First visit to... Thirsk

THIRSK – Saturday September 7^th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

We made a trip to Oxfordshire on the Friday for a family wedding and I didn’t need much of an invitation to take a race meeting on the way back to Scotland.  On the budget hotel front, Premier Inn pulled well clear of Travelodge.

A crowd in excess of 7,000 basked in glorious early September weather on Ladies Day at Thirsk. This was my first visit to Thirsk and I was suitably impressed. Plenty of facilities to deal with the large crowd and viewing is excellent, it being surprisingly easy to get a lofty viewing perch during the afternoon.

Course is easily accessed as it is on the A61 (Station Road) close to the town centre. Large car park provided for Paddock and Course enclosure, a separate parking area set aside for Club Enclosure. For public transport travellers the course is the length of the six furlong straight away from Thirsk railway station.

The paddock area is pleasant and easily accessible, the surrounds being banked a little to provide extra viewing spaces. The pre-parade ring is handily placed and proved very popular, while the course viewing is generally good, bar a little section obscured by a hedge behind the infield tennis courts. Decent sized terraced stands in the course and Paddock Enclosures, with steeply raked steps. About 600 seats in an area of raised seating in the Club Stand.

My wife grabbed a table on the Club lawn behind the stand and stayed there most of the afternoon, a big screen saving many moving backwards and forwards between lawn and stand. Your scribe meanwhile covered his usual mileage between paddock and stands, pausing to touch base now and then.  We had the company of a Geordie couple who make this meeting a regular stopping point.

2.20 6f Class 5 Maiden Auction 2yo

This race went with the best form . LADY OF THE HOUSE has been knocking on the door and ran on well enough under encouragement to win with a bit to spare. She’s a stocky, well grown filly who could find some catching her up next year, though she will have chances in the next few weeks.

THE BLACK JACOBIN, one who might still have some filling out to do, had shown promise behind a decent performer at Beverley though had run down the field in the Newbury Super Sprint. He should win a run-of-the-mill contest and there may be better to come in time.

NEXT DOOR kept on well enough for third and is going in the right direction. She should stay further in time. ANOTHER CLARET ran respectably in fourth, clear of the remainder and should win a race for his shrewd trainer.

MASH POTATO may turn into a racehorse in time, but it’s liable to be next season and he couldn’t match the leaders from two out.

2.55 7f Class 4 2yo Maiden

This may prove to be the best future pointer. The winner EPIC BATTLE had a bit of a scrimmage approaching the first bend and was out of his ground four furlongs out. He stayed on relentlessly down the straight and got up in the dying strides.  He’s clearly considered better than this class having been entered in the Middle Park Stakes, but it could be that we will see better next season. I’d expect him to progress through handicaps.

The filly REGGAE STAR made a typically determined Mark Johnston charge attempt to make all the running. She had the rest beaten off but got headed approaching the line. She’s a robust filly who will stay further next year and her handler should place her to advantage.

WYLDFIRE didn’t impress me quite as much as the other two and was held in the final furlong. There should be a similar contest for him though as he ran into a couple of decent opponents.

Most of the remainder looked as if they had a fair bit to learn, and some have some developing to do. PEARL RANSOM ran a respectable race off a break, and has been gelded since running in May, while APACHE RISING will need further and a winter to strengthen but hints at ability.

3.30 6f 70-80 Handicap

A cavalry charge of ‘whose turn is it today?’ sprinters. The far rail was favoured with BRONZE CHARLIE just holding outsider COMMANCHE RAIDER and well supported COCKTAIL CHARLIE. The winner was recalling previous glories from 2008 and might follow up off what appears a generous mark.

BUNCE did best of those on the near side and has a chance of a win in the near future.

DIAMOND BLUE stayed on in the closing stages for a close seventh and paid for a slow start. He saw out the trip well enough on only his second try at six furlongs.

DICKIE LE DAVOIR has plenty on the clock but did enough to suggest he retains a fair amount of speed. He started slowly and was behind on the far side, but picked up well from two out to be beaten about 2½ lengths. There may be a minor handicap for him this autumn.

4.05 1m 4f 72-84 Handicap

This was a competitive contest won in decent style by improving filly PARTY LINE. She whizzed clear from the furlong pole and should follow up even with a rating rise.

Eleven-year-old GRANSTON retains enthusiasm and ability, sticking on grittily in the latter stages. At this stage of his career what you see is what you get, but he’s in good heart.

CHOISAN was held in the final furlong but ran a sound race, while NICE ROSE, lightly raced to date, showed distinct promise in fourth place following a break and could be set up for a tilt at a handicap in the coming weeks.

4.35 1m 76-94 3yo Handicap

The Best Dressed Lady competition occupied the paddock before this so I didn’t get much of a look at these. My in-house fashion expert reported on the Clothes Horse Stakes and I get the impression such contests are the territory of ‘professional’ Best Dressed Ladies, last year’s BDL following up with a Best Hat win with a hat looking predictably over the top!

A £15,000 pot was on offer for this race and as a result there were some decent progressive sorts present.

Consistent TRAIL BLAZE looked a decent sort in the paddock and was driven out to win the equine contest. He saw this out well enough and might well be moved up in trip, stretching his run of first three places to 11. He might conceivably be worth a pot at the Cambridgeshire as he should see out the extra furlong and such progressive sorts can make their mark at Newmarket.

MABAANY was best in the paddock and ran a sound race to finish second, racing keenly but keeping on in the final furlong. He’s lightly raced, off the track since Haydock in May, and might prove a bit better than the 87 he ran off here. He may well pick up a race before the end of the season, but might be one to carry forward for handicaps next year.

OUR BOY JACK caught my eye at Musselburgh earlier on in the season. He was in contention over a furlong out but was eased a bit by Laura Barry and it turned out his saddle had slipped. On that basis it could be argued that this was a personal best since he may well have won otherwise. Worth an interest in upcoming runs and could well find an opening at the Ayr Western Meeting.

Bath winner CHARITABLE ACT has won two Class 5 contests and was asked a big question here. On the face of it a one paced fourth was at least respectable and there will be easier opportunities.

NAWWAAR looked in the mix form wise, but didn’t catch the eye as much as others in the preliminaries. He made no impression from two out.

GENIUS STEP looked ill at ease on the ground and this run can be set aside once the rains return as he doesn’t look harshly treated on previous two efforts. Last year’s win at Goodwood came in heavy ground.

ROGER SEZ, competitive in Pattern two-year-old events last year, looked well enough and went down nicely, but he was never in the race and has found many improving past him this year.

O’Brien reject BORIS GRIGORIEV has looked awkward since leaving Ballydoyle and burnt himself out front-running here. He was disturbingly fizzy in the preliminaries.

5.10 1m 67-76 Handicap

Brian Ellison has clearly turned around DOLPHIN ROCK’s form. He hadn’t shown a lot in recent times but was pushed out to win well enough. Rated 84 at best, the suggestion is that he retains his ability and can win again.

Solidly built SILVER RIME has been running soundly in recent times, picked up nicely from two out but couldn’t get to the winner.  I would presume he will be targeted at Ayr’s upcoming meeting.

THATCHERITE has been below form since a Lingfield win in March, but looked very well in himself here and stayed on encouragingly from two out. If the form wave continues then he could capture a similar contest before long.

MAIN BEACH was slow away and didn’t get a clear run. I doubt he would have won, but he may have been significantly closer.

5.40 7f 59-70 3yo Handicap

SARDANAPALUS doesn’t look the easiest sort to catch right. His form this season has been patchy but, after hanging both left and right, he found a rail and ran on soundly enough. I’m not convinced that he will go on from this.

SEE CLEARLY was keeping on when hampered by the winner around the furlong pole. She looked second on merit, but produced a sound performance.

INGLEBY ANGEL, down in trip and seeking a hat-trick, was not helped by a wide draw. Tom Eaves dropped him in rear and tacked over to the rail and, although staying on relentlessly, he was never getting there in the straight. This was a good effort and I’d expect another win back up in trip and on softer ground.

Lightly raced SHATTER looks an awkward customer, led by two handlers in the paddock and way too fizzy for my liking.

EBONY CLARETS delayed the start after being walked to the seven furlong gate, all bar SHAMROCKED and GINGER MONKEY having been loaded. The three were all out with the washing.

6.10 6f Class 5 Maiden Auction

A whole heap of horses finished close up in this contest so I’m not sure the form is that strong. However, the winner SKIDBY MILL produced a decent burst of speed close home and may be capable of better things. A small filly, she was slowly away but picked up nicely from two out and should cope with a step up in trip.

TONALITY was always close up and threatened to hold out a furlong out before being held in the closing stages.  A speedily bred type, I suspect she will prove best around this trip.

Another with plenty of speed in her pedigree, newcomer SAKHEES ROMANCE finished with a rattle to grab third place. A promising start and her progress is worth keeping an eye on.

CRACKING CHOICE looked to be lobbing along two out, but didn’t find and awful lot in the final furlong.

100/1 outsider KNOCKAMANY BENDS  led down the middle a furlong out, and briefly looked a possible winner, only to hang close home and lose a couple of spots. This was a good deal better than previous efforts.

STEELRIVER kept on in the latter stages after a slow start and probably needs further.

Kelso Course Layout Changes

News from Kelso Racecourse of course layout changes to be implemented for their next meeting on Sunday October 7th.

The two furlong run-in has now gone as the chase course acquires a separate finish, doing away with the 'elbow' and finish on the hurdles course. The courses changes mean the turf on the hurdles finish will take less of a pounding and the chase run in will be less of a slog. In addition there will be more flexibility on positioning of the last hurdle.

The course's chase fences have undergone construction changes. They will now be built in 6 feet sections which allows more flexibility for re-positioning should the ground take a pounding over the season. There will now be just two fences in the home straight, the first of those being the only open ditch on the course, the two open ditches now becoming plain fences.

A few of the start positions in the straight have changed and a number of distances have now altered with a few new distance options.

Map provided courtesy of Louise Grey of Kelso Racecourse.

Perth - Carnival Day

PERTH – Saturday August 18^th

Going – Soft (Good To Soft in places)

A crowd in the region of 10,000 attended on 'Carnival Day' at Scone Palace Park, going some way towards making up for what has been a miserable year weather wise. Even then overnight rain turned the ground soft, not suiting every horse entered by any means.

Crowd size meant it was difficult to cross the course quickly so I was unable to take in the steeplechases from my favourite position by the final fence.

3.10 2m ½f Bet totescoop6 Text Tote to 89660 Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

A two way contest here, somewhat marred by the demise of Lucinda Russell’s NAJLAA. She broke down approaching  the fifth hurdle having suffered a broken tibia, and sadly had to be put down.

CADORE has been a hard character to win with, but he was given a patient waiting ride by Grant Cockburn to take advantage of a big weight pull over HAWKHILL. The second may now be forced into0 handicaps or perhaps up in class as he’s stuck with penalties for three wins. Cadore on the other hand might not necessarily find things as easy in future.

LILLIOFTHEBALLET is hard work but plugged on best of the rest to take a remote third place. She would be better off ain mares’ only races as some such contests can be rather weak.

3.40  2m 4½f North East Steel Services Ltd Novices’ Handicap Chase (99-105)

On the face of it this was a fairly even contest, but EYRE APPARENT turned it into a procession from the home turn, galloping on to win in impressive style. He’s been shunted up 11lbs for the win, which doesn’t seem unreasonable and might be progressive enough to cope with a new mark of 110. His jumping is sound and should set him in good stead against better opponents.

FOG PATCHES was tried in the latter stages but plugged on for second place. He’s now off a mark of 101 which is about as high as he would want to be.

PLOOPLUCK BRIDGE, a winner of a beginners’ chase at Limerick before joining Chris Grant, is potentially a bit better than the well beaten third he occupied here. His jockey reported that he off the bridle early on and just finding the pace a little tough, though he jumped very well. He’s only a youngster and is likely to step up on this effort in time. Of the runners here he may be the one to keep in mind.

TRUE BLUE weakened very quickly after leading to the ninth. He was pulled up before three out, his jockey reporting that he failed to handle the soft ground.

4.15 totepool Summer Champion Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (100-137)

I’ve abbreviated the ludicrously long title for this race which stretched to three lines on the racecard!

Last year’s renewal was won by Overturn, and I don’t think there will be a Champion Hurdle contender out of the contest, but there were a decent few progressive sorts.

KIAN’S DELIGHT travelled well throughout the race and asserted on the flat having challenged from two out. Peter Bowen has his string in fine form this summer, but this might be one to take on to better races in the autumn. A stayer on the flat, he ought to see out a longer trip which will increase the options.

ABSINTHE represented fair form from the north and ran a sound race in second place.  He wasn’t one that totally convinced me last winter, despite a decent record, but this was a very good effort. He briefly led before the last and kept on well enough once passed. His overall record in all disciplines is 18 times 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in 24 efforts and he will be competitive in similar company in the coming months.  I got the impression Kelso’s stiff finish found him out, so this sort of track may suit best.

SMALIB MONTERG has been progressive this summer and ran a very creditable race to finish third here. This was the toughest company he’s taken on so far and the experience should be a benefit. Previous campaigns suggest he will be one kept to racing in the warmer months.

HUNTERVIEW has an interrupted career since recording a decent win in last year’s Scottish County Hurdle. He helped  set a decent pace and kept on doggedly under pressure once passed two out.

HIS EXCELLENCY is a nice sort who was on his toes in the paddock. He ran a fair race in fifth but is high in the handicap over hurdles and fences, and it may now take all of David Pipe’s skill and planning ability to place him.

A close second in the Galway Hurdle, CAUSE OF CAUSES was held from two out on this occasion. It could be that he needed a bit longer between races.

COOL BARANCA started slowly here and could never get into the race. This class was probably too big an ask despite her good form in recent months.

4.45 2m 4 ½ f Bet totepool… Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (93-115)

A pointing winner in February, KELLY’S BROW looks to be a progressive hurdler.  Leading all the way he stayed on strongly from two out and the others couldn’t get to him. He looks sure to win again over hurdles, even with a rating rise, and has the makings of a chaser as he jumped plenty big enough over the hurdles. He’s in the right hands in Donald McCain and is a definite for the notebook.

RAAJIH rallied well after looking at the end of his tether coming to the last. He’s been unlucky to catch progressive sorts on two consecutive runs and can surely be placed to win a similar hurdle before long.

CATCH THE FIRE stayed on from two out without ever threatening the leader. Yet to win, there should be a small race for him in the coming weeks. This trip doesn’t seem a problem.

NAY SECRET, a two mile winner on the flat, was under driving before two out and could only keep on at the one pace under pressure. He’s more lightly raced over hurdles than the first three though and has enough about him to turn into a capable hurdler at a lowly level. A step up to three miles wouldn’t be a disadvantage.

5.20 2m 4 ½ f Crabbie’s AGB Handicap Chase (110-123)

BOBOWEN has been in magnificent form of late and rewarded Richard Newland’s first visit to Perth with a comfortable win. He made a winning chase debut  at Market Rasen in July and had no problem seeing off senior opposition here.  Disputing from four out, he asserted from the last. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t add to his chasing tally in the coming months.

PYRACANTHA is more exposed than the winner but put up an excellent performance coming back off a lay-off. He disputed for much of the way before giving best at the last. Having slipped steadily down the handicap, Pyracantha now looks favourably weighted and won’t always run into such a progressive sort.

TOUT REGULIER was no threat once turned for home.  She did win a point in heavy ground back in 2009, but she seems better on a faster surface.

GO SILVER BULLET has had interrupted seasons of late and is probably not as good as he was. He was struggling in the last half mile. He needs the ground faster so that his stamina is not under so much pressure,  and connections post-race discussions suggest they feel he needs to drop a bit in the ratings.

MY MOMENT mixes a host of duff performances with the odd decent run, but was way off his game on this occasion. He seems better on faster ground.

RED KINGDOM has put away moderate opposition of late with his big jumping front running style. However, he doesn’t like being taken on and spat out the dummy when headed halfway through the race. The stewards report hints that the officials were not entirely happy with the explanation that Red Kingdom was ‘unable to dominate’  and  ‘noted the explanation’. To my eyes it was clear cut and a race scenario I had suggested to a fellow racegoer before the start.  Life is not going to be easy for Dianne Sayer with this one now rated 110.

5.50 2m 4½f STV Appeal 2012 Handicap Hurdle (105-125)

GLINGERBANK retains his enthusiasm and rallied hard on the flat to hold on having been challenged at the last. It’s worth noting that he has generally required a bit of a rest after his best efforts, butb should remain competitive despite his advancing age.

RED HOT POKER is an in and out performer who was on a going day here and battled hard from the last. He’s lightly raced for a 10 year old and has shown his best on soft ground, though he can have off days.

HUNTERS BELT kept on late having looked outpaced down the far side.  He doesn’t seem particularly generously handicapped at the moment.

WHEYAYE had every chance two out but was held approaching the last. She goes well at Hexham so it might be worth keeping her in mind when the Northumberland track starts their autumn programme.

LORD REDSGIRTH is a big angular gelding who is better over fences. Claimed by Lucinda Russell out of a seller here at the last meeting, he was held here but will be seen to better effect over the bigger obstacles.

SUMMER SOUL was running for the first time for two years having changed stables. The race was needed but there was a hint that ability remains intact.

D J MILAN didn’t like the going and faded from three out having set the pace.

QUITO DU TRESOR raced up with the pace until weakening quickly from two out. He should show up better over fences and the race will have helped.

6.20  2m ½f Racing Post Form with totepool Mobile Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 5)

Plenty to take forward from the closing contest. The winner MISTER PAGAN caught eye in the paddock, but was very keen on the way to the start. He came to take it up two furlongs out, but looked very green once in front, hanging both right and left. Lucy Alexander organised the Jim Goldie trained gelding to great effect and he quickened clear in encouraging style. Decently bred out of a winning chase mare and by Sulamani who has a decent record as a jumps stallion, Mister Pagan seems to have decent prospects for the future.

ABSOLUTELY BYGONES won a weak contest at Hexham, but he has plenty of ability and caught a tartar in the winner. He showed a willing attitude in the closing stages and may pick up another ordinary bumper before going hurdling.

LORD OF DRUMS looks a chasing type and anything he does at this level will be a bonus. Keeping on honestly enough, he won a point in Ireland and should come into own once encountering jumps under Rules.

WOR LASS performed a little better than when green on debut at Kelso, though she has some work to do to threaten a win.

ONE IN A ROW set a steady pace but was put in his place in the straight. This one wasn’t disgraced in bumpers for Shark Hanlon and Alistair Whillans should be  able to place him to advantage in time.

Early August at Musselburgh

MUSSELBURGH – Friday August 3^rd 2012

Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

Drying weather gave us fast ground, a rather rare occurrence this summer. A healthy crowd was in attendance and it’s a pity there aren’t more of these Friday evening fixtures at Musselburgh this season.

The course showed the Olympic action on the big screen in between racing. With my wife keeping me updated on London 2012, my visits to the paddock managed to correspond with Victoria Pendleton’s kierin victory and the victory of the GB mens' pursuit team!

6.10 1m 5f 44-69 BlackRock Amateur Riders’ Handicap

A competitive amateur race resulted in a win for STORMY MORNING who has been out of form of late. He’s only won twice, a selling hurdle at Sedgefield in 2011 and a three-year-old handicap back in 2009. No particular patterns that I can spot in his form. Kicking on two out he had the race well in hand inside the final furlong well ridden by Harriet Bethell.

SOHCAHTOA made good headway in the latter stages without threatening the winner. He’s another with a poor strike rate.

TALK OF SAAFEND has been in decent form of late and looking in fine condition here. She was put into the race with every chance by Emma Sayer , but couldn’t impact on the winner from two out.

HOUSTON DYNIMO, a convincing winner in a small field the previous week here, found this tougher and was held from the two furlong marker after contesting the pace.

6.45 5f 45-65 Wilkinson & Associates Nursery Handicap

This was a poor event with a few already going backwards from a lowly start level.

The winner MILL END DANCER hadn’t made a mark in previous race, though a seventh in a decent seller at York probably wasn’t a bad effort. She made a effort two out and was driven out to win with a little in hand. She starts from a very low mark and Mick Easterby might look for a repeat in a poor event on quick ground.

PERFECT WORDS, thereabouts in most efforts to date, kept on in the final furlong. He’s selling class.

THERAPEUTIC made the pace and kept on once headed a furlong out.

SOMEONE’s DARLING showed much promise first time up here, but she hasn’t go on form that effort. She kept on late for fourth but never threatened the winner and appears frustrating.

VANESSA, a selling winner here earlier, was very mulish coming on to the track and unseated her rider. She was slow away, never in the race, and looks one to avoid.

Locally trained PRINCESS IN EXILE showed early promise, but she hasn’t gone on from April/May efforts and was well held in fifth.

CROMWELL ROSE unseated and cantered riderless to the start. She was outpaced and tailed off.

7.20 1m 1f 44-67 iShares Handicap

DOUBLE CEE followed up two Hamilton wins with a convincing win here on faster ground. Making headway three out, he took it up inside the final furlong and had a cosy advantage at the line. The impression is that there may be more in the locker.

CALL OF DUTY stayed on well under pressure from two out. This wasn’t a bad effort given that the trip was probably on the sharp side and a stiffer track would be better. After a decent season in 2010 he spent 2011 in the wilderness, but has bounced back to form in2012. Maybe worth noting when track and trip suit better.

SANGAR had every chance but was not disgraced in third. She’s on a workable mark at the moment and could pick up a slightly less competitive event. CHRISTMAS LIGHT confirmed previous form with Sangar, as held final furlong and looks on her mark.

ROYAL STRAIGHT had going to suit and won easily at Ayr bur couldn’t get to grips with the leaders in the straight. He has won a lowly contest here but seems much better on a more galloping track such as Ayr or Hamilton.

DESERT VISION led until two out but had raced too keenly and quickly folded. Since two wins last year his form has been poor.

7.50 7f 56-75 Tatty Banks Bags A Nag Tomorrow Handicap

A contest of generally exposed performers won by a most consistent sort in CYFLYMDER, well ridden by Lucy Alexander who should benefit from the 5lbs she can still claim on the flat. Driven to the front over a furlong out he had a bit in hand. He’s had a really good run this year for one with so many miles on the clock and remains highly competitive.

SPRINGHEEL JAKE, a keen going sort equipped with a cross noseband, raced prominently and ran on to the line having been denied a clear run approaching the final furlong. Well worth following while the sun shines since he should win a race on fast ground and had no problem with this sharpish seven furlongs.

SOOPACAL looks a fizzy sort. He was mounted in the saddling box and taken down very early, setting the pace until over a furlong out. He kept on for third and his recent wins have come at Southwell which may be more suitable for his style of running.

CHOOKIE AVON put up a passable effort in fourth without threatening a win.

SHUNKAWAKHAN looked hard fit on this occasion but this company is too tough and his wins are few and far between these days.

MUSIC FESTIVAL looked fit enough but there was insufficient response when asked for an effort over two furlongs out.

8.20 5f 69-80 BlackRock Handicap

A £10,000 pot for the feature race here, fairly standard for Musselburgh and they were rewarded with a decent field for the level.

Chances are limited for five furlong handicappers in Ireland, so it’s not a surprise to see one of their number this side of the Irish Sea.  QUEEN GRACE broke her duck at Wolverhampton last autumn and has proved a progressive sort since, moving steadily up the ratings. She’s suited by a sharp track but there aren’t that many suitable five furlong courses in Ireland. Making headway two out she took over at the furlong pole and won with a bit in hand. She has a fair bit of speed and her trainer will be seeking more opportunities in the UK, presumably now in 0-85 or 0-90 contests. Note that Queen Grace hasn’t been out of the first four in 14 races since dropping down to the minimum trip.

BARNEY McGREW still retains plenty of speed at his advancing age, but he keeps a little back for himself now, staying on for second without threatening the winner. He hasn’t won for osme while and best chance these days will be kidding him home late in a big field.

WE’LL DEAL AGAIN raced close up and kept on in the closing stages.  Both his wins have been over a stiff five furlongs but he’s now on a career high mark, rather stiff for one with a 2 out of 33 win record.

NOMOREBLONDES showed promise off a break. Her overall win record is sound and she is probably best on fast ground.

IDLER looked fit enough for his seasonal debut but couldn’t make any impact. It could be that ring-rustiness didn’t help.

8.50 1m 42-63 Wilkinson and Associates Handicap (3yo)

A lowly rated contest but it contained a few previous winners and the winning filly may well go on to better.

DANCE FOR GEORGIE was given a fine ride by Julie Burke, setting the pace, rallying well when challenged and pulling clear in the final furlong. Looking fit and ready here, she has benefitted from the step up to a mile and can win again before the handicapper catches up.

MISS ELLA JADE, another on her toes in the preliminaries , was keen early on but kept on for second without being a position to challenge the winner. Ideally she would want a slightly stiffer test than this sharp mile.

KATHLEENSLUCKYLAD looks to me to need a bit further than this. He couldn’t match the winner but kept on well enough and another quarter will probably be a help.

My wife was tempted to risk a couple of pounds on SLEEPY LUCY since we have a cat called Lucy who sleeps on the end of our bed!  I put her off but as the filly loomed up two furlongs out there seemed a possibility that we would regret missing out. However her run petered out and she faded to fourth. She is lightly raced, but is running off a very low mark and will need a poorly contested basement race to have much chance of winning.

GIBRALTAR ROAD kept on but never got into the race seriously, running as if a stiffer track would be of benefit.

HIKMA walked a bit stiffly on her near hind. She was behind for a long way and picked off a few late on.  She won a Lingfield maiden in March but hasn’t shown much since.

WINDYGOUL LAD was upped in trip but pulled for his head early on and was out of contention two furlongs out. He’ll have to learn to settle to have a chance even at this level.

Musselburgh - Tuesday July 24th

MUSSELBURGH – Tuesday July 24^th

Going – Soft  (Good to Soft in places)

This meeting attracted decent sizes fields at the 48 hour stage with the going quoted as ‘Good’, but heavy rain the day before resulted in soft ground and 30 non-runners. Further rain was forecast for race day, but as can be the case this part of the coast avoided significant rain and the latter part of the afternoon saw warm sunshine.  Judged on time the ground state looked accurately reported.

2.00 1m 1f TurfTV Handicap (51-69)

Out of nine entries four stood their ground, all fillies. The form doesn’t look special with the close second well exposed.

RAHEEBA, a compact and strong looking filly, led at a steady pace and stuck on tenaciously as she increased the speed into the straight. She just held an exposed second and the form doesn’t anything special. She may struggle with stiffer tasks in future. She seemed at the end of her tether by the line and I’m not sure she would want any further in this ground.

SANGAR, previously a winner on this ground, chipped away at the winner from three out. She seemed to hang fire over a furlong out but was picking up again and closing at the line. She doesn’t look entirely straightforward and may not be one to trust implicitly.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT couldn’t repeat the form of her close second to Lockantanks at Beverley and was held from two out. Her winning form came on faster ground and she may be better with less cut.

NAAFETHA was on her toes and didn’t settle particularly well in the race. She was outpaced once turned for home and well beaten. She showed a degree of promise first time up this season, but now has put in  three poor efforts in a row.

2.30 7f 30yds British Stallion Studs EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 5)

In these days of blanket coverage and with stacks of data available it can be difficult to get an edge. Just occasionally though it’s possible to get ahead of the game on course. The winner POLAR CHIEF stood out in the paddock and made a winning debut at a very rewarding SP of 20/1. A few paddock watchers were on and couldn’t believe their luck since this one seemed well readied and from a stable that can get produce forward youngsters.

Linda Stubbs’s gelding is very nicely bred and was very fit on debut. He was rather unwilling at the stalls, drifting from 14/1 to 20/1 in the couple of minutes before the start, but settled nicely before being produced three furlongs out. Moving smoothly up to challenge, he  was distinctly green but pulled clear with a persistent runner-up and just held sway at the line. While he won’t get much fitter the experience must do him some good and there should be another race in him before long.

MARHABA MALAYEEN, a 62,000 guinea purchase as a yearling, is a well grown sort who would be expected to show his best as a two-year-old. He led until headed by the winner two out, sticking to his guns all the way to the line and just held. He saw out this trip well enough and looks a decent prospect for nurseries.

EXCELLENT MARINER, a nice enough filly with a decent pedigree, was held up in rear and could only keep on steadily in the closing stages. The experience should do her good and there will be better to come, Though Mark Johnston does have his two-year-olds more forward than some.

CHANT , placed in a Wolverhampton maiden, was well held from two out. He will find his level now qualified for nurseries.

LADY MARGAEUX, a strong looking filly, was a weak favourite in the betting and possibly a bit over-revved. She made her challenge from three out but faded from the two pole and was disappointing.

RAGNARR, tall but not yet filling his frame, was bandaged on his off fore and wearing a net muzzle. He was saddled in a closed box and looked stubborn at the stalls. He was slow away and  never figured, giving little encouragement for his immediate career.

3.00 5f Scottish Racing 3yo Handicap (45-65)

Fourteen became seven with the change of ground.

ALNAIR seemed to have benefitted from a long break, looked well enough and ran on well after racing near the head of affairs for the whole race. He just held on from a second who was perhaps a trifle unlucky but won in the style of a gelding who should be capable of a repeat somewhere along the line.

ELEGANT GIRL made headway approaching the final furlong, but she was stopped in her run and once in the clear had insufficient distance left to get in front.  She has some speed and there should be a small race in her.

MAJESTIC MANNAN was taken very steadily down to the start. He offered a persistent challenge from the furlong marker but was held to the line. He’s lightly raced, has some speed and looks on a feasible handicap mark on this evidence.

IMPERIAL LEGEND veered right at the start but recovered sufficiently to lead briefly approaching the furlong pole. He was just being run out of it when squeezed up in the final furlong. He appears better than the bare result suggests.

Hat-trick seeking TUIBAMA led until two out but was soon under pressure and couldn’t match his challengers. He might be harshly treated now as he was running off 15lbs higher than his first win,  despite only winning having a only a total of just over 1 and a half lengths in hand in the two victories.

ROY’s LEGACY chased the leaders but was well held in the closing stages.

MAJESTIC ANGEL  looks too slow even off a lowly mark of 46.

3.30 1m 4f 100yds Brown Shipley Wealth Management Handicap (44-70)

A field of ten cut up to four, with a list of trainers (Whillans, Richards, Russell and Goldie) that wouldn’t have been out of place in a race at Kelso in winter.

HOUSTON DYNIMO’s previous best had been shown on good or faster ground, but the soft surface proved no barrier against three moderate opponents. He looked nicely prepared by Nicky Richards, set off in front at a decent pace and galloped the opposition into submission from the home turn.  He seems in good heart and there might be better to come on faster ground.

Sturdily built RAVI RIVER won twice on the flat last year , but was well below form over hurdles in the winter. He chased the winner up the straight but made no impact.

A SOUTHSIDE BOY is an angular gelding who doesn’t win any prizes on looks. He’s a maiden and never looked likely to lose the tag here, though he’s not been over raced and it may be worth noting that he got closest to the winner over 14 furlongs at Redcar.

CADORE proved mainly frustrating over hurdles in the winter and hasn’t sparkled on the flat since. He looked distinctly lighter than the first two and was beaten three furlongs out.

4.00 5f Musselburgh Festival Handicap (66-80)

The feature race was disappointingly only a £7,000 pot given that the course would normally put on a £10,000 event. There is so much racing taking place though and the prize money is spread necessarily thinly.

The start was delayed a little as AMENABLE proved the exact opposite of his name. Stubborn coming on the track, he whirled round a few times and lost his rider, then racing round a full circuit before being withdrawn. He was blinkered first time which could explain his recalcitrant behaviour.

The finish was fought out between two regular consistent performers. CRIMSON KNOT got up close home to rob THE NIFTY FOX of what would have a third win in recent times. The winner has placed often but is not a prolific winner where the second remains in decent form and doesn’t look handicapped out of things yet.

QUAROMA showed some promise on her first run for Paul Midgley and followed up with a fair third here. A small filly, she made progress to look dangerous one out but was a bit short of room and her effort petered out. She’s a winner on better ground and looks to be coming to herself.

SANDWITH has been showing up well this season and raced close to the pace before being held from the furlong pole. This wasn’t a bad effort though, given that his recent wins have been in Class 6 events.

BRONZE BEAU disputed early but well beaten a furlong out and is on a long losing run.

ANGELO POLIZIANO, tongue-tied for the first time, hasn’t been showing enough to be competitive in this class, and his chance here went west with a tardy start.

4.30 2m Racing UK The UK’s Best Racecourses Live Handicap (42-63)

This was a weakly contested contest, but was won by JAN SMUTS in the style of a stayer who can trouble better opponents. Stepped up significantly in trip, he galloped away from the only opponent to threaten him and was pulling away at the line. He can win again.

Jan Smuts has just run a decent fourth in a much better event at Newcastle, tapped for pace three out but picking up in good style to the finish on the heels of the leaders. The ground was touching firm there  and easier ground might just show him to better effect.

VTTACHI did his best to match the winner, but was well held in the final furlong. He ran to his form.

PURKAB kept on through the field for third but couldn’t threaten the first two. A maiden after seventeen tries his profile doesn’t offer encouragement to backers.

SYDNEY COVE has proved less than committed. He came to have his chance two out but faded under pressure.

Winning hurdler WORD OF WARNING, bandaged behind, led three out but quickly came under pressure and weakened.

RHYTON’s form since joining Brian Storey has been dire and he was beaten a long way.

Irish import SINNAMARA was made 2/1 favourite here, despite the form book offering little encouragement. Taken down early, he refused to race and looks one to oppose.

5.00 7f 30yds Watch Racing UK on Sky 432 Handicap (58-67)

Nine of the twelve stood their ground to provide the biggest field of the day, but FLORIO VINCITORE made the others look slow in the final two furlongs. Leading two out he soon had the race won and was pushed out to the line. He’s not raced that often on turf and this was by far his best effort on the grass. He will be forced to take on better horses next time unless brought out under a penalty.

SABRATHA looked very fit and kept on for second place, just holding stablemate BERBICE, who is well exposed and not a prolific winner, with another exposed performer KEYS OF CYPRUS half a length back in fourth.

NADEEN won here earlier this season, but has disappointed since including refusing to race last time. She was slow away and her effort three out was without any serious impact.

CANNON BOLT, a front-runner who needs an easy lead, was swallowed up two out.

MICK SLATES was well below his decent form of late. He was in the rear early and driven along, making no impact. A prominent position is helpful over this course and distance, and it’s possible he can be forgiven this.

GONINODAETHAT never threatened a repeat of his Ayr effort, while NUFOUDH was in rear and remains well out of sorts.

Kelso course layout changes in the offing

The latest bulletin from the Milnathort Racing Club suggested to members that Kelso are planning layout changes for the coming campaign starting in October. I understand that there will be a separate run-in for the chase course, meaning that the 'Aintree style elbow' will no longer be used.

Full details are still to be finalised and agreed. A statement will be released by the course authorities in August.

Back in Scotland...

Back on Scottish soil and the weather has been doing the game no favours up here. Soft ground prevails as in most other places, it has even rained in Yarmouth since my visit. Perth's two day jump meeting in the first week of July was lost, and day one of the Glasgow Fair meeting at Hamilton went west.

AYR - July 8th and 9th

Ayr's two day meeting went ahead on soft ground.

Most interest for the future surrounds the opening contest, a decent looking 7 furlong juvenile maiden. This was won by previously promising ELNADANCER, as expected benefiting from a step up in trip and franking the form of Tickle Time from the previous meeting. He should go on to take better races than Class 5 tag of this race. A mile will be well within his compass this term.
The other four are all worth putting inn the notebook, headed by Richard Fahey's filly SIMPLY SHINING who took time to get going but was picking up nicely in the closing stages. She should have no trouble finding a race before long. She should stay a mile.
Favourite BURNING BLAZE tried to match the favourite but gave way in the final furlong having raced a bit keenly early on. He wasn't disgraced and will come on for this run.
As is the way with many Mark Johnston runners, HUNTING RIGHTS bowled along in front and kept on once headed if unable to match the pace of the first three close home. The trainer's horses are just a little off their best at this time, so there's reason to believe that this American bred animal, related to a US Grade 1 winner, can produce better.
ZADIG looked a bit green, she was ponied to the start, but she showed enough to suggest she can make a mark in easier company in time.

GONINODAETHAT finally broke his duck in the 7f 50yards Class 5 Handicap. He's always hinted that he's capable of winning but it's taken time for the penny to drop. There are plenty of opportunities for him and he should add to this win before long. SABRATHA came with a wet sail late on to wrest second place from pacesetter Emeralds Spirit. Her best form has been with cut in the ground which should give her chances in the coming weeks.

One of the better winners on the card was SILVERY MOON in the 1 mile Class 4 Handicap. He made it 2 out of 2 here, galloping on strongly at the finish. He likes soft ground and a galloping track. PROPHESY ran a decent race in second considering he's probably better at 7 furlongs, so could win again if dropped back down in trip.

THE OIL MAGNATE was a comfortable winner of the Class 5 1m 5f handicap and looks a fair bit better than the 68 mark he ran off here. He's had back problems and now they are cleared he should show his true worth. One to note in a higher grade as he was rated in the 90s two years back.

The second day was rather low key and I didn't find too many strong pointers.

HEAD SPACE threw a way his chance in the feature sprint handicap, ducking at the mown strip the line and almost unseating his rider. Ruth Carr will now do some therapeutic work after getting the stable lawn mower out! This one is better than the third place here suggests and is progressing.
MAYOMAN just held the fast finishing HAAJES though both would have been behind Head Space if the latter had seen his race out.

THE NIFTY FOX won his Class 5 six furlong handicap nicely and is in a decent run of form.

LUCTOR EMERGO stayed on to hold off HAWDYERWHEESHT in a 1m 2f Class 6 handicap, but the latter lugged in behind his opponent and gifted him the contest. Those behind are much of a muchness and the feeling is that these two will not make appealing betting material in the foreseeable future.

Lightly raced filly ODYSSEY won the closing apprentice handicap for Michael Dods moved up to the extended seven furlongs. The third Mick Slates has won since, admittedly in a monsoon at Catterick, but overall the form reads well enough to suggest that the winner can follow up.

Yarmouth follow up...

HASOPOP was a convincing winner of a 3 runner conditions race at Newmarket this afternoon, following up his Yarmouth win. The ground was heavy and the form is difficult to weigh up, but he showed a fine attitude and can continue his progression.