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Oliver Sherwood has made a very bright start to the season with 11winners, already putting him within sight of last season's meagre haul of 16.
Perhaps the most satisfying fact of that total is that they have come from ten individual horses with the useful juvenile Zakeeta being the only dual scorer. vIt is also encouraging that while he has a bank of handicappers that appear on competitive marks he also has a raft of young horses coming through to make a bedrock for next season. One of the most interesting is the winning point to pointer and easy bumper winner Camden and Kaituna who looked smart when taking her hurdle debut at Plumpton at the beginning of November. The useful handicap hurdler Abey M'Boy won his novice chase debut comfortably and was possibly unfortunate on his next outing at Plumpton. He looks set to outstrip his hurdle achievements and there are some interesting newcomers along side the older hands that the Upper Lambourn trainer discusses here. ABEY M'BOY 7 b g Alflora - See More Furrows. Bumper winner and maiden hurdler in seven attempts from two to two and a half miles but looks a better chase prospect having won novice debut on heavy over two miles at Uttoxeter October 29 beating Panama Canal 11 lengths in four-runner event. Stayed on 107 and would have been closer at Plumpton only subsequent start but for a mistake three out eventually finishing five lengths third to Mr Stickler. Has been 116 over hurdles. "Last season was a write off due to a fribulating heart and he lost confidence. He has come back much better and could do no more than win at Uttoxeter, jumped very well. He loves it soft. It was testing at Plumpton on November 15 and Leighton Aspell said he might well have won but for making a mistake three out. On the plus side his mark shouldn't move again but we'll keep him to around two miles." ARCTIC PRIDE 6 b g Definite Article - Tricias Pride. Some ability sole start in Uttoxeter bumper in May 2009 when 19 lengths fourth of 16 to Bangkok Pete. "Had a year off when a leg and is coming back well and might run at Warwick in a novice hurdle on November 17. He is a three mile chaser and I would see his future there in handicaps in the new year." BEN CEE PEE M 5 ch g Beneficial - Supreme Magical. Won third bumper start beating Meridiem two and three quarter lengths at Towcester in May. Keen on hurdle debut when distant eighth of 15 to Iceman George over two mile five at Huntingdon in October. "He was very keen when he won his Towcester bumper and was too keen at Huntingdon when he pulled a muscle. Coming back now but he could be a good ground horse so he might be one to look out for in handicaps later on." BIANCO FUJI 5 gr m Kayf Tara - Dissolve. Ability in first two bumper starts particularly on debut when beaten ten and a half lengths into fifth by subsequent impressive winner Rock On Ruby at Newbury in March. Well beaten fifth of 15 to L'Accordioniste on heavy at Uttoxeter on hurdle debut over two mile October 29. "This is one of my favourites and with a hard race she'd have been third at Newbury first time. Didn't handle Bangor second time and the ground was too heavy at Uttoxeter. Wants a trip, two and a half on good to soft and definitely one to keep the right side of on the right conditions. One I have in mind for the mares final at Newbury in March." CAMDEN 4 b g Old Vic Electric View. Won last of three points in March and stayed on well to win bumper debut by a length from Water Garden at Fontwell over 19 furlongs November 5. "Showed nothing at the start of the season but came alight three weeks before his bumper. Weren't going down that route because he jumps very well but was very professional at Fontwell. Wants two and half and wants to be tucked in. Could be anything and is one I might try to qualify for the EBF Final but I'd be disappointed if he didn't win his novice and carry a penalty next time." CIRCUS OF DREAMS 7 b g Kayf Tara - Foehn Gale. Handicap chaser best around two and a half miles, most recent of two chase wins from 10 starts came on third last outings when beating Samurai Way four lengths over two miles five at Huntingdon in May off 117, career high winning mark. Off 125 on reappearance in October and well beaten behind Robo at Fakenham. Dropped to two miles off 122 latest start when decent six lengths third of six to Noble Crusader at Lingfield November 9. "It was wrong to put blinkers on him first time this season without him having seen them before - normally has a visor - and he ran with the choke out at Fakenham then folded. Dropped him back to two at Lingfield and it worked but he does want and extra half mile. I feel there are races in him." DUNE SHINE 5 b g Karinga Bay - Caipirinha. Ability on bumper debut November 2009 when three lengths third to Ackertac at Ludlow. Distant fifth on comeback in Ludlow bumper in March and well behind on hurdle debut Bangor November 10 in race won by Safran De Cotte. "Has ability but still learning and will probably come into his own once he gets a mark and can go handicapping and might want three miles." ERIC'S CHARM 12 b g Nikos - Ladoun. Last of six chase wins came in March over three and a quarter miles at Newbury off 143 - has won over further but that was highest winning mark. Well beaten off 149 and 146 both starts this season. "The race he's going for is the race he won at Sandown in early December. He was off 135 that day and needs to come down a bit more before he goes for that. It could be his swansong. He sulked when ridden from behind last time and he never runs well on his reappearance." FIFTYONEFIFTYONE 6 b g Oscar - Great Dante. Maiden in seven starts, last two over fences and first better than second when 18 lengths third of eight to Summery Justice over two five at Kempton in February. Debut for present yard and virtually pulled up on reappearance at Ascot over two three in race won by Radium when rated 122, now 120. "Ran with the choke out at Ascot but I was still disappointed. Could have been freshness and he does jump very well and I'm not just certain of the best way to ride him and I'm toying with the idea of dropping back to two miles and going from the front. Definitely has ability." GLOBAL POWER 4 b g Subtle Power - Bartelko. Won sole Irish point in March and ready winner of bumper debut at Plumpton on November 15 beating Divine Folly three lengths. "Gallops, and honest as he showed at Plumpton when he won well. Hadn't shown a great deal at home but really tries and loved the soft ground. He's schooled well so he'll go straight for a novice hurdle now." KAITUNA 4 b f Flemensfirth - Southern Skies. Ability both bumper starts last season and won hurdle debut by six lengths from The Hon Tara over two five at Plumpton November 1. "Nice horse, impressed me at Plumpton and has come on a good bit for it. Could go to Huntingdon on November 20 over the same trip as Plumpton. If she won that I'd stat to work backwards from the mares final at Newbury in March." KASBADALI 5 b g Kahyasi - Nikalie. May bumper winner and second both hurdle starts, latest November 8 when five lengths second of ten to Front Of House when upper from two to two five at Southwell November 8. "Will stay well and I thought it was a penalty kick at Southwell but we caught that winner on a very good day. Probably wants better ground than he got at Southwell which was too quick a circuit for him. Has definitely got ability." LITTLE AL 7 b g Alflora - Mossy Fern. Bumper winner but disappointing hurdles and one chase start, pulled up previous three outings before turning around and good third, beaten a length and three quarters by Red Rouble over two five at Towcester October 6. Had dropped from career high 106 to 91 and now back to 99. "The blinkers really worked on him last time and there's a three mile two handicap hurdle at Huntingdon on November 20 that should suit him, 0-105. Wouldn't want extremes of ground." MILGEN BAY 4 br g Generous - Lemon's Mill. Won bumper debut and although outclassed on second in grade two at Aintree was decent five length second of 16 to Mr Hudson at Newton Abbot in May. Plenty to like about debut when five lengths third to well-regarded Muldoon's Picnic over two at Huntingdon October 31 only losing second close home. "Travels and works well and he just missed a hurdle at the wrong time at Huntingdon. At a more galloping track he's have been much closer but he is a real nice horse. Will win his novice hurdle standing on his head but if it's over two it will be a stiff two. He'll handle soft ground." SILVER ACCORD 7 b/br g Accordion - Mazza. Lost bumper and hurdle maiden at 10 attempt when beating Lepido a length and three quarters over two and a half at Fontwell October 28 having risen from 102 to 105 and now 114. "Bonny little horse and half brother to Claymore who was good for us. This horse has done us proud, very brave last time but might just need headgear in time. He did have a hard race last time and he was quiet for a few days but might go to Market Rasen on November 18. Not just certain of the ideal ground but he's handled extremes. The 9lb rise is a problem so he might have to go chasing sooner than later." SILVER BAY 9 b g Silver Patriarch - Mossy Fern. Disappointing in the main after winning three mile hurdle at Worcester in June 2009 when rated 101. Has been to 118 but well beaten both outings in handicap chases over three miles this season. Tailed off latest November 6 at Sandown in race won by Fit To Drive off 109 and now 107. "He's been struggling off too high a mark and I feel he won't be capable until he's a couple of pounds lower than he is at present. He will stay long distances but not on very soft ground." VERDE GOODWOOD 4 ch f Lomitas - Dissolve. Left bumper debut in April behind when finishing five lengths second of 13 to Maggie Aron at Ffos Las in June. "Had a small hiccup early in the season but going nicely now and should be able to win a mares bumper before hurdles but would want it too soft." ZAKEETA 3 b f Intikhab - Julianne. Successful both hurdle starts at Fontwell in October and rated 117 when well beaten in much better class event at Cheltenham won by Sam Winner at Cheltenham November 13. "Leighton Aspell is still very bullish about her. She's never gone so fast as at Cheltenham last time and he reckons that if he'd ridden her to get placed then she would have instead of which he tried to win which blew her chance. He said he put a gun to her head too soon. She'll come on again for that and she'll come into her own in the new year when she can go over two and a half miles." ADDICTION 5 b m Alflora - Premier Princess. Unraced. "Nice mare that could go to Hereford on November 18 and shows enough to win a mares bumper." MILLY MALONE 4 b f Milan - Sharp Single. Unraced. "I like this filly, ready to run and shows enough to win a mares bumper." STERLING CHIEF 6 b g Silver Patriarch - Lady Callenish. Unraced. "Shows ability and might go to Folkestone on November 16 for a bumper. MALIBU SUN 3 b g Needwood Blade - Lambadora. Unraced. "The dame won over hurdles and the full sister won three times as a two-year-old on the flat this season. Going for an all weather bumper then might be the type for a spring campaign over hurdles as he might not want soft ground. Working nicely." The knowledge BIANCO FUJI: is held in high regard by the trainer and one to watch. CAMDEN: might be above average. KAITUNA: has improved again for her last success. KASBALDI: wasn't suited by Southwell and needs a stiffer test. MILGEN BAY: is a winner waiting to happen over hurdles. |
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Last season was a frustrating one for Nick Gifford, which saw his total drop from a personal best of 25 in 2008-09 to 15.
However there was a resurgence in form in the important months of March and April, particularly with the performances of De Ee Williams who led at the final flight of the County Hurdle only to finish a most creditable four length third of 28 to Thousand Stars. The gelding then went on to beat a competitive 21 runner field in the conditional jockeys handicap hurdle at the Grand National meeting by six lengths. The seven-year-old is at the forefront of the Findon trainer's team for this campaign and has already made a highly promising return over hurdles prior to an eagerly anticipated novice chase campaign. It is also encouraging that the stable's other runners have performed with credit in the first stages of the jump season proper including smart hurdler Alderluck who would have gone extremely close but for falling two out at Kempton on November 1 and is another that will now embrace fences. Tullamore Dew rated 139 over hurdles is another on the flight deck for fences - a particularly interesting category for the trainer who discusses the pick of the team he handles at Findon. ALDERLUCK 7 ch g Alderbrook - Cecelia's Charm. Useful two and a half mile hurdler, four from 14 and last win coming over favoured 21 furlongs at Kempton in March beating Galaxy Rock three lengths off 130 from 135. Reappeared off latter mark and would have gone close but for falling two out when holding narrow lead over Working Title in 21 furlong handicap hurdle at Kempton November 1. "I think it would have been very, very close when he fell last time because on a going day he will battle - that's how he won his two bumpers - and is very hard to get past. It was the same when he won his novice hurdle at Plumpton. He's going novice chasing now and although two five is his trip at the moment he will stay three miles. Schools well and has form on all ground but prefers it better. He's never put runs together and needs time between races - even a month doesn't seem enough - but his next stop is a beginners chase." BAD SIR BRIAN 5 b g Bach - Ballyverane. Won third bumper attempt and first this season when beating Border Station four and a half lengths at Plumpton in October. Pulled up hurdle debut over two and a half miles at Fontwell November 5. "I still think he's weak and at the moment desperately needs proper good ground. It was on the fast side when he won at Plumpton and I thought he's turned the corner but there is no doubt he was disappointing over hurdles last time. I'll have to pick a track with the right ground but he is also mentally immature so it will be a light campaign. I will probably drop him back to two miles." BALLYBACH 6 b g Bach - Croom River. Smart maiden that has shown plenty of ability in defeat in six hurdle starts the most recent by far the best when half length second to Like A Hurricane over two and a half at Ascot October 30. Off 120 there and now 125. "He's another by Bach that wants good ground - I ran him on soft last season and he got absolutely stuffed. Physically not the finished article yet so he's another that we are going to have to pick and chose where the ground is right. Haven't decided to give him one more run over three miles before going chasing but he does want that distance. Hasn't schooled but he's starting to jump hurdles as though he wants a fence - making the right shape so it will be sooner rather than later." DEE EE WILLIAMS 7 b g Dushyantor - Fainne Oir. Smart two mile handicap hurdler, career best effort in defeat when just run out of County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March off 135. Up to 139 and won possibly easier conditional jockeys handicap hurdle over same trip at Aintree in April beating Issaquah and 20 others six lengths. Went to 150 and well beaten at Haydock final start but encouraging return when staying on seven lengths third of ten to Nearby in grade two handicap hurdle at Wincanton November 6 rated 149. "I'm over the moon with his Wincanton run, they've gone so quick that horses that normally make the pace couldn't lay up. For an embryo chaser he's run out of his skin. I think two miles is his trip and fences and blinkers are important to concentrate but I don't think he gets home over two and a half miles. He's schooled well and there's a beginners chase coming up at Kempton that might suit." DIGGER GETS LUCKY 8 b g Lord Americo - Exclusive View. Got off the mark at thirteenth attempt when winning seasonal debut by two lengths from Mister Wiseman in two and a half mile novice handicap chase at Chepstow October 23. Rated 100 - once 106 and now back to that mark. "Always worked better than he's shown. He was coming back from a slab fracture at Chepstow last time and I was looking for some soft ground and although he was running over two and a half he stays well and stamina won it for him. I'll keep him to the gaffs and there are plenty of options coming up. If he could creep up a bit I'd see him in the Sussex National at Plumpton." DUSKY BOB 5 br g Bob Back - Sunsets Girl. Won second bumper run in February - distant fourth to smart Cue Card on debut - but well behind on hurdle debut over 21 furlongs at Kempton November 1 in race won by Jay J. "It was always possible they'd go a bit quick for him at Kempton. He's not the quickest and wants a trip and a bit later, fences. He's another that will go to the gaffs on slower ground." EL PADRINO 5 b g Definite Article - Nova Rose. Most encouraging bumper debut when staying on ten lengths fourth of ten to Knights Pass at Sandown November 6. "Lovely but really is only a frame at the moment despite his age and won't have a hard season. Delighted with Sandown and he does have an engine but will need time between his races and I'm not sure whether it will be a bumper or hurdles next time." GENERAL KUTUZOV 6 b g Moscow Society - Bonnie Thynes. Finally won at sixth attempt and third over hurdles when beating Quintessentially seven lengths in 11-runner heavy ground maiden hurdle at Lingfield in January. Debut mark of 125. "He wouldn't be the quickest which is why he's run in the mud. Bit fragile mentally so didn't want him to be in very competitive hurdles and get run off his feet. Goes to Folkestone on November 16 for a beginners chase over two five for horse rated 125 or less so it's ideal." LATIN AMERICAN 5 b g Saddler's Wells - La Pitie. Won two bumpers in February 2009 and earned 119 rating. Ability in four hurdle starts last season without winning and rated 120. Well behind on reappearance in two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Sandown November 6. "He just wants three miles and soft ground. Still a maiden so we'll lower the sights over hurdles then go chasing." NEIL HARVEY 7 b g Winged Love - At Dawn. Useful in only season to race 2008/09 when wining second start in Towcester bumper - second on debut - and won two mile novice hurdle same course next race in January. Second next two outings and ended rated 130 when eight lengths second to Zemsky over two miles five at Plumpton in March. "Missed last season, no major issues but it was the right thing to give him some time - could have come back for the second half. Proper soft ground horse who will be out at the end of November for novice chasing and very exciting. Really wants three miles but two at Towcester on soft would be fine anywhere else he would start at two and a half." NOMECHEKI 8 b g Kalmoss - Kan A Dare. Useful novice chaser last season beating I Have Dreamed a short head off 125 in Plumpton novice chase in January and leapt from 125 to 140. Struggled next two starts and finished well held eighth of 19 to Pigeon Island in Grand Annual Handicap chase at Cheltenham in March. Now 138. "Had a few little problems that will keep him off until Christmas and he does want soft ground. Probably shouldn't have run him in the good novice chase which he won at Plumpton which blew his mark. I'm not really sure what the right trip is and he might want two and a half at some stage if the ground dried but I have no specific plan at the moment." NOZIC 9 b g Port Lyautey - Grizilh. Last of seven chase wins came when trained by Paul Nicholls and beating Tidal Bay seven lengths in grade three handicap chase at Wetherby in December 2008. Went from 153 to 161 and struggled when highly tried throughout last season, unseated rider when rated 151 in Grand National and pulled up in Bet 363 Chase at Sandown. Yet to race for present yard and now 145 over fences and 140 over hurdles. "He's been away to wok at Lady Herries's and he's very well. He's got a Paddy Power entry and also the Hennessy but they are unlikely and I'm probably going to start him over hurdles to get his confidence back in a three mile handicap at Cheltenham on November 13. Don't think he's a National horse and not an extreme stayer but he is pleasing me." OSCAR PAPA 5 ch g Presenting - Oso Special. Won second start in bumper at Plumpton in April beating Swing State 13 lengths. Would have gone closer than length and a quarter second to Court In Motion when clouting two out on hurdle debut over two six at Exeter November 2. "He'd have been closer but wouldn't have won last time but for the mistake two out because I think the winner is a very good horse. Having said that I do like this fella, really do. Soft ground will be a prerequisite, not blessed with speed, but he can gallop. He'll win his staying novice hurdle this season but next season is the one when he goes chasing." PASCHA BERE 7 gr g Verglas - Ephelide. Last of four wins from 32 hurdle starts came at Worcester in May when beating Cool Touch by six lengths in two mile handicap. Fair effort on reappearance off career high 134 when two and a quarter lengths third of 11 to Tocca Ferro in listed handicap hurdle at Ascot October 30. Up to new high of 138. "Too genuine for his own good hence his mark - I thought 128 was too high last season. He does need a bit more schooling over fences, it hasn't come naturally and he's adequate. But he will have to go over fences because of the mark. Goes on any ground bar heavy and there will be a beginners chase for him at possibly Kempton or Huntingdon." SONNING STAR 6 b g Desert Prince - Fantazia. Two from nine over hurdles and reached 120 in December but down to 114 on chase debut and highly creditable three length second of seven to Chain Of Command in two mile event at Kempton October 17 and up to 121. All bar two jump outings over minimum trip. "Great effort at Kempton but I am livid that he's gone up seven for it. Jumps really well and I'll keep him at two miles for the time being. He does run in snatches but that's just him. He'll have headgear on to help him the next time he runs." STRAW BEAR 9 ch g Diesis - Highland Ceilidh. Once top class hurdler and rated 164. However, hasn't won since December 2007 and very disappointing five chase attempts. Tailed off last outing in grade one hurdle won by Go Native at Kempton last December. "Back in and still a novice over fences which will be the route and he probably wants more of a trip now, two and a half plus. No concrete plan but it would be nice to lose the novice over fences. Hopefully his problems are behind him. Absolutely fine now and will be out in December." THEOPHRASTUS 8 b g Overbury - Over The Glen. Won two mile six maiden hurdle at Wincanton in April rated 119. Progressive in two chase starts, finished length third of six to Keel Road over three miles at Chepstow October 23. Rated 122. "I thought he would just need it at Chepstow first time, he is a fragile horse. I was over the moon with him and he goes to Exeter on November 9 for a three mile novice chase. I think it's a pretty fair mark but he does need experience. After that there's a novice handicap at the Hennessy meeting - 0-130 which looks quite inviting." TULLAMORE DEW 8 ch g Pistolet Bleu - Heather Point. Career best effort in 12 starts when finishing four and a half lengths second of 28 to Spirit River in Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March off 135. Up to 139 and well beaten ninth to Any Given Day at Chepstow over two and a half miles October 23. "He didn't need his first run at Chepstow but just hated the ground - of the three that I took to the meeting I thought he had a standout chance. He's come back really well and he'll go novice chasing now. He's in over two at Huntingdon on November 10 over two miles or at Fontwell over two miles two the following Sunday." The knowledge BALLYBACH: is expected to make a better chaser than he was a hurdler. DEE EE WILLIAMS: has the class to make a big impression in novice chases. EL PADRINO: is still immature but clearly has potential in a bumper or in hurdles. GENERAL KUTUZOV: is one to look out for when the mud flies in novice chases. NEIL HARVEY: is back after a year off and is one to be with in staying novice chases. OSCAR PAPA: is held in high regard and one to follow in novice hurdles. TULLAMORE DEW: was caught out by the very soft ground - another for novice chases. |
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Whatever else Kim Bailey achieves in his training career which started way back in 1977, he will go down as one of a very select band of trainers who managed the premier double of Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle in the same season.
His fortunes have fluctuated since but after the travails of moving base several times he has consolidated at Andoversford in Gloucestershire and has made his best start to a season for a long time and also has one of the most exciting young prospects he has handled for many-a-day. By the end of October he had sent out 17 winners, just two shy of his totals for the previous two seasons and which puts him on target for his best score in 15 years. The young horse in question is Muldoon's Picnic who strode away on his hurdle debut at Huntingdon at the end of October and clearly has a bright future. However he is not alone in those having potential in Bailey's team and here he gives an insight into the pick of those he handles. ADMIRAL DUNDAS 5 b g Noverre - Brandish. Rated 81 during three-win flat campaign over nine and ten furlongs and one from six over hurdles, sole win coming off 105 in two mile novice at Southwell in July. Up to 107 and fourth over same trip at Hereford in August and off 106 latest start when looked an assured winner when unseating rider after veering left at the last at Taunton October 26 - first attempt at three miles and clearly gets it. "He's never looked like doing anything like he did at Taunton and I think it must be something to do with the track because another horse has done the same. He's got to go to Haydock on November 4 because he will go up a few pounds. He's small and I think good ground is quite important but despite people trying to tell me I was wrong, he gets every yard of three miles." BEHINDCLOSEDDOORS 4 b g Tillerman - Vivacious Lass. Won all weather bumper at Lingfield in November 2009 and well beaten only other start in April behind Bobs Worth at Kempton. "Won his all weather bumper impressively but was very weak and when he ran next time at Kempton he behaved like a complete idiot and I'm inclined to think the saddle was pinching him and he never went a yard. This horse has stacks of ability and is certainly one to look out for over hurdles." BUFFALO BOB 7 b g Bob's Return - Back In Kansas. Maiden hurdler but useful chaser winning second of two in three mile heavy-ground handicap chase off 105 at Uttoxeter in February by 27 lengths. Up to 121 and beaten three quarters of a length by Carrickmines same track in March. Up to 126 and fair fourth of 16 to Himalayan Trail on heavy at Carlisle in April and now 125. "Much bigger and stronger horse for this season and it's possible that he was feeling a long season when he didn't seem to get home over three at Carlisle on his last run. Although he doesn't need heavy ground he can plough through it. His mark is fine but I'm going to enquire about his hurdle mark because it was 98. I somehow doubt they'll let me keep that. He is a maiden so if I can find a three mile novice hurdle he might go for it if there's no suitable chase options." CINDERELLA ROSE 4 ch f Midnight Legend - Miniature Rose. Winner and twice second in bumpers February to April and won hurdle debut over two miles at Towcester October 6 beating Causing Chaos four and a half lengths. Two and a half lengths third of nine to Brixen under a penalty same course and distance 18 days later. "I should never have run her the second time at Towcester, it was much too soon. She's bred to stay but I feel she'll be much better suited to a level track, somewhere like Ludlow over two and a half or more." DOUBLE MEAD 8 b m Double Trigger - Normead Lass. Winning hurdler but better over fences winning twice, latest in December beating Manmoon three lengths in over two miles five at Leicester off 115. Twice beaten off 120 and off 117 latest start when six lengths second of 16 to Le Platino over three miles at Haydock October 27. "The plan was for her to go pointing but now we are thinking twice. It will depend on what the handicapper does after her last run and what races would be available." EASTERN SUPREME 5 b g Norwich - Kitty Supreme. Won bumper debut at Market Rasen September 2009 then third and second under penalty November and March but finished well behind in valuable Aintree bumper won by Megastar in April final start. "Bought him from Peter Niven after he won his bumper and although he was out of his depth at Aintree he is a very nice horse. One to look out for in novice hurdles before the end of November." GOLDEN BUTTON 5 ch m Trans Island - Velvet Appeal. Nine furlong flat winner and rated 72. Ability in three hurdle appearances best of which when 14 length second of 14 to Accordingtoemandemem over two miles at Stratford in March. Well beaten final start at Ludlow following month and rated 96 for hurdle debut. "She's had a wind operation since her last run which will hopefully have the desired effect. She's back in training but won't be ready until December. Her mark is ok." LION ON THE PROWL 6 b g Saddler's Wells - Ballerina. Second three times and third one all bumper runs and confirmed that promise when winning hurdle debut over two miles at Uttoxeter in May beating Hilfiger nearly four lengths. "Banged a joint when he won at Uttoxeter and back in training now. One to remember for the second half of the season when he'll be much better for a trip on softer ground. A nice horse, genuine and honest." LUCKY LUK 11 b g Lights Out - Citronelle II Five from 26 chase attempts - last win coming off 104 at Towcester over extended three miles in May. Struggled off 114 and 113 next two starts and now 111 following reappearance when 13 lengths fifth of 18 to Quattrocento in extended three mile chase at Cheltenham October 15. "He's going for the cross country race at the Paddy Power meeting at Cheltenham in November. He handled the Pardubice so it shouldn't be a problem and he ran a promising enough race last time. What he wants is four miles on fast ground but there's not many of those around." MALDINI BAY 5 b m Alflora - Rachel C. Ability when winning bumper last October and again showed potential in three hurdle appearances before upping from two to three miles for handicap debut off 99 on heavy at Uttoxeter October 29 and beating Saintly Lady 11 lengths. "Won very easily last time, had been crying out for a trip and wants soft ground which is what she got last time in what I think was a poor race. I feel that she would be better right handed so she should be capable of winning again under the right conditions." MALLUSK 5 b g Exit To Nowhere - Saucy Nun. Ability without winning in four Irish points and won debut by six lengths from stablemate Doctor Disny over two miles at Uttoxeter November 2009. Better of next two efforts on final run in March when eight lengths third of five to Drumshambo over two at Towcester and given debut mark of 107. "Over 17 hands now and I was amazed he managed to win a hurdle race. He has schooled and schooled well but I need to do a bit more which I haven't been able to because of the faster ground. He'll run towards the end of November and will be better over further, two and a half miles at least and his mark is fine." MIDNIGHT HAZE 8 b g Midnight Legend - Gypsy Haze. Bumper winner in June 2008 and twice a winner over fences last season, two mile five novice handicap at Kempton November 2009 off 99, then second off 106 and winning third and final run of season off 115 over three and a quarter at Wincanton in February beating Dune Raider a head. Now 120. "He must go right handed and won impressively at Kempton last year but the handicapper murdered him so I ran him again quickly which I hate doing. Floated over the heavy ground on his last run when winning at Wincanton but came back with a hairline fracture of his cannon bone. Fully recovered now and ready to run as soon as we get soft ground. Top weight in a 0-120 might be alright." MULDOON'S PICNIC 4 b g King's Theatre - Going My Way. Ready bumper winner at Uttoxeter in April and looks well-bought at just £16,000. Confirmed that promise with easy five length win over Roper in extended two mile novice hurdle at Huntingdon October 31. "I was delighted with him win at Huntingdon because I've thought for some time that this is a very, very nice horse and I would have been disappointed if he hadn't won. He could be as good as I've had for some time but I'll take it easy with him and he might go to somewhere like Ludlow next time. Could be a bit special and wouldn't want anything faster than good jumping ground." REAL TREASURE 6 b m Rainbow High - Karen's Lady Luck. Conformed promise shown when runner up in two bumpers when winning hurdle debut by three quarters of a length from She's On The Case over two miles at Exeter in February. Good effort only subsequent run when length third to Miss Nightshade over two and half same track in May and now debuts at 109. "In good form, worked and schooled well on October 30 and could go to Ascot on November 20 for a 0-115 mares handicap hurdle over two miles six." REGAL APPROACH 7 b g Bob Back - Crash Approach. Maiden in 14 hurdle attempts, third final three starts last season and ended on career high 115 after finishing third of 20, beaten 10 lengths, by Munlochy Bay over three miles at Cheltenham in April. "Jumps very well and goes to Market Rasen on November 7 for a 0-120 conditional jockeys novice chase in which he will be 5lb wrong but I can't find anything else. If he goes for an ordinary novice chase he wouldn't be good enough and I can't find a handicap. Wants genuine good jumping ground and not heavy." SUPREME PLAN 7 b g Flemensfirth - Castlehill Lady. Point to point winner but maiden under rules in 11 attempts, latest arguably best effort when two lengths third of ten to Mohi Rahrere when dropped back from three to two and a half miles in handicap chase at Uttoxeter October 29 off 110 - had been 114. "I thought he should have won last time but he had a lot of issues last season and we were keen that he enjoyed his first run over fences. He does want three miles and soft ground - won his point on heavy." SILVER GYPSY 5 b m Luso - Your Life. Easy bumper winner at Fakenham in April and game winner on hurdle debut over same trip on heavy at Uttoxeter October 29 beating L'Accordioniste a neck. "She was another that I felt should have won last time. We only worked her once this season because she worked so badly so she now goes out on her own so we had no idea of what she was like before she ran at Uttoxeter. She won her bumper for J D Moore on good to firm so we had no idea how she'd handle the heavy ground but she did have very sore shins when I bought her so she'll never go near fast ground again. I think she has a very bright future - and will jump fences in time. Although she'll stay, she'll go for a two mile novice hurdle before the end of November." SARDE 6 b g Lost World - Stenoree. Two hurdle and one chase win from 20 starts. Reached career high 121 in December 2008 having finished second to Ballydub in competitive three mile handicap hurdle at Newbury. Won at fourth attempt over fences penultimate start in March when beating Teddy's Reflection nine lengths over three at Market Rasen. Ten lengths fourth of eight to King Fontaine final start in April over two five at Wetherby off same mark of 115 and now 117. "A good horse that has been a nightmare - bad problems with his feet. We have spent a lot of time this summer getting them right and at the moment they seem good and he looks a completely different horse. He's got a handy rating that he's certainly capable of winning off. Hates hill, wants a flat track and trip on softish ground." SONNY MULLEN 6 br g Bob's Return - Agua Caliente. Rated 118 after winning three mile novice hurdle at Uttoxeter November 2009 then finishing 22 lengths fourth of ten to Radium back at two miles at Cheltenham in January. Dropped to 115% |
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Few trainers outside the premier league can be anticipating the season-proper more eagerly than Paul Webber.
He has already made a very bright start with 15 winners posted before the end of October which puts him on course to beat his previous best total of 35 in 2003-04. What is indisputable is that he will certainly have his best season for winners for five seasons as he has already beaten the totals of three of them and is only one behind the other. Numbers aside, the most satisfying aspect for the trainer is that in Time For Rupert he has his best chasing prospect since the glory days of Townley Stone - although if novice chases don't work out then the gelding has already shown that only Big Bucks is better in the staying hurdle department. And in Australia Day he has a fast-improving two mile hurdler that is now on a career high 157 that will rise to the mid-sixties at least after his ten length demolition of Katchit at Kempton last time out. Add to this the win of Edgebriar at the opening Cheltenham meeting and a raft of good young horses and it is easy to understand the trainer's optimism. Here he discusses the pick of the team he handles at the family home at Mollington, near Banbury. ALASI 6 b m Alflora - Anamasi. Won two novice hurdles in November and December and rated 119. Without a win in five subsequent runs but progressed over longer distances towards the end of the season and only a head second to Banjaxed Girl over 22 furlongs at Cheltenham in April off 123 and now 130. "Taken a while to get the hang of her in that she needs to be dropped in over a trip. We tried to win some black type races with her and she wasn't well in at the conditions. She's from a staying family and is over 17 hands and starts in the two mile six mares handicap hurdle at Wincanton on November 5. I'm hoping she'll prove to be as good as One Gulp but she wants decent ground." ASHAMMAR 5 b g King's Best - Asharna. Got off the mark at fifth attempt when beating Fred Bojangles 11 lengths in two mile novice hurdle at Sedgefield in September rated 116. Well behind Maska Pony on handicap debut only subsequent start over same trip at Wetherby October 13 off 125 and now 124. "He's a bit curious and is a half brother to Ashkazar and he's going to go over fences. He has schooled very well recently and although he was disappointing over hurdles on his comeback I'd be hopeful of better at Uttoxeter on October 29 over two miles - providing the ground is decent." APPLEADAY 9 gr g Beneficial - Hello Aris. Last of three wins from 23 came in February 2009 off 123 in extended three mile chase at Sandown. Solid second same course and distance penultimate start last season when three and a quarter lengths second to Meanus Dandy off 122. Pulled up only subsequent run in heavy at Carlisle off 123 and now 1lb lower. "Never quite got to the bottom of him last season and he's always needed his first run but last season he didn't seem to improve from it as he had done previously. Never found out what was wrong but he never seemed quite right. Seems to go better right handed and he does look in excellent form right now. He'll go to Sandown on November 6, a track that suits him. I thought he's get to a much higher rating than he's on and wouldn't want it too firm." AUSTRALIA DAY 7 gr g Key Of Luck - Atalina. Three from nine over hurdles and still improving. Won valuable two mile hurdle at Market Rasen in July by 19 lengths from Gloucester off 135 and after two decent flat runs easily beat Katchit ten lengths off career-high 157 over two mile conditions handicap at Kempton October 17. "I don't know what the handicapper will do with him after his last win but it doesn't matter because handicaps are now out. The key to him is that he will relax once in front and has a relentless gallop and I think the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on November 6 is ideal for him and that will be his Cheltenham. He'll be packed in after that because he doesn't like cold weather and bad ground and we'll bring him back in March and see what that brings when he'll be fresh." CARBON PRINT 5 ch g Johannesburg - Caithness. Failed to build on decent third attempt over hurdles when two and three quarter lengths second to Pool Of Knowledge in maiden hurdle when rated 100 and well-beaten seventh to Comehomequietly in Worcester maiden hurdle July 27. "He had a wind operation straight after his last run when he was disappointing. He does want decent ground but I would think he's quite well handicapped. Might go to Kempton on November 1." COIS FARRAIG 5 b g Karinga Bay - Oriel Dream. Ability in five hurdle starts, second on last three including latest when length and three quarters second to Dean's Grange over two miles at Kempton in April - started 2/5. Had gone from 124 to 132 after finishing head second to Lush Life "I did really well not to win a race with him last season! In my defence, his owner Ron Shaw comes over for the military races at Sandown which rather dictated where the horse ran. Really the ground was too quick and Kempton too sharp. This is a gorgeous horse who won his Irish point. I took him to Towcester on October 25 where he schooled very well over fences and I'm looking at a two and a half mile novice chase at Haydock on November 4. We think the world of him" EDGEBRIAR 8 br g Brier Creek - Harmonie De Valtat. Three from seven over fences and looks much better in that sphere than when twice a winner over hurdles. Rated 137 when beating Chaninbar half a length in competitive 17 runner two mile five handicap at Cheltenham October 16. Now career-high 145. "We maybe ran him a bit too often last season and he did show a bit of blood at Aintree as though he was over the top. He has grown up a lot but when he gets a length in front that's as much as he wants to do. Jumped well at Cheltenham last time where he does have the option of the Paddy Power Gold Cup but that might be too competitive now. I think the Grand Sefton at Liverpool the following weekend would suit him better. I think he'll cope with the Aintree fences very well and will be keeping an eye on the Topham. He's better on decent ground." FIRM ORDER 5 b g Winged Love - Fairylodge Scarlet. Broke maiden off 114 in two mile novice at Ludlow in May. Up to 115 and beat Winsley Hill three quarters of a length when upped to three and a quarter miles at Plumpton October 18. "I think this might be an improver. We were worried that Plumpton would be too sharp and we were nearly right. He looks as though he wants a galloping three miles and he would have gone novice chasing by now but has been mentally immature. I'm thinking he'll end up winning a decent three mile handicap hurdle." ICY COLT 4 br g Colonial Affair - Icy Desert. Improving and won fifth start when beating Montoya's Son four and a half lengths in two and a half mile novice hurdle at Wetherby October 13 off 107. "He came from Argentina and for that reason I don't think he'll cope with soft ground. I loved the way he operated at Wetherby and he's ready to run again, either on October 29 or the 0-120 novice handicap hurdle at Ascot the following day. It's handy that he's not been raised for winning." KEY CUTTER 6 b g Alderbrook - Two Roads. Won two mile five maiden hurdle in March and rated 108. Winnerless in eight runs since but second four times including latest October 6 when distant second of eight to Golan Way on two and a half mile chase debut at Ludlow rated 118. "He needs to go right handed over three miles but there wasn't a race at that distance so that's why he went to Ludlow last time. Although he's been second four times he's thoroughly genuine and he might go to Market Rasen on October 31 or November 7.Ok on anything bar sticky soft ground." LLAMA FARMER 5 b/gr g Sagamix - Quick Quick Sloe. On two and a half mile novice hurdle at Haydock in January on soft ground but didn't build on that in two runs, pulled up on second of them when rated 125 for novice handicap at Haydock April 3. Now 123. "He is an enormous horse and maybe he was weaker than he looked last season. We also thought that he might have had a slight wind problem so that's been attended to. I think he wants soft ground and will be going over fences and he is quite keen so will start at two and a half." MRS TRELLIS 5 ch m Alflora - Ardrom. Ability bumper debut but disappointing both hurdle starts last season, one in October, the other in April. "Things didn't work out in her two hurdles but I'm expecting much better now she's had a wind operation. An improving mare." OSMOSIA 5 b m Mansonnien - Osmose. Won third and latest of three bumper starts when beating Landenstown Pearl half a length at Worcester in July. "She's coming back from a break and will be in mares novice hurdlers over two and a half miles around Christmas. I think she's got a feature and might well end up in the mares hurdle final at Newbury later in the season." SARANDO 5 b g Hernando - Dansara. Flat maiden at middle distances and rated 64. Won fourth hurdle appearance beating Riff 13 lengths over two and a half miles on heavy at Lingfield in February and rose to 126. Rose to 139 after finishing second to The Minack at Huntingdon later that month and struggled next two starts but ran well enough in latter when 17 lengths seventh of 13 to McMurrough over two five at Haydock in April. Now 131. "I think he lost his way because he'd done quite a lot in a hurry. He is a super jumper and goes straight into novice chasing, starting at Plumpton on November 15 over two and a half miles. Might have a run on the flat before that because he is quite stuffy." SCAMPI BOY 6 b g Flemensfirth - Loch Lomond. Showed ability in bumpers and on hurdle debut before beating Silver Footnote five lengths in two mile five novice at Warwick in March. Rated 116 on that and went to 120 after finishing 17 lengths third of five to Restless Harry at Cheltenham in April. Ran better than final placing of eleventh suggested when 17 lengths behind Russian War in 17-runner two mile five handicap at Cheltenham October 16. Now 121. "He blew for five minutes longer than Edgebriar at Cheltenham last time and he didn't get a great passage that day, got shoved about and pushed wide. I think he'll go close next time, possibly November 12 at Cheltenham a 0-125 conditional jockeys handicap hurdle. There's also a race for him there 0-140 for last season's novices the following day." SPACE MISSION 8 b g Kayf Tara - Jupiter's Message. Ability 2007-08 and rated 123. Best effort when 17 lengths third of eight to Massini's Maguire in two miles six novice chase at Ascot November 2008 and went from 120 to 123 next start when 16 lengths second to It's a Dream over extended three at Folkestone. Back to 120 final start February 2009 when ninth of 19 to Cathedral Rock in handicap hurdle at Sandown and unraced since. "Coming back from a leg problem having done very well indeed and is still ok for novices chases towards the end of November." SUSSEX SUNSET 4 b f Milan - Deep Sunset. Well behind sole bumper run but showing some potential when falling at the last in race when by Heez A Cracker over two five at Kempton October 17. "Ironically she's always schooled well and had worked well when I'd taken her away to work at Compton before she ran last time and finished ahead of Edgebriar. She probably fell because that was the fastest she'd ever gone before. Come out of the tumble well and I'll be looking at a two and a half mile mares novice hurdle." TAFIKA 6 b g Kayf Tara - Shiwa. Best of four starts on latest in March when well beaten fourth to Lush Life at Sandown. Debut mark of 110. "He came from a long way back on his last run and I was very pleased with him. I'm going to put him in a two and a half mile novice handicap chase." TIME FOR RUPERT 6 ch g Flemensfirth - Bell Walks Run. Smart novice hurdler that improved dramatically last season when starting off 145. Had just four outings winning second by a length and three quarters from Made In% |
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Few trainers outside the premier league can be anticipating the season-proper more eagerly than Paul Webber.
He has already made a very bright start with 15 winners posted before the end of October which puts him on course to beat his previous best total of 35 in 2003-04. What is indisputable is that he will certainly have his best season for winners for five seasons as he has already beaten the totals of three of them and is only one behind the other. Numbers aside, the most satisfying aspect for the trainer is that in Time For Rupert he has his best chasing prospect since the glory days of Townley Stone - although if novice chases don't work out then the gelding has already shown that only Big Bucks is better in the staying hurdle department. And in Australia Day he has a fast-improving two mile hurdler that is now on a career high 157 that will rise to the mid-sixties at least after his ten length demolition of Katchit at Kempton last time out. Add to this the win of Edgebriar at the opening Cheltenham meeting and a raft of good young horses and it is easy to understand the trainer's optimism. Here he discusses the pick of the team he handles at the family home at Mollington, near Banbury. ALASI 6 b m Alflora - Anamasi. Won two novice hurdles in November and December and rated 119. Without a win in five subsequent runs but progressed over longer distances towards the end of the season and only a head second to Banjaxed Girl over 22 furlongs at Cheltenham in April off 123 and now 130. "Taken a while to get the hang of her in that she needs to be dropped in over a trip. We tried to win some black type races with her and she wasn't well in at the conditions. She's from a staying family and is over 17 hands and starts in the two mile six mares handicap hurdle at Wincanton on November 5. I'm hoping she'll prove to be as good as One Gulp but she wants decent ground." ASHAMMAR 5 b g King's Best - Asharna. Got off the mark at fifth attempt when beating Fred Bojangles 11 lengths in two mile novice hurdle at Sedgefield in September rated 116. Well behind Maska Pony on handicap debut only subsequent start over same trip at Wetherby October 13 off 125 and now 124. "He's a bit curious and is a half brother to Ashkazar and he's going to go over fences. He has schooled very well recently and although he was disappointing over hurdles on his comeback I'd be hopeful of better at Uttoxeter on October 29 over two miles - providing the ground is decent." APPLEADAY 9 gr g Beneficial - Hello Aris. Last of three wins from 23 came in February 2009 off 123 in extended three mile chase at Sandown. Solid second same course and distance penultimate start last season when three and a quarter lengths second to Meanus Dandy off 122. Pulled up only subsequent run in heavy at Carlisle off 123 and now 1lb lower. "Never quite got to the bottom of him last season and he's always needed his first run but last season he didn't seem to improve from it as he had done previously. Never found out what was wrong but he never seemed quite right. Seems to go better right handed and he does look in excellent form right now. He'll go to Sandown on November 6, a track that suits him. I thought he's get to a much higher rating than he's on and wouldn't want it too firm." AUSTRALIA DAY 7 gr g Key Of Luck - Atalina. Three from nine over hurdles and still improving. Won valuable two mile hurdle at Market Rasen in July by 19 lengths from Gloucester off 135 and after two decent flat runs easily beat Katchit ten lengths off career-high 157 over two mile conditions handicap at Kempton October 17. "I don't know what the handicapper will do with him after his last win but it doesn't matter because handicaps are now out. The key to him is that he will relax once in front and has a relentless gallop and I think the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton on November 6 is ideal for him and that will be his Cheltenham. He'll be packed in after that because he doesn't like cold weather and bad ground and we'll bring him back in March and see what that brings when he'll be fresh." CARBON PRINT 5 ch g Johannesburg - Caithness. Failed to build on decent third attempt over hurdles when two and three quarter lengths second to Pool Of Knowledge in maiden hurdle when rated 100 and well-beaten seventh to Comehomequietly in Worcester maiden hurdle July 27. "He had a wind operation straight after his last run when he was disappointing. He does want decent ground but I would think he's quite well handicapped. Might go to Kempton on November 1." COIS FARRAIG 5 b g Karinga Bay - Oriel Dream. Ability in five hurdle starts, second on last three including latest when length and three quarters second to Dean's Grange over two miles at Kempton in April - started 2/5. Had gone from 124 to 132 after finishing head second to Lush Life "I did really well not to win a race with him last season! In my defence, his owner Ron Shaw comes over for the military races at Sandown which rather dictated where the horse ran. Really the ground was too quick and Kempton too sharp. This is a gorgeous horse who won his Irish point. I took him to Towcester on October 25 where he schooled very well over fences and I'm looking at a two and a half mile novice chase at Haydock on November 4. We think the world of him" EDGEBRIAR 8 br g Brier Creek - Harmonie De Valtat. Three from seven over fences and looks much better in that sphere than when twice a winner over hurdles. Rated 137 when beating Chaninbar half a length in competitive 17 runner two mile five handicap at Cheltenham October 16. Now career-high 145. "We maybe ran him a bit too often last season and he did show a bit of blood at Aintree as though he was over the top. He has grown up a lot but when he gets a length in front that's as much as he wants to do. Jumped well at Cheltenham last time where he does have the option of the Paddy Power Gold Cup but that might be too competitive now. I think the Grand Sefton at Liverpool the following weekend would suit him better. I think he'll cope with the Aintree fences very well and will be keeping an eye on the Topham. He's better on decent ground." FIRM ORDER 5 b g Winged Love - Fairylodge Scarlet. Broke maiden off 114 in two mile novice at Ludlow in May. Up to 115 and beat Winsley Hill three quarters of a length when upped to three and a quarter miles at Plumpton October 18. "I think this might be an improver. We were worried that Plumpton would be too sharp and we were nearly right. He looks as though he wants a galloping three miles and he would have gone novice chasing by now but has been mentally immature. I'm thinking he'll end up winning a decent three mile handicap hurdle." ICY COLT 4 br g Colonial Affair - Icy Dese |
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Last season was beset with problems for Charlie Mann and the current one hasn't been without its worries. Last year he suffered a broken marriage and, broken jockey in Noel Fehily. This time, after a short return and lauded for the talent Mann saw over a decade ago, Fehily is once again on the sidelines.
And the virus that hit the yard last season has seen some decent horses removed to other yards. However, Mann is nothing if not resilient and the trainer who produced such good horses as Celibate and Air Force One is back and rebuilding. He is currently without the sidelined Air Force One but Mann has a bank of young horses coming through and some sharper recruits from the flat. Here he discusses the pick of his team from Upper Lambourn. ABAYAAN 4 gr g Saddler's Wells - Showdown. Staying handicapper once rated 80 for Jane Chapple Hyam. "Won and been placed on the flat in staying races and shows enough to make a show in novice hurdles." AKBABEN 4 b g Refuse To Bend - Akdariya. One from 17 on the flat for Mark Johnson and reached career high 83 in March. Best over 12 furlongs plus. "Jumps well and goes nicely, won't be long in coming out." BENCH WARRANT 7 b g Witness Box - Tee Aitch Kay. Fading after being on pace when falling two out at Fontwell in three and a quarter mile chase November 14 won by Peut Etre Sivola. First run of the season and showed ability when winning three mile novice at Market Rasen November last season beating Pamak D'Airy. Rated 120 there and went to 130. Best of three subsequent runs probably when beaten 13 lengths when last of three to Burton Port at Lingfield in December. Now 132. "I think our horses have been needing a run and this one was travelling well four out last time and just got tired and it was a tired fall. I'd expect him to improve a lot and he will get an entry for the Welsh National. Wants soft ground and he was hit quite hard with a virus last season." BUBBLY BRUCE 6 br g Quws - Oakleaf Express. Won Irish bumper in February and flashes of ability three British runs, best when rated 120 and tenth of 24 to Cue Card in Cheltenham Festival Bumper. Fifth of 17, beaten ten lengths to Hidden Universe at Punchestown in April. Hurdle debut for present yard over two and a half at Fontwell November 14 when 20 lengths third of seven to Americo. "Another that needed it badly last time and he has come on a lot for the run. Should certainly be alright on his bumper form and probably better on decent ground over two and a half or three miles and should run again in mid-December." CHARMING LAD 5 b g Dushyantor - Glens Lady. Won third point start but pulled up three and a quarter mile hurdle debut for present yard at Fontwell late October. "It was probably a mistake to run him over so far at Fontwell but I see him getting a handicap mark then going in novice handicap chases over long distances, jumps well." CRAZY EYES 5 b g Accordion - Clonboy Girl. Won second hurdle, handicap off 103 at Newton Abbot August 2009 and went to 113. Better of two efforts this season on latest when 11 lengths sixth of 12 to Kauto The Roc in three mile handicap hurdle at Kempton November 22. "Had a wind operation after his last run which wasn't too bad. It will help him a lot and I think he's quite well handicapped. Should be back in the New Year and probably wants better ground than he's had." DUN SEE DEE 6 b m Flemensfirth - Crafty Classy. Irish point and bumper winner and plenty to like about hurdle debut for present yard when 13 lengths third of 15 to Annimation over two three at Exeter November 9. "Very tough and has improved a lot for her first run. Ready to run now but wants soft ground and two and a half miles." EBONY DIAMOND 6 b g Marignan - Mrs Quigley. Won Irish bumper and showed ability on debut under penalty for present yard when fifth of 13 to Mawsem at Huntingdon in October. Well beaten fourth of eight to Megastar on two mile hurdle debut Ascot November 19. "He's alright, probably should have been second at Ascot last time but was too keen. Should definitely win his maiden hurdle and needs a bit of cut." FINE PARCHMENT 7 b g Presenting - Run For Cover. Three from 12 over fences winning penultimate start in two and a half mile handicap at Uttoxeter November 13 beating Deuteronomy 23 lengths off 107. Up to 115 on latest when three and a half lengths second of seven to Cavers Glen over three miles at Aintree November 21. "He was bleeding badly last season and we had his wind operated on and he hasn't broken this season. Didn't get the trip at Aintree last time, simple as that and probably better over two and a half to two six on soft ground. He's quite well handicapped and works like a good horse. Jumps well." FIN VIN DE LEU 4 b g Dr Fong - Fairy Queen. Former 80-rated flat handicapper, won sole hurdle from nine attempts in heavy ground two mile novice at Warwick in February. Struggled off 129 but some flashes of form but largely disappointing and beaten 15 lengths fourth of six to Keki Buku latest outing Marten Rasen November 14 over two and a half off 125. "I think he's alright. It was too sharp last time, very genuine and will go over three miles next time but perhaps not on very soft." HEAD HUNTED 3 b g Dubai Destination - Tropical Breeze. Staying handicapper on the flat for David Simcock, highest rating 70. Yet to race for present yard. "I like a staying juvenile like him. Has schooled well and will be ready before Christmas." HOW'S BUSINESS 6 b m Josr Algarhoud - Love And Kisses. Improving handicap hurdler at the end of last season and beginning of this one winning last two off 127 and 134 beating Prince Taime four lengths over two five at Uttoxeter in May. Now 147. "Good and one of the highest-rated mares in the country, very good, but got a touch of a leg the last time she ran. Hoping she'll be back by January and the aim will be the mares race at Cheltenham in which she was sixth last season. It's too late to go novice chasing. She's swimming at the moment." HUDIBRAS 6 b g Bluebird - Mannequin. Won Lingfield bumper March 2009 and decent third, beaten two and a half lengths by City Theatre Market Rasen November same year. Hasn't run since. "Nice little horse, got a touch of leg trouble but in full work now and ready my mid-December over two and a half. He'll win a novice hurdle alright. One for fences next season." MAGIC PROSPECT 3 b g Miesque's Son - Clarissa Dalloway. Winning over ten furlongs in French provinces at two. Rated 82 when last in Vase at Royal Ascot when trained by E J O'Neill. Yet to race for present yard. "Has done very well since he came and he schooled well towards the end of November. Will run later in December and is the type of juvenile that I like, plenty of stamina. They've got to get the trip when the ground's soft." MARINGO BAY 5 b g Old Vic - Waterland Lady. Second in two points but tailed off on two and a half mile hurdle debut in race won by Kauto The Roc at Fontwell November 5. "One of the highest rated maiden pointers in Ireland last season so I was disappointed with his first run but he did give a cough after. Goes well at home and got to be better than that so I'll be disappointed if he can't win a staying novice hurdle. Ready now but a chaser for next season. Good mover, wouldn't want it too soft." MOON OVER MIAMI 9 b g Dashing Blade - Miss Esther. Talented but mercurial chaser from two to two and a half miles. Was breaking 18-raced losing run since December 2007 when beating Sunday City a length in two mile handicap chase at Ffos Las November 7 off 133. Once 149 and tailed of latest start over two six at Aintree off 135 in race won by Frankie Figg. "He would have run well at Aintree last time, jumped the National fences well but got knocked out of the race. Has felt sorry for himself since but he is on a realistic mark and I'll be taking him back to Aintree for the Topham. Frustrating." NOSECOND CHANCE 4 b g Classic Cliché - Mandy's Treasure. Point winner but tailed off on two and a half mile hurdle debut won by Nicene Creed at Taunton November 25. "Was put in the race too soon at Taunton, should have been waited with but for that might have been fourth. Goes very well at home, nice horse that should certainly win a novice hurdle this season before fences next. He's alright." NOT IN THE CLOCK 3 b g Chapel Royal - Bavarian Girl. Rated 65 on the flat when middle distance maiden for John Best. Yet to race for present yard. "He's been schooling well and has improved for gelding. Strong and should be able to hold his own in juvenile hurdles." QUILVER TATOU 6 b g Silver Rainbow - Caniastou. Second in four French bumpers and highly tried first three hurdle starts and rated 93 for handicap chase debut when three lengths second of seven to Sarahs Gift over two six at Fakenham in April. Now 96 over fences and three pounds lower over hurdles. "Paid a lot for him and he is very well handicapped in my view. Got a leg but back now and going well, ready for a run by mid-December in a two and a half mile handicap chase. I'll be very disappointed if he couldn't win off this mark." REBEL MELODY 9 b g Houmayoun - Queenford Melody. Largely disappointing last season and dropped from 118 to 106 but improved both runs this season. Second beaten half a length by Rosenheath in three mile handicap chase at Market Rasen November 7 and came home virtually alone from House Of Bourbon in three and a half mile handicap chase at Wincanton November 18 off same mark of 106. How up to 115. "Was never right last season, done everything tight this season and probably should have won first time out. Won well at Wincanton, jumps and stays and should still be capable off this mark and is a big horse and larger weights in lesser races suits him. There's a race for him at Wincanton on Boxing Day." SCHUMPTERS LAD 5 gr g Beneficial - Stepfaster. Hurdle winner off 105 at Wexford in June, yet to race for present yard. "Been placed in points and bumpers, and I might send him straight into novice chases. I think he's alright." SIDNEY MELBOURNE 3 ch g Lemon Drop Kid - Tolltally Light. Won 14 furlong handicap for John Best off 75 and went to 80. Yet to race for present yard. "Very good looking horse but a week behind the others and hasn't schooled yet. Has plenty of scope." SPEAR THISTLE 8 ch g Selkirk - Ardisia. Back to career high 130 after beating Numide three and three quarter lengths off 123 in two mile Leicester handicap hurdle November 15. "Came good the other day but I think he'll do well to win off this mark. Needs it very soft over two miles. I'll look at something at Sandown. Been off with an overreach." SUM LAFF 6 ch g Publisher - Tiergarten. Won Irish point in April 2009. Yet to race for present yard. "Bowed both tendons when turned out so missed last season, in full work now and will run in December. Doesn't show a lot at home and looks a big, chasing sort. Will start in a two and a half mile novice hurdle." TRAFFIC CHAOS 5 b g Zagreb - Classic Material. Won Irish point last of six starts October 23 "He might be ok and is pretty straight so will go straight into a two and a half mile novice hurdle." WHISPERING JACK 5 b g Beat All - Ski Shot. Won last of seven Irish points but tailed off both British hurdle starts October and November 19. "He's taken a long time to get fit and he was the same point to point - fat pig! I'll probably give him another chance over hurdles which will get him a mark and then go novice handicap chasing. Shows a bit at home." AIRMAN'S FRIEND 4 b g Craigsteel - High Academy. Unraced. "Goes alright and ready for a bumper now, went to Kempton recently and worked well." DUKE OF MONMOUTH 3 b g Presenting - Hayley's Comet. Unraced. "Gorgeous horse that will have one run in February then be put away for next season. One to keep an eye on in the future." RASCELLA BAY B gr Karinga Bay - Rascella. Unraced. "He was another that went to Kempton recently and did well. He's massive and will want hurdles over two and a half." VICTOR LEUDORUM 3 b g Wareed - Rock Garden. Unraced. "He goes alright and has an entry for a bumper on December. Quite precocious and went well at Kempton in a recent bit of work and has an entry for Exeter on December 3rd. The knowledge BENCH WARRANT: is expected to be much straighter next time. CHARMING LAD: must be monitored until making his fencing debut in handicaps. DUN SEE DEE: has improved considerably for her first outing. FINE PARCHMENT: is considered to be on a very winnable mark. QUILVER TATOU: should be very hard to beat off an attractive rating. SCHUMPTERS LAD: is one to look out for in novice chases. |
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Warren Greatrex is now in the midst of his second season training principally for owner Malcolm Denmark at the famous Weathercock House Stables in Upper Lambourn.
Last season was a stabilising one for Greatrex with 13 winners and while he has yet to produce horses the calibre of the previous incumbent Pitman family it would seem that only a matter of time separates him from doing so. Greatrex knows what a good horse is having worked for David Nicholson in that trainer's halcyon days and also as head lad for Oliver Sherwood. So far this season he has been patient with just 41 runners and four winners so far but one of them is arguably the most exciting horse he has yet trained, the impressive Sandown bumper winner Knight Pass. The trainer talks more about him and the rest of his team, some of which appear to have exploitable ratings. BARWELL BRIDGE 4 b g Red Ransom - Sentimental Value. Smart ex-middle distance flat handicapper that reached 92. Progressive over hurdles despite strike rate of 1-7. Best effort on latest when upped to three miles and length and a half second of 16 to Lush Life in Cheltenham handicap December 10 off career high 135. "Happy as I could be without winning last time and I think there are good races to be won with him - I just hope he doesn't go up too much, I'm expecting 4lb or 5lb. I think a tongue tie and dropping him out over three miles as helped him - it was a muddling pace when he went two five and the faster they go the better he'll be. I think he'll get better and he is qualified for the Pertemps final but I'd like to win something decent before and he is good fresh and takes no getting ready." BUMBLEBEE 5 b g Revoque - Dikler Gale. Well-supported but very disappointing 4-1 chance when distant tenth of 12 to Twentyfourcarat on bumper debut at Ascot November 20. "He was giving good signs before he ran at Ascot, like him a lot, and the occasion definitely got to him, very lit up. I was distraught after and he is much better than that. He did have a corn after so that is an excuse. Jumps well and might now go hurdling." BUNGLASHA LADY 5 b m Snurge - Enchanted Valley. Irish point winner and solid third of 15 to Line Freedom on hurdle debut over two miles at Towcester November 4. Even better effort when fourth in two mile five novice at Folkestone November 13 when staying on fourth to Jetnova. "Chuffed with her at Towcester and delighted with her run at Folkestone. A mare I love, very tough and has continued to improve, green before Towcester. I wasn't certain about the track at Folkestone although I knew the trip was alright. Could be one for the mares final at Newbury." CHAIN OF COMMAND 7 b/br g Sonus - Come Along. Lightly raced and one hurdle and chase win from seven starts under rules. Chase debut satisfactory when beating Sonning Star three lengths in two mile novice at Kempton in October. Beaten two length next start November 7 when second to Potemkin at Ffos Las when rated 127. "Definitely more to come with him but not very robust and I might have over ran him last season. Came back stronger this season and I was pleased with his last run. I think he needs to go right handed and that coupled with tacky ground might have got him beat at Ffos Las. Did well to finish so close that day given that he wasn't ever going. Think a lot of him and he shows plenty at home. He needs six weeks between runs." DEN OF INIQUITY 9 b g Supreme Leader - Divine Comedy. Two from eight in chases over two and three miles but pulled up latest start in three mile handicap won by Quinz at Ascot November 19 rated 134. Hurdle mark of 129 looks exploitable "I'm sending him back over hurdles and I've never been completely convinced by his jumping. There's a two mile six handicap at Ascot on December 17, a 0-130, but he can carry weight. There's a race on Welsh National day over three miles that might be a better option. Jumps hurdles brilliantly and softer the better." FIVE RIVERS 4 ch g Accordion - Native Country. Encouraging bumper debut when five lengths fourth of ten to Peckhamecho at Wincanton November 6. "Lovely horse, better the more he does and immature but will win his bumper, possibly at Warwick after Christmas." FREE WORLD 8 b g Luso - Paddy's Dancer. Maiden hurdler and one win from eight chase starts came off 115 in three mile chase at Leicester November 2009. Best effort since on reappearance when six lengths third of 17 to Edgebriar over two five at Cheltenham in October. Rose to 129 and well held seventh of 13 to Massini's Maguire over three miles at Ascot two weeks later. Dropped to winnable 122. "I ran him quick last time while the ground was on the good side and I do think he has a good race in him but it might be a case of pottering away in the winter months because he could be a spring horse." KNIGHT PASS 4 b g Accordion - Toulon Pass. Impressive winner of bumper debut at Sandown November 6 beating Sire De Grugy eight lengths. "This is one of the best horse I've dealt with in a long time and I'm talking about the Nicholson days - this is a good horse. He'll stay in bumpers this season and might go for the listed bumper at Ascot on December 18 providing the ground is safe. I won't be scared of a lot. He's in great form and improved since Sandown which didn't suit him - he'll be even better with an end to end gallop." MR CHOW 6 b g King's Theatre - Della Wee. Fair bumper debut when three lengths third of 15 to Poppy Come Running at Kempton in April but well beaten ninth on hurdle debut over two miles at Chepstow in race won by Arthurian Legend early November. "He can be keen and he was a bit lit up at Chepstow so I might change tactics and let him go from the front. He will want a trip and jumps well but wouldn't want extremes of ground." NO SECRETS 6 b g King's Theatre - Happy Native. Encouraging bumper debut at Ascot end of October when eight lengths third of 12 to Persian Snow. "His was one of the better bumpers run this season and he's ready to run again now but wants a trip but will win his novice hurdle although he'll be better over fences. A horse I like a lot." ODDJOB 6 b g Bob's Return - Bettyhill. Hurdle debut better than sole bumper effort when seven lengths third of eight to Mediolanum at Ffos Las early November. "He wants a trip and I think it might suit him to be handy as he can be keen. He was novicey at Ffos Las and he handles soft. On the track he hasn't showed what he does at home." OSCAR PRAIRIE 5 b g Oscar - Silver Prairie. Off the mark at fifth hurdle attempt when dropped back from three to two miles and beating Top Smart five lengths on heavy at Folkestone November 16. Rating unmoved from 108. "Definitely got to be a handicap next time it's just a question of if I send him for a handicap chase. Jumps well and run in a couple of points and I might have pushed him trip-wise last season and he seems much sharper this season and he doesn't work like a slow horse. Probably could stretch to two and a half and handles soft ground - jumps hurdles like fences." PAINT THE CLOUDS 5 b g Muhtarram - Preening. Dual bumper winner June 2009 and won fifth hurdle start beating Beside The Fire in two mile novice at Stratford in October rated 120. Same rating when well beaten fourth to Jetnova over two five in Plumpton novice three weeks later and now 117. "He would be more likely to run than Den Of Iniquity in the two mile six handicap at Ascot on December 17. The quicker the ground the better and I feel he might be a spring horse that wants an end to end gallop. He will get three miles and I'm happy with 117." QUARTANO 7 ch g Platini - Queen's Diamond. Two from 11 over hurdles when rated 123, latest November 2009. Stayed on that mark and highly tried without success and well beaten on chase debut when sixth to Radium at Ascot late October. Hurdle mark now more realistic 118. "Has under-achieved and I feel he'll be better with lesser tasks and is a man among mice. It seems that he'll stay over fences for the present. Small fields and soft ground." RAJAMAND 4 gr g Linamix - Ridafa. Maiden hurdler with ability and would have gone close on penultimate start at Cheltenham November 13 when falling at the last in two mile handicap won by Devil To Pay. Held when falling same flight 12 days later in two mile five event won by Full Of Joy. Stays on winnable 112. "Hadn't had much all the way round when he fell at Cheltenham the first time and Paddy Brennan was adamant he would have won. I think he's on a good mark and I reckon he's pretty smart. Newbury came a bit quick and he's on a break having plenty of schooling. I thought he'd get further than two five but he had plenty of pace and he'll go on any ground. Won't be out until the end of January." SEEKING THE BUCK 6 b g Seeking The Gold - Cuanto Es. Useful middle distance flat handicapper winning off 80 and 87 in June 2009. Without a win in five attempts this season and sole hurdle run a distant sixth to First Buddy at Bangor March 2008. "He's in a decent two mile hurdle at Ascot on December 17. This horse is in very good nick and is jumping for fun. Looks a million dollars but needs good ground. Might just be under the radar now and like to dominate, could surprise a few and shows plenty of ability." SMOOTH CLASSIC 6 b g Luso - Noan Rose. Maiden that has shown ability in four hurdle starts and two bumpers. Well beaten on reappearance over three and a quarter in Cheltenham novice mid-October won by Aiteen Thirtythree. Stays on debut 115. "From what he shows at home he should have a big shout off 115 and he's in a handicap at Ascot on December 18, novice 0-125. That three miles should suit him better on better ground. When you've got him on song as he is at the moment he's a fair tool." SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE 7 b g Broken Hearted - Native Tango. Some ability in both bumper and hurdle runs, latest January 2010 when fading into tenth behind Taffy Thomas over two miles at Ffos Las. "I don't know how he hasn't won a race. I thought it was just a case of pointing him at Warwick when he was beaten in his bumper. Whether he wants further I'm not sure and he's ready to go now." STRATEGIC APPROACH 8 ch g Bob Back - Merrill Gaye. One from eight over hurdles reaching career high 136. Sound chase debut when four and a half lengths second of five to Key Cutter in three mile novice at Kempton November 22. "Good effort at Kempton and he'll go on heavy ground and stays very well. He'll keep improving." THIS MASQUERADE 7 b g Parthian Springs - Rose Rambler. Ability sole bumper run but well beaten both hurdle starts, latest when in ruck behind Time For Spring at Ascot over two six November 20. "Probably needs a drop in class and I don't think you'll see the best of him until he goes handicapping." YOU'RE SO VAIN 7 b g Silver Patriarch - Gaye Mercy. Bumper winner and won second hurdle beating Tequilla Bob a head over two and a quarter at Folkestone in March. Length second to Outside The Box at Newbury later that month and debut mark of 125. "Had a setback and won't run until mid-January but he's really strengthened over the summer and he's ready for chasing now. He was electric over fences at home at the end of last season. Not slow and anywhere from two to two and a half. Soft is fine." BASIL FAWLTY 5 b g Balakheri - Laughing Lesa. Unraced "Worked well, seems a nice horse and is ready for bumpers now. Well-related to the likes of Merry Gale." GUESS AGAIN 5 b g Milan - Guess Twice. Unraced "Half brother to Three Guesses who won a bumper but this would be a nicer horse. Galloper that I like a lot. Un-named 5 b g Accordion - Queensboro Ice. Unraced "Full brother to Finger On The Pulse who won the Galway Plate. Be out in a bumper before the end of January." The knowledge BUMBLEBEE: had clearly shown more at home than he did on debut. BUNGLUSHA LADY: Improved Aagain last time and looks a smart mare. DEN OF INIQUITY: could be interesting if switched back to hurdles of a better mark. FIVE RIVERS: is a young horse that's getting better all the time. KNIGHT PASS: is clearly considered a star in the making and is one to watch. OSCAR PRAIRIE: looks very interesting, especially if chase debut is in a handicap. PAINT THE CLOUDS: is considered on a very winnable rating. |
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If consistency is the name of the game then Malcolm Jefferson is your trainer of choice.
Now approaching 30 years with a licence, the North Yorkshire trainer has regularly turned out quality jumpers - and the occasional smart flat one - without recourse to large amounts of money. Patience is the hallmark of his success and in that time he has handled some top flight performers such as the dual Fighting Fifth winner Dato Star together with Go Informal, Tullymurry Toff and King's Revenge to name just three more. Until the recent cold-weather his horses had been in excellent form and put him on course to get near his best-ever total of 31 winners. Perhaps more important is the quality of horse he has which includes the potentially very smart staying handicapper King Fontaine and the exciting novice chaser Gilbarry. There are plenty of others to which he discusses here. ACCORDING TO PETE 9 b g Accordion - Magic Bloom. Last of three chase wins came as a novice back in December 2008 off 137 over three miles at Newcastle. Last of four hurdles successes came in November the same year over same trip off 132. Effective over both types of obstacles and although well beaten both starts this season off 134 and 132 is now on a split mark of 130, his lowest since April 2008. "Maybe we should have ridden him different at Haydock last time and dropped him in but he would never have beaten the winner or second. Might go to Wetherby on Boxing Day for the Rowland Meyrick. He's a good horse and not on a bad mark now. He's as good over hurdles and I do think that big courses and heavy ground don't suit him because he's not the biggest." ALTAN KHAN 5 b g Kayf Tara - Anabranch. Improving novice hurdler winning third attempt and on handicap debut beating Pillar Of Hercules a length and a half off 100 over two miles at Musselburgh November 19. Now 108. "A very nice horse that wants another year on him so he won't be given a hard time and I'd be very happy if he won another two. Big, tall horse, very honest and he's going to develop into a nice chaser. He'll have enough speed to stay at two miles, especially if the race is run at a good gallop. Never tried him on very soft ground because he is weak at the moment." ANEYEFORANEYE 4 ch f Definite Article - Resolute Approach. Third on bumper debut in April and second three subsequent starts, latest when beaten a length and a half by Zhakiera Spring on soft at Wetherby November 24. "She'll go hurdling now, hopefully in mares races over two and a half miles, she has schooled but we have been held up with the snow but she does have the right idea." ATTAGLANCE 4 b g Passing Glance - Our Ethel. Subject of a riding ban after finishing eyecatching fourth to Al Qeddaaf in two mile Haydock novice hurdle November 4. Won next over extra three furlongs at Market Rasen November 18 beating Dear Sam two lengths and now on formidable 120 debut mark. "Always been a nice horse but he's got a very high mark for what he's done. He is National Hunt qualified, though, and has some speed and stays - could get three miles now he's not so keen - so he will be alright. With the mark it might be better to run with a penalty in another novice. The family like soft ground but I wouldn't run him over three on it." BEAMAZED 6 ch g Silver Patriarch - Gotogeton. Left previous form behind when upped to three and a half miles for handicap hurdle debut and beat Oniz Tiptoes four and half lengths off 102 for Tim Walford. Yet to race for present yard off new mark of 113. "The problem is that I can't find a race for him with his rating. He likes soft ground, done well since he came here, and I won't be wasting much time over hurdles." BELLO REGALO 4 b g Presenting - Simple Dame. Well beaten on bumper debut in race won by Bygones In Brid at Musselburgh November 19 but well supported so presumably had shown something. "Lovely horse and the race just wasn't run to suit him last time, they crawled. He ran a great race but it just turned into a two furlong sprint, just caught him out because he'd never been away from home. Big horse that wouldn't want it too heavy at the moment." BROOKLYN BROWNIE 12 b g Presenting - In The Brownies. Staying chaser, last of five wins over fences coming off 129 over three miles at Perth in April. Better performance in June when head second of 18 to Ouzbeck over three and a half at Uttoxeter off 135. Pulled up off 140 final start in July and stays on that mark. "He won't run in the Welsh National because he's missed a bit of work and wouldn't have had a run before. I don't really like running him in big fields and with a rating like his there aren't many options and Haydock isn't his track for some reason." CAPE TRIBULATION 6 b g Hernando - Gay Fantastic. Smart hurdler from two to three miles and rated 155. Won novice chase debut over extended three miles at Hexham October 1 and pulled up same track over two and a half 30 days later latest outing. "He pulled a muscle in his last race when he pulled up and is just back cantering now. Doing well but I'm not going to put a date on when he'll be out again. Although he won over three miles he's ok at two and a half but the heavier the ground the better he likes it and it's a pity he's missing out at the moment." CARNDONAGH 6 b g Old Vic - T T Two. Ability without winning in three bumpers and three hurdles, latest when eight lengths fourth of 12 to Pure Faith at Sedgefield November 9 having dropped from two and a half to two miles. Debut mark of 109. "Nice horse that was here two years ago but chipped a knee, touch wood he's been grand and ran a lovely race at Sedgefield over a trip that maybe was on the short side because he'll get three miles but could win at two and a half. Wouldn't be surprised of he were better on decent ground rather than heavy. Ran two decent races at Doncaster on decent going." GILBARRY 5 b g Bahri - Starry Night. Progressive novice hurdler from two to two and a half miles last season, winning final start off 115. Improved again on chase and seasonal debut Wetherby October 30 when beating well-regarded Osric by five lengths over two miles. Put up to 134. "I'm hoping he's a good horse with the mark he's been given but I'm going to let him tell us. A horse we always liked over hurdles and would have won more but is massive and couldn't really handle soft at the time. As he gets older he probably will. He's in at Doncaster on December 10 and 11 but that'll be off and there was nothing at the Cheltenham meeting that weekend. I don't know where he'll go now but he'll be fine at two or two and a half miles. It would need to be a fast-run two miles, though. It's possible he could be very good. He's a man's horse to ride." ISSAQUAH 8 b m Supreme Leader - Our Sioux. Useful handicap hurdler, mainly over two miles, last winning mark 125 in March. Ran with credit off 136, 140 and beaten a neck by Alegralil off 145 in listed hurdle at Wetherby October 30. Well behind Menorah at Cheltenham latest start November 14 and back to 144. "Probably a bit unlucky first time out this season and it's possible I ran her a week early the next time at Cheltenham when she was disappointing - we had got her ready for Wetherby. I've schooled her over fences and she jumped well and that's an option as she's only been dropped a pound for her last run when she beat two home. She could stay in mares race over hurdles or go for novice chases. Probably better on good ground and maybe better on good to firm but she's won on heavy with a light weight." JUKEBOX MELODY 4 b g Brian Boru - Carmels Cottage. Improved on bumper debut when winning first start this season in Market Rasen bumper November 14 beating Our Mick a length and a half. "Still green but a nice horse with plenty of ability that will run in another bumper before going over hurdles. Brilliant, quick jumper at home." KING FONTAINE 7 b g King's Theatre - Kerfontaine. Steadily improving chaser from two and a half to three miles and unbeaten in final two starts of last season and both outings in current one. Up to three miles on reappearance at Haydock and beat Maktu a head off 122. Up to 127 same course and distance November 20 and beat Dance Island 11 lengths. Now 142. "I'm not going to say he won't manage his new mark but it was a lump to lift him after a race where several horses didn't give their running. But he could be one of those horse that just keeps surprising you. Very tough and you could very nearly put him in the boot of the car and take him racing - nothing phases him. It's hard to say where he'll end up but I think he'll need another year before the Grand National but maybe we could think about the Scottish. It was in my mind to put him in at Cheltenham over two and a half miles in early December because he's not a slow horse. He's one that I like a lot." KINGSBEN 7 b g King's Best - Bluebelle. Won two from 11 in novice hurdles, latest off 119 at Bangor in October 2009. Pulled up then well beaten both starts over fences this season, latest at Towcester early October. "Needs another run or two over fences to get his eye in - he was like that over hurdles, took him a few runs before he jumped them properly. He was given a higher mark than he deserved over hurdles and it'll be interesting to see if he gives him the same mark or drops him. Two miles is the trip and set a good gallop from the front on good ground. He gives me the impression he might be a warmer weather horse." LORD LARSSON 7 b g Kayf Tara - Shuildante . Rated 117 over hurdle and took time to come right over fences winning latest of eight attempts over two and a half miles at Newcastle November 12 beating Mr Syntax 11 lengths. Failed to complete first four outings but looked sound enough from the front last time. Debut chase mark of 120. "I think the handicapper has been pretty hard on him but he isn't a bad horse so I'm not saying he won't cope because he is a big horse. Two and a half is fine and if he were left alone in front he'd get three. The problem is that if he's dropped in he can pull a bit and relaxes better in front. Wouldn't want an extreme of ground." LUA DE ITAPOAN 5 gr m Silver Patriarch - Gotogeton. Ability sole bumper appearance when 16 lengths fifth of ten to Zhakiera Spirit at Wetherby November 24 - more experienced stablemate Aneyeforaneye second. "I think she'll be quicker than her full brother, Beamazed. That was a fair-run race she was fifth in on her debut and she ran a blinder. I'll be looking for a mares bumper back at Wetherby or Carlisle or Newcastle. She wouldn't want a sharp track. A honest mare." MAC AEDA 6 gr g Kayf Tara - Altogether Now. Won bumper debut at Market Rasen in May 2009. Maiden in three novice hurdles from two to two and a half miles, latest best when two lengths second of nine to Get It On at Market Rasen over two and a half November 7. Debut mark of 116 doesn't seem to give much leeway. "Should probably have had a few more ones by his name. Things haven't really gone for him and it was too soft at Market Rasen when he was second last time. I think he has everything that a racehorse should have, a talented horse. I think he's a chaser and I was going to do what I did with King Fontaine last season and win two hurdles and two novice chases but Denis O'Regan wants me to keep him over hurdles for the time being. He'd have run again by now. He's been athletic but has been weak. In great nick now and he'll get three miles." QUITE THE MAN 5 b g Zagreb - Ballinard Lizzie. Won bumper debut at Kelso April 2009. Ability three subsequent hurdle attempts last season and encouraging reappearance in two mile novice hurdle in October at Towcester off 109 when 16 lengths third of 14 to Cinderella Rose. Now 105. "Wouldn't eat properly last season, couldn't keep condition on him and never looked right. I've changed a few things with him this season and he could be a real nice horse. Never left a bite this time and nothing went right for him at Towcester first time out, wherever he wanted to go, something got in his way. He'll stay over hurdles but will be a real nice chaser but he could be alright in a handicap hurdle off 105. Musselburgh might suit him over two and a half miles. Wouldn't want softer ground yet." STICK TOGETHER 7 gr m Kayf Tara - Altogethernow. One from 13 over hurdles from two and a half to three miles, sole win came over two five at Market Rasen in February off 98. Much better effort on second outing this season when eight lengths third of 11 to No Principals, again over two miles five at Market Rasen off 109. "She's a full sister to Mac Aeda, nice filly that might go over fences now. It was a good effort last time because she was on the outside and getting pushed out all the time. The form has worked out well enough. We were going to school her but the snow came but she jumps hurdles well enough. I have often wondered if we've run her too far a few times and I think she could go back to two miles three." THE MAGIC BISHOP 5 b g Bishop Of Cashel - Magic Bloom. Maiden bumper/ hurdler, last of five hurdle runs when upper two two miles six at Wetherby October 29 and 14 lengths sixth of 14 to Wheyaye off 100 having dropped from 103. Now 98. "Can get on top of himself and needs to grow up a bit, plenty of ability. He'll get three miles and if he put it together he's on a fair enough mark. He's handle good to soft." THE PORTONION 6 br g Accordion - Mazza. Maiden in three bumpers and three novice hurdles, latest over two and a half miles when 14 lengths third of eight to Lively Baron at Haydock November 4. Debut mark of 108. "It's a bad mark to get him into a handicap because he's high enough and there's hardly ever any 0-110 races around in the north and if you do it's probably the wrong trip. A good, big horse that I can't say has been disappointing because he hasn't run enough. He'll stay three miles so I'll look at another novice hurdle. He'll jump a fence." The knowledge ALTAN KHAN: is held in very high regard and is one to watch this season and next. BELLO REGALO: wasn't suited by the poor pace on his bumper debut and is talented. CAPE TRIBULATION: is one for staying novice chases in the mud. GILBARRY: has the potential to make his mark in novice chases this season. JUKEBOX MELODY: is one to be with in another bumper before going hurdling. KING FONTAINE: looks a class act and should be followed wherever he goes. |