North’s notes

[robnorth]

AYR – Saturday March 7th

Going – Heavy (soft in places), but with rain arriving mid afternoon I’m sure it would have been Heavy all round by the sixth race.

A very disappointing turn-out, but given that the going has been soft or heavy here all season, and at the likes of Carlisle, then we are probably running out of heavy ground performers ready to run. In the event 34 runners in 7 races provided decent entertainment for a comparatively sparse crowd.

I had intended to give what looked a below par card a miss. However, I took up an offer of a spare owners’ badge from David Parry who runs a dozen partnerships with horses trained by Ferdy Murphy. One of the partnerships has a runner at Cheltenham this coming week so look out for the talented, but a shade enigmatic Nine De Sivola in the National Hunt Chase. My only previous remote involvement as a connection was attendance at Windsor when a racing club horse ran in a six furlong seller. It was tailed off and if you read further on you’ll see my luck hasn’t changed much!

2.25 2m 2f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

The day was tagged Irish Raceday, though I can’t say I saw an awful lot ‘Irish’ going on. However, three of the runners in this race travelled over the Irish Sea and saved a Lucinda Russell walkover!

It was pretty much a case of the result telling the full story. It was a slog for the three Irish runners up the straight and they basically kept on each at their own pace.

OH SO HUMBEL justified favouritism, dictating the pace and then gradually forging clear over the last three. He stepped up on his Downpatrick second and might have more chance travelling over here in future.
MIGHTY MASSINI struggled to even finish a point-to-point, but has at least shown a fair amount of ability over hurdles and followed the winner home. He had his tailed tied up which always strikes me as sensible in the mud.
SCOLBOA MUSIC MAN didn’t find enough from three out. He won here previously but his two main opponents here were a bit better than the opposition on his then.
TOMMY TOBOUGG jumped big and got left behind in the final mile. He hasn’t shown much promise yet, but may be worth a go on better ground.

2.45 2m 4f 0-125 Handicap Chase

This was a decent opportunity for CORLANDE, a soft/heavy ground specialist, against opposition with questions to answer. His last race was two weeks previously and he looked in good nick for this run. He was always in the first two, leading before the last and staying on. Although he has won at Kelso, his record suggests one who is favoured by a flat track, but bear in mind that cut in the ground seems a must.
SOMETHING SILVER, back to a more favourable trip, jumped well in the lead but had only the one pace when headed before the last. A good enough and he is another who relishes these conditions. His best form has been at Ayr, but then most of his races have been at Ayr.
CADOUDALAS was comfortably held from three out. He’s still learning over fences and seems best on slightly better ground. He is probably better than the bare form here suggests and worth keeping in mind.
ASTON LAD has not looked the most natural fencer and had a tough task here. He struggled after hitting the eleventh and was a remote fourth when unseating at the last.
SOTOVIK showed promise on his return from a long lay-off last time, but maybe felt the effect of those exertions on this occasion. Conditions suited, but he was struggling in the straight and was pulled up before two out.

3.20 2m 4f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

Graham Lee gave an exemplary ride on the talented by not altogether predictable KEMPSKI. One thing clear about this gelding is that Ayr is his course and heavy is his ground. He’s at his happiest setting the pace, so the small field played into his hands here. Lee saved enough to enable Kempski to hold on from a determined pursuer in Echo Point. His trainer pointed out that Kempski hates the whip so his rider was under instructions to keep the persuader tucked away. Rayson Nixon recorded his seventh win this season from 47 runners, a fine record for a stable with horses of comparatively limited ability.
ECHO POINT’s recent form has been up and down, but he gave things a good go here, gradually clawing back the winner’s advantage but finding the post coming too soon. He’s versatile as he’s run creditably in chases which gives Nicky Richards an option or two.
MANADAM has every chance two out but couldn’t raise his game to that of the winner. He’s handicapped to his mark now and finding one or two too good.
YOUNG ALBERT stretched his losing run to 11. He showed promise as a novice but hasn’t moved on from there. His better form is at shorter trips and I’d like to see him tried back around the minimum.
MONOLITH lost touch from the seventh and came home in his own time. He did win in heavy on the flat, a Windsor maiden 8 years ago, but he appears not to relish going this testing.

3.55 2m 0-125 Handicap Chase

The rain was falling steadily by this point and got increasingly heavier as the afternoon progressed.

SELECTION BOX ran off 106 in Ireland, yet won off 121 here which demonstrates the gulf in method or assessment between the UK and Irish handicappers. His trainer appeared to clock that he wasn’t badly off and the horse did the business, running on well in the closing stages. His future depends on how both handicappers handle the result. Why they can’t get together and have one scale I haven’t a clue, with modern technology you would have thought consultation would be a doddle.
I commented to my neighbour in the stand that ORMELLO looked out of it four out, yet he stayed on again from two out for second. I’ve seen him race any amount of times since he joined the Russell yard and I still haven’t fathomed him. A trip to take on the Punchestown banks last time ended in disappointment.
DANCER’S SERENADE never threatened once they started racing in earnest. Conditions and course suited, so there wasn’t much of an excuse.
NELSON DU RONCERAY, returning from hurdling, set a decent pace but faded from two out. This was his first effort in a handicap over fences and it could be that he’s plenty high enough.

4.30 3m ½ f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Notes from the remaining races were done from memory since my notebook was starting to get a bit soggy!

The result pretty much followed the form here with steadily progressing LOCKSTOWN picking up from three out and going clear to win with a stack in hand to provide Graham Lee with his third winner of the afternoon. His problem will be if he has a big rise in the ratings since this race was uncompetitive.
SEEKING STRAIGHT appeared only a day after a second place here but performed very well and must have an iron constitution. Regrettably he was once again vulnerable to anything that could raise the pace even a jot and he could only keep on for second place. He’ll need things to fall for him and some even more paceless opponents to win, but it’s worth noting his record at Ayr is P23822 and all in soft or heavy. I have a bit of a soft spot for this one since connections blagged me into the unsaddling area on his hurdles debut!
Everything else was left behind in the straight, CLASSIC ACT finishing a well held third. He’s got closer at Hexham and Carlisle, so may need an uphill finish to slow the others down.
FLEMROSS and SOUL ANGEL retreated from three out and HARRISON’S STAR never got competitive.

5.05 3m 5f 0-110 Handicap Chase

The main event as far as our party was concerned with the DPRP Nellerie Partnership running LUCKY NELLERIE. A very soggy group waited until as late as possible to enter the parade ring. The horse himself was brought in late as he is ‘a bit of monkey’ who has lot of energy to expend, a fact confirmed by the cross-noseband, two paddock handlers and being mounted on the walk. He did look in excellent condition having had a five-week break since running down the field in a competitive four miler at Doncaster.
LUCKY NELLERIE was able to take his place in 0-110 class for the first time for over a year. Ferdy Murphy and Graham Lee had worked out both a Plan A and a Plan B dependent on the pace on in the race. In the event, even down to Plan Z wouldn’t have been any use since the gelding misjudged the first fence, slipped on landing and came slithering almost to a halt. He stood up but Lee had to check that his mount was sound and by the time the pair were ready the field had gone. In such testing conditions chasing the others would have been futile so a day was called. Lee cantered his mount back and he seemed to be none the worse. There should be other chances for Lucky Nellerie in this grade.

Meanwhile, back on the racecourse in the teeming rain, proven out and out stayers SKENFRITH and DICKIE LEWIS shared the pace, the latter the one we had identified as the horse to beat. In the event the enigmatic but sometimes talented stayer SKENFRITH galloped the remainder into the mud, coming away from his challenger in the straight. He’s one I’d always consider for these events, but the patience of a saint is required waiting for the win! Much jumping up and down and hugging amongst connections.
DICKIE LEWIS emptied out three from home and just held on as those behind came at him. It was very gruelling out there and he may well need a little rest, but the Highland National might suit if the going came up on the soft side in late April.
JACKSONVILLE is presumably in handicaps since the ‘three strikes and out rule’ applying to hunter chases keeps him out of many of them. He didn’t get near the lead but finished with an apparent flourish, though it may have been he was just slowing down less fast then Dickie Lewis.
ANOTHER RUM won the National Hunt Chase in 2005 but has studiously avoided winning since. He’s falling down the handicap but not getting any closer to winning. Like Jacksonville he stayed on and would have caught Dickie Lewis in another 100 yards.
MATMATA DE TENDRON is suited by testing conditions, but his best form is at Sedgefield and he was never going here, eventually calling it a day two out.

5.35 2m NH Flat

If the conditions for this race had been prevalent at midday I think the meeting would have been called off. It was absolutely desperate by this time.

The runners went along at suitably sedate pace in the closing bumper. James Ewart’s interesting prospect TURBO ISLAND had only to see off one serious rival and did so being asked to do no more than he had to. He is an athletic type, but still with a bit of growing to do, showing the low head carriage typical of many a French-bred or influenced jumper. Skenfrith had carried the same colours, so their people had more jumping up and down and hugging to do.
QUANNAPOWITT upheld his line of Northern bumper form, keeping on honestly enough while basically comfortably held. He looks to have the build and ability to mark over obstacles. For trivia buffs, the Racing Post informs me that the name Quannapowitt is that of a lake in Boston, Massachusetts.
BIRNIES BOY lost touch on the final bend and came home in his own time.
These conditions were hardly the best to introduce a newcomer and Brian Harding called it a day on MITHIAN a long way out.

Just to finish this narrative, Ferdy Murphy told us the tale of Tony McCoy’s Friday evening. Having ridden in the 5.05 at Sandown, McCoy departed for a local airfield to be flown to Northern Ireland for a Cheltenham preview evening. Having done his bit he returned the next day to ride in the first at Sandown. McCoy is in my opinion the best jump jockey the sport has ever seen and, on the above evidence, an ambassador for the sport second to none.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Sunday March 8th

Going – Soft (Good to Soft in places)

An extra card at Kelso completed a run of Northern meetings.

2.25 2m 2f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

An event low on quality.

SIR TANTALLUS HAWK was the one competitor coming into this with winning form. Having been kept handy he moved up to challenge at the last and eased away on the flat. He will struggle to defy a double penalty, so presumably will be aimed at handicaps now.
NONOTREALLY was up with the leaders most of the way and led two out. He couldn’t match the winner from the last but this was a fair return after a two and a half year break. The big question now is whether this is a one off or can be built on. I’d like to see another run first.
SUNDAE BEST didn’t jump very cleanly early on but warmed to his task in the latter stages. He may need a bit of time but isn’t a lost cause.
MAXWELLTON BRAES didn’t build on his Ayr for and was a disappointing and well held fourth.

2.55 2m 6 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

SPHINX is an 11 year old trying to make up for lost time over hurdles. On this evidence it’s a shame we had to wait so long to see him, since he came away from his field nicely. Given that he is fairly fresh in this sphere and going forward he may well pick up another race.
CLASSIC CUT is another interesting prospect from the progressive yard of James Ewart and sported the familiar noseband and white boots. He ran a bit green on the flat, it’s a long old run-in at Kelso, but stayed on and should win a staying event.
CASSIUS’s level of form is pretty well established and he sets the level on an official figure of 100. He ran well enough but was well held on the flat.
OSCAR HONEY raced keenly in front in first time blinkers but came down at the seventh. He hasn’t found his feet over fences in the UK so far and I hope this hasn’t knocked his confidence over hurdles since he should be capable of picking up an event of this quality.
The rest of the field were beaten a long way.

3.25 2m 6 ½ f 0-120 Novices’ Handicap Chase

This was a race which seemed between three, Super Baby, Bow School and Cornerback. In the event Bow School was below par and it was to the other two to fight it out.

CORNERBACK was held up early, but made steady progress to track the leaders down the back straight for the final time. She got a bit unbalanced over two out, but soon recovered to challenge at the last and was allowed to stride on in the final furlong. There may be a little more to come from this one since her jumping can be tidied up a bit. She won on better ground over hurdles and in a bumper, so is likely to progress through the spring.
SUPER BABY jumps well and gave an honest performance, being outpaced in the final furlong of the long run-in. He looks on his level at 112.
WATERSKI was dropped back to a more reasonable standard than his Musselburgh race. He went well for a long way but gave best from two out. He’s yet to win and needs another drop in class for a chance to prove himself.
ANGLICISME isn’t as good over fences as his 104 mark suggests and is currently held.
BOW SCHOOL didn’t jump well enough to make up for a 9lb rise following his Musselburgh victory. He faded quickly from three out, pulling up before the last.
PRINCE MOUSE has shown a glimmer of ability in a belated career under rules, but it seems too late now to make a mark. He fell at the thirteenth when feeling the pinch.
SUPREMELY GIFTED hasn’t lived up to his name over fences to date and fell away from three out before pulling up.

3.55 2m 1/2 f 0-135 Handicap Hurdle

GRINGO challenged before two out and was pushed out on the run-in. He did the job well enough but these are exposed performers and there wasn’t a lot of strength in depth for the level. He is definitely best on decent ground so should have conditions in his favour and might just manage another win before the handicapper gets hold of him.
ORMUS challenged before two out, lead at the last and kept on once headed. He’s another whose profile suggests good ground is best.
MARCEL has been switched back to hurdling after his chase mark rose into the 130s. This was an improvement on his last two efforts but he still needs to find more to win a race even off 115.
COCONUT BEACH was third in a Catterick seller recently and that level is all that he has won at in recent times.
MOHAYER was made favourite but came down at the fourth.

4.25 2m 1f 0-135 Handicap Chase

BOLD RANSOM is lightly raced and has a sound record to date, particularly in the mud. This was his first chasing win, but he goes well for one so inexperienced and stayed on too well for his closest rivals on the run-in. He is progressing and may well win again.
TWELVE PACES is useful on his day but difficult to predict and spends as much time trundling round at the back as he does up front. He runs his best races when able to get near the front.
MORE LIKELY was much happier here bowling along in front, but the trip starts to stretch her stamina ad she gave way on the run to the line.
CRACKADEE performed better than previous efforts this season but was held from two out. He may well be worth an interest in the near future given that he’s down below his previous winning mark
SCARVAGH DIAMOND couldn’t go with the others from three out and has been out of sorts all season.

4.55 2m 2f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

SINGING WIZARD led two out and battled back when headed on the flat. He showed more determination at the death. He jumped right so a switch to a right-handed track might bring about some improvement.
SPELLCHECKER came there cruising after the last but found very little when asked and is currently worth opposing.
BEST LOVER led at the seventh but, having go the rail on the run to the line, couldn’t respond when the first two went past. He hasn’t progressed since a second to Steady Tiger on his debut.
LEO’S QUEST made no impression from two out. This was a satisfactory hurdling debut.
SAM PATCH was one paced from two out, but showed a glimmer of ability on hurdling debut and may get more competitive next time.

5.25 2m ½ f NH Flat

PREMIER SAGAS doddled up here and, given that the trainers of the second and third know the time of day in these events; the form is likely to prove decent. This course has a record of producing decent performers from bumpers and Premier Sagas looks likely to add to the list.
BALLYMACDUFF led briefly before the home bend but was outpaced by the winner once turned for home. He is a half-brother to a couple of pointing winners and should progress from here.
COOL MISSION cost 44,000gns as a three year old, so there are clearly some strong expectations. He took a while to warm to his task, but stayed on well in the later stages.
CLAUDE CARTER made a respectable debut in fourth.

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday March 10th

Going – Good (Good To Soft back straight)

With Cheltenham taking most of the attention the Northern circuit continued in low key mode. The going here was bordering on good all round after a dry spell. Despite that the apparent area ‘requirement’ to miss a fence continued, with the second in the back straight being missed out.

2.20 2m 4f Class 4 Maiden Chase

This was a weak event, and NAVAL ATTACHE rated only 70 and recording a first win at 25 attempts won it fairly comfortably. A step up in trip seemed to help and he wasn’t stopping at the finish. His future prospects depend on how the handicapper treats this race since he’s only a lowly performer in that sphere.
QUINCY DES PICTONS made a satisfactory debut, having been recruited from French provincial racing mainly in their equivalent of bumpers. He challenged two out but was held. He needs to move forward from this, but it was a sound start.
EASBY MANDARIN should have won this on official figures, and looked the winner having led to three out. He went out like a light two out which isn’t encouraging.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT is basically slow and was left behind from the fourth last.
SCUZME jumped poorly on his chasing debut.
TURBULENT FLIGHT is very slow.
CUCCINELLO has yet to even place in 22 attempts.
PRESENT EDWARD looked totally clueless and after a succession of poor jumps pulled up after the fifth.

4.15 2m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

STAGECOACH AMBER led his field a merry dance here, jumping well and having his rivals burnt off by two out. His problem will be that his rating will no doubt be bumped up near to 120, and this class is basically his level so life could be difficult from now on.
TARABALOO stayed on for second and with fewer miles on the clock is probably the one to take out of this race. His hurdle win came on fast ground and, boasting three places in four chasing attempts, he looks one to keep on the right side over the coming months.
CYBORA is consistent, but up to a rating of 100 now and that may find him held. He chased from three out but couldn’t get to the winner.
SANDS RISING kept on for fourth having been well back early on. He seems to run honestly enough but the years are catching up.
CARRIETAU didn’t benefit noticeably from a step up in trip.
SOUND OF CHEERS never got into the race and struggles in anything but the lowest handicap class.
DAY OF CLAIES was returning after the best part of two years off. He never got into the race, but the outing will no doubt do him some good, though it remains to be seen how much ability is retained.
WHATCANYOUSAY won the race last year, but retreated quickly from three out. This was too bad to be true.
TEVIOT LASS decanted her rider at the eighth. She probably has ability enough to win a small race but sometimes clumsy jumping holds her back.
THE HEDGE travelled from Northern Ireland but made no impact and pulled up. That’s 26 runs without a win now.

4.55 2m 4f Hunters’ Chase

This looked a poor event, but well done to his one horse trainer Miss Morgan-Murphy for revitalising NOUVEAU MAIRE. Twice a winner in France, he had lost his way totally in recent runs there, but was produced to win comfortably here. His only previous attempt in Britain had been off 120 in a Cheltenham handicap but this seems more his level.
WITNESS RUN is currently rated 105, though it’s doubtful this form reached that level. He had every chance but couldn’t make an impression on the winner. The shorter trip may well suit better than three miles in points and he may have a chance in a similarly weak event.
YANN’S is a thirteen year old whose ability is on the wane. He just plugged on from three out.
BENNY BOY got closer here than on previous attempts under Rules, staying on late for fourth. The impression is that a longer trip will not be a problem.
SIMPLY SMASHING jumped poorly in the rear early, but picked off a few late on.
HASPER offered only one pace from two out.
PARADISE BAY ran some decent races last spring and may benefit from the sun on his back, but dropped away from four out here.
JUPITER’S FANCY had a decent season last year but needed the race on this occasion.
WINDY HILLS, made favourite, had every chance three out but faded quickly. His NH form from two years back is much that this suggests.
EMERALD DESTINY raced up with the pace early but weakened quickly from the tenth.
INCAS finished last and it could be that the years are catching up.

HEXHAM – Wednesday March 12th

Going – Soft

This is one of the ‘cult’ days for followers of Northern jump racing with the annual running of the ‘Hexham four-miler’. Thus do the likes of ‘yours truly’ get their excitement.

As has been the case all season, the fence at the top of the hill was out of action. ‘Area requirement’ satisfied!

2.20 2m ½ f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

SA SUFFIT was balloted out of his intended race at Cheltenham but found a straightforward consolation prize, seeing off his only serious rival very comfortably. He led at a steady pace and then kicked no two out, none of the others being good enough to respond. He really wasn’t out of a canter once he reached the hill up to the straight. He jumps well and is progressing nicely. Assuming the third ran to form this run has to be worth the mid-130s and I would imagine that James Ewart might seek out a race either at Aintree or the Ayr Scottish National Meeting. He has the potential to become the best chaser trained in Scotland.
THE DUKE’S SPEECH found his limitations exposed here and was left behind from three out though stayed on to take second. He seems better on flatter tracks.
SOUBRIQUET probably ran more or less to his mark in third place. He hit three out, which stopped him in his tracks, and would probably have bagged second otherwise. He may well be worth trying in a novice handicap, since he doesn’t seem over-rated at 115.
PENDLE FOREST once again had no chance in this company, but her jumping was sound and she pootled round for £477 in fourth.

3.35 4m 0-110 Handicap Chase

There was a disappointing turn out for the ‘big event’ but nevertheless competitive with the whole field having bits of form which gave them a chance.

Three mares met three geldings and it was the distaff side that came out on top, BELLANEY JEWEL staying on better than the remainder from the bottom of the hill. She has run three races at Hexham, is unbeaten here, and has a very decent 7 wins from 25 NH races.
CAPYBARA is decent at this level on his day, though his jumping can go awry occasionally. He was on his game today and had every chance before the winner slipped her field up the hill but kept on after the last. He’s very lightly raced for an eleven year old and may still have a few miles in him. Targets like the Highland National or the Durham National could figure in plans.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST has become a most frustrating character. He normally manages to get himself involved in the latter stages without ever getting his head in front. I presume he might be another Perth bound come late April, though on a rating of 94 he wouldn’t necessarily get a run, 95 having been the lowest rating in the race last year.
KORELO would have lapped these in his hey-day, but he could only raise one pace late on. This was a bit better than other recent efforts though.
OVERLADY is only small and, given that I wouldn’t have thought going or trip would be a problem, the weight may have stopped her. She found only one pace from two out and may be better aimed at higher class races off light weights.
SHULMIN weakened quickly from three out then pulled up and was reported as having a breathing problem. Assuming she’s none worse I’ll be looking out for her when I visit Sedgefield on April 7th.

4.55 2m 4 ½ f 0-95 Handicap Chase

A really poor event.

The winner NEIDPATH CASTLE has shown up quite well at Ayr last time, and saw off some untalented or out of form rivals. I would presume that the handicapper will shunt him up by a double-figure poundage, which would end his prospects of a repeat.
TULLY HILL has been very slow this season, but managed to keep up here and plodded on past a couple of rivals for second. This at least shows he has a modicum of ability given bad enough opposition, but on the face of it he achieved very little.
MISTRAL DE LA COUR couldn’t cope once they hit the hill.
BULLIES ACRE disputed or led for a way but had called enough as the field took the hill.
MR TWINS jumped poorly and lost touch by the tenth, getting a little closer as his rivals hit the wall late on.
BALLYNURE didn’t go a yard and seemed to resent any encouragement.

NEWCASTLE – Saturday March 14th

Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

A total turn round in the going within a week from West coast to East.

3.20 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase

ZA BEAU is suited by the fast ground. Her jumping can be a bit dicey sometimes, but she is useful on her day and could pick up a race or two at this level on the decent ground expected in the spring. Word has it that she is to be covered by Kayf Tara, so it might be worth looking out for baby Za Beau’s in years to come.
IT’S BERTIE has been in good form recently and ‘kept the winner honest’ over the last three. He was a long way clear of the third and may well pick up a race stepped up in trip.
HUTCH had been absent for a long while and performed moderately encouragingly in third. He’s still a maiden over fences, but there was enough to suggest his trainer might place him to win a weak handicap chase.
MR FLOPPY was never dangerous. His profile is not brilliant but does suggest a longer trip is required.
HICKORY LANE is slow and struggling, a mark of 67 here meaning he was 10lbs out of the handicap. His form suggests he would need a very bad race to figure.
MALT DE VERGY was restrained in midfield until tipping over at the sixth.
STORMY BEECH led to the eighth but the towel quickly came in once headed.

4.20 3m 0-110 Handicap Chase

JORVEYBROOK left previous form behind on his second attempt over fences. He looked held four out but really got going in the straight, but then a poor jump at the last handed the initiative to the second. He battled back well and is the type to progress as he gets experience.
SEEK THE TRUTH offered promise for the future at only his second attempt over the trip. He saw off the remainder comfortably only to find the winner too strong close home. His best runs have come at Carlisle and Newcastle, so a stiff track seems to help along with good or fast ground.
DARINA’S BOY led to five out then dropped away from three out.
WIZARDS DUST threatened to get involved when going well at the thirteenth, but dropped away to be well held. He had no real excuse here since he had conditions to suit.
ANGLICAN made mistakes early on and never got into the race.
LOST IN NORMANDY raced prominently early but the white flag seems to be raised very easily these days.
ORANG OUTAN made mistakes and didn’t give his running here, weakening from five out and pulling up.
TRISONS STAR is going backwards and put in another lack lustre performance.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Sunday March 15th

Going – Heavy (soft in places)

As has been the case all season at Carlisle the going was heavy though it seemed to have dried a little on the surface, and gave the impression of not being quite so testing as previous meetings. On this occasion the fence missed out was the second last. The ground around one or two of the other fences, notably the third last, is looking well chewed up and desperately in need of a summer of rest.

2.00 2m 5f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

This looked a straightforward opportunity for HOCKENHEIM who had run some respectable races in the past couple of seasons without getting his head in front. He led and stretched his field from the bottom of the hill and won with a fair bit to spare. On the basis of what we have seen so far his handicap mark of 119 seems a true one.
PASS THE CLASS looked in trouble three out but stayed on up the hill. He’s run like this before and is rather frustrating.
INDY MOOD has come to chasing late in his career, presumably in an attempt to rekindle his enthusiasm since his hurdling form had dropped away. This was an improvement on his debut, and a move to a handicap over a longer trip may help.
ASTON LAD never got seriously competitive here. He’s got very little chance in these events as his jumping is still a little tentative, and his handicap mark seems a bit stiff.
FLEMEN LOON is a poor performer and had no chance from four out. #
CALFRAZ was well behind from the tenth, and didn’t jump that fluently.

2.30 2m 0-95 Handicap Chase

A run of the mill event, with plenty of well tried novices. However it was a fair old race from the bottom of the hill.

NORMINSTER enjoys himself round here and at Hexham and has been in fine form most of the season. He made progress from three out and led before the last. Clear after the last he idled, but then pulled a little more out of the bag when it was needed. He regularly gives his running and the impression is that he’s still a little better then the 92 he ran off here. Credit once again to his trainer Rayson Nixon who made it an impressive 8 winners from 50 runners this season.
WEE GEORGE struggled in his early career, but now seems to be getting the hang of the game. He looked held at the last having raced prominently, but stuck his head down and had a right go on the flat. On this evidence he should land a handicap at this level. The drop to the minimum trip seemed to have done him good at this stiff track.
WORK BOY showed a degree of promise behind Banoge on his chasing debut and built on that here. He stayed on well and longer distance should see further improvement.
FRITH is possibly handicapped to his limit now. He held every chance before the last but couldn’t muster the extra required to challenge.
ASTYANAX, with ‘sideburns’ replacing blinkers, produced his best chasing form to date, being well in contention most of the way but producing no extra from before the last.
MOYNE PLEASURE flattered briefly three out but then dropped away. He did at least show a little more than of late, but isn’t offering too much encouragement overall.
DUKE OF MALFI never really got into the race and was held from three out.
BULLIES ACRE was prominent early, and led two out but weakened from that point. Although finishing last this was more encouraging than his run at Hexham three days previously.

3.05 3m ½ f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

LE BEAU BAI showed no ill effects from his Cheltenham outing where he was pulled up in the National Hunt Chase. More at home in this less demanding company, he disputed from three out and ran on well on the flat.
Oliver Sherwood brought MOUNT SANDEL up from Lambourn for this event. Given that his best from is on sharp tracks he performed well here just running out of steam after the last. Back on a more suitable circuit he should continue to pay his way.
TASTES LIKE MORE was rated 29lbs worse than the second, so to get within in ¾ length was a creditable effort. She appeared held two out but stuck to her guns in the latter stages. She would certainly be interesting in a mares’ only race or back in a handicap.
BELON GALE’s jumping did not stand up against competitive opposition and he was tailed off by three out. Time is on his side though.

3.35 3m 2f 0-95 Novices’ Handicap Chase

A very moderate looking event.

SABREFLIGHT set a varying pace, staying on determinedly when the others came at her up the hill. She is trained in Wiltshire but given her record at Sedgefield, 2213 in four attempts in a bumper and over hurdles; another venture north might pay dividends.
IKEMBA pulled up in a point last time, but it was in the company of Amicelli and Killone King which looked an impossible mission. His rules record isn’t all that bad and he might be worth another go at this level. He never quite got to the winner but was only beaten a half length.
MINSTER ABBI had an impossible task last time, and on this occasion was held after the last. This is here level.
POLOBURY made a satisfactory chasing debut in fourth, not beaten far. She stays well and does have years in hand on the remainder here.
TREASURED MEMORIES was given reminders early, but held every chance when coming down two out. Three falls in five attempts may not do her confidence much good.
BAKER FLINN s comfortably outpointed from turning away from the far side.

4.10 2m 5f 0-130 Novices’ Handicap Chase

The top rated here was 120 which should be borne in mind for those who consider the class.

STORYMAKER is a versatile sort who has won over two and three miles over hurdles. He picked up nicely from the last and just held the rallying Teenando. He wouldn’t want to go up too much in the ratings as 114 is probably about his mark.
TEENANDO put right the hiccup last time with a much better run here. She had an uncontested lead on this occasion which certainly helped. She looked one paced two out but found more on the run-in and doesn’t look finished with yet. Form around Carlisle is 113152.
PACCO won at Towcester last time and the 6lb rise might just have anchored him, the opposition here being a wee bit tougher. He had every chance at the last but couldn’t muster any extra on the run-in.
MISTER POTTER put in a fair effort in fourth considering he was lugging 11-12 in this going.
BOUGOURE is not in the form he was a couple of years back, despite a drop of 12lbs in the ratings.
BANOGE seemed to find the trip beyond him round here in the conditions.
FIFTYFIVE DEGREES was just being pushed along when taking a false step landing over three out. His jockey took the wise precaution of pulling up, but it seemed there was no serious damage.
LA PANTERA ROSA never got involved and was very disappointing.

4.40 3m ½ f 0-90 Handicap Chase

A bunch of plodders in the finale, led by STORMONT DAWN who recorded a second course win. She went clear from the last but is not the most predictable though a decent performer at a lowly level on her day.
STARK RAVEN joined issue at the fourth but was held once headed before the last. He ran to his form.
SUPERROLLERCOASTER has not recaptured last season’s form despite dropping down the ratings.
KIDITHOU needs better ground than this.
The previous effort here may have told on THE MAYSTONE who was never travelling.
HAS SCORED knocked into another runner on landing at the first and lost his action. His rider reported a ‘dead leg’, though I always thought such a description was a human feel of a knock! Maybe he’s related to Mr Ed?

[robnorth]

AYR – Thursday March 19th

Going – Soft

The going had dried out a bit from the last meeting but it was still pretty tacky and hard work for moderate fields.

2.20 2m 5f 0-105 Handicap Chase

VICARIO made a winning return to chasing, jumping a bit stickily early on but warming to the task. He won well enough but it wasn’t a competitive race.
SOMETHING SILVER set the pace but couldn’t hold the winner in the closing stages. He is a tough sort who has run all his 27 races on good to soft or softer. Chances may be limited for the rest of the season, but he’ll return in the autumn on a handy mark.
WISE CHOICE couldn’t muster enough pace after the last, but given that this was only his third attempt over fences there was a degree of promise.
RECKLESS VENTURE was well beaten which is not promising, but it’s worth bearing in mind that he’s a different performer at Hexham.
WHISPERING MOOR had no chance on these terms and ran that way.
TOY GUN lost touch from the eleventh. He probably needs further, but that wouldn’t have been the complete explanation here.

2.50 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

ERNST BLOFELD was best on previous form and stayed on well under pressure to win. I presume he may be aimed a little higher next time.
STEADY TIGER put in a sound performance in second. He played up at the start, but was more co-operative in the race, just being outpointed in the later stages. He will be one to watch when progressing to chasing next season.
ASIS SUPREME was headed three out and quickly outpaced. He did show enough to suggest there is something to work with.
DREVER ROUTE was tongue-tied here but it didn’t seem to help much since he weakened three out.

3.25 2m 4f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

NETHERLEY and BLEAK HOUSE contested the lead until both came down independently at the eleventh. Sadly the fall cost NETHERLEY his life.
BLEAK HOUSE jumped markedly right all the way and has problems to sort out if he’s to make the best of his ability over fences.
The departure of the leaders left Jimmy Lambe’s runners to fight out the finish.
BAD DAY BAD DAY went lame in the latter stages, so it’s impossible to judge the winner GENERAL STONE HILL though he did at least run on well enough.

3.55 2m Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

Another small field, a theme of recent racing at Ayr.

WOODY WALLER was well favoured here receiving a stone less 5lbs claim from his main rival. He won at Musselburgh earlier and may well step up again though I suspect decent ground will help.
COMHLA RI COIG needs a decent pace or a longer distance. He was anchored by the double penalty but this was a fair enough effort. I’d expect this lightly raced performer to move on to chasing next term.
PRINCE TAM had no chance with the first two but plugged on for third. He is progressing at his own level.
HOWARDS DREAM, from a stable with a consistent losing record, and CRACKERJACK LAD do not look inspiring.

4.30 2m 0-105 Handicap Hurdle

COTE D’ARGENT saw off a bunch of moderate performers in decent style. He does at least seem to be going the right way over hurdles.
BALAKAR regularly finds one or two too good for him these days and isn’t inclined to over exert himself. His amateur jockey was more of a hindrance than a help in the latter stages.
ETHAN’S STAR ran his best race since moving from Ireland. He was prominent all the way but held from three out. He stayed on again and, though not endowed with stacks, might be worth noting in moderate events on better ground in spring and summer. The face that he was twice a winner in Ireland offers some encouragement.
SOLIS led from three out until after the last but was then held. This was as close as he has got over hurdles.
The performances of the remainder didn’t offer too much encouragement though CATAI may have been closer but for hitting the last.

5.00 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

ET MAINTENANT continued the progression he has made since moving to Scotland. He ran on well from three out to win with a bit in hand. He goes well on good or fast ground so Lucinda Russell will surely be eyeing a target or two at Perth for spring and summer.
CANTGETON performed well enough if held from two out. He seemed to have the run of the race at Kelso last time and might be one to oppose if put in at the head of the market.
HI DANCER, running in his third chase, was one paced in the straight. However, this was a fair effort off a two month break and this versatile performer may progress enough to pick up a minor handicap chase.
OLEOLAT is a big sort whose future has always looked over fences. He jumped adequately but was tapped for speed. He will learn from this.
ZA BEAU needs better ground that this and is better off against lower class opposition. Her current rating does at least give her a run in 0-100 or 0-105 class.
ATHOLLBROSE performed above himself being beaten 24 lengths from 30lbs out of the handicap, but a current rating of 59 pretty well sums up his remote chances of picking up a race.
AZTEC PRINCE struggled from halfway and was dismounted after pulling up before the last.

5.30 2m NH Flat

Possibly not a lot of strength in depth, but the first two look interesting for the future.

WITHERSPOON gained experience with a second in an Irish maiden point. He impressed here, going well three out and requiring only a couple of cracks to see him about his business. He picked up very nicely and looks a prospect for the future.
WILLIE HALL lost nothing in defeat here, and looked a little green in the last two furlongs. He moved up three out and was then nudged along to keep up two out but couldn’t respond to the winner’s pace.
TURTLE SPIRIT ran well enough in third to establish the level of the form.
BIG SHU, a half brother to a fair bumper performer in Big Boots, showed enough to promise better in the future.
The rest, including a couple of decent priced purchases in FAIRLEA BOB and IT’S BROWN, were well held.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Friday March 20th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

The going dried out for this meeting following a spell of sunny weather in Scotland. Some of the form might be a pointer to spring and summer meetings.

2.20 2m 6 ½ f Maiden Hurdle

BIG BURROWS clearly benefitted from the step up in trip, staying on too well for his rivals. Three mile plus races look likely to be his forte, and he has the makings of a chaser.
SIRKEEL again found one too good, and the step up in trip brought about no improvement in form though he did see out the extra distance.
GILSLAND was left behind after two out, but this was a fair performance stepped up from the minimum trip. He’s a half-brother to an Irish National winner and will no doubt be seen to greater effect over fences in time.
PRIORYJO had no answer from two out though ran to her best form and was not hindered by the step up in distance.
STORMIN EXIT set the pace until before the last, but was left behind from that point. I reckon he’s better using his front running pace at a shorter trip. He may be one to look for in handicaps now, but could be seen to better effect in short or middle distance chases.

2.50 2m 6 ½ f Class 2 Novices’ Chase

This was probably as good a novice event as we have seen run in Scotland this season and the form looks solid.
CHIEF DAN GEORGE has been brought along steadily by James Moffatt, but looked to run near to his 145 hurdles mark in winning this. He jumped well and ran away from his field from the last. Word is that he will go for the Scottish National. Whether he’s good enough in that company at this point is debatable, but I would imagine he should acquit himself well enough in handicaps.
SA SUFFIT lost little in defeat and I would judge he performed to what I considered his potential level in the mid-130s. He jumped as well as ever but was held on the flat by a better opponent. The trip didn’t appear to inconvenience him,
RAZOR ROYALE had every chance before the last but was well held from that point. He was highly tried as a hurdler and hasn’t quite achieved the same level over fences to date. His trainer always sets up a tilt at the Perth Festival, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him travel north once again.
ROLE ON seemed to set the standard here, running a decent race until left from before the last.
MILL SIDE retreated before the straight. He was a three mile winner over hurdles but has struggled to see out the distance over fences so far.
CAMDEN GEORGE was stepped up in trip, leading or disputing to the twelfth fence before giving way. It’s possible he found this event a little too competitive.
REEL CHARMER has yet to show enough to make a mark at this level over fences.
DOC ROW wasn’t good enough and needs a stiffer test of stamina.
WATERSKI was presumably entered in the hope the field might cut up, and was outclassed.

3.25 3m 3f 0-90 Handicap Hurdle

A lowly bunch who just gallop on at the one pace at best and the only previous winner notched his victory in a maiden point-to-point.

BARTON GREY broke her jaw in falling at Catterick late last year. Understandably it has taken her time to recover her from since but she stayed on to win comfortably here. The form has to be taken in context, she beat some moderate performers, but she clearly has more ability than this level and is going the right way.
HOOKY’S HOPE isn’t particularly quick but does run an honest enough race at her own pace. She’s been unlucky to run against two progressive performers in Little Shilling and Barton Grey, but probably has enough ability to pick up a minor staying handicap.
BEAU PEAK stayed on for third without getting seriously involved. Unfortunately for her they don’t run four mile hurdles.
Very little to encourage from the remainder, SEEKING STRAIGHT presumably finding the fast ground against him. There’s a possibility a couple of races in heavy on consecutive days at Ayr might have left a short term mark.

4.00 2m 1f 0-135 Handicap Chase

TOM’S TOYBOX picked up from where he left off on quick ground last summer. He stayed on to get up on the line and is one to keep in mind for the coming months.
NIKOLA led from the start and battled determinedly on the flat only to be pipped close home. He now has nine seconds over fences, but there was little to fault in his attitude. He’s another Twiston-Davies animal that may be aimed at Perth in April and should give his running.
SHARP REPLY challenged from three out but couldn’t offer any extra in the final furlong. He’s another one with a Perth target lined up.
CAST IRON CASEY acquitted himself well enough on a first try in a handicap chase and a step back up to 2m 4f would do no harm.
SEEYAAJ performed respectably after a five month break, running well until hitting two out and still not beaten far.
BILL’S ECHO kept on from the rear but never figured seriously. He needs a longer distance.
MARCEL looks handicapped to the hilt at present.
LE ROI ROUGE was beaten from four out. His UK wins have been in a lower class.
MANHATTAN BOY was feeling the pinch when falling three out.
NATIAIN was in a sour mood. He delayed the start once and then dug his heels in when the rest departed. He’s eligible for the hunter chase here on March 29th so it will be interesting to see if he’s more amenable.

4.35 3m 4f 0-130 Handicap Chase

The top two in the weights came out reducing the quality of the event.

MISTER APPLE’S been going very well approaching the last and ran on well on the flat. His 108 mark gives a little scope for choosing future events.
STAGECOACH DIAMOND set the pace and responded admirably once headed. He runs an honest enough race but finds one or two having too much pace at the sharp end.
KING BARRY is probably handicapped to the hilt on 130 and performed as well as could be expected in third.
RIMSKY got into the issue down the back straight last time, he looked held but stuck to his guns and wasn’t beaten far.
HAS SCORED hadn’t an earthly from miles out of the handicap. A typical entry from a stable that specialises in running horses in way too high a class.
PANAMA AT ONCE has improved all winter and hadn’t been asked too many questions when unseating three out. Off his current mark of 108, and bearing in mind he seems to be holding his form and is versatile ground-wise, a tilt at the Highland National would seem a reasonable plan.
HIDDEN BOUNTY was struggling with a circuit left and was soon pulled up.

5.10 2m 2f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle

The low sun came into play for this event and we lost the two hurdles in the straight, meaning that only six were jumped and the race turned into a four furlong sprint for a leading group of seven.

I wonder if the course might have given a thought to moving one of the last two hurdles to the side of the track. With a little thought in positioning I reckon it would be workable, and would at least mean the exclusion of only one hurdle because of the sun.

FIRST STREAM finished fast to get up close home. Given that he has Group race flat form in Germany and he fell first time over hurdles, the removable of a few obstacles wouldn’t have harmed his chances.
BEST LOVER is running consistently but can’t quite raise his game sufficiently close home. It’s likely he’ll benefit from going chasing but will surely pick up a minor novice hurdle before long.
CASUAL AFFAIR battled to the end but was just held by the first two. His winning chance over hurdles seems only delayed.
LEGION D’HONNEUR couldn’t hold the leaders in the final two furlongs.
ARCH ran passably well in fifth and is slowly improving. He may be worth aiming at a novice handicap now he’s qualified.

5.40 2m ½ f NH Flat

This was basically a sprint in the straight, but STORM BRIG came clear with some authority. He’s a half-brother to winning jumpers and is a decent prospect.
LILLA SOPHIA ran on late for second. It would appear a longer trip would help, so a step up to hurdling looks essential.
BARRON WATLASS ran a fair race in third, being done for pace from a furlong and a half out.
BOGSIDE, a half-bother to two chase winners, shaped well enough in fourth.
CHICAGO OUTFIT, an expensive Wylie-Johnson runner, and NORTHERN DUSK both showed enough to offer optimism for the future.
KINHARVIE, Rose Dobbin’s first runner as a trainer, ran very green once turned for home. She may need time but there could be better to come.

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday March 24th

Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

With the ground coming up on the fast side this was a meeting which may have a bearing on racing in the spring and summer. The ground was reported in very good condition by trainers and jockeys.

PROFESSOR HIGGINS has produced some decent placed form if just been pipped for the winner’s spot a couple of times. Once the rather wayward Beherayn had departed this was a straightforward task and it’s difficult to judge in relation to the future.
BEHERAYN has dipped out of races before and veered towards the small gap between wing and rail at the sixth. He crashed through the rail and chased the winner on the vehicle track inside the course. Thankfully he decided against running into the course enclosure and was apparently none the worse. He remains a horse to be wary of.
WHATADIFFERENCE displayed some fair hurdle form in Ireland in 2005 but has had below par results since then. He couldn’t trouble the winner here and needs trying in a handicap.
LINDSEYFIELD LODGE plodded around for third. She isn’t very good.
BILLSGREY has been well beaten in all 19 races he has contested.
FORTUNE’S FOOL had been poor over hurdles recently and didn’t provide any more encouragement back over fences.

4.00 2m 4f 0-95 Handicap Chase

NICOZETTO’s recent form had been poor but it seems a change of yard has revitalised him. A tongue–tie was applied here, having not been noticeably successful when tried on the odd previous occasion. Pulling hard from the start, he led after the fifth and ran away from his field down the straight. He has dropped a long way in the handicap and, assuming he remains in good heart, is likely to score again.
I’M YOUR MAN stayed on from two out without ever threatening to win. He was in decent form last summer and will presumably be kept on the go.
PISTOL BASC is starting to show some ability. He seemed to handle the quicker ground well enough and, while never getting to the leader, stayed on for third. He has dropped 5lbs since his last outing and seems to be progressing steadily.
SANDS RISING hasn’t won for two years and was held from three out.
LONGDALE made progress until hitting three out. He took a while to recover but was staying on when stumbling after the last.
NAVAL ATTACHE went up 20lbs for winning an uncompetitive maiden chase here last time and that may have put paid to his winning chances in the near future. He was well held.
SYCHO FRED mad no impact, and SYBELLIUS D’ARTAIX and MALT DE VERGY both saw jumping errors put paid to any chance they had.
SPIVITUS ran a poor race. His stable has been going well but he is right off his game.
PHYSICAL FORCE ran prominently early but was feeling the pinch when unseating at the ninth.
ARCTIC GHOST and PRINCESS STEPHANIE were both always behind and were pulled up.

5.00 2m 4f Open Hunters’ Chase

BELEM RANGER, a win under Rules at Musselburgh last season, looks in good heart this season having won his Club Members’ at Corbridge recently. Staying on behind the leaders from two out, he stood off the last and stumbled on landing, but recovered to run on for victory. He goes well on fast ground and should continue to prove competitive in this sort of event.
NOUVEAU MAIRE ran a sound enough race but found this a bit tougher under a penalty than his previous race here. He appeared to run to his previous level.
WILLYWONT HE was run out of it after the last but performed creditably on his first effort over regulation fences.
The was a big gap back to the remainder, led by SMART CAVALIER who went off in front as at Kelso, but too fast for his own good and was done for from the third last.
STROOM BANK and OAKLANDS LUIS raced prominently but struggled from four out.
BENWELL made no impact and his sixth position was as close as he ever got.
BEN NELLY has shown no ability to date and was always in the rear, while maiden point winner HIGH MOOR couldn’t cope here and finished a remote last.
BILLSLEGACY, from a stable full of slowcoaches, has never been closer than beaten 99 lengths under Rules and isn’t a racehorse.
RIVER LINE lost his place after halfway and was pulled up. He has achieved very little to date.
JIMMY’S DUKY hit the first hard and Lucy Bell had no chance of staying in the plate.
JUPITER’S FANCY never got competitive and unseated two out when tailed off.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Thursday March 26th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places)

The ground was a good deal better for this meeting than it had been for most of the season. However, after a lapse at Sedgefield where all fences were jumped, the ‘area requirement’ was once again invoked with the second last fence being missed out for ‘damaged ground’. Methinks urgent attention is needed for the future. Meanwhile, the first fence out in the country was removed from service ‘damaged’ after the first race, presumably a result of Cornerback’s error and fall.

The prevailing conditions seemed to favour those ridden from the front or close to the pace.

2.25 3m 1/2 f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase

GARLETON hinted at ability last year and is now fulfilling promise, recording a second win here. Always going well he stayed on to lead on the flat and win with a little in hand. He has been placed in heavy conditions, but gives the impression he’s suited by better ground. He’s moving forward now and probably hasn’t stopped winning.
INDY MOOD lived up to his name on this occasion, running creditably from a little out of the handicap staying on under pressure. His last win was in 2005, and he has a period in the wilderness, but his last two efforts have promised a little more. He will be off a mark of 90 next time, but there should be scope to find a minor handicap.
CHORIZO proved better on this surface than in the mud. He as in front at the last but found no more from there.
AIRHILL LADY plugged on up the hill and this was a fair effort on chasing debut, but she was held from three out as was CHERNIK who never troubled the leaders.
IT’S A CLASSIC flattered briefly at the bottom of the hill before crying “enough”. His form suggests testing ground is required.
BEAU SADDLER looks more amenable recently, but having run with some zest to four out he fell away up the hill. This track may be too stiff for him.
TOY GUN is out of sorts and dropped away in the last mile.
There was major carnage at the ninth, CORNERBACK hitting the fence and falling, with SUPREMELY GIFTED, who had gone quite well to that point, being brought down and EASBY MANDARIN being hampered and unseating.

3.00 2m Class 3 Novices’ Chase

AURORAS ENCORE took advantage of below par runs from opponents here to win this with a stack in hand. He ran creditably to three out over 2m 5f at Cheltenham and returned to a more straightforward task here.
PANTHERS RUN led to two but was comfortably outpointed from there. He’s only rated 68 which doesn’t bode well for those behind him.
STUMPED’s form has steadily deteriorated in five chases.
SOUBRIQUET should have at least comfortably seen off the second here, and this was well below his capability.
DEGAS ART has plenty of ability from hurdling days, but has yet to prove he’s a chaser. This was a dire effort.
ALMOND COURT was beaten 60-odd lengths here and his form is best judged on the fact that this was a best effort in his last six races.

3.35 2m 5f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

Tjade Collier recorded a treble as CASH MAN, who had been handicapping, stayed on well to take an event in which the favourite seemed to have a problem.
SOTOVIK put his poor Ayr effort behind him, staying on for second. His hurdling win was over a longer distance.
PAMAK D’AIRY was one paced and held from the bottom of the hill. He had the highest handicap mark in the field and better would have been expected.
TREEHOUSE and ESME RIDES A GAINE moved from the pointing field this season and are struggling against the opposition in these events.
LINLITHGOW LAD led to the tenth and then struggled before pulling up.
The favourite CHECKERBOARD chased the leader three out, but weakened very quickly as if he had a problem.

4.10 2m 5f 0-110 Handicap Chase

I’d always reckoned OPEN DE L’ISLE would be best around the minimum trip, but he proved me totally off the mark here. He led before the last and was pushed out for victory. He was probably running near to his reasonable handicap mark here though, and a rise for the 8 length win will not help him in future.
TEENANDO would probably have finished second but for unseating at the last. He’s reached his level now, but does perform well around Carlisle.
MANADAM ran a fair enough race in second, but gives the impression of one who has established his level.
WISE CHOICE never got near to the lead but plugged on up the hill for third.
MARLEYBOW struggled from the bottom of the hill as did PASS THE CLASS.
ATYANAX was always out the back, and PEN GWEN led early on but had dropped away before the two mile mark was reached.
NILE MOON was leading when falling at the ninth, but his overall profile is not encouraging with just one novices’ hunter chase place in ten efforts under Rules.
DAY OF CLAIES hasn’t shown anything in two runs since a long break.
BALLYVOGE ran no sort of race and pulled up.

4.45 3m 2f 0-95 Handicap Chase

NELLIEDONETHAT bounced back to form. He was always going well and idled in front, so the impression is that there may still be a little in hand.
BENBEOCH was held up early but made good progress to join issue at the twelfth. He stayed on well but was held by the winner. He has dropped from a mark of 93 to 71 in the past year. He’s not run as well as this for a while and the big question is whether he produces the form again. He may be under-priced next time.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST was in the fray all the way, but was held from the last. He manages to find one or two too good for him. I would imagine the Highland National might be on his agenda.
BAKER FLINN showed a glimmer of encouragement once again if one paced from three out.
SUPREME’S LEGACY dropped away from the eleventh. He generally gets involved up front somewhere along the line, but lacks oomph in the latter stages.
MITCHEL HENRY ran another lack lustre race.
JBALLINGALL ran prominently until turning towards three out.
JACKSONVILLE had run passably well at Ayr but was never going here and ended a remote last.
GLACIAL RAMBLER ran prominently early, but folded quickly after halfway.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT and MISS TOSCA were both struggling by halfway and pulled up.
IKEMBA ran quite well last time, but was well held here in a much more competitive race. He was another to be pulled up.

5.20 2m 0-100 Handicap Chase

OSO MAGIC recorded a first win since 2005. Even with a rise in the weights he will still be on a decent mark, and ran with a good amount of zest here, but the big question is whether or not he is inclined to exert himself in future.
BAMBY ran creditably in second but never got to grips with the leader. It should be possible to find another race for her.
UPTOWN LAD inherited third at the last and was flattered.
COTE D’ARGENT, a decent winner over hurdles last time, was in the process of running a very creditable race on his chasing debut when coming down at the last. He was probably held but it was a good effort.
NORMINSTER was staying on, as is his way, when he couldn’t avoid Cote D’Argent and unseated at the last. He may now find his handicap mark telling but still remains in good heart.
HOLLOWS MILL didn’t get to the leaders, BOG OAK didn’t make a serious impact and LERIDA, a winner here earlier in the season but not the slightest bit reliable, dropped away after racing prominently early on.
DUKE OF MALFI added to a lengthening list of dismal performances.
DREAM ON DREAMERS ran like a 66/1 shot.
ROSSIN GOLD lost his place quickly after the third and was pulled up after jumping one more.

.

[robnorth]

Kelso – Sunday March 29th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

A bright and breezy day greeted visitors to Kelso for Ladies’ Day. One or two of the equine population clearly benefitted from the sun on their backs and hearing their hooves rattle just a little.

2.10 2m ½f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

Alan Swinbank’s hurdling newcomer TOUCH OF IRISH went well to two out at which point Lord Larsson’s fall left him with an easy task and he went clear with minimum fuss. He’s only eligible for novice events up to October 31st, and connections may take him to Aintree, but the long term plan is to go chasing and it wouldn’t surprise me if that happens in the autumn.
LORD LARSSON was the only one going with the leader and hadn’t been put under pressure when crashing out two from home. Presuming no lasting damage he may pick up another novice hurdle but he’s another likely to go chasing in the not too distant future. The form of his Newcastle win looks sound as third Steady Tiger ran creditably here next time and fourth placed Reindeer Dippin won at Catterick. It might be worth keeping an eye out for the second there, MAGELLAN STRAITS.
SEA STORM ran on into second place. He’s 11 and vulnerable to younger improvers, but he likes this ground and it will pay to keep him on the go in the coming months.
WHEATFROMTHECHAFF was well held but showed promise with a debut third. A decent effort from one who was moderate at mainly sprint distances on the flat and is worth persevering with on fast ground over hurdles.
NONOTREALLY challenged before three out but offered only one pace from that point and there was nothing immediately encouraging from those behind.

2.40 2m 1f 0-115 Novices’ Handicap Chase

In terms of pure racing speed you could make a case for saying High Bird Humphrey and First Boy have a little more to offer than SUPER BABY. However, the latter knows how to jump accurately and that made the difference. He was able to settle in front and dug deep to see off the two challengers on the run-in. This was another testament to the talents of Langholm trainer James Ewart whose schooling is second to none on the evidence of racecourse performance. This winner saw Ewart hit double figures in a season for the first time, but I’ll bet it won’t be the last. Super Baby won’t necessarily find it easy in the future with a small move up the ratings likely, but his jumping will always give him a chance.
FIRST BOY made a couple of bad mistakes which did not help his cause. He battled on doggedly on the flat but was always just being held. If he gets his jumping together there is more to come.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY is pretty well exposed now but performed creditably, although as with the second his jumping can be sharpened. He’ll get involved in the finish in similar events.
One I would really take for the future from this event is HUTCH who put up an excellent effort from 11lbs out of the handicap. He was held on the flat, but this was a good step up on his seasonal debut and if he repeats this form he is surely capable of winning a lower grade handicap.
LADY CHATELAINE ran respectably from either farther out of the handicap than Hutch. She clearly goes well on this ground and Sue Bradburne may run her a time or two at Perth in the coming months.
ANGLICISME was well held and hasn’t shown an awful lot sparkle over fences and I only a selling winner over hurdles.
PENDLE FOREST was left behind from three out.

3.15 2m 2f0-125 Handicap Hurdle

On paper this looked a contest between two progressive performers, and so it proved no turf as DESCRIPTION showed plenty of determined to fight off the persistent I’m Delilah. Description has really blossomed since returning from a break and on this evidence I see no reason why we shouldn’t assume there is more in the tank.
I’M DELILAH is another coming on in leaps and bounds and was unlucky to run into one going the same way. She stuck her head down and saw the race out very well. She will go up in the ratings as the two were 26 lengths clear, but she is progressive.
CURRAHEE was a remote third and left for dead from two out. This was a fair enough effort given that he is ideally suited by a bit of cut.
CASTLETOWN BOY is probably a little high in the handicap.
TOSS THE CABER set the pace to before two out but quickly weakened.

3.50 2m 6 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

James Ewart notched a double at CLASSIC CUT picked up this novices’ hurdle which was heavy on numbers but with no more than a handful of serious contenders. He kicked on going to the seventh and, though driven to two out, stayed on well. He is progressing and handles the better ground which augurs well for the spring.
FRANKIE ANSON ran creditably enough in second, but having got close to the winner after the last couldn’t sustain the effort. This was a sound enough effort on his second hurdles outing and he’s going the right way.
DARK MOON stayed on from the rear for third and will stay further.
FLACO, a brother to Character Building and an impressive winner of a point in April last year, ran a fair fourth here but will be seen to better advantage over fences.
FISHING INSTRUCTOR had stayed on into third, and looked likely to get involved in the finish, but crashed out at the second last. Assuming the fall does no lasting harm he is another going in the right direction.
KOPYLOVA showed a glimmer of improvement stepped up in trip.

4.25 3m 1f 0-125 Handicap Chase

The ground came right for OR DE GRUGY. Sue Bradburne ran this one at Musselburgh in the winter to get a run on decent ground, but a step up in trip brought about enough improvement to see him get his head in front. He might be worth looking out for here for the remaining meetings since his Kelso record is now 211.
SNOWY can be a moody soul, but he is in good heart now and followed up his Musselburgh win with an excellent effort moved up in class. He was staying on best of the first three and gaining at the line.
LE ROI ROUGE worked his way through the field to be in with a shout three out. Going well to the last he couldn’t quite keep the momentum going close home. This was a big step up in trip and he may just be a little better at slightly shorter.
SCARVAGH DIAMOND showed signs of a revival after a disappointing winter. She was well held but at least kept on for fourth place.
MR PREACHER MAN never got seriously involved.
RAINING HORSE was in the rear early and never got better than mid division. HE picked off a couple of soft looking events in March 2008 but looks held off his current mark.
MONTEVIDEO needs things his own way and was never competitive.
NATIAIN is another who needs things his own way and is struggling in handicap company. I was surprised connections didn’t take advantage of his entry in the hunters’ chase since a confidence booster seems desperately needed at the moment.
NOBEL went well until headed approaching three out, but subsided quickly after that and recent runs have not been encouraging.
SHREWD INVESTOR was in midfield when unseating at the ninth, and STAGECOACH OPAL seemed to be going well enough behind the leaders when crashing at the fifteenth.

5.00 3m 1f Class 5 Hunters’ Chase

A disappointing turn out for this event, with three serious competitors.

THE REVEREND made a good impression on hunter chasing debut last time and stepped up on that to see off Cheltenham fifth Robber’s Glen. Leading approaching the last, The Reverend battled well to hold on, with Lucy Horner giving her mount slightly more assistance than Val Jackson. The form reads well.
On balance there seems little to choose between the first two, though ROBBER’S GLEN could have been feeling the effects of a big effort at Cheltenham. Ultimately he couldn’t summon up the extra required in the final furlong.
A BOY NAMED SIOUX hit the twelfth and unseated Rose Dobbin before the pace had picked up significantly.
NOCATEE couldn’t keep up but plugged on in the later stages for third. I n past years I’d have said it might be worth taking him to Perth in April, but this year the 3m 7f event has been reduced to 2m 4 ½f.
TIME TO REFLECT raced prominently early but folded after whacking four out.
THEATRE RIGHTS was pulled up, and the highlight of his career to date was being beaten ‘only’ 65 lengths in a Perth bumper in 2005.

5.30 2m ½ f NH Flat

The bumpers here normally produce one or two with promise. This event was won in emphatic style by newcomer GILBARRY who came clear under no more than hands and heels. His trainer is plenty capable, should place this one to advantage again very soon and has a decent prospect on his hands.
CLAUDE CARTER, a promising fourth on debut, set the standard by keeping on for second. He should find a run-of-the-mill bumper before progressing to jumping.
ROLLWITHTHEPUNCHES was left flat footed turning for home but kept on for third. He showed a little more on softer ground first time out.
RED TANBER was well there turning for home but one paced from that point though made a sound start to his career.
MOSCOW MISCHIEF struck me as more of a jumping type and was left behind from two furlongs out.

[robnorth]

*double post* – this site takes ages to log a post these days!

[robnorth]

NEWCASTLE – Monday March 30th

Going – Good to Firm

2.40 2m 4f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase

ROYAL HILARITY’s previous venture north ended in a disappointing performance on soft ground at Catterick. He was much more at home on this fast ground and held off the persistent challenge of Mongorno. He’s ordinary but Peter Bowen is willing to travel to find the right races, although I presume even Bowen will be glad when he gains a ‘local’ in Ffos Las come June.
MONGORNO preformed adequately bearing in mind he’s probably best with some give in the ground. Having been ridden patiently he had every chance but couldn’t wear down the winner after the last. He may go up a pound or two for this and wouldn’t want to be too much higher in the handicap.
CARRIETAU has consistently been found wanting in the later stages of his races, whether at two miles or stepped up to this trip. Once again he raced prominently but couldn’t offer any extra in the straight.
CHIGORIN was left behind from four out, and his overall jumps record of 1 win from 27 is not encouraging.
MORE LIKE IT made some moderate progress before four out, but his effort didn’t last long. His winning form has been with give in the ground.
TOULOUSE EXPRESS found a race soft enough to get his head in front at Market Rasen last time, but reverted to type here and weakened from the twelfth.
BASKERVILLE never got involved and is struggling currently.
GUERILLA raced prominently early but was struggling by halfway and was pulled up. He has produced no worthwhile form for over a year.

4.10 3m 0-105 Handicap Chase

Against some out of form opposition this looked like a golden chance for GENERAL HARDI to drop his maiden tag and he didn’t fluff his lines. He was always going well and forged clear up the straight to win with a bit in hand. His previous form against Garleton reads well since that one won again, and it maybe that there’s a little more to come from General Hardi since there seems nothing wrong with his attitude.
SANDS RISING ran an honest enough race in second place, but he’s woefully short of pace at the business end and never threatened to win.
YANKEE HOLIDAY struggles to truly see out this trip even on fast ground and weakened from two out. He’s a fizzy sort who is kept on the go and his stable will look for opportunities over shorter distances. However his win record is poor.
SCOTT’S MILL seemed to have a fair chance of making an impact here but wasn’t up to the task. He could offer only one pace in the straight.
PRESENTING ALF ran a fair race at Hexham in the autumn when third, but has been well off the pace since then and lost touch before the straight.
TRISONS STAR was tried in a visor but if anything he seemed even more indolent, losing touch by the ninth and soon pulling up.
GLACIAL RAMBLER raced prominently for a way but his recent form is appalling and he was struggling before four out, eventually being pulled up before two out.
SOUND OF CHEERS gave the third a good rap giving his rider no chance of staying aboard.

[robnorth]

HEXHAM – Sunday April 5th

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places on chase course and Good to Firm in places on the hurdle course)

Bearing in mind the pleasant weather we have been blessed with it’s surprising to reflect that this meeting succumbed to the snow last year, a fact my wife and I only found out at 12.45 having got two-thirds of the way through very unpleasant conditions. This year however the meeting was blessed with bright sunshine, and I had two staying steeplechases to study.

3.20 3m 1f Class 4 Novices Chase

This race lost a little of its attraction as two of the potential contenders were non-runners.

BLEU POIS was fifth in a 0-100 handicap on his chasing debut which perhaps gives a clue to the ability on show here. However, he would seem to have benefitted from his debut. He looked destined for third going up the hill, but stayed on determinedly after the last to gain the day. He stays well and should make a mark back in handicaps.
HARRY FLASHMAN stepped up on a disappointing chasing debut at Perth last July, looking the possible winner at the last, but was caught close home. It looks as if he will be kept to this sort of ground.
FREEZE THE FRAME was best in on official figures but palpably didn’t run to his rating here. He was up with the pace all the way but one paced on the flat.
JIMANDGREY ran well to the last and weakened on the flat. He’s an Irish point winner and this was a fair start to his chasing career.
STARBOUGG never got competitive on chasing debut and fifth was the closest place she occupied.
PENDLE FOREST performed a bit better than previously over fences. Having been held up she progressed to be on the heels of the leaders going up the hill but then weakened. The better ground may have helped, but she didn’t see out the trip.
SCUZME was prominent early but fell away down the back straight for the final time.
BILLSGREY proved once again that he is very slow.
TURBULENT FLIGHT went well enough until hitting the twelfth. He gave the next a whack and quickly dropped away to be tailed off.

4.50 3m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase

DARINA’S BOY is a proven spring and summer performer. He led approaching the sixth, pushed on from three out and idled in front allowing the second to close.
KORELO seems to be recovering a little form. He didn’t get to the winner but stayed on well for second and has run two consecutive decent races here.
OVERLADY won a slog at Carlisle off a low weight, but might well be handicapped to her limit in these contests now. She couldn’t get to grips with the winner and could only muster one pace once turned for home. She proved she can handle faster ground.
CATCH THE PERK was prominent early, and then dropped back before staying on for fourth. This was a reasonable pipe-opener after a break and he will back on his stamping ground at Perth soon.
PLAYER didn’t get much better than midfield. Considering his chase win came off 95 a mark of 110 here seems very harsh.
SILLY WUPPLE, a course winner in October, was prominent for a way but weakened four out. . Like his recent efforts, this was uninspiring.
CRACKADEE was struggling fully a mile from home.
EMERALD DESTINY was well out the back early and passed a few tired rivals late on.
STONERIGGS MERC moved up on the heels of the leaders with four to go, but then went backwards. His decent winter form seems to have left him.
CARRY DUFF was always detached.
SOUTH BRONX raced in touch until dropping away from the fourteenth.
SADDLER’S WAY was in midfield when unseating at the twelfth and was the only non-finisher in the afternoon’s two chases.

We are visiting Durham for a few days next week, taking in Tuesday’s meeting at Sedgefield. I’ll report back on that, and on goings-on at Kelso on Monday towards the end of the week.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Monday April 6th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

A slight turn in the weather, with some rain about, but no change in the going meaning that this form should be taken forward for spring and summer.

2.30 2m 6 ½ f 0-115 Novices’ Handicap Chase

This race was decimated four out with four horses departing the race. Ambrosinni fell and brought down I’m Your Man, Doc Row falling independently though he wouldn’t have avoided the others anyway and La Pantera Rosa unseating as he tripped over ‘the wreckage’.
NILE MOON had been out in front since the sixth so avoided the carnage. That may conceivably have devalued the form, but I’m not convinced anything would have stopped him here. That being said this was a big step up on anything he had produced under Rules though he did win a maiden point in a decent time at Corbridge in 2007. That race was on good to firm, so it could be that these conditions are the key.
COLDWELLS had been in decent form before a break following a fall at Catterick. She was held after the last but stays further and remains competitive.
GUNS AND BUTTER had every chance towards the last but, as at Musselburgh, finished disappointingly.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT is slow and lumbered round a remote last of four finishers.
AMBROSINNI went well enough though received a couple of reminders before falling four out.
I’M YOUR MAN had conditions to suit and was working his way into the race when unable to avoid Ambrosinni.
DOC ROW was prominent early and then hit a flat spot, but he was not out of it when possibly distracted as Ambrosinni came down and he fell independently. He stays well and could not have been counted out of the race.
LA PANTERA ROSA was getting the worst of the argument when hampered and unseating four out.
CLASSIC HARRY fell at the fifth.
PRINCE MOUSE came to NH late from points and isn’t making an impact.

3.00 2m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

ANNIBALE CARO was consistent on the flat last summer but hadn’t run over hurdles since December 2007. However Jim Goldie had his charge well readied for this race on his first appearance for the stable. Always going well he challenged at the last and came clear on the flat. He’s suited by the conditions and can go on from here.
FARNE ISLAND stayed on for second without threatening the winner. The uphill finish seems to suit him.
MARCEL has been below form recently but seems on a low mark over hurdles and may be better with the sun on his back these days.
STORM PROSPECT is pretty much handicapped to his level, but stayed on for fourth and does seem favoured by the drier conditions.

3.30 2m 1f 0-125 Handicap Chase

PROFESSOR HIGGINS is a progressive novice and won this with a fair bit in hand. He’s suited by the fast conditions and should pick up another race.
HIGH BIRD HUMPHREY ran an honest race in second and did at least do his best to put it to the winner after the last. He was held but won’t always come up against a progressive type and his jumping was a good deal sharper here.
JUSTWHATEVERULIKE stayed on for third having been in the rear for much of the race. A drop in class would do no harm.
MISS PROSS raced in midfield and was left behind from two out. She raced off 7lbs higher than her previous winning mark which is no help.
SCHINKEN OTTO raced with zest, but jumped right which didn’t help and he was struggling after three out. He’s suited by fast ground but has won over fences for some time.
MANHATTAN BOY struggled from halfway.
LOFTY LEADER had been out of form but was in the process of running his best race for a long time in third place when falling at the last. This was a good effort from 9lbs out of the handicap. He had a succession of good runs at Perth in 2007, but has collected more Ps than Bird’s Eye since then. I would be happier with further evidence of a renaissance.
KING DANIEL looked distinctly uncooperative and was pulled up after four fences, and a jockey’s report that he was ‘never travelling’ was an object lesson in stating the obvious.

4.00 2m 6 ½ f 0-110 Handicap Hurdle

INDUSTRIAL STAR settled nicely in front and nothing got to him in the last mile or so. All his wins have come on good or faster ground, and he was a stayer on the flat so this trip does him no harm.
HEEZ A STEEL was going well three out but didn’t get to the leader. He’s yet to win over hurdles though he didn’t seem to do too much wrong here. His amateur partner looked rather untidy on the run-in.
LAWGIVER threatened to get involved three out but couldn’t raise his game significantly. He was rated 102 here and his wins have come off 90 and 94.
LADY SAMBURY raced prominently but was found wanting from two out. She has won a couple but her best performances have been with cut in the ground.
DORIS’S GIFT was prominently early but was knackered by two out and struggled to lift himself over the last flight. He doesn’t look in the form he was last spring.
ORANG OUTAN was disappointing, but finished lame so had an excuse.

4.30 3m 1f Maiden Hunters’ Chase

Looking at my notebook for this one, I can seldom remember writing quite so many notes for a steeplechase. I’m also indebted to that superb publication Hunter Chasers and Point-To-Pointers 2009 by Mackenzie and Harris, an indispensable aid to those interested in these races, and a superb read even for those who aren’t.

Much of my note taking centred on James Ewart’s steeplechasing debutant DEVIL WATER who has the potential to be a decent chaser. I stress the word ‘potential’ however. He pulled very hard and was distinctly ungainly at the first few fences, his jockey hailing a cab on at least one occasion. Having pulled into the lead he jumped consistently to the right, but had his field on the stretch until walking through the fourth last and giving his rider no chance of staying aboard. He was a comfortable winner of a maiden point first time up and I’m pretty sure he would have won this had he stayed up. He remains interesting, but his wayward tendencies need to be kerbed.
LUKSAR took advantage of Devil Water’s mishap and a good jump two out gave him a nice lead he didn’t relinquish. He was a consistent performer in points and stepped up on that here. He has a good chance of following up.
PADDYS UNYOKE has had a disappointing pointing career, though he did show ability in Ireland in 2006. He ran a fine race here, being held on the run-in.
SENORA MOSS, who won an Open at Balcormo last April, looked to be struggling three out but stayed on again late.
DR HELLIER was in the rear early and came from a long way back to finish fourth. He is a decent pointer and the experience in this class may prove beneficial.
LADY BRIG, a fair performer in points, made no impression from three out.
HIGH EXPECTATIONS is one of the better performers in a stable of under-achievers, but felt the pinch from three out. Anno Domini may be catching up.
SHANTEEN LASS ran well in a poor event at Sedgefield but found this tougher contest beyond her.
OCA DE THAIX was beaten a long way and Ian Stark doesn’t seem to get the same out of his pointers as his does from eventers.
HURRICANE BASIL, who has been plagued by wind problems, looked held when falling at the thirteenth.
HOOKY’S QUEST has proved a weak finisher in points and is hopelessly out of his depth in hunter chases. The same comment goes for BEAUCHAMP VALLEY and both of these outsiders were pulled up.

5.00 2m 2f Novices’ Hurdle

This was a doddle for DOESLESSTHANME who is better than this level. His attitude is second to none, he jumps accurately and a chasing career beckons.
SOUL MAGIC saw off the remainder for second. This was better than his October effort at Aintree but he beat little.
The second favourite CATAI has achieved little in the past and was pulled up here, which sums the event bar the winner.

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday 7th April

Going – Good to Firm

Having spent the season writing sagely about events at Sedgefield I thought that it was about time I visited the place!

Sedgefield is another small Northern course which basically sticks at doing what it’s good at, that is providing bread and butter racing in decent surroundings with a decent atmosphere. The facilities are compact and functional, with enough covered to standing to satisfy the crowd. I found the best place to see ‘as near as damn it’ the entire course was on the terracing past the winning post. The slight disadvantage is that the straight is head on, but such is the layout of the course that this is a problem in any of the stands. There was no big screen but a decent pair of binoculars gives a good view all round, with the runners going out of sight only for a second or two at the end of the back straight.

The course is noticeable undulating, with a rise up the back straight followed by a fall once turned for home, though with an uphill final 100 yards. I can understand why this is a course specialists’ venue. The paddock and unsaddling area are in front of the stands, though this does present the age old problem of a course exit for the horses before the winning post, and Gamma Velorum sought to prove this point in the last race. Viewing of the parade ring is only on two sides which does mean you have to be early to get a position, though the pre-parade ring can be easily accessed.

The race card is an A3 sheet folded five ways and it’s a format that works quite well, although the information is confined to race details and misses out a lot of course information supplied at other venues.

The going was reported as fast but decent by the jockeys, the bends cutting up a little. The decent field sizes near or on the safety limits reflect that view.

2.20 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

This was a distinctly uncompetitive event where only a handful could be given a chance.

I noted SCALE BANK as having big hooves, which often signifies one who copes with soft ground, but he had no problem with the fast ground here. He was battling with Posh Bird when the latter came down at the last, and he went on to win by 42 lengths. He handles this ground and should be competitive off a mark of 104 in handicaps.
Irish challenger POSH BIRD had come under the shove but was battling hard when coming down at the last. She should win a race but took a heavy fall here.
MARDOOD plugged on for second and probably ran near his mark of 77, but he’s basically slow, and the presence of apparently very slow BERNSHAW in third sums up most of the field.
HIGHTORI is rated 100, but that is based on two season old form and he doesn’t seem to have retained that ability.
SPEARMAN, a well backed Irish point winner but an angular gelding that didn’t please the eye, went out like a light after the sixth and was pulled up. He was reported as having a breathing problem, but I got the impression he rapped himself on the hurdle as well.
THE CLASSIC FOX provided pre-race entertainment on his intended hurdling debut. He looked an awkward sort in the paddock and then dumped Barry Keniry exiting the paddock. Once re-united, Keniry was helpless as The Classic Fox hurtled off on a circuit of the course before the inevitable withdrawal. He was poor when last seen on the flat in 2005 and looks a nutcase.

2.50 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

This wasn’t a bad contest at the ‘front end’ with four rated in the range 117 to 125.

INGRATITUDE, a 35000gns purchase from Nicky Henderson’s stable, won over hurdles at Kempton when last seen in December, having previously been successful in a Towcester chase. He came clear from two out here and looks like one who may make hay while the sun shines.
ALL FOR THE CAUSE went on at the sixth but couldn’t respond once passed on the run to the last.
THE DUKE’S SPEECH was below par again and struggled from three out, though kept going well enough to hold third. The application of blinkers didn’t seem to make a difference.
PILCA was always going to struggle on these terms and ran to form in fourth.
HEAVENLY CHORUS made an eye-catching chasing debut, staying on in the straight. She’s a hurdles winner and on this evidence there is something to work on over fences. She likes fast ground though an initial chase rating of 108 looks a bit stiff.
MADGE was beaten a long way in sixth.
OUSTE looked fit enough but was well held when falling at the last.
ABLE DARA, FORTUNE’S FOOL, THE RINGER, headstrong in the paddock but showed nothing on the track, and OVERLAW are all very slow and pulled up.
KINGOFTHESWINGERS was losing touch when unseating at the seventh.

3.20 2m 1f Class Selling Novices’ Hurdle

Since these events are pretty much ‘what you see is one you get’ we adjourned for a bite to eat before this event. These events fill well perhaps due to John Wade’s continued support of the Series which culminates in a decent value Final in June, and on this occasion the race was oversubscribed by 11.

This event may well have thrown up a decent contender for the Final in CAN’T REMEMBER who stepped up on moderate Bumper form to take this cosily. Ridden after the second last she took over at the last and asserted on the run-in in a manner which suggests she can go on to better things. She was bought by Andy Crook for 6,800gns.
NEWGATE is basically selling class and ran adequately in second but was held in the latter stages.
THUNDERWING never got to the leaders but kept on for third. Rated 98, it might have been reasonable to expect better at this level.
CATHERINES VERSE was headed two out and kept on and was clear of the remaining poor bunch.
LINDSEYFIELD LODGE showed just a glimmer of ability in a chase last time but reverted to type on this occasion.

3.50 2m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

Nominally the feature event of the afternoon, though everything is relative.

LAWAAHEB has changed stables and was coming off a 313 day break and was set up nicely for this race. Always going nicely in behind the leaders, he led before the last and was driven out. He’s consistent, though only wins in turn.
NAVAL ATTACHE looked harshly treated following his maiden win here, but proved that his current rating of 88 is quite fair, chasing the winner from two out and staying on determinedly up the hill. This was a decent effort and he has come along nicely in recent weeks.
GENERAL HARDI broke his maiden in an uncompetitive event at Newcastle over three miles, but suggested here that another win is not far away. Making the pace to use his stamina, he couldn’t match the speed of the first two close home, but stepped up in trip there seems no reason why he shouldn’t pick up another race.
BUCKSTRUTHER has always looked more likely to make a chaser and showed more promise than on his previous two attempts over fences. He couldn’t quite go the pace from three out but kept on for fourth. He has time on his side and is progressing at his own level.
LONGDALE plugged on to dead heat for fourth and generally runs best here.
WHATADIFFERENCE never got seriously competitive, making some progress from the back at the top of the hill, but mustering no more afterwards.
PARKING TICKET never got involved and his recent form is moderate.
IMTIHAN raced prominently early on but was struggling after the tenth fence.
MAJOR CATCH jumped deliberately and had no chance from four out.
WHATCANYASAY was always in the rear and has gone off the boil.
AVIATION impressed in the paddock, but lost touch by halfway on the track.

4.20 3m 3f 0-90 Handicap Chase

POLAR GALE seemed to benefit from a break, having had a wind operation, and stayed on from three out. His best form is round here or at Catterick and, provided he stays in good health should continue to be competitive in similar events here in the coming months.
The one to take from this is SIMPLY SMASHING, equipped with a tongue-tie, who jumped really well out in front. He saw out this trip well and should stay extreme distances and looks one for a win in the coming months.
KIDITHOU was well backed but never near enough to get in a serious blow, staying on for third place.
HEVER ROAD improved on three dire displays previous to this, running prominently before fading from the top of the hill.
PRINCE OF SLANE ran a good race last timer at Warwick, but never got in a blow here. He has ability but it’s ages since he won and he’s basically frustrating these days.
CELTIC FLOW, an infrequent visitor to the track these days, ran well to three out then weakened.
The Smith pair of SCOTT’S MILL and PRESENTING ALF once again disappointed.
MATMATA DE TENDRON normally goes well round here, and his hurdle run last time proved fast ground is no problem, but he was going backwards at the top of the hill.
TREEHOUSE looked no better in a handicap than he has in novice events and those who backed him in to 7/1 must be eternal optimists.
BADGER was struggling before halfway and dropped back to finish last.
STONERIGGS SILVER and AMOUR DARIA are slow and both pulled up, joined by ISLAND KEY who is capable of better but didn’t get involved stepping up in trip.

4.50 2m 1f 0-90 Handicap Hurdle

Another low quality contest, this time with a slightly controversial finish.

GAMMA VELORUM looked plenty fit enough following a break. He was under driving at the top of the hill, but kept responding and led after the last. He then veered right, despite Campbell Gillies giving him a couple of cracks with whip in right hand. He ran across Simple Jim who stumbled, but Gamma Velorum went clear despite veering again close home. Gillies was given a 5-day suspension for ‘careless riding’ which means he misses the Perth Festival meeting, but to my mind he could not have done much more and, far from being ‘careless’, did his level best to straighten the horse. Sometimes I do wonder if I’m watching the same race as the officials. I can’t help thinking they had to be seen to be taking action rather than doing the right thing.
FOLLOW ON stayed on in the latter stages for second. He probably ran to his mark, but bear in mind most of these were out of form.
SIMPLE JIM was under the cosh approaching the last and was held when hampered and stumbling on the flat. He probably lost second on the flat but wouldn’t have won and seemed to have reached an end-stop on this mark.
HARCAS was detached by the fourth but made up a stack of ground to finish 11 ½ lengths down. It would be nice to think this signals a return to form, but he doesn’t look one to trust.
CEILIDH LASS was another to stay on from the rear. She’s lightly raced and may be suited by a longer distance.
PETE looked to be going really well to two out but folded tamely.
It’s difficult to take any encouragement from the remaining runners.

[robnorth]

CARLISLE – Saturday April 11th

Going – Good(Good To Firm in places)

With drier weather around in the North East the going has become decent at Carlisle. As a bonus this meant that all fences were jumped, something which hasn’t happened often, if at all, previously this season.

Due to time constraints a few of the notes are necessarily brief.

2.20 2m Class 4 Novices’ Chase

A big hole was knocked in this event by the absence of the two main contenders, Sa Suffit and Fit To Drive, and two other absentees left only five to contest the race.

SOUBRIQUET was left challenging for the lead when the leader ducked out before the sixth and eased away comfortably in the closing stages, though it’s doubtful he achieved too much.
GENERAL LEDGER was held from two out.
LADY CHATELAINE was held by two more gifted performers but at least showed she jumps competently and seems better over fences than hurdling. She might be of interest aimed at lowly handicaps in the coming months.
PANTHER’S RUN went along nicely in front until ducking out approaching the sixth. He’s on a long losing run and doesn’t look one to trust.
PAPERCHASER fell at the fourth.

2.50 3m 2f 0-95 Handicap Chase

An event for some low grade ‘grinders’.

ASTYANAX was prominent all the way and took charge on the flat. He was unproven at this trip but saw it out very well on this stiff track. His overall profile suggests we can’t rely on a follow up.
SANDS RISING plugged on fro second. He’s running well at the moment but lacks any pace at the business end.
NELLIEDONETHAT has run well over the winter and produced another sound performance in third, though he is probably held by the handicapper now.
STARK RAVEN hit a couple of fences as the race warmed up and couldn’t get back into the argument from three out.
ESME RIDES A GAINE shows a little ability but is basically fairly slow. Having been outpaced down the back she stayed on again up the hill but the leaders had gone. This was an adequate handicapping debut and she may come on with experience.
STAR OF RAVEN, SUPREMELY GIFTED (reported as finishing sore) and PACK DRILL could make no impact from a mile out, while SHULMIN was always out the back and probably needs a return to Sedgefield.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST, normally consistent if frustrating, ran a lack lustre race and was reported as not suited by the ground.
POLOBURY jumped poorly and had lost touch by the eighth.

3.25 3m ½ f 0-130 Handicap Chase

This is normally one of the better handicaps held at the course over the season, but the field did strike me as all that brilliant.

ANTONIUS CAESAR was taken wide for much of the way. He disputed the lead from the tenth and coasted into the lead three out, and went away from there before being eased on the flat. The trip from Northamptonshire was well worth while and his trainer may be eyeing up a few races now the going is decent.
THE WHISPERER stayed no from the bottom of the hill without remotely threatening the winner. He has had a stop-start career to date, but his record reads well and he may go on from here.
CROZAN showed some evidence of a return to form, keeping on for third.
MILL SIDE made a creditable first appearance in handicaps, lacking an increase in pace over the final three fences. He has shown promise in novice events this season and will find his level in handicaps and with experience will pick up a race or two.
RIMSKY led or was prominent to three out but then gave way. His best form has generally come at courses with uphill finishes, but he probably raced a little too freely on this occasion.
ROYAL MACKINTOSH has run well through the winter, but may just welcome a break. He’s still on a mark he can cope with when at his best and I would keep him in mind round here in testing conditions next season.
NOIR ET VERT went prominent after halfway but was struggling before four out. He seems a bit too high in the handicap.
BAFANA BOY was always at the back, and BANNISTER LANE faded from a mile out having led to the tenth.
OPEN DE L’ISLE as not proven at this trip but seemed in trouble after two miles, so that would not have been the excuse. His trainer suggested to the stewards that the fast ground was the problem.
JUST FOR MEN performed poorly and pulled up, but then his only previous effort on this sort of ground ended being well beaten, so it seems reasonable that the ground was against him.

3.55 2m 5f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

ISN’T THAT LUCKY Seemed to have a golden opportunity here and so it proved. He had no trouble seeing off Logans Run from the last. He’s now finished for the season and the likelihood is he will be aimed at decent class middle distance handicap chases next season.
LOGANS RUN showed he retains the ability suggested by his hurdling efforts and ran creditably here if held by a better opponent. It should be no problem to get a novices’ chase win out of him, though his ability is now exposed and he will be short priced.
CORNERBACK went well for a way but was firmly put in his place from three out.
CLASSIC HARRY had a very tough task here and had lost touch before four out.
SPIVITUS, LUSENTO and ALMOND COURT were way out of their depth here.
4.30 3m ½ f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase

CHERNIK put aside some indifferent previous chasing form to take this ridiculously comfortably. He had shown a glimmer last time, but this effort was way in advance of three previous goes over fences. He will go up a long way for this and to remains to be seen if a repeat effort can be made. Able to dominate from the front it could just be that the race fell his way.
INDY MOOD was left behind from the bottom of the hill and this effort seemed a bit below his last two runs.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT stayed on for third, but had been well held on previous chasing efforts putting the form into context.
CLASSIC CHIC was outpaced from the thirteenth but plugged on up the hill and doesn’t seem to have much basic speed.
EASBY MANDARIN was left behind in the last mile.
PISTOL BASC weakened from the bottom of the hill and has to prove he can see out the trip.
NGONG HILLS should have been involved on recent form but was left well behind from a mile out.
JORVEYBROOK won what looked a soft event at Newcastle, didn’t jump well here and was pulled up five out.
TOY GUN has lost his form totally in recent runs and may have a problem.
GLEN OMEN and FINLAY’S FOOTSTEPS both pulled up, neither offering any encouragement recently.

5.05 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

The Twiston-Davies stable has hit form at this time before, and BERMUDA POINTE looked well readied for this one and he won easily despite whacking the last. He has run over assorted tracks and distances quite consistently, but the impression is that a stiff two miles is best.
WATCH THE WIND ran well from 10lbs out of the handicap, although on what he had achieved previously it puts the others’ performances in context. He had shown glimmers of form in the past and I suspect he’s a spring performer.
HOLLOWS MILL had one of his better days in third but isn’t ready betting material these days.
MASTER PAPA was held from the bottom of the hill. He’s better on a sharper track, and is back below his winning mark.
IT’S BERTIE couldn’t dominate here and he has gone steadily up the handicap without recording a legal win.
SOME TOUCH was outpaced from three out. A couple of seasons back he would have had these fro breakfast, but his form is falling away.
CANTGETON blossomed for a couple of runs but was well held here.
SOPRANO fell last time, and that may have affected his confidence as he didn’t get involved and pulled up.
NORMINSTER probably found the ground a little quick, but this was so far below his form that he may have had one race too many.

5.35 3m ½ f Hunters’ Chase

HARTBURN has been showing plenty of progression in points and won this with a fair bit to spare. Handling regulation fences clearly holds no terrors and she should progress in hunter chases.
GARDEN FEATURE has won over four miles in points and stayed on for second here. Connections may look for a real test over fences.
BEN NELLY has been well beaten on most fencing efforts but performed respectably here given his 74 Official Rating, being beaten 32 lengths in third.
TEERIE EXPRESS went well enough until a serious blunder four out knocked the stuffing out.
NOCATEE completed in his own time in customary style.
HENRY’S PRIDE led early but gave way swiftly up the hill.
BLACK SMOKE completed slowly in handicaps last year and did the same in this class.
NATIAIN seems to have been thoroughly soured by a number of tough tasks in handicaps this year. He failed to start on one occasion and the towel went in quickly from five out on this occasion. At his best he would have carried these and a place behind Black Smoke shows how much his form has tailed off.
GEEVEEM made mistakes and toiled in the rear, as did JACKSONVILLE who stays well but had no chance in this event.

[robnorth]

AYR = Friday April 17th

Going – Good

Scotland’s top meeting of the year began on a sour note, with two fatalities in the first contest. The runners were racing on watered ground followed a lengthy dry spell which has completely changed the soft and heavy ground that has been prevalent throughout the winter. Following the mishaps on the final bend in the first race there was a lengthy delay as the track was investigated, but it was found that there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the state of the turf.

2.20 3m ½ f 0-135 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Two horses slipped up on the home bend in this event with FRESCHEZZA sadly suffering a fatal injury. DANCING DIK was the other to come down.

PERCUTANT was a swiftly progressing hurdler having won nicely on two occasions at Musselburgh. He was in contention when suffering an injury to his near hind on landing at two out and was swiftly taken out of the race. Sadly the injury resulting in the gelding having to be put down.

GRAND THEATRE was left clear following Percutant’s mishap and won very easily. His profile to date has been one good run then one bad run and it doesn’t seem possible to tie down any clear reason for his flops.
EASBY PARK led until the eighth but was well held from that point though he did enough to hold on to the second place that he inherited two out.
Irish challenger CURRAGOWER stayed on up the straight for third without ever threatening the leaders.
The remainder were well held, DESCRIPTION, seemingly caught by the handicapper after a run of wins, fading to finish fifth.

2.50 2m 5f 0-125 Novices’ Handicap Chase

After a lengthy delay whilst the track was inspected, this race commenced 35 minutes late and minus two intended runners.

FESTIVAL KING bowled along nicely in front, jumping well, but paid for misjudging the thirteenth and dislodged his rider.
As only two finished it’s difficult to draw too many conclusions from the form, EVEN FLO ridden out to hold BOUGOURE after the last.

3.25 3m ½ f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

Another smallish field and DISTILLER was able to dominate in the straight. Despite an awkward jump three out he stayed on nicely to lead on the run-in and needed no more than nudging to see him home. There is a suspicion that he is rather quirky, but there may be more to come. The Twiston-Davies stable is running into form in time for an assault on the Perth Festival next week.
MIGHTY MASSINI led from halfway until overtaken on the run-in. He failed to finish in his first nine efforts in Irish points, but has been better since going hurdling and, though he has yet to win, it should be possible to find a race in the coming months.
LEAC AN SCAIL ran soundly in third place and is basically handicapped to his level.
CLASSIC ACT was outpaced approaching the final bend and plugged on up the straight. The extreme distance (3m 3f) at Sedgefield last time probably suited a bit better and the idiosyncrasies of that track may well bring out the best in him.

4.00 2m 4f 0-145 Handicap Chase

TELL HENRY was tapped for toe five out, but found his stride in the straight to take this event with a great deal in hand. He hasn’t been over-raced this winter, was in fine fettle following a break and is progressing nicely.
CALATAGAN hit a couple as the race was warming up but kept on for second. He’s possibly a little better at shorter distances since his only win over this trip has come at the sharp Stratford circuit.
MISTER McGOLDRICK has struggled a little following last year’s Cheltenham win and a subsequent hike in the ratings, but ran a decent race back on his previous winning mark. He would still be worth a glance if an opportunity could be found off this mark at his favourite Wetherby.
CAST IRON CASEY acquitted himself well enough taking on the toughest chasing company he has faced. A mistake three out cost him his chance but dropped in class he would have every chance of picking up a handicap.
MEDICINAL struggled from four out and looks on a stiff mark at 144.
DALDINI has been kept on the go all winter and this lack lustre effort suggests that a rest may now beckon.
SILVER ADONIS had a stiff task and was always out the back.
WATCH MY BACK jumped poorly and was never competitive. This was a stiffer task than he had faced before, but he’s better than this run suggests.
PATMAN DU CHARMIL’s jockey lost an iron early on and he was pulled up after the fourth.

4.35 3m ½ f 0-130 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

Carrying a penalty for a recent win at Hexham, ELZAHANN sat handy and led at the last, going away on the flat. The race was run at a decent pace so the form looks solid enough and Elzahaan is progressing nicely.
REEL CHARMER ran to her form in second on a return to hurdling after a less than successful spell chasing.
PURE GENIUS wasn’t far off her mark in this race, keeping on after being headed two out. This is as high as she would want to be in the ratings at the moment, though off 100 there is scope for a drop in class.
SOLWAY BEE had a tough task here and performed very well to post a fourth place from four pounds out of the handicap. Prevailing conditions suit, so her trainer may be able to find a small race in the coming weeks.
MORE LIKELY stayed on late but found everything happening a bit too quick for her here. It may still be possible to exploit her lower hurdle mark in a slightly lower class, perhaps at Kelso.

5.10 3m 1f Class 3 Claiming Chase

This is one of a handful of claiming chases held in the north throughout the season, and from memory the best quality of them, although everything is relative.

This seemed to be an excellent opportunity for UNGARO to get in a clear round and have his confidence restored after a disappointing spell. However, having been hampered when Cardington unseated at the second he crashed out at the fifth fence.
The race was left as a contest between the 123 rated ANDREW NICK and BAGAN. ANDREW NICK was the one to take advantage, leading five out and keeping on with BAGAN chasing resolutely if vainly from four out. Given the distance in front of the third, it is reasonable to assume that the first two ran near to their best.
EASBY MANDARIN had a struggle on at the weights and was outpaced in the straight.
RATHOWEN was returning after a lay-off since last May. He led until five out but quickly weakened and was tailed off.
CARDINGTON was untidy at the first and jettisoned his pilot at the second.
THEBOYFROMBULAWAYO was struggling soon after halfway and pulled up before five from home.

5.45 2m 4f 0-125 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

SOLWAY SUNSET’s career has been characterised by wins interspersed with moderate runs. Coming off a moderate performance at Haydock six days previously, she recorded a career high performance off to win this event. She made progress in the straight, then hit the second last but recovered to lead at the last and win with a little in hand. Sometimes difficult to pin down for a particular run, she does however have an impressive career record of 6 wins from 21 runs.
CORKAGE ran a sound race, battling hard to dead-heat for second. He’s higher in the handicap than he needs to be to have winning chances.
SHERIFF HUTTON is another that ran a sound race but is handicapped to his mark.
ANNNIBALE CARO made headway three out but was soon on the retreat. This could be this came a little soon after his Kelso victory, and a drop back in trip wouldn’t do any harm.

Meanwhile at Sedgefield (Going – Good To Firm), where the fence at the top of the hill was omitted, there were three chases on the card:

5.55 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

STRIKING ARTICLE impressed when left to do his own thing at Hexham first time out, but his fencing has not looked good when he has been put under pressure. Bowling along in front he got low at a few fences and paid the penalty at the eleventh.
ROLE ON took advantage of Striking Article’s misfortune to take the race comfortably. He’s consistent, jumps tidily and goes well on fast ground.
NATURALLY INSPIRED stayed on from two out to take second. He was well held here but is learning over fences and should make his mark at a lowly level.
MOYNE PLEASURE kept on for third apparently performing better than his rating of 62, though I would be tempted to take the form with a pinch of salt.
OVERLAW is slow but kept going well enough for fourth.
DESERT MAZE looks too headstrong at present and was a spent force from three out.
FORTUNE’S FOOL looks a poor performer over fences and completed in a remote sixth.
Neither REGAL CONFUSION nor EBAC jumped well and both were pulled up.

6.25 3m 3f 0-110 Handicap Chase

POLAR GALE continued the good form of his previous effort over course and distance, staying on to win this with something in hand. A wind operation has paid dividends. He is suited by good or fast ground and now has four Sedgefield wins to his credit.
BLEU POIS stayed on for second if unable to hold Polar Gale. This was a creditable effort behind a more experienced opponent.
BIG BONE produced his best run since returning from a season off. He had every chance going to two out but could only manage the one pace from there.
LUCKY NELLERIE raced prominently, leading from the seventh to two out, but weakened once headed He has been off his game this season, but this effort was at least a little better than any since October.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT was left behind from three out and offers nothing at the business end.
TULLY HILL was well out of the handicap and did as well as could be expected to be up with the leaders to the fourteenth.
ESQUILLON jumped stickily in the rear and doesn’t look comfortable with chasing.
BOBBY ICATA had run eight awful races in bumpers and hurdles (pulled up six times) and was back peddling when coming down heavily at the eleventh.

7.00 2m 4f Novices’ Hunters’ Chase

CRAIGLANDS, a steady improver in points and winner of a maiden at Tranwell, challenged three out and was in control when veering towards the course exit on the run-in. He then appeared to idle a bit but found enough to hold on. He’s still a bit raw but has time on his side.
PARADISE BAY is exposed as an essentially moderate performer. He made progress to two out but couldn’t get to the leader.
OH SO PERKY, making her seasonal debut, ran a creditable race in third but was well held from four out.
LITTLE ROCKER kept on from a long way back for fourth.
SILVER PALOMINO and FIFTH COLUMN both got round but were well beaten and are slow.
LEADING PEARL had been in good form in points, running up a hat-trick, but failed to cope over regulation fences, pulling up before two out.
WILLYWONT HE went well to three out but was dropping back when hitting two out hard and unseating.
BARRY THE CRACKER set off in front but had run out of puff by three out. He’s only six and if he can be restrained a little more and his jumping sharpened he isn’t a lost cause in these events.
TEMPLE GLEN is a point winner but has found things too tough on two hunter chase outings, and BILLSLEGACY is proven slowcoach who bumbled round until pulled up approaching the eighth fence.

[robnorth]

AYR = Friday April 17th

Going – Good

Scotland’s top meeting of the year began on a sour note, with two fatalities in the first contest. The runners were racing on watered ground followed a lengthy dry spell which has completely changed the soft and heavy ground that has been prevalent throughout the winter. Following the mishaps on the final bend in the first race there was a lengthy delay as the track was investigated, but it was found that there was nothing fundamentally wrong with the state of the turf.

2.20 3m ½ f 0-135 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Two horses slipped up on the home bend in this event with FRESCHEZZA sadly suffering a fatal injury. DANCING DIK was the other to come down.

PERCUTANT was a swiftly progressing hurdler having won nicely on two occasions at Musselburgh. He was in contention when suffering an injury to his near hind on landing at two out and was swiftly taken out of the race. Sadly the injury resulting in the gelding having to be put down.

GRAND THEATRE was left clear following Percutant’s mishap and won very easily. His profile to date has been one good run then one bad run and it doesn’t seem possible to tie down any clear reason for his flops.
EASBY PARK led until the eighth but was well held from that point though he did enough to hold on to the second place that he inherited two out.
Irish challenger CURRAGOWER stayed on up the straight for third without ever threatening the leaders.
The remainder were well held, DESCRIPTION, seemingly caught by the handicapper after a run of wins, fading to finish fifth.

2.50 2m 5f 0-125 Novices’ Handicap Chase

After a lengthy delay whilst the track was inspected, this race commenced 35 minutes late and minus two intended runners.

FESTIVAL KING bowled along nicely in front, jumping well, but paid for misjudging the thirteenth and dislodged his rider.
As only two finished it’s difficult to draw too many conclusions from the form, EVEN FLO ridden out to hold BOUGOURE after the last.

3.25 3m ½ f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

Another smallish field and DISTILLER was able to dominate in the straight. Despite an awkward jump three out he stayed on nicely to lead on the run-in and needed no more than nudging to see him home. There is a suspicion that he is rather quirky, but there may be more to come. The Twiston-Davies stable is running into form in time for an assault on the Perth Festival next week.
MIGHTY MASSINI led from halfway until overtaken on the run-in. He failed to finish in his first nine efforts in Irish points, but has been better since going hurdling and, though he has yet to win, it should be possible to find a race in the coming months.
LEAC AN SCAIL ran soundly in third place and is basically handicapped to his level.
CLASSIC ACT was outpaced approaching the final bend and plugged on up the straight. The extreme distance (3m 3f) at Sedgefield last time probably suited a bit better and the idiosyncrasies of that track may well bring out the best in him.

4.00 2m 4f 0-145 Handicap Chase

TELL HENRY was tapped for toe five out, but found his stride in the straight to take this event with a great deal in hand. He hasn’t been over-raced this winter, was in fine fettle following a break and is progressing nicely.
CALATAGAN hit a couple as the race was warming up but kept on for second. He’s possibly a little better at shorter distances since his only win over this trip has come at the sharp Stratford circuit.
MISTER McGOLDRICK has struggled a little following last year’s Cheltenham win and a subsequent hike in the ratings, but ran a decent race back on his previous winning mark. He would still be worth a glance if an opportunity could be found off this mark at his favourite Wetherby.
CAST IRON CASEY acquitted himself well enough taking on the toughest chasing company he has faced. A mistake three out cost him his chance but dropped in class he would have every chance of picking up a handicap.
MEDICINAL struggled from four out and looks on a stiff mark at 144.
DALDINI has been kept on the go all winter and this lack lustre effort suggests that a rest may now beckon.
SILVER ADONIS had a stiff task and was always out the back.
WATCH MY BACK jumped poorly and was never competitive. This was a stiffer task than he had faced before, but he’s better than this run suggests.
PATMAN DU CHARMIL’s jockey lost an iron early on and he was pulled up after the fourth.

4.35 3m ½ f 0-130 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

Carrying a penalty for a recent win at Hexham, ELZAHANN sat handy and led at the last, going away on the flat. The race was run at a decent pace so the form looks solid enough and Elzahaan is progressing nicely.
REEL CHARMER ran to her form in second on a return to hurdling after a less than successful spell chasing.
PURE GENIUS wasn’t far off her mark in this race, keeping on after being headed two out. This is as high as she would want to be in the ratings at the moment, though off 100 there is scope for a drop in class.
SOLWAY BEE had a tough task here and performed very well to post a fourth place from four pounds out of the handicap. Prevailing conditions suit, so her trainer may be able to find a small race in the coming weeks.
MORE LIKELY stayed on late but found everything happening a bit too quick for her here. It may still be possible to exploit her lower hurdle mark in a slightly lower class, perhaps at Kelso.

5.10 3m 1f Class 3 Claiming Chase

This is one of a handful of claiming chases held in the north throughout the season, and from memory the best quality of them, although everything is relative.

This seemed to be an excellent opportunity for UNGARO to get in a clear round and have his confidence restored after a disappointing spell. However, having been hampered when Cardington unseated at the second he crashed out at the fifth fence.
The race was left as a contest between the 123 rated ANDREW NICK and BAGAN. ANDREW NICK was the one to take advantage, leading five out and keeping on with BAGAN chasing resolutely if vainly from four out. Given the distance in front of the third, it is reasonable to assume that the first two ran near to their best.
EASBY MANDARIN had a struggle on at the weights and was outpaced in the straight.
RATHOWEN was returning after a lay-off since last May. He led until five out but quickly weakened and was tailed off.
CARDINGTON was untidy at the first and jettisoned his pilot at the second.
THEBOYFROMBULAWAYO was struggling soon after halfway and pulled up before five from home.

5.45 2m 4f 0-125 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

SOLWAY SUNSET’s career has been characterised by wins interspersed with moderate runs. Coming off a moderate performance at Haydock six days previously, she recorded a career high performance off to win this event. She made progress in the straight, then hit the second last but recovered to lead at the last and win with a little in hand. Sometimes difficult to pin down for a particular run, she does however have an impressive career record of 6 wins from 21 runs.
CORKAGE ran a sound race, battling hard to dead-heat for second. He’s higher in the handicap than he needs to be to have winning chances.
SHERIFF HUTTON is another that ran a sound race but is handicapped to his mark.
ANNNIBALE CARO made headway three out but was soon on the retreat. This could be this came a little soon after his Kelso victory, and a drop back in trip wouldn’t do any harm.

Meanwhile at Sedgefield (Going – Good To Firm), where the fence at the top of the hill was omitted, there were three chases on the card:

5.55 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

STRIKING ARTICLE impressed when left to do his own thing at Hexham first time out, but his fencing has not looked good when he has been put under pressure. Bowling along in front he got low at a few fences and paid the penalty at the eleventh.
ROLE ON took advantage of Striking Article’s misfortune to take the race comfortably. He’s consistent, jumps tidily and goes well on fast ground.
NATURALLY INSPIRED stayed on from two out to take second. He was well held here but is learning over fences and should make his mark at a lowly level.
MOYNE PLEASURE kept on for third apparently performing better than his rating of 62, though I would be tempted to take the form with a pinch of salt.
OVERLAW is slow but kept going well enough for fourth.
DESERT MAZE looks too headstrong at present and was a spent force from three out.
FORTUNE’S FOOL looks a poor performer over fences and completed in a remote sixth.
Neither REGAL CONFUSION nor EBAC jumped well and both were pulled up.

6.25 3m 3f 0-110 Handicap Chase

POLAR GALE continued the good form of his previous effort over course and distance, staying on to win this with something in hand. A wind operation has paid dividends. He is suited by good or fast ground and now has four Sedgefield wins to his credit.
BLEU POIS stayed on for second if unable to hold Polar Gale. This was a creditable effort behind a more experienced opponent.
BIG BONE produced his best run since returning from a season off. He had every chance going to two out but could only manage the one pace from there.
LUCKY NELLERIE raced prominently, leading from the seventh to two out, but weakened once headed He has been off his game this season, but this effort was at least a little better than any since October.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT was left behind from three out and offers nothing at the business end.
TULLY HILL was well out of the handicap and did as well as could be expected to be up with the leaders to the fourteenth.
ESQUILLON jumped stickily in the rear and doesn’t look comfortable with chasing.
BOBBY ICATA had run eight awful races in bumpers and hurdles (pulled up six times) and was back peddling when coming down heavily at the eleventh.

7.00 2m 4f Novices’ Hunters’ Chase

CRAIGLANDS, a steady improver in points and winner of a maiden at Tranwell, challenged three out and was in control when veering towards the course exit on the run-in. He then appeared to idle a bit but found enough to hold on. He’s still a bit raw but has time on his side.
PARADISE BAY is exposed as an essentially moderate performer. He made progress to two out but couldn’t get to the leader.
OH SO PERKY, making her seasonal debut, ran a creditable race in third but was well held from four out.
LITTLE ROCKER kept on from a long way back for fourth.
SILVER PALOMINO and FIFTH COLUMN both got round but were well beaten and are slow.
LEADING PEARL had been in good form in points, running up a hat-trick, but failed to cope over regulation fences, pulling up before two out.
WILLYWONT HE went well to three out but was dropping back when hitting two out hard and unseating.
BARRY THE CRACKER set off in front but had run out of puff by three out. He’s only six and if he can be restrained a little more and his jumping sharpened he isn’t a lost cause in these events.
TEMPLE GLEN is a point winner but has found things too tough on two hunter chase outings, and BILLSLEGACY is proven slowcoach who bumbled round until pulled up approaching the eighth fence. The latter was described by Racing Post Spotlight as ‘moderate’ which is about as flattering a comment as he is likely to achieve!

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