North’s notes

[robnorth]

David

Thanks for the note regarding Dancing Art. He did keep on nicely in the closing stages. The winner of this race, The Tracey Shuffle, looked pretty decent when winning with his head in his chest at Musselburgh, so that provides a pin to hold the form together. He was gradually pulling away at the end, and wasn’t stopping in the ground. Another positive is that the second, Rocks Rule, comes from a stable who are regularly in there and pitching in these events.

Rob

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Ayr – February 24th

Mark Hughes’s progressive SPECIAL PORTRAIT was a comfortable winner of the hunter chase. Word is that the gelding will now make the journey from his Cumbria stable to contest the Foxhunters’ Chase at Cheltenham. The five times pointer will find the task much tougher than this, but he’s on the upgrade and it will be fair pointer to future prospects. The Alexanders’ NOIR ET VERT ran an honest race in second place and there may be an easier opportunity.

Odds-on FLINTY BAY just held PROUD TIMES in the novices’ hurdle, part of a Nicky Richards treble, but the pair were well clear and the form looks solid.

Meanwhile at Huntingdon, James Ewart’s AIKMAN put the southerners to the sword at Huntingdon in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle. He was given a soft lead for the first half of the race, but found plenty when challenged by MINELLA CLASS. Aikman took a bit of time to warm up this season, but he’s starting to look a decent performer and Ewart’s charge to Cheltenham with a sound chance of breaking into the places in the 2m 5f novice event on the Wednesday.

Newcastle – February 26th

The ground was bottomless for this meeting and the Eider Chase finish was an unedifying sight. COMPANERO, one who I thought could win a decent race, showed bags of guts to make all and get home. However, he took the last from a walk, and was very tired by the line. He’ll take a long time to recover, as will the second GILES CROSS who, having tried to match the winner, virtually walked through the last. MORGAN BE had been pulled up before the last but, after having a pause for rest, was eventually pushed on to complete. Much as I like my staying chases I can’t see that many get benefit from this event.

Some might consider the equine hero of the day to be TYRONE HOUSE. Plugging on in second behind CHAMIREY in the staying novice chase, John Wade’s gelding decided enough was enough, refusing at the last and sending James Reveley over the fence.

THE TRACEY SHUFFLE won the bumper, forging clear in the final two furlongs. He’s entered in the Festival bumper, as is the second ROCKS RULE. Both will win more races once going jumping, but they will have to up their game a bit more if taking in the Cheltenham event.
More of interest is the third DANCING ART, noted as decent sort by my paddock spy David Cormack. He couldn’t hold the first two but wasn’t over punished once held and should win a bumper before advancing to jumping. There’s a nice mix of flat speed and staying power in his pedigree, and he could be in worse hands that those of Keith Reveley.

Kelso – Saturday March 5th

Going – Good to Soft

A healthy crowd of around 3,900 attended Kelso’s feature meeting of the National Hunt season. The weather was cloudy and rather on the chill side, but that made no difference to a decent day’s racing with Scotland taking the feature race.

2.00 2m 1f Bedmax Handicap Chase (0-115) for the Hamilton Memorial Trophy.

An event contested by generally exposed performers, but it provided a tight finish with three fighting out the race from ‘the elbow’.

The veteran POLAR GUNNER retains his enthusiasm and, having disputed from three out, stuck his neck out in determined fashion to hold his younger rivals. He boasts a tally of 12 wins from 40 runs over nine years. Given that he won’t be over punished for this win and that he’s real trier, it’s clear he could add to that list of victories.
BENE LAD raced prominently. He was rather caught for pace approaching the last but was gaining as the runners approached the line. He’s got a solid record in chases, still seems on a reasonable mark and goes particularly well at Kelso.
DUKE OF MALFI ran a sound race to finish third. He led briefly on the run-in, but couldn’t sustain the effort close home. This was a decent effort given that he’s probably better with a bit more cut.
SEEYAAJ got rather outpaced mid race but stayed on late without threatening the first three. He’s a good ground performer, seems in fair heart and will be one to watch in the spring.
GUNS AND BUTTER has suffered breathing problems and dropped away from four out.
TARTAN SNOW was in contention when clipping Bene Lad’s heels on the flat before the ninth fence.
SUPER BABY unseated at the second, taking off too soon and landing on top of the fence. To me he doesn’t look entirely comfortable in his hind quarters and I wonder if something might be ailing him. His brain is plenty sharp enough though as, leading the field riderless; he took the right course at the intersection after the open ditch. One clued up local!

2.30 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 3)

NINE STORIES jumped badly to the right early on. He started to warm to his task down the far side though and was driven out on the run-in. He showed ability over hurdles and should prove a fair recruit to the northern chasing ranks.
Dappled grey SIGNALMAN looked as if the race would be of benefit after a near two year lay-off. He was held up early, progressed into the contest after halfway and kept on from the home turn if held by the winner. There is better to come and it won’t be long before he wins a chase.
ALFIE FLITS jumped better than he did behind Premier Sagas here last time, but his limitations were exposed when outpaced going to two out. He kept on from the last.
HAZELDENE has the build to be a chaser, but his jumping here was not impressive. That being said he stayed in contention for quite a way and will do better if his fencing improves.
WIND SHUFFLE was consistently out jumped from halfway and was well beaten from two out.

3.05 2m ½f Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Six came well clear of the rest in this contest which looked a fair event.

POKFULHAM won a seller at Musselburgh, but he’s better than that suggests having twice been runner-up in handicaps since. He’s a determined sort and stayed on under driving to secure the race in the final furlong. He should remain competitive in handicaps even off a raised mark of 115.
PROUD TIMES challenged the4 leader up the run-in but couldn’t get his head in front. He did nothing wrong and will surely win a hurdle. A step up in trip wouldn’t do any harm.
Four-year-old PATTERNING raced prominently, led from three out to the last and only gave way in the final furlong. He ahs time on his side and this was a creditable effort.
FREDDIE BROWN once again impressed me on looks. Unfortunately he is proving headstrong, very fidgety in the paddock and pulling hard in behind the leaders. He was outpaced in the straight though keeping on for fourth. I fancy he’ll need a longer trip in time, but he does need to settle better.
THESCOTTISHSOLDIER raced up with the pace but was held form two out. He’s indicated can compete and a mark of 88 suggests he would be best aimed at low level novice handicaps.
BATTLE HONOUR led until headed before two out. He’s been given a mark of 102 in handicaps, not nearly as well treated as TheScottishSoldier.

3.40 2m 6½f totesport.com Premier Chase (Class 2)

This event has proved a decent addition to this card, having been won by the useful Money Trix and Sa Suffit since its inception. The course executive must have been pleased with the small but select field that turned out for this renewal. A couple of reports from usually reliable sources suggested that the last fence was omitted. This wasn’t the case suggesting either that the reporters were unfamiliar with the course, or that they reported from their armchair, or a combination of both!

SKIPPERS BRIG looked aimed for this event. Nicky Richards has specifically targeted races at Kelso before and his charge looked spot on after a light campaign. The race turned into a sprint from the home turn, Skippers Brig passing Ballabriggs in the final furlong. He’s aimed at the National but doesn’t look an out-and-out staying type to me.
BALLABRIGGS in well fancied for the National, being quoted amongst the favourites at present. However, a strong run 3m-3m 2f looks more his cup of tea than an all out staying contest. He jumped well in main until walking through two out. A tough sort he remained at the head of affairs, kicking on after the last only to be denied past the elbow.
CHIEF DAN GEORGE made a couple of slow jumps and was feeling the pinch at the last. He kept on for third, this race having brought him a bit on in preparation for an attempt at repeating last year’s Cheltenham win.
WATCH MY BACK was pushed into contention approaching the last but held on the run-in. The race will definitely help bring him on. His mark has now dropped by 5lbs and it is worth noting that his wins have come around 2m 4f.
Rated 69lbs worse than anything else in the race, Jean McGregor’s WATERSKI pootled round in his own time to earn travel expenses and a few days’ grub.

4.15 2m 2f totesport Premier Kelso Hurdle Race (Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle)

This was as competitive novice event as there ahs been in the north this season. It featured nine hurdles winners, though ironically the winner had only won a bumper before.

Given time to mature, BOLD SIR BRIAN stepped up significantly on his previous hurdling effort, though supported by a few at decent odds. Held up early, he closed to three out and asserted impressively on the run-in. He’s not entered at Cheltenham but likely to be aimed at an Aintree novice event. He goes there as a progressive type who could surprise a few. Whatever happens in the short term, he has the makings of a chaser in future.
DESERT CRY, turned out looking in very decent condition, challenged at the last but was held in the final furlong. He’s another likely to be held back for Aintree.
WYSE HILL TEABAGS, a surprise winner at Musselburgh last time, proved that no fluke with a decent effort in third. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Jim Goldie targeted the Ayr Scottish National meeting with this one.
MOON INDIGO was once again put in his place by Wyse Hill Teabags. Previous Kelso winner BOGSIDE was held from two out, finishing just in front of PRICELESS ART who should progress with time.
Well fancied STORM BRIG was very disappointing and must surely have had a problem. He was never going and it was rather a surprise that Brian Harding persisted in the last mile. He’s much better than this run suggests.
VOSGES raced prominently early but dropped away three out. He was touted as a Cheltenham possible but a rest might now be on the cards before a tilt at Aintree or Ayr.

4.50 2m 6½f Royal Caledonian Hunt Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)

QOUTICA DE POYANS saw off his field with a bit to spare, making all and jumping well other than a howler at the seventh fence.
SCOTCH WARRIOR didn’t do much wrong in second chasing the winner for most of the race and keeping on if comfortably held.
ARDANACLANCY was outpaced four out but stayed on again in the closing stages to take third place. His Rules wins have been on good and good to firm, so he is one to watch out for as the ground dries out.
VIKING REBEL was best on Official ratings here but held in the straight.
SPELLCHECKER was walked round on the grass in the paddock. He struggled from the twelfth.
Veteran JOEUER D’ESTRUVAL made progress to get involved down the far side, but he gave the fourteenth fence a clout and struggled afterwards. He still retains some ability but needs a weak event if he is to win again.
THINK LUCKY and TWELVE PACES never got seriously involved. The latter has been capable on his day but is moody and seems regressive now.
I SEE A STAR’s rider Miss E Stead weighed in light and was suspended for three days. He was readily outpaced down the far side.
ELLANDSHE plodded round at his own slow pace, adding another completion to his collection.
DOC ROW looked outpaced and held when falling two out.
LAURA’S LIGHT raced in rear, getting well behind before pulling up approaching the last. He’s done nothing in recent times and seems a back number now.

5.25 2m 6½f The Voice Of Rugby Handicap Hurdle

This contest was run in memory of Bill McLaren and supported by The Bill McLaren Foundation which aims to raise money to promote rugby union, provide sporting opportunities for young people and to create an educative centre to include the Bill McLaren Archive.

GOLFER’S CROSSING is a sparely made sort who struggled in a couple of chases for Lucinda Russell. He performed adequately in a novice hurdle last time and was much more at home giving weight to inferiors in a moderate contest.
LEITH WALK picked off the field in the latter stages. She did the same when winning at Musselburgh last year and needs things to fall her way.
KINGS GUARD was checked over by the vet at the start. He made progress to three out but made no impression when ridden before the last.
EVERAARD made some progress form the rear to tow out but never got the leaders.
MOUFA TANGO made progress to the heels of the leaders before falling two out, rider Brian Harding suffering a broken arm in the process.

Sedgefield – Sunday February 6th

CLOUDY TOO comfortably saw off 117 rated EIGHTEEN CARAT and 11 rated MALIN BAY in the opening novices’ hurdle. Second and third look fair measures and the form looks reasonable. CLOUDY TOO is already a point winner and it would be a surprise if he didn’t notch further successes.
The remainder of the card was moderate in nature, the handicappers in particular a well exposed bunch. SAM LORD won the beginners’ chase but he’s been ungenuine in the past, and it’s not unreasonable to assume that the race fell his way. LIGHTENING ROD was eased into the race, perhaps cautious after his fall last time. He wasn’t overpressed in finishing second and might repay the kindness.

Newcastle – Tuesday February 8th

The ground was once again very testing at Gosforth Park, fields were small and the conditions must leave their mark on some of the competitors.
Willie Amos’s WILLIE HALL has progressed nicely at his own level. He just held off ROLECARR in the two mile handicap hurdle but might prove better than the bare form suggests.

Carlisle – Thursday February 10th

Another day of tough slogs in the mud, two fences and one hurdle being missed on each circuit.

BLAZING DIVA won the 3m 2f handicap chase and Sandy Thomson’s mare is in her element in such conditions. She’s entered for the ‘Hexham Four Miler’ in Cheltenham week and could follow up as this race didn’t seem to find the bottom of here. OVERLADY has been struggling, but fifth here was a better effort and she might now start to show up a bit better. She’s another holding the Hexham engagement.

I was pleased to see TEXAS HOLDEM rewarded with the win that a series of honest have deserved. He stayed on too well for ASCENDANT and DICKIE HENDERHOOP, the latter putting in an encouraging performance, in the Hands And Heels contest.

Karen McLintock does well in bumpers and here ROJO VIVO was comfortable winner of the closing contest, clearly suited by the stamina test.

News from Carlisle is that the new hurdles circuit, running inside the chase course, will be used for the first time in the autumn.

[robnorth]

Scottish stables played on the fringes at the Cheltenham Festival, though there were some fair performances and it’s good to see at least some significant presence.

Jim Goldie’s single runner, LA VECCHIA SCUOLA, couldn’t make an impact on her first hurdles outing for a good while. She kept on from two out but couldn’t get a blow in at the leaders.

James Ewart raced two on the Wednesday of the meeting. CAPTAIN AMERICO raced up front for three miles before dropping away in the National Hunt Chase. He didn’t see out the trip but has plenty of ability and can become a decent handicap chaser at shorter distances. AIKMAN put up a creditable performance in the 2m 5f Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle. He led until just before the straight and kept on battling away once headed, not being beaten too far in seventh. He will have a future as a chaser and his hurdling performances augur well.

Lucinda Russell’s THE STARBOARD ROW ran creditably on handicap bow in a competitive Fred Winter Hurdle. Meanwhile QUITO DE TRESOR put up arguably the best Scottish effort with a fine fifth behind Oiseau De Nuit in the Grand Annual chase. Having every chance before the last Quito Du Tresor just couldn’t raise his game any further. He’s still only seven and may have a bit of improvement left.

Sandy Forster’s STORYMAKER wasn’t disgraced in finishing tenth, staying on late, in conditions which wouldn’t have brought out the best in him.

Meanwhile Musselburgh can boast two Cheltenham winners who won their prep races. DIVERS landed the novices’ handicap chase having won the novice chase at Musselburgh’s Trials meeting, an event previously won by Kalahari King and Fiendish Flame. More surprising was the Foxhunters’ victory of Musselburgh Hunter Chase winner ZEMSKY. Although he won comfortably at Musselburgh he did seem up against it at Cheltenham. However, even allowing for Baby Run unseating two out, he was looking to have every chance and came home well clear of the remainder for Northern Ireland trainer, and Scottish circuit regular, Ian Ferguson.

If I may indulge a little I can mention my own Cheltenham victory. My propensity for selecting outsiders certainly helped in the The Racing Forum’s http://www.turfpix.com Cheltenham Big 4 Competition. With points scored according to price I was much indebted to Thousand Stars, Cross Kennon and What A Friend for their placed efforts in Cheltenham’s Big 4 feature races. Thanks to Tracy Roberts of Turfpix for her support of the competition.

At Hexham Nick Alexander’s SEEKING POWER came close to landing his target race, the four mile Black Grouse Handicap Chase. The race, run in testing going and over this stiff circuit, suits Seeking Power down to the ground. Unfortunately he found the enigmatic MATMATA DE TENDRON on one of his going days, closing on the run-in but not able to get his head in front. The pair were well clear of a partially revived PANAMA AT ONCE who will be better suited by drier ground.

KELSO – Monday March 21st

Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)
With the ground fast drying out we are starting to see a few spring horses coming to the fore. This was a decent card for a Monday with plenty of pointers to future contests.

The opening 2m 2f novices’ hurdle looked a fair contest and I suspect the form will work out. WYSE HILL TEABAGS franked the form of his third behind Bold Sir Brian here last time. Running prominently he was going well two out, went on at the last and was pushed out to come clear. He might be good enough to take a place in one of the novice races at Aintree.
QUEL ELITE continued his progressed, just wining the fight for the places. He’s shown promise on all three outings and is now qualified for handicaps.
FREDDIE BROWN still looks a bit headstrong but he had sufficient in hand to push all the way for second, having to settle for third place close home.
KAI BROON ran a sound enough race, running prominently but just held for the places on the run-in.

ROSSINI’S DANCER had a nice opportunity in the novices’ handicap chase and was ridden clear from the last. The second BORDER REIVER has ability but lacks a bit of oomph at the finish, while MAID IN MOSCOW was held from the last.
WINTER ALCHEMY had been bustled toward the rear at times and unseated after dragging his hindquarters through the open ditch away from the stands.
BLACKPOOL BILLY is looking uncooperative and refused at the third.
CHICAGO OUTFIT departed early as his saddle slipped and he was pulled up after two fences.

In the Class 4 two mile hurdle the leaders came back to the rest and it was those waited with who held sway. BYWELL BEAU set the pace, but he was done with at the last, while POKFULHAM race prominently until thumping two out and weakening. He’s better than this effort suggests.
KING MAK was held up in touch, taking over at the last and staying on. He pulled clear, but is exposed and won’t be done any favours in the weights after this.
LATIN CONNECTION progressed from the rear two out and kept on in vain pursuit on the flat. His Irish based trainer often raids this side of the Irish and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one pulled out at Perth next month.
COUNTY COLOURS led two out but he’s an awkward customer and was well held from the last.
COOL BARANCA’s rider lost his irons and had a wonky bridle form four out, but stayed in contention until lack of steering told as eh ran out at the last. He seemed willing enough under the circumstances and could find compensation.

The 2 miles 1 furlong handicap chase was a competitive event. TARTAN SNOW took some time to get the hangs of things over fences, and has not had the best of luck recently, but he impressed in winning this. He jumped tidily enough and stayed on well from the last. Allowing for his mishaps he ahs been running well and even at the age of 11 looks one to keep in mind in similar contests.
MY MOMENT led from the eighth until wandered on the run-in and headed. This was his best effort for some while and Henry Daly might be able to place him to win.
GRINGO kept on from the rear for second. He has dropped a couple of pounds despite a good autumn second to Noble Alan here. He has run well in the spring in recent years.
CARRIETAU, wearing a sheepskin noseband instead of his usual headgear, looks just held by the handicapper at the moment and was one paced in fourth. He has difficulty dominated in this grade but tried hard.
QUICUYO raced prominently until fading before the last.
HAZELDENE jumped better than last time but wasn’t good enough in this company.
BOB’S DREAM was easily brushed aside and is struggling at the moment, while HEAVENLY CHORUS was never going here.
In form RAYSROCK hit the sixth and unseated.

A bunch of exposed performers competed in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle. SENDALI burst through from the last to take this event but had to work for it and has nothing special to recommend him going forward. BERTIE MILAN performed to his best in second, but the proximity of the less than reliable LEITH WALK, LAWGIVER and CATLEEN doesn’t give the form a strong look.
GRANDAD BILL has not been at his best this season and never figured. EVERAARD, winner of a weak event at Musselburgh in February, faded tamely from two out.

The hunter chase was marred by the demise of popular performer ROBBERS GLEN who gave Val Jackson a crashing fall at the sixth fence. Despite efforts to save him he was put down and it was a sad way for as fine campaigner to exit.
QUOTICA DE POYANS added another Kelso success to his collection. He made a mistake at the fence in front of the stands but his fencing was generally sharp. He was too good for a game second from the last.
ARDNACLANCY was held up to give him a chance and closed to the last but could only offer one pace from there on in. He’s an honest sort and might pick up a hunter chase if he can avoid the winner.
HOT ‘N’ HOLY was outpaced from three out but plugged on into third. Rated 125 at best, he is on the downgrade but tried hard enough and earned some pocket money.
THUNDER HAWK did as well as could be expected in finishing fourth.
NORTHERN REVOQUE raced prominently until three out. Her best opportunities are in the pointing field.

Kelso bumpers normally throw up a noteworthy performance or two. Another useful performer has come off the Karen McLintock conveyor belt in the shape of NODFORM RICHARD. He was pushed clear in the final furlong and, out of a decent flat performer, has decent jumps form in his pedigree. Expect this one to progress from this.
PYJAMA GAME was well clear of the third and rallied once headed. This one has been second three times but should turn into a jumper and will surely win races.
FARM PIXIE came from well back to take third place. He’s taken time to learn but his last two runs augur well for one who is out of a half-sister to Grand National runner up Blue Charm. One to keep an eye on over jumps.
DOME RUN made headway to chase the leaders on the home bend but couldn’t challenge.
These were followed by two George Charlton horses. MONASHEE weakened into fifth having raced prominently while BALVERNIER came from well backed to fill sixth place. Charlton often has horses ready for bumpers but these two may need a little time.

[robnorth]

HEXHAM – Sunday March 27th

Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)

Normal instructions for Hexham are to wrap up warm, but the weather came up warm and sunny for the first spring meeting at High Yarridge. Many thanks to the ladies on the ‘passes entrance’ who helped arrange badges for two of us.

I made a quick re-acquaintance with the Hexham surroundings, confirming that if you want creature comforts this is not necessarily the place to be, but for an excellent view of racing there aren’t many better.

2.10 2m ½f SIS Novices’ Hurdle – Div 1 (Class 4)

The race favoured those running close to a moderate pace. Those coming form behind weren’t able to get into the contest and the first had been up there all the way.

Chunkily built FLINTY BAY was always going well. He didn’t help himself by making a mess of two out and stumbling, but forged clear up the straight.
BUNRATTY, a big gelding who doesn’t look one who will do anything too quickly, raced up with the pace and kept on once headed. I wouldn’t imagine he would want the ground much faster.
Sprinter URSUS kept on from midfield for third though well held. Paddy Aspell felt he didn’t settle early on so the third place looks creditable. His chances would seem at their best on sharp tracks with quick ground.
Irish challenger VIVALDI was disappointing, as were all of James Lambe’s runners on the day. He never got to the leaders and couldn’t make any impression under pressure. He’s better than this and wasn’t suited by the way the race was run.
Hurdles debutant TOWER made some late progress but there was no promise from the remainder of a moderate bunch.

2.40 2m ½f SIS Novices’ Hurdle – Div 2 (Class 4)

The stronger of the two divisions of this event and run 9 seconds quicker than the first heat.

Once again it paid to be prominent, the winner ATTAGLANCE leading from start to finish and pulling clear in the closing stages. He was outpaced over two miles at Bangor but the stiffer track here helped and a return to a longer distance as he own over 2m 3f at Market Rasen. He might be good enough to pick up another novice event under a double penalty.
BELOW THE DECK chased the leaders and kept on for second, but he’s a nine-year-old inconsistent maiden.
SENDIYM kept on from two out though never threatening. Post race Graham Lee expressed the opinion that he may have a questionable attitude.
IT’S A MANS WORLD came from a long way back to finish fourth despite making a hash of both three out and two out. A modest miler on the flat this does at least suggest he might be competitive in lowly company over hurdles.
James Lambe’s IMPERIAL BREEZE never got into the race. Howard Johnson trained HOBSON’S BAY faded up the hill and seems to be going the wrong way.

3.10 3m 1f Northern Racing Club Beginner’s Chase(Class 4)

This was an uncompetitive event, won by a gelding that has shown attitude problems in the past. Wearing the colours of popular veteran Mister McGoldrick, FINAL VETO battled well to win this having appeared held approaching the last. A fair chase debut but he’s not guaranteed to repeat the form.
SILENT CLICHÉ made most of the running but came under pressure on the flat and was caught close home. The impression was he may have idled, but on looking at him in the unsaddling area and listening to connections he appeared to have given it his best.
NICK THE SILVER, a hurdles winner in 2005, ran quite well for an unsuccessful pointer. He was outpaced from three out.
CITY OF DORAL added to the list of Lambe stable disappointments, left behind from three out.
QBUSTER looked tubby and couldn’t keep up in the final mile, while PAN PAN, well related but only an occasional visitor to the racetrack, lost touch at the thirteenth and was soon pulled up.

3.40 2m 4½f Roe Deer Handicap Hurdle (0-122)

A prize of £2927 for the ‘feature event’ on the card reflects how difficult it is to put up decent prize money these days. That being said, the low rewards didn’t stop a full house of runners on the day.
CHARINGWORTH has struggled a bit over fences of late, but showed he retains ability with a late rattle on the flat to take this event.
BOLLIN RUTH could be set to pick up a spring prize on the Scottish and Northern circuit. Racing handily, she took up the running two out and stayed on only to be denied in the final hundred yards.
TEXAS HOLDEM ran another excellent race to finish a close second. Having reached a handicap mark of 126 in 2006, he was off the track for a couple of long breaks but has been admirably consistent this term. He stayed on from two out but just couldn’t get to the first two.
TEENAGE IDOL, wearing light bandages in front, challenged from two out but couldn’t raise his game on the flat.
STICK TOGETHER ran respectable race back over hurdles after a two month rest. He was in the firing line approaching the last but then gave way.
GOLFER’S CROSSING, raise 11lbs and up in class, found the combination too much to overcome.

4.10 3m Red Fox N.H. Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Winning chaser EYRE SQUARE looked a cut above these in the paddock and proved as much on the course. Always going well, he came clear down the home straight to win with authority. He’s relatively lightly raced and there could just be a little improvement left.
Twice a course winner, MAJESTIC MAYHEM lost nothing in following home the winner under14lbs of penalties.
The unsaddling area owners’ love in that followed SADDLER’S SECRET’s third place suggests that connections weren’t setting their sights high. She plodded on through the field having been behind three out. Her achievement does at least suggest that, for some owners, prize money matters little compared with the thrill of getting into the first three.
LUA DE ITAPOAN chased the leaders three out but struggled in the straight and lost third on the flat. DRUM BUSTIBLE pulled up to end a dismal afternoon for James Lambe. Staying chaser BAY CHERRY showed little sign of a revival, weakening up the hill to finish in sixth place, while his stable mate SENOR ALCO stumbled and unseated at the fifth flight.

4.40 3m 1f Primary Websites Handicap Chase (0-115)

This was a competitive event for its level and went right down to the wire.

MORGAN BE finished a tired third in the Eider having been pulled up after two out, rested a while and then sent over the last to gain some prize money. He showed no ill effects, challenging two out and battling determinedly to hold the challenge of Lockstown on the flat. Assuming he doesn’t go up too much for this victory he would get into the Highland National at Perth in late April and would have a chance assuming the ground doesn’t get too fast.
LOCKSTOWN was disappointing at Carlisle but came right back to his best here. He was a bit outpaced no the downhill run to three out, but picked up nicely from that point and made the winner pull out the stops.
CAMDEN GEORGE is a frustrating sort who has ability but doesn’t win all that often. He had every chance at the last but couldn’t raise his game on the flat.
DAWN RIDE, never going in the Eider, made a bit of late headway to pick up fourth while AGHILL came from tailed off down the far side to stay on for fifth place.
OVERLADY was in with every chance until weakening quickly before the last. She probably needs softer going but hasn’t hit the heights of her 2009 form.
FIFTYFIVE DEGREES raced prominently until dropping away from two out. He’s been out of sorts this year.
IT’S A CLASSIC made the long trip from East Garston but struggled in the second half of the race was pulled up four out. He’s 11lbs higher than his last winning mark and struggled in this company.
COPPER’S GOLD went up 10lbs for winning a weak race last time and a mark of 109 makes life tough. He raced up with the pace until weakening quickly two out and pulled before the last.
BALLYMACDUFF ran no sort of race, SOTOVIK jumped sketchily and TEERIE EXPRESS made no impact from halfway, the trio being pulled up.

5.10 2m ½f Hexham For Tourists Maiden Open NH Flat – Div 1

I suspect this was the weaker of two bumper heats. BOSTON BOB, third on his previous bumper outing, looked very fit and was driven out for victory. This Irish pointer cost £150,000 which looks very steep, though he has scope about him to make into a chaser.
THIRTY DAYS OUT showed promise in a decent bumper at Kelso last time and stayed on well enough for second. Donald Whillans should place this one to advantage once going jumping.
BURGUNDY BEAU made a fair enough debut, racing prominently but one paced in the straight. He has enough about him to suggest Willie Amos can coax a race out of him in time.
James Ewart’s RIVERSIDE POPPET looks to need time and more of a stamina test. He was well behind four furlongs out but kept on to take fourth place.

5.10 2m ½f Hexham For Tourists Maiden Open NH Flat – Div 2

Karen Mclintock specialises in bumper horses and took her record to 12/52 in bumpers since 2007. BYGONES SOVEREIGN, benefitting from a couple of decent previous runs, was kicked on six furlongs and came clear down the straight for an impressive victory. Although McLintock will have focussed on a bumper win, this one is well enough related to have a decent future over hurdles.
VICTOR HEWGO was well held but stayed on from two out. He had the remainder well beaten off and should pick up a race.
HIDDEN HARMONY, bringing forward only moderate form from the pointing field, chased the leader in vain from four furlongs out. He did give a glimmer of encouragement for the future.
CAPITAL VENTURE was another James Ewart runner staying on late and will be better suited by a stamina test.
AHHDEHKEN, a nice jumping type, couldn’t match the principals from two out but has enough about him to make up into a chaser.
Best in the paddock was TUTCHEC. A fine big grey gelding, he still has a frame to fill into. He was well outpaced down the far side, but as a long term project he is worth keeping an eye on since there is plenty of encouragement in his breeding.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday April 23rd

There was plenty of racing in the area over the weekend, Carlisle running an all chase card and Musselburgh a two-day flat meeting. Nevertheless there was a decent attendance for Kelso’s sole evening meeting of the season. The chases suffered with small fields, but the hurdles events were plenty competitive.

After a dry week, rain set in just before 5 o’clock, continuing steadily until around 6.15, the going easing from an early Good to Firm to GOOD.

5.40 2m 6½f Border Facilities’ Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-125)

A disappointing turn out for what was opened as a 0-135 contest, but the reported fast ground, all chase card at Carlisle and jumps card at Haydock didn’t help.

FRANKIE ANSON jumped nicely and looked to have the contest in safe keeping appro0aching the last having kicked on three out. He started to labour on the uphill run-in allowing MONSIEUR JOURDAIN to overhaul him close to the post. FRANKIE ANSON is a winner at Cartmel and would be suited by a return to that sharp track.
There was some doubt as to whether or not the trip would suit MONSIEUR JOURDAIN, but he got home well enough. He might find things harder in a more competitive contest.
PILGRIMS LANE moved closer approaching three out, but he was soon outpaced and couldn’t match the first two from that point.
APPEAL DENIED, two stone out of the handicap, jumped poorly early on. He did clear the fences a bit better from halfway, but he was well detached from that point. Connections picked up £287 for the fourth place but he will struggle in anything but the lowest class.

6.15 2m ½f NSPCC School Service Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

This was weak event and many of these will struggle to get competitive in any company.

NELSON’S CHIEF was given a gem of front-running ride by Richie McGrath, stepping in for injured stable jockey Harry Haynes. Winding it up steadily from the fifth he stayed on determinedly from the last to hold a couple of challengers. The slightly quicker ground here might well have suited him.
One for the notebook is INOOGOO who stayed on well to take second, a performance with which connections were well pleased. He will come into his own over further and looks to be a chasing prospect.
FORTUNI performed better than on previous hurdles’ outings, though held in the final furlong. There’s always going to be a question mark about his stamina and I suspect he will need fast ground and a sharp track to be seen at his best.
AGRICULTURAL appeared to improve on previous efforts, keeping on for fourth with OH SO BEAUTIFUL just behind, stepping up a bit on last summer’s debut.

I might end up looking silly over this one, but one to keep in mind for a couple of years hence might be Bruce Mactaggart’s KING KALIUM. The five-year-old is a big, chasing type, who probably has bit of strengthening to do and is hardly likely to be seen at his best at two miles over hurdles. He only lasted a mile, so the jury could be near to a quick verdict, but patience might be rewarded.

Sue Bradburne’s BATTLE HONOUR showed a little promise in the winter, but seems regressive and was well behind in the last mile, being pulled up before the last.

6.45 2m 2f Arfurminute Bulldog Handicap Hurdle (0-112)

ROLECARR is in decent form and wore down the long time leader on the run-in. He shouldn’t be too heavily punished for this win and will remain competitive even if moved above the 115 mark.
BOW SCHOOL returned to his best blinkered for the first time. He led at a sensible pace but couldn’t shake off the in-form winner.
SHERIFF HALL has ability but has always been quirky. He looked held from the last, but his steering problems cropped up again as he hung left toward the far rail in the final furlong. He is on a mark he’s well capable of winning off, but backers have to take it on trust that he is putting it all in.
BARRON WATLASS stayed on late without ever threatening. There is a suggestion of a return to form though, and it’s worth noting that he goes well at Sedgefield.
Lightly race NISAAL kept on for fifth and might be of interest in a low grade novices’ handicap. He handled quick ground on the flat.
Well backed as he often has been, ALTAN KHAN faded from two out.

7.15 3m 1f totepool Handicap Chase (0-115)

Ideally ZITENKA needs a recent run to perform to his best. However, he was presented plenty fit enough here and saw off opposition who all have their own quirks. At his best he can match it with better company and will be worth an interest if appearing again in the next couple of weeks. Disputing or leading all the way, he pulled clear from the final turn.
MORE EQUITY kept on for second but n ever got the winner from three out.
Blinkers made no difference to the weak finish of GUNS AND BUTTER. He chased the leader from two out but weakened after the home turn.
COPPER’S GOLD needs things his own way, and wins when able to dominate inferiors, but was never given any leeway here.
RAINING HORSE didn’t jump fluently and lost touch after clouting the fourteenth. He was pulled up before two out and is struggling.

7.45 2m 6½f Pharmistice at 20 Handicap Hurdle (0-123)

Tracing prominently was the tactic that worked most of the evening, STOPPED OUT making most to take the staying handicap hurdle. A previous course and distance winner, and one who has arguably had excuses of late, he proved determined in front from the last and couldn’t be worn down.
PREMIER GRAND CRU, dropped from 131 when appearing in the Scottish County Hurdle to 120 here, put up his best performance since arriving from France. Looking as immaculate as everything that James Ewart ran at the meeting, he moved into contention three out and made the winner pull out all the stops. He looks likely to win before long.
SENDALI raced close to the pace and challenged at the last. He couldn’t quite keep up the effort close home but remains in good form and will meet less determined opponents.
POLITICAL PADDY kept on into fourth but, like so many of Rayson Nixon’s runners in recent times, couldn’t make sufficient mark at the business end.
Notable under performers here were FLYING DOCTOR, on a losing run and tailed off by the eighth, and novice winner WHISPERING DEATH who ran no sort of race and was pulled up before two out. THE SHY MAN was also below form and hasn’t firing since a win at Aintree in October.

8.15 2m ½f Radio Borders Cash For Kids Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Kelso closed the 2010-2011 season with a close fought bumper, though it does seem ridiculous that Plumpton started next season less than 18 hours later! Can’t we just have a bit of a break?

This wouldn’t rate as the strongest bumper run at Kelso this season, but the front two were clear and have plenty to like about them. The third has run well enough previously to underpin the form.

CAPITAL VENTURE led or disputed all the way and Nathan Moscrop wound up the pace down the far side. That was enough to have a few hard a work some way out. Typical of a Ewart inmate, Capital Venture kept finding a bit down the straight and held a promising newcomer in a bobbing finish. He will now go jumping and is likely to improve for a longer distance.
SIMPLY NED looks a nice sort and showed plenty on the track, joining issue with the leader three out and pushing him all the way to the line, probably leading inside the final furlong. Nicky Richards should place this one to advantage with a run behind him.
THIRTY DAYS OUT ran a fair second at Hexham and wasn’t disgraced here though couldn’t match the first two from three furlongs out. She will have opportunities if taking to hurdles.
VENITZIA looks a chasing type, so I suspect anything he does in these events will prove a bonus. He raced in touch but was held in the straight.
Out of a winning three mile hurdler, KINDER SCOUT wasn’t disgraced in fifth and has enough about her to suggest she will progress.
One or two such as RHYMERS HA’, a one paced seventh, and JOHN CRABBIES, a fairly backward jumping type, well beaten, will need time.

[robnorth]

PERTH FESTIVAL 2011

This year’s festival, taking place a little later than normal due to a late Easter, was blessed with sunny skies and excellent crowds, culminating in 8,000 present for the last day which coincided with the Royal Wedding holiday. The watered ground was just what connections had been crying out for following a period of fast ground and small fields. The management must be thankful that the River Tay runs close by allowing a plentiful supply of irrigation water, the river taking ‘first pick’ before the city supply intake a little further downstream.

A quirk of timing meant that there were a plethora of Intermediate contests. Since this was effectively ‘last season’s meeting’ as it were, those races previously novice events would have been diminished in quality as many would be rendered ineligible. A tweak of race conditions allowed 2010-11 qualified novices to take their place.

Job commitments meant I was only able to take in the Friday card in person, but I kept an eye on the rest of the meeting courtesy of AtTheRaces.

Wednesday 27th April

Going – Good

2.10 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Maiden Hurdle (Division 1) (Class 4)

Nigel Twiston-Davies, often prominent in Perth trainers’ tables, wasted no time in getting off the mark with hurdles newcomer WHAT A WARRIOR. This wasn’t a strong contest, but he put his main rivals away with the minimum of fuss and should have no trouble seeing off novice company under a penalty.
FIDDLERS REEL, a dual point winner, returned after a long break to run a promising second. Racing a bit keenly early on he had enough left to hold on for second. He should pick up a race somewhere along the line, possibly when stepped up to chasing.
Fife-trained PAPAMOA had shown promise previously and wasn’t disgraced in third. Another returning from a break, he was in touch with the leaders two out and kept on into third. A stamina test should suit and he would prove interesting once qualified for handicaps.
PYJAMA GAME had run some promising races in defeat in bumpers. He was perhaps a shade disappointing in fourth, but has some speed and should build on the experience.
MASTER ACT wasn’t disgraced in fifth on hurdles debut, in the firing line two out before fading. He’s a long term project and is worth keeping and eye on.

2.45 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Maiden Hurdle (Division 2) (Class 4)

SIVOLA DE SIVOLA looked to have the edge on previous form and prove that so, pulling clear on the run-in. He’s been highly tried but this was more his level and he should build on the win if campaigned sensibly.
LORD REDSGIRTH challenged approaching the last but was held. He has ability and Gordon Elliott will presumably bring him back to Perth and place him to advantage.
FOUR FIDDLERS performed similarly to stablemate Papamoa in running third. He might always run into one or two too good in non-handicaps, but will benefit once qualified for handicaps.
Long standing maiden RAIN STOPS PLAY flattered for a while before giving way, while BRAVE SPARTACUS kept on for fifth and might prove a chaser in the long term.

3.20 3m 110yds EBF Future Champions NH Intermediate Hurdle (Class 2)

BLENHEIM BROOK turned round Sandown form with Mic’s Delight. I thought connections were aiming a little high with that Sandown effort, but a convincing performance from this progressive gelding proved them right. He quickened clear before the last and, though idling, still had a bit to spare. This winning pointer goes forward as a prospect for staying handicaps next winter and then a novice chase career.
MIC’S DELIGHT made much of the running, but was held before the last. His previous races had been over stiff tracks and that was the difference here as he couldn’t match the winner from two out.
EIGHT IS MY NUMBER is a big strong sort whose future lies over fences. He was tapped for pace from the home bend, but he will leave this effort well behind over the bigger obstacles.
Locally trained WATERSKI was well outclassed but picked up prize money for turning up and completing.

3.55 2m Aberdeen Asset Management Intermediate Chase (Class 3)

A disappointing turn out here, but NINE STORIES has more than enough to hold a less than committed second. He stayed on well to make it 2 out of 2 in chases for the in-form Howard Johnson stable.
WIKAALA has plenty of ability, but doesn’t match it with will and was easily outbattled from the last. He wants a bigger field and the chance to be kidded home.
FIGHTSTAR jumped a bit awkwardly on his chasing debut and was held from three out. He wasn’t convincing over hurdles, needs to improve his fencing and to be aimed a little lower.
WIND SHUFFLE set the pace but disappointed once again, fading quickly from three out.

4.30 2m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Hurdle (0-132)

The tongue-tie had a negative effect on PLAN A last time and my research suggests it’s not the panacea it might be. The win rate for first time tongue-ties is a little over 6%, the problem being that the application suggests and inherent problem anyway. Divested of the ‘aid’, PLAN A notched up Gordon Elliott’s first winner of a very successful meeting, driven out to hold his main challenger. This wasn’t the strongest 0-135 contest and he’ll have tougher tasks if bumped up a few pounds for this.
EXOTIC MAN led briefly before the last but gave way to a better4 opponent on the run-in.
BOGSIDE was held approaching the last and seems better suited by the stiffer test presented at Kelso.
JEWELLED DAGGER came off best of the Jim Goldie pair, fading before the last but presumably coming on for the run, while TOSHI never got in a blow and remains below par.

5.05 3m Aberdeen Asset Managers Handicap Chase (0-132) – Scottish Memories Challenge Cup

This was contested by a well exposed bunch of chasers of which the handicapper has a fair measure. SHAKE THE BARLEY has run some fair races in recent times and notched up a second stable win on the afternoon. Racing in midfield he progressed to lead two out and stayed on under pressure form the last.
Lightly raced LOGAN’S RUN closed under pressure from the last but was too late to trouble the winner. He would have more prospect than the others here of progressing.
OR DE GRUGY ran better than he has done for a while. The Kelso specialist was outpaced going to two out, but stayed on again after last for third.
APPLEADAY won’t have been helped by a 5lb rise for a defeat at Ascot and was held from two out having set the pace to three out. He went well enough around this sharp track.
BROOKLYN BROWNIE kept on from two out though never threatening. He will presumably be aimed at The Perth Gold Cup in early June.
THIRD LEVEL TOM was going well approaching three out but found little, while SOUBRIQUET lost his place at the thirteenth and never got seriously involved.
ET MAINTENANT didn’t see out trip, YABORA was tailed off from four out and SCHINDLER’S MAZE pulled up, unable to make a mark from out of the handicap.

5.35 3m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle (0-105)

OSCAR’S BALLAD built on the promise of his third at Down Royal, challenging before the last and running on well. The leaders went a strong gallop and Jamie Codd picked off his rivals in the last mile. Gordon Elliott has a knack of getting improvement out of his handicappers and a follow up is possible.
BANOGE kept on for second but isn’t especially reliable, though he takes credit for sticking at the job having raced up with a strong pace.
Maiden BELOW THE DECK ran creditably to fill third, while DELIGHTFULLY stayed on late for fourth and really needs a stiff finish to stop the others.

Thursday April 28th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)

2.20 2m 110yds Free Race Replays On attheraces.com Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)

Progressive filly SOUNDS OF THUNDER provided Gordon Elliott’s third winner of the meeting, pulling clear after two out. She’s a progressive sort, seeing off three other previous winners, and was following up a Tramore maiden win.
RUMBLE OF THUNDER ran well enough in second given that the sharp track wouldn’t have played to his strengths. He was one paced from two out but held second under pressure and will benefit from a greater test of stamina.
BOW BADGER was held from two out not far in front of the exposed TOLEDO GOLD who’s more of a low grade handicapper. The rest were well seen off.
Favourite RENARD D’IRLANDE was beaten two out and quickly pulled up after the flight.

2.50 3m Bill And Bunny Cadogan Memorial Intermediate Handicap Chase (0-121)

COLUMBUS SECRET is a striking big strong gelding who has progressed quietly through the winter. This looked a step up on his Southwell win and the race was in safe keeping from two out. His jumping isn’t foot perfect but providing it is sharpened he can mix it with better rivals.
SOTOVIK ran as well as he has fro some time, but his jumping was sloppy and a win doesn’t look imminent.
POSH BIRD was held from tow out. She did better over half a mile further at Downpatrick with some cut and such conditions might slow the others down for her.
ROSSINI’S DANCER was well off his game on a hat-trick bid while THE PADDY PREMIUM was beaten four out on his first run for the Alexander yard.
Three were pulled up. CAYO LAVENTADO was never going with great fluency, PLATIN GROUNDS never took much interest and FLYING SQUAD was never going. The latter’s trainer, Milton Harris, has been declared not a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a licence, which doesn’t inspire, though he continues on a temporary licence until an appeal is heard.

3.20 3m 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (0-114)

The fact that this race was won by a 10-year-old maiden doesn’t provide much encouragement for those beaten. Gordon Elliott once again proved his talent at producing improvement where others can’t was proven by WESTERN BOUND, providing a fourth win of the meeting for the County Meath yard.
VALLANI stayed on for second and has performed creditably in recent times.
The remainder look an eminently beatable bunch, though the sixth to finish, CROP WALKER will not have been seen to his best round this sharp track. Kate Walton might still eke out a win at a stiffer track.

3.50 2m 4f 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase (for the Kilmany Cup) (0-138)

The Kilmany Cup has had various re-inventions in recent years. It’s been a three mile conditions chase in recent years, but reverted to a handicap this year, a more competitive field resulting.
DOOR BOY has been aimed at decent handicaps in recent months but has been found wanting. He’s useful on his day, better than the 126 mark he ran off here, and stays three miles so there should be further opportunities.
Progressive ROUDOUDOU VILLE is on to keep on the right side. The six-year-old stayed on to take second place and is going the right way.
PREMIER DANE stayed on to take third place. He’s put up two decent efforts since returning to chasing and would be of interest if dropped in class. His mark of 118 allows a bit of room for manoeuvre.
STORYMAKER kept on for fourth but couldn’t threaten the leaders. He’s been highly tried recently, and was by no means disgraced when finishing midfield at Cheltenham, but would be suited by some cut in the ground.
One or two back in the field may have had one race too many for now, notably SAFARI ADVENTURES who faded quickly after leading to the eleventh. SONGE looks high in weights and laboured for most of the way.

4.20 3m 2f 110yds Weatherbys Bank Champion Stayers Hunters’ Chase (Perth Hunt Cup)

The Alexanders were well represented in the training and riding stakes in what is their local hunter championship. Kit Alexander rode a fine race to win on COMMERCIAL EXPRESS trained by Lucy Alexander. Brought into contention four out, Commercial Express was squeezed up at the last, but switched right he produced a burst to catch the two horses in front of him in the final 100 yards. The family have a good grounding in the pointing field and the stable is making progress on the Rules front, this result added to two places on the first day of this meeting getting their 2011-12 season off to a sound start.
SIR BATHWICK jumped well in front and still looked most likely at the last. He was ridden after the last but had no time to respond once headed.
SCOTCH WARRIOR had every chance at the last but was run out of it close home.
NOIR ET VERT was beaten three out while GLACIAL RAMBLER ran a bit better than of late before giving way in the straight.

4.50 2m 4f 110yds PJO Industrial Handicap Hurdle (0-129)

Gordon Elliott closed an excellent day with a 1-2 in the closing handicap hurdle. MARTIN SCRUFF held off the challenge of stablemate HEARTHSTEAD DREAM on the run-in. In this form neither seem harshly handicapped and it’s worth keeping an eye out for further raids here or at Ffos Las.
Sadly WASHINGTON IRVING collapsed and died after finishing third. He never quiet fulfilled his promise over hurdles and the suspicion was that something was hurting him at the business end of races.
SOUTH O’ THE BORDER, one who goes well here, was held approaching the last. He doesn’t look especially well treated at the moment.

Friday April 29th

Going – Good

A bumper crowd pitched up in glorious sunshine for the final day of the Festival. This does bring it’s problems though, with big queues for everything and decent viewing positions difficult to be had on the Grandstand side. As the afternoon went on the crunching sound of trodden on plastic glasses could be heard regularly, and more than one punter got covered in split beer. A few in the crowd had had too much to drink far too early in the proceedings and their behaviour was boorish.

I took myself off to more quiet locations down by the last hurdle and last fence, the latter in particular a calm spot to follow the races. It’s out of earshot of the commentary, but with binoculars and a memory for colours I can follow the action well enough.

2.20 2m 110yds Scot Ads National Hunt Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

Meeting winner number six for Gordon Elliott came via DEFINITE ALL STAR who was probably going best when left clear at the last. It’s been hard work getting a win out of this seven-year-old but he’s a nice sort with a fair amount of ability. He has enough about him to score again.
THE COCKNEY MACKEM challenged from two out but seemed to be going less well than the winner when falling at the last. He has shown enough to suggest that a small race is his for the taking.
Add REAPING THE REWARD to the notebook for an excellent second place coming off a two year lay-off. He wasn’t hurried, held up at the rear, but made significant progress three out and stayed on up the straight. This tall, leggy gelding has presumably been difficult to keep fit, but he seems to have a decent engine and Andrew Parker should be able to place him to win.
MAR OCEAN threatened two out but couldn’t raise his game from that point. Patrick Griffin will presumably bring him back to the Scotland on the north soon.
DIZZY RIVER kept on for fourth. He’s now qualified for handicaps which will help him.
Tom George’s COOLBEG ran prominently for some way, but looks more of a chasing type.

2.50 2m 4f 110yds Book Mijas Villa on 01241 879662 Intermediate Handicap Hurdle (0-115)

POKFULHAM has run a succession of decent races through winter and spring. He’s proved a good deal better than the class of the seller he won at Musselburgh, and came clear readily. He will go up for this win, but Jim Goldie apparently intends to keep him on the go through the summer and he might be good enough to add another win.
COUER DE FOU, who has been given time between races, chased the leaders to the last and kept on under pressure.
Make a note of ANAY CAR who finished third. Although he wouldn’t have won, he was stopped in his tracks when distracted by a plastic bag approaching the last flight. He hit the hurdle and couldn’t recover, losing second in the process, but he proved that his Newcastle fall hasn’t troubled him. Anay Car has ability and Howard Johnson should find a small handicap for him.
ROYAL AND ANCIENT and LATIN CONNECTION followed close behind but both are eminently beatable.
SOLE WITNESS led until two out, falling at the last when beaten. He sideswiped MR NOBODY as he got to his feet, but the latter was doing no more than passing beaten rivals at the time. Wilson Renwick did well to avoid the hooves as he rolled clear of Sole Witness.

3.25 2m 4f 110yds Lonmar Global Risks Intermediate Handicap Chase (0-123)

With four from the previous day declining to turn out again, using that irritating facility of ‘self certification’, and one other defecting, we were left with five runners. While it would not be fair to point at those involved here, self certification is a licence for connections to take the mickey out of those who support the sport through the betting market. Either you run or you provide a proper reason for withdrawal, and if you don’t intend to run two days in a row then don’t enter as such. Off-course punters, who, it should be remembered, contribute significantly to the sport, have no chance when half the runners defect.
One final point is that it’s about time the crowd were informed as to why horses have been declared non-runners. The only course I can remember reasons being given was Wolverhampton. It would make a change from “the trainer states that xxxxx will not run”, which authorities seem to think sufficient.

Back to the action and PEACHEY MOMENT won this under a fine ride by Graham Lee. Jumping well all the way round the winner came to the last swinging on the bridle, pinged the fence and came clear with a minimum of fuss. There’s much more in the tank here and I’d be amazed if the winner doesn’t score again.
The winner’s rider had to point out another plastic bag lying on the course while inspecting the last fence before the start. The groundstaff should perhaps be a bit more wary of such hazards.
COTTAGE ACRE jumped well enough in front but found the winner too good from the last.
STOLEN LIGHT was held by better opponents. He will find softer events than this around the likes of Sedgefield and Cartmel.
CATCH BOB fell early on and sustained a fatal injury. The vet was on hand to sedate him, but the screens took an age to appear and the remaining runners were going pass before they were put up.
THE COCKNEY SQUIRE was left behind down the far side and pulled up before four out.

4.00 2m Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase(0-129)

I would guess that most must have got a hint of who was the main sponsor of the festival by this point!

REGENT’S SECRET has not always been the easiest character to ride, but his record around Perth is excellent and now stands at 5 wins from 9 races. Whereas he has to be held up at some tracks he regularly runs with the pace at Perth. Racing keenly but always handy, he came to challenge on the flat and led close home. He’s not overburdened on the 103 he ran off here and might still be placed to add to his Perth collection.
QUITO DU TRESOR, a decent fifth at Cheltenham and not disgraced at Ayr, led jumping well. A particularly good leap four out gained a couple of lengths, but he couldn’t resist the winner’s challenge in the shadow of the post. The track and conditions suit.
GRINGO raced at the back and was never comfortable. He passed two late on but never threatened and that’s been a theme of his recent runs.
FRED BOJANGALS has not been at his best of late and was held from the home turn as was PROFESSOR HIGGINS.

4.35 3m 7f Press & Journal Highland National Handicap Chase (0-118) for the Julian Llewellyn Palmer Memorial Trophy

This event didn’t boast the numbers of previous years but provided an excellent contest with the closest finish of the three days.

PETITE MARGOT hasn’t always been the easiest ride and often requires stoking up from early on. On this occasion she applied herself from the start, always making sure she was at the head of affairs. As Bally Wall came to challenge at the last she stuck her head down, produced a fluent leap and battled determinedly to the line. The race fell to her on the nod but on the day she was a worthy winner.
Shortly to visit Kayf Tara, I’ll look forward to seeing how her son or daughter performs on the track. If ever there was mating designed to produce a stayer, it must be this one.
BALLY WALL did nothing wrong. Raced in midfield, Keith Donoghue brought him to challenge going well at the last. He looked the likely winner, but the leader found just enough to hold on. Bally Wall looks a type to fight out the finish of similar staying contests.
KEENAN’S FUTURE progressed through the field in the final mile, but seemed to lack the commitment of the first two.
BALLYCARRON LAD race up with or in touch with the pace for much of the way. He couldn’t keep up the effort once turned for home.
Second in this event in 2009, but pulled up in the mud last year, KELLS CASTLE has not been in the same form of late. He was another to race prominently but found wanting from three out.
LAMPION DU BOST didn’t see out the trip, weakening on the home turn.
SAMMY SPIDERMAN has proved me wrong by seeing out 3m 1f, but he found 3m 7f beyond him. He had a tough task from 7lbs wrong anyway.
SAPHIRE NIGHT raced in the rear and was outpaced down the far side for the last time, pulling up before three out.
DUKEOFCHESTERWOOD was another to race in rear. He was hampered when Mersey came down at the water, but in truth was never going well enough to get involved and pulled up before four out.
ITS TEESCOMPONENTS raced in similar fashion to recent outings. She went well up front for a long way but weakened quickly approaching three out and was soon pulled up.
Racing at the rear of the pack, MERSEY stumbled on landing over the water (fence 16) and fell.
CARSONSTOWN BOY, a winner here over hurdles in 2009, raced in midfield and was well held when coming down at the last. He’s not been able to match his hurdles form over fences.

That was story of this year’s renewal of one of my favourite races.

5.10 3m 3f Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-128)

There aren’t many hurdles of this distance over a season, more so on the Irish circuit, so I’m sure Gordon Elliott was glad to be able to place TRENDELENBURG to win this. Elliott thus ended with seven wins in the three days.
Trendelenburg looked a bit of a handicap snip and I’m sure a few trainers might like to ask Elliott how it gets away with it! Held up off a decent pace by talented Scottish youngster Callum Whillans, he made steady progress through the field from four out and eased to the front going very well. He had to be rousted to hold off a determined runner-up, but the margin may be a blessing to keep a workable handicap mark.
JAUNTY JOURNEY made the pace or was in touch for most of the way. He looked held approaching the last but responded to his rider’s urgings to push the winner. His best form has come on soft ground but it could be that a true stamina test is what he needs.
ELZAHANN, in and out over fences, ran respectably in third. She is a fair front running chaser on her day at her level.
CATLEEN kept on for fourth. She often gets close but remains a maiden.
BORERO is a bit of an all or nothing performer with recent form figures 0P01P16. He set a strong pace before giving way before two out.

5.40 Evening Express Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5)

DOME RUN had shown enough in two runs to suggest this race was there for the taking, given that many here were never likely to excel in a two mile flat race. He came clear in the final three furlongs and would be a prospect over hurdles.
Howard Johnson’s VIKING CHIEF was presented looking fit for his first outing. He chased the leader from two out and ran well enough, but what you see is what you get.
The long term notebook should be pulled out for the third ANITOPIA. A brother to winning chaser Primrose Time, this gelding is a big, rather angular chasing type and, on this evidence, he’s blessed with an engine to match his frame. Brian Hughes commented afterwards that he had run around a bit when asked for his effort but had performed well given that the course is not likely to see him at his best. He will need a stiffer track and softer ground, but Linda Perratt has a fine jumps prospect on her hands. Remember this one.
He was followed on by the arguably even bigger MARLEE MOURINHO trained just down the road at Glenfarg by Lucy Normile. My paddock judgement was that he will need time, so a fourth place here promises much.
The third contender from the ‘land of the giants’ was HARRY HANDSOME who lives up to his name. He was tapped for speed in the straight but is a chasing sort who will be seen to better effect in time.
Lucinda Russell’s TEAR N TURN was well beaten but is a tall mare that needs to fill out. She’s only a five-year-old and will benefit from another winter behind her. She led racing keenly for six furlongs but struggled after. Not an immediate prospect but don’t give up on her.

Thus with notebook busy with jumping prospects the Perth Festival drew to a close. We stopped for a meal in Perth, a place with stacks of choice for an evening out, and then back on the road to Dunfermline. We passed the SIS vans, presumably on their way to the Heart of All England meeting at Hexham, of which more to follow.

[robnorth]

MAY ROUND UP

Apologies for being rather slow in updating. I’ve changed jobs this month and my energies have been geared toward that rather than race analysis. That being said, the notebook has been active and there are few horses noted as worth following.

Not quite fitting the May round up brief, but worth noting from April 30th, was the Hexham Heart Of All England meeting. The main event threw up a dual from which both combatants can be noted for future Rules appearances. Six-year-old BITTER BLUE just held seven-year-old IMPACT ZONE in a sprint from the last, the pair well clear. Boasting 3 from 4 and 8 from 14 respectively in points, both look good enough to hold their own in senior Hunter company. The latter has been handicapping in the past, and is rated only 84, but pointing seems to have improved his confidence.

REXMEHEAD ran respectably to fill second place in the selling hurdle behind Folk Tune and may be worth noting for a lowly chase in the next month or two. Consistency isn’t his strong point, but he has ability at his own level.

MISTER WALL STREET, oft highly tried over hurdles, may well have found his niche in chasing. He won the 2m 4f novice chase here, jumping very well all round and staying on under pressure. While this wasn’t the toughest event, Hexham is a stiff test and Mister Wall Street proved well up to it.

PERTH – May 11th

While England complains of lack of rain there was no shortage in Perthshire, the ground coming up ‘Soft’ for the day May meeting. The final hurdle was set back before the last fence, giving an unusually long run-in here of 300 yards plus.

SEAN SIRGEAD won a weak novices’ handicap hurdle from SOLWAY BLUE. The second has had plenty of opportunities and only won a Market Rasen seller, so the form isn’t strong. The third, RED TANBER, is a potential winner at the lowest level, but he’s headstrong and not helping himself. The rest are a motley crew, and it’s difficult to see them mustering many wins.

MAID IN MOSCOW showed fair form at Kelso and stepped up to take the 3m novices’ handicap chase. She won again at Sedgefield, this time over 3m 3f and looks to be an out and out staying mare. Stuart Crawford takes advantage of the ferry service from his Larne base and this mare is worth noting on any further trips for staying chases. (Won at Cartmel today in a soft event, but so easily she could well pick up another race soon) . DOLLAR MICK was a fair second and is bred to stay well, rallying on the run-in though just held. He’s not been over raced and James Moffatt can place him to win. John Wade’s APACHE BLUE is not bad at this level and was held from two out.

Tom George has made a few raids from his base at Slad in Gloucestershire. BE DEFINITE saw off a moderate bunch ion the 0-115 conditionals handicap hurdle at the minimum distance. He held on in a driving finish from RICH LORD who has been out of form for a couple of years. They were followed by TIME MACHINE who looks held off 115 and PETE who has ability but is often uncooperative.

Dual point winner FIDDLER’S REEL won the maiden hurdle. The result suggests there’s better to come as the second, RIVAL D’ESTRUVAL won at Cartmel’s first meeting of the season. The winner will be of interest when going chasing. QUEL ELITE stayed on from well back for third, seemingly finding this track too sharp. There’s a race in him at a stiffer circuit.

CABBYL DOO held BABE HEFFRON in the two mile handicap chase. The former would appear to have some scope for improvement in chases. Malcolm Jefferson’s veteran POLAR GUNNER holds his form and filled third place.

OSCAR’S BALLAD couldn’t cope with a 15lb rise in the weights when favourite for the closing staying handicap hurdle. The race he won here previously didn’t seem anything special and he may continue to struggle. LEWLAUR SUPREME is steadily improving in these contests and was pushed out to win with a little in hand. AMORE MIO and SAM PATCH stayed on to fill the places. Richard Phillips seems to have rejuvenated the former after a quiet period and might coax a small race out of him, while SAM PATCH will presumably contest lowly staying contests in Scotland and the north with some hope.

TRENDELENBURG didn’t look totally straightforward in winning here at the Festival. Made short priced favourite for the Intermediate Hurdle he disgraced himself by ducking out through the wing at the last, challenging though having to be rousted along. Exposed chaser SELECTION BOX was thus presented with an easy win. He beat little else and we learnt very little.

The novice chase was blighted by jumping varying from moderate to appalling. GRAY MOUNTAIN took the race despite being messy and guessy at his fences. He worth comfortably though and may progress IF his jumping is improved. I’d be loathe to take a chance on him in a bigger field than against the three opponents here. THE PADDY PREMIUM jumped best of the quartet but is rated only 100 so second here was respectable. FIGHTSTAR was all over the place at his jumps, just holding third from favourite WIKAALA who has ability, but is ungenuine and didn’t relish her task.

FOOL’S WILDCAT comfortably beat two others when landing the odds in the claiming hurdle. We learnt little but were reminded that Gordon Elliott is master at spotting opportunities.

Hit or miss SOTOVIK got his jumping right in the 3 mile staying handicap chase and won with something in hand. He’ll go up a fair bit for this and a repeat is unlikely.
CURRAHEE seems in good heart at the minute and ran creditably in second, he might pick up a minor handicap off his current mark. He has since dotted up in an uncompetitive novice event at Hexham, a win which won’t have done his confidence any harm.
SCOTCH WARRIOR was not disgraced on his first effort in handicap company, having run some fair races in hunter chases. He handles better ground than this and would be worth an interest if kept on the go.
For Lucinda Russell, ET MAINTENANT was below par in fourth, while GO SILVER BULLET ran no sort of race and was pulled up four out.
DARK BEN has had spells off the track but this exuberant front runner generally gives his running. He was going well enough when unseating at the fourteenth.
MISS VIVIAN won Perth’s novice hunter ‘championship’ seeing off point winner PEAR CHARLES and 110-rated MOMENT PRESENT. I suspect the form’s not as good as the latter’s rating might suggest, but this event has thrown up some fair performers in the past.

Gordon Elliott scored with WESTERN BOUND in what appears a competitive 0-120 2m 4f hurdle. He was chased home by CIRCUS CLOWN who improved in the mud over previous months.
DRUSSELL’s effort in third probably wasn’t bad and Richard Phillips seems willing to travel to place his charges. This one won for Steve Donohue last year and hints at recovering that form, significantly now that the handicapper has given him a chance.

BURY PARADE stepped up on his debut performance to take the closing bumper ahead of a staying on NOW IT’S MY TURN. The close third TEKTHELOT had been well beaten twice previously, and most of these will need time and development if they are to produce anything worthwhile.

KELSO – Sunday May 22nd

Going – Good

Ladies Day opened with a couple of pony races, useful for those noting possible riding stars in years to come. In the 148cm and under class Ned Curtis on Little Pea saw off Lorcan Murtagh on Miss Tiny. Both are sons of trainers, the former having travelled from Weston-Super-Mare, and he had Channel 4 exposure this past weekend when winning at Newmarket. Murtagh is only twelve and will presumably be a force in these events for the next three years.

Overnight rain gave us perfect good ground; a healthy crowd around the 3,500 mark witnessing some decent racing to close Kelso’s 2010-11 campaign.

2.15 2m ½f SSAFA Forces’ Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

A very moderate novices’ hurdle opened the card with lightly raced STRONGHAVEN holding off two challengers from the last flight. Hurdles newcomer RANGEFINDER, decent at best on the flat, filled second place by keeping on though unable to make an impression from the furlong pole. 112-rated MR TALLYMAN was third, racing in touch but held from the furlong marker.
This bunch was not impressive in the paddock. However ZARU, immaculately turned out in typical Ewart stable style, at least has some scope. He’s tall and leggy, needing to fill out a fair bit, but stayed on encouragingly having been outpaced three out.
SANTIAGO BOY was equipped with bandages in front and walked feelingly round the paddock. His jumping never looked comfortable and he was pulled up after jumping violently left twice down the far side.

2.45 2m 1f KOSB Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-106)

PEACHEY MOMENT created a favourable impression when winning at Perth, and backed that up with a determined performance here. He was dropped in distance which probably wasn’t in his favour and up 9lbs, but saw off his main challenger from the last. Peachey Moment has more improvement in him stepped up in trip. He jumps very well which is a key at this level.
SHERIFF HALL was on good terms with the world on this occasion. Leading for most of the way, he still held the call at the last but was worn down on the run-in. He’s generally thereabouts and probably a bit better than the 93 he ran off on this occasion.
TRANOS plugged on for third, though well held from three out. BALLABROOK, winner of a soft event at Wincanton, was outpaced down the far side and struggled thereafter. Donald McCain runners often catch the eye in the paddock, but Ballabrook wouldn’t rate as one of their best lookers. BARRON WATLASS made no mark on this race and seems happier at Sedgefield, even if he should consent to perform to his best over fences. SANDMAN has shown little in recent times, while BALNAGORE was behind from halfway. His second at Carlisle flattered him, as it was a very moderate contest and he was well held.

3.15 2m 6½f Reece, Ben and Jessica Coppola Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

ANOTHER DIMENSION, an improver when winning at Huntingdon in March, suggested that staying in his game. Wilson Renwick wound up the pace going away from the stands for the final time and his charge showed ample stamina to hold off his only serious challenger OMOKOROA, the latter 24 lengths clear of the third.
HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL chased in vain from three out, though performed a little better than on his Hexham hurdling debut.
Well backed LATIN CONNECTION, who has been a bit frustrating, fell at the third flight.

3.45 3m 1f Jacques Handicap Chase (0-124) for the Wilf and Patricia Crawford Memorial Trophy

BADGER FOOT made a successful first Rules appearance for Lucinda Russell. A winner for Jonjo O’Neill at Hereford last season, he would appear to have benefitted from a spell of picking up point-to-point wins in the north. Three pulled clear from two out here and the winner stayed on to win comfortably, the suggestion being that there’s more in the tank from this improving six-year-old.
HARRY FLASHMAN lost nothing in defeat to what may turn out to be a generously handicapped winner. He’s generally on his game at this time of year, and normally goes well at Hexham where he may still have an opportunity or two in the coming weeks.
JUSTWHATEVERYOULIKE stayed on through rivals from the rear. That’s not untypical, but he’s back on manageable mark now and a drop in class could pay dividends.
OR DE GRUGY faded before the last and finished fourth. Judging from previous campaigns he’s likely to have a rest until the autumn.
LETHEM PRESENT performed respectably from 13lbs wrong, staying on late and wouldn’t be a lost cause in a little event at Hexham where he often runs well.
OUR JIM’s comment in the programme stated “Latest success came courtesy of a walkover, and needs to pull out extra to take this”. Err…, yes! He struggled from three out when the pace picked up.
BAY CHERRY faded from two out and hasn’t fulfilled potential as yet.
RORY BOY weakened quickly approaching three out, whilst MORE EQUITY never got competitive.

4.20 2m 2f Peter K Dale Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (0-117)

This was probably a fair event in which any could be identified as potential future winners in some shape or form.

RED TANBER set the pace but his exertions told from half a mile out. He was 13lbs out of the handicap but needs to calm down.
WHAT A STEEL raced in touch led at the last and stayed on well. He was staying on over 21 furlongs at Market Rasen suggesting a greater stamina test might bring about further improvement.
COOL BARANCA made headway from three out and stayed on for second. He jumped better than on previous efforts.
FREDDIE BROWN is gradually calming down, though he still pulled too hard for his own good here. He les three out and went clear but was caught on the run-in. He tends to keep on once passed and I reckon an increase in trip might pay dividends.
The rest were held. CITY GROUND was well held when hitting the last and slowed to a walk close home as he had gone lame. He has ability so the hope is that it’s nothing lasting.

4.55 3m 1f Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Challenge Cup (Hunters’ Chase) (Class 4)

These contests can turn into a procession, but this was closely fought for much of the way. ABRAGANTE was nursed along in midfield but picked up from three out and led in the final furlong. He’s not the easiest ride but he was put into the race to perfection.
SPECIAL PORTRAIT probably lost this race with a couple of sloppy jumps down the far side for the final time. Those cost him 5 lengths, and he only lost by two. He was considered good enough to appear at the Cheltenham Festival and we probably haven’t seen the best of him in this sphere yet.
FLOREANA kept on for third if unable to match the front two. This was much better than her Perth effort.
SACRED MOUNTAIN took up the running four out but was found wanting in the straight. He’s won three times in points but found this company just too good.
BEAU TRAVELLER looked half asleep in the paddock. He woke up on the track though leading to four out and remaining in contention when his saddle slipped approaching the last.
L’OUDON was just picking up when thumping three out and then he dropped away.
KILBRICKEN ROSE, a pointing winner but nowhere near good enough here, finished a remote late and appeared lame post race.
ROYAL MAN, bandaged in front, struggled from halfway and was pulled up before two out.

5.30 2m ½f John Smiths’ No Nonsense Standard Open NH Flat Race

Linda Perratt’s huge gelding ANITOPIA re-appeared here having made a good impression at Perth in late April. He’s very big, but all in proportion and once he picked up four out he had this field on the stretch. Once again he ran green when asked the question, but picked up in the final 100 yards in strong style. He remains an exciting prospect.
I’d identified two newcomers who had enough on breeding and looks to make an impact. It proved the case as THE WEATHERMAN and MIA MATRARCH were the ones still in contention at the furlong pole. THE WEATHERMAN doesn’t look the finished article and as a four-year-old still has some strengthening to do. He stayed on well enough and will likely pick up a race. Meanwhile owner bred MIA MATRAIARCH kept on after the first two and this half-sister to three winners, including the previously mentioned Harry Flashman, must surely be capable of winning races. If her trainer could find a mares’ bumper for her it would be at her mercy at this time of year.
GEORGE MY FRIEND completes the set for my ‘follow the first four from Kelso bumpers’ system. He looks a staying type, keeping on through the field late on.
FLEET FOX is a neat sort who is related to jumping winners. Nick Alexander has had some fair prospects running in bumpers over the last couple of years and this one looks the time to reward his stable in time.

5.50 1m 5f Fine Fillies Charity Flat Race – sponsored by the Injured Jockeys “Fund in aid of The House That Jack Built”

Old red shirt himself, Jack Berry, was on course as this was run in aid of his charity effort. He was rewarded with an excellent contest, many winners to show between the first three jockeys home, Polly Gundry, Fiona Needham and Pauline Robson.
Sadly one opportunity from this race has already passed as winner HONG KONG ISLAND followed up at Pontefract last Friday. He just held off RAIN STOPS PLAY who recently won over hurdles and lost nothing in defeat here. She seems to be getting the hang of things now and, having won over hurdles recently, could find another race soon. GRAND DIAMOND was right in the mix until the last 100 yards.

[robnorth]

Racing flying at us thick and fast at this time of year.

CARTMEL – Spring Meeting

Going was good with odd good to soft patch for the three days.

Saturday May 28th

RIVAL D’ESTRUVAL collared ESCUDERO in the 2m 6f novices’ hurdle. The first two would appear to have run more or less to their ratings of 115 and 120 at these weights. In the light of that, WINGS OF SMOKE’s effort in third looks creditable and this one should win a staying hurdle race before long.

The 0-100 2m 5½f handicap chase was big on numbers but most have their foibles. Maiden PADDY’S UNYOKE looked the likely winner on the long run from the last, but he seemed to down tools once turned from home, leaving the more determined NIFTY ROY to land the spoils. SOUL MAGIC looked a possible winner at the last but capitulated quickly from the final bend. FRENCH TIES was a fair third but nothing much to get too excited about amongst the rest.
Sadly we saw the exit of ITS TEESCOMPONENTS who broke a leg on the final circuit. It happened close to the first fence on the priory side and Keith Reveley was lucky, but most importantly, skilful enough to steer her around the fence. The mare had struggled of late but was a fair stayer at best and it’s a sad loss.

GLACIAL RAMBLER looked to have every chance if repeating his Perth effort given that he ran off 60 in the staying intermediate handicap chase. He stayed on gamely from the last to record a first Rules win in 24 attempts. That being said, it was a dire contest.

AL QEDDAAF created a favourable impression in the novices’ chase, jumping swiftly and finding plenty when required against a couple of decent opponents. The winner may well go on to much better, whilst PISTOLET NOIR and TARKARI will find easier opponents, both jumping well enough on chasing debut.

REAPING THE REWARD stayed on for second in the maiden hurdle and seemed to find them minimum trip around here a bit too sharp. DUNOWEN POINT has some fair form to his credit and was driven out for victory. THE TIDDLY TADPOLE stayed on for third and is making some progress.

Monday May 30th

As usual Cartmel was packed out for the Bank Holiday Monday meeting, when viewing spots are at a premium amongst the funfairs, gazebos, cars and general throng. Take it for what it is though and this meeting is a unique celebration of British horse racing.

MAID OF MOSCOW had a bloodless victory in the staying handicap chase seeing off five moderate opponents. She only had to be nudged out and will score again if the handicapper considers this wasn’t a great event. CHICO TIME couldn’t match the winner from the last while the rest were well seen off. Not for the first time BYNACK MHOR was well backed at Cartmel, but he’s too big for this course and to my eyes really struggles here. I suspect a few value seekers couldn’t believe their luck at the winner’s 9/4 SP. TOULOUSE EXPRESS finished tailed off, no surprise since the only way he’s going to stay 3m 6f is in a horse box, his second over 3m 3f at Sedgefield having come in a dreadful event run at a slow pace.

The Crawford stable made it a quick double when NOW THIS IS IT, who could be a decent chasing prospect, took the beginners’ chase comfortably. He was pushed clear on the run from the last. Worth looking out for around Perth this summer.

DYSTONIA’S REVENGE looked held with three-quarters of a mile to run in the maiden hunter chase of the year. However, he stayed on in the half mile from the last fence and wrested the race close home. STREEDAGH LADY made most of the running but couldn’t respond sufficiently when passed in the straight. She is on the upgrade though. RICH HILL, twice a pointing winner, wouldn’t be lost cause in maiden hunter company in future as he kept on for third. PAINT ME SILVER was beaten 10 lengths in fourth, seeming better suited by Cartmel than the stiff track at Hexham.

EXECUTIVE’S HALL stayed on to win the 2m 6f novices’ handicap hurdle. I marked this one down as one that could win staying chases. He is gaining in confidence, appears to have strengthened and I look forward to him returning to fences.

Fife trainer Nick Alexander has had rattling good start to the season. His DAASIJ recorded a comfortable win in the 3m 2f conditionals’ handicap hurdle, winning with any amount in hand. The winner looks an ideal sort round here, but is in such good form he would see off most at his level at the moment.

Wednesday June 1st

The meeting closes with a quieter evening meeting.

The second last flight was positioned very close to the third last, presumably due to worn ground, giving a very long run before the final flight.

Lucinda Russell’s OH SO BEAUTIFUL has steadily improved and found an opportunity in the mares’ only maiden hurdle run over 2m 6f. She was ridden out to see off HANNAH JACQUES and is going the right way.

Having shown up prominently on the first day of the meeting, SOUL MAGIC triumphed over a moderate Class 5 handicap chase field when dropped back to 2m 1½f. Trainer Harriet Graham is covering plenty of bases since she freelances as a director for racing TV channels, and she was on duty here, while also picking up the clerk of the course baton at various courses from Anthea Morshead who has moved to the prestige job at York. Soul Magic is probably best raced prominently over a short trip, and the sharp track here helped. MYSTERIOUS WORLD recorded a personal best in second but he’s had 20 goes under Rules and his proximity doesn’t advertise the form.
COLDITZ was momentarily imprisoned behind the first two on the run-in and couldn’t escape quick enough to get his head in front.

STAGECOACH OPAL stayed on up the straight to land the Grand Veterans’ Chase, making a successful return to chasing. His record around Cartmel reads 121. TOP DRESSING got as close as he has for a long time in second, while out and out stayer ONIZ TIPTOES stayed on without getting close enough to threaten. The latter regularly picks up prize money but wins seldom these days.
Highland National winner PETITE MARGOT was never really going and dropped to the rear after the sixteenth. Under driving she picked up enough to finish fourth.
DARK BEN led jumping well but he’s better at shorter distances and dropped away in the last mile.

Former Cheltenham Foxhunters’ Chase winner AMICELLI took the closing hunter chase of the season. He’s well below the level he was at, but he showed plenty of determination to see off FLOREANA and LAGOSTA from the last.

RARE COINCIDENCE doddled up in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle, but he got the run of the race. He’ll get bumped up a fair bit for a comfortable win and I’d oppose him in his upcoming hurdle races. AUBERGE, often thereabouts but not often a winner, was the only one to get within hailing distance.

Talented Joe Colliver rode HEART OF DUBAI to a win in the closing conditionals’ event. This was a moderate event though and the winner might struggle rounds a more orthodox track.

PERTH – Sunday June 5th

Going – Good

The popular Scottish track once again drew a huge crowd for Perth Gold Cup day, though the field wasn’t as strong as it could be, economic restrictions keeping the winner’s prize below £10,000.

2.30 2m 4½f Provost’s Plate Challenge Trophy Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Gordon Elliott is sharp to spot an opportunity and PRIORS GOLD who cruised clear of his only serious challenger up the straight. American import TAP NIGHT made a satisfactory debut over hurdles for Lucinda Russell. One would imagine he’ll need some time to adapt from dirt flat racing to turf hurdling, but the initial signs are promising.
THINK GREEN was left behind in the straight having jumped ponderously early on. He’s from a sprinting family, but gives the impression he’ll need a test himself.

3.00 2m 4½f J.D. Pipes Special Gold Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase (0-130)

PEACHEY MOMENT made it three on the trot, asserting on the run-in after challenging front running MONOGRAM at the last. The winner gave the impression he felt he had done enough once in front and there still appears to be more in the tank.
MONOGRAM was blinkered for the first time and performed well enough, finishing well clear of the other three.
BESCOT SPRINGS ballooned his jumps early, but settled down a bit in the second half of the race. He’d used up too much energy though and couldn’t match the first two from the home turn.
GRAY MOUNTAIN was flattered by his previous win here and never got into the hunt on this occasion. He seems very high in the handicap at 130.
AMAZING KING was struggling from the tenth fence.

3.30 2m Fugro Subsea Services Handicap Chase (0-115)

The good form of Nick Alexander’s stable continued as he added another winner to his tally, this time at his ‘local’. THE PADDY PREMIUM had jumped best of four runners when second on his previous outing here and confirmed the promise, jumping well out front from before halfway and finding plenty when pressed three out. He’s no youngster, but he’s in good heart and must have a chance of another win.
BALNAGORE ran his best race for a while, challenging the winner up the straight, but held form the last. His best opportunities are likely to come while the ground remains fast.
DEFINITE ALL STAR didn’t impress with his jumping on his second outing over fences. He stayed on under riding from three out and it was raw ability that got him so close. If his jumping improves he will win chases.
SCOTCH WARRIOR found this handicap easier than his previous race at Perth. He never got to the leaders but stayed on late for fourth.
Nothing else seriously threatened course specialist REGENT’S SECRET had one of his quiet days, being outpaced from halfway.

4.00 2m ½f Lighthouse Club Construction Industry Charity Cup Novices’ Handicap Hurdle for the Perth Silver Cup (0-105)

Pleasing to see another local winner, with Lucy Normile’s Glenfarg stable winning the Silver Cup. Stabled a few miles down the M90 PARSON’S PUNCH landed the prize, staying on to hold Borders trained BENLUNA from the last. This was a weak event though and the first two will find life tougher in future.
ENDEAVOR stayed on for third, but his previous runs had been uninspiring and his effort doesn’t lend much weight to the form.

4.30 3m Binn Waste Management Perth Gold Cup Handicap Chase (0-136)

Being nominally Perth’s big race of the year it could perhaps had a more fitting title, though no slight intended on the sponsors. I can appreciate that finance is difficult at this time, but a headline race like this really should justify a prize of decent 5 figures instead of the £9,700.

The race was down on quality compared with recent years, given that it has been won by some talented animals. For all that this year’s renewal was captured by an improving seven-year-old who could well go on to better things in the coming months. SONNY MULLEN had been an easy winner of novice events at Haydock and Towcester, and proved himself more than capable in senior company. He led from the start, jumping like a veteran, and had enough in hand to hold on from the last fence. He’s clearly well suited by good ground or faster and should pick up more races while the sun shines.
Best of the Scottish contingent was HARRY FLASHMAN who produced a career best in taking second place, challenging on the flat if held by a progressive winner. He’s a spring and summer type who relishes fast ground.
I’MSINGINGTHEBLUES held every chance but hit the last and that cost him his chance of victory. He hasn’t won since January 2009, but has now dropped to a manageable mark.
SELECTION BOX raced near the pace but couldn’t up his game sufficiently at the death. This was his best chase performance for a while, his last chase win having come in a swamp at Ayr back in March 2009.
GARLETON had a tough task here off a career high mark and weakened after the third last. LOGANS RUN was another raised to a career high and found wanting, struggling before the home turn.
BADGER FOOT didn’t cope with another rise in class, pulling up before the last. He was optimistically made 9/4 favourite but probably requires sights set slower lower in the short term.
All STORYMAKER’s wins have come in soft or heavy ground and the field went too quick for him in the last mile here.
NEWBAY PROP is not as good as he once was and was another to struggle in the final mile, pulling up before two out.

5.00 2m 4½f Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Hurdle (0-128)

Bought out of a seller at Hexham for 8,200gns by Lucinda Russell, DEGAS ART wasted no time in repaying a chunk of his purchase price. Rated 144 at best over hurdles, he has dropped from that level but is a bit better than selling class, leading or disputing all the way and holding off Chino Valdes from the last despite getting a sideways whack form the runner up.
CHINO VALDES came to challenge at the last but hung left on the flat, colliding with the winner, and he couldn’t find enough.
ZAHARA JOY was flying quite high here, 5lbs out of the handicap, but acquitted himself very well. He stayed on for third if never threatening to win. He’s risen in the handicap by 12lbs since his win at Kelso back in October, but this evidence suggests he’s capable of winning in a lower class.
RAIN STOPS PLAY was noted running creditably recently in a charity flat race at Kelso. He chased the leaders two out but couldn’t get any closer and is essentially frustrating since there was the best part of five years between his last two wins.
QUITO DU TRESOR couldn’t make an impact off a 10lb lower hurdles mark. He’s been kept on the go, and was unfortunate to be brought down at the first on a subsequent outing in a handicap chase at Aintree.

5.35 2m ½f SIS Live Standard Open NH Flat Race

Irish point winner ATLANTA FALCON led and went clear from two out. He was eased in the final furlong and looks to have a decent future under Rules.
MCLOVIN couldn’t make an impact from two out but kept on for second. He did nothing significant in two point-to-point outings but has enough about him to go on from here.
BLAZIN WHITE FACE kept on for third. She’s a four-year-old with scope and should benefit from the run.
MIA MATRIARCH couldn’t make an impression on the leaders from three out. This home bred should progress once going hurdling.
This was a strange choice of race for ANITOPIA, given that Brian Hughes had reported to connection that the big gelding unsuited by Perth on his debut. I can only presume that the owners wish to see their horse run locally. Anitopia will be better off running at stiff or galloping tracks. He was too keen here with only a steady pace on and not given a hard time once beaten.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Sunday 10th July

Going – Good (softening significantly in heavy rain from 3.40 onwards)

A fairly low key that won’t live too long in the memory for most. The heavens through it down with rain during the fourth race and the remaining contests were run on softening ground, with parts of the course becoming water splashes.

2.10 2m 110yds toteplacepot Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

Lucinda Russell has brought in a few new recruits for the summer campaign and WILD GEESE scored on his second outing for Arlary Stables. Racing prominently, he led at the last and was driven out for victory. This wasn’t a great contest but he’ll probably go better over a longer distance.
THAT’LL DO NICELY was fifth in a moderate Musselburgh event back in November. He was going well enough two out but outstayed from the last. He has prospects in minor company over hurdles.
MR TALLYMAN finished weakly again and is basically a one paced sort.

2.40 2m 4f 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Few cards at Perth go without a winner from Gordon Elliott, and the Irish trainer obliged with BRAVE BEAUTY in this event. She won this fairly comfortably, easing into contention approaching two out and shaken up to go clear on the flat. She stays further but has speed to win at shorter distances.
GREEN MINING led until approaching the last and lost nothing in finishing second. He has prospects of recording a second novice win to go with his Worcester victory.
TAP NIGHT ran a fair race in third place, though held from two out. He’s a flat bred sort who was previously in action the US, and I wonder if a drop to two miles might help.

LOCH DHU faded rather disappointingly from two out. That was handicap and I wonder if he might be better off in that company.

3.10 3m 110yds Try totequickpick On all totepool Bets Handicap Hurdle (0-115)

WINTER ALCHEMY looked a winner in the making when I first saw him. He’s proved to be a little less than straightforward, jinking left here before the last, but stayed on under encouragement having led or disputed from the start. I suspect there may be a little better to come and stamina seems his strong suite.
MANGER HANAGEMENT was eased into the race approaching three out and had every chance. He was tired on the flat, hung right and was held.
FARFIELDS matched the winner until weakening before the last. This was a fair effort on his handicap debut and would be interesting if dropped in class.
OH SO BEAUTIFUL chased the leaders but was held from two out. She has steadily improved with experience and as a four-year-old a little strengthening will help in stamina contests.

3.40 2m 4f 110yds toteexacta Handicap Chase (0-122)

The heavens opened and the rain heaved down during this race.

Fife amateur Lucy Alexander has been getting a significant number of outside rides in recent times. She’s a decent amateur rider and was helped by an improving performer in SCOTCH WARRIOR. Michael Smith’s gelding has adapted well to the challenge of moving from hunter chases to handicaps and is progressing. Always going well up front, he responded well when asked for an effort from two out.
PEACHEY MOMENT has gone up 8lbs since last time and was held from the last but ran a sound race against a well weighted opponent. He has been progressive and the combination of rain and weight might have counted against him.
STEEL MAGNATE couldn’t make any impact on improved terms with the winner and was held from two out.
BIG BURROWS offered a little more encouragement than on recent outings, though held in the straight.

4.10 2m 4f 110yds Try totequickpick If You’re Feeling Lucky Novices’ Chase (Class4)

Three Irish runners were pulled out to reduce the field to three, the rain still coming down heavily.

FOOL’S WILDCAT looked the likely winner approaching the last, and was four lengths up on the flat, but he totally gave the race away. He’s proved unreliable previously and is one to oppose at short prices.
KHORUN looked to be struggling before four out, but stayed on in the straight under driving and won a shade comfortably in the end. It’s difficult to quantify the performance though since the race was presented to him with his rivals underperforming.
Irish maiden point winner GOLDEN VIEW moved straight into chases form bumpers. He ballooned the first three but jumped better until making a pig’s ear of the water and dragging his hind legs. He stayed in contention but struggled once turned for home. The blunder could have hurt him and he’ll be worth another chance though has something to learn about fencing.

4.40 2m 110yds Red Hot Chilli Pipers Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (0-96)

It was still raining heavily and the entrance to the back straight was covered with standing water.

OCARITO surely can’t be improving significantly as a ten-year-old and presumably is just less bothered by rain than the others, but won this nicely, leading all the way and responding when asked on the flat. He was clear with COOL BARANCA who is ion decent form here and ran well enough.
The third VIA ARCHIMEDE has shown little of late and was well held.

5.10 2m 110yds totepool A Better way To Bet Standard Open NH Flat Race

The hurdles were left in position during this contest and the runners routed around them. Given that they went outside six flights and inside two then this probably added 40 or 50 yards to the distance. The rain continued to fall and the puddles grew.

The form looks pretty solid as two previous winners occupied the first two places. JIVE MASTER followed up an easy win at Newton Abbot with a driven out victory here. The winner’s profile looks sound and he has prospects when going over jumps.
INCAS ARTICLE won at Clonmel then ran fourth in what seemed a competitive contest at Bellewstown last weekend. She disputed form a mile out but was held once the winner asserted in the final 300 yards. Neither the sharp Bellewstown track nor Perth would bring out the best in her, so she will surely improve once moved up in trip.
BLAZIN WHITE FACE appeared to improve on her effort behind Atlanta Falcon here, closing to three furlongs out but held afterwards. She stuck on well enough and she would be of interest in a mares’ only race.
LADY OF VERONA made a fair start to here career, making an effort before the straight but then unable to match the principals. She’s bred to stay and will improve on this in time.

[robnorth]

Apologies I hope to produce more regular updates in the coming months.

PERTH – Saturday August 20th

Going – Good

Perth introduced this meeting successfully last year as part of the Perth 800 celebrations. With the involvement of Alex Salmond and Prince Charles, this year’s meeting became a big charity fundraiser and there was a packed house for a meeting featuring a well endowed hurdle.

LOS NADIS won the opening middle distance hurdle. He made the running from the start and had plenty in hand to see off the opposition. When he first started hurdling his jumping was rather clumsy, but he really has learnt with experience and jumped his field silly here. GLINGERBANK, normally at his best after a break and on decent ground, followed home in second and retains his ability with advancing age. He may be worth an interest if given a bit of break before an autumn outing. GRNADAD BILL stayed on for third, and that was a fair effort from bottom of the weights, but he’s basically a bit frustrating.

The result of the main event, the Summer Champion Hurdle, pretty much reflected the handicap hierarchy, with top weight OVERTURN playing his customary front running role and keeping on strongly under encouragement up the straight. GENERAL MILLER ran a sound race in second, but the best effort was from Stuart Crawford’s improving dual purpose performer NOW THIS IS IT. The latter looks a decent prospect for either hurdling or chasing as Elliott sees fit in the coming months. NOBLE ALAN filled fourth, running soundly enough, and I would imagine his target might be the Kelso limited handicap chase that he was placed to win last autumn.

RESTORATION should have been a winner of the 2½ mile handicap chase but hit the least hard when taking charge and unseated some way after the fence. ASHFIELD’S DREAM had raced prominently and had enough left to hold on up the run-in.

The subsequent races were not the most competitive and the standard fell away toward the end of the card. However, the winner of the bumper might go on to better things. ANNA’S ARCH is flat bred and I wonder if Alan Swinbank might take option to aim this one at a Flat maiden. The runner-up, Irish trained JAMESSON is bred for the ‘winter game’ and showed enough to suggest a race is within his compass. Pace setting AND HE’S DREAMING was disqualified from third after Tom David took the wrong course going away from the stands.

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday August 23rd

A very moderate summer jumping card with little encouragement for future races.

CARTMEL – Thursday August 25th

The August meeting started with an evening meeting of small and generally moderate fields.

ITZACLICHE jumped better than most and stayed on determinedly to win the 3m 6f contest under a sound ride from the trainer’s daughter Jo Richards.

SOUL MAGIC loves it around Cartmel and won the 2m 1½f handicap chase, staying on well up the straight. This one and Scotswell have been in rattling good form for Harriet Graham this summer, but Soul Magic might suffer under the handicapper when going elsewhere. EXECUTIVE’S HALL has been consistent of late but didn’t seem suited by the cut in the ground, though close up for third. He may do better if encountering fast ground before the summer is out.

PAINTED SKY held off WINTER ALCHEMY in the closing stayers hurdle. Given that the latter seems to be improving so the winner’s effort looks decent.

CARTMEL – Saturday August 27th

This was a stronger card than the Thursday meeting, but it’s worth bearing in mind that rain since Thursday made the going very tiring.

I’m indebted to commentator Ian MacKenzie for a few little nuggets of information passed to the throng during his commentaries.

GOLDEN VIEW won the beginners’ chase from Aspatria Restricted winner DODGEY DREAM. Both should improve with experience in chases.
A Musselburgh hurdles winner last autumn, DICA was third here but got tired having raced in rear. He jumped well enough but looks to need faster ground. His rider James Reveley has spent the summer working in France for Guillaume Macaire, an experience which will have done him no harm.

COLDITZ was coaxed to victory in masterful style by AP McCoy. He saw of a field of dubious characters in the 2m 5½f Class 5 handicap chase, but it’s worth noting that the runner-up GUNS AND BUTTER seems to have received and enthusiasm injection since joining Jimmy Moffatt. Trained on the outskirts of Cartmel it seems the Lakeland air has done the former Rose Dobbin trained gelding some good. I may regret this, but he might just pick up a race in the near future.

INDIAN PIPE DREAM held off FOXESBOW in a slow motion finish at the end of the staying handicap chase. SEIZE didn’t jump well enough to trouble them, and probably was suited by the softened ground anyway. The first two may struggle in more competitive company. SEIZE may put the form behind him on a firmer surface.

The feature handicap hurdle for the Cartmel saw a group of multiple winners attending. VIVA COLONIA came away in the straight to win with something to spare and his trainer might now have a pot at some decent autumn handicap hurdles.

[robnorth]

CARTMEL – Monday August 29th

The Lakeland track closed their season as a packed house attended as is standard for this fixture.

COUNTRYWIDE FLAME won the four-year-old hurdle very easily and might well pick up another event or two before the season picks up in earnest. Other than that though there weren’t that many strong pointers to future races on this occasion.

Course specialists SOUL MAGIC and SCOTSWELL both scored on the day, making the tally 7 wins from just 11 runs this season for Borders trainer Harriet Graham.

[robnorth]

ARLARY OPEN DAY – Sunday September 18th

With the first meeting at Kelso in a couple of weeks time the Scottish winter season is about to commence. Members of Milnathort Racing club and Tay Valley Chasers attended an Open Day at Arlary stables with a number of stable inmates on display.

The stable’s operation has cranked up another notch or two this year. Stable strength is now not far short of 100 and an improvement on last year’s total of 41 wins would be a reasonable expectation.

Half a dozen horses were schooled over a variety of obstacles, including tyres, Easifix hurdles and fences. Tay Valley Chasers’ PROSECCO rather disgraced himself in front of the throng by refusing at one of the fences and then demolishing the newly constructed wing of the Easifix! Scu said he will school again behind a lead horse this week and that should straighten him up. Ironically he’s normally one the most reliable jumpers in the ayrd, so it’s well out of character.

The stable have welcomed 157 rated TCHICO POLOS to their ranks for this season. He will travel to Exeter for the Haldon Gold Cup in early November. Ayr have kindly framed a race for him in late November, so those of us up here will get a chance to see him on the racecourse. After that the plan is to target 2m-2m 4f races as they come. He will presumably be aimed at Cheltenham or Aintree in the long term.

SILVER BY NATURE, rated 159, finds a stablemate snapping at his ankles for highest rated Scottish chaser. He will be kept to racing on soft or heavy ground. He jumped well enough in the National, but the ground was too quick and was outpaced after clouting the Chair. His initial target is the Betfair Chase at Haydock, with a trip to Ireland a possibility over Christmas.

BOLD SIR BRIAN surprised the stable a bit when victorious in Kelso’s Grade 2 Premier novices’ Hurdle. It was an excellent run in decetn company, though he found things much tougher at Aintree. He goes for an Intermediate Hurdle at Kelso in November, then possibly over fences. In the long term he’s a chasing prospect.

HURRICANE JACK is Silver By Nature’s full brother but hasn’t shown the same ability. Lucinda felt that if anything he looks more the part than his brother, but lacks the engine. He needs good ground and three miles, and wears blinkers. He may go to Perth this week.

Next in the parade came too Irish point-to-point winners. Six-year-old BAWN REAGH won on his point-to-point bow at Oldcaslte and is a long term chasing prospect who will first appear in bumpers. Four-year-old BLAZIN WHITE FACE won a 15 runner Mares’ Maiden Irish point-to-point and then placed twice at Perth in bumpers. She will be aimed at mares hurdles and I get the impression is an expected winner, and in the lnog term she will a chasing prospects with mares’ chases on the agenda.

Very encouraging noises were made about BLENHEIM BROOK. He improved over hurdles and has a good attitude. He has impressed in schooling over fences and will go chasing this year. Vibes are that he’s expected to make good progress.

NUTS N BOLTS has arrived from Alan Swinbank’s stable having won and been placed in bumpers. He’s a lovely sort who was rated good enough to run in Aintree’s Grade 2 bumper. He was held there, but he’s a lovely novice hurdling prospect and should pick up races at that level.

Along with other Forumites I’ve got a small interest in Milnathort Racing Club, represented by chaser/hurdler OUTLAW TOM. He’s plenty good enough to win chases and will run at Hexham on Sept 29th in a novices’ chase. He looks well after a break and the Hexham race has been chosen as a good place to get him back into competition since course, distance and easy fences will suit. After that there will be plenty of options in novices’ or beginners’ chases, novice handicap chases or handicap hurdles. He well regarded and at least one proven judge has him on a Horses To Follow list this season.

Tay Valley Chasers were represented by PROSECCO. normally a reliable jumper he disgraced himself on the training ground by refusing, but Peter Scudamore is confident he will soon be back on best behaviour as he’s normally a very sound jumper. He will be aimed at 2m – 2m 4f handicap chases this season. He has run at up to 3 miles, but not quite seen out the trip past 2m 4f.

Tim Reed breaks in horses for Lucinda Russell and preapres them before they enter training. He mentioned two to look forward to. firastly, BALLYBEN has impressed in his early work and has learnt quickly. This three-year-old will be aimed at bumpers first off. MUMGOS DEBUT, half brother to Bold Sir Brian, will also be aimed at junior bumpers and is well regarded by Lucinda Russell.

Lastly, a farewell to a grand old stable campaigner. CULCABOCK, a winner of 8 out of 78 races including at Cheltenham and aintree in 08-09, made a final bow to a round of applause from the gathering. He’s been on the downgrade although still ran a cracking second at Newcastle last season. His old bones are suffering a little now though and he will now be in the care of stable atalwart Jaimie Duff in what all hope will be a long and happy retirement. Judge by the fuss he made wanting some attention from his box I guess he’ll still be seen around Arlary from time to time.

Grant Cockburn now takes the position as stable conditional jockey. He wil lbe very useful able to claim the 10lbs when riding for the stable.

Rob

[robnorth]

PERTH – Wednesday September 21st

Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)

The lower key day of Perth’s Glorious Finale Two Day meeting but one that may have thrown up a Cheltenham prospect. Morning rain cleared to give a sunny afternoon with a strong breeze directly behind in the straight. The ground was in excellent nick though some found it just a bit too tacky.

2.25 2m 4½f Edinburgh Gin Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

There were really only two with a chance here, but MART LANE eased clear of his only rival so easily that it’s no that his trainer John Joseph ‘Shark’ Hanlon** already has this one earmarked for Cheltenham in March. A good winner of a bumper at Leopardstown in January, he got “bogged down in near unraceable ground” at the Curragh on his subsequent run. The plan is to take in decent novice events at Leopardstown to test him out. He’s a nice sort who will win much better events than this.

The winner was the first as a professional for Brian Hayes and should be the first of many.

HARD TO SWALLOW was well considered by Martin Keighley, but put in his place by a sharp opponent. He finished rather tired, but he still has some growing to do and
doesn’t seem the finished article. In time he is likely to prove decent.

WARANTS A NAME ended up tailed off in fifth. However it’s worth bearing in mind that he was the only one to take on the principles, and paid for that by weakening badly in the last mile. He has shown glimmers of ability and is likely to make a mark once handicapped.

FRONTIER LAD finished in front of something for the first time over hurdles in a distant third, with the slow looking BOSTON LAD well behind in fourth.

** The winning trainer has useful performer HIDDEN CYCLONE in his stable and rates that one a Gold Cup prospect. Only beaten once over hurdles, this one must surely be of great interest when appearing in novices’ chases in Ireland.

3.00 2m ½f Book Your Christmas Party At Perth Claiming Hurdle (Class 4)

ONE FOR JOULES challenged two out, led before the last and came clear on the flat to win a shade cosily, landing a double for Shark Hanlon in the process. The winner was claimed by Mr J L Flint for £10,000, so I presume he will now be running out of John Flint’s yard at Kenfig Hill near Bridgend.

Gordon Elliott’s FOOL’S WILDCAT has plenty of ability, and has won around here, but is rather too easily beaten.

BACCALAUREATE seems best in these events and sellers. He kept on under pressure for third without ever threatening. WHEATFROMTHECHAFF has been off her game recently and could make any impact once turned for home. LAKEMAN won despite jumping poorly at Cartmel. His jumping was totally clueless here and he was beaten turning for home.

3.35 2m 4½f Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Novices’ Handicap Chase (98-113)

QUITE THE MAN was settled nicely toward the rear on his chasing debut. He jumped accurately, working his way into contention approaching the last and wearing down the leader on the run to the line. He is tall, nice looking gelding and should go on from here over fences.

THE COCKNEY MACKEM was making his chasing debut having fallen here over hurdles on his last run back in April. He jumped well enough and pushed on four out. From my position by the last I could see he was coming to the end of his tether, pecking a little on landing and not able to resist the winner’s challenge close home. This was a good debut however, and he should win chases.

BALNAGORE ran prominently or disputing until thumping four out and he couldn’t get back to the leaders after that. This was a fair effort though his jumping does let him down at key points in the race. OTTO QUERCUS’s jumping was laboured for much of the way and he never threatened to take a part in the finish.

THE PADDY PREMIUM went well enough up front until headed four out. He then weakened and unseated after getting thump from Otto Quercus two out. SKY CALLING raced two keenly and was a spent force before four out, pulling up before two out.

4.10 2m ½f Hogmanay Party At Perth Racecourse Juvenile Hurdle (Class 4)

THE ICE FACTOR, a winner of a hurdle at Tramore, put experience to good use here. He led, wound up the pace down the far side and nothing got to him in the straight. Chances are he’ll pick up another hurdle or two before decent horses come out.

PRINCE FREDDIE made an encouraging debut in second. He never got the leader but kept on for second, just ahead of RED RIVERMAN who kept on at his own pace in third. Previous winner COOL NEWPORT found this tougher going than her debut race at Ffos Las. NAY SECRET was struggling a long way but stayed on a bit late on. He might improve on a stiffer track.

4.45 3m Sodexo Prestige Handicap Chase (For the Duke Of Atholl Challenge Cup) (90-120)

This looked quite a competitive event, but POWER PACK JACK was able to make all and stayed on to good effect down the straight. He hit a couple including the second last but held enough in reserve.

ST KILLIAN’S RUN, blinkered for the first time, chased the leader from four out but never got to him.

BESCOT SPRINGS and ROSSINI’S DANCER showed enough here to suggest they can land a steeplechase this season. They were both held from three out but ran well enough after a layoff.

SUPREME BUILDER weakened in the straight having raced in midfield fro much of the way. SOUBRIQUET, last year’s winner, looked as well as I can remember, but was struggling before four out. He wins only in his turn but is below his last winning chase mark.

Of the rest BOB’S TICKET jumped poorly and eventually Adam Nicol at the twelfth. RESTORATION looked well enough, and is an impressive sort, but never got into the race and was well detached when pulling up three out. FLOREANA was out of her depth here on Lucy Alexander made her professional debut, apparently making her the first professional jump jockey from Scotland.

5.20 3m ½f SIS Handicap Hurdle (110-135)

The highest grade event on the card and won with ease by LOS NADIS. Henry Brooke judged the pace to a tee here, leading then winding things up in the last mile. Nothing got close to him from three out. He’s sure to go up a fair way for a 23 length win and his rating is likely to be high 130s which will push him at least a grade higher. That being said this was a second decent win here on the trot and in this form he’s worth a go in better company. When he first started hurdling his jumping technique let him down, but his jumping ability is now such that he jumps fields at this level into submission.

SNAKE CHARMER stayed on from two out with no hope of catching the winner, but he was well clear of the remainder. DEVOTION TO DUTY plugged on for third but was beaten 40 lengths+.

MIRAGE DORE looked well enough after a layoff, but was well behind from three out.

PERTH – Thursday September 22nd

Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)

2.20 3m ½f Edinburgh Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

MANGER HANAGEMENT was never in great difficulty as he made it four in a row, paying testament to Gordon Elliott’s placement of his horses.

WHAT A WARRIOR was eased in once clearly held from two out. Sam Twiston-Davies did well to keep him on track when he veered toward the exit on the first bend, cannily tucking him behind others next time round.

2.55 2m ½f Maersk Oil Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

The country’s most northerly placed licensed trainer, Sue Bradburne, might have a fair hurdler on her hands in JET MASTER. He left two previous winners behind with ease from two out in the style of one who can move up in grade. This could be an exciting prospect for the future.

ESPERAO was held after two out having led until that flight but seemed to run to form, while 139 rated REDERA never looked entirely happy and was held form three out.

STAGS LEAP gave a hint of ability but felt the pinch from three out.

3.30 2m ½f Timothy Hardie Jewellers Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

This could turn out to have been a fair novices’ chase since I know that the stable of the second rate him as a chasing prospect.

ASTRACAD raced close up and forged clear from two out. After a promising start as a hurdler he was given some tough asks in Graded novice company. He certainly looks a decent chaser though, jumping very nicely here and is likely to win a few races.

BLENHEIM BROOK couldn’t match the winner from two out, but his jumping was accurate enough and he won’t always run into one as good as the winner. He will win chases and was well clear of BOCCIANI who jumped well enough but found the company too good.

UNCLE TAFFY was well held in fourth while FOOL’S WILDCAT blundered his rider away at the eleventh as the pace picked up.

Favourite CHAMPION COURT didn’t settle, was less than foot perfect and blundered AP McCoy out of the saddle three out.

4.05 2m 4 ½f George Stubbs Insurance Novices’ Hurdle (84-110)

WHAT AN OSCAR stayed on from two out to land another contest for Twiston-Davies and Son. The Gloucestershire trainer has relinquished his top Perth trainer to Gordon Elliott in recent times, but still saves a few for the far north.

FUNKY MUNKY made steady headway from two out and pressed the winner to the line. This was by far his best effort over hurdles and he would be interesting dropped in class. NORTHERN ACRES held every chance, leading from three out until the last, but couldn’t raise his game any further.

Most eye-catching effort came from PAPAMOA in fourth. I’ve got this on horses to follow list on The Racing Forum and I was well pleased with his effort here. He was outpaced a little after three out but kept on under pressure all the way up the straight, still closing at the line. He needs softer ground and probably a stiffer track and I’m sure he’ll win a novice handicap before long.

4.40 2m ½ f Anderson Anderson & Brown Handicap Hurdle (96-115)

QUITO DU TRESOR took advantage of a generous handicap mark 15lbs less than his chase mark to win this nicely. He led all the way and held enough in hand to win unchallenged. He’s in good heart and should remain competitive in decent handicap chase company.

CADEAUX FAX kept on well enough for second and should gain compensation. ARISEA came from well back to take third place but is well exposed.

5.15 2m 4½f Handicap Chase

THE PANAMA KID seemed well suited by the turning track here and doesn’t seem likely to be especially well treated after a clear win. He raced up with the pace and stayed on from two out

THE DISENGAGER ran creditably in second after a long layoff.

PROSECCO had been distinctly uncooperative when schooling in front of owners on Sunday. He was much better over the obstacles here but had to be niggled on the home turn and couldn’t make an impact from that point. Keep him in mind at Ayr since he’s 2111 from four runs there.

Most of those behind are exposed and didn’t offer immediate encouragement.

5.50 2m ½f Open NH Flat

SIR JOHNSON, a winner of two previously, had this in safe keeping form two out. He should be plenty good enough to win over hurdles.

LUCIA BAY is more of a long term prospect but a second placed bumper effort augurs well. He’s got a nice jumping pedigree and his hurdles debut is eagerly awaited.

PEG LEG and SUN CLOUD kept on without threatening the first two.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday October 2nd

Going – Good to Soft (Soft in places)

Kelso’s first meeting since May signals the start of the Scottish autumn jump campaign. There was heavy rain overnight and in the morning, but the course was presented in magnificent condition.

Proceedings opened with the annual Border Principals Race with various towns from the area that partake of the tradition of Common Riding putting forward a competitor. An interloper from outside the Borders one, with Musselburgh rider Scott Nisbet stealing a 5 length lead on the rest at the start in the two furlong event and never looking likely to be caught. Iain Dick of Lauder was first of the locals home and Tracey McNaughton was third for Edinburgh.

2.05 2m ½f Sunday Mail Handicap Hurdle (115-86)

A bunch of well exposed hurdlers contested the first Rules race on the card. WWETFROMTHECHAFF was well held by better weighted opponents at Perth last time, but led at the last here and held on determinedly in the last 100 yards. I fancy it was just his day on this occasion and he won’t be particularly well treated in future. He held off LAWGIVER, an inconsistent sort who wins occasionally but is eminently beatable.
The pair pulled clear of KING’S CHORISTER who performed respectably from 3lbs out of handicap and is a consistent sort worthy of consideration if dropped in class. Lucy Alexander’s claim will be useful assuming she keeps the ride.
Keen going BORDER TALE led or disputed until giving way at the last, and while CLAUDE CARTER has gone close a few times he is essentially a weak finisher and needs things to fall right.
KNIGHT VALLIANT was pulled up before the last after bashing two out and his rider losing his irons, the saddle having slipped. He went well enough to that point and was in contention.

2.40 2m ½f Unwin Second Half Century Juvenile Hurdle (Class 4)

Lee Edwards stole this race on KIE who travelled from Wolverhampton for this engagement. He set off in front, was soon clear and nothing got near him. The time was a couple of seconds slower than the first race so it was at least respectable.
MICA MIKA kept on for second and made a sound enough hurdling bow. RESIDENCE AND SPA made it four frame finishes from five hurdles runs and might need to wait for the handicapper to slow others down before he can win.
Well backed LEXI’S BOY ran no sort of race, fading quickly after the fourth. I assume there was a problem though nothing appeared on the BHA website.

A forty minute gap allowed us to watch the Prix De L’Arc Triomphe on the big screen. Sadly only those with access to the colours had any idea of who was doing what. Black mark to the usually reliable Kelso executive since there was no commentary over the PA and no colours in the racecard. It’s easy to get the impression that racing from elsewhere is stuck on the screen just to fill the time.

3.20 3m 1f Isle Of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Handicap Chase (86-115)

STAR BEAT is decent stayer on his day and proved too good for inferiors here. He got into contention from four out and picked off the leader after the last. A nine length win here will mean a move up in class is forced and life will be tougher.
COPPER’S GOLD ran a decent race in second, leading until the last and keeping on to finish a clear best of the rest. He did look in good nick, thrives when’s there’s cut in the ground and may still be capable of improvement.
ROSSINI’S DANCER made a bad mistake at the first and almost unseated. One or two slow jumps mid race didn’t help but he stayed on through the field form two out.
TREEHOUSE, an improver in 2009/2010, hinted at returning to form on his second run after a season off. He plugged on for fourth without threatening the leaders.
SOUBRIQUET gave way from two out and is difficult to catch right. Irish challenger dropped away from two out having made one or iffy jumps.
PRINCE MERANO looked rather lethargic in the paddock and struggled from a mile out, pulling up before four out.
NGONG HILLS ditched his rider at the first, but ran along enthusiastically with the field the rest of the way, which I rate as at least a sign of some interest.

3.55 2m 6 ½ f NSPCC School Service Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)

Three of last season’s decent Scottish novices appeared in this event.

AIKMAN didn’t disgrace himself in decent company toward the end of last season and I suspect there is still a little more to come. He was presented looking very well by James Ewart, yet still giving the impression there was something left to work on. He pulled clear readily in the latter stages and will now be aimed at chasing, with a beginners’ event at Carlisle on October 20th the first target. He looks one who has been crying out to be jumping fences and is an exciting prospect.
ARCTIC COURT progressed last season and turned into a decent handicapper. He was another who looked as if the race might bring on and he was unable to match the winner from the last, hanging toward the inside rail under pressure. A sound debut on which he should build upon in the coming weeks.
THE STARBOARD BOW was stepped up in trip here. He didn’t jump particularly cleanly and had nothing left in the tank from the last. He can jump better than this and will see out the trip properly.
AFRICAN FLORA was hopelessly outclassed but Kenny Johnson concentrated on getting her round for fourth prize money on here hurdling debut without taxing her unduly.

4.25 2m 2f Alexandra Carrington Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div 1) (62-95)

The theory that low prize money is causing owners to desert the sport suffered a hole below the waterline as 29 were declared for this event racing for ‘take home prize money’ of £1238. The race was split into two heats and one runner was eliminated. We lost a few due to the change in the going, but plenty are willing to run horses regardless of reward, which suggests it’s viewed as a fun pursuit. Certainly my own very minor involvement in ownership is on ‘money I expect to lose’ basis.

Neither event was particular exciting with two groups of underachievers. ENDEAVOR led three out and was all out in the latter stages to hold BARLIFFEY. The second would not be the most committed to the job, and the rest were held with NISAAL and CARTERS REST doing no more than plug on at one pace to fill the frame.

5.00 2m 2f Alexandra Carrington Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Div 1) (61-94)

Episode 2 was won by THE DUNION from the yard of Bonchester Bridge trainer Rob Macdonald. Again this was a poor contest, but Macdonald had his contender nicely fit and Campbell Gillies rode a decent race from the front group. The winner responded well when asked from two out and shows enough to suggest there may be another little race for him along the line.
DRAMATIC JEWEL couldn’t make any impression in the final furlong and is basically a very moderate performer. Maiden under both codes TINSELTOWN stayed on under pressure for third.
SYDNEY COVE has proved very headstrong and was restrained in the rear. He picked up some ground in the latter stages and may get competitive once he learns to settle. He’s better than his bare jumps form suggests.

5.30 2m 6 ½ f Radio Borders Handicap Chase (60-95)

SUPER ALLY improved on previous chasing efforts and won this comfortably, pulling clear on the run-in. His probable serious rival whacked the last and the second was 9lbs shy in the handicap so I suspect this wasn’t up to much and that the contest fell into the winner’s lap.
BARRY THE CRACKER ran as well as might be expected for one rated only 60. He doesn’t impress in the paddock, walking rather stiffly, but tried gamely during the race. He led or disputed for much of the way and was only collared from the last.
SOME CATCH had every chance until thumping the last and not recovering. Her form offers more encouragement than some in this race and she would likely have given the winner more to do if not stopped in her tracks. She is worthy of consideration in similar company.
NIFTY ROY raced prominently until fading from three out. He was reported lame at the finish.
FRONTIER BOY looks a nice chasing type, but he made two many errors and lost touch in the final mile. The race will have brought him on.
GUNS AND BUTTER went wrong after three out and was swiftly pulled up. On an optimistic note the screens weren’t put up and he was walked into the horse ambulance.
WATERSKI attracted some interest in the market and looked plenty fit enough. He was well behind when pulling up. A bandage had come loose on his hind leg and surprised me that nobody attended to this when he was brought back to unsaddle, the bandage still flapping loose as he was led away to the stables.
LINDSEYFIELD LODGE, twice a winner around here, jumped poorly and never took a huge amount of interest. He’ll probably pop up at a fancy price when he feels up to, but when that will be is anyone’s guess.

6.00 2m ½ f City Roofing Ltd Standard Open NH Flat Race

No races get my pen and notebook going better than a Kelso bumper and once again there were numerous encouraging signs.

THE WEATHERMAN had run well enough here previously and sprinted clear from the ‘two pole’ for a comfortable victory. He’s not one in the normal McCain mould, being fairly small, but he shifts a bit and looks a decent prospect for hurdling.
MITCHELL’S WAY, hailing from the Swinbank yard who are often in the mix in these events, pulled hard early on but was still bang there two out. He kept without threatening the winner but will find easier opportunities.
Irish pointing winner BAWN REAGH, well regarded at Lucinda Russell’s Arlary Stables, set a steady pace and kept on under pressure to take third. He was reported sore after the race, but showed enough to suggest he will be a winner in time. He was just in front of stablemate RHYMERS HA’ who pulled very hard but is going the right way.
Mares’ bumper winner GROOVY DANCER wasn’t totally disgraced in fifth and will find easier opportunities against her own sex.
A couple of others well down the field caught eye. CALL IT OUT is a steeplechasing type but he’s only four and will need time to mature. His first two runs read as poor form but he may leave those efforts behind in time.
DARK EXILE was last, but he was never going to excel in a race where they only started racing from the mile marker. He’s an impressive chasing type who will surely show better than this run given time.
WILL BE MINE is another who should make a jumper in time. He was left behind from three furlongs out here.

Hexham – September 30th

OUTLAW TOM appeared at Hexham a couple of days earlier and pleased connections in staying on for third in a 3m 1f novices’ chase, beaten about 10 lengths. MAJESTIC MAYHEM ran a sound race in second and looks a good measure, while the winner LACKAMON is worth noting as one who could go on to better things over jumps.

Staying chasers EYRE SQUARE and SIMPLY SMASHING fought out a stirring battle in the 3m novices’ hurdle. No lack of commitment from either who go into the autumn campaign in good heart.

FRITH won the Class 5 two mile handicap chase off a mark of 68. He’s very well treated no his best form and might be placed to pick up a race or two more.

Carlisle – October 7th

The new hurdles course was used for the first time. HOUSTON DYNIMO won the novices hurdle to become the first winner around the circuit. The hurdles track is inside the chase track and noticeably sharper than the outer track used previously. It might just end being a bit of a specialist’s track as it mixes sharpness with a stiff finish.

HUMBIE stayed on to win the Class 4 handicap chase. I’ve liked this one for a while and he might make a mark in a higher class and he saw out this thee mile trip nicely. The story is that he is often taken out for trips in his horsebox to keep his mind occupied as he is a bit of a worrier!
STRONGBOWS LEGEND held every chance and kept on for second. He pulled clear of the rest and it would be a surprise if Charlie Longsdon couldn’t find a race for him.
NGONG HILLS made up for his Kelso mishap, being bang there most of the way and keeping on for third if held by the first two. His trainer has room for manoeuvre off his current mark of 97.

The two and a half mile novices’ chase at this meeting can be informative, but we lost three at the seventh fence. However, the winner TIME FOR SPRING looks to have a bit of scope as a chaser, and those behind him, BALLYCOLIN and ROLECARR created a sound enough impression. BALLYCOLIN will show up better when moved up in trip.

James Ewart has started the season in decent fashion and QUICUYO took the two mile handicap chase. A wind operation seems to have helped him and he is worth looking out for when racing at Ayr as he has a fine record there.

PETE won the conditional jockeys’ hurdle to give Lucy Alexander a first win as a professional. He was in front way too soon as horses either side fell away from two out, but his rider managed to coax more than expected to hold off fast finishing SOLWAY BLUE. The fact that PETE never wins by far does help as he doesn’t get harshly punished, is a good deal better than he sometimes cares to let on and is ideally suited by a decent sized field where he can pick his way through late on.
Back in third SUPER BABY looked much happier than last season. He gave me the impression that he might have had a back problem last season. He jumped neatly in front here and battled back late on to take third place having been outpaced form two out. He certainly doesn’t look overweighted off a mark of 95.
BARLIFFEY had every chance approaching the last but jumped it very slowly and couldn’t get back into the race. He’s in good form but likely to prove difficult to win with.

[robnorth]

Hexham – Saturday October 8th

Good (rain during meeting)

The opening two mile novices’ chase was won in decent style by L’ELDORADO, pulling away up the hill. It’s worth noting that this one probably doesn’t want to be over raced and goes well after a break.
QUITE THE MAN didn’t jump fluently and was a tad disappointing in third place, and I got the impression the up and downhill didn’t suit him.

THE MAGIC BISHOP won the Class 4 handicap chase in decent style, making up a lot of ground from the bottom of the hill and winning cosily. No reason why he shouldn’t win another chase on this evidence.
FRED BOJANGALS ran a darned sight better than he had done at Carlisle the previous day, staying on from two out to take second place. He has won off his current mark of 112.
Newcomer EMPEROR CHARLIE jumped poorly in the rear and was well beaten by four out.

FILL THE POWER only beat four in the maiden hurdle but did so very easily. There has been encouragement in all his outings and his should make a chaser in time, but a novice handicap hurdle may be within his compass.
MOMKINZAIN jumped with no fluency and was held from two out. He has ability to make a mark over jumps, but needs to sharpen his hurdling.

CLOUDY DAWN won the staying handicap chase with something to spare, but it was a very poor event, the well exposed TOULOUSE EXPRESS filling second and STORMION in third jumping with little fluency. DESERTMORE STAR was well beaten in fourth and this four-time pointing winner did nothing to justify some market confidence. At 10 years old he’s going to struggle to adjust to this sphere.

Lucinda Russell has a fair collection of young bumper horses this autumn and filled the first two places in the closing event run in descending murk. ROWDY ROCHER looks a type to be going forward with and the win here was very encouraging. He has winning hurdlers and chasers amongst his family and, having already won an point in Ireland, has the makings of an interesting jumps prospect. The four-year-old filly LOVE FROM VERONA has shown enough in three efforts in the frame to suggest she can win a race or two. The strong form of her Perth races further boosts confidence in the winner.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Sunday October 30th

Going – Good to Soft

KOUP DE KANON won the opening novices’ handicap hurdle with any amount to spare. Second and third are exposed, so he probably beat a huge amount, but he’s a likeable sort out of which the McCain yard should find more improvement.
The second CLAUDE CARTER has ability but doesn’t find much at the sharp end, and NORTHERN ACRES plodded on thorough the field for third. Not much encouragement for any of the others.

David Pipe has a decent novice chaser on his hands in NOTUS DE LA TOUR. Jumping really well, he had his field beaten from four out and this decent handicap hurdler will stand a step up in class over fences.
STOPPED OUT stayed on promisingly for second on chasing debut and should find a similar event in the north.
Lightly race QUEL BALLISTIC kept on for third without ever getting into the contest. He’ll be better for this and John Wade should get a win out of this one.
SIGNALMAN jumped exuberantly, typical of many a Ewart trained chaser, but paid the penalty for taking on the winner, fading into last of six. I presume he’s been difficult to train, as races have been few and far between, but he has some ability and will be competitive once finding his level.

SUPER DUTY was a very easy winner of the 2m 3½f novices’ hurdle. Previously a Bangor bumper winner, he came clear of two previous winners. E was a bit green out in front but still eased close home. His pedigree suggests he will improve with distance.
Previous winners BENEFIQUE and HOUSTON DYNIMO ran to form under penalty and double penalty respectively.
A half-sister to Sir Harry Ormesher, FASHION STAKES was well beaten in bumpers last year, but showed a glimmer of ability in keeping on from well back for fourth. There’s plenty of work to be done still, but she hinted that she may progress from here.

The Cumberland Handicap Chase is a competitive early season Class 3 event and the first five here all look to be going in the right direction.
POWER PACK JACK impressed with an all the way win at Perth, and proved he’s versatile with another front-running win over this stiff circuit. He unseated last time, but he jumps boldly and also has plenty of stamina.
QHILIMAR was always on the premises and stayed on for second place. He seemingly ran into a well-handicapped winner and shouldn’t be out of the winners’ spot for long.
HUMBIE progressed up the hill and looked the main danger to the winner at the last. He skewed left which cost him a few lengths, but he recovered to close on the first two and just miss out on second place. He’s improved with steps up and trip and might well come on again over a longer distance.
CAPTAIN AMERICO never quite got the leaders but kept on to take fourth. He’ll find easier contests.
Hexham novice winner LACKAMON found this tougher, but he held every chance up the straight and was far from disgraced in a close fifth. He will know more next time he faces this company and I think he will progress into a decent staying chaser.
The Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase has proven a decent pointer in recent years and the six competitors are worth keeping an eye on for various reasons.

Sue Smith is adept at pulling here horses out to perform well after a break and MR MOONSHINE was impressive here. He jumped nicely in front and was allowed to fiddle the last two when well clear.
HIDDEN KEEL, rated 149, was probably a bit below par on seasonal debut and outpointed from three out. However, from past experience I suspect second here will prove a reasonable effort.
Ferdy Murphy’s horses are all short of top fitness at the moment and his three will no doubt come on for the race. KELLYSTOWN LAD came from well back to take third place. He was lowest rated here and his place probably owes something to the way the race was run. LORD VILLEZ chased the leaders but was well outpaced from four out, while DIVERS was never going and pulled up before three out. He’ll need to be much fitter if aimed at the upcoming Cheltenham meeting.
GILBARRY was niggled at for much of the way and never got into the race. He’s much better than this effort suggests.

The Class 5 handicap hurdle does not look an awful lot of help for the future. The winner ARISEA has only won in selling company previously and a rise for winning this won’t help him in handicaps since he had a couple of regular soft touches in second and third. KING BENNY, admittedly a winner at Newton Abbot where the quirky course may have suited him, seldom finds much late on and ditto LEITH WALK who capitulated when asked for an extra effort approaching the last.

I was eagerly awaiting the juvenile bumper with a good vibes eminating from the Ewart camp for UEUETEOTL, suggesting they might have a decent animal on their hands. Leading from the front he quickly went clear when asked three out. In the end it was a close run thing, with Malcolm Jefferson trained HI GEORGE closing at the line and just failing with a telescope needed to view the other runners. The pair are both bred to do a job over jumps, could just be very sharp and their hurdling debuts are eagerly awaited.

[BenAitken]

Very impressive from UEUETEOTL.

Can’t see many more runs for him this season but he has to stay in the notebook for a hurdling/chasing career.

Was pleased to see the RP comments pre-race of ‘little appeal on pedigree’ as you, I and James Ewart all thought very differently. Kept the price at a nice level for us

[Author]

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