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  • #233537
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    Looking at the number of views of this thread there seem to be a few reading this. I hope you were on the first chase winner here since I’d intimated the stiffer course would suit, and I did infer that All Rise would win dropped in class with a penalty.

    While a minor event for still maturing three-year-olds took place on the side of a hill south of London, a few such as myself were keener on watching……

    HEXHAM – Saturday June 6th

    Going – Good (changed from Good to firm after second race)

    2.40 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

    FLEMROSS disputed or led all the way and held off the challenge of the runner-up in the straight. The suggestion at Sedgefield was that a stiffer track would help and the evidence here suggests that was true. Two further meetings here in June would be the immediate options, past which the UK options dry up for the summer.
    EVELITH ECHO put down a challenge going to the last but was held. It’s possible that a less stiff track might suit better.
    EBAC put aside a dire collection of form figures to run a respectable race in third, keeping on up the hill if held for pace on the flat. On previous evidence I wouldn’t risk the mortgage money on a repeat.
    STORYMAKER threatened briefly to two out but was found out for pace from there. His wins have come on soft or heavy and the stiffness of this finish wasn’t enough to compensate for lack of cut.
    KEENE SPIRIT made progress from the rear to three out, having gone well enough on chasing debut, but retreated from that point.
    DOUBLE GEM was found out by the move up from hunter company and got outpaced down the hill away from four out.
    DORIS’S GIFT, returning for another go at chasing, was once again found wanting. Chasing record now reads 4PUFP7.
    WILLIE PEP was prominent past halfway but dropped away to finish last. He had a couple of long breaks and has not reproduced his earlier form which saw a Grade 2 hurdle second at Ascot.

    3.10 3m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase

    ALL RISE was dropped in on his Perth effort and led all the way here, just holding a late burst from another veteran in Catch The Perk. His new rating in 88 which seems to signify that the handicapper has all but ignored his Perth effort. That could be no bad thing for the future and there may be another race in him in present good heart.
    CATCH THE PERK had not shown up well in two runs after a break. He was labouring four out and a place seemed unlikely. He then stayed on up the hill and came steaming up the run-in on the near side, failing by a few inches. This proves he retains his form, he shouldn’t go up much for this and his stable must surely be looking for a suitable opportunity up the M90 at Perth.
    RECKLESS VENTURE has got himself into a challenging position in his last two races but just lacks that extra push to get his head in front. He needs a bit of work to keep interested during his races.
    BALAKAR stayed on for fourth, not beaten too far, but it added to a losing run stretching back to the flat at Ayr in September ’07.
    OSO MAGIC had every chance but didn’t appear to see out the trip with this stiff finish.
    CARIBBEAN COVE raced close up to three out and the hill finally did for him. He hadn’t run for nearly three years, so had an excuse, but his win over three miles was in a slowly run four runner race. Dropped back in trip he would certainly be interesting based on this effort.
    BENNY THE PILER briefly threatened three out but then back-pedalled. He needs a significant drop in the handicap and doesn’t seem totally enamoured with chasing.
    KALMO BAY is right out of sorts just now and took no significant part in proceedings.
    GARDEN FEATURE raced prominently early but dropped away with a circuit to go. She has had a sparkling pointing career, but this company seems too tough.

    4.15 2m 4 ½ f Hunters’ Chase

    The last hunter chase of the season, so the form will only remain immediately relevant should any continue in ‘senior class’.

    This trip is a bit sharp for TAKE THE STAND, but his class won the day here. He was outpaced a bit going to the last, but his old ears were still pricked and impression was he had a bit left to give. He gave it the works on the flat and ended up winning a trifle cosily. Handicapping might prove a little tough if he’s kept going this summer and it would be nice if this win was left as a fitting tribute to a fine career.
    CHARMING KNIGHT didn’t do too much wrong being run out of it after the last.
    NOCATEE did his regular ‘staying on from the rear’ act, just in time to avoid any danger of winning!
    ARCHIE BABE took a keen hold early on and, given that fact, wasn’t disgraced in fourth running in his 99th contest. He struggles to see out any sort of trip in these events.
    LOWLANDER lost touch from three out and appears to be on the downgrade.
    FIFTH COLUMN struggled from the tenth and hasn’t shown form of any real note for a couple of years.
    WAS I RIGHT briefly threatened to get involved down the far side but was retreating by three out. He probably retains a little ability, but his rider’s style doesn’t help too much. It would be interesting to see how he went in the hands of a professional jockey.
    DEL TROTTER was always struggling and will presumably be in the queue for his pension on Thursday.
    DIX HUIT CYBORG was held in fifth when unseating three out.
    CADOULITIQUE parted company with his partner at the second.
    LEADING PEARL was prominent early but well behind when pulled up before four out and hasn’t shown a glimmer of pointing form in two efforts under Rules.
    OVER TO YOU JOE ran well at Sedgefield last time, but struggled from a way out here and pulled up.
    ELLANDSHE and JUPITER JOE pootled round in the rear before being pulled up with one left.

    #234864
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    HEXHAM – Saturday 13th June

    Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

    Hexham racecourse gradually wends its way toward the end of the spring campaign and a number of the usual suspects contested the two chases on offer.

    3.35 2m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Chase

    TRAFALGAR MAN continued in good from disputing for most of the way, taking over two out and staying on after the last. He is in very good heart and it would be no surprise to see him record another win as he remains a bit below the best mark he reached over hurdles.
    EBORARRY tried hard enough in second but wasn’t good enough to hold the winner. As mentioned before though, he does need the race to fall for him if he is to win a race. That being said, he’s not often outside the first four and does regularly give a decent account.
    CITY AFFAIR had every chance two out but was one paced from that point. This was a creditable enough effort dropped back in trip, and back around 2m 4f I would expect Tim Vaughan to find a race that he can win. He’s entered up for the first meeting at Ffos Las.
    HOLLOWS MILL came into this in excellent form but he hit one or two early on and that set him back. He did get into the argument up the hill but needed more at that point and there wasn’t enough left.
    NORTHERN QUEST had every chance going to three out but hit it hard and that finished his chance. He was injured in a fall here last year and might just need a run or two more to recover his jumping confidence.
    CROFTON ARCH had no chance from 19lbs out of the handicap and his recent efforts in lower class have been poor.
    CADOULATIQUE couldn’t cope with the move form hunter chases to handicap company and was struggling by halfway.

    4.45 2m 4 ½ f 0-100 Handicap Chase

    The race was contested by a group that wouldn’t be considered amongst the most reliable of characters. The first four finishers were all out of the handicap, which doesn’t say an awful for those above them.

    UPTOWN LAD’s recent jumps form has been abysmal. However there was just a hint on a recent flat run that there was still life in ‘the old dog’, and so it proved on this occasion as the race was run to suit him. Sat right out the back off a decent pace, he latched on to the tails of the leading group going up the hill and then went away comfortably on the run-in. The pattern was similar to his previous wins back in the ‘dim and distant’. Could he repeat the form? We had only a couple of days to wait…
    PAPERCHASER jumped better than at Cartmel, and ran a decent race in second. He’s still a maiden, but does at least seem to be putting it all in, and a win is not out of the question in the next month or two.
    BALLYNURE had run a succession of lifeless races, but showed clear signs of a revival on this occasion. He raced up with the pace and led before the last only to be picked off at that point. He may pick up a weak race, but his profile in recent times is not one to encourage monetary involvement.
    CELTIC FLOW needs to be dropped to the minimum class if he is to win, but showed enough here to suggest that’s not out of the question. Allowing for the fact that another mile would do no harm he did well to secure fourth place, basically being tapped for pace in the latter stages. If connections could find a low grade staying chase he wouldn’t be a forlorn prospect. However, finding that race may not be easy at this time of year.
    LONGDALE, a hurdle winner here on a week previously, was still in the hunt two out but held from there. His jumping isn’t quite sharp enough over fences.
    DEUTERONOMY raced prominently to two out and then gave way. He was backed into 5/2 favourite here, not good value for one who has won one race and that off a 12lbs lower mark.
    STORMY BAY has a profile littered with letters and didn’t get into the race here.
    FREEDOM FLYING is a one paced hurdler who showed up no better on chasing debut.
    BUCKSTRUTHER has often struck me as having latent talent, but it’s struggling to come to the surface and he was never going here.
    KINFAYRE BOY needs further, but never got into the race here anyway.
    DIVEX has produced his best form in mid-winter over the last couple of seasons and ran a poor race here, being beaten from a long way out.
    ROOKERY LAD has been running as if there’s a problem and was reported as having broken a blood vessel on this occasion when pulled up.
    RATHOWEN showed briefly early on but capitulated past halfway and seems on the downhill slide.
    COUNTRY SERVANT came a cropper at the first to keep up a dreadful record to date.

    SEDGEFIELD – Monday June 15th

    Going – Good To Firm (Good in places), changed to Good To Soft before the second chase.

    I’ve made a number of uncomplimentary comments about Bob Johnson and his ‘inmates’ over the winter. However, the Tyne and Wear trainer has hit form big time in the last few days and a chase double on this card made it 6 winners from 30 runners in the new jumps campaign, with a couple of flat winners thrown in for good measure.

    3.30 2m 4f 0-115 Handicap Chase

    ONIZ TIPTOES unseated at the fourth, knocking Harry Haynes out as he was ejected sideways. Haynes recovered, but the fourth last was missed as he was attended.
    I’ve said some uncomplimentary things about TOULOUSE EXPRESS’s commitment to putting his head in front. For the third time in six runs he proved me off the mark, leading or disputing all the way and asserting down the hill to the last. Whether he can keep producing this form is a moot point, but his attitude couldn’t be faulted here.
    The winner was ridden by 7lbs claimer James Halliday, and I have a lot of time for this young rider. He has a neat style and seems to get horses running for him. Without wishing to cast aspersions on the stable’s regular rider Kenny Johnson, I’d be more inclined to back their horses with Halliday aboard.
    Sedgefield specialist POLAR GALE stayed on well to take second, a creditable effort over a trip short of his best.
    PAMAK D’AIRY ran a decent race to finish a close third. He is his own worst enemy though, since he pulls hard and has a tendency to fluff a fence or two, a mistake at the last maybe costing him second here.
    PILCA had a chance two out but weakened. He couldn’t repeat his Perth effort and is frustrating.
    I’M YOUR MAN was outpaced form the top of the hill. He’s another frustrating performer, mixing the good with the bad.
    NILE MOON dropped back in trip, couldn’t repeat his Perth effort in this lower class event. He’s a bit high in the ratings now, but really should have held on a little better here.

    5.00 2m 4f 0-85 Handicap Chase

    So, with the rain pouring down and the ground significantly softened, we saw the return of Hexham winner UPTOWN LAD. Could he reproduce the form shown in Northumberland just to days earlier? Turned out he could and he produced it in spades, though his backers must have been wondering about it with a circuit to go.
    Held up off the back of the field, UPTOWN LAD was detached after a circuit, though it must be said that Paul Callaghan didn’t seem over-concerned. His confidence was well placed since Uptown Lad steadily picked off the stragglers to lie fifth before two out. He then conjured a fair rattle down the hill, leading at the last and sprinting away like a sprint bred two year old to the finish. Will he win again next time? To be honest, I haven’t a clue, but if he produces anything like this form again then he will.
    The form is perhaps put in context somewhat by the presence of BIG BONE, somewhat maligned previously by your scribe but running an honest race here in lowly company. In retrospect he was probably slightly unlukcy to catch Bob Johnson’s ‘flyer’ on a serious going day since opportunities won’t appear for him every day.
    LADY ROANIA performed a good deal better than of late, but looking to be going best two out she found little when the chips were down. This possibly sums her up and it’s two years since she poked her head in front where it counts.
    PERSIAN PRINCE disputed for much of the way and led four out. He was held when unseating at the last.
    DIX HUIT CYBORG plugged on for a distant fourth and is moderate even in hunter class.
    NOW THEN SID struggled from five out but did at least complete for the first time since his extended lay-off. However, beaten 51 lengths doesn’t inspire.
    The fact that MIGHTY FELLA, NOBEL and RED DAWN finished behind Now Then Sid pretty well sums up their efforts.
    PERLY SPENCER raced well up there to the twelfth, but once headed he dropped back very quickly and the suggestion might be that he has some sort of breathing problem once the pressure is applied.
    MYSTIC GLEN has been mainly well beaten in recent times, and on this occasion took very little interest in proceedings.
    SILVO raced prominently early but was struggling going on to the final circuit. His best form in recent times has been at Fakenham.

    That’s ‘cheerio’ to Sedgefield until late August. Hexham has a Saturday finale to come before putting up the shutters for the summer, leaving Perth and a single Cartmel meeting to keep the northern jumping show on the road for a couple of months.

    #236130
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    HEXHAM – Sunday June 21st

    Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

    Hexham closed the shutters for the summer with a couple of fair looking chases. There might be a few pointers for the summer campaign out of these and at least one ‘hidden one’ worth a glance for the future.

    3.20 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

    FLEMROSS once again proved that a stiff track and fast ground is a combination that suits best. He led at a decent pace and, having been challenged at the last, kept up the gallop too well for the runner-up. His options might be a bit limited now, though if there’s not too much rain in Ireland then he could be campaigned on his home patch until the autumn meetings here.
    The favourite ARMENIAN BOY ran well enough in second place as he came up against an in-form second favourite. He rallied up the hill but there wasn’t enough left after the last. He has a good record on fast ground and should pick up a race or two over the summer.
    EBAC proved that his previous form here was no fluke and ran another decent race in third. He chased the leaders from two out but couldn’t get close enough to trouble them. If the handicapper doesn’t take too harsh a view of this performance Ebac would seem to have a good chance of picking up a novice handicap chase.
    KEENE SPIRIT plugged on from the rear for fourth, more or less repeating previous form behind Flemross.
    STORYMAKER got to a challenging position two out but the hill took its toll and he weakened in the straight. He can handle quick ground, but all his best from is on soft or heavy.
    STORMFIELD, a point winner in Ireland, lost touch from halfway.
    IT’S A ROOFER, making his chasing bow, belted the second fence and was struggling for most of the way.
    SHORE THING was well placed when unseating at the eighth, whereas HAPTHOR was struggling when shedding his load at the same point.
    HARTBURN disappointed on his move from hunter company. He never seemed happy after a mistake at the fifth and his rider called it a day at the ninth.
    KIRCASSOCK VIC raced prominently early but weakened from four out and pulled up before the last. There’s a hint of ability with this one, but he’s subsided very quickly in the second half of the race in two chasing appearances.
    DODGEY DREAM, ELLANDSHE trundled around in the rear before pulling up.
    COUNTRY SERVANT looked totally clueless at his fences in the rear and Ryan Mania called it a day after the ninth, for his own safety as much as anything.

    4.20 3m 1f 0-110 Handicap Chase

    A good effort from ESME RIDES A GAINE to win this from 14lbs out of the handicap. She had hinted at ability on the odd occasion but stepped up on previous efforts, leading or disputing all the way. She went on from three out and stayed on just well enough to hold the fast finishing second. She is bound to be bumped up a stone for this and life will be more difficult.
    CATCH THE PERK raced out the back until brought steadily into the race from three out. As with his previous effort he came rattling up the run-in just too late to get in front at the post. He seems a bit quirky in his old age but does retain his ability and it would be no surprise if he adds to a pretty decent win tally this summer.
    Tim Vaughan must welcome the introduction of his local at Ffos Las, but it won’t stop him racking up the miles and he made the trip with CHANGING LANES here. He had every chance from three out but hadn’t got enough in reserve. He is suited by fast ground and in good heart so it shouldn’t be beyond his handler to find an opportunity.
    HASPER didn’t disgrace himself moving from hunter chases to handicapping. He was found wanting from two out though and probably needs a drop in the ratings.
    BENNY THE PILER wouldn’t be rated as the most consistent and he was left behind from four out. He has yet to win over fences and, for one with some ability, is more than a tad frustrating.
    CARDINGTON raced prominently to three out but had been on and off the bridle before then. A less exacting track would be more helpful.
    TORA BORA raced prominently early but was struggling by the twelfth and didn’t figure from a mile out. He has some fair form on his CV and reached a mark of 140 at one point, but seems on the downgrade now.
    BALAKAR has been on the go for a while and found things too tough from the fence at the top of the hill on the final circuit.
    THUNDER HAWK lost touch from the twelfth.
    SNOWY was struggling before four out and his trainer’s comments inferred that this was one race too many for now. Hopefully this regular on the northern circuit can be freshened up for an autumn return.
    HILLTOP CHARMER was another to race prominently early but he weakened quickly from four out and was pulled up two fences later. Since his Rules record is much better at distances around two miles, his Irish pointing record suggesting he struggled with the trip, I would keep a close eye on his entries as Gordon Elliot is a canny spotter of an opening.
    WAYNESWORLD, pulled up before three out, looks too slow for this job now and never showed seriously.
    HOWS TRIX seemed in a foul mood, jumped poorly and was tailed off when pulling up at the thirteenth.
    DAD’S ARMY ran more like Private Godfrey than Private Pike, pulling up before the thirteenth.

    Next stop for the ‘summer jump circuit’ up here is Perth on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd July. I’ll be at the track for one of those days then off to Cartmel in mid-July to add to my collection of tracks visited. An on the spot report from the ‘home of the Sticky Toffee Pudding, mmmm…’ will follow as well as notes from the intervening Perth Sunday.

    #237622
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    PERTH – Wednesday July 1st

    Going – Good To Firm

    The Racing Post had an article where was much bleating from a Hawick based owner about the amount of Irish horses travelling to Perth. Quite what the course is meant to do I don’t know since the excellent ground and decent prize money creates competitive racing. Should we have races for Scottish trained horses running for £900?

    Over a third of the runners at this meeting were Irish but in the end the ‘home team’ won 4-2. That being said the home team’s tally included s winner for Alison Thorpe who had travelled even further from her Carmarthen base than had many of the Irish contingent. Jim Goldie kept the flag for the Scots with a winner in the last. This must be one of the rare occasions when winners on one card have come from the four home countries plus the Republic of Ireland.

    2.20 2m 4½f Class 5 Mares’ Maiden Hurdle

    With so much balloting out in these contests in Ireland, it was no surprise that there were 12 raiders contesting this race.

    POSH LADY has had a few goes over hurdles and recorded what appeared to be a personal best to win this event. She chased the leader from two out and took over on the flat. She seems better at this distance than shorter, needs decent ground and presumably her trainer will look for opportunities at the remaining meetings here this year.
    LOUGHADERRA DAME didn’t do too much wrong, leading approaching two out and being overhauled late on. She was well clear of the remainder and her visit to the winner’s spot is surely only delayed.
    BORAGH PRINCESS was going well enough three out but didn’t pick up as the front two did. The impression is that the sharp track does not play to her strengths and she needs a stiffer test.
    DREE HILL had every chance to two out but was well outpaced from there and pretty much repeated the form of her Cartmel debut.
    RIVERSCAPE struggled from two out and is another who requires a stiffer test.

    2.50 3m ½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

    This was a shoo-in for Galway Plate bound BACKSTAGE. A winner of the Perth Gold Cup he proved himself more than capable of handling some distinctly moderate novice opposition.
    FLASH CUMMINS, off the track for a long while, proved he still retains his ability. He never got in with a sniff of wining, but made good progress to gain second. He should make up for lost time before long on this evidence.
    SOLWAY STAR pretty much ran to form in third and would be in with a better chance in handicaps.
    Peter Buchanan sent BROCKS BRAE after the fifth and he soon went clear. He had nothing left from two out though and has yet to record a win in 23 attempts in all company.
    LORD SAMPOSIN weakened from three out and probably didn’t stay.

    3.20 2m Class 4 Novices’ Chase

    The first UK based winner travelled all the way from Carmarthen to see off another major Irish challenge. DISHDASHA was fifth in what may turn out to be quite a decent novice event on opening night at Ffos Las. He cruised away from the last here to win with plenty in hand. If the right race can be found he may just be capable of carrying the two win penalty. Otherwise it will be handicap chases and presumably 0-135 events and upwards.
    TOP MARK jumped awkwardly at times and this probably cost him his chance. This still wasn’t a bad performance and with sharper fencing he will win again.
    SAFARI ADVENTURES led from the sixth to 4 out and ran in snatches. Having looked well beaten he picked up again from two out. He’s not recorded a win over fences in 11 goes, and doesn’t help himself with a lack of race rhythm.
    HELVIC HEAD wasn’t out of it three out, but quickly went backwards after belting the obstacle. His form has gone downhill since the turn of the year.
    MORE SHENNANIGANS is outclassed in most company and had not an earthly here being tailed off by the eighth fence.
    PUTITAWAYFORAYEAR performed marginally worse than More Shennanigans and was well detached by the sixth fence. There have been few signs of encouragement from this animal.
    FLYING FORME won what must have been a truly dire Irish point in April, but has been dreadful otherwise. He went to the pace to before four out, but quickly subsided and his jockey called it a day after a tired jump three out.

    3.50 2m 4 ½ f 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Chase

    PAPERCHASER has shown steady progression in recent weeks and deserved this first win. Having been held up, he worked his work into contention up the straight, led at the last and held the closing second on the flat. He probably needs to be held up, but given the right sort of race he looks capable of recording another win, particularly while this quick ground prevails.
    ACCORDION ROILELET made a fine handicapping debut. Winner of what looked a moderate hunter chase at Cartmel; he made headway down the straight before challenging on the flat. He was just held but looks to have enough about him to challenge again in similar company. He certainly seems in good heart this year.
    FORTIS ET FIDELIS had hinted at finding some form when sixth at Listowel last time. He belied 28/1 odds here to give it a good go, racing prominently all the way before being run out of it on the flat. A good effort that gives some encouragement for the future. It could be that the fast ground was helpful.
    TRAFALGAR MAN has been on a decent run, but the rise in weights combined with a step up in distance was against him here. He was in front going to the last so a drop back to two miles would do no harm.
    TOULOUSE EXPRESS, another in a decent run of form excepting the odd typical wobbly, forced the pace until four out before paying the price. There was probably a little too much competition here and I wouldn’t write him off just yet. Haven’t I just changed my tune with this one in recent weeks?
    HE’S A HOTSHOT pulled hard for much of the early running and was nudged along after the eleventh fence to keep going. He faded from that point.
    ALAGON hit the tenth hard and that stopped him in his tracks.

    4.20 3m 0-130 Handicap Chase

    This race was run at a decent pace which had half the field yelling “enough!” with half a circuit to go. The time was 7.6 seconds under the standard so there is every reason to respect the form.
    CROZAN hadn’t won since 2005 and is now 32lbs below his career high. A change of tactics seemed to do a rejuvenation job here and he galloped a competitive field into the ground. Assuming his confidence is boosted by this there should be more to come.
    MARUFO jumped awkwardly in the rear early on. He moved through to have every chance from three out but couldn’t get to the winner. This looks a decent effort and there will be easier opportunities for him. It is worth noting that he is now 11612 on ground good or faster.
    MILL SIDE was hampered when All Rise came down at the twelfth which left him some work to do to get back into the race. Allowing for that it was a pretty decent effort to work his way into third place and he’s another that looks best on good or faster ground.
    KELLS CASTLE has run a succession of decent races and fourth here, well clear of the remainder, was a creditable effort given the company. However his losing run is now 13 and he just doesn’t quite produce the extra in the latter stages of races.
    NO COMPLAINT made brief forward progress going to the fourth last but was quickly on the retreat.
    WATER TAXI seems handicapped above his ability and struggles in this company. He needs some relief from the handicapper.
    IRON MAN was feeling the pinch when taking what appeared a rather tired fall three out. He would have done a bit better than recent efforts though and is worth keeping an eye on.
    BROOKLYN BREEZE and SHANNON SPRINGS never got into the race and pulled up before three out.
    MR ED was hampered by All Rise and couldn’t recover enough. He hadn’t been pressed at the time and can be forgiven this race.
    ALL RISE was up 30lbs following his Perth Gold Cup effort and subsequent Hexham win. He was still going within himself when falling at the twelfth fence.
    NGONG HILLS made a couple of bad mistakes but he was feeling the pinch and struggled with the tougher opposition.
    FAKIMA lost touch by halfway and persisted in a forlorn last place until three out.

    4.50 2m ½ f 0-135 Handicap Hurdle

    TOSHI recorded a third jumps win of the year, adding to a Chester flat win. Brought through from the rear in the straight, he stayed on well after the last. It might be worth a go at the decent handicap hurdles in the summer and it’s also worth noting that he still seems off a decent mark on the flat.
    A stablemate of the winner, SPIRIT OF THE MIST had every chance two out but was outpaced going to the last before staying on again to take second. He was running from 12lbs out of the handicap which presumably won’t be forgiven, but a drop in class should be enough to gain some win prize money. He might pick up a minor novice hurdle if his trainer is so inclined, although I get the impression Mr Goldie’s preference is to go for a handicap.
    SIBERIAN TIGER looked dangerous going to the last but had no extra to offer on the flat. He was quite highly tried her and there should be easier chances. He’s still a hurdling maiden so there are a few options.
    BORDER TALE was stretched for pace a bit going to four out. He came back enough to lead before the last and then could only muster one pace. This has often been the problem, but his flat form is decent of late and there may be a staying event for him on the level.
    BAGUENAUD was never better than fourth or fifth and found the company a little tough.
    ELLERSLIE TOM set the pace until weakening under pressure after two out. He ran well off 129 in the Swinton Hurdle, but he’ll have a tough job to win off 135.
    TRANOS was on his game this time last summer but is struggling this year and was well beaten.

    #238422
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    PERTH – Thursday July 2nd

    Going – Good To Firm

    The weather was sunny and very warm throughout the afternoon. After the problems at Worcester the previous day Perth had plenty of water on hand, and Sam Morshead made a big point of encouraging use of water after races to cool the horses down. A team of helpers was hand to keep the water tubs filled. Out in the centre of the course a steady northerly breeze helped to keep the real edge off the heat during the racing.

    Plenty more Irish raiders, but the home team managed to hold out 4-3, making the meeting score 8-5 and suggesting that the UK entrants can hold their own against a decent raiding party.

    2.20 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

    The card started with an uncompetitive novices hurdle, weakened by a couple of non-runners amongst those which might conceivably have bustled up the favourite.
    PENGANA was a good deal better than the opposition here, and it’s difficult to draw too many conclusions from the win. He did what he had to, leading or racing prominently until going clear from two out. He now has a double penalty and his trainer will presumably throw him on the mercy of the handicapper.
    PAPADOPOLI was outpaced going to the sixth but stayed on again late for second. She will benefit from this experience.
    ENDEAVOR never threatened the leaders but plugged on from the rear for third.
    If I was taking one off ‘the rest’ out of this race it would be DESERT SOUL. I should say that he clearly isn’t very quick, but did at least show a bit of go to pick up the pace from the fourth. He was one paced when headed two out, but might make a mark in a moderate selling handicap off 76.
    SIERRA PEAK might have been considered a danger to the winner on some form, but he faded from three out. He’d been off the track since December and it looked to me as if the race would bring him on.

    2.50 3m Class 4 Novices’ Chase

    This may just turn out to be a pretty decent novices’ chase with a promising winner chased home by two previous winners.
    VALERIUS had previously won three times over hurdles but no this evidence could be quite decent over fences. He jumped nicely and took up the running four out, gradually forging clear from that point. He should pick up another novice event under a penalty and then move on. His record suggests a preference for decent ground and I’d expect to see him back at Perth since he is four wins from five attempts at ‘The Scone’.
    AGGIE’S LAD was brought into the paddock as late as possible, so much so that in waiting for him I lost the chance to cross to ‘the infield’ as I normally would for chases. He was notably on his toes and looks a keen sort. He was going well enough four out but couldn’t match the winner’s pace. I suspect he ran up against a decent performer here.
    NO PANIC had to work hard to win at Hereford previously and found the first two a bit tougher. Nevertheless he produced a fair performance in third and should pick up another chase given slightly less talented opposition.
    DEVONS BOY has progressed to chasing under Rules rather late in his career and didn’t record a win from 17 goes in Irish points. However, he did show a bit of promise here, taking them along until four out before the effort told. He probably needs a couple of runs to get a handicap mark, but wouldn’t be a total lost cause in a maiden chase.
    CARRICK DHU, a winner here over hurdles when last seen in May 2008, disputed for part of the second circuit before back-pedalling rapidly from five out. He jumped a bit deliberately which was always going to be a problem against more talented opposition here.
    LEADING PEARL didn’t jump well and was pulled up lame after hitting the fourteenth.
    INISHEER, who pulled up when losing a shoe here on Wednesday, was prominent early but struggling after a mile and pulled up at the fourteenth.
    ELLANDSHE has been dreadful over jumps and was hopelessly out of his depth here, though he did race prominently for over a circuit before being pulled up.

    3.20 2m 4 ½ f 0-90 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

    A very ordinary looking event with many established as poor performers.

    INTENSE SUSPENSE only just got into the race courtesy of a number of defectors at the overnight stage. He has left behind some very moderate hurdling form with three comfortable pointing wins in recent times. He had to work very hard to see off a determined runner-up, but I get the impression that there is a good deal more to come from this one. He impressed me with his long raking stride; leading until challenged approached the last. He was briefly headed but showed plenty of determination to get back up on the run-in.
    The bare form of this run looks nothing special but I’d put INTENSE SUSPENSE in the notebook. He looks as if he will be well suited by a galloping track, and a move up in distance would certainly do no harm. I think he is one who will eventually be seen to advantage over fences.
    ONE BLACK CAT lost nothing in defeat here. She saw off all bar the winner comfortably and, though just held, lacked nothing in the battle herself. On this form there must surely be a similar race for the taking.
    SOLWAY BLUE’s record is very moderate but he stayed on well enough for third.
    OBARA D’AVRIL came into this race as one of few in decent form. She briefly threatened three out, but didn’t jump that flight well and never got back to the leaders. She may be worth a try dropped back in distance.
    It was difficult to take much encouragement from anything else in the race since they were all well seen off.

    3.50 3m 0-90 Handicap Chase

    I’m not sure that the winning form will be any use on the northern circuit in the immediate future, but KELTIC LORD put up a sound performance to win this. He’s a quirky individual who needs the race to go his way and by all accounts loves the sun on his back. He certainly rattled along on the fast ground, making all and jumping really well. Just to prove how contrary this one can be, he hadn’t gone at inch at Hereford, but he was on good terms with the world today. He made the trip from Peter Hiatt’s stable at Hook Norton near Banbury, not a million miles from my old ‘patch’, and owner Paul Porter enthused about the track here.
    BALLYNURE is steadily improving and should pick up a handicap chase before long. He chased the chased leader from pillar to post but couldn’t get to him at the sharp end.
    SOUTH BRONX would win this event comfortably if showing his best, but he’s not one to rely on. He disputed second with Ballynure for much of the way but was held by the first two over the final three fences.
    TOWER OF LLOYD raced prominently but felt the pinch from four out. He’s an eleven-year-old who hasn’t got a huge amount of miles on the clock and if a race were run more to suit him he wouldn’t be lost cause. He certainly likes the fast ground so it’s likely he will make a return trip over the Irish Sea.
    GIULIANI has been found wanting even at this lowly level and, having been stretched going to the fourteenth, he couldn’t raise his game.
    WRITERS BLOCK raced prominently early but didn’t show on the final circuit and his chasing form to date is not impressive.
    ARCTIC COVE has only one flat win to show for 49 races and never threatened to improve that record here.
    NOW THEN SID showed a bit more zest than on recent outings. He raced up with the pace to the fourteenth after which he back-pedalled. He was beaten a long way but there is just a suggestion that he retains a little ability.
    RECKLESS VENTURE was pushed along going to the fourteenth and weakened quickly from that point. He had been close up recently but this was a poor effort.
    BIG BONE clattered the second fence right in front of me. He was soon struggling and I suspect he either hurt himself at that point or decided he wasn’t interested.
    LORD TEE has run some fair races in Ireland but was never going here and was pulled up with a circuit left.
    TIP ON never got into the race and was pulled at the thirteenth followed shortly after by SILVER DAGGER who has winning form in his record but is going downhill.
    What possessed anyone to help back TURBULENT FLIGHT from 25/1 to 14/1 I haven’t a clue. A distinctly unattractive beast, she is very poor despite a couple of remote ‘staying on late’s recently. She soon became detached, her jumping was clueless and her jockey gave up the struggle before the last circuit.

    4.20 2m 4 ½ f 0-135 Handicap Chase

    The race was run in a record time which tells us that the ground was pretty fast, but also that it was in good enough nick for the runners to go full out.

    ABRAGANTE has not been in the greatest of form recently, though his last run here did at least hint at a return to form. Looking fresh and well after a break, conditions suited him here and he was given a peach of a waiting ride by Timmy Murphy. He picked off the leader on the run-in and had too much resolution for the second. He shouldn’t go up too much for this and may find another opportunity at a similar level.
    HE’S A HOTSHOT produced a better run than he had done the previous day despite a rise in class. He has plenty of ability but has yet to win and it has to be questioned as to whether he was putting it all in toward the finish. He remains one to oppose when at the sharp end of the market.
    STAGECOACH AMBER took up the pace from the start and ran a cracker of a race. He was only run out of it close home and didn’t give up without a fight. He’s probably as high as he would want to be in the handicap but running creditably.
    PILCA is difficult to catch right. He won here a couple of runs ago but has been well held on two occasions since including last time in a lower class. He’s another who is opposable when well backed.
    ANOTHER AMBITION was well backed here but not up to the task on his first handicap chase outing, fading from four out. A drop in class looks a necessity.
    SEAFIELD BOGIE ran well to four out but was found wanting from that point. Try as I might I have struggled to find much of a pattern to his form. He is capable on his day but it’s difficult to tell when that day will come. His recent form suggests a left-handed track suits, but going back a way he has form going right-handed.
    ROYAL RANGER couldn’t handle the move up from Irish points and hunter company to this class and needs his sights lowered. He was pulled up before three out.
    THE ROCKING DOCK’s saddle slipped after a circuit and he was pulled up out of necessity. This run can be set aside.
    GO SILVER BULLET contested the lead at the start, but by the second it seemed clear that Stagecoach Amber would dictate. Jumping slowly at the next few fences, Go Silver Bullet was in the pack after a circuit and struggling soon after, pulling up before three out. This was a step up in trip, but he was struggling so far out that I would suggest he didn’t fancy being taken on for the lead. I think he is well capable of winning again, but he needs and uncontested lead so potential backers are advised to check the ‘race shape’ before putting money down.

    4.50 3m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Hurdle

    IMTIHAN looked on his toes and readied for this one. He settled nicely in fourth place and looked the winner once he took charge from three out. In taking this race he was the second consecutive winner to record a course record time. I’d say he should be capable of defying a rise in the weights as, although he hasn’t won for while, he has followed up wins before.
    ESSIFER, a tall rather sparely-made gelding, doesn’t look a particularly reliable character and though having every chance was ‘dogging it’ when asked to challenge. He’s not one to trust.
    SOLWAY BAY ran a decent enough race fitted with first time blinkers, a very natty pair in the ‘stable colours’ of blue and red! He stayed on for second. I presume there’s a chance he will be aimed at a similar class race at Cartmel on July 16th over a slightly shorter trip, the latter not necessarily to his advantage.
    DUKEOFCHESTERWOOD came out best of three that were placed together at Hexham with HECKLEY FOXTROT and LADY SAMBURY well seen off. He didn’t get to the leaders from three out but there’s scope for a drop in class, IF the right race shows up on the programme!
    GILO looked a rather stiff walker and I wonder if he has fitness problems. He was prominent to three out but couldn’t raise his game as required.
    ETHAN’S STAR probably found the company a bit tougher than the Sedgefield ‘Seller Final’, weakening from three out.

    5.20 2m C.J. and Amateurs’ NH Flat

    A disappointing turn out for the closing bumper. These events can be quite well contested but only seven showed up for this one, with the main action centring upon the Irish challenge.

    SCREENSCRAPER was well backed to follow up a pointing win. I have to say though that his paddock appearance gave no encouragement, since he has plenty of growing to do and I’d say it will be a year or two before he approaches full strength. He doesn’t look forward enough currently to deal with better developed and slightly older opponents. He had every chance if good enough to couldn’t raise the gallop in the straight, finishing a well beaten third.
    NOW THIS IS IT had winning form here in the bag and did the job soundly enough form three out. He should be capable of making his mark over hurdles.
    SOLE WITNESS seemed to improve on his first effort, leading until two and a half furlongs out and keeping on well enough.
    MYSTIC MINX has a bit about her to suggest there may be more to come in time, staying on for fourth well clear of the remaining three runners MANIC DREAM, ALFIE BET and THISTLEDOWN ROSE who offered no encouragement for the future.

    I’m away to the Lake District for a week from the 11th July, taking in the July meeting at Cartmel. Along with an on the spot report from Cartmel I’ll catch up with the intervening Perth Sunday meeting when I return.

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    PERTH – Sunday July 12th

    Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)

    I missed this meeting as I was away ion holiday, but now a chance to catch up if a little belatedly.

    2.10 2m ½f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle

    Jim Goldie clearly took my hint following SPIRIT OF THE MIST’s last outing here! A drop in class did the trick and the gelding won this easing down. The one drawback might be that he had similarly rated runners in second and third and could suffer in handicaps. The upside is that he ought to take a novice event with a penalty. This one is fast turning into a decent hurdling prospect with a not dissimilar profile to the same trainer’s Toshi who beat him here last time.
    WORDS OR WARNING couldn’t hold the winner, but probably ran to form. Martin Todhunter should be able to find a race for him.
    DESERT STORM was comfortably held once passed two out. This was disappointing compared to previous jumping efforts.
    PARSON’S PUNCH showed a modicum of promise on jumping debut.

    2.40 2m 4 ½ f Class Novices’ Chase

    CORKAGE’s form has a tendency to be a little up and down, but his basic profile over hurdles was progressive. He made an excellent chasing debut here, leading three out and staying on for victory. A mark of 130 already puts him amongst the best chasers in Scotland and there should be more to come.
    BUCHAILL ON EIRNE is more exposed than the winner and would appear vulnerable to those improving past him. In the short term concentrating on similar events is more likely to pay dividends since a mark of 133 seems rather harsh.
    SIERRA PEAK had a very tough task on chasing debut but acquitted himself very creditably. He led or disputed to three out jumping well, but was held from that point. Definitely one for the notebook and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go on to win chases.
    RED DAWN had no chance and was left behind from the tenth.
    ELLANDSHE raced prominently but was feeling the pinch by the ninth and was tired when pulled up before the last. He frequently runs in comp any he can’t cope with and needs a try in lowly handicaps.
    MORE SHENNANIGANS is rated 52 and was already behind and struggling to keep up when unloading his rider at the sixth. He got as close a 15 lengths behind the winner in a dire handicap at Carlisle in the winter but otherwise has shown nothing.

    3.10 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

    A progressive novice hurdler took on a Galway Plate bound opponent seeking easy pocket money on the way. CARSONSTOWN BOY has progressed over the course of three runs here, with a beating in a tougher Irish assignment last time. He stepped back up in trip and that would have helped. I suspect he will get three miles and his future will eventually lie over fences.
    BACKSTAGE ran creditably enough in defeat against a younger improver. He seems in good heart ready for the Galway Plate.
    SOFTLY SPOKEN GUY was well held from three out and POSH LADY weakened from three out, being reported lame.

    3.45 2m ½ f 0-100 C.J. Handicap Hurdle

    Those that had previously won were no better than ‘win occasionally’ so I’m not sure the form of this race is much to take forward.

    GUERILLA’s previous form consisted of many moderate runs interspersed with the odd glimmer of talent. On a going day he was able to take advantage of a mark of 80 which is probably a bit below what he capable of. I’ve always had the impression that he’s not 100 per cent physically and it would be a leap of faith expecting a repeat.
    GOLDAN JESS had been out of form over hurdles but a run on the flat seemed to have helped. He probably sets the standard here beaten six lengths off 94.
    GRAND OPERA was one paced in the straight, pretty much reflecting earlier hurdling efforts.
    HARCAS led three out but couldn’t offer any more once passed after two out.
    FREEDOM FLYING had every chance two out but ran out of puff.

    4.20 2m 4 ½ f 0-130 Handicap Chase

    I managed to find reasons to oppose all of these in a lop-sided event where the top weight was rated 129 and the spread of the rest was 107 down to 103, or 99 allowing for out of the handicap. In the event HE’S A HOTSHOT took a good opportunity to break his duck following a number of decent runs around here. He has shown up well when carrying light weights and seems a better proposition in 0-130s than the likes of 0-110 handicaps. He raced prominently and had enough in hand once challenging at the last.
    FLEMROSS ran well enough given that this course doesn’t play to his strengths as much as the stiff finish at Hexham. He led until the last and couldn’t respond once the winner went past.
    BENNY THE PILER is consistently held in this company and was struggling in the straight.
    HOLLOWS MILL’s little run seems to have come to an end and he couldn’t cope here.
    HUNCHEON PADDY probably needed the race after a long break and was well beaten from four out. It’s not encouraging that his last two races have been preceded by a break of around a year.
    THUNDER HAWK went well enough until hitting the tenth. That took the stuffing out of him and he quickly retreated before being pulled up.

    4.50 3m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

    MITH HILL has been in the wilderness over jumps in recent times but recovered form on this occasion. He ran off 127 in April 2008, so anything near that was good enough here. He ran in a visor for the first time and it apparently helped, though he would need more to follow up.
    TARKANI was held up in the rear for much of the way. He came to challenge between the last two and kept on to the line. He mixes dire runs with the odd reasonable effort.
    NEWMAN DES PLAGES was finishing fastest but arrived on the scene too late to catch the winner. This was his best effort since moving form France and he would appear to be on a ‘workable’ mark currently. The step back up in trip did no harm.
    SOLWAY MINSTREL is consistent and ran another creditable race off a career high mark.
    HOWS TRIX was not far away three out but couldn’t get close enough to challenge. This was a better effort than his recent runs.

    5.20 2m ½ f NH Flat

    BATTLE GROUP would appear to have learnt from a promising start at Uttoxeter. He won this with any amount in hand, though possibly not beating an awful lot. He’s going the right way and can probably defy a penalty.
    FINELLAS FORTUNE stayed on up the straight under pressure. Breeding on the dam’s side is basically speed based but she didn’t seem to be stopping.
    BACHELOR LAD made all in what looked a better event at down Royal. However, it’s possibly significant that the ground was fast that day, whereas a bit of rain meant there was just a touch of ease here.
    The remainder were well seen off and offered little encouragement.

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    CARTMEL – Thursday July 16th

    Going – Good (Good To Soft in places, Soft on the wood side)

    After giving reports on Cartmel racing over the last year I thought it about time I paid a visit to the place. This meeting is the only meeting that avoids Bank Holiday weeks so is less crowded than others though it’s still plenty busy enough. It’s worth noting that the course add a meeting next year, the Thursday before the August Bank Holiday weekend, though the consensus is that seven days racing is as high as it needs to go.

    Cartmel is just that bit different from others courses and it takes some time to fathom the place. We had a week in self-catering accommodation backing on to a big house just outside the village. This meant we were fairly handy for the course, though with the narrow village streets closed a detour around the country lanes was required. Ironically we were well positioned to miss all the signs, so an abortive trip towards the village was made before we looped back to follow the ‘Paddock Enclosure’ signs.

    They charge £5 extra for Paddock parking for this meeting, with entrance to any part of the course being £15. In this instance it would probably have been better if we had parked in the Course enclosure since it gives access to better viewing positions and the paddock can be accessed by crossing the course. For other meetings you need to be in the Paddock enclosure to access the paddock, so you pays your money and you takes your choice.

    The stand faces the straight and the four fences down the wood side of the course. Two fences and two hurdles are out of sight, although Owners and Trainers get a slightly better view. In my opinion the best viewing spot is from the hill in the Course enclosure.
    With a small amount of movement during the race this gives a reasonable view of all six steeplechase fences, including an excellent view down the wood side, and three of the four hurdles. The last hurdle can’t be seen, but slightly more judicious arrangements of coach might change this though I’m sure that won’t happen. The drawback is that the view of the finishing straight is interrupted by marquees, back of the big screen and fairground rides. If you want to get to the paddock for every race prepare to spend much time walking the 3 or 4 furlongs backwards and forwards. Crossing the straight can be a pain as the runners get led from and back to the stables along here.

    Cartmel do themselves a great favour by having Iain Mackenzie as race caller. His precise delivery and careful detailing of each horse’s position and progress is well suited to a course with restricted viewing.

    There was some competitive if moderate quality racing with a full contingent of runners bar a few absentees.

    2.00 2m 6f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

    The last hurdle was missed out as it was damaged.

    CRAZY EYES didn’t look the winner at what should have been two out. He had been tapped for pace down the woodside and looked held. However, it’s clear that the one thing he does is stay and he kept on past three others in the straight to land the spoils. The overriding impression is that Crazy Eyes will be suited even more by a stiffer test.
    CORPORATION, apparently the stable’s second string here, ran a decent race in second. He raced prominently and contested the lead from what turned out to be the flight. HE led in the straight and looked the winner only to be caught close home. He won a point in Ireland and looks to have enough ability to pick up a minor staying event.
    QUEDILLAC looks one to make a chaser in time. He hurdled well but wasn’t done any favours when the loose Elusive Swallow crossed him when crashing through the rail after the fifth. He could only muster one pace in the last half mile but this was a decent hurdling debut.
    The previous winner in the field, LAKE WAKATIPU, took a keen hold early and hit a couple of flights mid-race which was no help. He didn’t get to the leaders in the latter stages though kept on.
    BANNVILLE, second in an Irish point, needs time to grow into his frame. He jumped poorly in the rear but stayed on late. I wouldn’t write him off but time is required.

    2.30 2m 1½f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

    An improving hurdler in the winter, and a runner on the flat in recent weeks, AGGLESTONE ROCK made an impressive chasing debut. He has the look of a chaser about him and proved it in action. Tracking the leaders he moved up four out, took over at the last and eased clear on the run-in. There’s more to come and I’d be surprised if he didn’t pick up a novice chase under a penalty.
    CORTINAS made progress over the last four fences and went second on the run-in but was never likely to catch the leader. He needs to be ridden patiently but just found one too good for him.
    JORDAN’S LIGHT is suited by a sharp track such as this since he struggles at all but the shortest trips. He kept on for third and I suspect that’s how good he is over fences.
    DANNY ZUKO was making some progress when clouting the last and he couldn’t fully recover. He doesn’t strike me as having the usual stamp of a McCain chaser though may have prospects a lowly level.
    At nine years old TA AN ATHAS ORM isn’t one that attracts as a chasing prospect. He faded from the eighth.
    MUSICAL WELD went along nicely in front, but was headed at the last and went out like a light. He’s run two fair races at Towcester and it could be that the stiffer track is more help.
    ELLANDSHE with plenty of ‘non-achieving previous’ was beaten going to four out.
    FINNEGANS RAINBOW jumped slowly early on and trundled around in the rear.
    CAPO DI CAPI race prominently to four out then quickly faded.
    MADGE jumped indifferently and was beaten by the eighth.

    3.05 2m 1½f 0-95 Handicap Chase

    TROTSKY has spent the last couple of seasons on the Irish point-to-point scene. He hasn’t been seeing out the three miles, so a return to near the minimum was a help here, as was the presence of the maestro McCoy on board. He led halfway through the race and kept on well under driving from the last to hold on.
    SILVER STEEL was equipped with tongue-tie, breast girth, cross noseband and full-cheek snaffle which perhaps suggest waywardness both physically and mentally. However he performed soundly enough challenging form two out and keeping on in the straight. He’s in decent form currently and a step back up in trip would do no harm.
    On his chasing debut PINEWOOD LEGEND jumped competently and had every chance from two out without quite threatening the winner.
    RUSSIAN INVADER jumped slowly in the rear early on. He gradually warmed to his task to the point where he had a chance on the flat but he couldn’t get to the front two.
    PAPERCHASER needs further than this. He made progress to hang on to the tails of the leaders round the final bend but couldn’t muster enough to challenge. He’s running well currently and would be worth an interest bumped up in distance again.
    PEAK SEASONS race prominently early but was struggling from before four out. He’s appeared on the racecourse 81 times in his five seasons’ racing so clearly takes his racing well, but a win tally of 4 sums up his ability.
    FRED BOJANGALS was prominent from the seventh to three out but then faded. He’s not one I put too much trust in, and he seems best at Sedgefield anyway.
    MASTER PAPA went well enough to halfway, but he was under the shove by the eighth and faded.
    SYBELLIUS D’ARTAIX demonstrated ability in Spring of 2007, but he’s gone backwards since then. He was never dangerous and beaten a long way out.
    SADLER’S COVE was always at the back.
    INMATE led or disputed to past halfway, but he thumped a couple of fences and his argument with the eighth did for him.

    3.40 3m 2f 0-120 Handicap Chase

    The in-form Winchester Red was pulled form this race after a run the previous day and the race had a lop-sided look to it with only four carrying more than the minimum. Such races can often provide easy pickings to the top weights that are able to outclass their moderate opposition.
    SAND HURST ran creditably behind No Panic at Hereford. Given a forceful McCoy ride here he jumped really well and had most of his field on the stretch from four out. This was Edgar Byrne’s first winner for a couple of years and both trainer and his charge must take confidence from a comfortable win.

    Sandhurst’s form line with NO PANIC was franked when the latter ran a cracking race to finish a close third in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen. This gives cause for optimism should AGGIE’S LAD, second in front of No Panic at Perth, take up his engagement in the Galway Plate. VALERIUS beat both comfortably and his return to the racecourse is equally eagerly anticipated.


    MAIDSTONE MIXTURE has been tried at various disciplines by his notoriously over ambitious stable in an attempt to find his forte. A staying chase is a tough ask for a four-year-old, particularly with the unusual preparation of outings in the Derby and the Triumph Hurdle. However, Paul Murphy might just have one on a decent mark if campaigned sensibly, though from past experience I wouldn’t guarantee that will happen. He chased the leader from a mile out and stayed on admirably from the last. If he reproduces this effort a lower class staying handicap chase would be a formality.
    GETINBYBUTONLYJUST ran passably well without threatening to win as is so often his way.
    BAFANA BOY made the trek up from Mrs Leech’s base near Didcot. Having lived in Didcot for a few years up to 2006 I always get the picture of horses galloping up ‘The Broadway’ when Didcot is mentioned as a training base! Bafana Boy demonstrated plenty of energy, trying hard to boot out the rear of his saddling box. He never got to grips with the leaders in the race but stayed on late in fourth place, but he has a decent win record, and this fair return after a break offers some encouragement for the immediate future. Writing this sometime after the meeting I note he’s been dropped to 109 and that will put him in win territory as far as weight is concerned.

    (Images of The Broadway disappear as it turns out Mrs Leech trains in slightly more rural surroundings at Blewbury, two or three miles out of Didcot.)


    ESME RIDES A GAINE was up against it following a rise in the handicap and with a rise in class here. As it was she ran prominently to four out before the effort told. She only went up 5lbs for a win from well out of the weights at Hexham so she is still weighted to have every chance in a more appropriate class.
    SHREWD INVESTOR, running in snatches, got himself into the race by the fourteenth but then back-pedalled. He’s a distinctly all or nothing character, decent runs being split by plenty of naff ones, but this pattern can be helpful for those with patience and willing to cover a few in a race.
    FEELING PECKISH was 29lbs out of the handicap so it was no surprise that he struggled from the twelfth. Even off his regular mark he struggles to get into the handicap and doesn’t look a winner in the making.
    SANDY’S LEGEND jumped poorly in the rear and his rider called it a day before the last.
    LEOPOLD has been running passably well but threw in a poor effort here. He was feeling the pinch when hitting the fourteenth and that finished him off as he was pulled up two fences later.

    4.15 2m 1½f Class 4 Maiden Hurdle

    JOSEPHINE MALINES is the size of tuppence ha’penny, but a fair percentage that is heart judged on this performance. This turning track clearly suits her and she set out at a decent pace with a clear lead on the first circuit. A couple got to her two out, but she saw off her main challenger determinedly up the straight. Kept to turning tracks she may well add to her score.
    COME BACK TO ME, bringing forth a glimmer of ability from Irish races, put it to the winner from two out but was held on the flat though not for want of effort particularly on the part of Mr McCoy. He was well clear of the remainder and a win is probably only delayed.
    Still an entire, and a solidly built one at that, CABBYL DOO was outpaced from two out and basically needs a stiffer test. I suppose the race was an obvious choice given that he’s trained on the edge of Cartmel village by Jimmy Moffatt, but the turns don’t bring out the best in him. Providing he’s not over-protective of his ‘tackle’ he should be the type for chasing.
    PAR AVION was well backed but ran in snatches and didn’t seem particularly co-operative. The remainder were well held and their immediate prospects are limited.

    4.50 2m 6f 0-110 Handicap Hurdle

    MORE EQUITY went up 8lbs for a win at Hexham but it made no difference here as he came late to pick off Mystified giving the impression there was more in the tank. A stiffer track would do even better and given that he’s not likely to go up too far for victory in a close finish he may not have finished winning.
    MYSTIFIED, a course winner and also a recent flat winner, looked the likely victor at the last, but was ‘done’ close home. He seemed to see out this trip well enough which gives his trainer an extra option or two.
    RARE COINCIDENCE led for much of the way only to be held from the last. This was a fair enough return to hurdling though he’s probably as high as he would want to be in the weights.
    POLLY WHITEFOOT was one paced from two out and held. LILY TARA was pretty much the same and mistakes early on set her back, but this would be a minimum test for her and a less sharp track would be no harm.

    5.20 2m 1 ½ f 0-90 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

    When the main reason for qualification is having run at least three moderate races it’s sometimes difficult to take too much encouragement from these contests. PEACEFUL MEANS challenged on the flat and got up close home and the stable having done well to get something out of him first time; it will be interesting to see if remains competitive. He shouldn’t go up too much.
    WENSLEYDALE WEB goes well round here and will presumably be aimed at the August meeting after a close second. She battled hard in the closing stages but couldn’t quite hold the winner. Mark her down for the shortlist when returning to Cartmel in this sort of class.
    MYSTERIOUS WORLD is short of pace at the business end. Phil Kinsella set the pace but his mount couldn’t raise his game from the last. A lowly event at a stiff track could be an answer.
    DESERT STAG went well enough to two out but couldn’t lift his effort any further, which is pretty much as it’s been in his jumps career to date.
    STOIC LEADER ran second in a weak race here in May but was comfortably held on this occasion.
    BEDFELLOW went well to two out but was then outpaced. He’ll need a stiffer test to show his best.

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    PERTH – Tuesday July 28th

    Going – Good To Soft (raining latter part of the evening)

    6.05 2m 110yds Class 4 3yo Novices’ Hurdle

    A weak looking juvenile hurdle and I’m not sure there’s a need for three-year-old contests from June and July as now seems to be the pattern. That being said, I suppose in the ‘old days’ there would have been a handful running round Newton Abbot on firm ground.

    ADDISON DE WITT was good enough to see of a couple with hurdling experience. A maiden on the flat but with steadily improving form at a mile and a half he looked fair material for jumping if taking to hurdles. He did that well enough in this limited company, taking over from the leader at the last and staying on well. T remains to be seen what the form’s worth but he did beat a previous second and they were miles clear of the the others.
    ROYAL MAX is about the same level on the flat as the winner, pretty moderate in the low fifties rating-wise. He jumped economically for most of the way but dived at two out then clipped the last and couldn’t keep it together when pressed. He may pick up a moderate race but there’s a chance others will improve past him.
    ORSIPPUS was the best part of a furlong back in third. He’s rated higher than the first two on the flat but hasn’t cut it yet over hurdles.
    AGRICULTURAL and CAPTAIN CAVENDISH has done nothing on the flat this year, and their long-odds were accurate.

    6.40 2m 4½f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle

    SCREENSCRAPER struck me here last time as needing more time. Gordon Elliott clearly feels differently and pulled him out for the third time in a month to win what looked a moderate contest. He has clearly benefitted from a distance of ground making up for lack of acceleration, and I reckon a further step up will do no harm. I still think he’ll get better with a bit of time, but I’ll bow to Elliott’s greater knowledge if he keeps this one on the go.
    BAAHER was always there or thereabouts but was held by the winner on the flat. If we take his 102 mark as a measure then he sets the standard.
    ANNIE GO looked dangerous three out but weakened from two out and the possibility is that this form wasn’t much better than her well beaten hurdling debut at Bellewstown.
    SOLWAY STAR, rated 96, should have got closer here but was struggling with four to go. It’s possible the rain didn’t help.

    7.10 2mc 4 ½ f 0-90 Selling Handicap Hurdle

    This was a dire contest won by a 66-rated maiden.

    KALATIME was patiently ridden by the talented claimer James Halliday and produced to take charge from two out. Her two previous best efforts were in similar company and it’s difficult to see her making much progress out of selling handicaps. There was no interest at the auction.
    CATCH TWENTY TWO, blinkered for the first time, had every chance two out but couldn’t match the winner from that point.
    NEEDLE PRICK raced prominently until calling enough in the straight and given that this was his second run after a year and a half off there is a least a little encouragement for similar events, which is more than can be said for the remainder of the field.

    7.40 2m 4 ½ f 0-100 Novices’ Handicap Chase

    Tim Vaughan generally makes decent use of his ammunition on long trips and BURGESS HILL did the job nicely here on chasing debut. He jumped well all the way challenged three out, led two out and stayed on well from that point. Given that the second and third had shown promise over fences previously, and the three were well clear, I’d attach some weight to this form.
    SIERRA PEAK showed promise behind a couple of decent opponents first time over fences. He confirmed that promise here, jumping well in front but held from two out though keeping on determinedly enough for second. He should win a chase.
    SHANAHAN, a stable mate of the winner, raced keenly early on and possibly just paid for that as he couldn’t raise his game enough on the flat. He’s arguably more exposed than the first two, but has shown enough in three chases to suggest a similar event is within his compass.
    WRITER’S BLOCK was well held in fourth and needs to be in the lowest grade.
    BILLYANDI was well backed, as has been before at this course, but never got into the race. His chasing record suggests he’s one to oppose.
    ARCTIC COVE made it 44 runs sine a win, struggling from the tenth fence.
    PAPERCHASER probably had the trip as an excuse at Cartmel, but he made too many poor jumps here and was struggling after four out. The rain probably didn’t help.
    ELLANDSHE managed a second consecutive remote completion.

    8.15 3m ½ f 0-100 Handicap Hurdle

    The field was stretched on the final circuit and not many seriously got into the race in the last six furlongs.

    WOTCHALIKE was kept in touch and brought into the fray in the straight. Leading two out he was driven clear on the flat. He’s had a couple of unsuccessful outings on the flat this year and has been generally below par, but the mark of 80 was very generous if he was anything like back to form since he was a handicap winner off 97 in March 2008. He hit a good run of form at that time Jim Best, and may be capable of a follow up now he’s hit form in his current yard.
    NIGWELL FORBEES was on the premises for much of the way and produced his best run to date. He kept on but couldn’t muster enough speed to challenge the winner. He spent three years off the track before June this year, and there is a hint that the patience may pay off in a lowly staying handicap.
    DORIS’S GIFT set the pace as his preferred way, giving way from two out but at least showing he is in reasonable heart.
    Everything else was well beaten off with BALLYNURE, returning from chasing, unable to get his own way and back-pedalling from three out.

    8.45 3m 0-135 Handicap Chase

    HE’S A HOTSHOT once again proved better receiving weight than he has done giving weight in a lower class. He tracked the leaders and came to lead two out, keeping on under encouragement as he idled on the run-in. As he does no more than he can get away with it’s a little difficult to judge how much there is left in the tank, but the impression I got was that there was still a little more to come. It could be said he has a good record here, but since he currently does all his racing at Perth that possibly doesn’t tell us much.
    CRAIGLANDS was held up at the rear and looked a serious challenger when brought through from three out only to be held on the run-in. This was a very promising move up from hunter chase company and Jim Goldie has an interesting prospect on his hands for staying chases.
    Paul Murphy looked to have every chance of taking a staying chase with MAIDSTONE MIXTURE if dropped to a lower class than the 0-120 he ran in last time. In classic Murphy style he duly ran the gelding in a higher class from 11lbs out of the handicap and will now presumably pay the price for his charge running so close. He led or disputed until just running out of puff at the last and does seem better at staying chasing than his previous disciplines. Oh that he were with a trainer who could campaign him more realistically.
    NGONG HILLS wouldn’t have been suited by the softening of the ground so ran a very creditable race to finish around 10 lengths fourth. He had every chance in the straight but was held before the last. It’s worth keeping an eye out for him back on fast ground.
    SOME CRAIC has done all his winning on good or faster ground and was held from four out.
    CORKAGE was in the process of making a decent handicap chasing debut when decanting Campbell Gillies three out. He made a blunder at the eighth, so perhaps needs to sharpen his jumping in this company but looks competitive.
    NUDGE AND NURDLE was still on the bridle when slipping in front of the thirteenth and unseating his rider.

    5.15 2m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

    ANNIBALE CARO was enterprisingly ridden by James Reveley and it paid dividends. On the face of it the two front runners appeared to be going an above average clip, but the time suggested otherwise so it could be a case of a number of riders misjudging the gallop. He’s a headstrong type but was kept in check by Reveley and had enough in hand to hold off his one serious challenger Farne Island up the run-in.
    FARNE ISLAND is running well enough at the moment but has only ever one once from 36 races and is basically very good at chasing others home.
    GUERILLA was held up at the head of the main group which I felt was the right way to ride him and probably achieved as good a result as possible in this company. He ran on and was closing at the line.
    DON’T THINK TWICE never got to the leaders. DESERT SOUL probably isn’t good enough in this class and my impression is that BED FELLOW needs both a lower class and longer distance.
    STYLISH SHOT pulled very hard and was restrained. He had used up his energy by three out and never got competitive. He’s now 0 from 17 taking into account flat and hurdles form and just seems a difficult ride.

    The rain toward the end of the evening presaged and overnight downpour which resulted in Wednesday’s meeting being abandoned. The Northern jumping circuit now takes a break until the return of Sedgefield on August 25th followed by the two day Cartmel August Bank Holiday meeting. Perth have two days remaining this year, the 23rd and 24th of September, Sedgefield serving up the other two meetings in September.

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    SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday August 25th

    Going – Good To Firm

    After a mid-summer pause jumping returned to Sedgefield. The North East has been spared the rain that has hit other Northern regions and the going came up on the fast side.

    The open ditch in the straight was reported as ‘under repair’ and was out of action.

    3.15 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase

    MY CONDOR looked likely to succeed here, leading all the way and still going well enough entering the straight. However he has had a tendency to ‘fall in a hole’ in the latter stages recently, and on this occasion he could offer nothing on the run-in, fading to fourth. He won a couple of races back in 2007 but has been frustrating since.
    In a race containing five ‘Timeform squiggles’ the stage was left open for FRED BOJANGALS to swoop late and capture the spoils. He seems much better at Sedgefield than anywhere else and his record now reads 13521 with his best shows on fast ground.
    STORM PROSPECT wouldn’t top a list of consistent performers but isn’t bad at this level on his day. He did win in heavy at Ayr once, but essentially he’s a top of the ground horse. He was in the rear early and needing cajoling by the sixth, but stayed on in the closing stages.
    IT’S A ROOFER is another suited by fast ground. He raced prominently and kept on in the straight to finish third not beaten far.
    I’M YOUR MAN was with the leading group down the straight but never quite threatened a win. He runs often, wins occasionally, and is a good bit higher than either of his winning chase marks.
    NEW WISH back pedalled from two out. He has plenty of mileage on the clock at various disciplines and his jumps successes have been limited to two selling hurdles.
    TOULOUSE EXPRESS couldn’t get anywhere near the front and appears out of sorts at the moment after thriving earlier in the year.
    BARNEY has put in a succession of dismal runs, was struggling by the seventh and finished tailed off.

    4.15 2m 4f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Chase

    SARAHS GIFT led at the ninth and kept up the gallop from that point. For one on a lowly mark when getting round he’s got a fair place record in chases. (He’s since won again at Newton Abbot and seems in very good heart.)
    PROSPECTOROUS, trained by County Kildare based J P Dempsey who I can’t claim to be madly familiar with, was well backed and showed a good deal more than on recent Irish runs. He’s won on good ground over hurdles and the signs are the fast ground here helped, a series of dismal winter runs suggesting chilly weather and mud are not his cup of tea. He let himself down by jumping untidily all the way round, yet was still had a chance coming to the last. If he got his jumping together he would doddle a similar event.
    PIPERS LEGEND raced prominently from before halfway. He was found wanting after the turn for home though did finish third. He has bits and pieces of fair form but as a 10-year-old 1 win from 32 runs does not make for stand out betting material.
    PUGNACITY, a selling class hurdler, got to the tails of the leaders at the top of the hill two out but then faded on chasing debut.
    PAPERCHASER made some progress to three out but was never in contention.
    UPTOWN LAD, held right out the back as per normal, made a little late progress but never got near the leaders. He needs the race to fall into is lap, his best chance being if a number of front runners burst each other.
    TA AN ATHAS ORM is exposed as moderate and not getting close over hurdles or fences currently. He never got in a blow on this occasion.
    RED DAWN led to the ninth and weakened three out, taking his blank record to 32 in chases.
    PERLY SPENCER runs as if he has a physical problem and pulled up here.
    DORIS’S GIFT didn’t look particularly interested and jumped moderately. He was pulled up before two out.

    CARTMEL – Saturday August 29th

    Going – Soft (Good To Soft in places, Heavy by the woodside)

    Cartmel close their season with a two day fixture over the Bank Holiday. An extra day will be added in 2010 with a day’s racing on the Thursday preceding the holiday weekend. The accepted wisdom is that seven days in the year is as many as the small but thriving Cumbrian course can cope with. The place was heaving for this meeting and people seem more than satisfied with an occasional glimpse of the horses.
    The groundstaff worked hard to protect the ground as the area had a fair bit of rain. Despite covers to protect the ground the woodside section is not the best draining turf and was reported as ‘heavy’. The last fence on that section of the course was omitted adding another 150 yards to the long run-in.
    Iain Mackenzie normally gets the gig at Cartmel, his ‘keep track of all runners’ style carried forward from point-to-points suiting the place. On this occasion the nasal tones of the Scot Dougie Fraser were heard on the PA.

    2.40 2m 5 ½ f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

    This might turn out to be a decent event of its type with a number of fair hurdlers seeming to adapt quite well to chasing.
    Three times a hurdles winner in Ireland, SHANBALLA has now moved to Tim Vaughan who is not frightened to rack up the miles from his Vale Of Glamorgan base. The gelding has won on both soft and firm ground so surfaces seem to come alike. He was impressive on chasing debut, coming clear from a 120 rated performer and has been awarded a rating of 134. This suggests a fairly lofty campaign might be in order.
    INVISIBLE MAN was the marker for this form with two promising chase efforts to date. He didn’t do much wrong in second and his winning turn looks merely delayed.
    ANY CURRENCY, an Irish point winner and rated 121 over hurdles, showed promise on his chasing debut. He couldn’t go with the first two race in the straight but he jumped well enough and should go forward from here.
    EASTERN SURPRISE is a three times Irish pointing winner and was placed over hurdles. He was held by better opponents after the last but would be interesting if tried in a novice handicap.
    PUTITAWAYFORAYEAR is rated 94 so was up against it here and could only plug on from the rear. His handicap mark doesn’t look generous on what he has shown.
    LIZ’S DREAM was hopelessly outclassed in this company. His best chance of making a mark would be in the lowest level of handicaps over hurdles or fences.
    ONCE BEFORE had shown some promise over hurdles and in points but found it all too much from the seventh fence. He has ability so I wouldn’t write this one off just yet.
    SAWYER’S GOLD performed woefully in 5 hurdle races and added a poor chase run to his record, pulling up at the seventh.

    3.15 2m 1½f 0-105 Handicap Chase

    TURBO SHANDY has had a varied career with the odd morsel of decent form. He’s run three races this year on the flat at distances ranging from 5 furlongs to a mile. That’s not a standard preparation for a chase at Cartmel, but it seems to have worked and maybe the five furlong race was good practice for the extended run-in! He was in the rear early on, progressed to join issue along the woodside for the final time and asserted in the straight. He broke his career duck here and this was in advance of his recent chasing form though he has rated a fair bit higher in the past.
    SILVER STEEL has been consistent at this level of late and, though outpointed by the winner once turned for home, kept on honestly.
    PINEWOOD LEGEND didn’t jump well but McCoy’s persistence kept him on the fringe for a long way. The long run from the last finally did for him. He needs to sharpen his jumping.
    RIO LAINE was struggling before the last and faded from that point. His previous form suggests a preference for better ground.
    Versatile JORDAN’S LIGHT had been running creditably on the flat but was struggling from three out here. I get the impression that in a true run race on soft ground he struggles to see out the trip. He did win a selling hurdle on soft but that was an ‘egg and spoon’ race at Kelso last season.
    LINDSEYFIELD LODGE won a hurdle here in a bog earlier in the year but hasn’t got near to winning otherwise. She raced prominently early but the towel came in before three out. DIVVY’S DREAM was another racing prominently early but paid the penalty and faded to be pulled up before the last.

    Paul Moloney confirmed my opinion by reporting that ‘the gelding ran too free in the early stages.’

    TOULOUSE EXPRESS put in a second lack lustre performance of the week, losing touch from halfway and trailing in last.

    CARTMEL – Monday August 31st

    Going – Heavy (Soft in places)

    I was at Newcastle for the afternoon and not able to concentrate on Cartmel. Regrettably Racing UK haven’t put any replays for the meeting so I’m commenting blind on this one. Race analysis is based on race comments form the Racing Post and AtTheRaces.

    The weather was horrible in the North West but that didn’t stop a decent crowd of around 9,000 attending a soggy Cartmel. The measures taken to protect the woodside ground saved the meeting as it would certainly have been abandoned without the covers. The last two fences on the woodside were omitted which meant a run-in of somewhere just shy of six furlongs. The hurdle run-in wasn’t far short of that either since the hurdle near the Sticky Toffee Pudding Shop was removed.

    In the selling hurdle the mega-enigmatic AMJAD managed to get clear of his field to win by 13 lengths to end a run of 56 without a win. This must give hope to many regular losers!

    3.30 2m 5 ½ f 0-120 Handicap Chase

    There were only eight fences to be jumped in this contest and a three long stretches with nothing in the way. REEL CHARMER took up the running after the sixth (about a mile left) and steadily forged clear on the slog from the last. He’s rated 130 over hurdles so there may be a little more to come over fences. Last season was a quiet campaign, but a decent run over hurdles at Ayr in April suggested a revival was imminent. It would do no harm to keep a note of Reel Charmer for the coming campaign.
    MARREL made progress form the rear to take second place entering the straight. Despite his years Marrel has been progressive in this class over the summer, although this placing may mean he’s on a career high chase mark next time. He’s now appeared 85 times in all disciplines with 11 wins and 21 places.
    LIVINGONAKNIFEDGE ran his best race since his effort in the same contest last year. He weakened on the final bend and was passed by Marrel. It remains to be seen if he can produce the form elsewhere.
    MIDNIGHT GOLD felt the pinch going down the woodside, not helped by a stumble two out, but picked up again late on. Normally runs passably well but is another on a career high mark.
    MAIDSTONE MIXTURE didn’t confirm the promise of his July effort here. He won in soft in France, but I can’t believe that slogging round Cartmel in ‘sticky toffee going’ would be likely to bring out the best in him.
    Some of these probably couldn’t cope with the ground, TOP DRESSING going well enough to the last but then weakened and was tailed off by the straight.
    NILE MOON has run well with cut but is probably better on good ground, and he seems a bit high in the handicap anyway.
    FIRST BAY and PEAK SEASONS were both completely knackered in the latter stages and walked over the line. Both need their sights set at a lower class.
    COPPER BAY was struggling before halfway and Lucy Horner called it a day with a mile to run. He has some decent runs dotted in amongst some dross, including a spring point win, but better ground seems essential and the tongue-tie indicates breathing difficulties.

    4.05 3m 2f 0-100 Handicap Chase

    For all that there were 10 runners in this contest very few could be given a genuine chance. GETINBYBUTONLYJUST has carefully avoided sticking his head in front for sometime whilst running passably well on many occasions. This time he couldn’t really help but see off opponents either bogged down in the mud or simply lacking the stamina to stick with him. He predictably felt the pinch as those left in contention approached the final bend, but then found reserves to see off the arguably less proven stamina of Stoneriggs Merc. Sometimes statistics can say anything, but in chases in heavy ground his record is now 11725231. Mixing that with a fair record on stiff tracks suggests that he is favoured when the conditions slow the others down to his pace.
    STONERIGGS MERC has placed over the distance before, but I suspect three miles two in mud found the bottom of him and the needle read empty in the straight after he gone clear after the last. He’s now moved to Tim Vaughan’s stable, but given the propensity for Vaughan to send his horsebox to all points of the compass we shall no doubt see ‘The Merc’ in northern parts before long. I have often put him on tentative shortlists, but lost patience a while back.
    SILVER DAGGER is a proven sluggard but kept going at his own pace for third, a creditable effort from 10lbs ‘wrong’. He had a purple patch in spring 2007 but has kept his talents well camouflaged since.
    JBALLINGALL has struggled since a two year plus break until March this year. He likes to lead and kept going for much further than of late, only giving way on the long run from the last. A fair effort from 7lbs out of the handicap, in terms of merit probably third best on the day, and it would appear his cause is not quite lost yet.
    RIVER RIPPLES, made a short priced favourite on the back of a win at Stratford on good ground, hadn’t previously encountered going like this over fences and was never competitve.
    DASHER REILLY was attempting to repeat the Sadik family’s success in this race named after Cengis ‘Gus’ Sadik. A very moderate performer he had a tough task and though going well enough in the early part of the race was very tired in the last mile and walked in.
    MERRY PATH, now 15 and absent for two years, led to the fourth and then rapidly weakened. Assuming there is a problem it must be extremely doubtful that the Mrs Williamson trained gelding will be sighted under Rules again. Should this be the case he should be remembered not for this effort but for a chasing/pointing record that includes 9 wins and 13 places from 35 runs.
    FEELING PECKISH was ‘feeling the pinch’ by when unseating at the ninth.
    ILOVETURTLE, 9lbs ‘wrong’, was tailed off by the ninth and pulled up before the last enabling a short cut to the unsaddling area. The Sadik second string and 20lbs out of the handicap, GOOD MAN AGAIN took a similar route when calling it a day shortly before that . Neither have got remotely near the winner for ages.

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    SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday 8th September

    Going – Good To Firm

    The going remained fast though there was heavy rain in the half an hour preceding the second chase on the card.

    Racing was delayed following a nasty incident at the first flight of the juvenile hurdle which saw five horses come down. Lucy Horner needed the services of the air ambulance to be taken to hospital after suffering a dislocated shoulder and facial injuries.

    The open ditch in the straight was omitted once again. I’ve noticed an increasing tendency for fences and hurdles to be missed out over the last couple of seasons. I’ve asked a question of a BHA representative about this matter and hope to have an answer soon.

    3.00 2m ½f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

    This was a fair novice event for this stage of the season with a number of the principals rated in the 120s.

    The Irish challenger KALELLSHAN took up the running at the third fence. He put in a couple of awkward jumps but had plenty left in the closing stages and held on well. A double penalty may now make a life a little tougher. All best form has been on good or faster so I would imagine he will be put away once the rains arrive in serious amounts, the serious amounts which have given us a soaking in Scotland but don’t seemed to have reached the North East of England!
    NOTICEABLE made the trip from the Bath area to finish second. He’s another who wouldn’t want too much cut in the ground and has been consistent this summer. Racing prominently, he kept on if never quite getting to grips with the winner. He won a novice chase at Huntingdon in May and should be capable of winning an event similar to this.
    SCHELM is suited by the conditions but though he tried he couldn’t muster enough under pressure in the straight. As with the first two he pretty much ran to the official figures. He goes well on fast ground while still keeping his form with a little cut and his record around Sedgefield now reads 113.
    FOLK TUNE made a decent chase debut against opponents with previous experience. He jumped neatly all the way but could never quite get to the leader in the closing stages but will be one to keep an eye on in the coming months around the minimum trip as long as the ground doesn’t get too soft.
    SCHINDLER’S GOLD was comfortably held once the race warmed up and looks a bit below the level of the first four.
    TRANOS ran a bit better than odds of 100/1 suggested he might but was held from the top of the hill. This was a bit more promising than recent efforts over hurdles and on the flat and he did win twice over hurdles in the summer of 2008. He needs good or fast ground.
    THE PANAMA KID rated 122 over hurdles was well held from three out and may need to gain some experience over fences. He was a fair enough novice hurdler and not one to cast aside just yet.
    LINDSEYFIELD LODGE isn’t good enough in this company and was showing distress signals from four out.
    MAHRAJAAN had bits and pieces of decent form, including a third on chasing debut in Ireland, but was never going on this occasion and doesn’t look like one to rely on.
    RECOIL has been a poor flat and hurdles performer and there was no evidence he’s any better over fences. He was at the back from the start.
    CAN’T REMEMBER was bought following her win in a selling hurdle here in April but in retrospect that was a poor event and she looked out of her depth here.

    4.45 2m 4f 0-105 Handicap Chase

    SARAHS GIFT, trained near my old ‘patch’ in Oxfordshire, had rattled up a couple of wins previous to this including over the course and distance. He won this with a bit in hand suggesting that he hasn’t finished winning yet. Settled nicely he came to challenge down the hill and went away on the run-in. He has had jumping problems in the past, but evidence suggests that he has got his act together.
    IT’S A ROOFER is often there or thereabouts but is yet to record a chase win. He led from the start and was going well three out but outpointed once headed. I can’t see that he did much wrong and it should be possible to find at least a novice handicap.
    FRED BOJANGALS goes well here but needs things to fall his way and punters need to allow for that when backing him. He chased the leader from two out but didn’t get close enough to challenge for the lead, plugging on for third.
    PANTHERS RUN kept on for fourth. He didn’t threaten the leaders but this was as well as he has run for a long time. Not betting material though.
    KEENE SPIRIT was in the rear for much of the trip but picked up a little late on. He hasn’t jumped fluently enough in his chases to get seriously involved.
    TOULOUSE EXPRESS raced well enough to three out before giving way. He is still not showing the zest he did when at the top of his form last season.
    PUTITAWAYFORAYEAR moved up to the heels of the leaders going to two out but that was as close as he got. The 23 lengths beaten here was as close as he has got to the winner so far but there are still no signs of serious competitiveness.
    TREEKO made progress from the eighth but was held when stumbling on the home bend. He has a little ability but may need more time.
    I’M YOUR MAN looked held when hampered four from home. He isn’t the most predictable performer and has been below his best recently.
    PEAK SEASONS runs often but seldom wins and having raced prominently he subsided from three out. He’s only 6 but has managed 83 runs to date though amassing only 4 victories. He presumably has an iron constitution but is one to oppose at single figure odds.
    YOUNG HENNO has shown only glimmers of ability in Ireland but wasn’t out of the argument when falling at the eleventh.
    Four times course winner DEAD MAN’S DANTE jumped stickily in the rear and was never going, eventually pulling up after two out. He had a spell of 11 runs in point-to-points without success and has looked off his game since returning to Rules.

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    PERTH – Wednesday 23rd September

    Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

    The ground soon dried out after a dry sunny spell in the East of Scotland. The ground was just on the fast side for the first day of Perth’s two day final meeting of 2009.

    Due to problems with the ground the hurdle down the back straight was omitted .In addition it’s worth noting that both hurdles in the home straight were moved nearer the finish. I paced out the distance from the last hurdle and at approximately 180 yards it was some 40-50 yards shorter than the normal run-in. Precious little time therefore for a horse making a last flight mistake to recover lost ground.

    2.25 2m 4½f Class 5 Novices’ Hurdle

    This was an ordinary novice hurdle won in convincing style by dual Perth bumper winner NOW THIS IS IT. He cruised away from two out to win very easily and if the second’s mark of 110 is used as a measure then this appears a decent early season novice performance. Now This Is It has only put in one poor performance and that was on good to soft ground, so it seems safe to assume that a fast surface is best for him.
    BALTHAZAR KING ran creditably in second but has a frustrating habit of finding one or two too good for him.
    VIEL GLUCK had a tough task and wasn’t disgraced in third, losing touch from three out. He has his work cut out in anything but the weakest non-handicap company so might be best kept to novice handicaps.
    Up with the pace for a way RHUM struggled from three out. He did at least show a little promise for the future but his jumping needs to improve.
    RUSSIAN WAR, a bumper winner who ran out when in contention at Downpatrick last time, went out like a light after the fifth which suggests some physical problem.

    He was subsequently reported as having atrial fibrulation which I believe means and irregular heartbeat.


    3.00 2m ½f Class 4 3yo Novices’ Hurdle

    I marked down TILLIETUDLEM as having some potential for hurdling and he’s proved that forecast to be correct, recording a second hurdling win. It seems clear his experience counted here. Having had to be straightened as he veered toward the course exit on the stands’ bend he was pressed two out but stayed on very well from that point. A double penalty may make placement a little more difficult now though he’s getting the job done well.
    ALAZAN challenged two out but was then held, keeping on well enough for pressure. He was a lightly raced placed maiden on the flat and the experience here will have done him good. Philip Hobbs isn’t frightened to put miles on the travel clock and should find an opportunity.
    MONSIEUR JOURDAIN was tapped for pace from three out but then stayed on again in the closing stages. He may benefit from a try over a stiffer track.
    ADDISON DE WITT won a soft event here last time but was soundly put in his place on this occasion. BEIDH TINE ANSEO showed some decent handicap form on the flat Ireland but was held from two out here.

    3.35 2m 0-115 Novices’ Handicap Chase

    PROSPECTOROUS was shunted up 14lbs for a second behind progressive Sarah’s Gift at Sedgefield. He proved the form was no fluke in seeing off three opponents here, staying on under pressure on the flat. His best hurdles form was on decent ground around the minimum trip, though his Sedgefield effort suggests he sees out an extra half mile.
    RIDDLEOFTHESANDS made a fair chase debut, jumping competently despite taking a keen hold and keeping on once headed two out. He will have to settle if he is to see out more than two miles.
    TRANOS was outpaced from two out. He has seemed to be struggling off a mark of around 110 in handicap hurdles and would have to improve on this to make a mark in handicap chases.
    YAWL SPRINGS made a fair UK debut at Stratford but he was beaten a long way out on this occasion and this was a step backwards.

    4.10 2m ½f Class 5 Claiming Hurdle

    This was a moderate race full of disappointing types struggling in handicaps or lightly-raced performers who have presumably not shown connections a huge amount at home.

    DARK ENERGY has been struggling in handicaps despite being dropped from 115 to 100. He was held up and made progress from the rear, taking the lead on the flat and running on. His profile suggest flat track and fast ground is required although his overall profile looks regressive.
    DAYTIME DREAMER, a flat winner on Polytrack at Dundalk, led from two out until headed after the last and could offer no extra. He has been well held in two handicap hurdle efforts.
    GENARI is another well exposed type held in recent handicaps and was one paced from two out. DARFOUR showed a modicum of promise on hurdling debut, staying on from the rear for fourth place.
    Highest rated on the official figures, GRAND DIAMOND ran no sort of race and the cussed SOLIS was prominently before predictably giving way every easily from two out.
    SAMIZDAT led to two out before folding.

    4.45 3m 0-125 Handicap Chase

    A competitive contest for the feature race on the card.

    KELLS CASTLE got the message once he won a race and has run a succession of decent races. He was always prominent and wasn’t to be denied once in a winning position two out. He would need the ground to stay good or faster to be kept on the go. He did nothing in the soft over last winter and I would presume once the rains come he will be put away until the spring.
    THE WICKETKEEPER was on the premises from the fourteenth but just held from two out. He thrives on fast ground and is now back down to a manageable mark. This run suggests he can see out three miles under the conditions, though his best form has been around two miles.
    CATCH THE PERK arrived too late to trouble the leaders, as seems his way these days, but a third here not beaten far suggests there’s plenty of life left in this old campaigner. I’m sure followers of Scottish racing would hope he can add to his tally of wins before the years finally catch up.
    FLEMISH INVADER made progress from the rear and threatened three out, but he was probably getting the worst of the argument when thumping the last. This was his chasing debut and, given that he was up against a few who have been around the block a few times, this showed great promise. It shouldn’t be beyond Nigel Twiston-Davies to find an opening over fences.
    The trip on this going would not have played to LUCKY NELLERIE’s strengths. On that basis his fifth place, up there to two out, represents a decent effort and is something to take forward once the rains arrive.
    Sue Smith’s runners are generally well set up after a break, but NIRVANA SWING made no impact. He won off this mark in April ’08 but has generally struggled since.
    REEL CHARMER was feeling the pinch by the eleventh and made no impact. He’s 8lbs higher than when winning a moderate event in tough conditions at Cartmel and that’s his only chase win to date.
    SILVER SEDGE needs at least a couple of runs after a break and made no show following 214 days off. Once he hits form he can put together a run of decent form so should be watched carefully.
    I haven’t fathomed fellow Fife resident OR DE GRUGY despite his appearing on my radar regularly. This was his trip and going and he has won off a mark only 1lb lower. The run may sharpen him up but I’d keep a watching brief for now. He seldom runs outside my patch so the next instalment will follow soon.
    TOP DRESSING appeared to find this too competitive dropping away from three out. He hasn’t won for a couple of seasons and his wins have been in softer contests.
    COLDWELLS seems to need a race to warm up and this class was a tough ask anyway. She ran well around Catterick and Kelso last season and doesn’t object to some give in the ground, though possibly struggles when the ground is really deep.
    SEIZE jumped moderately and lost touch not far into the final circuit. I expect he would be better off giving weight to inferiors, though has something to prove after a poor effort.
    ALL RISE weakened from halfway and was pulled up. Life was made tough for him when he ran a couple of stone out of the handicap in the Perth Gold Cup.

    5.20 2m Class 5 Novices’ Chase

    Effectively a two-horse contest yet fascinating nevertheless.

    Under ideal circumstances Pigeon Island would not be sent into the lead. However, there seemed no way that habitual hold up performers Regent’s Secret was going to be sent on, and tortoise class Sawyer’s Gold wasn’t likely to be fast enough to keep up once they went from canter to gallop. A presumably reluctant P J Brennan elected to set the pace on PIGEON ISLAND who jumped quite well on debut though hitting a couple, a mistake at the second last coming at just the wrong time. He was worried out of it near the line. He has now failed to record a win in four attempts at Perth and perhaps it doesn’t play to his strengths. He may be a better price next time and I’d be happier if there were a few more runners.
    REGENT’S SECRET has a habit of arriving too late on the scene on the Flat and over hurdles. As things worked out being held up following Pigeon Island suited him and once it came to flat pace he had a little more than the runner-up. He jumped very well.
    SAWYER’S GOLD finished 158 lengths distant, thus keeping up a record of either finishing last or pulling up in seven attempts. It appears that Turbulent Flight has a rival in the worst rated chaser stakes, the pair are currently neck-and-neck on 49. I presume third place money paid his travelling expenses from Garth near Wrexham.

    5.55 3m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

    OSCAR GLORY slotted home the winner for the Irish as they beat the UK representatives 4-3 on the day. He beat Kells Castle in a chase at Bangor on his previous outing so his credentials were there to see, backed up by a Kilbeggan hurdles win. He was reminded of his job approaching three out, but then cruised into contention two out and went comfortably clear. He clearly needs good ground and I wonder if his trainer might eye an opportunity or two at Musselburgh in the autumn if the rains don’t come in torrents.
    THE GREAT ALFIE cast aside an 18 month absence, running a fine race in second. He didn’t jump as well as he might but stayed in contention enough to secure second close home. He’s lightly raced and has probably moved forward since last being seen.
    Veteran SOLWAY MINSTREL ran an honest race to finish third, but a rating 6lbs ahead of his best winning one isn’t a help at the age of 12.
    KYBER weakened from two out and I believe he is better at shorter trips.
    I saw nothing of immediate encouragement from the remainder.

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    PERTH – Thursday 24th September

    Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

    Perth closed their season on a bright afternoon, though a stiff breeze let us know that autumn is setting in.

    There were reportedly some problems with the watering system so I suspect that the groundsman wasn’t able to put as much water on the course as he would have liked. Certainly a test of the ground on the stands’ bend found it as firm as it has been all season. A combination of the ground and a number of runners having been out the previous day resulted in 17 non-runners on the day. The chases suffered significantly, though the hurdles remained mainly well populated.

    The hurdle down the far side remained stowed away.

    2.20 2m ½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle.

    MESBAAH was well held by McMurdo Sound on his hurdling debut. The form received two major boosts on this card with the latter taking a handicap and former landing this novice event in pleasing style. Always handy he took over two out and stayed on well for victory. He will need to be kept to fast ground, so will either be seen out before it rains too much or perhaps appear at well draining Musselburgh later in the season.
    Hurdles debutant RELAND didn’t jump particularly well but remained in contention until awkward jumps in the straight saw him held. He should move on from this performance.
    JEWELLED DAGGER never threatened the leaders, but he stayed on nicely in the latter stages. He should pick up a little novice event in the North and it may be worth bearing in mind that his flat record at Musselburgh is 11122. Another to keep a note of for Musselburgh’s November jumps kick-off.
    WHASTON showed a scratchy stride and didn’t jump well enough to get involved, dropping away from two out.
    MIDDLEMARCH ran passably well on his belated hurdles debut, but the jury remain out deciding how much he can achieve.
    PARSON’S PUNCH looks to be to have a bit of developing to do. On that basis a sixth here is a respectable effort.

    2.50 2m 4½f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

    MHILU is no stranger to Scone Palace Park having been a winner over hurdles. He jumped acceptably well though with a slight tendency to lug right. He pulled clear with Diablo from five out and saw off that rival in the straight. Mhilu sports the familiar red Elliott-stable blinkers and has been at his best when equipped with both that aid and a tongue-tie. Gordon Elliott has proved pretty shrewd at placing his charges in recent times and I’d happily be guided by his choice.
    DIABLO had struggled when given some tough tasks in the novice hurdles last season. However, he performed well on his introduction to chasing, a discipline which I presume he has been aimed towards. He jumped well but found the winner just too strong up the straight. Nigel Twiston-Davies will have no trouble placing this one to win.
    WATERSKI has often been thrown in against vastly superior opposition with a view to collecting his pocket money. On this occasion he saw off two better rated opponents to earn a respectable £955. Assuming the handicapper doesn’t decide to punish him then the best bet looks to me to be novice handicaps around this distance.
    I wouldn’t rate CORKAGE as consistent but he has plenty of ability on his day. His jumping wasn’t good enough here, but the course vet subsequently reported that he was ‘lame left fore’. I notice the BHA reports seem to have settled on ‘right’ and ‘left’ in their reports these days which saves us peasants trying to work out which are ‘off’ and ‘near’!
    REGENT’S SECRET was never better than fourth or fifth and found this race a different kettle of fish from the virtual two-runner affair the day before.
    STAINLEY isn’t remotely good enough in this company and was detached by halfway. He’s much happier out in front and he wasn’t fast enough to get there.

    3.20 3m ½ f Class $ Novices’ Hurdle

    This was a contest light on runners but with three closely matched competitors.
    Robert Thornton took TALKIN’ TOUGH to the front and set a searching pace. Having throttled back approaching three out he kicked on again once turned for home. However, he was starting to feel the effort by the last and a scrappy jump probably decided matters. This was a good effort though and he must any race where his raking stride can be used to best effect. Ultimately he looks a chasing prospect.
    BILLEI MAGERN twice had to be encouraged round the stands’ bend as he eyed the course exit. Apart from that he seemed to run a mainly honest race, though having pegged back the winner and led on the run-in his ears were twitching and the impression was there was something left in the tank. It may need coaxing out of him, but he looks likely to follow brother Ollie and sister Petite Margot into the chasing ranks.
    THE SHEPHERD weakened two out and may not have seen out the trip, although a move to less exacting company would be helpful.
    ASHTONMORE has silver grey flecks on his skin as if some Jackson Pollock student has used him for practice. He was struggling by halfway and looks slow, though it took sister More Equity a while to make a mark.

    3.50 2m 0-120 Handicap Chase

    Four withdrawals made this a three runner affair though there were plenty of developments to keep spectators interested.

    SAFARI ADVENTURES set a strong pace. Those of us stood down by the last fence got a thrill on the first circuit as Campbell Gillies spotted a stride some way and his mount absolutely pinged the fence, his rider letting out an exultant “Yes!” in the process. Unfortunately, though still in contention, Safari Adventures was tired next time and hit the fence halfway, throwing Gillies up his neck. Even then he looked set to win as Bermuda Pointe downed tools, but The Duke’s Speech mugged him on the run-in. On sharp tracks and with decent ground he will stretch this class of field.
    We were treated to a masterful judgement of pace by Graham Lee on THE DUKE’S SPEECH. He let the first two go then gradually brought his mount near enough come the last. His willing opponent paid back the confidence and passed a still battling Safari Adventures in the last 100 yards. He has performed best when ridden patiently.
    BERMUDA POINTE made a couple of mistakes, including one two out, but coming there cruising four out he looked the likely winner. He still looked to have the race in his grasp after the last but he went out like a light. The fact that he did so with ears pricked suggested that Bermuda Pointe’s hoof worked the switch.

    After race news from winning trainer Ferdy Murphy is that KALAHARI KING is likely to appear at Kelso on November 7th. There is a limited handicap on the card, and the inference was that this has been arranged to accommodate Murphy’s stable star.

    4.20 2m ½ f 0-120 Handicap Hurdle

    MCMURDO SOUND conqueror of opener winner Mesbaah proved that the Sedgefield race win was no fluke as he took this race quite comfortably. While the ground stays on the good or fast side he’s a step or two ahead of the handicapper.
    Take note of the name of the winning rider here, 16-year-old Keith Donoghue, scoring his second win under Rules have piloted his first at Listowel the previous week. He rode around 150 wins pony racing in Ireland and, on the evidence of a well paced ride here, looks to have a jump on most 7lb claimers.
    CIVIL SERVANT a big strong gelding looks to have the scope to make a chaser. He put up a sound performance in second and should pick up a similar event. He currently runs in the colours of Nigel Twiston-Davies, his trainer was making a big play of the fact that he was for sale.
    HE’S COOL threatened two out but couldn’t muster extra pace from that point. He proved competitive moved up a grade here and looks best on good or fast ground.
    SENDALI was noted picked up ground nicely in the closing stages. He may just need to be eased in class to pick up a handicap hurdle.
    Raised in class ANNIBALE CARO put in a satisfactory effort, briefly threatening before two out and then unable to raise his game any further. Off 103 currently there’s plenty of scope for a drop to class where he can gain the upper hand.
    DONTPAYTHEFERRYMAN has been kept on the go on the flat, if short of decisive pace at the business end, but didn’t go remotely close here. His most recent wins have been in claiming and selling hurdles and he could be one who is best bullying inferiors.
    STROBE looked well enough but was cast aside from two out. His runs following a break have generally been below par, but all his wins have come within 15 days of his last run.

    4.50 2m 4 ½ f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

    This race was not badly loaded numbers wise but distinctly short of quality.

    Another young Irish raider came to the fore here with Conor O’Farrell piloting home A LITTLE DIFFERENT for Seamus O’Farrell. O’Farrell set off in front and nothing seriously threatened him. The closest anything got was when he gave his mount a breather going to three out. He was incorrectly marked as ‘blinkered first time’ in the day’s programme but he has worn them twice unsuccessfully before this.
    Another black mark here was that the winner didn’t appear in the paddock until after the bell to mount had gone. This treats the racing public as if they don’t matter and the fact that there was no recorded stewards’ enquiry suggests the authorities present care little about such indiscretions.
    SOME MAGIC held off the remainder but never threatened the winner. This is as close as he has been to the winner in 15 attempts.
    NO MORE PRISONERS chased his stablemate most of the way before just being pipped for second. He’s a nine-year-old with no wins from 16 goes. He did go close a couple of times in the spring but a steady rise in the weights won’t have helped him any.
    BENMADIGAN was held up out the back and stayed on in the last mile. He got caught out in a messy start at Market Rasen last time, and in retrospect his jockey might consider he gave the leaders too much rope on this occasion.
    QUINDER SPRING, a winner of a 1m 4f ‘bumper’ in France, has more time on his side than a few of these and is worth keeping tabs on though not yet betting material. Arguably his best effort was in heavy ground at Newcastle in January.
    CASUAL AFFAIR threatened to be a winning novice last winter but has not gone forward.
    A few judges tried to read something into Gordon Elliott’s placement of CROCK CRILDROM, but on the evidence of two runs here he’s very slow.

    5.20 2m ½ f NH Flat

    FLAYGRAY had run two fair to middling races in similar company last season. Now lodging with Chris Grant he showed plenty of zip in the last two furlongs and would appear to have benefitted for being given time to develop.
    DE BANSHA MAN is a big, deep-chested gelding who has the look of a chaser. He’s likely to go hurdling soon and I’ll think we’ll see the best once he encounters big fences. He led here and kept on, if tapped for acceleration in the final reckoning, but the evidence is that his frame contains a decent sized engine.
    THE GRASSY looks another sort who will go on for encountering obstacles. He kept on well enough for third, just ahead of Lucinda Russell’s BATTLE GROUP, a winner here previously who sets the standard.
    GLACED OVER stayed on from the rear from fifth and might be a long term prospect.
    HOLD FAST ranks as one of Graham Wylie’s less pricy purchases at 22,000gns. A half brother to a hurdles winner he may still need a bit of time.
    Donald Whillans’s HAWAII KLASS looks a nice enough sort. He’s a brother of Harry Flashman, a winner at all National Hunt disciplines. Hawaii Klass was tapped for speed when the pace increased coming out of the back straight and not pressed from that point. He doesn’t look an immediate winner but it may be worth eyeing his progress.

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    SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday 29th September

    Going – Good To Firm

    4.00 2m 4f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

    A contest one by the competitor whose jumping was the only one that held up over the course of the race.

    BEAUTIFUL VISION was sticky at a couple of fences early on. However, he jumped nicely after that tucked away towards the rear off a strong pace. He had Spellchecker well held when the latter came down at the last. The tongue-tie was re-applied to apparent good effect here after being left off on his first run for the stable at Newton Abbot. He has plenty of decent form behind fair performers in Ireland though it’s taken 23 runs to get off the mark and his victory owed much to the failings of others. That being said, don’t underestimate Evan Williams’s ability to move his new charges forward.
    YOUNG ALBERT hit one or two fences and jumped big at others. He took over the lead at the ninth but was coming to the end of his tether approaching two out and inherited second at the last. He needs to improve his fencing technique.
    SPELLCHECKER was held up at the back and came there going well to two out. However, the tank emptied fairly quickly and he was tired when taking a nasty looking fall at the last. He may not forget that in a hurry.
    NIPPER JOHN is rated 118, 3lbd higher than the winner, but he didn’t run up to that form here. His jumping wasn’t good enough on this occasion.
    TAKE YOUR MARK never got involved and trundled round for a remote fourth. An 11-year-old, he seems to have come to chasing almost as an after thought and prospects don’t look good on this evidence.
    EASBY PARK was held up but his jumping got increasingly erratic. He was detached by the ninth and completed tailed off. A return to school looks required.
    COLONEL ARTHUR stormed off in front jumping exuberantly, but once headed at the ninth his jumping quickly fell to pieces and he didn’t last far before being pulled up.

    4.30 2m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

    PERPETUUM had shown very little in chases to date, but sometimes this quirky track can draw out some ability from the dark recesses. He was ridden just off the pace and picked off opponents from the thirteenth, staying on well from two out for victory. I would expect his trainer to bring him back to Sedgefield.
    FRED BOJANGALS is not the easiest to win with, but he saves his best for Sedgefield. He stayed on from three out but though he was beaten no more than a length he never quite looked like getting up. One to list in similar events, but possibly not the one to back unless offered at decent odds.
    TIGER O’TOOLE looked to be going well four out, but his rider didn’t find as much as he might have expected from that point and he trailed in a one paced third. That being said, this was a reasonable chasing debut against some more battle hardened opponents.
    MORE LIKE IT didn’t get in a blow form the top of the hill. He needed a couple of runs to reach his beast last year, and this will have removed a few cobwebs.
    CATEGORICAL, a newcomer to Lucinda Russell, is a fair performer at this level on his day, but he doesn’t win very often and can be frustrating to his followers. He never got close enough to get in a blow here. However his best runs in the last couple of years have been at Musselburgh, and his handler will no doubt be mindful of this.
    PILCA isn’t always inclined to exert himself and this wasn’t a going day.
    ORPHELIN COLLONGES settled mid to rear division and stayed there.
    SUPPLY AND FIX occasionally shows glimpses of enthusiasm, and led to three out. Once he was headed the towel entered the ring swiftly. First time blinkers produced some speed but no extra resolution.
    IT’S A ROOFER raced up with the pace until an argument with the eleventh saw him drop back quickly. He’s capable of a good deal better, though only twice a winner in 25 attempts and yet to score over fences.

    Keith Donoghue showed his talents once again in scoring on Genari in the selling hurdle, and he has caught the eye of a few judges.

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    HEXHAM – Friday October 2nd

    Going- Good To Firm, easing slightly as rain fell during the meeting.

    Hexham opened their autumn campaign with three relatively low key chases. The apparently standard ‘missed fence rule’ was invoked(!), with the second in the back straight omitted in all races.

    2.50 3m 1f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

    Nominally the best of the three events on offer, but this race was light on numbers and essentially concerned only two.
    WESTERN GALE’s jumping let him down a bit at Uttoxeter, but he was not rushed here and that certainly seemed to help. His sound placed Irish form gave him every chance here and he wore down the leader in the closing stages. The second is a reliable guide and this looks a fair performance, though he may find others improving past him in non-handicaps and he might be best aimed at handicaps.
    BEAUTIFUL VISION’s sound jumping served him well for the second occasion in a row. Settled nicely, he took over going up the hill but he was possibly just coming to the end of his tether on the run-in and this trip appears to stretch him on a stiff track.
    PLANE PAINTER performed a good deal better than on his chasing debut. His jumping was ponderous early on, but he did gain some confidence in the second half of the race and finished a creditable 6 lengths third. His best recent hurdles performances came over extended distance on sharp tracks.
    KEENE SPIRIT looked held at weights, and so it proved as he struggled from two out. CHERNIK should have mixed it with the front two but he jumped poorly. He weakened from three out and it turned out he had broken a blood vessel.

    4.00 3m 1f 0-95 Handicap Chase

    BALLYNURE is plenty capable on his day at this level. However, he is difficult to win with and needs races to fall his way. Against a bunch of out of form or underachieving opponents he was able dominate in the latter stages and came home in splendid isolation. The handicapper isn’t likely to take too kindly to a 24 length win and that makes things potentially very tough for an 11-year-old.
    CHAPEL FLOWERS led three out but couldn’t respond once headed going up the hill. This was a fair effort from a lightly raced gelding which offers some hope in similar company. Though there isn’t a huge amount of evidence to go on, his best two runs have come off a long break.
    ONTHEGOAGAIN, an Irish point winner making a chasing debut under Rules, was close enough going to three out but was left behind from two out. He stayed on at one pace afterwards and seems just a dour stayer.
    SEEK THE TRUTH has the ability to win a race or two at this level but is difficult to predict. Try as I might I struggle to find a pattern in his form. He weakened from two out.
    DORIS’S GIFT got on to the tails of the leaders going to three out but fell back from there. He’s better over hurdles and has yet to place in chases off a very low mark.
    CLEAR THE WAY got round in his own time but his chasing form is uninspiring.
    What respectable form SYCHO FRED shows is normally reserved for Market Rasen and even then he’s not easy to predict. He was well beaten from three out and came home in his own time.
    WIZARDS DUST never got into the race and was struggling by the twelfth, his rider eventually giving up the ghost after two out. He takes a run or two to get going and had been absent for 130 days, but even so this was a poor effort.
    WAKI BAKI was at the head of affairs until the tenth but he quickly went backwards and was reported as having bled from the nose. His overall profile is discouraging.
    MURPHY’S BEAU added another abysmal effort to an increasing collection, never going and being pulled up at the twelfth.
    DAD’S ARMY won a dire contest here in Spring ’08 when the odds-on favourite ran atrociously. Other than that he has shown nothing of note.
    Wilson Renwick suffered a slipping saddle on BEN TIRRAN and pulled out before the eighth fence. He ran prominently before falling here on his previous outing in May, so while he doesn’t shape as betting material I wouldn’t give up on him just yet.
    PRIVATE AFFAIR disposed of his rider at the third on chasing debut.

    5.10 2m ½ f 0-95 Handicap Chase

    With a number of keen sorts in the race this was run a a decent pace.

    FRED BOJANGALS occasionally produces enough to win, most of his best saved for Sedgefield, but he can be desperately frustrating. He went clear approaching the last, but those who have seen him know that he could not be considered a certain winner. He was caught right on the line. He’s in good form right now but needs the race to fall into his lap. One consolation for connections is that he often contributes to his keep.
    PANTHERS RUN is one who sometimes shows ability but has proved adept at keeping it hidden from view more often than not. He has tended to plug on in the latter stages before, and having sat off a good pace he picked off the leaders as they slowed. His last three chase runs have been respectable.
    I can imagine YANKEE HOLIDAY had plenty of energy to burn after a 5 month lay-off. He raced prominently all the way but as so many times before there was no extra in the closing stages.
    LONGDALE is quite consistent over hurdles and fences. He couldn’t make an impression in the straight and ideally needs a little further.
    RAVENSCAR was there with every chance two out but the hill-climb told on him and he slipped back to fifth. He hasn’t won since November 2007 and doesn’t produce a huge amount at the business end.
    BULLIES ACRE ran respectably from 10lbs wrong, though held from two out. His best form is at stiff tracks with give in the ground but he is on a very lowly rating and will normally be running from out of the handicap.
    REXMEHEAD, a selling hurdle winner here in the spring, ran a fair race on his chasing debut but couldn’t make an impression from three out.
    RED DAWN added to his list of losses.
    UPTOWN LAD, having shown a glimmer of form at Market Rasen, would be suited by coming off a strong pace but he didn’t get into the argument here.
    BARTON SUN was always in the rear division along with MOON MELODY who is capable of better but in the doldrums recently.
    Recent winner MORESTEAD ran prominently until going out like a light after the eighth. Neither rider nor trainer could offer an explanation but this run was not untypical of his efforts prior to his win.

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    KELSO – Sunday Octobr 4th

    Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

    The ground was just on the fast side and this was a chance for quick ground specialists to pick up something before the autumn rains arrive. There is a chance though that one or two of those who need good ground could be aimed at Musselburgh over the winter.

    2.20 2m 2f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

    SEA COVE has put in some decent performances at this level of late. He raced prominently and then determinedly held all comers from two out. It’s taken some time for him to click, but he has been steadily progressive at this level, has a good attitude and is not likely to be punished excessively for this victory.
    ERGO, whose hurdles runs have been few and far between but has been kept on the go on the flat, stayed on well to take second without getting to the winner. This was well in advance of his previous hurdles form, but he was lame after running passably well at Haydock last November and has run some decent flat races in the meantime. On this evidence a similar race should be within his compass.
    PRIORYJO got into the argument from two out. She challenged after the last but was held. She has come down a long way in the handicap of late which must have been a help.
    TANTOBIE was always thereabouts but found wanting from the last. He got much closer than he has done in non-handicaps.

    2.55 2m 6 ½ f 0-110 Handicap Chase

    SNOWY looked to be struggling when tapped for pace on the final bend. However, he does stay on well up the hill here and I wasn’t surprised as he started to pick up again approaching the last. He stayed on determinedly through the group of horses and poked his head in front near the line. He was in excellent form round here and Musselburgh last season and remains in good heart for the new campaign. He did win once on heavy but he really needs good or fast ground to be seen at his best.
    DAWN RIDE was held up at the rear and looked the winner when forging ahead on the flat only to be caught in the shadow of the post. He’s more than capable on his day, but not particularly predictable.
    WOODY VALENTINE was revitalised following a move to Evelyn Slack’s stable, ran another decent race here and showed the handicapper has him more or less right on 115. This trip would be as far as he would want. He’s versatile, is swapped between chasing and hurdling and holds his form well.
    ANDY ANSHAN looked to be going as well as any on the run to the last. However he couldn’t find an awful lot on the run-in and was held in fourth.
    NILE MOON set the pace or disputed until the last after which he could not raise his game. This was a fair enough effort and he is dropping back near the mark he won off twice around here earlier in the year.
    SIERRA PEAK hit the eighth and wasn’t going after that, being pulled up before three out. He led in his two previous chases and being taken on by Nile Moon may not have helped.
    MANADAM hit the second, jumped slowly thereafter and his confidence seemed to have gone.

    3.30 2m 6 ½ f Class 3 Intermediate Hurdle

    An interesting contest in which novices met second-seasoners, and the form worked out according to the figures.

    Two pulled clear in the closing stages with HEEZ A STEEL staying on under severe pressure from the last to capture first prize. I wasn’t impressed with the ride he was given from the last, Mr Findlay bumped a bit and there was some serious whip wielding. However Heez A Steel did respond and beat a promising sort into second place.
    NOW THIS IS IT has had a decent summer in which he has graduated from bumpers to hurdles. He lost nothing in defeat against a more experienced opponent, looking the likely winner two out but held in the final furlong. He should pick up another novice event but is likely to need good ground.
    SAM LORD is rated a few pounds below the winner and probably paid the price for being a bit keen early on. He had nothing left to fend off the first two from two out. His run well off near his current mark in handicaps and that’s where his future lies.
    NIGHT FORCE was struggling in the last half mile. He hasn’t progressed following a firm ground hurdles win last autumn.

    4.05 2m ½ f 3yo Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

    I doubt that this will prove to have been a particularly strong contest. The winner KNOCK THREE TIMES was very ordinary on flat (rated mid-40s) though did hurdle sufficiently well to step up on that level. She will find it tough once the better youngsters appear.
    MONSIEUR JOURDAIN was one of the more exposed entrants and ran a sound race without pulling up any trees. He’s been awarded a rating of 109 off the back of his third to Tillietudlem and that seems harsh. I don’t think he will win handicaps off that mark.
    SYDNEY COVE looks a bit of a plodder but kept on into third place, turning round flat form with a few behind him.
    AVITUS went well to two out but could offer no more, and NEW TRICKS, a flat winner in front of Sydney Cove at Hamilton, went well in front to two out before giving way. Both at least showed a little on hurdling debuts.
    Back in the field there were some abysmal jumps from a few, and I do wonder how much schooling has gone on. HUNTING MAGIC, who must have given away 20 lengths plus with poor leaps, stayed on quite well through tiring opponents and might be worth monitoring for signs of more accomplished hurdling technique.
    Ann Duffield’s pair STREVELYN and BERRIEDALE looked to have schooled better than many when filling the first two places at Sedgefield, but there was early carnage in that event and they were put in their place by opposition that stood up here.

    4.35 2m 1f 0-100 Novices’ Handicap Chase

    There was a decent pace on from the start and I suspect the form will stand scrutiny.
    SILVER STEEL was never far away taking a keen hold. He took a dive at two out, but that didn’t stop him and he went clear on the run-in, only to idle and let the others close toward the line. For all his foibles the second is a sound measure when on his game and Silver Steel has proved steadily progressive with perhaps a bit more to come.
    TOULOUSE EXPRESS is a veteran of these events and having only recorded a first win in March he has until October 31st as a novice. He’s as safe a conveyance as you will get in these events having never come to grief in 38 chases. He was very frustrating for a while last autumn, then things clicked over the winter and spring to the point where he recorded three wins. He does need the race to fall right but is starting to come back to form, producing a promising effort at Market Rasen last time and closing in on the leader from two out on this occasion.
    MORE SHENNANIGANS has done his darnedest to let his level fall down amongst the worst in the North. However it appears all is not completely lost as he showed hither to hidden talents to close on the front two after the last. He was 22lbs out of the handicap so can expect to be shunted up to around the mark he ran off here, but at his level ratings can be incidental. The recent showing of Waterski suggested that the stable might at least be in reasonable fettle. I await the re-appearance of More Shennanigans and Waterski with interest if not necessarily with stake money poised!
    CARRIETAU raced prominently as usual but was held on the flat though finishing quite close. He was a whisker away at Bangor three runs back, but has been a weak finisher over fences.
    WHAT HAPPENED had every chance at the last but hit the obstacle and gave way, but still finished as close as he has over fences.
    BALLABROOK led briefly four out, but then hit three out after which the writing was on the wall. While he hasn’t achieved a huge amount he does at least seem to be improving.
    FARNE ISLAND, a maiden over hurdles, jumped round but made no impact on chasing debut.
    DARAYBAD was ridden from three out to get closer but couldn’t offer much. His jumping hasn’t been sharp enough in three chases contested.
    TROODOS JET, who has shown the odd glimmer in similar class, gave the fourth fence a rap and never showed.
    NEW WISH races often but has only managed 3 wins from 76 efforts at all disciplines. The promise of his Uttoxeter effort was undone by a lack lustre effort here.
    COPPER’S GOLD, making a chasing debut, thumped a couple early on and was never competitive. As a five-year-old he does at least have a bit more time than some.
    PALOS CONTI jumped abysmally, so it was a bit of a surprise that he wasn’t completely out of it with three fences to go. One bad jump too many saw him fall back swiftly to finish last. He undoubtedly has the pace to win one of these events but a return to the schooling ground is on the cards.

    5.10 2m ½ f 0-130 Handicap Hurdle

    I would expect to see a number of this field appearing in decent ground handicap hurdles over the winter. The better end handicap hurdles at Musselburgh will be an obvious target for a few given the better chance of good ground.

    HELLO NOD didn’t cope with chasing in three attempts earlier in the year. He then reverted to hurdling, going close on a few occasions without winning. He is decent enough in this grade and having joined issue early in the straight he stayed on well to take the main prize. It wouldn’t surprise me if he picks up another similar race this autumn.
    CARAVEL proved a decent quick ground novice for Howard Johnson last season. He found the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock a bit beyond his capabilities in May, but showed he is plenty capable in this grade on his first run since then. He led briefly on the flat but was held in the final furlong.
    DANNY ZUKO has struggled to make a mark over fences in recent months. However he proved that his basic speed remains in running a sound race on this occasion. He had every chance at the last but couldn’t raise his game any further. However, off a mark of 110 there is scope for taking on lesser opposition and he finished close enough here to suggest a win in possible soon.
    ELITE LAND, in decent form on the flat of late, was backed in to a very short 7/4 favourite in this company. He was going well enough two out but a mistake there didn’t help his cause and he was just held from that point although beaten less than five lengths.
    I couldn’t understand what merited him being made 7/4 in a handicap, but he’s another who could certainly see off lesser opposition if dropped in class.
    STELLINO ran a fair race on his return to hurdling and is falling down the handicap. He kept on into fifth place. His form figures don’t look impressive but keep this one in mind.

    5.40 2m ½ f NH Flat

    If you wanted to keep a list of inexperienced horses to follow then making note of placed horses in Kelso bumpers would provide as good a list as any. The bumpers here often see some decent performers making their early appearances and they produce plenty of subsequent winners.
    This looked stronger of the two heats with NODFORMS VIOLET bringing forward form from a couple of promising runs last season. He couldn’t get clear in the final two furlongs and finished just held in second. However, the first two came clear from a third hailing from a clued up stable, so I reckon the form will turn out to be sound.
    MONOGRAM showed plenty of determination to see off the more experienced second. I would imagine he will contest another bumper under a penalty before going over obstacles and I’m sure he will win again.
    FREDDIE BROWN, the biggest horse in the field, was held from the two furlong mark, but he did enough to suggest he has a future. He might have learnt enough to pick up a minor bumper, but his best is probably to come over jumps.
    WESTERN SAHARA took an age to get ‘the message’, although being hampered on the stands’ bend certainly wasn’t a help, but he stayed on in the latter stages and gave encouragement.
    Peter Monteith’s BEAUCHAMP showed up well to two out but then gave way.
    The favourite JURISDICTION, from the fledgling stable of Rose Dobbin, hampered a few when seemingly aiming for the exit gate on the stands’ bend. Down the back straight he lost touch, with a hint that Wilson Renwick felt something might be amiss. However he plugged on late and does at least have a win in the bank from his previous stable. One concern is that Mrs Dobbin’s stable hasn’t fired yet and I’d be happier once she manages to get a few runners into challenging positions.

    6.10 2m 1/2f NH Flat

    A late finish as the bumper was divided.

    CORKY DANCER was in the rear and not picking up four out. However, he got the message once turned for home and ran on to lead in the final 100 yards. He was pulling clear by the finish and the impression is that there is more in the locker. His dam won 5 from 19 over hurdles and rated 125, so there is encouragement in his breeding.
    MANITOBA challenged in the final two furlongs but couldn’t hold the winner once passed. This was his fourth run, three of them second places, so it’s now a question of whether he can learn hurdling well enough to give him a few extra lengths advantage.
    FINELLAS FORTUNE disputed for much of the way but was one paced in the final two furlongs. This one is first foal of a sprinter but does at least seem to have enough stamina to see out two miles.
    CHICAGO OUTFIT took a keen hold in the early stages and weakened late on. This one cost £95,000 in the sales last season and it would presumably be hoped he will make up into a hurdler, but he may need a little time.

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    CARLISLE – Friday October 9th 2009

    Going – Good to Firm (Good in places)

    The forecast wet weather didn’t make an appearance. However there was a strong wind blowing from the south which dried the ground out even more than had happened over the past days. There were a significant number of non-runners.

    The new hurdles course has been laid out inside the chase course but it will need at least another growing season before it is ready. The plan is to use the course in spring 2011. In the meantime the flat course continues to serve hurdle races. There is evidence of the drainage work that took place on this course as there are clear drainage lines in the area after the winning post.

    2.00 2m 1f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

    This looked effectively a two horse contest, although one other with bumper form got involved in the closing stages. The pace wasn’t great with most of the runners still in touch three out. From that point the class of the main contenders told.

    ALVARADO won this in quite decent style. I’d first picked up this Wylie/Johnson horse in a couple of decent looking bumpers at Musselburgh early this year. He didn’t cope with the move up to the Punchestown Champion Bumper, but dealt with the opposition competently on hurdling debut here looking well primed for his seasonal reappearance. Settling in touch, he made progress up the final hill and asserted on the run-in to win with a bit in hand. He should be capable of making his mark against better opposition.
    McMURROUGH was dropped in at the deep end in hurdles last season. Back at a more realistic level he found one too good and basically just stayed on up the hill. He doesn’t look to be one for which things happen quickly, but there should be a novice hurdle to be found before a move to chasing which I suspect will show him at his best.
    COCOA KEY was disappointing at Perth, but it’s a totally different test around Carlisle and he seemed much better suited by the stiff haul to the finish. A bumper winner, he showed enough to suggest there should be a race in him.
    TIPSY INDIAN was previously beaten in a seller and remained close due to the slow early pace. He does hint at ability and will be better off in handicaps as will the fifth WEETFROMTHECHAFF who was never near the leaders but picked up pleasingly in the latter stages.

    2.30 2m 4f 4 Beginners’ Chase

    The names of Wylie and Johnson appeared often on the winners’ role on ‘my patch’ last season and the pattern was well set by the time this second race was finished. Their CHECKERBOARD showed plenty of promise last season without winning, and has polished his fencing in the meantime. He led or disputed all the way and he stayed on gamely up the hill as he was pressed by the second and third.
    LEASE LEND has huge feet which can be a sign of a preference for soft ground. However, recent evidence suggests that over fences he’s better on good ground or on this occasion faster. He stayed on up the hill but couldn’t hold the winner.
    If there is one I would take out of this race it would have to be the third GANSEY. Off the track for 538 days and having had a breathing operation in the meantime, he stuck on grittily from three out and was gaining at the line. He looked as if the race might bring him on and looks a nailed on winner of a similar event.
    Rose Dobbin’s stable hasn’t fired to date and MIDDLETON DENE might have been expected to run better than he did here. He jumped rather tentatively on his chasing debut and was struggling from three out. If he gets his jumping together he would potentially have been better than the principals here, but the stable haven’t produced anything worthwhile to date and I’d keep a watching brief for now.
    BE BRIEF as well held up the hill. He had some fair places on soft in novice hurdles and a bit of rain might not do any harm.
    YACHVILI proved an ordinary sort over hurdles. He was blinkered on his chase debut here, not a particularly good sign, and he was feeling the pinch four out.
    DREAM ALONG had little chance on previous evidence. He went OK in front to the seventh but whacked that one and quickly gave way.

    *** Yachvili was brought into the parade ring after the remainder had departed for the start. Did we get an explanation? We did not! ***

    3.05 2m 4f 0-90 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

    A very ordinary contest with very little solid form to latch on to.

    Paddock watchers were treated to the long and short of the game. CINAMAN is not much more than pony-sized whereas LIZ’S DREAM is huge and must be well in advance of 18 hands. I suspect there was at least a foot difference between them, and perhaps even more. In the event Cinaman showed more fizz, though in the wrong direction since he ditched Graham Lee as the field charged the tape and then did a 2/3rds circuit back to the stands. Some discipline was then administered by his stable lass to call him to book. Liz’s Dream meanwhile is basically a slow old boat, not often seen on the racecourse and tongue-tied as well. He lumbered into sixth place.

    DUNBRODY HOUSE showed up well in a couple of bumpers early in the summer. On his handicap debut this poor company was easy enough for him to cope with. In the front rank two out he forged ahead on the run-in. He will have to take his form up a notch or two to cope with a rise in the ratings.
    TANTOBIE showed his first promise when running fourth at Kelso on Sunday, and advanced on that staying on for second in this contest. It’s taken a while for the penny to drop, and he’s hardly overloaded with talent, but at least he is progressing at this level.
    SEA VENTURE never got near to the leader but stayed on from two out, snatching third close home. He has been rated around 100 so it’s to his advantage to be eligible for this 0-90 company.
    PUGNACITY led the way up the hill but ran out of puff after the last. The contest she won at Sedgefield was even more dire than this.
    ON MY TERMS struggled from two out and seemed to find the final hill a step too far.

    3.40 2m 0-125 Handicap Chase

    My betting plans were blown out of the water in this one when Camden George and Glingerbank were pulled out.

    The key here lay with the pace and SOME TOUCH got a soft lead. I had expected him to be taken on by Go Silver Bullet, but that one was never asked to pressure the leader seriously. Denis O’Regan made it a hat-trick for the connections as Some Touch made all to win with a bit in hand. His jumping can be a bit iffy if he is pressured but he wasn’t troubled here. I think he will struggle off a higher mark.
    I wouldn’t expect this course to bring out the best in NUDGE AND NURDLE but he put up a respectable performance in second, though I wouldn’t have backed him with buttons at 6/4. However, this run was good enough to suggest he hasn’t finished winning yet if appearing at a less exacting venue.
    HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY ran his normal sound race, keeping on after the winner if never getting to grips with him. He’s desperately hard to win with, his only win came when scraping home in a Catterick maiden chase, but regularly picks up place money so keeps himself in oats.
    I don’t think this course will bring the best out of GO SILVER BULLET. He was as fit as could be here, but was feeling the pinch at the bottom of the hill. He did keep on well enough to take fourth though I think he’s better being able to dictate round a sharper track.
    PORTAVADIE ran respectably on return to chasing. Tat being said, he didn’t threaten to get involved in the finish and needs easing in the handicap at both disciplines.
    DIVINE GIFT looked well enough on his return but didn’t make an impact.
    LE ROI ROUGE’s best form is with cut in the ground, with three wins on heavy and two on French ‘very soft’, so might be excused this run. Keep him in mind when the rains arrive.
    SOUBRIQUET raced well to two out but then gave way. He hasn’t made a mark in handicap hurdles and chases off a level of around 120 and some easing looks required.

    4.15 2m 1f 0-110 Handicap Hurdle

    This was a better contest than the earlier novices’ handicap but once again the form lines were not laden with positives.

    BENMADIGAN was noted picking up from the back late on at Perth over three furlongs further last time. It seemed the slog up the hill here outweighed the drop in distance as this was his first try over the trip since his hurdling debut. He challenged going to the last and forged ahead of four close chasers.
    WENSLEYDALE WEB proved there is ‘life outside Cartmel’, rallying well up the rail on the run-in though arriving too late to trouble the winner.
    ROOT CAUSE ran up to form but couldn’t make inroads from the last. This was a decent first effort for Donald McCain following arrival from Ireland.
    SEA COVE was moved up in class under a penalty but put in a fine effort, just being raced out of it in the last 100 yards. She will presumably be moved to around the mark of 96 that she ran off here but might not be held just yet if carefully placed.
    CHIP N PIN had every chance at the last but got the worst of the argument from that point though not going down without an effort. Tim Easterby might coax a handicap out of this one eventually.
    BORDER FOX charged off like a lunatic out in front and was knackered when headed after two out. KNIGHT VALLIANT looked interesting when winning a maiden at Musselburgh a couple of years back, but he was well in arrears on his debut for Barbara Butterworth. WALDO WINCHESTER continued a desperate run of form when dipping out through the wing at the fourth.

    4.50 3m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Chase

    This race was diminished in numbers by four defectors. Four well known ‘locals’ took on raiders from Wales and Gloucestershire.
    Peter Bowen’s Haverfordwest yard provided a very comfortable winner in RIPALONG LAD who came clear of his field over the last three fences. He an erratic maiden in points but seems to going the right way now and his chase record reads 2 wins from 3 attempts. His jumping was basically sound and this evidence suggests he may be a good deal better than the 100 mark he ran off.
    NATIVE CITY let himself down with some slipshod jumping but McCoy kept him going late on to take second. He hit the last but the maestro rousted him enough to pip Nelliedonethat for the consolation prize.
    NELLIEDONETHAT performed well in this class and looks refreshed following a break. If he reproduces this form he should pick up another race in a lesser class.
    GETINBYBUTONLYJUST often gets found out for speed unless it’s a real stamina test and was feeling the pinch from two out.
    CATCH THE PERK was never going with any ease and was held from the bottom of the hill. He’s fine when in the mood but I’m not sure he appreciates this track these days.
    SAM CRUISE has two speeds, ‘Very Fast’ and ‘Stop’, and his jumping is enthusiastic but often hairy. His fast gear was engaged until as he tired he hit four out at which point ‘Stop’ was selected by default and he was allowed to coast to the finish. He has plenty of ability and is capable of winning in this class but his tearaway tendencies make things so difficult. He’ll probably pop again sometime but his backers have to be possessed of a thick skin!

    5.25 2m 1f NH Flat

    They went a pretty decent pace in this race and a handful came clear, so I suspect the form can be taken forward with trust.
    LAST OF THE BUNCH had a couple of moderate runs to show from earlier in the year. Presumably the summer has served this one well at a key point in development for a potential young jumper. She raced up with the pace, took over one and a half furlongs out and ran on well to the line, hanging a little toward the rail but having a bit to spare. Given that the second and third looked ready to do themselves at least some justice then I think the form will prove sound.
    SOUTH LEINSTER looked the pick of the paddock, a very nicely made sort though probably having just a bit still to work on. He pulled hard early on, took over after five furlongs then kicked on up the hill. He didn’t have enough to repel the winner and was possibly slightly intimidated as that one hung across him. He was however second on merit. A good debut and this one should win a race.
    GLINGERMILL, from the family of a couple of winning hurdlers, has been given a bit of time and will come into his own over jumps. He didn’t quite get to the first two but showed a decent attitude.
    Debutants CHIEF BUCANEER(4th) and DONTGIVEAMONKEYS(5th) showed enough to give hope for the future.
    PLAYINGTHEFIELD, placed in a point, was a solid 7/1 in the market but would seem more of a long term prospect for jumping.
    GLACED OVER showed some promise at Perth but tried to dip out at the exit gate by the stands and was pulled up.

    My thanks to Paul Ostermeyer for being my guide to Carlisle. Paul does regular updates from on course at selected meetings on his excellent website http://www.ors-racing.co.uk and I’m sure punters will find his news very useful. He has reviewed all of the course in the UK and a number in Ireland, and has written some thought provoking articles.

    I find Carlisle a ‘fair to middling’ venue. The course is easy enough to access off the M6 and parking is across the road from the stands, though crossing the road is not a lot of fun after racing. The course really needs a policeman directing traffic on the main road to ease congestion coming out of the main car park.
    Viewing is OK but by no means perfect. I couldn’t find a position from which all of the course could be seen and viewing of the third last fence and the dip is not good. The big screen has to be used at some point. There’s open terracing in front of the main stand but arguably a slightly better view from the back of the Tote Stand just past the winning post, though the view of the finish is almost straight on. The view from the roof of the weighing room isn’t bad, but it’s open and the finish is completely head on. Being in quite a lofty location it’s plenty breezy enough.
    There’s plenty of viewing around the combined parade ring and unsaddling enclosure, access from the Tote Stand being very convenient and there is decent access to the pre-parade ring beyond.
    Food and drink prices are not too bad, though £3 for a steak pie that I would pay no more than £1.50 for at my local non-league football grounds is over the top. Add to that, the pies at Crossgates Primrose* are far superior……, even if the football isn’t great! On the contrary the B.L.T. baguette here for £2.70 was excellent. Coffee for £1 varied from one drink to the next.
    As so many competitors here venture into Scotland I keep a close eye on the racing, but I suspect it’ll probably be an occasional track rather than a regular.

    *For those interested, the best football pies I have come across in Scotland are at Crossgates Primrose, Brechin Victoria and Eyemouth United. None of them well supported but the faithful few are well fed! On the senior side the steak bridies at Dunfermline Athletic take some beating, although the team have been below Par(s) lately, and Kilmarnock’s pies are legendary.

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    HEXHAM – Saturday October 10th

    Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

    Some overnight rain didn’t do too much to change the state of the ground which remained just on the fast side. The second fence on the far side was omitted in each race.

    2.10 2m ½f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

    Scottish Champion Hurdler NOBLE ALAN had only to jump competently to take this race assuming the first two maintained hurdle form. That turned out to be the case as he moved up to the leader on the climb to the straight and went clear with a minimum of fuss. He jumped well on chasing debut and has much more in the tank.
    KNOCKAVILLA was outpointed comfortably by the winner. His rider attempted to take the race by the scruff of the neck three out, but he couldn’t answer against a more talented opponent. On what we know of him he ran to form and should pick up a similar event or novice contest.
    DESCRIPTION filled third spot well clear of the remainder. He certainly tried hard enough and only gave way up the hill. This was way in advance of his previous chasing efforts and seems likely that a chasing mark of 107 could be exploited in handicaps. He looks good enough to pick up a run-of-the-mill non-handicap novice along the way if connections wish to go that way.
    THE PANAMA KID and BELOW THE DECK were left behind from two out but both had a tough task in this company on previous chase form.
    LINDSEYFIELD LODGE was feeling the pinch a long way out.
    FLY TO DUBAI set the pace but was headed going to three out, weakened quickly and pulled up a fence later. He had some fair hurdle form in Ireland but has made little impact over fences.

    Off our patch admittedly, but GULLIBLE GORDON produced a faultless performance in the novice chase at Chepstow and looks a potentially decent staying novice chaser.

    3.15 2m 4½f 0-115 Handicap Chase

    Connections were mystified by the improvement in form shown by I’M YOUR MAN. Consistency wouldn’t be his strong point though he has run some decent races around here, admittedly with some dross chucked in for good measure. It could be that a return to Hexham after a few runs round Sedgefield may have sparked him. Anyway, he produced a decent performance to race up with the pace and still reserve enough to hold off a determined runner-up. Will he produce it next time? If you’ve any ideas they might be best sent to Evelyn Slack.
    SILLY WUPPLE won this race last year was only a whisker away from a repeat. He was always up with the pace and pressed the winner from three out, leading briefly on the flat before being hauled back. He managed another win after his victory here last year so may have a decent chance next time.
    CATEGORICAL places often but doesn’t win that much for one with some ability. He was held from two out though plugging on.
    FRED BOJANGALS faced tougher opposition here and didn’t help his cause by pulling hard early on and that problem cost him in the latter stages as he struggled once the runners ascended the hill.
    In customary style UPTOWN LAD picked off tired horses in the closing stages, but the leaders weren’t coming back to him. He was followed in similar fashion by MANOUBI who is the same age and just as frustrating.
    WELL OILED was outpaced three out. He had a fair run at Thurles on his record but otherwise his ‘chase form is uninspiring. A drop of a few pounds and an ease in class would help for starters.
    SPARKLING TAFF was prominent to the seventh but gradually faded from that point. He was returning after a 9 month break and needed a couple of runs to hit form last season.
    GUNS AND BUTTER, who is a good deal better than a distant ninth suggests, continued the poor run of the Dobbin stable while SOME MAGIC lost touch from the tenth and looks to have had his fill for now.

    5.00 3m 1f 0-90 Classified Chase

    This race was delayed as ambulances were ferrying injured jockeys from the previous for treatment. That aside there was some grave questions asked regarding Hexham’s treatment and disposal of euthanised horses on the day. Currently the course use a flat bed wagon and just cover dead horses with a tarpaulin. This doesn’t seem the most sensitive arrangement and Paul Ostermeyer brought up the matter with the course management. On a slightly more pleasing note, Course Manager Charles Enderby stated that improvements would be made at subsequent meetings.

    The chasing action finished with a low key classified chase with six plodders finishing close together at the finish.
    ONTHEGOAGAIN was prominent all the way. The ‘cavalry’ arrived in the straight ready to see him off but he showed more resolution that the others. The course seems to suit him and I’d be surprised if James Lambe didn’t have another shot at a race here.
    RECKLESS VENTURE has a very good record here, though his two wins have come over the extended 2m 4f. He had every chance but was outbattled on the run to the line.
    JBALLINGAL is improving run-by-run and got very close here. He was off the track for an age before last season but showed here he retains the ability that saw him win off near his current mark in 2006. He had every chance at the last but gave way in the final half furlong. Connections’ patience might be rewarded in a very weak race.
    SIERRA VICTOR plugged on for fourth, running by far his best race under Rules.
    PANTHERS RUN caught an idling ‘Fred’ here over a shorter distance last time. He ran to about the same level here but arrived a little too late to get his fizzog in the picture.
    THENAMEESCAPESME never quite got to the leaders and finished four lengths sixth. Evidence suggests he is better over shorter distances.
    NICKY TAM was left behind from two out and TREEHOUSE weakened after thumping the same fence. The latter won here last season, but that contest though heavy on numbers was light on committed talent.
    MRS BURKE was sending out distress signals when blundering at the twelfth and finished a remote last.
    BEN TIRRAN raced prominently before hitting three out and stopping very quickly. His jumping goes to pieces as he tires and may always plague him.
    OVER SIBERIA was struggling at the twelfth and pulled up before the last.

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