North’s Horses To Follow 2012-13 (Scotland and N. England)

[robnorth]

Last season’s jumpers list turned out to be moderately successful, finding some nice ‘dark horses’ along the way. This season my list once again concentrates on lightly raced types, with the odd more exposed animal thrown in.

I may amend the list in the next week or two dependent on what I hear once back on the circuit. Lucinda Russell was very forthcoming when I made a visit to Arlary last week, and I’m hoping that I might get an update from James Ewart with a visit to Langholm planned for mid-October.

BUFFALO BALLET 6yo b g Kayf Tara – Minora (trained by Nick Alexander)
Well regarded by his trainer, this one performed creditably in a couple of bumpers. The track didn’t suit at Musselburgh but he stayed on for third, and then a close second against a couple of decent Scottish performers at Ayr. A subsequent run at Perth was disappointing but track didn’t suit. Expected to make his mark in maiden or novice hurdles this season.

CIVIL UNREST 6yo ch g Blueprint – Yore (James Ewart)
This strapping gelding showed decent form in novice hurdles behind a number of decent performers before his form tailed off end of season. Expected to compete in novice handicap chases this season and expected to improve over the bigger obstacles.

DANTE’S FROLIC 4yo b f Overbury – Dusky Dante (Willie Amos)
Sister / half-sister to a number of hurdles winners and was a convincing winner on here bumper debut at Ayr in February. Well held in a tougher event back at the same venue a month later, but she clearly has speed and it can be put to use, particularly in fillies/mares events.

EDUARD 4yo b g Morozov – Dinny Ken (Nicky Richards)
Similar profile to Simply Ned who ran up a sequence last season. Convincing winner of a bumper at Kelso on debut , and one who could turn out to be a decent novice hurdler this season.

GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS 6yo b g Zagreb – Nissareen (Alistair Whillans)
Rewarded patience with a comfortable Kelso win when he had achieved a handicap mark. Ran well enough on a couple of occasions subsequently to suggest that was no fluke. I marked this one down as having a future as a chaser and I would expect to see him in that sphere soon.

GROUSE LODGE 6yo b g Well Chosen – Arctic Jane (Donald McCain)
Irish point-to-point winner who won his two bumpers at Sedgefield in the spring. His trainer is an excellent placer of his horses and should find a race or two for this one over hurdles in the coming months.

ISLA PEARL FISHER 9 br g Supreme Sound – Salem Beach (Nick Alexander)
More exposed than most on this list, a winner of 5 races over the last two seasons. Not one that impresses me on looks, rather tall and gawky, but a staying chaser with a serious engine who will not be handicapped out of events off 118. His wins have all been on ground good to soft or better, so one to avoid if the going is deep.

LORD WISHES 5yo b g Milan – Strong Wishes (James Ewart)
The best Scottish bumper horse last year, recording convincing wins at Ayr and Haydock on both heavy and fast surfaces. Expected to prove one of the top Northern novice hurdlers this season and the stable hope this one might enable a raid south.

LUCKY SUNNY 9 b g Pasternak – Flying Fur (Lucinda Russell)
Lightly raced for his age, this gelding was acquired by Lucinda Russell from Brian Storey’s yard and won on chasing debut at Perth. His trainer is keen on this one and thinks that he is well handicapped. Expected to win races this season; best at two miles in soft ground.

MASTER MALT 4yo b g Milan – Mrs Malt (Alistair Whillans)
Promising second on only appearance in an Ayr maiden, 15 lengths clear of a decent sort in third. May pick up a bumper before going hurdling and clearly has plenty of ability.

NETMINDER 6yo b g Insatiable – Princess Douglas (Sandy Thomson)
Represented his small Borders stable with credit last season, winning a novice hurdle at Ayr and giving Brindisi Breeze a decent race at Kelso. He was found out in Grade 1 company at Aintree, but has chaser stamped all over him and will be of great interest if going over the larger obstacles in the near future.

NODDA HIGH KID 6yo ch g Sir Harry Lewis – Lindajane (Donald Whillans)
This home bred was the only horse to beat Brindisi Breeze under rules, causing an 80/1 shock in a bumper at Musselburgh last autumn. Probably flattered by that, but he put up three decent efforts behind capable opposition subsequently including a couple of efforts over hurdles. Not as fluent as he could have been over his hurdles, but the experience should have served him well and he will be of great interest once handicapped.

PREMIER GRAND CRU 6yo b g Kaldounevees – Last Harvest (James Ewart)
This French import took time to adjust to life in Scotland but was a decent winner of an Aintree handicap hurdle in May 2011. Off the track since June of that year, he has to handled with kid gloves, but the plan is to go novice chasing with him and he can move through the ranks in that sphere.

PRESENT LODGER 4yo b g Presenting – Hannigan’s Lodger (Lucinda Russell)
Lucinda Russell has a decent looking intake of Irish imports this year and Present Lodger is expected to prove one of the more forward for this season. An impressive winner of his only Irish point, he will be aimed at a bumper first off and then graduate to staying hurdles, a similar being plotted to that of Brindisi Breeze last term. Whether he proves that good remains to be seen, but there are high hopes that he will make up into a decent novice hurdler.

RINNAGREE ROSIE 6 gr m Silver Patriarch – Gretton (Lucy Normile)
This mare has been given a bit of time, but showed plenty of promise when stepping up on her debut performance to finish a close second Dottie’s Dilema at Hexham. A full sister to the ill-fated Sunnyside who won for the stable, this one is well regarded and should find a hurdle over the winter.

RUDEMEISTER 6yo b g Rudimentary – Boardroom Belle (Andrew Parker)
Rudemeister has chaser written all over him but proved a capable novice hurdler, winning one and never out of the first four in five efforts over obstacles. He may well win a handicap off a current mark of 118 but is one to look out for when going chasing.

SAMSTOWN 5 b g King Salsa – Red Peony (Lucinda Russell)
This one hit form in the spring, picking up a couple of staying novice hurdles. He’s an improving animal that his trainer really likes and has an autumn race at Aintree as his target. He should prove a decent staying handicap hurdler this term, and it may help that he retains his novice tag for the season having waited until May to record a first win!

SAPHIR RIVER 6 gr g Slickly – Miss Bio (Lucinda Russell)
This decent hurdler was bought by Sandy Seymour having run three races out of Michael Scudamore’s yard, best effort a creditable fourth behind Attaglance at Aintree. On his last run in his native France he was a close second in a three mile Grade 1 contest at Auteuil, and was consistent at the same venue before that. His trainer is really excited about this one, expects him to wins novice chases and considers him a genuine Cheltenham prospect. He is best going left-handed and in soft ground.

SILVER BLAZE 3yo ch g Haafhd – Antigua (Alan Swinbank)
I’m not sure of the plan with this one, but I’m hoping that Alan Swinbank thinks that this strapping gelding should go hurdling this winter. He performed creditably in ten furlong handicaps this summer and is one to note for the future, either over hurdles or for flat handicaps next year.

SNAPPING TURTLE 7 b g Turtle Island – Rachael’s Dawn (Donald Whillans)
Showed promise in novice hurdles though tapped for pace at the business end. Stamina should prove his strong suite, and like typical Turtle Island’s he will likely be best with cut in the ground. Likely to go chasing and should step up on last season’s efforts.

SOUTH LEINSTER 7yo b g Chevalier- Easy To Please (George Bewley)
I first noted this one in the autumn of 2009 when he finished second in a Carlisle bumper. He has not notched up a huge amount of miles since but has been generally consistent in staying novice hurdles, filling places behind decent performers. He may pay his way if aimed at handicap hurdles, but I’d be more than happy if staying novice chases were his target. One to look out for in run-of-the-mill contests around the northern tracks.

[robnorth]

The list got off to a solid start, Lucky Sunny winning for Lucinda Russell at Hexham at 15/8. He didn’t jump that well but justified his trainer’s opinion that he is very well handicapped. He should win another handicap.

[MrUnoHugh]

A long way up the ladder until your thread will begin to be noticed Rob, I wish you all the best with an encouraging start so here’s to the next 3+ years?

[robnorth]

A summary of runners to date:

DANTE’S FROLIC – LOST
A bit keen at Carlisle, but should produce better in time
EDUARD – 2nd 7/4
A good effort on hurdling debut at Newcastle and should win soon
GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS – L
Moving into contention when unseating three out in a Carlisle beginners’ chase. I’m sure this one can win a chase before long.
GROUSE LODGE – w 5/4
Comfortable winner at Uttoxeter recently
ISLA PEARL FISHER – L
Took an early fall in a Class 2 chase at Newcastle. A bit battered by OK the next day and apparently fit and well now.
LUCKY SUNNY – w 15/8
Won well at Hexham and still looks on the right side rating-wise.
NETMINDER – L
Well beaten at Carlisle, but trainer’s first runner of the autumn and presumably needed the run.
RINNAGREE ROSIE – L
A bit disappointing at Kelso but better than that form.
SAMSTOWN – L
Went well for a long way at Aintree and not given a hard time once beaten.
SAPHIR RIVER – w 11/2
Impressive on chasing debut at Uttoxeter.
SOUTH LEINSTER – L, L
A bit below the mark on two efforts this season.

Runs 12
Wins 3
Return(1pt LS) 11.62

Rob

[robnorth]

Results to date:

BUFFALO BALLET – L
Beaten at Kelso on hurdles debut but it was decent event and he will improve on a fair fifth place. The second and fourth have won since and the sixth was a close second at Wetherby. Looks good enough form to me!
CIVIL UNREST – w3/1 L
Jumped really well to win first time up at Musselburgh. Beaten in ‘senior’ company there this week but can bounce back.
DANTE’S FROLIC – L L
Disappointing on two runs this season and may not be straightforward temperamentally.
EDUARD – L, w11-10
Beaten by Ifandbutwhynot at Newcastle who went on to win at Cheltenham. Won well next time and will win again.
GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS – L
GROUSE LODGE – w5-4 L w7-2
Held in the same race as Buffalo Ballet at Kelso, but bounced back next time to suggest he was beaten in a decent contest.
ISLA PEARL FISHER – L w8-1
Fell first time, but given a gem of a ride by Lucy Alexander at Musselburgh this week. Still on the up and has the Scottish National as a long term target.
LORD WISHES – L
Beaten by a decent looking sort at Newcastle, well clear of the third. Will appreciate a stiffer test than two miles and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t win soon.
LUCKY SUNNY – w15-8 L L
Going well enough when unseating at Kelso, then ran a decent effort in a handicap hurdle. Still very well handicapped.
NETMINDER – L L L
Stable hasn’t quite clicked yet. He’s got on the frnge a couple of times and might pop in at rewarding odds once the Thomson yard start firing fully.
RINNAGREE ROISE – L
SAMSTOWN – L L L
Tough tasks first two outings and looked tapped for speed round Musselburgh. Looks on a reasonable mark and capable of putting latest run well behind him.
SAPHIR RIVER – w11-2 L L
Couldn’t match a very decent rival in Rival D’estruval at Kelso. Will now be dropped in trip and is better than last two efforts suggest.
SNAPPING TURTLE – L L
Two fair runs over fences. Looked to struggle a little jumping out of heavy ground and might need a better surface.
SOUTH LEINSTER – L L w4-1
Tenacious win at Kelso. Has to be treated with kid gloves, but can win again.

7 individual winners out of 15 runners is a decent start.

Runs 32
Wins 8
Returns (to 1 pt stake)36.22pts

Rob

[robnorth]

Update as at end of 2nd March

BUFFALO BALLET – L w7-1
Stayed no well to win at Musselburgh but now reported as out for the season.
CIVIL UNREST – w3/1 L L L L
Disappointing since winning first time up.
DANTE’S FROLIC – L L w8-1
Stuck on determinedly to win a mares’ novice at Catterick. Stavel is now in better form than earlier.
EDUARD – L w11-10 L w1-8 L
GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS – L L L L L
Will win a chase but sloppy jumping has coast him more than once.
GROUSE LODGE – w5-4 L w7-2 w10-11 L w8-13
A winner over hurdles and chases and a consistent sort.
ISLA PEARL FISHER – L w8-1 L
Took a crunching fall at Musselburgh but has beenc entered recently so likely to appear soon.
LORD WISHES – L w8-11 L L
LUCKY SUNNY – w15-8 L L L
MASTER MALT (now with Jonjo O’Neill) L
Not disgraced when second to a decent Henderson horse at Kempton
NETMINDER – L L L L L
Has been improving and I’d like to think he can pick up a staying chase this term
NODDA HIGH KID L
PREMIER GRAND CRU – Not Run
PRESENT LODGER L
Well regarded but very disappointing effort at Musselburgh
RINNAGREE ROISE – L L
RUDEMEISTER L L
Promising effort at Catterick leading for a long way.
SAMSTOWN – L L L L
SAPHIR RIVER – w11-2 L L L
Disappointing since making a winning chasing debut. Seemed to struggle in heavy ground of late.
SILVER BLAZE – Not Run
Keep this one in mind for flat handicaps
SNAPPING TURTLE – L L L L
Two fair runs over fences. Looked to struggle a little jumping out of heavy ground and needs a better surface.
SOUTH LEINSTER – L L w4-1 L
Tenacious win at Kelso. Has to be treated with kid gloves, but can win again.

Runs 65
Wins 14
Returns (to 1 pt stake)59.61pts

Just down a bit at the moment. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a decent priced winner out there now the ground is drying out.

Rob

[robnorth]

END OF TERM REPORT

Results:
Runs 89
Wins 16
Returns at SP to 1pt: 89.80

Just squeaked a miniscule profit courtesy of late season double figure winners Grouse Lodge and Netminder. I’m gradually learning which stables are likely to come up with the winners and next season’s list is likely to reflect that.

Intention is to post the new list at the start of October ready for the winter ’13/14 campaign.

BUFFALO BALLET – L, w7-1
Stayed on well to win over 2m 4f at Musselburgh but then picked up an injury. Lightly raced and well regarded by his trainer, this one is well worth keeping on the list for next season as he has further improvement in him.
CIVIL UNREST – w3/1, L, L, L, L, L, L
Won well at Musselburgh but struggled after until a hint at a revival at Newcastle. Not a lsot cause but jumping needs to be sharpened.
DANTE’S FROLIC – L, L, L, w8/1, L
Looked wayward early season but showed good resolution to win a mares’ event at Catterick. Mares’ only handicaps will provide her best chances in future.
EDUARD – L, w11/10, L, w1/8, L, L
Not a profit maker but performing reasonably well in Graded company. Not unfeasibly handicapped on 139 at this time.
GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS – L, L, L, L, L, L, L
Has ability but jumping errors at crucial times let him down
GROUSE LODGE – w5/4, L, w7/2, w10/11, L, w8/13, L, w16/1
Mainstay of the list, a consistent and versatile performer who won over hurdles and fences. Handicap mark of 130 in both disciplines still seems workable going forward.
ISLA PEARL FISHER – L, w8/1, L , L
Decent chaser, but apt to throw in the odd error and gave Lucy Alexander a broken collarbone at Mussleburgh. Needs good ground and could be seen out over spring and summer.
LORD WISHES – L, w8/11, L, L, L
Disappointing return of one win, and would have won but for a serious error resulting in a fall last time. Performed creditably in handicap company when stepped up and should make a chaser in time.
LUCKY SUNNY – w15/8, L, L, L
Well handicapped but jumping errors cost him this season.
MASTER MALT – L, L
Sold to J P McManus and ran a decent second at Kempton out of Jonjo O’Neill’s yard. Held at Aintree subsequently but surely too good not to win races.
NETMINDER – L, L, L, L, L, L, w12/1
Showed promise on occasions before clicking big time from out of the weights in a decent novice handicap at Ayr. Sandy Thomson has a decent staying chaser on his hands.
NODDA HIGH KID – L, L, L
Only horse to beat Brindisi Breeze under rules, but regressed in three efforts this term.
PREMIER GRAND CRU – Not Run
PRESENT LODGER – L
Below par on one outing and kept back for next season.
RINNAGREE ROSIE – L, L
Very disappointing on two efforts in winter 2012/13.
RUDEMEISTER – L, L, L, L, L
A tad frustrating but should make a fair staying chaser and wins should come.
SAMSTOWN – L, L, L, L
Unlucky when saddle slipped on third run, but something amiss on Boxing day and not seen since.
SAPHIR RIVER – w11/2, L, L, L, L, L, L
Creditable chasing debut but didn’t progress. Ran passably well in a couple of hurdles latterly.
SILVER BLAZE – Not run
Sold to race on the flat in Hong Kong and twice a winner at Sha Tin this year.
SNAPPING TURTLE – L, L, L, L, L, L
Seemed to struggle jumping out of heavy ground and fencing technique got progressively worse over time. Not disgraced over hurdles on better ground at Hexham where he hinted at basic ability being retained.
SOUTH LEINSTER – L, L, w4/1, L
Proved difficult to train as his legs are brittle, but decent on his day and battled well to win at Kelso. He was reported as retired by George Bewley early in 2013.

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