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National hunt stable tours for 2019/20

  • 14-11-2019 10:51am
    #1
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭


    I thought I would put these up here for people to read with the NH season hotting up.


    First up.....Paul Nicholls


    The champion trainer is warming up nicely with a promise of much more to come. With 11 winners in October you can’t say it’s been a slow start for Paul Nicholls, but neither has he raced out of the blocks like he did in 2016 and 2017.
    “I’ve never known a start to a season quite like this one,” says the 11-time title holder. “The horses have held on to their condition and never taken so long to get fit. Some of them have had racecourse gallops to bring them on, but there’s only so much you can do at home and in the end you have to give them a run – and some of them have needed it.”
    Nicholls offers another reason for the quieter start: “Some of my younger rivals bring theirs to peak fitness from the word go nowadays, whereas I prefer to play the longer game. We have to remember, it’s a long season and I’m in less of a hurry than I used to be at this time of year.”
    Ten winners in the last fortnight, including two at Wincanton’s popular Badger Beers meeting on Saturday where he always excels, have signalled a marked change of tempo and the likes of Politologue, Getaway Trump and exciting French import Mick Pastor will spearhead a strong team at Cheltenham this weekend.
    Nicholls looked out on his second yard at Highbridge Stables the other evening, complete with 11 new boxes put up in September, and said: “This is some ammo we’ve got here. I can’t wait for the future!”
    Stable profile

    Yard Manor Farm Stables
    Where Ditcheat, Somerset
    Second yard Highbridge Farm, Alhampton, Somerset
    Started training October 19, 1991
    Horses in yard 140
    Members of staff 50
    Head lad Clifford Baker
    Assistant trainer Harry Derham
    Assistant head lad David Rochester
    Pupil assistant trainers Natalie Parker, Charlie Davies
    Assistant head lass Kate McCormack, Rose Loxton
    Travelling head girl Kate Nutt
    Assistant travelling head girl Trudie Smith
    Jockeys Harry Cobden, Sam Twiston-Davies, Bryony Frost, Sean Bowen, Brendan Powell, Harry Skelton, Katie O’Farrell
    Conditionals Lorcan Williams, Bryan Carver
    Amateurs Will Biddick, Natalie Parker, Matt Hampton, Harriet Tucker, Angus Cheleda
    PA Hannah Roche, Sarah West
    Finance Lina Chadburn
    Stable sponsor Morson Group
    Website paulnichollsracing.com
    Twitter @PFNicholls
    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 135
    2017-18 127
    2016-17 171
    2015-16 122
    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -£52.21
    2017-18 -£132.84
    2016-17 -£78.39
    2015-16 -£73.23
    Prize-money 2018-19
    £3,307,172

    Adrien-du-pont
    Pedigree: seven-year-old gelding
    Califet (sire) - Santariyka (dam)
    Owner: Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    Form: 47130-P
    Racing Post Rating 153 chase
    Official Rating 147 chase
    I fancied him to be in the first four when he was pulled up at Ascot nine days ago. It’s looking more like he wants an easy 3m nowadays, so we may even consider dropping him in trip next time. Has plenty of ability but still inclined to be a bit keen. He needs to be dropped right out and come late – tactics that don’t always work out. When he gets a bit of luck in running there’s a decent handicap chase to be won with him.
    As De Mee
    9g Kapgarde - Koeur De Mee
    Stewart family & Judi Dench
    4/214U0/
    RPR 153c OR 148c
    He picked up a tendon injury in February last year and ended up missing the whole season. Andy [Stewart, owner] is sponsoring a 3m handicap hurdle at Cheltenham this week, so he’ll have a run there, which he’s bound to need, before going to Aintree next month for either the Becher or the Sefton. He loves it round there, having won the Grand Sefton in 2016 and completed three times in total over the big fences. Come the spring he’ll be trained for the National.
    Ashutor
    5g Redoute’s Choice - Ashalanda
    Stewart family
    22F3-
    RPR 125h OR 119h
    We realised last season his breathing was troubling him, so that was sorted in the summer and he could improve significantly for it. If he does then he’d look fairly treated off 119. Since he came back in mid-July his target has been the 0-125 novice handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday. I just hope he doesn’t turn out to be a morning glory, as last season he never produced on the track what he was showing us at home.
    Ask For Glory
    5g Fame And Glory - Ask Helen
    Mr and Mrs Paul Barber & Colm Donlon
    1(ptp)19-
    RPR 125b
    Gorgeous type of horse, very much a chaser of the future but well up to winning over hurdles first. He bolted up on soft ground in his bumper, and then he was never going to win a race like the Champion Bumper but nothing was lost by giving him further experience. He’ll want some cut and we’ll take him to Chepstow or Newbury in about a fortnight for a maiden hurdle.
    Bathsheba Bay
    4g Footstepsinthesand - Valamareha
    Michael Geoghegan
    32
    RPR 104h OR 114h
    Decent Flat horse for Richard Hannon who didn’t run for us last winter. He’s had the full works done: he couldn’t breathe properly so we got that sorted, and then he was gelded and took some time to get over it. Has run a couple of tidy races over hurdles and was probably beaten by a smart horse [Scardura] at Taunton last time. Looks a fun horse.
    Birds Of Prey
    5g Sir Prancealot - Cute
    Kathy Stuart
    22116-7
    RPR 130h OR 127h
    Decent fun horse. We gave him a good break as he’d been on the go on the Flat and over jumps, and it was a bit embarrassing as he was as fat as anything when reappearing at Kempton last month. He needed it quite badly and he should go on and win a handicap hurdle.
    Black Corton
    8g Laverock - Pour Le Meilleur
    The Brooks family & Jeremy Kyle
    2221-23
    RPR 168c OR 163c
    He keeps on amazing us and his last three runs suggest he’s still improving. I thought he had a really stiff task in the Galway Plate but he put up another career-best and would have finished closer still but for running into trouble off the home bend. Then he comes back at Ascot the other day off another career-high mark and runs another blinder. Being 10lb shy of top class means he’s not that easy to place, as his number of seconds suggests; I imagine we’ll have to go back into Graded races now and the Peterborough Chase might suit. Whatever happens in the winter his Gold Cup could well turn out to be the Oaksey Chase again at Sandown in April. He’s an absolute pleasure to train.
    Blackjack Kentucky
    6g Oscar - My Name’s Not Bin
    Owners Group 026
    6/1(ptp)/833-
    RPR 125h OR 128h
    Showed promise in a couple of staying novice hurdles in the spring. He’ll be ready in a fortnight and is capable of winning a 3m novice hurdle on soft ground before switching to fences, which is where his future lies.
    Bob And Co
    8g Dom Alco - Outre Mer
    David Maxwell Racing
    5345P3-
    RPR 135c OR 150c
    He’s among our team of nine hunter chasers and one of the more interesting ones. A three-time winner over fences in France, he’s contested many of the country’s top races, over hurdles and fences. The others in the squad are Art Mauresque, Alcala, Lough Derg Spirit (whom Andy Stewart has brought as a replacement for Pacha Du Polder), Bagad Bihoue, Braqueur D’Or, Wonderful Charm, Copain De Classe (who’ll run in the Grand Military Gold Cup), and Southfield Vic. I still get some flak over the horses we run in hunter chases but I don’t worry about it anymore; as I see it we're giving horses a second career who have marks that don’t allow them to win handicaps and, more important, we're giving valuable opportunities for a whole host of very promising young riders.
    Bravemansgame
    4g Brave Mansonnien - Genifique
    John Dance & Bryan Drew
    1(ptp)-
    RPR 95p
    Big, scopey baby, a beautiful individual who cost plenty at the sales but was never going to come cheap having won his only point-to-point very impressively. That performance meant he was the highest-rated four-year-old pointer in Ireland, whatever that amounts to. Has taken a while to get fit and is sure to improve for his debut, but everyone in the yard likes him, so do I. We took him to Wincanton for a racecourse gallop the other day and he’s about a week off a run.
    Brelan D’As
    8g Crillon - Las De La Croix
    JP McManus
    15135-U
    RPR 142c OR 138c
    Ran third in last season’s Grand Annual and those big handicaps at Cheltenham over 2m to 2m4f suit him. Ideally he wants a bit of cut and we’ll take a look at Saturday’s BetVictor Gold Cup. He’s been a bit unlucky one way or another but should pop up in a good handicap chase somewhere.
    Brewers Project
    5g Aizavoski - Shaylee Wilde
    The Hon Mrs Charlotte Townshend
    1(ptp)/
    RPR 92p
    The horse he beat in his Irish point-to-point in March last year is now a 142-rated hurdler. He sustained a hairline fracture of the pelvis while schooling last autumn, so we had to leave off him. The time off won’t be lost on him and he’s about a fortnight off a run. Nice horse.
    Calva D’Auge
    4g Air Chief Marshal - Hill Ou Elle
    Owners Group
    26P22-1
    RPR 122h OR 127h
    Came here with some decent placed form in the French provinces. He didn’t jump well to start with and we’ve worked hard on that, even so last week’s Plumpton win was a welcome surprise and he had a bit in hand too. Should make up into a useful fun horse.
    Cap Du Mathan
    4g Kapgarde - Nounjya Du Mathan
    Stewart family
    42-6
    RPR 113h OR 127h
    Andy Stewart has re-invested heavily for this season, buying eight new ones, and this is a decent prospect. He showed promise on both his hurdling starts at Auteuil last year, and ran okay on his first run for us, although I should probably have run him in a maiden hurdle at Chepstow, not Cheltenham. He looked as big as anything in the paddock beforehand, so there should be loads of improvement to come and he ought to go close next time provided I find the right race. I love him.
    Capeland
    7g Poliglote - Neiland
    Kathy Stuart
    12284-D
    RPR 154c OR 143c
    Poor old Capeland, that was extraordinary what happened the other day at Ascot. I feel a bit guilty because I told Kathy [Stuart, owner] I thought he’d go well and that our other runner, Diego Du Charmil, who ended up taking him out, was likely to need the run. She’s such a sporting lady and took the whole thing so well. Bearing in mind they disqualified Capeland I was hoping the handicapper would play fair and leave him on the same mark, so I was bitterly disappointed when they rang me to say he had been raised 3lb. If they saw fit to disqualify him from any prize-money then the run shouldn’t count for handicapping purposes. But I’m pleased to say following a few more phone calls they've had a re-think and dropped him back down 3lb, which is the right thing to do. Looking on the bright side, we have a horse who has clearly improved again despite a busy old campaign last season. He’s suited by a fast-run race so these big handicap chases suit him and there’s another very valuable one back at Ascot on the 23rd of the month. Let’s hope he can gain some consolation there.
    Capitaine
    7g Montmartre - Patte De Velour
    Martin Broughton & Friends 2
    4102-32
    RPR 142h OR 135h
    Still useful on his day, as he showed when winning at Taunton last season, but I was convinced his breathing was stopping him late on in his races, so we had his palate re-cauterised in the summer. Showed a similar level form in both runs this season, the latest over a longer trip for the first time. Is better going right-handed on a Flat track so we take him to Kempton (today).


    Captain Cattistock
    6g Black Sam Bellamy - Pearl Buttons
    Mrs Angela Hart
    F3131-7
    RPR 147c OR 139c
    Improved in his first season over fences and should develop into a decent staying handicap chaser. Loves cut in the ground and probably found it a bit too quick when running too fresh and with the choke out at Wincanton last month. Reappears at Fontwell on Sunday in the Sussex National and that should suit him. He’ll get an entry for the Welsh National and those other good long-distance handicaps.
    Cat Tiger
    5g Diamond Boy - Miss Canon
    David Maxwell Racing
    1341-21
    RPR 123h, OR -
    Really promising addition to the team from France. He was not far off the best four-year-old chasers over there last year, despite not being a typical chaser on looks. David Maxwell bought him at the Arqana Sale last November to ride over here and won a £100,000 chase at Auteuil on him a few days later. He was a maiden over hurdles so that’s the route we’ve taken and he benefited from a step-up in trip when making all at Exeter last week. He’s up to defying a penalty and he’s got a real future.


    Christopher Wood
    4g Fast Company - Surf The Web
    Sharon Kinsella
    113-04
    RPR 140h OR 140h
    Took to hurdling really well; his third to Pentland Hills in the Aintree Grade 1 was good form and you can put a line through his latest outing as he was over the top. Had a breathing operation in the summer and should progress in his second season. Considering he’d been a bit behind the others he ran okay at Wincanton on Saturday and we’ll look now at the Gerry Feilden at Newbury, where the flat track will be ideal.
    Cill Anna
    4f Imperial Monarch - Technohead
    Stewart family
    1(ptp)-5
    RPR 102b
    Big strong filly whom we bought after she made most of the running to win her only point-to-point. Needed the run on her debut in a fillies’ bumper at Aintree at the end of October; Bryony got off and said we should make more use of her on a stiffer track, so she’ll go to Cheltenham this weekend for the Listed mares’ bumper. She’s very much in the mould of Posh Trish.
    Star quality

    Clan Des Obeaux
    7g Kapgarde - Nausicaa Des Obeaux
    Mr and Mrs Paul Barber, Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson
    41152-2
    RPR 176c OR 169c
    I was thrilled with his comeback at Down Royal behind Road To Respect, when he jumped superbly. He’s made enormous improvement in the last 12 months, and being only seven is entitled to progress further. I certainly feel that’s the case after Down Royal because I know how much improvement he showed from his first run to his second last season. I came back from Ireland and backed him at 7-1 for the King George: to my mind last year’s winner is the one they’ve all got to beat on Boxing Day. Later in the season he’ll be entered for the Gold Cup again and we’ll take a view on that later on. He was bang there at the last in the spring but didn’t get home – as soon as the rain came on the morning of the race I suspected we might be in trouble. But with another year on his back and possibly on different ground, who knows?


    Cliffs of dover
    6g Canford Cliffs - Basanti
    Mr and Mrs John Cotton
    11/P/831-
    RPR 141h OR 141h
    Has been off the track since the turn of the year; there’s been nothing seriously wrong, he just kept getting little niggles, which was annoying. Should be back to run in handicap hurdles from Christmas onwards and I’m sure he’ll have benefited from a nice long break.
    Confirmation Bias
    4g Presenting - Bonnie Parker
    Colm Donlon
    1
    RPR 108b
    One of the more forward youngsters, and he’s a
    half-brother to our Persian War winner Ed Bandit. Made his bumper debut at Wincanton on Saturday and won nicely despite being green; Harry [Cobden] had a job pulling him up afterwards.
    Coup De Pinceau
    7g Buck’s Boum - Castagnette
    Colm Donlon
    11342-3
    RPR 142c OR 137c
    Sound, reliable jumper with a laid-back attitude; he struggled a bit in Graded company last season and is never going to be a star but is a decent enough performer at modest handicap level. Ran well enough on his return and should soon be winning round the Ludlows, Tauntons and Wincantons.
    Star quality

    Cyrname
    7g Nickname - Narquille
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    14/3711-
    RPR 181c OR 176c
    He’s in great shape and everything’s going smoothly in the run-up to Ascot next weekend. We’ll take him for a racecourse gallop somewhere between now and then and he’ll be ready. It’s in the back of my mind that he ran those two underwhelming races at the start of last season, but we’re training him differently now, so it’s up to him to come out and reproduce the level of form he showed with those two impressive victories at Ascot at the turn of the year. He stayed 2m5f so well when he won the Ascot Chase I can’t believe he won’t get 3m, so it will hopefully be next stop the King George and then we’ll make a plan for Christmas onwards. It’s no secret his best form is going right-handed, so I’m happy to keep him that way round in the first half of the season.


    Dan McGrue
    7g Dansant - Aahsaypasty
    Mr and Mrs Paul Barber, D Bennett & D Martin
    1/P3P-21
    RPR 138h OR 130h
    Had been crying out for a breathing operation so we got that sorted over the summer and it's clearly been a massive help, judged by the improvement he showed to win a handicap hurdle at Plumpton last week. Could go for another handicap hurdle at Newbury on Ladbrokes Trophy day, then we’ll have the option of going novice chasing – he’s won three point-to-points – or staying over hurdles. Mr Barber favours the first option, the other owners the second option, so that’s for them to agree on.
    Danny Kirwan
    6g Scorpion - Sainte Baronne
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    1(ptp)10/22-
    RPR 140h OR 120h
    Showed a lot of promise when runner-up in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Ascot last season before suffering a small setback in February. He’ll resume over the hurdles in the spring and is probably well handicapped. We’ve always thought a lot of him.
    Danny Whizzbang
    6g Getaway - Lakil Princess
    Angela Tincknell
    P1(ptp)/11-
    RPR 141h OR 139h
    Big, old-fashioned chasing sort whose future was always going to be over fences. Surprised us a bit when showing a lot of improvement from his first outing to his second; didn’t run after March as he needs cut. Had a breathing operation in the summer and that could really help now he goes chasing; takes a bit of getting fit and we’ve pencilled him in for a 3m novice chase at Exeter at the end of the month.
    Danse Idol
    6m Dansant - Screen Idol
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing
    612221-7
    RPR 127h OR 129h
    Lovely mare, who showed consistent form in novice hurdles last season, since when she had her wind done over the summer. We’re following the route we took with Posh Trish last season, so it was always the plan to take her to Wincanton on Saturday, where I fancied her but she was disappointing. She needed her first run last season so perhaps that’s what it was. We’ll stick to mares’ races this season.
    Darling Maltaix
    6g Voix Du Nord - Rosalie Malta
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    3155F-4
    RPR 134c OR 128c
    Not an easy ride and has been too keen in his races. Ran quite well on his chasing debut at Ascot nine days ago and provided he relaxes should improve sufficiently to win a race over fences.
    Deadline Diva
    4f Frankel - Hurry Home Hillary
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    1F90-8
    RPR 110h, OR 120h
    Disappointed on her three runs for us, when she was much too keen and had trouble settling. We found she made a noise so she’s had a breathing op and we’ve started again from scratch. Seems more relaxed and I’m hopeful she can put those disappointments behind her on an easy track.
    Diego Du Charmil
    7g Ballingarry - Daramour
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    5/5235-1
    RPR 164c OR 156c
    Spent much of last season chasing Altior in Graded races. We felt he was struggling with his breathing so he had an operation over the summer and it just goes to show what a difference that can make. The op helped him improve a few pounds and we were back in business at Ascot. It was unfortunate he went and followed the loose horse and virtually ducked out at the last – they can do that sometimes at Ascot, looking for the paddock exit – and I felt so sorry for Kathy Stuart that Capeland was taken out, as I said beforehand I thought Diego was the one who would need the race. I expected Diego to blow up in the straight but he actually went and ran on again after negotiating the birch upright at the last. His revised handicap mark will put him in no-man’s land and he won’t be easy to place. He’ll get an entry in the valuable Hurst Park Handicap Chase back at Ascot later this month and he may well be forced back into Graded races. Has done most of his racing at around 2m but I’m itching to try him over 2m4f.


    Dolos
    6g Kapgarde - Redowa
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    2315-12
    RPR 162c OR 157c
    I love his sire and I love him too! He’s a tough and genuine chaser who can be a bit in-and-out but is essentially decent. An impressive win under top weight at Kempton in May left him a bit in no-man’s land handicapping-wise, but he ran a good race in the Haldon Gold Cup last week, a race we had targeted since he came back in. He needs to improve again to remain competitive in decent handicaps, but being six has age on his side.
    Dr Sanderson
    5g Jeremy - Guydus
    JP McManus
    /14115-P
    RPR 133h OR 133h
    Won three novice hurdles for us last season when he suffered on and off with sore shins; didn’t come down the hill at Cheltenham on his final run. Disappointed on soft on his Ffos Las chasing debut; probably wants better ground and is well up to winning races over fences provided we keep him at the right level. Suited by a flat track.
    Duc De Bourbon
    3g Buck’s Boum - Astre Eria
    JP McManus
    Unraced
    A particularly nice three-year-old who is doing everything nicely and is being aimed at a four-year-olds’ bumper at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.
    Dynamite Dollars
    6g Buck’s Boum - Macadoun
    Michael Geoghegan
    4/12111-
    RPR 162c OR 157c
    It was only a minor injury he suffered last season but it meant his having to sit out the spring. He’s back in training and I’m going to try to get him ready for the Desert Orchid at Kempton over Christmas, but I suspect it will be the new year before we see him back. In that case I’d aim to get two runs into him before Cheltenham, when the Champion Chase will be his No. 1 aim although he’ll also get an entry for the Ryanair as it maybe he wants 2m4f now. His novice form stacks up well, with Ornua, who he beat at Sandown, and Kalashnikov, who finished behind him at Kempton, both going on to win Grade 1s at Aintree. His season is all about getting him to the second day of the festival in peak form.


    Eason
    5g Coastal Path - Maitresse De Maison
    Andrew Williams
    166-2
    RPR 120h OR -
    Bit of a giant, not a true bumper horse in appearance, so perhaps it wasn’t surprising he failed to step up on his debut win. Ran a bit green on his hurdling debut at Chepstow and looks a maiden winner waiting to happen. Lovely chaser in the making and is a horse who won’t come into his own until going over fences in a year’s time.
    Ecco
    4g Maxios - Enjoy The Life
    Colm Donlon
    66-11
    RPR 135h OR 141h
    Gorgeous horse who is two from two over hurdles this season without ever coming off the bridle. Came from Germany with decent Flat form but a gelding operation knocked him back quite a long way and I was always slightly on the back foot with him in the spring. We threw him in at the deep end, running him in the Adonis, then the Triumph, and he was far from disgraced in either. We had his breathing done in the summer and he has come back a different horse entirely. Is ready to step up in grade now and could reappear at Cheltenham this weekend if we wanted to, but the two races I have in mind are the Kennel Gate at Ascot next month, then the Grade 1 Tolworth, although I should stress nothing is set in stone. And then we’d give him a break before Cheltenham.


    Eallarna
    5m Lucarno - Oeuvre D’Art
    Axom LXIX
    330-
    RPR 98b
    Placed in a couple of bumpers last season and has since had a breathing operation. We should be able to place her to win a mares’ maiden hurdle, hopefully starting at Ludlow on Thursday.
    Enrilo
    5g Buck’s Boum - Rock Treasure
    Martin Broughton & Friends 4
    141-1
    RPR 127h
    I love this horse and he’s one of the novice hurdlers I’ve been particularly looking forward to. He fell asleep a bit and ran green before quickening up nicely when making a winning hurdling debut at Wincanton; we’ll find another similar event and then look to step him up in grade.
    Envoye Special
    5g Coastal Path - Santa Bamba
    Brooks, Kyle & Mason
    622/262-6
    RPR 134c OR 131c
    I’ve always liked him but he was a big, backward baby last season which meant I could never train him as I wanted. I think some of these Coastal Paths need time, so that’s what we’ve given him. He also had a wind op in the summer, since when he has improved physically, so I’m hopeful he’ll win races over fences. Looks to be on a decent mark.
    Eritage
    5g Martaline - Sauves La Reine
    Angela Tincknell
    131-F5
    RPR 119h
    Bumper winner last season and one I like. He’s not an easy ride as he’s very light-mouthed. He was too keen on his hurdling debut at Wincanton and it’s been a similar story at home with his schooling, so we took him to Exeter for a novice hurdle last week to educate him, by dropping him in and teaching him to settle. He'll have benefited enormously from that and although he’s very much a chaser of the future there’s now no reason why he shouldn’t win over hurdles.
    Favorito Buck’s
    7g Buck’s Boum - Sangrilla
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    4416P2-
    RPR 136c OR 131c
    One of the lesser lights who has his good days and his moderate ones. He was on a good day when winning a decent handicap chase at Ascot last November and again ran well back there in March but returned a bit jarred up. Back cantering again, he’ll be ready around Christmas when the aim will be to win another handicap chase.
    Fidelio Vallis
    4g Saint Des Saints - Quora Vallis
    John & Lisa Hales
    2-7
    RPR 106h OR -
    He was bought for John Hales in the spring after showing a lot of promise on his hurdling debut in France when chasing home a Grade 1 bumper winner at Auteuil. He was one of those who ran just an ordinary race first time and his blood wasn’t great after. He’s been a bit keen, and has to settle into our way of doing things, and relax, before he can progress. But he’ll be okay in time.


    Flash De Touzaine
    4g Kapgarde - Narcisse De Touzaine
    Stephen White
    3
    RPR 104b
    Big four-year-old from a good French family who stayed on strongly in his Killarney bumper for Liz Doyle. We bought him in the spring because I love the sire. He’s just had a wind op and won’t be ready to run in a couple more bumpers until around Christmas.
    Flic Ou Voyou
    5g Kapgarde - Hillflower
    Colm Donlon
    4/110-23
    RPR 129h
    Big, strong sort with masses of scope. Won his two bumpers on soft and I always knew he’d make a smooth transition to hurdling as he’s been schooling for the best part of two years. Probably should have won on his jumping debut at Chepstow as he was a bit free and ran a bit green. In hindsight we should possibly have made more use of him at Wincanton on Saturday. He’s crying out for 2m4f.
    Friend Or Foe
    4g Walk In The Park - Mandchou
    Gordon & Su Hall
    44101-
    RPR 112h OR 128h
    After he made all at Taunton on his first run for us we tried to protect his handicap mark for the festival but he missed the cut for the Fred Winter by a couple. He went on to disappoint at Newbury when we fitted a tongue-tie but he spat the dummy out and didn’t enjoy it. He had a breathing op over the summer and he should be competitive in handicap hurdles. A big, immature horse last season, he’s got bags of scope.
    Star quality

    Frodon
    7g Nickname - Miss Country
    Paul Vogt
    12111-3
    RPR 177c OR 169c
    What an amazing little horse he is! He had a breathing operation 15 months ago and the improvement he's gone on to show has been remarkable, winning all those big races. We started off again in the Old Roan, where obviously he wasn’t suited by having all those fences taken out. Aintree was always meant to be a prep for the Betfair Chase, a race I think is made for him. A tight 3m round Haydock, which is a flat track, should be perfect. Then he’ll have an entry for the King George and, come the spring, an entry for the Gold Cup too. That said, I suspect we might end up trying to win another Ryanair. He and Bryony [Frost] get on so well together and I’ve no doubt he’ll be giving his all again right through the season.
    Star quality

    Getaway Trump
    6g Getaway - Acinorev
    Owners Group 023
    24411-3
    RPR 142c OR 155c
    I hope he’s going to be a really smart novice chaser. He didn’t come back in until mid-August – a month later than the others – and he wasn’t quite ready when making his chasing debut at Cheltenham at the end of last month. But if he was going to run in Sunday’s Arkle Trial at Cheltenham I had to get a run into him somewhere, and he travelled and jumped beautifully before getting a bit tired and finishing third to Al Dancer. There’s an enormous amount of improvement to come and we’ll be quite happy to take on the winner again. To think the season before last we couldn’t even win a bumper with him. He was a bit free and lit up early in his carer but once he settled he just took off and has kept on improving. It wasn’t easy deciding whether to stick to hurdles or go chasing, but he’s always been a chaser on looks and he's obviously a really exciting prospect.


    Give me a copper
    9g Presenting - Copper Supreme
    Done, Ferguson, Kyle, Mason, Nicholls & Wood
    1/U1/4F4-1
    RPR 152c OR 142c
    He’s not easy to train but I knew if I could get him back there was a big race in him and it all came right on Saturday in the Badger Beers, where I thought he’d go well but might just need it. We didn’t see the best of him last season. Having showed at Sandown first time that he retains his ability, things didn’t go right after. He probably wants a flat track and, being a bit fragile, we don’t want to be running him too often; a month between races is okay so we might look at the Becher Chase, but down the line the National would be his big aim.
    Glenlivet
    4g Flemensfirth - Gleaming Spire
    Thomas Barr
    6
    RPR 105b
    He’s a brother to the decent 2m4f chaser Knockgraffon. Showed us plenty in his work in the spring and has again been catching the eye this autumn; everyone who rides him likes him, so on the face of it he was a bit disappointing when we ran him in the bumper at the first Chepstow meeting. I’d been due to take him to Salisbury for a racecourse gallop but they abandoned the meeting and he just needed the run. He’s a beautiful traveller and is going to be a serious horse in time.
    Golden Gift
    5g Gold Well - Five Star Present
    Mr & Mrs Paul Barber, Ged Mason & Sir Alex Ferguson
    22-3
    RPR 116h
    Comes from a good Irish family and is a really likeable individual. Quite green in both his bumpers last season, he did well physically over the summer and made his hurdling debut at Chepstow last Wednesday. He’ll improve for the run and should win novice hurdles when stamina is at a premium.


    Grand Sancy
    5g Diamond Boy - La Courtille
    Martin Broughton Racing Partners
    14210-F
    RPR 155h OR 152h
    I was thrilled with him at Wincanton on Saturday; they think a lot of Nicky Henderson’s horse [Fusil Raffles] although I suppose he might have needed it. If ours had just jumped the second-last it might have been very interesting. He’s another good advert for a summer breathing operation; having got his wind sorted a year ago his form improved massively. It was a good bit of placing by the team to win the Kingwell Hurdle, but I’ve never seen him developing into a Champion Hurdle contender. We’ve now got some thinking to do – do we stay over hurdles or go chasing? There’s no rush to decide.
    Greaneteen
    5g Great Pretender - Manson Teene
    Chris Giles
    3/611-0
    RPR 134h OR 132h
    One of a couple who ran really disappointingly at the first Chepstow meeting; we never got to the bottom of it and found out why. Has always had plenty of ability although hasn’t been the luckiest from an injury point of view. Had a little setback after winning at Fontwell in January, bringing his season to a premature end. Goes novice chasing now and should be competitive in his own grade round the smaller tracks.
    Highland Hunter
    6g Subtle Power - Laughing Sparkle
    Thomas Barr
    10/1135-
    RPR 133h OR 131h
    He won twice over 2m4f for Lucinda Russell on heavy ground last winter – I understand he cut his leg on his last run but he’s fine now. Strangely for a horse who has won over hurdles his schooling has been fairly ordinary until recently. Seems a decent prospect for staying handicap hurdles on soft ground and we’re going for the £100,000 Brush Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday week.
    Hugo’s Other Horse
    5g Gold Well - Wicked Crack
    Stewart family
    41-
    RPR 107b
    Cue Card’s half-brother looks a decent sort for staying novice hurdles. I didn’t see him as an ideal type for bumpers, but he showed a lot of improvement from his first run to his second when winning at Fontwell. Andy Stewart is over for Cheltenham this weekend so he’ll run in the Listed bumper there on Sunday and then go over hurdles.
    If You Say Run
    7m Mahler - De Lissa
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing
    /1232P-1
    RPR 137c 142h OR 140c 140h
    Despite her showing good form last season she had ongoing wind issues so we had her palate re-cauterised in the summer. After she made the perfect start to her chasing career in a mares’ novice at Worcester, I decided to use her allowance against the geldings in the Rising Stars at Wincanton on Saturday. She had a tough task and I knew she had to improve so she probably ran as I expected. We can go back to mares’ events and she’s sure to win plenty more races.
    Jeremy Pass
    4g Jeremy - Toulon Pass
    John Dance
    F(ptp)-
    RPR 91p
    Lovely stamp of a horse – you look at him and think he's our future here. He was unlucky in his only point-to-point, as he would have been first or second but for being virtually brought down at the last. Has done plenty of work and I like what I see, so he’ll be ready to start off in a bumper in around a week or so.
    Kapcorse
    6g Kapgarde - Angesse
    JP McManus
    61/7117-
    RPR 146c OR 141c
    Lovely individual, one of my favourites. He’s been green and backward and I’ve had to be patient with him, but he’s getting stronger as he gets older and he definitely has a future in staying chases. I’ve no doubt we have yet to see the best of him and he should win a nice staying handicap chase on soft ground. He’s had loads of work, including a racecourse gallop at the weekend, and following another one somewhere should just about be ready, so the plan is to run in the Ladbrokes Trophy first time out; he looks on a fair mark and I see him as a lively outsider for Newbury on November 30.
    Magic Saint
    5g Saint Des Saints - Magic Poline
    Mr & Mrs John Cotton
    2510F2-
    RPR 152c OR 148c
    On the back of an impressive Wincanton win we fancied him for the Grand Annual, but not for the first time he disappointed. He’d been troubled by his breathing so we got that operated on in the summer and I hope there’s a lot more to come from him, especially when he learns to relax more. Has age on his side and could be suited by stepping up in trip. Hasn’t been easy to get fit but, following a racecourse gallop over the weekend, is getting there now and could reappear on Saturday in the BetVictor Gold Cup.
    Magoo
    7g Martaline - Noche
    Brooks, Fulton & Vogt
    1/1/F425-
    RPR 130h OR 126h
    Was a bit unlucky not to have won a handicap hurdle at Sandown in March where he probably hit the front too soon. After we tweaked his wind again in the summer he goes for novice chases on soft ground round the likes of Fontwell and Plumpton.
    Malaya
    5m Martaline - Clarte D’Or
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    /FF410-3
    RPR 124c OR 142c
    She was hard to train for much of last season as she’d had an infection in a hind leg and it kept on troubling her, but she came good in the spring and won the Imperial Cup. Although she had a couple of tired falls over hurdles I think she’ll give fences more respect, but she jumped a bit novicey on her chasing debut at Market Rasen and returned with a nasty cut. She’s back cantering after ten days on the easy list and we’ll look for a mares’ beginners’ chase somewhere. If it turns out she doesn’t like fences we can always go back hurdling.
    Dark horse

    Master Tommytucker
    8g Kayf Tara - No Need For Alarm
    Tony Fear
    11/F-
    RPR 143h OR 143h
    One of my favourites. He was very unlucky when suffering a tiny knee fracture when falling on his Chepstow chasing debut last season. Everything has gone well since his return and he’s been schooling away fine, so following a racecourse gallop at Wincanton at the weekend he’s just about ready to start. We’ll go back novice chasing, starting somewhere small and then hopefully creep up. Despite his obvious lack of experience he possesses a huge amount of ability.


    McFabulous
    5g Milan - Rossavon
    Giraffa Racing
    1711-2
    RPR 118h
    A half-brother to Waiting Patiently, he has looked a high-class prospect from day one and had a fantastic season in bumpers, when his victories included the Grade 2 at Aintree. He’d come back with sore shins after failing to come down the hill at Cheltenham earlier on. It’s been a struggle getting the weight off this autumn and he’s been a bit behind the others fitness-wise, so I’d expect him to come on enormously for his run at Chepstow last week. He didn’t hurdle fluently and will have to improve his jumping in order to progress. Although we started off at 2m we’ll step up to 2m4f next time.
    Mick Pastor
    3g Meshaheer - Mick Oceane
    JP McManus
    1
    RPR 131h OR -
    Potentially exciting recent arrival from France. Looked impressive when making a winning debut at Auteuil in May and I was delighted to see the runner-up went on to win their three-year-old Grade 1 Champion Hurdle the Saturday before last, so his form is really good. We all like him and he’s done everything right so far; the only fault I can find is he’s been a bit keen at home, so he’ll have to settle when he races. Lets’s see what he can do at Cheltenham on Saturday in the juvenile hurdle.
    Miranda
    4f Camelot - Great Artist
    Owners Group 034
    11P-8
    RPR 118h OR 127h
    The ground was too quick when she was pulled up on her final run last season, after which she was found to be in season. She’s a good fun horse for minor handicap hurdles, when she should be suited by a flat track and soft ground.
    Mont Des Avaloirs
    6g Blue Bresil - Abu Dhabi
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    4/2307P-
    RPR 140c OR 142c
    I had high hopes for him over fences last season but he didn’t jump well on his debut and was then largely disappointing when reverting to hurdles. He’s a big horse who has needed time, so we gave him a nice long break over the summer. And he’s had a breathing op, which will hopefully help him now he tries novice chasing again. I can see him leaving last season’s form behind.
    My Way
    5g Martaline - Royale Majesty
    McNeill family & Chris Giles
    72328-F
    RPR 141c OR 127c
    Considering what he’d done in France I had high hopes when he came here a year ago but it didn’t happen for him over hurdles. We had his wind done over the summer and that’s going to make a big difference judged by what I saw at Plumpton, where he jumped really well back over fences before taking a crashing fall at the last. He was sore for a few days but is back in good form and I’m sure there are races to be won with him over fences. He did well over them in France.


    Nimix De Juilley
    5g Al Namix - Halbina De Juilley
    JP McManus
    1-
    RPR -
    He was bought for JP a year ago but has only recently joined us. Made a winning debut over hurdles at Strasbourg in France last autumn, but our handicappers won’t give him a mark yet. At least he can go for one of those races open to winners of a single race. I’m a bit in the dark about him for now.


    Old Gaurd
    8g Notnowcato - Dolma
    Brooks family & Jeremy Kyle
    232634-
    RPR 159h OR 152h
    He got a bit jarred up in the spring, the first time in his life he’s had an issue of any kind, so he’s not been out since February. Came in a bit later than the others but is getting there now and may return in the Coral Ascot Hurdle, in which he finished second last year. What an amazing servant he’s been! In 34 runs for us he’s been out of the money only six times. I know he didn’t win last season but he put up any number of good placed efforts in Graded company. I could be temped to try him over fences again in a graduation chase at some stage.
    Oleg
    4g Kamsin - Dramraire Mist
    Middleham Park Racing XII & A & J Ryan
    212-1P
    RPR 117c OR 126c
    After his Wincanton win I probably ran him again a bit too quick when he burst a blood vessel at Kempton next time. We’ve learned he needs more time between his races, needs to be kept fresh and to be running round the smaller tracks.
    Overland Flyer
    8g Westerner - Love Train
    Colm Donlon
    P/22P71-
    RPR 133c OR 128c
    Operates around the smaller tracks over fences and loves fast ground; I’d been hoping to get him out earlier but it’s been too wet. Reappears in a 3m handicap chase at Taunton on Thursday and he’d make a good hunter chaser if anyone’s interested in buying him.
    Star quality

    Pic D’Orhy
    4g Turgeon - Rose Candy
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    1U220-F
    RPR 138h OR 146h
    I’m really excited about this horse and I think the world of him. He just got a bit tired when fading in the Triumph on his one and only run for us; it’s not easy for these French horses who cross the channel mid-season. He was one of the best juveniles in France before he came to us, so on the back of two racecourse gallops we took him back to Auteuil yesterday for their Grade 1 four-year-olds Champion Hurdle, the Prix Renaud Vivier and thankfully he is fine after his fall.
    Star quality

    Politologue
    8g Poliglote - Scarlet Row
    John & Lisa Hales
    1/14422-
    RPR 173c OR 166c
    He’s in the best form I’ve ever had him at this stage of the season. He looks, and is working, great. Considering he hadn’t always run up to his best at Cheltenham in the past I was so proud of his effort when chasing home Altior in the Champion Chase. We gave him a wind op over the summer, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and after he didn’t get home over 3m in the King George last season we’re happy to stick to 2m this winter. I can’t wait to see him come back in the Shloer Chase on Sunday, then we’ll go on to the Tingle Creek – a race he won two years ago, the Desert Orchid, the Clarence House, then have him fresh for the festival. If Altior stays up in distance and Willie Mullins goes elsewhere with his latest superstar [Chacun Pour Soi], I hope we can end up running another big race in the Champion Chase.



    Posh Trish
    6m Stowaway - Moscow Demon
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing
    21118-3
    RPR 135c OR 142c
    Really smart, tough mare and just looking at her – she’s so big and strong she could be a gelding – I’ve been excited for a long time to see what she can do over fences. I don’t think she got the credit she deserved for a blinding run on her debut behind two smart horses, Jarveys Plate and Reserve Tank, at Chepstow. She’s sharper for the run and sure to win races, hopefully starting at Bangor on Wednesday in a 2m1f mares’ Listed novice chase. At some stage I wouldn’t be frightened to use her 7lb allowance against the geldings as she’s high class, without a doubt.
    Present Man
    9g Presenting - Glen’s Gale
    Mr & Mrs Mark Woodhouse
    43/184P-P
    RPR 155c OR 148c
    From the day he came back in our number one aim was to get him to Wincanton on Saturday ready to run the race of his life and try to land the Badger Beers Chase for the third year on the trot – plenty have done the double but no horse has won it there times – but when the rain came I knew it wasn’t to be. It ended up quite testing and that isn’t his ground at all. We could now look at the Becher Chase again but the ground will have to be suitable, and Doncaster is a track we’ll look to target over the winter. The middle part the season can a bit of an anti-climax as he doesn’t operate as well on winter soft ground.
    Quel Destin
    4g Muhtathir - High Destiny
    Martin Broughton & Friends
    11115-1
    RPR 148h OR 149h
    Super tough four-year-old who has now won six of his eight hurdle starts for us. Got slightly injured in the Triumph Hurdle and came back a bit sore, but it was nothing serious. It can be a tough old season for second-season juvenile hurdlers, but after a pipeopener on the Flat he came out and won again at Cheltenham, where the heavy ground was ideal. We thought about bringing him out again in the Elite Hurdle, but we’ll give him a bit more time and the idea is to go either for the Greatwood on Sunday if the ground is testing or step him up in trip in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot later this month. Later on, one race I think would be made for him is the National Spirit at Fontwell in February.
    Red Force One
    4g Lethal Force - Dusty Red
    Done Ferguson Mason
    43-12
    RPR 129h OR 129h
    What a massive improver! He started the season a maiden over hurdles – albeit a good one having finished fourth in the Adonis – and already he’s shaping into a smart handicapper. He can always go back to novice hurdles, but he’s obviously one for some of the big handicaps after his run in the Listed handicap at Ascot, where he would have won in another stride. He’s in the Greatwood, and although that might come too soon I must admit 10st 1lb does look very attractive. Later on a suitable target might be the very valuable handicap hurdle back at Ascot just before Christmas.
    Red Risk
    4g No Risk At All - Rolie De Vindecy
    Middleham Park Racing
    75429-1
    RPR 114c OR -
    Hasn’t long arrived in Ditcheat. He was bought shortly after winning his second start over fences in France at Auteuil in September. Obviously I don’t know too much about him yet.
    Rhythm Is A Dancer
    6g Norse Dancer - Fascinatin Rhythm
    W Harrison-Allan
    15P14-3
    RPR 116c OR 127c
    Won three over hurdles last season despite struggling with his breathing, so we’ve had that seen to over the summer and he’s a good fun horse to go chasing with. Always needs a run or two and finished a bit tired at Fakenham on his debut, but is capable of winning races over fences at his own level.
    Romain De Senam
    7g Saint Des Saints - Salvatrixe
    Dan MacDonald & Chris Giles
    1412-14
    RPR 154c OR 148c
    Has been on an extended summer break and will be prepared for a spring campaign, when he’ll be trained for the Grand National. He’s best on a flat track and likes decent ground, so the National could really suit him. Before Aintree he could take in what used to be the Racing Post Chase at Kempton in February.
    Saint Xavier
    7g Saint Des Saints - Princesse Lucie
    David Maxwell Racing
    463146-
    RPR 139c OR 150c
    Useful handicap chaser in France, successful twice over fences there. He’s a maiden over hurdles so he’ll go novice hurdling at around 3m for owner/champion amateur David Maxwell.
    Sametegal
    10g Saint Des Saints - Loya Lescribaa
    Mr & Mrs John Cotton
    21/2338/
    RPR 153c OR 141c
    He’s classy but fragile and has had no luck with injuries in recent seasons. We were trying to get him ready for Wetherby over Charlie Hall weekend but he wasn’t ready, so the Grand Sefton at Aintree next month is now a possibility. He hasn’t won for over three years but has a very good record first time out.
    San Benedeto
    8g Layman - Cinco Baidy
    Paul Vogt
    60173-6
    RPR 164c OR 152c
    Has struggled with his breathing from day one and for that reason is a bit in-and-out. Geoff Lane, who carries out our breathing procedures, says he must be a really good horse to have won as many races as he has. Ran with a bit too much enthusiasm when dropping out on his return at Market Rasen last month and goes next for a 2m6f handicap at Newbury on Ladbrokes Trophy day. Not at his best on winter ground, he’s more of a spring horse and showed he’s still capable when winning the Greatwood Gold Cup in March. Loves decent ground and a flat track, although he spends much of his life in the grip of the handicapper nowadays.
    Sao
    5g Great Pretender - Miss Country
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    242/72-2
    RPR 110c OR 124c
    Frodon’s half-brother used to be a hard-puller at home like Cyrname was. He’s had another wind op and judged by what I saw on his chasing debut at Kempton he is well capable of winning a novice handicap off his mark. Bearing in mind his breathing issues he may prefer a flat track.
    Scaramanga
    4g Mastercraftsman - Herboriste
    Malcolm Denmark
    3212-8
    RPR 129h OR 132h
    Looked on a winnable handicap mark so we took him for the good four-year-old hurdle at Chepstow in October but he found the ground too soft and I admit he was disappointing. Put a line through that run, his blood wasn’t 100 per cent afterwards, but he’s come right now. Will be out again soon and will want better ground.
    Secret Investor
    7g Kayf Tara - Silver Charmer
    Hills Of Ledbury
    22411-2
    RPR 155c OR 150c
    Ran very well on his comeback at Down Royal when the soft ground went against him. He’s a hard horse to get right first time, so he’ll come on an enormous amount for the run. Last season he took a couple of outings before he clicked over fences; he’s a big horse who loves going long into a fence, although he wasn’t so clever when asked to go short. But he came good in the spring, helped by a change of tactics when we rode him more positively, and he was particularly impressive at Ayr. Where we go next I don’t know; he’ll be entered for the big handicaps and Grade 2s.


    Sending Love
    6g Scorpion - Dato Vic
    Jared Sullivan
    1(ptp)-
    RPR 92p
    One of two sent to me by Jared Sullivan, so it’s nice to have him back on board. He won an Irish point in early 2017 and was with Willie Mullins last year when suffering a cracked pelvis. He schooled nicely last week, when we must have jumped the best part of 50 horses, and is about a fortnight off a run.
    Silver Forever
    5m Jeremy - Silver Prayer
    Colm Donlon
    11312-11
    RPR 134h OR -
    Smashing mare. We’re taking the Posh Trish route with her, so she started in the same mares’ novice hurdle at Chepstow we won last year with Posh and she won as she liked. Then it was on to Newbury last week when she just held on from a nice filly of Nicky Henderson’s [Floressa]. Over 2m she found the ground plenty quick enough, and if it’s softer and the pair meet again back at Newbury at the end of month she’s got a good chance of confirming the form on worse terms. Hopefully she can end up in the Listed mares’ novice at the Festival.
    Sir Psycho
    3g Zoffany - Open Book
    Martin Broughton & Friends
    41
    RPR 104h OR 117h
    Athletic type who had showed a lot of promise in his only run on the Flat this year in a Leopardstown maiden in the spring. Jumped a bit ordinary first time for us and he needed the run, but cheekpieces woke him up at Wincanton next time and he won comfortably. I need to find a handicap next as he’s been given a very attractive mark; after that we can look for something better.
    Skatman
    4g Mastameet - Maid For Auction
    Chris Giles
    1 (ptp)
    RPR 92p
    Doesn’t have the greatest of pedigrees but is a smashing individual. Won his maiden point at Dromahane impressively and the first three home are all based at Ditcheat now. We bought him at the Doncaster sales and surprisingly he cost less than the horse he beat. He’s done everything asked of him very nicely so I’m looking forward to seeing him shortly in a bumper.
    Southfield Harvest
    5g Kayf Tara - Chamoss Royale
    Angela Yeoman
    31-
    RPR 106b
    Patience has been the name of the game as he took forever to come to himself last season, but he repaid us with a nice win at Chepstow. It wasn’t the greatest bumper in the world but what I liked about it was Harry [Cobden] couldn’t pull him up afterwards, and that’s always a good sign. It’s taken the best part of 12 months for us to teach him to jump properly; oddly enough none of the ‘Southfield’ horses we’ve had were natural jumpers to start with. Once he learns to jump, I’ve always thought this one could end up being the best of all of them. Should be ready sometime next month.


    Southfield Stone
    6g Fair Mix - Laureldean Belle
    Angela Hart & Angela Yeoman
    13217-2
    RPR 140c OR 142c
    A grand sort for novice chases; he travels, he jumps and has done well physically. Surprised me last winter with the way he kept on improving over hurdles during a busy and productive season. Came back in as fat as anything and it’s taken an enormous amount of work to get him fit. He blew up in his beginners’ chase at Exeter, just as I expected him to, but I guarantee he’ll take a big step forward the next time he runs.
    Storm Arising
    5g Yeats - Ceol Rua
    Barry Fulton
    64513-4
    RPR 135h OR 130h
    Was backward last season and very much a work in progress. Ran okay on his return and may go for another handicap hurdle before we switch to fences. Should improve as he strengthens up.
    Tamaroc Du Mathan
    4g Poliglote - Thisbee Du Mathan
    Mrs Johnny de la Hey
    1/
    RPR -
    Was proving a handful on the gallops before a small tendon injury ruled him out of last season. We’re obviously a bit in the dark about him and he’ll have to resume hurdling on the back of limited experience. They won’t give him a handicap mark based on his one run, at Angers in western France 18 months ago, but he can go for one of those winners-of-one races. He’ll want soft ground.
    Thrave
    4g Sir Percy - Feis Ceoil
    Thomas Barr
    5-42929 (Flat)
    RPR 101f
    Mile handicapper on the Flat for Henry Candy who’s been here about six weeks. We gave him a little break and he’s just started jumping. Not the biggest in the world and he reminds me of Desert Quest, who did so well for us. We’ll start somewhere small over hurdles and then hopefully build up.
    Threeunderthrufive
    4g Shantou - Didinas
    McNeill family
    2
    RPR 100b
    Lovely big baby, one of a number of beautiful youngsters we have coming through, who was bought at the Land Rover sale. Has done everything we have asked of him and ran well at Fontwell, when bumping into a good


Comments

  • #2
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Next up....Nicky Henderson


    The season may revolve around how the mighty Altior – unbeaten in his last 19 – fares stepping up in trip, but Seven Barrows is no one-horse operation and Buveur D'Air is back on track for a third Unibet Champion Hurdle, while trainer Nicky Henderson has thrown the kitchen sink at revitalising Might Bite.

    A customary clutch of promising youngsters could produce the next Sprinter Sacre or Altior and they could fire in bumpers as a host were ready in the spring, only to be held up by the dry weather, while the novice chase department has the 68-year-old purring.

    "I've been at this for 41 years and still love it," Henderson said. "If you didn't enjoy training this bunch of horses there'd be something wrong with you."

    Race in focus

    We've been lucky in the Champion Hurdle, winning it seven times, and we could have a strong three-pronged attack with Buveur D'Air, Pentland Hills and Fusil Raffles, although the latter two are four-year-olds, who tend to find their second season more difficult. We'll see, and there's also Verdana Blue, although it's unlikely she'll get her favoured ground on the first day of the festival.

    Rival to watch

    I'll be fascinated to see how Interconnected, who was here last season, gets on. I desperately wanted him back from the sales but it was a vast amount of money.

    Two for the Tracker

    Shishkin and Chantry House would be among our brightest novice hurdlers.
    Stable profile

    Yard Seven Barrows
    Where Lambourn, Berkshire
    Started training 1978
    Horses in yard 148
    Members of staff 56
    Second in command Charlie Morlock
    Head lad Juergen Werthenbach
    Assistant trainers James Standen, Katie Croft, Billy Aprahamian
    Travelling head lads/lasses Richard Nicholas, Sarah Shreeve, Jack Findlater
    Jockeys Nico de Boinville, Jerry McGrath, James Bowen
    Conditionals Joe Anderson, Alfie Jordan
    PA Carolyn Harty
    Accounts manager Susanna Wyatt
    Stable sponsor Unibet
    Twitter @sevenbarrows

    Winners in Britain

    2018-19 141
    2017-18 141
    2016-17 154
    2015-16 81

    Profit/loss to £1 stake

    2018-19 -14.75
    2017-18 -76.49
    2016-17 -113.50
    2015-16 -101.03

    Prize-money 2018-19

    £2,908,080

    Adjali
    Four-year-old gelding
    Kamsin (sire) - Anabasis (dam)
    Owner: Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    Form figures: 12374-6
    Racing Post Rating: 139h Official rating 141h
    Ran a good race at Ascot on Saturday and I think he'll come on for it, but he'll have his wind done this week. Good 2m handicap hurdles will then be on his agenda.

    Allart
    4g Shantou - The Adare Woman
    R A Bartlett
    3-F
    RPR 112b
    Fell at Ascot on Saturday but was unlucky as another horse jumped into his path and his feet went – it wasn't his fault. He'll run in another novice hurdle but went the whole way round at Ascot, which was annoying as if they pull up you can usually run them the following week, but he's sort of had a race.
    Star quality

    Altior
    9g High Chaparral - Monte Solaro
    Patricia Pugh
    1/11111-
    RPR 183c OR 175c
    There's not much more I can say, apart from I'm grateful he maintained his winning run, beating Big Buck's for the longest sequence. He wants further than 2m now – Nico and I think that – and the best route to the King George looks like Ascot's 1965 Chase this month. I'd love to go for the Tingle Creek but I'm sure it's wrong if we want to teach him to settle in the King George to start in that. We did recauterise his palate this summer but it was purely precautionary. He'll have to stay in the King George because there's no let-up around Kempton and no chance for a breather, but we'll see how he gets on at Ascot first.

    Angels Breath
    5g Shantou - Mystic Masie
    Walters Plant Hire & Ronnie Bartlett
    1273-
    RPR 148h OR 146h
    Impressive when winning a Grade 2 at Ascot but didn't enjoy a smooth run around the time of the equine flu outbreak. He's a lovely prospect for chasing and will start soon, probably over 2m4f.

    Apple's Shakira
    5m Saddler Maker - Apple's For Ever
    JP McManus
    1143/P6-
    RPR 142h OR 141h
    A good mare who enjoyed a fine juvenile campaign, but things didn't go her way last season and I hope she can get back on track.

    Arcadian Pearl
    4g Arcadio - Grangeclare Pearl
    Biddestone Racing XVII
    Unraced
    Handsome sort who didn't make it to the track last term but we liked what we saw and hopefully he can get going soon.

    Arturus
    4g Camelot - Scandisk
    J Turner
    Unraced
    A half-brother to Hurricane Fly and you won't find a better-looking horse. Benefited enormously from being put away and I hope he's as good as he looks. Could start in a bumper, but he's exciting whatever we decide.

    At Poets Cross
    3g Yeats - At The Pound Cross
    HP Racing At Poets Cross
    Unraced
    An eyecatching and athletic youngster from the family of At Fishers Cross, he shouldn't take too long.

    Baiser Interdit
    4f No Risk At All - Kan Ah Loar
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    2-14
    RPR 114h OR 120h
    Form of her Sedgefield win looks solid but you can forget her last run at Ffos Las as she came back sick. Has had a nice summer and should be one to note in mares' novice hurdles.

    Balmuick
    3g So You Think - Full Of Love
    Thomas Barr
    Unraced
    A taking, big individual, who has a Flat pedigree but jumping will be his game and he has the size and scope for chasing one day.

    Barbados Blue
    5m Getaway - Buck's Blue
    Crimbourne Bloodstock
    122-1
    RPR 125h OR 119h
    May have found Taunton too sharp in April but an easy winner at Kempton the following month, which means she's a novice for this season and I'll be disappointed if she isn't up to Listed level.

    Before Midnight
    6g Midnight Legend - Lady Samantha
    Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
    2U2102-
    RPR 128h OR 128h
    A dependable decent-ground performer, he disappointed in the EBF Final but returned to form with a second at Ayr and it won't be long before he's chasing.

    Beware The Bear
    9g Shantou - Native Bid
    G B Barlow
    4P/411P-
    RPR 161c OR 158c
    Hadn't fulfilled expectations, but made all at Cheltenham in January before landing the Ultima at the festival under a brilliant ride from Jerry McGrath. Missed the Scottish National because of quick ground and things didn't work out in the bet365 Gold Cup, but he'll be aimed at all the top staying handicap chases, including the Grand National. He's in the Ladbrokes Trophy too.

    Beyondthestorm
    6g Flemensfirth - Blue Gale
    Cheveley Park Stud
    6-
    RPR 104h
    Needs soft ground but I'm confident he can become a top-class staying novice chaser, although he might start over hurdles. He's going nicely.

    Birchdale
    5g Jeremy - Onewayortheother
    JP McManus
    11P-
    RPR 147h OR 146h
    A gorgeous and exciting type who won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham, but I got things wrong at the festival moving him up to 3m in the Albert Bartlett where he didn't stay, although we had Champ for the Ballymore. Birchdale goes chasing and could easily scale the heights.

    Blairgowrie
    3g Yeats - Gaye Preskina
    Thomas Barr
    Unraced
    An imposing individual who is a fluent mover and was great to break in. He's cantered beautifully and might take time, but is exciting.

    Bold Record
    5g Fame And Glory - Shop Dj
    Robert Kirkland
    3136P
    RPR 119h OR 119h
    An encouraging winner at Uttoxeter in June and a horse I think is better than a summer jumper.

    Bond's Lover
    5m Flemensfirth - Courageuse
    Mrs Christopher Hanbury
    4-
    RPR 66p
    Closely related to Captain Conan, a good friend for us a few years ago whom Corky [Browne] loved, she's nice, so fingers crossed can uphold family honour.

    Bothwell Bridge
    4g Stowaway - Raise The Issue
    Thomas Barr
    Unraced
    Big, so couldn't run in the spring, but we liked him and we're looking forward to the winter. May start over hurdles, but screams chaser.

    Brain Power
    8g Kalanisi - Blonde Ambition
    Michael Buckley
    F/41PP-1
    RPR 162h OR 152h
    Won the American Grand National – my first National of any sort although it was more of a hurdle race – recently, but it was heartbreaking what happened to Wicklow Brave and no-one wants to win like that. The gloss was taken off, but Brain Power ran well and will be out soon if it doesn't rain much. He'll go back to America at some stage, but before then the Greatwood and International are options.

    Brave Eagle
    7g Yeats - Sinful Pleasure
    Robert Kirkland
    2113-11
    RPR 162c OR 158c
    Amazingly consistent and genuine, he adores quick ground and produced a career-best winning Uttoxeter's Summer Cup, although that meant his mark was too high for any other summer heats, so we'll look at grown-up races, probably the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury.

    Burbank
    7g Yeats - Spring Swoon
    Trevor Hemmings
    79/204-1
    RPR 137c OR 136c
    I've always thought a lot of him and he got off the mark over fences in May, leaving him a novice this term. I'm confident he can continue his upward curve as a staying chaser.

    Burrows Edge
    6g Martaline - La Vie De Boitron
    Michael Buckley
    1126/23-
    RPR 133h OR 132h
    Progressive as a novice hurdler, he ran two solid races at Kempton before we had to draw stumps with bone bruising when we anticipated a productive spring. Should make a classy novice chaser.

    Buttsbury Lady
    4f Great Pretender - Ceilidh Royal
    Mrs Rita Brown
    Unraced
    Promising arrival from a family I know better than the back of my hand, so hopefully she can follow her siblings.
    Star quality

    Buveur D'Air
    8g Crillon - History
    JP McManus
    121F2-1
    RPR 173h OR 167h
    Started brilliantly last season with a second impressive win in the Fighting Fifth and lost little against Verdana Blue in what was a home fixture for her in Kempton's Christmas Hurdle. He fell in the Champion and was second to Supasundae at Aintree, but was back to his best at Punchestown and I'd like to think he's the one to beat in the Champion, which is the only race we're thinking about. He's in really good form, looks quite forward and goes back to Newcastle.

    Buzz
    5g Motivator - Tiysha
    Thurloe Thoroughbreds
    52-7363
    RPR 101f OR 96f
    It's very nice Thurloe are back in the camp as we've had some great success together. This fella has gone to Henrietta Knight's to learn how to jump and is a nice horse who looks the part.

    Call Me Lord
    6g Slickly - Sosa
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    1321/73-
    RPR 164h OR 160h
    Possibly wasn't quite ready for the Long Walk last term, although he ran a big race when third in the Imperial Cup. He sustained an injury that day, but it wasn't severe and he's going well. Stays hurdling.

    Captain Woodie
    7g Presenting - Lasado
    Middleham Park Racing LXXX
    141/7-7
    RPR 120h
    I've always liked him but he's been injury prone. He ran at Huntingdon on Sunday and it was a nice enough effort. Hopefully he can build on that to repay his enthusiastic owners.

    Caribean Boy
    5g Myboycharlie - Caribena
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    515692/
    RPR 125h
    Arrived with some decent French form last year, but had problems. Chasing is the plan as he's a big bruiser.

    Casablanca Mix
    7m Shirocco - Latitude
    Evan-Robert Hanbury
    2930-11
    RPR 154c OR 143c
    A star who won at Aintree before excelling in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen. Unsurprisingly, that propelled her rating into the stratosphere, so we're going to look further up the ladder. Loves fast ground and is in the BetVictor Gold Cup.

    Cascova
    4g Casamento - Sina Cova
    Chelsea Thoroughbreds
    120-
    RPR 110b
    A very nice bumper horse for Martyn Meade last season and he's been jumping great – thanks to Henrietta Knight. We've high ambitions for novice hurdling.

    Star quality
    Champ
    7g King's Theatre - China Sky
    John P McManus
    111121-
    RPR 153h OR 152h
    Starting to live up to his name, including when winning the Challow, and the only time he was beaten last season was trainer error when he was a gallant second in the Ballymore at Cheltenham. Proved he stayed 3m at Aintree and has summered incredibly well, so we're looking forward to chasing. He schooled well at Chepstow on Tuesday and Barry [Geraghty] thought he was pretty forward so I'm going to start looking for a race over 2m4f.

    Champagne Mystery
    5g Shantou - Spanker
    Trevor Hemmings
    O222-
    RPR 125h OR 129h
    Too keen last season and remains a novice over hurdles, but jumps fences beautifully at home. I think 2m is his trip and he'll settle at that pace.

    Champagne Platinum
    5g Stowaway - Saffron Holly
    John P McManus
    11-5
    RPR 132h OR 138h
    Impressive in his first two starts for us, he looked our best Supreme chance, but missed out with a foot issue and his fifth in a Grade 1 at Punchestown is no reflection of his ability. A forward horse, he's a mouthwatering prospect for chasing.

    Chantry House
    5g Yeats - The Last Bank
    JP McManus
    1-
    RPR 121b
    Smart on debut at Warwick, but had a problem so took an early bath. A big horse of the highest calibre, he excites me for hurdling and we love him.

    Chasamax
    4g Jeremy - Peratus
    International Plywood (Importers) Ltd
    3
    RPR 101b
    A pleasing third at Worcester, he could go far as a novice hurdler, although might want further than 2m.

    Chemin De Fer
    5g Yeats - Tinagoodnight
    Mr & Mrs R Kelvin Hughes
    Unraced
    A lovely gelding who had a good education with Polly Gundry, he's big – like his half-brother Santini – so let's hope he's as good.

    Chives
    5g Sulamani - Ceilidh Royal
    Mrs Rita Brown
    Unraced
    Backward in the spring, but is much stronger and I hope this attractive youngster is ready for a run soon.

    Claimantakinforgan
    7g Great Pretender - Taquine D'Estrees
    Lady Dulverton
    1352/13-
    RPR 150c OR 151c
    Has always been high class but was injured after finishing third to Lalor in a Grade 2 last year and has been off for 12 months. Hopefully he can build on his promise and I'm thrilled with how he's going.

    Clarendon Street
    6g Court Cave - Carrigeen Kalmia
    Owners Group 028
    4/215-
    RPR 127h OR 129h
    Second to Birchdale before an easy Wetherby win, he wasn't beaten far at Marken Rasen, but the track might not have suited. Had an issue so is not ready, but he's worth noting when he returns.

    Colonial Dreams
    7g Westerner - Dochas Supreme
    C N Barnes
    1/26251-
    RPR 138h OR 138h
    A genuine sort, who ran some crackers last season, he should make a chaser, but hasn't found schooling easy, so maybe we'll stay hurdling.

    Corrany
    5g
    Court Cave - Time For An Audit
    Trevor Hemmings
    37-39
    RPR 92h
    I was disappointed with his display at Aintree recently as he had schooled well at home. I couldn't believe how green he was, but he does suffer with sore shins - although not that sore!

    Countister
    7m Smadoun - Tistairly
    JP McManus
    2115/30-
    RPR 138h OR 141h
    A fine third in the County Hurdle and had done enough when beaten at Fairyhouse, she looks spectacular after a summer at JP's Martinstown Stud and can hopefully go on.

    Craigneiche
    5g Flemensfirth - Itsalark
    Robert Kirkland
    1
    RPR 108b
    A good-looking type, he won nicely at Market Rasen despite being green and could be an exciting novice hurdler; has bags of scope and is going great.

    Dame De Compagnie
    6m Lucarno - Programmee
    JP McManus
    22/1521/
    RPR 130h OR 134h
    Gorgeous and boasts some useful novice hurdles form, but missed last season. I'm delighted with how she's training and we've schooled her over fences, so she could switch, but I quite like her hurdle mark.

    Daphne Du Clos
    6m Spanish Moon - Katarina Du Clos
    Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
    121/5-
    RPR 111h OR -
    We thought she'd be one for the Champion Bumper in 2017, but problems have held her up. She's still a high-class mare if she'll stand up to everything.

    Diablo De Rouhet
    6g Great Pretender - Querelle D'Estruval
    Business Moves Group And David White
    0/32-121
    RPR 145c OR 142c
    Progressive and produced a good performance at Uttoxeter the other day, so we're being forced to look at smarter races and he's in the Ladbrokes Trophy.

    Diamond River
    4g Imperial Monarch - River Clyde
    Jockey Club Ownership (SW2018)
    Unraced
    Among our most promising for bumpers in the spring, but had a hiccup. He's very nice and is pleasing us.

    Dickie Diver
    6g Gold Well - Merry Excuse
    JP McManus
    214-
    RPR 145h OR 141h
    Had a good novice hurdle campaign and we'll look for a novice chase on soft ground, which he loves; an exciting prospect.

    Divine Spear
    8g Oscar - Testaway
    Middleham Park Racing LXII
    112/P0F-
    RPR 142c OR 135c
    Big and talented, but hasn't had much luck and is quite high in the handicap. Not slow, he'll run in the same sort of races and looks great.

    Docte Dina
    5m Doctor Dino - Artofmen
    Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
    5-1
    RPR 99b
    A likeable mare who won nicely at Southwell in the summer and her novice hurdling campaign could be fruitful.

    Downtown Getaway
    6g Getaway - Shang A Lang
    T F P
    1/217-
    RPR 132h OR 131h
    Always promised to be decent but has had niggly problems. He's going well and has schooled over fences, while soft ground suits.

    Dragon D'Estruval
    6g Enrique - Rose D'Estruval
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    8/1730-3
    RPR 143c OR 141c
    Useful Auteuil-winning chaser who disappointed over hurdles after winning his first start for us. Cut in the ground suits and the Becher Chase could appeal.

    Dream Du Grand Val
    6g Puit D'Or - Apple Mille
    Trevor Hemmings
    3/61180-
    RPR 137h OR 135h
    A fine, scopey sort who won twice hurdles and is going particularly nicely having strengthened up a lot since last season. He goes chasing.

    Du Destin
    6g Fuisse - Parenthese
    Middleham Park Racing V
    07/2-PB0
    RPR 107h OR 100h
    Was disappointing at Wincanton last month and will have to step up a bit.

    El Kaldoun
    5g Special Kaldoun
    Middleham Park Racing CIV
    1476-
    RPR 117h
    Won a Lingfield bumper despite the track and is coming along well. Stays hurdling.

    Elusive Belle
    5m Elusive Pimpernel - Soviet Belle
    Robert Waley-Cohen
    321201-
    RPR 135h OR 134h
    Showed plenty last season and we've been schooling her over fences – she's very good – but she might just win a good handicap hurdle before chasing. It will also settle her down as she's quite gassy.

    Epatante
    5m No Risk At All - Kadjara
    JP McManus
    211/119-
    RPR 132h OR 137h
    This lovely looker didn't show up at Cheltenham, but might have been affected by the pre-festival flu jabs and has grown and strengthened enormously over the summer. Training nicely and will be aimed at smart handicap hurdles.

    Bite has spring in his step
    First lot head back to Seven Barrows after their exercise
    First lot head back to Seven Barrows after their exercise
    Edward Whitaker / racingpost.com/photos
    1 of 1
    By James Burn
    UPDATED 12:41PM, NOV 12 2019

    Falco Blitz
    5g Falco - Ignited
    Axom LXXVII
    P222-1
    RPR 128h OR 128h
    Did it well at Fakenham last week and deserved to win a race like that. I'm waiting to see what the handicapper does on Tuesday, but he can't give him more than 7lb so he's unlikely to run at Newbury on Thursday.

    Farouk De Cheneau
    4g Day Flight - Kardamone
    Owners Group 049
    271
    A winner over hurdles in France, he should be out for us later in the year.

    Father John
    4g Secret Singer - Oudette
    Middleham Park Racing Xi
    1
    RPR 104b
    Scopey sort who took time but won a bumper at Hexham. Didn't summer that well and returned late, so won't be the earliest, but he's seriously nice.

    Felony
    4g Getaway - Sparkling Gem
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Getaway
    0
    He was below par in Ascot's bumper on Saturday. He hung off the track and I don't know why – nothing came to light on Sunday morning. Hopefully we can put a line through that because I think he's a nice horse.

    Fix Sun
    4g Al Namix - Quelly Bruere
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    1
    RPR 115h
    A convincing winner at Sedgefield in the spring, he should improve for the summer on his back.

    Floressa
    4f Poliglote - Dona Rex
    Just Four Men
    12-1
    RPR 124h
    Very impressive at Worcester last month – as we expected – and she might go to Newbury on Thursday or we'll wait for a Listed race.

    Follow The Bear
    7g King's Theatre - Mrs Dempsey
    G B Barlow
    F3-1112
    RPR 132c OR 135c
    Likeable and consistent, he wants better ground and came alive in the spring, winning three as his work and jumping improved. He has a nice future and might run again before a break.

    Fox's Socks
    4g Crillon - Queva De Sarti
    Mr J Palmer-Brown
    Unraced
    Coming along nicely for a bumper last term, but had a setback, although the time off has allowed him to grow into a gorgeous individual. Could start in a bumper.

    Bite has spring in his step
    First lot head back to Seven Barrows after their exercise
    First lot head back to Seven Barrows after their exercise
    Edward Whitaker / racingpost.com/photos
    1 of 1
    By James Burn
    UPDATED 12:41PM, NOV 12 2019

    Falco Blitz
    5g Falco - Ignited
    Axom LXXVII
    P222-1
    RPR 128h OR 128h
    Did it well at Fakenham last week and deserved to win a race like that. I'm waiting to see what the handicapper does on Tuesday, but he can't give him more than 7lb so he's unlikely to run at Newbury on Thursday.

    Farouk De Cheneau
    4g Day Flight - Kardamone
    Owners Group 049
    271
    A winner over hurdles in France, he should be out for us later in the year.

    Father John
    4g Secret Singer - Oudette
    Middleham Park Racing Xi
    1
    RPR 104b
    Scopey sort who took time but won a bumper at Hexham. Didn't summer that well and returned late, so won't be the earliest, but he's seriously nice.

    Felony
    4g Getaway - Sparkling Gem
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Getaway
    0
    He was below par in Ascot's bumper on Saturday. He hung off the track and I don't know why – nothing came to light on Sunday morning. Hopefully we can put a line through that because I think he's a nice horse.

    Fix Sun
    4g Al Namix - Quelly Bruere
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    1
    RPR 115h
    A convincing winner at Sedgefield in the spring, he should improve for the summer on his back.

    Floressa
    4f Poliglote - Dona Rex
    Just Four Men
    12-1
    RPR 124h
    Very impressive at Worcester last month – as we expected – and she might go to Newbury on Thursday or we'll wait for a Listed race.

    Follow The Bear
    7g King's Theatre - Mrs Dempsey
    G B Barlow
    F3-1112
    RPR 132c OR 135c
    Likeable and consistent, he wants better ground and came alive in the spring, winning three as his work and jumping improved. He has a nice future and might run again before a break.

    Fox's Socks
    4g Crillon - Queva De Sarti
    Mr J Palmer-Brown
    Unraced
    Coming along nicely for a bumper last term, but had a setback, although the time off has allowed him to grow into a gorgeous individual. Could start in a bumper.

    France De Reve and Lewis Morgan enjoy a quiet moment
    France De Reve and Lewis Morgan enjoy a quiet moment
    Edward Whitaker / racingpost.com/photos

    France De Reve
    4f Lord Du Sud - Kyrielle De Reve
    JP McManus
    1-7
    Disappointing at Uttoxeter on Friday. She'd jumped brilliantly at home but didn't last week, although we'll run her on better ground next time.

    Fraser Island
    3g Australia - Ponty Acclaim
    A D Spence
    525455
    RPR 85f OR 74f
    Consistent on the Flat for Mark Johnston and stayed well, he's at Henrietta Knight's learning to jump and her reports are encouraging.

    Fred
    4g Cokoriko - Veribelle
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    22-3
    RPR 119h OR 132h
    Boasts some valid Auteuil form and I thought his British debut at Cheltenham was more than satisfactory, and he'll come on loads for it.

    French Crusader
    6g Kapgarde - Largesse
    Robert Kirkland
    152/121-
    RPR 137h OR 135h
    A horse we thought would go a long way, but after he won at Newbury last year he got tricky and spent time with Gary Witheford. He's going nicely now and will jump fences, but maybe not at the moment.

    Fructine
    4f Saint Des Saints - Platine
    JP McManus
    1-
    A smashing filly who came to us last year but couldn't run after a problem. Hopefully it won't be long before we see her in handicap hurdles.

    Fugitives Drift
    4g Yeats - Shebeganit
    HP Racing Fugitives Drift
    3-
    RPR 106b
    Promising third at Newbury in the spring and has done incredibly well over the summer. He's shaping up super and jumps well, so goes hurdling.

    Fusil Raffles
    4g Saint Des Saints - Tali Des Obeaux
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    121-1
    RPR 147h OR 152h
    Wasn't healthy for most of the winter and I was surprised with the ease of his Adonis victory, but a bad cut ruled him out of Cheltenham. His lass Sarah Shreeve's sterling efforts helped get him to Punchestown and he won there under a marvellous Daryl Jacob ride. He's more to offer, is coming along nicely and we'll see if he's ready for the Elite Hurdle on Saturday.

    Galan Des Planches
    3g Crillon - Quaty Des Planches
    The Ten From Seven
    Unraced
    A classy youngster whom everyone has been complimentary about, he is from a good family and could be one of our earlier types.

    Giants Table
    4g Great Pretender - Bold Fire
    Lady Bamford
    1-
    RPR 92p
    An exciting chaser of the future, he was impressive in his point and could go straight over hurdles; one to note.

    Global Society
    4g Shirocco - Oligarch Society
    Mr J Lightfoot
    222
    RPR 99b
    A recent arrival with solid Irish bumper form who is starting to look very well. Goes hurdling.

    Glynn
    5g Winged Love - Barnish River
    Owners Group 039
    1-
    RPR 90p
    He schools well, while he's an entertaining character - but also a likeable one. I'm delighted with what I've seen.

    Bite has spring in his step
    First lot head back to Seven Barrows after their exercise
    First lot head back to Seven Barrows after their exercise
    Edward Whitaker / racingpost.com/photos
    1 of 1
    By James Burn
    UPDATED 12:41PM, NOV 12 2019

    Falco Blitz
    5g Falco - Ignited
    Axom LXXVII
    P222-1
    RPR 128h OR 128h
    Did it well at Fakenham last week and deserved to win a race like that. I'm waiting to see what the handicapper does on Tuesday, but he can't give him more than 7lb so he's unlikely to run at Newbury on Thursday.

    Farouk De Cheneau
    4g Day Flight - Kardamone
    Owners Group 049
    271
    A winner over hurdles in France, he should be out for us later in the year.

    Father John
    4g Secret Singer - Oudette
    Middleham Park Racing Xi
    1
    RPR 104b
    Scopey sort who took time but won a bumper at Hexham. Didn't summer that well and returned late, so won't be the earliest, but he's seriously nice.

    Felony
    4g Getaway - Sparkling Gem
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Getaway
    0
    He was below par in Ascot's bumper on Saturday. He hung off the track and I don't know why – nothing came to light on Sunday morning. Hopefully we can put a line through that because I think he's a nice horse.

    Fix Sun
    4g Al Namix - Quelly Bruere
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    1
    RPR 115h
    A convincing winner at Sedgefield in the spring, he should improve for the summer on his back.

    Floressa
    4f Poliglote - Dona Rex
    Just Four Men
    12-1
    RPR 124h
    Very impressive at Worcester last month – as we expected – and she might go to Newbury on Thursday or we'll wait for a Listed race.

    Follow The Bear
    7g King's Theatre - Mrs Dempsey
    G B Barlow
    F3-1112
    RPR 132c OR 135c
    Likeable and consistent, he wants better ground and came alive in the spring, winning three as his work and jumping improved. He has a nice future and might run again before a break.

    Fox's Socks
    4g Crillon - Queva De Sarti
    Mr J Palmer-Brown
    Unraced
    Coming along nicely for a bumper last term, but had a setback, although the time off has allowed him to grow into a gorgeous individual. Could start in a bumper.

    France De Reve and Lewis Morgan enjoy a quiet moment
    France De Reve and Lewis Morgan enjoy a quiet moment
    Edward Whitaker / racingpost.com/photos

    France De Reve
    4f Lord Du Sud - Kyrielle De Reve
    JP McManus
    1-7
    Disappointing at Uttoxeter on Friday. She'd jumped brilliantly at home but didn't last week, although we'll run her on better ground next time.

    Fraser Island
    3g Australia - Ponty Acclaim
    A D Spence
    525455
    RPR 85f OR 74f
    Consistent on the Flat for Mark Johnston and stayed well, he's at Henrietta Knight's learning to jump and her reports are encouraging.

    Fred
    4g Cokoriko - Veribelle
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    22-3
    RPR 119h OR 132h
    Boasts some valid Auteuil form and I thought his British debut at Cheltenham was more than satisfactory, and he'll come on loads for it.

    French Crusader
    6g Kapgarde - Largesse
    Robert Kirkland
    152/121-
    RPR 137h OR 135h
    A horse we thought would go a long way, but after he won at Newbury last year he got tricky and spent time with Gary Witheford. He's going nicely now and will jump fences, but maybe not at the moment.

    Fructine
    4f Saint Des Saints - Platine
    JP McManus
    1-
    A smashing filly who came to us last year but couldn't run after a problem. Hopefully it won't be long before we see her in handicap hurdles.

    Fugitives Drift
    4g Yeats - Shebeganit
    HP Racing Fugitives Drift
    3-
    RPR 106b
    Promising third at Newbury in the spring and has done incredibly well over the summer. He's shaping up super and jumps well, so goes hurdling.

    Fusil Raffles
    4g Saint Des Saints - Tali Des Obeaux
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    121-1
    RPR 147h OR 152h
    Wasn't healthy for most of the winter and I was surprised with the ease of his Adonis victory, but a bad cut ruled him out of Cheltenham. His lass Sarah Shreeve's sterling efforts helped get him to Punchestown and he won there under a marvellous Daryl Jacob ride. He's more to offer, is coming along nicely and we'll see if he's ready for the Elite Hurdle on Saturday.

    Galan Des Planches
    3g Crillon - Quaty Des Planches
    The Ten From Seven
    Unraced
    A classy youngster whom everyone has been complimentary about, he is from a good family and could be one of our earlier types.

    Giants Table
    4g Great Pretender - Bold Fire
    Lady Bamford
    1-
    RPR 92p
    An exciting chaser of the future, he was impressive in his point and could go straight over hurdles; one to note.

    Global Society
    4g Shirocco - Oligarch Society
    Mr J Lightfoot
    222
    RPR 99b
    A recent arrival with solid Irish bumper form who is starting to look very well. Goes hurdling.

    Glynn
    5g Winged Love - Barnish River
    Owners Group 039
    1-
    RPR 90p
    He schools well, while he's an entertaining character - but also a likeable one. I'm delighted with what I've seen.

    Jockey Nico de Boinville gathers his gear at Seven Barrows
    Jockey Nico de Boinville gathers his gear at Seven Barrows
    Edward Whitaker / racingpost.com/photos

    Gold Present
    9g Presenting - Ouro Preto
    Mr And Mrs J D Cotton
    PP/39F2-
    RPR 158c OR 152c
    A handsome, wonderful jumper who is very good on his day, but doesn't always run the same race. I'm not convinced he's an out-and-out stayer, but hope he has a big race in him and he's in the BetVictor.

    Gran Luna
    3f Spanish Moon - Coppena
    Surrey Racing Club
    Unraced
    A robust filly who was great to break, is very willing and mature. She's big and strong, and I don't think she'll take long.

    Grand Mogul
    5g Presenting - Oligarch Society
    Mrs Christopher Hanbury
    4/1-
    RPR 119b
    A fine, big type and I'm pretty sure he wants soft ground and 2m4f. He's pleasing us a lot.

    Grand Roi
    3g Spanish Moon - Ultra D'Anjou
    Million In Mind Partnership
    6-3
    Athletic individual who showed promise in France and could go hurdling, but we might consider another bumper. He's going well.

    Gunnery
    6g Le Havre - Loup The Loup
    Fitri Hay
    21
    RPR 114h OR 118h
    He was second on his hurdling debut in June and then won at Market Rasen. I like him and easy ground will help his legs; could go far over hurdles.

    Haul Away
    6g Stowaway - Lisacul Queen
    Robert Kirkland
    11147-4
    RPR 136h OR 134h
    Won four last season and loves good ground, but pulled some muscles after his run at Aintree in May. Has schooled pleasingly and can be a high-class novice chaser in the right conditions.

    Hijack
    4g Fame And Glory - Etoile Margot
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Fame
    5
    RPR 98b
    Made his debut at Fakenham last week and I think the track beat him, but he'll have learned plenty.

    Homer
    3g Sea The Stars - Synchronic
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    22113
    RPR 96f
    Formerly with Andre Fabre, he won twice on the Flat and he's now with Henrietta Knight learning his new job.

    Hooper
    3g Rip Van Winkle - Earth Amber
    Pump & Plant Services Ltd
    Unraced
    A cracking youngster out of a capable mare we trained, he is ready for a three-year-old bumper.

    Igor
    6g Presenting - Stravinsky Dance
    Mhankin Cnoell Menholding Rwaley-Cohen
    27-2
    RPR 119h OR 124h
    A sizeable sort who hasn't won over hurdles, so we might make use of that maiden tag, but he'll be a lovely chaser one day.

    Indian Glory
    4f Fame And Glory - Real Papoose
    International Plywood (Importers) Ltd
    Unraced
    From the family of Ballabriggs, she has all the attributes and is coming along pleasingly.

    It Sure Is
    4g Shirocco - Stay At Home Mum
    Mrs J Donnelly
    1-
    RPR 91p
    Has done exceptionally over the summer, developing into a fine-looking horse. We could start in a bumper, but I'm inclined to go hurdling and he's an exciting prospect who could be smart.

    Italian Summer
    4f Milan - Midsummer Magic
    The Queen
    4-
    RPR 87b
    A likeable filly out of a mare we trained for Her Majesty, she looked quite sharp but didn't have enough experience to handle Fakenham on her debut. Her future is bright nonetheless.

    Jack Sharp
    4g Scorpion - That's Amazing
    Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
    Unraced
    Mister Fisher's half-brother who did plenty right last term and is full of quality but was a little weak. We're looking forward to his bumper debut.

    Janika
    6g Saddler Maker - Majaka
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    11/2224-
    RPR 165c OR 162c
    Never lets us down and has risen 17lb despite not winning. Had good seconds at Ascot and Cheltenham before another near miss in the Plate at the festival and a creditable fourth in the Topham. The handicapper has his measure, so it may be a tough winter unless he can improve.

    Jen's Boy
    5g Malinas - Friendly Craic
    Middleham Park Racing CV
    621142
    RPR 115h OR 1112h
    Took time, but stepping up in trip helped him travel and jump and he won twice in the summer. I hope he can win again before the ground turns.

    Kaymar
    4g Kayf Tara - Suave Shot
    Trevor & Linda Marlow
    2
    RPR 102b
    We've had lots of fun with Trevor and Linda, but not much success, although I hope that can change with this good-looker, who has improved over the summer and is a novice hurdler to follow.

    Keen On
    5g Kayf Tara - Romantic Dream
    The Queen
    2
    RPR 109b
    A lovely, big homebred, he was backward, but finished a good second at Perth and will have learned plenty. A fine prospect for hurdling.

    Kings Ryde
    7g King's Theatre - Ryde Back
    Miss Rachel Tregaskes
    153-522
    RPR 133c OR 130c
    Useful but not well handicapped, he wants 3m and we thought he wanted better ground but he won on good to soft this year. I hope he can hold his own this winter.

    Known
    5g Fame And Glory - Aasleagh Lady
    The Rose And Thistle Partnership
    44
    RPR 95b
    A big sort – a future chaser – he ran a promising first race over hurdles at Huntingdon on Sunday and should improve; he's been a big baby all his life.

    Kobrouk
    8g Saint Des Saints - Kotkira
    Mr And Mrs J D Cottin
    5/1U1/6/P-
    RPR 153h OR 152h
    Came from France with a few problems but we got to Aintree. I was warned he could be free and he was. Ready to run – over hurdles – and will enjoy soft ground, but could return to France at some stage.

    L'Ami Serge
    9g King's Theatre - La Zingarella
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    22381/7-1
    RPR 162h OR 159h
    We're thrilled to have him back after he suffered a tendon injury in the French Champion Hurdle 19 months ago and he seems in good nick, but we'll go steady. A yard favourite, he could be aimed at Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle at Christmas, in which he was second in 2017.

    Laskadine
    4f Martaline - Laskadoun
    JP McManus
    115-
    RPR 122h OR 135h
    A lovely filly, she won smartly at Warwick on her debut for us, but disappointed at Haydock and missed the rest of the season. Will appear over hurdles.

    Lecale's Article
    5g Malinas - Brookville
    Mrs J Donnelly
    1/
    RPR 93p
    An attractive type we rate highly, but an issue meant he missed last term, although that won't be lost on him. Chasing will be his game, but he goes hurdling and could be classy.

    Lilly Pedlar
    4f Yeats - Mathine
    Hot To Trot Racing
    7-
    RPR 86b
    Pretty and goes nicely, but there isn't much of her. She ran a respectable race at Bangor and is hopefully stronger for novice hurdles after the summer.

    Lisheen Castle
    4g Most Improved - Mafaaza
    Elite Racing Club
    14-
    RPR 118h
    Won cosily at Wetherby, but things didn't go so well at Market Rasen next time and he incurred a leg injury. I hope we'll get him back this season and he can build on that Wetherby promise.

    Loveherandleaveher
    7m Winged Love - Rowdy Exit
    A D Spence
    U/F21-
    RPR 111h OR 118h
    Hasn't had much luck but struck at Huntingdon in February and then had a lameness issue. She's come back looking great and I imagine we'll go chasing.

    Lust For Glory
    6m Getaway - Maisie Presenting
    Robert Waley-Cohen
    112105-
    RPR 129h OR 132h
    A classy mare who won twice last season, but disappointed when fancied at Cheltenham, although that may have been flu-related. I don't think she wants more than 2m, but good ground suits. Could go chasing and jumps fences brilliantly, but I like the idea of a hurdle race first.

    Madam Deluxe
    4f Malinas - Easibrook Jane
    Lady Bamford
    2-
    RPR 82p
    A stunning type, she was second in what looks a solid point – we've got the winner My Whirlwind – and you'd go a long way to see two better mares for novice hurdling.

    Marie's Rock
    4f Milan - By The Hour
    Middleham Park Racing XLII
    1
    RPR 106b
    Not the biggest but mature enough to win a bumper stylishly and there's enough evidence to think she can have a lucrative time in mares' novice hurdles. Promising, she jumps well.

    Meadowsweet
    3f Getaway - My Viking Bay
    Lady Tennant
    Unraced
    Has looks, a nice pedigree, lovely temperament and is athletic, so hopefully can go a long way for Rosemary Tennant, who's had some smart fillies.

    Might Bite
    10g Scorpion - Knotted Midge
    The Knot Again Partnership
    121/57P-
    RPR 173c OR 167c
    Had a heroic campaign two seasons ago, winning the King George and Bowl at Aintree, and finishing second in that epic Gold Cup, but it never happened last term. I still think those fences in the Betfair Chase upset him and he was disappointing in the King George and Gold Cup. We've taken everything off and put it back and we have previous – dare I mention Sprinter Sacre. He seems in good form and we're tip-toeing; it's all about getting his confidence back, while I like the look of that Many Clouds race at Aintree in December.

    Mill Green
    7g Black Sam Bellamy - Ceilidh Royal
    Mrs Rita Brown
    311343-
    RPR 134h OR 134h
    One of the best homebreds we've had from the Browns and he had a good season over hurdles, but it's time for fences and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can achieve.

    Miss Farage
    4f Sans Frontieres - Maid Of Might
    Turf Club 2018
    Unraced
    From the family of O O Seven – a grand servant here – she's got lots of potential and could give her owners plenty to scream about.

    Mister Coffey
    4g Authorized - Mamitador
    Lady Bamford
    1-
    RPR 106b
    Impressive in his bumper in the spring, he's massive and could win another but his schooling suggests hurdling. Exciting and has loads of ability.

    Mister Fisher
    5g Jeremy - That's Amazing
    James and Jean Potter
    10/2118-7
    RPR 144h OR 144h
    I've always regarded him highly and he was impressive at Kempton and in a Grade 2 at Haydock, so I think he's better than his Supreme eighth. I'm sure he can reach the top and that will be over fences – a very good jumper.

    Monbeg Legend
    9g Midnight Legend - Reverse Swing
    Eventmasters Racing
    2223-FP
    RPR 150c OR 141c
    A model of consistency, but not really a winter horse, he didn't run so well in the Summer Cup last time and fell before that. Retains potential over fences, however.

    Monte Cristo
    3g Montmartre - Rylara Des Brosses
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    1
    RPR 121h
    Only arrived last week but won a juvenile handicap hurdle at Auteuil and is nice; he looks the part for juveniles over here.

    Morning Vicar
    6g Beneficial - Mary's Little Vic
    The Parishioners
    172/317-
    RPR 127h OR 126h
    Showed useful form over hurdles, including a decent win at Ludlow, but he's a big horse and I'm sure he can give his enthusiastic owners some fun over fences.

    My Whirlwind
    4f Stowaway - Garranlee Maree
    JP McManus
    1-
    RPR 86p
    I love her and she's a sexy, strong mare who won her point in style. Time will help but she could go hurdling and I hope she'd reach the highest grade in that sphere.

    Never Adapt
    4f Anabaa Blue - She Hates Me
    JP McManus
    1/3-
    RPR 123h
    A winner in France, but too keen on her British debut at Cheltenham and a leg problem has kept her off since. She's back and grown significantly, and hopefully learned to race sensibly. Going well.

    O Connell Street
    5g Fame And Glory - Victorine
    Magniers'/Mrs P Shanahan/Justin Carthy
    24-
    RPR 103b
    Typical of the stock of his much-missed sire, he's big and has taken time, but I think this term will bear fruit in novice hurdles.

    O O Seven
    9g Flemensfirth - Kestral Heights
    Christopher Hanbury
    3/1908-1
    RPR 156h OR 155c
    Had a wonderful campaign winning at Doncaster and nailing a big one at the Punchestown festival, which meant a lot to the Hanburys. I suspect he'll have a similar campaign, although the handicapper has had his say and I don't know where we'll start.

    Ok Corral
    9g Mahler - Acoola
    JP McManus
    125/11P-
    RPR 156c OR 151c
    Finally went chasing last season and looked one of the best staying novices, being particularly impressive in his festival prep at Warwick, but he was knocked sideways by the flu outbreak and his National Hunt Chase performance was below par. He still has a huge future and Newbury's Ladbrokes Trophy is a possibility.

    On The Blind Side
    7g Stowaway - Such A Set Up
    6/41P2-4
    RPR 149c OR 149c
    He ran a good race at Ascot on Saturday, but is still a little timid in behind horses, so Nico was very keen to give him plenty of daylight. He finished his race encouragingly, so I'm pleased with that and see him as a stayer. We could look at the Ladbrokes Trophy.

    Palladium
    3g Champs Elysees - Galicuix
    Richard Kelvin-Hughes
    37-2423
    RPR 78f OR 73f
    Had respectable Flat form and has a terrific physique for jumping. A half-brother to 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold, he's spent time learning his new job with Henrietta Knight and should make a leading juvenile hurdler.

    Paris Dixie
    4f Champs Elysees - Last Of The Dixies
    Owners Group 037
    0331-
    RPR 87b
    A bumper winner for Julie Camacho in February whom I'm relishing sending over hurdles as she should be ideal for that.

    Pentland Hills
    4g Motivator - Elle Galante
    Owners Group 031
    111-
    RPR 148h OR 153h
    An extraordinary horse who was no star on the Flat but loved jumping and got going in the same Plumpton race we used for First Bout's hurdling debut. Like that horse, he won the Triumph and was brilliant, while he delivered an equally accomplished display in Aintree's juvenile Grade 1. Had a good summer, seems versatile ground-wise and is starting to work excellently.

    Pipesmoker
    4g Authorized - Pisa
    Lady Dulverton
    2
    RPR 104b
    A big, striking individual we've always liked, he was an honourable second at Huntingdon, has a great future and goes novice hurdling as he jumps proficiently.

    Pistol Whipped
    5g Beneficial - Holiday Time
    A Speelmann & M Speelman
    31P-
    RPR 128h OR 128h
    A fine third to Rathhill – and we know he's smart – was followed by a tidy victory at Fakenham, but he then had a problem. He's summered and strengthened pleasingly and goes chasing.

    Post War
    8g Nayef - Antebellum
    The Duke Of Bedford & Dr Jeremo Poupel
    36/13/
    RPR 125h OR 128h
    Showed promise when winning at Doncaster three years ago, but off since February 2017 and the frustratingly quick ground last season wasn't for him. Should make a decent staying novice chaser when the rain comes.

    Precious Cargo
    6g Yeats - Kilbarry Classic
    Thomas Barr
    120/116-
    RPR 138h OR 140h
    Big and quite headstrong, he enjoyed easy wins at Kempton and Sandown and ran respectably in a Grade 1 at Aintree. His future's over fences and while he looks a big staying type, he's got bags of pace and needs a truly run 2m, although he'd stay 2m4f in time. He's exciting.

    Pym
    6g Stowaway - Liss Rua
    Patricia Pugh
    9/12210-
    RPR 136h OR 137h
    A good novice hurdler, he – like a lot of ours – took a blow down the back and ran on well at Huntingdon on Sunday. He can win a novice chase on nice ground and will go 3m at some point.

    Rather Be
    8g Oscar - Irish Wedding
    Eventmasters Racing
    12/B59P-
    RPR 153c OR 143c
    Smart and was travelling sweetly in the BetVictor Gold Cup last year only to be annoyingly brought down. Couldn't follow up, but hopefully we've rectified things and he's progressing nicely; things are starting to come together.

    Rathhill
    6g Getaway - Bella Venezia
    JP McManus
    14-0
    RPR 138h OR 135h
    Promising last season but I'm not sure what to make of Saturday's effort at Down Royal, although it did get very soft out there. He didn't run particularly well, but stays hurdling.

    Royal Reel
    6g Shirocco - Close Harmony
    Mrs Rita Brown
    6-53
    RPR 117h
    From a family we know closely, he was a creditable third at Uttoxeter last time when he jumped and travelled nicely. Hopefully a summer on his back can help him fulfil the potential we know he's got.

    Royal Ruby
    7g Yeats - Close Harmony
    Mrs Rita Brown
    33513-5
    RPR 111h OR 114h
    Royal Reel's older half-brother, he took a few attempts to strike over hurdles, but did at Bangor last autumn and it looks like a trip will help.
    Star quality

    Santini
    7g Milan - Tinagoodnight
    Mr & Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes
    131/132-
    RPR 166c OR 163c
    A gentle giant who floats for a horse of his size, he was a promising novice hurdler and impressed on his chasing debut at Newbury before finishing third in a red-hot Kauto Star Novices' Chase, but his festival preparation was dreadful and he missed the Reynoldstown, which was the week after his flu jab, while he then went lame with a foot problem. He ran a cracker to be second in the RSA and came out of Cheltenham better than he went into it – I'd not seen him like that for two months. We thought about Aintree, but protected him with the future in mind, because he's enormous and he's on course for Sandown's intermediate chase on Sunday. We're hoping he's a Gold Cup horse.

    Scarpia
    5g Sans Frontieres - Bunglasha Lady
    Mrs T Brown
    Unraced
    Needed time in the spring but showed plenty in his work and has come back stronger and more mature. A likeable type who can progress.

    Settie Hill
    6g Cape Blanco - Claire Soleil
    Michael Buckley & Lord Vestey
    1/92/1U1-
    RPR 139h OR 137h
    A fine looker who was going places as a novice hurdler, but missed last season with a tendon injury. His future remains bright and he's got plenty of toe. Could go chasing as he's a fine, big type.

    Shishkin
    5g Sholokhov - Labarynth
    Mrs J Donnelly
    1-
    RPR 112b
    A prepossessing gelding who was impressive on his only appearance in a Kempton bumper, but that was what we anticipated and he's grown and strengthened over the summer. He's got a considerable amount of talent and we're relishing novice hurdling.

    Sleight Of Hand
    5g Kalanisi - Katariya
    Michael Buckley & Mark Blandford
    34-
    RPR 106b
    Slightly backward with a fun attitude to life, he ran with credit in two bumpers and I think he can win over hurdles, but we'll see the best of him as a chaser.
    Dark horse

    Son Of Camas
    4g
    Creachadoir - Camas
    Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
    0
    Looks the part and showed ability at home, so we went for the Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown, but he was disappointing. I still have enormous faith and will be disappointed if he's not a high-class novice hurdler, then chaser. He's working very well.

    Soul Emotion
    6g
    Martaline - Second Emotion
    Mr And Mrs J D Cotton
    5/PF11/5-
    RPR 150h OR 152h
    Finished fifth in last season's Long Walk Hurdle but had a bad post-trace trauma that we never got to the bottom of despite extensive tests. We put him away and can hopefully get him back to being a leading hurdler; he's making good progress.

    Staithes
    4g Watar - Corlea
    The Titanic Ten
    1
    A handsome English point winner I think we can have some fun with and perhaps quite soon as he looks ready to go.

    Steal A March
    4g Mount Nelson - Side Step
    The Queen
    4
    RPR 99b
    Arrived in January for a bumper run, but the ground was ridiculously quick, so we ran three at Worcester and they were second, third and him a promising fourth, although we felt he was the strongest of them. Goes hurdling.

    Storm Of Intrigue
    7g Oscar - Storminoora
    Oscar Singh & Miss Priya Purewal
    10/3-
    RPR 127h
    Showed enormous potential by finishing third in a hot race at Newbury, although he came back with a problem and won't be out until Christmas. He'll stay over hurdles and looks fantastic.

    Sunrise Ruby
    5m Sholokhov - Maryota
    Blunt, Breslin, Duffy, Slattery
    123-2
    RPR 118h OR 117h
    Consistent over hurdles, but hasn't won. That will come as she gets stronger and the bigger mares' novices could be within her reach later in the season. Wants a sound surface and is coming along great.

    Sunshade
    6m Sulamani - Spring Flight
    The Queen
    1139/51-
    RPR 138h OR 140h
    A talented novice hurdler whom I had big hopes for last term, but she got a splint and we were held up until she won a competitive Listed race at Cheltenham. A big, strong mare now who goes chasing, she has a fab future and an outing is imminent.

    Surf Walk
    4g Born To Sea - Meon Mix
    Mr A Speelman & Mr M Speelman
    Unraced
    A quality horse who was ready in the spring until the ground dried, he has come back twice the size and may start in a bumper before hurdling.

    Temple High
    4f Sulamani - Uppermost
    James & Jean Potter
    5-
    RPR 96b
    Didn't get much match practice in the spring because of the ground and was green on her debut at Warwick, but it was a nice introduction and she's stronger now. Jumps very well but will start in a bumper.

    Terrefort
    6g Martaline - Vie De Reine
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    21/432P-
    RPR 164c OR 157c
    A spectacular novice who landed the Scilly Isles and Mildmay but last season was disappointing after he pulled muscles at Sandown on his return. There was some promise, but he's had a nasty overreach and we're only just getting going again.

    The Cashel Man
    7g High Chaparral - Hadarama
    Mrs Fitri Hay
    222-1
    RPR 133h OR 130h
    Had leg trouble on the Flat and took to jumping well, finishing second to subsequent Grade 1 winner Reserve Tank before a straightforward success at Ffos Las. Ran a blinder at Glorious Goodwood and should make a high-class staying novice hurdler.

    Theinval
    9g Smadoun - Kineeves
    Mr & Mrs Sandy Orr
    41/936-F
    RPR 154c OR 146c
    Simply wonderful, he's one of the toughest I've had and has a preference for good ground. It was particularly cruel he fell at Galway in the summer, but he's given us so much fun. Will run in good handicaps over 2m-2m4f, although the handicapper never relents because he's so consistent.

    Timberman
    4g Califet - Millrock Lady
    Mr J Turner
    2
    RPR 89b
    This handsome individual has enjoyed a good summer, strengthening nicely and could soon start in a bumper before going hurdling.

    Time Flies By
    4g Getaway - What A Mewsment
    JP McManus
    1
    RPR 118b
    We were going hurdling but decided he didn't know enough, so sent him to Cheltenham to learn, although I didn't think he'd go on the testing ground. However, he knew plenty and did go on it! He was impressive and we'll make a plan soon.

    Tombee Du Ciel
    3f Zanzibari - In Caso Di Neve
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    623-
    RPR 113h
    A scopey filly boasting some sound Auteuil form, she could be smart and a Listed race at Aintree on Becher Chase day is a possibility.

    Top Notch
    8g Poliglote - Topira
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    41/310P
    RPR 169c OR 161c
    A superstar we adore, he had a mixed time last term, finishing a creditable third in the Long Walk after a bad reaction to his flu jab and then winning at Kempton. We lost him then, so he had an early break and he's returned looking fat and well, and will run in classy races over hurdles and fences.

    Torigni
    3g Palace Episode - Princesse Stesa
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    01
    Won in Dieppe over the summer, but has come in a little later so I don't know much about him. However, he looked progressive.

    Torolight
    3g Toronado - Tuscan Light
    Canter Banter Racing
    4
    RPR 90h
    He ran all right on his hurdling debut at Wincanton recently and is owned by Katie Croft and Dave Fehily, who are a big part of the team here. Hopefully he can improve for them.

    Valtor
    10g Nidor - Jossca
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    2/671P0
    RPR 161c OR 157c
    Won so handsomely on his debut for us and he shot up to 160, which ruined his National mark, although he found that trip too far. I doubt we'll try it again as he appears a three-miler, and he's not won over hurdles, so that might be a thought.

    Vegas Blue
    4f Getaway - Bella Venezia
    Crimbourne Bloodstock
    1
    RPR 106b
    Attractive filly who overcame greenness to win on her debut at Bangor, doing it nicely despite hardly ever galloping on grass at home. She'll go novice hurdling and is exciting.
    Star quality

    Verdana Blue
    7m Getaway - Blue Gallery
    Crimbourne Bloodstock
    114151-
    RPR 164h OR 162h
    We asked her some extraordinary questions last season and she never flinched, winning the Elite Hurdle before beating Buveur D'Air in the Christmas Hurdle and then being impressive in the Scottish Champion Hurdle. Lethal on fast ground, she hasn't had an easy autumn and things haven't flowed, but we're getting there and she's starting to flourish.

    Versatility
    5g Yeats - Stravinksy Dance
    Barrow Boys 2
    04-1
    RPR 125h
    Will end up as a staying chaser, but won nicely over hurdles in May, so is a novice for the season and has done particularly well over the summer.

    Voyage De Retour
    7g Craigsteel - Taipers
    Mrs Robert Bingley
    6/
    RPR 22b
    Missed a year with a leg injury, but has done plenty of roadwork and I think we'll go hurdling, but he'll jump a fence in time.

    Welsh Saint
    5g Saint Des Saints - Minirose
    Walters Plant Hire & Potter Group
    421-F
    RPR 116h
    A good-looker, he fell on his hurdling debut, but has had a good summer and I don't think it will be long before he wins over hurdles, although chasing will be his game. Runs soon.

    Wenyerreadyfreddie
    8g Beneficial - Ware It Vic
    M Landau & J Lightfoot
    22117P-
    RPR 153c OR 148c
    A handsome sort we've always believed in, he started well over fences last season and has had an extremely good summer. I hope he can progress again on good ground, so we'll try to get him out soon.

    Whatswrongwithyou
    8g Bienamado - Greenfield Noora
    5 Hertford Street Racing Club
    621178-
    RPR 144c OR 142c
    A talented horse who loves soft ground, he's had a wind op, which I think will help and he should get 2m4f – I'm sure he can win a decent prize.

    Whitlock
    4g Dutch Art - Barynya
    Lord Lloyd-Webber
    411422-
    RPR 95f OR 87f
    He's been Too Darn Hot's lead horse on the gallops, but I think he's missing him, so maybe Too Darn Hot should come here for the Triumph instead of going to stud. Whitlock is at Hen Knight's and goes novice hurdling.

    William Henry
    9g King's Theatre - Cincuenta
    Walters Plant Hire Ltd
    144/P14-
    RPR 156h OR 156h
    A star who enjoyed a great day when fending off Wicklow Brave in the Coral Cup under a brilliant ride from Nico and then finished a respectable fourth in the Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree. Remains hurdling as he doesn't like chasing.

    With Discretion
    8m Tiger Hill - Discreet
    Bloomsbury Stud
    11/4
    RPR 139h OR 144h
    A tall mare who adores soft ground, she won two novice hurdles last year but didn't get her conditions in the winter and her run at Punchestown did her no harm. I'm praying we don't have such a dry time again as she could be a seriously good mares' novice chaser.

    Unraced/unnamed youngsters

    We've some lovely young horses coming through the ranks at Seven Barrows and they include Duke Of Chalfont, a three-year-old son of Alianthus, whose progeny we haven't had before, but he looks a forward, precocious type, while I couldn't resist buying Major Sting, a cracking individual by Might Bite's sire Scorpion.

    Firestep is a big, imposing Mahler of JP's and he also has a three-year-old Fame And Glory filly out of Hora, which makes her a half-sister to Thomas Campbell and Lisp.

    Flinteur Sacre is a brother to guess who and Sarwar Mohammed, who looked after Sprinter Sacre, tells me they're exactly the same!

    Hamilton's Fantasy is a lovely big homebred of the Queen's who didn't come into training last season, but that should be to her benefit, while Mot A Mot is a Martaline three-year-old worth remembering.

    Middleham Park Racing have a Presenting of the same age and he's full of class and quality, and their three-year-old Crillon filly also promises plenty.

    Milan is a stallion I rate highly and we've a classy, agile son of his who is bay but has one remarkable black stocking that makes him easy to recognise.

    Another Milan out of Gold Donn has a golden future, while the sire's Altior half-brother is not back yet after getting colic in the summer. Hopefully he can return as he's beautiful.

    A similar-looking, if bigger, Presenting brother to Call The Cops, who did so well for us, has pleased me and he's for sale, as is a Mount Nelson gelding, who is one of our nicest three-year-olds and appears tailormade for a bumper in the new year.

    The Cottons have another Presenting I like in an athletic filly who is a sister to their smart Gold Present and an Oscar filly from the family of Denman is a nice four-year-old for the Potters, while John Magnier has a typically big and handsome Fame And Glory three-year-old.

    Expert view

    THERE’S no doubt the one horse everyone is looking forward to seeing is the brilliant Altior, and it will be fascinating to see how he gets on upped in trip.

    The fact his trainer and jockey think he needs further than two miles now is also an admission they don’t think he’s quite as good as he was at that trip, so he arguably has a bit more to prove than the ante-post markets suggest – he’s only 5-2 for the King George – but it’s hard not to be excited any time he runs.

    Henderson has seven Champion Hurdles to his name and it’s a shame Cheltenham will never allow the ground to be quick enough for Verdana Blue to show her best in that race as she is, like her trainer says, “lethal on fast ground”.

    The RPR of 164 she ran to when winning the Scottish Champion was 2lb higher than Annie Power needed to run to when winning her Champion Hurdle in 2016 (though she ran considerably higher at Aintree afterwards) and any good in the ground will make her a danger to all.

    I have a feeling Santini is going to end up a shade on the slow side for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but one chaser who might have a bit more to offer is Janika.

    The form book says he’s every bit as good as Santini (there’s 1lb between them on official figures) on his runs in handicap company from 2m3f to 2m5f, and while his trainer thinks he might have a tough season there’s every chance he will improve again for a further step up in trip. I’d certainly be tempted to run him in Graded company over 3m.

    Three novices who could go far over fences are Pym, Dickie Diver and Angels Breath.

    Pym was a good second on his debut at Huntingdon yesterday and while he was beaten by a 16-1 chance in Deyrann De Carjac, the winner had jumped impeccably on his debut, did so again and is potentially very smart too.

    In keeping with his pedigree, Pym served notice that staying is going to be his game and there is surely more to come at 3m.

    Angels Breath was highly tried from the outset over hurdles, winning a Grade 2 on his debut, and if he can jump and learn to settle he ought to develop into a JLT contender.

    Dickie Diver did really well for one so inexperienced when fourth in the Albert Bartlett, and staying chases, perhaps even the National Hunt Chase, which his owner is so desperate to win, are going to be his bag.

    Paul Kealy


  • #3
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Next up...Colin Tizzard

    The transition from Dorset dairy farmer to one of jump racing's most powerful trainers has been rapid, and heading into this season Colin Tizzard is armed with a formidable team, one he believes is the strongest he has ever had.

    This season's Cheltenham Festival will mark ten years since Tizzard's first winner at the prestigious meeting when Cue Card took the Champion Bumper – his introduction as the flagship horse for a yard that has thrived since that 40-1 success.

    Much has changed since that day in 2010. The jockey that afternoon, Joe Tizzard, has since retired and now plays an integral role in the training along with sister Kim, the cows and dairy business have disappeared, and Tizzard has a 120-strong string bursting with talent and potential.

    While Cue Card is enjoying a deserved retirement, another star has taken his place the box he once occupied, Lostintranslation. The Tizzards have dominated the three-mile chasing division in previous years with Thistlecrack and Native River, and his latest challenger has Tizzard purring with excitement.

    And while Elegant Escape and Sizing Tennessee collected big staying handicap chases in the Welsh Grand National and Ladbrokes Trophy, the operation has strength across all divisions. In Elixir De Nutz they have a top-class hurdler and Reserve Tank is one of the leading novice chasers this year.

    Meanwhile, at the end of last season the Tizzards purchased plenty of expensive point-to-pointers to form a smart group of novice hurdlers.

    Early season results have been excellent in comparison to previous years, perhaps highlighting the boost of a new flat gallop built this summer. A big season surely awaits.
    Stable profile

    Yard Venn Farm Stables
    Where Milborne Port, near Sherborne, Dorset
    Trainers Colin Tizzard, Joe Tizzard, Kim Tizzard
    Assistant Chris Wald
    Head girl Leia Crocker
    Travelling head lad Ritchie Young
    Jockeys Harry Cobden, Jonjo O’Neill jnr, Richard Johnson, Tom O’Brien, Robbie Power and Tom Scudamore
    Conditionals Harry Kimber
    Started training 1995
    Horses in yard 120
    Members of staff 34
    Secretaries Pauline Tizzard, Debbie White
    Website colintizzard.co.uk
    Twitter @colintizzard
    Stable sponsor Coral

    Winners in Britain

    2018-19 77
    2017-18 79
    2016-17 57
    2015-16 50

    Profit/loss to £1 stake

    2018-19 -127.89
    2017-18 -159.35
    2016-17 +8.75
    2015-16 -46.75

    Prize-money 2018-19

    £1,888,757

    Ainchea
    Six-year-old gelding Flemensfirth (sire) - Lady Petit (dam)
    Owner: Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    Form figures: 212F
    Racing Post Rating 136 (hurdles) Official Rating 141h
    We’ll probably look for a nice handicap hurdle for him somewhere, but we have to go slow with him because he had a real bad injury last season. He’s got a massive engine and he seems fine at the moment.

    Bally Longford
    11g Gold Well - Stay On Line
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    15233U
    RPR 142 (chases) 132h; OR 135c 121h
    He had a really good summer, winning twice and been placed. He prefers better ground and this has been the making of him. He’s been on the go for a while, so we’ll give him a good winter break and come back again next spring. He had a great summer campaign apart from unseating on Sunday.

    Beaufort West
    5g Getaway - Blessingindisguise
    Taylor and O’Dwyer
    /9462P-0
    RPR 126h OR 127h
    We’ve had high expectations for him since he joined us and his form was good last season. He disappointed at Chepstow on his reappearance because we went there thinking he was on quite a workable mark. He is going to have his wind looked at and that could make a difference. But we still think he is well handicapped and hopefully he’ll have a good year.

    Bold Conduct
    5g Stowaway - Vics Miller
    John Romans and Terry Warner
    Unraced
    RPR - OR -
    We bought him at the Open meeting at Cheltenham last November after he won a point-to-point – and that form looks quite strong. He has yet to run for us – he had a slight injury which meant we couldn’t run him at the end of last season but that won’t have done him any harm. He’s back in and looks really well. He’s a big horse who wants a bit of soft ground. We’ll probably start in a novice hurdle in December.

    Bramble Brook
    9g Kayf Tara - Briery Ann
    Brocade Racing
    -232242
    RPR 126c 115h; OR 122c 111h
    He ran a solid race when second at Wincanton the last day and we’ll probably head back there with him on November 9.

    Butterwick Brook
    4g Getaway - Sheriussa
    The Butterwick Syndicate
    Unraced
    RPR - OR -
    He’s yet to race for us but we’re going novice hurdling with him. He goes well in his work and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do on the racecourse.

    Carrick Roads
    5g Robin Des Champs - Jay Lo
    Brocade Racing
    0/8421-6
    RPR 95c 120h; OR 118c 118h
    He ran at Uttoxeter in a really competitive race but he's got that first run under his belt. He improved as the season went on last year and I would expect him to do the same this season. He jumped well and had a good blow the last day, so I'm sure there's plenty of chases to be had with him.

    Copperhead
    5g Sulamani - How’s Business
    Mrs GC Pritchard
    9/03811-
    RPR 127h OR 125h
    He finished off last season really well, winning his last two, and we’d like to think there’s more to come. We’ll look at novice handicaps over 3m for him and he should be running sometime soon. He jumps very well and he has summered great too – he’s grown into a strong horse who should have a good year.

    Darlac
    6g Lucarno - Pail Mail
    Mrs GC Pritchard
    277P-2F
    RPR 135c 135h; OR 134c 134h
    He was the first runner of our winter horses when he was second at Fontwell and we were pleased with that run, but then he fell at Plumpton. He’s fine following his fall, it was just a novicey mistake. He would’ve stayed on but he’ll live to fight another day. He was placed at Grade 2 level last season, although he wasn’t really himself in the second half of last season. We think he should be competitive enough in the novice chase division this season. He jumped well enough last season, too, so we’re hopeful he’ll have a good year.

    Drinks Interval
    7m King’s Theatre - Dame Fonteyn
    The Land Value Partnership
    23PFP-P
    RPR 144c 124h; OR 133c 125h
    She had a bit of a busy campaign last year and sort of paid the price for it. She looked poised to win a Listed race at Market Rasen before falling and then finished second to Magic Of Light at Newbury. She was a bit disappointing on her return, she just chucked the towel in at Chepstow. There’s a nice mares’ programme so we have plenty of options throughout the year for her – she should be competitive in those races. She's a tough and game mare who goes well at home and is suited to a sounder surface. What she doesn’t have in size, she makes up for in heart.

    Duc Kauto
    6g Ballingarry - Kauto Lorette
    Ann and Alan Potts Ltd
    81P00-1
    RPR 100c 94h; OR 96c 96h
    He won at Wincanton on his return and it was a lovely performance. He did it nicely and travelled and jumped really well. He’s had his wind op and I think there’s been a bit of improvement from that, so he could go in another race. He looked good on that ground too.

    Early Days
    5m Stowaway - Inchiquin Cailin
    Gale Force Seven
    7
    RPR - OR -
    We were pleased enough with her first run. She over-jumped the second and made a little peck, but she might be the sort to get herself handicapped and we can move forward from there.

    Eldorado Allen
    5g Khalkevi - Hesmeralda
    JP Romans and Terry Warner
    1U-
    RPR 133h OR 145h
    He’s a lovely horse with a bright future. His British debut at Sandown was eagerly awaited and he didn’t disappoint – he jumped and travelled well and won easily. I don’t think we’ve had a novice hurdler win like that for a long time, he bolted up. Then we went to Aintree and he was desperately unlucky, he just got knocked over and damaged his back leg. He’s rated 145 on the basis of that debut performance so we will run in a handicap hurdle and work it out from there. He’s back in now and cantering. He’s a beautiful horse. I imagine he won’t be ready until early December. He hasn’t had masses of experience – he'll go chasing in time – but just for now we will run in handicap hurdles. He’s exciting and could be anything.

    Elegant Escape
    7g Dubai Destination - Graineuaile
    JP Romans
    /121266-
    RPR 167c OR 160c
    He’s looking well following his summer break. We aren’t sure whether to target the Gold Cup or Grand National with him, but we’re going to start him off at Wetherby for the Charlie Hall on Saturday and that could tell us more. He is an out-and-out stayer but that’s what you need to be to win either of those races. If we went the National route we might look at the Becher Chase [Aintree, December 7] to give him a trial there, but if he was a Gold Cup horse we’d go to Haydock [Betfair Chase, November 23]. He’s only got to improve 10lb and he would be a real Gold Cup contender and he is the right age to do that so we are hoping he has, but his owner is quite keen to take him to Aintree. In theory we could even try both, but it’s all going to hinge on what happens at Wetherby.
    Star quality

    Elixir De Nutz
    5g Al Namix - Nutz
    Terry Warner
    /F2111-
    RPR 148h OR 153
    He has grown and strengthened well during the summer, so we have high expectations for this season. He won the Tolworth last season but had a little injury a few days before Cheltenham, which means he’s out until December. He is cantering at the moment and looks well. We plan on campaigning him for the Champion Hurdle, so we will run him in all of the trials just to see if he can move up another gear in that grade and hope he will be competitive. Last season was basically his first season racing and he won his last four races, including a Grade 1. He’s one of the best hurdlers we have had although he’s big enough to go over fences. He gains a length nearly every hurdle he goes over – he is fast and fluent – and he’s got real ability and class. He will need to carry on from where he left off and improve again – he might not be in that league but there is every chance he could be. Nobody knows where these horses are going to end up.

    Empreinte Reconce
    5m Voix Du Nord - Petite Fille
    JP McManus
    25-3112
    RPR 123h OR 126h
    She’s done well through the summer, winning twice, and she's improved from her wind op. She wasn’t beaten far at Fontwell the last day, but she is up in the weights again which won’t make things any easier for her. We’ll stick to small handicap hurdles this season before going novice chasing next year. Hopefully she can pick up another one.
    Dark horse

    Faustinovick
    5g Black Sam Bellamy - Cormorant Cove
    Taylor & O’Dwyer
    2-
    RPR 113 OR -
    We bought him at Aintree and he’s a bit fragile. He had one run for us last season and finished second to McFabulous at Newbury. That was very pleasing and highly encouraging as he had traffic problems. That looks great form – as does his point-to-point second – and it would’ve taught him a lot. He’s nearly ready to go. We’re thinking of starting him off somewhere in the first half of November. He’s one of our nicest novice hurdlers this season. We’ve had to be patient with him, but we are beginning to reap the rewards because he has filled out and looks a big, strong boy. We think a lot of him so hopefully we can expect a big season from him.

    Fiddlerontheroof
    5g Stowaway - Inquisitive Look
    Taylor, Burley & O’Dwyer
    321-2
    RPR 139 OR -
    We chucked him in the deep end in the Persian War at Chepstow and we were delighted with him finishing second. He travelled really well and looked like he could win going towards the last two. Robbie [Power] got off him and said we could drop him to 2m. He is a gorgeous, big, strong horse and something like the Tolworth could be right up his street – especially with a bit of soft ground, which it usually does around Sandown. You’d have no worries about the trip because of the stiff track too. He likes galloping courses and can go either way around. I’d imagine we would look at a smaller race before looking at Sandown in the new year. He’s a great horse to have and an exciting recruit to the novice hurdling team. He does everything asked of him easily at home and we’re looking forward to the rest of the year with him.

    Fly To Mars
    5g Schiaparelli - Patsie Magern
    Brocade Racing
    62624F-
    RPR 125h OR127h
    He didn’t manage to win over hurdles last season, so he remains a novice this season and we’ll stay hurdling with him. His early season form was strong and he was in the lead before falling on his last start. He’s had a tiny setback but he should be back mid-November. He shows plenty of ability and he’s on a nice mark. We might aim him at the better novice hurdles this season.

    Star Quality

    Fox Norton
    9g Lando - Natt Musik
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    1/12P/23-
    RPR 174c 143h; OR 166c 145h
    He’s a classy horse on his day and we’re hoping to have a clear run with him this season. He had two lovely runs last season bumping into Altior and Cyrname, who were the two top horses in Britain, but last year we were playing catch-up as he has been plagued with injury. This season he’s had three months out in the field and the summer break will have helped him. He is only cantering and we don’t have any targets, we just want a clear run and run him when he's ready. He won’t be out until December. We won’t be rushing him as we want him at all the festivals in the spring. He’s a nine-year-old but he hasn’t had that much racing – we’ve had two interrupted campaigns but this year he will have had the whole summer out so we’re hoping for a big year. He’s every bit as good – if not better – so he’s got every chance of being a very good 2m chaser, I think we’ll stick over 2m but we could go up to 2m4f too. People say the 2m chasing division is going to be open but everyone who has a two-and-a-half miler is going to switch back thinking Altior isn’t there - but I think it'll still be very competitive.

    Getaway Fred
    5g Getaway - Cloch Anna
    Victor & Celia Goaman
    2
    RPR 118h OR -
    We bought him out of the Cheltenham sales and he’s a good horse to go novice hurdling with. He put in a nice first run for us at Exeter where the right horse beat us, but he travelled and jumped well. You’d like to think he’d be winning a novice hurdle before too long – we were really pleased with his first run. He’s showing us all the right signs at home and he’s another of those nice young horses who could be anything this season.

    Golden Sunrise
    6g Stowaway - Fairy Dawn
    Brocade Racing
    2/P43-51
    RPR 140c 128h; OR 125c 125h
    He put in a nice performance the last day at Exeter. He was in too deep first time at Chepstow but he’s a horse who tends to improve from his first run. The blinkers certainly helped him too. He travelled nicely and won the race well, he’s grown into his body – he’s only a six-year-old – so hopefully he’ll keep developing now. I’m sure he’ll be put up to the 130 mark so we’d have to look at some decent races. He’s a good horse for staying handicap chases who’s big and strong and can carry a fair bit of weight. We’ll aim at those sort of long-distance races on big galloping tracks like Exeter and Chepstow, which should play to his strengths.

    Harry Senior
    5g Oscar - Surf Like a Lady
    Brocade Racing
    4
    RPR 115h OR -
    He’s a beautiful, athletic individual with a real turn of foot. He had a first run for us when he was fourth in a decent-looking novice hurdle – that was 2m and I think he definitely wants stepping up in trip a little. We'll feel our way with him. He’ll stay in that division and he looks like the sort of horse who will continue improving all season. He’s a gorgeous individual with a very bright future.

    Highest Sun
    5g Sunday Break - Highest Price
    Ashley Head
    34210-3
    RPR 138h OR 136h
    He’s had a good, long summer break and looks a proper horse to go novice chasing with. We ran him in a handicap hurdle last time, he came there to win his race but just got a bit tired from two out. I thought it was a great effort and he had some great form over hurdles last season too. We’ll look at going over fences with him now. He’s grown into a big, strong horse and he’ll go over 2m and 2m4f.
    Dark Horse

    Investment Manager
    3g Nathaniel - Two Days In Paris
    Brocade Racing
    Unraced
    RPR - OR -
    We bought him at the Derby sale and he looks a really nice horse. He’s a sharp three-year-old - probably the sharpest we’ve had in a while - and we plan on running him in bumpers. He’s very athletic and he works nicely at home so we’re excited to get him started for the season.

    Jeremy Sunshine
    5g Jeremy - Tarastar
    RM Harvey Bailey
    7
    RPR - OR -
    He’s another we bought at the Cheltenham May sale after winning an Irish point-to-point. He finished seventh on his hurdling debut at Wincanton on Sunday. He’s a flashy-looking individual, not overly big but is quite athletic. He should be capable of winning races.

    Kilbricken Storm
    8g Oscar - Kilbricken Leader
    A Selway & P Wavish
    13/1600-
    RPR 143c 154h; OR 150c 145h
    He was disappointing last season but I think we're going to stick to hurdling with him this year. He won first time out and then he had a stress fracture of his pelvis, but he’s a Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival winner so he shouldn’t be forgotten. Sometimes horses have that brilliant year then the following season they half pay for it in that season. He is back in now and looks fit and well. We'll take him to those long-distance hurdles and hopefully end up in the Stayers’ Hurdle. He’s in full work now and we’re looking to start him in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on Ladbrokes Trophy weekend. He’s in good form, we’ve ironed out a few little issues, so he certainly can’t be written off this year.

    KingsWalk
    8g King’s Theatre - Shuil Sionnach
    Jean R Bishop
    4/3P328-
    RPR 124c 124h; OR 120c 120h
    He’s still a novice but he’s a solid horse to take handicap chasing. He ran some decent races last season but he’s been quite hard to train all of his life. He doesn’t have that many miles on the clock and I’d like to think he’s more than capable of winning off his handicap mark. He’s had a hobday procedure and he’s built like a staying chaser. If we get a nice clear run with him then he definitely would be competitive. He deserves to win over fences soon.

    L’Air Du Vent
    5g Coastal Path - Bleu Perle
    Brocade Racing
    1-3
    RPR - OR -
    His bumper win at Bangor at the end of the season was a cracking run. He looks a beautiful young horse and, at this stage, he could be anything. We only got him 12 months ago but he’s really filled out and grown, he’s a much stronger horse. There’s everything to like about him, size, speed and a good attitude. He’s one of our top novice hurdlers this season and that’s what he’ll do this year. He finished third at Cheltenham on Saturday and Robbie [Power] said he was a pretty green but it was only his third run. We’re happy with him and he looks like a chaser in the making. He would have learnt a lot from that run and improve a fraction for it.

    Lillington
    7g Westerner - Kind Word
    The Colin Tizzard Racing Club
    8211P-6
    RPR 135c 117h; OR 133c 103h
    He’s our racing club horse and has done them all proud winning five times last year. After the second one we thought the handicapper had got hold of him but he kept improving. He’s made himself a Saturday horse now so I am sure the club are going to have some great fun with him. The ground was plenty quick enough the last day for him and he’s handicapped off the back of that form. He’ll probably have a bit more of a chance now and as the ground get softer it will suit him. There’s nothing to suggest he won’t stop improving.

    Star quality

    Lostintranslation
    7g Flemensfirth - Falika
    Taylor & O’Dwyer
    /231221-
    RPR 165c 151h; OR 161c 149h
    Our target is to get him to the Gold Cup in good form. He's a big, strong, heavy horse and it’s lovely to have him. When we had Cue Card, Native River and Thistlecrack I never thought we’d have one as quick as him. He’s got it all to do still, but looks like he’s progressing and I hope he can take one or two of those races. He had top-class form last year, he’s a huge hunk of a horse. He has still got to improve to win a Gold Cup but this is his time. There’s only one chance to go for an intermediate chase, so we’re looking at starting him off at Carlisle [Colin Parker Memorial on Sunday], the rest of the time he’ll be taking on the best. He can go up there over 2m4f, which he has good form at, then we will go to the Betfair Chase and King George. Everyone makes the fact that he won quite cosily at Aintree over 3mbut he didn’t have as much as a slog as Topofthegame [won the RSA], so he may have been over the top while we had a fresh horse. He’s a gorgeous horse and we’re looking forward to seeing how far he can progress this season.

    Master Debonair
    5g Yeats - Swincombe Flame
    The Gosden Mob & SprayClad UK
    12105-2
    RPR 122h OR -
    He goes into this season on his bumper form as our top novice hurdler. He was a Listed winner around Cheltenham and he beat Thyme Hill who won the Persian War the other week, so his form is bang on. He disappointed at Cheltenham and Aintree so we have had his wind tweaked during the summer. He’s schooled really nicely. We were happy with his second at Cheltenham but he just got a bit tired. He travelled plenty keen enough over the first half-mile and paid for it after the last, but it was a lovely first run over hurdles and we're excited with him going forward. He’s a good-looking, leggy, athletic horse who we expect to climb through the ranks as the season progresses. We think he’s a Supreme horse, he’s a smart boy and we’re really excited by him this season.

    Mister Malarkey
    6g Malinas - Priscilla
    Wendy & Malcolm Hezel
    /131142-
    RPR 154c 124h; OR 150c 126h
    He’s rated 150 and his main target is the Ladbrokes Trophy [November 30, Newbury]. I think he’ll follow a similar path that Elegant Escape took last year, starting off at Sandown in the Future Stars [Intermediate Chase, Sandown November 11] before Newbury and then hopefully the Welsh National. He ticks all the boxes for those races – he’s a second-season chaser, a strong galloper and stayer and he’s got a very similar profile to Native River and Elegant Escape. His form is great, the RSA fourth looks real strong form and his second at Aintree was solid. I think he’s improved through the summer and he’s a good chap to have going forward.

    Molineux
    8g King’s Theatre - Steel Grey Lady
    John & Heather Snook
    U12369-
    RPR 137c 130h; OR 130c 128h
    He’s a really consistent horse. We’ll start him off in some handicaps over 2m4f within the next few weeks. He had some decent form last season and he’s a quality 130-rated chaser. He’s a light-framed, strong-travelling horse who enjoys good or good to soft ground. On his day, when the conditions are right, he can pick up his share of races.

    Mount Rushmoore
    7g Shantou - Knock On The Door
    Jenny Perry and Celia Goaman
    224/7PP-
    RPR 128h OR 120h
    He cracked his pelvis the last time he ran but he’s back in now and looks great. He’s schooling away nicely at the moment, he’s a big heavy horse who wants a bit of cut in the ground and would be suited to a galloping track. We should have him out by the middle of November and we’ll probably go novice handicap chasing with him. He’s got a bit of attitude but he’s got ability.

    Moving Day
    4g Getaway - Little Demand
    The Reserve Tankers
    Unraced
    RPR - OR -
    He’s got the same owners as Reserve Tank and, like him, we’re thinking of going novice hurdling with him straight away. He’s not run yet, although he was due to run in an Irish point-to-point last season. He was bought privately for nice money and he goes well at home. He’s shown enough at home to suggest he could win a good race this season.

    Star quality

    Native River
    9g Indian River - Native Mo
    Brocade Racing
    3/11/234-
    RPR 177c 151h; OR 167c 153h
    He’s taken us to five Cheltenham Festivals and won a Gold Cup, you can’t knock him. He’ll needs some nice, wet springs and nowadays, because of his rating, he need soft ground because he is taking on the best horses. He will be ready early November, so we might start him off in the Many Clouds Chase on the first weekend of December and then we would keep our options open for Boxing Day. The Betfair Chase will come a bit soon for him, although I’ve watched Haydock being abandoned and thinking it would be soft so we should be there, but we don’t have time to get him ready for it. He could go for the Welsh National or, if the ground is right, he could go to the King George – he came third there last year. Stamina is his forte and we know he stays the Welsh National trip and carry top weight, but that was off 155 and now he’s rated 167 so it’s a different job altogether. There’s also Ireland but the owners don’t like flying. They’ve got their passports so maybe it is an option. The Irish horses will be kicking in by then and their best horses run in that race so it won’t be easy – if we can keep him in Britain we will. We’d then have one more run before the Gold Cup. His training is moving up through the gears now.

    New To This Town
    8g Milan - Jade River
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    40/12/48-
    RPR 131c 135h; OR 128c 132h
    He’s probably highly enough handicapped on what he has done recently but hopefully he can pay his way. He was a bit disappointing last time at Haydock in January but some of ours weren’t right then and he’s had a long holiday since. He tends to save a little bit for himself and he'll continue going handicap chasing.

    No Hubs No Hoobs
    3g Flemensfirth - Miss Brandywell
    Taylor and O’Dwyer
    Unraced
    RPR - OR -
    He’s a brother to a 137-rated chaser [Killer Miller] and we bought him at the Derby Sale in Ireland. He’s a 3m chaser in the making, but he’s got enough class to achieve some good results before that. He is a little bit backwards at this stage but he’s expensive and is a nice prospect for the future.

    Ofalltheginjoints
    5g Stowaway - Dinos Luso
    The Reserve Tankers
    1
    RPR 120h OR -
    We bought him at the Punchestown sales and then he won nicely at Chepstow. I think he’ll probably want stepping up to 2m4f. He’s always been a nice horse but we weren’t expecting him to win first time, so he’s already achieved a fait bit. We’ll work our way with him this year but he could develop into a nice prospect. He does everything right at home.

    Oscars Moonshine
    4g Oscar - Scrapper Jack
    Mrs Elizabeth Lane
    5
    RPR 107b OR -
    We were happy with his debut when he was fifth a few weeks ago, it was a nice run and he stayed on well when the penny dropped. We’ll probably go novice hurdling with him now but he’s got plenty of ability and works well at home. He should have a bright future.

    Padleyourowncanoe
    5g Nayef - Pooka’s Daughter
    Kevin Corcoran, Aaron Pierce, Chris Weare
    36108-1
    RPR 134c 141h; OR 140c 140h
    He dotted up in his first novice chase, which was lovely, and he is a solid 140-145 chaser. He came to us rated 60 on the Flat, but then he improved and finished placed in the Fred Winter. He’s a good boy and he jumped beautifully at Exeter, so we'll have a look at Cheltenham with him. He’s a nice novice chaser and he could be anything.

    Pingshou
    9g Definite Article - Quest Of Passion
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    550-122
    RPR 144c 149h; OR 140c 140h
    He missed the whole of the previous season and we got him on the track last winter, but the transformation in his form has been summer jumping on better ground. He’s had a great campaign although his form has faded off a little bit. He has been fragile to train all of his life. He was Grade 1-winning hurdler not too long ago but he hasn’t reproduced that level of form again. He has done his running through the summer, so he'll have a bit of a break through the winter now.

    Quite By Chance
    10g Midnight Legend - Hop Fair
    T Hamlin, JM Dare, JW Snook, JT Warner
    8483P4-
    RPR 153c 117h; OR 123c 114h
    He’s been a great horse for the yard and has been really consistent. He isn’t getting any younger so we’re going to go hunter chasing with him. His best performances tend to come over an extended three miles on good ground. We’ve had some great days out with him but hopefully there’s a few more to come.

    Rarest Diamond
    5m Milan - Lace Parasol
    The Colin Tizzard Racing Club
    6
    RPR 95b OR -
    She ran well at Ffos Las on debut and had some decent point-to-point form. She’s owned by the racing club and looks a nice prospect for the season ahead in novice hurdles.
    Dark horse

    Rectory Oak
    4g Oscar - Betty Roe
    Mrs G C Pritchard
    2
    RPR - OR -
    He ran a lovely race first time out, finishing second in a decent-looking bumper at Exeter in May. That was very pleasing, he led from the home bend but was headed in the final furlong and the winner [Story Of Friends] has won again. He has schooled well and we’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t have a good season. He’s filled out over the summer and we like him a lot. We’re starting off in a novice hurdle somewhere soon, I think he’s a nice young horse going forward who could have a bright future. He’s one to watch.

    Star quality

    Reserve Tank
    5g Jeremy - Lady Bellamy
    The Reserve Tankers
    7111-12
    RPR 145c 151h; OR 151c 151h
    He was just beaten by a better horse [Jarveys Plate] on his return at Chepstow. You never know if horses are fully wound up first time out. He’s an athletic horse who does everything easy at home and those are the sort of horses you need to push a bit more to get them fitter. He travelled so well, so maybe he just needed the run. The horse who beat him nearly beat Elixir De Nutz last year so in his own right he is a very good horse. Reserve Tank has come out of the race well and we’re looking to go to the Rising Stars at Wincanton on November 9 and that should be ideal for him. He surprised us last year, when he ran him first time at Chepstow and he finished third and we were happy, thinking he could win a handicap of 115 but he just got better and better – that’s the beauty of racing really. We’ve got in our minds that his best form came on spring ground but that doesn’t mean we can’t run him in the winter. I think he could come back in trip. We did think he’d go up through the gears but he travelled so well at Chepstow. I think 2m4f is his optimum trip at this point. We still think he is a very good horse.

    Robinsfirth
    10g Fleminsfirth - Phardester
    Christine Knowles & Wendy Carter
    U/421/21-
    RPR 159c 141h; OR 153c 135h
    He’s always been a seriously good staying chaser but has been a bit fragile throughout his career, so we have to be mindful. He raced only twice last year and Sean Bowen gave him a cracker when he won the Peter Marsh. He is going to be aimed at the Ladbrokes Trophy although we will probably start him off over hurdles - either at Wetherby [West Yorkshire Hurdle] on November 2 or a handicap at Newbury five days later. He’ll be aimed at all those big staying chases.

    Rockpoint
    6g Shirocco - Tinagoodnight
    John and Heather Snook
    14607-4
    RPR 137h OR 133c
    He won the Albert Bartlett trial and we hoped he would progress but his form tailed off slightly in the second half of the season. He was a Grade 2 winner at Cheltenham last season and we’re confident he can translate his form over fences. Robbie [Power] said he was building his confidence as the race went on when fourth on Saturday and he was saving a bit for the finish, which he did. He jumped better as the race went on. He’ll be ridden more positively next time and he should improve for the run. We’d like to think he’ll go close next time out. He probably wants good to soft ground over a 3m trip so we’re hoping he could develop into an RSA horse this season. He is a much bigger, stronger horse this year and we’re quite excited by him.

    Royal Crown
    Star quality

    Reserve Tank
    5g Jeremy - Lady Bellamy
    The Reserve Tankers
    7111-12
    RPR 145c 151h; OR 151c 151h
    He was just beaten by a better horse [Jarveys Plate] on his return at Chepstow. You never know if horses are fully wound up first time out. He’s an athletic horse who does everything easy at home and those are the sort of horses you need to push a bit more to get them fitter. He travelled so well, so maybe he just needed the run. The horse who beat him nearly beat Elixir De Nutz last year so in his own right he is a very good horse. Reserve Tank has come out of the race well and we’re looking to go to the Rising Stars at Wincanton on November 9 and that should be ideal for him. He surprised us last year, when he ran him first time at Chepstow and he finished third and we were happy, thinking he could win a handicap of 115 but he just got better and better – that’s the beauty of racing really. We’ve got in our minds that his best form came on spring ground but that doesn’t mean we can’t run him in the winter. I think he could come back in trip. We did think he’d go up through the gears but he travelled so well at Chepstow. I think 2m4f is his optimum trip at this point. We still think he is a very good horse.

    Robinsfirth
    10g Fleminsfirth - Phardester
    Christine Knowles & Wendy Carter
    U/421/21-
    RPR 159c 141h; OR 153c 135h
    He’s always been a seriously good staying chaser but has been a bit fragile throughout his career, so we have to be mindful. He raced only twice last year and Sean Bowen gave him a cracker when he won the Peter Marsh. He is going to be aimed at the Ladbrokes Trophy although we will probably start him off over hurdles - either at Wetherby [West Yorkshire Hurdle] on November 2 or a handicap at Newbury five days later. He’ll be aimed at all those big staying chases.

    Rockpoint
    6g Shirocco - Tinagoodnight
    John and Heather Snook
    14607-4
    RPR 137h OR 133c
    He won the Albert Bartlett trial and we hoped he would progress but his form tailed off slightly in the second half of the season. He was a Grade 2 winner at Cheltenham last season and we’re confident he can translate his form over fences. Robbie [Power] said he was building his confidence as the race went on when fourth on Saturday and he was saving a bit for the finish, which he did. He jumped better as the race went on. He’ll be ridden more positively next time and he should improve for the run. We’d like to think he’ll go close next time out. He probably wants good to soft ground over a 3m trip so we’re hoping he could develop into an RSA horse this season. He is a much bigger, stronger horse this year and we’re quite excited by him.

    Sandy Beach
    9g Notnowcato - Picacho
    Brocade Racing
    2/15P39-
    RPR 138c 114h; OR 123c 127h
    He was third in the Devon National at Exeter but you can ignore his last run. He’ll contest long-distance chases on softish ground but he’s had a wind operation recently so we won’t see him until late November. He’s a big, strong nine-year-old who should have a good season.

    Shanahan’s Turn
    11g Indian Danehill - Chanson Indienne
    Alan & Ann Potts Ltd
    /3786U2-
    RPR 154c 140h; OR 122c 129h
    He's a bit in and out but he is probably down to a mark he's capable of running well off. His best result last season was his last run when second on good ground at Chepstow, although two of the four runners pulled up. He goes particularly well fresh and he’ll be on the go in 2m4f handicap chases this season.

    Sizing Codelco
    10g Flemensfirth - La Zingarella
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    8/20PP-5
    RPR 162c 144h; OR 147c 144h
    He’s slipped down the weights a bit but his mark is still quite high. He’s probably capable of running well off it but he isn’t getting any younger. He won off 154 but he keeps putting in decent performances so his mark doesn’t drop. He’s a big horse and takes a bit of work to get him fit, but he is a solid staying handicap chaser. He’s not scaled the heights of previous years but he’s more than capable if he’s willing. He’s quite a character with a quirky way of racing – an all-or-nothing type. He prefers better ground and we’re probably looking at going hunter chasing with him in the new year.

    Sizing Granite
    11g Milan - Hazel’s Tisrara
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    3P43112
    RPR 162c 142h; OR 148c 140h
    He’s had a hell of a summer and we’ve been chuffed to bits with him. He’s improved majorly and it might be down to the new gallop which he seems to enjoy working on. He’s been really consistent and has won some nice pots too. He's going to have a break through the winter and he should be back next spring.

    Sizing Platinum
    11g Definite Article - Guest Of Passion
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    U01-F31
    RPR 156c 130h; OR 151c 135h
    He had soft palette cautery before winning nicely the last day at Worcester, but he’s since had a little setback so we’re not sure when he’ll be back. He needs a bit of good ground and he goes well fresh. He’s an 11-year-old now and nearing the end of his career, but it’s great that he can still be competitive in decent races.

    Sizing Tara
    6g Kayf Tara - As Was
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    644114
    RPR 119h OR 117h
    He’s won two this season before running okay when fourth at Exeter. We might go chasing, but I think we'll try to win another hurdle race first which I think he can do. He’s not overly big but he’s capable and has a great attitude.

    Slade House
    7g Presenting - Bay Pearl
    Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans
    8/4528-1
    RPR 137c 145h; OR 135c 141h
    We gave him a long summer break on the grass after his run in the Arkle and he benefited enormously from it. He strengthened up and looks a proper chaser for the season ahead – he’s also had a full hobday procedure coming back into work. He’s still a novice over fences and we think he’s on quite a workable mark. He looked seriously impressive on Saturday. We felt he was somewhere near his best before the race but we weren't expecting a performance like that. He was really good, on that ground results can get exaggerated a bit but take nothing away from him he jumped and stayed well so we're chuffed to bits for him. The BetVictor Gold Cup on November 16 has been his target and he'll be getting an entry, but it'll be interesting to see what the handicapper does with him. He's still a novice so we could stick to that route.
    Dark horse

    The Big Breakaway
    4g Getaway - Princess Mairead
    Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans
    Unraced
    RPR - OR -
    He was an expensive buy at Punchestown [festival Goffs] after winning a good point-to-point and he does everything we ask of him at home. He’s going to start off in a novice hurdle, possibly at Wincanton, and I would think 2m4f would be his trip at the moment. He works beautifully at home, looks exceptional and schools brilliantly, so we are excited by him going forward – we just have to remember he's only a four-year-old with a bright future so we don’t need to rush him. He’s a big horse, too, so we'll make sure to look after him but he’s an exciting addition to the team.

    The Russian Doyen
    6g Doyen - Namloc
    The Gosden Mob
    16/1514-
    RPR 139c 136h; OR 140c 138h
    He had a good season last season, finishing fourth at Cheltenham [Close Brothers] beating all the other English horses. He’s going to go to the Haldon Gold Cup first, it’s a nice starting point and that’s been the target for him all summer. We’ll think about stepping him up to 2m4f after that, but a stiff 2m around there in a limited handicap, and first time out, will be perfect for him.

    Theatre Guide
    12g King’s Theatre - Erintante
    Jean R Bishop
    /0022-63
    RPR 160c 127h; OR 140c 149h
    He’s going to go in all the veterans’ races throughout the year and he finished third at Aintree on Sunday. He’s been a brilliant, Joe [Tizzard] was placed on him in the Hennessy [Ladbrokes Trophy] so that shows how long he’s been around. He’s a 12-year-old now so this will be his last season but I think he will be competitive in those Veterans races, they’re perfect for him.

    Star quality

    Thistlecrack
    11g Kayf Tara - Ardstown
    John and Heather Snook
    2/54/32P-
    RPR 174c 178h; OR 167c 167h
    He’s done some prep work and is back in training now. He looked as though he was going to win the King George but he got outstayed so we think he’s still got it. There’s a chance he will start back over hurdles and, if he’s as good as he was before, we could stay over hurdles and aim him for the Stayers’ Hurdle. As he gets older we aren’t ruling out the hurdles route. We will give him a hurdle run then decide whether to stay or go back to the King George.

    Ultragold
    11g Kapgarde - Hot d’Or
    Brocade Racing, J P Romans, Terry Warner
    1/435P0-
    RPR 152c 112h; OR 146c 137h
    He’s going well. We'll have a run somewhere before going back to Aintree for the Becher Chase on December 7 – he comes alive over those fences. We’ll have a look at possibly starting him at Cheltenham in November. We ran him in the National last season where he ran well [14th] and he ticked all of the boxes for that race apart from the distance. This year he’ll run in the Topham again – he loves that race – so this year will be about getting him spot on for it.

    Vision Des Flos
    6g Balko - Marie Royale
    Ann & Alan Potts Ltd
    52310-6
    RPR 151h OR 153h
    He improved as the season progressed last year. We went chasing last year and he did nothing wrong on his chasing debut he just landed a little steep and unseated Tom Scudamore. He improved over hurdles and had a wind op in January – and if he hadn’t made a mistake at the last at Punchestown [Champion Stayers Hurdle] he would have been either first or second which was a great run in a Grade 1. We’re excited to go novice chasing with him, he stays well, so we’re hoping he can develop into an RSA horse.

    War Lord
    4g Jukebox Jury - Westalin
    The Wychwood Partnership
    5-1
    RPR 106h OR -
    He showed a really good attitude when winning at Plumpton, so we were pleased. He’ll appreciate the step up in trip, but it was a lovely introduction over hurdles and it was a cracking effort.

    West Approach
    9g Westerner - Ardstown
    John and Heather Snook
    22966-2
    RPR 148c 155h; OR 140c 150h
    He had great form over fences and hurdles last year, finishing fifth in the Ladbrokes Trophy and was twice runner-up to Paisley Park over hurdles. I think we’re going to mix between fences and hurdles this year. He ran a lovely race at Cheltenham on Saturday. He looked as if he was going to win everywhere between the last two but finished second. He may have needed the run a little bit, but it was still a good run. I keep saying it but one of those big races is going to fall into his lap, he's so consistent and you can't really fault him. He’s best over 3m and is a good solid stayer, he’ll be a veteran next year, too, which gives us a few more options. We’re sure he’s got a big win in him this year.

    Dark horse

    White Moon
    7g Sholokhov - Westalin
    Brocade Racing
    /F5144-F
    RPR 142c 132h; OR 137c 137h
    We’ve always held him in high regard. He looked to have every chance on his chasing debut at Cheltenham last year but fell at the last which slowed down his season a little but he bounced back and won at Exeter on New Year’s Day. He had a hobday procedure over the summer. He was in the lead when falling at Wincanton on Sunday. Hopefully he can land a nice pot this season.

    Who Shot Jr
    5g Scorpion - Ariesanne
    Wednesday Night Syndicate
    93-
    RPR 108b OR -
    He improved massively from his first to second start last season when third in a bumper over 2m4f at Fontwell. He was clueless first time but the penny dropping late on at Fontwell so it was encouraging. He’s working and moving well at home and we will start him off in a novice hurdle at Chepstow soon. He looks the finished article now, so we’re looking forward to getting him started.

    Race in focus
    The Ladbrokes Trophy is one of the big early season targets for us and we have a number of horses we plan on taking there. Robinsfirth would have a decent chance if the ground is right and Mister Malarky has the perfect profile for the race. We could also run Elegant Escape.

    Rival to watch
    Cyrname. You can’t take anything away from that Ascot Chase win, he was brilliant. The form looks red-hot too with Waiting Patiently and Fox Norton and he could be a very good chaser this season. He could be a Gold Cup contender.

    Tizzard on Altior stepping up in trip
    I think he should stay 3m no problem. They go flat out over 2m so to win a Champion Chase you’ve got to stay well. He’s one of the best chasers we’ve seen for a long time and when you look at horses like Kauto Star and Desert Orchid, they’re so good they can win over either trip.

    Two for the tracker
    I like White Moon and he can keep improving this season, while it's great to have a Nathaniel in the yard and we think Investment Manager is a nice prospect.

    Expert View

    Although its connotations in popular culture are usually positive, the story of King Midas is a cautionary one at its heart. Colin Tizzard may soon know the feeling. It is evident that an increasing number of talented individuals are coming into his growing yard and, moreover, stable history as well as the background of some of those new recruits tells us that the majority will end up as smart staying chasers.

    Tizzard could virtually 'do a Vertem' in dominating the Ladbrokes Trophy – last year he had the first, second and fifth. It seems the stable's main hope for this year's race is Mister Malarky. He's just the type for that race and, perhaps especially, the Welsh National. When put into top races last season, he continually left the impression that he will get better the further he goes.

    Elegant Escape is another mooted for Newbury and how he is campaigned this year will be fascinating. There is something about him that is reminiscent of Many Clouds, who looked made for the Gold Cup until Cheltenham revealed his fairly one-paced nature. Flatter Aintree, of course, was just his thing and Elegant Escape could fit into the same category. He certainly would not fail for a lack of stamina in a Grand National.

    With so many similar types at Tizzard's disposal, novel race-planning will become a necessary skill and it is surprising to see so few being considered for races in Ireland, even France. The Savills Chase at Leopardstown, for example, feels like a more suitable Christmas target for Native River rather than the King George (for which the yard will have Lostintranslation) or Welsh National (take your pick), for all his presence in the latter would be a major talking point.

    There are plenty just below the top level, too. West Approach can pick up place money in top hurdle races, but as his trainer says there's a big handicap chase in him off 140 and he might have shown it at Cheltenham on Saturday but for the rain-softened ground. This horse is best up to 3m, so don't give up hope just yet.

    Similarly, Sizing Codelco had the look of one who was finally getting a break from the handicapper. His hunter plan means he may not be able to run in handicaps near to hand, but there is always the spring, which in 2017 gave rise to the performances for which he has suffered since.

    Another sign of increasing quality from the yard is the small but notable band of high-quality hurdlers and, to a lesser extent, a gradual improvement in returns from bumper horses. L'Air Du Vent was one of just three bumper winners for the yard last season and is bound to be a Graded contender in novice hurdles this season.

    It is a shame that neither Elixir De Nutz nor Eldorado Allen will be out before December. Both looked likely types for the Greatwood, with which their respective owner/joint-owner Terry Warner is forever associated thanks to Rooster Booster and Detroit City. For all we talk about Tizzard's Gold Cup types, it would be no surprise at all come March if he ends up with a runner or two in the Champion Hurdle.
    Keith Melrose


  • #4
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Next up...Peter Hobbs

    Making bold long-range predictions has become a hazardous business in the Brexit age, but there is something calmly reassuring about the consistency that has long been the hallmark of Philip Hobbs’s training operation.

    We can fairly safely say that six months down the line he will have sent out 100 winners and cracked the £1 million prize-money barrier. And if that is the case, it will be the sixth time in seven years the trainer has fulfilled his twin ambitions.

    Thirteen winners in October has set things up nicely for his winter campaign; one of them could help fulfil yet another personal ambition, to see a new hurdling star emerge at Sandhill Stables.

    Thyme Hill looked the real deal when powering home in the Persian War at Chepstow, looking for the world like a Grade 1 winner in waiting. He will take the next step at Cheltenham’s November meeting, which is where stable flagbearer Defi Du Seuil will get his season under way in the Shloer Chase. As for where he’ll end up in March, there are as yet no long-range predictions on that score.
    Stable profile

    Yard Sandhill Racing Stables
    Where Bilbrook, near Minehead, Somerset
    Assistant trainer Johnson White
    Second assistant trainer Darren O’Dwyer
    Travelling head lad Sean Mulcaire
    Travelling head lasses Laura Parker, Izzy Stadden, Zoe Moore-Williams
    Head girls Carol Burnett, Lisa Jackson
    Jockeys Richard Johnson, Tom O’Brien, Michael Nolan, James Best
    Conditionals Sean Houlihan, Ben Jones
    Amateurs David Maxwell, Tom Doggrell, Jack Martin, Isaac Buncle, Louisa Zeale, Tom Dixon
    Secretary Jo Cody-Boutcher
    Assistant secretary Diana Hobbs
    Started training 1985
    Horses in yard 111
    Members of staff 37
    Stable sponsor MS Amlin
    Website pjhobbs.com

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 106
    2017-18 63
    2016-17 111
    2015-16 113

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 +£5.63
    2017-18 -£161.95
    2016-17 -£92.03
    2015-16 -£64.73

    Prize-money 2018-19
    £1,305,374

    At Its Own Expense
    Five-year-old gelding Arakan (sire) - Blow A Gasket (dam)
    Owner: South Meadow Racing 1
    Form figures: 33313-2
    Racing Post Rating: 127 (hurdles) Official rating 128 (hurdles)
    Ran well on his comeback in a handicap hurdle and we’ll be chasing before too long. The plan is to go to Sandown on Sunday for either another handicap hurdle or a novice handicap chase.

    Ballotin
    8g Enrique - Orphee De Vonnas
    David Maxwell Racing
    2P/41F-1
    RPR 147c OR 135c
    Like with a lot of the owner’s horses, the plan is to go handicap chasing in the first half of the season, then hunter chasing in the new year – he won two hunter chases last spring. He’s such a lovely individual who tries so hard, and is well capable of contributing to David Maxwell’s bid to retain his amateur crown. David has eight with us this season and I applaud what he has done; he’s the first amateur to use his own horses to become champion since George Sloan back in the 1970s.

    Beau Du Brizais
    7g Kapgarde - Belle Du Brizais
    Mrs Roger Skan
    40-1422
    RPR 140c OR 135c
    He’s tough, like a lot of Kapgardes, and a very genuine chaser. He ran two really good races in October, narrowly beaten each time, and it wasn’t for lack of trying as he’s dead genuine. Loves a real test of stamina and is better on decent ground, so with all the rain we’ve had I’m probably going to have to run him on ground a bit softer than ideal. Provided I don’t think the race comes too soon, he could be out again in the Badger Beers Silver Trophy at Wincanton on Saturday. He can operate left-handed, but it’s significant he has only won on right-handed tracks.

    Big Shark
    5g Vinnie Roe - Castlelost
    Mrs C Walsh and Eden Valley Chancers
    2(point-to-point)-1
    RPR 124h OR -
    That was a fantastic effort to win at Worcester last month, all the more so as it wasn’t anticipated. He’d been schooling very well at home but ran so green that he was novicey at his obstacles. There’s lots of room for improvement, he stays well and has a great attitude, so I hope he has a real future.

    Brother Tedd
    10g Kayf Tara - Neltina
    Scrase Farms
    32/12/23-
    RPR 144c OR 132c
    Came back in the spring after a long spell off with a tendon problem. Despite his age he’s lightly raced over fences and as he’s shaped as if 3m might suit nowadays I’m hoping stepping him up in trip could see him improve a few pounds. Could go to Newbury on Thursday or for a veterans’ chase at Sandown on Sunday provided the ground’s not too soft.

    Chef D’Equipe
    7g Presenting - Millesimee
    David Maxwell Racing
    1234-U5
    RPR 135c OR 130c
    Like Ballotin, I hope he can win a handicap chase in the first half of the season before going hunter chasing in the second half. He and David Maxwell had an unfortunate experience last season. They went to Auteuil in May for an important amateurs’ chase, but David had unknowingly broken some ribs the day before and it wasn’t until they got down to the start that he realised how sore he was, but it was too late by then. They got no further than the fourth and he sustained further injuries when parting company.

    Cotswold Way
    6g Stowaway - Rosies All The Way
    Daphne Du Pre
    11814-6
    RPR 116c OR 140c
    He can be a bit keen and that’s a slight concern now he's gone novice chasing as you want them to back off their fence. His schooling at home has been fine and he'll improve on Sunday's Huntingdon debut. All his four wins have been on good or good to firm, so ground conditions are important to him.

    Crooks Peak
    6g Arcadio - Ballcrina Girl
    Andy Tilley and Phil Prior
    1110-44
    RPR 137h OR 134h
    Showed progressive form over hurdles in the spring before the handicapper got a hold on him. Ran well on his return from a break at Chepstow. He was unlucky to be left by himself on the inside and was looking around for company; when he found some after the last he ran on again. I suspect the next time we see him may be over fences.
    Star quality

    Defi Du Seuil
    6g Voix Du Nord - Quarvine Du Seuil
    JP McManus
    51211-2
    RPR 164c OR 162c
    He’s been fantastic for us. You’d think looking at his JLT win that 2m4f was his best distance, but then we took him to Punchestown and he ran just as well back at 2m, so trip-wise this season we have loads of options: he’s effective at 2m, stays 2m4f and I’m sure he’ll get 3m, as most Triumph Hurdle winners end up staying really well. And I have this theory that the more classy a chaser is – here I’m thinking Kauto Star and Desert Orchid – the more versatile they can be trip-wise. I’m not saying ‘Defi’ is in their class but I think he'll prove flexible like them. He’s a very stuffy individual who needs plenty of work and isn’t the easiest to get fit, and bearing in mind he disappointed first time out last season, to avoid the possibility of a repeat we’ve taken him away for two racecourse gallops in the last fortnight. This is something I hardly ever do but with him I've had to. We thought about starting him at Exeter today in the Haldon Gold Cup but have decided he’ll reappear at Cheltenham on Sunday week in the Shloer Chase. Right now he’s our only proven Grade 1 performer in the yard, although I hope one or two others may appear during the course of the season.

    Deise Aba
    6g Mahler - Kit Massini
    Trevor Hemmings
    1144-P
    RPR 132h OR 135h
    Looked really good on his first run for us at Chepstow last season, but you have to say his subsequent three runs have been something of an anti-climax. He’s always been a nervy, green individual, so I had hoped once he got over that there would be a fair bit of improvement. But he was very disappointing the other day at Aintree, where he looked promising turning in but he just fizzled out, and I don’t know why.

    Diplomate Sivola
    6g Noroit - None De Sivola
    David Maxwell Racing
    32121P-
    RPR 141c OR 134c
    Has shown improved form since being stepped up in trip to around 3m and I’m hopeful he’s still going the right way. We’ll see if he’s progressed further when he reappears in the amateur riders’ handicap chase at Cheltenham on Friday week.

    Dolphin Square
    5g Shantou - Carrig Eden Lass
    David Maxwell Racing
    114-121
    RPR 135h OR 131h
    His latest hurdle win at Wincanton came just days before his novice status ran out. His owner is now three from five on him and while the races weren’t special that doesn’t matter at all to David, who just wants as many winners as possible to retain his amateur title. I suspect he'll be novice handicap chasing pretty soon, then hunter chasing in the spring; he originally joined us from the Irish pointing field and 3m will be his job over fences.

    Dostal Phil
    6g Coastal Path - Quiphile
    JP McManus
    1/4/2021-
    RPR 128h OR 125h
    Has taken time to learn his job; it was all too much for him this time last year and he lost it when favourite for a novice handicap hurdle at Cheltenham. He just couldn’t cope with loads of runners around him. But he did better later on, as an Exeter victory confirmed, and he’s the type who should improve – in handicap hurdles to start with – now he’s mentally stronger.

    Ecu De La Noverie
    5g Linda’s Lad - Quat’Sous D’Or
    David Maxwell Racing
    1/1232-2
    RPR 137c OR 132c
    Gave himself a nasty knock at Ascot in January and had his first run since when making a really pleasing return at Wetherby last month. 2m handicap chases will be ideal for now, followed by hunter chases up to 2m4f in the spring.

    Everglow
    4g Presenting - Cent Prime
    Phil Munnelly
    2
    RPR 112b
    Lovely individual who has pleased me since day one, so it wasn’t a surprise he ran so well on his debut at Chepstow in what often turns out to be quite a good bumper. Could now go for the Listed bumper at Cheltenham’s Open meeting, and later on he’s in the valuable Goffs Sale Bumper at Newbury in March, so I hope he’ll be good enough to run in that.

    Feuille De Chêne
    4f Montmartre - Haldiana
    JP McManus
    121-
    Potentially a very nice filly. She’s been here since August and has done everything very easily so far. In between her two bumper wins in the French provinces she finished second in a Grade 3 bumper, behind a horse who won a Grade 1 next time, so without knowing too much about the form over there it looks okay. She’ll be out in the next few weeks and I hope she could be a high-class prospect for mares’ novice hurdles.

    Flinck
    5g Fame And Glory - Princesse Supreme
    Ronnie Bartlett
    5/53-3
    RPR 113h OR 115h
    Was beaten a long way in an Irish point and on his first run for us, when I ran him over too far and on heavy ground, but was much better at Taunton next time before a Warwick third qualified him for handicaps.

    For Langy
    4g Day Flight - Jubilee
    David Maxwell Racing
    1
    RPR -
    He’s unbeaten in two minor events in France, one on the Flat, the other over hurdles, but they were in the provinces so don’t ask me what the form amounted to, I haven’t a clue. When he arrived in July he was very light in condition so he had an easy time to start with and we’re just beginning to build him up. Looks a lot better now and should be ready in December.

    Gala Ball
    9g Flemensfirth - Nuit Des Chartreux
    Robert and Janet Gibbs
    3122/21-
    RPR 153c OR 148c
    He’s going particularly well at present. He came back in the spring having had a long time off with a leg problem, but his legs are fine right now. I thought about entering him for the BetVictor Gold Cup, but realistically couldn’t see him being competitive against those improving second-season novices, so hopefully a more realistic target is a £50,000 2m4f handicap chase at Newbury’s Ladbrokes Trophy meeting. He loves the track and, as I say, he’s in great nick at the moment.

    Garde La Victoire
    10g Kapgarde - Next Victory
    Diana Whateley
    18/240/4-
    RPR 162c OR 147c
    After his Chepstow fourth a year ago he missed the rest of the season with a leg problem. He wasn’t quite up to Graded level over fences and became increasingly difficult to place off his rating, but the handicapper has given him a chance now so I hope he can be competitive again. He’s certainly in fine form at home and there won’t be any lack of enthusiasm on his part.

    Gavrocheka
    3f Spanish Moon - Troika
    JP McManus
    4-1
    RPR -
    Really nice prospect for juvenile hurdles, when her fillies’ allowance will come in handy. She ran in a couple of AQPS Flat races in France in the spring, winning the second of them at Vichy. She’s been here several months and has been schooling away nicely. A stocky individual, she’s taken all the work we’ve thrown at her and gives every indication of being tough, which is just the sort of juvenile we like. Should be out some time this month.

    Gelboe De Chanay
    3f Rail Link - Rose Celebre
    JP McManus
    1-
    RPR 122h OR -
    I hope she could be quite exciting. Looked impressive on her hurdling debut at Auteuil in a Listed 50,000 euro newcomers’ race. I’m told nothing has come out and advertised the form, so she’s hard to assess after one run, but she did the job very easily. Although that race was in April – last season by UK standards – under the rules nowadays she remains a juvenile for the whole of our season. She’ll be out sometime this month and looks a lovely prospect.
    Dark horse

    Golden Sovereign
    5g Gold Well - Fugal Maid
    Liam Quinn
    3/8354-2
    RPR 119h OR 119h
    Looked to have progressed when narrowly beaten in a handicap hurdle at Exeter last month and the key to that improvement was the trip – he was up to 2m7f for the first time. The ground was good that day and he’ll be better on softer as he stays so well, so I see him as a likely winner soon.

    Gosheven
    6g Presenting - Fair Choice
    The Grocer Syndicate
    535/3-
    RPR 128h OR 132h
    Began last season in promising style when third in the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow but came back with a touch of a tendon problem. He’s back cantering and his legs are fine at present, so hopefully he’ll be back around Christmas. He’s obviously quite good.

    Gumball
    5g No Risk At All - Good Time Girl
    Terry Warner
    21/49-31
    RPR 144h OR 139h
    Has flown the flag for us on the Flat with three wins this year and had showed he retains all his hurdling ability when third in the Listed handicap at Market Rasen. As he likes good ground I tried – unsuccessfully – to persuade the owner not to run on good to soft at Ascot on Saturday, but I was delighted with the result. His handicap mark had been far too high after running second in the Grade 1 Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree a couple of years ago but it has come down to a realistic level and he has taken advantage. He’ll run again somewhere this autumn and we’ll give the Greatwood Hurdle serious consideration if ground conditions are favourable.

    Imperial Presence
    8g Presenting - Penneyrose Bay
    Sir Christopher and Lady Wates
    1124-PF
    RPR 152c OR 148c
    Has developed into a useful summer performer but there aren’t many opportunities at that time of year for horses with his sort of rating. Reappeared in the Listed handicap chase at Ascot on Saturday where the trip of 2m1f might have been on the short side and he was going well when coming down. He’s absolutely fine so we’ll try again on November 23 in the valuable Hurst Park Handicap Chase over the same course and distance.

    Jatiluwih
    5g Linda’s Lad - Jaune De Beaufai
    David Maxwell Racing
    2211-11
    RPR 135h OR 137h
    He’s now 4-4 since joining us from France, having squeezed in two more novice hurdle wins this autumn – the latest carrying three penalties – before his novice status ran out at the end of October. His next target is the 2m5f intermediate handicap hurdle at Cheltenham’s Open meeting, then I suspect we’ll switch to fences. He was a winner of a chase at Pau before he came here, as well as finishing second in a Listed chase in France.

    Jerrysback
    7g Jeremy - get A Few Bob Back
    JP McManus
    1/51223-
    RPR 152c OR 147c
    I think there’s a decent handicap to be won with him this season. He’s already a very useful chaser and has the potential to improve further. He’s best going right-handed and doesn’t want to go as far as nearly 4m like he did at the festival; anything between 2m4f and 3m might prove best. Will be out soon but there isn’t a definite plan for him yet.
    Dark horse

    Kalooki
    5g Martaline - Karuma
    Andrew Cohen
    0325-
    RPR 111b
    Showed enough in his bumpers to suggest he can win over hurdles and is due to start at Warwick on Friday.

    Kayf Adventure
    8g Kayf Tara - My Adventure
    Louisville Syndicate
    2372/5F-
    RPR 142c OR 136c
    Back problems restricted him to two outings last season, when he never got his ideal ground – basically he wants it bottomless. He’s in very good form and could return at Newbury this week; I’ve half got it in mind to then take him to Aintree next month for the Grand Sefton, but we’ll see how he gets on Thursday first.

    Keep Rolling
    6g Mahler - Kayles Castle
    Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club
    51V7-P
    RPR 117b
    Would have won a novice hurdle at Haydock last season but the race was voided. He jumped awful at Wetherby the other day; we got him back and had him looked over but found nothing. Hopefully we can get him back on track.

    Keep Wondering
    5g Scorpion - Supreme Touch
    Andy Bell and Fergus Lyons
    2S1(ptp)-
    RPR 92ptp
    Big, strong chasing type from the Irish pointing field. Looks okay and will be ready to start in novice hurdles very shortly.

    Larkbarrow Lad
    6g Kayf Tara - Follow My Leader
    The Englands and Heywoods
    2211-21
    RPR 135h OR 136h
    That was a right result in the Fixed Brush Final at Worcester the other day, a really nice prize [£19,000] to win. He’s been second more times than he’s won but I put that down to greenness more than anything else, so it’ll be ironed out with time. He’s a chaser to look at and I suspect we might switch to fences before long but he’ll run in at least one more handicap hurdle first.

    Mcnamaras Band
    6g Getaway - Katies Pet
    Tim Syder and Dominic Burke
    1/S31-0
    RPR 130h OR 128h
    Very disappointing first time back at Uttoxeter last month; we’re not sure what went wrong and he’s been fine since. So we’ll find another 3m handicap hurdle and try again.

    Melekhov
    5g Sholokhov - Yorkshire Girl
    Owners For Owners: Melekhov
    11/421-2
    RPR 128h OR 127h
    I’ll forgive him a defeat on his latest start as he found the track at Plumpton too tight and it was probably that fact that caused his jumping to get sloppy. Reappears at Sandown on Sunday and he should be competitive in handicap hurdles.

    Musical Slave
    6g Getaway - Inghwung
    JP McManus
    /6511-15
    RPR 129h OR 131h
    Having had a great time with him over hurdles in the spring, we went chasing with him at Plumpton last month and he was disappointing. He’s obviously going to take a bit of time to adapt to jumping fences but he’s fine at home so I hope he’ll get there. We shouldn’t lose faith.

    No Comment
    8g Kayf Tara - Dizzy Frizzy
    JP McManus
    22/36/55-
    RPR 137c OR 137c
    Sustained a nasty injury below the knee in the Kim Muir, where the skin had been peeled off from his knee down to his fetlock joint. He’s fine now but it’s one of several issues that have contributed to his being lightly raced over fences. We can go down the novice or the handicap route, but plans have yet to be sorted out.

    Oakley
    6g Oscar - Tirolean Dance
    Tim Syder
    5/5211-3
    RPR 135h OR 132h
    Suffered an injury to his fetlock joint when winning at Kempton in January and missed the rest of the season. Looked in trouble at the second-last on his return at Cheltenham the other day but then ran on again. Should do okay in handicap hurdles and is likely to stick to 2m as he has plenty of speed, although he'll get further.

    Off The Planet
    4g Presenting - Kings Diva
    Paul and Clare Rooney
    5
    RPR 98b
    Bought at the Derby Sale in Ireland last year, he was here in the spring working nicely, before enjoying a summer break at Jason Maguire’s. I was pleased with his first run at Worcester last month and he’s definitely up to winning a bumper.

    Pileon
    5g Yeats - Heath Haven
    Tim Syder and Martin St Quinton
    421-
    RPR 112b
    I like him. Looked good winning his Exeter bumper and the form has been well boosted. Sustained a minor injury to his hind leg about a month ago and is fine again now, but it means he won’t be out until the end of November. One to look out for in novice hurdles over 2m4f.

    Reikers Island
    6g Yeats - Moricana
    James Drummond
    3146P-4
    RPR 147c OR 135c
    Genuine handicap chaser, with age on his side and I think he can improve further. Ran okay on his return at Exeter but just wasn’t good enough; last season he was very impressive when winning at Wincanton and would then have won the Mandarin had Newbury been the other way round – he needs to go right-handed. He’s being aimed at a 3m handicap chase at Ascot later this month; my only concern is the trip may be a fraction on short side.

    ROCK THE Kasbah
    9g Shirocco - Impudent
    Diana Whateley
    2/616BP-
    RPR 158c OR 150c
    Needs good or good to soft so I’m struggling to find a race for him at the moment. The Badger Ales at Wincanton on Saturday might suit. Once you are up to his sort of rating you are never going to be that easy to place in handicaps. We always had the Grand National in the back of our minds last season and although he didn’t really take to the fences he was beginning to warm to the task when getting brought down, so while I don’t rule out a return bid, it wouldn’t be a priority.

    Rolling Dylan
    8g Indian River - Easter Saturday
    Daphne Du Pre
    34525-P
    RPR 149c OR 140c
    His consistency means his handicap mark doesn’t drop much and this doesn’t make life easy, so we’re going to try the cross-country race at the next Cheltenham meeting. He jumps and he stays, so those contests might suit.

    Samburu Shujaa
    6g Poliglote - Girelle
    Robert and Janet Gibbs
    252110-
    RPR 137h OR 136h
    Improved quickly over hurdles in the spring. He’s hard to get fit and could possibly could have one run in a handicap hurdle, which would help bring him on before he goes chasing. Will want soft ground.

    Singapore Saga
    4f Midnight Legend - Kim Tian Road
    Dominic Burke
    6-6
    RPR 100b
    There was definite promise in her debut in a Cheltenham bumper and she didn’t run at all badly in what may turn out to be quite a good race at Worcester last month. She starts over hurdles in a mares’ novice at Exeter next Wednesday.

    Smarty Wild
    5g Fair Mix - Blaeberry
    Mike and Norma Tuckey
    63111-0
    RPR 131h OR 130h
    I’ve no idea why he ran so badly at Cheltenham the other day – we had him scoped but nothing came to light; he’s still relatively green so perhaps he just couldn’t cope with all those runners. He’ll run again reasonably soon and I’ll be expecting much better.

    Sporting John
    4g Getaway - Wild Spell
    JP McManus
    1(ptp)-
    RPR 94p
    He was bought for JP at the Cheltenham Festival Sale after winning his maiden point-to-point days earlier. He’s a decent prospect for novice hurdles, I don’t know whether he’ll run in a bumper first.

    Springtown Lake
    7g Gamut - Sprightly Gal
    Tim Syder
    1245P-7
    RPR 150c OR 138c
    His one victory over fences last season came at Sandown when everything was ideal; it was 2m4f going right-handed in soft ground. He was winning first time out for the second season in a row so he obviously goes well fresh. He was a bit below that form, though not disgraced, when racing the other way round at Cheltenham, when fifth to A Plus Tard. Might have just needed the run when fading over 3m on his reappearance at Ascot on Saturday. If it came up very soft at Cheltenham in 12 days’ time, the BetVictor Gold Cup might be a possibility, otherwise we’ll stick to 3m next time.

    Steely Addition
    7g Craigsteel - Blond’s Addition
    Step By Step
    18/3141-
    RPR 153c OR 150c
    I hope he’s an improver, but perhaps he’ll have to be because I keep looking at his handicap mark and I wouldn’t call 150 generous. A few health issues have meant he’s lightly raced over fences and he’ll benefit from further experience, so we’re going to Sandown on Sunday for the Future Stars Intermediate Chase, for which there’s bound to be a small field. As he stays so well I imagine we’d then go straight to the Welsh National; three of his four career wins have come round Chepstow.
    Star quality

    Thyme Hill
    5g Kayf Tara - Rosita Bay
    Tony and Beth England & Adrian and Andrew Heywood
    123-1
    RPR 143h OR -
    At the start of the season I said I hoped he was among our best novice hurdle prospects; after Chepstow I can safely say he is our best novice hurdle prospect. To win the Grade 2 Persian War on your hurdling debut was a great start. Interestingly, we did the same with Fingal Bay and he ended up winning at the Cheltenham Festival. Could Thyme Hill do the same? I certainly hope he’ll be good enough to try. His Champion Bumper third was another fantastic piece of form. He’s in great nick and the obvious next race for him is the Grade 2 2m5f novice hurdle at Cheltenham’s Open meeting. But this is not a horse you want to be running every two or three weeks. Last season he ran up a bit lean and light in condition, which is why we gave him a four-month winter break. He’s still inclined to be like that, although it’s not as pronounced this season. And although you’d think he’ll improve masses after one run over hurdles, he knew his job so well first time out, he might not step up markedly next time. Then again, he might not need to. If pressed to say where he might end up, I’d say it would be the Albert Bartlett rather than the shorter Ballymore.

    Tidal flow
    6g Black Sam Bellamy - Mrs Philip
    Brocade Racing
    /11642-3
    RPR 133c OR 137c
    Shaped with a lot of promise on his chasing debut at Ffos Las and that run told me he should be winning races over fences; at what level I don’t know yet. Over hurdles last season he threw in the odd below-par effort and overall he didn’t improve quite as much as I’d anticipated, so let’s hope it will be a different story over fences.

    Truckers Pass
    5g Kalanisi - Lady Knightess
    Brocade Racing
    2-2
    RPR 99b
    Lovely individual and I’m very hopeful he has a decent future. He’d been working fantastic in the spring but was giving the odd cough so he never got to the track. Judged on what I saw on his debut in a Warwick bumper he’s well capable of winning novice hurdles. I thought he was a shade unlucky not to win as he got stuck on the inside and ran green.

    Umndeni
    5g Balko - Marie Royale
    Grahame Whateley, Tim Syder and Martin St Quinton
    U1821-6
    RPR 137h OR 128h
    Very disappointing at Market Rasen last month but could still be all right. He’s thoroughly likeable and looked a promising individual last season, it’s just taken time for the penny to drop over hurdles. Could try again in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday.

    War Sound
    10g Kayf Tara - Come The Dawn
    Tony and Beth England & Adrian and Andrew Heywood
    2/1080-P
    RPR 150c OR 138c
    Had a highly unusual season last winter, in that he started by winning a valuable chase at Aintree very easily, but ran moderately afterwards and we never got to the bottom of it. His work at home this autumn has been A1, so we’ll take him back to Aintree and see if he can win that same race again on Saturday.

    Westend Story
    8g Westerner - Sarahall
    Mick Fitzgerald Racing Club
    121/04-4
    RPR 138c OR 135c
    Had a problem with his pelvis last season but is fine again now. Would have needed his first run back in what was his second run over fences and he got a bit tired, so I forecast we’ll see improvement when he reappears.

    Zanza
    5g Arcadio - What A Bleu
    Louisville Syndicate Elite
    18101-P
    RPR 137h OR 136h
    He’s confusing me. I don’t know what to think about him – he’s basically inconsistent. There was no obvious excuse why he ran badly in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow last month; last season the flu jab business was used as a reason for his running poorly at Ascot but we can’t keep making excuses. He’s working well enough at home so I hope he’ll perform better in the lads’ handicap hurdle at Newbury on Thursday.

    Zoffee
    3g Zoffany - Mount Crystal
    Alan Peterson
    5-62127
    RPR 91f OR 85f
    Joined us in mid-September from Tom Dascombe to go juvenile hurdling, having performed consistently on the Flat this summer. Took a bit of time to settle in here and won’t be ready for another month but is looking promising now.

    Race in focus
    Gala Ball loves Newbury and the £50,000 2m4f handicap chase at the Ladbrokes Trophy meeting looks ideal for him.

    Two for the tracker
    Pileon is a horse I've always liked and his Exeter bumper has produced plenty of subsequent winners. We’ve had any number of horses who have looked fantastic at home but not done it on the track, but I hope Truckers Pass will repeat what I have seen in the morning when he next appears in public.
    Expert analysis

    No doubt about the stable star here. Defi Du Seuil developed into one of the leading novice chasers in Britain and Ireland last season and, after a weekend when his JLT form was franked by victories for runner-up Lostintranslation, fifth Vinndication and sixth Real Steel, the sky's the limit. The possibility of him being stepped up in trip is an exciting development. I’ve always seen him as a speed horse and wouldn’t be as sure as the trainer about him staying three miles but, if he does get further, there is every chance he could develop into a Gold Cup horse.

    Thyme Hill is the big up-and-comer for the yard following his victory in the Persian War on his reappearance at Chepstow. His jumping wasn’t always fluent that day so there is room for improvement in that department and runners from this yard often progress with experience. Last year’s Champion Bumper form looks red-hot and he is probably the most exciting novice hurdler in Britain at this early stage of the season.

    David Maxwell has brought in some fascinating French imports and the amateur rider has a 29 per cent strike-rate (22-75) for the yard, for a £1 level-stake profit of £30.27. Among the eight Maxwell-owned horses are some smart types, including four-time novice hurdle winner Jatiluwih. He has solid form over fences in France and could make a smart chaser.

    Ben Jones showcased his talent when making all on Gumball at Ascot on Saturday and that was a well-judged ride for a conditional in a competitive handicap. Some of Britain’s best riders have cut their teeth at Hobbs’s yard and it’s worth keeping an eye on Jones when he is booked in big handicaps, where his claim (currently 5lb) could be a huge weapon.

    Samburu Shujaa looks a National horse of the future and appears at his best in testing ground when the emphasis is on stamina. He took time to come to hand last season so it’s no surprise Hobbs says he is hard to get fit, but you can expect him to rack up a sequence when sent over fences in midwinter. The switch to chasing should unlock further progress.

    Graeme Rodway


  • #5
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Next Alan King


    The good news is that Alan King is about to celebrate his best year on the Flat in prize-money terms, with over £630,000 banked and several weeks of the season still remaining.

    The not so good news is that two contributors to that haul, Cambridgeshire second Beringer and smart handicapper Trueshan, who between them have netted £200,000, will not be going hurdling but kept for more valuable pots on the Flat next year.

    “It’s true our jumping squad is potentially a bit weakened as a result,” says King, “but it makes sound business sense. We are down slightly in numbers compared to last year, but I hope there are some lovely prospects coming through.”

    Here he may be thinking of novice chasers Deyrann De Carjac, Lisp, Who Dares Wins and Alsa Mix, and this is the area in which he looks strongest this winter.

    Stable profile

    Yard Barbury Castle Stables
    Where Wroughton, Swindon, Wilts
    Started training 1999
    Horses in yard 120
    Members of staff 45
    Assistant trainers Dan Horsford, Olly Stevens
    Head lads Stuart Messenger, David Stratton, Gary Mew
    Pupil assistant Robin Smith
    Assistant head girl Lucy Dickin
    Spa and salt room manager Caroline Schofield
    Travelling head lad/head lass Mark White, Tim Dennis, Sarah Burness
    Jockeys Tom Cannon, Tom Bellamy, Alexander Thorne
    Amateurs Max Browne, William Thirlby
    Lady amateur Georgia King
    PAs Charlotte Plunkett, Jackie Ferguson
    Stable sponsor HARE
    Website alankingracing.co.uk

    Jump winners in Britain

    2018-19 91
    2017-18 58
    2016-17 104
    2015-16 68

    Profit/loss to £1 stake

    2018-19 -£156.32
    2017-18 -£133.86
    2016-17 -£77.18
    2015-16 -£120.54

    Total prize-money 2018-19 £1,259,316

    Alsa Mix
    Seven-year-old mare Al Namix (sire) - Lady Tsana (dam)
    Owner: June Watts
    Form: 1(point-to-point)/1116P-1
    Racing Post Rating: 133 (chase)
    Official Rating: 132 (chase)

    I hope we have a decent team of novice chasers for this season and this is the first of them. Her schooling had gone fine so we started her off at Bangor last week over an extended two-mile-one and I was really pleased with the way she knuckled down; I didn’t want to go any further first time in that testing ground. She was one of our best novice hurdlers last season, having won a Grade 2 at Sandown, but the heavy ground that day may have taken more out of her than we realised, causing her to lose her way a bit later on. She’ll be back up to 2m4f next time and she should have a decent season in novice chases.

    Azzerti
    7g Voix Du Nord - Zalagarry
    McNeill Family and Prodec Networks
    1F17P-1
    RPR 141c OR 135c

    I had to be delighted with his Newbury win the week before last as he usually improves for a run. He was his own worst enemy last season in that he could get very wound up. What really pleased me was how well behaved he was; we took the precaution of taking him for just one circuit of the paddock beforehand and then he was straight out on to the track. We’ll look at Ascot at the weekend although that might come a bit too soon, and for the moment I’m happy to stick to 2m4f although now he relaxes better he might not only get 3m but actually be better for it.

    Ballywood
    5g Ballingarry - Miss Hollywood
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Ballywood
    11214-U
    RPR 153c OR 147c

    Enjoyed a good first season over fences. He was very fresh and gassy on his return at Ascot, got lit up going past the stands and galloped into the bottom of the downhill fence. He schooled absolutely fine last week so we’ll look at the Hurst Park Handicap back at Ascot at the weekend and there’s also Newbury the week after. A lot will depend on what the weather does as all his wins for me have been on good ground and there hasn’t been much of that around of late. I like to think there’s a good 2m handicap to be won with him and, being only five, there’s every reason to hope he’ll improve again.

    Blacko
    3g Balko - Ascella
    Apple Tree Stud
    Has only just arrived from France so I don’t know too much about him yet. He was placed over hurdles at Lyon last month and will obviously join our squad of three-year-old hurdlers.

    Canelo
    6g Mahler - Nobody’s Darling
    JP McManus
    25141/3
    RPR 129c OR 127c

    He was nearly ready to run two or three times last season but kept getting little niggles so in the end we gave up. Considering he’d been off the track a year and a half he ran very well on his chasing debut at Sandown this month, on what was testing old ground. He’s come out of it fine so I hope it’s onwards and upwards over fences.

    Colditz Castle
    5g Getaway - Stowaway Sue
    Charles Dingwall and Tony Morris
    U342-6239
    RPR 118h OR 117h

    Was a bit weak physically last season but there were definite signs of promise in his third in a handicap hurdle at Worcester; Tom [Cannon] had him down the inside and they were going nowhere, but when he was pulled out and saw some light he ran on well. So we’re going to change tactics a little and allow him more daylight. Unplaced at Cheltenham on Sunday but I hope it won’t be too long before he gets his head in front.

    Deyrann De Carjac
    6g Balko - Queyrann
    J Law
    F225-11
    RPR 147c OR 137c

    He’s a horse I’ve always loved and I think after his latest victory you can see why. Over hurdles he was bumping into good ones last season but it was always the plan to start him chasing in the summer. He bolted up at Cartmel - it tipped down the night before and had we been closer to home I’d have pulled him out but I thought Cartmel was a long way to go and not run. After a summer holiday we brought him back this month in an above-average novice chase at Huntingdon and he looked good, jumping accurately. He’s not one to over-race and will benefit from a bit of time in between races; we might look at the 2m4f Graded novice chase at Newbury next week. He’ll probably stick to that trip for now, and while I’m not speculating how high he might go this season, he’ll be contesting decent races.

    Dingo Dollar
    7g Golden Lariat - Social Society
    M Warren J Holmes R Kidner and J Wright
    4362P-3
    RPR 155c OR 146c

    Considering he’d done very well over the summer and needed an unbelievable amount of work to get fit, I was pleased with his comeback over hurdles, in the same Newbury race we used last year as a prep for the Ladbrokes Trophy. He ran a good race to be third in that and I’m sure would have finished even closer had it not rained heavily the night before. We could now go back to Newbury at the end of the month and try again or wait for the Becher Chase. His owners are keen to go for the National so a spin over the fences would tell us if he likes them. He’s not a proper winter horse as he doesn’t want bottomless ground and he’s best going left-handed. Doncaster is a track that suits him well and we could be heading back there at some stage.

    Edwardstone
    5g Kayf Tara - Nothingtolose
    Robert Abrey, Ian Thurtle
    222-1
    RPR 131h OR -

    We hope he’s one of our better novice hurdlers. He’d been working very well since we stepped him up this autumn and I was expecting him to run well, though not necessarily win, at Wincanton the other day, so what he did delighted me. He did a lot that was wrong, too, tanking through the first part of the race, so to find what he did he must be very useful. And they were some well-regarded horses behind him too. There’s nothing for him at Newbury next week so we’ll possibly look at an Introductory hurdle at Ascot next month and take things from there.

    Elgin
    7g Duke Of Marmalade - China Tea
    Elite Racing Club
    7/411615/
    RPR 155h OR 158h

    It’s great to have him back. He was in great form a couple of seasons ago, when winning the Greatwood and the Kingwell. He’s just trotting at the minute as he had to have a small wind op that has held us up a bit, but he should be back after Christmas when he’ll contest some conditions hurdles, like the Kingwell again.

    Escapability
    4g Excelebration - Brief Escapade
    S Love, H & C Barrett and D Gibbon
    6
    RPR 86h

    Came to us off the Flat from Jessica Harrington. I thought he’d win on his hurdling debut at Wincanton last month but I don’t know what went wrong. He’d schooled well enough at home but must have had a fright or something as he was getting into the bottom of his hurdles. That run was too bad to be true and I’m sure he’s better than that.

    Eyes Right
    4f Passing Glance - Call Me A Star
    Hamer and Richardson
    02410-4
    RPR 112h

    She won a Southwell bumper impressively in March. We started her off in what was in all probability a high-quality mares’ novice at Newbury the other day; I liked the way she stayed on for fourth and she’ll come on plenty for it. I think a lot of future winners will come out of that race and I hope she’s one of them.

    Fidux
    6g Fine Grain - Folle Tempete
    Axon LXVIII
    003-U11
    RPR 139c OR 142c

    Grand little horse. I wasn’t sure how he would take to fences but he was excellent from day one and is two from two. Those wins were gained in the summer and he’s had a break since; when he starts again, towards the end of the month, he’ll find life tougher as he’ll be carrying penalties in novice chases where the competition is hotting up, and he needs another run to qualify for the good handicaps.

    Fuseau
    4g Barastraight - Monepopee
    Michael Rembaum and Michael Tuckey
    245-2
    RPR 116h OR -

    I like him. He had decent bumper form, although he was probably over the top when beaten at Huntingdon on his third start. It wasn’t ideal starting him off over hurdles in that very testing ground at Plumpton the other day but what I liked was the way he stayed on. He’ll come on plenty and will get 2m4f when we want him to, so provided I manage to find the right race I hope to see him go one better.

    Galileo Silver
    4g Galileo - Famous
    Walters Plant Hire and Potter Group
    2-841 (Flat form)
    RPR 86 (Flat)

    If everything clicks he could be very good. A stayer on the Flat, who loves soft ground, he was finding conditions too quick so I ran him on the all-weather in July and he won nicely. Having given him a break I didn’t get him back early enough because I’d have loved to have run him on the Flat on turf again before our attentions switch to hurdling. He’s not flash at home, virtually horizontal a lot of the time, but he’s starting to look pretty useful and seems the type who will improve with experience, like he has done on the Flat.

    Good Man Pat
    6g Gold Well - Basically Supreme
    David Sewell
    P/313P5-
    RPR 149c OR 137c

    Made mistakes in the Close Brothers Handicap at the Festival and jumping problems resurfaced next time at Sandown, but he was suffering from sore shins last season and was hard to keep right. They haven’t been a problem this autumn so I hope he’s grown out of that, and he was ready to run when I wasn’t 100 per cent happy with him last week. We’ll re-group and aim to follow up last season’s Plumpton win, over 2m4f or 3m.

    Group Stage
    3g Maxios - Good Hope
    McNeill Family and Niall Farrell
    1
    RPR 98
    Got his hurdling career off to a winning start at Ludlow last week; he’d failed to win in four starts on he Flat this year, but I made a bit of a mess of things and he got badly jarred up on firm ground at Windsor in July. He’s gained plenty of confidence and is up to winning again.

    Hacksaw Ridge
    4g Stowaway - Erins Lass
    Incipe Partnership
    P-1(ptp)6
    RPR 103h OR -
    Likeable individual, who made a satisfactory jumping debut at Kempton last week; being an Irish point winner he should stay well so we could step up in trip next time.

    Harambe
    6g Malinas - Crystal Princess
    Niall Farrell and Friends
    44112-71
    RPR 139h OR 137h

    I thought a week ago we might not make the Greatwood as he’d had a minor blip the week before last. But it was nothing serious and he got up to win a terrific race. He needed his comeback run at Chepstow last month, as a lot of mine were at that stage. Shouldn't go up much in the ratings and is likely to head to Ascot next month for their big handicap hurdle just before Christmas. He's going to make a gorgeous novice chaser next season."

    Heart of a lion
    4g Yeats - Lady Secret
    JP McManus
    1
    RPR 108b

    I hope he’s good. He’s not really a summer jumper but having suffered a setback last winter I was desperate to get a run into him before turning him away. So we took him to Southwell for a bumper and he bolted up from a pair of subsequent winners. Having done his pre-training at AP’s he only been back here a few weeks and won’t be out until around Christmas. We’ll stick to bumpers this season.

    Hostile
    5g Malina - Skew
    Alan King
    2-
    RPR 115b

    Half-brother to old Valdez. He was a playboy last season and was just larking around for most of his debut in a Warwick bumper, but when the penny did start to drop he took off. He was working away nicely when he had a small problem with his pelvis and has only just started back. He’ll have another bumper run in the new year.

    Jaboticaba
    5g Muhtathir - Janiceinwonderland
    Owners Group 025
    2054-22
    RPR 124c OR 120c

    Had a late holiday following two runs over fences in May and is about a week off a run. He would have won on his debut at Warwick but for ploughing through the last; Wayne [Hutchinson] sat tight but it cost them the race. He’s definitely up to winning over fences and he’ll continue down the novice handicap route, nothing fancy. I’m not sure whether he wants 2m or 2m4f.

    Label Des Obeaux
    8g Saddle Maker - La Bessiere
    David Sewell and Terry Warner
    3P686/6-
    RPR 156c OR 144c

    I’m pleased he’s back; he got a touch of a leg after running over hurdles at Newbury last season. He’s not going to be ready until after Christmas, when we may start over hurdles again for a run or two and go back chasing in the second half of the season. I’m pleased to say his mark over fences, which was was much too high at one stage, has finally come down.

    Lisp
    5g Poet’s Voice - Hora
    Mr and Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes
    12285-4
    RPR 145h OR 145h

    The plan has always been to go chasing this season and I think he could be quite exciting. He used too get very lit up and could be extremely free first time out, so we ran him over hurdles at Ascot to take the freshness out of him and he settled much better usual before staying on well. Since the day we first schooled him over fences in the spring he’s always been good, and after delighting me last week we may start off at Warwick tomorrow [Wednesday] in the Highflyer Chase. I’m quite happy to stick to 2m and he’s one I’m really looking forward to.

    Two for the tracker

    “I’ve been very pleased with how Lisp has schooled ahead of his switch to fences and Sheshoon Sonny is one I’m sure will progress over hurdles.”

    Madiba Passion
    5g Al Namix - Birsheba
    P Mendoza
    1/P1(ptp)38-
    RPR 105b

    We like this one. He ran a promising third on his first run in a Kempton bumper for us and then disappointed me when I fancied him for a Listed event at Newbury but he scoped badly afterwards. He came in late after enjoying a long break and is near to a run - it could be at Warwick tomorrow or Kempton next Monday. Although he has won two Irish points he’s showing us plenty of toe so I’m happy to start him off at 2m and work up to 2m4f, but he’s not working like a three-miler.

    Major Dundee
    4g Scorpion - Be My Granny
    Trevor Hemmings
    10
    RPR 105b

    Won his bumper at Southwell in May, the form of which probably didn’t amount to a great deal, and it was my fault he finished only tenth at Newbury the other day as he’d come back in late and wasn’t ready. He’ll come on for the run and hurdling will be his job now.

    Midnightreferendum
    6m Midnight Legend - Forget The Ref
    Robert Abrey, Ian Thurtle
    71441-9
    RPR 126h OR 123h

    The combination of 2m6f on soft ground found her out on her reappearance at Wincanton this month; Tom [Cannon] looked after her when she was beaten. She’s a mare who usually comes on quite a lot for a run, which is surprising as she doesn’t carry a lot of condition. She should be able to win another handicap hurdle and while we try to achieve that aim chasing will be on hold.

    Midnight’s Gift
    3f Midnight Legend - Giving
    Pitchall Stud Partnership
    1
    RPR106h OR -

    Has come off the Flat, where she won a maiden in September. I had to be pleased with her winning hurdling debut at Fakenham; she battled on well and will have learned plenty from it. The aim is to take her to Aintree next month to see if we can sneak a bit of black type.

    Millstone
    5g Alkaased - Stoney Path
    Mrs S Welch
    53-
    RPR 105b

    This one has been a slow learner but he could turn out okay. Showed nothing on his debut but stepped forward quite a lot at Huntingdon. I’d like to give him another bumper run just to sharpen his mind, then we’ll go jumping.

    Mr Pumblechook
    5g Midnight Legend - Definitely Pip
    David Sewell
    21646-4
    RPR 126h OR 127h

    Started last season very promisingly over hurdles, running a good second at Newbury and winning at Plumpton, but he suffered a bad bout of colic and disappointed afterwards. He’s fine now and there was a lot to take out of his reappearance this month back at Plumpton; if anything he travelled too well, running with the choke out, and if we can build on his fourth place there a handicap hurdle should be within his range.

    Mystical Clouds
    6g Cloudings - Silent Valley
    Trevor Hemmings
    33/1F23-
    RPR 122h OR 127h

    Goes novice chasing and I’ve been pleased with his schooling. Not a lot went right last season. He struck into his near-fore at Kempton last January; thank God he was wearing boots or else we might have lost him. The injury held him up and he came back in late, but from what I can see at home he looks to be enjoying fences so I’ve got to be hopeful.

    Nebuchadnezzar
    4g Planteur - Trexana
    Top Brass 2
    244-2
    RPR 121h OR 122h

    All things considered there were plenty of positives to take out of his handicap hurdle second at Sandown nine days ago. The testing ground certainly wouldn’t have suited him, nor did the trip of 2m; what he probably wants is 2m4f on a decent surface, and when he gets those conditions he’s more than capable of winning over hurdles.

    Notachance
    5g Mahler - Ballybrowney Hall
    David Sewell and and Tim Leadbeater
    3351-21
    RPR 132c OR 121c

    Big horse, very likeable. I always thought he’d improve for a fence and it certainly looked that way when he jumped away grand on his debut at Southwell last month before being beaten on the nod. He made amends when putting up a good performance to win at Exeter last week, where the galloping track suited him. This horse is all about stamina and I hope there’s more to come from him.


    Dark horse

    On To Victory
    5g Rock Of Gibraltar - Clouds
    Of Magellan
    HP Racing On To Victory
    4/28870- (Flat form)
    RPR 108 (Flat)

    He’s starting to look exciting. From his rating you can see he was pretty good on the Flat when trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, though he had a reputation for being a bit of a playboy, and then he got a touch of a leg so he’s been off for more than a year. He’s only done two or three bits of fast work but they’ve been very good and he’s a natural at his hurdles. We schooled him over 12 flights last week and he was extremely accurate, so he should be out sometime next month. He loves soft ground, he stayed really well on the Flat so there’s an awful lot to like about him.

    Our Power
    4g Power - Scripture
    Walters Plant Hire and Potter Group
    21494-6
    RPR 132h OR 133h

    Was pretty consistent in his first season over hurdles; he was staying on at the end of his races so we’ll probably step him up in trip to 2m4f. He was slightly disappointing in the four-year-old handicap hurdle at the first Chepstow meeting but that came at a time when mine were needing the run. We’ve been held up a bit as he had to miss ten days with a pulled hamstring but he’ll be out again soon.

    Outonpatrol
    5m Stowaway - Burnt Oil Babe
    McNeill Family and Niall Farrell
    317-82
    RPR 106h

    Needed the outing quite badly when having her first run over hurdles at Chepstow but there was a lot more to like about her next effort at Plumpton where she stayed on nicely. I think she can improve again so we’ll build on that, sticking to mares’ races.

    Perfect Predator
    4g Passing Glance - Cosmea
    Kingston Stud
    7212-
    RPR 123h

    I’m pleased with this one. He showed progressive form in his bumpers last season and did everything right on his hurdling debut at Hereford this month bar win. The winner, Olly The Brave, is probably okay so I was happy enough with that. Like last season, I’m sure he’ll improve with experience.

    Rebel Royal
    6g Getaway - Molly Duffy
    Jerry Wright, Martin Walker and Tony Hughes
    20F7-61
    RPR 125c OR 127c

    Jumped super round Huntingdon when making a winning chasing debut last month. He’s essentially a good-ground horse so all this rain about doesn’t suit him and we may be heading north to somewhere like Ludlow or Doncaster in search of a decent surface. Was due to run again last week but didn’t over-please me in his work a fortnight ago so we’ll wait a bit longer.

    San Rumoldo
    4g Malinas - Ancora
    JP McManus
    1-0
    RPR 102b

    Won his Southwell bumper well in the spring. When he reappeared at Ascot the other day it was the first time he’d encountered soft ground and while I’m not saying he won’t act on it I don’t think he had a clue what to do. So although he was disappointing a second bumper run will have helped sharpen him up and I know he’s better than that. He’ll come on plenty and go over hurdles now.

    Scarlet Dragon
    6g Sir Percy - Welsh Angel
    HP Racing Scarlet Dragon
    29/154-1
    RPR 140h OR 142h

    He’s in grand order and I hope I’ve finally got the hang of how to train him. He won that Listed handicap at Market Rasen very nicely; I thought going up 10lb was plenty, but then the third horse, Gumball, has come out and won so the form looks good. It’s a shame he missed a run in the November Handicap, so we’ll go straight for the Gerry Feilden now, which has always been one of his targets. He’s a horse who doesn’t want deep ground so we won’t abuse him during the winter.


    Star quality

    Sceau Royal
    7g Doctor Dino - Sandside
    Simon Munir and Isaac Suede
    1/14232-
    RPR 169c OR 164c

    It had always been always the intention to bring him back in the Shloer Chase, like 12 months ago. Since he came back we’ve had a lovely clear run with him and he’s in grand order. But it would have been a waste of time on that ground at Cheltenham; he loves good or good to soft, and he’ll act on soft, but not the heavy we had at Sandown for the Tingle Creek last season; that was awful. We’ll now start off either in the Tingle Creek or the Peterborough at Huntingdon.
    I know he’s never run beyond 2m1f but I’d love to try him at 2m4f at some stage. He’s given us some great days and I must admit for a few moments in the Champion Chase I really thought we had Altior, but then Altior did what he always does. It’s easy to forget he’s only seven, so I hope there are more good days ahead.

    Race in focus

    Alan King won the Gerry Feilden, nowadays known as the Ladbrokes Intermediate Limited Handicap Hurdle, in 2016 with Who Dares Wins and Lisp finished runner-up 12 months ago. He’s targeting the classy Scarlet Dragon at this year’s renewal on November 30.

    Senior Citizen
    6g Tobougg - Mothers Help
    McNeill Family
    136406-
    RPR 128h OR 125h

    He’s been schooling away nicely over fences for some time and as he’s a big, strong sort I’ve been looking forward to getting him started in a 2m4f novice handicap chase. However, he’s just on the back-burner at present having scoped badly a couple of weeks ago.

    Sheshoon Sonny
    4g Youmzain - Minnie’s Mystery
    McNeill Family and Niall Farrell
    421-3
    RPR 105h

    Showed progressive form in his bumpers, improving with every race, and I think it might be the same over hurdles. Ran well enough on his debut at Stratford where he probably found the track on the sharp side; he was a bit careful at some of his hurdles, causing him to lose the odd length. He’d appreciate a more galloping track and being a heavy horse he’ll always like a bit of juice in the ground.

    Smith’s Bay
    6g Midnight Legend - Takotna
    Ian Payne and Kim Franklin
    15/65-12
    RPR 125h OR 125h

    Raced a bit too keen in his early days but is more settled nowadays and ran two good races in novice hurdles earlier in the summer. We gave him a late break so he’s only been back just over a month. He stays a novice for the whole of this season and I feel there’s more to come.

    Talkischeap
    7g Getaway - Carrigmoorna Oak
    Charles Dingwall
    21251-3
    RPR 160c OR 157c

    Everything fell right for him when he won the bet365 Gold Cup in the spring. As everyone knows he’s a good-ground horse so he hated it back at Sandown the other day, when he was never travelling or jumping like he can and finished tired. Tom [Cannon] was concerned about his breathing and following an investigation by the vet he’s going to have his wind tidied up so won’t be back until after Christmas. Charles [Dingwall] is keen to go for the Grand National so we’ll work back from that. The ground will determine where we go with him; he’s a very small horse - saddling him next to Santini the other day they were like Little and Large!


    Star quality

    The Glancing Queen
    5m Jeremy - Glancing
    Dingwall, Farrell, Hornsey and Murray
    1/1351-
    RPR 121b

    Had high-class bumper form and she’s very, very good, but she’s currently way behind the others. She was just taking the odd lame step and we couldn’t find anything wrong on x-ray, then a splint popped out. It was ever so slight but you don’t take any risks with a mare like her. She’s absolutely fine now but won’t be ready until Christmas or the new year; she should be worth the wait and I hope she translates her class from bumpers to hurdles. She’s so good she could win a decent race on the Flat if we wanted to but I don’t intend going down that route.

    The Olympian
    3g Olympic Glory - Basira
    JP McManus
    221- (Flat)
    RPR 84f

    Interesting prospect for juvenile hurdles. He is lightly raced on the Flat, a 10f maiden winner at Newmarket as a two-year-old, and I’d expect him to improve with experience over hurdles. Is not too far off a run.

    Timoteo
    6g Diamond Green - Goldnella
    Million In Mind Partnership
    87511-8
    RPR 142c OR 133c

    The winner of two chases in quick succession in the spring, he’s one of those horses who wants decent ground but, having come back from getting a leg you can’t risk him on firm. The ground was too soft, plus he got cannoned into on the rails and was down on his knees, at Stratford last month. He’ll bounce back but we need a bit of time.

    Valdez
    12g Doyen - Skew
    Riverdee Stable
    P432-81
    RPR 159c OR 142c

    His win at Hereford last week gave us all a huge thrill and I’ve never seen a reaction from the staff like it. He’s rising 13 but still loving life; I know he hadn’t won for nearly five years but he’d been showing all his usual zest at home and I knew the engine was still there. His big objective now is a veterans’ chase at Leicester in early December.

    WHO DARES WINS
    7g Jeremy - Savignano
    HP Racing Who Dares Wins
    033/353/
    RPR 151h OR 148h

    Wonderful horse and we’re very excited to see what he can do over fences. He’s taken us to some great places on the Flat this year; the Northumberland Plate was a memorable day and he ran a super race in the Group 1 at Longchamp on Arc weekend. He’s been impressing us with just how fluent and agile he’s been in his schooling and he was lightning again last week. A couple more pieces of work and he’ll be ready, so we could start at Kempton next Monday in a 2m2f novice chase.

    Wynn House
    4f Presenting - Glorious Twelfth
    Rupert Anton
    1-2
    RPR 101b

    Uttoxeter bumper winner and I’m really pleased with her. I know she got beat on her return at Warwick but it was a good comeback. She’s being aimed at the Henrietta Knight bumper at Huntingdon on Peterborough Chase day, then she’ll have a break over the winter and come back for those valuable mares’ races in the spring.
    Expert view

    It’s increasingly hard to compete at the top level of the jumping ranks without the patronage of the top owners, and while Alan King is supported by the likes of JP McManus, Isaac Souede and Simon Munir and the McNeill Family, he’s not blessed with a plethora of Grade 1 horses anymore.

    That has never stopped him competing at the top table under either code though, and in The Glancing Queen he looks to have a mare who will be a leading fancy at all the festivals come the spring.

    She was unlucky not to finish a good few lengths closer in the Cheltenham bumper and hacked up at Aintree afterwards. No doubt she will go down the mares route but there won’t be many better British-trained novice hurdlers with anything like her potential, and having won a point-to-point, jumping shouldn’t be any sort of issue.

    The hugely under-appreciated Sceau Royal is back for more and if Altior does take the step up in trip in his stride and takes the Gold Cup route, he will be hard to kick out of the frame in the Champion Chase again. He is such a brilliant jumper that on good ground he’s a match for any of the other two-mile chasers.

    As you would expect from a yard that has become a burgeoning Flat operation as well, it’s with the novices that King is especially strong this season and it will be fascinating to see how the Northumberland Plate winner Who Dares Wins gets on over fences.

    Described as ‘lightning’ in a schooling session by his trainer recently, there won’t be many – if any – 107-rated Flat horses going novice chasing and there will be plenty more to come from him at three miles too.

    Don’t forget he’s been third and fifth in two Coral Cups off marks in the high 140s and his Flat form this year has been his best yet. RSA Chase perhaps?

    Then there’s Lisp, who was always a bit keen over hurdles but still was good enough to finish fifth in the County Hurdle last season. He is not that dissimilar to Sceau Royal in profile and his schooling is said to have been excellent too.

    I’m not sure Fidux will quite be in Lisp’s class but he’s already shown a prowess for fences and I could see King aiming him at the Grand Annual and the Red Rum at Aintree.

    Those three will be familiar names to racing fans but one who is still under the radar is Deyrann De Carjac, who has looked a totally different beast since sent chasing. He should improve again when upped to three miles plus and he’s such a good jumper that King could well go down the handicap chase route with him.

    Of the hurdlers it is interesting to see that On To Victory is fit and raring to go. He’s a good stayer who likes soft ground, so if King can get him back to the sort of form that saw him reach a rating in the 100s on the Flat, he will be an interesting novice hurdler.

    The final word has to go to Harambe, who overcame a troubled preparation to win the Greatwood on Sunday and there should be more to come from him when he steps up in trip. I can see him being a leading fancy for the Coral Cup come March.


  • #6
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Next up...Jonjo

    Jackdaws Castle is in the midst of a transitional period, with a raft of youngsters boasting exciting pedigrees drafted in to replace many of the old guard who served the stable so well for many years.

    Consequently it would be unwise to expect any major fireworks this season but the recruitment process has been a rigorous one and there is certainly a spring in Jonjo O'Neill's step as he sets about bringing the glory days back to one of Britain's finest training facilities.

    "Some of the babies aren't going to win this season but it's about keeping them happy and educating them for the future," says the Gold Cup and Grand National winner.

    "You can dream and, while it might not be straight away, it's exciting for next year and the one after that. They're fit, well and healthy at the moment and, if we can keep them like that, we'll be happy."

    The stable is strongest in numbers in the four-year-old division and it is worth keeping a close eye on these young guns with the future in mind.

    As for winners in the short term, Cloth Cap and Sky Pirate showed glimpses of what they may be capable of last season and are highly regarded. They appear to be fairly treated and it should pay to follow both as they work towards some exciting targets as the season progresses.
    Stable profile

    Yard Jackdaws Castle
    Where Temple Guiting, Cheltenham
    Started training 1986
    Horses in yard 100
    Members of staff 40
    Assistant trainer AJ O'Neill
    Head lads Johnny Kavanagh & Alan Berry
    Travelling head lad/lass Harrison Day & Jojo O’Neill
    Racing manager Joe O’Neill
    Racing secretary Jade Aspell
    PA & events co-ordinator Clare Bowring
    Accounts secretary Cath Plumstead
    Groundsman Federico Bazan
    Jockeys Richie McLernon, Gavin Sheehan, Alain Cawley, Will Kennedy & Adrian Heskin
    Conditionals Jonjo O'Neill jnr & Ed Austin
    Amateur AJ O'Neill
    Stable sponsor The Wasdell Group
    Website jonjooneillracing.com
    Twitter @JonjoONeill

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 56
    2017-18 64
    2016-17 78
    2015-16 81

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -£63.04
    2017-18 -£198.26
    2016-17 -£214.33
    2015-16 -£114.49

    Total prize-money 2018-19
    £639,240

    Adicci
    Four-year-old gelding
    Shirocco (sire) - Lughnasa (dam)
    Owner: Mrs Siobhan McAuley
    Form figures: 232
    Racing Post Rating 114b Official rating -
    He's a grand horse and ran another cracker when just touched off at Uttoxeter. He has plenty of size about him and we'll crack on over hurdles now, probably over 2m4f. He's a galloper, jumps well at home and is going in the right direction.

    Annie Mc
    5m Mahler - Classic Mari
    Coral Champions Club
    24151-
    RPR 143h OR 140h
    All she did was improve last season but it's a lot to expect her to do the same again, which is why we're going over fences. She jumped her hurdles like fences and really enjoys jumping, so she has potential and has schooled well. She'd probably get 3m but we'll start her over 2m4f in the near future.

    Arrivederci
    4g Martaline - Etoile D'Ainay
    Martin Broughton & Friends 1
    14-37
    RPR 112h OR -
    I was pleased with his comeback at Warwick but he did a bit too much through his race at Chepstow last time and we'll look to drop back to 2m. We think a lot of him but he's still a bit weak and needs to learn to settle a bit more. He's one to look forward to as he develops.

    Carys' Commodity
    4g Fame And Glory - Native Sunrise
    Mrs Fitri Hay
    2U4
    RPR 113b OR -
    We bought him as a store and loved him from day one. We took him to Newton Abbot for a bumper in May and he ran a cracker in second. He was unlucky on his second start when unseating Jonjo. He's only a young horse and that wouldn't bother me, and it was encouraging to see him run another fine race at Newbury this month. He jumps well and stays well and is going over hurdles now. He might not be this year's horse but is a nice recruit for the future.

    Champagne At Tara
    10g Kayf Tara - Champagne Lil
    John P McManus
    9324-3
    RPR 148c OR 139c
    He keeps knocking on the door and, while he's not getting any younger, I think he's got a decent handicap in him if the cards fall right. He's effective on decent ground over 2m but stepping him back up to 2m4f might be the way to go. He's also eligible for veteran races, which is another avenue to consider.
    Star quality

    Cloth Cap
    7g Beneficial - Cloth Fair
    Trevor Hemmings
    3113-4
    RPR 142c OR 136c
    He needed the run but I was happy enough with his comeback at Chepstow, where he made a mistake at the wrong time and blew up. The winner has franked the form since and it's just a shame Cheltenham was off last Friday as we were looking forward to running. He's entered at Ascot this week and hopefully the ground is half decent. It's always the owner's dream to have runners in the Grand National and, having run such a lovely race in last season's Scottish National, you'd have to think that way, although he has to improve considerably. He's not the biggest but is a very good operator who likes good ground.

    Django Django
    6g Voix Du Nord - Lady Jannina
    Martin Broughton & Friends 5
    171-3P
    RPR 131c OR 130c
    I was delighted with his first run back but he cut a hind joint last time and we'll have to wait for that to heal before we make a plan. We'll stick to chasing and he's a nice horse. He needs 3m and is better on soft ground.

    Garry Clermont
    4g Maresca Sorrento - Kalidria Beauchene
    Mrs C M Walsh
    1-13
    RPR 97h OR -
    He won his point-to-point and his bumper but stopped very quickly in soft ground on his debut over hurdles at Southwell and we'll come back to 2m for his next run. He's similar to Arrivederci and those other smart four-year-olds in the yard and is going to make some chaser long term.

    Kilbrook
    4g Watar - Daly Lady
    J Burke And Delancey
    2-33
    RPR 115h OR -
    Placed in a point-to-point and his bumper, I was delighted with his debut over hurdles at Newbury and think he will enjoy stepping up in trip. Ultimately he's going to make a nice chaser but will hopefully win races over hurdles along the way.

    Lithic
    8g Westerner - Acoola
    The Stone Composers
    5223-P
    RPR 135c OR 127c
    He's frustrating as he could have won more races but we ran him seven times last season and he finished in the first three on four occasions, so he's a fun horse to have. I was a bit disappointed with his comeback last week but maybe he did a bit too much early on and will come on for the run. He appreciates a trip on soft or heavy ground and could be one for something like the Devon National down the line. There's a good race in him.

    Minella Rocco
    9g Shirocco - Petralona
    John P McManus
    9PPP-P
    RPR 168c OR 142c
    He needs good ground and a real test of stamina to show his best form and had no chance in testing conditions on his comeback at Cheltenham. He's returned in really good form and there's a race for him at Ascot on Friday, as long as the ground isn't desperate. We'll take a view after that but we may well end up going hunter chasing this season. He's been a grand servant and it would just be nice if he got his ideal conditions at some stage.

    Notawordofalie
    4f Presenting - Saddleeruppat
    Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor
    4-3140
    RPR 107b OR -
    I think she needed the experience on her hurdles debut at Exeter and she can only improve on that. She's a half-sister to Winter Escape from the family of Black Jack Ketchum and ran a cracker at Aintree on her last start in bumpers. We'll stick with the mares' races and she'll definitely stay a trip.

    On The Bandwagon
    4g Oscar - Deep Supreme
    Alan Nolan
    2 (point-to-point)
    He's another nice prospect but because he's so big and backwards, it's unlikely he will be seen out this side of the new year. He's a relative of Ned Kelly and Nick Dundee and has the looks to match but he's going to take time to realise his potential.

    Orrisdale
    5g Oscar - Back To Loughadera
    Trevor Hemmings
    61-1
    RPR 114h OR -
    It was a lovely first experience over hurdles at Uttoxeter on Saturday and hopefully he can improve on that. We'll look for another small race under a penalty and he should win more races over hurdles, although ultimately he's a nice 3m chaser in the making and a smart prospect.

    Palmers Hill
    6g Gold Well - Tosca Shine
    John P McManus
    143/1-
    RPR 139h OR 134h
    He picked up a nasty injury when winning at Cheltenham last year and he's only just come back in, so won't be ready to run for a while. If he stays sound we're hoping to go chasing with him and he certainly has potential in that sphere based on what he achieved over hurdles.

    Papa Tango Charly
    4g No Risk At All - Chere Elenn
    M Tedham
    1-7
    RPR 97b OR -
    He won his point-to-point in Ireland over 3m and we didn't buy him as a bumper horse but he's very green and backwards at home so we gave him the experience at Worcester and that won't have done him any harm. It's onwards and upwards over hurdles now and we could go to Ascot on Friday. His schooling has gone well but he's a horse who is going to take a few runs and it's all about the future with him.

    Pop Rockstar
    7g Flemensfirth - Special Ballot
    Mrs Laura Day
    2F1-15
    RPR 138c OR 137c
    He found it a little tough in Grade 3 company at Cheltenham on Saturday but he loves soft ground and stays well so I'm sure he'll win again in his own grade. He's had his palate done before but he might just need it doing again and we'll take another look before making a plan.

    POP THE CORK
    3g Harbour Watch - Gospel Music
    Martyn and Elaine Booth
    21
    RPR 104h OR 116h
    He likes soft ground and jumps well but needs to learn to settle, which should come with experience. He's had a bright start over hurdles and can hopefully build on that.

    Prefontaine
    3g Mastercraftsman - Cochabamba
    Paul Smith
    U217
    RPR 108h OR 128h
    He was going grand at Cheltenham for three-quarters of the race on Saturday but the ground was very bad coming down the hill and he cut out very quickly. It may have just been the ground but we'll take a look at his wind too. It's still early days and we'll keep our options open. No doubt he's got ability.

    Ready And Able
    6g Flemensfirth - Gypsy Mo Chara
    Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor
    1F-441
    RPR 133c OR 133c
    He won a novice chase at Southwell and is a novice for the rest of the season but we might go back over hurdles at some stage. He's a little fragile and needs to be looked after but he's got a fair engine and could be one we try and qualify for the Pertemps Final. He has a couple of options this week.

    Sky Pirate
    6g Midnight Legend - Dancingwithbubbles
    Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford
    2F47-F
    RPR 139c OR 132c
    Was still in contention when falling at Wetherby which was annoying as we were hoping he'd get a rise in the weights that would guarantee him a place in the BetVictor Gold Cup. We'll go to Ascot over 2m5f on Friday instead and potentially the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham after that. He wasn't the luckiest horse last year and perhaps we were running him over too far. He travels like a good horse and is stronger this season.
    Dark horse

    Soaring Glory
    4g Fame And Glory - Hapeney
    P Hickey
    1
    RPR 100b OR -
    We've liked him from day one and it was great to see him go and win first time at Warwick. He's a grand big horse and very straightforward and you could see him being a top chaser down the line. He's entered at Ascot on Saturday and, if he were to run well, we might go back there for a Listed bumper just before Christmas. He's a smashing prospect.

    Tedham
    5g Shirocco - Alegralil
    M Tedham
    3217-6
    RPR 134h OR 130h
    He ran alright at Cheltenham but came home a bit stiff and sore and he's always been a little bit fragile. He's in the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock on Saturday and we're looking at going up in trip with him. The handicapper might have him but he's only five and we might save chasing for next season.

    Terry The Fish
    7g Milan - Have More
    Terry The Fishers
    P22-81
    RPR 139c OR 131c
    He's good on his day but is incredibly fragile and it was a good effort to win at Wincanton last time. He likes to go right-handed but it's more about getting him there in one piece on the day. There's a race for him at Carlisle on December 1 but it's one race at a time.

    Unnamed
    3g Shantou - Glens Melody
    For Sale
    Unraced
    Shantou's first foal out of Grade 1-winning mare Glens Melody, who boasts one of the best pedigrees in the stud book. He's a strong, precocious type who is pleasing me in everything he does at home and I'll look to run him in a bumper in the spring.

    Uptown Lady
    4f Milan - Lady Zephyr
    Recycling Pallet Services
    2 (point-to-point)
    We were delighted to secure this filly at Cheltenham sales last week. She was second in her only point start at Knockinroe in a mares' maiden and Jamie Codd, who rode her that day, loved her and recommended her.

    When You're Ready
    5g Malinas - Royale Wheeler
    Local Parking Security Limited
    2-3
    RPR 95b OR -
    He finished second in his point-to-point and I was really pleased with his debut in a bumper at Warwick, where he led until the final furlong. He's got loads of pace and I'm hoping he can win a bumper before we go hurdling. He's already schooled well.

    Rival to watch
    I liked the way Emitom went about his business last season. He just seems to do everything right and looks a natural.

    Race in focus
    It's been a while since Exotic Dancer landed the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham and it would be nice to have another crack at it with Sky Pirate, providing all goes well on his next start.

    Two for the Tracker
    We've always liked Arrivederci and I'm not losing faith in him, while On The Bandwagon is a nice prospect to look out for down the line.
    Expert view

    Jonjo O'Neill's string is in a transitional period – an exciting time that should set the team up for a prolific next five years. Winners may be lacking this season compared to recent totals, but you will almost certainly be putting a few Jackdaws Castle inmates into your trackers as the season goes on.

    Sky Pirate and Tedham are two of his likely flagbearers this campaign. The former has been exceptionally unlucky over fences, falling twice on his last four outings when looking likely to enter the winner's enclosure on both occasions. His turn is just around the corner.

    Tedham is a horse I have followed for a while. He has some smart maiden/novice hurdle form to his name and landed a touch at Wincanton in July. He looks open to plenty of improvement.

    Plenty of O'Neill's younger horses look to be chasers in the making, including two-time winner Orrisdale, who stayed on stoutly to win last weekend on his seasonal reappearance.

    Although he will probably be better over a trip and fences, Orrisdale will come on plenty for that effort and I certainly wouldn't rule out another victory this year.

    It is also worth mentioning Annie Mc, who runs for the Coral Champions Club and was prolific over hurdles last campaign. It will be great for connections, including Coral ambassador and Love Island star Chris Hughes, if she could pick up where she left off.


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  • #7
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Next...various others

    KIM BAILEY

    Dandy Dan
    Pedigree: six-year-old gelding Midnight Legend (sire) - Playing Around (dam)
    Owner: PJ Andrews
    Form figures: 31112-2
    Racing Post Rating 153 chase; Official rating 145 chase
    Having finished second at Kelso on his reappearance he's hopefully heading for the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle. A slight worry is that he's by Midnight Legend and he's always given the impression he likes good ground. We won't know if he handles the soft until we try it but we'd think twice about running him if it was bottomless.

    Happygolucky
    5g Jeremy - Mydadsabishop
    Lady Dulverton
    13
    RPR 138 hurdles OR 137 hurdles
    He ran an absolute stormer when third in the Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham's November meeting. Thyme Hill is the best novice Philip Hobbs has had in a long time and he was beaten less than four lengths. Stepping up to 3m will definitely help him and whatever he does over hurdles this season he's going to be a cracking novice chaser next season.

    Two For Gold
    6g Gold Well - Two Of Each
    May We Never Be Found Out Partnership 2
    1/4114-1
    RPR 144c 132h; OR 138c 132h
    He's not good enough to carry a penalty in a novice chase but he's a 138-rated handicapper after his win first time out over fences in a Carlisle novice handicap and he's such a good jumper that I don't have a problem running him in handicaps. He's got a choice of options and he'll probably run at Newbury this week.

    Vinndication
    6g Vinnie Roe - Pawnee Trail
    Moremoneythan
    1/1135-1
    RPR 164c OR 160c
    I'm very happy with him. His novice chase form has worked out unbelievably well and I was thrilled with his reappearance win at Ascot. He's rated 160 now and so I felt I had to make a King George entry in case some of the obvious ones drop out, but the likelihood is that he'll go back to Ascot for the valuable 3m handicap a week or so beforehand. He's been there three times and won every time.

    Wandrin star
    8g Flemensfirth - Keralba
    Mrs Penny Perriss
    61356-1
    RPR 143c OR 139c
    He won the Wincanton chase in which White Moon came down when in front at the last, but I think he would have won it anyway but for a mistake of his own four out. On the whole he's a very good jumper, and I think he's progressive, so I think there's a decent handicap in him. He's being aimed at the Becher Chase at Aintree if he gets in and I think he's the type who'll go really well in it.

    MARTIN BRASSIL

    City Island
    6g Court Cave - Victorine
    Sean & Bernardine Mulryan
    1D111-6
    RPR 155h OR 152h
    He did very well as a novice hurdler last season and had his biggest win at the Cheltenham Festival when he beat Champ in the Ballymore, which his owners sponsor. He's going over fences and will probably start off around Christmas. He handles soft ground but wouldn't want it too testing. We're looking forward to getting him started.

    Longhouse Poet
    5g Yeats - Moscow Madame
    Sean & Bernardine Mulryan
    12
    RPR 141h OR -
    He won a point-to-point in January and then a bumper on his racecourse debut at the Punchestown festival. He ran very well when second in a 2m3f maiden hurdle at Naas this month. He finished well clear of the third and I'd say plenty of winners will come out of the race. He'll probably go for a 2m4f hurdle at Navan early next month.

    BRIAN ELLISON

    Definitly Red
    10g Definite Article - The Red Wench
    Phil & Julie Martin
    /112B-54
    RPR 169c OR 157c
    He's in great form and heads to Aintree next month. He'll run in either the Many Clouds Chase, which he's won for the last two years, or the Becher Handicap Chase. We're favouring the Becher over the National fences as the Grand National is the ultimate target.

    Windsor Avenue
    7g Winged Love - Zaffarella
    Phil & Julie Martin
    1412-11
    RPR 155c OR 153c
    Windsor Avenue has made a great start to his chasing career and came out of his last race at Carlisle fine. He’s a lovely horse, and useful for sure, but a decision as to where he'll go next has yet to be made.

    PAT FAHY

    Dunvegan
    6g Le Havre - Or Des Joncs
    George Turner & Clipper Logistics Group Ltd
    21/10P-3
    RPR 140h OR 138h
    We're aiming him over fences and have just started schooling him. It'll be at least another six weeks before he's out. He came back in great condition and hopefully he's something to look forward to.

    WARREN GREATREX

    Emitom
    5g Gold Well - Avenging Angel
    The Spero Partnership Ltd
    1/11112-
    RPR 149h OR 147h
    The hock infection he picked up towards the end of October when just a week or so off a run has cleared up now and he's back cantering again. All being well he'll go to Cheltenham for the Relkeel Hurdle on January 1 over 2m4f, and if he's not ready for that we'll wait for the Cleeve at the end of the month. If he steps up like I think he could, the Stayers' Hurdle is the sort of race we should be aiming for as he was not far off a 150-rated novice and there's every chance he could be better again this season.

    Keeper Hill
    8g Westerner - You Take Care
    McNeill Family
    21003-1
    RPR 145h 156c; OR 146h 146c
    He did well last season when winning a Pertemps qualifier at Warwick and finishing third in a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Aintree. We went to Haydock on Saturday for the small field and, while I’m a bit shocked he’s won, he’s seriously talented and it’s great to get him back on track. He definitely has another big pot in him.

    La Bague Au Roi
    8m Doctor Dino - Alliance Royale
    Mrs Julien Turner & Andrew Merriam
    /11112-P
    RPR 155c OR 150c
    She was found to have been in season when pulled up at Wetherby on her reappearance and has come back from there fine. All is well again now and the plan is still to return to Kempton, where she beat Topofthegame and Santini in the Grade 1 novice last year, for the King George.

    Mulcahys Hill
    7g Brian Boru - Belsalsa
    McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd
    P/624F-1
    RPR 147c OR 144c
    Mulcahys Hill won very well at Cheltenham at the Showcase meeting and the form was franked by Wholestone back there last weekend. We could have gone to Cheltenham again but we're aiming instead at the Becher Chase. He's a very good jumper who stays very well and I think he could take to it. It's a good time for him to try Aintree and we'll see how we go.

    Young Lieutenant
    5g Robin Des Champs - Be My Gesture
    Mrs Sarah Drysdale
    51-26
    RPR 119h OR -
    He won a bumper at Exeter last season and probably needed the run when he was second to a very nice horse of Nigel Twiston-Davies’s [Sir Valentine] at Newbury on his first start over hurdles. He finished sixth in the Listed novice hurdle at Haydock on Saturday after showing up well for a long way. I think he’s got a lot of ability.

    EDDIE HARTY

    Coney Island
    8g Flemensfirth - Millys Gesture
    JP McManus
    PP/376-8
    RPR 167c OR 156c
    We've always liked him and he was a Grade 1 winner as a novice chaser in the 2016-2017 season. He ran sixth behind Frodon in the Ryanair at Cheltenham and hasn't run since finishing eighth in the Galway Plate during the summer. Unfortunately he's had a bit of a setback and it's going to be into the new year before he returns to action.

    Kilfenora
    7g Yeats - Blazing Liss
    JP McManus
    1P/55-31
    RPR 146h 126c; OR 143h 119c
    We were delighted with him at Naas early this month when he won the Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle on his first start since May. I'd imagine he'll go for a Pertemps qualifier but his next race might be the Tara Handicap Hurdle over 2m4f at Navan next month. He's shown himself to be a better hurdler than chaser.

    RUTH JEFFERSON

    Waiting Patiently
    8g Flemensfirth - Rossavon
    Richard Collins
    /111/U23-
    RPR 171c OR 166c
    He missed the Haldon Gold Cup with a bad scope and, although it didn't stop his day-to-day cantering, he missed fast work for a week. He's ready to go again now and we have a choice of three engagements the same weekend – the Tingle Creek, the Peterborough or the John Durkan Chase. We'll pick the most suitable race closer to the time but the ground will be a factor. If it's soft or heavy we wouldn't be worried about dropping back to 2m at Sandown. The lads who ride him are thrilled with him.

    NEIL KING

    Canyon City
    6g Authorized - Colorado Dawn
    A Whyte, J Bone, D Nott & B Smith
    316-146
    RPR 144h OR 141h
    He had a terrific time last season but life is going to be a lot harder now. He started this season at Newbury in a Pertemps qualifier and I wish now that I'd started him off over shorter as he was quite keen. He qualified there, though, which was the main objective, and he's much better on better ground. He'll stay over hurdles this season.

    Farne
    5m Stowaway - Bonnies Island
    Blyth Currie & Royle
    2234-8
    RPR 116 bumpers OR -
    I hold her in very high regard. She was second in her first two bumpers and then finished in the frame in the Listed mares' bumper at Sandown and the Grade 2 at Aintree. She's by Stowaway, so we're expecting much better over hurdles and fences. Unfortunately when we started her off over hurdles at Newbury she lost her confidence after a bad mistake at the third, so we're working on that. She loves soft ground and will want 2m4f or more.

    First Drift
    8g Generous - Supreme Cove
    Mrs Carolyn Kendrick
    /P12710-
    RPR 137c 137h; OR 129c 134h
    He's a new horse sent to me by Max Kendrick's mother with a view to helping him win the amateur riders' title. Ben Case did well with him and won a chase at Hereford and a hurdle at Newbury last season, and I think there's more to come. I'm still learning about him but I'm quite impressed with what I've seen.

    Lil Rockerfeller
    8g Hard Spun - Layounne
    Davies, Smith, Govier & Brown
    3530-323
    RPR 152c 164h; OR 144c 149h
    He’s mixed hurdling and chasing but after that nice run at Chepstow behind Ballyoptic, the form of which has been boosted since, we’re keen to continue chasing with him when we can find the right ground and the right race. He can cope with soft but wouldn’t want it hock deep, which is one of the reasons we went back over hurdles at Ascot over the weekend, and he ran really well in a race he has a good record in to finish third, battling on gamely towards the finish.

    PHIL KIRBY

    Lady Buttons
    9m Beneficial - Lady Chapp
    Mrs Jayne Sivills
    11142-1
    RPR 158c 147h; OR 149c 146h
    The plan after she won at Wetherby was to go back to Newbury for the valuable 2m handicap chase she won there last year, but I'm also going to make an entry for the Fighting Fifth, as it usually cuts up and I suspect one or two of the top ones might not run. We'll decide nearer the time but she wouldn't be disgraced at Newcastle. The main targets are the two races she won at Doncaster last season – a Grade 2 hurdle and a Listed chase – and then we'll have a think about the spring. She's versatile but I think her best form is probably at 2m over fences in a strongly run race on soft ground. She doesn't want to be in front too long these days.

    TOM LACEY

    Glory And Fortune
    4g Fame And Glory - Night Heron
    J Hinds
    1-13
    RPR 131h OR -
    A pretty nice horse who won a Listed bumper first time up at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day and then a novice hurdle at Huntingdon on his reappearance. One day he’ll be a chaser, but I’ll probably think about giving him a second season over hurdles as he’s only four and just a frame of a horse. He ran well in the Listed novice hurdle at Haydock on Saturday.

    Kateson
    6g Black Sam Bellamy - Silver Kate
    DM Richards, Roberts, Church, Ward, W-Williams
    /11377-7
    RPR 141h OR 141h
    Was late coming in but I’m really happy with him. We’ve been late getting going with him over fences and, although he had a novice chase at the weekend, I was more inclined to go to Haydock over hurdles in what looked a winnable race and he didn’t disgrace himself. We’re already getting close to the point of not wanting to lose his novice tag over fences and there’s no rush. He’s only six and they’re a backward family.

    Sebastopol
    5g Fame And Glory - Knockcroghery
    C Boultbee-Brooks
    1/43-14
    RPR 138h OR 136h
    He swallowed his tongue when favourite for a nice handicap hurdle at Huntingdon this month. There's no obvious sign of paralysis or anything like that, so we've changed a few things at home and we'll probably run him in a tongue-tie when the ground comes good again. He's certainly worth keeping onside.

    Tea Clipper
    4g Stowaway - A Plus Ma Puce
    Jerry Hinds & Ashley Head
    11
    RPR 123h OR 127h
    Having won his novice at Warwick he followed up under a penalty at Kempton. I won't run him with a double penalty and I think he'll probably go for something like the Kennel Gate next. A strongly run two miles round Ascot will suit him.

    EMMA LAVELLE

    De Rasher Counter
    7g Yeats - Dedrunknmunky
    Makin' Bacon Partnership
    P7121-6
    RPR 153c OR 149c
    He was absolutely super at Newbury's media morning last week, jumping all the fences down the far side quickly and accurately and then quickening up the home straight with Paisley Park. He's a street fighter who needs plenty of graft and I'd been a bit too easy on him before Uttoxeter. He hasn't missed a beat since and he's on real good terms with himself. I think he's the right type for the Ladbrokes Trophy and with luck in running he should be there or thereabouts.

    Eclair Surf
    5g Califet - Matasurf
    Tim Syder & Dominic Burke
    1
    RPR 120h OR -
    He was very impressive and didn't come off the bridle when winning a novice hurdle at Exeter. He's a chaser in the making – a tall horse who has already won a point-to-point and will keep filling out – and I think he has a big future.

    Hang In There
    5g Yeats - Jaldemosa
    Andrew Gemmell & Tim Syder
    342-U11
    RPR 140h OR 135h
    We were all so chuffed with him at Cheltenham last weekend and he was pretty chuffed with himself judging from the way he's come out of it. Having galloped riderless for a circuit at Exeter two weeks before his win there he's already had quite a busy time, so we're not in a rush, but the Tolworth is the obvious race for him now. Win or lose, we'll find out a lot more there. Is he a genuine two-miler or should we be stepping him up?

    Paisley Park
    7g Oscar - Presenting Shares
    Andrew Gemmell
    0/11111-
    RPR 172h OR 169h
    He came in a little later than last year, looking a bit bigger, and he's taken quite a bit of getting fit, but he's been to Newbury twice now and done some nice schooling at home, so he's ready to start at Newbury this weekend. If all goes well there his programme afterwards maps itself out and it would be Ascot, Cheltenham's trials day, the Cheltenham Festival and Punchestown. That's not asking much, is it?

    TONY MARTIN

    Anibale Fly
    9g Assessor - Nouba Fly
    JP McManus
    34/6225-
    RPR 174c OR 167c
    He's in good form. We haven't decided anything yet, but I'd imagine we'll try to get a run into him somewhere before going for the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. He's working away nicely and he's going away next week to do a bit. I'm very happy with him.

    Tudor City
    7g Yeats - She's Our Mare
    John Breslin
    /2582-21
    RPR 147h OR 147h
    He's on a break at the moment. He wants better ground so we'll aim for something next spring, maybe the big handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse over Easter. The County Hurdle will come a bit quick for him, because if we want to run him in that we'd need to get a run into him in February.

    MOUSE MORRIS

    Sams Profile
    5g Black Sam Bellamy - Lucylou I
    Michael O'Flynn & John F O'Flynn
    3/1225-2
    RPR 150h OR 148h
    He had a little setback, nothing major, just a little bit of wear and tear on his joints mostly due to immaturity, but he won't go chasing this season. The aim will be the Stayers' Hurdle. We'll find a winners-of-one at Christmas or just after and work from there. I can see the Boyne Hurdle at Navan in February being one of the races we'll go for.

    TERENCE O'BRIEN

    Articulum
    9g Definite Article - Lugante
    Martin McDonagh & Paul G Murphy & MJ Nixon
    7/213-P2
    RPR 149c 138h; OR 148c 132h
    He's in very good form and I'm looking forward to running him back over hurdles in the 2m €100,000 handicap at Fairyhouse on December 1. He has a mark of 132 over hurdles and hopefully that race should suit him. After that we'll probably head to Leopardstown at Christmas when it's possible he'll run in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase. Having won two bumpers over 2m3f, you'd expect him to stay 3m but his form over 2m is strong.

    JEDD O'KEEFFE

    Sam Spinner
    7g Black Sam Bellamy - Dawn Spinner
    Caron & Paul Chapman
    U428-11
    RPR 148c 165h; OR 159c 164h
    We're thrilled with the way he's started over fences and we're excited about his future. The race we're looking at next is the 3m Grade 2 novice at Doncaster on December 14. We don't want the ground too lively for him but that's not likely to be a problem this year after the floods. Looking further ahead we're thinking of the RSA Chase, but if it doesn't look as if he's quite good enough for that we'll have another go at the Stayers' Hurdle.

    JAMIE SNOWDEN

    Kiltealy Briggs
    5g Fame And Glory - Baby Briggs
    McNeill Family
    221
    RPR 135h OR -
    A very nice novice hurdler of Max McNeill's who was second in a point-to-point, a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning by a wide margin over 2m4f at Hexham last week. He's going down the EBF route and is out of a sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs, so he's going to stay well.

    Pacify
    7g Paco Boy - Supereva
    The Duchess of Cornwall & Chips Keswick
    111112
    RPR 143h OR 140h
    He was a very good Flat horse and he jumps very nicely, as he showed by winning five on the bounce, including a Listed hurdle at Kempton. He was giving Hang In There 5lb and ran a lovely race when second in the Grade 2 at Cheltenham, but undoubtedly the testing ground blunted a little bit of his speed. He's a talented horse who has earned a crack at a Grade 1 and the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown looks the obvious way to go.

    Thebannerkingrebel
    6g Arakan - One Love
    Sir Chips Keswick
    P/2-11F1
    RPR 148h OR 139h
    A very good bumper horse who was second in the Grade 2 at Aintree in April after a year off the track. He won his first two hurdles very easily in May and he looked to be holding all the aces when he came down at the last at Wetherby on his return. He gained compensation when landing the Listed novice at Haydock on Saturday and he’s now ready to step up to Graded company.

    TIM VAUGHAN

    Copper Gone West
    6m Westerner - Copper Dusht
    Mrs L Bowtell & P Bowtell
    21F-UP2
    RPR 130h OR 121h
    A well-bred mare who shows me plenty at home and it was great to see things fall into place for her at Market Rasen last Thursday when she finished second. I'm hoping she'll build on that and go on to far better things. I'm pretty sure a bigger, galloping track will help her. She's qualified for the Pertemps Final now and I'm hoping she'll improve enough to contest a race of that nature or the mares' hurdle at Cheltenham or Newbury.

    Eva’s Oskar
    5g Shirocco - Sardagna
    Sally & Richard Prince
    24-1116
    RPR 126h OR 126h
    He won three on the bounce and ran a really decent race to finish sixth at Cheltenham last weekend. I may have run him too quickly after winning at Chepstow, so he'll have a break now and probably head to the Welsh National meeting for a 3m hurdle. We'll keep him over hurdles this season and see how he progresses before going chasing next year. He's an out-and-out stayer who enjoys cut in the ground and I'd love to win a decent handicap with him.

    Looksnowtlikebrian
    8g Brian Boru - Sheebadiva
    SC Botham & RG Botham
    /11P8-4P
    RPR 146c OR 135c
    He has always been plagued with jumping issues but we've worked extremely hard on this at home and in conjunction with Yogi Breisner. He hated the ground at Bangor last time and it's becoming evident that he prefers good ground. He's going to have a breathing operation and I'm hoping that will get him back to 100 per cent. When he's on song, he really can travel in his races and stay on stoutly, so he'll be aimed at the long-distance races on better ground.

    Theligny
    8g Martaline - Romilly
    Pearn's Pharmacies Ltd
    P/363-28
    RPR 136c OR 135c
    A lovely horse who just didn’t click for us last season but I’m hoping we’ve now got him back on the right path. He ran a lovely race first time out at Market Rasen in a £50k handicap. He broke a blood vessel when well beaten at Haydock on Saturday. I’m sure there’s a nice day in him this season.

    TED WALSH

    Any Second Now
    7g Oscar - Pretty Neat
    JP McManus
    531F-62
    RPR 154c OR 150c
    He ran to his rating when second in the Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown last weekend and the plan is to run him in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase on December 27 at Leopardstown. Being rated 150 means he'll have top weight and it'll be hard for him to win off that mark. He'll be entered for the Aintree National and the Irish National.

    Dewcup
    4g Finsceal Fior - Elyaadi
    MA Ryan
    314-1
    RPR 118b OR -
    A smart horse who has done well in bumpers and won nicely at Punchestown last weekend. There's a winners' bumper coming up at Navan and he'll probably go for that before we switch him to hurdles. He should be able to win a maiden and we'll see how he fares when he takes the next step. We'll try to win with him on the Flat next year.

    HARRY WHITTINGTON

    Rouge Vif
    5g Sageburg - Rouge Amour
    Kate & Andrew Brooks
    2113-14
    RPR 144c OR 142c
    I've never felt he wanted the sort of ground he had at Cheltenham last weekend and he didn't travel with his normal zest there. In the circumstances I thought he ran a belter and we were delighted with him, as he finished close behind some of the best two-mile novices on either side of the Irish Sea. He'll certainly improve for better ground but we have no firm plans.

    Saint Calvados
    6g Saint Des Saints - Lamorrese
    Kate & Andrew Brooks
    /1337-14
    RPR 165c OR 159c
    He ran a really good race and only lost third on the nod in the Shloer Chase. I don't regret going there rather than the BetVictor Gold Cup in those extreme conditions. We're discussing going back up in trip and he'll have plenty of options. He could go back to Cheltenham for the 2m4f handicap next month if the going is less extreme or maybe run in the Peterborough or a Listed chase at Kempton. He's only been right-handed once but I don't think it's a problem.

    Simply The Betts
    6g Arcadio - Crimson Flower
    Kate & Andrew Brooks
    /1184-11
    RPR 144c OR 140c
    He was bought to go chasing and is two from two over fences. We want to keep him in handicaps for now and let him work his way up towards better company, as he's started off a lovely rating and there's still mileage in it. I think he'll jump better in a better race.

    Young Bull
    5g Dubai Destination - Jane Hall
    Nash & Webb
    315-31
    RPR 128h OR 124h
    He absolutely bolted up in a 2m4f maiden hurdle at Ffos Las and is a proper horse. He's a big, quality horse with a good pedigree and he'll make a chaser one day. I love him.

    VENETIA WILLIAMS

    Aso
    9g Goldneyev - Odyssee Du Cellier
    The Bellamy Partnership
    /5/1162-3
    RPR 171c OR 168c
    You have to be pleased with all he's done in the last 12 months and all roads lead back to the Ryanair, in which he's been third and then second. We'd love to win it, but his immediate target is the King George and I think he'll go straight there following his reappearance third at Wetherby.

    Belami Des Pictons
    8g Khalkevi - Nina Des Pictons
    Hills of Ledbury (Aga)
    111/2/P-4
    RPR 155c OR 145c
    He didn't have any luck in running in the BetVictor Gold Cup and having nearly been brought down at the second I thought he did well to finish fourth. He's adaptable as far as distance is concerned and is effective at 2m4f on a testing track, but I think he'll probably go to Ascot next for the 3m handicap chase just before Christmas. It's good prize-money in those races and we like to go there.

    Burtons Well
    10g Well Chosen - Despute
    Trevor Hemmings
    4F/27/17
    RPR 144c OR 138c
    I was delighted for Mr Hemmings when he finally won at Aintree, because he certainly tested his patience. He’s a horse we’ve always liked but he’s been fragile over the years. Charlie Deutsch said he was never travelling when well beaten at Haydock on Saturday.

    Cepage
    7g Saddler Maker - Sience Fiction
    The Bellamy Partnership
    3414/2-2
    RPR 155c OR 152c
    He's become something of a perennial bridesmaid and has been second now in three valuable handicap chases, most recently at Aintree when he had been off for 11 months with a tendon injury following his second to Frodon in last year's Caspian Caviar. The plan now is for him to go back to Cheltenham to run in the Caspian Caviar again. He goes on most ground but we have to be careful with him following that injury.


    JAMIE SNOWDEN

    Kiltealy Briggs
    5g Fame And Glory - Baby Briggs
    McNeill Family
    221
    RPR 135h OR -
    A very nice novice hurdler of Max McNeill's who was second in a point-to-point, a bumper and a novice hurdle before winning by a wide margin over 2m4f at Hexham last week. He's going down the EBF route and is out of a sister to Grand National winner Ballabriggs, so he's going to stay well.

    Pacify
    7g Paco Boy - Supereva
    The Duchess of Cornwall & Chips Keswick
    111112
    RPR 143h OR 140h
    He was a very good Flat horse and he jumps very nicely, as he showed by winning five on the bounce, including a Listed hurdle at Kempton. He was giving Hang In There 5lb and ran a lovely race when second in the Grade 2 at Cheltenham, but undoubtedly the testing ground blunted a little bit of his speed. He's a talented horse who has earned a crack at a Grade 1 and the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown looks the obvious way to go.

    Thebannerkingrebel
    6g Arakan - One Love
    Sir Chips Keswick
    P/2-11F1
    RPR 148h OR 139h
    A very good bumper horse who was second in the Grade 2 at Aintree in April after a year off the track. He won his first two hurdles very easily in May and he looked to be holding all the aces when he came down at the last at Wetherby on his return. He gained compensation when landing the Listed novice at Haydock on Saturday and he’s now ready to step up to Graded company.

    TIM VAUGHAN

    Copper Gone West
    6m Westerner - Copper Dusht
    Mrs L Bowtell & P Bowtell
    21F-UP2
    RPR 130h OR 121h
    A well-bred mare who shows me plenty at home and it was great to see things fall into place for her at Market Rasen last Thursday when she finished second. I'm hoping she'll build on that and go on to far better things. I'm pretty sure a bigger, galloping track will help her. She's qualified for the Pertemps Final now and I'm hoping she'll improve enough to contest a race of that nature or the mares' hurdle at Cheltenham or Newbury.

    Eva’s Oskar
    5g Shirocco - Sardagna
    Sally & Richard Prince
    24-1116
    RPR 126h OR 126h
    He won three on the bounce and ran a really decent race to finish sixth at Cheltenham last weekend. I may have run him too quickly after winning at Chepstow, so he'll have a break now and probably head to the Welsh National meeting for a 3m hurdle. We'll keep him over hurdles this season and see how he progresses before going chasing next year. He's an out-and-out stayer who enjoys cut in the ground and I'd love to win a decent handicap with him.

    Looksnowtlikebrian
    8g Brian Boru - Sheebadiva
    SC Botham & RG Botham
    /11P8-4P
    RPR 146c OR 135c
    He has always been plagued with jumping issues but we've worked extremely hard on this at home and in conjunction with Yogi Breisner. He hated the ground at Bangor last time and it's becoming evident that he prefers good ground. He's going to have a breathing operation and I'm hoping that will get him back to 100 per cent. When he's on song, he really can travel in his races and stay on stoutly, so he'll be aimed at the long-distance races on better ground.

    Theligny
    8g Martaline - Romilly
    Pearn's Pharmacies Ltd
    P/363-28
    RPR 136c OR 135c
    A lovely horse who just didn’t click for us last season but I’m hoping we’ve now got him back on the right path. He ran a lovely race first time out at Market Rasen in a £50k handicap. He broke a blood vessel when well beaten at Haydock on Saturday. I’m sure there’s a nice day in him this season.


  • #8
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Next...David Pipe

    Following two lean seasons, the revival is under way big time at Pond House. With 36 winners on the board, David Pipe is poised to eclipse his tally for the whole of last season and he has already bettered his total for 2017-18.

    His strike-rate, which had been in the doldrums, is back to a healthy 18 per cent, and the stat he is most proud of is he has won at least one race with 45 per cent of the horses he has run this season; that is second only to Brian Ellison among the current top 20.

    With a double on the final day of Cheltenham’s truncated November meeting – a fixture he likes to target with a passion – it was almost like old times.

    The successful pair, Duc De Beauchene and Israel Champ, are not household names, but they are examples of the promising young inmates Pipe is bringing through as he rebuilds a once mighty operation. Meanwhile other members of the youth academy have also passed their early exams with flying colours.

    There is cause for celebration off the track, too, with the trainer announcing recently he and long-time partner Leanne are to wed next summer.
    Stable profile

    Yard Pond House Stables
    Where Nicholashayne, Nr Wellington, Somerset
    Started training 2006
    Horses in yard 80
    Members of staff 35
    Assistants Martin Pipe, Gerry Supple
    Head lad Oliver Defew
    Barn leaders Martin Ayliffe, Ali Galliers-Pratt
    Travelling head lads Craig Wylie, Bob Hodge
    Jockeys Tom Scudamore, David Noonan
    Amateur Fergus Gillard
    PAs Gail Harrison, Gemma Edwards, James Smith
    Lab Esther Salter (technician), Barry Allen (advisor)
    Gallops team Mike Broom, Sean Darlow, Colin Smale
    Stable sponsor W & S Recycling
    Website davidpipe.com
    Twitter @DavidPipeRacing

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 44
    2017-18 33
    2016-17 59
    2015-16 80

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -£66.42
    2017-18 -£113.51
    2016-17 -£194.09
    2015-16 -£111.92

    Prize-money 2018-19
    £583,292

    Champers On Ice
    Pedigree: nine-year-old gelding
    Robin Des Champs (sire) - Miss Nova (dam)
    Owner: Caroline Tisdall and Bryan Drew
    Form: P/58/4P-1
    Racing Post Rating: 132 chase 147 hurdle
    Official Rating: 148 chase 137 hurdle
    Considering he hadn’t won for nearly three years, we were delighted with Ffos Las, where everything was tailor-made. He has his own way of jumping – clumsy would be putting it politely – but it was good there. He loves a long-distance slog and if conditions are suitable he could go to Newbury next week [November 29] for a 3m handicap hurdle.

    Daklondike
    7g Gold Well - Strong Irish
    Caroline Tisdall
    P/P1UR-2
    RPR 152c 141h; OR 147c 140h
    He's always been talented but quirky, though things took a turn for the worse last season when he ran loose at Haydock with the visor on and got in a right state. The experience was still playing on his mind when he refused to race in the Eider. We went looking for a confidence-booster and he ran well over hurdles, so now we’re keen to go for the Ladbrokes Trophy tomorrow week provided there’s cut in the ground. If we can keep him mentally in a good place, the decent long-distance handicaps will be right up his street.

    Duc De Beauchene
    6g Saddle Maker- Quatia D’Angron
    JP McManus
    9412-01
    RPR 131h OR 119h
    Battled on well to win at Cheltenham last Sunday under a great ride from Jonjo O’Neill jnr; that race had been the plan for some time and we got lucky with the ground. We’ll see what the handicapper does; normally we’d look to run again quickly as he escapes a penalty but with him we might take our time.

    Eamon An Cnoic
    8g Westerner - Nutmeg Tune
    Angove Family
    6149-0U
    RPR 144c 131h; OR 138c 129h
    Got as far as the second in the BetVictor Gold Cup which was disappointing for the owners who flew over from the US. It was even more frustrating as he went to Cheltenham in the best form he’s ever been in. We’ll try again at their December meeting, either in a 2m handicap or the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. His wind has been an issue down the years but it seems okay at the minute. The Angoves are just one of the fantastic owners we have here; of course we’re always keen to welcome new patrons and I hope we offer a great experience at Pond House. Our doors are always open!

    EDEN DU HOAX
    5g Irish Wells - Maralypha
    Caroline Tisdall
    111-24
    RPR 121h OR -
    Gorgeous horse who hasn’t yet translated his high-class bumper form to hurdles but I’m sure he will. I was disappointed he got beat on his debut and I thought he’d be okay dropped back to 2m½f on the soft ground at Cheltenham, but we’ll be stepping him up to 2m4f next time. I’m sure there’s a lot more to come from him.

    Eur Gone West
    6g Westerner - Floating Euro
    Jane Gerard-Pearse
    474116-
    RPR 134h OR 133h
    I’d put a line through his Perth defeat, it was one run too many. He’d gone up a fair bit for his two wins in quick succession, but I feel he can still be competitive off his mark in handicap hurdles. Needs to go right-handed.

    Extra Mag
    5g Kapgarde - Qrystale Mag
    Angove Family
    U12-
    RPR 130h OR 132h
    Unfortunately this was another occasion when the owner flew in from the US. In this instance to see him run in the Imperial Cup, and on touching down he had a text from me saying the horse had gone lame that morning. We won’t see him back until the second half of the season but I hope he’ll do well in handicap hurdles.

    First Lord De Cuet
    5g Lord Du Sud - Alyce
    Potter, Pipe and Pete
    121-4
    RPR 121h
    We tread carefully with him as he’s not a great eater so can’t take as much work as you’d like. Qualified for the EBF Final when fourth in what looked a competitive qualifier at Wincanton and will definitely step up on that next time. He’ll stick to 2m for the time being.

    Two for the Tracker
    "I’ve always liked Know The Score for fences and Eden Du Houx has a lot more to offer."

    Gabrielle Du Seuil
    3f Cokoriko - Marie Du Seuil
    No owner
    4-4
    RPR - OR -
    A recent arrival, has shown promise on both her starts over hurdles in the French Provinces, the latest of which has thrown up subsequent winners. She’s for sale if anyone wants her.

    Hugo ’N Taz
    8g Kayf Tara - Ryde To Arms
    valueracingclub.co.uk
    658-52P
    RPR 114c 114h; OR 111c 110h
    Has come from Denis Hogan in Ireland and hasn’t been here long. He looks as if he’ll gallop all day for you and should be out around Christmas.

    Induno
    5g Flemensfirth - Vast Consumption
    Ronnie Bartlett
    2-1
    RPR - OR -
    He’s one of a number of promising bumper winners we have who are hopefully going to progress and become our stars of tomorrow, they are our future here. The one who beat him on his debut [Overthetop] has come out this season and won impressively over hurdles. The ground was just soft enough when he quickened nicely to win at Ffos Las, putting the race to bed in a matter of strides. His work has been a lot better this autumn. Goes hurdling now and is one to look forward to; needs a bit more practice schooling.

    Israel Champ
    4g Milan - La Dariska
    John White and Anne Underhill
    1(point-to-point)-61
    RPR 118b
    Big, imposing type who has the engine to go with it. The trainer got him beat first time, he simply wasn’t straight enough, but he looked very good in the Listed bumper last Sunday. Historically the race has a small field, I thought we’d get an easy lead and that’s what happened. We’ll stick to bumpers this season and look at the Ascot one before Christmas next time.

    Kepagge
    5g Getaway - Miracle Lady
    Sarah Ling
    F (ptp)-1
    RPR 118b
    Rangy individual, a future 3m chaser on looks and not your typical bumper horse. We made the running with him at Chepstow, a big, galloping track, and he won impressively. Goes novice hurdling now and jumps well. I know he fell in his Irish point-to-point but it was an unlucky fall.

    Know the score
    6g Flemensfirth - Prairie Bell
    Angove Family
    0/3133-1
    RPR 135c 122h OR 129c 129h
    Has entries tomorrow and Sunday and will be taking up one of them. He was due to run on the abandoned first day of Cheltenham; I thought he was possibly my best chance of the meeting and we had Jamie Codd booked. He wasn’t seeing his races out last season so we cauterised his palate over the summer. I was very pleased with his Worcester win, where he was the first off the bridle but then really battled. I could see him ending up in something like the four-miler, as I still call it, at Cheltenham.

    Meep Meep Mag
    5m Getaway - Deadly Pursuit
    M Lambert and Mrs R White
    31(ptp)3
    RPR 97b
    On the small side, more a hurdler than a chaser although she jumped her fences well in her point-to-points. That said, she’s a little terrier with a great attitude. Ran very well in her mares’ bumper at Warwick and we’re aiming her at a similar contest at Wetherby at the end of the month.

    Mr Clarkson
    7g Jeremy - Wynsleydale
    Pipe’s Prospectors
    PP6-115
    RPR 138h OR 136h
    We treated him for his wind and an ulcer problem and it seemed to help as he returned in good form in the summer. Although his two wins came at Worcester and Cartmel, he’s probably better going right-handed. He was below his best when we made another trip up to Cartmel, the track was plenty sharp enough. He’s had a decent break and we’ll be looking to school him over fences shortly; he once finished second to Finian's Oscar in a point-to-point.

    Nordic Combined
    5g Haafhd - Chilly Filly
    Chris and David Stam
    20F8-33
    RPR 130h OR 124h
    Has always been a bit of a monkey; the ability’s there – just look at his third place in a Listed handicap at Ascot first time – but we’re still seeking that elusive first win. I thought I’d found an easier race for him last time but he went and made hard work of it. He’s jumping better this season and in a good place mentally, so I hope we get there. Probably wants going up in trip.

    Poker Play
    6g Martaline - Becquarette
    Angove Family
    P210-15
    RPR 143c 140h OR 138c 135h
    I’d wanted to run him over 2m4f at Cheltenham last Friday, but when that was off we re-routed him to Saturday over 3m½f and he didn’t quite get home; we probably rode him too positively. He’d looked very good at Ffos Las the time before and the second horse has won impressively since. We’ll drop back to 2m4f next time; with his high knee action he’ll always need soft or heavy ground.

    Queens Cave
    6m Court Cave - Shuilan
    Kenneth Alexander
    112/P-21
    RPR 118h OR 128h
    Has a high cruising speed and we’ve always thought a lot of her, but she suffered from a fibrillating heart when beaten at 1-14 last season. We check her constantly but she seems to have got her confidence back and won as she should have done at Exeter, having run so well behind the smart Silver Forever first time. We’ll be looking for something a bit better next time.
    Star Quality

    Ramses De Teillee
    7g Martaline - Princesse D’Orton
    John White and Anne Underhill
    122P-14
    RPR 158c 137h; OR 151c 144h
    Was below his best at Cheltenham last Saturday; he’s had ongoing wind issues and his breathing may have been troubling him, so we’ll get it checked out. He’d made a winning return in a staying novice hurdle and he’ll run over hurdles again at some point. He’ll have a National entry again; officially he pulled up at Aintree last April but that didn’t tell the whole story. When he made a mistake the left rein broke, David Noonan grabbed the right rein which was caught around the horse’s throat, and he jumped the last five fences on one rein.

    Remastered
    6g Network - Cathodine Cayras
    Brocade Racing
    1/152-05
    RPR 133h OR 131h
    Ran just okay at Cheltenham the other day but I feel there’s more to come. We probably need to be a bit less forceful, sticking to 2m4f or we could try dropping him in over 3m. He’ll stick to hurdling this season.

    Story Of Friends
    5g Kingsalsa - Royale Malinelle
    Brocade Racing
    152-112
    RPR 117h OR 118h
    He had a wind op over the summer and I fancied him for the 2m novice handicap hurdle at Cheltenham last Friday but that was rained off. Looks to be on a nice mark and there are plenty of other opportunities coming up.
    Dark Horse

    Thinking
    4g So You Think - Laetoli
    Nick Shutts
    1-
    RPR - OR -
    Won his only hurdle at Vichy in France a year last August from a horse [Yccs Portocervo] who is now rated 123 for Richard Newland. Sustained a tendon injury shortly after joining us but is fine now, having filled out and turned into quite a monster. I’m looking forward to getting him going in the second half of the season.

    Taj Badalandabad
    9g Shantou - Last Chance Lady
    William Frewen
    7P1044/
    RPR 140h OR 138h
    Has been plagued with leg problems all his life and was off all of last season. Two runs ago he was just over five lengths off Delta Work in the 2018 Pertemps Final which was good form. He’s near to returning, I’m not sure whether it will be over hurdles or fences.

    Umbrigado
    5g Stowaway - Dame O’Neill
    John White and Anne Underhill
    2/1116-
    RPR 140h OR 142h
    He’s had a wind op, has been working well like he always does and we fancy him to run a big race in the 3m handicap hurdle at Haydock tomorrow, a race I used to love targeting when it was over the fixed brush hurdles. Was below his best at the end of last season when we stepped him up to 2m4f in the Grade 1 at Aintree, but he shapes as if he’ll get the trip. His handicap mark is high enough, so we’ll see.

    Vieux Lion Rouge
    0g Sabiango - Indecise
    Caroline Tisdall and John Gent
    2PP0-19
    RPR 160c 141h; OR 145c 135h
    It was great to see him come back to winning form in the veterans’ chase first time; we tried him back over hurdles last weekend but it didn’t work. He has two Gold Cups coming up: the Becher Chase next month and then the veterans' final at Sandown in January. It's amazing that in four Grand Nationals and three Becher Chases he’s jumped 202 fences round Aintree without mishap.

    Warthog
    7g Martaline - Shekira
    Caroline Tisdall and Bryan Drew
    7/1P3P-3
    RPR 142c OR 132c
    Strong traveller, not always a strong finisher, but hopefully a wind op has helped in that respect and he ran a blinder when third in the BetVictor Gold Cup; we switched him there after the 2m race was abandoned the day before. I’ve always thought there might be a big race in him and we’ll take him back to the next Cheltenham meeting for the 2m handicap or the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup.

    Yaa Salaam
    5g Helmet - Ya Hajar
    Two Hopes
    32-2
    RPR 118h OR 117h
    Laid-back at home but lights up on the track. We took him to Lingfield on Wednesday and he coped well with the ground, the softest he’d raced on. He’s a winner waiting to happen over hurdles.
    Expert View

    The strength in the yard nowadays comes in the staying chase division, so whenever I’m looking at Pipe-trained runners I’m always assessing their potential for better over further.

    Ramses De Teillee may have struggled with wind issues at Cheltenham on Saturday, but he had previously won a novice hurdle at that track in October and looks sure to go on the rampage in similar contests when he can put his chasing experience to use. All roads lead to Aintree for another crack at the Grand National for last year’s Welsh National runner-up.

    Aintree might again be the long-term aim for former Becher winner Vieux Lion Rouge, who disappointed over hurdles at Cheltenham on Saturday but has been laid out for another go at the Becher next month and then the veterans' final. His two Gold Cups according to Pipe.

    Daklondike represents the same owner Caroline Tisdall and it's good to hear there has been no repeat of the temperament issues that he showed when refusing to race in the Eider. He will go to the Ladbrokes Trophy as an outsider but might have a big staying handicap in him.

    Warthog is the stable star over shorter trips and he bounced back to form after wind surgery when third in the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday. That was a contingency plan after the 2m handicap chase on the previous day had been abandoned and it will be interesting to see what Warthog can do back at 2m should connections choose to go that way next month. He travels powerfully and jumps well, so could be a weapon at that trip.

    Jockey-wise, Tom Scudamore is riding at the top of his game and continues to churn out winners, but don’t dismiss anything ridden by stable amateur Fergus Gillard. I’ve been impressed with the 7lb claimer, who is excellent value for his allowance, and all eight of his rides in chases for the yard have finished in the first four, including three winners and two seconds. That’s a 38 per cent strike-rate and a £1 bet on each would have yielded a profit of £25.50. His claim could prove invaluable in big handicap chases, so keep an eye out for him.


  • #9
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Cheltmental
    Cheltmental brings you Horse Racing News through the National Hunt Season


    ONES TO WATCH – 20 NH HORSES TO FOLLOW FOR 2019/2020
    21 August 2019|2019/2020, Horses To Follow


    The final part of this series is my short-list of horses to follow for the 2019/2020 season. Potentially some of these horses will make into blatant top-grade performers, but I’m also looking to learn more about the horses themselves and to look for good punting opportunities with each of them if I can.

    I’ve whittled this list down to 20 horses however I’m sure you can imagine I have a good deal more on the radar. The likes of ANDY DUFRESNE, DLAURO, ENVOI ALLEN, MALONE ROAD etc could feature on anyone’s list, but while they will all be mentioned to you in my ONES TO WATCH feature each week as initial entries are made, I’m looking to share a some horses that I’m keen to watch run, especially in the early part of the season.

    So, without further ado and in no particular order:
    PORTRUSH TED

    “Ted is horse I think has a huge amount of ability, but he suffered a setback with a tendon injury last September. Another little blow for him is that he’d just lost his Novice status over hurdles. That came at 3m which I believe is exactly the sort of trip he’s crying out for and not that starting there caused the injury, I do prefer these staying hurdlers to start off over the minimum trip even if just to confirm the speed they possess. He’s a full brother to SHANTOU VILLAGE and BUN DORAN so there’s a real split for those two in terms of ideal trip but this lad takes after SHANTOU VILLAGE in my eyes and I had him pinned as a huge player for the Albert Bartlett last term. Still, you can look to take positives from any setback and the monster hunch here is that he’ll go and pick up a nice Handicap Hurdle having been given a lenient looking mark of 131 by the handicapper. He’s going to make a fine chaser too.

    He landed the 2018 Aintree Bumper which has been very well advertised since. KATESON was runner up that day, placed 3rd in the Challow Hurdle and is rated 141. HARAMBE was third, has won two hurdles at the back end of the season and ran second in the Novice’s Handicap hurdle at Sandown just behind GETAWAY TRUMP albeit receiving a stone. He’s rated 137. AL DANCER was fourth that day and obviously won the rescheduled Betfair Hurdle before being sent off joint favourite for the Supreme. He’s rated 151. You can drop as far down as 13th in that bumper to find the likes of MISTER FISHER a Grade 2 winner and rated 144”


    KING D’ARGENT

    “I suggested this horse would outrun his odds in the Fred Winter and I think coming 4th did exactly that. He’s been left on the same mark which will stand him in good stead for this season and I’m under the impression the yard thinks he’s a very useful sort. When he ran behind ADJALI at Market Rasen connections seemed visibly frustrated with the performance and having undergone a wind op after that he then went onto run very well in that Fred Winter. I wouldn’t suggest this horse will become a Grade 1 winner, but I do think he’s better than his current mark and another one to keep an eye on for another run in a handicap. The Skeltons know what they’re doing with these ex flat types and they’re not shy of running a horse. However, I think the fact he was minded expresses the regard he’s held in and he ran a big race at Cheltenham so I can’t wait to see him round there again early this season”


    CIEL DE NEIGE

    “Made his debut for Willie Mullins in the Fred winter and managed third off a mark of 132. It was a decent performance visually and this horse looked quite raw to me. Not sure if we’ll be lucky enough to see him out in a handicap next term but he’s still a Maiden over hurdles so he’s eligible for the Novice events this season and while he wants to go some to be top grade, he looks a very nice type, especially if he did line up in a handicap”


    PIC D’ORHY

    “Continuing on the Juveniles from last season; PIC D’ORHY was a well touted type before his British debut in the Triumph. Given the fact Harry Cobden stuck with QUEL DESTIN, I’d think PIC D’ORHY wasn’t anywhere need fully wound up and in fact the reports from the yard where that they were running out of time to get him ready. I don’t think Sam was overly harsh on him but that was being thrown in at the deep end. Time will tell the repercussions of possibly rushing to get him ready for that, but he looked as though he was there for more than just the actual race in terms of experience and he’s still very much of interest into next season and especially when tackling fences”


    ONEFORTHEROADTOM

    “Another on the list more for Handicap reference as I think he’s going to hack up over fences off his current 124 rating. Cheekpieces seemed to have helped in his last two starts but the Ayr performance was the more taking of those. He ultimately fell and that day they ran on rattling quick ground, but he jumped so well until this mistake and I fully expect had he stood up he’d have won that day. In that race there were two fallers and two pulled up, all of those 4 were single figure priced runners which could reflect the speed it was run at and just how quick the ground was. At Punchestown after, he was beaten 2 out but Danny Mullins on YOUNG PADDYMC (another to get in your tracker for next time out over fences) must have not been able to sense the danger as he positioned himself at the second last where it looked inevitable he’d be hampered by a loose horse and duly was. Tom then looked like he might get off the mark, but he made a complete hash of the last.

    Another important thing to keep in mind with this horse is that he’s still a novice over fences despite those 7 runs to his name but he is becoming a tricky horse to win with. That said I think he’s got a race in him, it’s just a matter of when not if he gets his head in front and with that Novice status, he’s going to get some nice chances”


    L'INCORRIGIBLE

    “Won his only rules start in a Junior bumper as a 3yo and while the form might not scream out, he did look a decent type that day. What level he can scale over hurdles is open to debate but he was due to run in the 4yo bumper at the Cheltenham New Years’ Day meeting but that didn’t happen. Wouldn’t be a horse I’m looking to back early next season but the type I like to watch and see what ability they might possess before looking for an opportunity to get a bet on”

    KING ROLAND

    “I had the pleasure of seeing King Roland in his first school over hurdles at the back end of last season and my word he is a very taking horse. Plenty of horses aware they are talented and there is a slight air of arrogance about him although he was very welcoming at the stable. He’s under the same ownership as NEON WOLF who also started his career at Uttoxeter. It wasn’t the same race (renewal) they ran in, but both left a very taking impression in their own right with Roland topping Neon Wolfs 126 RPR by 5 points. While Neon Wolf went straight hurdling after that bumper debut, Roland was starting off under rules a year younger, so a more patient approach was understandable.

    As I mentioned he’d school at the end of last season so it’s very much the plan to pitch him in over hurdles this season and a step up in trip is also on the cards. I actually think he’ll stay all day but the Ballymore, even this far out, would look like a realistic target for him. His second bumper win is yet to be franked but it was more experience for him and any horse who starts under rules wearing some form of headgear has to a little quirky for me. I think he’s a very nice horse though, so I hope he’s capable of putting in his best efforts race after race.

    One quick comment on the headgear remark would be that CYRNAME raced with a hood as well from the start of his racing in GB (raced in his last run with it in France too) but it wasn’t until it was later removed that he showed his real ability in both those runs at Ascot which afforded him the highest official rating of any NH horse in training. So KING ROLAND would still be a horse to keep an eye on over the foreseeable future, especially when he finally goes chasing”

    GET IN THE QUEUE

    “I do like a good owner & connection comparison so for this lad IF THE CAPS FITS springs to mind. Clearly a decent bumper horse and a solid hurdler but I predict GET IN THE QUEUE will be much more of a Cheltenham type than IF THE CAP FITS appears. GET IN THE QUEUE also started at Uttoxeter (like King Roland) but he went round Exeter after in very convincing style before taking the Class 2 bumper at Newbury on what was Noel Fehily’s last ever ride. Noel took no chances that day with him and sent him on far enough out and he looks like another horse who should enjoy a bit further than 2m.

    That Newbury bumper is a race Harry Fry likes to target. He took the 2018 renewal with CARIBERT, the 2017 with BULLIONAIRRE and has BAGS GROOVE as runner up in 2016.”


    BLACKBOW

    “He missed last season, but I understand it was only a little setback with him and he seems to need it slower than most. He’s a horse who might just have appreciated the break and he’s a proper chaser in the making I believe. He’s full of pace so you’d think he’ll start off around 2m but then having had another summer at grass he and being another year older might lend him to middle trips by the spring”


    ENERGUMENE

    “I had hoped to have seen this horse in a bumper last season but depending how early they can get him out this season he might be chucked into one bumper then slapped over hurdles given he’s 5 going on 6 this season. Whatever route he goes down I expect him to transpire into a top-grade hurdler so hopefully we get to see that this term”


    CAREFULLY SELECTED

    “I did think this horse was a genuine chance of an Albert Bartlett winner pre-season but the ground played it’s part in his delayed hurdle bow and in fact he should have run earlier but Willie took him out before the rain came, something he’s noted on record suggesting he regrets.

    The expectation of this horse is that he’s a proper staying chaser in the making and given he’s starting this season as a 7yo I’d hope they manage to get him out by Christmas. I do think he has enough class to be a serious RSA contender but it’s worth remembering his owner loves Punchestown”


    NEXT DESTINATION

    “Probably would have been a serious RSA contender for Willie Mullins last season if it weren’t for his injury but the positive to take it that he still has his novice status. Slight blow for CAREFULLY SELECTED given these two will be vying for the same division but this horse was a very taking Novice hurdler, especially for a horse blatantly all about stamina and one who looks to want a fence too”

    HOSTILE

    “I was at Barbury Castle in 2018 when I first met HOSTILE and there was immediately something about him that made you look twice. The blaze on his face isn’t quite as wide as his half-brother VALDEZ but he certainly looked like his little sibling. Now VALDEZ never achieved what he was capable of but he’s quietly known to be one of Alan King’s favourites. He himself peaked at 153 over fences and he was a mid 130’s horse over hurdles.

    I expect that HOSTILE will thrive when chasing and watching him on debut (having missed he was running as I didn’t know he’d been named) I was visually impressed with how well he ran and coped with the occasion when he clearly needs to learn a lot more about the game. Racing Post comments mean that plenty of other will take note of this horse going forward too – “Ran Green, Promising”. Regardless of that I think this horse could be very good and I can’t wait to go see him on course and begin to watch his progression unfold”


    SIXSHOOTER

    “Won a Punchestown bumper getting weight but it’s a race I think will work out very well this season. Wouldn’t be the biggest horse and looks like he’ll appreciate a bit further in time but he’s in the right hands. Noel Meade has both his full sisters but in SIXSHOOTER he looks to have potentially found a very classy horse. After winning well on debut at Leopardstown he was sold to Gigginstown but he’s another I can’t wait to watch progress over the next two or three seasons, especially considering he starts this season as a 4yo”


    YELLOW DOCKETS

    “Stuart Parkin has kept YELLOW DOCKETS, or rather purchased her in his own right and despite starting this season as a 7yo I think she’s got some winning left in her. She looks to want even further than the 2m5f she won at the last twice. She’s rated 132 currently which I’d say was workable when you considered she spanked PRINTING DOLLARS by 5ls who is a 135 rated mare now. Tricky to look at longer term targets for her and to be confident what types of track will suit her but she’s a winner in waiting off that mark and even if they send over fences she’ll be winning again”


    MASTER TOMMYTUCKER

    “You don’t need me to tell you there aren’t many better in this game with staying chasers than Paul Nichols and despite the fact MASTER TOMMYTUCKER has clearly been a hard horse to keep right he does look a very talented one. Having made a terrible mistake at Chepstow which cost him the whole season he does at least retain his Novice status. That means for me that he’ll be trained with the same plan in mind as last season, which I’d expect is a tilt at the RSA. Of course it’s a worry the lack of racing for a horse of his age, and how fragile he appears so it’s going to be very much each race as it comes but I can’t wait to see him again this season all the same”


    ASK FOR GLORY

    “Won impressively at Chepstow at Christmas and I was under the impression there was a bit of difference of opinion about running him in the Champion Bumper. With that thought to the fore I expect he was given an easy time of it. He’ll want further this season but he’s potentially a very smart type who probably wasn’t ready for the exertions of the Champion Bumper. Ground could also be key to him as he’s raced exclusively on soft”


    DASHEL DRASHER

    “Horses with a visually strong attitude can sometimes be something of a mirage. Seeing these horses in handicaps show resolution can just be a mark of good handicapping, in others I believe it’s genuinely the horse and that’s exactly what I see with DASHEL DRASHER.

    He ran OK at Chepstow at the start of his season, but he did look like he needed the run. Next time out at Newbury, which came only a few weeks later, he wasn’t beaten far in a good-looking Novice hurdle won by BRIGHT FORECAST. He was understandably supported after that and although I can’t quite put my finger on what it was, he just never looked like he was on a going day. Back at Chepstow he was stepped back up to 2m3 ½ furlongs when he won and OK looking hurdle. Then at Ascot he showed me that grit I was talking about when holding on from Russian Hawk in a Class 2 Novice hurdle which won’t be remembered as a vintage renewal although I do like the runner up. Back to Newbury he was well backed again to land a Class 3 novice hurdle with a couple of well thought of types in behind, REMASTERED, MORNING VICAR and THE WOLF. He then capped his season off with a really good run at Cheltenham’s April meeting which came on good ground, classed as unsuitable for him earlier in the season.

    Now I do feel this horse has probably reached his ceiling over hurdles, I also think he’s probably a middle trip horse which means there’s less options for him. But I do expect a nice season over fences for him and if he shows the same level of progression it could be worth keeping him on side after a few races. Not sure how or where I can fit him in to a plan this season but there’s loads of nice Novice chases about 2m4f on big race days so he might be able to head towards a Close Brothers kind of tilt despite his OR possibly holding him back early on”


    BEAKSTOWN

    “Seems like a long time ago that Dan Skelton went to war with Willie Mullins to secure this lad, but he showed last season in the Leamington Novices’ Hurdle he was a proper sort. He was always going to make a chaser as you could visibly see that he’s a big horse.

    Both he and runner up STONEY MOUNTAIN ran at the Festival in the Ballymore and Albert Bartlett respectively where both pulled up. Personally, I think this lad was minded there as it was mentioned after his Warwick win that he might be better served to skip Cheltenham last season. For me, it’s valuable experience for the horse, and I wouldn’t put it passed most trainers to send horses to these Novice Hurdle events with a view to taking it easy once they start to come under pressure.

    I wouldn’t be completely convinced he wants a proper harsh 3m which is what the RSA will have on offer. But I do think he’s a fine chasing type and I’d be disappointed if he couldn’t make into a genuine festival contender in something like the JLT. His OR of 140 might end up a lenient looking mark, but in consideration that he’s always going to be a better horse over fences that’s a pretty impressive number all the same”


    DRACONIEN

    “Achieved an OR of 151 over hurdles as a Novice which came from his Punchestown Festival Grade 1 win. Didn’t race last season after picking up an injury but he’s only a 6yo and I know he had schooled well over fences before being ruled out last term. Willie Mullins likened him to FOOTPAD prior to his Novice chasing campaign and confirmed that he’d matured over that summer. So, I suspect with another summer under his belt he could be a serious force in the 2m chasing ranks although Willie has advised us that he can’t run as often as FOOTPAD did so don’t expect to see too much of him”


  • #10
    supremenovice
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 976 ✭✭✭supremenovice


    I think W P Mullins is the one we're all waiting for.
    Please ;)


  • #11
    chancer007
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 340 ✭✭chancer007


    thanks for posting these, I enjoy reading them


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  • #12
    The Mig
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 2,034 Mod ✭✭✭✭The Mig


    supremenovice wrote: »
    I think W P Mullins is the one we're all waiting for.
    Please ;)
    http://jumps.attheraces.com/stable-tours/willie-mullins


  • #13
    The Mig
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 2,034 Mod ✭✭✭✭The Mig


    del roy wrote: »


    DRACONIEN

    “Achieved an OR of 151 over hurdles as a Novice which came from his Punchestown Festival Grade 1 win. Didn’t race last season after picking up an injury but he’s only a 6yo and I know he had schooled well over fences before being ruled out last term. Willie Mullins likened him to FOOTPAD prior to his Novice chasing campaign and confirmed that he’d matured over that summer. So, I suspect with another summer under his belt he could be a serious force in the 2m chasing ranks although Willie has advised us that he can’t run as often as FOOTPAD did so don’t expect to see too much of him”

    He's out for the season again


  • #14
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Keith Donoghue's National Hunt Season 10 To Follow
    Fury Road (IRE), 5yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    He won a bumper last year at Fairyhouse and he will be one for those staying novice races such as the Albert Bartlett. Obviously being a Gigginstown horse you'll see the best of him over fences, but I think he will improve past his bumper form and be a lovely horse this year up in trip.
    Larquebuse (FR), 5yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    She will either be going for a bumper or a hurdle next and is another horse I like a lot.

    She was unlucky last year as she never got her ground, but when she gets proper soft ground, a hurdle in front of her and a trip, you'll see the very best of her. She has strengthened up a lot over the summer and looks great.
    Geraldo (IRE), 4yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    Looks a very sharp bumper horse and will be ready to go in the next 7 - 10 days. Won a point to point in May when with Ellmarie Holden, and has joined us since then. Looks a really nice prospect and is one of our more forward bumper horses. Definitely should be winning a bumper soon enough.
    Grangeclare Native (IRE), 4yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    A really nice bumper horse, and he should make into a lovely chaser in time. Won his point under Jamie Codd for Denis Murphy and is another new addition to the yard. He's a bigger lad than Geraldo so may take a bit more time, but he's definitely one to look forward to.
    Coeur Sublime (IRE), 4yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    He didn't have a clear run at all last year, he got a fall at Christmas and then wasn't right after his run at Gowran Park.

    He was a great second in the Triumph Hurdle, but with soft ground and a step up in trip you will see the best of him this season. He's not far off being top class, and while it is very hard for 4 year olds to step up to the next level, he would be one of the best work horses we have. His work is phenomenal.
    Cracking Smart (FR), 7yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    He looked very promising in his first season over hurdles, but found it tough going last year.

    He didn't go chasing last year as he didn't come back until after Christmas, but if he can come back to his novice hurdling day's he will be very good as he is built for chasing. He won a point to point, so his schooling has been as good as we expected - he's a natural.
    Ravenshill (IRE), 9yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    Was a very unlucky second in the Kerry National and I still think he's improving a little bit. If he gets a good galloping track, he'll go close in a good race.

    He's an out and out stayer, and if he got a bit of nice ground in April at Fairyhouse he could go close. He might not have the class of some horses who win a National, but he jumps well and is improving.
    Chacun Pour Soi (FR), 7yo trained by Willie Mullins

    You could only be very impressed with what he did at Punchestown last year, he beat the Arkle and JLT winners easily enough and looks very good. With how easy he travelled that day I think he could go over any trip, so Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci will have a lot of options with him.

    I know Rich Ricci doesn't own Al Boum Photo or Kemboy, but if they wanted to keep these apart he could easily make into a proper Queen Mother contender.
    Ronald Pump (GB), 6yo trained by Matthew Smith

    I won a handicap hurdle on him at Fairyhouse and he really impressed me that day. He's gone up 9 pounds, but I've sat on him a few times this year and I think he's still improving. There should be another hurdle race in him and he should go over fences then and will do very well there also.

    Matthew Smith is an excellent trainer and is very underrated generally - he gets the best out of every horse he has.
    Envoi Allen (IRE), 5yo trained by Gordon Elliott

    I don't say this lightly, but Envoi Allen is a very, very special horse.

    I didn't get to ride him last year, but I have this year and I've fallen in love with him. He's schooling very well, and whatever he does over hurdles will only be a bonus. The sky is the limit for him.

    Gordon is very strong with 2 mile novice hurdlers, so this lad might end up going up to 2 miles and 4 furlongs this season, but he's more than quick enough for 2 miles as well if needs be. He has that much class he could run over any trip.

    In his bumpers last year people kept saying he was a slow horse, but I'm riding him this year and I can tell you he's not at all slow!

    If I had the choice of the novice hurdlers in the yard at the moment, I'd take him as I love him, but really I'd be delighted if I got to ride any of them at the track! He will probably make his reappearance sometime in November.


  • #15
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Willie Mullins


    Ireland’s most powerful jumps yard has got quickly up and running as the season clicks into gear and, with strength in depth across all divisions, Willie Mullins, the most successful trainer in the history of the Cheltenham Festival and 13-time champion trainer in his home country, is understandably happy with his lot.

    Last season proved a memorable one for the Mullins yard with Al Boum Photo providing the trainer with a first Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup win and a first BoyleSports Irish Grand National courtesy of Burrows Saint.

    Other highlights included a hat-trick of Grade 1 chase wins for Kemboy, who rounded off his season by defeating Al Boum Photo in the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup. The Cheltenham showpiece is again the target for Al Boum Photo and Kemboy, although plans for the latter are uncertain because of the rumpus over the Supreme Horse Racing Club, whose colours he has raced in, which has had its ownership cancelled by Horse Racing Ireland.

    At the start of last season the name of Chacun Pour Soi meant nothing to anyone outside the Mullins yard. But by the end of the campaign it was a very different story. A 31-length win at Naas in March was followed by victory in the Grade 1 Ryanair Novice Chase at the Punchestown festival when he mastered Defi Du Seuil and Duc Des Genievres, both of whom had won at the Cheltenham Festival.

    Chacun Pour Soi’s season is likely to be geared towards the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.

    Douvan’s successful return in the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday was the highlight of a Mullins four-timer at Clonmel, while another old favourite, Faugheen, made a successful start as a chaser at the age of 11 when scoring on a big day for the yard at Punchestown on Saturday.

    Another veteran chaser on the team is ten-time Grade 1 winner Un De Sceaux, who has the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown next month as his first target.

    Benie Des Dieux, who won the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil in May, is one of the big-name hurdlers on the Mullins team and is due to start her campaign in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 1.

    The trainer will have multiple runners in many big races and that was the case on Saturday when Saldier upstaged Klassical Dream, a three-time Grade 1-winning novice last season, to give Mullins a ninth straight victory in the Grade 1 Unibet Morgiana Hurdle.
    Stable profile

    Yard Closutton
    Where Bagenalstown, County Carlow
    Started training 1987
    Horses in yard 180
    Members of staff 65
    Assistant trainers Patrick Mullins, David Casey, Ruby Walsh (when media duties allow)
    Yard managers Dick Dowling, Rachael Robins, John Codd
    Travelling head lad Ben Delmer
    Secretaries Caitriona Murphy, Jo Sharp
    Jockeys Paul Townend, David Mullins, Danny Mullins, Brian Hayes, Rachael Blackmore
    Conditionals Liam Gilligan, Conor McNamara
    Amateurs Patrick Mullins, Jody Townend, Richie Deegan, Ruth Dudfield, Aubrey McMahon
    Website wpmullins.com

    Winners in Ireland

    2018-19 207
    2017-18 212
    2016-17 180
    2015-16 185

    Profit/loss to €1 stake

    2018-19 -169.99
    2017-18 -80.97
    2016-17 -27.58
    2015-16 +14.33

    Prize-money 2018-19

    €6,266,423

    Acapella Bourgeois
    Pedigree: nine-year-old gelding
    Network (sire) - Jasmine (dam)
    Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate
    Form figures: 2P/013-0
    Racing Post Rating: 157 chase
    Official Rating: 152 chase
    He did quite well last season after returning from a long absence, winning over 2m4f at Clonmel before running a fine race to finish third in the Irish Grand National. Soft ground is probably the key to him and I think he might still have the spark to win a decent prize this season.
    Star quality

    Al Boum Photo
    7g Buck’s Boum - Al Gane
    Mrs J Donnelly
    F1RO/11-2
    RPR 178c OR 175c
    He wasn’t the best-fancied of our runners in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but he gave us a day to remember with our first win in the race. Because of the dry ground for much of last winter he ran only once before the festival when winning at Tramore on New Year’s Day. He'll have plenty of entries and the ground situation is thankfully different this year, so there should be plenty of races to choose from. However, it’s quite possible we’ll take the same route back to the Gold Cup by running him at Tramore again.

    Allaho
    5g No Risk At All - Idaho Falls
    Cheveley Park Stud
    2/413-2
    RPR 148h OR 147h
    He’s one we’ve been looking forward to going chasing with. He did quite well as a staying novice hurdler last season, winning a Grade 3 and being placed in Grade 1s at the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals. He’s had a little hold-up – he tore off a shoe and jabbed a foot – but he should be running at some stage next month and we’re hopeful of a good campaign in the top staying novice chases.

    Annamix
    6g Martaline - Tashtiyana
    Mrs S Ricci
    2/21-
    RPR 122h OR -
    He’s eligible for novice hurdles for another few weeks, but I’m keen to send him over fences. He’s been very lightly raced and we think he’s better than his hurdle form would suggest.

    Antey
    6g Lord Of England - Achinora
    Mrs S Ricci
    36211/9
    RPR 115c 132h OR 134h
    A fine big chasing type, he started off over fences at Punchestown on Saturday and made a few mistakes. He should improve for the run which was his first since he gave Katie Walsh her final win at the 2018 Punchestown festival. He had a setback which kept him off the track last season.

    Aramon
    6g Monsun - Aramina
    Supreme Horse Racing Club & Michael Songer
    31262-6
    RPR 148h OR 148h
    He won a Grade 1 novice by ten lengths at Leopardstown’s Christmas festival and will probably stay hurdling rather than go over fences. He'll be running in Graded hurdles and I'd imagine he'll be in action at Leopardstown next month.

    Bacardys
    8g Coastal Path - Oasice
    Shanakiel Racing Syndicate
    0/7F6-21
    RPR 162h OR 157h
    We were delighted with his performance at Navan this month when he won the Lismullen Hurdle in good style. He’s in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse [December 1], but that might come a bit soon and we may wait for the 3m Grade 1 at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

    Bapaume
    6g Turtle Bowl - Brouhaha
    Mrs S Ricci
    24-3427
    RPR 160h 124c OR 158h
    He started over fences at Fairyhouse last Tuesday and, while he jumped very well, he weakened quickly when headed. Maybe the 2m5f trip was a bit far for him – he wouldn’t be the first good staying hurdler to need shorter trips over fences – and we're thinking of dropping him in distance. He’s not a big horse and hopefully his sound jumping can be used to good effect.

    Bellshill
    9g King’s Theatre - Fairy Native
    Andrea & Graham Wylie
    51/41P-4
    RPR 172c OR 167c
    He had his big day last season in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown and we fancied him for the Cheltenham Gold Cup but he proved very disappointing. He didn’t jump well and was pulled up. Ruby [Walsh] felt he was a bit jarred after racing on much quicker ground at Leopardstown. He’ll have plenty of entries and I’m not sure where he’ll start off. It could be in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown next month if the ground is suitable.
    Star quality

    Benie Des Dieux
    8m Great Pretender - Cana
    Mrs S Ricci
    111/F-11
    RPR 156h 147c OR 157h 147c
    But for falling at the last in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham she would have had a Grade 1 hat-trick last season after subsequently winning at Punchestown and then beating star French mare De Bon Coeur in the French Champion Hurdle. She’s top class and will probably reappear in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse on December 1. The Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham will again be a target and maybe the French Champion Hurdle again. She’s unbeaten over fences but, while you should never say never, chasing isn’t part of the plan this season.

    Berkshire Royal
    4g Sir Percy - Forest Express
    Mrs JM Mullins
    412239- (Flat)
    He won three races for Andrew Balding, a handicap at Chester and two on the all-weather, and was rated 86. We bought him a year ago and he'll be running in novice hurdles. He's a bit behind in his work but should be appearing around Christmas.

    Blackbow
    6g Stowaway - Rinnce Moll
    Roaringwater Syndicate
    1152/2
    RPR 142h OR -
    A good bumper horse two seasons back, he had to miss last season and made a belated start over hurdles when a close second over 2m at Naas this month. He was quite keen and made a few mistakes, but with that experience behind him he should go on and do well. Going up in trip shouldn’t be a problem.

    Blazing Emily
    5m Presenting - Blazing Tempo
    Kenneth Alexander
    -12133
    RPR 122h OR -
    She’s been placed in a couple of Listed hurdles since winning a maiden over 2m4f at Listowel in September. She was disappointing at Cork last time and Paul [Townend] said she felt lifeless. Mares' races over plenty of distance will be her job.

    Blue Sari
    4g Saddex - Blue Aster
    JP McManus
    12-1
    RPR 122h OR -
    His bumper form was good last season when he ran Envoi Allen to three-quarters of a length in the Cheltenham Festival bumper after winning by 11 lengths on his debut at Gowran Park. We’re looking forward to a novice hurdle campaign with him and he made a good start winning a maiden over 2m4f at Punchestown on Saturday. He was quite keen in the early stages and I think a strongly run two-mile race will suit him well. I'd imagine he'll go to Leopardstown at Christmas.

    Brahma Bull
    8g Presenting - Oligarch Society
    Mrs S Ricci
    6/12161
    RPR 148c OR -
    A staying chaser who is improving all the time. His jumping technique was very good when Brian Hayes rode him to win at Cork this month. He’s in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse on December 1 and might go there.

    Buildmeupbuttercup
    5m Sixties Icon - Eastern Paramour
    J Turner
    5/1500-P
    RPR 129h OR 128h
    She’s been performing well on the Flat since she last ran over hurdles in April and 128 looks a lovely handicap mark for her. I’m not sure about long-term plans, but she'll be running in mares' races and we’ll see how she progresses.

    Burrows Saint
    6g Saint Des Saints - La Bombanera
    Mrs S Ricci
    3/4111-5
    RPR 155c OR 156c
    The Randox Health Grand National would look an obvious target for the horse who gave us our first Irish Grand National win, but I’m not sure we’ll go that route. We’ll see how much he can improve on his current rating and whether he might get high enough up the ladder for some of the Grade 1 chases. He’s won on good ground and on soft.

    Cabaret Queen
    7m King’s Theatre - La Dame Brune
    Syndicates Racing
    P74/F21
    RPR 146c OR 142c
    We’re aiming her at the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury at the end of this month and hoping she might emulate Total Recall, who won that race for us two years ago after landing the Munster National on his previous start. Like Total Recall, she'll have a big hike in the weights to overcome if she is to achieve the double. The Munster National win was her first run for us and she handled the testing ground well, winning by 13 lengths. She came out of the race well and we’re very happy with her.

    Cadmium
    7g Early March - Mirquille
    Supreme Horse Racing Club & Kenneth Sharp
    344121-
    RPR 165c OR 162c
    He was kept busy in 2018 and again in the first few months of this year. He produced an excellent performance to win the Topham Chase at Aintree where he jumped super and made all. He’ll be running in races from 2m to around 2m6f.

    Carefully Selected
    7g Well Chosen - Knockamullen Girl
    Miss MA Masterson
    /1123/1-3
    RPR 147h OR 146h
    Because of the unusually dry spell last winter he ran only twice, winning a 2m6f maiden hurdle at Limerick before running third in a Grade 1 over 3m at the Punchestown festival. He won a point-to-point before winning two bumpers and chasing was always going to be his game. He might start off in a 2m5f beginners' chase at Fairyhouse on November 30.

    Cash Back
    7g Linda’s Lad - Holding
    Watch This Space Syndicate
    7/22/12-5
    RPR 140h OR 141h
    He won a maiden hurdle and ran second in a Grade 2 novice. He’s fit and ready to start off over fences in the near future.

    Castlebawn West
    6g Westerner - Cooksgrove Lady
    Mrs R Boyd, Mrs MJ Armstrong & JB Anderson
    /21P4-65
    RPR 137c RPR 136h, OR 135h
    Danny Mullins rode him when he was fifth on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse last Tuesday. He came back and said he would be very competitive next time. He won a bumper and a 2m4f maiden hurdle and will be one for novice chases over 2m4f-plus.
    Star quality

    Chacun Pour Soi
    7g Policy Maker - Kruscyna
    Mrs S Ricci
    1253/1-1
    RPR 165c OR 167c
    A really exciting horse who showed a lot last season when trouncing his rivals by 31 lengths on his debut at Naas in March before putting up an exceptional performance when beating two Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival winners in Defi Du Seuil and Duc Des Genievres in a 2m Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival. He came right too late to be a Cheltenham horse last season, but fingers crossed all will go well with him this season and if it does then he would look a worthy Champion Chase contender. I would have no problem stepping him up in trip and he is in the John Durkan over 2m4f at Punchestown and the King George at Kempton, but we'll probably keep him to 2m in the immediate future and consider the Hilly Way at Cork next month or the Grade 1 at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

    Ciel de neige
    4g Authorized - In Caso Di Neve
    M L Bloodstock Ltd
    44/53-
    RPR 135h OR 134h
    A maiden over hurdles, he ran a cracking race on his first start for us when third in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in March. He looks a good prospect for novice hurdles.

    Cilaos Emery
    7g Califet - Queissa
    Luke McMahon
    51/42/1-1
    RPR 155c
    A Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, he pulled a muscle when winning on his chasing debut at Gowran Park in January and missed the rest of the season. He came back with a good win in a Grade 3 at Naas this month on only his second start over fences. We’ll consider sending him to Cork for the Hilly Way Chase or maybe wait until Leopardstown at Christmas. We’ll probably stick to 2m with him.

    Class Conti
    7g Poliglote - Gazelle Lulu
    Patrick Joubert
    62UP/1-P
    RPR 152c OR 147c
    We might go the handicap chase route with him, although Patrick [Mullins] is keen that he goes for cross-country races, so we’ll have to see who wins that argument. He won by 23 lengths on his first start for us at Tramore in April and scoped wrong after running poorly in a handicap at Punchestown.

    Colreevy
    6m Flemensfirth - Poetics Girl
    Mrs N Flynn
    1371/3-12
    RPR 130h
    A nice prospect for novice hurdles, she started off by finishing second over 2m at Cork on Sunday. She was a bit disappointing and might have needed the race more than we thought. She was a very good bumper mare, winning three including a Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival and we might need to step her up in distance.

    Concertista
    5m Nathaniel - Zabzig
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    2-
    RPR 138h
    She went very close to making a winning debut when losing out by a short head in the Grade 2 mares' novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. She’s ready for action and should be set for a good hurdling campaign.

    Cool Colonnade
    5g Requinto - Reine De Coeur
    RG & JD Partnership
    -114429
    RPR 132c 115h, OR 133c 116h
    He’s having a winter break and will be back in the spring when he'll appreciate the better ground. He’s won two chases and a hurdle race, all on good ground.

    Coquin Mans
    7g Fragrant Mix - Quissisia Mans
    Creighton Family
    14/P950-
    RPR 159h OR 154h
    A Grade 2 hurdle winner over 2m4f on heavy ground, he’s going over fences. He has schooled well and is ready for action.

    Cut The Mustard
    7m Al Namix-Tadorna
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    22024-6
    RPR 136h OR 133h
    Although she managed to win only once over hurdles, she had some decent placed form. We've yet to decide whether to keep her hurdling or send her over fences.

    Dandy Mag
    6g Special Kaldoun - Naiade Mag
    Grant Mercer & Mrs Caren Walsh
    13/1545
    RPR 134c 139h, OR 139h
    He won well on his chasing debut at Galway but hasn't jumped well since and after his performance at Punchestown yesterday it looks as if chasing isn't really for him. The likelihood is that he'll revert to hurdles.

    Dolcita
    4f Saint Des Saints - Orcantara
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    32-
    RPR 113h
    A nice filly who was placed on her two starts over hurdles in France. She’s entered up this week and will be running mainly in mares' races.

    Dorrells Pierji
    6g Coastal Path - Playa Pierji
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    51680-3
    RPR 140h OR 139h
    He's won a point-to-point, two bumpers and two hurdle races, and will start off over fences in the coming weeks. He looks like one for the staying division.
    Star quality

    Douvan
    9g Walk In The Park - Star Face
    Mrs S Ricci
    117/F2/1
    RPR 178c OR 167c
    We didn’t know what to expect when he went for the Clonmel Oil Chase on Thursday considering how long he had been off the track, so we were absolutely delighted to see him win so well. Plans will depend on how he comes out of the race, but it was a very encouraging effort. He might not quite attain the heights he scaled in the past but on Thursday’s evidence there should be more good days to come if he stays right. He’s in the John Durkan and the King George, and will have other entries over Christmas. Whether we stick to 2m4f, try him over 3m or go back to 2m is very much up in the air.

    Duc Des Genievres
    6g Buck’s Boum - Lobelie
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    /2311-34
    RPR 166c OR 162c
    He was very impressive at Cheltenham in March when winning the Arkle by 13 lengths before finding Chacun Pour Soi too good at the Punchestown festival. He started off in the Fortria Chase at Navan this month and, while he was a bit disappointing and got tired, he probably needed the run, as has been the case with some of ours first time out this season. He’s in the John Durkan at Punchestown next month, but we might wait for the Grade 1 two-miler at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

    Easy Game
    5g Barastraight - Rule Of The Game
    Wicklow Bloodstock (Ireland) Ltd
    1183-72
    RPR 145h OR 142h
    He won four hurdle races last season, including a Grade 3 and a Grade 2, and ran quite well at Fairyhouse last week when he was outclassed in second behind the useful Honeysuckle. He should be able to win over fences but might prefer better ground.

    Echoes In Rain
    3f Authorized - Amarantine
    Barnane Stud
    14/831 (Flat)
    She won a couple of times on the Flat in France and was bought mainly with next year in mind. She’s big but light framed and will need to mature. We might run her in a Graded hurdle to see what we have and decide then whether to go on with her this season or wait longer.

    Egality Mans
    5g Network - Quissisia Mans
    Mrs J Donnelly
    1/2
    RPR 118b
    He won a point-to-point and was beaten a neck in a bumper at Sligo in April. The plan is to go novice hurdling and it looks as if he'll be one for the staying division.

    Eglantine Du Seuil
    5m Saddler Maker - Rixia Du Seuil
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    1/1313-3
    RPR 143h OR 139h
    She gave Noel Fehily his final Cheltenham Festival win when landing the mares' novice hurdle at 50-1. She stays hurdling and will need to improve if she is to turn into a contender for the Grade 1 mares' race at Cheltenham this season. She needed the run when second at Punchestown on Sunday and will improve going up in trip.

    Eight and bob
    6g Big Bad Bob - Mare Nostrum
    Act D Wagg Syndicate
    2110-P1
    RPR 138h OR 136h
    He’s done well for his owners, winning four times over hurdles and once on the Flat, and hopefully there will be more to come. He’ll be running in handicaps over 2m4f-plus.

    Elfile
    5m Saint Des Saints - Rapide
    Kenneth Alexander
    21/162-1
    RPR 137h OR 140h
    She won a Listed mares' novice by ten lengths at the Punchestown festival in May and, while we’ve thought about sending her over fences, it’s more likely she'll stay hurdling and run in mares' races over longer distances.

    Elimay
    5m Montmartre - Hyde
    JP McManus
    22/26-11
    RPR 142h OR 140h
    She did well over hurdles last season, winning at Killarney and Punchestown, and will probably go novice chasing. I could see her getting three miles.

    Elixir D'Ainay
    5g Muhtathir - Perle Du Bocage
    JP McManus
    6/1/2-1
    RPR 143h
    He won well over 2m3f at Naas this month. It looked a decent maiden and the first two pulled well clear of the rest. He’s in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse next month, but I’m not yet sure about plans for him.

    Energumene
    5g Denham Red - Olinight
    Tony Bloom
    1/3
    RPR 112b
    He won his only point-to-point but we weren’t able to get a run into him last season. He made his debut in a bumper at Navan this month and finished third after racing too freely. He’s a good sort who will improve when he learns to settle.

    Eurotiep
    5g Lauro - Naltiepy
    Down The Hatch Syndicate
    22
    RPR 114b
    He’s run second in both bumpers and has shown plenty of promise. He’s a good mover and will be in action again around Christmas.

    Fabulous Saga
    7g Saint Des Saints - Fabalina
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    231177/
    RPR 147h OR 145h
    He’s been off the track since March 2018 having shown himself to be a smart staying novice hurdler, winning four times. He’s back and I’m really thrilled with how strong and well he is. He’s going chasing and will be one for the staying division.

    Fast Buck
    5g Kendargent - Juvenil Delinquent
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    23-1125
    RPR 141h OR 144h
    Both wins were on good ground and he appeared to struggle in the testing conditions when disappointing in the For Auction Hurdle at Navan last time when his jumping lacked fluency. He probably needs better ground.

    Faugheen
    11g Germany - Miss Pickering
    Mrs S Ricci
    61/2F3P-1
    RPR 145c 177h OR 160h
    We were delighted with him at Punchestown on Saturday when he made his belated debut over fences and overcame a bad mistake at the ditch turning into the back straight to win very well. It looks as if the engine that saw him do very well over hurdles, winning a stack of Grade 1s, is still there. We had toyed with the idea of going chasing with him in the past and finally decided to give it a go this season. We coudn’t have asked for a better start and, while I’m not sure where he’ll go next, the 2m4f Grade 1 novice at Limerick’s Christmas meeting will be considered. Because he’s rising 12, he’s not going to reach the heights he did over hurdles but on Saturday’s evidence he should have a successful campaign once he stays right. He was a bit stiff on Sunday morning but should be fine in a couple of days.

    Ferny Hollow
    4g Westerner - Mirazu
    Cheveley Park Stud
    1- (point-to-point)
    He won his only point-to-point by 15 lengths in February for Colin Bowe and we bought him for £300,000 at Cheltenham later that month. He’s a really nice sort and will run in a bumper at Fairyhouse next month.

    Five O'Clock
    4g Cokoriko - Rodika
    Mrs S Ricci
    0/32-
    RPR 114h
    He ran three times over hurdles at Auteuil last year and was twice placed. He’s set for a novice hurdle campaign.

    Fly Smart
    4g Day Flight - Abacab
    Mrs S Ricci
    12-
    RPR 110h
    He won a 1m3f bumper and finished second on his hurdling debut at Auteuil. The form looks good and we're looking forward to getting him started. He's smart.

    Footpad
    7g Creachadoir - Willamina
    Simon Munir & Isaac Souede
    111/F28-
    RPR 170c OR 165c
    Things didn’t work out for him last season when he had a couple of hold-ups and only got to run three times. So he has to put all that behind him and hopefully he’ll show all the talent he displayed in his unbeaten novice season when he won four Grade 1s. We’re planning to go longer distances with him and he might start off in the Boomerang.ie Chase over 2m6f at Thurles on Thursday.

    Foveros
    4g Authorized - Fanurio’s Angel
    Luke McMahon
    1211
    RPR 140h OR 140h
    He’s made a good start to the season, winning three of his four starts, and the plan is to go for the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 1. Two of his wins were over 2m4½f at Galway and the second of those came in a messy race in which some of the hurdles weren’t jumped. He needs to brush up his jumping a bit, but we think he’s sharp enough for 2m.

    Francin
    6g Air Chief Marshal - Fulgene
    Mrs S Ricci
    3/
    RPR 121h
    He’s been off the track for almost two years having run third in a 2m4f maiden at Leopardstown on his only start for us. A fine big horse who won twice on the Flat in France, he’s entered up this week and will be back in action very soon.

    Frere Tuck
    4g Secret Singer - Tete Et Corde
    Cathal Hughes
    1-
    A nice recruit from France who will be going novice hurdling. He won a French bumper over 1m4½f on his only start before we got him.

    Getabird
    7g Getaway - Fern Bird
    Mrs S Ricci
    17P/12-P
    RPR 156c OR 151c
    He seems best going right-handed and might start off in the John Durkan at Punchestown next month. He won a couple of times over hurdles there and also won a beginners' chase at the track last year. He was much too keen when we tried him over 3m½f on his final start last season. He’ll be running over 2m and 2m4f.

    Golazo
    6g Beat Hollow - Compelled
    Stellar Football Partnership
    -152531
    RPR 120c 125h
    He won by 17 lengths on his debut over fences at Tramore last month but was probably a bit flattered as the runner-up made a bad mistake at the last. However, chasing looks to be his game and he’s a stayer who goes on winter ground. He’s on a short break and we’ll find something for him around Christmas.

    Good Thyne Tara
    9m Kayf Tara - Good Thyne Mary
    NG King
    32163-3
    RPR 147h OR 145h
    She did very well for us over hurdles and will be chasing this season. She jumps well and has shown herself adaptable in terms of ground. She stays well and we’ll be concentrating on mares' chases.

    Great Field
    8g Great Pretender - Eaton Lass
    JP McManus
    11/1/FF-4
    RPR 170c OR 160c
    He’s had his issues in the past but is a very smart two-miler when he’s right and has won five chases including a Grade 1. He might start off in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork next month.

    Great White Shark
    5m Le Havre - Trip To Fame
    Malcolm C Denmark
    221-133
    RPR 137h OR 134h
    She had a nice campaign on the Flat this year, winning the big amateur handicap at the Galway festival and being a bit unlucky in running in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket. She was then too free in the November Handicap at Naas. She’s won a couple of times over hurdles and I think going up in trip will suit her and see her jumping better. She’s got stronger and should improve.

    Janidil
    5g Indian Daffodil - Janidouce
    5/422-11
    RPR 137h OR 135h
    He improved hugely over the summer and won a valuable handicap at Down Royal this month. He has a very good attitude and should have no problems with fences in the future. We’ll keep him hurdling this season and probably concentrate on novice races.

    Jon Snow
    4g Le Havre - Saroushka
    Mrs S Ricci
    3
    He won a 1m4f maiden at Maisons-Laffitte last year and is a promising type for novice hurdles. He started off over 2m at Cork on Sunday but his lack of experience found him out and his jumping over the last three hurdles let him down. He might need to go up in distance.
    Star quality

    Kemboy
    7g Voix Du Nord- Vitora
    Supreme Horse Racing Club, Brett T Graham & K Sharp
    1/11U1-1
    RPR 178c OR 177c
    He was a revelation last season, winning three Grade 1s including the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup in which he beat our Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo. He’s in good shape and we’re hoping he’ll have another successful campaign, although when and where he'll reappear will hinge on the issue involving his ownership being resolved. He was unlucky to bow out at the first fence in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and hopefully he’ll go back there in March and fare better.

    Killultagh Vic
    10g Old Vic - Killultagh Dawn
    Mrs R Boyd, Mrs MJ Armstrong & JB Anderson
    53402-4
    RPR 157h 168c OR 151h 156c
    He ran well on his final start last season when making the running and finishing fourth in the 3m Grade 1 hurdle at the Punchestown festival. He's back for another campaign and we're thinking of starting him off in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse on December 1. We'll see how things go and if a nice opportunity over fences presents itself then we might go for it.
    Star quality

    Klassical Dream
    5g Dream Well - Klassical Way
    Mrs Joanne Coleman
    4P/111-3
    RPR 160h OR 160h
    He lost his unbeaten record for us on Saturday when third in the Morgiana Hurdle. He was quite keen before the race and after launching himself at the first hurdle. I'd expect him to improve for the run and he'll appreciate strongly run races. He did very well last season, winning Grade 1s at Leopardstown, the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham and the Herald Champion Novice at Punchestown. We decided to go the Champion Hurdle with him rather than go chasing and hopefully he’ll go there in March with strong claims. The Champion Hurdle looks quite open at this stage. I'd imagine the Grade 1 at Leopardstown on December 29 might be next for him.

    Lamarckise
    4f Martaline - Shannongold
    Mrs Joanne Coleman
    3/
    RPR 118h
    A fine big filly who ran third in her only hurdle race in France. She missed last season due to a setback but is ready to run. We think she'll be a Graded performer and, all being well, she'll be aimed at the mares' novice hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
    Star quality

    Laurina
    6m Spanish Moon - Lamboghina
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    111/114-
    RPR 160h OR 159h
    A fine big mare who has always looked a chaser in the making. She won six of her seven starts over hurdles for us and her only defeat came in the Champion Hurdle when she finished fourth. She has schooled well over fences and we’re looking forward to starting her off, either in a 2m2f mares' beginners' chase at Thurles on Thursday or over 2m4f at Gowran on Saturday. She has the potential to make a big impact.

    Livelovelaugh
    9g Beneficial - Another Evening
    Mrs S Ricci
    F/P200-2
    RPR 148c OR 144c
    Although he didn’t win last season, he ended the campaign with a good second in a 2m4f handicap at Punchestown and Ruby [Walsh] believes that trip suits him better than longer distances.

    Lord Royal
    3g Lord Du Sud - Tinoroyale
    Paul Connell & Alan McGonnell
    2- (Flat)
    He ran second over 1m2½f in France last year and will be on our novice hurdle team.

    Melon
    7g Medicean - Night Teeny
    Mrs J Donnelly
    42F-702
    RPR 153c RPR 164h, OR 155h
    Although he ran second in two Champion Hurdles, he never managed to win a Grade 1. He started off as a chaser at Navan this month and finished second. While he jumped well, he wasn’t as quick over the fences as the winner, Fakir D’Oudairies, a four-year-old to whom he was conceding 8lb. We think a step up in trip will suit him.

    Min
    8g Walk In The Park - Phemyka
    Mrs S Ricci
    4/1151-2
    RPR 180c OR 171c
    He delivered a career-best performance when winning the Melling Chase by 20 lengths at Aintree in April and is back for another campaign in top races from 2m to about 2m4f. He might start off in the John Durkan at Punchestown, a race he won last year, and hopefully he’ll be adding to his four Grade 1 chase wins.

    Mister Blue Sky
    5g Royal Applause - Mujdeya
    Shanakiel Racing Syndicate
    121-33
    RPR 142h OR 144h
    He needed the run at Fairyhouse last Tuesday when he moved into contention behind Honeysuckle before weakening to finish a remote third. I’d expect him to improve a good bit and add to last season's two wins.

    Monkfish
    5g Stowaway - Martovic
    Mrs S Ricci
    P/1-22
    RPR 131h
    A point-to-point winner, he made his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse on Tuesday and, although he finished second, he never looked happy through the race. For some reason he wasn’t galloping with purpose and we think he’s a good bit better than he ran.

    Mt Leinster
    5g Beat Hollow - Sixhills
    Roaringwater Syndicate
    12352-7
    RPR 128b
    Although he failed to win after his debut success at Ballinrobe, he ran well in subsequent bumpers. He jumps hurdles well but we’ll have to see how he copes with real winter ground and we might not see the best of him until the spring.

    My Sister Sarah
    5m Martaline - Reste Ren Or
    Barnane Stud
    12106-1
    RPR 137h OR 137h
    Her three wins have been from 2m2f to 3m and she achieved her biggest win when landing a good 3m handicap at the Punchestown festival. We'll probably concentrate on Graded mares' races.

    Ontheropes
    5g Presenting - Dushion
    Cheveley Park Stud
    641-
    RPR 133h
    A ten-length winner at Tramore in April on his only start over hurdles, he is a nice type for novice chases in the staying division and has the potential to pay his way this season.

    Penhill
    8g Mount Nelson - Serrenia
    Tony Bloom
    4112/12/-
    RPR 162h OR 165h
    He’s working brilliantly in the build-up to the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on December 1. He’s been off a long time and we decided that instead of keeping him solely for Cheltenham – we did that last year and he didn’t make the festival – that we’d kick on once he stays sound. We’re very happy with him.

    Pleasant Company
    11g Presenting - Katie Flame
    Malcolm C Denmark
    P2/00U-0
    RPR 161c OR 152c
    Second in the 2018 Grand National, he was in contention when blundering his way out of the race at the fourth-last this year. The National is again the aim and before that he’ll be running in long-distance chases and over hurdles.

    Pont Aven
    6g Doyen - Behlaya
    Roderick Ryan, Thomas B Breen & MD Minch
    1P-132P
    RPR 135c OR 134c
    The 3m4f trip was probably too far from him in the Cork National last time and he'll probably run in the Troytown at Navan on Sunday. The Paddy Power at Leopardstown and the Thyestes are other big handicaps we’ll look at. Hopefully there will be a valuable one to be won with him.

    Quartz Du Rheu
    4g Konig Turf - Lady Akara
    JP McManus
    4-12123
    RPR 138h OR 135h
    A really nice sort who ran third in the Grade 3 Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas this month having won a couple of minor races earlier in the season. He’s in the Royal Bond next month but might go the handicap route instead.

    Rathvinden
    11g Heron Island - Peggy Cullen
    RA Bartlett
    U14/13-0
    RPR 163c OR 159c
    I’d imagine the Grand National, in which he ran third last season, will again be a target. He stays well and it’s possible we might try the cross-country route with him at some stage.

    Rayapour
    3g Mastercraftsman - Radiyya
    McNeill Family
    6/24122 (Flat)
    He won a 1m4f maiden at Maisons-Laffitte for Alain de Royer-Dupre and also ran second in a Listed race. After being gelded he's a bit behind most of the other hurdlers and it will be Christmas or early in the new year before he runs. He was bought with the Triumph Hurdle in mind.

    Real Steel
    6g Loup Breton - Kalimina
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    1162-11
    RPR 161c OR 160c
    He won a Grade 2 very well at Down Royal this month. Those who ride him think he’s probably better going right-handed. On the evidence of his win over 2m3½f last time, going up in trip shouldn’t be an issue. He’s in the John Durkan at Punchestown and the King George, but we haven’t made a decision yet.

    Rebel Og
    6m Presenting - Oscar Rebel
    Lions Mouth Racing Club
    37-34F1
    RPR 125h
    A campaign in mares' novice hurdles and handicaps is on the cards following her win in a 2m maiden at Thurles last month. She needs to learn to settle better.

    Redhotfillypeppers
    7m Robin Des Champs - Mhuire Na Gale
    Coldunell Ltd
    F7/113-P
    RPR 123c OR 130c
    She’s in the Troytown Chase at Navan on Sunday, but that might come a bit soon. Soft ground and plenty of distance will suit her and she’ll run in mares' races and handicaps.

    Robin De Carlow
    6m Robin Des Champs - La Reine De Riogh
    Supreme Horse Racing Club & Brett T Graham
    F-11P21
    RPR 142c 140h OR 137c 135h
    She’s already done very well this season, winning three chases, and trips from 2m4f to 3m suit her well. She probably prefers goodish ground rather than real winter conditions.

    Robin Des Foret
    9g Robin Des Pres - Omyn Supreme
    Byerley Racing Syndicate
    312F32-
    RPR 151c OR 146c
    He has done well in winning five hurdle races and three chases. A trip of 2m4f seems to suit him well over fences. He’s entered at Thurles on Thursday, but there’s a race over 2m4 for him at Cheltenham next month. He's won on most types of ground.

    Royal Rendezvous
    7g King’s Theatre - Novacella
    Dr SP Fitzgerald
    5111-P
    RPR 140h
    He won two bumpers as well as a maiden hurdle by 16 lengths last season before running far too freely and being pulled up in a 2m4f Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival. He did win a point-to-point and will be running over fences in the not-too-distant future, probably over 2m or 2m2f.

    Saglawy
    5g Youmzain - Spasha
    Sullivan Bloodstock Ltd
    13/9533-
    RPR 148h OR 147h
    He won an amateur riders' Flat race at Listowel in September and then ran too keenly in the Irish Cesarewitch and the Naas November Handicap. He's a dual winner over hurdles and won a Grade 2 as a juvenile at Fairyhouse. He'll be campaigned in staying novice hurdles.

    Saldier
    5g Soldier Hollow - Salve Evita
    Mrs S Ricci
    1531/F-1
    RPR 160h OR 156h
    We were delighted with his Morgiana Hurdle win on Saturday which confirmed that he is a genuine Grade 1 horse. He won a Grade 1 as a juvenile and what told us there would be more to come was his performance at Naas a year ago when he fell at the last when battling it out with subsequent Champion Hurdle winner Espoir D'Allen at the last. He shattered his nose in the fall and the decision to allow nature do the healing rather than having surgery has paid off. I'm not sure about plans but there a number of races to consider.

    Salsaretta
    6m Kingsalsa - Kendoretta
    Mrs S Ricci
    11U79-P
    RPR 142h OR 135h
    She won a couple of times over hurdles and goes chasing. She'll be aimed at mares' novice chases and is the sort who should do well in those races.

    Sayo
    5g Dalakhani - Tiyi
    Miss MA Masterson
    13/P418P
    RPR 144c 144h OR 145h
    A bit of an in-and-out performer, he was quite impressive when making most for a wide-margin win on his second start over fences at Galway last month but was let down by his jumping when disappointing in a Grade 3 at Tipperary. He disappointed again in the Florida Pearl Novice Chase at Punchestown yesterday and we'll probably go back hurdling with him.

    Sharjah
    6g Doctor Dino - Saaryeh
    Mrs S Ricci
    1311B-4
    RPR 168h OR 163h
    He had a busy time of it last season and did very well, winning the Galway Hurdle and a couple of Grade 1s – the Morgiana at Punchestown and the Ryanair at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting. I was a bit disappointed with him in the Morgiana on Saturday when he was having his first start since being brought down at the third in the Champion Hurdle. But it's early days and hopefully we'll see the real Sharjah as the season goes on. We'll find a target for him over Christmas.

    Stones And Roses
    5g Shantou - Compelled
    P Reilly & C Reilly
    602-521
    RPR 126c
    He won well over 2m5f on his second start over fences at Cork yesterday and gave the impression that longer trips will suit. He could be a Grand National horse in a few years' time.

    Stormy Ireland
    5m Motivator - Like A Storm
    Sullivan Bloodstock Limited
    1222-26
    RPR 147h OR 147h
    She brought her score over hurdles to four this weekend when landing the Listed Grabel Mares' Hurdle for the second consecutive year. She lacks size but she's a super jumper who has schooled very well over fences, which was evident at the weekend, especially at the final hurdle. She was placed in a couple of Grade 1 mares' races last season and, depending on what her owner wants to do, she's ready to go novice chasing.

    Tactical Move
    5g Stowaway - Denwoman
    Mrs J Donnelly
    2-21
    RPR 125b
    Second in a point-to-point, he also ran second on his debut at the Punchestown festival and will be going over hurdles following his bumper win at Clonmel on Thursday. His future will be as a chaser but he should do well as a novice hurdler this season.

    The Big Getaway
    5g Getaway - Saddlers Dawn
    Mrs J Donnelly
    1/2-21
    RPR 134b
    He's as big a horse as I've trained, already a point-to-point winner and a real chaser in the making. He had a small setback after running in his second bumper but he's come back fine and won a bumper impressively by seven lengths at Punchestown on Saturday. He'll run next in a maiden hurdle. He keeps galloping and will like a trip and testing ground.

    Tiger Tap Tap
    4g Jukebox Jury - Tomato Finish
    Mrs S Ricci
    249-4
    RPR 135h
    He ran as if he needed the race in a Grade 3 at Naas this month and will improve. He hasn't yet won over hurdles and we'll probably go for a maiden next time and take it from there. He's got a nice bit of ability.

    Tornado Flyer
    6g Flemensfirth - Mucho Macabi
    TFP Partnership
    31/1P-41
    RPR 143c
    He won the Grade 1 bumper at the Punchestown festival in 2018 but had a limited campaign last season, failing to win in two starts after scoring on his hurdling debut. We always felt that chasing would be his game and he started off with a win at Naas this month. He should progress and do well in good races. He's in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse on December 1, but I'd say it's more likely we'll wait for the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting.

    Total Recall
    10g Westerner - August Weekend
    Slaneyville Syndicate
    P/23P-86
    RPR 159c 143h OR 151c 146h
    He hasn't won a chase since landing the Ladbrokes Trophy two years ago and is quite a difficult horse to find suitable races for. I'd imagine we'll be looking at Grade 2 and Grade 3 races and maybe some handicaps. It's also possible we'll give him a few runs over hurdles.
    Star quality

    Un De Sceaux
    11g Denham Red - Hotesse De Sceaux
    Edward O'Connell
    211/25-1
    RPR 174c OR 171c
    What an amazing horse. Although he's rising 12 you'd never know it. He's as enthusiastic as he's ever been throughout his hugely successful career. He recorded his tenth Grade 1 win when landing the BoyleSports Champion Chase at the Punchestown festival for the second consecutive year and we're looking at starting him off in the Tingle Creek, a race he won three years ago and finished second in a year ago. He loves dig in the ground and because conditions weren't right last season he had a limited campaign.

    Unexcepted
    5g Anzillero - Eaton Lass
    J P McManus
    3/
    RPR 114h
    A half-brother to Grade 1 winning chaser Great Field, he finished third over 2m2f at Auteuil on his only start in France two years ago. A fine type, he’s entered this week and is ready for action.

    Voix Du Reve
    7g Voix Du Nord - Pommbelle
    Andrea & Graham Wylie
    13FU1-4
    RPR 159c OR 158c
    He had his big day last season when winning the Grade 1 Ryanair Gold Cup over 2m4f at Fairyhouse. That was his third win over fences and the plan is to step up in trip this season. Just where he'll start off has yet to be decided.

    Yorkhill
    9g Presenting - Lightning Breeze
    Andrea & Graham Wylie
    2-OU1P4
    RPR 166c OR 152c
    To say he has been frustrating in recent seasons would be a huge understatement but we've managed to win a race this season. There were a few scary moments when he won at Galway but that was hardly surprising as he was racing right-handed which doesn't suit him at all. He has dropped in the ratings and hopefully there will be another race or two to be won with him. He's in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury, which is left-handed, but we haven't decided if he will travel.

    Zenon
    5g Galileo - Jacqueline
    Dreaming Cups Syndicate
    5
    RPR 104h
    He won two races for John Gosden and is owned by an Aussie syndicate who should have some good fun with him. He started off over hurdles at Down Royal this month and ran quite well in the maiden won by Envoi Allen. He needed the run and will improve. He'll be mixing it between hurdles and the Flat.

    Zola
    5m Court Cave - Park Athlete
    Blue Blood Racing Club
    42111
    RPR 119h
    She's won a bumper and two 3m hurdles and as that would suggest she is all about stamina. She will be campaigned in more long-distance hurdles.

    Two for the tracker

    "Two French imports Lamarckise, who will be running mainly in mares' races, and another four-year-old Fly Smart are a pair we’re looking forward to campaigning in novice hurdles."
    Race in focus

    "We’ve had many horses run well in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, but we’ve never managed to win it. Obviously we're keen to fill that void and, with Chacun Pour Soi, Douvan and Cilaos Emery all potential contenders, maybe our turn will come in 2020."

    Expert view

    Willie Mullins has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal this term, with apparent strength in depth in almost every division. The easier ground this season compared to last term has allowed the champion trainer to get some of his talented prospects on the track earlier, which bodes well for the major spring festivals.

    End-of-season form isn't always replicated the following term and with that in mind it could be dangerous to assume Al Boum Photo is an inferior performer to stablemate Kemboy on the basis of their Punchestown Gold Cup running. The Cheltenham hero was likely over the top on that occasion and shouldn't be underestimated if they clash again.

    Douvan's excellent return to action at Clonmel gives the Closutton team another high-class bullet to fire in the 2m chasing division, but in terms of potential for improvement Chacun Pour Soi makes a strong level of appeal as one with real star quality. If Altior passes up the opportunity to attempt a third Queen Mother Champion Chase, he is the leading contender to provide Mullins with a first victory in that Grade 1.

    Saldier confirmed himself to be a genuine Grade 1 performer on Saturday at Punchestown, but the team will surely have been disappointed by Klassical Dream's flat showing. He needs to settle better but showed that is possible when winning the Herald Champion Novice Hurdle last season.

    Mullins has a team of novice chasers to die for and getting to see Laurina over fences will be hugely exciting. Don't be surprised to see Melon improve plenty when stepping up to 2m4f, having been beaten by Fakir D'Oudairies at Navan this month over shorter. Bapaume jumped excellently before failing to see out the trip at Fairyhouse last week and could be an effective novice chaser over close to the minimum trip this season.

    Janidil went up 10lb for his smart Down Royal success in a valuable handicap but a mark of 135 still looks workable as a fairly unexposed five-year-old. He has the makings of a smart sort who can pick up another good pot before the campaign is out.

    Saturday's Punchestown bumper winner The Big Getaway should win plenty of races over hurdles and will be one to really look forward to over fences in time, while the trainer's comments about new recruit Lamarckise suggest she could be a filly worth following in mares' novice events.

    Ferny Hollow, a £300,000 purchase after winning his point-to-point readily at Knockanard in February, could be a useful bumper performer and it's interesting to note that he appears set to carry the colours of Cheveley Park Stud, owners of last season's Champion Bumper scorer Envoi Allen.
    Mark Boylan


  • #16
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Noel Meade

    Noel Meade is loving life right now and why wouldn’t he be?

    On the back of his best Flat campaign since 1995, in which he sent out 21 winners and netted €402,535 in prize-money, the seven-time champion trainer snapped up the first Grade 1 of the jumps season with Road To Respect, who registered back-to-back wins in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal and, in the process, reminded us of his Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials.

    There is also Tout Est Permis and Snow Falcon to contest the top staying chases, while Beacon Edge and Sixshooter have already won maiden hurdles and are expected to be contesting Grade 1s later in the campaign. A 29 per cent strike-rate in bumpers bodes well for the future too. These are exciting times.

    "I just love what I do. It’s a drug. I could never do anything else," Meade said.

    The trainer added: "Things are going along nicely and we’re flying along. I have a very, very good team on the ground. It's a massive team effort from everyone. We have a lovely bunch of horses too. The list below is just a selection of our team, but there are plenty of other nice horses who are not on the list."
    Stable profile

    Yard Tu Va Stables, Castletown, County Meath
    Head lad Paul Cullen
    Assistant trainers Damien McGillick, Emma Connolly
    Travelling head girl Emma Connolly
    Public relations and client relations Ted Walsh
    Assistant travelling head girl/lad Theresa Maguire, James Wilkinson
    Operations manager Ben Meade
    Secretary Katie Magnier
    Jockeys Sean Flanagan, Jonathan Moore
    Conditionals Eoin Walsh, Michael Stenson
    Amateurs Mark O’Hare, Jay Archdeacon
    Number of horses 80
    Number of staff 30
    Started training 1971

    Winners in Ireland
    2018-19 62
    2017-18 57
    2016-17 57
    2015-16 29

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -149.87
    2017-18 -200.94
    2016-17 -82.33
    2015-16 -85.55

    Total prize-money 2018-19
    €1,372,125

    Battle Of Midway
    Five-year-old gelding Mahler (sire) - Womanofthemountain (dam)
    Owner: Gigginstown House Stud
    Form figures: 3315-12
    Racing Post Rating: 124 (hurdles) Official rating: N/A
    I ran him back too quickly at Cork after he won so well at Galway and the ground was too quick for him as well. He wants soft ground. 3m will be right up his ally. He is a strong stayer and a very nice horse. I have decided to lay off him after Cork and I am sure he will redeem himself. The softer the ground the better he will be.

    Beacon Edge
    5g Doyen - Laurel Gift
    Gigginstown House Stud
    14-31
    RPR 126h
    I have always liked this guy. He won over 2m at Punchestown but I think he will stay further, and I’d be pretty sure he will prove to be better than he was at Punchestown. We won’t rush him back. We’re going to give him a bit of time. He hasn’t done any fast work since Punchestown. I think he will be up there with our best novice hurdlers.

    Brace Yourself
    6g Mahler - Angelica Garnett
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    132/1-
    RPR 129h
    He injured his hind leg after he won his maiden hurdle at Down Royal this time last year. He is nearly ready to return now and will probably go over fences at some stage this season. He is a big horse who we have always liked. Time has done him the world of good and soft ground suits him best.

    Caer
    5m Winged Love - Onthebeach
    E Duignan
    21F129
    RPR 126h OR 121h
    She’s a nice mare who was progressing well before Naas last Saturday. She's better than she showed there and we think she wants better ground.

    Daly Tiger
    6g Tiger Groom - Reine Tresor
    Gigginstown House Stud
    3/15-1P3
    RPR 134h, 137c OR 132h
    I’m not sure he quite got home over 2m4f at Cork on his last start. You will certainly see him back over 2m next time. He doesn’t really have many options apart from graded 2m novice chases. He has speed and class. It’s a pity what happened to him at Punchestown [saddle slipped] as we thought he had a great chance that day.

    Davy's Dilemma
    5g Sixties Icon - Wansdyke Lass
    Modebest Equine Limited
    30
    RPR 110h
    Rated 88 on the Flat and won over 2m½f at York so I’d imagine he will want 2m4f ideally. We would have run him on the Flat but he got a bang on his joint. He disappointed us at Naas on Saturday in a maiden hurdle but I have no doubt he will turn out to be fairly decent. He wants better ground than he got at Naas.

    Diol Ker
    5g Martaline - Stiren Bleue
    Gigginstown House Stud
    532-1
    RPR 138h
    He is just the most gorgeous horse. A real chaser in the making, although he will be staying over hurdles this season. He was a bit unlucky not to win at Leopardstown last Christmas and he probably suffered from the fast ground that day afterwards. He has done really well of late, and I love the look of him. I was really impressed with his seasonal return when winning at Fairyhouse.

    Eurobot
    5g Malinas - L'Aventure
    Gigginstown House Stud
    14-
    RPR 126h OR 128h
    Won a 3m maiden hurdle at Cork last January. He is an out-and-out stayer and we’re sending him over fences.
    Dark horse

    Farceur Du Large
    4g Turgeon - Antagua
    Gigginstown House Stud
    3-36
    RPR 111b
    I can’t believe he hasn’t won yet and he definitely won’t run in another bumper. Anything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. He wasn’t right at Galway. He will put that behind him and prove that he is a good horse, I’m sure of it.

    First Approach
    6g Robin Des Champs - Manhattan Babe
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    46140-4
    RPR 145h OR 144h
    He was just ready to run and did a stupid thing schooling. He got a knock which held him up. He has a high rating over hurdles, but I am convinced he will be a better chaser. He jumps very well.

    Future Proof
    4g Dream Ahead - Moraga
    Lyreen Syndicate
    3222-4
    RPR 122h OR 123h
    I know he is still a maiden over hurdles and has been costly to follow but he will make into a nice novice hurdler, I’m sure of it.

    Goaheadwiththeplan
    4g Stowaway - Backandillo
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    7
    RPR 73b
    He let us down badly at Galway and I don’t really know why. He had shown us plenty. We thought he was the business to be honest with you. We weren’t happy with him when he came home from Galway, he just wasn’t himself after it. We’ll have a go at another bumper next.

    Henry Brown
    4g Mahler - Blackeyedsue
    Noel Meade Horse Trainer Ltd
    1
    RPR 114b
    He surprised us a little the way he won at Fairyhouse. We thought he was backward, but he won well. He will go to Punchestown next weekend for a winners’ bumper. He jumps very well. He is a lovely, big, backward, leggy horse. He’s by Mahler, a sire who has been very lucky for me.

    Joshua Webb
    4g Flemensfirth - Lady Of Appeal
    J Kernohan
    8-1
    RPR 112b
    He won his bumper well at Navan on Sunday. He's a nice horse going forward and will probably go jumping now.

    Minella Fair
    8g Flemensfirth - Bell Walks Run
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    531/6-13
    RPR 147h, 140c OR 138h
    He will be entered in the Paddy Power at Christmas and the Troytown at Navan, races like that. I was happy with his run at Down Royal but, believe it or not, the ground was probably a bit quick for him there. He wants real soft ground and he definitely wants 3m. The Thyestes is a race which could suit him too.

    Miss Cognac
    4f Flemensfirth - Miss Brandywell
    F J Carragher & Richard W Walsh & B O'Sullivan
    42-14
    RPR 102h
    Won a Ballinrobe bumper and was due to run at Fairyhouse on Monday before it was called off.

    Moyross
    8g Kayf Tara - Dancing Dasi
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    66/349-0
    RPR 140h OR 126h
    He has been difficult to get right. It has been a case of one niggling problem after another. Staying trips up over fences will be his bread and butter.

    Pat's Pick
    5g Shantou - Lady Lenson
    Mrs P Sloan
    1/
    RPR 121b
    He won the big sales bumper at Fairyhouse the Easter before last. We just struggled with him last year, but I am hoping he will develop into a really nice novice hurdler this season. He likes soft ground.

    Pienta
    4g Liaison - Belen
    Philip J Reynolds
    72-3
    RPR 118h
    A lovely, big horse who got into trouble at Navan in a maiden hurdle in September. Everybody quickened when he got stopped. We’d be hoping he will pick up a maiden hurdle sooner rather than later.

    Powerful Ted
    4g Power - Haaf Ok
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    14
    RPR 117b
    I ran him back too quickly after his last start at Down Royal. I was greedy and he ran flat. He’s not very big, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he won plenty of Flat races down the line.
    Star quality

    Road To Respect
    8g Gamut - Lora Lady
    Gigginstown House Stud
    13235-1
    RPR 170c OR 169c
    Obviously, we are very happy with the way he started the season at Down Royal and he has come out of the race very well. The Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas will be next. He will be entered in the King George, but I’d imagine Leopardstown will be where he will go. The ground at Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup was too quick for him. I am now convinced he wants softer ground. He is only eight and I think he is only going into his best years. He has not been over-raced either, so there is every reason to think he should mature again this season. The Irish Gold Cup is far enough away from Cheltenham now so I would have no problem going there again after Christmas if the ground was suitable.

    Rosencrantz
    5g Flemensfirth - Miss Brandywell
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    5
    RPR 91b
    We think he is a very nice horse, so I was very disappointed with him at Down Royal. He didn’t travel at all. Maybe the ground was too quick for him there, believe it or not. He is absolutely enormous.

    Rosgalme
    4g Mahler - Woodville Queen
    Knockmore Syndicate
    1
    RPR 105b
    The reason he was such a big price at Thurles was probably because Mark [O’Hare] rode another horse in the race but we knew there wasn’t much between them. This fella stays well.

    School Boy Hours
    6g Presenting - Trinity Alley
    JP McManus
    3/F2F1-P
    RPR 133h OR 135h
    We have always liked this fella. Hopefully he will do well when he goes over fences. He looks like a chaser anyway and he is a half-brother to Finian’s Oscar.

    Sellarbridge
    4g Well Chosen - Dubai Petal
    P Lanney & M Giggins & A Grenham & B Faulkner
    1-5
    RPR 112b
    He won a bumper at Punchestown and was fifth in a winners’ event at Cork. They sprinted up the home straight there and he was the last to get going. He was flying at the line. We will find a maiden hurdle for him now.

    Sixshooter
    4g Well Chosen - Lobinstown Girl
    Gigginstown House Stud
    1-11
    RPR 121h
    I like him a lot. He has won three from three and all of his form looks very good. Everything he has beaten has won since. He looks the business and we are hoping he will take us to all the big races. Rachael [Blackmore] rode him to win a maiden hurdle at Punchestown last month and she couldn’t believe he had won two bumpers as she said he was still very green. I would say he is a very good horse.

    Snow Falcon
    9g Presenting - Flocon De Neige
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    114-615
    RPR 160c OR 160c
    On the face of it, people might think he wasn’t good enough for the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal, but I’m convinced he wasn’t himself. I don’t subscribe to the theory he didn’t stay either. Johnny [Moore] was very easy on him when he realised he wasn’t going to be involved. We are waiting on the results of a lung wash from him. I still think he can compete at that level. I think he is up to competing in the top races.

    The Caddy rose
    5m Presenting - Las Princess
    J Kernohan
    1744-12
    RPR 133c, 121h OR 115h
    She loves fences and we will stick to those mares' chases with her. She stays really well as she is from the same family as Harbour Pilot and I'm sure she has more races in her this season.

    Tout Est Permis
    6g Linda's Lad - Kadalbleue
    Gigginstown House Stud
    71118-3
    RPR 155c OR 156c
    I was initially disappointed with him at Punchestown, but he was trying to give weight to most of the field. He made a mistake at the third-last and that knocked the stuffing out of him. He was a little bit undercooked going there too. He is due to run in the Clonmel Oil on Thursday, but he has to give 5lb to Douvan or Footpad, which won’t be easy. I wouldn’t knock him yet, and I have to say he is in terrific shape at home.

    Trappist Monk
    6g Beneficial - Cush Jewel
    Mrs Patricia Hunt
    43031-2
    RPR 122h, 119c OR 118h
    I thought he ran well behind Samcro, but he needs further than that. Given he had no experience in points, I thought he was very sure-footed over his fences. Three miles will be his cup of tea.

    Valdieu
    6g Diamond Boy - Vamuna
    Gigginstown House Stud
    11703-4
    RPR 125h OR 129c
    This is a very good horse and a wind operation over the summer might improve him. Fences will be the making of him and you will see him very soon. I think two miles is far enough for him.
    Juvenile hurdlers

    I think we have some lovely three-year-olds, especially Red Gerry (3g Canford Cliffs - Hollow Talk) and Dinard Rose (3f Champs Elysees - Rose Of Petra). Red Gerry is rated 84 on the Flat and stays well. I want to give him a break after his run at Fairyhouse on Tuesday and he’ll come back in the spring. Dinard Rose is not very big but stays well. She won the Ulster Cesarewitch and jumps brilliantly. She was wiped out at the second-last at Galway so you can forget that run. Harvest Bow (3f Intikhab - Ghost Of A Girl) is very small but jumps well and has won over hurdles already. She was very unlucky not to win more races on the Flat and she should win plenty more over jumps.

    Race in focus
    I would love to win the Magners Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Harbour Pilot was third in it twice, Road To Riches was third as well, while Road To Respect was fourth. Hopefully he can prove himself to be a genuine contender this season after his win at Down Royal.

    Rival to watch
    Obviously, Willie [Mullins] and Gordon [Elliott] have been dominating over the last few years, but I have to say it is quite amazing what Gavin Cromwell has done in such a short space of time.

    Two for the tracker
    Diol Ker is just the most gorgeous horse. He has done really well, I love the look of him and I was particularly taken by his Fairyhouse victory. Valdieu had a wind operation over the summer and it might improve him. Fences will be the making of him.


    Expert analysis

    There will be few more exciting horses in Tu Va Stables than Sixshooter this season. A high-class bumper performer last term, Sixshooter recorded wins at Leopardstown and at the Punchestown festival, with the form of those successes continuing to work out well.

    The four-year-old may have shown plenty of pace in his bumpers, but he also demonstrated an attitude to die for when grinding out a debut success over flights at Punchestown back in October over 2m4f.

    Despite the fact Sixshooter has proven himself over further, he should have no trouble dropping back to 2m for the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse next month, where he can be expected to run very well.

    Long-term, it would be no surprise to see him develop into a genuine Ballymore Novices' Hurdle contender. He looks very smart indeed.

    Sixshooter is the horse for the future but Road To Respect is the here and now. Having secured back-to-back wins in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal earlier this month, Road To Respect threw his hat in the ring for top staying chase honours this season.

    However, things didn’t exactly go to plan for Road To Respect after he recorded a similarly impressive success in the race 12 months ago, and we will get a better idea about his big-race credentials in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown.

    Tout Est Permis is another high-class staying chaser worth getting excited about. The ground may well have been too lively for him on his return at Punchestown last month and, while he’ll get his ground in the Clonmel Oil on Thursday, the conditions of the race look far from ideal as he has to give weight to better-rated rivals.

    He’s still only a six-year-old and on deep winter ground, he could win a nice pot or two this season. It’s a similar story with Minella Fair. A horse with a pretty big engine, he is likely to show his best over extreme trips on very heavy ground and could be an interesting contender for something like the Troytown Chase at Navan.

    Beacon Edge may not have been impressive in winning his maiden hurdle at Punchestown last month but he remains a horse of definite promise, while recent Fairyhouse winner Diol Ker is another staying prospect worth keeping onside.

    Brian Sheerin


  • #17
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    JOSEPH O'BRIEN

    Joseph O'Brien may be shifting his allegiance to the Flat, but the 26-year-old has built up a select team of jumpers that should ensure more big-race success throughout the winter months.

    It’s mind boggling to think O'Brien has only been training officially since June 2016, yet the maestro handler reached another significant milestone recently by sending out the 500th winner of his career.

    Buoyed by the fact that last season's exciting novice chaser Le Richebourg has recently returned to training after suffering a setback in the build-up to Cheltenham, for which he was a leading Arkle Chase fancy, O'Brien is approaching the current campaign with plenty of positivity.

    However, it will be a couple of months before his jumping string hits top gear, with O'Brien keeping all of the major spring festivals in the back of his mind.

    He explained: "We usually only really get going properly around Christmas time as we like to target all the major festivals in the spring.

    "I'm happy with where all of the horses are at present, but it'll be Christmas before a lot of ours are out."

    O'Brien has the right blend of talent to take him to those major festivals. If Le Richebourg can stay sound he could make a splash in open company, as could last season's Cheltenham Festival winner Band Of Outlaws, while Dlauro and Midnight Run are exciting youngsters worth watching out for. The future is bright.

    Stable profile

    Yard Owning Hill
    Where Piltown, County Kilkenny
    Head lad Faisal Hayat
    Assistant trainers Mark Power and Brendan Powell
    Secretaries Mark Hackett and Emma Dunning
    Travelling head girls/lads Jim O’Brien, Tina Evans, Damien Byrne and Paddy Doody
    Jockeys Barry Geraghty, Mark Walsh, Jody McGarvey, JJ Slevin, Ryan Treacy and Shane Shortall
    Amateurs Tom Hamilton and best available
    Conditional Oakley Browne
    Started training 2016
    Horses in yard 70
    Members of staff 80
    Website/email josephobrienracing.com
    Twitter @JosephOBrien2
    Stable sponsor Al Basti Equiworld and Betfair

    Winners in Ireland
    2018-19 88
    2017-18 67
    2016-17 38

    Profit/loss to €1 stake
    2018-19 -128.47
    2017-18 -35.24
    2016-17 -118.56

    Prize-money 2018-19
    €1,953,663

    A wave of the sea
    Three-year-old gelding Born To Sea (sire) - Je T'Adore (mare)
    Owner: DL O'Byrne
    Form figures: 21
    Racing Post Rating 116 (hurdles)
    He did well to win at Punchestown last time. His jumping needs to improve a bit – he jumps well at home but just needs to sharpen up at the track. We might have a look at the winners’ race for him at Down Royal next.

    Alighted
    6g Getaway - Knocksouna Lady
    Gigginstown House Stud
    1/2-
    RPR 132h
    He’s been a bit hard to train, but he’s shown ability in his two runs. He goes novice hurdling. We’ve had him for two years and he’s only run twice – he’s had a good few setbacks. He has ability, but he’s hard to keep sound. Hopefully we get a clear run with him this season.

    Anything Will Do
    4g Westerner - Aylesbury Park
    Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
    13
    RPR 116h Official Rating 116h
    He won his maiden hurdle at Listowel and then ran well in a novice race. He’s a fine, big horse who's bred to jump fences.

    Arthurian Fame
    4g Camelot - Wishing
    Blackrock Racing Syndicate
    95-1196 (Flat)
    RPR 101 (Flat) OR 98 (Flat)
    He did well on the Flat and will go novice hurdling. He’s obviously a decent prospect to go jumping and he’s about a month away from running. It was always in the back of our minds to go jumping with him as he’s by Camelot and handles a bit of juice in the ground. He probably went a bit further on the Flat than we were expecting and the lads got a great summer out of him. Hopefully there’s plenty more fun to be had with him.

    Ballyneety
    6g Milan - Rock Me Gently
    JP McManus
    3/15238-
    RPR 132h OR 127h
    He was a little bit disappointing over hurdles, but he seems to jump fences well enough and we’re hoping he can do better chasing.

    Band Of Outlaws
    4g Fast Company - Band Of Colour
    JP McManus
    1115-23
    RPR 147h OR 149h
    We gave him a good break after the Galway Hurdle and he’s not long been back in work. He’ll be campaigned in some of the good handicap hurdles, but he probably won’t run until Christmas time. Ratings wise, he’s a little bit off the Graded hurdle races, but we could have a look at the Grade 1 Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas – he’ll also have the option of running in handicaps. He’s been a great horse for us and he owes us nothing.

    Benruben
    6g Beneficial - Didinas
    Due East Gone West Syndicate
    1822F-8
    RPR 144c OR 138c
    He disappointed on his first run for us and he’s likely to go back over fences. He didn’t enjoy the very heavy ground at Listowel, but he’s a horse we think is up to winning races over fences.

    Castle Oliver
    5g Stowaway - Belle Innocence
    JP McManus
    3160-
    RPR 110h OR 109h
    He’ll go chasing sooner rather than later. He’s built for chasing and hopefully he’ll pay his way over fences.

    Champagne Paddy
    6g Doyen - Shampooed
    Pat Tennyson
    1P/2-3
    RPR 117h
    A former bumper winner, he was off a long time before finishing third in a maiden hurdle at Wexford on Sunday. We'd expect him to come on for that.

    Chead Solas
    5g Flemensfirth - Lunar Beauty
    Rectory Road Holdings Limited
    21-46
    RPR 116b 104h
    He showed good form in bumpers but he’s been a little bit disappointing in his two runs over hurdles. He’ll go for another maiden hurdle in about three weeks’ time and we expect him to do more than what he’s shown so far.

    Choungaya
    6g Walk In The Park - Autorite
    Gigginstown House Stud
    3356F7-
    RPR 143h OR 136h
    A good, consistent horse who held his form well in novice hurdles last season and will go novice chasing. Hopefully he can be similarly progressive over fences. We’re looking forward to him.

    Darasso
    6g Konig Turf - Nassora
    JP McManus
    16/2511-
    RPR 158h 157; OR 153h 155c
    He was a great horse for us last year and won couple of nice races. He’ll probably have to step up into Grade 1 company now and, whether it’s over hurdles or fences, I don’t know as he seems to be equally as effective over both codes. He’s not a big horse, but he seems to jump his fences well. He’s an exciting horse but he wants heavy ground. If you were to press me, I’d probably say he’ll go chasing rather than hurdling as he was exposed over hurdles once or twice last season. We might explore going up in distance over fences with him, so 2m4f-plus on heavy ground could suit him well. He was a bit late coming back to us, so he probably won’t be out until Christmas.
    Star quality

    Dlauro
    6g Lauro - Gergovie De Bussy
    Lloyd J Williams
    1(ptp)/1
    RPR 126b
    He’s a very exciting horse and won his only start for us when an impressive winner of a bumper at Punchestown back in May. He looked smart in his bumper and he looked that way when he won his point-to-point as well, so we’re looking forward to getting him over hurdles. He’ll be ready to start off in a maiden hurdle in about three weeks, possibly at Gowran Park, and we’re looking forward to what the season might bring for him.

    Early doors
    6g Soldier Of Fortune - Ymlaen
    JP McManus
    30/521-2
    RPR 156h 127c; OR 152h
    A decent horse over hurdles for the last couple of years, the plan is to go chasing with him. We were happy with his chasing debut at Galway in the summer and we gave him a nice break after that so he’s not been back in that long.

    Edwulf
    10g Kayf Tara - Valentines Lady
    JP McManus
    87/583-1
    RPR 169c OR 159c
    He arrived back here last week after winning his point-to-point for Enda Bolger. He looks great and the plan will be to go hunter chasing with him.

    Embittered
    5g Fame And Glory - Kilbarry Classic
    Gigginstown House Stud
    U3(ptp form)13-4
    RPR 131b
    A good bumper horse for us last year, the plan will be to go novice hurdling. He jumps very well and we’re excited about him.
    Dark horse

    Entoucas
    5g Network - Mousse Des Bois
    JP McManus
    1/226-
    RPR 123h
    He was second to Klassical Dream in a maiden hurdle before disappointing us, but he’s had a good break and we’re expecting more from him this season. He’s still a novice over hurdles and I think there’s plenty more to come from him. He could be a dark horse.

    Eric Bloodaxe
    4g Saint Des Saints - Diorissima
    Gigginstown House Stud
    Unraced
    We don’t have a lot of bumper horses but he’s working the best of what we have. He’s not too far off a run.
    Star quality

    Fakir D'Oudairies
    4g Kapgarde - Niagaria Du Bois
    JP McManus
    B1142-2
    RPR 146h OR 149h
    We might go novice chasing with him. He was obviously one of the best four-year-olds around last year and he probably didn’t get a chance to fully show how good he is as we never went past 2m with him and he never really got proper soft ground. He’s schooled very well over fences and, while the JLT is a long way down the line, he wouldn’t be too far off running in something like that if he can translate his hurdling form to fences.

    Fight for the roses
    4g Galileo - Gwynn
    JP McManus
    8-5322
    RPR 114h OR 115h
    He looks ordinary but has been gelded since his last run and hopefully he can pay his way.

    Filon D'Oudairies
    4g Della Francesca - Suite D'Oudairies
    JP McManus
    2458-8
    RPR 120h
    He was very keen on his first run for us and then ran badly on his second start. He goes novice hurdling and probably doesn’t want the ground too heavy. He’s had a good break, so hopefully he can improve.

    Fine Brunello
    4g Al Namix - Sweet Brune
    JP McManus
    0-4F322
    RPR 115c OR -
    He’s been running well over fences without winning. We’ll keep him to confined novice races or step into handicaps and he’ll pay his way for sure.

    Front View
    4g Konig Turf - Tumavue
    JP McManus
    2B-1
    RPR 111b
    He jumps well at home and is an exciting horse to go novice hurdling with. He deserved to win his bumper at Punchestown as he bumped into Blue Sari on debut at Gowran Park before being brought down in a bumper at Naas. The plan after that was to give him a little break and go to Punchestown, so thankfully it worked out. He’s a hard horse to fault and he should be even better over hurdles.

    Garden of Babylon
    4g Camelot - Condition
    JP McManus
    232-108
    RPR 142h OR 141h
    He was a little bit disappointing in the Galway Hurdle but that was a very messy race. We went to the Lartigue at Listowel after that, but he met a bit of traffic and the ground was as soft as he’d want it as well that day. We’ll probably step him up in trip and he wouldn’t want the ground too soft.

    Global Equity
    4f Shirocco - Geek Chic
    Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
    31
    RPR 109h
    We didn’t fancy her at all when she was third in a maiden hurdle at Tipperary but she came out of that well and was quite impressive in winning her bumper at galway. She's s nice, well-bred filly and hopefully she can progress with racing.

    Home By The Lee
    4g Fame And Glory - Going For Home
    Sean O'Driscoll
    11
    RPR 107b
    He’s two from two in bumpers and has done everything we’ve asked of him so far. He’s a good horse to go jumping hurdles with. He’s a nice staying type.

    Isotope
    3g Footstepsinthesand - Beach Of Falesa
    Best Of The Rest Syndicate
    8
    RPR 47h
    He won a couple of races on the Flat and seems to jump well. He should come on from his hurdling debut at Galway.

    Jack Dillinger
    8g Westerner - Peppardstown
    Michael O'Flynn & Stanley GWatson
    P-46225
    RPR 128c OR 130c
    He ran well in a couple of good beginners' chases and I thought he ran well in his first handicap, which I thought was a big ask stepping into a Grade B handicap at Cork first time up. He made a couple of mistakes late in the race but stayed on really well so we could look at stepping him up in trip. He’ll do well this season.

    Konitho
    4g Konig Turf - Haute Chartreuse
    JP McManus
    66/715-7
    RPR 122h OR 132h
    He won his maiden hurdle at Naas last season but was a little bit disappointing afterwards. He’s not long been back and goes chasing this season.

    Le Richebourg
    6g Network - Fee Magic
    JP McManus
    /511211-
    RPR 162c OR 160
    He came back last Wednesday and it’s great to have him back in the yard. We’ll take things day by day with him but he obviously won’t be out for a while. We always thought the world of him and we couldn’t have asked for more of him last season as he really took to chasing well. Obviously it’s going to be a big step up into open company, but it’s going to be very exciting to see how he progresses. It’s not a 100-1 shot that he’d return at Leopardstown this Christmas, but we’ll take things slowly and let him tell us how he’s progressing. Everything would have to go perfect with him to run at Christmas. We’ll start him off over 2m and go from there.

    Meticulous
    5g Fame And Glory - Refinement
    Michael Tabor
    1428-
    RPR 133b
    He goes novice hurdling and runs in a couple of weeks. He doesn’t want the ground too heavy. He was a good bumper horse.
    Star quality

    Midnight Run
    5g Well Chosen - Knockamullen Girl
    Gigginstown House Stud
    121-
    RPR 132b
    He had a bit of a setback and missed the good bumpers at the end of last season, which was disappointing. He gave Envoi Allen a bit of a run in a winners’ bumper last season and I think he’s a decent horse. We’ll start off over 2m and take things from there. He actually qualifies for auction maiden hurdles as he only cost 12 grand, so that’s an option.

    Mortal
    7g King's Theatre - Pomme Tiepy
    Gigginstown House Stud
    26/1265-
    RPR 152c OR 147c
    He’ll be aimed at some of the good staying handicap chases this season. He ran well in some of the better novice chases last season, so hopefully there will be a nice pot in him somewhere. He might not be ready for the Troytown, but the Paddy Power at Leopardstown is definitely something we’re looking at for him. He might have a run before the Paddy Power.

    Ozone
    3g Camelot - Moore's Melody
    Annus Mirabilis Syndicate
    307-604 (Flat)
    RPR 58(f) OR 50(f)
    He seems to jump hurdles well. We thought he’d do more on the Flat to be honest, so hopefully he can be better over hurdles.

    Paris Texas
    6g Kapgarde - Parice De La Borie
    JP McManus
    40-P5U4
    RPR 124h 124c; OR 118h
    He ran well in a rated novice chase at Galway on Saturday. He’s probably a little unlucky not to have won over fences by now, but he’s capable of stepping into handicaps.

    Petit Tartare
    5g Heliostatic - Nuance Tartare
    Martin O'Sullivan
    /142423-
    RPR 131h OR 128h
    He’ll go novice chasing. He was a nice horse for us last year and was consistent. He seems to have plenty of scope.

    Punches Cross
    6g Stowaway - The Marching Lady
    JP McManus
    405451
    RPR 123c OR 121c
    He deserved his win at Galway on Sunday as he’d run plenty of good races in defeat before that. He should continue to pay his way.

    Rhinestone
    6g Montjeu - Apticanti
    JP McManus
    29/142P-
    RPR 146h OR 144h
    He got a setback [pulled muscle] in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham last season. From there, we gave him a good break and he’s back and looks great. I’m not sure if we go chasing or stay over hurdles with him. He could start off in the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan on November 10 if we stay over hurdles.

    Scarlet and dove
    5m Jeremy - Darm Mimosa
    Gigginstown House Stud
    1-
    RPR 113b
    She got injured when she won her bumper and has had plenty of time off. She’s back in work and will run over hurdles this side of Christmas.

    Sempo
    5g Oscar - Miss Cozzene
    Martin O'Sullivan
    4316-
    RPR 127b
    A very good bumper horse last season. We’re looking forward to getting him out over hurdles, probably within the next month. His schooling has been excellent. He doesn’t want the ground too heavy.

    Severus Alexander
    3g Zoffany - Sacrosanct
    Not Too Far Syndicate
    7B
    RPR 71h
    He was a little disappointing first time up over hurdles and was unlucky to be brought down at Galway on Saturday. We think he’ll pay his way over hurdles.

    Shady Operator
    6g Court Cave - Native Artist
    JP McManus
    2/3147P-3
    RPR 142c OR 135c
    He’ll go for the big staying handicap chases. He was well fancied for the Irish Grand National last season but he disappointed. He’s had a
    wind operation since last season and he’s still a young horse. His best days are ahead of him. He’ll come on for his reappearance in a handicap chase at Galway on Sunday.

    Slige Dala
    4g Sholokhov - Lady's Gesture
    Rectory Road Holdings Limited
    2
    RPR 112b
    He put up a very good performance first time out at Killarney. I’m not sure about real heavy ground for him, but he’s a nice staying prospect.

    Smoking Gun
    6g Gold Well - The Wounded Cook
    Gigginstown House Stud
    9/11411-0
    RPR 136h OR 136h
    A progressive horse over hurdles last season, we’re looking forward to getting him over fences. Three miles will be his trip in time. He’s a nice prospect.

    Speak Easy
    6g Beneficial - For Bill
    JP McManus
    1/1532/
    RPR 147h OR 137h
    He suffered a fracture last season, but he’s back in full work and will go novice chasing. He’s a nice prospect and hopefully he can make up for lost time.

    Star Max
    4g Maxios - Startissima
    Gigginstown House Stud
    31019-2
    RPR 127h OR 129h
    He paid his way over hurdles last season, but we’ll go chasing with him now. He’s schooled well and ran encouragingly when second at Wexford yesterday.

    The Gunner Murphy
    6g Oscar - River Finn
    JP McManus
    2P/2333-
    RPR 136h OR 129h
    I was disappointed that he couldn't manage to win over hurdles last season, but he ran some nice races in defeat. He goes novice chasing and stays well.

    Thermistocles
    7g Oscar - Alpine View
    Sarah O'Brien
    5/31378-
    RPR 138h OR 132h
    He’s a consistent horse who ran well over hurdles last season. He’s another we’re looking forward to popping over a fence this season.

    Tigris River
    8g Montjeu - Hula Angel
    JP McManus
    3-30759
    RPR 150h OR 135h
    He’s been disappointing over fences. Hopefully he can improve from his return at Galway on Saturday.

    Top Moon
    4g Spanish Moon - Courtaline
    JP McManus
    235-122
    RPR 131h OR 128h
    He was a bit unlucky in the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel before running well in a nice handicap hurdle at Galway on Saturday. He’ll be targeted at some valuable handicap hurdles and should win more races.

    Touch Of Oscar
    5g Touch Of Land - Raheen Lady
    Donal O'Connor
    60532-1
    RPR 121h OR 116
    He won his maiden hurdle well and was quite consistent last year. He goes novice chasing.

    Tower Bridge
    6g High Chaparral - Walkamia
    JP McManus
    53/5322-
    RPR 146h 148c; OR 143h
    A nice staying handicap chaser for this season, he could start off in the Troytown if he makes it. He’ll come under consideration for all of those big handicaps.

    Triplicate
    6g Galileo - Devoted To You
    JP McManus
    /112245-
    RPR 141h OR 141h
    He could go novice chasing. He likes soft ground. He’s a bit heavy at the moment and we won’t be in a rush with him, but he’s a nice prospect.

    Uhtred
    4g Fame And Glory - Ingred Hans
    Gigginstown House Stud
    1-
    RPR 118b
    He won the big sales bumper at Fairyhouse last season, which is his only start to date. His schooling has gone great and he’s pretty much ready to start over hurdles.

    Uisce Beatha
    6g Yeats - Hataana
    JP McManus
    05172-6
    RPR 125c OR 126c
    He’s won his hurdle and his chase, and he’ll probably step into staying handicap chases now.

    Us And Them
    6g Stowaway - Manorville
    Burnham Plastering & Dry Lining Limited
    2222-U3
    RPR 157c OR 151c
    A great horse for us last season, he was a little unlucky not to have won a Grade 1. He made a bad mistake at Aintree when he might have won, but hopefully we can win a Grade 1 with him this season. We might have a look at the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham in November. He ran a great race on his first start back at Gowran Park last month where he got a little tired at the last. I’d be disappointed if he can't be as good over 2m4f as he is over 2m. He could possibly be even better. He’s ultra consistent and wears his heart on his sleeve. We could do with a few more like him.

    Vieux Morvan
    10g Voix Du Nord - Moskoville
    ML Bloodstock LTD
    8BP289-
    RPR 147c OR 140c
    He’ll be aimed at the Paddy Power, a race he’s run well in the last two seasons. He’s not getting any younger but he remains a nice sort. He might head straight there.

    Rival to watch
    The truth is we just concentrate on our own horses.

    Race in focus
    I haven’t thought too far ahead as, at the moment, we’re targeting the Breeders’ Cup and Melbourne Cup team.

    Two for the tracker
    Us And Them is a nice consistent horse who I think will be worth following, as is Darasso.

    Expert analysis
    Early Doors is the one who interests me most with March in mind.

    He won the final race of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, storming up the hill under Jonjo O'Neill jnr to deny Dallas Des Pictons in the Martin Pipe, and strikes me as the type who will continue to progress over fences.

    It will be fascinating to see how he is campaigned as the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase could be an option, although he needs to stay below a rating of 145 to get into that. He is currently a 152-rated hurdler, but last season's runner-up, Tower Bridge, won a Grade 1 over hurdles for O'Brien and still sneaked into it.

    Early Doors has already commenced his chasing career and I liked the way he jumped at Galway. He only posted an RPR of 127 there, but he looked a natural over fences and just got tired. He is much better than the bare form of that.

    If too high in the ratings for the Close Brothers, the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate could be the back-up plan.

    Don't be too disillusioned if everything doesn't go swimmingly over the next few months either. He has been third and first in the last two runnings of the Martin Pipe so Cheltenham in March brings out the best in him.

    Mortal must be well handicapped off 147. He beat Any Second Now (now rated 150) in a beginners' chase at Fairyhouse, would have finished much closer to Delta Work (rated 163) but for a shuddering error at the last at Leopardstown over Christmas and probably raced on the slowest of the ground in the RSA, where he wasn't disgraced.

    The Irish Grand National could be a long-term objective, but before that the Troytown at Navan could be right up his street.

    The smart Rhinestone won his bumper at Thurles and O'Brien's record there is quite remarkable.

    Of his 18 runners at the track last season, he had six winners, six seconds, three thirds and a fourth. Only two of his representatives finished out of the first four.

    November was the month when O'Brien caught fire last season. He had a 24 per cent success rate and boasted a level-stakes profit of €33.63.

    Dlauro looked a bit special when winning a bumper at Punchestown in May and I for one will be disappointed should he not contest a Grade 1 novice hurdle at some stage this season. Expect him to win a maiden hurdle with his eyes shut next month.


  • #18
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Alan King

    The good news is that Alan King is about to celebrate his best year on the Flat in prize-money terms, with over £630,000 banked and several weeks of the season still remaining.

    The not so good news is that two contributors to that haul, Cambridgeshire second Beringer and smart handicapper Trueshan, who between them have netted £200,000, will not be going hurdling but kept for more valuable pots on the Flat next year.

    “It’s true our jumping squad is potentially a bit weakened as a result,” says King, “but it makes sound business sense. We are down slightly in numbers compared to last year, but I hope there are some lovely prospects coming through.”

    Here he may be thinking of novice chasers Deyrann De Carjac, Lisp, Who Dares Wins and Alsa Mix, and this is the area in which he looks strongest this winter.

    Stable profile

    Yard Barbury Castle Stables
    Where Wroughton, Swindon, Wilts
    Started training 1999
    Horses in yard 120
    Members of staff 45
    Assistant trainers Dan Horsford, Olly Stevens
    Head lads Stuart Messenger, David Stratton, Gary Mew
    Pupil assistant Robin Smith
    Assistant head girl Lucy Dickin
    Spa and salt room manager Caroline Schofield
    Travelling head lad/head lass Mark White, Tim Dennis, Sarah Burness
    Jockeys Tom Cannon, Tom Bellamy, Alexander Thorne
    Amateurs Max Browne, William Thirlby
    Lady amateur Georgia King
    PAs Charlotte Plunkett, Jackie Ferguson
    Stable sponsor HARE
    Website alankingracing.co.uk

    Jump winners in Britain

    2018-19 91
    2017-18 58
    2016-17 104
    2015-16 68

    Profit/loss to £1 stake

    2018-19 -£156.32
    2017-18 -£133.86
    2016-17 -£77.18
    2015-16 -£120.54

    Total prize-money 2018-19 £1,259,316

    Alsa Mix
    Seven-year-old mare Al Namix (sire) - Lady Tsana (dam)
    Owner: June Watts
    Form: 1(point-to-point)/1116P-1
    Racing Post Rating: 133 (chase)
    Official Rating: 132 (chase)

    I hope we have a decent team of novice chasers for this season and this is the first of them. Her schooling had gone fine so we started her off at Bangor last week over an extended two-mile-one and I was really pleased with the way she knuckled down; I didn’t want to go any further first time in that testing ground. She was one of our best novice hurdlers last season, having won a Grade 2 at Sandown, but the heavy ground that day may have taken more out of her than we realised, causing her to lose her way a bit later on. She’ll be back up to 2m4f next time and she should have a decent season in novice chases.

    Azzerti
    7g Voix Du Nord - Zalagarry
    McNeill Family and Prodec Networks
    1F17P-1
    RPR 141c OR 135c

    I had to be delighted with his Newbury win the week before last as he usually improves for a run. He was his own worst enemy last season in that he could get very wound up. What really pleased me was how well behaved he was; we took the precaution of taking him for just one circuit of the paddock beforehand and then he was straight out on to the track. We’ll look at Ascot at the weekend although that might come a bit too soon, and for the moment I’m happy to stick to 2m4f although now he relaxes better he might not only get 3m but actually be better for it.

    Ballywood
    5g Ballingarry - Miss Hollywood
    Highclere Thoroughbred Racing - Ballywood
    11214-U
    RPR 153c OR 147c

    Enjoyed a good first season over fences. He was very fresh and gassy on his return at Ascot, got lit up going past the stands and galloped into the bottom of the downhill fence. He schooled absolutely fine last week so we’ll look at the Hurst Park Handicap back at Ascot at the weekend and there’s also Newbury the week after. A lot will depend on what the weather does as all his wins for me have been on good ground and there hasn’t been much of that around of late. I like to think there’s a good 2m handicap to be won with him and, being only five, there’s every reason to hope he’ll improve again.

    Blacko
    3g Balko - Ascella
    Apple Tree Stud
    Has only just arrived from France so I don’t know too much about him yet. He was placed over hurdles at Lyon last month and will obviously join our squad of three-year-old hurdlers.

    Canelo
    6g Mahler - Nobody’s Darling
    JP McManus
    25141/3
    RPR 129c OR 127c

    He was nearly ready to run two or three times last season but kept getting little niggles so in the end we gave up. Considering he’d been off the track a year and a half he ran very well on his chasing debut at Sandown this month, on what was testing old ground. He’s come out of it fine so I hope it’s onwards and upwards over fences.

    Colditz Castle
    5g Getaway - Stowaway Sue
    Charles Dingwall and Tony Morris
    U342-6239
    RPR 118h OR 117h

    Was a bit weak physically last season but there were definite signs of promise in his third in a handicap hurdle at Worcester; Tom [Cannon] had him down the inside and they were going nowhere, but when he was pulled out and saw some light he ran on well. So we’re going to change tactics a little and allow him more daylight. Unplaced at Cheltenham on Sunday but I hope it won’t be too long before he gets his head in front.

    Deyrann De Carjac
    6g Balko - Queyrann
    J Law
    F225-11
    RPR 147c OR 137c

    He’s a horse I’ve always loved and I think after his latest victory you can see why. Over hurdles he was bumping into good ones last season but it was always the plan to start him chasing in the summer. He bolted up at Cartmel - it tipped down the night before and had we been closer to home I’d have pulled him out but I thought Cartmel was a long way to go and not run. After a summer holiday we brought him back this month in an above-average novice chase at Huntingdon and he looked good, jumping accurately. He’s not one to over-race and will benefit from a bit of time in between races; we might look at the 2m4f Graded novice chase at Newbury next week. He’ll probably stick to that trip for now, and while I’m not speculating how high he might go this season, he’ll be contesting decent races.

    Dingo Dollar
    7g Golden Lariat - Social Society
    M Warren J Holmes R Kidner and J Wright
    4362P-3
    RPR 155c OR 146c

    Considering he’d done very well over the summer and needed an unbelievable amount of work to get fit, I was pleased with his comeback over hurdles, in the same Newbury race we used last year as a prep for the Ladbrokes Trophy. He ran a good race to be third in that and I’m sure would have finished even closer had it not rained heavily the night before. We could now go back to Newbury at the end of the month and try again or wait for the Becher Chase. His owners are keen to go for the National so a spin over the fences would tell us if he likes them. He’s not a proper winter horse as he doesn’t want bottomless ground and he’s best going left-handed. Doncaster is a track that suits him well and we could be heading back there at some stage.

    Edwardstone
    5g Kayf Tara - Nothingtolose
    Robert Abrey, Ian Thurtle
    222-1
    RPR 131h OR -

    We hope he’s one of our better novice hurdlers. He’d been working very well since we stepped him up this autumn and I was expecting him to run well, though not necessarily win, at Wincanton the other day, so what he did delighted me. He did a lot that was wrong, too, tanking through the first part of the race, so to find what he did he must be very useful. And they were some well-regarded horses behind him too. There’s nothing for him at Newbury next week so we’ll possibly look at an Introductory hurdle at Ascot next month and take things from there.

    Elgin
    7g Duke Of Marmalade - China Tea
    Elite Racing Club
    7/411615/
    RPR 155h OR 158h

    It’s great to have him back. He was in great form a couple of seasons ago, when winning the Greatwood and the Kingwell. He’s just trotting at the minute as he had to have a small wind op that has held us up a bit, but he should be back after Christmas when he’ll contest some conditions hurdles, like the Kingwell again.

    Escapability
    4g Excelebration - Brief Escapade
    S Love, H & C Barrett and D Gibbon
    6
    RPR 86h

    Came to us off the Flat from Jessica Harrington. I thought he’d win on his hurdling debut at Wincanton last month but I don’t know what went wrong. He’d schooled well enough at home but must have had a fright or something as he was getting into the bottom of his hurdles. That run was too bad to be true and I’m sure he’s better than that.

    Eyes Right
    4f Passing Glance - Call Me A Star
    Hamer and Richardson
    02410-4
    RPR 112h

    She won a Southwell bumper impressively in March. We started her off in what was in all probability a high-quality mares’ novice at Newbury the other day; I liked the way she stayed on for fourth and she’ll come on plenty for it. I think a lot of future winners will come out of that race and I hope she’s one of them.

    Fidux
    6g Fine Grain - Folle Tempete
    Axon LXVIII
    003-U11
    RPR 139c OR 142c

    Grand little horse. I wasn’t sure how he would take to fences but he was excellent from day one and is two from two. Those wins were gained in the summer and he’s had a break since; when he starts again, towards the end of the month, he’ll find life tougher as he’ll be carrying penalties in novice chases where the competition is hotting up, and he needs another run to qualify for the good handicaps.

    Fuseau
    4g Barastraight - Monepopee
    Michael Rembaum and Michael Tuckey
    245-2
    RPR 116h OR -

    I like him. He had decent bumper form, although he was probably over the top when beaten at Huntingdon on his third start. It wasn’t ideal starting him off over hurdles in that very testing ground at Plumpton the other day but what I liked was the way he stayed on. He’ll come on plenty and will get 2m4f when we want him to, so provided I manage to find the right race I hope to see him go one better.

    Galileo Silver
    4g Galileo - Famous
    Walters Plant Hire and Potter Group
    2-841 (Flat form)
    RPR 86 (Flat)

    If everything clicks he could be very good. A stayer on the Flat, who loves soft ground, he was finding conditions too quick so I ran him on the all-weather in July and he won nicely. Having given him a break I didn’t get him back early enough because I’d have loved to have run him on the Flat on turf again before our attentions switch to hurdling. He’s not flash at home, virtually horizontal a lot of the time, but he’s starting to look pretty useful and seems the type who will improve with experience, like he has done on the Flat.

    Good Man Pat
    6g Gold Well - Basically Supreme
    David Sewell
    P/313P5-
    RPR 149c OR 137c

    Made mistakes in the Close Brothers Handicap at the Festival and jumping problems resurfaced next time at Sandown, but he was suffering from sore shins last season and was hard to keep right. They haven’t been a problem this autumn so I hope he’s grown out of that, and he was ready to run when I wasn’t 100 per cent happy with him last week. We’ll re-group and aim to follow up last season’s Plumpton win, over 2m4f or 3m.

    Group Stage
    3g Maxios - Good Hope
    McNeill Family and Niall Farrell
    1
    RPR 98
    Got his hurdling career off to a winning start at Ludlow last week; he’d failed to win in four starts on he Flat this year, but I made a bit of a mess of things and he got badly jarred up on firm ground at Windsor in July. He’s gained plenty of confidence and is up to winning again.

    Hacksaw Ridge
    4g Stowaway - Erins Lass
    Incipe Partnership
    P-1(ptp)6
    RPR 103h OR -
    Likeable individual, who made a satisfactory jumping debut at Kempton last week; being an Irish point winner he should stay well so we could step up in trip next time.

    Harambe
    6g Malinas - Crystal Princess
    Niall Farrell and Friends
    44112-71
    RPR 139h OR 137h

    I thought a week ago we might not make the Greatwood as he’d had a minor blip the week before last. But it was nothing serious and he got up to win a terrific race. He needed his comeback run at Chepstow last month, as a lot of mine were at that stage. Shouldn't go up much in the ratings and is likely to head to Ascot next month for their big handicap hurdle just before Christmas. He's going to make a gorgeous novice chaser next season."

    Heart of a lion
    4g Yeats - Lady Secret
    JP McManus
    1
    RPR 108b

    I hope he’s good. He’s not really a summer jumper but having suffered a setback last winter I was desperate to get a run into him before turning him away. So we took him to Southwell for a bumper and he bolted up from a pair of subsequent winners. Having done his pre-training at AP’s he only been back here a few weeks and won’t be out until around Christmas. We’ll stick to bumpers this season.

    Hostile
    5g Malina - Skew
    Alan King
    2-
    RPR 115b

    Half-brother to old Valdez. He was a playboy last season and was just larking around for most of his debut in a Warwick bumper, but when the penny did start to drop he took off. He was working away nicely when he had a small problem with his pelvis and has only just started back. He’ll have another bumper run in the new year.

    Jaboticaba
    5g Muhtathir - Janiceinwonderland
    Owners Group 025
    2054-22
    RPR 124c OR 120c

    Had a late holiday following two runs over fences in May and is about a week off a run. He would have won on his debut at Warwick but for ploughing through the last; Wayne [Hutchinson] sat tight but it cost them the race. He’s definitely up to winning over fences and he’ll continue down the novice handicap route, nothing fancy. I’m not sure whether he wants 2m or 2m4f.

    Label Des Obeaux
    8g Saddle Maker - La Bessiere
    David Sewell and Terry Warner
    3P686/6-
    RPR 156c OR 144c

    I’m pleased he’s back; he got a touch of a leg after running over hurdles at Newbury last season. He’s not going to be ready until after Christmas, when we may start over hurdles again for a run or two and go back chasing in the second half of the season. I’m pleased to say his mark over fences, which was was much too high at one stage, has finally come down.

    Lisp
    5g Poet’s Voice - Hora
    Mr and Mrs R Kelvin-Hughes
    12285-4
    RPR 145h OR 145h

    The plan has always been to go chasing this season and I think he could be quite exciting. He used too get very lit up and could be extremely free first time out, so we ran him over hurdles at Ascot to take the freshness out of him and he settled much better usual before staying on well. Since the day we first schooled him over fences in the spring he’s always been good, and after delighting me last week we may start off at Warwick tomorrow [Wednesday] in the Highflyer Chase. I’m quite happy to stick to 2m and he’s one I’m really looking forward to.

    Two for the tracker

    “I’ve been very pleased with how Lisp has schooled ahead of his switch to fences and Sheshoon Sonny is one I’m sure will progress over hurdles.”

    Madiba Passion
    5g Al Namix - Birsheba
    P Mendoza
    1/P1(ptp)38-
    RPR 105b

    We like this one. He ran a promising third on his first run in a Kempton bumper for us and then disappointed me when I fancied him for a Listed event at Newbury but he scoped badly afterwards. He came in late after enjoying a long break and is near to a run - it could be at Warwick tomorrow or Kempton next Monday. Although he has won two Irish points he’s showing us plenty of toe so I’m happy to start him off at 2m and work up to 2m4f, but he’s not working like a three-miler.

    Major Dundee
    4g Scorpion - Be My Granny
    Trevor Hemmings
    10
    RPR 105b

    Won his bumper at Southwell in May, the form of which probably didn’t amount to a great deal, and it was my fault he finished only tenth at Newbury the other day as he’d come back in late and wasn’t ready. He’ll come on for the run and hurdling will be his job now.

    Midnightreferendum
    6m Midnight Legend - Forget The Ref
    Robert Abrey, Ian Thurtle
    71441-9
    RPR 126h OR 123h

    The combination of 2m6f on soft ground found her out on her reappearance at Wincanton this month; Tom [Cannon] looked after her when she was beaten. She’s a mare who usually comes on quite a lot for a run, which is surprising as she doesn’t carry a lot of condition. She should be able to win another handicap hurdle and while we try to achieve that aim chasing will be on hold.

    Midnight’s Gift
    3f Midnight Legend - Giving
    Pitchall Stud Partnership
    1
    RPR106h OR -

    Has come off the Flat, where she won a maiden in September. I had to be pleased with her winning hurdling debut at Fakenham; she battled on well and will have learned plenty from it. The aim is to take her to Aintree next month to see if we can sneak a bit of black type.

    Millstone
    5g Alkaased - Stoney Path
    Mrs S Welch
    53-
    RPR 105b

    This one has been a slow learner but he could turn out okay. Showed nothing on his debut but stepped forward quite a lot at Huntingdon. I’d like to give him another bumper run just to sharpen his mind, then we’ll go jumping.

    Mr Pumblechook
    5g Midnight Legend - Definitely Pip
    David Sewell
    21646-4
    RPR 126h OR 127h

    Started last season very promisingly over hurdles, running a good second at Newbury and winning at Plumpton, but he suffered a bad bout of colic and disappointed afterwards. He’s fine now and there was a lot to take out of his reappearance this month back at Plumpton; if anything he travelled too well, running with the choke out, and if we can build on his fourth place there a handicap hurdle should be within his range.

    Mystical Clouds
    6g Cloudings - Silent Valley
    Trevor Hemmings
    33/1F23-
    RPR 122h OR 127h

    Goes novice chasing and I’ve been pleased with his schooling. Not a lot went right last season. He struck into his near-fore at Kempton last January; thank God he was wearing boots or else we might have lost him. The injury held him up and he came back in late, but from what I can see at home he looks to be enjoying fences so I’ve got to be hopeful.

    Nebuchadnezzar
    4g Planteur - Trexana
    Top Brass 2
    244-2
    RPR 121h OR 122h

    All things considered there were plenty of positives to take out of his handicap hurdle second at Sandown nine days ago. The testing ground certainly wouldn’t have suited him, nor did the trip of 2m; what he probably wants is 2m4f on a decent surface, and when he gets those conditions he’s more than capable of winning over hurdles.

    Notachance
    5g Mahler - Ballybrowney Hall
    David Sewell and and Tim Leadbeater
    3351-21
    RPR 132c OR 121c

    Big horse, very likeable. I always thought he’d improve for a fence and it certainly looked that way when he jumped away grand on his debut at Southwell last month before being beaten on the nod. He made amends when putting up a good performance to win at Exeter last week, where the galloping track suited him. This horse is all about stamina and I hope there’s more to come from him.
    Dark horse

    On To Victory
    5g Rock Of Gibraltar - Clouds
    Of Magellan
    HP Racing On To Victory
    4/28870- (Flat form)
    RPR 108 (Flat)

    He’s starting to look exciting. From his rating you can see he was pretty good on the Flat when trained by Eve Johnson Houghton, though he had a reputation for being a bit of a playboy, and then he got a touch of a leg so he’s been off for more than a year. He’s only done two or three bits of fast work but they’ve been very good and he’s a natural at his hurdles. We schooled him over 12 flights last week and he was extremely accurate, so he should be out sometime next month. He loves soft ground, he stayed really well on the Flat so there’s an awful lot to like about him.

    Our Power
    4g Power - Scripture
    Walters Plant Hire and Potter Group
    21494-6
    RPR 132h OR 133h

    Was pretty consistent in his first season over hurdles; he was staying on at the end of his races so we’ll probably step him up in trip to 2m4f. He was slightly disappointing in the four-year-old handicap hurdle at the first Chepstow meeting but that came at a time when mine were needing the run. We’ve been held up a bit as he had to miss ten days with a pulled hamstring but he’ll be out again soon.

    Outonpatrol
    5m Stowaway - Burnt Oil Babe
    McNeill Family and Niall Farrell
    317-82
    RPR 106h

    Needed the outing quite badly when having her first run over hurdles at Chepstow but there was a lot more to like about her next effort at Plumpton where she stayed on nicely. I think she can improve again so we’ll build on that, sticking to mares’ races.

    Perfect Predator
    4g Passing Glance - Cosmea
    Kingston Stud
    7212-
    RPR 123h

    I’m pleased with this one. He showed progressive form in his bumpers last season and did everything right on his hurdling debut at Hereford this month bar win. The winner, Olly The Brave, is probably okay so I was happy enough with that. Like last season, I’m sure he’ll improve with experience.

    Rebel Royal
    6g Getaway - Molly Duffy
    Jerry Wright, Martin Walker and Tony Hughes
    20F7-61
    RPR 125c OR 127c

    Jumped super round Huntingdon when making a winning chasing debut last month. He’s essentially a good-ground horse so all this rain about doesn’t suit him and we may be heading north to somewhere like Ludlow or Doncaster in search of a decent surface. Was due to run again last week but didn’t over-please me in his work a fortnight ago so we’ll wait a bit longer.

    San Rumoldo
    4g Malinas - Ancora
    JP McManus
    1-0
    RPR 102b

    Won his Southwell bumper well in the spring. When he reappeared at Ascot the other day it was the first time he’d encountered soft ground and while I’m not saying he won’t act on it I don’t think he had a clue what to do. So although he was disappointing a second bumper run will have helped sharpen him up and I know he’s better than that. He’ll come on plenty and go over hurdles now.

    Scarlet Dragon
    6g Sir Percy - Welsh Angel
    HP Racing Scarlet Dragon
    29/154-1
    RPR 140h OR 142h

    He’s in grand order and I hope I’ve finally got the hang of how to train him. He won that Listed handicap at Market Rasen very nicely; I thought going up 10lb was plenty, but then the third horse, Gumball, has come out and won so the form looks good. It’s a shame he missed a run in the November Handicap, so we’ll go straight for the Gerry Feilden now, which has always been one of his targets. He’s a horse who doesn’t want deep ground so we won’t abuse him during the winter.
    Star quality

    Sceau Royal
    7g Doctor Dino - Sandside
    Simon Munir and Isaac Suede
    1/14232-
    RPR 169c OR 164c

    It had always been always the intention to bring him back in the Shloer Chase, like 12 months ago. Since he came back we’ve had a lovely clear run with him and he’s in grand order. But it would have been a waste of time on that ground at Cheltenham; he loves good or good to soft, and he’ll act on soft, but not the heavy we had at Sandown for the Tingle Creek last season; that was awful. We’ll now start off either in the Tingle Creek or the Peterborough at Huntingdon.
    I know he’s never run beyond 2m1f but I’d love to try him at 2m4f at some stage. He’s given us some great days and I must admit for a few moments in the Champion Chase I really thought we had Altior, but then Altior did what he always does. It’s easy to forget he’s only seven, so I hope there are more good days ahead.

    Race in focus

    Alan King won the Gerry Feilden, nowadays known as the Ladbrokes Intermediate Limited Handicap Hurdle, in 2016 with Who Dares Wins and Lisp finished runner-up 12 months ago. He’s targeting the classy Scarlet Dragon at this year’s renewal on November 30.

    Senior Citizen
    6g Tobougg - Mothers Help
    McNeill Family
    136406-
    RPR 128h OR 125h

    He’s been schooling away nicely over fences for some time and as he’s a big, strong sort I’ve been looking forward to getting him started in a 2m4f novice handicap chase. However, he’s just on the back-burner at present having scoped badly a couple of weeks ago.

    Sheshoon Sonny
    4g Youmzain - Minnie’s Mystery
    McNeill Family and Niall Farrell
    421-3
    RPR 105h

    Showed progressive form in his bumpers, improving with every race, and I think it might be the same over hurdles. Ran well enough on his debut at Stratford where he probably found the track on the sharp side; he was a bit careful at some of his hurdles, causing him to lose the odd length. He’d appreciate a more galloping track and being a heavy horse he’ll always like a bit of juice in the ground.

    Smith’s Bay
    6g Midnight Legend - Takotna
    Ian Payne and Kim Franklin
    15/65-12
    RPR 125h OR 125h

    Raced a bit too keen in his early days but is more settled nowadays and ran two good races in novice hurdles earlier in the summer. We gave him a late break so he’s only been back just over a month. He stays a novice for the whole of this season and I feel there’s more to come.

    Talkischeap
    7g Getaway - Carrigmoorna Oak
    Charles Dingwall
    21251-3
    RPR 160c OR 157c

    Everything fell right for him when he won the bet365 Gold Cup in the spring. As everyone knows he’s a good-ground horse so he hated it back at Sandown the other day, when he was never travelling or jumping like he can and finished tired. Tom [Cannon] was concerned about his breathing and following an investigation by the vet he’s going to have his wind tidied up so won’t be back until after Christmas. Charles [Dingwall] is keen to go for the Grand National so we’ll work back from that. The ground will determine where we go with him; he’s a very small horse - saddling him next to Santini the other day they were like Little and Large!
    Star quality

    The Glancing Queen
    5m Jeremy - Glancing
    Dingwall, Farrell, Hornsey and Murray
    1/1351-
    RPR 121b

    Had high-class bumper form and she’s very, very good, but she’s currently way behind the others. She was just taking the odd lame step and we couldn’t find anything wrong on x-ray, then a splint popped out. It was ever so slight but you don’t take any risks with a mare like her. She’s absolutely fine now but won’t be ready until Christmas or the new year; she should be worth the wait and I hope she translates her class from bumpers to hurdles. She’s so good she could win a decent race on the Flat if we wanted to but I don’t intend going down that route.

    The Olympian
    3g Olympic Glory - Basira
    JP McManus
    221- (Flat)
    RPR 84f

    Interesting prospect for juvenile hurdles. He is lightly raced on the Flat, a 10f maiden winner at Newmarket as a two-year-old, and I’d expect him to improve with experience over hurdles. Is not too far off a run.

    Timoteo
    6g Diamond Green - Goldnella
    Million In Mind Partnership
    87511-8
    RPR 142c OR 133c

    The winner of two chases in quick succession in the spring, he’s one of those horses who wants decent ground but, having come back from getting a leg you can’t risk him on firm. The ground was too soft, plus he got cannoned into on the rails and was down on his knees, at Stratford last month. He’ll bounce back but we need a bit of time.

    Valdez
    12g Doyen - Skew
    Riverdee Stable
    P432-81
    RPR 159c OR 142c

    His win at Hereford last week gave us all a huge thrill and I’ve never seen a reaction from the staff like it. He’s rising 13 but still loving life; I know he hadn’t won for nearly five years but he’d been showing all his usual zest at home and I knew the engine was still there. His big objective now is a veterans’ chase at Leicester in early December.

    Who dares wins
    7g Jeremy - Savignano
    HP Racing Who Dares Wins
    033/353/
    RPR 151h OR 148h

    Wonderful horse and we’re very excited to see what he can do over fences. He’s taken us to some great places on the Flat this year; the Northumberland Plate was a memorable day and he ran a super race in the Group 1 at Longchamp on Arc weekend. He’s been impressing us with just how fluent and agile he’s been in his schooling and he was lightning again last week. A couple more pieces of work and he’ll be ready, so we could start at Kempton next Monday in a 2m2f novice chase.

    Wynn House
    4f Presenting - Glorious Twelfth
    Rupert Anton
    1-2
    RPR 101b

    Uttoxeter bumper winner and I’m really pleased with her. I know she got beat on her return at Warwick but it was a good comeback. She’s being aimed at the Henrietta Knight bumper at Huntingdon on Peterborough Chase day, then she’ll have a break over the winter and come back for those valuable mares’ races in the spring.


    Expert view

    It’s increasingly hard to compete at the top level of the jumping ranks without the patronage of the top owners, and while Alan King is supported by the likes of JP McManus, Isaac Souede and Simon Munir and the McNeill Family, he’s not blessed with a plethora of Grade 1 horses anymore.

    That has never stopped him competing at the top table under either code though, and in The Glancing Queen he looks to have a mare who will be a leading fancy at all the festivals come the spring.

    She was unlucky not to finish a good few lengths closer in the Cheltenham bumper and hacked up at Aintree afterwards. No doubt she will go down the mares route but there won’t be many better British-trained novice hurdlers with anything like her potential, and having won a point-to-point, jumping shouldn’t be any sort of issue.

    The hugely under-appreciated Sceau Royal is back for more and if Altior does take the step up in trip in his stride and takes the Gold Cup route, he will be hard to kick out of the frame in the Champion Chase again. He is such a brilliant jumper that on good ground he’s a match for any of the other two-mile chasers.

    As you would expect from a yard that has become a burgeoning Flat operation as well, it’s with the novices that King is especially strong this season and it will be fascinating to see how the Northumberland Plate winner Who Dares Wins gets on over fences.

    Described as ‘lightning’ in a schooling session by his trainer recently, there won’t be many – if any – 107-rated Flat horses going novice chasing and there will be plenty more to come from him at three miles too.

    Don’t forget he’s been third and fifth in two Coral Cups off marks in the high 140s and his Flat form this year has been his best yet. RSA Chase perhaps?

    Then there’s Lisp, who was always a bit keen over hurdles but still was good enough to finish fifth in the County Hurdle last season. He is not that dissimilar to Sceau Royal in profile and his schooling is said to have been excellent too.

    I’m not sure Fidux will quite be in Lisp’s class but he’s already shown a prowess for fences and I could see King aiming him at the Grand Annual and the Red Rum at Aintree.

    Those three will be familiar names to racing fans but one who is still under the radar is Deyrann De Carjac, who has looked a totally different beast since sent chasing. He should improve again when upped to three miles plus and he’s such a good jumper that King could well go down the handicap chase route with him.

    Of the hurdlers it is interesting to see that On To Victory is fit and raring to go. He’s a good stayer who likes soft ground, so if King can get him back to the sort of form that saw him reach a rating in the 100s on the Flat, he will be an interesting novice hurdler.

    The final word has to go to Harambe, who overcame a troubled preparation to win the Greatwood on Sunday and there should be more to come from him when he steps up in trip. I can see him being a leading fancy for the Coral Cup come March.


  • #19
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Tom George

    Positive signals as Black Op and Summerville Boy start on road to chase stardom

    With the jumps season swinging into top winter action, four winners already this month are an early sign Tom George will again be a major player for some of the big prizes over the next six months.

    While there was not an 11th Grade 1 success for the stable last term, after three the previous season, the fact that George had 12 runners at the Cheltenham Festival and nine at Aintree’s big meeting confirms the depth of quality in the yard, which helped him to a clear tenth in the trainers’ standings.

    Last week’s first successes over fences for his Grade 1 hurdlers Black Op and Summerville Boy have led the early charge this season and George has more horses rated above 140 than ever before.

    Further optimism stems from the arrival of more than 30 new faces, ranging from a strong influx of Irish point-to-point winners, some French imports, young store horses and a few off the Flat.

    Many of those will start off in bumpers and will be worth noting as George’s best strike-rate in the last five years has been in that sphere with 21 winners from 109 runners.

    Stable profile

    Yard Down Farm
    Where Slad, Stroud, Gloucestershire
    Started training 1993
    Horses in yard 80
    Number of staff 24
    Assistant trainers John Cullinan, Noel George
    Travelling head groom Sarah Peacock
    Second travelling groom and HGV Danny Burton
    Head yardman/feeder Muhammed Zahid
    Jockeys Jonathan Burke, Ciaran Gethings
    Amateur Noel George
    Racing secretary Lauren Thompson
    Website tomgeorgeracing.co.uk
    Twitter @TomGeorgeRacing
    Instagram tomgeorgeracing

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 52
    2017-18 47
    2016-17 71
    2015-16 38

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -£123.58
    2017-18 -£135.81
    2016-17 +£49.84
    2015-16 -£30.06

    Total prize-money 2018-19
    £902,460
    A work party heads up the Fibresand gallop at Tom George’s Down Farm

    Activial
    Nine-year-old gelding
    Lord Du Sud (sire) – Kissmirial (dam)
    Owner: Roger Brookhouse
    Form figures: 12660-3
    Racing Post Rating 156 (chase) Official rating 148 (chase)
    He’s won two chases, so is eligible to run in the valuable graduation chase at Haydock he won last season. That race on Betfair Chase day on November 23 is his aim again and then he will be contesting middle-distance Graded handicap chases later this season.

    Air Navigator
    8g Yeats – Lox Lane
    Lady Cobham
    172F36-0
    RPR 134c OR 126c
    Needs a galloping track as he’s a big horse who should be getting better with age now he’s grown into his enormous frame.

    Another Stowaway
    7g Stowaway – Another Pet
    H Stephen Smith & Family Gabbertas
    2P136-7
    RPR 141c OR 133c
    He might be at the top end of his mark in handicaps and doesn’t want the ground too soft. He has had his palate cauterised and a flat track really suits him.

    Balladame
    4f Ballingarry – Summer
    Lord and Lady Harrington
    23
    RPR 106b OR –
    Showed plenty of grit and determination in her two bumpers and has schooled well for hurdling. She’ll enjoy soft ground and will start at 2m but I’m sure she’ll stay further in time.

    Black Op
    8g Sandmason – Afar Story
    Roger Brookhouse
    33304-1
    RPR 156c OR 152c
    Things didn’t go his way at the start of last season as the dry autumn delayed his start over fences but his placed form in two chases doesn’t look bad now. He had done plenty of schooling over this summer and I was delighted with his Stratford win last week. He’ll stay over 2m4f for the time being and will stick to novices to the end of the season but there are no firm plans.

    Boagrius
    7g Beneficial – Greenhall Rambler
    The MerseyClyde Partnership
    3U114-P
    RPR 130c OR 127c
    Strengthened up for his summer break but the longer trip at Ayr on Saturday probably caught him out on the soft ground. I might drop him back in trip on that ground but he should continue on an upward curve in handicap chases.

    Boyhood
    8g Oscar – Glen Dubh
    H Stephen Smith & The Gabbertas Family
    230-163
    RPR 135c OR 141c
    He showed again at Exeter on Tuesday that he wants an extreme test of stamina and he’ll be aimed at long-distance handicaps with the regional Nationals the sort of races for him.

    Buck’s Bin’s
    5g Khalkevi – Buck’s Bravo
    Roger Brookhouse
    32-23
    RPR 117h OR 122h
    Frustrating he hasn’t won yet and he was unlucky not to win over hurdles last season. He shows so much pace at home and he’ll start over fences, which hopefully will help him relax more and settle in his races. He can come into his own over fences with a high cruising speed and good jumping.

    Bun Doran
    8g Shantou – Village Queen
    Crossed Fingers Partnership
    35/122-5
    RPR 155c OR 150c
    Had a good season over 2m including a close second in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. Not easy to place as he’s not quite up to Graded standard. A graduation chase over 2m1f at Carlisle on Monday could be a good starting point but he doesn’t want heavy or gluey ground and the Grand Sefton at Aintree in December is another possible race as he’ll get the longer trip round there.
    Bun Doran: possible destinations are Carlisle on Monday and the Grand Sefton at Aintree – Grossick Photography

    Casa Tall
    5g No Risk At All – Gribouille Parcs
    Judith, Tony, Sharon, Dermot & David
    4/5204-5
    RPR 132h OR 124h
    Ran well in top handicap hurdles, just struggling to find the extra gear after travelling well in his races. He had a little setback and won’t be out until after Christmas.

    Champagne City
    6g Tobougg – City Of Angels
    Roger Brookhouse
    43422-P
    RPR 141h OR 137h
    Consistent in competitive handicap hurdles last season with good ground over the minimum trip suiting him best. He’s not quite ready to go yet with novice chasing on the agenda.

    Clondaw Castle
    7g Oscar – Lohort Castle
    J French, D McDermott, S Nelson, T Syder
    21144-2
    RPR 147c OR 144c
    Went from strength to strength last season, finishing with two good runs in Grade 1s. The ground at Ascot on Saturday was probably a bit softer than he wants – he doesn’t use his good jumping out of that ground. He might step up in distance now.

    Copper West
    8g Westerner – Printing Copper
    The MerseyClyde Partnership
    411-341
    RPR 131c OR 131c
    Has had two good paydays, winning a £50,000 race at Market Rasen last month, and is entered in another middle-distance handicap chase at Aintree on Saturday. He’ll continue to run well in that type of race.

    Coupdebol
    4g Rajsaman – Chance Bleue
    Terry Warner & Tim Syder
    3-
    RPR 108h OR –
    A tall, imposing grey who joined us from France in the spring and is growing all the time. He’s a laid-back character who does everything we ask him to do and I think he’ll enjoy soft ground and 2m on a stiffish track.

    Crealion
    3g Creachadoir – Lady La Lionne
    S Nelson, J Fielding, T Hendren, T Keelan
    51-7
    RPR 110 OR –
    Won a juvenile hurdle in France and his work had been good before he disappointingly didn’t get home at Wetherby last week. He put on 60kg after coming over and it might be a case of needing time to settle in.

    Darling Du Large
    6m Kapgarde – Dissidente
    Simon Clarke
    83323-1
    RPR 118h OR 108h
    She has always been promising but wasn’t getting home in her races last season and had her wind done. She showed the benefit of that when winning at Hereford this week and can keep on improving now.

    Doctor Dex
    6g Oscar – Larnalee
    Crossed Fingers Partnership
    21176-1
    RPR 139c OR 134c
    Has been with us since he was four and was always going to be a chaser, winning on his debut over fences at Ascot last week. He could go for the novice handicap chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, a race I like and have won before.
    Doctor Dex (Jonathan Burke) puts in a flying leap on his way to winning the novice limited handicap chase at Ascot on Saturday – Mark Cranham

    Double Shuffle
    9g Milan – Fiddlers Bar
    Crossed Fingers Partnership
    252P0-8
    RPR 166c OR 154c
    Getting to the veteran stage but the fire is still there. There are not many options for him with his rating but the handicapper dropped him 2lb for that run. He loves Kempton on good ground – his fifth in last year’s King George is the only time he has been out of the first two there – and he could have a third try at what was the Racing Post Chase in February, having finished second in it twice.

    Dark horse

    Enemy Coast Ahead
    5g Malinas – Penang Princess
    McNeill Family
    1-
    RPR 125b OR –
    Impressive in his Stratford bumper, which earned him one of the highest bumper RPRs last season. He has schooled well and is not far off making his hurdling debut over 2m.

    Fanfan Du Seuil
    4g Racinger – Nina Du Seuil
    Crossed Fingers Partnership
    F1257-4
    RPR 135h OR 133h
    Good juvenile hurdler last season who probably needed the run at Ayr last Saturday a bit more than I thought, making a mistake and having a blow at the same time. He’ll jump fences but there’s a nice hurdle in him before he goes chasing and the aim is the Gerry Feilden.

    Glockenspiel
    4g Teofilo – Morning Bell
    DW Fox
    31/5453- (Flat)
    RPR 83 (Flat) OR –
    A Godolphin winner for Andre Fabre who was gelded after joining us and given plenty of time. He’s ready to go and loves jumping and soft ground.

    God’s Own
    11g Oscar – Dantes Term
    Crossed Fingers Partnership
    12P53-5
    RPR 170c OR 158c
    He looked a bit rusty and never got into a rhythm in the Haldon Gold Cup on Tuesday. His work leading up to the race was as good as it’s ever been. I don’t know if age is catching up with him but he seems fine now. We’ll give him a couple of weeks before making any decisions and will do what’s right for him.

    Now Look At Me
    5g Shantou – Similan
    McNeill Family
    121-142
    RPR 126h OR 126h
    Unlucky to bump into a well-handicapped horse at Wincanton last month and was put up 8lb for finishing second, which doesn’t help, but we’ve always thought a lot of him.

    Petit Palais
    4g Champs Elysees – Galicuix
    DW Fox
    1510-46
    RPR 121h OR 123h
    Half-brother to 2,000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold and loves his jumping. It was a good comeback run at Chepstow and he’ll jump a fence, and will get the four-year-olds’ weight allowance.

    Seddon
    6g Stowaway – Andreas Benefit
    McNeill Family
    133373-
    RPR 137h OR 137h
    Very good runs last season, including when he was very free in the Ballymore at the Cheltenham Festival, and he’s going chasing now but probably won’t be out until around Christmas. The most important thing is to get him to settle and relax in his races and fences could help so we could ride him more patiently.

    Singlefarmpayment
    9g Milan – Crevamoy
    NT Griffith & HM Haddock
    52/4208-
    RPR 152c OR 142c
    He ran well in the Grand National and stayed the trip well and might go back there for the Becher Chase next month. He loves Cheltenham, so we’ll head back there as much as possible on his favoured good ground.
    Singlefarmpayment: stable stalwart has Aintree and Cheltenham on target list – Edward Whitaker

    Stop The World
    6g Oscar – Coolsilver
    McNeill Family
    522-324
    RPR 115c OR 120c
    Has the profile to make a chaser and could just have needed the run on his chasing debut at Southwell on softer ground than ideal for him.

    Sumkindofking
    8g King’s Theatre – Shannon Rose
    DW Fox
    403-144
    RPR 142c OR 135c
    Was second in the Badger Beers Trophy at Wincanton last season and could run in this year’s race on Saturday after his run there last month. He prefers flat tracks and good ground.

    Summerville Boy
    7g Sandmason – Suny House
    Roger Brookhouse
    1/474-61
    RPR 153c 156h OR 153c 153h
    Finished on a good note behind Buveur D’Air in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle after an interrupted campaign. I was delighted with his comeback at Uttoxeter, where he jumped well on the whole and was just awkward when in tight at one or two, as he was jumping his hurdles. As in his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle win he looked in trouble going to two out but he stayed on strongly and the best part was Johnny [Burke] said he couldn’t pull him up. He’ll probably get further and he doesn’t mind soft ground.

    The Big Bite
    6g Scorpion – Thanks Noel
    NT Griffith & HM Haddock
    0/11408-
    RPR 140h OR 140h
    Struggled to get home after travelling strongly in Grade 1 races at Cheltenham and Aintree, so he’s had a wind operation over the summer ahead of a novice chase campaign and he’s nearly ready to go over 2m4f.

    Star quality

    The Worlds End
    8g Stowaway – Bright Sprite
    McNeill Family
    316P9-1
    RPR 156c 155h OR 149c 153h
    It was great to get him back on track last weekend and his work had been very good. He started last season well over fences but petered out, having niggling issues that were sorted out over the summer. He has a Ladbrokes Trophy entry at Newbury and is schooling over fences but he enjoyed it back over hurdles and nothing has been decided about his next race.

    Wild West Wind
    10g Westerner – Mhuire Na Gale
    Simon Clarke
    1FRUP/P-
    RPR 146c OR 135c
    Had a frustrating season as he didn’t get the soft and heavy ground he likes. He has had a wind operation, which could help him bounce back this winter, and he’s working well with long-distance chases in mind but he also gets into veteran chases now.

    Zoutoise
    4f Enrique – Belle Yepa
    Simon Clarke
    18-3
    RPR 105h OR –
    This half-sister to Whisper has been given time and matured over the summer but didn’t quite get home on her first run over hurdles and will go for a 2m maiden hurdle.

    Race in focus
    The 888Sport Handicap Chase at Kempton with course lover Double Shuffle, who has already finished second in the race twice.

    Expert analysis

    It was great to see The Worlds End return to his best on Saturday with a commanding victory in Wetherby’s Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle, better known as the West Yorkshire Hurdle.

    Even though Grade 1 winner Unowhatimeanharry and Ballyandy both threw down challenges halfway up the home straight, there was never any moment when it looked like The Worlds End would be reeled in.

    That was much more like it from the talented eight-year-old, who gave the impression on his reappearance last season that he would develop into a leading light over fences with a smart win at Chepstow.

    He looked the real deal that day but his season fizzled out tamely with heavy defeats in Grade 1 company at Kempton, Cheltenham and Aintree.

    If a summer MOT has sorted out any issues – and the evidence from Wetherby is overwhelmingly positive – The Worlds End can become a high achiever this term over hurdles or fences.
    The Worlds End (Adrian Heskin) wins the Grade 2 bet365 Hurdle at Wetherby on Saturday – Martin Lynch

    The two others from George’s stable who are on my radar from a punting perspective are Buck’s Bin’s and Enemy Coast Ahead.

    Buck’s Bin’s is just the sort of horse who takes my eye with his high cruising speed and good jumping technique.

    Winner of a maiden point-to-point in October 2018, he won’t fulfil his potential until he goes over regulation fences, so the four placed efforts he has achieved in a bumper and three novice/maiden hurdles can be viewed as a bonus.

    He should really come into his own when sent novice chasing over 2m4f and is one to keep an eye on.

    I remember being immensely taken with Enemy Coast Ahead when he made a winning debut in a Stratford bumper in March.

    The way he travelled through the race and then settled matters with a sharp turn of foot in the short straight left the impression of a horse potentially going places.

    Hurricane Harvey, who finished a well-beaten third that day, went close at Huntingdon on Sunday and I would expect the really likeable Enemy Coast Ahead to make up into a useful novice hurdler this campaign.


  • #20
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Olly Murphy

    Murphy looking to future as Thomas Darby and Brewin’upastorm lead strong team

    There is reason for optimism at Olly Murphy’s Warren Chase Stables with a number of talented youngsters set to make their mark alongside established stars such as Thomas Darby and Brewin’upastorm.

    Murphy’s quick rise up the ranks saw him come agonisingly close to landing that all-important Cheltenham Festival victory when saddling Thomas Darby and Itchy Feet to finish second and third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

    Unsurprisingly, given the depth of talent in the novice chasing division, the Arkle and JLT novice chases are high on the agenda and hopes for a first strike at Grade 1 level are high.

    It is easy to concentrate on Murphy’s leading lights but there is plenty of strength in depth to the team, and the Warwickshire-based trainer is excited about the chances of his younger and unraced prospects.

    He said: “We’ve got a lovely bunch of young horses to go to war with this season, including 25 unraced bumper horses, so it’s going to be tricky to split up the bumper runners. We have so many of them, but it’s a nice problem to have.”

    Stable profile

    Yard Warren Chase Stables
    Where Wilmcote, Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
    Started training 2017
    Horses in yard 110
    Members of staff 35
    Assistant trainer Gerard Tumelty
    Head lad Martin ‘Wingy’ Devenney
    Head girl Sarah Tumelty
    Travelling head girl Charlotte Best
    Assistant travelling head lad Jordan Dorward
    Barn manager Holly Tetsill
    Jockeys Richard Johnson, Aidan Coleman, David England, Adrian Heskin and Gavin Sheehan
    Conditionals Fergus Gregory, Callum McKinnes, Lewis Stones and Harry Sock
    Amateurs James King, Luke Scott
    Racing secretary/PA Teresa Spearing
    Racing manager Camilla Cotton
    Accounts Lesley Oldfield
    Stable sponsor McCoy Contractors
    Website ollymurphyracing.com
    Twitter @O_J_murphy91

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 82
    2017-18 47

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -£94.05
    2017-18 -£62.39

    Prize-money 2018-19
    £662,549

    Astrologist
    Four-year-old gelding by Sea The Stars (sire) – Jumooh (dam)
    Owners: Syder, Whateley, Murphy, Burke
    Form figures: 82/75-3 (Flat)
    Racing Post Rating: 75f Official rating: 73f
    Placed on the Flat but unraced over hurdles, he had a minor setback so won’t be seen until Christmas, but his schooling has been good.
    Brewin’Upastorm (pink silks): strikes on chasing debut at Carlisle – Grossick Photography

    Brewin’upastorm
    6g Milan – Daraheen Diamond
    Barbara Hester
    14F42-1
    RPR 150c OR 148c
    He ran well in all the top novice hurdles last season and I was very happy with the way he won on his chase debut at Carlisle last month. He was always going to improve for the run as he’d had a wind operation and was a few weeks behind. His early season target is the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December and I don’t want to give him a hard race beforehand, so I’m in two minds as to whether to go to Cheltenham next week or Wetherby the same weekend.

    Collooney
    5g Yeats – Amber Trix
    JP McManus
    2123-
    RPR 124h OR 127h
    He was progressive last season and ran well in a handicap hurdle at Market Rasen. I’d hope he would be competitive in a couple of handicaps this term and he’s since undergone a wind operation.

    Eaglehill
    5g Blue Bresil – Ratina De Vaige
    JP McManus
    621-875
    RPR 96h OR –
    He’s been a bit disappointing to date and he’s going to have to improve considerably on what he’s shown, but he is a point-to-point winner and hopefully will improve with age.

    Endlessly
    4g Nathaniel – What’s Up Pussycat
    Raymond Treacy
    5544-11 (Flat)
    RPR 81f OR 76f
    He was ready to run but had a very minor setback recently. He’ll start off soon and has been a two-time winner on the Flat for me. He’s a fine, big horse who I’m looking forward to.

    Fiesole
    7g Montjeu – Forgotten Dreams
    LF Infrastructure Ltd
    1-4764
    RPR 137h OR 136h
    He was probably an unlucky loser at Kempton and doesn’t want soft ground, so he won’t be seen over hurdles until next spring. We’ll try to win on the Flat before giving him a winter break.
    Finawn Bawn: could be targeted at the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham – Grossick Racing

    Finawn Bawn
    6g Robin Des Champs – Kayanti
    LF Infrastructure Ltd
    3131-3
    RPR 134c OR 133c
    He ran a lovely race on his reappearance at Chepstow but just got tired late on. Richard [Johnson] thought he’d win between two out and the last but he just got a bit tired. It was a lovely introduction and he might be a horse for the National Hunt Chase looking down the line. He’s a horse who will win his novice chase and will be competitive in Graded races throughout the season.

    Fusionice
    4g Coastal Path – Oasice
    Diana Whateley
    4- (ptp)
    RPR 81p OR –
    He was fourth in a point-to-point but he’s a lot better than that run. He’s shown me plenty at home.

    Garrettstown
    6g Doyen – Azur
    The Phillies Partnership
    212P2-2
    RPR 133h OR 131h
    He ran well at Aintree, where the race probably wasn’t run to suit as they went no gallop. He’s going chasing now and could win a nice novice handicap.

    Grandads Cottage
    4g Shantou – Sarah’s Cottage
    John Hales
    1- (ptp)
    RPR 92p OR –
    We bought him from the Aintree sale and he’s my first horse for John Hales. He’s a winning point-to-pointer, a lovely son of Shantou, and I’m looking forward to him.

    Hunters Call
    9g Medaaly – Accordiontogelica
    Holloway, Clarke & Black
    94531/
    RPR 138h OR 137h
    He’s run for me only once when he won a valuable handicap hurdle at Ascot in December 2017. That form has worked out unbelievably well but he’s had a couple of setbacks. If I can get him back on the track then it will be after Christmas but he’s trotting away and looks really well.
    Hunters Call: back in training after a couple of setbacks – Alan Crowhurst

    I K Brunel
    5g Midnight Legend – Somethinaboutmolly
    McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd
    136-1
    RPR 123h OR 138h
    He came out of Fontwell well and will go to Cheltenham in November for the 2m5f Grade 2 hurdle. It’s a step up in class but he beat a nice horse of David Pipe’s and all of mine have come on for a run, so I’d imagine he will too.

    Itchy Feet
    5g Cima De Triomphe – Maeva Candas
    Kate & Andrew Brooks
    11234-4
    RPR 153h OR 150h
    He was third in the Supreme last season but things didn’t go to plan at Kempton as he made a bad mistake and that was probably caused by him going flat out. He could do with stepping up in trip, although I don’t think we’ll go chasing with him this season. He was disappointing, but it wasn’t him, and if he hadn’t made his mistake and got pushed wide, then he’d have probably been a reasonable second. He’s still one to look forward to.

    Linelee King
    4g Martaline – Queen Lee
    Diana Whateley
    1-2
    RPR 105 OR –
    He’s a winning point-to-pointer and I was disappointed he didn’t win at Chepstow, but I’d say he bumped into a nice horse. They drew a long way clear and both galloped strongly to the line. He’s a nice horse for the future and we’ll run him in another bumper. I doubt he’ll go over hurdles as I’ll keep him as a novice for next season.

    Dark horse

    Nickolson
    5g No Risk At All – Incorrigible
    Tim Syder
    1-1
    RPR 110h OR –
    He was very good at Wincanton last time where he jumped and travelled nicely. He’ll either go to Ascot for an introductory hurdle or go to Cheltenham.

    Notre Pari
    5g Jeremy – Glynn Approach
    JP McManus
    23-4
    RPR 109h OR –
    He ran a nice race at Fakenham last time before making a terrible mistake three out. We’ll go back to a galloping track and I’m sure he’s capable of winning his maiden hurdle.
    Overthetop: on his way to an easy success at Carlisle – Grossick Photography

    Overthetop
    5g Flemensfirth – Dawn Bid
    What The Elle
    11-1
    RPR 124h OR –
    He’s unbeaten in a point-to-point, a bumper and a hurdle and he’ll come on for his win at Carlisle last time out. He’s a proper chaser in the making but will hopefully turn into a very nice hurdler this season. I’d be looking at something like Cheltenham next week.

    Perfect Man
    8g Morozov – Garrisker
    Holloway, Clarke & Black
    385643-
    RPR 125h OR 122h
    He could win a nice handicap over 3m if he gets his underfoot conditions. The softer the better for him but he never really got it last season.

    Smackwater Jack
    5g Flemensfirth – Malachy’s Attic
    Par Four
    31204-2
    RPR 130h OR 131h
    He probably blew up 100 yards before the line having his first run of the year, but he ran well and the step up to 3m suited. I may try to get him qualified for the Pertemps at Cheltenham as he’s a hardy staying handicapper.

    The Butcher Said
    6g Robin Des Champs – Georgina Valleya
    McNeill Family
    2-11112
    RPR 138h OR 136h
    He came out of Cheltenham very well; he was 18lb wrong with the winner, so ran an absolute cracker. It also proved he goes on softer going and he’s just kept on improving. His main target may well be a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January and he’s a horse with plenty of ability. He’ll jump fences next season.

    The Wolf
    5g Kapgarde – Ges
    McNeill Family and Prodec Networks Ltd
    7343-1
    RPR 126h OR 125h
    He ran well at Fakenham, albeit he hated the track, but he will go for a handicap next and hopefully a Graded race after that. He does show me a lot at home and could be very well handicapped.

    Star quality

    Thomas Darby
    6g Beneficial – Silaoce
    Diana Whateley
    112312-
    RPR 154h OR 151h
    Second in the Supreme last season, he’s done very well through the summer and we’re looking forward to getting him started over fences. He’s an intended runner at Warwick on Friday, is in good form and has been down at Henrietta Knight’s for some intensive schooling.
    Thomas Darby: second in the Supreme last term – John Grossick

    Rival to watch

    I love Champ and he got better and better last season. I thought he was very good at Aintree and he’s one I wouldn’t mind avoiding.

    Race in focus

    I’ve got a couple of nice novice chasers, so to win the Arkle or JLT would be a big thrill.

    Two for the tracker

    Linelee King could be a very nice bumper horse and The Wolf could be very well handicapped.

    Expert View

    Although he began his training career only two years ago after spending time with Gordon Elliott in Ireland, Olly Murphy has already made a huge name for himself as a versatile trainer who is capable with all types of horses, and it shouldn’t be long before he strikes at Grade 1 level.

    With an ever-growing string of 110 and the backing of some top owners, as well as having a fine team of regular riders at his disposal, Murphy has been plundering prizes across the country at will over the last couple of seasons, and 2019-20 looks set to be equally fruitful.

    Hopes will be high for stable stars Brewin’upastorm and Thomas Darby as they embark on their debut seasons over fences.

    The former already has his campaign under way and couldn’t have been more impressive when staying on strongly to deny the useful Good Boy Bobby at Carlisle, where Murphy has a record of four winners and two seconds from six runners.

    Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up Thomas Darby has an exciting profile and although he won’t be seen on winter ground, he is open to plenty of improvement after just six races and could be a machine this year.

    The vast majority of his regularly nosebanded team are chasers in the making, and none is easier to spot on the track than the imposing The Butcher Said.

    Owned by the McNeil family, The Butcher Said has proved a revelation with four consecutive victories in May and June and although he was beaten on his reappearance last month, that will set him up nicely for a crack at Graded prizes after Christmas.

    Overthetop – another recent winner at Carlisle – and Collooney look smart, young hurdlers for owner JP McManus, while it would be folly to ignore any bumper performer sent out from Murphy’s Warwickshire base as he has a 24 per cent strike-rate in that sphere.


  • #21
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Henry De Bromhead

    I think anything from 2m4f to 3m suits him but we’ll aim towards the Gold Cup and work away from there

    The 2018-19 season won’t be forgotten any time soon in Knockeen, County Waterford, but the current abundance of equine talent on Henry de Bromhead’s hands means another memorable campaign could be on the cards.

    The leading trainer smashed his previous seasonal tallies last term when sending out 98 winners on home soil – 104 in total when factoring in a handful of spring festival successes in Britain.

    His team have hit the ground running already this time around with 39 visitors to the winner’s enclosure, including Kerry National hero Poker Party.

    Looking forward, Monalee can fly the stable’s flag in top-notch staying chases, while Honeysuckle is one of the most exciting hurdling mares in recent seasons.

    Tingle Creek-bound Ornua, Albert Bartlett winner Minella Indo and impressive Cheltenham Festival scorer A Plus Tard also form part of a powerful team ready to dine at National Hunt racing’s top tables over the coming months.

    Stable profile

    Yard Knockeen
    Where Waterford
    Started training 2000
    Horses in yard 80
    Members of staff 25
    Managers David Roche, Emmet Raher, Klaudia Daniszewska and Brian Scott
    Travelling head lad Alan Coady
    Secretary Nicole Roche and Angelina Laiso
    Jockeys Rachael Blackmore, Hugh Morgan, Daniel Holden, Mikey Hamill, Robbie Power and others
    Amateur jockeys David Roche, Barry O’Neill, Declan Lavery
    Website henrydebromheadracing.com
    Twitter @HenrydeBromhead

    Winners in Ireland
    2018-19 98
    2017-18 60
    2016-17 68
    2015-16 48

    Profit/loss to €1 stake
    2018-19 -€20.83
    2017-18 -€86.10
    2016-17 -€92.87
    2015-16 -€49.27

    Irish prize-money in 2018-19
    €1,962,378
    A Plus Tard – Rachael Blackmore with winning connections
    The Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed Race)
    Cheltenham 12.3.19
    cranhamphoto.com

    A Plus Tard produced an awesome display in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival

    Patrick McCann

    A Plus Tard
    Five-year-old gelding Kapgarde (sire) – Turboka (dam)
    Owner: Cheveley Park Stud
    Form figures: 1/2121-3
    Racing Post Rating: 165c (chase)
    Official rating 160c
    His form seems so much stronger going left-handed than right-handed. The obvious race for him would be at Down Royal, but that’s going right-handed. We’ve narrowed it down to the Fortria Chase at Navan on November 10 or a 2m5f graduation chase at Haydock on November 23.

    Balko Des Flos
    8g Balko – Royale Marie
    Gigginstown House Stud
    43973-4
    RPR 174c OR 163c
    He needs a nice ease in the ground. He wasn’t back long when he ran at Punchestown this month and he needed that run. He’s entered in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal but we might wait for the Clonmel Oil or for the Listed conditions chase at Thurles the following week. His shins were an issue last season.

    Chris’s Dream
    7g Mahler – Janebailey
    Robcour
    9/1215-P
    RPR 146c OR 146c
    He tailed off a bit towards the end of last season, which was disappointing after he had won the Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan. We’ll aim him towards the Troytown Chase back there and use that as a starting point. You’d hope that would suit well.
    Cobbler’s Way created a big impression when winning a Limerick bumper impressively last December – Alain Barr

    Cobbler’s Way
    5g Oscar – Beeper’s Leader
    Gigginstown House Stud
    2/1-
    RPR 117b
    We decided to put him away for the year after winning his bumper at Limerick last season as he was very immature. He seems brilliant now and is moving great. He’s a very big horse and exciting to look forward to.

    Cuneo
    7g Kapgarde – Mefertiti
    Gigginstown House Stud
    35154-0
    RPR 140h OR 136h
    He’ll hopefully start in a 2m4f or 2m6f beginners’ chase over the next few weeks. He seems a big, scopey horse who stays well and has fences written all over him. I hope he can improve for going chasing – he needs to on his hurdling mark but if he does he could be a really nice horse.

    Dancing On My Own
    5g Milan – Morning Supreme
    Sean & Bernardine Mulryan
    234P-41
    RPR 138h OR 140h
    He has some really strong novice form from last season and after Christmas we ran him in high-quality races with a view to being a novice this year if he didn’t win one. Unfortunately he didn’t handle Galway at all but it was great to see him come back to the sort of form he showed last year when winning at Wexford on Sunday. I think we’ll go to Navan over 2m4f towards the end of November [Grade 3 Monksfield Novice Hurdle], we’ll stick to left-handed tracks anyway. We’d love to get him to the Ballymore at Cheltenham next spring.
    Demain Des L’Aube produced a good performance on his return from a significant absence when second to Dream Conti at Cork – Alain Barr

    Demain Des L’Aube
    6g Sumitas – Discolut
    Alan Halsall
    25271/2
    RPR 131c OR –
    I was delighted with how he ran on his first start for us, and his first start for almost 600 days, at Cork recently. The Halsalls bought him from France and very kindly sent him to us. We’ll aim him at a beginners’ chase over the next few weeks.

    Dommage Pour Toi
    6g Magadan – Phenyl Des Mottes
    Gigginstown House Stud
    P321-5
    RPR 140h OR 140h
    He’s a real chasing type and will start off in a beginners’ chase in the next couple of weeks, potentially at Down Royal on November 1. He did a lot in a very short space of time last year but progressed well, and it looked as though further would suit him better when finishing fifth in a Grade 1 hurdle at Punchestown over 2m4f.

    Due Reward
    6g Westerner – Long Acre
    Gigginstown House Stud
    679-212
    RPR 138c OR –
    I thought he ran well last time at Roscommon in a Grade 3 novice chase behind an improving horse when the ground may not have suited us ideally. The Craddockstown or Klairon Davis Novice Chase are options for him.
    Ellie Mac appeared to enjoy her recent return over hurdles at Punchestown – Patrick McCann

    Ellie Mac
    6m Court Cave – Dizzy’s Whisper
    Niccolai Schuster Horse Racing Club
    36-U3P3
    RPR 125h OR 121h; RPR 130c OR 127c
    She ran really well on her return at Punchestown and seemed to really enjoying being back over hurdles. We might have another go over hurdles and aim towards running her at Christmas.

    Havingagoodtime
    4f Mount Nelson – Don’t Stop Me Now
    Wilde At Heart Syndicate
    41-1344
    RPR 129h OR 130h
    She seemed to possibly lose her form a little after winning a mares’ hurdle at Down Royal in June. She ran well at Cheltenham on Saturday and could have one more run before we put her away to go chasing next spring.
    Honeysuckle marked herself out as a high-class operator last term – Patrick McCann

    Honeysuckle
    5m Sulamani – First Royal
    Kenneth Alexander
    1/1111-
    RPR 144h OR 150h
    She was brilliant last season and seems in really good form. She’s entered for the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle at Down Royal [tomorrow] and a second-season novice next week at Fairyhouse over 2m4f. With all the mares’ races in the programme book, there actually seems to be very few in Ireland this side of Christmas in which a Grade 1-winning mare is eligible, which is a little frustrating.

    Jan Maat
    6g Electric Beat – Jeanine
    Gigginstown House Stud
    921221
    RPR 135c OR 137c
    He’s really taken to fences and it was good to see him win well in a Grade 3 this month. I think we’ll give him one more run before potentially heading on a break. He’ll either run in the Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown or the Arkle Trial at Cheltenham next month.

    Kupatana
    6m Westerner – Kildea Cailin
    Kenneth Alexander
    F2F11-4
    RPR 148c OR 146c
    We’re delighted to get her and she seems a lovely mare. She was a bit keen on her first run for us at Wexford on Monday and I’d imagine she’ll drop in trip next. She has the option of going to Clonmel for the TA Morris Memorial Mares’ Chase next month.
    Minella Indo and Rachael Blackmore winners of the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Chas (Grade 1). Punchestown Festival.Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post 01.05.2019

    Minella Indo
    6g Beat Hollow – Carrigeen Lily
    Barry Maloney
    13/321-1
    RPR 156h OR 152h
    We’re looking forward to seeing him over fences. He’ll start at the end of November – he takes plenty of work so might need a run or two to get him going. He’s a very tough horse and it was fantastic to see him back up his Albert Bartlett win when he also landed a Grade 1 at Punchestown. He seems in really good form.

    Minella Melody
    5m Flemensfirth – Cottage Theatre
    Kenneth Alexander
    112-3
    RPR 119b OR –
    It looked a strong bumper in which she finished third in at Punchestown on her final start last season. She’s in good form and schooling well. We’ve pencilled in a 2m4f mares’ maiden hurdle at Cork on Sunday to start her off.

    Star quality

    Monalee
    8g Milan – Tempest Belle
    Barry Maloney
    F/3214-P
    RPR 168c OR 164c
    His win the Red Mills Chase at Gowran in February was the only time he got the soft ground he wants. He’ll probably start off in the Clonmel Oil Chase [November 14], or there’s a Listed chase at Thurles the following week. We might enter him in the King George and have a look at the Savills Chase at Leopardstown. I think anything from 2m4f to 3m suits him, but we’ll aim towards the Gold Cup and work away from there.
    Monalee enjoyed ground conditions when winning the Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) at Gowran last season – Patrick McCann

    Moon Over Germany
    8g Germany – Elea Moon
    Philip J Reynolds
    741-413
    RPR 154c OR 151c
    He didn’t seem to see out the extra distance on 2m4f last time at Tipperary, so we’ll drop him in trip. He’s still a novice in Ireland until Drinmore weekend so we’ll make use of that status and run him in the Craddockstown Novice Chase at Punchestown on November 16. He won nicely at Ballinrobe previously and I think soft ground makes a big difference to him. He might be one for the Hilly Way Chase down the line but we’ll see how he progresses first.
    Notebook jumped well when winning on his chasing debut at Punchestown – Patrick McCann

    Mormon
    6g Stowaway – A Plus Ma Puce
    Gigginstown House Stud
    5/43127-
    RPR 132h OR 127h
    He’s a lovely horse who looks a chasing type and we’ll aim at staying races over fences with him.

    Notebook
    6g Samum – Nova
    Gigginstown House Stud
    2120-21
    RPR 137c OR –
    He jumped well when winning on his chasing debut at Punchestown this month and seemed to really enjoy his fences. Hopefully he’ll continue to progress.

    Ordinary World
    9g Milan – Saucy Present
    C Jones
    283-621
    RPR 159c OR 147c
    He’s been great and I was delighted to see him back winning at Ballinrobe last time. He’ll either go for the Fortria Chase at Navan [November 10] or there’s a winners of two race the following day at Carlisle. He’d be our first runner there if lining up.
    Ornua enjoyed Grade 1 glory in the Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree last season – Edward Whitaker

    Ornua
    8g Mahler – Merry Heart
    John J Phelan & Syed Momin
    122F1-P
    RPR 159c OR 154c
    He looks a two-miler after a great season last year. He’s being aimed at the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase at Naas on November 9 before hopefully going for the Tingle Creek at Sandown. He ran very well around there last year when second to Dynamite Dollars.

    Paloma Blue
    7g Stowaway – Court Leader
    C Jones
    40/416-6
    RPR 146c OR 147c
    It was a frustrating season last time in which he won one of his three races, but he seems great again now. Hopefully he’s back to how he was before. We haven’t really picked out a race for him yet but he’s working well.
    Paloma Blue will bid to enjoy a more fruitful campaign this season than last term – Patrick McCann

    Petit Mouchoir
    8g Al Namix – Arnette
    Gigginstown House Stud
    6304-44
    RPR 165h OR 152h
    He’ll improve plenty for his comeback run in a Tipperary Grade 3 this month and he’ll have an entry in the Morgiana Hurdle, which he’ll probably go for.

    Poker Party
    7g Gentlewave – Becquarette
    Robcour
    211-3U1
    RPR 147c OR 146c
    He was brilliant in winning the Kerry National last month and I’d imagine we’ll aim him towards the Paddy Power Chase at Christmas. The fact he stayed that longer trip should open doors for him.

    Put The Kettle On
    5m Stowaway – Name For Fame
    One For Luck Racing Syndicate
    311112
    RPR 142c OR 137c
    She’s been really progressive and we’re probably aiming towards Cheltenham in November before letting her off on a break.
    Put The Kettle On has been a big improver through the summer months – Patrick McCann

    Presented Well
    6g Oscar – Millstream Express
    Bellamy Syndicate
    2/2F18-3
    RPR 132h OR 128h
    He’s a really nice horse who will probably stay hurdling this year. We’ll see how he gets on but hopefully he might end up in something like the Pertemps Final, Coral Cup or Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival.

    Raya Time
    6g Al Namix – Ruthenoise
    R S Brookhouse
    322-815
    RPR 132h OR 127h
    We felt he deserved to win a maiden hurdle so it was great to see him do it so well at Clonmel. He was a bit disappointing on his chase debut at Wexford on Monday and I’d imagine we’ll wait for better ground with him.
    Sinoria showed plenty of ability over hurdles last season – Alain Barr

    Sinoria
    6m Oscar – Petralona
    Kenneth Alexander
    1/4110-
    RPR 135h OR 142h
    She was a very good mare last year and has been schooling well over fences. Unfortunately she came home sore from the Cheltenham Festival but seems great again now. We’ll find a beginners’ chase for her over the next couple of weeks and see how she progresses. Judging on how she won at Down Royal last season, I’d say the further she goes the better.

    Solomn Grundy
    9g Westerner – Marika’s King
    RS Brookhouse
    91/245P-
    RPR 142c OR 135c
    He lost his form at the end of last season but he seems really good again now. He’s still a novice over fences but we’re probably aiming him towards the Troytown Chase at Navan [November 24].

    Sub Lieutenant
    10g Brian Boru – Satellite Dancer
    Gigginstown House Stud
    572P2-7
    RPR 166c OR 155c
    We’ll be charting a Grand National route with him, having run a cracker in last season’s Topham Chase. He’s on a break at the moment but we’ll run him after Christmas.
    Walk Away, an attractive son of Black Sam Bellamy, showed plenty of potential last spring – Patrick McCann

    Walk Away
    6g Black Sam Bellamy – Pegus Love
    Robcour
    114-7
    RPR 138h OR 140h
    He’s a lovely horse who had some good runs over hurdles last year, including in an Aintree Grade 1, before his form tailed off a little at Punchestown. He’s schooled well at home and will go novice chasing this season.

    Expert View

    If able to get his preferred soft ground, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Monalee build on the promise shown in recent seasons and bag a Grade 1 on his way to a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

    Honeysuckle is expected to be one of the leading lights in the mares’ hurdling ranks. Chasing is likely to be her game eventually, but she could take advantage of some good opportunities this season.

    A Plus Tard may well have more to offer as he progresses, having bolted up in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham in March. He could turn out to be a Ryanair Chase type come next spring, apparently best suited to going left-handed.

    Minella Indo has chaser written all over him but judged on his improved form in the spring, it may well take him a little time to hit top gear in his new sphere.

    There could be more to come from Moon Over Germany over fences and he makes plenty of appeal dropping back to minimum distance when able to use his novice status.

    Second-season novice Chris’s Dream could be an interesting candidate for something like the Troytown or Paddy Power Chase.

    Cobbler’s Way created a big impression when bolting up in a Limerick bumper last Christmas and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him develop into a very useful operator over hurdles.

    Smart bumper mare Minella Melody ought to take high rank in the mares’ novice hurdle division, albeit the likes of Gypsy Island and Daylight Katie are highly exciting prospects she will surely have to clash with again.

    Dommage Pour Toi and Cuneo could take significant steps forward from their hurdles form when switching to fences, like plenty of the stable’s representatives tend to do.


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  • #22
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    EVAN WILLIAMS

    Since taking the bold decision to concentrate on quality over quantity, Evan Williams has proved a rising force in the training ranks and last season bagged his biggest prize-money total, reaching over £822,000, in a career stretching back 18 years.

    Last season Williams lost a major ally when stable jockey Paul Moloney decided to hang up his riding boots, but the trainer promoted long-time second choice Adam Wedge into the top slot.

    Every yard needs a flagbearer and Silver Streak, who finished third to the ill-fated Espoir D’Allen in the Champion Hurdle in March, has fitted neatly into that bracket and the aptly named grey has already got off the mark for this season, winning comfortably in a well-contested conditions hurdle at Kempton this month.

    Williams also considers he has a back-up team of well-bred and potentially smart young horses waiting to strut their stuff over the winter, although many of them will not be asked to scale the heights this term as they are bred for chasing and will go through their educational grounding over hurdles in the coming months.
    Stable profile

    Yard Fingerpost Farm, Llancarfan, Vale Of Glamorgan
    Assistant trainer Eleanor Williams
    Travelling head groom David Burchell jnr
    Jockeys and claiming riders Adam Wedge, Conor Ring, Mitchell Bastyan, Isabel Williams
    Office managers Cath Williams, William Williams
    Number of horses 82
    Number of staff 26
    Started training 2002
    Total prize-money 2018-19 £822,908
    Website evanwilliamsracing.co.uk
    Twitter @EWilliamsRacing

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 53
    2017-18 52
    2016-17 51
    2015-16 70

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -£134.82
    2017-18 -£144.49
    2016-17 -£157.01
    2015-16 +£12.95

    Prize-money 2018-19
    £822,908

    Annsam
    Four-year-old gelding Black Sam Bellamy (sire) – Bathwick Annie (dam)
    Owner: Wayne Clifford
    Form figures: 53-16
    Racing Post Rating: 106 hurdle
    Official Rating: 118h
    Had been a bit disappointing in a couple of runs over hurdles but came good in a little novice hurdle at Wincanton in May. I think he can only go forward this time as he’s bred to be a nice jumper, although he ran a bit too free for his own good at Wincanton on Sunday.

    Ballinsker
    4g Court Cove – Brownie Points
    Gg Thoroughbreds XII & Partner
    1-1
    RPR 113h
    Won his point-to-point in Ireland before coming to us and is very much a horse for the future and we’ll probably not see the best of him until he goes chasing next year. His Ludlow win over hurdles last week pleased me a lot as he travelled and jumped well.

    Bold Plan
    5g Jeremy – Kings Orchid
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    2/3312-0
    RPR 133h OR 130h
    He disappointed me a bit in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow on his return to action as he wasn’t sharp enough to go with them. We’ll have to look at the options but I suspect we might decide to go novice chasing with him as jumping fences was always going to suit him better.

    Caswell Bay
    4g Fame And Glory – Lauderdale
    David M Williams
    3294-12
    RPR 115h OR 118h
    Improved massively to be beaten by just one horse in the race that used to be called the Free Handicap Hurdle at Chepstow recently and the hope will be that he remains on an upward curve. He had the rest of the four-year-olds well beaten there and I see no reason why he’ll not be a force in decent handicap hurdles.

    Chooseyourweapon
    6g Flemensfirth – Definite Love
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    1/1143/
    RPR 132h OR 130h
    Basically missed all of last season as we never got the proper soft ground that’s important to him. He’s as raw as they come and wants the big fences on a galloping track.
    Clyne: smart operator given his ideal conditions
    Clyne: smart operator given his ideal conditions

    Clyne
    9g Hernando – Lauderdale
    David M Williams
    3/2540-7
    RPR 155h OR 143h
    Getting a bit of age about him now but wasn’t disgraced on his comeback run at Ffos Las. These days he needs soft ground on a left-handed track over 2m4f to be seen at his best.

    Coconut Splash
    4g Stowaway – Presenting Chaos
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    1-2
    RPR 128h
    Won his Irish point-to-point in good style and joined us soon afterwards. He’ll not have a hard time this season as it’s all about the future with him. He has a good attitude and the plan is to give him a run in a novice hurdle after he made a cracking debut for us when just touched off in a maiden at Aintree on Sunday.

    Court Royale
    6g Court Cove – Windsor Dancer
    Mrs Janet Davies
    41-5322
    RPR 129c OR 127c
    Has taken time to get going but ran well on his first try over fences when second at Newton Abbot last month. He was second again at Ludlow last week and should be able to get his head in front over fences.

    Dans Le Vent
    6g Skins Game – Boreade
    RJ Gambarini Racing
    44230-U
    RPR 136h OR 129h
    He’s a funny little horse but was in the process of making a nice debut over fences at Ludlow this month when parting company with his rider on his first run for us when holding every chance. He’s the type we’ll keep tipping away with around the smaller tracks this winter.

    Esprit Du Large
    5g No Risk At All – Tufflolyloly
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    71410-2
    RPR 136c OR 134c
    He was a bit babyish last season but still managed to run well on a couple of occasions. I was very pleased with his second place on his chase debut at Carlisle this month as it showed he had grown up a lot. Jumping fences will be the making of him.

    Fado Des Brosses
    5g Balko – Nanou Des Brosses
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    1-5
    RPR 92 (ptp)
    He’s a very nice young horse and will want plenty of cut in the ground and a galloping track. Shaped with plenty of promise when fifth at Chepstow (on Tuesday).

    Go Long
    9g Hurricane Run – Monumental Gesture
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    P/43/313-
    RPR 138c OR 129c
    Loads of little niggles over the seasons have prevented him from getting to where he should be. If we can keep him right I think there’s a good 2m4f handicap in him on a flat track in the coming weeks.

    Grania O’Malley
    6m Beat Hollow – Oh Susannah
    Ms S Howell
    9-46212
    RPR 121c OR 120c
    She’s a good, tough mare who did nothing wrong in finishing second last time. She’s fairly consistent but I think she might be the type who is better carrying lower weights in decent races than trying to concede weight as there’s not that much of her.

    Holdbacktheriver
    7g Presenting – Fairy Lane
    WJ Evans Racing
    1/55148-
    RPR 120h 125c OR 120h 124c
    He’s a bit tricky to catch right as he either runs well or runs badly so he’s something of an enigma. He’s a big, heavy horse so perhaps it’s taken a bit of time to grow up. 3m on proper soft ground should bring out the best in him.
    King's Odyssey: his trainer hopes he can bag a decent prize this winter
    King’s Odyssey: his trainer hopes he can bag a decent prize this winter
    Mark Cranham

    King’s Odyssey
    10g King’s Theatre – Ma Furie
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    33/2F6F-
    RPR 148c OR 137c
    He might be approaching 11, but there’s still plenty of life in him. He really wants deep ground to be seen at his best and hopefully a nice handicap chase will come his way this winter.

    Marble Moon
    7g Millenary – Royal Marble
    Emrys Jones & Partner
    U62411
    RPR 126c OR 123c
    On a hat-trick and is really tough, genuine and consistent. However, all of that comes with a price and he’s going to have to wrestle with a career-high mark from now.

    Two for the tracker
    “I will be surprised if Esprit Du Large cannot go one better than when runner-up at Carlisle and, although Prime Venture has a few miles on the clock, I think he’s up to winning a nice staying chase when the mud is flying.”

    On The Quiet
    4f Ballingarry – Royale Sulawesie
    Hush Hush Partnership
    6-1443
    RPR 107h OR 105h
    A little filly going the right way. She won a run-of-the-mill bumper in the summer but hurdling will suit her and I think she has a workable mark.

    On Tour
    11g Croco Rouge – Galant Tour
    T Hywel Jones
    63P5-25
    RPR 146c OR 130c
    He’s been a star for the yard down the seasons and the veterans’ chase series has been a saving grace for horses like him. He was a staying-on second in one of those at Chepstow this month and third in the final at Sandown in January. We’ll be aiming to end up back at Sandown with him in the new year. Aintree on Sunday may have come a bit soon after Chepstow as he was a bit flat.
    Pobbles Bay scores at Chepstow, where he will be aimed for the Welsh Grand National
    Pobbles Bay scores at Chepstow, where he will be aimed for the Welsh Grand National
    Edward Whitaker

    Pobbles Bay
    9g Oscar – Rose De Beaufai
    David M Williams
    3UF21-2
    RPR 132h 147c OR 134h 139c
    Stays very well and I would think he’ll go for the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow. He’s had his problems along the way and, as a result, we’ve never had a clear run with him, but the signs are more positive this time and he was a very encouraging second over hurdles at Uttoxeter this month.

    Present Value
    5g Gold Well – Presenting Shares
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    213-
    RPR 128h OR 128h
    Has been to the racecourse only three times as he’s been something of a big baby, but he gives the impression he’s strengthened up nicely for a summer break. He’ll go novice chasing shortly and can make his mark.

    Prime Venture
    8g Primary – Next Venture
    Mrs Janet Davies
    R2349-4
    RPR 142c OR 135c
    Refused at the first at Ludlow last season but after that he strung together a few decent efforts over fences without winning. He’s a strong stayer, will improve for his comeback at Chepstow (on Tuesday) and likes the mud so he looks likely to be another of our Welsh National contenders.

    Ring The Moon
    6g Spanish Moon – Get The Ring
    WJ Evans
    9/32-
    RPR 104b
    Ran well in a bumper in July 2018 but has needed time as he’s a heavy-framed horse who wants plenty of cut in the ground. He has ability and should be able to make his mark in a maiden hurdle.

    Quoi De Neuf
    5g Anzillero – Qualite Controlee
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    1/142-2
    RPR 130h OR 129h
    Got beaten fair and square at Chepstow this month when runner-up but ran a blinder in the circumstances. I think we’ll be keeping him to hurdles for now and he might be up to winning a nice handicap.

    Sabbathical
    4g Sunday Break – Ulcy Pressive
    RER Williams
    2-8
    RPR 97b
    Runner-up in a point-to-point last spring before he came to us. He’s a big, imposing, attractive horse and definitely one for the future. Given the circumstances he did well to finish in midfield at Cheltenham on Saturday.
    Dark horse

    Secret Reprieve
    5g Flemensfirth – Oscar’s Reprieve
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    515-5
    RPR 132c OR 130c
    He ran really well in a deep novice chase at Ffos Las on his first run over fences and is the type who will improve massively for the experience. I like him a lot and he should soon be winning.
    Silver Streak made a successful return to action at Kempton
    Silver Streak made a successful return to action at Kempton
    Getty Images
    Star quality

    Silver Streak
    6g Dark Angel – Happy Talk
    L Fell
    22235-1
    RPR 157h OR 154h
    Our flagbearer and a very good horse. After he won the Swinton Hurdle and the Welsh Champion Hurdle I thought, that’s it, he might just be a handicapper but then he finished third in the Champion Hurdle. He’s come back from his summer break a different horse and won at Kempton this month – I accept there might be some question marks over the bare form but he won really well. We’ll now treat him like a Graded horse until he shows us different and he’ll go for the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle or the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. After that all roads will hopefully lead to Cheltenham again in March.

    The Last Day
    7g Oscar – The Last Bank
    Mr & Mrs William Rucker
    41/F221-
    RPR 134c OR 131c
    Wants loads of give in the ground and it cannot rain enough for him as a couple of wins around Chepstow in the mud can testify. He wants a galloping track to be seen at his best.

    Treasure Dillon
    5g Sans Frontieres – Treasure Trix
    R Abbot & M Stavrou
    22921-3
    RPR 114h OR 115h
    He was disappointing early last season but quietly got the hang of things and ended up winning a little handicap hurdle at Chepstow. He’s come back from his summer break looking a different horse so the hope is he’ll progress, and his third at Cheltenham on Friday was a nice step forward.
    Expert View

    This is an interesting yard and one in which the focus has clearly switched from quantity to quality during the last few seasons. In 2010-11 Williams sent out a career-best 90 winners, whereas he’s been in the low 50s in the last three seasons. However, the 53 in the most recent campaign earned the yard more prize-money than ever before, so he’s obviously doing something right.

    While Silver Streak may be the stable star, he does go particularly well fresh, so don’t expect to see much of him – remarkably all his wins have come after an absence of at least two months and I doubt that is lost on Williams. In fact, his record after such breaks is so good you can almost back him blind (1112111 since joining the yard). And by the same token he should be opposed when returned to the track any sooner (nought from eight).

    My personal favourite has to be Quoi De Neuf. Another who benefits from having plenty of time between races, I’m looking forward to seeing him back on decent ground after three runs on soft/heavy since winning his novice. He is clearly well regarded as he was pitched into a Grade 2 on only his second start and, although it sounds as though he’s going to be kept to hurdles for now, he looks the type who is going to improve when going over fences.

    One who should have a fruitful season in that sphere is Esprit Du Large, who finished strongly for second on his recent chase debut at Carlisle in what looked a really competitive novice handicap. He can be followed when stepped back up to 2m4f and he has the potential to be the yard’s best chaser since Buywise had everybody tearing their hair out.

    While the bulk of the stable’s runners understandably come at nearby Welsh tracks, you should really keep an eye out for the rare occasion when Williams sends them to Scotland, specifically to Ayr and Musselburgh. The trainer has had a combined ten winners from just 21 runners at those tracks.


  • #23
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    GARY MOORE

    He has one target, the Grand National at Aintree, and his season will be built around that.

    Another season with more than 50 winners has firmly established Gary Moore as one of the top jumps trainers in Britain but there is no resting on those laurels.

    One of the first things that jumps out from this season’s roster is a youthful predominance of talent to rival the current successful England football team.

    Moore has sourced many with equal success over the years from the Irish pointing chequefield and from France, and has a fresh intake again this season to add to some of his Flat horses making the transition.

    So it is no surprise that the novices, both over hurdles and in the chase department, are seen by the trainer as a strength for the season to back up the big-race names.

    The former jump jockey, his wife Jayne and sons Jamie and Josh have been rewarded for building what is truly a family business, redeveloping the stables of former trainer Charles Czyer, on the 180-acre estate at Lower Beeding, midway between Horsham and Hickstead.

    Some of the older hands in the yard, the likes of Antony and Not Another Muddle, will not be running until the new year while the younger Mister Chow and Il Re Di Nessuno are others who won’t be seen before Christmas.

    Kloud Gate, who started favourite for the Lanzarote at Kempton in January but dropped away in the home straight to finish sixth and was found to be lame, misses the whole season.

    Yard Cisswood Racing Stables
    Where Lower Beeding, West Sussex
    Assistant trainer David Wilson
    Head lads Michael Caffyn, Del Wallace
    Travelling head lads Andrew Dickinson, John Salvage and Steve White
    Jockeys Joshua Moore, Jamie Moore
    Amateur jockeys Katy Brooks and George Gorman
    Conditional jockey Nial Houlihan
    Started training 1992
    Horses in yard 100
    Members of staff 32
    Website www.garymooreracing.com
    Twitter @GL_racing

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 59
    2017-18 52
    2016-17 40
    2015-16 54

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -136.16
    2017-18 -104.01
    2016-17 -110.79
    2015-16 +80.84

    Prize-money 2018-19
    £747,096

    Ar Mest
    Six-year-old gelding Diamond Boy (sire) – Shabada (dam)
    Owner: Galloping On The South Downs Partnership
    Form figures: 0/93115-
    Racing Post Ratings 131 (hurdles) Official Rating 127

    He had a good season over hurdles and we’re looking forward to running him over fences. He has schooled reasonably well and is ready to start, possibly in a novice limited handicap off his mark of 127.

    Baron Alco
    8g Dom Alco – Paula
    John Stone
    122/214-
    RPR 157 (chase) OR 152

    He got injured in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham last December. He is back in work but won’t be running until around the new year and with his rating there are not too many races for him. The 888Sport Handicap Chase, the old Racing Post Chase, at Kempton would be the sort of race for him.

    Beat The Judge
    4g Canford Cliffs – Charmingly
    Ed Babington
    132P5-2
    RPR 140h OR 132h

    Ran a good race behind Silver Streak at Kempton on Sunday and has never run a bad race there. Hopefully the handicapper doesn’t take the form literally – they say they won’t in these classy type of races where they’re screaming for more runners – and he’d have only been a moderate third without the faller. He does want fast ground so is very ground dependent.
    Beat The Judge (left) started his season well with a Listed second at Kempton – Mark Cranham

    Benatar
    7g Beneficial – Carrigeen Lily
    Ashley Head
    13/4437-
    RPR 154c OR 148c

    He was disappointing last year but I still think a lot of him and we have changed a few things with him. He will race sparingly this season and his first run will be in the Sodexo Gold Cup Chase at Ascot on November 2.

    Botox Has
    3g Dream Well – Bournie
    John Stone
    2-1
    RPR 115h

    A promising juvenile hurdler, who beat Sunday’s Kempton winner Prefontaine on his first start for us. That was a good performance and he could run in the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in mid-November.

    Bullfrog
    6m Jeremy – Tramp Stamp
    Galloping On The South Downs Partnership
    1/32-
    RPR 119h OR 117h

    A lovely mare who is still a maiden over hurdles but one of the best maidens in the yard. She can shed that tag and then, as she has a good pedigree, it is important to get her some black type in the mares’ races and a higher rating.

    Cheque En Blanc
    7g Bernebeau – Necossaise
    Elizabeth Kiernan
    P/6162-6
    RPR 112c OR 106c

    His run over 2m3f at Exeter on Tuesday will have put him spot on for the Southern National over a mile further at Fontwell on November 17. He looks to have come back a nicer horse this year and those regional nationals will suit him.

    Darebin
    7g It’s Gino – Delightful Sofie
    Chris Stedman & Mark Albon
    2361-55
    RPR 130c OR 119c

    A great old horse to have in the yard, who is what he is and Kempton on Sunday showed he wants to be carrying 10st 7lb in a 0-120 race not in a 0-140. He tried to chase the pace and paid for it but still ran all right. He can pass the £100,000 in prize-money this season and his best track is Sandown, although he runs well at Fontwell and Plumpton.

    Dell Oro
    6g Walk In The Park – Kallistea
    Galloping On The South Downs Partnership
    41P3P3-
    RPR 141c OR 135c

    A horse we really like and we have changed a few things with the way we are training him this year after he had a few issues last season. Hopefully if that works he could be quite a nice 2m4f chaser. He is schooling a lot better than last season.

    Diakali
    10g Sinndar – Diasilixa
    Nick Peacock
    6/111P5-
    RPR 165c OR 147c

    He is back and going fine in his work at the moment. He must have fast ground though and will wait until we get some.

    Dark horse

    Editeur Du Gite
    5g Saddex – Malaga De St Sulpice
    Theprestonfamily, friends and T Jacobs
    21-
    RPR – OR –

    Came from France and looks a lovely horse. He will probably go straight novice chasing as he can’t get a handicap mark on his runs in France. He is big enough to go chasing and he probably wants 2m4f but he is not slow. His owners had Sire de Grugy but he is no Sire de Grugy.

    Eragon de Chanay
    5g Racinger – Rose Celebre
    Five Star Racing Group
    731P0-3
    RPR 128c OR 133c; RPR 139h OR 137h

    He ran well at Ludlow even though the ground was too firm for him on his reappearance. He runs at Sandown on November 10 and I hope he can continue to improve this season but he must race right-handed.

    Et Moi Alors
    5g Kap Rock – Qui L’Eut Cru
    Ashley Head
    00523-2
    RPR 124h OR 117h

    One of the most disappointing horses in the yard as he is potentially our best novice. He has bumped into some good novices though and he even ran a very good race on the Flat when a place behind the subsequent Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Verdana Blue. He is well capable and he might go novice chasing this season.

    Full Back
    4g Sinndar – Quatre Bleue
    Ashley Head
    2 (PTP)
    RPR 92ptp OR –

    He is potentially a very nice horse with a very good pedigree and should handle soft ground. When he was second in his Irish point he was beaten by Triumph Hurdle winner Our Conor’s brother, who went on to make £375,000 at the sales. They were 12 seconds faster than the Open race winner that day and both look very good horses.

    It’s Got Legs
    6g Getaway – Lady Cadia
    Galloping On The South Downs Partnership
    652511-
    RPR 126h OR 123h

    I really like him and he will be going novice chasing but won’t be running until early in December. He has won on firm but is very versatile and winter soft ground won’t be a problem to him.

    Knocknanuss
    9g Beneficial – Dato Vic
    Hail Sargent Evans
    112F55-
    RPR 158c OR 144c

    I’m looking forward to running him in some of the big races. If Frodon, who kept him out of the weights, had not gone for Sunday’s Old Roan Chase at Aintree he would have started there but he has been trained for the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham as his first target where he will be stepping up in trip from two miles. That is what he wants and needs to do this season.
    Knocknanuss is being aimed at the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham this season – Alan Crowhurst

    Larry
    6g Midnight Legend – Gaspaisie
    Galloping On The South Downs Partnership
    4F1421-
    RPR 147c OR 143c

    His target is the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on November 30 and we need to try and win a race with him first to guarantee he gets in, although last year he would have got in off his current mark of 143. The 3m2f is a step up in trip for him but it should suit.

    Mickey Buckman
    6g Gleaming – Mysaynoway
    Mr & Mrs R Sage
    5/2
    RPR 111h OR –

    His Huntingdon second at 100-1 was a surprise and I think it was a poor race but he finished it well and could be an improver with that experience.

    Needhams Gap
    5g Flemensfirth – Blue Maxi
    1 (PTP)/
    RPR 93 OR –

    Won his point in Ireland and he seems to be working well and will be ready to run in December, starting in novice hurdles. He is a big strong horse and probably wants soft ground and 2m4f.

    Neff
    4g Pastorius – Nouvelle Fortune
    Past The Post Racing
    1
    RPR 117h OR –

    There are no novice races for him after his Fontwell win – there are just maiden hurdles – and so he will go to Ascot on November 3, which is an ambitious target for what he achieved in winning but he is a good jumper and has a great set of owners who are ex-stewards.

    Not Never
    7g Notnowcato – Watchoverme
    Hall Sargent Evans
    11/01-51
    RPR 134c OR 135c

    It probably wasn’t a great race when he won his first beginners’ chase. It’s difficult to gauge what he achieved there but he continues to work very well at home.

    Quloob
    5g New Approach – Jadhwah
    Heart Of The South Racing 120
    50-5434 (Flat)
    RPR 100f OR 90f

    Stays 2m on the Flat and is ready to go jumping over a trip this season but he doesn’t want the ground too soft – he has won on the firm at Bath.

    Sussex Ranger
    5g Hat Trick – Purple
    The Tongdean Partnership
    0195-54
    OR 132c RPR 135h OR 132h

    Started over fences at Plumpton on Monday but he was not suited by the track and needs a more galloping test. He will come down in class to gain confidence. He is not the quickest over his fences at home, being careful and safe, but hopefully he will warm to it. He will step up in distance as well and he has got to have soft ground.

    Tazka
    4f Network – Tazminya
    Barry & Baroness Noakes
    24538-8
    RPR 108h OR 114h

    Nice filly who did well in her juvenile hurdling season. She will step up in distance this season and might go novice chasing later.

    The Flying Sofa
    6g Sholokhov – La Julie
    Galloping On The South Downs Partnership
    22021-2
    RPR 127c OR 121c; RPR 119h OR 121

    He had schooled nicely so it was no surprise he jumped well on his chasing debut at Kempton on Sunday. His big weight and lack of a run probably got him beaten but it is going to be difficult with his rating in the 120s. He copes with most ground conditions.

    Touchthesoul
    4g Red Rocks – Easy Hawk
    The Soul Searchers
    24
    RPR 126 OR –

    Doesn’t overdo it at home and didn’t show much in his race on the Flat last month so difficult to know how good he is, but he ran a promising race in France in May and again in his Listed race at Kempton on Sunday. I was disappointed he didn’t finish like I expected him to but hopefully that was a lack of race fitness and he will go for a novice now.

    Star quality

    Traffic Fluide
    9g Astarabad – Petale Rouge
    Galloping On The South Downs Partnership
    5011/21-
    RPR 165c OR 152c

    He has one target, the Grand National at Aintree, and his season will be built around that. He qualified for the race last season on his first run at Chepstow and then he won the Sodexo at Ascot but picked up an injury. He won’t run until after Christmas and could go for the trial at Haydock.
    Traffic Fluide (left) on his way to winning the Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot last November – Mark Cranham

    Vision Clear
    4g Soldier Hollow – Vive Madame
    Tony Head
    52U-1
    RPR 109h OR 122h

    He improved with his races over hurdles last season after being bought off the Flat, and will start in handicap hurdles after his summer break.

    Bumper horses

    The stable has introduced some nice bumper horses and two catching the eye are Zhiguli (4g Flemensfirth – Grangeclare Flight) who will have an away day at a racecourse for a gallop on the grass before his bumper debut, and Sopran Thor (4g Authorized – Sopran Slam) who is a big strapping individual showing up well in his work.

    Rival to watch
    Anything trained by Chris Gordon.

    Race in focus
    I’m yet to win the Salmon Spray Hurdle at Fontwell, which takes place next month, but I’m planning on running Vision Clear.

    Two for the tracker
    Vision Clear could be a nice handicap hurdler this season and Sopran Thor is a bumper horse I like who is ready to run next month.

    Expert view

    Gary Moore has long been established as one of the leading dual-purpose trainers in Britain, perhaps not always gaining the recognition he deserves.

    Whether it’s with top-class operators like 2014 Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Sire De Grugy or 90-rated handicappers at smaller southern tracks, Moore, who is renowned as one of the hardest workers in racing, can be relied upon to get the best out of them.

    His location in Horsham, West Sussex, means that local tracks such as Lingfield, Kempton, Sandown, Ascot, Plumpton and Fontwell are always well populated with runners from Cisswood Racing Stables and produce a rich source of winners.

    Keep an eye in particular on young hurdlers or bumper performers that Moore introduces at Ascot. The competition there is invariably intense, but he gets excellent results by sending his most promising sorts.

    It’s a shame that Kloud Gate, who was injured when sent off a hot favourite for last season’s Lanzarote Hurdle, is going to be sidelined this campaign. He remains a handicapper with rich potential off a mark of 125.

    Beat The Judge outran his odds of 33-1 at Kempton on Sunday when finishing runner-up to Silver Streak and looks set for another successful season. He can win a valuable handicap at some stage.

    Cheque En Blanc, who could enjoy a profitable time in the regional nationals, is a stayer to keep firmly on side. He won with more in hand than the official margin of two lengths suggests when upped to 3m4f at Plumpton last November and has reportedly done well for his summer break.

    It’s Got Legs, winner of two races at Plumpton in the spring, also shaped nicely when runner-up to Copperhead, a horse with a bright future, at Sandown. He’ll start this term off 123, which looks fair, and there is no reason why this six-year-old cannot win more races.

    Not Another Muddle begins off a career-high 140, but remains relatively unexposed over fences and there should be more to come.


  • #24
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    JESSIE

    Times continue to change at Commonstown as the successful Flat part of Jessica Harrington’s operation continues to thrive. But she is coming off a very good campaign over jumps in 2018-19 and the number of winners stood up well against her best totals of previous seasons.

    Not being able to get 2017 Gold Cup winner Sizing John out last season was a real disappointment, but the good news is that he is returning this year with Harrington eager to take on a new generation of staying chasers leading to another Cheltenham Gold Cup bid.

    Supasundae was a model of consistency last season and will be back for another year, while Magic Of Life’s staying-on second to Tiger Roll in the Grand National gives the trainer a real prospect of spoiling that particular party next April.

    The number of new faces is likely to be lower than in previous seasons, but there will be plenty of unexposed sorts raring to go and there is plenty to look forward to.

    Stable profile

    Yard Commonstown Stud
    Where Moone, County Kildare
    Assistant trainer/head groom Eamonn Leigh
    Assistant trainer Kate Harrington
    Travelling head groom Niall Amond
    Assistant travelling head groom Esme Cooke
    Jockeys Robert Power, Paddy Kennedy
    Claiming riders Sean O’Keeffe, Conor Orr
    Amateurs Finny Maguire, Luke McGuinness
    Office managers Ally Couchman, Amy Buckley
    Yard managers Matt Crosse, Adrian Bolger, Nigel Byrne and Martina Kerins
    Started training 1989
    Horses in yard 75
    Members of staff 50
    Website jessicaharringtonracing.com
    Twitter @Jessica_Racing
    Stable sponsor Unibet

    Winners in Ireland
    2018-19 47
    2017-18 38
    2016-17 48
    2015-16 47

    Profit/loss to €1 stake
    2018-19 -€24.39
    2017-18 -€211.75
    2016-17 -€121.84
    2015-16 +€4.94

    Prize-money 2018-19
    €1,349,463

    Barrington Court
    Five-year-old mare Mastercraftsman (sire) – Arabian Hideaway (dam)
    Owner: JP McManus
    Form figures: 22/130-3
    Racing Post Rating: 123 (hurdles)
    She’s a lovely mare and I’m hoping to target the good mares’ hurdles with her. She’s still a maiden – she was just unlucky to get a couple of niggly injuries last season. But I have great faith in her and I think she’s a very good mare. She wants a good dig in the ground and I hope she’ll start off in December.
    Barrington Court (left) will be aimed at the good mares novice hurdles this season – Patrick McCann

    Conron
    5g Mastercraftsman – Numbers Game
    John B O’Hagan
    152-381
    RPR 130h Official Rating 126h
    He has a love affair with Punchestown having won there three times. He’ll be going to Cheltenham in November for an intermediate handicap hurdle over 2m5f. He’s getting stronger all the time. We’ll see how he gets on at Cheltenham before we decide where he’ll go, but he could go to Leopardstown at Christmas where he could get some nice ground. If he runs well at Cheltenham he could end up there at the festival, maybe in the Coral Cup.
    Punchestown specialist Conron could be a Coral Cup horse – Alain Barr

    Discordantly
    5g Salutino – Collinstown Queen
    The Oddfellows Partnership
    332819-
    RPR 136h OR 130h
    He’s a lovely horse. I was delighted with him last year. He improved as the season went on and he had some very good runs, including at Cheltenham, and he’ll go novice chasing. I think that’s what he’s built to do.

    Discordantly (right) could make a mark in novice chases this season – Caroline Norris

    Emily Moon
    5f Beneficial – Wood Lily
    Mrs P Myerscough
    1P105-5
    RPR 131h OR 131h
    She’s qualified to run in the Grade 3 mares’ novice hurdle at Down Royal and that’s where she’ll go next. I can see her running in mares’ hurdles in Britain. She’s a lovely, big mare. She ran well at Gowran a few weeks ago, she needed it and she just blew up. She likes soft ground, she’ll race around 2m and hopefully she can go up to 2m4f.
    Emily Moon will be contesting good mares hurdles this season – Caroline Norris

    Envious Editor
    5g Aizavoski – Moll The Rol
    Robcour
    5/2620-
    RPR 116h
    He hurt himself when he last ran at Naas early in the year, but he’s back and he looks fantastic. He’s still a maiden over hurdles and we will campaign him in novice hurdles this season. We’ll start him off over 2m but I can see him going up to three in due course. He’s a chaser in the making.

    Envious Editor (right) will try again over hurdles this season – Alain Barr

    Dark horse

    Exit Poll
    5g Elusive Pimpernel – Carolobrian
    Mrs Bernardine Mulryan
    321-6
    RPR 106h
    I had been trying to run him all summer but the ground kept drying out, and he was far too fresh when we did manage to run him at Listowel. He’s very much a soft-ground horse. He’ll be out in early December and hopefully all roads will lead to Cheltenham with him.
    Exit Poll is thought to have enough ability to go all the way to Cheltenham – Caroline Norris

    Gold Des Bois
    5g Full Of Gold – Equatoriale
    Robcour
    0-
    RPR 91b
    He was sick after he disappointed on his only bumper start. He’s strengthened up a lot over the summer and hopefully he’ll go the novice hurdle route over 2m to 2m4f. I like him, he’s a very nice horse.
    Gold Des Bois, seen here winning his point-to-point, is expected to make his mark in novice hurdles – Healy Racing

    Got Trumped
    4g Thewayyouare – Madam President
    David Reid Scott
    134685-
    RPR 132h OR 131h
    He seems like a lot stronger horse this season. He’ll probably go down the handicap hurdle route and hopefully he’ll get some soft ground this season, which he was crying out for last season. He should be ready to run in late November or early December.
    Got Trumped should be contesting the better handicap hurdles – Caroline Norris

    Impact Factor
    7g Flemensfirth – Hello Kitty
    Robcour
    22251-2
    RPR 144c OR 143c
    He’s a novice over fences until December 1 so we’ll try to take advantage of that, possibly at Down Royal or at Naas in early November. He’s nearly ready to go and he seems to be a lot more settled this season, so in that case I would hope that he can go 2m4f. He got his act together at the end of last season and he also never really got the soft ground he needs.
    Impact Factor is thought good enough to make a real mark in chases over 2m4f – Caroline Norris

    Jelona
    4f Milan – Jeree
    G McGrath
    25
    RPR 96b
    She’s a lovely filly who had two runs in bumpers and hopefully she can win a mares’ bumper. There’s one at Naas in a couple of weeks and then a Listed one at Navan in late November which we have in mind for her. We’ll probably bring her back in the spring after that. She’s a beautiful filly.

    Jetez
    6g Getaway – Miss Squiff
    G McGrath
    42120F-
    RPR 142h OR 136h
    He hurt himself when he fell at Naas in February and he won’t be back until Christmas. He’ll stay over hurdles at 2m to 2m4f. He’ll run in good handicap hurdles and I like him a lot.
    Jetez looks likely to go the handicap hurdle route – Caroline Norris

    Jett
    8g Flemensfirth – La Noire
    G McGrath
    1-62271
    RPR 138h 154c; OR 132h 154c
    He was a revelation over 3m at Punchestown last week, when he did everything right. He’s not in the Grade 1 at Down Royal so the plan is to go to the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, and hopefully we can get some good ground there. He’s jumping much better now, he’s up to a mark of 154 and hopefully he’s good enough to justify that. He does want small fields though, and that keeps us on our toes a bit. Hopefully he’s good enough to run in a race like the Savills Chase at Christmas but he’s going in the right direction.
    Jett looks set to step up on his revelatory performance at Punchestown – Caroline Norris

    Jetz
    7g Flemensfirth – Miss Squiff
    G McGrath
    41U2-55
    RPR 146c OR 145c
    He’s in great form and is a smashing horse. He got a lot stronger over the summer and he seems to be in a good place. We’ll try him in conditions chases as a second-season novice, and we’ll probably be stepping him up to 3m. I think his jumping might be a lot better this season and he’ll go on any ground.
    Jetz will try his hand in conditions chases this season – Patrick McCann

    Jungle Junction
    4g Elusive Pimpernel – Consignia
    Mrs A Frost
    6-2
    RPR 110b
    He’s very well and had a racecourse gallop the other day. He’s more or less ready to go and it’s just a matter of finding a suitable bumper for him. He’s a very nice horse and has strengthened up a lot over the summer. He’s a very good jumper and once he wins his bumper he’ll go on over hurdles. He stays well.
    Jungle Junction looks capable of winning a bumper before going hurdling – Caroline Norris

    Madison To Monroe
    6g Presenting – Caltra Princess
    Ann & Alan Potts Limited
    08/136-
    RPR 127h OR 123h
    He’s going chasing and he wants soft ground, which he didn’t really get last season. It’s the right time to go over fences with him. He’s going to be a 3m novice chaser – all he does is gallop.
    Madison To Monroe could be an exciting staying novice chaser this season – Alain Barr

    Magic Of Light
    8m Flemensfirth – Quest Of Passion
    Ann & Alan Potts Limited
    112U72-
    RPR 162c 142h; OR 158c 113h
    She’s come back in great form and is nearly ready to go. She’ll be campaigned in mares’ hurdles and mares’ chases before going back to the Grand National. She could even end up in the mares’ hurdle at Cheltenham as a prep race. I’m really pleased with her. We nearly did it last season so we’ll hopefully be the party pooper for Tiger Roll this time around! She’s an amazing mare and stays great, softer ground at Aintree might even suit her better. She’s eight going on nine but she seems to have come back to me bigger and stronger which is amazing.
    Magic Of Light (left) will try and go one better in the Grand National in April – Alan Cowhurst

    Moonshine Bay
    6g Milan – Chantoue Royale
    Ann & Alan Potts Limited
    414P44-
    RPR 140c OR 140c
    He probably won’t be out until Christmas and he is going to be in all the good staying handicap chases. He wants some nice ground so we’ll be getting him ready for the spring. He’s probably coming into his own now.
    Moonshine Bay will be aimed at the good staying handicap chases – Patrick McCann

    Morosini
    4g Martaline – Iris Du Berlais
    JP McManus
    2-1235
    RPR 127h OR 126h

    He’s a grand horse but he just needs softer ground and to sharpen up his jumping. He’ll stay in 2m4f handicap hurdles on softer ground.
    Morosini should be capable of winning in handicap hurdle company – Caroline Norris

    Neverushacon
    8g Echo Of Light – Lily Beth
    David Reid Scott
    1096-48
    RPR 132h 146c; OR 127h 140c
    He’s probably gone as far as he can with his mark over hurdles and fences, so he’s going away to be schooled for banks and cross-country races. He’ll run in a charity race on the Flat first and he could well be ready for the cross-country at Cheltenham in December.
    Neverushacon will get a chance to show his ability in cross-country races – Caroline Norris

    Not Many Left
    6g Oscar – Lasado
    Robcour
    2/45132-F
    RPR 153h OR 148h
    He had that crashing fall at the last in the Grade 1 Stayers’ Hurdle at Punchestown. He was running a hell of a race that day and he certainly wasn’t done with because he stays so well. He’ll run in all of the top staying hurdles over 2m4f to 3m. 3m suits him down to the ground. He could be the replacement for Supasundae in the staying hurdle races.
    The improving Not Many Left will be aimed at the top staying hurdles – Caroline Norris

    Papal Pearl
    4f Doyen – Johnsons Coat
    Joseph M Doyle
    396-3
    RPR 87b
    She’s a very nice filly who finished third in the Land Rover Bumper. She’s a big mare but she’s very nice. She’ll go the bumper route and end up running over hurdles.

    Polished Steel
    5g Jeremy – Chaperoned
    J P O’Flaherty
    1540-16
    RPR 126h OR 123h
    He’s absolutely flying. The plan is to go to Down Royal for the Graded handicap hurdle over 2m and then go for similar handicap hurdles at Punchestown and Fairyhouse. I think he could be very competitive in those good 2m handicaps off his mark. He’ll go on any ground.
    Polished Steel will be going for the good 2m handicap hurdles – Caroline Norris

    Port Stanley
    5g Papal Bull – Prairie Moonlight
    Linda Mulcahy & Mary Wolridge
    P1(ptp)32-
    RPR 112b
    He obviously ran into a very good one in Envoi Allen at Fairyhouse last year in a bumper. He might start off in a bumper and then go for a maiden hurdle. I think he’s a very nice horse and funnily enough the time he had off since last year has really stood to him. On the company he kept last year he would probably be capable of winning most bumpers.
    Port Stanley (right) looks set to make up for lost time this season – Alain Barr

    Press Conference
    6g Getaway – Beautiful Tune
    Robcour
    27/71-0
    RPR 112h OR 123h
    He was another horse who never really got his ground last season. He’s come back in bigger and stronger and I would think he’ll go straight over fences. He has already won his point-to-point.
    The lightly-raced Press Conference (left) will be going chasing this season –
    Alain Barr

    Robin Des Sivola
    5m Robin Des Champs – Falcons Gift
    Linda Mulcahy & Mary Wolridge
    406-32
    RPR 109h
    She is a nice mare. She’s had a couple of good runs in bumpers but I imagine we’ll go straight on over hurdles with her.
    Robin Des Sivola could be good enough to make a mark in 2m4f novice hurdles – Patrick McCann

    Sandymount Duke
    10g Hernando – Joleah
    R Wood
    023F03-
    RPR 157c 146h; OR 151c 137h
    He keeps getting niggly little problems but I hope he’ll be back in the spring for a crack at the Grand National.
    Sandymount Duke will be prepared for a Grand National bid – Patrick McCann

    Star quality

    Sizing John
    9g Midnight Legend – La Perrotine
    Ann & Alan Potts Partnership
    1111//17/-
    RPR 173c OR 168c
    At the moment we’re very happy with him. The plan is to go for a 2m4f hurdle with him somewhere, depending on the ground, with a view to getting him ready for Christmas. The plan more or less sorts itself out after that if all goes well. I think the 3m chase division is as competitive as it has ever been but he’s only going to be ten next year. There is plenty of time for him to come back and if he’s in good form we will go for the Gold Cup. If not, there is always the Grand National, so we have options.
    2017 Gold Cup winner Sizing John will hopefully be back at full throttle – Caroline Norris

    Sizing Pottsie
    5g Kapgarde – Line Salsa
    Ann & Alan Potts Limited
    14/53-
    RPR 122b 105h
    He’ll stay novice hurdling this year. He’ll hopefully go and win his maiden hurdle and there’s a chance he’ll go over fences later on, it just depends on what he’s telling us. I think he’s a good horse.
    Sizing Pottsie is expected to fulfill his undoubted potential this season – Caroline Norris

    Star quality

    Supasundae
    9g Galileo – Distinctive Look
    Ann & Alan Potts Limited
    22271-2
    RPR 165h OR 160h
    He won’t be out until Christmas and he’ll follow a similar route to last season. His only bad run last year was at Cheltenham. He came back and won well at Aintree and was second at Punchestown. 2m4f is his trip depending on the ground and the Aintree Hurdle is likely to be his main target again.
    The marvellously consistent Supasundae will tread a familiar path this season – Caroline Norris

    Walk To Freedom
    9g Arcadio – Carryonharriet
    Whole Of The Moone Syndicate
    142P3-U
    RPR 150h 142c; OR 142h 136c
    He’s in great form after a wind operation. He’ll go handicap chasing as he’s better handicapped over fences. He’ll go for some of the big handicap chases over 3m because he loves big fields.
    Walk To Freedom is likely to be aimed at the better 3m handicap chases – Caroline Norris

    Whisperinthebreeze
    6g Kayf Tara – Silver Spinner
    Ann & Alan Potts Limited
    5221F9-
    RPR 147c OR 139c
    He ran some blinding races last season and is another who’ll go for the big 3m chases, maybe beginning with the Troytown at Navan next month. He did very well over the summer but he does want some nice ground.
    Whisperinthebreeze will be aimed at the big 3m handicap chases this season – Caroline Norris

    Some nice youngsters include Exultation (5g Secret Singer – Nanny) and the Robcour-owned point-to-point winner January Jets (5g Presenting – Poetics Girl). They will be ready for a bumper when the ground is soft enough. Mr Hendricks (5g Milan – Coming Home) is owned by David Reid Scott and will be going for a maiden hurdle. I also have a lovely three-year-old filly called Gin On Lime (3f Dr Dino – Quiche Lorraine) who we got from France and should be ready to run by Christmas. Annie Kate (4f Califet – Spartan Girl) is a half-sister to My Tent Or Yours and is a nice, racy four-year-old filly who will start off in a bumper shortly. Crosshill (4g Sholokhov – Rathvawn Belle) is a lovely horse. He hasn’t run but looks smart and could be a very nice hurdler. We’ll start him off in a bumper and go from there.

    Sum up last season in one word
    Rebuilding

    Rival to watch
    Tiger Roll. We shall hopefully be crossing his path in the Grand National again.

    Race in focus
    The Cheltenham Gold Cup with Sizing John, that’s what I’m particularly targeting.

    Two for the tracker
    If Impact Factor gets soft ground he’ll be a very nice horse for 2m4f chases, while January Jets has won his point-to-point and he could be one to follow in bumpers and novice hurdles.

    Expert view

    Ten days after Albigna won the Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc day at Longchamp, Jessica Harrington sent out Jett to cause a 22-1 shock in the Grade 3 Irish Daily Star Chase over 3m1f at Punchestown. Nothing sums up the trainer’s versatility better than that.

    Harrington may have more quality on the Flat nowadays but she could still have a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender in 2017 hero Sizing John, and Supasundae is a three-time Grade 1 winner. The problem is that both turn ten in January, so adding to their list of top-level victories could prove an arduous task.

    Jett’s success was another reminder of Harrington’s love affair with Punchestown. She has sent out 132 winners at the track in her training career, 61 more than anywhere else. Indeed, she is already showing a healthy €23.00 level-stakes profit from her eight runners at Punchestown this season.

    There must be a big handicap chase in Whisperinthebreeze. The enthusiastic gelding hit a low of 2.2 in the Irish Grand National last April before fading into ninth, beaten 62 lengths.

    Those positive tactics worked a treat when he won the Leopardstown Chase over 2m5f in February, and when he grows up properly and learns to channel his energy better he could make a mockery of his mark in a big 3m handicap chase. The Paddy Power will surely be on Harrington’s radar with him.

    Emily Moon could be well-handicapped too, especially on deep, winter ground. She looked in need of the blowout on her return to action at Gowran and there are some valuable mares’ handicap hurdles that will be right up her street. Don’t be surprised to see her turn up at Kempton for some graded mares hurdles this season.

    Jetez won’t return for another few weeks, but his form is starting to catch the eye. He chased home Felix Desjy in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Punchestown in February and had smart sorts like Buildmeupbuttercup and Jan Maat a long way behind. He could come be develop into a County Hurdle contender.


  • #25
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Harry Fry

    Fry ready to hit the ground running in quest for more big-race success

    Harry Fry’s team are getting busier now that the ground has eased and this is traditionally a good time of year for the stable.

    Following Fry’s runners blind in November has yielded a profit in each of the last four seasons, and runners in bumpers and novice hurdles do particularly well, since Fry sends his newcomers to the races fit and he is happy to win first time out, whereas others might have the longer term and handicap marks in mind.

    Last season’s 47 winners fell a little below the usual level, but Grade 1 wins from If The Cap Fits and Unowhatimeanharry in April more than made up for it.

    Fry has given notice at the Seaborough stables he has known since he was 13 and which he later operated as a satellite yard for Paul Nicholls, sending out Rock On Ruby to win the Champion Hurdle, before taking out a licence in 2012.

    He hopes to go out on a high and stresses that his departure at the end of the season to his family’s farm at Halstock is unrelated to the death in the summer of his mentor and former landlord Richard Barber, whose support, he acknowledges, is hard to overestimate. It is simply the right time for him to make the move.

    Sean Bowen is stable jockey now, but Noel Fehily continues to play an important role, preparing many of the stable’s youngsters before they go into training, riding out twice a week, and adding valuable input to the placing and riding of the team.
    Stable profile

    Yard Manor Farm
    Where Seaborough, Dorset
    Assistant trainers Ciara Fry and Michael Legg
    Head lad Rawal Singh
    Assistant head lad Tom Ryall
    Secretary Rachel Brown
    Jockeys Sean Bowen, Kieron Edgar, Jonathan Burke
    Amateur jockeys Michael Legg, Martin McIntyre, Josh Newman
    Started training October 2012
    Horses in yard 75
    Members of staff 25
    Website www.harryfryracing.com
    Twitter @HarryFryRacing1
    Stable sponsor Citibet

    Winners in Britain
    2018-19 47
    2017-18 53
    2016-17 67
    2015-16 54

    Profit/loss to £1 stake
    2018-19 -£44.54
    2017-18 -£40.74
    2016-17 +£1.52
    2015-16 -£15.36

    Prize-money 2018-19
    £823,437

    Acting Lass
    Eight-year-old gelding King’s Theatre (sire) – Darrens Lass (dam)
    Owner: Nigel & Barbara Collison
    Form figures: 4/1119/P
    Racing Post Rating: 154 (chase); Official Rating 143c

    His three wins have all been on right-handed tracks but that’s coincidence rather than design. We are toying with the Badger Ales at Wincanton (Nov 9) for his comeback, but he has to bounce back after just one run last season. He needs 3m now and soft ground is key.

    Air Horse One
    8g Mountain High – Whisky Rose
    The Dons
    7026P-0
    RPR 149 (hurdles) OR 131h

    He’s finally lower than when he last won nearly two and a half years ago. He didn’t stay 3m at Punchestown so we’ll drop him back and there’s a 2m4f handicap hurdle at Plumpton (Nov 4) that might suit. It would be great to get his head back in front.

    Art Of Payroll
    10g Shirocco – Anna Maria
    Bishopsgate Syndicate
    P/11P2/P
    RPR 153c OR 140c

    He had an injury, and then his palate caught him out when he reappeared in August, so it’s been cauterised. He’s going for a Listed handicap at Wetherby (Nov 3) and then there’s a veterans’ race at Leicester (Dec 1) which is made for him. Decent ground and 2m4f is ideal, and he still has plenty of ability.

    Bags Groove
    8g Oscar – Golden Moment
    Michael Pescod
    111514-
    RPR 157c OR 151c

    He had a great first season over fences, when his two disappointments were in Grade 1s where I was probably to blame – he should have gone straight to the Kauto Star without that run two weeks before, and when he went to Aintree he didn’t travel up there well. His best form is on a flat track and he could start back over hurdles at Aintree (Nov 9) in a class 2 where he has no penalties. It’s then a month to the Peterborough at Huntingdon, where he won last year, then there’s a race at Kempton in January which has been upgraded to class 2 and the Grade 1 over 2m5f at Ascot if all went well. He gets 3m on a flat track, but over 2m4f you can ride him really aggressively and make the most of his jumping.
    Bags Groove could return to action at Aintree in November – Edward Whitaker

    Captain Drake
    6g Getaway – Julika
    Gary Stevens and Brian and Sandy Lambert
    5112-07
    RPR 129h OR 127h; RPR 97c OR 127c

    He’s got form on good ground, but he loves it soft. He jumps for fun and what he did over hurdles was a bonus. He’s always run in a hood, but he went to sleep in it at Uttoxeter the other day so he’ll be out again soon without it. The further he goes the better he’ll be, and he could be a Midlands National type next spring.

    Dalila Du Seuil
    6m Bachir – Misery
    JP McManus
    0114/1F-
    RPR 137c OR 149c

    A lovely mare who will be contesting the Listed mares chases. There’s one at Carlisle (Dec 1), then a valuable one at Doncaster later that month and another at Huntingdon in January. Soft ground and 2m4f is ideal for her.

    Get In The Queue
    5g Mount Nelson – Amarullah
    Paul & Clare Rooney
    111-
    RPR 137b

    On Racing Post Ratings he was the highest rated English bumper horse last season, but he picked up an injury when he won at Newbury in March and that’s going to rule him out until the second half of the season, when we hope to get him going over hurdles. He’s with Jason Maguire and we have to be patient.
    Dark horse

    Green Dolphin
    5g Oscar – Shamrock Miss
    Michael Pescod
    315-
    RPR 122b

    A lovely horse who will be stepping up in trip in due course but will probably start off at 2m. He’ll start low key but could make up into a nice novice on soft ground.

    Hell’s Kitchen
    8g Robin Des Champs – Mille Et Une
    JP McManus
    P/7144-5
    RPR 164c OR 158c

    A bit of an enigma and not easy to predict. He’s huge, and inclined to be over-exuberant, so the way he runs his race is well suited to 2m or 2m2f, but if he gave himself a bit of a chance he’d stay 2m4f at least. We were looking at the Haldon Gold Cup, but he’s eligible for a £50,000 graduation chase at Carlisle (Nov 11) and that makes more sense as he’s not quite Grade 1 but will always have plenty of weight in a handicap. Soft ground suits.
    Star quality

    If The Cap Fits
    7g Milan – Derravaragh Sayra
    Paul & Clare Rooney
    1/21321-
    RPR 164h OR 160h

    He relished the step up to 3m½f at Aintree, where he was almost on the floor at the last and was then very brave to go between two top-class mares to score. On the back of that we are planning to stay over hurdles, and it’s great to have another top-class staying hurdler after the fun we’ve had with Unowhatimeanharry. We are hoping to start over 2m4f at Ascot in the Coral Hurdle (Nov 23) and then go back there for the Long Walk Hurdle a month later, which is also the target for Paisley Park. He’s rated 9lb behind him, but he’s only had the one run at the trip and someone has to serve it up. He’s only seven and if he’s progressed again it gives him a chance, but it’s going to be very tough. He likes better ground, and he’s not short of speed. He’ll keep the cheekpieces he wore at Aintree.
    If The Cap Fits (middle) defeated Roksana and Apple’s Jade to win the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree last April – Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

    Ishkhara Lady
    5m Scorpion – Loxhill Lady
    The Horse Flys Partnership
    1-
    RPR 117b

    A lovely mare who was shin sore after her success at Plumpton but is absolutely fine now. We are hoping to start her off at Cheltenham in November in the Listed mares bumper.

    Jolly’s Cracked It
    10g Astarabad – Jolly Harbour
    Gdm Partnership
    1/0/105P-
    RPR 148h OR 140h

    An Ascot specialist who has had his problems but is still very effective on slow ground when he’s fresh. He’ll reappear at Ascot in a Listed handicap hurdle (Nov 2) or in the open handicap he won there last season (Nov 22). He’s only 2lb higher than when winning last season, so that gives him a chance.

    Just A Sting
    7g Scorpion – Shanann Lady
    Nigel & Barbara Collison
    8/1120P-
    RPR 141c OR 134c

    We had high hopes for him in the spring and it didn’t really work out, but he should make a decent second season chaser and could reappear wearing headgear at Cheltenham on Saturday in a valuable 3m handicap. He’s best caught fresh and prefers better ground. The key to him is the owners being out of the country, as he only wins when they are away, but unfortunately there’s not a racecard symbol to alert you!

    King Roland
    5g Stowaway – Kiltiernan Robin
    Masterson Holdings Limited
    1/11-
    RPR131b

    After what he did in bumpers we have high hopes of him over hurdles. He’ll probably start over 2m and work away from there, but another half mile isn’t going to be a problem when he learns to settle – he was just a bit keen when he won at Ffos Las. A winning point-to-pointer for Tom Lacey, he’s a natural jumper and he might start at Exeter on Haldon Gold Cup day (Nov 5). He’s smart.

    Misty Whisky
    5m Stowaway – Whisky Rose
    Distillery Stud
    2117-2
    RPR 117b RPR 111h

    We’ve got probably our strongest ever group of bumper horses going hurdling, and this one won the Listed bumper at Sandown, after which Aintree was just one run too many. She was just a bit novicey at Market Rasen on her hurdling debut, and with the run behind her she should take a bit of beating next time.

    Momella
    7m Sholokhov – Missing Link
    Holt, Clark, Macnabb, Nugent & Robinson
    13/FP9-P
    RPR 140h OR 138h

    I’ve never known one lose her confidence in the way she did last season in the Long Distance Hurdle, where I think she would have given Unowhatimeanharry a run for his money. She’d been great at home since she came back, showing plenty of enthusiasm, but she waved the white flag when the tapes went up at Ffos Las at the weekend and so we have to find the key.

    Over To Sam
    8g Black Sam Bellamy – Lady Brig
    The Jago Family Partnership
    1/13/3
    RPR 130h OR 134h; RPR 125c OR 134c

    He’s a lightly-raced horse who impressed with his jumping on his debut over fences after a lay-off and will probably mix between novice and open handicaps. He’s a proper 3m+ staying chaser and will enjoy soft ground. He can make up for lost time.

    Samarquand
    5g Malinas – Samandara
    Charlie Walker & Phil Fry – Osborne House
    1/13P-3
    RPR 131h OR 135h; OR 135c

    He has plenty of ability and it’s just a question of channelling it in the right direction. He should have won at Exeter last season, and then running at Newbury was a mistake. He’s from a good chasing family and he was third at Plumpton on Monday on his first run over fences. We’ll take the hood off next time, and we’ll step him up in distance.

    Unowhatimeanharry
    11g Sir Harry Lewis – Red Nose Lady
    JP McManus
    31F80-1
    RPR 166h OR 155h

    He’s almost 12 but is back for more after winning his fourth Grade 1 at Punchestown just when we were starting to think the light was fading. It won’t get any easier for him so we’ll place him carefully and not go for all of the obvious races. We’ll start this time in the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby (Nov 2) and then carry on as long as he’s still enjoying it and remains competitive. The Long Distance is a possibility, then after Christmas maybe the Rendlesham instead of the Cleeve.
    Harry Fry’s team celebrate Unowhatimeanharry’s Champion Stayers Hurdle victory at Punchestown in May – Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

    Whitehotchillifili
    5m Milan – Mhuire Na Gale
    Chasing Gold Racing Club
    1249-3
    RPR 118b RPR 113h

    A bumper winner who was just a bit fresh and novicey at Ffos Las on her hurdles debut and will be all the better for the experience. She would be pretty versatile trip-wise, but soft ground is key to her. She ought to be hard to beat next time.

    Winningseverything
    5g Flemensfirth – Baliya
    Paul & Clare Rooney
    134-
    RPR 116b

    He was quite green last season but won a bumper and will relish stepping up in trip over hurdles. He could start over 2m4½f in a maiden at Southwell on Thursday.
    Bumper horses

    We pride ourselves on our record in bumpers and a lot of our good horses have come via that route. A lot of hard work goes into it, and I think we’ve got another nice team. The clue is in the name with Fehily (4g Asian Heights – Leahs Joy), who is a lovely young horse. Millbank Flyer (4g Milan – The Last Bank), Mille Sussurri (4g Milan – Silent Whisper) and Sound Wall (4g Milan – Wall Of Silence) are three more well-related ones by the same sire, while White Hart Lady (5m Doyen – Hats And Heels) is a mare who is ready to go soon. Pure Bliss (4f Mount Nelson – Burton Ash) has already won an Irish point-to-point and will start in a mares’ bumper. We also have two for Trevor Hemmings for the first time.

    Rival to watch
    Paisley Park for obvious reasons. He has an official rating 9lb higher than If The Cap Fits, so we have to narrow that gap.

    Race in focus
    We’ve won the Goffs UK Spring Sale Bumper at Newbury the last three years, and we’d like to win it again. Fehily is among our eight entries.

    Two for the tracker
    Green Dolphin should pay his way in novice hurdles on soft ground from 2m to 2m4f, and Misty Whisky should do well in mares’ novice hurdles.
    Expert View

    How do you replace the experience and unflappability of Noel Fehily? Simply appoint the best unattached jumps rider in Britain.

    Snapping up Sean Bowen is a fine demonstration of the straightforward precision that characterises Harry Fry’s training style. Bowen can play all the shots, but his greatest strength is his physicality and hooking him up with well-bred, often well-forward types this winter could make for a highly punter-friendly combination.

    Fry’s style draws plenty from his mentor Paul Nicholls, perhaps primarily in the way he runs horses only when they are ready and as often or rarely as that allows. Punters should not have much hesitation about backing a Fry-trained runner first time up and that means we should be especially watchful of those, like the somewhat quirky Just A Sting, whom his trainer believes are best caught fresh.

    Hell’s Kitchen is an especially good example. If anything Fry’s comments perhaps undersell his talent – if things had gone more smoothly he might have won a Grade 1, and his size could hint at any underlying issues. It would be great to see him in the Haldon Gold Cup first time up. The intermediate trip and getting that little bit of weight from Grade 1 types, who may have bigger days planned, could be just the right balance for an evidently difficult type.

    It is telling of the depth in Fry’s novice hurdlers that having to put the supremely talented Get In The Queue on the easy list for a few months is an inconvenience rather than a tragedy. King Roland is an obvious type and Misty Whisky has the talent to have plenty of joy among her own sex, but don’t neglect the younger chasers.

    Samarquand in particular takes the eye. He reportedly burst blood vessels when last seen at Newbury but before that had started extremely brightly, even his third at Exeter behind Getaway Trump has worked out favourably. He’s bred to thrive over fences (Bowen won last year’s Grand Sefton on his half-brother, Warriors Tale) and offered plenty to work on at Plumpton earlier this week.

    This lot should help you thru Christmas Day.


  • #26
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    oh heres another

    With the anticipation building for the start of the new season I'm putting together a 3 part series of horses who I think are worth placing on your radar.

    Here I've started off with a list of Ex Pointers with a few horses sold in training and some who ran last season too. I'm sure a good deal of you will be aware of a lot of these horses but hopefully I can add a few names for you.

    Please note there will be some omissions from this least purely by way of me trying to bring it down to a more digestible level. As always, any horses on my radar will be shared on the Facebook page in my weekly ONES TO WATCH feature

    *Sales prices and current trainer/owner are as best as I can do but should be spot on in the main


    ADRIMEL

    Tom Lacey

    £280k

    “Appears a dour stayer in the making and a patient approach is likely”


    ARD ABHAINN

    Gordon Elliott

    £80k

    “Nice looking mare who should do well in her own division”


    ASSERTED

    Noel Meade

    €90k

    “One to keep an eye on for rules debut”


    BLOODSTONE

    Gordon Elliott

    €120k

    “His mother won the County Hurdle and he himself is a half-brother to FOLSOM BLUE & PRINCE OF SCARS. Might be one for fences”


    BOLD ASSASSIN

    Henry De Bromhead

    £150k

    “Likely middle-distance horse”


    BOLD CONDUCT

    Colin Tizzard

    £150k

    “Might have needed to take some time out and potentially nice type”


    BRAVEMANSGAME

    Paul Nicholls

    £370k

    “Doesn’t look short of speed so could be competitive as a Novice hurdler but big horse who looks every inch a chaser”


    CALTHOR

    Ellen Holden

    €42k

    “Fell on point debut but won with ease after taking the same race won by FAUGHEEN”


    CILL ANNA

    Paul Nichols

    £115k

    “Looks capable of being one of the better mares on the scene up to the middle trip”


    CHANTRY HOUSE

    Nicky Henderson

    £295k

    “Middle distance hurdler I suspect but looks class so Ballymore a genuine option”


    DEPLOY THE GETAWAY

    Willie Mullins

    £200k

    “Strong travelling horse who will be suited to give underfoot around the middle to staying trips”


    DIRECT FIRE

    Noel Meade

    €65k

    “MR MOLE’S half brother who looks a stayer and likely wants slower ground”


    DOMITIAN

    Gordon Elliott

    €36k

    “Type to do well against her own sex and handles quicker ground”


    FADO DES BROSSES

    Evan Williams

    £200k

    “Need to see more of him racing really but there is something about him, as the price tag would suggest”


    FAROUK D’ALENE

    Gordon Elliott

    £200k

    “Fair time clocked in his point, striking looking horse and should win at both 2m and the middle trip”


    FERNY HOLLOW

    Willie Mullins

    £300k

    “Impressive point winner with substance in his pedigree. Could be a top bumper horse and in general he looks a very good horse”


    FRENCH DYNAMITE

    Mouse Morris

    £165k

    “Time will tell with this horse but enough to like from him point if he was as unfurnished as he appeared”


    FRONTAL ASSAULT

    Gordon Elliott

    €50k

    “Doesn’t appear to have been extensively pushed in point so one to watch once he starts racing under rules”


    GENERATION TEXT

    Dan Skelton

    £95k (unsold private sale)

    “Second in the race ANDY DUFRESNE won last year and probably will do better back in trip”


    GETAWAY PAT

    Henry De Bromhead

    Unknown

    “Philip Reynolds runs him with HDB and looks a nice staying hurdler”


    GIANTS TABLE

    Gordon Elliott

    £160k

    “Might just be a mud lark but potentially one to watch in staying races going forward”


    GOLD DES BOIS

    Jessie Harrington

    £100k

    “Should make a nice middle-distance chaser in time”


    GRANDADS COTTAGE

    Olly Murphy

    £200k

    “Price might look steep in time, but he looks a fair horse and versatile in terms of trip”


    GRANGECLARE NATIVE

    Gordon Elliott

    £125k

    “Won easy in his point and looks above average for middle to staying trips”


    HELLS CANYON

    Noel Meade/Gordon Elliott

    €85k

    “Good time on a tough track and looks to have plenty of speed so expected to do will between 2m and 2m4f”


    IT SURE IS

    Nicky Henderson

    £150k

    “Looks a decent stayer in the maker”


    JEREMY PASS

    Paul Nichols

    £100k

    “Like most Nichols recruits he’ll be one for fences but should be competitive over hurdles too”


    L’AIR DU VENT

    Colin Tizzard

    Unknown

    “Private sale to Brocade racing and looks a nice type for middle-distance obstacles”


    LARGY FIX (pictured)

    Mouse Morris

    £170k

    “Good looking point performer who would want 2m4+”


    LETS GO CHAMP

    TBC

    £375k

    “Won well enough in his point with further improvement likely”


    LINELEE KING

    Olly Murphy

    £200k

    “Won his point very well and an exciting horse for the seasons ahead”


    LONGHOUSE POET

    Martin Brassil

    Unknown

    “Reportedly well thought of by Derek O’Connor then privately sold to race sponsors of the Ballymore who took the race last year with CITY ISLAND. Same aim with this chap I suspect”


    MISTER COFFEY

    Tom Lacey

    £340k

    “Looked a proper sort when landing his bumper”


    MY WHIRLWIND

    Nicky Henderson

    £400k

    “Most expensive ex pointing mare in history so clearly exciting”


    POWER OF PAUSE

    Willie Mullins

    £180k

    “Looks a nice type for bumpers”


    ROYAL CROWN

    Colin Tizzard

    £110k

    “Typical Tizzard type and should be a solid horse up to the middle distance”


    SHISHKIN

    Nicky Henderson

    £170k

    “Much better after a break and looks a nice horse but temperament is a question mark for now”


    SOMPTUEUX

    Henry De Bromhead

    £70k

    “Potentially wants shorter trips so an interesting runner to follow for a couple of seasons”


    SPORTING JOHN

    TBC

    £160k

    “Took the same race as ANDY DUFRESNE the year prior and JP has snapped him up”


    SWITCH HITTER

    £120K

    Paul Nichols

    “Son of Scorpion and looks a typical Nichols Chaser in the making”


    THE BIG BREAKAWAY

    Colin Tizzard

    €360k

    “Well bred and a decent point winner of a race won by CHAMPAGNE FEVER, NEXT DESTINATION & BREWINUPASTORM. He’ll be a grand staying chaser in time and preferably tries middle to longer trips as a novice hurdler”


    WHO’S THE BOSS

    Stuart Edmunds

    £60k

    “I’m reliably informed she’s above average for her sex and one to keep an eye on”


    WALK AWAY

    Henry De Bromhead

    £130k

    “Didn’t get much of season this term but future over fences could be one of a high level”


    WIDE RECEIVER

    Gordon Elliott

    £410k

    “One for the future but classy enough to display promise at any point”


    YOUNG BUCK

    Paul Nichols

    £150k

    “Be interesting to see where this lad heads but might want slow ground”


  • #27
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Trainer Evan Williams has another gift for Racing Post members after already pointing you towards this month's 14-1 Sandown Grade 1 winner Esprit Du Large.

    Williams was among 19 trainers to give members two horses to put into their Racing Post tracker as part of this season's jumps stable tour series, giving us the list of 38 horses to follow outlined below.

    Gordon Elliott: Bioverdia, Ravenhill
    Dan Skelton: Ardlethen, Flash The Steel
    Harry Fry: Green Dolphin, Misty Whisky
    Gary Moore: Sopran Thor, Vision Clear
    Jessica Harrington: Impact Factor, January Jets
    Colin Tizzard: Investment Manager, White Moon
    Joseph O'Brien: Darasso, Us And Them
    Evan Williams: Esprit Du Large, Prime Venture
    Nicky Henderson: Chantry House, Shishkin
    Philip Hobbs: Pileon, Truckers Pass
    Olly Murphy: Linelee King, The Wolf
    Paul Nicholls: Enrilo, Getaway Trump
    Noel Meade: Diol Ker, Valdieu
    Donald McCain: Chuvelo, The Some Dance Kid
    Willie Mullins: Lamarckise, Fly Smart
    Alan King: Lisp, Sheshoon Sonny
    Jonjo O'Neill: Arrivederci, On The Bandwagon
    Peter Bowen: Drift Rock, Equus Dancer
    David Pipe: Eden Du Houx, Know The Score

    Click here to access your Racing Post tracker

    Esprit Du Large was one of those picked out by the Welshman and, having won at Exeter two weeks after our stable tour, he duly stepped up to the top level in style with his victory in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase.

    All of which heightens interest in the second of Williams' two picks, Prime Venture, who is set to run at Chepstow on Friday.

    Prime Venture has two declarations on the card, with entries in the 3m handicap chase as well as the Welsh Grand National, but the latter contest was mentioned in the stable tour by Williams, who said the eight-year-old would improve for his comeback fourth at the track at the end of October.

    Valdieu could be another name to note over the festive period.

    Noel Meade was really looking forward to running his son of Diamond Boy over fences and his two runs in beginners' chases have seen him make good progress. It could well be third-time lucky at Leopardstown on Friday.


  • #28
    del roy
    Registered Users Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭del roy


    Warren Greatrex


    This stable tour was originally printed in the Racing Post Weekender on Wednesday, January 22. Buy the Weekender every Wednesday for stable tours from the biggest names right up to Cheltenham.

    The old football adage a game of two halves is how Warren Greatrex hopes to sum up this season for his Lambourn stable. The string didn’t get off to their usual brisk start but are making up for lost time and the trainer believes there is every reason to be optimistic about the second half of this campaign.

    “It was frustrating to start so slowly, but the soft ground has not helped my string. They have been healthy but had just taken their time coming to hand and I will not overrace my horses.

    “However, I believe we could have a very good run through to the end of the season as the horses are all hitting form and we have some seriously nice horses to go to war with.

    “La Bague Au Roi has only just got her mojo back and will be a big player for us, as will Keeper Hill. One we all love but has had his issues is Portrush Ted. He came back from a long injury break and looked better than ever. There are so many lovely horses to look forward to including Emitom, who will be a different horse next time you see him, and I have a lot of faith in Encore Champs. We also have plenty of promising youngsters coming to hand.”

    Greatrex also has his eyes on the Grand National with Missed Approach, who hasn’t run in more than 13 months but is ready to return in time for the big one in the spring.

    “Of course I wish we had more winners, but with this strong team to go to war with in the spring I think we’ll have a memorable second half of the season.”

    Audacity
    4 ch g Pivotal – Carlanda
    He was sent to me to try and win a bumper and then sell on. He was a bit green on his first two starts but showed ability and on the back of those I took him to the Cheltenham sales. We had no takers so I sold him to existing owners and we gave him his first run in the new colours at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day in the Listed bumper. Obviously I knew he was a nice horse but I was pleasantly surprised he won, as I would have been happy had he finished in the first five – Gavin [Sheehan] insists he had more in the locker if he had needed it. He’s a progressive horse and heads to Newbury on February 8 where he will get a good weight allowance for being only four. He will be a dual-purpose horse and could go on the Flat. I like his attitude to his work.

    Bob Mahler
    8 b g Mahler – Cooladurragh
    He did well last year, winning back-to-back handicap chases at Newbury and Cheltenham, rising 12lb as a result. This season we started back at Cheltenham in October on atrocious ground but he has since run two good races at Haydock and Doncaster, finishing third and second. The plan is to take the Missed Approach route and go to Musselburgh for the Edinburgh National on February 2 with a view to the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. He’s a dour stayer and will be better on slightly better ground, hence his impending trip to Scotland.

    Calvario
    5 gr g Falco – Ashkiyra
    I like the way he’s progressing. He made his debut at Ascot where he was a little green and finished midfield, but you could see at home how much it had brought him on. We gave him his second run last week at Newbury in one of the hottest bumpers of the season so far and he ran a much better race. In fact, he led from the start until the final quarter-mile before finishing fourth of 13 to the impressive Your Darling. My horse is the type to continue improving with experience and should not be far away next time.

    Earl Of Harrow
    4 b g Sixties Icon – The Screamer
    He’s a very interesting newcomer to the yard, having spent two seasons on the Flat with Mick Channon – last season he won three of his last four races, all over middle distances. He was due to run at Kempton at the start of this month but he didn’t scope well so we decided to give him another fortnight. He loves jumping and as long as the ground is not soft he’ll be okay. I could see him stepping up each time he runs. He’s not the sort for one season as he has the size and scope for a bright future.

    Elleon
    5 b g Martaline – Allette
    He ran okay in his only bumper last season but picked up an injury and was out for 189 days before making a winning return at Uttoxeter on heavy ground in November. His owner was then keen to go to Hereford with him just before Christmas but the ground was even worse that day and he couldn’t pick his feet out of it. He’ll be better on spring ground.

    Emitom
    6 b g Gold Well – Avenging Angel
    He was obviously very good last year with his only defeat being a three-length second to Champ at Aintree, which was certainly no disgrace. We were going well in our build-up to his seasonal return when he sustained an injury that set him back a bit. In hindsight it was asking the impossible to expect him to win the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on his return because we only had eight weeks to get him ready. He’s entered in the Cleeve Hurdle on Saturday but I’m not convinced it’s the right place to go. If I decide against that there’s the Rendlesham at Haydock (February 15) and if we didn’t take in either of those we would completely scrap plans for the Cheltenham Festival and look at the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell over 2m4f. After that it would be Aintree again.

    Emitom (right): has multiple options
    Emitom (right): has multiple options
    Edward Whitaker

    Encore Champs
    6 b g Robin Des Champs – Dani California
    He had wind surgery over the summer and seems happier for it. I like him a lot but he has been beset by niggly issues, especially sore feet, so training has not been easy. He was second first time out at Fakenham to a nice horse of Dan Skelton’s, Nube Negra, and last time out, stepped up to 2m5f at Fakenham, he won as he liked. We could go to Cheltenham this weekend for a novice handicap chase or if not find something similar the week after.

    Full Spes
    4 bl g Al Nami – Full Passion
    He’s a gorgeous horse who made his debut at Hereford in December where he finished fourth. The ground was very bad that day and he was too weak to handle it. He has come out of the experience well and we’re hoping to go to Huntingdon on Friday or wait until next week for Taunton in another similar bumper. He’ll be much better next year and we like him. We made too much use of him at the wrong time on his debut and I would be very surprised if he didn’t step up markedly on that effort next time.

    Jammin Masters
    9 b g Sinndar – Zara Million
    He’s a horse I have always liked and he was unlucky not to add to his two career wins last season, finishing second on four straight occasions. He had his first run back at Lingfield earlier this month after a near 300-day absence and needed the run. He had been off with a knee issue, which we operated on last summer, and I was very mindful of how hard to push him after that. He’ll step up a huge amount next time as they have dropped him 3lb to 132 and he has come out of it very well. He stays 3m and handles soft ground and most importantly the knee is good after that run. Now we can move forward with some confidence.

    Keeper Hill
    9 b g Westerner – You Take Care
    He has been a great horse for the yard with eight wins from 23 starts, along with four seconds. I’ve always thought he was probably not quite top class but he’s high in the weights, leaving him between a rock and a hard place. He won well at Haydock first time out in November and ran the race of his life earlier this month when runner-up to Frodon in the Silviniaco Conti Chase at Kempton. He split a 168 and 161 horse (Top Notch) on that occasion and the handicapper has decided to leave him on his mark of 153, which I’m certainly not complaining about. We could possibly send him to Musselburgh next for the Pertemps qualifier over hurdles where the ground might not be too soft. We might give the Cheltenham Festival a miss and head to Aintree for a crack at the Bowl over 3m. He’s owned by the sponsors of the Ultima Chase at the festival and I’m sure there will be discussions about him running in that, but he prefers smaller fields and I don’t think he would enjoy himself.

    La Bague Au Roi
    9 b m Doctor Dino – Alliance Royale
    She has been a superstar for her owners and the yard with 14 wins from 23 starts, including Grade 1 races either side of the Irish Sea. I think last season took more out of her than we appreciated at the time. She has improved with each of her three runs this campaign and I was very happy with her recent run when third to Lady Buttons. She has come out of it better than ever and I feel for the first time this term she has got her mojo back. She could head to Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup. She won the Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase there 12 months ago and they say that if you handle the track there then it’s always worth keeping on going back. If the ground were against her there then it would be the Denman Chase early next month at Newbury. She stays well and as she has got older I am convinced 3m is her trip. I expect to see the old La Bague Au Roi back when you see her again.

    La Bague Au Roi (near): could head back to Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup
    La Bague Au Roi (near): could head back to Leopardstown for the Irish Gold Cup
    Martin Lynch

    Mahlervous
    7 b g Mahler – Brook Style
    She’s owned by the Marvellous Partnership and I know they’re keen for him to go to the Scottish National meeting at Ayr in April where there is a valuable novice handicap chase. He’s entered this weekend at Ayr and next week at Leicester and I’m keen to take in one because to qualify for the big pot he has to have had two runs in novice chases. His first effort over fences was at Musselburgh earlier this month when a half-length second of three over 2m6f. He needs to brush up his jumping but I like him a lot. Keep this horse on your side as he’s progressing well.

    Martha Brae
    5 b m Shirocco – Harringay
    She won on her second outing this term in a Fontwell novice hurdle over 2m3f and we upped her in class last week at Newbury where she ran a cracker to be beaten a neck by the progressive Bond’s Lover. That was a fine effort and we’ll see what the handicapper does before making plans, but she’s a gutsy mare who is progressing.

    Missed Approach
    10 b g Golan – Polly’s Dream
    He’s a very good staying chaser but hasn’t been out for almost 14 months. He’s quite hard to get fit but he’s back and the Grand National is the aim. I hope to go for a veterans’ chase at Exeter on February 9. He’s on a mark of 145, which I would hope will be enough to get in at Aintree. He has done us proud in the past, notably winning the Kim Muir, and I believe he has all of his old enthusiasm back at home. Fingers crossed we can keep him sound as his owner is a big supporter of ours and is very keen to see him in the National. He’s ten now and you could argue he’s in his prime. It’s possible we may have another run after Exeter, but let’s get through that first.

    Missed Approach: "in his prime," says Greatrex
    Missed Approach: "in his prime," says Greatrex
    Edward Whitaker

    Mulcahys Hill
    8 b g Brian Boru – Belsalsa
    A talented horse who won first time out this season in a Cheltenham novice chase, getting the better of Wholestone over 3m. That was a career best and we decided to let him take on the National fences in the Becher Chase, but he had a slightly interrupted prep and just didn’t run his race. I’m not sure if we would go back and give him another try over them. His next start was at Newcastle on Monday where he was beaten when trying to give weight to a good horse of Harriet Graham’s. He has his own thoughts about the game but is talented.

    Portrush Ted
    8 b g Shantou – Village Queen
    The most interesting horse in the yard. He started off like a superstar winning his bumper and then taking the Grade 2 Aintree bumper two seasons ago. After that he won his first race over hurdles at Perth by 17 lengths, but he sustained a bad injury to his tendon which kept him off the track for 519 days. We gave him all the time he needed and he returned at Ayr earlier this month where he won on his first attempt in handicaps. He was raised 7lb to a mark of 138, which I was more than happy with. The plan is to go for the Pertemps qualifier at Exeter on February 9, which would be the preference over Haydock six days later. That would give us enough time to get him ready for Cheltenham. If the ground comes up on the soft side on the Thursday of the festival he would go. My one concern is that, although he may be on a nice handicap mark, whether he will be streetwise enough in a huge field of handicappers. He’s still unexposed.

    Star Of Lanka
    6 b g Zoffany – Indian Bounty
    He’s a consistent horse who has run three brilliant races this season without success. We have now started riding him a bit differently, which is helping. He’ll have entries at the festival including the Coral Cup and we may get him qualified for the Pertemps Final. There’s a Sandown race over 2m6f and worth £100,000, which is interesting, so that looks the first target. I think he’ll improve a lot for a step up in trip. He’s going places and will make an even better chaser next season.

    Young Lieutenant
    6 b g Robin Des Champs - Be My Gesture
    He doesn’t have too many miles on the clock, but he showed enough to win an Exeter bumper and has followed up with two seconds from three starts over hurdles. His most recent effort saw him finish second to Black Gerry at Lingfield but I would be hopeful we would turn him over if they met again. His preparation for the race had been a bit stop-start as he hasn’t got the best of feet. When you have horses with foot problems it’s never advisable to hang about and we’ll have him out again sooner rather than later and I would expect a much-improved performance.

    Trainer's pick Portrush Ted
    Dark horse Jammin Masters
    Reporter's pick Encore Champs


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