use at best. That aside course facilities and surroundings are fine and it's a good afternoon out for jumping fans.

A decent autumn continued, giving a warm afternoon with very little breeze. The going was on the fast side but there’s a good covering of grass. Fields sizes reflected the fast ground, but racing was competitive.

2.10 2m 1f Apollo In Play Betting Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (69-108)

Top prize for value spotting goes to my wife who landed a winner with Endeavor. Third behind Dynamic Drive and now 7lbs better off and in front of Push Me last time, yet both of these were up vying for favouritism yet we secured 14/1 in the ring about Endeavor who started at 12/1. He can be cussed soul, but boasted a record of 13 wins from 84 over jumps before the race, pretty decent for a horse never rated higher than 110 and he ran off 95 here! My wife asked why he was that price, to which my answer was ‘good question’!

Emma Sayer is as good a rider to have on your side as any in these contests, and knows ENDEAVOR inside out. Always handy, he moved up to the leader on the final climb and hit the front after the last, winning with a bit to spare.

DYNAMIC DRIVE took up the running two out but was overtaken after the last. He saw his race out well enough and was not disgraced under the penalty. He remains in the good heart that gave him a nice win at Kelso.

URBAN KODE isn’t bad at this level but generally runs into one or two too good. He led to two out and plugged on into third.

NAFAATH had his chance but couldn’t match the principals from before two out, though keeping on for fourth.

TRIPLE EIGHT didn’t see out his race over this stiff track. His recent decent efforts have come at Stratford and Bangor.

PUSH ME raced keenly early and once her saddle slipped Blair Campbell’s main concern was trying to pull her up.

2.40 2m 1f Download Your Racing UK App Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

The winner here, FREDERIC CHOPIN looked fittest of the bunch and stayed on nicely from two out to take the main prize. Decent on the flat, he’s going the right way over hurdles and it will be interesting to see him take on tougher company.

DON’TDROPMEIN wasn’t disgraced on hurdles debut, but he pulled hard and having taken up the running four out had nothing left to resist the winner from two out. He should be capable fo stepping up on this effort.

After a miserable week when he lost the patronage of the Paul and Clare Rooney, Donald McCain need a fillip. Sadly SIGN MANUAL was not able to provide a win. A rather stocky sort not typical of McCain’s normal charges, this one has gone backward from a promising start. He was sweating freely and beaten before two out.

QUESTION OF FAITH was clueless in her jumping on hurdles debut and well behind when pulled up after walking through three out.

3.15 2m Book Your Christmas Party Here Novices’ Handicap Chase (119-134)

GERMANY CALLING, a tall strong looking gelding looking very fit, had the best form of these and duly recorded a second chase win. However, he mixed good jumps with a few hairy efforts and might find his jumping under pressure if upped in class.

The one to take out of this is RELIC ROCK who placed a creditable second having looked as if the race would bring him on. Bandages in front were a little off putting, but he made an encouraging chasing debut, jumping very nicely and seeing his race out well if unable to match a more experienced winner. His hurdling wasn’t as good as it might have been, but Brian Ellison has clearly done some good work with this one over the chase fences.

FANTASY KING was working himself into a challenging position at the last, but walked through it and couldn’t recover. Encouraging, though he is apt to throw in the odd duff jump or two.

COURT DISMISSED was outpaced approaching three out but kept on again in the latter stages. He would be helped by a slight drop in class.

VODKA WELLS looked fir enough on his return, but was left behind from three out.

LUCKY BRIDLE tripped over his feet in the paddock, which wasn’t encouraging, and then walked through the first giving Brian Hughes no chance.

3.50 2m 4f Racing UK Anywhere NH Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

In a race with a hot favourite I spotted glaring value in the Tote place market. The second favourite Lincoln County looked vulnerable after a moderate hurdles debut, whilst third favourite Delusionsofgrandeur hailed from an in-form stable and was a pointing winner. The latter duly obliged for second at a rewarding £3.40 place dividend. The Tote place pool is generally not for place but big bets, but this one paid for our food!

SHANTOU VILLAGE is a nice sort who had an easy hurdling introduction, going clear from two out. Winner of a point, bumper and hurdle, he is a fine prospect for Neil Mulholland.

DELUSIONSOFGRANDEUR created a decent enough impression on his hurdling debut. He couldn’t match the winner but kept on well enough and should win a hurdle.

LINCOLN COUNTY was under the pump three out and couldn’t match the runner-up.

LANDMEAFORTUNE was outpaced from the eighth as was MISTER HENDRE.

KICKING LILY was a nervous looking sort in the paddock. She dropped out quickly after the eighth and was pulled up before two out and walked home.

4.25 3m 110yds Racing UK Handicap Chase (115-135)

There was a strong entry at the five day stage, but this cut up to four by the start.

The field was soon reduced to three as GEORGE FERNBECK blundered at the first was slow at the second, and then hit the third giving Fin O’Toole no chance.

ENCHANTED GARDEN jumped well enough, challenged the long time leader at the last and asserted on the run to the finish.

LOOSE CHIPS made the pace and kept on once headed at the last. A sound enough effort and presumably the Military races at Sandown will be a target.

BY THE BOARDWALK didn’t jump fluently, losing a length at some fences, and was outpaced two out and soon beaten.

5.00 3m 123yds Watch Racing UK Anywhere Handicap Hurdle (84-120)

With the more lightly raced performers not coming up to scratch it was the in and out performer MAGGIE BLUE who secured a comfortable win from the front. Leading at the fifth she tested the field and was clear by two out. She’s capable on her day but can’t be relied upon to reproduce this form next time.

OMID stays well and kept on to the finish. He’s a not a prolific winner but does put up some passable efforts in this company.

SIMARTHUR was badly injured at Hexham last season and I understand his survival was touch and go for a while. He chased the leader three out but could only keep on at the one pace. Given the circumstances connections must be more than happy with this effort.

PRESENTED, a chasing winner at Perth last month, was outpaced from three out.

The lightly raced but well backed COOPER’S FRIEND was well beaten and very tired when walking through the last. HORSTED VALLEY was another well backed but ran no sort of race and was pulled up.

5.30 2m 1f Weddings at Carlisle Racecourse Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 6)

Bumpers at Carlisle aren’t far behind those at Kelso in my realm of interest.

Previous winner CLOUDY DREAM used his experience to good effect, wearing down the newcomer second in a duel from three out. He should turn into a hurdler.

GROUNDUNDERREPAIR, a gelding whose breeding suggests he will make a jumper, made a decent race of it on debut. Given the way the race panned out he will be a short price for upcoming engagements, but looks a winner in waiting.

FINAL FLING looked far from the finished article but pulled clear of the remainder in the final furlong. He will come on for this outing and is worth entering in the notebook.

KALONDRA was a bit keen and held from the bottom of the hill. A promising sort in Irish points, he should make up into a jumper in time.

Notes from Hexham - October 10th

Other commitments kept me away from this meeting, but there were some competitive races on the card yielding decent pointers.

As I have said often enough on this blog, Kelso bumpers are a great source of future winners. I noted MARDALE when third at the Borders venue in September to Meet The Legend, commenting that ‘she would be worth an interest in mares maiden/novice hurdles as such events seldom take much winning up here.’ She scooted up at 7/1 in the Hexham mares’ hurdle today on her jumping debut, and it was a fair bit more competitive than some of these events. She hurdled soundly enough and may turn out to be one of the better novice mares in the north over the coming months. I hope some readers were on today.

MEET THE LEGEND set a hot standard at Kelso, so I eagerly await the reappearance of DUBAI ANGEL, a decent second that day when not looking fully tuned up.

Keep an eye on Sue Smith runners in the coming weeks, particularly those returning after their summer break. The stable is one of the best around for getting horses ready after a break. FRIENDLY ROYAL won yesterday at Hexham and Smith runners have generally been there or thereabouts of late.

The only serious challenger to Friendly Royal was SOLWAY LEGEND who fell at the last when in touch with the winner. The third won well last week so the form has a strong look about it. Lisa Harrison’s runners are generally quite consistent and have a good ratio of places to runs, her other two runners at Hexham finished close up. JOHNNY GO ran a cracker in a very competitive staying handicap hurdle, arguably one of the best races held at Hexham in recent years.

Lucinda Russell’s CELTIC FLAMES was just run out of it in the closing stages of the opening novices hurdle. There was nothing wrong with this effort and he will probably win a hurdle. However, he was a convincing winner of a point at Ballyarthur in April and his serious future lies as a chaser.

From the same race, FAIRY THEATRE made a very encouraging hurdling debut in second place for Iain Jardine. This capable trainer has cranked up his operation in recent times, now operating from Len Lungo’s old yard at Carrutherstown, and don’t be at all surprised if Jardine makes his mark in decent jumps races before long. The likes of Nakeeta and Wor Lass have advertised his talents on the Flat in recent weeks. He also managed to win with Ya Boy Sir after the latter had five years off the track.

I will be at Carlisle on Thursday for what hints at being a cracker of a card to open their autumn jumps campaign. Kelso then pick up the baton again in a fortnight’s time. In depth analysis of these two meetings will be posted after the events. Keep an eye out on the Scotracing twitter account for on the day snippets.

Simply Ned stars at Kelso

KELSO – Sunday October 4^th

Going – Good to Firm (Good in places)

A competitive card and a well attended meeting as Kelso’s autumn campaign cranked up a notch. The ground was on the quick side, but pre-meeting course walk revealed a beautiful covering of grass and certainly no jar in the ground.

The first race of the afternoon was the Border Principals Race held over two furlongs. The start of the ‘Common Riding Championship’ is often a shambles but the starter was on his job today and got them away to a level break. A close race resulted with the Fraser Hastie keeping the spoils at home, winning for Kelso but just under a length from the Lockerbie rider Ian Miller.

2.05 2m Newcastle Arms Handicp Hurdle (90-115)

A tight looking contest to open the card, but two pulled clear in the closing stages.

Maurice Barnes generally has his string pretty well forward at this stage of the season. His DYNAMIC DRIVE went down a bit freely, but settled nicely, made headway from two out and took control on the run-in. A rise of 11lbs didn’t stop him after a Hexham win and he looks in really good fettle. With a rise he can remain in this class which might allow a treble.

Noel Kelly campaigned MIGHTY WHITEY in some competitive looking contests in Ireland with no success. He looks more at home in softer races in the UK and set a nice pace here, having all bar the second beaten by the last but unable to hold that one’s challenge. A sound effort and he’s worth noting if returning here for a similar contest.

ENDEAVOR had his chance but was held before the last. Often thereabouts he will probably pop up again this season if things go his way.

PUSH ME had conditions to suit, but raced in rear as is her proven way and stayed on for a never nearer fourth.

ROCKABILLY RIOT has his chance two out but faded on the run to the last.

LOVE MARMALADE was made favourite on the basis of solid flat form, but he isn’t as good over the sticks and was beaten not far after halfway.

2.35 2m Edinburgh’s Mathers Bar Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

No strength in depth in this event.

SINDARBAN doesn’t look particularly good in his slower paces and I marked him down on paddock inspection. His handicap mark of 104 doesn’t all that far off and he clearly has some ability. Taking closer order three out, he led at the last and stayed on well enough.

BOWDLER’s MAGIC general profile wasn’t encouraging, but he ran a decent enough race. He led or disputed for much of the way, but gave two out a serious belt and that may have made the difference as he took a few strides to get back on an even keel.

SUMMER STROM came into this top rated of those with an official mark, but faded on the run-in after looking dangerous two out.

BEECHWOOD ALLY had hood added to tongue tie and returned to something like the form that gave her on third place on hurdling debut. She had a chance approaching the last but was worried out of it.

The only encouragement from the remainder was for PARLOUR OF DREAMS. A winning pointer, he looks more of a chaser and ran well for a long way before fading quickly in the straight. He has possibilities in weak steeplechases over the minimum trip.

3.15 2m 7½f Geoff & Elspeth Celebration Novices’ Handicap Chase (80-108)

PRESENT FLIGHT was fittest looking of these off a break. His jumping was sticky early, but he stretched on encouragingly in the latter stages and was clear before the last. A nice effort and he has the look of a potentially fair staying handicapper.

DERRYFADDA jumped very well in front, but thumping three out proved to be crucial as the winner came swinging alongside him on the run to the next. He kept on well if held by the winner, and this double point win shouldn’t have to wait too long to break his steeplechasing duck.

LONGUEVILLE FLYER has huge feet which look just the business for ploughing through the mud. None of that here, so third place doesn’t seem a bad effort even though outpaced before the home turn. A pointing winner, he is worth keeping an eye on.

SGT BULL BERRY couldn’t continue his improvement and was struggling before the home turn.

BAYFIRTH is basically a fairly slow hunter chaser. Mike Smith got a handicap win out of him at Cartmel, but he’s moved to his owner’s Carluke yard since and he hasn’t gone on.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY was off the bridle early and behind from four out.

EMKAE, nervous sort in the preliminaries, whacked the fourth fence and came down.

3.50 2m 5f Borders Employment Law Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)

This contest has thrown up fair performers in the past and the winner looks a decent sort.

HELLO GEORGE, looking as if he can still be made a little fitter, led and dictated a pace as his jockey chose. Kicked on after two out he was clear at the last and won in pleasing fashion.

COOKING FAT looks a chaser in waiting, even at the age of four, but is doing nicely for Dianne Sayer over hurdles. He closed three out but was held after two out, though keeping on well enough for a sound second place. I shall be keeping an eye on how this one is campaigned.

WELCOME BEN ran up to his best and was driven to win a private battle for third place. A decent effort and his trainer should be able to place him to win again. In general the stable favour the good ground for their horses.

THORPE runs some decent races but is difficult to win with, his Listed race fell for him last season. He driven and outpaced before two out though did keep on to the line.

WATERCLOCK raced prominently but gave way from two out. This was more competitive than the race he won here last time.

SLANEY STAR was up against it at these weights and outpaced from three out, while RAIFTIERI is slow and was presumably sent for the appearance money and the hope one or two might dip out. The fact that BENVARDIN couldn’t even keep up with Raifteiri tells a tale.

4.20 2m 1f NSPCC School Service Handicap Chase (131-157)

SIMPLY NED is a class act and has been a favourite of mine ever since his appearances here in bumpers. He’s just below top class, but hasn’t been totally disgraced in Grade 1s. He had too much in this company, once again well prepared for the early opportunity, staying on well from two out and in charge on the run-in. Full marks to Kelso for putting on an event which attracts decent rated animals, making my course membership more than worthwhile.

ROBIN’S COMMAND has progressed over the last two summers and arguably produced a personal best running a stormer in this company. He raced prominently, and led briefly before two out. The winner was too good but Robin’s Command did well to hold a talented third. He is an exciting animal in quick conditions.

CROCO BAY, third in the Grand Annual last year, made a respectable return to the track. He will likely come on for this and will be sniffing after the top two mile handicaps this season.

DUNRAVEN STORM jumped extravagantly early, and rather to the right. He disputed or led until fading away from two out. His jumping went to pot last season and he doesn’t look completely straightforward.

LISBON hit the fifth fence and never got in a blow. He looks high in the weights over fences.

FAIR DILEMMA was behind from three out. He looks on a high mark.

4.55 2m 7½f Walking The Courses Handicap Chase (71-97)

Richard Farquhar completed the Kelso leg of his 13 month UK wide tour in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK and Racing Welfare. Good luck to Richard going forward.

I’m pretty much on speaking terms with most of these six horses! However, it was a comparative newcomer, recent Rose Dobbin acquisition DONAPOLLA who did the business. He raced close up, led two out and had the race won at the last. He looks better than basement level.

SOLWAY BAY was on the stretch quite a way out, but he stays all day and kept on determinedly from two out to take second. He’s proving difficult to win with but regularly runs his race and is a credit to the Harrisons.

GENEROUS CHIEF as out the back for most of the way but did best work in the last half mile to take third. He has ability but is not reliable.

REVERSE THE CHARGE led on the final circuit, but faded when headed two out.

WINTER ALCHEMY often goes well around here, but he’s a moody sort and faded having led to the thirteenth.

BESCOT SPRINGS is capable on his day but has two ways of running. He was in negative mode on this occasion and beaten three out.

5.30 2m 6½f Radio Borders Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (78-92)

James Ewart found a weak race for TOUCH OF STEEL last time, and presumably couldn’t believe his luck to find this dire event. He set the pace and stayed on well up the straight. A good stayer and currently taking some passing at this level.

Minor entertainment was provided by MARLEE MASSIE who decanted Lucy Alexander at the third. He raced around the outside of the track loose, turned round at the second last and then raced up and down the far end of the track with his trainer following progress through binoculars. Luckily he stayed clear of the remaining runners.

DESTINY AWAITS was the one who put it to the winner in the straight, but he was held from the last.

MISS JOEKING hasn’t shown an awful lot to date and a third place in this company probably isn’t worth too much.

WARKSBURN BOY was outpaced from two out on handicap debut.