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"ONE
TO JUMP!!" 2000
NOVICE
CHASERS
A PIECE OF CAKE grey gelding Roselier (FR) - Boreen Bro
Trained by - Mary Reverley
Comments - Lightly raced, gelding who reminds me of Carrick Troop, he
looks although he has plenty of improvement to come in him to come. Was a
winner over hurdles at Wetherby at the beginning of the season but is
definitely a chaser in the making. Should win races in his grade
ABBOTS COURT bay gelding Hallowed Turf - Coronea Sea Queen
Trained by - Robert Alner
Comments - Came from Louise Alner's point-to-point yard after winning two
races nicely. Having seen him myself first hand, He is a lovely stamp of
horse that could well make an impact under rules, in the right company
ASHMAN bay gelding Ashmolean - Rhein Maiden
Trained by -Henry D J Daly
Comments - Ashman could be an exiting novice this year if his temperament
holds. I remember him carting into the fence in the straight at Hereford
and taking a horrible fall. He lost the plot completely, so we went back
to hurdles to get his head organised, and showed his potential winning at
Hereford and Bangor. If he is more controlled this year he should win his
races
ASK THE NATIVES brown gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Ask The Lady
Trained by - P F Nicholls
Comments - Ask the Native could well repay Paul Nichol's softly softly
approach last term. Having won three races including a very good
performance last time at Cheltenham. A banker to win over fences, and
could be very good
AUETALER (GER) grey horse Niniski - Astica
Trained by - Martin C Pipe
Comments - I would assume that Auetaler will go over fences, as he has
gone as far as he can over hurdles (His second to Hor da Loi looks top
class now). It'll be interesting to see whether they geld him to go
chasing
BADGE OF FAME grey gelding Caerleon - Infamy
Trained by - Mark Pitman
Comments - A half-brother to Kamikaze, he won over hurdles for Kim Bailey
and came here a few weeks ago. He has had his problems and wouldn't run
this side of Christmas. After a comeback over hurdles, he'll go chasing,
and will be favoured by soft ground and a trip.
BALLINCLAY KING bay gelding Asir - Clonroche Artic
Trained by - Ferdy Murphy
Comments - Ballinclay King Looked so special when winning a bumper at Ayr,
in his first season, therefore whilst he won last term, there is a part of
me that felt a little disapointed that he could compete in the highest
level. He undoubtedly has ability though and may be steeplechases may be
the making of him
BEST MATE bay gelding Un Desperado (FR) - Jatday (FR)
Trained by - Henrietta Knight
Comments - Best Mate lived up to the high praise Henrietta Knight has
bestowed on him every since his first run, and I wouldn't hold his defeat
to Monsignor, and at the Festival against him at all. He's a star in he
making… there is no doubt about that, personally I think he vulnerable
at 2miles, but I am happy to be proved wrong!!!
BIG OH chestnut gelding Grand Plaisir - Rathoe Princess
Trained by - Francois Doumen
Comments - Now here is another one of my favourites. A real nice stamp of
Ireland's best….. Trained in France by Francois Doumen!! He so far has
failed to bother the judge in two effort over here, but I'm sure that'll
changed this term, either in France or if/ when he's brought over here
BLUE ROYAL (FR) bay gelding Dauphin du Bourg (FR) - Before the Flag
Trained by - Nicky J Henderson
Comments - One of the better juvenile hurdlers from the previous season,
he improved all season culminating with an excellent second to Istabraq in
the champion hurdle, actually touching down upsides that illustrious
rival. Chasing is what he's been made for and he must have a good season
BORO SOVEREIGN bay gelding Kings Ride - Boro Penny
Trained by -N J Henderson
Comments - Boro Sovereign looked to be another future chaser in the making
in all of his starts last term. He won a 2mile novice hurdle before
finishing behind Cottier Chief at Ascot. May still be a little on the weak
side but has a touch of class which should stand him in good stead
BUAILTES AND FADAS brown gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Ballyline
Dancer
Trained by - Enda Bolger
Comments - Buailes And Fadas had shown promise in point-to-points before
finishing 5½ lengths second to Digacre in one of Punchestown's cross
country chases. This is a big baby who may well end up in training in this
country next season… I'm sure he'll make it in time
BUCKSIDE brown gelding Buckskin (FR) - Fashions Side
Trained by - Nicky J Henderson
Comments - Buckside is a lovely scopey horse that won a couple of races
over hurdles 20 months ago. Has always looks like a chaser and he should
be up to winning over fences this term
CAPITAINE LEAU (FR) bay gelding Ganges (FR) - Disco Dancer
Trained by - Nicky J Henderson
Comments - Capitaine Leau showed very little last term over hurdles, but
got into my list last year because I think he'll jump a fence, he's
already demonstrated that in France. Another risky choice, but like others
here he did suggest toward the end of the campaign that there may be more
to come this time around
CARBURY CROSS bay gelding Mandalus - Brickley Gazette
Trained by - Jonjo O'Neill
Comments -A lovely looking individual who I thought would go chasing last
term.. Jonjo O'Neill kept him over hurdles where he managed two wins at
Haydock and Carlisle. He should pay to follow again this term over the
larger obstacles (which I think he's crying out for)
CARRIED INTEREST brown gelding Celio Rufo - Laurie Belle
Trained by - Nick Gaselee
Comments - I really like this horse, a typical slow maturing embryonic
chaser. He actually ran well in three of four starts over hurdles last
term without winning. Id be hopeful that he can put hat right this season
CELTIC NATIVE bay mare Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Tarahumara
Trained by - Phillip Hobbs
Comments - Celtic Native had a virtual blemish free season, bar a
substandard effort behind Monsignor at the Cheltenham Festival. She has
always looks like she'd be a better chaser and is a banker to win over
them, and could be very good
CHALMERS PLACE bay gelding Mandalus - Bramble Girl
Trained by - Henrietta Knight
Comments - Winner of two starts over hurdles at Sandown and Wincanton, and
also ran well in defeat behind the likes of Mr Cool and Crocadee. One of
several nice novice chasers in this yard who should win races this season
COQ HARDI DIAMOND bay gelding Kings Ride - Snoqualmie
Trained by - Noel Meade
Comments - My initial recollection of this horse was watching Paul
Carberry get neck ache in a competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown. I
certainly thought he'd go well at the Cheltenham Festival but the ground
went against him. He's always struck me as a chaser, so I'll be expecting
more of the same from him this season
COUNT VON KNOCKAGH black gelding Ilium - First In
Trained by - Robert Alner
Comments - Count Von Knockagh was on my list last year and showed promise
when winning a four-runner race over hurdles at Wincanton on his only run
last season. He's a nice handicapper in the making so I doubt he'll be
rushed
CROCADEE bay gelding Rakaposhi King - Raise The Dawn
Trained by - Venetia Williams
Comments - Another good novice from last term, who despite 4 wins wasn't
the best of jumpers. I suspect he'd be a lot better over fences but
concede they for now may want to try middle distance handicap hurdling
with him
DALCASSIAN BUCK chestnut gelding Buckskin (FR) - Menebeans
Trained by - Kim Bailey
Comments - Dalcassian Buck is a winner of two point-to-points in Ireland
from five attempts; he was placed on all three other occasions. Dalcassian
Buck was one of the top-rated six year olds, and as steeplechasing is his
forte, it would be no surprise to see him go straight over the larger
obstacles. He should be able to find races
DHAUDELOUP (FR) chestnut gelding Mister Sicy (FR) - Debolouve (FR)
Trained by - R A Fahey
Comments - Dhaudeloup certainly had a good season after tipping up when
looking a certain winner at Musselburgh over fences. He showed improved
form over hurdles afterwards, winning at Chepstow, and running Mirjan to 3
lengths in the Royal Doulton Hurdle. I think he should come on from that,
whether he stays hurdling or goes back over the larger obstacles
ENRIQUE (GER) chestnut gelding Niniski - Eicidora (GER)
Trained by - Phillip J Hobbs
Comments - Enrique was previously a winner on the flat in Germany and did
well last term particularly when the ground firmed up and the end of the
season. He isn't the scopiest chasing prospect in this list, so should he
fail there, still has opportunities over the smaller obstacles
ERRAND BOY bay gelding Ardross - Love Match (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Mrs S J Smith
Comments - Errand Boy unlike Gatflax hasn't been overburdened by the
amount of cash spent by Trevor Hemmings to procure him. Far from it Sue
Smith's softly softly approach paid dividends after he won the EBF Hurdle
Final at Sandown last season. His successes over hurdles are a bonus, and
I cannot envisage him not winning over fences this term
FABLE (U.S.A.) bay horse Hansel (U.S.A.) - Aragon (U.S.A.)
Trained By - Noel Meade
Comments - Very useful juvenile hurdler who probably didn't show his true
form behind Lord Brex, at Aintree, and Snowdrop in the Triumph hurdle.
Supposedly is being campaigned this term over fence, after a poor run in
the Galway Hurdle. Is good enough to find races, but not convinced he's as
good a prospect as Frozen Groom was
FEAR SIUIL bay gelding Strong Gale - Astral River
Trained By - D M Forster
Comments - Massive gelding who understandably because of his frame is
taken ages to mature. He finally is starting to show promise, if his 4th
to Gingembre at Doncaster in February is anything to go by, and if kept to
his league (Silly attempt to win at Sandown last time out) might reward my
loyalty
FONT ROMEU (FR) bay gelding Start Fast (U.S.A.) - Ile d'Amour (FR)
Trained By - Martin Pipe
Comments - Another horse who owes me nothing after landing me a massive
punt on his reappearance (He kept me waiting 1000 days for that punt!!!).
I made him my bet of the Cheltenham Festival, where he ran a great race
when third behind Rubhahunish in the Ladbroke Casinos Final. I admire the
winner but I have no doubt in my mind that this horse needs covering up
until the last minute, and taking it up on the run to the second last
hurdle was far too soon for him. (Aaah that sounds like sour grapes!!!)
Font Romeu is a very good horse, who I expect to have another good season.
He reportedly isn't taking to fences (which surprises me as he ran over
them when he was trained in France) so whilst he may not be this season's
Sun Alliance Chase winner, there is a decent prize in this horse this
season
GALANT MOSS (FR) brown gelding Tip Moss (FR) - Tchela (FR)
Trained By - Martin Pipe
Comments - A big disappointment last season. He didn't show any of the
spark of the previous season. He started off over fences but jumped poorly
at Wetherby, (I was surprised that he was asked to run over 2miles) and
then ran below form when put back over hurdles. Could be risky but I'll
keep him in and hope that a fresh start aides him.
GIGOLO GERRY bay gelding Mandalus - Some Madam
Trained By - Richard Rowe
Comments - Although he didn't win last term, I'm certain Gigolo Gerry went
in to many punters notebooks for this season as a novice chaser. Apart of
having plenty of presence, he also has the scope to jump a fence
(hopefully he also has the bottle). Four good runs, and three places was a
good effort, and it will be no surprise if he improves on that this season
GOLDEN GOAL (GER) bay gelding Nibos - Goralin
Trained by - Venetia M Williams
Comments - Ex-German Golden Goal came over with a good reputation, and
whilst he didn't quite go as far as hoped certainly indicated that he
possessed ability, the run that springs most to mind was his run in the
Imperial Cup when he was upside at the last before weakening up the hill.
In truth that may be the key to him, whatever the case, he is a lovely
scopey individual who could well run up a sequence in handicap hurdles or
more likely novice chases
GOODTIME GEORGE bay gelding Strong Gale - Game Sunset
Trained by - Mark Pitman
Comments - A full-brother to Stormyfairweather, he was a good hurdler but
missed last season with an injury. Evidently Goodtime George is not the
easiest to train, but is an able one if Mark Pitman can get him back to
the track
HALEXY (FR) bay gelding Iron Duke (FR) - Tartifume Ii (FR)
Trained By - Miss Venetia Williams
Comments - Halexy is a nice novice-chasing prospect, which from his 5
career starts amassed 3 wins, one on his debut in a bumper, and two novice
hurdles at Haydock and Market Rasen. Reportedly has schooled well and
should win his races this winter
HARASARAH (FR) bay gelding Glaieul (U.S.A.)- Carasarah (FR)
Trained by - Martin C Pipe
Comments - Harasarah got into my list as a result of some excellent
performances in France (He is the winner of a valuable hurdle at Auteuil).
Have to profess to being slightly disapointed with him thus far, and
whilst I'm sure he will win over fences. He may be worth trying over
hurdles for a while
HARVIS (FR) bay gelding Djarvis (FR) - Tirana (FR)
Trained By - Miss Venetia Williams
Comments - If Harvis' only run in this country is anything to go by (a
promising third to Best Mate at Aintree). This horse who has good placed
form over fences in France, should easily find races over the larger
obstacles this winter
HATI ROY bay mare Lafontaine (U.S.A.) - Stage Debut
Trained by - Henrietta C Knight
Comments - Hati Roy, a winning point-to-pointer in Ireland, ran up a
sequence over hurdles. It was impossible to remove her from the list
particularly as she would be one of the better mares steeplechasing this
winter
HAUT CERCY (FR) bay gelding Roi de Rome (U.S.A.) - Mamoussia (FR)
Trained by - Henry D J Daly
Comments - The last Tim Forster bought this one and raced him once in a
bumper, making an eye-catching performance to finish third. In Henry
Daly's care he ran consistently to win twice and be placed on several
other occasions. Haut Cercy has the scope to jump a fence and again can
win races around the smaller tracks
HESK (FR) bay gelding Spoleto - Negrilla (FR)
Trained by - Martin Pipe
Comments - Hesk was one of the horses that I had in a small list to cover
the early season. He has won three on his last seven starts, but is by now
means a natural chaser; his recent record at Auteuil testifies to that,
but he reminds me of Carlovent a lot and it wouldn't surprise me if he
doesn't run up a sequence in the early months of the season, or even took
an early season prize. (Hesk has won three races, but fell on his last
start)
HEIDI III (FR) brown gelding Bayolidaan (FR) - Irlandaise (FR)
Trained By - M D Hammond
Comments - I adore Heidi Iii. He has form over fences in France, and after
showing promise on his British debut at Carlisle, has run off three
successes, back at Carlisle, at Wetherby, and at Perth. Sure to find more
opportunities over fences
HIGHLAND grey gelding Supreme Leader - Precipienne
Trained by - Simon E H Sherwood
Comments - "As yet unraced horse but like by his trainer and could
win a race or two this term". That's what I said about Highland, and
in his completed efforts I can hardly suggest he let me down
INN ANTIQUE (FR) brown gelding Lute Antique (FR) - Taghera (FR)
Trained By - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Another acquisition from France, a big, strong sort, with the
potential to improve who won his only chase at Auteuil in September. He
could be anything
IOGA
(FR) brown gelding Video Rock (FR) - Valentia (FR)
Trained By - Francois Doumen
Comments - Another potential visitor from Francois Doumen's yard, as he is a
recent winner of a chase at Auteuil. Being only four he could be interesting
in Novice Company if he ever ventures across the water
JOLLY GREEN GIANT bay gelding Glacial Storm (U.S.A.) - Rambling Love
Trained By - C J Mann
Comments - Former point-to-pointer Jolly Green Giant is well named (the giant
aspect anyway!!) and it was a surprise that he managed to win a race over
hurdles last term. Chasing is his game and I'd be disapointed if he doesn't
win this term
KAISERSTOLZ (GER) bay gelding Sure Blade - Kaiserstreue (GER)
Trained by - Ian P Williams
Comments - Kaiserstolz ran creditably on decent ground last term, and like the
majority of the German breds in this list, has plenty of scope and should be
able to jump fences…. I wouldn't be surprise if he improves on previous
efforts when tried over the larger obstacles
KATARINO (FR) bay gelding Pistoleu Bleu - Katevana (FR)
Trained by - Nicky J Henderson
Comments - Katarino the previous season's top class juvenile, did to some
degree get trapped in that awkward second season, He ran a great race in
France against their best 4 year olds, and then disapointed slightly in the
Bula Hurdle, and Champion hurdle. He'll leave those disappointments behind if
he takes to chasing. The Cathcart or Sun Alliance chases look the most
realistic targets at present
KATIE BUCKERS chestnut mare Yashgan - Glenkins
Trained by - Kim Bailey
Comments - As you may suspect this one is a full sister to Annie Buckers who
has done so well for the stable. She is the winner of her only point-to-point,
and like her sister, she may well go straight over fences
KEY DEBATE bay gelding Gildoran - Key To Heaven
Trained By - Tim D Walford
Comments - "He's potentially the best prospect I've had".
That is a bold statement as Tim Walford trained some decent pointers in his
time. On the evidence of what I've seen though, he could well be right. Key
Debate has an excellent record between the flags, and showed his potential in
two minor events at the beginning of the new season. Another who could be
anything
KINGS BOY chestnut gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Love-In-A-Mist
Trained By - N J Henderson
Comments - After showing so much promise in his novice hurdle season, you have
to say that this horse was disappointing last term. It might have been though
that he needs decent ground, and wouldn't have been seen to best effect last
term. He is a big horse so its conceivable that he was just growing into his
frame. Either way he remains an attractive proposition for this season
KNIFE EDGE (U.S.A.) brown horse Kris S (U.S.A.)- My Turbulent Miss
(U.S.A.)
Trained by - M J P O´Brien
Comments - Decent 2mile hurdler who would, in my humble opinion, be better off
staying over hurdles this term especially as the 2mile novice chase division
is looking very competitive, in total contrast to the champion hurdle picture.
That said, any horse that can shake up Istabraq should do well over fences in
Ireland at the very least
LAKEFIELD RAMBLER
bay gelding Lafontaine (U.S.A.) - Debonair Dolly
Trained By - Richard Barber
Comments - Lakefield Rambler lightly campaigned between the flags, burst onto the arena at Cheltenham, when running a blinder in the Cheltenham Foxhunters, on his debut under rules. Subsequent wins at Cheltenham and Aintree, and a third behind Lord Harry in the John Corbett, suggest that he could well be a major player again this term
LANGHOLM VENTURE grey gelding Supreme Leader - Tara's Lady
Trained By - N G Richards
Comments - Langholm Venture is an attractive grey gelding by Supreme Leader.
If you looked at him last term, you would have been surprised that he managed
to win a race over hurdles last term, as physically he isn't really build for
that discipline, the sort of horse that Tim Forster would have tutted/sighed
to see jumping hurdles. That said he obviously possesses an engine as he
impressed in winning at Kelso on his debut before disappointing at Haydock
last time out, but that may well have been because eth stable contracted a
virus. Chasing will be the making of him and I'd be disapointed if he doesn't
win this term
LORD MOOSE bay gelding Mister Lord (U.S.A.) - Moose
Trained by - Henry D J Daly
Comments - Another nice prospect in Henry Daly's yard, if only they can get
him mentally tuned in for the game. He's run twice over fences, running poorly
at Fontwell, before falling when going well at Wetherby next time, in a race
won by New Inn. I'm sure that Lord Moose will be a chaser, but he's a backward
horse and may need more time.
MEADOWBANK
bay gelding Meadowbrook - Polypodium
Trained by - Mick Easterby
Comments - After showing plenty of promise before falling on his debut, Meadowbank ran off two successes at Duncombe Park, and Charm Park. Wasn't seen since, but they big individual certainly possesses plenty of improvement, and could develop into a decent point-to-pointer this term
MIXSTERTHETRIXSTER (U.S.A.) bay gelding Alleged (U.S.A.) - Parliament
House (U.S.A.)
Trained by - Tim Easterby
Comments - Mixsterthetrixster ran several great races last season just failing
to make the grade against the better juveniles. As I result he appears to
start this season of on a poor mark over hurdles, and it wouldn't surprise me
to see him going over the larger obstacles at some stage this winter
MOVING EARTH bay gelding Brush Aside (U.S.A.) - Park Breeze
Trained By - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Former point-to-pointer Moving Earth, but for injury would surely
have made a bigger impact in hunter chases during the 1998/1999 season. He
only had two runs under rules, a second at Cheltenham, before falling in the
John Corbett Chase at the Horse and Hound Meeting when strongly fancied. He
has joined Paul Nicholls now and once he has had a couple of 'sighters' should
be capable of winning races this term
NOMADIC grey gelding Kenmare (FR) - Legend Of Arabia
Trained By - Noel Meade
Comments - Nomadic had a strange season, I assume because of an injury. He
never really showed the form of the previous season, which had seen him run so
well in the Champion Hurdle, and I'd be inclined to ignore the whole season
and start from scratch... as long as he goes chasing
NORTHDAY (POL) brown gelding Venecuela (U.S.A.) - Northstar (POL)
Trained by - David Wachman in Ireland
Comments - Northday has not won a race, however he has run a couple of useful
races in defeat. He is a gorgeous individual to look at has the scope for
fences, where I would be disapointed if he were again to draw a blank
OA BALDIXE (FR) grey horse Linamix (FR) - Bal d'Oa (FR)
Trained by -Noel Meade
Comments - Very good on the flat in France, went over to Noel Meade's yard
with a tall reputation. Didn't fulfill that in his first season, but put that
right last term (bar a poor run at the Cheltenham festival). I think he'll win
over fences, but a staying hurdle campaign would be more logical (in my humble
opinion!!)
ONE NATION brown gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Diklers Run
Trained By - Miss H C Knight
Comments - One day One Nation is going to make a really useful chaser. At
present Henrietta Knight is allowing him to mature, and I'm sure that when she
feels he's ready, he will make the transition to the larger obstacles
QUAINTON HILLS bay gelding Gildoran - Spin Again
Trained By - N A Gaselee
Comments - Quainton Hills ran well last term, coming second to Chalmers Place
on his debut at Wincanton, and third to Mr Cool on his final start. This
lovely big individual will be a stayer in the future, but patently was on the
weak side when tried over further on his second start. Could well see fences
at some stage this season, but it wouldn't surprise me if he starts over
hurdles
RED STRIKER chestnut gelding Gunner B - Cover Your Money
Trained by - Norman B Mason
Comments - Another useful chasing prospect who amassed four wins in the North,
beating the likes of Mestre Sala, in the process. He was always going to be a
better horse this term and hopefully should have a good season over fences
REVEILLON
(GER) chestnut gelding Keen - Ringawoody
Trained By - C J Mann
Comments - If you note the results sections, you will see how sweet I am on
this horse, who I always thought would make a chaser, ran an eye-catching race
on his debut for Charlie Mann at Market Rasen after a 500+ day absence. He
then landed me a touch when winning on his chasing debut at Stratford. He
jumped for fun that day, and could well have a really good season, if he stand
training
ROSCO bay gelding Roscoe Blake - Silva Linda
Trained By - J T Gifford
Comments - Competed against some really useful sorts last term (Best Mate, Mr
Lamb, Mr Cool, Errand Boy) and earned his reward with a win at Stratford at
the end of last season. That was a bonus as this horse has 'steeplechaser'
written across him and he could be more competitive this term
SATCHMO bay gelding Satco (FR) - Taradale
Trained By - Mrs D M Grissell
Comments - Satchmo's season turned around when owner/rider gave up the unequal job that was him rider this horse. His rout of a field by a distance at Sandown served notice of his arrival as a major player, and his brave 2nd to Sheltering at Punchestown simply confirmed this. Must be followed (Sure I saw his name in the entries for the Thomas Pink Gold Cup so he may not be hunter chasing this winter)
SATSHOON bay gelding Satco (FR) - Tudor Lady
Trained by - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Satshoon is a slow maturing type formally trained by Richard
Barber. He was quite a promising horse there, progressing to Open Class, and
is the sort of animal that Paul Nicholls extracts better performance from.
SHOTGUN WILLY chestnut gelding Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Minorette's Girl
Trained by - Paul F Nicholls
Comments - Shotgun Willy remains in the list after a perfect record over
hurdles last term. Already being talked of as a possible for the Sun Alliance
Chase. I have little doubt that he could be that good… he should have a good
season
SILVER LAKE grey gelding Roselier - Overthepond
Trained by - Noel Chance
Comments - Silver Lake is an out and out stayer who won six point-to-points in
Ireland. He reputedly is being aimed at the four-miler at the Cheltenham
Festival, but should win races in the interim.
SIR
OLIVER (USA) bay gelding Lac Ouimet (USA) - Shining (USA)
Trained by - Robert Alner
Comments -Sir Oliver, came from France and has won over hurdles, at Huntingdon
and Exeter, He's a big gelding who should make the transition to
steeplechasing this winter.
THE HOBBIT chestnut gelding Mister Lord (U.S.A.) - Sustenation
Trained by - Paul Nicholls
Comments - Another slow maturing type from the Barber stable destined for Paul
Nicholls yard. Looks an out an out stayer in the making, but did run well in
long distance points last term, and in a hunter chase at Chepstow. A good 'fun
horse' in the making
TICTAC (FR) chestnut horse Beyssac (FR) - Native D'Acres (FR)
Trained by - Martin Pipe
Comments - Tictac is hard to evaluate as this french import has won twice over
fences, last time winning a claimer in June. Imprevue, whom he beat that day,
and Exit Sud, who beat him in May, prior to those two wins aren't bad sorts,
so Tictac may well do well over here over hurdles or fences.
TIGERBURNINGBRIGHT bay gelding Strong Gale - Ring Road
Trained by - James R Adam
Comments - Tigerburningbright has shown promise in two starts behind
Ballinclay King, and The Granby. That was a good introduction and I'd expect
more of this full brother to Around the Gale as he matures
TONOCO bay gelding Teenoso (U.S.A.) - Lady Shoco
Trained by - Mrs S J Smith
Comments - Very useful novice hurdler two seasons ago, but picked up an injury
and missed last term. Has had a quiet reintroduction at Southwell, but should
improve on that as the season progresses. Interesting if he retains his
ability
TOOMALINE bay gelding Supreme Leader - Ferryforth Lady
Trained By - Heather Dalton
Comments - Promising novice Toomaline had a good season, winning two races at
Uttoxeter, and Folkestone. He also ran well in defeat behind the likes of Mini
Moo Min, and Cottier Chief. Sold during the summer to Heather Dalton,
Toomaline should have physically improved during the summer recess and could
well be up to winning either over fences or hurdles this winter
UNION MAN chestnut gelding Teamster - Cobusino
Trained by - Henrietta Knight
Comments - In May I wrote of Union Man
"I
like many point-to-point fans have had the pleasure of enjoying a very good
season's sport. It seems as though there are a decent crop of youngsters who
should come through the ranks over the coming seasons. Of these the best in
terms of proven ability appears to be Union Man, and since he's just
annihilated another field today at Garthorpe, I'd thought I'd take the
opportunity to introduce him to a wider audience because he is without doubt,
a horse of considerable potential.
We have no hesitation of agreeing with Pat Murphy when he said that at this
stage in his career he would be better than Castle Mane. Their backgrounds at
this time are similar. Union Man is so far unbeaten, and whilst you could say
he hasn't been really tested, you wouldn't expect a trainer to go to the well
after four runs on the track. He first signalled to me that he had potential
when winning a 27-runner affair at Garthorpe. He led most of the way, and
impressed with the manner in which he accelerated away from that field. Plenty
of winners have come from those who finished behind him. It was a very
polished effort.
His greatest assets appear to be both his stamina and his pace. Considering
he's put in another decent time today, it is boosted further by the fact he
ran the second circuit quicker than the first, despite being heavily eased
down after the last. More evidence that he possesses pace, as well as an
abundance of stamina. The beauty about him is that time is on his side.
They're no need to rush him.
They could quite easily keep him to point-to-points next term to educate him
further, (I'd think along the lines of something like the John Corbett
personally), and still have time to launch a serious assault on the Cheltenham
and Aintree. Owner Philip Newton, and Trainer Bill Warner have something to
look forward to here. Pen him down for your list of horses to follow next
year, so you don't forget the name in 2001/2002 season!!"
The fact that he has joined Henrietta Knight's yard has to be a bonus, and
whilst I stand by the view that a season's experience will be the making of
him, don't be unduly surprised if he makes an impact this time around
VENEGUERA bay gelding Satco (FR) - Orlita
Trained by - Kim Bailey
Comments - Veneguera has won three hurdle races in Ireland and was placed on
numerous other occasions. Kim bailey bought him to go novice chasing and will
hopefully manage a win or two out of him this term.
VENTURE TO FLY chestnut gelding Roselier (FR) - Fly Run
Trained By - N G Richards
Comments - Although he didn't win last term, Venture To Fly showed plenty of
promise in four novice hurdles, being placed three times, behind the likes of
Clifton Fox, and Mytimie. Being by Roselier, there is certain to be more
improvement in him during this season, and should be up t getting his name on
the scoresheet
VICTORIA'S BOY bay gelding Denel (FR) - Cloghroe Lady
Trained By - Tim D Walford
Comments - Progressive point-to-pointer, who won a maiden hunter chase at
Hexham in May. Could do well in the North in that sphere, but could well be
trying his luck under rules
WELLINGTON (NZ) brown gelding Tights (U.S.A.) - Rawley (NZ)
Trained By - N A Gaselee
Comments - Wellington didn't run last term but that would be a blessing in
disguise and this huge horse would almost certainly have improved physically
during the interim. As he showed form in bumpers (surprisingly) I'd be hopeful
of some success on his return to the racecourse
WELL RIDDEN bay gelding Gildoran - Rydewells Daughter
Trained by - A L T Moore
Comments - Useful staying novice hurdler with good wins under his belt at
Fairyhouse, Navan, and Naas, plus good performances in defeat behind
Youlneverwalkalone, Aldino and Boley Lad. A very interesting candidate for
novice chasing this term. Definitely will require cut in the ground
WISE REFLECTION bay gelding Detroit Sam (FR) - Hester Ann
Trained by - J T Gifford
Comments - Former point-to-pointer Wise Reflection, showed plenty of promise
of promise on his British debut in a Huntingdon novice chase. Connections
decided that he was still on the weak side and put him over hurdles for the
rest of the season where he ran with credit (managing to win a minor event at
Ascot). Chasing is his game, and he should have another good season
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