North’s notes

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Wednesday January 1st

Going – Soft (Good to Soft in places)

The year opener on the Scottish circuit was well attended as ever, the New Year Sprint supporting the equine events.

The New Year Sprint, taking place shortly before the start of the main race of the day was won in impressive style by DYLAN ALI (11.59 seconds off a 7.5m handicap mark). Kevin Eddie, winner of the previous day’s 90m open handicap held on for second place in 11.81 seconds off 9 metres.
The main bookie betting on the event was not giving too much away, with favourite Ali at 1/2 and three at 2/1. That being said there was a huge queue to collect and I doubt more than 2 or 3 were backed seriously.

We were in the restaurant for the afternoon. Worth noting that if sizeable portions are what your after then late dining is best. We ate early and later servings of the main course were twice as big as ours! However, the Morello Cherry Trifle dessert was an absolute delight and I could have gone a second helping!
Due to gastronomic commitments, paddock viewing was sporadic.

12:25 2m toteplacepot First Foot Juvenile Hurdle (Class 3)

Once again the Musselburgh juvenile event was light on numbers, though this might prove better class than the two previous events here this season.
RUTHERGLEN came clear impressively once asked and looks a potential Triumph hurdle runner on this form. I would imagine that John Quinn will consider running him in the newly Listed Scottish Triumph here in early February.
THORPE filled second place and appeared to run at least up to the form of his second to Dispour here, the winner on this occasion would likely have the measure of the latter.
One with scope to progress over hurdles is BUSHEL. The john Ferguson trained animal was largely easy to back and looked as if the race would bring him on significantly. He was outpaced approaching two out and not punished unnecessarily once third place was assured.
LOVE MARMALADE and MAGIC SKYLINE were both keen early on and outpaced from the home turn. Both can find their level against level taxing opposition.

1:00 2m 4f totequadpot Handicap Hurdle (106-118)

Despite some rather wild weather at time Stuart Crawford made it across from Northern Ireland to make a significant mark at this meeting. CALL BOX, a largely consistent sort that won at Perth in September, led at the ninth and was kicked clear entering the straight. His pursuers didn’t get to him after that. He’s a largely exposed sort who was presented in peak condition and got the run of the race.
LOS NADIS looked much happier back hurdling. He led to the ninth and was then outpaced, but stuck to his task up the straight to take second. If sticking to hurdles he’s on a workable mark of 116.
DIVERS isn’t as good as he once was and never got near to the leader. He did stay on through beaten opponents to take third place.
UNEX CANALETTO had every chance and made no impression from three out. A stiffer test will probably suit as he won over further at Kelso.

1:35 2m 4f totepool.com Scottish Premier Handicap Chase (124-139)

A race run for a decent pot of £25,000 and a competitive event ensued.

MR MOONSHINE stepped up on a decent third in the Becher Chase, leading at the twelfth fence here and staying on up the straight. He’s been tried at a whole variety of distances in recent times and did quite creditably to win at this sharp two and a half miles.
VIVA COLONIA was arguably the class act in this company, a creditable third in the Old Road Chase and has won twice over this course and distance. His problem now being that this may well be the only C/D race that he is eligible for over fences.
BAR DE LIGNE chased the winner up the straight but never quite got on terms. This was a decent effort in the company and his jumping held up better than it has done.
UPSILON BLEU is a keen sort, normally accompanied by two paddock handlers. He raced prominently but was held from two out.
SLEEP IN FIRST was progressive for the first part of 2013 but maybe found this trip beyond him in the class, making no impression on the leaders from three out. He might be worth a pot at the two mile Scottish Champion Chase here in February.
FULL JACK jumped slowly here and has struggled since arriving from France.
QUITO DU TRESOR is useful when things go for him, but found the company a bit hot and made no impression.
KEALIGOLANE made the pace but didn’t get such an easy lead as last time. He faded quickly after being headed at the twelfth and was pulled up before two out. Small fields suit him as he can dictate much easier.

2:10 2m totepool Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle (109-140)

The £40,000 prize attracted a competitive field, a few of them often seen around here in similar contests.
STRONGPOINT , rarely campaigned at the minimum trip in recent times, was well suited by the strong pace on here. Racing close up or disputing for most of the way, he led two out and stayed on strongly driven out on the flat. This made his record three out of three at Musselburgh and it would be a major surprise if his trainer resists a tilt at the Scottish Champion Hurdle on Cheltenham Trials day.
IFANDBUTWHYNOT ran a creditable second following a Newbury win last time. He could come here in February, but another possibility must be the ‘whatever they call the Schweppes these days’ hurdle at Newbury. A fizzy sort in the preliminaries, he chased the leader from two out but could make no impression. He was by far the best finisher of those coming form off the pace.
LOCAL HERO has been eased somewhat in the ratings and ran creditably in third place, keeping on from three out.
RUNSWICK ROYAL chased the leaders from two out but made no impression. More lightly raced than many here, he might just be capable of taking a similar contest at a stiffer track.
An eye-catching fast finisher was STREETS OF NEW YORK, a very creditable fifth from out of the handicap. Taken off his feet for much of the way, he picked up well from three out. A drop in class would be advantageous, though he has the build of a chaser . His new yard seem to be getting a tune out of him.
TITUS BOLT helped set the pace and stuck to his task admirably to finish in sixth. This was only his sixth contest. He does hint at some temperament but has plenty of raw ability and should be placed to win a lesser event.
NEW YEAR’S EVE arrived a day late! He was too keen early on and had shot his bolt by two out.

2:45 3m Happy New Year from totepool Handicap Chase (100-112)

SWING HARD was reported unsuited by the soft going last time. On the face of it the going was similar here, but I suspect that ‘Newcastle soft’ is good deal more of a test than ‘Musselburgh soft’.
He led early on the final circuit and stayed on well to hold a persistent challenger.
PRESENTED is upwardly mobile and followed a Class 5 Newcastle victory with a decent effort upped in class. A creditable effort given that he looks likely to prove better at stiffer tracks.
THE MAGIC BISHOP was well placed four out but couldn’t match the first two from two out.
RIGUEZ DANCER made no impact from three out, five time course winner EVERAARD was back in fifth and has not quite been on his game this term.
LORD OF DRUMS led to the eleventh but he raced keenly and weakened four out. His racing style suggests a shorter trip suits.
DAASIJ made slow jumps in rear and has not yet mastered the art of steeplechasing. He would probably be suited by a stiffer track anyway.

3:20 3m 110yds Collect totepool Winnings at Betfred Shops Handicap Hurdle (109-128)

A fascinating closing contest where the lack of numbers was balanced by the entry of an in form quintet.
ANY GIVEN MOMENT made his course form figures 12131 with an excellent effort. Ryan Mania record a third win of the afternoon, having ridden Mr Moonshine and Swing Hard, and showed his tactical nous when kicking clear before three out. That’s a sound tactic round Mussleburgh and his mount stayed no admirably wel, giving the steadily progressive stable of Sandy Thomson a decent prize.
TANTAMOUNT chipped away as best he could at the leader from two out and lost nothing in defeat. He continues on an upward curve.
CAPELLANUS got outpaced four out but rallied well enough to take third place on the run-in.
ARCTIC COURT set the pace but was held from three out.
ALDERLEY ROVER won a handicap hurdle at Bangor recently, but is an exposed sort who found more progressive opponents too hot to handle.

[robnorth]

Apologies for no updates of late. I’ve been very busy at work and just haven’t had enough time to concentrate properly on racing analysis.

MUSSELBURGH – Sunday February 2nd
Going – Soft, Good To Soft in places
A cracking card, in terms of official ratings the best that Musselburgh has presented over jumps. We’ve had less rain in Scotland and the going was a good deal better than most other courses, though there has been some concern that the grass sections of the bends are a bit worn and in need of attention.

1.00 3m 110yds Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (114-147)
A competitive contest and the form looks strong.
WYSE HILL TEABAGS Benefitted from the step up in trip and landed the race for the ‘home contingent’. He led, jumped well and stayed on in impressive style up the straight. A good effort and it would be worth having a crack at the Series Final in March.
MISTER DILLON looked by far the fittest of the of the Henderson duo. He chased the leader from three out but was held after the last. A sound effort off a raised mark.
CROWNING JEWEL was never far away in the final mile and stuck on for third. He’s not been heavily raced for an eight-year-old and Keith Reveley may eke out a little more improvement.
ANY GIVEN MOMENT ran a cracker from out of the weights. Sandy Thomson’s stable is buzzing right now, and this turned out to be a decent starter before the ‘main course’ half an hour later. Racing in touch Any Given Moment stuck to his task down the straight to run right up to his best. If eased in class he can win again.
ATTAGLANCE has been a little disappointing over fences, but gave encouragement with a solid fifth, finishing on the tails of the leaders. I would assume he will be aimed at the final of this and perhaps at Aintree.

1.30 3m 110yds Albert Bartlett Trial Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2)

Sandy Thomson has upped the quality of his string in recent times and may just have found the best of the lot in SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT. This one beat a Cheltenham prospect over an inadequate trip at Hexham and emphatically proved that was no fluke with a convincing win.
Rated 144 RACING PULSE set the standard and was beaten on merit. There’s a possibility that the course wasn’t ideal but his previous efforts suggests the winner’s effort was pretty decent.
MEDIEVAL CHAPEL looked a bit stiff in his hind quarters when entering the paddock. He loosened up after a while though and didn’t look inconvenienced. He was outpaced from three out but ran a sound enough race and there should be a staying contest for him against less exacting opposition.

CLONDAW HERO dropped away quickly from three out and was disappointing, while POWERSTOWN DREAM was always on the stretch and found this company a bit tough.

2.00 2m John Smith’s Scottish Champion Chase (Handicap) (117-140)

SWIFT ARROW is a bit of an enigma, mixing wins with disappointing efforts. He was no his game here at a rather surprisingly high price for one who can do it on his day of 22/1. He was pushed along at the end of the back straight, but responded well from three out and driven out when idling on the flat. I noted that he wore ear plugs. His target is likely to be the Topham Trophy at Aintree.

HIS EXCELLENCY had ever chance at the last but a less than fluent leap cost him the race. This was a best effort for a while and he ran creditably off 8lbs higher last spring.

KIE set the pace and put in his normal honest effort. The handicapper has him covered and what you see is what you get.

STORMIN EXIT showed last time he is no back number when winning a selling hurdle here. Over a trip short of his best again he stayed on past rivals for a never nearer fourth place. He retains ability and would benefit from a step back up in trip. I would imagine his trainer will be another eyeing the Topham Trophy.

QUTIO DU TRESOR put up a fair effort, in the firing line until two out but held from that point.

UPEPITO was a shade disappointing on second effort in the UK, making no impression from two out and CLARAGH NATIVE was always feeling the pinch and remained last of the seven runners.

2.30 2m Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial (Listed) 4yo

A race upped in class this year and it might just have produced its best ever winner in the shape of BROUGHTON. A useful flat performer for Mark Johnston, John Ferguson came clear of his field in impressive style from two out. This had the makings of a Triumph Hurdle contender’s performance.

CLARCAM set the standard with decent form from Graded events in Ireland. He led until two out and kept on well enough though held by a superior opponent. There should be options at Cheltenham, maybe in the Fred Winter, as a mark of 133 doesn’t seem unfair.

THORPE put in another solid effort to see off Space Ship in the battle for third. He’s run into three decent animals and has run creditably on each occasion.

SPACE SHIP was just outbattled for third, but stuck to his guns well enough. He started with a decent run at Leopardstown and was not disgraced here, so there should be a lesser contest within his compass.

Sadly AUDEUPAS D’YCY was fatally injured early in the straight and INVESTMENT EXPERT was also reported as a fatality.

MOST HONOURABLE was well held in this better company having got stuck in the mud at Catterick. He needs sights lowered a bit.

3.00 2m 4f John Smith’s Scottish Future Champions Novices’ Chase (Class 3)

Nicky Henderson’s well regarded TOP OF THE RANGE departed at the first, but the trainer landed a comfortable victory with ERICHT. Travelling well all the way, the eight-year-old pulled clear in the straight. His trainer said his target is probably the JLT Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, though I do wonder if his jumping is quite sharp enough for the top level.

BAR DE LIGNE, placed in a decent handicap here on New Year’s Day, ran a sound race in second place giving 8lbs to the winner.

FUNNY STAR was held from two out. He is a decent enough sort and should prove capable in the better novice handicap company.

WITNESS IN COURT set the pace but dropped away after being headed three out. He probably ran a trifle too freely in this company.

Neither MY IDEA nor REAPING THE REWARD proved good enough against decent animals here. Both are capable but need to be aimed against lesser opponents.

3.30 2m John Smith’s Scottish County Hurdle (Handicap) (121-150)

Well established in the Scottish calendar these days and a decent competition.

Progressive CLEVER COOKIE sluiced up here to follow up a course and distance handicap debut win last time. His trainer seemed pretty chuffed because he doesn’t think Musselburgh particularly suits this animal, though he has won three here. He will be entered for the County Hurdle but is more likely to run in the Imperial Cup and could still prove to have a bit in hand of the handicapper.

LOCAL HERO confirmed that he’s back in form with a solid second place which is as good as he has produced in recent times. He will presumably keep pitching away at similar contests.

PAS TROP TARD put up and excellent performance in leading the field to before the last and keeping on for third.

LYVIUS made no impression from two out and was not helped by a 5lb rise for an all out Kempton success.

YORKIST proved a fizzy sort in the preliminaries. Given that wasted energy, fifth place was no disgrace.

SAMETEGAL found this a tough task off top weight. He had every chance and was held from two out. Given his previous efforts, it may be that this track is a bit sharp.

FRANCISCAN, conqueror of Clever Cookie here earlier in the season, held every chance when coming down three out.

4.00 3m 3f CGA Scottish Foxhunters’ Chase (Class 3)

This was a competitive event run over the rarely used Musselburgh 3m 3f chase trip. It turned into a battle of attrition.

Veteran THAT’S RHYTHM has gone really well for Newbury based amateur Page Fuller. The long trip from my old stamping ground proved well worthwhile for the talented young jockey. Racing prominently throughout, That’s Rhythm responded well to a generally sympathetic ride in the closing stages.

The runner-up WALDEN may have well have more scope when it comes to the championship hunter events. He stayed on well in the losing stages but couldn’t master the winner. He looks all over one that will be favoured by a stiffer track. He’s trained in Northern Ireland but is qualified with my local hunt in Fife.

BRASSICK is a consistent sort that made a decent fist of a comeback after a four month rest. He was held from the last but not disgraced and should find a hunter chase for his Droitwich Spa based connections.

PENMORE MILL led at the fifteenth but was headed three out and held from that point, but not disgraced on official figures. He travelled from Wellesbourne near Stratford-up-Avon, proving that decent animals will be aimed where there is decent prize money.

SPECIAL PORTRAIT felt the pinch in the final three quarters of a mile. He looks to need an out-and-out test these days.

THEMILANHORSE took a heavy at the twelfth and James Ferguson copped a clout from another competitor. He was taken away by ambulance but reported as no more than a bit battered and bruised.

4.30 2m 4f Conditional Jockeys’ Festival Trial Handicap Hurdle (116-122)

A slightly disappointing turn out for this event.

RUMBLE OF THUNDER was presented with his easiest opportunity for some while. He took advantage in nice style, staying on from the last.

SUD PACIFIQUE ran a fair race in second but isn’t an easy sort to win with. He saw out the trip well enough.

SCOTS GAELIC filled third without suggesting a win is imminent.

GOLDEN SPARKLE didn’t threaten and isn’t showing quite up to her best.

LOS NADIS had a good opportunity here but fluffed his lines, while TOM WADE made no impact returning after a break.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday March 1st

Going – Good to Soft (Soft in places)

A bright day at Kelso for their premier meeting of the season with Pattern races on the card over hurdles and fences. A pity then that Channel4 Racing couldn’t spare a few minutes to cover a pretty decent Grade 2 novices’ hurdle.

1.55 2m ½f Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Not an easy race for me to analyse since the Milnathort Racing Club had THE VILLAGE making his second appearance for us. The run was a bit disappointing as having made some progress to get up to sixth place before three out the tank soon emptied after a clumsy jump at that flight. The ground appeared more favourable here, but the gelding needs to learn to settle more. He pulled going down and in the early part of the race. In the long term he’ll be a handicapper at a moderate level and is up against it in non-handicaps. Credit to the Russell stable staff for picking up the best turned out award.

DESOTO COUNTRY built on promising hurdles debut at Haydock, breaking form the pack on the run to the last and asserting nicely on the run-in. He should progress again and will have chances under a penalty.
MOHAWK RIDGE, rated 120, sets the standard and ran creditably giving the winner 7lbs, keeping on to the finish.
THE CHIEF VILLAIN made significant strides up from his previous hurdling effort, made headway from the rear from three out to hold every chance approaching the last. The better ground here must have helped compared to the heavy surface encountered at Navan.
UTOPIAN was run out of it from before the last but progressed from Wetherby hurdling debut.
ROCKABILLY RIOT appeared not to progress from a Musselburgh maiden win but was eased into the race and not given a hard time once held after the last.
SPITZ had every chance and doesn’t look straight forward.
An interesting one here is NEVILLE WOODS, a big chasing sort that ran prominently for much of this hurdling debut. He was keen early, but beaten about 12 lengths here is no disgrace and he’s one to note long term.

2.30 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Limited Novices’ Handicap Chase (104-125)

A popular result here as Lucy Alexander rode a perfect waiting race on headstrong JET MASTER to retain the spoils for the sponsoring family. Switched right off at the back, Jet Master was brought steadily into the race from the eighth fence, took it up going to the last and won on the bridle. He’ll go up well into the 130s for this win, but that would be no more than an accurate reflection of his ability when his energies are concentrated.
Amateur rider Jamie Alexander carried out presentation duties handing the Alexander Perpetual Trophy to trainer brother Nick.
Lucy Alexander showed her versatility last week by riding a second place on the snow at St Moritz.
SMADYNIUM doesn’t look like the usual example of a McCain, since he’s a rather angular sort. He stayed on from the rear to take second place in similar fashion to his chasing debut at Catterick. He was beaten by a better horse in cracking form and will have further chances off this mark.
INOOGOO pushed the pace and tried his best once headed going to the last, but the petrol gauge was well in the red and he just had enough to hold third. Graham Watters was suspended for weighing in 2lbs heavy, though no clue was forthcoming as to why.
DESGREY and MAKBULLET were held from two out, the latter jumping soundly enough on chasing bow.
BALLYCOOL plugged on past a couple for sixth but was never in the race and reflected what was largely a disappointing day for the Russell stable.
DARTFORD WARBLER had run his race before two out.
SURPRISE VENDOR went up 3lbs for a win in a finish of bobbing heads here last time, but was beaten three out this time. On a handicapping note, surely if three finish more or less in line then they are on their marks. Phil Smith’s propensity for tinkering with things for the sake of it irritates, though he recent use of the Grand National weights unveiling to massage his own ego perhaps makes it no surprise.

*** Some of our group chatted to Stuart Crawford, former trainer of The village, before this contest. Paul Brierley queried why he had entered staying chaser Mister Philson in a two mile event at Carlisle. Turned out he had hit the wrong button when making the entries!

3.05 2m 2f £1.25 Million Scoop6 Premier Kelso Hurdle (Novices’) (Grade 2)

A decent bunch of novices, with a Cheltenham/Aintree contender winner and a fair few interesting sorts in behind. A good few of these will make up into chasers in time.

CLEVER COOKIE looked very impressive in winning a competitive handicap at Musselburgh last time, and made short work of his opponents from the last here. He’s 64th in the list for the County Hurdle, so might not get a run, but this upwardly mobile gelding is worth a glance wherever he is aimed.
FERGALL set a merry gallop and had everything bar the winner off the bridle by two out. He kept on well enough once passed and is a decent novice. I noted he is trained at Wilsford-cum-Lake, which was a new one on me, and it turns out Seamus Mullins is based at that hamlet near Devizes in Wiltshire.
HIT THE TOP stepped up creditably from Catterick handicaps to bag third place sticking at his job to the line.
SECRETE STREAM is a big strong sort that should make up into a nice steeplechaser. He made headway from the seventh but couldn’t get to grips with the leaders. There remains a hurdle to be won under a penalty before the season is out.
TOUGH TRADE is another chasing sort and ran creditably to finish sixth on infavourable terms. He stayed on in the latter stages having been outpaced and is one to take forward for next season.
LANDECKER made a serious error at the first and was soon detached. He gave the same flight a good rap the second time round and was well behind, but he kept on to some purpose from two out. He’s not up to this level over hurdles, but he can improve if getting the chance to perform over longer trips.

3.40 2m 5½f Premier Traffic Management Handicap Chase (85-110) (A Betfair Series Qualifier)

A true trial for the series final which will be held over course and distance in early May.

ROCKING BLUES won here in a bumper and recorded his first chase win on this occasion. He made his effort after two out and stayed on under driving from the last. He did this honestly enough, but isn’t necessarily one to trust and it’s debatable whether he can win off a higher mark.
FIDDLERS REEL led for much of the way and kept on well enough once headed. His falling mark allowed him to take on this lesser company which must have made a difference.
LADY OF VERONA stayed on for third without really looking likely to finish any nearer. However, this was encouraging on her first completion over fences and she looks more of a chaser than a hurdler.
SHARNEY SIKE was held up but raced too keenly early on and was held from before the last.
The remainder were well held, MILANO MAGIC in particular taking little interest.

4.15 2m 7½f totepool.com Premier Chase (Listed)

A slightly disappointing turn out for a £27,500 pot in a contest that has thrown up the Grand National winner form two of the last three renewals. I wrote off both as National winners after their Kelso efforts, so I am saying nothing other than that Kruzhlinin and Mr Moonshine are entered in the big race.

The two National entries were trumped by course specialist MAGGIO who took the contest in decent style, winning with authority after taking up the running at three out. I stood by the last fence for this one and Maggio was fairly tanking along when taking the last. Despite being Irish trained this decent performer does most of his racing in the UK and recorded a career best in winning for a fourth time at Kelso. He probably goes to Aintree now with the Topham Trophy a possible target.
MR MOONSHINE, in the same ownership as Aurora’s Encore, led or disputed for most of the way, though he could not get close enough to the winner from two out. He goes well at Aintree, having finished a close third in the Becher Chase, though is unproven over an extended distance having pulled up in last year’s National. He is however in good heart and gets into the big race if that is indeed his target.
KRUZHLININ hit four out and couldn’t get to the first two from that point. He struggled on testing ground last time but was not disgraced here.
SCOTSWELL has had some tough tasks this year, but has picked up plenty of decent prizes in chasing home better animals. On the right terms he can win a handicap and is at his best on slightly quicker ground.
OPENING BATSMAN has sadly not been able to make much of a stand this season. He was held from four out and tailed off by two out

4.50 2m 6½f Anderson Award Winning Butcher – North Berwick Handicap Hurdle (82-108)

A race choc full of moderate and exposed sorts came down to duel between two who have shown at least reasonable form of late.
TOTAL ASSETS is a stoutly bred mare who would be even more at home over further. She moved steadily to the fore before two out, led at the last and asserted nicely on the run-in. She could well improve again for another furlong or two.
GOREY LANE looked the likely winner when cruising up to lead two out only to be caught by one going even better. He has only won a single race, but he’s not been over-raced for an eight-year-old and seems in good heart.
Lightly raced REDPENDER was best of the rest and not disgraced in third, if well held. There should be a similar contest for him.
AUBERGE is well exposed and filled fourth, while the fifth NOTONEBUTTWO, while not disgraced in fifth place, needs to be in the lowest grade.

5.25 2m 7½f CGA Foxhunter Hunters’ Chase (Class 6)

A couple of seasons back this grade was struggling for runners, but double figure fields have been the norm and fifteen turned up for this contest.

As is the way there was wide spread of abilities, but it was a decent contest with four clear in the closing stages. PENA DORADA, well ridden by the very capable Rachael MacDonald, stepped up on promising effort last time staying on well from two out to take the contest with a bit to spare.
MOSCOW MENACE is a multiple point winner and has put in two decent efforts to date this season in Kelso hunter chases. He stuck to his guns well enough here and a step up in trip would do him no harm.
TARTAN SNOW found this more competitive than his last race and couldn’t get to the front. He saw out his race honestly enough though and will presumably now move on to Aintree, though he won’t be 100/1 this time around.
BUCKSTRUTHER isn’t as good as the first three but gives of his best and was not disgraced in fourth place.
BALLYCOLIN threatened to get into the race four out but was well held from the home turn.
BACK ON THE ROAD kept on form the rear as he has down before, but will need a softer contest to win a hunter chase.
MOON OVER MIAMI pulled the jockey’s arms out in the early stages and was allowed to go into a clear lead. Though passed five out his tearaway efforts only told from three out. If he races so keenly he needs to be aimed at the shorter hunter events.
SPECIAL PORTRAIT who needs an extreme trip these days, ran no sort of race and was pulled up in the latter stages.

I’ll not embarrass connections, but one animal on this card struck me as looking like a ‘cut and shut’ car as if the front end didn’t belong with the backend! It was no surprise that he struggled.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday March 22nd
Going – Good, Good to soft in places

A bit of a nip in the air, but plenty of sunshine and a pleasant enough day.

I had a brisk walk around the chase course and found the turf in pretty decent nick for this time of the season, the rails having been moved out on the bends to provide better ground. Down the far side of the chase track the better ground was middle to outside, and there was the usual patch of softer ground in the dip before the last. Hurdles run in was about as short as it is likely to be at around 170 yards.

1.30 2m ½f Abbey Tool and Gauge Handicap Hurdle (103-115)
A moderate contest to open the card with a number of exposed performers taking those with only a few middling runs on their record.

CAPTAIN BROWN set a decent pace here and Brian Hughes kicked on round the final bend. His mount was coming to the end of his tether by the last and took a tired fall, although he may still have held on if standing up. The screens went up and there was a ten minute wait before the winded Captain Brown recovered and appeared to a big cheer from the crowd. He was taken back in the horse ambulance but I suspect that was no more than a precaution.
KEENELAND had steadily made ground on the leader, though wasn’t assured of victory when left in the lead. This was a step up on his Sedgefield run which would have been needed after a 21-month lay-off and there’s a fair chance of a bit better to come. 12/1 price was a surprise in this company as he was turned out looking a picture and had proven in the past that he had ability to take this sort of contest.
OVERPRICED pushed the winner all the way, performing well off a break which she has done in the past. Previous pattern suggests a mare who is at her best in spring and summer.
SPITZ kept on but never looked any better than fourth best until the leader came down. The 2m 2f around here might suit as he kept on to the line.
DAMASCUS STEEL could make no impression from two out, but got nearer than in recent outings. He ran well in the spring last season and was a winner at Hexham.
RHYMERS Ha’ seems an awkward cuss and stayed on having been off the bridle for much of the race.
Ex-American flat race PULPITARIAN disappointed once again. Provided there’s nothing physically wrong it could be just time required to adjust to jumping.

2.00 3m 2f Liz Adam Memorial Handicap Chase (118-142) Handicap Chase

A decent contest with Channel 4 finally acknowledging that Kelso was worth an airing on terrestrial television.

SCOTSWELL has run some decent races this season against testing opposition and rewarded connections in determined style. Leading for much of the race and jumping well, he was hard pressed from two out but found more and was going clear again on the run-in. The Scottish National is a possible target, though the well endowed novices’ handicap chase on the same card.
FENTARA raced rear division for much of the race but stayed on from the final bend without ever quite getting to the game winner. She only has a single chase win to her name but she is game and generally gives her running.
GULLINBURSTI came with every chance two out and wasn’t far down at the last, but could offer no more on the flat. He has a good record coming off a break.
IMPERIAL VIC raced up with the pace, but was tapped for speed from four out. He showed his honesty in keeping on from that point but never threatened the first three. Feedback from connections is that he may just be best when settled in an uncontested lead. The target had been the Scottish National but that’s likely to be missed for this season, the novices’ handicap on the same card now a possible.
THE PANAMA KID chased the leaders and then weakened from two out. He won off 135 here in 2011, but a mark of 124 now seems a bit stiff.
NO PLANNING was well held from four out and is another that may well be held after a recent win.
SYDNEY PAGET was disappointing, dropping away from the fifteenth and soon pulled up. He jumps wins have all come on soft and heavy and it’s likely this ground was too quick.
ISLA PEARL FISHER was bumped up three pounds for trundling around in the wake of Long Run and Knockara Beau, but since the same handicapper saw fit to drop Green Flag a single pound for a decent fourth at the Cheltenham, then one does seriously wonder if the man is on the same planet as the rest of us. Nick alexander’s charge was never travelling on this occasion, but 129 looks more than high enough for an eleven-year-old.
SERGEANT PINK is decent on his day but quirky and decided enough was enough early on the final circuit. He refused at the thirteenth fence and deposited Tony Kelly on the turf.

2.30 3m 3f Bentley Homes Handicap Hurdle (118-142)

There aren’t many hurdle races over this sort of distance and this would be one of the better ones.

This was just up the street of a rejuvenated LIE FORRIT. He jumped superbly up front and kept on determined as the cavalry closed up the straight. A popular winner for local owners McNeill and Gillies, the latter mother of much missed Campbell Gillies. I would presume Aintree will be targeted, though a soft surface would be required.
NEPTUNE EQUESTER stays all day and did finish in Neptune Collonges’s National, though he has been better over hurdles of late. Having been held up he stayed on relentlessly up the straight and would not have need much further to prevail. A stiff test is essential.
LACKAMON is better handicapped over hurdles than fences and was another closing to the line. He needs this sort of test of which there are few at his level over hurdles.
QUEL ELITE runs some fair races without winning often. I assume he has not looked comfortable schooling over fences as he has not been tried in staying chases.
ARCTIC COURT was never in position to threaten. He has won here before but has two ways of running.
DROP OUT JOE attempted to match the winner but distress signals were evident with a mile to go and he lived up to his name. He’s better than this while another southern challenger WHO OWNS ME ran no sort of race. James Reveley was hard at work early on and gave up the struggle before three out.

3.05 2m 1f Ashleybank Investments Reg and Bettie Tweedie (118-134)

KIE barely took off at the third, demolishing a section of the fence and putting Wilson Renwick in hospital with back injuries. Kie gets away with the odd howler, but he walked through the fence on this occasion. The fence was omitted on the final circuit.
JET MASTER was given some hope as he was not hammered by the handicapper for his facile win here last time. Ridden with restraint once again he was brought through to challenge two out. He led before the last but seemingly idled a bit once in front and had to be rousted to maintain the advantage. Picking off the field from a strong pace seems best for him. The first pair were well clear and future prospects depend on his subsequent treatment in the ratings.
UN GUET APENS ran a decent race, leading briefly two out and making Jet Master pull out all the stops.
STORMIN EXIT made progress to lead three out but then weakened from two out.
IMJOEKING was outpaced to the eighth and an effort to two out was in vain.
STAGECOACH PEARL set off at a merry pace in front but was spent by three out and is regressing.
ROCKAWANGO, well below form of late, was never going.

3.40 2m 2f DG Pryde Limited Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

KILGEFIN STAR needs further than this, and will make up into a chaser in time, but Danny Cook made this a real test on the day of his comeback from a broken leg. His main pursuer looked up against it when coming down three out and the Michael Smith trained ex-Irish pointer saw the race out well.
ONE FOR ARTHUR kept on into second but never got to the winner. A decent effort on his hurdling and he looks a likely scorer in the near future as Lucinda Russell’s stable homes in on the Scottish record for the season.
JUST CHILLY plugged on into third place. She looks the time to benefit from another summer behind here do this place is a welcome bonus.
NEVILLE WOODS ran another fair race in fourth and once again it’s worth noting he is likely to be better over fences.
COUSIN GUILLAUME was sold out of Karen McLintock’s stable for £40,000 and that looks a good deal from McLintock’s point of view. Word has it that he’s a bit of a softie and race performances would tend to support that. He was hampered by the faller three out but wouldn’t have been any better than third.
DOUBLEDISDOUBLEDAT is a chasing type who was on and off the bridle here. He showed a modicum of promise and is likely to do better in time.
PLAN AGAIN ran a disappointing race and looked held when hampered three out.
TOUGH TRADE seemed just to be getting the worst of the argument when taking a tumbling fall three out. He looks like a chaser and that will be his game in time.

*** Other news from connections of the winner here concern two horses. The first is MASTERLEADERMAN who was given a ‘disappointing ride’ when fourth at Newcastle last weekend. He’s capable of a good deal better than this run apparently showed.
TIMOTHY T was bought out of a claimer at Kempton recently for £2,000. This one was third in the Acomb Stakes at York as a two-year-old, then spent three years in Hong Kong without visiting the track. Discussions centred on the fact that it was surprising he hadn’t ended up ‘in a tin’ but, dreadfully poor taste humour aside, he clearly retains some ability and will now be billeted with Nottinghamshire based Mick Appleby.

4.15 2m 4½f Jedforest Deer Park Handicap Hurdle (88-110)

I believe this is the first time this start has been used since the course layout was re-hashed in 2012.

Essentially the field consisted of a host of well exposed and some elderly performers. Judgement suggested it was worth looking at the younger horses with less ‘previous’ to their name. All very well but even the five-year-olds here were difficult to recommend though it was one of them, BELLOROPHON, that did the business in comfortable fashion. He eased clear of the field from two out to win by 23 lengths. I can’t imagine he will find it very easy next time off what is sure to be a significantly higher mark.
FUNKY MUNKY kept on for second and runs some fair races but doesn’t win very often.
Elizabeth Butterworth did quite well to coax a third place out of KNIGHT VALLIANT. He has ability but isn’t the easiest of rides and was patiently ridden to challenge for second at the last.
OUR BOY BEN plugged on for fourth place, a reasonable effort on handicapping debut, while NEWDANE DANCER, in decent heart of late, led to three out but faded into fifth place in the latter stages. A less stiff finish sees him to better advantage.
EVERDON BROOK pulled up and was removed from the course by horse ambulance and I understand was subsequently examined by the course vet, but further information has been difficult to obtain.

4.50 2m Kelso Races A Great Day Out Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 6)

Half the crowd had disappeared before this contest but for those of use looking for future winners these contests are eagerly awaited.

Make note of any lightly raced horses or newcomers that Nicky Richards brings to Kelso. If you are at the track it’s worth checking out the fitness just ensure factors are in your favour, but Richards has a decent record in novice, maiden and bumper events around here. SIR VINSKI looked one of the more likely here and was forward enough in condition to suggest every chance if good enough. He came clear in the last two furlongs and has the mark of Simply Ned and Eduard, two decent performers that started in Kelso bumpers. Not sure that he will appear again this season but a definite for next season’s horses to follow.
MAJOR IVAN caught the eye as a nice sort. He was outpaced five furlongs out but stayed on well up the home straight to wrest second close home. He will benefit from the run and is a nice jumping type to remember for the future.
SHADES OF MIDNIGHT looked a mare that still has some developing to do, but she has the engine and raced prominently throughout to take third place.
WOLF SWORD, a nice deep chested chasing type, ran creditably under a penalty for a Sedgefield win on Boxing Day. He was presented looking nicely fit, had every chance but couldn’t up his game once the winner got away.
A few more will need a bit of time. FIGHT AWAY BOYS raced prominently to four out and then faded. He won an Irish point in five attempts and will likely show up better when presented with a set of obstacles in front of him.
TOUCH OF STEEL, a half-brother to a winning chaser, looked very green and will need time.

[apracing]

Rob,

You might like to know that SIR VINSKI is entered for a select sale at Cheltenham racecourse on Friday this week and is likely to end up at one of the big southern stables, earning a healthy profit for his current owners who only paid 7,000 eurtos for him.

AP

[robnorth]

AP

On the same theme I mentioned a while back in this thread that MONT ROYALE, bought by Kelso regular Billy Muir for £1,300, won a bumper at Kelso and then sold for £60,000 at Cheltenham. He’s now with Jonjo O’Neill, but hasn’t looked as sharp as he did at Kelso on two subsequent runs.

Rob

[robnorth]

KELSO – Tuesday April 22nd

A couple of stories in the opening maiden hurdle. Kenny Johnson rode a third winner for the season LORD BRENDY, a total he hasn’t reached since 2008-2009. I wonder when he last rode a horse priced around Evens? This wasn’t a great event though and Lord Brendy might struggle to land a novice under a penalty and the handicapper should have him well marked.

Inverurie based Jackie Stephen, who has a fair trek even to her ‘local’ at Perth, has struggled to get her three horse stable competitive. However AMILLIONTIMES put up a fine effort in taking second place here. He race up with the pace and stuck to his task well if held by the winner.

FIGHT AWAY BOYS ran a promising race and might be seen to good effect now the ground is better.

DOUBLEDISDOUBLEDAT was signalled here as likely to improve over fences and took his record in that sphere to 2 from 2. I think he can continue to progress.

CLONDAW KNIGHT ran respectably here and will be stepped up in trip in future.

MR SUPREME came clear in the staying chase and clearly appreciates the better ground. ISLA PEARL FISHER looks in the grip of the handicapper now and was held though ran an honest race.

ROBIN’S COMMAND is another seemingly much better on the faster ground and doddled the 2m 1f Class 4 handicap chase. He may well cope with a rise in grade.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Friday April 25th

Going – Soft

A decent crowd in for the final day of the Festival at around 4,000. Perth made it a ‘Premier Raceday’ which is stretching the limits of that description given that the best races were only Class 3. An admission price of £22 for Grandstand is on the pricey side and £17 for the Centre Course enclosure is bordering on taking the mickey for an enclosure with limited facilities. Although I don’t have racecourse pass this year I was at least able to save myself £4 through the Racegoers’ Club. I enjoy watching from centre course but allow myself paddock and grandstand access.

Gripes over and the racing was competitive enough though since the Festival was introduced in 1989 the meeting has become gradually more top heavy with handicaps, five out of seven on this card.

2.00 2m ½f Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer NH Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

FOND MEMORY made a decent impression on handicap debut at Newbury and made up for a subsequent disappointing effort at Exeter. Always travelling well he challenged two out and led before the last, a clumsy leap there not stopping him too much.
FINAL PASS created a sound enough impression on hurdling debut. Travelling prominent, he led three out was then passed two out but kept on to the line. He’s already won a point in Ireland and has a future over jumps.
VISION DE LA VIE, a lengthy gelding that should benefit from a stiffer test, kept on from two out without threatening the leaders.
THIS THYNE JUDE created a fair impression in bumpers last year here and at Kelso. She looked well enough off a break, and in the paddock was once again hinting at a dressage career if she doesn’t make it over jumps! Keen in the race, she was restrained in rear and outpaced after three out. She picked up nicely in that latter stages and looks sure to make her mark given a stiffer test. Her dam was a staying mare.
VAUREN DE VAUZELLE was on my list to follow this season, but like many on my damp squib of a 13/14 list hasn’t gone on through the season. He completed on this occasion, having been a first flight faller on hurdling debut, but was soundly put in his place from two out.
CEILIDH is a chasing type who hasn’t made a mark in bumpers and will need time.

2.30 2m Turning Out Quality Handicap Chase (104-125) (Betfair Series Qualifier)

The Scottish Series is approaching its climax, the final to take place over 2m 5 ½ f at Kelso on May 7th.
INOOGOO is consistent but had only recorded a single win here previously. There was a strong pace on early and he came from off that pace to take up the running two out. He was all out to hold on from the last suggesting he doesn’t have much in hand off his current mark.
COUER DE FOU looked as if the race would help, but I seem to remember making a similar remark previously so it may be that he carries some condition. He was sweating and on his toes in the paddock, but settled well in the race, made headway from three out to challenge at the last and pressed the winner to the line. His recent record suggests that he is difficult to keep fit.
Double winner BAILEYS CONCERTO could never get into the race. He won at Hexham and Carlisle and found things happening too quickly around here, though he did stay on from the last for third.
LORD OF DRUMS was up with the sharp early pace and faded from two out. He goes well enough around here and is on a decent mark.
WILDE PASTURES disputed or set the pace but weakened from three out and probably went too fast for his own good.
STROBE needs better ground than he encountered here and was beaten down the far side.

3.05 2m 4½f McBookie.com Handicap Hurdle (75-100)

KING’S CHORISTER is not the most reliable of characters but picked this race up for the second year off a 12lbs lower mark. Eased into the race on the home turn, he led before the last and stayed n for victory. He’s 6 wins from 65 races which tells its own story.
AMETHYST ROSE stayed on from two out to take second place. What form she has shown has been with a decent bit of cut in the ground.
INDIGO ISLAND kept on for third place and looks at his best on a sharpish track, though yet to record a win.
MASTER CYNK led three out and threatening to take the race but had come to the end of his tether approaching the last.
DE BEE KEEPER was well backed but didn’t show at the head of the race, making only moderate late progress. There’s probably a small race for him over the summer.
MARLEE MASSIE improved on handicap debut though making no impression form two out.

3.35 2m 4½f Out Of The Ordinary Investment Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase (123-133)

DARE TO ENDEAVOUR looked best of these in the paddock. He led for most of the way jumping well and stayed on well from two out. Faster ground may have been against him at Uttoxeter, but otherwise he has been progressive.
BAR DE LIGNE was below form at Kempton last time, but has been consistent otherwise and ran a creditable second without threatening the winner.
ROBBIE was held up and plugged on into third place without threatening to finish nearer.
UN GUET APENS appeared to find the track too sharp and was never travelling with any ease.
SURPRISE VENDOR won the Pontefract Marathon recently on the flat, but was held here after a couple of serious jumping errors.

4.10 3m 7f GA Engineering Highland National Handicap Chase (98-124)

A late decision by Nick Alexander to run BERTIE MILAN paid dividends as he became the first Scottish trainer to land this event. Racing in the first three all the way, Lucy Alexander kicked no from the seventh and had those remaining in contention on the stretch by the home turn. Despite not being fluent at the last two fences there was more than enough in the tank to be driven out for victory. The planned tilt at a 0-100 chase at the next meeting now goes out of the window!
HIDDEN HORIZONS travelled comfortably in midfield, he progressed to press the leader from the nineteenth fence. Chipping away at Bertie Milan from that point he had to give best on the run-in. A decent effort nevertheless and a respectable follow up to his Ulster Grand National win.
ROYALE KNIGHT ideally wants slightly better ground than this but ran a decent enough race, not able to match the first two from three out.
MISTER PHILSON was outpaced from three out and may not have seen out this trip.
INDIGO ROCK progressed to track the pace on the last circuit but was calling enough by four out. His current mark is reasonable if he drops in trip.
GOTOYOURPLAY was keen early and feeling the pinch when coming down five out.
HEEZ A STEEL was never any better than mid division and struggling when unseating at the eighteenth.
FIVE STAR WILSHAM race up front for two circuits but faded quickly after five out and was pulled up before two out. Some of his better efforts staying efforts have come at stiffer tracks and he may well have found the tempo here a little bit too quick. Jockey Sam Twiston-Davies spotted the loose Heez A Steel standing in front of three out, grabbed the reins and led the latter back as he cantered in, earning a generous round of applause from the crowd.
WILD GEESE was never entirely happy and struggling on the final circuit before being pulled up four out.
NEPTUNE EQUESTER hit the second hard and was off the bridle for much of the time after that. Ryan Mania kept working but had to admit defeat before four out.
TARRACO travelled prominently for a circuit, but lost his pitch after that and was well behind when pulled up before four out. He has shot up the handicap of late and may just be held now.
NODEBATEABOUTIT, unlucky here a couple of years back and ridiculously so when stopped by loose horse at Exeter this season, was never going and his jockey gave up the ghost with a mile left.

4.45 3m 3f Bet on All Non-League at McBookie.com Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (92-121)

I would normally have abbreviated the race title, but as a non-league football nut for thirty odd years I had to pay due respect to the sponsor!

SYBARITE got outpaced three out but stayed on well up the straight and had taken charge by the last. He’s not the easiest ride, even though having plenty of ability, and all credit to Ryan Hatch for getting a decent tune out of him.
Making it a Twiston-Davies one-two, JAUNTY JOURNEY filled second place in this contest for the third year in succession. He led until before the last and kept on once passed. He regularly runs his race in staying contests over hurdles and fences.
HELLORBOSTON made an effort to challenge two out but couldn’t make an impression on the first two. There are a few of these long distance hurdles in the north and he may well be targeted at the likes of here, Kelso and Sedgefield next term.
BOLLIN FIONA was never near the leaders and plugged on for fourth place, just holding PERFECT CANDIDATE who briefly threatened three out but was held after.
MAGIC PRESENT was fired up in the paddock, too keen on the track and beaten by three out.
LOS NADIS never got into the race and this trip may well have taxed his stamina in the conditions.
RYTON RUNNER isn’t up to this class and was well held.
BESCOT SPRINGS has been busy and this may have been one race too many.

5.20 2m ½f Go To Balcormo Races Tomorrow Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

A cracking finish to the last race of the meeting.

I watched this head on from by the winning post and LOOKING WELL showed plenty of determination to squeeze through a gap up the rail near the finish, getting his head in front right on the line. Unlike some of Nicky Richards’s newcomers there appeared to be a bit to work on, but this one clearly has an engine and a very good attitude. I would expect this one to progress.
MAJOR IVAN still looks a bit green, weaving around when asked for an effort from three furlongs out. He put in plenty of effort though and a visit to the winner’s spot is merely delayed.
THE WAY IT WORKS is a taking half-sister to bumper winner Balboni. Arguably best on looks, she stayed on well from off the pace and there should be more to come. A nice sort to remember for next season.
Irish raider MELBOURNE LADY wasn’t disgraced in fourth place, having hinted at ability at both Down Royal and Wexford.
WISH IN A WELL. Coming off a decent recent effort at Ayr, was outpaced from two out and appeared to find this a bit sharp.
CLAN CHIEF, a winner at Ayr but a big boat of an animal, was very fizzy and had two handlers in the paddock. He was uncooperative on the track and Kit Alexander did well to get him down to the start. Keen in the race, he probably did quite creditably to finish sixth after all the fuss. If he calms down he should turn into a chaser in time as he has the size and clearly has ability.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Wednesday May 7th

Going – Good, Good To Soft in places, turning Good To Soft as it rained from Race 3 onwards

A damp afternoon and my paddock observations were limited in the middle of the card to the soggy conditions!

1.55 2m 1f Aver Chartered Accountants Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

This will likely prove to be quite a decent novices’ chase, the first two having shown decent form over hurdles and two Grade 1 winning hurdlers following them in.

MASTER OF THE GAME dwarfed everything else in the paddock and looks all over a chaser. He jumped well in the main either in front or disputing. He was momentarily caught flatfooted when hitting two out but worked back into it at the last and prevailed in a bobbing finish. Not the easiest ride by all accounts, but this double point winner should turn into a pretty decent chaser if carefully handled.
RUNSWICK ROYAL won the Morebattle Hurdle here in February and made a very encouraging chasing debut. He made headway to challenge two out, led before the last but was just headed close home. He lost nothing in defeat and there should be chases to be won with him.
ORSIPPUS hasn’t been able to match his best over hurdles in recent times. He doesn’t look quite the natural jumper but did well to remain in contention to the last before giving way.
RUACANA was put in his place from two out having raced prominently early.
BOZIC found this company too tough but wasn’t given a hard race once beaten.

2.25 2m 6f 110yds Hunter Real Estate Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (82-110)

SILVER GENT created a good impression when just holding on in what seems to have been a decent event at Perth. He s not a typical McCain type, rather angular and lacking the smooth lined strength. Handsome is and handsome does and he set a decent pace here and stayed on well from two out to hold challenges. Lightly raced to date, this one can step up a grade.
RISKIER is a slightly better chaser than hurdler, but chased the winner all the way up the straight and is an honest sort.
BOLLIN JULIE was not disgraced back in third from out of the handicap, though never seriously threatened to be much closer.
MARRAKECH TRADER was fizzy in the paddock and couldn’t make an impact from three out.
Connections were looking for a prominent display from NATIVE SPA but he faded in the final half mile and is now most likely to be re-homed.

2.55 2m 7f 110yds Christine Clow Celebration Selling Handicap Chase (64-100)

Selling handicap chases are pretty thin on the ground these days, but this event remains an annual fixture at Kelso.
WINTER ALCHEMY is probably better than he cares to let on, and strikes me as one that is more of a chaser than a hurdler. He set the pace and then toughed it out up the straight having been headed three out. A decent effort and he will remain in the ‘up to 100’ class even with a rise.
ALLANARD still has ability at this level, but was just worried out of it by a persistent winner having led two out.
OH RIGHT kept on from the rear for third but may need a rest or is perhaps held by the handicapper for now.
John Wade came into this race mob-handed, but the best he could manage was fourth place with CHICAGO OUTFIT who plugged on without ever threatening. RUNSWICK RELAX led three out and looked a possible winner but was out on his feet by the last and dropped back to fifth. IRISH BY NAME chased the leader to the thirteenth but quickly went backwards and was pulled up.
WESTERN BOUND was ten pounds out of the handicap and never dangerous. He’ll need a lousy event to have a serious chance.
FILBERT FOX was never going and pulled up after going a mile and the impression I got was that he wasn’t putting it all in. He did run one decent race at Hexham, but has been well below that otherwise. Connections tell me options going forward include cross-country events or a return to pointing.

3.25 3m 2f Bedmax Handicap Chase (Le Garcon D’or Trophy) (100-115)

The rain had set in seriously by this event and for once I forsook my rooftop viewing position to watch under cover. Viewing on the lower deck is OK but not as good as up top.

HARRIS HAWK took over at the twelfth and had his race won by two out having kicked on from four out. He won this comfortably and has ability to win off a higher mark if he can repeat this effort.
NEPTUNE EQUESTER jumped better here than he did at Perth. He was tapped for pace by the winner but plugged on and staying is his forte.
BADGER FOOT has been running quite well in recent times. He chased the leader three out but was beaten with two to jump and finished tired.
ROMANY RYME is a maiden and didn’t threaten that status in this contest.
PYJAMA GAME was well behind from the thirteenth and pulled up before two out. He won twice in the autumn and was coming off a long break so will presumably benefit from the outing.
AZERODEGREE struggled from halfway and was pulled up with a mile left.
PRESENT POTENTIAL went wrong when clouting the seventh and had to be put down. He had shown great promise in points and hunter chasing and is a sad loss for his stable.

4.00 2m 110yds NFU Mutual Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (102-120)

NEVILLE WOODS has struck me so far as a work in progress job with chasing his eventual aim. His trainer confirmed this so will be well pleased with a hurdling success, the gelding always going well and driven out to take the race. Neville Woods should be suited by a stiffer test and his chasing debut is eagerly awaited in this quarter.
CAPTAIN BROWN took an age to get up after a last hurdle fall here last time. Given time to recover, this free-going sort bowled along in front and responded gamely once challenged if just held. He looks to need this decent ground and I suspect Jimmy Moffatt will be eyeing contests at Cartmel, just around the corner from his stable.
COOL SKY stayed on to take third having raced in rear. He generally runs his race.
Kelso in the rain must be a culture shock for PULPITARIAN who was running and winning at Laurel Park 18 months ago. He’s tending to be found out for pace in the closing stages, but is dropping to a reasonable mark and there should be a race for him before long.
HUNTERS BELT was bandaged in front and faded from three out.

4.35 2m 5f 110yds Betfair Scottish Chase Series Final Handicap Chase (97-124)

A slightly disappointing turn out considering reasonable prize money, but there is a limitation with a single final after qualifiers at a range of distances.

BAILEYS CONCERTO was run off his feet at Perth but stayed on late. He found the course and distance here just up his street and had the race in safe keeping before the last. He’s on a roll and I would imagine Dianne Sayer will be mapping out a campaign for him in the coming months.
FIDDLERS REEL made a brave attempt to concede 16lbs to a well handicapped opponent. He saw his race out honestly enough after being headed two out.
PEACHEY MOMENT was right there two out but held after. He’s on a losing run and beatable.
GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS has the make of a chaser but is a weak finisher and I wonder if he has a wind problem.
THE FLAMING MATRON was not good enough in this class. She’s eligible for 0-100 and that would be the obvious level to aim at.
LADY OF VERONA was beaten well before the straight.
HARRY’S WHIM bowled along in front, but is too often let down by sloppy jumping and duly deposited Henry Brooke on the turf a fence seven. He demolished a rail or two when loose and was still buzzing when returning to the paddock.

5.10 2m 110yds Cheers Bar Standard Open NH Flat (Class 5)

Not a strong contest by Kelso standards, four stood out in the paddock and they occupied the first four places.
DOKTOR GLEZ showed promise at Wetherby in December and built on that to win here, staying on well having led two out. He’s a well grown sort that may not have the scope of some others in this race.
LEWIS is a fine chasing type who will come into his own once facing obstacles. He stayed on well to take second place and if I was taking one out of this contest it would have to be this one. If nothing he’s not trained by a ‘prominent stable’ so may sneak under the radar.
NICOLAS CHAUVIN challenged the winner from two out but was held in the last 100 yards. The feeling is that if he was a really sharp sort from the Henderson camp he wouldn’t be running at Kelso in May. He may be worth opposing as under-priced in upcoming engagements.
TOOLA BOOLA stayed on encouragingly in the closing stages.
ALWAYS TIPSY wasn’t disgrace in fifth, if held in the final furlong.
THE LAST LEG led for a good way but was beaten in the home straight. He probably needs some time which is unusual for McLintock runners in these contests.
SKI GUIDE didn’t show in the latter stages and the stable have decided he is not going to make it as racehorse. He is now available for re-homing/re-training and details of this one and others may be found at http://www.lucindarussell.com/607.htm.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Sunday June 8th

Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

2.10 2m 4f 110yds Land Rover Discovery Maiden Hurdle (Class 5) (for Provost’s Plate)

A successful debut for Stuart Crawford’s ROYAL DJANGO, a Kayf Tara gelding who is likely best suited by these conditions. Racing handily he challenged two out and having been led into the last he railed to good effect under driving to lead close home.
Favourite NINGBO EXPRESS looked the likely winner at the last only to be run out of it close home. She should be placed to win a race over hurdles before long.
TARLAN was coming back off a new three year lay-off having fractured his pelvis. This comeback was very promising since he came with every chance two out and was only outpaced from the last.
BADGED ran up to his form in fourth.
AMILLIONTIMES set the pace until two out but found the opposition too strong after that.

2.45 2m 4f 110yds Jaguar F-Type Handicap Chase (109-132)

The favourite here Gordon’s Elliott trained KILLEENMORE was walked up for the vet before the race. There was clearly some problem as he raced in rear, was under pressure with a mile to go and pulled up before four out. The horse was reported as lame behind.

CREEVYTENNANT was a useful hunter chaser two seasons ago, winning the hunter event at the 2013 Musselburgh Cheltenham Trials Meeting. Having missed last season he came back successfully here, making all the running and sticking on despite an unusual distraction on the run-in. The race was run during a thunderstorm and Creevytennant veered on the run-in as there was a flash of lightning. Nevertheless he had enough in hand to hold on.
CALL BOX travelled well, came to challenge at the last and kept on under driving if a clear second best. He goes well here and can find another opportunity.
SCOTCH WARRIOR may well have found these conditions a little testing. He chased the leaders from three out but couldn’t make an impression. A fair enough effort off a 5lbs higher mark than his recent win.
ALLOW ME was beaten two out, while veteran GARLETON is struggling now, was on and off the bridle, and beaten from three out.
STONETHROWER was beaten turning for home.

3.20 2m 110yds Stewart Milne Hunters Meadow Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (65-105)

SNOQUALMIE CHIEF saw off a moderate field in comfortable style to land Gordon Elliott’s 100th winner at Perth. Held up, he came through the field from three out and won going away.
DISCOVERIE set the pace and kept on for second. Dianne Sayer should place this one to win a race this summer.
DEFINITELY BETTER travelled strongly but didn’t find a huge amount from two out.
There wasn’t an awful lot of encouragement from the remainder who were beaten off before the last.

3.50 2m Fugro Subsea Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

Not a bad novices’ chase for this time of year won by FALCARRAGH, a decent novice hurdle last season and bouncing back from a disappointing chase debut at Worcester. He joined issue with the leaders three out and stayed on to win by a couple of lengths.
MIDNIGHT GAME chased the leaders from three out but was never quite near enough to get in a serious challenge though finishing best of all into second from the last. This looks a step up on his chasing debut at Killarney and there may be better to come in time over fences.
HOWWOULDUNO set the pace or disputed most of the way and stuck to his task once passed at the last.
ORSIPPUS, rather small for chasing, disputed the lead for much of the way, but was outpaced from three out only to run on again under pressure on the flat. He wasn’t going anywhere in particular over hurdles last term and my feeling is that his trainer maybe felt it was time to try something different. He might be worth a try over a longer distance.
AGRICULTURAL had much to find here and was left behind from four out.

4.25 3m Range Rover City Of Perth Gold Cup Handicap chase (139-119)

It was chucking it down with rain for one of Perth’s feature events of the season.

A battle of attrition won in brave style by GUESS AGAIN who pretty much made all. He was maybe briefly headed two out but dug deep and was asserting in the final furlong. A good effort, but he doesn’t get to the track that often and is likely to need a bit of a rest after these exertions.
LAMBORO LAD came there looking the likely winner two out but was outpointed from the last. A fair enough effort and Peter Bowen will presumably look to place him in similar events this summer.
RAAJIH travelled well into contention three out but couldn’t get to the leaders down the straight. He zoomed up the weights after doddling home at Kilbeggan and that may have stymied him here.
HOLD EM COWBOY was held up as usual but couldn’t get in a blow and probably found the class a bit beyond him.
FIDDLERS REEL raced prominently early but gradually lost touch from the fourteenth.
FIREBIRD FLYER chased the leaders for much of the way but was getting the worst of the argument when falling heavily three out. He did walk away looking a bit shaken but OK.
FENTARA was in rear when belting the thirteenth and was pulled up soon after.
WICKLOW LAD was outpaced after the twelfth and not good enough in this company. There may be a soft race or two for him however at some of Perth’s meetings this summer.

4.55 2m 4f 110yds Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Hurdle (90-118)

A decimated by non-runners with only seven of the 16 declared turning up for the race.

VASCO DU MEE registered a win for Gordon Elliott, cruising to the front three out and basically allowing AP McCoy to take the mickey out of the others from before the last. Not sure what she achieved here and Elliott may well try to pull the mare out before being re-assessed.
COOL BARANCA generally thrives at this time of the year and tried to throw down a challenge but simply wasn’t good enough.
MOLLY MILAN flattered three out but never got in a serious blow.
INDEPUB set the pace but couldn’t match the first two from two out. I remember seeing him race over 5 and 6 furlongs at the start of his career and it didn’t occur to that he would end up ploughing round Perth in the mud!

5.25 2m 110yds Range Rover Evoque Standard Open NH Flat (Class 6)

The hurdles weren’t removed due to the chewed up state of the course, so this was a bit of a slalom event around the hurdles.

GHOST RIVER pulled clear impressively in the final two furlongs was well held from then.
U NAME IT kept on promisingly for third, but the rest were well beaten.
THEREVEREND CLOVER took a false step and came down five furlongs out. Horse and rider got up OK.

[robnorth]

Monday September 8th

PERTH – Good

2.20 2m 4f 110yds Scottish Food and Drink Day Novices’ hurdle (Class 4)

On a day of small fields this wasn’t a bad little contest. Ryan Mania reported ‘lovely ground’.

BAILEYS CONCERTO progressed nicely over fences in the spring for Dianne Sayer. Looking plenty well enough after three months off he came to join issue approaching the last and went nicely clear. He is fine fettle and gives his trainer options over both types of obstacle.
BADGED is a nice sort who should make up into a chaser. He set a decent pace and kept on once headed before the last. He’s consistent, probably suited by pace-making at a sharp track and didn’t do much wrong here.
MO ROUGE recorded a first win for Inverurie based Jackie Stephen back in July. He wasn’t totally disgraced here and can remain competitive in this company or in handicaps. (His trainer recorded a second win the following day with Amilliontimes and certainly has her small string buzzing.)
Downpatrick winner BIG KERN, a bit too keen going to start, closed approaching the seventh but was held from two out. His win was on heavy ground which may help him more.
CALTON ENTRY looks a chasing type who will need time to develop. He went well enough until found out from the home turn.

2.50 2m 4f 110yds TUV-SUD Consulting Handicap Chase (79-100)

SOLWAY DORNAL put in a superb round of jumping and it made all the difference. He held enough in hand and stayed on well from the last.
FORGET AND FORGIVE, confused by one group of racegoers with the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner of 1985 Forgive N’ Forget(!), was well backed and given every chance. He was slow at a couple of fences when the pace increased and that may well have cost him.
SHINE A DIAMOND, not over enamoured with the tongue tie in the preliminaries, ran a sound enough race if held from the last. Connections were satisfied enough with this effort.
MOONLONE LANE was too keen and faded from three out.
ENDEAVOR is a moody character and this wasn’t a going day. However, should he start to take an interest he would be worth keeping an eye on as he’s more than capable of seeing off these if he so wishes.

3.20 2m 4f 110yds TUV-SUD Consulting Handicap Hurdle (88-105)

A very ordinary contest won by a twelve-year-old and I wouldn’t imagine there will be too much to take forward.

OXALIDO recorded a first winner for Alnwick-based Hugh Burns. He made headway to two out, challenged at the last and asserted between runners to the line. He’s put in two good efforts for this yard.
SOLWAY DANDY put in a sound effort for the in-form Liza Harrison yard. He led before the last but was pegged back on the run to the line.
FLASH CRASH, with Rhys flint putting in a delayed reappearance…, doesn’t look a straight forward sort. He held every chance but didn’t look totally convincing when asked for an effort.
STROBE had conditions to suit, but he’s probably better chasing these days as he tends to get a bit big at his hurdles.

3.50 2m Sodexo Prestige Handicap Chase (103-120)

A disappointing turn out for the biggest prize of the day.

CLARAGH NATIVE has ability but it’s been difficult to coax out of him. He came with an effort from three out to challenge the in-form runner-up at the last. He won at Musselburgh last November and is probably best on decent ground around these sharp right-handers.
ROBIN’S COMMAND had every chance off a 3lb higher mark than his course and distance win. He rallied well once headed and remains in form. He can probably win again before long.
TOLEDO GOLD set the pace but was found out down the straight.
SERGEANT PINK can be difficult to predict. He has been running quite well on the flat, but never got into this contest.

4.20 2m 110yds TUV-SUD Consulting Juvenile Hurdle (Class 4)

JAZZY LADY had placed form going into this, but she’s a small filly and there were stronger animals in this. She was under pressure from three out and faded into last. Others are improving past her.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS didn’t show a huge amount on the flat, but is in the right hands with Gordon Elliot. Looking plenty ready enough on hurdling debut, he made headway before two out and was driven out on the flat.
DRY YOUR EYES was the bigger of the two fillies and has much more scope than the favourite. She jumped neatly near the pace on stuck to her job from two out. She should improve with experience and age.
UPLIFTED chased the leader and kept on under pressure into third. A so-so debut.
THE WALLACE LINE was outpaced before the last. His jockey commented that he was a bit hesitant at his hurdles and will improve with experience.

4.50 Stewart Milne Novices’ Handicap Chase (96-113)

ULTRA LIGHT looked nicely fit. She closed to the fourteenth and was left clear when her main challenger took a heavy fall at the last. Difficult to tell what she achieved, but she is consistent.

GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS made mistakes, as is his way and didn’t really threaten, though keeping on in the latter stages.
ATTYCRAN ran well and was challenging when taking a heavy fall at the last. I haven’t found out if he was OK but things didn’t look good.
THE ICE FACTOR led until tipping up four out.
DOTTIES DILEMA raced behind the leaders until thumping the eighth, causing Peter Buchanan to come out the side door.

5.20 3m 110yds TUV-SUD Consulting Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (69-98)

A very ordinary contest.
RECKLESS ROMEO has a moderate record but performed well off a break, taking it up at the last and holding off the pacesetters renewed challenge.
RAIFTEIRI isn’t anything special but did record William Young Junior’s first winner recently. He set the pace and responded well once headed. He might pick up another event at this lowly level.
SOLWAY LEGEND had every chance at the second last but was held.
NORTHERN EXECUTIVE was driven to challenge at the last, but didn’t look at all keen and subsided on the run-in.

Plenty of talk at this this meeting about the Scottish Referendum. The polls suggest a small lead for NO, but there’s not much in it, and there’s much concern that there is no plan in place for horse racing in an independent Scotland. Concerns surround the matter of a Scottish levy and that the sport may well suffer north of the border. If there is a Yes vote than the sport needs to get into Can Do mode rather than Can’t Do. Surely there are more than enough sharp brains in the sport to put together a workable plan going forward and you have to make the best of the cards you are dealt.

Kelso’s autumn campaign begins with a twilight meeting on Wednesday September 17th. Lack of rain means that with watering concentrated on the hurdles course the steeplechases are cancelled. A re-jigged card starts at 4.35 with five hurdles and a bumper.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday October 5th

Going – Soft (Good To Soft in places) drying to Good To Soft

Kelso’s season kicked into gear in front of a healthy 3,600 attendance. The rain on Friday into Saturday caused a significant number of non-runners but the racing was competitive with a few pointers going forward.

The opening two mile handicap hurdle was won by in-form SLEEP IN FIRST who stayed on well having led all the way, and thus recording a hat-trick.
Returning to jumping after a spell flat racing, MASON HINDMARSH ran an encouraging second place, though some in behind didn’t run their race.
Enigmatic ENDEAVOR came there with every chance two out but gave the impression that he held a little back.
The Lucinda Russell pair of Rhymers Ha’ and Pulpitarian were disappointing and their form has not given enough encouragement in recent runs.
MOST HONOURABLE was plenty fit enough after a break but faded disappointingly before two out.

MR GALLIVANTER made a procession of the four runner juvenile hurdle, coming clear with any amount in hand. Even at this stage he looks a talented recruit in this category. The second Al Musheer couldn’t match the winner and his handicap mark of 108 could prove harsh.
Cape Arrow jumped round neatly enough in his own time and might make up into a handicap hurdler at a modest level in time.

Two finished in the staying novices’ handicap chase (2m 7½f – horses rated 83-103). BIG SOUND set the pace and stayed on determinedly when challenged to win in decent style. He’s consistent, determined and stays well.
WAKHAN wasn’t good enough but has encouraged on both runs for Sue smith and she should coax a basement handicap chase out of this one.
DOTTIES DILEMA had every chance when belting three out. He stopped pretty quickly after that and I suspect he was winded or otherwise hurt himself a bit in that incident. Capable at this level if he gets his jumping up to scratch.
VENITZIA looked to need the race after a long lay-off. He lost touch on the last circuit and was well behind when pulled up two out, but this race will have been of great benefit. The fact that he has been persevered with after a 925 days break suggests his stable have faith in his ability.

The 2m 6½f Intermediate Hurdle has thrown up decent sorts in the past. On this occasion LANDECKER was held up by Lucy Alexander produced approaching the last to take the prize. The winner is not entirely straight forward but he seems to get better the farther he goes. I believe he may rate into the 140s in time and I wonder if he might be one for the Alexanders to take to Cheltenham?
GOLD CHAIN has been running well over the summer and performed up his best in taking second place.
SPIRIT OSCAR is quite highly regarded but was allowed to go off at a fair lick by Derek Fox. In retrospect he probably used up too much energy and was found wanting from before the last. Better to come if ridden with a little more restraint.

SIMPLY NED has been one of my favourites in recent seasons and was impressive off 157 in winning the feature 2m 1f handicap chase, looking at absolute picture. Second in the Grade 1 Maghull Chase at Aintree last season and this latest success likely takes him out of handicaps, though he should be competitive in pattern races. It’s always worth looking out for Nicky Richards runners aimed at the decent prizes that Kelso put up for their better races.
SCOTCH WARRIOR is a real credit to his trainer Mike Smith, that’s one based in Ayrshire. Running at a distance short of his best he was outpaced two out but stayed on well to take second place. There’s no suggestion that he is harshly treated on his mark of 132 and, upped in distance you have to fancy this one to take a decent handicap this autumn. He has won seven and been placed in six out of 23 races contested.
SWIFT ARROW can be difficult to catch right, but was not disgraced in third place. Though is on a high enough mark.
JET MASTER was held up and made a number of jumping errors, particularly at three out which cost a number of lengths. Driven back to challenge for second, Lucy Alexander asked for a long one, but Jet Master begged to differ and a short stride resulted in a heavy fall. The horse has come out OK but Lucy is once again on the sidelines nursing a broken collar bone.
KUMBESHWAR, up to this level at best but regressive in the last year, showed no immediate signs of a revival on first outing since pitching up at Arlary. He looked plenty fit enough but lost touch approaching two out.

The penultimate contest was a pretty dire 2m 7½f handicap chase contested by four horses rated 67-90. It was won by LOCAL PRESENT who is at least reasonably consistent and showed plenty of determination to hold a persistent challenge from the last having set the pace. Not one that I would particularly expect to follow up.
SENDIYM really should have won this but a number of less than accurate jumps put him on the backfoot. His ‘class’ compared with the other three kept him in the contest but he found the winner just too determined.
RUNSWICK RELAX normally looks a picture but can’t match that look in ability. He had every chance before the last but won’t find many softer events.
BALLYCOLIN is a slow old boat these days and not threatening to add to his one win in a Musselburgh novice event in 2011. He had Maggio in second that day, but is a shadow of the horse he suggested he might be then.

The card close with a basement level 2m 2f novices’ handicap hurdle. BURNT SIENNA built on a degree of promise shown in novice events and stayed on well to win here. She is more than a forlorn hope to progress from this. She did make one serious error down the far side, but that seemed to be more due to being restrained.
ONE FOR HOCKY was made favourite here, but often has excuses and is not one I’d be diving in for at short odds. He had every chance but was held by a less exposed winner.
CATCHTHEMOONLIGHT was flagged up by her trainer as one who needs to be held up and allowed to stay on through the field. She was finishing best of all, but the first two were not in range. Her best bet for a win will almost certainly be in bigger fields where there’s a bit of pace on.
BRUNELLO had apparently been working very well for his new trainer and was quietly fancied. However, he really doesn’t seem madly keen on this game and faded tamely from two out.

Just a note that I am really struggling to keep up with as much racing as I would like at the moment. I will keep an eye out for significant performances but notes will mainly concern those meetings visited.The autumn plan is currently:

Saturday October 18 – Kelso
Saturday November 1 – Ayr (Hopefully to watch Outlaw Tom who is tentatively aimed here)
Thursday November 6 – Musselburgh
Saturday November 8 – Kelso
Friday November 28 – Musselburgh (part of the Saltire Festival in East Lothian)
Sunday December 6 – Kelso
Monday December 29 – Kelso
I might manage Newcastle on December 20th but that depends on Chrimbo Shopping commitments!

All the above is weather permitting of course…

[tbracing]

Rob, great to see this page and your blog still going so strong. Good luck over winter months and hope it is an enjoyable one as well as profitable for you.

[Venture to Cognac]

Rob, I see you’ve had the audacity to take Seeyouatmidnight in the Ten To Follow……I’ve bet him for both the World Hurdle, and The RSA, what do you think? Personally, expecting fences, but I just hope he continues on his upward curve this season, as he obviously has to, to get competitive in either of those……..but I live in hope.

Didn’t see much of the racing at Carlisle the other week, so nothing caught the eye. The only one I seen at Hexham was

Primary Route

……very low level admittedly, but I seen enough to keep him mind for a few victories up North this winter.

[robnorth]

Tbracing – Thanks, It’s nice to know my efforts are appreciated. I’m a technical author for a job these days, so tending to target my racing reviews more locally to cut down the extra-curricular work load.

VTC – Sandy Thomson has always said a chasing career is the primary aim for SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT, so RSA ticket is more likely to be the live one. I just couldn’t leave this one out as he’s a seriously decent animal. Don’t be surprised if the same stable’s SELDOM INN (see below) creates some waves in the coming months.
I’ve included ROI DU MEE as a ‘left field’ selection in the Ten To Follow. Gordon Elliot is aiming this at banks race first off, presumably Punchestown, and has Cheltenham Cross-Country on the agenda if that comes off.

KELSO – Saturday October 18th

Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)
A bit blowy but sunny and mild at Kelso, with the going decent and much better than that prevalent at Ascot’s big flat meeting.

1.40 2m ½f Isle Of Skye Whisky NH Maiden Hurdle – Division One (Class 4)

A weak contest in which only two ever threatened to take a serious hand.
SPICULAS raced prominently, took it up three out and was pretty much in charge from that point. He built on a decent effort at Hexham and can go on to better things in time.
ANOTHER MATTIE ran a succession of decent races last season without getting his had in front. Plenty fit enough on debut, he once again found one too good having set the early pace. He looks honest enough and should win a similar contest.
Stablemate of the second ALWAYS TIPSY kept on encouragingly from two out, improving on his bumper form.
Bit purchase a couple of seasons back PRESENT LODGER has had his problems, wearing a tongue-tie now, but ran well enough in fourth to suggest he isn’t a lost cause.
The likes of COOL ME DOWN, TURTLE CASK and WARRIOR’S TALE are all chasing types who would have found things happy too fast in this contest.

2.10 2m 7½f Clifford and Martin Firth Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

These events are not well supported these days, the worry of getting close to something highly rated presumably being the off-putter.
I NEED GOLD, rated 135, put in an excellent round of jumping and had the race won by two out.
STRAIDNAHANNA is a fine big chasing type but did not jump at all fluently, so it says something that he stayed in contention until the straight. If he tidies up his jumping I would expect him to at least match the winner and more in time.
HARRYS WHIM ran to her best though well held in third.
Point winner MISSION BEACH’s jumping was lousy early on and he simply wasn’t good enough to keep up on the last circuit. He is now qualified for handicaps and low grade in that sphere will be his target.

2,45 2m ½f Isle Of Skye Whisky NH Maiden Hurdle – Division Two (Class 4)

A much better event than the first heat.
SELDOM INN, a bumper winner at Newcastle last term, won this impressively. He cruised into contention two out and left his rivals standing on the flat. I would expect him to improve for a step up in distance.
DEFINITELY GLAD is the fly in the ointment of this form as she is only rated 97. To my eye she ran above that level here, leading for much of the way and comfortably holding the remainder.
CARRIGEEN LANTANA was held up, briefly threatened to get involved but couldn’t get to the first two.
AZURE GLAMOUR has every chance but wasn’t good enough from two out.
SPECIAL WELLS is a big chasing type that will improve with time. Worth noting as long term project.
BENNYLICIOUS challenged on the final bend having chased the leader but was probably getting the worst of the argument when unseating two out. He created a decent enough impression on debut, particularly given that he looked to need the race and will likely go on to better things.

3.20 EDF-ER Barmoor Handicap Chase (114-138)

A competitive looking event won very comfortably by CARLITO BRIGANTE who is a bit better than this level than when at his best. He’s best on good or quick ground and stayed on very well to leave some fair staying handicappers in his wake. He will go up significantly for this win which will necessitate aiming at high level three mile handicaps.
GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS recorded a career best effort in second. I was told by another racegoer, watching down the far side, that his jockey had to take a pull six out. Held by a better animal, he saw out his race well and this augurs well going forward. He used to be hit-or-miss, but ‘hit’ is starting to dominate.
NEPTUNE EQUESTER stays all day and was pickling off horses in the closing stages. He often makes it seem hard work, but seems in good heart.
BEEVES was held form two out. He’s a moody character and doesn’t especially well treated at this point in time.
FILL THE POWER looked plenty fit enough but was beaten four out.
Having been used to IMPERIAL VIC being turned out looking very fit by previous trainer Michael Smith, it was quite a surprise to see him clearly well short of peak fitness in the paddock. Harriet Bethell clearly has different ideas on preparing this one, new tactics being tried here as he was held up and it was no surprise to see him labouring four out and he was well beaten. Favourite backers were clearly unaware that this one needed the race and I’d want to have a good look at him in the parade ring in future races.

3.55 2m ½f Carnacrack Handicap Hurdle (97-117)
Apparently refreshed after a season away from hurdling, MASON HINDMARSH built on a promising second here last time. He led, pulled away from two out and won very comfortably. He will be bumped up significantly for this but is clearly in good nick.
AMILLIONTIMES has been doing his small yard proud recently and ran a decent race in second, keeping on to the line if never threatening the winner.
BEIDH TINE ANSEO ran an encouraging race after a 510 day lay-off. He progressed to chase the leader three out but couldn’t make any further impression. This was encouraging and he is well handicapped on his best efforts.
DYNAMIC DRIVE has been kept on the go and kept on into fourth without seriously threatening.

4.35 2m 6½f RP Adam Ltd Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Jackie Stephen has been doing a fine job from her Inverurie stable, a location which involves a trip of around two and a half hours to get to her nearest course at Perth and another two hours on for Kelso. Amilliontimes and MO ROUGE have done the stable proud this season, the latter coming from quite a way back two out but, despite being severely hindered by One for Arthur t the last, staying on well to take this contest. I felt on first seeing Mo Rouge that he had the make of a chaser, and I strongly suspect he is capable of stepping up on hurdle form once tackling the bigger obstacles. He was flying at the finish and gave the impression he can step up over three miles.
DONNA’S DIAMOND looked the likely from three out, but was tired on the run-in, wandered toward the stands’ rail and have nothing left to give. A decent effort on hurdles debut against a previous winner and he should have no trouble winning a hurdle or two.
ONE FOR ARTHUR is a chasing type, but should pick up a hurdle in the meantime. He challenged from two out but looked tired at the last, wandering Across Mo Rouge, and there was no more left. Some of Lucinda Russell’s runners have seemed a run off their best and he should be all the better for this outing.
ISLA PEARL FISHER probably ran up to his best hurdles form, in contention two out but tapped for speed from there. This pipe opener will help for a chasing campaign.
Under a penalty WICKED SPICE was held from two out.
JACKOFHEARTS was held up, made an effort two out but couldn’t get on terms. He was tired when falling heavily at the last and, with hindsight, maybe should have been pulled up. He was down for a long time and things didn’t look good, but trainer’s daughter Amy McGregor tweeted that he was up and jig-jogging later.
The McGregor’s SNOOZE N YOU LOSE led to the fifth but either downed tools or ran out of puff. There’s no evidence to date that this one is a racehorse and perhaps he should be doing something else.

5.10 2m 1f 82-104 Sire Maxwell Harper Gow Memorial Handicap Chase (82-104)

The best finish of the afternoon with the more exposed SOME LAD just holding off a moderately progressive sort in WAKHAN in a nodding finish. The former has run some good races around here. Wakhan is younger and still a maiden but lacked nothing in commitment at the sharp end.
OORAYVIC went nicely in front, kicked on four out and responded well when challenged though eventually giving best on the flat. On this evidence he is likely to prove better over fences than he was a hurdler.
OSCAR LATEEN showed promise on chasing debut, stepping up markedly on his hurdles efforts. He was outpaced on the run to two out but stuck to his job up the hill.
ROC DE PRINCE raced prominently early but was feeling the pinch when a bad mistake at the seventh ended any chance he may still have held.
YOURHOLIDAYISOVER was well revved up in the preliminaries, not for the first time. He raced keenly before unseating at the third.

5.40 2m 6½f James and Suzanne Gray Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (72-98)

A moderate race won in decent style by ANOTHER DIMENSION who has a fair record of 3 from 18, 2 from 2 at this course and distance. He has rated much higher and could shrug off a weight rise, though he wouldn’t want the ground too soft.
KARINGO is lightly raced but his two efforts here suggest Kelso suits. He was held up and never got to the winner though staying on up the hill to record a best effort to date.
NORTHERN ACRES, who kept on from mid division for third place, is capable on his day at this level though throws in quite a few moderate runs. Much the same comment goes for KING’S CHORISTER who had his chance two out but was held from that point.
FOOT THE BILL was in contention when unseating at the eighth though had six furlongs still to cover.
BALLYREESODE went up 18lbs for his Hexham win and that was plenty enough to stop him on this occasion.

[Venture to Cognac]

Fingers crossed he repays our faith Rob, I’m very hopeful. I’ll get Seldom Inn into my tracker, and I’ll keep a close eye on him too.

Roi Du Mee is one out of left field, but clearly some thought went into that pick, if he takes to it, plenty of points sure to be coming your way.

Best of luck!

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Thursday October 23th

MAXIMISER was an impressive winner of the opening 2m 4f hurdle. He jumped well, took it up four out and wasn’t in any trouble at all up the hill. The second Master Dee had some fair novice form and would be expected to make a mark. Conditions appeared testing on the hurdles course (using flat track) but the winner, successful in an Irish point last December, is a very interesting prospect for Simon West.
In the same contest MISTER BISHOP led until Maximiser took over and once held by the first two he was allowed to come home in his own time in a clear third place. A winning chaser in Ireland, he had not been out since a fall at Kilbeggan in July 2010, so this race proved that he retains ability and this contest will surely have knocked off some of the cobwebs that must have accumulated.

MONTOYA’S SON has revived after a spell in the doldrums during his time in Ireland. A convincing win here a Class 4 Handicap Chase over 2m 4f, grinding away up the hill and coming clear on the flat. He won under a 7lb penalty here, and will go up significantly, but he has signalled his wellbeing.
THE MAGIC BISHOP isn’t the easiest to catch right, but stayed on from three out without ever threatening the winner. He could get in the mix at this level over a longer trip if repeating this effort.

A competitive two mile and a furlong Intermediate Handicap Hurdle in which CAPTAIN CLAYTON stayed on well up the hill to win going away, recording a double on the day for Simon West. BACK TO BRACKA was just run out of it in the final furlong.
The one to note here is JUST CAMERON. Nearly put out of the race at first when two came down, Henry Brooke performing like an acrobat to stay on board, he got into contention up the final hill and still held every chance going to the last. His exertions told at this point and he lost third on the line, but is worth keeping in mind for a success soon.
UEUETEOTL raced prominently for a long while, lost his position on the bottom turn and then stayed on again late to snatch third. This pattern is not untypical of James Ewart runners and he looks forward enough to make a mark at this level before long.

The staying handicap chase (3m 2f Class 3) was won by the well exposed INCENTIVISE. He had trip and ground to suit here but will go up again for the win and things won’t get easier for this gelding who is 11 years old.
WHAT’S UP WOODY made a cracking debut for his new stable, making most of the running if not able to resist the challenge of the winner on the run-in. He jumped well and saw his race out to the line and connections will have plenty of options off his current mark of 114. His staying ability was the question but he no trouble seeing out 3m 2f.
SHOULDAVBOUGHTGOLD looked to be going best between the last two but didn’t produce enough on the flat. He looks difficult to win with and will need putting in front close home. He is probably one to oppose when placed at the sharp end of the market.
OIL BURNER ran a cracker at a class which is at least one notch above his comfort zone. He was run out of it from the last but saw his race out. He’s best with a stiff stamina test.
LIVELY BARON has gone well when fresh but bottomed out three out.

CULTRAM ABBEY was least exposed in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle and had shown a little promise. He stayed on well up the hill and won comfortably while being kept up to his work. ALL THAT REMIANS ran up to his mark in second place, holding the remainder but no chance with the winner.
LANGLEY HOUSE ran a fair enough race in third and possibly has a little bit more scope going forward than some. His win was in a Class 5 event and that is probably ideally where he needs to be.
I understand that BENEFIT IN KIND had been giving encouragement at home, and was going well when falling over fences at Hexham, but he gave way rather tamely from four out. He may want better ground than the ‘Carlisle soft’ he encountered here.

Some Carlisle novices’ events can be very decent, particularly at this time of year and the Beginners Chase over the minimum trip looked a decent signpost.
The five here can all be taken forward as future winners.
DUKE OF NAVAN is best at short distances and his speed made the difference in the closing stages against a staying type. He jumped well enough and has a turn of pace. His trainer believes he is best on good ground, so he may be carefully placed.
URBAN HYMN is a stayer, so did well to push Duke Of Navan in a duel to the line. He looks like a chaser, a really strong type, and will step up on this once covering a decent distance of ground. He jumped very well and all-in-all this was a very encouraging chase debut by this Grade 2 hurdles winner.
MORNING ROYALTY went with the first two but found the class of the first two a bit too much from that point. A fine effort in third though and there will be plenty of easier opportunities.
HIT THE TOP had a tough task on hurdles ratings and was well held from two out. He jumped well enough though and can build on this effort.
UBALTIQUE needs holding up and couldn’t match the pace of the rest from three out. The ground on the chase course (seemed no worse than good to soft) may just have been a bit quicker than ideal since all his wins have come on soft or heavy.

BECAUSESHESAIDSO bagged the bumper in a sustained duel with COURT DISMISSED. The pair were well clear of NORTH COUNTRY BOY who ran well for a long way before giving way inside the final two furlongs. The latter should build upon this.
SOLWAY PRINCE had the best form of those that had run prior to this. Helping to share the pace he could only find one pace in the final three furlongs, but Lisa Harrison has something to work with and should place him to win races in time.
GOLD OPERA looked to be struggling at the bottom of the hill but stayed on until flattening a little in the final furlong. An encouraging effort from one who can progress with time.
RESOLUTE REFORMER was not disgraced on Rules debut back in sixth. Stuart Coltherd has some raw material to work with.

SOUTHWELL

I noted a couple from the novices’ hurdle at the Southwell jumps meeting.
KALANE showed the field a clean pair of heels in the closing stages and looks a decent recruit to the mares’ division of the novice ranks. Her dam is a sister to Kicking King, so there’s certainly ability in the family.
McCABE CREEK was given a quiet ride by Wayne Hutchinson, but was working his way into the race when coming down three out. A first four place was certainly in the offing and there is likely to be significantly better performances from this one in the coming months.

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