AYR - Western Meeting – Thursday September 16th to Saturday September 18th
It’s normally safe to assume that the going will be on the soft side for showpiece of the Scottish flat season. This wasn’t the case though as the west of Scotland avoided any significant rain, the ground drying out from just softer than good on Thursday to touching fast on Saturday.
The meeting opened with an ordinary maiden in which the favourite didn’t fire, Another Citizen passing Macho’s Magic in the final furlong. SHADOW CATCHER was outpaced in the first half of the race, but picked up nicely in the final two furlongs and looks to need a stiffer test than this six furlongs.
NORTHSIDE PRINCE impressed me with his battling qualities in the feature event, the mile and a quarter Kilkerran Cup Handicap. He has progressed through the season but was just pipped by PENDRAGON, another who has come on in leaps and bounds in recent months.
PUY D’ARNAC ran a decent race in Thursday’s closing 1m 5f Handicap. His best from has been on soft ground, and he’s not been over-raced this term, so there must be an opportunity or two in the closing weeks of the turf season.
WELL SHARP quickened up nicely to win the seven furlong maiden on Friday’s card. His family improves with distance and he looks a handy prospect for next year.
ALBEN STAR won a decent looking maiden on his debut at Musselburgh, the second, fourth and sixth having all won since. He had to work to hold off Drawing Board in the nursery here, but he looks to have a fair bit of scope and could make a mark in Pattern company in time.
Exposed performer ARCTIC FEELING won the Listed Rosebery Stakes with a late burst. On the face of it we could have seen the best of him, but it’s worth considering that he comes from a family who have won races as three and four-year-olds.
DESCARO has improved for being upped significantly in distance, and won the extended 17 furlong Eglinton Cup with ease. He showed some promise over hurdles last season and his trainer now has a choice of flat or hurdles for the coming weeks.
Frankie Dettori weaved his way through on the stands’ side to win the Ayr Gold Cup on REDFORD. The winner has since followed up over a furlong more at Ascot and looks to have a little more in hand in current mood. This was a very high class renewal which would have made a strongly contested Listed contest. The popularity of the Ayr sprint event is emphasised by the fact that the course can fill both Silver Cup and Bronze Cup. HITCHENS won the race on the far side in finishing third, the stands’ side holding a two or three length advantage over most of the meeting.
TIGER REIGNS took a strong renewal of the Ayrshire Handicap, but one I’d take from the race is OUR JOE MAC who rallied well in the closing stages for fourth after being caught for pace two. Off a mark of 94 there may be just a little scope for easing the latter in class, or perhaps a taking a three-year-old handicap if the opportunity arises.
HAMILTON – Sunday 19th September and Monday September 20th
STATE OPERA put up the most significant performance of Hamilton’s two day seasonal finale. A lengthy colt who looks to have some developing, in similar mould to the same stable’s Sergeant Ablett, Mark Johnston’s charge wound up the pace from four furlongs and came clear when asked. The third is on a solid looking 77 rating and that must put the winner up in then 90s. One for next season assuming he strengthens over the winter.
MING MENG looks to be an improving sort and was a staying on third in the six furlong Flower Of Scotland Handicap.
Mark Johnston has TOBERNEA at the right end of the handicap, Joe Fanning setting a typically well judged pace over the eleven furlong trip and his mount seeing off challengers up the hill. He should pick up another race this autumn.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Catching up with.... Sedgefield in early September
Apologies for infrequent updates of late. I'm not able to commit as much time as i'd like to my reports these days. I do have a number of Scottish meetings lined up for the coming weeks as there are a number of weekend meetings. I do feel happier doing an on the spot reports rather than picking up replays off the internet.
SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday September 7th
Going – Good To Soft
Overnight rain, and a subsequent softening of the ground, led to a number of non-runners and the four chases were weak affairs. The last fence was omitted once again, the open ditch being the last fence giving a run in of well over two furlongs.
3.35 2m 4f Poker@Bet365 0-95 Handicap Chase
STOLEN LIGHT recorded a first win over fences, pretty much having the run of the race here. He set the pace, was still going best two out and was driven out to win. Subsequent tasks are likely to be tougher.
FESTIVAL KING made a promising re-appearance after missing last season. Held up early, he got into the race from three out and made steady progress approaching the last. He kept on under pressure and connections must take encouragement from one who can step up on this.
KEOGHS BAR, a pointing winner representing Irish trainer Irene Monaghan, had every chance from the final but wasn’t good enough.
In form from hurdling, ISLE OF INISHMORE was making a chasing debut. He got into the argument three out but was another found wanting in the closing stages.
COLOURS OF AUTUMN made bad mistakes at crucial stages and dropped away after thumping two out. He didn’t do badly in Irish points but is finding handicap chasing a tough assignment.
MAIDSTONE MIXTURE is capable at best but rapidly descending the handicap. He weakened from three out and is offering little encouragement.
SENDEED raced close up until weakening from three out. He went lame on landing over the last and was pulled up.
4.45 2m ½f bet365 Best Odds 0-112 Handicap Chase
A weak event went in ratings order with CALCULAITE staying on to pick off the front runner on the line.
FILM FESTIVAL was plenty keen enough, but kept up the gallop until finding the final climb just too much. He is suited by this tight track where he can get out in front and lead his field a merry gallop.
SCHINKEN OTTO was held from two out and probably not suited by the overnight rain.
SKIDDAW JONES is readily opposable, jumped poorly and was pulled up before three out.
TIGER KING doesn’t look a natural chaser, jumped clumsily in rear and was pulled up before the seventh. He looks better kept to hurdling.
5.20 3m 3f Bet365.com 0 – 91 Handicap Chase
ARCHIE’S WISH showed once again that he’s much happier over fences than he was over hurdles. That being said, this race didn’t take huge amount of winning. He tracked the leader all the way round and forged clear on the run-in.
I’ve suggested in the past that EXECUTIVE’S HALL can improve with time and a decent trip. The move to the latter brought about some improvement as he set the pace until overhauled at the last. He kept on but didn’t have the pace of the winner.
The acquisition of a visor on Executive’s Hall is not a good sign. I do feel that a jumper needs to be able to see what’s going on around him, though the aids do work on occasion, notably with Carrietau last season.
MOON MELODY has a fair record for a lowly rated horse. He’s best on a turning track but the ups and downs here may not have suited so well and he was held from two out.
SHULMIN, a three time course and distance winner, has periods in form and periods in the doldrums. After a purpled patch at Cartmel in the springs she’s back to moderate form, being outpaced form two out on this occasion.
The Scottish summer jumping season comes to end in the last week of September, Perth closing up for the year with a two day meeting. Kelso then starts the winter campaign with its first meeting on October 3rd, Hexham picking up the threads in early October just over the border.
On the flat, an Ayr Western Meeting summary will follow then I'll be at Musselburgh for their meeting a week Sunday(26th).
SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday September 7th
Going – Good To Soft
Overnight rain, and a subsequent softening of the ground, led to a number of non-runners and the four chases were weak affairs. The last fence was omitted once again, the open ditch being the last fence giving a run in of well over two furlongs.
3.35 2m 4f Poker@Bet365 0-95 Handicap Chase
STOLEN LIGHT recorded a first win over fences, pretty much having the run of the race here. He set the pace, was still going best two out and was driven out to win. Subsequent tasks are likely to be tougher.
FESTIVAL KING made a promising re-appearance after missing last season. Held up early, he got into the race from three out and made steady progress approaching the last. He kept on under pressure and connections must take encouragement from one who can step up on this.
KEOGHS BAR, a pointing winner representing Irish trainer Irene Monaghan, had every chance from the final but wasn’t good enough.
In form from hurdling, ISLE OF INISHMORE was making a chasing debut. He got into the argument three out but was another found wanting in the closing stages.
COLOURS OF AUTUMN made bad mistakes at crucial stages and dropped away after thumping two out. He didn’t do badly in Irish points but is finding handicap chasing a tough assignment.
MAIDSTONE MIXTURE is capable at best but rapidly descending the handicap. He weakened from three out and is offering little encouragement.
SENDEED raced close up until weakening from three out. He went lame on landing over the last and was pulled up.
4.45 2m ½f bet365 Best Odds 0-112 Handicap Chase
A weak event went in ratings order with CALCULAITE staying on to pick off the front runner on the line.
FILM FESTIVAL was plenty keen enough, but kept up the gallop until finding the final climb just too much. He is suited by this tight track where he can get out in front and lead his field a merry gallop.
SCHINKEN OTTO was held from two out and probably not suited by the overnight rain.
SKIDDAW JONES is readily opposable, jumped poorly and was pulled up before three out.
TIGER KING doesn’t look a natural chaser, jumped clumsily in rear and was pulled up before the seventh. He looks better kept to hurdling.
5.20 3m 3f Bet365.com 0 – 91 Handicap Chase
ARCHIE’S WISH showed once again that he’s much happier over fences than he was over hurdles. That being said, this race didn’t take huge amount of winning. He tracked the leader all the way round and forged clear on the run-in.
I’ve suggested in the past that EXECUTIVE’S HALL can improve with time and a decent trip. The move to the latter brought about some improvement as he set the pace until overhauled at the last. He kept on but didn’t have the pace of the winner.
The acquisition of a visor on Executive’s Hall is not a good sign. I do feel that a jumper needs to be able to see what’s going on around him, though the aids do work on occasion, notably with Carrietau last season.
MOON MELODY has a fair record for a lowly rated horse. He’s best on a turning track but the ups and downs here may not have suited so well and he was held from two out.
SHULMIN, a three time course and distance winner, has periods in form and periods in the doldrums. After a purpled patch at Cartmel in the springs she’s back to moderate form, being outpaced form two out on this occasion.
The Scottish summer jumping season comes to end in the last week of September, Perth closing up for the year with a two day meeting. Kelso then starts the winter campaign with its first meeting on October 3rd, Hexham picking up the threads in early October just over the border.
On the flat, an Ayr Western Meeting summary will follow then I'll be at Musselburgh for their meeting a week Sunday(26th).
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Gannin' down the East Coast Line...
...to see the Blaydon Races!
NEWCASTLE – Monday August 30th
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
I made my annual August Bank Holiday pilgrimage down the east coast to Newcastle for a card featuring the Blaydon Race Nursery. Regrettably the meeting seems to be done on the cheap since the Class 2 feature race ‘rewarded’ the winner with only £5050 and the winning owner’s ‘take home pay’ for the Class 6 handicap was a mere £1107. It may be a case of ‘While you can get away with it’ I suppose, and the racing was well supported, but Northern Racing doesn’t seem inclined to dig too deep for what could be a showpiece card.
Having lost the privilege of a company car on being made redundant earlier this year I had to be content with a journey by train. That being said, it wasn’t expensive booked in advance and the trip down the coast around Berwick is as scenic a section of railway as I’ve travelled on. The track is about a mile and a half from Regent Centre Metro station, 12 minutes journey from Newcastle Central, with a bus connection to the course. As it was I chose to walk which took about 25 minutes, on the return walk sharing the pavement with joggers and runners presumably limbering up for the Great North Run. The jogger who I could keep pace with while walking has a lot of work to do…
The rail on the stands’ side was moved to allow 3 metres of fresh ground to come into play. The only one to try this ground was P J McDonald on Coole Dodger in the claimer. To my mind the gelding performed above himself at the weights, but no one else took the hint.
2.15 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division One)
There are normally one or two of interest in the maiden on this card, and we had a bonus of two divisions this year. The first division appeared the weaker of the two heats, but the times were identical.
LOUKOUMI stayed on under pressure from two out having been held up. She seems likely to see out a mile and that might bring about a little more improvement.
The fly in the ointment here is the 100/1 second RUDEGIRL who had shown little on her first two outings. On the face of it there was no fluke since she came through to lead inside the final two furlongs only to be run out of it in the final 200 yards. She is entered in a Sales race at Fairyhouse in September and after this effort it wouldn’t be a total surprise if connections had a go there.
IBSAAR didn’t particularly impress in the paddock and was keen going down. He competed for the pace until after two furlong pole, only raising one pace from that point.
DEEP APPLAUSE never got into the contest seriously but stayed on to some effect in the final two furlongs. He’s from a middle distance family and should be seen to better effect when stepped up in trip next year.
MAVERIK, equipped with a cross-noseband, was taken down early. He had every chance over a furlong out and wasn’t good enough. He does now qualify for nurseries.
THE BELLS OF PEOVER raced prominently on the far rail but was one paced from two furlongs out.
Newcomer PINK DIVA opened at 11/2 but eased to 7/1. She’s entered in the Fillies’ Mile at Ascot, but she was green in the paddock and struggled after a slow start. She has enough about her to suggest there’s better to come in time.
2.50 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division Two)
The time was identical to the first heat but the first two here were both newcomers and caught eye in the latter stages.
The winner SERGEANT ABLETT is far from the finished article. He’s a lengthy gelding who looks to have some filling out to do, and looks likely to benefit from a winter’s growth. As it was he led one and a half furlongs out and soon had the race safely secured. His half-brother Drill Sergeant is a three times middle distance winner and stays two miles, and Sergeant Ablett looks the same sort of material.
SUD PACIFIQUE was held up by Daryll Holland and pretty much caught out by Sergeant Ablett’s burst. He would have won most similar contests as he quickly pulled clear of the remainder and his visit to the winner’s enclosure is only delayed. By Montjeu out of a sister to a Prix Marcel Boussac winner, Sud Pacifique has Group 1 entries and is clearly well regarded.
INDIAN GIVER is a sound marker and probably ran to his 69 rating though totally outclassed by the first two from two furlongs out. There’s probably a minor fillies’ maiden for her, or she could be aimed at staying nurseries as her new mark is downgraded to 65.
FACE THE FUTURE stayed on for fourth and improved on his Ayr debut effort.
WHITE FUSION raced prominently but was held from two furlongs out.
A few were headstrong on the way to post, particularly ADLINGTON who has regressed from his initial efforts.
3.25 1m LA Taxis Claiming Stakes (maximum claiming price £10,000)
I’m very comfortable assessing claimers and this race threw up the best bet on the card in MOODY TUNES who looked very well in himself. A fair enough handicapper, these races are much easier for him and he pulled clear from two furlongs out having raced prominently.
JUST FIVE is rated a couple of pounds less than the winner, and is possibly a few pounds better on Southwell’s artificial surface than he is on turf. He kept on well for second and it’s worth bearing in mind that he has been eased from 80 down to 77 in the all-weather ratings.
WIGWAM WILLIE plugged on a well held third. He won a handicap off 85 last year so even at the age of eight his trainer may have something to work with off 73.
TEN TO THE DOZEN kept on after a sluggish start to pick up fourth place, but he’s only rated 40 and the position probably flatters him.
COOLE DODGER ran better than his 50 rating suggested he might. He was brought up the stand rail, the only one to try it during the meeting.
4.00 1m freebetting.co.uk Blaydon Race 0-83 Nursery Handicap
We were treated to Lindisfarne’s version of The Blaydon Races in full in the minutes leading up to the main race on the card, though I can’t help feeling that there was very little play on the theme during the afternoon.
The time was 0.7 seconds greater than that of the claimer, but at the weights that’s at least respectable and would suggest the winner is capable of running to a good bit more than his mark here of 74. MY SINGLE MALT is a robust looking colt who needed the attentions of two handlers in the paddock. He went about his business well when asked for an effort two out, and held on well from the persistent second.
Of the first two I’d probably give a little more weight to the performance of NEXT EDITION. He led until the furlong marker and was not brushed aside from that point. A good effort and he looks likely to step up a place soon.
ARABIAN STAR stayed on for third and seemed happier here than he had at Epsom.
The fourth REGIMENTAL should be worth keeping in mind for upcoming races. He came through to challenge with the winner but was held form the furlong pole. There’s a class difference between the two and this one would have a strong chance is a lesser contest.
MY MATE JAKE struggled with pace form halfway but stayed on in the closing stages.
Course winner CHIN ‘N TONIC had every chance but wasn’t good enough in the final two furlongs.
4.35 7f Hanro 56-72 Fillies’ Handicap
CLUMBER PLACE is an occasional winner who pulled clear with her nearest challenger ALWAYS DAZZLING, another near the bottom of the weights. It’s difficult to believe that the two have improved so much over third placed LEITZU, another exposed performer, and my gut reaction is to take the form with a pinch of salt. Cue wins for all three!
LUV U NOO didn’t appear to run to her recent level in finishing fourth, she was held from two out but did at least keep on, and SILLY GILLY was below form in fifth.
5.10 5f Alexandra Cars 46-65 Handicap
Twelve turned up for the princely first prize of £1419 (oh yes, and 29 pence) and CAYMAN FOX was given an easy ride to the purse. Allowed a comfortable lead, she forged on from two out and was never in danger. She’s in good heart and might just have another race in her in the near future.
DISPOL KYLIE chased the leader from two out without making an impression. She has been thereabouts at this level a few times, but hasn’t won for a couple of years.
FUTURE GEM, who has struggled this term, hinted at a return to form in third. She appears to retain her ability and might just squeak a weak sprint handicap before the season is out.
DIVINE SPIRIT kept on for fourth but is difficult to win with and on a long losing run.
5.45 5f Happy 21st Birthday Laura Jane Fenwick 56-72 Handicap
BRONZE BEAU was another leader able to dictate and took charge approaching the furlong pole. This was a pattern that had been repeated throughout the afternoon, late runners not getting near to the front. Linda Stubbs’ consistent gelding is noted as enigmatic but he’s not been out of the first three for some time.
JIGAJIG added another place in what has been a successful season. A right ‘street fighter’ type, he’s probably as high as he needs to be in the handicap but continues to give his best.
DANCING FREDDY made his effort approaching the furlong pole but was held.
TEXAS QUEEN got tapped for pace two out and, though she picked up again, she could not make an impression on the leaders.
AREEG was outpaced at halfway and isn’t good enough in this company.
TILLYS TALE faded approaching the furlong pole and looks held by the handicapper at present.
6.15 6f Waverley TBS 61-80 Handicap
GINGER TED had the race set up for him here. He needs to come off a decent pace and was able to do so, taking the lead approaching the furlong pole and running on well.
MANGO MUSIC was near the head of affairs most of the way. He kept on well enough in the final furlong. Given that he was coming off a break this run was very encouraging and, in the hands of a shrewd trainer in Richard Fahey, he can be placed to advantage soon.
REVUE PRINCESS has been in good form and looks a sound marker with her third place finish.
Three exposed sorts followed home the first three in AVONTUUR, BOND CITY and BAYBSHAMBLES, none having any discernable advantage over the assessor.
NEWCASTLE – Monday August 30th
Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
I made my annual August Bank Holiday pilgrimage down the east coast to Newcastle for a card featuring the Blaydon Race Nursery. Regrettably the meeting seems to be done on the cheap since the Class 2 feature race ‘rewarded’ the winner with only £5050 and the winning owner’s ‘take home pay’ for the Class 6 handicap was a mere £1107. It may be a case of ‘While you can get away with it’ I suppose, and the racing was well supported, but Northern Racing doesn’t seem inclined to dig too deep for what could be a showpiece card.
Having lost the privilege of a company car on being made redundant earlier this year I had to be content with a journey by train. That being said, it wasn’t expensive booked in advance and the trip down the coast around Berwick is as scenic a section of railway as I’ve travelled on. The track is about a mile and a half from Regent Centre Metro station, 12 minutes journey from Newcastle Central, with a bus connection to the course. As it was I chose to walk which took about 25 minutes, on the return walk sharing the pavement with joggers and runners presumably limbering up for the Great North Run. The jogger who I could keep pace with while walking has a lot of work to do…
The rail on the stands’ side was moved to allow 3 metres of fresh ground to come into play. The only one to try this ground was P J McDonald on Coole Dodger in the claimer. To my mind the gelding performed above himself at the weights, but no one else took the hint.
2.15 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division One)
There are normally one or two of interest in the maiden on this card, and we had a bonus of two divisions this year. The first division appeared the weaker of the two heats, but the times were identical.
LOUKOUMI stayed on under pressure from two out having been held up. She seems likely to see out a mile and that might bring about a little more improvement.
The fly in the ointment here is the 100/1 second RUDEGIRL who had shown little on her first two outings. On the face of it there was no fluke since she came through to lead inside the final two furlongs only to be run out of it in the final 200 yards. She is entered in a Sales race at Fairyhouse in September and after this effort it wouldn’t be a total surprise if connections had a go there.
IBSAAR didn’t particularly impress in the paddock and was keen going down. He competed for the pace until after two furlong pole, only raising one pace from that point.
DEEP APPLAUSE never got into the contest seriously but stayed on to some effect in the final two furlongs. He’s from a middle distance family and should be seen to better effect when stepped up in trip next year.
MAVERIK, equipped with a cross-noseband, was taken down early. He had every chance over a furlong out and wasn’t good enough. He does now qualify for nurseries.
THE BELLS OF PEOVER raced prominently on the far rail but was one paced from two furlongs out.
Newcomer PINK DIVA opened at 11/2 but eased to 7/1. She’s entered in the Fillies’ Mile at Ascot, but she was green in the paddock and struggled after a slow start. She has enough about her to suggest there’s better to come in time.
2.50 7f European Breeders’ Fund 2yo Maiden (Division Two)
The time was identical to the first heat but the first two here were both newcomers and caught eye in the latter stages.
The winner SERGEANT ABLETT is far from the finished article. He’s a lengthy gelding who looks to have some filling out to do, and looks likely to benefit from a winter’s growth. As it was he led one and a half furlongs out and soon had the race safely secured. His half-brother Drill Sergeant is a three times middle distance winner and stays two miles, and Sergeant Ablett looks the same sort of material.
SUD PACIFIQUE was held up by Daryll Holland and pretty much caught out by Sergeant Ablett’s burst. He would have won most similar contests as he quickly pulled clear of the remainder and his visit to the winner’s enclosure is only delayed. By Montjeu out of a sister to a Prix Marcel Boussac winner, Sud Pacifique has Group 1 entries and is clearly well regarded.
INDIAN GIVER is a sound marker and probably ran to his 69 rating though totally outclassed by the first two from two furlongs out. There’s probably a minor fillies’ maiden for her, or she could be aimed at staying nurseries as her new mark is downgraded to 65.
FACE THE FUTURE stayed on for fourth and improved on his Ayr debut effort.
WHITE FUSION raced prominently but was held from two furlongs out.
A few were headstrong on the way to post, particularly ADLINGTON who has regressed from his initial efforts.
3.25 1m LA Taxis Claiming Stakes (maximum claiming price £10,000)
I’m very comfortable assessing claimers and this race threw up the best bet on the card in MOODY TUNES who looked very well in himself. A fair enough handicapper, these races are much easier for him and he pulled clear from two furlongs out having raced prominently.
JUST FIVE is rated a couple of pounds less than the winner, and is possibly a few pounds better on Southwell’s artificial surface than he is on turf. He kept on well for second and it’s worth bearing in mind that he has been eased from 80 down to 77 in the all-weather ratings.
WIGWAM WILLIE plugged on a well held third. He won a handicap off 85 last year so even at the age of eight his trainer may have something to work with off 73.
TEN TO THE DOZEN kept on after a sluggish start to pick up fourth place, but he’s only rated 40 and the position probably flatters him.
COOLE DODGER ran better than his 50 rating suggested he might. He was brought up the stand rail, the only one to try it during the meeting.
4.00 1m freebetting.co.uk Blaydon Race 0-83 Nursery Handicap
We were treated to Lindisfarne’s version of The Blaydon Races in full in the minutes leading up to the main race on the card, though I can’t help feeling that there was very little play on the theme during the afternoon.
The time was 0.7 seconds greater than that of the claimer, but at the weights that’s at least respectable and would suggest the winner is capable of running to a good bit more than his mark here of 74. MY SINGLE MALT is a robust looking colt who needed the attentions of two handlers in the paddock. He went about his business well when asked for an effort two out, and held on well from the persistent second.
Of the first two I’d probably give a little more weight to the performance of NEXT EDITION. He led until the furlong marker and was not brushed aside from that point. A good effort and he looks likely to step up a place soon.
ARABIAN STAR stayed on for third and seemed happier here than he had at Epsom.
The fourth REGIMENTAL should be worth keeping in mind for upcoming races. He came through to challenge with the winner but was held form the furlong pole. There’s a class difference between the two and this one would have a strong chance is a lesser contest.
MY MATE JAKE struggled with pace form halfway but stayed on in the closing stages.
Course winner CHIN ‘N TONIC had every chance but wasn’t good enough in the final two furlongs.
4.35 7f Hanro 56-72 Fillies’ Handicap
CLUMBER PLACE is an occasional winner who pulled clear with her nearest challenger ALWAYS DAZZLING, another near the bottom of the weights. It’s difficult to believe that the two have improved so much over third placed LEITZU, another exposed performer, and my gut reaction is to take the form with a pinch of salt. Cue wins for all three!
LUV U NOO didn’t appear to run to her recent level in finishing fourth, she was held from two out but did at least keep on, and SILLY GILLY was below form in fifth.
5.10 5f Alexandra Cars 46-65 Handicap
Twelve turned up for the princely first prize of £1419 (oh yes, and 29 pence) and CAYMAN FOX was given an easy ride to the purse. Allowed a comfortable lead, she forged on from two out and was never in danger. She’s in good heart and might just have another race in her in the near future.
DISPOL KYLIE chased the leader from two out without making an impression. She has been thereabouts at this level a few times, but hasn’t won for a couple of years.
FUTURE GEM, who has struggled this term, hinted at a return to form in third. She appears to retain her ability and might just squeak a weak sprint handicap before the season is out.
DIVINE SPIRIT kept on for fourth but is difficult to win with and on a long losing run.
5.45 5f Happy 21st Birthday Laura Jane Fenwick 56-72 Handicap
BRONZE BEAU was another leader able to dictate and took charge approaching the furlong pole. This was a pattern that had been repeated throughout the afternoon, late runners not getting near to the front. Linda Stubbs’ consistent gelding is noted as enigmatic but he’s not been out of the first three for some time.
JIGAJIG added another place in what has been a successful season. A right ‘street fighter’ type, he’s probably as high as he needs to be in the handicap but continues to give his best.
DANCING FREDDY made his effort approaching the furlong pole but was held.
TEXAS QUEEN got tapped for pace two out and, though she picked up again, she could not make an impression on the leaders.
AREEG was outpaced at halfway and isn’t good enough in this company.
TILLYS TALE faded approaching the furlong pole and looks held by the handicapper at present.
6.15 6f Waverley TBS 61-80 Handicap
GINGER TED had the race set up for him here. He needs to come off a decent pace and was able to do so, taking the lead approaching the furlong pole and running on well.
MANGO MUSIC was near the head of affairs most of the way. He kept on well enough in the final furlong. Given that he was coming off a break this run was very encouraging and, in the hands of a shrewd trainer in Richard Fahey, he can be placed to advantage soon.
REVUE PRINCESS has been in good form and looks a sound marker with her third place finish.
Three exposed sorts followed home the first three in AVONTUUR, BOND CITY and BAYBSHAMBLES, none having any discernable advantage over the assessor.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Late August Steeplechases in the North
SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday August 24th
Going – Good To Firm
The last fence, the ‘Johnny Ridley Fence’ was omitted as ‘ground under repair’.
2.45 2m ½ f Clem’s Fish Restaurants 0-98 Handicap Chase
This was a poor contest with the top rated departing mid race and only three completing.
TROODOS JET is normally thereabouts in moderate events here, and a six runner contest was just about up his street. He made progress from two out and held the upper hand under pressure on the long run from the last.
SCHINKEN OTTO generally goes well here and had conditions to suit, but he doesn’t often win these days and was held in the closing stages.
ALFLORAMOOR failed to see out the three miles over hurdles at Southwell. He is headstrong, which doesn’t help at any distance, and was struggling from two out.
SKIDDAW JONES belted the second and unseated.
SAN DENG raced up with the pace but was off the bridle when unseating at the seventh.
WHATCANYASAY has been right out of form of late and was tailed off when taking a tired fall at the last.
3.45 2m 4f Classic Excel 0-91 Novices’ Handicap Chase
Another poor event with reasons for opposing each runner.
ARCHIE’S WISH had only moderate to poor hurdle form to his name carried forward to his chasing debut. There were a couple of runs which suggested a little promise, but clearly he’s a little better over fences, though it’s a moot point as to how much he achieved in winning this. He progressed down the far side for the last time, joined issue two out and then forged clear of his challenger from the last. He’s only a six-year-old and might have a little improvement but is likely to struggle in anything but the lowest class.
PUGNACITY probably has more ability than he cares to let on and can be a soft touch in a finish. However, this quirky course seems to bring out the best in him and his record here now reads 1441P122.
FIRST FOUGHT plugged on for third, but he seldom gets involved at the business end.
SIR BUMBLE has been in decent form, and led three out but he was headed on the final bend and weakened on the run-in.
EXECUTIVE’S HALL led early but ponderous jumps slowed him down and he was beaten two out. Though kept to decent ground sop far he gives me the impression that a greater stamina test would suit, and he does at least have time on his side.
ELLANDSHE added another completion though well held from two out.
JANAL often races prominently but never got into the race here and was beaten when hampered at the tenth. He’s a very weak finisher even if getting involved.
BOCCIANI lost touch from the tenth and showed no immediate aptitude for chasing.
MISS MOLLY BE RUDE disappointed on chasing debut, in rear early and tailed off when pulled up with four to go.
Having raced prominently early, NOBBY KIVAMBO was throwing out distress signals when falling at the tenth.
HAPTHOR wasn’t interested and would not go with the rest at the start. He looks disenchanted with the game.
GRAND ZOUKI put in a fair performance in the opening two and a half mile novices’ hurdle and looks good enough to make a mark handicapping.
The form of the minimum distance novices’ hurdle looks sound enough with BANDANAMAN just holding off a sound marker in RIO GAEL, the pair clear of the remainder.
CARTMEL
Thursday August 26th
Cartmel added a Thursday date to the August Bank Holiday weekend ‘Festival’. It seems likely that this fixture will remain, though at the time of writing the July fixture has yet to be confirmed.
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)
5.55 3m 6f Agrilek 0-115 Handicap Chase
VOLCANIC ROCK followed up a previous course win, stepping up in trip from his May victory. Clearly suited by this quirky circuit, the Irish trained runner stuck under driving form the last.
PETITE MARGOT is a cussed individual who does as little as she can get away with. That being said she does produce an effort for driving and remained in contention for Sam Twiston-Davies’s urgings although held form the home turn.
This course would not be the best for SIMPLY SMASHING, and the ground would be a little softer than ideal, so he wasn’t disgraced in staying on for third place. If the serious rains hold off he would be worth keeping in mind for a staying event at a stiff track this autumn.
THUNDER HAWK jumped very well up front, but he found opponents too strong in the latter stages and weakened into fourth.
SHULMIN raced in rear and struggled from four out. Twice a course winner earlier in the year the race will presumably have brought her on a bit.
6.25 2m 1 ½ f Cartmel Thanks Nigel Taylor Beginners’ Chase
With a rating suggesting anything like a competent jumping performance would bring comfortable victory, MAGICAL LEGEND obliged in decent style. That being said, her supporters had to survive a scare when she took two out by the roots, but she came clear on the run-in if idling significantly.
AMALFI COAST stayed on for an outpointed but clear second.
RISK RUNNER looked hard work at times but kept on for third.
Hopelessly outclassed LITTLE GIRL was detached approaching four out.
DOUGALL struggled from halfway and unseated when well beaten two out.
6.55 2m 1½f CLB Coopers Ahead Of The Field 0-89 Handicap Chase
A dreadful contest with an ungenuine 89 rated top weight that finished tailed off and nothing else rated better than 78.
COLDITZ has occasionally hinted at ability over jumps but it’s been mixed amongst plenty of dross. In a desperate finish he just held on despite hanging and is not one to carry forward with confidence.
PEAK SEASONS runs often but wins seldom. He does go well here and added another place, staying on from the last.
STOLEN LIGHT led from the eighth but thumped the last and was headed on the final bend. He couldn’t raise his game nay further.
DEVILS DELIGHT, winner of a poor handicap hurdle at Sedgefield, was outpaced from three out.
ICE IMAGE has ability but his attitude is questionable and he regularly finds ways of getting beaten. He was well behind from three out.
Saturday August 28th
Going – Good
2.05 2m 5 ½ f totepool Flexi Betting Beginners’ Chase
FRANKIE ANSON is a big gelding who doesn’t look immediately suited to this sharp track. The didn’t seem any great problems though as he well in touch with the leaders, led at the last and won with ears pricked, if racing a little lazily once out in front. He will be competitive in stronger company.
MISTER FIFTY TWO lost nothing in chasing home a stronger opponent. An Irish point winner, a Rules victory looks only delayed. He was keen here, but if settled looks a type to benefit from a stiffer test.
LOCKSTOWN, last seen out winning in swamp conditions at Ayr over hurdles in March 2009, but in a fair effort here but was held from the last. The race should do him good and he can step up on this effort.
OVERQUEST, and Irish point winner, was well held from four out.
FINZI CONTINI, having been reluctant to go to the start, looks ungenuine and wasn’t putting it in from halfway.
WAPITI CREEK stepped up on recent efforts over hurdles, leading until headed and falling two out. She was winner of an Irish point where she beat subsequent bumper winner Lovey Dovey.
2.35 2m 1 ½ f Grant Thornton UK LLP 0-102 Novices’ Handicap Chase
MIORNING SUNSHINE was keen early on but held enough in reserve to challenge going to two out, going on rounding the final bend and holding on well.
TRANOS chased the winner under pressure form the last and was gaining approaching the line.
EMOTIVE had every chance and was one paced from the last.
Sadly HIGH STAND LAD went wrong in the closing stages and was put down. He led the race and was still battling to stay in contention when stumbling on the crossing to the village exiting the final bend. He was quickly pulled up.
3.10 3m 2f Hadwins 0-127 Handicap Chase (Cavendish Cup)
I’ve had a decent opinion of NO PANIC since seeing him contest a decent novice event at Perth last summer. This level of summer chase is just up his street and he stayed on gamely having nicely all the way. He raced of the level he ran off last summer and there may just be a little more in the tank if pushed.
COOL RUNNING, a keen sort equipped with a cross-noseband, raced midfield until closing to two out. He stayed on from the last and was steadily gaining going to the line.
VOLCANIC ROCK was pulled out again a couple of days after victory over a longer trip. He couldn’t quite match the first two from the home turn but in a better contest lost little in defeat.
BACKBORD was equipped with blinkers, tongue-tie and cross-noseband, none of which suggest he’s straightforward. He challenged at the last but faded on the run-in.
SEIZE jumped slowly in rear and struggled from four out.
DEAD OR ALIVE raced prominently but gave way approaching two out.
SPEEDY MAX led from the twelfth until headed two out. He came under pressure and weakened.
SEYMOUR WELD is a light of his former self. He led early but finished tailed off.
Monday August 30th
Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)
2.55 2m 5½f cube247.co.uk 0-90 Handicap Chase
A very moderate handicap chase won by a capable performer at the level who has been off form this year. MISCHIEF MAN had decent form around the minimum trip in the last couple of years, but was charting new territory over this trip. What he achieved is open to debate but stayed on under vigorous riding to beat a moderate second. The drying ground helped him as his best performances have been on good or faster.
PEAK SEASONS kept on for driving to take second having been close up throughout.
MURPHY’S BEAU lost touch from three out. His recent form has been dire and he is flattered by the 3 in his form for this run.
CHARMING KNIGHT has struggled since moving up from hunter chases. He was pipped for third having inherited that place at the last.
ELLANDSHE lost touch from the eleventh and completed in his own time.
ARCHIE’S WISH provided some confirmation that he’s better over fences than hurdles. He fell at the last when close up but maybe getting the worst of the argument amongst the three leaders. A blunder three out didn’t help his cause as there’s little time for recovery with the fences down the wood side coming in quick succession.
HAPTHOR refused to race once again and is becoming a pest. An alternative occupation beckons.
3.30 2m 5½f Chas Kendall 0-125 Handicap Chase
SILMI made it three wins from four runs at Cartmel, running to something like the mid to high 120s mark he’s capable of at best. Leading two out he was well clear by the straight and eased significantly. His options are limited here; this being the last meeting of the year, and a move into the 120s won’t help.
INDIAN PIPE DREAM stayed on from rear division for second but his form has been on the downgrade for a while.
OHANA kept on for third. He is kept to good or fast ground these days.
JIMBATAI weakened from two out while STAGECOACH AMBER led until four out before giving way quite swiftly.
SPEEDY MAX, behind here on Saturday, took over four out but was deposed two out and weakened from the last.
MORE EQUITY ran a poor race, tailed off from four out, finishing just in front of PLAYER who lost touch from the eleventh.
FINZI CONTINI refused to race and is one to avoid in current mood.
4.05 3m 2f Cengis ‘Gus’ Sadik Memorial 0-91 Handicap Chase
IHAVENTABOB has more scope for improvement than the rest of this moderate field. He belted a couple on the way round, a mistake at the last certainly not helping, but he recovered and was driven out for victory. He was ploughing through the mud in his early career and will surely now be kept to good ground where possible.
GIFT OF THE GODS led until headed on the final bend. He stayed on under pressure for second.
FEELING PECKISH was left behind by the leading pair from the last and recorded race number 76 without a win.
DASHER REILLY represented the sponsoring family but was up against it from 8lbs out of the handicap. He was outpaced approaching the water (4 out) and the game was up.
STAR OF RAVEN was well beaten in fifth, similar to most of her sporadic racecourse appearances.
BYNACK MHOR has been in good form but palpably couldn’t handle this quirky track. The form looks poor but he’s worth another chance.
Going – Good To Firm
The last fence, the ‘Johnny Ridley Fence’ was omitted as ‘ground under repair’.
2.45 2m ½ f Clem’s Fish Restaurants 0-98 Handicap Chase
This was a poor contest with the top rated departing mid race and only three completing.
TROODOS JET is normally thereabouts in moderate events here, and a six runner contest was just about up his street. He made progress from two out and held the upper hand under pressure on the long run from the last.
SCHINKEN OTTO generally goes well here and had conditions to suit, but he doesn’t often win these days and was held in the closing stages.
ALFLORAMOOR failed to see out the three miles over hurdles at Southwell. He is headstrong, which doesn’t help at any distance, and was struggling from two out.
SKIDDAW JONES belted the second and unseated.
SAN DENG raced up with the pace but was off the bridle when unseating at the seventh.
WHATCANYASAY has been right out of form of late and was tailed off when taking a tired fall at the last.
3.45 2m 4f Classic Excel 0-91 Novices’ Handicap Chase
Another poor event with reasons for opposing each runner.
ARCHIE’S WISH had only moderate to poor hurdle form to his name carried forward to his chasing debut. There were a couple of runs which suggested a little promise, but clearly he’s a little better over fences, though it’s a moot point as to how much he achieved in winning this. He progressed down the far side for the last time, joined issue two out and then forged clear of his challenger from the last. He’s only a six-year-old and might have a little improvement but is likely to struggle in anything but the lowest class.
PUGNACITY probably has more ability than he cares to let on and can be a soft touch in a finish. However, this quirky course seems to bring out the best in him and his record here now reads 1441P122.
FIRST FOUGHT plugged on for third, but he seldom gets involved at the business end.
SIR BUMBLE has been in decent form, and led three out but he was headed on the final bend and weakened on the run-in.
EXECUTIVE’S HALL led early but ponderous jumps slowed him down and he was beaten two out. Though kept to decent ground sop far he gives me the impression that a greater stamina test would suit, and he does at least have time on his side.
ELLANDSHE added another completion though well held from two out.
JANAL often races prominently but never got into the race here and was beaten when hampered at the tenth. He’s a very weak finisher even if getting involved.
BOCCIANI lost touch from the tenth and showed no immediate aptitude for chasing.
MISS MOLLY BE RUDE disappointed on chasing debut, in rear early and tailed off when pulled up with four to go.
Having raced prominently early, NOBBY KIVAMBO was throwing out distress signals when falling at the tenth.
HAPTHOR wasn’t interested and would not go with the rest at the start. He looks disenchanted with the game.
GRAND ZOUKI put in a fair performance in the opening two and a half mile novices’ hurdle and looks good enough to make a mark handicapping.
The form of the minimum distance novices’ hurdle looks sound enough with BANDANAMAN just holding off a sound marker in RIO GAEL, the pair clear of the remainder.
CARTMEL
Thursday August 26th
Cartmel added a Thursday date to the August Bank Holiday weekend ‘Festival’. It seems likely that this fixture will remain, though at the time of writing the July fixture has yet to be confirmed.
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)
5.55 3m 6f Agrilek 0-115 Handicap Chase
VOLCANIC ROCK followed up a previous course win, stepping up in trip from his May victory. Clearly suited by this quirky circuit, the Irish trained runner stuck under driving form the last.
PETITE MARGOT is a cussed individual who does as little as she can get away with. That being said she does produce an effort for driving and remained in contention for Sam Twiston-Davies’s urgings although held form the home turn.
This course would not be the best for SIMPLY SMASHING, and the ground would be a little softer than ideal, so he wasn’t disgraced in staying on for third place. If the serious rains hold off he would be worth keeping in mind for a staying event at a stiff track this autumn.
THUNDER HAWK jumped very well up front, but he found opponents too strong in the latter stages and weakened into fourth.
SHULMIN raced in rear and struggled from four out. Twice a course winner earlier in the year the race will presumably have brought her on a bit.
6.25 2m 1 ½ f Cartmel Thanks Nigel Taylor Beginners’ Chase
With a rating suggesting anything like a competent jumping performance would bring comfortable victory, MAGICAL LEGEND obliged in decent style. That being said, her supporters had to survive a scare when she took two out by the roots, but she came clear on the run-in if idling significantly.
AMALFI COAST stayed on for an outpointed but clear second.
RISK RUNNER looked hard work at times but kept on for third.
Hopelessly outclassed LITTLE GIRL was detached approaching four out.
DOUGALL struggled from halfway and unseated when well beaten two out.
6.55 2m 1½f CLB Coopers Ahead Of The Field 0-89 Handicap Chase
A dreadful contest with an ungenuine 89 rated top weight that finished tailed off and nothing else rated better than 78.
COLDITZ has occasionally hinted at ability over jumps but it’s been mixed amongst plenty of dross. In a desperate finish he just held on despite hanging and is not one to carry forward with confidence.
PEAK SEASONS runs often but wins seldom. He does go well here and added another place, staying on from the last.
STOLEN LIGHT led from the eighth but thumped the last and was headed on the final bend. He couldn’t raise his game nay further.
DEVILS DELIGHT, winner of a poor handicap hurdle at Sedgefield, was outpaced from three out.
ICE IMAGE has ability but his attitude is questionable and he regularly finds ways of getting beaten. He was well behind from three out.
Saturday August 28th
Going – Good
2.05 2m 5 ½ f totepool Flexi Betting Beginners’ Chase
FRANKIE ANSON is a big gelding who doesn’t look immediately suited to this sharp track. The didn’t seem any great problems though as he well in touch with the leaders, led at the last and won with ears pricked, if racing a little lazily once out in front. He will be competitive in stronger company.
MISTER FIFTY TWO lost nothing in chasing home a stronger opponent. An Irish point winner, a Rules victory looks only delayed. He was keen here, but if settled looks a type to benefit from a stiffer test.
LOCKSTOWN, last seen out winning in swamp conditions at Ayr over hurdles in March 2009, but in a fair effort here but was held from the last. The race should do him good and he can step up on this effort.
OVERQUEST, and Irish point winner, was well held from four out.
FINZI CONTINI, having been reluctant to go to the start, looks ungenuine and wasn’t putting it in from halfway.
WAPITI CREEK stepped up on recent efforts over hurdles, leading until headed and falling two out. She was winner of an Irish point where she beat subsequent bumper winner Lovey Dovey.
2.35 2m 1 ½ f Grant Thornton UK LLP 0-102 Novices’ Handicap Chase
MIORNING SUNSHINE was keen early on but held enough in reserve to challenge going to two out, going on rounding the final bend and holding on well.
TRANOS chased the winner under pressure form the last and was gaining approaching the line.
EMOTIVE had every chance and was one paced from the last.
Sadly HIGH STAND LAD went wrong in the closing stages and was put down. He led the race and was still battling to stay in contention when stumbling on the crossing to the village exiting the final bend. He was quickly pulled up.
3.10 3m 2f Hadwins 0-127 Handicap Chase (Cavendish Cup)
I’ve had a decent opinion of NO PANIC since seeing him contest a decent novice event at Perth last summer. This level of summer chase is just up his street and he stayed on gamely having nicely all the way. He raced of the level he ran off last summer and there may just be a little more in the tank if pushed.
COOL RUNNING, a keen sort equipped with a cross-noseband, raced midfield until closing to two out. He stayed on from the last and was steadily gaining going to the line.
VOLCANIC ROCK was pulled out again a couple of days after victory over a longer trip. He couldn’t quite match the first two from the home turn but in a better contest lost little in defeat.
BACKBORD was equipped with blinkers, tongue-tie and cross-noseband, none of which suggest he’s straightforward. He challenged at the last but faded on the run-in.
SEIZE jumped slowly in rear and struggled from four out.
DEAD OR ALIVE raced prominently but gave way approaching two out.
SPEEDY MAX led from the twelfth until headed two out. He came under pressure and weakened.
SEYMOUR WELD is a light of his former self. He led early but finished tailed off.
Monday August 30th
Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)
2.55 2m 5½f cube247.co.uk 0-90 Handicap Chase
A very moderate handicap chase won by a capable performer at the level who has been off form this year. MISCHIEF MAN had decent form around the minimum trip in the last couple of years, but was charting new territory over this trip. What he achieved is open to debate but stayed on under vigorous riding to beat a moderate second. The drying ground helped him as his best performances have been on good or faster.
PEAK SEASONS kept on for driving to take second having been close up throughout.
MURPHY’S BEAU lost touch from three out. His recent form has been dire and he is flattered by the 3 in his form for this run.
CHARMING KNIGHT has struggled since moving up from hunter chases. He was pipped for third having inherited that place at the last.
ELLANDSHE lost touch from the eleventh and completed in his own time.
ARCHIE’S WISH provided some confirmation that he’s better over fences than hurdles. He fell at the last when close up but maybe getting the worst of the argument amongst the three leaders. A blunder three out didn’t help his cause as there’s little time for recovery with the fences down the wood side coming in quick succession.
HAPTHOR refused to race once again and is becoming a pest. An alternative occupation beckons.
3.30 2m 5½f Chas Kendall 0-125 Handicap Chase
SILMI made it three wins from four runs at Cartmel, running to something like the mid to high 120s mark he’s capable of at best. Leading two out he was well clear by the straight and eased significantly. His options are limited here; this being the last meeting of the year, and a move into the 120s won’t help.
INDIAN PIPE DREAM stayed on from rear division for second but his form has been on the downgrade for a while.
OHANA kept on for third. He is kept to good or fast ground these days.
JIMBATAI weakened from two out while STAGECOACH AMBER led until four out before giving way quite swiftly.
SPEEDY MAX, behind here on Saturday, took over four out but was deposed two out and weakened from the last.
MORE EQUITY ran a poor race, tailed off from four out, finishing just in front of PLAYER who lost touch from the eleventh.
FINZI CONTINI refused to race and is one to avoid in current mood.
4.05 3m 2f Cengis ‘Gus’ Sadik Memorial 0-91 Handicap Chase
IHAVENTABOB has more scope for improvement than the rest of this moderate field. He belted a couple on the way round, a mistake at the last certainly not helping, but he recovered and was driven out for victory. He was ploughing through the mud in his early career and will surely now be kept to good ground where possible.
GIFT OF THE GODS led until headed on the final bend. He stayed on under pressure for second.
FEELING PECKISH was left behind by the leading pair from the last and recorded race number 76 without a win.
DASHER REILLY represented the sponsoring family but was up against it from 8lbs out of the handicap. He was outpaced approaching the water (4 out) and the game was up.
STAR OF RAVEN was well beaten in fifth, similar to most of her sporadic racecourse appearances.
BYNACK MHOR has been in good form but palpably couldn’t handle this quirky track. The form looks poor but he’s worth another chance.
Sunday, 22 August 2010
'Perth 800' Race Day
PERTH – Saturday August 21st
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)
Perth staged a Saturday card for the first time in many years, the racing being part of the ‘Perth 800’ celebrations marking the signing of the Fair City’s charter in 1210. Various events took place from 12.00, a falconry display kickoff proceedings and then a Jousting Show taking centre stage. The latter was quite entertaining in it’s own way, the Scottish Knight beating The Black Knight in a sword fight play-off after a drawn final. The local hero slew the baddie, but the latter was dramatically brought back to life when doused with a bucket of water!
There followed a procession down the course by ‘King William’ and his wife to meet and handover the City Charter. The king, equipped with what must surely have been the naffest red wig in Perth, was met by the Lord Provost of Perth accompanied by Sam Morshead dressed, we were informed by the announcer, as Friar Tuck. Quite what Friar Tuck was doing in Perth in 1210 I wasn’t sure, but apparently he was a character in Scottish May Festivals in medieval times.
Meanwhile back on the racecourse the fare was lowly but nevertheless entertaining for a decent sized ‘festival’ crowd. It’s notable that Scottish crowds seem a lot better at enjoyable themselves on a Saturday whereas there seems to be so much more rowdiness at weekend meetings south of the border. Before anyone questions that as Scottish bias I might point out I’m Berkshire born and bred with of the worst offenders, Newbury, being my former local.
3.00 2m ½f New Homes At The Mill Balgowan Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
The card kicked off at a slightly later than usual time to accommodate the Perth 800 activities. The opening maiden hurdle would not go down as a particularly competitive event and only two got seriously involved from out.
JEWELLED DAGGER set the pace, was ridden after two out and had more determination than a proven less than committed second. The winner looked very well, seemingly a straight forward type that Jim Goldie should be able to place to win again in the future.
DUTY FREE has more ability than the remainder here but doesn’t show much when challenged. Although he ran on the winner held him from the last. His best chance might just be kidding him through off a fast pace in a big field, but he’s no betting material at short odds.
MORNING TIME kept on from midfield for third. He’s shown a glimmer of ability over hurdles and might show better given a stiffer track or step up in trip.
RAIN STOPS PLAY ran a moderately decent race in fourth, being held up off the pace and picking off tiring rivals late on.
Gordon Elliott’s MAKHAALEB made no impact once turned for home.
DRAMATIC JEWEL, Lucinda Russell’s second string, is a lengthy gelding who doesn’t look cut out for hurdling. He was outpaced from three out.
3.30 2m 4½f Fearless Freddie Williams 0-114 Novices’ Handicap Chase
This was a card financed entirely by Perth Racecourse and Sam Morshead expressed the hope that the course can hang on to the fixture in future years. They cast around for sponsors among the bookmakers and Julie Williams stepped forward to name a race in memory of her father, a renowned layer in the ring.
EMOTIVE seems to have benefitted from a change of tactics. He’s generally been held up in chases but, encouraged by a good showing behind Strobe here, he was sent up to harry that opponent. It worked well as the consistent if slightly frustrating gelding stayed on well to win nicely.
KING ROONAH challenged from four out but was held from before the last. He jumped a bit better in this small field but can be a little awkward at his fences.
MORE EQUITY kept on from three out and offered some encouragement after a break.
Jim Dreaper’s chasing debutante PAINT THE TAPE was out paced from four out and didn’t offer too much encouragement off a mark of 88.
STROBE set the pace but dropped back after hitting the eleventh when hustled by two others. He gives the impression that he needs things his own way.
ANNIBALE CARO went wrong behind and was quickly pulled up approaching the seventh fence.
4.00 2m 4½f Ecosteel 0-107 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Ten-year-old FLY TIPPER broke his maiden at the 27th attempt. He’s gained a few places previously but recent poor efforts perhaps encouraged application of the tongue-tie. He didn’t seem bothered by the addition in the paddock and there was certainly improvement on the course, Fly Tipper seeing off a persistent runner-up as the pair pulled clear.
CAPE SECRET won a seller at Uttoxeter and didn’t do much wrong off top-weight here. Held up in rear, he progressed to close approaching the last and ran on if held on the flat.
ORMELLO has ability but doesn’t win very often, keeping on for third without threatening a win.
A tall rather sparely made gelding, SOUL MAGIC ran a fair race coming off a 486 day absence. He looked as if the race would bring him on, but led until approaching two out before fading into fourth. Lightly raced for an eight-year-old, and with a fair Kelso second to his name last year, he looks worth keeping an eye on.
Course winner MAOLISA led until two out before weakening.
4.35 2m ½ f stanjames.com 0-90 Selling Handicap Hurdle
A poor contest won by a gelding with more ability than his mark suggests, but one whose attitude has been questioned frequently in the past.
Sporting a natty set of red and white striped blinkers to match his silks, PEREZ closed at halfway, led three out and pulled clear without any great alarms. He’d rid himself of Lucy Alexander at Wetherby earlier in the year, but Paul Gallagher kept him up to his work all the way to the line for a 21 length victory. He’s probably a good deal better than the 70 mark he ran off here and Consett-based Wilf Storey, recording a quick double, went to £5,200 to retain him at the auction. Though he will presumably only be raised value for about half the winning distance the problem for backers is that he’s far from guaranteed to repeat the form.
The horse had been taken out of the ring by his groom before the auction. Sam Morshead had to make an announcement to Anne Wilson to bring her charge back to the unsaddling enclosure. Thankfully for the groom the gelding remains in the stable.
ARCH, a big strong gelding clearly difficult to keep fit, plugged on for second though clambering in tired fashion over the last.
DESERT SOUL charged off in typical style and kept going well enough for third.
DARAYBAD, rather fidgety in first time visor, had every chance three out but couldn’t keep up a strong enough gallop from there.
The Michael Blake trained pair BARI BAY and WE’RE DELIGHTED, having travelled all the way from Trowbridge, were disappointing. The former faded from three out, and the latter was pulled up after trying to match Desert Soul from the start.
5.10 3m Murrayshall House Hotel 0-101 Handicap Chase
This race looked a weak affair and TWELVE PACES, presented looking very well after a season off, saw off two challengers from the last fence. Twelve Paces is none too consistent, but he can handle better than this opposition on his good days and ran on determinedly from the last having travelled well throughout.
KYBER has struck me as a possible chasing type. He was making a belated chasing debut here but gave Jim Goldie plenty of cause for optimism. Held up early on he progressed from the last, challenged on the flat and didn’t go down without a fight.
ADRIANEO looked very well and made a satisfactory handicap chasing bow. He led at the twelfth and had every chance at the last though unable to respond to more race hardened campaigners. He has time on his side.
CHARMING KNIGHT is basically hunter class and was pulled up before three out.
THUNDER HAWK is another better off in hunter company, a fact totally ignored by those who made him 6/5 favourite. He led until before the twelfth, was then ridden and lost touch before his jockey called it a day approaching three out.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT had bits and pieces of form but isn’t very good these days. Inclined to jump slowly at times, he was left behind from the twelfth and pulled up before four out. He showed signs of stringhalt in the paddock, though the effects seemed lessened after a few circuits of the ring.
5.45 2m ½ f Perth Bookmakers 0-112 Handicap Hurdle
SHOPFRONTSPECIALST looked to have an excellent opportunity to continue a run of victories. In the event he stepped at the third hurdle and fell. Paul Carberry got hung up as the horse recovered and seemed to get a nasty kick as the gelding freed himself of the ‘encumbrance’. The rider lay still for a while, track staff making quick efforts to doll off the hurdle, but Carberry then waved frantically that he would get clear. The jockey limped to the side helped by medical staff and the hurdle was re-instated. Carberry was taken off in the ambulance but, as is the way with this tough breed, he presumably saw it as a handy way back to the changing room!
The favourite fall meant that Gordon Elliott suffered a rare Perth blank, but the Irish did finally notch a win as REPORTAGE saw off his remaining three rivals from the last. Looking hard fit, he was excitable early on in pre-parade and parade rings but settled a bit if still on his toes. He led before the last and ran on well.
BAAHER, forced to hurdle Shopfrontspecialst and Paul Carberry after the third flight, kept on under pressure for second.
COOLNAHARAN had every chance but was held on the flat.
TIGER KING set the pace but could muster no extra once headed approaching the last.
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)
Perth staged a Saturday card for the first time in many years, the racing being part of the ‘Perth 800’ celebrations marking the signing of the Fair City’s charter in 1210. Various events took place from 12.00, a falconry display kickoff proceedings and then a Jousting Show taking centre stage. The latter was quite entertaining in it’s own way, the Scottish Knight beating The Black Knight in a sword fight play-off after a drawn final. The local hero slew the baddie, but the latter was dramatically brought back to life when doused with a bucket of water!
There followed a procession down the course by ‘King William’ and his wife to meet and handover the City Charter. The king, equipped with what must surely have been the naffest red wig in Perth, was met by the Lord Provost of Perth accompanied by Sam Morshead dressed, we were informed by the announcer, as Friar Tuck. Quite what Friar Tuck was doing in Perth in 1210 I wasn’t sure, but apparently he was a character in Scottish May Festivals in medieval times.
Meanwhile back on the racecourse the fare was lowly but nevertheless entertaining for a decent sized ‘festival’ crowd. It’s notable that Scottish crowds seem a lot better at enjoyable themselves on a Saturday whereas there seems to be so much more rowdiness at weekend meetings south of the border. Before anyone questions that as Scottish bias I might point out I’m Berkshire born and bred with of the worst offenders, Newbury, being my former local.
3.00 2m ½f New Homes At The Mill Balgowan Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
The card kicked off at a slightly later than usual time to accommodate the Perth 800 activities. The opening maiden hurdle would not go down as a particularly competitive event and only two got seriously involved from out.
JEWELLED DAGGER set the pace, was ridden after two out and had more determination than a proven less than committed second. The winner looked very well, seemingly a straight forward type that Jim Goldie should be able to place to win again in the future.
DUTY FREE has more ability than the remainder here but doesn’t show much when challenged. Although he ran on the winner held him from the last. His best chance might just be kidding him through off a fast pace in a big field, but he’s no betting material at short odds.
MORNING TIME kept on from midfield for third. He’s shown a glimmer of ability over hurdles and might show better given a stiffer track or step up in trip.
RAIN STOPS PLAY ran a moderately decent race in fourth, being held up off the pace and picking off tiring rivals late on.
Gordon Elliott’s MAKHAALEB made no impact once turned for home.
DRAMATIC JEWEL, Lucinda Russell’s second string, is a lengthy gelding who doesn’t look cut out for hurdling. He was outpaced from three out.
3.30 2m 4½f Fearless Freddie Williams 0-114 Novices’ Handicap Chase
This was a card financed entirely by Perth Racecourse and Sam Morshead expressed the hope that the course can hang on to the fixture in future years. They cast around for sponsors among the bookmakers and Julie Williams stepped forward to name a race in memory of her father, a renowned layer in the ring.
EMOTIVE seems to have benefitted from a change of tactics. He’s generally been held up in chases but, encouraged by a good showing behind Strobe here, he was sent up to harry that opponent. It worked well as the consistent if slightly frustrating gelding stayed on well to win nicely.
KING ROONAH challenged from four out but was held from before the last. He jumped a bit better in this small field but can be a little awkward at his fences.
MORE EQUITY kept on from three out and offered some encouragement after a break.
Jim Dreaper’s chasing debutante PAINT THE TAPE was out paced from four out and didn’t offer too much encouragement off a mark of 88.
STROBE set the pace but dropped back after hitting the eleventh when hustled by two others. He gives the impression that he needs things his own way.
ANNIBALE CARO went wrong behind and was quickly pulled up approaching the seventh fence.
4.00 2m 4½f Ecosteel 0-107 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Ten-year-old FLY TIPPER broke his maiden at the 27th attempt. He’s gained a few places previously but recent poor efforts perhaps encouraged application of the tongue-tie. He didn’t seem bothered by the addition in the paddock and there was certainly improvement on the course, Fly Tipper seeing off a persistent runner-up as the pair pulled clear.
CAPE SECRET won a seller at Uttoxeter and didn’t do much wrong off top-weight here. Held up in rear, he progressed to close approaching the last and ran on if held on the flat.
ORMELLO has ability but doesn’t win very often, keeping on for third without threatening a win.
A tall rather sparely made gelding, SOUL MAGIC ran a fair race coming off a 486 day absence. He looked as if the race would bring him on, but led until approaching two out before fading into fourth. Lightly raced for an eight-year-old, and with a fair Kelso second to his name last year, he looks worth keeping an eye on.
Course winner MAOLISA led until two out before weakening.
4.35 2m ½ f stanjames.com 0-90 Selling Handicap Hurdle
A poor contest won by a gelding with more ability than his mark suggests, but one whose attitude has been questioned frequently in the past.
Sporting a natty set of red and white striped blinkers to match his silks, PEREZ closed at halfway, led three out and pulled clear without any great alarms. He’d rid himself of Lucy Alexander at Wetherby earlier in the year, but Paul Gallagher kept him up to his work all the way to the line for a 21 length victory. He’s probably a good deal better than the 70 mark he ran off here and Consett-based Wilf Storey, recording a quick double, went to £5,200 to retain him at the auction. Though he will presumably only be raised value for about half the winning distance the problem for backers is that he’s far from guaranteed to repeat the form.
The horse had been taken out of the ring by his groom before the auction. Sam Morshead had to make an announcement to Anne Wilson to bring her charge back to the unsaddling enclosure. Thankfully for the groom the gelding remains in the stable.
ARCH, a big strong gelding clearly difficult to keep fit, plugged on for second though clambering in tired fashion over the last.
DESERT SOUL charged off in typical style and kept going well enough for third.
DARAYBAD, rather fidgety in first time visor, had every chance three out but couldn’t keep up a strong enough gallop from there.
The Michael Blake trained pair BARI BAY and WE’RE DELIGHTED, having travelled all the way from Trowbridge, were disappointing. The former faded from three out, and the latter was pulled up after trying to match Desert Soul from the start.
5.10 3m Murrayshall House Hotel 0-101 Handicap Chase
This race looked a weak affair and TWELVE PACES, presented looking very well after a season off, saw off two challengers from the last fence. Twelve Paces is none too consistent, but he can handle better than this opposition on his good days and ran on determinedly from the last having travelled well throughout.
KYBER has struck me as a possible chasing type. He was making a belated chasing debut here but gave Jim Goldie plenty of cause for optimism. Held up early on he progressed from the last, challenged on the flat and didn’t go down without a fight.
ADRIANEO looked very well and made a satisfactory handicap chasing bow. He led at the twelfth and had every chance at the last though unable to respond to more race hardened campaigners. He has time on his side.
CHARMING KNIGHT is basically hunter class and was pulled up before three out.
THUNDER HAWK is another better off in hunter company, a fact totally ignored by those who made him 6/5 favourite. He led until before the twelfth, was then ridden and lost touch before his jockey called it a day approaching three out.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT had bits and pieces of form but isn’t very good these days. Inclined to jump slowly at times, he was left behind from the twelfth and pulled up before four out. He showed signs of stringhalt in the paddock, though the effects seemed lessened after a few circuits of the ring.
5.45 2m ½ f Perth Bookmakers 0-112 Handicap Hurdle
SHOPFRONTSPECIALST looked to have an excellent opportunity to continue a run of victories. In the event he stepped at the third hurdle and fell. Paul Carberry got hung up as the horse recovered and seemed to get a nasty kick as the gelding freed himself of the ‘encumbrance’. The rider lay still for a while, track staff making quick efforts to doll off the hurdle, but Carberry then waved frantically that he would get clear. The jockey limped to the side helped by medical staff and the hurdle was re-instated. Carberry was taken off in the ambulance but, as is the way with this tough breed, he presumably saw it as a handy way back to the changing room!
The favourite fall meant that Gordon Elliott suffered a rare Perth blank, but the Irish did finally notch a win as REPORTAGE saw off his remaining three rivals from the last. Looking hard fit, he was excitable early on in pre-parade and parade rings but settled a bit if still on his toes. He led before the last and ran on well.
BAAHER, forced to hurdle Shopfrontspecialst and Paul Carberry after the third flight, kept on under pressure for second.
COOLNAHARAN had every chance but was held on the flat.
TIGER KING set the pace but could muster no extra once headed approaching the last.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Hamilton Park - Ladies' Day
HAM ILTON – Saturday July 31st
Going – Good
Apologies for a delay in posting this report, and you’ll note that a few mentioned have come out once or more since. I’m struggling to fit reporting around other commitments right now since my job changed, so there maybe a few catch-up articles spaced out a bit, unless someone sees fit to pay me for this drivel…
Ladies’ Day at Hamilton saw a very healthy crowd in attendance, officially a shade under 7,000, despite some damp weather. Rain fell for about an hour leading up to racing, with a particular downpour arriving just before 6 o’clock. The going description remained ‘good’ though I suspect the downpour might have inconvenienced one or two needing a fast surface.
I was attending along with my wife and a couple we are friends with. This does tend to cramp my style a bit, and for a rare event see race 2, but everybody enjoyed the evening and three of us managed to come away in front on the night.
6.40 5f Champagne Cocktails at Hamilton Park 0-76 Nursery Handicap
This was an average little nursery that offered a good opportunity to the dropped in class NASHARRA. He had run in Listed company and then finished in the ruck of the Weatherbys’ Sprint, though not disgraced on either occasion. This looked a much more reasonable target and Kevin Ryan’s colt proved equal to the task. Shaken up to lead a furlong and a half out, he ran on well up the hill to win with just a little in hand.
INTRUSION was a rather spooked as she entered the paddock, needing a fair bit of encouragement to pass into the ‘arena’. She looked very well and ran to his form, chasing the leader in the final furlong without being able to make an impression. Previous evidence suggested a step up in trip will do no harm and she looks likely to benefit from a move up to seven furlongs.
FAST SHOT was held in the final furlong but made a satisfactory handicap debut and doesn’t look over burdened on 59, a minor nursery win being a possibility.
NOVABRIDGE looked best in the paddock but was held up the hill and has not moved forward an awful lot from two early season wins.
CRIMSON KNOT was outpaced up the hill and a sharper track would appear to suit better.
MEMORABILIA was prominent in the betting, but he looks to have some growing to do. He’s a sort who is bred to better in time, and leading this field for a way burst him inside the final two furlongs.
7.10 1m ½f Avia Signs 3-4yo 0-65 Claiming Stakes
The commitment to out party meant that I managed something I had seldom done in 30 odd years of regular race-going. I missed the race queuing for drinks! At such a meeting you can be sure there will be huge queues for over priced beverages. Out of sight of TV monitors, I caught snippets of the commentary over the PA and did at least have the consolation of backing the winner, as did my wife who managed to beat SP in the process. I caught up with the replay once I got home.
I find claiming races straight forward contests to analyse as they can readily be reduced to no more than a handful of contenders. Often it’s just a question of listing previous winners, of which there were three in this race, and all qualifiers here finished in the first four.
MIAMI GATOR generally runs fair races and had managed three wins before this. He was jumped out in front, kicked on from three out and held on well up the hill. He followed up in claiming company at Carlisle three days later, subsequently finishing third at Redcar where the track doesn’t play strengths so much.
ISLAND CHIEF, a previous winner of two, chased the leader over the final two furlongs having been squeezed up as he came to challenge. He followed up with a double at Thirsk(claimer) and Ayr(selling handicap), suggesting that the form here was decent.
NORTH CENTRAL stayed on for third, running a similar sort of race to those he had run at sprint distances.
KING’S SABRE kept on in the closing stages to finish a never nearer fourth.
Postscript to the drinks queuing was that I settled for a coffee. No queue at the coffee stall…
7.40 1m 3f MacGregor Flooring 0-60 Handicap
Paddock inspection here threw up a ‘stand out’ in SHORT SUPPLY who was produced in tip-top condition by Tim Walford. I informed our party that I thought Short Supply would show up well but sadly I couldn’t find enough in her form to justify even a small stake. Mixed feelings then as the Sheriff Hutton trained filly forged ahead from two out. She gave the impression of idling when in front and, while this event was no great shakes, she should prove a bit better than the 46 she ran off here.
The stewards enquired into short supply’s improvement. The gist of the story was that the stable had previously been under a cloud and that the filly had been in good form of late. It’s not untypical for fillies to make forward progress at this time of year anyway.
AMICAL RISKS kept on for second without threatening the winner. He has run some fair races but a tally of 1 from 26 runs sums up his level.
SHARP SOVEREIGN led from three out until the winner took over, coming home at one pace in third.
REGENT’S SECRET worked his way through the field late on in typical style. He needs a cut-throat pace up front in order to pick off weakening rivals.
The remainder were seven lengths or more back and offered little immediate encouragement.
8.10 5f European Breeders’ Fund Fillies’ 0-82 Handicap Stakes
MEY BLOSSOM was finding it hard work down the hill but picked up well up the slope, leading around the furlong pole and staying strongly. She has won on fast ground at Beverley since and wouldn’t want the ground any slower than it was here. Her two wins haven’t been by far, but she is tenacious and that could be useful while she is in good form.
The form is working out well and the only one who hasn’t appeared since as I write is BRIERTY. She kept on under a pushed out ride, her jockey having lost his whip in the final furlong.
WICKED WILMA has run a succession of decent races in the last couple of seasons. Leading until the final furlong, she kept on for third.
GAP PRINCESS looked to be in trouble two out but kept on late. She wasn’t suited by the slightly softened ground and is better at six furlongs anyway, both proven by her Ripon win a couple of days later.
BASLE couldn’t make an impression from two out. She has run well on the all-weather and may well take a chance or two on the sand in the coming months.
8.40 6f The Kane Gang (Class 5) Maiden Stakes
Sprint maidens for older horses are not typically well contested at this stage of the season. Anything with speed will have likely shown something earlier.
HENRY MORGAN seems to have had his problems but followed up his promising debut with a win here. He has been tubed and I have not seen many such runners in recent times. He’s bred to be a bit better than this level, though it remains to be seen if his breathing problems ultimately hold him back.
RED ROAR chased up the winner in the final furlong, showing more than she had in two previous efforts.
KRISTEN JANE was a right pain at the stalls and was ordered to have to pass a stalls test before running again. She was in the firing line approaching the final furlong but couldn’t produce nay extra. She runs consistently but is only rated 47.
BILLIONAIRE BOY briefly threatened two out but was one paced up the hill. He gave just a glimmer of hope.
JEMIMA NICHOLAS disputed the pace, but gave way approaching the final furlong and was disappointing.
9.10 1m 1f Dulciano Restaurant And Bar 0-74 Handicap Stakes
The value of a sharp burst of pace in an improving handicapper was amply illustrated in this race. HIGH RESOLUTION, a double winner here recently, had to be rousted to challenge approaching the final furlong, but once he quickened the race was quickly in the bag. An improving three-year-old, he looks well capable of continuing his winning streak.
STARRY MOUNT led after the two furlong pole but couldn’t respond to the winner’s acceleration. He won in heavy ground last autumn so could be one for the notebook in the next month or two.
Top weight VEROON stayed on well but his recent runs suggest the handicapper has him at his level.
CARACAL led briefly approaching the final furlong but was one paced once headed.
TALK OF SAAFEND was held in the final furlong though she does at least get in the mix in the latter stages.
ZAMBUKA couldn’t repeat her York win and was well held from two furlongs out.
Going – Good
Apologies for a delay in posting this report, and you’ll note that a few mentioned have come out once or more since. I’m struggling to fit reporting around other commitments right now since my job changed, so there maybe a few catch-up articles spaced out a bit, unless someone sees fit to pay me for this drivel…
Ladies’ Day at Hamilton saw a very healthy crowd in attendance, officially a shade under 7,000, despite some damp weather. Rain fell for about an hour leading up to racing, with a particular downpour arriving just before 6 o’clock. The going description remained ‘good’ though I suspect the downpour might have inconvenienced one or two needing a fast surface.
I was attending along with my wife and a couple we are friends with. This does tend to cramp my style a bit, and for a rare event see race 2, but everybody enjoyed the evening and three of us managed to come away in front on the night.
6.40 5f Champagne Cocktails at Hamilton Park 0-76 Nursery Handicap
This was an average little nursery that offered a good opportunity to the dropped in class NASHARRA. He had run in Listed company and then finished in the ruck of the Weatherbys’ Sprint, though not disgraced on either occasion. This looked a much more reasonable target and Kevin Ryan’s colt proved equal to the task. Shaken up to lead a furlong and a half out, he ran on well up the hill to win with just a little in hand.
INTRUSION was a rather spooked as she entered the paddock, needing a fair bit of encouragement to pass into the ‘arena’. She looked very well and ran to his form, chasing the leader in the final furlong without being able to make an impression. Previous evidence suggested a step up in trip will do no harm and she looks likely to benefit from a move up to seven furlongs.
FAST SHOT was held in the final furlong but made a satisfactory handicap debut and doesn’t look over burdened on 59, a minor nursery win being a possibility.
NOVABRIDGE looked best in the paddock but was held up the hill and has not moved forward an awful lot from two early season wins.
CRIMSON KNOT was outpaced up the hill and a sharper track would appear to suit better.
MEMORABILIA was prominent in the betting, but he looks to have some growing to do. He’s a sort who is bred to better in time, and leading this field for a way burst him inside the final two furlongs.
7.10 1m ½f Avia Signs 3-4yo 0-65 Claiming Stakes
The commitment to out party meant that I managed something I had seldom done in 30 odd years of regular race-going. I missed the race queuing for drinks! At such a meeting you can be sure there will be huge queues for over priced beverages. Out of sight of TV monitors, I caught snippets of the commentary over the PA and did at least have the consolation of backing the winner, as did my wife who managed to beat SP in the process. I caught up with the replay once I got home.
I find claiming races straight forward contests to analyse as they can readily be reduced to no more than a handful of contenders. Often it’s just a question of listing previous winners, of which there were three in this race, and all qualifiers here finished in the first four.
MIAMI GATOR generally runs fair races and had managed three wins before this. He was jumped out in front, kicked on from three out and held on well up the hill. He followed up in claiming company at Carlisle three days later, subsequently finishing third at Redcar where the track doesn’t play strengths so much.
ISLAND CHIEF, a previous winner of two, chased the leader over the final two furlongs having been squeezed up as he came to challenge. He followed up with a double at Thirsk(claimer) and Ayr(selling handicap), suggesting that the form here was decent.
NORTH CENTRAL stayed on for third, running a similar sort of race to those he had run at sprint distances.
KING’S SABRE kept on in the closing stages to finish a never nearer fourth.
Postscript to the drinks queuing was that I settled for a coffee. No queue at the coffee stall…
7.40 1m 3f MacGregor Flooring 0-60 Handicap
Paddock inspection here threw up a ‘stand out’ in SHORT SUPPLY who was produced in tip-top condition by Tim Walford. I informed our party that I thought Short Supply would show up well but sadly I couldn’t find enough in her form to justify even a small stake. Mixed feelings then as the Sheriff Hutton trained filly forged ahead from two out. She gave the impression of idling when in front and, while this event was no great shakes, she should prove a bit better than the 46 she ran off here.
The stewards enquired into short supply’s improvement. The gist of the story was that the stable had previously been under a cloud and that the filly had been in good form of late. It’s not untypical for fillies to make forward progress at this time of year anyway.
AMICAL RISKS kept on for second without threatening the winner. He has run some fair races but a tally of 1 from 26 runs sums up his level.
SHARP SOVEREIGN led from three out until the winner took over, coming home at one pace in third.
REGENT’S SECRET worked his way through the field late on in typical style. He needs a cut-throat pace up front in order to pick off weakening rivals.
The remainder were seven lengths or more back and offered little immediate encouragement.
8.10 5f European Breeders’ Fund Fillies’ 0-82 Handicap Stakes
MEY BLOSSOM was finding it hard work down the hill but picked up well up the slope, leading around the furlong pole and staying strongly. She has won on fast ground at Beverley since and wouldn’t want the ground any slower than it was here. Her two wins haven’t been by far, but she is tenacious and that could be useful while she is in good form.
The form is working out well and the only one who hasn’t appeared since as I write is BRIERTY. She kept on under a pushed out ride, her jockey having lost his whip in the final furlong.
WICKED WILMA has run a succession of decent races in the last couple of seasons. Leading until the final furlong, she kept on for third.
GAP PRINCESS looked to be in trouble two out but kept on late. She wasn’t suited by the slightly softened ground and is better at six furlongs anyway, both proven by her Ripon win a couple of days later.
BASLE couldn’t make an impression from two out. She has run well on the all-weather and may well take a chance or two on the sand in the coming months.
8.40 6f The Kane Gang (Class 5) Maiden Stakes
Sprint maidens for older horses are not typically well contested at this stage of the season. Anything with speed will have likely shown something earlier.
HENRY MORGAN seems to have had his problems but followed up his promising debut with a win here. He has been tubed and I have not seen many such runners in recent times. He’s bred to be a bit better than this level, though it remains to be seen if his breathing problems ultimately hold him back.
RED ROAR chased up the winner in the final furlong, showing more than she had in two previous efforts.
KRISTEN JANE was a right pain at the stalls and was ordered to have to pass a stalls test before running again. She was in the firing line approaching the final furlong but couldn’t produce nay extra. She runs consistently but is only rated 47.
BILLIONAIRE BOY briefly threatened two out but was one paced up the hill. He gave just a glimmer of hope.
JEMIMA NICHOLAS disputed the pace, but gave way approaching the final furlong and was disappointing.
9.10 1m 1f Dulciano Restaurant And Bar 0-74 Handicap Stakes
The value of a sharp burst of pace in an improving handicapper was amply illustrated in this race. HIGH RESOLUTION, a double winner here recently, had to be rousted to challenge approaching the final furlong, but once he quickened the race was quickly in the bag. An improving three-year-old, he looks well capable of continuing his winning streak.
STARRY MOUNT led after the two furlong pole but couldn’t respond to the winner’s acceleration. He won in heavy ground last autumn so could be one for the notebook in the next month or two.
Top weight VEROON stayed on well but his recent runs suggest the handicapper has him at his level.
CARACAL led briefly approaching the final furlong but was one paced once headed.
TALK OF SAAFEND was held in the final furlong though she does at least get in the mix in the latter stages.
ZAMBUKA couldn’t repeat her York win and was well held from two furlongs out.
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Perth - late July Meeting
PERTH – Tuesday July 27th
Going – Good To Firm (Good in places)
6.40 2m 4f 110yds John Smith’s Extra Smooth (Class 5 Maiden Hurdle
GULF PRESIDENT saw off moderate opposition well enough; will find it tougher in novices under a penalty.
SYMPHONICA was well held; ordinary and exposed.
The rest are moderate.
7.10 2m 4f 110yds Sheep Dip Whisky Novices’ 0-93 Handicap Chase
STROBE needs to dictate and was able to do that in a soft race; had enough determination once headed.
EMOTIVE is capable at this level but soft in a finish and outbattled from the last.
JANAL is slow but just got up for third.
ELLANDSHE regularly completes at his own pace; just pipped for third.
CINMAN is small and struggles over fences, though does seem to try.
GREENGABLES with the pace to four out, but hit that one and quickly faded.
7.40 2m 4f 110yds Bet With The Dewhurst Ring Selling (0-88) Handicap Hurdle
LORDS BRIDGE is better than his 70 mark and cruised home from a desperate bunch for whom immediate prospects are limited.
The second ZELOS DIKTATOR was claimed for £6,000 and as a four-year-old might have more in him than the other beaten horses.
8.10 3m 110yds Orion Group All Stars (0-98) Handicap Hurdle
SUPERCEDE doddled up here and clearly appreciates quick ground more than the mud he encountered in Ireland.
UNCOMMITTED looked awkward on the final bend but kept on for a well held second.
GIFT OF THE GODS and SOLWAY BLUE plugged on but were well outpointed.
8.40 3m John Smith’s (0-125) Handicap Chase
The feature event, but not madly competitive.
SEIZE goes well on quick ground and stayed on well to wrest the race on the flat. He will be on a career high mark after this.
DEAD OR ALIVE looked the likely winner in the straight but was tired after the last. He remains in decent form.
THUNDER HAWK, running better than at Cartmel, struggled from four out.
CHORIZO lost touch from four out.
MIZEN RAVEN raced a bit too keenly and weakened quickly in the straight.
9.10 2m 110yds Daily Record (0-110) Handicap Hurdle
SHOPFRONTSPECIALST took time to get the hang of things, costing a few bob in the process, but is putting together a decent string of races. He stayed on from two out. These events look easier than handicaps in Ireland and Gordon Elliott’s exploitation of the Scone Park venue showed as he landed his 50th Perth winner.
FRONT RANK kept on for second but he looks handicapped to his mark.
PERTH – Wednesday July 28th
Going – Good To Firm
2.25 2m 110yds Glengoyne Single Malt (4) Novices’ Hurdle
This may prove to be fair contest in time.
WIND SHUFFLE, rated 123, made all and had enough to see off the runner up close home.
DUTY FREE ran to form in second, keeping on after the last.
SIR BOSS is trained by Don Cantillon, a trainer I have a lot of time for. He faded from two out on his hurdling debut but wasn’t overpressed once beaten and will produce better. I suspect the same goes for Lucinda Russell VIA ARCHIMEDE who should produce better than a well held fourth.
2.55 2m 110yds Trawler Dark Rum (Class 5) Claiming Hurdle
DREAM RISK led two out and kept on under pressure. He was well beaten in handicap though and a mark of 108 may prove tough to win off.
ANNIBALE CARO kept on for second but has become frustrating of late.
MISTER CASTLEFIELD ran creditably at the weights in third, but APT TO RUN doesn’t look particularly straight-forward. The latter had a tongue tie and blinkers, and didn’t look a comfortable ride from three out.
3.30 2m London Dry Gin (Class 4) Novices’ Chase
RIGHT OR WRONG hasn’t improved 20lbs since last time, so it’s safe to assume PICAROON ran well below form in second. The winner showed commitment after the last to hold off the trial-blazing runner-up who may have raced too freely.
BAAHER was held from two out on chasing debut, finishing just in front of the ordinary and exposed SKIDDAW JONES.
FIGAIRY has made no impact in a bumper, hurdle race and this chase. He looks of little account.
4.05 2m 4f 110yd Bott Limited (0-120) Handicap Chase
SUNDAY CITY is useful on his day but puts in some duff performances as well. He doddled up here, pulling clear in the straight to win very easily.
ORMELLO would probably be suited by two mile cross-country races. In the absence of those he gets a mixed campaign, and is fair on his day if hardly regular win material. He stayed on to take second.
GRAND LAHOU made a few jumping errors which took a bit out of him and he could muster only one pace from three out.
THE DUKE’S SPEECH plugged on through tired horses for fourth.
OHANA kept on in the straight but never got near the leaders. This was only his second race for Alistair Whillans who should be able to coax better out of him while the quick ground remains with us. If the winter is fairly dry he could be worth remembering for Musselburgh chases.
MON OISEAU gave in tamely after leading for two thirds of the race while RUN TO SPACE was never going.
KING ROONAH has ability but his jumping has let him down more than once. He unseated in mid race.
4.40 2m 4f 110yds New Fixture August 21st Conditional Jockeys’ (0-115) Handicap Hurdle
Perth took the chance to advertise the ‘Perth 800’ fixture that they have been awarded for August this year.
WORD OF WARNING just held DANIMIX, the pair clear of habitual ‘win avoider’ TARKANI, with another workshy wonder, STORM PROSPECT, filling fourth.
5.05 3m 110yds Isle Of Skye Blended Malt Whisky Novices’ (0-105) Handicap Hurdle
MAOLISA has run a few decent races of late and finally got off the mark under Rules. She saw off SUPERCEDED, appearing quickly under a penalty, the result suggesting that he may have been feeling the effects of Tuesday’s efforts.
There was very little of promise for the remainder, AUBERGE proving to be Andrew Crow’s last runner before he was banned for seven years following falsification of veterinary information on horses’ passports.
Going – Good To Firm (Good in places)
6.40 2m 4f 110yds John Smith’s Extra Smooth (Class 5 Maiden Hurdle
GULF PRESIDENT saw off moderate opposition well enough; will find it tougher in novices under a penalty.
SYMPHONICA was well held; ordinary and exposed.
The rest are moderate.
7.10 2m 4f 110yds Sheep Dip Whisky Novices’ 0-93 Handicap Chase
STROBE needs to dictate and was able to do that in a soft race; had enough determination once headed.
EMOTIVE is capable at this level but soft in a finish and outbattled from the last.
JANAL is slow but just got up for third.
ELLANDSHE regularly completes at his own pace; just pipped for third.
CINMAN is small and struggles over fences, though does seem to try.
GREENGABLES with the pace to four out, but hit that one and quickly faded.
7.40 2m 4f 110yds Bet With The Dewhurst Ring Selling (0-88) Handicap Hurdle
LORDS BRIDGE is better than his 70 mark and cruised home from a desperate bunch for whom immediate prospects are limited.
The second ZELOS DIKTATOR was claimed for £6,000 and as a four-year-old might have more in him than the other beaten horses.
8.10 3m 110yds Orion Group All Stars (0-98) Handicap Hurdle
SUPERCEDE doddled up here and clearly appreciates quick ground more than the mud he encountered in Ireland.
UNCOMMITTED looked awkward on the final bend but kept on for a well held second.
GIFT OF THE GODS and SOLWAY BLUE plugged on but were well outpointed.
8.40 3m John Smith’s (0-125) Handicap Chase
The feature event, but not madly competitive.
SEIZE goes well on quick ground and stayed on well to wrest the race on the flat. He will be on a career high mark after this.
DEAD OR ALIVE looked the likely winner in the straight but was tired after the last. He remains in decent form.
THUNDER HAWK, running better than at Cartmel, struggled from four out.
CHORIZO lost touch from four out.
MIZEN RAVEN raced a bit too keenly and weakened quickly in the straight.
9.10 2m 110yds Daily Record (0-110) Handicap Hurdle
SHOPFRONTSPECIALST took time to get the hang of things, costing a few bob in the process, but is putting together a decent string of races. He stayed on from two out. These events look easier than handicaps in Ireland and Gordon Elliott’s exploitation of the Scone Park venue showed as he landed his 50th Perth winner.
FRONT RANK kept on for second but he looks handicapped to his mark.
PERTH – Wednesday July 28th
Going – Good To Firm
2.25 2m 110yds Glengoyne Single Malt (4) Novices’ Hurdle
This may prove to be fair contest in time.
WIND SHUFFLE, rated 123, made all and had enough to see off the runner up close home.
DUTY FREE ran to form in second, keeping on after the last.
SIR BOSS is trained by Don Cantillon, a trainer I have a lot of time for. He faded from two out on his hurdling debut but wasn’t overpressed once beaten and will produce better. I suspect the same goes for Lucinda Russell VIA ARCHIMEDE who should produce better than a well held fourth.
2.55 2m 110yds Trawler Dark Rum (Class 5) Claiming Hurdle
DREAM RISK led two out and kept on under pressure. He was well beaten in handicap though and a mark of 108 may prove tough to win off.
ANNIBALE CARO kept on for second but has become frustrating of late.
MISTER CASTLEFIELD ran creditably at the weights in third, but APT TO RUN doesn’t look particularly straight-forward. The latter had a tongue tie and blinkers, and didn’t look a comfortable ride from three out.
3.30 2m London Dry Gin (Class 4) Novices’ Chase
RIGHT OR WRONG hasn’t improved 20lbs since last time, so it’s safe to assume PICAROON ran well below form in second. The winner showed commitment after the last to hold off the trial-blazing runner-up who may have raced too freely.
BAAHER was held from two out on chasing debut, finishing just in front of the ordinary and exposed SKIDDAW JONES.
FIGAIRY has made no impact in a bumper, hurdle race and this chase. He looks of little account.
4.05 2m 4f 110yd Bott Limited (0-120) Handicap Chase
SUNDAY CITY is useful on his day but puts in some duff performances as well. He doddled up here, pulling clear in the straight to win very easily.
ORMELLO would probably be suited by two mile cross-country races. In the absence of those he gets a mixed campaign, and is fair on his day if hardly regular win material. He stayed on to take second.
GRAND LAHOU made a few jumping errors which took a bit out of him and he could muster only one pace from three out.
THE DUKE’S SPEECH plugged on through tired horses for fourth.
OHANA kept on in the straight but never got near the leaders. This was only his second race for Alistair Whillans who should be able to coax better out of him while the quick ground remains with us. If the winter is fairly dry he could be worth remembering for Musselburgh chases.
MON OISEAU gave in tamely after leading for two thirds of the race while RUN TO SPACE was never going.
KING ROONAH has ability but his jumping has let him down more than once. He unseated in mid race.
4.40 2m 4f 110yds New Fixture August 21st Conditional Jockeys’ (0-115) Handicap Hurdle
Perth took the chance to advertise the ‘Perth 800’ fixture that they have been awarded for August this year.
WORD OF WARNING just held DANIMIX, the pair clear of habitual ‘win avoider’ TARKANI, with another workshy wonder, STORM PROSPECT, filling fourth.
5.05 3m 110yds Isle Of Skye Blended Malt Whisky Novices’ (0-105) Handicap Hurdle
MAOLISA has run a few decent races of late and finally got off the mark under Rules. She saw off SUPERCEDED, appearing quickly under a penalty, the result suggesting that he may have been feeling the effects of Tuesday’s efforts.
There was very little of promise for the remainder, AUBERGE proving to be Andrew Crow’s last runner before he was banned for seven years following falsification of veterinary information on horses’ passports.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)