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"One
to jump 2003"
Horses to follow for the 2002/2003 National Hunt Season
by
.t.h.e. .r.o.o.k.
HUNTER
CHASERS & POINT-TO-POINTERS
HUNTER
- CHASERS
( 370 )¯¯ CASTLE WEIR:¬>-
b, g. Lord Americo - Alchymya
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Willie P Mullins in Ireland
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Castle Weir won a hunter chase at Navan in May, after landing a maiden point-to-point at Bramblestown in April. Connections I believe hold him in high regards so it'll be interesting to see how this five-year-old fares this season.
( 371 )¯¯ LITCHANINE (FR):¬>-
gr, g. Linamix (FR) - Margello
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- One of several sons of Linamix currently at Nicholashayne, this half-brother to winners on the flat and over jumps in France did not appear under rules last term but had won two of his five starts during the 2000/'01 season, most recently a win at Stratford that June, where he sprinted away from the last to beat Cool Bob by 10 lengths. Not sure what his immediate plans are, but he would be certainty to win a hunter chase if connections pursue this option. He is however good enough to win in Handicap company should connections be bold enough to do so.
( 372 )¯¯ SAXO DU ROCHER (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Beyssac (FR) - Fabinou (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Jim T R Dreaper
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Saxo Du Rocher is a lightly raced six-year-old gelding by Beyssac, who has only raced four times for Jim Dreaper. Last season he made two appearances, winning on his debut in a maiden point-to-point at Castletown Geoghegan in March. Connections tried him in Hunter Chase company next time out and he was in the process of running a good race when falling seven from home at Punchestown in April. If he has recovered from that tumble he might be capable of finding his level at the smaller tracks.
( 373 )¯¯ TIMES PAST :¬>-
b, g. Commanche Run - Orient Moonbeam
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Shelia Crow
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Shelia Crow could have a decent prospect on her hands, however there is a word of caution :I was lucky enough to see him a couple of times last term. The first occasion was at Chaddesley Corbett just after the Cheltenham Festival where he showed up prominently until the 14th, eventually being pulled up three from home. I liked what I saw that day and it didn't surprise me that he went on to land his next two starts at Eaton Park and Bitterley. This last start probably being the more impressive as he was prominent for most of the trip before eventually pulling away to win easily by 10 lengths. On the basis of these efforts it did not surprise me that he was made favourite to win his last start in a Hunter Chase at Bangor, however this was not one of Alistair Crowe's better riding moments as he contrived to get from a promising position travelling just behind the leaders at fence 5 to be well behind by fence 12, before staying on again to finish fourth 15 lengths behind the winner. I am quite confident he is better than that and given a more positive ride should be capable of holding his own in open company.
( 374 )¯¯ VIADUCT :¬>-
b, g. Archway - Decent Essence
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ivor Kingston
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Viaduct could be a hunter chaser to follow this term. He had shown some promise under rules before going point-to-pointing. He had a successful season winning a maiden race at Clonakilty, a "Winner of 2 race" at Cloyne, as well as an Open race at Inch, all in March. Connections tried him under rules, and he didn't disgrace himself, coming a creditable third to Sheltering in the Newbridge Greyhound Stadium Champion Hunter Chase at the Punchestown Festival, before coming over for the Weatherbys Champion Novices' Hunters' Chase (for the John Corbet Cup) at Stratford. He may have been an unlucky loser here, as he was badly baulked at the first, and he was always struggling to get daylight afterwards. It was only until the last half mile that he got into any rhythm at which point he fairly flew how, and did well to only get within a length of the eventual winner Monty's Tag. That was a good first season and he will be difficult top beat in points... A trip to Cheltenham in March is a distinct possibility.
( 375 )¯¯ WAP :¬>-
b, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Mrs Hill
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Edna Bolger
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Wap improved a little on last season's promising efforts in hunter chases... well enough to stay in the list for another season. He did win two times at Tramore in March, where he beat Killowenly Boy by 10lengths. He reappeared two weeks later and repeated the dosage, beating the same animal easily , despite being worse off at the weights by 4lengths. He disappointed afterwards, however is a sound bets to win again this term... hopefully he can become more competitive against better company.
POINT-TO-POINTERS
( 376 )¯¯ ABABOU (FR) :¬>-
ch, g. Synefos (U.S.A.) - Racine Carree
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Margaret Morris
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Hopefully Ababou can build on his first season in points. This rangy six-year-old had three starts finishing a creditable 2nd on his debut at Market Rasen in February before disappointing on his next start in a Garthorpe open maiden. He proved the initial impression was no fluke when jumping well to win a confined maiden at Brocklesby Park easily. That experience should stand him in good stead next season and I would like to think he is capable of further improvement.
( 377 )¯¯ AGUA ARDENTE, :¬>-
ch, g. Afzal - Armagnac Messenger
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Caroline Bailey
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Agua Ardente is a horse to look out for this season. He was very immature last season and ran green in both starts, yet ran creditably on both occasions. Despite running very green he stayed on very strongly to fail by only
½ length to beat the eventual winner Brooks in an Upton-on-Severn maiden at the beginning of April. He was made favourite to win on his only other start in a similar event at Kimble eighteen days later, however his immaturity got the better of him and he found disappointingly little when put under pressure close home. Deserves to be forgiven this lapse and should make amends give the opportunity this season.
( 378 )¯¯ ARCEYE, :¬>-
b, g. Weld - Flower of Tintern
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mark G. Rimell
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Arceye; A compact 5-year-old gelding by Weld was only given one outing last time, however
showed a little promise before being pulled up in an open maiden at Cold Harbour in May. The experience should have done him some good and hopefully he may lose his maiden tag at some stage this season.
( 379 )¯¯ BE A BETTER BOY :¬>-
b, g. Primitive Rising (U.S.A.) - Carrot Stick
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Jimmy B. Walton
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Be A Better Boy is a six-year-old gelding by Primitive Rising who hinted in two starts that he may have a little more ability than was shown, particularly on his debut at Ayr where he was never put into the race yet was only 24 lengths behind the eventual winner. He failed to complete in two other starts, however he has been given a solid platform for further improvement this winter. A maiden on the Scottish borders looks within his grasp.
( 380 )¯¯ BEAUCHAMP OBSERVER :¬>-
ch, g. Deploy - Beauchamp Image
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Evan Williams
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Beauchamp Observer is a five-year-old gelding by Deploy who had shown some promise in a bumper before his first attempt between the flags at Howick at the end of March. That was a sound effort as he led from four out till close home, eventually finishing only
¾ lengths behind the winner, Buckland Boy. He was pulled up on his only other attempt at Bonvilston in April but can be forgiven this poor effort (he was "wrong") and starts the new season in a very good position to get on the winners board.
( 381 )¯¯ BROWN BUZZARD, :¬>-
br, g. Wakashan - Winnie Wumpkins
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Peter Hobbs
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Brown Buzzard was a model of consistency last season... once they ironed out his jumping. He failed to complete on his first two starts at Larkhill and Higham, however did take the eye in preliminaries (in my and AA All-Weather's view as we were there) when staying on strongly to win at Chaddesley Corbett. He didn't win afterwards but was placed in his last four outings and ran well enough to suggest that he can win outside of maiden company this season (he would be interesting if given a chance to race over further than 3 miles).
( 382 )¯¯ CHANGE AGENT, :¬>-
br, g. Royal Fountain - Flashy Looks
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Paul Jones
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Change Agent could be in line for a good season. This strapping six-year-old gelding ran twice last term, jumping well to land a maiden at Nottingham at the beginning of February. He was strongly fancied to win his only other start in a Restricted at Eaton Hall. Those punters who backed him into 4/6 were given very few worries as he cruised home by 6 lengths. With another season on his back, you would hope he was capable of stepping up to open class and could be worth following this season.
( 383 )¯¯ CHOCOHOLIC, :¬>-
b, g. Nalchik (U.S.A.) - Ever So Lonely
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Guy Landau
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Chocoholic only had one race last season in a Open Maiden at Charing over 2
½ miles and ran really well, travelling smoothly throughout before taking it up 2 out. A lack of peak fitness told and he weakened after the last finishing 1 length behind the eventual winner. A similar performance would probably be good enough for him to lose his maiden tag.
( 384 )¯¯ COOLE GLEN :¬>-
b, g. Executive Perk - Kailin Laith
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- William Warner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Coole Glen was only given one race in his first season in points in a maiden at Garthorpe in April. He ran well for a long way however lack of peak fitness told and he had to give best to the eventual winner Catch The Dawn eventually finishing 15 lengths behind the winner. That wasn't a bad effort and if he improves through the close season, it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't prove good enough to land maiden this season.
( 385 )¯¯ CRACKER TICKET, :¬>-
b, g. Scenic - Shanliss
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ms Beverley Thomas
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Cracker Ticket had six races last term. It was a season of two halves as he looked a very difficult ride in his first 3 starts, failing to complete on each occasion. He was given a month's break which seemed to be the making of him as he ran creditably in Lydstep Open Maiden at the beginning of April before winning his last two starts : a Maiden at Ystradowen and a Restricted at Bonvilston. Quite how good these races are is open to debate. I would be hopeful though that he is capable of continuing this upward trend.
( 386 )¯¯ CYMRU-AM-BYTH :¬>-
ch, g. Primo Domini - Croeso I Cymru
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mrs S. R. Williams
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Cymru Am Byth is a half-brother to successful sprinter Croeso Croeso who didn't show much when raced on the flat, however hinted at possessing a little ability when finishing 3rd on his second start in a Bonvilston maiden in April. He didn't jump well in two other starts and is probably the least likely of those listed to win a race which probably will make any success all the more sweeter. I do though have some reservations about his ability to stay the trip... here's hoping.
( 387 )¯¯ EMALI :¬>-
b, g. Emarati (U.S.A.) - Princess Pochita
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mrs H.E.Rees
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Emali is a five-year-old gelding by Emarati who flattered to deceive on the flat and looked to be struggling over obstacles before winning a maiden at Holnicote at odds of 20/1. He clearly has ability, unfortunately he is heavily laced with temperament and will need to retain enthusiasm to win in Restricted company. Time is on his side, hence my decision to take a chance on him.
( 388 )¯¯ EURO ALERT, :¬>-
ch, g. Eurobus - Parson's Alert
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- William J Warner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Euro Alert came to these shores with a tall reputation from Ireland and went a long way to justifying those claims, winning twice : a Restricted at Ampton in January and an Intermediate at Garthorpe in March before finishing a god 2nd to Copper Thistle in a Mens Open at Dingley in April, beaten only 1
½ lengths. A repeat of this form would be more than good enough to win a Open this season and he should followed.
( 389 )¯¯ FAIR SPRITE, :¬>-
ch, g. Over The River (FR) - Saucy Sprite
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Louise Alner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Fair Sprite showed a lot of promise last term. Clearly benefiting from the pipe-opener at Little Windsor at the beginning of March, Fair Sprite won his last two races, winning he maiden at Ston Easton at the end of March before winning the Restricted at Lifton a month later. I'm fairly certain he'll do well under rules in due course, however should win further races between the flags this season.
( 390 )¯¯ FASTER SWEEP, :¬>-
ch, g. Phardante (FR) - Sweeping Brush
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Tim Reed
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Faster Sweep was given a couple of opportunities and showed plenty of promise on both occasions making a lot of the running before weakening to finish 2nd on his debut at Tranwell. He was made favourite next time out to land a Maiden at Ayr (point-to-point course) 26 days later, however despite running well found conditions far too testing eventually weakened to finish well in 2nd . That was a good an introduction as you could hope and given decent ground he should be able to land his maiden this winter.
( 391 )¯¯ FIND ME ANOTHER, :¬>-
b, g. Shardari - Naujwantoo
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Caroline Bailey
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Named, I believe, by connections as he was the horse bought to replace Castle Maine who died so tragically the season before, Find Me Another may not quite be that good however certainly has shown plenty of promise on his 5 starts to date, winning on his debut in a Maiden at Larkhill in January. He didn't win again last term but did win creditably on each occasion, finishing 2nd on his last two starts in Restricted company. I get the impression that he wasn't the "finished article" and it wouldn't surprise me if he didn't prove to be a totally proposition this season.
( 392 )¯¯ FINEST OF MEN :¬>-
b, g. Tina's Pet - Merry Missus
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- J. B. Walton
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I have taken a keen interest in this six-year-old son of Tina's Pet, mainly because I'm fairly certain he is a lot better than he has shown so far... He's no world beater however connections do appear to have been very easy on him. A clue may be his second start at Perth in February, where he finished 30lengths behind the winner Enhancer. He was well supported in the market that day, however was very one-paced in the straight after travelling well throughout. A stiff test of stamina may be ultimately what he requires, however he didn't appear to appreciate it when subsequently tried if two hunter chases. A return to the point-to-point field may be initially the plan but he does have the potential to win a maiden at the very least.
( 393 )¯¯ FIRST AND FOREMOST :¬>-
br, g. Alphabatim (U.S.A.) - Molly Owen
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- D. Wales
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-First And Foremost showed little bits of form last season when trained by Henrietta Knight. He was purchased for 7,400 guineas at Doncaster sales and should be capable of running well in maiden company this winter.
( 394 )¯¯ GATCHOU MANS (FR) :¬>-
gr, g. Royal Charter (FR) - Vindjica Mans (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ruth Hayter
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-We may not have seen the best of Gatchou Mans I was studying his record in points and I could see why you could possibly overlook horses like him as potential ones to follow. After all, he did run ten times and failed to only won twice, however look a little closer and his record makes slightly better reading. He was never out of the first two and his wins did come in a Club race at Higham in February where he beat three others in a 4-way photo and on his last start, where he won an open at Kingston Blount by 12 lengths where he beat Court Leney who did so well in the Welsh regions at this discipline. He seems to me to have two problems - Firstly he is the victim of his own enthusiasm - he is very headstrong , excitable and probably burns up a lot of energy in the preliminaries and secondly (and more importantly) he appears to have been highly tried. He has been asked to take on some decent horses, probably too early on in his development and it probably isn't a coincidence that he ran some of his worst races when tried in open company at the beginning of the season. Dropping him down in grade may have been the best move connections could have made with him and now that he's gained some confidence he could be a force to reckon with this season (well worth a spin in 2-2
½ mile Novice Hunter Chase).
( 395 )¯¯ IRILUT (FR) :¬>-
br, g. Lute Antique (FR) - Patchourie (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- R Waley-Cohen
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Irilut had a promising first season between the flags running three times, finishing second on each occasion at Dunthrop in February, Didmarton at the beginning of March and Bonvilston at the end of February. It was a good start and on the face of it, he looks virtually "nailed on" to win a race. However, he was well beaten last time out by Boozeandyoulose and I wonder whether that was because he struggles to see out 3 miles. A
2½ mile maiden is his for the taking, but ultimately he may be better off under rules.
( 396 )¯¯ JAVELOT DE THAIX (FR):¬>-
b, g. Lute Antique (FR) - Une Amie (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ben Pollock
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Javelot De Thaix is another five-year-old who showed plenty of promise in maiden company last time. He only raced once at Garthorpe at the beginning of April, however he showed up prominently for the majority of the trip before weakening out of contention, eventually finishing 30 lengths behind the winner. The experience will have done him the world of good and I fully expect him to land a maiden by the end of the season.
( 397 )¯¯ KINGSCLIFF :¬>-
b, g. Toulon - Pixies Glen
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- (Lucy Alner)
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Kingscliff is one of the most promising five-year-old point-to-pointers who appeared last season. He had two starts, winning a Division of the Maiden at Badbury Rings by 12 lengths at the end of February before landing a Restricted at Larkhill three weeks later. The summer break should have done this talented individual the world of good and it would be a surprise if he fails to build on that, whether he stays between the flags or joins Robert Alner.
( 398 )¯¯ LEGATUS :¬>-
ch, g. Alphabatim (U.S.A.) - Take A Guess
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- David Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Legatus is probably the most promising pointer in David Pipe's care this season. He had a very brief campaign right at the end of the season, pulling up on his debut at Lifton at the beginning of June before running out a convincing winner of the last race of this season - a Maiden at Umberleigh. He looked a little raw/unfinished and should have improved physically during the summer. He has the potential to build on these efforts and is one to keep on the right side of.
( 399 )¯¯ LA VASCO DE GAMA (FR):¬>-
br, g. Balleroy (U.S.A.) - April Car (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- William J Warner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- La Vasco De Gama missed last season due to injury, however he is a horse I'm looking forward to seeing this term between the flags... here's what I had to say about him last year;
"Whilst last season was a fascinating year so far for pointers, it was equally the same for yours truly. persistent lameness is currently keeping me away from the racetrack. which frustrates me. It means that I have not been able to attend as many points to points as I liked, where watching the whole build up of each race at close hand has its own uniqueness/atmosphere. Cottenham is one of my local track, (I'm spoilt in this respect), and it is a shame that I was unable to make their most recent meeting, as the performance of La Vasco De Gama brightened up an ordinary card. It probably wasn't a fair fight, as La Vasco De Gama went into the race with some useful place form behind him when trained in France, and by winning a 2m4f maiden he achieved nothing. However it was the manner (apparently) by which he undertook the task that was most impressive, the fact that he also easily pulled 30 lengths clear of his rivals, in a time 9 seconds faster than the second division, suggests he is a young horse of great potential. Bill Warner currently trains him, however Judy Wilson has horses with Nicky Henderson, and I'd suggest that this horses future might lay with him. I shall be keeping a close eye on his for the remainder of the season"
( 400 )¯¯ LORD ATTERBURY :¬>-
ch, g. Mister Lord (U.S.A.) - Tammyiris
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- David Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Lord Atterbury is one to look out for in Restricted races. he is the winner of one race last term; at Ballingarry in June, though had won well in a couple of earlier starts, particularly when finishing second on his seasonal reappearance at Kilfeacle, in January. The move to David Pipe's yard should help bring about further improvement and i'd be disappointed if he didn't win a race this season.
( 401 )¯¯ MAI KNIGHT :¬>-
b, g. Sir Harry Lewis (U.S.A.) - Quil Peemai
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Paula Twinn
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Mai Knight is a five-year-old half-brother by Sir Harry Lewis to winning pointer Mai Point who showed plenty of promise in three starts last term, winning on one occasion : a Maiden at High Easter at the beginning of April which he won by a distance as well as finishing a fair second on his subsequent start at Northaw. He should have appreciated the summer break and looks destined for further successes during this campaign.
( 402 )¯¯ MONTEMOSS:¬>-
ch, g. Montelimar (U.S.A.) - Gay Le Moss
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Mark G Rimell
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Montemoss, an attractively-bred five-year-old (half-brother to former Champion Hurdler Gay Brief) was give one outing last season but couldn't have been more impressive when cruising home in a maiden at Guilsborough in April. He appeared to have plenty to do with four to race, however quickened up smartly (as many of the family can) to win by 12 lengths with the 3rd a long way back. On this evidence, stepping up in class should be a formality. I would not be surprised though if he wasn't purchased in the interim.
( 403 )¯¯ MY MAN TIM:¬>-
br, g. Mandalus - Two-Penny Rice
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Richard Barber
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- My Man Tim was given a light first season between the flags, only appearing once at Little Windsor in March where he outstayed his rivals in a Maiden which deteriorated into a war of attrition. It's hard to work out how good that form is, however he should have enough scope to win in Restricted company during this season.
( 404 )¯¯ OWL VULGAN:¬>-
b, g. Persian Mews - Gracious View
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Dick Baimbridge
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Owl Vulgan was given a quiet introduction in his first season between the flags, only running once. This seven-year-old was strongly supported to land this run at Paxford (in a Maiden) in April. Clearly those punters who supported him were aware of the promise he showed under rules in Ireland as he jumped well and never game them much cause for concern, eventually crossing the winning line 12 lengths ahead of his nearest rival. This horse has plenty of scope for further development and should win more races this season.
( 405 )¯¯ PARSONHUMFRYWEBBER:¬>-
ch, g. High Lodge - Parsoness
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- M . S. Burton
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Parsonhumfrywebber could be another dodgy choice. He failed to complete in two starts during the '01 season and only marginally this term, winning once from 11 attempts at Fakenham in April. When he got things right, as he did at Fakenham he was very impressive winning by 25 lengths, however for the rest of the time this horse and rider combination seemed to have several differences about what to do next. The pilot may also have been guilty of a little misjudgement on a couple of occasions and he's now a winner. Arguably his opportunities for winning have decreased as he probably will struggle in Restricted company. There is a chance though that they can improve (his pilot is relatively inexperienced) which may see him squeeze out a few more pounds improvement during this season.
( 406 )¯¯ PEPPERNICK, :¬>-
br, g. Alflora - Nicolini
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Clive Storey
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Peppernick is a six-year-old gelding who is a half-brother by Alflora to Sunnycliff (a winning chaser). He had two runs last term (both at Alnwick) finishing a fair third on his debut to Bertie O'Toole in January before easily landing his maiden at the end of March. I will be surprised if that's the last time Peppernick makes it to the winner's enclosure.
( 407 )¯¯ PRISTEEN SPY :¬>-
b, g. Teenoso (U.S.A.) - Sikera Spy
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Louise Alner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Pristeen Spy had three runs, only completing once and he stayed on after being held up in the rear to lead close home in the process landing a Maiden at Brampton Bryan in April. He will need to settle to progress further this season, however being only five he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
( 408 )¯¯ QUEEN OF THE SOUTH:¬>-
b, m. Cut The Mustard - Kawarau Queen
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Tim Reed
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Queen Of The South had a promising first season in point-to-points. This five-year-old daughter of Cut The Mustard showed promise on both of her two starts last term, finishing a creditable fifth on her debut at Wetherby in March before finishing third in a Corbridge Maiden in April. She was well supported that day and probably would have prevailed if she had been more battle-hardened (she showed greenness when asked to win her race, approaching the last). On this evidence, a Maiden success is a mere formality.
( 409 )¯¯ RAMNUGGUR, :¬>-
b, g. Broadsword (U.S.A.) - Macusla
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Caroline Bailey
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Judging by his size and confirmation, Ramnuggur has needed plenty of time to mature into himself. It wasn't a surprise therefore that this seven-year-old gelding was only given one outing last term. However, it was an encouraging one as he ran well until the 13th behind stablemate Find Me Another in a Maiden at Larkhill in January. Assuming all is well with him this season, I would be hopeful of him possibly progressing enough to land his Maiden.
( 410 )¯¯ RATHBARRY LAD, :¬>-
ch, g. Phardante (FR) - Doolin Lake
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- William J Warner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Bill Warner has a promising string of young pointers, who include Rathbarry Lad. He ran four times last term, showing a lot of promise on his debut in a Dingley Maiden, eventually finishing third. That run clearly did him the world of good as he won a similar event at Guilsborough by 20 lengths despite showing signs of greenness. He was a warm favourite to win a Restricted next time out at Dingley but fell early on. Maybe that left the mark as he was pulled up when beaten on his final start at Garthorpe. The summer break should have done him the power of good and I would expect him to progress past Restricted class this season.
( 411 )¯¯ SILVER SPIDER:¬>-
gr, g. Terimon - Queeta's Girl
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Pat Barthorpe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Silver Spider had a strange campaign, disappointing between two good efforts. He made his debut appearance at Thorpe Lodge in January, staying on strongly (having made a bad mistake at half-way) to land a division of the Maiden by 8 lengths. Connections probably expected him to build on that effort, however he seemed to regress, failing to complete at Brocklesby Park in February and Garthorpe at the beginning of March. He ran much better however next time at Cottenham and after another regressive step at Dingley, as given a positive ride to land the Restricted on Fakenham's point-to-point card at the end of April in a time quicker than the Men's Open race on that card. He clearly has potential for further progression. Connections probably need to establish what is the best way to exploit that talent.
( 412 )¯¯ THE GRADUATE :¬>-
ch, g. Indian Ridge - Queen's Eyot
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Tom Walker
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- The Graduate would be one of the most promising pointers who ran last time. He only made two appearances, winning on his debut at Dalton Park where he beat Silver Groom (who went on to win five races) by a head. Connections brought him out a week later at Wetherby where he impressively landed a Restricted race, jumping well and running on so strongly that he was in a virtually unassailable lead by the 13th, eventually beating the 2nd, Vino Tinto by 15 lengths. The time of this race was just a second slower than the Men's Open run on the same card and I would suspect that connections would be hoping that The Graduate himself graduates to Open company this winter.
( 413 )¯¯ THE KING'S FLING :¬>-
b, g. Rakaposhi King - Poetic Light
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Countess Suzie Goess-Saurau
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I would hopeful of some more improvement this season from this promising six-year-old. He ran four times last season, finishing second on his first two starts at Little Windsor in a
2½ mile maiden and two weeks later over the same distance at Stoneaston. He had been favourite on both those occasions and any punter who stayed loyal to him was finally rewarded when he was stepped up in trip to 3 miles for the first time where he spread-eagled his field, eventually winning very easily by 25 lengths. He disappointed on his final start at Ashorne, however assuming that this was purely a minor setback, the King's Fling is a near certainty to land (at the very least) a Restricted race at some stage this term.
( 414 )¯¯ THREE ABOVE :¬>-
b, g. Supreme Leader - Patrice Princess
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Caroline Bailey
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Three Above put in a hugely encouraging first appearance in a point-to-point at Thorpe Lodge at the beginning of April where he showed up prominently until making a very bad mistake at the 14th after which he was pulled up immediately. I must profess that I do not know the extent of the injury, however the winner that day Bold Bahamian came out and won a Club Novices race at Garthorpe in May and would be one of the most promising five-year-olds who raced last season. If all is well, I would expect Three Above to be able to win his maiden this season.
( 415 )¯¯ TINDER-BOX :¬>-
br, g. Miners Lamp - Sovereign's Oak
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Penny Cave
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Tinder-Box is a five-year-old who was in the process of running an excellent race on his debut at Cold Harbour at the beginning of May when smashing through the wing of the 12th . He was given one more opportunity three weeks later, however didn't build on that effort. He gives the impression of possibly being useful, certainly good enough to win a maiden (which hopefully he will do this season).
( 416 )¯¯ TOM TOBACCO :¬>-
b, g. Afzal - Monsoon
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Caroline Bailey
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Tom Tobacco didn't show much last season, however he did enough to suggest that his form figures "pfp" are probably misleading. I would single out his first effort at Newton Bromswold as evidence to back up this view. He was sympathetically ridden, sitting out in rear until making smooth progress from half-way without ever getting competitive, eventually pulling up three from home. Connections probably rightly took the view that punishing this immature five-year-old would have done more harm than good and I won't be surprised if he improves significantly on this form this season.
( 417 )¯¯ TWITCHINGS:¬>-
b, g. Roselier (FR) - Sheer Water
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Louise Alner
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Twitchings, a six-year-old gelding by Roselier failed to compete in two maiden point-to-points in May at Cotley Farm and Bratton Down, however my impression is that these runs were sighters and that the experience gained will be used to good effect this time around.
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