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Steeplechasers -
Handicappers
ABALVINO (FR) ch, g. Sillery (FR)- Abalvina (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Paul R Webber
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Abalvino did well last season, winning three novice chases. He requires right-handed tracks, soft ground and a stiff 2mile trip to be at his most effective. He reportedly has been operated on for ad a wind operation a few weeks ago, and if he gets over that could be worth noting in the better-2mile handicap chases.
AONFOCALELIE b, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Stamp of Glory
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Venetia M Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Aonfocalelie was a little inconsistent on his first season with Venetia Williams. On good days like when he won hard held at Leicester, he looks one to follow, however there were too many poor effects littering that good impression to be sure of him. In his defence, there is very little mileage on the clock, and at distances between 2m4f -3m2f, it could pay to give Aonfocalelie the benefit of the doubt
A PIECE OF CAKE gr g Roselier (FR) - Boreen Bro
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Mary Reveley
[COMMENTS] :-:--> A Piece Of Cake developed into a useful novice chaser in the north. He managed three wins from eight starts, and struck up a fine partnership with Peter Niven. I felt that he'd improve for stepping up in trip against, but he is apparently going to be campaigned over 2 ½ miles ... let's see who's right!
BE MY MANAGER b, g. Be My Native (U.S.A.) - Fahy Quay
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Henrietta C Knight
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Be My Manager is one of the best prospects in Henrietta Knight's care, and it wouldn't surprise me if he took a decent prise this winter. He has been brought along very slowly, and is reaping the benefit of this approach. Have shown decent form over hurdles. He made two appearances last term in novice chases, beating Bohill Lad as he liked at Taunton in October before taking a £11000 handicap at Cheltenham in April, staying on stoutly to beat Frenchman's Creek by 2 ½ lengths. There isn't any reason why he couldn't improve again, and is one to note
BIPBAP (FR) gr, g. Dom Pasquini (FR) - Temara (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Guillaume Macaire in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Bipbap, a former winner of the Prix Maurice Gillois, was amongst the best four-year-old novice chasers elite of 1998 in France, before being struck down by injury. |He was having his first run since October 2000, when making a winning reappearance recently at Auteuil. There is no knowing whether this horse retains his ability, or whether his fragility will strike him down again. However I'm sure he'll win more races in France. and could make an excursion or two to these shores
BLANVILLE (FR) b, g. Pot D'Or (FR) - Nordica Iii (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Blanville arguably the best hunter chaser seen last season [despite a poor run in the Horse & Hound Cup] is in the twilight of his career, but this formerly useful ex French chaser put in some good efforts in the hands of owner Philip Scouller, particularly when tenaciously holding off Skip'n'time at Cheltenham's hunter chase meeting in May, and is worth a try in handicap company ... well worth noting if he gets the chance this winter.
BLEU SUPERBE (FR) br, g. Epervier Bleu - Brett's Dream (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Venetia M Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Bleu Superbe was a bit of a disappointment last term, especially as this import came from France with decent form in Italy and France (provincial tracks, and at Auteuil). He failed to complete in five of his seven starts, but did win nicely at Haydock in January, which is why I assume Venetia Williams bought him back at the May Doncaster Sale. he's only five and a lot of mileage on the clock, however he looks cheap at 6,000 guineas, and could easily win that money back with sound placement this winter
BOWLINGHER (FR) b, g. Shining Steel - Touraille (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:-->
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Bowlingher could be an interesting handicapper this term. Admittedly this ex French bred gelding hasn't won for a couple of seasons, when winning the Prix de France chase at Auteuil in November 1999, but has gone well since in handicaps at Enghien and. Auteuil. If he can be astutely placed he should be able to take a race this term
BROISWINK (FR) b, g. Ambroise (FR) - Winkel Princess (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Guilliame Macaire in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Broiswink is another possible visitor from the Guillame Macaire camp this winter. He has won several races in the French provinces over both hurdles, and fences, and was a possible for the Sun Alliance Chase after winning a little race at Folkestone, but as we know that didn't take place, instead he went to Auteuil for a valuable handicap chase where he was beaten by the promising Karthoum. He almost certainly wasn't up to Sun Alliance grade, but could be interesting if allowed to lesser company
CARBURY CROSS b, g. Mandalus - Brickey Gazette
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Jonjo O'Neill
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Carbury Cross is a lovely looking individual who should continue to pay to follow again this term over the larger obstacles. He was unbeaten last term, winning at Ayr Musselburgh and Doncaster. Mick Fitzgerald really got a tune out of him and impressed when winning a valuable handicap at Ayr last spring. He now won his last five starts and could be interesting if he can improve again this winter
CÊANANNAS MOR br, g. Strong Gale - Game Sunset
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky J Henderson
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Cêanannas Mor, a Full brother to Stormyfairweather, bought from Edina Bolger's yard is bred to be a decent horse, but has disappointed if the truth were known... He possesses ability as he proved when cruising home at Leicester on his debut, but failed to build on this in three subsequent starts. Far worse he is jumping went completely to pieces, and he failed to complete his last two starts. Another year on his back and time to mature, who knows?... Some confidence boosters over hurdles will give hope for the rest of the season
CERILLY (FR) b, g. Sassanian (U.S.A.) - Wilhelmine (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Currently J Bertran De Balanda
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Cerilly, a four-year-old son of Sassanian is another who could soon be racing in this country. as he is due to go to sale. He is a winner of three of his four starts (he finished send in the other) over hurdles at Clairefontaine and over fences at Fontainebleau and at Auteuil, where he took a conditions chase over 2m1½f in October. He should attract plenty of interest and should continue to progress whether he stays in France or continues his career on this side of the water
COQ HARDI DIAMOND b, g. King's Ride - Snoqualmie
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Noël Meade in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Coq Hardi Diamond could have a decent handicap chase in him this year. He is still relatively unexposed over fences having only run the four times, winning easily at Navan on his debut, and then after a fall running an extraordinary race at Leopardstown last Christmas. Where he made up the best part of 30lengths in the final half to get within 6 lengths of Call Me Dara. He wasn't a natural, which may explain how he managed to lose so much ground at Leopardstown, but if he gets the hang of matters could develop into a nice prospect this term.
COUNT VON KNOCKAGH bl, g. Ilium - First In
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Robert Alner
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Count Von Knockagh showed promise on his only start last term when finishing second to New Era at Kempton in April. Count Von Knockagh didn't jump that well, and therefore did well to get as close as he did. however he's had very little racing and is the type of animal with which his trainer tends to do well with.
CYFOR MALTA (FR) b, g. Cyborg (FR) - Force Nine (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Cyfor Malta has been it this list every year that I've done it, and despite although it was a disappointment that he failed to make an impact last season after a long spell on the sidelines, I do thin that some punters are possibly taking the level of form at face value, which could be unwise. The handicapper has dropped him a bit in the weights, and I would have thought that that his trainer is likely to try and take advantage of that this season... Forget The Gold Cup for the present, there are races for him in the calendar before that between 2m4f-3m1f... Martin Pie has bought back several horses that punters had previously written off. Don't be too surprise if he makes it into the winners enclosure this winter.
ECUYER DU ROI (FR) b, g. Roi De Rome (U.S.A.) - Mill's Cambric (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ecuyer Du Roi has had a varied season thus far. he came back to the yard having run respectably between the flags for David Pipe. After a couple of indifferent efforts he was stepped up in trip at Newton Abbot in June. Despite some indifferent jumping, he out galloped twelve rivals to win by 11 lengths. Another round of indifferent jumping probably cost him victory at Stratford next time out, but he may just be find9ing himself, and could be worth noting over extreme trips round the country tracks for the rest of the season.
EI EI b, g. North Briton - Branitska
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Michael C Chapman
[COMMENTS] :-:--> We haven't done too badly with our choices during the summer, and Whilst Cobbet was winning over hurdles Ei Ei was doing even better over fences. He's always appealed to me as a possible jumper when he was being trained by Barry Hills on the flat. He became a bit disappointing on the flat in truth (descending to selling class) and seem destined to be the same over hurdles until making all to win one at Stratford in July, where he was claimed by current connections. They put him over fences, and immediately took to it. He has won four of his five chases, and ran a far better race than the bare facts suggest only his only defeat at Cartmel in August. He was well clear when making a horrendous mistake at the 7th (he actually cannoned into the outside running rail). Although he got back on an even keel, the long run in, and softening ground did for him, and he weakened to finish a well-beaten second. He's a real fun horse, and can win again over fence, and hurdles, where he appears to be well handicapped
ERNEST WILLIAM br, g. Phardante (FR) - Minerstown
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Ferdy Murphy
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ernest William, was one of the happier sights of the season. This useful handicap hurdler had been off the track since March 1998, when winning a little event at Perth in April 2001. I had previously always thought that he looked capable of being a better horse over fences, and if he can be held toge5ther then he may finally be able to fulfil that promise.
EXIT SWINGER (FR) b, g. Exit To Nowhere (U.S.A.) - Morganella (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Didn't quite do as well as I maybe hoped, but ran his heart out to finish third in the Thomas Pink Chase to stable mate Lady Cricket, and occupied the same position when finishing third to Function Dream in the Victor Chandler chase. he's only six and is no forlorn hope this term.
FRETEVAL (FR) b, g. Valanjou (FR) - La Beaumont (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:-->
[COMMENTS] :-:--> formerly trained by E Chevalier Du Fau in France, Freteval has had ten starts over obstacles finishing twice in the frame; at Pau, and also in the Prix de Ouistreham (chase) at Auteuil in June. This four-year-old has several options open to him, and I'd like to think he could find a race this season.
GAILOORN DE MEE (FR) b. g Apeldoorn - Une de Mee (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Currently trained in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Gailoorn de Me is a seven year old gelding who has been in good form on the French provisional circuit, He has won ten of his thirty four starts and has won over fence hurdles, and cross-country chases most recently a steeplechase at Corlay in July. He is due to go under the hammer at the Goffs France Horses-in-Training sale shortly and is likely to attract interest as there is still plenty f mileage on the clock. He's another that I could see placed by the right trainer to good effect on the country circuit or in cross country chases
GLORIEUX COLLONGES (FR) b. g Brezzo - Quetty Collonges (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> currently A Chaille-Chaille in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Glorieux Collonges is a seven year old gelding who has been in good form on the French provisional circuit, He has won four of his sixteen starts most recently at La Rohelle over hurdles. He is due to go under the hammer at the Goffs France Horses-in-Training sale shortly and therefore could be racing on this side of the water .. the sort of horse who could do well on the country circuit
GOGUENARD (FR) b, g. Gaspard De La Nuit (FR) - Laika Iii (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky J Henderson
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Goguenard is a rarity - a winning chaser from France, that manages to win off of their initial handicap, during their first season in England. After showing up well on his first starts at Haydock , he ran a great race to finish second to Gower-Slave in the John Hughes Trophy. He was very impressive on his final start when taking a £19000 handicap at the Whitbread card. he seemed to finding his real form at the end of the season, and could be a very interesting proposition this time around.
GUE AU LOUP (FR) gr, g. Royal Charter (FR) - Arche D'Alliance (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Henry D J Daly
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Gue Au Loup returns to the list. he had shown promise in his native France two seasons ago but failed to show this for Henry Daly. he was sent point to pointing last term and did well in open company. foot and mouth brought about a return to rules racing and after a second at Huntingdon at the end of last season, he galloped his rivals into submission under top weight in a novices handicap chase. he was last seen failing by ¾ length to beat Maxie McDonald back at Bangor again under top weight. and on this evidence will find similar type of events this season
HADES DE SIENNE (FR) b, g. Concorde Jr (U.S.A.) - Aube De Sienne (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Alan Parker
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Hades de Siennes is a big backward ex French gelding who had previously shown so promise in the French provinces. he slowly progress last term over fences eventually winning over 3m1f at Ayr in January 2001. he is an out and out stayer in the making and should progress again this season.
HARASARAH (FR) b, g. Glaieul (U.S.A.)- Carasarah (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Harasarah got into last year's list as a result of some excellent performances in France (He is the winner of a valuable hurdle at Auteuil). Have to profess to being slightly disappointed with him thus far, despite a particularly impressive win at Chepstow, and it may pay to give him the benefit of the doubt , especially as some horses do need a period to adjust to new regimes. He may be worth trying over hurdles.
HAUT CERCY (FR) b, g. Roi De Rome (U.S.A.) - Mamoussia (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Henry D J Daly
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Haut Cercy is one of the last horses the late Tim Forster bought and raced. Henry Daly's care he ran consistently to win twice and be placed on several other occasions over hurdles. Haut Cercy ran a cracker on his only start last term, jumping really well to finish a creditable second to Shotgun Willy at Wincanton in October 2000. a repeat of that form will ensure wins around the smaller tracks initially this winter, and could be stepped up in grade during the second half of the season
HEIDI III (FR) br, g. Bayolidaan (FR) - Irlandaise (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> A Crook
[COMMENTS] :-:--> I adore Heidi Iii... He built on his successes over hurdles at Carlisle, at Wetherby, and at Perth, to win twice last term over fence. His best effort was in the Pertemps Great Yorkshire Chase where he rallied gallantly to outstayed In At the Top at the rewarding odds of 20/1. Heidi Iii clearly appreciated the step up to 3miles, and should improve further as this was only his fourth race over fences. He should be one to note in staying chases this term.
HEROS COLLONGES (FR) b, g. Dom Alco (FR) - Carmen Collonges (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Guillaume Macaire in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Heros Collonges is another possible 'invader' from Guilliame Macaire's yard in France. He has won his last six starts - four on the provisional circuit before stepping up on those efforts to win his last two starts at Auteuil including a twenty runner £20,000 handicap chase on his last start. This six year old clearly is a talented individual and is another to keep an eye out for the remainder of the season
HESK (FR) b, g. Spoleto - Negrilla (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Hesk is not a natural chaser, however he is an able one when he puts it all together. He has all the races he has completed since coming from France, but has taken some spectacular falls as well might be given a spin over British hurdles this winter and is could possibly do well in that sphere
HESPOIR D'AURÉLIE (FR), ch, g. Champ Libre - Tinie d'Aurélie (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> currently Eric Lellouche in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Hespoir d'Aurélie is without doubt one of the best horses due to go under the hammer at the Goffs France Horses-in-Training sale. He is the winner of five of his thirteen starts and has over all codes. He has over fences and hurdles at Auteuil, including winning the Prix Orcada Chase (gr.3) and has been placed in graded company including a find second place in Prix Maurice Gillois Chase (gr.1). He is likely to attract plenty of interesting, and is still young enough at six to be capable of further success, whomever/wherever he is trained in the future
HUNTER GOLD (FR) br, g. Chamberlin (FR) - Une de Mai IV (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Tom R George
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Hunter Gold could be interesting if he ever took to fences. he had winning form over fences in the French provisional circuit, before joining Tom George last season, and ran well behind My Baton and Harvis. however he jumped badly at Warwick back over fences when probably having had enough for the season. he is potentially nicely treated if he ever gets the hang of our fences, and is worth keeping an eye on with that in mind.
ICHI BEAU b, g. Convinced -May As Well
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Ferdy Murphy
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ichi Beau won three times last season, but lost his confidence jumping mid-season. intensive schooling worked the oracle at Ayr's National meeting when he won on the opening day and was second in a good handicap 24 hours later. He's better going left-handed and should pay his way.
IKRENEL ROYAL (FR) b, g. Bricassar (U.S.A.) - Kreneldore (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky J Henderson
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ikrenel Royal is a very interesting prospect for this season having run well in France over hurdle against the likes of Caballo Raptor, Ilare and Isful (now with Martin Pipe). he won his only run over fences in France at Enghien in November 2000, before impressively beating Crocadee by 12 lengths at Sandown's Whitbread season .. I'm sure a softly-softly approach will be adopted initially but he could be one to note for the second half of the season
ILNAMAR (FR) b, g. Officiel (FR) - Quillemare (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ilnamar never really settled into Martin Pipe's yard last term after a hectic year 2000. He progressed from wins in the French provinces, to being one of the better young chasers of his generation. He beat Whitenzo in the Prix le Hon (Chase) at Auteuil in October 2000, before finishing second to Sleeping Night in the Prix Morgex (Chase) (Group 3) over 2m41/2f. He was purchased by connections after winning the Prix Vanille (Hurdle) again at Auteuil in December. Foot-and-mouth may yet prove a blessing in disguise for Ilnamar and this revitalized five-year-old could be in for a decent season
INN ANTIQUE (FR) b, g. Lute Antique (FR) - Taghera (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Paul F Nicholls
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Inn Antique could develop into a seriously decent 2mile handicap chaser this winter, if he can be cured of the sloppiness that crept into his jumping on his last two starts. Before that he had looked very promising when putting in a scintillating round of jumping to win at Kempton in January. He failed to get round after that, falling at the first at Wincanton before another round of poor jumping knocked him out of contention at Aintree's Grand National Meeting. He ran well to a point in a confidence boosting run over hurdles at Chepstow recently (he was eased considerably as though something went wrong - would have finished second), and his next appearance over fences could be very significant.
ISFUL (FR) b, g. Useful (FR) - Contesty (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Isful disappointed last term in four starts over hurdles, but is worth giving another chance if he is capable of showing the sort of form that allowed him to beat Ikrenel Royal twice in his native France, as well as running well behind Caballo Raptor. he should be a totally different proposition over fences this term
JACKIE C b, g. Supreme Leader - Gloria St Julien
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Tom R George
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Jackie C had seven starts last term. He had should promise on several occasions, including a good second to The Baltimore Man at Wexford in May 2001, before winning in his sixth start at Sligo in June. He made one more appearance, finishing midfield behind Hot Shots over fences at Ballinrobe. Jackie C appears to have several options open to him this term and I'd be surprised if he didn't find further success this term.
KARTHOUM, (FR) gr, g. Great Palm (U.S.A.) - Kaldirine (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> John-Paul Gallorini in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Although I failed to find a nice jumper for my friend I saw several nice individuals. One that appealed was Karthoum, a grey son of Great Palm who won three hurdles as well as the Prix Lutteur - a Listed steeplechase at Auteuil this year. He has a current rating of 151, and it may have been this, which resulted in his presence at Goffs July Sale. Bought back from Jean-Paul Gallorini. (Very cheaply in my view) Karthoum could be in for a good season in France, but if he finds like hard over there, don't be surprised if paid us a visit of two
KORAKOR (FR) ch, g. Nikos - Aniflore (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Ian Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Very useful 2 1/2 mile chaser in France, who ended up running 6th of 12 in one of their most valuable races, the Prix Georges Courtois, in November 1999. He failed anything near that level of form when in the care of Tim Easterby, but was a total revelation on fast ground for his final start for new strainer Ian Williams when winning at the Scottish national meeting at odds of 20/1. He again may be well in and could develop into a useful good ground handicapper.
MAJED (FR) b, g. Fijar Tango (FR) - Full Of Passion (U.S.A.)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Majed could be an interesting horse for Martin Pipe to go to war with over fences. frankly he looked very ordinary when getting turned over on his British debut at Warwick in November 2000, however he proceeded to win four races on the bounce, including defeating Sheer Genius at the Scottish national meeting. he already has experience of chasing in France so as long as he transferred to the British version, I could see him running up another sequence this term
MAN ON THE HILL b, g. Mandalus - Gipsey Jo
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Ferdy Murphy
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Man On The Hill doesn't look destined for the dizzy heights many of us entertained when he thrashed a field by a distance on his British debut. He failed to click in three starts over fences for Martin Pipe, but looked more promising for Ferdy Murphy (who bought 50% of him), when he won at Sedgefield at the beginning of this season. He's still a novice for this season, and if he goes the right way could do well around the lesser tracks
MEADOWBANK b, g. Meadowbrook - Polypodium
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Mick Easterby
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Meadowbank improved from being a promising point to pointer (Meadowbank won twice at Duncombe Park, and Charm Park) to a useful staying chaser in the making. He seems to like Wetherby, having won twice there last term, and ran well in defeat by Narrow Water. His form tailed off at the end of the season but it wouldn't surprised me if he bounced back, particularly over extreme distances
NARROW WATER b, g. Mazaad - Miss Doogles
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Ferdy Murphy
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Narrow Water did connections proud last year, winning three of his five races, he improve from a good second to Behrajan on his first appearance right through to his victory in the Eider Chase (as was) when he outstayed Scotton Green by 2 1/2 lengths. that was his first season as a chaser and he should improve again. He could develop into a useful stating chaser and should have all the 'Nationals' on the agenda
NE M'OUBLIE PAS (FR) br, g. Shining Steel - Irish Lullaby (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Phillip J Hobbs
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ne M'Oublie Pas interests me as he is only five, and has as abundance of experience over hurdles and fences mainly in France. He didn't cut much ice during the summer. However a step up in trip 2m7f over fences showed the first signs of a possible when staying from a mile back to finish third in a novice handicap. After coming second over 3m2f at Newton Abbot on his next start, he carried website confidence when outstaying Butler John back over that course and distance. That was off of a mark of only 84 and though he'll go up for that success, extreme distances may suit, and further successes are possible
ORSUNO (GER) br, g. Konigsstuhl (GER) - Orvida (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Venetia Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Orsuno could be a really shrewd buy from Micky Hammond. He ran well over fences but threw a few opportunities away. Having only cost 17,000 at the Doncaster sales two years ago, it wouldn't surprise me if he repays that money back with interest this winter
QUAINTON HILLS b, g. Gildoran - Spin Again
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nick A Gaselee
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Quainton Hills has only managed one career win at Leicester in January 2001, however this lovely big individual demonstrated potential in abundance, on several occasions. Quainton Hills' jumping needs to improve, but if it does, he could have by far his best season to date.
RISING GENERATION b, g. Risen Star - Queen's Victory
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Currently trained in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Rising Generation, a four year old son of Risen Star (a stallion I know nothing about) could soon be racing in this country as he is due to go to sale. He is a model of consistency having finished in the frame in all bar one of his eleven starts on the French provincial circuit, and won of four occasions, twice over both codes - most recently at Croan in September. He should to attract interest from British buyers, though what they'd do with him isn't immediately clear …… over here he could be anything
RODOCK (FR) b, g. Leading Counsel (U.S.A.) - High Light (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> The talented yet frustrating Rodock remains in the list for the third successive season. he didn't quite see out the 3miles, but still ran a great race when finishing fourth to Baracouda at sawn in April, and impressed when winning on his chasing debut at Warwick, but showed the other side of his nature with two moody performances behind Whitenzo over fences again at Warwick and in winning at Lingfield in March. He is probably best kept fresh, and may only appear a few times this term, but is too able to leave off, and might just pop up and win a decent prize.
ROSCOFF (FR) ch, g. Start Fast (FR) - Yellow Light (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Curently A Chaille-Chaille in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> There was plenty of interest from British trainers fro Roscoff last term and in be interesting if anyone went in for this four-year-old French bred. He had respectable form over hurdles, but blossomed over fences winning three times at Auteuil, before falling there on French Gold Cup day - he was still in the lead when making a bad mistake at the first on the final circuit, he fell at the next. he isn't very big, but is clearly able, and could do well wherever he races this term.
SOMEMANFORONEMAN b, g. Asir - Wintry Shower
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Charlie J Mann
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Somemanforoneman was a really shrewd purchase by Charlie Mann last term. Frankly his form in Ireland was 'respectable without being spectacular' (though he had shown bits of promise for Mouse Morris in Ireland), which is why his record of two wins (at Warwick in October, and at Ascot in November), plus excellent efforts in defeat behind the likes of Jolly Green Giant, Bindaree, and Dusk Duel, was all the more creditable. Hopefully he's got over his exertions at Aintree in April, if so Somemanforoneman could have a good second season for the Charlie Mann camp
SPOT THEDIFFERENCE b, g. Lafontaine (U.S.A.) - Spotted Choice
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Edna Bolger in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Spot Thedifference has always been useful between the flags in Ireland, and has well against the best of Ireland's hunter chases over the last couple of seasons. it was interesting to see how he progressed when unleashed in Handicap Company. he rattled of a quick hat trick at Roscommon, and Kilbeggan [twice], before running well in a £26,000 event again at Kilbeggan. Spot Thedifference is still nicely handicapped and could still find opportunities be it in Handicap Company or back in hunter chases
SUBEHARGUES (FR) b, g. Mansonnien (FR) - Grande Yepa (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Guillaume Macaire
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Subehargues could be an interesting visitor from France this term. He was a top class chaser in his youth, but sustained a leg injury after finishing third in the Prix Maurice Gillois Grand Steeple-Chase des 4 ans (Grade 1) in November 1999. Not sighted until finishing second to Kimbi in the Prix Air Landais (Chase) at Auteuil this April. He proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with when taking the 19 runner Prix du President de la Republique (Handicap Chase) again at Auteuil two week later. Guillaume Macaire made ambiguous references to running Subehargues in the big English races this term so would certainly be worth keeping tabs on him in the better handicap chases this season
SULPHUR SPRINGS ch, g. Don't Forget Me - Short Wave (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> It's amazing to believe that until the end of last season, Sulphur Springs hadn't won under rules, despite contesting some very high-class races whilst in France, placing in some valuable handicaps and finishing a rather distant 6th of 8 in the 1999 Grand Steeplechase de Paris. Ridden by his veteran owner Phillip Scouller for two seasons in hunter chases/ point to points Sulphur springs won a couple of point-to-points and hunter chases. however since becoming AP's ride he has really blossomed, winning his last five starts with consummate ease. I thought he was very impressive in winning at Newton Abbot and Market Rasen which he put a distance between himself and Audacter. we may still not have seen the best of him, and he may yet make his mark in better company, at some stage this term
TAILLEFER (FR) b, g. Cyborg (FR) - Tourka (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Merrick E D Francis
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Taillefer is a five-year-old son of Cyborg, who took a novice chase over 2m4f at Haydock at the end of March. He has a hard race that day and it showed on his last start when well beaten by Skillwise again at Haydock in April. He had shown plenty of promise before that when raced in the French provinces, and could easily step up on this form this winter.
TANGO ROYAL (FR) gr, g. Royal Charter (FR) - Nazia (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> It may prove an unwise move to judge Tango Royal sole on the basis of his first effort Martin Pipe, when tailed off in a poor novice hurdle at Chepstow. He was one of the best four-year-old chasers of 2000, and has solid formlines with the likes of Sleeping Night who also is in this list. I don't think he reached the same heights as that individual, however I could see him running up a sequence, probably over hurdles this term.
TICTAC (FR) ch g. Beyssac (FR) - Native D'Acres (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Tictac is hard to evaluate as this French import has won twice over fences, last time winning a claimer in June 2000. Imprevue, whom he beat that day, and Exit Sud, who beat him in May, prior to those two wins aren't bad sorts, so Tictac may well do well over here over hurdles or fences.
TROOG (FR) b, g. Tropular (FR) - Gunievre (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Guillaume Macaire in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Once foot-and-mouth took hold last spring, there were opportunities for British punters to see what was happening en Francais. I had quite a fruitful time, and one of the successful 'winners' was Troog, who won on a chase at Compiegne. I thought from that tine that he would make a nice chaser over here. I couldn't evaluate the merit of that performance until he ran at Auteuil in March, where he failed by 2lengths to give 7lbs to Roscoff, who went on to be pone of the better young chasers of last term. I will be interested to see if Guillaume Macaire sends him over here on one of his expected sorties.
TUESDAY b, g. Satco (FR) - Beech Glen
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Willie P Mullins in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Tuesday was a huge disappointment last term, after showing so much promise in bumpers the previous season. It may be he struggles to handle the heavy conditions that prevailed last year, his form at the end of last term lends weight to that notion. He is still eligible for novice hurdles having won at Cork in May, but may try his hand at the larger obstacles
TURGEONEV (FR) gr, g. Turgeon (U.S.A.) - County Kerry (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Tim D Easterby
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Turgeonev could be interesting in two mile handicaps this winter. he has joined Tim Easterby having run four times for Micky Hammond last term. he started off well spread-eagling a field at market Rasen in November. he then failed to follow, though he did run well behind Grey Abbey at Kelso. he is reasonably and could do well if he sights aren't aimed too highly
VINCENT VAN GOGH b, g. Executive Perk - Rare Picture
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> R J Hodges
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Vincent Van Gogh returns to the list because I think this huge six year old gelding may finally be coming to himself. frankly he had looked ordinary the combination of fast ground and fences finally offered some hope when he took a minor event at Taunton in April 2001. Vincent Van Gogh is only rated 77 so given the right condition will have plenty of opportunities this season.
UN JOUR A VASSY (FR) br, g. Video Rock (FR) - Bayalika (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Paul F Nicholls
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Point-to-pointing appears to have made a Man out of Un Jour A Vassy. He appeared to be very ordinary when trained by Oliver Sherwood, but a spell with Richard Barber worked the oracle, as not only did he win between the flags, but he and Polly Gundry struck up a formidable run under rules winning a hunter chase at Huntingdon, before wins at Taunton and a £10,000 handicap chase at Southwell. Connections probably went once too often to the well when he failed to sparkle at Warwick, but his had been his fourth run in quick succession and he clearly is better than that. This is currently his level and I'd be surprised if he wasn't able to add to this tally this season
WELL RIDDEN b, g. Gildoran - Rydewells Daughter
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Arthur L T Moore in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Well Ridden is one of the more ironically named horses around, as there are many punters who took the view last term that on some occasion he wasn't well ridden, and given far too much too do. That shouldn't be allowed to detract from his record, and easy wins at Leopardstown over Roscoff et al in January 2001 and Navan in November 2000, show that he has the potential to develop into a useful 2m2f -3mile handicapper
WHITENZO (FR) b, g. Lesotho (U.S.A.) - Whitengy (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> P F Nicholls
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Whitenzo is another potential star over 2miles this winter. His form in France suggested that he was struggling to get home over trip in excess of 2miles, and that definitely was the case at Fontwell on his British debut over 2m5f where he jumped for fun and looked home and hosed until he past the 2mile barrier, he weakened dramatically afterwards and held on by a diminishing 1/2 length. He looked a totally different proposition subsequently over the minimum trip however putting in sparkling rounds to beat Corniche at Taunton, and Rodock at Warwick. Only the bottomless ground and inspired riding of Adrian Maguire got Ballinclay King home in front of him at the Grand National Meeting. With a summer on his back Whitenzo should be one of note during to winter
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