North’s notes

[robnorth]

Kelso – Sunday April 13th 2008

Going – Heavy

After heavy rain in the Borders over the past few days the meeting survived an inspection. Better than the previous week when my wife and I drove through the snow toward Hexham, only to hear at 1p.m. that the meeting was off.

One fence and hurdle down the back straight were missed out due to the bad ground.

2.20 2m 0.5f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

CASH MAN raced prominently all the way. He was headed at the last but fought back tenaciously on the long run-in and certainly doesn’t lack determination. The time was decent compared with others on the card, even allowing for racing on the freshest ground.
NAXOX moved up after 3 out, and came to win the race at the last, but couldn’t muster quite the pace of the winner. He stuck on well enough and didn’t lose much in defeat, finishing. He handles better going so is worth watching out for in the next few weeks.
SILVER BY NATURE has ability but is difficult to ‘tie down’. Having been prominent early he seemed to be going nowhere 3 out, only to stay on again to take third. I suspect he is favoured by better ground, and since Perth is his local a visit or two to that course over the coming months may confirm this.
JENTRIS GIRL stayed on for fourth just behind Silver By Nature. This was a fair debut over hurdles. PROSECCO raced prominently for a long way then faded from 2 out, but was not disgraced. The remainder were well held.
PEREZ, with no form to speak of previously, pulled to the front and led to the third before disappearing without trace. The likes of BRIARHILL LAD, JANAL and FIRST FOOTPRINT were in the rear early and never competitive.

3.00 3m 1f Novices’ Chase

Not a bad event even though only four turned out.

GYSPY GEORGE led early, jumped well, and saw off Ma Yahab and Truckers Lady in the straight. The two beaten horses are decent markers, and the winner’s form suggests he should be first on the list whenever the ground comes up testing.
MA YAHAB came off a decent performance in handicap company at Cheltenham. He tried hard enough after the last put was just held. Could be interesting back in less classy handicap company than he found at Cheltenham.
TRUCKERS LADY is still a maiden but has run some decent races. She was found out by two better horses in the straight. Her handicap mark of 109 may be helpful.
LOVE THAT BENNY was not out of it when whacking 2 out, a mistake which knocked the stuffing out of him. He was coming off a break here so performed adequately given that he’s probably better suited by good ground or faster. He will presumably be aimed at spring time Perth and Kelso contests on better ground.

3.30 2m 2f 0-120 Handicap Hurdle

Officially a 0-130 but top weight was on 120. The pace was steady until 3 out.

Tight between four two out with consistent performer JOHN FORBES gaining the upper hand from the last.
TARTAN SNOW took a heavy fall at the last when looking tired. It looked bad but he got up OK. He had gone well enough, and performed creditably to remain in contention after a bad mistake at the hurdle down the far side.
HUSH TIGER and FRONT RANK, both having every chance two out, faded out of contention. HUSH TIGER in particular can find an easier opportunity.
TRAGIC OHIO, coming from a long lay-off, had his rider stoking the coal facing two out, but stuck on well on the flat. The performance offers encouragement, and it’s worth noting that though a winner on heavy his bumper form proves he can handle better ground.
KARATHAENA stayed on for third. She may win in her turn but is well exposed.
SOUBRIQUET was left behind once the pace increased. His current mark looks a tough one.

4.00 3m 1f 0-132 Handicap Chase

Slightly less than the 0-145 billing, but nevertheless a decent handicap chase for Kelso.

A gem of a ride by Timmy Murphy. Holding up top-weight STANDIN OBLIGATION at the back, Murphy brought his mount through to lead on the flat and win with a degree of comfort. He’s been lightly raced this season, handles fast ground and could be interesting if aimed at the better handicap chases this spring.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST was prominent on the final circuit and did nothing wrong. Headed on the flat, he had seen off the remainder comfortably but was well outpointed by the winner. He’s on a low mark, and if he remains at 110 or less would squeak into the Highland National which would be a good deal easier than this race, though it may come a little too soon. If he turns out at Perth I’ll have a good look at him in the parade ring.
ANOTHER RUM was way out the back until the run-in as he arrived to snatch third. He stays 4m+, but doesn’t win very often.
CANADA STREET has run well in a number of similar events this season. He plugged on for fourth. He’s not been campaigned in the summer, so presumably will be put away until the autumn.
BANNISTER LANE and GIDAM GIDAM were prominent early at a decent pace but faded in the tough conditions. STRONG RESOLVE and THE OUTLIER were also up there early and then found things hard work on the final circuit. CHABRIMAL MINSTER made some progress on the final circuit and had a chance 4 out but then faded.
ROSS COMM never showed, JONNY’S KICK was shoved along vainly going on to the final circuit , and CRACKADEE ran no sort of race in the conditions, pulling up before the eleventh.

4.30 3m 1f Hunters’ Chase

This race was turned into a procession by the Borders area’s favourite hunter chaser NATIAIN. Blazing the trail in his familiar style, he jumped immaculately and had all his opponents bar one on the stretch for most of the way. He couldn’t cope with the better opposition at Cheltenham, but there doesn’t seem to be anything to hold him at Kelso. The Bajan Bandit was a non-runner here, but I’m not sure even that capable performer would have held him.
LORD WHO was waited with off the pace, moved up well on the final circuit but was well outpointed at the sharp end. He ran creditably in the Perth long distance hunter event last season, and would be interesting if aimed at that race again since he wasn’t pushed too much once beaten.
ANSHAN SPIRIT paid the penalty for racing up with the winner for a circuit and fell away, finishing a tired third. Probably best on decent ground, there was enough promise here to suggest a minor hunter chase should come his way soon.
The remaining five weren’t remotely good enough and were strung out around Kelso.

5.00 2m 6.5f Novices’ Hurdle

The decent gallop here saw off the slowcoaches.

SUPREME BUILDER will be presumably be aimed at a chasing career. He was all out to beat an apparent lesser performer here, but he stays well and is determined enough.
POLITICAL PADDY was only just pipped and is clearly suited by a stamina test. On this evidence should pick up a staying novice event. I would imagine a 3 miler round Hexham would be up this one’s street.
AUTOGRAPH, back to hurdles after a spell chasing, led to three out but couldn’t offer enough from the last. She gives her trainer options over hurdles and fences.
EGERMYSTER’s fourth place may be of interest since he was making a rules debut. Took over three out and then was one paced once headed at the last, but the fact that she got seriously competitive offers much encouragement.
The rest led by MONEYLAWS were beaten a long way, and OF COURSE may have had a problem since he went out like a light after 3 out.

Currently a favourite mare of mine and of my work colleagues, STRAVAIGIN did us proud again at Carlisle last week, just being pipped on the line by Wise Choice. Keep an eye out for her on good ground.

I can’t make the Scottish National Meeting, but I’ll watch everything and report on significant performances. It’s then off to the Perth Festival, will report on the Wednesday then be attending Thursday and Friday.
‘North On The Level’ restarts for the season with a Hamilton on May 9th.
I hope to make Hexham sometime in the Spring, weather permitting!

[robnorth]

AYR – Friday 18th and Saturday 19th April 2008

Going: Friday – Good To Soft, Saturday – Good

The ground dried out very quickly over a few days, having originally been reported as heavy a day or two before the meeting.

The heroine of the meeting was LA VECCHIA SCUOLA. This versatile filly, a winner over 5 furlongs last June and a creditable fifth in a 3 mile Grade 1 novices’ hurdle at Aintree, won on both days of this meeting. On Friday, having been under pressure from a long way out, she came with a burst of speed to snatch the 2 mile mares’ handicap hurdle right on the line, just nicking it from BOLLIN RUTH, the latter having shown determination to hold off the others. La Vecchia Scuola came out in the opening novice event the next day and won with any amount in hand. Jim Goldie intimated that the tough filly may go for an event at Punchestown this week.

KERRY LADS was retired after the claiming chase on Friday. He’s been a good servant to the Russell stable for a number of years, but on this occasion couldn’t muster the pace to match AUNTIE KATHLEEN. Difficult to know quite what to make of the form, since the winner appeared to make significant improvement. The third GEEVEEM never seemed to be travelling that well and lost touch with the first two in the latter stages. CASH BONANZA disputed for a long way, but on handicaps marks he had a tough task and couldn’t stay with the principals in the straight.

REAP THE REWARD came from a long lay-off to take Friday’s 2m 5f novices’ handicap chase on his chasing debut. He ran on well for a comfortable win and he’s low enough in the handicap for the mark to be exploited in the next few weeks. One or two in the race jumped stickily, but Reap The Reward did the job nicely. The Robson stable followed up on Saturday when OVERSERVED won a handicap hurdle.

QUWS LAW won the 3 mile handicap hurdle on Friday. Having struggled in the sticky ground previously this one was suited by the drier conditions and won the race nicely. He has a sound record at the track to date. RATHOWEN came rattling home from the back to snatch second.

Apparently well considered NOLAND was put in his place in the Future Champions Novices’ Chase on Saturday. He was put in his place by STARZAAN who had too much pace on the flat. Noland has perhaps been hyped a little though, and strictly on the handicap figures the result was right to the length. FRANKIE FIGG was beaten but not disgraced here, leading to 2 out and then giving way, finding the opposition just a bit too strong.

The Scottish Champion Hurdle (a 0-160 Handicap) looked a very decent event. BORDER CASTLE found extra on the flat to hold TAKEROC, and in third the novice KALAHARI KING put up a cracking performance. FRENCH SAULAIE also performed creditably in finishing fourth. BYWELL BEAU made the pace, as is his way, and kept on when headed but could only finish sixth. He’s a bit between two stools at moment, since he’s erratic at chasing and high in the weights in handicap hurdles. LOUGH DERG, presumably trying for Order Of Merit points, found things happening much too quickly for him at two miles on this ground.

The Scottish National was won in impressive style by 66/1 outsider IRIS DE BALME. I would love to say I had been on the horse at those odds, but I only profited by virtue of drawing him in the office sweep! Clearly suited by the extreme distance and the decent ground, he whizzed away from the very decent Halcon Genelardais over the last two. Iris De Balme now goes for the Gold Cup at Sandown next week, though I feel he’ll find that a lot tougher, since it’s a different track and likely to be a classier event overall. HALCON GENELARDAIS lost nothing in defeat, since the rest were held. FLINTOFF finished well to take third and on this evidence may be a force in staying chases next season. OLD BENNY ran well enough in fourth if never quite getting to grips at the sharp end, and PHILSON RUN added another decent performance to his record in fifth. STRONG RESOLVE ran well for a long way, but faded from a mile out and finds this class tough these days. ANOTHER RUM trundled round at the back without getting to the leaders. NOIR ET VERT threatened briefly on the last circuit but fell away after a mistake at the twentieth fence.

MARCEL seems at his best in small fields. He beat 6 opponents over 2 miles here and performed similarly in a small field at Kelso the run before last. He found a more competitive event at Aintree too much to cope with. JEFERTITI has been in good form, but this class was too much for him and he was beaten by 40-odd lengths. However, I would imagine he’ll be in and pitching at Perth or possibly Kelso in the near future.

Ecclefechan trained MERIGO was an impressive winner of the 3m 1f Novices’ Hacp Chase (0-132), racing up with the pace and staying on well at the finish. He’s likely to stay further and is one to keep on the list for staying chases in Scotland and the north. BALLABRIGGS finished second, and I get the impression a bit more give would suit better, but this was a creditable run. I liked this one when I first same him, and I would expect the McCain stable to find a chase or two for him next season. James Ewart’s RAINING HORSE was going well when falling 5 out.

The National Hunt Flat looked a competitive event with a few piinters to the future. Kelso debut winner KNOCKARA BEAU confirmed that form with a solid second behind Paul Nicholls’ CONFLICTOFINTEREST. I’ll be looking forward to seeing KNOCKARA BEAU in Scottish novice hurdles next season. Lucinda Russell’s BRACKEN LAD ran well enough in sixth palce to give encouragement for the future.

Focus up here now turns to the Perth Festival which commences on Wednesday 23rd April. The strength of entries suggests some competitive racing on ground which is likely to be good.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Wednesday April 23 2008
Going – Good

Damp weather but it made no difference to the going which was just right for the first day of the Perth Festival. The meeting plays host to trainers from far and wide, and it was the Cheltenham stable of Nigel Twiston-Davies that stole the day, recording a four-timer.

2.10 2m 4.5f Maiden Hurdle

A low key start to the meeting, with a maiden full of one paced and slow types.

Irish-trained CARRICK DHU made the running here, but his jumping was not that special. However he was still in front when running out at the third last and dumping his rider. He’s had plenty of chances and this run suggests there will always be reasons to oppose this one.
SOLWAY BEE has lacked a bit of pace at the business end, though putting up some fair performances in novice company. She forged clear in the straight to win with a fair bit in hand. Presumably her future now lies in handicap company where she has acquitted herself well previously.
THUNDERWING , although not sticking with the winner, did stay on for second. His efforts over 2 miles suggested a lack of finishing pace so presumably he will be campaigned at tis distance or further now.
GENERAL LEDGER had a chance entering the straight but was then left behind. His form suggests real test of stamina may be needed. He’s a winner of a bumper at Hexham and I wonder if a return to Hexham for a 3 miler may help.
CULCAVY was left behind from 3 out having raced prominently. His record to date does not pick him out as a potential winner.

2.45 3m 0.5f Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

A competitive novices’ handicap hurdle with a quite a few coming into it with promising recent form.

Nigel Twiston-Davies’ THE GREAT ALFIE was restrained at the back for much of the trip, brought through steadily from 3 out and led on the flat to win well. This was only his fourth race over hurdles so, given that the step up in trip clearly suited, it’s likely that his trainer can secure a win or two more.
MY ARCH has performed well this season in novice events in Scotland and the north. He didn’t do much wrong here, being produced to challenge in the straight but just found out by a better handicapped winner. He should continue to perform well in handicaps and I would be interested if he goes chasing.
ANDYTOWN had every chance, and lost momentum after hitting 2 out probably cost that chance. He quite lightly raced, clearly has ability and I suspect will improve on this.
HEEZ A STEEL has run some decent races, but is collecting a long list of places.
PARADISE BAY might be worth watching for in a lower class event since he ran a decent race in fifth. He made some progress down the back, but couldn’t sustain the run in the straight. He’s on a mark of 94 which gives Gordon Elliott a chance to drop him in class.
STRAVAIGIN ran well enough in sixth, but found this company tougher than previous races. As has been the case in her previous races she came off the bridle some way out, but this time couldn’t battle her way back into contention.
VON GALEN had decent form going into this but was struggling from the start and pulled up after a circuit.

3.20 3m Novices’ Chase

A competitive stayers’ novice event for decent prize money.

The pace was steady for the first two miles.

ALLBORN LAD set the pace with Sharp Reply, but he’s not as good as these and struggled once the tempo increased. His sights need to be lowered.
I liked the look of NUDGE AND NURDLE as a chase when he won at Kelso earlier in the season. He was held up here, and made a couple of early mistakes, but moved into contention between the last two fences. He led on the flat and just held the late rush of the runner-up.
FLEET STREET finished with a flourish, just too late to get his head in front. This was his first try at the distance, and the suggestion is that he stayed very well, though remember that the pace was steady.
THE WHISPERER was outpaced on the flat, having led over the last two. Past from suggests he’s a real stayer, and a faster pace or stiffer test would be helpful.
LOVE THAT BENNY disappointed last time, but on ground that suits him ran well here. He’s one to watch out for in the next few weeks when the ground is on the fast side.
SHARP REPLY helped set the pace but ran out of petrol between the last 2.
FLYING FALCON has been in good form but his jumping let him down here.

3.55 2m 1/2f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

I marked LITTLE BOB down as a future winner last spring. It took him a little time to notch a win, but this was his second success and he now moving in the right direction. He led on the flat, Paddy Brennan riding another ‘hold up’ race as he recorded his third success of the afternoon. I think Little Bob can win again soon.
SUMMER SOUL is a lightly raced import from Ireland. Coming off a break, he was up with the front-runners down the back straight and kept on well after the turn for home. A very promising run and looks a ready made winner for Lucinda Russell.
LONGDALE is a well exposed sort who ran up to his form in third, as did STAINLEY in fourth.
AMAZING KING was given every chance but couldn’t quicken between the last two.
ORANG OUTAN won last time out after a break, but this may have come to soon and he was pulled up. Bear in mind also that he was up in grade and running on faster ground, so it may be the run can be forgiven.

4.30 2m 4.5f 0-125 Handicap Chase

NIRVANA SWING had decent form coming into this race, two wins followed by a UR when in contention. He kept his good run going, racing prominently and showing plenty of determination on the flat.
GREAT JANE showed some promise last year, but then hit a flat spot. She was another who raced prominently and kept on well, finishing well clear of the rest. A good run in what looked a competitive event, and form which suggests another win won’t be far away.
CATEGORICAL won a claimer at Musselburgh in February over this distance. He didn’t threaten the leaders but stayed on for third. I get the impression that he is handicapped to the hilt over fences.
CLASSIC CAPERS has been dotted about between staying events and these middle distance chases. To his credit he acquits himself well enough whatever the distance, though is another who seems handicapped right to his ability.
DO L’ENFANT D’EAU is another who has been swapped between distances. In general he has been campaigned at this level though he ran well enough here, if lacking the pace of the placed horses, and the suggestion is a drop in class would give him a chance of his mark of 99.
GOLD HEART was not far away for much of the trip, but didn’t have enough at the end. He’s shown a hint of ability since moving from France, but yet to threaten a victory.
SEEYAAJ got into contention three out but fell away. He is running quite well but off a mark 9lbs higher than his last chase win. He is 8lbs lower over hurdles, and was a creditable second to Palomar on his last outing, so I suspect Lucinda Russell might try to exploit this.

5.05 3m 0-100 Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle

Another Twiston-Davies winner in MAJOR MALARKEY, and another winner held up. He made a couple of hurdling mistakes out the back, but this didn’t inconvenience him and, coming thorough to lead at the last, stayed on nicely. This win takes him out of 0-100 class in the future, but he did win a 0-115 at Ludlow, so there’s hope of another victory.
LILY TARA never quite got near enough to threaten a win, but ran on well for second. She went up 14lbs for her last win, but still seems to be competitive.
COLDWELLS was up with the pace for much of the way, but couldn’t match the first two once they went past in the straight. He’s yet to win, but he ran well enough to suggest a minor staying hurdle might be within his compass.
LADY ROANIA plugged on for fourth. She’s 7lbs higher than her win at Ludlow in the autumn and would probably need to drop a few pounds.
SELECTION BOX looked threatening, but then whacked the second last which ended his chances. Invariably his Irish outings are in huge fields, so it might be that another trip to the Scotland may provide his best opportunity. Without the poor jump he may well have finished first three.
I’M YOUR MAN Stayed on in sixth. He won three times last summer, and has dropped below his last winning mark so is possibly one to note when the sun shines.
OLIVERJOHN and ASTON both seem out of sorts at the moment. The latter has looked unwilling at tmies in the past.

5.40 2m 4.5f Maiden Hurdle

Making his hurdling debut ANDREW NICK showed determination to see off Tuskar Rock and Diamond Frontier on the flat. I’m not sure this was a very strong race, but Andrew Nick showed enough promise to suggest he will progress.
TUSKAR ROCK doesn’t seem to have a change of pace, but his attitude seems good. He looked the winner after the last, but was headed in the last 100 yards.
DIAMOND FRONTIER performed to more or less the same level of his previous runs. He is competitive in these events and should pick up a maiden or novice eventually.
POLITICAL PADDY ran on, having been outpaced 3 out. His form suggests a stiffer test is required.
PRINCE DU BEURY looked strongest on form, but was disappointing having had every chance.
There didn’t seem an awful lot of promise from the remainder.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Thursday 24 April 2008

Going –Good To Soft

Morning rain meant the going eased to good to soft, and there were showers during the after, a particularly after the third race. The ultra-keen Course Manager Sam Morshead even gave up on his presentation during the latter downpour!

As is often the case at this time of year it was difficult to tie down winners in some races. It’s a mix of horses blossoming in the spring, and those which have been on the go starting to fade.

2.10 2m 0.5f Novices’ Hurdle

This race basically involved four competitors and five make-weights.

LAZY DARREN won this nicely enough, making progress down the back straight, leading between the last two and staying on for victory. His third at Aintree looked decent enough and so it proved.
FRANK CROW’s last two runs had been disappointing. However, he was more on his game in this event. He’s an easy going sort, bright and alert in the paddock and settled well. Although finding Lazy Darren too strong he kept on well for second and, given that he has only had the one win, there must be scope for placing him in the near future.
QUICUYO looks a strong type who might go on to make a chaser in time. Found the first two a bit quick in the straight but wasn’t disgraced. Behind him, COOL OPERATOR ran up to previous form in fourth.
Of the others there is a glimmer of hope for STEEL MAN. His previous form was dire, but on this occasion he was at the head of affairs until weakening quickly after the sixth flight. He had a wind problem previously and, assuming this has been attended too, may have the ability to win a seller.
Hurdles debutant ART INVESTOR showed nothing significant.

2.45 2m Handicap Chase

COACH LANE looked an absolute picture in the paddock. He’s a strong, handsome sort. The pace was strong here, Coach Lane being raced up with the leaders. He led 2 out and looked as if he’d win with a bit to spare. However, Yankee Holiday pressed him on the run-in, the pair finishing well clear.
YANKEE HOLIDAY is a bit of a quirky character, with two handlers in the paddock and pulling hard as usual going down. That being said he normally gives a decent account of himself on the track, coming late here to bustle up the winner close home. He will presumably be campaigned in similar races here over the summer.
ORMELLO had every chance but didn’t have enough pace over the last two. He ran well enough though and may be another to contest similar events here in the coming months.
LOCH OSCAIG ran creditably enough but a rise in the weights may have stopped him. He looked at peak fitness here, so this may be as good as he is. He moved up on the inside three out, but couldn’t go with Coach Lane.
BILLYANDI was made favourite, presumably on the strength of his trainer’s show on the first day, but was never a factor. A mark that sometimes horse can be favoured because of the trainer, but that ignores the form book facts.
MANHATTAN BOY has ability, but was very cussed on this occasion. Mounted on the track, he planted and needed extreme encouragement, his rider eventually bumping him a furlong or two with feet out of the irons. Somewhere along the line Manhattan Boy sustained a cut mouth. The injury was cleaned up at the start, but the fuss couldn’t have helped and he was behind early.
NORTHERN QUEST was another who wasn’t particularly co-operative. He went down early, the rider going a couple of furlongs with feet out of the irons. He was pulled up 2 out.
BEGGARS CAP was well fancied but very disappointing.

3.20 3m 0.5f Class 2 Novices’ Hurdle

According to Sam Morshead, this was highest rated hurdle ever to take place at Perth. It was certainly a decent event, a good second tier target for those just off the top of the staying novice ranks.

The pace was steady early and only picked up going on to the final circuit. The leader was local challenger SILVER BY NATURE. I had this one down as an interesting prospect when he won the bumper here last year. I’ve never quite fathomed him since then, but he was just a little bit out of his class and faded in the straight, being eased when beaten.
LODGE LANE battled well to hold the favourite TAZBAR in a tight finish. Neither lost anything in a fine race and both look useful prospects for the future.
VIKING REBEL matched the front two until the last and then gave way.
Significantly, PRIDE OF DULCOTE goes into next season still a novice hurdler. Given that he was so close to three useful previous winners, he looks a shoo-in in a bog standard staying novice event. Only a 5yo too, so there would seem much to come from this gelding.
OH PICKLES found the company too tough, being the first to drop out of contention.

3,55 3m Class 2 Handicap Chase

A cracker of a staying handicap chase, quite possibly the strongest ever to be staged at Perth. Last year’s renewal was won by Dream Alliance who went on to finish second in the Hennessy at Newbury.

This race was one in gritty style by ERIC’S CHARM. Having taken the lead four out he looked likely to be settling for a place in the straight, but battled back most tenaciously after the last to head the leader almost on the line.
The 11 year old BROOKLYN BREEZE looked sure to take this prize when leading 2 out. He hadn’t won for a couple of years, but ran a cracker here, and the suggestion is there’s still a handicap chase in him.
BROOKLYN BROWNIE ran a fine race in third, the first two getting away on the flat. He raced prominently in a race which was run at a decent pace, so I suspect this was a significant performance. He may just be slightly better at a shorter distance.
ST MATTHEW ran well enough without threatening to win. This effort suggests possibilities in less competitive events.
KENZO III was up with the pace from the start and probably paid for that a bit. He weakened in the straight to finish fifth. UNDENIABLE ran a fair race in sixth have been in contention down the back straight on the last circuit. Another who probably found the race a tad too competitive.
BLUE SPLASH made a bad error at the eighth and his rider was unable to recover, so pulled up. Unfortunately his record is littered with errors, though he has won a couple of chases.
STANDIN OBLIGATION ran no sort of race. I have seen it suggested he didn’t like the right handed track, but since he got three vigorous slaps before the first bend had been reached, I’m not sure that was the case. For whatever reason, he wasn’t interested. Much the same could be said for PETITJEAN who hit a couple early and never looked interested.

4.30 3m 7f Hunters’ Chase

The only slight doubt in this contest was whether NATIAIN would stay the extended trip. In the event he had no problem whatsoever, and judging by his comparatively relaxed state in the unsaddling area he could probably have gone round again. His jumping was immaculate and he was basically hunted round, with a gear or two to spare. The second moved up briefly at the 20th fence, but Natiain just upped the pace enough to go clear.
HARLOV ran an honest race in second. Compared to the winner he could have blown a house down afterwards, but then since he would have been receiving two stone plus in a handicap it was understandable. Harlov is a fine stayer at his level, but found the winner way too good.
Vicky Simpson nursed JACKSONVILLE round once he lost touch with the leaders, making sure of third place.
BE UPSTANDING was still up with Natiain when taking a nasty fall 5 out. Fortunately both horse and rider were up quickly, and apparently noe the worse.
KAUSSE DE THAIX and TYNEDALE both jettisond their riders early on, with LOST PROPERTY and UNCLE NEIL not remotely fast enough at this level.

5.50 2m 4.5f Handicap Hurdle

A competitive handicap hurdle to finish the card. The start was held up by the antics of WISE CHOICE. Having jettisoned Dougie Costello, he set off on two circuits of the track the wrong way, and was having none of it when various people encouraged him to stop. He eventually got tired and stopped to walk when his jockey retrieved him, Wise choice having been withdrawn in the meantime. It occurred to me that since he is trained at Glenfarg, if he’d run in a straight line he would have been halfway home!

Anyway back to the race which was won nicely by DE BLANC. He took the race by the scruff of the neck early in the straight, and though the others closed he had a bit to spare at the finish. He has been running creditably this season and recorded a first win for two years. He’s won over hurdles and fences so there’s scope for placing him.
PACHA D’OUDAIRIES was held up, and stayed on for second. He was unlucky on his previous run, and given the run of the race might be expected to record another win soon.
LEGALLY FAST ran a decent race from up with the pace, leading into the straight but one paced once passed. I noted that he was the only blinkered runner on the entire card, which must be unusual for a jumps card with 73 declared.
BOLLIN RUTH kept on for fourth, finding this event a bit tougher than the mares’ only race at Ayr. KEY PHIL has been alternating between hurdling and chasing, running up with the pace for a long way but fading into fifth.
TAMIMI’S HISTORY struggled on a first venture into ‘senior’ handicapping company. He has ability though, and given a race or two it’s likely he will adjust and win a handicap hurdle.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Friday April 25 2008

Going – Good To Soft

2.05 2m 0.5f Novices’ Hurdle

This race was run at a decent pace, so the form is worth noting.

The winner, CLASSIC MOON could be fairly decent. He was very impressive here, building on a hurdling debut 3rd at Downpatrick. He looks a nice strong sort, and in the race was settled just off the pace. Moving up at the sixth, he led two out and went away to win with a bit in hand. Jimmy Lambe often brings horses to Perth, so we may well see Classic Moon return, but keep an eye out for a run in Ireland as well.
DANCING MIST is a nice looking sort who is going the right way, having shown a degree of promise previously. He had every chance two out but couldn’t go with the winner from there. He was just headed for second, but got the placing back in the stewards’ room. I would imagine Vic Dartnall should find a race for this one sooner rather than later.
JUSTTHEONEFORYOU , a strikingly big gelding, looked very good going down to the start. He kept on for second but was then relegated. He’s been tried over 2m 4f and 3m and I get the impression the longer distances will favour him. He’s had a break and taking that into account this was a promising run.
SKIPPING CHAPEL was unsettled in the paddock. He was outpaced 2 out but plugged on for fourth.
SPARTACUS BAY was equipped with a cross noseband and tongue tie. He also had boots front and back which suggests he may cut into himself. He was prominently early but faded.
Most of the rest either couldn’t cope with the early pace or faded in the second half of the race.

2.40 2m Novices’ Chase

A very impressive looking foursome in the paddock.
MARODIMA jumped and galloped his rivals into submission here. Setting off in front he was never pressed and came home well clear of the one remaining chaser. I understand the connections are looking to sell, possibly because he’s in a twilight zone lacking opportunities.
NEVERTIKA was attempting a forward move when falling at the eighth.
CEDRUS LIBANI had been chasing Marodima, but he’d slipped to third and took a tired looking fall three out. Thankfully he got up Ok and was ridden back, and Nevertika ran past me looking ofr a course exit, so he seemed none the worse!
HUSH TIGER seemed to me to be ridden sensibly without trying to sustain a pace he couldn’t keep up. He jumped well enough and should serve Rayson Nixon well over fences.

3.20 2m 4.5 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

A race that was clinched by Rose Davidson’s decision to kick on after three out. Having seen her mount GUNS AND BUTTER finish second at Musselburgh earlier in the season, I felt he would be better ‘pushing the pace’ and clearly connections made a conscious decision to do just that. The ‘Irish cavalry’ were arriving fast at the end, but Guns And Butter had enough in hand. A stiffer track or longer distance might play to the winner’s strengths.
WINTER STAR came from a way back to take second, and would have been in front in another 50 yards. He seemed to come off worse in when sandwiched between the third and fourth on the run-in, so may have been unfortunate. MHILU stayed on to take a close third and the ‘hidden form’ horse, Tony Martin’s ANOTHER AMBITION was not far away in fourth. Martin seems to have a knack of burying this type away in big Irish fields and then exploiting low marks in the UK. Interesting that there seems a 10-15lb discrepancy between Irish and UK marks, the latter being the higher.
BEAU LARGESSE followed the first four quite closely and didn’t put in a bad effort. Having ogt into contention 2 out, he couldn’t maintain the effort.
SEEKING STRAIGHT, placed in a heavy ground handicap at Ayr, led to the sixth then quickly faded and pulled up. CAST IRON CASEY was never better than fourth or fifth.
Last time winner LADY SAMBURY took over at the seventh, but gave way at the next and faded. Even allowing for her penalty she was two pounds out of the handicap, so there will be easier opportunities. This races suggests she should not be written off.
Another front out of the handicap, MISS MORELLI raced prominently to the seventh, and may find easier races.
Nothing else got competitive at the sharp end.

3.55 3m 3f Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

SO NOW was brought through smoothly from the rear by Harry Skelton, led 2 out and stayed on. The extreme distance clearly favours him since there was a decent pace from the start. He had been competing at decent tracks in the south, with form from both Newbury and Cheltenham, so this win was hardly a surprise.
GIULIANI looked very fit and ready for this race. Having raced midfield he was left flat-footed 3 out, but to his credit showed determination to battle his way back into contention. His recent form has more letters than numbers, but this was a decent effort and his trainer may try for another staying event this side of the Irish Sea. He has won on good to firm which may prove significant.
SOLWAY BEE won a novice event here on Wednesday and found the step up in trip and into handicap company no problem. She challenged on the final bend, but wasn’t quite as quick as the first two.
IN DREAM’S led to the ninth and was then one paced. His best form is at trips just short of three miles.
KING’S ROCK raced prominently to three out, but was under pressure when falling at the next. Possibly a combination of the longer trip and a 10lb rise was against him, since his wins have all been at 2m 6f.
RATHOWEN raced fourth or fifth, and didn’t help himself with poor jumps at the 8th, 9th and 10th flights. He was then found wanting for pace, before plodding past a couple in the straight.
NICOZETTO was always in the rear, and pulled up 2 out.
ASTYANAX and DALAWAN were prominent early but fell away once the race began in earnest.

4.35 3m 7f The Press And Journal Highland National Handicap Chase

I don’t normally make a song and dance about sponsors, but since the P and J have made this race such a prominent part of the Scottish racing calendar I’ll give them due acknowledgement. Anyway the Press And Journal is a decent regional newspaper!

I’ll make no bones about it, this is one of my favourite events of the year! Yes, sad isn’t it? Once again the race filled to capacity, with a decent compliment of in-form lower grade staying chasers.

As usual this was a battle of attrition with contenders falling away one by one in the latter stages. It was won by Chris Grant 7 year old LAERTES who has enough time on his side to progress as a staying chaser. He was in touch with leaders for most of the way, leading 6 fences out and stretching on from there to win with a bit to spare. Potentially an interesting campaigner in slightly higher grade events next term.
Irish trainer Gordon Elliott’s LYDON HOUSE ran creditably in second. He had every chance three out put Laertes pulled away. There aren’t a huge amount of extreme distance chases run in Ireland, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this gelding return to compete in staying chases in Scotland and the north.
THE GANGERMAN has been running in similar events in the south. He was another who found the winner staying on a bit better. I wonder if a slight drop in trip may be in his favour. He’s a slightly frustrating performer in some ways since he has only one win to his credit, but on the other hand has collected a pile of place money.
I have questioned in the past whether RUSSIAN SKY can cope with these extended trips. On the evidence of a gallant fourth, he can. He was just a bit outclassed towards the end of the race, but certainly worth persisting with in these events.
ESKIMO JACK never quite got to the leaders and was left behind over the last four fences.
I’m still convinced that this is beyond TRISON’S STAR’s best trip, and I’ve said it more than once before. He has yet to convince me he stays extreme distances and looks much better campaigned at around 3 miles. MEMO to Ferdy Murphy – keep Trison’s Star at shorter distances…… or maybe don’t, then he might be a longer price!
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST went strongly to 6 fences from the finish, but then came under pressure and lost touch, eventually coming in a tired looking seventh.
CUONTESS TRIFALDI was eighth and never threatened. AMAZING VALOUR and HIDDEN BOUNTY were never closer than their eventual eighth and ninth places, and NO PICNIC showed up briefly in the leading group but wasn’t in contention on the final circuit.
The rest were pulled up, TREASULIER cutting out the early running but weakening early on the final circuit, BRANDY WINE, ALMIRE DU LIA and FINZI racing prominently early then fading. Hat-trick scorer HELLO BUD was very disappointing, racing in midfield for a way but never near the front. ORKI DES AIGLES and DERE LYN were in the rear for a couple of circuits before the towel came in.

And that readers, was the story of the Highland National of 2008! All done from a position near the last fence without hearing the race commentary, and proving my race reading is coming along nicely!

5.10 2m 4.5f Novices’ Handicap Chase

A right old battle between two up the run-in, with locally trained SPIRIT CALLING overhauling the Wylie/Johnson challenger TOP DRESSING close home.
SPIRIT CALLING lost a little ground 4 out, but moved up to challenge over the last three. Having just led over the last, he was headed again on the flat, but battled back determinedly. He ran poorly at Musselburgh in January and clearly appreciated the break. ~This was a first win, but I doubt it will be his only success.
TOP DRESSING didn’t do much wrong and was well clear of the rest. He had good form around two miles and clearly stays every yard of this trip.
CLASSIC HENRY was never near the front but stayed on from the back to finish third, a great improvement on his previous jumping efforts.
SOMETHING SILVER raced in touch, but couldn’t muster an effort over the last three.
BARNEY led until 2 out, but the effort burst him and he weakened quickly into fifth. Off his mark there should be scope to drop in class and he will find easier opportunities.
BILLESLEY raced prominently for a while then faded. DIVEX and LORD SAMPOSIN never got competitive, and NATIVE COLL raced with the leaders but weakened 4 out.
STAND ON ME was beginning to make significant progress when coming down 6 out and might be interesting in similar events.
BONCHESTER BRIDGE ran as poorly here as he did in a hurdle on Wednesday.
LOFTY LEADER is well out of sorts and pulled up again. LOCKSTOCKANDBARREL was prominent early but lost touch and pulled up.

5.45 2m 0.5f NH Flat Race

A few decent looking types in the paddock.

DIABLO, a winning pointer, was very impressive. He led all the way and galloped away from his rivals, three winners amongst them. He was one who least impressed me in the paddock, but ‘andsome is as ‘andsome does.
HEART O’ THE WEST came from some way back to take second place. I would guess he will come into his own at longer trips over obstacles.
CARRICKBOY raced prominently and kept on in the straight. This was a very good debut and he should build on it.
PONTOP stayed on from the back for fourth. George Charlton has the useful bumper horse Knockara Beau, and it seems this one has some ability.
DASTARDLY DICK represented the first previous winner to finish. He raced prominently but couldn’t find extra reserves once in line for home.
WEATHER FRONT had every chance turning for home but dropped away.
GAVROCHE GAUGAIN was right out the back until the straight and made moderate progress. Worth at least keeping an eye on.
The remainder were well held.

And so endeth the Perth Festival for 2008. My notebook now heads for the flat meeting at Hamilton on May 9th, though I’ll keep an eye out for the jumpers in the meantime.

[Andrew Hughes]

Just wanted to say that this thread is excellent – such consistent and diligent effort over many months – keep up the good work!

[robnorth]

Thanks Andrew. It’s a useful way of getting my thought down, and a bit of fun at the same time. If it’s appreciated by others then so much the better.

Regrettably I have to add a sad postscript to the Highland National. It was reported that Sue Bradburne’s No Picnic collapsed and died after the race.

Rob

[robnorth]

PERTH May 14/15

Following a period of decent weather in Scotland, the ground was on the fast side, so there should be pointers here for summer jumping.

Time pressures mean I’ll have summarise a little concentrating on positives and a few negatives.

ARTLESS unshipped his rider in spectacular style at the first in Wednesday’s 2 mile Mares’ Intermediate Hurdle. She led ˜enthusiastically" to the first, then skewed violently left, jettisoning Denis O’Regan in spectacular style. Hopefully this was an aberration as I feel he has the ability to win a race or two. A poster on the Racing Forum put forward the absurd notion that O’Regan jumped!
Doubtful whether HI DENSITY achieved much in winning. BUFFY is now 1 from 24 and better off in handicaps, but she doesn’t win enough for one who runs regularly.

GRAY MOUNTAIN won the two and a half mile maiden hurdle. He came off the flat in the U.S.A., and this is a bit different, but his jumping can be improved and there may be more to come. GENERAL LEDGER lacks a bit of pace and may be seen to better effect over three miles.

STRAVAIGIN once again proved how she is suited by good or fast ground, and proved she stays three miles in winning the novice handicap chase. She jumped well here and I still fancy she has a little more improvement in her. GARLETON battled well in second having raced prominently.

CLEMAX made all in the three mile handicap hurdle. A decent performance!
GUNS AND BUTTER was stepped up in distance but faded in the final half-mile. Could be two and half at a decent pace suits best.
MY ARCH looked to be stretched for pace when falling 4 out.
COMMERCIAL EXPRESS is struggling at the moment and never showed here. PORTAVADIE is another out of form.

ORMELLO won the two mile handicap chase, but possibly the most significant performance came from TOM’S TOYBOX who had the field on the stretch 4 out having been up with the pace all the way. He was only headed on the flat and seems a winner in waiting to me. BESTOFTHEBROWNIES looks a good measure in third.
YANKEE HOLIDAY had an off-day, whacked one early on and was never going. He’ll run better races here this summer.

The closing handicap hurdle looked an ordinary event. MR JACK DANIELLS stayed on to beat STYLISH SHOT and TRANOS, but I can’t really see these winning races other than ˜in their turn".

Thursday’s afternoon card commenced with a moderate looking three mile Intermediate Hurdle. CARRICK DHU stayed on to win it, but I would imagine he might be difficult to place to win now.

The second race was a decent looking Novices’ Hunter Chase over two and a half miles for 5 to 7 year olds. A couple of non-runners took the edge off a little, but there were encouraging performances from the winner ALWAYS RIGHT and the second CHARMING KNIGHT. Both raced at the head of or close to the pace. Mr Dawson on Always Right looked rather untidy on the run-in, but his mount came clear in decent style.

A lot of ordinary types in the Maiden Chase. MEDIA MAN made the running and came away on the flat. You can’t fault the effort, but he’ll find things tougher in future. MILL ROW couldn’t match the winner on the flat. Past that ATHOLLBROSE ran passably in third, but no immediate promise of chasing success from the rest.

STORM PROSPECT and ROSIE’S GLORY looked most favoured in the claiming hurdle, and so it proved. Handicaps may be a different matter.

RUSSIAN SKY is in decent form at the moment and will presumably be kept on the go. Possibly better suited by the three miles than the extreme trip when fourth in the Highland National, he stayed on well to win. PADDY THE PIPER ran an encouraging race in second. CATCH THE PERK generally runs his race, raced up with the pace and is a good marker in third.
PROFESSOR HEGARTY had been out the back but was making progress when falling three out. Worth an interest in similar company.
SNOWY was favourite here, but he’s unreliable and was never going.

Most significant run in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle might be from ENGLISH CITY who ran fourth returning from a lay-off. Hopefully he may drop a pound or two for this run which would help.

The runners in the bumper finished pretty close together, and I suspect it might be heavier on numbers than on runners with ability. SCHOFIELD might progress but I’d oppose him under a penalty.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Sunday June 1st 2008

Going: Hurdles – GOOD (Good to firm in places); Chase – GOOD TO FIRM (Good in places)

A packed house for Perth’s premier meeting of the season, with the Perth Gold Cup as the centre piece. ‘Flaming June’ was hailed by a drizzly day as the rain moved north, the ground becoming slippery which caused problems to a number of the contestants, with four casualties in the area of the stands’ bend. The weather had been dry and pleasant in the preceding days, so the moisture on relatively dry ground caused problems.

2.20 Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle (2m 4½f )

This event was dominated by Irish trained runners. Their trainers presumably welcome the chance to avoid the huge fields in Irish maiden and novices’ hurdles, and can be found raiding the likes of Perth, Hexham and Cartmel on a regular basis, particularly at this time of year.

RECOVERY MAN won this with a bit to spare. Having been a late starter he’s progressed nicely over hurdles and his trainer spotted a nice opportunity here. Given a soft lead at a steady pace, he was only seriously challenged by Hi Density, and went away from 2 out to win without being asked a serious question. I’d expect him to
take a novice event under a penalty.
FLEMROSS made progress from the sixth but never got to the winner. Staying on nicely for second place the suggestion is that a stiffer test of stamina will help.
HI DENSITY won a weak mares’ intermediate event here last time and found the opposition tougher. She ran well enough to suggest she can win again back against mares, if a suitable event can be found.
STYLISH SHOT has had a few chances over hurdles and basically ran to previous form, staying on having never got near the leaders.
CORKAGE shaped well in bumpers last year, and took a chance at Cheltenham, but was well held on his hurdling debut. He was not far away three out, but couldn’t offer a challenge from there.

2.50 0-115 Handicap Chase (2m)

MANHATTAN BOY has decent record over fences, 34241621, his only real miss being when ‘tongue-tied’ for the 6, and seems to be progressing nicely. He was brought through smoothly approaching the straight and won with a bit more in hand than the 2 length margin suggests. Given further progression I’d expect another win this summer.
SEEYAAJ has stayed on well for second here and is competitive in these events, but it wouldn’t surprise me if his trainer took advantage of a lower handicap mark over hurdles. His last hurdle race was a creditable second to ludicrously well-handicapped Palomar, and off a mark of 104 I’d look to bet if he runs in a two mile handicap hurdle.
MEDIA MAN was a comfortable winner of a moderate maiden chase here last month, but pushed on nicely here with a decent run for third. He led to two out before running out of steam and looks a prospect for a handicap win off his mark of 96.
YANKEE HOLIDAY may just be held by the handicapper right now. He ran prominently but had nothing extra to offer in the straight.
HO PANG YAU was held up early, moved up down the back straight and briefly threatened to get involved, but couldn’t sustain the challenge. He’s a 10 year old and was making only a second chasing appearance, but wouldn’t be a total lost cause in a low grade handicap or novice handicap over fences. Given his form figures he’s likely to be running at decent prices.
TOM’S TOYBOX raced prominently until squeezed for room and slipping on the stands’ bend. He’s in good form at the moment and, since he seemed to suffer no ill effects, this run can be ignored.
CAULKEY’S BANK slipped and came down on landing over the water. A combination of the two horses coming down in the area resulted in the water being omitted in subsequent chases.

3.20 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (2m ½f)

TRANOS recorded a first ever win Flat or hurdles. Having been up with the pace from the start, Tranos kept on better at the death than Eumene or Cast Iron Casey. The three were clear of previous winner Pay On which may prove significant.
EUMENE got into the argument fairly late on which, given that he is probably suited by a longer trip, wasn’t a surprise. Moved up in trip he should be capable of a win.
CAST IRON CASEY ran well enough to confirm the form of his last time out win and will continue to be competitive in similar events.
ANOTHER AMBITION from Tony Martin’s stable was made 6/4 favourite, but looked to be under the cosh when coming down 2 out.

3.50 Perth Gold Cup 0-140 Handicap Chase (3m)

Last year’s event was won by Tamarinbleu, but it seems unlikely there was anything quite that progressive in the field. There were a few younger chasers to look out for, but in the end the raft of 7-year-olds chased home two more experienced performers.
A previous record at the course of 11323 suggested that BROOKLYN BROWNIE is well at home in the grounds of Scone Palace. Having performed well at the Festival meeting in April, he returned to win this in decent style, moving up smoothly down the back for the final time, leading before the last and holding Snoopy Loopy with a pretty decent bunch 13 lengths or more behind the two. Brooklyn Brownie will presumably go up in the ratings but his current mark of 120 suggests he will still get in the better events at this course and is always worth consideration here.
SNOOPY LOOPY ran a cracking race in second, leading into the straight and keeping on once headed before the last. He’s a 10-year-old, but doesnt have huge mileage on the clock. Peter Bowen is well clued up on placing his chasers, and will presumably have a campaign mapped out this summer.
MEGATON ran a creditable race from the bottom of the weights. Another Peter Bowen runner, he stayed on for third place having been held up. This was a rise in class from his previous runs and he coped with it well enough. A current mark of 115 looks ripe for exploitation in lesser company.
COMMERCIAL EXPRESS has now raced here for 7 consecutive outings. He has been a bit frustrating recently. Having been held up he stayed on for fourth. This was certainly better than his previous two efforts and offers promise for the summer campaign.
OUT THE BLACK was another staying on without threatening the leaders. He has a sound record of 4 from 14 over fences, but a 5lb rise for his Ascot win took his mark to 132 and makes his task a bit tougher since it takes him out of 0-130 class.
THISTLECRAFT ran a decent race in sixth, racing in contention to two out and would appreciate a drop in class.
MCEVOY led to four out, but it was hard work leading a competitive field and he gave way t that point. He would be interesting allowed the lead in a smaller field.
LANKAWI slipped on the stands’ bend which had been sanded after the previous incidents.

4.20 0-125 Handicap Hurdle (2m 4½f)

I noted ENGLISH CITY from a promising return at Kelso. On much more favourable terms he turned round the form with his Kelso conqueror Paradise Bay. He stayed on too well for the rest over the last two here. He strikes me as one who normally gives his running and, even with a rise in the ratings, should remain competitive in similar races.
PORTAVADIE had been having a wretched time recently, being lightly raced and really struggling. However, this was a much better run, staying on determinedly in the straight to take second place. He is yet to win a handicap, but this run suggests he will be capable of taking a handicap hurdle. If he goes chasing again I would need to be convinced he’d got his act together over fences.
PARADISE BAY went up 19lbs for his Kelso win and the extra burden seemed to tell here since he had no answer to English City from 2 out.
SUMMER SOUL plugged on past tiring opponents for fourth. Possibly needs a bit of a drop in the ratings.

4.50 0-125 Novices’ Handicap Chase (2m 4½f)

I’ve been banging on about STRAVAIGIN since February and she has blossomed since being raced on faster ground. This was a significant rise in class for Jim Goldie’s mare, and she acquitted herself very well. Jumping nicely in front, she led to 2 out and battled on if not quite as quick as the first three. Her effort in ‘senior company’ at Cartmel showed a lot of promise. Given that the ground stays fast and with a drop in class I’m sure Stravaigin hasn’t finished winning yet. A step back up in trip would do no harm.
LOITA HILLS is lightly raced and progressive. He’s 6311 from 4 races over fences and showed enough here to suggest there are more wins to come. He was driven out to win, but I get the feeling there was more in the tank and he goes on the ‘Horses To Follow’ list.
NEWBAY BOB, who had been pointing and hunter chasing in Ireland, put in by far his best effort under rules here. He’d been off the track for two and a half months which may have been helpful.
SPIRIT CALLING battled well to win here in April and remains in good form. The form looks sound and this one doesnt seem too high on 108 so prospects for the summer are good. The value of his form is possibly shown since his previous chase placings had been in decent sized fields (13/14).
BEAU SADDLER, debuting over fences, was prominent early but found these too good. His jumping looked sound enough, but a longer trip and drop in class would help.

5.20 NH Flat Race (2m ½f)

Based on the previous runs of the winner and third the form can be taken at face value.
PRESENT GESTURE, a winner in Ireland last time, won nicely and future prospects now depend on how she jumps hurdles.
ONE MORE GYPSY stepped up on a promising Bangor run, chased the winner up the straight and is going the right way. Every chance of picking up a similar event soon.
KINNAIRD PARK stayed on well up the straight and performed at pretty much the same level as his debut. He is a brother to Sapient who was a chase winner over further, so I presume a longer trip over obstacles will help.
TIME TO PANIC and TRITON were found out for speed in the straight.
The favourite QUACITY appears to have wonky steering, since he hung left all the way. Given that disadvantage he probably didn’t do badly to beat half the field, and it will be worth watching to see if Lucinda Russell can cure the problem.
ROCKING ROD became another victim of the slippery stands’ bend.

[carlisle]

Hi Rob

i have a comment about LOITA HILLS….. top weights go well on tight, flat tracks on quickish ground. This race at Perth was weak and was there for the taking by this horse, and the price was good. Although i wouldn’t get a carried away with the form of this race.

byefrom
carlisle

[robnorth]

Carlisle

During the ‘normal season’ I would probably agree with you, but in the Summer jumping season opportunities are easier. You tend to get the same bunch of horses ‘doing the rounds’, particularly in the north where it’s Perth, Hexham and the odd meeting at Sedgefield and Cartmel. Perhaps the odd foray to Uttoxeter or Market Rasen.

I may be slightly blinkered on the matter since I’ve been following Stravaigin, but the third and fourth seem decent measures. Stravaigin ran well in senior handicap company at Cartmel, and Spirit Calling won here in April in a race where the first two came clear.

That being said I’d not follow the winner blindly. I always watch the placing of the horse and on occasions I’d be quite happy to let a race go by.

Rob

[robnorth]

HEXHAM June 7

LETHEM PRESENT had a miserable winter, but has proved to be a completely different performer with faster ground and the sun on her back. She made most to win comfortably from a big field in the 3m 1f handicap chase. It’s notable that there were 17 finishers out of the 20 runners, which I would consider unusual for Hexham.
GET THE GIFT ran a very good race in second, given that this came after a five month lay-off. Should win a fast ground staying handicap chase soon.
Juvenile hurdles seem to start earlier every year, and SIMARIAN was clearly well ahead of the game for Evan Williams. Time will tell if he beat much, but given this start he should pick up another race or two before the others catch up.

[robnorth]

CARTMEL July 17

I took a glance at Cartmel’s races.

CLEMAX ran a gutsy race to win the staying chase. He finished with a ligament injury, and I get the impression that the injury happened some way out, so his determination was admirable though he may not be back on the tack for a while.
LYDON HOUSE stayed on for second in the Highland National previously, so it was no surprise to see him head down and staying on here. One to note for staying chase in Scotland and the North next season, assuming his trainer ships him over again.
ROSS COMM ran a better race than recently, but at 12 years old time is running out.

ZA BEAU probably didn’t beat much in the shorter staying chase, the top-weight was only on 87, but did it with no hassle and he may well pick up another chase or two at this level.

GOOD LINE strolled up at 33-1 in the closing novices’ hurdle. While he didn’t beat a huge amount he ran away from the others. He’s now being aimed at the Newmarket Town Plate.

[robnorth]

Sedgefield – Tuesday 2nd September 2008

Keeping an eye on the Northern chasers with the autumn approaching……

The final fence was omitted in both chases, a fact ignored in the Racing Post’s on-line results section.

3.35 2m 4f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Chase

On the face of it a lowly event, but some fair pieces of previous form available for the level, and even allowing for the omission of one fence on each circuit this event was run faster than anything else on the card.

I’M YOUR MAN won this nicely. He travelled well all the way, moved up along the back straight and then took it up at the last. He eased clear on the extended run-in. While the performance was sound enough, I do wonder if there’s much improvement left since he’s a 9 year old. He’ll go up a few pounds, but may win again at a similar or slightly higher level (0-105 maybe?).
PERLY SPENCER made a great improvement on his previous effort over fences, though it’s significant that a tongue tie was applied for the first time. He pulled a bit early on and led or disputed for most of the way. He didn’t have the pace of the winner after the last, but he has three years advantage, is a dual winner in points and has a bit of scope for improvement.
GRANITE MAN’s jumping was not good. He made mistakes early on and was scrubbed along. He stayed on from the back but looks a rather frustrating type who may not be putting it all in.
NGONG HILLS was prominent early, dropped back but plugged on for fourth. While, on the face of it, this form is moderate, he does have some time on his side.
Not a huge amount of promise amongst the rest.
FRED BOJANGALS was a one paced fifth and never got into contention.
HUGS DESTINY was prominent for a way but weakened after making a hash of the eighth fence.
WOODY VALENTINE briefly threatened around the eleventh fence but then faded.
PARTICLE was scrubbed along most of the way and made no show.
SYCHO FRED and SEEK THE TRUTH didn’t really get into the argument, and ALTO STRATUS was always out the back. TOULOUSE EXPRESS was raced wide early, lost touch by the seventh and pulled up at the last having been well behind for half the race.

4.45 3m 3f 0-105 Handicap Chase

The twelfth fence was omitted following CLEAR THE WAY’s heavy looking fall on the previous circuit. The horse seemed OK, but the jockey SW Byrne(7) received assistance.

GREAT GRIMSBY make have scope to progress at this lowly level. He’s only 6, young for a staying chaser, and saw off this moderate bunch fairly comfortably. He improved after the seventh, was put seriously into the race approaching the fourteenth and, having led three out, outstayed his nearest rival on the long run-in. The rating rise he’ll get will allow him another go at this level and I’d expect another win in a similar event this autumn. Worth considering in lower grade Northern staying chase in the coming months.
THUNDER HAWK has progressed nicely from hunter events to handicap chases in recent months. He didn’t do much wrong here. Although held by the winner, he raced nicely up with the pace and didn’t go down without resistance, proving in the process that he can cope with an extended trip. He’d not been far away in pretty reasonable events at Perth, and I’d say a handicap win is around the corner. It might be interesting if he’s taken to Hexham since he has a hunter win under his belt there.
REASONABLY SURE was prominent most of the way but couldn’t go with the first two from 3 out. While well held here he’s not a lost cause for a handicap win.
SEPTEMBER MOON raced prominently but his jockey was pushing from a long way out. Plugged on for fourth but never seriously threatened at the business end. It could be that a sharper track would be more helpful.
POLAR GALE was never farther up the field than the fifth place he finished in. He had only raced once since last december, so it’s likely that the race will have helped, and he has some winning form at a lowly level.
VICENTIO, having only a second chase outing, made a brief effort 4 out but wasn’t good enough, fading into sixth.
MR TWINS raced prominently for a couple of circuits then called enough. his performances over the past year show precious little promise.
TIN HEALY’S PASS has shown ability in the past, but this was a third consecutive effort where he’s been beaten a very long way.
GRECIAN GROOM jumped abysmally and despite Tony McCoy’s sternest efforts just never got his act together, pulling up on the final circuit. Previous form suggests he’s better than this.

[robnorth]

Sedgefield – Tuesday 23rd September

After a bit of a break, the Northern jumpers are back. Sedgefield’s card included two moderate chases.

2.40 2m 0.5f Novices’ Chase

Plenty of action early on with three departing at the first fence. Chase debutant IS IT ME set off in front, but crumpled on landing. The following ARTLESS, last seen sending Denid O’Regan into orbit over hurdles at Perth, had nowhere to go and was brought down. Meanwhile in behind LINDSEYFIELD LODGE came to grief independently. ELLERSLIE TOM nearly joined them and struggled to get into the race afterwards. I think the latter can be given another chance.

Twice a previous chase winner, ORPEN WIDE led the field jumping well. He came under pressure on the last turn, but produced plenty in the straight. Battling well under pressure, Orpen Wide came away on the flat for a deserved win. He had a 12lb penalty here for his two wins, so this was a creditable effort.His problem now will be a combination of novice race penalties and a high looking mark of 129 hindering his opportunities.

Irish challenger ROMAN VILLA had been below form in recent efforts over hurdles, but put in a decent run here on his chase debut. He had every chance but was held form the last.

MASTER NIMBUS moved into contention two out, had every chance at the last but was one paced. A decent chasing debut and I suspect he’s a chase winner in the making.

ALL FOR THE CAUSE finished 9 lengths behind Master Nimbus in fourth, but was never seriously in the contest.

FILM FESTIVAL raced prominently early but fell away and this didn’t match up to his previous chase form.

4.10 2m 4f 0-105 Handicap Chase

This race was run at a decent pace. Some didn’t jump particularly well, but EBORARRY jumped boldly in front. He looked a sitting duck before two out but in the event battled hard and finished a creditable second. It would have been third if I’m Your Man hadn’t capsized at the last, but still a decent run giving hope of a win in modest company.

I’M YOUR MAN was brought smoothly through from 4 out. He looked to have collared Eborarry at the last, though Golden Feather was hovering, but got was low at the fence and came down. He’s generally a pretty decent jumper. This aberration can probably be ignored and he has every chance of winning again while in his current form. He’s fairly versatile as far as ground is concerned so he should be ready for opportunities in the coming weeks.

Evan Williams has done nicely with GOLDEN FEATHER in the short period he has been in the stable. Not the first time Williams has secured significant improvement with a new inmate. He moved into contetion before four out, and once I’m Your Man departed, zoomed past Eborarry on the flat. He will presumably be shunted up a few more pounds, but there still seems every chance of another win or two.

DOWNING STREET probably found this trip on the short side. He made steady progress over the last few fences to take third. His jumping was better than previously which offers encouragement.

FIRST FOUGHT had been running in selling hurdles before this. His jumping was a little untidy at times and once the race began in earnest he couldn’t go with the principals.

BLAST THE PAST’s record over fences before this was U1PF2, so when he gets it together he’s competitve. Looked to have a chance but then whacked two out and came home in his own time. He’s got ability and is worth keeping an eye on.

And of the others…

MOOR SPIRIT is out of form right now and lost touch from 3 out.
PRINCE CAR, and expensive Wylie purchse, showed a little promise over hurdles, but showed little on his chasing debut. He was scrubbed along at the end of the first circuit and faded from there.
PRESIDENT PARK was behind all the way and pulled up.
CHIGORIN has some fair chasing form to his name but was never in this.
POLAR GALE was prominent till fading from 4 out.
CHUKCHI COUNTRY has gone well here in the past, but having chased the leader cried ‘enough’ from 4 out.
RERASONABLY SURE ran creditably over 7 furlongs farther here last time, but couldn’t go the pace set by Eborarry.
OSCAR TRIAL has never got closer than 12 lengths behind the winner to date, and this run, well behind from early on, offers precious little encouragement.

The Northern circuit moves on to Perth for the two-day meeting which signals the end of the 2008 season at ‘The Scone’.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Wednesday September 24
Going – Good to Soft (good in places, and soft in places in the back straight)

2.25 2m 4.5f Maiden Hurdle

As is often the case in these events there were a handful competitive and the rest making up the numbers.

IT’S TOUGH was a bumper winner earlier in the year, so entered this race with some proven racing credentials. He was held up early and made smooth progress to join the leaders after 3 out. Challenging the leader before the last he asserted on the flat and gave the impression there was something left in the tank. He was a cheap buy as a foal, and the mare’s only other runner was of little account, but It’s Tough is going the right way and running from a stable that may make the best of his ability.
DIAMOND FRONTIER didn’t do too much wrong. Following the pace, he took it up 3 out but found the winner too good at the business end. I’m sure he’ll find a race over hurdles before long.
QUAIL ran a respectable race in third. Another sitting near the pace he was well clear of the remainder if one paced from between the last two. He still has some growing to do and there will more than likely be better to come in future.
SOLWAY BAY stayed on through beaten rivals for fourth, though 25 lengths down on the third.
Irish challenger PRESENT GESTURE is twice a bumper winner but didn’t really impress on hurdle debut. He had been off the course since May, but more might have been expected.
BARON BREEZE set the early pace, jumping big at a few flights. He cocked his head before some of the flights and did not look keen at times. He weakened from 3 out and finished well behind. This one has some ability but his wayward tendencies need to be corrected.
The remainder were slowcoaches making up the numbers.

3.00 2m 0-115 Novices’ Handicap Chase (water jump omitted)

BRAVE BRONCHO has been a bit up and down this year, though is useful at this level when on his game. On this occasion he led early and bowled along in front. He did hit a couple of fences, but was still leading, if looking tired, when taking a heavy fall at the last. Thankfully he got up from that mishap. Provided he didn’t scare himself too much, he’s competitive at this level.
FREDDIE THE THIRD was made favourite on his chasing debut, but having whacked a couple mid race dropped out over the last ¾ mile. He needs to get his jumping act together to make a mark.
NOTRE CYBORG was patiently ridden, moved through smoothly over the last three and probably would have won even if Brave Broncho hadn’t departed. This ground was probably about as soft as he’d want it. He may record another win before the rains return.
CARTHYS CROSS has a disturbing succession of seconds in his form figures. He ran well enough, but I do wonder if he puts it all in at the business end.
GO SILVER BULLET raced prominently but couldn’t go with the leaders in the straight. This was a debut for the Russell stable and showed some promise. It doesn’t stretch the bounds of possibility that he’ll win a similar race before long.
JUSTTHEONEFORYOU plugged on into fourth but never figured seriously. However this was an acceptable jumping debut and the chances are there is better to come in the long term.
ATHOLLBROSE ran quite respectably from 19lbs out of the handicap, being near the front until 4 out. That being said his jumps form does not make promising reading, a 2nd of 3 in a novice handicap hurdle the nearest he’s come (beaten 19l+ in all other jump efforts), so he’s probably not betting material even at the lowest level.
CASTLE CRAIGS was another out of the handicap and he struggled.

3.35 2m 0.5f Claiming Hurdle

A very moderate event.

NICKI BOY made progress at halfway, challenged in the straight and proved keener than the runner-up on the flat. This is his grade.
ROMAN VILLA was making a quick return to racing after finishing second in a chase at Sedgefield on Tuesday. Having been held up, he was brought to have every chance but either couldn’t or wouldn’t muster the pace of the winner on the flat. He’s one out of 20 in jump races and looks one to oppose.
SUMMER SOUL led at a steady pace and was one paced once headed.
NEVSKY BRIDGE weakened from 2 out. His rating is 87, so the fact that he was competitive for a long way here against higher rated opponent suggests he may be of interest in the lowest handicap company.
FRITH ran well for a way, but has never got closer than 30 lengths behind the winner in hurdle races.

4.10 3m 0-120 Handicap Chase (water omitted twice)

SOUTH BRONX had put in some moderate efforts this year. However, a move up to three miles didn’t do any harm here. Having led to 2 out he came back again and plugged on sufficiently to hold sway in a desperate finish. The big question here is can he reproduce this form?
HOOPY made a fair debut for Gordon Elliott. He was waited with and didn’t get into the argument until between the last 2. He just failed in a grinding finish.
GOLDEN CHILD harried the winner for much of the way. He led two out and kept on once headed. For a debutant taking on experienced chasers this was a decent effort and it’s likely he’ll show better.
MINELLA TIPPERARY plugged on in fourth, having just been tapped for pace down the back for the last time. Three of his wins have come at tracks with stiff finishes.
JUST IN DEBT was hunter chasing last spring and a return to that company early next year may be his best chance. He wasn’t quick enough from 4 out.
SANTANDO didn’t really get competitive, fading as the race began in earnest.
Hat-trick seeking CEBONNE ran a poor race. HE was untidy at a few out the back and though making a token effort 4 out, fall away very quickly. Possibly it was a mix of a 15lb rise plus a couple of recent races did for him.
CATCH THE PERK raced prominently for a way but faded and pulled up. He seems to have settled into a pattern of one good race then one not so good recently. I wouldn’t write him off just yet.
BOBBY BULLOCK was in the rear but had made a little progress when falling at the eleventh. This was his chasing debut and jury remains in deliberation over this one. He did show a little promise as a hurdler and as a 6 year old has time on his side.

4.45 2m 0.5f 3yo Novices’ Hurdle

The newcomer proved too good for those with hurdling experience.

NINE STORIES did the job very nicely on debut. Brought to challenge two out, he eased past previous winner Rory Boy between the last two and ran on to win with plenty in hand. He’s well capable of winning against the stiffer opposition which will surface in coming months.
RORY BOY did precious little wrong in repeating the level of his previous form. He just found the winner too good in the straight.
SKI SUNDAY blew his chances of troubling the first two by pulling hard in the early stages. His early exertions meant there was nothing left in the tank when the front two upped the ante. If he settles then there is a hurdle to be won with him.
Taking a break from making the early pace in Classics, MAIDSTONE MIXTURE found the double penalty too tough a burden here. He weakened from 3 out.
ABBEY EXPRESS is a tearaway. He didn’t look keen going away from the stands, but stayed in front until the fifth after which he beat a hasty retreat, and was overtaken by Maidstone Mixture close home. Clearly quirky his trainer will struggle to get a win out of him.
JUMPIN JOHNNIE looked about as talented as his 100/1 price suggested.

5.20 3m 0.5f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

An open looking event which was probably won by the sharpest jockey on the day. The first five finished close suggesting they are all handicapped pretty much to their level.

MR PREACHER MAN set a steady pace to the 8th, at which point Peter Buchanan nudged him clear. From then on it was up to the others to chase him down. Mr Preacher Man had enough left in the tank to hold off all comers over the final two flights. He certainly didn’t lack for determination at the finish. The problem is that the race basically fell into his lap, and things won’t always go so conveniently.

BAILEYS ENCORE challenged two out and stayed on; FLYING DOCTOR was prominent all the way and kept on.
SOLWAY MINSTREL made progress from the back to challenge in the latter stages but was held on the flat. He’s been seen infrequently in recent times, and came off a lay-off here, so there may be hope of better. Getting on in years now, time is not on his side, but there’s hope of a third lifetime win.
MANOUBI probably led briefly between the last two but then gave way. This was his first hurdles outing for a while and, 3lbs out of the handicap here; it may be possible to exploit his lowly hurdles mark in a staying handicap.
BUCK THE LEGEND was made 11/8 favourite here, which may have had a bit to do with being from the Twiston-Davies stable. He very nearly came down when slipping on landing three out and must have lost 10 lengths, so to finish no more than 6 lengths adrift probably wasn’t a bad effort. Worth keeping an eye on, particular in novice handicap company.

5.50 2m 4.5f Maiden Hurdle

The 8yo mare TIME FOR PERKS hurtled off in front, but was cooked by the sixth and quickly fell away. Her form is dire.

DIABLO won an NH Flat race here in April and a similar event at Uttoxeter. Perhaps a shade disappointing on hurdle debut, he made up for it here, following the leader before taking over after the sixth and running on in the straight. He’ll encounter tougher opposition, but is going the right way.
PROSECCO showed much promise on stepping up in trip. The suggestion from previous runs had been that an increase in distance may help and so it proved. He got forced across the last hurdle as the winner ran down it, but was well held on the flat.
QUINY BOY challenged three out but couldn’t muster enough to trouble the winner. He showed promise in testing conditions in France so the chances are that a stamina test will fall his way sometime.
GRANDE MONSIEUR progressed to 4 out but was then left behind.
PAS DE BARATIN was high enough in the market to suggest a decent chance, but he disappeared quickly from 3 out and was pulled up.
The remainder are slowcoaches who were strung out like washing on a line.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Thursday September 25
Going – Good to Soft (good in places)

Perth’s season drew to a close for 2008 and was blessed with a pleasant sunny autumn afternoon and a healthy crowd.

2.20 2m 0.5f Novices’ Hurdle

A race run at a fair pace.

NOBLE ALAN had some creditable form from bumpers and a hurdle win in the book, though on the face of it had to find some improvement to win this. That he did to win with a bit in hand with another previous winner in second. Making progress before 3 out, he led between the last two and ran on. A sound performance and there’s probably more to come.
MHILU, who won a weakly contested event here earlier in the year, made a forward move 3 out and, though held by the winner, stayed on well. His previous win was over half a mile further, and this run suggests the extra distance will help. Should win again if stepped back up in trip.
CHORD pressed the pacemaker for much of the way, and then took over at the second last. He found his efforts had taken their toll and could only offer one pace when headed. This was a decent effort and he’s another capable of a novice win.
Bumper winner FRONTIER DANCER set the race up for the first two, setting a decent pace but paying the price in the straight. There’s a bit to work on with this one, and he didn’t help himself by aiming toward the course exit on the stands’ bend. He’ll more than likely improve and find a race.
SEA STORM has solid placed novice form to his name, though a late starter in the jumping game. There’s enough ability evident that a small novice event should come his way this season, probably over a longer distance since all his best work was done up the straight.
SAFARI JOURNEY made eye-catching progress to two out, but then nearly came down and his chance was gone. This was satisfactory enough and he’s worth keeping an eye on.

2.50 2m 4.5f Novices’ Chase

Favourite and chasing debutant CRESCENT ISLAND had settled well early on, but then headed for the exit gate on the stands’ bend. There was no chance of a recovery so his jockey called it a day. He did exactly the same in an Ascot bumper some time back. It’s noticeable that he was kept to left-handed tracks after that which may be the key.
MISTER GLOSS pulled hard early, and had a tendency to jump left which became more exaggerated close home. However, he cruised away from his main rival in the straight. He seems quite versatile since he won over 3 miles at Exeter yet could still win over 4 furlongs shorter round this sharper track. Plenty of scope for placement it seems and worth noting.
FRANC VILLEZ went well enough for two miles, but paid for trying to keep tabs with Mister Gloss. He fell in a heap facing up to home and was pipped for second. He’s not always going to find one as useful as the winner. He’s a summer horse and will presumably be put away before contesting handicaps next year.
OMIX D’OR was settled off the pace in third, and kept on in the straight to snatch second. This promised enough that he’s worth considering against lesser opposition.
SEEK THE TRUTH was way out the back, but stayed on well enough over the final two and wasn’t far behind the second and third at the finish. Much better than his previous effort over fences at Sedgefield and offers some promise for the future. He’s possibly not betting material in the immediate future, but progress will be worth noting.
KING’S ENVOY is rated 65 and was remote from early on. There has been no suggestion that he’s good enough to win a race.

3.20 3m 0.5f Novices’ Hurdle

There were a few previous winners in the field, so the likelihood is that the form is worth a bit.
VALERIUS had something to find on one or two here, but won this very comfortably, going clear from 2 out.
OSHKOSH is related to decent chasers, so a move to fences might improve matters, and he lost nothing in defeat here, leading to 2 out and keeping on once headed. Looks a potential winner of a similar event and then I’d expect a move to chasing.
FAIROAK LAD weakened from 2 out and should have been closer judged by previous form, and may have needed the race after a break.
SEEKING STRAIGHT is steadily getting the hang of things over hurdles. He had no chance on the ratings so probably ran up to his form or even slightly above it. His best chance in the near future will come in staying novice handicaps.
ANDREW NICK was near the pace for a long way but dropped away from 3 out. He’s a recent chase winner and may well have more success in that sphere.
MANADAM dropped out from 3 out. He won over half a mile shorter last time so possibly didn’t stay here.

3.50 2m 0-125 Handicap Chase (water jump omitted)

ASUDO was coming off a new two year absence from the track and making his chasing debut here. He seemed well ‘set up’ for this outing, moving up steadily from the sixth, hitting the front two out and, despite giving that obstacle a clout, ran on to win with a bit in hand. Much depends on how the handicapper reacts, but he entered this on 113, so there should be another opportunity in a similar class. He’s a three mile winner over hurdles so there’s a chance he might improve if moved up in trip. The time was decent here, so the form should hold up.
KIT CARSON didn’t show until late, but stayed on nicely for second. He’s yet to win in 8 outings in the UK, but his previous run at Market Rasen hinted that he was coming to hand, and there should be a small race to be found for him.
CONNEMARA ROSE set a decent pace, was pushed on from 2 out but weakened once headed.
TOP DRESSING was taken down to start very early. Held up in the rear he made progress at halfway but didn’t get to the leaders. This was his seasonal debut so there’s a fair chance there’s better to come.
SEEYAAJ is normally a good marker but found this a bit tough, struggling from 4 out.
YANKEE HOLIDAY is a headstrong character who needs careful handling. Possibly found the class a bit tough, he was 5lbs out of the handicap, but he did put in some work to pick off a few toward the end and will be more competitive back in a lower class.
CANTGETON made some progress down the back straight, but then whacked the fourth last and his chance was gone.
POLAR GUNNER has struggled since coming back from having 2007 off and was never in with a chance.
OR DE GRUGY was disappointing out the back, but his best form recently has been with a stiffer test of stamina, either a longer distance, soft ground or both, so I’d bear that in mind this autumn.

4.20 2m 0.5f 0-120 Handicap Hurdle

BAGUENAUD was well backed in a couple of bumpers here last year, but then disappeared into the pack in a few hurdle outings. However, his last run suggested a win was imminent and he won well here, leading the main pack for much of the way and going on from after the second last.
REGENT’S SECRET has mixed hurdling with flat outings this year. He won a couple of novice events over this C/D earlier, and this performance, staying on well suggests he will have decent opportunities in handicaps.
DARK ENERGY progress from the rear to two out, but couldn’t get to leader from then on. He stays well on the flat, but has been campaigned around the minimum distance over hurdles.
BORDER TALE led for a while then got outpaced but plugged on at the finish. He runs some decent races, but his wins tend to few and far between these days. I’d tend to oppose him at them moment.
SCULASTIC made progress from the rear until 2 out then couldn’t up the pace again. His previous form pattern suggests this run may have helped and the chances are he’s competitive off this mark 10lbs higher than his winning mark.
WHITE LIGHTENING set a decent pace but then weakened quickly from two out. In a lower class he might be a bit too quick for the opposition on a sharp track.
CALCULAITE made good progress to two out but then almost came down and his chance was forfeited.
HO PANG YAU runs regularly but doesn’t win very often. STORM PROSPECT seems likely to struggle off this mark, but may be seen to better effect if entered in a claiming hurdle somewhere.

4.50 2m 4.5f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

The pace set by Waterski didn’t seem that quick but many in this contest didn’t get competitive.

FLEMISH INVADER was a bumper winner, but stepped up on hurdles form to take this, battling hard to hold on close home. Connections reported that he had benefited from a summer’s growth.
LAURELDEAN MELODY challenged before two out and made the winner pull out the stops. She’s consistent sort who’s got winning form over 2m 2f, but should stay further than this trip.
SHANKLY BOND stayed on take third. He has bits and pieces of hurdles form.
MISTER IN BETWEEN was close the pace early but offered no more after 2 out. Tried in a tongue-tie here and upped in trip, there is at least some promise for the future.
ORMELLO is on a lower mark over hurdles than fences, but couldn’t muster enough pace at the business end.
The remainder didn’t figure seriously.

5.20 2m NH Flat

As with many of these events only a few were competitive.

STRONG REBEL was a point-to-point winner on his only race in Ireland. He had to work hard to hold off the runner-up’s renewed challenge close home. However, he did what he had to do and, with staying blood on the dam’s side will presumably be moved up in trip when going over hurdles.
MOSCOW CATCH looked to be finding it tough entering the straight, but responded well to his jockey’s urgings and came very close. Looks a nailed-on winner of a similar event.
TCHANG GOON, another winning pointer in Ireland, just lacked enough pace in the final furlong. This was a decent enough debut.
FLAYGRAY kept on in the final two furlongs. He couldn’t get on terms with the first three but was well clear of the remainder. This was a decent start and this one is worth noting.
SPELLCHECKER showed a degree of promise on debut in January, but has progressed from there. This one will presumably be sent over hurdles, but I’d want to see a run or two first.
TANGO SALLY was well backed but didn’t deliver, fading out of contention for 4 furlongs out.

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