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"ONE
TO JUMP!!" 2000
PATTERN
RACE HURDLERS
ASHLEY PARK bay horse Sadlers Wells (U.S.A.) - Maiden Concert
Trained by - Mark Pitman
Comments - Second favourite for the Champion Hurdle, and one of the very few
with a realistic chance of taking Istabraq's crown. He provided me with one of
the moments of last term when running a corker in the Champion, when only
weakening out of a place in the last100 yards after travelling best throughout
the race (If you don't believe me watch your video and focus on him). The run
was all the more meritorious as he had been hard to get fit, and I think if
they get a clear run with him injury-wise, he could well have the best chance
of prizing the crown from the head of Istrabraq.
GRAND SEIGNEUR (FR) bay colt Mansonnien (FR) - Sign Of Life
Trained by - Francois Doumen
Comments - Gran Seignuer probably put in the best performance by a juvenile
last season, when routing a field at Lingfield in a good time considering the
surface. He picked up an injury and hasn't been seen since. If he returns to
the track this term he could well be an interesting piece in the Champion
Hurdle Jigsaw
YOULNEVERWALKALONE
bay gelding Montelimar (U.S.A.) - In My Time
Trained by - Christy Roche
Comments - I am a Youlneverwalkalone fan, but I do question the wisdom of
keeping as Istabraq's understudy, when either a longer trip or Fences would
appear to suit. That may be his destiny for the second half of the season, so
he gets for this reason only.
HANDICAP
HURDLERS
ASADOR (FR)
chestnut gelding Kadounor (FR) - Apos (FR)
Trained by - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Ran an eye-catching race in the Triumph Hurdle. (I seem to
remember something happened to the bit in the Triumph which made his
virtual unsteerable). He had plenty of Flat experience on the French
provincial circuit and won 3 of 3 hurdles before his run at Cheltenham,
all on right-hand tracks. Judging by the way the winners quickened away
from him in the Triumph, he could be best over 2m4f. He is a nice
prospect, who could improve again for a summer in his new surroundings
BEEDULUP brown gelding Perpendicular - Biloela
Trained By - E A Elliott
Comments - Liked what I saw from Beedulup last term, and although he
didn't trouble the judge, he certainly indicated that he had ability. His
new trainer is a shrewd man, who will place this horse to best effect
BOOGY WOOGY chestnut gelding Rock Hopper - Primulette
Trained by - Tim D Easterby
Comments - Boogy Woogy showed plenty of promise in his first season over
jumps. He has respectable form with the likes of Angie Marinie,
Mixsterthetrixster, and Simple Ideals, before winning a little race at
Market Rasen. Seems reasonably treated and if well placed should find
races this season
BROTHER JOE (NZ) chestnut gelding Hula Town (NZ) - Olivia Rose (NZ)
Trained by - Phillip J Hobbs
Comments - Brother Joe Finished 2nd in the New Zealand St Leger two years
ago, and after trailing in second behind Rodock carried all before him
looking increasingly impressive with each effort. He could be very useful
this term, personally I'd keep him over hurdles, but I suspect he'll end
up over fences, either way he should pay to follow
CAPTAIN ZINZAN (NZ) bay gelding Zabeel (NZ) - Lady Springfield (NZ)
Trained by - Amanda J Perrett
Comments - Showed promise in bumpers when under the care of John Dunlop
last term. His cheeky win at Huntingdon in August suggests that there will
be more opportunities for him over obstacles this winter.
CLE DE LUNE (FR) grey filly Kadalko (FR) - Chakini (FR)
Trained by -?
Comments - I initially wrote of this horse "Cle de Lune is another
import that Martin Pipe picked up over the summer. She has placed form
over fences which if eligible may make her an interesting proposition with
all the allowance she'd be entitled to. I must profess to being a little
concerned to see her entered up in a seller though". Even allowing
for the fact she was rated 120 before running here, so far has shown very
little. She was claimed out of her last race so here's hoping she doesn't
become a liability
DRUMLIN bay gelding Glacial Storm (U.S.A.) - Shannon Lough
Trained by - Oliver Sherwood
Comments - Before winning a little race at Plumpton, Drumlin indicated
that he had plenty of potential with good performances in defeat with the
likes of Highland and La Landiere. I believe he is going to start off over
hurdles, and like last year, it may take a few efforts just to 'focus'
this individual
ECUYER DU ROI (FR) bay gelding Roi De Rome (U.S.A.)- Mill's Cambric
(FR)
Trained by - Martin Pipe
Comments - Ecuyer du Roi was bitterly disappointing last year. For a horse
that had good form with Iorana, when trained in France, I would have
expected far more from him. It may just have been that he was on the weak
side, or took time to acclimatise, (he has plenty of scope). It'll be
interesting to see how he is campaigned this season
DANCING PHANTOM bay gelding Darshaan -Dancing Prize
Trained by - Mick Easterby
Comments - Very impressive winner of his only start over hurdles at
Wetherby (Barney Knows, a good yardstick, was well beaten when falling),
Dancing Phantom literally could be anything
DICEMAN bay gelding Supreme Leader - Henry's Gamble
Trained by - Sue Smith
Comments - Diceman was placed behind three useful northern bumper horses
last term. He has strengthened up during the summer and hopefully will
find a race or two this time around, I suspect during the second half of
the season.
FRIEDHELMO (GER) chestnut gelding Dashing Blade - Fox For Gold
Trained by - Venetia Williams
Comments - Friedhelmo came over from Germany with useful form on the flat,
who disappointed me by showing very little. He may have needed time to
acclimatise as he came out and appeared to beat Reizigier fair and square
at Worcester. If that is valid form this horses is well handicapped and
could make hay in Handicap Company
GALEOGAN
brown gelding Strong Gale - Wrekenogan
Trained By - W P Mullins
Comments - Marlborough' s full brother definitely has ability but doesn't
quite have the same scope as his illustrious brother. This horse owes me
nothing as I think the only times I backed him was when he won. He is a
nice staying prospect, and may stay over hurdles if Willie Mullins thinks
he lacks scope for the larger obstacles
GEOS (FR) brown gelding Pistolet Bleu - Kaprika (FR)
Trained by - Nicky J Henderson
Comments - I really hope Nicky Henderson/owners consider giving this horse
another season over hurdles. There is a dearth of good hurdles at the top
of the tree, and as he improved throughout the season, it not beyond the
realms of possibility that with a summer if his back, he could try and
progress into Pattern Class …… He's that good in my view
GOTHA (FR) chestnut gelding Royal Charter (FR) - Royaute (FR)
Trained by - Mrs L C Taylor
Comments - Gotha showed promise in his first season over jumps. He began
in Ireland taking on the likes of Alexander Banquet, and Sausalito Bay
before being purchased by Lydia Taylor. After a sighter at Exeter, he was
particularly impressive in winning a little race at Stratford in May. His
future definitely lies over fences, but he can win some races this winter
over the smaller obstacles
GO WHITE LIGHTNING grey gelding Zaffaran (U.S.A.) - Rosy Posy
Trained by - Mark Bradstock
Comments - Go White Lightning (well named, almost white horse) has shown
plenty of promise on all of his starts thus far, having won two of his
three starts in bumpers at Hereford and Market Rasen. Don't think he'll be
good enough to go to say Cheltenham, but he'll win races particularly once
he's handicapped over hurdles
GREENWICH
brown gelding Handsome Sailor - Praise The Lord
Trained by - Nigel A Twiston Davies
Comments - Greenwich has so far not troubled the judge, but has hinted
that he possesses ability, particularly in his last two starts behind
stablemate Spanish Main at Cheltenham in April, and Banjo Hill at Exeter
in May. Should start of the season on an attractive mark, and hopefully
progresses enough to win a few races this season
HADES
DE SIENNE (FR) bay gelding Concorde Jr (USA) - Aube De Sienne (FR)
Trained by - Alan Parker
Comments - Hades de Siennes is a big backward ex french gelding who had
previously shown so promise in the French provinces. Reminds me of his
stablemate Hugo de Grez, and like him should improve as the season
progresses
HAPPY
CHANGE (GER)
chestnut gelding Surumu (GER) - Happy Gini (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Mark Johnston
Comments - Happy Change wasn't really given a chance to show his worth
over hurdles, packed away after tasting defeat at Uttoxeter. This
over-hyped Group horse once as a possible challenger for Istabraq's crown
is extremely well handicapped over hurdles and if he shows an ounce of the
ability he showed this summer must win himself a good prize this winter
HINDIANA (FR) chestnut gelding Quart De Vin (FR) - La Salamandre
(FR)
Trained by - Ferdy Murphy
Comments - Hindiana who was previously trained by Francois Doumen, has got
top class form over fences in France, (as a result of which he has earned
himself a rating of 150 over fences) which means that Hindiana will be
campaigned over hurdles for the time being. That may well be a blessing in
disguise, as he may for now be better suited by the smaller obstacles at
present. I think he's very interesting, and I know Christopher Iles does
too.
HORSE
CHESTNUT chestnut gelding Magical Wonder (U.S.A.) - Shesadream
Trained By - Miss Francis M Crowley
Comments - Backward immature gelding that won showed promise in two starts
in bumpers. He has already won a bumper this season, and is currently being
campaigned on the flat. May want a trip in time, and might mature enough to
win handicaps around the smaller tracks
HOT SHOTS (FR) bay gelding Passing Sale (FR) - Uguette Iv (FR)
Trained by - A L T Moore
Comments - Hot Shots showed promise in his first season over jumps, running
well against the likes of Sackville, Hobart Frisbey, and Innovative Step. He
deservedly took a Punchestown novice hurdle in February, and has had a warm
up on the flat. His future definitely lies over fences, but he can win some
races this winter over the smaller obstacles
HUGO DE PERRO (FR) bay gelding Perrault (U.S.A.) - Fontaine aux Faons
(FR)
Trained By - Martin Pipe
Comments - Hugo de Perro did well for the Pipe stable, having come from
Ireland with some good performance behind him. He won well at Warwick last
season and then was a good fourth at Kempton under a big weight, when a
faller hampered him. He is a nice chasing prospect but still may be able to
win over hurdles this term
HUGOLIN III (FR) bay gelding Bad Conduct (U.S.A.) - Calinka Iv (FR)
Trained by - A L T Moore
Comments - Hugolin Iii is being brought along slowly by Arthur Moore having
purchased him from France with some promising efforts in the provinces over
fences. He was placed twice last season over hurdles, and can win races once
he's matured into his frame, a horse that probably will do better during the
second half of the season
IPLEDGEALLEGIANCE (U.S.A.) bay gelding Alleged (U.S.A.) - Yafill
(U.S.A.)
Trained By - Kevin A Morgan
Comments - Another purchase from the Tattersalls Horses in Training sale,
Ipledgeallegiance is another horse, who I've always thought would make a
jumper, and I suspect Kevin Morgan have got a bargain here, as he certainly
would have cost much more than the 12,000guineas if y0ou look at form of the
last two seasons, a minor injury, and big weights in some decnet handicaps
meant he didn't win this term, but performed with great credit most of the
season. A change of scenery, and if he takes to obstacles could see this
horse get onto the scoresheet a few times this season
IRIS ROYAL (FR) bay gelding Garde Royale - Tchela (FR)
Trained by - Nicky Henderson
Comments - scopey half brother to Gallant Moss, Iris Royal did as much as I
suspect Nicky Henderson expected this horse to achieve last term. This
embryonic chaser ran well in five starts winning twice at Warwick and Ayr
over 2 ½ Miles. He starts off at a nice mark and should progress this
season, before embarking on a chasing career
ISKAN (GER) bay gelding Perceive Arrogance (U.S.A.) - Ifakara (GER)
Trained by - Jonjo O'Neill
Comments - Iskan ran three times last season, winning at Carlisle before
pulling up at Newcastle, where he was unsuited by the quick going. He's a
nice type, who has done well over the summer. He'll stay hurdling and should
win races on soft ground.
JAGUAR (NZ) bay gelding St Hilarion (U.S.A.) - Saab (NZ)
Trained by - Philip J Hobbs
Comments - Was in this list last term winning on his debut at Newcastle over
2 1/2 Miles, and then maybe being unlucky to lose his second race, which I
remember he finished lame. In the interim he has moved from Lenny Lungo's
yard (What did he do wrong to lose this horse, and Ad Hoc?) and should be up
to winning handicaps this term before going over fences next term.
KAPOK (FR) bay horse Kaldoun (FR)- Karannja (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Edward J O'Grady
Comments - Kapok had three starts in Ireland after coming from France, and
ran creditably behind Hirapour, Ross Moff, and most recently Zahari at the
Punchestown Festival. On that form, he is a certain winner this season, and
I'd be surprised to receive a 'nil return' from him next May
KIEJSTUT (POL) bay gelding Who Knows - Karina (POL)
Trained by ~ J Lesbordes in France
Comments - Kiejstut would be an interesting visitor to these shores, if as
previously intended he is brought over to race in this country. From a
humble beginning he progressed through his juvenile career, culminating in a
20-length rout of Emmylou Du Berlais, and thirteen other rivals in a
competitive event at Auteuil in November 1999. He was an intended runner for
the 2000 Triumph hurdle, but clearly picked up an injury. Interesting if (a)
he returns from injury, and (b) ever ventures across the water
KNOCKDOO chestnut gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Ashken
Trained by - Jonjo O'Neill
Comments - a winner on the Flat and over hurdles for Francis Flood in
Ireland, who hopefully will do well in Handicap Company in the north
LA LANDIERE (FR) brown mare Synefos (U.S.A.) - As You Are (FR)
Trained by - Alan King
Comments - La Landiere ran eight times last term never finishing out of the
first four, winning on three occasions at Taunton, Uttoxeter and Sandown,
and running good races in defeat behind the likes of Rodock, Master Tern,
and Man on the Hill. Reportedly has done very well over the summer and may
well continue to show this consistency
LADY OF THE LAMP bay mare Miners Lamp - Lady Westgate
Trained by - P J Jones
Comments - Lady of the Lamp ran eight times last term and never really
showed any ability until she was stepped up in trip. From being placed in an
ordinary seller, she went on to win over 3 miles at Towcester and run
creditably at Huntingdon and Fakenham. She'll probably take a few runs to
get going again but I'm hopeful she'll win races if well placed
LANDING LIGHT bay gelding In the Wings (U.S.A.) - Gay Hellene
Trained by - Nicky Henderson
Comments - Landing Light could be very interesting this season. He had
respectable form in France on the flat as a three year old, but after
sustaining an injury wasn't seen until winning a novice hurdle at Wincanton.
Look well in the paddock at the Cheltenham Festival, unfortunately was
unable to run that day… this could well be a blessing in disguise….
remember his name
L'EPICURIEN
(FR) chestnut gelding Chef De Clan Ii (FR) - L'Epicurienne (FR)
Trained By - Martin Pipe
Comments - Very disappointing horse after a good win on his British debut,
howevr there are signs that a change of tactics (Holding him up instead of
trailblazing) is bringing about a improvement in form, and may well win when
dropping to a better mark. Wouldnt be surprised to see him over fences
either this term
LORD
YOUKY (FR) bay gelding Cadoudal - Lady Corteira
Trained by - Ian Williams
Comments - Lord Youky went into my notebook, when finishing second in a
Bangor novice hurdle when trained by Nicky Henderson last spring. Later on
he'll be seen to best advantage over fences, but will start him off over
hurdles. .
MAN ON THE HILL brown gelding Mandalus - Gipsey Jo
Trained By - Martin Pipe
Comments - Man on the Hill captured our imaginations, looking very good on
his first two runs for us, bolting up at Haydock on both occasions. He then
was turned over by stablemate Exit Swinger which now looks a good effort,
but later disappointed at the Cheltenham Festival running a frankly poor
race. He is a chaser in the making (an exiting front runner at that) but it
wouldn't surprise me if they kept him handicap hurdling this season.
MANX MAGIC (U.S.A.) bay gelding Imperial Falcon (CAN) - Spirited Away
(U.S.A.)
Trained By - Martin Pipe
Comments - Manx Magic had a good season last term. Looking a good prospect
in facile wins before finding Fact N Fiction too good for him at Newbury in
March. Handicap hurdling in the on the agenda this term and you'd be
surprised if he didn't get onto the scoreboard
MASALARIAN bay gelding Doyoun - Masamiyda
Trained by - A L T Moore
Comments - Masalarian, an Aga Khan cast off had a good season running up
against the best of Ireland's novices before winning a little event at
Leopardstown. Always travels well throughout a race. I like him and hope he
can finds a race or two this winter
MICHAEL FINNEGAN brown gelding Phardante (FR) - Decent Slave
Trained by - Lydia C Siddall
Comments - Michael Finnegan ran eight times last term, and after an
inauspicious start, blossomed throughout the second half of the season
winning a little event at Musselburgh. As he was on the backward side, I
would expect further improvement to come, particularly when he goes chasing.
MINI SENSATION bay gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Minorettes Girl
Trained by - Jonjo O'Neill
Comments - One of several imports from J P Macmanus this season. Mini
Sensation possesses good form over hurdles, winning most recently at
Leopardstown in February beating Vanilla Man. I think he appeals as a future
winner this season either in handicap hurdles or novice chases
MODEM (NZ) brown gelding Omnicorp (NZ) - Replica (NZ)
Trained by - Simon Sherwood
Comments - Not the best horse in the list but one of the more attractive
ones. He was bought in New Zealand where he won four races between eight and
ten furlongs. Appears to be a long-term chasing prospect, but can get onto
the scoresheet in 2000/2001.
MORIMONT (FR) bay gelding Cyborg (FR) - Fond Froid
Trained by - Alan King
Comments - Morimont progressed with his racing and this ex french gelding
was last seen out when winning a handicap hurdle at Pau. A chaser in the
making but may well be good enough to win over hurdles this winter
beforehand
MR COUNTERPOINT (NZ) bay gelding Defensive Play (U.S.A.) - Pool Point
Trained by - Pat Hughes
Comments - Mr Counter point has only had the one race thus far, but this ex
New Zealander showed plenty of promise to finish 4th to Canon Can at Navan.
He, like so many of these may well be better over fences in time but should
have a good season
OO EE BE bay gelding Whittingham - Miss Derby (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Martin J M Evans
Comments - I was going to put Sprint Up in this list as a horse to note in
sellers, but he's a bit better than that, so I chose Oo Ee Be instead.
Although he has shown promise, a third to Cosmo Jack, doesn't hold out much
optimism for the future, but small operations tend to place their charges
more realistically, and Martin Evans is well capable of finding this horses
level. No horse in this list will get a bigger cheer than this one if he
gets his head in front
PHARIWARMER bay gelding Phardante (FR) - Arabian Sands
Current Trainer - A L T Moore
Comments - Phariwarmer ran in several of the major handicap hurdles, and
probably doesn't have the form figures to reflect how good those
performances were. Without trying to be critical. I do think this horse
could do with being ridden more handily, rather than being set targets that
I don't feel he's up to. He still looks set for a good season though
PROKOFIEV (U.S.A.) brown gelding Nureyev (U.S.A.) - Aviara (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Jonjo O'Neill
Comments - Prokofiev ran twice last season, winning at Warwick and then
finishing fourth to Mister Banjo in a Grade 1 at Chepstow, He probably isn't
well handicapped as a result of that, but has plenty of scope for
improvement and can improve of these effort, if well placed by his trainer.
Wouldn't surprise me if he jumped fences this term as well.
RODOCK (FR)
bay horse Leading Counsel
(U.S.A.) - High Light (FR)
Trained by - Martin C Pipe
Comments - Formerly trained in France winner of his only run at Auteuil, for
the majority of the season Rodock did everything I had expected of him. The
only time I was worried about him was his effort at Cheltenham behind
Bindaree when this muscular individual looked wrong. If you ignored that
effort and the last when he clearly resented the blinkers he wore (Martin
Pipe confirmed this to me) then it's hard to crab him. The only concern
about him may be whether that was too hard an introduction for the
horse…physically absolutely not. Mentally .. Possibly. Looking around at
the dearth of Champion hurdles prospects, if he were mind I would certainly
try him over hurdles until Christmas. He reportedly has done well during the
summer, and to use my own words from last year "He'll be one hell of a
horse in 18 months time". Lets hope so
SEEBALD (GER) bay horse Mulberry (FR) - Spartina (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Martin Pipe
Comments - Hard to fault Seebald on what he achieved last year, after all he
won two of his three starts, and probably wasn't suited by the slow pace of
the Imperial Cup. If he were mine, I'd carry on over hurdles this term, but
reportedly may be trying his hand over fences
SEIXO BRANCO bay gelding Saddlers' Hall - Gift Of Glory (FR)
Trained By - C R Egerton
Comments - Seixo Branco came from France with a huge reputation, and
initially lived up to that with a facile success over Mulligatawny at
Fontwell. Unfortunately he showed nothing like that next time out when
finish a poor 6th at Bangor to Retro's Lady.... Must be better than that,
and maybe whilst not being as good as hoped, surely is good enough to win
some races in handicap company
SOLO MIO bay horse Sadler's Wells (U.S.A.) - Marie De Flandre (FR)
Trained by - Alan King
Comments - It is encouraging to hear that Solo Mio has done well during the
summer as he is a useful handicap/pattern hurdler in the making, if you
consider his record of two wins, as well as solid performances against the
likes of Monsignor, Seebald and Exit Swinger. Keep the right side of this
one
STERLING STEWART bay gelding Insan (U.S.A.) - Kyle Eile
Trained By -Mark Pitman
Comments - Sterling Stewart is definitely a horse that can improve
significantly on last season's form when he always gave me the impression
that he was still a bit on the weak side
THE GLOW-WORM bay horse Doyoun - Shakanda
Trained by - Patrick O Brady
Comments - Formerly useful handicapper on the flat, when trained by Barry
Hills, The Glow Worm took a while to get the hand of hurdles, but ended the
season with a win at Fairyhouse in January. Good enough to progress again
this winter, and could be well handicapped on his flat form
THE GRANBY bay gelding Insan (U.S.A.) - Elteetee
Trained by - Mary Reverley
Comments - Impossible to fault last term, with a 100 % record to his name.
The Granby was kept low key, as a result of which, he starts the season on
what looks an attractive mark, and should have another good season
U JUMP I JUMP black gelding Ilium - First In
Trained by - Willie Mullins
Comments - U Jump I Jump is a full brother to the promising Count Von
Knockagh was on my list last year. U Jump I Jump has ability but is his own
worse enemy as he's always doing a little too much for his own good. He's a
nice handicapper in the making if that can be ironed out, and like his
brother, may at some stage want a trip
WEND'S DAY brown gelding Brief Truce (U.S.A.) - Iswara (U.S.A.)
Trained By - Alex Hales
Comments - Wend's Day didn't do too badly in his first season over hurdles,
running four times, winning on his debut at Doncaster, then finishing 4th
three times, again at Doncaster, at Taunton and at Newbury. Should jump a
fence one day but could be a nice staying handicapper over hurdles this term
ZAYTA (FR) bay mare Zayyani - La Toscanella (FR)
Trained by - Mrs John Harrington
Comments - Zayta so far hasn't won in ireland, but this former french import
showed plenty of promise in three starts, last time out coming a respectable
second to What's Up Boys at Punchestown in May. I hope she'll improve that
this winter
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