Juvenile Hurdlers 2022/23

[IanDavies]

If they took any notice, the odds of reward might not be so good, BH.

Weighed in! Weighed in!

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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[Cork All Star]

Good win by Captain Square. Although I expect Captain Mainwaring was not very pleased.

[IanDavies]

That is Mastermind, specialised subject: Dad’s Army, standard, CAS.

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"

[Bachelors Hall]

The first edition of my “Juvenile Prospects for 2022/23” is now in effect

If you are on Twitter, you can bookmark it here;-

https://twitter.com/HarchibaldS/status/1558501766873882627

But if you are not into that new fangled guff, here it is in full. Daddy Long Legs, Havaila, Kitesurfer, Losange Bleu (unlikely to be exported IMO), Jaitroplaclasse and Jourdefete will appear in the next update as will several others. If you have any other suggestions then let me know and I will try to include them.

Thank you and enjoy :)

Afadil bg Paul Nicholls f3-1-1 (37.5/82.5) 67 (Francis-Henri Graffard)
Camelot (Invincible Spirit){11-g}(0.47) 2/1 Ashkazar 158 2nd Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle (L,135), Cheltenham 2008
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/afadil
Since 2004/05, Paul Nicholls has enjoyed success aplenty with juvenile hurdlers acquired from the flat in France. Twenty-four of the forty-one such imports were winners during their first campaigns including the likes of Zarkandar, Pearl Swan and Pierrot Lunaire. There were also a couple of expensive purchases from the Arqana Summer Sale in the €200,000 Ranjaan, and the €380,000 Zubayr. The latter named would run in the Paul Vogt colours, as will the latest recruit Afadil, who fetched €255,000 at this year’s edition. He was formerly trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, whose four previous exports failed to win as juveniles, but do include Farout (a useful hurdler who won shortly after the end of his first season) and Teddy Blue (second in the Adonis Hurdle). Afadil’s racecourse debut came in a newcomers race at Chantilly in May over a mile on good-to-soft ground for which he started the 2.7 favourite of nine. Slowly away and looking conspicuously raw, he was soon racing prominently on the outside and still travelling well when asked for his effort at the distance. His response was not immediate and the winner was gone before the penny dropped, but he kept on to hold the remainder by a neck. Nothing of substance has emerged from the race thus far and the time was not as good as that posted in the fillies’ edition – albeit one won by a subsequent Group Three winner. Afadil was next seen in early June for a 1800m maiden at Compiegne where started second favourite. However, while looking a real threat in the straight having again raced prominently, found little in the final two furlongs and folded tamely to finish a nine length sixth. Ten days later, his sights were lowered as he stepped up in trip for a 2200m Craon maiden on good ground where he was able to justify 3.8 favouritism. Racing keenly while tracking the leaders, he made his move turning into the short straight and though he took his time working through the gears, he got to the front inside the final furlong to win going away by a length. He was given a valeur of 37.5 (82.5) on the back of these performances and shapes very much as one who can only improve. Without being the highest rated French import from the flat, plenty with similar ratings have reached the top in the division. Nevertheless, along with his size, scope and ability, the real intrigue lies in Afadil’s pedigree (which includes Ashkalani at 3/1). Aga Khan breds have a strong record as hurdlers and this damline is no exception, with one uncle Ashkazar finishing second in the 2008 Fred Winter, another, Ashkoul, finishing third in the Swinton, and the 1993 Triumph Hurdle heroine Shawiya appearing at 4/2. Sire Camelot is also capable of producing good juveniles as per Sir Erec, Gardens Of Babylon, and multiple winners Too Friendly and Volkovka. Justifying any six figure price tag is a tall order in juvenile hurdling, particularly in what may well be a strong season. All the same, Afadil’s profile is one which ticks all the right boxes and it would be no surprise to see him recoup a fair chunk of the outlay.

Aviles bg Gary Moore j1-0-0 ? 103 (David Cottin)
Saint des Saints (Kamsin){9-h}(0.45) 2/1 Adjali 139 2nd Finale Juvenile Hurdle (G1), Chepstow 2018
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/aviles
In the same deal brokered by Nicolas Bertran de Balanda, Aviles kept Bo Zenith company when leaving David Cottin for Gary Moore. Like his travelling companion, Aviles also has a likeable pedigree. A son of that magnificent stallion Saint des Saints (Monmiral, Le Rocher, Fusil Raffles and many others), Aviles is the son of a fairly useful juvenile in Ava; herself a full sister to the talented juvenile Adjali. The rest of the damline is not quite as fleshed out as Bo Zenith’s, with a claiming class cousin being the other nearby winner. Nevertheless, the fourth dam did produce the Prix Leon Olry-Roederer winner Atamane as well as Acamani who finished third in Samum’s German Derby before placing over hurdles. His sole racecourse outing came at Bordeaux in the Prix de Bacalan on the first of April. The race carried less than half the purse of Auteuil’s similar contests, although it was taken last season by the champion three-year-old Kyrov. Starting the 5/2 favourite of seven, Aviles was sent on to make the running but, as per his rider’s comments, seemed rather ill at ease around Bordeaux. He was steady over his early flights and while he was better over the next four, was joined when making a mistake three out and headed shortly afterwards. Slightly short of room on the home turn, he hopped and reached over two out before leaving his hind legs in the last before finishing just over five and a half lengths behind in fourth. Aviles was not given the sternest of rides once the writing was on the wall and is probably better than the bare performance. There should be more to come and an ordinary race ought to be within his scope, although whether he plays a part in the better contests remains to be seen for now.

Blueking d’Oroux bg Paul Nicholls j3-1-1 (68.5) 119 130 (Arnaud Chaille-Chaille)
Jeu St Eloi (Blue Bresil){14-b}(1.00) 1/0 Belle du Bresil 58.0 4th Prix Wild Monarch (L,3yHF), Auteuil 2015
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/blueking-doroux
Ex-French hurdlers who join Paul Nicholls as juveniles have a terrific winner to runner rate of 62.5%, with the likes of Far West, Sanctuaire and Monmiral among the many who moved to Ditcheat before the Summer. Thus far, the one horse who matches this description this season is the thrice raced Blueking d’Oroux. Sire Jeu St Eloi, a six race maiden over jumps, is now onto his third crop of jumpers and while he has yet to produce any superstars, his winner to runner rate of 33.33% is respectable. Blueking d’Oroux’s dam finished fourth in the Prix Wild Monarch (a listed contest for unraced hurdlers), although the remaining distaff side of the pedigree is rather threadbare as the next winning jumper, classy juvenile Petite Parisienne, appears at 4/2. Blueking d’Oroux was initially under the care of Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé, whose exported juveniles six winners from ten, including Djakadam, Charli Parcs, Dicosimo and, Diego du Charmil; the only previous Chaillé-Chaillé juvenile to join Paul Nicholls – incidentally for the same owner. Blueking d’Oroux began his career at Fontainebleau in mid-March, starting the race at 9/1. Prominent in the early stages before tucking in behind the leaders, he jumped well enough in the main save for steadying slightly at a couple. He was briefly outpaced after two out, but after being ridden into the last, where he reached for the flight, he landed in the lead and was ridden out to win by three-and-a-half lengths. The subsequent form of those in behind has been much of a muchness although the seventh did win a claimer easily next time out and fourth placed Castellet eventually ran second in a listed race. Taking a step up in class for the Prix Champaubert, he was sent off at just under 5/1 while receiving three kilos from Losange Bleu, and four from Whymper. Settled midfield and in touch, he posted another respectable round of hurdling, only slightly steadying at a couple along the back. He was close up and travelling well turning into the straight, but as much as he was in contention during the battle to the line and managed to get the better of Whymper in the final strides, he never looked like landing the decisive blow on the winner. The final of Blueking d’Oroux’s French outings came in the Prix Go Ahead, the first listed race of the season for experienced colts/geldings, and a contest from which Paul Nicholls sourced Sam Winner (2nd in 2010), Keltus (6th in 2013), Qualando (3rd in 2014), and Pic d’Orhy (1st in 2018). Though he was the only runner in the field introduced in a contest worth less than €20,000 to the winner, Blueking d’Oroux started the 2.8/1 second favourite of six. Tracking the leaders off a steady tempo, his early jumping was sound with only minor blemishes up to getting in close to the last in the back. He was outpaced on the turn for home and dropped to last when landing steeply at two out. Like the remainder of the tightly packed field, he had yet to be asked any serious questions approaching the last. However, an awkward, reaching jump put him at a distinct disadvantage on the sprint to the line, and he probably did well to go into fourth, three and a half lengths clear of the last pair. The form of the race has worked out well with the first and second confirming their places at the top of the division in the Prix Aguado, and the fourth an easy winner next time at Clairefontaine. Being bred to make a juvenile and having twice already met with defeat, Blueking d’Oroux could not be readily described as unexposed or scopey. Nevertheless, he mixed it with established, quality performers and given how the Prix Go Ahead unraveled, he may yet prove better than his bare form. As with in France, Blueking d’Oroux will likely find a few ahead of him by the end of the season, but he would still be the type to make an impact during the Autumn and early Winter.

Blood Destiny chg Willie Mullins j1-0-1 118 130 (Gabriel Leenders)
No Risk At All (High Yield){19-b}(0.33) 3/2 Blood Cotil 154 2nd Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (G1), Punchestown 2013
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/blood-destiny
Willie Mullins has already amassed a sizable squadron for the upcoming juvenile division, although Blood Destiny is the only gelding with hurdles experience at this juncture. Second to Bo Zenith in the Prix Grandak, Blood Destiny represented a Gabriel Leenders yard that has exported Teahupoo and Kotmask in recent seasons, as well as Haut En Couleurs, Instit and Dandy Mag who all ended up at Closutton. A son of No Risk At All (Gumball, Risk and Roll, Grivetana), one half-sibling, Tadoussac, failed to build on a debut second at Dax while another was pulled up on his sole jumps outing. Cousin Reel Blood landed a weak claimer at Hyeres, but the damline does pick up afterwards. Blood Cotil, one of the stronger juveniles of 2012/13, appears at 3/2 alongside listed winning novices Cap Soleil and Prince Picard, Summary (3/3) and Astadame (3/4) were useful three-year-old jumpers while talented youngsters We Have A Dream and Saint Sam appear at 4/4. Starting the Prix Grandak at 18/1, Blood Destiny was held up and made trifling errors throughout; somewhat hopping over the first two, steep over the third, slightly steady at the fourth, hopping over the fifth and getting close at the last in the back. He was still towards the rear turning in but after an untidy jump two out, was able to make headway approaching the last before running on without threatening the winner. While Bo Zenith looked a class ahead first time out, Blood Destiny shaped as though he should find improvement for the experience.

Bo Zenith bg Gary Moore j1-1-0 123 133 (David Cottin)
Zarak (Presenting){1-n}(0.75) 1/0 Boreale du Berlais 68.0 2nd Prix d’Iena (L), Auteuil 2014
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/bo-zenith
The fourth foal of the undefeated Arc winner Zarkava, and the first to see the racecourse, Zarak’s lofty expectations on breeding were exacerbated by his being a son of Dubawi. While Zarak failed to match the accomplishments of his parents, he was still a talented and versatile racehorse in his own right; finishing second in the Prix du Jockey Club ahead of landing a ten furlong Group Three at Meydan and the Group One Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud over a mile and a half. His stud career has gotten off to a healthy start, earning the mantle of Europe’s leading first crop sire by winners to runners. Accordingly, few of his first crop are bred for the jumps as they predominantly find themselves under the care of flat handlers. This is not to discount Zarak’s potential as a sire of jumpers, however. Although sons of Dubawi have a fairly modest record overall, Waldpark has begun to emerge as an exception and the credentials of Zarak are promising. Standing at a respectable 16h 1″, he had proven ability on soft ground over middle distances and, unlike many active sires, is related to several top class jumpers including Zarkandar (2/1) and Zarkali (3/1) as well as having Zaiyad (5/2) and Zanahiyr (5/4) showing further back on the damline. Zarak’s first winner over hurdles, Bo Zenith, is also bred in the purple, albeit of a more jumps oriented noble cloth. He is the first foal out of Boreale du Berlais, who closed a short career by twice finishing runner-up in a pair of listed three-year-old hurdles. Two of her half-sisters also had pattern form at three with Byzance du Berlais winning a listed handicap ahead of placing third in a Groupe I for four-year-olds, and Baronne du Berlais placing third in the listed Wild Monarch on her debut. Zarak’s granddam, Bonita du Berlais, won the listed Prix de Chambly at three and is a half-sister to that outstanding French juvenile, Bonito du Berlais, along with three other pattern class winners. The extended damline also includes Caid du Berlais, Mr Mole and Walk In The Park. Fetching €110,000 at Arqana last summer, Bo Zenith’s exalted pedigree saw him introduced in a debutants’ race with a an exalted history. The Prix Grandak has been the launchpad of domestic stars Saint des Saints, Bonito Du Berlais, Beaumec De Houelle, On The Go and Beaumec De Houelle, as well as talented exports in Frodon, Far West, We Have A Dream and Quel Destin. Last year’s edition saw David Cottin land a one-two with Porticello leading home Magistrato. He was singly represented this year by Bo Zenith who was sent off the 11/2 third favourite of eleven. Settling prominently, he led the pursuit of the runaway leader and was clear of the remainder turning into the straight. Shaken up after the penultimate flight, he moved smoothly into the lead before the last and was driven out to confirm his dominance by a comprehensive three and a half lengths. There was plenty to like about the way Bo Zenith went about things as he travelled comfortably throughout, responded well to pressure and posted a clean round of jumping with the only semblance of an error coming when he got in tight to the seventh. The winning time was some six seconds faster than the fillies’ equivalent of the contest, although it should be noted that the early pace was more substantial. Bo Zenith answered all that was posed to him in pleasing fashion and the form is taking a decent shape. With the runner-up joining Willie Mullins afterwards, only the third, fourth and fifth have been out since. Nevertheless, third placed David du Berlais won at Clairefontaine after the Prix Go Ahead and fourth placed Jolicouer du Gouet filled the same position in a solid Auteuil conditions event won by fifth placed Eden Bleu. Like last year’s winner Porticello, Bo Zenith has graduated David Cottin’s to join Gary Moore’s habitually strong juvenile squad and will run in the same colours. It is not difficult to envisage him keeping good company in the upcoming season.

Cinsa bf Willie Mullins j1-0-0 106 114 (Jean Luc Pelletan)
Tirwanako (Sholokhov){16-a}(1.22) 0.5 Dans Le Mil 57.0 2nd 3500m 3yo Conditions Hurdle, Cagnes-sur-Mer 2016
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/cinsa
One of several ex-French fillies to join Willie Mullins, the pedigree of Cinsa is not something one would expect to find in an early season Auteuil debutant contest. Tirwanako has sired just one winning juvenile from ten in Britain and France in the shape of Aldopicgros; who collected his first win in a heavy ground handicap and his next two over intermediate distances. The dam was placed at four prior to producing a runner-up in a three-year-old contest at Cagnes-sur-Mer. She is also a sibling of minor winners Petrovski and Pantherus. Though far from an abhorrent pedigree, her starting at 105/1 for the Prix Geographie was understandable. Nevertheless, she was able to outrun her odds in finishing a twelve length fourth despite hopping over the fourth and ninth, and getting tight to the third and eighth. Racing quite keenly while tracking the leader, she was caught for toe on the home turn, but kept on at the one pace to finish within the bunch behind Lossiemouth. Cinsa was initially trained by Jean Luc Pelletan; whose twelve exports (from both codes) count amongst themselves eight winning juveniles including Blood Cotil, Chiaro, Pain au Chocolat and the aforementioned Aldopicgros. While perhaps not one for top honours even in her own yard, and probably more of a long term prospect, Cinsa has enough about her to be at least competitive in ordinary company.

Gala Marceau bf Willie Mullins f4-0-2 (36.0/79.2) 74 j2-2-0 127 130 (Sylvain Dehez)
Galiway (Kendargent){16-b}(0.67) 2/0 Avenue Marceau 70.0 3rd Prix Alain du Breil (G1,4yH), Auteuil 2009
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/gala-marceau
Since 2004/05, Willie Mullins has taken care of forty juvenile hurdlers who started their hurdling careers in France. Half of these would win during their initial campaigns at Closutton; including Apple’s Jade, Footpad, Abbyssial and Bapaume, who did so at the highest level, and future Grade One chasers Djakadam, Twinlight and J’y Vole. Though the first leaf is still some way from turning, Mullins has taken charge of five ex-French three-year-old hurdlers but while three are still undefeated over jumps, it is Gala Marcaeu who looks just about the strongest and most forward at this juncture. Starting her career with Sylvain Dehez (whose sole exported juvenile was the talented but ill-fated Houx Gris), Gala Marceau first saw the racecourse last September in a 1400m Compiegne maiden. As per her starting price of 36/1, little was expected first time in a race won by the eventual French Guineas seventh and Prix de Sandringham third Sicilian Defence. Nevertheless, she emerged with more credit than her eighth place finish suggests as she was beaten just over two lengths despite conspicuous greenness and traffic issues. A month later at Nancy, she was beaten a similar margin when second to Godolphin’s Before Dawn prior to a lacklustre outing on the sand at Chantilly. Her two-year-old career concluded in November with her emphatically breaking her duck in a Le Croise-Laroche maiden on over 1800m on testing ground. The valeur of 36.0 alone would make her a fairly interesting recruit to hurdling as her pedigree affords healthy credentials for the sphere. Sire Galiway’s first two crops of juveniles saw five domestic winners from fifteen, and this is eclipsed by the accomplishments of last season’s top juvenile in Vauban. Gala Marceau’s damline is also thriving with capable young jumpers, starting with the dam herself, Alma Marceau, who landed Clairefontaine’s useful debutants contest, the Prix les Ouvres, Granddam, Avenue Marceau, won the listed Prix Sagan at three before finishing third in the Grade One Prix Alain du Breil. After placing third in the Grand Steeple-Chase d;Enghein, Avenue Marceau then produced Square Marceau (second in a 4yo Listed Chase), Villa Marceau (won a 3yo hurdle at Lyon) and Via Marceau (second in such a contest at Cagnes-sur-Mer). Gala Marceau’s introduction to hurdling came in the season’s first fillies’ juvenile; Compiegne’s Prix d’Essai des Pouliches. Not as prolific as the males’ counterpart when it comes to exports, Never Adapt and Madie du Ma being the most notable in recent years, A Mi Manera, Dallidas, Kada Rique and Caresse d’Estruval are some of the race’s stronger graduates. The yards of Nicolle, Macaire and Chaille-Chaille were represented in this year’s renewal, but the strength of Gala Marceau’s profile saw her start the race a respectable 6.2/1 shot. Held up towards the rear, Gala Marceau was travelling and jumping very comfortably from the outset, making smooth headway along the far side to leave the back just behind the leaders, and turn for home with a narrow lead. She was shaken up after the penultimate flight, and after reaching at the last – her only semblance of an error throughout, was driven to hold Macaire’s well-bred Panther du Berlais by a length and a quarter; the pair upwards of eighteen lengths clear of the remainder. The form immediately took a solid shape with the second and third winning valuable races next time, the fifth going on to be the leading early season filly by earnings, and seventh also scoring next at Nantes. Six weeks later, Gala Marceau took in the Listed Prix Girofla at Auteuil. The first pattern race of the season open to experienced juveniles, the Girofla was unsuccessfully contested by two future winning Mullins juveniles in Tarla and Adriana des Mottes, while Cambaceres heroine Chimere du Berlais finished third in the 2015 running, and the aforementioned Avenue Marceau landed the race in 2008. In her bid to emulate her grandmother, Gala Marceau would make the starting price of 3.9/1 third favourite of six look massive. Using near identical tactics from Compiegne, she was held up before making smooth progress along the back before entering the home turn with a narrow lead. By the time they reached the straight, she had effortlessly moved several lengths clear and after being ridden briefly after the last, would power home for a large looking eleven length success. Once again, save for trailing her hind legs a couple of times, Gala Marceau jumped extremely well and, through collateral form lines, posted the strongest performance from a filly during the Spring season. Given that Willie Mullins can invariably eke out further improvement from his French jumps recruits would make Gala Marceau a most intriguing recruit to the sphere. The only concern at this stage would be her unproven ability on good ground and there is insufficient evidence on breeding to dispel same. Nevertheless, an inability to race on top of the ground is equally unproven and there should be ample opportunity for Gala Marceau to make a real impact on the division this term.

High Fibre bg Harry Fry f6-1-2 (89) 95 (Ralph Beckett)
Vadamos (Sir Percy){14-a}(0.45) 2/1 Zanjabeel 142 1st Iroquois Stakes (G1), Percy Warner Park 2018
Last term, Vadamos, a 1.65 meter son of Monsun, made a promising start to his career as a jumps stallion with Black Sirius and Vadaly in France, and Calvados in Ireland. However, at the end of the season, his winner-to-runner rate was a less than inspiring 11.76%. With him now residing at Grange Stud, the hope is that his second crop can be one of redemption and many of those hope may hinge on the useful flat recruit, High Fibre. Formerly with Ralph Beckett, whose graduates’ winner rate of 28.57% is contrasted by an improvement rate of 24.44%, High Fibre’s official mark of 89 is in the 97th percentile of juvenile hurdlers. His career began in a six furlong Leicester maiden last June with a lacklustre effort. There was improvement in novice stakes at Newbury and Redcar and his form went to a new level following a near three month break and a switch to nurseries. Racing at York over a mile off 75, he was decidedly outpaced in the early stages, but finished strongest of them all despite traffic issues inside the final two furlongs to finish a near four length sixth of fourteen. High Fibre made good on this eyecatching performance at Newmarket in late October in a nine furlong nursery off the same mark. The 16/5 second favourite of nine, he travelled much more comfortably in midfield and after mounting his challenge at the distance, powered ahead of a strung out field to win by an emphatic five lengths. The subsequent form of the race has been much of a muchness but there was little denying his supremacy and he confirmed his ability on his seasonal reappearance back at Newmarket in April. Running off a revised mark of 85 in a ten-furlong handicap during the Craven meeting, he started the 4/1 joint second favourite. Racing prominently and travelling strongly, he pressed ahead at the distance and looked all over the winner at the furlong pole. However, he wandered under pressure and was ultimately caught by the narrowest margin in the final stride. The winner has not been out since but the third, two lengths behind, won next time at Newbury before finishing third in the King George V handicap at Royal Ascot. While he looked sure to progress had he stayed on the flat, that was his last race for Ralph Beckett. Three months after Newmarket, he was gelded and changed hands privately to join Harry Fry. The new trainer’s record in the sphere of three winners from sixteen juveniles is no better than fair, although he has handled useful sorts in Activial and Forever Blessed and High Fibre will be his highest rated flat recruit. In terms of breeding, the dam finished fourth in a Catterick fillies’ juvenile, but her half-brother Zanjabeel did win a three-year-old maiden hurdle at Punchestown before going on to land the Iroquois Stakes (a Grade One hurdle in America) and the fourth dam produced the decent hurdler Cotton Mill. Furthermore, Sir Percy is one of the finest sires of juveniles around and he is starting to get winners as a damsire. There are trifling concerns over the lack of motivation for keeping High Fibre on the flat a little longer but there are more positives than negatives overall and he would be another to keep an eye on over the coming months.

Lossiemouth grf Willie Mullins j1-1-0 123 126 (Yannick Fouin)
Great Pretender (Gentlewave){8-a}(0.44) 0.5 Springcroft 1st 3800m Mares’ Conditions Hurdle, Vitre 2019
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/lossiemouth
Thirty-five minutes after the Prix Grandak field was sent on their way, the fillies equivilant took place. The Prix Geographie is less prolific than its counterpart for exporting juvenile hurdlers with only Adriana des Mottes (8th in 2013) and Missy Tata (5th in 2015) scoring abroad during their subsequent campaigns. Baie des Iles (6th in 2014) would eventually become a useful sort over fences while Chimere du Berlais, Carlita du Berlais and Ambroise did well domestically. This season’s renewal was taken by Lossiemouth, whose ten length margin is the widest seen in the contest since 2010. A daughter of Great Pretender (Ptit Zig, Box Office, Hacker des Places), Lossiemouth is out of a mare who won her sole hurdles outing in a minor Vitre event at the age of five. Her uncle, Lord Glitters, won the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, but real jumping form on the pedigree starts with the third dam who produced a fair handicapper in Glamour Glitters, and the dam of another useful type in Elenika. Prince Ali, winner of the 2017 Prix Alain du Briel, can be found back at 4/4. Sent off the near 6/1 third favourite, Lossiemouth led from the outset and travelled well throughout. Though ponderous approaching the second, her hurdling was also fluent until she veered left and reached at the last, leaving her hind legs in the flight and stumbling slightly. Lossiemouth was full of running with a few lengths in hand before her error, and after being regathered, was kept up to her work to run out by a cosy ten lengths. The winning time was some six seconds slower than the Grandak, although that race did have the benefit of a stronger tempo. As for the form, third placed South Lodge would finish second next time to Risk Belle (also joined Mullins), Cinsa in fourth is with Mullins, and fifth placed Rose Secrete was an eleven length second to Gala Marceau (with Mullins) in the Girofla. Lossiemouth herself has since joined Willie Mullins, becoming the fourth juvenile to move to Closutton having started with Yannick Fouin; after Koshari, Ria d’Etel and Gorgeous Sixty. Willie Mullins is no stranger to success with imported three-year-old jumping fillies, winning pattern class juveniles with Analifet, Gitane du Berlais and, most notably, Apple’s Jade. Lossiemouth still heads the primordial Triumph betting, although it is probably unknown where she stands in the pecking order of the undefeated Mullins imports, let alone those entering the sphere from other quarters. Nevertheless, she was still impressive in her sole outing to date, and her return will be something to look forward to in the Autumn.

Mombasa grg Phillip Hobbs j2-2-0 (-) 121 123 (Francois Nicolle)
Martaline (Coastal Path){4-i}(0.44) 1/0 Molly Has 59.0 1st 3400m 4yo Hurdle, Pompadour 2017
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/mombasa-225866
The Corinthian spirit which drives the exploits of David Maxwell is one which raises eyebrows in the modern game, although those with an appreciation of the sport’s heritage would probably be more inclined to wish him well. While he his time is more often spent around the hunter chase circuit, he is not a total stranger to the juvenile hurdling division. In February 2020 he guided Stratagem, a horse who accounted for Solo back in France, to victory in an uncompetitive Kelso juvenile. Stratagem made his debut in October whereas his latest recruit, Mombasa, started in May and in little over a fortnight, established himself as one of the most promising juveniles of the Spring season. He initially did his racing with his rider donning the dark blue and white of Genetique Obstacle; colours also carried by exported juveniles Magistrato, Hell Red, Nassalam and Tanganyika. The first three named all won on their British debuts whereas the latter was beaten on his sole outing at Haydock. Coincidentally, Tanganyika was the only one sold by public auction rather than through a private sale, fetching €40,000 at the same auction Mombasa pass a year later. Mombasa certainly has the genetics to make a strong juvenile hurdler, starting with his sire Martaline who produced We Have A Dream and Riviere d’Etel as exported talent as well as Chimere du Berlais, Beaumec de Houelle, Latino des Isles and, this seasons leading three-year-old, Losange Bleu. The damline is also rich in young jumping talent and though an exhaustive list would belabour the point, a sample of relatives includes her dam Molly Has (winner), granddam Monika (3rd Prix Sytaj), uncles Moises Has (1st Prix Renaud du Vivier), Mocalacato Has (3rd Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy), Mourinho has (1st Prix Paul’s Cray) auntie Momita Has (1st Prix Wild Monarch) and champion juvenile Theleme (5/5). Mombasa was introduced in a Class 2 conditions hurdle at La Teste de Buch on good to soft ground, where he started 4.9 second favourite behind another Francois Nicolle newcomer. Tracking the leader for the opening stages of the contest, he went into the lead after the eighth which he kept at least a share of into the straight. The race was taking a competitive shape on the run to the last, but Mombasa still travelled well within himself and after a neat jump at the last, went clear for a moment before a couple of rivals got to within a head at the line. His fast finishing stablemate probably would have won with a clearer passage, but the winning time compared favourably against the four-year-old hurdle on the card and the fifth placed finisher won a minor event next time out. Apart from being big and slow at the first and getting in close to the fourth, Mombasa jumped well for a debutant and was allowed to take his place in the listed Prix Stanley at Auteuil seventeen days later. The last pattern race of the Spring season, the Prix Stanley and has been won by the likes of exports Long Run, Twinlight and Temple Lord along with domestic stars in On The Go, Device, Le Grand Luce, Bonito du Berlais and Hippomene. Storm of Saintly, Master Dino, Hammersly Lake, Bertimont, Qualando and Adjali also count themselves amongst the former participants. Save for the Prix Go Ahead runner-up, Carlton du Berlais, this year’s renewal did not look the strongest beforehand with Mombasa being the only previous winner in the line-up, and only three of the field starting at single digit prices. Nevertheless, Mombasa could do little more than win and he did so in decisive style. Tucked in behind the leaders early on, he was restrained to the rear passing the stands first time. Making headway halfway along the back, he turned for home within a length of the leaders and jumped into the lead at the penultimate flight. Market rival Carlton du Berlais was travelling marginally better approaching the last, but a tremendous blunder gave Mombasa the clear initiative and though green under pressure, ran on strongly to beat Castellet by two-and-a-half lengths. The winning time was a second slower than the Prix d’Iena – the fillies’ equivalent of the race, but the comparative early paces and closing sectionals do give Mombasa the nod. Nevertheless, good as it looks on paper to win a listed hurdle on ones’ second outing, there are caveats to the form. The proven Carlton du Berlais patently ran below his best, racing unenthusiastically in the early stages and making a final flight blunder which drained all resolve. Moreover, runner-up Castellet (who was giving a kilo to Mombasa) certainly anchors the form as he had yet to run close to a mark of 120 in his four previous starts over hurdles. In fairness to Mombasa, he did jump well throughout and shaped as though further improvement is a given. Shortly afterwards, rather than go down the route of private sale, he was given a wild card entry to the Arqana Summer sale, at which he commanded a sum of €250,000. Ex-Francois Nicolle juveniles have a strong record in Britain and Ireland, with their 35.71% winner-to-runner rate spearheaded by Quilixios and Monmiral. However, these were also private purchases and while the Genetique Obstacle coincidence is easy to dismiss, the fact that none of those winners, including those knocked down for €320,000 (The Saint James), €185,000 (Box Office) and €90,000 (Dogon) found the winners’ enclosure. Moreover, new trainer Philip Hobbs has acquired five six-figure juveniles over the years and while three managed to win, none achieved an RPR exceeding 114. Three of his seven recruits from French hurdles, Chiaro, Pancake and Gumball, did score and his overall record in the sphere; namely a winner-to-runner rate of 45.78% and top talents in Detroit City and Defi du Seuil; is certainly commendable. Mombasa is a good jumper who can act on any ground and has further improvement in him . However, while definitely a welcome addition to the British rank, his being a lucky winner on each outing, including a moderate listed race, and the connections’ presumed reluctance to find a private buyer, does make him look rather expensive at this juncture.

Postmark bg Milton Harris f8-2-1 (81+) 93 (Ralph Beckett)
Postponed (Oasis Dream){4-r}(1.13) 0.5 Swordbill 107 3rd Introductory Juvenile Hurdle, Newcastle 2018
Since Milton Harris’ mandated sabbatical, his record in the sales ring has been nothing short of impressive. During the previous two seasons, six of his nine juvenile hurdlers bought at public auction would be winners during their first campaigns, accumulating fifteen wins between themselves. Moreover, none of these cost more than 27,000 guineas and the most accomplished of the bunch, Knight Salute, went for just 14,000 guineas. This remarkable eye has instilled confidence and this summer has seen a more expensive type of animal make their way to Sutton Veny. Along with those bought at the July Sale, there was also a £50,000 purchase from the weird and wonderful world of online auctions. Postmark was posted at the Thoroughbid Midsummer sale and it is an investment that has already paid dividends with success in a racing league contest on his stable debut. Previously with Ralph Beckett, he left a yard whose graduates have a healthy 28.57% winner-to-runner rate in the sphere. The improvement rate of 24.44% is less impressive, as per only two of the sixteen winners achieving an RPR exceeding 120. Nevertheless, there will be encouragement from the fact that Postmark has already improved since leaving Beckett, and that the sole previous juvenile to move between these yards was winning fully Galah; who will be sharing an owner with Postmark. A nephew of Leger runner-up Quiff and grandson of 1,000 Guineas winner Wince, Postmark was well backed ahead of his debut at Newbury in a mile novice stakes last October, but was too green to do himself justice and beat only two home. He was better when sixth next time in a similar race at Kempton and was a neck from reaching the frame in a Lingfield maiden on his final start at two. Gelded over the winter, his return came in a ten furlong Salisbury handicap off 76 where he started joint favourite, but was green under pressure in a muddling race where the field was covered by less than two lengths at the line. A bunched finish in a muddling affair was also the order of the day when fourth at Leicester over twelve furlongs next time, although there was no real excuse when filling the same position at Doncaster. A drop to a mile into a novice race, with the first-time application of blinkers, saw Postmark get off the mark at Ffos Las in early July on his final start for Ralph Beckett. Backed down from 11/1 to 17/2, he closely tracked the leader before moving alongside at the three marker. Though the first of the leading pair to come off the bridle and wandering slightly under pressure, Postmark did enough to win the battle with a bit more to spare than the length margin suggested. Shortly after moving to the West Country, Postmark put up much his best performance in a racing league handicap over ten furlongs at Lingfield. The blinkers eschewed for hood and tongue-tie, Postmark raced on the leader’s quarters and moved alongside on the turn for home before being pushed into the lead entering the straight. The race was soon put to bed, and Postmark needed only hands and heels to extend his lead to two-and-a-quarter lengths at the line. What makes this performance more impressive is that despite racing prominently, he still completed each of the final three furlongs faster than anything else in the field. There is probably more to come on the flat but he has been bought for juvenile hurdling and his breeding is not discouraging for that discipline. He will be a first-crop representative of Postponed; winner of the King George, Coronation Cup, International and Sheema Classic. His stallion, Dubawi has a solid record in the division with mixed success as a sire of juvenile sires. Postponed is a good size at 16.1½hh and has four cousins who won over hurdles. Postmark’s half-brother Swordbill placed third in an introductory juvenile at Newcastle, his uncle Total Command won a maiden hurdle in America, and further back on the damline are last season’s useful juvenile, Forever Blessed (2/3), Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Ulundi (3/1) and the classy but ill-fated master Dino (4/3). Not yet the finished article, Postmark has already shown a blend of speed and stamina that will serve him well in the division. With plenty of evidence in the pedigree to suggest that recent improvement can be carried over hurdles, Postmark will be an intriguing case study of what his astute trainer can accomplish with a pricier acquisition.

Risk Belle bf Willie Mullins j2-2-0 113 124 (Jerome Delaunay)
No Risk At All (Network){4-n}(0.23) 1/0 Belle du Berry 65.0 1st 4100m Grand Steeple Chase de Lyon (L,61.0), Lyon 2016
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/risk-belle
Willie Mullins is putting together an intimidating array of juvenile fillies for the upcoming season, although for all that she won on both hurdles starts during the spring, Risk Belle is most likely to make a chaser on breeding. Sire No Risk At All is no slouch when it comes to juveniles (Gumball, Risk And Roll in Britain, Aterisk and La Manigance in France), although his stock are not precocious as a rule. Risk Belle’s dam, Grand Steeple Chase de Lyon winner Belle du Berry, is a half-sister to Utopie des Bordes, Darling des Bordes, Victoire des Borde and Quenta des Bordes; all winners over fences. Nevertheless, these all performed well at a young age in keeping with the legacy of third dam Gamine Royale, who won the Prix Sagan in 1997. In late March, Risk Belle made her debut in the first running of a thirteen runner newcomers race at Nantes for which she was roughly a 13/2 chance. Setting off in a prominent position before dropping nearer to midfield, she put in a good round of jumping and rejoined the vanguard when leaving the back. Travelling strongly, she jumped the last half-a-length behind the leader, but was the more straightforward under pressure on the run-in; ultimately prevailing by a length. Though not the most fashionable newcomers’ race of the early season, the winning time was strong compared to that set by the four-year-olds half an hour later and the form has taken a solid shape for the level; with the runner-up filling the same position at Nantes and Compiegne, and the third winning next time at Moulins. Risk Belle’s second appearance came six weeks later in the Prix du Nivernais at Auteuil on very soft ground. A conditions hurdles for fillies ran over 3000m, it was won by subsequent Mullins chasers in Gitane du Berlais (2013) and Elimay (2017), while other future chasing exports Salsaretta, Baie des Iles and Pepite Rose have been participants. Carrying top weight and sent off the 5.1 second favourite of eight, she was kept towards the rear off a steady gallop before making headway on the turn for home. Travelling smoothly into the lead approaching the last, she was asked to assert leaving the flight and responded in the affirmative, pulling away to win by three and a half lengths. Apart from stumbling slightly after the seventh and skewing over the last, she gave another fluent round of jumping and there was plenty to like about the way she travelled and responded to pressure. The subsequent form has not been tested, and a strict reading of the Prix Geographie form places Risk Belle behind Lossiemouth. There is also the impression that Risk Belle will find her best successes on soft ground and/or over fences, but she would still be one to look forward to during her initial campaign.

Scriptwriter bg Milton Harris f4-1-0 (102) 101 (Aiden O’Brien)
Churchill (Pivotal){6-e}(0.86) 2/1 Persian Warrior 121 1st 2m Novice Hurdle, Stratford 2009
At the 2021 Tattersalls July Sale, Milton Harris walked away with four juvenile hurdlers for sums between fourteen and twenty thousand guineas. Three of these, Aliomaana, Genuflex and Knight Salute, would all find the winners’ enclosure with the latter named – incidentally the least expensive of the bunch – capping off a fantastic campaign with success in the Grade One Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree. Returning to the well at this year’s sale, Mr Harris brought along a much thicker wallet, and left with five potential juveniles; three costing over fifty-five thousand guineas which far exceeds the previous high of twenty-seven thousand guineas exchanged for Pyramid Place in 2020. Since returning from his hiatus, Milton Harris has had tremendous success with relatively inexpensive auction buys, as per their 60% winner-to-runner rate, so it is highly intriguing to see how he fares with pricier types. Scriptwriter, the most expensive of his July sale recruits, came from an Aiden O’Brien whose stock seldom carry their flat ability over hurdles. Since 2004, only two of the sixteen ex-Ballydoyle juveniles (Sardinia and HMS Seahorse – both joining Paul Nolan) would win in the division, with six of the winless juveniles rated 83 or above – including Table Mountain who cost 200,000 guineas in 2010. Scriptwriter’s debut came in a Curragh maiden last August, the same event used to introduce Wichita and Circus Maximus. He was the mount of Ryan Moore and started the shorter price of two Ballydoyle newcomers at 4/1. He raced prominently before fading into a three length sixth inside the final furlong. No classic horses finished ahead of him, but he did split a pair of next time out winners, with the one behind subsequently finishing second in a Listed race at Dundalk. He got off the mark in a mid-September Gowran maiden when the 11/8 favourite. Tracking the leaders, he was outpaced distance and ran green under pressure before running on strongly to lead close home. The form has not been strong with only two winners in behind; the fourth landing a Dundalk maiden, and the sixth taking a Limerick handicap off 73. His two-year-old season ended with a fifth in Newmarket’s Autumn Stakes for which he was sent off at 14/1. Racing in mid division he was green in dip, but kept on for a six length fifth of ten. Winner Coroebus was a class apart from his rivals, but Scriptwriter was able to get within a length and a quarter of Aikjal (won Group Three International), while finishing a neck ahead of Alflaila (won Listed Pomfret Stakes) and another head in front of Lingfield Derby Trial winner, United Nations. Scriptwriter returned in the Ballysax in which he was the Ballydoyle second string. Held up, he made some headway home turn and kept on in the straight without ever looking a threat. The front pair, headed by Piz Badile, were well clear, but Scriptwriter was only a neck behind Dante third Bluegrass and upwards of five lengths ahead of useful handicap sorts. Overall, the level of form shown on the flat by Scriptwriter is perhaps marginally better than his official rating of 102, which itself would put Scriptwriter within the 99.65% percentile of rated juvenile hurdlers. Scriptwriter will be representing first-season jumps sire Churchill who is, as of yet, completely untested over hurdles. Winner of the National and Dewhurst stakes at two before landing the English and Irish Guineas double, Churchill did finish second in the International but was not wholly proven beyond a mile. While he is out of Galileo, the damline is not entirely conducive to stamina, with full-sister Clemmie restricted to eight furlongs, and granddam Airwave being a very fast mare. Nevertheless, Churchill’s full-brother Blenheim Palace stayed at least eleven furlongs, and his height of 16.2hh and overall class will be positives in this endeavour. Scriptwriter’s damline is not outstanding insofar as jumps prospects go, but there is evidence of ability as half-brother Saeer has placed over hurdles, uncle Persian Warrior won a Stratford novice, and the talented Grumeti appears at 4/3. Given the patchy record of those that Coolmore do not keep within the family for hurdling campaigns, enthusiasm for Scriptwriter is somewhat tempered. Nevertheless, with his highly credible flat ability, feasible pedigree and the tutelage of a trainer who has done wonders with less fashionable types, Scriptwriter would undoubtedly be an intriguing prospect for the upcoming season.

Soleil de Cannes chg Iain Jardine f1-0-0 38 j2-0-1 89 92 (David Windrif)
Quick Martin (Alhaarth){1-l}(0.60) 0.5 Carlain 67.0 3rd Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1,4yC), Auteuil 2012
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/soleil-de-cannes
Making his racecourse bow on the all-weather at Chantilly in February, Soleil de Cannes was slow away and lacked the pace to pass any rival before finishing tailed off. Three weeks later, he took in the division’s curtain raiser, the Prix d’Essai des Poulains, at Compiegne. His starting price of 77/1 reflected his form and profile, although his pedigree is more befitting of a jumper. First crop sire Quick Martin’s career highlight was a second in a four-year-old conditions hurdle at Auteuil, although he is a half-brother to smart sorts Oklahoma Seven and Sierra Nevada. In one of breeding’s oddities, the distaff side is actually more compelling as Soleil de Cannes’ half-brother, Carlain, finished third in the Champion Chase for four-year-olds while uncle Honneur Au Roi won listed chase for four-year-olds at Enghien. In his Compiegne bow, Soleil de Cannes finishing a near forty length eleventh was in keeping with his starting price. Racing just behind the leaders, he was slow and awkward at times and while he was still in contention leaving the back, was badly outpaced when the race developed before being allowed to come home in his own time. Gelded afterwards, he returned to Compiegne at the end of March in calmer waters for a claiming hurdle. A 14/1 shot in a field of seven, he was held up in touch but still given to big and slow jumps throughout his round. He found himself outpaced once again but managed to improve from sixth to second between the final two flights before finishing four lengths clear of the remainder without posing the remotest threat to the winner. After the race, Soleil de Cannes was claimed for €23,506 by Tobias Jones to join an as yet unnamed British trainer. Those brought out of French jumps claimers have a perfectly respectable winner to runner rate of 25.64%, and former trainer David Windrif has been responsible for four exported juveniles including the winner Un Guet Apens. Soleil de Cannes’ form is difficult to rate much higher than 90 at this juncture, although the claimer was given something of a boost when the fourth placed Jeu Tentant won a Fontainebleau claimer next time. There may be a moderate enough race for him during the early season, although he shapes as though likely to eventually do better in handicaps over further.

Spartan Army bc Alan King f3-1-1 (87) 91 (Joseph O’Brien)
Highland Reel (Nayef){1-l}(0.82) 2/1 Gold Award 128 1st 2m4f Handicap Hurdle (117), Ffos Las 2010
When it comes to British trainers and juvenile hurdlers, Alan King is right at the very top. Since 2004/05, he leads the charge by winners alone, standing at 111, and despite the sheer numbers, his improvement rate of 50.60% is stronger than that of Nicholls, Henderson, Moore, Pipe, Hobbs and McCain. His aptitude at every level does not dissipate on the biggest stages as the likes of Katchit, Walkon, Grumeti, Penzance, Blazing Bailey and many others will attest. Indeed, Alan King’s skillset is such that he is also enjoying success on the flat. As such, while it was once a given that the three-year-olds under his care were juvenile hurdlers in waiting, the winter plans of Barbury Castle youngsters is less clear-cut nowadays. Notwithstanding, recent acquisition Spartan Army is now the second highest rated three-year-old in the yard and he ls looking likely to head over hurdles this term. Intriguingly, he is only the fourth Alan King recruit to fetch six figures at auction (after Duroble Man, Pur de Sivola and Grumeti) and his commanding 170,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July sale will make him the most expensive juvenile to join the team. Previously with Joseph O’Brien, Spartan Army was introduced in a nine furlong backend maiden at the Curragh where he started the shorter than his two stablemates but was not forward enough to do himself justice. That was the last seen of him until he reappeared at Sligo in mid-May for a ten furlong maiden. Held up towards the rear off a sedate tempo, he still had plenty to do leaving the back and while he made good headway racing wide along the sweeping turn, was unable to catch the winner but only missed second by a neck having fared best of those who came from behind. This promise was confirmed a month later at Down Royal where he wore a first-time tongue tie and started the 6/4 favourite of eight. Helping to force a solid gallop, he was ridden at the distance but kept on strongly to avenge the Sligo runner-up and pull upwards of three-and-a-half lengths clear of a strung out field. While the second was denied by a head at Dundalk next time, then a neck in a Down Royal handicap off 72, it is difficult to make too much of the form. Nevertheless, a mark in the high eighties would still be a fair evaluation and given his inexperience, it can be assumed that more is to come. There can be a degree of caution when it comes to those let go by Joseph O’Brien as of the eighteen to have left Owning Hill, just two would win as juveniles. Nevertheless, the most expensive of those prior to Spartan Army, Needs To Be Seen, did manage to win, and with his price removed, the average fee was approximately £16,000. As such, Spartan Army might be regarded more as something sold with prospects in an alternative environment, rather than “surplus stock”; particularly as he was running for Qatar as opposed to Coolmore and its relative bodies. Sales theories aside, there will be few concerns regarding the pedigree. First-crop sire Highland Reel is not the tallest stallion, but his stamina and class give him solid credentials and his early juveniles could hardly have started better; winning the first race of the British season at Hexham, and filling the first three places in Ireland’s curtain raiser at Tipperary. Half-brother Leopolds Rock got off the mark this summer, uncle Gold Award was a useful hurdler and among his cousins are Scottish Champion Hurdler Border Castle, multiple winner Moidore, the fairly useful Hunting Tower and the dam of one of last season’s best juveniles, Pied Piper. The third dam also has jumps winners in Versatile and Tissisat, while Chief Yeoman (4/4) and Sky Khan (4/5) appear further back on the damline. Very little is predictable at this stage of the season, but it can reasonably assumed that Alan King will have several decent juveniles and while more might find their way to Barbury Castle over the coming months, Spartan Army’s class, pedigree and physical build make him a lively contender to be the stable’s flag bearer.

Zarak The Brave bc Willie Mullins f5-1-3 (40.0/88) 99 (Stéphane Wattel)
Zarak (Boris de Deauville){4-i}(1.55) 1/0 Tempo Royale 57.0 1st 3600m 3yo Fillies’ Hurdle, Saint-Brieuc 2014
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/zarak-the-brave
Willie Mullins is clearly taking the upcoming juvenile season seriously, as per his triumvirate of undefeated hurdling fillies, although he also does exceptionally well with French recruits from the flat. Since 2011, he has had fifteen winners from twenty-five with such recruits, including Triumph winners Vauban and Burning Victory, along with other Grade One winners Diakali and Petite Parisienne to go with emerging talents in Saldier, Ivan Grozny and Echoes In Rain. The Arqana Sales have been a fruitful foraging ground for the master of Closutton with the aforementioned Diakali and Petite Parisienne emerging from that ring along with four additional winners. At the Grand Steeple edition of the sale in late May, €200,000 was ceded in exchange for Zarak The Brave – making him the join most expensive purchase for Mullins alongside Tax For Max. Initially with Stéphane Wattel, whose only other sale to the yard Burning Victory, Zarak The Brave has amassed a win and three placings from five starts. His first outing came in a 1900m newcomers race at Deauville last November where he was the 6.9 second favourite of twelve. Held up towards the rear off a steady early gallop, he made headway on the outside turning for home and while too green to catch the front pair, was not given a harsh ride as he led the remainder home by upwards of a length. Three months later, he appeared in a Chantilly maiden over the same trip and was again given a kind ride to finish a one paced fourth, some eight lengths behind subsequent Group Three winner Junko. The following month, Zarak The Brave made his turf debut at Le Croise Laroche for a 2500m maiden for which he started 2.4 favourite of eleven. This time, he was ridden with more purpose and was leading the field going into the first turn. The pace was a sound one and he was the last one on the bridle rounding the final bend whereafter he was shaken up to quickly pull half-a-dozen lengths clear before cruising home seven lengths clear of his rivals. The form of a maiden worth €9,500 to the winner would not amount to much but it was the fastest of the five races held at the distance on the card and the runner-up did score at Nantes next time. Furthermore, the manner of the victory was enough to see him in a Class 2 conditions race over 2400m at Chantilly four weeks later, for which he started the 2.7 favourite. Initially tracking the leader, he dropped back after a few furlongs and was still bringing up the rear turning into the three furlong straight. Shaken up, he made headway to get himself into contention at the distance and had a narrow lead a furlong from home, but would lose two positions in the closing stages without appearing to give his best. Gameness notwithstanding, the form is difficult to crab as the front pair maintained their efforts in similar company while finishing eight lengths clear of the rest. Zarak The Brave was last seen at Angers in early May in a valuable 2300m contest for the venue and he went off favourite at 2.6. Last out of the stalls, he pulled himself to the front by the time they passed the stands first time although he did not tear himself away from the pack. He was challenged at the distance and once again, his head carriage was not entirely pleasing; going down by three quarters of a length in a bunch finish. Nevertheless, the form still measures up as the winner (receiving some three pounds) was third off 40 (88) next time and the third (also receiving three pounds) subsequently finished second in a Quinte handicap off 37.5 (82.5). Accordingly, while the RPR of 99 for the Chantilly third looks flattering, Zarak The Brave’s official valeur of 40 is in keeping with his ability and is enough for a decent juvenile recruit. Insofar as breeding is concerned, the credentials of Zarak, have been covered in Bo Zenith’s profile, appear to lend themselves well for the division. There are no stars on the immediate damline, but the dam herself did win as a juvenile filly and his half-sister, Syncopation, won over hurdles at four. Two uncles were placed over hurdles in modest company and the fourth dam produced Tilleul who won the Prix Finot in 1992. Overall, Zarak The Brave has plenty going for him in terms of stamina, ability, how he was sourced, the trainer he has joined and his pedigree so a good campaign would come as no surprise whatsoever. However, his questionable attitude does temper confidence and even if a gelding operation might rectify things, Vauban (the horse he will attempt to emulate) did have a stronger profile at this juncture.

[IanDavies]

Just when you think he can’t get any more incredible….the J R R Tolkien of juvenile hurdling strikes again with a volume per horse!

Just brilliant, BH.

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[Gladiateur]

This is why BH always gets my vote for the TRF Poster Of The Year award. Nobody else even comes close.

[IanDavies]

One cannot split Graffiti and Boudica Warrior in tomorrow evening’s Fontwell Park feast.

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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[Bachelors Hall]

Tremendously appreciated as always :)

Anyways, from the sublime to whatever this race is…

Following a break of eighteen days, the juvenile hurdling division resumes at Fontwell for its first contest of the new campaign. While the West Sussex venue has been graced over the years by quality juveniles such as Goshen, Blazing Bailey and Nassalam, the nicest thing to be said of the immediate batch is that they are all probably lovely and well-loved horses. Those with hurdling experience bring form from moderate races, and the two newcomers are winless in fourteen outings with neither rated above 53. Though a sound representation of the adage “there’s a race for every horse”, said adage signifies that the race should be trappy if nothing else. Juvenile hurdles at Fontwell are typically contested over eighteen furlongs so the stamina demands will be higher than average, although not by any massive degree according to dosage indexes. Notwithstanding, with the clear round rate of 95.18% and completion rate of 83.73% being among the lowest in the country, the ability to jump and stay is still a useful attribute.

Graffiti bg Gary Brown f8-0-0 (60) 70 j1-0-1 (-) 86 95
Sixties Icon (Excellent Art){A34}(0.82) 1/1 Banksy’s Art 100 3rd Juvenile Hurdle, Market Rasen 2018
The most accomplished hurdler on account of his Stratford second, Graffiti started off over a mile at Goodwood last September for Mick Channon. He then ran twice at Pontefract in the Autumn, finishing no nearer than eight lengths behind the winner in a pair of novice stakes. Following a winter break, he had a couple of spins on the all-weather in handicap company and while he finished last on each occasion, was at least able to finish closer. His initial mark of 71 was quite difficult to justify, and a return to the turf, drop to 67 and switch to Gary Brown’s failed to trigger a change in fortunes as he was tailed off at Pontefract over ten furlongs before looking decidedly slow over a mile when beating just one home at Newbury in June. Graffiti did shape as though he can get the trip over jumps and his full-brother, Banksy’s Art, managed to place third in a juvenile hurdle. Former inmates of Mick Channon’s have a solid winner-to-runner rate of 24.16%, although this drops to 19.09% when removing those who went to Sheena West; Banksy’s Art amongst them. Gary Brown himself had not enjoyed a winning juvenile from the nine he saddled since Hilali won Stratford in 2012, and the yard’s improvement rate of 16.67% is not encouraging. There was a distinct lack of confidence ahead of his Stratford bow, drifting to 25/1 from a morning show of 8s, and he hardly convinced in his temperament of jumping. Held up towards the rear, Graffiti took a keen hold as he hopped over his early hurdles, was tight and awkward at the fifth and missed the sixth. Though awkward again at the next, he did make headway over the hill and was on the leader’s quarters turning for home. From there, he looked a difficult ride under pressure and did not seem resolute on the run to the line, but while never looking to challenge the winner, he did finish five-and-a-half lengths clear of the remainder. The form looks to amount to little as the winner was a 55 rated flat horse who was well held on his debut, and the remainder were either poor or badly underperformed. Little enthusiasm can be garnered from the clock either with the winning time some seven seconds slower than that posted by a 104 handicapper on the card. Graffiti was given a spin on the flat five days ago in a twelve furlong Newbury handicap, but after again pulling in the rear found little when the race unfolded and was ultimately beaten twelve lengths. A recent spin is not particularly noteworthy for the trainer who is zero from twenty with runners returning within nine days. Graffiti’s performance at Stratford does entitle him to respect in this company by sheer virtue of it being the best on offer, and he is entitled to improve on that showing. Nevertheless, his overall profile in terms of ability, attitude and aptitude would not make him a safe conveyance.

Mr Freedom bg Sheena West f7-0-0 (53) 57
Sixties Icon (Sayif){9-c}(0.52) 4/1 Zero 128 1st 2m3½f Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (112), Ascot 2007
As mentioned in Graffiti’s profile, juveniles that leave Mick Channon for Sheena West have a better record than those who go elsewhere and the same can be said for where Sheena West sources her juveniles. Her record for those from outside this connection reads as one winner from fourteen whereas those moving from West Ilsley to Falmer have an impressive winner-to-runner rate of 38.46%. Seven of these winners were rated 53 or less, which is encouraging for the latest to make that journey. Mr Freedom cost just £800 as a yearling, and after being beaten eleven lengths at Sandown on his debut last June, was beaten nineteen and fifteen lengths at Kempton and Salisbury before being put away for the winter. In May came his return in a Bath mile handicap off 59 for which he attracted outside support; starting at 10/1 having opened at twice the price in the morning. Pulling hard in the early stages, he struggled for room in the final couple of furlongs and though he only managed an eighth place finish, he was not given a vigorous ride in posting a new career best. He failed to build on that degree of promise in a similar contest at Ripon next time and while traffic issues were something of a feature, he had no such excuses when making no show whatsoever at Windsor next time. Given a two month break, a change of scenery, and a step up to a mile-and-a-half, Mr Freedom ran a considerably better race when returning to Windsor at the start of the month. Settling better on the prominent side of midfield, he was unable to accelerate with the principle as the race developed, but still ran on for a three-and-a-quarter length fourth of ten. Mr Freedom’s official mark is only the fifth highest in this field, but when taking latest efforts in isolation, his performance is within three pounds of the best on offer. His breeding offers mixed messages as the immediate damline is bereft of jumps experience until the winning novice handicapper Zero appears at 4/1, although the fourth dam also has another winner in Kristiansand and her next level of descendants includes the useful sorts London Prize and Categorical. The sire, Sixties Icon, has a fair winner-runner rate of 18.75%, but his overall record is the strongest in this field and his strike-rate before October is a healthy 33.33% Moreover, Sheena West has had three winning juveniles at Fontwell, including the 46 rated Feb Thirtyfirst, the 53 rated Hi Note, and the 52 rated Whipperway who scored on his hurdling debut. It is difficult to get excited by any 53 rated hurdling newcomer and the yard’s juveniles do generally improve for a run. Nevertheless, in this not particularly exciting race, Mr Freedom’s connections, pedigree and recent flat form affords him prospects that would normally be drowned out by more substantial profiles.

Rogue Mission grg Milton Harris f5-1-1 (71) 70 j1-0-0 (-) 64 70
El Kabeir (Spinning World){2-d}(4.33) 2/1 Primus Inter Pares 107 1st 2m3f Handicap Chase (101), Catterick 2008
At the 2021 Tattersalls July Sale, Milton Harris walked away with four juvenile hurdlers for sums between fourteen and twenty thousand guineas. Three of these, Aliomaana, Genuflex and Knight Salute, would all find the winners’ enclosure with the latter named – incidentally the least expensive of the bunch – capping off a fantastic campaign with success in the Grade One Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree. Returning to the well at this year’s sale, Mr Harris brought along a much thicker wallet, and left with five potential juveniles; three costing over fifty-five thousand guineas. The cheapest of the quintet this time around was Rogue Mission, who commanded a comparatively modest sum of fifteen thousand guineas. Gelded before his racecourse debut in early January, Rogue Mission’s five flat outings have all come at Lingfield, the first four under the care of Tom Clover. A steady 25/1 ahead of a ten furlong novice stakes, Rogue Mission dove out of stalls, took keen hold in rear and went nowhere under pressure; finishing a ten length seventh of eight. He reappeared three weeks later in an identical contest where he attracted outside support in the ring, shortening four points to 12/1 at the off. He started better on this occasion, although he did have another horse to bounce off when leaving the stalls. Still keen and held up towards the rear, he moved into a prominent position turning for home and although he took a while to gather himself under pressure, Rogue Mission was able to narrowly get the best of an honest battle inside the final half-furlong with the pair finishing a couple of lengths clear. The runner-up sadly lost his life next time out, although the third and fourth have each given the form a bit of substance in subsequent outings. Four weeks later, Rogue Mission was outclassed in a match race against a horse who had finished a length second to a subsequent listed winner before he made his handicap debut over ten furlongs back in May. Returning after a ten-week break off a mark of 71, Rogue Mission was friendless in the market and ran accordingly. Ridden from the stalls, he made a short lived effort while going wide on the home turn, but ultimately finished a near nine length seventh of eight. Tom Clover has previously supplied only one juvenile hurdler in the form of Appreciate; who incidentally also joined Milton Harris. Based on his four runs in the division, Appreciate looked harshly treated by his mark of 90, although he has gone on to land a four-timer this Summer. Rogue Mission’s damline largely consists of milers and three (at 3/2) who went over jumps fared poorly. Nevertheless, half-brother Rare Groove won over two miles on the flat and uncle Primus Inter Pares was a winning handicap chaser over the intermediate trip. These strands of stamina influence will have to offset the lack of same from first-crop stallion El Kabeir. From the Scat Daddy/Johannesburg line (which has enjoyed little success in the sphere), El Kabir was a graded – rather than top class – miler in America, and while his height of 16.1hh is adequate, his DI of 5.86 is a concern. Moreover, while Rogue Mission has form over ten furlongs, none of his races have been strongly run affairs. Uncharacteristically these days for a Milton Harris juvenile, Rogue Mission was unfancied ahead of his hurdles debut at Stratford, as he went from an opening show of 11/4 in the morning to 13/2 at the off. In the event, he settled well enough but tight jumps at the first couple of flights saw him expend energy getting away and slow, untidy jumps at the fifth and sixth had him struggling along the back. His pecking on landing at the penultimate flight saw that he was tailed off before the home turn from which he completed in his own time. Rogue Mission returned to Lingfield for a racing league contest where he started at 125/1 and never got involved; finishing thirteen lengths behind his much better fancied stablemate Postmark. The best of his flat form sets the standard here, but his latest efforts leave plenty to be desired. While entitled to improve in the long run, it is worth noting that each of the yard’s juveniles to have won on their second outings placed either first or second on their debuts.

Boudica Warrior bf Amy Murphy f8-0-1 (59) 67 j1-0-1 (-) 69 74
War Command (Noverre){4-m}(2.67) 2/1 Rayhani 126 1st 2m Maiden Hurdle, Limerick 2010
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/boudica-warrior
Beaten eighth of eleven on her racecourse debut at Chelmsford in December, Boudica Warrior was denied by just a length and a quarter the following month in a twelve furlong Wolverhampton maiden. Her second to the useful but quirky Charles St preceded her selling for £8,500 at the ThoroughBid January all-weather sale, although she would stay with Alice Haynes for her next three starts; the latter two seeing her beaten four lengths in handicaps off 62 and 60. From there, Boudica Warrior switched to Amy Murphy’s yard and her next three outings came in French claimers. At Vichy in May, she cut out most of the running over 2000m before being headed a furlong out and dropping to fourth. In early June, she tracked the leader at Saint-Cloud over 2800m before fading rapidly at the distance and three weeks later, on soft ground over a quarter mile shorter at Salon, again made most before struggling from the home turn. She was given a valeur of 27.0 which equates to the BHA mark of 59 brought to her hurdling debut at Uttoxeter nearly a month ago. On breeding, her hurdling credentials were fair-to-middling as sire War Command has had two winning juveniles from thirteen; albeit with a modest improvement rate of 22.22%, and while uncle Rayhani won a Limerick maiden hurdle, his two half-brothers achieved little in ten jumps outings between them. Amy Murphy does have five wins to her name in the sphere, although four of these came during the post-lockdown summer of 2020 where her yard was clearly ahead of the game. Boudica Warrior started the 22/1 outsider of five at Uttoxeter and her early jumping, skewed and trailed her legs through the first, skewing to the right at the third and hopping over the fourth, saw her pass the stands at the tail of the field. Though going left at the fifth, she was better at the next and turned into the straight looking a threat. However, the threat was short lived as she was awkward at three out and a steep and rather tired leap at the penultimate flight gave the initiative to the leading pair. A steady and laboured jump at the last betrayed her fatigue and she eventually trailed in a seventeen length third of four finishers. The form does not amount to much as while the winner was a fair second on his debut, his task was made easier by Free Chakarte’s underperformance and the time suggests nothing beyond the ordinary. Improvement can be expected but Boudica Warrior’s profile is not outstanding and her stamina is becoming increasingly dubious.

Cailin Saoirse bf Alexandra Dunn f7-0-1 (48) 60
Bated Breath (Bahamian Bounty){14-a}(3.00) 3/2 Future Gold 75 5th 2m 4yo Maiden Hurdle, Cork 2020
Three efforts in Irish two-year-old maidens for Philip Byrne, where she finished no better than eighth or any closer than six lengths to the winner, earned Cailin Saoirse a stiff looking mark of 59. Returning in April at Navan, she was beaten by over ten lengths and the drop to 55 did see her finish in the first half of the field, although still beaten over twelve lengths. A further drop to 50 enabled her to finish a length-and-a-half fourth at Fairyhouse after which she joined Alexandra Dunn. Her UK debut came in a Ffos Lass 0-50 Classified Stakes last month over the longest trip she had encountered to date; an extended seven furlongs. There was enough support to send her off the 3/1 favourite of fourteen but she was unable to justify the gamble as while she travelled well and was in a decent position, she was too slow to challenge, ultimately finishing a three length third. Cailin Saoirse shaped as though a little further would suit and her dam did win over twelve furlongs, but stamina for hurdling is still far from assured. Moreover, there is no evidence of jumping ability on the damline and her new trainer has had just one winning juvenile from twenty-two.

Lanfear bf Seamus Mullins f4-0-0 (46) 45 j1-0-0 (-) 11
Wings Of Eagles (Halling){9-f}(1.25) 2/1 Song Light 138 3rd Greatwood Handicap Hurdle (G3,130), Cheltenham 2016
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/lanfear
There are elements within Lanfear’s profile which make her an interesting recruit to the division, although there are others which dispel enthusiasm. Her first trainer, Stéphane Wattel, was responsible for Burning Victory, although his other six exported juveniles failed to win. Wings Of Eagles has already had a winning hurdler in France and Lanfear herself is a niece of two capable hurdlers in Song Light and Jarlath. Seamus Mullins has had seven winning juveniles, although the winner-runner rate of 11.67% is below average. However, the biggest negative on Lanfear’s profile is everything she has done on the racecourse to date. Beaten twenty-nine and twenty-one lengths in a couple of appearances at Deauville last December, Lanfear would finish an eight length eighth on her UK debut at Kempton in March before making her opening mark of 48 look stiff to the tune of eleven lengths at Wolverhampton. Her starting price of 28/1 ahead of her jumps bow at Newton Abbot last month looked skinny beforehand, and while in fairness to her, she got over the first four flights alright, her hurdling deteriorated on the second circuit and she finished a tired ninety-five lengths behind the winner.

Never No Trouble bf Donald McCain f9-0-3 (56) 62 j1-0-0 (-) 73
Time Test (New Approach){2-f}(0.82) 2/2 Perceus 115 1st Juvenile Maiden Hurdle, Uttoxeter 2015
The most experienced of these on the flat, Never No Trouble comes into this contest with nine runs from that sphere to her name. Five came as a two-year-old with the highlight being a half-length second in a Thirsk novice stakes over a mile in late August. This effort resulted in a mark of 67 which tumbled over her subsequent outings, the latest coming six weeks ago in a ten-furlong selling handicap at Ripon off 56. Attracting market interest for the first time in her career, she was sent off the 11/8 favourite having opened at 5/2 in the morning. Quick out of the traps, she was restrained to track the leader after a furlong before travelling smoothly into contention three furlongs from home. However, she did not find as much as she promised, ultimately splitting two older rivals of questionable professionalism. Nevertheless, this was just about Never No Trouble’s best performance since her Thirsk second and it was enough to see move from Adrian Nicholls’ to Donald McCain’s for £6,000. The two former Nicholls’ inmates to run in the sphere achieved very little in six outings between them, although five of the nine that McCain has bought out of a race have been winners. Most scored at a modest level although Collingham, who came out of a French claimer, was a decent horse last term. Donald McCain also has a strong overall record in the sphere with a healthy winner-to-runner rate of 30.09% and the yard has been in very decent form as of late. However, he is not as successful with those lowly rated on the flat with none of the nineteen rated 60 or lower scoring first time out, and just one from fifteen scoring on their second outing. Never No Trouble is one of three representing a first-crop sire; namely Dubawi’s son, Time Test. Winner of the York, Joel and Manhattan Stakes, Time Test is not the tallest and was untried over further than ten furlongs, but he is a nephew with the modest winning handicapper, Codeshare, with his third dam producing fair winners in Hue and Political Intrigue. From the family of Nashwan, Never No Trouble is herself a cousin of two winning jumpers in Perceus and Noble Behest, with the useful Seventh Sign appearing at 3/2. Stamina should not be an issue for Never No Trouble, and her feasible pedigree and capable handler afforded her some respect on her hurdling debut at Stratford three weeks ago. So much so that she was backed into 7/4 favouritism at the off having started the day at 4/1. However, having initially attempted to track the leaders, she skewed badly over the first three flights and passed the stands in midfield. Never No Trouble was slightly better at the next two and got to within a couple of lengths of the leaders before close jumps at the sixth and seventh saw her scrubbed along going over the hill. Though not quite detached, she was a beaten horse turning for home and a steep jump at the last proved decisive in the battle for a half-dozen length third placed finish. Never No Trouble should have learned from that outing and her overall profile is still one of the better ones in this contest. That her trainer has had a winner and a second in three juveniles at this venue is also encouraging. However, her travelling companion appears to have a strong chance on the same card and similar to Milton Harris, most of McCain’s second-time-out winners did so having ran well on their first outings – largely better than what Never No Trouble showed at Stratford when taking quality of form into account.

Strong prospects
1. Mr Freedom
Reasonable prospects
2. Never No Trouble
3. Graffiti
Feasible prospects
4. Rogue Mission
Moderate prospects
5. Boudica Warrior
Negligible prospects
6. Lanfear
7. Cailin Saoirse

[IanDavies]

Stupendous – as usual.

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[IanDavies]

“One cannot split Graffiti and Boudica Warrior in tomorrow evening’s Fontwell Park feast.”

Small profit, having obtained 5/2 the winner.

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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[IanDavies]

There are surely but three certainties in this life: death, taxes and….Mucuna at Stratford on Monday.

The filly seems to be enjoying her hurdling career thus far.

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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[gamble]

The final cut
🤔
I don’t like binning posts but this was written in the shadowy early hours when reason is not often in evidence. I suppose this is a serious thread – hence the edit.

[befair]

Captain Square kinda let us down yesterday

[Bachelors Hall]

Way to go Ian! I have told myself time and time again to use always my ratings as a starting point instead of trying to be clever; but that isn’t always fun…

Was an atrocious race and as bad as the front two jumped, Mr Freedom lost distance and momentum at most hurdles. Ah well, sensible services should return at Stratford. Odds aren’t out yet but those of such a disposition might view this as buying money…

Hi Gamble
Cryptic as usual

Hi befair
Probably the type who can only do well in small fields. Jumped poorly when alone, lost enthusiasm when he had company.

Anyways, the queen is back!

STRATFORD – 22nd August – Preview
Stratford’s juvenile hurdles, the majority of which take place during the summer, are generally less competitive than the standard contest in the division with the average winner’s seasonal RPR of 113.13 being a near half-stone below par. Nevertheless, good juveniles have trod The Bard’s boards and this particular race is generally one of the better at the venue. Held every year between 2007 and 2015, before being resurrected for a two-division renewal last season, it has been taken by the likes of Wensleydale winner and Triumph fifth Leoncavallo in 2015, Prestbury winner and Finesse placed Simarian in 2008, while Architrave (winner in 2010) and Addosh (last year’s runner-up) would each land that decent juvenile contest at Market Rasen’s prelude meeting. This year’s renewal has attracted two previous course and distance winners and a Nigel Twiston-Davies newcomer; although one of those winners could make this contest look very uncompetitive. Though a sharp, left-handed circuit, dosage index figures from Stratford’s juvenile hurdles indicate that stamina is a useful asset at the venue as the mean winning DI of 1.20 is lower only at Cheltenham, Hexham and Chepstow. Jumping can be trickier than usual as the clear round rate of 95.36% is towards the lower quarter of British and Irish racecourses, and that figure drops to 93.47% for hurdling debutants. Experience is also valuable around Stratford as newcomers have an impact value of 0.58 since 2004/05. None of the five runner field are confirmed front-runners and the going was last reported to be Good, Good to Firm in places. The ground will be watered as necessary, although there is also a chance of light rain before racing.

Mutara bg Sean Curran f8-0-3 (55) 62 j2-1-0 (-) 87 96
Muhaarar (Lucky Story){3-c}(0.78) 3/2 Ramonex 136 1st 2m3f Handicap Chase (120), Catterick 2018
Making his debut at Kempton in February, Mutara finished no better than midfield on his first three outings. However, in five flat outings since his switch to handicaps in early April, he has yet to finish outside of the first four. It should be noted that these performances came off mark decreasing from 55 and that the winners’ enclosure has thus far eluded him; but by the same token, he has been a consistent animal. He was doing his best work towards the finish when third over eleven furlongs at Windsor in early May and returning to the turf after a Wolverhampton fourth, would twice find only one too good. At Leicester, he was no match for a horse who recently completed a four-timer, and at Chepstow last month, was bested by another subsequent winner. Mutara did little wrong on either occasion and has little to answer for in terms of attitude. Prior to this campaign, Muhaarar had one winner from seven juveniles and the jumpers that appear on the damline prior to Ramonex at 3/2 have been poor. Sean Curran had winners in the division; albeit at a winner to runner rate of 9.09%. None had scored first time out, which afforded lowered expectations for Mutara on his hurdling debut at this track on the tenth of July. Starting at 15/2, having been as short as 9/2 om the ring, Mutara was keen early on, and his being badly balked at the first put paid to his confidence as he was big and ungainly over the remaining obstacles. Never out of the rear, or threatening to get involved in the contest, Mutara was eased on the run-in; finishing over fourteen lengths behind Mucuna. There was ample scope for Mutara to leave that debut performance well behind, and eighteen days later back at Stratford, he found an opportunity which was enhanced by the market leaders disappointing. Donning first time cheekpieces, Mutara’s leap at the first was big, slow and untidy, but though not a model of fluency, his subsequent untidiness was relatively minor and not to the detriment to his performance. He settled quite well and tracked the leader before taking the lead at the hill on the second circuit. While he was being driven all along the final bend, he did not concede the lead and though steep at the last, he got away from the flight quickly enough and forged ahead on the run in to win by a length and a quarter. The form has since been advertised by the second and fourth filling the first two places at Fontwell last week, although it should be noted that it was a poor contest where none of the principles jumped well. Nevertheless, it was an improvement on his debut effort in terms of fluency and there was little to fault in his attitude. Mutara can continue to progress, but he is meeting Mucuna on a pound worse terms than their first encounter and the former will need the latter to underperform placings are to be reversed.

Mucuna bf Milton Harris f8-1-0 (49) 55 j5-4-1 (120) 93 111
Guiliani (Gold Away){14-b}(0.89) 2/1 Capellini 98 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (93), Plumpton 2013
Prior to his forced sabbatical, Milton Harris was no slouch when it came to juvenile hurdlers; saddling Modul to win the Grade 2 Summit and Finesse Hurdles in 2003/04 and subsequently guiding Gulf Punch (rated 45 and claimed for £5000), Pseudonym (also claimed for £5000), Rosie’s Glory (rated 60) and Moonfleet (rated 57) to the winners’ enclosure. Nevertheless, since his glorious return to the shores of Hoofiana, Harris has proven himself in no uncertain terms with an excellent winner to runner record of ten from twenty capped by last season’s hugely admirable Knight Salute. He started the current season as he ended the last by winning a juvenile hurdle at Aintree with the 49 rated Mucuna. During her first five outings, commencing last October, her best effort was a midfield finish in a mile Handicap at Kempton off 46. However, the switch to turf and a step up to ten furlongs saw her get off the mark at Salisbury back in April. She was unable to follow up in a couple of Bath handicaps off 50 during May, finishing fourth on both occasions, but it was apparent that the track did not see her to best effect. The switch to hurdling came at Aintree in the second juvenile of the season and while she was backed from 20/1 into 4/1 second favourite, this was not a clandestine move as there was plenty of evidence for a good showing in a weak race. Although her rating is a low one, Milton Harris, since his return, has trained Romeo’s Bond (55) to win, and Global Agreement (56) to place first time. Mucuna’s pedigree was also feasibly conducive as Guiliani (another first-season sire) is a nephew of Getaway and the damline contains winners Capellini (2/1), listed class handicapper Beringneyev (3/1), Mahogany Blaze (4/3) and Petit Mouchoir (5/5). Held up last of four, in a race ran at a galop comparable to the handicap on the card, Mucuna was novicey over the first three flights as she was steady and awkward over one and two and jumped left while leaving her hind legs in the third. Nevertheless, she was more fluent thereafter and though behind her two remaining rivals when turning for home, was close up and ultimately the last to come off the bridle. Despite being squeezed out at the final flight, she took the lead in a matter of strides and with the rail to help, ran out a decisive and enthusiastic three-length winner. All told, she did not have to improve on her flat form to land the spoils, but her willingness and proven hurdling ability did not go unnoticed. Mucuna returned to the track a week later at Market Rasen and, though very well supported ahead of her Aintree bow, the Market Rasen market was rather lukewarm on her chances as she drifted from a morning 6/4 to 11/4 at the off. Finding herself unsuited by how the race unfolded, and showing a tendency to jump across her hurdles, she ultimately disappointed with her four-and-a-half-length second. Mucuna returned to winning ways next time at Newton Abbot and while the habit of jumping across her hurdles was actually more pronounce, she often went markedly to her left which may indicate that she simply likes jumping toward the inner. The Newton Abbot contest was essentially a match between herself and Free Chakarte. Though the longer priced of the pair during the day’s exchanges, they were almost level at the off with Mucuna going off a fraction longer at 6/5. Still racing keenly on her third jumps outing in as many weeks, she was soon tracking the leader having initially raced third of four. Her hurdling was not wholly fluent as along with going to her left, she skewed at the first, was untidy at the second, tight at the fifth, big at the sixth and slow away from the last two. Despite these errors however, she was travelling best once the race was between the two principals within the microcosm of a Newton Abbot battle, Mucuna’s stamina edge (and possibly her rider’s allowance) told over her rival’s speed. Given how the race developed, it is to her credit that she was able to earn the victory and while it probably amounts to little, the race was the strongest in the division this term from a time perspective – at least up to the point of her Stratford outing on the tenth of July. Under a double penalty, she drifted from a morning 7/4 to start 5/2 favourite, but the price underestimated her prospects. Racing fairly keenly just behind the leaders, she was quite badly baulked at the first and third, but while fairly tight at the fifth and sixth, she lost very little momentum in the air. Mucuna was momentarily outpaced on the turn for home, but found a turn of foot which took her to the front approaching the last and although it could have been jumped cleaner, she was ridden out to ensure a decisive six-length victory. It was not the strongest summer juvenile of all time, but the form could hardly have worked out better in the context of this season with the second, third and fifth all winning next time out. Mucuna was last seen at Newton Abbot five weeks ago where she posted her most impressive effort to date. Though reopposing Free Chakarte on worse terms than their previous narrow encounter, and meeting what would have been an easy course and distance winner but for a late fall, Mucuna was backed from a morning 9/4 to start the 11/8 clear favourite. Racing enthusiastically behind her two market rivals, she went to her left at the second but was otherwise sound. Turning for home, as her rivals were hard at work, Mucuna was firmly on the bridle and she turned into the straight with a healthy advantage. While she dived at the penultimate hurdle and gave the last plenty of respect, her lead extended to twenty-two lengths at the line without any prompt from Bradley Harris. The runner-up ran below par next time, but based on her previous form, the ease with which she was beaten and the race’s sectionals, it would not be controversial to describe Mucuna’s performance as the best seen in the division to date. Unless there is a tactical catastrophe or any of her rivals improve significantly on their previous form, defeat for Mucuna should be able to put her superiority to good use in a contest where everything ought to suit.

Flintstone chg Nigel Twiston-Davies f9-0-5 (63) 71
Starspangledbanner (First Samurai){19-e}(1.00) No jumps relatives
A nine race maiden on the flat, Flintstone is set to be the first juvenile of the campaign for Nigel Twiston-Davies. The master of Grange Hill Farm does have a solid record in the division. He has handled the likes of Bristol de Mai, Torpillo and Mahogany Blaze, and his winner-to-runner rate of 31.82% is the strongest in the field. Twiston-Davies also fares well with his flat recruits, six of his twenty-seven won as juveniles, although only one managed to score first time. Ten seasons ago, the yard had a similar type in Golden Jubilee; Hannon trained mid-sixties performer with an American damline completely bereft of jumpers, carrying the same colours. Golden Jubilee got no further than the first in a Bangor juvenile before finishing well beaten at Warwick – although after a prolonged return to the flat, he did eventually manage to win a Sedgefield handicap off 92. The similarities diverge when it comes to their sires as while Golden Jubilee was Zavata’s one and only juvenile, Starspangledbanner has had eight to date with two finding the winners’ enclosure. Though Flintstone has not managed to win as of yet, he has generally been a fair and consistent sort. His two-year-old career, starting in May, consisted of three runs in as many months; all of which came at Newbury, none of which saw him get closer than twelve lengths to the winner. Following a break of nearly nine months, he returned in a mile handicap at Kempton where he finished a two length second off 64, looking one paced in the closing stages. Over the same trip at Chelmsford, he had to be rousted along for much of the contest before keeping on for a seven length third. The step up to ten furlongs only saw him finish sixth at Goodwood, but the form has worked out quite well for the level. Afterwards, he was given a gelding operation and a two month break and while he could only manage an eight length third at Leicester, the application of blinkers saw him turn in a career best performance at Kempton in early July. Racing over a mile off a mark of 62, he turned for home with all of the field to pass, but was vying for the lead inside the final hundred yards before going down by half a length. The form was boosted by the winner following up in two of his next three starts, but Flintstone did give the impression that he was not entirely committed to the battle. Eight days later, he returned to ten furlongs, racing off the same mark, for a Chepstow handicap in which he was the second favourite of four. Disputing the lead, he appeared to be travelling best in front at the distance but was unable to fend off a couple of rivals and would merely plug on for two and a quarter length third. The runner-up went one better next time, and there was slightly less of a quibble about Flintstone’s resolve. However, on account of his Kempton run, he is now on a BHA mark of 63 which is not obviously generous. Flintstone’s credentials are not without positives as his flat form is the strongest in the line-up, his sire has done respectably with his small legion in the sphere, and while the yard’s first-time record with flat recruits could be better, Twiston-Davies is four from nine with summer juveniles (although three of those wins belong to Goodbye Dancer in 2014). However, despite his fast finish at Kempton, that was in a strongly run contest so stamina is not assured at this point. Moreover, while he has been more or less consistent on the flat, his lesser efforts came on good-to-firm. Flintstone is not a hopeless recruit to the sphere, but there are enough caveats to prevent him from being a serious threat to an in-form Mucuna at the first time of asking.

Ickytoo bf Jonathan Portman f6-0-0 (45) 48
Heeraat (Mark Of Esteem){1-g}(0.33) 0.5 Size Matters 78 4th 2m½f Novices’ Hurdle, Market Rasen 2019
Over the course of three outings either side of Christmas, Ickytoo has only once finished within twelve lengths of the winner. This instance came on her handicap debut two runs ago at Lingfield over a mile. Starting at 22/1 and racing off 46, Ickytoo was held up in the rear before making headway down the hill. Racing widest of all cost her a few places, but she managed to pass three beaten horses inside the final furlong to finish a four-length fifth of ten. However, she was unable to build on this promise over an additional two furlongs last week at Chelmsford, seldom threatening to get any closer than midfield. Switched to hurdling, she represents a yard with a 3.53% strike rate in the sphere and while Jonathan Portman saddled Minder to twice finish second at Stratford in the summer of 2009, he is winless from ten at the venue. Heeraat recently had his first winning juvenile in Rolypolymoly, and Mark Of Esteem has a 25.58% winner-to-runner rate as a damsire. However, Heeraat’s other five juveniles have failed to make the frame, and until reaching Master Finch and Ewar Chieftain (both 5/3), Ickytoo’s relatives on the damline have fared poorly over hurdles.

Intriguing Lady bf Nigel Hawke f12-0-3 (50) 66 j3-0-2 (81) 61 69
Fascinating Rock (Invincible Spirit){9-e}(1.13) 2/1 Arthurian 87 1st 2m½f Juvenile Selling Hurdle, Stratford 2008
With twelve flat outings and three jumps starts to her name, Intriguing Lady is the most experienced runner set to face the starter. She was formerly trained by Mark Johnston who, since 2005, has been the most prolific supplier of juvenile hurdles with 212 former inmates of Kingsley House taking up the vocation. For context, Mick Channon is next on the list with just three others reaching triple digits. Of those 212, fifty were winners, giving a healthy rate of 23.58%, although less than a third would improve on what they had shown for Johnston. The latter factor would be a matter of concern for Intriguing Lady whose early promise was fleeting and has been supplanted by disappointment. Her debut came at Ayr last August where, sporting a hood, she finished second of four behind a fair and experienced rival and ahead of a pair that have subsequently achieved little. Running green and down the field on her next two starts, she posted her career best on her handicap debut in a seven-furlong Newcastle nursery in October off 65. She was arguably unlucky when sixth in a Chelmsford claimer on her seventh and final start as a two-year-old, but on her first four starts of 2022, finished last in a handicap, last in a claimer, third in a seller won by a 54 rated animal, then eighth of nine in a Southwell handicap. Intriguing Lady was last seen finishing midfield in a Wolverhampton handicap where, sporting her fourth form of headgear, refused to settle before weakening late on. After this final outing, Intriguing Lady went to the Tattersalls Ascot March Sale where she commanded just £2,000. Such an appraisal is not inherently damning to a young hurdler’s prospects, however, as five of the thirty-four juveniles to have left Mark Johnston’s at public auction for less than £5,000 would be winners. Her new handler, Nigel Hawke, has a respectable record in the sphere with a 19.70% winner to runner rate that increases to 25.71% with flat sourced horses. The lion’s share of this success come from those from Jim Bolger’s with seven of the ten such horses winning. Indeed, the winner-to-runner rate for those not trained by Jim Bolger drops to 8%. Fascinating Rock’s record is below average by general standards with his sole winner from eight being the Joseph O’Brien trained Faron, and his clear round rate of 81.82% being low by any measure. Intriguing Lady’s uncle did win a juvenile hurdle, albeit a weak Stratford seller, and apart from minor winner Manjaam at 3/2, jumping prowess on the damline is negligible before reaching Mengli Khan at 4/2. Drifting from 9/1 to 14/1 at Hexham, all concerns manifested in the contest itself as she raced keenly, made errors at most flights before weakening tamely on leaving the back and finishing well beaten. Next time at Newton Abbot, Intriguing Lady was sent off the 20/1 outsider of the field but there was improvement from her Hexham showing. Held up in the rear, she settled much better and her jumping also saw significant improvement with her skewing over the second being the only error of note. Nevertheless, she was still treading water on the turn for home and but for her remaining rivals pulling themselves up after the penultimate flight mele, she may have finished last. In fairness, she was carried widest of all by the loose horse and though she had no chance with the winner and less chance with the would-be winner, she began to look one that could work with a reasonable mark. This fanciful notion was rather dampened on her return to Newton Abbot on the first of July as her 10/1 odds were made to look miniscule by Mucuna to the tune of fifty-three lengths. Never leaving the rear, her jumping was a mixed bag before a tired and untidy jump three out put an end to her futile pursuit of the leaders; although she did win the battle for third by a length. Intriguing Lady was subsequently given a mark of 81 which might be helpful in the long-run, but would be of no use to her here.

tl;dr
Mutara – Honest maiden on the flat at a modest level and hurdles debut was forgivable due to early interference. Returned to Stratford with a victory and though form is nothing special, a winner has come out of the race. Likeable sort and entitled to further improvement but has a lot to find with Mucuna.

Mucuna – Won a low grade handicap but has been a revelation over hurdles. Has won four from five during the summer and is comfortably the best seen in the division to date. Holds very strong chance on paper and can only be undone by extreme tactics, massive underperformance or unexpected improvement from rivals.

Flintstone – Maiden on flat but strongest form from that sphere. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ first juvenile of the season. Yard does well overall but flat recruits improve with experience. Potentials on breeding but may prefer softer ground and faces stiff task first time.

Ickytoo – One run from six on the flat was not abysmal but still way short of what is required here. Sire and trainer are capable of getting winners but not habitually so and damline offers little encouragement.

Intriguing Lady – Snippets of form for Mark Johnston but sold cheaply to trainer who does better with different type. Modicum of promise over hurdles but nowhere near enough to suggest she can make an impact here.

Outstanding prospects
1. Mucuna
Reasonable prospects
.
Feasible prospects
2. Mutara
3. Flintstone
Moderate prospects
.
Negligible prospects
4. Intriguing Lady
5. Ickytoo

[IanDavies]

Superb stuff, BH – much appreciated as always.

“I don’t like binning posts but this was written in the shadowy early hours when reason is not often in evidence. I suppose this is a serious thread – hence the edit.”

Even in the very throes of chaos and anarchy, respect endures.

Well done, gamble.

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[gamble]

I cannot and will not diminish the excellence of what is written by the Hall of knowledge, so splendidly laid out above in painstaking detail – but as for maintaining the purity of the Hall – that is a no no for me and I include the sidekick that is gamble. I will not kowtow to the purists in church who demand silence – when I want to sneeze or fart, I will do so. It’s just the quantity of issuance and the size of the disturbance I will control, and the early morning camptown races mayhem – the loony in church – was just that sneeze or fart that made the sinners feel a little more normal. I was wrong to press the ejection seat button as I neared the Church spire.
I know what you are getting at Davidd – silence in church and let the fools play bunkum outside, and yes your hammer always hits the nail, but maybe not this time and it’s swollen finger Fergie hair drier time.

Gigi sung ‘I dont understand the Parisiennes ‘ obsessing about love and rutting 24/7 until it drove them in Seine.

Dennis Wheatley’s the devil rides out descends slowly from the rafters disturbing the priest’s priceless sermon with the leathery demon spewing its great evil as more than a counterbalance, that breaks apart the holier than thou, and flickers the candles, and fidgets the congregations.

Something though to tell Granny who couldn’t make the service and more bums on seat next week for more Tales of the unexpected and the evil of the Rocky Horror picture show and the bat out of hell that juxtaposes and radars in on the Sermon on the mount and adds that little bit of blue yellow and red colour..as the heavens open, and the battle royal commences in earnest –
‘ Love love me do ‘

[IanDavies]

Flintstone for me in the absence of Mucuna.

I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"

[Author]

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