North’s notes

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday October 4th

Going – Good to Firm (Good in places)

A competitive card and a well attended meeting as Kelso’s autumn campaign cranked up a notch. The ground was on the quick side, but pre-meeting course walk revealed a beautiful covering of grass and certainly no jar in the ground.

The first race of the afternoon was the Border Principals Race held over two furlongs. The start of the ‘Common Riding Championship’ is often a shambles but the starter was on his job today and got them away to a level break. A close race resulted with the Fraser Hastie keeping the spoils at home, winning for Kelso but just under a length from the Lockerbie rider Ian Miller.

2.05 2m Newcastle Arms Handicp Hurdle (90-115)

A tight looking contest to open the card, but two pulled clear in the closing stages.

Maurice Barnes generally has his string pretty well forward at this stage of the season. His DYNAMIC DRIVE went down a bit freely, but settled nicely, made headway from two out and took control on the run-in. A rise of 11lbs didn’t stop him after a Hexham win and he looks in really good fettle. With a rise he can remain in this class which might allow a treble.

Noel Kelly campaigned MIGHTY WHITEY in some competitive looking contests in Ireland with no success. He looks more at home in softer races in the UK and set a nice pace here, having all bar the second beaten by the last but unable to hold that one’s challenge. A sound effort and he’s worth noting if returning here for a similar contest.
ENDEAVOR had his chance but was held before the last. Often thereabouts he will probably pop up again this season if things go his way.
PUSH ME had conditions to suit, but raced in rear as is her proven way and stayed on for a never nearer fourth.
ROCKABILLY RIOT has his chance two out but faded on the run to the last.
LOVE MARMALADE was made favourite on the basis of solid flat form, but he isn’t as good over the sticks and was beaten not far after halfway.

2.35 2m Edinburgh’s Mathers Bar Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

No strength in depth in this event.

SINDARBAN doesn’t look particularly good in his slower paces and I marked him down on paddock inspection. His handicap mark of 104 doesn’t all that far off and he clearly has some ability. Taking closer order three out, he led at the last and stayed on well enough.

BOWDLER’s MAGIC general profile wasn’t encouraging, but he ran a decent enough race. He led or disputed for much of the way, but gave two out a serious belt and that may have made the difference as he took a few strides to get back on an even keel.
SUMMER STROM came into this top rated of those with an official mark, but faded on the run-in after looking dangerous two out.
BEECHWOOD ALLY had hood added to tongue tie and returned to something like the form that gave her on third place on hurdling debut. She had a chance approaching the last but was worried out of it.
The only encouragement from the remainder was for PARLOUR OF DREAMS. A winning pointer, he looks more of a chaser and ran well for a long way before fading quickly in the straight. He has possibilities in weak steeplechases over the minimum trip.

3.15 2m 7½f Geoff & Elspeth Celebration Novices’ Handicap Chase (80-108)

PRESENT FLIGHT was fittest looking of these off a break. His jumping was sticky early, but he stretched on encouragingly in the latter stages and was clear before the last. A nice effort and he has the look of a potentially fair staying handicapper.

DERRYFADDA jumped very well in front, but thumping three out proved to be crucial as the winner came swinging alongside him on the run to the next. He kept on well if held by the winner, and this double point win shouldn’t have to wait too long to break his steeplechasing duck.
LONGUEVILLE FLYER has huge feet which look just the business for ploughing through the mud. None of that here, so third place doesn’t seem a bad effort even though outpaced before the home turn. A pointing winner, he is worth keeping an eye on.
SGT BULL BERRY couldn’t continue his improvement and was struggling before the home turn.
BAYFIRTH is basically a fairly slow hunter chaser. Mike Smith got a handicap win out of him at Cartmel, but he’s moved to his owner’s Carluke yard since and he hasn’t gone on.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY was off the bridle early and behind from four out.
EMKAE, nervous sort in the preliminaries, whacked the fourth fence and came down.

3.50 2m 5f Borders Employment Law Intermediate Hurdle (Class 4)

This contest has thrown up fair performers in the past and the winner looks a decent sort.

HELLO GEORGE, looking as if he can still be made a little fitter, led and dictated a pace as his jockey chose. Kicked on after two out he was clear at the last and won in pleasing fashion.

COOKING FAT looks a chaser in waiting, even at the age of four, but is doing nicely for Dianne Sayer over hurdles. He closed three out but was held after two out, though keeping on well enough for a sound second place. I shall be keeping an eye on how this one is campaigned.
WELCOME BEN ran up to his best and was driven to win a private battle for third place. A decent effort and his trainer should be able to place him to win again. In general the stable favour the good ground for their horses.
THORPE runs some decent races but is difficult to win with, his Listed race fell for him last season. He driven and outpaced before two out though did keep on to the line.
WATERCLOCK raced prominently but gave way from two out. This was more competitive than the race he won here last time.
SLANEY STAR was up against it at these weights and outpaced from three out, while RAIFTIERI is slow and was presumably sent for the appearance money and the hope one or two might dip out. The fact that BENVARDIN couldn’t even keep up with Raifteiri tells a tale.

4.20 2m 1f NSPCC School Service Handicap Chase (131-157)

SIMPLY NED is a class act and has been a favourite of mine ever since his appearances here in bumpers. He’s just below top class, but hasn’t been totally disgraced in Grade 1s. He had too much in this company, once again well prepared for the early opportunity, staying on well from two out and in charge on the run-in. Full marks to Kelso for putting on an event which attracts decent rated animals, making my course membership more than worthwhile.

ROBIN’S COMMAND has progressed over the last two summers and arguably produced a personal best running a stormer in this company. He raced prominently, and led briefly before two out. The winner was too good but Robin’s Command did well to hold a talented third. He is an exciting animal in quick conditions.
CROCO BAY, third in the Grand Annual last year, made a respectable return to the track. He will likely come on for this and will be sniffing after the top two mile handicaps this season.
DUNRAVEN STORM jumped extravagantly early, and rather to the right. He disputed or led until fading away from two out. His jumping went to pot last season and he doesn’t look completely straightforward.
LISBON hit the fifth fence and never got in a blow. He looks high in the weights over fences.
FAIR DILEMMA was behind from three out. He looks on a high mark.

4.55 2m 7½f Walking The Courses Handicap Chase (71-97)

Richard Farquhar completed the Kelso leg of his 13 month UK wide tour in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK and Racing Welfare. Good luck to Richard going forward.

I’m pretty much on speaking terms with most of these six horses! However, it was a comparative newcomer, recent Rose Dobbin acquisition DONAPOLLA who did the business. He raced close up, led two out and had the race won at the last. He looks better than basement level.

SOLWAY BAY was on the stretch quite a way out, but he stays all day and kept on determinedly from two out to take second. He’s proving difficult to win with but regularly runs his race and is a credit to the Harrisons.
GENEROUS CHIEF as out the back for most of the way but did best work in the last half mile to take third. He has ability but is not reliable.
REVERSE THE CHARGE led on the final circuit, but faded when headed two out.
WINTER ALCHEMY often goes well around here, but he’s a moody sort and faded having led to the thirteenth.
BESCOT SPRINGS is capable on his day but has two ways of running. He was in negative mode on this occasion and beaten three out.

5.30 2m 6½f Radio Borders Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (78-92)

James Ewart found a weak race for TOUCH OF STEEL last time, and presumably couldn’t believe his luck to find this dire event. He set the pace and stayed on well up the straight. A good stayer and currently taking some passing at this level.

Minor entertainment was provided by MARLEE MASSIE who decanted Lucy Alexander at the third. He raced around the outside of the track loose, turned round at the second last and then raced up and down the far end of the track with his trainer following progress through binoculars. Luckily he stayed clear of the remaining runners.
DESTINY AWAITS was the one who put it to the winner in the straight, but he was held from the last.
MISS JOEKING hasn’t shown an awful lot to date and a third place in this company probably isn’t worth too much.
WARKSBURN BOY was outpaced from two out on handicap debut.

[robnorth]

As I have said often enough on this thread, Kelso bumpers are a great source of future winners. I noted MARDALE when third at the Borders venue in September to Meet The Legend, commenting that ‘she would be worth an interest in mares maiden/novice hurdles as such events seldom take much winning up here.’ She scooted up at 7/1 in the Hexham mares’ hurdle today on her jumping debut, and it was a fair bit more competitive than some of these events. She hurdled soundly enough and may turn out to be one of the better novice mares in the north over the coming months. I hope some readers were on today.

MEET THE LEGEND set a hot standard at Kelso, so I eagerly await the reappearance of DUBAI ANGEL, a decent second that day when not looking fully tuned up.

[robnorth]

Keep an eye on Sue Smith runners in the coming weeks, particularly those returning after their summer break. The stable is one of the best around for getting horses ready after a break. FRIENDLY ROYAL won yesterday at Hexham and Smith runners have generally been there or thereabouts of late.

The only serious challenger to Friendly Royal was SOLWAY LEGEND who fell at the last when in touch with the winner. The third won well last week so the form has a strong look about it. Lisa Harrison’s runners are generally quite consistent and have a good ratio of places to runs, her other two runners at Hexham finished close up. JOHNNY GO ran a cracker in a very competitive staying handicap hurdle, arguably one of the best races held at Hexham in recent years.

Lucinda Russell’s CELTIC FLAMES was just run out of it in the closing stages of the opening novices hurdle. There was nothing wrong with this effort and he will probably win a hurdle. However, he was a convincing winner of a point at Ballyarthur in April and his serious future lies as a chaser.

From the same race, FAIRY THEATRE made a very encouraging hurdling debut in second place for Iain Jardine. This capable trainer has cranked up his operation in recent times, now operating from Len Lungo’s old yard at Carrutherstown, and don’t be at all surprised if Jardine makes his mark in decent jumps races before long. The likes of Nakeeta and Wor Lass have advertised his talents on the Flat in recent weeks. He also managed to win with Ya Boy Sir after the latter had five years off the track.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Thursday October 15th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)
A re-visit to Carlisle after a gap of a few years revealed a number of significant developments which have moved an already decent course up a notch or two. There are a few different viewing places almost give a view of the whole course, though the reservoir just stops us getting a 100 per cent view. It’s worth taking a stroll down past the main stand, a rooftop and rooftop terrace give an excellent view of the action.
The course makes a play of having a ‘full colour race programme’, but the downside is that it costs £3 and Musselburgh(£2.50) and Kelso(£2) both manage the same for less.

A decent autumn continued, giving a warm afternoon with very little breeze. The going was on the fast side but there’s a good covering of grass. Fields sizes reflected the fast ground, but racing was competitive.

2.10 2m 1f Apollo In Play Betting Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (69-108)

Top prize for value spotting goes to my wife who landed a winner with Endeavor. Third behind Dynamic Drive and now 7lbs better off and in front of Push Me last time, yet both of these were up vying for favouritism yet we secured 14/1 in the ring about Endeavor who started at 12/1. He can be cussed soul, but boasted a record of 13 wins from 84 over jumps before the race, pretty decent for a horse never rated higher than 110 and he ran off 95 here! My wife asked why he was that price, to which my answer was ‘good question’!
Emma Sayer is as good a rider to have on your side as any in these contests, and knows ENDEAVOR inside out. Always handy, he moved up to the leader on the final climb and hit the front after the last, winning with a bit to spare.

DYNAMIC DRIVE took up the running two out but was overtaken after the last. He saw his race out well enough and was not disgraced under the penalty. He remains in the good heart that gave him a nice win at Kelso.
URBAN KODE isn’t bad at this level but generally runs into one or two too good. He led to two out and plugged on into third.
NAFAATH had his chance but couldn’t match the principals from before two out, though keeping on for fourth.
TRIPLE EIGHT didn’t see out his race over this stiff track. His recent decent efforts have come at Stratford and Bangor.
PUSH ME raced keenly early and once her saddle slipped Blair Campbell’s main concern was trying to pull her up.

2.40 2m 1f Download Your Racing UK App Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

The winner here, FREDERIC CHOPIN looked fittest of the bunch and stayed on nicely from two out to take the main prize. Decent on the flat, he’s going the right way over hurdles and it will be interesting to see him take on tougher company.
DON’TDROPMEIN wasn’t disgraced on hurdles debut, but he pulled hard and having taken up the running four out had nothing left to resist the winner from two out. He should be capable fo stepping up on this effort.
After a miserable week when he lost the patronage of the Paul and Clare Rooney, Donald McCain need a fillip. Sadly SIGN MANUAL was not able to provide a win. A rather stocky sort not typical of McCain’s normal charges, this one has gone backward from a promising start. He was sweating freely and beaten before two out.
QUESTION OF FAITH was clueless in her jumping on hurdles debut and well behind when pulled up after walking through three out.

3.15 2m Book Your Christmas Party Here Novices’ Handicap Chase (119-134)

GERMANY CALLING, a tall strong looking gelding looking very fit, had the best form of these and duly recorded a second chase win. However, he mixed good jumps with a few hairy efforts and might find his jumping under pressure if upped in class.
The one to take out of this is RELIC ROCK who placed a creditable second having looked as if the race would bring him on. Bandages in front were a little off putting, but he made an encouraging chasing debut, jumping very nicely and seeing his race out well if unable to match a more experienced winner. His hurdling wasn’t as good as it might have been, but Brian Ellison has clearly done some good work with this one over the chase fences.
FANTASY KING was working himself into a challenging position at the last, but walked through it and couldn’t recover. Encouraging, though he is apt to throw in the odd duff jump or two.
COURT DISMISSED was outpaced approaching three out but kept on again in the latter stages. He would be helped by a slight drop in class.
VODKA WELLS looked fir enough on his return, but was left behind from three out.
LUCKY BRIDLE tripped over his feet in the paddock, which wasn’t encouraging, and then walked through the first giving Brian Hughes no chance.

3.50 2m 4f Racing UK Anywhere NH Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

In a race with a hot favourite I spotted glaring value in the Tote place market. The second favourite Lincoln County looked vulnerable after a moderate hurdles debut, whilst third favourite Delusionsofgrandeur hailed from an in-form stable and was a pointing winner. The latter duly obliged for second at a rewarding £3.40 place dividend. The Tote place pool is generally not for place but big bets, but this one paid for our food!

SHANTOU VILLAGE is a nice sort who had an easy hurdling introduction, going clear from two out. Winner of a point, bumper and hurdle, he is a fine prospect for Neil Mulholland.
DELUSIONSOFGRANDEUR created a decent enough impression on his hurdling debut. He couldn’t match the winner but kept on well enough and should win a hurdle.
LINCOLN COUNTY was under the pump three out and couldn’t match the runner-up.
LANDMEAFORTUNE was outpaced from the eighth as was MISTER HENDRE.
KICKING LILY was a nervous looking sort in the paddock. She dropped out quickly after the eighth and was pulled up before two out and walked home.

4.25 3m 110yds Racing UK Handicap Chase (115-135)

There was a strong entry at the five day stage, but this cut up to four by the start.

The field was soon reduced to three as GEORGE FERNBECK blundered at the first was slow at the second, and then hit the third giving Fin O’Toole no chance.

ENCHANTED GARDEN jumped well enough, challenged the long time leader at the last and asserted on the run to the finish.
LOOSE CHIPS made the pace and kept on once headed at the last. A sound enough effort and presumably the Military races at Sandown will be a target.
BY THE BOARDWALK didn’t jump fluently, losing a length at some fences, and was outpaced two out and soon beaten.

5.00 3m 123yds Watch Racing UK Anywhere Handicap Hurdle (84-120)

With the more lightly raced performers not coming up to scratch it was the in and out performer MAGGIE BLUE who secured a comfortable win from the front. Leading at the fifth she tested the field and was clear by two out. She’s capable on her day but can’t be relied upon to reproduce this form next time.
OMID stays well and kept on to the finish. He’s a not a prolific winner but does put up some passable efforts in this company.
SIMARTHUR was badly injured at Hexham last season and I understand his survival was touch and go for a while. He chased the leader three out but could only keep on at the one pace. Given the circumstances connections must be more than happy with this effort.
PRESENTED, a chasing winner at Perth last month, was outpaced from three out.
The lightly raced but well backed COOPER’S FRIEND was well beaten and very tired when walking through the last. HORSTED VALLEY was another well backed but ran no sort of race and was pulled up.

5.30 2m 1f Weddings at Carlisle Racecourse Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 6)

Bumpers at Carlisle aren’t far behind those at Kelso in my realm of interest.

Previous winner CLOUDY DREAM used his experience to good effect, wearing down the newcomer second in a duel from three out. He should turn into a hurdler.
GROUNDUNDERREPAIR, a gelding whose breeding suggests he will make a jumper, made a decent race of it on debut. Given the way the race panned out he will be a short price for upcoming engagements, but looks a winner in waiting.
FINAL FLING looked far from the finished article but pulled clear of the remainder in the final furlong. He will come on for this outing and is worth entering in the notebook.
KALONDRA was a bit keen and held from the bottom of the hill. A promising sort in Irish points, he should make up into a jumper in time.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday October 24th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)

A little rain during the morning meant the ground eased slightly, though a walk of the course suggested there weren’t that many ‘patches’. On the whole I can’t imagine good ground horses would have excuses.

1.55 2m Carnacrack NH Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

The pace wasn’t particularly strong here so some finished closer than might have been expected.

BIG RIVER won what looked a decent enough bumper here in March. Looking fit enough for his hurdling debut, Big River asserted from the last to win in workmanlike fashion. I would expect there to be better to come in time.
JUST GEORGIE looks chaser in waiting, so a close second here was most encouraging. Leading after the fifth he was headed before the last but didn’t go down without a struggle. He should find a hurdle before long, but I will look forward to seeing him take on the larger obstacles. I understand that jockey Danny Cook felt this one was a little in need of the race.
PETAPENKO didn’t look straight forward at Perth but ran a sound enough race here, not far off the pace to two out and keeping on up the hill.
CHAIN OF BEACONS will be better off when handicapped. He was another plugging on at the business end, suggesting a step up in distance will do no harm.
HERECOMESNELSON showed apparently improved form and may have been flattered by the slow pace.
COSMIC TIGRESS looked fit enough but was outpaced mid-race before keeping on up the hill. A females’ race might be an idea.

2.30 2m 7½f Clifford and Martin Frith Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

Strong novices’ chases are a rarity in this area these days, but this contest normally throws up some horses with prospects going forward, and I have no reason to doubt that this time around.

ONE FOR ARTHUR jumped well, challenged the leader two out and was soon going away. He stayed on well to win impressively and could turn out to be a decent staying chaser. We need one up here right now as decent Northern chasers are few and far between!
SELDOM INN showed promise last season in hurdles before his jumping went a bit awry. Nothing wrong with his leaps here and he saw out his race well, if not quite as good as the winner. Nevertheless a promising chase debut and he can go on from here.
BLAKEMOUNT, off the track for nearly a year, jumped very well in front but lacked the pace of the first two from two out. The race will have brought him on a bit and there’s probably better to come.
SHUBAAT has yet achieved his hurdling level over the larger obstacles. He was beaten two out here.
RACING EUROPE, looking in need of the race on chasing bow, didn’t jump well and was struggling after belting the tenth fence.
LANDECKER has ability but is apt to sulk and was never really touch. He did rally briefly to three out but faded and was walked in from the half furlong pole.
COOTE STREET was well outclassed on stable debut, tailed off four out and pulled up.
U NAME IT unseated at the sixth fence.

3.05 3m 2f EDF-ER Handicap Chase (120-138)

Question marks against many of these, but GOLD FUTURES is as consistent as any. He was eased into the race down the far side for the last time, led two out and won a shade comfortably. He is well suited by this extended trip.
STRAIDNAHANNA ran a sound enough race on return. He kept on well enough to line and can step up from this.
BALLYBEN wasn’t disgraced in this class, though outpaced from the second last. He’s probably best on this sort of ground.
VALLEYOFMILAN never got into the race seriously. He’s on his last winning mark and, though he has won over three miles, is probably better around the two and a half mark.
CHICAGO OUTFIT won four races at Hexham earlier in the year but is now some 41lb higher than when the urn started. Unfortunately his Hexham options are limited off his current mark.
WILLIAM MONEY, white and black colours looking more grey and black (through the hot wash maybe?), was well held from four out. He is better than this on his day.
HARRY THE VIKING ran well enough up with the pace, but totally misjudged the fifteenth then guessed at the next two, capsizing three out.

3.40 2m Sir Maxwell Harper Gow Handicap Hurdle (90-115)

Largely exposed types contested this and at this level it’s difficult to run up a sequence.

ALIZEE DE JANEIRO made it three on the day for Lucinda Russell and I understand gave Peter Buchanan a first ever treble. He challenged two out, led before the last and stayed on well to show better form than he had last season.
CLAUDE CARTER often runs passably without winning, and kept on through the field to take second place.
BARABOY led briefly two out until headed by the winner before the last after which he weakened into third. This wasn’t a bad effort off a break.
MIGHTY WHITEY set a strong early pace and paid for it in the latter stages.
BEECHWOOD ALLY ran prominently for a long way, was outpaced before two out and then stayed on again. She’s lightly raced, this wasn’t a bad effort and she can get competitive at this level.

4.15 2m 6½f Eric Gillie Transporting Horses 40 years Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

What looked a two horse race turned into quite a decent contest. The winner OSCAR BLUE set the pace and gradually stepped up the pace from a mile out. Having been headed at the last he rallied well to lead near the line. He lacks nothing in stamina and his attitude is good.
SUNNY WEST looks a staying chaser in the making, but made a favourable impression on the second Rules effort. Challenging two out, he led at the last but was just held near the line. A fine first jumping effort and word is the race will have done him some good, so worth noting for a similar contest in the near future.
MAJOR IVAN may not have been suited by the steady early pace, was under the pump before two out but saw his race out well enough if held from before the last. An even tougher stamina test looks likely to suit.
HA’PENNY WOODS ran soundly enough in fourth place, though held from two out.
Better was expected of JOHN WILLIAMS who weakened rapidly from before two out and was treading water afterwards. The suspicion is a possible physical problem during the race, as he has strengthened through the summer.
LUCYDOLI had proven a poor performer in bumpers and points. She didn’t look particularly fir and was predictably beaten a long way.

4.50 2m 6½f BARK Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle (74-100)

A poor contest, but a good opportunity for Nick Alexander’s ANDHAAR who saw off inferiors in encouraging style, staying on much the best from two out. He proved this was no fluke with a creditable effort against better company at Ayr two days later.
WILLIE HALL has ability, but has generally been difficult to win with. Not bad this level on his day he had his chance but was held by the winner on the flat.
MARRAKECH TRADER needed the race after a long lay-off. He threatened two out but could only muster the one pace after that. He has clearly had his problems but he is no lost cause.
WINTER ALCHEMY is a moody sort. He ran well up front for a fair way, dropped back through the field only to stay on again for fourth

AINTREE – Sunday October 25th

KALANITI was flagged up as a potential prospect in a decent looking bumper at Kelso last season. She confirmed the impression with a creditable second behind the well touted La Bague Au Roi in the mares bumper. She won’t meet one that good very often in mares’ races and must be a prospect going forward, particularly when taking on fellow females.

AYR – Monday October 26th

A Kelso bumper won by Big River back in March is looking a strong contest and IMADA franked the form with an eye-catching win in the two mile novices’ hurdle. He idled near the finish but still held Double W’s who was considered good enough to contest a Grade 2 bumper last season.
Meanwhile back in fourth BENNY’S SECRET was held but is well regarded by his trainer, will likely come on for the race and needs more of a test than two miles on good ground. Keep this one in the notebook as I believe he will reward the patience.

Martin Todhunter’s MONBEG RIVER won the two mile handicap chase and his early chasing efforts smack of those of the same trainer’s Presenting Junior last season.

The bumper looked a decent contest. MEET THE LEGEND created a favourable impression but was just held by Gordon Elliott’s Fagan with the rest a long way back. The former has plenty of pace and some reckon could make a Flat horse, while I can’t wait to see FAGAN go over hurdles and the sky could be the limit for this one. He’s won three points, so jumping isn’t likely to be a problem.
Back in third SPIRIT OF KAYF created a sound impression and can go close in the near future if he avoids anything of the quality of the first two.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Friday November 6th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)

The going eased a shade from the previous day following overnight rain, but it takes a lot of rain to make much difference at Musselburgh.

VILMAN was made favourite for the opening juvenile hurdle, but was by no means the fittest of the bunch and was bad value. He was already under the cosh when hitting three out and was soon pulled up.
SIR CHAUVELIN hurdled neatly enough a newcomer, took it up two out and ran on well to take the spoils. He was nice and fit for this debut, but this division can be uncompetitive in this area and Jim Goldie should place him to win under a penalty.
Jersey champion jockey Mattie Batchelor made a now rare UK appearance on BIG McINTOSH. Ability wise he’s probably best of these, but his hurdling was abysmal, he hardly met one flight correctly, and having set the pace he had to give way from before the last. Others will catch up and he has to improve his jumping.

The mares’ novice hurdling division is another weak sector in the north. Philip Hobbs must have thought he had found a good opportunity with BRISE VENDEENNE but she had to give best to Nicky Richards’s CARINENA who came through two out to take the race nicely. She can be placed to win a mares’ novice under a penalty.
BLAYNEY QUEEN was held in third and the rest weren’t remotely good enough.

Take notice when the name Don Cantillon appears alongside any runner as the man is a wizard of a trainer. He bred, trained and owned WESTERN WAY who stayed on nicely to win a 2m 3f Class 3 handicap hurdle. HE has really clicked in recent months and continues on an upward curve.
The obvious danger was SERENITY NOW who wasn’t disgraced in second, while the oft raced COOL BARANCA stayed on from the rear for third place.
SLEEP IN FIRST couldn’t dominate here and was well behind in the latter stages.

PRESENT FLIGHT is a progressive staying novice chaser and his task was made easy in a four runner when trail-blazing THE BACKUP PLAN hit the thirteenth and came down. The winner jumps really well and shouldn’t be difficult to place again.
TO BEGIN closed on sufferance as the winner was eased.
MO ROUGE jumped sketchily, having got a way behind, stayed n to some effect late on.

ARISTO DU PLESSIS was the most impressive winner of the day. He jumps superbly, skimming over the hurdles, won with any amount in hand giving the suggestion that James Ewart has an animal to take to some top venues.
SPACE SHIP ran creditably on his second go in handicaps. His rider Andrew Lynch then had to miss his other two rides as he was feeling ill.
MEADOWCROFT BOY looked as if the race would still do no harm, keeping on well enough from two out. I do feel that he is capable of running to a greater rating than his current mark of 132. Time will tell.

Philip Hobbs picked a good race for VILLAGE VIC who jumped nicely and asserted up the straight in the 2m 4f handicap chase. His solid jumping sets him in good stead even if rising significantly in the ratings.
QUITO DU TRESOR put up a solid effort for the locals. He’s finding winning difficult these days but retains a fair amount of ability and may be placed to win, though bear in mind that he doesn’t want soft ground.
EMPRESRIO led for much of the way and stuck to his guns once passed. He won at Galway in July and this six-year-old should have more chases in him.

MOONSHINE RIDGE didn’t immediately catch the eye in the paddock, but Alan Swinbank know the time of day in these events and his charge just saw off a more jumping oriented type in a duel.
Make a note of SAND BLAST who should come into his own when going jumping, particularly in the long term when going chasing. He’s a solidly built type, and this race will have done him no harm.
HANDITTOLEWI is coming along steadily and ran passably well to secure third place in this six runner event. He will probably need a stiffer test and Dianne Sayer should be able to make a racehorse of him.

KELSO – Saturday November 7th

Going – Soft

A soggy day at Kelso and those of us brave enough to watch from the top of the old stand were rather wet by the end of the afternoon. Still it sorts out the keen ones from the part-timers…

A weakly contested staying novices’ hurdle came down a duel won in fetching style by JONNIESOFA. Building on a promising debut at Carlisle he saw off his one serious rival in pleasing style.
WESTERN RULES looked As if the race wouldn’t go amiss and was getting the worst of the argument before the last. He can strip a bit fitter and will step up on this form in time.
JACKOFHEARTS ran up to his mark in third, not given a hard time once beaten and can stay competitive back in low level handicaps.

THROTHEHATCH won the minimum distance novices’ handicap chase in impressive style. He jumped superbly in front and had his race in the bad from two out. He’s a progressive chaser.
TOMORROW’s LEGEND ran a sound race in second, clear of the remainder and should pick up a run-of-the-mill chase assuming he avoids anything like the winner. He certainly gave plenty of cause for optimism on chase debut.

ISAACSTOWN LAD travelled well throughout in the staying handicap hurdle over 3m 2f. Plenty fit enough off a break he came clear and won with a bit to spare.
NEPTUNE EQUESTER led until headed by the winner and saw out his race for second. Not easy to catch right but in this form he might pick up an extended distance handicap chase.
DONNA’S DIAMOND will benefit from the race after a break. He weakened approaching the last but held on for third place. He’s not been heavily raced and there may be a little improvement to be eked out with this race behind him.
RIVAL D’ESTRUVAL plugged on in fourth place and this may be a warm up for efforts in staying chases. I wonder if his trainer might be eyeing up the Borders National back here in early December.

KILGEFIN STAR recorded a first win over fences, seeing off Present Lodger. The winner probably has improvement in him as his jumping can be improved a bit, while PRESENT LODGER looked dangerous when hitting three out, after which the winner had his measure.
GLEANN NA NDOCHAIS is consistent but vulnerable to improvers and was held from two out to finish third of three finishers.
CREEPY was never travelling and is more miss than hit, though capable if putting his mind to it.
I NEED GOLD disputed for a long way but tired in the ground after a mistake three out.

INDIAN VOYAGE won the 2m 1f Class 3 Mayfield Restaurant Chase, which has been a higher rated event in previous years. The winner hadn’t shown much of late, but it’s worth noting that his best form is on soft or heavy ground and he came clear from two out.
VENGEUR DE GUYE kept on from two out but could make no impression on the winner. He’s on his mark right now.
QUICK DECISSON ran creditably off a break for third place, admittedly beaten a way. There’s scope for a slight ease in class and he can build on this.
Don’t write off WOODPOLE ACADEMY, despite the fact that he recorded a fifth consecutive non-finish. He jumped very well up with the pace before weakening for three out and being pulled up. The handicapper has dropped him another four pounds and he may pop up at a fancy price sooner rather than later.
ROCKAWANGO ran well but was held in third when taking a tired fall at the last. He was down for an age, and some of his connections looked rather worried in front of me, but one of the biggest cheers of the day was reserved for his appearance form behind the screens. He didn’t look to be suffering too badly as he walked back to generous applause.

Nick alexander was quick to deny he had a bet on CLAN LEGEND but serious money reduced the gelding form a morning 25/1 to an SP of 4/1. In a weak race he showed admirable determination to break his maiden in seeing off ALIZEE DE JANEIRO. The pair were well clear and the form looks solid enough going forward. The handicapper has raised both, but they are going in the right direction.

BAMBYS BOY was produced nice and fit for his debut in the bumper. He wandered all over the place in the last two furlongs, but seemed happier once he found the rail in the final furlong and was eased considerably yet still had plenty in hand. He has the build of a jumper.
CAPTAIN MOWBRAY led and then suffered even more serious steering problems than the winner from two out. He totally lost his momentum in the final two furlongs and was denied second place. Hopefully he can learn from this and showed enough to suggest he can win a minor bumper at least.
BLACK INK, a well proportioned gelding that should make up into a jumper, and BEEN DECIDED, who looks to need a bit of time, were well backed but held in the straight.

[robnorth]

The form of the Kelso bumper on September 16th is looking very decent.

Winner MEET THE LEGEND ran a cracking second to Gordon Elliott trained FAGAN at Ayr, the pair well clear. Both look very useful.

DUBAI ANGEL followed up the Kelso second with a second at Market Rasen behind Braavos. This one should progress once going hurdling.

Third place MARDALE won well on hurdling debut in female company at Hexham. She ran a cracker stepped up to open Listed novice company today, holding every chance going to the last before being outpaced by two useful sorts. She saw out her race well to the line to hold third and looks the best female novice hurdler from the North so far this season.

The fifth BARNEY DWAN doddled up at Market Rasen in a novice hurdle having shown promise on jumping debut at Exeter.

The fourth JETHRO hasn’t shown up quite so well since, but he looks to have enough ability to win jump races in time.

Back in the Kelso field I wouldn’t write off THROCKLEY and FAIRY THEATRE given time.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Tuesday December 29th

Going – Heavy

A few factors have kept me off the course for a while, a combination of foul weather and the Forth Bridge closure meaning I missed the Borders National meeting. However, the weather relented enough to allow this meeting to go ahead, and travel wasn’t too bad though M90 was down to one lane north of the bridge. Why couldn’t they sort that when the bridge was closed?

The course drained really well, a pre-meeting walk revealed a good covering of grass and very few soggy patches bar a short ‘swampy bit’ in the dip on the chase course near the 2m 2f hurdles start. The conditions were testing but in most races finishers were not bottoming out.

12.05 2m 6½f McGrath 1000 Bags Of Carrots NH Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)

A race sponsored by Colin and Ruth McGrath as a mark of their regular ‘prize to the horse’ presentation for each race at Kelso.

FLEMENSFIRTHLEADER, a keen going mare, ran an absolute cracker here and was unlucky not to win after coming down at the last. Her jumping can be sharpened but she clearly stays well. She was down for 15 minutes or so but rose to cheers and applause from the decent sized holiday crowd. She looked none the worse and should pick up a staying hurdle, particularly if her trainer can find a mares’ only event.

TAKINGRISKS was three lengths down and being worked on when left well clear at the last. He is progressing nicely, stays well and this looks solid form.

SEVENBALLS OF FIRE was outpaced from two out but kept on for second. He’s a big chasing type, this was only his second racecourse appearance coming off a 14 month break, and there is likely to be better to come. I suspect a patient approach may pay dividends.

DAKOTA GREY chased the leaders before giving way from two out. He may have found the going at this trip a shade too taxing.

EGRET was on the heels of the leaders when he all but came down when slipping on landing at the ninth, Derek Fox’s self-preservation instincts kicking in big time. He had no chance afterwards, but he can be forgiven this one.

ASHES CORNER was a long way behind in the final ¾ mile. He was very tired when clambering over the last and walking in. His jockey made his excuses to the stewards, but in my opinion common sense should have prevailed and the gelding should have been pulled up.

MAHLER LAD was beaten a long way out and pulled up. He didn’t handle the ground.

12.40 3m 2f Joe Sullivan Memorial Handicap Chase (103-120)

TOTAL ASSETS had run decent races in his two chases and built nicely on that. HE forged clear nicely to prove that he sees out this longer trip. He had hinted that this sort of stamina test would suit and can kick on from here.

PRESENT FLIGHT was not disgraced in second but this slog probably stretched his stamina to the limit. A sound enough effort and he can win again on slightly better ground.

CHAVOY was outpaced going to two out and stuck on again up the hill. He doesn’t look especially well treated right now but gave this his best.

CHANCEOFA LIFETIME was another keeping on to the line. He probably needs a little easing in the handicap to give him a live chance.

MORE MADNESS never got into the race and was well beaten from three out.

TIPSY DARA gave encouragement on return after a long break. She bowled along in front or disputing for a long way before weakening from four out. She was soon pulled up but this run suggests she is no back number as she approaches 12.

I heard encouraging reports pre-race regarding DREAM FLYER, but to me he looked short of a gallop or two. He was struggling from the fourteenth, soon pulled up and reported as having a breathing problem. A watching brief is advised right now.

1.15 2m G Marshall Tractors Case IH Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

This isn’t the strongest division and this race looked a moderate contest the two with official ratings being on 106 and 109.

PRESENTING ROSE showed a good attitude to triumph here, despite a few less than accurate leaps. She battled gamely to hold all-comers from two out. Stephen Mulqueen got in a bit of a pickle with his whip hands on the run-in, but his mount was always best and not in any danger in the stewards’ room, though her rider picked up a 2-day ban.

BERKSHIRE DOWNS had her chance, saw her race, but wasn’t quite good enough. She didn’t do too much wrong and there should be a small contest for her.

ATTENTION SEAKER had every chance until giving way from the last. On looks it appeared that the race would do her some good and she wandered under pressure up the hill.

RIVABODIVA came to have her chance two out but weakened before the last. She won a mares’ maiden point at Lisronagh and will likely need further.

1.50 2m 1f Monteith Memorial Handicap Chase (89-112)

This race was won by an exciting young filly CARALINE who won by 15 lengths but could have doubled that and more. It’s rare that we see a four-year-old filly winning chases, and this was her third including one in France.
Joe Colliver reported that the winner jumps so well the more jumps there are the better, and she will have no trouble with further. She went into this race rated 97 which seems significantly below what she is capable of reaching. It’s worth noting she is rated only 91 over hurdles. One way or another put this one in the notebook.

TRUST THOMAS ran a decent race and was the only one to stick anywhere near the winner from two out. He’s in good heart and there should be a race for him soon.

RUPERT BEAR raced prominently, was still there turning for home but weakened in the latter stages. He’s taken time to get going this season but this was a bit more encouraging.

Apart from the winner note VINNY GAMBINI who looked in need of this race. He was outpaced from two out but will come on significantly for this and is worth keeping in mind going forward.

RETRIEVE THE STICK was well beaten and had an off day.

AMETHYST ROCK disputed to four out but was very tired and well beaten at the finish.

CASTLELAWN was up with the pace early but faded and was pulled up before two out. He won twice at Hexham in 2013 but has had a mixed record on occasional appearances since.

FORMIDABLEOPPONENT has regressed from his Irish form, never figured and was pulled up before two out. His yard is basically a pointing yard and doesn’t have many Rules winners.

ENDEAVOR won in heavy way back, but I don’t think he relishes these conditions. Keep him in mind though if the ground dries as he does have a good wins to runs record for one at this level.

2.25 2m 6½f SPG Fire and Security Ltd Handicap Hurdle (89-115)

There were two non-runners here, both due to the going. Now given that the going on declaration was ‘Heavy, waterlogged in places’ then their only excuse would surely be that they were expecting a swimming event?

Nick Alexander has been collecting doubles recently and ANOTHER MATTIE provided the second half of his brace here. The gelding loves the mud and relished these conditions. Lucy Alexander clearly did here course work, plotting a wide coursed for the better ground.

BESCOT SPRINGS has plenty of miles on the clock but is running as well as ever. He made the pace, rallied once passed and saw his race out to the line for the syndicate of Kelso members in whose colours he runs.

KIND OF EASY disputed three out but was found wanting in the closing stages. This was step up on his debut for the stable after long time off the course and gives encouragement going forward.

ALMOST GEMINI was there until weakening two out and may have found the conditions just a little testing.

BORUMA found the conditions too taxing and can be given another chance if conditions dry out.

3.00 2m 5½f Children’s Immunology Trust Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (95-120)

I watched this contest from the in-field and was very impressed with the jumping of LORD WISHES. He had struggled over fences prior to this, but jumped his field into submission on this occasion including a stupendous leap at the last when he might had the excuse of being tired. A decent handicap hurdler at best, he can move up a class if able to reproduce his jumping effort.

KILBREE CHIEF was held up and stayed on for second place. A most encouraging effort after a prolonged period of the track.

WHAT A DREAM was outpaced down the side of the track, rallied again but had nothing left before the last. He had a tough task from out of the weights and wasn’t disgraced.

GLACIAL ROCK had his chance but was beaten before the last.

VAYLAND was very tired when walking through the last and with hindsight may have been pulled up. He’s not been totally convincing over fences and could do with jumping out of better ground.

FRANKIE’S PROMISE was not the greatest jumper of hurdles and gave Lucy Alexander some hairy moments. All credit to the rider for her stickability, but she understandably called it a day when her mount was well beaten approaching the last.

AGENTLEMAN didn’t handle the ground on chasing debut.

3.30 2m 2f Take It Easy Tiger Handicap Hurdle ( 98-119)

MAXIE T was well held by Alizee De Janeiro in similar conditions last time. He turned the form round in convincing fashion on 7lbs better terms, forging clear from two out to win easily. He needed cut on the flat and would appear progressive over hurdles.

ALIZEE DE JANEIRO was beaten by a progressing opponent and lost little in defeat as he was well clear of the remainder.

RENOYR had his chance two out but was beaten before the last.

HUNTERS BELT wasn’t totally disgraced in fourth. He has won three times here, but generally beatable these days.

PISTOL was outpaced from two out. He won at Sandown and Newbury back in the day but doesn’t give the impression he’s in love with the game.

BENNY’S SECRET chased the leaders but was beaten when falling at the last. I suspect a longer distance and better ground would do no harm.

BOP ALONG needs further, but was soon off the bridle and this run was disappointing.

Musselburgh New Year meeting approaching followed by Ayr on Saturday but, due to other commitments, my next on course report will be from Musselburgh on January 4th. Hopefully I can put up a summary for the intervening meetings.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Monday January 4th

Going – Good to Soft (Soft in places)

A rather quiet day at Musselburgh despite the Monday being a holiday in Scotland. The good drainage meant that the going still had the word ‘good’ in the description, not something that has happened much of late in UK turf racing.

12.20 2m Racing UK Day Pass Just £10 Maiden Hurdle (Div 1) (Class 5)

The pace was decent from the start and the field soon stretched out. OREGON GIFT set the pace but faded in the straight on hurdling debut.
The winner LAC LEMAN might be quiet decent. He tracked the pace, took over on the final bend and pulled clear up the straight to win very easily. This was a step up on form for Paul Nicholls and Pauline Robson appears to have a decent hurdler on her hands. He looks well capable of defying a penalty.
ARCHIPELIGO made headway from the sixth, went second two out and kept on encouragingly to the line. He was a dual 1m 6f winner on the flat, will presumably get further and this was a step up on his first jumps effort.
ROCKLIM, a keen looking sort, was never in the race proper but stayed on through the field up the straight to take third. The pace just seemed too quick round here, he’ll be better on a stiffer track and will be given a chance once handicapped.
CHAZ MICHAELS stayed on from the rear without threatening. He’s a point winner but is looking more of a long term project.
STRAIT OF MAGELLAN was well backed but struggling from two out having been quite well up the field. He looked fit enough, followed the pace but wasn’t good enough late on. He is half brother to a fair jumper so time may be required.
CROCKETT chased the leaders to three out and then weakened quickly. He was reported as having bled.

12.50 2m Racing UK Day Pass Just £10 Maiden Hurdle (Div 2) (Class 5)

A different type of race to the first division, the time 6 seconds slower and most in contention turning for home.

MY PAINTER has run on the flat, but she’s a big chasing type who has surely been crying out for jumps. She led three out and stayed on to the line, holding on well on the flat. I’m not sure this was the strongest contest, but the experience will have done her no harm and a mares’ novice under a penalty would be decent option.
CARTHAGE, well touted beforehand, stayed on from two out but was held on the run to the line. The drop back in trip did no harm and he should go on from this effort over the two mile trip.
SUPERIOR COMMAND looked fit enough after a break. He had his chance up the straight and saw his race out. He won a point but this was his first form under rules and has presumably benefitted from the patient approach.
DEFINITELY GLAD is a nine-year-old maiden but this race hinted she might pick up a small race, maybe in mares company.
LEADING SCORE was made favourite but couldn’t get near the front in the urn to the line. He can now be aimed at handicaps.

1.20 3m Alex Donaldson Handsome Handicap Chase (79-115)

A race which fell apart on the second circuit as many runners’ jumping went to pot. Sad to report the loss of MR SUPREME who jumped well until completely apparently misjudging three out and suffering a fatal fall. It transpired that he suffered an anuerysm, so he may have been unconscious when hitting the fence.
BENENDEN jumped tidily in the main, was left clear three out and not troubled after. He built on a promising chasing debut here and might prove a bit better than this level in time. He’s not been over raced and can progress.
EIRI NA CASCA stayed on from three out for second seeing out this trip well enough. His jumping held up better than some others.
BENEFIT IN KIND was a distant third but connections seemed moderately happy with the effort.
RESOLUTE REFORMER was never in the contest and well beaten fourth of the four to finish. He continues to run well below his best.
ART LORD fell at the ninth when on the stretch.
SOLWAY BAY was not making progress when hitting the tenth and decanting his jockey. He’s normally sure footed.
BALLYBEN was prominent early but well behind when pulled up before three out. He was reported as having bled, so I would be wary of him unless he is a given a good break between races. Stable companion ITSTIMEFORAPINT ran no sort of race and was well behind when pulled up and no excuse could be offered.
TEARS FROM HEAVEN made no mark after a long lay-off and was another pulled up at the start of the home run.

1.50 2m Racing UK Profits Returned to Racing Handicap Hurdle (78-105)

This was ripe for the taking by a progressive type and one duly obliged in the shape of SHREWD. Trained by the upwardly mobile Iain Jardine, Shrewd cruised into the lead two out and soon put the race to bed. He’s been running well on the Flat of late and carried that form nicely through to hurdles. Running off 105 here, he’ll go up significantly but is clearly better than this level.
MOONLONE LANE placed hid cards on the table three out when taking the lead, but was well trumped by the winner. That said, he was clear second best and lost little in defeat to a well handicapped opponent. He’s decent with cut in the ground, remains in good heart and competitive off his current mark.
QUILL ART kept on nicely without threatening the first two. This was a decent effort on handicap debut and he will have easier opportunities.
MARCUS ANTONIUS couldn’t make any impression from three out. Lightly raced for a nine-year-old he’s run encouragingly enough on two outings for Lucinda Russell. He did have a tendency to run with his head to the left in the closing stages.
MISTER HENDRE loomed up with a chance two out, but faded in the closing stages. Not a bad effort off an OR of 78 and might have possibilities at basement level.
NEWORLD ran well for a long way but weakened from two out. He might have found a combination of the softish going and tougher contest beyond him.
VINNIESPRIDE raced keenly up front until three out but weakened quickly. He wants quicker going and his Irish trainer presumably rates Musselburgh as one place he might get it.

2.25 3m racinguk.com/anywhere Handicap Hurdle (69-104)

SIMARTHUR rewarded stable patience and was a comfortable winner here, coming clear from two out. He suffered a serious injury last season, but his first run back confirmed he retains ability and he was convincing here. He will have tougher task now, but this half-brother to Simonsig is in good heart.
BRACING goes well here and kept on well enough to hold second place. Kit Alexander gets on well with this one.
SOLWAY SAM stayed on in the latter stages to take third place and press the second. An admirable old soul, he retains his enthusiasm and ability at 13. The handicapper knows him, but he is normally there when others have cried enough.
EASY TO FIND kept on alongside the third and was just held for that spot. Lightly raced, he handles a lot of cut and stays well.
SHAIYZAR looked very fit. He kept on to the line and his strength looks stamina not pace.
TOUCH OF STEEL is a keen sort who led until three out, kept at it until the last but then the fuel gauge registered empty.
JOHN WILLIAMS went well enough to two out but was then running on the spot. He probably needs quicker ground.

3.00 2m Kilmany Cup Handicap Chase (108-127)

A decent prize offered resulted in a well contested event. The first three are eleven-year-olds, though one is significantly less raced than the others.

CHESTNUT BEN was thereabouts throughout and held on from three challengers on the run-in. He’s an exposed sort but has a respectable 8 from 45 record under NH rules.
AYE WELL has significantly less miles on the clock and is most likely to build on this run which suggests he’s back to the form from the spring.
LIGHTENING ROD is another exposed performer with a decent strike rate, though he hasn’t won for a while. He put in a persistent challenge up the straight but was just held on the flat.
The weight of this form depends how you rate FORMIDABLEOPPONENT. He had been well out of form but was well there to the last and only held in the final furlong. He won a maiden chase at Killarney back in July 2014 and was running on significantly better ground than on his last run at Kelso. Time will tell if this is a revival.
BLADES LAD won here in November and still held some sort of chance approaching the alst, but he thumped the obstacle and his chance was gone.
VODKA WELLS was outpaced from two out and has a tendency to find less than expected at the business end.
JACK STEEL was outpaced from three out. He won on his chase debut in October but hasn’t matched that since.
ROCKAWANGO was never going with any fluency and his Kelso fall may have affected his confidence.

3.30 2m Racing UK Standard Open national Hunt Flat Race

This race was run at a decent pace and the form should hold up.

The winner SAMMY B earned the comment ‘chasing type’ from my paddock notes. He really caught my eye going to the post with a long loping stride. He led two furlongs out in the race and won in impressive style. There’s a background story here as his dam died when he was very young and he was fostered by a Clydesdale mare. Sammy B isn’t the finished article by any means, but the raw material is pretty decent and he looks a potentially decent animal.
Placed in 3 points, FENLON’s HILL is a neat compact animal and should win races. He was well held by the winner, having led three out, but saw his race well to take second.
Irish point winner MISFITS was thereabouts three out and kept on well enough. His pedigree suggests he will need a decent trip so a prominent run on this occasion augurs well.
DERRY DOON is a chunky jumping sort, not quite the McLintock mould, and clearly not expected at 66/1 here. He made an effort three out, couldn’t match the principals, but the impression is that he can improve with time.
GENERAL MAHLER is a nice looking jumping sort. He was keen in the preliminaries and in the race. He weakened from two out but the hope is he will learn to settle which will help his prospects.
SAM FAIRYANN was well touted pre-race, but found wanting in the final two furlongs. He is a nice enough sort and wouldn’t be without prospects.

An aside to the Scottish circuit, my foreign trip this year is to Switzerland and plan is to take in an early September meeting at Aarau raceourse not far from Zurich. It looks like a ‘liquorice allsorts’ meeting with ponies, flat race, trotting and jumps races! Should be interesting.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Sunday February 7th

Going – Soft (Good to Soft in places)

A rather wild day for Musselburgh’s biggest fixture of the jumps season, Cheltenham Trials Day, with rain in the early part of the afternoon accompanied by strong winds. The going turned officially soft, though soft here is like good to soft elsewhere and it wasn’t excessively testing.

Only three fences in the straight once again due to course alignment to save newly laid turf and a run-in of a furlong and a half.

1.00 1m 7½f Skybet Supreme Scottish Trail Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2)

CHARBEL was held by Yanworth at Ascot last time in a Grade 2, but found this contest easier and made all comfortably. He pulled clear from two out and merits a visit to Cheltenham where he should be capable of pitching for places.
BRAIN POWER was well fancied here after a win at Kempton first time up over hurdles. He chased the leader up the straight but couldn’t make any impression. He’s a nice enough sort and there should be further races to be won as experience is gained.
IMPULSIVE AMERICAN has yet to score over hurdles but kept on honestly enough for a decent third place. Handicaps may offer his best chances.
ALWAYS RESOLUTE was held from three out and found this a bit competitive.
AZZURRI wasn’t disgraced no hurdling debut in fifth, given that this was a tough race. He can make a mark if his sights are lowered.
SIMON SQUIRREL was disappointing and beaten quite a way out.
LAC LEMAN was getting the worst of the argument when slithering and almost coming down three out. He was quickly pulled up, but appeared none the worse.
ALTRUISM was never going and pulled up as Richard Johnson reported he had lost his action.

2.00 2m toteexacta Scottish Champion Chase (for the Bowes-Lyon Trophy) (115-136)

CHESTNUT BEN had a tough task at Doncaster last time, but eased in class a little back at the course he previously won at he stepped up to the plate. Jumping nicely, he was always in touch, came to challenge two out and took charge on the run-in.
Winning jockey Ryan winks did a flying dismount and then, encouraged by Derek Thompson, gave a rendition of ‘We Are The Champions’ for the throng! He does a tidy job as a jockey and there are plenty of worse 7lb claiming amateurs on the scene.
YORKIST has dropped to a workable mark and looked a possible winner two out before being run out of it. A sound enough effort.
QUITO DU TRESOR was never near the leaders, but stuck on well enough to take third place on the run-in. He’s running well enough but is difficult to win with these days.
THE GREY TAYLOR raced prominently for much of the way, and still held a chance at the last, but weakened quickly on the run-in.
AYE WELL finished a never dangerous fifth.
GOT THE NAC raced too freely in front and faded once headed three out.
IRISH THISTLE never got seriously into the race and nor did MY BROTHER SYLVEST, both well beaten.
FULL SHIFT was reported as not suited by the ground, but it isn’t very soft here and the excuse doesn’t really wash. Maybe he didn’t take the long trip well?

2.00 1m 7½f totetrifecta Scottish Triumph Hurdle (Listed)

A disappointing turn out, but juvenile hurdles have struggled for runners in recent times. There was a time when many horses would have tried hurdling off a three-year-old flat career, but these days the all-weather conveyor belt reduces the flow of hurdlers.
TOMMY SILVER wasn’t particularly convincing with his jumping but came clear from two out to win with a bit to spare. Talk of the Triumph Hurdle seem optimistic as this form probably doesn’t rate higher than 130 at best, given the third seemed below form. He should improve with time though.
ASHOKA put in a sound effort in second, the only one to seriously threaten the winner. He could make no impression from two out.
SIR CHAUVELIN was below his previous best, though stayiong on in the latter stages to take third.
SIKANDAR struggled from three out and a current rating of 114 looks his level. There will be easier opportunities.

2.30 2m 4f totepoollive.com Scottish Future Champions Novices’ Chase (Class 3)

Only two got seriously involved in this…, until the last 100 yards when FIVE IN A ROW stayed on from the clouds to mug the other two main contenders. He was struggling four out and looked well held, and even at the last looked comfortably held some 15 lengths down. However, he picked up in the final furlong and came steaming past Sametegal and Ittirad to win by half a length going away. What this form is worth is anyone’s idea, but the winner does stay further.
SAMETEGAL looked the likely winner at the last and was holding his main chaser until passed in the shadow of the post. Sam Twiston-Davies reproached himself afterwards, but would have won 99 times out of 100 from his position with 100 yards to go.
ITTIRAD appeared to find this trip just stretching his stamina. He didn’t help by belting three out and then clambering the last. Two miles on good or fast ground looks his bag and he may be worth holding back now for the spring.
OVERTHEEDGE fluffed his ‘pootle round for fourth prize’ opportunity, crashing out at the third, though he was apparently unscathed.

3.00 1m 7½f totepool Supporting Scottish Racing Scottish County Hurdle (Handicap) (121-150)

This is generally a competitive heat that takes some winning and it was pleasing the home brigade produced an impressive winner. Upwardly mobile Iain ‘Scobie’ Jardine has some decent animals in his stable, and as progressive as any is SHREWD who came to challenge at the last and quickly put distance between himself and his rivals. Jardine has his eye on the consolation race at Kempton, a plan which involves not making the cut at Cheltenham. I don’t think Cheltenham will suit him so watch his trainer’s placing carefully.
VENDOR was thereabouts all the way and kept on well enough to hold second place. He’s probably pretty much on his mark at 138 and ran to it here.
CARDINAL WALTER is more lightly raced than the others and ran an encouraging third, having held every chance going to the last. He looks well capable of picking up a handicap off his current mark and is worth putting in the notebook going forward.
ZAIDITN held a chance going to the last but didn’t land running and that cost him a place or two. There should be handicap for him on good ground.
HAWK HIGH needs better ground and was outpaced before the home turn. He rallied to hold some chance but was held before the last.
ARISTO DU PLESSIS holds a Champion Hurdle entry, but he didn’t to win this comfortably to justify that and he wasn’t up to it. He raced keenly as ever, possibly doing a little too much in this company, and was found out before the last. He would probably be better suited by a quicker surface and his target is the Scottish Champion Hurdle.

3.30 2m 7½f Albert Bartlett Scottish Trial Hurdle (Novices) (Class 2)

A small field but a decent contest run at a searching pace.

O O SEVEN strayed on gamely to hold two decent rivals. Cheltenham is a stiffer test, and whether he is quite Cheltenham Festival class is debatable but he is a decent performer.

FAGAN was on my list of horses to follow on the basis of a bumper win against decent performer Meet The Legend. This is his sort of trip, but I get the impression he needs quicker ground to show his best. I fancy he will improve over this sort of trip on better ground.
DELUSIONOFGRANDEUR caught my eye at Carlisle early season when second to impressive Shantou Village. He set an honest pace here and, having been caught for toe going to the last, fought back determinedly on the run-in. A genuine stamina test looks ideal.
CALIVGNY was outclassed here but brought home in his own time for fourth prize.

4.00 3m 2½f Northern Point-to-Point Scottish Foxhunter Chase (Class 3)

A battle of attrition with the cut in the ground, one that suits RAILWAY DILLON as much as any. He has never looked the most straightforward character to my mind, but talented Emma Todd has formed a decent relationship with him in recent times. Her mounting style in the paddock was rather ungainly, but all went swimmingly after that. Railway Dillon will now be aimed at Cheltenham, but I fancy targeting one or two other extreme tests might pay.
PENA DORADA made a most encouraging debut for his stable. He was just outbattled after the last, but lost little in defeat and looks nailed on for a Northern hunter chase before long.
NOWURHURLIN would have found this trip stretching his stamina and was held from three out. He’s one of the better Northern Area performers and should find a hunter chase before long over shorter trip. Watch out for him at Kelso.
The remainder were pulled up.
The ground was softer than ideal for ISLA PEARL FISHER and he never got competitive. On quicker ground he should go close at this level.
This trip is well beyond NEAREST THE PIN’s best and a significant drop in distance is required.
NO LOOSE CHANGE made some headway from the eleventh, but was struggling soon after and can blow hot and cold.
DAMIENS DILEMMA led but weakened quickly once headed with a mile to go.
PHARAWAYDANTE was way out of his depth on Rules debut.
LITTLE FRITZ skewed at the first and his jockey was jettisoned.

4.30 3m 2fPertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) (128-154)

Off a long break CUP FINAL was backed down to a very short price for what looked a competitive event. He held off a serious challenge from the last and now goes to the Final of this event, the paln top go chasing on hold for a while.
WARRIOR’s TALE pestered the winner up the run-in and lost little in defeat.
TAGLIATELLE was making eye-catching progress when blundering three out. Taking a little while to recover, he could never quite get to the leaders but stayed on well to take third place. Off a mark of 154 he won’t have many opportunities but is worth noting if contesting a handicap on good ground.
We had a chat with Sandy Thomson pre-race and he said that SELDOM INN has generally run decent race with excuses when he hasn’t fired. His jumping hasn’t been sharp enough over fences so he was tried back in a hurdle. He led three out and held a chance going to the last but was held on the run-in.
SY KHAN stayed on from the rear without threatening. He is another that would be ideally suited by slightly better ground.
CALL THE COPS who struggled with the cut. He’s better than his well held effort here and will have opportunities as the ground dries out.

MUSSELBURGH – Monday February 8th

ASCOT DE BRUYERE was an eye-catching winner of the opening novices hurdle and can win again under a penalty. DUBAI DEVILS kept on well enough for second, clear of a fair marker in third and should win a similar contest.
BOP ALONG has needed a trip and ran a promising third handicapped over a three mile trip here. He was off the track for a while but is gradually coming to himself and should be capable of taking a similar contest.
The bumper won by Atomix turned into a three furlong sprint. However, keep an eye out for MULTIPEDE, outpaced before two out but picking up nicely to stay on to take fifth place.

[robnorth]

Thursday February 18th

KELSO – Heavy (Soft in places)

The Morebattle meeting is one of Kelso’s top meetings of the season, with decent prize money for two conditions event but small fields for reasons discussed later in this piece.

We were among a group of Kelso Annual Members sponsoring a couple of races on the card. The hospitality in the Younger Stand was excellent, the superb is really good, and the coast was very reasonable. We will certainly return next year assuming a similar sponsorship arrangement is put in place.

I led the sweepstake held in the hospitality box going into the last race but was foiled as I could only manage a second place and a couple of others passed me. It was a hot contest as three winners, two seconds and a third only earned me third place! Can’t really complain though since it was a bumper that let me down and they are my favourite ‘jump’ races.

The going was reported as ‘very testing’ by a number of jockeys. The first hurdle in the straight and the nearby open ditch were omitted all afternoon.

1.20 2m Kelso Annual Members Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

My wife and I were amongst the group on ‘Best Turned Out’ selection duty for this contest. The party selected Barry Murtagh’s SCRUTINY as the winner with Liz Butterworth on duty and she’s also listed as owner of this one. A multiple winner on the flat up to 10 furlongs, Scrutiny looked fit, but didn’t look at all happy slogging round here in the winter mud. He was detached by halfway and pulled up before the last.
Three came clear and look at least fair animals. The winner ROAD TO GOLD got outpaced by his two main rivals coming around the home bend, but picked up nicely going the last and won going away. A pointing winner in Ireland, this one shouldn’t struggle if upped in trip.
WESTERN RULES has run into one or two decent sorts. He seems to lack an extra gear at the business so is probably suited by the tactics adopted to set the pace. He held every chance at the last but found the winner too strong up the final hill.
The mare WATER SPRITE came here off the back of a Clonmel maiden hurdle on balance a 7 length third here was about an equivalent performance. She would have every chance in a mares’ race with a penalty and her trainer should find a suitable race for her.

The remainder were well beaten. FINAL FLING showed a glimmer of promise in bumeprs but hasn’t built on that in three hurdle races. RED MYSTQUE hasn’t got close over hurdles and his best efforts have been on better ground. ANNA GREY pulled up here, having been beaten a very long way on debut.

1.55 2m 7½f Border Hotel Kirk Yetholm Handicap Chase (108-125)

A disappointing turn out for a decent prize, but with consistent heavy going the sloggers are spread thinly.

ROCKING BLUES doesn’t have a huge amount of miles on the clock for an 11-year-old. He looks progressive now and bounded clear from before the last to win with any amount in hand.
CARRIGDHOUN set the pace and was headed after two out. He rallied but was held by a better handicapped horse.
GOLD OPERA’s jumping was sketchy and he paid the price. He held every chance passing the omitted open ditch, but weakened quickly. He has to prove he stays this trip and his jumping needs to sharpen.
LUCEMATIC lost touch on the long run from two out and has been below form on two runs this year.
REDKALANI was on and off the bridle and lost down the far side for the last time, pulling up before three out.

2.30 2m 2f Morebattle Hurdle (Class 2)

Pre-race discussion amongst the centred on the small fields for the main events. One suggested that this race should be made a handicap. This is understandable, but therein lies the problem. I strongly suspect the reason is that those running horses against highly rated runners are frightened of finishing too close and handicap mark suffering.
There’s an easy solution to the above. Firstly you have to have a handicap mark and secondly mark can’t be changed after a run in such an event.
With the Champion Hurdle market wide open TOP NOTCH came here as an outside contender for the title. He did prospects no harm, easing clear on the bridle with minimum of fuss.
ONE FOR HARRY ran to his best, driven to stay with Top Notch approaching the last but easily left behind once headed.
CHIC NAME was comfortably outpaced by the first two on the long run from two out.
CROCO BAY set a decent pace but weakened in the home straight. He presumably has a Cheltenham chase as a target.

3.05 3m 2f Ivan Straker Memorial Chase (Class 2)

This event had a sad conclusion since NEPTUNE EQUESTER collapsed and died on the horse walk returning after the race. He had been in fine form, having won the Borders National and went out on a high, producing as good a performance as any he had to chase home Unioniste. He took the race to the winner but was outpointed and sadly the after effects claimed him.
UNIONISTE was headed after two out but driven to lead and pulled clear. He jumped soundly here is aimed at the Grand National, but he tipped up early last year and has a moderate record in big fields.
SOLL ran a lack lustre race in conditions which should have suited. He was struggling on the final circuit and eventually allowed to come home in his own time.
CORRIN WOOD Was readily outpaced from the twelfth and pulled up soon after. He is another entered in the National, but this run offered no encouragement.

3.40 2m 6½f Kelso Annual Members Handicap Hurdle (104-124)

The curse of the low sun struck so that the final hurdle was removed and only 6 jumped in the race.

SHADES OF MIDNIGHT was considered worth a run in the Grade 2 novice here last year. I always felt there was more to come and he proved it in emphatic style at this level. He came well clear after turning for home. Difficult to judge from with so few hurdles though, and I would keep an eye on how the handicapper views the performance.
PILGRIMS BAY had every chance on the final turn but was well outpaced by the winner. He came clear of the remainder but tied up and was pipped for third on the line.
KINDOFEASY shared or took the lead for much of the way. He was outpaced by the winner but saw his race out to the line to snatch second place and lacks for nothing in attitude.
TEDDY TEE weakened on the long run-in.
LANDECKER raced prominently but he’s a difficult character, although he is capable on his day, and dropped away from the home turn.

4.15 2m 7½f P & G Allan Catering Open Hunters’ Chase (Class 5)

It paid to stick with proven stayers in this race as there were stamina doubts about some of the fancied runners. No fences in the home straight due to low sun.

DURBAN GOLD is an out-and-out stayer, and ideally probably needs further, but the gruelling conditions allowed her stamina to kick in up the home straight. Watch out for this one in the more extreme distance hunter contests.
WICKLOW LAD loves these conditions and was given every chance by Kit Alexander who kicked on entering the final circuit. He kept on for second place and is worth considering when the ground is deep.
MISTER MARKER stays well but didn’t have the pace to lay up in the latter stages.
BARACHOIS SILVER is well below second and third in the official figures and ran creditably before giving way in the home straight. She runs honest races and worth an interest in the weaker hunter events.
WAYUPINTHESKY was held no the long run-in. He needs to raise his game in this company.
HAVANA JACK scored in a poor maiden point at Balcormo and was up against it here, well behind from two out.
This was too much of a stamina test for BOBCATBILLY who didn’t help his cause by pulling hard early on.
KINGS GREY is a non-stayer and would need to be aimed at the shorter hunter events on better ground.

4.50 2m Racing UK in HD Next Month Standard Open NH Flat (Class 6)

Only two got seriously involved at the business end.

LADY BEAUFORT is quite a compact sort, well prepped for her first outing. She wore down the favourite in the final furlong, the pair well clear. A good start and she is a half-sister to four winners including Kadarann so there must be good prospects going forward.
RANDY PIKE was forward enough on debut as is normally the case with Richards’s runners. He responded well and picked up when driven two out, but was worn down in the latter stages. He’s got plenty to like about him and should make up into a jumper.
BRACKENMOSS RORY is related to chasing winners. He’s far from the finished product but kept on steadily without matching the first two. This was promising and he will produce better in time.
MOVE TO THE GROOVE, well presented as is the norm for McCain runners, led at a steady pace but was tapped for pace from two furlongs out. He is likely to be a different proposition once he has jumps in front of him.
I got chapter and verse on COACHIE BEAR. His previous stable didn’t really have a clear plan with this big chasing type and he had a physical on his sole outing last year. He has now changed hands and resides in Katie Scott’s yard, connections using this as a fact finding mission more than anything else. On that basis a prominent run and a fifth place must be encouraging. It might take time but there is a jumper waiting in this one.

[robnorth]

Kelso – Sunday March 13th

Going – Soft

Uncharacteristic get up and go by the BHA resulted in Kelso being able to re-schedule their principal meeting of the season. We were treated to a fine performance by last year’s National winner and a decent contest for the Kelso Premier Hurdle.

The ground was quite testing and a course walk revealed rather tired winter ground just crying out for some spring growth. The hurdles course was generally pretty chewed up, but the chase course had some stretched of better ground, though the jockeys didn’t appear to make an effort to search it out.

The hurdles run-in was set at 140 yards, as short as I remember it since the finishing straight was re-arranged.

1.50 2m Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

Not a strong contest to pen the card and Oliver Sherwood picked up a bonus with his main runner’s box companion. THE FRESH PRINCE looks all over a chaser but saw off moderate opposition in nice style. He’s a point winner and will presumably go chasing sooner rather than later.
GREXIT, not having made an impact in Irish points, made a promising Rules debut here. Having got on to the tails of the leaders going to two out he saw out his race without seriously threatening the winner.
BERKSHIRE DOWNS brought fair form from mares’ company, but was put in her place well before the last having led much of the way. She has done well enough of late and connections are keen to have a go on faster ground.
ANGE DES MALBERAUX was well held from the home bend and has looked moderate to date. DUBAI CELEBRITY couldn’t back up moderate promise from debut.
COACHIE BEAR was on a ‘what have we got?’ discovery mission and connections were not downhearted by a sixth place finish. He was very novicey over his hurdles and looks just a galloper long term rather than a two miler.

2.20 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (106-125)

Lightly raced sort SUPERIOR COMMAND led two out and stayed on well enough from the last to break his maiden under Rules. His jumping wasn’t perfect on chasing debut so there should be improvement in him.
Point winner LOWANBEHOLD looked to have a tough task on chase debut after a lay-off. However, he acquitted himself very well, racing close out and sticking on to the line.
GOLD OPERA, making a quick return to the races after winning two days before, probably found this trip a little on the sharp side. He did make a pretty good fist of winning for the sponsoring family though, leading to four out and then battling back after being outpaced going to two out. His jumping has sharpened since his last run here.
MORNING ROYALTY took up the running four out and kept on after being headed two out. He wasn’t beaten far in fourth place.
QUICK BREW looked just held when blundering and unseating at the last.

2.55 2m 7½f totepoolliveinfo.com Premier Chase (Listed)

This was a strong a renewal of the race as I can remember, very much a justification of Listed status.
MANY CLOUDS made a second trip to Kelso having had a fruitless trip the week before. He jumped really well here, took up the running four out and comfortably came clear from two out. He looks in rude health and must have a decent chance of following up at Aintree. The encouraging point is that there still appeared to be a little to work on fitness wise.
UNIONISTE never got near to the winner but stayed on under pressure from two out to take second place. He stays well but to my mind doesn’t convince with his jumping enough to make a National contender.
CARRIGDHOUN ran a blinder to third. Having raced up with the pace he looked to be struggling four out, but stuck on gamely from two out and just held third place. Future prospects depend on what the handicapper makes of this, but connections can be proud of their grey gelding’s effort.
SAUSALITO SUNRISE, weighted to go close on the ratings, tried to match the winner but was struggling by the last and run out of a couple places up the final slope. This looked significantly below recent efforts.
CLOUDY TOO could make no impression from three out and probably found this soft gorund not quite testing enough.
GOLD FUTURES was always towards the rear along with MAGGIO who was reported as unsited by the ground.

3.30 2m 2f totescoop6 Premier Kelso (Novices’) Hurdle (Grade 2)

A strong renewal of this contest with six hurdles winners and none that could be completely ruled out.
LE PREZIEN is a genuine Grade 2 performer having gone close at Haydock. Going well turning for home, he stayed on under driving to hold a persistent second. I would imagine that there will be an Aintree target for him.
THE DUTCHMAN looks a very interesting prospect for Sandy Thomson, running a cracking race on his third hurdles outing. Having disputed the lead or led to after two out, he looked held once headed but battled back well on the run-in. He has been given time and that looks to be paying dividends.
LAKE VIEW LAD set the pace but was put in his place from the home turn.
OVERTOWN EXPRESS couldn’t match the principals from two out and needs sights lowered a little.
VIEUX LILLE made a hash of the seventh flight and couldn’t get back into contention afterwards. She’s better than this run suggests.

4.05 2m ½f Premier Traffic Management Handicap Chase (Hamilton Memorial Trophy) (83-109)

Three non-runners meant the field cut up to five but it gave a chance for VOYAGE A NEW YORK to show a class edge. Tongue-tied for the first time, and returning after a bout of colic, he came clear from two out for a comfortable win. This should boost his confidence.
SUZY’S MUSIC briefly looked a threat going to two out but couldn’t match the winner. A fair enough follow up to her chasing debut win.
Blinkered for the first time, OSCAR LATEEN led to two out and then weakened. He was a clear third on the run-in and a big slap from Steven Fox’s whip seemed totally out of order.
OIL BURNER struggled from four out and isn’t threatening a win despite racing off lower than his last winning mark.
PROUD GAMBLE didn’t impress with his jumping and weakened quickly down the far side. He was reported as having a breathing problem.

4.40 2m 6½f Rocky Lion’s Pride of Hazelrigg Handicap Hurdle (90-110)

MARLEE MASSIE has progressed throughout the season. Ridden confidently by Kit Alexander he took it up going to the last and saw out his race well. His rider has a nice way of getting his horses moving forward and comprehensive outrode the amateur aboard the second.
SEE DOUBLE YOU was turned out for the third day in a row and made it three places from those three runs. He looked well enough, despite some concern from the grandstand sages. He held every chance going to the last, but his trainer/rider starting flapping, his mount hit the last and on the short run-in he was held.
It didn’t inspire confidence when Ronana McNally suggested “ We should go around (the paddock) again as I don’t where I’m going!” There was a shade of concern when he was at the front of the bunch at the start!
HUNTERS BELT looked hard work in rear early on, but progressed on the final circuit to challenge two out. As is customary he found something too good but he wasn’t disgraced.
CRUACHAN was well backed but, on his toes in the paddock and not an easy ride, he was held from two out. There is ability there but it’s hard work.
LORD USHER is another tough ride and was never nearer than fifth place.
KILQUIGGAN looked plenty fit enough, is suited by a staying test but generally disappointing.
BOP ALONG needs better ground and connections are searching out a longer race with a contest at Carlisle over Easter a target. Nevertheless seventh here was below expectations.
I’m told SMUGGLER’S STASH was a struggle to saddle and is another less than straight forward character, being well beaten here.
SEE THE LEGEND is more of a summer type and was well beaten off a long break.

There a whole report in March without mentioned that C place!

[robnorth]

A trip south to visit various relatives in the south of England should have included a trip to Newbury racecourse. However, a wet spell put the meeting in jeopardy, with a Thursday downpour administering the coup de grace. As it was we sat out a rainy Friday afternoon with my mum who lives a few miles from Newbury.
We headed north to Wetherby to take in their Sunday jumps meeting.

WETHERBY – Sunday April 17th

Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

We had another scare before this meeting went ahead as the course had to survive an early morning inspection. The go ahead was given, although three fences and one hurdle were omitted per circuit in order to avoid the soggiest parts of the track. The fields were reduced in size as 21 of the 54 declared runners were no shows, though the small fields still provided some decent racing.

For the record a cancellation at Stratford meant that all races were re-timed to start 5 minutes later.

2.05 2m National Festival Circus Is Here Today Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (95-112)

CACTUS VALLEY built on a decent effort at Kelso when a blunder at the last cost him his chance. On this occasion he tracked the leader, but was driven from two out and looked to struggling. After the last Tom Cheesman aimed him between the first two and he took off in the last 100 yards to win going away. He seemed to relish running between horses suggesting running in big fields might help. (He has subsequently run creditably in a better event at Perth)
CELTIC AGENT, a tall keen going sort, was produced fit enough after a long lay-off. Challenging tow out he led at the last but was run out of close home. This was a decent effort on handicap debut and he should find a similar event.
POLARBROOK made the pace and stuck to his task well against two challengers, just giving way on the run-in. This was a good effort dropped back in distance. He’s not a prolific winner, only 2 from 33, but looked honest enough here.
BOLDBOB has not progressed from a Cartmel win last August and was beaten from three out.
SUPER COLLIDER didn’t look comfortable and was the first beaten.

2.20 Mascot Gold Cup (Handicap over 1 furlongs with 6 jumps)

53 entries for the mascot race. It’s easy enough to spot the likely contenders in the parade as they are ones sporting training shoes!
ONGO BEAR (representing Ongo Homes) came with a run to take it up approaching the last only to fall and left the at the mercy of SILENTNIGHT HIPPO (representing Rooms Furniture of Keighley).

2.40 1m 7f racinguk.com Handicap Chase (92-115)
These events are listed as ‘about two miles’ but lack of decent tape measure at Wetherby before ‘Wetherby Distance-gate’ means they now race at a shade over fifteen furlongs.

Only three turned up but this was a decent contest, all three in with a chance passing the omitted two out.
I’ve seen TRUST THOMAS a few times of late and he looked as well as I have seen him here. He jumped better than the second and a fine leap at the last clinched the race. He handles this testing ground well enough.
ROXYFET did not jump well and that cost him the race, a clumsy jump at the last conceding the contest. He’s been raised in the weights and will need to sharpen his fencing if he is to add to his tally of wins.
FREE WORLD bowled along in front jumping impressively. He still held a chance on the run to the last but was outpaced. He kept on to challenge for second and his mid-Wales based trainer must hold out some hope that she can find a race for this veteran.

3.10 2m 3½f D M Keith Mares’ Maiden Hurdle (Class 5)

I’ve often said that these contests don’t take an awful lot of winning in the north. However, we were treated to a cracking battle between the two serious contenders.
TWO SMOKIN BARRELS is an attractive jumping sort who will likely go on to make a mark over fences. She had to battle hard but after a prolonged head-to-head she got on top in the last 50 yards. Promising behind a long odds-on chance at Chepstow on Rules debut, she’s a point winner and will have no trouble staying further than this.
ANGEL FACE lost nothing in defeat on her debut for South Wales trainer Paul Morgan. She’s not a big mare, but clearly has a heart as she made the winner pull out the stops. Morgan should place her to win a similar contest.
BYGONES FOR COINS is a headstrong flat maiden who has yet to encourage over hurdles. She led until being quickly left behind from the top bend and was left to come home in her own time. It’s difficult to see much prospect of success for this one.

3.45 3m wetherbyracing.co.uk Handicap Chase (115-130)
Not a bad contest for the main race on the card and won by a progressive young chaser.

The mare STREETS OF PROMISE has made steady progress in recent times and followed up her Newcastle victory with an impressive all the way win. She pulled clear from two out and this seven-year-old mare looks to have prospects of making a mark in a higher grade next term.
BARAFUNDLE put in a number of slow jumps and couldn’t match the winner, though given how much ground he gave away at the obstacles this was a reasonable effort. He’s a twelve-year-old now though and will struggle win again without a significant improvement in his jumping.
SWING HARD briefly threatened after four out but never got to the first two. He kept on at one pace and is probably better on a stiffer track.
BEFOREALL was in rear for much of the way and not travelling. He kept on past tired rivals for a never nearer fourth place.
OSCAR O’SCAR was disappointing here, but he’s gone up in the weights and this could have been one race too many for now. Although a winner over similar trip at Kelso he may just be better at a shorter trip.
RUSSBOROUGH was not seriously competitive in the final mile. He was pulled up and dismounted as Liam Treadwell felt he had gone lame, but the vet found nothing wrong during a post-race examination.
TOP OF THE RANGE ran no sort of race and was pulled up on stable debut after a near two year lay-off.

4.20 2m Bulloughs Cleaning Services Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

This looked a shoo-in for the long odds-on favourite Flashjack. However Simon West’s OVERTHEEDGE improved on previous Rules efforts and won quite nicely. I get the impression that his trainer has a fair impression of this one, with staying chases being the ultimate aim, but evidence here is that he has some speed. Leading two out he saw his race out well and the pair were well clear, so even allowing for a below form second, this is at least respectable form.
FALCON’S REIGN has won over nine furlongs on the flat, but doesn’t look an obvious sort for two mile hurdles in testing ground. Having chased the leaders he weakened in the straight.
CAPTAIN MOWBRAY is a headstrong type who was held up in rear and picked off a couple in the straight.
The other two competitors were FIRST OF NEVER is a 66-rated hurdler who had no chance here and DESERT NOVA is a fourteen-year-old maiden.

4.50 2m 5½f Sunday Car Boot Fair Every Week Handicap Chase (92-112)

A weakly contested chase won by the only contestant who ran up to form.

THE DRINKYMEISTER can be hard work, but sticks to his task and ground out a victory from the front. He has dropped significantly in the weights and could win again given his own way in front.
PAY THE KING wasn’t totally disgraced, but he invariably drops a clanger or two over the fences and wasn’t fluent here. Unless his fencing improves he would need to find a very soft contest.
CROWN AND GLORY was up in trip and reported as unsuited by the going.
BONNET’S VINO jumped significantly right most of the way and was beaten with three quarters of a mile to travel.

5.20 2m Royal Pigeon Racing Association Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 5)

This looked an interesting contest at first glance. In the end it cut up a bit, but the first two look reasonable mares and the third might do better in time.

Point winner CHAMPAGNE TO GO came clear nicely from a previous winner and looks one capable of taking on better company.
Catterick winner KELKA was comfortably held once passed two out. However, she’s out of a 4-times winning staying mare in Scarvagh Diamond and will be interesting once going jumping over a longer distance.
BANJO GIRL was outpaced in the straight. She’s a half-sister to 3 winners and should produce better given time.
PALM VALLEY was beaten a long way, has shown nothing in points and prospects are not good on this evidence.
REINE DES CHAMPS caught my eye as a strongly built jumping type. However, she started to labour down the far side, was pulled up and had suffered a fatal injury.

[Venture to Cognac]

Good stuff as usual Rob.

What did you think of Seeyouatmidnight at Ayr? I had him down as a non stayer, and had written him off for these trips to be honest. I really think he’d get the trip at Aintree, or maybe just heart ruling the head???

I didn’t see the race, but was Fagan disappointing at Perth? I want to keep an eye on him next season, and he’s already shortlist material for RSA or National Hunt Chase. Do you have any opinion on what race he’d be more suited to?

[robnorth]

I’ve been really busy at work lately and haven’t been able to do as many reports as I would like. when you spend a working day writing manuals it can sometimes be a bind to write in your spare time. However, I had to put up a report on my first visit to Wetherby. Aileen felt there was a lack of atmosphere, but these Family Day meetings can be a little different. Nice course though with good viewing even from ground level. That one was touch and go with the weather, and we had missed out on Newbury on the Friday. There was a real chance Saturday evening that we were going to have to move to Plan C and use our Scottish National Trust cards for an ‘English reciprocal’!

I’ve always had Seeyouatmidnight down as a stayer. I suspect a combination class and the ground were his undoing not lack of staying power. He won a Rendlesham Hurdle in heavy ground and non-stayers do not do that!

In the Scottish Grand National he ran a cracker, just found out by a better handicapped horse.

I’m not sure that Perth is a track that plays to Fagan’s strengths. He wasn’t convincing in his races at Musselburgh, yet stormed up the hill at Cheltenham. I was surprised that Gordon Elliott didn’t hold back for Punchestown. Incidentally another Kelso bumper graduate Barney Dwan finished in front of Fagan at Perth and he has done really well over the season.

Work commitments took Perth off the agenda this week, but I’m off to Balcormo tomorrow for the Fife Hunt meeting. Could be an ‘Alexander Fest’ with careful placing of their entrants.

Rob

[Venture to Cognac]

Yup, know that feeling well Rob. Looking forward to getting outside during the summer, and not being on here just as much.

[robnorth]

BALCORMO MAINS – Saturday April 23rd
Going – Good

A disappointing turn out runner wise at Balcormo for the Fife hunt point-to-point where ground judged on the quick side by some, despite watering, saw only 23 contest six races. I understand two horses travelled from Wales but were pulled out as trainer considered the ground too quick. Spectator wise it seemed busier than last year, but some seemed to pack up and go home early. My wife wasn’t impressed to note two and three runners in the first two races, but things did get a little better.
Weather was mainly dry, though a brisk north wind did bring in the odd wintry flurry.

2.00 Turcan Connel Fife Foxhounds Hunts Members, Subscribers and Farmers Race

Fife isn’t over-endowed with active point-to-point trainers at this time, so this event isn’t likely to yield too many runners unless the Alexanders turned up mob-handed. In the event the latter’s entries were selective and they gave this one a miss. However, the two that turned up were at least quite evenly matched.
Connor Wood, who looks a decent pilot in the making, set a sensible pace on the Russell’s BADGER FOOT and gradually wound the pace up in the final mile. Despite the best efforts from Gemma Cochrane her charge MILANO MAGIC was held from two out.

2.30 Subaru Restricted

A weak contest and not likely to produce a prominent contestant for the Stratford final.
Rodd Wilson set the pace on PHARAWAYDANTE and pulled clear from three out to win by 25 lengths. The grey stepped up on some lousy recent form and seemed happy being able to dictate the pace.
AFTERCLASS was held up, outpaced from three out and only kept on to pass a weakening opponent late on. He won an Overton Maiden last year, but his form is patchy and he has bled in the recent past.
FLYING CENTRAL won a 2m 4f Maiden at Hexham last year. On this evidence he struggles to see out three miles and he had called enough by the second last.

3.00 Lundin Homes Ladies’ Open

The field sizes were incrementing by the race and four turned up for the Ladies’ contest.
SHRIVARRY’s recent form reads well with wins at Overton and Dalston as well as a second to fair performer at Corbridge. Brought steadily into the contest down the far side for the last time by Aimee Waugh, he challenged two out, led at the last and forged clear on the run-in.
WHISPERDALE has run some fair races this season without getting his head in front. He disputed early and went on at the sixth, only being headed at the last and not having the resources to respond.
RAIFTIERI won races back in 2013 and 14 but has been generally toiling since. He was outpaced when the first two upped the tempo, but passed a toiling rival in the latter stages to gain a place.
THE SHRIMP was a winner of two handicap chases in 2014 when rated 81, but has shown precious little recently and hasn’t beaten another this year. He was before two out here and probably needs softer ground anyway.

3.30 Pentland Land Rover Mens Open

Nose bleed time as five pitched up for the fourth race, but it was not a strong Open race.
ALLTHEKINGSHORSES has some decent staying form to his credit and the surface here was just up his street. Veteran pilot Jamie Alexander was able to kick on from the fourteenth and his mount was always producing sufficient to hold his rivals.
FOR A FINISH was rated lowest of these but was well ridden by Phil Moore. Creeping gradually into the race on the final circuit his mount chased the winner from two out but was held by a better opponent. For A Finish was rated 127 when winning 6 races in Ireland up to 2012, but he’s nowhere near that level now and this was a best effort for some time.
OLDRIK is a non-stayer, so the quick surface will have helped. Given his problems with the distance he did well to hold a chance two out but is a weak finisher in these events.
HAVE ONE FOR ME set the pace early, but was struggling by three out and well held from that point. He won twice in 2014 but looks on the downgrade these days.
SUPREME REGIME has some form to his name, but was struggling from three out here and well beaten. He’s up against it in Opens.

4.00 Bruce Farms NPPA Members’

Jamie Alexander notched up a double as he rode ROYAL CHATELIER to win this event. Under a text book hold up ride, the winner came to challenge before the last and was ridden to hold the pace setter from the last. A decent enough effort from one that goes well in softer ground and is competitive in Opens.
Jamie’s nephew Kit set the pace on MR SHAHADY who saw out his race after being passed at the last. He’s inconsistent but runs the odd decent race.
PYJAMA GAME runs some fair races but is not prolific winner these days. He shared the pace for much of the way but gave way from before two out though still only beaten 5 lengths. For a Will Ramsay view of this race atop Pyjama Game, including his opinion on the going at around 1:56 check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ztsxh_e0k
SILENT SNOW didn’t jump with any fluency and his chance had gone by three out. He hasn’t sparkled in two efforts this term.

4.30 Rathbones Open Maiden
This race fell apart down the far side on the final circuit with three departing.
ELUSIVE CLASSIC was entitled to have every chance on the best of his Irish point form. He unseated on UK debut at Corbridge, but made up for that. Left disputing with a sole opponent at the sixteenth he forged clear from two out. What he actually achieved here is debatable as the second is a poor performer.
BURNETT’S JOINT is a non-stayer who is a frequent non-finisher. He did at remain competitive in a weak race but was held from two out and it probably isn’t worth getting carried away with a 2 in his form line.
Bruce Lynn reported that LOCKIESEDGE tried to run out at the sixteenth and unseated. This one was off the track for a long time before this season, hints at ability but clearly has quirks.
TIME FOR VINO hasn’t shown much but was still in contention when unseating midway round the final circuit.
DAPPER LADY has shown little ability, jumping poorly here and was well detached when unseating at the fifteenth.

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