North’s notes

[robnorth]

VtC

I was told by the trainer in September 2012 that The Welsh National was Silver By Nature’s target last season, but he was held up in his preparations and not seen until fairly late in the season. On the face of it the Punchestown and Haydock efforts were pretty mighty runs and I’m sure there’s still a big race win to come from the Arlary grey.

When we saw him school at the Open Day he looked rather slow over his jumps, but watching his races he outjumps the others in the latter part of the race. It takes two miles for him to warm up!

Rob

[Venture to Cognac]

Cheers Rob, For the life of me, I couldn’t remember what I thought of him at The Open Day. Although I did pose for a few pics with him at last years Open Day.

I don’t think he’d be my main bet for Chepstow at the moment, but I’m sure to have an interest. With it unlikely he’ll ever be at Aintree again, they’ve got to target him for something, and encouraging that Chepstow was the plan last season.

[moehat]

Thanks Rob; I won’t have internet access after Saturday but there’s a place in Seahouses that lets people log on for a while so I’ll try to do that. Hope it doesn’t snow!

[robnorth]

moehat

Musselburgh is the place to go to avoid snow as it has a micro-climate all of its own! Kelso on the other hand can catch more of the white stuff though current long range forecast suggests weather won’t be too bad.

Update on Chac Du Cadran is that he may go Becher Chase but is more likely to go direct to the North Yorkshire National at Catterick in January.

Rob

[moehat]

We’ve never been to Musselburgh and were debating whether or not there was a meeting when we’re up there [same with Perth]. Problem is we can’t leave the dog for too long and travel any distance. I’m sure I’ve seen people with dogs at Kelso but I wouldn’t risk my whippet near a racetrack.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Friday November 29th
Going – Good (Goof to Firm in places), though the jockeys reported it was cutting up on the grass bends and that it was probably on the dead side of good.

A bright and breezy day in East Lothian, a bit chilly but nice enough weather to be welcome at this time of year when conditions can turn very cold, the corresponding meeting last year having been lost to frost.

12.10 3m ½f Saltire Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (69-99)

A case of where did that one come from as former maiden point winner STITCHED IN TIME poped in at 33/1 and stepped up significantly on previous hurdles form. Setting or sharing the pace all the way, he stayed on well up the home straight and, though having to be ridden out on the flat, was clear from three out and not in any danger. He gave a glimmer of encouragement last season, but ran poorly on seasonal debut, a change of tactics seemingly helpful here and the near good ground probably didn’t do any harm either. He has the look of a chaser and I suspect is one who has needed time to grow up.
Emma Sayer rode AUBERGE into second having recently turned conditional and back after a lay off following a fall which damaged two vertebrae. Her mount hasn’t got a turn of foot, but does keep staying on and kept on into second. He regularly runs his race and goes well enough here though not yet a course winner.
PUDSEY HOUSE tried to match the winner up front but gave way from three out, being relegated to third on the run-in. He made all on his one win and looks to need things his way.
VALLANI often gets stretched for speed early on and came from the rear to claim fourth place. She does on this ground but probably needs it a bit softer to slow down the others.
TEARS FROM HEAVEN plugged on into third coming off a long lay-off. He has won over fences and hurdles, including over the latter obstacles round here, and looked as the race would bring him on.
The previously in-form BURNS NIGHT found himself stretched at Stitched In time set the pace. He never got into the race and was well beaten in seventh.
FLYING DOCTOR fell at the sixth and was straight up, but appeared to have gone seriously wrong on his off fore. However it could be that he just got his legs caught in the reins, and perhaps was not life threatening, as there were no screens put up and he was led into the horse ambulance.

12.40 2m BAM Construction Juvenile Hurdle (Class 4)

The two juvenile hurdles at Musselburgh this term have had a total of seven runners, one of those running in both contests. This must surely be a consequence of the plethora of all-weather racing that takes place in the winter. I’ve nothing against all-weather racing, and would go if we had a track locally, but there’s so much that you do wonder if anyone has considered consequences for the novice end of the winter sport. It looks a question of the sport acquiring a third arm, but the outcome is that it uses that extra arm to shoot itself in the foot.

DISPOUR made the pace and quickened up well enough to see off his only serious rival. He jumped left at times, including forcing the runner-up against the rail on the run-in, but saw out his race well enough. He may have tough tasks under a double penalty in no-handicaps. Jason Maguire was given two days for forcing Thorpe into the rail, a decision I felt was a bit harsh given that his mount suffered from wonky steering over the last two flights.
THORPE ran a decent enough race but was well held even allowing for his contretemps with the running rail. The division is not strong on evidence presented to date and there should be a minor event to be won with him soon.
SEASIDE ROCK was last of four at the opening meeting here earlier in the month and was readily outpaced from three out. He needs to be handicapped and placed in the bottom grade.

1.10 2m 4f Semichem Novices’ Handicap Chase (85-108)

MY IDEA travelled well throughout the race, challenged four out, led two out and went clear on the run-in. This wasn’t a strong event and this is only his second win in 31 races.
TEO VIVO didn’t jump particularly well but at least got round this time and had every chance two out. He could only muster one pace from that point and is capable of improvement if and when he gets his jumping together.
AGRICULTURAL set the pace but was found out once turned for home. He basically a modest performer.
MUWALLA won at Sedgefield in September, but failed off a higher mark last time and was first beaten of the four still standing turning for home.
BEN AKRAM seemed distracted by Teo Vivo and unseated at the second.
KING’S CHORISTER had made some headway to close when not getting high enough at the eleventh and unseating Tony Kelly. That’s three times in a row he’s failed to complete over fences.

1.45 2m 4f Cornhill Building Services Ltd Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

A weakly contested event though the first two had given encouragement previously.
MANDARIN SUNSET was placed twice at Perth in spring/summer and built on that, running on determinedly to see off a single serious challenge.
BELLGROVE had every chance and may just have been outstayed by the winner. A Perth bumper winner in August, a win which I’m told took a significant five figure sum out of the ring, he’s a keen sort and may be better dropped back in trip.
YOURHOLIDAYISOVER kept on in third but was well held from two out. This was a respectable effort from this half-brother to several winners including decent hurdler Copeland. His best chance in future is likely to lie in handicaps once he has three hurdles runs on his record.
BIGGAR was disappointing in a well beaten fourth place considering his fair effort last time.
Nothing else was remotely competitive in the final record.
ASKALOTT was outpaced and pulled up before the seventh having burst a blood vessel. Bar a win in a dreadful point at Friar’s Haugh in 2012 he’s not looked like racehorse and must surely move on to something less strenuous.

2.20 2m Weatherbys Printing Handicap Chase (107-132)

Irish import CLARAGH NATIVE made an impressive winning debut for Martin Todhunter. He travelled well and jumped neatly throughout the race and took charge approaching the last. He has handled soft ground in the past, but his two Irish wins were on fast ground and good ground so his trainer will be looking out for further opportunities at Musselburgh if the rains stay away. He’s won over nineteen furlongs so a try at two and half miles might not be out of the question.
ENDEAVOR , a winner of four races around this time last year, put up a sterling effort in this company. He led four out but was headed after two out and didn’t have anything else left to respond to the winner.
QUITO DU TRESOR won a race here last time in which he jumped a good deal better than the remainder. He led from the sixth until four out and could muster only one pace from two out.
NINE STORIES was struggling by the seventh, soon pulled up and didn’t look particularly happy on chasing return.
SWIFT ARROW has two ways of running and was never going here, detached by the eighth fence and pulled up before the next. He normally saves these runs for when the North money is on but I have to plead ‘not guilty’ on this occasion!
SLEEP IN FIRST fell at the fifth.

2.55 Border Safeguard Handicap Hurdle (71-100)

PASS MUSTER showed only a glimmer of hurdling ability oh handicap debut in March but, off a break since then he led three out and quickened, winning very comfortably despite being clumsy over the last flight. The opposition was moderate but he couldn’t have won this in much easier fashion. Philip Kirby reported that he had a lot of niggling problems but a break seems to have sweetened him. He may well be pulled out to run under a penalty next week.
CADORE ran best of the more exposed bunch staying on from the rear for a clear second place and confirming the form of a decent effort behind Civil Unrest here last time.
VITTACHI plugged on into third without threatening, while PUSH ME made a little headway in the straight but is looking held after being put up significantly for winning a very soft contest at Kelso.
LYSINO is a four-year-old but he looks a chasing type and of the also rans he would be one to keep in mind. He didn’t get into this race and was outpaced in the straight on this occasion.
PALUS SAN MARCO was well backed on debut for Charlie Longsdon, but ran a tame race and was beaten a long way out before being pulled up.

3.25 2m 32Redpoker.com Maiden Open NH Flat (class 5)

On paddock inspection only one of these looked likely to be a flat race winner and WILCOS MO CHARA quickened nicely two out to put the race to bed in emphatic fashion after setting the pace. He’s not huge but looks a hurdler in the making and should quickly follow up with another win.
OLLIE G has the stamp of a chaser about him, so it’s encouraging that he followed a promising debut with a determined staying on second here. He is likely to step up once encountering obstacles and a distance of ground.
Placed in two provincial maiden bumpers in France, VAUREN DE VAUZELLE chased the leader down the straight but couldn’t find any significant acceleration. He’s half-brother to a winning chaser and is likely to benefit from going hurdling.
CALTON ENTRY stuck his guns quite well having been outpaced early in the straight, but will likely need further experience.
TRACKANAIS was outpaced in the final two furlongs but went about his business well enough to suggest shrewd handler Simon Shirley-Beavan can point him in the right direction. His dam was a maiden chaser but has bred a useful chaser that won up to 21 furlongs.

[Venture to Cognac]

Kicking myself Rob, had a good go on him yesterday, and it’s nice to have a winner as easy as that. Just wish
I had put it up on my thread as one to watch. Bet it when it last ran in March, and let’s just say, they didn’t give it too hard of a time. Straight in the notebook it was……..had actually written up a draft for my thread, then decided against posting it. Dammit.

Ps great read as ever.

[robnorth]

GREEN FLAG continued on an upward curve with a third win over fences at Newcastle last week. He was amde to work by STREAMS OF WHISKEY and it was touch and go when the latter departed two out, but Green Flag jumped superbly and it’s worth bearing in mind he was conceding a stone to his sole challenger.
STREAMS OF WHISKEY looks potentially a decent chaser whose jumping has let him down when trying to hold a decent animal in Green Flag. He can win a chase against less taxing oppostion.
SCOTSWELL put in another fine effort in defeat and is worth a chance in handicaps. He’s entered in the Borders National, though it’s a decent race adn he might find one or two too good noce again.

VINTAGE STAR put up a fine effort in the Rehearsal Chase, just pipped by decent chaser HEY BIG SPENDER in a bobbing heads finish. Back in fifth NETMINDER ran a strong race, steppnig up significantly on his first run of the season. Sandy Thomson is beginning to get his charges into gear and this one is worth looking out for in staying chases in the coming months.

CLEVER COOKIE battled hard but was just held by Henderson odds-on chance Full Shift in the closing novices’ hurdle. He lloiks sure to win a sim ilar event soon.
Back in fifith LANDECKER ran a race of immense promise. He found the first four too strong from tewo out but stuck to his game and, but for a couple of jumping errors, would have finished a lot closer. He probably needs further than the minimum and Nick Alexander’s charge is one to note.

SUPRISE VENDOR continued his progression over fences with a convincing win at Bangor. He’s now on a mark of 120, but I believe he will be competitive at that level. This form pays a great compliment to CLONDAW KNIGHT who beat him comfortably at Kelso.

VINNY GAMBINI built on a promising Kelso effort with a win at Carlisle in the novice event over 2 miles three and a half furlongs. He has been given time to come right, with a few niggiling problems along the way, and looks a chaser in the making but is proving decent over hurdles.
FRANKIE’s PROMISE was steadily closing in second and well clear of the rest. His hurdling is still rather clumsy but is a little better, and he is showing some decent speed on the flat. There will be races to be won with him.

MEADOWCROFT BOY was a very easy winner of the 2m 1f novices’ hurdle. The event wasn’t strong but he had any amount in hand and Alistair Whillans’s gelding can go to take much better contests.
Simon Shirley-Beavon’s HEART DANCER continued to show promise, staying on thorugh the remainder for second. He will be better at longer distances and now qulaifies for a handicap mark.

TUTCHEC is a huge animal who has taken time to strengthen into his frame. He’s moving forward quickly now and was a decetn winner of Carlisle’s feature satying handicap chase.
ISLA PEARL FISHER has been off since burying Lucy Alexander at Musseelburgh early in the year, but made a not discouraging return even though last. He was always held but at least stuck at it and remains on a workable mark, and should come on with this race under his belt. He’s a ten-year-old but doesn’t have a huge amount of mileage on the clock.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday December 8th

Going – Good to Soft

A rather damp day for one of Kelso’s big days of the season, headlined by the Border National and supported by a couple of other Class 2 contests. Unfortunately other commitments meant I was reduced to watching meeting courtesy of Racing UK, hence no paddock observations which does cramp my style a bit.

12.25 2m 110yds Border Facilities Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)
A difficult contest to weigh up as there were question marks against those at the front of the market for one reason and another.
TOUGH TRADE was well beaten on his hurdling debut at Newcastle three weeks ago, but stepped up significantly to take this contest. He was put into the contest two out, led approaching the last and stayed on nicely.
KING OF STRINGS made and encouraging hurdles debut. Always on the premises he kept on to the line and should be capable of landing a similar event with experience behind him.
PULPITARIAN looked dangerous and then flattened out approaching the last.
MUHARRER made a fair debut, always up with the leaders but tapped for pace on the flat.
REGAL SWAIN found form turned round along way with the winner from their Newcastle efforts., finding only one pace from before the last.
ROC DE PRINCE, returning after a 177 day lay-off since an Aintree win on hurdling debut, set a good pace but weakened quickly once headed two out. Many of James Ewart’s charges have needed the run on return from a break and this one should come on for this.

12.55 2m 7f 110yds Scotty Brand Paris Pike Novices’ Chase (Class 2)

COVERHOLDER travelled best of these for most of the second circuit and eased away from his field to win very comfortably. He has come on in leaps and bounds since being bought out of a seller by Harvey Smith, and proved that he stays this longer distance. Some decent winners have come from this contest in the past.
Game mare LITTLE GLENSHEE lost nothing in defeat here. She set a decent pace for much of the way and stuck to her task though well held. She can win a mares event in one can be found and there’s no reason why she shouldn’t be competitive in handicaps.
BEEVES didn’t seem entirely happy taken on for the lead and his jumping wasn’t as fluent as it might have been. That being said he rallied well after looking beaten three quarters of a mile out and was challenging for second when clouting two out. He did keep on under pressure but looks to need things his own way.
TALKIN SENCE went well enough on chasing debut and was overtaxed by his rider once held from two out.
STANDINTHE BAND had a tough task on chasing debut and was well held from the twelfth fence.
ATTYCRAN was struggling at halfway and has been presented with some tough tasks over fences, though he has picked up prize money on a few occasions.

1.25 2m 110yds Kevin Oliver Christmas Handicap Hurdle (102-119)

BOGSIDE isn’t the easiest to win with but does go quite well at Kelso. He travelled well throughout and led at the last. He had to be kept up to his job as he hung on the flat but had enough in hand. He’s not one you could guarantee would repeat the form next time.
TITUS BOLT raced nicely in front and kept on to the line once passed. He’s lightly raced over hurdles and still a maiden, but Jim Goldie should be able to secure a race with him before long.
SUD PACIFIQUE had every chance approaching the last but faded on the run-in. He’s competitive, but as high in handicap as he would need to be.
STREETS OF NEWYORK got the heels of the leaders two out but couldn’t make an impression after the last. This was an encouraging UK debut for this Irish import and Brian Ellison is shrewd enough to place him to advantage.
PHOENIX RETURNS, REDPENDER and the well backed GUNNER LINDLEY all had their chances but were found wanting from two out.

1.55 4m Persimmon Homes Scottish Borders National Handicap Chase (111-135)

The feature race of the card and of the latter part of the year at Kelso.
ROYALE KNIGHT, a course winner in May, had lost his way a little of late, well held over hurdles at Exeter on return from a break. He clearly stays well and was always travelling within himself, stretching on from the long time leader approaching two out and in no great difficulty after that. At seven he’s the right end of the age scale and is an interesting prospect for similar events on decent ground.
The staying novice brigade is encouragingly decent in this area at the moment,the force being led here by SCOTSWELL who jumped like a veteran in front despite racing over fences for only the fourth time. He didn’t have enough to respond to the sweet travelling winner but he saw his race out to the line. He’s tough, consistent, jumps well and stays well and is another seven-year-old with a bright future in these events.
IMPERIAL VIC, another having only a fourth chase outing, ran a brave race under top weight conceding a stone plus to the first two. Racing near the pace, he was gradually left behind by the first two from three out but saw his race out in typically honest fashion. There will be staying chases to be won with him in the near future.
MORE EQUITY had a tough task here but plugged on from two out to take fourth place and was not disgraced.
ROS CASTLE found himself outpaced to four out and couldn’t get back into the race from that point.
SOUDAIN raced prominently but was beaten five out and pulled up soon after a slow jump four out. The Cambridgeshire National he won was not strong event, and it’s more a mark of his level that he was a well held third in the highland National last April. He’s now on a very harsh mark.
BISHOPS HEIR chased the leaders to four out, but faded from there and was pulled up in the straight.
ROYAL SAM went prominent with a circuit to go, but hit the fence going away from the stands and never got into the race after that and was pulled up in the latter stages.
BESCOT SPRINGS jumped indifferently and was well beaten four out before pulling up.

2.25 2m 7f 110yds John Wade Always Right Champion Chase (Handicap) (121-138)

KRUZHLININ won well here last time and stepped up on that form, winning going away having travelled well and taken up the running before the last. He was up 8lbs for his last win and that didn’t stop him, so he should justify presence in top level three mile handicaps on this evidence.
NO PLANNING is another young chaser on an upward curve. He came up alongside the leader approaching two out and soon led, but found one too good on the day. He was not disgraced and will find further opportunities at this level.
NIGHT ALLIANCE didn’t jump at all well, giving a few fences a significant belt, but had got himself on to the heels of the leaders when taking a heavy fall at the last. When his jumping hols up he will be a force in similar contests.
ROLECARR stayed on to inherit third place on the run-in, but was well held and needs softer ground.
GARLETON raced with his usual zest in front but weakened once headed two out. He needs easing significantly in the handicap, but is still capable should he be given a chance by the official handicapper.
ROSSINI’s DANCER can be truculently on occasion, was difficult at the start and never really going.
SEAN AIRGEAD jumped poorly for most of the way and finally dumped Peter Buchanan on the turf when well beaten two out.

2.55 2m 6f 110yds McMillanfineart.com and James Ewart Racing Mares’ Novices Hurdle (Class 4)

TONDAVOSA looks a decent novice mare and travelled well at or near the head of affairs. She pulled clear from two out and, though wandering about approaching the last, won with a lot in hand. She’s a very decent mare and one to keep an eye on.
DOMINETTA VITALI, placed in hurdles and chases in Ireland, stayed on for second and it’s worth her trainer seeking similar opportunities on this side of the Irish Sea.
REV UP RUBY was held up, ridden into the race two out but not good enough from there on. A fari run and there should be easier races for her.
SPRING OVER was held from two out.
THE FLAMING MATRON went well in front until before two out but was beaten from then on and will be better off in handicaps. The event she won at Cartmel was a soft one.
RATHVAWN BELLE was well beaten and disappointing even allowing for this being tougher than her last two races.

3.25 3m 3f Lazy Grace Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (66-99)

This would be one of the longest events, if not the longest, in this class for novices over the course of a season.
BRAE ON was not unbacked at 14/1 and stayed on well up the straight having been rousted along after three out. He was well on top by the finish and the extreme distance clearly suited him well.
ST GREGORY, a mare even the name doesn’t necessarily suggest it, stayed on well enough in the closing stages to take second near the line. She’s another that stepped up with the extra distance.
SNUKER is described as ‘a tractor’ by his trainer as he just keeps on going. His hurdling wasn’t as sharp as it might have been here and he was vulnerable to those able to muster a finish, headed before the last and run out of second close home. He’s been better over fences of late but his lower hurdles mark does give him a shout if his trainer can find similar events.
LADY OF VERONA had every chance and faded close home but she had the rest of the field well beaten off.

[moehat]

Not sure what to make of this but Sam told the trainer afterwards that Royale Knight could have ‘gone round again’; but he looked absolutely knackered to me [assume STD knows more about horses than I do, though]. Thought I’d get a nice place at 28/1 with More Equity but, alas, she missed out by one. Fell totally in love with Little Glenshee; it started with watching her walk round the paddock, then seeing how she jumped so well at the fence we were standing by, and she was still trying at the end. I wanted to tell her when she got back that ‘I’d met her dad once’ but we were stood too far from the place for the 2nd horse. Also fell in love with the little whippet puppy that Ryan Mania arrived at the racetrack with. A nice day out but pleased I’d got me thermals on!

[robnorth]

moehat

Unfortunately I couldn’t make it Sunday, too much shifting of stuff to do around the house after having a new kitchen put in! Did look a bit bleak and I suspect was pretty chilly on my normal perch on top of the old stand!

I like Little Glenshee. She seemed rather weak when I first saw her but she’s turned into a strapping mare now and has progressed very nicely in the last year.

I thought More Equity’s ability was on the wain last year, and I said so on here, but she’s running as well as ever and some of her recent form is as good as anything she has ever shown.

Ryan Mania has often had a dog of some sort with him on course. I think there are a couple of other jockeys take their canine friends to the races. Kelso does seem rather dog friendly!

If you get the chance to come up to Scotland again there are two decent meetings at Musselburgh early next year, the New Year meeting on January 1st and then the Cheltenham Trials Day on February 2nd.

Rob

[moehat]

We did consider Musselburgh on Monday but worried about it being further than Kelso and leaving to dog for too long. The lady at the Grace Darling Museum told me that you can take dogs to Hexham as well. On a doggy theme, as we turned off the A1 we drove past the Percy Hunt [well, actually we didn’t drive past as we couldn’t get past so we parked up and went and said hello to the hounds who were well pleased to have lots of fuss made of them]. Will most probably try to get to Alnwick Point to Point in the near future. Can’t believe I missed out on an 80/1 winner in the first race, though. Mike looked at the prices and said that the majority of the horses were priced 25/1 and over and he reckoned an outsider would win, but we couldn’t work out which outsider it would be. Couldn’t begrudge Sam winning his race, though. Just as it was at Wetherby, he’s so nice you just feel happy for him. I understand that Adam Nichol is doing quite well; his dad lives in the next village.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Monday December 9th

Going – Good, Good To Soft in places

Musselburgh brought the pre-Christmas Scottish circuit to a close with a relatively low key card, though typically keeping the prize money to a fair level with two £10,000 pots on offer. Free mince pies were on offer and I lasted until just before race tow before succumbing to temptation. Anybody who knows how well I hoover up mince pies will tell you that’s quite a feat!

12.15 2m 4f 32Red Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (103-111)

Lucinda Russell and Peter Scudamore thought LORD OF DRUMS would need the run after a break, while your correspondent had it down as ‘looked fit’. I was right, though a very sound round of jumping made the difference in this contest, Lord Of Drums going nicely in front and outjumping his challenger at the last. I noted that the winner wore ear plugs, not an item that needs declaring but one that does help some animals.
ALPHA ONE came to challenge two out, held every chance at the last but got it wrong, sprawling on landing and unable to recover on the shortish run-in here. A sound enough effort, this looks his trip and he may squeak a similar contest.
MY IDEA, winner of a soft contest here last time, was outpaced from four out. He doesn’t have a good strike rate and is probably on a harsh mark now.
LOS NADIS has not looked a chaser on any attempt over fences. He jumped left and his technique just isn’t up to chasing and I’m surprised his trainer tried again. His speed between the jumps earned him fourth place here.
ENDEAVOR was comfortably held from four out, while MISTER WALL STREET, returning from a year off, was first beaten.

12.45 2m 4f 32Red.com Interactive Planning Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (79-105)
“What sort of race do you want they” asked the trainers? “A middle-distance novice handicap hurdle” came the reply…, presumably, and hence this contest.
JUST ALBERT jumped poorly for the first circuit but warmed to his task as the race went on. Outpaced on the final bend he stuck on up the straight and got on top after the last. The winner raced prominently and the pace was favoured.
BRUNELLO led or disputed most of the way, had every chance but was run out of it in the final half furlong. A fair enough effort on third hurdles race and he looks capable of taking a similar contest.
SOLIDAGO, presumably finding this a bit easier than similar contest in Ireland, was another holding every chance at the last but found no extra on the flat.
BLACKMORE looks harshly handicapped and was tapped for pace for much of the way. He stayed on into a remote fourth which he would have contested with HERON’S MILL had the latter not unseated at the last. Heron’s Mill needs a stiffer test.
MOMKINZAIN looked fit enough but ran no sort of race.

1.15 3m 110yd 32Red.com Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

Placed in decent handicaps, POPULATION had only to jump round to break his duck and did so in a canter.
MAY’S BOY stuck to his task in second and deserves credit, while GETABUZZ was stayer on the flat and kept on late, presumably needing farther over jumps. The rest will struggle to make a mark in the immediate future.

1.45 32RedPoker.com Handicap Hurdle (81-99)

LUCTOR EMERGO hinted at ability over hurdles back in April with a second at Carlisle. Apparently relishing the stamina test here he led two out and had asserted by the last.
TOTAL ASSETS put up his best performance in gaining second place having held every chance two out, but then held from before the last.
VALLANI struggled to keep up for quite a way, not untypical for her, but stayed on in her trademark head down style from three out to take third. A bit softer ground may give her a chance but, though she won twice in the summer of 2012, she’s not a prolific winner.
KING’S CHORISTER didn’t jump fluently enough on return to hurdling and was held from three out.
GOODACRES GARDEN was well backed but his jumping went to pieces after halfway and he was well beaten.
STITCHED IN TIME had things his own way here last time, but that was a soft contest and he was beaten once headed three out here.
RHYTON, coming back after 16-month layoff, went wrong coming out of the back straight. He was taken into the horse ambulance and is back home, but his racing career is over. Let’s hope he is found a good home.
JAWAAB was withdrawn from the race after entering the paddock, apparently because of the going. Quite why that decision was made so late in the day only Philip Kirby knows.

2.20 2m 4f 32Red.com Handicap Hurdle (112-125)
STRONGPOINT won here for Charlie Swan three years ago and retains his ability on the basis of this performance. Peter Buchanan set a decent pace, wound things up from the home turn and had the race won by the last. It may be worth bearing in mind that he had things his own way.
BIG WATER chased the winner from three out but made no significant impression.
SCOTS GAELIC stayed on through the field for third but was never near the leaders, and similarly MERCHANT OF DUBAI stayed on through rivals for fourth. In retrospect both were held up too far off the pace and Merchant Of Dubai in particular is capable of more if put properly into the race.
A Cheltenham Festival winner over fences in 2011, DIVERS chased the pace until weakening three out. He doesn’t look as good as he once was.
UEUETEOTL was never involved and a rise of 15lbs for an easy win here in November may have stymied him in the immediate future.
NINE STORIES manages a third place in a Leicester seller pretty much on sufferance recently and was the first beaten in this race.

2.50 3m eastlothian.gov.uk Handicap Chase (104-123)
A four-runner contest which was difficult to judge beforehand as there were question marks against each of the competitors.
KEALIGOLANE has always been best when allowed to dictate the race and was able to do just that here, despite some reservations about the distance. Unsurprisingly he looked a bit revved up in the preliminaries, but settled nicely in the lead, jumped well and stretched on from three out.
STORMING GALE is not the easiest to catch right. He stayed on into second but didn’t seriously threaten the winner.
BERTIE MILAN was held up in rear but never got in a blow, only inheriting third place at the last.
BLENHEIM BROOK chased the winner until weakening before two out and fading to last place. He looked plenty fit enough and in her subsequent blog his trainer pondered if something might be ailing him.

3.20 2m 32Red Casino Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5)

IT’S HIGH TIME built on previous promising runs here, chasing the pacemaker and seeing off that one in a duel from two furlongs out. He’s an immature sort at this time and it’s not unreasonable to think he will be a decent hurdler in time.
GURKHA BRAVE is a typical forward bumper sort for Karen McLintock. He had promising outings eleven months a part previous to this. Setting the pace, Brian Hughes wound things up off the home bend and his charge had a battle with the winner from two out. Although outpaced close home he stuck to his task encouragingly, and there should be a race to be won with him.
All the first four looked more set up for a flat race than the others. Irish point winner KATACHENKO had shown promise in a Limerick bumper but was tapped for pace in the final two furlongs. A fair enough effort though and a stiffer test will be of benefit.
COINAGE looked best if you worked on the basis of a horse likely to win a flat race, but he was comfortably held. He did race keenly and showed signs of greenness when asked for his effort, so it’s likely there is better to come.
Back in the field NEVILLE WOODS and RANDALL’S MILL both look long term projects for chasing and it’s unsurprising they couldn’t make a mark around this sharp track.

We now wait until after Christmas for the next Scottish meeting with Kelso racing on December 29th. The fixtures then come in rat-a-tat-tat fashion as Musselburgh hold their competitive New Year’s Day meeting followed by Ayr on the 2nd, then back to Musselburgh on the 3rd January. Assuming weather doesn’t intervene I should get to three out of the four fixtures in that period.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Sunday December 15th

Going : Hurdles – Soft
Chases: – Heavy (Soft in places)
Inner hurdles track in use.
First fence away from the stands omitted.
A typical Carlisle winter test in searching conditions.

12.15 2m 1f Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

The only two with any presentable form had this between them. Previous winner VICE ET VERTU chased the leader and took over approaching two out after which he was in no trouble. The iwnenr wasn’t tested here, but might prove quite decent.
DARK DUNE made a race of it, setting a decent pace and finishing clear of the other four who didn’t show anything of immediate encouragement.

12.45 2m 4f Handicap Chase (69-103)

ETXALAR does stay well but any distance around here seems to suit. He set the pace jumping extravagantly at times and found more once challenged from three out. He’s well suited by giving weights to inferiors.
INDIAN VOYAGE progressed to dispute past halfway. He briefly led before the last but found the winner outstaying him from that point. This was a decent effort in the conditions.
TRESOR DE L’ISLE was outpaced from three out and hasn’t run up to his Ayr winning form on his latest two runs.
FRED BOJANGALS struggled as age appears to be catching up with him.
LUKEY LUKE had made progress into third and wasn’t totally out of it when falling three out.
SOUL ANGEL race prominently but made mistakes and dropped away from four out .
Veteran PANTHERS RUN’s best from has come at Hexham and he was well beaten by four out.

1.20 3m 1f Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Qualifier) (120-147)

KAKI DE LA PREE stayed on well from two out and took control on the run-in. He won a maiden hurdle last time and looks a nice progressive sort that could be in the picture for the final of this event.
PINEAU DE RE looked the winner approaching the last but didn’t find very much when asked on the flat.
TRUSTAN TIMES was left behind from two out and seems plenty high enough in the weights.
OUR JOEY set the pace for much of the way but struggled from two out.
LIE FORRIT was under the pump before the straight and struggled from then on. I suspect he wants a flatter track these days.

1.55 2m 5f Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (127-133)
KNOCK A HAND was given an aggressive ride by Richard Johnson, driven into many of his fences, jumping well and pulling clear from two out for a first chasing win. He’s entered for the Welsh National and is a stayer over hurdles.
AVOCA PROMISE was settled second, got a bit outpaced four out, stuck on after that but never got to the winner.
JET MASTER made smooth progress before four out, but flattened out approaching two out and was held from there.

2.25 2m 3f 110yds Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

OSCARS DEN recorded a second win in two runs over hurdles. However it proved quite hard work as didn’t jump at all well, though he did get the last right and led after which he had to be driven out to hold the gap. He needs to sharpen his jumping to make a mark against better opposition.
SEALOUS SCOUT stayed on under pressure from two out but couldn’t impact on the winner from two out. This was an improvement on his first hurdles effort.
JUST CAMERON set the pace until the last but emptied on the run-in.

2.55 3m 2f Handicap Chase (103-118)

WAYWARD GLANCE took control when his nearest rival Emma Soda gave four out a thump. The others couldn’t get to him after that and he won in decent style.
EMMA SODA had every chance when her bad error four out left her with too much to do. She stuck on after the winner but had no chance of getting to him. If she can be kept fit she can pick up a staying chase in the south in testing conditions.
THE FRIARY was driven along for the second half of the race and was never better placed than his finishing third place.
FIDDLERS REEL was left behind from four out and ran to about the form of her previous run over course and distance.
PAPAMOA went a good deal more easily than he normally does and led for much of the way until five out. He was pulled up after four out and reported lame on his near fore leg.

3.25 2m 1f NH Flat Race (Class 6)

This probably wasn’t the strongest contest and was there for the taking by Donald McCain who weighs up his placing of horses in bumpers very well. STONEBROOK travelled well and picked up the pace best of all in the final two furlongs and will carry a double penalty if trying for a third bumper win.
HAIL THE BRAVE half-brother to a four times chase winner, stuck to his task well enough having had every chance two out. He showed enough here to suggest he’ll have pace enough to win jumps rasces.
The one to take out of this for me is Irish point winner THE ORANGE ROGUE who made or shared the pace for much of the trip. He couldn’t hold the first two once the pass picked up, but he stuck to his task encouragingly enough and will benefit from the stiffer tests that jumping will provide.

[robnorth]

CATTERICK – Saturday December 28th
Going – Soft

12.25 2m Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

YORKIST was best of those with hurdles experience, put that experience to good use, racing prominently and asserting before the last despite being keen early on. His form before this was no better than moderate.
FAIRT LOCH ran an encouraging race on hurdling debut, racing prominently, leading before two out but just found out in the latter stages. He was considered good enough to contest an Aintree Grade 2 bumper and should step up on this hurdles form in time.
BENZANNO was close up but driven along on the home bend. He couldn’t get to the leaders but kept on under pressure.
Perhaps the most interesting runner here was Italian Group 1 winner RAINBOW PEAK, last seen over a year ago when a Listed third at Newmarket. He moved up behind the leaders going well but dropped back under tender handling from that point. Given his obvious ability and that the John Ferguson stable seldom waste these opportunities, the obvious conclusion given his absences is that he has physical problems. He was favourite here and may be worth opposing at short odds.

12.55 2m Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

No problems for the Ferguson stable with AALIM in Episode 2 of the maiden hurdle. Travelling well all the way, he joined issue two out and was given the merest nudge to sprint clear on the run-in. This was easy, but he’s clearly a good deal better than base level.
DARK DUNE set the pace and was still there at the last, keeping on if well held by a decent opponent. He was not disgraced and he should land a similar event if he avoids a hot-pot.
SPIN CAST had every chance two out and battled away from there, eventually giving way from the last but by no means disgraced.
ZIP WIRE was driven entering the straight and a mistake two out put paid to his chances. He kept on under driving but couldn’t get back to the first three.
MOHAWK RIDGE comes to hurdling late and this rather smacks of ‘what shall we do now?’. He was well held from the home turn, and keenness didn’t help.

1.25 2m 3f 61-93 Handicap Chase

PISTOL BASC has a few miles on the clock and is a fair performer at this level on his day. He went on three out and seemed to have the contest in safe keeping, though just hanging on from a fast finishing second.
MOONLIGHT MAGGIE stepped up on previous efforts. She chased the leader from three out and closed rapidly on the run-in, just arriving too late. She found the Towcester finish a bit testing and seemed happier at this tighter circuit.
RIVER PURPLE had every chance three out having led from halfway, but his jumping was sharp enough from there and he was comfortably held. PINDAR was detached at the eleventh but stayed on again to snatch third place.

1.55 2m 71-94 Selling Handicap Hurdle

A poor contest with either proven moderate performers or those aspiring to that level!
NEWDANE DANCER is exposed but stayed on under driving to win for the first time in two years. He’s at least competitive at this base level.
Four-year-old QASSER had less previous than the rest here and probably should have won. He couldn’t find enough to hold on from the last.
JOHNNYS LEGACY went well for much of the way but was beaten before the last and the remainder were well seen off.

2.25 2m 120-124 Novices Handicap Chase

A very closely matched set of novices with only a 4lbs range in the ratings.
Hat-trick seeker SURPRISE VENDOR’s jumping was put to the test against this stiffer opposition and wasn’t good enough. After some poor jumps early he fell on the far side. On the contrary chase newcomer SIR VALENTINO jumped well early, but knuckled over at the second open ditch.
CROCO BAY jumped well in front, stretched on from three out and was not in danger after. A very encouraging performance but this one will now have to step up in class.
The other three, PHASE SHIFT, BIG WATER and DARTFORD WARBLER ended up close together but well held by the winner. All look on their mark or higher at this point.

3.00 3m 1f 110yds 69-108 Handicap Chase

THE PANAMA KID was a bit better than this level at his best. His recent form has been moderate but he stayed on well enough to beat four exposed performers. He probably struggles with this distance, but the second isn’t an out-and-out stayer either.
TWICE LUCKY looked the likely winner until the fuel gauge flickered into the red zone before the last. He was passed on the run-in and had no more to give but at least remains right in the mix at this level.
ALLANARD was beaten before the straight and the youngster of the five, TROUBLE IN PARIS had lost touch with the leaders down the far side for the last time. Neither suggest a win is imminent.
SYCHO FRED was well out of the weights and a serious mistake at halfway put paid to his chances. He was pulled up after the thirteenth.

3.35 3m 1f 110yds 72-101 Handicap Hurdle

The field were spread out around North Yorkshire by the time the leaders entered the straight. PUDSEY HOUSE was rewarded for some decent performances in defeat of late. He ground it out from three out and his two9 challengers couldn’t get to him.
ACCORDINGTOSCRIPT couldn’t impact on the winner from two out. While held, this was more encouraging than some recent efforts.
AUBERGE was not out of it, though sticking to his task when falling three out. He does tend to stay on at the end, but his win strike rate is moderate.
CARMELA MARIA inherited a distant third two out but was well beaten.

Presuming the weather holds up there should be on course reports from Kelso (29th December) followed by the two Musselburgh cards next week. The RCA have decreed that I’m not permitted a pass for 2014, so my programme might now be dictated by a membership at Kelso and the reciprocals granted through that means. In practice the core course course visits will probably be much the same, but we will see.

Sad to hear of the death of SILVER BY NATURE who broke a leg on the gallops recently. One of the better Scottish chasers in recetn years, I’d followed this one’s career which has co-incided with my time in Scotland. There aren’t many local horses still on the go seven years later and this talented performer will be missed.

On a brighter note, Lucinda Russell continues to rack up the winners, now well into the 40s, and now homes in on Len Lungo’s Scottish record of 64. She must be odds-on to beat the target now and a final tally into the 70s is not unrealistic. GREEN FLAG ran a cracker to finish second in the Feltham Chase at Kempston with a couple decent performers behind. It makes a mockery of Malcom Heyhoe’s contention in the Sporting Life Weekender that Green Flag had won ‘three weak novice chases’. If he hasn’t read it already I predict steam coming from the ears of an acquaintance who co-owns Imperial Vic, a decent animal that fought out a thriller at Kelso. Assuming I see said joint-owner at Kelso I’ll update you!

[moehat]

Oh crikey; thought Little Glenshee had died yesterday; listening to it on the radio she took a ‘crashing fall’ and ‘demolished the fence’. Thoughts of One Man raced through my head and even when they said she had, in fact galloped off I was still worried. emailed the trainer and thankfully got a reply this morning to say she was fine. Sometimes think it’s worse hearing these things on the radio as our imagination runs wild. Couldn’t believe it after seeing how well she jumped at Kelso.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday December 29th

Going – Soft

Kelso closed Scotland 2013 programme with some decent racing. The going was soft, but the ground was generally in pretty good nick judged by my pre-racing course walk. There was just one patch of rather gluey ground on the chase course in the dip before the final fence.

12.00 2m 6f 110yds Matt The Bookie Congratulates Kelso Ground Staff NH Novices’ Hurdle (Class 5)

Not a strong event in terms of depth of talent, but the winner has scope enough to go on from this.

Another shrewd purchase by fellow ‘top of the roofer’ Billy Muir*, MASTERLEADERMAN confirmed the impression that a stiffer test would suit him, staying on well to beat a less than willing favourite. Settled handily he took over approaching the last and was not in any trouble from the last.
HELLORBOSTON has ability but looks a devilishly difficult ride. He made the pace but was niggled along for much of the way and looks less than committed. He did keep on for pressure though and the impression is there’s more in the tank should he be inclined to use it.
BLUESIDE BOY has been off the track since sustaining an injury after finishing fourth in this race last year. He was held by the winner before the last but ran creditably in third and clearly has ability and will presumably benefit from this return.
LORD USHER made headway to track the leaders three out. He hit two out and couldn’t produce enough that, but this was a satisfactory return at the sort of trip which will suit. He will likely make up into a chaser in time.
THORLAK is well considered by his trainer but has taken time to come to himself. He was held from two out but not disgraced and is likely to improve with experience.

*A measure of Mr Muir’s shrewdness is that MONT ROYALE, bought by him for £1300, won a Kelso bumper and was recently sold to a Jonjo O’Neill owner for £60,000. A pretty decent piece of business I think and Mont Royale’s progress will be followed with interest.
12.30 Black Swan Lees Hotel Kelso Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

This isn’t a competitive division in the north and this contest was reduced to four with two non-runners.
RETRIEVE THE STICK took over before two out and forged clear from that point. It transpired her main rival went lame, but the winner has some ability and can take a similar contest under a penalty.
HOLD FAIR, a distant third in this event last year, kept on for second place though having no chance with the winner. She will need to be competing in basement level handicap hurdles to have any chance of winning a race.
TEXAS ROSE appeared to me to be backing off full effort in the closing stages, but it transpired that she had gone lame. She had fractured a knee, but she’s recovering and will now go to stud.
INNOCENT GIRL hinted at ability in a maiden at Musselburgh, but she was first beaten. Better ground may help but she looks to have only limited ability.

1.05 2m 7f 110yds Floors Castle Horse Trials Handicap Chase (95-112)

OR DE GRUGY looked as well as ever in the preliminaries and landed a sixth win from 19 efforts. He set the pace, kicked on from two out and was always holding the others from that point. I chatted to his owner later in the afternoon, and he’s clearly very proud of the old boy who could still be low enough in the weights to win again.
POLARBROOK didn’t jump well but was eased into the contest approaching two out. He looked the danger two out but didn’t look fully committed, hanging right on the run-in. He doesn’t look straightforward and is one to oppose at short odds.
FARM PIXIE couldn’t get to grips with the leader but kept on for third. He looks the type to come to himself over extreme distances and should break his chasing duck given a stiffer test.
I’m not totally convinced about FOG PATCHES’s commitment to the game. He had every chance here but was held from two out. He did win twice last season though, so he could be one whose confidence builds when on a roll.
MORE EQUITY drifted significantly in the betting. She might well have reached the limit of ability on her current mark. Having tracked the leader she gradually lost her place from two out.

1.35 2m 1f Monteith Memorial Handicap Chase (94-120) (Betfair Scottish Chase Series Qulaifier)

This Series culminates in a final over 2m 5½f here on May 7th.

The race lost two of the more likely chances when LITTLE GLENSHEE whacked a hole in the open ditch (fence 3) giving Kit Alexander a heavy fall and causing CLOVERHILL LAD to unseat. Jockeys and horses were all still in one piece and Little Glenshee was pictured by his trainer eating up on return home.
The open ditch was omitted on the second circuit due to the damage.
BALLYCOOL hadn’t totally convinced in previous chases, but took advantage here. He raced prominently and stayed on very well to the finish. This may well help his confidence and he could go on from here.
ROCKING BLUES looked held on the final bend but stayed on through the field to take second place.
ENDEAVOR, typically on his toes in the preliminaries, chased the leader and led three out, but didn’t offer an awful lot once passed two out. He can be moody though is decent if caught on the right day.
PROSECCO led until three out but then faded while PRINCE TAM needs things his own way and was never in a position to threaten.

2.10 2m 6f 110yds Peter and Gillian Allen Caterers Handicap Hurdle (87-113)

The low sun caused the two flights in the straight to be omitted, thus only six flights were jumped.

MR UTAH was always travelling well, led three furlongs out and stayed on for driving. He showed pleasing commitment here.
QUEL ELITE has had a stop-start career, but confirmed his well-being with a decent effort in second place. He harried the leader in the final two furlongs but couldn’t get closer than that one’s flank.
DICKIE HENDERHOOP seems to have turned over a new leaf and travelled really well into the lead two out. He looked to be going best when taking a heavy fall two out from which he got up OK. ROMANY RYME wasn’t out of the contest when brought down.
CAERLAVEROCK looked to need the race but stayed on into second place from the rear, despite being hampered in his run about a furlong out as the runners squeezed up to past the omitted final flight.
AMETHYST ROSE had every chance entering the straight but was outpaced by the first two. She won at Hexham and that could be the track that suits her best.
JACK ALBERT led to the fifth but was put in his place form the home turn.
BESCOT SPRINGS was well handicapped if in the mood but was beaten by the last hurdle.

2.45 2m 7f 110yds Children’s Immunology Trust Novices’ Limited Chase (110-120)

Scottish chases are struggling to fill at this time and three was a disappointing turn out for the biggest prize of the afternoon.
The two fences in the straight were omitted, the first because of the hole caused by Little Glenshee

SETTLEDOUTOFCOURT is a progressive sort, leading all the way here in decent style. He’s an impressive strong sort who can win again.
ABBEY STORM hit the fence away from the stands both times which didn’t help his cause. He disputed from two out but found the winner too strong in the final furlong.
INDIGO ROCK bled last time and there was a concern from connections that he may have remembered it. That being said he went well enough until held from two out and wasn’t given a hard time once third place was inevitable.

3.15 2m 2f Isle Of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Handicap Hurdle (102-120)

The ‘Elf and Safe Tea’ brigade were out in force here. Despite the sun being very low and the light hazy the two flights in the straight were omitted.
A master class in kidding home a horse that may not be that committed to the game. UBALTIQUE is talented enough but has been largely disappointing of late and was wearing blinkers for the first time. Held up at the back, with some early encouragement needed, Jason Maguire brought him quietly into the race approaching the last, kidded him into the lead over a furlong out and his mount ran on to the finish.
ANOTHER MATTIE was fancied by connections but ran into a good one on the day., keeping on well enough in the straight if held in the final furlong.
TRUST THOMAS has been running consistently but generally running into one or two too good. He led two out but was overtaken by the winner and could offer no more. There didn’t look to be any lack of commitment and there should be a race for him.
DANTE’S FROLIC is considered to be potentially better than a mark of 105 by connections. She cashed the leaders but was outpaced in the final uphill run. This run was a bit of a fact finding mission to see what the mare is like this season, but there was enough encouragement going forward from a fair effort.

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