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I note that Marshall Hall misses his entry at Ayr, but I presume will now go for the alternative at Punchestown, which I believe was the original plan.
Ballabriggs is entered at Perth next Wednesday. They generally water well when the ground is on the firm side, the Tay runs along the course, so with unsettled weather forecast he could prove interesting.
If the rain doesn’t arrive then Saif Sareea could be of interesting in a handicap hurdle on Wednesday.
I’m missing Ayr as I’m away on a company bash and staying in the Lake District. I notice that fields sizes on day 1 of the Scottish National meeting seem to have suffered a little.
(Edited by robnorth at 1:03 pm on April 20, 2007)
Likely action this week, so to summarise how the list stands at the moment.
BALLABRIGGS – Novice/Maiden Hurdle or Chase 2m 4f+, with a little more confidence if the stable step him up to 2m 6f+. (Entered in a maiden hurdle at Perth on Wed – rain forecast will help)
MARSHALL HALL – Novice or Handicap Chase up to 2m 2f. (Entered Punchestown on Tues/Wed and I’d trust the trainer’s judgement on his selected event)
NUMERO UN DE SOLZEN – Handicap Chase over 3m 2f or further.
ANOTHER PROMISE – Chase 2m 4f+. (Entered Punchestown/Perth – the 2m 5f handicap at Punchestown would be my favoured event. However even at the shorter distance he could be good enough for either of his other entries)
JIM THE GENT – Novice hurdle on good or faster ground.
LITTLE BOB – Handicap Hurdle up to level 0-110 (Entered in a 0-125 on Wed at Perth – possibly needs a lower class. Novice hurdle entry looks a bit tough for him. One positive is that Dalucci franked the form as an 11/8 winner at Cork yesterday.)
ABSTRACT FOLLY – Novice/Maiden Hurdle, good or faster ground.
In the Highland National I find the likes of Lucky Nellerie, Old Noddy and Forever Eyesofblue strong contenders.
Rob
(Edited by robnorth at 6:51 pm on April 23, 2007)
The rain over the last couple of days has meant soft ground for the opening day of the Perth Festival. A bit different from the fast ground in recent weeks.
Middleton Dene(5.55) came third at Kelso in a decent looking bumper back in October. He’s performed respectably in a couple of hurdles on his last two runs and is worth an interest in maiden class here.
Storymaker(3.05) is a versatile sort having won comfortably at both 2m and 3m 3f this season. He impressed me at Kelso, then ran well from 9lbs out of the handicap at Newcastle(2m 4f). He’s gone up a way in the handicap, but my impression was that he’s well capable of making the step up. Forecast odds of 8/1 give a bit of room for error.
Rob
PERTH – Wednesday 25th April – Going Soft(Heavy patches on the chase course)
The rain in recent days turned the ground soft. The horses were finishing tired and many may have a valid excuse in the state of the ground.
2.30 2m 4.5f Maiden Hurdle<br>Half the field were out of contention by the end of the first circuit, and only five finished. That probably says as much about the ability of many of the runners as of the conditions.<br>Russian Trgger travelled up from the Barnstaple stable of shrerwd trainer Vic Dartnall. Dartnall is worth a place in any list of trainers to keep an eye on and placed this horse well. Came through to take it up in the straight and ran on well.  He had shown promise over a shorter trip at Taunton, and I would suggest that he may prove even better over 3 miles.<br>Mr Preacher Man was headed  after 2 out, but kept on well enough. Worth considering in similar events in Scotland and the north.<br>Pigeon Island had shown some promise but dropped away between the last two. He might just be a sort who continues to disappoint.
3.05 3m 0.5f Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Well strung out here. Mumbles Head confirmed previous promise, showing the soft ground was no problem and staying on to win by 8 lengths. THe presence of Red Scally, a multiple winner, in third lends some weight to the value of the form.  In Dream’s previous form didn’t look special, but his second here seems decent. He clearly relishes the cut in the ground.<br>Storymaker who pulled hard and fell away, will have to settle better to make a mark at this level.
3.40 3m Novices’ Chase<br>Oliver Sherwood’s Caribou is progressing nicely and held the more fancied Lankawi . Lankawi ran second to Reveillez at Aintree and may have found this race coming a shade too soon. Fast Forward was going knowhere when blundering two out, and First Look found the step up in class too tough.
4.15 2m 1/2f Handicap Hurdle<br>Lennon comfortably took advantage of a lower hurdles mark. <br>Charlotte Vale kept on well, is fresher than many and kept on nicely for second. Faster ground probably wouldn’t prove a hinderance, and I would imagine a handicap hurdle should come her way soon. There’s still life in the 12yo St Pirran who headed the field into the straight and then plugged on.<br>Many found things tough in the going and a few lost touch, Stainley, who had shown early promise over hurdles, once again ran poorly.
4.50 2m 4.5f Handicap Chase<br>Provided his near fall at the last fence did him no harm, Huncheon Paddy might be expected to pick up a handicap chase. Given a good ride by 7lb claimer Johnny Farrelly, he led in the straight but virtually walked in after almost coming a cropper.<br>Patricksnineteenth is lightly raced for a 10yo and stayed on to pick up this race. He has only run 11 times in his career, so maybe there’s a race or two to be had at a similar level if he can be kept sound. <br>Do L’Enfant D’Eau had been performing abysmally this season, but stayed on to finish fourth so has some hope of a victory in future, particularly if dropped in class.
5.20 3m 0.5f Am Riders’ Handicap Hurdle
A bunch of ordinary and exposed performers. Most notable performance here was by Prince Adjal’s rider Mr Alex Merriam who scored his first win under rules, giving his mount a decent ride. His claim could prove useful in future.
5.55 2m 4.5f Maiden Hurdle
Only 4 finished in this leg of the maiden hurdle. My selection, Middleton Dene, was pulled out.
Irish challenger Brickies Mate looks a fair jumping sort, should progress from here, and will presumably make up into a chaser in time. Or De Grugy came second for the fourth time in a row, but seems to have enough ability to pick up a race, possibly a minor handicap.
Weather forecast is for a dry day tomorrow, so hopefully the going will be a bit better, but i’m braced for a few non-runners.
Rob
<br>
PERTH – Thursday 26th April – Going – Soft
The ground had dried a bit and the runners were getting home a lot easier today than yesterday.  <br>The weather was  fine, the course in very good nick, and the fish and chips as excellent as ever!
2.30 2m 0.5f Novices’ Hurdle
With four non-runners including the two of the favourites this race lost a bit of it’s strength. A few of these struggled and probably won’t win anything.
South O’The Border got agitated and sweated up badly in the paddock. However this didn’t prove a problem as he took over from Smart Street between the last two to win with a bit in hand. Smart Street didn’t lose much in defeat, doing his usual pacemaking role and keeping on once headed. <br>Little Bob found the front two too sharp over the last two, but will be better off back in handicap company. <br>Palomar once again pulled his rider’s arms out, being heavily restrained, but was still in with a chance turning for home and managed fourth place. If he can be persuaded to settle then he has a win or two within him in this sort of company.
3.05 2m Handicap Chase
A very competitive event and there were quite a few with chances turning for home. Terlan proved best, forging clear over the last two. The lay-off proved no hinderance, he’s progressing well and can probably step up a grade.<br>Guymur looked to be going well before the last but went out like a light and was pipped for second on the post. <br>Tom Messenger got a decent late run out of Lofty Leader, the horse looks a gawky individual but can gallop a bit, and this one may be capable of picking up a race in lesser company.<br>Shares went well before fading in the straight.<br>Crimson Pirate has had few runs in his career to date. He looked to me as if needing the race. His bandaged forelegs give a clue as to why this 10 year  old has only raced 5 times to date. If kept sound he may be capable of winning again, but clearly he’s a fragile animal.<br>Schinken Otto and Jallastep were in good form last summer, but really struggled here both ending up tailed off.<br>Spinaround looked to need the race. As it was he decanted his jockey early on and galloped around with the field for a while.
3.40 3m 0.5f Novices’ Hurdle
This race normally has two or three contenders and a few make-weights. In this case one of the main contenders blew out, but the winner looks progressive.
Sir Jimmy Shand hurdled poorly at the front of affairs then went out like a light from 3 out, pulling up very quickly. He’s better than that and there must have been some problem.<br>Here’s Johnny cruised up to the leaders on the home turn and stayed on up the straight to win with a fair bit in hand. He performed creditable at Cheltenham. It will be interesting to see where Vic Dartnall goes with this 8yo. Chasing would be an option, or perhaps aim for decent staying handicap hurdles.<br>Major Oak finished a creditable second, staying on well enough.<br>Young Albert seemed to stay the 3 miles. He got outpaced early in the straight but stayed on again.<br>The Irish challenger Lucy Lamplighter seemed out of her depth, but actually performed reasonably creditably in fifth. She tried hard to hold on to the leaders but lost touch in the straight. She could be interesting if brought back to Scotland for a minor staying handicap this summer.
4.15 3m Handicap Chase
This was the most expensive chase ever held at Perth. The field of 15 all looked a picture in the paddock.
Dream Alliance raced prominently, took it up 4 out and went clear in the straight. This was an impressive performance by this novice against some decent performers.<br>Back to chasing Lothian Falcon performed creditably keeping on for second without threatening the winner.<br>Iron Man returned to form in third and Inaro had every chance until 3 out, found the leaders going away from him, but will find easier opportunities than this.<br>Turnstile was struggling after a circuit and pulled up. The Bajan Bandit led early but jumped left and seems to be past his best these days. <br>Morgan Be wasn’t totally disgraced, but never quite got to the leaders and probably found the race a little too hot.
4.50 3m 7f Hunters’ Chase
It’s doubtful whether there’s much for the future here as there are so few long distance hunter events.
It was a war of attrition, Lord Who seeming to have burned off the opposition, only to see Waking Ned staying on past him on the flat.<br>Iron Express isn’t very quick but stays well, having a 4m win at Hexham and a 4m 1f win at Whitwell-on-the-Hill on his CV, and plodded into third.<br>Be My Manager went well in front for 3 miles before giving way. True Temper lost touch 4 out and it seems he didn’t stay.<br>Wise Man has been running creditably in points, and passed up Balcormo to run here, but jumped stickily and lost touch almost immediately. Lucy Alexander persevered for 3 miles, but another P was added to his NH record. (Wise Man did travel to Balcormo Mains on the Saturday and won the Ladies’ Open. It seems he’s not in love with the tougher challenge of NH fences.)
5.20 2m 4.5f Handicap Hurdle
Sharp Reply looked really hard fit to me, and stayed on well for a narrow win. <br>Khasab made the winner pull out the stops and must surely win a handicap in the near future.<br>Aston Lad and Ma Yahab ran creditably without threaten to win.<br>Barney’s Lyric jacked it in going down the back straight second time, and doesn’t seem on good terms with the game at the moment.
Meanwhile at Punchestown
ANOTHER PROMISE did the business in the big Novice Chase. He won it thanks to his jumping ability, keeping it together when the rest made mistakes over the last three fences. I reckon his jumping will stand him in good stead next season in decent 2m, and particularly 2m 4f events……….autumn Cheltenham Handicap Chases possibly?
<br>(Edited by robnorth at 11:49 am on April 30, 2007)
<br>(Edited by robnorth at 11:53 am on April 30, 2007)<br>
(Edited by robnorth at 8:30 am on May 11, 2007)
I thought Farrelly was superb at Perth.. I know this thread is for horses but this kid sent his horses on from the turn a couple of times and caught everyone napping and got a double on the day.. Given another season he’ll be one of the top young jocks for sure. I saw him win some chases for O’Neill at Towcester and he continues to impress.
PERTH – Friday April 27 – Going: Good To Soft
Another day of fine weather at Scone Palace Park and the ground had dried out a bit. Still enough cut to give the soft ground horses a chance though. An attendance of 5,500, some 2,000 more than Thursday.
2.00 2m 0.5f Maiden Hurdle
Midnight Chase impressed me in the paddock, a nice looker from a winning jumps family. He came from off the pace and went clear between the last two. I see no reason why he shouldn’t win another hurdle and I would imagine he could become a fair chaser in time.<br>Platin Grounds had disappointed in his first appearance over hurdles, but didn’t do badly here, keeping on for second place.<br>Algenon had to niggled at from a way out, and fell back in the straight. Dundock stayed on late for third, and might conceivably be suited by further. Lindseyfield Lodge pulled hard going down, made the pace but ran of steam on the home turn.
2.30 2m 4.5f Novices’ Hcap Chase
Trading Trouble was right up there all the way. He just galloped away from the field in the straight. He was off a mark of 100 here, and there’s scope for another win or two yet.<br>Great Jane went with the winner into the straight, but couldn’t keep up. No disgrace, as she had the rest toiling. The mare is only 5 and is likely to improve. Another one who must surely capture a race or two. Billy Bray contested with the first two for a long way, and this may have cost him third place, but I think he’s better than the finishing distances might suggest. If he took on the third, Michael’s Joy , again then I reckon he would come out on top.<br>Corroboree looked fit enough after a long lay-off but couldn’t keep up.
3.05 2m 4.5f Novices’ Handicap Hurdle
Vic Dartnall’s horses have been ‘on fire’ at this meeting and Le Briar Soul led down the back straight, then forged clear to win with something in hand. He was coming off a long lay-off but was fit and ready and did a sound job. In addition your correspondent took notice of his own advice and backed the winner! Very nice ride too by 5lb claimer James White who did his employment prospects no harm over the three days.<br>Idarah kept on for second. Wot Way Chief challenged the leader 2 out but weakened and Lincoln’s Inn couldn’t go with the principals in the straight. Go Johnny looked a nice type in the paddock and ran respectably for fifth, but I notice he had hind leg bandages which may not be a good sign.
3.40 2m Novices’ Chase
Echo Point did his darndest to shift his rider at the first, but jumped nicely after that. Kept on to win a shade cosily.<br>I first saw the second, Chief Yeoman on the flat at Sandown as a 2yo. Frankie Dettori had some rather uncomplimentary comments about him after the race, but he’s not done badly since. He wasn’t disgraced in second, and will presumably progress to pick up a handicap or two in future.<br>Bold Fire went well enough until falling on the far side, apparently hampered by a loose horse. He looked none the worse and will make up for the mishap.<br>Ease The Way was well back in third and Andre Chenier couldn’t cope with the tougher opposition here.<br>Norminster looked a picture in the paddock, but his record is unspectacular and he unseated at the second anyway!
4.15 3m 7f Highland National Handicap Chase
The course management were well pleased with a maximum 18-runner turn out for this event. I doubt there are many more competitive 0-115 staying chases during the season.
Back In Business was impressive, looking better the farther he went. He stays and gallops all day, and racing here off a mark of 93 means there will be any number of staying handicaps within his scope next season.<br>Rosarian continued the Dartnall camp’s fine form, losing nothing in defeat. His trainer commented earlier that he felt the race would suit the horse. He was spot on, and although Rosarian has yet to win a chase his turn surely won’t be delayed for long.<br>Kausse De Thaix was only seen off between the last two. This was a return to form and there will be a race or two  for him. Would You Believe went well enough but found the distance a bit far. I would have expected Lucky Nellerie to be close at the end, but I suspect this proved one race too many.<br>Chabrimal Minster ran prominently but had begun to feel the pinch when unseating 6 out. <br>Admiral Peary was prominent to about the same point, but went out like a light and pulled up before 3 out.<br>Eskimo Pie got tangled up with the tape, had an unaccompanied look at the first fence and wasn’t keen on returning. He was never going and pulled up before the end of circuit two.<br>Trisons Star was well backed but didn’t go an inch. Bengo got a bit farther but was never competitive.<br>Skenfrith looked very well but once again ran poorly.
4.50 3m 3f Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle
Mumbles Head doddled up for the second time in 3 days. I’m pretty sure he has more wins in him.<br>Oscar The Boxer lost nothing in defeat and is worth bearing in mind for long distance hurdles.<br>Overserved ran respectably, just running out of steam, but the rest were remote.
5.20 2m 0.5f NH Flat Race
There used to be a time when I cursed at seeing a Bumper at the end of the card. However I now find myself making plenty of notes before, during and after these events.
Silver By Nature looked a really nice type in the paddock. The ‘horsey people’ next to me agreed! He had run quite well first time, and moved up from that staying on well to win by 3 lengths. Lucy Normile has an interesting prospect here.
Unusually for a bumper the pace was a strong one. Freddie The Third pulled hard and set off at a decent lick. He paid for it and faded dramatically in the last 3 furlongs.<br>Bold Policy came through nicely for second, and Paul Nicholls will find opportunities for him firstly in a bumper and then over hurdles.<br>The Representative didn’t have the pace of the first two, but ran respectably in third. <br>Silver Steel was well backed, seemed to be going nowhere on the home turn but picked off a few to finish fourth. He looked a well-proportioned individual and should prove capable of better.<br>Paddymcgintysgoat sadly lived up to his name from Val Doonican’s song, only beating the very slow Solway Shell!
Rob
ABSTRACT FOLLY ran in what looked quite a competitive handicap hurdle at Sedgefield yesterday. Never got into the race and I’d be waiting for a move back to novice or maiden company before betting.
Didn’t learn too much new from the Durham National. Burren Moonshine travelled from Wales and stayed on too well for his Northern rivals. Dumadic ran a decent race and is just about handicapped up to his ability. Bang And Blame probably found the going a little on the firm side and dropped out in the straight. He went well in front for a long way though, and will still be a factor in similar events next winter.
The bumper didn’t look a brilliant event, but Lambrini Leader sprinted away from the opposition in the last furlong and may be worth keeping an eye on. He’s only a 4 year old so has a bit of time for development.
Rob
(Edited by robnorth at 8:06 am on May 2, 2007)
Huncheon Paddy confirmed the promise of his Perth performance, winning the 2m 4f handicap chase at Down Royal at the decent price of 6/1.
Kelso – Tuesday 8th May – Going: Good To Firm
A decent card for this time of year.
2.20 2m 6.5f Novices Handicap Hurdle
Barracat set a decent pace before giving way in the straight. Oscar Jo outstayed the field on the run-in. Off a fairly low mark I would imagine that opportunities will be limted in Ireland, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Tony Martin targeted an event or two in the North of the Britain. Overall though this wasn’t a very good race.
2.50 3m 1f Novice Chase
Contact Dancer set a decent pace, but made one or two errors, and came down when the pressure was on 3 out. He certainly has ability over fences, but must tidy his jumping. My Immortal jumped well and to my eye looked to be going better when the leader came down. His jumping looks good enough to suggest that he can progress to be competitive in handicap company. <br>In the company of two better animals Tipp Mid West was raced realistically by Kenny Johnson. There was no point going the pace of the leaders, but he kept on to finish well clear of the other two. It wouldn’t be beyond the imagination that there’s a minor novice/maiden chase within this one’s compass.
3.25 2m 6.5f Intermediate Hurdle
Mumbles Head was going like the winner most of the way but was caught by King Barry on the run-in. It turned out Mumbles Head had broken down, and I hope there’s no long term damage as this one looked quite smart at Perth.
4.00 2m 6.5f Handicap Chase
A decent event for the time of year, but exposed performers fought out the finish so I’m not sure it revealed an awful lot. However Ballycassidy proved that he can still cut it in half decent company, having too much determination for the rest at the business end. He will presumably be aimed at the better staying chases this summer, and I see no reason why he shouldn’t pick up some prize money.<br>Direct Access has been struggling in recent times, and there seems no immediate sign of a revival judged on another disappointing performance.
4.30 2m 2f Handicap Hurdle
My Perth summary hinted that the 12 year old St Pirran was no lost cause, and he justified that opinion with a determined finish to pip Saif Sareea at a rewarding price of 14/1. Saif Sareea has gone up 10lbs since a win here, but is still competitive and will be there or thereabouts in similar contests while conditions suit. Irish raider Magnet For Money was outbattled close home, finishing third, but was not disgraced and with a drop in class should see this one pick up a handicap hurdle. Might be worth keeping an eye out for this one in such events at the minor Irish tracks.
5.00 2m 1f Handicap Chase
Locksmith won nicely here, clearly suited by the fast ground. Just a feeling that the rise in the weights that he will get for this might make things difficult. <br>Andre Chenier pulled up before the home straight and probably isn’t quite this class.
Rob
Hexham – Saturday May 12
2.15 2m 1/2f Novices’ hurdle
I suspect this was a pretty decent event. Programme Girl and Middleton Dene ran well in a competitive bumper back in October at Kelso. Along with Syballius d’Artaix they were clear of the remainder here and I would expect all three to win races in the future.
4.45 3m Maiden Hurdle
This was a poor event, but TROYS RUN won it with any amount in hand and should cope with better opposition.
Perth – Wednesday May 16
6.25 2m 1/2f Mares Only Intermediate Hurdle
Westgrove Berry did not not run here race, and the winner Buffy is only rated 87, so it’s doubtful the form adds up to much. Paradise Expected stayed on from a long way back for third and may conceivable be competitive in similar or selling company over further.
6.55 2m 4.5f Maiden Hurdle
The official ratings of the first Or De Grugy (OR 99) and Tartan Snow (OR 93) suggest they ran to form. That puts the second Save the Bacon  around the 98 mark. Irish-trained Save the Bacon didn’t jump that well and may have a little improvement. <br>Chris Corsa pulled early and ran prominently but fell away quickly from 4 out and pulled up. This one will need to settle better.<br>Dundock plodded into fourth, basically not having the pace of the leaders when push came to shove. <br>The rest were well beaten.
7.25 3m Novices’ Handicap Chase
Caipiroska, coming off a 2 year lay-off, won this with stacks in hand, cruising up to the leaders in the straight and winning hard held by a couple of lengths. Looked value for about 15 lengths to me, is only on a mark of 78, and must follow up providing the handicapper is not over-harsh.<br>Eriskay stayed on through beaten horse for second. He won’t always meet one as good as the winner, but as an 11yo novice time is at a premium.<br>No encouragement amongst the younger brigade as the 6 and 7yos all pulled up.
7.55 3m 1/2f Handicap hurdle
A 1-2-3 for the Irish challengers here.<br>Le Marquis moved smoothly through from the back to take it up 2 out and was shaken up to win easily. Presumably there’s a chance he’ll be back to Perth again this summer and should have every chance of another win.<br>The second Baileys Encore did exceptionally well for a 4yo over 3 miles , this performance being good enough to suggest a win is imminent.<br>I’d noted Lucy Lamplighter running respectably at the last meeting. She moved up into contention nicely on the home turn, but found the front two too quick in the straight. She wasn’t stopping though, and off a mark of 95 there must be opportunities for her to win a staying contest. If there’s a mares’ only staying contest programmed then I reckon she would be a sound bet.<br>The ‘home contingent’ were well held, Prince Adjal once again being found out for pace over the last two.
8.25 2m Handicap Chase
I had a choice between two I noted at the last meeting, Great Jane and Lofty Leader. Regrettably I chose the wrong one as Great Jane couldn’t go the pace over the final three. Her recent form had been over further, so I wouldn’t worry too much about this run and would look out for her over 2m 4f+.<br>Lofty Leader strikes me as a little quirky, he seems to hold his head at an odd angle and wandered on the flat, but did the job well enough. He’s lightly raced over fences, probably on a lowish mark, and should win another chase.<br>Shares has been running respectably and stayed on for second. He seems pretty straightforward and will be competitive in similar events.<br>Arresting had come thorugh nicely to have every chance when falling at the last. Three out of 4 at Perth before this, and presuming the fall hasn’t done any harm, Arresting is one to put on the shortlist whenever he travels to Scone Palace Park.
8.55 2m 1/2f Handicap Hurdle
James Lambe places his horses well when travelling from Ireland and Balakar, off the back of a solid performance at Down Royal, comfortably accounted for a bunch of pretty average and largely out of form opponents.<br>The pace was slow, and most were in contention 3 out, so the proximity of a few might flatter them. Beggar’s Cup ran respectably on his handicap debut and stayed on for second. Queen Of Diamonds came from a long way back to take third, but may have to look to selling company to record a win as she hadn’t got this close previously.
(Edited by robnorth at 8:26 am on May 17, 2007)
Apologies for not updating this thread more often recently, but we’ve had work done on our house and yours truly has to do bits and pieces of the work. Hence this report comes to you courtesy of glances at AtTheRaces during the afternoon!
Perth – Sunday June 10
12,000 in for this meeting, which would be too crowded for me, so probably just as well I watched it on the net……
2.20 2m 4.5f Novice Hurdle
This pulled together a couple of threads from previous meetings, and as I’d expected involved the first three in the market.<br>Middleton Dene had looked a hurdle winner in the making, following up a decent second to Programme Girl with a win here. Nicely ridden by Rose Davidson, who always strikes me as a good judge at positioning a horse in a race, he took it up between the last two and stayed on for a comfortable victory. He’s better suite by the 2m 4f then 2m and looks sure to win again soon.<br>Baileys Encore‘s form didn’t look quite as strong as the winner’s and so it proved, but he wasn’t disgraced if found out for toe over the last two. I would imagine he’d benefit from a step up in trip again, and a staying novice event should be within his compass.<br>Last Pioneer found this tougher than his Cartmel races, but was well there until 2 out and performed respectably.
2.50 2m Handicap Chase
A race full of in form horses.
Yankee Holiday recieved reward for some consistent performances, jumping well in front and going clear in the straight. Recent winners Royal Glen and Lofty Leader performed well enough for second and third. I suspect the form may prove strong at this level.<br>The Wicketkeeper had every chance but whacked a couple in the last mile and the second mistake knocked the stuffing out of him. He won’t always find races as competitive so is worth bearing in mind.<br>Chukchi Country found the company a little bit tougher than the 59-85 at Sedgefield. Ran well enough for a long way to suggest a drop back to lesser company might be of interest.
3.20 2m 0.5f Nov Hcap Hurdle
On the face of it, Tony Martin had kept Northern Alliance well hidden, but the maidens he contested in Irelend looked strong events, and many of these were proven as very slow.<br>Tuscany Rose set a fair pace, but went out like a light from 3 out. <br>The presence of the well exposed, and very moderate, Howard’s Dream(1/57 in all races) says much about the value of this form.<br>The better backed of Martin’s runners, Miss Goodytwoshoes stayed on late for second.
3.50 3m Class 2 Handciap Chase
The Perth Gold Cup is the most competitive event of the season at Scone Palace Park and there were plenty of in-form horses competing.
Rare Society led going on to the final circuit and didn’t give way until 2 out. A decent run and one to note for a less competitive event.
Tamarinbleu joined the leader 4 out and went on from 2 out. This was a good performance, but he’ll go up for this and from a current mark of 140 a rise would exclude him from most chases during the summer.<br>Kock De La Vesvre goes well at Perth and ran well enough without threatening to win. King Of The Arctic has plenty of twos and threes in his form and once again ran a decent race without ever looking the winner.<br>Ballycassidy never seemed to travel particularly well, and though he may have been hampered by Kid’z’Play’s fall, he didn’t threaten to be seriously involved.
4.20 2m 0.5f Handicap Hurdle
A pretty ordinary contest for a Class 3.
Freeloader won this comfortably, but I’d prefer to watch him in better company before risking money.<br>Kristiansand led early and picked up the pace on the home turn, but had no answer to the winner. Compton Eagle ran a fair race in third but the rest showed little of significance.
4.50 2m 4.5f Novice Handicap Chase
Nae Bother At Allwas well backed on his chasing debut but departed early.<br>Not A Tracewent comfortably in front, had them on the stretch from 4 out and was only just outbattled close home. He’s a maiden over fences but this was a good performance, he did nothing wrong, and there must surely be a race in this one.
Commercial Express had been a shade disappointing at Cartmel. However the Cumbria track is a quirky place and this was much better form. Wore down the long time leader after a battle down the straight. Looks low enough in the handicap to make a bit of progress in the coming months.
5.20 2m N.H. Flat
This didn’t look a strong event and there were only four in with a shout entering the home straight.
Mr Woods pulled hard early and had nothing left close home. If he settles he may do something over hurdles, but a watching brief is best at present.
Mr Multifix and Still At Lunch had a right old ding-dong and neither lacked commitment. The former was mid division in a Down Royal previously so the form must be taken on that basis. However, Still At Lunch lost nothing in defeat on his debut, cost 20,000 Euros as a 3yo and as a 4yo has time to play with.
The rest look moderate to very poor.
Apologies for not updating this thread more often recently, but we’ve had work done on our house and yours truly has to do bits and pieces of the work. Hence this report comes to you courtesy of glances at AtTheRaces during the afternoon!
Perth – Sunday June 10 Going – Good
12,000 in for this meeting, which would be too crowded for me, so probably just as well I watched it on the net……
2.20 2m 4.5f Novice Hurdle
This pulled together a couple of threads from previous meetings, and as I’d expected involved the first three in the market.<br>Middleton Dene had looked a hurdle winner in the making, following up a decent second to Programme Girl with a win here. Nicely ridden by Rose Davidson, who always strikes me as a good judge at positioning a horse in a race, he took it up between the last two and stayed on for a comfortable victory. He’s better suited by the 2m 4f then 2m and looks sure to win again soon.<br>Baileys Encore‘s form didn’t look quite as strong as that of the winner, and so it proved, but he wasn’t disgraced if found out for toe over the last two. I would imagine he’d benefit from a step up in trip again, and a staying novice event should be within his compass.<br>Last Pioneer found this tougher than his Cartmel races, but was well there until 2 out and performed respectably.
2.50 2m Handicap Chase
A race full of in form horses.
Yankee Holiday recieved reward for some consistent performances, jumping well in front and going clear in the straight. Recent winners Royal Glen and Lofty Leader performed well enough for second and third. I suspect the form may prove strong at this level.<br>The Wicketkeeper had every chance but whacked a couple in the last mile and the second mistake knocked the stuffing out of him. He won’t always find races as competitive so is worth bearing in mind.<br>Chukchi Country found the company a little bit tougher than the 59-85 at Sedgefield. Ran well enough for a long way to suggest a drop back to lesser company might be of interest.
3.20 2m 0.5f Nov Hcap Hurdle
On the face of it, Tony Martin had kept Northern Alliance well hidden, but the maidens he contested in Irelend looked strong events, and many of these were proven as very slow.<br>Tuscany Rose set a fair pace, but went out like a light from 3 out. <br>The presence of the well exposed, and very moderate, Howard’s Dream(1/57 in all races) in third place says much about the value of this form.<br>The better backed of Martin’s runners, Miss Goodytwoshoes stayed on late for second, but that performance needs to be judged by the company here.
3.50 3m Class 2 Handciap Chase
The Perth Gold Cup is the most competitive event of the season at Scone Palace Park and there were plenty of in-form horses competing.
Rare Society led going on to the final circuit and didn’t give way until 2 out. A decent run and one to note for a less competitive event.
Tamarinbleu joined the leader 4 out and went on from 2 out. This was a good performance, but he’ll go up for this and, from a current mark of 140, a rise would exclude him from most chases during the summer.<br>Kock De La Vesvre goes well at Perth and ran well enough without threatening to win. King Of The Arctic has plenty of twos and threes in his form and once again ran a decent race without ever looking the winner.<br>Ballycassidy never seemed to travel particularly well, and though he may have been hampered by Kid’z’Play’s fall, he didn’t threaten to be seriously involved.<br>The likes of Trading Trouble, Huncheon Paddy, Bafana Boy and Matt The Thrasher found this company much tougher than previous races and all struggled. On the other hand King Barry pulled up with a full circuit to go, so I wonder if there was a problem.
4.20 2m 0.5f Handicap Hurdle
A pretty ordinary contest for a Class 3.
Freeloader won this comfortably, but I’d prefer to watch him in better company before risking money.<br>Kristiansand led early and picked up the pace on the home turn, but had no answer to the winner. Compton Eagle ran a fair race in third but the rest showed little of significance.
4.50 2m 4.5f Novice Handicap Chase
Nae Bother At Allwas well backed on his chasing debut but departed early.<br>Not A Tracewent comfortably in front, had them on the stretch from 4 out and was only just outbattled close home. He’s a maiden over fences but this was a good performance, he did nothing wrong, and there must surely be a race in this one.
Commercial Express had been a shade disappointing at Cartmel. However the Cumbria track is a quirky place and this was much better form. Wore down the long time leader after a battle down the straight. Looks low enough in the handicap to make a bit of progress in the coming months.
French form, and promise on last run here, suggested Ormello might have a shout, but this one was disappointing, never in with a shout and being pulled up
5.20 2m N.H. Flat
This didn’t look a strong event and there were only four in with a shout entering the home straight.
Mr Woods pulled hard early and had nothing left close home. If he settles he may do something over hurdles, but a watching brief is best at present.
Mr Multifix and Still At Lunch had a right old ding-dong and neither lacked commitment. The former was mid division in a Down Royal previously so the form must be taken on that basis. However, Still At Lunch lost nothing in defeat on his debut, cost 20,000 Euros as a 3yo and as a 4yo has time to play with.
The rest look moderate to very poor.<br>
(Edited by robnorth at 2:36 pm on June 11, 2007)
A lot of rain in the Perth area in the last few days means Wednesday July 4’s meeting is off, and I suspect there’s a fair chance Thursday will go the same way.
Weather permitting I hope to report from Scone Palace Park on Sunday July 15th.
Rob
…and Perth duly goes down the plug hole on Thursday. If only the water would go down the plughole. Still, at least there’s no hosepipe ban………
Sunday July 15 Perth
The going was good, with good to soft patches on the chase course. The two days of last meeting were abandoned and I suspect there were a few false patches of gorund, as the flight on the far side was omitted in the hurdles.
A crowd in the region of 10,000 witnessed a competitive card on that rarity this summer, a warm and sunny day!
2.10 16.5f Maiden Hurdle
Irish import HARCAS raced prominently, led 3 out and stayed on up the straight. He held off FIT TO FLY , the latter just pipping JIM THE GENT for second. All three look reasonable prospects. JORDANS ELECT was close up in fourth looks a big strong type and I’m sure will learn from the experience here. The one fly in the ointment could be the proximity of the exposed GAPPERSONNELDOTCOM in fifth.
JIM THE GENT was in my list of horses to follow. He’s coming along nicely and the way he stayed suggests a longer distance will do him no harm. He won a couple of NH Flats on good to firm last year, so slightly faster ground wouldn’t be a hindrance.
Graham Lee , rider of Jordan’s Elect, reported the ground as "very patchy".
2.40 2m 4.5f Novices’ Chase
CAIPIROSKA led at a decent pace, but ran of puff when headed 4 out and was last of the four to finish. He’s likely to have better opportunities agianst lesser opposition in handicaps.
COMMERCIAL EXPRESS is in a decent vein of form. He looked very fit in the parade ring. looked destined to take the race comfortably unitl making a hash of two out. Timmy Murphy pulled him back together to overtake CONTACT DANCER on the run-in.TICKATEAL took over 4 out, but didn’t find a lot between the last two. He could be one who needs the race to fall his way, and quicker ground may be a help.
The remainder struggled to get into the race and all pulled up.
3.10 2m 4.5f Novices’ Hurdle
MIDDLETON DENE caught my eye back in October at Kelso and hasn’t disappointed. Moved up a mile out, took over at the last and stayed on.
PIGEON ISLAND in blinkers and a tongue strap, led 3 out, but was held when eased and losing third on the line. David England received ’21 days’ for his misdemeanour. That aside I’m not sure Pigeon Island is particularly straightforward and I’d rather oppose than support him.
PANTHERS RUN had some bits and pieces of decent form to show, but has been a bit in and out. He finished fast to benefit from England’s error and would be interesting in a minor staying maiden event.
Irish trained DABLUFFER set a strong pace but fell away in the straight. BEAU SADDLER stepped up on previous form to finish fourth. BEGGAR’S CAP, stepped up in trip, ran out of petrol in the last half mile.
3.40 3m 0.5f Handicap Hurdle
CATCH THE PERK made it 1n impressive 12 wins from 50 attempts with a win for local trainer Lucinda Russell. His last run was pulled up in the Veteran’s Chase at Cartmel. If he can stick to this sort of form, then he’s worth considering over hurdles or fences in the future. He showed admirable determination to hold off HARRY FLASHMAN, who’s running well at present. HE’S A HOTSHOT now seems to have found some form and couldn’t hold the first two but finished quite close, with the remainder 24 lengths and more adrift. I believe KID’Z’PLAY, the fourth placed horse, now goes to Hamilton on the flat on Thursday.
4.10 2m Handicap Chase
LUTEA is coming on in leaps and boundas, making it 4 in a row. He led jumping well and kept on in the straight.
SEEYAAJ hasn’t been seen out often recently, but may be on the way back as he stayed on determinedly in second.
YANKEE HOLIDAY had two handlers in the paddock, pulled hard going down and tried to go with the leader but weakened in the straight. He won’t always come up against an opponent like Lutea and I wouldn’t write him off yet.
LOFTY LEADER often stays on late, but just didn’t get a blow in here.
SOUTH BRONX looked a picture in the paddock, jumped very well, but could only find one pace from 4 out.
ARRESTING was most uncooperative and was pulled up after just 6 obstacles.4.40 2m 0.5f Ladies’ Handicap Hurdle
A very poor event fought out by the two competitors possessing from bordering on respectable. COMPTON EAGLE and TARKESAR went clear up the straight, the latter keeping on the stronger to get up close home. They were clear of the rest who really aren’t performing well at the moment.
GUERILLA, as I had noted previously, is led around on the grass in the parade ring. I wonder if he has bad feet?
5.10 2m 0.5f NH Flat
An 18-strong field turned out for the closing bumper. The event was won with consummate ease by POUILLY, his jockey taking a good look round in the final furlong. He’s run creditably in Irish points and is half-brother to winning stayers Jurancon III and Red Echo. The obvious conclusion is that given time he’ll been a good deal better when faced with obstacles and a distance of ground. Certainly one to watch out for over obstacles in Ireland.
SIMONSIDER loked very well and put up a creditable debut performance, staying on for second. STILL AT LUNCH held up the form from the last meeting here and will probably find a race.
FUNNY THING didn’t threaten the leaders, but kept on well for fourth. Half-sister to am iddle distance hurdle/chase winner Hailstorm, so presumably is one for the future over obstacles.
THAT’LL DO NICELY looked very fit, and was well backed, but was found out when push came to shove. BAGUENAUD was another well backed, moved up promisingly 4 furlongs out, but went out like a light in the last two furlongs. COCKATHEWALK came from well back to threaten on the home turn, but faded in the straight. MACROGER looked a decent jumping type to me, but never got any farther forward than mid division.
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