Deireadh Re

Won a Grade Two at Cheltenham in December among other races but was in need of a holiday when he ran third on his chasing debut at Fakenham in May. He's had a breathing operation and been cantering for about 10 days. He jumps fences well and will leave that Fakenham form well behind.

Suerte Al Salto

We fancied him for a Wincanton bumper but he choked and stopped. We had his breathing sorted before turning him out again at Fontwell, where he showed loads of speed to win. He'll now go novice hurdling. He jumps well, he likes decent ground and he'll be ready to run early.

Sky Watch

He won his only start in a Sandown bumper in February but he's not really a bumper horse. He's going to be a staying chaser but he'll go novice hurdling for a season and he's been schooling very well at home. He'll like a big, galloping track.

Aerial

Won a graduation chase at Ascot in December and a Grade Three handicap at Newbury in March. I think he'll keep improving and we may step him up in trip. He'll be entered in all the good races, as his high handicap rating gives him limited options. We might look at some Grade Ones in Ireland.

Current Event

Won three times over fences last season and wasn't at his best when third on his final start. He'll be in handicap chases from two to two and a half miles. He needs soft ground and I'm sure he'll win his couple of races.

Easter Day

Ran well in a couple of bumpers and ran into a well-readied and smart opponent when second at Worcester in May. He'll go novice hurdling and he jumps really nicely. He'll be ready to go in October.

Mr Mole

Won his only start so far in a soft-ground bumper at Hereford. He's a big, scopey sort who's done very well and goes really nicely. He goes novice hurdling but will be a lovely staying chaser for the future. He's the first horse that we've had in the yard for JP McManus, who's an interesting addition to the team.

No Loose Change

He won on his second start over fences last season and I think Ruby [Walsh, jockey] must have thought his arse was on fire because he won by 25 lengths and the horse went up a stone in the handicap. We're aiming at a decent three-mile handicap chase at Chepstow on 13 October. He wants decent ground and he might be the sort to catch fresh and first time out.

Oscargo

He did well over hurdles for a horse who's so big and won at Cheltenham's December meeting. He's ready to go chasing. He stays forever and might be a Grand National horse one day.

Poungach

I think he's the highest-rated hurdler that we have to go chasing this year. He was due to go novice chasing last season but he clearly needed more time before making that transition, so he won a handicap hurdle first time at Sandown and was then second to Oscar Whisky at Cheltenham. He's done lots of schooling and I'd love to start him somewhere like Wincanton or Worcester. He's not the most natural of jumpers so we've had to do a lot of work with him but when he gets it together, he'll be a nice horse to follow.

Empire Levant

He was second to Rock On Ruby at Newbury in November, which now looks like really good form, but I never really had him right after that. He's done well over the summer. He can win off his handicap mark over hurdles, so we'll try that again and then go chasing. There's plenty more to come from him as he strengthens up.

Sire Collonges

His career so far has been interrupted by a few niggles but we're confident those are behind him. He made all to win on his chasing debut at Fontwell in May, showing much improved form. He stayed well and jumped exceptionally well. He'll be aimed at the three-mile novice chase at the first Cheltenham meeting in October. You'll see plenty more of him this season.

Ghizao

He was fourth in the Haldon Gold Cup at the start of last season but then things didn't really go to plan and his season was ended by a setback. He's back doing two canters a day. I think he wants a step up in trip and I hope he can regain his form over a bit further.

Michel Le Bon

We had high hopes for him over fences last season but in hindsight the Hennessy might not have been the brightest place to start. We put him back over hurdles because he'd just lost his confidence and he won at Cheltenham in April. He'll go back over fences now. He wants soft ground and a trip, so he's an obvious type for something like the Welsh National.

Cristal Bonus

Won the Pendil at Kempton and we really fancied him at the Cheltenham Festival but he ran poorly and then we discovered an abscess on his wither, so that explained that. He was second to Menorah in a Grade Two at Aintree, which was more like it. He might go for the intermediate chase at Down Royal in November over two and a half miles and he likes soft ground.

Join Together

A novice chaser last season, when he won twice at Cheltenham before Christmas. He's going to be suited by a galloping track and big distances. He'll have an entry in the Hennessy and races at Leopardstown might suit him.

Zarkandar

He had a little injury that kept him off the course until February. Then he became the first horse ever to win the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on his seasonal debut but then developed a cough. He never really sparkled after that and did well in the circumstances to be fifth in the Champion Hurdle before falling at Aintree. He's looking really well and we'll let him tell us when he's ready. The Champion Hurdle is again the number one target and he might take in the International at Cheltenham in December. We accept he might need a bit further in time but he should be a stronger horse this year, as a lot of horses strengthen remarkably in their fourth to fifth year.

Cowards Close

A winning Irish pointer who will now go novice hurdling. He's a real staying horse who's been working hard and he'll be a lovely chaser in time.

Fox Run

An impressive winner of his only point in Ireland. We like what we see with him, he shows plenty of speed at home. He'll have one run in a bumper to give him some education and then he'll go novice hurdling. He'll be ready at the end of October and will make a chaser in time.

Captain Kelly

A points winner, he had a breathing operation and then ran second in a bumper on his debut for us last season. We gave him some time and he was then second on his hurdles debut at Fakenham in May. He needs a drop back in trip and decent ground and i'm sure he'll be up to winning novice hurdles. He'll make a staying chaser in time.

Sidney Melbourne

Came to us from Charlie Mann, having needed time off for an injury. He's been with us for about two weeks and will be ready to run in another eight. He's well up to winning some novice hurdles.

Thanks ryanwe

French-bred Long Run  winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2011
and third in the 2012 running, is back in training with the same objectives as last
year: The major British jump racing fixtures.

His owner, Robert Waley-Cohen gave us an update:
"Long Run has been back at Nick Henderson's yard for a couple
of weeks. He was just a boy before, but now
he's grown into a man. He has really matured
and gained a lot of strength.

" Long Run will have the same preparatory program for the Gold Cup as last year.
"He should start his season with the Betfair Chase (Group 1) at Haydock. After that,
he'll certainly go to Kempton for the Group 1 King George Chase, and finally
Cheltenham. 

This coming season should be his for the taking, and if he wins his four
races, that would be fantastic!"


Well, why change it when it worked so well

Anthony Honeyball, Rising Star – Stable Tour

Potwell Farm Stables

Nestled just outside the sleepy Dorset village of Mosterton is Potwell Farm Stables, HQ for one of the more upwardly mobile National Hunt handlers, Anthony Honeyball; and his partner, head lass, stable jockey and all round bastion of the yard, Rachael Green.

Honeyball and Green have enjoyed a strong start to their respective careers, and the last two years are noteworthy for the impressive trajectory of the stable’s winner tally, which has been achieved without impact to the strike rate.

Indeed, in 2010/11, the Honeyball team won fourteen races from just 64 runners (with a further 22 placed 2nd to 4th); and last season, he saddled 24 winners from 89 runners (with 32 more 2nd to 4th, a remarkable 74% of runners in the first four!).

The win strike rates are 22% and a hugely impressively 27% respectively, and they present a tough bar to surpass.

But the really impressive element is that prize money won has increased from around £49,000 in 2010/11 to around £112,000 in 2011/12. That means that, not only are the team improving the number of wins, but they’re also winning better quality races.

Honeyball and Green have been a combination I’ve had on side for a couple of years now, and are featured in my ‘Winning Trainers’ report.

And, as a member of the Anthony Honeyball Racing Club, I was lucky enough to be shown around the Potwell Farm Stables last weekend, and here is what AJH himself had to say about his equine equipe for the season…

Alpancho – 6yo gelding

Ran twice in bumpers last term. Schooled well, and could take some beating in a 2m4f-3m hurdle first time out. Will make a lovely chaser in time.

As De Fer – 6yo gelding – OR 143 chase / 133 hurdle

Had a wind op since last season, after not quite getting home in his races. That could improve him and, if it does, he might win a nice race. Probably wants it soft and a flattish track.

Atlantic Tiger – 5yo gelding – OR 77 flat

Been off the track for two years, and formerly with Mark ‘Always Trying’ Johnston, but he works quite well and could be ready to win. There’s a possible two mile handicap at York, at which he might be aimed.

Ballybough Pat – 5yo gelding

Won a point to point for the stable and then did it nicely in a Ffos Las bumper last term, and is figured to be a nice horse for novice hurdles this time around. Could be a very decent horse for the yard and, if things drop right, he’ll be aimed at the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival.

Blue Zealot – 5yo mare

Formerly with Michael Bell, she’s seemingly been sweetened up by a change of scenery. Two runs since her arrival have yielded two runners up spots, and should be a fun flat horse. She’ll go over a hurdle at some point.

Chantara Rose

She might be a nice one to look out for in mares’ bumpers from October onwards, and her ultimate aim might be the £50,000 DBS Mares’ Bumper at Newbury, or possibly the Listed Sandown route. All depends on her first run.

Cresswell Crusader – 8yo gelding – OR 119 hurdle

AJH Club horse. Has had a number of niggles, which are slowly being put right. He’s suffered with a persistent hock issue, which is being managed; and he’s also had a wind operation since last season. He looked pretty fit and, all being well, could run at the end of September. Must have soft ground, and will likely start in a handicap hurdle.

Danimix – 7yo gelding – OR 127 chase

Won at Worcester but unfortunately injured himself in the process. Currently on box rest, and we’ll see how he goes. May hopefully be back in February/March time.

Dorset Naga – 6yo gelding – OR 114 chase / 107 hurdle

Named after a very hot chilli pepper, this fellow has had a wind op since last year. He’d been consistently placed (five of seven runs ended with third or fourth position) before finally winning last time at Fontwell. He might still have some progression in him off the back of the operation and a novice chase win.

Eleven Fifty Nine – 6yo mare

A flagship horse for the yard, this lass won or placed in all five of her bumper starts last year. The highlights were a close third in the Listed Sandown mares’ NH Flat race, and a win at Aintree in the Listed mares’ NH Flat race. She’ll be kept to mares’ novice hurdles this term, and is likely to take very high rank in that brigade. Late season target might be Newbury’s Mares’ Final race. One for ten to follow lists!

Hell’s Spirit – 4yo Gelding

Nice horse. This chap won his only point-to-point start for David Dennis, and has now moved to the Honeyball yard. The trainer is very much looking forward to running him, and thinks he could be pretty smart.

He’s Our Lad – 6yo gelding – OR 133 chase / 133 hurdle

Very game and consistent, as evidenced by his matching 133 ratings for both hurdles and chases. Moreover, he’s been in the frame on all bar two of his fourteen completed starts. He may run Saturday in a decent race, and will have a (n obvious) place chance.

Jackies Solitaire – 4yo filly – OR 124 hurdle

A really likeable sort as a juvenile hurdler last year, she was unlucky not to win a Grade 2 at Doncaster before staying on after missing the break in the Fred Winter. She might have been over the top when running below par on her final start, and it will be interesting to see how she fares in handicap hurdles this term off her current mark.

Jaja De Jau – 3yo filly

Just the one flat run, when green and a little backward at Kempton in May. She might do better in a twelve furlong maiden now. She’s a half brother to Sergeant Cecil.

Kalani King – 5yo gelding

Cost £20k, and was 3rd in a £50k bumper on debut. Will probably start in a novice hurdle in October, but will make a nice chaser in time. Worth following when he does go over fences.

Marie Des Anges – 4yo filly – OR 111 hurdle

Inherited from Alison Thorpe’s yard when she handed back her license. Won first time out for AJH, then third on two subsequent starts, the latter of which was very falsely run and wouldn’t have suited. She might now go chasing or head for a two mile handicap hurdle, where she’ll need them to go a decent gallop.

Midnight Minx – 5yo mare

Only run twice, but won both starts in bumpers. She’s still eligible for bumpers this term, and will take the Eleven Fifty Nine route towards the Sandown and Aintree Listed Mares’ Bumpers. AJH rates her as highly as 11:59, which means she must be very good. Another for ten to follow lists!

Mister Hendre – 4yo gelding

Not a world beater, but the yard think they know where they are with him now. Will be interesting in three mile handicaps, where hopefully he can win one or two.

On The Buckle –

Could be a nice horse if he takes to racing, and a NH Flat race on a galloping track in October is a possible. Time will tell with him.

Oscartier –

Bought for 65,000 euros at the sales, he is a very fluent mover and hurdler. Won’t be seen out too early, and certainly won’t be rushed, but a very nice prospect.

Regal Encore – 4yo gelding

You will never see a more facile bumper victory than Regal Encore’s two length violation of Ron and the rest in a Southwell all weather race back in February. This chap has been sold to none other than JP McManus, who will be a very interesting new owner for the yard, and he looks destined for big things, if that first run is anything to go by. Will run in a bumper in October.

Royal Announcement – 5yo gelding

AJH Club horse. A slow maturing, stamina-laden chap. He will Likely head first to a soft ground flat track bumper, and might be ready around the end of October/early November. Most likely to come into his own over further in due course, and could do well for the club.

Royal Native – 4yo gelding

Been second in two of his four bumpers, and will now go novice hurdling. He’ll probably start over two miles, but will be of more interest over further, especially in a handicap. One to keep an eye on for a step up in trip/first time in a handicap.

Rocquaine Sauvage –

AJH Club horse. Just off the boat from Ireland, and a few problems to iron out. Will hopefully be a nice club horse in time.

Sir Toby Tiler –

Another expensive purchase from the sales, this time weighing in at 100,000 Euros. He’s a very fluent mover and a good jumper and, like Oscartier (same ownership), he won’t be rushed. One to look out for, and could be a flagship horse in time.

Taradrewe – 5yo mare

Fourth when Eleven Fifty Nine was third in the Listed Sandown Bumper, though at a respectful distance. A lot to look forward to all the same, first in bumpers and then novice hurdles. She could be a nice mare.

Uncle Johnny – 7yo gelding – OR 88 hurdle

A very lowly hurdle mark for the yard, and has been hobdayed (throat operation) since last term. Has something to prove, and might need to prove it pronto if not to be moved on…

Unnamed 3yo Oscar gelding

Bought for 31,000 Euros, and a very nice looking fellow indeed. By a very fashionable (and effective) sire, he’s being syndicated into six shares at £5,000 apiece. I’m sorely tempted to get involved, but would need a few Geegeez readers to join me to justify a share I think. I think…!

AJH is really pleased with his acquisition, and is retaining a good percentage of the horse himself, which may also be a pointer to his ability.

Velator – 5yo gelding – OR 125 hurdle

Looked to be going nowhere after six runs over two miles or thereabouts. Revitalised in handicaps and over a trip of three miles plus, he’s now won his last three, and been caned by the handicapper as a consequence. Needs good ground, and may run at Perth soon. Still has a chance of the four-timer despite being raised 39 pounds (!) by the handicapper since that first win.

Vicator – 4yo gelding

As the name suggests, he’s a full brother to Velator and, so far, he’s got all the ability of his bro in two mile soft ground bumpers. Expect better when the ground dries up, the trip goes up, and the handicap mark has been allotted.

Victors Serenade – 7yo gelding – OR 140 chase / 133 hurdle

Almost saving the best for last, Victors Serenade has been in the first three in all of his last seven completed starts. In winning his last two races, he’s been bumped up to a notch of 140, which makes him a decent old stick. Could go for a 0-145 chase in November. He shows his best on heavy ground and, if all goes well, would go next to the Welsh National in late December.

My three to keep an eye on

Classy

Eleven Fifty Nine – she could carry all before her in mares’ novice hurdles this year and, whilst it probably won’t make you rich following her, it might well make you smile.

Could win at a nice price

Victors Serenade – he’s still only seven and relatively lightly raced. As such, he’s got a lot of scope to improve and is already rated 140. Having won off 11-12 last season, weight won’t stop him, and nor will heavy ground. A flat track, heavy going Graded handicap chase looks within his compass, all being well, and I’ll be following him closely.

Could be anything material

Regal Encore – Watch his Southwell win if you can. It’s on RacingPost.com and ATR as well, I think. He destroyed his rivals that day and, whilst the form is hard to quantify, it was an imperious display. He will start in bumpers and, as a JP McManus-owned horse, he’ll hope to end up at one of the Festivals, ideally Cheltenham. It’s possible that this will be the horse which puts Anthony James Honeyball squarely on the map of top trainers to follow.

Two final thoughts, picked up as we wandered around the yard:

“We always feel like we can improve them a little bit” – watch out for horses making their debut for the yard having previously been trained elsewhere.

Indeed, of the nineteen horses making their first start for AJH having previously been trained and raced elsewhere, five have won, for a thirty point level stake profit!

“If we go a long distance, we tend to think they have a good chance” – watch out for AJH horses on the longest traveler lists.

Any news on Monsignor?

Jesting aside, great thread.

Anyone know where Pearl swan is

tominator sold to patsy byrne and to be trained by j.j oneil at jacdaws .

Great news.
Reckon he would have won Ryannair again,without his problems.
Already backed him again for next March,yeh hes getting on,but i dont care!!

Be a good price again,probably more justified given his age now,but a good price nonetheless.

For all you Sprinter Fans. You maybe interested in this offer.

Champion Chase sponsors Sportingbet offering Evens NR No Bet on Sprinter Sacre up to £100 from 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday for a limited time.

also p.hobbs exciting fingal bay likely to go for novice chase at chepstow on saturday .....the start of the jumps is nigh .........gladiators....................... are you ready!

RP: Alan King on Medermit - The trainer said: "We definitely want to go the three-mile route with him this season and I would say, all things being equal after Aintree, we will step him up in trip. We would be looking at races like the Betfair Chase and the King George."

Haldon Gold Cup winner Medermit looks set to return to action in the Grade 2 Monet's Garden Old Roan Chase at Aintree on October 27, where he is likely to face last year's hero and three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Albertas Run.

The Betfair Chase should be a cracker this year

Wow. That would make the National handicap interesting.

That seems like a very odd thing to say. Almost like they're expecting the horse to have a problem...

Still, he probably needs 4 1/2 miles now

I agree Bluebird, it would make me very cautious were I an AP backer. Of course it's also possible he gave a long interview and they've taken one quote out of context. RWC is usually very bullish about the horse (including only a few weeks ago).

i honestly think 4 and a half miles is right up his street,Might respect the national fences more than regulation fences were he to go there.
interesting season ahead for Long Run.

Re Long Run again - it may no longer be the case, but there was a time when Sam Waley Cohen had won more races over the National fences than any other jockey currently riding...

cant remember him falling and jumped just about the best he has over here when 3rd in the gold cup !

No, Long Run has never fallen despite his sometimes dodgy jumping. He seemed to be jumping better towards the end of last season (Denman Chase, Gold Cup) - just running slower

If he'd run in the National this year there would only have been 4 or 5 other horses in the handicap and thos carrying not much over 10 stone. if he does go he could set it up nicely for something rated in the mid-160s (a Tidal Bay/Weird Al type).

Yes, all very odd. The more I think about it, the more I think it might be out of context. I wonder if RWC was asked something like "would you run a Gold Cup winner in the National" (perhaps with referenced to Synchronised)?

If not, maybe your 17:39 post is right Duffy - by "setback" they might mean that is what will happen if the horse can no longer cut it in G1 3 m chases.