North’s notes

[robnorth]

Sedgefield – September 30
Going – Good; Weather – windy and rainy.

A couple of chases and a few characters we will see around the Northern circuit in the next few months.

4.00 2m 4f Beginners’ Chase

This looked a significant race to me, and the first four all did enough to suggest there’s a race to be won with them.

COOL OPERATOR was a winning pointer as a four-year-old and won a hurdle last season. He’s always been viewed as a chaser in the making. He jumped right at the first and gave the eighth a bit of a thump, but apart from that his jumping was spot on. He contested the lead from early on, jumped in front at the tenth and cruised clear from 3 out to win with any amount in hand. We’re very early in the season, but this looked a decent performance and I look forward to seeing Cool Operator step up in grade.
OVERBRANCH improved on his chasing debut at the last meeting. He had no chance with the winner but pulled away from the other principals in the straight and is goig the right way.
WISE OWL chased the leaders for most of the way but found himself tapped for pace from 3 out.
NORBORNE BANDIT led or disputed to the eleventh but was under pressure at that point and fell away from the third last. He previously made a promising chase debut in a handicap and would be intesresting if dropped back in trip.
CASH MAN showed some promise oer fences last season but was never in the race here. He was always in the rear group and had no chance from the tenth.
DON’T ASK ME was not as good as a number of these over hurdles. He contested to the tenth and then fell away.
SIR MONTY had an Aintree hurdles win to his name last season, but has offered precious little encouragement since. Soon under pressure, he struggled here.
RIGHTFUL RULER was another always in the rear group.

5.00 2m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

GOLDEN FEATHER made it three in a row, held up early then being urged into the action from 3 out and pushed out to win on the flat. He may still have a little in hand.
FRED BOJANGALS has up and down form but has a chase win to his name. Leading 2 out he kept on but was held by the in form winner. This is probably his optimum distance.
SCHINKEN OTTO is a fast ground specialist and it’s possible the rain didn’t help. He led until the tenth and didn’t give way easily, since he was still not far away at the last but was held on the flat. He’s been dotting back and forth between flat and jumps in recent times, and this run was encouraging after a lay-off. His best chance of getting his favoured ground this autumn might be at Musselburgh which rides faster than other courses in Scotland/The North.
GLIMMER OF LIGHT threatened to win a seller at Hereford a couple of runs back, but departed when clear. Apart from that he’s not got close, but his best chance maybe if he can dominate against inferior opposition.
WHATCANYASAY may well have needed the race and dropped away from 4 out.
PRINCE CAR struggled early and pulled up. No promise in two chases otuings so far.

There’s Hexham coming up on Friday and then Kelso start their season this coming Sunday 5th October. I can’t get to those two meetings, but I’ll keep an eye on the racing, particularly the chases. I’ll be at Hexham for their meeting on the 11th.

[robnorth]

HEXHAM – Friday October 3
Going – Good To Soft

The first in the back straight was missed out in all chases.

2.50 3m 1f Novices’ Chase

An interesting staying novices’ chase.

Allowing for the fact that the second, That’s Rhythm, had already raced over fences then the performance of the first two probably reflected their hurdles level of form.
ACCORDING TO PETE, a decent handicap hurdler rated 132, won nicely here. Jumping neatly and taking the lead at the twelfth, was joined by the second at the next but went on two out and pulled away from the second approaching the last. Though being chased determinedly, he stayed on plenty well enough and is an interesting prospect.
THAT’S RHYTHM lost nothing in defeat, being outpointed by a performer rated 8lbs better over hurdles. His was brought steadily into the picture down the back for the last time but was outpointed in the straight. He jumped well enough and stays well so there are races to be won.
ZITENKA apparently had a fair bit to find with the leading two. He found it hard work from 3 out having raced prominently, but he’ll find easier opportunities. He just held on in a battle for third with Belon Gale.
BELON GALE, an Irish point winner earlier in the year, was beginning to progress when making a blunder at the thirteenth. From then on it was a tough job and he never got to the leading two. Given that it was a first outing under rules it’s likely there’s more to come.
CHARMING KNIGHT hit form in Northern points toward the end of last season, and recorded a decent second in a novice hunter chase at Perth in May. He led or was prominent up until the thirteenth but then found more accomplished opponents had too much and was outpaced. He probably paid the penalty for being raced prominently, but this was a promising effort and I suspect there is better to come.
OMIX D’OR found this tougher than his Perth race and fell away from the twelfth before pulling up. He needs a drop in class.
CHARLIE CRAB is reportedly considered a bit “old fashioned” and “ignorant” by his trainer, so it would seem he will need a bit of time. He departed at the eleventh having jumped a bit stickily. I’d keep him tucked away in the mind for the future.
SUPER BOSTON was prominent for a way but had not an earthly in this company.
The Mulhall pair of CLOISTERS HILL and PENDLE FOREST were out of their depth here.

3.55 3m 1f 0-95 Handicap Chase

The eleventh fence was missed as a jockey was receiving treatment, which reduced the contest to 16 obstacles.

I felt that HUCKLEBERRY’s performance at Cartmel had shown a good deal of promise. As on that outing he raced prominently, was untidy at a couple but basically jumped well enough. Having led or disputed he went on from 3 out and ran on well after the last. He’s improving with experience and I’m sure there’s another win or two in him given his current mark.
ALTO STRATUS didn’t do much wrong in second. He challenged two out but was just outpointed. He saw off the rest well enough. The trip clearly holds no terrors and the hill didn’t stop him which augurs well for staying chases at this level.
PRESENTING ALF ran a fair race in third. He stayed on from 4 out, and had a chance travelling up the hill, but could offer no extra. Given an uninterrupted campaign he should find a small race.
TULLY CROSS moved into second at the twelfth. He was still there two out but got tired and only just clambered over the last. This could be the limit of his ability.
HIGH FIVE got closer than at Cartmel, chasing the leaders but eventually weakening into fifth. He has won in this class, though it was in heavy ground which may blunt the speed of the opposition.
GREAT GRIMSBY was disappointing and failed to repeat Sedgefield form.
TOY GUN fell at the second, having departed at the first here last time.
GOT THE GIFT fell there out but was never in with a chance.
JETHRO TULL coming back from a break after a period of injury, wasn’t put into the race and the impression was it was just a try out to see if he could stand the race. He pulled up 4 out but seemed sound.
MR TWINS raced prominently but predictably fell away and pulled up. PANTHERS RUN and SAM CRUISE didn’t figure and both pulled up.

5.05 2m ½f 0-95 Handicap Chase

A pretty dire looking contest with clear reasons to oppose practically everything in the race. Ninth fence was missed due to an injured jockey meaning only 10 fences were jumped.

NORMINSTER was dropped down in distance here. He had shown glimmers of promise at times, but recent form over longer trips of PFP and 31 runs without a win didn’t augur well However he provided Rayson Nixon with a welcome winner. He was prominent by the seventh, challenged two out and battled hard to see off the pacemaker. He may win again, but will need another soft contest.
EBORARRY made the pace until before the last. He jumped better than most but lacked the pace at the business end. His best chance might be to find a small field contest where he can dominate the opposition.
TIN HEALY’S PASS plodded into third late on. This was a better run than he’s produced recently, but more is required to have a winning chance.
RECKLESS VENTURE finished fourth and that was as far forward as at any time in the race.
EARL SIGURD made some progress three out but didn’t get to the leaders. He’s not own since 2001, and would need a pretty dire event to break the losing run.
WOODY VALENTINE got reminders early and was never a threat.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS ran slightly better than last time, but faded to seventh in the latter stages.
TEMPTING PARADISE failed to repeat Plumpton form. He was prominent for a long way but faded and pulled up 2 out. It seems likely that a sharper track suits him much better.
CHUKCHI COUNTRY ran prominently early but fell in a heap after halfway and pulled up.
HARRY MAY raced prominently to 4 out but was then outpaced and pulled up 2 out.
CROFTON ARCH and DOUBLE PAST were breifly prominent but pulled up. ROMAN ARMY was never going and pulled up early and I’M GUNNER BE FINE was foiled by the first.

In the hurdle races Howard Johnson’s ON RAGLAN ROAD doddled up against moderate oppostion. A step up in class beckons. I’d noted DREVER ROUTE as one who would need time when he appeared in Musselburgh bumper last December. Those who saw him at Hexham suggest that he had benefitted from the period since and he did a nice job in a fair novices’ hurdle.
NEVSKY BRIDGE proved a weak finisher again in the selling hurdle won by Irish challenger HAWKSBURY HEIGHTS and is worth opposing until showing more ‘oomph’ at the business end. Difficult to know what will happen with the winner since selling class seems his level.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday October 5th
Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)

Kelso opened it’s season with an average card.

2.20 2m ½ f 100-125 Hcap Hurdle

On the face of it quite a competitive heat, but in the end the field were well strung out and a few disappointed.

BORDER TALE is a difficult performer to tie down. He had run a moody race at Perth and his recent form was generally below his best. It is perhaps siginiicant though that James Moffatt’s stable was reportedly under the weather, and this could be a sign that the string are getting over their problems. Border Tale was able to lead the field here and showed enough in the straight to see of his rivals comfortably. Problem now is that he will be hiked up a fair way for the win and it’s likely he’ll struggle off a higher mark.
DAY TO REMEMBER stayed on to take second. That’s three races running he’s recorded more or less the same value of form. Consistent but not got his head in front in 9 runs since his hurdling debut .
REGENT’S SECRET stayed on from the back as he is wont to do. A fair third, but not one I’d be lumping on in handicaps at the moment. Just behind FRONT RANK ran a fair race in fourth, without threatening over the last two.
QUICUYO made an encouraging seasonal debut, being in the firing line to two out then fading. I’d expect him to step up on this form next time.
HISTOIRE DE MOUERS ran well to 2 out but then faded and it may be that she’s now held by the handicapper.

2.50 2m 6 ½ f 88-112 Handicap Chase

MORE LIKELY won a novices’ chase nicely here early last year, but her form has been patchy since. She probably needs things to go her own way, and on this occasion she was able to dominate in the latter stages, though the departure of two significant rivals may well have helped. A significant rise in the weights beckons after a 17 length victory and it will be much harder from now on.
ANDY ANSHAN won a minor hunter chase at Newcastle in the spring and seems to be steadily progressing. Couldn’t go with the winner from two out, but this was only his sixth race under NH Rules and he’s going the right way.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST looks handicapped to the mark at the moment. He may well appreciate a stiffer test then this.
EVEN FLO’s form is up and down, and she’s 13lbs above her only winning mark.
DOC ROW was well held over the last ¾ mile and is not threatening a win over fences yet.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH may well have needed the run. He went well to three out, but a mistake finished his chances. Worth keeping an eye on now his seasonal debut is out of the way. Stable mate CUPID’S MISSION was well outclassed in this company.
POLAR GALE departed at the second fence.
STRAVAIGIN was still close up when falling 4 out. She’s consistent when the ground is good or better, but does chuck in a mistake or two, and is probably handicapped to her form.
Having been outpaced a bit, NGONG HILLS was getting back into the argument when brought down by Stravaigin. He has shown some promise in six outings and there is hope of a win sometime.

3.25 2m 6 ½ f Intermediate Hurdle

GRAY MOUNTAIN produced a couple of promising performances in minor events at Perth earlier in the year. He stepped up significantly on that form here, going clear nicely on the run-in. A flat career in America is not often a pre-cursor to a hurdles career, but Lucinda Russell has a very interesting prospect on her hands for better class novice events this season.
PAGAN STARPRINCESS has had a habit of finding one too good, but lost nothing in defeat here running up to previous form.
NO PANIC ran a promising race in a handicap at Galway last time, but had no answer to the winner here.
KING BARRY ran a respectable race in fourth if lacking the pace of the front three on the flat. The race won’t have done him any harm and I assume he’d go back over fences next time.
The rest of the field were well held.

4.00 2m ½ f 3yo Novices’ Hurdle

Chances are this was a pretty moderate field with a few remote by the finish.
SILK DRUM beat off the opposition with the minimum of fuss. He might just be under priced against stiffer opponents.
RIVINGTON PIKE set the standard for the form in the book and was well held. He’s lacked any ‘oomph’ at the business end so far over hurdles and it might need a drop to a claimer or seller before he can record a win.
STOP ON ran a respectable race in third, but didn’t inspire on the flat and I’d need to see more.
The rest were basically ‘out with washing’. Silk Drum’s more favoured stable mate RIO NOVO, an 80,000gns purchase, dropped away swiftly from halfway and presumably had a problem.

4.30 2m 1f 73-99 Novices’ Handicap Chase

This looked a poor event before the start and seemed to fall into the lap of the winner.
RED MAN RAY was given a soft lead, and nothing got to him. His jumping was less than perfect and I’m pretty sure he would struggle if pressured.
HO PANG YAU’s presence in second place says much about the quality here since he’s proven as moderate.
DUKE OF MALFI showed a little promise and as a 5 year old has time to develop. At the moment he’d need a very soft race to score, but perhaps worth keeping an eye on.
ATHOLLBROSE kept tabs with the winner for a way, but as in the past ran out of steam.
ZA BEAU had some decent form at this level in the summer, but is struggling now and, having chased the leaders, fell away in the latter stages and was pulled up.
ART INVESTOR looks no better over fences than his poor hurdles form, while DESCRIPTION and ARCTIC COVE were never in the race. MORE SHENNANIGANS raced prominently for a while but disappeared in the latter stages.

5.00 2m 2f 78-98 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle ( 4 hurdles omitted due to low sun)

Possibly not the toughest assignment against this company, but MAX BYGRAVES’ performance could not be faulted. Stayed on well up the lead and will likely improve for an increase in distance.
FLAMED AMAZEMENT was visored for the first time and improved on recent form. He led until the flat but couldn’t hold the winner. Future prospects may depend on the headgear doing the trick again.
SUDDEN IMPULSE showed her first significant form over hurdles. She’s run well enough on the flat of late and may be in a position to pick up a similar event.
SOLWAY BAY ran an honest race but lacks pace. Might be worth aiming at a bigger test of stamina.
PINEWOOD LEGEND was nursed into fifth, but reported as having a breathing problem.
The remainder were well held. BRAVE BRINCHO gave no encouragement on return to hurdling after his heavy tired fall at Perth.

5.30 2m ½ f NH Flat Race

These events are normally quite competitive round here, and it would be no surprise to see a subsequent winner or two emerging.

McMURROUGH brought previous winning form into this and his experience clearly helped. He had a good duel with the second which will have taught him a lot.Even allowing for an extra penalty he might pick up another similar event before going on to jumping.
SITTING TENANT ran a very creditable race in second, making the winner work all the way. Was very easy in the market, but has more than enough ability to pick up a similar race.
FORTYSECOND STREET, like so many of his stable inmates, cost a few bob. He ran a fair race in third, weakening in the latter stages. He’s capable of winning a bumper, but the stable runners are often under-priced and I’d be tempted to oppose him if he’s a short price.
QUICOLACI showed promise, fading in the latter stages but finishing fourth.
ZERO SIX ZOO seemed very green and may need a bit of time. She stayed on in the latter stages. One to note, but not yet one to back.

Assuming we don’t get too much rain I’m off to Hexham for Saturday’s meeting. Looking forward to this one …… 0-90 Classified Chase….mmmmm!

I said previously that I’m concentrating on Scottish and Northern chases, so Sod’s Law that time constraints won’t allow too much attention for Carlisle’s all chase card on Friday, but I’ll try to catch up next week.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Friday 10th October
Going – Good To Soft (Soft in places)

The flat/Hurdle course needed time to recover from a rather damp Flat season, so Carlisle served up an all-chase card. Due to on-going drainage work the second fence down the back was omitted in all races.

The races turned into a slog in the rain-softened ground, the ground easing steadily throughout the afternoon. It might be worth noting some of those which raced prominently then fell away, particularly under less testing conditions.

I’ve listed a few significant pointers. Anyone wanting a full horse-by-horse run down can read it on my blog.

2.00 2m 0-100 Handicap Chase

MALKO DE BEAUMONT has shown form over three miles, and didn’t get into the picture until the straight. Staying on into contention three out he kept up the gallop to the finish. A move back to a longer trip will help him.
ROYAL GLEN stayed on late for third, but was never in with a chance of winning. He’s had four wins at the minimum trip round Hexham and might be owrth a glance if returning there in the near future.
I’M YOUR MAN led 4 out, but was very tired at the last and folded on the run-in. He found things tough close home here and will do better on an easier track.

2.30 2m 4f Beginners’ Chase

This race was run at a decent pace, so it was a creditable performance from the winner KILLYGLEN who raced prominently the whole way. He led 3 out, but still seemed destined to be swallowed up. However, having he saw off the opposition determinedly and the evidence suggests he can pick up a novices’ chase under a penalty.
TOT O’WHISKEY had some sound hurdle form, and turned in a decent show on his first chasing effort. He stayed on well in the latter stages but couldn’t quite get to the winner. A good start and he seems a ready-made chase winner.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY was rated lower than the other principals over hurdles. He made progress to challenge two out but could find no extra on the flat. A very good effort and is another who should find a race.
GOLDEN CHILD ran a decent race in handicap company on his chasing debut, and confirmed the promise with a sound effort dropping back in distance here. He lacked a bit of pace close home, but a return to three miles will help.
CHECKERBOARD led but made some sloppy jumps at times and possibly paid the penalty for that, fading over the last two fences. He will come on for the run, but needs to sharpen his jumping a bit.

3.05 2m 5f 0-95 Handicap Chase

A moderate event with the first two stepping up significantly on recent efforts.

It’s likely that SEEK THE TRUTH was suited by the stiff test here. He’d shown only moderate form on easier tracks but was prominent most of the way here, staying on to see off his nearest challenger. This wasn’t a great race, but given similar conditions he’ll stay competitive.
MR TWINS had been out of sorts for some time. In fact it’s the best of a year and 12 runs since his last placed effort. It may be that the stiff test here suited, but he’s not one I’d trust to repeat the form next time.
NICKY TAM came there very comfortably 4 out, but fell in a heap from 2 out. He still has something to prove, although he might progress given time.
RING OF BEARA was soon in the rear and receiving reminders. He was pulled up before the tenth. He had some decent form in Ireland in testing conditions, so might be worth keeping an eye for signs of a revival. He was subsequently reported as having been struck into, so it seems the run can be ignored.

3.30 2m 0-125 Handicap Chase

A competitive handicap chase.

The most significant piece for form here may belong to the eventual last, STONERIGGS MERC. He’s ideally suited by further over a less tough track, so to be up the front for a long way in a competitive event was to his credit. Having led or disputed from the start he weakened quickly from 3 out. He will find much easier opportunities than this in conditions which will be more suitable.
GLINGERBANK was kept in touch, moved up steadily to challenge at the last and held on well on the flat. His record suggests he doesn’t stand too quick races, so it could be there will be a break before his next appearance.
SOME TOUCH made a very pleasing comeback here, leading or disputing with Stoneriggs Merc before taking over from 4 out. When headed by Glingerbank he battled back well and should find a race soon.
YANKEE HOLIDAY pulled to the front group early on but was soon struggling. He had a tough task at the weights and wouldn’t have relished the conditions. I’d forgive him this run. He needs a less stiff track and a drop in class to figure significantly.

4.05 2m Novices’ Chase

The start here was a complete shambles and it should have been declared a false start. Tell Henry whipped round and got in most competitors’ way, but this was all that was reported at the subsequent enquiry and no action was taken. The question I would have asked of the starter was “Why didn’t you call a false start?” Maybe that’s just too obvious!

The result of the trouble was that ASTARADOR got a start on the others and was settled in the lead jumping well. The field closed by 4 out, but the leader had plenty in the tank to see them off. It wasn’t a bad performance though, and given that he was a decent handicap hurdler last season he’s probably capable of moving up from this.
MASTER NIMBUS took on the leader from 4 out but simply wasn’t good enough. He paid the price for his efforts fading into fourth, but could be considered a ‘moral second’ for his efforts. He has shown enough in two chases to suggest there is a minor novice event to be won with him.

4.40 3m ½f 0-115 Handicap Chase

SEE YOU THERE bounced back from a succession of ordinary runs. He’s a dour stayer who is best over a stiff track with cut in the ground and was recording a fourth course win. His other win was at Hexham. Having been waited with he stayed on up the final hill, and battled gamely when challenged on the flat. He stays further than this, and will be competitive in staying chases in Scotland and the North for the next few months.
SUPER ROAD TRAIN was outpointed on the flat but lost little in defeat. He doesn’t run many bad races and will always have a say in these conditions. He’s another who stays further.
BUSHIDO raced prominently and plugged on into third. This was by far his best run since missing the half of 2006 and all of 2007. He has won staying chases and is no lost cause off his current mark. He may be slightly better on an easier track.
CADOUDALAS looked dangerous four out, but was fell away from two out. This was a fair effort on his chasing debut and the chances are there’s better to come. He was effective at 2m 4f to 2m 6f over hurdles, so a drop in trip may help.

[robnorth]

HEXHAM – Saturday October 11th
Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

My first visit to Hexham and a venue which in the main gained my approval, but with a few qualifications.

Viewing is generally good, but I couldn’t find a place where I could get a decent view of the entire course. I settled for the steps of the Club Enclosure, but even from there much of the run-in was obscured. The spectator does have a fine view of the back straight and although the course is basically stiff in nature, there is a significant downhill section on the far side where horses can get outpaced. A stiff westerly windy gave a bit of a chill, though one of the regulars told me that it was positively tropical by Hexham standards.

It would be helpful if there were more covered areas since this is an exposed venue and at the mercy of the elements. The Ramshaw Stand is basically a big building with a load of bars and function rooms. The viewing was not brilliant and it rather redefines the usual idea of a stand. My wife is an occasional racegoer and as with many courses she found the lack of seated areas an inconvenience. As seems to be the case with weekend meetings there were too many of the ‘how much beer can we drink’ brigade. On the positive side paddock area is easily accessed and very popular, and the unsaddling enclosure area intimate enough for a bit of ear-wigging post race conversations.

The course catering left a bit to be desired. Lukewarm steak and kidney pie and peas didn’t impress, and the ‘home-made’ soup was unlikely to have come from anyone’s home. I paid £1.50 for a cup of instant coffee for which the ingredients probably set the caterers back only a few pence.

The racing, while not being of a great standard, was competitive and entertaining. The going was testing, though some professionals seemed to think it didn’t ride quite as tough as the description might suggest, and horses seemed to get home well enough.

2.15 2m ½ f Beginners’ Chase

A pretty ordinary event, but won in impressive style by Howard Johnson’s chasing debutant STRIKING ARTICLE. In retrospect he didn’t have much to beat, with his main market rival clearly needing a longer trip. However he could hardly had won this in easier fashion. Bowling along in front he jumped very well, if just a little sticky at the water jump, and had the race in safe keeping from a long way out. A big strong sort who looks to have been crying out for a try over fences, he should go on to bigger and better things.
THE SHY MAN had winning form over 2m 4f-2m 6f over hurdles and clearly needs further. Looking a real picture for his seasonal debut, he was outpaced down the far side but stayed on well up the hill to wrest second place on the run-in. There’s better to come with a step up in trip.
JAMIE’S BOY went second three out but was caught after the last. This is probably as good as he is and novice handicaps would appear to be his level.
CARRIETAU probably paid the price for chasing the leader and eventually tired into a well beaten fourth. There was enough promise to suggest we’ll see better from him and as a 5 year old has time on his side.
WISE CHOICE was never in the race. He’s better on less testing ground.
NEVSKY BRIDGE was being stretched when coming down at the eighth fence and has yet to make a mark over fences.
PENDLE FOREST was struggling before halfway and pulled up. She reportedly had a breathing problem.

2.45 2m ½ f Mares’ Only Novices’ Hurdle

A distinctly uncompetitive event won easily by the clear form horse.

LAURELDEAN MELODY disputed the lead before taking over 2 out and soon going clear. She kept up the gallop for a comfortable win. She’s consistent at her own level.
MISS CHAMPAGNE stayed on into second place, an improvement on her previous hurdling efforts. If nothing else she did split two previous winners. The jockey and trainer’s post-race conversation along the lines of "she’ll jump a fence" suggests she may well be sent chasing soon.
SKY CALLING disputed until 2 out but was then left behind and caught for second on the flat. A fair effort but this is probably as good as she is.
NEW TACTICS was in the rear then made progress at the sixth but never got close enough. Her ability would seem limited but she may be helped by a step back up in trip.
The rest produced very little of any promise. MISS TARANTELLA, a rather scrawny looking mare, looked to hate the tongue-tie in the paddock. She jumped awkwardly at the second and her saddle slipped at which point she was steered off the course.

3.20 2m 4½f 0-110 Handicap Chase

My initials thoughts were that this would fall to one of the chasing debutants. If I’d taken care to check point-to-point form then possibly I’d have favoured the winner, but then again isn’t hindsight a fine thing?

SILLY WUPPLE was a point winner with some fair hurdle form and a NH Flat win in his record. He made a couple of messy jumps but pressed from 3 out and stayed on after being switched left to challenge on the flat. His rider Tom Scudamore was cautioned for overuse of the whip. That being noted, he lacked nothing at the business end and may well progress to win again with the experience under his belt.
JUST FOR MEN made a creditable return after a lay-off. He took the lead on the uphill run to the last, but was overtaken again on the flat. Given that the race will have brought him on a win would seem around the corner.
BALLYNURE disputed or led for much of the way but was one paced once headed up the hill.
INNOMINATE jumped slowly at the fourth and dropped to the rear. Having recovered position he almost came down at the ninth and although eased back into the race found a further effort beyond him. He showed promise over hurdles and with more chasing experience should progress.
SOMETHING GOLD chased the leading group until being outpaced from 3 out. A fair enough return and worth keeping an eye on at least.
ROSIE ALL OVER looked as if she would benefit from the race. She went well to three out then faded and will be fitter for this run.
LORD ON THE RUN never showed and is struggling at the present.
FIRST FOUGHT was behind and was receiving reminders when hitting the seventh, after which he quickly fell away. I got the impression he’d pulled up but apparently he continued in a remote last.
LETHEM PRESENT set the early pace and out jumped her rivals but was headed by the seventh and pulled up before the eleventh.
OH PICKLES lost touch down the back straight for the final time and pulled up.

3.50 3m 0-100 Handicap Hurdle

Not a strong pace on here, and all were going comfortably with a circuit to travel.

Sue Smith did very nicely here, bagging first and third. The winner WHATDOIDOWITHTHAT looked very fit and did the job well on the track. Racing prominently then leading at the ninth, he ran on well to see off his rivals. This gelding stays well and has form with give and on top of the ground so there should be plenty of opportunities.
MANOUBI had shown some promise of a return to form at Perth and ran creditably here. Having moved into a clear second, he chased the leader on the flat. He’s well exposed and probably handicapped to about his mark but is in good form just now.
Third-placed LUCOZADE had moved from Robin Dickin to Sue Smith and been absent for 549 days before this. He had shown only a glimmer of from previously, but turned out looking really fit and well he acquitted himself admirably from 11lbs out of the handicap. Progressing from the rear down the hill towards two out he couldn’t quite get to the leaders and was unable to sustain the effort in the straight. Nevertheless this was a fine effort and there is hope that Lucozade can build on this form.
TOY GUN, an angular gelding who had decked his rider early on in his last two chase outings, set the pace to the ninth and then plugged on for fourth once passed. He was subsequently reported to the stewards as having been injured, but there were no further details.
There wasn’t much of any promise from the rest of a fairly moderate bunch. SHANKLY BOND was never in contention and pulled up, with a report that he’d lost his action.

4.25 2m 4 ½ f Maiden Hurdle

A fair amount of dead wood in this event.

The favourite YOUNGSTOWN walked lazily round the paddock, rather scraping his feet. However, he proved completely different on the track and soon pulled his way to the front. Jumping rather scratchily, he weakened from 3 out. He needs to settle better.
BLACK MOGUL had run some decent races in defeat and showed admirable determination to hold off the less experienced second on the run-in. Very relaxed in the paddock, he settled nicely in second, led briefly up the hill before being headed again, but battled back. He’s got a good attitude and should continue to be competitive.
ANY CURRENCY, a bit fussy in the paddock, looked likely to win before the last but was outbattled. He should have no problem picking up a race.
PROSECCO never quite got to the leaders and was found out by the hill, plodding on into third.
ORMUS was going well two out, but couldn’t produce a further effort. His best chances lie in handicaps.
GRANDE MONSIEUR looked fit but was rather cussed before the start, planting himself for a while and delaying the start. Niggled at halfway through the race he stayed on late.
It was tough to tease out any promise from the remainder.

5.00 3m 1f 0-90 Classified Chase

A pretty desperate staying event, with the ages of two of the major contenders adding up to 27.

TULLY CROSS, half the age of the third and 6 years younger than the second, built on a fair performance behind Huckleberry here last time. Having been niggled for a way he moved into contention three out and stayed on better than his rivals from there. Connections are unlikely to find many such opportunities for him.
FISHERMAN JACK is running creditably for a 13-year-old. He went on three out and threatened to get away, but headed at the last he couldn’t offer any more.
Last year’s winner, 14-year-old MIDNIGHT GUNNER, led jumping well until three out, then the hill did for him and he weakened into third. He’s still giving his owners a bit of fun and seemingly retaining his zest for racing if rather slow these days.
AUGUST ROSE was still in touch when thumping three out which finished her chance. A fair effort in her first chase and she’s not completely without hope of a minor chase wins.
REASONABLY SURE was in touch when giving the third last an even bigger clout than August Rose, and he was immediately pulled up, though there didn’t seem to be any lasting damage.
COOLDINE LAD hasn’t completed in four efforts since Feb ’06 and offered precious little encouragement here once the race started in earnest.
ABZUSON hit the second very hard, sending his rider up in the air, but being considerate enough to remain around as Brian Hughes came back down. He was soon behind and pulled up a mile out. I had to check the records on this one since Lee Mackenzie initially called him as a finisher, but then maybe I should have noticed he’d missed the last four!

5.35 2m ½ f Intermediate NH Flat

A few fair pieces of form from previous races from those on show here.

BYGONES OF BRID showed some promise on debut and leading 5f out, scooted clear once turned for home. His performance under a penalty will be a gauge of the form.
TIGER MOSS missed 2007-08 but performed well after the lay-off. She looked fit enough and stayed on for second having raced prominently.
STICK TOGETHER put in two decent placed runs last season before being out of her depth in a Listed race at Sandown. She stayed on from the rear from third. She clearly needs a longer trip, so keep an eye for a hurdle outing over a longer distance.
CAMPINE ROSE kept on into fourth.
BALLYBART, placed in two Irish points, looked in need of the race. He took on the leader from 4f out but paid for that effort in the straight. He showed enough here to suggest he’ll go close in similar company once fitter.
FORREST LEMONS set a decent pace until 5f out, but folded quickly and doesn’t look as if he stays the distance.
QELQUN DE CHAMIREY, shipped over from Ireland, looked to need the race and never showed.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday October 18th 2008
Going – Good to Soft

A meeting which often turns one or two useful novice performers for later in the season, and I’m quite sure this will prove to the case once again.

2.10 2m 6 ½ f 0-100 CJ Handicap Hurdle

A moderate event to start the card. Most of these were exposed, but there might be some interest amongst the more lightly races horses, and it was one of these that was victorious.
BOX WALLAH was eased into contention before three out, led at the last and produced enough on the run-in. Sadly he finished lame having severed a tendon and had to be put down.
HUMOUROUS is not a prolific winner, but does have a respectable record at Kelso. Having been passed two out he responded well and kept on close home.
JANE DOE raced prominently early, and then found herself tapped for toe a mile out, but stayed on again late. This was a vast improvement on her recent form.
KIRKSIDE PLEASURE kept on from two out to finish fourth and was another performing much better than in recent runs.
MERIGO ran a promising race on comeback. This was presumably a warm up before a return to chasing. He’s likely to be competitive in chases where the accent is on stamina.
ADMIRAL SAVANNAH, handicap debuting on his fourth outing over hurdles, was in the rear early, moved up to be in contention 2 out but could then offer no more and finished ninth. The longer trip suited and he’s gradually getting the hang of hurdling.

2.40 2m ½ f Maiden Hurdle

Those that had previously run over hurdles had mostly looked moderate and the race seemed at the mercy of those progressing from bumpers.

DOESLESSTHANME had won nicely at Musselburgh and Doncaster last season, the latter form being franked by the second in a decent bumper at Aintree. There was plenty to like about the performance here, the horse settling nicely just off the lead, going on three out and asserting on the flat. He should pick up a novice event under a penalty.
SON OF FLICKA, twice runner-up in bumpers this season, raced in the leading group of five which was clear of the remainder. Pushed to go with the winner before the last, he stayed on but couldn’t muster Doeslessthanme’s pace. However, this was a satisfactory debut and he should lose his maiden tag soon.
TIRAAZ TO CARBURY represented the previous hurdles form with credit. He was well held once passed but ran up to his form.
PAKINEO DES PICTONS possibly needed the race and was found wanting after the turn for home. He’d gone well enough to that point and shows promise.
BORDER REIVER stayed on late into fifth having raced off the pace. He’ll benefit from a step up in trip.
The remainder were 50/1 plus in the betting and their performances reflected this.

3.15 2m 1f Beginners’ Chase

A big spread of ability here.

KALAHARI KING was progressive over hurdles last season, and had always been thought of as a potential chaser. He was confidently ridden to take command on the flat. He will presumably be aimed at must better contests.
CAST IRON CASEY ran a cracker in second, staying on well up the run-in to snatch second. This was a step up on his hurdles form, but the problem now could be placement, since the rating he receives from this will presumably force him into the better class novice chases.
BYWELL BEAU set the pace, but as before over fences here jumped right, diving at a couple, and that certainly didn’t help since he often had to be corrected after the fence. He was held after being overtaken on the flat, though kept on with plenty of determination. He’s not one that gives up a lead easily. It seems that he may need a right-handed track, and the problem is that of the Northern tracks that gives him only Carlisle, Musselburgh (only 8 meetings) and Perth (not racing again until April). Even then it’s a question of finding a suitable event.
LORD SAMPOSIN raced near the front but was struggling when departing two out. He needs to find an easier race, but has shown enough in the past to suggest a minor chase is within his compass.
FRITH plodded into fourth. His performances over jumps have not suggested a win is imminent.
SPIVITUS was in fifth and his recent outings have not been encouraging.
ATHOLLBROSE raced prominently early, but soon found the pace too much to cope with.
ISLAND KEY fell at the second. He had shown a glimmer of hurdling form and if he can get round is not a total lost cause.
HURRICANE BASIL, INDUSTRIAL STAR and WITCH POWER bumbled round at the back.
SUMMER SOUL did himself no favours by almost coming down at the first, and he was never in the race. He may show a bit more in time over fences.

3.45 2m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

A generally exposed bunch, though it could be that the more lightly-raced winner is progressive.

NODFORM WILLIAM raced prominently, took over three out and saw off the opposition nicely in the straight. He’s capable of winning again.
MANEKI NEKO, a winner at Cartmel in August, ran up to his new mark in second. He made good progress from three out and chased the leader on the flat.
CALCULAITE never showed with a chance of winning but picked off a few in the straight.
FLORENTINO was settled in second, and then left in front at the third. He couldn’t offer enough once headed four out but kept on well enough to bag minor prize money. He has some flat outings in the summer and this was an improvement on his last two hurdle races.
KING IN WAITING tried to get into the race between the last two, but his effort petered out. Given that he was coming off a lay-off, and has been dropped 6lbs in the meantime, he may be worth a glance in his next couple of runs.
SEEYAAJ, returning to hurdling, was disappointing. He went prominent at the fourth, but was soon niggled along and fell away quickly, pulling up before two out.
MONSIEUR was made favourite, but he has too many quirks for my money. He led racing keenly, but dived at the third and unseated. Despite his placed form I’ll continue to oppose him.

4.15 2m 6 ½ f Novices’ Hurdle

The dreaded ‘Kelso low sun’ struck here and the two flights in the straight were omitted. This meant that only 6 flights were jumped.

As with the earlier maiden hurdle, the race was dominated by those progressing from bumpers. DOOR BOY was going very well before the last, and asserted no the half-mile run-in. He’s another horse bought by Graham Wylie for a fancy price, in this case 185,000gns, and will presumably be aimed at much tougher events.
MERRYDOWN chased the leader in the straight. He didn’t do too much wrong and should win a staying novice hurdle.
BANOGE has not been worse than fourth in 9 efforts in NH races. However he lacks pace at the business end, although probably found two quite decent opponents here. I reckon his best chance is in handicap hurdles under stamina testing conditions.
KEENE SPIRIT faded in the straight and ran to about the same form as his hurdling debut over 2m 1f at Sedgefield.
WATERSKI normally sets the pace and did so here before being swamped on the long run-in. He had no chance in this company. On evidence to date a selling hurdle is probably the best chance of victory.

4.50 3m 1f 0-105 Handicap Chase

The last fence was missed out due to the low sun, and the omission of the open ditch away from the stand second time following Graham Lee’s ejection by Greenock, meant that only 15 fences were jumped.

RYMINSTER’s recent record after a break of 6 weeks or more now reads 211211, and his record otherwise is U422UP329, figures which tell their own story. I really couldn’t see why he should be allowed to start at 14/1, but it’s such circumstances that can give us an edge at times. He was given a peach of a ride by Brian Hughes. Ryminster is not one who any more than he absolutely has too and he was nursed by Hughes, picking up gradually on the leaders from 5 out and taking over on the run-in, only being urged along close home. He’s on a career high mark now but, given the right circumstances, I still think he may have enough in hand to win even if raised a few pounds.
FESTIVAL KING was last seen running disappointingly at Cartmel, and has yet to record a win over fences. However, he didn’t do too much wrong here and having settled chasing the leaders he kicked on after the last and battled back once headed. He’s getting the right idea now and should pick up a staying chase before long.
I thought LOST IN NORMANDY might struggle here, but he ran a creditable race in third. He was headed after the last but plugged on. Getting on in years now, but maybe not a lost cause in lowly company.
MALKO DE BEAUMONT, a winner over the minimum trip at Carlisle, fell away after 3 out, and may have been appearing a bit soon after his last run. He was shunted up 9lbs for the Carlisle win which seemed harsh for winning a so-so race.
BEAU SADDLER fell away after the tenth. He has now swapped stables, but this doesn’t seem to have brought about a revival.
HUCKLEBERRY was taken on for the lead here, having beaten lesser animals at Hexham before, and was starting to feel the pinch when falling at the last. A 10lb rise for that Hexham success seems rather harsh since there were some mediocre performers behind.
GREENOCK stood off too far at the third, the open ditch going away from the stands, and as he almost came to a halt Graham Lee was jettisoned out the front. This fence seems to find out a few horses. The general level of his form is moderate and the jury remains out.
CASH ON FRIDAY was struggling with a mile to go and pulled up before 2 out. His last three runs have been poor.

5.25 1m 5f 3yo NH Flat Race

There aren’t that many juvenile NH Flat races this early so it’s difficult to know the plan of campaign with these. Bumpers are normally quite decent events here, so I’d certainly keep an eye on the first three in future.

Alan Swinbank’s apparent second string CHICKINI took this, going past her stable mate and holding off Coeur De Feu in the final furlong. She looked a bit green in mid race when asked to up her pace. Once she got into her stride though she showed a good turn of pace. One event that might be a target is the juvenile bumper at Cheltenham’s New Year meeting.
COUER DE FEU stayed on well in second and didn’t do much wrong.
IF YOU KNEW SUZY, stable companion of the winner, set sail for home two out but could summon no extra once headed.
Ironically, given that he was beaten by two from the Swinbank stable, BISHOPS HEIR is a half brother to Turbo Linn. He stayed on for fourth and will benefit from an increase in distance.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Thursday 23rd October
Going – Heavy

With the hurdle course remaining out of action Carlisle presented another chase only card. The next scheduled meeting will be the same. Once again the second fence out in the country was omitted.

Rain fell and made the going very testing. A few poor runs can probably be ignored, but the effort here may have taken its toll on a few.

2.10 2m 0-95 Handicap Chase

A very ordinary contest to start the afternoon.

LERIDA’s previous form contained a couple of competitive performances, but also a lot of dross. He was described by a Racing Forum correspondent who rode him for a while as a “so-and-so”, so it’s debatable whether he’ll repeat this form next time. That being said he did the job well enough here, taking up the running 6 out and, despite the rider dropping his whip, kept on well.
ROYAL GLEN and BOG OAK confirmed their relative form from the last Carlisle meeting ROYAL GLEN was the last to give way not matching the winner on the flat. A return to Hexham may help since 4 out of 5 of his wins have come there.
BOG OAK built on the glimmer of promise shown last time and put in his best performance for a while to finish a staying on third.
ITALIANO ran well for a long way. This was a decent effort after a lay-off, and he was missing for two years before that. Given those circumstances this was as promising a run as any in this field. What ability he has clearly remains so there’s hope of a victory.
NATIVE COLL ran better than previous effort here, but is still short of his best.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS runs often but is not a prolific winner. He regressed from his previous effort here and doesn’t seem a betting proposition.
HOLLOWS MILL once again showed little.
NICOZETTO has form over longer distances. His early jumping was a bit sketchy but he did settle down and was in with a chance when hitting three out. He went backwards after that but may well be capable of better if he gets his jumping together, and if moved up in trip.
WHATCANYASAY ran no sort of race. His best form is on good and fast ground at Sedgefield, so this form can be put aside.
WATCH THE WIND was always out the back.

2.40 2m (Class 3) Novices’ Chase

This looked a decent novice event, with many hurdles winners and Astarador’s novice win here to measure against.

I got the impression last season that it wouldn’t be long before CROCODILES ROCK moved on to chasing and this evidence suggests he’s a useful prospect. He looked a bit tired, so may benefit from a break now, but considering he’s likely to be better over further this was a decent effort. I’d expect a step up in trip and improvement to go with it.
ASTARADOR won here well enough last time, allowing for the fact that he was given a start, and lost nothing in defeat to a useful opponent. He’s not been stopping at the end of either chase here and should benefit from a step up in trip.
RAYSROCK was held by the first two, but is another interesting prospect that is worth noting on the northern circuit. He found the first two had too much for him from 2 out, but he’ll come on for the race and looks a ready made winner.
LEASE LEND made a satisfactory debut, will likely come on for this, and is another I would expect to benefit from a step up in trip.
THE SHY MAN found this tough at the minimum trip. His Hexham run suggested he was crying out for a step up in trip and he looks like one who will need a trip around three miles to be seen at his best. Keep this one in mind.
TORKINKING was way below the level of his hurdle form and well held on his second effort at chasing. Placement may be a problem, and much may depend on what chasing handicap mark he’s given. On evidence to date he would struggle if placed near his current hurdle mark of 133 and since he’s 9 years old time is not on his side.
CASH MAN is probably capable of winning a chase at his level but found this way too tough.
SMART STREET has mainly disappointed since going chasing. A change of stables doesn’t seem to have improved things and a watching brief is advised.
The Johnson duo of PENDLE FOREST (unseated rider 4 out when remote) and UNCLE MICHAEL are wasting their time and energy in this company.

3.15 2m 5f 0-100 Handicap Chase

The four handicaps on the card were won by those at or near bottom weight, and TEENANDO took advantage of bottom weight minus Tjade Collier’s 3lb allowance here. This was nice progression from his Uttoxeter second. He pulled hard, but had plenty left at the business end and may well progress further even allowing for a rise in the weights.
SAMMY SPIDERMAN ran respectably in second without seriously threatening the winner. The dam stayed 3 miles is related to jumping winners so there would seem every chance he’ll progress possibly over a longer distance.
ROSIE ALL OVER jumped better than at Hexham, but found things tough up the straight. She is at least going the right way and has the look of a chaser.
THAI VANGO raced prominently, but found things tough from 3 out. This was a respectable debut over fences.
OH PICKLES at least got round this time, but may need more time.
STRAVAIGIN has proved time and again that she struggles in these conditions and it was no surprise that she pulled up. Her best chances will probably come at Musselburgh where the ground is seldom testing.
GLACIAL RAMBLER and COLDWELLS found it too tough from a mile out and pulled up.
CONTENDO and KARLANI didn’t show and pulled up.

3.45 3m ½ f 0-130 Handicap Chase

Not a bad event for midweek at Carlisle.

THE GANGERMAN had run some decent races over fences last season but it took until this race to lose the maiden tag. He’s not blessed with lightning speed, but then we are talking staying chaser and he stayed on determinedly up the hill for victory. His consistency can’t be faulted and I’d keep him in mind for tough tests this winter.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH, as intimated previously, benefited from the previous outing and got competitive here. He’s lightly raced and may well be on a decent mark for similar events.
BALLYVOGE made most of the running before being overtaken at the last. After a lay-off there was nothing wrong with this run.
LUCKY NELLERIE generally gets competitive in staying chases in these parts. On seasonal debut he ran out of steam over the last two.
HUKA LODGE weakened out of contention with a mile to race. He does win in his turn but tends to mix them in amongst some naff performances. Anyone looking for a winner at a long price could do worse than keep him in the notebook.
SILVER SEDGE probably found the combination of heavy ground and the stiff track asking too much.
DOC ROW is not showing encouraging form.
LAERTES won the Highland National in April at Perth with the winner back in third, and probably needs further than this. He fell away from 3 out.
I really ought to follow FIRTH OF FORTH, since I can see both the Forth bridges from home. However, I wouldn’t be in danger of backing a winner on current efforts. He did at least get round for the first time in five, but showed only a glimmer of signs of a revival.

4.15 3m ½ f (Class 3) Novices’ Chase

Not much strength in depth for the prize money.

TOT O’WHISKEY built on the promise of his second over 2m 4f last time. He’s going the right way and should score again.
HOCKENHEIM had been let down by his jumping on three previous chase outings. However this time he jumped well in the lead. He tired and blundered at the last, but loses nothing in defeat and looks a ready made winner of a similar event now his jumping is in order.
HARRY WOOD ran respectably in third. The McCain stable normally know what to do with their chasers and should place him to advantage.
MISTANOORA faded to fourth and recent evidence suggests he’s not as good a chaser as he was over hurdles.
GRITTI PALACE found these too good for him. He might be interesting if aimed at a novice handicap.
MR BARNACLE went well to three out before fading. He should be capable of better in time.
SACRED MOUNTAIN found the step up from maiden hunter company a tough one. He pulled up very early. However, it’s significant that he has twice pulled up on seasonal debut in points, so may produce better next time.
MOYNE PLEASURE was out of his depth on his second outing over fences.

4.50 3m ½ f 0-95 Handicap Chase

A hard slog in churned up conditions for a bunch of slow-coaches.

TOY GUN had only successfully cleared one fence in his last two chasing efforts. He did at least prove he’s not bad if he can negotiate the obstacles, a hurdling fourth at Hexham having offered a degree of encouragement. He did this well enough and, while he’s still not reliable betting material, he at least showed he is competitive in these lowly staying events.
GARLETON ran a couple of decent races in the spring and ran to the form again here. He was miles clear of the other two finishers and there must be a bit of value in the form. Providing his trainer aims low there’s a small chase in him.
MR TWINS reverted to plodding mode after his exertions over a shorter distance. The towel went in as the runners approached the final climb.
PANTHERS RUN has given a glimmer of hope at times, but there was nothing optimistic as he struggled into a distant last of four finishers.
Of the others, only ALTO STRATUS offers much encouragement since he was making a forward move when exiting at the ninth. It was a first non-completion, so it might be worth forgiving this effort.
FISHERMAN JACK may well have paid for a tough recent race at Hexham and pulled up.
PRESENTING ALF didn’t build on a fair third at Hexham and looks very moderate.
EXIT TO SAUMUR has given no encouragement in five efforts to date.
SANDS RISING jumped untidily, soon losing touch and pulling up. The stable’s runners at the meeting were either outclassed or ran poorly.

[robnorth]

Newcastle – Thursday October 30

Good (Good To Firm in places)

Different ground from that experienced at some recent Northern jump meetings. Notes here on significant performances, the full horse-by-horse analysis is on my blog.

1.30 2m 4f Beginners’ Chase

MILL SIDE struck me as a potentially decent newcomer pre-race and proved it with a decent effort. Having only had the three hurdle runs before this, he’s got few miles on the clock for an eight-year-old. He stayed on well to win this and will benefit from a step up in trip.
THAT’S RHYTHM made it three seconds in a row, but didn’t lose anything in defeat to a decent looking opponent. Having been passed up the straight he was still staying on at the end and a step back up in trip is clearly needed.
BELON GALE benefited from his run behind That’s Rhythm at Hexham and built on it nicely here. I got the impression there that he’ll need time to develop, and I suspect this is short of his best trip. He was staying on at the end.
I was a little bit suspicious of HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY’s effort at Carlisle and felt it might have flattered him. This performance suggests that’s not the case and he’s a good deal better over fences that hurdling. His trainer should be able to find an easier event for him soon.
ANDIJAN was hampered at the first which left him at the rear. He had made some progress but then hit the fourth last which did for him. He pops over the Irish Sea on a regular basis and should be competitive in lowly novice events.
THE SHY MAN was stepped up in trip here but we learned nothing as he fell at the first. The runners dawdled to that fence, which is no good for novices, and I’d give him another chance in lesser company over at least this trip.

3.00 3m 0-85 Handicap Chase

This was a very lowly contest with some very moderate animals and much ‘iffy’ jumping.

SMART MAN’s form line doesn’t look bad for one at this level with plenty of placings showing. However, he’s not inclined to pull out any extra once he hits the front and just scraped home here. The fact that he was headed after the last gave him something to aim at and he got up close home, but he’s not one to lump large amounts on.
SAM CRUISE is a winning pointer but his recent Rules form has been littered with jumping errors. However there was a suggestion of a hope if he could get his act together. He made some awkward jumps early on but recovered and looked the winner in the straight only to thump 2 out. His rider just retained the partnership but lost an iron and though recovering Sam Cruise couldn’t quite get back up. He lacks nothing in effort, but his jockeys will need super-glue if he doesn’t getting his jumping act together.
JETHRO TULL looked to me to have been treated with kid-gloves recently, presumably because he’s rather fragile. Put into the race here he had a right cut and was only run out it on the run-in. Assuming he stays sound he may reward connections patience before long.
LOST IN NORMANDY should have done much better against this opposition. I suspect he’s better when able to lead but, although he does come up trumps occasionally, he’s not particularly reliable.

4.00 2m 4f 0-95 Handicap Chase

Another handicap big on numbers but low on decent recent form.

HALL OF FLAME was back to his best after a lay-off. He put in a spirited effort in the straight, presumably won’t be over-penalised for this and has good prospects of picking up a similar event. It’s possible that he’ll do better over a longer distance.
GENERAL HARDI is still a maiden after 21 efforts, but lacked nothing in effort. He was just held close home but this was a good try. He shows enough willing to pick up a race somewhere along the line.
CHIGORIN is now 1 win from 40 and seems to lack pace at the business end. On the face of it this was a fair effort, but he’s not one that inspires as a likely winner.
NICKY TAM seemed to be going easily into the straight but ran out of petrol. He may be worth a try at two miles, but may be one who flatters to deceive in his races.
YANKEE HOLIDAY weakened in the straight. He is a headstrong type and I don’t think he truly stays this distance. This class is right, but a drop back to two miles would seem the best idea.
TULLY CROSS won a poor contest at Hexham, and was shoved up in the weights for that. He probably isn’t as good as his current mark.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Sunday November 2nd

Going- Soft

Another chase only card at Carlisle. I had thought following the chasers might be fairly comfortable with two or three races per card, but Carlisle are making my hobby a little tougher at the moment. This was the third such card in a row and numbers were down a bit.

Still a tough test with the going showing up soft despite a drier week. The second fence down the hill remained out of action.

1.35 3m ½ f Beginners’ Chase

A small field but the chances are these are four with a chance of a win or two over the season.
COMPANERO won three Irish point-to-points a couple of years ago, and ran well in testing conditions over hurdles, so three miles round here held no terrors. I presume he’ll be kept to decent class novice events from now on.
NINE DE SIVOLA has run some cracking races in staying handicaps, yet remains a chasing maiden. He’s been out of action since finishing second to Hot Weld in the 2007 Scottish National. He’s likely to go for the marathon events to which his stamina is suited.
WILL BE DONE isn’t as good as the first two, but ran respectably and won’t always run into opposition as useful as the first two.
GOLDEN CHILD dropped out of contention after blundering 3 out. He’s looked better to me on a flat track.

2.10 2m 4f (Class 2) Intermediate Chase

This race has an irritating habit of cutting up from a decent entry. That being said, there were four decent competitors on show here.

TIDAL BAY has proved himself top drawer, and had no problems here, taking it up 3 out and going clear. His principal opponent didn’t run up to form, but it’s difficult to fault the performance bar one jumping blunder. Although high in the handicap I wonder if he might be aimed at the Cheltenham handicaps at this distance. He was impressive in Grade 1 company last season.
RIMSKY ran creditably in second though clearly held by a far superior performer. He needs further and might be one to look out for in long distance staying chances, since he ran well in a couple of four-milers last season.
O’MALEY might be a bit of a ‘twilight horse’ since his three novice wins place him on a rating of 135 which is plenty high enough. His trainer may have to travel a bit to find opportunities.
ALBERTAS RUN was below form, but was not given a hard time in the latter stages once his chance had gone. A step back up in trip is needed. Apparently the ground was a bit on the soft side for him, and the horse is being aimed at the Hennessy.

2.40 2m 5f 0-115 Handicap Chase

CAVERS GLEN has run some decent races in defeat over fences and was given a chance to step up here. The impression is that around this trip on a stiff track suits best, and it’s worth noting that the closest he’s got over farther is a well held third. Staying on up the hill he did this well enough and may defy a rise in the weights.
MALKO DE BEAUMONT didn’t give his real running at Kelso. This was more like it but he couldn’t quite raise his game to get to the leader. He seems fairly versatile regarding trip and going though he does seem in his element when the mud is flying.
INNOMINATE performed a bit better than at Hexham and his jumping was sharper in the latter stages. A step up in trip should help.
DOC ROW got a bit closer than of late. He reported suffered a breathing problem on his previous run here, but there was no evidence of that this time. It might be interesting to see him run on a less testing course since his hurdles win came at Folkestone.
CADOUDALAS seems to find the final slog here a bit taxing. He’s got closer at the likes of Haydock and Newcastle, which have slopes up to the finish but aren’t as tough.
BALLYNURE fell away after being prominent early. His last two wins have been battles of attrition in heavy ground, one in particular when 4 finishers were strung out round Ayrshire. It could be that it wasn’t soft enough for him to see off these opponents.
EXTRA SMOOTH needed this race after a two year break. Worth keeping an eye on as he had fair form in his previous spell on the track.
STONERIGGS MERC has no chance round here in these conditions. Ignore his recent efforts and keep an eye out for him on a sharper track in less testing conditions.
DIGITAL MEDIA jumped left and struggled on seasonal debut. He’s not yet proven over farther than two miles.
PETERS STAR soon got behind on chasing debut and didn’t get past halfway.
LORD SAMPOSIN makes too many mistakes for his own good and soon had no chance. A minor novice event would be his best hope, but he needs to clean up his jumping act.
GOLDEN DUCK pulled up and his record to date suggests line can be drawn through him if there’s a significant up slope in the way. Two pulled ups in a row will help his price for the future, so readers are advised to note this one.

3.10 3m 0-135 Handicap Chase

SEE YOU THERE has come to the fore in two soft ground events round here. He will be aimed at better class chases. This was a fifth win at the course and he’s always worth considering here, but word is he’ll be aimed at higher class marathon events.
IDLE TALK had some fair stayers some way behind in finishing second. He was just held but this was a decent effort. He got round in his own time in the National and generally has had tough tasks in decent staying events. If his trainer can aim at slightly lesser events like this then he may well record his first win since January ’06.
THE GANGERMAN ran an honest enough race, being placed yet again, but probably found this slight rise in class from 0-126 to 0-135 a little too tough.
MONEY LINE hovered up staying handicaps in the south last season, but the handicapper may have put a temporary stop to it. He does get into 0-120 races though and that may be his chance, since he ran in contention for quite a way and will probably come on for the race, as seems to be the case with many from the stable this autumn.
LUCKY NELLERIE isn’t good enough in this company and was found out up the hill.
MERIGO had a pipe-opener over hurdles, and it could be that his rise through the weights last year has made him hit an end stop.
BANNISTER LANE led early and faded in the latter stages. He probably needed the race, will come on for it and presumably be seen campaigning on the long-distance chase circuit this season.
KORELO was aimed quite high after a year off. He had a number of impossible tasks before that and needs to race in easier company.
MOKUM pulled up and was reported as disliking the soft ground.
CANADA STREET fell at the second on seasonal debut. He has run creditably in staying chases, but his two chase wins have been in uncompetitive contests.
THE LUDER, who never showed before pulling up, and ARNOLD LAYNE, who ran prominently early then cried enough, seem plenty high enough in the weights.

3.45 2m 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Chase

TEENANDO is making decent progress off low marks in this company. There is probably another race or two in him yet, since he’ll not be hiked a massive amount for this win.
JUSTTHEONEFORYOU ran a creditable race and won’t always run into an improver like Teenando. Lightly raced and should progress to take a similar contest.
MONGORNO is five year old, but like many French bred horses has plenty of jumping experience. He has steadily improved in the UK, but I get the feeling he’s likely to have found his level now, and what you see is what you get.
SUPER BABY was held from 2 out and might benefit from a step up in trip. A winner over 2 miles 3 furlongs over hurdles, his recent seconds and thirds have been over at least that distance.
PLAYER was beaten 20 lengths here which is the closest he’s got over fences.
JORDAN’S LIGHT has run over hurdles and on the flat recently. This seems to be a bit of a ‘what we can we try now?’ sort of placing and he never threatened.
I had SEA SENOR down as the type for chasing, but two large margin defeats to date don’t inspire. It may be that staying handicap hurdles are his best chance at the moment.
WOODY VALENTINE put in another feeble effort.
THE BAY BRIDGE hadn’t been encouraging on recent hurdles efforts, and pulling up here was not a good chasing start.
TULLY HILL ran one passably good race in Ireland, if fifth of 7 can be described as such, but has been pathetic otherwise. He failed to negotiate the first here.
STORM PROSPECT showed no immediate aptitude for chasing on debut over fences, racing behind and pulling up in the latter stages.
ART HISTORIAN started off moderately over jumps and has got progressively worse over 7 efforts. He was struggling early.

4.15 3m 4f 0-95 Handicap Chase

‘Just a slog at twilight’ for some lowly chasers to end the afternoon’s entertainment, on a track now pretty well churned up. This race went to the form book with the two most accomplished performers involved at the finish.
MOUSTIQUE DE L’ISLE is never likely to win a prize for fastest animal in training but he does keep plodding on and it was enough to see off Huckleberry who has been performing with credit recently. He’s capable of performing well off a higher mark so isn’t a lost cause but he’s pretty much a win in turn sort of performer.
HUCKLEBERRY ran another creditable race. He was feeling the pinch against slightly better opponents when falling at the last at Kelso. However, there were no signs of ill-effects and he pushed a slightly better opponent until the run-in here. He lacks nothing in effort, seems to be taking his races well, and may well pick up another staying handicap before long.
SHULMIN ran a fair race in third. She’s not bad in the lowest class when things fall for her. Note that her record round Sedgefield over fences is 1552112 and she’s one of the first on the list in chases at the County Durham circuit.
STRUGGLING VAGABOND hit a purple patch in the winter of ‘06-‘07 round Fontwell and Plumpton, often with much cajoling from Jamie Goldstein. I doubt he would have appreciated a long road trip to slog round here. I hope that he’s not become cheesed-off with the business, but his recent form has been dire. He jumped right here, but then he frequently has to turn both ways at Fontwell.
SUPER BOSTON plugged round in his own time as seems to be his way these days.
BEAU SADDLER was reported as having a breathing problem, having a tongue-tie applied here, and with usual ‘sideburns’ replaced by a visor. He is not even a consideration as a betting proposition until some signs of revival are noted.
SMART THINKER was never going and is yet to get closer than 24 lengths fifth in 11 races.

[robnorth]

HEXHAM – Friday November 7th

Going – Heavy

A lot of rain in the area recently had turned the going heavy, and Hexham is a hard slog in these conditions and there were many very tired horses at the finish. The fence at the top of the hill and the first in the back straight were both omitted due to the state of the ground.

1.20 2m 4 ½ f 0-105 C.J. Handicap Chase

Sue Smith has produced one or two recently which have done well coming off a break. SUNNY BROOK had been absent for the best part of two years but was presented in good nick for this event. In truth it was a moderate contest but the winner did the job well enough. Racing prominently, Sunny Brook was kicked on to go clear down the hill and, despite being headed going up hill, battled back and went away in the last 100 yards. She had jumped left on chasing debut, but would appear well schooled since. She will probably be capable of going on from here but, bearing in mind the conditions here, she may need a rest before re-appearing.
RECKLESS VENTURE has won twice here and this was best effort this season, though probably the weakest event he’s contested this autumn. He led apparently going well up the hill but offered nothing on the flat.
MANOUBI stayed on in the latter stages having sat out the back early.
PANTHERS RUN plodded round for a remote fourth.
RING OF BEARA was settled in the lead, but having been headed 5 out he weakened from 3 out and was well beaten. He was a reasonable performer at this level in Ireland but hasn’t yet recaptured that form in the UK.
NEIDPATH CASTLE was on the stretch 3 out when the pace quickened, but made progress up the hill. He looked a likely third when getting too low at the last and unseating. He’s on a mark of 73 and would be interesting eased into the lowest class at this trip.
HERBIE unseated at the first on chasing debut.

2.20 3m 1f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

ACCORDING TO PETE repeated the promising form of his previous outing here. He wasn’t stopping by any means at the finish, jumps soundly, and might be interesting if aimed at long-distance handicap chases.
JASS ran a creditable race in second, if outpointed by a better opponent. He certainly seemed aided by the longer trip and if he’s aimed at handicaps he won’t run into anything like today’s winner.
RODRIGO GONZALES is three times a winner over hurdles and hadn’t encountered conditions as stamina sapping as this before. He went well enough for a long way but was struggling by 3 out and allowed to come home in his own time for third. He will be an interesting proposition on decent ground.
THE REDE MOUSE had no hope of being competitive in this company but was allowed to complete in his own time. I suspect he may offer a bit better given time.
EMMENSO was detached early and lobbed round in his own time. He’s a hurdles winner and has time on his side for chasing.
BENDEOCH was quickly well behind on seasonal debut and pulled up.

3.20 2m ½ f 0-95 Handicap Chase

This wasn’t a great event despite a few having recent placed form. DUKE OF MALFI seemed to benefit from his chasing debut at Kelso. He made all and showed too much determination for his challengers in the latter stages. He may well stand a rise in the weights and perhaps even a step up in trip.
NORMINSTER ran creditably despite a significant rise in the weights for his win here. He tried hard enough but was held by the winner. It took him a long time to win but his attitude seems right at the moment, and another win is not out of the question. It’s significant that out of 9 placed efforts, 8 of them have been at Hexham or Carlisle.
FRITH has always just hinted at a bit of ability, and this was by far the closest he’s got over jumps. He hadn’t been totally disgraced behind a useful winner on his last outing. He ran out of puff in the straight, but this run suggests a handicap chase is within his compass given this experience.
CYBORA closed up the hill but couldn’t offer any more. She clearly has at least a little ability, but a record of 1 win in 30 goes doesn’t inspire, and with the exception of a Cartmel race on good to firm she has finished weakly.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS plugged on into fifth. He sometimes gets close but doesn’t look betting material over fences.
ROYAL GLEN faded in the latter stages having been in with a chance 3 out. A couple of slogs round Carlisle, followed by an outing in heavy here, may well have taken their toll.
LERIDA reverted to type with a poor effort. May win again sometime but is one to oppose.
SILVO pulled up and was reported as having lost his action.
SUBSIDISE, CULCINELLO and KING’S ENVOY are all well out of form and pulled up.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday November 8th

Going – Soft

An early start at the Borders venue since a seven race card was added to by one when the opening novices’ hurdle was divided. Some mumblings in the Racing Post about the early start denying betting shop employees their lunch-break, but this is Scotland and the amount of light means it’s difficult to race much past four even in early November. If trainers want to race their horses here there are worse problems than an early start. Bear in mind also that the layout of the track and the position of the starts means there’s little scope for cutting gaps between races.

I have been trying to summarise the performances of all chasers in Scotland and the far North of England, but time constraints mean I’m struggling a bit so some of the established under-achievers may be ignored.

12.00 2m 6 ½ f Novices’ Hurdle

The race was run at a steady pace, but this still proved too quick for a number of less able performers. The first three put in very promising performances.

MERRYDOWN has progressed nicely through bumpers to novice hurdlers and, as previously suggested, was suited by this longer trip. He won this with a bit more in hand than the winning margin suggested. He’s one of the better staying novices since out this season and should progress to a win in stronger company. He’s already looking likely to have a future chasing.
TRICKY TRICKSTER, a point-to-point winner is progressing nicely, and should win a staying novice hurdle before going chasing. He wasn’t stopping here and a greater test of stamina will suit him even more.
KNOCKARA BEAU is another to have progressed from bumpers. He raced keenly on the outside, got tapped for toe three out but then stayed on again on the flat. Another who will benefit from a greater stamina test, and will eventually make up into a chaser.
POLITICAL PADDY ran a decent race in fourth, not able to hold the front three on the run-in. He has run some decent races in defeat and, though this is the limit of his ability, must surely pick up a run of the mill staying event this season.
PUTITAWAYFORAYEAR made steady progress at halfway but found the main contenders going away from him over the last three flights. He’s qualified for handicaps and seems to have enough ability to make a mark at a lowly level.
CEILIDH LASS made some progress past halfway but wasn’t good enough at the sharp end. There was just a glimmer of promise.
BALLYBART showed promise in a Hexham bumper last time. He raced prominently but dropped away quickly three out and was pulled up. He impressed me in the paddock at Hexham and given time will make a staying chaser.
The remainder weren’t competitive.

12.30 2m 6 ½ f Novices’ Hurdle

This didn’t seem nearly as strong a contest as the first.

GRAND THEATRE followed the very steady pace early, pressed the leader two out and, despite a clumsy jump at the last, asserted on the flat. This was a nice hurdling debut. Since Nicky Richards also trained the first winner he should have a handle on the placing of the two horses.
TEENAGE IDOL was a bit clumsy at his early hurdles, not helped by pulling hard. Once settled he took the lead before the seventh but couldn’t respond when headed. If he learns to settle he can step up on this.
COMHLA RI COIG was held up early, made progress from three out and plugged on. This was a fair effort off a long absence and a staying event should be within his compass.
PAKINEO DES PICTONS ran well to two out but then fell away quickly. He may not have stayed, but on the other hand he raced similarly over two miles last time. Possibly needs a little time.
The remainder were beaten a long way.

1.0 2m 1f 0-115 Novices’ Handicap Chase

RUN TO SPACE made it three out of three for the Richards stable with a determined effort here. He wore down the second close home. He probably needs a step up in trip to progress further.
CROMWELL COURT raced prominently and having taken the lead two out was headed after the elbow. Should be competitive at this level though if he rises up the weights a bit it won’t help, and the chances are the handicapper will have an eye back to the previous winner 19 lengths back in third.
I’M YOUR MAN has put in some decent efforts, but now he’s finding others progressing past him. He had every chance but wasn’t good enough in the straight.
CARRIETAU showed a glimmer of promise behind striking article last time, but had no answer from two out.
GLACIAL RAMBLER hasn’t gone close in recent attempts over fences.
GO SILVER BULLET led early jumping neatly if a tad to the right, but his jumping went to pieces from 4 out and he just scrambled over the last three
GALANT NUIT was well cooked when falling heavily at the last. He looks too high in the handicap.
LUSENTO was making progress when falling 4 out There was enough to suggest he might be worth keeping an eye on.

1.35 2m ½ f Selling Novices’ Hurdle

A dreadful event from which I’d be loathe to put money on any of the contestants in future.

JORDAN’S LIGHT won this by virtue of having more basic speed, or perhaps being less slow than the remainder. He made mistakes but was never troubled by anything else. Bought in for 5,000gns but he beat next to nothing.
SORRENTO MOON chased the leader but was put in his place on the flat. Might win a seller but it would be a desperate event and her price would likely be short.
HICKORY LANE was left for dead from 3 out.
JUST POSH made a bad mistake at the second then pootled round and passed tiring opponents for fourth. (A subsequent second at Sedgefield says precious little for the competitors at the Durham track)
The rest look woefully slow, and in the extreme CATHERINES CAFÉ made a total pig’s ear of the first two before digging her heels in at the third. She doesn’t look over-enamoured at being sent hurdling.

The connections of a few here might take a pinch of encouragement form the fact that Miss Tarantella, maligned in this blog previously, managed to conjure up a win at 100/1. I think the phrase is ‘every dog has its day’! Should this animal come scooting up the hill at Cheltenham in March I shall quite happily dine on the contents of a hat factory.

2.10 2m 6 ½ f 0-120 Handicap Chase

HELLO BUD rattled through the handicap from 85 to 111 last season including an easy win in ‘the Hexham four-miler’ in March. His run came to a halt with a disappointing effort in the Highland National in April, but he picked up the thread in impressive style over a trip which would be on the sharp side. He’s not got many miles on the clock for a 10 year old and there’s every chance he can step up in class, particularly over a longer trip.
MORE LIKELY goes well here but was comfortably outpointed from the second last. She wasn’t hammered for her win last time and if she doesn’t come up against another improver might be capable of another win, particularly round here.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST generally runs a fair race but doesn’t seem to have anything in hand to break out of the handicapper’s straitjacket.
DOC ROW has improved marginally over recent runs but lacks any bite in the finish. He may be worth trying over marathon trips to see if he can outstay the others.
CANADA STREET needs further and his jumping is letting him down. If he can get his act together he has time to progress.
DARINA’S BOY was prominent until running out of puff around two out.
CORLANDE was struggling a mile out and ended up tailed off. Chances are he needed the race, but I would still have expected a bit more here.
DAWN RIDE made mistakes and was pulled up after nearly falling at the ninth. He clearly has ability, but is a risky conveyance.
ANGLICAN fell early on.

2.40 2m 6 ½ f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

TWELVE PACES has dotted between hurdles and chases as much as his form has gone up and down. He led at halfway and went clear in the latter stages. Although he seldom runs two races alike, but it may be worth bearing in mind that his Carlisle/Hexham record reads 1123, and the finish here is not exactly easy. Might just be one to pop in at a fancy price again somewhere along the line.
ECHO POINT ran an honest enough race in second whilst being clearly out pointed by Twelve Paces. A good comeback, the stable is buzzing at the moment and his return to the winners spot is only delayed.
MIRJAN kept on from the rear for third but was beaten 35 lengths. He runs an honest enough race but at his age is held by the handicapper.
FAIR QUESTION had every chance and wasn’t good enough on the day, fading from 3 out. It’s some time since he got close at the finish.
SINGHALONGTASVEER ran a decent enough race after a break, being tapped for pace in the straight. A drop back in trip probably wouldn’t do any harm.
TARTAN SNOW went well for a long way before weakening and may well have needed the race.
MAJOR MALARKEY finished last and was reported as not handling the ground, but he’s been placed on soft before and just looks unpredictable.

3.15 3m 1f 0-110 Novice Handicap Chase

ROSIE ALL OVER has progressed nicely, and stayed on better than the remainder here. At Hexham she struck me as a chasing sort, if needing the race on that occasion, and now she’s got her jumping act together may well progress in staying handicaps. She certainly lacks nothing in the way of a positive attitude.
SEIZE came from the rear to challenge three out. He was out-pointed on the flat, but this was a sound effort on returning to fences. He was well clear of the rest and should be placed to advantage.
GARLETON ran a sound race in third and generally gives his best.
WISE CHOICE was badly hampered by a faller at the twelfth and hadn’t got into the race at that stage. He plodded into fourth place and has been well beaten on both attempts over fences.
JEMEZ raced with zest, prominent or leading for much of the way until making a bad mistake 2 out. He was then allowed to come home in his own time. He’s moved to chasing quite early and there is promise of better to come provided he settles slightly better.
FREDDIE THE THIRD has looked a dodgy jumper and was foiled by the open ditch going away from the stands second time.
SUPREME’S LEGACY hadn’t been asked a question when making a total hash of the fence in front of the stands.
TREASURED MEMORIES took a heavy fall at the previous fence. He had been going well when falling on chasing debut but two falls is not a good start.
AUGUST ROSE really struggled here, jumped stickily and soon lost touch, pulling up going on to the final circuit.

3.50 2m 2f 0-110 C.J. Handicap Hurdle

Three finished close here, which suggests they are handicapped to their level.

OLEOLAT took some time to get his act together over hurdles, but is a fair performer at this level. If he goes up much in the weights he may struggle, though chasing may be an option judging on breeding.
FRONT RANK led or disputed to two out. He kept on well but couldn’t get to the winner again. His record of 4/41 over hurdles suggests one who ‘wins in his turn’.
SOUL ANGEL stayed on after the last having been under pressure two out. Best recent form has been in testing conditions and soft or heavy going would be the best chance of a win.
TIGER KING was always thereabouts but didn’t threaten from two out. His highest winning mark is 94 and he’s on 105 at the moment which is not encouraging.
FIND ME passed tiring opponents to finish a remote fifth.
Donald McCain will probably turn GENERAL POTTER into a chaser with time. He was outpaced from 3 out here and breeding suggests a longer distance would help.

.

[carlisle]

Hi rob

you are posting some good stuff on here… keep it up mate. I hope to start contributing soon, currently i am only operating with one wheel on my wagon. Got to get my database up to speed and start watching as much racing as possible, then i chip in with a degree of confidence.

cheers from
carlisle

[robnorth]

carlisle

I’ve got a week’s worth of steeplechasing notes to go up ASAP. The course named after your good self keeping flinging up all chse cards which keeps me on my toes, but to balance that Hexham have an all hurdle card this week.

Pretty much as expected Hello Bud did the business in the Southern National at Fontwell yesterday. The race is well off my patch but a few competitors are likely to travel far and wide in these sort of events. Monzon put in a solid performance to push the in-form winner all the way.

I’m off south for Mum’s 70th birthday next weekend, so I’ll miss Kelso though hope to catch up with the races there early next week. Next day at the races for me will be Musselburgh the following week.

Rob

[robnorth]

Catching up with the chasers in the North….

Time constraints mean I have to concentrate on the more significant performers. Some of the under-achievers have been well covered before anyway.

CARLISLE – Monday November 10th
Gong- Heavy (Soft in places)
For the first time this season all the fences on the course were jumped, though the hurdles course was still out of action. Once again the conditions were very testing.

1.20 2m Beginners’ Chase

BYWELL BEAU set the pace as ever, but even on a right-handed track he is jumping was erratic. He was a spent force by 3 out and at the moment the only course open seems to be a return to hurdling.
Four were in with a chance at the last and it was ROLE ON who got the best of the opposition just holding on from Stumped. Despite a couple of errors this was a pleasing debut. Expect to see him upped in trip soon as he had form over longer trips when hurdling.
STUMPED just failed with a spirited late burst on chasing debut and looks a ready made winner.
CAMDEN GEORGE was another Smith runner performing well after a long lay-off. The stable have prepared their runners very well on seasonal debut, although this may mean there is less improvement to come. Nevertheless he shouldn’t have too much trouble picking up a chase victory.
MISTER WATZINAME weakened from the last to finish fourth of his UK and chasing debut. A £70000 purchase, this was a sound start for the stable and his hurdles form suggests he should step up on this over fences.
PAMAK D’AIRY was in touch until a blunder 4 out took the stuffing out of him. He has chasing form from France and may be the type to aim at handicaps.

1.55 2m 5f Graduation Chase

FAASEL has a fair career record for one who is rather quirky. He looked held at the last, but summoned up a spurt on the flat to get ahead only to pull himself up in front. He was close enough to the line to get away with it. He still has plenty of ability, but his tendency to decide when he’s done enough doesn’t make him a sound betting proposition.
TOT O’WHISKEY backed up a solid previous effort here with another decent run. He looked the winner until 100 yards out and won’t always catch one like Faasel. He won here over three miles last time so a step back up in trip would do no harm.
RIMSKY put in another creditable performance against higher rated performers. He led but could offer no extra once passed two out. Much depends on how he’s treated by the handicapper for this form as that seems he most likely sphere. (Subsequently moved up from 123 to 127, so still gets into 0-130 events)
LE TOSCAN put in a sound effort in fourth. He was well out of the handicap at Aintree on previous run and placement in his handicapping level seems the most obvious course.

2.25 2m 5f Novices’ Chase
SKIPPERS BRIG was well presented by Len Lungo after almost two years off the track. He won this very nicely staying on from 3 out to see off a determined runner up. His record before his break was very impressive, and the evidence is that none of his ability has left him. He’ll benefit from a step up in trip and strikes me as a type to acquit himself well in better company.
ANDREW NICK, leading from halfway, pushed on at the bottom of the hill and stuck to his task up the final climb. He lost nothing in being beaten by a decent opponent and will more than likely pick up a similar event soon.
IWILLREMEMBERYOU made a satisfactory chasing debut. He stayed on for third, if never threatening the first two and should go on from this chasing debut. His hurdling form suggests he’s versatile regarding the type of track so that should give a few placement options.
MARLEYBOW struggled from 3 out. This was his first attempt in testing ground and he may well be seen to better effect on a less testing surface.
YOUNG ALBERT struggled here and was well beaten. While I doubt the ground would be an excuse, it might be worth bearing in mind that his best hurdling form came on left-handed tracks. If his handicap mark comes out around the same as his hurdle mark, perhaps a bit less, then he would be well worth an interest on a left-handed track in a novices’ handicap.

2.55 2m 5f 0-125 Handicap Chase

MALKO DE BEAUMONT has had a decent start to the season. He ran a moderate race at Kelso but seems to enjoy himself at Carlisle. This is probably around about his best distance, and on this occasion he stayed on best of a host with chances over the last two.
AKILAK ran a sound race in second without ever quite getting into a position to challenge for first.
FIRST LOOK has been kept on the go recently on the flat and over fences. This was a sound enough performance but he looks handicapped to his ability.
POLAR GUNNER recorded five wins in a row back in 2005/2006. He then had period off the track. Off higher marks he seemed to be struggling, but running off 110 here seems to suggest he’s back at a level he can handle. Even at the age of 11 he would be interesting if dropped in class at a less testing track.
YOUNG LORCAN ran creditably from just out of the handicap. His record over fences is very sound, 5 wins and 7 places from 22 attempts, and he’s one who should be thereabouts in slightly lesser company.
OSO MAGIC ran well up front but gave way from the last. He’s now on a fair mark.
CRACKADEE disputed early but fell away to finish last. He pulled up first time out last season so the chances are he’ll come on for the run.

3.30 3m 2f 0-105 Handicap Chase

I suggested after NICOZETTO’s first outing that a move up in trip might help. It proved a sound judgement although it helped that these were a pretty moderate bunch. He’ll go up a fair bit for a clear win here and I’m not sure he’ll repeat the win on a raised rating.
HOLLOWS MIST plodded into second from 6lbs out of the handicap which was about as good as could be expected. He is suited by much better going than this.
Favourite PEUT ETRE SIVOLA raced close to the pace but the testing conditions told up the straight.
BLUE RISING never threatened but, bearing in mind he was coming off a year layoff, there may be better to come.
WATERFORD has yet to get very close under and led to 3 out before weakening quickly and pulling up.

4.00 2m 0-95 Handicap Chase

An event full of disappointing or out of form runners. The only one with any solid recent form; SAMMY SPIDERMAN, threw a wobbly when in contention 4 out, veering into the wing and decanting his jockey before climbing over the fence.
COOLDINE LAD’s win is testament once again to the brilliance of Tony McCoy. Dropped back in trip after pulling up over Hexham three miles, he was always handy but looked held and not particularly keen to go past the leader on the run-in. McCoy’s persistence paid off as Cooldine Lad finally got the message and took off past Hollows Mill close home. McCoy wins races that other jockeys wouldn’t dream of, and we should appreciate that we have privileged to be watching the best jump jockey ever. His mount is an awkward customer and though he has ability I do wonder if he will show us as much as he is capable of.
HOLLOWS MILL led on sufferance in the latter stages but couldn’t muster another effort when challenged. He’s dropped a long way in the handicap which offers hope that a small event may fall his way.
NATIVE COLL performed at the moderate level of his previous efforts this season.
MORE SHENNANAGINS ran a fair race from 5lbs out of the handicap, but a mark of 62 doesn’t give many options and he’s basically slow.
WOODVIEW has some bits of decent form in his record, but he also runs a lot of poor races and was well beaten here.
The other runner EXIT TO SAUMUR looks of no account on evidence to date.

Sedgefield – November 11th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in the back straight)

Decent going at Sedgefield in contrast to the day before at Carlisle. The fence at the top of the hill was bypassed.

1.50 2m 4f Maiden Chase

Probably a moderate contest.

BANOGE was put into the race in the latter stages, making progress from two out and staying on to snatch the race close home. He has shown consistency in his racing to date and, though likely to be held in non-handicap novice events, should make a mark in handicap company.
RAGADOR was yet another Smith performer running well after a break. Having pushed on turning for home he wandered a bit on the flat and was caught. Nevertheless this was a good effort with the rest of the field seen off and he looks another suited to novice handicaps.
KILKENNY ALL STAR was 17 lengths back and one paced in third. He never seriously got into the race and the chances are he’ll progress from this. A longer trip may help.
EASBY MANDARIN ran respectably after a lay-off since February last year.
COLDWELLS ran well for a long way but weakened in the straight. She’s now 0 from 19 which isn’t encouraging. I would presume she will be aimed at novice handicaps.
Not an awful lot of encouragement for anything else. GENTLE RANGER ran prominently for a long way but the tank registered empty by 3 out.

2.50 2m ½ f 0-110 Handicap Chase

It’s difficult to tell what this form is worth, since the second has been disappointing over hurdles recently and the third has been a bit below par for a while.

BLAST THE PAST saw off the second after a brief duel. This was a decent enough run in the company, but she’ll rise in the handicap which will make things difficult.
CEDAR RAPIDS has struggled in some moderate hurdles of late. He raced well up front here but was well out-pointed by the winner. He has won off a mark 6lbs higher than his current one so isn’t a lost cause in appropriately lowly company.
SCHINKEN OTTO kept on into third but this seems as good as he is right now.
JUSTWHATEVERULIKE went third 3 out but couldn’t get to the front two. He looks held off his current mark.
PEN GWEN made no serious show. He was raised 6lbs for his second at Exeter which seems harsh and he’s another who looks in the grip of the handicapper. There’s a chance he may be best over a stiff track.
RUSSIAN FLAG made some progress before falling 4 out. He has some bits and pieces of form and has time on his side.

Newcastle – Friday November 14th

Going – Good to Soft

1.00 2m 4f Beginners’ Chase

A few interesting prospects here.

I backed KEALSHORE BOY on his winning bumper debut at Kelso and have kept an eye on his progress since. He struck me as a chasing sort and has moved nicely through novice hurdles to this promising chasing debut. He led on the flat and stayed on to hold the second.
SILVER BY NATURE has been a bit up and down and, though I have always felt he’s a nice jumping sort, I never quite got a handle on his hurdles form, missing him when winning and supporting when losing. His breeding suggests he’ll make a chaser and this was a very sound debut. I would imagine a step up in trip will help him.
LEASE LEND went well enough to two out before finding the first two too sharp.
RAYSROCK made a mistake 5 from home which cost him ground and struggled after that. His Carlisle run suggests he’s a little better than this form.
STORYMAKER made a creditable chasing debut, keeping on in the straight but unable to make a mark on the leaders. He stays farther than this and a step up in trip may help him.

2.00 3m 0-110 Handicap Chase

ROZNIC progressed to lead two out and stayed on well. He seems to thrive on regular racing and has been in good form of late having also won over hurdles at Southwell.
JETHRO TULL was not over pushed on his first couple of outings back from a lay-off, understandably if there was a doubt about his fitness. However he’s been competitive in his last two outings and is now knocking at the door. Given that he’s running into form he seems on a decent mark and is worth noting.
STRAVAIGIN was more suited by the conditions here and she jumped a good deal better. As has been the case before she got left flatfooted four out, but she stayed on for third. It might be interesting if she were upped in trip again, particularly on good or fast ground which she needs.
HALL OF FLAME probably found a 7lb rise in the weights plus a rise in class against him. The trip is no problem since he’s won over longer but he probably needs to meet slightly lesser opposition.
The one that caught my eye here was the fifth STONERIGGS MERC. A tough test at Carlisle was against him on his last two outings and, while Newcastle wouldn’t be his ideal track, he ran a good deal better here. A sharper track and decent ground is probably the key to this one. I’d be interested if a suitable 3 mile chase came up at Musselburgh on decent ground.

3.10 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

Not the most competitive handicap, but still a very decent chasing debut from WOT WAY CHIEF. He went comfortably clear from two out. All his recent racing over hurdles had been done over longer trips so presumably the step up in distance should counter any rise in the ratings. A very interesting handicap chaser.
STORMY BEECH ran a much better race than of late, possibly aided by the re-application of blinkers. Then again over the years he has worn blinkers, visor, ‘sideburns’ and tongue tie. At his age he’s about as exposed as you can get.
MOOR SPIRIT performed better than of late, closing on the second close home. He won a couple of times earlier in the year at longer trips. He’s basically a summer sort who seldom runs on ground softer than this.
MORE LIKE IT apparently performed a bit better on his UK debut than on recent Irish runs. Given that he hadn’t run since March there’s a degree of promise here.
DE BOITRON is only a four-year-old but has already won over hurdles and fences in France. He may need time to adjust to British racing.
JUSTWHATEVERULIKE came out again quickly after his Sedgefield run, but cut no more ice here than in County Durham. As previously stated, he looks held off his current mark.
CASH MAN, who was well behind, was reported as having lost his confidence. Not a good sign.
ORANG OUTAN was held when unseating at the last.

I’m travelling south for Mum’s birthday over the weekend, so unable to get to Kelso, but I’ll, catch up with Attheraces and put up a report. There’s a good burst of racing next week and I’m off to Musselburgh for their first jump meeting of the season.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Friday November 21st

Going – Soft

12.15 2m 6 ½ f Class 3 Introductory Hurdle

A race that essentially concerned four, with the rest making up the numbers.

BOGSIDE THEATRE went off in front pulling hard as was her way on the flat. She went very well to two out but then the petrol ran out and she fell in a heap. If she settles better she will do well at these longer distances, but in the short term it might be worth a go at a shorter trip. Her hurdling wasn’t too bad.
OCKEY DE NEULLIAC had solid form in three bumper runs on varied going last autumn in the French provinces. He had to work hard to win this one, battling on the flat to hold off two pursuers. This was a sound enough start and he should go on from here.
PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE has some fair form in France on his record including a chase win. He was the one to pursue the leader for much of the way, led briefly after the last but was just held on the long run-in. He’s a half-brother to Miko De Beauchene which presumably means we will see him chasing before long.
SPHINX was making a very belated hurdles debut and was probably finishing fastest of the front three. He’s rated in the 80s on the flat so has ability and his presence close up shouldn’t be a detracting factor here. He will presumably be aimed at a novice hurdle and should be good enough to pick up a run-of-the-mill event at this sort of trip.
LOCKSTOWN got outpaced in the latter stages. He’s shown enough in three outings to suggest he can progress with time.
PUTNEY BRIDGE showed promise in bumpers last year but was struggling after halfway here.

12.45 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

Some interesting prospects here and one or two might progress.

SIGNALMAN built on a promising Newcastle debut, working hard to see off the second in the latter stages. He should be capable of defying a penalty in similar company.
SIRKEEL made a promising UK debut, belying odds of 66/1. He’d shown a glimmer of promise in France back in 2007 and having been up there all the way here kept on once passed. He may well win a novice hurdle, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the stable send him chasing sooner rather than later.
DARK GENTLEMEN was held by the first two but put in a solid hurdles debut. He will stay further.
ALWAYS BEST never figured seriously in the race but stayed on in the latter stages.
BRACKEN LAD showed some promise in a couple of bumper outings. He was prominent early, dropped back then stayed on in the closing stages.
BLACKS BRIDGE raced prominently then weakened from 2 out.
SOLIS had run a fair enough race but looked held in third when taking a heavy fall at the last.

1.15 2m 6 ½ f 0-125 Novices’ Handicap Chase

BASODA set a sound pace in this event. He was still in the lead when blundering and unseating at the fourteenth. There was a degree of promise on this chasing debut and he’s one to consider in similar company.
DOC ROW has had a few attempts against more experienced opponents and the drop to novice company was welcome. He disputed for much of the way and got the better of the argument in the final stride against a determined runner-up. He stays well and a step up in trip in similar company would likely be rewarded on this form.
ZITENKA looked the winner up the run-in but was just headed close home. The glimmer of promise on his previous two starts hinted at a better effort and it arrived here. Presuming he can re-capture this form then he should make the winner’s spot soon. It maybe significant that he had two wins on slightly better ground in Ireland.
MR PREACHER MAN was a close up third. Lucinda Russell should place him to pick up a chase before long. I suspect a slightly longer trip would favour him.
JUSTTHEONEFORYOU was left in front at the fourteenth but couldn’t find any more once passed in the straight. He went up 6lbs for a second at Carlisle which doesn’t help at the moment.
WATCH MY BACK made a sound enough chasing debut back in fifth. He’ll know a bit more next time. His dam was good on fast ground and I suspect slightly better ground may help.
MR BARNACLE jumped poorly and ultimately did quite well to get round only 12 lengths in arrears. He needs to sharpen his act over the fences, but if he does he could win in this company.
STAGECOACH DIAMOND never figured and his handicap chase efforts to date suggest a drop in the ratings is required.
JASS fell independently of Basoda at the fourteenth, but I got the impression he was distracted by the fall of the latter. Assuming that was the case he seems on a reasonable mark given that he was going well enough at the time.
ROOBIHOO lost touch down the back for the final time. He was well behind on his first two efforts last season and probably needed the race.

1.50 2m 1f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

The pace was very steady early on and they didn’t start racing seriously until the last mile.

PALOMAR won over hurdles here last year and I noticed he wore ear-plugs that day. I didn’t notice whether they were fitted here though I presume they were one of the keys to his improvement last season. This was an impressive chasing debut; he was held up and made up ground swiftly from two out. He came away well after the last and should progress in novice company.
NAIAD DE MISSELOT met one too good here but did nothing wrong in defeat. His profile suggests one aimed at a chasing career and he should improve with a step up in distance.
QUICUYO raced prominently but was tapped for speed from the last. He was a three time winner over hurdles and he’ll find easier chasing contests than this.
THE SHY MAN was hampered three out and lost any chance. Not surprisingly from previous observations, he stayed on in the latter stages and is crying out for a longer trip over fences.
WATCH THE WIND ran respectably given that he’s only rated 79. There’s a glimmer of promise in his jumping to suggest that he has a chance in a low level handicap.
LORD SAMPOSIN ran well for a long way, as often in the past, but was tired when falling at the last.
BOB’S DREAM had every chance two out but fell away after the last. This was a fair enough debut given the company, and a novice handicap may be his best bet.
MORE SHENNANIGANS matched the slow pace here but was feeling the pinch when coming down 3 out. He struggles even in poor handicaps.

2.25 2m 2f Class 3 Handicap Hurdle

A big field here and this was a pretty decent handicap.

ISSAQUAH, turned out looking well on seasonal debut, scooted away from these on the flat and might just be ahead of the handicapper. She looked impressive in both bumpers and her sole novice hurdle. She can step up a grade.
TARTAN SNOW put in an honest performance staying on in second. He goes well round here and may well record another win given soft ground.
SINATAS kept on from the rear for third, but may be held by the handicapper.
CULCABOCK is well exposed with 52 runs over jumps on his CV and what you see is not easy to place to advantage at the moment. He runs an honest enough race though, and should reward his connections with regular place money.
OPEN DE L’ISLE ran creditably on return to hurdling. He went very close on his second outing last season and might be worth an interest next time out.
FRONT RANK is handicapped to his ability and ran a fair race. He hasn’t won over hurdles for two years.
GREENBELT went well up front to three then gave way.

3.00 3m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase

The event I looked forward to on the card, with a host of familiar faces to the Scottish staying chase circuit.

KING BARRY has done a fair bit of travelling in recent times, but it’s noticeable that his last four wins have all been in Scotland. If you take out his journeys to the Midlands and South his record is 4123124121P841, the P being in the competitive Perth Gold Cup last year and the 8 was the only time he was visored. Much to encourage in those figures and I feel he can cope with a rise in the ratings given the amount he had in hand here. It’s probably worth putting a line through him if venturing south.
HIDDEN BOUNTY belied his years staying on to finish second. He might still just squeak a win upped in trip.
RYMINSTER is best fresh, but runs a lot of decent races and performed creditably here staying on in third. Keep an eye out for him after he has had a rest.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH never got to the leaders but was staying on late. He has done well with an uphill finish and a visit to Carlisle, or possibly Hexham, might well see him victorious at this level.
CATCH THE PERK ran a fair race in fifth but weakened in the latter stages. If he can be kept sweet then it wouldn’t surprise me if he added to collection of Perth wins next spring.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST ran prominently for a long way but faded in the straight.
SEA CADET was well backed but struggled from 3 out.
Previously improving TEENANDO exited at the second.
BENBEOCH raced prominently early but had cried enough after two miles, finally pulling up.
ANGLICAN was never going at any point and pulled up.
KORELO always behind, was pulled up and dismounted on the flat.
MATMATA DE TENDRON went with the leaders to the twelfth but then faded and pulled up. Previous suggests only a real slog slows down the opposition enough to give him a chance. He’s been placed 5 times out of 7 (2 wins) in heavy and his minimum winning distance has been 3m 3f. Combine the two and we probably have a stat to go to market with!

3.35 2m 6 ½ f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

A very popular winner for Borders trainer Rayson Nixon in POLITICAL PADDY. The win was well deserved as ‘Paddy’ has run some fine races in defeat over the last year or so. He came clear from the last here to win nicely. He is well suited by a stamina test which he’s likely to get here in the winter months.
RARE COINCIDENCE raced prominently, was pushed on coming into the straight, but couldn’t muster any extra speed once passed. Only a 7 year old, he’s had 110 runs (15 wins) in all races, retains his zest for the game and is presumably tough as old boots. He hasn’t won over hurdles for a while, but this run suggests a small handicap hurdle may fall his way.
WEE BERTIE put up his best effort for a while and a slight drop in class would be helpful.
LAGO had every chance 3 out, but was left behind in the straight. This was his first race since April and will presumably be beneficial.
HAPTHOR raced keenly early, but lost his keenness going away from the stands for the final time. He didn’t look too willing after that and his 1 from 25 win record doesn’t inspire.
WATERSKI couldn’t get his head in front here and is struggling at the moment.

[robnorth]

I’m steadily catching up with the backlog of notes. As well as doing these and posting on my blog, I append each horse’s comments to the Racing Post database and it all takes a bit of time. Dependent on commitments some reports may be delayed a little.

If there are any out there reading this blog, I hope you may have picked up on previous notes. Reading back I notice I gave the Ayr 25/1 winner Mr Woods as a possible novice winner, but that was on his last run in October 2007! I’d like to say I picked up on that one, but that run was before I started marking up the Racing Post database and I missed it.

As my familiarity with the Scottish and Northern runners increases, particularly the steeplechasers which I have focussed on, I’m finding a few useful patterns that show themselves. Keep an eye on these, because it can be that ‘off pattern’ runs hide the ability of the horse for when things fall right. This can help get a decent price and gain a significant edge.

AYR – Monday 24th November

Going – Good To Soft (Good in places)

Ayr’s flat course suffered from a wet autumn, with meetings either abandoned or run in testing conditions. The jumps circuit has the two fold advantage of the recent drier weather and lack of summer watering; hence the ground was reported just on the soft side of good for this meeting.

The second last fence in the back straight was omitted.

1.10 2m 5 ½ f 0-95 Condition Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

A very moderate contest to start the afternoon, with many professional losers putting in an appearance.

SOLWAY SUNSET’s wins to runs ratio is a darned sight better than would normally be seen at this level. She’s now 4 from 15 and this isn’t the first time she’s come up trumps after a lay-off. She ran on nicely to win cosily, but I wouldn’t hurry to back her without a break.
COUNTRYWIDE SUN ran up to his form in second. He’s sunk like a stone in the ratings over the past 18 months and may now be in a position to pick up a similar event. However with one win from 27 goes over jumps he doesn’t make sparkling betting material.
UNCOMMITTED who dots back and forth between the UK and Ireland, was left behind over the last two. She’s not all that quick at the business end.
DESTINY HILL stayed on and is getting closer with each rise in distance.
HICKORY LANE went clear after the third. He capitulated once headed two out. He was beaten a long way in a seller previously which sums this event up.
NIFTY ROY was well beaten but is a spring horse on previous evidence, though he didn’t show much at that time this year.
NAMED AT DINNER bags the occasional place, but 1 win from 43 over jumps sums him up.
PRINCE AMONG MEN wins occasionally, but psychic powers are needed to predict it these days.

1.40 3m 1f Beginners’ Chase

QUWS LAW has suffered breathing problems in the past, so his from has an up and down look to it. The tongue tie has been applied for his last three outings and seems to have done the trick. A bowled along in front here, with enough left in the tank to keep going to the end. His jumping was sound and his hurdle form suggests he should be capable of more wins, so defiance of a penalty is likely at some point. He’s won in heavy and on fast ground so it seems most going comes alike to him and he’s seen out every inch of this trip twice.
GREAT APPROACH possibly lost his chance when giving the fourteenth a belt as he made a forward move. That being said he did get close enough to bustle up the winner though was held close home. There was enough evidence to suggest he can progress from here and pick up a chase.
TREASURED MEMORIES came a pearler at Kelso and probably needed this to give her some confidence. She never got the leaders but stayed on for third.
SILVER BREESE jumped round in the rear for fourth. This was a shade better than some feeble hurdles efforts.
THE REDE MOUSE went well to 5 out but weakened quickly and pulled up. I suspect he made have had a problem but nothing was reported.
ATHOLLBROSE had no chance here and lost touch with a mile to go, eventually pulling up. The very lowest class is his only hope.

2.10 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

I noted MR WOODS as a possible winner of a minor novice event, but that was back in October 2007. I’d like to say I landed myself a 25/1 winner here, but sadly my previous note escaped me before this race. The 401-day lay-off was no hindrance here as Mrs Graham’s charge saw off a dual bumper winner and a bumper/novice hurdle winner. On that basis the form stacks up well and this one might be worth keeping an eye on. On previous evidence he stays further.
LIE FORRIT tried hard enough in second and was just held in the run to the line. This was a nice start over hurdles, he wasn’t stopping at the end of this trip and a trip to the winners’ area looks only delayed.
MERRYDOWN was put in his place here and may need a greater test of stamina to return to his best.
CHIEF SCOUT struggled once turned for home and was a well beaten fourth.
LUGATO threatened three out but then folded. He’s had plenty of goes over hurdles.
TOO COOL TO FOOL was in the rear for much of the way and made a little progress through the field late on to give a glimmer of hope of better.

2.45 2m 4f 0-130 Handicap Chase

FIRST LOOK has been thereabouts a few times recently. He has a sound record at Ayr, never having been out of the first four in 11 attempts on the flat and over jumps. He moved up steadily in the last mile to collar an in-form opponent from two out, running on well on the flat. If a rise in the weights takes him out of the 0-130 bracket it may make placement a bit tough.
TELL HENRY has progressed nicely over fences, and this was a good effort taking on more experienced opponents. He was well clear of the remainder and still looks competitive off a raised mark.
ROBIN DE SHERWOOD had a chance from 4 out but was one paced in the straight. He was lacking the tongue-tie that his previous trainer had applied with success. On what he’s done so far his handicap mark seems very stiff.
EVER PRESENT weakened from 4 out. He won off his current mark over 3m 1f at Kelso in December ’06, may then have had a problem on his next outing that season, and hasn’t made an impact over fences since. Looking back through his record, most of his best form has come in soft or heavy ground.
EURO AMERICAN’s trainer is struggling at the moment with only 2 winners this season to date. He had begun a challenge 4 out but stuttered at that fence and fell away after that. He may have been in need of the race, but his current profile is not encouraging.
KING MAK made a bad mistake at the ninth and wasn’t dangerous after that, eventually pulling up.
It’s sad to report that HUSH TIGER has breathed his last. Rayson Nixon’s gelding broke down either just before or on landing at the seventh and was put down.

3.10 2m 0-105 Handicap Hurdle

This seemed quite a competitive little event for the level and it wouldn’t surprise if one or two went on from here.

PROSECCO had put up a couple of fair performances in maiden company and stepped up on that here. He led two out and stayed on. He seems to be learning now and might shrug off a ratings rise.
RANDOM NATIVE has had a stop-start career, having only mustered 14 runs from 6 years on the track. He has had a couple of wins when fresh and ran well on his return here being held on the run-in. He may be interesting if given a little break after this, but he’s never managed more than three runs in a season, so Nicky Richards is treading on egg shells with this one.
SOUL ANGEL led 3 out but couldn’t muster any extra when headed after the next. He might be capable of picking up a minor handicap off his current mark.
The record of CASSIUS didn’t look too impressive but his fourth place finish suggests the Handicapper was pretty well on the mark. He was always thereabouts but lacked the pace to make an impact in the latter stages.
SPIRIT OF THE MIST was poised to challenge before 3 out but weakened in the latter stages. He’s weakened late on in his hurdle races and may need a fast surface to see out the distance over hurdles, his pedigree has miler and sprinter blood. He may just benefit from a trip to Musselburgh which generally has faster ground than the other tracks at this time of year, or alternatively a wait until the spring and drier ground.
PAY ON kept on at the finish and is better in a lower class.

3.45 2m N.H. Flat

There was a very slow early pace here with many of the runners pulling hard.

SOLWAY SAM ran a single race last season when third and stepped up on that, leading 3 furlongs out and keeping on determinedly. The family generally stays further and I’d expect progress when he steps up in trip over hurdles. The stable are generally quite shrewd in their placement.
PRINCE OF GDANSK made an improvement on his previous run and kept the winner working.
PREMIER SAGAS was going very 4 furlongs out but ran a bit green in the latter stages. He was picking up again close home and should be more clued up next time. I’d be surprised if Nicky Richards doesn’t find a race for him to win.
HIGH GALES was held in the rush to the line, but the way the race was run may not have suited and I get the impression a greater test of stamina would be helpful.
HILLVIEW BOY stayed on for fifth and while I wouldn’t necessarily be backing him next time out, I’d certainly keep an eye on his progress.
MICK FLAVIN moved up 6 furlongs out and came with a chance 3 out but couldn’t raise his game any further. This could be as good as he is in these events.
The remainder will need to show a bit more to make a mark on the racecourse.

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday 25th November

Going – Soft

A bright day in County Durham, but overnight rain softened the going a shade.

12.50 2m 4f Beginners’ Chase

An event in which very few were genuinely competitive in the latter stages.

CAST IRON CASEY confirmed the Kelso of his Kelso second, staying on down the straight to win with a little in hand. He jumps well and stayed this distance. He seemed suited to Kelso more than the up and downs of Kelso so there may be more to come.
TORKINKING led until the run to the last. He kept on for second and looks good enough to pick up a novices’ chase.
CHIEF DAN GEORGE kept on for third having been tapped for pace after the third last. His trainer suggested that he was sent to Sedgefield as a confidence booster, and it would seem a case of ‘job done’. The stable rate him over fences, and I understand he now heads for a staying novice event at Hexham in December.
LEASE LEND couldn’t raise his game in the straight. He’s finding one or two too good in these events and may have better chances in novice handicaps. Overall his record is sound having been out of the first 4 only twice in 15 races.
HERNANDO’S BOY was left behind after 3 out. He’s rated 128 over hurdles, and this first chase effort was inconclusive.
BEDLAM BOY was comfortably held and has a way to go to match his hurdles form. He had a couple of hurdles wins over stiff tracks and they might suit better than Sedgefield.
TREEHOUSE didn’t figure on his racecourse debut but got round in his own time. He’s related to winning pointers so given time may turn into a chaser.
LOGANS RUN has not sparkled on two chase efforts to date.
BILLY MURPHY and ISLAND KEY were prominent early but struggling with a mile to go.
PRE-TOKEN showed a glimmer on chase debut, but was dismal on this occasion, his jumping letting him down.

2.20 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase

The winner of this is well exposed, albeit a course specialist.

STORMY BEECH was revived by blinkers at Newcastle and his trainer worked the remainder of the trick by bringing him to his favourite track. He’s now 5 wins and 7 places from 12 attempts at Sedgefield. He led all the way and pulled out the stops down the straight. It was heartening to see an old campaigner still giving it the works and being rewarded.
WHATCANYASAY plugged on to challenge at the last, but hit it which effectively ended his chance. Although not the most consistent, he does have the tendency to throw in the odd lousy performance, he does have 3 wins to his credit at Sedgefield.
EBORARRY didn’t get his head in front this time. He never really got to the leader and was one paced from 2 out. He has won over fences in the past but, while he’s on a consistent(-ish) run it’s a long time since he got his head in front. He runs often which suggests an iron constitution.
CARRIETAU chased the leaders but made no impression from 3 out. He’s improving as a chaser, and has time on his side. He won three times over hurdles, so has winning credentials, and will probably pick up a chase somewhere along the line.
CEDAR RAPIDS regressed from his second here last time, the leaders having more left in the straight.
DIGITAL MEDIA was second in a selling hurdle at Hexham on previous run. After initial promise he seems to have lost his way over fences.
FIRST FOUGHT made no show and hasn’t got very close in recent chasing runs.
BRIGHT SPARKY made a succession of mistakes early on. His chasing debut was no more inspiring than recent hurdles runs.
FLAMING HECK won an uncompetitive event at Hexham in May where the second was way below ideal trip, and he struggled on first run since then.

3.20 3m 3f Conditional Jockeys’ 0-95 Handicap Chase

The low sun meant the third last fence was omitted on all circuits.

It really is worth looking out for course specialists at Sedgefield and this race was taken by another of them.

After her Carlisle third I hinted that SHULMIN would be interesting back here, and this time I’ll acknowledge that she is ‘she’ rather than ‘he’. (Concentrate that man!) She made it 4 out of 8 over fences here moving smoothly through the field on the final circuit, challenging in the straight and holding on despite wandering about on the run-in.
NELLIEDONETHAT improved on Newcastle form. He kept on but caught the wrong opponent here and should win a similar event soon.
MITCHEL HENRY was in a much more appropriate class than for his novice outings. He’ll make his mark at this level, particularly off a generous looking rating of 70.
BLUE RISING showed signs of a return to form. He was in contention from 4 out but couldn’t raise his game enough. He’s a maiden who seems to lack the pace or inclination to get into a scrap, but there’s still time to change things around.
HEROS COLLONGES went well to 4 out but was then couldn’t match the leaders. He was beaten about 8 lengths and this was by far his best effort of the last two years. He was off 92 here and unseated at the Chair off 137 in April 2006.
RIVAL BIDDER struggled from the thirteenth and would prefer better ground.
SAM CRUISE jumped better here, leading to 4 out. He weakened before 2 out and it maybe the extended trip got to the bottom of him.
NORTHERN VIC jumped stickily in the rear and lost touch from 3 out. He took a few runs to get warmed up last season.
PRESENTING ALF put up another lack lustre performance.
COUNT THE COST was struggling a mile out and pulled up. He acquired blinkers here in place of cheek pieces without serious revival.
MAE MOSS running from 17lbs above her official rating of 51, was struggling very early. Her jockey shoved along for a way before giving up the ghost at the fifteenth. She did win a poor novices’ handicap hurdle in May ‘07, but her chances of winning a race over fences are negligible.

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