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Thank you Ian :)
My ego loves it for sure, although that was the first winning “strong prospect” of 2022 and I couldn’t have that kind of sloppiness on this thread :D
Punjabi and Beltor each made winning hurdling debuts during January at Ludlow ahead of winning the Adonis at Kempton, with the first named going on to win a Champion Hurdle. This particular contest has featured nothing of that calibre, but with the winners’ seasonal RPR being 123.15, it is still an above average contest for the venue. In 2007, the first two, Altilhar and Laustra Bad, would finish second and third in that year’s Fred Winter, 2015 winner John Constable went onto be a useful sort while Sky Khan and Pigeon Island would finish down the field in other editions. This year’s renewal is not without promise although Dr T J Eckleburg sets the clear domestic standard while French winner Illico des Places and the decent Flat recruit Kolisi will have to atone for some disappointing hurdles outings to date. A sharp, slightly undulating, right-handed circuit, Ludlow’s winning DIs of 1.29 median, 1.51 mean, are in the higher third of British racecourses with its clear round and completion rates being very close to standard. The relatively low strike rate of odds-on favourites, at 57.58% and high winners’ starting price of 5.00 median, 8.24 mean, suggest that juvenile hurdles at Ludlow can be tricky to assess; although in this particular contest, three from four odds-on favourites have obliged and the winners’ starting prices are close to standard. Though Illico des Places went off like a scolded cat at Kempton, he was ridden more conservatively in France and the field is not inundated with front runners. The going has most recently been described as soft, good to soft in places with their being a chance of rain in the morning.
Illico des Places bg Tom Symonds j2-1-0 (-) 62 119
Jeu St Eloi (Anabaa Blue){6-e}(2.00) 0.5 Gatsby des Places 1st 3yo Hurdle, Royan 2019
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/illico-des-places
With his sole French start coming in a debutants contest at Châteaubriant, on a sleepy Sunday provincial meeting in May, Illico des Places had to wait a while for his profile page on the racing post site. Nevertheless, despite his rustic introduction to the sport, he showed the potential to be a useful sort. The field barely came out of a canter during the opening stages during which Illico des Places pulled extremely hard. Jumping himself into the lead at the fourth, he was still fairly headstrong but was not allowed to run away under Gaëtan Masure. Though he went through the top of the seventh, was flat footed at the eighth and got in close to the tenth, his jumping was neat overall and at times, quite taking. Holding a dozen length advantage turning into the straight, one might assume that there was another circuit to be completed given the lack of urgency displayed by the other riders. Nevertheless, this advantage was increased to eighteen lengths at the line which was achieved with the utmost ease. A race of its nature would take little winning, but the form has taken a reasonable shape. The second and the third each finished runner-up next time in similar company, Message Personnel won at Dieppe ahead of joining Dan Skelton, the last placed won a Compiegne handicap and while the pulled up horse won a small race at Erbray. Former trainer Francois Nicolle has a strong record of producing talented juveniles with last season’s Quilixios and Monmiral enhancing the standards previously set by the likes of Botox Has, Allblak des Places and Coko Beach. Sire Jeu St Eloi has had just one British runner to date, but his first two crops in France have resulted in ten winners from thirty-two foals. Half-brother Gatsby des Places has won on three of his four completed starts while winners Kentucky Star (2/1), Double Double (3/1) and Happy Reunion (3/1) appear nearby on the damline. In Tom Symonds, he joins a trainer who has yet to win with any of his juveniles recruited from British flat trainers, despite six of them being rated 70 and above. However, his record with French recruits is a different story altogether as five of the six have been winners, including Don Bersy and Song For Someone. Though he was thrown into fairly shallow waters for his debut, Illico des Places did not get such a light introduction for his British career, starting in a Kempton introductory hurdle a fortnight ago. Going off the 10/3 second favourite, he was once again decidedly fresh, pulling himself into a clear lead only to be caught on the turn for home and weakening tamely thereafter. His round of hurdling could perhaps be described as exuberant, although apart from flattening the first, he was quick and neat overall. Illico des Places clearly needs to settle better, and his penalty might make him vulnerable. Nevertheless, his French win entitles him to respect, his ability to set a pace and jump at speed will suit him around Ludlow and his recent outing at Kempton may have a dual pronged effect of enabling him to strip fitter while having some of the freshness ran out of him. A scenario not inconsistent with the yard’s record with ex-French hurdlers who have won zero from six first time out, but are three from five on their second outings.Appreciate chg Milton Harris f7-0-0 (57) 75 j1-0-0 (-) 9 16
Australia (Giant’s Causeway){19}(0.68) 0.5 Institution 2nd 2m Maiden Hurdle, Wexford 2019
Milton Harris has had an outstanding season in the sphere to date with four individual winners; three of whom were obtained at the Tattersalls July sale for 17,000 guineas or less. The least expensive of his purchases this term has been Appreciate, a seven race maiden for Tom Clover who went for 12,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn sale. Tom Clover, former assistant to David Simcock, has already produced one winning juvenile from three and his former teacher as a source has a winner to runner rate of 17.24% which stands just below average. Appreciate’s debut fourth at Newmarket as a two-year-old was his only performance which warranted a mark in the seventies. Beaten favourite on his reappearance in a Bath maiden, he was then well beaten in a Windsor novice. A break, gelding operation and switch to handicap company saw him beat just six of thirty two rivals home in four starts with his mark dropping from 72 to 57. He had excuses when hampered on his penultimate start at Kempton, but there was no such extenuation when last seen finishing sixth of nine at the same venue towards the end of October in first time tongue-tie. His pedigree is not without encouragement as Australia has a solid winner to runner rate of 21.05%, Giant’s Causeway has a fair record as a damsire and though the damline is predominantly American flat orientated, half-brother Institution did place at four in a Wexford maiden. It is difficult to get away from the disappointing nature of Appreciate’s form but there is some cause for enthusiasm in his profile. Appreciate made his hurdling debut at Fontwell on Boxing Day where he was sent off an unfancied 18/1. Sporting first-time cheekpieces and racing in fourth position in the six runner field, he pulled hard during the first circuit which is a trait brought from the flat. After losing touch with the leaders towards the run to the home turn, he would be passed by the other two rivals and finished completely tailed off. His cause was not helped by his jumping left at every hurdle which will be especially to his detriment around Ludlow.Bryanwood bg Bernard Llewellyn f7-0-1 (60) 67 j2-0-0 (-) 48 57
Garswood (Acclamation){9-h}(1.00) 3/1 Atamane 2nd Grand Prix d’Automne (G1), Auteuil 2008
No better than a fair and rather inconsistent maiden on the flat for Michael Dods, whose record as a supplier of juveniles is a respectable one, Bryanwood joined Bernard Llewellyn after fetching 8,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale. His granddam is a half sister to classy French staying hurdler Ataman while Adjali also appears on the damline at 3/3. However, Garswood is still without a winning juvenile from six and there was little generous about Bryanwood’s 66/1 starting price on his Newbury hurdles debut a month ago. Always towards the rear, he had his vision impeded when tripping over the first, but jumped reasonably from there apart from being slow away from the sixth. Nevertheless, he still finished a tailed off last of nine and fared only marginally better at Taunton a fortnight later. Starting at 250/1, Bryanwood never progressed further than the rear of mid-division, was tight and awkward throughout before finishing a tired sixty-two length ninth of ten finishers.Dragon’s Fire bg Alex Hales f8-1-0 (65) 76 j1-0-0 (-) 37 38
Equiano (Dubawi){7-f}(0.57) 3/1 Atlaal 1st Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (L,131), Kempton 1990
Alex Hales has a fairly modest winner to rate of 11.76% in the sphere and of the eight he trained himself on the flat, only Hiconic would score as a juvenile. Dragon’s Fire is the most accomplished of such horses on the flat, however, with his peak rating of 75 exceeding that of Hiconic’s by nearly twenty pounds. That mark came courtesy of a win on his third outing which came in a seven furlong, heavy ground Lingfield maiden back in May. Though he did well to find a gap in order to make his winning challenge, hindsight has shown that the form of that contest did not warrant such a mark. Consequently, without being disgraced in five subsequent outings, Dragon’s Fire was unable to get competitive in handicaps and his mark would drop ten pounds in the process. He also failed to see out his races on occasions and his being by Equiano, without a winner from eight juveniles, gave little cause for optimism over hurdles. The damline, on the other hand, is a little more encouraging as uncle Hatsnall won multiple points, cousins Eddiemaurice, Gale Green and Hint Of Grey were all winning jumpers, and the third dam produced good hurdler Atlaal as well as the dams of useful sorts Sadlers Wings and Head Waiter. None of this counted for a great deal in the market ahead of his hurdles bow at Kempton a fortnight ago, starting at 50/1, nor in the race itself. Held up in the rear, he made enough headway after halfway to still be in the pack approaching the turn for home, but was already weakening badly as they straightened up and finished tailed off. Apart from being big at the third, Dragon’s Fire did not jump badly, but he patently did not see out the trip and this will likely prevent his being competitive over hurdles for the time being.Dr T J Eckleburg bg Olly Murphy f12-2-3 (73) 77 j1-0-1 (-) 107 114
Lawman (Lemon Drop Kid){1-k}(1.13) 3/1 Shalott 2nd Juvenile Hurdle, Market Rasen 2020
Starting his flat career with David O’Meara, whose former inmates have a 23.08% winner to runner rate, Dr T J Eckleburg finished no better than midfield in three starts on the all-weather at two, but would progress nicely during his three-year-old campaign. After a trio of promising efforts in handicaps at Redcar, Epsom and Ripon off 64, Dr T J Eckleburg put a poor Haydock run behind him by getting off the mark and landing the odds in a ten furlong handicap at Ayr on good to firm in early June. Held up in the rear, he settled nicely and made steady progress through the field before leading at the distance and keeping on to win by half a length. He was keener next time at Carlisle before getting outgunned in the final furlong and a half, but settled better and not given a hard time when midfield at Haydock. Following a near three month layoff, during which time he was withdrawn from the Tattersalls July sale, he returned with a respectable third at Newmarket before doubling his tally with another victory in a ten furlong Ayr handicap; this time off 69 and on soft ground. Once again, he settled well in the rear of the field, made smooth headway, made his challenge at the distance and pulled clear before passing the post three quarters of a length to the good. Dr T J Eckleburg joined an Olly Murphy yard with a good 25% winner to runner rate and made his hurdling bow in a traditionally decent contest at Newbury in mid-December. Relatively unfancied at 11/1, he was held up towards the rear and after clouting the first, was quite buzzy early on. Nevertheless, he settled better along the back and his jumping was assured. Making smooth headway along the cross section, Dr T J Eckleburg looked dangerous as he tracked the leading line of four and was the last one off the bridle as he made his challenge at the distance. His getting close to the last cost him some momentum, but it did not cost him the race as the winner, who would place third in the Finale hurdle, pulled out more on the run-in. Dr T J Eckleburg is a progressive and consistent sort who brings the best recent form to the table and has the scope for further improvement. Furthermore, the yard returned to the winners’ enclosure at Sandown on Saturday and has its juveniles have had two wins from three around the course. His being a hold-up horse around Ludlow presents a slight concern, but he would still have plenty going for him here.Fight For It bg John O’Shea f4-0-1 (76) 81 j1-0-0 (-) 24 25
Camelot (Fastnet Rock){9-f}(0.93) 0.5 War Eagle 3rd Juvenile Hurdle, Aintree 2019
Making all four of his flat appearances between April and June last year, Fight For It failed to reach the frame but showed fairly useful form on all four starts for Simon and Ed Crisford. Taking in novice stakes at Leicester and Kempton either side of a maiden at Bath before finishing third of four in a Ripon handicap on his final flat outing in June, Fight For It looked largely straightforward over distances from ten to twelve furlongs on ground from good to firm and soft; running to around the 80 mark on each occasion. He was sent to the Tattersalls July Sale where a bid of 45,000 guineas saw him join a John O’Shea yard with two winners from thirty-two in the sphere. Sire Camelot has a respectable winner to runner rate of 23.68% with juveniles, and while Fight For It is a cousin of top sprinter Starman, his half-brother War Eagle has some fair placed form over hurdles. Fight For It was a tepid 50/1 for his hurdling debut at Kempton where he effectively raced alongside Dragon’s Fire for the bulk of the contest before finishing thirteen lengths behind the aforementioned in last place. There were some decent jumps amongst his round but he was also tight at the first and sixth while also steady on the approach to flattening the third. There is scope for Fight For It to make a hurdler in time, but with his yard’s winning juveniles coming at the seventh attempt and later, it is unlikely that all of the cobwebs will have been blown out at Kempton.Imperial Sun bg Oliver Greenall f8-1-3 (82) 89
Sea The Stars (Pivotal){7-a}(1.75) 2/1 Tissifer 1st 2m1f Novices’ Hurdle, Newton Abbot 2001
Ludlow is one of a handful of racecourses where newcomers actually have a better strike rate (10.37%) than their experienced counterparts (9.99%). Imperial Sun is the sole hurdling debutant in this contest, having previously been with John Gosden on the flat. Shaping well when midfield on his debut at Nottingham and catching the eye at Kempton on the second of two runs in 2020, Imperial Sun began his three-year-old campaign with third place finishes at Windsor and Nottingham; looking a stayer in the process. He got off the mark at the fifth time of asking when stepped up to an extended twelve furlongs in a Wolverhampton handicap in early July. Racing off 77 and held up off the rear, he made easy progress to the front when going wide on the home turn and was shaken up to win very readily by nearly five lengths. Imperial Sun ran no kind of race in the Melrose Handicap at York and was equally disappointing at Newbury in mid-September. The application of tongue-tie and cheekpieces accompanied a return to form at Wolverhampton, although his failing to settle did see his final effort peter out as he finished a near five length third of eight off 84. This would be his final start for John Gosden as he was sold at the Tattersalls Autumn sale for 50,000 guineas. Former residents of Clarehaven Stables invariably bring good flat ratings to the sphere, although their winner to runner rate of 15.00% is no better than fair and only 20.63& of them will maintain their flat form as juveniles. Oliver Greenall has a solid record in the sphere and has now saddled one hundred and thirty juveniles without any of them falling or unseating. They do tend to improve for the run however with only one from thirty-four scoring first time out. Nevertheless, the pedigree does hint at hurdling potential as Sea The Stars has a strong winner to runner rate of 34.62% and as well as his being a half-brother to St Leger hero Harbour Law confirming his stamina, uncle Tissifer and cousin Be Seeing You were both victorious over hurdles. There is a good deal to like about Imperial Sun’s profile insofar as class, stamina, pedigree and trainer are concerned. However, his tendency to pull might be an issue and he would be a fairly rare sort to both belie his exalted address history and his yard’s first-time record in this kind of company.Kolisi bg David Pipe f7-1-4 (85) 90 j2-0-0 (-) 0 0
Harzand (Footstepsinthesand){4-o}(0.75) 2/1 Shubaat 1st 3m Handicap Hurdle (130), Southwell 2014
Expectations were presumably high for Kolisi, who made his debut for David Pipe in the Grade 2 Summit Hurdle having fetched 55,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale. Gelded before seeing the racecourse for William Haggas, Kolisi stepped up on his Ripon debut in April with a good second at Nottingham the following month before getting off the mark in a soft ground, ten furlong Salisbury maiden in June. Tracking the leaders from the outset, he was moved into the clear at the distance whereafter he was pushed out to win cosily by just over two lengths. His rating of 87 seemed to be at the absolute limit of his performances to date and he was unable to run to his mark on his next three outings; hanging left and racing keenly in the process. However, dropped to 84 and with blinkers applied for the first time, Kolisi ran a career best when last seen in a ten furlong Doncaster handicap on soft ground. Though still taking a hold and looking rather suspect under pressure, Kolisi was eventually able to put up a strong challenge in the final furlong, getting to within a head of stablemate Titian at the line. Incidentally, Titian remains his stablemate having changed hands for 155,000 guineas at the same sale. Juvenile hurdlers formerly trained by William Haggas have a respectable winner to runner rate of 32.35% and their improvement rate of 41.3% is just above average. Best amongst these former inmates include Bedrock and Swnymor who each cost 70,000 guineas, again at the same sale. The only previous juvenile to move from Somerville Lodge to Pond House was Royal Rationale who won one from six during the 2007/08 campaign. David Pipe’s record in the sphere is a strong one with a 39.10% winner to runner rate and Kolisi’s pedigree is also creditable as the first runner over hurdles for the dual Derby winning Harzand. A son of Sea The Stars, cousin of numerous winning jumpers (including useful juveniles Handazan and Hazariban) and measuring at 16.1hh, Harzand has the credentials to make a sire of jumpers. Kolisi is also a nephew of useful winning hurdler Shubaat and is related 3/2 with Miss Heritage and 5/4 with Well Chief. However, Kolisi’s two hurdling performances to date have been quite disconcerting. An unfancied 25/1 shot at Doncaster, Kolisi raced keenly for much of the race and faded from his prominent position on turning for home. He was beginning to labour in last place when completely missing the penultimate flight, blundering badly and pulling up immediately. Reappearing later in the month at Kempton, he started at 33/1 and was keen once again while held up in the rear before getting detached at the far side and pulling up before reaching the straight. His hurdling was not bad, but he never travelled with any purpose and while his overall profile is one of an interesting recruit, he needs to put his two efforts last month firmly behind him.Mind Hunter bg Bernard Llewellyn f4-0-1 (73) 77 j2-0-0 (-) 82 94
Gleneagles (Oasis Dream){1-l}(0.50) 4/1 King In Waiting 2nd Prelude Handicap Hurdle (128), Market Rasen 2011
Bernard Llewellyn has a solid winner to runner rate of 20.69% in the sphere despite acquiring most of his recruits for four digit sums. Mind Hunter, who finished a pound second in a Lingfield maiden to a now 86 rated filly, left Richard Hannon at the Tattersalls August Sale for 26,000 guineas; the most his new handler has spent on a juvenile. However, he failed to match that form in two races on the flat for the Llewellyn team, beaten upwards of a dozen lengths at Chester and Wolverhampton during the autumn. Sire Gleneagles has a fair 18.18% winner to runner rate in the sphere, but damsire Oasis Dream has significantly lower figures and one has to go to the fourth dam before finding winning jumpers. An easy 40/1 shot for his hurdling debut in a decent Newbury contest in mid-December, Mind Hunter raced in midfield and jumped left (not right as reported) on occasions. He lost his position once reaching the straight and jumped slowly before finishing well beaten. Reappearing at Taunton a fortnight later, Mind Hunter attracted nibbles of support in the ring, albeit still starting at 50/1 having been 80/1 at one point. Racing in the rear, he was badly baulked at the first and would never really travel with any purpose save for passing some beaten horses ahead of finishing a twenty-six length sixth. Mind Hunter is not devoid of ability or promise, but will likely be seen to better effect once handicapping.Angels Landing bf Ian Williams f6-1-3 (71) 76 j3-0-2 (97) 91 97
Fascinating Rock (Pivotal){7-a}(1.77) 5/3 Binocular 1st Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2010
Having failed to make the track for Richard Fahey, Angels Landing started her career with Ian Williams in mid-June, running consistently and placing three times on her first five outings before getting off the mark in an eleven furlong Kempton handicap in October off 67. Representing the first crop of Fascinating Rock, but with a threadbare damline, Angels Landing started 5/2 joint favourite on her hurdling debut at Ludlow early the following month. Held up in touch and jumping abysmally, she was one paced in the straight before finishing a near five length third of seven. Her next outing came in a fillies’ juvenile at Leicester where she was warmly fancied 13/8 favourite. Tracking the leaders, she was still given to novicey errors but there was a definite improvement in her hurdling. Always close up, she went into a narrow lead on the approach to two out and though readily beaten by the winner, she plugged on well enough to finish two and three quarter lengths clear of the remainder. This marked a step up on her debut, although the form was nothing out of the ordinary and her venture into pattern company next time at Aintree amounted to little. Starting at 33/1 having opened at 12/1 in the morning, Angels Landing raced in the rear and her short lived effort at the cross section was over by the time they reached the straight and she was pulled up before jumping two out. Apart from jumping to her right early on, and reaching at the sixth, Angels Landing did hurdle respectably and can perhaps be forgiven the performance due to the very testing conditions. The best of her form leaves her with a fair, though not insurmountable few pounds to find and the return to Ludlow could be in her favour.tl;dr
Illico des Places – Looked promising when making winning debut in French provinces and form is respectable in context of this race. Was too fresh for his own good at Kempton but may do better for stripping fitter and having freshness ran out of him. Might get easy lead which is invaluable at Ludlow.Appreciate – Ultimately disappointing maiden on flat and jumped left throughout on hurdling debut at Fontwell over Christmas.
Bryanwood – Fair but inconsistent maiden on flat and very little encouragement from two hurdles runs to date.
Dragon’s Fire – Fairly useful winner on flat even if stamina looked questionable at times. Shaped like a non-stayer on hurdling debut at Kempton and will need to develop before he can be competitive in sphere.
Dr T J Eckleburg – Progressive and consistent on the flat and brings best hurdling form to the race courtesy of debut second at Newbury last month. Scope for further improvement and yard a positive. Should go well but possibility he could be at tactical disadvantage.
Fight For It – Lightly raced but reasonable maiden form during late spring/early summer. Not unfeasibly bred but shaped like more a long term project when last at Kempton.
Imperial Sun – Good form for John Gosden in context of this race, joins a capable yard and likeable pedigree. Ex-Gosdens don’t always carry form and yard’s juveniles typically improve for experience.
Kolisi – Best flat form in the field, very feasible pedigree and has joined a strong yard. However, both hurdles runs to date have ended with him being pulled up so plenty to prove at this juncture.
Mind Hunter – Lightly raced maiden for Richard Hannon and though two hurdles runs not devoid of promise, will be more competitive once handicapping.
Angels Landing – Progressive on flat, winning latest start in that sphere. Jumping has improved with each run and though pulled up last time, return to Ludlow should suit. Bit to find on form but should not be disgraced.
Strong prospects
1. Illico des Places
Reasonable prospects
2. Dr T J Eckleburg
Feasible prospects
3. Angels Landing
4. Imperial Sun
Moderate prospects
5. Kolisi
6. Mind Hunter
Negligible prospects
7. Bryanwood
8. Appreciate
9. Fight For It
10. Dragon’s FireAnd there was me thinking “The Good Doctor” was nailed on and only had to go down and come back to collect!
Fascinating read – intriguing contest.
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"Has anyone seen that clip of Ted Hankey doing the rounds where he’s like “Who’s in charge here? Me or the devil?” Well there may be something similar here with me and God. God being the motif in The Great Gatsby before anyone thinks I am seriously suggesting that the final showdown is taking place in a Monday afternoon juvenile hurdle at Ludlow – although what a setting that would be…
Dr T J Eckleburg certainly has the more stable prospects, but a good jumping, free running sort possibly getting an easy lead around Ludlow on his first attempt with a recent run behind him – not to mention his decent form in France – could blow a race like this to smithereens.
You’re in charge, BH.
Your thread, your rules.
Really looking forward to tomorrow’s race after yet another stupendous preview.
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"It is everyone’s thread really :)
(I mean technically, it is the property of TRF?)
I am also particularly looking forward to this one. The pace element really gives it an added dimension.
Interestingly enough, and I had completely forgotten about this until after I finished and posted the Ludlow essay, in the 2014/15 edition of this thread, I actually “put up” a horse called Drifter in another Ludlow race for similar reasons. He ended up making all and winning by eight lengths. 14/1 tissue, 8/1 opening show, 9/2 at the off…
Fwiw, I thought Dr T J Eckleburg looked a reluctant hero at Newbury, something suggested by his flat form, which includes several form comments along the lines of ‘weakened final furlong’. At Newbury he carried his head rather high and tended to hang in behind the winner up the run-in – possibly he has a physical problem (breathing?) that affects him only when put under pressure, and stamina might also be an issue over hurdles.
Ludlow ought to suit him, but it’s quite a long run from the final hurdle if there’s anything in this field able to make him work from that point.
At the weights in this ground
Illico des Places will need to settle better than last time.
Uses up lots of energy on the first circuit. Plenty of ability if settled better but the weight may tell today.
Debutant Imperial Sun is of interest to me.
Kiss of death I know, but the breeding and a look at his final run, under headgear gave suggestion ( to me) to that his future career was already being marked out by then. Held up at the start and brought through the field with few reminders to finish a never nearer third under hands and heels.( Stewards).
Having run up to a mark of 87 is one of the better flat recruits here.
Notable drifter this morning and either being confidently laid or pushed out as a no hoper as the money is piled on for the two market leaders.
Only runner for trainer and jockey.
Will certainly need the run to gain experience but some ordinary runners here and a strong finish could see this one make the top four or better.
Strong prospects
1. Illico des Places
Reasonable prospects
2. Dr T J Eckleburg
Feasible prospects
3. Imperial Sun
4. Angels LandingDavid Noonan has explained it to the stewards:
“Following the race, David Noonan reported that ILLICO DES PLACES (FR), placed fourth, ran too free.”
Well thank goodness for that – imagine how far off the pace he would have been if he hadn’t been racing freely!
We’ll have to wait for another day to find out how the winner responds to being challenged.
I think I might have got lucky there!
Can’t wait for the next one….
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"I can’t wait for this one either! Maybe not a Triumph trial but still a very intriguing little race. Hopefully there won’t be any questionable shenanigans to spoil the contest…
Huntingdon’s Chatteris Fen Juvenile Hurdle is firmly entrenched as a named contest on the calendar without ever holding pattern status. Rather boringly, it was only established in 1987 and instead of some obscure 1890s horse who landed sixty races during a single campaign as a four-year-old; including the Stewards Cup, the Ebor and a four-mile selling chase at Catterick – all while holding down a full-time job carting barrels around at the local brewery, the race is just named after some place in Cambridgeshire. Lack of romance notwithstanding, the Chatteris Fen has still been contested by some very useful sorts with its first three renewals setting an unassailable standard for future runnings. Aldino led home Nos Na Gaoithe, Celtic Chief and Osric in 1987, Kribensis and Young Snugfit filled the first two placings the following year while Royal Derbi was the outsider of three when winning in 1989. The nineties were rather more subdued but the race was still won by likeable sorts such as Royal Square, Cornwall Prince, Salwan, Kadi, Clifton Beat and The French Furze. Afsoun, Giocomo, Vol Solitaire, Songe and Zamdy Man were the best representatives following the dawn of the new millennium, while since the race was moved to January in 2016, Sceau Royal, Gumball and Master Blueyes have maintained the race’s reputation. Nothing in this year’s edition is in the hunt for Triumph Hurdle favouritism although with three graduates going on to finish second in the Fred Winter (namely At Your Request, Divin Bere and Style de Garde), the race could be seen as a fair trial for that level and it would be no surprise were a couple of these to take in that festival handicap. The line-up features four winners, two undefeated in Britain, with the field completed by the two highest rated flat horses in the field who each finished runner-up on their sole hurdles outings.
A flat, right-handed circuit with easy turns, Huntingdon’s average winning DIs vary quite wildly between 1.13 median (close to standard) and 1.57 mean (quite high). Capped at 4.00, the mean figures are lower than average which, when accounting for softer ground, is especially pertinent in this particular contest where the average winning DI is just 0.85. The clear round and completion rates of 96.36% and 86.84% are very ordinary although the Chatteris Fen has had a wide array of betting results with five from seven odds-on favourites obliging alongside four other winners at double figure prices since 2004. Though only six runners are set to face the starter, a couple of these have made the running during the past and while a breakneck gallop is not expected, the pace should be an honest one. The going is currently described as soft with little to no rain anticipated before post time.
Triumph Odds
Kotmask 50/1
Parliament Hill 50/1Collingham bg Donald McCain f13-3-4 (33,0-72.6) 82 j3-1-2 (117) 116 121
Samum (Mull of Kintyre){6-d}(0.78) 0.5 Chez Hans 1st 2m2½f Handicap Hurdle (131), Newton Abbot 2021
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/collingham
Juvenile hurdlers bought out of French flat claimers have solid winner to runner rate of 22.81% which increases to 32% when the horse won its claimer. Adagio and Noble Request are two notable examples, although few will develop into much above average. Nevertheless, Donald McCain’s first juvenile to come out of a French claimer, Collingham, has made a promising start to his hurdling career. Initially with Christian von der Recke, Collingham first racecourse appearance came in a Compiegne claimer last October where he won by three lengths, and was claimed afterwards for €30,009 to join Fabrice Vermeulen. Runner-up on his remaining three outings at two, he began 2021 with a valeur of 39 (85.8 BHA) but his poor runs outnumbered his good and that mark would drop six kilos in the run-up to July. That month saw him dropped into a modest Aix-les-Bains claimer over 2500m on soft ground. Held up in midfield, he was outpaced on the turn for home but though he made a meal of going through the gears, he was able to hit the front 100m out and regain the winning thread by a length. His final start in France came in a slightly better claimer at Clairefontaine in similar conditions. Here, he found it easier to stay in contention and after getting to the lead 300m out, would run on strongly to win by two and a half lengths. Changing hands for €17,800, he embarked on a British hurdling career which was certainly feasible on breeding. Samum has a solid record with juveniles in Britain and France while the dam has already produced two winning jumpers in Chandos Belle and Chez Harris; the former incidentally taking the Von Der Recke, French claiming route to the division, but failing to win for Paul Nicholls before eventually becoming quite useful. Collingham made his hurdling debut at Musselburgh in early November and was well supported in the ring getting backed into 8/11 from an opening 6/5. Initially prominent in a decently run race, he was restrained during the back stretch and began the home straight with a couple of lengths to find. He jumped two out with a share of the lead but as at Aix-les-Bains, he was not immediate in quickening. Nevertheless, the penny did drop after the last and he pulled ahead towards the line for a five length win. His jumping was a little untidy at times but few of his errors cost him any real momentum. The form was respectable without being much better than average, and a sterner examination was given back at the venue some four weeks ago. He was sent off a steady 3/1 behind the odds-on Skycutter who was soon in a very clear lead. Collingham led the pursuit and though there was still well over a dozen lengths between the two entering the straight, that gap had been reduced to a length by the furlong pole. However, the effort to close the gap, where he completed the penultimate furlong over a second quicker than the winner, proved telling with the pair finishing almost a distance clear of the remainder. Skycutter did not advertise the form in the Finale although he enjoyed nothing like the gift he received here. Collingham’s third outing came at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day and he started the 85/40 second favourite of six. Initially in a prominent position, he allowed the leader to get away from him by the time they reached the back. Though he made considerable ground rounding the home turn and was trading as low as 1.11 when looming menacingly when approaching the penultimate flight. However, the uneven energy expense once again proved his undoing and he ended up losing the battle for second on the run in. Other than being close at the third and tiring late on, Collingham’s jumping was satisfactory overall. Although the runner-up was a 50/1 outsider, the form is still respectable and even a critical comparison of the time recorded against the 0-150 handicap on the card paints the juveniles in a positive light. Though dropped six pounds to 117, Collingham’s form is still the strongest in this contest and his defeats come with mitigating factors. The softer ground and more even tempo should play to his strengths and as the chosen representative of his in-form yard’s two entries for this race, Collingham sets a solid standard for his rivals here; even if most are promising and scopey sorts.Genuflex bg Milton Harris f11-1-5 (74) 79 j4-1-2 (113) 104 114
Holy Roman Emperor (Galileo){1-i}(1.13) 0.5 Gendarme 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (88), Limerick 2021
A winner on the flat for Richard Hannon, Genuflex earned his initial victory at the third time of asking in a Windsor nursery off 74 last August. Though he failed to supplement this success in eight further attempts, Genuflex did run to form over ten furlongs during the spring and summer including on his latest outing in that sphere when showing good tenacity but failing to make all in a Nottingham classified stakes. He subsequently joined the capable Milton Harris for 20,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale. By a Holy Roman Emperor who wins his fair share, and being a half-brother to a winning handicap hurdler, there was every chance he could build his profile over hurdles. He was well backed to do so on his stable/hurdling debut at Ludlow early in October and only subsequent Huntingdon winner, Mister Allegro, prevented his landing the 20/1 come 5/1 plunge. Though occasionally tight at his hurdles, Genuflex posted an efficient round of jumping overall and travelled well in midfield for much of the contest. In contention turning for home, he found himself outpaced between the last two and was slow getting away from the final flight. Nevertheless, he plugged on along the run-in to snatch second in the final strides with subsequent improver Saint Riquier another four lengths behind. Entering calmer waters at Sedgefield eleven days later, Genuflex’s profile saw him sent off a worthy 4/11 favourite. Making his own running from the outset, he raced keenly while setting a modest tempo. Though he hit the top of the third, rather missed the sixth and ran down the penultimate flight, his jumping was neat enough overall. Genuflex entered the straight half a dozen lengths clear of his rivals and after being shaken up away from two out, was in cruise control for the rest of the race; crossing the line seventeen lengths clear of the remainder. Stepping up to Listed company for Wetherby’s Wensleydale Hurdle, Genuflex appeared to be quite overfaced, although he was supported in the ring from 14/1 into 10/1 at the off. Held up in the rear off a quite modest gallop, he still had only one behind turning for home. It was a tightly packed bunch however and was able to follow the increased pace in the straight, jumping the last within a length of leader Porticello. Though he was no match for the ultimately comfortable winner, he did get the better of a battle for second in the final strides. This marked a new career high, exceeding the best of his flat efforts in the process. A two month rest was broken by a lofty engagement in Chepstow’s Finale Hurdle over Christmas. Available at 20/1 in the morning, Genuflex drifted to a more realistic 50/1 at the off and ran accordingly; jumping without confidence and failing to get into contention from the rear before finishing a tailed off last. This return to calmer waters will suit and with his yard’s last venture to a racecourse resulting in a double, a respectable effort would not be unexpected. Nevertheless, Genuflex would still have a few pounds to find in this company and with less scope for improvement and a possible preference for a faster surface, there will probably be more appropriate targets in the future.Kotmask chg Gary Moore j2-1-0 (-) 109 113
Masked Marvel (Martaline){20-a}(0.38) 0.5 Kapkiline 3rd Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1), Auteuil 2018
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/kotmask
Arriving to these shores as something of an unknown quantity, Kotmask had just the one run to his name which came in an ordinary contest at Dieppe in mid June. Sent off at 11/1 in an eleven runner contest, he went straight to the front and was taking quite a pull, but was able to settle better once getting a lead. His jumping was marked by inexperience as he was often steady on the approach and untidy at numerous obstacles. Kotmask was still in contention turning for home, but ultimately found four of his rivals too strong and was beaten by just under thirteen lengths. The remainder of the field were upwards of twenty lengths behind and although pattern class form has not emerged from this Dieppe outing, the first four have held their own in quite valuable conditions contests and count winners at Compiegne and Pau amongst themselves. The five exports of Gabriel Leenders last term included three winners as well as the Triumph and Punchestown placed Haut En Couleurs. Sire Masked Marvel does respectably with his three-year-old hurdlers in France, among whom is another Leenders export in Teahupoo. With a name like Kotmask, the damline is predictably inundated with talented French jumpers and a brief role call of nearby relatives includes half-sister Kapkiline, Kobrouk (2/1) Katgary (2/1), Kotkieglote (3/1), Katenko (3/1), Kotky West (3/1), with Kotkijet coming out of the fifth dam. His British debut came early last month where he was well supported on course; backed from an opening 11/2 to 7/2 at the off. While fairly keen early on and pecking badly at the first, that was his only real error in the contest and he soon settled well enough to be prominent in the main body behind the clear leader. Part of a two pronged pursuit during the second circuit, he joined the pacesetter leaving the back and after a better jump at the last gave him the lead, Kotmask was pushed clear on the run-in for a twelve length success. While it was not the strongest contest held at Fontwell, the form is solid enough for the level with the runner-up placing second in a handicap next time and the third maintaining his form on the flat. The performance leaves Kotmask with the least to find with Collingham and with further improvement likely for his in-form yard, he should give the aforementioned plenty to think about.Lifetime Legend bg Neil King f11-0-4 (74) 83 j1-0-1 (123) 89 95
Pride Of Dubai (Galileo){5-h}(0.60) 3/1 First Mohican 4th Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle (G2), Kempton 2014
Andrew Oliver has supplied thirty-seven juvenile hurdlers to the division since 2006 and while Mega Fortune and Dodging Bullets were very talented sorts, their overall winner to runner rate is only fair at 18.92%. The most expensive of these to sell at auction was Lifetime Legend, who changed hands at Tattersalls for 55,000 guineas in the Autumn. Though a maiden after eleven starts, Lifetime Legend was capable of some fairly useful form on the flat. After finishing second at Galway in September 2020, he bit off a little more than he could chew at pattern level, but returned in the spring with a respectable third of thirteen at Cork in a ten furlong maiden. His next few outings were no better than fair but after a summer break, he began to reach his best form. Finishing fourth of fifteen in a Galway handicap over an extended mile, he was gelded before placing third in a Killarney handicap off 73 over eleven furlongs on soft, despite pulling hard early on. He filled the same position in a Leopardstown maiden a fortnight later where he looked one paced over ten furlongs on good ground. His tenure with Andrew Oliver ended with a tame effort at Navan and after his trip to Newmarket, would join a Neil King yard with respectable figures in the sphere; namely a winner to runner rate of 30.61% and an improvement rate of 54.05%. Lifetime Legend is a representative of sire Pride Of Dubai’s first crop of hurdlers. Being a precocious two-year-old from the Machiavellian line as well as being a cousin of Invincible Spirit, Pride Of Dubai does not have especially compelling credentials for the discipline. There is a little promise on the damline, however, as the third dam was responsible for First Mohican and The Price while the Munster National winner Star Clipper appears further back at 4/3. Lifetime Legend’s hurdling bow came at Wetherby over Christmas and he was the subject of strong support throughout the day, moving from 11/1 to 3/1 before going out slightly to 4/1 at the off. Settling in mid-division, his round was littered with novicey errors as well as a tendency to jump to his left. He turned for home just behind the leaders and though unable to reach the winner, stayed on to split the first and third by a length and three quarters apiece. A strict collateral reading of the form marks the performance as a respectable one. However, the sectionals from that contest were atrocious and the winner was well beaten in moderate company next time out. Lifetime Legend is entitled to improve for the experience but he has the most to find in this field on hurdling form and his jumping left handed will not held him around Huntingdon. Though not shown on the BHA site, an official rating of 123 is being reported which, if true, would make him one of the worst handicapped juveniles in training.Parliament Hill chg Olly Murphy f4-0-0 (69) 77 j1-1-0 (-) 119 109
Sir Percy (Shamardal){7-a}(0.82) 2/1 Rainbow Dreamer 2nd Finesse Juvenile Hurdle (G2), Cheltenham 2017
Lightly raced on the flat in Ireland, Parliament Hill was gelded after his sole outing at two and during three outings in the spring, would twice place fifth in maidens at Tipperary and Navan; either side of a down the field finish at Leopardstown. An optimistic interpretation of his form would deem his official mark of 69 as somewhat generous, and though perhaps lacking a turn of foot, he appeared to race honestly enough. Juveniles formerly trained by John Joseph Murphy have a solid enough record in the sphere and new trainer Olly Murphy is also adept at preparing young hurdlers. The pedigree is also a useful one for the division as sire Sir Percy has a strong winners to runner rate of 31.82%, uncle Rainbow Dreamer was a useful juvenile and along with Warrsan, Needle Gun and Luso, the damline also includes dual winner Dalaki (3/1) and the top class Nichols Canyon (4/3). Parliament Hill was introduced to hurdles at Leicester in late November where he was supported during the morning from 4/1 to 13/8 before starting the race half a point higher. Keen in the early stages, he was eventually settled and tracking the leaders on the outer. Leading on the bridle three from home, he was asked for his effort approaching the last before running out a cosy five-and-a-half length winner. Parliament Hill looked inexperienced at times after clipping and skewing at the first and stumbling slightly at the fifth, was awkward over the last two while under pressure. Notwithstanding, he won nicely in the end and though the bare form is nothing special, he would have the most scope for improvement in this line-up and represents yard enjoying a good spell of form.Rewired chg Dr Richard Newland f11-2-3 (78) 83 j1-0-1 (-) 106 106
Power (Montjeu){1-n}(0.54) 0.5 Keen Move 2nd Premio Criterium d’Inverno Hurdle (G2,4yH, Pisa 2016
Dr Richard Newland has some of the nicer figures in the juvenile hurdling division with his winner to runner rate of 40.91% in the top ten for trainers with twenty or more horses, and his record of eighty-one juveniles without a fall or unseat being second only to Oliver Greenall. His sole runner in the sphere this term has been Rewired, who came from David Menuisier with two wins and a rating of 78 to his name. Shaping well enough on his debut at Newbury in September 2020, he was off the mark next time when coming out on top of a blanket finish at Lingfield before consolidating his ability with a very narrow second in a ten furlong Newmarket nursery on heavy ground off 69. It took a couple of outings to shake off the cobwebs in the spring but was better than the result at Sandown on Eclipse day when fifth off 72 having met trouble in running. Compensation was gained at Esher a month later when making sure of a prominent position in a seven runner field, going for home at the distance and having enough to repel the runner-up’s late lunge by a neck. Raised seven pounds, Rewired finished last next time at Newcastle and though a return to Sandown saw him finish a two length fourth, too much was made of him at Chester in October. His final flat outing was a creditable one at Doncaster in first-time cheekpieces when Ryan Moore was rather too patient on his mount who was nearest at the finish but could only reach second place at the line. Fetching 45,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale, Rewired was to embark on a new career for which he is feasibly bred. He is from the fifth crop of Power who has five winners from fifteen in the division while boasting a most promising improvement rate of 88.89%. His half-brothers Keen Move and Grey Mist each produced respectable jumps form as youngsters, the third dam had a couple of minor winners and the likes of Mariah Rollins (4/4), Pendra and Mercian King (4/5) appear further back on the damline. Rewired made his hurdling debut in a warm looking contest at Kempton eighteen days ago where he started at 5/1 having opened at twice that price in the morning. Held up towards the rear of midfield, he began to make headway on the far side but while he went into second approaching the penultimate flight, the winner had already flown; leaving Rewired seventeen lengths in his wake at the winning post. Rather awkward over the first three flights, Rewired hurdled better as the race progressed and though well beaten by the impressive winner, he still finished twelve and thirty lengths clear of the next two. Rewired is another recruit with a likeable profile who showed plenty of scope on his hurdling debut and represents an in-form stable. The bare form of his Kempton debut leaves him with a little to find and his propensity on the flat to follow a good outing with a modest one is a concern, but a strong showing in this contest can not be dismissed.tl;dr
Cottingham – Three times a winner on the flat in France, the latest being a Clairefontaine claimer. Landed the odds when making a winning British/Hurdling debut at Musselburgh in November and two subsequent defeats at that venue are better than they appear at face value. Form in the book sets the standard and ground and likely pace could play to his strengths.Genuflex – Fairly useful on flat and confirmed hurdling debut promise with wide margin win at Sedgefield. Ran to a new career best when second in Wensleydale Hurdle but ran no sort of race in Finale over Christmas. Will appreciate drop in class but is most exposed and may prefer quicker ground.
Kotmask – Regally bred insofar as French jumpers are concerned and debut at Dieppe for Gabriel Leenders was not without promise. Emphatic winner at Fontwell on sole start for new trainer and form is probably strongest of those behind Collingham. Conditions should suit, yard in-form and improvement can be expected.
Lifetime Legend – Eleven race maiden on flat but some reasonable form for Andrew Oliver. Patchy pedigree but well supported when second on jumps introduction at Wetherby. Bare form looks reasonable but sectionals were very poor and form has since been let down by winner. Entitled to improve but most to find.
Parliament Hill – Lightly raced maiden in Ireland but mark of 69 probably underestimates his ability. Nice pedigree for the division and well supported for hurdling debut at Leicester in November. Patently inexperience but still a very ready winner and though bare form nothing special, probably has most scope for improvement in this line-up.
Rewired – Dual winner on flat and brings highest rating from that sphere. Appropriately bred and joins good yard for juveniles. Put in his place but clear of rest on hurdles bow at Kempton. Plenty of scope and yard in form but could be inconsistent on flat.
Strong prospects
1. Collingham
Reasonable prospects
2. Kotmask
3. Parliament Hill
4. Rewired
Feasible prospects
5. Genuflex
Moderate prospects
6. Lifetime LegendGreat stuff.
I wasn’t expecting to be in agreement for this one, but we are!
I still think that form with the November Handicap fourth is potentially decent!
The Chatteris Fen has been around quite a while and IIRC as a student 1982-4 I saw a decent 4yo hurdle at this meeting, but maybe under a different name?
Anyway, can’t wait!
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"I am glad we are in agreement. That can only be a good thing!
Showing my lack of age here but as for the race’s history, you are correct.
It wasn’t around during the 1965/66 season and according to the Times and Guardian, the first time a “Chatteris Fen” was held was in 1987. Nevertheless, there was still a valuable juvenile hurdle hosted in February at the venue during the early eighties known as the “Ward Hill Top Table Hurdle.
1981
1.Ballywackmacroo
2.Jades Double
3.Poyle Crusher1982
1.Carved Opal
2.Palatinate
3.Latest Love1983
1.Wollow Will
2.Ra Nova
3.Critical Path1984
1.Tom Sharp
2.Star Of Ireland
3.Purple FlashThe race then goes on an hiatus for a few years before the Chatteris Fen is introduced – although it could arguably be regarded as the same contest. Might have to invest in some 1970s form books at some point (difficult though they are to source) but am tempted to sift through some digital archives to see how far back this contest goes.
Oh wow thanks for this – memories flooding back!
In 1983, me and a couple of friends somehow made it from Warwick uni to Huntingdon and back in a beat-up old car and we saw Wollow Will beat Ra Nova!
I can see it in my mind’s eye now!
Fabulous blast from the past!
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"Thank you for pointing out the oversight. Had a bit of fun researching the contest. In 1975, there was a juvenile on the card called the “Warboys” which was split into two divisions, but the first running of a proper juvenile hurdle was in 1978 and it was quite the contest. Details in this image
Incidentally, I was seriously considering putting Warwick down on my UCAS application, given how agreeable I find the town. However, when I figured that the university itself was miles away, I opted for Durham instead. Just as well really since a bunch of students would make Warwick much less charming and pleasant…
Absolutely superb – so many memories here.
Thank you.
(PS: Yes, Warwick University campus is actually on the outskirts of Coventry and about eight miles from Warwick as I discovered upon arrival in October 1981. I still went racing at Warwick, though, and remember seeing Very Promising win there as a novice hurdler).
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"My pleasure, Ian :)
Warwick Uni certainly appears to be well placed for racecourses; Warwick, Leicester, Stratford, Towcester, Worcester… as well as Huntingdon, Ludlow and Cheltenham if you were feeling adventurous.
That said, am perfectly happy with what I got with Durham. Hexham is the most beautiful racecourse in the country, Newcastle had a few quality fixtures and though decried as a “dog track” by some, I never had a bad day at Sedgefield. Plus, Redcar was easily commutable if I ever fancied a journey through time. A wonderful region of the country where I could very happily settle one day.
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