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Analysis & Selections by
Ò
rØøk
Whether
it be "th e race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we
will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied
horses participating each day and their
characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides
you with a winner or two each day, or even reinforces your own view on a
particular may even convince you to back some of those horses which we
feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims.
whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.
"ONE TO JUMP '04" - A selections of horses we believe are worth following during the national hunt season.
"Racing
News"
HURDLERS -
HANDICAPPERS
ARMEN [FR]
b, g. Kaldoun [FR] - Anna Édes [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Armen; a six-year-old by Kaldoun, [who is a full-brother to smart French middle-distance performers Aubergade and Abbatiale], is back in training after an injury. He showed useful form over hurdles two seasons ago, Beating Rob Leach by 24lengths on his debut at Plumpton, in Febryuary´01, before finishing third to Bilboa and Azertyuiop in the Glenlivet Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices´ Hurdle [Gr. 2] at the National Meeting a month later. He is clearly talented and could be interesting in handicaps if connections can get him back to somewhere near that level of form.
ÅNGLÀNÍT [CZE]
b, g. Lanitos - Anglointernational [CZE]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mark Pitman
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ånglànít is one of a couple of horses that Mark Pitman bought when he was in the Czech Republic last season. He ran five times winning the Cena Ariky R [III] at Velká Chuchle in October ´01. as well as finishing third in the Cena Yamato Travel R [II] again at Velká Chuchle in March. ´02. He had apparently schooled well but ran no sort of race on his only start at Warwick last December and hasn´t been seen since I´ll be interested to see how he fares over hurdles this winter.
BAREME [FR]
b, g. Homme De Loi - Roxa [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Nicky J. Henderson
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Bareme had a satisfactory first season over obstacles. He had been pleasing connections at home before his debut at Newbury in January, but was too keen in the early stages and failed to get home, eventually finishing 13½Lengths behind the winner; Bal De Nuit. He was given one more start at Kempton a month later, and he justified market support by holding off the renewed challenge of Fantastic Champion to win by 2½lengths. He retains his place in this list and could be interesting if he learns to settle in his races.
BRIAR [CZE]
b, c. House Rules [U.S.A.] - Bright Angel [ATA]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mark Pitman
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Briar retains his place in the list.. just!!!. He had a fair first season under obstacles, winning on his third staff at Folkestone in November '02, making most and slugging out his victory. He arguably ran his best races in defeat, in both cases attempting to make all on bottomless ground. He finished 6½Lengths behind Do L´Enfant D´Eau at Folkestone in February, before beating all bar Sherbet Lad at Sandown in March, [btn 5Lengths]. He seems to need a distance of ground and soft conditions to be seen to best advantage and if he gets those should be able to win races.
BROKEN KNIGHTS
ch, g. Broken Hearted - Knight´s Row
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Nicky G. Richards
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Broken Knights is a six-year-old gelding by Broken Hearted, out of a daughter of Le Bavard, who had a good first season under rules winning three of his four starts this term, beginning by beating Laõuen in a bumper at Ayr in November, before finishing second to Loopy Linda under a penalty at Doncaster in December. He ran twice over hurdles, winning both times at Ayr and Hexham and was clearly deemed to be too weak to win to try in better company. That could be a blessing in disguise and I´d be hopeful of further progression either in handicap company or over fences this winter.
CARACCIOLA [GER]
b, g. Lando [GER] - Capitolina [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Nicky J. Henderson
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Caracciola retains his place in this list. This six-year-old son of Lando joined present connections having won five of his nine starts in Germany, and had a satisfactory first season, winning two of his six starts; at Newbury in December ´02 and at the same venue in February, however didn´t do himself justice when upped in class. He´ll start the new season on an attractive mark and should do well in handicap company.
COPYBOOK
b, g. Danehill [U.S.A.] - Easy To Copy [U.S.A.]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Jimmy B Walton
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- There was a time that any horse trained by Henry Cecil would command at least five figures at a sale [and I don´t mean 10,000gns!!]... how times have changed. That doesn´t mean though that you couldn´t pick up a bargain and Copybook may have been a very shrewd purchase. He didn´t show much on the level in truth in five starts, but did compete in some decent maiden, finishing well behind the likes of Spinnette and Helloimustbegoing. He may simply not be very good, however he is an attractive son of Danehill, who possesses plenty of scope... The 4,500gns paid for him at the 2002 Tattersalls Horses-in-training sale by Jim Walton may prove to be well spent by the end of the season.
DESERT AIR [JPN]
ch, g. Desert King - Greek Air
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I was very pleased with Desert Air last term. I always thought he could make up into a nice hurdler, when he was racing on the flat under Paul Cole's care. This four-year-old son of Desert King, [out of a daughter of Ela-Mana-Mou, who was a Listed winner over a mile in France], ran three times over hurdles, finishing second to Hasty Prince at Huntingdon on his debut in January, [btn a head], before going one better at Taunton two weeks later. He ran one more time under a penalty at Kempton and after making a lot of the running, stayed on gallantly to finish third to Bareme [btn 4½Lengths]. He gives the impression that there is plenty of physical development to come and with the form of his three starts working out well, he could be worth noting in handicap company this season.
DO L´ENFANT D´EAU [FR]
ch, g. Minds Music [U.S.A.] - L´Eau Sauvage
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Phillip Hobbs
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Do L´Enfant d´Eau retains his place in the list. He had a decent season, showing useful form in France before joining Phillip Hobbs after finishing third to Golden Flight in the Prix Châteauvert Haies at Auteuil in May '02. Do L´Enfant d´Eau then ran nine times on these shores, winning five races at Hereford, [twice], Newbury, Folkestone and Warwick. and improved around 30lbs after finishing fourth to Turaath in a Handicap at Taunton in January, to the extent that connections felt it was worth him taking his chance in the Ember Inns Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices' Hurdle [gr. 2] at Aintree 's Grand National Meeting. Not surprisingly, it was a going to the well too often and he ran no sort of race, however if he could improve again after his summer break, more wins in handicap company wouldn't be out of the question.
EDE´IFF
b, m. Tragic Role [U.S.A.] - Flying Amy
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- William G. M. Turner
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Ede´Iff is a risk, but we like taking them in this list. She had a wonderful campaign last term, winning three of her eleven starts, [two claimers and a seller] at Ludlow, [twice] and Leicester as well as running creditably in two handicaps at Catterick and Ludlow on her last two starts. She was raised 12lbs by the handicapper and may be difficult to place, [especially as her owners adore her, and obviously wouldn´t want to let her go], however who knows, she may improve enough to win outside of claiming company.. not entirely impossible under the right conditions.
FAVOURITE SON [FR]
gr, g. Linamix [FR] - Hot Favourite [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Edward J. O´Grady in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Favourite Son is a five year old by Linamix, out of a Fast Tropaz mare, who won four times on the Flat in France for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. He ran twice over hurdles, failing to make the frame on each occasions, however did show signs of ability on each occasion. I like what I saw and hope he is good enough to win in a maiden before the end of the season.
FULL OF MICHEL [FR]
gr, g. Michel Georges - Quinté Royalé [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nicky Henderson
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Full Of Michel is a four-year-old gelding by Michel Georges who joined Nicky Henderson having run three times over fences at Auteuil, finishing ninth on his debut in September before pulling up next time out. Connections put him in a claimer next time out and despite being unfancied beat Reste Irlandaise by ¾lengths. He is untried over hurdles and can hopefully build on these efforts this winter.
HARCHIBALD [FR]
b, g. Perugino [U.S.A.] - Dame D´Harvard [U.S.A.]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Noel Meade in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Harchibald is difficult to evaluate as he disappointed connections since coming over from France with a decent reputation. He did win on his debut at Fairyhouse in December ´02, however has just fallen short when placed against the better juveniles of his generation; [Le Duc, Kenilworth, and Golden Cross all narrowly defeated him last term]. It may be this is as good as he is, however connections clearly believe he can improve on this and therefore for this reason alone he my be worth persevering with
HIDDEN BOUNTY
b, g. Generous - Sought Out
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mary Reveley
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Hidden Bounty is an interesting prospect for this season. This seven-year-old is by Generous, out of Sought Out, [a daughter of Rainbow Quest], who was a winner in Germany and France, most noticeably the Prix Du Cadran [gr. 1] at Longchamp. He missed last term through injury, however had previous shown some fair form when winning twice over hurdles at Huntingdon in February '02, as well as a competitive novice handicap hurdle at Cheltenham two months later. Assuming he's fully recovered from injury, he starts the campaign on an interesting mark and could be worth noting in handicap company this winter.
ILÅBON [FR]
ch, g. Secret Haunt [U.S.A.] - Ahuille [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ilåbon retains his place in the list after showing promise in each time for new connections; finishing third to Tardar on his British debut at Chepstow in February, before only just failing to catch Pepe Galvez at Newbury a month later, [btn ¼Length]. He had previous shown similar promise in France beforehand and a reproduction of this form should enable him at some stage to win a race this season.
JAQUOUILLE [FR]
b, g. Agent Bleu [FR] - Topeka [ZIM]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Arthur L. T. Moore in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jaquouille is a six-year-old by Agent Bleu, out of a mare by Italic. who ran five times under rules last term without winning, however on his last two starts did finish 6Lengths behind Solar System at Limerick In March, before beating all bar Warrens Castle in a Maiden Hurdle at Fairyhouse a month later. Arthur Moore should get further improvement from him and he could do well in handicap company.
JAZZ D´ESTRUVAL [FR]
gr, g. Bayolidaan [FR] - Caro d´Estruval [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nicky G. Richards
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jazz d´Estruval returns to the racecourse... and this list. This six-year-old son of Bayolidaan has only run the once, but was hugely impressive when winning a maiden novice hurdle at Perth, on the last day of the 2000/1 National Hunt Season. Injury has kept him off of the course, however he is a horse of huge potential and if he makes it back to the racecourse could make up for lost time.
KADOUN [FR]
gr, g. Sleeping Car [FR] - Dea De Chalamont [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Henry D. J. Daly
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Kadoun, [not to be confused with the Irish handicap chaser], is a four-year-old by Sleeping Car, by Dea De Chalamont, [a daughter of Royal Charter]. He was a useful juvenile steeplechaser last term, winning the Prix d´Arras Steeple-CH´ [Claimer] at Enghien-Soisy in November '02, before steeping up in class to win the Prix de Manneville Steeple-CH´ [Handicap] at Enghien-Soisy in April '03, and the Prix Katko Steeple-CH´ [Handicap] at Auteuil in June, where he beat Sleeping Jack by ½Length. He was bought at Goffs Summer Sale by present connections and should do well once he's fully acclimatised.
KNIAŽ [FR]
gr, g. Saint Preuil [FR] - Alberade [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Anthony J. Martin in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Kniaž is a five year old gelding by Saint Preuil, who bought unraced from France. He was still on the weak side last season, however managed to run twice, winning a decent looking maiden hurdle at Punchestown in March, where he beat The Boys in Green, by ½Lengths. He should have improved physically during the summer and could develop into a nice novice chaser in time.. connections however may keep him initially over hurdles this term.
KÓMBINÀÇJA [POL]
ch, m. Jape [U.S.A.] - Komancza [POL]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tom George
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I was fascinated to see how Tom George would do with this daughter of Jape last term. , especially when you consider her credentials; She ran nine times on the flat winning seven times including in ´01 landing The Nagroda Polish Derby, The Nagroda Polish Oaks, The Nagroda Polish St Leger ´01 at the beginning of September, [where she beat Galileo by 1 ¾ lengths] and the Wielka Warszawska at the end of the September, where she beat Laveron by 2lengths with Galileo well behind in fifth]. To illustrate how highly she was regarded by connections, she was taken to Germany to contest the Deutsche Post Euro Express Preis von Europa [gr. 1], where she finished ninth to Kutub. She was a warm order to win on her debut at Newcastle but ran atrociously and although she improved next timeout at Kempton was largely a flop... I can´t believe there isn´t some more improvement to come so I wiped the slate clean on April 28th and gave her the benefit of the doubt.. we shall see.
KRZYšZKOWIÁK
b, g. Polish Precedent [U.S.A.] - Overdrive
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Henrietta Knight
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Krzyšzkowiák is a five-year-old by Polish Precedent, who retains his place in the list after three promising efforts in bumpers, finishing second on his last two starts behind Eric´s Charm at Fontwell in February, before, before losing out in a photo finish to Heron´s Ghyll at Hereford a month later. He has to potential to win over hurdles , but may maximise his chances once he obtains a handicap mark.
L´ANGE AU CIEL [FR]
b, g. Agent Bleu [FR] - Epopee II [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Paul Nicholls
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- L´Ange au Ciel is a scopey four-year-old son of Agent Bleu by Epopee II, who has produced winners over obstacles in France. He won both his starts there last winter at Pau; a bumper in December ´02 and his first race over hurdles in January, where he beat Lirta by a length. He is a real "dark horse" who could be anything, who could pay to follow this winter.
LESSSAIDTHEBETTER
ch, g. Montelimar [U.S.A.] - Urdite [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jonjo O´Neill
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lesssaidthebetter has in the main been extremely well named, as he showed very little over hurdles until being stepped up in trip last term., running his best race when third to Aimees Mark at Punchestown in December ´02. This son of Montelimar has been transferred to Jonjo O´Neill and it wouldn´t surprise me if he didn´t finally get his head in front this term.
LIMON [GER]
b, g. Lavirco [GER] - Lohsa
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ronald O´Leary in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Limon; a four year old son of Lavirco has yet to trouble the judge in four runs over hurdles, however he is very much in a similar mould to stablemate Hanko, and therefore is almost certainly going to improve as he matures. We may get lucky and get a small success of out him before the end of the season.
LOUGH RYNN
b, g. Beneficial - Liffey Lady
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Henrietta Knight
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Lough Rynn is a five-year-old gelding by Beneficial, by Liffey lady, [a daughter of Camden Town], which makes him a half-brother to Yeoman Sailor. He´d reportedly been showing plenty of ability on the gallops, so probably disappointed connections in three start failing to make the frame, although he did run creditably on his second start behind Mickey Croke in a Hereford bumper in December ´02. Clearly he might be better than this bare form and is worth another chance, though he is another in this last who should be seen to best effect over the larger obstacles.
MACONNOR
b, g. Religiously [U.S.A.] - Door Belle
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Henry D. J. Daly
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Maconnor is a six-year-old by Religiously, out of a daughter of Fidel. He showed plenty of promise in five starts last term falling 4 out on his seasonal reappearance behind Balinahinch Castle at Warwick in November '02, before a creditable effort against Tardar at Chepstow a month later. He fell again next time when beaten at Haydock Park, however ended on an upbeat note finishing in the frame behind Tardar, [again] at Chepstow in February, and Crystal d´Ainay at Uttoxeter in March. He is very brave at his obstacles, which means connections will probably want to give him more hurdling experience before embarking on a steeplechase campaign.
MAMBO
b, g. Ashkalani - Bold Tango [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nicky Henderson
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- There may be more to come from Mambo this winter. he joined Nicky Henderson two seasons ago with a good reputation earned in the French provinces on the flat as well as two good efforts over hurdles at Enghien-Soisy. Mambo was a warm order to win on his debut for Nicky Henderson but, was on the stretch from flagfall and struggled to keep tabs with the winner Live the Dream, eventually being beaten 5lengths. To be brutally honest that is a long way from what connections expected , however Mambo 's two hurdles runs in France had come on heavy ground and the faster surface he encountered at Warwick was no doubt a contributory factor in his defeat. He hasn´t raced since, however is a useful maiden to go novice hurdling with this winter and could be repaying connection 's patience.
MASTEROFFOXHOUNDS
br, g. Be My Native [U.S.A.] - Sylvia Fox
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- David Wachman in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Masteroffoxhounds is a lightly raced eight-year-old by Be My Native, who had a good first campaign in the list, winning three of his five start - two bumpers at Cork, as well as a Maiden Novice Hurdle at Down Royal in January. He was upped in grade on his final start in the Byrne Group plc Novice Hurdle [Grade 2] at Punchestown in February, however couldn´t act on the ground and was pulled-up in the race eventually won by Kicking King. He clearly has ability, however he clearly isn´t easy to keep sound. Hopefully he'll add to this tally this winter.
MON VILLEZ [FR]
ch, g. Villez [U.S.A.] - Europa [SPA]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nicky J. Henderson
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mon Villez is a four-year-old gelding by Villez out of Europa, [a Spanish-bred daughter of Legend Of France]. He was a useful juvenile steeplechaser when trained by Thierry Civel in France, winning the Prix Kargal Steeple-CH´ in September '02, before landing the Prix Congress Steeple-CH´ [gr. 2] by 1½Lengths from Guillaume Macaire 's Vésuve. He was allowed to take his chance in the Gras Savoye Cinema-Prix Ferdinand Dufaure Steeple-CH´ [gr. 1], and lost nothing in defeat, eventually finishing 5lengths behind the winner Ice Mood, and Kapgarde. That's fair form and connections I believe have bought him with a view to going over hurdles... not a bad idea before embarking on a career over fences next term. He should win races once he's fully acclimatised.
NOBLEFIR
b, g. Shernazar - Chrisali
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lenny Lungo
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Noblefir, a five-year-old by Shernazar joined Lenny Lungo, after winning a maiden point-to-point at Dundrum at the end of March '02. He ran in three bumpers last term without success, however he did finish in in the frame in his last two starts, coming second to Native Star at Ayr in April, [btn ¼length] before finishing third to Random Native at Carlisle two weeks later. His pedigree suggests that long-distance novice hurdles will suit him most this season, and hopefully he will show some promise this season in them.
NOWATÓR [POL]
ch, g. Jape [U.S.A.] - Naradka [POL]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tom George
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nowatór is a five-year-old gelding by Jape, who before joining Tom George last season was one of Poland´s better older horses who in three seasons in Poland won the Prezesa Rady Ministrów LR [Kat. A], as well as the 14-ty dzieñ wyscigowy Nagroda WIDZOWA - [Kat. B]. He was a little disappointing last term over hurdles, however the Tom George yard was very much out of form, when he ran and considering he probably needed time to acclimatise could well improve significantly on the form shown last season... We shall see!!!
NURŽÝK [POL]
ch, g. Freedom´s Choice [U.S.A.] - Numeria [POL]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tom George
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nuržýk is a flashy six-year-old chestnut by Freedom´s Choice who has shown plenty of ability for his previous trainer Dorota Kaluba in Poland. He won two of his four races during the 1999 last season and repeated that tally in ten runs during the 2000 season. He had his best season during the 2001 campaign, finishing a good fourth to Kómbinàçja in the Nagroda ST. LEGER - LR [Kat. A] before landing the Nagroda SAC - A - PAPIER - [Kat. B]. Like Nowatór, he disappointed over hurdles last term, however I would definitely give this horse the benefit of the doubt, without suggest he is going the heights of his illustrious stablemate Galileo.
ØLIMP [POL]
ch, g. Saphir [GER] - Olgierda [POL]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Miss A M Newton-Smith
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Ølimp is a seven-year-old by Saphir, out of the mare Olgierda, [a daughter of the sire Sentyment]. Formerly trained in Poland by Maciej Janikowski, Ølimp won six races in Poland and develop into a useful stayer, and has creditable efforts in their premier staying events behind the likes of Mystery, and Nuržýk, [he finished second to Nuržýk was in the 2001 Sac-a-pier], although his last win in Poland was over a mile a year ago. He is coming to national hunt slightly too late for my taste, so I'm not expecting great things from him, however if he took to it would be very interesting around the smaller tracks, especially in handicap company.
OÑTOS [GER]
br, g. Super Abound [U.S.A.] - Onestep [GER]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Miss Victoria Scott Jnr.
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--I had to keep Oñtos in this year´s list after last season. He ran nineteen times last term former trainer Ronald O´Leary and present connections, winning four times at Huntingdon, Sedgefield and Perth in September ´02 and most recently at Kelso in November, and ended the season running arguably his best race when finishing fourth to Limerick Boy in the Laurel Pub Company Top Novices´ Hurdle [Grade 2]. He has deservedly been given plenty of time odd since and may have enough improvement in him to win in handicap company this season.
OTTOMAN [AUS]
br, g. Grand Lodge [U.S.A.] - Cushti [AUS]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Richard Guest
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Ottoman is a seven-year-old by Grand Lodge, who was purchased by connections in Australia. I haven´t been able to trace his full racing history, however I do know that he has won races, at or around 8-10f, [We know he won at Melbourne about a year ago] and clearly has shown Richard Guest something for him to have purchased him. Australia has recently been an untapped resource, however those horses that have been bought over to run have won races so it may be that Ottoman is worth watching out for once he´s fully acclimatise.
PAPERPROPHET
b, g. Glory Of Dancer - Living Legend [ITY]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Nicky G. Richards
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Paperprophet is a five-year-old by Glory Of Dancer, out of the mare Living Legend; a daughter of Archway. He had a good first season under rules, winning two of his four starts, at Bangor on his hurdles debut in October ´02, before winning his next start, [his first attempt in handicap company], by 6Lengths at Ayr a month later. He had one more race at Musselburgh in December and ran well off of a 13lb higher mark, when finishing second to Plutocrat, [btn 7lengths]. He looks a progressive sort who should at some stage should go over the larger obstacles. He should win races.
PEPE GALVEZ [SWE]
br, g. Mango Express - Mango Sampaquita [SWE]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lavinia C Taylor
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Pepe Galvez had a good first season over obstacles. This six-year-old gelding by Mango Express, is a full brother to a winner in Sweden, and is a half-brother to Forest Fire [a winner over 1m-1m4f]. He showed plenty of promise in four races when trained by Ben Hansbury, his claim to fame is surely finishing 1 ½ lengths behind Marienbard in a Leicester maiden in June ´00. He ran five times over obstacles winning twice at Taunton and most recently at Newbury in March ´03, when he beat Ilåbon by a neck.. He starts the season on a fair mark and I´d be hopeful that he could make his mark in handicap company this winter.
ROSAKER [U.S.A.]
b, g. Pleasant Tap [U.S.A.] - Rose Crescent [U.S.A.]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Noel Meade in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Rosaker did really well in his first season for trainer Noel Meade. He was purchased from the U.A.E. having won twice in 2001 and after a promising first effort under rules behind Hardy Eustace at Fairyhouse in December ´02, won twice at Fairyhouse in December ´02, as well as next time out at Naas in February. He disappointed when upped in class at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, however he may have gone over the top and certainly has the potential to develop into a useful handicap hurdler this winter.
SH BOOM
b, g. Alderbrook - Muznah
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jonjo O'Neill
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Sh Boom should continue to pay to follow this term. This five-year-old son of Alderbrook, had a good first season over hurdles, winning three of his six starts at Wetherby, Uttoxeter and Huntingdon, only tasting defeat behind Lord Sam in the H.B.L.B Middlesex Novices' Hurdle at Kempton in January, [btn 1¾ Lengths], as well as behind Hardy Eustace in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle [gr.1] at the Cheltenham Festival and Leinster in the St Austell Brewery Mersey Novices' Hurdle [gr.2] at Aintree 's Grand National Meeting. He isn´t going to find matters easy this term, however he has a touch of class and hopefully can win over hurdles this winter.
SLEEP BAL [FR]
br, g. Sleeping Car - Balle Six [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nicky J. Henderson
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Sleep Bal is a four-year-old by Sleeping Car, out of the mare Balle Six, [a daughter of Balsamo]. He was formerly trained in France by Thomas Trapenard, who won the Prix Master Bob Haies at Enghien-Soisy in February. It's going to make him difficult to place, however that was a fair effort and he may be capable of winning in handicap company this winter
SOMERTON [POL]
b, g. Saphir [GER] - Sobota [POL]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tom R. George
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Somerton has a bit to prove. Formerly trained by Krzysztof Ziemianski in Poland, Somerton won races up to listed class and was placed in Group company. He was purchased at the end of the 2001 Polish flat season and was given an entry for the 2002 Supreme Novices Hurdle, but didn't race. He returned to the course and was tried twice last term over hurdles, however ran badly on both occasions and was pulled-up each time. The stable was badly out of form then and it may be worth giving him another chance to show his true worth - even in lesser company.
SRAÌD NA CÀTHRACH
ch, g. Insan [U.S.A.] - Credo´s Campaign
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- C Byrnes in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Sraìd Na Càthrach is a seven-year-old son of Insan who progressed with each of his five starts over hurdles last term culminating with a win at Listowel where he justified market support under a Barry Geraghty drive to beat Ballygowan by 3lengths. Sraìd Na Càthrach is on a fair handicap mark at present and whilst his future probably lies over fences, you like to think there may be a handicap hurdle in him beforehand.
THAÏX [FR]
b, g. Roi De Rome [U.S.A.] - Action De Balle [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Michael J. P. O´Brien in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Thaïx is a six-year-old gelding by Roi De Rome, out of a Cricket Ball mare, who only ran once after an encouraging effort in the 2002 running of the Paddy Power Champion I.N.H. Flat Race [Grade 1] at the Punchestown festival. He was unfancied in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown in December, and jumped to the right throughout, however he stuck to his guns well in the closing stages after both Kickham and Poachin´ Again had looked dangers between the last two hurdles, eventually quickening after the last to win convincingly by 6lengths. He clearly is still green, however he should improve with another summer on his back and whilst his future lies over fences, hopefully he can find some winning opportunities over hurdles this winter
THE BIKER
br, g. Arctic Lord - Glenravel
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Martin C Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Martin Pipe has wisely given The Biker plenty of time to come to himself. Formerly trained by John E Kiely in Ireland, The Biker had two races in his care, winning at Fairyhouse on his debut in April ´02, before chasing home Supreme Developer at the Punchestown Festival a few weeks later. He ran twice last term winning on both occasion, however he wasn´t overly impressive, mainly because he hurdled poorly and was clearly still on the weak side. Because he hasn´t been over-faced he started the season on a fair mark and I´d hope he´d do well in handicap company this winter before going steeplechasing next season.
VISIBILITY [FR]
gr, g. Linamix [FR] - Visor [U.S.A.]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Martin C Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Visibility could well be an improver this season. This son of Linamix has shown promise on the flat in France, winning on his debut as a two-year-old over 5f before finishing behind Médecis, [second to Landseer in the 2002 Poule d´Essai des Poulains [Gr.
1] in a listed race. He was purchased at last season´s Arc sale at GOFFS, and was lightly raced winning once as well as running creditably against some of the better juveniles of last term.
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