North’s notes

[robnorth]

AYR – Saturday 18th April

Going – Good

Glorious weather for Ayr’s big day of the season. The ground was watered overnight, though the drying conditions meant that there were a number of absentees.

1.45 2m 3 Novices’ Hurdle

There was a surprise result in the first event of the afternoon but, to my mind, with a fast pace I would trust the form.

George Charlton’s APARTMAN was settled at the rear of the quartet coming through to challenge three out and then quickly going clear. A couple of these had solid novice form and this one looks very interesting for the future. I wonder if the stable might take a chance on a trip to Punchestown. One thought is that if Apartman had been trained by a ‘big name’ instead of G. Charlton would he have been such a long price?
GIORGIO QUERCUS, with conditions to suit, was ridden coming out of the back straight and under the shove all up the straight but kept on well enough to gain second after the last.
SATICON could offer only one pace up the straight.
MARC AURELE paid for setting a scorching pace and soon tailed off once headed.

2.20 2m 4f Grade 2 Novices’ Chase

DEEP PURPLE led, getting a bit close to some fences early but fiddling his way over, was driven to three out, responded well and stayed on for a decent win.
I’MSINGINGTHEBLUES gave his running in second place but was held by the winner from two out. This was a decent effort.
RAYSROCK was outpaced from five out but secured third.
TOT O’WHISKEY struggled from a long way out and, having been kept on the go for a long while, might be feeling the effects of the season.
TURKISH SURPRISE was held up off the pace and didn’t get in a blow, fading from four out.

2.50 2m 0-158 Grade 2 Handicap Hurdle

This was competitive renewal of the Scottish Champion Hurdle with decent form brought from various hurdling fields.
NOBLE ALAN, fresh from a break, was impressive in the latter stages. Picking up nicely from two out he ran on well after the last to win with a little in hand. His trainer has him marked down as a future chaser.
SECRET TUNE ran a cracker from 4lbs wrong in the handicap, being on the premises for most of the race and sticking to his guns once passed by Noble Alan. He’s picked up a couple of ‘middle of the road’ handicaps at Newbury in recent times, but looks set to contest the better class handicap hurdles next season.
HARPER VALLEY set a decent pace jumping well. I wondered if he might fold once headed, but to his credit really stuck to his task and hung on for third.
BLUE BAJAN is a twilight horse, not quite good enough to challenge in the top class hurdle races whilst having to carry big weights in the best handicaps. He tried his best here and his fourth place means he’ll get no respite in the immediate future.
MEDERMIT acquitted himself well on stepping up to ‘senior class’, lacking extra pace from two out.
SNAP TIE is in a similar position as Blue Bajan and ran a fair sixth here. He did manage to pick up a race in front of Katchit first time and maybe he is best fresh.
SKI SUNDAY pulled too hard and had raced himself out by the home turn.

3.25 4m ½ f Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase

The biggest race of the Scottish jumping season and I haven’t been able to see the race. No recording on Racing UK or the Racing Post sight so I’ve relying on eye witness accounts and race comments. Thanks to fellow racing fanatic workmate Keith Orr for a bit of an insight. Scottish interest disappeared when Merigo was declared a non-runner due to the ground, and one of the favoured competitors Tricky Trickster was pulled out along with two others.
HELLO BUD has progressed from a mark of 85 at the start of 2008 to race off a mark of 133 here. He shrugged that off fairly comfortably in what was probably one of the stronger Scottish National renewals of recent years. He made all the running and then galloped on to see off challenges in the closing stages. This was a cracking performance from an 11 year old who just keeps progressing and the long term target in the 2010 Grand National. Mean while his form confirmed the Twiston-Davies stable set for a strong challenge at Perth.
The sometimes apparently superhuman qualities of one A.P.McCoy cajoled GONE TO LUNCH into second place. He picked up ground in the last mile and was gaining on the winner close home. The problem is that getting him to produce his ability is such a hard job.
OUT THE BLACK was held from two out but ran another solid race. He’s not been over-raced for an 11 year old so there is still scope for a win or two next season. He would be interesting if aimed at the Veterans’ staying events next term.
The step up to extreme distances has done CHIARO no harm, since he won over 3m 7f at Hereford last time and lost nothing in defeat stepped up in class here. As a progressive seven year old not fully exposed at long distances he is one to keep in mind for staying events in 2009-10.
CHIEF DAN GEORGE didn’t disgrace himself in thrown in at the deep end in senior chasing company. I thought he was too short a price at 11/2 but he has been learning steadily and will be a challenger to be reckoned with next season.
L’AVENTURE, carrying the North money in the work sweep, performed to type, staying on when the contest was all but over.
KING BARRY has a very good record here but simply ran out of stamina.
SEA DIVA seldom wins but often runs fairly well in these events. She was never really going but picked up a place or two late on.
COE and BROOKLYN BROWNIE appeared not to stay.
WEST END ROCKER made mistakes early on was pulled up after being badly hampered at the twentieth.
THAT’S RHYTHM fell at the twentieth. Given that he had only own a beginners’ chase previously he seemed to be going well enough at the time.
NINE DE SIVOLA was never going and the accepted wisdom was that the going didn’t suit.
LE TOSCAN has been well out of form and was unable to climb the mountain presented to him.
DEAR VILLEZ had a tough task with top-weight in a race that generally favours the lower weights. He made a couple of mistakes and was well behind when pulled up in the straight.
ARTEEA ran a lifetime best in the Aintree National and it’s reasonable to assume that the effort told on him.
A couple of mistakes didn’t help SOUND ACCORD’s chances but it appeared the trip was beyond him.

4.00 2m 5 ½ f 0-150 Handicap Hurdle

THE POLOMOCHE has been out of sorts since a good effort at Ascot in December. It should be noted though that the intervening contests were at Cheltenham and Aintree and were top class handicaps. He found it easier here off top-weight, making most and battling back when headed briefly on the run-in. He’ll go up a bit for this and will find life increasingly difficult over hurdles.
HALLA SAN is an admirable dual-purpose performer, and his last run was on the all-weather at Kempton. He’s still on a mark which can be exploited in a handicap hurdle on this quick ground.
WORKING TITLE saw out this extended trip well enough in third if held by the first two.
WARSAW PACT performed soundly coming off a break.
MIDDLETON DENE was decent as a novice but has found life tough in senior handicap company this season and needs a drop in the weights.

4.35 2m 0-152 Handicap Chase

Those at the top end of this decent class handicap looked in the grip of the handicapper and those contesting the finish came from the bottom end of the weights.

PEPSYROCK has been running some decent races round the decent tracks in the south, and found the West of Scotland to his liking as he saw off Beggar’s Cap in a close finish. The two were clear and the form reads well. BEGGAR’S CAP deserves credit for being the only one to bustle up the favourite and both are the right end of the age scale and can take this form forward.
DOMINICAN MONK stayed on late for third but found the rise in class a little tough to handle.
LESLINGTAYLOR hit two out when making a little progress from the rear and his effort came to an end. He comes out of this season with a degree of credit and is not on an impossible mark.
LORD HENRY led or disputed until a mistake two out at which point he folded. He has his work cut out to win off 150.
PABLO DU CHARMIL weakened from the final turn. He is another who has had some stiff tasks of late and needs respite from the handicapper.
KILMACKILLOGE, coming off a break, raced off a career high mark and it remains to be seen if he can cope. He offered little encouragement in pulling up here.
ANDREAS was struggling when falling three out. He hasn’t recaptured his decent ground form from last spring.

5.05 3m 1f 0-130 Novices’ Handicap Chase

Another decent contest on a very fine card.

AURORAS ENCORE benefitted when his nearest challenger almost departed three out. That being said, he saw off the remainder plenty easy enough. He’s won over 2m and 3m over fences this season and performed creditably over hurdles last time, so his trainer has plenty of options.
VALLEY RIDE raced prominently but was chasing in vain from three out. He has good form round the sharp tracks at Newton Abbot and Fakenham and his current mark should still give him options at those venues.
RUSTARIX was left behind in the straight. His form going right-handed looks stronger than on left handed courses.
FRESH AIR AND FUN was still in contention when clouting three out. He then made a pig’s ear of the last and lost a couple of places. His jumping has been decent in the past so he may be forgiven this one.
SEIZE won in lesser company at Musselburgh off 12lbs lower, but this was beyond him.
SHOULDHAVEHADTHAT’s form tends to go up and down, and this was not his day.
STORYMAKER has ability on his day but doesn’t always produce evidence of it.

5.35 2m NH Flat Race

A shock result but the form looks sound enough with decent winners behind.
Bill Amos produced decent bumper performer Lie Forrit last season so it’s not a huge surprise to see him come up with another. CARTERS REST was tried in a tongue-tie which worked the oracle turning a moderate performer into a decent one. He’s related to winners and may go on from here.
Another stable that has produced a decent performer or two in the recent past is that of George Charlton, and he sent out MASTER BEAU to bustle up the winner here, well clear of the third.
Alan Swinbank’s newcomer SIR FRANK ran a fair race in third, if well held and the stable should place him to advantage.
WITHERSPOON won well here last time but was put in his place this time. The fast ground may not have helped and he will benefit from a stiffer test.

[robnorth]

Hexham – Monday April 20th

Going – Good To Firm (Good in places)

A glorious sunny day in Northumberland, though the racing wasn’t quite as glorious as the weather.

2.30 3m 1f 0-105 Handicap Chase

The afternoon commenced with a contest high on numbers but low on quality. A number of the competitors here have been on the go for a few months, but it’s difficult to tell when many of them are going to put their best hoof forward.

The ‘eternal optimists’ (see Sedgefield April 7th) certainly knew more of TREEHOUSE than I did. Once again backed at fancy prices, the horse got the message and stepped up significantly on previous form under Rules, his previous placed form having been in maiden points. He moved through to lead three out and battled back when headed. He was given an ugly ride by Adrian Lane who was way too liberal with the whip and duly got carpeted for it. It remains to be seen if this leaves its mark.
KORELO continues to encourage and stayed on though able to offer no extra in the last half furlong. He may pick up a minor staying handicap sine he seems in good heart.
ASTYANAX couldn’t follow up his Carlisle win form a 9lbs higher mark. He led from the fifteenth until two out but could only plug on one pace from there.
MITCHEL HENRY is better with cut in the ground and didn’t look that keen though fourth place probably wasn’t a bad effort. It would be a surprise if he is now put away until the autumn.
PENDLE FOREST was waited with and brought through steadily to two out but couldn’t sustain the effort up the hill. She’s been bumbling round at the back most of the season, so this offers just a glimmer of encouragement.
RECKLESS VENTURE was never close enough to get in a blow.
SILVER DAGGER was under pressure down the back straight and called ‘enough’ two out, CELTIC FLOW dropping away around the same time.
It could be that the ground didn’t help SEEK THE TRUTH, but I suspect he’s just and up and down performer.
LA PANTERA ROSA was the last to complete the course, isn’t the most consistent performer and was way off form here.
HOWS TRIX was never going on his first appearance since moving from Ireland.
BEAUCHAMP PRINCE is hampered by a wind problem and pulled up.
NOW THEN SID raced prominently early but faded quickly from the thirteenth, pulling up a couple of fences later.
BLUNHAM HILL won first time out this season but has been abysmal since.
BENBEOCH produced a good effort last time which fooled the betting public into making him favourite, be reverted to uncooperative mode here.
SOUND OF CHEERS was another to be pulled up and has offered little encouragement since his seasonal debut.
HOLLOWS MIST managed to rid himself of his pilot at the fourth.

3.20 2m 4 ½ f Gee Aker Malayo Handicap Chase
This race was named after the Lucinda Russell inmate who perished at Hexham last year.
NOUVEAU MAIRE made a successful step up from hunter chases with Ferdy Murphy taking charge instead of his daughter, though it’s probably only a nominal thing anyway. He picked up well up the hill, led on the flat and held on well. He’s in good form and may follow up in similar class.
PAMAK D’AIRY led three out and battled back when headed on the flat. He lost nothing in defeat. He’s come down the handicap a bit and may find a small race.
YANKEE HOLIDAY fizzed along in front, as is his way but, as is also his way, had precious little to offer in the last quarter of a mile and faded to third.
PASS THE CLASS disputed for much of the way but was one paced from two out. He’s only won once and that was three years ago.
ROYAL HILARITY was disappointing after his Newcastle effort.
STONERIGGS MERC hit a couple early and was never going well enough.
HUTCH had shown promise at Kelso, but his effort here was feeble.
BALLYNURE has been poor in recent times and NICOZETTO is just unpredictable, if possessing ability.
NAVAL ATTACHE was poor here and may just be more at home at Sedgefield.
MOOR SPIRIT showed so little I actually checked to see if he had been a non-runner. To all intents and purposes he was since he didn’t get involved seriously.

4.30 3m 1f Hunters’ Chase

HASPER’s pointing form looked up a little last year after a wind operation. He probably didn’t achieve a huge amount in a race full of has-beens, but he stayed on to hold Yann’s. I wouldn’t place too much weight on this win for the future since his pointing form is nothing over exciting.
YANN’S had shown a little life in moderate events recently and stretched the field from three out. He had nothing left once passed before the last.
BEN NELLY has generally struggled to get round in hunter chases, but got close here, still closing on the front two close home.
One-eyed SLEEPING NIGHT is a shadow of his former self and couldn’t get to grips with the leaders.
INDERDIT was put in his place from three out and is another light of former days.
LAWYER DES ORMEAUX was fighting a losing battle from four out, and WAYNESWORLD started to issue distress calls a bit before that.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Wednesday 22nd April

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

The 20th Perth Festival starting in bright sunshine, on a surface described as perfect by those involved, and attended by a healthy first day crowd in excess of 3,000. The excellent parkland turf and the ability to water using water direct from the Tay enable Perth to provide regular decent ground ensuring competitive racing.

2.10 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Maiden Hurdle

The programme commenced with a decent maiden hurdle, though a few of the principals had question marks against them.

Gordon Elliott will be a familiar name to Northern Racegoers and the Irish-raider produced CHICAGO GREY to do the business here. Taking closer order four from home he took over two out and forged clear. This was Chicago Grey’s debut for the yard and there was enough here to suggest he might progress on decent ground.
BALTHAZAR KING is another to have had a few chances and ran respectably in second place. He has looked stronger as the going has dried out, and is worth keeping on the go now.
ON SPEC was comfortably held from two out and, as with PRINCE DU BEURY who finished just behind, lacks pace in the closing stages.
MAOLISA showed as much as on any outing to date.
WHISPERING DEATH disappointed back in sixth.
STORMIN EXIT set the pace as usual but weakened from two out. He’s struggling to see off the opposition in no-handicaps and a move to handicapping may be worth a try.

2.45 3m ½ f 0-115 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

MR WOODS impressed me couple of times in the past. He had stiff tasks on his previous two outings but seemed to have a sound chance off top weight here. He set the pace and was 15 lengths clear by the fifth. He basically kept up the gallop and was never seriously threatened. He will have tougher tasks in future but could well move on to chasing soon.
PRESENTING FOREVER jumped big and gives the impression of a chaser in the making. He couldn’t get to the leader but plugged on to hold second.
ROBBIE DYE kept on from a long way having never been seriously in contention. The break may have helped and this was a better effort than his previous two runs. SOLWAY BAY did creditably to secure fourth from out of the handicap and it should be possible to find easier opportunities. She saw out the trip well enough and would be interesting in 0-110 contests on this evidence.
MAIDSTONE MIXTURE, very highly tried on the Flat and over hurdles, has found his level in this class. His stable’s muddling method of placement surely can’t help their charges.
STRONG REBEL won a bumper here but hasn’t got close in hurdles.
PROSECCO is well exposed now and could only make moderate late progress.

3.20 3m Class 2 Novices’ Chase

JAUNTY FLIGHT had impressed with her jumping previously and it made a difference here. She jumped well all round until having a difference of opinion with her jockey at the last when well clear of her two remaining opponents. Her trainer is considering aiming at the Hennessy in the autumn and I’ve seen enough to suggest that’s a realistic target.
SILVER BY NATURE was in the process of running a personal best when unseating three out. He jumped well enough in front until then, though does have a tendency to sling in a sloppy leap. He will pick up a handicap or two, and will progress provided his jumping is sharpened.
LODGE LANE raced wide and jumped left. He was well held from three out.
THE MARKET MAN pulled up at Cheltenham and was below par here, losing touch from four out.
POP may have been feeling the strains of the season, and was struggling from the eleventh, pulling up before four out.
MARLEYBOW wasn’t good enough here and his jockey called it a day four out.

3.55 2m ½ f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

A competitive contest in which few could be counted out before the start.
TOP MARK recorded Gordon Elliott’s second win of the meeting. He has made steady progress throughout the season in Ireland and saw off a progressive second here. It can be difficult to follow the progress of handicappers from Ireland since the two sets of handicap marks don’t tally, and it really is about time the UK and Irish handicappers sang from the same hymn sheet.
TOSHI made a winning return to hurdling at Musselburgh and, given another rest for this one, gave his best if just held close home. He gives the impression there’s a bit more to come and should find opportunities around here in the coming months.
SOLIS seemed to me pre-race to have a better chance than the odds of 25/1 suggested since the conditions suited. I got a good deal better at exchange prices and my hopes rose as he was in contention to two out. Unfortunately that was as good as it got and he couldn’t offer any more. However, Peter Monteith must be heartened by this effort and there must surely be a lowly contest for him this summer.
MARCEL isn’t quite the performer he was but performed reasonably well in fourth.
WEATHER FRONT, having led three out, was headed two out and quickly dropped away. He looks a bit of a softie who needs things to fall for him.
BENETWOOD, McCoy’s only ride at the Festival, jumped poorly early on and was pulled up, while Southwell winner FUJIN DANCER found things much tougher shifted up 10lbs and lost touch from three out.

4.30 2m 4 ½ f 0-130 Handicap Chase

NATIVE CORAL missed the Scottish National, and at a mile and a half shorter this might have been considered an odd alternative. However he took the opportunity well staying on from two out. The Perth Gold Cup might be a possible target since he has a good record around here.
JACK THE BLASTER made progress from the rear to four out and had every chance up the straight only to be held on the flat. He has a history of not finding a lot in the closing stages.
STAGECOACH AMBER set a decent pace and was one paced once headed two out. A good run in a competitive race though life may now be tougher off 120.
MANHATTAN BOY stayed on for fourth. He’s been eased a bit in the handicap might get seriously involved in a slightly less competitive race.
KING OF THE ARCTIC was going well to three out but couldn’t raise his game any further. This wasn’t too bad an effort on his annual comeback and I would expect to see better during the summer campaign.
RIMSKY raced prominently but was well held from four out. He frequently involves himself in the serious action, but has a poor wins to runs ratio in recent times.
OR DE GRUGY was aimed at this meeting but faded disappointingly in the straight.
ABRAGANTE never got involved seriously. His recent form is poor and he’s still 5lbs higher than his last winning mark.
LE ROI ROUGE has proved better at the top of the weights against lesser opponents. He made a couple of mistakes early and didn’t get involved in the contest.
CATEGORICAL was behind from the tenth. This was an uncharacteristic effort and the first time he’s been out of the first six over jumps.
WEE FORBEES pulled hard early and was struggling when hitting four out. He was pulled up in the straight.
SCOTS DRAGOON lost his action approaching the water and was quickly pulled up.
ITS CRUCIAL, normally consistent without winning, was struggling with a mile left and was pulled up three out.

5.05 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Maiden Hurdle

QUINCY DES PICTONS stayed on to win in a tight finish. This was hardly full of contenders and it would be difficult to imagine a win under a penalty, so it could well be a case of taking a chance against the handicapper.
OCONNELLS PIKE looked the likely winner two out, but he hung left going to the last and seemed to stick his head in the air a bit on the run to the line. On the face of it this was a decent hurdling debut, but I’d be tempted to oppose him at a short price.
CASUAL AFFAIR had a sound opportunity to break his hurdling duck here and disappointed.
SAM PATCH kept on for fourth, with the rest well held.

5.35 3m ½ f 0-100 Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle

There was a strong pace on early here and with the first two coming clear their form should prove sound.

AND WHATEVER ELSE led at the eighth until headed after the last. She battled back on the flat and showed plenty of the right qualities and there’s every chance she will go on from here.
SOLWAY SUNSET was eased forward to join issue three out. She appeared to be ridden to conserve stamina up the straight, but was just held close home. This trip probably stretches her to the limit, but dropped back in trip she will have every chance of adding to her victory tally.
WISE CHOICE was left behind from three out but kept on for third. He looks on his mark off a rating of 95.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST plugged on from two out and ran creditably without looking like winning.
The remainder were strung out like washing on a line.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Thursday 23rd April

Going – Good (Good To Firm)

The promised rain didn’t materialise and the weather remained bright for the second day of the Festival. There was no change in the going.

2.10 2m ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

Nigel Twiston-Davies often makes an impact at Perth, and his FRONTIER DANCER id the job soundly to see off two serious rivals in this event. HE had been held in much better company at Aintree, but on this occasion raced prominently before taking over approaching the last. He ran on to win comfortably.
ERADICATE was tried in a tongue-tie for the first time, but it didn’t make a significant difference and he was outpaced going to the last, though keeping on for second. That’s three defeats in a row as short priced favourite.
MHILU had a stiff task under a double penalty and was held from two out. His future is in handicaps.
DREVER ROUTE has filled out noticeably in the time since I first saw him. He lacks pace over hurdles but looks a chaser in the making and should be of interest as a novice over fences next season.
The remainder show little promise currently.

2.40 2m 0-135 Handicap Chase

The leaders went too fast in this and it was left to those coming from behind to pick up the first two places.

CANTGETON had a race fall into his lap at Kelso earlier, and it happened again here. He only really came on the scene two out and went clear after taking over at the last. A fourteen length victory means he will be punished by the handicapper and things will be very tough in future.
ORMELLO ran a similar race to his Ayr effort, being outpaced going to four out before staying on again for second. His UK wins both came in races with a decent pace on and his best chance will be when front runners take each other on.
COACH LANE, winner of the event last season, tracked the leaders and took over four out. He held the lead until headed before the last and then weakened.
KILKENNY ALL STAR plugged on for fourth but never got into the race.
SHARP REPLY was not particularly co-operative going down, and made no impact in the race. The impression is that he needs further round here.
NELSON DU RONCERAY was unsettled in the paddock and the energy wasted wouldn’t have helped as he weakened in the straight.
GENTLE JOHN set a fast pace but once headed four out dropped back steadily. He took a tired fall at the last and, given time to recover, took sometime to get up. He seemed OK eventually but might appreciate a rest now.
BERMUDA POINTE is an impressive animal, built like the proverbial brick-outhouse. However he took too many liberties with the fences here and was pulled up after belting four out.
TOM’S TOYBOX and COOL OPERATOR couldn’t go the pace and were pulled up approaching three out.

3.10 3m ½ f Class 2 Novices’ Hurdle

The runners went a steady pace, the speed picking up gradually on the final circuit.

ZEMSKY had been headed going to the last, but didn’t look out of it when left clear at the last. This was only his third attempt under Rules and he shows much promise. He already has a solid hunter chase performance behind Robber’s Glen under his belt and is one to watch when going chasing.
STAR LORD kicked on from two out, but got the last hopelessly wrong, paddled it and took a tumbling fall. The fall didn’t look quite as spectacular close up as it did on the video, but the gelding couldn’t get up at first. Photographer John Grossick was quickly across to hold the horse’s head and the screens went up. My initial thoughts were that given time he would rise, but it seemed an age before Star Lord eventually got to his feet. He was clearly very shaken, rather ‘starry’ as he stood by the final hurdle, and trainer Tom George declined the offer of a ride back in the horse ambulance as he was worried Star Lord might ‘get down and not get back up again’. He was led into the centre of the course and led quietly around the polo ground the next quarter of an hour. He has plenty of ability and I hope a summer’s rest will enable him to cast aside the memories of this race.
BIG BURROWS, a big chasing type, was held from two out. Like most of these a fencing career beckons.
CLASSIC CUT found the company a little taxing here and was held after an awkward jump three out. He looks a fizzy sort and had two handlers for a while in the paddock, being mounted on the course. His jumping was sticky at the slowly early pace but did improve until the error three out. Provided James Ewart can point his energies in the right direction his future should be over fences.
STEADY TIGER, another viewed as a chasing prospect, was well held from three out tried at this trip for the first time.
MIGHTY MAGNUS was making up the numbers and lost touch from three out. In the short term his chances might be best in minor staying handicap hurdles.

3.40 3m Class 2 Chase

There was quite a reasonable field for a race which was a handicap last year, though weakened by the absence of potentially useful Money Trix.

POSSOL is a six year old moving in the right direction, and impressed on this occasion. He was momentarily tapped for pace going to five out, but he was brought steadily back to the leaders to put his head in front on the home bend and stayed on well up the straight. He looks a type for the decent handicap chase next season, though I suspect he wouldn’t want to be ploughing through the mud in the winter.
OLLIE MAGERN bowled along in front and put in an excellent round of jumping. However, he couldn’t hold the leader once headed and it seems he isn’t as good as he used to be.
FAASEL never got seriously involved but stayed on for third. His quirks have been well documented and his stable’s best bet could be searching out place money in races like this.
APPLEADAY ran a cracker of a race considering his rating compared to the first two. He was beaten quite a way, but probably paid the penalty for matching the leader to four out. He will have prospects in handicaps below the top grade next season.
ERIC’S CHARM won this race last year when it was a handicap, but ran no sort of race this time.
LOVE THAT BENNY was feeling the pinch at halfway and was pulled up when well behind three out.
O’MALEY met a sad end, dropping his hind legs in the water and sustaining a leg injury which resulted in him being put down. There are too many injuries caused by similar incidents and I do think it’s time to jettison an obstacle that to my mind adds very little to the spectacle.

4.10 2m 4 ½ f Hunters’ Chase

This event was previously a 3m 7f slog, but was dropped back in distance significantly. The leaders went off at a rattling pace and many in the field, including a number of those well fancied, didn’t get into the race.
SIMONSBERG, a progressive six-year-old who looked well set up for the race, worked his way into the race down the far side for the final time, led two out and galloped clear. This was impressive and he may make a mark at high level if kept to hunter chases.
ROWDY YEATS performed very respectably given that he went with a fast pace from the off. He couldn’t respond once passed two out, but kept on well enough for second.
BRISCOE PLACE carried his decent pointing form through to this event, but paid the penalty for going so quickly early on and faded from four out, tired but just holding on for third.
THUNDER HAWK didn’t get seriously into contention but plugged on to challenge the third close home.
ALLUMEE was held up but couldn’t get into the race on his stable debut. He doesn’t look a potential winner.
SEAFIELD BOGIE led or disputed to four out then gave way.
Two in-form contenders THE REVEREND and BELEM RANGER couldn’t go the pace and were always detached. THE REVEREND was dismounted just after crossing the line.
MODEL SON looks slow and couldn’t keep up.
TIME TO REFLECT went off fast but ran out of puff, and SMART CAVALIER, normally a front runner, couldn’t get his head in front. Both were pulled up.
DEVIL WATER was restrained this time and showed nothing of the promise he had before his departure at Kelso.

4.40 2m 4 ½ f 0-140 Handicap Hurdle

A lop-sided market for what should have been a competitive handicap.
The market got it right as previous course winner SOUTH O’ THE BORDER saw off his principal market rival WIKAALA on the flat. Of the two the lightly-race WIKAALA has the best prospects off a decent mark, particularly if dropped back to a shorter trip.
ECHO POINT charged out of the paddock and was taken straight to the start. He ran pretty much to his level, staying on for third.
LOS NADIS never looked like winning but stayed on well enough to suggest this trip is no problem.
ENGLISH CITY was held from three out, but will benefit from the outing and should be more competitive next time.
QULINTON charged off in front but went too quick for his own good and was well spent three out.

.

.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Friday April 24th

Going – Good (Good to Firm in places)

The crowd was an impressive 5,100 for the last day of the Perth Festival. The promised rain had once again failed to materialise and hence the ground had dried out a little, there must have been more ‘places’ than the previous day. Certainly on crossing the course the ground seemed slightly firmer in places.

2.10 2m ½f Class 4 Maiden Hurdle

There were five non-runners for this but none of those could be given a serious chance.

This was an uncompetitive maiden that looked a ‘penalty kick’ for the favourite HAZELDENE. He dictated the pace and kicked clear three out and which point he pretty well had the race in the bag. My impression was that he was finding little extra once pushed out in the closing stages, and I’m not convinced he will score against tougher opposition. The proximity of Solway Blue, pulled up here on the first day, puts a question mark against the form.
SOLWAY BLUE stayed on for second, stepping up on previous efforts.
PATRIOT showed some promise on hurdling debut, plugging on for third. He will have to progress to stand a chance of winning anything other than a poor race.
PRINCE TAM jumped rather big and lacked the pace to make an impression.

2.45 2m Class 2 Novices’ Chase

SALFORD CITY had a mixed lead up to this race, his last outing being a hurdle at Wexford with previous outings over hurdles at Saratoga. Blinkered on his return to chasing he did the job very well, leading at the sixth and seeing off Doctor David over the last three. I stood by the final fence and Salford City really impressed as he pinged the final fence.
DOCTOR DAVID, highest rated of these, drifted in the betting on his return and just gave the impression the race would help. He raced prominently but couldn’t hold Salford City from two out.
ASTARADOR will find his level in handicaps, though is jumping may need brushing up a little, and he was comfortably held here in third.
ALL FOR THE CAUSE wasn’t good enough on previous form and was held from four out. Given that he was well below the others in the ratings, a deficit of 22 lengths at the end was respectable.
PREMIER DANE was never going well or jumping well enough to suggest he would get involved and he faded from four out.
ATHOLLBROSE, rated only 59, followed the others at a distance to get round. His trainer thinks the rating doesn’t reflect his ability, but though he jumps accurately enough he does it terribly slowly.

3.20 2m 4½f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

This was not a lofty event in terms of ratings, but competitive nevertheless with a number of the entrants going in the right direction.
DANCING MIST looked an easy natured sort in the preliminaries. He settled nicely up with the pace and responded well when driven to contest the lead three out. Mad Moose got a run on him in the straight, but the impression was there was more in hand and Dancing Mist responded well when the leader landed flat-footed at the last.
MAD MOOSE took up the running two out, but met the last on a wrong stride, landed on all fours and couldn’t respond to Dancing Mist’s run. His Taunton run suggested he’s not entirely straightforward but he has shown enough to suggest he should be capable of picking up a race.
HEEZ A STEEL is an eight-year-old maiden, but it’s difficult to fault his commitment and he was picking up ground to get within a length of the winner at the finish. He may lack a little bit of pace when the race quickens, but ridden up with the pace he stays on well enough to suggest that a race will come his way.
The front three pulled clear of QUINY BOY who had every chance two out but was one paced from there. He stretched the field down the back straight, but maybe paid for that effort after turning for home.
PALOS CONTI just got up in an ordinary race at Fakenham and, after being behind early on, he picked up places late on.
SEVEN IS LUCKY was another to pick up places late on and needs more of a stamina test than he had here.
STROBE led to the fifth but quickly went backwards and may have had a problem.

3.55 3m 3f 0-125 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

This race contained a mixture of staying hurdlers and those flitting back and forth between hurdles and chases as opportunities presented themselves. A couple of the more fancied runners, Merigo and Great Approach, came out due to lack of rain.

C’MONTHEHAMMERS has progressed from average novice form to a couple of wins, the first in a maiden hurdle and the second here against senior company. He looked far from the winner for much of the race as Tom Molloy was working hard from early on. In the end he won comfortably as he picked his way through the field to lead after the last and saw off a consistent performer in Easby Park. The course certainly didn’t suit and he is one who is always going to be staying on. An extreme distance such as this or a tough finish will play to his strengths. A staying hurdle at Towcester might be a good target.
EASBY PARK was continually trying to stretch the field, and ultimately paid a bit of a price for that as he couldn’t respond on the flat. It was a good effort nevertheless, and he won’t be far away in similar company. He’s not one that catches the eye in the paddock, an angular gelding, but handsome is as handsome does.
SCOTS DRAGOON appeared hale and hearty after his apparent problem on the first day. He had every chance in the straight but couldn’t offer an extra effort on the flat. He’s suited by the fast ground and would be one to keep on the go in the summer.
DOCTOR KILBRIDE tried to take on Easby Park from three out and came off worst. He form going into this race was nothing to get excited about, but this was a fair effort from 4lbs out of the handicap and one might expect him to challenge in a lesser class.
STAGECOACH OPAL, reverting to hurdling, was going well to three out but found only one pace from that point.
LILY TARA and SOLWAY MINSTREL are both summer types whose trainers will be seeking to exploit softer opportunities in the coming months. Both ran well enough for a way to give some hope.

4.30 3m 7f 0-115 Highland National Handicap Chase

A competitive field once again for the season end plodders’ championship in these parts. From the second that Ballyvoge set off at fast pace it was clear that there would likely be only a few finishers. A few were out of contention by the end of two circuits, and many of the rest gave up the ghost during the next half mile.

Last year’s LAERTES had been in pretty dismal form all this season, but came back to form with blinkers substituted for his regular visor. The race fell to him in much the same way as in 2008; he joined the leaders going out on to the final circuit and then stretched on approaching four out. From that point his proven stamina was enough to burn off Kells Castle and he was the only one keeping up a decent gallop at the finish. An attempt at the hat-trick would need another dismal campaign next season since he went into this race on 114 and will surely be shunted up a few pounds. Another win in the immediate future would seem unlikely.
KELLS CASTLE was trying an extended trip for the first time and saw it out well enough if held from two out, and untidy jump four out having given Laertes and advantage he never relinquished. Gordon Elliott must fancy his chances of picking up staying chases with an animal who seems well handicapped.
DARINA’S BOY led for a long way but was outpaced from the eighteenth. This was a sound enough effort from racing up with the pace. He’s not one who will be progressing at this stage of his career, but at least he’s in good heart.
EIGHT FIFTY SIX was tailed off five out, but Alex Merriam persisted to the point where he stayed on well enough to wrest fourth from The Gangerman on the line. His best form is on very fast ground, but one win in 36 attempts sums him up.
THE GANGERMAN reached the fringes of the issue at the seventeenth but struggled from that point. He often places but seems difficult to win with.
BALLEYGALLEY BOB was up with the pace from the start and led briefly five out but found the exertions had taken their toll and he faded to finish last of the six completions.
The remainder pulled up and in racecard order:
FLORIDA DREAM was never better than mid division and called it day when tailed off after five out.
BALLYVOGE charges off in the lead and had burst himself before the final circuit, pulling up when well in arrears at the eighteenth.
The inconsistent NATOUMBA was never going and pulled up at the thirteenth.
TWILIGHT EAGLE was struggling after a circuit and never got competitive.
SAMSBRO, still a maiden and optimistically made 5/1 favourite, raced prominently for two circuits before weakening quickly. A drop back to three miles offers the best of chance of breaking his duck.
THE LUDER chased the leaders for two circuits, the effort taking its toll and he pulled up before four out.
PANAMA AT ONCE didn’t look interested and pulled up before two circuits were completed.
AIRHILL LADY, on only her second chasing outing, was struggling after two miles and pulled up with six to go.
Tony Martin’s MILLANYMARE has disappointed recently, and though held up never got into the race pulling up alongside Airhill Lady.
SCARVAGH DIAMOND was fancied here, but she was never going and pulled up after one fence of the last circuit. She really hasn’t hit her form this season.
FINZI looked totally disinterested and had given up the ghost after a circuit, eventually pulling up after the last water jump.
ANOTHER RUM had an even worse dose of the sulks than usually and barely tried a yard. His jockey gave up the ghost after two miles.
Well, that was the story of the 2009 Highland National with the runners strung out all around Perthshire. Apart from Kells Castle it was difficult to get much encouragement for the future, but sad cases like me eagerly await the 2010 renewal!

5.00 2m 4½f 0-120 Novices’ Handicap Chase

MAJOR MILLER was making his chasing debut and jumped very well taking that into consideration. Disputing the lead from five out he jumped left down the straight, carrying his main rival with him, and when he hit the last it set him back but he had enough in hand to hold off a weak finisher in Guns And Butter. He clearly has some ability, despite only having recorded a bumper win previously, and may well progress.
GUNS AND BUTTER challenged from four out and, though carried left over each obstacle up the straight, was in the lead after the last despite being hampered, but not for the first time couldn’t summon up enough on the run-in.
DOC ROW plugged on for third and needs further.
FRITH ran respectably above his class, but was struggling in the straight and needs a drop back in trip.
ET MAINTENANT was well held from three out and may now be plenty high enough in the handicap.
SOPRANO was under pressure around halfway and never figured.
FIRST BOY was comfortably held when unseating three out, and a shorter trip would appear more appropriate.
GOLDEN CHILD hit the first and unseated his rider. He then proceeded to complete three and a bit circuits of the course before coming to a halt. This was slightly inconvenient for those of us inside the course, since we weren’t allowed to cross until the course as clear. Golden Child will need time to recover from his exertions here.

5.30 2m ½f NH Flat

The pace was slow for the first mile here.
Half-brother to the previous winner, GENERAL MILLER led a furlong and a half out and ran on to beat a previous winner. He took very little out of himself here and will move on to better things over jumps.
RUSSIAN WAR ran a respectable race in second if well held. He’s a winner of an Irish point so is likely to improve for more of a stamina test over jumps.
MONTOYA’S SON was held from two out, but was noticeably tenderly handled in the closing stages, just holding third.
SOLWAY ALLY struggled when the pace picked but stayed on determinedly in the final two furlongs, demonstrating a degree of promise.
SHERIFF HALL led after three furlongs, pulling very hard, and seemed determined to head towards the outside rail despite Richard McGrath’s best efforts to persuade him otherwise. He went at some pace and had not long been headed when going the wrong side of a wing two furlongs out. He’s got plenty of basic pace if his wayward tendencies can be kerbed.
CLAUDE CARTER had shown promise on two occasions previously, but made no mark here.

That was the final story of the 2008-2009 though there were only two days to the start of the next season in the area covered.

[seabird]

Excellent stuff, thanks Rob.

Colin

[robnorth]

The intention was to start a new thread. But since ‘Trendsman’ has added regular threads to give this Section a bit more of a buzz I’ve decided to stick to the same thread for continuity. I hope some of you have found some decent pointers amongst the notes over the winter.

The following post contains a summary of the first three meetings of the Northern jumping season. I’ll stick to the same format, covering all the chases at the chosen courses, adding hurdling notes form Scotland and occasionally from other courses where I think they may be helpful. My intention is to try to cover more live meetings over the jump season, and I find it so much easier to write from live viewing than TV watching.

FIRST WEEK OF CHASING IN 2009/2010

Sedgefield – Tuesday 28th April

Going – Good To Soft (Soft in places) – steady rain throughout the meeting.

We departed the previous season just four days earlier with a National, the Highland National, and it was the Durham National that ushered in the new season. It would be nice to have a little break between the seasons to take breath, but the apparent necessity of paying homage to the Great God of Money means it’s not going to happen.

6.50 2m 4f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

OSOLOMIO produced an impressive front running performance. Going comfortably in front and jumping well he held his two main rivals down the straight. His first three chase efforts had shown much promise and he had been unfortunate to come up against three decent winners. He handles better ground than the softening surface here and should move on to further success.
MIZEN RAVEN challenged from two out but was held before the last. He has run some decent races in handicap company and is a good guide to the value of the form.
LEAC AN SCAIL ran a creditable race on his previous chase outing and, returned from hurdling, ran to his previous form here. He should be able to find opportunities over fences. His jumping in the latter stages wasn’t quite as sharp as the first two which may have made the difference.
SCUZME had no chance in this company.
HEAVENLY CHORUS didn’t get in a blow and ran to about the same level as last time.
MOYNE PLEASURE was flattered by his proximity last time and reverted to trundling round in the rear.
GENERAL STONE HILL won an ill-starred two-finisher event at Ayr last time. A remote last here summed up that form to a tee.

7.20 3m 4f 0-110 Durham National Handicap Chase

This was officially a 0-130, but was reduced to a 0-110

After his mishap in the soaking conditions at Ayr, LUCKY NELLERIE hinted at a return to form here last time and moved up on that run. Settled in front jumping well, nothing got to him in the latter stages and he stayed on to win with a little to spare. He looks at home when able to bowl along in front, and the dismal conditions that this race was held in didn’t seem to faze him.
STAGECOACH DIAMOND raced prominently and plugged on front two out but didn’t threaten to pass the winner. He’s still a maiden over fences though there doesn’t seem any problem with his attitude.
CANADA STREET just stays and stays and was plugging on down the straight though, as is his way, one or two of his jumps were less than perfect. He will presumably be put away until the autumn now.
GIULIANI ran well for a long way but weakened from three out. This was a fair effort from five pounds out of the handicap, but he hasn’t won since 2004.
KORELO has flattered recently but was woeful here and never going. He hasn’t won for three years and is not sound betting material.
DUNBRODY MILLAR raced prominently early, but faded on the last circuit and is deteriorating.
POLAR GALE hated the soggy conditions and can be forgiven this run.
PASAGAI made no show.
DON’T BE BLEU had a chance to four out, but was feeling the pinch when belting three out and was soon pulled up. She has ability and might be worth keeping tabs on in lowly staying chases.

KELSO – Wednesday 29th April

Going – Good

A rather brief summary of the first Scottish meeting of the new season.

6.00 2m ½ f Maiden Hurdle

A weak maiden won comfortably by Ferdy Murphy’s CATCH BOB. I’m sure he achieved an awful lot here, but his second to Reindeer Dippin at Hexham is probably sound enough and he looks a type who might go on to handicapping now since he would probably find one or two too good under a novice penalty.
Irish challenger BALE O’SHEA ran respectably in second and his best chance of finding a minor race may be this side of the Irish Sea.
The rest were well beaten and offer little encouragement.

6.30 2m 6 ½ f 0-120 Novices’ Handicap Chase

NILE MOON settled a good deal better here than on his previous win at the course. He made all and came clear from the last, being eased to a walk at the line. He will go up a fair amount but his attitude and jumping seem spot on and I’d be surprised if he didn’t win again.
CADOUDALAS, third in dire conditions at Ayr before being given a break, plugged on for second. He jumped right and hit a couple of fences, so did quite well to get close to the winner at the last but his quirks are not helping.
GENERAL HARDI tried vainly to go with the winner but probably needs more of a stamina test.
HUMOUROUS was never going and unseated after jumping two out very slowly.
BILLSGREY, from way out of the handicap, kept up the stable record of non-achievement, pulling up at the start of the final circuit.

7.00 2m 6 ½ f 0-130 Handicap Hurdle

The Borders yard of Rayson Nixon had a fine 2008/09 season and wasted no time getting off the mark for the new term with the stable’s top rated performer POLITICAL PADDY. The gelding has run some fair races around here and led under encouragement at the last, being driven out to win. He won’t go up too much for this and will remain competitive.
SCALE BANK performed well enough in second to suggest a handicap in within his compass.
CURRAHEE won at Sedgefield the previous evening, so showed his toughness to finish a close third here off a penalty.
YOUNG ALBERT and GLINGERBANK both kept on in the latter stages without getting to the winner. GLIGERBANK hasn’t got an awful lot of miles on the clock for a nine-year-old and could be interesting back over fences.
MR WOODS couldn’t dominate here as he did at Perth, and will find life much tougher off his new mark.

7.30 3m 1f 0-120 Handicap Chase

JUSTWHATEVERULIKE ran up a hat-trick last spring and could be one for this time of year. He has won on soft but the impression is that he is a little better on a good or fast surface. He was ridden to lead at the elbow here, and probably wasn’t doing a lot in front. He is as high as he has been in the handicap but the impression is that there may be a little more in the tank. It was significant that he had no trouble with this trip.
SNOWY had looked a little out of sorts in the winter, but he has had a new lease of life as the weather has warmed up. He performed creditably here at a venue where he has recorded three wins, jumping well up front and battling back once headed. He may be kept on the go while in such good heart.
CORNERBACK ran well to two out but there felt the pinch. A drop back in distance would probably help.
BOUGOURE plugged on at the end but was never competitive.
MEGATON led or disputed early but cried enough from four out.
MANADAM was desperately disappointing here. He raced prominently early but dropped back quickly after hitting the thirteenth.
TEENANDO fell at the seventh.

8.00 2m 2f Class 3 Novices’ Hurdle

A poor race for a Class 3 event and PRESQUE PERDRE took advantage of the lack of serious opposition. A double penalty may now hinder him in novice events, but a mark of 113 seems reasonable for handicapping.
CRACKERJACK LAD seemed happier on this decent ground. He broke blood vessel racing in heavy earlier in the season and it could be worth sticking to this sort of ground.
TURTLE SPIRIT, having shown a degree of promise in bumpers, made a satisfactory hurdling debut. He should find a minor maiden hurdle within his compass.

8.30 2m ½ f NH Flat

Kelso bumpers are normally fairly decent and regularly provide a subsequent winner or two.

QUITE A MAN is an interesting prospect, particularly as he seems to having a bit of scope, and did well to hold his main challenger. He should pick up another bumper and, given a little time to strengthen should make into a decent hurdler.
REAPING THE REWARD’s stable haven’t produced a bumper winner in five seasons, but came close here. He kept on well and is one to keep on the right side when going over jumps.
George Charlton generally knows the time of day in these races and looks to have one with some ability in BOGSIDE. He pulled hard early which probably cost his chance and needs to learn to settle.
ARCTIC COURT steeped up on his debut and showed enough in the latter stages to give hope for the future.

HEXHAM – Saturday May 2nd

Going – Good

6.25 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase

FLAMING HECK’s form had seemed to be tailing off with age, his last win having been in a soft renewal of this race last year. However the Hexham spring air clearly appeals and he was spot on here despite getting loose before the race. He was always prominent, led two out and was going well up the hill, staying on well in the straight. A sound performance but his profile suggests relying on the form would be a mistake.
IT’S BERTIE runs many honest races but seems difficult to win with. Having been held up here he stayed on for second.
OSO MAGIC has probably had his short term winning prospects severely reduced by a 9lb rise for his Carlisle win. He was held from two out.
HOLLOWS MILL went close at Carlisle in the winter but, though he runs an honest race in the main, he looks held these days.
MASTER PAPA threatened briefly two out but made no impact from there.
EBORARRY was another held from two out.
THEATRE RIGHTS was miles out of the handicap and carrying 15lbs overweight, so under the circumstances did as well as he could have done to finish seventh.
WATCH THE WIND never got into the fray and was very tired when just clambered over the last.
SCHINKEN OTTO is falling down the handicap but performing disappointingly.
YANKEE HOLIDAY showed up briefly early but faded in the last mile. He added to a long losing run and those people who made him 11/4 favourite clearly have money to burn.
PEN GWEN was toiling by the eighth and his form since moving to his current stable has been poor.

7.30 3m 1f Maiden Hunters’ Chase

British racing has many quirks, one of which is that one of Hexham’s principal races in a maiden hunter chase. The field was carved up a bit by five absentees.

There’s ‘notalott’ of ELIZA DOALOTT but on this evidence she ‘candoafairbit’. Irresistible puns aside, the pint-sized mare came into this race off the back of three pointing successes and continued her run with a dominant performance in this event. She progressed from halfway and pulled clear in the latter stages with spring-heeled leaps. A decent effort though she would have it to do against better opposition, though she’s only seven and going in the right direction.
TEERIE EXPRESS stayed on for second without threatening the winner, but has been well held in previous hunter chase efforts.
DR HELLIER, a fair third at Kelso previously, plugged on into third.
DOUBLE GEM, beaten a couple of furlongs at Kelso previously, led until two out before quickly dropping back.
GUNNER ROYAL didn’t jump well and plodded round for fifth, followed closely by PADDYS UNYOKE whose brief effort down the far side petered out.
NETWORK OSCAR won what was acknowledged to be a moderate renewal of the Grimthorpe Cup and was well held from four out here.
CHERRYLAND disputed early but was beaten a very long way.
BEN NELLY might have been expected to contest the places, but he’s never been the safest conveyance and dislodged his rider at the fifteenth, while SILK PARASOL said cheerio to Miss C Metcalfe at the eighth.

8.00 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

HARRY FLASHMAN looks more of a chaser than the short-priced favourite here. He held the runner-up comfortably from three out. His future depends on how the handicapper views this performance. His trainer would hope the official might take a look at the fact that very slow Overlaw was third.
NAIAD DU MISSELOT had a fair amount in hand on official ratings, but he’s not looking comfortable over fences and despite determined efforts was well held by an apparently inferior opponent.
OVERLAW is very slow and inherited third by virtue of the others’ failings.
STAINLEY has been below form over hurdles and had no chance of troubling the first two on chasing debut. She led early but was well beaten.
SIERRA VICTOR, never better than midfield and PAPERCHASER, who raced keenly early in the race, were both beaten from three out.
In a Nixon stable who have been buzzing in recent times SPIVITUS is an under-achiever and was struggling by the sixth, eventually pulling up before the eleventh.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Wednesday May 6th

Going – Good (turning Good To Soft)

2.25 2m 6 ½ f 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

The pace was a decent one set by ALL OUT FOR SEVEN who lived up to his name when headed and quickly fading to be pulled up after the seventh.
BREAKWATER HOUSE disputed once All Out For Seven gave way. He led from three out and showed more determination than the second after the last.
HEEZ A STEEL remains a maiden. He had every chance here but was held on the run to the line. He may well pick up a race eventually but finds it hard work getting his head in front in the closing stages.
SOLWAY BAY kept on for a fairly adjacent third and ran to his mark. He might find a little event this summer, and it could be at his local at Cartmel.
DAUNTSEY BAY ran a decent race in fourth from 5lbs out of the handicap if held from two out, while BENMADIGAN was found wanting at the same stage.

2.55 3m 1f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

MINOUCHKA made a successful move up from hunter chasing to take this event. She has a creditable record of 13 fist three places from 17 efforts under Rules and is a multiple point-to-point winner. Prominent all the way she was going well to the last and took over on the flat, staying on strongly. She is apparently aimed at a Stratford hunter chase, but she could mix it in handicap company if the stable wished to try that avenue.
REEL CHARMER was left in the lead two out but had no answer to the winner. This was a best cashing effort to date and he looks potentially tasty off a mark of 113 in handicaps.
SNAKE CHARMER has been on the go for a while and put up a fair performance in third, never quite getting to the leaders. This was a fifteenth race since last November, so a summer rest beckons and he’d be one to keep in mind for a similar event in the autumn.
CARAMIA was top rated of those with a handicap mark, but faded from two out.
OUR JIM went well in front to two out, but got very low and lost his jockey. He was in the process of running his best race over fences. He may struggle to win these events but a novices’ handicap would be a possibility.
UPTOWN LAD had no chance here, losing touch by the fifteenth and being pulled up.

3.30 2m ½ f 0-100 C.J. Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

The ground had eased due to the rain.

The recent form of the first two was nothing to shout about so the value of the form is questionable. PETE disputed the lead from three out and asserted on the flat. He found this an easy opportunity but as a note of caution he was going well at Sedgefield last time but gave way fairly easily.
TOMMY TOBOUGG stepped up on previous hurdling form, having been beaten a long way in three runs. He was comfortably held on the run to the line.
SOLIS moved into contention two out and looked to have every chance at the last. He fluffed the flight completely and as stopped in his tracks, chasing the front two vainly to the line. He has ability may prove frustrating.
KINGSHOLM went with a steady to two out then weakened, form which doesn’t offer immediate encouragement.

4.10 2m 6 ½ f 0-95 Selling Handicap Chase

A bit of a plodders’ convention, though the race was at least run at a decent pace.

KINFAYRE BOY made progress to join issue three out, led on the flat and stayed on. He did this nicely enough on his second chasing venture, has a fair record hurdling and may have prospects of a follow up over fences.
ANOTHER CLUB ROYAL showed a good deal more zip than his has over the winter. He seemed happy disputing the pace and didn’t give in easily.
STARK RAVEN repeated last year’s placing and as on previous occasions was run out of it in the latter stages.
PENDLE FOREST was held up and stayed on well up the run-in, passing a few to finish fourth. Though not getting near winning she is showing a little more than she did for much of the winter.
OFF THE SHELF came with every chance to the last but gave it a serious belt and didn’t recover.
BIG BONE came with a chance to three out but could offer no more from there. He had some fair hurdling form in 2004/05 but has plummeted in the handicap since.
STONERIGGS MERC has ability if he cares to show it, but it was not a going day. He gave way tamely from the turn out of the back straight.
SUPREME’S LEGACY never got competitive. He had every chance on his best form but looks to be on the downgrade.
ESQUILLON unseated four out when feeling the pinch four out.
MOYNE PLEASURE was well beaten when falling four out.
CASHARI never showed and his jockey called it a day at the twelfth.
I reckoned JBALLINGALL had shown enough to get involved here but he was never going. He was off the track for over two years before this season and hasn’t recaptured previous form.
AMOUR DARIA has a very poor record and added a P here, racing prominently before dropping back from a mile out.

4.45 3m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

Not a brilliant event for the level, and a big hole was knocked in the field when three came down four out.
NICOZETTO won well at Sedgefield but then ran no sort of race at Hexham. He was back to form on this occasion, being held in the rear, avoiding the carnage four out and staying on well for victory. He has won over two and a half miles which gives his trainer a few options.
ASTYANAX continued in good form. He is hard work and had to be shoved along for a fair part of the race, but stayed on for second.
SEIZE, a Musselburgh winner over three miles in the winter, was one paced from the last. The jury is out on whether he truly sees out the trip.
WINDY HILLS weakened from the last and may just be better dropped back in trip.
CUTE N YOU KNOW IT was in the process of running her best race over fences, leading when falling four out. Challengers were queuing up though, so her credentials have to be tested.
INDY MOOD was going well enough when brought down four out.
EIGHT FIFTY SIX is hard work and Alex Merriam had been shoving for a way, but his mount as not out of it when brought down four out. He did jump to the right much of the way and this didn’t help.
COLDWELLS was hampered four out and was pulled up. She had gone well to that point.

5.15 3m 1f Hunters’ Chase

The field sizes have been rather disappointing in Scottish Hunter Chases this year and only six showed up for this event.

SENORA MOSS is a four mile winner in points so stays all day and put that staying power to good use here, as she was galloping on when others had run out of reserves.
HASPER was driven to keep up the gallop from three out but didn’t have enough to hold the winner.
FATHER MURTAGH plugged on for third but never seriously threatened the winner. This was a bit below the form of his Bangor effort.
ELUSIVE SWALLOW was beaten from three out. She gives the impression of being a weak finisher in points and wasn’t good enough here.
GARDEN FEATURE performed well at Carlisle previously, but dropped away tamely on this occasion.
ELLANDSHE jumped poorly and finished well beaten in last place.

5.45 2m 2f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

STILL AT LUNCH was one that caught my eye in bumpers a couple of seasons back. She made all to win this comfortably. Much depends on whether the handicapper sees the second or the third as the ‘measure’. A 5lb or so rise probably wouldn’t hinder future chances too much, but a double figure rise would not be at all helpful.
STORM PROSPECT is probably handicapped to his form. He chased the winner from two out and this was a sound enough effort.
WITNESS RUN was well held from two out. This was not a bad effort on return to hurdling.
MOTIVE threatened briefly two out but faded from that point.
PONTOP was prominent early but another held from two out. His best form has been on fast ground, so he’s one for the summer.

HEXHAM – Saturday May 9th

Going – Good

This meeting had a couple of handicap chases which were heavy on numbers but lighter on solid, reliable form.

3.35 3m 1f 0-95 Handicap Chase

Having fluffed his lines off top-weight at Carlisle, SEA CADET found this similarly rated event an easier challenge. Making progress up the hill he stayed on to hold Reckless Venture on the flat. A rise in the handicap will take him out of this class…, not helpful!
RECKLESS VENTURE looked to be going best of anything climbing the hill but couldn’t muster enough to pass the winner. Past evidence suggests that if he is going to win a race in the near future it will be at Hexham.
I said a few less than complimentary things about TULLY HILL over the winter, but he has a least shown there is a little life in him. That said it will have to be a seriously poor race if he is to win, and he was held from the start of the climb. He is at least completing regularly now.
BALLYNURE had looked totally disinterested of late, but did show a little more here, though his brief effort from three out came to nothing.
MURPHYS BEAU tracked the leaders then felt the pinch three out. He’s fair to middling in this company.
STAR OF RAVEN, who is old and slowing down, was beaten by two out and finished 55 lengths adrift.
SCUZME was quite well backed but had had enough by three out. He has not gone close over fences to date.
FINBIN had shown a bit of form over hurdles and was a mildly interesting newcomer to chasing. He went well enough until being hampered and unseating four out. He should be able to pick up a chase at this level.
BEN TIRRAN led at the sixth and was still going well in front when falling four out. This was a good deal more promising than previous efforts.
SILVER DAGGER was always well behind, and kept company by GLACIAL RAMBLER until the latter called it a day at the twelfth. Both are out of the handicap and seem to be forlorn hopes.
SANDS RISING and HOLLOWS MIST, both capable of a good deal better, and IRISH POWER who probably isn’t, all bumbled round in the rear before being pulled up.

4.40 2m ½ f 0-95 Handicap Chase

In terms of recent form this 0-95 was a bit better than the first event. A few of these were dropped back in trip, notably NELLIEDONETHAT who would surely have been good enough to win the staying event but was predictably outpaced at this trip.
I’M YOUR MAN found his form again following a hurdles outing last time. He led early but then dropped back as the pace picked up on the downhill section. Once hitting the climb the others came back to him and he stayed on strongly from there. The clear win may take him out of this class which won’t help his short term prospects.
TRAFALGAR MAN raced prominently and stayed on late having been tapped for pace from two out. This course doesn’t play to his strengths which are more suited to a sharper track.
FALCON’S TRIBUTE went on three out and pinched a decent lead, but the effort told approaching the last. This was a best effort for sometime and it’s worth noting that he has won on fast ground around here.
BUCKSTRUTHER kept on from two out and needs further.
FRED BOJANGALS made an effort up the hill but that used up his reserves. This was a fair effort off a break and he’s basically a summer horse so one to keep an eye on.
IT’S BERTIE is frustrating and having received reminders three out made no impact from two out.
RED JESTER raced prominently early but was one paced from two out.
WHAT HAPPENED raced prominently until thumping three out which stopped him in his tracks.
BILLSGREY showed a bit more than he had on previous runs and eventually finished quite close up jumping competently. Sadly he had jettisoned his rider at the fifth so his efforts were to no avail.
CROFTON ARCH ran a poor race on his first race since October.
The Johnson stable had done well to coax a couple of races out of TOULOUSE EXPRESS who has ability when he cares to show it. However, he seems a cussed soul and showed little interest past halfway here, being pulled up four out.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Wednesday May 13th

Going – Good

The weather was sunny but with quite a cutting easterly wind for the first evening meeting of the year at Perth. The crowd was a bit of a disappointment. I doubt there were much more than 2,000 on course and that would the smallest crowd I’ve been in at Perth.

The Irish came in their numbers for the two day meetings. The ferries must have been full of horse boxes over the preceding couple of days.

6.30 2m ½f Class 4 Mares’ Intermediate Hurdle

Not a strong event in terms of numbers or ability.

This looked a good opportunity for OPATJA to add to her Newton Abbot win. I n the event she was held by the all the way leader though giving of her best to the line.
CROW SPINNEY set a decent pace and continued the gallop once turned for home. She showed plenty of determination when challenged. She’s rated a few pounds worse than the runner-up so will go up in the weights.
BE SMART and JANE OF ARC were held from three out but had something to find with the front two anyway.
SHIPBOARD ROMANCE had a decent performance at Kempton on her record, but she pulled too hard early on and her run herself out by two from home.

7.00 2m 4 ½f Class 5 Maiden Hurdle

A phrase oft used for this sort of race applied once again, ‘high on numbers, low on quality’.

The race was won by a well exposed sort in THE GINGER MAN. He did impress me in the paddock and did the business well on the course, making progress from the final bend, leading at the last and running on.
The one to take out of the race should be CARSONSTOWN BOY. He still looks to have a bit of strengthening to do and the impression was that he can still be sharpened on the fitness side. Making his hurdling debut, he stayed on for second and looks the type to win a similar race.
WIKAALA didn’t seem to see out the trip here. There was some doubt that he had seen out the distance here last time and so it proved here as he had nothing extra to give after two out. A drop back in trip looks essential if he is to get his head in front.
CASUAL AFFAIR should be making more impact in these events and faded after having every chance two out. He was once again well backed but is getting increasingly frustrating.
Nothing else in the field made a mark or showed anything promising for the future.

7.30 3m 0-105 Novices’ Handicap Chase

This was a competitive little event for its level and there may be future winners to emerge in time.

Donald McCain is as good a trainer of a steeplechaser as there is in the Northern part of the country, and he produced GERSHWINNER for victory on his chasing debut here. Only a moderate hurdler, he jumped these into oblivion and had the race won from two out. For a first timer his jumping was spot on and will stand him in good stead to move up a class.
HE’S A HOTSHOT left previous chasing form behind to take second place. He was held from three out.
THE CORBY GLENN was ridden patiently, held up in the rear for much of the way. He made progress from four out but never quite got to the winner and any lingering hopes were dashed when he ploughed through the last. This was a fair effort, but it’s possible he struggles to see out this trip.
NICKY TAM was well out the back for much of the way but plugged on through beaten rivals for fourth.
INDY MOOD was brought down last time and on this occasion didn’t get in a serious blow having been given reminders with a circuit left. He hasn’t won for four years and it’s questionable whether or not he is putting it all in these days.
ARC OF STONE raced prominently to five out but was readily put in his place after that.
FANE OSCAR was always in the rear on chasing debut.
TOP CLOUD was never going and was pulled up. He has disappointed over fences and has suffered breathing problems.
KIRKSIDE PLEASURE was soon in the rear and pulled up as was THE MAYSTONE whose Carlisle run is beginning to look like a flash in the pan.
SIERRA VICTOR belted a couple and was never going.
STAINLEY has been seriously below par recently and after a brief show at the front he was struggling with a circuit to go.
KING OF THE OPERA, fitted with first time blinkers and tongue-strap, led from the sixth to three out then quickly folded and pulled up. He’s probably better over a shorter distance though he did weaken very quickly.

8.00 3m ½ f 0-115 Handicap Hurdle

Sadly SINGING WIZARD broke a leg on the flat when leading after the fourth and was put down. The third last flight was omitted as the stricken gelding was treated.
PRINCE BALTHASAR hadn’t appeared over jumps since a chasing win at Musselburgh in December 2007. However, he did run in a charity flat race at Punchestown recently and that seemed to have tuned him up nicely as he stayed on to win cosily. He’s lightly raced and at the right end of the handicap, so there is scope for further victories.
SO BILLIANT, looking spot on in the parade ring, didn’t do much wrong in second, leading before two out then being overhauled at the last. He kept on to finish well clear of the remainder.
CURRAHEE is in fair form currently and kept on for third if well held. He saw out the trip well enough.
SOLWAY BEE isn’t possessed of any particular turn of pace and just plugs on, being outpaced from three out here.
MIGHTY MASSINI looks over-weighted on 114. His second at Ayr was in a four runner event and doesn’t look any great shakes. He needs to drop a few pounds and was beaten from three out here.

8.30 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

GO SILVER BULLET won at Musselburgh in December but suffered a nasty cut which required some recuperation. He was sent away to his owner’s place for a while but returned here looking trained to the minute. He led at the third and then kept up the gallop which added to some precise jumping, saw him win with a significant amount in hand. The grey gelding was still buzzing after the race and seemed to enjoy his jaunt. He seems in his element on this sort of track on good ground so I’d be very surprised if Lucinda Russell doesn’t find another race for him soon.
THE ROCKING DOCK hadn’t shown much on recent form in Ireland, having fallen on his previous chasing effort last year. He was staying on when hitting the last hard but recovered to hold second. A longer trip would do no harm.
FLAMING HECK was always up against it when unable to dominate, but didn’t roll over easily, keeping on well enough to bustle up the second on the run-in. He’s probably handicapped to his best now and needs to be able to dictate a race to record another win.
ARRESTING is not one to trust. Though slightly more amenable than he has been on occasions in the past, he was well held from four out.
SMART CAVALIER tended to go off too fast in hunter chases. In handicaps, though held up, he hasn’t got the speed to keep up in the latter stages.
RAYSROCK was driven to go after the winner when unseating five out. I got the impression he would have struggled to match the winner.
SILVO had little hope from out of the handicap and was always behind until pulling up after three out.

9.00 2m ½ f C.J. Handicap Hurdle

This was a fascinating contest with the jockeys on the first two trying to ‘out-wait’ each other in the straight.
Ewan Whillans nursed PETE home as he finds precious little off the bridle. Brought to challenge at the last he was nudged out to hold the second on the run-in. He will still be well weighted, even with a rise from this, since he didn’t do any more than was needed. Backers will need nerves of steel though since previous evidence suggest he will fold under pressure.
I’d noted NEVSKY BRIDGE as a weak finisher previously. Brought quietly into the contest to challenge at the last by the promising James Halliday, she hung left up the run-in and clearly didn’t relish the struggle though did get close. She’s one to note for in-running backers since she’s likely to go a short price in the latter stages.
ALAGON made pleasing return after a two year lay-off. He was one of four in line at the last, but fluffed it and couldn’t recover quickly enough, though gives some hope for the summer campaign.
BALE O’SHEA ran to his mark, having a chance at the last but one paced on the flat.
MILLAGROS and FOODBROKER FOUNDER do not look the performers they were over hurdles and were held from two out.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Thursday 14th May

Going – Good

The Irish raiding party dominated the second day of the meeting, scoring in five out of the seven races. It’s worth noting a few of these since they will be back over the summer.

The ground dried out in the sun and wind and there were a significant number of absentees later in the afternoon.

2.00 3m ½ f Intermediate Hurdle

Ian Ferguson had won this race twice from two attempts previously and WINNING COUNSEL made it three. A maiden hunter chase winner on her previous outing, Winning Counsel made all on this occasion and won with a fair bit in hand. She clearly stays very well.
DIVERS was stretched for pace three out but stayed on in the straight to take second.
PRESENT GESTURE was highest rated of these but was held after challenging two out.
SO BILLIANT made no show and was presumably feeling the effects of a second place finish the previous night.

2.30 2m 4½f Novices’ Hunter Chase

COASTLEY, on chasing debut under Rules, had a decent pointing second to Anshan Spirit on his record and justified favouritism here. He led or disputed most of the way and having been headed at the last battled back determinedly. He’s lightly raced and looks the type to progress from here, and his attitude looks sound.
ATHOSS was third in this race and has been placed in Restricted points this year. Having led two out he was headed by the rallying winner close home.
ALMOST BLUE, consistent between the flags but making a Rules debut here, couldn’t get to the leaders down the straight. His rider was untidy on the run-in tough he looked held anyway.
SILK PARASOL, a winner of an open Maiden point last season, raced prominently before finding matters too tough from the home bend.
KALATIME was always in the rear and had lost touch by four out.

3.00 2m Class 5 Maiden Chase

A moderate looking race.

LORD LANSDOWN had this at his mercy if reproducing his best form and, having led three out, ran on for victory. He won’t find easier opportunities than this, but he is a pointing winner so any step up in trip should help.
ESSIFER stayed on for second but needs a longer trip. His only win came in an Irish point in 2006.
ARTURO UNO didn’t get to the leaders. His bumper win was at Towcester so it’s very possible that more of a slog will suit.
PUTITAWAYFORAYEAR lost touch from four out on his chasing debut.
MR MCGONAGLE led to three out but quickly dropped back. His form over his last few runs has been poor.
ATHOLLBROSE trundled round in his own time as usual.
OSCAR’S EMERALD didn’t look happy on chasing debut and after receiving reminders early he became detached and was pulled up four out.
THEATRE RIGHTS pulled up to continue the stable tradition of non-achievement. Quite why he has a rating 5lb in advance of Athollbrose is a mystery.

3.35 2m ½f Class 4 Claiming Hurdle

EDDIE DOWLING won what looked a moderate event and was claimed for £8,000 afterwards. Best in on the official figures he did nothing wrong, leading two out and running on well, but whether this race told us anything for the future is debatable.
CHERRI FOSFATE, a multiple winner on the flat, stepped up on previous hurdling efforts. He stayed on from two out but didn’t threaten the winner. He was claimed for £5,000 and at least demonstrated some hurdling ability here.
The remainder were well held, KNOCKLAYDE ROSE being outpaced in the straight and fourth-placed PRINCESS OF AENEAS running about as well as expected for one rated 74.

4.10 2m 4½f 0-110 Handicap Hurdle

Number four on the afternoon for the Irish as KALELLSHAN did the business off top weight. He made steady progress to challenge from two out, took the lad at the last and stayed on to win cosily. His previous three runs were with cut in the ground and this form harked back to his runs on a better surface, his record on good or faster being 4762211. It would be no surprise to see him travel over the Irish Sea again soon and he looks capable of stepping up in class given the right conditions.
PRINCE BALTHASAR came out quickly after his win the previous evening. He lost nothing in defeat here being held by the winner but clear of the rest. The step down in trip may not have helped.
RATHROCKSCOURT made it a full house for Ireland, leading from the sixth to two out but held once headed. Evidence to date is that he lacks a little pace at the business end of the race though he may well find a minor maiden or novice event if carefully placed.
HAWKWELL stayed on in fourth suggesting that a longer trip may help.
GUERILLA showed up a little better than of late considering he was 8lbs out of the handicap.
THE SALTIRE TIGER led early and was still prominent when losing his action approaching the third last and being pulled up.

4.45 3m 0-115 Handicap Chase

Despite losing six of the prospective contestants pre-race this still wasn’t a bad event. The Irish seem to find it just a little bit harder to make an impact in the chases than the hurdle races, though Gordon Elliott managed a second here.

NGONG HILLS had good autumn and winter kept to good or fast ground. He disappointed at Carlisle but that’s his only try at a stiff track and probably forgivable. He made progress from four out and stayed on to lead after the last. He continues in good form and will be one to keep in mind while conditions continue to be in his favour.
KELLS CASTLE put up an excellent effort in the Highland National and ran creditably dropped back in trip. He belted three out and took time to recover which may have lost him the race. He is another whose best form has been on good or fast ground, and I assume his trainer will continue to target races in the UK.
SEEK THE TRUTH ran a cracker from 6lbs out of the handicap, leading from the twelfth to the last then being outpaced on the flat. He would be interesting if Sue Bradburne can find a lower class race, but looking at his form it’s difficult to draw any hard and fast conclusions, and he is a bit up and down.
ALL RISE led mid-race and was still on the premises approaching the last but was held from there. A fair effort but the youngsters seem to have the legs of him.
GIULIANI made no impression from four out and is basically a lowly rated plodder.
NILE MOON wasn’t able to dominate as he had done on his previous two outings. He challenged briefly three out but went backwards from there. He went up significantly in the weights for the two wins and that mitigates against him now.
KALMO BAY is usually held up, but apparently found the pace too strong and was detached by four out.
CATCH THE PERK is a multiple winner here but hasn’t hit form in two runs his season, so it remains to be seen if he retains his ability at twelve. Don’t count him out yet!
THE OUTLIER was struggling when hitting four out and pulled up before two out.
SAPIENT unseated early.
OH JACKIE was never going and pulled up with a mile left.
MITCHEL HENRY didn’t show his form making mistakes and never going, being pulled up after nearly falling at the thirteenth. He was reported as having ‘attrial fibrillation’ which I believe in layman’s terms is an irregular heartbeat. It is to be hoped there are no lasting effects since he seems an honest sort who had a decent campaign over the winter.

5.15 2m ½ f NH Flat

As with many bumpers they dawdled the first circuit and it only livened up once turned for home. This sorts out those who have a turn of pace but is no use to any who are favoured by stamina tests.

Gordon Elliott recorded his hat-trick on the day as FINAL DAY took over near the last set of wings and ran on for victory. He is well-related and did the business well here, so it seems likely he’ll win another bumper before making some sort of mark over hurdles. Certainly one to keep on the right side.
KEOGHS BAR won a point-to-point in Ireland so wouldn’t have been favoured by a three furlong sprint. He led briefly two furlongs out but couldn’t hold the winner once headed. He can win a minor bumper but ultimately will be suited by a stiffer test over jumps.
CIANNTE had every chance two out but was one paced from that point, but this was a fair effort for a filly.
CUIGNY, a winner at Sedgefield in April 2008, ran respectably on return. He was tapped for speed from three out, though not helped by some bumping two out and the form of this event probably isn’t bad so this one has prospects for the future.

[robnorth]

KELSO – Wednesday May 20th

Going – Good

The last meeting of the spring campaign at Kelso. There was a time when that would have been ‘last meeting of the season’, but times change. They shared the day with a Sedgefield card and the three ‘Sedgy’ chases are covered below.

2.25 2m 2f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

A distinctly moderate contest to start the card, though won nicely by ANY GIVEN DAY who took over after the last. He wandered about on the flat; seeming happier once he had the rail to run against. This one isn’t in the normal McCain mould, having been a fair handicapper on the flat, but he showed enough to suggest he can progress from here.
MINI BECK made the pace as is his way and kept on well enough once headed. He clearly has ability and may find a small race but he’s a 10 year old and time is not on his side. A novices’ handicap would probably look to be his best chance.
BALLYMACDUFF weakened from the last but may a respectable hurdling debut.
SEVEN IS LUCKY has settled at his level in handicaps, currently rated 100, and was held here. He doesn’t strike me as a sort to take a novice event as less experienced horses improve past him.
CATCH BOB was the previous winner here but was crying ‘enough’ going to the last. This was below previous form for no obvious reason.

3.00 3m 1f Class Novices’ Chase

This was basically a two-horse race with the favourite COQ HARDI looking to be going well enough when falling at the fifteenth. This left THE SHY MAN to come home well clear of two vastly inferior opponents and taught us little, though he is more suited by this sort of trip.
COQ HARDI has plenty of ability though seems plenty high enough in handicaps off 128.
STAINLEY out-plodded GLACIAL RAMBLER for second, but both have been way off the mark this season and achieved little other than the chance to pick up some housekeeping money.

3.35 2m 2f 0-100 C.J. Handicap Hurdle

Rather a rogues’ gallery event, with a number trying hard to shirk the issue in the latter stages.

As she has proved in the past, NEVSKY BRIDGE is notoriously difficult in a finish, but credit to James Halliday for getting her head in front right on the line so that she won without knowing it. She once again held her head left up the run-in and had to be kidded to the line. On balance it’s been a good effort to a couple of wins, plus a disqualified and placed second, plus another couple of seconds out of her over the winter and spring. She presumably has a tough constitution s she runs regularly and is likely to be kept on the go now.
ETHAN’S STAR probably has a little more ability than he cares to show. He looked the winner fifty yards out only to be ‘mugged’ on the line. He has improved for professional riders in his last three races.
EMOTIVE had every chance from the last but couldn’t, or wouldn’t, raise his game enough to get in front.
JANAL disputed or led most of the way but couldn’t offer any extra from the last. He won a poor event at Catterick, but in truth is very moderate.
SOLIS was once again let down by his hurdling in the closing stages. He’s another who has ability if he cares to show it but is desperately frustrating.

4.10 2m 1f 0-115 Handicap Chase (third last fence omitted)

This event was marred by the death of MOOR SPIRIT. He appeared to clear the first fence, but landed in a way that suggested to me he may have had a seizure after taking off and died before landing. This was a sad way for a good stable servant to take his leave.
I doubt this race will help us much in the future since it was won by the 13-year-old HOLLOWS MILL. He had shown glimmers of form during the winter campaign and went close a couple of times at Carlisle. He does seem helped by an uphill finish.
EBORARRY wins occasionally, normally if the race falls for him, but could only offer one pace after the last.
MISS PROSS seemed to have an opportunity here but weakened from the last.
SMART CAVALIER picked up ground late in the contest but never threatened. This was a slightly better effort and he would be interesting if he can be settled in front under a professional pilot, since he showed a bit running from the front for Jamie Alexander previously.
STAR SHOT raced prominently until whacking three out which did for him. His jumping is doing him no favours currently.
MY CONDOR, placed in a selling hurdle last time, was well below par here, fading from three out. His jockey was cautioned for overuse of the whip.

4.45 2m 6 ½ f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

A competitive staying hurdle won in decent style by CORKAGE. Definitely best on top of the ground, Lucinda Russell’s gelding was caught flat-footed down the back but picked up again turning for home and won with a little more in hand than the ¾ length margin suggests. With conditions likely to favour him he will presumably be kept on the go in the coming months and this run suggests there is more to come.
MARKINGTON stayed on for a close second. This was a fair effort against an improving winner, but he’s up to 118 after a clear win at Newton Abbot and will have something to prove off that mark.
IT’S A ROOFER is handicapped pretty much to his mark now, keeping on for third. Another summer sort with top of the ground form.
RUN FOREST RUN led four out and had every chance at the last, but ran out of steam and a drop back in trip seems advisable.
This seemed one race too many for POLITICAL PADDY and a summer break beckons. INDUSTRIAL STAR was prominent until going lame after the seventh.

5.20 3m 1f Hunters’ Chase

This was an open event won in pleasing style by the novice ALMOST BLUE. Held up early he was brought steadily into the contest by Jamie Alexander, disputing from two out and then asserting on the flat. The rider got a bit unbalanced on the flat but his mount had enough in hand. This run boosts the form of the novice event at Perth and confirms the winner there COASTLEY as something for the future.
FLOREANA stayed on under pressure from two out, and a last rating of 100 sets the standard. Her rider collected a 6-day ban for her flailing.
SENORA MOSS set the pace, surviving a bad blunder at the fifteenth, before giving way three out. She stayed on again, but her rider’s flapping style did her no favours on the run-in. She would be suited by a step up in distance, having won a four-miler point, though she’s only ever run at Kelso and opportunities would be limited.
DR HELLIER had every chance but was one paced from the last. He’s consistent if just lacking a last ‘oomph’ at this level.
RATHOWEN led three out but weakened from the last. This was a shade disappointing and he doesn’t seem to be capable of running to the 115 mark he held before this contest.
BELEM RANGER raced prominently to two out. He looks to need tucking away until the latter stages and maybe raced a little too prominently on this occasion.
LORD WHO was never in the hunt and doesn’t seem as good as he once was.
MISTER MGANUM was outpaced from a mile out.
TEERIE EXPRESS never got into the race and found the opposition too sharp.
TIME TO REFLECT gave way after racing prominently to four out. He’s finding nothing once push comes to shove.
BEN NELLY was behind when falling two out. He has a little ability, but his jumping lets him down too often.
BRIGHT AND BUBBLY was totally outclassed and pulled up.

Meanwhile at

SEDGEFIELD

Going – Good (Good To Soft in places)

6.30 2m 4f Hunters’ Chase

VAN NESS has been consistent in points and hunter chases. After his main rival departed, he went clear four out here, but gave the impression he wasn’t doing an awful lot from three out. Tim Edwards got agitated on the run-in and his flapping style was not necessarily helping, but Van Ness still had plenty in hand.
The winner’s main rival ELIA DOALOTT went well enough before hitting the ninth and depositing her pilot.
OVER TO JOE progressed from three out and closed on the idling winner after the last. A fair effort, but no more than that.
BRISCOE PLACE led early and kept on in the closing stages. He improved on his Perth effort and might be worth a try at a longer trip.
ELUSIVE WARRIOR, consistent in points and a maiden winner, stayed on from the rear for fourth but then she weakened over a longer trip last time. It could be that this is the limit of her ability.
CARAMAN was outpaced from three out.
PARADISE BAY, FIFTH COLUMN and GOOD INVESTMENT lost touch in the last mile, while PRIMUS INTER PARES was detached from early on.
BENWELL was close up to the eleventh and then weakened.
CRASHTOWN LEADER, ridden in hunting style by Simon Robinson, was soon detached following a bad first fence mistake, and pulled up four out alongside ALPINE WARRIOR who lost touch from halfway.

7.30 2m 4f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

SHERIFF HUTTON showed a good deal of promise on his hunting debut, leading two out and staying on for victory. He should win a novice event under a penalty, but is reported as being given a rest until the autumn.
LITTLE LU, also making a chasing debut, was outpaced at the top of the hill but stayed on for second. She rated 130 over hurdles and was 6 from 13 in that sphere. A chase win seems a formality.
FLEMROSS had a Down Royal fourth to his name over fences. He led from the fourth to two out and was then one paced. A stiffer track would help.
SNAKE CHARMER, a hurdles winner in the winter, was held from two out and to date doesn’t look as good over the larger obstacles.
HEAVENLY CHORUS advanced a shade on her previous course effort.
BEWERY MAN looks a chasing type. He never really got grips here but will improve with time.
CARAMIA showed some promise in early chasing efforts, but this was a step backward.
MADGE was hopelessly outclassed, with only the pulled up FORTUNE’S FOOL showing up as slower.

8.00 2m 4f 0-100 Handicap Chase

WOODY VALENTINE’s rejuvenation continued and whatever the key is his new stable have found it in three runs. He went clear from two out and once again had plenty in hand. This win will take him out of this class, but given that he’s rated higher over hurdles he may be capable of steeping up yet again.
DEUTERONOMY was held after being overtaken three out but stayed on well enough. He should be placed to advantage soon, possibly over a longer trip.
EASBY MANDARIN stayed on ‘under encouragement’ from three out. He was wearing blinkers for the first time but they didn’t make an obvious difference. He’s a maiden after 23 goes.
SILVER STEEL, awarded a race at Fontwell in March when last seen, never got to grip with the principals and finished a one paced fourth.
LAWAAHEB won here after a break in April but couldn’t repeat the form. The general pattern of his form suggests he needs regular breaks.
MASTER PAPA was never dangerous in sixth.
FLYING FORME, pointing in Ireland since leaving Philip Hobbs, lost his prominent pitch around the twelfth and weakened.
DIVEX dropped back swiftly after a mistake at the eleventh. This was not his form.
SCHINKEN OTTO was never going in the rear and pulled up. He hasn’t won over fences since late 2007.
SANDS RISING seems to have lost interest again after a brief promising spell.
NOBEL raced prominently early but couldn’t keep up once the race began in earnest. He was off the track for a year and a half to last December, and has been well below previous form since then.

[robnorth]

CARTMEL – Saturday May 23rd

Going – Good (Good to Soft in places, Soft by the woodside)

The usual large crowd attended for the first day of Cartmel’s Bank holiday racing festival.

6.20 2m 5 ½ f 0-100 Handicap Chase

The start was a shambles with a handful left flat-footed and having to make up 10 lengths plus. On balance it probably didn’t make a huge amount of difference up front, but in my opinion the runners should have been recalled.

BABE HEFFRON is suited by the opportunity to dominate the opposition was never seriously challenged here on a track that suits his tactics to a tee. Taking a strong hold early on he was soon in a clear lead and kept up the gallop all the way to win with a bit in hand. He needs a course to suit his front-running tactics so isn’t one to back blindly and he’ll be bumped up a fair bit for this win.
PEAK SEASONS performed creditably in second. He went after the leader from the ninth, but it was clear soon after the last that it was beyond him to catch Babe Heffron. He probably doesn’t see out this trip and a drop back in distance will help. Peak Seasons is a tough performer who was appearing on a racecourse for the 79th time, an impressive tally for a six-year-old.
SOUTH BRONX has ability and has won in a better class than this, but he doesn’t always show it. He was outpaced from the twelfth, but plugged on late for third. He won off 8lbs more than this at Perth last summer and, if he could be persuaded to give of his best, would stroll a race at this level.
SYCHO FRED jumped poorly in the latter stages which ended any glimmer of hope he may have had. He failed to finish on his two previous outings and doesn’t look a safe conveyance at this time.
ILOVETURTLE was out the back most of the way, plodding past a few for fifth. There probably isn’t a lowly enough race for him in present form.
NOBLE BILY never looked happy and didn’t show. His rider reported that he hung right throughout the race.
CLASSIC HARRY was outpaced as was UPTOWN LAD, and CROFTON ARCH joined them at halfway after some sticky jumps.
STORMONT DAWN unseated at the sixth when in midfield.
JBALLINGALL raced prominently early, as is his way, but a mistake at the ninth saw him weaken swiftly and he was pulled up, as was LAGO who had lost touch by halfway. The latter’s very heavy fall at Carlisle doesn’t seem to have done him much good.

6.50 3m 2f 0-95 Handicap Chase

This may prove to be a significant contest at its level since the second carried forth a decent Perth run and thee winner has been showing up well in points. There were many proven slowcoaches in the field toiling from a long way out.

Once again the start was a shambles, though on this occasion the runners were recalled. The second attempt wasn’t an awful lot better but the runners were allowed to go on their way.

ITS TEESCOMPONENTS, 2122 in points recently but going over regulation fences for the first time, went prominent at halfway, led at the fifteenth and kept up the gallop from there to see off a determined second. This was a step up on her hurdling form, and she should be capable of another win.
GERSHWINNER impressed me at Perth and ran well enough here to suggest that he is progressing. He was lugging 12-2 in this race, which is a heavy weight by current standards but was still able to chase the winner at close quarters in the straight. I’m impressed with Donald McCain’s charge and there must surely be another race for him.
ORCHARD HOUSE plugged on for third, but never got to the leaders.
ADAMS WINE, carrying forward fair pointing form, wasn’t totally disgraced but was feeling the pinch approaching the water for the last time.
TULLY HILL ran prominently and is certainly showing more zest than on his early outings after crossing the Irish Sea, though weakening in the last mile. However,
as soon as anything like a racehorse appears against him he is pretty well stuffed.
ARC OF STONE was awkward for the false start, and didn’t look much keener the second time round. He basically trundled around in the rear and didn’t seem over-keen.
LADY ROANIA made a little progress after halfway, but was soon back pedalling and completed the course the length of the straight and more behind the first two.
THE ARTFUL FOX fell early on.
MITCHEL HENRY presumably came out of his previous race with no lasting effects, but he was once again well off his game and pulled up. It could be that his trainer knows better than I do, but I reckon he needs a nice rest now as it would be a shame to see an honest enough performer soured.
BIG BONE is proving ‘big slow’ and pulled up before the twelfth.
MURPHYS BEAU went off in front, but felt the effect of his exertions past halfway and pulled up before the last lap.
BACK TO BILLS, racing tubed, was another to race prominently before weakening after halfway. He probably should have been pulled up and communicated this by refusing three out.
NELLIEDONETHAT has had a decent run of results over the winter and spring but was never going here. This may have been one race too many for now and a rest is possible.
NEIDPATH CASTLE won a dire race at Hexham, a fact clearly acknowledged by the handicapper who only moved him up 6lbs for 18 lengths. Coming up against a few with more will and more ability was more than enough to see him off here. He made mistakes in the rear early and was pulled up after two circuits. He has yet to prove he stays extended trips.
OFF THE SHELF ran midfield until hitting the tenth which did for him as he was pulled up before the last lap.

7.25 2m 1½ f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

The third last fence was omitted here as the vet dealt with a stricken horse.

SILMI is rated 124 over hurdles and, on the evidence of this chasing debut, looks capable of matching that mark over fences. He jumped like natural, led at the ninth, had gone clear at the last and went away after being shaken up. He was chucked into some very tough contests over hurdles and it is his trainer might plot a less tough campaign over fences.
HONOUR’S DREAM didn’t jump particularly well but kept going in the latter stages to bag second. He probably found this a bit on the sharp side, and the rattling pace that often sustains around Cartmel didn’t really help him.
DANNY ZUKO raced in the rear for much of the way, picking off tiring rivals from four out. He may well progress for this first experience over fences, and is with the right handler to do so.
JORDAN’S LIGHT went with the pace from halfway but paid for that from two out and finished very tired. He won a lousy selling hurdle at Kelso, but basically struggles to see out even the sharpest two miles at a decent pace.
HISTOIRE DE MOUERS jumped slowly early on and never got competitive. He’s better than this and I wouldn’t have thought the track was to blame.
MUJAMEAD led until the eighth and then weakened quickly.
FINNEGANS RAINBOW was struggling and detached by halfway and it’s a long time since he got within hailing distance of the winner.
WRITERS BLOCK went with the leaders early on, but was feeling the pinch when making a ‘horlicks’ of the water (9th) and unseating.
PARADI became another sad entry on the memorial role, perishing when taking a very heavy fall at the fourth.

[robnorth]

CARTMEL – Monday May 25th

Going – Good (Good To Soft on the woodside)

Drying meant the Bank Holiday Monday card was run on pretty decent ground, with the customary moisture lingering under the trees.

3.25 2m 5½f Class 4 Beginners’ Chase

The chases at this meeting would normally but run-of-the-mill, but on this occasion we saw the debut of an interesting chasing prospect in Knockara Beau.

The old adage that ‘class will out’ survives after this event, but only just since KNOCKARA BEAU made a determined attempt at demolishing the Cartmel fence-builder’s handwork. He jumped some fences proficiently but made a pig’s ear of just as many. The fences took their toll as it took George Charlton’s gelding time to see off his closest rivals once turned for home. Knockara Beau was a decent novice hurdler but he needs to get his jumping act together to reach the same level over fences. He is an interesting prospect for the autumn campaign nevertheless.
SOTOVIK has a poor completion record over fences, but he’s clearly possessed of ability and performed creditably here. He took the lead round the final bend, but hadn’t enough in reserve to hold the winner. It would be hard to crib too much at this effort and he will be interesting back in handicap company, though there might be a minor novice event for the taking.
STOP THE SHOW ran to his best measured against Sotovik. He didn’t have the pace of the first two from the start of the straight. His previous form suggests a longer trip and stiffer track are what will suit him best.
TULLY HILL led for a while before giving way against vastly superior opposition.
FEELING PECKISH, rated 4lbs worse than Tully Hill at 64, was a long way behind.
NO PANIC ran out at the water first time round, perhaps distracted by the layout that passes the ‘wrong’ end of the straight.

4.10 2m 5 ½ f Maiden Hunters’ Chase

Three pulled clear of the remainder in this event.

ACCORDION ROILELET, a winner of an Open Maiden and an Intermediate in points from four efforts, was held up early and brought to challenge two out. He stayed on under pressure to win nicely. He failed in a Restricted which shows that although he has ability there is a relatively low ceiling to it Rules wise. He now goes up for sale and may be of interest to some stables off a handicap mark of 86.
DOUBLE GEM has run two decent races in maiden company. He led going well four out, but was one paced once headed two out. His career to date suggests one unable to raise his game at the business end.
DIX HUIT CYBORG didn’t settle particularly well early on probably paid for that in the latter stages, though he had every chance two out. He won a point-to-point at Fakenham and may be happiest on a sharp track.
KNOCKABOUL KING plugged on from the rear for fourth but that’s basically as good as he is at this level.
BENNY BOY led from the third to three out but gave the latter a thump and quickly went backwards. He’s probably best a two miles, though there aren’t many such events in the hunters’ calendar these days.
FATHER OWEN, a dual pointing win, jumped poorly and was held from a mile out as was BROWN’S BECK who is a consistent but exposed pointer.
LOLIPOP won his Members’ at Aspatria but found this way beyond her. His general pointing form suggests a venture into National Hunt racing was optimistic.
OVERJOYED won on the same card as Lolipop at Aspatria, though the former won with more in hand on occasion. It showed.
BROXPARISBOULEVARD raced prominently but was tiring when hitting the last and almost coming to a standstill. He came home in his own time after that.
HEATHFIELD FLYER, off the track since May ‘08, nearly dislodged Josh Guerriero at the second but made enough progress to be prominent by the tenth at which fence he took a heavy fall. He has ability but also has jumping issues.
WAS I RIGHT jumped poorly and his rider gave up the struggle before the tenth obstacle.

[robnorth]

HEXHAM – Tuesday May 26th

Going – Good to Firm

Taking a break from proceedings at Cartmel, the Northern circuit moved from Cumbria to Northumberland for a fairly low key card with a couple of steeplechases.

7.35 3m 1f Class 4 Novices’ Chase

Favourite HARRY FLASHMAN was out of the race at the second, hampered as he took it and falling heavily. He seemed to get up OK, so hopefully he’s none the worse.
The race was left to the Michael Hourigan trained TOBY JUG to take the spoils. He was involved in the scrimmaging at the second, but recovered quickly. He was brought through smoothly down the far side for the final time, took over at the last and stayed on for victory. This was only his third race on good ground or better and he’s now 131, so there’s a fair chance we will see Toby Jug crossing the Irish Sea again this summer.
BENNY THE PILER showed much promise as a novice hurdler. He had a year off the track to October and hasn’t been in form since, bur clearly favoured by the conditions he showed up well on this occasion. He led before the last but was just outstayed on the run-in. It’s worth noting that he performed poorly last time in a visor and looked much better with the ‘aid’ removed. Keep him in mind because in this form he can win a chase.
The win penalty probably made the difference for CHERNIK. Having set the pace for much of the way he couldn’t respond to the first two in the straight but this was a sound effort and he ran to his form.
WHATDOIDOWITHAT weakened from three out having made a few minor mistakes. He had it to do here judged on hurdles ratings and should learn from the experience.
TURBULENT FLIGHT, not one who appeals to the eye, is the worst rated steeplechaser in Britain on 43, so to be beaten only 26 lengths by a 116 rated runner doesn’t look bad. However, the time was very slow and she just plodded on so I wouldn’t read much into it.
KIRCASSOCK VIC, an Irish maiden point winner last time, made a few errors but was still there three out before stopping very quickly and being pulled up.

8.35 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase

TRAFALGAR MAN has gradually slipped down the handicap, but showed a little promise here last time and had enough to hold off a not completely committed runner-up here. He is a top of the ground horse who missed the 2008 summer campaign. He’ll go up a few pounds for this win, but given that the sun continues to shine regularly he should notch another win in the summer.
FRED BOJANGALS is another top of the ground performer. I’m not convinced that he’s inclined to put himself out to the full at the death, and he was worried out of here. He’ll presumably be a short price next time and may be one to oppose.
LONGDALE made some mistakes and jumped slowly at times. He stayed on to take third. He’ll presumably be kept on the go through the summer and swaps backwards and forwards between hurdles and fences but he needs to be on his game with his jumping to win a chase.
NORTHERN QUEST, a ‘fizzy’ sort, was taken to post early and predictably took a keen hold in the race taking a clear lead early on. He was headed before the last and weakened. This was better than recent runs and if he hits the consistent form of last year he’ll pick up a race, but he needs to be kept below boiling point.
FALCON’S TRIBUTE was outpaced form two out. Class 5 very weak Class 4 chases (cutting up to 0-95) are his level. He might be interesting at the lower level back at Hexham, though that does depend on the race programme.
CHIGORIN never got involved and is not a prolific winner.
I’M YOUR MAN beat Trafalgar Man last time, but he has two ways of running and this was not a going day. He was reported as ‘not suited by the good to firm ground’ which is surprising for one who has run on the surface a few times before and was kept on the go last summer.
I assumed COMMANCHE TOPGUN had pulled up since he was miles behind but the results show he finished 101 lengths behind I’m Your Man. He has the odd bit of fair form, but he doesn’t look win material on current evidence.
BLAST THE PAST was settled in last and stayed in the same zone until pulling up three out, being reported as ‘finished distressed’. To be pedantic she didn’t actually ‘finish’ but I’m sure we get the drift.

[robnorth]

CARTMEL – Wednesday 27th May

Going – Soft (Heavy in places)

A heavy downpour from early morning onwards turned the going from good to testing on the final day of Cartmel’s Spring Meeting. This meant there were a significant number of non-runners and a few that did appear struggled with the conditions.

I’ve not covering hurdles at the course, but the run-in for the hurdle course was even longer than that on the chase course since the ‘removable hurdle’ near the Sticky Toffee Pudding shop was not used due to a patch of heavy ground.

It’s worth a note of appreciation to Iain Mackenzie for his commentaries over the three days at Cartmel. With viewing comparatively difficult an accurate commentary is essential and Mackenzie has developed a style to suit Cartmel’s audience.

3.25 2m 1 ½ f 0-95 Handicap Chase

IT’S BERTIE has often gone close in recent months, and was disqualified when finishing in front on one occasion. Nevertheless he is distinctly difficult to win with as he doesn’t seem inclined to push himself anywhere near the limit toward the finish. Quirky Cartmel, and in particular this moderate company, seemed to be his best chance to deliver and he did, but it was hard work for his rider. He raced prominently all the way, challenged on the bend and took over entering the straight. In typical cussed fashion he then didn’t do a tap in front, but held on nevertheless.
FLAMING HECK has been running consistently recently and put in a sound performance. He led or disputed before being headed three out, fighting back on the run-in but the winner ultimately had more in hand. He is running well, but is at his best when able to dominate the opposition.
PAPERCHASER jumped abysmally in the early stages, so it was to his credit that he led three out and was not far away at the finish. This was only his third race over fences so there is hope, but he does need to improve his jumping.
None of the remainder was seriously competitive much after halfway. ROWDY EXIT, suited by the ground, whacked the seventh and was beaten from that point.
BOG OAK never got into the race after hitting the first. On what he has done previously it’s a mystery that he was joint-favourite here.
SILVO was soon in the rear.
AMOUR DARIA was struggling by halfway.
KING AMONG QUEENS took a very heavy fall at the first, but got up OK if charging around the course in the wrong direction whilst loose.
COMMANCHE TOPGUN, reappearing a day after a poor run at Hexham, led from the second to the seventh before going out like a light. He subsided so quickly that I conclude he either downed tools or had a problem.

4.00 3m 6f Class 3 Grand Veterans’ Handicap Chase

A third consecutive victory in this race for Richard Ford’s CHABRIMAL MINSTER who has earned an honourable retirement. Moving prominent at halfway he kept up the gallop after the last to win with something in hand. He has had his problems in recent times, his joints have been giving him gip, but it should be noted that he retires with a chase record of 8 wins from 26 runs, a record which stands well against any staying chaser.
IL EN REVE hasn’t won for a long time, and he basically just plugs on these days, being only one to seriously chase the winner after the last. The testing conditions suited as they slowed the others down.
CAPYBARA will never fail for lack of stamina and plugged on for third.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST got tired in the latter stages and the last ended any remote chance he had. He plugged on from there for fourth. His avoidance of getting his head in front these days is well documented.
BALAKAR weakened after taking the water for the final time and probably didn’t see out the trip in the conditions.
HUKA LODGE weakened from four out.
KORELO briefly got into the picture approaching the water last time, but weakened from that point.
STAGECOACH DIAMOND finished a remote last but seemed to hate the conditions.
CHOPNEYEV dropped back form halfway and was pulled up with a lap to go.
DARINA’S BOY found conditions too testing. He raced prominently to halfway but was another to call it a day before the last circuit.
TONI ALCALA is not suited by testing conditions. Unlike his cycling namesake, a noted mountain climber in the recent past, this Toni Alcala seems better on flat tracks but he needs top of the ground.
CONTACT DANCER weakened going out on to the final circuit and his jockey called it a day.

4.35 3m 2f Hunters’ Chase

A race name in honour of Johnnie Fenwicke-Clennell former ‘clerk’ at Cartmel amongst other courses in the North.

HASPER followed up his Hexham win, challenging on the final bend and staying on up the straight. He stays well so the conditions played to his strength.
ZABENZ is officially rated 139, but that’s higher than he’s capable of these days. He came with every chance after last but couldn’t muster the pace to challenge the winner. He’s seldom been raced on soft and it doesn’t suit him.
SHRADEN EDITION raced prominently but gave way after jumping the last. He’s placed 17 times in five years without winning and is one paced.
DR HELLIER rallied going to the water for the last time but lost touch after that. This was well below his good ground efforts.
MY WEE WOMAN, a pointing winner at Aspatria, was always in the rear.
THUNDER HAWK led or disputed to the thirteenth, but he was harried by Shraden Edition and gave way from that point. He’s happier on better ground.
THE SNEAKSTER won this race a year ago, her only win in 44 goes, but she was on the retreat two out this time round.

[robnorth]

PERTH – Sunday May 31st

Good To Firm (Good in places)

The weather was glorious for Perth’s big day of the year, and a crowd in excess of 13,000 crammed into Scone Palace Park for Perth Gold Cup. The drying weather meant there were a few non-runners, notably five absentees in the main event.

2.20 2m 4 ½ f Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle

CARSONSTOWN BOY created a good impression on his hurdling and unsurprisingly stepped up to win on a return to Perth. He was always going well, took charge before the last and ran on for victory. Colm McBratney’s charge should pick up another novice hurdle, but he looks a chasing type and his future would seem likely to be over the larger obstacles.
MINI BECK, front running as previously, was held from after the second last but kept on to produce his best form yet. He hit the last but was well clear of the third by that time. As a 10-year-old he won’t have much improvement so a handicap would seem his best chance of success.
GUIGNY ran a satisfactory race on hurdling debut but was outpaced in the straight. He might need a little more time to produce his best over hurdles.
The rest were well seen off, including Gordon Elliot’s DIRAR who was well backed but dropped back from the sixth hurdle.

2.50 2m 4 ½ f 0-120 Novices’ Handicap Chase

PILCA has put up a few fair performances over fences, but was recording a first win here with four Irish challengers following him in. He took over after three out and stayed on from there though idling in the closing stages. He is probably capable of further wins over fences but his career record shows he is one who does no more than win in his turn.
HE’S A HOTSHOT raced prominently and keenly, leading four out but not having enough to hold the winner. He has yet to win in fourteen attempts under rules and in the short term is likely to be underpriced.
TUBBER GAEL HOLLY was caught flatfooted three out but stayed on again. This gave the impression that a longer trip might suit, but she won hurdles over 2m 4f. She likes fast ground so given decent weather the odds re that she will be seen in the UK again soon.
DREAM CHAMPION was held from three out. A mark of 111 seems plenty on recent evidence.
ESSIFER, a regular traveller over the Irish Sea, led to four out from which point he was found wanting. He’s now had 21 goes without a win under Rules and lacks pace in the closing stages.
SOUBRIQUET was held from four out and could be a little high in the handicap.
COUNTRY SERVANT, whose previous form had been dire, couldn’t be expected to produce much from 21lbs out of the handicap and was beaten a long way.
KNOCKLAYDE ROSE made no more impact over fences than she has over hurdles.
WITNESS RUN pulled hard early and was struggling when hitting the eleventh after which his jockey called it a day. He runs some fair races, but is unpredictable and has plenty of Ps and ‘well beaten’s in his record.

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

MIDNITE BLEWS’ previous win had come over five furlongs at Bath but, given that he set a decent pace and stayed on well, he looked to see out the two miles well enough here. He may be one who needs things his own way and not necessarily betting material next time.
PETE, in pretty much customary style, was eased into the race going to the last but didn’t get to the winner. It could be said that this was an opportunity missed, but he remains on a decent mark and given that he never wins by far I wouldn’t dismiss him for this run.
MUNNINGS challenged two out but then gave way. Tony Martin regularly picked up races at Perth in previous years but I get the impression his runners here are distinctly second-string these days. A lifetime record in all disciplines of 1 from 19 questions whether Munnings should have been 11/8 favourite on this occasion.
HOWARD’S DREAM comes from a stable unable to muster a winner in 380+ attempts on the flat and over jumps in the last 5 years. Predictably he had nowhere near enough to go with the principals from three out.
SPEED UP stayed on past a couple late on but was well beaten and on this evidence is regressive.
MISS BALLYGALLEY dropped away from two out and looks very ordinary even at this level, while MONTCHARA had no hope from 18lbs shy of bottom weight.
Miss Ballygalley’s stable-mate INSTANT CHERRY proved even slower and was pulled up two out.

3.50 3m 0-140 Handicap Chase

The showpiece of the afternoon, though five non-runners reduced the strength and I’m not sure the competition was quite as strong as in previous. Nevertheless, all credit to the Perth executive for putting up decent prize money and for their efforts to attract decent horses to this part of the world.

BACKSTAGE was a fair performer for Evan Williams, having reached a mark of 135 at one point, and then doddled up in four points in Ireland. He ran fair races in the Aintree Foxhunters’ and at Punchestown. Very well backed on this occasion, he justified support in decent style, brought steadily through to lead before the last and go away on the run-in. Given that he has rated a good deal higher, and is only a seven-year-old, the impression is that there is more to come. Going doesn’t seem a problem given that he has won on heavy as well as recording this win on fast ground. Gordon Elliot will no doubt have a decent chase or two within his sights in the coming weeks.
SOME CRAIC stayed on for second without threatening the winner. This was a decent effort coming off a long break, and given that he was in good form on this type of ground last year Michael Hourigan should place this one to advantage soon.
From 30lbs out of the handicap ALL RISE produced a very creditable performance to finish third. Having looked beaten three out the twelve-year-old kept on again to the finish. His best chance would appear to be in a lesser event under a penalty, since the handicapper is not likely to forgive him this run.
NILE MOON, tongue-tied for the first time, set the pace until three out. He seems in decent heart at the moment and wouldn’t be a forlorn hope in easier company.
BALLYHOLLAND was in with a chance three out, but held when hitting the last. His best form under rules has been over shorter distances but he seems rather high in the weights.
MEGATON raced prominently for much of the way but was feeling the pinch from three out. This was a decent effort from a couple of pounds out of the handicap and he was third in the same event last year. He is favoured by a sharp track and top-of-the-ground and there will be easier races.
MINOUCHKA made the graduation from hunter to novice last time, but this was too big an ask and it was a struggle in the final mile.
WATER TAXI hasn’t been forgiven a good sequence last summer and is too high in the handicap. He’s more a 120 horse than a 130.
LOVE THAT BENNY is another struggling to justify a 130 mark and getting precious little respite from the handicapper.
CAIPIROSKA was still in with every chance two out but was feeling the pinch when clouting the last, being pulled up and dismounted on the run-in. He’s a consistent performer and it’s hoped he did not lasting damage.
BROOKLYN BROWNIE, the winner last year, raced at the rear but was feeling the pinch a mile out and pulled up after the fourteenth.
SCOTS DRAGOON is suited by these conditions but was struggling by the twelfth, weakening and being pulled up.
SHARP REPLY ran no sort of race.

4.20 2m 4 ½ f 0-125 Handicap Hurdle

LOS NADIS was not helped by iffy jumping in his early hurdling career. However, he is much more precise these days and proved he sees this trip out well enough. He boasts a record of 4 wins and 4 seconds from 14 runs over hurdles, and even with a forced rise in class he might be capable of adding to the win tally again this summer.
SOLWAY SUNSET challenged before the last but was held. She’s probably handicapped to her mark, but can’t be counted out particularly in slighter lower class than this.
ENGLISH CITY is a summer type and one to place in the notebook. A rare case of an entire running over jumps, he is steadily coming to the boil and I reckon he has the ability to win of his current mark off 117.
SUMMER SOUL led early and remained prominent three out. He was held from that point.
BAGUENAUD is better at two miles and couldn’t produce anything from two out.
PLAYER and SAM PATCH were left behind from three out.

4.50 2m 0-115 Handicap Chase

This race cut up from six declared to three runners.

HOOLOWS MILL proved himself in good heart and his trainer must have been chuffed that the small field gave another opportunity. Barry Murtagh has considered retirement but kept him on the go following his Kelso success and he just held on after possibly idling a little in front. He surely can’t go up much for this ninth career win, and there is a chance that he may hit double figures if remaining in this form.
THE ROCKING DOCK seemed held up the straight but rallied on the run-in and nearly got up. He looks capable of winning a minor handicap chase.
SAFARI ADVENTURES led jumping extravagantly, but his jumping faltered in the latter stages and he dropped back. He has run three fair to decent races in succession but just struggles to hold it together in the latter stages.

5.20 2m ½ f Conditional and Amateur Riders’ NH Flat

The field dawdled the first mile and I can’t see it teaches them much going at such a slow pace. If you want to teach horses to amble a mile then sprint you could just as well do it at home.

NOW THIS IS IT showed fair form on his Musselburgh debut in November then finished down the field in a better event there in January. The fast ground clearly suits him and he showed good speed once the pace picked up, leading two out and running on. This didn’t look a strong event. I wouldn’t fall over myself to back him under a penalty.
BALLYWOODEN KING led to two out and then couldn’t respond once passed. His Irish bumper form was moderate.
If there’s one to take out of this event it would have to be the third GAYBRIC. He was held up in the rear pulling hard and made late progress without troubling the leaders. He certainly wasn’t suited by the slow pace and can produce a fair bit better than the bare form shown on this occasion.
KING’S WARNING and JIM TANGO, both having run in Irish points, wouldn’t have been suited by the slow pace and will probably be capable of better presented with obstacles and a distance of ground.

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday June 2nd

Going – Good to Firm

6.35 2m ½ f Class 4 Novice Chase

This contest was marred by an accident involving the hard pulling JALAMID. He took hold from Michael McAllister from the start and hit the fourth hard, sustaining a broken leg in the process which necessitated him being put down. Sadly the poor gelding attempted to gallop after the field on three legs for a way, a disturbing sight. Not a great comment on the staffing level that the jockey had to hold up the screens as the vet carried out the sad deed.

The second last was omitted due to the aforementioned incident, and that was the point at which Irish-trained chasing debutant SCHELM took control. He went away to win quite comfortably. He has won on yielding, but it would seem the faster ground suits and he’s one to note on a similar surface.
WOODY VALENTINE has been in very good form recently and ran another excellent race on distinctly unfavourable terms. Rated 24lbs worse than the winner, he couldn’t match that one’s pace from two out, but held the rest of the field and continues in good heart. He may be moved up a few pounds in the handicap for this run, but he’s in such rattling good form at the moment that this may not stop him winning again.
BUCHAILL ON EIRNE was another Irish–trained chasing debutant. He performed reasonably well in third bearing in mind the trip would be on the short side for him. His jumping wasn’t bad but can be sharpened and he will learn from this.
LITTLE LU stayed on late without getting in a blow suggesting a longer trip would be better.
HELLO NOD was left behind from three out. He had a stiff task with the first two, but got round for the first time in three chasing attempts which at least suggests a move in the right direction.
WHAT HAPPENED had no chance on hurdles form and dropped away from three out.
KARMADICE pulled hard early on and took over following Jalamid’s accident. He had blown himself out by four form home and needs to settle to have any chance over fences.
MADGE and UPTOWN LAD, serial non-achievers, bumbled around in the rear.

8.5 3m 3f 0-105 Handicap Chase

Back in October I said of SAM CRUISE that ‘there is a suggestion of a hope if he could get his act together’. I then rather undid that work by suggesting he didn’t get the trip when running here. However, he’s one performer who I thought might produce some worthwhile form with a little patience, and it came to fruition in decent style on this occasion.
Keen to post as is his way, SAM CRUISE led at a decent pace and kept up the gallop to the finish. He was still on the bridle two out and gives the impression that if he jumps accurately he can rate a great deal higher than his current 79. Tim Walford commented that the fast ground was essential so it could be a case of ‘make hay while the sun shines’. Will he repeat the form? If only I could tell you the answer! Is he capable of repeating the form? I’m pretty sure the answer is ‘yes’.
FINBIN is one I taken a liking to at this level. He has shown enough in two chases now to suggest he’s capable of regularly contributing to his keep. He never got in touch with the leader but stayed on for second and there should be opportunities to break his chasing duck. Two hurdling wins prove he has what it takes to win races.
POLAR GALE had course and conditions to suit but didn’t get close enough to challenge on this occasion. The rest of the field was strung out and this effort was sound enough.
KELLS CASTLE stays well but just doesn’t see out his finishes and seems destined to collect a lot more place money than win money.
ESME RIDES A GAINE performed creditably from 6lbs out of the handicap, staying on past a few late on having been under the shove with a circuit to go. She needs aiming at the lowest class handicaps where the sliver of ability she possesses might be enough to make a mark.
CELTIC FLOW was 10lbs out of the handicap. He ran prominently in the main group until four out, which was a fair effort.
The handicapper saw fit to move TURBULENT FLIGHT up from 43 to the lofty heights of 49 following her last effort. It makes little difference though and she was 33lbs wrong here. She probably ran pretty much to that level beaten about 40 lengths, plugging on in her own time.
BIG BONE once again looked very slow. Tried over fences and hurdles over a variety of trips he isn’t making an impact.
HOWS TRIX won at Tramore last year but has disappointed twice since moving to Ferdy Murphy.
TULLY HILL showed up to halfway but quickly back-pedaled. He runs with some zest early on but has precious little to offer in the latter stages of his races.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT desperately needs to fins a contest against ‘Delaney’s Donkey’ as he has generally struggled and didn’t build on the slight glimmer shown here last time. Those of a certain age will understand the reference.
The race wasn’t run to suit NICOZETTO and he’s not predictable anyway. He overtook a few but was well back when falling at the last.
PALMERS PEAK is happiest when able to get to the front and dictate. He couldn’t do that here and dropped away from a mile out before pulling up.

[Author]

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