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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.
STEEPLECHASERS
(HANDICAPPERS)
( 323 )¯¯ AKARUS (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Labus (FR) - Meris (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- (Christophe Aubert in France)
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Akarus could be an interesting handicap chaser to look out for this winter. He raced fourty-three times in France, only winning twice, but was placed on thirteen occasions. This doesn't immediately suggest that he may be worth noting, however a closer look at his recent form suggests that he has never been better. He was beaten a head by Daisy D'Angron in the Prix Chinco (Handicap Chase) at Auteuil in June; before finishing third to Jet Du Bosc in the Prix Violon II (Handicap Chase) in September. For a horse that has only one the once, his victory in the Prix Montgomery (Handicap Chase) (Gr. 3) at Auteuil in October must have been particularly sweet... and is probably behind his sale, because he probably needs at least 2m5f these days and opportunities will be limited in France. If he adapts to our style of racing he could find opportunities this winter
( 324 )¯¯ BARRYSCOURT LAD :¬>-
b, g. Glacial Storm (U.S.A.) - Clonana
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I wouldnt be at all surprised if Barryscourt Lad improved this term... however this is on the basis that his owner Joanna Holmes concedes that this huge son of Glacial Storm requires stronger handling. They have won only once in a point-to-point, however whilst the horse clearly has demonstrated he has ability, his novice rider's lack of experience, has been all too evident in five runs under rules. He was beaten a head by Bright Approach in the Winning Post At Cheltenham Hunters' Chase over 4m1f on his last start for David Pipe and it will be interesting to see whether he is given the cvhance to run with a stronger more experienced rider. I'm not suggesting that he couldn't win with Joanna Holmes under rules... but it would be less likely.
( 325 )¯¯ BEAR ON BOARD :¬>-
b, g. Black Monday - Under The River
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Alan King
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Bear on Board was a progressive novice hurdler two seasons ago winning once at Uttoxeter in November '00 as well as finishing in the frame behind Wishbone at Newbury in December and Hindiana at Ascot in February '01. he hasn't raced since due to a tendon problem, however is now fully recovered. He should do well this winter over fences.
( 326 )¯¯ BENSON :¬>-
br, g. Hawkstone - Erin St Helen
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Henry D J Daly
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Benson is a horse who could improve significantly on what he's shown so far when tried over fences. He has so far run four times under rules, arguably running his best race on his debut when finishing
18½ lengths fourth behind Harvis at Towcester in November '00. A 3-mile novice chase when the mud is flying could be within his compass.
( 327 )¯¯ BOARD WALK :¬>-
b, g. Commanche Run - Swift Tide
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mrs Mary Reveley
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Board Walk is a huge seven-year-old gelding by Commanche Run, who has only had eight runs under rules winning once when plodding though the mud to win a 3mile handicap chase at Newcastle in January. He is so attractive as he is so obviously still developing physically, that as long as connections look after him mentally, he is a certainly to win more races. During the next 24monthsI won't be surprised if this horses doesn't develop into quite a useful staying handicapper.
( 328 )¯¯ BOUNCE BACK (U.S.A.) :¬>-
ch, g. Trempolino (U.S.A.) - Lattaquie (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Considering he joined present connections having finished third to Le Sauvignon in the '01 Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil (Hurdle) (Gr. 1). so much was expected from Bounce Back last term. For a lot of the season it looked as though the money hadn't been well spent. He did win a novice chase at Chepstow in December '01 (though he didn't impress) and then some shockers - his fourth to Barracouda in the Long Walk Hurdle was one that sticks in the memory comes immediately to mind. Maybe he needed time to settle in, because he improved significantly during the last month of the season. He wasn't disgraced behind Barracouda in the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (Gr. 1), before coming a good sixth to stablemate Ilnamar in the Martell Aintree Hurdle (Gr. 1). He was allowed to take his chance in the Attheraces Gold Cup Chase (Gr. 3) and considering that this was only his fifth steeplechase, won with plenty in hand, cruising throughout the race before passing Dark Stranger going to the last, eventually putting 8lengtsh between him and the second. The longer trip may have been a contributory factor, however it more likely that he had just settled in - it isn't usual for french breds to take a season to find their feet and its possible that he could be a different proposition this winter.
( 329 )¯¯ CEANANNAS MOR :¬>-
br, g. Strong Gale - Game Sunset
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Nicky Henderson
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Ceanannas Mor is really frustrating full brother to Stormyfairweather. He's been in this last for a few seasons and gets back in again as a result of his win in the Charisma Gold Cup (Handicap Chase) at Kempton at the beginning of the season as well as his good second to stablemate The Bushkeeper in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival. In between he ran four funny races in that he seemed top be travelling well but found nothing when the pressure was applied, however his last effort was arguably his best of the season so as he seems to be on an upward curve gets the benefit of the doubt...
( 330 )¯¯ CHICUELO (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Mansonnien (FR) - Dovapas (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-If you've read our FOCUS ON FRANCE feature, you'll be aware of how talented, yet frustrating Chicuelo was in his native france... nothing changed last term in this country. He ran six times, finishing second three times as well as throwing in a few stinkers. The closest he came to winning was at Ascot in April, where he was beaten a head by Stirling Stewart. I have always held the view that some horses suit certain trainers, (establishments and style of training) and I think this horse has a better chance of winning a race with Martin Pipe than Ian Williams - not because I necessarily think Pipe is a far better trainer than Williams is (I don't)... its more to do with understanding this type of horse. Nicholashayne - more than most training establishments - does particularly with their foreign purchases. I think this is in part because due to the amount of time/effort they have invested into studying not only french form, but also how certain trainers educate their young horses - adopting if/when necessary previous regimes/styles of training. Secondly, (more importantly), some french breds improve after a season's acclimatization. A look at this horse's form in France and you'll find, for example, his good third to Sleeping Night and Ilnamar (beaten 8
½lengths) in the Prix Morgex (Chase) (Gr. 3) , or his third to Sleeping Night and Douze Douze in the Prix Maurice Gillois Grand Steeple-Chase Des 4 Ans (Chase) (Gr. 1) in November '00. He starts the season off of rating of only 116, and I'd be really surprised if he doesn't win a race.
( 331 )¯¯ COBBET (CZE) :¬>-
b, g. Favoured Nations - Creace (CZE)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Tom R George
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Cobbet is one of my favourite horses at the moment. This multi- winner in Poland and the Czech Republic had a good first season in this country starting off with an impressive win in a seller at Fakenham in a fast time, before going on to win two handicap hurdles at Wincanton in October. He did however by far his best race of the season at Cheltenham in November when he failed by 5lengths to beat Image De Marque II (giving her 17lbs). He didn't win again that season. however he is built to jump fences and will improve again in that sphere, however he needs a strong gallop to be at his most effective and will only get that once he goes into handicap company.
( 332 )¯¯ COQ HARDI DIAMOND :¬>-
b, g. King's Ride - Snoqualmie
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Noël Meade
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Coq Hardi Diamond returns to the racecourse having missed last term through injury. He was a decent handicapper during the '00/1 season and is best remembered by one of his defeats , in the paddypower.com Handicap Chase (Grade B) at Leopardstown in December '00, where he made up an enormous amount of ground, from 4 out having been well behind at the outset. He pinged the last and fairly flew up the runs (making up at least 10lengths) to only finish 6lengths behind the winner. There is a decent handicap to be won with him, if connections can keep him sound.
( 333 )¯¯ CORLETTO (POL)
b, g. Professional - Cortesia (POL)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Tom R George
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Corletto had a successful first season in this country. This ex Polish trained gelding was a winner of the flat at Sluzewiec in October '00 ands took a while to settle in, running poorly on his first two attempted in this country. He was given a small break by connections, which appeared to work the oracle, as he improved on previous efforts to land two handicaps at Taunton in March, as well as at Hereford at the beginning of April. I suspect he was bought with a steeplechasing career in mind and I would expect him to be placed to land one this winter (he may be best in handicap company)
( 334 )¯¯ DARK'N SHARP (GER):¬>-
br, g. Sharpo - Daytona Beach (GER)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Richard Phillips
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Dark'n Sharp is one of the most promising of last season's novice chasers from last season. He ran five times falling at the last at Huntingdon, when looking set for an impressive chasing debut success. He was then beaten a Head by Hit and Run at Doncaster, before finishing third to Fadoudal Du Cochet in the Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup Handicap (Listed Race). He deserved to win a race and finally got his head in front when sprinting away from his rivals in the Martell Red Rum Handicap Chase (Listed Race) at Aintree. he was backed as though defeat was out of the question on his final start at Ayr and dually obliged quickening past Kadarann after two out to win easily by 6lkengths. Considering his relative lack of experience, he has come a long way in a short time and is a very exiting prospect for this term.
( 335 )¯¯ DICEMAN :¬>-
b, g. Supreme Leader - Henry's Gamble
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Sue Smith
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I was very interested to read that Sue Smith bought back Diceman, who she'd previously trained during the '00/1 season when he showed promise in four starts in bumpers and over hurdles. He missed most of last term through injury, only running once for Heather Dalton when coming seventh behind Indalo in a Novice Hurdle at Haydock in May.. He is a good-looker however, which makes his 6,000 gns price tag seem very cheap. I can see him winning over fences if the Smiths can keep him sound this term.
( 336 )¯¯ DON'T TELL JR :¬>-
b, g. Mister Lord (U.S.A.) - Middle Third
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ferdy Murphy
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Don't Tell Jr is an eight-year-old gelding who has had eleven runs in his career , only winning once when plodding through the mud last term to win a novice chase by a distance at Plumpton in February. He is huge (which is why he hasn't raced so much) and should only now be coming to himself .. I'd be hopeful that he'll be placed to win little races on the country circuit.
( 337 )¯¯ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR :¬>-
ch, g. Executive Perk - What Side
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Michael Cullen in Ireland
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Executive Director has the potential to do well in novice chases this term. He didn't win last term, however he ran so great races in defeat. His second to Killultagh Thunder at Punchestown in January, was arguably his best effort. He is built to jump fences and I would expect him to find more improvement once he has gained some experience early on in the season.
( 338 )¯¯ GLANAMANA :¬>-
br, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Brides Choice
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Brendan G Powell
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Glanamana is a really attractive six-year-old gelding by Be My Native, however he was a huge disappointment last term for Jeff King. Considering he was a bumper winner the previous, you would have expected him to show a bit more promise than he mustered, only really showing any potential when coming third to Iverain at Chepstow in November '01. he had two starts over fences but jumped with no confidence at all and was pulled up on both occasions.... He can't in my view get any worse and a change of scenery and a freshen up may have done him the world of good.
( 339 )¯¯ GLOGLOGLO (CZE), :¬>-
b, h. Fallada (GDR) - Gloria
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ales Vanourek in the Czech Republic
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Glogloglo is another foreign entrant in this listing. He was ordinary on the flat (winning once from nine starts... Going jumping completely transformed him, he has won four of his seven starts in the Czech Republic including the Cena CASCH Steeple ch. S(I). at Pardebice in October '01. Connections have begun to venture outside of the Czech Republic and that has already reaped its reward as he landed the Altes Badener - Jagdrennen / (Listed steeple ch) at Baden-Baden in June... there should be more successes to come in Europe this winter.
( 340 )¯¯ GOGUENARD (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Gaspard De La Nuit (FR) - Laika III (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mrs Sue Smith
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Having looked so impressive when winning at Sandown at the end of the 2000/'01 season, it was very frustrating that Goguenard disappointed so much last term, so much so that there is very little to recommend him here. His two saving graces are that he has been moved to Sue Smith, who will probably give him a slightly different campaign to that that Nicky Henderson would have. More importantly, he is now a pound lower in the handicap than when winning at Sandown 18 months ago. His sights may be lowered however does that matter if he wins.
( 341 )¯¯ GOLDEN GOAL (GER) :¬>-
br, g. Nebos (GER) - Goralin (GER)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Venetia Williams
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Golden Goal finally began to fulfill the promise I thought he'd showed over obstacles winning four on his seven starts, including the Weatherbys Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (gr. 1) at Sandown at the beginning of February, as well as the Pendil Novices' Chase (gr. 2) at Kempton three weeks later. He didn't run too badly to be truthful behind Royal Auclair in the Cathcart Challenge Cup Chase (gr. 2), however he will need to progress again to win off of his loftier handicap mark.
( 342 )¯¯ GUE AU LOUP (FR):¬>-
gr, g. Royal Charter (FR) - Arche D'Alliance (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Henry D J Daly
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Gue Au Loup returns to the list. he had shown promise in his native France two seasons ago but initially failed to show this for Henry Daly. he was sent point-to-pointing last term and did well in open company. foot and mouth brought about a return to rules racing and after a second at Huntingdon at the end of '00/1 season, he galloped his rivals into submission under top weight in a novices handicap chase. he was last seen failing by
¾ length to beat Maxie McDonald back at Bangor again under top weight.. He didn't race last season, however is still young to make up for lost time in similar type of events this season
( 343 )¯¯ HEIDI III (FR):¬>-
br, g. Bayolidaan (FR) - Irlandaise (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Mrs Lisa Williamson
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I adore Heidi Iii, and he had a great season two year ago culminating in a win in the Great Yorkshire Chase where he rallied gallantly to outstayed In At the Top after the last fence. We didn't see much of him last term, and what we did see was a strange mix of good and bad. He ran badly in two steeplechases at Doncaster, being pulled up of both occasions, whilst he was a well-beaten second on his other two starts, behind Behrajan at Wetherby in December '01, and Grey Abbey in April. Heidi III is still relatively young and so could bounce back, however this horse's career seems to be at a crossroads.. I'm hoping that a chance of scenery may work the oracle
( 344 )¯¯ HINDIANA (FR) :¬>-
ch, g. Quart De Vin (FR) - La Salamandre (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ferdy Murphy
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Hindiana was a huge disappointment last season, as he never really build on his fair effort in the James Nicholson Wine Merchant Champion Chase at Down Royal in November. He ran flat in the Hennessy Gold Cup, and then ran an odd sort race in the Tommy Whittle Chase (Gr. 2) where he stayed over very strongly up the run-in after looking disinterested turning for home. He did the same thing in the Peter Marsh Chase (Gr. 2) staying on late to finish 7lengths behind the winner Red Striker. He seems to appreciate a trip and time to organise himself... Not having a novice campaign here did seem to hinder him and he may well start the season on a more realistic mark... I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt anyway, however his tendency to clout a fence or two on stiff tracks remains a worry.
( 345 )¯¯ HISTORG (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Cyborg (FR) - Kalliste (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ferdy Murphy
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Historg had a pleasing first season over fences. he ran six times, winning twice at Market Rasen in December and Haydock in February and showed improved from to win that day, clearly appreciating the step up to 3miles. Connections at no stage last season put the gun to his head and I believe we will see an improved level of form in handicap company this winter.
( 346 )¯¯ HORUS :¬>-
b, g. Teenoso - Jenny's First
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- So much was expected of Horus last season, however despite winning three from five last term, at Larkhill (here he beat Miss O'Grady by 6 lengths in a Men's Open right at the beginning of the season) plus two Hunter Chases at Wincanton in February and Cheltenham in May. He probably will be remembered more for his two defeats in the Cheltenham Foxhunters Chase and Towcester in May where he cost himself any realistic chance of success with particularly poor rounds of jumping. Connections appear to have wisely taken the view that going back to basics may be the best course of action and Horus is now with Martin Pipe with a view to possibly campaigning him this season in Novice company. He may not reach the heights first expected of him, however, I'd be disappointed if he was not able to win Novice events under rules this winter.
( 347 )¯¯ IDEALKO (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Kadalko (FR) - Belfaster (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Ian Williams
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Idealko is a six-year-old gelding by Kadalko that won four steeplechases in France, at La Roche-Sur-Yon, Dieppe, Royan-La Palmyre and Gemozac during the '00/1 season, however we only saw him the once when disappointing at Warwick in a novice in November '01 . He came back with an injury, which meant he didn't race again, however he is good enough to make an impact in this country..
( 348 )¯¯ IKRENEL ROYAL (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Bricassar (U.S.A.) - Kreneldore (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Nicky J Henderson
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Ikrenel Royal is a very interesting prospect for this season having run well in France over hurdle against the likes of Caballo Raptor, Ilare and Isful (now with Martin Pipe). he won his only run over fences in France at Enghien in November '00, before impressively beating Crocadee by 12 lengths at Sandown's Whitbread season .. He hasn't raced this however he could still be one to note for the second half of the season
( 349 )¯¯ IL'ATHOU (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Lute Antique (FR) - Va Thou Line (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- S E H Sherwood,
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Il'Athou had a good first season over fences, winning three of his four starts impressively at Bangor, Huntingdon and Ascot. His only poor effort was in the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (gr.1), where led to the sixth, but weakened quickly before being pulled up when well out of contention at the last. He is better than that and as long as it hasn't left its mark, he should be capable of finding further opportunities this season.
( 350 )¯¯ IRIS BLEU (FR):¬>-
ch, g. Beyssac (FR) - Dear Blue (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I really like this horse, but boy has he put me through the mill since coming from france!!!. He hasn't won, has finished second eight times and been placed on several other occasions. He gets back into this list for two reasons; (a) He doesn't give me the impression that he's ungenuine, more possibly too high in the handicap... more importantly (b) He is only six and has time on his side... I'll give him one last try.
( 351 )¯¯ IDALGO DE GUYE (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Luchiroverte - Victoire De Guye (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Lord Bolton
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Idalgo De Guye is a six-year-old gelding by Luchiroverte who is slowly coming to hand. He doesn't have the best completion record however he showed plenty of promise when completing, finishing second to Direct Access at Carlisle in November '01 before coming out two weeks later to win a 3mile handicap chase at Ayr. If Ben Orde-Powlett and Idalgo De Guye keep sound, I'd be hopeful of him finding further success this winter.
( 352 )¯¯ JACQUEMART COLOMBE (FR) :¬>-
ro, h. Royal Charter (FR) - Tanie (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- (Guillaime Macaire)
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Jacquemart Colombé is a horse I've always liked and he had a fairly good season winning twice on the flat before winning a steeplechase at Toulouse in October. He finished second at Nantes and Compiegne afterwards though did disappoint twice at Auteuil. he needs to continue to strengthen up to fulfill his potential, but there is very little mileage on the clock and should be able to fine similar opportunities this winter.
( 353 )¯¯ JET DES PRES (FR):¬>-
br, g. Perrault - Ekoship (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- P Rago in france
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Jet Des Prés has to go in... after all, I was hoping that he could be bought by one of my friends two seasons ago!!. I think he is one of the best five-year-old maidens in France, having been placed behind the likes of Roscoff, Saint Realise, Robin Des Champs, and Bilboa over hurdle and fences, however must have soft ground (He would fail a vet because of his bad knee-joints). That is a pity, however as I told my friend... "I hope he doesn't develop into another 'vet failure', Jair du Cochet!!!"
( 354 )¯¯ JETOWA DU BOIS HUE (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Kadrou (FR) - Vaika (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Tom R George
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Jetowa Du Bois Hue is going to be a commentator's nightmare for seasons to come if his second to Golden Alpha at Wincanton in January is a good gauge of his ability. He was the only one that gave Golden Alpha a race that day , and whilst he was eventually put in your place, he did more than enough to suggest that a win is not too far away. He ran deplorably afterwards, (twice) so badly that the form is best ignored. Assuming that this was as the result of him simply acclimatising and not as the result of a physical problem. I would expect Jetowa Du Bois Hue is good enough to win over fences this winter.
( 355 )¯¯ JIMMY CRICKET (FR) :¬>-
b, g. Video Rock - Via Tennise (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Venetia Williams
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Jimmy Tennis, a five-year-old son of Video Rock joined present connections from Thierry Civel's yard last season. He is a winner of an AQPS flat race at three years, and has progressed this term over fences , winning the Prix Djarvis at Auteuil in June, as well as finishing in the frame in three of his other four starts. He ran three times in this country, only completely once, when he won the Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (gr. 2) at Ascot on his British debut. That actually may work in his favour as he likely to start the season on a reasonable handicap mark, and he could be worth following.... however he will need to brush up his jumping technique to take full advantage.
( 356 )¯¯ JOUR J (FR) :¬>-
gr, g. Royal Charter (FR) - Ability (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Martin Pipe should also be able to find a race or two for Jour J; a five-year-old gelding who showed promise in a couple of starts at Auteuil in the autumn before landing a little novice chase at Nantes in November '01. He may an inauspicious start to his British career falling at the first on his British debut at Newbury, the fact that connections were content to take on Frosty Canyon with a horse with so little racecourse experience is an indicator to how strongly they did rate him. He was supported to atone or that error at Warwick next time out and duly obliged putting in some bold leaps to beat Mitcheldean by 21 lengths. For some reason he did seemed to lose his confidence and gave away a winning opportunity at Fontwell and seemed to be very reliant on "A.P.". making his mind up for him. This was evident on his most recent start at Chepstow where he put down and made a bad blunder at the second-last open ditch. A confidence-booster over hurdles would be a good move, however I would fully expect connections to have schooled him extensively since. He is potentially a useful handicap chaser if he's mentally up to the challenge.
( 357 )¯¯ KUNG HEI FAT CHOI :¬>-
b, g. Roselier (FR) - Gallant Blade
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Jim S Goldie
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Kung Hei Fat Choi has a very varied campaign with three trainers. He began with Noël Meade and ran respectably in two beginners' chases in October. he was sold out of the stable and was pulled up in a maiden point-to-point on his British debut, however he showed improved form, when staying on strongly in desperate ground to win a Hunter Chase at Ayr in March. He was outclassed in two decent hunter chases, however was in the process of running a fair race when blundering at the 12th on his last start at Hexham at the end of April .. eventually weakening to finish fourth behind the winner Phar Echo. He's nothing special, however give him the right conditions I can see him landing a little handicap during the winter. (He joined Jim Goldie for that final start and should stay with him in order to get the best out of him).
( 358 )¯¯ LANTAUR LAD :¬>-
b, g. Brush Aside - Gleann Oge
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Alan King
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Lantaur Lad won three point-to-points in Ireland before joining present connections and ran really well for them on his only start last term, when he came here, and jumped well when a very encouraging second in a novice chase at Doncaster on his first start for us. He came back with heat in a leg and was off for the rest of the season, but is back doing long, steady work and is one to keep an eye out for in novice chases after Christmas.
( 359 )¯¯ LE CID (FR) :¬>-
br, g. Mansonnien (FR) - Dona Rahotep (FR)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- R Cherrau
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Le Cid had a good season last term. This five-year-old by Mansonnien beat Jimmy Tennis in the Prix Julien Decrion (Steeple Ch.) at Auteuil in September, and was placed in his next three starts including finishing third to Hidalgo Royal in the Prix Lutteur II (Handicap Chase) (btn 8
½ lengths). When I looked at his efforts in more detail I took the view that he horse was crying out for a trip (he had only race over 2-2m5f so far) and made him my selection to land the Prix du President de la Republique (The
French Grand National) at the end of April over
2miles-7½f. He jumped really well that day and stayed on strongly up the run-in to catch Innox to win, going away by
2-½ lengths. He would do really well over here in staying handicaps and is definitely a horse to note when being given the opportunity to race over a distance of ground.
( 360 )¯¯ LORD MOOSE :¬>-
b, g. Mister Lord (U.S.A.) - Moose
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Henry Daly
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Lord Moose had a good first season over fences. He was going very well at Wetherby first time out when he struck into himself and was pulled up, however after disappointing at Kempton, where he was travelling very sweetly turning for home, however completely folded leaving it - He was sent to Newbury for his final start and fulfilled all of this promise, jumping bolding and outstaying his rivals... There is hardly any mileage on the clock and he should be capable of finding similar opportunities (a step up in trip will help).
( 361 )¯¯ NAPOLI (POL) :¬>-
br. h. Jape (U.S.A.) - Norcja (POL)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>-František Zobel
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Napoli is probably one of the most improved chasers in the Czech republic. František Zobel's six-year-old gelding has had twelve runs and after winning a hurdle at Pardubice in May '01, has blossomed since going over fences. A measure of his improvement can be demonstrated by the improvement show since finishing tenth to Registana (at the time, one of the highest rated chasers racing in the Czech Republic, who has done well in Italy this season.) in the Cena HBO - Cena Vltavy S (I) at Pardubice in October 01. He came out and won his first two races of the season; the Cena spolecnosti Color Car S (III) at Pardubice in May, and the Cena Pardubického kraje S (II) again at Pardubice in June and clearly has physically just come to himself. There won't be many steeplechasers better than him and he will be difficult to beat if he stays at home .. well worth a try in a decent race in Italy at some stage this season.
( 362 )¯¯ PILLAGING PICT :¬>-
ch, g. Primitive Rising (U.S.A.) - Carat Stick
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- J. B. Walton
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-I like keeping tabs on a few horses from smaller stables and as a follower of point-to-pointers, I was interested to se how Pillaging Pict would do under rules...I wasn't disappointed as he won twice at Catterick in January and Carlisle at the beginning of April, and was placed on three other occasions and arguably ran his best race in defeat when finishing third to Barton in November (btn
29½ lengths). This was a good start to his career under rules and should find future improvement when stepped up to 3miles at some stage this winter
( 363 )¯¯ ROMANTIC HERO :¬>-
b, g. Supreme Leader - Right Love
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Nick Gaselee
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Romantic Hero is a six-year-old gelding by Supreme Leader, who showed promise in two of his three starts last term over fences, finishing an eye-catching fourth at Leicester in February when travelling sweetly to three out. That was over 3miles and he seemed to appreciate the drop back in trip when winning a 2
½mile novices handicap at Newbury in March, with a bit more in hand than the eventually winning margin suggested. He should have improved physically during the close season and has plenty of scope for improvement this winter.
( 364 )¯¯ SORD (CZE) :¬>-
gr, h. Mill Pond (FR) - Soraya (CZE)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- J Votava, in the Czech Republic
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>- Sord is rated amongst the best twenty chasers in the Czech Republic. Sord had a good first season as a four-year-old, winning the Cena Univerzity Pardubice steeple ch., and Cena Zeas a.s. Staré Hradište steeple ch. as a four-year-old, ending that season as one of the best in his age group. Last season he only won the once when landing the Jarná cena Petržalky in April, but ran some good races in defeat. particularly when finishing second to Registana in the Cena spolecnosti Elex a CASCH steeple ch. in October '01. He was added to the of finishing second in the Velká cena Orling S. R.O. (steeple ch) at Pardebice at the end of April and has since landed the Velká cena mesta Pardubic (one of the most valuable steeple chases in the Czech republic) at Pardubice in May. He is being aimed at the Velka Pardubická Ceské Pojistovny (steeple ch) and would have a good chance there. If connections were more adventurous he'd probably be able to win outside of the Czech republic, especially as he appears to appreciate shorter trips... He should continue to flourish this winter.
( 365 )¯¯ VICTOR ARGOSY (NZ) :¬>-
b, g. Victory Dance - Fair Clip (Nz)
¦ The Trainer ¦:¬>- Martin C. Pipe
¦ c.o.m.m.e.n.t.s. ¦:¬>-Victor Argosy could be an interesting chase prospect this term. Victor Argosy was having just his seventh steeplechase and ninth race, when winning the Ecolab Waikato Steeplechase on his latest start at Te Rapa in May. has been sold to a partnership, which includes Robert Sangster. Victor Argosy is young and lightly tried for a jumper and clearly has ability... he could be anything
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