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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"
CHASERS ~
NOVICES
AMHRAN NA BHFÌANN
ch, g. Be My Native [U.S.A.] - Shannon Spray
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Christy Roche in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Amhran Na Bhfìann, is a six-year-old gelding by Be My Native, out of the mare Shannon Spray, a winner over obstacles who herself has produced several winners including winning full brother Deckie, and half brother Shannon Gale. He´s very lightly raced, finishing thirteenth on his debut at Punchestown in April ´02, before an improved effort to finish seventh to Birth Rite [btn 27 lengths] at Navan in May. He disappointed on two more attempts over obstacles, however he could well now be well placed to take advantage on a lenient handicap mark [once he has gained sufficient experience].
AÓIFEROB
b, g. Commanche Run - Lancana
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Brendan Powell
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Aóiferob is a five-year-old gelding by Commanche Run, out of a Lancastrian mare, who showed plenty of promise between the flags when trained by Ted Walsh last term, winning one race, as well as chasing home Martin Pipe 's highly regarded prospect Our Vic. He is very big, which manes that he will probably skip a novice hurdles campaign... when he physically grows into his frame, he could be an interesting prospect initially around the country circuit.
AR MUIN NA MUICE
ch, m. Executive Perk - Raashideah
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jonjo O´Neill
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ar Muin Na Muice had a first season in this country, winning three of her five starts at Bangor, Newbury and Wetherby, as well as running creditably in defeat in her only other completed start behind Supreme Toss at Uttoxeter in February. She isn´t very big, but has a touch of class and could do well in mares´ only novice chases
ASHLEYBANK HOUSE
b, g. Lord Americo - Deep Perk
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lenny Lungo
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Ashleybank House is a six-year-old gelding by Lord Americo, out of a Deep Run Mare, who should promise in three runs under rules this winter. He ran well in two bumpers at Haydock Park and Newcastle, before finishing a fair fifth to Gastornis at Wetherby in March, [btn 11Lengths]. He will probably at some stage go novice chasing this season, and may finally begin to the trouble the judge.
BAL DE NUIT [FR]
gr, g. Balleroy [U.S.A.] - Eóline [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Paul F Nicholls
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I would say that Bal De Nuit, is the best type of purchase from France, in so far as he had shown plenty of ability without winning, which gives his new trainer the chance to explore all available options. Having joined present connections after being placed on fences at Enghien-Soisy, Bal De Nuit showed useful form winning two of his three starts at Kempton in January and Cheltenham in April, where he withheld the sustained efforts of Mistanoora to win by a neck. We know he can jump the larger obstacles, so hopefully he´ll run up a sequence over the larger obstacles this winter.
BEST GREY
gr, h. Ezzoud - Best Girl Friend
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Edward J. O´Grady in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--We´ve put Best Grey back in the list after he´d return after missing a season through injury. This virtually white son of Ezzoud was useful when trained in Italy, finishing third in the 1999 Derby Italiano [Group 1] and showed some useful form in novice hurdles, when purchased by present connections, however after missing last term struggled in his first four attempts until finishing second to Back on Top in a 2 ½ mile handicap hurdle at Gowran Park on his final start, [btn 2lengths]. He should have done well during the summer and has the ability to win a novice chase.
BLOOD SUB
b, g. Roselier [FR] - Clearwater Glen
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jonjo O´Neill
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Blood Sub is a six-year-old by Roselier, out of a Furry Glen mare. He ran only three times last term, possibly because of the breathing problem which affected his performance, when he was a beaten favourite at Exeter in February. He did however manage a win, at Uttoxeter in March, where he quickened nicely in the straight to be good value for more than his length margin of victory suggested. He may go over hurdles, however he´ll be seen to best advantage whenever he´s put over the larger obstacles
BRIGADIER DU BOIS [FR]
gr, g. Apeldoorn [FR] - Artic Night [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Lydia Wadham
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Brigadier Du Bois is a four-year-old gelding by Apeldoorn out of a daughter of Kaldoun, who joined present connections after showing some promise in four starts in France, the best of which was probably his third in the Prix Camille Dubosq Haies at Pau, where he was only ¾Length behind the winner Mercelin, and second Goffriler. He was highly tried on his only British start to date in the Ember Inns Anniversary 4-Y-O Novices´ Hurdle, at Aintree ´s Grand National Meeting and was always behind, eventually finishing 95Lengths behind the winner Le Duc. He could develop into a nice chasing prospect in the future and may be seen to best effect, once he obtained a handicap mark, especially when the mud´s flying.
BROOKLYN BREEZE
br, g. Be My Native [U.S.A.] - Moss Gale
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Lenny Lungo
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Brooklyn Breeze had a great first season in this list remaining unbeaten, after wins at Aintree [in a bumper] in December, followed by wins over hurdles at Musselburgh, Ayr and Perth. Connections deliberately gave him experience over hurdles because they wanted to go chasing this term, and if Lenny Lungo places him well He should win races in the North.
CELESTIAL GOLD
br, g. Persian Mews - What A Queen
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Celestial Gold is a five-year-old son of Persian Mews, out of a daughter of King´s Ride. He joins Martin Pipe, after racing in the David Pipe academy last season. He ran four times last term, finishing second to Sea Haitch Em in an Open Maiden point-to-point at Larkhill in January, before one better in a similar event at Wadebridge a month later. He was upped in grade on each of his final starts, beating Monty´s Lass readily by 8lengths in a Restricted point-to-point at Buckfastleigh, before cruising home in an Intermediate Restricted point-to-point at Bishops´ Court by 20Lengths on his final start.. Celestial Gold is a promising prospect and is open to plenty of improvement.. He should win a race this season.
CYINDIEN [FR]
br, g. Cyborg [FR] - Indiana Rose [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bridget Nicholls
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Cyindien is an attractively bred five-year-old son of Cyborg, who retains his place in this list, having showed ability, in each of his three starts, where he finished second each time. His best effort was probably last time out where he was only beaten a length by Coolsan at Warwick in December, where both him and the winner came well clear of the third. Hopefully he has strengthened up during the summer and is nice chasing prospect for the grade two tracks.
EAST LAWYER [FR]
b, g. Homme de Loi - East Riding [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Paul Nichols
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--East Lawyer is a four-year-old by Homme de Loi, out of a Fabulous Dancer mare, who showed some useful form in France, before joining present connections, the most recent being his win in the Prix Gaston Branere Haies [Handicap] at Auteuil in May, where he beat Klakos by 6lengths. He is still eligible to run in Novice hurdles and could well run up a sequence
EL HOMBRE DEL RIO
ch, g. Over The River [FR] - Hug In A Fog
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Robert H. Alner
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--El Hombre Del Rio retains his place in the list, in the hope that he is given the chance to go over fences this term. This six-year-old son of Over The River ran seven times last term finishing second on four occasions plugging on strongly at the final without demonstrating he has a change of gears. This lack of pace is a problem, however over fences, [particularly extreme distance] he may come into his own.
EMMET
b, g. Supreme Leader - Virginia Ironside
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Edward J. O´Grady in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Emmet is a five-year-old by Supreme Leader, who showed distinct promise on his first full season under rules, having won a point-to-point, before disappointing when favourite for a bumper on his racecourse debut here in April ´02. He won twice, dead-heating on his seasonal debut at Fairyhouse in January, before an outright win at Thurles two week later. He was slightly disappointing afterwards, however probably needed time to develop physically and should be stronger this term... hopefully he´ll run well over fences this season.
EURO BLEU [FR]
b, g. Franc Bleu Argent [U.S.A.] - Princess Card [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Lydia Wadham
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Euro is a five-year-old by Franc Bleu Argent out of a daughter of Gift Card, who joined present connections after winning the Prix des Landes Haies at Pau in January. He was highly tried on his only British start in the St Austell Brewery Mersey Novices´ Hurdle [gr. 2], at Aintree ´s Grand National Meeting and was always behind, eventually finishing 72Lengths behind the winner Leinster. He is a long-term chasing prospect and won´t probably be seen to best effect until he goes over that code, [particularly on very soft ground].
FLORIDA RAIN
b, g. Florida Son - Ameretto
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Mary Reveley
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Florida Rain is a seven-year-old by Florida Son, out of a daughter of the sire Stetchworth. He was given a very light campaign last term, falling foul of the Stewards on his debut at Wetherby in November, where he was initially been found in breach of Rule 158 - schooling in public, [though Mary Reveley was cleared on appeal], before putting up an improved performance when winning his only other start, in a novice hurdle over 2m4f at Catterick in December '02. The step up to this trip suited him, and he is open to further impression either in handicap company or over fences this season.
FORK LIGHTNING
gr, g. Roselier [FR] - Park Breeze
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Alan King
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Fork Lightening retains his position in the list after showing promise in each of his six starts, winning twice at Kempton Park in January, as well as on his final start in April. He has reportedly done well during the summer and could develop into a nice staying novice chaser this winter.
GALILEO [POL]
b, g. Jape [U.S.A.] - Goldika [POL]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Tom George
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Galileo still looks to be an interesting prospect, although last term was a disappointment. This 1999 Nagroda Polish St Leger winner was a revelation in his first season over obstacles winning at Kempton, and more significantly, when sprinting up the Cheltenham hill to land the 2002 Royal & Sun Alliance Hurdle [gr.1]. Much was expected of his last term, however he was difficult to train and ran lifeless races in the Stayers´ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and subsequently when well fancied at Ascot in April. He is much better than that and deserves the chance to atone which hopefully he will over the larger obstacles this winter.
GARDE BIEN
br, g. Afzal - May Lady
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ferdy Murphy
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Garde Bien is an interesting purchase off of the point-to-point ranks, He didn´t run last term, however showed plenty of promise on his only start in a Garthorpe Maiden over 2 ½ miles in May 02´. Held up early on, he made good progress from halfway to press the leaders approaching three out. Lack of peak condition told and he weakened from that point eventually finishing 12 lengths behind the winner Big Tone. He was subsequently sold at Doncaster sales for 33,000 guineas and is now in Ferdy Murphy´s care. I would be hopeful of him showing further promise under rules this winter.
GOODBADRINDIFERENT
br, g. Mandalus - Stay As You Are
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Henrietta Knight
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Goodbadrindiferent is an interesting purchase, having won point-to-points in 2002 at Tyrella in March and Taylorstown in April ´02. He joined Henrietta Knight last term, however didn´t run. Hopefully he can be placed to win races over obstacles this winter.
GOSS
gr, g. Linamix [FR] - Guillem [U.S.A.]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Michael O´Brien in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bought at the ´00 Goffs "Horses in Training" Sale, having finished seventh to Inglenook in a listed event over 10 furlongs at Saint Cloud. Goss did really in his first season over obstacles, winning his first two starts at Punchestown and Naas, before running a respectable race behind Scottish Memories in the Powers Gold Label Novice Hurdle [Gr. 2] at Fairyhouse in April ´02. I thought he would have been an interesting prospect over hurdles last term, however he went chasing and fell on his only start in a Beginners race at Fairyhouse in January... Hopefully his confidence is intact and he makes up for lost time this winter.
GUNSON HIGHT
b, g. Be My Chief [U.S.A.] - Glas Y Dorlan
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Martin Todhunter
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Gunson Hight is a six-year-old by Be My Chief, out of the mare of Glas Y Dorlan, [a daughter of Sexton Blake, who won on the flat]. He is an attractive individual, with a real presence, however seems to be still very backward, and crying out for fences, if judged on two efforts last term over hurdles, in a Musselburgh bumper and a Newcastle Novices' Hurdle. He should've strengthened up during the summer, however it may only be once he has begun filling his frame that we see some promise from him. I shall be monitoring this progression with the future in mind.
HALF AN HOUR
b, g. Alflora - Country Mistress
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Alan King
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Half an Hour returns to the list. He looked promising after winning a Haydock Park, however struggled for most of last term, [apparently connections now say he was wrong for most of last season], however he returned to Haydock for a facile win in a novice hurdle at Haydock in March, before getting struck into badly in a novice handicap at Cheltenham on his final start a month later. He has by all accounts made a complete recovery and will probably go chasing, where we may finally see some of that initial promise.
HANKO [GER]
b, g. Surumu [GER] - Hankaretta [U.S.A.]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ronald O´Leary in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I´ve been monitoring Hanko´s progress waiting for this lovely son of Surumu to go over fences. He has shown plenty of promise over the last couple of seasons over hurdles, however he lacks the change of gears you really require to be competitive, especially against the better novices. Chasing is an entirely different discipline and if he takes to them he has a much better chance of getting his head in front. I hope he does this before the end of the season
HEADS ONTHE GROUND
br, g. Be My Native [U.S.A.] - Strong Wings
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Dessie Hughes in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Heads Onthe Ground had a good second season over obstacles winning once at Navan in January as well as chasing home the likes of Emmet, Nil Desperandum, and Azur Tonic. He is hopefully going to make a lovely steeplechaser one day, however he could be interesting over hurdles in handicap company before embarking on this career.
HI CLOY
b, g. Be My Native [U.S.A.] - Thomastown Girl
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Michael Hourigan in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Hi Cloy is a six-year-old by Be My Native, out of the mare Thomastown Girl, who is a half-sister to the former Champion Hurdler For Auction. He won a point-to-point on his first start before joining present connections, and did well in his first season, winning two of his seven starts; at Leopardstown [twice], as well as running well in defeat behind Ireland´s best novice hurdlers. He gives the impression that he should be better over fences and hopefully we should see some progression this season.
ISARD III [FR]
gr, g. Royal Charter [FR] - Aurore D´Ex [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- There are plenty of people who will tell you that Martin Pipe races his horses into the ground... Well that statement is unfair as the stats show he doesn´t race his horses anymore than a lot of the leading stables around. Anyway of more relevance, many of his critics rarely give him credit for the horses that he is extremely careful with. I have no doubt that he must think an awful lot of Isard III, because this horse has only raced four times since joining the stable three seasons ago. After winning an Intermediate point-to-point last term, he ran twice last season, falling at the first in a novice chase won by Jaïr Du Cochet at Newbury in November. He then didn´t run again until April, when he created an excellent impression, when winning a competitive novice hurdle at Ascot, quickening nicely in the straight to beat Fork Lightening by 6lengths. Hopefully he´s strengthen up again during the summer and should make his mark at a decent level over fences this season.
JACK POT II [FR]
ch, g, Luchiroverte - Roxane II [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lenny Lungo
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jack Pot II showed a bit of promise in his second season in the list. He ran well in two bumpers at Ayr and Newcastle, before finishing a fair fourth to Gastornis at Wetherby in March, [btn 10Lengths]. He will probably at some stage go novice chasing this season, and may finally win a race this term, though he may have to delve into handicap company to do this.
JANUS DU COCHET [FR]
b, g. Rahotep [FR] - Qualite Du Cochet [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Janus du Cochet returns to the course after nearly two years off, having been seen last running well in defeat, when finishing second to stablemate It Takes Time in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in December ´01. [btn 1½Lengths]. He´d previously been a useful juvenile hurdler taking on the likes of Bilboa, Jaïr du Cochet and Azertyuiop, so if he retains some of that level of ability could be interesting over fences this winter.
JEFF DE CHALAMONT [FR]
b, g. Abary [GER] - Clio De Chalamont [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Jessica Harrington in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jeff De Chalamont is a six-year-old by Abary, out of a mare by Sir Brink. He ran seven times last term, winning twice at Navan in December ´02 and at Punchestown in March, on his final start on the season. I´ve always like him, however I´ve preferred to keep a watching brief on this big horse, until I was certain he´d go chasing. If wouldn´t surprise me if he improved go going over them.
JIM [FR]
b, g. Glaïeul [U.S.A.] - Beautywal [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jim T. R. Dreaper in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Jim had a fair second season under rules, winning one of his seven starts at Fairyhouse in March, where he beat Leinster by 5 lengths. He wasn´t disgraced behind Nobody Told Me in the Menolly Homes Champion Novice Hurdle [Grade 1] at the Punchestown Festival on his final start and hopefully with another summer under his belt, will develop into a nice novice chaser this winter.
JUPITER DE BUSSY [FR]
br, g. Silver Rainbow - Tosca De Bussy [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Lenny Lungo
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Jupiter De Bussy had a good first season under rules, steadily improving after three promising efforts in bumpers, to win two hurdle races at Aintree in November, and Ayr a month later. He is still green and immature, which is why his form probably tailed off, however a summer´s break will have done him the world of good and he could do well in novice events on the northern circuits, though he may be capable if winning a handicap hurdle under the right conditions
KOQUELICOT [FR]
ch, g. Video Rock [FR] - Ixia Des Saccarts [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Phillip Hobbs
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Koquelicot is a five-year-old by Video rock, out of a daughter of the sire Laniste. He´s joined current connections having been placed over hurdles and fences in France; [a. second to Mitsu at Pau in February was probably his best effort]. He has been pleasing connections at home and will start over hurdles... hopefully he can find some form once he´s fully acclimatised
KORELÒ [FR]
b, g. Cadoudal [FR] - Lora Du Charmil [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Korelò will go down on many people´s list of horses to follow this season after his decent form of last season. Purchased by present connections after finishing fifth to Le Chablis in the 2002 Prix Maurice Gillois Grande Steeple-Chase des 4ans [Grade 1] at Auteuil last November, Korelò ran seven times, winning on three occasions, at Taunton in December ´02, before landing the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Ascot in February and the Sunderlands Imperial Cup Hurdle Showcase Handicap at Sandown ten days later. He was fancied to win the Coral Cup Hurdle [gr. 3] at the Cheltenham Festival, however probably had begun to feel the effects of a year´s continuous racing and could only finish fifth to Xenophon. He is sure to be well schooled and should be capable of winning races this term.
LE DUC [FR]
b, g. Villez [U.S.A.] - Beberova [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Paul Nicholls
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Second to the smart Nickname on his only outing over hurdles at Auteuil in May. Le Duc changed from a lean and weak non-finisher, when he arrived in England, into the championship winner as he proved when withstanding the late challenge of Spectroscope to land the Glenlivet Hurdle at the Martell Grand National Meeting. He has blossomed by all accounts over the summer and is impossible to remove from the list, as you can easily see him taking high over fences this season.
LEGATUS
ch, g. Alphabatim [U.S.A.] - Take A Guess
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Legatus, a six-year-old son of Alphabatim, joins Martin Pipe, after racing in the David Pipe academy for the last two season. He ran three times last term, winning a Restricted point-to-point at Larkhill in January, before winning an Intermediate point-to-point at Great Trethew a month later. He was tried in a hunter chase on his last start and ran a fair race to finish second to Monty´s Lass, [btn 1¼Lengths]. He´s no worldbeater, however he does possess ability and should be capable of winning novice chases on the country courses.
LITTLE SPORT
ch, g. Moscow Society [U.S.A.] - Ath Dara
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- [Andy Scott]
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Little Sport is a lovely prospect for this season. This six-year-old gelding is a son of Moscow Society, out of Ath Dara, [a daughter of Duky], who ran over obstacles in Ireland. He showed promise in bumper during the 200½ season and built on that this term, winning three races at Newcastle as well as finishing in the frame on five other occasions. He was upped in class and ran creditably when finishing eighth to Hardy Eustace in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle [gr.1] at the Cheltenham Festival and Carlovent in the Martell Cognac Nisa Today's Handicap Hurdle [Class A] [Listed Race] at Aintree 's Grand National Meeting. With another summer on his back Little Sport should develop into a useful handicap hurdler/novice chaser in the North this season.
LUCIFER BLEU [FR]
b, g. Kadalko [FR] - Figa Dancer [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Lucifer Bleu is a four-year-old gelding by Kadalko, by a daughter of Bandinelli, who has joined present connections from Guy Cherel in France. He showed promise on his French ventures, finishing second to Midi in the Prix Pharaon Haies in May, [subsequently awarded the race on the disqualification of the winner], before finishing seventh in the Prix de Royen Haies a month later. He will better next season when he has fully acclimatised, however he has the ability to win races this winter.
MAJESTICMANŒUVERS
¦¨¨breeding¨¨¦¨¨¨»--b, g. Warcraft [U.S.A.] - Royal Reliance
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Arthur L. T. Moore in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Majesticmanœuvers is a scopey six-year-old by Warcraft out of a mare by Rymer, who only had one race last term finishing well out of the frame behind Calithyne in a Tipperary bumper right of the end of last term. He must be slow to come to hand and is with the right trainer to bring about improvement over the coming season
MAJORITY VERDICT
b, g. Leading Counsel [U.S.A.] - Culm Valley
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Henry D. J. Daly
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Majority Verdict, a scopey son of Leading Counsel, out of a daughter of Port Corsair, ran once since missing a season due to injury. He was second on both occasions, finishing 13lengths behind Crystal d´Ainay at Uttoxeter in March. He has since again finished second at the same venue to Longshanks over 2miles-7f in May. A repeat of the form will se him win a race over hurdles, however he will be seen to best effect once allowed try the larger obstacles.
MARCUS DU BERLAIS [FR]
gr, g. Saint Preuil [FR] - Rosacotte [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Arthur L. T. Moore in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Marcus Du Berlais is a progressive son of Saint Preuil, who had a good season last term. After two promising efforts at Punchestown and Leopardstown in December, Marcus Du Berlais ratted off a hatrick of wins at Naas in January, where he beat G V A Ireland by 3 Lengths. He supplemented that success with furthers successes at Fairyhouse in February and his most impressive win at Punchestown in March, where he put 11 ½ lengths between himself and his nearest pursuer On The Jetty. Steeplechasing surely beckons at some stage this season and it will be a major surprised if he doesn´t win races over this code.... Going the right way
MISTER BANJO [FR]
b, g. Mister Mat [FR] - Migre [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Paul Nicholls
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Former top class hurdler Mister Banjo is due to make a return to the course, having missed the last two seasons due to injury. In many ways he reminds me of Jaïr Du Cochet, in so far as he was a precociously talented juvenile with bags of scope who looked as if he would be even better over the larger obstacles. Assuming he has retained some of his former sparkle, it is difficult not to see this former tsar make a return to the winners´ enclosure... I feel its certainly worth taking the risk.
MURPHY´S CARDINAL
b, g. Shernazar - Lady Swinford
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Noel T. Chance
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Murphy´s Cardinal is a seven-year-old by Shernazar, out of the mare Lady Swinford, a daughter of Ardross, who won races in Ireland. He´s a proper old-fashioned chasing type and has been well placed by connections to win four races; three of them at Folkestone, as well as a win at Ascot on his final start in February. Connections have high hopes for him this term and they expect him to take high rank over fences. It´ll be disappointing if he doesn´t win a maiden steeplechase before the end of the season.
PIETRO VANNUCCI
b, g. Perugino [U.S.A.] - Lady's Bridge [U.S.A.]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Noel Meade in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Pietro Vannucci returns to the track this season. He was a decent novice hurdler two seasons ago, winning at Fairyhouse in October '01 and Leopardstown in January '02 and was placed on several other occasion behind the likes of Like-A-Butterfly and Over The Bar. He had to miss last season because of injury, however is back in full health and is reportedly doing well, with a view to going over fences this winter. He should be capable of winning if he is back somewhere bear his best.
RI NA REALTA
¦¨¨breeding¨¨¦¨¨¨»--b, g. King´s Ride - Realteen
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Anthony Mullins in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ri Na Realta is a very lightly raced son of King´s Ride, who returned to the racecourse after injury which kept him off the track for two seasons to land a bumper at Navan in November ´02 before two runs over hurdles, the best of which was probably his fourth behind Thaïx at Leopardstown last December. He hasn´t runs since however he clearly retains ability and may be an interesting prospect for the lager obstacles if he can stay sound.
ROSSLEA
b, g. Roselier [FR] - Burren Gale
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Henrietta C. Knight
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Rosslea is a five-year-old gelding by Roselier, who is a half-brother to Russell Road. He was purchased by connections after landing a four-year-old maiden point-to-point at Athenry in March '02. He ran four times over hurdles, pulling up on his debut at Ascot in November '02, before finishing second to Sh Boom at Uttoxeter in December, and third to Supreme Prince at Wincanton in February. He was allowed to take his chance in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle [gr.1] at the Cheltenham Festival, didn't fair too badly, finishing only 30lengths behind the winner Hardy Eustace. With another summer on his back Rosslea should has improved physically and is certain to have been well schooled for a novice chase campaign.
SAINT ESTEBEN [FR]
b, g. Poliglote - Highest Tulip [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Paul Nicholls
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Saint Esteben is a four-year-old by Poliglote, out of a Highest Honor mare, who had winning juvenile form in France when trained by Jehan Betran de Balanda. He was bought to go novice chasing with a view of potentially exploiting the weight for age allowance for his age group... He´s no superstar but he should be capable of finding some winning opportunities this term.
SAMON [GER]
ch, g. Monsun [GER] - Savanna [GER]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Samon retains his place in the list although he was slightly disappointing last term. He ran four times without winning last term, however in hindsight his 3¾Lengths third to Quazar in a competitive handicap at Haydock Park in January, and second to Xenophon in the Coral Cup [btn. 3½Lengths] weren´t bad effort. He won on his debut over fences at Southwell, however wasn´t very impressive with his jumping, however he should improve with experience and could run up a sequence.
SEASQUILL [AUS]
bl, g. Squill [U.S.A.] - Sea Surge [AUS]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Ferdy Murphy
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- There has been a welcome influx of really decent flat horses over jumps of late and another one who could do well this winter is Seasquill, who has joined Ferdy Murphy from Dubai.. The seven-year-old gelding was useful on the flat running in races like the Caulfield Cup in Australia and the £900,000 Dubai Sheema Classic on turf at Nad Al Sheba behind Fantastic Light in ´00. He was bought last year to run in this year´s World Cup but didn´t make it due to injury. amazingly Ferdy Murphy was able to buy him whilst on a trip to Dubai, and whilst he didn´t show much in five runs last term could be another horse in the list who may benefit from a summer´s acclimatisation
SHOSEN
br, g. Persian Mews - Lugnagullagh
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Alan King
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Shosen; a seven-year-old gelding, by Persian Mews, has only had three runs over obstacles, finishing a fair third to Got One Too on his debut at Newbury in November ´01, before putting up a similar effort when finishing fourth to Beethoven at Ascot in December. He was given one more start, at Newbury in March ´02, when he stayed on too strongly for his rivals to win by 9lengths. He missed last term due to injury, however if he stays sound 3mile novice chases look to be right up his street.
SLOOGHY [FR]
br, g. Missolonghi [U.S.A.] - Lady Charrecey [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Nicky J. Henderson
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Slooghy has taken a while to show some ability in this country, however he had his best season last term, winning once, as well as finishing in the frame in three of his other four starts. After chasing home Saitensohn, Murphy´s Cardinal, and Cowboyboots on his first three starts, he was tried over 3Miles on his handicap debut, and after travelling sweetly for much of the race, stuck his head down under hard driving to withhold the late challenge of Ravenswood to win by a neck. Slooghy was raised 10lbs for that win for his last start at Doncaster in March and was travelling like the winner on the bridle, when he was brought down three out. Connections seem to have found the key to him and hopefully he can translate this form to fences this winter.
SOHO FIELDS
b, g. Good Thyne [U.S.A.] - Rosie Owen
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Henrietta C. Knight
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Soho Fields is a six-year-old gelding by Good Thyne, out of the mare Rosie Owen, [a daughter of Roselier]. He ran four times last term for present connections, winning on his debut at Ludlow in November '02, before creditably behind Calling Brave under a penalty at Newbury a month later and two handicaps hurdles at the back-end of last season. He was a backward embryonic chaser last season, but should be more like the finished article this time around. Steeplechasing will be where his future lies however he may be worth trying in handicap hurdles this winter, especially if allowed to step yup from the minimum trip.
TUÇACÁS [FR]
gr, m. Highest Honor [FR] - Three Well [FR]
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Martin C. Pipe
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Tuçacás is a very useful mare on her day, however apart from an impressive win on her reappearance at Cheltenham in November, failed to build on that run, showing nothing in a qualifier and the final of the Pertemps series, as well as behind Patriot Games at Aintree 's Grand National Meeting. This isn't her form and she could bounce back if tried over the larger obstacles this season.
UNMISTAKABLY
br, g. Roselier [FR] - Decent Debbie
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Bridget Nicholls
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- Unmistakably is certainly bred to be a chasing being a son of Roselier out of Decent Debbie, who has produced several winners over the larger obstacles. Formerly trained in Ireland by Ted Walsh Unmistakably joined this list after winning a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick in May. He has bags of scope for further development and should give new connections plenty of fun this winter.
XENOPHON
b, g. Toulon - Fureen
¦¨¨the¨trainer¨¨¦¨¨¨»--Anthony Martin in Ireland
¦¨¨COMMENTS¨¨¦¨¨¨»-- I had high hopes for Xenophon last season and he more than fulfilled my expectations winning two of his three starts. Xenophon finished second on his handicap debut at Punchestown in early November, before steeping up on that effort to land the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown in December. Xenophon travelled sweetly within himself, and quickened up to take the initiative on the run to the final flight, eventually winning by 2lengths from Colourful Life, Camden Tanner and Emotional Moment. He didn't run again until the Coral Cup [Hurdle] at the Cheltenham Festival. Again given a patient ride by Mick Fitzgerald, Xenophon came through strongly over the last three hurdles to win this competitive race in style, by 3½ Lengths from Samon. Everything about this horse suggests he could be decent over fences at some stage, so hopefully he has a good education this season.
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