North On The Level 2015

[robnorth]

The original North On The Level thread has disappeared off the immediate radar. Bearing in mind the turn over of flat horses I though it best to start a fresh thread for turf flat season.

MUSSELBURGH – Sunday April 5th 2015

Going – Soft (Good to Soft in places)

I missed Good Friday’s meeting because of work as much of Scotland doesn’t seem to do public holidays, more a mish-mash of local holidays on which I also have to work! However I made my first outing of the turf flat season for the Easter Sunday meeting, a lower class card than the Friday but competitive nevertheless.
The day was billed a family day hence funfair and stalls and lots of stuff for the kids. It seemed to work as there was a decent crowd. As MC for the afternoon we were lumbered with Grant Stott, a DJ with Forth One Radio, who seemed to make a great play of knowing diddly squat about racing and offered nothing of note to the afternoon. Come back Thommo, all is forgiven!

The card was sponsored by totepool, so insert variations on their products in the race titles!

1.50 1m 35-58 Handicap

A dreadful contest to start the afternoon, full of professional losers.
Wilf Storey does at least do his best to conjure a tune out of moderate horses and his NELSON’S BAY showed way too much resolution for the remainder here. The winning way at Musselburgh is to get near the front early, particularly over distances from 7 to 9 furlongs. Most winners are prominent on the bend and Nelson’s Way was up there from the start. He led over one out and forged clear though it’s questionable if he achieved much in winning. Storey had been a little worried the ground might be a tad too soft, but Musselburgh seldom gets testing.
INDIAN GIVER, placed recently on Tapeta, gave chase but was always second best.
KEENE’S POINTE is a weak finisher and was held from the furlong pole.
RIOJA DAY is favoured by cut in the ground and ran passably well in fourth.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE was well backed and looked spot on for this. However, he gave way tamely from two out and remains a maiden as a five-year-old.

2.25 7f 38-60 Handicap

Down a furlong for a similar class race to the first, with another group of horses with plenty of miles on the clock but not a great win percentage.
NOVALIST was set into the lead and had pretty much put all in their place by the two furlong pole. He saw out his race with a bit to spare, though it may well be different if he’s pressured on another course. He won twice at Southwell last year, so can grind out his wins.
I reckoned SMALLJOHN might have a class edge, and he was well enough placed from the start, but he didn’t look that keen to go through with his challenge. He had enough left to hold second place and give the impression he saves a bit.
HELLBENDER has yet to win on turf and came off second best in the battle for the minor spots. He’s not betting material even at this level.
One glimmer of promise came from the lightly raced BLUE JACKET who kept on for fourth. She’s a nice enough looking filly who seems to have a little ability on this evidence and may pick up a lowly contest.
SEWN UP missed the break, and though putting in an effort up the straight, never troubled the leaders.
OPT OUT is a law unto himself and never showed, while JEBEL TARA looked cussed at the start and continues to regress.

2.55 1m 1f 67-78 Handicap

A better contest than the previous two which offered a number with a serious chance.
POLAR FOREST was progressive last year and continues on an upward curve as a five-year-old. Another one racing prominently, he led a furlong out and gradually asserted. He never wins by far so can’t be hammered by the assessor, but his will to win is a potent weapon at this level.
MR RED CLUBS hit the front two out but couldn’t respond with any extra once passed at the furlong pole. He wasn’t disgraced and remains competitive on turf or all-weather. He hasn’t won on turf but did little wrong here.
ARGAKI ran his best race for some time. Having chased the leaders he looked to be feeling the pinch two out but stuck to his task in admirable fashion. Keith Dalgleish should be able to coax a race out of him, perhaps down a grade to Class 5.
The three were clear of SILVER DUKE who was outpaced in the final furlong having been a threat two out.
VALANTINO OYSTER led until two out and ideally needs an unpestered lead.
BAHAMIAN C looked race fit, but dropped out rapidly from two out.

3.25 2m 70-84 Musselburgh Gold Cup Handicap

LADY KASHAAN is a decent mare at this level and slipped back below her previous winning mark. She raced in midfield, made progress in the straight to lead two out and quickly put distance between herself and pursuers. So well did she come clear that it must be worth seeking out events in excess of two miles for her.
HANDIWORK is a lightly raced animal on the flat, but is moving in the right direction. He had the rest of the field spread-eagled, but just ‘ran into one’. A similar event seems his for the taking.
STREETS OF NEW YORK was not disgraced in third place and will find other opportunities as he saw out the trip well enough.
MR SNOOZY kept on for fourth, though well held by second and third.
MARAWEH was held up and stayed on to grab a remote fifth place on the line. Yet to win on the flat, but by no means a lost cause for his jumps orientated yard judged on this effort.
SCRAPPER SMITH ran an acceptable race in sixth for one off the course for a fair time.
ROYAL SIGNALLER dropped away tamely on the final bend and was reported as suffering from heat exhaustion. The form can be ignored.

3.55 5f Class 2yo Maiden Auction Stakes

POWERALLIED was fizzy in the paddock and keen going down, but had too much speed for the fillies here.
BABY BALLERINA, another a bit keen going down, missed the break. She picked up two out and stayed on well enough to snatch second close home. Hopefully lessons will be learnt from her first outing.
AYRESOME ANGEL looks a rather leggy filly and may need a bit of time to show her best. However, she did show some speed and only lost second place near the line.
ARISE was always struggling to match the first two and held from the furlong pole.

4.30 7f 63-70 3yo Handicap

Another race won from the front with GABRIAL THE TIGER making all, sticking on well when asked for extra effort from two out. Exposed on the all-weather the hope would be that there is more to come on the turf, though he had the run of this race.
BEACH ACTION chased home the winner honestly enough and made a satisfactory handicap debut.
BILLY BOND was another making a handicap debut and showed signs of greenness when asked for an effort, squeezing up Salterello. He saw his race out to the line and has enough about him to take a similar race before long.
SALTERELLO looked to getting the worst of the argument even before running into trouble.
X RAISE didn’t look fully tuned up for her seasonal debut and was reported to have hung right throughout.
RIVER OF DREAMS wasted too much energy in the preliminaries.

5.50 5f 45-65 Apprentice Handicap

Seven of the ‘regular suspects ‘ pitched up for the closing sprint handicap.

WINDFORPOWER can be a bit hit or miss, but is useful on his day at this level. He got going from two out and stuck his head in front in the shadow of the post.
ROY’S LEGACY is pretty decent in these contests on turf as his regularly runs his race. Well drawn here, he led until near the post and would likely have won if the ground had been a shade quicker. Worth considering in similar events here if drawn near the rail.
LIZZY’S DREAM was off his game in an interrupted 2014 season. He is no back number judged on a fair third here and a fourth last time at Wolverhampton. Everything has be taken at its level, but he is at least competitive in basement contests.
LORD BUFFHEAD finds five furlongs here plenty sharp enough and was keeping when the contest was done and dusted.
The Perratt pair of FINDOG and ROCK CANYON run often and win seldom, though the later did pick a ‘best turned out’ this time.
BRONZE BEAU was sweating and did not look at all well in his coat. He broke well from the outside and led for three furlongs but then faded.

From Friday’s card make room in the notebook for:

SPRING OFFENSIVE a decent staying on second in the Royal Mile. He was held up against a pace bias and the form is probably better than face value.
TOM HARK who missed the break in the same race and did well to come fourth. He was progressive last season and should leave this form behind.

Not really for the notebook but what a pleasure to see the battle of the veterans in the Borderlescott Trophy, with ten-year-old TANGERINE TREES winning from evergreen BORDERLESCOTT.

[seethesun]

I agree on Spring Offensive from Friday. I backed it on Friday and just over 1f out, I was convinced it would get up and win.

Reason I say this, as much as Musselburgh suits prominent horses, I really don’t think this race had a pace bias. I was pretty convinced Moonlightnavigator could not maintain that pace and hold onto victory. I appreciate the times don’t back it up as being quick, but I think this was an impressive performance to dominate a strong field of improving horses. The form of this race will stand up strong across the season imo, I think there is a good 5-6 different winners to come from this race over coming weeks and months.

Best piece of depth and flat form so far this season.

[robnorth]

Finally a chance to catch up with the Flat campaign

HAMILTON – Thursday June 4th

Going – Good To Soft, Soft in places on the loop though drying during the meeting

2.00 5f Lockton Maiden Auction Stakes 2yo (Class 5)

RISK ADJUSTED had gone close on three occasions and took this contest with authority, taking charge over a furlong out to win with little fuss. Ann Duffield is generally smart with placement of her two-year-olds and should place this one to advantage again, be it in a novice stakes or a nursery.
COMPARINKA impressed most in the paddock. She was turned out looking fit and well and ready for her debut and made the right impression. She was a bit at sea going down the hill, but picked up encouragingly when hitting the incline and stayed on well to take second place. She may find a minor maiden race and certainly has what it takes to win races.
There’s often value to be had from paddock inspection in these races and I couldn’t believe it when I saw this one at 40/1 in a small field. She was always held by the winner, and my minor win bet never quite looked like being landed, but I got a sound enough run for my money at the odds.
IRISH CAILIN improved on her debut, just shaded for second on the run to the line. She’s done enough in two runs to suggest she will be competitive in nurseries.
COTTON CAMERA was never travelling and may well need quicker ground, or perhaps a level track.
FIRST BOMBARDMENT is a stocky but small sort. The impression is that he’s not got much growing to do and it’s not encouraging that his form is already regressive.
CANDY HILL was withdrawn on vet’s advice at the start, but no Stewards Report was returned so I’ve no idea what the problem was. That aside, she was the most backward of the six that went to start and looks to need a bit of time assuming there’s no major physical problem.

2.30 5f Winning Groundstaff Team Apprentice Handicap (51-64)

A race run to mark the RCA Groundstaff award to the Hamilton Park team. The course and surrounds were presented in their customary fine condition, a fact that makes the course such a pleasure to visit for racegoers and racing professionals alike.

INSOLENCEOFFICE transferred all-weather form to the turf, making steady headway from two out and getting his head in front in the closing stages. For all that he has run well on the artificial surfaces, his recent runs on turf have been and rather belied his 33/1 price. I wouldn’t write him off as merely a ‘sand boy’ and he’s a decent animal at Class 6 level on his day.
CHOOKIE’S LASS looked very well and put up a sound performance in second. She’s lower than her previous winning mark and is worth bearing in mind for upcoming engagements. She uphill finish here and at Carlisle seems to suit her.
ELAND ALLY has only won once in 37 attempts and, though having ability, isn’t one to trust with your money. Gemma Tutty complained that she was ‘caught in a pocket’, but I reckon that probably helped as her mount stayed on through the field for third. His best chance will come in a speed packed contest where the rest come back to him.
I’LL BE GOOD seemed found out by the 6lb penalty, running creditably but held once passed in the final furlong.
SARTORI struggled to go the pace though kept on in the closing stages. He’s between two stools at the moment, not seeing out six furlongs but caught for speed over five.
PULL THE PIN is on a long losing run, often running well but finding one or two too good. Made favourite here he was held from two out. He may well win a race in the near future, but guessing when it will be is no easy task.

3.00 6f Watt Fences and Watt Plastics Maiden Stakes (Class 5)

UNDER SEIGE showed good pace and stayed on well to take the contest with a bit to spare. By my reckoning he recorded a rating around the 66 mark, so it’s no lower than Class 5 handicaps next up.
SECOND CUT is a nice type who placed a respectable third in a big field handicap at Thirsk, kept on in the final furlong and should be capable of landing a handicap off current mark. He could be one to progress somewhat as he becomes race hardened.
EUXTON is a rather light filly who may develop with time. On that basis her form to date is respectable. She got tapped for speed down the hill but kept on up the slope to finish third.
ELEUTEHRA is a strong sort with scope and made a fair impression on debut, showing good speed, if held in the final furlong.
ALPHA DELPHINI was prominent in the market but a shade disappointing and never threatened the leaders. She is worth another chance on quicker ground.
JESSIE ALLAN was making a debut at the age of four. While held in seventh after missing the break, she wasn’t totally disgraced and may reward connections’ patience in time.

The stewards deemed Under Seige’s improvement worthy of an enquiry. It’s a maiden and lightly raced horses improve, are we going to have enquiries any time anything wins such a race at a double figure price? Pity they couldn’t let us know what happened to Candy Hill earlier on…

3.30 1m 65yds Alex Fergusson Memorial Handicap (52-65)

DAY OF THE EAGLE has no more than a stub of a tail since he got an infection and had to have the majority of his tail removed. It doesn’t stop him racing well though and he came back from a three month break to win a trifle cosily, making smooth headway from two out to take it up at the one pole. He has a good record coming off a break and these days that might be the time to catch him.
PADDY’S ROCK stayed on and finished a never nearer second. This was a step up on his efforts this season and he is now back on his previous winning mark.
RIOJA DAY disputed the lead and stuck on well once passed. He’s only had one win in 29 goes, but has recorded a number of creditable efforts in recent times.
LENDAL BRIDGE hasn’t got a bad record for a horse rated 56 and isn’t often beaten too far.
INDIAN GIVER won over a longer trip last time and kept on here for fifth.
ROCKWOOD was blinkered for the first time and led round in a headcollar and looks headstrong. He is not straight forward, came to have every chance two out before weakening from the furlong pole. He has ability but there could be too much going on in between his ears.

4.00 1m 1f 36yds Weatherbys Private Banking Hamiltonian Handicap (60-85)

FIRST SITTING showed promise last year for Dermot Weld and won this in the style of an upwardly mobile handicapper. Racing in touch, he made steady progress from two out, led one out and soon had the race comfortably won. This was only his fifth race he looks potentially a bit better than this class and is one to follow. Another furlong shouldn’t prove a problem.
The current form of those behind looks the lynch pin as far as the merit of the winner. SAKHAKLIN STAR is running well without getting his head in front, finished well but just ran into one too good. He’s not been far away on any run this season and must surely find a similar race.
TIN PAN ALLEY led and stuck at it once passed. A cracking effort from 3lbs out of the handicap. Lightly raced for a seven-year-old, but still a maiden, he seems honest enough and should find a race dropped back in class.
ARCHIE’S ADVICE couldn’t hold his position early on, and was stopped in his run two out, but kept on well enough in the closing stages.
TECTONIC was held approaching the final furlong and from past experience is one to be wary off.
EUTROPIUS needs quicker ground.

4.30 6f 5yds Weathersby Private Banking Handicap (53-70)

Most of the field here were hold up horses so I’m not sure of the value of the form, and most are well exposed anyway. I spotted two that might be able to run within themselves and not be inconvenienced by the way the race panned out. It was rather galling to have the Exacta foiled by a fast finisher as a 6 furlongs and 4 yards race would have seen a decent payout!

MUNJALLY went into this as a 14 run maiden, but he race handily and dug in well from the furlong pole. Bear in mind though that things fell right.
ROCK CANYON finished with a rattle to deny the North betting bank a significant boost. He was raised for a double win at Ayr but remains competitive off his current mark.
Lightly raced ORIENT SKY picked up nicely up the hill, looked the likely winner one out but then wandered around under a drive and was denied second close home. There should be a moderate sprint for him, though he may not be totally straight forward. There was a hint in the unsaddling area that blinkers or a visor may be applied.
NEW LEASE OF LIFE stayed on from the rear for fourth place.
SEWN UP made up some ground he lost down the hill, but his run petered out in the final furlong.
MINISTER OF FUN went down to start the best part of 20 minutes before off time. He was the least exposed of these, but is presumably a fizzy sort and faded after showing early pace.

5.00 1m 5f Ladies In Business Lunch Handicap (45-64)

VIEW FROM ABOVE was turned out looking very fit and scored for the first time since the same event last year. All her best from has come at tracks with a stiff finish, a record 1U256121, against a mere one place in 26 goes at sharp or flat tracks.
SCHMOOZE stayed on from the rear for second. She needs things to fall right.
EILEAN MOR chased the leader from three out but could make no impression. On his mark but running reasonably well.
HENPECKED kept on for fourth without remotely threatening those up front and the rest were well beaten.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Monday Jun 29th

Going – Good

A run-of the-mill Monday meeting at Musselburgh with many of the regular equine performers pitching up. The £20 admission charge is excessive for moderate fare, particularly bearing in mind you now have to pay another £2.50 for the racecard. It’s not a cheap evening out and the racegoers are paying Premiership prices for lower Division fare.

Exit arrangements from the public car park were a shambles. Instead of being routed down past the stands, cars were sent down a potholed track behind the stable block and along an equally bumpy route down the back straight. The route was poorly signposted and may be fit for 4x4s but is no fun in your average car.

The bend past the stands is being re-cambered with work commencing the day after this meeting. The bend will be out of action until next year, so the inner all-weather surface jumps track bend will be in use for the rest of the flat season. This means races will finish up the jumps track, so I hope that the track measure and advertise their distances properly for the rest of the season. I will be on their case if they don’t.

6.15 2m Racing UK Apprentice Handicap (47-65)

A field full of exposed performers with COWSLIP backed to carry on from a successful jumps season running off a very low mark. It’s not always a case of simply transfer the form and Cowslip was well beaten here. He looked fit enough so condition was no excuse.
Versatile trainer Mike Smith won this with EILEAN MOR who forged clear from two out down the middle of the track and won with a bit in hand. Smith trains jumpers, pointers and showjumpers alongside flat racers and has shown he knows how to train on the level. The winner did well last year and may be worth looking out for now he has hit form.
JAN SMUTS runs an honest enough race but doesn’t have an extra gear in a finish. He stayed on in sound enough fashion to take second without ever threatening the winner. Wilf Storey does a sound job with a small string and his animals are often thereabouts in moderate contests.
WOR LASS raced a bit keenly in touch with the leaders. She kept on for third.
ALEKSANDAR set a reasonable pace but was held once overtaken two out. He did see out his race and would not be without a chance when able to dictate and this hints at a return to last year’s decent form.
PIXIE CUT was tapped for speed from three out. She’s probably better suited by Hamilton’s stiff uphill finish.
LA BACOUETTEUSE normally goes well here but never got in a blow.

6.45 7f 30yds British stallion Studs EBF 2yo Maiden (Class 5)

Mark Johnston’s WELFORD made short work of these after stretching on from two out. He showed the typical Johnston charge head down determined attitude and will presumably now go on to nurseries.
LIVELLA FELLA chased the leader from two out and finished a clear second. He clearly sees out the trip well enough and has not done too much wrong to date. There should be a minor maiden or a nursery for him over this trip.
NOVINAPHOBIA chased the leaders but was held from the furlong pole. A step up on his York debut and he seems to be going the right way.
GOODKNIGHT PERCY doesn’t look straight forward at the moment. He was rather fizzy in the preliminaries, still looks green and could only muster the one pace once the tempo increased.
HOLLYWOOD KEN is tall and leggy and looks to have some filling out to do. He made a promising effort three out but was beaten from the furlong pole. His breeding suggests time is required and he will need a stiffer test than this.
INVINCIBLE BOND and THE AULD KIRK, both from stables not renowned for producing two-year-olds, were well beaten. I did a double take when I saw Aimee Waugh leading round a two-year-old! She’s more likely to be seen at Kelso in winter than Musselburgh in summer.

7.15 1m 4f 100yds Eddie Kricak Memorial – The Rocks Handicap (45-65)

An exposed bunch but a clear winner as NEUF DES COUERS came clear from two out. Stepped up significantly in trip from 1m 1f, she won this with any amount in hand and her trainer will presumably try to strike before the handicapper catches up again.
Veteran DHAULAR DHAR looked an absolute picture and Jim Goldie certainly knows how to keep his horses sweet in the old age. He never looked like winning but saw out his race soundly enough to take second. He remains in good heart.
HARRISON’S CAVE, fizzy in the paddock, kept on if held from over a furlong out. He runs the occasional decent race but is normally one to oppose.
NEW COLOURS led two furlongs out but was soon headed and then held.
YOURHOLIDAYISOVER normally gets involved some how, but only has one jumps win to his credit. He was ridden hands and heels in the closing stages, just keeping on steadily, and this is presumably how he has to be ridden.
LACERTA is a big strong type who is lightly raced. He was held from two out and it looks as if his table are trying to find his trip. I wonder if he might be better with a stiffer finish, as it might happen a shade too quick for him around Musselburgh.

7.45 5f Ivestec June Selling Stakes (Class 5)

Down at the start for the previous race I heard the jockeys discussing this contest. Joe Doyle said that the favourite SMART MOVER ‘has not gone forward’ with racing but they thought she should win this. She was driven over one out and looked in trouble, but responded and just held on from a fast finished. Her connections went to £11,000 to retain her, but she is not going the right way and this looked a very ordinary contest.
TOTAL POWER, a stocky muscly colt, was outpaced early on but scythed through the field and was in front a stride past the line. E would seem to have better prospects going forward than the winner, particularly with a stiffer finish.
CANFORD KILBEY wasn’t disgraced dropped to selling company, though clearly has her limitations. She kept on for third place.
RIO DEVA set the pace and rallied once headed but held in a close fourth near the line. She has the basic pace to give her some hope in similar contests.
FRANK BRIDGE looks pony sized, probably less than 15 hands. He showed early pace but weakened from the furlong pole and prospects look limited in all but the most dire company.
Beverley claimer winner LOLAMOTION was another held from the furlong pole.

8.15 5f Racing UK Handicap (46-70)

THORNTOUN LADY is quite lightly raced for a five-year-old sprinter. She closed steadily from two out and led on the line. She does have a tendency to race too freely, but settled better here.
GO GO GREEN looked the winner one out but was done on the line by his stablemate. He wins in his turn but does need things to fall right, though he does have chances if his mark allows him into this grade.
BUSY BIMBO showed decent speed and kept on for third. She races often but wins seldom.
TADALAVIL made an effort two out but was held and needs things to fall right.
JEBEDIAH SHINE looked the progressive three-year-old up against an exposed bunch. However, she was driven and outpaced over one out and under a 6lb rise couldn’t match her all the way Thirsk effort.

8.45 7f 30yds Edinburgh Gin Handicap (70-80)

Veteran RASAMAN forged clear in the latter stages. He’s been running soundly and is another to advertise Jim Goldie’s abilities with the more elderly contestants.
JUST PAUL came back to form with a prominent effort. He led briefly two out but was outpaced by the winner. Certainly worth an interest here if dropped a grade.
SILVER RIME kept on for third for a seasonal best.
RALPHY BOY had his chance but was held from the furlong pole, as did TRUE PLEASURE.

9.15 1m Edinburgh Gin Finest Quality Handicap (49-65)

HIDDEN REBEL led inside the final furlong, then pricked her ears and flashed her tail though saw her race out. She has worn a hood and doesn’t look straightforward, though plenty good enough at this level when in the right frame of mind.
BAHAMIAN DESERT saw his race out nicely. He was well held over 5 furlongs, but this trip seems much more suitable and it would not be unreasonable to expect a win before long.
LET RIGHT BE DONE set the pace and kicked on to three out, he was ridden and then headed inside the final furlong. A fair enough effort on debut for the stable who bought him for £8,000 out of a Leicester claimer.
Irish challenger STARSHAPED kept on in the latter stages having been outpaced and seems certain to be better suited by a return to a stiffer track, his win having come at Newcastle. His trainer is not averse to crossing the Irish Sea on a regular basis.
Best of the remainder was SPIRIT OF THE SEA who made eye-catching progress to challenge for fifth. Worth keeping an eye on.

Next flat meeting on the radar is Hamilton on July 11th. I will then be back on my ‘home territory’ catching up with family and taking in Newbury’s evening meeting on July 23rd. Looking further ahead we are visiting Jersey in late August, visiting the closing meeting of the Jersey Race Club season at Les Landes.

[robnorth]

HAMILTON – Saturday July 11th
Going – Good to soft (Soft in the loop)

A busy Saturday evening, proving that moderate racing and chilly, damp weather doesn’t stop the crowds coming along, and 4,200 were present. There was a concert afterwards by Sam Bailey and Jay James, who I must admit I had never heard of, though mention of the latter having worked with Booker T Jones did at least ring the right bells with me!

6.15 5f Class 5 2yo Maiden

A moderate contest with MR CHUCKLES winning a duel against a persistent runner-up. Not a strong race but the pair were clear and the winner showed speed and determination.
CANDY HILL still doesn’t look fully wound up with a bit to work on. However, there were plenty of encouraging signs as she showed speed and plenty of determination once the winner headed her.
The favourite SEARANGER didn’t fire and was reported as unsuited by the ground.
GRIFFIN STREET looks too keen and will probably benefit from a return to a sharper track, having shown up well at Musselburgh on debut.

6.45 5f 38-60 3yo Handicap

A moderate race won with any amount in hand by ALASKAN WING. He was quick out of the stalls and effectively had a free run up front as Macarthurs Park, rated only 38 was flat out to match him. He had the race won with over a furlong to run. He was a close third at Hamilton in a contest which probably didn’t have the same make-up, again since but should have more races in him.
COMPTON RIVER ran up to his form to take second without threatening the winner.
MILADY EILEEN was outpaced in the early part of the race but kept on to take third.
PANCAKE DAY struggled off a career high mark, briefly threatening over a furlong out but not able to get in a blow.

7.15 6f 53-68 Handicap

The third of four sprints in a succession on a card which needed mixing up a bit.

OCEAN SHERIDAN was the three-year-old taking on a generally exposed bunch and won this cosily, taking command in the final furlong. There may be a bit more to come.
ORIENT SKY doesn’t look the most straightforward character, but he saw out his race well enough having been done for pace early on. He’s hinting that a try at seven furlongs might be worth a try, though I suspect eh will be difficult to win with.
INDEGO BLUES led until one out and kept on for third. As fair enough effort but he’s vulnerable to anything progressive or given a chance by the handicapper.
MUNJALLY had the race run to suit when winning here a while back and probably isn’t as good as that race suggested.
PABUSAR has never won on ground this slow and was held from two out.

7.45 6f 47-58 Handicap

AFFECTIONATE LADY was sweating and rather fizzy in the paddock, and not madly co-operative at the stalls, but managed to point her energies in the right direction when it counted. She was outpaced early and ridden after two furlongs, but responded well up the hill and led inside the final furlong. Given that there were so many negatives this was a fair effort and she may be able to move forward from here.
PULL THE PIN was made favourite, the cliff jumpers love this one, and once again managed to lose a race he looked likely to win. Generally thereabouts he does at least keep Placepot punters happy.
GRUMPY ANGEL performed well enough on handicap debut, following three anonymous runs on Tapeta. She had every chance one out but was just held. She’s on a low mark but hints at ability.
STRATEGIC ORDER kept on without threatening, and whenever he has seen out his race has suggested he needs a bit further.

8.15 1m 3f 51-72 Handicap

TRIPLE EIGHT was tapped for pace three out, but stayed on up the hill to take charge inside the final furlong. He saw out the trip well enough and has won off a significantly higher mark than this. The negative is that his overall win rate is not great.
The one to take out of this is DIDDY ERIC. He needs the cut in the ground and ran a cracker from out of the weights. He was travelling really well over two out and hit the front, but flattened out in the final furlong. Dropped in class on similar ground and maybe back to ten furlongs he may well be a good thing. His jockey said ‘he was travelling and I didn’t want to disappoint him, but probably hit the front too soon’.
NORTHSIDE PRINCE stayed on well in the latter stages to challenge for second. He’s well exposed but mixes it at this level.
PIXIE CUT had her chance but was held in the closing stages and is a tad frustrating.

8.45 1m 57-69 Handicap

SAKHALIN STAR finally ended a run of places, whizzing clear once hitting the front. Assuming he enjoyed the experience then a follow up would seem likely, but he does need to come through horses.
The handicapper keeps tabs on PADDY’S ROCK who is running well.
RIOJA DAY is consistent but frustrating, running a sound race but possibly a bit keen and, though leading three out, found wanting close home.
ECHO OF LIGHTNING has been in good form but didn’t find as much as may have been expected, while CADMIUM looks held by the handicapper after a decent burst of runs.

[robnorth]

NEWBURY – Thursday July 23rd

Going – Good to Firm

A trip south to visit family in Berkshire gave me a chance to visit Newbury for the first time in 10 years. The course is no more than 15 minutes drive from Mum’s place.

My memories were of rowdy crowds at Saturday, but the evening meeting seems a much more civilised affair. Developments around the course in recent years have made it a pleasant venue, with good viewing and plentiful food and drinks outlets serving decent fare. I can recommend the Cornish pasty served from the bar at the top of the Grandstand.

The Newbury Weekly News reported fighting at the Weatherbys Sprint Meeting the previous Saturday, which suggests those who enjoy their horse racing are probably better off visiting the course midweek.

5.00 7f Arab Handicap (0-60)

The meeting opened with an Arab event over seven furlongs, an event advertising the decent Arab card coming up on Sunday 26th July. Admission is free so well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Paddock inspection found the winner in one of my two against the field. The veteran WHISPER took up the running two out and looked certain to be a clear winner, but ended up just hanging on as the chasers closed. She’s a versatile mare that has proved effective over distances between 6 and 14 furlongs.
CALLYMAY shrugged off an 8lb rise in the weights to just miss out in second and this may prove a useful warm up for a similar event that closes Sunday’s card.
The four year old filly SYNERGY showed promise on only her third run, another closing in at the finish.

5.30 1m 5f 61yds NSPCC Amateur Riders’ Handicap (51-70)

A game effort by MOOJANED to win this under a creditable first winning ride from Katherine Begley, the latter worth keeping an eye out for in these events. Miss Begley set the pace then kicked on seven furlongs out. Moojaned was briefly headed three out, but battled back, rallied well and just had enough in the tank to hold on. A very good effort and he looks a game sort.
COTTON CLUB looked well in the paddock and returned to near his best. He put in a sustained challenge from three out but was just held. He might now be on a reasonable mark.
THE DUCKING STOOL is a regular in amateur and apprentice races and put in a sound effort in third. He goes well at Yarmouth so stable are probably finding it galling that the Norfolk track’s return to action has been delayed.
DARK AMBER had every chance but was held from the furlong pole. This trip probably stretches his stamina a bit.
TAPIS LIBRE had a chance two out but then weakened. He won at Musselburgh in May and may have just needed this race on his return to the track.
BALLYHEIGUE was very awkward at the stalls. He is capable on his day and threatened three out, but one to be wary of.

6.00 Bathwick Tyres EBF Maiden 2yo (Class 4)

Runners from Newbury maidens are normally worth keeping an eye on. In this one Mark Johnston’s ADVENTUROUS proved that his first outing was of benefit, stepping up here and coming clear in the final furlong. This track probably suited better than Epsom’s downhill turning six furlongs. He can go on from here.
Much promise in second from newcomer MANSON. He made headway two out and saw his race out to the line to take second. There are plenty of winners in the family and it shouldn’t be too long before he joins them.
JACK NEVISON, a decent enough looker, chased the leader in the closing stages but made no impression in the latter stages. This was a creditable effort on debut from one who will benefit from an extra furlong.
EASTER MATE kept on in the latter stages without being close enough to threaten and is likely to be suited by contesting nurseries.
GEORGE WILLIAM looked plenty fired up in the preliminaries, had his chance but was held from the furlong pole.
FORCE looks an awkward sort. He was very fizzy in the preliminaries, way to keen in the race and beaten before the final furlong. Frankie Dettori didn’t seem over chuffed post-race.
SEA OF FLAMES looked reasonably fit for his debut but was keen early on and never got into the race. HE will find easier opportunities and has enough about him to make an impact in time, more than likely when stepped up in trip.

6.30 7f NSPCC Nursery Handicap (61-77)

We lost the likely strong favourite when Welford was pulled out. He was replaced as odds-on shot by AUXILIARY but this one made hard work of the task. He was keen early on and wayward when asked for an effort, but credit to Liam Jones for coaxing sufficient out of him. Auxiliary is not straightforward and I would oppose him at short odds off his new mark.
CLIVE CLIFTON showed up nicely here, finishing closer to the winner than at Chester. Settled in front, he saw his race out once headed, though may just benefit from returning to six furlongs.
INDIGO had her chance but was held from the furlong pole. She hints at some ability and might be one for a minor maiden at one of the flat ‘gaffs’.
BUKLE was a bit keen and had nothing in reserve from a furlong out. His form looks regressive at this stage.

7.05 1m 2f 6yds NSPCC Charity Race Evening 3yo Handicap (71-83)

This might prove a reasonable little contest with two progressive sorts fighting out the finish.

BISHOP’S LEAP was held up and made good progress from two out and just got the better of a duel to the line. This was only his third race, he’s learning and there is probably more to come.
ROYAL TOAST caught the eye in the paddock. I suspect he has needed time to come to himself, but he put in a decent effort here, just denied in a determined battle. The step up to this trip helped and there should be a race for him soon.
MYWAYALWAYS looks a fair measure and saw his race out having been passed at the furlong pole, though outpointed by the first two. He set the pace and will be suited by a sharper track where he can dictate.
MARCANO had his chance two out but was held. He won a maiden at Salisbury as a two-year-old, but hasn’t made much impact since and this was as close as he has been since then.
FIT THE BILL was fizzy in the paddock and taken down early. Beaten before the furlong pole, he uses up energy pre-race though all-weather record suggests he’s decent at this level.
JARGON has not recovered two-year-old form and was well held.

7.40 6f 8yds NSPCC Handicap (62-75)

Two stood out on looks in the paddock, Bush Warrior and HEAD SPACE and the latter provided this paddock watcher with a decent winner at 12/1. He has plenty of miles on the clock but fitness edge looked the key here. Sporting a natty pair of pink and black diamond patterned visors to match his jockey’s silks; he made headway two out and took control from the furlong pole. I think his trainer will need to strike quickly to take advantage of his peak fitness again.
GOLD CLUB challenged two out for couldn’t match the winner. He held the rest though and remains in good from.
BUSH WARRIOR was the second horse noted for fitness, but didn’t threaten the winner. He was driven at halfway but did at least see his race out for third. He needs encouraging but is regularly thereabouts in this company.
GROUNDWORKER race close up and had every chance to follow up his course and distance win, but was found wanting. This looked a slightly better contest.
PRCE REGAL led until past halfway but weakened from the furlong pole and is proving difficult to win with at this time.
FEVER FEW looked worked up in the preliminaries and at the start. She was keen in the race but had a chance before one out and it appeared that the race will have brought her on a bit.

8.10 1m Al Basti Equiworld Fillies’ Handicap (68-81)

Three non-runners left only three to contest this race. I’m indebted to Alan Potts for giving the background which suggests the three absentees were never likely to urn anyway. They were all declared after the race was re-opened with only the three eventual runners initially declaring. Not a good situation and one I would hope the BHA would attempt to address, though breath is not held.

NO DELUSION set in behind the leader and had the best acceleration when push came to shove. She saw her race out nicely.
SHARQEYIH was the hare for the other two and just caught flat footed by the winner. She just held second place.
BRIDIE FFRENCH was the most exposed of the three. She threatened approaching the final furlong but couldn’t match the pace of the other two.

8.45 1m 4f 5yds NSPCC Fillies’ Handicap (72-92)

SPACELAB is a strong filly who was on her toes in the paddock. Fit enough after a break, she was held up and made rapid progress from over a furlong out to get in front in the shadow of the post. There may be a little more to come given that she shouldn’t be over punished by the handicapper for a narrow win.
MELODIOUS looked to have snatched the race when leading at the furlong pole but was caught close home. She saw out this trip well and can gain compensation in similar company.
SERENE BEAUTY was well touted beforehand, but couldn’t match the first two in the closing stages. Condition wise she didn’t look as well as the winner.
MOONRISE LANDING had her chance but was held from the furlong pole. She had tried two miles previously and might benefit from a step back up in trip.
NORFOLK SKY ran a creditable race off a long break. She led until two out and weakened in the final furlong but the race will have done her no harm.
NORTHERN MEETING was fit enough but not good enough and beaten two out.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Friday September 4th

My time has been limited of late, but a few highlights from the evening meeting at Musselburgh.

DALEELAK won the juvenile 7 furlong maiden. The best on form of those that had run, he led but then looked pressed when hanging across to the stands’ rail a furlong out. Once he got there though he saw out his race very well. SENSES OF DUBAI ran a satisfactory second and should win a race but isn’t likely to be much of a price in upcoming outings.
SHE’S ELECTRIC ran a decent third and can make a mark once handicapped.

Apprentice Rachael Grant rode a double, taking her career tally to three winners. The first was a hold up ride on GO GO GREEN in a race which favoured the hold up horses. Green waited and then pounced to get her mount ahead near the finish. COSMIC CHATTER was similarly favoured by hold up tactics.
IRISH GIRL’S SPIRIT had her conditions and raced up with the pace, but was run out of it in the final half furlong. She is still quick when the ground is quick, but probably needs a few pounds easing in the weights.

The filly PHYLLIS MAUD continues on an upward curve and just held off an improving SISYPHUS in the 12 furlong three-year-old handicap. The latter lost nothing in defeat and ought to win a similar contest.

Keith Dalgleish’s INVOKE continues on an upward curve and won the feature three-year-old fillies’ seven furlong handicap. She had a bit in hand on second placed PRETTY BUBBLES and can win again soon.
AZAGAL looks well weighted but blew her chance at the start. She did well to raise a challenge over a furlong but burst herself getting there.

Rachael Grant rode the veteran DHAULAR DHAR to his fourth win of the year. He looked an absolute picture and stormed ahead from two out to win impressively. This was his first win over distance and this thirteen-year-old is having a marvellous year.

FINE ‘N DANDY has dropped 26lbs in the handicap and won the closing five furlong handicap in decent style. Two came clear here and I suspect the winner may have enough in hand to run up a sequence as he’s much better than this level at his best.
LORIMER’S LOT ran a sound race in second place.

[Author]

Posts