Day three
JLT
Shattered Love; I first saw this beautiful mare in the Aintree bumper and have followed her progress closely. She's developed into a lovely strong chaser and when they're built this way the mare's allowance is simply a gift. Her odds halved throughout the day and I thought she was thoroughly impressive. Wouldn't it be great to see her back here in the Gold Cup next year.
Benatar; A very good looking horse, strong, stoutly built. A little keen beforehand and as always tanked throughout the race. Clearly not straight forward, the way he stayed on up the hill suggests he has loads of stamina and if they find the key to getting him settled, he could go a long way because at six, he can only improve.
Bigmartre; A likeable sort, big and strong but not necessarily the biggest or best in this field. He was on edge and shaped like a non stayer, although the odds are he's only going to be a G2/G3 type and was essentially outclassed in a very good field.
Pertemps
Louis' Vac Pouch; Unraced since winning in November and the plan didn't come off, he got quite stirred up beforehand and was never in it. He may yet have a decent spring if the yard returns to form, although he has to prove worthy of a lofty rating.
Champion Chase
Un De Sceaux; A unique looking horse, short front to back and very strong, rotund. As we know he's very enthusiastic in a race but he was on his toes a good deal and got quite warm; whether he wasn't quite himself on the day, I'm not sure.
Balko Des Flos; Quite athletic looking, a little plain, and possibly room to strengthen further. Has been a very good horse from the get-go and came in here under-estimated on account of the going, but he surely goes on most types of ground and there must be a chance of him tilting at the Gold Cup on a better surface. Fears about his jumping were also unfounded.
Stayers Hurdle
Supasundae; His sweaty appearance put me off him last year and again he got rather warm, although he's quite an imposing individual.
Sam Spinner; One of the smallest in the field, he looked fit and well. He jumps hurdles well but I'd be looking to oppose him if he ever went chasing. The fractions he set wouldn't have suited him and if it comes up soft at Aintree he's worth considering.
The Worlds End; A bit of a 'nothing' season for this good looking chase type, whose effort here may go under the radar. Undoubtedly better on a sounder surface, and if it ever dries out he'll be of interest this spring.
Brown Advisory
The Storyteller; Not over-big, but quite classy looking, and likely to prove better than a handicapper in time, although his jumping may always be a slight issue.
Ballyalton; A lovely looking horse with loads of size and scope, performed with credit for a third time at the festival. He can win again, and granted better ground you could see him going well in this next year.
Kings Socks; The subject of a market move, he looks rather one-paced but may be better over shorter. He's a decent looking animal.
Pougne Bobbi; Good size and scope, it's a shame he's so inconsistent because he has the stamp of a very useful recruit.
Kim Muir
Mall Dini; A good strong sort, he travelled like the winner but not for the first time found one more determined on the run-in. Nevertheless, this was a third cracking effort at the Festival and better ground is sure to see him go well again next year.
Squouateur; Lacking in size and scope, he's always likely to struggle in the hurly-burly of big-fields, which he usually faces. 0/10 over fences, he looks well-handicapped and perhaps a return to timber could see him back in the winner's circle.
Actinpieces; Ever-enthusiastic, and very much on her toes in the prelims, although she calmed down eventually and was fine. Thoroughly genuine and consistent, she's good enough to contest listed mares races.
Tintern Theatre; Lacks size and scope and his jumping has been a cause for concern all season. Expertly handled by Sam Twiston-Davies to win at Kempton, he'd be of interest next term if reverting to timber, as he stays very well and remains on a decent mark.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query shattered love. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query shattered love. Sort by date Show all posts
Sunday, 18 March 2018
Saturday, 9 April 2016
Weekly round-up - W/C April 4
Aintree - Thursday 7th
Race One
No hard luck stories here and they all looked well beforehand. The state of the ground was important and it looked somewhere between good to soft and soft as the description suggested.
Arzal had to go close if he stayed the extra 2m 4f and it helped that he wasn't hassled on the lead and Sheehan got him in a lovely rhythm. And didn't he jump well. L'Ami Serge briefly threatened to land a blow but ran a similar race to Cheltenham, not entirely convincing with his finishing effort. Sizing John ran a bit flat for me and he should stay easily enough in time. Volnay De Thaix is starting to look disappointing for such a lovely stamp of a horse but perhaps a step up to 3m with see him in better light once handicapping.
Race Two
The anticipation of softer ground meant Ivanovich Gorbatov was well worth opposing at early odds of around 11/8 and in that regard it was even more pleasing to see that the horse didn't look great in the prelims, a little on edge and getting increasingly sweaty. A flat type, the ground wouldn't have suited but he probably wasn't in the same form as at Cheltenham all the same. I've no idea how to rate this form with the winner Apple's Jade mightily impressive, but the way the rest finished suggested all these youngsters were feeling the effects of the Festival on this very different ground. Footpad was the most likeable sort physically by some margin and is a likely improver in time.
Race Three
A race that pretty much panned out as expected with Cue Card, once again strong in the market, leaving a great sense of 'what might have been' at Cheltenham. He would surely have pushed Don Cossack all the way. Don Poli was given a very different ride here than at Cheltenham and that helped him put in a much better effort. You'd have to think Grand National for him in the future but top weight would be assured.
Race Four
Annie Power followed up in grand style over a trip that was likely to suit better than three weeks ago. The one view I took from the paddock was that Nichols Canyon looked quite lean and dry in his coat, suggesting he might have had enough for the season. He didn't run much of a race and says quite a lot that My Tent Or Yours, who didn't find much off the bridle over this trip as was likely to be the case, still had enough in reserve to hold on well for second.
Race Five
The Foxhunters, other than the odd long shot, usually goes to one near the front of the market and there was a school of thought that Pacha Du Polder, under a stronger ride, ought to go closer to On The Fringe with the shorter trip likely to suit. However, the Nicholls horse was very flat after showing up early and the result was never in doubt from quite early in the race - On The Fringe obviously a very good horse in this sphere after achieving the 'double double'. Current Event again ran well on ground that went against him and they should find a nice race for him, probably at Stratford, if we ever get a break in the weather,
Race Six
Personally speaking the Red Rum was the most interesting race of the day and it took me most of the day to figure out that Katachenko was one of the few who hadn't fully shown what he is capable of. The race has a history of throwing up some shock results and I was happy to put a line through several of the fancied runners on account of the soft ground, while I was also happy to cross out Fayette County even before he started playing up on the way to the start. He's a very big lump of a horse who would prefer a big galloping track.
Minella Present looked trained to the minute but finished lame, while Viconte Du Noyer also looked very well, if a bit keen, and I thought he ran a blinder considering they must have been hoping for better ground. A mention has to go to the winning jockey as Hutch gave Katachenko a terrific front running ride, getting him on a good stride at the fences before firmly making his mind up for him before the last. The horse had every chance to shirk the issue on the run-in, but his effort was hard to crab.
Race Seven
The mares bumper gathered the best of the fairer sex and there were plenty of nice looking horses for the future. Bells On Sunday was one of the nicer ones as was Little Miss Poet, who showed up well and looks to have a great future, Copper Kay is also well made and already shapes like a strong stayer.Shattered Love was apparently not particularly fancied by shrewd connections so they must be thrilled with her effort in third place, this tall, lean chasing type staying on most pleasingly. La Bague Au Roi was all the rage but the ground was a major issue beforehand and she didn't travel anywhere near as comfortably as she has in the past and this light-framed mare clearly has to have good ground. I saw Kayf Grace at Donny and she took an age to get going, but once stoked up here she really stayed on well. A good strong boned mare, she's a bit flighty and got very warm, but is a lovely sort for the future. Augusta Kate is on the small side and it remains to be seen if she goes on over timber.
Newcastle - Friday 8th
The decision was made to head up the A19 to Gosforth Park...and what a mistake it was. If anything could go wrong, it surely did. I had little intention of getting too involved yet ended up leaving plenty behind. There wasn't much to glean from the paddock and I haven't seen too many horses looking over the top yet this spring.
I didn't play the first two races - the 2m handicap chase appeared to be Mumgos Debut's to lose but I couldn't possibly entertain a bet at shorter than 2/1 even though the betting was spot on.
They had put Asuncion in as the jolly early doors but the horse achieved very little in winning here last time and was a fairly solid lay in hindsight, she would probably have finished third had Harry Reed not fallen off Rosquero in bizarre fashion four out after the horse appeared to have popped the fence quite nicely.
It pretty much opened things up for Mumgos, who had come off the bridle on the home turn, and with Asuncion already having cried enough Mumgos was free to finally get off the mark after six runner-up finishes.
Race Three
This handicap hurdle summed things up as I couldn't see past the first two in the betting, and it proved to be the most wrong I've been all season as neither Molly Milan nor Diamond Damour completed the course.
Molly Milan's form behind Imperial Prince looked quite strong in this context and she looked in terrific form, yet the market suggested all was not right and when one of Goldie's doubles in price you pretty much know your fate. Diamond Damour's form over this trip behind Mac N Cheese at Wetherby was arguably the best in the race and he hadn't been seen to best effect back down in trip. But he stopped as if shot on this very soft ground and the big grey now looks firmly on the downgrade. Simmply Sam was devilishly hard to find and I haven't got Turtle Cask right all year. Like most of the races on the card, the form will not be worth a dime.
Race Four
Tomahawk Wood was all the rage for division two and after showing precious little in handicaps this strong looking chestnut looked fit and well following a break during which he may have had a wind op as they left the tongue tie off this time (pure speculation). When the Whillans money is down they don't get it wrong too often and in another weak affair he did what he had to do and is one you can take forward from this meeting, as he is starting from a very workable mark.
Final Fling was unexposed but looked agitated beforehand, getting sweaty, and ran no sort of race, while Titian Boy has the look of a decent staying chaser and that he may be in time. However, for the second time he ran no race and fences will need to transform him.
Race Five
King Of The Wolds has been an ATM for in-running players, never finding much off the bridle, and from the moment he was shoved along in a bid to get on the lead he was going to get beat. These were surprising tactics from a new jockey and while the horse is not one to follow he's better than this and may become well handicapped as a result.
With Alderbrook Lad and Presenting Junior having sighters ahead of their spring targets on better ground, it was left to Un Noble and Silver Tassie to fight out the finish. Un Noble has plenty of raw talent and physically can do a great deal between now and the autumn. If he does, he'll certainly improve plenty on this already solid season. Silver Tassie was further out his ground than his punters would have liked, a trait which jockey O'Toole is overly keen on. As a result this strong staying sort never looked likely to reel in the winner.
Race Six
I had been expecting to reinvest the returns Nuts Well gave us last time out in the next but the withdrawal of Spiculas scuppered any chance of a bet. Reveley's horse was returning from a lengthy absence and surely wanted better ground, but was taking a large chunk out of the market. The stable sensibly took him out on account of the ground, leaving Nuts Well with a penalty kick. That said, he looked a bit stirred up in the paddock, sweating quite freely, and with Ifandbutwhynot and Swaledale Lad looking very fit off breaks I ended up taking on the good thing. Never mind. The winner is still very novicey but this has been a very likeable first season over timber and I'm sure they'll target a decent prize over hurdles next term before embarking on a chasing career.
Race Seven
There were still two more races in which to hand over some cash and it wasn't difficult. The Orange Rogue went in to this 0/10 over fences although he'd run most of his best races at this track, he always finds one better on the run-in. However, they hacked round for most of this 3m trip and that helped his suspect jumping and stamina, and was against the favourite Veroce who has proved himself a dour stayer. The jolly was outpaced when the tempo finally lifted and young Hamilton was a little slow to react. That said, I always felt he'd reel in The Orange Rogue up the straight. However, N Alexander's charge winged the last three and that ultimately proved the key. Veroce looks the type to improve a good deal with another summer behind him and I can see him becoming a Haydock type of horse as he'd love a slog round there.
Race Eight
A staying hurdle that like the earlier race looked a two-horse affair with Smuggler's Stash expected to relish this slog with the addition of headgear, and he looked fantastic beforehand. When In Roam arrived in terrific form and looked a danger, with none of the others suggesting victory was forthcoming, Tickanrun arguably having a chance on his Musselburgh run. As it was, Triumph Davis put her best hoof forward to land the spoils on ground I didn't think would suit. Smuggler's Stash never picked up the bridle and served merely to show that the Dobbin yard is back in the doldrums after a golden run that saw Rocking Blues land a memorable hat-trick.
With Saturday's Sedgefield card cutting up I'll be taking a breather before a busy week starting next Sunday at Wetherby followed by a first trip to the Perth spring festival.
Race One
No hard luck stories here and they all looked well beforehand. The state of the ground was important and it looked somewhere between good to soft and soft as the description suggested.
Arzal had to go close if he stayed the extra 2m 4f and it helped that he wasn't hassled on the lead and Sheehan got him in a lovely rhythm. And didn't he jump well. L'Ami Serge briefly threatened to land a blow but ran a similar race to Cheltenham, not entirely convincing with his finishing effort. Sizing John ran a bit flat for me and he should stay easily enough in time. Volnay De Thaix is starting to look disappointing for such a lovely stamp of a horse but perhaps a step up to 3m with see him in better light once handicapping.
Race Two
The anticipation of softer ground meant Ivanovich Gorbatov was well worth opposing at early odds of around 11/8 and in that regard it was even more pleasing to see that the horse didn't look great in the prelims, a little on edge and getting increasingly sweaty. A flat type, the ground wouldn't have suited but he probably wasn't in the same form as at Cheltenham all the same. I've no idea how to rate this form with the winner Apple's Jade mightily impressive, but the way the rest finished suggested all these youngsters were feeling the effects of the Festival on this very different ground. Footpad was the most likeable sort physically by some margin and is a likely improver in time.
Race Three
A race that pretty much panned out as expected with Cue Card, once again strong in the market, leaving a great sense of 'what might have been' at Cheltenham. He would surely have pushed Don Cossack all the way. Don Poli was given a very different ride here than at Cheltenham and that helped him put in a much better effort. You'd have to think Grand National for him in the future but top weight would be assured.
Race Four
Annie Power followed up in grand style over a trip that was likely to suit better than three weeks ago. The one view I took from the paddock was that Nichols Canyon looked quite lean and dry in his coat, suggesting he might have had enough for the season. He didn't run much of a race and says quite a lot that My Tent Or Yours, who didn't find much off the bridle over this trip as was likely to be the case, still had enough in reserve to hold on well for second.
Race Five
The Foxhunters, other than the odd long shot, usually goes to one near the front of the market and there was a school of thought that Pacha Du Polder, under a stronger ride, ought to go closer to On The Fringe with the shorter trip likely to suit. However, the Nicholls horse was very flat after showing up early and the result was never in doubt from quite early in the race - On The Fringe obviously a very good horse in this sphere after achieving the 'double double'. Current Event again ran well on ground that went against him and they should find a nice race for him, probably at Stratford, if we ever get a break in the weather,
Race Six
Personally speaking the Red Rum was the most interesting race of the day and it took me most of the day to figure out that Katachenko was one of the few who hadn't fully shown what he is capable of. The race has a history of throwing up some shock results and I was happy to put a line through several of the fancied runners on account of the soft ground, while I was also happy to cross out Fayette County even before he started playing up on the way to the start. He's a very big lump of a horse who would prefer a big galloping track.
Minella Present looked trained to the minute but finished lame, while Viconte Du Noyer also looked very well, if a bit keen, and I thought he ran a blinder considering they must have been hoping for better ground. A mention has to go to the winning jockey as Hutch gave Katachenko a terrific front running ride, getting him on a good stride at the fences before firmly making his mind up for him before the last. The horse had every chance to shirk the issue on the run-in, but his effort was hard to crab.
Race Seven
The mares bumper gathered the best of the fairer sex and there were plenty of nice looking horses for the future. Bells On Sunday was one of the nicer ones as was Little Miss Poet, who showed up well and looks to have a great future, Copper Kay is also well made and already shapes like a strong stayer.Shattered Love was apparently not particularly fancied by shrewd connections so they must be thrilled with her effort in third place, this tall, lean chasing type staying on most pleasingly. La Bague Au Roi was all the rage but the ground was a major issue beforehand and she didn't travel anywhere near as comfortably as she has in the past and this light-framed mare clearly has to have good ground. I saw Kayf Grace at Donny and she took an age to get going, but once stoked up here she really stayed on well. A good strong boned mare, she's a bit flighty and got very warm, but is a lovely sort for the future. Augusta Kate is on the small side and it remains to be seen if she goes on over timber.
Newcastle - Friday 8th
The decision was made to head up the A19 to Gosforth Park...and what a mistake it was. If anything could go wrong, it surely did. I had little intention of getting too involved yet ended up leaving plenty behind. There wasn't much to glean from the paddock and I haven't seen too many horses looking over the top yet this spring.
I didn't play the first two races - the 2m handicap chase appeared to be Mumgos Debut's to lose but I couldn't possibly entertain a bet at shorter than 2/1 even though the betting was spot on.
They had put Asuncion in as the jolly early doors but the horse achieved very little in winning here last time and was a fairly solid lay in hindsight, she would probably have finished third had Harry Reed not fallen off Rosquero in bizarre fashion four out after the horse appeared to have popped the fence quite nicely.
It pretty much opened things up for Mumgos, who had come off the bridle on the home turn, and with Asuncion already having cried enough Mumgos was free to finally get off the mark after six runner-up finishes.
Race Three
This handicap hurdle summed things up as I couldn't see past the first two in the betting, and it proved to be the most wrong I've been all season as neither Molly Milan nor Diamond Damour completed the course.
Molly Milan's form behind Imperial Prince looked quite strong in this context and she looked in terrific form, yet the market suggested all was not right and when one of Goldie's doubles in price you pretty much know your fate. Diamond Damour's form over this trip behind Mac N Cheese at Wetherby was arguably the best in the race and he hadn't been seen to best effect back down in trip. But he stopped as if shot on this very soft ground and the big grey now looks firmly on the downgrade. Simmply Sam was devilishly hard to find and I haven't got Turtle Cask right all year. Like most of the races on the card, the form will not be worth a dime.
Race Four
Tomahawk Wood was all the rage for division two and after showing precious little in handicaps this strong looking chestnut looked fit and well following a break during which he may have had a wind op as they left the tongue tie off this time (pure speculation). When the Whillans money is down they don't get it wrong too often and in another weak affair he did what he had to do and is one you can take forward from this meeting, as he is starting from a very workable mark.
Final Fling was unexposed but looked agitated beforehand, getting sweaty, and ran no sort of race, while Titian Boy has the look of a decent staying chaser and that he may be in time. However, for the second time he ran no race and fences will need to transform him.
Race Five
King Of The Wolds has been an ATM for in-running players, never finding much off the bridle, and from the moment he was shoved along in a bid to get on the lead he was going to get beat. These were surprising tactics from a new jockey and while the horse is not one to follow he's better than this and may become well handicapped as a result.
With Alderbrook Lad and Presenting Junior having sighters ahead of their spring targets on better ground, it was left to Un Noble and Silver Tassie to fight out the finish. Un Noble has plenty of raw talent and physically can do a great deal between now and the autumn. If he does, he'll certainly improve plenty on this already solid season. Silver Tassie was further out his ground than his punters would have liked, a trait which jockey O'Toole is overly keen on. As a result this strong staying sort never looked likely to reel in the winner.
Race Six
I had been expecting to reinvest the returns Nuts Well gave us last time out in the next but the withdrawal of Spiculas scuppered any chance of a bet. Reveley's horse was returning from a lengthy absence and surely wanted better ground, but was taking a large chunk out of the market. The stable sensibly took him out on account of the ground, leaving Nuts Well with a penalty kick. That said, he looked a bit stirred up in the paddock, sweating quite freely, and with Ifandbutwhynot and Swaledale Lad looking very fit off breaks I ended up taking on the good thing. Never mind. The winner is still very novicey but this has been a very likeable first season over timber and I'm sure they'll target a decent prize over hurdles next term before embarking on a chasing career.
Race Seven
There were still two more races in which to hand over some cash and it wasn't difficult. The Orange Rogue went in to this 0/10 over fences although he'd run most of his best races at this track, he always finds one better on the run-in. However, they hacked round for most of this 3m trip and that helped his suspect jumping and stamina, and was against the favourite Veroce who has proved himself a dour stayer. The jolly was outpaced when the tempo finally lifted and young Hamilton was a little slow to react. That said, I always felt he'd reel in The Orange Rogue up the straight. However, N Alexander's charge winged the last three and that ultimately proved the key. Veroce looks the type to improve a good deal with another summer behind him and I can see him becoming a Haydock type of horse as he'd love a slog round there.
Race Eight
A staying hurdle that like the earlier race looked a two-horse affair with Smuggler's Stash expected to relish this slog with the addition of headgear, and he looked fantastic beforehand. When In Roam arrived in terrific form and looked a danger, with none of the others suggesting victory was forthcoming, Tickanrun arguably having a chance on his Musselburgh run. As it was, Triumph Davis put her best hoof forward to land the spoils on ground I didn't think would suit. Smuggler's Stash never picked up the bridle and served merely to show that the Dobbin yard is back in the doldrums after a golden run that saw Rocking Blues land a memorable hat-trick.
With Saturday's Sedgefield card cutting up I'll be taking a breather before a busy week starting next Sunday at Wetherby followed by a first trip to the Perth spring festival.
Sunday, 19 November 2017
Round-up - Newcastle/Wetherby Nov 17/18
Newcastle - Friday November 17
There were rumours the ground was on the quick side of good for the first meeting of the season but it looked like nice terrain and they came home well.
Race 1
A novice hurdle that revolved around three of them, but really the interesting one was French import Jassas who was having his first start for the in-form J Ewart.
Paddock inspection was more than enough to confirm he was the business - a big strong horse horse fully wound up for the debut - and with Johnson booked it was very surprising he wasn't a short priced favourite.
Inniscastle Lad had showed enough last time behind a good one but he's pretty moderate looking and not certain to go on this season, while Hello Fellas came in for support but he's crying out for softer and a distance of ground.
Joke Dancer is a lovely stamp of a horse and he reminds me of the same stable's Emral Silk, a big raw horse at this stage with plenty to learn.
But he could be quite talented and after once again looking slightly fractious beforehand and keen in the race, he knuckled down late on to give the Ewart horse a fright. He's one to watch and he's only four.
Race 2
A staying handicap hurdle where the market was lop-sided due to last week's Warwick winner Triopas running off the same mark with Johnson looking for a quick double.
This very sturdy beast tanked along before getting outpaced when it mattered, and the each-way money was spot on for Chu Chu Percy, who looks much improved this term and could be the sort to keep building.
Kings Eclipse once again suggested he has a race in him while The Conn wasn't best positioned turning in and he can certainly do better with some soft ground and ideally a change of jockey.
Race 3
Cracking Find looked a shoo-in for the novices handicap chase over 2m but it may not have been straight forward had Gris De Pron not crashed out at the second last when apparently tanking.
I'm a big fan of the winner though, as he'll keep jumping and galloping, and he shouldn't go up much for this so remains one to have on side when stepped back up in trip.
Gris De Pron is a nice strong youngster who had jumped brilliantly until his exit; he just got a bit low when travelling at speed and should bounce back from this.
An Laoch doesn't have a great deal of substance physically and was never likely to have the basic speed to go with the the other pair, but his jumping kept him in it and there should be races around for him, although he'd be of more interest in the coming years.
Race 4
Not much of a mares novice hurdle, Tokaramore looked a bit on edge and not especially fit but still went off favourite ahead of the nicely bred Mary Eleanor, who didn't have to achieve that much to win.
The less said of the ride on the runner-up the better; it was a lamentable effort and Katy Royal is surely better than she has shown in three runs to date.
Both Clovelly and Cheenys Venture were well held but have enough about them to suggest a small handicap is not out of reach for them.
Race 5
The handicap chase wasn't a race to get too involved with for all that Dica looked to have finally been nailed by the handicapper and forced into a better race as a result. He ran his usual admirable race but finished held.
With No Planning unable to front run and then losing his action, it fell apart a little and it was left to a smattering of weak finishers to fight it out, the roguish Rear Admiral responding to pressure after trying to take the last with him, he's a big lad but looked pretty straight.
Jet Master was set an impossible task and may yet have a race in him from this mark, but Baileys Concerto was very tame once more and his better days look to be behind him.
Race 6
Ballinslea Bridge was a worthy favourite on form and looks in the closing bumper but in the end he was just out-fought by Chanceanotherfive, who isn't much to look at but was tenacious and did well to defy a penalty.
Glinger Flame is a nice sort to go to war with and Sultans Pride looks more of a stayer, but Sweet As Candy was backward and will need time.
Wetherby - Saturday November 18
The ground was good to soft after a dry week for a competitive looking card.
Race 1
Talk about hindsight being a fine thing. The opening novice hurdle looked quite deep with four of them having shown fair form and a Longsdon raider that was making its debut.
The disparity in the market was very wide, however, especially in the morning where solid bumper performer Wemyss Point was 25/1 and bigger despite having shown comparable form first time over timber as the Skelton hotpot Cabaret Queen.
Now the latter clearly had bundles in hand when winning at Market Rasen, but the penalty for that made things interesting while Nicely Indeed, a stablemate of Wemyss Point, had the best form in the book but appears to find winning very hard following an injury absence.
With Just Don't Ask looking a nice big chasing type (looked fit enough) the market didn't know what to make of it all, other than Wemyss Point being over-priced and eventually backed down to 7s at the off.
The well-bred five-year-old has his quirks and looked lazy at various times during the race, but the useful T Dowson kept him up to his work and there looked to be plenty in the tank at the end.
Cabaret Queen didn't travel as well as expected and only plugged on to grab second, ahead of Just Don't Ask who should find a novice race in due course. Nicely Indeed backed out of things worryingly and he is expected to go backwards from here.
Race 2
A novice chase that looked a two-horse race with useful staying hurdler Ami Desbois taking on a speedier type in Whatduhavtoget, the market just favouring the former in the end despite the trip being on the short side.
There's nothing not to like about Ami Desbois, who jumped like an old hand I thought and this 143 -rated hurdler only has to improve a stone and a bit to go well in the RSA Chase at the Festival; if it came up soft there'd be few tougher in the field.
Can someone please tell me how the 104-rated Mortens Leam hasn't been able to pick up a handicap hurdle prior to giving Ami Desbois a big fright here.
My 'cliff' horse and horse to follow looked the type to go through the ratings this term but his mark has been shattered now with an extraordinary first effort over fences.
* I've been reminded that the horse's official mark can't be affected owing to the new rules in these novice chases. Essentially he'll appear to have at least a stone in hand wherever he goes next.
He's not over-big at this stage and he got quite low a few times, but was nimble enough and I suppose it was vindication of sorts that he should be able finally to show his true ability. Where he goes now I know not.
Whatduhavtoget looked a bit lairy beforehand and she may not be one to rely on; very fresh early on she somehow found a leg at the third but crashed out at the same fence next time around when held. She needs to calm down.
Race 3
Early Retirement is a horse worth following as mentioned here before but he had his work cut out in this deeper race from a 7lb higher perch than when beating a modest bunch at Southwell.
All eyes were on Skipthescales who had stayed on eye-catchingly well here a fortnight ago and with the extra yardage to suit he was strongly backed to get off the mark.
Things looked dicey on the turn in as Dowson was scrubbing away, but it was another endorsement of the youngster's talent that he got him home after the last, Early Retirement not for the first time looking a little immature as he veered left under pressure.
Both will remain of interest, as does Little Bruce, who was well-backed to bounce back from last week's flop in the slop. He seems to love this track and needed all of this trip, so with some headgear applied he can win again in a bigger field where they'll go quicker.
Western Rules was very fit for his return from a lengthy break, but he's a bit slow and heavy ground is what he needs.
Race 4
A run of the mill staying chase featuring many of the usual suspects. Golden Investment was taking a slight drop in class and this sound jumping strong traveller had to go well for all that his attitude has looked poor in the past.
He did little wrong here though, battling past Doktor Glaz after the last although you wouldn't say he hit the line running. But the pair came miles clear after travelling much the best, however what they achieved may be over-rated by the assessor.
The runner-up isn't bred to stay and it wasn't a total surprise to see him reeled in. The way he went a shorter trip should suit, but he's enormous and this type of track will always see him in better light than, say, Kelso.
Red Danaher plugged on into third but he lacks size and scope and it wouldn't surprise me if he reverted to hurdles, his sliding mark not really helping here and he's essentially very ordinary.
Can't Pay Won't Pay is moderate looking to say the least and after countless blunders prior to his exit it could be that he too is seen in better light over timber. Sharney Sike flopped again and isn't one to trust.
Race 5
There were plenty who thought that William Of Orange was ready to deliver over hurdles for the first time and they were spot as as Hughes was able to dictate steady fractions at the head of the field.
He saved plenty for late in the piece and nothing got a blow in, Irish Roe battling on for second after numerous errors and she should enjoy going over further, while Keep In Line found disappointingly little and he too could now be poised for a step up in trip.
Race 6
The handicap chase took some figuring out as nothing made great appeal. Get On The Yager is a useful looking sort but his form doesn't match up and he was downright poor here, suggesting he's not quite right.
Poker School had become disappointing while Wolf Sword was starting to look high in the weights. However, the pair had the finish to themselves, both finding more than is often the case, and it's now becoming harder to crab the winner for his consistency.
Indian Temple looked fit enough but is probably being held back by the assessor at this time, while Cusheen Bridge looked all over the winner until fitness probably told late on.
Twenty Eight Guns is a nice big sort who should relish softer and further and this should tee her up nicely.
Race 7
Schiaparannie has long since shaped as though she might be quite useful over obstacles and she was a warm order to land a mares contest in the finale.
Overcoming some novicey errors, she basically outstayed them here and a step up in trip looks sure to see her pull out more improvement. She has loads of size and scope and could be decent.
Our Belle Amie is quite sturdy and will come on for this run, but there's something that tells me she might not be straight forward. Autumn Surprise looked quite fit and she's a nice daughter of Yeats that should continue to progress, while Northern Girl has shown enough to pick up a little handicap somewhere.
There were rumours the ground was on the quick side of good for the first meeting of the season but it looked like nice terrain and they came home well.
Race 1
A novice hurdle that revolved around three of them, but really the interesting one was French import Jassas who was having his first start for the in-form J Ewart.
Paddock inspection was more than enough to confirm he was the business - a big strong horse horse fully wound up for the debut - and with Johnson booked it was very surprising he wasn't a short priced favourite.
Inniscastle Lad had showed enough last time behind a good one but he's pretty moderate looking and not certain to go on this season, while Hello Fellas came in for support but he's crying out for softer and a distance of ground.
Joke Dancer is a lovely stamp of a horse and he reminds me of the same stable's Emral Silk, a big raw horse at this stage with plenty to learn.
But he could be quite talented and after once again looking slightly fractious beforehand and keen in the race, he knuckled down late on to give the Ewart horse a fright. He's one to watch and he's only four.
Race 2
A staying handicap hurdle where the market was lop-sided due to last week's Warwick winner Triopas running off the same mark with Johnson looking for a quick double.
This very sturdy beast tanked along before getting outpaced when it mattered, and the each-way money was spot on for Chu Chu Percy, who looks much improved this term and could be the sort to keep building.
Kings Eclipse once again suggested he has a race in him while The Conn wasn't best positioned turning in and he can certainly do better with some soft ground and ideally a change of jockey.
Race 3
Cracking Find looked a shoo-in for the novices handicap chase over 2m but it may not have been straight forward had Gris De Pron not crashed out at the second last when apparently tanking.
I'm a big fan of the winner though, as he'll keep jumping and galloping, and he shouldn't go up much for this so remains one to have on side when stepped back up in trip.
Gris De Pron is a nice strong youngster who had jumped brilliantly until his exit; he just got a bit low when travelling at speed and should bounce back from this.
An Laoch doesn't have a great deal of substance physically and was never likely to have the basic speed to go with the the other pair, but his jumping kept him in it and there should be races around for him, although he'd be of more interest in the coming years.
Race 4
Not much of a mares novice hurdle, Tokaramore looked a bit on edge and not especially fit but still went off favourite ahead of the nicely bred Mary Eleanor, who didn't have to achieve that much to win.
The less said of the ride on the runner-up the better; it was a lamentable effort and Katy Royal is surely better than she has shown in three runs to date.
Both Clovelly and Cheenys Venture were well held but have enough about them to suggest a small handicap is not out of reach for them.
Race 5
The handicap chase wasn't a race to get too involved with for all that Dica looked to have finally been nailed by the handicapper and forced into a better race as a result. He ran his usual admirable race but finished held.
With No Planning unable to front run and then losing his action, it fell apart a little and it was left to a smattering of weak finishers to fight it out, the roguish Rear Admiral responding to pressure after trying to take the last with him, he's a big lad but looked pretty straight.
Jet Master was set an impossible task and may yet have a race in him from this mark, but Baileys Concerto was very tame once more and his better days look to be behind him.
Race 6
Ballinslea Bridge was a worthy favourite on form and looks in the closing bumper but in the end he was just out-fought by Chanceanotherfive, who isn't much to look at but was tenacious and did well to defy a penalty.
Glinger Flame is a nice sort to go to war with and Sultans Pride looks more of a stayer, but Sweet As Candy was backward and will need time.
Wetherby - Saturday November 18
The ground was good to soft after a dry week for a competitive looking card.
Race 1
Talk about hindsight being a fine thing. The opening novice hurdle looked quite deep with four of them having shown fair form and a Longsdon raider that was making its debut.
The disparity in the market was very wide, however, especially in the morning where solid bumper performer Wemyss Point was 25/1 and bigger despite having shown comparable form first time over timber as the Skelton hotpot Cabaret Queen.
Now the latter clearly had bundles in hand when winning at Market Rasen, but the penalty for that made things interesting while Nicely Indeed, a stablemate of Wemyss Point, had the best form in the book but appears to find winning very hard following an injury absence.
With Just Don't Ask looking a nice big chasing type (looked fit enough) the market didn't know what to make of it all, other than Wemyss Point being over-priced and eventually backed down to 7s at the off.
The well-bred five-year-old has his quirks and looked lazy at various times during the race, but the useful T Dowson kept him up to his work and there looked to be plenty in the tank at the end.
Cabaret Queen didn't travel as well as expected and only plugged on to grab second, ahead of Just Don't Ask who should find a novice race in due course. Nicely Indeed backed out of things worryingly and he is expected to go backwards from here.
Race 2
A novice chase that looked a two-horse race with useful staying hurdler Ami Desbois taking on a speedier type in Whatduhavtoget, the market just favouring the former in the end despite the trip being on the short side.
There's nothing not to like about Ami Desbois, who jumped like an old hand I thought and this 143 -rated hurdler only has to improve a stone and a bit to go well in the RSA Chase at the Festival; if it came up soft there'd be few tougher in the field.
Can someone please tell me how the 104-rated Mortens Leam hasn't been able to pick up a handicap hurdle prior to giving Ami Desbois a big fright here.
My 'cliff' horse and horse to follow looked the type to go through the ratings this term but his mark has been shattered now with an extraordinary first effort over fences.
* I've been reminded that the horse's official mark can't be affected owing to the new rules in these novice chases. Essentially he'll appear to have at least a stone in hand wherever he goes next.
He's not over-big at this stage and he got quite low a few times, but was nimble enough and I suppose it was vindication of sorts that he should be able finally to show his true ability. Where he goes now I know not.
Whatduhavtoget looked a bit lairy beforehand and she may not be one to rely on; very fresh early on she somehow found a leg at the third but crashed out at the same fence next time around when held. She needs to calm down.
Race 3
Early Retirement is a horse worth following as mentioned here before but he had his work cut out in this deeper race from a 7lb higher perch than when beating a modest bunch at Southwell.
All eyes were on Skipthescales who had stayed on eye-catchingly well here a fortnight ago and with the extra yardage to suit he was strongly backed to get off the mark.
Things looked dicey on the turn in as Dowson was scrubbing away, but it was another endorsement of the youngster's talent that he got him home after the last, Early Retirement not for the first time looking a little immature as he veered left under pressure.
Both will remain of interest, as does Little Bruce, who was well-backed to bounce back from last week's flop in the slop. He seems to love this track and needed all of this trip, so with some headgear applied he can win again in a bigger field where they'll go quicker.
Western Rules was very fit for his return from a lengthy break, but he's a bit slow and heavy ground is what he needs.
Race 4
A run of the mill staying chase featuring many of the usual suspects. Golden Investment was taking a slight drop in class and this sound jumping strong traveller had to go well for all that his attitude has looked poor in the past.
He did little wrong here though, battling past Doktor Glaz after the last although you wouldn't say he hit the line running. But the pair came miles clear after travelling much the best, however what they achieved may be over-rated by the assessor.
The runner-up isn't bred to stay and it wasn't a total surprise to see him reeled in. The way he went a shorter trip should suit, but he's enormous and this type of track will always see him in better light than, say, Kelso.
Red Danaher plugged on into third but he lacks size and scope and it wouldn't surprise me if he reverted to hurdles, his sliding mark not really helping here and he's essentially very ordinary.
Can't Pay Won't Pay is moderate looking to say the least and after countless blunders prior to his exit it could be that he too is seen in better light over timber. Sharney Sike flopped again and isn't one to trust.
Race 5
There were plenty who thought that William Of Orange was ready to deliver over hurdles for the first time and they were spot as as Hughes was able to dictate steady fractions at the head of the field.
He saved plenty for late in the piece and nothing got a blow in, Irish Roe battling on for second after numerous errors and she should enjoy going over further, while Keep In Line found disappointingly little and he too could now be poised for a step up in trip.
Race 6
The handicap chase took some figuring out as nothing made great appeal. Get On The Yager is a useful looking sort but his form doesn't match up and he was downright poor here, suggesting he's not quite right.
Poker School had become disappointing while Wolf Sword was starting to look high in the weights. However, the pair had the finish to themselves, both finding more than is often the case, and it's now becoming harder to crab the winner for his consistency.
Indian Temple looked fit enough but is probably being held back by the assessor at this time, while Cusheen Bridge looked all over the winner until fitness probably told late on.
Twenty Eight Guns is a nice big sort who should relish softer and further and this should tee her up nicely.
Race 7
Schiaparannie has long since shaped as though she might be quite useful over obstacles and she was a warm order to land a mares contest in the finale.
Overcoming some novicey errors, she basically outstayed them here and a step up in trip looks sure to see her pull out more improvement. She has loads of size and scope and could be decent.
Our Belle Amie is quite sturdy and will come on for this run, but there's something that tells me she might not be straight forward. Autumn Surprise looked quite fit and she's a nice daughter of Yeats that should continue to progress, while Northern Girl has shown enough to pick up a little handicap somewhere.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)