LEICESTER
FEBRUARY 26TH 2013
Good to Soft
Cold day bit gloomy
TWO AND A HALF MILE NOVICES HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 5
KNOCKDOLIAN (tentative pos)
This was not a bad event of its sort. The winner Be Mt Deputy is a big tall raw thing and I was a bit surprised to see how well he jumped and even more so how he battled back to win oncve headed over the last. So he should logically be my eyecatcher here. Well he isn’t because they were packed close up at the last and I would have thought if he had asserted they would have been out like the washing so there were a few held up merchants who probably didn’t quicken as well as expected. Particularly Caulfields Venture who had been held up and produced to have every chance approaching the final fence but just didn’t kick on even under quick vigorous ridding. Oddjob who finished second wandered a bit on the run in suggesting either getting tired or is a bit iffy and was showing a lack of resolution. The one I have me eye on for the future for this race is the mare Knockdolian. She was raced on the inner throughout, close up to the pace. Jumped inconsistently in the main but got better as the race went on. Still up with a chance to get a blow in approaching the last she did not run on but was not given a hard race to finish 6th with these six well clear of the remainder. Has had a few runs on the flat and once finished second in a minor handicap when exaggerated waiting tactics failed for the 11/10 fav. She tried her hand at hurdles and was pretty hopeless . However she looks more a chaser and her first effort was OK with today being a step in the right direction. I think she is worth support whilst she improves and might pop in at a decent price one day.
THREE MILES HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 4
POWER PACK JACK (pos)
Only half the field got around the rest fell which made it a bit of a muddle of a race. One of the fallers was the fair sort Nomme De guerre who was on his fourth run following enforced absence out since 2010. He was pretty good back then and I had thought today might have seen a further step in the right direction. However he did look beaten when falling three out. The winner was Franklin Roosevelt who looked a good sort in the ring and was ridden confidently. He did however struggle to reel in the long term leader and my view is that FR did not have the turn of foot anticipated. I do think the runner up Power Pack Jack showed a bit of a return to the form which saw him win the class 3 Cumberland Chase in 2011 and his rating now of 101 is handy based on his two victories in the past of 109 and 97. All his best form has come running right handed and today ran in a manner suggesting can win when good to soft conditions and RH exist. In fact just as he did today just met a young one on the upgrade. The pair finished well clear.
TWO MILE HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 4
GANDALFE (pos)
This was run at a decent clip with the winner Milgen Bay making most and jumped well in the main. These tactics thwarted Coolbeg’s efforts to follow up on last season’s success in this same race but he made excellent ground to hold every chance on the run to the last but the winner just had an extra hand in the stamina stakes. The one for me to take oiut of the race was third home Gandalfe. He had not been on the track for a year before his comeback started this winter. He looked in great condition. Was well fancied and jumped well in the main bar on slight mistake around halfway, came to look a serious challenger on the way to the last but just failed for a bit of race sharpness to finish an unhurried third. Previously had finished second a very good novice chase at Sandown and was then given a 125 mark which was a real stopper. However worse than that was a complete brake put on his career over fences when all over the place with his jumping in December 2011 at Kempton. He has slid down the weights now and 107 looks very winnable. He has had a lot of problems with his jumping and there is no doubt that this is his main detraction, however he did look to have improved in that department today and perhaps over 2m4 he will at long last break his duck probably on goodish ground. So a tentative positive.
THREE MILE CLASS 3 RUTLAND WATER NOVICE CHASE
HOWARDS LEGACY (pos)
The Musical Guy was a pending when I saw his last run here in January and another race of promise and blindfolds were the order of the day. He looks a super chaser in the making, clearly stays this sort of trip but needs to take his jumping up another level. He showed a bit of improvement today but not enough to elevate him to positive territory just yet. It’s getting near to backing zone perhaps he needs one more clear round in a handicap and I can see him picking up a novice event over this sort of trip soon. The biggest disappointment was the well backed and good class Volador who looks really smart has been rated 135 over hurdles but just cannot jump well over chases and to be frank he looks out of his depth requiring a switch back to hurdles before he gets injured. The winner looks very good indeed. Howards Legacy was a bit tetchy in the parade ring and despite being seven almost looked a bit green. He is a smashing looking chaser not too big framed but well muscled. I thought he jumped well and was bought through to lead approaching two out and then just motored clear. Idled a bit when bored and had to be shaken up on the run in which allowed the runner up to be a flattering length and a bit behind. He had been beaten in a close race by the very progressive opening Batsman on his previous race at Wincanton and looks a novice capable of defying a penalty. It will be interesting to see what the assessor does to his 129 mark with handicaps in mind as that is the field with the likelihood of bigger fields that he will benefit from. He is in the early closing events at the festival so will get 7lbs hike I suppose for the win in those races. The main two are the Kim Muir but he is also in the novices handicap over 2m4 and it is that one I like him at for Cheltenham. I think he could do will in that. He needs a top jockey as I think he is a bit of a trickey ride, he looks nicely balanced and I can see him going well at Cheltenham.
THREE MILES MAIDEN HUNTER CHASE CLASS 6
NOTHING OF ANY GREAT NOTE
I have to admit to being underwhelmed by this race which I would guess might have been a mistake as the winner Robin Will soon put this lot to the sword in facile manner. He had been rated 118 over hurdles following a runner up position in a moderate maiden. He beat the less experienced French Canadian (hot fav at evens today) who must have shown something as was 11/8 on his debut when second. Quite what benchmarks they have at a stable which last had a winner in 2008 is beyond me but clearly they have and clearly he is OK but clearly the benchmark is not reliable enough for the sort of odds he ends up being! The third Schindlers Prince didn’t do as well as I thought he would. Built on a line through his last Irish form that would put him about 88ish.
TWO AND A HALF MILE HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 4
GREAT AUCHTRACHENE (pos till reassessed as can win under a 7lbx)
Old stager Ballyman ran a game race from the front but was beaten for stamina on the run in looking all over what he is a Plumpton specialist and I would put no-one off backing him when he goes back there sometime soon on a mark south of 80 in a class 5. Greats Auchtrachene was well ridden by Neol Fehily and could not have won easier coming off the pace to overhaul the old man on the run in but a shade cosily. I think this was a bit of a soft race in truth and I would think he will find it hard getting an easier race of this sort. Clearly not at home in the mud but allowed to slip down the weights a stone because of two PU which in hindsight more than a touch generous. His French form was OK and included a good ground win which in France must be like a road. You would think that sneaking him in quickly under only a 7lber on goodish ground right handed might just be the order of the day whilst he is clearly in good heart and on a good mark. So my eyecatcher from this one is the winner but only if they get him before reassessed as I would guess he will be up that stone again to 119! Refusal ran another honest race in third and always does his best but just cannot seem to win. Because of this he holds a solid mark and whilst I am confident he will pick a race up in time and that off this 105 mark you will always get a run for your money I cannot put him in as a positive. The joint favourites were both disappointing especially Quinte De Chatelet who is down to 104 in the weights from 125 but the high was from his hurdling form and to be honest I cannot have him chasing as to me he cannot jump and he chucked his jockey early today. Avenging Ace the other fav and a PTP winner in Ireland was no mare than fair today and finished fourth. The final horse of note was fifth home Jasperito who was a bit unlucky getting into trouble a few times and eased a bit to come home as he liked when the race had gone from him. Managed to win a three mile hurdle at Perth and has only had the three efforts over fences where his jumping is improving and it would be no great surprise if he managed to land a small handicap off this 88 mark which looks very fair.
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A Grumpy Quarryman's Trip to the Races
WETHERBY 19TH FEBRUARY 2013
28 Feb 13 14:55
WETHERBY
19TH FEBRUARY2013
Soft
Bright sunny day
TWO MILE CONDITIONAL KOCKEYS’ HANDICAP HURDLE CLASS 5
A SOUTHSIDE BOY (pos)
Handicapper still hasn’t caught up with winner Coverholder who was completing a fourtimer. Held up in mid division made smooth progress to lead approaching two out and won still looking to have a little in hand. Although you could say he may yet have another win in him I think eventually the assessor will catch him so I will leave him out. The race was not run to suit Prickles who I had seen win in good style at Uttoxeter on New Year’s Eve She likes to dictate matters and was not allowed that today as was hustled along having to press for the lead. She went out too tamely for this to be her form and whilst she has had a fair jack up in the weights I would not be negative and take her on with a lot of confidence in subsequent races. Second home Solway Dandy was unlucky in running on his handicap debut and could very well pick up a handicap soon but it was the German bred A Southside Boy who looks on to back in the future. Slowly getting the hang of things over hurdles after three novice events came into handicap territory off 79 which looks more than fair. Previous flat form included a handicap win over a mile and half at Hamilton Park in the mud. Showed tenacity to win but took a good while to show any ability on the level suggesting in a slow learner but has some pace. On the basis of this more promising staying on fourth I would say he needs further than this with at least 2m4 required. His hurdling was nowhere near perfect and there were a couple of clangers today but is definitely going in the right direction. His only win was under Tom Eaves which suggests to me he could well do with more experienced jockey especially in these early days. Has only been ridden by claimers to date.
TWO MILES FOUR AND A BIT FURLONGS NOVICE CHASE CLASS 4
RISKIER (neg)
This was not a satisfactory race at all with more than half the field of 11 falling and the unfortunate sight of Shinrock Hill perishing. The winner was Marie Des Anges who jumped fine and skipped clear. Quite what she beat and the circumstances of the victory would not make her a clear winner in the future and shouldering a penalty in novice chases difficult. Probably better suited to handicaps I would say. The one I watch for the future as a laying option is third home Riskier. He was prominent for much of the race and kept out of the trouble as a consequence. Looked to be the only challenger entering the straight but was out jumped from three out and finished tired. His jumping was very sketchy and spends a long time in the air. Whilst safe enough looks too careful and I cannot see him picking up many more chases going forward off this 109 mark. I think he is better over a two mile trip but this is the third consecutive race where his jumping has been his Achilles heel so he looks to me a lay and with recent form figures of 2211323 he is always likely to trade shorter than his ability dictates.
TWO AND THREEQUARTER MILES HANDICAP HURDLE CLASS 4
SOLIS (neg)
The seven year old Forty Crown still looks a bit of an awkward sort but battled on well to prevail from the veteran Leac An Scail who still retains plenty of jest. My eye though was caught by Solis who looks a lay going forward. Although 11 places from 45 runs with two wins probably says it all. Both those wins were off 93 (raced off 95 today) and was ridden by Ryan Mania at Cartmel and Perth. In truth Cartmel is the one track I would be wary taking him on as both runs at that idiosyncratic track where about his best and Cartmel often throws up a specialist. In the meantime his hurdling is too big so will always be open to being outpaced by nippier jumpers. Has been campaigned on the flat with not a sniff of success, well beaten in sellers over timber and has played up at the start before.
THREE MILES ONE FURLONG HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 3
SEE U BOB (pos)
Good class but small field feature race. The hot favourite Good Order was outjumped and was beaten coming into the straight with the winner No Secrets making all and dictating well. However it remains the Johnjo O’Neill Trained See U Bob who is still a positive for me. I had said enough as to his past performances after I saw his run at Leicester. In terms of today he again looked to have a real chance going to the last having been held up but did not quicken enough. It was still a good effort I am not saying he doesn’t stay this sort of trip but his wins have all been around the two mile mark and maybe a large field handicap over that sort of trip off around 123 with a bit of cut is required. I think he will be best over a flat track and I remain positive. Today’s 6/1 was a decent each way as I was always convinced getting at least the money back at quarter the odds.
TWO AND A HALF MILE NOVICE HURDLE CLASS 4
WHISPERING GALLERY (pos)
This was a very nice hurdle race indeed with the first three home being good quality and no excusses so I would expect the form to work out. Whilst the winner was super impressive and rates the eyecatcher it is likely to side with the inexperienced ex Irish pointer Marken who continues to improve and ran very creditably finishing fourth in such company being competitive for much af the race. Bobowen and Diese Dynamo ran creditable second and third by Whispering Gallery looked a class apart here showing stamina and jumping ability which marks him out as a future top grader. He is in a host of Cheltenham races and on the basis of two facile wins out of two hurdle efforts you question why is he at such long odds. Some might point to one clumsy jump two out today but the error did not knock his momentum in the slightest. If we assume he can jump which I believe he has shown he can, the only question is what about consistency at a fast pace. Well we will just have to see. But what about class? On the flat in 2009 he won first time out as a three year old for Mark Johnson. He then won a class 2 handicap at the Ebor meeting on fastish flat ground, As a four year old was second in the listed Fred Archer Stakes, won a listed race at Windsor before running second in the group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot by a short head. His final race on the flat was winning a £400,000 Group 3 at Meydan over two miles. I think he will be even better when raced over three miles over hurdles . Could be decent each wayer at the festival and I think the Albert Bartlett is his best option.
TWO MILE HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 4
JACK THE GENT (neg)
They went a decent clip and in general they were a fair mob with the winner a stocky grey jumping fine and wining in workmanlike but with a bit in hand. However the runner up caught the eye as one to lay. Form figures of 422 would have him chalked up on the low side I would say but his jumping is so erratic especially when at a fair clip as to make him one to leave alone. One win in 18 which was a novice hurdle says plenty. Still a novice over the larger obstacles and likely to remain so
TWO MILE NEWCOMERS NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE
FIDDLER ONTHE HOOF (pos for long term)
It didn’t look that inspiring when I looked at the card with twelve horses who had never seen a point to point let alone raced under rules due to contest the final race of the day. In fact they looked a very nice set with some looking bumper quality and others clearly for the future. The winner Diamond King just pulled right away showing an excellent turn of foot and clearly well prepared by McCain for this racecourse bow. Cost €85,000 and is well bred for the game. Of the others Willpower looked a smart sort and bred for NH being closely related to useful Noble Price. Showed up in a handy position throughout but just didn’t go the same pace as the winner. I think he will prefer faster ground. The one that I liked the most was Fiddler Onthe Hoof. Full brother to hurdler Songsmith he looked like he has plenty of scope to make a hurdler and probably in time jump fences. Went very well today if a bit green. Hampered after getting into contention approaching 2 furlongs out and come home unhurried to be a promising 5th. Can win a bumper but will be much better when sent jumping in due course. Looks sort to stay further than 2 miles as brother won good event at Newbury over 19f.
19TH FEBRUARY2013
Soft
Bright sunny day
TWO MILE CONDITIONAL KOCKEYS’ HANDICAP HURDLE CLASS 5
A SOUTHSIDE BOY (pos)
Handicapper still hasn’t caught up with winner Coverholder who was completing a fourtimer. Held up in mid division made smooth progress to lead approaching two out and won still looking to have a little in hand. Although you could say he may yet have another win in him I think eventually the assessor will catch him so I will leave him out. The race was not run to suit Prickles who I had seen win in good style at Uttoxeter on New Year’s Eve She likes to dictate matters and was not allowed that today as was hustled along having to press for the lead. She went out too tamely for this to be her form and whilst she has had a fair jack up in the weights I would not be negative and take her on with a lot of confidence in subsequent races. Second home Solway Dandy was unlucky in running on his handicap debut and could very well pick up a handicap soon but it was the German bred A Southside Boy who looks on to back in the future. Slowly getting the hang of things over hurdles after three novice events came into handicap territory off 79 which looks more than fair. Previous flat form included a handicap win over a mile and half at Hamilton Park in the mud. Showed tenacity to win but took a good while to show any ability on the level suggesting in a slow learner but has some pace. On the basis of this more promising staying on fourth I would say he needs further than this with at least 2m4 required. His hurdling was nowhere near perfect and there were a couple of clangers today but is definitely going in the right direction. His only win was under Tom Eaves which suggests to me he could well do with more experienced jockey especially in these early days. Has only been ridden by claimers to date.
TWO MILES FOUR AND A BIT FURLONGS NOVICE CHASE CLASS 4
RISKIER (neg)
This was not a satisfactory race at all with more than half the field of 11 falling and the unfortunate sight of Shinrock Hill perishing. The winner was Marie Des Anges who jumped fine and skipped clear. Quite what she beat and the circumstances of the victory would not make her a clear winner in the future and shouldering a penalty in novice chases difficult. Probably better suited to handicaps I would say. The one I watch for the future as a laying option is third home Riskier. He was prominent for much of the race and kept out of the trouble as a consequence. Looked to be the only challenger entering the straight but was out jumped from three out and finished tired. His jumping was very sketchy and spends a long time in the air. Whilst safe enough looks too careful and I cannot see him picking up many more chases going forward off this 109 mark. I think he is better over a two mile trip but this is the third consecutive race where his jumping has been his Achilles heel so he looks to me a lay and with recent form figures of 2211323 he is always likely to trade shorter than his ability dictates.
TWO AND THREEQUARTER MILES HANDICAP HURDLE CLASS 4
SOLIS (neg)
The seven year old Forty Crown still looks a bit of an awkward sort but battled on well to prevail from the veteran Leac An Scail who still retains plenty of jest. My eye though was caught by Solis who looks a lay going forward. Although 11 places from 45 runs with two wins probably says it all. Both those wins were off 93 (raced off 95 today) and was ridden by Ryan Mania at Cartmel and Perth. In truth Cartmel is the one track I would be wary taking him on as both runs at that idiosyncratic track where about his best and Cartmel often throws up a specialist. In the meantime his hurdling is too big so will always be open to being outpaced by nippier jumpers. Has been campaigned on the flat with not a sniff of success, well beaten in sellers over timber and has played up at the start before.
THREE MILES ONE FURLONG HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 3
SEE U BOB (pos)
Good class but small field feature race. The hot favourite Good Order was outjumped and was beaten coming into the straight with the winner No Secrets making all and dictating well. However it remains the Johnjo O’Neill Trained See U Bob who is still a positive for me. I had said enough as to his past performances after I saw his run at Leicester. In terms of today he again looked to have a real chance going to the last having been held up but did not quicken enough. It was still a good effort I am not saying he doesn’t stay this sort of trip but his wins have all been around the two mile mark and maybe a large field handicap over that sort of trip off around 123 with a bit of cut is required. I think he will be best over a flat track and I remain positive. Today’s 6/1 was a decent each way as I was always convinced getting at least the money back at quarter the odds.
TWO AND A HALF MILE NOVICE HURDLE CLASS 4
WHISPERING GALLERY (pos)
This was a very nice hurdle race indeed with the first three home being good quality and no excusses so I would expect the form to work out. Whilst the winner was super impressive and rates the eyecatcher it is likely to side with the inexperienced ex Irish pointer Marken who continues to improve and ran very creditably finishing fourth in such company being competitive for much af the race. Bobowen and Diese Dynamo ran creditable second and third by Whispering Gallery looked a class apart here showing stamina and jumping ability which marks him out as a future top grader. He is in a host of Cheltenham races and on the basis of two facile wins out of two hurdle efforts you question why is he at such long odds. Some might point to one clumsy jump two out today but the error did not knock his momentum in the slightest. If we assume he can jump which I believe he has shown he can, the only question is what about consistency at a fast pace. Well we will just have to see. But what about class? On the flat in 2009 he won first time out as a three year old for Mark Johnson. He then won a class 2 handicap at the Ebor meeting on fastish flat ground, As a four year old was second in the listed Fred Archer Stakes, won a listed race at Windsor before running second in the group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot by a short head. His final race on the flat was winning a £400,000 Group 3 at Meydan over two miles. I think he will be even better when raced over three miles over hurdles . Could be decent each wayer at the festival and I think the Albert Bartlett is his best option.
TWO MILE HANDICAP CHASE CLASS 4
JACK THE GENT (neg)
They went a decent clip and in general they were a fair mob with the winner a stocky grey jumping fine and wining in workmanlike but with a bit in hand. However the runner up caught the eye as one to lay. Form figures of 422 would have him chalked up on the low side I would say but his jumping is so erratic especially when at a fair clip as to make him one to leave alone. One win in 18 which was a novice hurdle says plenty. Still a novice over the larger obstacles and likely to remain so
TWO MILE NEWCOMERS NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE
FIDDLER ONTHE HOOF (pos for long term)
It didn’t look that inspiring when I looked at the card with twelve horses who had never seen a point to point let alone raced under rules due to contest the final race of the day. In fact they looked a very nice set with some looking bumper quality and others clearly for the future. The winner Diamond King just pulled right away showing an excellent turn of foot and clearly well prepared by McCain for this racecourse bow. Cost €85,000 and is well bred for the game. Of the others Willpower looked a smart sort and bred for NH being closely related to useful Noble Price. Showed up in a handy position throughout but just didn’t go the same pace as the winner. I think he will prefer faster ground. The one that I liked the most was Fiddler Onthe Hoof. Full brother to hurdler Songsmith he looked like he has plenty of scope to make a hurdler and probably in time jump fences. Went very well today if a bit green. Hampered after getting into contention approaching 2 furlongs out and come home unhurried to be a promising 5th. Can win a bumper but will be much better when sent jumping in due course. Looks sort to stay further than 2 miles as brother won good event at Newbury over 19f.
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Uttoxeter feb 2013
11 Feb 13 16:20
UTTOXETER
9TH FEBRUARY 2013
HEAVY
COLD DRY TILL DRIZZLE FOR LAST RACE
TWO MILE FIVE FURLONG CLASS 5 MAIDEN HURDLE
LOWPARKLAD (slight pos)
Given the going it was no surprise that this was run at a slow pace with the leader Awbeg Massini making most and jumping economically. I thought it wasn’t a bad race and the odds on favourite Fourovakind was well ridden by James Banks being produced with a well timed run to lead on the run in for a comfortable victory. Of the remainder I thought the six year old Radio Nowhere ran a promising race in fourth hurdled tidily but either didn’t like the mud or didn’t stay the trip I think it was more the latter than the former and I would expect a decent effort over the minimum trip. The eyecatcher from a positive if tentative vote went to Lowpark Lad who was coming back from a 811 day absence. According from all records this was his first run under rules having turned up for two Irish points and raced with credit particularly when relinquishing lead and battling back to win 4yo gelding event. He didn’t look in bad shape really but was rusty / novicey over the early hurdles but soon got into his stride and without really being pushed got into the contention at the fourth last. He came to hold every chance approaching 2 out but failed to quicken and did not really pick up when the pace changed. He was left to come in his own time. Sure to come on for this and I would think he will stay further particularly on better ground. An encouraging run however after being off the course (where!) for so long you have to have a nagging doubt about how robust he actually is.
TWO MILES CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ CLASS 5 SELLING HURDLE
GET IT ON (pos)
Sedate gallop for this seller. Bridal Madic who was having his racecourse debut hurdled poorly and was soon detached. Stow and Get It On were by far the better technical hurdlers. The winner Stow was bought for thick end of 11 grand and he won readily looking the sort to step up from this seller having good form in class 3 events. It is the runner up who I liked the most from a future perspective. Get It On travelled well and hurdled well throughout keeping close tabs on Stow until the run to the last where he then looked tired. I think he will be seen to better effect on better ground and can pick up a seller but could well progress to becoming a fair handicapper. Has won twice at Market Rasen over the 19 on soft and good ground and has won over hurdles rated 122 in the past compared to today’s 116. On both occasions was held up and goes well for Paul Maloney. I thought he looked close to his best today, met a useful seller opponent in Stow who has won multiple class 3 events and a small field in heavy ground over a trip short of his optimum would not have suited. One to keep an eye out for when conditions are in his favour.
TWO MILES FIVE FURLONG CLASS 5 HANDICAP HURDLE
NOTHING POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE
This was a moderate race run at a steady pace. Landenstown Star was a negative from my visit here on new years eve and never looked like being a worry to being laid win (5/1) and place till the cows came home. Switch to hurdles appeared to be on a sort of confidence builder but from my perspective I didn’t think he showed much aptitude for the fight when the pace quickened approaching 3 out where he had every chance but plodded in from there to finish sixth of the thirteen. It wasn’t a hopeless run by any means but I still think he can be laid with confidence in subsequent efforts and a chased mark of 98 still looks around 10lbs off competitive. Of the remainder the ex Jim Bolger Galway winner Leyland was a bit disappointing as I thought he had form to suggest a competitive effort. However Wilson Renwick was showing him going past the jamstick first time and Leyland soon wilted when the pace was upped. He really didn’t seem to stay this trip in the mud and he might be better on better ground. His hurdling was a bit sketchy to say the least and as such I would leave him alone despite promise. In short the winner I Know The Code quickened up well off top weight to win readily, the Bogeyman ran prominently hurdling OK but seemed not to see out the trip to finish third, Petroupetrov ran in snatches and did fine to finish second but was caught out in my view by change of pace and once got going stayed on as such I think he could do with a three miler. Nuisance was very disappointing and was never going well, Sacco Doro didn’t seem to want to run was left at the start benefited by the slow pace and got into the pack again around half way but was soon cooked so the effort had probably drained him, one to avoid really. Lindongrove tried to make all and stayed on resolutely once picked up which showed good attitude.
THREE MILE CLASS 4 HANDICAP CHASE
SANDYNOW (pos)
Top race of the day and despite some fears that with several out and out front runners in the field giving the possibility of them ‘cutting each others throats’, this was run a decent but not crazy pace which meant this was a pretty fair test. The horse to take out of this was the faller at the second last Sandynow. Held up at the rear early on he was steadily produced from halfway and was on the heels of the leaders from four out. He looked all over the winner when coming between horse to take second approaching 2 out. The leader jumped markedly left over the obstacle and Snadynow looked unsighted pitched too steep and threw his jockey when buckling. Never really down was soon back in his stride and leaped the last riderless. Clearly nonetheworse for a bit of a soft fall and I would not hold this against him at all. This was his fourth ever chase is still a novice and this 102 mark is very fair. His jumping in general was much improved today and I would suspect he would be chalked out further in the odds because of this fall and some perception that his jumping is poor. I think he stays this trip and acts in this ground. He represents a decent chance next run. The winner Rebeccas Choice came from behind and benefited from Sandynow’s fall. Refitting of cheekpeices probably helped but not guaranteed to repeat trick! Second home was the old mudlark Mark the Book who was the cause of Sandynow’s fall in the main and stayed on for minor honours. Of the rest I though Mohi Rahrere (ran well in last year’s Midland Grand National) went fine till weakening about 6 out and was pulled up when pulled up 4 out so not the best preparation if aiming at another tilt next month, Kilsascan is on a really decent mark of 90 and keeps running very well over these three mile and a bit races in the mud. Not necessarily a good win bet but when conditions are on his side off this sort of mark will always give you a good run for your money usually getting placed. Finally I thought Kilcommon Pride jumped well today. I think the 111 rating is a bit high, he does stay this trip but the deep ground is not in his favour he really needs soft at worst.
TWO MILE FIVE FURLONG CLASS 4 HANDICAP HURDLE
LE BACARDY (pos)
I thought they went a decent clip given the conditions in this event. My positive would go to the ex French debutant Le Bacardy who is in the main bred for the flat but has some fair form in France being 5th in an Auteuil listed event before switching successfully four times in claimers. He wore headgear more often than not in France and raced today in cheekpeices. Entered at 120 in todays handicap which might have been a bit stiff based on his form and I thought might drop a couple of furlongs to getr a better chance of lasting home. Acts on soft ground and like many French horses enjoys a bit of mud as that is about all the jumpers seem to encounter over there. Held up as usual and jumped fine getting into a strong position approaching 3 out just not quickening or lasting home as well as some but still a pretty decent GB debut suggesting he will pick up handicap hurdles in due course. Of the rest the runner up Hassadin looked very genuine if a touch one paced, Radmores Revenge ran well to be a staying on third and the winner Barrakilla raced wide on the better ground or ground which was not so cut up as the inside and asserted from being prominent approaching last to win easing down. Looked a fair performance in truth. Bound For Glory didn’t hurdle that well and looked to me not to be that keen on the mud, Gud Day is about a stone too high in the weights off 118 and I would say definitely needs good ground having said that ran OK today just needs a bit of respite from the assessor and the elements.
TWO MILES MARES CLASS 4 HANDICAP HURDLE
SCHOLASTICA (pos)
In my view the jockeys of the other runners let Lee Edwards get away with murder today and gifted his mount Dirty Deal a long and soft lead which they never really got to grips with. Edwards took maximum advantage and played a waiting in the lead job dictating the pace brilliantly. Having establish a long t[lead he let the mare have a breather down the backstraight and this let the field take closer order. He then let her down again entering the straight and she zipped away for a comfortable victory. The main casualty of this was the best mare in the race Scholastica. She was caught flatfooted and just couldn’t get near Dirty Deal from approaching the last after trying to recover from an error two out which was vital to her chances. But to her credit she buckled down to finish second. She has now run well on all three races here. She opened her account first time up in a bumper and showed plenty of pace including a decent effort behind the progressive potentially high class Shutthefrontdoor beaten eight lengths in an Ascot championship bumper. Thumped a field of novices over course and distance to win second hurdle, was then a creditable third in listed event at Haydock. Off this 115 she can be considered very fairly treated and I think she will be better over further. Her final bumper was an excellent fifth in a very valuable Newbury event which had today’s 147 rated feature handicap at Newbury (Your Tent Or Mine) in the line up. I think flat tracks will suit her best and a sounder surface will also benefit. She is one to keep on your side in handicap events as 115 looks soft to me.
TWO MILE CLASS 4 HANDICAP CHASE
STARSKY DES MOTTES (neg)
Not a bad event with the winner Greywell Boy running well and showing good genuine attitude to come back from a defeat looking error to get up readily on the run in. This led me to make the runner up Starsky des Mottes a negative as I thought he looked a bit ungenuine and so lay material in the future. That lack of tenacity is vital over the jumps. Of the remainder I thought Ballywhat ran well but jumping let him down a bit and that coupled with a 10lbs weight rise without winning a race must be very frustrating for Kim Bailey, he has been going well in his recent races but 120 is difficult for the assessor to justify. AnayTurge ran with credit but his 7lbs hike to 117 did for him in my opinion.
9TH FEBRUARY 2013
HEAVY
COLD DRY TILL DRIZZLE FOR LAST RACE
TWO MILE FIVE FURLONG CLASS 5 MAIDEN HURDLE
LOWPARKLAD (slight pos)
Given the going it was no surprise that this was run at a slow pace with the leader Awbeg Massini making most and jumping economically. I thought it wasn’t a bad race and the odds on favourite Fourovakind was well ridden by James Banks being produced with a well timed run to lead on the run in for a comfortable victory. Of the remainder I thought the six year old Radio Nowhere ran a promising race in fourth hurdled tidily but either didn’t like the mud or didn’t stay the trip I think it was more the latter than the former and I would expect a decent effort over the minimum trip. The eyecatcher from a positive if tentative vote went to Lowpark Lad who was coming back from a 811 day absence. According from all records this was his first run under rules having turned up for two Irish points and raced with credit particularly when relinquishing lead and battling back to win 4yo gelding event. He didn’t look in bad shape really but was rusty / novicey over the early hurdles but soon got into his stride and without really being pushed got into the contention at the fourth last. He came to hold every chance approaching 2 out but failed to quicken and did not really pick up when the pace changed. He was left to come in his own time. Sure to come on for this and I would think he will stay further particularly on better ground. An encouraging run however after being off the course (where!) for so long you have to have a nagging doubt about how robust he actually is.
TWO MILES CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ CLASS 5 SELLING HURDLE
GET IT ON (pos)
Sedate gallop for this seller. Bridal Madic who was having his racecourse debut hurdled poorly and was soon detached. Stow and Get It On were by far the better technical hurdlers. The winner Stow was bought for thick end of 11 grand and he won readily looking the sort to step up from this seller having good form in class 3 events. It is the runner up who I liked the most from a future perspective. Get It On travelled well and hurdled well throughout keeping close tabs on Stow until the run to the last where he then looked tired. I think he will be seen to better effect on better ground and can pick up a seller but could well progress to becoming a fair handicapper. Has won twice at Market Rasen over the 19 on soft and good ground and has won over hurdles rated 122 in the past compared to today’s 116. On both occasions was held up and goes well for Paul Maloney. I thought he looked close to his best today, met a useful seller opponent in Stow who has won multiple class 3 events and a small field in heavy ground over a trip short of his optimum would not have suited. One to keep an eye out for when conditions are in his favour.
TWO MILES FIVE FURLONG CLASS 5 HANDICAP HURDLE
NOTHING POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE
This was a moderate race run at a steady pace. Landenstown Star was a negative from my visit here on new years eve and never looked like being a worry to being laid win (5/1) and place till the cows came home. Switch to hurdles appeared to be on a sort of confidence builder but from my perspective I didn’t think he showed much aptitude for the fight when the pace quickened approaching 3 out where he had every chance but plodded in from there to finish sixth of the thirteen. It wasn’t a hopeless run by any means but I still think he can be laid with confidence in subsequent efforts and a chased mark of 98 still looks around 10lbs off competitive. Of the remainder the ex Jim Bolger Galway winner Leyland was a bit disappointing as I thought he had form to suggest a competitive effort. However Wilson Renwick was showing him going past the jamstick first time and Leyland soon wilted when the pace was upped. He really didn’t seem to stay this trip in the mud and he might be better on better ground. His hurdling was a bit sketchy to say the least and as such I would leave him alone despite promise. In short the winner I Know The Code quickened up well off top weight to win readily, the Bogeyman ran prominently hurdling OK but seemed not to see out the trip to finish third, Petroupetrov ran in snatches and did fine to finish second but was caught out in my view by change of pace and once got going stayed on as such I think he could do with a three miler. Nuisance was very disappointing and was never going well, Sacco Doro didn’t seem to want to run was left at the start benefited by the slow pace and got into the pack again around half way but was soon cooked so the effort had probably drained him, one to avoid really. Lindongrove tried to make all and stayed on resolutely once picked up which showed good attitude.
THREE MILE CLASS 4 HANDICAP CHASE
SANDYNOW (pos)
Top race of the day and despite some fears that with several out and out front runners in the field giving the possibility of them ‘cutting each others throats’, this was run a decent but not crazy pace which meant this was a pretty fair test. The horse to take out of this was the faller at the second last Sandynow. Held up at the rear early on he was steadily produced from halfway and was on the heels of the leaders from four out. He looked all over the winner when coming between horse to take second approaching 2 out. The leader jumped markedly left over the obstacle and Snadynow looked unsighted pitched too steep and threw his jockey when buckling. Never really down was soon back in his stride and leaped the last riderless. Clearly nonetheworse for a bit of a soft fall and I would not hold this against him at all. This was his fourth ever chase is still a novice and this 102 mark is very fair. His jumping in general was much improved today and I would suspect he would be chalked out further in the odds because of this fall and some perception that his jumping is poor. I think he stays this trip and acts in this ground. He represents a decent chance next run. The winner Rebeccas Choice came from behind and benefited from Sandynow’s fall. Refitting of cheekpeices probably helped but not guaranteed to repeat trick! Second home was the old mudlark Mark the Book who was the cause of Sandynow’s fall in the main and stayed on for minor honours. Of the rest I though Mohi Rahrere (ran well in last year’s Midland Grand National) went fine till weakening about 6 out and was pulled up when pulled up 4 out so not the best preparation if aiming at another tilt next month, Kilsascan is on a really decent mark of 90 and keeps running very well over these three mile and a bit races in the mud. Not necessarily a good win bet but when conditions are on his side off this sort of mark will always give you a good run for your money usually getting placed. Finally I thought Kilcommon Pride jumped well today. I think the 111 rating is a bit high, he does stay this trip but the deep ground is not in his favour he really needs soft at worst.
TWO MILE FIVE FURLONG CLASS 4 HANDICAP HURDLE
LE BACARDY (pos)
I thought they went a decent clip given the conditions in this event. My positive would go to the ex French debutant Le Bacardy who is in the main bred for the flat but has some fair form in France being 5th in an Auteuil listed event before switching successfully four times in claimers. He wore headgear more often than not in France and raced today in cheekpeices. Entered at 120 in todays handicap which might have been a bit stiff based on his form and I thought might drop a couple of furlongs to getr a better chance of lasting home. Acts on soft ground and like many French horses enjoys a bit of mud as that is about all the jumpers seem to encounter over there. Held up as usual and jumped fine getting into a strong position approaching 3 out just not quickening or lasting home as well as some but still a pretty decent GB debut suggesting he will pick up handicap hurdles in due course. Of the rest the runner up Hassadin looked very genuine if a touch one paced, Radmores Revenge ran well to be a staying on third and the winner Barrakilla raced wide on the better ground or ground which was not so cut up as the inside and asserted from being prominent approaching last to win easing down. Looked a fair performance in truth. Bound For Glory didn’t hurdle that well and looked to me not to be that keen on the mud, Gud Day is about a stone too high in the weights off 118 and I would say definitely needs good ground having said that ran OK today just needs a bit of respite from the assessor and the elements.
TWO MILES MARES CLASS 4 HANDICAP HURDLE
SCHOLASTICA (pos)
In my view the jockeys of the other runners let Lee Edwards get away with murder today and gifted his mount Dirty Deal a long and soft lead which they never really got to grips with. Edwards took maximum advantage and played a waiting in the lead job dictating the pace brilliantly. Having establish a long t[lead he let the mare have a breather down the backstraight and this let the field take closer order. He then let her down again entering the straight and she zipped away for a comfortable victory. The main casualty of this was the best mare in the race Scholastica. She was caught flatfooted and just couldn’t get near Dirty Deal from approaching the last after trying to recover from an error two out which was vital to her chances. But to her credit she buckled down to finish second. She has now run well on all three races here. She opened her account first time up in a bumper and showed plenty of pace including a decent effort behind the progressive potentially high class Shutthefrontdoor beaten eight lengths in an Ascot championship bumper. Thumped a field of novices over course and distance to win second hurdle, was then a creditable third in listed event at Haydock. Off this 115 she can be considered very fairly treated and I think she will be better over further. Her final bumper was an excellent fifth in a very valuable Newbury event which had today’s 147 rated feature handicap at Newbury (Your Tent Or Mine) in the line up. I think flat tracks will suit her best and a sounder surface will also benefit. She is one to keep on your side in handicap events as 115 looks soft to me.
TWO MILE CLASS 4 HANDICAP CHASE
STARSKY DES MOTTES (neg)
Not a bad event with the winner Greywell Boy running well and showing good genuine attitude to come back from a defeat looking error to get up readily on the run in. This led me to make the runner up Starsky des Mottes a negative as I thought he looked a bit ungenuine and so lay material in the future. That lack of tenacity is vital over the jumps. Of the remainder I thought Ballywhat ran well but jumping let him down a bit and that coupled with a 10lbs weight rise without winning a race must be very frustrating for Kim Bailey, he has been going well in his recent races but 120 is difficult for the assessor to justify. AnayTurge ran with credit but his 7lbs hike to 117 did for him in my opinion.
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