MUSSELBURGH – Saturday April 7th
Going – Good to Soft (Soft in places)
Musselburgh kicked off the Scottish flat season with a cracking meeting which should prove full of decent pointers to upcoming contests. The recent rain softened the going which was reported as tacky by the jockeys.
The final bend has been much better aligned than in previous years, giving a smoother passage into the straight. It’s often had a kink which has thrown the horses wide, and it’s worth taking a look at the alignment as rails are moved over the season.
2.10 5f Betfred ‘ When Both Teams Score’ EBF Maiden Stakes (2yo) (Class 5)
This may well have been a decent event for its class and the first four are well worth carrying forward for future contests.
Mark Johnston appears to have his two-year-olds nicely prepared though it could be argued that the race may have brought STORM MOON on a bit. Green and coltish in the paddock, he seemed a good deal more settled once out on the track. Breaking fast, he was soon in the lead and had enough in hand to pull clear in the last furlong. The time was respectable and it would be a surprise if Storm Moon didn’t move on to win better contests.
JUST PAST ANDOVER ran respectably in the Brocklesby and performed soundly on his second racecourse effort. He was never on terms with the winner but kept on to hold second.
POLSKI MAX looked the biggest of these in the paddock and ready to do his job. He was found out a bit for pace at halfway but kept on stoutly and will benefit from the experience. A stiffer track might not do any harm.
A fairly ordinary looking sort, and rather skittish in the paddock, the filly SOMETHING’S DARLING stayed on nicely from two furlongs out and was just held in a tight battle for second. She was well clear of the remainder and would be a strong order in a similar level fillies’ maiden.
MAJESTIC JESS was another who was coltish in the paddock, but he showed decent early speed before fading from two out. He looked as if the race would bring him on and there should be much better to come in time. JORDANSTOWN was well held and looks to have a bit of strengthening to do before he can make a mark.
2.45 5f Betfred The Bonus King Whistlejacket Conditions Stakes (Class 2)
A decent contest for twilight horses between handicap and Group class.
BEAR BEHIND contested some decent contests last year though his only win came in a Nottingham maiden. I didn’t see him in the flesh as a two-year-old but he looks a well grown sort and I suspect he’s strengthened over the winter. He was quick away, rattling along in the lead and responding well when Hayley Turner urged him for an effort inside the final two furlongs. Unfortunately he drifted right in the final furlong, taking the second with him, and the short head margin meant that it came as no surprise to see him demoted. He should be up to Listed or Group 3 class this year.
HAMISH MCGONAGALL had never won first time out but came with a good burst to harry the first over the line in the closing stages. He would have had his head in front anyway in a few more strides and will be competitive in Pattern races this season.
EXCEL BOLT was running for the first time after gelding. He had a curtailed season last year having been decent as a two-year-old, but might prove to be attractively handicapped on a mark of 95.
SHOSHONI WIND ran a sound race in fourth keeping on to the line having been a little outpaced early on. She would be competitive in as Listed Fillies’ race if her trainer can find a suitable event.
BORDERLESCOTT never got into the race and has something to prove after two disappointing efforts this spring. It remains to be seen if he retains all his ability.
CAPATAIN DUNNE needed this and was well beaten while MISTER MANANNAN, slow away and always behind, was eased in the latter stages.
3.20 7f 30yds Betfred ‘Goals Galore’ Handicap (79-95)
A decent level handicap with a fair prize pot, but contested by a bunch of well exposed handicappers.
JUSTONEFORTHEROAD was not notably well handicapped but possibly readied as well as any. Hit the front at the furlong pole and ran on well. He may find life hard against improvers off a revised mark.
CAPTAIN DIMITRIOS, in fine form on the all-weather of late, raced prominently and hit the front before the furlong pole. He couldn’t contain the winner when headed but kept on with his effort. He came out the next day here and dead-heated over five furlongs, suggesting versatility which gives his trainer a few options. A tough sort who hasn’t finished winning yet.
PRIME EXHIBIT and PARISIAN PYRAMID ran pretty much to their level and the handicapper has them taped at the moment.
LAYLA’S HERO was never seriously in the race but picked up well late on, similar to his previous effort at Doncaster.
3.50 1m Betfred Royal Mile (3yo Handicap) (82-95)
Musselburgh are not frightened to push the boat out as far as prize money is concerned and this contest is likely to provide good pointers for the coming weeks. There aren’t that many courses which are willing put on this sort of £30,000 handicap, so full marks for Bill Farnsworth and his team. Last year’s winner went on to win a Group 3 race.
The race was won by a maiden in CHAPTER SEVEN, but the chances are that this one is well on the right side of the handicapper. Held up towards the rear, he made good progress two furlongs out and nipped through to lead close home.
Another maiden filled second place in EVERVESCENT, second in an Epsom listed contest last year. He held every chance from the furlong marker and was just run out of pole position close home. This one is more exposed than some, but on balance of form he seems on a decent mark.
KINLOCH CASTLE is a really nice looking sort, the best of Mark Johnston’s three here in my opinion, and put up a sound effort. Racing prominently he briefly hit the front two out but didn’t quite have enough in hand to hold the first two. A winner of a 7f Southwell maiden he looks sure to be suited by farther and should win a race in time. He made a quick reappearance at Kempton a few days after this and stayed on after being outpaced three out in a muddling race, but I suspect he’s better than that bare form suggests.
KICKINGTHELILLY, fresh from the all-weather, kept on into a never nearer fourth position. This was a good effort in this company and this filly will find easier opportunities off a mark of 82.
SWITZERLAND, fit from the all-weather and backed down favourite here, couldn’t make an impact from the furlong pole after having every chance. There is a chance he’ll be better back at seven furlongs.
BRONZE ANGEL never quite got to grips with the leaders though keeping on in the closing stages.
GABRIAL suffered a troubled passage through the field and is better than seventh place suggests.
ZAKREET looked fit on seasonal debut but faded after making the early pace.
SHABORA was out the back but more than likely wasn’t suited by the cut in the ground.
4.25 1m 1f Betfred Still Treble Odds On Lucky 15’s Handicap (45-63)
SHAMARLANE had been off the track sine winning in November 2010 but won nicely, steadily asserting in the final two furlongs. He ran off a mark of 59 here and is probably a bit better than that. He’s worth keeping on the right side.
CABAL ran a sound race in second and proved that his all-weather form translates to the turf. SELDOM and PROHIBITION were close up in the race for second and are competitive in this class if exposed.
NAAFETHA probably didn’t see out the nine furlongs having had every chance two out after setting the pace.
LA BACOUETTEUSE needs farther than this and never got into the race. After this effort there may be a bit of value in his price when upped in trip.
MYRAID looked fit but was very geed up, a bit too keen, and had nothing extra to give from two out. He has a modicum of ability of looks a bit too headstrong.
5.00 1m 4f 100yds Betfred ‘Double Delight’ EBF Maiden (Class 4)
A weakly contested maiden. The winner KEY GOLD led all the way and stayed on well enough that she was never in danger of being caught. She saw out the trip well enough and should stay further.
TORERO stayed on honestly after the winner without making a serious impression. He’s a strongly built likeable individual who will find his level handicapping. He struck me as the sort who will have one or two tracking him as a future hurdler, so it might be worth keeping an eye out for him over jumps in the autumn.
GREYHOPE was slow away and tapped for pace in the straight. He stayed on when pretty much left to do his own thing from two out and will presumably be aimed at handicaps now, though I would imagine his jumps orientated stable would be looking toward a hurdling career.
SWEET VERA, well held in lowly hurdle company, was left behind by the first two in the straight.
LADY GARGOYLE was left behind from three out. She hasn’t much yet but is bred to stay and could progress a little in time.
5.35 7f 30yds Betfred Bonus King Bingo Handicap (51-64)
A well exposed bunch contested this, though it should be said that they have managed 49 wins between them.
NADEEN was slow away, but the pace was strong and he picked his through to take charge in the final furlong. The race did fall his way and he wouldn’t be one to go overboard on in the near future.
RESPLENDENT ALPHA stayed on late, but his 7lb claiming rider got a little bit ‘out of synch’ with his stride. A decent effort from one who is at his best on Polytrack.
MONEL kept on to take third showing promise on seasonal debut. His wins have been at six furlongs and he would have chances dropped back in trip.
MARK ANTHONY set a strong pace and reached the end of his tether inside the final furlong. He’s another who has done his winning at six furlongs.
FAULT took on the leader and possibly paid for it. He’s since gained compensation at Catterick but wouldn’t go down as the most reliable performer.
MUSSELBURGH – Sunday April 8th
A lesser card than the first day and other commitments meant I wasn’t able to attend.
The Musselburgh Gold Cup was won in good style by the lightly raced SHUBAAT , a first runner at the course for Roger Varian. He should go on to better things, is likely to stay two miles and is one for the notebook. He’s a well-built animal who should improve for a galloping track. LEXINGTON BAY had a nightmare passage, so third place was creditable and he’s worth noting for a similar contest in the near future.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN won the maiden but weaved about and has proved in the past he’s not straightforward. He pulled clear with Jim Goldie trained newcomer JACK DEXTER who showed enough to suggest he may land a minor maiden race.
BOUCHER GARCON, gelded over the winter won the closing 46-06 Class sprint handicap. A sharp five furlongs suits and he quickly followed up at Catterick. He looks ahead of the handicapper and may well win a race or two more in the coming weeks. His trainer notes that he is suited by cut in the ground.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Kelso - Buccleuch Cup Day
Apologies for lack of updates of late. I’ve been up to my ears at work at just not had enough time to write anything in depth. I’m hoping to update on a more regular basis in coming weeks.
Kelso – Monday April 2nd
Going – Good
With your correspondent off work for a week, the summer weather of the last fortnight typically turned to winter! A stiff northerly breeze blew across Kelso racecourse with drizzle mixed in, making things uncomfortable for those in lofty viewing positions, with visibility not brilliant for the first couple of races.
2.30 Green Tree Hotel Peebles Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (94-115) – 2m 2f
SURPRISE VENDOR is more than capable on his day at this level, but had been off his game in recent outings. Though not anything like a betting proposition, it wasn’t a total surprise that he got involved here in what was an ordinary contest. The leaders went off quite sharply and Stuart Coltherd’s gelding was held up off the pace, picking off the leaders once turned for home. He stayed on nicely to record a second course and distance win, though it’s debatable if he will record a follow up.
ENDEAVOR is fine once he gets going and wins more often than average at this level, but he can be a cussed soul at the start. Led in by Emma Sayer, he consented to jump off with the others and was staying on enthusiastically at the death, though too late to trouble the winner. He remains in good form and hasn’t finished winning, though backers should remember there’s a chance their stake might go west at the start!
BEIDH TINE ANSEO was being niggled at from halfway and never got into the contest proper. He stayed on for third but, though consistent, seems put in his place by the handicapper and I’d be wanting much longer odds than the 2/1 SP here.
KING MAK raced up with the pace but couldn’t match the first three from the last.
SOLIS, not a straight-forward character, led from three out but couldn’t respond significantly when headed at the last.
SUMAK though bandaged in front looked well enough on return, but he never got into the race.
BOB’S DREAM was in the mix approaching the last but weakened on the run-in. The run should have brought him on.
CIVIL UNREST was well backed but went out like a light approaching two out having raced in front or disputing. He may have been a bit keen but he weakened so quickly that something may have gone amiss.
3.30 Virtuo Welath Management Novices’ Chase (Class 4) – 3m 1f
The form of INVERLOCHY LAD’s hunter chase win here didn’t look anything special but he ran creditably in a handicap last time. Taking this contest by the scruff of the neck, he gave his opponents a jumping lesson and had enough in hand to hold off his one serious challenger from the last. He will be hammered by the handicapper after this one, I wouldn’t imagine he’ll have much change out of 120, though his jumping technique might help.
BOB ‘N’ YOU, a sparely-made gelding who doesn’t inspire on looks, never jumped fluently enough to trouble the winner. He stayed on well enough but was held from the elbow. Sam Drinkwater probably hasn’t raced here before and almost went to the left of the rail at the elbow. That said, I don’t think the incident had any bearing on the result. His mount was out of his depth at Cheltenham when pulled up in the National Hunt Chase, though he does have a second to The Giant Bolster on his CV. He should win a run of the mill contest, though his jumping needs sharpening.
PENA DORADA kept on, but made no impression from two out, and similarly BISHOPS HEIR was held in his place. Both of them were under the pump from two out.
3.30 Princess Royal Trust for Carers Handicap Chase (80-115) – 2m 1f
KAI BROON confirmed the favourable impression of an effort behind stablemate Degas Art here last time. He was left on the same mark after that, but evidence of this run suggests he’s a fair bit better than 105 over fences. He eased to the front at the last and Campbell Gillies was not required to work hard to keep him there. He looks a nice chasing prospect who should win again.
BRADDOCK ISLAND, well exposed and out of the weights here, performed gallantly to take second place. Leading and jumping extravagantly, he kept on once headed to hold second place. Unfortunately his poor win record is a reflection that his jumping display here isn’t typical.
SOUL MAGIC kept on steadily from two out. This will have set him right now and his trainer will no doubt be eyeing the programme for suitable races at Cartmel, her charge having landed four races there last year.
RED KINGDOM was soundly put in his place from before the last.
THE THIRSTY BRICKY was already under the cosh when clouting two out and wants softer ground than he had on this occasion.
4.00 2m 2f Duncan Sinclair Memorial Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4) – 2m 2f
The field went hurtling off to the first and looked like an accident waiting to happen. DINGO BAY duly unseated and WHITEADDER, who attracted support at long odds, crashed to the ground. The latter looks a chasing type and I’d be surprised if he is quick enough to make a serious mark over hurdles.
BORULER set a sharp early pace which was tempered at halfway. He raced too freely at Carlisle, and it was the same story here as a patiently ridden runner-up comfortably picked him off after the last. Boruler needs to settle better to make maximum use of his ability.
MAKBULLET, one whose stamina was doubted by myself and others, was cannily ridden by Campbell Gillies who is proving a master judge of pace. Eased to the front he won with the minimum of fuss. He was well placed here and may now have to be aimed at handicaps.
APOLSKAPART was the only other competitor in contention two out, but was soon left behind though he plugged on for third place. This was a sound enough first effort for Maurice Barnes off a break and that trainer is canny enough to pick out a race for him in time.
ALLEGED VANITY, not a particularly well made sort in my eyes, plugged on from the rear into fourth.
Nicky Richards’s charge TALKIN THOMAS was on the retreat three out and was reported as finishing distressed. Richards’s other entry SHIVALRIC looked totally clueless in rear and has much to do to turn into a hurdler.
Rayson Nixon’s JUST STRIPE help set the fast pace with the second and wasn’t remotely talented enough to keep up the gallop on the second circuit.
4.30 Cazenove Capital Management Maiden Hunters’ Chase (for the Buccleuch Cup) (Class 5) – 3m 1f
Won last year by talented chasing recruit hold On Julio, this is a coveted contest in local circles but four saw their chance disappear at the first. RISK ASSESMENT jumped violently right and fell, distracting AMULREE who also came down. As the chain reaction worked its way outwards HAWTHORNE BAY was cannoned into and unseated, with DONTPASSGO suffering worst of the three on the outside, being forced onto the hurdles course with no space to avoid the hurdle approach rail. COOLE MURPHY’s pilot Tim Speke lost an iron but recovered before the second fence,
HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL suffered interference at the first, but Cathy Walton was able to avoid any terminal action. Soon up with the pace, he jumped soundly until making a nonsense of four out. Given time to recover by a pilot who holds her own with the best northern amateurs, Highland Cathedral stayed on well from the last for victory, adding to a couple of recent pointing successes.
BEAU TRAVELLER was well backed here, a fake gamble according to one ‘sage’ on the Betfair Forum whatever one of those might be? He’s an odd looking gelding, being lengthy, low slung and rather sparely made. He stayed on from a hold up position and challenged at the last from where he was outpointed by the winner.
MONTAUK HIGHWAY ran to the same level as his effort behind Inverlochy Lad here at the start of March. He had every chance but wasn’t good enough from the last. His Rules efforts have been a little better than pointing runs, so maybe the ‘grander surroundings’ are more to his taste.
RELAND, a maiden point winner in February, was held from before the last and isn’t one to get over excited about at this level.
COOLE MURPHY soon got into contention after being hampered at the first, but he was well held from the home turn. He’s one of the better lookers amongst these but remains a maiden.
SO IT WILL BE was comfortably held from two out and doesn’t look good enough at this level.
5.00 Clelands Jaguar Handicap Hurdle – (105-120) 2m 6f 110yds
MALIN BAY has proved rather clumsy of late, with three unseats in five efforts. He made one or two less than worthy jumps here, but showed he has plenty of ability when he gets round and was ridden clear from the last. He may be best in small fields as the hustle-bustle of a large number of runners isn’t going to help him over the obstacles.
RUDEMEISTER looks a chaser in the making. He’s done well enough over hurdles and placed a creditable second here, but is one to note for a novice chase assuming Andrew Parker selects that option next term.
HOWIZEE kept on for third, not a bad effort given that he didn’t jump well early on.
SEEDLESS, held up at the rear, stayed on to reach the heels of the leaders before the last but could make no further impression. She has looked held off her current handicap mark of 115.
HIGGY’S BOY was trying a trip in advance of those he had tried before. It may be that it was too far but he was beaten before the home straight.
5.30 SIS Mares’ Handicap Chase (89-102) – 2m 6f 110yds
A rare chance for the mares to match themselves in their own company, and a disappointing turn out given the infrequency of such races.
OVERYOU had shown enough until falling two out at Hexham to suggest she would be in the mix here. She looked very fit here and stayed on from the last to win with a bit in hand. She stays three miels and looks capable of making her mark in open staying handicaps.
Last year’s winner MORE EQUITY set a decent pace, kicking on down the far side for the final time, and saw off all bar the winner to the last. She kept on well enough once passed.
STICK TOGETHER was ridden two out and never got to the leaders and CLASSICAL MIST ran pretty much to the same level, held from two out.
ALONG CAME ROSIE didn’t jump as fluently as some and was always towards the rear, while JUST MADDIE was well held from the twelfth and needs to be dropped in class.
The Berwickshire Hunt held their point-to-point at Friars Haugh the previous day with few runners in attendance due to the firm ground. Amy McGregor, often seen leading up for her mother and for Nick Alexander, took her career score from 0 to 3 in one fell swoop! Askalott won the Open Maiden from two others, King’s Envoy then broke his duck at the age of 13 with a walk-over in the Ladies’ Open and ‘followed up’ under a penalty for that victory with a Club Members’ win from two others. I’d be surprised if King’s Envoy gets so lucky again, although his localFife Hunt meeting can be poorly attended in a dry spring, but word is that ASKALOTT may be aimed at a rules campaign over the summer. He handles quick ground and might find a weak contest at senior level.
Young Blair Campbell won a two-runner Mens’ Open on Laura’s Light and is a name to look out for in the future under Rules.
Kelso – Monday April 2nd
Going – Good
With your correspondent off work for a week, the summer weather of the last fortnight typically turned to winter! A stiff northerly breeze blew across Kelso racecourse with drizzle mixed in, making things uncomfortable for those in lofty viewing positions, with visibility not brilliant for the first couple of races.
2.30 Green Tree Hotel Peebles Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (94-115) – 2m 2f
SURPRISE VENDOR is more than capable on his day at this level, but had been off his game in recent outings. Though not anything like a betting proposition, it wasn’t a total surprise that he got involved here in what was an ordinary contest. The leaders went off quite sharply and Stuart Coltherd’s gelding was held up off the pace, picking off the leaders once turned for home. He stayed on nicely to record a second course and distance win, though it’s debatable if he will record a follow up.
ENDEAVOR is fine once he gets going and wins more often than average at this level, but he can be a cussed soul at the start. Led in by Emma Sayer, he consented to jump off with the others and was staying on enthusiastically at the death, though too late to trouble the winner. He remains in good form and hasn’t finished winning, though backers should remember there’s a chance their stake might go west at the start!
BEIDH TINE ANSEO was being niggled at from halfway and never got into the contest proper. He stayed on for third but, though consistent, seems put in his place by the handicapper and I’d be wanting much longer odds than the 2/1 SP here.
KING MAK raced up with the pace but couldn’t match the first three from the last.
SOLIS, not a straight-forward character, led from three out but couldn’t respond significantly when headed at the last.
SUMAK though bandaged in front looked well enough on return, but he never got into the race.
BOB’S DREAM was in the mix approaching the last but weakened on the run-in. The run should have brought him on.
CIVIL UNREST was well backed but went out like a light approaching two out having raced in front or disputing. He may have been a bit keen but he weakened so quickly that something may have gone amiss.
3.30 Virtuo Welath Management Novices’ Chase (Class 4) – 3m 1f
The form of INVERLOCHY LAD’s hunter chase win here didn’t look anything special but he ran creditably in a handicap last time. Taking this contest by the scruff of the neck, he gave his opponents a jumping lesson and had enough in hand to hold off his one serious challenger from the last. He will be hammered by the handicapper after this one, I wouldn’t imagine he’ll have much change out of 120, though his jumping technique might help.
BOB ‘N’ YOU, a sparely-made gelding who doesn’t inspire on looks, never jumped fluently enough to trouble the winner. He stayed on well enough but was held from the elbow. Sam Drinkwater probably hasn’t raced here before and almost went to the left of the rail at the elbow. That said, I don’t think the incident had any bearing on the result. His mount was out of his depth at Cheltenham when pulled up in the National Hunt Chase, though he does have a second to The Giant Bolster on his CV. He should win a run of the mill contest, though his jumping needs sharpening.
PENA DORADA kept on, but made no impression from two out, and similarly BISHOPS HEIR was held in his place. Both of them were under the pump from two out.
3.30 Princess Royal Trust for Carers Handicap Chase (80-115) – 2m 1f
KAI BROON confirmed the favourable impression of an effort behind stablemate Degas Art here last time. He was left on the same mark after that, but evidence of this run suggests he’s a fair bit better than 105 over fences. He eased to the front at the last and Campbell Gillies was not required to work hard to keep him there. He looks a nice chasing prospect who should win again.
BRADDOCK ISLAND, well exposed and out of the weights here, performed gallantly to take second place. Leading and jumping extravagantly, he kept on once headed to hold second place. Unfortunately his poor win record is a reflection that his jumping display here isn’t typical.
SOUL MAGIC kept on steadily from two out. This will have set him right now and his trainer will no doubt be eyeing the programme for suitable races at Cartmel, her charge having landed four races there last year.
RED KINGDOM was soundly put in his place from before the last.
THE THIRSTY BRICKY was already under the cosh when clouting two out and wants softer ground than he had on this occasion.
4.00 2m 2f Duncan Sinclair Memorial Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4) – 2m 2f
The field went hurtling off to the first and looked like an accident waiting to happen. DINGO BAY duly unseated and WHITEADDER, who attracted support at long odds, crashed to the ground. The latter looks a chasing type and I’d be surprised if he is quick enough to make a serious mark over hurdles.
BORULER set a sharp early pace which was tempered at halfway. He raced too freely at Carlisle, and it was the same story here as a patiently ridden runner-up comfortably picked him off after the last. Boruler needs to settle better to make maximum use of his ability.
MAKBULLET, one whose stamina was doubted by myself and others, was cannily ridden by Campbell Gillies who is proving a master judge of pace. Eased to the front he won with the minimum of fuss. He was well placed here and may now have to be aimed at handicaps.
APOLSKAPART was the only other competitor in contention two out, but was soon left behind though he plugged on for third place. This was a sound enough first effort for Maurice Barnes off a break and that trainer is canny enough to pick out a race for him in time.
ALLEGED VANITY, not a particularly well made sort in my eyes, plugged on from the rear into fourth.
Nicky Richards’s charge TALKIN THOMAS was on the retreat three out and was reported as finishing distressed. Richards’s other entry SHIVALRIC looked totally clueless in rear and has much to do to turn into a hurdler.
Rayson Nixon’s JUST STRIPE help set the fast pace with the second and wasn’t remotely talented enough to keep up the gallop on the second circuit.
4.30 Cazenove Capital Management Maiden Hunters’ Chase (for the Buccleuch Cup) (Class 5) – 3m 1f
Won last year by talented chasing recruit hold On Julio, this is a coveted contest in local circles but four saw their chance disappear at the first. RISK ASSESMENT jumped violently right and fell, distracting AMULREE who also came down. As the chain reaction worked its way outwards HAWTHORNE BAY was cannoned into and unseated, with DONTPASSGO suffering worst of the three on the outside, being forced onto the hurdles course with no space to avoid the hurdle approach rail. COOLE MURPHY’s pilot Tim Speke lost an iron but recovered before the second fence,
HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL suffered interference at the first, but Cathy Walton was able to avoid any terminal action. Soon up with the pace, he jumped soundly until making a nonsense of four out. Given time to recover by a pilot who holds her own with the best northern amateurs, Highland Cathedral stayed on well from the last for victory, adding to a couple of recent pointing successes.
BEAU TRAVELLER was well backed here, a fake gamble according to one ‘sage’ on the Betfair Forum whatever one of those might be? He’s an odd looking gelding, being lengthy, low slung and rather sparely made. He stayed on from a hold up position and challenged at the last from where he was outpointed by the winner.
MONTAUK HIGHWAY ran to the same level as his effort behind Inverlochy Lad here at the start of March. He had every chance but wasn’t good enough from the last. His Rules efforts have been a little better than pointing runs, so maybe the ‘grander surroundings’ are more to his taste.
RELAND, a maiden point winner in February, was held from before the last and isn’t one to get over excited about at this level.
COOLE MURPHY soon got into contention after being hampered at the first, but he was well held from the home turn. He’s one of the better lookers amongst these but remains a maiden.
SO IT WILL BE was comfortably held from two out and doesn’t look good enough at this level.
5.00 Clelands Jaguar Handicap Hurdle – (105-120) 2m 6f 110yds
MALIN BAY has proved rather clumsy of late, with three unseats in five efforts. He made one or two less than worthy jumps here, but showed he has plenty of ability when he gets round and was ridden clear from the last. He may be best in small fields as the hustle-bustle of a large number of runners isn’t going to help him over the obstacles.
RUDEMEISTER looks a chaser in the making. He’s done well enough over hurdles and placed a creditable second here, but is one to note for a novice chase assuming Andrew Parker selects that option next term.
HOWIZEE kept on for third, not a bad effort given that he didn’t jump well early on.
SEEDLESS, held up at the rear, stayed on to reach the heels of the leaders before the last but could make no further impression. She has looked held off her current handicap mark of 115.
HIGGY’S BOY was trying a trip in advance of those he had tried before. It may be that it was too far but he was beaten before the home straight.
5.30 SIS Mares’ Handicap Chase (89-102) – 2m 6f 110yds
A rare chance for the mares to match themselves in their own company, and a disappointing turn out given the infrequency of such races.
OVERYOU had shown enough until falling two out at Hexham to suggest she would be in the mix here. She looked very fit here and stayed on from the last to win with a bit in hand. She stays three miels and looks capable of making her mark in open staying handicaps.
Last year’s winner MORE EQUITY set a decent pace, kicking on down the far side for the final time, and saw off all bar the winner to the last. She kept on well enough once passed.
STICK TOGETHER was ridden two out and never got to the leaders and CLASSICAL MIST ran pretty much to the same level, held from two out.
ALONG CAME ROSIE didn’t jump as fluently as some and was always towards the rear, while JUST MADDIE was well held from the twelfth and needs to be dropped in class.
The Berwickshire Hunt held their point-to-point at Friars Haugh the previous day with few runners in attendance due to the firm ground. Amy McGregor, often seen leading up for her mother and for Nick Alexander, took her career score from 0 to 3 in one fell swoop! Askalott won the Open Maiden from two others, King’s Envoy then broke his duck at the age of 13 with a walk-over in the Ladies’ Open and ‘followed up’ under a penalty for that victory with a Club Members’ win from two others. I’d be surprised if King’s Envoy gets so lucky again, although his localFife Hunt meeting can be poorly attended in a dry spring, but word is that ASKALOTT may be aimed at a rules campaign over the summer. He handles quick ground and might find a weak contest at senior level.
Young Blair Campbell won a two-runner Mens’ Open on Laura’s Light and is a name to look out for in the future under Rules.
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Cheltenham Preview
The Scottish challenge for this week’s Cheltenham isn’t as strong as it might have been, and a couple of days before the start of the meeting the conditions could be an influence on how many runners there are. A few could be keeping their powder dry ready for Aintree, Ayr and Punchestown in April.
Talented Conditional Jockey Lucy Alexander has a number of rides lined up for the meeting, possibly here best chance of victory lying with DE BOITRON for Ferdy Murphy.
Lucinda Russell
BLENHEIM BROOK has entries on the first three days of the Festival. He should get into the JLT Handicap Chase on the first day but the stable’s favoured entry is for the National Hunt Chase on Wednesday as he’s always looked a potentially serious staying chaser improving with distance. The concern is the ground and Blenheim Brook has the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter as a back up in case the Cheltenham surface proves a bit quick. The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase is another alternative.
DEGAS ART should have conditions to suit in the Pulteney Land Investments novices’ Handicap Chase on Tuesday. Purchased out of a claiming last year, he put in a solid round of jumping to see off stable companion Kai Broon in a novice chase at Kelso recently. Degas Art is well exposed though and the likelihood is that there will be a few progressive sorts in this contest.
TAP NIGHT won the Grade 2 Kelso Premier Hurdle in decent fashion, seeing off Tolworth winner Captain Conan in impressive fashion. That performance would put him up in the mid 140s rating wise and looks nicely treated off 137 here. He’s progressed well over the winter, will have no problems with the ground and will have a fair chance. A note of caution is that he may wait for Aintree or Punchestown. There won’t have been many Cheltenham contenders who have wins at Belmont Park and Delaware Park on their CV!
BOLD SIR BRIAN is aimed at the Jewson Novices’ Chase and I get the impression he’s really fancied for this contest. He was far from the finished article last season and early this season, but he looked to have bloomed over the winter when cruising up at Musselburgh in February. There is a doubt about his participation if the ground gets too quick, but if he runs I’d expect him to be in the mix.
BRINDISI BREEZE looks the stable’s best prospect in the Albert Novices’ Hurdle having won with consummate ease at Haydock from a decent field. He’s unproven on the quicker ground, but I think the stable are keen to have a go and he might prove an alternative to the hyped up Boston Bob.
DEVOTION TO DUTY is entered in the Pertemps Final, but he’s a long way down the weights and probably won’t get a run. I note he’s entered in a Beginners’ Chase at Hexham the same day.
QUITO DU TRESOR misses the Grand Annual Chase after suffering a training setback. He will be rested until the autumn.
James Ewart
Ewart gives the meeting a miss, but he has a few decent sorts and it wouldn’t surprise me if he has sound contenders at Aintree.
Bruce Mactaggart
The small Hawick yard have RED TANBER entered in the Jewson Novices’ Chase. This one has been progressive over the winter, recording five wins in handicap chases. His latest win was off a mark of 115, so he has much to find in this company, but that win suggested that he still hasn’t been tested fully over fences. I suspect he’ll rate in the 130s in time, though that would still give him 15 to 20 lengths at this level. He jumps really well though and that will be a help.
Jim Goldie
ARCTIC COURT has three handicap entries, but needs a fair few to come out of each event to get a run. The Martin Pipe hurdle in particular is oversubscribed and the same trainer’s LOS NADIS might struggle to get a run in that. I think both can acquit themselves well if they get a chance.
Talented Conditional Jockey Lucy Alexander has a number of rides lined up for the meeting, possibly here best chance of victory lying with DE BOITRON for Ferdy Murphy.
Lucinda Russell
BLENHEIM BROOK has entries on the first three days of the Festival. He should get into the JLT Handicap Chase on the first day but the stable’s favoured entry is for the National Hunt Chase on Wednesday as he’s always looked a potentially serious staying chaser improving with distance. The concern is the ground and Blenheim Brook has the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter as a back up in case the Cheltenham surface proves a bit quick. The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Chase is another alternative.
DEGAS ART should have conditions to suit in the Pulteney Land Investments novices’ Handicap Chase on Tuesday. Purchased out of a claiming last year, he put in a solid round of jumping to see off stable companion Kai Broon in a novice chase at Kelso recently. Degas Art is well exposed though and the likelihood is that there will be a few progressive sorts in this contest.
TAP NIGHT won the Grade 2 Kelso Premier Hurdle in decent fashion, seeing off Tolworth winner Captain Conan in impressive fashion. That performance would put him up in the mid 140s rating wise and looks nicely treated off 137 here. He’s progressed well over the winter, will have no problems with the ground and will have a fair chance. A note of caution is that he may wait for Aintree or Punchestown. There won’t have been many Cheltenham contenders who have wins at Belmont Park and Delaware Park on their CV!
BOLD SIR BRIAN is aimed at the Jewson Novices’ Chase and I get the impression he’s really fancied for this contest. He was far from the finished article last season and early this season, but he looked to have bloomed over the winter when cruising up at Musselburgh in February. There is a doubt about his participation if the ground gets too quick, but if he runs I’d expect him to be in the mix.
BRINDISI BREEZE looks the stable’s best prospect in the Albert Novices’ Hurdle having won with consummate ease at Haydock from a decent field. He’s unproven on the quicker ground, but I think the stable are keen to have a go and he might prove an alternative to the hyped up Boston Bob.
DEVOTION TO DUTY is entered in the Pertemps Final, but he’s a long way down the weights and probably won’t get a run. I note he’s entered in a Beginners’ Chase at Hexham the same day.
QUITO DU TRESOR misses the Grand Annual Chase after suffering a training setback. He will be rested until the autumn.
James Ewart
Ewart gives the meeting a miss, but he has a few decent sorts and it wouldn’t surprise me if he has sound contenders at Aintree.
Bruce Mactaggart
The small Hawick yard have RED TANBER entered in the Jewson Novices’ Chase. This one has been progressive over the winter, recording five wins in handicap chases. His latest win was off a mark of 115, so he has much to find in this company, but that win suggested that he still hasn’t been tested fully over fences. I suspect he’ll rate in the 130s in time, though that would still give him 15 to 20 lengths at this level. He jumps really well though and that will be a help.
Jim Goldie
ARCTIC COURT has three handicap entries, but needs a fair few to come out of each event to get a run. The Martin Pipe hurdle in particular is oversubscribed and the same trainer’s LOS NADIS might struggle to get a run in that. I think both can acquit themselves well if they get a chance.
Friday, 9 March 2012
Kelso Premier Hurdle Day
KELSO- Saturday March 3rd
Going – Good
Kelso held their headline meeting of the season with a number of Cheltenham or Aintree hopefuls appearing, among them last year’s Grand National winner Ballabriggs. Crowd size was perhaps a little down on expectations at 3,100 and field sizes were disappointing bearing in mind the decent prize money on offer, but the racing was competitive and threw up a few future pointers.
The weather has been comparatively mild and dry for a while, the course had considered watering earlier in the week, but a little rain provided an excellent racing surface.
1.55 2m 110yds Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Not a strong novice event and it was won by a horse whose stamina was in question before this. MAKBULLET is a seven furlong winner on the flat, but saw out the two miles well enough on this occasion, indeed he stayed on to assert in the final furlong. That being said, he’s always going to be favoured by two miles on quick ground or around a sharp track. He may find life tough under a penalty in this class.
Lucy Alexander set a sound pace on JET MASTER who didn’t have enough left once passed on the run-in. He seemed to run to his mark of 118, and I would imagine will be aimed at Perth meetings in the spring.
SAMSTOWN was dropped back in trip and stayed on into third place on the run-in. He was staying on over half a mile farther at Musselburgh and would be competitive stepped back up in distance. He’s a nice enough sort who should win races.
ABSINTHE was disappointing, faded after the last having chased the leader two out. His previous efforts read well but this was not so encouraging.
SMART RULER briefly threatened going to three out, but couldn’t get any closer. He was a cheap purchase but hints at ability and might get in the mix in lowly handicaps.
2.30 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 4)
DEGAS ART is well exposed and not likely to be improving over fences at this time. He chased the leader until taking over from the last, though forced to work by a lesser rated stablemate. He goes to Cheltenham for a novices’ handicap, but will have his work cut out at the higher level.
KAI BROON jumped nicely created a favourable impression on his chasing debut. He would be better off in handicaps, but he’s rated only 105 and much depends on how the handicapper rates this effort behind against horses rated more than stone better.
CHESTER LAD made the pace but found precious little once passed before the last. He’s best of these three at his best, but seems to need things to go his way.
3.05 2m 1f Bedmax Handicap Chase (104-115)
A popular win for the locally trained and progressive RED TANBER. The chestnut received a fine reception, recording a fifth win of the season for Bruce Mactaggart and Lucy Alexander. He forged clear of front running Freddie Brown on the run-in and still looks to have something in hand of the handicapper. He was beaten by apparent handicap snip Oscar Hill at Musselburgh, but other than that nothing has been near to finding the bottom of him. He now goes to Cheltenham for the Jewson Novices’ Chase which is a big ask, but he’ll certainly jump as well as anything there as he gains a length or two per fence over his rivals at this level and is a chasing natural. I hope Red Tanber does his trainer proud at the Festival.
FREDDIE BROWN put up his best performance for some while. He settled much better in front here, and had all bar the winner seen off by the last. He kept on honestly once passed, and must surely pick up a similar race if he doesn’t catch one as progressive as the winner. He’s an impressive sight in the paddock and the hope is he can move on from this effort.
Veteran POLAR GUNNER looked an absolute picture beforehand and gave a sound account of himself. He was left behind by the first two from two out. He isn’t going to get any favours from the handicapper, but is running well enough that Malcolm Jefferson may be able to coax another win out of him, perhaps around here or at Sedgefield.
KILKENNY ALL STAR jumped poorly early on and never got into the race. He did make a little moderate progress late on, but never got near the leaders.
PAMAK D’AIRY was never in the hunt, while OR DE GRUGY is really out of sorts and even a return to his favourite stamping ground couldn’t conjure up a revival.
3.35 2m 2f totepool Premier Kelso Hurdle (Novices) (Grade 2)
Six recent winners in the field and this looked a fair renewal of Kelso’s highest graded contest of the season.
Lucinda Russell landed the prize for the second year running, the progressive TAP NIGHT seeking off a southerner challenger on the run-in. Before last summer the winner had recorded wins at Belmont Park and Delaware Park, but now he’s adjudged to the different sphere he’s coming on in leaps and bounds. He showed tenacity to wear down Captain Conan on the run-in and was pulling away at the line. Tap Night has a Coral Cup entry though I wonder if Lucinda Russell might just wait a little while for the right race.
Tolworth winner CAPTAIN CONAN raced close up and led going to the last, but he was one paced in the closing stages. Time may prove this to be a fair effort and this fine looking sort has the stamp of a chaser about him.
BURY PARADE forced the pace and paid for his efforts late on. This was a significant rise in class from his Hexham wins and he deserves credit for a fair effort. He probably needs softer ground than he had here.
INTO WAIN ran pretty much to his level in fourth and just found this class a bit too good for him.
UBALTIQUE was an easy winner in the heavy at Pau, but found himself dropped in at the deep end on debut for Donald McCain. This entry would suggest he has more ability than he showed here, and better would be expected with time to adjust to new surroundings.
LUCIA BAY was never going, struggling from three out. A return to mares’ company would be welcomed.
4.10 2m 6f 110yds totepool.com Premier Chase (Class 2)
A race short of three miles isn’t an obvious Grand Natio0nal trial, but last year’s renewal yielded the winner and two finishers in the big race. Ballabriggs made his seasonal re-appearance here but was eclipsed by a quirky winner and two others likely to take in the Aintree classic.
MASTER OF THE HALL, whose wins have all come in small field conditions chases, was ridden with all the mastery one comes to expect from Tony McCoy. He made steady progress from three out, joined issue at the last and was then held up until bursting through at the elbow. He won very cosily in the end. A Kelso regular reported that McCoy noted the odds board in the paddock and said “I wouldn’t back this at 6/4!” Presumably that set the champion a challenge he couldn’t resist.
ACCORDING TO PETE set the pace and tried hard to hold off challenges but couldn’t match the winner’s turn of pace. A stiffer test will suit and he is Aintree bound.
Another Aintree bound contender is ABBEYBRANEY. Held on the book here, he kicked on four out and led until headed after the last. He’s entered in the National and is running well enough to suggest he can acquit himself with credit if given the chance to be Scotland’s runner.
BALLABRIGGS led at the last having eased into contention, but was tapped for pace in the final three hundred yards. Donald McCain expressed himself well satisfied with the effort here. He’ll have a weight to lug around Aintree, but he’s been brought on with the race as his sole focus. I suspect he may find one or two too good, but then I dismissed him after last year’s running of this race…
Jean Macgregor sent out WATERSKI to pick up some pocket money for finishing a remote fifth. He’s woefully slow, but was turned looking a picture!
4.45 2m 6f 110yds Canal Challenge Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)
The hunter ranks are lacking in quality in Scotland at the moment, with the possible exception of Special Portrait, but even the latter struggles in top company. This contest was very ordinary with a group of well exposed performers finishing in a heap. I doubt this would even have constituted a decent Open point.
INVERLOCHY LAD departed at the first at Ayr, but made up for the mishap with a tenacious effort here. Taking up the running going on to the final circuit he stuck on to see off all-comers on the run-in.
HARMONY BRIG is getting on a bit but still retains some ability, though he’s never been the most committed. A recent winner of a point, he had every chance here but was held in the closing stages.
MONTAUK HIGHWAY and COOLE MURPHY are well exposed as moderate in the pointing field and their close proximity to the winner does little to advertise the form, the latter having proved a weak finisher in maiden points.
RAKERIN LAD improved late on under pressure and was never closer than at the finish.
SPELLCHECKER and KILDONNAN should have been involved at their best, but both were disappointing while COMMERCIAL EXPRESS, a distinctly moody customer, didn’t take too much interest.
5.20 2m 6f 110yds Bet totepool Text tote to 89660 Handicap Hurdle (92-107)
An exposed bunch with two of the more likely sorts pulling clear from two out.
SUNDOWN TRAIL travelled well all the way and, brought with a challenge by McCoy approaching the last, forged ahead in the final furlong. Nicky Richards often has his charges tuned up for Kelso and Sundown Trail was produced in peak fitness for this contest. He’s going in the right direction and may score again.
FOUR FIDDLERS made a decent impression on his handicap debut and Lucy Alexander certainly gave as good as she got in the finish against Tony McCoy. This one had looked likely to be suited by a test of stamina and saw the race out well enough. He should have a chance of picking up a similar contest.
HIGHRATE was left in the lead when three departed at the ninth hurdle, but was well held from two out though plugging on for third a fair way behind the second.
POLITICAL PADDY looked very well and hadn’t been asked a question when brought down at the ninth. He has won twice over the course and distance, and might find a soft contest before long.
A poorly conceived Cheltenham Preview was held after racing in the Tweedie Stand Bar. I suspect the event was organised at short notice and the hub-bub from the drinkers made it difficult for speakers to be heard. Lucinda Russell, Peter Scudamore, Richie McGrath, George Primarolo of the Tote and a Timeform representative gave their opinions. Gordon Brown of ATR tried desperately to call for hush but after battling against the noise for 15 minutes the preview was cut short. It is hoped that the event in a more suitable time and place next year.
Lucinda Russell's one to watch was DE BOITRON who goes to Cheltenham off the back of an encouraging run at Musselburgh and 4lbs lower in the handicap.
Scottish trainers go into Cheltenham with their strongest hand for some while. I'll post up a preview over the weekend.
Going – Good
Kelso held their headline meeting of the season with a number of Cheltenham or Aintree hopefuls appearing, among them last year’s Grand National winner Ballabriggs. Crowd size was perhaps a little down on expectations at 3,100 and field sizes were disappointing bearing in mind the decent prize money on offer, but the racing was competitive and threw up a few future pointers.
The weather has been comparatively mild and dry for a while, the course had considered watering earlier in the week, but a little rain provided an excellent racing surface.
1.55 2m 110yds Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Not a strong novice event and it was won by a horse whose stamina was in question before this. MAKBULLET is a seven furlong winner on the flat, but saw out the two miles well enough on this occasion, indeed he stayed on to assert in the final furlong. That being said, he’s always going to be favoured by two miles on quick ground or around a sharp track. He may find life tough under a penalty in this class.
Lucy Alexander set a sound pace on JET MASTER who didn’t have enough left once passed on the run-in. He seemed to run to his mark of 118, and I would imagine will be aimed at Perth meetings in the spring.
SAMSTOWN was dropped back in trip and stayed on into third place on the run-in. He was staying on over half a mile farther at Musselburgh and would be competitive stepped back up in distance. He’s a nice enough sort who should win races.
ABSINTHE was disappointing, faded after the last having chased the leader two out. His previous efforts read well but this was not so encouraging.
SMART RULER briefly threatened going to three out, but couldn’t get any closer. He was a cheap purchase but hints at ability and might get in the mix in lowly handicaps.
2.30 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 4)
DEGAS ART is well exposed and not likely to be improving over fences at this time. He chased the leader until taking over from the last, though forced to work by a lesser rated stablemate. He goes to Cheltenham for a novices’ handicap, but will have his work cut out at the higher level.
KAI BROON jumped nicely created a favourable impression on his chasing debut. He would be better off in handicaps, but he’s rated only 105 and much depends on how the handicapper rates this effort behind against horses rated more than stone better.
CHESTER LAD made the pace but found precious little once passed before the last. He’s best of these three at his best, but seems to need things to go his way.
3.05 2m 1f Bedmax Handicap Chase (104-115)
A popular win for the locally trained and progressive RED TANBER. The chestnut received a fine reception, recording a fifth win of the season for Bruce Mactaggart and Lucy Alexander. He forged clear of front running Freddie Brown on the run-in and still looks to have something in hand of the handicapper. He was beaten by apparent handicap snip Oscar Hill at Musselburgh, but other than that nothing has been near to finding the bottom of him. He now goes to Cheltenham for the Jewson Novices’ Chase which is a big ask, but he’ll certainly jump as well as anything there as he gains a length or two per fence over his rivals at this level and is a chasing natural. I hope Red Tanber does his trainer proud at the Festival.
FREDDIE BROWN put up his best performance for some while. He settled much better in front here, and had all bar the winner seen off by the last. He kept on honestly once passed, and must surely pick up a similar race if he doesn’t catch one as progressive as the winner. He’s an impressive sight in the paddock and the hope is he can move on from this effort.
Veteran POLAR GUNNER looked an absolute picture beforehand and gave a sound account of himself. He was left behind by the first two from two out. He isn’t going to get any favours from the handicapper, but is running well enough that Malcolm Jefferson may be able to coax another win out of him, perhaps around here or at Sedgefield.
KILKENNY ALL STAR jumped poorly early on and never got into the race. He did make a little moderate progress late on, but never got near the leaders.
PAMAK D’AIRY was never in the hunt, while OR DE GRUGY is really out of sorts and even a return to his favourite stamping ground couldn’t conjure up a revival.
3.35 2m 2f totepool Premier Kelso Hurdle (Novices) (Grade 2)
Six recent winners in the field and this looked a fair renewal of Kelso’s highest graded contest of the season.
Lucinda Russell landed the prize for the second year running, the progressive TAP NIGHT seeking off a southerner challenger on the run-in. Before last summer the winner had recorded wins at Belmont Park and Delaware Park, but now he’s adjudged to the different sphere he’s coming on in leaps and bounds. He showed tenacity to wear down Captain Conan on the run-in and was pulling away at the line. Tap Night has a Coral Cup entry though I wonder if Lucinda Russell might just wait a little while for the right race.
Tolworth winner CAPTAIN CONAN raced close up and led going to the last, but he was one paced in the closing stages. Time may prove this to be a fair effort and this fine looking sort has the stamp of a chaser about him.
BURY PARADE forced the pace and paid for his efforts late on. This was a significant rise in class from his Hexham wins and he deserves credit for a fair effort. He probably needs softer ground than he had here.
INTO WAIN ran pretty much to his level in fourth and just found this class a bit too good for him.
UBALTIQUE was an easy winner in the heavy at Pau, but found himself dropped in at the deep end on debut for Donald McCain. This entry would suggest he has more ability than he showed here, and better would be expected with time to adjust to new surroundings.
LUCIA BAY was never going, struggling from three out. A return to mares’ company would be welcomed.
4.10 2m 6f 110yds totepool.com Premier Chase (Class 2)
A race short of three miles isn’t an obvious Grand Natio0nal trial, but last year’s renewal yielded the winner and two finishers in the big race. Ballabriggs made his seasonal re-appearance here but was eclipsed by a quirky winner and two others likely to take in the Aintree classic.
MASTER OF THE HALL, whose wins have all come in small field conditions chases, was ridden with all the mastery one comes to expect from Tony McCoy. He made steady progress from three out, joined issue at the last and was then held up until bursting through at the elbow. He won very cosily in the end. A Kelso regular reported that McCoy noted the odds board in the paddock and said “I wouldn’t back this at 6/4!” Presumably that set the champion a challenge he couldn’t resist.
ACCORDING TO PETE set the pace and tried hard to hold off challenges but couldn’t match the winner’s turn of pace. A stiffer test will suit and he is Aintree bound.
Another Aintree bound contender is ABBEYBRANEY. Held on the book here, he kicked on four out and led until headed after the last. He’s entered in the National and is running well enough to suggest he can acquit himself with credit if given the chance to be Scotland’s runner.
BALLABRIGGS led at the last having eased into contention, but was tapped for pace in the final three hundred yards. Donald McCain expressed himself well satisfied with the effort here. He’ll have a weight to lug around Aintree, but he’s been brought on with the race as his sole focus. I suspect he may find one or two too good, but then I dismissed him after last year’s running of this race…
Jean Macgregor sent out WATERSKI to pick up some pocket money for finishing a remote fifth. He’s woefully slow, but was turned looking a picture!
4.45 2m 6f 110yds Canal Challenge Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)
The hunter ranks are lacking in quality in Scotland at the moment, with the possible exception of Special Portrait, but even the latter struggles in top company. This contest was very ordinary with a group of well exposed performers finishing in a heap. I doubt this would even have constituted a decent Open point.
INVERLOCHY LAD departed at the first at Ayr, but made up for the mishap with a tenacious effort here. Taking up the running going on to the final circuit he stuck on to see off all-comers on the run-in.
HARMONY BRIG is getting on a bit but still retains some ability, though he’s never been the most committed. A recent winner of a point, he had every chance here but was held in the closing stages.
MONTAUK HIGHWAY and COOLE MURPHY are well exposed as moderate in the pointing field and their close proximity to the winner does little to advertise the form, the latter having proved a weak finisher in maiden points.
RAKERIN LAD improved late on under pressure and was never closer than at the finish.
SPELLCHECKER and KILDONNAN should have been involved at their best, but both were disappointing while COMMERCIAL EXPRESS, a distinctly moody customer, didn’t take too much interest.
5.20 2m 6f 110yds Bet totepool Text tote to 89660 Handicap Hurdle (92-107)
An exposed bunch with two of the more likely sorts pulling clear from two out.
SUNDOWN TRAIL travelled well all the way and, brought with a challenge by McCoy approaching the last, forged ahead in the final furlong. Nicky Richards often has his charges tuned up for Kelso and Sundown Trail was produced in peak fitness for this contest. He’s going in the right direction and may score again.
FOUR FIDDLERS made a decent impression on his handicap debut and Lucy Alexander certainly gave as good as she got in the finish against Tony McCoy. This one had looked likely to be suited by a test of stamina and saw the race out well enough. He should have a chance of picking up a similar contest.
HIGHRATE was left in the lead when three departed at the ninth hurdle, but was well held from two out though plugging on for third a fair way behind the second.
POLITICAL PADDY looked very well and hadn’t been asked a question when brought down at the ninth. He has won twice over the course and distance, and might find a soft contest before long.
A poorly conceived Cheltenham Preview was held after racing in the Tweedie Stand Bar. I suspect the event was organised at short notice and the hub-bub from the drinkers made it difficult for speakers to be heard. Lucinda Russell, Peter Scudamore, Richie McGrath, George Primarolo of the Tote and a Timeform representative gave their opinions. Gordon Brown of ATR tried desperately to call for hush but after battling against the noise for 15 minutes the preview was cut short. It is hoped that the event in a more suitable time and place next year.
Lucinda Russell's one to watch was DE BOITRON who goes to Cheltenham off the back of an encouraging run at Musselburgh and 4lbs lower in the handicap.
Scottish trainers go into Cheltenham with their strongest hand for some while. I'll post up a preview over the weekend.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Mid February Scottish Meetings
A burst of three Scottish meetings in three days, all offering a decent main prize and rewarded with competitive cards.I’ve struggled to find enough time to pay the racing sufficient attention, so the following reports concentrate on a few significant performances
AYR – Tuesday February 14th
This was an ordinary conditionals’ handicap hurdle contest was won by a 10 year old recording his second career win. On that basis it’s not an event that screams “future winners”. SEVEN IS LUCKY forged clear in the straight and was never in any great difficulty after that. He was well held in better company at Wetherby subsequently and is worth opposing if starting at short odds in future.
James Ewart introduced a nice looking French import UN GUET APENS who created a satisfactory impression in winning the novices’ hurdle. There are plenty of winning jumpers in the family, and this winner has already proved an ability to see out 18 furlongs in testing ground. He may be a nice prospect for handicaps. FIND A KEY represented solid looking form and was probably unlucky to run into a decent performer here. He kept on and should win a hurdle before long as his trainer is adept at sorting out opportunities.
THE TRACEY SHUFFLE showed plenty of promise last season and had the 2m 4f maiden won from a long way out, though he did survive making an almighty hash of three out and two out. He was tired but allowed to coast home. WILDE PASTURES occupied second from three out. This is probably a fair effort having been off since March 2010 and there should be better to come. The remainder were strung out along the Ayrshire coast!
James Ewart made it two winners on the day as in the novices’ chase over 2m 4f as BISHOPS HEIR took the novice chase. He was well held at Catterick, but that was two miles on better ground and the stiffer test here definitely suited. Conversely the second CARRICKBOY looked a bit better over two miles at Catterick and couldn’t match the winner from two out. DANCING DIK jumped exuberantly but tired in the closing stages. A break from the track suggests a problem but, assuming he can be kept fit, he should be capable of winning a chase. KING OF THE GYPSIES and ALFRED OATS never got into the contest. However, the latter will find easier tasks once his level is established and should be able to win a chase given time.
CHARINGWORTH should have won the 2m 4f handicap chase. He was coming clear but stumbled after big jump two out and shot Lucy Alexander out the front door. He looks in good heart, wasn’t moved up much for his Wetherby win and is capable of recording another victory.
TIPSY DARA acquitted herself well stepped up to Class 4 and at a longer trip of 3m 1f. She found two too good for her in the closing stages but would have every chance if aimed at a basement level race around this trip. John Wade’s BEAU DANDY won well in only his second handicap chase, is going the right way and is in capable hands. This trip pushes SAMMY SPIDERMAN’s stamina to the limit and he couldn’t match the principles close home, whilst another course specialist in SOMETHING SILVER found this too far by half a mile and was pulled up.
CLOUDY LANE saw off SPECIAL PORTRAIT in the hunter chase and now heads to Cheltenham for the Foxhunters’. I’m not sure the former will prove quite good enough now at the top level of this discipline, but the runner-up performed solidly and should pick up a win or two on his own patch.
Willie Amos revealed a talented four-year-old mare in DANTE’S FROLIC. She came clear impressively from two out and could be a decent performer. She may be aimed at a valuable Newbury contest in March.
KELSO – Wednesday February 15th
Nicky Henderson brought three decent animals from Lambourn and each won with a bit to spare. LYVIUS won well enough in the opener holding off Lucinda Russell’s Rhymers Ha’ in the final furlong. Lyvius is entered in the Triumph hurdle but that will be a much tougher test than this. RHYMER’S HA’ is going the right way and held off 124 rated ABSINTHE in the run to the line, hinting that step up in trip would do no harm.
BELLVANO made it two for Henderson, leading on the bit on the flat and not stretched to win comfortably. Henderson is likely to keep him fresh for a novice chase at Aintree. KING’S GREY and LATERLY performed soundly enough and will find easier opportunities. MAGGIO got ‘half-lengthed’ by Laterly at the second, blundered and gave Brian Hughes no chance of remaining in the saddle.
BOW SCHOOL came clear from FUNKY MUNKY in the 83-109 rated Oswald Handicap Hurdle over 2m 2f. This was an exposed field in the main and the likely rise will make things difficult for the winner. ROS CASTLE has less experience than many here, and hence potentially some improvement, so third place probably wasn’t a bad effort. He was staying on to the line.
TARTAN SNOW has put in some fair efforts round here and came clear of the field in the 2m 6f Amateurs’ Handicap Chase. Promising BENEFICIAL REFORM fell at the first having been made favourite, but one to note here might be PREMIER SAGAS who raced prominently before running out of stamina on the flat. A drop back in trip should help.
Nicky Henderson’s SIMONSIG easily held off Knockara Beau and Local Hero in the feature Morebattle Hurdle. He’s entered in both the Supreme Novices’ and the Neptune Hurdle at Cheltenham, the latter being jockey Barry Geraghty’s choice. One note of caution might be that he hit the last two hurdles, and needs to be sharper at the top level.
KNOCKARA BEAU ran creditably at a distance short of his best. He should acquit himself creditably in his chosen Cheltenham outing, presumably a staying handicap chase.
MARSH WARBLER was disappointing here and finished distressed.
DOC ROW won the hunters’ chase holding off SACRED MOUNTAIN on the run-in, the pair well clear of AGGIE’S LAD who may have found the going a little on the soft side.
Notebooks at the ready, now for my favourite Kelso bumper! This was a mares’ contest won in decent style by BRIJOMI QUEEN who held off a couple of winners. She’s well bred for jumping and should go forward from here. Penalised runners DOYLY CARTE and LUCEMATIC ran creditably and can get in the mix in similar company.
Harriet Graham’s MAGGIE BLUE ran soundly on her debut and looks the ‘quiet one’ to take forward from the contest. There’s plenty of decent staying jumping blood in the family, and she looks a nice one to remember for staying jumps contests in future seasons.
MUSSELBURGH – Thursday February 16th
Musselburgh closed their National Hunt season on ground which was just on the fast side of good in places.
Think Green set a strong pacer in the opening 2m 4f novices’ hurdle, but he was a spent force by the home turn. SAGA DE TERCEY took over and was well clear in the closing stages, being eased down on the flat. Jason Maguire didn’t go overboard after the race, suggesting that maybe this was just a moderate contest. He could be under-priced next time.
BLAZIN WHITE FACE will be better off in a mares’ staying contest. She weakened into third on the run-in, but could next get to grips with the winner.
Lucy Alexander set a new record for wins in a season by a woman jockey, reaching 23 and beating Lorna Vincent’s long established tally. RED TANBER was notching a fourth course win and once again jumped supremely well, pinging the last two fences and coming clear. He will be entered at Cheltenham to ‘give the owners a day out’ according to trainer Bruce Mactaggart, but back at a more realistic level he probably hasn’t stopped winning. Ayr in April would be his next target, it’s just a [pity there’s no more action at Musselburgh this season. CALL IT ON tried hard to match the winner and kept on for a clear second place.
ROYAL ENTOURAGE and CIVIL UNREST had a set to in the 2m 4f 80-105 handicap hurdle; the pair pulling well clear of Stormy morning. The second is worth noting once going chasing as he’s a robust sort, but he may pick up a hurdle if given a stiffer test.
DONTPAYTHEFERRYMAN scored a third course win of the season, galloping his rivals into submission in the feature two mile handicap hurdle. He is worth keeping an eye on should he be pulled out on the flat round here in spring or summer.
The novice SIMPLY NED was disappointing here, never having things his own and his chance was going when he rapped two out. He’s capable of better and should get stronger with time.
The hunter chase, won last year by subsequent Cheltenham Foxhunters’ winner Zemsky, was marred by the fatal fall of SIMONSBERG. The favourite was moving into contention when going straight down on his neck four out, a fall from which he didn’t rise. SILVERBURN went on to win the contest and his target is most likely to be Aintree’s Foxhunters’ Chase, though a summer campaign was mentioned by his trainer. SPELLCHECKER wasn’t disgraced in second place and should find either a hunter Chase or an Open point-to-point before long.
MAKARI was once again made favourite for a bumper but he’s proving a weak finisher. The hope is that he can see out two miles over hurdles. NEMI might be chase prospect in time, but was just pipped by another chasing prospect in point winner LEIGHINMOHR. Time might show this to be a decent contest.
ONES TO NOTE
PREMIER SAGAS – ran a decent race at a trip a little past his best; might pick up a handicap at 2m 4f.
MAGGIE BLUE – staying bred mare, showed some ability on bumper debut and worth noting for the long term.
AYR – Tuesday February 14th
This was an ordinary conditionals’ handicap hurdle contest was won by a 10 year old recording his second career win. On that basis it’s not an event that screams “future winners”. SEVEN IS LUCKY forged clear in the straight and was never in any great difficulty after that. He was well held in better company at Wetherby subsequently and is worth opposing if starting at short odds in future.
James Ewart introduced a nice looking French import UN GUET APENS who created a satisfactory impression in winning the novices’ hurdle. There are plenty of winning jumpers in the family, and this winner has already proved an ability to see out 18 furlongs in testing ground. He may be a nice prospect for handicaps. FIND A KEY represented solid looking form and was probably unlucky to run into a decent performer here. He kept on and should win a hurdle before long as his trainer is adept at sorting out opportunities.
THE TRACEY SHUFFLE showed plenty of promise last season and had the 2m 4f maiden won from a long way out, though he did survive making an almighty hash of three out and two out. He was tired but allowed to coast home. WILDE PASTURES occupied second from three out. This is probably a fair effort having been off since March 2010 and there should be better to come. The remainder were strung out along the Ayrshire coast!
James Ewart made it two winners on the day as in the novices’ chase over 2m 4f as BISHOPS HEIR took the novice chase. He was well held at Catterick, but that was two miles on better ground and the stiffer test here definitely suited. Conversely the second CARRICKBOY looked a bit better over two miles at Catterick and couldn’t match the winner from two out. DANCING DIK jumped exuberantly but tired in the closing stages. A break from the track suggests a problem but, assuming he can be kept fit, he should be capable of winning a chase. KING OF THE GYPSIES and ALFRED OATS never got into the contest. However, the latter will find easier tasks once his level is established and should be able to win a chase given time.
CHARINGWORTH should have won the 2m 4f handicap chase. He was coming clear but stumbled after big jump two out and shot Lucy Alexander out the front door. He looks in good heart, wasn’t moved up much for his Wetherby win and is capable of recording another victory.
TIPSY DARA acquitted herself well stepped up to Class 4 and at a longer trip of 3m 1f. She found two too good for her in the closing stages but would have every chance if aimed at a basement level race around this trip. John Wade’s BEAU DANDY won well in only his second handicap chase, is going the right way and is in capable hands. This trip pushes SAMMY SPIDERMAN’s stamina to the limit and he couldn’t match the principles close home, whilst another course specialist in SOMETHING SILVER found this too far by half a mile and was pulled up.
CLOUDY LANE saw off SPECIAL PORTRAIT in the hunter chase and now heads to Cheltenham for the Foxhunters’. I’m not sure the former will prove quite good enough now at the top level of this discipline, but the runner-up performed solidly and should pick up a win or two on his own patch.
Willie Amos revealed a talented four-year-old mare in DANTE’S FROLIC. She came clear impressively from two out and could be a decent performer. She may be aimed at a valuable Newbury contest in March.
KELSO – Wednesday February 15th
Nicky Henderson brought three decent animals from Lambourn and each won with a bit to spare. LYVIUS won well enough in the opener holding off Lucinda Russell’s Rhymers Ha’ in the final furlong. Lyvius is entered in the Triumph hurdle but that will be a much tougher test than this. RHYMER’S HA’ is going the right way and held off 124 rated ABSINTHE in the run to the line, hinting that step up in trip would do no harm.
BELLVANO made it two for Henderson, leading on the bit on the flat and not stretched to win comfortably. Henderson is likely to keep him fresh for a novice chase at Aintree. KING’S GREY and LATERLY performed soundly enough and will find easier opportunities. MAGGIO got ‘half-lengthed’ by Laterly at the second, blundered and gave Brian Hughes no chance of remaining in the saddle.
BOW SCHOOL came clear from FUNKY MUNKY in the 83-109 rated Oswald Handicap Hurdle over 2m 2f. This was an exposed field in the main and the likely rise will make things difficult for the winner. ROS CASTLE has less experience than many here, and hence potentially some improvement, so third place probably wasn’t a bad effort. He was staying on to the line.
TARTAN SNOW has put in some fair efforts round here and came clear of the field in the 2m 6f Amateurs’ Handicap Chase. Promising BENEFICIAL REFORM fell at the first having been made favourite, but one to note here might be PREMIER SAGAS who raced prominently before running out of stamina on the flat. A drop back in trip should help.
Nicky Henderson’s SIMONSIG easily held off Knockara Beau and Local Hero in the feature Morebattle Hurdle. He’s entered in both the Supreme Novices’ and the Neptune Hurdle at Cheltenham, the latter being jockey Barry Geraghty’s choice. One note of caution might be that he hit the last two hurdles, and needs to be sharper at the top level.
KNOCKARA BEAU ran creditably at a distance short of his best. He should acquit himself creditably in his chosen Cheltenham outing, presumably a staying handicap chase.
MARSH WARBLER was disappointing here and finished distressed.
DOC ROW won the hunters’ chase holding off SACRED MOUNTAIN on the run-in, the pair well clear of AGGIE’S LAD who may have found the going a little on the soft side.
Notebooks at the ready, now for my favourite Kelso bumper! This was a mares’ contest won in decent style by BRIJOMI QUEEN who held off a couple of winners. She’s well bred for jumping and should go forward from here. Penalised runners DOYLY CARTE and LUCEMATIC ran creditably and can get in the mix in similar company.
Harriet Graham’s MAGGIE BLUE ran soundly on her debut and looks the ‘quiet one’ to take forward from the contest. There’s plenty of decent staying jumping blood in the family, and she looks a nice one to remember for staying jumps contests in future seasons.
MUSSELBURGH – Thursday February 16th
Musselburgh closed their National Hunt season on ground which was just on the fast side of good in places.
Think Green set a strong pacer in the opening 2m 4f novices’ hurdle, but he was a spent force by the home turn. SAGA DE TERCEY took over and was well clear in the closing stages, being eased down on the flat. Jason Maguire didn’t go overboard after the race, suggesting that maybe this was just a moderate contest. He could be under-priced next time.
BLAZIN WHITE FACE will be better off in a mares’ staying contest. She weakened into third on the run-in, but could next get to grips with the winner.
Lucy Alexander set a new record for wins in a season by a woman jockey, reaching 23 and beating Lorna Vincent’s long established tally. RED TANBER was notching a fourth course win and once again jumped supremely well, pinging the last two fences and coming clear. He will be entered at Cheltenham to ‘give the owners a day out’ according to trainer Bruce Mactaggart, but back at a more realistic level he probably hasn’t stopped winning. Ayr in April would be his next target, it’s just a [pity there’s no more action at Musselburgh this season. CALL IT ON tried hard to match the winner and kept on for a clear second place.
ROYAL ENTOURAGE and CIVIL UNREST had a set to in the 2m 4f 80-105 handicap hurdle; the pair pulling well clear of Stormy morning. The second is worth noting once going chasing as he’s a robust sort, but he may pick up a hurdle if given a stiffer test.
DONTPAYTHEFERRYMAN scored a third course win of the season, galloping his rivals into submission in the feature two mile handicap hurdle. He is worth keeping an eye on should he be pulled out on the flat round here in spring or summer.
The novice SIMPLY NED was disappointing here, never having things his own and his chance was going when he rapped two out. He’s capable of better and should get stronger with time.
The hunter chase, won last year by subsequent Cheltenham Foxhunters’ winner Zemsky, was marred by the fatal fall of SIMONSBERG. The favourite was moving into contention when going straight down on his neck four out, a fall from which he didn’t rise. SILVERBURN went on to win the contest and his target is most likely to be Aintree’s Foxhunters’ Chase, though a summer campaign was mentioned by his trainer. SPELLCHECKER wasn’t disgraced in second place and should find either a hunter Chase or an Open point-to-point before long.
MAKARI was once again made favourite for a bumper but he’s proving a weak finisher. The hope is that he can see out two miles over hurdles. NEMI might be chase prospect in time, but was just pipped by another chasing prospect in point winner LEIGHINMOHR. Time might show this to be a decent contest.
ONES TO NOTE
PREMIER SAGAS – ran a decent race at a trip a little past his best; might pick up a handicap at 2m 4f.
MAGGIE BLUE – staying bred mare, showed some ability on bumper debut and worth noting for the long term.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Musselburgh - 'Cheltenham Trials Day'
MUSSELBURGH – Saturday February 11th
Going – Good to Soft
With the weather warming significantly in Scotland, the go ahead Musselburgh executive quickly investigated the possibility of re-arranging their Cheltenham Trials Meeting. The BHA were obliging and the East Lothian track were able to run the fixture with tweaks to race conditions to allow for competition from Newbury, which was called off anyway. Pity then that Channel 4 Morning line coverage seemed much more concerned with what wasn’t taking place rather than what was. There was upside though, since Derek Thompson’s Channel 4 commitments gave our ears a two hour rest from the normal ear-bashing they suffer at such gatherings!
The main contest, the Scottish County Hurdle, was downgraded a little, but was still a cracking contest, and looking at overall average Official Ratings I suspect this may have been the strongest card staged in Musselburgh 25 years of jump fixtures. Southern raider numbers were down, although one traveller from Oxfordshire took advantage of opportunities.
A sprinkling over rain over the previous couple of days eased the ground to just on the soft side, but it’s as good a jumping surface as you will get at this time of year.
1.30 John Smith’s Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Ding! Ding! Round One!. In the yellow corner, representing ‘The North’, EBANOUR from the yard of Donald McCain, and in the orange corner, representing ‘The South’, CROSS OF HONOUR from the yard of Charlie Longsdon.
The result was comfortable points victory for the Chipping Norton* yard of Longsdon, a trainer who I have a lot of time for and who’s runners always command respect. CROSS OF HONOUR travelled comfortably and forged clear from two out, winning eased down significantly. The gelding had been entered a number of times recently so his trainer was only too happy to travel to Scotland to get a run. He has an entry in the ‘Neptune Investment’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but the trainer’s favoured line is to go for a handicap. Whatever he goes for he does look potentially a 140+ animal.
EBANOUR couldn’t match the winner in the straight, the blinkers maybe not having the same effect as last time. That being said his last three runs read solidly enough and he should pick up another race at his level.
SAMSTOWN, well outpaced in a fourteen furlong bumper in January last year, made a decent impression on his hurdling debut giving encouragement for the future. He stayed on up the straight and forced Ebanour to an effort to hold on for second.
VENITZIA faded in the straight and looks likely to be better off in handicaps.
EDMUND cost £20,000 as a three-year-old and showed enough on hurdling debut to hint that he can return some of that in time. He made an effort three out but couldn’t get to the leaders. I don’t think he’s the finished article and he should strengthen with another summer behind him.
*Before anyone asks, I used to live in Oxfordshire and in Olde Northe’s Oxon Book Of Geography ‘The Midlands’ starts at Banbury, so Chippy counts as ‘The South’! Mind you, by the same token ‘The North’ starts north of Stoke/Nottingham and there’s still a darned long way to Musselburgh.
2.05 2m John Smith’s Scottish Triumph (Juvenile) Hurdle (Class 3)
This event will more likely point to the Fred Winter hurdle than the Triumph at Cheltenham, though the winning trainer is concerned his charge may not get a run to be handicapped for that. Charlie Longsdon notched a quick double as WEST BRIT led two out and ran on well for victory. The winner has had a wind operation since pulling up at Plumpton and also had a tongue strap applied. He’s entered in the Triumph but it would be a big step up from this to have an impact in that event, though he might be worth a try at the Aintree equivalent which sometimes doesn’t take as much winning.
KIE shrugged off a poor run at Kempton to perform nearer to his best here. He’ll find his level in handicaps I would imagine and is a live sort if able to get a relatively uncontested lead.
ORTHODOX LAD, making the trip from Ledbury for Ed De Giles and looking nicely fit, built on a promising Ludlow debut. He tried to get on terms three out, not quite got near enough to threaten the winner but kept on under encouragement for third place. He will find easier opportunities.
RED INCA stayed on from the rear for fourth but was never in the race.
Catterick winner CREEKSIDE looked a fair bit more substantial than the rest in the paddock. He was found wanting from the home turn and struggled into fifth place. He may have found this track a bit sharp in the company.
In my opinion LAUGHING JACK was the pick of the paddock, but he was very geed-up, pulled hard going down and in the race, and predictably faded in the straight. He was a free-going sort on the flat and this needs to be kept in check if he’s to score over hurdles.
Sadly UNCLE BRYN took a horrid fall at the last when held in fourth, struggled to get up then collapsed and had to be put down.
2.35 3m ½f John Smith’s Stayers’ (103-133) Handicap Hurdle
A cracking finish here with two necks separating the first three. The in-form course specialist EVERAARD stuck his neck out in determined fashion to hold on here, raised significantly in class from his last hurdles race. Three close here won’t have harmed his handicap mark unduly, but opportunities have now run out for this season at Musselburgh.
DEVOTION TO DUTY battled hard but was held close home. He’s capable of winning a similar race but isn’t guaranteed to reproduce the form.
Potentially the best prospect here might be MOONLIGHT DRIVE, lightly raced under Rules. He made up a heck of a lot of ground in the straight, but just lacked a little extra from the last. A fine effort though and he seems better suited by the decent ground encountered here. It’s surely only a matter of time before he wins a race.
DIZZY RIVER was not disgraced in fourth, keeping on but held form the last. ALDERLEY ROVER couldn’t get to grips with the first three from two out and doesn’t look especially well handicapped over hurdles or fences right now.
ARCTIC COURT led until three out and could only muster a steady pace afterwards. He needs a stiffer test than this course presents.
Charlie Longsdon’s OSTLAND was made favourite to provide a stable treble, but he was outpaced from two out and weakened in the closing stages.
MORE EQUITY found the company here a bit too tough and is better over fences.
3.10 2m John Smith’s Scottish Champion Chase (Handicap) for the Bowes-Lyons Cup (117-138)
A decent competitive turn out for an apparently grandly named race, though there is a significant reason for the race title. The Queen Mother’s family name was Bowes-Lyon, and the event is intended to be the Scottish equivalent of Cheltenham’s Queen Mother Champion Chase. A perpetual trophy has been donated by the Bowes-Lyon family and the aim is to attract even stronger fields in future.
A whole host of contestants jumped the last two at close quarters, but sadly for them the winner TARA ROYAL had kicked on before two out and didn’t look likely to be caught. He’s been a bit below par since showing as a promising novice last season, but given that he cracked his pelvis just before Cheltenham last year that’s no surprise. He could well go on to trouble better company.
WOODY WALLER set the pace and kept on to the line, despite jumping left markedly so up the straight. He had not exhibited this trait before and may want a left-handed track, given that his finishing position suggests he was not otherwise troubled.
DE BOITRON came back to something near his best, staying on for third. Ferdy Murphy’s stable are normally at their best in the spring, and it’s significant that the trainer appears to still have a little bit of condition to work off this one. It would be no surprise to see De Boitron step up on this.
QUITO DU TRESOR probably found the two miles around here a bit sharp in the company. His target is likely to be the Grand Annual, and the chances are he might renew rivalry with De Boitron.
KOSTA BRAVA put up a decent effort from the bottom of the weights and will find easier opportunities. He has proved best around the minimum trip and is back on his latest winning mark.
ULTIMATE was well backed but couldn’t make an impact from three out having raced prominently.
GRACCHUS found this race a bit competitive and was held from three out.
LIGHTENING ROD won at Hexham but looks on a tough mark at 134. He was outpointed in the straight.
SANTA’S SON is an odd looking creature with a long neck and short legs. It doesn’t seem to have stopped him achieving things though, and he has 8 career wins. He was well held here but is aimed at the Topham Trophy.
SAFARI ADVENTURES, often an exuberant front runner, looks down in the dumps at the moment and took precious little interest.
3.45 2m John Smith’s Scottish County Hurdle (Handicap) (118-139)
A strong renewal of this contest, quite possibly the strongest contested of any hurdle this season in Scotland, and I suspect only the Scottish Champion at Ayr might match it. Twelve of the thirteen had won this season and the other one was a winner at Cheltenham last March.
There was a furious pace from the start set by Dontpaytheferryman pressed by Ubi ace. The latter seemed best placed to take the race approaching the last, but STORMY WEATHER came through off a hold up ride and prevailed close home. Not totally disgraced in Grade 1 contests earlier this term, the winner showed he is well up to the class of decent handicap company. Assuming he gets into the race there seems no reason why he shouldn’t acquit himself well enough in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, where there should be no shortage of pace. Whatever route he takes he will be competitive in upcoming handicaps.
UBI ACE ran a cracker off top weight, looking the winner at the last only to be denied close home. He’s having a rattling good season and goes to Cheltenham with every chance of a prominent finish.
All credit to DONTPAYTHEFERRYMAN, a course specialist and stable companion of the winner. Tanking along at the head of the field in typical style, he looked held once passed but knuckled down and was coming back at the finish. He’s in fine heart and might be worth an interest should his trainer find a flat contest at Southwell, or perhaps back here for a suitable handicap in spring or summer. He’s entered in a handicap hurdle at Musselburgh this Thursday (16th) where he takes on the progressive Simply Ned.
Decent novice INGLEBY SPIRIT performed with credit in this company, coming with an effort two out but just unable to keep the momentum going. He’ll find easier tasks than this and should win again before long.
SHADOWS LENGTHEN couldn’t make a significant impression approaching the last and was held in fifth. He’s a big strong individual who should make up into a chaser before long.
Novice CRY FOR FREEDOM wasn’t disgraced in sixth on only his fourth hurdles outing. He’ll have opportunities in a lower class handicap or a novice contest under a penalty.
ZAFRANAGAR got on to the heels of the leaders three out but couldn’t make any further impression after that. He may need a little more cut in the ground to be seen at his best.
The form of the handicap hurdle on New Year’s Day was put firmly in its place here. That race was a muddling affair and the three principals, PALAWI, NINE STORIES and ALSAHIL couldn’t make a mark on this occasion. However, the latter is lightly raced and can do better.
A novice handicap chase winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year, DIVERS was bandaged in front and always struggled here. This was no sort of prep for March and I’d be wary of him at present.
4.20 2m 4f John Smith’s future Champions Novices’ Chase (Class 3)
This race has yielded some decent winners since its inception, and this renewal appears no different with Lucinda Russell’s progressive gelding BOLD SIR BRIAN taking the honours. He had a scare when having to avoid fallen Chester Lad at the twelfth, but was never in any trouble after that to see off Stopped Out who is a fair marker. Bold Sir Brian has strengthened up in recent months and now has a number of options, the Jewson at Cheltenham, or maybe going to Aintree or Ayr in April. He is potentially very decent.
STOPPED OUT is a consistent sort who keeps running into one too good over fences. He didn’t do too much wrong, if clearly outpaced from four out, and there must surely be chase for him before long.
DOUBLE EXPRESSO has had problems, bleeding when competing in a claiming hurdle at Taunton, and never competitive here. He completed in his own time, inheriting third by virtue of two rivals falling. His prospects look bleak at anything other than base level.
CHESTER LAD made this a decent test, bowling along nicely in front until getting too low at the twelfth and taking a spectacular tumble. He seemed to be alright afterwards.
BOGSIDE tried valiantly to match the front two but was making no impression when crashing to the ground four out. He needs his sights lowered a little.
4.50 John Smith’s (113-130) Handicap Hurdle
The closing contest was dominated by two progressive novices. Newmarket challenger CAPE DUTCH had enough in hand to comfortably hold off Worcestershire based COTILLION on the run-in, the pair clear of the remainder. The winner will presumably be aimed at Cheltenham, perhaps for one of the handicaps. The second might just be shunted out of this class now, but probably has ability to be competitive in a slightly higher grade.
The more exposed THE STARBOARD BOW could never match the first two but stayed on for third. This is his trip and he has now dropped to manageable mark.
HIGGY’S BOY kept from the rear for fourth, but he hasn’t won for three years and is struggling off his current mark. He’s dropped to 123 after this run, but 120 might be the magic figure class wise.
SIMONSIDE set the pace until passed before two out. He was tapped for pace from that point.
Going – Good to Soft
With the weather warming significantly in Scotland, the go ahead Musselburgh executive quickly investigated the possibility of re-arranging their Cheltenham Trials Meeting. The BHA were obliging and the East Lothian track were able to run the fixture with tweaks to race conditions to allow for competition from Newbury, which was called off anyway. Pity then that Channel 4 Morning line coverage seemed much more concerned with what wasn’t taking place rather than what was. There was upside though, since Derek Thompson’s Channel 4 commitments gave our ears a two hour rest from the normal ear-bashing they suffer at such gatherings!
The main contest, the Scottish County Hurdle, was downgraded a little, but was still a cracking contest, and looking at overall average Official Ratings I suspect this may have been the strongest card staged in Musselburgh 25 years of jump fixtures. Southern raider numbers were down, although one traveller from Oxfordshire took advantage of opportunities.
A sprinkling over rain over the previous couple of days eased the ground to just on the soft side, but it’s as good a jumping surface as you will get at this time of year.
1.30 John Smith’s Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
Ding! Ding! Round One!. In the yellow corner, representing ‘The North’, EBANOUR from the yard of Donald McCain, and in the orange corner, representing ‘The South’, CROSS OF HONOUR from the yard of Charlie Longsdon.
The result was comfortable points victory for the Chipping Norton* yard of Longsdon, a trainer who I have a lot of time for and who’s runners always command respect. CROSS OF HONOUR travelled comfortably and forged clear from two out, winning eased down significantly. The gelding had been entered a number of times recently so his trainer was only too happy to travel to Scotland to get a run. He has an entry in the ‘Neptune Investment’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, but the trainer’s favoured line is to go for a handicap. Whatever he goes for he does look potentially a 140+ animal.
EBANOUR couldn’t match the winner in the straight, the blinkers maybe not having the same effect as last time. That being said his last three runs read solidly enough and he should pick up another race at his level.
SAMSTOWN, well outpaced in a fourteen furlong bumper in January last year, made a decent impression on his hurdling debut giving encouragement for the future. He stayed on up the straight and forced Ebanour to an effort to hold on for second.
VENITZIA faded in the straight and looks likely to be better off in handicaps.
EDMUND cost £20,000 as a three-year-old and showed enough on hurdling debut to hint that he can return some of that in time. He made an effort three out but couldn’t get to the leaders. I don’t think he’s the finished article and he should strengthen with another summer behind him.
*Before anyone asks, I used to live in Oxfordshire and in Olde Northe’s Oxon Book Of Geography ‘The Midlands’ starts at Banbury, so Chippy counts as ‘The South’! Mind you, by the same token ‘The North’ starts north of Stoke/Nottingham and there’s still a darned long way to Musselburgh.
2.05 2m John Smith’s Scottish Triumph (Juvenile) Hurdle (Class 3)
This event will more likely point to the Fred Winter hurdle than the Triumph at Cheltenham, though the winning trainer is concerned his charge may not get a run to be handicapped for that. Charlie Longsdon notched a quick double as WEST BRIT led two out and ran on well for victory. The winner has had a wind operation since pulling up at Plumpton and also had a tongue strap applied. He’s entered in the Triumph but it would be a big step up from this to have an impact in that event, though he might be worth a try at the Aintree equivalent which sometimes doesn’t take as much winning.
KIE shrugged off a poor run at Kempton to perform nearer to his best here. He’ll find his level in handicaps I would imagine and is a live sort if able to get a relatively uncontested lead.
ORTHODOX LAD, making the trip from Ledbury for Ed De Giles and looking nicely fit, built on a promising Ludlow debut. He tried to get on terms three out, not quite got near enough to threaten the winner but kept on under encouragement for third place. He will find easier opportunities.
RED INCA stayed on from the rear for fourth but was never in the race.
Catterick winner CREEKSIDE looked a fair bit more substantial than the rest in the paddock. He was found wanting from the home turn and struggled into fifth place. He may have found this track a bit sharp in the company.
In my opinion LAUGHING JACK was the pick of the paddock, but he was very geed-up, pulled hard going down and in the race, and predictably faded in the straight. He was a free-going sort on the flat and this needs to be kept in check if he’s to score over hurdles.
Sadly UNCLE BRYN took a horrid fall at the last when held in fourth, struggled to get up then collapsed and had to be put down.
2.35 3m ½f John Smith’s Stayers’ (103-133) Handicap Hurdle
A cracking finish here with two necks separating the first three. The in-form course specialist EVERAARD stuck his neck out in determined fashion to hold on here, raised significantly in class from his last hurdles race. Three close here won’t have harmed his handicap mark unduly, but opportunities have now run out for this season at Musselburgh.
DEVOTION TO DUTY battled hard but was held close home. He’s capable of winning a similar race but isn’t guaranteed to reproduce the form.
Potentially the best prospect here might be MOONLIGHT DRIVE, lightly raced under Rules. He made up a heck of a lot of ground in the straight, but just lacked a little extra from the last. A fine effort though and he seems better suited by the decent ground encountered here. It’s surely only a matter of time before he wins a race.
DIZZY RIVER was not disgraced in fourth, keeping on but held form the last. ALDERLEY ROVER couldn’t get to grips with the first three from two out and doesn’t look especially well handicapped over hurdles or fences right now.
ARCTIC COURT led until three out and could only muster a steady pace afterwards. He needs a stiffer test than this course presents.
Charlie Longsdon’s OSTLAND was made favourite to provide a stable treble, but he was outpaced from two out and weakened in the closing stages.
MORE EQUITY found the company here a bit too tough and is better over fences.
3.10 2m John Smith’s Scottish Champion Chase (Handicap) for the Bowes-Lyons Cup (117-138)
A decent competitive turn out for an apparently grandly named race, though there is a significant reason for the race title. The Queen Mother’s family name was Bowes-Lyon, and the event is intended to be the Scottish equivalent of Cheltenham’s Queen Mother Champion Chase. A perpetual trophy has been donated by the Bowes-Lyon family and the aim is to attract even stronger fields in future.
A whole host of contestants jumped the last two at close quarters, but sadly for them the winner TARA ROYAL had kicked on before two out and didn’t look likely to be caught. He’s been a bit below par since showing as a promising novice last season, but given that he cracked his pelvis just before Cheltenham last year that’s no surprise. He could well go on to trouble better company.
WOODY WALLER set the pace and kept on to the line, despite jumping left markedly so up the straight. He had not exhibited this trait before and may want a left-handed track, given that his finishing position suggests he was not otherwise troubled.
DE BOITRON came back to something near his best, staying on for third. Ferdy Murphy’s stable are normally at their best in the spring, and it’s significant that the trainer appears to still have a little bit of condition to work off this one. It would be no surprise to see De Boitron step up on this.
QUITO DU TRESOR probably found the two miles around here a bit sharp in the company. His target is likely to be the Grand Annual, and the chances are he might renew rivalry with De Boitron.
KOSTA BRAVA put up a decent effort from the bottom of the weights and will find easier opportunities. He has proved best around the minimum trip and is back on his latest winning mark.
ULTIMATE was well backed but couldn’t make an impact from three out having raced prominently.
GRACCHUS found this race a bit competitive and was held from three out.
LIGHTENING ROD won at Hexham but looks on a tough mark at 134. He was outpointed in the straight.
SANTA’S SON is an odd looking creature with a long neck and short legs. It doesn’t seem to have stopped him achieving things though, and he has 8 career wins. He was well held here but is aimed at the Topham Trophy.
SAFARI ADVENTURES, often an exuberant front runner, looks down in the dumps at the moment and took precious little interest.
3.45 2m John Smith’s Scottish County Hurdle (Handicap) (118-139)
A strong renewal of this contest, quite possibly the strongest contested of any hurdle this season in Scotland, and I suspect only the Scottish Champion at Ayr might match it. Twelve of the thirteen had won this season and the other one was a winner at Cheltenham last March.
There was a furious pace from the start set by Dontpaytheferryman pressed by Ubi ace. The latter seemed best placed to take the race approaching the last, but STORMY WEATHER came through off a hold up ride and prevailed close home. Not totally disgraced in Grade 1 contests earlier this term, the winner showed he is well up to the class of decent handicap company. Assuming he gets into the race there seems no reason why he shouldn’t acquit himself well enough in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, where there should be no shortage of pace. Whatever route he takes he will be competitive in upcoming handicaps.
UBI ACE ran a cracker off top weight, looking the winner at the last only to be denied close home. He’s having a rattling good season and goes to Cheltenham with every chance of a prominent finish.
All credit to DONTPAYTHEFERRYMAN, a course specialist and stable companion of the winner. Tanking along at the head of the field in typical style, he looked held once passed but knuckled down and was coming back at the finish. He’s in fine heart and might be worth an interest should his trainer find a flat contest at Southwell, or perhaps back here for a suitable handicap in spring or summer. He’s entered in a handicap hurdle at Musselburgh this Thursday (16th) where he takes on the progressive Simply Ned.
Decent novice INGLEBY SPIRIT performed with credit in this company, coming with an effort two out but just unable to keep the momentum going. He’ll find easier tasks than this and should win again before long.
SHADOWS LENGTHEN couldn’t make a significant impression approaching the last and was held in fifth. He’s a big strong individual who should make up into a chaser before long.
Novice CRY FOR FREEDOM wasn’t disgraced in sixth on only his fourth hurdles outing. He’ll have opportunities in a lower class handicap or a novice contest under a penalty.
ZAFRANAGAR got on to the heels of the leaders three out but couldn’t make any further impression after that. He may need a little more cut in the ground to be seen at his best.
The form of the handicap hurdle on New Year’s Day was put firmly in its place here. That race was a muddling affair and the three principals, PALAWI, NINE STORIES and ALSAHIL couldn’t make a mark on this occasion. However, the latter is lightly raced and can do better.
A novice handicap chase winner at the Cheltenham Festival last year, DIVERS was bandaged in front and always struggled here. This was no sort of prep for March and I’d be wary of him at present.
4.20 2m 4f John Smith’s future Champions Novices’ Chase (Class 3)
This race has yielded some decent winners since its inception, and this renewal appears no different with Lucinda Russell’s progressive gelding BOLD SIR BRIAN taking the honours. He had a scare when having to avoid fallen Chester Lad at the twelfth, but was never in any trouble after that to see off Stopped Out who is a fair marker. Bold Sir Brian has strengthened up in recent months and now has a number of options, the Jewson at Cheltenham, or maybe going to Aintree or Ayr in April. He is potentially very decent.
STOPPED OUT is a consistent sort who keeps running into one too good over fences. He didn’t do too much wrong, if clearly outpaced from four out, and there must surely be chase for him before long.
DOUBLE EXPRESSO has had problems, bleeding when competing in a claiming hurdle at Taunton, and never competitive here. He completed in his own time, inheriting third by virtue of two rivals falling. His prospects look bleak at anything other than base level.
CHESTER LAD made this a decent test, bowling along nicely in front until getting too low at the twelfth and taking a spectacular tumble. He seemed to be alright afterwards.
BOGSIDE tried valiantly to match the front two but was making no impression when crashing to the ground four out. He needs his sights lowered a little.
4.50 John Smith’s (113-130) Handicap Hurdle
The closing contest was dominated by two progressive novices. Newmarket challenger CAPE DUTCH had enough in hand to comfortably hold off Worcestershire based COTILLION on the run-in, the pair clear of the remainder. The winner will presumably be aimed at Cheltenham, perhaps for one of the handicaps. The second might just be shunted out of this class now, but probably has ability to be competitive in a slightly higher grade.
The more exposed THE STARBOARD BOW could never match the first two but stayed on for third. This is his trip and he has now dropped to manageable mark.
HIGGY’S BOY kept from the rear for fourth, but he hasn’t won for three years and is struggling off his current mark. He’s dropped to 123 after this run, but 120 might be the magic figure class wise.
SIMONSIDE set the pace until passed before two out. He was tapped for pace from that point.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Escaping the freeze, some of the time!
Musselburgh's Trials Day meeting was frozen out last Sunday, but in typical style the executive were quick to put themselves forward to run the meeting this coming Saturday February 11th. As things stand the weather seems likely to allow the meeting to go ahead and, with Uttoxeter and Warwick both in the freezer, Musselburgh should stand prominently as one of two Saturday jump meetings. It's dreich in the east of Scotland at the moment, and that's no bad thing at this time of year if you want to avoid frost!
Four meetings have taken place in the north in the last couple of weeks, Ayr being the last to survive the freeze.
NEWCASTLE - 26th January
Lucinda Russell's stable have hit form with a vengeance, topping and tailing the meeting with wins from two progressive sorts, BRINDISI BREEZE and LUCIA BAY. The former won very comfortably in the three mile novice hurdle and might be worth a tilt at Graded races. LUCIA BAY followed up this win at Ayr, both races seeing off her own sex and is as good a female novice as there is in the North.
Nick Alexander's PAPAMOA struggled against tough opposition in Brindisi Breeze's race and would welcome a return to a handicap.
CHESTER LAD jumped boldly if tending to go right in winning the beginners' chase, with VOSGES once again finding one too good. The winner wasn't completely straightforward over the smaller obstacles but could prove useful on his day over fences. DEGAS ART ran a fair race in third without threatening to win, but is essentially exposed and can be a bit moody. Given that second, third and fourth are all rated in the 120s, it does suggest Chester Lad might be decent in this sphere.
Having been left clear when Allanard departed two out, MORGAN BE stayed on and just had enough to hold fast finishing CATEGORICAL in a competitive three mile Class 3 handicap chase. Both are well exposed, but the latter normally picks up a race at this time of the year and seems in good heart. ROLECARR ran a sound race if just lacking a little extra from two out, while EYRE SQUARE was a bit disappointing in fourth place.
ALLANARD led from five out until taking a crunching fall two out. He's been moved up 6lbs for this performance, which seems a bit harsh as plenty can happen from two out.
Nick Alexander managed to tap into previously unadvertised ability with TIPSY DARA. The 2m 4f Class 5 chase was between two in the closing stages, and the winner probably did well to see off apaprently progressive SHADOW BOXER. The winner's owners have been very patient according to the trainer, having owned Tipsy Dara since the age of three.
AYR - January 30th
The opening novices' hurdle was close fought contest between DIOCLES and a back to form JET MASTER, the pair well clear of the remainder. The winner's dam Ardrina was a fair staying chaser and here son might prove interesting once going over fences.
Sandy Thomson has acquired some fair performers of late and the Greenlaw trainer's NETMINDER scored a comfortable and deserved success when pulling clear of TALKIN SENCE in the 2m 4f novice hurdle. Not the strongest of events but the winner is going the right way, and it's nice to see his enthusiastic trainer being rewarded.
RAILWAY DILLON comfortably saw off a disapponiting YES TOM in a novice chase match. I don't think the winner is the easiest character to catch right and I'd be wary of this form.
OVERLADY returned to from with a win in the 3m 1f handicap chase. Previously and inmate of James Ewart, she now resides with Stuart Coltherd. She relishes a staying test in the mud as she had here and could notch up another win at this level given similar conditions. ROSSINI'S DANCER ran his best race for a while in second, though he was held from two out.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH couldn't build on a decent Kelso effort and faded tamely in the straight.
SOMETHING SILVER led until after teh last in a battle of the course specialists against SAMMY SPIDERMAN. The latter is now hitting form and his stamina took over as Something Silver's fuel guage flickered. The winner is 5 from 11 runs at Ayr and, though he has seen out 3m 1f in the mud here, he's probably best around 2m 4f to 2m 5f. The runner-up was nicely ridden from the front by Lucy Alexander (she rode four seconds on the card!) and may pick up a small contest.
LADY BLUESKY looked all over the winner of the two mile handicap hurdle, a class 3 event, before walking through the last and unshipping Ewan Whillans. She has been bumped up 7lbs for this, but she is in good heart and might defy the rise. Calum Whillans benefitted as NELSON DU RONCERAY was left to lead home a number of exposed performers splitting their time between hurdles and chases.
LORD WISHES galloped on relentlessly to win the five runner bumper. Difficult to judge the form in a small field, but this one is related to a number of hurdle and chase winners.
NEWCASTLE - February 1st
Not a strong card and signiifcant pointers were few and far between.
DANCING ART won the novices' handciap chase and is progressing steadily at his own level, doing enough here to comfortably hold Catterick winner BEST LEGEND. It wouldn't surprise if the winner can pick up another handicap before long.
TAP NIGHT is one amongst a host of decent novice hurdlers in Lucinda Russell's yard, and was not troubled to see off a moderate field here. Worth a try in much better company. FALCUN ran on well enough in second though having no chance with the winner, while Donald Whillans's SNAPPING TURTLE kept on determinedly from the second last and will have a chance once gaining a handicap mark.
KING OF THE WOLDS saw off WOLF SHIELD in a duel up the striahgt in the lcosing bumper. However, it was a loose horse that caught the eye in the closing stages. Squeezed for room, jinking out and unseating as the runners passed through a 'hurdle gap', David Thompson's LOGICAL APPROACH raced enthusiastically with the field and led them up the straight. He clearly doesn't mind a gallop and might just be worth an interest in a similar contest.
AYR - February 6th
We lost Musselburgh the day before, but warmer weather on the west coast allowed Ayr to stage what has been the only jump meeting in the cocuntry so far this week.
LUCIA BAY saw off Gordon Elliott's previous winner MAE'S CHOICE in the mares' novices' hurdle. I spotted the winenr looknig a bit down in the dumps on a visit to Lucinda Russell's yard last summer, but she has certainly perked up in recent months and proved she has a decent engine.
SYDNEY PAGET was a very easy winner of the 2m 4f novices' hurdle and merits a step up in class. Eyecatcher here was HIGGS BOSON, running another excellent race in second against a talented opponent and he will win a race soon if he avoids hotpots!
The staying novices' chase was a fascinating tactical contest between three decent horses. Providing part two of a three-timer fro Lucinda Russell, BLENHEIM BROOK had too much speed up the striaght for more of an out and out stayer in LIE FORRIT. The winner holds an entry in the National Hunt Chase and, assuming he stays, he has the ability to be in the mix.
LIE FORRIT has disappointed at Cheltenham and it's likely Willie Amos will look elsewhere to test his stable star.
EIGHT IS MY NUMBER tried hard to run the finish out of the other two but was a spent force two out. He's entered in the Natinoal Hunt Chase and the RSA Chase, but would be outclassed in the latter.
QUACITY beat a field of maidens, 56 runs between them without a win before this, in winning the novices' handicap chase. WHAT A DREAM stayed on for second but is nothing special. SADDLE PACK faded to fourth and is becoming frustrating.
MISTER MARKER was thereabouts all the way in the 3m 1f handicap chase and held on after leading at the last. He stays well and revels in the mud. POSH BIRD pushed the winner all the way to the line and would be suited by a step back up in trip.
Bandaged in front, Bonchester Bridge trained ABBEYBRANEY led three out but, soon passed, was held on the urn to the last. He holds a Grand National entry, which may be ambitious, but if his legs hold up, he may pick up a race where the accent is on stamina
The Kamikaze Squad were once again on course to make DICKIE HENDERHOOP favourite for a Class 5 handicap hurdle over two and a half miles. Someone must see something in him, but he clings resolutely to maidenhood and unseated at the second to put supporters out of their misery early on. SEE THE LEGEND just held ANCIENT TIMES ni a battle royal to the line. Neither are greatly gifted, but they showed the irght attitude given a chance. SYDNEY COVE stayed on late and might be worth another try over a longer trip.
BIG WATER galloped clear in the closing bumper to make it two wins from two runs. There's a mix of blood in the family, but the sire blesses progeny with stamina and the dam was a fair two mile hurdler.
ONES TO NOTE
CATEGORICAL - Just touched off at Newcastle and his wins have generally been at this time of year.
SNAPPING TURTLE - not disgraced in hurdles to date and wiorth an interest once handicapped.
LOGICAL APPROACH - jinked out and unseated on bumper debut, but raced to the front at the finish and showed some enthusiasm!
Four meetings have taken place in the north in the last couple of weeks, Ayr being the last to survive the freeze.
NEWCASTLE - 26th January
Lucinda Russell's stable have hit form with a vengeance, topping and tailing the meeting with wins from two progressive sorts, BRINDISI BREEZE and LUCIA BAY. The former won very comfortably in the three mile novice hurdle and might be worth a tilt at Graded races. LUCIA BAY followed up this win at Ayr, both races seeing off her own sex and is as good a female novice as there is in the North.
Nick Alexander's PAPAMOA struggled against tough opposition in Brindisi Breeze's race and would welcome a return to a handicap.
CHESTER LAD jumped boldly if tending to go right in winning the beginners' chase, with VOSGES once again finding one too good. The winner wasn't completely straightforward over the smaller obstacles but could prove useful on his day over fences. DEGAS ART ran a fair race in third without threatening to win, but is essentially exposed and can be a bit moody. Given that second, third and fourth are all rated in the 120s, it does suggest Chester Lad might be decent in this sphere.
Having been left clear when Allanard departed two out, MORGAN BE stayed on and just had enough to hold fast finishing CATEGORICAL in a competitive three mile Class 3 handicap chase. Both are well exposed, but the latter normally picks up a race at this time of the year and seems in good heart. ROLECARR ran a sound race if just lacking a little extra from two out, while EYRE SQUARE was a bit disappointing in fourth place.
ALLANARD led from five out until taking a crunching fall two out. He's been moved up 6lbs for this performance, which seems a bit harsh as plenty can happen from two out.
Nick Alexander managed to tap into previously unadvertised ability with TIPSY DARA. The 2m 4f Class 5 chase was between two in the closing stages, and the winner probably did well to see off apaprently progressive SHADOW BOXER. The winner's owners have been very patient according to the trainer, having owned Tipsy Dara since the age of three.
AYR - January 30th
The opening novices' hurdle was close fought contest between DIOCLES and a back to form JET MASTER, the pair well clear of the remainder. The winner's dam Ardrina was a fair staying chaser and here son might prove interesting once going over fences.
Sandy Thomson has acquired some fair performers of late and the Greenlaw trainer's NETMINDER scored a comfortable and deserved success when pulling clear of TALKIN SENCE in the 2m 4f novice hurdle. Not the strongest of events but the winner is going the right way, and it's nice to see his enthusiastic trainer being rewarded.
RAILWAY DILLON comfortably saw off a disapponiting YES TOM in a novice chase match. I don't think the winner is the easiest character to catch right and I'd be wary of this form.
OVERLADY returned to from with a win in the 3m 1f handicap chase. Previously and inmate of James Ewart, she now resides with Stuart Coltherd. She relishes a staying test in the mud as she had here and could notch up another win at this level given similar conditions. ROSSINI'S DANCER ran his best race for a while in second, though he was held from two out.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH couldn't build on a decent Kelso effort and faded tamely in the straight.
SOMETHING SILVER led until after teh last in a battle of the course specialists against SAMMY SPIDERMAN. The latter is now hitting form and his stamina took over as Something Silver's fuel guage flickered. The winner is 5 from 11 runs at Ayr and, though he has seen out 3m 1f in the mud here, he's probably best around 2m 4f to 2m 5f. The runner-up was nicely ridden from the front by Lucy Alexander (she rode four seconds on the card!) and may pick up a small contest.
LADY BLUESKY looked all over the winner of the two mile handicap hurdle, a class 3 event, before walking through the last and unshipping Ewan Whillans. She has been bumped up 7lbs for this, but she is in good heart and might defy the rise. Calum Whillans benefitted as NELSON DU RONCERAY was left to lead home a number of exposed performers splitting their time between hurdles and chases.
LORD WISHES galloped on relentlessly to win the five runner bumper. Difficult to judge the form in a small field, but this one is related to a number of hurdle and chase winners.
NEWCASTLE - February 1st
Not a strong card and signiifcant pointers were few and far between.
DANCING ART won the novices' handciap chase and is progressing steadily at his own level, doing enough here to comfortably hold Catterick winner BEST LEGEND. It wouldn't surprise if the winner can pick up another handicap before long.
TAP NIGHT is one amongst a host of decent novice hurdlers in Lucinda Russell's yard, and was not troubled to see off a moderate field here. Worth a try in much better company. FALCUN ran on well enough in second though having no chance with the winner, while Donald Whillans's SNAPPING TURTLE kept on determinedly from the second last and will have a chance once gaining a handicap mark.
KING OF THE WOLDS saw off WOLF SHIELD in a duel up the striahgt in the lcosing bumper. However, it was a loose horse that caught the eye in the closing stages. Squeezed for room, jinking out and unseating as the runners passed through a 'hurdle gap', David Thompson's LOGICAL APPROACH raced enthusiastically with the field and led them up the straight. He clearly doesn't mind a gallop and might just be worth an interest in a similar contest.
AYR - February 6th
We lost Musselburgh the day before, but warmer weather on the west coast allowed Ayr to stage what has been the only jump meeting in the cocuntry so far this week.
LUCIA BAY saw off Gordon Elliott's previous winner MAE'S CHOICE in the mares' novices' hurdle. I spotted the winenr looknig a bit down in the dumps on a visit to Lucinda Russell's yard last summer, but she has certainly perked up in recent months and proved she has a decent engine.
SYDNEY PAGET was a very easy winner of the 2m 4f novices' hurdle and merits a step up in class. Eyecatcher here was HIGGS BOSON, running another excellent race in second against a talented opponent and he will win a race soon if he avoids hotpots!
The staying novices' chase was a fascinating tactical contest between three decent horses. Providing part two of a three-timer fro Lucinda Russell, BLENHEIM BROOK had too much speed up the striaght for more of an out and out stayer in LIE FORRIT. The winner holds an entry in the National Hunt Chase and, assuming he stays, he has the ability to be in the mix.
LIE FORRIT has disappointed at Cheltenham and it's likely Willie Amos will look elsewhere to test his stable star.
EIGHT IS MY NUMBER tried hard to run the finish out of the other two but was a spent force two out. He's entered in the Natinoal Hunt Chase and the RSA Chase, but would be outclassed in the latter.
QUACITY beat a field of maidens, 56 runs between them without a win before this, in winning the novices' handicap chase. WHAT A DREAM stayed on for second but is nothing special. SADDLE PACK faded to fourth and is becoming frustrating.
MISTER MARKER was thereabouts all the way in the 3m 1f handicap chase and held on after leading at the last. He stays well and revels in the mud. POSH BIRD pushed the winner all the way to the line and would be suited by a step back up in trip.
Bandaged in front, Bonchester Bridge trained ABBEYBRANEY led three out but, soon passed, was held on the urn to the last. He holds a Grand National entry, which may be ambitious, but if his legs hold up, he may pick up a race where the accent is on stamina
The Kamikaze Squad were once again on course to make DICKIE HENDERHOOP favourite for a Class 5 handicap hurdle over two and a half miles. Someone must see something in him, but he clings resolutely to maidenhood and unseated at the second to put supporters out of their misery early on. SEE THE LEGEND just held ANCIENT TIMES ni a battle royal to the line. Neither are greatly gifted, but they showed the irght attitude given a chance. SYDNEY COVE stayed on late and might be worth another try over a longer trip.
BIG WATER galloped clear in the closing bumper to make it two wins from two runs. There's a mix of blood in the family, but the sire blesses progeny with stamina and the dam was a fair two mile hurdler.
ONES TO NOTE
CATEGORICAL - Just touched off at Newcastle and his wins have generally been at this time of year.
SNAPPING TURTLE - not disgraced in hurdles to date and wiorth an interest once handicapped.
LOGICAL APPROACH - jinked out and unseated on bumper debut, but raced to the front at the finish and showed some enthusiasm!
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