'New Term' starts at Kelso

KELSO – Sunday October 6^th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

A bumper crowd in excess of 4,000 gave a rousing welcome to the autumn campaign at the Borders track. The weather pretty decent bar one passing shower and the turf was in decent nick with no suggestion of jar in the ground. There was a fair bit of moisture in the turf after a little rain of late and I definitely choose the wrong footwear, ending up with soggy feet after walking the last couple of furlongs of hurdles and chase tracks.

2.00 2m ½f Borders Radio Handicap Hurdle (92-118)

GLENCREE looked better than many in the paddock despite a 119 day lay-off, his walking stride being noticeably longer than many. He led three out and steadily wound up the pace from that point, staying on well from the last to hold on in a close finish. He won’t go up a huge amount for this win but seems in good heart and may win again.

BRIGHT APPLAUSE, looking as if the race would certainly be beneficial, made a decent handicap debut. He put in a persistent challenge to the line and pushed a more experienced winner all the way.

ENDEAVOR keeps putting in decent efforts these days and had every chance here though held from the last. An adaptable sort he can continue to get in the mix in hurdles and chases at this sort of level.

ABBEY GARTH made good progress three out and had every chance at the last before being outpaced. He’s disappointed since a bumper success but showed enough ability on this occasion to suggest there is a race to be won with him.

CAVITE ETA had every chance but was found wanting from two out.

TALKIN THOMAS looks a chasing type and ran well for a good way, outpaced after a mistake two out.

NEXT EDITION was well backed but was labouring three out and never got near the leaders.

I had BALLYBROE down as one to follow over the season particularly if going chasing, but having made the pace he faded badly and was pulled up and dismounted after the last. A watching brief might be advised assuming he’s OK.

2.35 2m ½f Unwin Family Juvenile Hurdle

Experience proved the key here and KITCHAPOLY, a double winner in France, finally confirmed that he has retained his ability since his move. He led before two out and gradually asserted from that point. He jumps neatly and that should stand him in good stead in the coming months.

Perth winner ESTINAAD went well enough for most of the way, but a mistake two out set him back and the winner got away from him. He was clear of the rest and this looked a sound enough performance.

ANEEDH did best of the newcomers and though well held should learn from this and progress.

BROOKLAND BREEZE stayed on through the field to take fourth place. He looks more of a jumping sort than many in this race and should turn in better efforts in time.

3.05 2m 7½f Tiger McElrath Novices’ Limited Handicap (117-123)

A three runner race, but an intriguing contest nevertheless.

CARRIGDHOUN, part owned by one of the ‘Kelso top of the roofers’, set the pace here and early hesitant jumping gave way to better leaps as the race went on. He looked in trouble when headed four and was driven along on the final turn. However, he does stay well and was distinctly best once hitting the final climb. A good win but he might just have had a race that suited him here.

ATLANTA FALCON led four but didn’t have enough in reserve once headed at the last fence.

KRIS CROSS had every chance two out but was put in his place from then on. He looked as if the race would do him no harm after a lay-off.

3.45 2m 6½f NSPCC School Service Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)

There can’t be many horses that have won the same intermediate hurdle twice, but MAGGIO hit form at a track where he runs well. Putting a below par Hexham effort behind him, he stayed on well to hold off three decent opponents. He’s on quite a high handicap mark and may not be that easy to place as he’s been comfortably held in his two latest efforts in handicap hurdle/chase.

OUR JOEY ran more or less to his form with Maggio, overhauled at the last having set the pace. A decent effort and this one should have a chance or two in handicaps but I would George Bewley will be looking to go chasing with this one.

Winner of a Grade 3 chase at Auteuil, FULL JACK made an encouraging start to his UK career, well there for most of the way but only finding one pace from the last. Pauline Robson should be able to place this one to win races.

BRIGHT ABBEY couldn’t make an impact from two out. He’s been running well of late but generally in slightly weaker company.

BE WISE and KITNKABOODLE were outclassed and well beaten, though the latter did at least show enough zest in the first two miles to suggest he’s not a total lost cause yet.

4.15 2m 7 ½ f Fleet Bar, Eyemouth Handicap Chase (59-95)

A moderate event in which CHICAGO OUTFIT broke his duck over fences. Taking closer order from four out, the John Wade trained gelding took it up at the last and stayed on well enough. Not many chasers pass through John Wade’s hands without entering the winner’s enclosure.

Hat-trick seeking PRESENTING JUNIOR put up a sound effort, just being outpaced on the run-in but sticking to his job well enough. He is only a six-year-old, has the right attitude and there should be another race in him soon though I suspect he will stick to decent ground.

Barbara Butterworth appeared to have coaxed a revival from WESTERN BOUND who stayed on well for third and was closing to the line. Right off his game since moving from Gordon Elliott, this does at least offer some encouragement though he has to prove it wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

WINTER ALCHEMY went well until two out but could offer no extra from that point. He has more than enough ability to win at this level, but absences from the track suggest a problem.

MR DUFFY’s best effort of late was a second at Cartmel and Dessie Hughes has been travelling to seek out soft events for one of his lesser lights. He was behind by the twelfth fence and never in contention.

KNIGHT WOODSMAN was left behind in the last half mile, while ALMOND COURT jumped well in front for a while but was beaten by the fourteenth and then pulled up.

SOLWAY DORNAL stays well but was held when decanting Stephen Mulqueen at the last. He’s often thereabouts but doesn’t win very much.

SHOOTING TIMES has ability at this level but can be moody. He was never going on this occasion.

Maiden pointer SNOOZE N YOU LOSE has shown no hint of being a serious racehorse and was beaten with a mile to go.

4.45 2m 2f Katie Scott Pointing and Emma Dunkley 18^th Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Division 1) (75-95)

A very moderate event with few having anything much to recommend them pre-race.

HONOURABLE GENT apparently improved for application of the hood, getting into the race from two out and staying on after leading at the last. He didn’t achieve a lot in victory here.

SENDIYM, winner of a chase a Sedgefield in August, at least had some fair form to boast. He led until the latter stages and kept on honestly enough once passed. He’s one of the more reliable characters at this end of the spectrum and he’s 2 from 2 at Sedgefield.

DYNAMIC DRIVE had every chance two out but drifted toward the stands’ rail approaching the last and found no extra on the run-in. He won two flat races as 3yo in 2010 but nothing since.

VODKA RED was close enough if good enough three out, but could only plug on from that point.

RHYMERS STONE needed the race, but even then he made no impact from three out.

5.15 2m 2f Katie Scott Pointing and Emma Dunkley 18^th Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Division 2) (70-94)

Katie, Emma and party seemed happy enough, but this was arguably even more dire than Episode One in terms of previous form. However, one or two of us spotted an opportunity in the shape of PUSH ME who has been showing fair form on the flat. She showed nothing in four previous hurdles efforts, but Iain Jardine has got her going the right way and she doddled up off a mark of 84. Hurdling neatly in rear, she provided one brief scare when almost running into the back of an opponent off the final bend, but she was cruising at the time and readily came away from her only serious challenger. I was chuffed to get 11/1 as I thought she was a shoo-in if reproducing her flat form, and I was amazed to find she had started at 20/1. She looks like a 100+ performer and can land another handicap.

DISCOVERIE stepped up on mainly disappointing efforts for his current stable. Led three out but had no answer when headed by a superior opponent. He’s a big chasing type and, presuming he schools OK, would be very interesting in novice handicap chases.

LUCKY SUN and TOP BILLING had every chance two out and weren’t good enough.

Long standing maiden LAYBACH was as shot as 5/1, which sums this contest up, but didn’t threaten in the straight.

5.45 2m ½ f City Roofing Ltd Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Regular readers of this column will know I’m enthusiastic about Kelso bumpers and this one had me purring.

A fellow ‘Kelso top of the roofer’ has a share in the winner MONT ROYALE, a gelding that looks a ridiculously good purchase at £1,300 on this evidence. He’ s a nice enough looking sort, settled well in touch with the pace and showed a nice turn of foot to pull clear in the last furlong and a half. In the same nominal ownership as the useful Orsippus, this is one to take forward.

LORD OF BEAUFAI had every chance two out and stuck at his job to hold on for second place. He was fifth at Roscommon in May in a contest that has worked out quite well and that looks a good measure for this contest.

COUSIN GUILLAUME represented bumper specialist Karen McLintock and acquitted himself well enough, racing close up and keeping on to the line. His trainer is savvy enough to place this one carefully.

FACTOR FIFTY, a Southwell winner in June, was held over a furlong out but kept on to the line. A half-brother to decent chaser Hill Society and a few other jumps winners, he should make a mark when facing obstacles.

FINAL ASSAULT set a steady pace but was outspeeded from two out. He’ll need a stiffer test to show his best.

DARK CAVIAR loo0ked a tough ride at Perth but wasn’t totally disgraced here, making headway two out but weakening before the furlong marker.

MR SELBY looked forward enough for his debut but made no impact in the straight. His stable generally know the time of day and don’t waste many opportunities in bumpers here, so his seventh place hopefully signals the quality on show.

THIS THYNE JUDE was second in a much weaker event at Perth. She could only find one pace here but wasn’t completely disgraced and will be one to look out in staying novice/maiden hurdles in time.

Royal Scots Day at Musselburgh

MUSSELBURGH - Sunday September 29^th 2013

Going – Good to Firm

The glorious stretched into autumn, providing fine weather for the well attended Royal Scots Race Day. The going was on the fast side but, as Clerk of the Course Harriet Graham observed, there’s no need to water as the heavy autumn dews take any edge out of the surface.

I was treated to a belated birthday celebration afternoon in the Epperston Restaurant by my wife. A very good afternoon we had, with decent food an attentive staff, the latter happy to keep us filled up with iced water even though we weren’t drinking otherwise. The food is excellent and a dessert of ‘Candied pear and nougatine parfait, burnt sugar caramel and Cox’s orange pippin compote’ was right up there with any I’ve had. For obvious reasons my paddock coverage wasn’t quite as serious as it might have been on other afternoons, though I did join the masses on a few occasions!

News of next year’s Musselburgh programme is that the Scottish County Hurdle, held on Cheltenham Trials Day in February, has Listed status for its next renewal. The course have worked hard to promote this meeting over recent years, last year’s renewal of the meeting producing Cheltenham runners from all 8 contests. The course may not be similar to Cheltenham, but the consistently decent ground at this Linksland course does provide a warm up opportunity for good ground horses at a time when many courses are running soft or heavy ground.

Thommo was in ‘good voice’ as ever, though we were spared an enclosure otur as the travelling mike wasn’t available.

2.00 5f Royal Scots Club Nursery Handicap (50-70)

Those with form were handicapped right up to it, the top-weight Tinsill running of a 17lbs higher mark for a Beverley win. Hence the race was ripe to be taken by something unexposed and the duty was carried up by three-raced GULLAND ROCK from David O’Meara’s stable. Well bred and steadily improving to a fair sixth at Wolverhampton last time, this one took advantage of a 58 rating, disputing the lead and asserting form the furlong pole. He’s a strong sort, did this well and I suggest is capable of going on from here.

BALTIC SPIRIT was reportedly unsuited by the sticky ground at Hamilton last time. He was tapped for speed early on but picked up nicely  in the latter stages to land second place. Time might be running out this season, but I suspect this one will prove good enough to win on similar ground at a stiffer five furlongs or if moved up to six.

SAFFIRE SONG was dropped back a trip, a move I didn’t completely understand, but showed decent speed on kept on for third place having been near the pace all the way.

PRINCESS MYLA made an effort over one out but couldn’t get to the leaders.

TINSILL a strong, close-coupled out and out sprinting sort, was held up and made a little late progress. He wasn’t beaten that far and at a stiffer track should still be competitive off this higher mark.

I noted BOUNTIFUL FOREST as ‘on toes’ in the paddock and she added to a rapidly growing losing run for those I have noted as such. These geed up sorts just don’t seem to make an impact once on the course and look to be ones to oppose, particularly if starting at short odds.

WHITE FLAG was always out at the back and reported as not suited by the quick ground.

2.30 7f 30yds British Stallion Studs EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 4)

I missed a trick here as I couldn’t find a great physical advantage amongst the four that had raced, and form of all was promising to a small degree. In the event the two outsiders filled the first two places and I wish I’d kept more of an eye on the market.

NEUF DES COUERS built on a couple of moderately promising runs, staying on best of four who were pretty much in line over a furlong out. She stayed on determinedly to hold off here stable companion. She will stay further and is going the right way.

PORTHOS DU VALLON set a fair pace and responded gamely once headed at the furlong pole. He settled nicely, looks a straight forward sort and there should be a small contest for him, possibly in a handicap as a current mark of 67 looks workable on this evidence.

WEALTH looked well enough, had every chance and kept on in the closing stages if held.

MAJOR SURPRISE looked the likely winner from my vantage point at the furlong pole*, but was run out of it in the closing stages. He will likely need a stiffer test.

MARACUJA was green and wayward in the preliminaries. And looked as if there was still a bit to work on fitness wise. She was outpaced over two furlongs out but should come on for the experience and the gallop.

*’Er indoors decided she wanted a shoes change and yours truly was sent to do the task. One perk I get for writing this drivel is a parking space in the Owners & Trainers car park , so at least I remained trackside for the race!

3.00 7f 30yds rsp Consulting Handicap (67-85)

The most competitive race aon the card with a number that are progressing or have progressed.

JUST PAUL, a winner over course and distance in August, has made steady progress over the season. He has never won by a huge amount, and gives the impression he doesn’t do too much once in front. Putting in a sustained challenge from the two furlong marker, he led inside the final furlong and was ridden out. He has run well on good to soft, but is probably best on slightly faster ground.

MISHAAL wasn’t far away from breaking the ‘on toes’ hoodoo. He was very awkward and sweating in the paddock before being taken to start early. Restrained in rear, he picked his way through on the inside rail to finish strongest of anything to take second close home. He’s a fizzy sort but has been running well of late and, provided his energies can be channelled in the right direction, can win a race or two.

FUTURE REFERENCE sat down in the stalls and lost some ground at the start. Ridden to go prominent, he kicked on four out and though passed at the furlong pole stuck to his task well enough. He has done well on Polytrack and there should be further opportunities off a mark of 85.

LAZARUS BELL raced keenly for much of the way, but put in a persistent challenge from two out only to be held in the latter stages. A better effort than his last two outings.

CAPO ROSSO plugged on for fifth, suggesting an easing in the handicap is needed, while FUNDING DEFICIT came from well off the pace for a never nearer sixth and needs a drop in class.

SOMEONE’s DARLIN stumbled at the start and was up against it from that point. She was then forced wide on the bend and had no chance from that point. She’s normally a consistent sort and may be a backable price next time given that her last two runs have been down the field.

3.35 1m EBF Fillies’ Handicap (72-87)

A largely exposed bunch of fillies contested this feature race of the afternoon. The race was won by a filly in COINCIDENTLY who seems to be an autumn sort given that she won at Kempton around about this time last year. Dropped back in distance after a fair effort at Redcar, she was kicked clear by Silvestre De Sousa at the two furlong pole and wasn’t in much danger from that point. She had to be kept up to her work, and drifted causing minor interference to the eventual second for which De souse got a day’s unpaid holiday. She looked worth more than the winning margin and there may be better to come.

LIGHT ROSE had less mileage on the clock than some and ran a sound race in second place. She kpt on to the line having raced prominently and would have chances on the All-Weather in the coming months.

ELLE WOODS is a largely consistent sort setting the standard in third place,.

HOW’S LIFE impressed with her action on the way to start. She set the pace and kept to her task once overtaken two furlongs out. This was her first race out of pattern class since winning her first two races and there must surely be a race for her at this level, perhaps at 7 furlongs given that she was able to lead Goodwood’s Oak Tree Stakes until a furlong from home.

4.10 1m 5f Thomson Holidays Handicap (73-86)

A progressive animal beat a number of well exposed opponents. Sir Mark Prescott’s ALCAEUS, disappointing in an all-weather Listed company in Sweden last time, put things to rights here with a convincing effort back in a handicap. He made smooth progress to lead two out and was driven out in the closing stages. An example of Sir Mark Prescott’s ability to improve a horse from a lowly mark, Alcaeus’s record stands at an impressive 6 wins from 10 attempts.

COSMIC SUN is well exposed but ran to his mark here, staying on from two out but never closing quick enough to threaten to pass the winner.

HAWDYERWHEESHT was behind early but stayed on for a never nearer third place.

SCATTER DICE made an effort three out but though keeping on was held in the final furlong.

MUNTASIR, second in a weak event last time, was easily put in his place here, while MERCHANT OF DUBAI put up a third consecutive disappointing effort and faded from four out.

4.45 1m 1f Steadfast Scotland Handicap (59-70)

BERLUSCA’s best form had been on the Wolverhampton Polytrack but he came clear from over a furlong out to win very comfortably. Yorksters Prince had set a decent pace and Berlusca looked to be favoured by that.

TECTONIC led two out, but he’s not the most resolute in front that early and was overhauled and easily outpaced soon after. Keith Dalgleish has done well with this one over the summer.

ROYAL STRAIGHT had conditions to suit but was outpaced having threatened two furlongs out and there was precious little encouragement from anything else in the race.

5.15 5f Royal Scots Apprentice Handicap (Division 1) (45-59)

Bottom end handicap sprints wouldn’t normally be my ideal betting medium, but produced the bet of the day here in IRISH GIRL’S SPIRIT. She is suited by the quick ground, had gone well previously here and was in good enough form against a very moderate bunch of opponents. The only slight hitch was a wide draw, but I reasoned that sharp start would overcome that. Shirley Teasdale got her out quickly, tacked over to the rail and led after a furlong. Job pretty much done and this willing filly kept up the gallop to win with a bit to spare. I reckon she’s a 60 class filly given fast ground and a sharp five furlongs  and she ran off 52 here.

COMPTON HEIGHTS stayed on under driving to take second place. He went one better at Ayr a couple of days later, thus gaining saome reward for some fair efforts of late.

WICKED WILMA ran her best for a while, sticking to her task for third, but those behind were very moderate.

FOL HOLLOW ran down the field here but managed a win at Hamilton the next day on a ocurse that suits him better than this. Although he’s on a low mark now he did at least manage to propve he’s not a back number.

TRUE THAT was made favourite following moderate form over 6 and 7 furlongs. He was never going and was reported as having a breathing problem. One positive from my point of view on this occasion was that he made the market as Irish Girls Spirit’s price was 4/1 rather than the 2/1 I had expected.

5.45 5f Royal Scots Apprentice Handicap (Division 1) (40-58)

Episode Two of this contest was no better than Episode One, though the first three had all shown a glimmer of form lately.

BEAUTY PAGEANT’s record of 4 from 30 going into this is moderately respectable for the class. She broke well to lead and responded to riding in the latter stages to hold off her main challenger. She can remain competitive in all-weather contests.

CHEYENNE RED offers up the occasional decent effort in amongst a load of tat these days. He was always chasing the leader and kept on to the line.

HERE NOW AND WHY has performed consistently here of late though but hasn’t won very often in recent times and regularly finds one or two too good. He closed to the line for a never nearer third.

TADLAVIL, lightly raced of late, ran respectably in fourth without ever threatening, while the rest were well beaten.

THE KICKING LORD proved very mulish at the start and was withdrawn. He’s on a last warning now as another indiscretion would result in not being able to take stalls test for six months. This particular ‘on toes’ didn’t even get out of the gate!

Advance news that Musselburgh's jumps meetings on November 8th is free entry. It's Saints and Sinners day which is a charity day so racegoers might like to donate some of their saved admission money to charity.

Hamilton on a sunny September Sunday

HAMILTON Sunday September 22^nd

Going – Good to Soft

Just over a week to go to the end of the season, but the course was shown off to its best in early autumn sunshine. The going was good to soft, but it would have been drying out throughout the day and not sure that many runners would have been inconvenienced.

2.20 6f totejackpot nursery Handicap (50-71)

An exposed bunch of two-year-olds and nothing noticeably progressive.

DONNY ROVER showed promise early in the season, but had not gone over the summer. On his best form he was arguably well treated here and had clearly been showing something extra because he was backed from 10/1 into 11/2 joint favourite in an open market. This was a good deal easier than the Doncaster Class 2 event ne contested last time and, taking it up a furlong out, he burst clear to put the race out of range of his opponents. This could be a case of everything falling right on the day and I’m not sure a repeat will prove so easy.

Bottom weight showed plenty of promise, staying on nicely for second and hinting that there’s a small nursery within his compass this autumn. He should stay seven furlongs in this company.

PIFEON PIE was well held in third after having every chance. He looks a good deal leaner than his stable companion OVERSTEP (well held seventh in first time blinkers), but looks the better performer at this stage.

2.50 totequadpot Handicap (3yo) (60-75)

BARON RUN was taken down to start early for this contest. Making all the running in the centre, he stayed on under driving to add to a previous maiden victory here.

KHELMAN chipped away at the winner in the final furlong but was always just held. Try as I might I can’t find a pattern with this one who has run creditably on stiff and flat tracks.

CHASING DREAMS had every chance a furlong on and kept on if held. She ran well in better company last season and may be one to bear in mind if the rains turn the ground properly soft.

ALEXANDRAKOLLONTAI once again threw away her chance with a slow start. Julie Burke bided her time, putting the filly into the race up the hill, but she lost by the distance she gave away at the start. Connections are apparently considering a race here on September 30^th but she needs to hit the boxes if she is to win.

The remainder were beaten with a furlong to go.

3.20 6f totepool Flower Of Scotland Fillies’ Handicap (67-91)

A competitive contest for the biggest prize of the day.

DANCHEUR has done all here previous winning on ground faster than this. She tends to blitz it out in front and then hopes to hang on, but she was clear a furlong out and won with something to spare.

PEARL SEA is a strong impressive looking filly, but she hadn’t really progressed in recent runs. However, she kept on quite nicely to hold second having been near the pace throughout. She shouldn’t go up more than a pound for this a looks a potential autumn winner.

ATHENIAN came here off a break and there looked something to work on. She disputed two out but couldn’t offer enough to go with the winner though keeping on for third. The race will likely do her good and there should be opportunities in the coming weeks.

DUSKY QUEEN seemed to have the worst of the draw up the near rail. Racing prominently on this side she kept on into fourth and this may turn out to have been a creditable effort.

AVON BREEZE is probably as high as she would need to be in the handicap. She had every chance but could only find the one pace to finish fifth. Five furlongs or a sharper six plays more to her strengths.

TARTIFLETTE put in some good performances in early season but her form has tailed off a little of late. She had every chance and was held form a furlong out.

SMALL FURY was on her toes in the paddock and raced keenly. Predicatbly she fell away and would need a drop in class to have a chance.

3.50 1m 65yds EBF British Stallion Studs Maiden Stakes (2yo) (Class 5)

A closely fought maiden with any of three in with a chance in the last fifty yards.

MR GALLIVANTER has the look of one who will benefit from further than this in time. He built on an encouraging Beverley debut, staying on up the far rail and getting his head in front on the line.

Held in Group 2 company at Doncaster, VIVERE led over two out and kept finding for driving. She looked to have done enough but was foiled in the shadow of the post. She certainly has the right attitude and there should be race for her before long.

RANGI CHASE loomed up on the outside from two out, and looked the likely winner at the furlong pole, but was held in the closing stages. A good effort, stepping up on a Haydock third place.

INEVITABLE is a big strong colt who used up too much energy in the preliminaries. He was on his toes and had two handlers in the paddock. In the race he was fast away and led until two out but was one paced from that point.

4.20 1m 1f 36yds totepool Handicap (51-70)

JORDAURA has been there or thereabouts on a number of occasions recently. Having dwelt at the start, he worked his way into the race two out and stayed on to collar the long time leader inside the final furlong. A nice effort and a follow-up is possible.

LORD FRANKLIN set the pace and his tenacity saw off the majority only to get collared in the closing stages. Admirably consistent, although he’s not won at the trip he sees it out well enough and softening ground would be no problem.

HIGH RESOLUTION made headway three out but couldn’t make any impact in the latter stages. This was as good as any effort he has put up this season.

SIZE looked very fit. He couldn’t make an impact on the leaders in the last two furlongs.

ICY BLUE chased the leader until weakening from the furlong pole. He’s not the easiest to catch right.

NORTH POLE, with decent form at Brighton and Bath behind him, found the finishing hill too much here and weakened over a furlong out.

4.50 1m 5f 9yds toteexacta Handicap (66-78)

A race where the winner was gifted an early lead and only two ever looked like winning.

KING OF PARADISE set a decent pace without overstretching himself. He had a five length lead three out and dug deep in the closing stages to hold his only challenger. This was his fourth win, all at Hamilton, and he saw out the trip albeit with only a neck to spare. Eric Alston commented that hold up tactics had been tired with this one, but they didn’t work and he’s much better allowed to do his own thing in front.

DISCAY chased the winner all the way and wound him back up the final hill, just being held in the final reckoning. He’s proving quite consistent and ran to his best here. It could be argued that his jockey just misjudged things, but I guess he expected the leader to come back to him.

SWINGING HAWK was reported as hanging throughout the race, staying on from a long way off the pace. He needs holding up and would have received little cover if he had chased the pace. His jockey was caught between a rock and hard place and this run can be ignored.

GETABUZZ led the chasers to the main group, but didn’t close when asked and wasn’t good enough on the day.

CALEDONIA is proving disappointing on the flat and was beaten over three out.

CAPTAIN BROWN was making a first flat appearance for 800 days and was the first beaten.

5.20 5f totepool Handicap (45-64)

A very ordinary handicap but won by one of the few who is consistently in the mix. PULL THE PIN was fast away and led, responding well to pressure in the final furlong to hold on all out. He has a good attitude and it’s worth noting for the coming months that he has a fair record at Southwell.

ROCK CANYON stayed on late and just failed, but he’s had plenty of chances this season.

CHESTER’SLITTLEGEM is consistent and was never far away, finishing a close third.

SAXONETTE kept on from the rear for a never nearer fourth place.

DISTANT SUN notched up a hundredth run but didn’t look like winning while WICKED WILMA took her run tally to 106 without threatening. CHLOE’s DREAM couldn’t repeat Beverley form faded in the final furlong having raced prominently.

Edinburgh September Holiday Monday

MUSSELBURGH – Monday September 16^th

Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)

I had a morning in the office before taking the train to Musselburgh for the Edinburgh Holiday Monday Meeting. There were a few families at the course, and many on the train making their way to North Berwick to take advantage of a bright if breezy September day.

Sunday rain resulted in a slight softening of the ground form good, but the Musselburgh turf is in excellent condition considering this was the third last meeting of the flat campaign here.

2.10 7f 30yds Batleys Foodserve Handicap (58-64)

A evenly matched if moderate field for the first event of the afternoon, 14 having been eliminated at final declaration stage.

I arrived about five minutes before the start but the antics of PARTNER meant I had time to settle. The gelding who unseated his rider going to post and then ran loose for at least a mile and a half possibly more. It was slightly surprising that Partner was allowed to take part, and after leading for four furlongs he was quickly brushed aside. He has ability, but his temperament isn’t helping.

The result was a dead-heat between two of the in-form runners here, Fraser Perratt taking in the region of ten minutes poring over the photo before announcing what everyone had imagined was inevitable.

CARA’S REQUEST is normally a front runner but didn’t lead on this occasion, although always handy. He took over two out and looked the likely winner. Keeping on well in the final furlong he battled back after being headed and got back right on the line.

SUMMER DANCER challenged throughout the final furlong and gained a half-share of a race he won last season.

The combined age of the first two is 17, so neither is likely to improve at this stage, but they are both honest sorts who gave their best to provide a cracking finish.

VIVA RONALDO has slipped down the handicap but showed a glimmer more than of late, staying on into third place without threatening the winners. He has won on soft so might be able to land a similar event in the autumn.

PERFECT WORDS had every chance if good enough and turned out not be on this occasion. This was a first urn at seven furlongs for this 19 race maiden and he appeared to see the trip out.

MOWHOOB is probably capable of winning at this level, but doesn’t show too much inclination to exert himself at the business end. He was comfortably held in fifth.

2.40 7f 30yds Drinks Express 2yo Selling Stakes (Class 6)

MAID IN RIO had not shown much before this, well held at Ayr and Beverley then outclassed in a sales race at The Curragh, although she did show some speed in the latter event. This was however a good deal easier and she showed four rivals a clean pair of heels from the two furlong marker. Connections went to £8,500 to see off a single opposing bidder. She will presumably move on to nurseries.

BLACK TREACLE was very late in the paddock, presumably because he looked rather revved up. He led for the first half of the race, and kept on honestly enough once passed to hold on to second. The effort suggests he stays seven furlongs. He’s honest enough and consistent and just caught one too good on this occasion.

PRINCESS TAMAY hasn’t been brilliant to date. She had two handlers in the paddock and appeared a bit of a handful. She kept on in the closing stages but was held by the second throughout the final furlong.

ANGEL ROSA was beaten two furlongs out and disappointed in comparison to previous efforts.

BOY RANGER was way too lively in the paddock and much too slow in the race.

3.10 2m Batleys Cash And Carry Handicap (64-79)

A competitive little contest for a decent prize on a quiet Monday.

MAN OF PLENTY has raced on no firmer than good and one supposes his trainer feels he’s best with cut. A little bit of juice presumably suited and he made the trip from Newmarket pay, asserting from a number of potential challengers from two out.

BOWDLER’S MAGIC impressed with a determined effort chasing after the winner if never closing fast enough. He seems in good heart for his new yard, that of David Thompson. Seen out here in hurdles last season performing passably well, it would be no surprise if he pitches up again in November when the Musselburgh jumps season begins.

DR IRV was outpace in the final two furlongs and appears on tougher mark now having been raised 6lbs for a neck win last time out in a six-runner contest.

HIT THE JACKPOT had every chance two out and wasn’t good enough when the chips were down.

JAN SMUTS was moved up a couple of grades and didn’t help his cause by rearing at the start. In rear for most of the way, he made some progress to threaten briefly over two out but could muster no more at this point. He needs to drop back in class. He didn’t convince over hurdles last year and I wonder if Wilf Storey might be tempted to use his staying power at Southwell.

3.40 5f Best One Nursery Handicap (55-72)

The winner ONE BOY has ability but it’s proven difficult to get the tactics right since a win at Redcar on debut. He tracked the leaders and showed a decent turn of pace to hit the front at the furlong pole, sticking on well to hold the main challenger. He has decent speed and should be capable of winning again.

BOUNTY GIRL emerged from the field to chase the winner in the closing stages. She was tried in eyeshields here and ran to the best of her previous form on this occasion.

I can’t remember seeing too many dead-heats in forty odd years of racegoing, but there were two on this card with CLASSICAL DIVA and BOUNTIFUL FOREST sharing third place in this race. The pair don’t look especially favourably handicapped, but weren’t disgraced here.

NOBLE ASSET, an expensive Breeze-Up purchase, races a little too keenly for his own good. He showed early pace but was spent by the final furlong.

4.10 1m 1f Best In Claiming Stakes (Class 6)

This was a decent contest for a Class 6 with a number of older campaigners with decent form in the book. The race offered what I considered the best bet of the afternoon, the bet paying off as DEMOLITION landed the money off bottom weight. Entered for £5,000 by Noel Wilson, he was well favoured at the weights and didn’t look in any danger after taking charge two out. Demolition has been finding the task just beyond him in handicaps but he’s done well dropped to claimers and adjusted ratings gave him 7lbs plus in hand.

EXTRATERRESTRIAL, another who has been making his mark now aimed at claimers, chased the winner form two out and was not disgraced. He might well find a similar contest and he has won claimers at Carlisle and Newcastle this season, suggesting that a stiff track suits.

PRIME EXHIBIT is a hard puller who was restrained from the gate by his jockey. He never got a blow in at the leaders but stayed on in the last two furlongs to take third place.

ROYAL STRAIGHT chased the leaders two out but couldn’t get in a serious blow at the leader. He ran quite well at these weights, but he’s favoured by fast going and time is probably running out this season.

JEBEL TARA ahd every chance and wasn’t good enough from two out. He had a purple patch when well handicapped early in the season, but he’s gone up in the weights and found this company a little tough.

SEATTLE DRIVE was squeezed for room two out and never got in a blow. He was subsequently claimed for £10,000 by David Pipe. Fifth in a big field maiden hurdle at Galway a year ago, he may now be aimed at hurdles by his new trainer.

4.00 5f Petrushka Vodka Handicap ( 48-69)

WINDFORPOWER has a lot of races under his belt for a three-year-old since this was his 38^th outing. This was a sixth career win, a decent record at this end of the spectrum, though this was a first turf win. He raced prominently, led a furlong out and showed determination to gain the day.

ECONOMIC CRISIS, noted on more than one occasion here as ‘runs often but wins seldom’, once again earned a bit of keep with a decent effort and was closing in on the winner at the line. Not betting material but does enough to keep her owners interested.

MR MO JO led at a decent pace and kept on well enough once headed. A sharp five furlongs suits fine, though a win at Newcastle suggests he’s not one dimensional.

GO GO GREEN, a winner of a seller this year, stayed on from the rear for a never nearer fourth.

OUR DIANE came to the front approaching the final furlong but was headed and held in the final furlong.

SAXONETTE didn’t go the early pace and could only pick up a length or two under driving late on. A fair enough effort, but the race she won at Hamilton in July was a dire contest and she normally finds a few too good.

5.10  1m 4f 100yds Xtra Local Handicap (Betfair Stayers’ Series Qualifier) (51-62)

A competitive event won in catching style by an improving three-year-old filly in Bayan Kasirga. She had tack problems last time when unseating, so this effectively reads as a second consecutive win. She led two out and ran on strongly to pull clear. The impression is that there’s a bit more to come and it wouldn’t be a surprise if she overcomes a weight rise. The final of this series is held here on October 14^th and I would imagine Brian Ellison will be eyeing that contest.

GEANIE MAC kept on well enough for second and ran up to her best of this season.

Philip Kirby has recently acquired BURNS NIGHT and he could take advantage of this one’s current mark. His best form on the flat has been short of this distance, but he seemed to see out the trip if getting in a blow at the leader. He may be placed to win in the coming weeks.

VALANTINO OYSTER isn’t straight forward but has regularly been in the mix lately.  Pushed up to lead early on, he stuck at it once passed but had nothing left in the final furlong.

HIGH ON THE HILL raced in rear and stayed on through the field to take fifth place. Lightly raced since winning in 2011, Iain Jardine seems to have the six-year-old in good heart and there may be a minor handicap for him this autumn.

5.40 Petrushka Vodka Handicap (47-69)

I noted OPT OUT as a possible future winner back in June when spotting him at Ayr. He didn’t go on from there, but he looked very well and the latent talent was uncovered on this occasion. Covered up on this occasion, he came through to lead inside the final furlong and asserted bin the closing stages.

TOM SAWYER ran a decent race under a penalty. He soon led and ran on once headed, suggesting that there is another win around the corner.

HERE NOW AND WHY had every chance but was held in the final furlong. He’s a win in his turn performer, but has been in decent nick of late.

IRISH GIRLS SPIRIT probably needs the ground slightly quicker, so a close enough fourth was a sound enough effort.

With an hour to kill before the train back to the city I took a stroll across the centre of the course and walked down the back straight of the jumps course. The turf is in excellent nick and should please trainers looking to run in the four jumps fixtures coming up before Christmas. The turf is very lush and the surface even.

Meanwhile the golfers were appearing for a few late evening holes on the links. Two of them put on a pretty dire exhibition of putting and chipping for me to watch. Gives me hope if ever the clubs appear from the garage again…

Onward past Ma Forman’s pub at the end of the golf course. It was a sorry sight a few years back, but has had a new lease of life in recent times and the food menu looks well worth a try.

Other commitments mean I won’t be at Ayr for the Western Meeting, but I will be on course at Hamilton on Sunday September 22^nd. It’s then on to a belated birthday celebration at Musselburgh the following Sunday courtesy of my wife, a review of the Epperston Suite to follow! Kelso start their jumps programme in early October, then I hope to get in another visit to Musselburgh on October 14^th when the Willie Park Trophy heads what should be a very decent card by normal Monday standards.