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Hurdlers - Handicappers
AIDEN b, g. Supreme Leader - Chevaux-Vapeur
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Lydia Richards
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Aiden didnt show much in two sorties in bumpers in 2000, however he improved on those efforts last term over hurdles, finishing sixth to Spring Margot at Plumpton in January on his seasonal appearance before finshing in the frame on his last two starts, again at Plumpton in April, and at Warwick in May where he beat all bar Native Peach over 3miles 1 furlong. The step up in trip clearly suited, and I wouldn't be surprised if he finally gets his head in front at similar venues this winter
ALBATROS (FR) br, g. Shining Steel - Abalvina (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Edward J O'Grady in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Albatros has successfully mixed flat and jump racing since joining Edward O'Grady from his native France last season. he has well over both codes - winning twice over hurdles at Cork and Kilbeggan, as well as winning three times on the flat at Leopardstown, which included a £26000 handicap. he appears to have improved on the flat so hopefully that will improve his chances of success over obstacles this winter
ARMATURK (FR) ch, g. Baby Turk - Armalita (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Paul F Nicholls
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Armaturk could have a decent second season in England. he came to Paul Nicholls ' yards having well in France winning at Pau in January, and running well against the likes of Jair Du Cochet, and Ogham. He won on both his starts, winning as he liked at Plumpton , before winning at Kempton. He was most impressive here spread-eagled his rivals with a turn of foot at halfway, he proceeded to maintain a relentless gallop, having only one feasible rival from some way out. Given that he was carrying a double penalty, this was a fine effort however as a result is high enough in the weights. that may not necessarily be a problem as he should take to fences and could make hay, taking advantage of the four-year-old weight allowance .
BARROW (SWI) br c Caerleon (U.S.A.) - Bestow
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Ferdy Murphy
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Barrow could be a nice fun horse this season. he was useful [in his grade] for John Dunlop on the flat and ran creditably in five starts over hurdles finishing in the money on each occasion. The ground was probably always too soft for him last winter, but with that experience gained he should it to good effect in staying events this winter
BEST GREY gr, g. Ezzoud - Best Girl Friend
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Edward J O'Grady in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> I like Best Grey. he is a big grey gelding by Ezzoud who was a useful horse when trained in his native Italy. he was bought to go jumping by connections at the end of 2000, and hasn't done too badly - winning once from four starts last term at Fairyhouse in February where he beat Adamant Approach. he has continued to progress this term, winning a 2-½ mile handicap at the Galway festival before running respectably over 2miles behind Young American at Tralee at the end of august… I'm sure there's more to come, especially where the emphasis is placed on his stamina
C'EST DEJA VU br, g. Phardante (FR) - Quayside Romance
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Paul F Nicholls
[COMMENTS] :-:--> C'est Deja Vu has only had the one start for Paul Nicholls, earlier on this season when showing a little promise when finishing midfield behind Christopher in a useful bumper by Hereford's standard. He should improve for the experience, and probably won't waste much time in bumpers. One of Paul Nichols lesser lights that may be worth noting in handicaps around the country coourses
CHOUM (FR) b, g. Faucon Noir (FR) - Clementine Fleurie (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Guillaume Macaire in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Choum could be a horse to watch out for from Guilliame Macaire's yard in France. He was a useful juvenile, but like so many of those missed a season through injury. He made a successful return at Auteuil in April 2001, when taking a £21000 handicap hurdle , and could be placed to good effect over here
COBBET (CZE) - b, g. Favoured Nations - Creace (CZE)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Tom R George
[COMMENTS] :-:--> A list of horses to follow, without a few 'posers' in it is no fun at all in my view. I well remember Charlie Brookes' trips to France, to find himself cheaper bloodstock, which he, Martin Pipe, and Arthur Moore made, with such huge rewards, which has now opened the door to the current gluttony that we have at the moment with French bloodstock.
So it was with that in mind that I have begun noting down purchases from less favourable climates. I will look forward with interest to find out how successful Paul Webber's trip to Chile and Argentina was, and have duly noted the continued success of the New Zealand, Australian, and German breed,
It isn't therefore a surprise that I noted that Tom George had picked up a couple of Eastern European bred horses, which I added to my list of possibles…. One of them was Cobbet, who had won on the Flat in Poland. I have made u p my mind that if I liked the look of him that I would definitely include him in next year's list if he ran well at Fakenham on his hurdles debut. Having burdened this debutante with my selection, I was pleasantly surprised. He is a well-conformed horse, who has a bit of scope, and judging by his appearance, he had a bit more room for improvement. As far as the race went, he travelled well throughout and jumped nicely (occasionally novicey). He took over from the long time leader Beytadj before two out. and appeared to have the measure of the eventual runner-up, when that rival made a bad mistake at the second-last. Even allowing for the poor quality of the field, it was a promising effort, which broke Fakenham's 2mile-course record
I was a little surprised that it only cost 7,800 gns to buy him back in, and whilst I can see why connections have a chasing campaign in mind for him, (probably next season) I would be a little surprised if this is his only visit to the winners enclosure.
CONTRACT SCOTLAND br, g. Religiously (U.S.A.) - Stroked Again
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Lenny Lungo
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Contract Scotland is a backward six-year-old gelding by Religiously. he's shown only a little ability in four starts over hurdles, without troubling the judge but is likely to need to mature further before being able to race competitively. he'll be kept to hurdles this winter and can [hopefully]show promise as the season progresses . likely to want a trip.
DANCING PHANTOM b, g. Darshaan - Dancing Prize
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> M W Easterby
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Dancing Phantom has plenty of miles on the clock on the flat, but is an interesting handicap prospect over hurdles. I know he excited many a decent judge when spread-eagling a decent field at Wetherby in November 1999. he has only had one other start over hurdles, finishing well behind Regal Holly at Market Rasen in December 2000. he ran well at the Ebor meeting recently on the flat, and if Dancing Phantom remains sound, he could be in for a profitable season.
DARK'N SHARP (GER) br, g. Sharpo - Daytona Beach (GER)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Richard T Phillips
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Dark N'Sharp is a lovely (a well-named) brown gelding by Sharpo. He had useful form in his native Germany, and has clearly retained some of that ability. He progressed through the season winning three of his five starts, beating most impressive when carry 12-0 to victory at Newcastle in a novices handicap hurdle in February. He went into my notebook as a possible for the County Hurdle after that, and could have run off of the minimum weight. I wouldn't be surprised if he manages to take a decent handicap hurdle this winter, and is one to note in these types of races, especially when there is cut in the ground
FASGO b, g. Montelimar (U.S.A.) - Action Plan
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Paul F Nicholls
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Fasgo, who wais a winner between the flags for Richard Barber last season is scopey enough to possible be able to graduate to rules racing. He wasn't always the best of jumpers so assuming he went hurdling, there are plenty of races available to him on the country circuit
FRED´S IN THE KNOW ch, g. Interrex (CAN) - Lady Vynz
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> N Waggott
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Fred's In The Know could be a progressive hurdler for a small yard this term. heavy ground clearly suits Norman Waggott's novice well, as he ran some his best races on that surface, behind the likes of Skippers Cleuch and Historg, but taking a novice event at Leicester in december0200. the key to this success was that pilot Richard Guest, managed to get him to switch off in mid-division before giving him his head three out. This is a useful combination that could prosper this term
FONT ROMEU (FR) b, g. Start Fast (U.S.A.) - Ile d'Amour (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> One of the sadder sides of this sport, is the horses who, but for injury/fragility might have 'made it'. Martin Pipe has had a steady stream of these over the years, and whilst they're placed to win or as has been the recent case with horses like As du Trefle, and Slew Man. been enjoying semi retirement hunting/point-to-pointing. As an aside, that it would be in the stable's interest to make the general public more aware of this, rather than allow them to get away with the unfair charge that Pond House is simply a meat factory churning them out, and discarding them, once they've serve their purpose.
One such horse is Font Romeu whose appearances on the track are becoming as frequent as a comet. That said he owes me nothing after landing me a massive punt on his reappearance in 1999 at Wincanton (He kept me waiting 1000 days for that punt!!!). A third behind Rubhahunish in the Ladbroke Casinos Final hides how well he ran that day, probably taking it up on the run to the second last hurdle was far too soon for him. He made one appearance last term, again in a Ladbroke Casinos qualifier where he was given a scenic view of Warwick. He made eye-catching ground until top weight told before the final turn.
Font Romeu is a very good horse, who I hope retains enough ability to have another good season. There is a decent prize in this horse and a win for him this term would be a great testament to Pond House's skills and tolerance.
FORTO (GER) ch, h. Acatenango (GER) - Flunder (GDR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Dai Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Forto was picked up by his new connections for 25000 guineas at the recent Tattersalls 'horses-in-training' sale. He has useful form in handicaps at trips up to 12 furlongs, and is going to a trainer adept of placing his horses top best advantage. may be seen to best advantage in Handicap Company
FRIEDHELMO (GER) ch, g. Dashing Blade - Fox For Gold (GER)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Venetia Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Friedhelmo came over from Germany two seasons ago with useful form on the flat. He may have needed time to acclimatise as he came out and appeared to beat Reiziger fair and square at Worcester. If that is valid form Friedhelmo is well handicapped and could make hay in Handicap Company.
FRUIT DEFENDU (FR) b, c. Exit to Nowhere (U.S.A.) - Pauvresse (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Noël Meade in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Fruit Defendu could improve on a disappointing first season over obstacles. He was a useful handicapper on the flat in France and on the basis of that was expected to take high rank in the juvenile hurdle division. he handles winter ground well, however only managed one win at Fairyhouse in December 2000. I'm convinced he's better than that, and Noël Meade should be able to find opportunities for this individual this winter
GREENKEYS (AUS) br, g. Bonhomie (U.S.A.) - Cindy Doll (AUS)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Norman B Mason
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Greenkeys is a real 'dark horse' ... in fact he could be a dud... he frankly has shown very little in five starts under rules. But it's not the first time he's caught my eye. He ran a very strange race over hurdles at Hereford in April 2000... sitting out of his ground before making rapid headway, which he couldn't sustain, eventually finishing a well beaten eighth. He made a similar impression when given a very sympathetic ride in his first run for the Mason yard (his first run for over a year) at Hexham in May when finishing 26 lengths behind Noel's Pride... I'll be watching how this lightly raced seven-year-old progresses this term.
HERMES III (FR) b, g. Quart de Vin (FR) - Queenly
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky J Henderson
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Hermes Iii could be a nice handicap chaser this season. He is a winner in the French Provinces, whose most recent win was at Fontainbleu in April 2000. He may well be campaigned along the lines of Tenseesee, who did so well for the stable two season ago but unlike that horse he'll want to the mud to be flying for him to be effective.
HOH NO b, g. Efisio - Primetta
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Robert M Stronge
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Hoh No is a rather risky choice, however there is always a void in the handicap hurdler department, and I'm hoping he can fill some of the space. He ran three times over hurdles last term for Paul Nicholls, frankly cutting up little ice. He has run well on the flat, particularly behind I Tina at Chepstow in August. He will start this season on an attractive mark if moving to Robert Stronge's yard work the oracle, and may be able to win races around the country courses
IDAHO D'OX (FR) b, g. Bad Conduct (U.S.A.) - Queseda (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Idaho D'Ox could do well for the Pipe camp this winter. He was campaigned over fences last term and ran creditably on several of occasions. He sauntered to victory on his British debut at Exeter at the beginning of October, and on this evidence I'd be very surprised if that was his last win of the season
IMPEK (FR) b, g. Lute Antique (FR) - Attualita (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Henrietta C Knight
[COMMENTS] :-:--> I really like Impek, who could have an interesting year, given the right ground conditions. He Bought out of Francois Doumen's yard at one of Goffs France's Sale after winning three bumpers in France, and ran a great race on his British debut when just failing against the battle hardened Fondmort at Kempton at Christmas. He lost his maiden tag with a smooth success at Ludlow in February, but struggled after that on ground that wouldn't have suited, and as a result appears to be on an interesting mark over hurdles. Impek is a future chaser in the making who possesses electrifying speed he should win races other either code this winter
IMPERIAL ROCKET (U.S.A.) br, g. Northern Flagship (U.S.A.) - Starsawhirl (U.S.A.)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky J Henderson
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Imperial Rocket had three starts over hurdles, disappointing in his first two starts last term at Doncaster and Market Rasen, before taking a novice event at Fontwell on his first start of the new season in May. Imperial Rocket has useful wining form from the flat so could conceivable improve this season
IOGA (FR) br, g. Video Rock (FR) - Valentia (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Venetia M Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Another purchase from Francois Doumen's yard, who went to Venetia Williams. he won a couple of chases, but was subsequently disqualified. he only run for current connections was in May, where he was well beaten in a novice hurdle at Aintree. He is better than that, and being only five he could still be interesting in Novice Company
IVAN DE VONNAS (FR) b, g. Cadoudal (FR) - Diana De Vonnas (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Arthur L T Moore in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ivan De Vonnas is an embryonic chaser, who could have a good season. He has had two starts; he finished fourth on his debut at Leopardstown in December 2000. He then improved on that to take a Fairyhouse bumper in April. Further improvement is assured, and hopefully he should find races this term.
IPLEDGEALLEGIANCE (U.S.A.) b, g. Alleged (U.S.A.) - Yafill (U.S.A.)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Kevin A Morgan
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ipledgeallegiance is another horse that I've always thought would make a jumper. He was purchased from the 2000 Tattersalls Horses in Training sale by Kevin Morgan for 12,000guineas, and should have won over hurdles last term (clear when falling at the last at Sedgefield). He isn't settling in his races, and is currently struggling to really get home, however if he does, he can take advantage of a favourable handicap mark
JANIDOU (FR) b, g. Cadoudal (FR) - Majathen (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Arthur L Moore in Ireland in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Janidou appears to be charting a totally different path to the top in comparison to his precocious brother Majadou. Whereas Majadou was carrying all before him at four, and wining at the Cheltenham Festival over fences at five years. Arthur Moore's gelding appears to be taking far longer to come to hand. Two solid efforts behind Ned Kelly, and Timber King ensured he went off a warm favourite of his last start at Tramore in January, where he cruised home by 8 lengths. He is certain to continue to improve on these efforts this season, and should do well in Handicap Company
JAZZ D'ESTRUVAL (FR) gr, g. Bayalidaan (FR) - Caro D'Estruval (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky Richards
[COMMENTS] :-:--> One of several purchases from one of GOFFS France sales littered amongst this list. He belied his odds of 20/1 when cruising home on his debut at Perth. He should come on for the experience, and could do well on the northern circuit before embarking on a chasing career next term.
JOE CULLEN ch, g. River Falls - Moycullen
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Willie P Mullins in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Although he may never reach the heights his dazzling Cheltenham win suggested he might, it may pay to keep faith with Joe Cullen. On grounds that clearly doesn't suit him Joe Cullen managed one win at Fairyhouse last term, and also respectably behind Ned Kelly on two occasions. He probably isn't badly treated, and could take a decent prize on a fast surface this term
KADOUN b, g. Doyoun - Kumta
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Michael J P O'Brien in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Although he only won the one start over hurdles last term at Down Royal in January, Kadoun was one of the better juveniles seen in Ireland, finishing in the money behind the likes of Rostropovich, Risk Accessor, and Holy Orders. He has had a pipe opener at Naas in October, and looks set for a good winter in Handicap Company.
LOCHIEDUBS br, g. Cragador - Linn Falls
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Mrs. L B Normile
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Lochiedubs is a huge son of Cragador, who has the stamp of the old fashion chaser about him. He's has three runs under rules, and whilst he hasn't won, he has twice finished in the money, behind Joss Naylor at Carlisle, and Keen Leader at Perth. Everything he does over hurdles is a bonus, as he will win races over fences... There may be a little handicap hurdle for him to steal on the Scottish circuit this winter
MAAS br, h. Elbio - Payne's Grey
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Norman B Mason
[COMMENTS] :-:--> I'm curious why Norman Mason is racing this admittedly attractive son on Elbio over obstacles, as his pedigree suggests that he could find the distance too far. He hasn't raced in this country since his three-year-old days but was placed on several occasions, so clearly isn't entirely considered a forlorn hope by connections. Horses like him tend to progress from the bottom, upwards so I'll be paying particular attention to when connections feel he worth a try in handicap company
MATCH MAKER (GER) br, g. Winged Love - Musette (GER)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Tim D Easterby
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Match Maker could improve on last term's efforts. he has useful form in house, but didn't quite live up to that, although he ran well behind the likes of Tysou, and Dibea Times. he starts the season on a lenient mark, and can an event or two (hopefully) on the northern circuit.
MONTREAL (FR) br, g. Chamberlin (FR) - Massada (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Montreal is retained in the list despite only winning once from his six starts. his sire's progeny tend to be real chasing types, so it was maybe asking a lot to expect him to be one of the better juveniles of the season. Although he won at Cheltenham on his debut, I thought his best effort was his last run where pulled up in the Lingfield Gold Cup Hurdle in March, where he ran better than the bare form figures look, as he just failed to see out the longer trip after looking a possible winner off the home bend.
NAJJM (U.S.A.) br, g. Dynaformer (U.S.A.) - Azusa (U.S.A.)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky J Henderson
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Najjm is a horse who grew on me as last season progressed. He caught the eye on his debut behind Under the Sand at Huntingdon, and confirmed that initial impression with three smooth successes at Newbury, Ayr and Lingfield. He should improve for those efforts, and could be a useful charge between 2 - 2 ½ miles this season
OGHAM (FR) ch, c. Surumu (GER) - Orage Celeste
[*Current Trainer*] ~
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ogham gets into this in list in part because he may have joined a British yard this winter. He had respectable form on the flat in his native France, but is of most interest due to his victory over Armaturk at Pau over hurdles in January. He is relatively lightly raced over hurdles, and as a result he is an interesting sort to 'go to war with this winter presumably over hurdles (though he'd jump a fence in time).
OO EE BE b, g. Whittingham - Miss Derby (U.S.A.)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin J M Evans
[COMMENTS] :-:--> I like a challenge!!! … I was looking for a horse to note in sellers, I remember I put up Oo Ee Be last season, and as I noticed he was back in training, I will nominate him again. he has only shown a little promise, (a third to Cosmo Jack at Taunton in January 2000), but small operations tend to place their charges more realistically, and Martin Evans is well capable of finding this horses level. No horse in this list will get a bigger cheer than this one if he gets his head in front
PASSING WIND (NZ) br, g. Beau Zephyr (AUS) - Miss Row (NZ)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Syril G Griffiths
[COMMENTS] :-:--> If you were to study Passing Wind's form figures at the end of last season, which read "PFF", you would have missed that this former ex New Zealand-trained gelding had shown signs of ability during the early part of last season. Armed with that knowledge, it wasn't the greatest surprise that he was the subject of a sizeable gamble at Bangor in August where he beat the in form Caxton Star by 7 lengths. he went back to Bangor in August but hit the deck when travelling well at halfway. I'm sure there are other races to be won his him, however his poor completion ( He has fallen in 50% of his races) is a little because for concern
PETUNTSE b, g. Phountzi (U.S.A.) - Alipampa
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Mary Reveley
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Petunste could be extremely well treated on his old hurdles form. He won twice on the level over ten furlongs at Newcastle in July, and at Haydock in August and appeared to act on any going. He was campaigned mainly in selling hurdles when trained by the Frost, and I'll be surprised if he couldn't manage a win in better company than that.
ROSE D'APRIL (FR) gr, g. April Night (FR) - Rose De Hoc (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Lenny Lungo
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Rose D'April is a good-looking four-year-old gelding by the French sire April Night. he has had only one start [in a bumper], when he got bogged down in the heavy ground that prevailed at Perth in April. I wouldn't condemn him for that and hopefully he can improve on that this winter. A horse to look out for once he's obtained a handicap mark
SPOOF b, g. Good Thyne (U.S.A.) - Wraparound Sue
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Lenny Lungo
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Spoof is a six-year-old son of Good Thyne, who has a brief but profitable season, winning two of his three starts over hurdles , at Ayr in January, and Perth at the end of April. He is clearly on the upgrade, and looks capable of further progression over hurdles before embarking on a chasing career.
SWEET BRIEF (GER) b, g. Brief Truce (U.S.A.) - Sweet Royale (GER)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Pat Hughes in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Sweet Brief is an improving young hurdler who could do well this winter. He had useful form in his native Germany, and like so many horses that arrive from there took a while to show any real promise. After three quick races in May over hurdles, he ran away with a Leopardstown handicap by 20 lengths. His most recent start was at Listowel in September, where he ran well behind Snob Wells (beaten 4lenths). He probably is well handicapped at present and can win a decent prize over hurdles in Ireland this winter
TIGER IN THE WOODS (U.S.A.) b, g. Woodman (U.S.A.) - Hearts And Clouds (CAN)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Arthur L T Moore in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Tiger In The Woods was an unusual purchase by Arthur Moore, in so far as he had run on the flat, Arthur More usually purchases unraced store horses. He had three runs last term over hurdles progressing with each effort, before taking a Cork Maiden in April. With further improvement, Tiger in the Woods could find success in Handicap Company
TURKESTAN (FR) b, g. Petit Loup (U.S.A.) - Turkeina (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Martin C Pipe
[COMMENTS] :-:--> I like Turkestan, who despite having already got onto the scoreboard three times this term over hurdles have in my view greater potential in chases. His form in France in Handicap Company is sound, and before being beaten at Fontwell by Comex Flyer, had looked a progressive novice hurdler ... don't lose faith in him
VRIN b, g. Mukaddamah (U.S.A.) - Traumerei (GER)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Venetia M Williams
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Vrin may only have had a truncated season, but this former useful inmate of Luca Cumani really took the eye when losing his maiden early in the season at Perth. Connections appear to be saving him for the real season. and I fully expect him to win more races this season
WOODWARD STREET (AUS) b, g. Coronation Day (AUS) - Super Unicorn (AUS)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Nicky J Henderson
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Woodward Street could still revive the purchase of Australian bloodstock. He had two runs in this country after showing useful form there, He beat Avalon Buck decisively on his debut at Haydock in November 2000. Woodward Street had a tough task with the penalty two weeks later at ascot, but was still disappointing. Connections were unable to offer an explanation so hopefully it wasn't too serious. He starts from a nice mark and could do well in Handicap Company
YA-AIN b, g. Warning - Ahbab
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Tom J Taaffe in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Ya-Ain who has useful form on the flat when trained by Barry Hills, is transforming into a decent handicapper. It took a while to get the hang of things, but two wins at Listowel, and Downpatrick, plus a good effort when finishing fourth to Patriot Games at Navan in May. He's still only five, and on decent ground is likely to find further success this term
YANN'S (FR) b, g. Hellios (U.S.A.) - Listen Gyp (U.S.A.)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Richard T Phillips
[COMMENTS] :-:--> I wouldn't be surprised if Yann's improves for his first season in this country. He managed two wins from five starts last term, at Warwick and Ludlow in Novice Handicap hurdles, where he took advantage of a lenient mark. He failed to progress when upped in grade, but may have had enough for the season. He appeared to have plenty of size about him so presumably could go over either code this winter. Either way I'd expect him to find success this winter
YAYO gr, g. Petit Loup (U.S.A.) - Cuixmala (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Christy Roche in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Yayo could be open to improvement this term. He had two starts last term, after showing good form in France in 1999. He caught the eye behind Timer King at Leopardstown on his hurdle bow, before winning a Ballinrobe maiden in May 2001. He has been placed in his first two runs this term, and I expect he will go one better at some stage this term
YOUNG AMERICAN br, g. Hamas - Banana Peel
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Christy Roche in Ireland
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Young American had a relatively quiet second season over hurdle, partly due the interruption of the sport in Ireland due to the foot-and-mouth crisis. Bar one run behind Ned Kelly at Naas in November, he was relatively disappointing. I have a hunch that this is a blessing in disguise for this attractive brown gelding and I wouldn't be surprised if this son of Hamas has a much better season in Handicap Company
ZETHO (FR) b, g. Lesotho (U.S.A.) - Maria Cara (FR)
[THE TRAINER] :-:--> Francois Rohaut in France
[COMMENTS] :-:--> Zetho, one of the better four-year-old provincial hurdlers is placed in the list. A winner on the flat in 2000, Zetho won his second start over hurdles at Pau in January, before a creditable effort behind Tiger Groom on his first venture to Auteuil in March. He was entered for the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, so even if a move to these shores proves unfounded, a venture for a handicap hurdle may not necessarily be out of the question.
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