North’s notes

[robnorth]

KELSO – Wednesday May 4th

Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)

A decent midweek card as Kelso move towards the summer break, with just Ladies Day to come in late May. To my mind the course was generally good all round with just a softer patch swinging to home. What would have had some effect was a very strong wind blowing straight into the faces of the runners once they turned for home, and I found the pre-racing slog up the straight a tough one.

2.20 2m 7½f Tweedbank Office Dayout Selling Handicap Chase (80-97)

Although he has won in soft ground it was a four runner event and GENROUS CHIEF has been struggling of late in the mud. Back on faster ground in basement company, he was up with the pace all way and outstayed his main challenger from two out. There was no bid despite the enthusiasm of the DBS auctioneer, but you would think Chris Grant will seek to keep him on the go at this level over the summer.
DR BEAUJOLAIS is lightly raced and has presumably had his problems, but is decent enough at this level on his day. Disputing with the winner for most of the way, he looked to be getting the worst of the argument when ploughing through the last, and error from which he didn’t recover but just held second. He looks best on this ground and remains competitive off his current mark of 97.
BENEFIT IN KIND kept on from two out having been outpaced but was flattered by proximity to the second.
CLENAGH CASTLE threatened on the heels of the leaders after three out but was then put in his place. He has few miles on the clock and staying appears to be his game, albeit at a pace equating to a rating of 80.
BESCOT SPRINGS is better than this at best, but his form is up and down and he never threatened.
BRAE ON was out the back most of the way and only passed a couple late on.
MOSCOW MENACE was behind form the twelfth and his recent form is poor, while TUTCHEC was well behind from three out and has been regressive in recent times.

2.50 2m 1f Canada Life Handicap Chase (115-133)

A decent event for an ‘end of season’ contest and a nicely progressive winner.

ALWAYS ON THE RUN set the pace jumping well and kicked on going to the last. The pursuers were catching him toward the line but I suspect he was doing no more than he absolutely had to in front. He won’t go up a huge amount for this so can still get into 0-140 contests and, as last season, will likely be kept going on the faster ground.
SPECIAL CATCH had his chance two out, was then outpaced before closing on the idling winner on the flat. He’s largely exposed, but capable at this level and can handle this ground or softer.
UBALTIQUE was held up in rear and passed a few from two out. Although a shade quirky he wins a shade more than his share of races. The stable representative stated that he will now being given a rest before returning for an autumn campaign.
AYE WELL had a chance two out but was one paced from that point. He has run a few decent races this season and is another that will presumably be off for a summer holiday.
KATGARY was making a first appearance for Pauline Robson and was firmly put in his place from two out. A winner over 2m 5f for Paul Nicholls, his new stable can some encouragement from this effort considering that a serious error four out did not help his cause.
INDIAN VOYAGE has had a busy campaign, running creditably on most occasions, but this may have been one race too many.
CLUES AND ARROWS needed the race on return and was behind by halfway. He has ability and should not be written off.

3.25 2m 6½f Hunter Real Estate Investments Managers Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (89-110)

Sponsors really do need to learn to get to the point quicker with their race titles!

What looked to be a moderate contest at first glance might prove to be quite decent for its level. GOLDEN INVESTMENT looks a staying chaser in the making, led all the way and stayed on well up the hill. I would assume he will go chasing next term and looks capable.
TICKANRUN has yet to win but clearly stays well and kept on to the line for second. A staying hurdle on softer ground will likely suit best.
Lightly raced KK LEXION looked very dangerous before the last but couldn’t quite see out the distance. The race may well bring him on and he should have his day in the sun before long.
BASSARABAD has looked an out-and-out stayer but was outpaced from two out here. He has seemed better with more cut.
Maiden MISTER DON made no impression.
RED STORY was equipped with a cross-noseband which is not typical of Alistair Whillans’s runners. He was comfortably put in his plae from two out.
HEILAN REBEL was disappointing and didn’t appear to benefit form a step up in trip that I imagined would suit.

4.00 3m 2f Bedmax Handicap Chase (84-114)

This was a race featuring largely exposed sort that was run at a decent pace.

SCOTSWELL is decent at this level when on song and made the running until headed two out. He rallied well and was back on top after the last. Although handling soft in the past he is probably at his best on good ground.
WHATS UP WOODY would normally make the pace but didn’t seem overly perturbed by being taken on. He came to lead two out but found the winner stronger from the last. He remains on a workable mark.
COBAJAYISLAND chased the leaders and had his chance but was outpaced going to the last.
MORE MADNESS made his effort three out but didn’t make a serious impression. He’s a plodder best suited by a stamina test but is not often a winner.
BLUE KASCADE looked fit for his return after a break but was well held from three out.
DREAM FLYER never got into the contest and nor did FOOT THE BILL, tailed off in the latter stages and walked in.
LUCEMATIC looked fire up pre-race but well beaten by four out and pulled up two out.
Veteran SOLWAY BAY had retained his zest for the game, but was lack lustre here and tailed off on the final circuit before being pulled up.
VIKING REBEL’s jockey lost his irons at the fifth and had no choice but to go around the next and pull up.

4.35 2m Principal and Prosper Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (105-119)

ASH PARK bounced back to form to add to his Carlisle win. He led two out and saw his race out well. (Since ran a creditable second in what looked a slightly weaker event at Hexham three days later)
DYNAMIC DRIVE has waited out the winter in his comfy stable awaiting the better ground. He put it to the winner two out but was just held despite seeing his race out well. This sound effort augurs well for the summer campaign.
NEVILLE WOODS has changed stables and his intermittent appearances suggest problems. He was mounted on the track which in itself suggests he’s awkward but, having been held up, he kept on well from two out for a never nearer third place and is no lost cause.
WEAPON OF CHOICE made some progress three out but was then outpaced.
THEATRICAL STYLE led three out but was headed two out and weakened.
WHERE’S TIGER returned after a break during which included a wind operation. He made the running until two out but faded quickly and it remains to be seen if this was lack of fitness or a recurring problem.
Most notable to me was that the colours of this one were ‘Primrose, rose hops, rose cap’, which a racing nut would recognise as those of the Earl Of Rosebery. Owner Lady Jane Kaplan is the daughter of the 7th Earl of Rosebery, and it appears has acquired the colours along with her husband Michael.

5.05 2m 5½f Glendale Engineering Novices’ Hunters’ Chase (Class 5)

The open ditch two out was omitted on the final circuit having been badly damaged.

SIX A SIDE has been rattling in the wins in the pointing field, 7 from 14 this side of the Irish Sea. A look back through his record and I note he ran behind The Last Sumari on his last outing in the Irish pointing field. He made a very encouraging Rules debut here, leading two out and sprinting clear in the manner of a decent animal at this level. Emma Todd has proved her training ability with Railway Dillon and has a serious animal on her hands here.
DANEHILL WELLS stepped up on recent Rules efforts and kept on well enough to hold second place. He’s inexperienced over regulation fences and may improve on this in similar company.
NEW VIC couldn’t quite match the level of his Buccleuch Cup effort, chasing the leader from three out but unable to make an impression.
MISS BISCOTTI was outpaced from two out. She has shown glimmers of form under Rules and Gary Rutherford may be able to coax better out of her in points given time.
LITTLE FRITZ led four out going well but couldn’t offer an answer once the stakes were upped going to the omitted two out.
COOTE STREET finished last of the six to get round. His few appearances suggest a poor performer and hunter chasing him is the height of optimism.
CRAZY DIAMOND was one of the three given a strong chance in the market but was most un-cooperative. Not keen to move on the track, he was walked to the start but it became clear he wasn’t going to jump off and he was withdrawn.
The remainder were pulled up.
BEAU TRAVELLER was turned out in a bright pink rug and matching accessories! On the course he’s a Rules maiden and hardly likely to change things at 13. The main mark he left was to walk through the eighth, the open ditch, rendering it unusable on the final circuit. And walk through it he did as he hardly took off!
MR SHAHADY has been placed in weak points but quickly gave way from four out here.
SCOTSMAN raced prominently for a while but struggling from a mile out.
SIR WATTY has won a point but isn’t remotely good enough at this level.

5.35 2m Ferguson Planning and Development Standard Open National Hunt Flat (Div 1) (Class 5)

Two divisions of the bumper gives plenty to keep me happy.

Market Rasen scorer MONTY MEWS quickening nicely off a fair pace and pulling well clear in the final furlong. On looks he has every chance of turning into a jumper.
NICHOLAS T had run two fair races previously and showed plenty of determination when asked to battle for second place. He’s proved rather keen on last two outings but there should be a race in him over hurdles.
TALES OF THE TWEED was the less forward of the two Henderson representatives in the two legs. A third place was an acceptable start, seeing out his race to the line and he should build on this given the summer to strengthen a bit more.
ARCTIC DESTINATION looks all over a jumper in the making. He set a respectable pace and didn’t places lightly in the closing stages. He’s a point winner and worth bearing in mind once going over hurdles.
MAYO STAR was outpointed from three out. He’s a brother to five winners, and not a bad looker, but may just need a little time.
PIKARNIA found this tougher than the two bumpers contested last year.
WARDEN LAW looks a long term project and didn’t have speed enough here, well behind from the home turn.
TRINITY HOUSE is related to winners, the most successful being Scat Daddy a multiple winner around 9 furlongs on US dirt. The downside is that he was a cheap buy and wearing tongue strap on debut. He got well behind and was walked in but doesn’t encourage.
HERE COMES HOVIS was outpaced after a mile and trotted to the finish.

6.05 2m Ferguson Planning and Development Standard Open National Hunt Flat (Div 2) (Class 5)

THOMAS CAMPBELL’s price of 11/2 might well have been due to a seventh place on debut, but he was the more forward of the Henderson runners. He burst away from the pack over a furlong out and sprinted clear. Promising, but his brother Magna Cartor was precocious in bumpers for this stable but showed little over jumps.
UNCLE PERCY was well held by the winner but saw his race out well enough. A promising start for this four-year-old and he looks a fair prospect for Micky Hammond in time.
ACDC was taken off his feet when the pace quickened but stayed on relentlessly from two out to finish a clear third. He didn’t see a racecourse until the age of six, so is clearly a late developer, but this performance suggests that stamina will be his strong suit.
DAKLONDIKE raced prominently but was outpaced from two out. He won his Irish point in a decent time compared with races no the same card, so is worth keeping a quiet eye on for the future.
GET RHYTHM led at a reasonable pace but gave way once headed after two out. He’s an Irish point winner from a race that hasn’t worked out too badly.
POT COMMITTED couldn’t build on a third at Navan after an 80 day break.
TIGER MOUNTAIN was left behind from six out.
GLINGERSIDE was a 48,000 Euro purchase but showed nothing of note here despite looking far enough forward.
BORDER VICTOR looks like a chaser and will need a fair bit of time if he’s to do anything, but he was well tailed off here.

[robnorth]

Back after a summer break. I’ve had quiet time with only a handful of flat meetings but now refreshed adn looking forward to an interesting autumn programme.

KELSO – Wednesday September 14th 2016
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)

The Kelso autumn programme commenced with a twilight meeting on a murky day, a contrast to the scorching conditions prevailing not that far south of the Borders. A light sprinkling of rain overnight and during the day resulted in the going that was just on the soft side. A pre-meeting walk of the course found the surface in excellent condition, even and with a lush covering of grass. Times were a bit slower than average, with possibility that the thick grass cover may have contributed to this. The moisture left my walking boots well soaked after a lap!
The track were trialling a new hurdle made of foam padding on a wooden frame, designed to mitigate against horses putting their legs through hurdles.
The day’s action commenced at 1pm with a charity team show jumping competition with involving rules jockeys, point-to-point riders and eventers. The winners were Lambden Racing representing the Sandy Thomson yard.

4.15 2m 5f Barbara MacLeod Memorial Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

A weakly contested event and the four finishers were strung out from the home turn.
The winner THELIGNY travelled from Tim Vaughan yard in South Wales. He travelled well throughout the race and moved smoothly to take up the running before the last and won easily. The race won’t have done him any harm and he should pick up a novice under a penalty.
DERINTOHER YANK set a strong pace but was out on his feet before the last, though comfortably holding a clear second. As is often the case with McCain runners, there wasn’t an obvious amount of progression to be inferred from his condition so he probably needs to race with a little more restraint. His best form to date has been on good ground.
GREXIT had the best form of those with hurdling experience but was left well behind to take a distant third.
PADS was never in the race and remote in the last six furlongs.
GENTLEMAN JAMES raced prominently early but was toiling when falling heavily at the seventh. He was down for a long time but we were thankful to see him walk back apparently none the worse.
Connections of KALAHARRY were on a fact finding mission and didn’t learn a huge amount as their charge came down after novice jump at the fifth flight. There was money at a long price but those involved with him had no idea where it came from!

4.50 2m 5½f Connie’s Celebration Handicap Chase (104-110)
A five-runner contest with largely exposed sorts won by the progressive animal in the field. One discouraging factor is that all five runners were fitted with tongue-ties.
Jackie Stephen does a fine job with her small string based at Inverurie. AMILLIONTIMES made it a hat-trick with a hard fought victory off an 11lbs higher mark. Held up, he was under the pump some way out, but that is not untypical and he made good progress from the home turn, joined issue at the last and saw his race out determinedly. It is difficult to tell how much more there is to come, but he will only be kept on the go if decent ground prevails and he struggles in the soft.
UP AND GO led and, after some alarming jumps at the first three, settled down quite nicely at a decent pace. He responded well when challenged two out but couldn’t fend off the winner’s challenge on the flat. He was rated 142 at best over hurdles and, though not near that level over fences, is at least a mark where he is competitive.
SEVEN DEVILS made a blunder or two, but was in touch approaching the last and unable to raise his game. He looks on his mark.
ROUGH JUSTICE has been largely regressive since his move from Ireland. He raced prominently and challenged between the last two, but was held from the last. He is at least offering connections some encouragement.
IS LOVE ALIVE was beaten two out and recent form is not wildly encoruaging.

5.25 2m 5f Bannerman Burke Taits Solicitors Handicap Hurdle (74-100)

A moderate bunch and few got into this race off a strong pace.
MOMKINZAIN has never really threatened over this sort of trip, but has dropped low in the handicap and was able to take advantage of a low weight in weak company. Sitting off the pace he picked runners off from three out and won going away. The ground presumably helped but I wouldn’t guarantee a follow up.
DANCEINTOTHELIGHT set a strong pace and was clear most of the way, but he started to falter before the last and had no answer when the winner passed him. He wins only occasionally and is suited by a sharp track.
SON OF FEYAN was one to catch the eye in the paddock. He was never in the race seriously but stayed on late and just failed to grab second. This was his best hurdles effort to date.
DALAMAN was a drifter from a short price but on what he had done even SP of 11/4 looked very tight. He went second two out but could only plug on for a well held fourth.
It was difficult to take encouragement from the rest of the field and it’s sad to report that KILMAINHAM could not be saved following a heavy fall at the second flight.
6.00 2m 1f Jail Dornoch Supporting M.S. Handicap Chase (123-135)

THEFLYINGPORTRAIT has been progressive over recent months and made all to win under a penalty, staying on far too strongly for an exposed bunch.
I’MJOEKING hasn’t sparkled on sporadic appearances of late, having last won in summer 2014. He stayed on from the rear for second but never got near the winner.
GURKHA BRAVE had his chance if good enough, chasing the leader two out, but weakened before the last and finished tired. He was plenty fir enough off a break and there didn’t seem an obvious excuse.
ROMAN FLIGHT has been running well of late but was comfortably held here, never getting near enough to land a blow and well beaten.
NAUTICAL TWILIGHT seemed to need the race after a break and should come on for this if well behind here. Similarly INDIAN VOYAGE is not one that would be expected first time and he will come on for the appearance, a tailed off last not his form.

6.30 2m Prinicipal and Prosper Handicap Hurdle (116-142)

Not a bad little contest on the face of it, but one turned into a procession by WISTY who led all the way and was comfortably clear from two out. Having run three good races at Cartmel, he clearly relished this slightly stiffer track and is fine form, though he will be bumped up a long way for a 17 length win.
MARTILA was fit enough after a break and ran a sound race. Presumably her jockey thought the winner would come back to the field, and I suspect this effort might work out better than the distance beaten suggests.
LYRIC STREET chased the second home but was another 17 lengths adrift. He’s a summer sort and will presumably be put away unless the ground stays on the fast side.
RUACANA never got into the race on debut for Tim Vaughan.
MARDALE was disappointing here, dropping away from three out having been prominent in the chasing group.

7.00 2m Mary Irving M S Borders Branch Standard Open NH Flat Race (Class 6)

The runners dawdled for the first half of the race and the favourite in particularly did seem suited by the ‘burn up’ from the home turn.

TOKARAMORE looks decently bred for jumping. She raced prominently and stayed on a shade better than her two main rivals. She gave the impression that the race would do her no harm so there could be a step up on this form.
THOMAS TODD was not an obvious choice, either on breeding or paddock inspection. However, having shared the pace he stuck to his guns when the tempo increased and saw his race out for a creditably second.
TEMPLE MAN looked fit enough to do himself justice, though his stable inferred that there may be better to come. He challenged in the straight but came under pressure and weaved about on the run to the dip a furlong and a half out and losing ground, keeping on well enough to the line. The experience should help.
BARNEY’S CAULKER is a squat thick set type from a table not renowned for bumper success. He was out-speeded from two out.
NOT FAR WRONG needed the race here.
MESSI’S MAGIC was lively in the paddock. This sort of contest was unlikely to be her strong suit and she has the build to show up better over obstacles in time.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday October 22nd
Going – Good To Soft

The chase rail was moved out significantly giving a finish on the chase course no more than half a dozen horse wide. Last hurdle was 150 yards out with second last about as near to the home bend as it could be. On my pre-racing course walk I judged going description pretty accurate although intermittent rain during the afternoon meant that rain had started to get into the ground by mid afternoon.

2.00 2m Ian Anderson Memorial NH Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)

Pace on from the start here and the runners were soon strung out. Paul Nicholls BRIO CONTI trained was a warm favourite but there looked a bit to work on and we were none the wiser after he departed at the first.
The mare KALANITI showed plenty of promise in bumpers last term and showed plenty of determination to see off her main challengers from the last. She’s a nice mare and would be a shoo-in with a penalty in a mares’ only event.
SAMMY B isn’t the most handsome gelding but has shown some promise and saw out his race well enough for second place. This was a decent enough comeback and he can move on from here.
Unusually for Donald McCain he appeared to have left a bit of condition on MIDDLEBROW. He led until after two out and could muster only one pace on the flat. He will come on for this and, though the form isn’t top rate, can progress.
One to take out of this race long term is MEDAL OF FREEDOM. He raced prominently on hurdles debut before giving way approaching two out. The race will be of benefit and he will likely turn into a chaser in time.
LAST DATE is another chasing sort who will need time, but was not totally disgraced in fifth.
OISHIN had minor places in moderate bumpers before this. Maurice Barnes is not one to rush his charges and this one definitely needed the race and was well beaten.
PEPPAY LE PUGH was hampered at the first and despite progress at halfway never got into the race and was pulled up. He’s probably capable of better.

2.35 2m 7½f Cliffrod and Martin Frith Memorial Novices’ Chase (Class 4)

This event normally throws up some decent animals and this didn’t look a bad renewal.
SELDOM INN lost his way over fences last season and didn’t make a mark over hurdles subsequently. He looked a different animal this time round, settling better and generally jumping well though ploughing through the last when comfortably clear. He could be a bit decent if able to repeat this from, though Sandy Thomson’s campaign for him will be determined by his new mark though it appears that handicapper has down rated others rather than being too harsh on Seldom Inn.
BALLYBOKER BREEZE, a previous winner at Perth, was well held from three out.
WARRIOR’S TALE, another Perth winner, was well back in third and the handicapper has dropped him 8lbs. He led to four out but had nothing left in the straight.
CAPTAIN REDBEARD looked fit enough but was not good enough in this company. He’s rated 114 and would be much better off in a novices’ handicap.
URBAN HYMN has had spells off the track. He looked fit, a typical Jefferson sort, raced prominently for a long way but weakened quickly from three out. He looks the business but a better run is needed to prove all is physically well.

3.10 3m 2f EDF-ER Handicap Chase (109-135)

The feature race of the afternoon and one I watched from down by the second last, the open ditch.

ONE FOR ARTHUR has promised to be a decent animal, and beat Seldom Inn in last year’s renewal of the previous event. He travelled well and pinged the second last coming to take it up from a willing front runner. He quickly pulled clear in the closing stages and the Becher Chase is now on the agenda, an event for which he will lack nothing in jumping ability.
SCOTSWELL can be difficult to get past on a good day and ran will real zest here. He had all bar the winner beaten off by two out but just couldn’t live with that one from two out. He’s in good heart and worth noting when able to dictate.
PENA DORADA had a tough ask in this company but performed with a degree of credit, seeing off the remainder of the pursuing group from two out. Not especially well handicapped but this was a decent effort.
KILFINICHEN BAY has been on the go through the summer. He had no real excuse here, outpaced from three out.
CYCLOP was struggling when doing well to stand up after making a complete horlicks of two out.
NO PLANNING may need more testing conditions and was outpaced from three out.
BALLYROCK didn’t look to be going well at any point and was well behind when pulled up before two out, equally off the mark PRESENTED accompanying him past the last two.

3.40 2m 7f Myles McNulty You’re Never Fifty Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

When Nicky Richards prepares one spot on for Kelso get on! ANOTHER BILL was the fittest here and wore down his two main rivals to win this contest. He may have a tougher task under a double penalty in future and could be forced into handicaps.
ARCTIC DESTINATION was made favourite but looked a bit short of full fitness. He led before two out until the last and saw out his race. He will come on for this outing and his winning turn looks merely delayed.
GRAN PARADISO was outpaced before two out and might have been expected to get a bit closer here.
The race didn’t hot up until the last half mile and only other contestant who is worth a note is NOMOREBLACKJACK who made the pace before giving way two out. He looks a chasing type that may well find his level given time.

4.15 2m Sir Maxwell Harper Gow (89-115) Handicap Hurdle

COOL BARANCA ran a cracker from out of the weights at Market Rasen recently and followed up in emphatic style under an excellent ride from Emma Sayer who was recording a first win at Kelso (I had to check that one as I couldn’t believe it!). Held up as is beast, Cool Barance cruised through from two out and took it up to win most comfortably. She may well follow up as long as the going doesn’t turn too testing.
Emma Sayer, who will be gifted Cool Baranca once the mare’s career has finished, has taken up a position as PE teacher in a Cumbrian secondary school. She has reverted to amateur status and is worth noting against fellow amateurs as there won’t be many better.
BIG RIVER needs further and I would imagine has a future over fences, so a staying on second here was most encouraging. A decent effort off a lay-off and he looks very well handicapped whether he stays hurdling or goes chasing.
ZARU ran most creditably after two years off and is clearly no back number. Having led to two out he could only raise the one pace but this run suggests James Ewart can eke a race or two out of him in the coming months if he can be kept fit.
OAK VINTAGE was outclassed by traditional Dancer in a match here last time and his limitations were signalled in this company, being outpaced from two out.
LEVELLING looked plenty fit enough, but was well held on debut for Marjorie Fife. He’s young though and has the odd bit of promise in previous form.

4.50 2m 7½f Bruce Farms Handicap Chase (76-98)

A moderate event full of well exposed stayers.

RUNSWICK DAYS has been off his game on recent runs, but going back a while has decent form at this level in the book. George Bewley would appear to have sweetened him nicely as he led two out and won quite nicely. He ran off 76 here and, given his previous marks, he would still be a likely contender when re-assessed and may be capable of scoring a co8uple of times before the handicapper catches up.
PROUD GAMBLE has been showing decent form and saw his race out for a decent second place. He doesn’t have as many miles on the clock as some and is worth a glance in similar company.
ROSQUERO is inconsistent but competitive at this level when he fancies it. He had his chance in the straight but gave way before the last.
MY IDEA disputed for a long way but was beaten in fourth when unseating at the last.
BROTHER SCOTT looked fit enough and had his chance, disputing for a fair way, but finished well beaten and is difficult to win with.
APACHE PILOT has shown his best form at stiffer tracks. He was well behind in the latter stages.
INNIS SHANNON jumped abysmally in rear, yet Jonathan Bewley managed to coax her close enough to chase the leaders on the home turn. Efforts told from that point and she was pulled up. She’s only six and if her trainer can sort her jumping she will win at this level.
MOSCOW MENACE is a headstrong sort, two handlers in the paddock, and blows himself out in his race.

5.25 2m 6½f BARK C.J. Training Series Handicap Hurdle (74-100)

Not a great event and a case could be made to oppose most here for one reason and another Tim Vaughan spotted a long range opportunity for the maiden BASSARABAD who stayed on too strongly for his opponents. Seemingly well regarded in early days he has dropped to a mark he can cope with and stayed on well enough from two out to break his duck. He copes with softer ground and may build on this.
BINOWAGH BAY was thereabouts most of the way but outpointed from the last. His form is mixed but he has a fair record when travelling over the Irish Sea.
PRESENT TREND had his chance but was outpaced going to the last. She’s lightly raced and may find a chance in a lowly event dropped back in distance.
HONEYCHILE RYDER was apparently mis-pronounced by Gareth Topham, as I reckon it should a southern US Honey Chil’ rather a ‘Honey Chilli’, but others may know better. She’s very moderate and was put in her place from two out.
KING’S CHORISTER can win at this level on his day but looks increasingly less inclined as time goes on. His last win was in March 2015 when he had our now retired slowcoach The Village back in fifth.
This trip probably stretches MOMKINZAIN’s stamina and he didn’t see it out.

[robnorth]

Time is pressed right now for various reasons so I shall endeavour to focus on significant performances or horses to keep an eye on. Hopefully I can post more regular posts if I don’t try to cover all angles.

MUSSELBURGH – Thursday November 3rd

Quick ground meant small fields for this meeting despite very good prize money.

The opening juvenile hurdle was won in decent style by an interesting prospect CAPE OF GLORY. He wore down a quirky by determined Stone Quercus in the closing stages and won going away. Keith Dalgleish should be able to place this one to win in what is a weak division in the North. The runner-up went off very quickly but put the anchors on passing the stables. Encouraged to go on he saw his race out well and is likely to prove best round sharp tracks on this sort of ground.

The mares’ maiden hurdle was won by Taurian, but she beat very little and hung left from before the last. She is probably worth opposing under a penalty.

CLONALIG HOUSE won the 2m 3½f Class 3 Handicap Hurdle in decent style and looked well suited by this decent ground. One would imagine that Tony Martin would seek out similar races here over the winter as the ground seldom gets testing.

SEEFOOD won the feature 2m 4f handicap chase, coming clear from two out. He’s been struggling with his handicap mark for a while but Richard Newland seems to have sweetened him and a mark of 127 here was helpful. His run at Cheltenham had hinted at a return to form and he may be able to build upon this effort and he does stay further.

Senatus was a handful at the start and keen in the race, but came clear in the final furlong to clinch the bumper. Whether he beat much is a question but WEYMSS POINT came with a rattle to take second on the line, looked as if there was a bit work on and would be of interest with the experience behind him.

KELSO – Saturday November 5th

I was able to give a newcomer a guided tour of the Kelso circuit, with learned descriptions of the game. A decent winner backed on the card and I think we might have a racegoer on our hands. I’m hoping to organise a race day for our local Rotary Club next year so will hoping to pass on my ‘knowledge’ to a few more!

Ground description of good to soft seemed reasonable among the roof top cognoscenti though the feeling was that soft ground performer might find themselves tapped for speed.

The dreaded low sun struck and we lost hurdles and chase fences in some contests.

Nicky Richards found a softie for Another Bill to pick up under a penalty and I suspect this one will now be handicapping. Tree Of Liberty went nicely on hurdles debut, will come on for the experience and pointing efforts suggest he will back a chaser. The key one here is LANSDOWNE ROAD making a belated Rules in third place, keeping on nicely in his own time for third. He won his 2m 4f maiden point at Cothelstone and was not disgraced in Restricted over 3 miles subsequently. Worth keeping in mind, particularly when going chasing.
Christmas In USA went out like a light from three out having travelled well. One of my fellow roof-toppers thought he saw the tongue-tie come adrift and the manner of capitulation certainly suggests something amiss.

CASUAL CAVALIER won the 2m 1f novices’ handicap chase in pleasing fashion. George Bewley is working the oracle with a few right now and this one could go on from here. Chain Of Beacons led until two out but didn’t see out his race and is proving a shade disappointing. SKY FULL OF STARS and Misfits both had their chance at the last but were held on the run-in. The latter needs further and probably isn’t completely straight forward (he looked most likely before the last), the former seemed to step on previous form now he’s gone chasing and James Ewart should eke a win out of him.

The 3m 2f handicap hurdle had only 7 hurdles due to low sun was won by Landecker who is a cussed soul but decent on his day. Kidded around by talented amateur Kit Alexander, he won very comfortably but wouldn’t be at all guaranteed to repeat the form next time despite being a 130 horse running off 115 here. Stablemate Another Mattie probably needed this race but lack of opportunities meant he was routed to Kelso and he will come on for this.

Trickaway led passing the omitted two out in the 2m 5½f handicap chase but wandered around under pressure on the long run from the last. The one that took the eye here was CAPTAIN REDBEARD, not disgraced in better company here last time, who raced towards the rear before making progress to chase the leaders on the home turn. He couldn’t close form that point but was weak in the market and will likely step up on this in the coming weeks.

Imjoeking beat an exposed field in the Mayfield Restaurant Handicap Chase which has slipped in status from Class 2 to Class 3 in recent years. The winner was well ridden from in front by Derek Fox holding QUICK DECISSON who is running plenty well enough to win a Class 4 contest around the minimum trip.

Ping beat a very ordinary bunch in the novices’ handicap hurdle. Pulpitarian ran a fair race in second but remains a maiden and eminently beatable in hurdles, his last win having been in a Laurel Park Optional Claimer back in 2012.

Commitments at the Dunfermline Firework Display meant we had to depart before the last race. I did get a look at the runners in the mares’ bumper and nothing particularly took the eye. Tokaramore’s experience proved vital as she saw of Stuart Crawford’s The Vocalist from the furlong pole. Nicky Richard’s Illwalktheline wasn’t as forward as many of the stable’s runners in this event and will need time.

[robnorth]

WETHERBY – Saturday November 12th

THE DUTCHMAN made a pleasing chasing debut in winning the novice chase. In a race run at a decent pace he made some good leaps, fiddled a fence or two and found a leg when needed, finding a bit more under pressure from the last. Another one to add to a decent roll call of chasers in Sandy Thomson’s yard.

RUNSWICK DAYS struggled upped in class having been moved up 14lbs for his Kelso win, quite a fair amount for a 7 length win with a well exposed opponent 13 lengths back in third on that occasion. However, he can still get into Class 5 and can be noted when dropped back to the lowest grade.

CHELTENHAM – Sunday November 13th

MIRSAALE ran a decent second behind exciting prospect Moon Racer at Cheltenham, staying on grittily once passed to hold a group of decent novices. There should be a Graded company win to be had from Keith Dalgleish’s novice. Don’t be surprised if this talented trainer starts making his mark in top level contests on a regular basis.

MUSSELBURGH – Monday November 14th

George Bewley has fashioned some improvement out of a number of performers in recent times and MITCD won the opening 2 mile handicap hurdle in good style. It does depend how the handicapper see this (see comments above) but there should be another win to be had from this mare. What ever happened during a year off the track seems to have worked with mare.

Taking time out to watch the novices’ chase at PLUMPTON it was disappointing to see Wishing And Hoping come down when seemingly half-lengthened by an extravagant jump from main opponent Baron Alco who went on to beat the other two by a couple of fences. Both had jumped well together until Wishing And Hoping went and are decent chasing prospects. Gary Moore has churned out a succession of decent performers in recent times and must be excited about BARON ALCO.

Thankyou Very Much won a moderate 2m 1f novices’ handicap chase jumping significantly better than the previous winner Halcyon Days who was comfortably held from two out. The other four were comfortably seen off and there’s nothing to recommend going forward on the basis the winner will presumably be shunted up a fair bit.
Exposed Mondlicht won the 2m 6f novices’ hurdle comfortably but is an exposed animal beating a winner but ordinary sort in Bassarabad. Pointing winner Ryalex didn’t jump at all well and was beaten heading for home, while Killone probably has ability but is too keen at present and jumping left something to be desired.

Sandy Thomson’s stable is in fine form and BLUE KASCADE stayed on strongly down the straight to win a competitive Class 3 staying handicap chase. He made it four wins from the first four contests on the card for Brian Hughes. Formidable Opponent lost nothing in defeat, sticking on to hold on to second and has done Willie Young Junior really proud a fine run this autumn. Mister Don stuck to his task but could never get a blow in at the winner.

The fillies’ juvenile hurdle was contender for worst race of the season and the runners went a dawdle for the first mile. Becky The Thatcher, who tended to balloon her hurdles, accelerated from two out to win from Royal Pearl, but the latter hasn’t shown much on two runs and the form means very little against anything of ability.

Quick Decisson can be considered job done for your correspondent, as he obliged dropped in class at surprisingly decent odds of 15/2, though I did have to palce a bit of faith in staying ability. He just saw off Amuse Me who is exposed and John Williams gave way approaching the last and may need to dominate.

The closing contest was contested by a bunch of largely exposed performers. Brian Hughes was in superb form and drove out Smart Ruler to beat the consistent Stoneham who has been finding one or two too good over hurdles but could find a soft contest round here this winter.

[robnorth]

HAYDOCK – Saturday November 19th

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT once again proved himself short of Grade 1 ability when pulled up in the Betfair Chase. Four goes at the Grade and best to show is arguably his 7th in the World Hurdle, though he did manage a 3rd at Aintree as a novice hurdler (though beatne 28 lengths). He’s 20lbs short of this level, but remains a decent staying animal though and there’s always a chance he might be a better price in less exacting company after this. Shortage of a decent chaser up here as made us despearate to see him turn out top class (SP yesterday was ludicrous) but he will bounce back.

James Ewart seems a bit stuck as to what to do with ARISTO DU PLESSIS at the moment and upping him in trip in testing conditions at Haydock didn’t strike me as the smartest move. I suspect he’s best when able to dominate on quick ground around two miles, but hasn’t encouraged this term.

VOYAGE A NEW YORK ran well for a long way in the 3m 4f handicap chase, eased into the race by Brian Harding down the back straight for the final time and not over punished once his stamina gauge registered the red light. He would be of interest back down in class a little, dropped in distance a bit with cut in ther ground.

Not my patch but Evan Williams must be more than pleased with FIREBIRD FLYER‘s effort in the closing three mile chase. He needs an extreme trip and test conditions, so this looked a fine limber up for a dart at the Welsh National just after Christmas.

ASCOT – Saturday November 19th

Nicky Richards’s EDUARD made a very encouraging re-appearance having missed last season. His jumping wasn’t as sharp as it might have been, but he stayed on stoutly after being outpaced going to two out. He can win a Graded race before long.

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday November 22nd

Malcolm Jefferson took advantage of a decent handicap mark from three hrudles to give WAITING PATIENTLY a very satisfying chasing introduction. Despite testing conditions he sprtined away from a fair eprformer in second to land the race in fine style, giving the impression he can cope with much tougher company than this 0-130 novice field.

Don’t ignore the second Burtons Well who did nothing wrong and was well clear of the remainder. Venetia Williams’s is just getting nito gear now the rains have come and this one performed nicely off a long lay-off. He carries the Trevor Hemmings colours so there’s a fair chance he will make further forays north. This one is a half-brother to talented but sadly ill-fated chaser Burton Port.

[robnorth]

NEWCASTLE – Saturday November 26th

Malcolm Jefferson’s DUBAI ANGEL made a most encouraging hurdles debut pushing Alan King’s Elgin all the way in the opening maiden hurdle. Jefferson has some decent animals in his yard at the moment and Dubai Angel will make a significant mark at novice level.

Sandy Thomson added another decent performance to his training CV as SPIRIT OF KAYF beat off well regarded Skelton runner Get On THe Yager. Thomson’s charge was considered good enough to contest the Cheltenham champion bumper last March and, though well held on that occasion, looks a well above average northern novice hurdler.

Rose Dobbin’s BIGIRONONHISHIP had chaser stamped all over him when I first saw him and he ran a creditable second in the stayed novices’ limited handicap chase, pushing Callet Mad to the line. A potentially decent chaser in Gully’s Edge was well held and the form looks strong.

DEFINITLY RED was backed down to 5/4 for the Rehearsal Chase but could only manage third. However, having got outpaced from four out he stayed on dourly from the last adn looks sure to pick up a chase where stamina is at a premium.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday January 15th 2017
Going – Heavy (Soft in places)

After a cold week we were blessed with a mild day to kick off Kelso’s 2017 programme. Overnight rain meant a slight easing in the ground and my estimation was somewhere between Soft and Heavy, a couple of swampy bits in the dips!

12.40 Kelso EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier) 2m 6f 151y Class 4

A decent little contest to start us off, though the finish was a slow motion job as the testing conditions told. Form looks sound with not an awful lot to split the principals.

PROGRESS DRIVE took it up going to two out and had to be driven to keep the lead from the last, but he gave willingly and saw his race out. He’s got the look of a chaser about him and is going the right way. One of the roof top sages commented that he made hard work of his Ayr win, so there may remain a bit of juice in his price in forthcoming events.
PERFECT PIRATE gamely pressed the winner from two out but couldn’t get past on the uphill slog. He’s a winner at Towcester and should take a similar event at a stiffer track, the likes of Towcester and Exeter being slightly more handy venues.
RYEDALE RACER doesn’t have the most robust build of the first two but put up a decent effort under a double penalty. He looked done for when passed before two out, but stuck doggedly to his task until running out of petrol in the final half furlong.
DR WEST looked as if the race would help him along. He’s a nice enough sort that will win a race or two in time and not asked too much once beaten turning for home.
QUIETLY looked nicely fit, but unseated at the first, while ROCKU is a big boat of an animal who was readily outpaced from a mile out.

1.10 D.G. Pryde Ltd Novices’ Hurdle 2m 51y Class 4

Generally an unimpressive lot in the paddock, and the better lookers were the ones to make a mark. A few out the back don’t look good enough to get competitive.

SEEMORELIGHTS wasn’t in the front rank in bumpers, but looked a different animal with jumps in front of him, generally hurdling well and staying on up the hill to good effect. This was impressive and I suspect there will be more to come over hurdles for a trainer whose reputation remains on the rise.
RED INDIAN had every chance and was held from the last. A decent enough effort under a penalty in conditions which suit him well. Time might prove that he ‘ran into one’ here.
HELMSLEY LAD won a moderate Sedgefield bumper last night time, but made an encouraging hurdles debut. He raced in touch, led two out and didn’t give in easily once headed.
DEAR SIRE had his chance if good enough but was cast aside from two out. A fair enough effort nevertheless and there may be a softer contest for him.
CHARMANT led early but was beaten two out and will probably need to be handicapped before being seriously competitive.
UNCLE PERCY, a stable companion of the second, looked plenty fit enough but was readily put in his place from before two out.
SLANELOUGH has ability, but pulled hard and burnt up vital reserves required in these conditions. Don’t forget this one though as there may be better to come if he learns to settle.

1.40 EBF/TBA Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Chase 2m 7f 96y – Class 3

Progressive mare TWO SMOKIN BARRELS took this contest with a bit more in hand than the four and a half length margin suggests. She raced handy, took it up going to the last and had plenty in the tank to see off a determined second. Where she goes from here will depend on how the handicapper views this performance. She’s a winner on better ground and stays very well, possibly one of the lesser ‘Nationals’ might be on the radar.
CONQUER GOLD, a well-made mare, notched a most encouraging debut over fences and only had to give best from the last. This was only her fifth jumps race and there is surely a staying chase to be won with her soon. She’s only raced on soft or heavy to date and clearly has good reserves of stamina.
BILLY BILLY tried hard but couldn’t match the first two from three out and was heavily eased on the run-in.
MILLY BALOO has run well on heavy but to my mind seemed ill at ease jumping out of the mud here. She was never travelling with ease and a bad mistake four out put paid to her faint glimmer of a chance.
LA DAMA DI HIERRO was beaten and looked very tired when flopping over the open ditch two out. She was up straight away and OK bar streaks of mud down one side, but I suspect Brian Hughes may have pulled her up if he had another go.

2.10 Ferneyhill Handicap Hurdle 2m 51y – Class 2

Decent prize money for this contest but a rather disappointing turn out. Nothing particularly progressive here and the best suited by the conditions prevailed comfortably.
TEO VIVO travelled well and came clear in impressive fashion. His three previous wins have been on soft and, though competitive on faster, he’s clearly best in the mud. Bound to go up significantly for a comfortable win, he’s worth opposing off a new mark.
SLEEPY HAVEN has had plenty of racing and doesn’t look entirely straight forward. This was an honest enough performance though, beaten by one relishing the conditions. He’s not quite at the 132 level he won off in 2015.
NUTS WELL was in with a chance until outpaced from two out. Conditions were no problem and he simply wasn’t good enough on this occasion.
ARISTO DU PLESSIS has been disappointing this season, but the way he’s been campaigned can’t have helped. He struggled when dropped in at the seriously deep end on chase debut at Cheltenham, and has failed to recover over hurdles since. He was beaten before two out here, despite a sympathetic ride from Lucy Alexander.
One to take from this race might be MEADOWCROFT BOY who ran with some promise off a break. He can be made fitter and was still bang there after two out before weakening.
MARCUS ANTONIUS failed to cope with a two grade step up in class, though picked up pocket money for sixth.

2.40 Royal Caledonian Hunt Handicap Chase 2m 5f 133y – Class 2

A decent little contest won in fine style by Nicky Richards trained BERNADELLI. He was raised in class here, but the subsequently lower weight appeared to more than balance that he came clear from two out. The down side is that he will be on a career high of around 140 after the handicapper has his say. He’s best at middle distances in the mud.
SPANISH FLEET was outpaced two out but kept on to pass weakening rivals in the closing stages. He shouldn’t go up for this and remains on a workable mark in lesser company.
DE VOUS A MOI led for much of the way but was outpaced from four out. He weakened slightly less quickly than a couple of others and gained third on the line.
FINE RIGHTLY was aimed at the stars in the Lexus and failed to get out of the atmosphere here. He won a Cork Grade 3 chase last spring, but it was a soft event and he looks opposable at the moment.
FINAL ASSAULT threatened before two out but could make no further impression. He seems plenty high enough in the weights right now.

3.10 P & G Allan Catering Handicap Hurdle 3m 1f 170y – Class 5

A right old slog in the conditions for these moderate performers.

BESCOT SPRINGS wins in his turn and was the only one raising a gallop at the end, coming clear on the run-in under capable claimer Alexander Thorne, whose 10lbs here was worth any amount. A good old slog seems to suit this veteran performer these days.
SNAPPING TURTLE is often thereabouts at this level and had his chance before being easily outpaced on the flat.
KINGS ECLIPSE ran a brave race in third place, leading before three out going well and looking the likely winner before weakening approaching the last. He was in distress after the race and had to be sluiced with water by veterinary staff for some time. However, he recovered and will surely win a staying hurdle if suffering no long term effects.
BRAE ON plodded on but never got in a blow and gets home in his own time.
NOTONEBUTTWO is suited by these conditions but was beaten before two out having travelled well enough.
HURRICANE RITA is another suited by the conditions but, having raced prominently, she was cast aside from four out.

3.40 Eildon Hill Stables Open Hunters’ Chase 2m 7f 96y – Class 5

Some decent animals turned up to kick off the Scottish hunters’ season.

BLACK THUNDER Cost the Waley-Cohen’s good money before disappointing in last year’s Grand National. He had to make a decent showing and stayed on from two out to see off two rivals who are round about the same level. He will be aimed at the Cheltenham Foxhunters’ Chase for which he needs one more qualifying run.
DOLATULO should arguably have won this. Having been outpaced going to two out, he was staying on well after the last but rider Dougie Gittins tried to go up the rail and couldn’t get past grand vision and couldn’t get close enough after that. He was still closing when his rider sat up in the last 20 yards, I suspect out of frustration though some suggest he mistook the winning post. Gittins got a 10 day ban, maybe harsh given that he wouldn’t have won, Dolatulo ought to win a hunter chase or two this season, and I presume Cheltenham would be his target.
GRAND VISION matched the winner until just before the last and comes out of the race with credit. He was fourth in the Kim Muir last season and is another who could conceivably line up at Cheltenham if qualifying.
MISTER MARKER came home in his own time as the only other finisher, Siobhan Doolan was not hard on him. There will be easier opportunities in the coming months.
NOWURHURLIN is decent at his level but found trying to match better hunters beyond him and was tired when pulled up in the latter stages.
BARRICK’s HILL will presumably be pointing which is nearer his level while CHICAGO OUTFIT found the principals much too classy and couldn’t keep up.
GREEN FLAG, a decent chaser off the track for two years, was not given a hard time once held and his trainer was apparently satisfied with his return. He will be sharper next time.

[Venture to Cognac]

Looks like you’ve unearthed another decent one Rob, in Reivers Lad. Very nice winner today, along with one of your other fine shouts, Definitly Red.

Very sorry to hear Waiting Patiently is out for the season

[robnorth]

After a bit of a break due to other commitments…

KELSO – Saturday March 4th
Going – Heavy

Overnight rain led to testing ground. Walking the course pre-racing it was as heavy as I can remember it, with a little surface water evident in places.

The car park was a mess. I was directed to a particularly boggy area, but could see the potential problems and parked in a firmer spot down the bottom end. The middle of the parking area was a complete mess by the end of the afternoon and a decent parking surface, hard core or mesh, must surely be a priority for the racecourse.

2.15 2m Terry Frame Joiners Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4)

A weakly contested novice hurdle to open the card but some encouragement going forward.

REIVERS LAD travelled smoothly in front and had this comfortably won from two out. He’s done nicely over hurdles but he has the stamp of a chaser and I’d expect him to go over fences sooner rather than later.
SLANELOUGH’s trainer Rose Dobbin was called in over the running of this one. However, I think Tony Kelly got it spot on, achieving a decent place by holding his mount up and let him stay on from three out. Third was likely best and by conservative running he was able to take an encouraging second place. His second in an Athlacca point last year looks solid form and he will benefit from a step up in trip.
LASTIN MEMORIES is a nice sort who provided encouragement on hurdling debut, raced at the head of the main group for much of the race and plugging on for third. Sandy Forster isn’t one to hurry her charges and in time could have a chaser on her hands here.
MULTIPEDE is presumably passing time in these races awaiting a handicap mark. He was never in with a chance though fourth here looked a little better than previous efforts.
HENPECKED made her effort three out but didn’t get close and stamina gave out.
ASKGARMOR is a point winner but looks a long term project under Rules and was never in this contest.
VISERION, contesting favouritism with the winner, chased that one until the home straight but had nothing in the tank from two out. On the face of it this really test ground found the bottom of him.

2.50 2m 1f Cyril Alexander Memorial (Novices’ Handicap) Chase (109-130)

A great day for Nick Alexander as he landed his father’s memorial race with a gelding out of his own mare Harrietfield. Only piece missing from the family jigsaw was Lucy Alexander, still sidelined, but Brian Hughes is a pretty decent substitute.
CLAN LEGEND travelled nicely in front and responded gamely up the straight to repel two determined challengers. First time tongue tie appeared to do no harm.
MASTER JAKE is possibly not straight forward, but kept responding for pressure from the home bend if never quite getting to the winner.
The one to take from this may be FOREST DES AIGLES who stepped on his previous form for the Russell yard. Mixing it with Clan Legend, he held every chance approaching the last but was outpointed on the run-in. A decent effort and there’s scope for a drop in class off his mark of 109. He should pick up a chase.
ASH PARK didn’t jump well enough to get competitive on this occasion.
UN PROPHETE made mistakes and a bad blunder at the sixth saw his jockey call it a day.

2.50 2m 2f totescoop6 Premier Kelso Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

This event normally throws up a decent winner and MOUNT MEWS looks no different, though the race fell apart for him. That said, he was galloping on strongly and there looks more to come. He travelled well throughout and left the second behind from two out. I believe he is now aimed at Aintree which might be the better target with everyone so obsessed with Cheltenham. If you can pick up 21 grand for winning this Grade 2 surely you have one jump on the Cheltenham mob?
CHALONNIAL looks work in progress but came into this off a respectable run last. He held every chance on the home bend but weakened from two out and was tired on the run-in. This one looks work in progress and is a tall gelding who will likely prove best over fences.
FAIRLEE GREY sent off in front at a fair rattle but came under pressure on the home bend and gave way. He may have passed Chalonnial but flopped over the last in tired fashion and took a while to get up, though he seemed none the worse on walking back.
CAPITAINE, a gelding who has been mixing it at the top level, weakened quickly coming to the seventh hurdle and was soon pulled up. The vet found nothing untoward so we can only assume that the going was just too testing.

3.25 2m 7½f totepoolliveinfo.com Premier Chase (Listed)

SELDOM INN has always threatened to be a performer that could make a mark at this level. The front two in the market under performed by Sandy Thomson’s charge galloped clear from two out. His jumping is not as crisp as it might be and I fancy the intended target of Scottish National make put his fencing skills under pressure. A small field suits him well.
TENOR NIVERNAIS couldn’t dominate here as he had done at Ascot and struggled from two out. He needs things to fall his way and doesn’t strike me as a Grand National type.
LE MERCUREY is another entered for Aintree but was found out from two out here. He may be better at shorter distances and, to put it bluntly, I don’t get the Grand National entry.
Well done to Sandy Forster picking up around £1500 for LOWANBEHOLD pootling round in his own time for fourth place. He’s sure footed and was sensibly ridden by Jamie Hamilton.
BERNADELLI was outpaced going on to the final circuit and a bad blunder at the first down the first side saw him quickly pulled up.

4.35 2m 5½f Premier Traffic Management Handicap Chase (94-112)

Brian Hughes made it a four-timer with a well judged front running ride on THE ORANGE ROGUE. That’s two wins in a row and this one fell just right so I suspect The Orange Rogue may be opposable off a higher mark in future.
ROSQUERO is one of the more under rated performers at this level. He often starts at a fancy price but gets involved regularly and gave each-way followers a nice return at 25/1. He was under pressure quite a way out, but kept in the picture until held from the last. He has won over a range of distances and has no problem with testing conditions.
ACHILL ROAD BOY kept on from two out without threatening the winner. His one win was in a Class 5 event.
SPOILS OF WAR was tried in blinkers here with no obvious improvement. He could make no serious impression from two out.
VERKO briefly threatened three out but didn’t get any closer. He won four times in small fields last season but hasn’t gone close this time around.
DANEHILLS WELL raced prominently until weakening three out and was pulled up before the last. His two wins have come in points.
DREAM FLYER won at Musselburgh in January on good ground and balance of form suggests he needs decent ground. He has won on soft but that was a weak 4-runner event. He weakened four out and was pulled up before the next.
MOON INDIGO is another whose form patterns suggests he needs much better ground than this. Pulled up here having been well beaten twice on heavy recently one wonders what his trainer’s thinking is. He may retain ability but I’d want ‘good’ in the ground description before it can be judged one way or another.

5.10 2m 6½f Carnacrack Handicap Hurdle (88-112)

Most of these had negatives against them and SAMMY B is at least one that seems to be going in the right direction. Always up with the pace he asserted from two out and pulled readily clear. He will go up significantly for this, but is going the right way and should jump a fence in time.
LATE DATE has hinted at being capable of winning a race but found one way too good. There should be a moderate staying event for him. He’s another that should make into a chaser at his own level.
COURT BALOO never got into the race and was well held in third.
ZARU led until two out and then weakened. He did at least get round but the form of this run is hardly more inspiring than recent efforts.
McGINTY’S DREAM was well backed, presumably off the back of the success of Messrs Hughes and Alexander during the day, but never got to the leaders. Class 5 events are his level.
The Sayer pair of GOLD CHAIN and RONALDINHO were pulled and not threatening success at this time.

ONE TO NOTE:
FOREST DES AIGLES should win a chase.
ONE FROM LEFT FIELD:
MOON INDIGO might be worth a punt at fancy odds if given a chance on good to soft or good ground.

[robnorth]

AYR – Saturday March 11th

A low key two day meeting with mainly small field. However, I would note one from the bumper in the Nick Alexander UP HELLY AA KING who was reported by his trainer as not having done and awful lot of serious work. On that basis his third to decent looking Ewart trained Calix Delafayette looks distinctly decent, particularly as eh was keen early on. Although not setting the world alight there have been winners in the family and Up Helly AA King ought to add to the dam’s tally.

Rob

[moehat]

Running today…..

[robnorth]

Up Helly Aa King pulled up and was dismounted at Hexham. No blog update from Nick Alexander since.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday March 25th

Going – Heavy (soft in places)

The going wasn’t as testing as the previous meeting and the car park was a bit drier! So much on now that this report is a more brief summary than I would like.

Three valuable races to open the card but 20 runners really isn’t good enough and whining from trainers about lack of prize money must stick in their throats on occasions like this.

RUNSWICK ROYAL was impressive in winning the opening two mile hurdle and remains well handicapped on his best form, which this suggests he is near to.
SLEEPY HAVEN ran a creditable second place, setting a decent pace judged by final time and seeing his race out to the line. He’s in good form and ‘ran into one’ here.
Teo Vivo couldn’t match the first two. Conditions suited and it could be that the handicapper has his marked. Cup Final never got into the race, but needs further, while Meadowcroft Boy seems on the down grade.

BIG RIVER has given the impression of being a potentially very decent stayer and was impressive here. He came home well clear in impressive style. He’s a very interesting prospect if chasing next eyar and in the mean time I wonder if Punchestown might suit better than Aintree. He was rather overheating afterwards and it took plenty of water buckets to cool him down, but seemed none the worse when led to the stables.
SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT made a most encouraging return following a lay-off. The winner had too much speedy but Sandy Thomson’s star saw out his race well and goes into the Scottish National in good fettle.
Eminent Poet ran a creditable race in third, but Isaacstown Lad was well held in fourth.
Sadly multiple Grade 1 winner Reve De Sivola suffered a heart attack in the closing stages, collapsing and dying by the last hurdle. I commented to fellow watchers how well he had looked, and he raced with enthusiasm up with the pace until headed two out.
KNOCKARA BEAU bowed out in happier circumstances, though not relishing the conditions here. I was at Kelso when he created a great impression on debut in 2008 and have followed his career closely since, the Cleeve Hurdle win being a real thriller. Here’s to a long and happy retirement for the old boy.

YALA ENKI made the pace in typical style in the feature 3m 2f handicap chase and kept finding extra up the straight, eventually having a bit to spare over some decent handicappers. He relishes cut in the ground but will be on a career high mark after this.
SELDOM INN was not disgraced in second, challenging at the last, but when it came to a battle of wills the odds were always on the winner. Nevertheless a 10lb rise after his fine effort here last time hasn’t kept him from a winning chance. I presume he will be the Thomson second string at Ayr, with maybe Harry The Viking making up a Thomson trio?
Silver Tassie kept on for third without threatening the winner. Baywing kept on late after getting outpaced from three out and he seems suited by a slog. Could be one for a ‘National’ of some description.

ASCOT DU BRUYERE outjumped his rivals in the novices handicap chase. He went long when asked and was able to shorten up on occasion, a handy quality for a novice. Stood by the final fence, I could see he was tired approaching it but, asked to go long, he responded once again when an opponent was unable to.
Hawkhurst has closed to a length and a half at the last, but couldn’t summon up a fluent leap, hit the fence and Richie McClernon came out the side as the horse veered right. He has ability and was perhaps unfortunate here, but jumping is the name of the game.
Minella Suite had moved into contention two out and held a chance but blundered and dislodged his pilot.
Christmas Twenty and Buffalo Ballet blundered and unseated toward the end of the first circuit. The former doesn’t look a natural chaser and the latter has time against him after an interrupted career.

FOREST DES AIGLES confirmed the promise of his previous effort here and had no trouble seeing off four opponents in the 2m 1f 0-120 handicap chase. He looks potentially a bit better than this class and owner Ray Anderson Green intimated that a race may be found at Ayr’s forthcoming National meeting.
Nine Altars wasn’t totally disgraced in second but Casual Cavalier gave way in the straight and Craiganboy never looked to be travelling with fluency. Las Tunas is a weak finisher and having been given his chance up with the pace gave way tamely from three out before being pulled up.

The in-form runner RHYMERS STONE saw off an exposed bunch in the middle distance handicap hurdle. Nothing else particularly gave signs of imminent success.

The best ride of the afternoon was reserved for the closing hunter chase, reduced to a field of three when Green Flag got a kick at the start and was withdrawn.
The winner was MISS BISCOTTI given a front running ride by Emma Todd that got the absolute maximum out of the lowest rated runner in the race. She held on by only half a length, but stays well, relishes the conditions and is clearly willing.
The in form Carlton Ryan was closing at the line but it was always going to be Miss Biscotti who got to the line in front.
Mister Marker is not the horse he was and gave way with half a mile to go. The pointing scene looks more his level now.

We are joining a party of Kelso Members sponsoring a race on April 3rd so I can’t guarantee to give a particularly in depth report, though I will do what I can. We are then spending the following weekend in the Borders, taking in the Melrose Sevens on April 8th before Kelso’s racing on April 10th. Where else would you take your wife on your anniversary weekend?

[robnorth]

robnorth wrote:

Up Helly Aa King pulled up and was dismounted at Hexham. No blog update from Nick Alexander since.

Further to the above there is an update in Nick Alexander’s excellent blog on his http://www.kinneston.com website:

‘We are still not quite sure precisely what the problem is and he remains in Northumberland at the Bearl Equine Clinic where he is comfortable and receiving the best veterinary attention. The level of care and diligence from the attending vets and the racecourse team was exceptional, particularly in attending to the horse overnight. Amy, Allanah and Lucy had a horrible situation to deal with in my absence and let’s hope everyone’s commitment is rewarded with a full recovery; we are a long way from that at the moment but we will certainly give him every possible chance as he is a lovely young horse.’

[webracingweb]

I noticed on a post one of your favorite horses was Minus Man. I have never known a horse with as much personality as this horse. My father used to train him in Exning near Newmarket. I rode him in my first amateur race at Folkestone in the 1980s. I have some photos/anecdotes I can share of Mini as he was known.

[Author]

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