| |
"One
to jump 2003"
Horses to follow for the 2002/2003 National Hunt Season
by
.t.h.e. .r.o.o.k.
HURDLERS
- HANDICAPPERS
( 191 )¯¯ AIN TECBALET (FR) :¬>-
br, g. Riverquest (FR) - La Chance Au Roy (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Nicky J Henderson
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Ain Tecbalet is a four-year-old gelding by Riverquest, who has joined Nicky Henderson, having run six times for Guillame Macaire, including winning a steeplechase at Meslay-Du-Maine in September. He is now world-beater however I'm sure he will placed to good effect over hurdles this winter.
( 192 )¯¯ AMHRAN NA BHFIANN :¬>-
ch, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Shannon Spray
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Christy Roche
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Amhran Na Bhfiann, is a five-year-old gelding by Be My Native out of Shannon Spray, a winner over obstacles who herself has produced several winners including winning full brother Deckie, and half brother Shannon Gale. He's had two races to date, finishing thirteenth on his debut at Punchestown in April, before an improved effort to finish seventh to Birth Rite (btn 27 lengths) at Navan in May. Hopefully that will have stood in good stead for this season, where he may be seen to best effect in handicap company (once he has gained sufficient experience).
( 193 )¯¯ ANNO JUBILO (GER) :¬>-
br, g. Lando (GER) - Anna Maria (GER)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- C F Swan
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Anno Jubilo can build on a promising start to his career. He was one of the earliest members on the list, having been added to the list after having shown good form in Germany having raced upped to Group 2 standard. He has had five races this term already, winning twice at Ballinrobe and Roscommon, as well as having run well in defeat as was the case last time out at Tralee, at the beginning of September, when making Macs Valley pull out all the stops Anno Jubilo is probably going to find things more difficult from now on but should be able to build on this form in handicap company.
( 194 )¯¯ ATLANTIC RHAPSODY (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Machiavellian (U.S.A.) - First Waltz (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ted Walsh in Ireland
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Atlantic Rhapsody had a good first season over hurdles. Formerly strained on the flat by Mark Johnston Atlantic Rhapsody won twice at Punchestown and Naas in January as well as running well in defeat on two other occasions (He was third to Anxious Moments in the Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle Series Final at Fairyhouse in April). Atlantic Rhapsody doesn't fit my usual profile of a horse to follow as he had a lot of runs on the flat, however he gave me the impression last year that there was a decent handicap hurdle in him this term; hence his inclusion in this list.
( 195 )¯¯ B B BOY :¬>-
br, g. Arctic Lord - Belle Muguet
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Kim Bailey
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- I'm certain that B B Boy will win races over obstacles, however that faith took a severe dent last term as he was tailed off in two bumpers finishing 13th on his debut at Wincanton in February, before finishing plum last at Newbury in March. He's better than that surely... (isn't he?!!)
( 196 )¯¯ BEEF OR SALMON :¬>-
ch, g. Cajetano (U.S.A.) - Farinellá
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Michael Hourigan
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Beef or Salmon had a good first season under rules; winning a bumper at Cork before landing a novice hurdle at Gowran Park in January. He was highly tried afterwards, but failed to reached the required standard, although he was definitely better than his seventh behind Like-A-Butterfly in the Deloitte and Touche Novice Hurdle (Gr. 2) might suggest. He didn't run too badly behind Ned Kelly on the flat during the summer and could progress into a decent handicap hurdler this winter.
( 197 )¯¯ BIMBODELLESORGENTI (ITY):¬>-
b, c. Classic Secret - Súdesura (ITY)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- O. Pessi in Italy
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Bimbodellesorgenti is a huge four-year-old son of Classic Secret, who I managed to see show promise in a couple of novice hurdles in Italy last term. Although he has a flat pedigree I wouldnt dream of racing him on the level, then again what do I know; Mr Pessi managed to place him to win over 3000m at Naples in August. He is no world-beater however he should be good enough to find races over obstacles over obstacles this winter.
( 198 )¯¯ BLAKENEY COAST :¬>-
b, g. Satco (FR) - Up To More Trix
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mary Reverley
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Blakeney Coast is a five-year-old gelding by Satco, who ran three times in bumpers without troubling the judge. He possesses plenty of scope and is sure to improve this term, simply for going over hurdles, before going onto better things once he's mature enough to jump a fence.
( 199 )¯¯ CAPTAIN'S LEAP :¬>-
ch, g. Grand Plaisir - Ballingowan Star
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Lenny Lungo
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Captain's Leap had a good first season under rules. This six-year-old was given three starts in bumpers, finishing second on his debut at Sedgefield in November, before he went one better at Musselburgh, when he outstayed Janoramic to win by
½ length. He was given one more run in March, however disappointed under a penalty, finishing well behind eventual winner Touch Closer (btn 18lengths). He has been given plenty of time to get over these exertions and starts afresh this term... he should be capable of winning a race
( 200 )¯¯ CYINDIEN (FR) :¬>-
br, g. Cyborg (FR) - Indiana Rose (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Venetia Williams
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Cyindien is an attractively bred five-year-old son of Cyborg, who showed plenty of promise on his only outing in a Fontwell bumper in January. The experience will have done him good and he should improve this term over hurdles.
( 201 )¯¯ D'ARGENT:¬>-
gr. g. Roselier (FR) - Money Galore
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Alan King
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- D'Argent is a lovely chasing prospect for this term. He was second in desperate ground at Fontwell on his hurdles debut and then went on to win twice at Doncaster and Exeter. He's relatively inexperienced and it's possible that he will be kept over hurdles in he short-term, however he will definitely improve once he goes over the larger obstacles.
( 202 )¯¯ DEOCH AN BOTHAR:¬>-
b, g. Denel (FR) - Leney Character
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Paul A Roche,
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Deoch An Bothar, a six-year-old gelding by Denel, showed promise in four starts in bumpers last term finishing in the frame on two occasions, at Dundalk on his debut in July, as well as on his final start where he stayed on nicely to finish only 2lngths behind eventual winner Parkdota at Limerick this May. He's no great shakes however I'd be hopeful of him finding a race this winter in Ireland (he may need another season though).
( 203 )¯¯ DOUCEUR DES SONGES (FR) :¬>-
b, m. Art Francais (U.S.A.) - Ma Poetesse (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I wont be in the least bit surprised if Douceur Des Songes gets onto the scoresheet before the end of the season. Her form figures aren't that encouraging however her last effort when she finished second to Funny Des Cotieres at Auteuil last June, in a claiming chase where the horses she finished in front of included Miss Ramic who went on to win two races in the Autumn suggest there may be more to come from her. Even better she is a maiden, so the Pipe camp has all options open. One to watch out for on the country circuit.
( 204 )¯¯ EL HOMBRE DEL RIO :¬>-
ch, g. Over The River (FR) - Hug In A Fog
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Robert Alner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- El Hombre Del Rio wouldnt get into many horses to follow list this year, but I suspect that a lot of horses that ran in the bumper won by Mel in Blue at the beginning of March will go on to find success this winter. El Hombre Del Rio finished eighth (btn 8lengths) and gave the impression that middle distance novice events (or handicaps) could be his "niche" this season.
( 205 )¯¯ EPICURE (FR) :¬>-
br, g. Northern Crystal - L'Epicurienne (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Epicure is a half-brother (by Northern Crystal) to L'Epicurien, who has won each season he has been with Martin Pipe. It makes so sense therefore to send him to Nicholashayne. He showed little bits of promise in four starts in bumpers and should placed by this outfit to win a little race somewhere on the country circuit. (Update: _ 04/09/02 13:42 AM _ Epicure has won his first three starts for Martin Pipe at Newton Abbot (twice) and at Bangor.)
( 206 )¯¯ FLORIDA RAIN :¬>-
b, g. Florida Son - Ameretto
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mary Reverley
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Florida rain is a lovely rangy six-year-old gelding by Florida Son , who has had four runs in bumpers, failing to win, however running well on the last two occasions; finishing third, beaten
8½Lengths by Mind How You Go at Catterick in January, before coming fourth to Silver Knight at Doncaster in March. He should progress over obstacles and should go close this term, probably during the second half of the season.
( 207 )¯¯ FLYING FORTRESS :¬>-
b, g. Petoski - Misty Fort
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Henry Daly
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Flying Fortress, a five-year-old son of Petoski is bred for the game. His dam Misty Fort (a winner over jumps) has produced several winner including half-sister Island Mist, who won over fences for the stable two season ago. He had two runs last term, finishing in the ruck on his debut in a Uttoxeter bumper in November, before running slightly better in a novice hurdle at Ludlow in February, finishing sixth to the eventual winner Rolling Tide. He'll have benefited from that experience and can hopefully improve as this season progresses.
( 208 )¯¯ FOR YOUR EARS ONLY :¬>-
b, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Sister Ida
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Andrew Parker
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Raymond Anderson Green has a lot of lovely chasing prospects and I believe For Your Ears Only is one of the nicest of them... that it in the future however he has shown some promise in bumpers at Ayr and Perth. He will be better this term when placed over hurdles and as long as he isn't highly tried, should get into the winners enclosure.
( 209 )¯¯ FORTO (GER) :¬>-
ch, h. Acatenango (GER) - Flunder (GDR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Dai Williams
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Forto was picked up by his new connections for 25000 guineas at the '01 Tattersalls 'horses-in-training' sale having shown useful form in handicaps at trips up to 12 furlongs is his native Germany. He ran respectably on his hurdles debut behind Tucacas at Sandown in February and then tried his luck in the Supreme Novices Hurdles but didn't have the pace to go with the principals. Connections sensibly stepped him up in distance and that worked the oracle as he won twice at the end of the season at Ludlow over 3miles, and also under a penalty at Fontwell over 2m6f. That was a good introduction and given decent jumping ground and a stamina test Forto should be able to return to the winner's enclosure.
( 210 )¯¯ GOSS :¬>-
gr, g. Linamix (FR) - Guillem (U.S.A.)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Michael J P O'Brien in Ireland
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Bought at the '00 GOFFS 'Horses in Training' Sale, having week finished 7th to Inglenook in a listed event over 10 furlongs at Saint Cloud. Goss did really in his first season over obstacles, winning his first two starts at Punchestown and Naas, before running a respectable race behind Scottish Memories in the Powers Gold Label Novice Hurdle (Gr. 2) at Fairyhouse in April. I thought he would have been an interesting prospect over hurdles this term... he may be even more so over fences, which apparently he tried this winter.
( 211 )¯¯ GRAND PRAIRIES (SWE):¬>-
b, g. Prairie - Platonica (ITY)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Norman B. Mason
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-The Mason / Guest combination have been looking far and wide for winners recently. It'll be interesting to see how this six-year-old son of Prairie fares. He is the winner of seven of his thirty-two starts when he was campaigned in Scandinavia, and most recently in Spain. He hasn't been out since finishing second over one and a half miles at Mijas. He is a slightly risky entry as the likelihood is that he will be given time to learn his craft, therefore there is a chance that he may not win for a while... handicaps will definitely be where to lookout for him.
( 212 )¯¯ HEADS ONTHE GROUND :¬>-
b, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Strong Wings
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Dessie T Hughes
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Heads Onthe Ground showed promise in two runs last term; unseating his rider when travelling well at Gowran Park on his debut in February, before finishing a good second to Polly's Yan at Cork in February. I suspect that Heads Onthe Ground is held in high regards by connections and therefore won't be rushed.
( 213 )¯¯ HIT THE NET :¬>-
br, h. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Thetravellinglady
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Tommy Stack
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Hit The Net is an attractive five-year-old entire by Be My Native, who has only run the once, chasing home Leinster in a Punchestown bumper in April. This looks to be a good run and therefore i'd be very hopeful of this lovely horse making into the winner's enclosure this winter.
( 214 )¯¯ HORSE CHESTNUT :¬>-
ch, g. Magical Wonder (U.S.A.) - Shesadream
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Miss Frances Crowley
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- We may start to finally some promise from Horse Chestnut this season. He has had 21 starts winning a bumper at Leopardstown in July '00, however has taken a long time to take to hurdles although encouragingly he was second on three occasions during his last full season, (the '00/1 season). He was having his first run for 10 months when unseating his rider three out (when just beginning to weaken) at Kilbeggan in July and as long as he builds on that effort should finally get his head in front over obstacles.
( 215 )¯¯ INN ANTIQUE (FR), :¬>-
b, g. Lute Antique (FR) - Taghera (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ferdy Murphy
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I am a big fan of Inn Antique, however he has disappointed me so much that I way toying with the idea of dropping him from this list. He definitely has ability however has been either throwing away his races due to poor jumping or finishing very tamely (as though something ailed him). I noticed that he has been bought/transferred to Ferdy Murphy and as this year will go to great pains to iron out these weaknesses I'm minded to give him a reprieve
( 216 )¯¯ JURANCON II (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Scooter Bleu (FR) - Volniste (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I do think that punters have been mislaid into think that every single Martin Pipe runners is 100% ready to do its job each time it races.. sometimes he'll introduce a horse that is less mature .. Jurancon is one such animal. He is a May foal so he is always going to be better in the latter half of a season, particularly during the close season where I would expect the most physical development. his first season backs this up as he struggles in two novice hurdles in at Newton Abbot in latter end of '01 over 2miles before winning two handicaps in February at Market Rasen over 2m5f, where he beat Fred's In The Know by 3lengths; and next time out at Plumpton over the same trip. He didn't appear to be very impressive on both occasions, however he suggests that a step up to 3miles will bring about further improvement. He starts the season on 113 and I won't be surprised if he doesn't rattle up a sequence in staying handicaps at some stage of the season.
( 217 )¯¯ LAMBHILL STAKES :¬>-
gr, g. King's Ride - Summerhill Express
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- J Malcolm Jefferson
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Lambhill Stakes is another one of several good prospects for Ashleybank Investments. He showed promise on his only start, coming home ninth to Maybe The Business at Ayr on Scottish Grand National day. He has plenty of size and should do well over fences in due course, however he should be up to winning over hurdles this term
( 218 )¯¯ LESSSAIDTHEBETTER :¬>-
ch, g. Montelimar (U.S.A.) - Urdite (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Christy Roche in Ireland
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Lesssaidthebetter was extremely well named, as he showed very little in six starts last term, that said this son of Montelimar did hint that he possessed some ability and maybe its simply the case that he wants a trip... it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't have a better season this year.
( 219 )¯¯ LONG WALK, :¬>-
b, g. King's Ride - Seanaphobal Lady
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Henry D J Daly
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Long Walk had a good first season over obstacles finishing in the frame on four of his five starts over hurdles. The closest he came to winning was when he finished 10lengths second to Dungarvans Choice at Sandown in February. He has plenty of scope and will be much better when he goes over the larger obstacles however I'd hope he was able to lose his maiden tag in handicap company this winter.
( 220 )¯¯ LOCH NA BPEISC :¬>-
b, g. Over The River (FR) - Ballyhire Lady
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Pat G Murphy
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Loch Na Bpeisc is a five-year-old gelding by Over The River who has two starts last term in point-to-points in Ireland, finishing second on the last occasion at Kilmarnock in April. Pat Murphy is a shrewd as they come and so if he saw something he liked in this horse .. this is good enough for me .. lets see how he does over hurdles.
( 221 )¯¯ MAMBO :¬>-
b, g. Ashkalani - Bold Tango (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Nicky Henderson
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- There may be more to come from Mambo this winter. he joined Nicky Henderson with a good reputation earn in the french provinces on the flat as well as two good efforts over hurdles at Enghien. Mambo was a warm order to win on his debut for Nicky Henderson but, was on the stretch from flagfall and struggled to keep tabs with the winner Live the Dream, eventually being beaten 5lengths. To be brutally honest that is a long way from what connections expected , however Mambo's two hurdles runs in France had come on heavy ground and the faster surface he encountered at Warwick was no doubt a contributory factor in his defeat. He hasn't raced since, however is a useful maiden to go novice hurdling with this winter and could be repaying connection's patience.
( 222 )¯¯ MEASURE OF THE MAN :¬>-
b, g. Dr Devious - Run Faster
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Christy Roche in Ireland
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Measure of the Man showed a little bit of promise in three races last term, running his best race on his final start, where he came fifth to Lafayette at Fairyhouse at April. This four-year-old by Dr Devious didn't exactly have the bullet put to his head last term, and he'll benefit a lot on this form this winter.
( 223 )¯¯ MOUNTHOOLEY :¬>-
ch, g. Karinga Bay - Gladys Emmanuel
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- B. Mactaggart
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Mounthooley, a six-year-old gelding by Karinga Bay showed promise in each of his four starts last term. He hinted at having ability on two bumpers at Carlisle and Ayr before running a fair debut effort over hurdles when finishing fourth to Khan Kicker at Kelso in April. He was then flatted by his proximity to The Bajan Bandit on his final start at Ayr, however he was clear of his rivals including a below par Golden Alpha and must, on this evidence be capable of landing a middle-distance staying novice hurdle at some stage this season before going onto better things this winter.
( 224 )¯¯ NER (POL):¬>-
b, h. In Camera - Nawarona (POL)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Josef Vana in the Czech Republic
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Ner is an interesting new recruit to hurdling. He's failed to win on the flat, but has been a revelation over obstacles, and is four from six races this season. He has won a conditions hurdle over the course in August, before landing two prizes in Germany, the most recent of these was the Preis des Murgtals / Hürdenrennen - Listenrennen at Baden-Baden, where he beat Onaldo, (who'd finished midfield behind Simoun in the 31. Grosser Mercedes - Benz - Preis (Gruppe.II) at Baden-Baden, before winning his only start over hurdles) by 2lengths. He literally could be anything and has to be respected.
( 225 )¯¯ NAJJM (U.S.A.) :¬>-
br, g. Dynaformer (U.S.A.) - Azusa (U.S.A.)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Nicky J Henderson
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Najjm is a horse who grew on me as the '00/1 season progressed. He caught the eye on his debut behind Under the Sand at Huntingdon in March and confirmed that initial impression with three smooth successes at Newbury, Ayr and Lingfield. He hasn't raced since, however he has scope for plenty of improvement and could improve for those efforts, and could be a useful handicap hurdler this season
( 226 )¯¯ NUMBERSIXVALVERDE :¬>-
b, g. Broken Hearted - Queens Tricks
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin Brassil in ireland
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Numbersixvalverde has been slightly frustrating so far in bumpers. He has run good races in defeat, behind Alexander Milenium at Leopardstown in December, or Ickdam Melody at Punchestown in April , however his record of four seconds from five races, does makes the eyebrows rise somewhat... Maybe hurdles will make a man of him
( 227 )¯¯ ÕNTOS (GER), :¬>-
br, g. Super Abound (U.S.A.) - Onestep (GER)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Andy Scott
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I always hoped that Õntos; a six-year-old gelding by Super Abound may make the grade over obstacles. He Joined Ronnie O'Leary in Ireland having won four of his twenty-one races in Germany. He didn't show much last term in six starts for connections, the closest he came was when chasing home Waterwings in a novice hurdle at Tramore in August '01.I am including him in this list because I do believe the penny will eventually drop with him .. probably once he is sent into handicaps.
( 228 )¯¯ PLIQUE Á JOUR (FR) :¬>-
ro, f. Hernando (FR) - Fablimixa (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- M Cheno in France
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Plique Á Jour is a filly who should continue to pay her way in France promising. She was with Alain De Royer Dupre on the flat, and ran respectably on the level finishing in the frame twice (finishing in front of Non So at Longchamp in June). What has excited me so much was her hurdling debut at Pau in January, where she jumped like an old hand, and quickened impressively to distance between her and her rivals. She followed up at Toulouse on her third start over hurdles and I shall be watching her progress with interest, and fully expect her to (at some stage) handle a step up in grade.
( 229 )¯¯ POC FADA :¬>-
br, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - She's Tough
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Christy Roche
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Poc Fada, is one of the horses that I picked up to run during the early season. he is a five-year-old gelding by Be My Native, who ran well over hurdles last term , his best effort was when he finished second to Marcus Du Berlais at Tramore in January. He clearly will appreciate a trip over hurdles and is another that will probably be seen to best in handicap company, once he has gained some experience in middle distance novice hurdles.
( 230 )¯¯ POINT :¬>-
b, g. Polish Precedent (U.S.A.) - Sixslip (U.S.A.)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- W Jenks
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Flat-bred Point could be an interesting novice hurdler this winter. this five-year-old son of Polish Precedent travelled well and quickened away in good style to win on his debut in a Newcastle bumper in January. He ran two more times last term, finishing a creditable fourth to Mind How You Go at Warwick in February before coming eighth to Kickham in the Aintree bumper. He's a big gelding and should have improved during the summer... he should do well over obstacles this winter.
( 231 )¯¯ QUEL BON CHOIX (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Tel Quel (FR) - Special Marianna (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Quel Bon Choix is a four-year-old gelding who has been placed on four of his five starts over hurdles on the French provincial circuit (finishing second twice to Tempo d'Or in the process). He was a relatively cheap purchase at GOFFS France and won once at Uttoxeter in April and was subsequently beaten
½ length by Mighty Montefalco at Stratford over 2mile-6½f, which was considered at the time to be a poor effort, but has now been made to look much better by that horse's recent winning spree. Stepping up in trip seemed to help and he should do well in staying handicaps this winter
( 232 )¯¯ REVIEWER :¬>-
b, g. Sadler's Wells (U.S.A.) - Clandestina (U.S.A.)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Hughie Morrison
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Reviewer, is bred to be decent on the flat; being a brother to three winners, notably high-class juvenile Desert Secret, out of a dam whose a half-sister to US Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew and 2000 Guineas winner Lomond. He had a fairly successful first season over hurdles chasing home Eluna on his debut at Warwick in January, before gong one better at Market Rasen at the beginning of February. He was allowed to take his chance in the Triumph Hurdle, however he failed figure to figure. He has since been transferred to Hughie Morrison's yard who has managed to get two wins out of him on the flat in July .. He could be very interesting back over hurdles for this shrewd outfit this winter.
( 233 )¯¯ SAMON (GER) :¬>-
ch, g. Monsun (GER) - Savanna (GER)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- It'll be interesting to see what connections do with Samon this season. Graham Bradley purchased this five-year-old son of Monsun off of the flat, having won five of his eleven starts in Germany, (he was placed in three others). He only ran twice last term, winning cheekily on his debut at Taunton in January, where he beat Isio by 3
½ lengths. He was then allowed to take his chance in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (Gr. 1), however he found that experience all too much and didn't show... He is reasonably handicapped this term and it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't have a good season over hurdles this winter.
( 234 )¯¯ SAY AGAIN :¬>-
gr, g. Celio Rufo - Tricias Pet
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Paul Nolan
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Whilst I began drafting this document at the end of last season, I compiled a huge list of horses that I wanted to note for this season .. one of them was this six-year-old gelding who ran creditably at the end of last term - his fourth to Moratorium read like a good effort. As a result he was put in the "summer list" and that proved a wise move as he won twice at Navan before landing the Guinness Galway Hurdle (Grade B) at odds of 16/1, reversing earlier form with Moratorium. He should be capable of further success this winter, though he may find life easier over fences.
,
( 235 )¯¯ SCARBOROUGH FAIR :¬>-
br, g. Synefos (U.S.A.) - Hue 'N' Cry
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Jonjo O´Neill
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Scarborough Fair is a horse that I really like. He is huge, and looks every inch the embryonic chaser. he had one race last term showing a bit of promise when coming home eighth behind Another General at Newbury in March. that will have done him the world of good and I would hope that there will be more improvement to come this winter
( 236 )¯¯ SIR LUPIN:¬>-
gr, g. Scallywag - Sentimental Me
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Charlie Mann
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Sir Lupin made a pleasing racecourse appearance at newbury on 09.01.2002, when beating all bar Turtle Soup in one of the novice hurdle races on the card. Racing prominently from the start; Sir Lupin stayed on readily after being headed turning for home, and gave every indication that a longer trip would suit. One to watch out for in staying novice hurdles during the remainder of the season.
,
( 237 )¯¯ SOMERTON (POL) :¬>-
b, g. Saphir (GER) - Sobata (POL)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Tom R George
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Somerton was one of Tom George's purchases from Poland last term. Formerly trained by Krzysztof Ziemianski, Somerton won races up to listed level and was placed in Group company. He was given an entry in the Supreme Novices Hurdle so he was clearly showing connections something last term. He may not be as good as Galileo, however he should be capable of finding his level as some stage this winter.
( 238 )¯¯ SOSSUS VLEI :¬>-
b, g. Inchinor - Sassalya
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Peter Winksworth
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Sossus Vlei, a half-brother to numerous smart winners; (including 1m2f performer Sasaru and 7f.1m performer Sally Rous) was a horse I really took to when he was trained by Geoff Wragg on the flat. Although he won three events, he best effort was probably when finishing third to Shiva in the '00 running of the Brigadier Stakes (Gr.2). It isn't immediately obvious what subsequently happened to him, because he seems to have not run for a year before winning an Amateur riders race at Chantilly last September. however he showed plenty of promise on his hurdles debut at Newbury where bar a bad mistake at the last, may have gone close to winning. A tendency to be too free in his races blighted his last two starts, however he does have the class to win over hurdles .. if he gives himself a chance to.
( 239 )¯¯ SOUND OF CHEERS :¬>-
br, g. Zilzal (U.S.A.) - Martha Stevens (U.S.A.)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Fred Kirby
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Sound Of Cheers; a five-year-old son of Zilzal should give trainer Fred Kirby plenty of fun this winter. He is bred in the purple and it must have surprised connections that he appeared at Ascot Sales in May '01. He was a cheap purchase who is already repaying that outlay, winning one of his six starts at Newcastle in January, as well as finishing in the frame on three other occasions. He should continue to flourish in handicap company this winter.
( 240 )¯¯ TEKNASH (FR) :¬>-
Ch, g. Nashwan (U.S.A.) - Te Kani (U.S.A.)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Niall Madden
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Teknash has a lot of miles on the clock, however this seven-year-old son of Nashwan is finally coming to himself. I've been following him since he returned from injury in May and put him in this list after showing promise in a Bellewstown handicap hurdle in July. He's made an immediate impact winning easily at Wexford before winning a similar event at the Galway Festival (we tipped him up that day). He ran well under a penalty a few days later and has run well on the flat since. He travells well on the bridle (especially in soft ground) so could add to his tally of wins during the winter.
( 241 )¯¯ TEREK (GER) :¬>-
ch, g. Irish River (FR) - Turbaine (U.S.A.)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Richard Philips
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Terek, a six-year-old son of Irish River joined Richard Phillips from Germany, having won eight of his twenty-three starts (he was placed in nine others) including landing the 1999 running of the Preis der Deutschen Einheit-der Berliner Sparkasse (gr. 3). he had two runs last term over hurdles, finishing a good second to Cybele Eria at Hereford in March, before pulling up in the Martell Top Novices' Hurdle (Gr. 2) at the national Meeting. that experience will stand him in good stead this term and there isn't any reason why he can't land a novice event this term.
( 242 )¯¯ TUCACAS (FR) :¬>-
gr, m. Highest Honor (FR) - Three Well (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- It wouldnt surprise me if Tucasas, a five year grey mare by Highest Honor doesn't have another good season. I was fortunate to seen most of her runs last year including her two wins at Enghien, plus a creditable third at Auteuil . When you consider she's beaten the likes of Never, and Barito over obstacles (admittedly they've improved since that run) you can see why Martin Pipe was interested in her and sent her to war during the second half of the season. She won as she liked over hurdles at Leicester on her British debut in January and followed up at Sandown in February . She disappointed in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (Gr. 1) at the Cheltenham festival, however bounced back to win a 2
½ mile novice at Ascot. She ran creditably in the Merewood Homes Swinton Handicap Hurdle (Gr. 3), but found the trip too sharp and could only stay on to finish a one-paced sixth (btn 14lengths)I still think there are races to win with her over hurdles however she could be very interesting if she is allowed to go over fences this winter
( 243 )¯¯ XENOPHON, :¬>-
b, g. Toulon - Fureen
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Anthony J Martin
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Xenophon could develop into a useful handicap hurdler this season. He showed plenty of promise in each of his three starts last term; finishing a good second to Ivon De Vonnas (btn
¾ length) at Punchestown at the beginning of January, before beating twenty four rivals at Naas at the end of the month. He didn't race again, however starts the season on an attractive mark and should pay to follow this term
( 244 )¯¯ YORK RITE (AUS) :¬>-
ch, g. Grand Lodge (U.S.A.) - Amazaan (NZ)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Norman B Mason
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- I'm intrigued why the Mason/Guest combination have picked up this six-year-old gelding from Syril Griffiths, as to be honest he has shown absolutely nothing in three runs in this country, the best of which , he was
63-½lengths behind the winner. I suspect it is because he possesses plenty of scope and I suspect they feel that they can improve him, particularly over fences... it'll be interesting to see how things transpires.
( 245 )¯¯ ZÖLLNER [GER] >-
br, h. Dashing Blade - Zypern [GER]
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Peter Schiergen in Germany
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Zöllner ; a four-year-old by Dashing Blade could be set for a good season in Germany/Italy. He had eleven races on the flat winning on three occasion. He been tried over obstacles and has taken to them with a vengeance winning both of his starts this term, most recently when landing the Markgraf Berthold - Jagdrennen at Baden-Baden in August. He has bags of potential and should find more success this term.
|
|
