Kelso - Seldom Inn and One For Arthur on the up

KELSO – Saturday October 22^nd

Going – Good To Soft

The chase rail was moved out significantly giving a finish on the chase course no more than half a dozen horse wide. Last hurdle was 150 yards out with second last about as near to the home bend as it could be. On my pre-racing course walk I judged going descritpion pretty accurate although intermittent rain during the afternoon meant that rain had started to get into the ground by mid afternoon.

2.00 2m Ian Anderson Memorial NH Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

Pace on from the start here and the runners were soon strung out. Paul Nicholls BRIO CONTI trained was a warm favourite but there looked a bit to work on and we were none the wiser after he departed at the first.

The mare KALANITI showed plenty of promise in bumpers last term and showed plenty of determination to see off her main challengers from the last. She’s a nice mare and would be a shoo-in with a penalty in a mares’ only event.

SAMMY B isn’t the most handsome gelding but has shown some promise and saw out his race well enough for second place. This was a decent enough comeback and he can move on from here.

Unusually for Donald McCain he appeared to have left a bit of condition on MIDDLEBROW. He led until after two out and could muster only one pace on the flat. He will come on for this and, though the form isn’t top rate, can progress.

One to take out of this race long term is MEDAL OF FREEDOM. He raced prominently on hurdles debut before giving way approaching two out. The race will be of benefit and he will likely turn into a chaser in time.

LAST DATE is another chasing sort who will need time, but was not totally disgraced in fifth.

OISHIN had minor places in moderate bumpers before this. Maurice Barnes is not one to rush his charges and this one definitely needed the race and was well beaten.

PEPPAY LE PUGH was hampered at the first and despite progress at halfway never got into the race and was pulled up. He’s probably capable of better.

2.35 2m 7½f Cliffrod and Martin Frith Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

This event normally throws up some decent animals and this didn’t look a bad renewal.

SELDOM INN lost his way over fences last season and didn’t make a mark over hurdles subsequently. He looked a different animal this time round, settling better and generally jumping well though ploughing through the last when comfortably clear. He could be a bit decent if able to repeat this from, though Sandy Thomson’s campaign for him will be determined by his new mark though it appears that handicapper has down rated others rather than being too harsh on Seldom Inn.

BALLYBOKER BREEZE, a previous winner at Perth, was well held from three out.

WARRIOR’S TALE, another Perth winner, was well back in third and the handicapper has dropped him 8lbs.  He led to four out but had nothing left in the straight.

CAPTAIN REDBEARD looked fit enough but was not good enough in this company. He’s rated 114 and would be much better off in a novices’ handicap.

URBAN HYMN has had spells off the track. He looked fit, a typical Jefferson sort, raced prominently for a long way but weakened quickly from three out. He looks the business but a better run is needed to prove all is physically well.

3.10 3m 2f EDF-ER Handicap Chase (109-135)

The feature race of the afternoon and one I watched from down by the second last, the open ditch.

ONE FOR ARTHUR has promised to be a decent animal, and beat Seldom Inn in last year’s renewal of the previous event.  He travelled well and pinged the second last coming to take it up from a willing front runner. He quickly pulled clear in the  closing stages and the Becher Chase is now on the agenda, an event for which he will lack nothing in jumping ability.

SCOTSWELL can be difficult to get past on a good day and ran will real zest here. He had all bar the winner beaten off by two out but just couldn’t live with that one from two out. He’s in good heart and worth noting when able to dictate.

PENA DORADA had a tough ask in this company but performed with a degree of credit, seeing off the remainder of the pursuing group from two out. Not especially well handicapped but this was a decent effort.

KILFINICHEN BAY has been on the go through the summer. He had no real excuse here, outpaced from three out.

CYCLOP was struggling when doing well to stand up after making a complete horlicks of two out.

NO PLANNING may need more testing conditions and was outpaced from three out.

BALLYROCK didn’t look to be going well at any point and was well behind when pulled up before two out, equally off the mark PRESENTED accompanying him past the last two.

3.40 2m 7f Myles McNulty You’re Never Fifty  Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

When Nicky Richards prepares one spot on for Kelso get on!  ANOTHER BILL was the fittest here and wore down his two main rivals to win this contest. He may have a tougher task under a double penalty in future and could be forced into handicaps.

ARCTIC DESTINATION was made favourite but looked a bit short of full fitness. He led before two out until the last and saw out his race. He will come on for this outing and his winning turn looks merely delayed.

GRAN PARADISO was outpaced before two out and might have been expected to get a bit closer here.

The race didn’t hot up until the last half mile and only other contestant who is worth a note is NOMOREBLACKJACK who made the pace before giving way two out. He looks a chasing type that may well find his level given time.

4.15 2m Sir Maxwell Harper Gow (89-115) Handicap Hurdle

COOL BARANCA ran a cracker from out of the weights at Market Rasen recently and followed up in emphatic style under an excellent ride from Emma Sayer who was recording a first win at Kelso (I had to check that one as I couldn’t believe it!). Held up as is beast, Cool Barance cruised through from two out and took it up to win most comfortably. She may well follow up as long as the going doesn’t turn too testing.

Emma Sayer, who will be gifted Cool Baranca once the mare’s career has finished, has taken up a position as PE teacher in a Cumbrian secondary school. She has reverted to amateur status and is worth noting against fellow amateurs as there won’t be many better.

BIG RIVER needs further and I would imagine has a future over fences, so a staying on second here was most encouraging. A decent effort off a lay-off and he looks very well handicapped whether he stays hurdling or goes chasing.

ZARU ran most creditably after two years off and is clearly no back number.  Having led to two out he could only raise the one pace but this run suggests James Ewart can eke a race or two out of him in the coming months if he can be kept fit.

OAK VINTAGE was outclassed by traditional Dancer in a match here last time and his limitations were signalled in this company, being outpaced from two out.

LEVELLING looked plenty fit enough, but was well held on debut for Marjorie Fife. He’s young though and has the odd bit of promise in previous form.

4.50 2m 7½f  Bruce Farms Handicap Chase (76-98)

A moderate event full of well exposed stayers.

RUNSWICK DAYS has been off his game on recent runs, but going back a while has decent form at this level in the book. George Bewley would appear to have sweetened him nicely as he led two out and won quite nicely. He ran off 76 here and, given his previous marks, he would still be a likely contender when re-assessed and may be capable of scoring a co8uple of times before the handicapper catches up.

PROUD GAMBLE has been showing decent form and saw his race out for a decent second place. He doesn’t have as many miles on the clock as some and is worth a glance in similar company.

ROSQUERO is inconsistent but competitive at this level when he fancies it. He had his chance in the straight but gave way before the last.

MY IDEA disputed for a long way but was beaten in fourth when unseating at the last.

BROTHER SCOTT looked fit enough and had his chance, disputing for a fair way, but finished well beaten and is difficult to win with.

APACHE PILOT has shown his best form at stiffer tracks. He was well behind in the latter stages.

INNIS SHANNON jumped abysmally in rear, yet Jonathan Bewley managed to coax her close enough to chase the leaders on the home turn. Efforts told from that point and she was pulled up. She’s only six and if her trainer can sort her jumping she will win at this level.

MOSCOW MENACE is a headstrong sort, two handlers in the paddock, and blows himself out in his race.

5.25 2m 6½f BARK C.J. Training Series Handicap Hurdle (74-100)

Not a great event and a case could be made to oppose most here for one reason and another Tim Vaughan spotted a long range opportunity for the maiden BASSARABAD who stayed on too strongly for his opponents. Seemingly well regarded in early days he has dropped to a mark he can cope with and stayed on well enough from two out to break his duck. He copes with softer ground and may build on this.

BINOWAGH BAY was thereabouts most of the way but outpointed from the last. His form is mixed but he has a fair record when travelling over the Irish Sea.

PRESENT TREND had his chance but was outpaced going to the last. She’s lightly raced and may find a chance in a lowly event dropped back in distance.

HONEYCHILE RYDER was apparently mis-pronounced by Gareth Topham, as I reckon it should a southern US Honey Chil’ rather a ‘Honey Chilli’, but others may know better. She’s very moderate and was put in her place from two out.

KING’S CHORISTER can win at this level on his day but looks increasingly less inclined as time goes on. His last win was in March 2015 when he had our now retired slowcoach The Village back in fifth.

This trip probably stretches MOMKINZAIN’s stamina

Kelso start the autumn campaign

Back after a summer break and apologies for no update for a while. Largely involved with other matters I've been to a handful of  meetings in Scotland, with a visit to Aarau in Switzerland about which I publish a report very soon.

KELSO – Wednesday September 14^th 2016

Going  -  Good (Good To Soft in places)

The Kelso autumn programme commenced with a twilight meeting on a murky day, a contrast to the scorching conditions prevailing not that far south of the Borders. A light sprinkling of rain overnight and during the day resulted in the going that was just on the soft side. A pre-meeting walk of the course found the surface in excellent condition, even and with a lush covering of grass. Times were a bit slower than average, with possibility that the thick grass cover may have contributed to this. The moisture left my walking boots well soaked after a lap!

The track were trialling a new hurdle made of foam padding on a wooden frame, designed to mitigate against horses putting their legs through hurdles.

The day’s action commenced at 1pm with a charity team show jumping competition with involving rules jockeys, point-to-point riders and eventers. The winners were Lambden Racing representing the Sandy Thomson yard.

4.15 2m 5f Barbara MacLeod Memorial Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

A weakly contested event and the four finishers were strung out from the home turn.

The winner THELIGNY travelled from Tim Vaughan yard in South Wales. He travelled well throughout the race and moved smoothly to take up the running before the last and won easily. The race won’t have done him any harm and he should pick up a novice under a penalty.

DERINTOHER YANK set a strong pace but was out on his feet before the last, though comfortably holding a clear second. As is often the case with McCain runners, there wasn’t an obvious amount of progression to be inferred from his condition so he probably needs to race with a little more restraint. His best form to date has been on good ground.

GREXIT had the best form of those with hurdling experience but was left well behind to take a distant third.

PADS was never in the race and remote in the last six furlongs.

GENTLEMAN JAMES raced prominently early but was toiling when falling heavily at the seventh. He was down for a long time but we were thankful to see him walk back apparently none the worse.

Connections of KALAHARRY were on a fact finding mission and didn’t learn a huge amount as their charge came down after novice jump at the fifth flight. There was money at a long price but  those involved with him had no idea where it came from!

4.50 2m 5½f Connie's Celebration Handicap Chase (104-110)

A five-runner contest with largely exposed sorts won by the progressive animal in the field. One discouraging factor is that all five runners were fitted with tongue-ties.

Jackie Stephen does a fine job with her small string based at Inverurie. AMILLIONTIMES made it a hat-trick with a hard fought victory off an 11lbs higher mark. Held up, he was under the pump some way out, but that is not untypical and he made good progress from the home turn, joined issue at the last and saw his race out determinedly. It is difficult to tell how much more there is to come, but he will only be kept on the go if decent ground prevails and he struggles in the soft.

UP AND GO led and, after some alarming jumps at the first three, settled down quite nicely at a decent pace. He responded well when challenged two out but couldn’t fend off the winner’s challenge on the flat. He was rated 142 at best over hurdles and, though not near that level over fences, is at least a mark where he is competitive.

SEVEN DEVILS made a blunder or two, but was in touch approaching the last and unable to raise his game. He looks on his mark.

ROUGH JUSTICE has been largely regressive since his move from Ireland. He raced prominently and challenged between the last two, but was held from the last. He is at least offering connections some encouragement.

IS LOVE ALIVE was beaten two out and recent form is not wildly encoruaging.

 

5.25 2m 5f Bannerman Burke Taits Solicitors Handicap Hurdle (74-100)

A moderate bunch and few got into this race off a strong pace.

MOMKINZAIN has never really threatened over this sort of trip, but has dropped low in the handicap and was able to take advantage of a low weight in weak company. Sitting off the pace he picked runners off from three out and won going away. The ground presumably helped but I wouldn’t guarantee a follow up.

DANCEINTOTHELIGHT  set a strong pace and was clear most of the way, but he started to falter before the last and had no answer when the winner passed him. He wins only occasionally and is suited by a sharp track.

SON OF FEYAN was one to catch the eye in the paddock. He was never in the race seriously but stayed on late and just failed to grab second. This was his best hurdles effort to date.

DALAMAN was a drifter from a short price but on what he had done even SP of 11/4 looked very tight. He went second two out but could only plug on for a well held fourth.

It was difficult to take encouragement from the rest of the field and it’s sad to report that KILMAINHAM could not be saved following a heavy fall at the second flight.

6.00 2m 1f Jail Dornoch Supporting M.S. Handicap Chase (123-135)

THEFLYINGPORTRAIT has been progressive over recent months and made all to win under a penalty, staying on far too strongly for an exposed bunch.

I’MJOEKING hasn’t sparkled on sporadic appearances of late, having last won in summer 2014. He stayed on from the rear for second but never got near the winner.

GURKHA BRAVE had his chance if good enough, chasing the leader two out, but weakened before the last and finished tired. He was plenty fir enough off a break and there didn’t seem an obvious excuse.

ROMAN FLIGHT  has been running well of late but was comfortably held here, never getting near enough to land a blow and well beaten.

NAUTICAL TWILIGHT seemed to need the race after a break and should come on for this if well behind here. Similarly INDIAN VOYAGE is not one that would be expected first time and he will come on for the appearance, a tailed off last not his form.

6.30 2m Prinicipal and Prosper Handicap Hurdle (116-142)

Not a bad little contest on the face of it, but one turned into a procession by WISTY who led all the way and was comfortably clear from two out.  Having run three good races at Cartmel, he clearly relished this slightly stiffer track and is fine form, though he will be bumped up a long way for a 17 length win.

MARTILA was fit enough after a break and ran a sound race. Presumably her jockey thought the winner would come back to the field, and I suspect this effort might work out better than the distance beaten suggests.

LYRIC STREET chased the second home but was another 17 lengths adrift. He’s a summer sort and will presumably be put away unless the ground stays on the fast side.

RUACANA never got into the race on debut for  Tim Vaughan.

MARDALE was disappointing here, dropping away from three out having been prominent in the chasing group.

 
7.00 2m Mary Irving M S Borders Branch Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 6)

The runners dawdled for the first half of the race and the favourite in particularly did seem suited by the ‘burn up’ from the home turn.

TOKARAMORE  looks decently bred for jumping. She raced prominently and stayed on a shade better than her two main rivals. She gave the impression that the race would do her no harm so there could be a step up on this form.

THOMAS TODD was not an obvious choice, either on breeding or paddock inspection. However, having shared the pace he stuck to his guns when the tempo increased and saw his race out for a creditably second.

TEMPLE MAN looked fit enough to do himself justice, though his stable inferred that there may be better to come. He challenged in the straight but came under pressure and weaved about  on the run to the dip a furlong and a half out and losing ground, keeping on well enough to the line. The experience should help.

BARNEY’S CAULKER is a squat thick set type from a table not renowned for bumper success. He was out-speeded from two out.

NOT FAR WRONG needed the race here.

MESSI’S MAGIC was lively in the paddock. This sort of contest was unlikely to be her strong suit and she has the build to show up better over obstacles in time.

Kelso - Early May Meeting

KELSO – Wednesday May 4^th

Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)

A decent midweek card as Kelso move towards the summer break, with just Ladies Day to come in late May. To my mind the course was generally good all round with just a softer patch swinging to home. What would have had some effect was a very strong wind blowing straight into the faces of the runners once they turned for home, and I found the pre-racing slog up the straight a tough one.

2.20 2m 7½f Tweedbank Office Dayout Selling Handicap Chase (80-97)

Although he has won in soft ground it was a four runner event and GENROUS CHIEF has been struggling of late in the mud. Back on faster ground in basement company, he was up with the pace all way and outstayed his main challenger from two out. There was no bid despite the enthusiasm of the DBS auctioneer, but you would think Chris Grant will seek to keep him on the go at this level over the summer.

DR BEAUJOLAIS is lightly raced and has presumably had his problems, but is decent enough at this level on his day. Disputing with the winner for most of the way, he looked to be getting the worst of the argument when ploughing through the last, and error from which he didn’t recover but just held second. He looks best on this ground and remains competitive off his current mark of 97.

BENEFIT IN KIND kept on from two out having been outpaced but was flattered by proximity to the second.

CLENAGH CASTLE threatened on the heels of the leaders after three out but was then put in his place. He has few miles on the clock and staying appears to be his game, albeit at a pace equating to a rating of 80.

BESCOT SPRINGS is better than this at best, but his form is up and down and he never threatened.

BRAE ON was out the back most of the way and only passed a couple late on.

MOSCOW MENACE was behind form the twelfth and his recent form is poor, while TUTCHEC was well behind from three out and has been regressive in recent times.

2.50 2m 1f Canada Life Handicap Chase (115-133)

A decent event for an ‘end of season’ contest and a nicely progressive winner.

ALWAYS ON THE RUN set the pace jumping well and kicked on going to the last. The pursuers were catching him toward the line but I suspect he was doing no more than he absolutely had to in front. He won’t go up a huge amount for this so can still get into 0-140 contests and, as last season, will likely be kept going on the faster ground.

SPECIAL CATCH had his chance two out, was then outpaced before closing on the idling winner on the flat. He’s largely exposed, but capable at this level and can handle this ground or softer.

UBALTIQUE was held up in rear and passed a few from two out. Although a shade quirky he wins a shade more than his share of races. The stable representative stated that he will now being given a rest before returning for an autumn campaign.

AYE WELL had a chance two out but was one paced from that point. He has run a few decent races this season and is another that will presumably be off for a summer holiday.

KATGARY was making a first appearance for Pauline Robson and was firmly put in his place from two out. A winner over 2m 5f for Paul Nicholls, his new stable can some encouragement from this effort considering that a serious error four out did not help his cause.

INDIAN VOYAGE has had a busy campaign, running creditably on most occasions, but this may have been one race too many.

CLUES AND ARROWS needed the race on return and was behind by halfway. He has ability and should not be written off.

3.25 2m 6½f Hunter Real Estate Investments Managers Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (89-110)

Sponsors really do need to learn to get to the point quicker with their race titles!

What looked to be a moderate contest at first glance might prove to be quite decent for its level. GOLDEN INVESTMENT looks a staying chaser in the making, led all the way and stayed on well up the hill. I would assume he will go chasing next term and looks capable.

TICKANRUN has yet to win but clearly stays well and kept on to the line for second. A staying hurdle on softer ground will likely suit best.

Lightly raced KK LEXION looked very dangerous before the last but couldn’t quite see out the distance. The race may well bring him on and he should have his day in the sun before long.

BASSARABAD has looked an out-and-out stayer but was outpaced from two out here. He has seemed better with more cut.

Maiden MISTER DON made no impression.

RED STORY was equipped with a cross-noseband which is not typical of Alistair Whillans’s runners. He was comfortably put in his plae from two out.

HEILAN REBEL was disappointing and didn’t appear to benefit form a step up in trip that I imagined would suit.

4.00 3m 2f Bedmax Handicap Chase (84-114)

This was a race featuring largely exposed sort that was run at a decent pace.

SCOTSWELL is decent at this level when on song and made the running until headed two out. He rallied well and was back on top after the last. Although handling soft in the past he is probably at his best on good ground.

WHATS UP WOODY would normally make the pace but didn’t seem overly perturbed by being taken on. He came to lead two out but found the winner stronger from the last. He remains on a workable mark.

COBAJAYISLAND chased the leaders and had his chance but was outpaced going to the last.

MORE MADNESS made his effort three out but didn’t make a serious impression. He’s a plodder best suited by a stamina test but is not often a winner.

BLUE KASCADE looked fit for his return after a break but was well held from three out.

DREAM FLYER never got into the contest and nor did FOOT THE BILL, tailed off in the latter stages and walked in.

LUCEMATIC looked fire up pre-race but well beaten by four out and pulled up two out.

Veteran SOLWAY BAY had retained his zest for the game, but was lack lustre here and tailed off on the final circuit before being pulled up.

VIKING REBEL’s jockey lost his irons at the fifth and had no choice but to go around the next and pull up.

4.35 2m Principal and Prosper Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (105-119)

ASH PARK bounced back to form to add to his Carlisle win. He led two out and saw his race out well. (Since ran a creditable second in what looked a slightly weaker event at Hexham three days later)

DYNAMIC DRIVE has waited out the winter in his comfy stable awaiting the better ground. He put it to the winner two out but was just held despite seeing his race out well. This sound effort augurs well for the summer campaign.

NEVILLE WOODS has changed stables and his intermittent appearances suggest problems. He was mounted on the track which in itself suggests he’s awkward but, having been held up, he kept on well from two out for a never nearer third place and is no lost cause.

WEAPON OF CHOICE made some progress three out but was then outpaced.

THEATRICAL STYLE led three out but was headed two out and weakened.

WHERE’S TIGER returned after a break during which included a wind operation. He made the running until two out but faded quickly and it remains to be seen if this was lack of fitness or a recurring problem.

Most notable to me was that the colours of this one were ‘Primrose, rose hops, rose cap’, which a racing nut would recognise as those of the Earl Of Rosebery. Owner Lady Jane Kaplan is the daughter of the 7^th Earl of Rosebery, and it appears has acquired the colours along with her husband Michael.

5.05 2m 5½f Glendale Engineering Novices’ Hunters’ Chase (Class 5)

The open ditch two out was omitted on the final circuit having been badly damaged.

SIX A SIDE has been rattling in the wins in the pointing field, 7 from 14 this side of the Irish Sea. A look back through his record and I note he ran behind The Last Sumari on his last outing in the Irish pointing field. He made a very encouraging Rules debut here, leading two out and sprinting clear in the manner of a decent animal at this level. Emma Todd has proved her training ability with Railway Dillon and has a serious animal on her hands here.

DANEHILL WELLS stepped up on recent Rules efforts and kept on well enough to hold second place. He’s inexperienced over regulation fences and may improve on this in similar company.

NEW VIC couldn’t quite match the level of his Buccleuch Cup effort, chasing the leader from three out but unable to make an impression.

MISS BISCOTTI was outpaced from two out. She has shown glimmers of form under Rules and Gary Rutherford may be able to coax better out of her in points given time.

LITTLE FRITZ led four out going well but couldn’t offer an answer once the stakes were upped going to the omitted two out.

COOTE STREET finished last of the six to get round. His few appearances suggest a poor performer and hunter chasing him is the height of optimism.

CRAZY DIAMOND was one of the three given a strong chance in the market but was most un-cooperative. Not keen to move on the track, he was walked to the start but it became clear he wasn’t going to jump off and he was withdrawn.

The remainder were pulled up.

BEAU TRAVELLER was turned out in a bright pink rug and matching accessories! On the course he’s a Rules maiden and hardly likely to change things at 13. The main mark he left was to walk through the eighth, the open ditch, rendering it unusable on the final circuit. And walk through it he did as he hardly took off!

MR SHAHADY has been placed in weak points but quickly gave way from four out here.

SCOTSMAN raced prominently for a while but struggling from a mile out.

SIR WATTY has won a point but isn’t remotely good enough at this level.

5.35 2m Ferguson Planning and Development Standard Open National Hunt Flat (Div 1) (Class 5)

Two divisions of the bumper gives plenty to keep me happy.

Market Rasen scorer MONTY MEWS quickening nicely off a fair pace and pulling well clear in the final furlong. On looks he has every chance of turning into a jumper.

NICHOLAS T had run two fair races previously and showed plenty of determination when asked to battle for second place. He’s proved rather keen on last two outings but there should be a race in him over hurdles.

TALES OF THE TWEED was the less forward of the two Henderson representatives in the two legs. A third place was an acceptable start, seeing out his race to the line and he should build on this given the summer to strengthen a bit more.

ARCTIC DESTINATION looks all over a jumper in the making. He set a respectable pace and didn’t places lightly in the closing stages. He’s a point winner and worth bearing in mind once going over hurdles.

MAYO STAR was outpointed from three out. He’s a brother to five winners, and not a bad looker, but may just need a little time.

PIKARNIA found this tougher than the two bumpers contested last year.

WARDEN LAW looks a long term project and didn’t have speed enough here, well behind from the home turn.

TRINITY HOUSE is related to winners, the most successful being Scat Daddy a multiple winner around 9 furlongs on US dirt. The downside is that he was a cheap buy and wearing tongue strap on debut. He got well behind and was walked in but doesn’t encourage.

HERE COMES HOVIS was outpaced after a mile and trotted to the finish.

6.05 2m Ferguson Planning and Development Standard Open National Hunt Flat (Div 2) (Class 5)

THOMAS CAMPBELL’s price of 11/2 might well have been due to a seventh place on debut, but he was the more forward of the Henderson runners. He burst away from the pack over a furlong out and sprinted clear. Promising, but his brother Magna Cartor was precocious in bumpers for this stable but showed little over jumps.

UNCLE PERCY was well held by the winner but saw his race out well enough. A promising start for this four-year-old and he looks a fair prospect for Micky Hammond in time.

ACDC was taken off his feet when the pace quickened but stayed on relentlessly from two out to finish a clear third. He didn’t see a racecourse until the age of six, so is clearly a late developer, but this performance suggests that stamina will be his strong suit.

DAKLONDIKE raced prominently but was outpaced from two out. He won his Irish point in a decent time compared with races no the same card, so is worth keeping a quiet eye on for the future.

GET RHYTHM led at a reasonable pace but gave way once headed after two out. He’s an Irish point winner from a race that hasn’t worked out too badly.

POT COMMITTED couldn’t build on a third at Navan after an 80 day break.

TIGER MOUNTAIN was left behind from six out.

GLINGERSIDE was a 48,000 Euro purchase but showed nothing of note here despite looking far enough forward.

BORDER VICTOR looks like a chaser and will need a fair bit of time if he’s to do anything, but he was well tailed off here.

Fife point-to-point at Balcormo

BALCORMO MAINS – Saturday April 23^rd

Going – Good

A disappointing turn out runner wise at Balcormo for the Fife hunt point-to-point where ground judged on the quick side by some, despite watering, saw only 23 contest six races. I understand two horses travelled from Wales but were pulled out as trainer considered the ground too quick. Spectator wise it seemed busier than last year, but some seemed to pack up and go home early. My wife wasn’t impressed to note two and three runners in the first two races, but things did get a little better.

Weather was mainly dry, though a brisk north wind did bring in the odd wintry flurry.

2.00 Turcan Connel Fife Foxhounds Hunts Members, Subscribers and Farmers Race

Fife isn’t over-endowed with active point-to-point trainers at this time, so this event isn’t likely to yield too many runners unless the Alexanders turned up mob-handed. In the event the latter’s entries were selective and they gave this one a miss. However, the two that turned up were at least quite evenly matched.

Connor Wood, who looks a decent pilot in the making, set a sensible pace on the Russell’s BADGER FOOT and gradually wound the pace up in the final mile. Despite the best efforts from Gemma Cochrane her charge MILANO MAGIC was held from two out.

2.30 Subaru Restricted

A weak contest and not likely to produce a prominent contestant for the Stratford final.

Rodd Wilson set the pace on PHARAWAYDANTE and pulled clear from three out to win by 25 lengths. The grey stepped up on some lousy recent form and seemed happy being able to dictate the pace.

AFTERCLASS was held up, outpaced from three out and only kept on to pass a weakening opponent late on. He won an Overton Maiden last year, but his form is patchy and he has bled in the recent past.

FLYING CENTRAL won a 2m 4f Maiden at Hexham last year. On this evidence he struggles to see out three miles and he had called enough by the second last.

3.00 Lundin Homes Ladies’ Open

The field sizes were incrementing by the race and four turned up for the Ladies’ contest.

SHRIVARRY’s recent form reads well with wins at Overton and Dalston as well as a second to fair performer at Corbridge. Brought steadily into the contest down the far side for the last time by Aimee Waugh, he challenged two out, led at the last and forged clear on the run-in.

WHISPERDALE has run some fair races this season without getting his head in front. He disputed early and went on at the sixth, only being headed at the last and not having the resources to respond.

RAIFTIERI won races back in 2013 and 14 but has been generally toiling since. He was outpaced when the first two upped the tempo, but passed a toiling rival in the latter stages to gain a place.

THE SHRIMP was a winner of two handicap chases in 2014 when rated 81, but has shown precious little recently and hasn’t beaten another this year. He was before two out here and probably needs softer ground anyway.

3.30 Pentland Land Rover Mens Open

Nose bleed time as five pitched up for the fourth race, but it was not a strong Open race.

ALLTHEKINGSHORSES has some decent staying form to his credit and the surface here was just up his street. Veteran pilot Jamie Alexander was able to kick on from the fourteenth and his mount was always producing sufficient to hold his rivals.

FOR A FINISH was rated lowest of these but was well ridden by Phil Moore. Creeping gradually into the race on the final circuit his mount chased the winner from two out but was held by a better opponent. For A Finish was rated 127 when winning 6 races in Ireland up to 2012, but he’s nowhere near that level now and this was a best effort for some time.

OLDRIK is a non-stayer, so the quick surface will have helped. Given his problems with the distance he did well to hold a chance two out but is a weak finisher in these events.

HAVE ONE FOR ME set the pace early, but was struggling by three out and well held from that point. He won twice in 2014 but looks on the downgrade these days.

SUPREME REGIME has some form to his name, but was struggling from three out here and well beaten. He’s up against it in Opens.

4.00 Bruce Farms NPPA Members’

Jamie Alexander notched up a double as he rode ROYAL CHATELIER to win this event. Under a text book hold up ride, the winner came to challenge before the last and was ridden to hold the pace setter from the last. A decent enough effort from one that goes well in softer ground and is competitive in Opens.

Jamie’s nephew Kit set the pace on MR SHAHADY who saw out his race after being passed at the last. He’s inconsistent but runs the odd decent race.

PYJAMA GAME runs some fair races but is not prolific winner these days. He shared the pace for much of the way but gave way from before two out though still only beaten 5 lengths. For a Will Ramsay view of this race atop Pyjama Game, including his opinion on the going at around 1:56,  check out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ztsxh_e0k

SILENT SNOW didn’t jump with any fluency and his chance had gone by three out. He hasn’t sparkled in two efforts this term.

4.30 Rathbones Open Maiden

This race fell apart down the far side on the final circuit with three departing.

ELUSIVE CLASSIC was entitled to have every chance on the best of his Irish point form. He unseated on UK debut at Corbridge, but made up for that. Left disputing with a sole opponent at the sixteenth he forged clear from two out. What he actually achieved here is debatable as the second is a poor performer.

BURNETT’S JOINT is a non-stayer who is a frequent non-finisher. He did at remain competitive in a weak race but was held from two out and it probably isn’t worth getting carried away with a 2 in his form line.

Bruce Lynn reported that LOCKIESEDGE tried to run out at the sixteenth and unseated. This one was off the track for a long time before this season, hints at ability but clearly has quirks.

TIME FOR VINO hasn’t shown much but was still in contention when unseating midway round the final circuit.

DAPPER LADY has shown little ability, jumping poorly here and was well detached when unseating at the fifteenth.

A First Visit to Wetherby

A trip south to visit various relatives in the south of England should have included a trip to Newbury racecourse. However, a wet spell put the meeting in jeopardy, with a Thursday downpour administering the coup de grace. As it was we sat out a rainy Friday afternoon with my mum who lives a few miles from Newbury.

We headed north to Wetherby to take in their Sunday jumps meeting. I've been past the place any amount of times, but this was a first ever visit to the track.

WETHERBY – Sunday April 17^th

Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

We had another scare before this meeting went ahead as the course had to survive an early morning inspection. The go ahead was given, although three fences and one hurdle were omitted per circuit in order to avoid the soggiest parts of the track. The fields were reduced in size as 21 of the 54 declared runners were no shows, though the small fields still provided some decent racing.

For the record a cancellation at Stratford meant that all races were re-timed to start 5 minutes later.

2.05 2m National Festival Circus Is Here Today Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (95-112)

CACTUS VALLEY built on a decent effort at Kelso when a blunder at the last cost him his chance. On this occasion he tracked the leader, but was driven from two out and looked to struggling. After the last Tom Cheesman aimed him between the first two and he took off in the last 100 yards to win going away. He seemed to relish running between horses suggesting running in big fields might help. (He has subsequently run creditably in a better event at Perth)

CELTIC AGENT, a tall keen going sort, was produced fit enough after a long lay-off. Challenging tow out he led at the last but was run out of close home. This was a decent effort on handicap debut and he should find a similar event.

POLARBROOK made the pace and stuck to his task well against two challengers, just giving way on the run-in. This was a good effort dropped back in distance. He’s not a prolific winner, only 2 from 33, but looked honest enough here.

BOLDBOB has not progressed from a Cartmel win last August and was beaten from three out.

SUPER COLLIDER didn’t look comfortable and was the first beaten.

2.20 Mascot Gold Cup (Handicap over 1 furlongs with 6 jumps)

53 entries for the mascot race. It’s easy enough to spot the likely contenders in the parade as they are ones sporting training shoes!

ONGO BEAR (representing Ongo Homes) came with a run to take it up approaching the last only to fall and left the at the mercy of SILENTNIGHT HIPPO (representing Rooms Furniture of Keighley).

2.40 1m 7f racinguk.com Handicap Chase (92-115)

These events are listed as ‘about two miles’ but lack of decent tape measure at Wetherby before ‘Wetherby Distance-gate’ means they now race at a shade over fifteen furlongs.

Only three turned up but this was a decent contest, all three in with a chance passing the omitted two out.

I’ve seen TRUST THOMAS a few times of late and he looked as well as I have seen him here.  He jumped better than the second and a fine leap at the last clinched the race. He handles this testing ground well enough.

ROXYFET did not jump well and that cost him the race, a clumsy jump at the last conceding the contest. He’s been raised in the weights and will need to sharpen his fencing if he is to add to his tally of wins.

FREE WORLD bowled along in front jumping impressively. He still held a chance on the run to the last but was outpaced. He kept on to challenge for second and his mid-Wales based trainer must hold out some hope that she can find a race for this veteran.

3.10 2m 3½f D M Keith Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)

I’ve often said that these contests don’t take an awful lot of winning in the north. However, we were treated to a cracking battle between the two serious contenders.

TWO SMOKIN BARRELS is an attractive jumping sort who will likely go on to make a mark over fences. She had to battle hard but after a prolonged head-to-head she got on top in the last 50 yards. Promising behind a long odds-on chance at Chepstow on Rules debut, she’s a point winner and will have no trouble staying further than this.

ANGEL FACE lost nothing in defeat on her debut for South Wales trainer Paul Morgan. She’s not a big mare, but clearly has a heart as she made the winner pull out the stops. Morgan should place her to win a similar contest.

BYGONES FOR COINS is a headstrong flat maiden who has yet to encourage over hurdles. She led until being quickly left behind from the top bend and was left to come home in her own time. It’s difficult to see much prospect of success for this one.

3.45 3m wetherbyracing.co.uk Handicap Chase (115-130)

Not a bad contest for the main race on the card and won by a progressive young chaser.

The mare STREETS OF PROMISE has made steady progress in recent times and followed up her Newcastle victory with an impressive all the way win. She pulled clear from two out and this seven-year-old mare looks to have prospects of making a mark in a higher grade next term.

BARAFUNDLE put in a number of slow jumps and couldn’t match the winner, though given how much ground he gave away at the obstacles this was a reasonable effort. He’s a twelve-year-old now though and will struggle win again without a significant improvement in his jumping.

SWING HARD briefly threatened after four out but never got to the first two. He kept on at one pace and is probably better on a stiffer track.

BEFOREALL was in rear for much of the way and not travelling. He kept on past tired rivals for a never nearer fourth place.

OSCAR O’SCAR was disappointing here, but he’s gone up in the weights and this could have been one race too many for now. Although a winner over similar trip at Kelso he may just be better at a shorter trip.

RUSSBOROUGH was not seriously competitive in the final mile. He was pulled up and dismounted as Liam Treadwell felt he had gone lame, but the vet found nothing wrong during a post-race examination.

TOP OF THE RANGE ran no sort of race and was pulled up on stable debut after a near two year lay-off.

4.20 2m Bulloughs Cleaning Services Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

This looked a shoo-in for the long odds-on favourite Flashjack. However Simon West’s OVERTHEEDGE improved on previous Rules efforts and won quite nicely. I get the impression that his trainer has a fair impression of this one, with staying chases being the ultimate aim, but evidence here is that he has some speed. Leading two out he saw his race out well and the pair were well clear, so even allowing for a below form second, this is at least respectable form.

FALCON’S REIGN has won over nine furlongs on the flat, but doesn’t look an obvious sort for two mile hurdles in testing ground. Having chased the leaders he weakened in the straight.

CAPTAIN MOWBRAY is a headstrong type who was held up in rear and picked off a couple in the straight.

The other two competitors were FIRST OF NEVER is a 66-rated hurdler who had no chance here and DESERT NOVA is a fourteen-year-old maiden.

4.50 2m 5½f Sunday Car Boot Fair Every Week Handicap Chase (92-112)

A weakly contested chase won by the only contestant who ran up to form.

THE DRINKYMEISTER can be hard work, but sticks to his task and ground out a victory from the front. He has dropped significantly in the weights and could win again given his own way in front.

PAY THE KING wasn’t totally disgraced, but he invariably drops a clanger or two over the fences and wasn’t fluent here. Unless his fencing improves he would need to find a very soft contest.

CROWN AND GLORY was up in trip and reported as unsuited by the going.

BONNET’S VINO jumped significantly right most of the way and was beaten with three quarters of a mile to travel.

                              

5.20 2m Royal Pigeon Racing Association Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 5)

This looked an interesting contest at first glance. In the end it cut up a bit, but the first two look reasonable mares and the third might do better in time.

Point winner CHAMPAGNE TO GO came clear nicely from a previous winner and looks one capable of taking on better company.

Catterick winner KELKA was comfortably held once passed two out. However, she’s out of a 4-times winning staying mare in Scarvagh Diamond and will be interesting once going jumping over a longer distance.

BANJO GIRL was outpaced in the straight. She’s a half-sister to 3 winners and should produce better given time.

PALM VALLEY was beaten a long way, has shown nothing in points and prospects are not good on this evidence.

REINE DES CHAMPS caught my eye as a strongly built jumping type. However, she started to labour down the far side, was pulled up and had suffered a fatal injury.

Kelso - Premier Race Day Rescued!

Kelso – Sunday March 13^th

Going – Soft

Uncharacteristic get up and go by the BHA resulted in Kelso being able to re-schedule their principal meeting of the season. We were treated to a fine performance by last year’s National winner and a decent contest for the Kelso Premier Hurdle.

The ground was quite testing and a course walk revealed rather tired winter ground just crying out for some spring growth. The hurdles course was generally pretty chewed up, but the chase course had some stretches of better ground, though the jockeys didn’t appear to make an effort to search it out.

The hurdles run-in was set at 140 yards, as short as I remember it since the finishing straight was re-arranged.

1.50 2m Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Not a strong contest to pen the card and Oliver Sherwood picked up a bonus with his main runner’s box companion. THE FRESH PRINCE looks all over a chaser but saw off moderate opposition in nice style. He’s a point winner and will presumably go chasing sooner rather than later.

GREXIT, not having made an impact in Irish points, made a promising Rules debut here. Having got on to the tails of the leaders going to two out he saw out his race without seriously threatening the winner.

BERKSHIRE DOWNS brought fair form from mares’ company, but was put in her place well before the last having led much of the way. She has done well enough of late and connections are keen to have a go on faster ground.

ANGE DES MALBERAUX was well held from the home bend and has looked moderate to date. DUBAI CELEBRITY couldn’t back up moderate promise from debut.

COACHIE BEAR was on a ‘what have we got?’ discovery mission and connections were not downhearted by a sixth place finish. He was very novicey over his hurdles and looks just a galloper long term rather than a two miler.

2.20 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (106-125)

Lightly raced sort SUPERIOR COMMAND led two out and stayed on well enough from the last to break his maiden under Rules. His jumping wasn’t perfect on chasing debut so there should be improvement in him.

Point winner LOWANBEHOLD looked to have a tough task on chase debut after a lay-off. However, he acquitted himself very well, racing close out and sticking on to the line.

GOLD OPERA, making a quick return to the races after winning two days before, probably found this trip a little on the sharp side. He did make a pretty good fist of winning for the sponsoring family though, leading to four out and then battling back after being outpaced going to two out. His jumping has sharpened since his last run here.

MORNING ROYALTY took up the running four out and kept on after being headed two out. He wasn’t beaten far in fourth place.

QUICK BREW looked just held when blundering and unseating at the last.

2.55 2m 7½f totepoolliveinfo.com Premier Chase (Listed)

This was a strong a renewal of the race as I can remember, very much a justification of Listed status.

MANY CLOUDS made a second trip to Kelso having had a fruitless trip the week before. He jumped really well here, took up the running four out and comfortably came clear from two out. He looks in rude health and must have a decent chance of following up at Aintree. The encouraging point is that there still appeared to be a little to work on fitness wise.

UNIONISTE never got near to the winner but stayed on under pressure from two out to take second place. He stays well but to my mind doesn’t convince with his jumping enough to make a National contender.

CARRIGDHOUN ran a blinder to third. Having raced up with the pace he looked to be struggling four out, but stuck on gamely from two out and just held third place. Future prospects depend on what the handicapper makes of this, but connections can be proud of their grey gelding’s effort.

SAUSALITO SUNRISE, weighted to go close on the ratings, tried to match the winner but was struggling by the last and run out of a couple places up the final slope. This looked significantly below recent efforts.

CLOUDY TOO could make no impression from three out and probably found this soft gorund not quite testing enough.

GOLD FUTURES was always towards the rear along with MAGGIO who was reported as unsited by the ground.

3.30 2m 2f totescoop6 Premier Kelso (Novices’) Hurdle (Grade 2)

A strong renewal of this contest with six hurdles winners and none that could be completely ruled out.

LE PREZIEN is a genuine Grade 2 performer having gone close at Haydock. Going well turning for home, he stayed on under driving to hold a persistent second. I would imagine that there will be an Aintree target for him.

THE DUTCHMAN looks a very interesting prospect for Sandy Thomson, running a cracking race on his third hurdles outing. Having disputed the lead or led to after two out, he looked held once headed but battled back well on the run-in. He has been given time and that looks to be paying dividends.

LAKE VIEW LAD set the pace but was put in his place from the home turn.

OVERTOWN EXPRESS couldn’t match the principals from two out and needs sights lowered a little.

VIEUX LILLE made a hash of the seventh flight and couldn’t get back into contention afterwards. She’s better than this run suggests.

4.05 2m ½f Premier Traffic Management Handicap Chase (Hamilton Memorial Trophy) (83-109)

Three non-runners meant the field cut up to five but it gave a chance for VOYAGE A NEW YORK to show a class edge. Tongue-tied for the first time, and returning after a bout of colic, he came clear from two out for a comfortable win. This should boost his confidence.

SUZY’S MUSIC briefly looked a threat going to two out but couldn’t match the winner. A fair enough follow up to her chasing debut win.

Blinkered for the first time, OSCAR LATEEN led to two out and then weakened. He was a clear third on the run-in and a big slap from Steven Fox’s whip seemed totally out of order.

OIL BURNER struggled from four out and isn’t threatening a win despite racing off lower than his last winning mark.

PROUD GAMBLE didn’t impress with his jumping and weakened quickly down the far side. He was reported as having a breathing problem.

4.40 2m 6½f Rocky Lion’s Pride of Hazelrigg Handicap Hurdle (90-110)

MARLEE MASSIE has progressed throughout the season. Ridden confidently by Kit Alexander he took it up going to the last and saw out his race well. His rider has a nice way of getting his horses moving forward and comprehensive outrode the amateur aboard the second.

SEE DOUBLE YOU was turned out for the third day in a row and made it three places from those three runs. He looked well enough, despite some concern from the grandstand sages. He held every chance going to the last, but his trainer/rider starting flapping, his mount hit the last and on the short run-in he was held.

It didn’t inspire confidence when Ronana McNally suggested “ We should go around (the paddock) again as I don’t where I’m going!” There was a shade of concern when he was at the front of the bunch at the start!

HUNTERS BELT looked hard work in rear early on, but progressed on the final circuit to challenge two out. As is customary he found something too good but he wasn’t disgraced.

CRUACHAN was well backed but, on his toes in the paddock and not an easy ride, he was held from two out. There is ability there but it’s hard work.

LORD USHER is another tough ride and was never nearer than fifth place.

KILQUIGGAN looked plenty fit enough, is suited by a staying test but generally disappointing.

BOP ALONG needs better ground and connections are searching out a longer race with a contest at Carlisle over Easter a target. Nevertheless seventh here was below expectations.

I’m told SMUGGLER’S STASH was a struggle to saddle and is another less than straight forward character, being well beaten here.

SEE THE LEGEND is more of a summer type and was well beaten off a long break.

There, a whole report in March with no mention of the C place!