¦ALVERO (FR) ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[O P J Meli]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Alvero is a five year old by Genereux Genie, who has shown a little ability in claiming company over fences in France when trained E Chevalier De Fau. His best [recent] effort was when he came third in a claiming event at Fontainebleau in March, though he was also campaigned in that grade at Auteuil...He is very difficult to gauge, however he might well progress enough to win a maiden somewhere before the end of the season.

¦BELLE DERRIERE ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[J A Danahar]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Belle Derriere drops in grade after a disappointing return to the racecourse last season. This eight year old mare had shown plenty of promise in winning a bumper at Ludlow as well as a novice hurdle at Leicester in December '99. she missed a couple of seasons due to injury and failed to fire in three handicap hurdlers, however she did have the size and scope to jump a fence, so might still be capable of getting into the winners enclosure

¦BLÍN (CZE)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[D Allers-Hankey]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-We have been "championing" the values of several Eastern bloc horses in several of Furlong To Go' s feature, and as we were going through the weekends entries we were immediately drawn to the presence amongst the entries of Blín.. who should he do well may encourage a few owners to try and find a horse from the Czech Republic/Poland for this sphere. Blín is an eight year old gelding by Lincoln, who was formerly trained in the Czech Republic by Jozef Piruch. He ran 20 times; winning the "Velká mirošovská steeplechase stavební firmy JIPS" and "Cena Beas a.s. - Pekárna Licno" during the 2000 season... He hasn't been in the same sort of form during the last two season, and hasn't raced since failing to compete in the 112. Velká pardubická Ceské pojištovny, however he was rated around 72, in comparison to the highest rated Czech chaser [who was rated 92], so you can see that despite not winning for two seasons, his profile isn't too bad... Blín is difficult to gauge, however I' wouldnt be surprised if he managed a success [or hopefully two] this season.

¦CHOCOLATE SOLDIER ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Richard Tate
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Richard Tate is having a good season thus far , and I'll be hoping that some of that good form rubs off on Chocolate Soldier; a five year old gelding by Mister Lord, who has only raced once, when finishing last in a bumper at Haydock in April '02... [where he was strongly fancied]. Something clearly was amiss that day and he is probably better than that form may initially suggest... One to look out for in maiden company. 

¦EBONY JACK ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[K W Biggins]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- I do so hope that Ebony Jack wins this term... This six year old gelding by Phardante is out of Ebony Jane, who won the Irish Grand National... That makes him a full-brother to Bold Action, [who was in our One To Jump feature], who was so tragically killed at Wincanton earlier in the season... I really liked Bolt Action, who looked so impressive when winning at Chepstow on his debut under rules and this horse may be destined to follow him if he can also show some promise between the flags this season.

¦EXECUTE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[B J C Wright]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Execute is a horse i'd be hopefully of doing well this season... this seven year old son of Executive Perk didn't win when he was trained last term by Mouse Morris, however he progressed with each of his seven starts - the most recent of which when he cam sixth to Arran Mews at Clonmel in October '01. That was over 2miles [btn 10˝ lengths] however he gives every indication that a longer trip should suit ... I'd be quite hopeful of him going close at some stage this season.

¦EVA SO CHARMING ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Countess 
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Eva So Charming made a highly promising debut at Larkhill on 08.02.03 leading until the last before being out sped by the winner Stavordale Lad. This five-year-old is certain to have benefited from this experience and should be good enough (at the very least) to land a maiden before the end of the season. 

¦GENTLEMEN'S RELISH ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- (Mrs W. Shand-Kydd)
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Gentleman's Relish is worth looking out for in maiden company of judged on his recent third to Dancing Fosenby at Tweseldown on 16.02.03. After being held up early on, he appears to have made smooth progress to take a prominent position throughout the final circuit ; eventually staying on to finish 13 lengths behind the winner. The time of the race was only two seconds slower than Down covered the same distance in the Men's Open that day so you'd think if he's able to replicate that level of performance elsewhere during the remainder of the season he should be able to get into the winners enclosure. 

¦KALYPSO DE LAUGERE (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Keith Smith
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- Kalypso De Laugere is a five year old gelding by Luchiroverte by Diane De Laugere; (an El Badr mare, who ran over fences in France)... He is unraced, however he appeals on pedigree and I will be hoping that he shows some promise before the end of the season. 

¦KEY DEBATE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-{Mrs M Cooper}
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-"He's potentially the best prospect I've had and he could go novice chasing"... I hope that Tim Alford doesn't regret uttering those sentiments as Key Debate was a highly promising hunter chaser in 2000, who failed to make the grade in novice/handicap company although he was placed more often that not... back in hunter chases, [and injury} Key Debate may well get back into the winner's enclosure

¦LETHAM AIR ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Letham Air stayed on encouragingly on his debut at Alnwick on 16.02.2003 to finish a good second to the winner Dumadic. He made up a lot of ground in the second half of the race without ever threatening the winner. However, he did enough to suggest he has the ability to win a maiden by the end of the season.

¦MILNSTORM ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- [A G Fear]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- Milnstorm could go well between the flags this winter. He is a seven year old gelding by Glacial Storm [a sire, whose progeny improve as the mature] out of a Lancastrian mare. He didn't win when tried under rules, however he was third once at Wincanton, and was readily outclassed when tried against he likes of Mister Cool and Jericho III when he last race at he beginning of '02... He'll be unlucky to meet horses of that calibre in this discipline and may be capable of getting into the winners enclosure before the end of the season. 

¦PERCY-VERANCE ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Percy-Verance is another horse I noted having run well on his debut in this sphere. He stayed on nicely to finish 5 lengths behind the winner John Rich at Market Rasen on 08.02.2003. The time of his division of the Maiden was 8 seconds faster than that posted for the second division which suggests granted natural improvement hopefully means he has a good chance of landing a maiden by the end of the season.

¦THOSEWERETHEDAYS ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[J D Goodfellow]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-I'm a little surprised that Thosewerethedays is racing in this discipline, especially as he was so impressive when beating Europa last term at Kempton in February '02... He would also have been placed if he hadn't fallen at the final fence in the Pendil Novices' Chase [gr. 2] and would be a cut above most horse that campaigned in Open company.. I'd be very disappointed if he didn't win a race this season. 

¦BOLIDE DU AUNAY (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Michael Emmanuel
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Bolide Du Aunay, a five year old son of Dadarissime; out of a Chamberlin mare, has shown a little ability in the French provinces over fences - his best effort was a third at Dinan in August.. I'm not expecting him to set the world on fire, however he has demonstrated that he has a little ability and may find a winning opportunity before the end of the season. 

¦COLONEL LUDLOW¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[C J Cundall]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Ex Dessie Hughes novice hurdler Colonel Ludlow made an encouraging debut in this country, when chasing home Star of Raven in a division of the Open Maiden at Wetherby on 09.02.03...Although he appears to have been readily outpointed by the winner, he stayed on well enough to suggest that if he were able to replicable some of his best Irish form, he should be good enough to land a maiden [He may appreciate better ground]. 

¦EDMOND (FR) ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[Lady Knutsford]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Although approaching the twilight of his career, former Welsh Grand National winner Edmond still makes plenty of appeal in this lesser company.. He hasn't won since that glorious day in December '99, however a replication of his third to Streamstown in the '02 running of the Singer & Friedlander National Trial Showcase Handicap (Chase)(Listed Race) would be more than good enough to win in this company... I hope he enjoys himself.. he doesn't owe anyone anything. 

¦FINE AND DANDY ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-J M Turner
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Fine And Dandy made an encouraging debut between the flags at Cottenham on 08.02.03 behind the winner Freteval. He was prominent until the third last before weakening to finish 20lengths behind the winner. This seven year old son of Roselier showed a little promise when trained under rules by Heather Dalton and may be good enough to land a little maiden before the end of the season.

¦IN THE SPIRIT ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Caroline Bailey
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-In the Spirit is a six year old gelding by Henbit, out of What A Coup, which makes him a half brother to What's Money [who ran in points as well as under rules]... He is sure to be well schooled and hopefully he will show some promise before the end of the season.

¦LAH DI LAH LAD¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[R J White]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Lah Di Lah Lad shown a little promise last term, however went lame after finishing fourth on his most recent start... I thought there may be a race in this nine year old and he should be monitored to see if he can improve on that last effort before considering backing him. [Bar that injury - {which I must admit I thought was more serious}, he may well have been in our "one To Jump" feature]

¦OO EE BE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[L J Bridge]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- I like to take chances... [to me that's half the fun off following horses] and last year I put this seven year old son of Whittingham in our "one To Jump" feature, despite showing limited form over hurdles as a juvenile. He managed a second in a seller at Taunton but was disappointing overall, therefore imagine my surprise to record that he managed to start favourite for the Ladies Open at Erw Lon despite the presence of Market Springer, who to my ,mind would have more reliable form. Oo Ee Be didn't run that badly on his first attempt at 3miles [finishing only 14lengths behind the winner]... He might be able to step up on this form and could worth noting.. especially if the market speaks favourably again for him. 

¦PAYMASTER (NZ)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[C R R Sweeting]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-I'm slightly surprised that this eight year old son of Norman Pentaquad has dropped to this grade, especially as he had shown some promise to win over hurdles at Exeter, as well as running well in novice chases...[although he failed to complete twice] I'd be amazed/disapointed if he'd lost a lot of that promise and makes plenty of appeal in this company...He should win races this term 

¦SCHOOLHOUSE WALK ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[Major M Watson]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Having shown only limited ability in four bumpers, it wouldnt have surprised me to hear that Schoolhouse Walk was unpopular with punters when lining up for in a division of the Open Maiden at Wetherby on 09.02.03... Whilst he didn't win Schoolhouse Walk arguably posed his best ever effort staying on at the one pace to finished within 5lengths of the winner Mr Sonshine... I'd be hopeful that he could step up on this form and could hopefully himself get into the winner's enclosure before the end of the season. 

¦SENDONTHECHEQUE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- T D B Underwood
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Sendonthecheque is an eight year old gelding by Torus, whose only shown a little promise under rules, whoever did manage to beat Dorans Prides in a Private Charity Sweepstakes at Listowel in September '01... That may prove to be his "P.B." however on decent ground he may well [hopefully] prove that not to be the case. 

¦TO-DAY TO-DAY¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Richard Tate
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-I thought To-day To-day was worthy of a mention after finishing third to impressive winner Maitre De Musique at Marken Rasen on 08.02.03. This former handicapper was just finding his form over the larger obstacles when trained by Lenny Lungo and certainly appears to give me the impression that there are races to be won with him between the flags... [or even in hunter chases] 

¦VISCOUNT BANKES¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- [Mrs Kathy While]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Viscount Bankes; a five-year-old half-brother to Breakin Even, [a dual 6f winner in minor company at three/four years] stepped up considerably of form shown over hurdles last winter when finishing an encouraging third to Harry's Mare at Black Forest Lodge on 09.02.03. Given every opportunity to stay the trip, Viscount Bankes was put into the race on the second circuit and made smooth progress to have every chance with three to race. He didn't race the pace pf the winner but still stayed on well enough to get within 10lengths of her... An encouraging start and he should build on this I do have a slight reservation about the trip, so his best chance of success at present may be in 2m4f maidens 

¦ASTHEFELLOWSAID¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Maurice Smith
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Asthefellowsaid is a six-year-old gelding by Glacial Storm out of an unraced mare who only has had one race, when dead-heating for second place behind Multi Talented [who rans o recently under rules] at The Pigeons in a maiden point-to-point. He was sold at last May's Doncaster Sales and assuming he's fully acclimatised must enter calculations if given the chance of winning a maiden this term. 

¦C'EST DEJA VU ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Brian Watts
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- C'est Deja Vu a former member of our "one To Jump" feature (last year) is a horse that still interests me despite disappointing when trained by Paul Nicholls. This attractive son of Phardante was well beaten in all his tarts under rules but probably ran his best race on his last start when finishing 4th to Super Rapier in a selling hurdle over 3m3f at Fontwell in May '02... He did flatter to deceive on several occasions however I felt the experience at the very least did him some good and in maiden company, the penny might finally drop with him this winter

¦DRAGON'S DREAM¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Richard Barber
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Dragon's Dream is a six year old gelding by Gildoran, out of Keep on Dreaming, who raced for the Barbers. He has yet to race and therefore could be anything but I do like horses by the sire Gildoran, who tend to improve as they mature... probably one to monitor for the duration of the season.

¦ET LIGHT (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[A M E Barlow]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Et Light; an eleven year old gelding by Dom Pasquini, has probably seen better days however he was quite useful in his youth [He was a good third to Edredon Bleu at Auteuil on one occasion in 1998.] and was fairly consistent on the provisional circuit, finishing in the frame more often than not. There isn't a great deal of mileage on his clock [He hasn't raced since pulling up at Auteuil in December '01] and I wouldnt be surprised if he managed to find a winning opportunity between the flags this season. 

¦GOOD BOY (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[A M E Barlow]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- I noted that Good Boy had been entered in a Mens Open this weekend.. that seems rather ambitious as he was no more than a fair handicapper on the French provincial circuit [he faired best in claimers]. That said he did run a couple of fair races in the [provincial circuit before being bought by present connections [including a good second placing at Fontainebleau in October], so its possible he may well be up to winning a race... when dropped slightly in Grade.

¦HENRIETTA ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-David Pipe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-  Henrietta is a five year old mare by Hushang out of Jennie's First; which makes her a half-sister to Horus. She has yet to make it to the racecourse, however if she's inherited a quarter of his talent that would be enough to win a maiden this season. 

¦ITINERIS (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Mrs S Shirley-Bevan
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Itineris was another to catch the eye on Friar Haugh' s card on 02.02.03 when he finished a highly encouraging third to Active Member in the second division of the Open maiden. He made smooth headway from mid-division from about halfway to threaten the leaders 3 from home. He couldn't quite sustain that effort, however he was only 1 ľlengths behind the winner at the line. Itineris had previously shown some ability in the French provinces [He was second at Nancy on his last start before joining present connections in October] so I'd be quite confident of him losing his maiden tag before the end of the season. 

¦KNOCK LORD ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Sheila Crow
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Knock Lord is a six-year-old by Mister Lord, out of Sister Duke who won a bumper in Ireland. He showed some promise when finishing fourth in a maiden point-to-point at Cloyne in Ireland last term and clearly posses some ability... You'd be hopeful he'd be good enough to win a maiden this term. 

¦MARTEENY ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Jim B Walton
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-It may not have been the greatest of races, however I feel that Marteeny is worthy of a positive mention, having gone so close to winning the mare's maiden at Friar's Haugh on 02.02.03, despite having to carry 11lbs overweight. She was prominent throughout and it was only in the last half mile that the task became too great.... If she can replicate this form you'd like to think there may be a maiden within her grasp... [as long as she is "overburdened"]. 

¦MONTY'S LASS ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Monty's Lass was an encouraging second on his reappearance at Wadebridge on 01.02.03, staying on steadily from halfway to beat all bar Lord Atterbury in the Restricted [posting a fair time in the process]... The winner is probably useful, therefore there is every reason to believe that it shouldn't be too long before Monty's Lass goes one better this term. 

¦PROMINENT¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-David Easterby
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Prominent; a prolific winning pointer a few seasons ago makes a return to this grade after failing to make the expected progression under rules... He didn't show any of the promise that saw him progress up win Open races. Its hard to know whether he has completely lost his way, however he's only nine-years-old and on balance I'd be inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

¦SHAKING CHIEF¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[J D Callow]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Shaking Chief is a five-year-old gelding by Executive Perk out of a Tremblant mare, who appeals to me on pedigree alone... Naturally my expectations are limited, however I'll be hoping for some signs of promise before the end of the season. 

¦SNOWTRE ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Mrs H L Needham
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Snowtre a six year old by Glacial Storm; who'd shown signs of ability when finishing ninth on his debut in a Worcester Bumper in June 2002, made a satisfactory debut over in a division of the Maiden at Thorpe Lodge on 02.02.03. He was "there or thereabouts" throughout the race and did well to finish only less than 2lengths behind the winner Waterloo Leader having lost his place two from home... This is a good platform by which he can build.  

¦TOBAGO¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-[Exors Of The Late E F Astley-Arlington]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Tobago never made the sort of breakthrough under rules that I thought he would... This scopey son of Phardante showed plenty of promise over hurdles before winning a novice chase at Wincanton in April '02, however fell next time when well fancied and was sold cheaply out of Paul Nicholl's yard... That tends to suggest he had a problem, however he is relative unexposed over the larger obstacles and just might find a return to this grade to his liking. 

¦CAKE O' THE NORTH ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-I've been following Cake O' The North's progress for the last couple of seasons, and I'll be interested to see how he fares in this grade. This 7-year-old gelding by Eve's Error didn't win under rules when trained by Mary Reverley and Lenny Lungo, however he did hint strongly that a win was within his grasp. [A close 3rd at Hexham in March '02 was by a long way his best effort]. He isn't that good, however he is still lightly raced and is open to further improvement... I wont be surprised if he wins this season. 

¦DENVALE ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Caroline Bailey
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Denvale made an encouraging debut between the flags at Horseheath on 25.01.03 jumping adequately before staying on at one pace behind the winner China Box [btn 4lengths]. This 5-year-old son of Denel will have gain a lot of benefit from this experience and on this showing would appear to have strong claims for getting his head in front before the end of the season. 

¦GATSBY ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Mrs M Scudamore
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Gatsby is a 7-year-old gelding by Roselier who showed promise in three starts under rules when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, his best effort being when finishing third to Another General at newbury in March [btn 18lengths]. That form would be more than good enough to win under rules never mind a maiden and I'll be very disapointed if he fails to win at least a maiden this term. 

¦GOLDEN CHIMES (USA)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-E Tuer
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- Golden Chimes has been lightly raced of late, however this 8-year-old gelding by Woodman, [out of a daughter of Nijinsky] has shown that he possess some ability under rules, winning a Class D handicap on his penultimate start at Sedgefield in July '01. Injury has blighted his career, howevr he might still possess enough ability to win races in this sphere. 

¦GREAT JUBILEE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- David Pipe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-David Johnson has become to use point-to-points and a vehicle to introduce some of his horses. Great Jubilee; a 5-year-old son of Beneficial, is the latest to begin his career. Difficult to say what you're getting here, however the pedigree is appealing and therefore I'm taking a longer term view in including him... The market may be the best guide to when he may be worth punting on.

¦KOUMBA (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Mrs Nicola Pollock
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-I am taking a dip into the unknown again by selecting Koumba, a 5-year-old gelding by Luchiroverte by a mare who didn't cut much ice on the level. Naturally I cant confirm whether he can jump [or for that matter gallop], however I do like his pedigree and I will be hoping that he shows some promise before the end of the season. 

¦ONEMINUTETOFIVE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-David Pipe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-As a general rule, they won't be many "winners" who will be added to this list... which therefore should make you immediately sit up and take notice. This 6-year-old son of Neltino could not have been more impressive on his debut at Black Forest Lodge on 26.01.03. Backed down to favouritism Oneminutetofive was given a confident ride by Ashley Farrant being held up before making smooth headway from ˝-way. He lead at the 17th before pulling away to win by 4lengths. The bare form isn't that great but the manner of the win suggests that a restricted is a formality... one to keep on the right side of.

¦PARADISIO (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- [W J Tolhurst]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Paradisio interest me as a possible future winner between the flags. This 7-year-old gelding by Albert Du Berlais had shown promise when winning twice [both times at Pau], when trained by Jean-Pierre Totain in France at the beginning of '00 but struggled under penalties since... he clearly has been difficult to keep sound, however he may still retain enough ability to races between the flags.

¦PRIESTTHORN¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- (Lucy Alner)
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- I love Priesthorn... mainly because he managed to win me a "nice sum" of cash when winning his only race under rules at Lingfield at Odds of 25/1... [Happy Days... sigh!!!]. Before that Priestthorn had shown some promise in this discipline and to be honest I do find it a little disappointing that he is dropping back to this grade after some indifferent attempts over fences. He is only eight and whilst he isn't he biggest horse you'll ever see, he has still got mileage on the clock and I'd be keen to keep on the right side of him... until he demonstrates otherwise. 

¦RING DE SOU (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-I may well live to regret adding Ring De Sou to the list however this horse was promising enough in France that he may be worth a second glance in this lower grade. Admittedly he seemed to go completely the wrong way when in the care of Nicholashayne [refusing twice], however he didn't run too badly when coming 5th to Sir William at Black Forest Lodge on 26.01.03 [btn 22lengths] and if he can improve on that could well "pop up" somewhere at a nice price. 

¦RUSSIAN CONNECTION ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- [A C Ward-Thomas]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Evaluating Irish point-to-point is not an easy task, so it quite feasible to point out the occasion "dud".. hopefully Russian Connection is one of though exceptions. This 9-year-old sun of Moscow Society managed two wins last term, most recently when winning a "winners-of-one" at The Pigeon, Co. Westmeath in March... He clearly has some ability and can hopefully be placed to best advantage this winter

¦STORMICO ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- [A G Fear]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Stormico is a 7-year-old gelding by Glacial Storm, who showed little under rules as a five year old [admittedly against the likes of Kapok and Liss-A -Paoraigh] before performing much better between the flags finishing second at Ballysteen in a maiden in April. His sire's progeny improve with age and he is another who i'd be hopeful will get his head his fr0ont before the end of term bell tolls. 

¦STRAND ONTHE GREEN ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- [G B Foot]
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Strand Onthe Green is a 5-year-old gelding by Ela-Mana-Mou whose dame was a juvenile 6f winner in Ireland. He showed some promise as a three year old when trained by terry Mills without making the frame. He is unproven at this trip [and will have to prove he can jump], however he might prove most interesting in 2-˝mile maidens.

¦WHAT A MOVER¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-We had another good weekend last week with our selections here and whilst Manly Money was making a favourable impression on his debut there was plenty to like how What A Mover, [a 7-year-old mare by Jupiter Island] stayed on nicely behind him... without ever looking likely to threaten him. That was a good start and on this evidence she might be good enough to win a race this term. 

¦BATHTIME BOYS¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Caroline Bailey
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Bathtime Boys is an unraced five year old son of Relief Pitcher, who is a half brother to Bedtime Boys, who won a couple of times for the stable last term. He may have a quiet educational season, however I'd hope he'd be good enough to at least win a maiden 

¦BAYOSS¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Tim & Julie Long
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Bayoss made an encouraging reappearance at Barbury Castle on 19.01.03 figuring prominently throughout the Restricted race won by Le Cure. He attempted to make his effort three out, however he could only stay on at the one pace, however he'll be straighter next time and hopefully can get into the winner enclosure before long. 

¦CAPTIVE ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-J M Turner
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Captive is a seven year old gelding by Be My Native who followers of our horses to follow series will know was in last season's One To Jump feature when he was trained by Andy Crook. He failed to win last term, however has hinted on several occasions that he possesesd the ability to win a race... He is still relatively immature, therefore there is a very good chance that he should do well in this sphere in this sphere and I'll be disappointed if he doesn't visit the winner's enclosure by the end of the season. 

¦CLASSIC MASQUERADE (CAN)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- David Pipe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Classic Masquerade is an interesting addition to David Pipe's string this term. He has had a varied career, failing to live up to the high expectations expected on him when he was on the level with Richard Hannon and took a while to show some form over obstacles, however he found his level at the beginning of the 1999/2000 season winning four of his five starts (admittedly in lesser company). He hasn't raced since finishing well down the field at Newton Abbot in August '99, however was rated 105, which, if he were able to get anywhere near, will probably be enough for him to win in this sphere... as long as of course he can jump fences. 

¦JIM'S GIFT¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Mrs F Kehoe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Jim's Gift is a six year old gelding by Moscow Society, who has joined present connections after having won a Mares Maiden point-to-point at Ballindenisk in May '02.. Difficult to gauge the level of form, however she appears to be capable of winning similar races here this term.

¦JOHNNY BRUSHASIDE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-David Pipe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- It'll be interesting to see how Johnny Brushaside progresses this season. This former Noel Meade inmate was rated in the 110's under rules and wais better than his bare form figure suggested. He was sold at Doncaster sales having finished second to Caitriona's Choice at Navan in June off of a mark of 111. He seems best of a fast surface and could well run up a sequence when the ground dries up at the end of the season, and should be good enough to contest hunter chases at some stage this term.

¦MANLY MONEY ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Richard Barber
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Manly Money is a five year old gelding by Homo Sapien out of a daughter of Seymour Hicks. He has by all accounts been showing some promise at home and hopefully can make his presence felt in maiden company this term.

¦THE LORDOF MYSTERY ¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- B Belchem
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-The Lordof Mystery is a five year old by Mister Lord who appeals of pedigree alone ... probably one to watch initially however I'm hopeful of some promise being shown before the end of the season 

¦EASE THE PRESSURE¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Richard Barber
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Ease the Pressure is a six year old gelding by Roselier who won a maiden at Marlin in Ireland in September. It will be interesting to see how he fears this winter with Richard Barber, who connections will surely hope progresses enough to at the very least win a Restricted race. 

¦HOPALONG (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Hopalong could be interesting if he retains his ability. This eight year old son of Bayolidaan should plenty of promise during the 1999/2000 season, finishing in the frame on his last two starts most recently when finishing second to Ballet-K at Chepstow in April '00, when trained by Nicky Henderson. He hasn't raced since however once fully wound up could be good enough to (at the very least) win in maiden company

¦INVOLVED¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Sheila Crow 
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»- Involved is a newcomer to Sheila Crow's stable that catches the eye. He finished third in his debut at Dromathon in Ireland, and behind him was Lord Atterbury who figures in the main One To Jump feature. He is expected to do well and is one to watch out for in the North West Area.

¦JUNIOR DES ORMEAUX (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Mrs S H Shirley-Beavan
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Junior Des Ormeaux gets the distinction of being the first horse to have raced that's has been singled out for this feature. This six year old by Baby Turk has been placed in two of his last three starts on the French provincial circuit, most recently when finishing second at Porniche-La-Baque in August. He made an encouraging debut at Cottenham on 04-jan-03 staying on from halfway til 3 out behind the useful looking Chocoholic (one of our pre-chosen horses to follow in "One To Jump" 2003)... Hopefully he can progress enough to win in Maiden company. 

¦MAJADOU (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-David Pipe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Some may say its sad that his former useful chaser has descended to this level, however whilst he still probably has some of his old ability, he was almost certainly soured after being placed too high in the handicap, since impressively winning the Mildmay of Flete at the 1999 Cheltenham Festival.  Probably a hunter chase candidate if a spell hunting has sweetened him up.

¦MISTER BEAN (FR)¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»- Robert Waley-Cohen
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Mister Bean is a six year old gelding by Roi De Rome who was formerly trained in France by Thomas Trapenard. He didn't win but did hint at having a little ability. He hasn't raced since finishing fourth in a steeplechase at Compiegne a year ago and could well in this sphere... I'd be disapointed if he didn't win a maiden. 

¦STAN HARRIS¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-Lucy Alner
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-Stan Harris is a seven year old gelding by Supreme Leader out of Betty Hayes, a winner over fences. He hasn't raced under rules, but is bred to be useful in this sphere and hopefully can go on and win a maiden. 

¦THE BRIXHAM BOYS¦:¬»-
¦The Trainer¦:¬»-David Pipe
¦.C.O.M.M.E.N.T.S.¦:¬»-The Brixham Boys will need to have improved from two poor efforts in bumpers to win a maiden, however this six year old son of Un Desperado looked backward when running in bumpers a year ago and could well have come on significantly since then... worth giving him the benefit of the doubt. 

Saturday Point to Point Selections

Sunday Point to Point Selections

Monday Point to Point Selections