North’s notes

[robnorth]

AYR – Saturday 10th January

Going – Soft (Heavy)

A swiftly arranged extra meeting at Ayr got the jumping show back on the road. The frozen weather caused the abandonment of Northern meetings since Musselburgh before the turn of the year, but was replaced by a very strong westerly wind and driving rain. The conditions were testing but in the main finishers were getting home fairly well despite a slog into a headwind up the home straight.

The second last fence in the back straight remains omitted as ‘ground under repair’. Presumably if you land there you get a free drop……..

12.50 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

A big gulf in class between the best and worst here.

PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE had run promisingly on his British debut at Kelso in November and stepped up on that here. He led after two out and went clear. He will need these testing conditions to produce his best, and a step back up in trip would be no problem.
BRACKEN LAD is steadily improving, and the greater test of stamina here helped. Lucinda Russell should place him to advantage in a novice or maiden event before long.
CAPAL DUBH ALAINN seemed to run in snatches, but was staying on in the latter stages. He was another benefitting from a greater test of stamina.
SIGNALMAN led at a steady pace. He was headed three out and couldn’t produce enough to get back at the leaders. His jumping was a bit scratchy here and his form seemed a little below his previous run.
Nothing else in the race ga ve any encouragement from four out.

1.25 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

A similar contest to the previous heat, in that only four were seriously involved at the sharp end. I have got my eye on one of those behing though.

Bill Amos doesn’t produce many winners, but he has an improving sort in LIE FORRIT. The dual bumper winner challenged from three out, led at the last and kept on well for victory. He should stay further, has the right attitude, and should win another race.
James Ewart’s SIRKEEL made it a Scottish one-two here, battling determinedly up the straight but lacking the pace of the winner from the last. He looks the type to go chasing sooner rather than later, but may well pick up a similar event to this before then.
Irish challenger SERAPHIN ran a creditable race in third, well there until one paced after the last. Might find a win difficult until qualified for handicaps.
WATERCOLOURS made an encouraging debut for Jim Goldie. He kept on with enthusiam late on and should improve for the experience here, apparently stepping up on moderate flat form.
DEE CEE BOLTER lost touch with the leaders on the home bend, but kept on past beaten horses into fifith. He showed some promise as a pointer and as previously noted looks a type to do better over fences. We may need to show a bit of patience, but in time I think Tim Butt should be able to get a win or two out of this one.
PRIMROSE TIME was second in a moderate event here alst time and was found out on this occasion. Her best chance is likely to be in mares’ only events.

2.00 3m 1f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

A couple of non-runners knocked this down to effectively a three horse contest.

COMPANERO didn’t convince with his jumping, and seemed unlikely to catch the leader three out, but got it right at the last when he needed to and superior class won the day. He apparently needs the testing conditions to show his best and the way he stays on indicates that a longer distance will help.
QUW’S LAW was ridden from the front to stretch his rivals. Halfway up the straight he seemed the likely winner, but couldn’t respond when the winner challenged. He’s had a breathing problem in the past, but the tongue tie has done the trick recently, and running into the strong wind didn’t cause any problems.
GREAT APPROACH ran pretty much to his previous form. His jumping didn’t inspire and although his best chance may come in handicap company he will need to sharpen his act.
Winning pointer MITCHEL HENRY found the other three much too good and is better off in handicaps.

2.30 2m 4f 0-140 Handicap Hurdle

Exposed sorts contested the palcings in this race and first and third were occupied by those who have spent recent times chasing.

HARMONY BRIG was returning to hurdling for the first time since April ’06. However, his hurdling record is very impressive, now U24211131, and he has plenty of zest for the game. He held the determined Theatre Belle on the run-in and shows he is good heart whether he sticks with hurdles or returns to fences. Siginificantly he still remains competitive in chases and is gradually falling down the ratings.
THEATRE BELLE is as game as they come. She put it all in to the line but was just held. She deserves to find a race, but her determination could be against her on that front since the handicapper is unlikely to relent. However this did look a competitve race and the form looks solid.
ENDLESS POWER was another returning from chasing, his last run having been an impressive performance in the Grand Sefton Chase at Aintree. He was close up or leading all the way, and didn’t give up without a fight once headed. The Topham Chase would be a target, but from memory that’s a 0-145 so he couldn’t afford to go up far in the chase ratings, so in the meantime it would be no surprise to see him stick to hurdling and there must be a chance of a a win in this sphere.
TARTAN SNOW a regular on the Scottish circuit, was to represent the locals with honour. He couldn’t quite get to grips with the leaders in the straight, but he should find easier opportunities off his current mark.
MONEY ORDER made a respectable return to the track after over a year off and is likely to be more competitve next time. He was held from three out though not beaten far.
MIDDLETON DENE didn’t get to the leaders though running a fair race in sixth. His winning form has been on better ground.

3.00 3m 1f 0-135 Handicap Chase

Given the lack of jump action in the previous few days the field of eight here was disappoinitng for decent prize money.

JASS seems better suited by running in handicaps rather than at level weights in novice contests. He stayed on in the straight to win this nicely. The evidence suggest that this distance suits. He hadnles the testing going, but his record suggests it’s not essential. I believe he can win another staying handicap before long.
GYPSY GEORGE was always near the front and had every chance down the straight but was held. He found the Welsh National hard going last time, but is looks useful in this sort of event and should win more handicaps.
SEE YOU THERE stayed on but couldn’t get to grips with the first two. Five wins at Carlisle and another at Hexham suggest an uphill grind to the finish would be more in his favour.
MALKO DE BEAUMONT was held up and plugged on up the straight, but never got to the leaders. He was moved up 9lbs for his slogging win at Haydock, and it could be that a win off 125 will be a big ask for him.
FRANKIE FIGG set the pace jumping nicely, but he hit the third last and couldn’t muster any more from that point. He does handle this ground, but would probably appreciate better ground.
NEWMAN DES PLAGES lost touch from five out. He is handicapped on his French form and at the moment would seem to need a significant drop in the ratings, since his Auteuil form suggests the going here is not a problem. I woudln’t write him off, but keep a watching brief for now.
SOMETHING SILVER had a stiff task in this company and looked held when unseating four out. An ease in class and drop back in distance oculd help.
CHOPNEYEV unseated early on.

3.30 2m 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

The weather was thoroughly miserable by this stage of the afternoon. The wind and rain continued and it was getting very murky.

PROSECCO is one of a number of progressive hurdlers in the Russell fold this season. Having been upped in distance in the autumn he has since produced better at the minimum trip. Showed determination to hold on close home, won’t go up too much for this and will pay to follow in this class.
NELSON DE RONCERAY, a winner twice over fences last year, gave his running here. He was held on the run-in. He’s unbeaten in two over fences, so Peter Monteith has a choice of running off his chasng mark of 125 or trying to exploit his lower hurdles mark.
BEST PROSPECT challenged two out, but his hurlding wasn’t clean enough in the straight and he gave best on the flat. He’s lightly raced over hurdles and there may be a little more to come.
YOUNG ALBERT returned to something like his best and looks fairly handicapped at the moment. Not a stand out for the future but has chances when giving his running.
OPEN DE L’ISLE was another who gave his running, though without threatening victory. He seems on his mark over hurdles and fences and runs honest enough races. He gives the feeling of one who would appreciate a step up in trip, but his efforts over longer distances have been a shade disappointing.
LOS NADIS was held here and doesn’t jump fluently enough in competive handicaps.
NEVSKY BRIDGE ran a fair race from out of the handicap. Her previous three runs, all at Sedgefield, were quite decent and though I cast doubts on her ability on the shapr end previously, she may be worth noting when returned to that track.

4.00 2m 0-100 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

The floodlights at nearby Ayr United were shining brightly by this time, and it would have helped these moderate novices if they had been equipped with headlights. Even in the Wesr of Scotland a last race time of 4 o’clock is rather late.

A very ordinary collection of novices here and not a race I would imagine offers many winners for the next few months, though the winner may progress at a relatively lowly level.

PINEWOOD LEGEND’s connections were invited to explain their charge’s improvement, but really it was just because there was a chance in a moderate race in conditions which wouldn’t suit the faint hearted. He howed improvement on his second outing for the stable and offers hope of another victory.
GIANT STAR produced a personal best over jumps. He was held for pace from the last.
ZAFFARELLA was one paced in the latter stages. This was a slight improvement on her previous effort for the stable. A step up in trip may be helpful.
ZA BEAU put in a reasonable performance in fourth but lacks pace over hurdles and her fencing is letting her down in chases.
STEPCHANGE pulled too hard in first time blinkers and fell away once turned for home.
ACTION STRASSE, coming off a break of over a year, showed a glimmer of promise despite sweating up before hand. He hinted at ability in the past.

[robnorth]

CATTERICK – Friday 16th January

Going – Good to Soft

James Ewart’s Langholm yard landed two winners in the chases on this card. I’ve got a lot of time for Ewart who really knows how to get his chasers jumping well. It has taken sometime for the stable to record their first winner this season, but I’d expect more now with a few horses running into form. Stable’s runners can often be picked out by a set of white boots on their forelegs and many wear sheepskin nosebands.

Ewart’s operation has gradually increased their volume of runners over the last few seasons and their website at http://www.jamesewartracing.co.uk currently lists 26 horses in training. Ewart spent four years learning his trade in France before setting up his operation in the Borders. The stable is progressing and one to keep an eye out for in the future.

1.10 2m 3f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

James Ewart has used his French connections to secure a few of his stable inmates, and one such is the winner of this contest, SA SUFFIT. The gelding had shown promising form over hurdles in France in 2006, and came back well after a 25 month break from the racecourse. He jumped very well up with the pace and stayed on in the straight to pick off the leader close home. There ought to be more to come from Sa Suffit.
OSOLOMIO led jumping well and had his field on the stretch by the tenth. He kept on well up the straight, and for a while seemed to have his field held, but the winner got past him on the flat. He jumps well and has a good attitude so is likely to pick up a chase before long.
ALL FOR THE CAUSE chased the leader from two out but never quite got in a blow. He was stepping up from two miles here, and it didn’t seem to trouble him. He may just be better in a handicap.
The three were clear of QUILLAN HILL who ran out of steam two out. He unseated early on his previous outing but should improve over fences for this experience.
PAMAK D’AIRY weakened from three out. He’s another who will find his level in handicaps.
DANCER’S SERENADE figured briefly four out, but was well held from that point. He’s rated 120 over hurdles and went well enough here to suggest he will improve over fences given time.
FENCOTE MYSTERY ran about as well as his rating of 90 might have suggested. He was up with the pace early but cried enough from six out.
MOUNT SANDEL was making some progress when coming down at the eighth. He’s rated 125, but the jury’s out since his only finish in three chases was second in a messy four runner affair at Leicester.
MEPHISTO would have eaten these for breakfast at his best over hurdles and on the flat. However, he never looked happy here and was well adrift by four out.
It was my intention to put in a comment for every chaser in every race. However, in this race there were a group of horse which had not an earthly of being competitive and I’d be repeating my comments so I’ll save a few lines.

2.10 3m 1 ½ f 0-120 Handicap Chase

MONTEVIDEO can be a rather awkward customer and this might just be a case of a race which fell into his lap. He was under the cosh from a long way out, and still looked a forlorn hope two out. However he stayed on as those in front stopped and eventually won with a little in hand. It sounds ironic for one who has won 3 out of 9 chases, but he’s not one I would trust to repeat this form on a regular basis.
RARE SOCIETY pushed the pace and had gone twelve lengths clear approaching three out. He was still clear at the last, but ran out of steam and was caught in the last 100 yards. While this was a creditable performance he is in-and-out, and only has two chases wins in 26 efforts.
ORANG OUTAN, representing the stable which recorded the winner of two chases on the card, ran a fair enough race in third without threatening to win.
STONERIGGS MERC made progress at the fifteenth and chased the leaders down the straight, but couldn’t offer enough from two out. He’s often ‘on the premises’ and will probably turn up a win along the way but I’d struggle to tie him down to a particular race.
TOP CLOUD never got into the race and was well beaten.
COLDWELLS is in good form, but fell early on here.
KATE’S GIFT was up with the pace early but was struggling after two miles and pulled up. He seemed to find the step from maiden company to senior handicap company a bit too much to cope with.
GLENARRY was made favourite on chasing debut, but was never going and pulled up before three out.
AMBROSINNI did not seem happy and went two miles before his jockey called it a day.
HAS SCORED showed some fair form last spring, but has shown nothing in two recent efforts.

3.20 2m 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Chase

Despite this being a novices’ event there were plenty of familiar lowly chasing faces in this line up.

James Ewart produced a second winner of the afternoon as SUPER BABY jumped his rivals silly here. Cheek pieces were added to the sheepskin noseband to give him a bit of
Santa Claus look! He led early, stretched on down the back and kept up the gallop in the straight, winning with a stack in hand. The one problem he’ll have is that his next race will probably have to be at a minimum of 0-115 level, and that may make things tough, although he has run respectably in better class races. He goes well here, so his trainer will presumably look to return if there’s a suitable race.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS had a going day, and briefly threatened three out before being left behind from two out. This was a good effort, but he’s only won twice in 49 goes and isn’t one to trust.
CARRIETAU sweated up in preliminaries, but that didn’t seem a problem on the course. As with previous efforts in this sort of event he got to the fringe of the issue and then couldn’t find any more. He was three times a winner over hurdles and is probably capable of picking up a minor handicap chase.
PASS THE CLASS stayed on from the back for fourth, having been knocked back by a blunder four out. His hurdle racing was done over longer trips and he certainly hinted that he would have got closer with farther to go.
FRITH was held up at the back and didn’t get into the race. He plugged on late and is capable of better.
PEAK SEASONS faded in the straight. His two jump wins have been at Fakenham and Cartmel and it could be that quirky venues like those two bring out the best in him. Overall though he’s 2 from 46 over jumps which is nothing to get excited about.
BOB’S DREAM raced prominently to four out but then struggled. His record at Sedgefield is better than elsewhere, an observation which I seem to use often.
ISLAND KEY hasn’t got close in recent jumps efforts and was never competitive.
ITALIANO couldn’t go the pace and his chasing record is uninspiring.
GUNADOIR was fancied here off the back of a second to Norminster at Carlisle. She made mistakes early on, never got into the race and a stiffer test of stamina is needed, either a longer distance or heavy ground.
PISTOL BASC showed a little promise at Ayr, but made no show here.
FALCON’S TRIBUTE lost his chance with a blunder five out.
ISAN jumped stickily in the rear. In a stop start five race career he’s yet to get closer than 25 lengths behind the winner.
MALT DE VERGY threatened to get into the race down the back, but folded tamely.
RED DAWN brought up the rear of an event which saw all fifteen runners complete the course; something I would imagine is rare at this level. He has got into the frame on occasion, but as shown here is basically slow and not threatening to ditch his maiden tag.

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday January 20th

Going – Soft

A Scottish double in the chases, James Ewart striking for the third time in a week and Hawick based Alistair Whillans producing a chase debutant to win the handicap.

2.20 2m 0-90 Handicap Chase

THATLLDOFORME was held up early, progressing to challenge two out. It looked briefly as if It’s Bertie had the race won, but Thatlldoforme responded gamely when asked the question on the flat. This wasn’t a strong race, but this was a promising chase debut from a gelding who now has a record of 5 places in 10 attempts. He’s suited by soft or heavy and will probably be better over further since he proved competitive at 2m 7f over hurdles. He could just be on a decent mark at the moment.
IT’S BERTIE likes to trail-blaze, but didn’t seem to mind following a fast pace setter here. He led two out and looked the likely winner coming down the hill only to be run out of it close home. His attitude seems good enough and he should win a similar event.
STORM SURGE produced a personal best here. He was thereabouts all the way but held from before the last. He stepped up on his Carlisle effort and seemed more suited by the track here.
NAVAL ATTACHE was remote in fourth, having never been in the hunt.
BARTON SUN was struggling by the ninth and was beaten a long way in fifth.
ROYAL GLEN was never competitive. She showed some promise early this season, but here form has tailed off.
LUCOZADE showed much promise on his seasonal debut, running third over hurdles at Hexham, but his performances since then have been abysmal. He was behind early and lost touch in the last mile.
STONERIGGS SILVER made a howler and shot his rider out of the saddle at the fourth.
COOLDINE LAD was galvanised into action a couple of outings back by Tony McCoy, but has reverted to his previous dismal form. He pulled up here after chasing the leaders to the eighth.
CEDAR RAPIDS hared off in front but paid the penalty and faded quickly from the seventh before being pulled up.
AZTEC PRINCE and BULLIES ACRE made no show and pulled up before three out.

3.20 3m 3f Class 4 Maiden Chase

James Ewart made it three winners in quick succession as OVERLADY made the transition from maiden hunter class, having shown promise in that sphere last season. There wasn’t an awful lot of quality in this field, but it would be hard to crib at the filly’s performance here. She settled well and jumped economically, fiddling one or two when necessary. She joined the leader two out and was nudged clear, staying on nicely. She’s not the biggest filly, but she stays and jumps well.
BAY CHERRY was under pressure at the top of the hill but stayed on to get back into contention, though finding the winner too strong. He was a winner of a point in Ireland, stays well and handles the testing conditions.
PRE TOKEN led to two out, jumping well, but was tiring when coming down at the last. He’s got enough ability to wins races, but his jumping is letting him down. He could be interesting if he had the assistance of a senior jockey.
CAVE HILL finished a remote and tired third having lost touch from three out, but at least had a completion on his first chase effort. He was reported as finishing distressed.
GLENGAP pulled hard early, lost his position at the fifteenth and pulled up before three out. He won a point in Ireland, but his Rules form to date is dismal.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT was always behind and unseated two out.
STARK RAVEN showed up for a while but weakened from the twelfth and was pulled up.
THE ARTFUL FOX won a couple of moderate points last year, but never looked happy here and was dismounted after being pulled up at the fourteenth. He was miles behind in two previous chases.
MAOLISA was another who made no impact on the race, losing touch from the fourteenth and pulling up by the seventeenth.
The most intriguing thing about ESME RIDES A GAINE has to the derivation of her name……. She won a maiden point, but was soon detached jumping slowly and trailed round before being pulled up.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Wednesday 21st January

Going – Good to Soft

After losing their first January meeting to frost, Musselburgh was back on a track on a sunny afternoon. The going eased slightly with a fair bit of rain over the preceding days.

1.00 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

There were a few in contention approaching three out, but this had much to do with a steady early pace.

WOODY WALLER Had put up a couple of fair performances in the autumn, and built on those places to take what appeared a moderate event. He came to challenge three out and ran on well to win with a bit in hand. He might be worth a try in handicap company.
STROBE’s future prospects depend on how the handicapper views his second here. The third is rated 102 against Strobe’s 85 so the likelihood is he’ll move up in ratings which isn’t going to help. He was headed two out having taken up the running approaching three out but was always going to find it tough from there.
SIMPLE JIM stayed on for third without getting to grips with the winner. He’ll be suited by further than this.
BEST HORSE, well held behind Red Moloney here last time, could offer no extra over the last flights. He’s now qualified for handicaps and that seems the route to go as he’s held in these events.
PONTOP, a bumper winner in May, made a fair debut over hurdles and can improve.
SEA STORM was quite well backed but never any better than mid division here. He was below previous form and previous evidence suggests good or better ground is required.

1.30 2m 4f Class 4 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

DON’T STOP ME NOW stepping into mares company from juvenile company set the pace and wasn’t in any serious danger up the straight. She likes set the pace, but is no tearaway and seems quite amenable. To me she has a similar profile to La Vecchia Scuola who improved from this sort of company last season to contest races at Cheltenham and Aintree. She is likely to go for the ‘Triumph Hurdle Trial’ at the next meeting here, and her presence would guarantee a true run race in that event.
KINGS MAIDEN kept on from three out, well held by the winner. There’s every chance she can pick up another race either in mares novice company or in a handicap.
ELZAHANN reversed previous form with Just Posh and would seem to be progressing. She had every chance two out but couldn’t get to grips with the winner.
DANZATRICE plugged on into fourth. She isn’t a star but seems honest enough and will be favoured by now qualifying for handicaps.
JUST POSH has improved recently but found the company here a bit too tough and was held from three out. She’s on a mark of 105 in handicaps which seems a bit stiff for one who was beaten in sellers in the autumn.
WHEYAYE won a Sedgefield bumper, but has struggled in two outings over hurdles.

2.00 3m 0-95 Handicap Chase

A group of the usual of old suspects appeared in this one. NELLIEDONETHAT had shown some signs of progression for Lucinda Russell and didn’t fluff his lines when presented with a good opportunity here. He was always going well, led three out and stayed on for a comfortable victory. His rating is higher over hurdles and suggests there may be a little more to come over fences.
BLUE RISING, blinkered for the first time, stepped up on his previous efforts this season. He seemed happier in these less testing conditions than slogging around Carlisle in the mud. One note of caution is that he remains a maiden.
SNOWY was there to four out but couldn’t go with the front two. He only seems to do as much as he cares to these days.
PRINCE OF SLANE plugged on into fourth but was well beaten. He needs more of a stamina test.
DESTINY HILL never got competitive in fifth, but since this was a chasing debut the completion is encouraging. She needs to show more to be considered as a contender in this company.
YANKEE HOLIDAY was up there to four out and then weakened. This is a bit further than ideal for him and he’d probably want good ground, but he’s a bit frustrating these days.
NICOZETTO never showed and was pulled up. I wonder if his fall here last time was preying on his mind?
HERBIE unseated at the twelfth and is a clumsy jumper.
SEEK THE TRUTH was staying on four out but seemed held when falling heavily two out. The ground was right here but the chances are he needs a stiffer track.
PRINCE MOUSE jumped poorly before jettisoning his rider at the fourth.
DORIS’S GIFT had some decent hurdle form last season. He didn’t seem particularly interested and tried to pull himself up going away from the stands for the second time, eventually being pulled up. That’s four consecutive non-completions in his chase efforts and on current evidence he’s one to avoid over fences.
HICKORY LANE was not put into the race and his jockey was hauled in front of the stewards. He was allowed to amble round at the back on chase debut and was pulled up before four out.

2.30 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

CALCUTTA CUP, a winner at Catterick on his last outing, went on three out, but flattened the last two hurdles and didn’t find as much as seemed likely on the flat. This was similar to his Catterick effort, so sharp tracks and decent ground would seem the best solution to his lack of stamina. He would help himself if his hurdling held up in the latter stages.
I’M DELILAH showed promise last season but remains a novice. She stayed on well and almost caught the winner close home. She should win a minor novice hurdle and would be a good bet for a mares only event.
TWILIGHT DAWN hit the third last when making a forward move, staying on again late on. This was a sound enough debut.
CASUAL AFFAIR led before three out, but soon gave way and couldn’t offer any more from two out. He had no chance behind Red Moloney last time and this is probably as good as he is.
I couldn’t find any encouragement amongst the others. SIR DOUGLAS hared off in front at a lunatic pace, but was ignored by the others and folded tamely over half a mile out.

3.00 3m ½ f 0-110 Handicap Hurdle

PERCUTANT had shown promise behind Divers here in December. Fitted with earplugs on this occasion he progressed from that and saw off an in-form and experienced opponent in Singhalongtasveer. He stayed on from the last and had a little in hand. He’s going the right way and it would be no surprise to see him pick up another staying hurdle.
SINGHALONGTASVEER put up a creditable performance in second seeing off the rest of the field with a bit to spare, though the handicapper may penalise him a few pounds for that. His claiming rider was out ridden on the flat by Graham Lee, but I don’t think that affected the result. He’s better on a sound surface so given good or faster could step up on this, though may have to wait until the spring.
LOCKSTOWN was put in his place from the second last. He’s lightly raced and this was an improvement on previous hurdling efforts.
STRAVAIGIN, returning to hurdles on this occasion, needs good or better ground to show her best. That being said she did make a go of things until held from three out, and normally gives of her best.
REMAINDER was held up in the rear, then brought through to the fringe of the battle early in the straight but couldn’t offer any more. He has proven that he stays this distance and it looks as if a return to two and half miles is required.
The rest were weld hell and it would be difficult to see them threatening on the evidence available here.

3.30 2m 4f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase

A lot of these are well exposed over fences for novices.

ZA BEAU has been an iffy jumper at times but got it spot on here. She looked likely to have to settle for second best but showed more resolution than the second on the flat. When her jumping is right she is a contender at this level.
KILKENNY ALL STAR looked likely to prevail when jumping the last in front but was worried out of it. He may win a race, but is one to oppose against more determined opposition.
TEVIOT LASS was in contention four out but her jumping went to pot in the straight. She jumped left and nearly came down a couple of times yet, to her credit, stormed back at the principals and failed by less than 2 lengths. She lacks nothing in commitment but isn’t currently the safest conveyance. Her jumping needs sorting out, but she may be worth a try on a left-handed track.
I’M YOUR MAN plugged on into fourth but as observed before his current mark looks to have him anchored. He needs the handicapper to relent a bit.
ESSIFER raced prominently but made a couple of blunders down the far side second time and couldn’t get in a blow. He is yet to win under Rules and looks held in this company unless sharpening his fencing.
PILCA never got to the leaders. He has yet to win over fences and is a bit of his best form at present. He has won 6 hurdle races but has had a busy career.
KING IN WAITING jumped poorly on his chasing debut.
PERLY SPENCER is better on a sound surface and might benefit from an ease in class. He led to four out but it was clear it was not the day of Perly Spencer, and his race was almost run.
NORMINSTER weakened from the twelfth. His trainer thought he didn’t act on the track, and I reckon he’s much better dropped back to around the minimum trip on a stiff track.
CLASSIC HARRY, returning from a six month break, jumped moderately and lost touch from the tenth. He’s 14lbs higher than his winning mark and will struggle unless dropped in the handicap.
GUERILLA looks well out of sorts. He’s been beaten a long way in recent outings and something either physical or mental (or both?) would appear to be troubling him.

4.00 2m Intermediate NH Flat

This looked a moderate contest, but the winner’s performance suggested one who could progress.

HUNTERS BELT is bred to be a bit useful on the flat and showed a useful turn of speed to come away from his field in the last furlong. His trainer now has a choice between chasing similar events and giving this one a go on the level. He looked a bit green and there should be more to come.
ALVARADO led three out but couldn’t respond once headed. He’s a half brother to Character Building, so should turn into a jumper and the odds are he’ll improve with a distance of ground and some obstacles in his way.
DOC WELLS had every chance two out, but wasn’t good enough. Nevertheless this was a decent debut by the 6 year old and he’ll improve with time.
RED ONION led to four out and kept on for fourth. At least he kept trying once headed.
MOSCOW MISCHIEF, whose dam was a poor performer, plugged on for fifth and is not a lost cause.

[robnorth]

AYR – Sunday 25th January

Going – Heavy

Hexham was reduced to an all-hurdle card, but that succumbed to two inches of snow. Meanwhile an extra was added at Ayr, where the conditions were very testing. The weather in this part of Scotland can be warmer than many parts of northern Britain at this time, but on the flip side there does tend to be quite a bit of the wet stuff.

The second last fence down the back remained out of use, and needs to be properly railed off since there is too much scrimmaging as the runners take a sharp turn round the outside of it.

1.35 2m 4f 0-115 Handicap Chase

I’d put a question mark against SAMMY SPIDERMAN since he threw a wobbly at Carlisle a couple of runs back, veering violently across four out and unseating. However, his other form this season can’t be faulted and he won this event with a bit in hand. His current mark of 90 gives plenty of room for manoeuvre in this class and the way he’s going at the moment suggests another win is likely, particularly while the testing conditions which he relishes remain.
JULIUS CAESAR’s recent chasing form had been blighted by some poor jumping. However, he put in a clear round here and at least bustled up the winner in the closing stages, finishing well clear of the remainder. He really lost his way after a good spell over hurdles and fences in 2004/2005. On this evidence he should pick up a handicap.
SOMETHING SILVER bowled along jumping well in front but ran out of fuel two out. He paid for some good from early last year and is 13lbs higher than his last winning mark. The conditions and distance suited here, so the evidence is that he is currently held by the handicapper.
GUNADOIR made a decent chasing debut at Carlisle, but in two runs since then here jumping has not been good enough. The Carlisle run was in a 0-90 and a drop back to that sort of class would put less pressure on her.
KORELO has been in woeful form since early 2006, with absences suggesting physical problems. At his best he would leave this company well behind but he seems totally out of sorts now and retirement beckons.
RECKLESS VENTURE went out like a light from four out. One look at his stats suggests he’s better off at Hexham.
LAGO won with a lot in hand at Carlisle, but was hammered to the tune of 18lbs for that. Given that the rest of his recent form ahs been moderate or poor it wasn’t a huge surprise to see him struggle here, and he seems likely to struggle unless dropped significantly.

2.05 3m 1f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

KILLYGLEN put up a decent performance to win this. He jumped rather big early, but he was pushed on going on to the final circuit. He was always in control in the straight, and as he felt the strain of his exertions was allowed to fiddle the last two fences. He’s entered for the RSA Chase but needs to be tested a bit more stiffly to prove his credentials in that company.
CHIEF DAN GEORGE was pushed up to the leader on the home bend, but was left behind after that and came home very tired. He’s a multiple heavy ground winner over hurdles but I wonder if a better ground might help him over fences.
BOLD RANSOM was struggling a mile out and is better than this run suggests.
NINE DE SIVOLA, placed in the Irish and Scottish Nationals in 2007, was very disappointing against opponents he should have kept up with, losing touch from a mile out. He’s entered in the National Hunt Chase, in which an in form Nine De Sivola would have a shout, but would have to show more than this.

2.35 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

Three competitive in this event and the rest showing varying glimmers of ability or rank inability.

COMHLA RI COIG stepped down in distance having previously won over 2m 4f in a brush hurdle race at Haydock. The change in distance made no apparent difference as he moved through nicely three out and finished strongly to see off his only serious opponent. He goes very well in the testing conditions.
TEENAGE IDOL chased the leader from two out but though staying on couldn’t get to him. He shouldn’t have nay trouble picking up a similar race, particularly steeping up in trip once again.
BRACKENMOSS led at the sixth but was left behind from three out. She had won a moderate mares race here previously and her best chance of another win must lie in that company.
Presumably on the basis he was going to struggle with the first three, FISHING INSTRUCTOR wasn’t hurried along early. He stayed on late without being put under serious pressure until his jockey saw a chance of catching Brackenmoss late on. He was doing sound enough work late on to suggest a small handicap might be a target, maybe with an increase in trip.

3.05 2m Class 3 Novices’ Chase

The McCain stable know how to place their chasers and found a good opportunity for CROMWELL COURT here. Having joined the leader three out he ran on well and saw off the opposition comfortably, winning with ears pricked. His stamina came into play and he won’t object to a step back up in trip. He may pick up another novice event and his prospects in handicaps depend on how the handicapper views this performance.
DANCER’S SERENADE performed a bit better than on chasing debut. He jumped slowly early, but settled down nicely, passing a tired rival to clinch second on the flat. He may need a race or two more over fences before we can see if he is winner material.
QUICUYO led, jumping boldly, but had little in the tank from three out. He may be difficult to place since he seems likely to struggle with a penalty in these events, and seems a little high on a handicap rating of 120.
ROLE ON made a few mistakes and was pulled up after fluffing three out. His fall last time may not have helped and I’d need convincing of his jumping before assessing chances of a win.
PISTOL BASC fell at the third, and would probably have struggled here anyway.

3.35 3m 1f 0-130 Handicap Chase

This looked quite a competitive heat on paper, even with a small field, but in the end the testing conditions took their toll and only three got round.

MORGAN BE had now had five wins at Ayr but is yet to win elsewhere, but his overall record in a relative light career is a creditable 9 places from 19 runs. He made progress down the back for the last time and was challenging when the long time leader came down at the last. The performance confirmed that the gelding is right back to his best after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a fractured pelvis. Kate Walton’s plan is to aim Morgan Be at the long distance chases in the north. The Eider is seen as a possible target, though the suggestion is that the Scottish National might be on the agenda presuming the ground comes up soft in April.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH continues in decent form. He’s run very few poor races in his chasing career and on this occasion was in contention until the last but out speeded by a decent opponent. His new rating has forced him into this company. He has top weight in 0-115 handicaps, so most of his targets will have to be 0-120 upwards. His best form is at Carlisle, but of course he has to rely on the race planner framing the right race there to benefit. Given the right race I reckon he can win again soon.
MASTER BUILDER was left behind from four out on his handicap debut. This was a tough ask given the exacting conditions here.
SILVER BY NATURE has made the move down the M90 from Lucy Normile’s stable at Glenfarg to Lucinda Russell’s yard at Milnathort. He jumped really well in the main and still held the lead when falling at the last. He was one who impressed me when he first came out in bumpers and, though I’ve found it difficult to tie him down, I’ve always got the impression he’s a potentially decent jumper. This was a very encouraging performance in this company and he looks a ready made winner of a similar contest. One note of caution was that he took sometime to get up after his fall, and I would hope that the mishap hasn’t shaken his confidence.
MINSTER SHADOW was coming back after a year long lay-off and probably felt the effects of the testing conditions, dropping away from the thirteenth before being pulled up. He jumped well enough, goes well round here and has a sound record overall, so I’d expect this relatively lightly raced gelding to be challenging before long.
SILLY WUPPLE won twice in the autumn against lesser opposition but struggled in this company. He’s gone up 20lbs since winning at Hexham in October, 6lbs for that run then 14lbs for winning a 6-runner novice at Wetherby, and that looks enough to stop him in the foreseeable future.
FIRST LOOK was upped in distance from 2m 4f, but was in trouble before that distance had been covered. A combination of distance and testing conditions would seem to have been too much anyway.

4.05 2m 4f 0-105 Handicap Hurdle

Rayson Nixon is having a decent season from a stable of mainly moderate animals. A winner in this event meant his record is now 5 wins from 38 runs, and those wins come from 8 horses which have been sent forth from Ettrickbridge.

KEMPSKI led at a decent pace, as is his preference, but lasted out much better than he has done recently. Those who competed with him for the pace were seen off with half a mile to go and the placed horses didn’t get to him. His wins tend to be mixed up with a few below par runs, but it’s significant that his Ayr record is now 4 wins and 4 places from 14 attempts. This run was off a career high winning mark which means his tasks will be tough now, and he needs a race round here in which he can dictate. He was tried in chases last spring but seemed to hate it.
CASSIUS stayed on out of the pack without getting to the winner. His Hawick based trainer has gone a long while since a winner, but might be on the point of breaking the run with Cassius. The gelding clearly benefited from a stiffer test than of late.
KIRKSIDE PLEASURE was another never seriously threatening the winner, but he plugged on through tired rivals in the straight. He’s showing better form than in the spring and might be able to pick up a handicap over a longer trip, though his strike rate is such that I’d want something approaching a double figure price.
OLEOLAT moved into contention three out but couldn’t find any more from two out. He appears better at shorter trips.
Everything else was well beaten off. FLAMING HECK and KID’Z’PLAY were longshots and paid for taking on the leader, fading to finish in the rear.
SEEKING STRAIGHT was much better dictating here last time, but is yet to win and looks unpredictable. He was crying enough five flights from home.
PAKINEO DES PICTONS was well backed but doesn’t seem to have a distance over hurdles. I presume he will be tried over fences eventually but, for one reason or another, the towel seems to be thrown in very quickly.

[robnorth]

NEWCASTLE – Wednesday 28th January

Going – Heavy

Gosforth Park kept the National Hunt flag flying as Leicester and Exeter succumbed to the rain, but the conditions were very testing. Even here the weather varied within a short space of time, from bright sunshine to thick fog.

12.50 2m 4f 0-90 Handicap Chase

This was a very ordinary event which provided an excellent opportunity for NELLIEDONETHAT to add to his Musselburgh victory running off the same mark since that race was a conditionals’ event. He was always going well; he shook off a blunder 4 out to lead 3 out and held the second on the flat. He seemed to have felt he had done enough on the flat, and I get the impression there’s still a bit more to come.
MR TWINS does put in some creditable efforts at times but there are many poor runs in his record recently, it’s ages since he won and his record is 2 wins from 66. He led to three out and didn’t let the winner get clear, sticking on well on the flat.
STORMONT DAWN was never in the hunt but picked his way through late on for third. His only win was at Carlisle and it seems clear that he needs the mud, and the field to come back to him in the latter stages of a race.
WOODVIEW raced prominently but was under the shove by the eleventh and gradually faded in the straight.
BALLYNURE was struggling when blundering badly at the eighth. He kept on past a few in the straight. He’s dropped down to near his winning mark, and his form picked up last spring.
NEIDPATH CASTLE normally benefits from a run after a break, so the outing may help, but he’s not got very close to the winner for some time.
MISTRAL DE LA COUR faded from 5 fences out, and trailed in some way behind. Remarkably he beat Kauto Star by a short head in 2005, but is furlongs behind that form now. It may be worth noting that he has a decent record on fast ground, so it might just be worth noting him for a lowly handicap come the spring.
RING OF BEARA looks slow and has done nothing of note since crossing the Irish Sea.
FARNE ISLE was pulled up and recent form gives no encouragement.
STAR OF RAVEN had lost touch by the tenth and was pulled up before four out. He has won on soft, but I suspect good or faster would serve him better.
PERLY SPENCER is not suited by these conditions, and why his connections choose to run him on ground he struggles on I have not a clue.
SOUND OF CHEERS showed a glimmer of form first time out, but has put up two dismal performances since.
WEE GEORGE’s form to date is very poor and it was no surprise that he was pulled up.
WHISPERING MOOR won a hurdle at Perth in 2005, but looks in terminal decline these days.

2.30 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase

The two fences going away from the stands were omitted due to the low sun.

SHELOMOH added to his hard earned Towcester win with another battling victory. He challenged all the way up the straight and held off a less than keen looking second on the flat. A rest might be needed now, but given time to recover may not have finished winning yet.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS had every chance having been prominent all the way. He gave the impression he could have won this, but didn’t look all that willing close home.
DRUMBOY got closer here than he has in Ireland, but that probably says much about the lack of quality in this race. He looked to be struggling four out, but kept on well enough to be back in contention at the last only to be held from there.
CARRIETAU raced prominently but once again offered nothing at the business end.
WATCH THE WIND was beaten a long way last of the five finishers. He has shown nothing of note this season and has yet to win over fences.
PASS THE CLASS was leading three out when hitting the fence and falling. Given the way the race panned out he still had a chance. That being said this isn’t the first time his jumping has let him down in the latter stages of a race.
FRITH was plugging on when brought down by Pass The Class. He remains competitive in this class and generally gives his running.
DUKE OF MALFI was struggling a long way out and pulled up before four out. The event he won at Hexham was nothing special and he’s struggling off a 9lbs higher mark.
LERIDA never looked interested.
PLAYER departed at the first, appearing to over-jump and knuckle on landing.

3.40 3m 0-110 Handicap Chase

Little more than an hour after bright sunshine had required the omission of two fences, fog descended to bring a hint of farce to the proceedings. The track could barely be seen from the stands and the race commentator had plenty of time to fill between intermittent glimpses of the runners. It was so bad that the only way he could identify the winner was by the picture of a single horse pulling up! One assumes that the measure of seeing the next fence was passed, but the whole event was a bit ridiculous. My comments are based on rough form comments and glimpses from the video.

This was an event full of out of form or regressive chasers, a few with many miles on the clock.

PANAMA AT ONCE had not got far enough in two outings to be tested, once when coming down at the first and the next time when his jockey performed a rodeo act at Sedgefield. He was disputing the lead entering the straight, and came clear from that point. He won on his chase debut at Hexham in 2007, and clearly possesses some ability, but hasn’t shown it very often. I suppose one could surmise that he acts in a bog in the fog, but that is of questionable value!
GETBYBUTONLYJUST is a frustrating individual who possesses ability but doesn’t seem inclined to exert himself to the full. He might pick up one of these plodders races, but would things to fall for him.
MANOUBI is regressive. He’s falling down the handicap but not threatening to win and made his way through from the rear for third.
DARINA’S BOY apparently had every chance and wasn’t good enough from four out. He probably needs less testing conditions and at least managed a completion which wasn’t the case on his last two efforts.
SHARP BELLINE raced prominently for much of the way then faded. He’s falling down the handicap and the years appear to be catching up with him.
SKENFRITH is an all or nothing performer, and the nothings vastly outnumber the alls. He may pop up again sometime but is desperately tough to catch right.
ALMIRE DU LIA was prominent early but finished well behind. He’s out of sorts at the moment.
HIGH FIVE was with the leaders early, but was struggling by the eleventh and pulled up before four out. He was 8lbs out of the handicap and needs to be in a lower class to be competitive.
The form of GLACIAL RAMBLER’s last two outing read strongly with 5 of the placed horse having won since. However Glacial Rambler showed nothing here being pulled up after two miles.
TRISON’S STAR looked to have an opportunity in this company, but fell at the tenth.

James Ewart’s stable continued in fine form, BISHOPS HEIR emerging from the gloom as the winner of the bumper. This one is a brother to Turbo Linn and built on a promising debut at Kelso to win with some comfort, judging by the six length margin. The chances are that the Ewart yard has a decent one on their hands here.

The going is currently Good/Good to Soft for Musselburgh’s top jumps meeting of the season this coming Sunday. Hopefully there will be a decent crowd and there should be some competitive racing. Howard Johnson’s horses are well entered up at the East Lothian venue and it would not surprise me if he adds to his fine seasonal record at the track.

[robnorth]

MUSSELBURGH – Sunday February 1st

Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)

A decent crowd of around 4,000 was present for Musselburgh’s best card of the season. Indeed this was probably one of the best jumping cards Musselburgh have put on since they began racing under National Hunt Rules in 1987.

Derek Thompson spent the afternoon wittering away to all and sundry from his position in the paddock. Tommo is not my cup of tea, but on this occasion he provided plenty of useful information for the punters and did some good interviews, and can at least be said to be giving novice racegoers some idea about the sport. He provided some continuity for the crowd in the gaps between races.

The snow that arrived on Monday was presaged by a stiff chilly breeze blowing off the North Sea. The course had dried out in the days preceding the meeting.

1.30 2m 4f Class 3 Novices’ Hurdle

A few competitive in this heat, but the majority were making up the numbers. The Fife and Kinross women’s brigade arrived mob-handed, with Glenfarg-based Lucy Normile running four, Lucinda Russell sending two from Milnathort and another pair travelling form Sue Bradburne’s Cupar yard.

KNOCKARA BEAU ended a lean spell for his trainer George Charlton, looking on his toes and ready in the paddock and winning nicely. He proved useful as a bumper horse last year, and proved no slouch over hurdles on this occasion. He was moved up to the leader after the fifth, took over on the home bend and then had too much pace for the runner-up on the run to the line. I got the impression there was a little more in the tank. A step up in trip once again would do him no harm.
DIVERS won here last time and lost nothing in defeat under a penalty. His mark of 119 sets the level for the race. The first two kicked on clear of a promising third and I reckon the form is sound.
STORMIN EXIT, who led home the Fife and Kinross representatives, caught my eye on two bumper efforts and may a sound enough hurdling debut here behind proven performers. He set the pace as previously, but was outpaced once turned for home but stayed on for third. His best chance over hurdles looks to be a minor maiden event in the short term, but whatever happens I think this one will win races.
LORD RAGNAR went well for a way but was quickly left behind from the third last. He is a big gelding who probably needs a bit of time to strengthen up and was presumably here as a box filler for more talented stable-mates. There was enough here to suggest he’ll offer more given time and might be one to watch out for round the likes of Ludlow and Hereford in a while.
FIRST STREAM, a Group 1 performer in Germany, hadn’t been stretched when misjudging the seventh and coming down. He was easy in the market, which reflects the fact the Howard Johnson’s runners were reported held up by recent bad weather.

2.00 2m 4f 0-120 Handicap Hurdle

This appeared a potentially well contested event, but in the end the first pair were able to dictate. Whether they could do the same again if bustled up a bit is debatable.

STROBE was lifted 15lbs for his second to Woody Waller in a novice event here last time. This looked harsh, given that he’d been well held by Kyber here off a lower mark earlier. However, Strobe maintained the last time out form level, comfortably turning the tables on Kyber. He was allowed to dictate the pace for the final circuit, along with Danish Rebel, and the two never looked like being caught once they kicked on entering the home straight.
The 10lb claims for the first two riders must surely have helped, and Alex Voy on the winner showed his promise, outriding Jakub Kocman on the flat. Voy comes form nearby Haddington and looks an interesting prospect on the evidence to date.
DANISH REBEL was hindered by a slipped saddle last time. He ran some fair races last season and kept on for second having contested the lead. He will no doubt go up a few pounds for this but this run suggests he has prospects in this class.
DONT TELL THE WIFE, making his handicap debut, stayed on for third without ever threatening the two leaders. He won a bumper at Towcester in heavy, so is likely to appreciate more of a stamina test and has found his level in this company.
SIMPLE JIM led the pursuers three out having been out the back early, but couldn’t get any closer. He was put in a difficult position when the leaders pushed on. This probably wasn’t a bad effort on that basis and he should be competitive in similar events.
I couldn’t get enthusiastic about any of the others. KYBER was favourite and held Strobe on previous form, but never looked like winning this. The step up in trip might not have favoured him as much as the winner, but he just seemed below par. NOSFERATU was well backed but performed poorly. STAINLEY was pulled up and seems well out of sorts at the moment.

2.30 2m Class 2 4yo Novices’ Hurdle

Billed as a Triumph Hurdle Trial, but I fancy the best here might be more ‘Fred Winter’ material if taken to the Cheltenham Festival.

Nicky Henderson travelled to Musselburgh for the first time to take advantage of the better ground. I got the impression he was suitably impressed and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him visit again. Henderson’s GIORGIO QUERCUS disappointed in testing conditions at Chepstow, but Musselburgh is totally different, and revelling on the faster ground he came away from the last. It was a sound performance but he has many lengths to find for the Triumph Hurdle and I’d expect the Fred Winter Handicap to be the target. I’d be surprised if his 130 handicap mark changed much if at all for this.
NINE STORIES ran better than some Howard Johnson competitors at the meeting. He had every chance at the last but was held on the flat. Two mile novices or handicaps on decent ground and sharp tracks look his level.
WEST WITH THE WIND won here in December, but found the opposition tougher. He set a decent pace, but couldn’t summon up enough extra once passed. It looks as if he’s more stamina oriented than the first two.
SACRILEGE placed twice previously wasn’t good enough. He stayed on and will win a novice event once his sights are lowered a bit.

3.00 2m 4f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

The course executive must have been well pleased to see some decent novices turn up for this event.

KALAHARI KING is being quoted in single figures for the Arkle, but I can’t get that enthusiastic about him on this evidence. He had to work hard to see off a decent but not star novice in Astarador. He jumped well and got the upper hand essentially because he got the last right and the second didn’t. It could be argued that he will be better suited by a drop back to two miles, particularly given fast ground, but I fancy there will be one or two too good at the top level.
ASTARADOR, whose chase win came when gifted a lead by a shambles of a start, went along nicely in front, though awkward at one or two fences. The winner was under driving coming to the last but got a better leap than Astarador whose handicap mark of 135 would appear to set the level here.
WATERSKI bumbled round at the back, picking off his wooden spoon rival in the straight to gain a third prize.
UPTOWN LAD looked as if the race would bring him on. He had no chance and had to settle for fourth, though his jumping improved after being sticky over the first four. He has won three times earlier in his career, and with this race behind him a small handicap might not be out of the question.
PALOMAR, wearing earplugs as previously observed, was fit and on his toes. He was settled chasing the leaders, but was being stretched when hitting four out and well held when tumbling at the second last. The impression is he’s more comfortable seeing off inferior opponents.
HERNANDO’S BOY went comfortably enough before falling heavily at twelfth. He got up and appeared to be unharmed. Given that he’d gone well enough he should win again when aimed at easier contests.

3.30 2m 0-135 Scottish County Handicap Hurdle

Possibly the best class handicap hurdle ever run at the course, the race was run at a decent gallop with proven front runner Bywell Beau setting the pace. There were six in with a live chance at the last.

EUROPEAN DREAM has two ways of going, ‘go or ‘slow’ and Paddy Aspell reported that he knew the horse was on a going day as he headed down to the start. The gelding has to be held up until the last possible moment, so the fact that there were six in contention jumping the last must have been a help. For all that he can have off days his hurdles record is very good with 4 wins and 6 places from 18 efforts, so he’s always worth consideration in this type of event.
ALONG THE NILE was dropped back to a trip that suited him better than the two and a half miles he tried here last time. He challenged late on couldn’t quite get to the winner. He likes this course and needs decent ground; he’s not done anything on ground softer than good to soft.
AMAZING KING had won twice in two goes here, but the rise for his last win just held him on this occasion. Nevertheless this was a very good effort and he suffered a little as Along The Nile drifted on the run to the line. He does go well here but off a current mark of 131 his chances at the course are limited.
HIBIKI, making the long trip from Somerset, has proved consistent over hurdles and ran another creditable race. He couldn’t produce the speed of the first two on the run-in. To a certain extent he pays the price for his placed efforts as he is gradually rising up the weights.
JOE JO STAR was bottom weight here so up against superiors and certainly didn’t disgrace himself. He has been kept on the go on the all-weather since his win here, and is in decent form. He shouldn’t go up in the weights for the fifth here, and looks a sound proposition if dropped in class. Decent ground does seem to be a key on turf.
BOLODENKA was moved up in class having run Kyber close here last time. He was in contention at the last but felt the pinch on the run-in. On the evidence of his last two runs he barely sees out the trip, so fast grounds and a sharp track look essential, and he needs to be dropped in class.
BYWELL BEAU led the field at a decent gallop but gave way three out. He still retains his zest for racing, despite an indifferent spell chasing, and if his trainer can find a handicap hurdle at Kelso then he might just manage another win.
FOLK TUNE was shifted up 7lbs for his win here last time and that mark of 122 looks as if it will stop him.

4.00 2m 4f Class 4 Claiming Chase

There are very few claiming chases run in the UK, and I’m not sure I can remember a horse being claimed out any that I have seen. To me horses in these races seem to be entered at way over the value people are likely to pay anyway.

Evan Williams spotted an excellent opportunity to place CHRYSANDER and his charged had a little too much for a runner-up racing off 25lbs worse than handicap terms. The winner is suited by decent ground, which is almost a constant here, but would struggle to get into any handicap chase at Musselburgh given his current rating of 132. His rating owes much to his novice form and on this evidence he might find handicaps tough.
CATEGORICAL won this race last year and, for all that he has only recorded two wins over jumps, gives his running on most occasions. His future prospects depend on how the handicapper views this form. Given that he was close behind a 132, and beat two 117s comfortably he may be penalised. Even if we judge Snowy to have run to form in third then based on today’s terms Categorical would be moved up about 10lbs.
SNOWY ran as well as could be expected in third. He led but understandably had no answer over the last four fences.
ET MAINTENANT is rated a respectable 117, but his purchase of 6500gns seems a little low for a double winner this season. It could be he will need a little time to adjust to new surroundings, and he was below his best in conditions that should have suited.
BESTOFTHEBROWNIES was below form, as were many from the Johnson stable at this meeting. His two wins have come on good to firm at Sedgefield, and he could be better come the spring.
BARTON SUN, ridden by a Louis Bouldoires a Frenchman who rides cross-country chases, had no hope at the weights and trailed the field.
SYBELLIUS D’ARTAIX, who looked fit and on his toes, has ability but has shown very little for a couple of years. He lost touch from 6 out and pulled up.
ARIGNA unseated early and has shown nothing in three runs since moving from Ireland.
OCEAN DANCER was tried in a tongue tie here but was stones wrong at the weights and had no chance.
LOFTY LEADER was struggling after a circuit and his form has gone totally to pot in the last year and a half.

4.30 2m NH Flat Race

This was an interesting bumper run in the gathering gloom. As usual in these events there was a vast range of abilities.

Nicky Henderson introduced a nice looking sort in BELLVANO who was reported as attracting interest in the Cheltenham Bumper market. Whether he’s good enough for that I’m not sure, and I’d need further evidence, but he saw off a determined second and the pair pulled clear in the straight. He clearly seems to have plenty of raw ability and a second outing might give us more of a clue. If he does go to Cheltenham I would be happier if a stronger jockey then Mr J.P.Magnier were riding since, although he’s a fair enough amateur, the pros would outride him.
Karen McLintock has a decent bumper horse in Bygones Of Brid, and the evidence is that she has another distinctly useful recruit in NODFORMS VIOLET. He’s a big strong sort and a keen walker. He ran in snatches and got hampered on the stands’ bend. He then took a bit of time to get back into the race but picked up ground in the straight. He was outpointed in the final furlong, but was well clear of the third and must surely win a bumper, and next outing if kept to this level. He will learn from this and I suspect there is better to come.
EXCITING CAR showed promise on a single outing last season and kept on for third twelve lengths adrift of the second. He looked fit enough for this run, so would probably have to avoid anything decent if he’s to pick up a bumper, but there are plenty of run of the mill events on the northern circuit.
BUNGLASHA JAKE weakened quickly from two out. He was an expensive Wylie purchase having won a maiden Irish point and looks like a chaser.
DUAL OBSESSION looked to need the race and, having lost her place early on, found everything happening too quick for her. She’s a half-sister to Trabolgan and Huka Lodge, so a bit of time, a distance of ground and some jumps in the way will all help.

[moehat]

I’m pleased to hear that Hernando’s Boy was ok after that fall; I just happened to be watching the race at the bookies and it looked quite nasty.

[robnorth]

AYR – Saturday February 7th

Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

Ayr avoided the worst of the cold weather over the preceding week and, following a double inspection, survived the overnight frost. The going remained heavy, and it has been testing at the course for the whole of the jumps season to date.

The second last fence in the back straight remained out of action.

1.00 3m ½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

This looked a golden opportunity for GRIZEBECK, dropped in class from Grade 2 events, and he obliged with the minimum of fuss. His strength is that he is such a good stayer, and the heavy ground emphasises his stamina advantage.
MERIGO ran a respectable race in second. His hurdles mark is a good deal lower than his chase mark and, provided he doesn’t get put up too much for this run, it would seem sensible to try a long distance hurdle.
MANADAM should have got closer here and seems to be going backwards.
The remainder were well held.

1.30 2m 4f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

SILVER BY NATURE ran a good race until falling here over a longer trip last time. The mishap has clearly had no ill effects, and he jumped well here to take this event with a couple of novice winners in the race. He should have no trouble winning again and a step back up in trip wouldn’t be a problem.
BORIS THE BLADE made a very satisfactory chasing debut, keeping on for second place. He stays further than this, and should win over fences before long.
CROMWELL COURT ran well below previous form. He won here over two miles last time, but has proved he stays further. He’s better than this.
ASTON LAD performed much better here than on his previous efforts over fences. He seems to have got his jumping act together.
SA SUFFIT crashed out at the third, but seemed none the worse for his mishap.

2.00 3m 1f 0-145 Handicap Chase

A disappointing turn out for the prize money here, though travelling difficulties caused by snow in various places may have put trainers off.

SILVER SEDGE was encouraged into contention four out, led three out and ran on for victory. He may be capable of following up.
MONEY TRIX has been very lightly raced for a nine year old, with a couple of significant absences from the track but has only missed out on a first two finish once in 8 attempts. His jumping was not good, and he took a fall at Newbury on his previous outing, yet he was still in contention in the latter stages and bustled up the winner all the way. He’s a very useful handicapper, and this run suggests his not inconvenienced by his current mark. Assuming he jumps better in future I’d expect him to win a decent handicap.
WILD CANE RIDGE goes well here having recorded four course wins. He led, jumping well, but was feeling the pinch once turned for home. However he was still in with every chance until a blunder at the last put paid to his chances. His current mark looks about fair.
SEE YOU THERE didn’t jump at all well. He’s much more comfortable at Carlisle.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY was flying too high here, struggled from the twelfth and was pulled up. He’s run some fair runs in defeat in novice events, but that’s put him on a handicap mark that he can’t currently justify.

2.35 2m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

SAMMY SPIDERMAN remains in excellent form. He contested the lead down the straight, gained the upper hand on the run-in and found more when challenged once again. I got the impression there was still a little more left, and it wouldn’t surprise me if his winning run continued, since although he’ll go up he will still be eligible for this class.
RUN TO SPACE battled hard in the latter stages, but just found the winner too strong for him. He handled the testing conditions well enough. A good effort though he may go up a few pounds.
SOMETHING SILVER tired from three out having set the pace. A mark of 104 looks to high since his best winning mark is 94. (I note he subsequently dropped to 98, though another drop is probably needed)
CLOUD TEN, three times a winner in France, has made no impact in two UK outings. He was struggling a mile out and ended up a remote fourth.
INNOMINATE unseated early on, and his jumping is not good enough at the moment.

3.10 2m 5½f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

This was a competitive event for its level.

The star of the Willie Amos stable LIE FORRIT has been doing them proud and produced another solid performance to win this. He made steady progress in the straight, challenged at the last then ran on well. This was a handicap debut and there may still be a little more to come.
THATLLDOFORME won a chase at Sedgefield last time out. He kicked on in the straight, and then hit the second last before being caught at the last. He didn’t give up without a fight but will rise a bit in the weights since he was clear of the third. He lost nothing in defeat however, and is capable of being thereabouts off a higher mark.
CAPAL DUBH ALAINN made a promising handicap debut, staying on down the straight without getting to grips with leaders. Staying is clearly his game, a step up in trip will see him in even better light and I’d be surprised if a small handicap doesn’t fall his way soon.
AIRHILL LADY plugged on late, as did NEWMAN DES PLAGES but never remotely threatened the leaders.
KIRKSIDE PLEASURE was on the premises for much of the way but couldn’t get competitive at the business end and hasn’t won for three years.
LONGDALE moved to chase the leaders before the home turn, but that was as close as he got.
TWELVE PACES, who has two ways of running, never looked remotely interested.
Course specialist KEMPSKI was taken on for the lead on this occasion and gave way from the seventh, pulling up before three out. He needs things his own way up front.

3.45 2m 0-135 Handicap Chase

The top rated here was on 127 and this wasn’t a particularly strong event.

POLAR GUNNER is really thriving and relishes soft ground over the minimum trip. At the age of twelve he was winning off a mark 5lbs higher than his previous best. He made all and was too strong for his opponents in the latter stages. He will likely rise to a mark over 125 which might make his options a bit limited, but he should be a factor in similar class and conditions.#
FIRST LOOK hit a couple of fences in the straight, including the last, but had enough left to stay on for second. He performed poorly on his last outing here over 3m 1f, but dropped in trip performed much better. His best form is round here, though he has a first and a second at Kelso, and his record suggests a trip up to 2m 4f and cut in the ground are required.
QUICUYO didn’t get to bowl along in front this time, though he did stay in contention until the last. This probably wasn’t a bad effort on handicap debut and he looks capable of winning such an event.
ARIGNA ran a little better than previous efforts this side of the Irish Sea, but isn’t getting competitive.
ECHO POINT was making progress under pressure when coming down four out. He was returning to chasing after an up and down spell over hurdles. I think he will be hard pressed to make an impact off a mark of 127.
SOTOVIK was making his chasing debut after a lay-off of over two years, so the fact that he was in contention when unseating two out was creditable. He handles the testing ground very well and stays 3 miles plus, so on this evidence of a run here at the minimum trip his trainer has plenty of options. He looks a ready made chase winner.

4.20 2m 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

In contrast to the previous handicap hurdle on the card this wasn’t a strong event.

NELSON DU RONCERAY had the race run to suit him here, coming form off a strong pace to lead three out from which point he stayed on to stave off the runner-up’s attentions. He will rise in the ratings for this and bearing in mind things fell right here he may find things tough in the near future.
OPEN DE L’ISLE ran his best race of the season here, keeping on after the winner up the straight. On balance though his current handicap mark is about right.
ARDESIA had shown little form recently, but stepped up here, staying on for third. A drop in class would make him an interesting proposition based on this form.
ETHAN’S STAR has dropped in the weights but made no serious impact.
STAINLEY is out of form and if anything the application of a visor made him run too freely to help. He was pulled up.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Monday 16th February

Going – Heavy (Soft in places)

Another all-chase meeting at Carlisle and I presume they will run the whole jump season with just chases. The day’s meeting at Market Rasen balanced things nicely since they ran only hurdle races.

The first fence in the back straight was omitted.

2.15 2m 5f 0-90 Handicap Chase

MITCHEL HENRY has run some honest enough races since graduating from the pointing field and deserved his win here. He looked held two out but stayed on determinedly to collar the leader close home. A rise in the weights will probably take him out of the 0-90 range, though he should still be competitive at a slightly higher level.
IT’S A CLASSIC ran a cracker, disputing the pace for much of the way before taking over three out. He looked the winner at the last, but was running on fumes on the flat and got caught 50 yards from home. He refused at Fontwell when very tired two runs ago, then fell at Uttoxeter last time, but seems to have brushed that off and in his current form should pick up a minor handicap chase.
BABE HEFFRON went with the pace but felt the pinch from three out. He had been off the track since March 2007, and this was a rules chasing debut (Irish maiden point winner), so there is almost certainly better to come.
SEEK THE TRUTH as given a quiet ride and moved to the fringe of the leading group at the bottom of the hill. He couldn’t get any closer from that point. He’s on a mark he can win from, but probably needs better ground than this.
JOHNS SQUARE got closer than he had done in three efforts over hurdles, but couldn’t get to grips with the leaders and I’d need to see more to be interested.
MR TWINS led early but was seen off up the final hill and his losing run is now 27.
TULLY HILL won an Irish point back in 2005 but his record since has been abysmal and he pulled up not far past halfway, subsequently being reported as having a breathing problem which explains a lot.
LUZENIE was never going and pulled up. Since moving from France he hasn’t got closer beaten 50 lengths and was reported as having a breathing problem.
GUNADOIR wasn’t interested from the start.
JACKSONVILLE is an elderly hunter chaser, last seen nursed round third of three finishers behind Natiain in April (3m 7f – Perth), and was easily held in this company.
NICOZETTO seems to have been unnerved by his fall at Musselburgh as his two subsequent runs have been poor.

2.50 2m 5f Class 4 Mares’ Only Novices’ Chase

RATE OF KNOTS comfortably saw off her one serious opponent here. She led two out and stayed on. I suspect she will find it tougher in open company or handicaps and might be under-priced in such races.
TASTES LIKE MORE led but hit a flat spot around halfway. She came back into contention three out and chased the winner home from there. Her handicap mark of 100 looks accurate, so she wouldn’t want to go up for proximity to this winner.
TACINJA had every chance three out but found the first two too good from there on in. She was coming off a break so there may be a little more to come.
DEFINITELY IT has looked slow over jumps and had no chance here. She went well enough in front to the eleventh but then quickly fell away.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT, making her chasing debut, never looked happy and was being niggled along from early on.
SUNNY BROOK won a handicap at Hexham in November but had a stiff task here. She ran a fair enough race, being in contention until after two out, but took a heavy fall at the last when beaten.

3.25 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

This looked a decent little handicap and I suggest the form can be taken forward with confidence.

LE ROI ROUGE had been running creditably without being able to get into the final argument in Class 2 races. The drop down to a Class 4 event clearly suited and he stayed on well to lead within the last 50 yards. This win will take him out of Class 4 company, but he will still have opportunities if keeping to the next grade up, maybe 0-120 or 0-125.
The veteran HOLLOWS MILL is a bit difficult to catch right and looked up against it in this company. However, he had a real going day on this occasion and looked likely to prevail before a gelding nearly half his age mugged him close home. This effort shows what he can do on his day, but he hasn’t won for two years and isn’t win betting material.
NORMINSTER has progressed over the season and produced a career high on this occasion. He was pushed along four out but responded admirably if never quite able to get to the leaders. He’s showing a good attitude right now and may well pick up another handicap if dropped a little in grade, always bearing in mind he’s best round Carlisle or Hexham.
ET MAINTENANT performed creditably on going which I would imagine was on the testing side for him. Back on better ground he should be in the mix in similar events and I suspect a step back up in trip would do no harm.
CANTGETON had every chance two out but then gave way. He’s sliding down the handicap but not threatening a win.
ANGLICAN went well to the bottom of the hill and then cried enough. This was his best effort in the UK, but there is still some way to go before he can get involved in the finish.
INCORPORATION raced prominently until three out. His best form is on flatter tracks in less testing going.
EURO AMERICAN made headway to four out but then dropped away. Course and conditions suited, so there seemed no excuse.
STORMY BEECH looked happy bowling along in front but soon capitulated once headed. He needs things his own way and decent performances are few and far between these days.

OSO MAGIC fell heavily at the fourth though got up OK, and brought down BOG OAK. This was uncharacteristic of Oso Magic who had never failed to finish in 20 chases before this.

4.00 2m Class 3 Novices’ Chase

Each of these performed much as a pre-race analysis suggested.

PSYCHOMODO won this with the minimum fuss and is now off to Cheltenham for one of the handicaps.
AURORAS ENCORE ran a fair race in second but couldn’t go with the winner from three out. He needs a longer distance on less testing ground.
STORYMAKER was no match for the first two from three out. He was always going to struggle against two higher rated opponents and his trainer must look for easier races.
PISTOL BASC continues to look slow.
ALMOND COURT fell early on, and his recent form is dismal.
KEMPSKI shows no aptitude for chasing and I’m surprised that Rayson Nixon tried him over fences again.
AUTUMNGOLD is an 11 year old with a seventh place in one Irish maiden point in 2004. He was soon left behind, pulled up, and gives not a hint of being a racehorse.

4.30 3m 4f 0-130 Handicap Chase

RacingUK didn’t have a replay of this race available, so analysis is performed off the bare result and form book comments.

James Ewart clearly has a progressive staying mare on his hands in OVERLADY. She beat nothing of great note at Sedgefield she’s moved on to seeing off some established performers here. She clearly revels in a good stamina test and kept on well having led approaching the last. Ewart must be looking forward to aiming this one at the Northern staying chases in the future. One point that should be made is that she is not the biggest mare and might be best kept to races where she has light weights.
BOLD RANSOM stuttered a bit last time at Ayr, but seems to have continued his upward progress with this effort, being outstayed on the flat. He’s another comparatively young staying chaser who is one to note for similar events.
Twelve year old HUKA LODGE represented the established brigade and ran to his form. His problem is that he’s never won off as high a mark as this over fences.
ROSIE ALL OVER is mare who has improved through the season. She’s probably reached a ceiling mark for now, but ran a sound race here leading from four out until just before the last.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH should have had no trouble with the trip, but faded from two out. He’s had a succession of races in tough conditions and it could be a rest is needed.
BORIS THE BLADE was upped by half a mile on anything he’s tried before and didn’t see out the trip, weakening up the final hill. Three miles in the mud seems best for him.
MATMATA DE TENDRON looked to have missed out on an opportunity when Sedgefield was called off the previous day, and though conditions were ideal here the company was too competitive. Given the right race and conditions I’d still bear him in mind.
BELLANEY JEWEL won on his seasonal debut, but has been well off his game in three attempts since.

5.00 2m 5f 0-115 C.J./Am Rid ‘Hands and Heels’ Handicap Chase

TEENANDO returned to his best here, and gave the impression there may be more improvement in him. He kept on strongly up the hill.
MANOUBI has developed a habit of staying on just too late to get involved. He pipped Honour’s Dream for second on the run-in.
HONOUR’S DREAM was driven along a mile out but kept responding though never having enough left to challenge the winner. He would appear to be handicapped to his mark.
RED SCALLY pulled up three times last spring, but performed a good deal better for his new stable on his first run since then. He had every chance until weakening before the last. It is reasonable to assume he might come on a bit for this and could pick up a similar event
CHICKAPEAKRAY couldn’t go with the leaders from four out and seems held at the moment. She tries hard and places now and again but that means she stays on the same mark.
MANDINGO CHIEF ran prominently to five out and showed a little more than of late.
LAGO took a horrible fall at the eighth and I didn’t see him get up. I’m not sure he survived the fall.

[robnorth]

AYR – 20th February

Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

The second last fence in the back straight was missed out once again.

2.10 2m 4f 0-90 C.J. Handicap Hurdle

A very ordinary event won very comfortably by ZAFFARELLA. She won this cruising clear over the last two hurdles but will be punished by the handicapper. Her best chance of a follow up is likely to be coming out quickly with a penalty.
PAY ON stayed on late for second but one win in 28 goes doesn’t inspire. He was followed by long-standing maiden BABY SISTER who put the race in context.
One to take out of this contest may be PENDLE FOREST. She has looked totally miserable bumbling round at the back in novice chases, but looked much happier here bowling along in front. Unfortunately she hit the seventh and here rider lost the irons, having to pull up. There is just a chance she could pop up at a fancy price in a similar event. Pendle Forest has since run third in a selling handicap at Catterick and this has probably blown any chance of a decent enough price in a similar event.

2.40 2m 4f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle

Very few got into this and there was a lot of dead wood.

SCOLBOA MUSIC MAN moved up to lead before three out. He was under pressure from a fair way but kept on well enough.
DANCING DIK stepped up on previous hurdles efforts, closing quickly after the last but just held. He seems to be getting the hang of hurdling, seemed to appreciate the step up in trip, and can win a similar contest.
SIRKEEL was held up at the back and in retrospect seemed too far out of his ground. He chased the leader in the straight but couldn’t get to grips. He should win at this level given a slightly more enterprising ride.
STORMIN EXIT is a game sort and is steadily progressing. Racing prominently, he led before three out and though headed stuck on well. One more race will get him a handicap mark and I think that will be the most likely field for this one to record a win. His attitude will stand him in good stead at a lowly level.

3.10 2m 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase

STORM SURGE was very impressive here, jumping boldly in the lead and coming clear once turned for home. He’ll go up a fair bit for this, but he’s an improving young chaser and might well be capable of handling a higher grade.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS ran a decent enough race but couldn’t hold the winner in the straight. He normally finds at least one too good.
CARRIETAU ran to his established level, staying on for third. He’s run consistently without threatening to win and needs lowering in the handicap.
MORE LIKE IT was left behind from five out. He won twice before the turn of the year, but the second race was a soft event and he’s probably a few pounds too high.
HICKORY LANE faded from 5 out and his form is moderate.
DUKE OF MALFI departed early.
FRITH has been unlucky twice now, and he was pulled up early on after his rider lost his irons. He’s on a mark he be competitive off, and is better than recent form figures suggest.

3.45 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

This was a one horse race as the big and impressive looking QUWETWO saw off vastly inferior opponents comfortably. It was difficult to draw too many conclusions from this race, but he may now go to Cheltenham.
MAXWELLTON BRAES impressed with his attitude as he chased the winner determinedly from three out. He wasn’t remotely good enough to hold such an opponent, but he has shown enough to suggest a small race might come his way, and this third hurdle means he is now eligible for handicaps.
DALLAS BELL and PRINCE TAM ran respectably in third and fourth, but will need to show more to threaten a win.

4.15 3m 1f 0-110 Handicap Chase

The second last was missed out, presumably due to damage caused first time round.

Not a brilliant event for the class.

ALMIRE DU LIA made it three out of three in this event in the last three years. He was presented with the race when the runner-up made a complete hash of the last, but did at least show some resolution. He seems a different horse round here to anywhere else, but consistency isn’t a strong suit.
PANAMA AT ONCE looked to have come to win his race at the last, but gave it a whack, did well to stay up and couldn’t get back up. This was a third decent effort in a row, and he seems to be thriving for being kept on the go.
INNOMINATE was left behind from three out. His jumping isn’t good enough yet.
TRISONS STAR is well held and is regressing.
SOMETHING SILVER has yet to prove he stays this distance and never got competitive anyway.
INCAS was coming off a long lay-off and blundered away his rider at the ninth. It remains to be seen if he retains his ability.
NELLIEDONETHAT was raised in class here and fell away disappointingly from the twelfth. The way he quickly capitulated suggests a problem.
BENBEOCH led but jumped moderately. He gave way in the straight and came down at the last.
CHAMACCO never showed and pulled up with a mile left.

4.50 2m NH Flat

The stable of James Ewart have been going really well recently, and introduced a decent looking newcomer in TURBO ISLAND. He still has some growing to do, and word is that he won’t be hurried, but this performance showed much promise. He came clear from two out under gentle encouragement.
BIG BOOTS set the standard here having been a clear winner of a similar event here last year. He came back well after a break and forged well clear of the remainder. He looks an interesting prospect once going over hurdles.
TURTLE SPIRIT, by Turtle Island, would have had conditions to suit but was left behind down the straight. ERRINGTON improved on the home bend but could offer no more from there.

5.20 3m 1f Hunters’ Chase

After the loss of the opening Musselburgh and Kelso events, the Scottish Hunter Chase season finally started with a small but select field. A change to the conditions of some Hunter Chases this season sees them restricted to winners of no more than three chases. This would presumably be to keep out those older horses coming out of handicapping, but the effect is to lessen opportunities for some of the regulars on the hunter circuit.

The race turned on the fall of ALWAYS RIGHT four out. The pace was just picking up and he had led jumping well but misjudged the fence and came down. The suggestion was that he has made the transition from novice hunter company. He brought down established performer ROBBERS GLEN who was going well at the time. This was an improvement on his seasonal debut in a point.

BROOKLYN BREEZE ran a fair third on his seasonal debut at Bangor and stepped up on that here, getting on top from two out. He seems to have retained his ability as a 12 year old, and only last year he was second in a competitive 0-140 at Perth.
SLEEPING NIGHT ran well enough but was held from two out. He still retains some ability but isn’t as good as he was and will need an easier event to score.
TYNEDALE didn’t jump all that well early on, and on the basis did well to be beaten just over nine lengths, particularly as he is rated 19lbs worse than the winner. If he can repeat this form he may pick up a minor hunter chase.
TIME TO REFLECT didn’t look good enough in this company and was well held from five out.

MUSSELBURGH – Friday 20th February

Going – Started out as GOOD, but with steady rain had become GOOD TO SOFT (SOFT in places) by the fourth race.

This was an additional meeting following the loss of a couple of earlier meetings to frost.

2.00 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

RED MOLONEY sluiced home here, having won twice over course and distance previously. He is now aimed at the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham, but with only form from Musselburgh over hurdles it’s difficult to gauge how good he is.
HOUSTON DYNIMO has yet to win, but hasn’t done much wrong in three races, and chased the winner home. He must surely pick up a run of the mill event, though he needs to settle a bit better than he has done to date.
GEOJIMALI sees out the trip well for a sprint bred performer. Given decent ground, a sharp track, the minimum trip and less accomplished opposition he looks to be capable of picking up a race. One of the lesser events at Perth in the spring could be a target.
RAINCOAT was once rated 109 on the flat having finished second in the Dante Stakes. He was making his jumping debut here and put in a satisfactory performance. He made progress to three out but had no more to give from the next.
PAKINEO DES PICTONS pulled up. (

March 9 – David Parry who runs the DPRP informed me that the gelding broke a leg and sadly had to be put down. A blow to a group who are good supporters of racing in Scotland.

2.35 2m 4f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

ROLE ON recorded a confidence boosting win here. He jumped well, led three out and stayed on, taking advantage of the runner-up’s jumping going to pieces late on. The longer trip here clearly suits.
STRIKING ARTICLE looked very promising when cruising home at Hexham in October, but in retrospect he probably didn’t beat an awful lot that day and he hasn’t progressed since. He was in the firing line from the start here, but he jumped markedly left down the straight and threw his chance away. It could be said that he needs a left-handed track, but he looked like one trying to get himself right at the fences by running down them, and that doesn’t augur well for a step up to handicap company as he’s rated 132. One to oppose until he proves he can get his jumping together.
REEL CHARMER was staying on at the end. He was a 130-rated three mile winner over hurdles, so a step up in trip would help.
WATCH MY BACK ran a decent race in fourth getting a bit closer than official figures might have suggested.
HERNANDO’S BOY was out of sorts and beaten a long way.

3.10 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

The first two here had both shown decent course form previously.

Already a winner over a longer trip at Kelso, GRAND THEATRE put his staying power to good use in the latter stages to come clear between the last two hurdles.
DIVERS couldn’t hold the winner and seemed to run a bit below his mark, judged by the ratings of the third and fourth.
EMPTY SKY kept on for third. He’s yet to win over hurdles and gives the impression a step up in trip might help.
STARBOUGG looked in trouble at the ninth, but stayed on again up the straight and is another who stays rather than having serious pace.
NIGHT FORCE led to three out but had been headed and was under serious shoving when coming down two out.

3.45 3m 0-135 Handicap Chase

No particular strength in depth in this race and I’d be a bit wary of this form carried forward at the same level.

BRAVE REBELLION picked up on the leaders on the final bend, took over two out and battled well enough to hold on close home. Allowing for a ‘refused when knackered’ in heavy at Doncaster in December, and a pulled up in competitive company at Ascot he’s pretty consistent, but will likely be a few pounds higher than ideal when the weights are adjusted for this run.
TOP DRESSING seemed to see out the trip well enough on a first go at three miles. He is another as high as he would want to be in the handicap.
NOIR ET VERT was getting into the race when hampered four out and failed to muster an extra effort from two out. A quick change of pace is not his forte and he would need farther to show his best.
SOUTH BRONX was prominent early but held from five out. In these conditions the trip would have stretched his stamina, and anyway consistency wouldn’t rank as a strong point.
KALMO BAY was held up as usual, couldn’t get into the race and needs to be dropped in class. His best efforts have been conceding weight to inferiors, and softened ground here would not have been ideal. He’s still worth noting in the right circumstances.
MR PREACHER MAN was struggling before two miles were up and soon pulled up.
HAS SCORED, as with many runners from the stable, was totally outclassed and lost touch five out before pulling up.
OUR JASPER had been near the head of affairs all the way, and led four out, but came down. He last won off 116 and despite a losing run of 8 has gone up to 125 …go figure!

4.20 2m 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

As with many similar events this was strong on numbers but weak on solid form.

ORMUS led three out and held off a previous winner. He probably gave his best to produce this win and wouldn’t want to be shunted up far.
STROBE ran to his form in pushing the winner to the line. Given that this was short of his ideal distance there may still be a little in the locker over a longer trip.
FARNE ISLAND was in a class where he had a chance and he stayed on for third. This is his level and there’s a chance there’s a bit more to come over hurdles. A mark of 90 gives scope for a drop in class.
BEAU LARGESSE in fourth did quite well coming from off the pace and may benefit from further.

4.55 2m NH Flat

SAVEIRO boasted the best form against a distinctly ordinary bunch and saw them off with the minimum of fuss. Unless aimed at Cheltenham or Aintree, where he would need to find extra, I assume he will now go hurdling.
WAVE POWER was a winner at Leopardstown in December, but looked ordinary here being held in the last three furlongs.
MOSCOW MISCHIEF has enough about him to suggest he will advance when going jumping, but had only one pace up the straight.

Notes from Newcastle’s Eider meeting then Catterick to come.
Then it’s 8 meetings in 9 days starting at Kelso on Saturday. I suspect that time constraints might mean that my notes will abbreviated to a certain extent but I hope to communicate the main positives and negatives.

In the days up to Cheltenham I hope to post my opinion of the chances of potential Scottish and Northern runners at the meeting. That will be on the Cheltenham 2009 Section.

[robnorth]

CATTERICK – February 24th 2009

Going – Good

The races were re-timed following an accident in the first race involving Jacqueline Coward. She was knocked unconscious and needed to be airlifted to hospital. Latest word was that, although still a bit woozy, that she was on the mend.

3.10 (off 3.40) 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

Plenty of pace setters in here and they set off hell for leather.

EBORARRY sets the pace when he can but had to follow the brisk lick set by Falcon’s Tribute. It may well have suited Eborarry, as his rivals dropped away over the last three and he kept on well to win. He’s not a prolific winner and needs a race run to suit, but places quite often and is at least some sort of measure at this level. I consider him for ‘shape of race purposes’ but oppose for betting purposes.
WHATCANYASAY progressed to hold every chance three out but was held in the latter stages. He’s running consistently right now, and it might be worth bearing in mind that he is a four time winner at Sedgefield.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY has dropped a bit now it has dawned on the handicapper that he’s not as good as some of his placed novice form. He kept on at the end and might be interesting upped in trip now that he seems to have found his level.
MAJORCA possibly needed the run after a break, running on from two out without threatening the leaders. His current mark would seem about right and he looks ‘win in his turn’ material.
MISS PROSS threatened to get involved three out then faded. She is 9lbs higher than her winning mark over fences, and not yet getting much relief.
SUPER BABY was below the level of his recent form and was reported as having lost a shoe. His stable is going well and it might be possible to forgive him this effort.
STORMY BEECH raced prominently but faded from four out. He is capable of winning at this level, but one thing you can guarantee is that you don’t know what you are going to get. At best he needs to dictate the race.
ROYAL GLEN was always in the rear. Might be worth a try around Carlisle as his best recent form has been at the track.
I’M YOUR MAN had a good spell in the late summer and autumn when there was less competition, but isn’t producing too much in these events at the moment.
STAGECOACH AMBER is unpredictable, if able on his day, but had an excuse here since he was another to lose a shoe during the race.
FALCON’S TRIBUTE went very fast in the lead to three out and then weakened rapidly to last place. His best placings have been on good to firm ground.
BESTOFTHEBROWNIES never showed an interest.

4.10 (off 4.30) 3m 1½f Beginners’ Chase

CHIEF DAN GEORGE has been brought along steadily by his trainer, and came clear of a moderate field here. It would seem he is nowhere near his hurdles form over fences and his current mark of 131 would make it tough moving to handicaps.
GREAT APPROACH ran near to his form in second place, but it’s frustrating that he manages to avoid being involved close home.
PASS THE CLASS made mistakes here, but ran a decent race to place. He will presumably revert to handicaps, and is favoured by fast ground.
ESME RIDES A GAINE led to four out then dropped away. This was better than previous efforts under rules, and does at least promise a little for low class handicaps.
ANGLICISME has won a couple of selling hurdles recently, but a race like this seems a different matter. There is no immediate promise of a chasing win and a current chase rating of 112 looks harsh.
TREEHOUSE has looked slow since moving up from pointing.
MASTER BUILDER was perhaps feeling the pinch when coming down at the fourteenth.
OH PICKLES couldn’t keep up and pulled up.
TULLY HILL has proved inordinately slow since moving from Ireland. Connections would appear to wasting their time racing him.

Plans at home mean I can’t make it to Kelso on Saturday, though will watch courtesy of ATR, but I will be at Musselburgh on Sunday and I’m likely to make the Ayr meeting on Saturday 7th. Plenty of action to be watched in the meantime and I shall try to keep up with the chasing activity.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Saturday February 28th 2009

Going – Soft (Good to Soft in places)

Kelso’s most prestigious meeting of the year with £12000+ to the winner for three of the races on the card. Fields for the main contests were small, perhaps a reflection of the proximity to Cheltenham. However, I rather get the feeling that one of two of the competitors here might be aimed at Aintree.

2.00 2m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase

CANTGETON stole this race by getting clear from the home turn. There was precious little left on the flat but he just kept going long enough. Having been rated 120 at one point he slipped to a rating of 107 here, and stepped up on a promising fifth at Carlisle. His form on soft ground this winter has been nothing to shout about, but basically he needs better ground and the Kelso turf had just dried sufficiently. He shouldn’t be raised too much for this and is one to consider as the conditions dry out.
FRITH had been unlucky twice in a row before this. Having been caught a bit flat footed from three out he stayed on again on the run-in and would have won in a few more strides. He has moved up through the ratings over the winter, and he wouldn’t want to be a huge amount higher than this 93, but he can still produce decent efforts.
OPEN DE L’ISLE looked in trouble three out, but picked up again on the run-in. He runs as if a longer distance is required, but I’m not totally convinced by that and his efforts over 2m 4f have been disappointing. I suspect he might just be suited by round about the minimum trip and an uphill finish where the leaders come back to him.
CASH MAN had a chance approaching the last but weakened on the flat.
JUSTWHATEVERULIKE might be better at the top of the weights in a lower class. He gave his best but was held on the run-in.
BOB’S DREAM was tried in a tongue-tie here, but it didn’t result in a significant improvement. He made mistakes mid-race and was a spent force by three out.

2.30 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

LIVVY INN was slightly unusual in that Lucinda Russell acquired him as a two-year-old. Though not recording a win on the flat, he did show a glimmer of ability. He sprinted clear of a previous winner from the last here. Fortysecond Street looks no better than ordinary and rest look distinctly moderate, so what Livvy Inn achieved here is debatable though he could do no more than he did.
FORTYSECOND STREET looked the likely winner from two out, but couldn’t cope once the winner went past. A longer trip will suit him better as he won over 2m 4f at Musselburgh, and he would seem likely to end up contesting middling handicaps.
ALDERLEY ROVER stayed on for third. A longer trip should suit, though his current handicap rating of 120 looks a bit high if he moves to that sphere.
FISHING INSTRUCTOR once again showed a glimmer of promise and may make the grade in time.
BALLINDERRY PARK was made favourite, but fell away very quickly from before the last.

3.05 2m 1f Class 2 Novices’ Chase

CAMDEN GEORGE made the pace in this one and stretched his field from the home turn, holding enough in hand to get away on the run-in. On the ratings he was entitled to have every chance here. He had previously run consistently without getting his head in front. He’s probably better over a longer distance so there may be a bit more to come.
CROMWELL COURT pretty much ran to his form returning after breaking a blood vessel at Ayr on his previous outing. He was tapped for speed from the last.
SOUBRIQUET was just hanging on from about four out and predictably couldn’t stick with the first two from the home turn. Judged on his hurdling mark he probably performed as well as could be expected here and should find easier races.
WILLIAM BONNEY never looked that happy to me and was left behind in the straight. He was second of four at Towcester, but to my mind has still to prove himself over fences.
DEGAS ART hit the seventh and decanted his pilot. His fencing form is unimpressive.

3.35 2m 6 ½ f Class 2 Chase

One of the better class chases that Kelso stages, but the disappointing turn out of 4 surely has much to do with its proximity to Cheltenham.

CLOUDY LANE was apparently using this as a Grand National prep, though I can’t see that this race and its likely small field were going to be a real help. In the event the horse totally misjudged the first and fell. There’s always the chance that such a horse might ‘take his eye off the ball’ in such a small field. I wouldn’t take a huge amount of notice of this effort.
MORE LIKELY must surely have had a problem. She wasn’t able to get in front and doesn’t particularly like sitting in behind, but even allowing for that she gave in tamely and was pulled up after a circuit. She’s better than that.
MONEY TRIX showed much promise on his seasonal debut, and showed a clean pair of heels to the pacemaker Natiain after the last. He was awkward at a few fences and needs to sharpen up, but he’s a class act who should progress again.
NATIAIN is being forced into these events by the restrictions of many hunter chases. He did at least pick up decent prize money here, though was left for dead once headed. I understand he is eligible for the hunter chase here in late March and that would surely be his target.

4.10 2m 2f Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle

Kelso’s highest grade race of the season.

KNOCKARA BEAU took advantage of a scrap between Wendel and Alfie Flits. Those two burnt each other out and the George Charlton trained gelding zoomed away on the flat. He’s coming on in leaps and bounds and, though entered at Cheltenham, his trainer seems to think Aintree is his best option. Evidence to date suggests that’s the right choice.
WENDEL was left in the lead three but then hit two out. The winner took over at the last and Wendel had no answer. He had the strongest form on offer, and on balance this was slightly disappointing.
ALFIE FLIT, winner of a decent novice event at Haydock but below form at Kempton, had every chance and seemed to be going well rounding the final bend, but struggled from the last. It could be that around about the minimum trip is best for him and a fifth race in Class 1 company may just have been one too many for now.
MR WOODS led early but was put in his place from three out and isn’t as good as the first three here.
TEENAGE IDOL was another who was held in this class, though it was disappointing that he was struggling a long way out. He couldn’t handle the step up from run of the mill novice races.
DOSLESSTHANME appeared to be going well enough to stay involved when hitting the third last and coming down.

4.45 2m 6 ½ f Hunters’ Chase

As is often the case in these events there was a range of ability and jumping amongst the contestants.

THE REVEREND was ridden patiently behind the long time leader. He took over approaching the last at which point the result wasn’t in doubt. This was his second chase win, so he’ll be eligible for these events for a while and looks capable of winning another similar event.
SMART CAVALIER was given a gem of a ride in front by Jamie Alexander. He was given a breather with 6 fences to go and it wasn’t until approaching the last that his stamina gave out. Even if the ground were better this trip stretches his stamina. He goes well on faster ground than this and if a two and a half mile event can be found it would be ideal.
NOCATEE plugged round for third, but was never anywhere near the leaders.
DOUBLE GEM plodded round to finish a very remote fourth and last.
MISTER MAGNUM won off a mark of 78 here in November ’07, but this was a tough ask and he pulled up.
REFLECTED GLORY was going well enough in third, and certainly not out of it, when unseating at the thirteenth. He had some fair form in similar company last season.
BEN NELLY unseated and his record is poor.
BILINGUAL showed promise first time out, leading Holy Joe when unseating at Friars Haugh, but he ran a lack lustre race here and was sadly killed when falling four out.
THEATRE RIGHTS is a dreadful performer and closest he has ever got under rules was beaten 65 lengths in a bumper.
HARTBURN was progressing when falling at the fourteenth. She has an impressive pointing record but has coped with fences under rules to date.

5.20 2m 6 ½ f 0-110 Handicap Hurdle

This was a race heavy on numbers, but not one where many got into the argument. After his horror fall at Carlisle it was heartening to see LAGO appear here and though he struggled in the race it’s good to know that he is healthy.

Description’s form had tailed off after early promise over hurdles. However he had swapped to Sue Smith’s stable, a trainer who has done a great job rejuvenating horses and getting them ready after a break. Recapturing his form Description was dropped in off 85 and left the remainder behind on the run-in.
LILY TARA performed well on her first run since May, chasing the leader from two out but having no answer on the flat. She should come on for this and is one to put in the notebook. It would be no surprise to see her aimed at the Perth Festival.
KENTUCKY BOY was one paced from two out. He might be worth a glance if aimed at Wetherby, a track where he has been close up a couple of times over hurdles. Extended trips should suit since he’s won over two miles on the flat.
CASSIUS stayed on into fourth, but stay on is all he does. A real slog in the mud or an uphill finish suit best.

[robnorth]

MUSSLEBURGH – Sunday March 1st

Going – Good To Firm

Musselburgh hosted the finale to its jumps season. The recent drier weather meant that the quick drying links turf was now on the fast side of good. The weather was a mixture of sun and showers, and the sprinkling of rain may just have taken the edge off the going. As predicted after the first meeting. The word ‘good’ appeared in the description of the going at all meetings, and this means decent fields on a regular basis since trainers will aim their decent ground horses at Musselburgh.

2.30 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

Howard Johnson has dominated the trainers’ table at the course this winner and the first race here provided a ‘penalty kick’ for his CARAVEL. The ‘ball’ was duly slotted away, the gelding coming clear after the second last. Decent ground is the key and Caravel will presumably have his sights raised to Aintree.
CASUAL AFFAIR had shown promise in two previous outings and once again showed up favourably. He was held from before the last, but kept on determinedly after the winner. He must surely pick up a novice hurdle before long, and might be one for a novice or maiden at the Perth festival.
SPEED UP, returning from chasing, never seriously threatened the front two but plugged on for third.
HILL BILLY ROCK is strong sort who pulled going down. He stepped up on his opening Doncaster effort, having a chance two out but then unable to raise any more than one pace. He’s going the right way, but may still need a little time.
PONTOP was a bumper winner, but is proving moderate over hurdles to date. He couldn’t go with the leaders from two out.
MISS TARANTELLA looks more of a racehorse now than she did at Hexham in October and was on much better terms with the world than she was that day. Her two runs since that have been much better. She was basically held in this class, racing prominently to six furlongs out before fading, but will still be one to consider dropped back to low level handicaps.
I couldn’t draw any encouragement from the remainder.

3.00 2m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

There was a sharp shower before this race.

JOHNNY ROCHE, equipped with an X-noseband, pulled hard going down. The headstrong nature didn’t affect him unduly in the race, and nor did a 403-day layoff, as he came through smoothly to take it up three out and win with a bit to spare. He is lightly raced and looks progressive.
CATEGORICAL is starting to get rather frustrating. He runs a lot of sound races as his form figures would testify, but doesn’t get his head in front that often for one of his ability. He never got into the argument here, but stayed on late for second.
GUNS AND BUTTER looked trained to the minute as there was hardly a spare ounce on him, despite being off the track for a couple of months. On the track he disappointed, being brought with a chance to three out but offering no more from that point. It could be that softer ground would help.
According to the man behind me, connected by phone to a colleague watching the exchanges, ZA BEAU was offered at 6/5 when leading on the final bend. At that price laying her was money for old rope since she’s held in this class and neither of us thought there was much chance she would stay in front. She was held by better opponents here and faded in the straight.
SOUTH BRONX is capable on his day but in unpredictable and made no significant show here.
PEN GWEN was in the rear and receiving reminders by halfway, with no real response.
STONERIGGS MERC, bandaged in front, was prominent early but had called enough by as they exited the back straight for the final time.
BENMADIGAN’s jumping was poor and he was tailed off by the twelfth. He didn’t look on good terms with himself in the paddock.

3.30 2m 0-130 Handicap Hurdle

The last of a sequence of competitive handicaps at the minimum distance here over the season, but the top rated was 8lbs less than the top mark. The contest was run in heavy rain.

TOSHI was last seen tripping over the tumbling Tony Dobbin at Kelso back in November 2007. He was in the process of running a decent race that day behind Akarem, but suffered a chipped knee which had kept him off the course. In the meantime Jim Goldie acquired the gelding from Peter Monteith, and his patience paid off as the gelding moved through the field in the straight, leading on the flat to win a little cosily. Toshi could be on a decent mark and it would be no surprise to see another win this spring.
LOS NADIS has got his jumping together now. He got away with it as a novice since his superior speed set him up, but since facing better company in handicaps he had struggled. However, he went well here and looked the possible winner two out only to be overhauled after the last.
HAZELDENE appears to be progressing. He led and stretched on going down the back straight. Having led the field it was to his credit that he was still in contention going to the last, but there was nothing left after that. In a competitive field this was a fine effort and he should be capable of picking up a run of the mill handicap hurdle.
JOE JO STAR came to hold every chance two out, but rapped the hurdle hard unbalancing his rider, and from that point his chance had gone. A sound enough effort which proved he remains competitive off his current mark.
STROBE was asked significantly tougher questions in this company than in his previous races, particularly bearing in mind he is suited by further. Ultimately he found the rise in class too hard to overcome, but ran a sound enough race if offering only one pace in the straight. One to watch out for stepped up in trip and maybe eased a little in class.
QUICK WILL had conditions to suit but, having been prominent for a mile and a half, dropped away in the straight.
CALCUTTA CUP, moved up from novice events, made no impact. Evidence suggests he barely sees out the two miles and the tougher competition would put pressure on him.
ALONG THE NILE was going well enough when falling at the sixth flight.

4.00 3m ½ f 0-120 Handicap Hurdle

The rain which had been falling for much of the last hour cleared before the start. This looked another competitive contest.

PERCUTANT won here in January and progressed from that leading two out and staying on to capture a second win. He overcame a 9lb rise here, is lightly raced, progressive and looks capable of dealing with a step up to the next grade.
ORANG OUTAN returned to hurdling here, having run respectably over fences at Catterick. Wearing the familiar Ewart sheepskin noseband and white boots, he raced prominently. He jumped big at the early hurdles, adjusting back to the smaller obstacles, but settled after a while. He looked outpaced two out but stayed on determinedly on the flat. He’s versatile and his able trainer should place him to advantage before long.
SINGHALONGTASVEER was better off with the winner for 1 ¼ lengths, but is more exposed and ran to his previous level. He generally gives a good account of himself.
KYBER raced up with the pace or led for a long way, eventually only able to raise one pace from two out. This was better than last time and he seems to stay, but the handicapper may well have caught up with him.
ITZACLICHE, sweating significantly in the preliminaries, was at the back for a long way but plugged on past tiring rivals in the straight.
FESTIVAL KING looked fit enough after a break and had every chance three out but gave way. A hike of 12lbs hasn’t helped him in hurdles.
DORIS’S GIFT raced prominently to four out and then weakened.
RUSTY RED made no impact on return after 11 months off and STAINLEY made no show moved up in trip.
The Johnson pair of SONARA and LABOREC were both in trouble a long way out.

4.30 3m 0-95 Handicap Chase

The jump races at Musselburgh closed for the season with a plodders’ championship.

SNOWY retains ability, but is handicapped to his mark and needs to be caught on the right day. He went prominent after a circuit and wound it up from four out, staying on to win with a bit in hand. He’ll go up for this and will have a job on his hands to win again.
STRAVAIGIN is honest enough and had conditions to suit, but hasn’t got a turn of pace and when she hit the fourth last the odds were against here. She stayed on after the winner on the flat. If Jim Goldie could find a race over an extended distance, fast ground and a flat track she would be in her element. I identified the Highland National as a possible, but the bottom rated last year was on her mark of 95 so she wouldn’t be guaranteed to get in as she is on that mark now.

SHULMIN is much better round Sedgefield over 3m 3f, so did creditably to finish a staying on third here. Watch out for her back at her favourite track.

It was difficult to find any encouragement amongst the rest who were, in racecard order;

ARCTIC GHOST is a handsome grey who impresses in the paddock but appears slow and clumsy right now and, having jumped awkwardly early, fell at the sixth.
NELLIEDONETHAT, even allowing for a rise up the handicap, seems to have gone over the top now given the going wasn’t an obvious excuse.
YANKEE HOLIDAY has re-acquired the x-noseband and looked as fizzy as ever. He has placed over this distance but it’s basically too far and his winning form is fast receding into the past. He runs often presumably because he has so much energy to burn, but his best bet would have to be an uncompetitive fast ground race at shorter, probably at Perth.
BAKER FLINN was making his first appearance for Alistair Crow after a year and a half lay-off. He struggled from the tenth.
ESQUILLON was very novicey in her jumping and couldn’t keep up, being detached from the third fence. She has no immediate prospects over fences.
MR TWINS never got to the front and had had his fill by the fourteenth.
GRAND MANNER, who has had a seriously interrupted career, made no serious show.
JBALLINGALL, off the track for 803 days, was up with the pace for a way. He might at least be worth watching to see if his old form returns.
HICKORY LANE still doesn’t threaten even off 75.
KING;’S ENVOY is slow and clumsy and added to his record of failures. Somewhere in the past I actually found an excuse to back this one!

5.00 2m Class 5 NH Flat

Various strands of bumper form met in what looked a fair event despite a smallish field.

It was fitting that Howard Johnson should finish a season of dominance at Musselburgh with a winner in the final contest. ALVARADO looked fit and would appear to have progressed more than his previous conqueror Hunters Belt. He did show a few flashes of temperament though, ditching Denis O’Regan in front of the stands and then flashing his tail as he got a lead down to the start. He came to challenge three out but had to be encouraged to go about his business if doing it well enough in the final furlong. He has ability but on what he showed here I would be a little wary.
HILLVIEW BOY strikes me as a nice sort with a bit of scope. He pulled hard in the rear early but came through to chase the winner in the final furlong. His form looks solid as Saveiro, whom he beat at Doncaster, won easily here next time. He handles the fast ground and might be one to watch in the coming months.
NICK THE DREAMER has improved for joining Alan Swinbank. He set the pace and didn’t give in easily once headed. This looks sound form and he is going the right way.
Even allowing for a switch in the weights, it was reasonable to expect HUNTERS BELT might have been closer. It could be that he was cherry ripe first time where a few here have progressed. It is possible a slight ease in the ground would help.
TIPSY DARA is related to a couple of staying winners. She found things happening too quickly and will need time.

[robnorth]

A sequence of Northern meetings which sees racing on each day through to next Sunday continued at……

NEWCASTLE – Tuesday March 3rd

Going – Good to Soft

3.20 3m 0-120 Novices’ Handicap Chase

FIFTYFIVEDEGREES was moved up in class here and dealt with the better company in fine fashion. His Hexham maiden hunter form has been well backed up by Overlady of late, and he’s progressing nicely. He looks like another decent stayer for Raymond Anderson Green.
BORIS THE BLADE looked held three out but kept staying on, if never quite looking like getting to grips with the winner. He’s basically handicapped to his ability now.
MARLEYBOW is headstrong and paid for his ‘negative exertions’ in the latter part of the race.
TOP CLOUD’s form is going downhill fast and he was a remote fourth here.
ROSIE ALL OVER came under pressure five out and quickly dropped away. It could be that she had a problem, but I wonder if this was just one race too many since she has been kept on the go in testing conditions.

4.50 2m 4f 0-130 Handicap Chase

FLAKE rather got the run of the race here, leading from a long way out and then showing determination to hold his challenger. This probably wasn’t the strongest 0-130 (highest rated was 125) and I think he would struggle in a more competitive event.
DE BOITRON had every chance was out-battled close home. He coped with the rise in ratings well but have to be aimed at a nominally lower class to succeed again.
NIRVANA SWING was left behind in the straight.
OR DE GRUGY was disappointing, being another left behind in the straight, particularly given that his soft ground form should have made him competitive in this. However, it is worth noting that four wins out of his 5 have come in the spring.
CANADA STREET needs farther.
THE GLEANER went well enough before thumping the eleventh which knocked the stuffing out of him before he was pulled up. More evidence is needed as to whether he is favourably treated with a clear round.

CATTERICK – Wednesday March 4th

Going – Good To Firm (Good in places)

3.20 2m Class 4 Novices’ Chase

The second last fence was omitted as a jockey was being treated by ambulance staff.

HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY finally managed to find and opportunity to get his head in front. He’s ideally suited by a greater stamina test, and just kept galloping to the end. He’ll need more of a test to win again.
PROFESSOR HIGGINS had the rest of the field well beaten off and second to an established performer is a creditable effort. He should win a similar event.
KILKENNY ALL STAR was well seen off down the straight.
NAVAL ATTACHE had no chance at the weights, but on strict interpretation ran to his form in fourth.
LINLITHGOW LAD was never a factor.
BILSGREY bumbled round in the rear overtaking the proven tortoise TULLY HILL late on. ABLE DARA was pulled up and shows no prospect of achieving anything over jumps.
BALLABROOK led until hitting the third and jettisoning his rider. From a stable who know what to do with their chasers he should improve with time.

4.20 3m 1 ½ f 0-100 Novices’ Handicap Chase

This was a very ordinary handicap in which most were out with the washing by the third last.

GARLETON showed some promise last year and was yet another Smith charge well prepared after a break. He had been close behind some fair performers and stayed on to see off his only serious challenger. Make a note of Sue Smith’s runners coming off a break as they are normally ready to run to their best.
GENERAL HARDI stays well and bustled up the winner close home. He has recorded 6 seconds, but has yet to win in 23 goes.
THE ARTFUL FOX was four pounds wrong at the weights, but made most to four out and stayed on at one pace to hold third comfortably. He’s slow but at least going the right way.
KINFAYRE BOY was left behind in the straight. He has just one selling hurdle win to his credit in five years racing.
BLEU POIS threatened to get involved briefly four out but soon went backwards. He may learn from a first attempt over fences.
CLEAR THE WAY made no serious show.
GLACIAL RAMBLER hasn’t shown much over fences in the UK.
AJAY recorded a well beaten second two runs ago, but was schooled round that time and seemingly doesn’t handle the hustle-bustle of these contests.
I’M YOUR MAN never got close and unseated two out.
PENDLE FOREST, back over fences though I do wonder why, lost touch after two miles and pulled up before three out. My thoughts on this one over fences have been well documented.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT shook off his rider at the second.
JETHRO TULL threatened a win earlier in the season, but managed to avoid getting his head in front and pulled up two out here.

4.50 3m 1 ½ f Class 6 Novices’ Hunter Chases

Enough moderate horses got into contention here to suggest this wasn’t much of a race.

I SEE A STAR jumped very poorly but, given a breather after his howler at the last down the back, battled back in the straight and got in front on the line. A typically expensive Wylie purchase, he really needs to get his jumping act together to produce form that his £48,000 price tag warrants. Almost certain to be underpriced in future.
SHANTEEN LASS has three point wins to her credit but had been running moderately recently. She led three out and was still two lengths up at the last only to be pipped close home. She’s well exposed and what you see is what you get.
GUNNER ROYAL is rated 82 which sets the level, and even then he jumping appallingly though he must have a solid constitution to stand up to hitting a couple of the fences in the straight halfway up. He recorded a well beaten second to Sonevafushi at Overton, and might just manage to pick up a similar event if putting in a clear-er round!
NECTAR DE GUYE plugged on for fourth but has yet to win a race in 32 attempts under rules and in points.
OCA DE THAIX, a maiden point winner who has been frustrating since, was held from two out.
FARMER FRANK a three time point winner, lead at the twelfth and pushed on after the sixteenth. However, he soon weakened and his rider looked untidy from then on.
SIMPLY SMASHING won a maiden point in Ireland but has done nothing else and lost touch quite early on.
EL FARGO, a very moderate maiden pointer, made brief progress at the fourteenth but was soon on the retreat and pulled up.
CUPID’S MISSION is rated 63 and wasn’t anywhere near that before pulling up!
PERSIAN PRINCE, owned and trained by the race sponsor John Wade, clearly didn’t read the script. He found the pace too taxing by the fourteenth and soon pulled up.
HEAVENLY LEADER was behind after a mile and pulled up not long after halfway.
ALISON’S TREASURE was behind early on, got in touch briefly with a circuit to go, but soon threw the towel in.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Thursday 5th March

Going – Heavy (Soft in places)

A busy end to the week commencing with a day’s chasing at Carlisle, then two days at Ayr followed by an additional card at Kelso.

Another slog in the mud here, as has been the case for much of the season. The heavy ground meant that the first and third fences out in the country were omitted.

2.10 2m 0-115 Novices’ Chase

Only five runners in this ratings limited novice event, but a decent little field nevertheless and a few pointers for the future.

BANOGE won a moderate event at Sedgefield first time over fences and seemed to step up on that here. He led going comfortably two out and stayed on up the hill. The conditions didn’t trouble him and it seems likely there is more to come.
ET MAINTENANT ran to pretty much the form of his fourth in a course and distance handicap last time. His level seems set and he looks the measure here.
ACTION STRASSE showed promise on his chasing debut, leading to before four out then being held from two out. He should learn from this outing and I’d expect him to be competitive at this sort of level.
WORK BOY had hinted at ability over hurdles at Southwell last time and showed up well enough to suggest that he may make a chaser. He came to racing late so ahs few miles on the clock for an eight-year-old.
TEENANDO had fifteen pounds to find with the principals here, but having pulled too hard he had an uphill task, fading from the bottom of the slope. He’s better off in handicaps and should not be written off yet.

2.40 2m 5f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

LA PANTERA ROSA has taken a time to fulfil promise, but stayed on to win what looks a moderate event. It’s the first time he’s run on heavy ground, so that could be the key.
CHECKERBOARD led until the flat before giving way. A fair effort and he looks below his 109 hurdles mark over fences so far.
TARTAN SNOW challenged up the straight on his chasing debut, but looked just held when falling at the last. He has a bit to find to match his 126 hurdling mark.
WEE GEORGE ran as well as could be expected against superior rated opponents.
This looks a last throw of the dice for INDY MOOD who didn’t get competitive.
BENBEOCH is let down by his jumping and finished well beaten.
LEGAL JOY has been poor over jumps and was pulled up here.

3.15 3m ½ f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

No more than a nice school round for JAUNTY FLIGHT who is stones better than the others. It should give her plenty of confidence.
MINSTER ABBI plugged on for second.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT lost touch from three out and needs a more realistic task.
BACK TO BILLS, an Irish point winner coming off a 12-month break, had no chance from four out. He probably needed the race and the jury is out, though current evidence does not favour him.

3.45 3m 2f 0-110 Handicap Chase (15 fences)

SUPER ROAD TRAIN is not one who will do things quickly but he jumps well and just gallops on, and his staying power won the day here. He has sound record round here and the course plays to his strengths. He is entered with a penalty in the ‘Hexham four miler’ during Cheltenham and since his rider takes off the penalty with his allowance it could be his event.
ITS A CLASSIC was very tired when jacking it in over this trip at Fontwell. However, there was no such problem this time and he had every chance at the last only to find the winner too strong. He’s in good form and should find a race.
SUPREME’S LEGACY led until the tenth at which point he came under pressure. He found it tough going up the hill but inherited third on the run-in.
MANOUBI was held up and plugged on up the straight to finish fourth. This distance round here looks a bit tough for him in these conditions.
PADDY’S TERN never made an impact and has yet to do so over fences.
MAGE D’ESTURVAL led the field from the tenth to the twelfth but dropped away up the final slog.
BALLYGALLEY BOB has found it hard to recapture last season’s chase form. He never got into a competitive position.
HEVER ROAD has pulled up twice since returning from a long break.
MITCHEL HENRY had a hard race here last time and this may have left its mark since he was never going and pulled up.

4.20 3m ½ f -0-90 Handicap Chase

SMART THINKER has run a succession of decent races recently. Given a six-week break after slogging round Towcester, he showed once again he can handle an uphill finish, staying on to catch the idling winner close home.
THE MAYSTONE made a real impact on his chasing debut. He jumped well and looked all over the winner approaching the last. Once in front it seemed he felt he had done enough, and Smart Thinker picked him off in the shadow of the post. Nevertheless a good effort from one so lightly raced, and he must surely pick up a race in time.
SUPERROLLERCOASTER stretched the field going to four out, but found his exertions taking their toll two out. This was a significant improvement on his previous six efforts, and the fact that his rating now allows a crack at this class will help in future.
SCOTT’S MILL raced prominently to four out then weakened.
MISTRAL DE LA COUR’s best efforts have been over shorter distances and he didn’t see out the trip.
INSTANT SHOT had a tough task here on handicap debut and made no show.
HOLLOWS MIST comes up with occasional bit of form in lowly handicaps, but didn’t get competitive on this occasion.
HIGH FIVE is another who is a capable stayer at this level on his day, but he’s been way off his game on recent runs.
TIME TO REFLECT was well beaten in a hunter chase first time, and didn’t last far past halfway here.
HERBIE’s jumping let him down once again. He’s not a safe conveyance.
FIGHT THE FEELING added another P to his collection of letters and has shown nothing significant for some time.
ANSHABIL had a two race purple patch back in 2006, but has been a sluggard since.

4.50 2m 0-100 Handicap Chase

BAMBY won a couple of hurdles last year and improved on recent hurdle form to make a winning chase debut. He jumped well enough and came clear up the hill. Previous history suggests it may pay to oppose a repeat.
NORMINSTER recorded another sound effort in what has been a decent season. He’s handicapped to his mark, but runs his race when coming to here or Hexham. His trainer sticks to local tracks, Carlisle, Ayr, Hexham, Newcastle and Kelso, and has a fine record from a string of moderate ability.
The enigmatic LERIDA probably ran to her best in third but isn’t one to trust.
THATLLDOFORME ran well to two out then could only muster one pace. He looks happier on a less testing track.
PISTOL BASC performed as well as he has over fences, but fifth place sums up his limited ability.
HOLLOWS MILL has run well here a couple of times this season, but doesn’t win often these days and mixes the good stuff with some poor efforts. Today was not his day.
BOG OAK showed a glimmer but two runs back but seems to be going backwards.
Triple Midlands winner THIEVERY looked an interesting placement from Henry Daly, but had nothing to offer from four out.
DUKE OF MALFI has gone to pieces since a win at Hexham in November.
STORMY BEECH needs to be in front and doesn’t show an interest if, as was the case here, he can’t dictate.
ISAN made mistakes and pulled up before the final hill. He has shown no aptitude for jump racing date.
ROYAL GLEN was making no progress when coming a real pearler four out. I hope she was unscathed.

[robnorth]

AYR – Friday March 6th 2009

Going – Soft(Heavy in places)

A hard slog once again in the west of Scotland as the ground bordered on heavy for the start of the early March meeting.

2.20 2m 4f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle

The majority of the field missed a marker when the seventh flight was omitted, so only two of the finishers were given places and fines and bans were dished out to errant jockeys.

SERAPHIN was one of only two to take the correct course. Graham Lee realised that most of the remainder had dropped a clanger and didn’t over push his mount for the rest of the race.
GRAND OPERA was the other horse to take the correct course but was miles behind.
EXTALAR was getting the better of Stormin Exit when the latter departed at the last. He at least retains his maiden tag and should win a similar event.
STORMIN EXIT is gradually progressing. He set the pace as ever, battled back well once challenged but seemed likely to be held when coming down at the last. He’s got a good attitude and a race should be found.
EASTER VIC stayed on for a well held ‘second’, but has something to find to threaten a win in any but very moderate company.
SIRKEEL, who seemed to have a golden opportunity here, came down at the first.

2.55 3m 1f Class 5 Beginners’ Chase

This was a poor event.

SADDLERS WAY ran a respectable fourth in what looked a fair novice hunter event at Perth last May. He didn’t need to perform any better to win this. He stayed on well enough but will struggle to make a mark under a penalty.
MAT HILL was found wanting from two out, inheriting second at the last.
BEAU SADDLER looked on much better terms with himself than when last seen at Ayr. He challenged up the straight but hit the last halfway up and tumbled. His jumping seems destined to be a weakness when pressure is applied.
NOBLE HILL showed nothing on his debut under rules. Having jumped the tenth and eleventh slowly he looked on the point of refusing when his jockey pulled him up at the twelfth.

3.30 2m 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

AGGLESTONE ROCK is progressing nicely off what looks a generous handicap mark. He won this a bit cosily and more value than the 2 ½ lengths margin. He is being kept on the go over hurdles and on the all-weather and it seems likely he’ll pick up another handicap hurdle.
QUATRO PIERJI has yet to win over hurdles but didn’t do much wrong against a well handicapped opponent. He only has to repeat this form to win a handicap or a minor maiden/novice hurdle.
CHIEF SCOUT stayed on in third having been tapped for pace three out. He may win a race over hurdles eventually but he’s not progressive.
It was difficult to draw much encouragement from the remainder since the well held fourth LUGANO has not won in sixteen goes over hurdles.

4.05 3m 1f 0-125 Handicap Chase

SILVER BY NATURE bowled along in front before departing at the fifth. He then continued and almost took out the remaining runners on the bend after the stands.
PANAMA AT ONCE had a patchy start to his career, but has really come on in leaps and bounds recently. He suffered as much as any at the hands of Silver By Nature, neatly sidestepping as the latter fell and then getting a bash as the grey tried to find the exit later on. He stayed on well and his progression continues, now boasting a record of 3 wins and 2 seconds from 9 chases.
SAMMY SPIDERMAN was upped in trip, having been successful at 2m 4f/2m 5f previously. He challenged after two out but was outstayed.
COMMERCIAL FLYER, a useful hurdler, had never seemed happy over fences and departed this world after a fall four out. Admittedly it’s with a hindsight, but it does seem a pity that a horse who seemed to have fallen out of love with the game was unable to enjoy a retirement.

4.40 2m 5½ f 0-105 Handicap Hurdle

FRANCESCO had a little more potential improvement than most here. He beat one 9lbs out of the handicap and another who had won since 2005. His mark of 90 looks about right and he doesn’t strike me as future betting material.
FALSE TRAIL ran well on unfavourable terms, but it wasn’t much of a race and presumably he will be punished for finishing so close.
I wondered a while back if KID’Z’PLAY might be ready for retirement but he showed some zest here. He goes well on right handed tracks and it might be nice if he could be prepared for a ‘last hurrah’ at Perth in April.
BALAKAR was off his game and produces the goods only occasionally these days.

5.15 2m 4f 0-95 C.J. (Hands and Heels) Handicap Chase

RED SCALLY had dropped down to a more manageable mark and was able to exploit it in a poor event. He’ll probably struggle to find such a poor bunch of opponents in future.
QUINNTOWN stayed on for second, but he’s an 11 year old maiden running off 66 …
NEIDPATH CASTLE won a bumper many moons ago and missed a good opportunity here. He’s deteriorating.
STAR OF RAVEN has shown nothing in three runs since returning from a 19-month break.
BALLYNURE led to four out but looked held when crashing three out. He did at least show a little more zest than of late.
STORMONT DAWN had conditions to suit, but ran no sort of race and pulled up after the seventh.

5.50 3m ½f 0-95 Handicap Hurdle

VICARIO stayed on to win this. On the face of it he has been regressive, but has dropped a long way in the weights. Unfortunately the rise for this will take him out of 0-95 company.
SEEKING STRAIGHT led at the ninth but as ever could only muster one pace when headed two out. He goes well enough here and in the conditions, but has nothing to offer at the business end.
YOULUCKYMAN was left behind from three out and led a bunch of beaten horses with little immediate prospect of winning.

[Author]

Posts