KELSO – Saturday February 28th 2009
Going – Soft (Good to Soft in places)
Kelso’s most prestigious meeting of the year with £12000+ to the winner for three of the races on the card. Fields for the main contests were small, perhaps a reflection of the proximity to Cheltenham. However, I rather get the feeling that one of two of the competitors here might be aimed at Aintree.
2.00 2m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase
CANTGETON stole this race by getting clear from the home turn. There was precious little left on the flat but he just kept going long enough. Having been rated 120 at one point he slipped to a rating of 107 here, and stepped up on a promising fifth at Carlisle. His form on soft ground this winter has been nothing to shout about, but basically he needs better ground and the Kelso turf had just dried sufficiently. He shouldn’t be raised too much for this and is one to consider as the conditions dry out.
FRITH had been unlucky twice in a row before this. Having been caught a bit flat footed from three out he stayed on again on the run-in and would have won in a few more strides. He has moved up through the ratings over the winter, and he wouldn’t want to be a huge amount higher than this 93, but he can still produce decent efforts.
OPEN DE L’ISLE looked in trouble three out, but picked up again on the run-in. He runs as if a longer distance is required, but I’m not totally convinced by that and his efforts over 2m 4f have been disappointing. I suspect he might just be suited by round about the minimum trip and an uphill finish where the leaders come back to him.
CASH MAN had a chance approaching the last but weakened on the flat.
JUSTWHATEVERULIKE might be better at the top of the weights in a lower class. He gave his best but was held on the run-in.
BOB’S DREAM was tried in a tongue-tie here, but it didn’t result in a significant improvement. He made mistakes mid-race and was a spent force by three out.
2.30 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
LIVVY INN was slightly unusual in that Lucinda Russell acquired him as a two-year-old. Though not recording a win on the flat, he did show a glimmer of ability. He sprinted clear of a previous winner from the last here. Fortysecond Street looks no better than ordinary and rest look distinctly moderate, so what Livvy Inn achieved here is debatable though he could do no more than he did.
FORTYSECOND STREET looked the likely winner from two out, but couldn’t cope once the winner went past. A longer trip will suit him better as he won over 2m 4f at Musselburgh, and he would seem likely to end up contesting middling handicaps.
ALDERLEY ROVER stayed on for third. A longer trip should suit, though his current handicap rating of 120 looks a bit high if he moves to that sphere.
FISHING INSTRUCTOR once again showed a glimmer of promise and may make the grade in time.
BALLINDERRY PARK was made favourite, but fell away very quickly from before the last.
3.05 2m 1f Class 2 Novices’ Chase
CAMDEN GEORGE made the pace in this one and stretched his field from the home turn, holding enough in hand to get away on the run-in. On the ratings he was entitled to have every chance here. He had previously run consistently without getting his head in front. He’s probably better over a longer distance so there may be a bit more to come.
CROMWELL COURT pretty much ran to his form returning after breaking a blood vessel at Ayr on his previous outing. He was tapped for speed from the last.
SOUBRIQUET was just hanging on from about four out and predictably couldn’t stick with the first two from the home turn. Judged on his hurdling mark he probably performed as well as could be expected here and should find easier races.
WILLIAM BONNEY never looked that happy to me and was left behind in the straight. He was second of four at Towcester, but to my mind has still to prove himself over fences.
DEGAS ART hit the seventh and decanted his pilot. His fencing form is unimpressive.
3.35 2m 6 ½ f Class 2 Chase
One of the better class chases that Kelso stages, but the disappointing turn out of 4 surely has much to do with its proximity to Cheltenham.
CLOUDY LANE was apparently using this as a Grand National prep, though I can’t see that this race and its likely small field were going to be a real help. In the event the horse totally misjudged the first and fell. There’s always the chance that such a horse might ‘take his eye off the ball’ in such a small field. I wouldn’t take a huge amount of notice of this effort.
MORE LIKELY must surely have had a problem. She wasn’t able to get in front and doesn’t particularly like sitting in behind, but even allowing for that she gave in tamely and was pulled up after a circuit. She’s better than that.
MONEY TRIX showed much promise on his seasonal debut, and showed a clean pair of heels to the pacemaker Natiain after the last. He was awkward at a few fences and needs to sharpen up, but he’s a class act who should progress again.
NATIAIN is being forced into these events by the restrictions of many hunter chases. He did at least pick up decent prize money here, though was left for dead once headed. I understand he is eligible for the hunter chase here in late March and that would surely be his target.
4.10 2m 2f Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle
Kelso’s highest grade race of the season.
KNOCKARA BEAU took advantage of a scrap between Wendel and Alfie Flits. Those two burnt each other out and the George Charlton trained gelding zoomed away on the flat. He’s coming on in leaps and bounds and, though entered at Cheltenham, his trainer seems to think Aintree is his best option. Evidence to date suggests that’s the right choice.
WENDEL was left in the lead three but then hit two out. The winner took over at the last and Wendel had no answer. He had the strongest form on offer, and on balance this was slightly disappointing.
ALFIE FLIT, winner of a decent novice event at Haydock but below form at Kempton, had every chance and seemed to be going well rounding the final bend, but struggled from the last. It could be that around about the minimum trip is best for him and a fifth race in Class 1 company may just have been one too many for now.
MR WOODS led early but was put in his place from three out and isn’t as good as the first three here.
TEENAGE IDOL was another who was held in this class, though it was disappointing that he was struggling a long way out. He couldn’t handle the step up from run of the mill novice races.
DOSLESSTHANME appeared to be going well enough to stay involved when hitting the third last and coming down.
4.45 2m 6 ½ f Hunters’ Chase
As is often the case in these events there was a range of ability and jumping amongst the contestants.
THE REVEREND was ridden patiently behind the long time leader. He took over approaching the last at which point the result wasn’t in doubt. This was his second chase win, so he’ll be eligible for these events for a while and looks capable of winning another similar event.
SMART CAVALIER was given a gem of a ride in front by Jamie Alexander. He was given a breather with 6 fences to go and it wasn’t until approaching the last that his stamina gave out. Even if the ground were better this trip stretches his stamina. He goes well on faster ground than this and if a two and a half mile event can be found it would be ideal.
NOCATEE plugged round for third, but was never anywhere near the leaders.
DOUBLE GEM plodded round to finish a very remote fourth and last.
MISTER MAGNUM won off a mark of 78 here in November ’07, but this was a tough ask and he pulled up.
REFLECTED GLORY was going well enough in third, and certainly not out of it, when unseating at the thirteenth. He had some fair form in similar company last season.
BEN NELLY unseated and his record is poor.
BILINGUAL showed promise first time out, leading Holy Joe when unseating at Friars Haugh, but he ran a lack lustre race here and was sadly killed when falling four out.
THEATRE RIGHTS is a dreadful performer and closest he has ever got under rules was beaten 65 lengths in a bumper.
HARTBURN was progressing when falling at the fourteenth. She has an impressive pointing record but has coped with fences under rules to date.
5.20 2m 6 ½ f 0-110 Handicap Hurdle
This was a race heavy on numbers, but not one where many got into the argument. After his horror fall at Carlisle it was heartening to see LAGO appear here and though he struggled in the race it’s good to know that he is healthy.
Description’s form had tailed off after early promise over hurdles. However he had swapped to Sue Smith’s stable, a trainer who has done a great job rejuvenating horses and getting them ready after a break. Recapturing his form Description was dropped in off 85 and left the remainder behind on the run-in.
LILY TARA performed well on her first run since May, chasing the leader from two out but having no answer on the flat. She should come on for this and is one to put in the notebook. It would be no surprise to see her aimed at the Perth Festival.
KENTUCKY BOY was one paced from two out. He might be worth a glance if aimed at Wetherby, a track where he has been close up a couple of times over hurdles. Extended trips should suit since he’s won over two miles on the flat.
CASSIUS stayed on into fourth, but stay on is all he does. A real slog in the mud or an uphill finish suit best.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Friday, 27 February 2009
Catterick - February 24th
Going – Good
The races were re-timed following an accident in the first race involving Jacqueline Coward. She was knocked unconscious and needed to be airlifted to hospital. Latest word was that, although still a bit woozy, that she was on the mend.
A couple of chases on the card.
3.10 (off 3.40) 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase
Plenty of pace setters in here and they set off hell for leather.
EBORARRY sets the pace when he can but had to follow the brisk lick set by Falcon’s Tribute. It may well have suited Eborarry, as his rivals dropped away over the last three and he kept on well to win. He’s not a prolific winner and needs a race run to suit, but places quite often and is at least some sort of measure at this level. I consider him for ‘shape of race purposes’ but oppose for betting purposes.
WHATCANYASAY progressed to hold every chance three out but was held in the latter stages. He’s running consistently right now, and it might be worth bearing in mind that he is a four time winner at Sedgefield.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY has dropped a bit now it has dawned on the handicapper that he’s not as good as some of his placed novice form. He kept on at the end and might be interesting upped in trip now that he seems to have found his level.
MAJORCA possibly needed the run after a break, running on from two out without threatening the leaders. His current mark would seem about right and he looks ‘win in his turn’ material.
MISS PROSS threatened to get involved three out then faded. She is 9lbs higher than her winning mark over fences, and not yet getting much relief.
SUPER BABY was below the level of his recent form and was reported as having lost a shoe. His stable is going well and it might be possible to forgive him this effort.
STORMY BEECH raced prominently but faded from four out. He is capable of winning at this level, but one thing you can guarantee is that you don’t know what you are going to get. At best he needs to dictate the race.
ROYAL GLEN was always in the rear. Might be worth a try around Carlisle as his best recent form has been at the track.
I’M YOUR MAN had a good spell in the late summer and autumn when there was less competition, but isn’t producing too much in these events at the moment.
STAGECOACH AMBER is unpredictable, if able on his day, but had an excuse here since he was another to lose a shoe during the race.
FALCON’S TRIBUTE went very fast in the lead to three out and then weakened rapidly to last place. His best placings have been on good to firm ground.
BESTOFTHEBROWNIES never showed an interest.
4.10 (off 4.30) 3m 1½f Beginners’ Chase
CHIEF DAN GEORGE has been brought along steadily by his trainer, and came clear of a moderate field here. It would seem he is nowhere near his hurdles form over fences and his current mark of 131 would make it tough moving to handicaps.
GREAT APPROACH ran near to his form in second place, but it’s frustrating that he manages to avoid being involved close home.
PASS THE CLASS made mistakes here, but ran a decent race to place. He will presumably revert to handicaps, and is favoured by fast ground.
ESME RIDES A GAINE led to four out then dropped away. This was better than previous efforts under rules, and does at least promise a little for low class handicaps.
ANGLICISME has won a couple of selling hurdles recently, but a race like this seems a different matter. There is no immediate promise of a chasing win and a current chase rating of 112 looks harsh.
TREEHOUSE has looked slow since moving up from pointing.
MASTER BUILDER was perhaps feeling the pinch when coming down at the fourteenth.
OH PICKLES couldn’t keep up and pulled up.
TULLY HILL has proved inordinately slow since moving from Ireland. Connections would appear to wasting their time racing him.
The races were re-timed following an accident in the first race involving Jacqueline Coward. She was knocked unconscious and needed to be airlifted to hospital. Latest word was that, although still a bit woozy, that she was on the mend.
A couple of chases on the card.
3.10 (off 3.40) 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase
Plenty of pace setters in here and they set off hell for leather.
EBORARRY sets the pace when he can but had to follow the brisk lick set by Falcon’s Tribute. It may well have suited Eborarry, as his rivals dropped away over the last three and he kept on well to win. He’s not a prolific winner and needs a race run to suit, but places quite often and is at least some sort of measure at this level. I consider him for ‘shape of race purposes’ but oppose for betting purposes.
WHATCANYASAY progressed to hold every chance three out but was held in the latter stages. He’s running consistently right now, and it might be worth bearing in mind that he is a four time winner at Sedgefield.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY has dropped a bit now it has dawned on the handicapper that he’s not as good as some of his placed novice form. He kept on at the end and might be interesting upped in trip now that he seems to have found his level.
MAJORCA possibly needed the run after a break, running on from two out without threatening the leaders. His current mark would seem about right and he looks ‘win in his turn’ material.
MISS PROSS threatened to get involved three out then faded. She is 9lbs higher than her winning mark over fences, and not yet getting much relief.
SUPER BABY was below the level of his recent form and was reported as having lost a shoe. His stable is going well and it might be possible to forgive him this effort.
STORMY BEECH raced prominently but faded from four out. He is capable of winning at this level, but one thing you can guarantee is that you don’t know what you are going to get. At best he needs to dictate the race.
ROYAL GLEN was always in the rear. Might be worth a try around Carlisle as his best recent form has been at the track.
I’M YOUR MAN had a good spell in the late summer and autumn when there was less competition, but isn’t producing too much in these events at the moment.
STAGECOACH AMBER is unpredictable, if able on his day, but had an excuse here since he was another to lose a shoe during the race.
FALCON’S TRIBUTE went very fast in the lead to three out and then weakened rapidly to last place. His best placings have been on good to firm ground.
BESTOFTHEBROWNIES never showed an interest.
4.10 (off 4.30) 3m 1½f Beginners’ Chase
CHIEF DAN GEORGE has been brought along steadily by his trainer, and came clear of a moderate field here. It would seem he is nowhere near his hurdles form over fences and his current mark of 131 would make it tough moving to handicaps.
GREAT APPROACH ran near to his form in second place, but it’s frustrating that he manages to avoid being involved close home.
PASS THE CLASS made mistakes here, but ran a decent race to place. He will presumably revert to handicaps, and is favoured by fast ground.
ESME RIDES A GAINE led to four out then dropped away. This was better than previous efforts under rules, and does at least promise a little for low class handicaps.
ANGLICISME has won a couple of selling hurdles recently, but a race like this seems a different matter. There is no immediate promise of a chasing win and a current chase rating of 112 looks harsh.
TREEHOUSE has looked slow since moving up from pointing.
MASTER BUILDER was perhaps feeling the pinch when coming down at the fourteenth.
OH PICKLES couldn’t keep up and pulled up.
TULLY HILL has proved inordinately slow since moving from Ireland. Connections would appear to wasting their time racing him.
Eider Chase Meeting at Newcastle
NEWCASTLE – Saturday 21st February 2009
Going – Heavy
The Eider Chase is one of my favourite races of the season, though it has lost a bit of prestige in recent years. Comply Or Die did the race no harm last year, using it as a stepping stone to Grand National success.
1.50 2m 4f 0-135 Handicap Chase
DALDINI was generally campaigned on better ground than this last year, but seems to thrive in the testing conditions, notching up a fourth jumps win on soft or heavy. After a slow start to the season things have gradually improved and this was a second win on the trot. He led all the way, jumping accurately, and showed plenty of determination in the latter stages.
JACK THE BLASTER is lightly raced but making up for lost time and performed admirably on his seasonal debut and in only his fourth chase. He looked to be going easily two out but didn’t have enough left to see his effort through. He’s won on heavy and on good to firm, so ground conditions all come alike. I’d expect a win from him in the near future.
SILVER BY NATURE coped well with decent class handicappers here and should improve on a decent third here when stepped up in trip.
CROZAN was well held up the straight and is struggling presently.
CRACKADEE lost touch by the seventh but continued to finish a remote fifth. He won in a similar class last season, but is way off his game this term.
CORLANDE is probably too high in the weights and was struggling a long way out.
SILVER SEDGE hit the first and dislodged Paddy Aspell.
EDMO YEWKAY was getting the worst of the argument when coming down very heavily four out. He got up OK, but the fall may leave its mark.
PASAGAI, inexperienced but with some fair form on record, dropped away from five out and was very disappointing.
3.30 4m 1f 0-136 Handicap Chase
This race is programmed as a 0-150, but the top rated was only 136.
MERIGO looked likely to be second when five lengths down at the last, but he had reserves where the leader and none and stayed on to land the spoils. He stays and stays and his target is now the Scottish National, a race his owner would love to win. I would imagine he might turn into a Grand National contender in 2010.
MORGAN BE looked the winner at the last, but the tank registered empty and he couldn’t find anything to fend off the challenger. He is another aimed at Ayr for the Scottish Grand National, and it’s worth noting that his course record there is 211111, so given slightly less testing conditions a reverse of form would not surprise.
RIMSKY was never up with the leaders, plugging on late for a remote third.
STAGECOACH DIAMOND is a maiden over fences and was a never dangerous fourth here.
HARMONY BRIG made some progress over a mile out but the effort was short lived.
JASS was shunted up 13lbs for his Doncaster win, and it may have been a combination of that and the testing conditions which found him out here. He weakened from five out.
Leading Northern Hunter chaser NATIAIN has been forced into these events by a change in conditions of some hunter chases. He’s been found out in the very top hunter company, and found this beyond him. He led in his customary style until six out but then weakened quickly. I understand the conditions of the Kelso hunter chase at the end of March allow him to run, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him aimed there.
MINSTER SHADOW was weakening when running out two out. He was still in contention to four out and this was an improvement on his seasonal debut. Don’t write this one off yet.
CHABRIMAL MINSTER was appearing for the first time since Uttoxeter in June and was never going well enough here. He was outpaced a mile out and pulled up before four out.
FAIR QUESTION was going well when taking a heavy fall at the twelfth. He got up and made a nuisance of himself to some of the field, so presumably was none the worse.
IWILLREMEMBERYOU unseated at the eleventh before the race had begun in earnest.
PASS ME BY led six out but weakened from three out and came down at the last. He has performed creditably over the Cheltenham cross-country course so might be aimed there for the Festival.
TOY GUN had no chance at the weights and pulled up with a circuit to go. I think this sort of event could be his forte, but he needs dropping in class.
4.35 3m Class 2 Novices’ Chase
SKIPPERS BRIG made heavy weather of justifying favouritism here, but he does keep staying on and that was too much for his opponents. He’s run six times on heavy going and won the lot, and you can’t crib at a record like that. Word from Len Lungo is that Cheltenham probably won’t suit him, and the going is unlikely to be soft enough. It might be a question of looking at the race programme when the rain is about.
DREAM GARDEN was headed at the last and kept on. This was a promising effort from a gelding with time on his side.
STAGECOACH OPAL is 18lbs lower rated than the winner, so did well to be in contention to the last. He jumps rather exaggeratedly, giving his fences plenty of height. The hope is that the handicapper won’t punish him for finishing close behind superior opponents.
BELON GALE clipped the top of the eighth fence and came down.
Going – Heavy
The Eider Chase is one of my favourite races of the season, though it has lost a bit of prestige in recent years. Comply Or Die did the race no harm last year, using it as a stepping stone to Grand National success.
1.50 2m 4f 0-135 Handicap Chase
DALDINI was generally campaigned on better ground than this last year, but seems to thrive in the testing conditions, notching up a fourth jumps win on soft or heavy. After a slow start to the season things have gradually improved and this was a second win on the trot. He led all the way, jumping accurately, and showed plenty of determination in the latter stages.
JACK THE BLASTER is lightly raced but making up for lost time and performed admirably on his seasonal debut and in only his fourth chase. He looked to be going easily two out but didn’t have enough left to see his effort through. He’s won on heavy and on good to firm, so ground conditions all come alike. I’d expect a win from him in the near future.
SILVER BY NATURE coped well with decent class handicappers here and should improve on a decent third here when stepped up in trip.
CROZAN was well held up the straight and is struggling presently.
CRACKADEE lost touch by the seventh but continued to finish a remote fifth. He won in a similar class last season, but is way off his game this term.
CORLANDE is probably too high in the weights and was struggling a long way out.
SILVER SEDGE hit the first and dislodged Paddy Aspell.
EDMO YEWKAY was getting the worst of the argument when coming down very heavily four out. He got up OK, but the fall may leave its mark.
PASAGAI, inexperienced but with some fair form on record, dropped away from five out and was very disappointing.
3.30 4m 1f 0-136 Handicap Chase
This race is programmed as a 0-150, but the top rated was only 136.
MERIGO looked likely to be second when five lengths down at the last, but he had reserves where the leader and none and stayed on to land the spoils. He stays and stays and his target is now the Scottish National, a race his owner would love to win. I would imagine he might turn into a Grand National contender in 2010.
MORGAN BE looked the winner at the last, but the tank registered empty and he couldn’t find anything to fend off the challenger. He is another aimed at Ayr for the Scottish Grand National, and it’s worth noting that his course record there is 211111, so given slightly less testing conditions a reverse of form would not surprise.
RIMSKY was never up with the leaders, plugging on late for a remote third.
STAGECOACH DIAMOND is a maiden over fences and was a never dangerous fourth here.
HARMONY BRIG made some progress over a mile out but the effort was short lived.
JASS was shunted up 13lbs for his Doncaster win, and it may have been a combination of that and the testing conditions which found him out here. He weakened from five out.
Leading Northern Hunter chaser NATIAIN has been forced into these events by a change in conditions of some hunter chases. He’s been found out in the very top hunter company, and found this beyond him. He led in his customary style until six out but then weakened quickly. I understand the conditions of the Kelso hunter chase at the end of March allow him to run, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him aimed there.
MINSTER SHADOW was weakening when running out two out. He was still in contention to four out and this was an improvement on his seasonal debut. Don’t write this one off yet.
CHABRIMAL MINSTER was appearing for the first time since Uttoxeter in June and was never going well enough here. He was outpaced a mile out and pulled up before four out.
FAIR QUESTION was going well when taking a heavy fall at the twelfth. He got up and made a nuisance of himself to some of the field, so presumably was none the worse.
IWILLREMEMBERYOU unseated at the eleventh before the race had begun in earnest.
PASS ME BY led six out but weakened from three out and came down at the last. He has performed creditably over the Cheltenham cross-country course so might be aimed there for the Festival.
TOY GUN had no chance at the weights and pulled up with a circuit to go. I think this sort of event could be his forte, but he needs dropping in class.
4.35 3m Class 2 Novices’ Chase
SKIPPERS BRIG made heavy weather of justifying favouritism here, but he does keep staying on and that was too much for his opponents. He’s run six times on heavy going and won the lot, and you can’t crib at a record like that. Word from Len Lungo is that Cheltenham probably won’t suit him, and the going is unlikely to be soft enough. It might be a question of looking at the race programme when the rain is about.
DREAM GARDEN was headed at the last and kept on. This was a promising effort from a gelding with time on his side.
STAGECOACH OPAL is 18lbs lower rated than the winner, so did well to be in contention to the last. He jumps rather exaggeratedly, giving his fences plenty of height. The hope is that the handicapper won’t punish him for finishing close behind superior opponents.
BELON GALE clipped the top of the eighth fence and came down.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Ayr and an additional Musselburgh
AYR – 20th February
Going – Soft (Heavy in places)
The second last fence in the back straight was missed out once again.
2.10 2m 4f 0-90 C.J. Handicap Hurdle
A very ordinary event won very comfortably by ZAFFARELLA. She won this cruising clear over the last two hurdles but will be punished by the handicapper. Her best chance of a follow up is likely to be coming out quickly with a penalty.
PAY ON stayed on late for second but one win in 28 goes doesn’t inspire. He was followed by long-standing maiden BABY SISTER who put the race in context.
One to take out of this contest may be PENDLE FOREST. She has looked totally miserable bumbling round at the back in novice chases, but looked much happier here bowling along in front. Unfortunately she hit the seventh and here rider lost the irons, having to pull up. There is just a chance she could pop up at a fancy price in a similar event. Pendle Forest has since run third in a selling handicap at Catterick and this has probably blown any chance of a decent enough price in a similar event.
2.40 2m 4f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle
Very few got into this and there was a lot of dead wood.
SCOLBOA MUSIC MAN moved up to lead before three out. He was under pressure from a fair way but kept on well enough.
DANCING DIK stepped up on previous hurdles efforts, closing quickly after the last but just held. He seems to be getting the hang of hurdling, seemed to appreciate the step up in trip, and can win a similar contest.
SIRKEEL was held up at the back and in retrospect seemed too far out of his ground. He chased the leader in the straight but couldn’t get to grips. He should win at this level given a slightly more enterprising ride.
STORMIN EXIT is a game sort and is steadily progressing. Racing prominently, he led before three out and though headed stuck on well. One more race will get him a handicap mark and I think that will be the most likely field for this one to record a win. His attitude will stand him in good stead at a lowly level.
3.10 2m 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase
STORM SURGE was very impressive here, jumping boldly in the lead and coming clear once turned for home. He’ll go up a fair bit for this, but he’s an improving young chaser and might well be capable of handling a higher grade.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS ran a decent enough race but couldn’t hold the winner in the straight. He normally finds at least one too good.
CARRIETAU ran to his established level, staying on for third. He’s run consistently without threatening to win and needs lowering in the handicap.
MORE LIKE IT was left behind from five out. He won twice before the turn of the year, but the second race was a soft event and he’s probably a few pounds too high.
HICKORY LANE faded from 5 out and his form is moderate.
DUKE OF MALFI departed early.
FRITH has been unlucky twice now, and he was pulled up early on after his rider lost his irons. He’s on a mark he be competitive off, and is better than recent form figures suggest.
3.45 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
This was a one horse race as the big and impressive looking QUWETWO saw off vastly inferior opponents comfortably. It was difficult to draw too many conclusions from this race, but he may now go to Cheltenham.
MAXWELLTON BRAES impressed with his attitude as he chased the winner determinedly from three out. He wasn’t remotely good enough to hold such an opponent, but he has shown enough to suggest a small race might come his way, and this third hurdle means he is now eligible for handicaps.
DALLAS BELL and PRINCE TAM ran respectably in third and fourth, but will need to show more to threaten a win.
4.15 3m 1f 0-110 Handicap Chase
The second last was missed out, presumably due to damage caused first time round.
Not a brilliant event for the class.
ALMIRE DU LIA made it three out of three in this event in the last three years. He was presented with the race when the runner-up made a complete hash of the last, but did at least show some resolution. He seems a different horse round here to anywhere else, but consistency isn’t a strong suit.
PANAMA AT ONCE looked to have come to win his race at the last, but gave it a whack, did well to stay up and couldn’t get back up. This was a third decent effort in a row, and he seems to be thriving for being kept on the go.
INNOMINATE was left behind from three out. His jumping isn’t good enough yet.
TRISONS STAR is well held and is regressing.
SOMETHING SILVER has yet to prove he stays this distance and never got competitive anyway.
INCAS was coming off a long lay-off and blundered away his rider at the ninth. It remains to be seen if he retains his ability.
NELLIEDONETHAT was raised in class here and fell away disappointingly from the twelfth. The way he quickly capitulated suggests a problem.
BENBEOCH led but jumped moderately. He gave way in the straight and came down at the last.
CHAMACCO never showed and pulled up with a mile left.
4.50 2m NH Flat
The stable of James Ewart have been going really well recently, and introduced a decent looking newcomer in TURBO ISLAND. He still has some growing to do, and word is that he won’t be hurried, but this performance showed much promise. He came clear from two out under gentle encouragement.
BIG BOOTS set the standard here having been a clear winner of a similar event here last year. He came back well after a break and forged well clear of the remainder. He looks an interesting prospect once going over hurdles.
TURTLE SPIRIT, by Turtle Island, would have had conditions to suit but was left behind down the straight. ERRINGTON improved on the home bend but could offer no more from there.
5.20 3m 1f Hunters’ Chase
After the loss of the opening Musselburgh and Kelso events, the Scottish Hunter Chase season finally started with a small but select field. A change to the conditions of some Hunter Chases this season sees them restricted to winners of no more than three chases. This would presumably be to keep out those older horses coming out of handicapping, but the effect is to lessen opportunities for some of the regulars on the hunter circuit.
The race turned on the fall of ALWAYS RIGHT four out. The pace was just picking up and he had led jumping well but misjudged the fence and came down. The suggestion was that he has made the transition from novice hunter company. He brought down established performer ROBBERS GLEN who was going well at the time. This was an improvement on his seasonal debut in a point.
BROOKLYN BREEZE ran a fair third on his seasonal debut at Bangor and stepped up on that here, getting on top from two out. He seems to have retained his ability as a 12 year old, and only last year he was second in a competitive 0-140 at Perth.
SLEEPING NIGHT ran well enough but was held from two out. He still retains some ability but isn’t as good as he was and will need an easier event to score.
TYNEDALE didn’t jump all that well early on, and on the basis did well to be beaten just over nine lengths, particularly as he is rated 19lbs worse than the winner. If he can repeat this form he may pick up a minor hunter chase.
TIME TO REFLECT didn’t look good enough in this company and was well held from five out.
MUSSELBURGH – Friday 20th February
Going – Started out as GOOD, but with steady rain had become GOOD TO SOFT (SOFT in places) by the fourth race.
This was an additional meeting following the loss of a couple of earlier meetings to frost.
2.00 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
RED MOLONEY sluiced home here, having won twice over course and distance previously. He is now aimed at the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham, but with only form from Musselburgh over hurdles it’s difficult to gauge how good he is.
HOUSTON DYNIMO has yet to win, but hasn’t done much wrong in three races, and chased the winner home. He must surely pick up a run of the mill event, though he needs to settle a bit better than he has done to date.
GEOJIMALI sees out the trip well for a sprint bred performer. Given decent ground, a sharp track, the minimum trip and less accomplished opposition he looks to be capable of picking up a race. One of the lesser events at Perth in the spring could be a target.
RAINCOAT was once rated 109 on the flat having finished second in the Dante Stakes. He was making his jumping debut here and put in a satisfactory performance. He made progress to three out but had no more to give from the next.
PAKINEO DES PICTONS pulled up. (March 9 - David Parry who runs the DPRP informed me that the gelding broke a leg and sadly had to be put down. A blow to a group who are good supporters of racing in Scotland.)
2.35 2m 4f Class 3 Novices’ Chase
ROLE ON recorded a confidence boosting win here. He jumped well, led three out and stayed on, taking advantage of the runner-up’s jumping going to pieces late on. The longer trip here clearly suits.
STRIKING ARTICLE looked very promising when cruising home at Hexham in October, but in retrospect he probably didn’t beat an awful lot that day and he hasn’t progressed since. He was in the firing line from the start here, but he jumped markedly left down the straight and threw his chance away. It could be said that he needs a left-handed track, but he looked like one trying to get himself right at the fences by running down them, and that doesn’t augur well for a step up to handicap company as he’s rated 132. One to oppose until he proves he can get his jumping together.
REEL CHARMER was staying on at the end. He was a 130-rated three mile winner over hurdles, so a step up in trip would help.
WATCH MY BACK ran a decent race in fourth getting a bit closer than official figures might have suggested.
HERNANDO’S BOY was out of sorts and beaten a long way.
3.10 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
The first two here had both shown decent course form previously.
Already a winner over a longer trip at Kelso, GRAND THEATRE put his staying power to good use in the latter stages to come clear between the last two hurdles.
DIVERS couldn’t hold the winner and seemed to run a bit below his mark, judged by the ratings of the third and fourth.
EMPTY SKY kept on for third. He’s yet to win over hurdles and gives the impression a step up in trip might help.
STARBOUGG looked in trouble at the ninth, but stayed on again up the straight and is another who stays rather than having serious pace.
NIGHT FORCE led to three out but had been headed and was under serious shoving when coming down two out.
3.45 3m 0-135 Handicap Chase
No particular strength in depth in this race and I’d be a bit wary of this form carried forward at the same level.
BRAVE REBELLION picked up on the leaders on the final bend, took over two out and battled well enough to hold on close home. Allowing for a ‘refused when knackered’ in heavy at Doncaster in December, and a pulled up in competitive company at Ascot he’s pretty consistent, but will likely be a few pounds higher than ideal when the weights are adjusted for this run.
TOP DRESSING seemed to see out the trip well enough on a first go at three miles. He is another as high as he would want to be in the handicap.
NOIR ET VERT was getting into the race when hampered four out and failed to muster an extra effort from two out. A quick change of pace is not his forte and he would need farther to show his best.
SOUTH BRONX was prominent early but held from five out. In these conditions the trip would have stretched his stamina, and anyway consistency wouldn’t rank as a strong point.
KALMO BAY was held up as usual, couldn’t get into the race and needs to be dropped in class. His best efforts have been conceding weight to inferiors, and softened ground here would not have been ideal. He’s still worth noting in the right circumstances.
MR PREACHER MAN was struggling before two miles were up and soon pulled up.
HAS SCORED, as with many runners from the stable, was totally outclassed and lost touch five out before pulling up.
OUR JASPER had been near the head of affairs all the way, and led four out, but came down. He last won off 116 and despite a losing run of 8 has gone up to 125 …go figure!
4.20 2m 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
As with many similar events this was strong on numbers but weak on solid form.
ORMUS led three out and held off a previous winner. He probably gave his best to produce this win and wouldn’t want to be shunted up far.
STROBE ran to his form in pushing the winner to the line. Given that this was short of his ideal distance there may still be a little in the locker over a longer trip.
FARNE ISLAND was in a class where he had a chance and he stayed on for third. This is his level and there’s a chance there’s a bit more to come over hurdles. A mark of 90 gives scope for a drop in class.
BEAU LARGESSE in fourth did quite well coming from off the pace and may benefit from further.
4.55 2m NH Flat
SAVEIRO boasted the best form against a distinctly ordinary bunch and saw them off with the minimum of fuss. Unless aimed at Cheltenham or Aintree, where he would need to find extra, I assume he will now go hurdling.
WAVE POWER was a winner at Leopardstown in December, but looked ordinary here being held in the last three furlongs.
MOSCOW MISCHIEF has enough about him to suggest he will advance when going jumping, but had only one pace up the straight.
Going – Soft (Heavy in places)
The second last fence in the back straight was missed out once again.
2.10 2m 4f 0-90 C.J. Handicap Hurdle
A very ordinary event won very comfortably by ZAFFARELLA. She won this cruising clear over the last two hurdles but will be punished by the handicapper. Her best chance of a follow up is likely to be coming out quickly with a penalty.
PAY ON stayed on late for second but one win in 28 goes doesn’t inspire. He was followed by long-standing maiden BABY SISTER who put the race in context.
One to take out of this contest may be PENDLE FOREST. She has looked totally miserable bumbling round at the back in novice chases, but looked much happier here bowling along in front. Unfortunately she hit the seventh and here rider lost the irons, having to pull up. There is just a chance she could pop up at a fancy price in a similar event. Pendle Forest has since run third in a selling handicap at Catterick and this has probably blown any chance of a decent enough price in a similar event.
2.40 2m 4f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle
Very few got into this and there was a lot of dead wood.
SCOLBOA MUSIC MAN moved up to lead before three out. He was under pressure from a fair way but kept on well enough.
DANCING DIK stepped up on previous hurdles efforts, closing quickly after the last but just held. He seems to be getting the hang of hurdling, seemed to appreciate the step up in trip, and can win a similar contest.
SIRKEEL was held up at the back and in retrospect seemed too far out of his ground. He chased the leader in the straight but couldn’t get to grips. He should win at this level given a slightly more enterprising ride.
STORMIN EXIT is a game sort and is steadily progressing. Racing prominently, he led before three out and though headed stuck on well. One more race will get him a handicap mark and I think that will be the most likely field for this one to record a win. His attitude will stand him in good stead at a lowly level.
3.10 2m 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase
STORM SURGE was very impressive here, jumping boldly in the lead and coming clear once turned for home. He’ll go up a fair bit for this, but he’s an improving young chaser and might well be capable of handling a higher grade.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS ran a decent enough race but couldn’t hold the winner in the straight. He normally finds at least one too good.
CARRIETAU ran to his established level, staying on for third. He’s run consistently without threatening to win and needs lowering in the handicap.
MORE LIKE IT was left behind from five out. He won twice before the turn of the year, but the second race was a soft event and he’s probably a few pounds too high.
HICKORY LANE faded from 5 out and his form is moderate.
DUKE OF MALFI departed early.
FRITH has been unlucky twice now, and he was pulled up early on after his rider lost his irons. He’s on a mark he be competitive off, and is better than recent form figures suggest.
3.45 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
This was a one horse race as the big and impressive looking QUWETWO saw off vastly inferior opponents comfortably. It was difficult to draw too many conclusions from this race, but he may now go to Cheltenham.
MAXWELLTON BRAES impressed with his attitude as he chased the winner determinedly from three out. He wasn’t remotely good enough to hold such an opponent, but he has shown enough to suggest a small race might come his way, and this third hurdle means he is now eligible for handicaps.
DALLAS BELL and PRINCE TAM ran respectably in third and fourth, but will need to show more to threaten a win.
4.15 3m 1f 0-110 Handicap Chase
The second last was missed out, presumably due to damage caused first time round.
Not a brilliant event for the class.
ALMIRE DU LIA made it three out of three in this event in the last three years. He was presented with the race when the runner-up made a complete hash of the last, but did at least show some resolution. He seems a different horse round here to anywhere else, but consistency isn’t a strong suit.
PANAMA AT ONCE looked to have come to win his race at the last, but gave it a whack, did well to stay up and couldn’t get back up. This was a third decent effort in a row, and he seems to be thriving for being kept on the go.
INNOMINATE was left behind from three out. His jumping isn’t good enough yet.
TRISONS STAR is well held and is regressing.
SOMETHING SILVER has yet to prove he stays this distance and never got competitive anyway.
INCAS was coming off a long lay-off and blundered away his rider at the ninth. It remains to be seen if he retains his ability.
NELLIEDONETHAT was raised in class here and fell away disappointingly from the twelfth. The way he quickly capitulated suggests a problem.
BENBEOCH led but jumped moderately. He gave way in the straight and came down at the last.
CHAMACCO never showed and pulled up with a mile left.
4.50 2m NH Flat
The stable of James Ewart have been going really well recently, and introduced a decent looking newcomer in TURBO ISLAND. He still has some growing to do, and word is that he won’t be hurried, but this performance showed much promise. He came clear from two out under gentle encouragement.
BIG BOOTS set the standard here having been a clear winner of a similar event here last year. He came back well after a break and forged well clear of the remainder. He looks an interesting prospect once going over hurdles.
TURTLE SPIRIT, by Turtle Island, would have had conditions to suit but was left behind down the straight. ERRINGTON improved on the home bend but could offer no more from there.
5.20 3m 1f Hunters’ Chase
After the loss of the opening Musselburgh and Kelso events, the Scottish Hunter Chase season finally started with a small but select field. A change to the conditions of some Hunter Chases this season sees them restricted to winners of no more than three chases. This would presumably be to keep out those older horses coming out of handicapping, but the effect is to lessen opportunities for some of the regulars on the hunter circuit.
The race turned on the fall of ALWAYS RIGHT four out. The pace was just picking up and he had led jumping well but misjudged the fence and came down. The suggestion was that he has made the transition from novice hunter company. He brought down established performer ROBBERS GLEN who was going well at the time. This was an improvement on his seasonal debut in a point.
BROOKLYN BREEZE ran a fair third on his seasonal debut at Bangor and stepped up on that here, getting on top from two out. He seems to have retained his ability as a 12 year old, and only last year he was second in a competitive 0-140 at Perth.
SLEEPING NIGHT ran well enough but was held from two out. He still retains some ability but isn’t as good as he was and will need an easier event to score.
TYNEDALE didn’t jump all that well early on, and on the basis did well to be beaten just over nine lengths, particularly as he is rated 19lbs worse than the winner. If he can repeat this form he may pick up a minor hunter chase.
TIME TO REFLECT didn’t look good enough in this company and was well held from five out.
MUSSELBURGH – Friday 20th February
Going – Started out as GOOD, but with steady rain had become GOOD TO SOFT (SOFT in places) by the fourth race.
This was an additional meeting following the loss of a couple of earlier meetings to frost.
2.00 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
RED MOLONEY sluiced home here, having won twice over course and distance previously. He is now aimed at the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham, but with only form from Musselburgh over hurdles it’s difficult to gauge how good he is.
HOUSTON DYNIMO has yet to win, but hasn’t done much wrong in three races, and chased the winner home. He must surely pick up a run of the mill event, though he needs to settle a bit better than he has done to date.
GEOJIMALI sees out the trip well for a sprint bred performer. Given decent ground, a sharp track, the minimum trip and less accomplished opposition he looks to be capable of picking up a race. One of the lesser events at Perth in the spring could be a target.
RAINCOAT was once rated 109 on the flat having finished second in the Dante Stakes. He was making his jumping debut here and put in a satisfactory performance. He made progress to three out but had no more to give from the next.
PAKINEO DES PICTONS pulled up. (March 9 - David Parry who runs the DPRP informed me that the gelding broke a leg and sadly had to be put down. A blow to a group who are good supporters of racing in Scotland.)
2.35 2m 4f Class 3 Novices’ Chase
ROLE ON recorded a confidence boosting win here. He jumped well, led three out and stayed on, taking advantage of the runner-up’s jumping going to pieces late on. The longer trip here clearly suits.
STRIKING ARTICLE looked very promising when cruising home at Hexham in October, but in retrospect he probably didn’t beat an awful lot that day and he hasn’t progressed since. He was in the firing line from the start here, but he jumped markedly left down the straight and threw his chance away. It could be said that he needs a left-handed track, but he looked like one trying to get himself right at the fences by running down them, and that doesn’t augur well for a step up to handicap company as he’s rated 132. One to oppose until he proves he can get his jumping together.
REEL CHARMER was staying on at the end. He was a 130-rated three mile winner over hurdles, so a step up in trip would help.
WATCH MY BACK ran a decent race in fourth getting a bit closer than official figures might have suggested.
HERNANDO’S BOY was out of sorts and beaten a long way.
3.10 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
The first two here had both shown decent course form previously.
Already a winner over a longer trip at Kelso, GRAND THEATRE put his staying power to good use in the latter stages to come clear between the last two hurdles.
DIVERS couldn’t hold the winner and seemed to run a bit below his mark, judged by the ratings of the third and fourth.
EMPTY SKY kept on for third. He’s yet to win over hurdles and gives the impression a step up in trip might help.
STARBOUGG looked in trouble at the ninth, but stayed on again up the straight and is another who stays rather than having serious pace.
NIGHT FORCE led to three out but had been headed and was under serious shoving when coming down two out.
3.45 3m 0-135 Handicap Chase
No particular strength in depth in this race and I’d be a bit wary of this form carried forward at the same level.
BRAVE REBELLION picked up on the leaders on the final bend, took over two out and battled well enough to hold on close home. Allowing for a ‘refused when knackered’ in heavy at Doncaster in December, and a pulled up in competitive company at Ascot he’s pretty consistent, but will likely be a few pounds higher than ideal when the weights are adjusted for this run.
TOP DRESSING seemed to see out the trip well enough on a first go at three miles. He is another as high as he would want to be in the handicap.
NOIR ET VERT was getting into the race when hampered four out and failed to muster an extra effort from two out. A quick change of pace is not his forte and he would need farther to show his best.
SOUTH BRONX was prominent early but held from five out. In these conditions the trip would have stretched his stamina, and anyway consistency wouldn’t rank as a strong point.
KALMO BAY was held up as usual, couldn’t get into the race and needs to be dropped in class. His best efforts have been conceding weight to inferiors, and softened ground here would not have been ideal. He’s still worth noting in the right circumstances.
MR PREACHER MAN was struggling before two miles were up and soon pulled up.
HAS SCORED, as with many runners from the stable, was totally outclassed and lost touch five out before pulling up.
OUR JASPER had been near the head of affairs all the way, and led four out, but came down. He last won off 116 and despite a losing run of 8 has gone up to 125 …go figure!
4.20 2m 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
As with many similar events this was strong on numbers but weak on solid form.
ORMUS led three out and held off a previous winner. He probably gave his best to produce this win and wouldn’t want to be shunted up far.
STROBE ran to his form in pushing the winner to the line. Given that this was short of his ideal distance there may still be a little in the locker over a longer trip.
FARNE ISLAND was in a class where he had a chance and he stayed on for third. This is his level and there’s a chance there’s a bit more to come over hurdles. A mark of 90 gives scope for a drop in class.
BEAU LARGESSE in fourth did quite well coming from off the pace and may benefit from further.
4.55 2m NH Flat
SAVEIRO boasted the best form against a distinctly ordinary bunch and saw them off with the minimum of fuss. Unless aimed at Cheltenham or Aintree, where he would need to find extra, I assume he will now go hurdling.
WAVE POWER was a winner at Leopardstown in December, but looked ordinary here being held in the last three furlongs.
MOSCOW MISCHIEF has enough about him to suggest he will advance when going jumping, but had only one pace up the straight.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Musselburgh - Additional Meeting
My thanks to Steven Rafferty of Musselburgh Racecourse for providing the following message.
The East Lothian track has secured an additional National Hunt meeting on Friday 20 February, gates open at noon and first race is 2pm.
And in a further boost for disappointed punters Musselburgh have slashed admission prices for this race meeting with race goers paying £10 at the gate (normally £15) and concessions priced at £5 (£10).
Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We’ve lost two meetings due to bad weather since the start of the year but we are determined to pull out the stops and do what we can with extra fixtures and discounted pricing wherever possible.
”For more information visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
Mty apologies that I was a bit slow picking up this message.
The East Lothian track has secured an additional National Hunt meeting on Friday 20 February, gates open at noon and first race is 2pm.
And in a further boost for disappointed punters Musselburgh have slashed admission prices for this race meeting with race goers paying £10 at the gate (normally £15) and concessions priced at £5 (£10).
Musselburgh Racecourse general manager, Bill Farnsworth, said: “We’ve lost two meetings due to bad weather since the start of the year but we are determined to pull out the stops and do what we can with extra fixtures and discounted pricing wherever possible.
”For more information visit www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk
Mty apologies that I was a bit slow picking up this message.
Carlisle - Monday 16th February
Going – Heavy (Soft in places)
Another all-chase meeting at Carlisle and I presume they will now run the whole jump season with just chases. The day’s meeting at Market Rasen balanced things nicely since they ran only hurdle races.
The first fence in the back straight was omitted.
2.15 2m 5f 0-90 Handicap Chase
MITCHEL HENRY has run some honest enough races since graduating from the pointing field and deserved his win here. He looked held two out but stayed on determinedly to collar the leader close home. A rise in the weights will probably take him out of the 0-90 range, though he should still be competitive at a slightly higher level.
IT’S A CLASSIC ran a cracker, disputing the pace for much of the way before taking over three out. He looked the winner at the last, but was running on fumes on the flat and got caught 50 yards from home. He refused at Fontwell when very tired two runs ago, then fell at Uttoxeter last time, but seems to have brushed that off and in his current form should pick up a minor handicap chase.
BABE HEFFRON went with the pace but felt the pinch from three out. He had been off the track since March 2007, and this was a rules chasing debut (Irish maiden point winner), so there is almost certainly better to come.
SEEK THE TRUTH as given a quiet ride and moved to the fringe of the leading group at the bottom of the hill. He couldn’t get any closer from that point. He’s on a mark he can win from, but probably needs better ground than this.
JOHNS SQUARE got closer than he had done in three efforts over hurdles, but couldn’t get to grips with the leaders and I’d need to see more to be interested.
MR TWINS led early but was seen off up the final hill and his losing run is now 27.
TULLY HILL won an Irish point back in 2005 but his record since has been abysmal and he pulled up not far past halfway, subsequently being reported as having a breathing problem which explains a lot.
LUZENIE was never going and pulled up. Since moving from France he hasn’t got closer beaten 50 lengths and was reported as having a breathing problem.
GUNADOIR wasn’t interested from the start.
JACKSONVILLE is an elderly hunter chaser, last seen nursed round third of three finishers behind Natiain in April (3m 7f – Perth), and was easily held in this company.
NICOZETTO seems to have been unnerved by his fall at Musselburgh as his two subsequent runs have been poor.
2.50 2m 5f Class 4 Mares’ Only Novices’ Chase
RATE OF KNOTS comfortably saw off her one serious opponent here. She led two out and stayed on. I suspect she will find it tougher in open company or handicaps and might be under-priced in such races.
TASTES LIKE MORE led but hit a flat spot around halfway. She came back into contention three out and chased the winner home from there. Her handicap mark of 100 looks accurate, so she wouldn’t want to go up for proximity to this winner.
TACINJA had every chance three out but found the first two too good from there on in. She was coming off a break so there may be a little more to come.
DEFINITELY IT has looked slow over jumps and had no chance here. She went well enough in front to the eleventh but then quickly fell away.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT, making her chasing debut, never looked happy and was being niggled along from early on.
SUNNY BROOK won a handicap at Hexham in November but had a stiff task here. She ran a fair enough race, being in contention until after two out, but took a heavy fall at the last when beaten.
3.25 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase
This looked a decent little handicap and I suggest the form can be taken forward with confidence.
LE ROI ROUGE had been running creditably without being able to get into the final argument in Class 2 races. The drop down to a Class 4 event clearly suited and he stayed on well to lead within the last 50 yards. This win will take him out of Class 4 company, but he will still have opportunities if keeping to the next grade up, maybe 0-120 or 0-125.
The veteran HOLLOWS MILL is a bit difficult to catch right and looked up against it in this company. However, he had a real going day on this occasion and looked likely to prevail before a gelding nearly half his age mugged him close home. This effort shows what he can do on his day, but he hasn’t won for two years and isn’t win betting material.
NORMINSTER has progressed over the season and produced a career high on this occasion. He was pushed along four out but responded admirably if never quite able to get to the leaders. He’s showing a good attitude right now and may well pick up another handicap if dropped a little in grade, always bearing in mind he’s best round Carlisle or Hexham.
ET MAINTENANT performed creditably on going which I would imagine was on the testing side for him. Back on better ground he should be in the mix in similar events and I suspect a step back up in trip would do no harm.
CANTGETON had every chance two out but then gave way. He’s sliding down the handicap but not threatening a win.
ANGLICAN went well to the bottom of the hill and then cried enough. This was his best effort in the UK, but there is still some way to go before he can get involved in the finish.
INCORPORATION raced prominently until three out. His best form is on flatter tracks in less testing going.
EURO AMERICAN made headway to four out but then dropped away. Course and conditions suited, so there seemed no excuse.
STORMY BEECH looked happy bowling along in front but soon capitulated once headed. He needs things his own way and decent performances are few and far between these days.
OSO MAGIC fell heavily at the fourth though got up OK, and brought down BOG OAK. This was uncharacteristic of Oso Magic who had never failed to finish in 20 chases before this.
4.00 2m Class 3 Novices’ Chase
Each of these performed much as a pre-race analysis suggested.
PSYCHOMODO won this with the minimum fuss and is now off to Cheltenham for one of the handicaps.
AURORAS ENCORE ran a fair race in second but couldn’t go with the winner from three out. He needs a longer distance on less testing ground.
STORYMAKER was no match for the first two from three out. He was always going to struggle against two higher rated opponents and his trainer must look for easier races.
PISTOL BASC continues to look slow.
ALMOND COURT fell early on, and his recent form is dismal.
KEMPSKI shows no aptitude for chasing and I’m surprised that Rayson Nixon tried him over fences again.
AUTUMNGOLD is an 11 year old with a seventh place in one Irish maiden point in 2004. He was soon left behind, pulled up, and gives not a hint of being a racehorse.
4.30 3m 4f 0-130 Handicap Chase
RacingUK didn’t have a replay of this race available, so analysis is performed off the bare result and form book comments.
James Ewart clearly has a progressive staying mare on his hands in OVERLADY. She beat nothing of great note at Sedgefield she’s moved on to seeing off some established performers here. She clearly revels in a good stamina test and kept on well having led approaching the last. Ewart must be looking forward to aiming this one at the Northern staying chases in the future. One point that should be made is that she is not the biggest mare and might be best kept to races where she has light weights.
BOLD RANSOM stuttered a bit last time at Ayr, but seems to have continued his upward progress with this effort, being outstayed on the flat. He’s another comparatively young staying chaser who is one to note for similar events.
Twelve year old HUKA LODGE represented the established brigade and ran to his form. His problem is that he’s never won off as high a mark as this over fences.
ROSIE ALL OVER is mare who has improved through the season. She’s probably reached a ceiling mark for now, but ran a sound race here leading from four out until just before the last.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH should have had no trouble with the trip, but faded from two out. He’s had a succession of races in tough conditions and it could be a rest is needed.
BORIS THE BLADE was upped by half a mile on anything he’s tried before and didn’t see out the trip, weakening up the final hill. Three miles in the mud seems best for him.
MATMATA DE TENDRON looked to have missed out on an opportunity when Sedgefield was called off the previous day, and though conditions were ideal here the company was too competitive. Given the right race and conditions I’d still bear him in mind.
BELLANEY JEWEL won on his seasonal debut, but has been well off his game in three attempts since.
5.00 2m 5f 0-115 C.J./Am Rid ‘Hands and Heels’ Handicap Chase
TEENANDO returned to his best here, and gave the impression there may be more improvement in him. He kept on strongly up the hill.
MANOUBI has developed a habit of staying on just too late to get involved. He pipped Honour’s Dream for second on the run-in.
HONOUR’S DREAM was driven along a mile out but kept responding though never having enough left to challenge the winner. He would appear to be handicapped to his mark.
RED SCALLY pulled up three times last spring, but performed a good deal better for his new stable on his first run since then. He had every chance until weakening before the last. It is reasonable to assume he might come on a bit for this and could pick up a similar event
CHICKAPEAKRAY couldn’t go with the leaders from four out and seems held at the moment. She tries hard and places now and again but that means she stays on the same mark.
MANDINGO CHIEF ran prominently to five out and showed a little more than of late.
LAGO took a horrible fall at the eighth and I didn’t see him get up. I’m not sure he survived the fall.
Another all-chase meeting at Carlisle and I presume they will now run the whole jump season with just chases. The day’s meeting at Market Rasen balanced things nicely since they ran only hurdle races.
The first fence in the back straight was omitted.
2.15 2m 5f 0-90 Handicap Chase
MITCHEL HENRY has run some honest enough races since graduating from the pointing field and deserved his win here. He looked held two out but stayed on determinedly to collar the leader close home. A rise in the weights will probably take him out of the 0-90 range, though he should still be competitive at a slightly higher level.
IT’S A CLASSIC ran a cracker, disputing the pace for much of the way before taking over three out. He looked the winner at the last, but was running on fumes on the flat and got caught 50 yards from home. He refused at Fontwell when very tired two runs ago, then fell at Uttoxeter last time, but seems to have brushed that off and in his current form should pick up a minor handicap chase.
BABE HEFFRON went with the pace but felt the pinch from three out. He had been off the track since March 2007, and this was a rules chasing debut (Irish maiden point winner), so there is almost certainly better to come.
SEEK THE TRUTH as given a quiet ride and moved to the fringe of the leading group at the bottom of the hill. He couldn’t get any closer from that point. He’s on a mark he can win from, but probably needs better ground than this.
JOHNS SQUARE got closer than he had done in three efforts over hurdles, but couldn’t get to grips with the leaders and I’d need to see more to be interested.
MR TWINS led early but was seen off up the final hill and his losing run is now 27.
TULLY HILL won an Irish point back in 2005 but his record since has been abysmal and he pulled up not far past halfway, subsequently being reported as having a breathing problem which explains a lot.
LUZENIE was never going and pulled up. Since moving from France he hasn’t got closer beaten 50 lengths and was reported as having a breathing problem.
GUNADOIR wasn’t interested from the start.
JACKSONVILLE is an elderly hunter chaser, last seen nursed round third of three finishers behind Natiain in April (3m 7f – Perth), and was easily held in this company.
NICOZETTO seems to have been unnerved by his fall at Musselburgh as his two subsequent runs have been poor.
2.50 2m 5f Class 4 Mares’ Only Novices’ Chase
RATE OF KNOTS comfortably saw off her one serious opponent here. She led two out and stayed on. I suspect she will find it tougher in open company or handicaps and might be under-priced in such races.
TASTES LIKE MORE led but hit a flat spot around halfway. She came back into contention three out and chased the winner home from there. Her handicap mark of 100 looks accurate, so she wouldn’t want to go up for proximity to this winner.
TACINJA had every chance three out but found the first two too good from there on in. She was coming off a break so there may be a little more to come.
DEFINITELY IT has looked slow over jumps and had no chance here. She went well enough in front to the eleventh but then quickly fell away.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT, making her chasing debut, never looked happy and was being niggled along from early on.
SUNNY BROOK won a handicap at Hexham in November but had a stiff task here. She ran a fair enough race, being in contention until after two out, but took a heavy fall at the last when beaten.
3.25 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase
This looked a decent little handicap and I suggest the form can be taken forward with confidence.
LE ROI ROUGE had been running creditably without being able to get into the final argument in Class 2 races. The drop down to a Class 4 event clearly suited and he stayed on well to lead within the last 50 yards. This win will take him out of Class 4 company, but he will still have opportunities if keeping to the next grade up, maybe 0-120 or 0-125.
The veteran HOLLOWS MILL is a bit difficult to catch right and looked up against it in this company. However, he had a real going day on this occasion and looked likely to prevail before a gelding nearly half his age mugged him close home. This effort shows what he can do on his day, but he hasn’t won for two years and isn’t win betting material.
NORMINSTER has progressed over the season and produced a career high on this occasion. He was pushed along four out but responded admirably if never quite able to get to the leaders. He’s showing a good attitude right now and may well pick up another handicap if dropped a little in grade, always bearing in mind he’s best round Carlisle or Hexham.
ET MAINTENANT performed creditably on going which I would imagine was on the testing side for him. Back on better ground he should be in the mix in similar events and I suspect a step back up in trip would do no harm.
CANTGETON had every chance two out but then gave way. He’s sliding down the handicap but not threatening a win.
ANGLICAN went well to the bottom of the hill and then cried enough. This was his best effort in the UK, but there is still some way to go before he can get involved in the finish.
INCORPORATION raced prominently until three out. His best form is on flatter tracks in less testing going.
EURO AMERICAN made headway to four out but then dropped away. Course and conditions suited, so there seemed no excuse.
STORMY BEECH looked happy bowling along in front but soon capitulated once headed. He needs things his own way and decent performances are few and far between these days.
OSO MAGIC fell heavily at the fourth though got up OK, and brought down BOG OAK. This was uncharacteristic of Oso Magic who had never failed to finish in 20 chases before this.
4.00 2m Class 3 Novices’ Chase
Each of these performed much as a pre-race analysis suggested.
PSYCHOMODO won this with the minimum fuss and is now off to Cheltenham for one of the handicaps.
AURORAS ENCORE ran a fair race in second but couldn’t go with the winner from three out. He needs a longer distance on less testing ground.
STORYMAKER was no match for the first two from three out. He was always going to struggle against two higher rated opponents and his trainer must look for easier races.
PISTOL BASC continues to look slow.
ALMOND COURT fell early on, and his recent form is dismal.
KEMPSKI shows no aptitude for chasing and I’m surprised that Rayson Nixon tried him over fences again.
AUTUMNGOLD is an 11 year old with a seventh place in one Irish maiden point in 2004. He was soon left behind, pulled up, and gives not a hint of being a racehorse.
4.30 3m 4f 0-130 Handicap Chase
RacingUK didn’t have a replay of this race available, so analysis is performed off the bare result and form book comments.
James Ewart clearly has a progressive staying mare on his hands in OVERLADY. She beat nothing of great note at Sedgefield she’s moved on to seeing off some established performers here. She clearly revels in a good stamina test and kept on well having led approaching the last. Ewart must be looking forward to aiming this one at the Northern staying chases in the future. One point that should be made is that she is not the biggest mare and might be best kept to races where she has light weights.
BOLD RANSOM stuttered a bit last time at Ayr, but seems to have continued his upward progress with this effort, being outstayed on the flat. He’s another comparatively young staying chaser who is one to note for similar events.
Twelve year old HUKA LODGE represented the established brigade and ran to his form. His problem is that he’s never won off as high a mark as this over fences.
ROSIE ALL OVER is mare who has improved through the season. She’s probably reached a ceiling mark for now, but ran a sound race here leading from four out until just before the last.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH should have had no trouble with the trip, but faded from two out. He’s had a succession of races in tough conditions and it could be a rest is needed.
BORIS THE BLADE was upped by half a mile on anything he’s tried before and didn’t see out the trip, weakening up the final hill. Three miles in the mud seems best for him.
MATMATA DE TENDRON looked to have missed out on an opportunity when Sedgefield was called off the previous day, and though conditions were ideal here the company was too competitive. Given the right race and conditions I’d still bear him in mind.
BELLANEY JEWEL won on his seasonal debut, but has been well off his game in three attempts since.
5.00 2m 5f 0-115 C.J./Am Rid ‘Hands and Heels’ Handicap Chase
TEENANDO returned to his best here, and gave the impression there may be more improvement in him. He kept on strongly up the hill.
MANOUBI has developed a habit of staying on just too late to get involved. He pipped Honour’s Dream for second on the run-in.
HONOUR’S DREAM was driven along a mile out but kept responding though never having enough left to challenge the winner. He would appear to be handicapped to his mark.
RED SCALLY pulled up three times last spring, but performed a good deal better for his new stable on his first run since then. He had every chance until weakening before the last. It is reasonable to assume he might come on a bit for this and could pick up a similar event
CHICKAPEAKRAY couldn’t go with the leaders from four out and seems held at the moment. She tries hard and places now and again but that means she stays on the same mark.
MANDINGO CHIEF ran prominently to five out and showed a little more than of late.
LAGO took a horrible fall at the eighth and I didn’t see him get up. I’m not sure he survived the fall.
Thursday, 12 February 2009
Racing held up by the freeze
The cold and snowy weather of the past week and a half has limited racing nationally and, though Ayr survived last Saturday, it looks a while before we will have any action in Scotland and the North.
Yesterday's Musselburgh meeting looked a possible after a less cold night, but an early morning temperature drop put paid to that one. That's two days lost this year and Anthea Morshead intimated that Musselburgh might bid for any additional fixtures if they are up for offer.
The snow and frost in the Borders saw today's meeting at Kelso abandoned and tomorrow's meeting at Catterick has gone the same way.
Sedgefield are due to race on Sunday and Carlisle on Monday. The forecast is for slightly warmer weather in Northern England from Saturday so both have reasonable chances.
Looking ahead a couple of weeks, the Scottiah circuit has a double header over the weekend of 28th February/1st March, with Kelso holding the Premier hurdle card, the feature being a Grade 2 Novices' Hurdle supported by two Class 2 chases. Musselburgh race on the Sunday in what is planned to be their last meeting of the jumps season.
Yesterday's Musselburgh meeting looked a possible after a less cold night, but an early morning temperature drop put paid to that one. That's two days lost this year and Anthea Morshead intimated that Musselburgh might bid for any additional fixtures if they are up for offer.
The snow and frost in the Borders saw today's meeting at Kelso abandoned and tomorrow's meeting at Catterick has gone the same way.
Sedgefield are due to race on Sunday and Carlisle on Monday. The forecast is for slightly warmer weather in Northern England from Saturday so both have reasonable chances.
Looking ahead a couple of weeks, the Scottiah circuit has a double header over the weekend of 28th February/1st March, with Kelso holding the Premier hurdle card, the feature being a Grade 2 Novices' Hurdle supported by two Class 2 chases. Musselburgh race on the Sunday in what is planned to be their last meeting of the jumps season.
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