HEXHAM – Sunday June 20th
Going – Good to Firm (Good in places)
A large attendance was in evidence as Hexham’s Ladies’ Day closed activities at High Yarridge until October.
3.30 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
FLYING DOCTOR has been in rattling good form over hurdles and carried that forward to his chasing debut. Given that his hurdles wins have been over longer distances this win is all the more creditable. It’s worth noting that the second and third have fair performances in their recent record. Flying Doctor came clear after being ridden up the hill and looks likely to score again.
DIAVOLERIA was outpaced on the downhill run to three out but stayed on again from two out.
ALWAYS BOLD was under pressure and held by the top of the hill. He could well benefit from a step up in trip.
MISS SUNFLOWER moved into midfield down four out but couldn’t make any impact.
Wining pointer DOUGALL was never dangerous on his Rules debut, while another point winner FLAG HILL plugged on past a couple late on but was well beaten.
Poor performers SHORT STRAW and NAUGHTY DIESEL trailed in at the rear.
GUNNER SNOW jumped slowly and lost touch from the ninth, being pulled up before three out.
4.30 3m 1f 0-112 Handicap Chase
SIMPLY SMASHING won the four miler here in March. He then disappointed in softened ground at Perth before running below par off a slow pace last time. The pace was generous here and Simply Smashing was detached by the tenth. What he does do is keep staying on though and getting in touch up the hill he came away to win with a bit to spare. This ground suits him just right.
HARRY FLASHMAN ran a creditable race, taking the running up at the tenth and seeing off all bar the winner by the last.
VON GELEN disputed two out from which point he was held. He’s not the most reliable though a previous run good run at Towcester suggests he’s favoured by a stiff finish.
SYCHO FRED made progress to chase the leaders three out but could make no further impact. Not a bad run from ‘6lbs wrong’ but he’s not easy to win with.
EXECUTIVE’S HALL had a chance three out but was held form two out. He’s stoutly bred, got competitive for a way here and as a six-year-old has time on his side. He might just be worth keeping an eye on in his next few runs.
ESME RIDES A GAINE is unreliable and took little interest on this occasion, though picking off a few late on.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS needs to dictate and soon lost interest once it was clear he couldn’t get to the front. It’s doubtful he’d stay this distance anyway.
TEENANDO faded from the thirteenth and his good 2008/09 form is a distant memory.
LINDSEYFIELD LODGE lost his rider as the runners approached the tape.
CHERNIK had made progress to four out and had every chance when unseating three out. NILE MOON was another in with a chance, but made a pig’s ear of the same fence and was pulled up before the next having lost his action.
TULLY HILL led early and was still in touch when pulling up rapidly going up the hill for the final time. He was dismounted and since there was no report made on the BHA website I can’t confirm if he suffered injury. I hope that no news is good news.
THE GREEN HAT was outpaced going to four out, weakened and was pulled up before the last.
OUR JIM raced prominently early but lost his position before halfway and was pulled up before fence thirteen.
WEETFROMTHECHAFF won the opening two mile novice hurdle, but it looked a poor contest. MWALESHI was well touted but pulled too hard and may produce better if he learns to settle.
MAJESTIC MAYHEM’s win in the closing novices’ hurdle looks decent with a hurdles winner and a fair chaser in behind. He stayed on strongly and has more in the tank, with a move up to three miles likely to pay dividends.
CROSBY JEMMA was nudged out to win the 0-113 handicap hurdle, but she is likely to struggle when moved up the weights. CELTICELLO was second but is a weak finisher and the third DAYTIME DREAMER is no better than ordinary, though he may benefit from the outing after a break.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Dougie Fraser
The racing community have recently been mourning the death of Scottish commentator Doug Fraser. His body was discovered in the River Aire near to his Leeds home earlier this month, over a week after his failure to appear at a meeting at Hexham.
Fraser was well regarded within the racing community and tributes have been paid by many of his former colleagues within racing. A regular on the commentary circuit in the Scotland and the North of England, he was a familier voice to those of us in this area. Fraser provided accurate and informative commentary in his distinctive Scottish tones.
Sympathy goes out to Doug's family, friends and colleagues.
R.I.P. Dougie.
Fraser was well regarded within the racing community and tributes have been paid by many of his former colleagues within racing. A regular on the commentary circuit in the Scotland and the North of England, he was a familier voice to those of us in this area. Fraser provided accurate and informative commentary in his distinctive Scottish tones.
Sympathy goes out to Doug's family, friends and colleagues.
R.I.P. Dougie.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
June 12-14 Hexham and Sedgefield
HEXHAM – Saturday June 12th
Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)
3.05 2m ½f 0-114 Handicap Chase
ORMUS showed ability over hurdles but has struggled over fences. He showed that he still retains his ability when his jumping clicks and he stayed on well here after joining issue in the straight. He’s on a low mark compared with his hurdling best and there may be more in the locker.
STAGECOACH PEARL led two out and stayed on after being headed. This was a fair effort for his second over fences and this six-year-old looks likely to win handicap chases.
EMOTIVE plugged on late having struggled to match the leaders from halfway. This trip looks too sharp for him now.
WELL OILED was well held from two out and isn’t threatening to break his maiden tag.
HEAVENLY CHORUS often picks up late, but never got seriously involved on this occasion being outpaced form the bottom of the hill three out.
RED JESTER was ridden quite early on, rallied to four out but then dropped away.
4.10 2m 4½f 0-99 Handicap Chase
This wasn’t a brilliant race with many out of form.
Having looked very slow on his initial UK efforts TULLY HILL has at least shown a little zest in the last year, if lacking pace at the business end. Coming up against a bunch similarly lacking in finishing zip he had enough in hand to pick off his rivals on the flat, thus breaking his own and his trainer’s duck. His form at Hexham is well in advance of anything else he ahs shown.
HASPER has been running creditably in moderate handicaps and kept on for second, though never quite getting close enough to threaten a win.
GINGER’S LAD won at Sedgefield last time and looked to have a decent chance to follow up. He was thereabouts from a mile out but couldn’t raise his game enough in the straight.
THE GREEN HAT showed a good deal more than he had on his last outing, possibly finding handicap company easier. Having led at the ninth he had every chance approaching the last but could summon no extra.
DALLAS BELL was one paced from two out and looks held on current terms.
PANTHERS RUN won here in October but everything fell for him then and he’s generally not a betting proposition. He was struggling from the ninth fence here.
CLUELESS regressed, tailed off from the tenth, while MISCHIEF MAN fell away after belting the eighth and was pulled up, as was FLAMING HECK who took little interest.
BEAT THE SHOWER won the two mile handicap hurdle nicely off top weight and a mark of 107. He’s lightly raced and looks progressive.
FAIR SPIN won the 2m 4½f handicap hurdle with ease, beating three recent winners, and may be a step or two ahead of the handicapper.
NOBLE SCHOLAR upheld recent bumper form in the first leg of the NH Flat race. He battled well on the flat to beat AUPCHARLIE, making a promising debut and looking a future winner, with the remainder well held.
LOVEY DOVEY followed up a comfortable Perth win in the second heat and this point winner will be interesting once going hurdling. BE MY DEPUTY looks to have strengthened after a fifteen month break, staying on determinedly from the bottom of the hill and is one to keep an eye on.
SEDGEFIELD – Monday June 14th
Going – Good
The last fence was omitted as ‘ground under repair’ giving a very long run-in from the usual second last, the open ditch.
4.00 2m 4f 0-112 Handicap Chase
SOUBRIQUET bounced back to form having shown little of note in recent months. He raced prominently and stayed on to hold an in-form second.
GENERAL HARDI is in the groove right now and was closing on the winner at the line, well clear of the remainder. This was a very creditable effort given that he was dropping back in trip by a mile.
NILE MOON didn’t look comfortable for much of the way but plugged on from two out before running out of puff on the long run-in. He’s not bad on his day but does need things to fall his way.
BROADWAY STAR stayed on from the second last, looked likely to take third but weakened close home. This run offered just a glimmer of encouragement compared to his previous chasing efforts.
INDIANA GOLD took the lead four out and seemed to be going quite well, but he gave way tow out and weakened. He won in France last year and might have a chance of landing a race in time.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS has two ways of running and felt the pinch from four out.
BACK TO THE WIND was too keen early, weakened three out and was pulled up before the last.
KARELIAN jumped slowly, soon lost touch and was pulled up before the ninth.
4.30 2m ½ f 0-96 Handicap Chase
RUBY ISABEL followed up her Towcester win, staying on well form the last and rewarding Tim Vaughan who is never afraid to travel in search of opportunities.
TROODOS JET was a little disappointing at Cartmel but bounced back to form here, finding a progressive one too good. He’s normally in the mix in this company.
KING’S MAJESTY plugged on for third without threatening.
SCHINKEN OTTO was ridden four out and held from two out. Conditions were right here, but he needs a race where he can dictate terms.
Maiden jumper SKIDDAW JONES was held from three out, as was CROFTON ARCH who seemed a good deal happier round the quirky Cartmel circuit.
ANOTHER DARK RUM has regressed after showing some promise, finishing tailed off, and STAR TENOR was always in the rear.
MEETINGS MAN saw off LUCKY QUAY in the juvenile hurdle though his jumping was rather hairy once in front. The impression is that a fluent hurdler could see off both of these. The hurdle form looks below average at this meeting and there wasn’t much I would take forward.
Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)
3.05 2m ½f 0-114 Handicap Chase
ORMUS showed ability over hurdles but has struggled over fences. He showed that he still retains his ability when his jumping clicks and he stayed on well here after joining issue in the straight. He’s on a low mark compared with his hurdling best and there may be more in the locker.
STAGECOACH PEARL led two out and stayed on after being headed. This was a fair effort for his second over fences and this six-year-old looks likely to win handicap chases.
EMOTIVE plugged on late having struggled to match the leaders from halfway. This trip looks too sharp for him now.
WELL OILED was well held from two out and isn’t threatening to break his maiden tag.
HEAVENLY CHORUS often picks up late, but never got seriously involved on this occasion being outpaced form the bottom of the hill three out.
RED JESTER was ridden quite early on, rallied to four out but then dropped away.
4.10 2m 4½f 0-99 Handicap Chase
This wasn’t a brilliant race with many out of form.
Having looked very slow on his initial UK efforts TULLY HILL has at least shown a little zest in the last year, if lacking pace at the business end. Coming up against a bunch similarly lacking in finishing zip he had enough in hand to pick off his rivals on the flat, thus breaking his own and his trainer’s duck. His form at Hexham is well in advance of anything else he ahs shown.
HASPER has been running creditably in moderate handicaps and kept on for second, though never quite getting close enough to threaten a win.
GINGER’S LAD won at Sedgefield last time and looked to have a decent chance to follow up. He was thereabouts from a mile out but couldn’t raise his game enough in the straight.
THE GREEN HAT showed a good deal more than he had on his last outing, possibly finding handicap company easier. Having led at the ninth he had every chance approaching the last but could summon no extra.
DALLAS BELL was one paced from two out and looks held on current terms.
PANTHERS RUN won here in October but everything fell for him then and he’s generally not a betting proposition. He was struggling from the ninth fence here.
CLUELESS regressed, tailed off from the tenth, while MISCHIEF MAN fell away after belting the eighth and was pulled up, as was FLAMING HECK who took little interest.
BEAT THE SHOWER won the two mile handicap hurdle nicely off top weight and a mark of 107. He’s lightly raced and looks progressive.
FAIR SPIN won the 2m 4½f handicap hurdle with ease, beating three recent winners, and may be a step or two ahead of the handicapper.
NOBLE SCHOLAR upheld recent bumper form in the first leg of the NH Flat race. He battled well on the flat to beat AUPCHARLIE, making a promising debut and looking a future winner, with the remainder well held.
LOVEY DOVEY followed up a comfortable Perth win in the second heat and this point winner will be interesting once going hurdling. BE MY DEPUTY looks to have strengthened after a fifteen month break, staying on determinedly from the bottom of the hill and is one to keep an eye on.
SEDGEFIELD – Monday June 14th
Going – Good
The last fence was omitted as ‘ground under repair’ giving a very long run-in from the usual second last, the open ditch.
4.00 2m 4f 0-112 Handicap Chase
SOUBRIQUET bounced back to form having shown little of note in recent months. He raced prominently and stayed on to hold an in-form second.
GENERAL HARDI is in the groove right now and was closing on the winner at the line, well clear of the remainder. This was a very creditable effort given that he was dropping back in trip by a mile.
NILE MOON didn’t look comfortable for much of the way but plugged on from two out before running out of puff on the long run-in. He’s not bad on his day but does need things to fall his way.
BROADWAY STAR stayed on from the second last, looked likely to take third but weakened close home. This run offered just a glimmer of encouragement compared to his previous chasing efforts.
INDIANA GOLD took the lead four out and seemed to be going quite well, but he gave way tow out and weakened. He won in France last year and might have a chance of landing a race in time.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS has two ways of running and felt the pinch from four out.
BACK TO THE WIND was too keen early, weakened three out and was pulled up before the last.
KARELIAN jumped slowly, soon lost touch and was pulled up before the ninth.
4.30 2m ½ f 0-96 Handicap Chase
RUBY ISABEL followed up her Towcester win, staying on well form the last and rewarding Tim Vaughan who is never afraid to travel in search of opportunities.
TROODOS JET was a little disappointing at Cartmel but bounced back to form here, finding a progressive one too good. He’s normally in the mix in this company.
KING’S MAJESTY plugged on for third without threatening.
SCHINKEN OTTO was ridden four out and held from two out. Conditions were right here, but he needs a race where he can dictate terms.
Maiden jumper SKIDDAW JONES was held from three out, as was CROFTON ARCH who seemed a good deal happier round the quirky Cartmel circuit.
ANOTHER DARK RUM has regressed after showing some promise, finishing tailed off, and STAR TENOR was always in the rear.
MEETINGS MAN saw off LUCKY QUAY in the juvenile hurdle though his jumping was rather hairy once in front. The impression is that a fluent hurdler could see off both of these. The hurdle form looks below average at this meeting and there wasn’t much I would take forward.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Derby Day at Musselburgh and Hexham - Concerns for Dougie Fraser
Saturday June 5th
An excellent Derby Day’s racing at two northern tracks has been cast into the background somewhat. Course commentator Dougie Fraser failed to turn up at Hexham and there has been no trace of him since then, despite searches of the area around his flat in Leeds. While we all hope that Dougie is alive and well, if hiding away for some reason, the time that has elapsed since he was last seen suggest something more sinister. I’m sure all readers join me in hoping that the story has a happy ending.
MUSSELBURGH
Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)
A large crowd turned up for a well endowed card at the East Lothian venue in glorious sunny weather.
2.05 5f 0-81 Handicap
LOST IN PARIS, generally progressive if setting aside a last run where she went off too quick, won the opening sprint very nicely. Having disputed all the way she asserted from the furlong pole and looks suited by the sharp five furlongs here.
INGLEBY STAR, back to form after a couple of disappointing efforts, ran on for second and RIDLEY DIDLEY continued in decent form if held in the final furlong.
2.35 5f Class 2 Stakes
This looked a strong contest and the first two seem Ascot candidates. EXCEL BOLT rallied near to the line to get back up having been headed by COCKTAIL CHARLIE. The time was a shade quicker than that of the first race, and allowing for weight-for-age a rating of 100+ would be reasonable for both the first two. That puts them well into Pattern class. FIFTH AVENUE was back in third and this filly is worth noting for future runs, though she’s more exposed than the first two.
3.10 1m 4f 100yds 0-104 3yo Handicap for the ‘Edinburgh Cup’
The main event, run in a course record time, looked to throw up another Royal Ascot prospect in HARRIS TWEED. He led, was driven out to pull clear for what was eventually a comfortable win and is coming along in leaps and bounds.
SING SWEETLY stayed on for second and is that the right end of the handicap. Given that this race was full of progressive types then a second place is of great merit and it will only be a matter of time before she picks up a race, perhaps suited by a stiffer track or slightly further.
CORSICA was up with the leaders all the way but off top weight, 16lbs clear of the next best, couldn’t respond sufficiently in the final two furlongs. I did wonder after his Hamilton effort whether he might go for the Queen’s Vase, a target for staying types who are in the ‘twilight zone’ in handicaps.
Behind those, OPERA GAL was always thereabouts but tapped for pace in the final two furlongs. She will finds easier opportunities, as will BOWDLER’S MAGIC and ROCK A DOODLE DOO, both putting in good work toward the end.
3.40 5f 0-99 Handicap
HAMISH MCGONAGALL has been in the mix in all his races this season. He was quickly prominent from a wide draw and led enough in hand to run on for victory in the final furlong. Given his draw position I suspect this form may be a few pounds better than it first appears.
Dandy Nicholls is never far away in these events and his STRIKING SPIRIT ran on to take a close second.
INGLEBY LADY stuck on for third, a good effort over what would be a sharp five furlongs for her. She looks well capable of recording another win stepped back up to six furlongs.
MASAMAH showed a lot of early speed, but had to give way approaching the final furlong. That being said, he did stick on for fourth place which in itself was a decent effort.
VALERY BORZOV was left flat-footed at the start, which was curtains in this sort of event, but he put in some good work late on. Better at six furlongs, he’s worth keeping on the right side when stepped back up in trip.
4.15 1m 1f Class 4 Selling Stakes
FREMEN made it six wins from six for the season with a typically determined effort in the seller. Judged on ratings he had it to do again nominally better opponents, but ultimately it was willingness that counted and he kept responding up the straight.
MOUNT HADLEY found the winner had more resolution, while the third KING’S POINT probably performed best of the beaten horses given that he was lowest rated.
LANG SHING is better than this level though doesn’t look particularly inclined to show it and was a disappointing fifth.
4.50 1m 4f 100yds 0-80 Handicap
JUST LILLE bounced back to form here in a first time visor, staying on under pressure. Time constraints meant I have been unable to write my reports as soon as I’d like, and so she followed up in the Lanark Bell at Hamilton before I could get this piece on line.
ANTIGUA SUNRISE could make no impression from two out though performed soundly, while ANNIBALE CARO made progress up the straight to finish third but is essentially frustrating.
5.25 7f 30yds 0-78 3yo Handicap
JEANNIE GALLOWAY raced prominently and showed determination to hold on once hitting the front in the final furlong.
ENGULF was well backed following a second in a Newbury maiden. He was going best two furlongs out but didn’t respond as expected, though he still looked a bit green to me and there may well be better to come in time. He kept on well enough close home.
AMENABLE led until headed at the furlong pole and couldn’t raise his game from there.
HEXHAM – Saturday June 5th
Going – Good to Firm
In the absence of Dougie Fraser the AtTheRaces ‘commentary’ was provided by Matt Chapman. Your correspondent decided he would be better served by turning down the sound!
2.15 2m 4½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
MAJESTIC MAYHEM was a 24,000 Euros buy after winning a couple of Irish points and a Wexford bumper. He doesn’t look a bad purchase on this evidence, coming well clear in the straight. A follow up win looks highly likely.
SIR FRANK had every chance but used up his energy climbing the hill after which he weakened to finish a tired second. This was different to the tight Cartmel circuit and his stamina limit was broken here.
BIRNIES BOY finished a moderate third and the rest were well beaten.
2.45 2m 4½f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
BAILY STORM seemed to have a straight forward opportunity here but was made to work very hard by a second performing to his best. That being said, he showed determination to hold on.
SIERRA VICTOR has clearly had problems, but returned to his best to push the winner all the way. He would win a handicap in this form, but doesn’t always produce two similar efforts in a row.
MISS SUNFLOWER, a pointing winner making her Rules debut, ran well until giving way from the last.
THE GREEN HAT was left behind down the far side and needs further to show the little ability he has.
ELLANDSHE lost touch after three out but plugged on to the finish in his own time.
3.20 3m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase
HARRY FLASHMAN isn’t the most reliable jumper, but he got his act together here. Up with the pace as suits him, he responded to urging approaching the last and ran on for victory.
TOT OF THE KNAR was going well three out but the winner had too much for her in the straight.
WESTERN GALE was held form two out while CASH ON FRIDAY weakened on the run to the last.
PANAMA AT ONCE jumped sketchily and lost touch from the thirteenth and pulled up before four out.
GUERILLA took on interest and was pulled up before the tenth.
3.50 2m ½f 0-141 Handicap Hurdle
The best quality hurdle of Hexham’s season was won in impressive style by INVENTOR. He led before the last, made a good leap and came clear on the flat.
SANTA’S SON has made a move to Charles Pogson, an unheralded trainer but one of my favourites. Ridden by Pogson’s son Adam, Santa’s Son put up a decent effort here, staying on under pressure for second. The stable get a decent return from a bunch of mainly moderate animals and it wouldn’t surprise me if they coax a handicap hurdle out of this one.
AKARSHAN plugged on for third, holding DANISH REBEL, who is swapping between flat and hurdles, and LOS NADIS who looks held off a mark of 126.
4.25 2m 4½f Hunters’ Chase
There were problems with the ATR feed for this race so I’m working off the race comments for this last hunter chase of the spring.
ARDNACLANCY followed up his Cartmel win by taking the notable scalp of Take The Stand. Having been outpaced two out he rallied up the hill, led at the last and was pushed out. A prolific winning pointer he has time on his side to pick up more wins under Rules.
TAKE THE STAND was dropped in trip following his decent third at Stratford. The trip doesn’t play to his strengths and he was tapped for pace by the in form winner. He does retain his enthusiasm and I wouldn’t discount a return next year at the age of 15.
PEN GWEN has run some fair races in hunter company and kept on to take third.
THINK LUCKY plugged on for fourth, well held, and isn’t one to rely on.
RAKERIN LAD was outpaced form four out beating home SCOTCH WARRIOR, who was in the lead three out to two out but then weakened up the hill, and VICTOR who weakened approaching two out.
BOW SCHOOL is plenty capable but his jumping can be sloppy at times. Having belted the second he decanted his rider when hitting the eighth.
PIRATE D’ESTRUVAL isn’t up to this level and was well behind when unseating four out.
SENDEED weakened three out and was pulled up, while BENWELL was tailed off on the final circuit, his jockey calling it a day before the last.
4.55 2m ½f Class 4 3yo Hurdle
The opening juvenile hurdle of the season was won by David Pipe with LUCKY QUAY. He will presumably compete as similar events come along and won well enough.
SANSILI was a one paced second just ahead of ANCHORAGE BAY and MR MOHICAN. I wouldn’t be falling over myself to back any of those three in the immediate future.
An excellent Derby Day’s racing at two northern tracks has been cast into the background somewhat. Course commentator Dougie Fraser failed to turn up at Hexham and there has been no trace of him since then, despite searches of the area around his flat in Leeds. While we all hope that Dougie is alive and well, if hiding away for some reason, the time that has elapsed since he was last seen suggest something more sinister. I’m sure all readers join me in hoping that the story has a happy ending.
MUSSELBURGH
Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)
A large crowd turned up for a well endowed card at the East Lothian venue in glorious sunny weather.
2.05 5f 0-81 Handicap
LOST IN PARIS, generally progressive if setting aside a last run where she went off too quick, won the opening sprint very nicely. Having disputed all the way she asserted from the furlong pole and looks suited by the sharp five furlongs here.
INGLEBY STAR, back to form after a couple of disappointing efforts, ran on for second and RIDLEY DIDLEY continued in decent form if held in the final furlong.
2.35 5f Class 2 Stakes
This looked a strong contest and the first two seem Ascot candidates. EXCEL BOLT rallied near to the line to get back up having been headed by COCKTAIL CHARLIE. The time was a shade quicker than that of the first race, and allowing for weight-for-age a rating of 100+ would be reasonable for both the first two. That puts them well into Pattern class. FIFTH AVENUE was back in third and this filly is worth noting for future runs, though she’s more exposed than the first two.
3.10 1m 4f 100yds 0-104 3yo Handicap for the ‘Edinburgh Cup’
The main event, run in a course record time, looked to throw up another Royal Ascot prospect in HARRIS TWEED. He led, was driven out to pull clear for what was eventually a comfortable win and is coming along in leaps and bounds.
SING SWEETLY stayed on for second and is that the right end of the handicap. Given that this race was full of progressive types then a second place is of great merit and it will only be a matter of time before she picks up a race, perhaps suited by a stiffer track or slightly further.
CORSICA was up with the leaders all the way but off top weight, 16lbs clear of the next best, couldn’t respond sufficiently in the final two furlongs. I did wonder after his Hamilton effort whether he might go for the Queen’s Vase, a target for staying types who are in the ‘twilight zone’ in handicaps.
Behind those, OPERA GAL was always thereabouts but tapped for pace in the final two furlongs. She will finds easier opportunities, as will BOWDLER’S MAGIC and ROCK A DOODLE DOO, both putting in good work toward the end.
3.40 5f 0-99 Handicap
HAMISH MCGONAGALL has been in the mix in all his races this season. He was quickly prominent from a wide draw and led enough in hand to run on for victory in the final furlong. Given his draw position I suspect this form may be a few pounds better than it first appears.
Dandy Nicholls is never far away in these events and his STRIKING SPIRIT ran on to take a close second.
INGLEBY LADY stuck on for third, a good effort over what would be a sharp five furlongs for her. She looks well capable of recording another win stepped back up to six furlongs.
MASAMAH showed a lot of early speed, but had to give way approaching the final furlong. That being said, he did stick on for fourth place which in itself was a decent effort.
VALERY BORZOV was left flat-footed at the start, which was curtains in this sort of event, but he put in some good work late on. Better at six furlongs, he’s worth keeping on the right side when stepped back up in trip.
4.15 1m 1f Class 4 Selling Stakes
FREMEN made it six wins from six for the season with a typically determined effort in the seller. Judged on ratings he had it to do again nominally better opponents, but ultimately it was willingness that counted and he kept responding up the straight.
MOUNT HADLEY found the winner had more resolution, while the third KING’S POINT probably performed best of the beaten horses given that he was lowest rated.
LANG SHING is better than this level though doesn’t look particularly inclined to show it and was a disappointing fifth.
4.50 1m 4f 100yds 0-80 Handicap
JUST LILLE bounced back to form here in a first time visor, staying on under pressure. Time constraints meant I have been unable to write my reports as soon as I’d like, and so she followed up in the Lanark Bell at Hamilton before I could get this piece on line.
ANTIGUA SUNRISE could make no impression from two out though performed soundly, while ANNIBALE CARO made progress up the straight to finish third but is essentially frustrating.
5.25 7f 30yds 0-78 3yo Handicap
JEANNIE GALLOWAY raced prominently and showed determination to hold on once hitting the front in the final furlong.
ENGULF was well backed following a second in a Newbury maiden. He was going best two furlongs out but didn’t respond as expected, though he still looked a bit green to me and there may well be better to come in time. He kept on well enough close home.
AMENABLE led until headed at the furlong pole and couldn’t raise his game from there.
HEXHAM – Saturday June 5th
Going – Good to Firm
In the absence of Dougie Fraser the AtTheRaces ‘commentary’ was provided by Matt Chapman. Your correspondent decided he would be better served by turning down the sound!
2.15 2m 4½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
MAJESTIC MAYHEM was a 24,000 Euros buy after winning a couple of Irish points and a Wexford bumper. He doesn’t look a bad purchase on this evidence, coming well clear in the straight. A follow up win looks highly likely.
SIR FRANK had every chance but used up his energy climbing the hill after which he weakened to finish a tired second. This was different to the tight Cartmel circuit and his stamina limit was broken here.
BIRNIES BOY finished a moderate third and the rest were well beaten.
2.45 2m 4½f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
BAILY STORM seemed to have a straight forward opportunity here but was made to work very hard by a second performing to his best. That being said, he showed determination to hold on.
SIERRA VICTOR has clearly had problems, but returned to his best to push the winner all the way. He would win a handicap in this form, but doesn’t always produce two similar efforts in a row.
MISS SUNFLOWER, a pointing winner making her Rules debut, ran well until giving way from the last.
THE GREEN HAT was left behind down the far side and needs further to show the little ability he has.
ELLANDSHE lost touch after three out but plugged on to the finish in his own time.
3.20 3m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase
HARRY FLASHMAN isn’t the most reliable jumper, but he got his act together here. Up with the pace as suits him, he responded to urging approaching the last and ran on for victory.
TOT OF THE KNAR was going well three out but the winner had too much for her in the straight.
WESTERN GALE was held form two out while CASH ON FRIDAY weakened on the run to the last.
PANAMA AT ONCE jumped sketchily and lost touch from the thirteenth and pulled up before four out.
GUERILLA took on interest and was pulled up before the tenth.
3.50 2m ½f 0-141 Handicap Hurdle
The best quality hurdle of Hexham’s season was won in impressive style by INVENTOR. He led before the last, made a good leap and came clear on the flat.
SANTA’S SON has made a move to Charles Pogson, an unheralded trainer but one of my favourites. Ridden by Pogson’s son Adam, Santa’s Son put up a decent effort here, staying on under pressure for second. The stable get a decent return from a bunch of mainly moderate animals and it wouldn’t surprise me if they coax a handicap hurdle out of this one.
AKARSHAN plugged on for third, holding DANISH REBEL, who is swapping between flat and hurdles, and LOS NADIS who looks held off a mark of 126.
4.25 2m 4½f Hunters’ Chase
There were problems with the ATR feed for this race so I’m working off the race comments for this last hunter chase of the spring.
ARDNACLANCY followed up his Cartmel win by taking the notable scalp of Take The Stand. Having been outpaced two out he rallied up the hill, led at the last and was pushed out. A prolific winning pointer he has time on his side to pick up more wins under Rules.
TAKE THE STAND was dropped in trip following his decent third at Stratford. The trip doesn’t play to his strengths and he was tapped for pace by the in form winner. He does retain his enthusiasm and I wouldn’t discount a return next year at the age of 15.
PEN GWEN has run some fair races in hunter company and kept on to take third.
THINK LUCKY plugged on for fourth, well held, and isn’t one to rely on.
RAKERIN LAD was outpaced form four out beating home SCOTCH WARRIOR, who was in the lead three out to two out but then weakened up the hill, and VICTOR who weakened approaching two out.
BOW SCHOOL is plenty capable but his jumping can be sloppy at times. Having belted the second he decanted his rider when hitting the eighth.
PIRATE D’ESTRUVAL isn’t up to this level and was well behind when unseating four out.
SENDEED weakened three out and was pulled up, while BENWELL was tailed off on the final circuit, his jockey calling it a day before the last.
4.55 2m ½f Class 4 3yo Hurdle
The opening juvenile hurdle of the season was won by David Pipe with LUCKY QUAY. He will presumably compete as similar events come along and won well enough.
SANSILI was a one paced second just ahead of ANCHORAGE BAY and MR MOHICAN. I wouldn’t be falling over myself to back any of those three in the immediate future.
Sunday, 6 June 2010
CARTMEL – Spring Bank Holiday Meetings
Saturday May 29th
Going –Good
The weather was disappointing for the first of three days’ racing at Cartmel and a good few of the crowd were on their way home before the end of the evening.
The opening hurdle saw Donald McCain’s mare IDENTITY PARADE make it two from two over hurdles, hanging on gamely from STAND CLEAR. The latter was clear of the remainder and Ferdy Murphy should find a minor event for him.
In the seller DUNASKIN looked to be struggling on the home bend but, as previously, he rattled up the run-in to wrest the contest close home. In the end it was a comfortable win and his turn of speed does make a significant difference at this lowly level. LETS GO GIRLS isn’t the most consistent performer but ran well enough to take second, just ahead of DANNY ZUKO who was dropped in grade after a disappointing return to hurdles last time. WOODY VALENTINE stayed on from a way back to take fourth but is not hitting his best at the moment.
7.00 2m 5½f 0-100 Handicap Chase
SHULMIN has been hinting at a return to form of late. All her previous wins had come at Sedgefield it seems that a sharp track is the basic requirement for producing her best. Able to settle comfortably she took up the running at the last and was kept up
to her work to win. She was 8lbs wrong here, but at her best that mark is very generous and she built on this performance just two days later.
EMOTIVE has been running creditably over fences and kept on for second if unable to get to the winner. He’s doing enough to suggest that his trainer can find a handicap chase for him.
CROFTON ARCH ran as good a race as he has done for a while. He kept on at one pace for third, but this was a decent effort from 10lbs wrong in the weights and he was another to build on the performance later in the meeting.
SYCHO FRED couldn’t match the principals from three out. He probably needs a stiffer test but his jumping is a bit sloppy.
STORM SURGE was prominent most for the way but found wanting on the long run from the last. His best has come around two miles and a drop back in trip would suit.
PEAK SEASONS is moderate and is found out in anything like a competitive race. He ran prominently but struggled from the last.
CORPORATION, placed in weak novice hurdles last year, has been disappointing of late and dropped away from the eleventh.
WINGED FARASI was never going and was tailed off when falling at the last.
7.30 3m 2f 0-95 Handicap Chase
A multiple point winner in Ireland and a respectable sixth over the cross-country course at Punchestown, VOLCANIC ROCK proved well up to the quirky test that is a Cartmel staying chase. He made steady progress from halfway and was nudged clear after the last. He seemed to have a fair bit in hand and it wouldn’t surprise me if his trainer searches for further opportunities this side of the Irish Sea.
ONTHEGOAGAIN, a second Irish challenger and a winner at Hexham in October, ran a sound race if outpointed from the final bend.
THE ARTFUL FOX has limited ability but kept on to take third place.
GERSHWINNER weakened before the last and is proving very disappointing as is BATHWICK BREEZE who raced prominently but gave way tamely from the last.
COPPER’S GOLD has picked up a couple of soft events but having led from the start gave way two out and weakened. I still think he can win off his current mark if able to get a soft lead in a moderate contest so don’t write him off.
SIERRA PEAK and SAM CRUISE have both seriously lost their way of late and were well beaten. The latter doesn’t help himself with some appalling jumping0.
DUNBRODY HOUSE jumped badly in rear and was pulled up.
BENNY THE PILER once again went out like a light and seems to have a problem.
8.10 2m 1 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
The favourite MUTUAL FRIEND needed a decent pace here but the four opposition jockeys were not of a mind to oblige. He rallied close home but couldn’t find enough to take the race and is a sort who needs things to fall for him.
THUMBS UP was the obvious second choice and made a sound chasing debut, leading after the final turn and having enough in hand to hold on.
WATCH OUT had every chance but was outpointed in the final furlong, SPRINGFIELD RAKI was outpointed form three out and JAMES CAIRD, formerly useful on the flat but off the track after a disappointing spell hurdling, was beaten two out.
SIR FRANK ran on gamely to take the 2m 1½f novices’ hurdle. He’ll be competitive in similar events over the summer. DUTY FREE is consistent if regularly finding one too good and ran on well for second. BEAT THE SHOWER stayed on for third and might be worth a glance in a moderate event at a stiffer track.
ARDESIA continued her improvement to take the closing handicap hurdle. Locally trained DEVILS DELIGHT is consistent enough in this sort of company and kept on for second. ROYAL FLYNN was a well held third and isn’t particularly close to that elusive victory. KNIGHT VALLIANT is running a little better now after some dire runs in the winter, but was held in fourth.
Monday May 31st
Going – Good
Glorious Bank Holiday weather brought out the usual huge crowd at this delightful Lakeland venue. This is the ultimate Country Fair meeting.
A mares’ novices’ selling hurdle is about as low quality as jump racing gets. DREAM RISK built on a degree of jumping promise, and a couple of respectable flat runs, to come clear in the straight. STIR ON THE SEA raced keenly for much of the way but was outpaced in the street, though finishing in front of Stratford winner BONZENO QUEEN. The rest will struggle to win anything over obstacles.
Progressive BEIDH TINE ANSEO hosed up with ears pricked in the four-year-old hurdle and looks likely to have his sights set a good deal higher before long. He was decent on the flat with Jim Bolger and is starting to show that ability over hurdles. ANDHAAR made a promising debut in second and will be unlucky to run into another one as good as the winner on the summer circuit. Back in third CLASSIC CONTOURS sets the level having twice been a runner-up previously.
3.20 3m 6f 0-104 Handicap Chase
SHULMIN made it two wins in three days with a very easy win, the trip here being a bit more suitable than the one she won at on Saturday.
PAUILLAC stayed on under pressure form the last without threatening the winner. This quirky course seemed to suit him as his form of late has been moderate.
BACK IN BUSINESS plugged on for third, LAVENOAK LAD was one paced after the last and arguably needs a track or conditions that place a greater demand on his stamina.
HEVER ROAD has been in good form in the spring, but he’s basically just a plodder and could only keep on from the rear, the turning track possibly not playing to his strengths.
FINBIN found this event tougher than what turned into a match at Sedgefield and was never dangerous.
STOP THE SHOW was up with the pace for much of the way but was quickly cast aside in the last three-quarters of a mile.
ESME RIDES A GAINE raced with the pace until losing here place four out, quickly back pedalling.
FEELING PECKISH made his losing run 72 and finished tailed off.
GERSHWINNER didn’t see out the trip, but he was beaten at the three mile mark anyway and is very weak in the latter stages of his races.
SADDLER’S WAY struggled from halfway and was pulled up two out.
3.55 2m 5 ½ f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase
SIMARIAN seems to have had his interest rekindled by going chasing. He followed up a promising second on debut with a determined effort to win this race, leading to two out and rallying on the flat.
LAST FLIGHT battled well enough having taken the initiative from Simarian but was just held. Peter Bowen isn’t frightened to put in the horsebox miles and should find an opportunity for her.
INDIAN PIPE DREAM stayed on under pressure in third.
HEARTHSTEAD DREAM did well to stay in contention for a long way given that his jumping was slow at times. He faded after one mistake too many three out.
BALLYCOLIN is likely to need more of a stamina test and lost touch from the last while YOUNG YOZZA cut no ice on chasing debut, struggling from early on.
4.30 2m 5 ½ f Hunters’ Chase
Prolific winning pointer ARDNACLANCY broke his Rules duck with a determined effort, seeing off pacemaker WHAT OF IT in the straight.
LAGOSTA kept on for third, FATHER MURTAGH was held after the last and finished fourth.
CLUTHE BOY has won points but is finding hunter company a lot tougher, while THE STCKLER raced close up until giving best from two out.
ATHOSS has shown promise of late but was disappointing on this occasion, fading from four out.
WILFIE WILD, a fourteen year old returning to senior racing after three years, went well enough until weakening quickly after the last.
BARRY THE CRACKER was held up in last place and stayed there, becoming tailed off down the wood-side on the final circuit.
Back to the closing hurdles contests and PADDINGTON BOB took the two and three-quarter mile novices’ handicap, just holding GALLEY SLAVE who didn’t do much wrong but is rated a lowly 68. LUKEY LUKE, previously beaten in a seller, was close up for third and the rest were put in their place.
The closing Conditional Jockeys’ staying event was won by FLYING DOCTOR who continues in very good form. GLEN ROUGE is basically a plodder but has run some fair races of late. The rest were well held though MONEY FINDER went well until giving way in the last quarter mile and she may benefit from a stiffer track.
Wednesday June 2nd
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places, Soft on the wood side)
Just a bit of cut in the ground for the closing day of Cartmel’s Spring Festival and that may have made a difference to a few.
TWENTYNINEBLACK made it two in a row in the opening novices’ hurdle seeing off SILVERLORD. Gordon Elliott should place the latter to win before long, though it’s worth noting this one will probably need a sharp two miles to bring out the best. 113 rated QUATRO PIERJI ran a fair enough race in third and sets the level.
BASFORD LASS won a weakly contested mares’ maiden from SAINTLY LADY with the well exposed MAOLISA third having been prominent all the way.
3.25 2m 1½f 0-94 Handicap Chase
CROFTON ARCH produced his best run for a good while, leading and sticking on well up the straight. He seems in good heart at the moment and enjoyed bowling along in front round this tight circuit.
BOLD PIONEER looked to be going best on the flat but couldn’t find enough once asked. I suspect it says a lot for Graham Lee’s talents that this one made second place.
TURBO SHANDY is a course and distance winner but couldn’t make any impression from the final bend while STAR TENOR couldn’t summon pace to challenge form the last.
TROODOS JET had every chance but couldn’t raise his game from the last despite urgings from above.
SCHINKEN OTTO found this tougher than his Sedgefield contest and faded from the last.
FLAMING HECK was tailed off whilst ICE IMAGE went well for a way but weakened disappointingly down the wood side. Those two beat GLENGAP who lost touch four out and shows little promise at this time.
3.55 3m 6f 0-115 Handicap Chase
A disappointing turn out for an event dominated by Chabrimal Minster in recent years.
LYDON HOUSE stays well but doesn’t win very often. He just kept galloping here and had the race in safe keeping from the last.
MR ED contested until the last but just plugged on and his overall form pattern is discouraging.
MASTER SEBASTIAN plodded on for third but was never close enough to threaten.
LITTLE GIRL ran a decent race from 23lbs out of the weights, running prominently for much of the way and keeping going well enough to hold fourth. She shows a glimmer of ability, but time and a desperately low rating are against her.
SPORING REBEL was out of contention with a mile to go and walked in for fifth.
MICHIGAN D’ISOP never got into the contest and was pulled up three out, whilst VICTORY GUNNER pulled up having raced prominently to the tenth.
4.30 3m 2f Hunters’ Chase
THUNDER HAWK recovered his form and showed a good attitude to rally and lead near the line against an idling second.
DELIGHTFUL CLICHÉ should have won but decided that he had done enough a furlong out having cruised into the lead three out.
DOC ROW ran creditably in third back in a more realistic class. He couldn’t summon an extra effort once turned for home.
THISTLECRAFT was held form three out whilst AREYACODDINMEE never got involved and was tailed off from two out.
FAIR QUESTION was rallying and looked likely to be involved in the finish when thumping the fourteenth and shooting his rider out of the plate.
OPTIMISTIC HARRY gave Samantha Drake a nasty unseat at the first whilst OAKLANDS LUIS and PROUD ANDEES struggled on th final circuit and were pulled up.
SUMMER SOUL continued his good form in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle, scoring for Lucinda Russell’s yard. Flight before the straight was omitted on the second last circuit and Campbell Gillies shaped as if expecting to miss it when it was the last. The damaged flight had been repaired and Gillies corrected himself sufficiently, gathering his mount to quicken clear quite impressively. This one might have another race in him as he is in fine heart and form here looks solid.
DOWNING STREET stayed on from a long way back for second overtaking CASH MAN who tried to match the winner but weakened after the last. These two are decent measures at this level and another in-form performer was fourth in SPARE ME.
The closing contest of the meeting saw ARDESIA add to Saturday’s win. Like Shulmin earlier this one came out of his first race in good nick and put up another decent performance. Solid form credentials were at a premium here though, previously well held GOLDEN FUTURE staying on for second with course specialist WENSLEYDALE WEB benefitting from a return to her favourite venue, though never threatening in third place.
Going –Good
The weather was disappointing for the first of three days’ racing at Cartmel and a good few of the crowd were on their way home before the end of the evening.
The opening hurdle saw Donald McCain’s mare IDENTITY PARADE make it two from two over hurdles, hanging on gamely from STAND CLEAR. The latter was clear of the remainder and Ferdy Murphy should find a minor event for him.
In the seller DUNASKIN looked to be struggling on the home bend but, as previously, he rattled up the run-in to wrest the contest close home. In the end it was a comfortable win and his turn of speed does make a significant difference at this lowly level. LETS GO GIRLS isn’t the most consistent performer but ran well enough to take second, just ahead of DANNY ZUKO who was dropped in grade after a disappointing return to hurdles last time. WOODY VALENTINE stayed on from a way back to take fourth but is not hitting his best at the moment.
7.00 2m 5½f 0-100 Handicap Chase
SHULMIN has been hinting at a return to form of late. All her previous wins had come at Sedgefield it seems that a sharp track is the basic requirement for producing her best. Able to settle comfortably she took up the running at the last and was kept up
to her work to win. She was 8lbs wrong here, but at her best that mark is very generous and she built on this performance just two days later.
EMOTIVE has been running creditably over fences and kept on for second if unable to get to the winner. He’s doing enough to suggest that his trainer can find a handicap chase for him.
CROFTON ARCH ran as good a race as he has done for a while. He kept on at one pace for third, but this was a decent effort from 10lbs wrong in the weights and he was another to build on the performance later in the meeting.
SYCHO FRED couldn’t match the principals from three out. He probably needs a stiffer test but his jumping is a bit sloppy.
STORM SURGE was prominent most for the way but found wanting on the long run from the last. His best has come around two miles and a drop back in trip would suit.
PEAK SEASONS is moderate and is found out in anything like a competitive race. He ran prominently but struggled from the last.
CORPORATION, placed in weak novice hurdles last year, has been disappointing of late and dropped away from the eleventh.
WINGED FARASI was never going and was tailed off when falling at the last.
7.30 3m 2f 0-95 Handicap Chase
A multiple point winner in Ireland and a respectable sixth over the cross-country course at Punchestown, VOLCANIC ROCK proved well up to the quirky test that is a Cartmel staying chase. He made steady progress from halfway and was nudged clear after the last. He seemed to have a fair bit in hand and it wouldn’t surprise me if his trainer searches for further opportunities this side of the Irish Sea.
ONTHEGOAGAIN, a second Irish challenger and a winner at Hexham in October, ran a sound race if outpointed from the final bend.
THE ARTFUL FOX has limited ability but kept on to take third place.
GERSHWINNER weakened before the last and is proving very disappointing as is BATHWICK BREEZE who raced prominently but gave way tamely from the last.
COPPER’S GOLD has picked up a couple of soft events but having led from the start gave way two out and weakened. I still think he can win off his current mark if able to get a soft lead in a moderate contest so don’t write him off.
SIERRA PEAK and SAM CRUISE have both seriously lost their way of late and were well beaten. The latter doesn’t help himself with some appalling jumping0.
DUNBRODY HOUSE jumped badly in rear and was pulled up.
BENNY THE PILER once again went out like a light and seems to have a problem.
8.10 2m 1 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
The favourite MUTUAL FRIEND needed a decent pace here but the four opposition jockeys were not of a mind to oblige. He rallied close home but couldn’t find enough to take the race and is a sort who needs things to fall for him.
THUMBS UP was the obvious second choice and made a sound chasing debut, leading after the final turn and having enough in hand to hold on.
WATCH OUT had every chance but was outpointed in the final furlong, SPRINGFIELD RAKI was outpointed form three out and JAMES CAIRD, formerly useful on the flat but off the track after a disappointing spell hurdling, was beaten two out.
SIR FRANK ran on gamely to take the 2m 1½f novices’ hurdle. He’ll be competitive in similar events over the summer. DUTY FREE is consistent if regularly finding one too good and ran on well for second. BEAT THE SHOWER stayed on for third and might be worth a glance in a moderate event at a stiffer track.
ARDESIA continued her improvement to take the closing handicap hurdle. Locally trained DEVILS DELIGHT is consistent enough in this sort of company and kept on for second. ROYAL FLYNN was a well held third and isn’t particularly close to that elusive victory. KNIGHT VALLIANT is running a little better now after some dire runs in the winter, but was held in fourth.
Monday May 31st
Going – Good
Glorious Bank Holiday weather brought out the usual huge crowd at this delightful Lakeland venue. This is the ultimate Country Fair meeting.
A mares’ novices’ selling hurdle is about as low quality as jump racing gets. DREAM RISK built on a degree of jumping promise, and a couple of respectable flat runs, to come clear in the straight. STIR ON THE SEA raced keenly for much of the way but was outpaced in the street, though finishing in front of Stratford winner BONZENO QUEEN. The rest will struggle to win anything over obstacles.
Progressive BEIDH TINE ANSEO hosed up with ears pricked in the four-year-old hurdle and looks likely to have his sights set a good deal higher before long. He was decent on the flat with Jim Bolger and is starting to show that ability over hurdles. ANDHAAR made a promising debut in second and will be unlucky to run into another one as good as the winner on the summer circuit. Back in third CLASSIC CONTOURS sets the level having twice been a runner-up previously.
3.20 3m 6f 0-104 Handicap Chase
SHULMIN made it two wins in three days with a very easy win, the trip here being a bit more suitable than the one she won at on Saturday.
PAUILLAC stayed on under pressure form the last without threatening the winner. This quirky course seemed to suit him as his form of late has been moderate.
BACK IN BUSINESS plugged on for third, LAVENOAK LAD was one paced after the last and arguably needs a track or conditions that place a greater demand on his stamina.
HEVER ROAD has been in good form in the spring, but he’s basically just a plodder and could only keep on from the rear, the turning track possibly not playing to his strengths.
FINBIN found this event tougher than what turned into a match at Sedgefield and was never dangerous.
STOP THE SHOW was up with the pace for much of the way but was quickly cast aside in the last three-quarters of a mile.
ESME RIDES A GAINE raced with the pace until losing here place four out, quickly back pedalling.
FEELING PECKISH made his losing run 72 and finished tailed off.
GERSHWINNER didn’t see out the trip, but he was beaten at the three mile mark anyway and is very weak in the latter stages of his races.
SADDLER’S WAY struggled from halfway and was pulled up two out.
3.55 2m 5 ½ f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase
SIMARIAN seems to have had his interest rekindled by going chasing. He followed up a promising second on debut with a determined effort to win this race, leading to two out and rallying on the flat.
LAST FLIGHT battled well enough having taken the initiative from Simarian but was just held. Peter Bowen isn’t frightened to put in the horsebox miles and should find an opportunity for her.
INDIAN PIPE DREAM stayed on under pressure in third.
HEARTHSTEAD DREAM did well to stay in contention for a long way given that his jumping was slow at times. He faded after one mistake too many three out.
BALLYCOLIN is likely to need more of a stamina test and lost touch from the last while YOUNG YOZZA cut no ice on chasing debut, struggling from early on.
4.30 2m 5 ½ f Hunters’ Chase
Prolific winning pointer ARDNACLANCY broke his Rules duck with a determined effort, seeing off pacemaker WHAT OF IT in the straight.
LAGOSTA kept on for third, FATHER MURTAGH was held after the last and finished fourth.
CLUTHE BOY has won points but is finding hunter company a lot tougher, while THE STCKLER raced close up until giving best from two out.
ATHOSS has shown promise of late but was disappointing on this occasion, fading from four out.
WILFIE WILD, a fourteen year old returning to senior racing after three years, went well enough until weakening quickly after the last.
BARRY THE CRACKER was held up in last place and stayed there, becoming tailed off down the wood-side on the final circuit.
Back to the closing hurdles contests and PADDINGTON BOB took the two and three-quarter mile novices’ handicap, just holding GALLEY SLAVE who didn’t do much wrong but is rated a lowly 68. LUKEY LUKE, previously beaten in a seller, was close up for third and the rest were put in their place.
The closing Conditional Jockeys’ staying event was won by FLYING DOCTOR who continues in very good form. GLEN ROUGE is basically a plodder but has run some fair races of late. The rest were well held though MONEY FINDER went well until giving way in the last quarter mile and she may benefit from a stiffer track.
Wednesday June 2nd
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places, Soft on the wood side)
Just a bit of cut in the ground for the closing day of Cartmel’s Spring Festival and that may have made a difference to a few.
TWENTYNINEBLACK made it two in a row in the opening novices’ hurdle seeing off SILVERLORD. Gordon Elliott should place the latter to win before long, though it’s worth noting this one will probably need a sharp two miles to bring out the best. 113 rated QUATRO PIERJI ran a fair enough race in third and sets the level.
BASFORD LASS won a weakly contested mares’ maiden from SAINTLY LADY with the well exposed MAOLISA third having been prominent all the way.
3.25 2m 1½f 0-94 Handicap Chase
CROFTON ARCH produced his best run for a good while, leading and sticking on well up the straight. He seems in good heart at the moment and enjoyed bowling along in front round this tight circuit.
BOLD PIONEER looked to be going best on the flat but couldn’t find enough once asked. I suspect it says a lot for Graham Lee’s talents that this one made second place.
TURBO SHANDY is a course and distance winner but couldn’t make any impression from the final bend while STAR TENOR couldn’t summon pace to challenge form the last.
TROODOS JET had every chance but couldn’t raise his game from the last despite urgings from above.
SCHINKEN OTTO found this tougher than his Sedgefield contest and faded from the last.
FLAMING HECK was tailed off whilst ICE IMAGE went well for a way but weakened disappointingly down the wood side. Those two beat GLENGAP who lost touch four out and shows little promise at this time.
3.55 3m 6f 0-115 Handicap Chase
A disappointing turn out for an event dominated by Chabrimal Minster in recent years.
LYDON HOUSE stays well but doesn’t win very often. He just kept galloping here and had the race in safe keeping from the last.
MR ED contested until the last but just plugged on and his overall form pattern is discouraging.
MASTER SEBASTIAN plodded on for third but was never close enough to threaten.
LITTLE GIRL ran a decent race from 23lbs out of the weights, running prominently for much of the way and keeping going well enough to hold fourth. She shows a glimmer of ability, but time and a desperately low rating are against her.
SPORING REBEL was out of contention with a mile to go and walked in for fifth.
MICHIGAN D’ISOP never got into the contest and was pulled up three out, whilst VICTORY GUNNER pulled up having raced prominently to the tenth.
4.30 3m 2f Hunters’ Chase
THUNDER HAWK recovered his form and showed a good attitude to rally and lead near the line against an idling second.
DELIGHTFUL CLICHÉ should have won but decided that he had done enough a furlong out having cruised into the lead three out.
DOC ROW ran creditably in third back in a more realistic class. He couldn’t summon an extra effort once turned for home.
THISTLECRAFT was held form three out whilst AREYACODDINMEE never got involved and was tailed off from two out.
FAIR QUESTION was rallying and looked likely to be involved in the finish when thumping the fourteenth and shooting his rider out of the plate.
OPTIMISTIC HARRY gave Samantha Drake a nasty unseat at the first whilst OAKLANDS LUIS and PROUD ANDEES struggled on th final circuit and were pulled up.
SUMMER SOUL continued his good form in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle, scoring for Lucinda Russell’s yard. Flight before the straight was omitted on the second last circuit and Campbell Gillies shaped as if expecting to miss it when it was the last. The damaged flight had been repaired and Gillies corrected himself sufficiently, gathering his mount to quicken clear quite impressively. This one might have another race in him as he is in fine heart and form here looks solid.
DOWNING STREET stayed on from a long way back for second overtaking CASH MAN who tried to match the winner but weakened after the last. These two are decent measures at this level and another in-form performer was fourth in SPARE ME.
The closing contest of the meeting saw ARDESIA add to Saturday’s win. Like Shulmin earlier this one came out of his first race in good nick and put up another decent performance. Solid form credentials were at a premium here though, previously well held GOLDEN FUTURE staying on for second with course specialist WENSLEYDALE WEB benefitting from a return to her favourite venue, though never threatening in third place.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Perth Gold Cup Meeting
PERTH – Sunday May 24th
Going – Good To Soft (Soft in places)
The normal packed house was in for Perth Gold Cup day, the official figure being 11,144 and showing the pulling power of this delightful track.
The going had eased with some rain and as a result there were a number of non-runners.
2.15 2m 4½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
Gordon Elliott is not one to miss an opportunity and it’s not untypical to see his progressive chasers revert to hurdles to pick up easy money. The job was done with ease here as NEDZER’S RETURN followed up his Perth Festival double. He was not the slightest bit troubled from three out.
Another swapping from chasing was the second HUNCHEON WELLS. He chased the winner up the straight without threatening.
PROFICIENCY ran an honest enough race in third. She should eventually find a small novice or maiden, particularly if there’s a mares’ only event available.
ELCANOS promises much but went out like a light from two out and all the indications are that he has a physical problem once pressed.
2.45 2m 4½f 0-112 Novices’ Handicap Chase
SOTOVIK has been rather frustrating over fences but he got lucky here, being left in the lead when the likely winner keeled over at the last. He kept on under pressure with those chasing even more tired than he was.
KING ROONAH looked to have the race won when falling in slow motion at the last. He couldn’t quite get his legs under himself as he went down. He’s shown enough in his last two efforts to suggest he will win a chase before long.
ATHOSS, an ordinary hunter chaser at best, was held from three out.
MEADOWS THYNE was well out the back most of the way but stayed on late and almost snatched second. While he seemed to finish well he was never in the race.
CROW SPINNEY was outpaced form the eleventh.
PHONE IN was well fancied but struggled from the tenth fence and pulled up before four out. All his best form is on good or faster, so it looks safe to put this run aside.
3.15 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase
THE ROCKING DOCK ran a succession of good race here last summer, and bounced back to form with a win here. Leading at the eighth, he had to be reminded of his job up the straight after being headed, but kept on to good effect.
Lightly raced HELEN WOOD took up the running in the straight but was headed at the last and could muster only the one pace.
COACH LANE won a weak event at Uttoxeter. This wasn’t strongly contested, but he was outpointed from four out.
PRINCE TAM is a weak finisher and the distress signals were out with four to go.
ALL THE CAUSE ran a poor race, pulled up three out, and remains frustrating over fences.
ANNIBALE CARO barely went a yard and was pulled up before the seventh fence.
3.45 2m ½ f 0-104 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
WIND SHUFFLE showed promise here on his previous outing, the third has won since, and he made a successful handicap debut on this occasion. He led until headed at the last and then showed admirable battling qualities to get back up.
CABERNET SUAVIGNON sets the standard with a solid performance in a Limerick handicap recently. He looked the likely winner at the last but was worried out of on the flat.
The other three, SHPFRONTSPEECIALST, SOLWAY BLUE and ROSSINI’S DANCER are ordinary and were beaten in the straight.
4.20 3m 0-136 Handicap Chase
OLLIE MAGERN suggested with his second at the previous meeting that he still had a win in him. He proved very game here, making the running and holding too much in reserve for this field. He’s been done plenty of favours by the handicapper, running off 134 here, but it’s heartening to see the popular veteran return to winning form. Leading all the way, he kicked on form three out and stayed under pressure from two out.
Wincanton SIR BATHWICK chased the winner up the straight without quite getting close enough to challenge. He’s in solid form and there may be another race for him before long.
GO SILVER BULLET was entering new territory trip wise. He chased the leaders most of the way but had run out of reserves after two out. This was a good effort and he would be interesting drop back in trip. He certainly had no trouble handling this class.
PIANO STAR closed to three out but hit that fence and that ended his chance. He has won the Midlands National at Kilbeggan in July two years running and I would imagine that would be a target again.
GINOLAD was struggling from four out and struggles in the latter stages of his races.
CATCH THE PERK plugged on but this company is a bit too competitive for him these days.
FLEMROSS went well on fast ground last summer. The cut in the ground wouldn’t have helped him, and he back pedalled after a mistake four out.
LOTHIAN FALCON and HOOPY never made a serious mark and finished in rear.
JACK THE BLASTER was detached by the twelfth and pulled up as was DOC ROW, the latter finding this far more competitive than his recent runs.
MILITANT, running his first race under Rules since 2007, was another to pull up before the thirteenth.
4.45 2m 4 ½ f 0-120 Handicap Hurdle
SUMMER SOUL has been a frustrating sort in the past, but he had the run of the race on this occasion and came clear from two out. He’ll be punished by the assessor for this and will struggle to follow up.
CORKAGE stayed on having been outpaced to three out.
BATHWICK MAN led or disputed until two out but was one paced form that point.
STROBE ran a little better than in recent months, his jumping let him down over fences, but was held from two out.
BAAHER closed to three out but could offer disappointingly little from that point.
5.30 2m ½ f NH Flat
Not a race I could get too excited about, but Sedgefield winner LOVEY DOVEY beat this field nicely. Already a point winner, she should be competitive when sent over hurdles.
CALL ME BILL chased the winner home clear of the remainder. His bumper form looks sound enough and he has prospects going forward.
Of the remainder, the third FLOAT MY BOAT and MONASHEE, eased once held in the straight, look long term prospects. Both are bred to stay well and will need a stiffer test to bring out the best in them.
HEXHAM – Tuesday 25th May
Going – Good to Firm
7.35 3m 1f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
The low sun meant that the second last down the near side was omitted on both circuits.
MIDNIGHT CHASE won this with the minimum of fuss and has proved that
he’s capable of troubling better class than this.
BALLYLANGAN tried to put it to the winner in the latter stages, but was well outpointed up the hill and very tired when falling at the last. He will probably be better running at a sharper track.
POLITICAL PENDANT was struggling for much of the way but stayed on past a tiring opponent to secure second prize.
CURRAHEE showed just a hint of promise on his chasing debut. He had a tendency to jump big but went well enough until tiring after the climb to the last.
8.35 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase
ARUMUN is pretty well exposed but had a nice opportunity against some ordinary northern two-milers. He made steady progress to three out, took over at the last and stayed on to catch an idling leader on the flat.
ICE IMAGE really should have won this. He looked the likely winner at the last and went on, but then idled and was caught, though apparently having a bit still left. He’s more than capable of winning a race like this, though not necessarily inclined to show it.
THE KEALSHORE KID was in rear for most of the way but picked his way through the field from three out. He wasn’t beaten far, is still in fair form and I suspect he’s better on a sharper track.
HEAVENLY CHORUS was detached early but kept on for fourth.
MORE SHENNANIGANS ran respectably from 9lbs out of the handicap, keeping on for fifth. He’s run more decent races than bad in latter times and I still feel there might be race in him if kept to the lowest company.
STORM PROSPECT is never the most committed and having progressed to two out he couldn’t offer any more.
GLIMMER OF LIGHT led at a decent pace but faded before the last. He’s capable on his day but used up too much too soon here.
MORE LIKE IT weakened three out as did SEA COVE, MAGELLAN STRAITS and the tailed off SKIDDAW JONES. More Like It won a moderate hurdle race recently, but none of these offer any immediate encouragement over fences.
I couldn’t pick up much of significance from an ordinary asset of hurdle races on the card. However, PATRIOT was rewarded for a succession of decent efforts, taking the maiden hurdle.
SEDGEFIELD – Wednesday May 26th
Going – Good
2.50 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
ELLERSLIE TOM led and made a succession of ‘cat like’ jumps, really stretching to clear his fences. He made his ability tell and held the second from two out, idling a bit on the flat.
FINANCIALREGULATOR didn’t do much wrong but was outpointed by a better opponent. It’s difficult to make too many judgements from a three runner contest, but he hinted at ability over fences.
SCALE BANK was beaten from four out.
4.00 3m 3f 0-95 Handicap Chase
A race rendered a two-runner contest at the fifth fence. SOLWAY BEE dived at the obstacle, came down and GREENANDREDPARSON and OVERON LAD had nowhere to go, both being brought down. Thankfully all horses and riders got up in one piece.
FINBIN was left to see off HASPER from before the last, and was eased close home.
5.00 2m 4f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Chase
GINGER’S LAD was in contention when falling here the previous week. Always going well he challenged at the last but hit the fence, then recovered to head the long time leader near the line. His jumping appears a bit hit or miss but he should be capable of winning another handicap.
PUGNACITY, a hurdle winner here on his previous outing, was going well three out but then looked tapped for pace going to the last. He picked up again on the uphill run to the line and was staying on.
PERSIAN PRINCE, a winner here last time, set the pace and still led briefly after the last but could offer no extra on the run-in.
CLUELESS challenged approaching the last but was one paced on the flat. This was at least an improvement on recent efforts.
JANAL stayed on to finish a close fifth, but his proximity does little for the value of the form.
SOLWAY BLUE chased the leaders to two out but was then held. He has yet to win a race.
EXIT FORTY FOUR was tailed off by halfway.
CHERRYLAND raced prominently early but as previously had nothing left when the race began in earnest and was pulled up.
DOWNING STREET was behind early, briefly flattered before the ninth but was well behind when pulled up before two out.
PATCHOULIE CONTI and maiden point winner FLAG HILL never figured and were both pulled up.
Going – Good To Soft (Soft in places)
The normal packed house was in for Perth Gold Cup day, the official figure being 11,144 and showing the pulling power of this delightful track.
The going had eased with some rain and as a result there were a number of non-runners.
2.15 2m 4½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
Gordon Elliott is not one to miss an opportunity and it’s not untypical to see his progressive chasers revert to hurdles to pick up easy money. The job was done with ease here as NEDZER’S RETURN followed up his Perth Festival double. He was not the slightest bit troubled from three out.
Another swapping from chasing was the second HUNCHEON WELLS. He chased the winner up the straight without threatening.
PROFICIENCY ran an honest enough race in third. She should eventually find a small novice or maiden, particularly if there’s a mares’ only event available.
ELCANOS promises much but went out like a light from two out and all the indications are that he has a physical problem once pressed.
2.45 2m 4½f 0-112 Novices’ Handicap Chase
SOTOVIK has been rather frustrating over fences but he got lucky here, being left in the lead when the likely winner keeled over at the last. He kept on under pressure with those chasing even more tired than he was.
KING ROONAH looked to have the race won when falling in slow motion at the last. He couldn’t quite get his legs under himself as he went down. He’s shown enough in his last two efforts to suggest he will win a chase before long.
ATHOSS, an ordinary hunter chaser at best, was held from three out.
MEADOWS THYNE was well out the back most of the way but stayed on late and almost snatched second. While he seemed to finish well he was never in the race.
CROW SPINNEY was outpaced form the eleventh.
PHONE IN was well fancied but struggled from the tenth fence and pulled up before four out. All his best form is on good or faster, so it looks safe to put this run aside.
3.15 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase
THE ROCKING DOCK ran a succession of good race here last summer, and bounced back to form with a win here. Leading at the eighth, he had to be reminded of his job up the straight after being headed, but kept on to good effect.
Lightly raced HELEN WOOD took up the running in the straight but was headed at the last and could muster only the one pace.
COACH LANE won a weak event at Uttoxeter. This wasn’t strongly contested, but he was outpointed from four out.
PRINCE TAM is a weak finisher and the distress signals were out with four to go.
ALL THE CAUSE ran a poor race, pulled up three out, and remains frustrating over fences.
ANNIBALE CARO barely went a yard and was pulled up before the seventh fence.
3.45 2m ½ f 0-104 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
WIND SHUFFLE showed promise here on his previous outing, the third has won since, and he made a successful handicap debut on this occasion. He led until headed at the last and then showed admirable battling qualities to get back up.
CABERNET SUAVIGNON sets the standard with a solid performance in a Limerick handicap recently. He looked the likely winner at the last but was worried out of on the flat.
The other three, SHPFRONTSPEECIALST, SOLWAY BLUE and ROSSINI’S DANCER are ordinary and were beaten in the straight.
4.20 3m 0-136 Handicap Chase
OLLIE MAGERN suggested with his second at the previous meeting that he still had a win in him. He proved very game here, making the running and holding too much in reserve for this field. He’s been done plenty of favours by the handicapper, running off 134 here, but it’s heartening to see the popular veteran return to winning form. Leading all the way, he kicked on form three out and stayed under pressure from two out.
Wincanton SIR BATHWICK chased the winner up the straight without quite getting close enough to challenge. He’s in solid form and there may be another race for him before long.
GO SILVER BULLET was entering new territory trip wise. He chased the leaders most of the way but had run out of reserves after two out. This was a good effort and he would be interesting drop back in trip. He certainly had no trouble handling this class.
PIANO STAR closed to three out but hit that fence and that ended his chance. He has won the Midlands National at Kilbeggan in July two years running and I would imagine that would be a target again.
GINOLAD was struggling from four out and struggles in the latter stages of his races.
CATCH THE PERK plugged on but this company is a bit too competitive for him these days.
FLEMROSS went well on fast ground last summer. The cut in the ground wouldn’t have helped him, and he back pedalled after a mistake four out.
LOTHIAN FALCON and HOOPY never made a serious mark and finished in rear.
JACK THE BLASTER was detached by the twelfth and pulled up as was DOC ROW, the latter finding this far more competitive than his recent runs.
MILITANT, running his first race under Rules since 2007, was another to pull up before the thirteenth.
4.45 2m 4 ½ f 0-120 Handicap Hurdle
SUMMER SOUL has been a frustrating sort in the past, but he had the run of the race on this occasion and came clear from two out. He’ll be punished by the assessor for this and will struggle to follow up.
CORKAGE stayed on having been outpaced to three out.
BATHWICK MAN led or disputed until two out but was one paced form that point.
STROBE ran a little better than in recent months, his jumping let him down over fences, but was held from two out.
BAAHER closed to three out but could offer disappointingly little from that point.
5.30 2m ½ f NH Flat
Not a race I could get too excited about, but Sedgefield winner LOVEY DOVEY beat this field nicely. Already a point winner, she should be competitive when sent over hurdles.
CALL ME BILL chased the winner home clear of the remainder. His bumper form looks sound enough and he has prospects going forward.
Of the remainder, the third FLOAT MY BOAT and MONASHEE, eased once held in the straight, look long term prospects. Both are bred to stay well and will need a stiffer test to bring out the best in them.
HEXHAM – Tuesday 25th May
Going – Good to Firm
7.35 3m 1f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
The low sun meant that the second last down the near side was omitted on both circuits.
MIDNIGHT CHASE won this with the minimum of fuss and has proved that
he’s capable of troubling better class than this.
BALLYLANGAN tried to put it to the winner in the latter stages, but was well outpointed up the hill and very tired when falling at the last. He will probably be better running at a sharper track.
POLITICAL PENDANT was struggling for much of the way but stayed on past a tiring opponent to secure second prize.
CURRAHEE showed just a hint of promise on his chasing debut. He had a tendency to jump big but went well enough until tiring after the climb to the last.
8.35 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase
ARUMUN is pretty well exposed but had a nice opportunity against some ordinary northern two-milers. He made steady progress to three out, took over at the last and stayed on to catch an idling leader on the flat.
ICE IMAGE really should have won this. He looked the likely winner at the last and went on, but then idled and was caught, though apparently having a bit still left. He’s more than capable of winning a race like this, though not necessarily inclined to show it.
THE KEALSHORE KID was in rear for most of the way but picked his way through the field from three out. He wasn’t beaten far, is still in fair form and I suspect he’s better on a sharper track.
HEAVENLY CHORUS was detached early but kept on for fourth.
MORE SHENNANIGANS ran respectably from 9lbs out of the handicap, keeping on for fifth. He’s run more decent races than bad in latter times and I still feel there might be race in him if kept to the lowest company.
STORM PROSPECT is never the most committed and having progressed to two out he couldn’t offer any more.
GLIMMER OF LIGHT led at a decent pace but faded before the last. He’s capable on his day but used up too much too soon here.
MORE LIKE IT weakened three out as did SEA COVE, MAGELLAN STRAITS and the tailed off SKIDDAW JONES. More Like It won a moderate hurdle race recently, but none of these offer any immediate encouragement over fences.
I couldn’t pick up much of significance from an ordinary asset of hurdle races on the card. However, PATRIOT was rewarded for a succession of decent efforts, taking the maiden hurdle.
SEDGEFIELD – Wednesday May 26th
Going – Good
2.50 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase
ELLERSLIE TOM led and made a succession of ‘cat like’ jumps, really stretching to clear his fences. He made his ability tell and held the second from two out, idling a bit on the flat.
FINANCIALREGULATOR didn’t do much wrong but was outpointed by a better opponent. It’s difficult to make too many judgements from a three runner contest, but he hinted at ability over fences.
SCALE BANK was beaten from four out.
4.00 3m 3f 0-95 Handicap Chase
A race rendered a two-runner contest at the fifth fence. SOLWAY BEE dived at the obstacle, came down and GREENANDREDPARSON and OVERON LAD had nowhere to go, both being brought down. Thankfully all horses and riders got up in one piece.
FINBIN was left to see off HASPER from before the last, and was eased close home.
5.00 2m 4f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Chase
GINGER’S LAD was in contention when falling here the previous week. Always going well he challenged at the last but hit the fence, then recovered to head the long time leader near the line. His jumping appears a bit hit or miss but he should be capable of winning another handicap.
PUGNACITY, a hurdle winner here on his previous outing, was going well three out but then looked tapped for pace going to the last. He picked up again on the uphill run to the line and was staying on.
PERSIAN PRINCE, a winner here last time, set the pace and still led briefly after the last but could offer no extra on the run-in.
CLUELESS challenged approaching the last but was one paced on the flat. This was at least an improvement on recent efforts.
JANAL stayed on to finish a close fifth, but his proximity does little for the value of the form.
SOLWAY BLUE chased the leaders to two out but was then held. He has yet to win a race.
EXIT FORTY FOUR was tailed off by halfway.
CHERRYLAND raced prominently early but as previously had nothing left when the race began in earnest and was pulled up.
DOWNING STREET was behind early, briefly flattered before the ninth but was well behind when pulled up before two out.
PATCHOULIE CONTI and maiden point winner FLAG HILL never figured and were both pulled up.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Mid-May Scottish Flat Meetings
HAMILTON – Friday May 14th
The Lanarkshire course served up a couple of Listed races for one of its big cards of the year. A couple of last year’s entries went on to the Queen’s Vase which be a consideration for CORSICA, the winner of a couple of mile and a half handicaps before this. Finding more in the final furlong, like so many of Mark Johnston’s runners, he showed that he isn’t lacking in stamina. ADMISSION pushed him all the way in second and is improving. The big disappointment was Layali Al Andalus, moved from the winner’s stable after last season, who faded badly in the final two furlongs.
The preceding three-year-old sprint handicap saw 40/1 chance Ginger’s Lad just hold Flaneur, the second having picked up a race since then. On that basis I fancy the close third, maiden KELLY’S EYE, should be worth an interest in upcoming races. She stayed on well up the hill.
HILLVIEW BOY continues to progress and was a decent winner of the Braveheart Listed Handicap over a mile and a half. He’ll go up around the 100 mark for this but may still have a bit in the tank, and although only seven ran here it was a select field.
ORIENTAL CAT seems to have wintered well and was an impressive winner of the maiden. He didn’t beat a huge amount, the second looks about right on 77, but the winner should go on from here and contest decent handicaps in time. SMARTY SAM made good progress late on and will be interesting once handicapped.
MUSSELBURGH – Tuesday May 18th
FREMEN took advantage of yet another clear opportunity to make it five wins in a row this year, a phenomenal performance for a 10-year-old gelding. He was made to pull out all the stops in the nine furlong seller by the determined runner-up Liberty Trail. JOINEDUPWRITING ran respectably at the weights back in third, though well held.
TIMELESS ELEGANCE doddled up in the three-year-old seven furlong handicap. She has clearly done well over the winter and is a filly going forward. Coolella’s run in second gives the form some support.
Bryan Smart introduced a smart two-year-old in EXCEL BOLT. He’s well bred to go a bit as a youngster and Smart will presumably eye a target a Royal Ascot. CRIMSON KNOT offered promise in second, stepping up on her first effort.
NUFOUDH was well suited by the sharp pace in the seven furlong 0-70 event, tracking the leaders and asserting in the final furlong. He corners very well, hugging the tight bottom bend, and that does make a difference in a truly run race. Moving forward to Friday you will see that he wasn’t as sharp in a muddling affair. MISTER JINGLES was just held in the final furlong and seems in good heart id an exposed type. JONNY LESTERS HAIR looked none to keen when asked for an effort, wandering around in the last two furlongs. He seems one to be wary of.
FAIRY SHOES beat a moderate field in the maiden, but she did it well enough and will prove better over a stiffer track.
MUSSELBURGH- Friday May 21st
Going- Good to Firm
It was glorious evening on ‘The Links’ with a decent crowd turning out to see some low class but nevertheless exciting racing. Many of the crowd seemed quite happy to stay on the lawns to the side of the stand, thus allowing those us around the paddock a little more elbow room than we might have expected. With the bars packed the alcohol free Rosebery Café was an oasis of calm, giving me a chance to grab a coffee and a snack in mid evening.
Bereft of my own transport as a recent redundancy has left me, I took the 26 bus from new my workplace all the way across to Musselburgh. It’s slow old journey in the rush hour, but at £1.20 single I’m really not complaining. The after meeting bus back to Edinburgh was a good deal quicker!
I was accompanied at paddock side by David Cormack of the Racing Forum. David was providing paddock picks for Twitter watchers on what was the first meeting of a busy weekend for the Borders based correspondent. He travelled to Haydock on Saturday, but was still fresh enough to travel to Perth on Sunday.
6.40 5f 0-65 3yo Handicap
Generally an ordinary collection in the paddock though MONTE MAYOR ONE looked well and on his toes ready for the contest. He couldn’t carry forward looks to the contest and finished a well beaten last.
JIGAJIG is in good form at the moment and was good enough to reverse form with Lees Anthem, his conqueror last time they met here. Jigajig is a thick set type who looks every inch a sprinter, was always prominent and driven clear in the final furlong.
LEES ANTHEM proved his win here was no fluke and sets the standard at this level.
NORTH CENTRAL, gelded since his last appearance, looked plenty fit enough for his return. He was tapped for pace in the final furlong but probably has enough pace to win a race somewhere along the line.
DOWER GLEN, running respectably without really threatening, and KRISTEN JANE showing a glimmer of ability from the bottom of the weights, were clear of the other five.
7.10 5f 2yo Class 4 Maiden
This was not a great event. Two stood out in the paddock and they finished first and second.
MOLLY MYLENIS has shown enough to suggest a race was within her compass. She looked well forward compared to others, making all and staying on well.
KHEYA was reported as ‘backward’ on her first outing. She was fit enough to do herself justice on this occasion and bustled up the winner in the final furlong, coming clear of the other four. She was only beaten a neck and got the hang of things in the last two furlongs.
ROODEE QUEEN ran to her previous level in third.
FAST SHOT was well backed, but neither previous run nor paddock inspection really gave cause for optimism. He weakened in the final furlong.
7.40 7f 30yds 0-70 Handicap
I would be wary of the form of this race since CAMEROONEY stole the race under a shrewd ride from Barry McHugh. Setting a steady pace he quickened the tempo approaching three out and comfortably put the race to bed. I suspect Camerooney is capable of mixing it with better opposition, but he will have something to prove.
HOSANNA was left flat-footed early in the straight but picked up late on to take second for one of my local trainers, Kinnesswood based John Barclay. The fact that this exposed filly was 11lbs out of the weights sums the race up.
COLD QUEST is an imposing and if the saying went ‘handsome does as handsome is’ then he would win some decent race. Sadly it’s the other way around, though Linda Perratt’s gelding did hint that he still possesses some ability, just being held for second as he stayed on.
NUFOUDH needs a stronger pace to make use of his nimbleness around the bend.
MR LU pulled too hard and had run himself out with a furlong to go.
8.10 5f Class 6 Selling Stakes
A fascinating contest full of battled hardened ‘street fighters’.
THE BEAR was difficult on the way to start, forcing Paul Mulrennan to kick his feet out of the irons. I did remark that he didn’t look “out of control”, though I wasn’t absolutely convinced! As it happened my judgement was right, The Bear contesting a hot pace with Stolt and then keeping up the gallop in the second half of the race. He was still throttle fully open passing the post and continued most of the way down the back straight before being pulled up. Not finished yet, Linda Perratt’s gelding hurtled back to the unsaddling enclosure at a fair lick!
He’s subsequently been bumped up only 5lbs to 64 for this effort which isn’t too bad if he can produce a repeat. I guess you would have to get inside his head to see if that were likely to occur.
STOLT hurtled off in front but couldn’t hold The Bear, though he kept on stoutly enough for second.
MANDARIN SPIRIT performed very well, keeping on toward the finish. He does need things his own way if he is to win though.
RACCOON needs to be up front and couldn’t get there from stall seven against a sharp front runner popping out of the number two box. He had burst himself by the furlong pole and faded into fourth.
INGLEBY STAR had it all to do at the weights and couldn’t get into the race form the outside draw.
8.40 1m 6f 0-73 Handicap
A race full of exposed sorts was won by the consistent JACKDAY. Nicely set up his seasonal debut second, he took over two out and stayed on well for victory. He’s by no means a straight forward sort, but is normally thereabouts at this level.
GFORREST FLYER kept on for second and Jim Goldie should be able to coax a race out of him at this level or lower, particularly at this track.
WICKED DAZE and DANISH REBEL were held from two out.
ODDSMAKER seemed too keen in front and, though Cathy Gannon tried to kick clear from the home turn, there wasn’t enough in the tank.
9.10 7f 30yds 0-70 Handicap
This was an ordinary closing event with nothing looking obviously progressive. The first five finished in a heap, though it did mean a good percentage of punters were in with a shout, the crowd noise reflecting this. Your correspondent had a darned good go at calling the first five places with the naked eye, though I can surely be excused not identifying the second place dead-heat!
DESERT FOREST showed the greater will close home having seemed in danger of being swamped in the final furlong. His determination might be worth noting for future races.
KILLING MOON and LOCHANTANKS stayed on to tie for second.
CHINESE DEMOCRACY seemed the most likely winner a furlong out, but to my eye he seemed to lack some of the heart of the first three.
COULD IT BE MAGIC was picking up throughout the final furlong, but is a well exposed maiden.
The Lanarkshire course served up a couple of Listed races for one of its big cards of the year. A couple of last year’s entries went on to the Queen’s Vase which be a consideration for CORSICA, the winner of a couple of mile and a half handicaps before this. Finding more in the final furlong, like so many of Mark Johnston’s runners, he showed that he isn’t lacking in stamina. ADMISSION pushed him all the way in second and is improving. The big disappointment was Layali Al Andalus, moved from the winner’s stable after last season, who faded badly in the final two furlongs.
The preceding three-year-old sprint handicap saw 40/1 chance Ginger’s Lad just hold Flaneur, the second having picked up a race since then. On that basis I fancy the close third, maiden KELLY’S EYE, should be worth an interest in upcoming races. She stayed on well up the hill.
HILLVIEW BOY continues to progress and was a decent winner of the Braveheart Listed Handicap over a mile and a half. He’ll go up around the 100 mark for this but may still have a bit in the tank, and although only seven ran here it was a select field.
ORIENTAL CAT seems to have wintered well and was an impressive winner of the maiden. He didn’t beat a huge amount, the second looks about right on 77, but the winner should go on from here and contest decent handicaps in time. SMARTY SAM made good progress late on and will be interesting once handicapped.
MUSSELBURGH – Tuesday May 18th
FREMEN took advantage of yet another clear opportunity to make it five wins in a row this year, a phenomenal performance for a 10-year-old gelding. He was made to pull out all the stops in the nine furlong seller by the determined runner-up Liberty Trail. JOINEDUPWRITING ran respectably at the weights back in third, though well held.
TIMELESS ELEGANCE doddled up in the three-year-old seven furlong handicap. She has clearly done well over the winter and is a filly going forward. Coolella’s run in second gives the form some support.
Bryan Smart introduced a smart two-year-old in EXCEL BOLT. He’s well bred to go a bit as a youngster and Smart will presumably eye a target a Royal Ascot. CRIMSON KNOT offered promise in second, stepping up on her first effort.
NUFOUDH was well suited by the sharp pace in the seven furlong 0-70 event, tracking the leaders and asserting in the final furlong. He corners very well, hugging the tight bottom bend, and that does make a difference in a truly run race. Moving forward to Friday you will see that he wasn’t as sharp in a muddling affair. MISTER JINGLES was just held in the final furlong and seems in good heart id an exposed type. JONNY LESTERS HAIR looked none to keen when asked for an effort, wandering around in the last two furlongs. He seems one to be wary of.
FAIRY SHOES beat a moderate field in the maiden, but she did it well enough and will prove better over a stiffer track.
MUSSELBURGH- Friday May 21st
Going- Good to Firm
It was glorious evening on ‘The Links’ with a decent crowd turning out to see some low class but nevertheless exciting racing. Many of the crowd seemed quite happy to stay on the lawns to the side of the stand, thus allowing those us around the paddock a little more elbow room than we might have expected. With the bars packed the alcohol free Rosebery Café was an oasis of calm, giving me a chance to grab a coffee and a snack in mid evening.
Bereft of my own transport as a recent redundancy has left me, I took the 26 bus from new my workplace all the way across to Musselburgh. It’s slow old journey in the rush hour, but at £1.20 single I’m really not complaining. The after meeting bus back to Edinburgh was a good deal quicker!
I was accompanied at paddock side by David Cormack of the Racing Forum. David was providing paddock picks for Twitter watchers on what was the first meeting of a busy weekend for the Borders based correspondent. He travelled to Haydock on Saturday, but was still fresh enough to travel to Perth on Sunday.
6.40 5f 0-65 3yo Handicap
Generally an ordinary collection in the paddock though MONTE MAYOR ONE looked well and on his toes ready for the contest. He couldn’t carry forward looks to the contest and finished a well beaten last.
JIGAJIG is in good form at the moment and was good enough to reverse form with Lees Anthem, his conqueror last time they met here. Jigajig is a thick set type who looks every inch a sprinter, was always prominent and driven clear in the final furlong.
LEES ANTHEM proved his win here was no fluke and sets the standard at this level.
NORTH CENTRAL, gelded since his last appearance, looked plenty fit enough for his return. He was tapped for pace in the final furlong but probably has enough pace to win a race somewhere along the line.
DOWER GLEN, running respectably without really threatening, and KRISTEN JANE showing a glimmer of ability from the bottom of the weights, were clear of the other five.
7.10 5f 2yo Class 4 Maiden
This was not a great event. Two stood out in the paddock and they finished first and second.
MOLLY MYLENIS has shown enough to suggest a race was within her compass. She looked well forward compared to others, making all and staying on well.
KHEYA was reported as ‘backward’ on her first outing. She was fit enough to do herself justice on this occasion and bustled up the winner in the final furlong, coming clear of the other four. She was only beaten a neck and got the hang of things in the last two furlongs.
ROODEE QUEEN ran to her previous level in third.
FAST SHOT was well backed, but neither previous run nor paddock inspection really gave cause for optimism. He weakened in the final furlong.
7.40 7f 30yds 0-70 Handicap
I would be wary of the form of this race since CAMEROONEY stole the race under a shrewd ride from Barry McHugh. Setting a steady pace he quickened the tempo approaching three out and comfortably put the race to bed. I suspect Camerooney is capable of mixing it with better opposition, but he will have something to prove.
HOSANNA was left flat-footed early in the straight but picked up late on to take second for one of my local trainers, Kinnesswood based John Barclay. The fact that this exposed filly was 11lbs out of the weights sums the race up.
COLD QUEST is an imposing and if the saying went ‘handsome does as handsome is’ then he would win some decent race. Sadly it’s the other way around, though Linda Perratt’s gelding did hint that he still possesses some ability, just being held for second as he stayed on.
NUFOUDH needs a stronger pace to make use of his nimbleness around the bend.
MR LU pulled too hard and had run himself out with a furlong to go.
8.10 5f Class 6 Selling Stakes
A fascinating contest full of battled hardened ‘street fighters’.
THE BEAR was difficult on the way to start, forcing Paul Mulrennan to kick his feet out of the irons. I did remark that he didn’t look “out of control”, though I wasn’t absolutely convinced! As it happened my judgement was right, The Bear contesting a hot pace with Stolt and then keeping up the gallop in the second half of the race. He was still throttle fully open passing the post and continued most of the way down the back straight before being pulled up. Not finished yet, Linda Perratt’s gelding hurtled back to the unsaddling enclosure at a fair lick!
He’s subsequently been bumped up only 5lbs to 64 for this effort which isn’t too bad if he can produce a repeat. I guess you would have to get inside his head to see if that were likely to occur.
STOLT hurtled off in front but couldn’t hold The Bear, though he kept on stoutly enough for second.
MANDARIN SPIRIT performed very well, keeping on toward the finish. He does need things his own way if he is to win though.
RACCOON needs to be up front and couldn’t get there from stall seven against a sharp front runner popping out of the number two box. He had burst himself by the furlong pole and faded into fourth.
INGLEBY STAR had it all to do at the weights and couldn’t get into the race form the outside draw.
8.40 1m 6f 0-73 Handicap
A race full of exposed sorts was won by the consistent JACKDAY. Nicely set up his seasonal debut second, he took over two out and stayed on well for victory. He’s by no means a straight forward sort, but is normally thereabouts at this level.
GFORREST FLYER kept on for second and Jim Goldie should be able to coax a race out of him at this level or lower, particularly at this track.
WICKED DAZE and DANISH REBEL were held from two out.
ODDSMAKER seemed too keen in front and, though Cathy Gannon tried to kick clear from the home turn, there wasn’t enough in the tank.
9.10 7f 30yds 0-70 Handicap
This was an ordinary closing event with nothing looking obviously progressive. The first five finished in a heap, though it did mean a good percentage of punters were in with a shout, the crowd noise reflecting this. Your correspondent had a darned good go at calling the first five places with the naked eye, though I can surely be excused not identifying the second place dead-heat!
DESERT FOREST showed the greater will close home having seemed in danger of being swamped in the final furlong. His determination might be worth noting for future races.
KILLING MOON and LOCHANTANKS stayed on to tie for second.
CHINESE DEMOCRACY seemed the most likely winner a furlong out, but to my eye he seemed to lack some of the heart of the first three.
COULD IT BE MAGIC was picking up throughout the final furlong, but is a well exposed maiden.
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