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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"
POINT TO
POINTERS & HUNTER CHASERS
ABABOÙ [FR]
ch, g. Synefos [U.S.A.] - Racine Carree
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mrs. L. Latchford
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ababoù retains his place in this list. This second season pointer completed a four-timer beginning at Market Rasen at the beginning of February followed by wins in a members race, again at Market Rasen three weeks later, followed by two wins at Brocklesby Park, the last of which being obtained in open class. He was fancied to win a Hunter Chase on his last start at Hexham in April, however didn´t fire and trailed home a disappointing sixth. He is better than that and although he may fail to make his mark under rules, is more than capable of winning again this time between the flags.
ALEXANDERTHEGREAT
b, g. Supreme Leader - Sandy Jayne
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Richard Barber
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Alexanderthegreat graduates from our ePOINT notebook to the main feature after a successful first season between the flags. He made a promising debut, taking it up three from home before going on to land an Open Maiden at Bishops Court at the beginning of March. He was fancied to follow up on his only other start at Buckfastleigh, however after being patiently ridden he possibly threw the race away by jumping left and then veering sharply left after the last eventually finishing third to Carefree Love. It would be wrong to condemn him for what may simply have been immaturity and with a full summer on his back, appears to have a Restricted race within his compass at the very least.
ALITTLEBITOFPOWER
ch, g. Alflora - What A Muppet
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Clive Storey
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Alittlebitofpower is a six-year-old by Alflora out of a Torus mare. He made two appearances last season, showing plenty of promise under tender handling to finish second on his debut in a 2 1/2 mile Open Maiden at Dalston at the beginning of April. That effort did him the world of good and he was backed as though defeat was out of the question next time out in a similar event at Mosshouses a month later. Aggressively ridden, Alittlebitofpower made all easing up to beat Beyond Hope with plenty in hand. There should be more to come from him with another summer on his back and it will be disappointing if he doesn´t add to his tally of wins this season.
BE A BETTER BOY
b, g. Primitive Rising [U.S.A.] - Carrot Stick
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jimmy B. Walton
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Be A Better Boy retains his place in the list. This full-brother to Pillaging Pict [who was also in last year´s list and won four steeplechases under rules] may only have won once from seven attempts at Corbridge in April, however he was placed second on four other occasions and was clearly being sympathetically handled with future in mind. He already demonstrated that like his brother, he is improving with experience and it isn´t unreasonable to believe that with another summer on his back, he could have his most productive season so far.
BEAUCHAMPS OBSERVER
ch, g. Deploy - Beauchamp Image
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Cath Williams
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Beauchamps Observer retains his place in the list even though he only made the briefest of appearances last season. He was 1/3 to win his Maiden at Bonvilston in April and would have won even though his rivals helped his cause by failing to get round themselves. Our only means of judging him last season would be his only other appearance, again at Bonvilston a month later. On that occasion, he was always prominent, however couldn´t withstand the late challenge of She´s My Baby [a promising ex-Irish mare who was unbeaten last season] going down by 4 lengths. I suspect that performance would be good enough to win plenty of similar events in Wales and it´s borders and I´d be hopeful of him adding to his successes if he stands more racing this season.
BENGAL BULLET
b, g. Infantry - Indian Cruise
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- C. Blank
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bengal Bullet had a successful first season between the flags. After failing to complete in his first two starts, Bengal Bullet rattled off a four-timer at the back end of the season, winning a Confined Maiden at Cherrybrook in April before making most in his last three starts to win his Restricted at Trebudannon, an Intermediate race at Vauter Hill at the beginning of May, and a confined at Trebudannon thirteen days later, which he won impressively despite demolishing the last fence. He should have progressed again this season and it isn´t too difficult seeing this horse graduate into open company this season.
BILLY COLEMAN
br, g. Hollow Hand - Little Treat
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- David Brace
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Billy Coleman is a five year old by Hollow Hand, out of Little Treat.. which makes him a half brother to Evan´s Collier Boy, who has done so well for David Brace in this sphere over the last four seasons or so. He looks promising on paper and it´ll be interesting to see how he fares during the season.
BOLIDE DU AUNAY [FR]
ch, g. Dadarissime [FR] - Upsilone
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lawny Hill
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bolide Du Aunay is a five-year-old by Dadarissime out of a mare by the sire Chamberlin. This ex-French hurdler ran once in point-to-points last season in a confined maiden at Mollington in February. He was very novicey yet still managed to lead with three to jump, however he was under pressure when main rival Lava capsized at the last allowing him fortuitously to victory. He didn´t appear afterwards and will need to improve to win a Restricted, however time is on his side and I´m prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt.
BUNRATTY´S SOLE
br, g. Phardante [FR] - Bucks Gift
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mike Bloom
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bunratty´s Sole had a promising first season. This five-year-old son of Phardante ran twice last season, finishing third to Kustom Kit Grizzly in a Club Members Restricted at Guilsborough in April before justifying strong market support to beat Arctic Snip in a Confined Maiden at Marks Tey a month later. He is open to plenty of improvement and hopefully will be capable of winning a Restricted at the very least this season.
BURLY DON CARLOS
b, h. Neltino - Burly Bianca
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- David Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Burly Don Carlos might just be one of the most interesting horses in this list. There may not be much of this seven-year-old entire, however this former eventer clearly has got bags of ability and gave his young pilot three wonderful rides last season. He was taken to Holnicote for a division of the Open Maiden where after being held up he moved through the field to challenge with three fences to go. He wasn´t able to sustain that effort, eventually going down by 2 1/2 lengths to Hottentot however he made no mistake a week later at Bratton Down even though his pilot was a little too casual after the last, almost throwing away the prize. Neither of these two performances would make you believe my initial statement, however it is his final run of the season that merits most attention. He was sent off favourite in a division of the Restricted, again at Bratton Down two weeks later and after taking it up three out, kept on strongly to beat Slaney Lass by 6 lengths in a time just under 2 seconds slower than Red Native won the Mens Open on the same card. Burly Don Carlos is improving with every run and I hope his is able to develop into a extremely useful pointer by the end of this season.
CANDLESTONE CASTLE
gr, g. Carlingford Castle - Nearly Time
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- R.H.P. Williams
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Candlestone Castle only had a light campaign last season - in fact he only ran once in a Restricted point-to-point at Howick in March. It was a decent effort though, as he took it up from the fourteenth, before beating Winners Town by 25 lengths. He clearly has ability and if he retains this ability , he should be capable of winning some races this season.
CANTARINHO
b, g. Alderbrook - Hot Hostess
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Malcolm Kemp
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Cantarinho ´s first season in point-to-points offers up plenty of hopes for the future. This five-year-old son of Alderbrook ran three times last season making all to land an open maiden at Horseheath in March before running too ´free´ at High Easter a month later, running himself into the ground before falling when well-beaten at the final obstacle. He was upped in class in his final start, running in a Hunter Chase at Fakenham and was possibly unlucky, leading at the thirteenth until after two out before rallying on the flat, only going down by a short head to Grand Ambition. If he is kept to pointing/hunter chasing, you´d hope he was able to add to last year´s tally.
CARAT
ch, g. Alflora - Diamond Wind [USA]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Countess Goess-Saurau
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Carat is one of several promising five-year-olds I have singled out for this season´s campaign. He ran twice last season in Maiden company, running very ´green´ on his debut at Woodford in April before staying on to finish second to Keitho [beaten 15 lengths]. He was strongly fancied to win on his only other start in a similar event at Chaddesley Corbett two weeks later and after taking it up at the fifteenth, ran on strongly to beat Snowtre by a length. He is a lovely individual who is open to plenty of improvement and I will be disappointed if he doesn´t add to last season´s tally this time around.
CATHY COME HOME
br, m. Browns Return - Colour Clown
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Julie Houldey
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Not sure whether Cathy Come Home will run this season, however if she does I shall be looking out for her in Maiden company this time around. I was fortunate enough to be at Garnons on her debut in March where she took my eye even though she was clearly still not the finished article. Unfortunately, she got no further than the sixth which seemed to affect her confidence in two further attempts at Maisemore Park and Upton-On-Severn. However, it´s not beyond the realms of possibility that she might win a race if she can gain some confidence in her jumping. Time will tell.
CILLAMON
b, m. Terimon - Dubacilla
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Les Jefford
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Cillamon could not be more better bred for the jumping game. This six-year-old is a daughter of that decent chasing mare Dubacilla [who was placed in the Gold Cup and Grand National] and there was plenty to like about her success in an Open Maiden at Great Trethew in February where she made all before readily disposing of her rivals up the final straight. She was given a spin in a Bumper at Chepstow in May where she finished third. However, I hope connections give her more opportunities to gain experience between the flags before embarking on a career under rules.
CLASSIC MASQUERADE [CAN]
ch, g. Regal Classic [CAN] - Muskoka Command [CAN]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- David Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I´ve put this horse in the list in the hope that he is able to come back from injury again although the immediate prognosis last season didn´t appear to be favourable. This eight-year-old son of Regal Classic had shown plenty of form under rules with Martin Pipe as a juvenile, however, he broke down before returning to the racecourse after a couple of seasons off of the track at Black Forest Lodge where he easily landed a members race at the end of January. He was brought out two weeks later at the same venue and looks set to land a Confined race, however went wrong approaching the last, only going down by 3 lengths. He hasn´t raced since, however would almost certainly be capable of winning again although the initial signs weren´t encouraging.
CLOUDY BAY BOY
gr, g. Petoski - Smoke
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Caroline Bailey
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Cloudy Bay Boy is a five-year-old by Petoski out of a mare by the sire Rusticaro. He was very backward last season, however he did manage to win an Open Maiden at Brocklesby Park at the beginning of March. He was taken to Guilsborough for his only other start where his lack of maturity/experience told, eventually weakening after the last to finish 10 1/2 lengths behind the winner Who Is Equiname. He is with the right establishment to harness his undoubted potential and he should be capable of winning a Restricted at the very least this season.
COFFEE MORNING
b, g. Beneficial - Phar From Men
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- [D.H. Smyly]
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I am adding a few unraced horses into the main list straight away, one of whom will be Coffee Morning. He is a five year old son of Beneficial, our of a Phardante mare, who we spotted amongst the entries last year and was added to our ePOINT notebook. Its impossible to set a horse like this any real targets, however I do hope he’s good enough to show some promise before the end of the season.
COOLE FIND
b, g. Phardante [FR] - Grievesfind
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bill Warner
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Cool Find should be open to further improvement this season. This five-year-old son of Phardante ran twice last season, falling at the third on his debut in an Open Maiden at Garthorpe in April. He was given one more start in a similar event at Ashorne where he stayed on from an unpromising position two out to beat I Will Survive by 2 1/2 lengths. That isn´t great form, however you´d like to think this youngster is open to further improvement this season.
COTTON ON
b, g. Henbit [USA] - Linen Leaf
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- M.S. Wildsmith
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Cotton On is a lightly-raced six-year-old son of Henbit who only ran once last season when he was a decent third to Christie Beamish in an Open Maiden at Cold Harbour at the beginning of May. He clearly isn´t easy to keep sound, however, would be capable of winning a race if connections could keep him sound enough to prepare him for this season´s campaign.
COTTON SOCKS
ch, g. Houmayoun [FR] - Wiasma
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ginny Elliot
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I´ve kept Cotton On in this list even though he was slightly disappointing last season. He was an impressive winner of a Maiden at Garthorpe in 2002, however was very disappointing when well-fancied to win a Restricted at Mollington at the end of February, showing little flair before weakening out of contention two out. That was very disappointing, however since he bettered that performance a season earlier, it may be prudent to give him the benefit of the doubt.
CRESTED PENGUIN
b, g. Rock Hopper - Welsh Secret
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨"-[G.B. Barlow]
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Crested Penguin is another horse transferred from the ePOINT Notebook. He has an interesting pedigree… being a five-year-old gelding by Rock Hopper out of Welsh Secret, [a daughter of Welsh Captain], who won four times over sprint distances for Linda Ramsden in the nineties... I wonder which side of the pedigree will have the greatest influence.. lets watch and see!!!.
DEEP DALE
b, g. Pharly - L´Oraz
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tony Jeffries
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I am taking a bit of a chance with Deep Dale in the hope my assessment on the Welsh scene proves to be correct. He is very difficult to evaluate having made a lot of the running before landing an Open Maiden at Bonvilston in April. He was upped in class next time out and on the face of it initially seems to have been rather disappointing, having made most until the thirteenth before pulling up in the race eventually won by Parisian Storm. That isn´t great form, however, it´s worth noting the time of this race which was the quickest on the card, a second faster than the Confined won by Bright Beacon and 8 seconds faster than the Intermediate won by Johnny´s Gone. It´s just possible that form is much better than it initially seems on paper and the way the Welsh season is structured, you would like to think that there was at the very least a Restricted somewhere in the calendar that he could land. I doubt I would be any more ambitious this season.
DENVALE
b, g. Denel [FR] - Brackenvale
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Caroline Bailey
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I would like to think that Denvale builds on this season´s efforts. He was given a sympathetic introduction at Horseheath in January being given plenty of time to get into the race before weakening approaching the last, eventually finishing third to China Box [beaten 4 lengths]. He was given one more start at Guilsborough three months later and despite running ´green´ stayed on strongly up the straight to catch Tommy Hotspur on the run-in eventually winning the race by 3 lengths. This five-year-old son of Denel appears to be open to plenty of improvement and should be capable of landing a Restricted at the very least some stage this season, assuming he goes the right way.
DON´TTELLTHETAXMAN
b, g. Executive Perk - Calf´s Town Knight
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tim Reed
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Don´ttellthetaxman graduates from our ePOINT feature to the main list. This half-brother to the winning point-to-pointer Clifford Bay only ran once last season, however it was a performance brimmed full of promise, travelling well before quickening up at the twelfth, eventually holding on to beat Bridle Action by two lengths. That was a fair effort which hopefully will be added to this season.
DRAW AGAIN
b, g. Naheez [USA] - Louis´ Dream
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Enda Bolger in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Draw Again is another useful pointer in Enda Bolger´s care. He has decent form between the flags, however we have only seen one glimpse of that under rules, when he was a creditable second to The Wipper at Thurles in January. There should be more improvement to come and hopefully he can develop into a useful hunter chaser this season.
EASE THE PRESSURE
b. g, Roselier [FR] - Height of Pressure
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Richard Barber
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ease The Pressure is another graduate from our fledgling feature, the ePOINT Notebook. This ex-Irish pointer won each of his four races at Larkhill last season, arguably putting in his best effort on his third start in a Club Members at the beginning of March when producing a storming finish to get up to beat Cahors a head. That was a good introduction, and he isn´t going to have to improve much to improve into a open race performer this season.
EBONY JACK
br, g. Phardante - Ebony Jane
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tim Long
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ebony Jack is another well-bred performer in this list, being a son of the Irish Grand National winner, Ebony Jane. He has shown signs of ability in each of his three starts last season, troubling the judge twice at Buckfastleigh on his debut in March when he was a promising third to Elverlena in an Open Maiden race. He filled a similar position on his final start at Stafford Cross at the end of April, running slightly better than a 29 length third to Magnemite might indicate. Hopefully he is open to further development, enough to muster a win in maiden company anyway.
ECCENTRICITY
b, m. Emarati [USA] - Lady Electric
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mary Tory
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I´ve probably put her in the list, mainly out of sympathy rather than ability as she had a torrid time last season. She did show ability when finishing a moderate third to Chief Suspect in a Badbury Rings open in February. However, the rest of her performances have been littered with errors, the last of which resulted in her taking a heavy fall back at Badbury Rings in April. There is a slight hint that she might have enough ability to win a race, however she will need to jump with far more confidence to take advantage of further opportunities.
ET LIGHT [FR]
gr, g. Don Pasquini [FR] - Kalighte [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Robert Ewell
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Et Light is another graduate from the ePOINT notebook. This ex-French chaser is very lightly raced, however if you skimmed through the form book as we did, you will note that he was campaigning in the same company as Édredon Bleu, running well against him on a couple of occasions. So we certainly knew that a once stage he had some ability. He was given a fairly light campaign showing plenty of promise on his return to the course at Tweseldown in February before being given a break before and end of season campaign in May which resulted in a fall at Ashorne when leading at the fourteenth before winning two races at Garthorpe, the last of which being an open race at the end of May where he beat Lestat by 1 1/4 lengths. If connections can get him back on to the course this season, I´d be quite hopeful that he could add to last season´s end of term haul.
EURO ALERT,
ch, g. Eurobus - Parson´s Alert
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- William J Warner
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Euro Alert came to these shores with a tall reputation from Ireland and went a long way to justifying those claims, winning twice : a Restricted at Ampton in January and an Intermediate at Garthorpe in March before finishing a good second to Copper Thistle in a Mens Open at Dingley in April, beaten only 1 1/2 lengths. A repeat of this form would be more than good enough to win a Open this season and he should followed.
EUWILUWIL
b, g. Eurobus - Market Romance
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨"-[P J Finn ]
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨"-Euwiluwil is a five year old son of Eurobus out of the mare Market Romance, [a daughter of African Sky], who ran on the flat in Ireland. Although he didn’t run last term, I liked him enough to highlight him in our ePOINT notebook feature last term, so hopefully if he makes it to the racecourse this season, he will justify this initial impression.
FINEST OF MEN
b, g. Tina´s Pet - Merry Missus
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jimmy B. Walton
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jimmy Walton has got himself a useful string of pointers, one of the most promising being Finest Of Men, a son of Tina´s Pet who progressed throughout the season, winning an Open Maiden at Corbridge at the beginning of March before improving enough to land two open races at Hexham at the end of last season. These might not have taken much winning, however they are indications that he is going the right way and you wouldn´t be surprised if he confirmed form at some stage during the season [could be worth noting if tried in Hunter Chase company this season, particularly on the Northern Circuit.
GOLDEN RIVET
b, g. Weld - Golden Valley
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Gill Walford
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Golden Rivet should be capable of winning a maiden this season. This lightly-raced full brother to Half Each [who won a Ladies race at Brocklesby Park in 2000] ran once in a maiden at Charm Park in April, travelling well until being outpaced by Farlington in the final quarter-mile, eventually going down by 2 lengths. He wouldn´t need to improve much to win a similar event this season and hopefully will get the opportunity to do so, rather than campaign under rules this season.
HANDSTAND
ch, g. Nearly A Hand - Swanes Lane
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Nigel Legg
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Handstand showed some promise between the flags last winter. This six-year-old son of Nearly A Hand improved with each of his three starts [all in Maiden company] pulling up on his debut at Cotley Farm, before running well under a quiet ride at Holnicote five days later. He ran one more time at Mounsey Hill Gate two weeks later and after being held up early on, stayed on in good style to dead-heat with Butler Didit. This horse seems to be improving with each effort, which offers up some encouragement for the coming campaign.
I AM SAID I
b, g. Presenting - Moonlight Romance
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- David Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I am Said I is a five-year-old by Presenting, out of the mare Moonlight Romance, [a daughter of Teenoso], who has produced three winners; [Seven Mile Gale, [by Strong Gale], who won three races over fences, Terral, [by Common Grounds], who won two races at three years and Love in the Title, [by Soviet Lad], won two races at two years in Belgium. This promising individual has only run twice, finishing fourth on his debut in a Maiden Point-to-point at Carrigtwohill in February, before coming out three weeks later to win a similar event at Kildorrery by a distance. He was subsequently purchased at Doncaster Bloodstock´s May sale. He is an interesting prospect, who could be worth noting this season in this sphere before running under rules next season.
INCROYABLE MAIS VRAI [FR]
b, g. More Speed - Ertica V [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- George White
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Incroyable Mais Vrai probably lived up to his name last season having transformed from an uncooperative moody maiden to a winner twice last season at Corbridge and Alnwick. He jumped particularly well on his most recent start at Alnwick before quickening at the business end of the race and if connections don´t become over-ambitious it would be no great surprise if he entered the winners enclosure again next season.
INVOLVED
b, g. Macmillan - Symphony Express
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Shelia Crow
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Involved had a promising first season between the flags in this country, winning five of his six starts at Eyton-On-Severn [three times], Weston Park and Eaton Hall. His only defeat coming when he pulled up in a confined race at Chaddesley Corbett in May after getting loose before the start. His final start can be completely dismissed and he should be judged as a pointer clearly going the right way this season.
ÍRILÙT [FR]
br, g. Lute Antique [FR] - Patchourie [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Robert Waley-Cohen
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Írilùt retains his place in the list. This progressive seven-year-old son of Lute Antique won three of his four starts at Barbury Castle, Chaddesley Corbett and Bonvilston before running a strange race on his final start at Garthorpe when he travelled kindly in front until flagging dramatically after a mistake at the last, giving away a 5 length lead in the process. That was disappointing, however he is capable of better and it may simply be the case that he needs to be given plenty of time between his runs, as he put in similar efforts last season.
ITSALLUPINTHEAIR
b, g Lion Cavern [USA] - Flora Wood
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Miss A. Meakins
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Itsallupintheair confirmed the promise shown in 2002. He ran three times last season, landing a confined maiden at Erw Lon in March before staying on from four out to land a Bonvilston Restricted race a month later. He may have been unlucky on his final start where he had just begun to make his run when falling at the thirteenth at Pentreclwydau at the beginning of May. He seems to be improving with experience and hopefully will add to his tally of successes this winter.
JOSH MOR
b, g. Chaddlesworth - Little Morston
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Les Jefford
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Josh Mor is a five-year-old by Chaddlesworth out of a mare by the sire Morston. He ran once last season in an Open Maiden at Great Trethew in February where he was held up before leading three fences from home. He was coming under pressure when blundering at the last, however still finished a respectable second to Northern Edition, beaten 6 lengths. He is sure to come on for the run and warrants respect in maiden company this season.
KALYPSO DE LAUGERE [FR]
b, g. Luchiroverte - Dianne De Laugere [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jenny Pidgeon
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Kalypso De Laugere is a five-year-old mare by Luchiroverte out of a mare by the sire El Badr. He made one racecourse appearance last year in a Restricted at Mollington in February, however always struggled in the rear before being pulled up three from home. That wasn´t the greatest beginning, however this French import was a likeable sort who I´m prepared to give the benefit of the doubt to.
KAROO
b, g. Karinga Bay - Cupid´s Bower
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Richard Barber
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Karoo is a five-year-old by Karinga Bay out of the mare Cupid´s Bower which makes him a half-brother to the winning chaser Irbee. He ran once last season in an Open Maiden at Buckfastleigh in March where he held every chance until blundering badly two from home, eventually finishing a respectable fourth to Red Native. That was a solid effort and is something that he can build on this season.
KENZO III [FR]
ch, g. Agent Bleu - Keldina
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- John Dufosee
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Kenzo III is another graduate from the ePOINT Notebook into the main feature. This five-year-old son of Agent Bleu made one appearance last season in a Charlton Horethorn Open Maiden at the beginning of April where he travelled well before only just failing to hold the late challenge of the winner Beach Time. That was a pleasing effort and he will not have to improve much to win in Maiden company this season.
KILLOUGHTER
b, g. Magical Wonder [USA] - Miss Bobbie Bennett
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- David Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Killoughter is a five-year-old by Magical Wonder out of the mare Miss Bobbie Bennett [who won five races over hurdles when trained at Nicholashayne]. He ran once in points last season in May where he ran very ´green´ in a division of the Open Maiden, so much so that he was pulled up at the sixth. That was a poor effort, however connections gave him some racecourse experience over hurdles during the summer so hopefully this well-bred individual will come back much stronger and wiser this time around.
KNOCK LORD
b, g. Mister Lord [USA] - Sister Duke
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Shelia Crow
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Knock Lord is a six-year-old by Mister Lord out of a mare by the sire Bonne Noel. He ran three times between the flags last season by winning an Open Maiden on his debut very easily at Market Rasen at the beginning of February. He returned to the venue two weeks later and despite stepping up in grade, easily landed his Restricted. He made one more appearance in an Intermediate at Garthorpe in the middle of March, having every chance at the last, however failing to show the same acceleration as the winner Intrepid Gal, finishing 3 1/4 lengths behind in third place. He hasn´t run since, however assuming all is well, an Intermediate race at the very least is within his compass this season.
KRAC DE MIRANDE [FR]
b, g. Signé Divine [USA] - Dona Mirande [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Robert Waley-Cohen
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Robert Waley-Cohen has got together a nice string of young pointers and at some stage this season he may introduce this five year old son of Signé Divine, [out of a daughter of the French sire Pebble]. Krac De Mirande hasn’t raced in this country, however he has been placed over fences in the French provinces and has run well at places like Pau, Fontainebleau, etc... Assuming he´s not over faced, it isn´t easy to see him winning a maiden this winter.
LAH DI DAH LAD
b, g. Crested Lark - Classey
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jimmy Tarry
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I´m putting Lah Di Dah Lad in the main list even though this 9-year-old has been very lightly raced to date. He ran twice last year, showing his first real glimpse of any ability in an Open Maiden at Mollington in February where after being held up, he made smooth headway to lead three out before weakening a fence later, eventually finishing third to Brockbuster [beaten 19 lengths]. He got no further than the fifth in a similar event a month later, however it´s worth noting that the time of his maiden was only a second slower than the Mens Open run on the same card. Therefore it is not unreasonable to believe that with another summer on his back, he might finally break his maiden tag this season.
M´LORD
b, g. Mister Lord [USA] - Dishcloth
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Shelia Crow
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- M´Lord is a five-year-old by Mister Lord out of the mare Dishcloth, a daughter of Fury Royal who won three point-to-points plus nine races under rules. This half-brother to winning chaser Para Handy made an inauspicious start to his career in an Open Maiden at Eyton-On-Severn at the beginning of May, when after being well supported in the betting ring took an almighty liberty at the first giving his rider no chance of staying in the saddle. As I liked him enough to put him in our ePOINT notebook last season, we´ll give him a chance to atone in the main list this time around.
MEL IN BLUE [FR]
b, g. Pistolet Bleu - Calligraphie [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Robert Waley-Cohen
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mel in Blue definitely is a horse to follow if the initial impression left after his only start in a Newbury bumper at the end of the 2001/2 season proves to be accurate. This five-year-old gelding travelled sweetly throughout and they proved he was prepared to battle and he outstayed stablemate Kyper Disco to win by a head. I´m sure he will improve on that run and I´ll be expecting to win over obstacles this winter.
NORMAN´S GLORIES
ch, g. Past Glories - Norman´s Delight
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lucy Gardner
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Norman´s Glories is a five-year-old by Past Glories out of the mare Norman´s Delight, a daughter of Idiot´s Delight. He made one appearance last season in an Open Maiden at Stoneaston in March where after a tardy start caused by slow jumps at the first couple of obstacles, he made rapid headway from halfway, eventually only finishing a length behind the winner Ile De Re. This isn´t great form however it should stand him in good stead for similar events this season.
NORTHERN EDITION
br, g. Good Thyne [USA] - Early Pace
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tim Long
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Northern Edition is a six-year-old by Good Thyne out of the mare Early Pace, a daughter of Black Minstrel. He made two appearances between the flags last season, winning on his debut in a 2 1/2 mile Open Maiden at Great Trethew in February before coming out two months later in a Restricted at Woodford where he seemed to find the trip of 3 miles just beyond him, weakening after two out to finish 8 lengths behind the winner, Beadnell Bay. That wasn´t a bad effort and assuming he has progressed during the summer he should [hopefully] be up to winning a similar event this time around.
ONEMINUTETOFIVE
b, g. Neltino - Island Beat
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- David Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Oneminutetofive could pay to follow this season. This six-year-old by Neltino out of a mare by Jupiter Island only ran once last season, however he was hugely impressive when strolling away with an Open Maiden at Black Forest Lodge in January beating Mrs. Peggoty by 4 lengths [who went on to frank the form in future runs]. He literally could be anything and it would be disappointing if he fails to follow up this time around.
PARISIAN STORM
b, g. Glacial Storm - Lost In Paris
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Evan Williams
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Parisian Storm made a promising start between the flags last season. This seven-year-old son of Glacial Storm out of a Deep Run mare, won both of his starts between the flags beginning with a very easy success in an Open Maiden at Erw Lon where he took it up from the fourteenth eventually beating Carew Lad by 25 lengths. He did not reappear until the beginning of May at Pentreclwydau, however wasn´t inconvenienced by the step up to Restricted class, leading two out before beating Sohapara by a length [in a time 11 seconds faster than the Maiden won by Carew Lad on the same card]. Assuming this ex-Irish gelding is kept between the flags this season, he could prove difficult to beat, particularly if he stays in Wales.
POPPY MAROON
b, m. Supreme Leader - Marie´s Party
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Richard Miller
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Poppy Maroon could pay to follow this season. By all rights, she probably should be still unbeaten as blunders at the second last and last may have cost here victory over Fashion House on her debut in an Open Maiden point-to-point at Didmarton at the beginning of March. Connections gave her one more run - in a Open Maiden point-to-point at Littlewindsor three weeks later, and she made no mistakes this time outclassing her rivals before beating Askers Jack by 15lengths. She should come on for the experience and should be capable of further successes this winter.
POT SHOT
b, g. Alflora - Triggered
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Pamela Sykes
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Pot Shot is a five year old by Alflora out of a daughter of Gunner B. He showed promise in both of his starts at Eyton-on-Severn. After being held up in rear, Pot Shot made smooth progress to lead three out on his debut in a 2 1/2 mile Open Maiden in March. He was unable to sustain that effort and weakened to finish two lengths behind the winner Tom Brown. That effort was good enough to land a Maiden at most venues and it was no surprise that connections brought him out again at the same venue a month later and despite jumping right at the last three obstacles, he justified strong market support to beat Owenabue Valley by 12 lengths. Pot Shot is unproven over 3 miles, however if he stays the trip he must have a decent chance of landing a Restricted before the end of the season at the very least.
PRESENT MOMENT
b, g. Presenting - Springphar
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ruth Hayter
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Present Moment is a five year old by up-and-coming sire Presenting out of a daughter of Phardante. Present Moment had shown hints of ability in bumpers before going pointing with present connections. He´s had three runs to date, finishing 4th to Cantarino at Horseheath at the beginning of March [beaten 15 1/2 lengths]. He failed to follow next time out in a similar event at High Easter, however connections brought him out again at Fakenham at the end of April and after being outpaced early on, he stayed on from two out to beat Bell Rock by 12 lengths. That frankly isn´t the greatest bit of form, however he is a young horse who is going the right way and hopefully will build on this effort this season.
RATHBARRY LAD,
ch, g. Phardante [FR] - Doolin Lake
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bill Warner has a promising string of young pointers, who include Rathbarry Lad. He ran four times last term, showing a lot of promise on his debut in a Dingley Maiden, eventually finishing third. That run clearly did him the world of good as he won a similar event at Guilsborough by 20 lengths despite showing signs of greenness. He was a warm favourite to win a Restricted next time out at Dingley but fell early on. Maybe that left the mark as he was pulled up when beaten on his final start at Garthorpe. The summer break should have done him the power of good and I would expect him to progress past Restricted class this season.
RISINGTON
b, g. Afzal - Barton Rise
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Rose Vickery
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Risington is a five-year-old by Afzal out of Barton Rise, a daughter of Raise You Ten which makes him a half-brother to winning chaser Pokemon. Risington only made one appearance last season in an Open Maiden at Cotley Farm at the beginning of May. After being prominent early on, he was left in the lead at the ninth which he held onto until two from home. A bold jump at the last gave him the initiative which in the eyes of the judge, he maintained until the winning line [although many observers believe he finished second]. Whatever the event, that was a good effort and assuming owner Venetia Williams allows him to run between the flags this season, I´d be hopeful that he is able to add to the tally this season.
SECRETE CONTRACT
b, g. Contract Law [USA] - Secret Account
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Paul Hacking
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Secrete Contract is a five year old by Contract Law out of a daughter of Blakeney. He made two appearances last season only getting as far as the seventh on his debut at Higham in February before coming out in an Open Maiden at Aldington at the beginning of May. It probably wasn´t the greatest of races, however you would have to be encouraged that he came from last to cruise through the field leading at the last before coming home on a tight rein, eventually beating Moon Rising with far more authority than the 3/4 length margin suggested. Very difficult horse to evaluate, however the fact that his rivals that day were stretched out far and wide behind him was encouraging. Its conceivable that this ex-Novice Hurdler could still be open to further improvement.
SILVER SPIDER
gr, g. Terimon - Queeta´s Girl
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Pat Barthorpe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Silver Spider retains his place in the list although there is a question mark over his possible participation this season. He was most improved performer, winning both starts at Cottenham in February where he stayed on strongly from 13th to beat Corrie Mor by 4 lengths. Connections brought him out at the end of March at Brocklesby Park for a Combined race and again he travelled kindly and probably would have won easily had he not sustained an injury at the second last which probably explains why he faltered to such an extent that he only beat The Nobleman by a short head. He hasn´t run since and it would be a travesty if he is not allowed to build on these impressions at some stage in the future.
STRAND ONTHE GREEN
b, g. Ela-Mana-Mou - Fleuretta [USA]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- G.B. Foot
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I am transferring Strand On The Green from the ePOINT notebook in the hope that he will improve enough to win a race this season. This five year old son of Ela-Mana-Mou was formerly trained on the flat by Richard Hannon and probably isn´t an immediate choice for a pointer, especially with there being plenty of pace with his pedigree. However, after three inauspicious attempts [where he got no further than the first] Strand On The Green has progressed with each of his next five starts, managing to finish second in Open Maiden company at Cothelstone in April and Stafford Cross two weeks later. Hopefully this experience has done him some good and it wouldn´t be a huge surprise if he managed to win a race this season.
TAPPINGTHECOFFIN
b, g. Afzal - Crimson Sol
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jon Trice-Rolph
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I don´t think very many pundits would put Tappingthecoffin in a list of horses to follow, especially when at the moment, the ´object of affection´ is still learning that ´jumping over´ is far more beneficial than ´jumping through´. I does stay something about the horse, that after two X-rated falls at Dunthrop and Towcester, Tappingthecoffin has actually twice shown enough potential to win a race. I was at Mollington in March where he travelled nicely until briefly leading two out, before he eventually weakened up the stiff final straight finishing 13 lengths behind the winner Forest Maze. He was then brought out a month later at Maisemore Park and was in the process of running really well when he blundered at the third last [which may have caused his saddle to slip] and made a mistake from which he did not recover. There is definitely something there, and maybe with another summer on his back, he may be a little older and wiser here.
THE LONGEST DAY
b, g. Weld - Majestic Golfe
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- J.W. Beddows
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- The Longest Day is a five year old by Weld out of a daughter of Majestic Maharaj. He has only had one run to date in a Hunt Members race at Eyton-on-Severn at the beginning of May. He looked up against it against former useful pointer Whatafellow, however despite his obvious greenness he took advantage of this horse´s intransigence to show more resolution on the run in eventually holding on to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Very difficult to evaluate this form - literally. However, he clearly does have some ability and it will be interesting to see how connections place him this coming season.
TOM BROWN
ch, g. Grand Plaisir - Rathoe Princess
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- P.A. Jones
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tom Brown is a five-year-old by Grand Plaisir out of the mare Rathoe Princess, a daughter of Never Slip which makes him a half-brother to multi-winning point-to-pointer Mounthenry Star. He has had two runs to date, winning a 2 1/2 mile Confined Maiden on his debut at Eyton-On-Severn at the beginning of March. He was strongly fancied to win his Restricted on his only other start, again at Eyton-On-Severn two months later, however the occasion seemed to get the better of him and he made very little show before being pulled up three from home. I would hope he is a lot better than that and it will be disappointing if he isn´t able to win something before the close of season.
WAP
b, g. Be My Native [U.S.A.] - Mrs. Hill
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Edna Bolger in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Wap; a seven year old hunter chaser by Be My Native has been brought along quietly by connection. He has ability as demonstrated with wins at Tramore in March ´02 and Wexford in April ´02, however he has always looked out of his depth when upped in class. That said, they will always be opportunities for him and as long as he isn´t over-faced he should win more races this season.
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