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webracingweb
If your father was Bill Holden then he was one of my training heroes. I first noticed him early 70’s and had some good bets on some of his runners. Made a particular killing on Zulaika Hopwood and had decent wins on Minus Man more than once. Earned some nice pocket money when Peggle Wood won a seller at Newmarket, Gypsy’s Barn Rat in a selling handicap at Brighton, and there were a good few more I can remember.
I suspect I saw you ride Count Bertand in an amateur handicap at Brighton?
Drop me a private message and I’ll send you my email as would certainly be interested in Minus Man photos.
Rob
Yes! That was me at Brighton. Please send me your email. I don’t know how to send a private message on this forum…
Great ride by young Adam on Purple Harry yesterday; went to see his granny this morning to tell her how good he was. As ever a great day out for the sum total of £10 (pensioners rates).
moehat
I was one of the sponsors for that race as one of a group of Kelso Members on our annual race sponsorship day.
Report to follow when other commitments allow me the time!
Rob
KELSO – Monday April 3rd
Going – Soft
We were part of a group sponsoring the Kelso Annual Members Novice Handicap chase, so for once I spent very little time paddock side. The food that we were served was excellent and the Kelso management do an excellent job in their hospitality areas.
A quick walk of the straight found the ground a bit better than at the last meeting though there were still some rather soggy patches. There was high percentage pulled up during the meeting, suggesting the ground was hard work.
The opening maiden hurdle was moderate contest. MIDNITE GRACE travelled well and gradually asserted from two out. She can improve and in the short term her best chance of defying a penalty is likely to be in a mares’ only race.
Eye catcher here was THE DELRAY MUNKY, a stoutly bred mare who will benefit from an extra circuit in time. She was outpaced from three out but kept on relentlessly up the hill to take second place. Her two runs today have been encouraging and she is worth noting stepped up in trip from this 18 furlongs, particularly against her own sex.
JARDIN DES PLANTES raced prominently but couldn’t raise his game from two out. He’d be one of the lesser lights in the McCain stable but might conceivably prove better over fences.
CHRISTMAS IN USA showed up rather better than on previous efforts. That said fourth place here wasn’t achieving too much, but he saw his race out and will probably benefit from better ground.The staying novice chase sponsored by Kelso Members was an interesting contest won in decent style by a chase debutante. There had been money during the day for PURPLE HARRY who jumped proficiently and stayed on well to hold off a more experienced opponent. Assuming he can stay fit he can progress over fences.
MARLEE MASSIE came to have every chance at the last but was held no the run-in by a winner who was probably well treated. He’s normally thereabouts and remains on a workable mark when taking on exposed opposition.
SEVENBALLS OF FIRE jumped moderately and was well behind from four out. He doesn’t look a natural chaser.
FINAGHY AYR jumped as if remembering his Hexham fall. He was beaten before two out and tired when pulled up before the last and reported as having bled.
ASCOT DU BRUYERE led to the tenth, but seemed to resent being taken on at that point and was pulled up after walking through the second down the far side. His trainer reported that the race came too soon after his last outing.
BROAD SPECTRUM was pulled up and dismounted after a circuit. He may well have knocked himself at the fence before the stands.The staying handicap hurdle was run at a moderate pace and TOTAL ASSETS found the best acceleration up the straight. This wasn’t a strong event and I’d advise caution if he gets a siginificant rating rise.
LOCHNELL had his chance but was found out from before the last and maybe found 3m 2f stretching his stamina.
In race conversation between the rooftop cognoscenti suggested BESCOT SPRINGS wasn’t suited by the slow pace and so it proved. He does keep galloping and having been outpaced stayed on to take third. He isn’t suited by a four furlong ‘burn up’.
TEDDY TEE offered some encouragement in leading to two out, but he clattered too many flights.
The Alexander pair of ANDHAAR and BERTALUS are not tearing up any tress at this time.The feature Edinburgh Gin Handicap Chase was a fair event for a quiet Monday won by the Jimmy Moffatt trained MORNING ROYALTY. This one has been thereabouts recently and finally came good here. However it’s worth noting that the front three went a bit quick and the first two came from those held up off the pace.
VENGEUR DE GUYE came to have a chance at the last but was then held. A fair effort but he was suited by the way the race was run.
CHIDSWELL was one of the front three and had nothing left in the tank from two out.
NEXT SENSATION was another to pay for disputing the pace and was pulled up having weakened from three out.
MR FITZROY had a big ask against experienced opponents on only his second chase run. He made blunders and, combined with racing freely, struggled from halfway.
UBALTIQUE and UNO VALOROSO never got in a serious blow. The former seems high in the weights and the latter is unpredictable.The mares novices division is weak in the north and even more so at longer distances, so the female staying contest was lacking depth. GRACE TARA stayed on too well for her only serious rival from two out.
FLORAMOSS had every chance but was outpointed in the latter stages. She looks about a 90s level performer who may pick up a handicap hurdle in time. She’s on 107 currently though and needs to be lower.
CLOVELLY inherited third place at the last when well behind and a flail of the whip on the run-in by Adam Nicol was totally unnecessary.
TOPHAM BAY had given best when taking a tired fall at the last.
HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH raced keenly early on but quickly dropped away on the final circuit. She was second in a maiden point in Ireland but the winner has done nothing to advertise the form since.TRUSTAN TIMES finished third in the Scottish National in 2014, but recorded his first win since 2012 in the closing 2m 5f hurdle. He struggled in his latter runs for Tim Easterby but Mark Walford seems to have rekindled some enthusiasm and he stayed on strongly to win with a bit in hand.
RHYMERS STONE performed creditably after a rise in the weights and kept on for second place.
TANTAMOUNT was not disgraced in third, keeping on in his own time, and this will presumably act as a nice pipe opener for a spring/summer campaign in staying hurdles.
BENNY’S KING disputed the pace but weakened from two out and remainder were well held.KELSO – Monday April 10th
Going – Good (Good to Soft in places) – the description was amended to add a couple of soft patches but my pre-race walk suggested the original description was about right.
The attendance was boosted by the appearance of Grand National winner One for Arthur before racing. Figure given was officially 2,410 but looked well in excess of 3,000 to my eye. Lucinda Russell’s gelding has given Scottish racing a timely boost and tales I heard suggest that a few bookmakers were struggling to find enough pay out money on Sunday and Monday. Did I back it? Did I heck! The ground was clearly too quick!
We missed the Grand National live as we were at the Melrose Sevens, an event which is well worth placing on any sports fan’s bucket list. Excellent entertainment at a packed Greenyards with sevens rugby matches coming thick and fast between 11.30am and 6.30pm. The homesters of Melrose put up a fine effort before going down 31-19 in the final to an impressive Harlequins septet.
A largely exposed bunch contested the opening 2m 6f handicap hurdle and the result suggested the change in surface from previous meetings made a difference. TOO MANY CHIEFS stayed on strongly up the urn in to take charge in the final 50 yards and win by a slightly cosy length. Not an obvious one to follow up, but in these quicker conditions he may still be well handicapped.
LOUGH DERG JEWEL had every chance and saw out his race well enough. He’s got less mileage on the clock than some here and there may be a little more to come.
LANDECKER is not the easiest of rides but a decent performer at this level on his day. Kit Alexander knows how to get an effort out of this enigmatic character and brought him to have his chance at the last and he wasn’t beaten far. He’s not guaranteed to repeat the form however, though he does go well at Kelso.
The other involved in a four way battle on the run-in was MAGGIE BLUE who raced prominently but was run out of it in the final half furlong. This was a nice tune up for what will presumably be a summer campaign taking in Cartmel.
BUCKLED had every chance two out but weakened in the closing stages.
FORTY CROWN looked outspeeded from two out on this quicker ground.WHITSUNDAYS looked the in form horse coming into the 2m 5½f Class 4 handicap chase in which it was possible to pick holes in most contestants records. He challenged at the last and stayed on under pressure.
JOHN WILLIAMS ran a decent race, given every chance under an enterprising ride by Danny Cook, but is not a strong finisher and was outstayed from the last.
I had MOSCOW MENACE down as a nutcase in the past, and Twitter exchanges with Katie Scott suggests the stable thought the same. He sweated up here, but wasn’t quite as fiery as he has been in the preliminaries and only one paddock handler was unusual. With some spare energy he was able to stay in contention until run out of it in the last 150 yards. He has ability, but it remains to be seen if his trainer can keep his energies routed toward racing properly.
DUTCH CANYON got round for the first time in a chase but never got to the leaders
I suspected MOON INDIGO might need the better ground, but he was outpaced three out and never got in a blow from there. Bandaged in front, the feeling is that he’s struggling these days even off a mark of 104.
ROSQUERO has been running well but was held when unseating at the last. I suspect he needs softer ground to slow the others.The 3m 2f handicap chase was a fair contest for a quiet Monday. SCOTSWELL, who ran a decent race behind One For Arthur here back in October, got a comfortable lead and found way too much for the opposition after being pressed on the home turn. When he gets a soft lead he takes some passing.
NAKADAM was the most likely challenger from three out but his efforts were seen off by the last. A fair urn and might be of interest in a lower class on this sort of ground.
GREEN FLAG looked in trouble four out, but stayed on well from two out suggesting he isn’t a back number just yet.
HARRY THE VIKING was outpaced from three out. He really needs an out and out slog to bring the best out of him.
DOUBAL WHAMMY jumping was less than perfect and he was beaten quite a way out.The novices hurdle wasn’t a strong contest but there are pointers going forward. Previous winner BLUE HUSSAR stayed on well enough to hold off a couple of challengers. He escaped a penalty from his previous run as it was a conditionals event and his trainer may find a weakfish event under a penalty.
SLANELOUGH looks to be crying out for a longer trip and once again stayed on to fill second place. If he’s moved up to 2m 4f-2m 6f he should find a similar contest.
MAYO STAR made a pleasing hurdling debut. He didn’t look as far forward as some Jefferson novices and will come on for the race.
BERKSHIRE DOWNS was once again well backed but is eminently beatable and was beaten before the last having led or disputed to two out.
TOLETHORPE raced too keenly on hurdles debut and faded from two out.
DANCE OF FIRE was in with a chance to two out but then outpaced.WELCOME BEN hadn’t particularly threatened a win in recent outings, but was produced looking well by Inverurie handler Jackie Stephen. He stayed on to lead in the last 50 yards and is seen to his best on decent ground.
Newcastle winner CHAIN OF BEACONS looked the winner approaching the last but was outspeeded on the run-in. He’s running well but remains beatable.
VODKA WELLS led at a decent pace and was still in contention before the last, but just tapped for resources from that point. He’s best on decent ground, but has generally been campaigned on similar so going is not an excuse for moderate form before this.
SKY FULL OF STARS was struggling by the home turn. The trainer’s representative reported the race came too soon after his Newcastle unseat.The Buccleuch Cup Maiden Hunters’ Chase did not look to have much strength in depth. The winner HAVANA JACK had previously won a very weak Balcormo Maiden and an equally duff looking Overton Members. He does jump soundly though, and seems to stay well, which proved enough in this company to win a very decent prize for the hunter class. Hard to see him following up under Rules though.
BAFANA CHOICE led until three out and kept on once headed. He has been cannily placed to win 5 points at Alnwick against a maximum of 5 opponents. It’s questionable whether he is up to Open standard between the flags.
SENOR ALCO has been placed well to win 7 generally ropey looking pointing contests but is beatable under Rules. And third here is about as good as he is.
NELLY LA RUE looked vaguely promising when I saw her winning at Balcormo two years ago. She lost that race on a technicality and fourth place was arguably her best effort since, though she was well held from the home turn.
TIME FOR VINO won a weak two finisher maiden at Overton. More was required here and he doesn’t look competitive under Rules.
FIVE PIERS came into this with better form than most but was found wanting have worked his way into the race three out.
HEY LISTEN, from the Grand National winning yard, has time on his side. The impression was he was getting the worst of the argument when coming down at the fourteenth. He will presumably be aimed at the Fife point-to-point at Balcormo at the end of April.Reapplication of blinkers seemed to work the oracle on SUDSKI STAR. He came clear to win the closing 2m 2f handicap hurdle in decent style but is by no means likely to repeat this, though it’s perhaps worth noting that Harriet Graham’s string tends to start firing in the spring.
URBAN KODE put up a decent effort off a break to finish second in a tight battle for the places. A campaign around Perth this summer presumably awaits.
ALIZEE DE JANEIRO is capable on her day at this level and ran a fair race in third. Try as might I can’t find any particular pattern in her form!
DESERT ISLAND DUSK ran a fair race in fourth place but was held from the last. He has a 2 out of 2 record at Hexham and his trainer will presumably seek out a race at the Northumberland course in the coming weeks.
LYVIUS was last home of the ten finishers and it is sad to see a formerly 145 rated horse trailing in this moderate company.Perth – July 16th
a period without racing for me, concentrating on other things. However, I paid a visit to Perth for their Family Day Sunday meeting. Quite busy but most of the ‘non racing people’ in the centre of the course which made the main rings bearable.
Run of the mill stuff in the main but there are some long term projects to note:
Lisa Harrison introduced a typical big old boat of a store horse in the opener in the form of the grey SOLWAY PALM. He was very green, less than foot perfect over the jumps, but encouraged in the way he stuck to his task. His trainer knows how to deal with this sort of animal and I suspect she will get a win or two out this one when he finds his level.
In the maiden hurdle the two class horses were clear, but there was a good scrap for third place between two locally trained animals. DEVITO’SGOLDENGIRL won a mares point in Ireland should make up into a fair animal in time. Mares only races are not that competitive and she may well pick one up, and may meet up again with SENSE OF URGENCY who had shown promise in bumpers. A prolonged battle for third place from two out will have helped these two get the idea.
In the closing bumper SCOTTSDALE was impressive in winning with any amount in hand. He should now go on to make a mark over hurdles. The one to note here is LADY SAMBACK who raced prominently then led from a mile out until the two furlong mark. She was put in her place by two quicker animals, but she’s a sturdily built who should cope with hurdles and can be competitive in mares’ only novice/maiden company. .
I’ve has quiet time racing-wise of late, but with a few Kelso meetings plus Ayr and Musselburgh coming up I should catch more action in October and November.
KELSO – Sunday October 8th
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places) – Seemed Good all round to me. A Going Stick reading was given as 7.0, but since that was taken at 16:00 on Saturday must be of questionable value.
Kelso gets back into the swing of things after the ‘Kelso-lite’ introduction via the September twilight which I missed due to other commitments.
A pleasant enough day and a decent crowd looking to be well in excess of 3,000 in attendance. The sun was out for the first few races and then conveniently disappeared before proving a problem as it got lower. The ground seemed more for less perfect and my impression was of good ground throughout. Drainage work hasn’t taken place after the turn for home, an area that has turned a bit gooey on occasion in recent times.
1.35 2m (96-117)Handicap Hurdle (Division 1)
The most competitive of the handicap hurdles on the afternoon, with a number of horses at or near their best. Brian Ellison’s NEWSTART just prevailed in a blanket finish, staying on from two out and having a little more in reserve.
MARTILA was second on seasonal debut, will come on for this run and can make a mark in a grade higher class in time.
DESERT ISLAND DUSKL is decent at this level when on his game. He was thereabouts from three out and saw his race out to the line.
SUPERIOR COMMAND made significant progress to the last and kept on to the line. This run will have helped his fitness.
PRINCE KHURRAM is a sound marker and more or less ran to his form, fading to a close fifth on the run-in.
Jean MacGregor has struggled to find competitive horses in recent times, but in SIERRA OSCAR she may have one that can win a race. He got to the heels of the leaders going to the last but could find no more.2.05 2m (96-117) Handicap Hurdle (Division 2)
A weaker division than the first race, but won by a lightly raced sort that can progress from here. PICTURE PAINTER just got the better of a prolonged battle with a determined front runner. He weaved about a bit under pressure, but has the right attitude and is going the right way.
DANCEINTOTELIGHT set off a decent pace and saw off all but the winner by the run-in, and even then didn’t go down without a serious battle. A good front running ride from Abbie McCain who is a useful jockey to have on your side with an allowance and against fellow amateurs.
ALPHABETICAL ORDER finished a respectable third on return to hurdling after 3 year break.
DARK AND DANGEROUS was up there to two out, but seems in the grip of the handicapper.
ASUM ran well for a way but was reported as bleeding from the nose.2.40 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
A very interesting contest, the leading pair duelling to come well clear of their rivals.
BEYOND THE CLOUDS, a decent winner of two bumpers, proved stronger of the leading pair in the closing stages. He came away encouragingly on the flat and Kevin Ryan has a decent novice on his hands, one that can go on with this run behind him. He first caught my eye when sluicing up in a bumper at Musselburgh in January. Bred to win a sprint, but he showed no signs of stopping at the end of two miles here though I suspect he will be kept to decent ground.
SOME REIGN will have benefitted from the outing and put it to the winner up the straight. Marginally outpointed he will doddle a similar event with this run behind him.
BAL DE RIO ran a perfectly respectable race to take third and will find an easier opportunity.
Although looking over-rated at an official 134, BULKOV does at least set the standard and ran a fair race in fourth, if left behind from two out. His true level looks somewhere in the 110-115 area, so needs a serious drop to be competitive in handicaps.
KELPIES MYTH tried to match the first four but dropped away before two out. He will come on for the outing.
The rest were running in a different race, but TEMPLE MAN stayed on in the closing stages without ever getting into the contest. He showed promise in bumpers and can step up significantly on this in time.3.15 2m 7.5f Class 4 Novices’ Chase.
A weakly contested novices’ chase, and on the face of it a likely doddle for POINT THE WAY. It turned out far from the case though. The winner doesn’t impress as a looker, and a note of caution was raised by admittedly light bandages on his forelegs. The second put it to him going to the last and he hit the fence, but held enough in reserve to prevail. One to be a little wary of under a penalty.
AN LAOCH made a most encouraging chasing debut. Travelling well three out he put it to the winner from two out and only gave way on the run-in. He lost a front shoe which won’t have helped and seems to have found his game over fences.
ROBINTHEAULAD had every chance but gave the impression he was getting the worst of the argument when falling four out. The jury is out though he has ability.
WSTEND THEATRE is an ordinary performer but completed in his own time.
HERE COMES LOVE is a poor maiden but pootled round for fourth prize, left behind from the tenth fence.3.50 2m 5f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle
COOLE HALL confirmed the promise of his Perth debut just holding off MAYO STAR, the pair a few lengths clear. They both look fair novices at this stage and will stay competitive in similar class in the north.
BESTARIUS wasn’t as far forward as some Nicky Richards runners can be. He ran a respectable race in third, outpaced from before the last but keeping on to the line.
WIDE AWAKE has been difficult to train but showed a degree of promise on this occasion. Held up at the rear, then tapped for pace three out, he made significant progress from the home bend before flattening out approaching the last. There’s just a hint that patience may be rewarded for enthusiastic owners Midnight Racing Club.4.20 2m 1f (127-154) Handicap Chase
Probably one of the best if not the best short distance handicap chase to be run in the North this autumn.
FOREST BIHAN was a decent novice last year, second in a Grade 1 at Aintree, and continued on an upward curve. Taking up the running after two out he saw his race out well to the line. He’s on the fringe of the top class and may need to be cannily placed this year but will likely take his place in Grade 1 chases over two miles.
SIMPLY NED is handicapped to his mark now, but he’s a trier and stuck to his task on the flat, as last year closing to the line in second. Presumably Nicky Richards will be looking out for the better two mile handicap chases but tyhey are few and far between.
THEFLYINGPORTRAIT won this last year and performed admirably ‘defending his title’. Disputing or leading from the start, he was headed two out but didn’t give way easily.
ROCK ON ROCKY had a tough task but kept on to take fourth place some way behind the first three. This was a decent enough effort and he will have his chances dropped in class.
DOUBLE W’s weakened from two out and could be a bit high in the handicap after a successful spring campaign.
JUST CAMERON never got into a challenging position in the last mile, WISTY didn’t look comfortable being taken on for the lead and ALAMEIN struggled in this decent class.4.50 2m 5f (79-107) Handicap Hurdle (Division 1)
A race lacking horses in form horses and not a great contest for Class 4.
CRAIG STAR boasted the best recent form here, twice a winner in Ireland last year and there or thereabouts in most race recently. He came clear from two out with only a loose horse for company, getting a bump from that animal on the run-in. Note sure that the winner achieved an awful lot here and if he goes up a fair chunk he may struggle.
REIVERS LODGE kept on to finish a clear second best and is competitive at this level, though remains a novice.
CASTLEOWEN showed moderate form last season after moving from France. He led two out before weakening approaching the last. The race will have brought him on and it’s encouraging that he got competitive here.
IT’S PANDORAMA was there two out but held afterwards and is plenty high enough in the handicap.
JUSTATENNER came down at the third, but was the loose horse pestering the winner and does at least seem to have a competitive streak. That is encouraging from a horse that hadn’t shown a lot since moving to Barry Murtagh from Colin Tizzard.5.20 2m 5f (78-107) Handicap Hurdle (Division 2)
This division looked even weaker than the first. The winner has been difficult to make progress with but the two lightly raced horses in behind offered some encouragement.
Nick Alexander’s patience with BENNY’s SECRET as rewarded. This one was on my list to follow as a novice but has been adept at avoiding winning for the most part. Given a peach of a waiting ride by Lucy Alexander, Benny’s Secret showed sufficient resolution on the run-in to hold on close home. Not an obvious one for a follow up.
JUST CHILLY is a lightly raced sort that had shown some glimmers of form. He coped well with the step up in trip, holding every chance from two out and just held on the run to the post. Her trainer can squeeze a similar contest out of her off a mark which is unlikely to move much from the 78 here.
CHAPEL STILE ran acceptably well on fourth hurdles run. He has found his level and will be competitive in similar contests around this trip.
ROMULUS DU DONJON had a chance but was held before the last and doesn’t look particularly well treated currently.
BETANCOURT could follow up handicap debut win under a penalty, fading from two out having been in touch up to that point.Good to see your notes back Rob, still one of the best things on here.
Really like that Beyond The Clouds, and think he could win a few over the next couple of seasons, while I’m following the progress of The Midnight Racing Club very closely, and very interested in getting involved.
Best of luck this season
SEDGEFIELD – Wednesday October 25th
A fairly standard autumn card at Sedgefield but one or two interesting pointers and one potential star.
The star act is clearly the Brian Ellison trained RAVENHILL ROAD who dotted up on the bridle on hurdling debut. This one was an easy winner of two bumpers and a point and recorded a very decent time to win this contest. He may well be destined for the very top of the novice hurdling ranks.
It might be worth noting INNISCASTLE LAD, 23 lengths back in second, who was clear of the remainder. He built on the hint of promise shown at Bangor and is capable of making his mark against standard opposition in the north.
INDIAN VOYAGE has dropped significantly in the handicap and took advantage in a Class 4 handicap chase. His previous wins have come in bursts so he is worth keeping an eye on for the next few weeks.
KELSO – Saturday October 28th
Going – Good
Turf in superb condition once again for the first autumn Saturday meeting.
The form of the maiden hurdle from the previous meeting first by TEMPLE MAN (5th prev.) who won the first division and then by SOME REIGN ,winner of the second division, who was 3 lengths down to Beyond The Clouds last time. The latter is entered at Wetherby on Saturday in a novice event under a penalty but it will take a very good one to beat him. Looking back to the previous meeting KELPIE’S MYTH (sixth having made much of the running) now comes into the equation as a future winner.
The opening heat including a number of animals that look like long term projects and performed encouragingly at this stage. SILVER BULLION is a big boat of an animal sure to come into his own over fences, but possessed sufficient speed to win a bumper and get involved in a five way battle here.
ECHO EXPRESS is more of a hurdling type and looked the most likely winner until headed virtually on the line and should gain consolation in a run of the mill maiden or novice.
ROCKALZARO was bang there all the way to the line as was the free-going POOKIE PEKAN, a definite chasing type, who was headed two out but battled tenaciously to finish a close fourth.
MOORES NOVELTY looked as if the race might do him some good, but loomed up behind the leaders approaching the last before weakening on the run-in
SOME REIGN had to be ridden out to win his maiden, but was doing very little in front and the distances to the others don’t tell of his superiority. Better to come methinks!
TRESHNISH stayed on nicely for second here and looks one to improve over further with experience.
Lucinda Russell’s BIG RIVER impressed on chasing debut, potentially the stable star this season with the enforced absence of Grand National winner One For Arthur. He jumps big and bold and could well contest top level staying novice contests this season. Big River’s task was made somewhat easier when Paul Nicholls charge GIVE ME A COPPER jinked sharply at the ‘chicane’ going away from the second fence and unshipped Sam Bowen. The latter seems a keen going sort.
The other three contestants weren’t remotely of the class of the winner by well done to Chris Grant, whose ACDC showed promise on chasing bow, and Kenny Johnson who fielded two to hunt round for 3rd and 4th prize money.
The feature handicap chase was won in comfortable style by Nicholls trained AS DE MEE, but he was probably favoured by the small field and doesn’t look totally straight forward. WAKANDA ran a sound race on seasonal debut and will strip fitter for this run, while ASH PARK ran well from out of the weights and will be interesting back in a lower class race. FIRTH OF THE CLYDE had stamina to prove here and wasn’t a factor from the home turn, while THE CLOCK LEARY may be a bit high in the handicap now and struggled in this company.
It was good to see Alistair Whillans’s MEADOWCROFT BOY win the two handicap hurdle. He was a 137 performer at best but clearly had problems and raced here off 105. He won well enough to suggest he might have a bit in hand at this level and may be able to follow up.
CIVIL UNREST ran creditably in the second, this 0-117 is his level, and he will have his chances in the coming months. ALIZEE DE JANEIRO stayed on for third place and is another capable at this level on her day and a previous course winner.
The Class 4 2m 7f handicap chase had a selection of contestants with plenty of previous offences to be taken into consideration. I’ve been dismissive of HAVANA JACK in the past, but he has worked his way through the hunter ranks and improved enough to win this race. He rallied well when challenged from the last and Leonard Kerr should take credit for the improvement he has coaxed with this animal.
ACHILL HILL BOY raced prominently and harried the winner from two out. He ploughed through the last and couldn’t get back up to the winner but this was decent effort.
NOTONEBUTTWO isn’t the most consistent animal but does get competitive in this class when things fall right. Good thing is that he often starts at a fancy price (33/1 here) and can be worth a little interest where there’s nothing progressive to latch on to.
DOKTOR GLAZ got no nearer than chasing the leaders from two out.
FRENCH SEVENTYFIVE led or disputed to four out and, though held, didn’t completely throw in the towel from four out. He was 10lbs wrong here and if he could perform like this would have a chance in a Class 5 event.
MO ROUGE was out the back most of the way and is not enamoured with steeplechasing.
The card finished with two divisions of a 2m 6f 0-105 handicap hurdle not strong in depth and the results favoured those at the top end of the weights. BUCKLED held off TOO MANY CHIEFS in the first heat, both having won in similar company last term, with the veteran BESCOT SPRINGS showing he retains some ability in third place. The second heat was dominated by less exposed animals at the top of the weights, consistent REIVERS LODGE coming clear from CHAPEL STILE, with CEEGEM staying on for third having been outpaced. If I was taking one from the two heats it would be the latter, though the form looks no better than average for the class.
For various reasons my racing trips have been limited in recent months and this thread had fallen to the second page of this section, possibly fro the first time since I started it! I was glad to get back into the swing of things with a cracking televised card at Kelso. Weather has been dreadful but thankfully Kelso had a few dry days.
KELSO – Saturday April 7th 2018
Going – Heavy
After a spell of abysmal weather Kelso finally got the northern racing show back on the road. Going was heavy but had at least dried a bit after a couple of days without rain. There were a few soggy patches on the course, though the back straight on the chase wasn’t far short of soft. In general my impression of the ground was that it was holding.
There was steady rain for much of the afternoon.
With ITV Racing present the course attracted some decent sponsorship, with the 7-race card boasting record total prize money.1.50 2m 7½f Sue and Harvey Smith Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (115-122)
The smallest field for the televised races, but this was a decent contest with all four having a live chance and the betting market reflecting this.
ACDC has proved a fair chaser this season, given tough tasks on occasion but responding well to the challenges set. He was in his element in these testing conditions, travelled well and pulled clear from two out. He is a pleasing chasing sort to the eye and looks cut out for the likes of the Borders National or Eider Chase next season.
JUST GEORGIE led four and rallied when headed but had no answer to the winner. He looks handicapped to his mark at this point.
HILLS OF DUBAI was stepped up in trip and didn’t see out the extra distance in the conditions. That said he jumped well in front and should be considered if given a less exacting task next time.
TEDDY TEE is a little bit scrappy over his fences and this is costing him. He looked to be feeling the pinch when sprawling after three out and was understandably pulled up.2.25 2m totescoop6 Handicap Hurdle (117-139)
KEYBOARD GANGSTER is a headstrong type and had been difficult at Haydock on his previous outing. Callum Whillans did a fine job of keeping him tucked away in the field and having made smooth headway to lead two out he battled hard to hold on. Given the amount of ground he gave away at Haydock last time he may have been well treated off 130 here. He’s lightly raced and there could be more to come if his tearaway side can be held in check.
REVERANT CUST was under the pump and going nowhere three out, but Finian O’Toole persisted and his mount made progress under pressure all the way up the straight. He still didn’t look like winning but closed quickly on the run-in to miss out by ¾ of a length. He often hits a flat spot in his races, but does see out his contests.
TAXMEIFYOUCAN chivvied the winner from two out and was just outstayed to the line. This was a decent race for his handicap debut and he comes out of it with much credit. A lightly raced animal to keep on the right side in similar contests.
GASSIN GOLF is frustrating and was outpaced before two out. He saw out the contest but is 1 from 27 over hurdles.
MONFASS ran well until weakening on the run-in and deserves his chance in a lesser chance.
TRESHNISH has been well held on the two occasions he has encountered heavy ground.
GOLDEN JEFFREY raced freely and weakened from two out having led to that point.
NIETZSCHE had an apparently easier task that some he has been set of late, but this brought no return to form. He’s never won on heavy and his record suggests just yielding ground sees him at his best.
3.00 3m 2f Liz Adam Memorial Handicap Chase (127-152)A classy contest considering it’s festival time in the racing calendar.
SMOOTH STEPPER didn’t see out the four miles at Newcastle, but jumped well here and took command from two out.
BAYWING lost nothing in defeat. A blunder two out was his undoing and he couldn’t pick up the winner after that but this was a decent effort after being raised in the weights following success in the Eider Chase.
LAKE VIEW LAD was in with a chance when blundering three out. From that point he couldn’t get in a blow but saw out his race to the line. He has done his stable proud this season and will be an interesting sort for them in this level of contest next term.
BLAKEMOUNT had 11 months off and hasn’t quite picked up in two races since returning. He led down the back straight for the final time but gave way from three out.
SELDOM INN should perhaps have won more chases than he has, but his jumping can be chancy and some iffy jumps meant he never got in a blow. He’s probably one to keep in mind for small fields though as he wouldn’t be under so much pressure over the obstacles.
YALA ENKI is decent at this level on his day but couldn’t dominate here and was beaten in the straight.
CHIC NAME Held a chance until going down on his nose at the thirteenth after which he struggled. He was pulled up along with WILD WEST WIND (decent at best but collecting the alphabet of late), SAMSTOWN (has had a wind op) went well to halfway but lack of hard fitness told after a lay-off and veteran HARRY THE VIKING who didn’t seem to fancy it on this occasion.3.35 3m 2f Edinburgh Handicap Hurdle (117-146)
KRIS SPIN revelled in these testing conditions, at their worst of the afternoon during this race. He ground out a victory from a determined second with the rest seen off from two out. His record in heavy ground is 2351211 and, most notably, he’s not been out of the first two over hurdles in heavy.
DONNA’S DIAMOND had a tough task under top weight here but proved very tenacious, seeing his race out to the line. A Grade 2 winner this season he was by no means disgraced in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. He’s another with a sound record in these conditions.
TAKINGRISKS, who has been chasing since January last year, couldn’t match the first two from three out and inherited third place on the run-in.
ARTHUR’S SECRET ran a brave race, giving way from two out. He was out on his feet after the last and was sensibly eased to walk over the line and dismounted. Apparently none the worse he was presumably just very tired.
LASTBUTNOTLEAST made the running for two miles but weakened quickly from two out. He did win a 3-runner chase but his jumping left a bit to be desired no that occasion.
LANDECKER is not the easiest sort at the best times, hated these conditions and was never going. He is a fair performer on his day though and might pop up at a decent price this spring.4.10 2m 1f Ashleybank Investments Reg and Bettie Tweedie Handicap Chase
CARALINE ran up a sequence two seasons ago and has been near to that form this term. She’s a determined mare and when it became a battle of wills from the last there was only going to be one winner, despite her carrying top weight.
VENGEUR DE GUYE isn’t a prolific winner but does run some decent races at this level. He led before the last but was held on the run-in.
CHARLIE SNOW ANGEL ran a creditable race in the lead turning for home and only giving way from two out. There are easier contests at this level.
MARTILOO should have been suited by these conditions and is proving a tad frustrating, in general finishing rather weakly after holding chances. She was beaten two out.
OAK VINTAGE led to five out and stayed in touch to three out before the tank registered empty. He can handle this ground but probably needs less testing conditions to be seen at his best.4.45 2m 5f Belhaven Best Handicap Hurdle (88-114)
HAUL US IN is progressive and made all here, gamely hanging on when pressed from the last hurdle. He’s only been raced on soft or worse and hasn’t been out of the first two in heavy ground.
ROAD TO GOLD had struggled over fences, but kept on well enough here if held in the closing stages on return to hurdling. He was probably unlucky to run into a progressive opponent here and may pick up a race soon if the ground remains soft.
ANOTHER MATTIE was outpaced from three out but stayed on up the hill.
MARAWEH (fourth) ran passably well after a spell in the doldrums and will presumably pootle around Perth a time or two this summer for his Tayside owner’s group.
XPO UNIVERSAL was last of the five finishers, but wasn’t disgraced and still in second when a stumble after the last cost him momentum and he was beaten.5.20 totesport.com Open Hunters’ Chase (Class 5)
Only a small field for this event, a theme of Kelso hunter chases so far this term.
DUHALLOW TORNADO is an exciting addition to the ranks of Northern Hunter Chasers. He led or disputed all the way and kept on more than adequately from the last. I’m not familiar with his jockey Tom Strawson, but he did a very tidy job. The winner is only a 6-year-old and this looks a very interesting combination going forward.
LEAVETHELIGHTON was given a very good ride by Charlotte Crane who held on to him until as late as possible but her mount just didn’t have the toe to get past a better animal. His rider has yet to ride a Rules winner but, on this evidence, she shouldn’t have too long to wait.
CULTRAM ABBEY sets the standard but has been finding one or two too good this term. He’s not lost much in defeat though having come up against decent opponents.
NINE ALTARS never looked like moving out of last place and was allowed to come home in his own time. I presume we may see this one at Balcormo in 3 weeks time.BALCORMO MAINS (Fife Hunt Point-to-point) – Saturday April 28th 2018
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
This meeting has struggled with field sizes in recent years but, with decent ground prevailing, this year we were blessed with better field sizes and competitive contests. The weather was fine, if a just a little chilly, and an excellent attendance. There were notably more non-racing attractions present than in previous years, giving my wife a chance to spend a bit of money!
For those that don’t know the Balcormo circuit it has 7 fences per circuit with one open ditch, the terrain rising and falling gently. The standard race distance is around 3m 2f.
2.00 3m 2f NPPA Conditions Race
Seven runners from nine entries in the first was a promising start to the afternoon, and of the two non-runners one ran at Perth on Friday and other later in this card.
This contest gave locally trained CHANCEITON a good opportunity to build on a sound performance when second in the Buccleuch Cup at Kelso. Consistent all season, the 7 year old gelding recorded a third win racing prominently and kicking on from three out to win with a bit in hand. Lucinda Russell could keep this one as her pointer, but he suggests sufficient ability to make a mark in moderate company under Rules.
FRANKIE’S PROMISE was a hurdles winner in 2014, rather disappointing since but showing a bit more zip on this occasion. He made one or two slow jumps but was up there most of the way, unable to match the winner from three out but not disgraced.
WHITEABBEY race up with the pace early but couldn’t match the first two from three out. She won three small field races in 2015 but finds one or two too good in more competitive company.
ANOTHER DARK RUM struggles these days but was in touch until predictably left behind in the last half mile.
Veteran CRAZY DIAMOND was coming off a two year break. At his best he would have been bang there but lack of sharpness told one the last circuit and he came home in his own time.
ROYAL CHATELIER struggled to keep in touch after the first few fences and was pulled up before three out. He would be better with more cut though is another now at the veteran stage.
MILANS WELL won handicap chases in his younger days but looks a back number these days. He was struggling down the far side for the last time and pulled up before three out.2.30 3m 2f Restricted
This looked a weak contest, the winner having shown very little this term.
EXIT TEN harried the leader from two out and got in front close home. He won on good ground at Corbridge suggesting this is his surface.
AFTERCLASS led or disputed all the way abut was run out of it in the final 100 yards. This was a significant step up on recent efforts.
LEFT BACK proved slow under Rules, but has progressed in the pointing field. On that basis third was a tad disappointing, not helped by his tendency to go left at his fences and wide round the right-handed bends. He was disputing two out but gave that one a thump and couldn’t get back to the first two after that. He does have age on his side.
SOUND BARRIER was outpaced from the fourteenth and has been out of sorts this season.
POETIC PRESENCE has been well held in moderate Rules contests (hurdles rating of 79 at best) and found this company too tough from four out.3.00 3m 2f Intermediate
Unfortunately this was declared ‘no race’ as two entries had run in earlier contests and the third didn’t turn up.
At a meeting which is always going to be battling against a comparatively small horse population in the area. With Gemma Cochrane now working in Ireland there’s only Nick Alexander training a string of pointers in Fife along with the odd one or two that Lucinda Russell keeps on the go. In general field sizes are dependent on runners from the Southern Counties of Scotland and any English raiders. It’s a struggle to provide six races with conditions sufficient different to guarantee they will fill, so it’s probably a bonus that the other five races filled well enough.
3.30 3m 2f Mixed Open
A race sponsored by Pentland Land Rover providing the biggest prize purse ever for an Open at a Scottish point, so a field of 6 was disappointing from what looked a strong initial entry.
Despite some slow jumps, hurdles winner NICKI’S NIPPER was produced late by Aimee Waugh to win this contest on pointing debut. Rated 102 over fences at best she probably ran near that mark here in conditions which suited.
THOMOND was on my Horses To Follow list under Rules this season but has been disappointing since a move to Fife from Noel Meade. He was sixth in the 2017 Topham Trophy but hasn’t matched that since and should have won this if he was near his best. He has become frustrating and couldn’t resist the winner from two out.
VIACOMETTI was outpaced going to two out and could only stick on at one pace. He came here off a break awaiting the ground and might be one to look out for in a similar event in the last few weeks of the season.
ALLTHEKINGSHORSES led and kicked on from the tenth, but was headed four out and weakened. He’s been out of sorts this season but does seem to raise his game a bit when visiting Balcormo.
SAFARI JOURNEY struggles to see out the trip and was feeling the pinch when depositing Aaron Anderson on the turf three out.
ROLLING THUNDER, a chase winner for Donald McCain, was in the mix when falling heavily two out. After a minute or two he rose to cheers from the crowd. He clearly retains ability and, assuming the fall has no lasting effect, can win an Open.4.00 2m 4f PPORA Club Members’ Conditions Race
The biggest field of the day pitched up for the ‘short trip’ Conditions Race, those not standing their ground from the original 15 having either run in other races here or at Perth.
TAMBOUR MAJOR led or disputed, pushed on from the eighth and resisted a stern challenge from the last fence. Ground and trip suited well here as the winner returned to his best from after a couple of lack lustre runs this term.
NINE ALTARS played up at the start and was left well adrift. Charlotte Dun let him ease his way into the race on the second circuit but he didn’t have enough in the locker to get past the winner. This looked a missed opportunity.
ROSSINI’S DANCER would have taken this comfortably at his best, but he just lacks the pace these days though keeping on for third from two out.
THE ICE FACTOR was outpaced from three out but probably ran to his form.
UP TO AL disputed for much of the way but gave way from four out.
I didn’t note the finishing order but MR ROBINSON and ALLERTON never got seriously involved and finished well behind, while ROSKEEN BOY was well behind in the final mile.
RAFTIERI is desperately slow and should have been pulled up. As it was he tried to refuse at the last but was forced to jump almost from standstill, just clambering over against the wing. He hasn’t been competitive for ages and ‘racing’ him serves no purpose these days.430 3m 2f Open Maiden
Difficult to know what to make of this race as the leaders hared off in front and the first three were waited with.
TRELIVER MANOR raced most prominently of the first three to finish. Age is not on his side but he might conceivably step up a grade. Settled third, he disputed at the fifteenth and held off a late challenge.
ROYAL FLUSH looks basically a non-stayer but benefitted from a canny ‘super-waiting race’ under Aaron Anderson, making rapid progress through tiring rivals to challenge the winner on the flat. I suspect this just fell for him and I would be wary of expecting a repeat.
FLOWER BALL kept on steadily for third. He’s only six, there is reason to expect better in time and he may be favoured by softer ground.
BURNETTS JOINT is a big old boat who gets around in his own time. He doesn’t truly see out three mile trips.
CAHERELLY was a long way behind from halfway. He has shown glimmers of ability on occasion, but this was not encouraging.
CARRICKCROSS BOYE is headstrong and led at too quick a pace for his own good. The petrol ran out with a circuit to go and he pulled up before the fourteenth.
CHOIX DE L’AMOUR was the only one to try to match the leader and disputed from the sixth into the final circuit. He faded quickly from the fifteenth and was pulled up.KELSO – Saturday October 27th
Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)
I’ve had quite a few things on in recent months involved with work, Rotary Club, Young Enterprise and home stuff so haven’t been able to update. I hope to make more time in the coming weeks and have a few meetings lined up as the Scottish jumps season gets into full swing.
A bright but chilly day at Kelso. The cold had really bitten by the last race and there were no more than a handful atop the roof for the closing event.
The ground was generally good all the way round, a few quicker patches, particularly down the side of the course, though my heel made a mark in most places and there’s a lush covering of grass. Wind was very chilly and pretty much across from the right heading up the straight.
1.50 2m Maiden Hurdle (Class 4)
As a hurdles event this was not strong, but there are a few to take forward as chasers of the future and there may be a minor hurdle or tow to be landed.
The winner GOLDENCARD is viewed as a long term chasing prospect but had speed enough to see these off. Setting the pace, Brian Hughes wound things up from three out and nothing got to him. The winner is likely to contest a novice hurdle under a penalty and will then be put away awaiting the good ground in the spring.
THELONGWAYAROUND is a nice chasing sort with a bit of developing still to do. He chased vainly after the leader from two out but held a clear second place and a step up in trip will do no harm.
STAROZOV from Jackie Stephen’s stable can be made fitter. He was tapped for speed from three out but was by no means disgraced and saw his race out. This was an encouraging start as was that of stablemate CAPTAIN KURT who fairly rattled home in the closing stages under hands and heels.
2.25 2m 7½f Novices’ Handicap Chase (Class 4)
KING GOLAN dominated an event over a shorter distance here last time and once again was unchallenged. Given an uncontested lead he once again jumped accurately and had plenty to spare once asked to kick on in the final straight. He’ll go up a fair bit for this, but if able to dominate in similar fashion can pick up another race or two.
Those others with form didn’t particularly encourage and there was plenty of scruffy jumping. BOCASIEN DESBOIS kept on but got no closer to winner than last time.
ST QUINTIN showed a modicum of promise in third place on chase debut after a stable swap and long lay-off. He will presumably be kept on good ground and is not a totally lost cause.
3.00 3m 2f Handicap Chase (Class 2)
This was a weak Class 2 event.
DANDY DAN ploughed through the second fence and didn’t treat the next with an awful lot of respect. However, he was putting the leader under pressure when the latter came down two out. Dandy Dan is a five-year-old novice with plenty of promise going forward and saw out this trip most convincingly.
RED GIANT was aiming a little higher after being unfortunate in missing out at Sedgefield. He jumped round well enough but was found for pace in the last half mile.
I JUST KNOW may need it softer but set a far tempo in front. He was under the pump but still leading when totally misjudging the ditch two out. He led the National until coming down at Becher’s in April and presumably that would be his target in 2019.
LOFGREN made mistakes, never got into the contest and was tailed off when pulled up two out.
3.35 2m Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
The curse of the low sun struck with the two hurdles in the straight omitted. That aside the second last is at a completely different angle from the last in current arrangement and I do wonder if that could have been kept in. In the event the race turned into a four furlong sprint from the last.
IOLANI is in good heart and battled determinedly to hold off challengers to record a narrow win. He’ll go up a bit for this, though it’s hardly jump form and he shouldn’t, but can make it four in there’s not too much rain.
LITTLE STEVIE ran as well as he has done for ages in second. DESERT ISLAND DUSK is often thereabouts in this company and a rooftop regular landed the place part of 40/1 each-way which would rank as one of the better bets of the autumn.
4.10 2m 1f Handicap Chase (Class 4)
Reasons to oppose all of these and four still had a chance two out. Plenty of faffing about before start as various parties discussed the low sun which was deemed not a problem as cloud started to provide some cover.
MIDDLEBROW is a weak finisher but got left in front as runners came to the end of their tether. He just held on after a renewed challenge from CIVIL UNREST who is performing well for a veteran, and has that ability to keep on to the line that James Ewart’s horse demonstrate.
CHAIN OF BEACONS looked the likely winner at the last but ran out of steam close home on return from a wind operation. The run won’t have done him any harm and he has a generally positive profile results wise in recent times.
VENGEUR DE GUYE was run out of it from two out and needs softer ground.
SUDSKI STAR resented being taken on for the lead and was struggling from four out.
4.40 2m 5f Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
ONE NIGHT IN MILAN stayed on well to follow up his Thursday Carlisle win. Keith Dlagleish is a trainer that can continue to exploit this one’s upward profile.
SOMETHING BREWING ran creditably in second and would have every chance of picking up a similar contest, while GREEN ZONE had his chance approaching the last and appeared to run to his level.
BUCKLED set the pace but couldn’t respond once passed two out and BIG TIME DANCER was similarly outpaced from that point.
5.15 3m 2f Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
There was a farce at the start of this race. WYFIELD ROSE planted herself and it was quite clear she wasn’t interested in racing, yet the starter let them go without any apparent efforts to withdraw. The BHA Stewards offered a statement afterwards on Twitter (and in the Stewards Report) that Wyfield Rose was deemed a runner. If these are the rules then the rules stink and if I’d backed the errant animal then I would be furious. My comment to this effect on Twitter was ignored by @BHAStewards.
CHANCEITON showed up well in points for Lucinda Russell last term and came with a nicely timed run to lead before the last and win a shade cosily. This one will continue to make hay where stamina is at a premium.
DAVID JOHN looked to have seen off allcomers until challenged on the run to the last and lost very little in defeat. This was a significant step up on stable debut three weeks ago.
HANDY HOLLOW ran a sound race close up in third with the remainder well seen off.
MUSSELBURGH – Monday December 3rd
Graciously granted one day off work in December aside from the christmas holidays I didn’t wish to waste it and took myself along to Musselburgh for their first December fixture.
A rather sombre end to the day as we found that four horses had perished during the meeting. The four died under different circumstances, Kensuke’s Kingdom broke down after the finish, Smart Ruler had a heart attack, Sierra Oscar went wrong after three out, and Leatherbelly seemed to suffer a serious leg break on the home turn. No particular reason to link the four but nevertheless a tough day for the course and the sport. The course sadly didn’t keep us up to date with the fate of Kensuke’s Kingdom after announcing that the vet was attending the horse on the track. I did tweet when I spotted the horse ambulance attending but the great unwashed are apparently not worthy of news on a horse’s well being, be it good or bad.
A low quality card so I will concentrate on just a few markers for the future.
GLENLORA led for a long way in the staying novices’ hurdle before fading to finish fourth of four finishers. Showed enough promise to suggest Sandy Thomson can find a race for her in time. Not sure if there’s a mares only staying novice programmed in the coming weeks but Glenlora would have a chance.
THOMAS TODD stayed on encouragingly to win the staying novices’ handicap chase. A winner of a maiden point, he didn’t seem a stand-out, but his manner of victory suggested more to come. SIMONE is my ‘follow over a cliff’ horse and the mare was once again very weak when push came to shove having jumped well in front to four out.
LIFE KNOWLEDGE led for a long way in the Class 5 two mile handicap hurled. He looked a bit headstrong, but kept on admirably once passed by Spin Of A Coin. Twice a flat winner but lightly raced over hurdles, it wouldn’t be out of the question that he could land a similar contest.
NENDRUM was clear and had the 2m 4f Class 4 handicap hurdle at his mercy when stepping at two out and coming down. He’s a tad frustrating but has won before, goes well here and there should be a race to be won with him soon.
The four runner bumper looked an interesting event but was marred by the horrible injury suffered by poor Leatherbelly. The first two are worth following and YES NO MAYBE SO forged clear from WEAPONS OUT in the final furlong. Breeding and make up suggest both can turn into jumpers.
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