False Racing Systems

Posted on by Bryle

ENGLISH RACING FAILS TO COMPETE

SUNDAY MAY 11TH

On the day of the French 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Longchamp, and when Leopardstown were responsible for the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial as well as two other Group 3 events, the best we could come up with on these shores was Plumpton and Ludlow.

Of course some of you may have been rejoicing that the jumpers (who never actually go away these days) were back.

In essence, the French were at it again – stealing our thunder, something Paris was not devoid of on a damp Sunday. To an extent the weather did its best to dampen proceedings. It rained; more accurately it pelted down.

As was widely anticipated, Jean Claude Rouget won the French 1000 – or the Poule Essai Pouliches as it is known locally – but not with most people’s idea, Lesstalk In Paris, but with Avenir Certain.

Known to enjoy a topic of conversation over or during lunch, officials called the almost obligatory stewards’ inquiry not long after the winner passed the post. To be fair, when pulled out to make her run in the straight, the winner’s actions could be likened to a night club bouncer on a day off. Several rivals were given ‘some of that’ as, in search of daylight, she barged them out of the way.

Once in the clear she was easily the best filly in the race, sloshing home in a rainstorm. Veda was second ahead of Xcellence, who had beaten Miss France in a messy Impudence. Bawina took the eye in fourth. By Dubawi, she was staying on and could be a major player in the Prix de Diane.

Five minutes after the French 1000 Guineas, Mandy’s Boy broke his maiden over hurdles at Ludlow. Not to be outdone by events in Longchamp, the bing-bong followed although no further action was taken.

Half an hour on Ludlow grabbed some unwelcome headlines with what could only be described as a gross piece of incompetence. What we had was a complete farce initiated by the starter.

To vary the drama, he let the runners go for the three mile chase then frantically decided to wave his yellow flag which the recall man failed to see. This was not entirely surprising given the start looked bona fide to just about every witness.

Two miles later the runners were brought to a halt by another flag-waver. All this after what appeared to be a perfect dispatch from the gates, and in front of a packed Sunday house of casual race-goers, many of whom will presumably assume racing’s administrators are a bunch of monkeys in various jackets, coats and suits.

Back at Longchamp the sun came out for the colts. Last year’s Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Karakontie dug deep to wriggle through on the inner rail and hold off the persistent challenge of Prestige Vendome in the 2000 Guineas. Despite pulling early as if he had a train to catch, Newbury handicap winner Muwaary justified inclusion in the field when finishing fourth.

At Leopardstown, clues for the Irish 1000 Guineas were thin on the ground as a result of the Group 3 trial. Afternoon Sunlight lasted home in a bunch finish from Palace, with Ballbacka Queen and Waltzing Matilda looking as if they will be better over further close up in third and fourth.

The Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial was seen as the big classic clue race by many. Ballsax winner Fascinating Rock and last year’s Beresford winner Geoffrey Chaucer dominated the betting.

On a day littered with the speculation of inquiries, we had yet another one here. As every sixth former will recall, amongst other outpourings, Geoffrey Chaucer was responsible for the oft-ribald Canterbury Tales. This was the kind of day he may have preferred not have had to have penned. A classic run in a monsoon in France; unless something unforeseen comes to light – and even if it does (sometimes you let sleeping dogs lie) – a starter with ideas above his station at Ludlow, followed by added drama in Ireland.

Ebanoran was first past the post in the Derrinstown ahead of Fascinating Rock with a showboating Geoffrey Chaucer in third. But on what was meant to be a routine Sunday peppered with Group action, the tension continued.

The trouble with this was that Geoffrey Chaucer was impeded twice by the two that finished in front of him. Ebanoran was first to deal a race-denying blow as he made a winning move two out, rolled across Mr Chaucer’s path and then held on.

Fascinating Rock finished with a flourish, also leaning in on the giant Geoffrey Chaucer, meaning Joseph O’Brien had to snatch up and cruise home, looking unlucky. To an extent he was, but he wouldn’t have won today on a horse that, although a strong traveller, may have been rusty and was not on this occasion quick enough to take his chance when he had it.

However, remembering this was his first run of the year and that he was conceding 3lbs to the other two, he is the one to draw the eye. However, without disqualifying the first two, it was hard to know what other action the stewards could take.

But this was Ireland and they found an alternative. Someone had a brainstorm and decided to disqualify Ebanoran in favour of Fascinating Rock, but to allow Ebanoran to keep second ahead of the one horse that was most inconvenienced by the shenanigans, namely Geoffrey Chaucer.

That as I write is the full story. It may not be the complete story. There may be a reversal of some sort later behind closed doors and when the Bushmills has been diluted.

The Ludlow starter may find gainful employment in the public sector. Oh, and Catcall – the villain of many a piece – won at Longchamp.

Quite a day!

Perhaps the last person to leave will turn out the lights…

GOOD FRIDAY RACING…

The heading would have been unthinkable two years ago; now that the precedent has been set it seems safe to assume this time next year we will be seeing a normal program of racing on a day that was once regarded as sacred.

So does it matter? Probably not; after all those that wish to observe Easter as a religious occasion are free to do so. And if the big high street stores, the supermarkets and the DIY chains can open their doors, why should there not be racing?

That is a compelling argument. It is unfortunate for stable staff, even for jockeys that they can no longer rely on at least one blank day after the generous three days granted to them over the Christmas period. But in pursuit of the greater ideal, it seems the show must go on.

There is just one point I should like to make. Before we reach the situation where there is a card from Catterick, jumping from Cartmel and eight races run under the floodlights at Wolverhampton on Good Friday, the authorities have seen fit to provide a bumper card at Lingfield with prize-money to match. Even Musselburgh stages a financially healthy card.

Effectively, and continuing the Roman theme prevalent to the story that comprised events that spawned the celebration known as Easter two-thousand years ago, frantic to stage racing under any circumstances, bookmakers have made racing an offer it can’t refuse.

Any visitors from Mars could be forgiven for thinking that horse racing is blessed with riches aplenty, and that owning a racehorse might be a good move. Of course if they stick around long enough they will see the folly of this supposition.

So just where has this money suddenly come from? Those that have tirelessly bemoaned the state of British racing – claiming there is too much of it, particularly at the lower end – are left scratching their heads. In order to fulfil an unspecified brief – it was generally accepted that for racing to go ahead on Good Friday it would have to be of a decent standard – bookmakers have raided the petty cash tin. It will be interesting to see if this standard can be sustained next year and beyond.

Lingfield kick off inauspiciously enough with an apprentice handicap; but it is not just any old apprentice handicap – here Corals provide a Class 2 apprentice handicap. From a betting point of view it does not make it any easier than one of those fictitious events from Happy Downs, but the winner gets an unprecedented thirty grand.

32Red are the next generous sponsor when thirty-five minutes later we are faced with a conditions affair restricted to fillies and mares – which of course is the sting in the tail.

As if a field of fourteen racing over seven furlongs does not sufficiently complicate the issue for punters, they have to deal with what is often the wildest card of all: that of the uncertainty of the fairer equine sex. Deep joy! At least it will be for winning connections that will receive the thick end of ninety grand.

Similar money is available in the next – the 32Red All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Conditions Stakes.

This is not an unreasonable title for a race that includes Ertijaal, already a winner over course and distance and that was once touted as a live Guineas prospect. Stranger things have happened, although on the scant evidence to hand, he may struggle to stay further than today’s trip of seven furlongs.

American Hope, Major Crispies and Sir Robert Cheval were not far behind Ertijaal last time, although they will be lucky to get as close now unless Ertijaal is against the idea of putting his best hoof forward on such an occasion. Add the unbeaten and potentially poorly-drawn Passing Star to the mix along with the progressive duo that is Complicit and Captain Secret and the race stacks up.

There is no sign of the money drying up in the marathon conditions stakes – again ninety grand seems to have been found from an offshore account. Apparently connections of Litigant have had their eyes on this pot for some time, the six-year-old having been laid out for money he would otherwise struggle to win.

A class 2 over six furlongs follows at just after four o’clock. In their generosity, those bookmakers that have thrown up prices choose to offer 5’s the field.

A late defector from the Lincoln on account of ground worries, Captain Cat will chase his share of ninety grand in the race sponsored by our old friend and benefactor to racing – Ladbrokes.

In another life they once courted my services at a meeting in Central London, where their representative saw fit to buy me an orange juice and a beef sandwich. There was no ticket to Bermuda tucked inside a napkin – no offer from a waitress in fishnets to provide anything I might want. It was hardly Don Corleone stuff.

Sensing their actual contribution told me all I needed to know about them as a firm, I declined Ladbrokes’ offer to provide me with gainful employment. The jury is out as to which one of us is the poorer or richer for this decision. I might be tempted to poach a little more than a beef sandwich from them if they offer the general 5/1 that seems likely to be available about Captain Cat tomorrow. You see, I have fallen for the trap!

The jaws lock at 5.20 with the Coral Easter Classic All-Weather Middle Distance Championship. Here, 8lbs clear of his nearest rivals on official ratings, Grandeur is the projected favourite.

However, he has already displayed one or two tendencies to make punters hesitate. Good though his overall record might be, he often finds little in his races and his best runs – often achieved on the world racing stage – are arguably in defeat.

There is a suspicion he does not relish a scrap. With over a hundred grand on offer it is very likely that Solar Diety, Dick Doughtywylie, Robins Hoods Bay (not sure to confirm his latest victory with several of these) and Marshgate Lane will do their utmost to ensure Grandeur does not get things his own way.

Perhaps he ought to join the queue.

EXPLODING THE SYSTEM MYTH

I know a man with a clever mathematical brain. Unfortunately he is a one-trick pony as his cleverness starts and ends with the subject of mathematics.

Actually, that is not strictly true. The product of a classical education, he knows a host of grammatical rules that many may have forgotten, such as that the verb To Be cannot have an object, also the difference between relative and conditional clauses. I’ll save you from some of the other differentials he is able to define – such as possessive and personal pronouns, the likes of which some of us can implement without resorting to a parrot-fashion recital.

My clever friend illustrates the contrast between those that have a natural ability to tackle a subject and those that bury their heads in a book on theory but never progress beyond first base. I am not decrying education by any means here.

Those that were lucky enough to benefit from the system will always shine. The Ann Widdecombes of this world sound very clever in speech (never confusing It is I with It is Me for example), but one wonders how far such theory takes them in the real world.

After all, you can always recruit someone as your ghost-writer, but first you have to produce something that is worthy of such a process. Enter many with lesser educations who can write wonderful prose that may be rough round the edges but carries a real essence often lacking by those tackling the written word without passion.

Real talent cannot be manufactured but it can be nurtured and improved. The likes of Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen had to be Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen in the first place to become the people we know today.

You may be wondering what all this has to do with horse racing. To tell the truth I am beginning to wonder myself, but actually there is a connection.

Mathematics is only the diffusion of fact after all. Impeccable grammar is achieved by similar means: the ability to break down and analyse a sentence, so once it is constructed it makes perfect sense without ambiguity.

Wake up at the back!

What I am leading to is the contention that there is a big difference from saying you are something and actually being it.

These days most people are long on theory and short on practice. Every mother’s son is a manager of some sort; every person on a quiz show has a long title associated with their job.

As a refreshing change, don’t you just love Chris Hughes from Eggheads, who makes no bones about his roots as a ‘retired train driver and railway worker’ but can lay claim to being one of the most knowledgeable people in the country?

Success in Life

There is no short cut to success in any sphere, whether as a train driver or a boffin. For those wishing to excel, two components are necessary: talent and hard work. You can get by on one, but without both you will always fall short of excellence.

For those of you still with me, we are approaching the point.

Successful Gambling

Gambling is the last refuge of the lazy man. Gambling offers the lure of easy money without too much hard work; or so some theorists would have us believe.

I have lost track of the number of times my mathematical friend has presented a system before me that he claimed was his next ticket to the Caribbean.

The last one – a year or so ago if memory serves me; I have told him to stop wasting my time with them – was as simple and devoid of any logic as this: back any two-year-old up to June with the form figures of 112 that is between 4/1 and 7/1 in the betting forecast.

Note the amount of provisos built into this so-called system. It falls flat from the outset – the form figures mean nothing on their own. Why does the system cease in June and why is the price of the horse limited; and from where is this price supposed to be taken – the Morning Star perhaps?

The bad news is that, like everything else, gambling demands hard labour from those desirous of success (or avoiding failure, which in this business often amounts to the same thing).

There is no short cut to success in this game, where, to quote Bruce Forsyth, points do not make prizes. True, you might scoop the jackpot in one form or another, but the odds against that are too huge to contemplate and any such luck is unsustainable.

For those living on this planet – the only way to succeed is to have a natural flair for the subject combined with the drive to keep working.

For that reason I become aggrieved when I read of so-called mathematicians and system analysts that claim to have cracked the system.

They are wasting their time, more importantly ours. Even if figures suggest these systems work, they only do so in retrospect. Wittingly or unwittingly, they have been tailored to fit existing results. And as we all know, we can only bet on eventualities yet to occur. In short, there is no all-encompassing system that leads to a path of gold.

Not only that, there is no path of gold.

Any system can appear to work given a set of results. It can be tweaked and adjusted to suit those results, but it has as much relevance as someone suggesting it is possible to predict the next sequence of numbers on a roulette wheel. Such a sequence is totally random, so whilst adding the sum of the last fifty paying numbers and dividing by the sum total of those that were unsuccessful may have been relevant in one undetermined sequence, it will never work in another.

Nor will the claim that after a prolonged series of one or other colour (red or black) an overdue change is imminent and that is the time to bet against the current flow. The flaw in that argument is two-fold. Firstly, in order to provide a profit, the backer will need (at odds of even-money) to double-up on stakes if the first bet struck loses.

Secondly, and possibly more importantly, for those espousing the benefits of the Laws of Probability, the spin of the roulette wheel, like the sequence in horse racing, is infinite; therefore there is never a cut-off point at which one can claim the sequence ends.

Any set of results is open to alteration, although certain constants exist (50% red and black will roughly prevail – but over an indefinite number of spins).

Like the turn of a card on the green baize or the roll of a ball-bearing in a roulette wheel, every horse race is a unique event. Its components are always different, that applies to its players, both human and equine.

Therefore no set of situations will ever be replicated. There will be an approximation of elements, but they will never be identical. This means results cannot be predicted on a regular basis by a computer or when the moon is in the third quarter and Mars on the assent.

Yes, computers can correctly pinpoint horses that are well-in according to official figures, but such horses still have to face optimum conditions in order to win.

There is no point in backing a horse that is technically well-treated if it faces ground it hates.

Computers, or more precisely their programs, can identify other factors in a horse’s favour but those drawn badly or those that have not run for a length of time (unless we know why and that they are fighting fit) are unlikely winners.

Those racing in handicaps for the first time and facing seasoned handicappers are at a disadvantage, as are so-called unlucky losers that have been raised by the assessor on an assumption rather than proven fact.

Punters have more information at their disposal than ever these days. All this information can be built into a finalised solution but it is not the answer per se.

In the final analysis, stripping away all the peripheral information to hand, punters have to be able to use their own judgement and that judgement has to be accurate and reliable. And that is the only criterion by which those that eke out a living in this business survive.

As for those claiming to have a successful system, before climbing aboard this money train might I suggest you ask them one question for starters.

Winners get banned. Losers get diaries

Ask them if they were given a racing diary by their bookmaker this year. If they have one, bear in mind that bookmakers don’t give diaries to punters that are successful.

No, their present to successful punters is to suspend their

Racing and bad weather

Posted on by Bryle

COPING WITH A LACK OF RACING

You might have noticed there has been a lack of racing recently – at least racing to warrant betting interest. No wonder Sprinter Sacre’s heartbeat is normal. Apart from his welfare – of course we all wish him well – there hasn’t been much to occupy the mind on the racing front lately. That is unless you include weather forecasts and Blissful Park, where the going is always good, all the races are handicaps (I heard a Ladbroke commentator refer to the top weight in one such event the other day), and there is never a non-runner or a slow-starter. Sound blissful? Not exactly…

I happened to be in a betting shop this week, just to catch up on the Racing Post and see if anything was happening behind my back so to speak. The place seemed full of the same old faces looking for inspiration and clues. For all I know they are still pacing the floor looking.

It’s not that the results (those that I can recall) have been that bad since horses have turned into aqua-planers, it’s just that – in a game already renowned for chucking up excuses left, right and centre – it is difficult to bet with any confidence just now.

In desperation, last Saturday I had a small pop on the all-weather. With the majority of the handicaps looking only marginally easier than events at Blissful Park, I thought a couple of admittedly uninspired selections in Anglo Irish and Joyous looked the best on the day. That is I and just about everyone else! Anglo Irish got himself beaten at 1/3; whilst Joyous was backed down to the near suicidal price of 6/4 in her handicap and, despite not getting the best of runs and possibly looking unlucky, failed to win. At those sorts of prices, excuses are superfluous. To be brutal, the only excuse you need is the one that you should provide to yourself for being sucked in to betting on such a day in the first place.

But, here’s the thing: a gambler/player can’t afford to waste time sitting on his hands. A gambler plays the percentages game, keeping them on his side by playing as often as possible. If he is good at what he does – if his judgement is sound – then the more he can exercise that judgement, the more likely the odds are to tilt in his favour. That sounds simple and logical. The flaw in that argument is that, because we are dealing with dumb animals (and in some cases equally dumb people), horse racing is neither simple nor logical. There are times when I feel it ought to be less random and make more sense than it does, but early in January in the middle of a monsoon is not one of them.

This is the time of year when I used to book a holiday and fly out to the sun for anything approaching a month depending on the sort of year it had been. But, look, we are in the middle of a recession; just like everyone else I am feeling the pinch, so this year the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean is right out. They are so far out; as far as I am concerned I wouldn’t see them with a telescope. Oh, they are out there somewhere but, even if I could be sure of a plane taking off to time from one of the London airports and not having to spend part of my holiday squinting at a departures board, or on a bench in a terminal – doing a Tom Hanks impression – the next time I shall see the sun this year is when it rises over my lawn. I am calculating that will be sometime in April, just before or just after I have had my first reversal at Newmarket during the Craven meeting.

Right now I have no appetite for betting; but to get back to my earlier point, I have had a change of heart about how to approach this business in the long term. I used to think it was advisable to wait until I thought I had uncovered a good thing at an inflated price and then unload. Lately, I am having an alarming change of mind. Because, to use the argument I have documented, that way you can wait forever and still not get paid. Bad luck is the ever-present gate-crasher in this business.

This is the only business I know where you can be right and it can still cost you money. The only result that matters is whether your bet wins or loses, not whether you were technically correct to pull up your money. Jockey foul-ups, last-minute ground changes and sheer bad luck in running is all very well for a topic over a pint of Fuller’s in the pub, but it won’t alter the result or your bank balance at the end of the month.

By restricting bets to those occasions when you think you have the edge of all edges, you will only bet rarely and, in a business where the profit margin is low before you start, you are arguably making it lower by only betting when the wind is in the right direction.

Like it or not, if you are a player in this game, then that’s what you have to do – play. And you need to play on a regular basis. Because if you don’t you get a dose of the freezes. You start to find reasons not to bet and, frankly there are enough of them to sink a battleship as it is. You become stale, out of practice and, to an extent, chicken with your money.

Anyone that makes a living has to constantly practise their art. I mean, footballers don’t just put on their boots on Saturdays. And how would you feel if the surgeon conducting an operation on you only handled a scalpel when the Moon was in Capricorn, or the pilot in the 747 on which you were a passenger only climbed into the cockpit when flying down to Rio?

One way or another, as a player, you have to keep your hand in. The possible answer is to bet with small change rather than not bet at all. You can bet on the exchanges with as little as £2 a shot. It’s okay to do that – no-one need know – at least it is another way of keeping track of the form you are in. And when you think about it, betting in small money is a win-win situation. If you win, you can reassure yourself you are still the big man; that you haven’t lost it. If you lose a few quid, then you can claim you were so right to throttle back and that again, it is only further proof of your latent genius.

Of course, betting in peanuts might be all very well to tide you over, but you still have to face facts – if you are to make any money betting, you will have to press-up at some stage. You simply have to bet to proper stakes and do it regularly. Maybe that is a problem for another time. Say the Cheltenham run-up for those of you with a hatful of opinions about the jump game – or the Dubai carnival for those of us of the other persuasion.

Failing that you could always apply for a job at your local supermarket. Trouble is, I hear even they aren’t’ hiring right now.

Horses to Follow

Posted on by Bryle

RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

December 20th:

Ascot Results

It didn’t take Nicky Henderson long to get on the score sheet.

Back in action after a pottery round of chasing at Kempton, Royal Boy, third in the Tolworth in January, cruised to victory in the Class 3 over 2m 6f from stable mate Big Hands Harry and Pleasant Company.

Responsible for the first two and the fourth, the Henderson stable is currently flying.

Irving is gradually working his way up the novice ladder. Useful in Germany, he took the Grade 2 but it would have been tight had not Prince Siegfried crashed out at the last when holding every chance.

Volnay de Thaix suffered a rare reversal at present for the Henderson yard when only second (would have finished third). This assignment was much harder than the two he has so far faced (particularly the egg-and-spoon contest he was gifted at Newbury last time).With easy Aintree winner, Splash Of Ginge a close third, this has to be regarded as strong form.

Coming back in trip (2m 3f), Fox Appeal, who was second in November to the smart Wonderful Charm at Wincanton, came clear of a couple of useful opponents in Raya Star and Mr Mole in the Grade 2 chase.

December 18th

Newbury Racing

Apparently unfancied by his stable when only fourth on debut behind Calipto, Actival and Chocala at this track on Hennessy Friday, Dawalan was very much the market order in the Class 4 hurdle this time round.

Very well-bred – related to several high class members of the Aga Khan’s dynasty – Dawalan only had to be shaken up to win in the manner of a stayer rather than a quickener. His jumping was sketchy early but he did warm to the task, although he gave the second-last plenty of air. This was probably not a strong novice event.

In second, Rayak came into this with only routine form. In third,Certification looks a useful recruit (J P Ferguson has several rejects from Mark Johnston, all of whom have acquitted themselves with promise over hurdles). They finished at long intervals, which, on soft ground that became softer as more rain fell, was to become a feature of the day.

Josses Hill became another winner for the Henderson yard when pulling away on the run-in in the Class 4 for older horses. This was his first effort over timber and it augers well for the future.

Communicator was another to please on his hurdling debut. Proven on soft ground on the Flat, he jumped well enough and saw his race out. He should open his account before too long.

In third, having occupied the same position to Wilde Blue Yonder last month, Tiqris lends credence to the worth of the race. A Hare Breath was fourth – it was then twenty-five lengths back to the next finisher.

Hadrian’s Approach, an early causality in the Hennessy, was nursed round by Barry Geraghty to beat three rivals in the Class 2 graduation chase. Jumping may not be the horse’s strong suit, but on a day when the Henderson stable shone, the jockey ought to take his fair share of the credit.

The Henderson/Geraghty combination was narrowly denied a four-timer when Tistory was run out of the Class 4 novice on the run-in by Brother Brian.

December 13th:

Cheltenham Results

Oscar Whisky may have won the Class 2 novice chase but the plaudits have to go to Wonderful Charm, who was conceding 8lbs.

They dominated from the start, pulling well clear of their three rivals although Close House was in touch in third before taking a heavy fall at the top of the hill. With little between the two main protagonists at the last, they jumped it well but the weight sealed it in Oscar Whisky’s favour.

They are two smart chasers in the making, although, both Jewson-bound, Wonderful Charm appeals as the better prospect.

The Skyfarmer racked up his fourth straight win in the Class 3 handicap hurdle – his first venture outside novice company. His present rating of 123 will be adjusted but he looks a decent prospect.

Lyvius tested him in second, the pair well clear of their rivals. Obviously their fates rest with the assessor but they were certainly much better than today’s rivals.

Hennessy third, Theatre Guide looked to have his rivals stone cold for most of the way in the Grade 3 handicap – a lesser contest than Newbury’s showpiece two weeks ago. Only raised 2lbs, he jumped well throughout but the writing was on the wall at the last when he was joined by strong-travelling Monbeg Dude.

Unable to quicken, possibly Theatre Guide needs even further than today’s extended three miles to be seen at his best. Monbeg Dude is no slouch and in receipt of 9lbs, it was no disgrace for him to beat the runner-up.

The winner’s target is the Grand National. Sixteen lengths away in third, Pigeon Island is now racing from a reasonable mark although needs his sights to be lowered

Sunnyhillboy rolled back the years when benefitting from a vintage McCoy drive in the Class 2 handicap hurdle.

The runs of the Philip Hobbs trained duo, Return Spring and So Fine in second and third, further underlines the cracking current form of the stable.

Garde La Victoire certainly looks the part and his first defeat over hurdles in the Class 3 should not be taken too literally. A steady early gallop was not ideal and although he powered to the front at the turn, Ballyalton ran him down on the sprint to the line.

The runner-up – who still has something to learn – will get two-and-half on his head. We saw two nice novices here, both of whom are likely to return for the Festival.

The run of Cocktails At Dawn, who finished third after a year’s absence, suggests he is a winner in waiting.

 December 14th:

Cheltenham Results

Winner of a Ludlow claimer, Ballyglasheen created a shock in the Triumph Hurdle Trial, achieving form that so far did not seem on his radar.

After a searching pace, he joined issue at the last and toughed it out. Despite winning an egg and spoon event at Sandown which told us little, Kentucky Hyden had the best credentials based on three spins on soft ground in France. He tried hard to peg the winner back, but in what became an uphill walk to the line was narrowly thwarted.

Hurdling debutant Commissioned shaped well in third. Lightly raced on the Flat, he hurdled proficiently in the main and should open his account soon. Vicenzo Mio travelled like the winner for a long way but failed to quicken from the last.

It was a case of perm any one of three in the four-horse novice chase. The three principals had met last time with

Shutthefrontdoor seemingly handed the best chance today at revised weights. Sloppy jumping on the last circuit when the pace upped meant he was the first beaten.

That left Sam Winner and penalised Le Bec to scrap it out – Sam Winner emerging the better, opening his fencing account under attritional circumstances.

Eastlake is developing into a reliable and consistent handicapper. Rated 140, he jumped well and stuck on gamely from the last to win the Grade 2 handicap from French Opera and Astracad. Not many in the field appeal as well-handicapped and it could be life will be tough for Eastlake from here on. However, he does have the right attitude and looks ready for a step up in class.

Only a five-year-old, Kings Palace is beginning to look like a horse brimming with promise after an all-the-way beating of his rivals in the Grade 2 over three miles.

Being picky, it is easy to poke holes in the form of his win. With his nearest market rivals, Saint Roque (looked as if this run came too quickly after last week’s Sandown effort and suffered a tired fall at the last), and Milan Bound never able to land a blow, in beating the rank outsider, Masters Hill, the bare reading does the winner no favours.

However, it does not tell the full story. Kings Palace is an accomplished jumper that makes it all look effortless. He could be top class one day either over hurdles or fences – if not both.

Double Ross took the Grade 3 handicap chase on his sixth start over fences. Despite a mistake, he came back to clear away and then appeared to falter on the run-in. Cantlow closed in second (another to recover from a jolting error and arguably unlucky), ahead of Colour Squadron, who was undone by a 7lbs rise since finishing second in the Paddy Power. He is yet to win over fences.

The cream rose to the top in the Grade 2 hurdle, The New Oneproducing the finishing kick when it mattered to defy a gallant Zarkandar, who rallied on the run-in.

The New One only did what the form book suggested he should have done (certainly over two miles) and Zarkandar (better over two-and-a-half) has run to form in second. The winner is now a fair enough favourite for the Champion Hurdle.

Not for the first time, More Of That impressed – this time in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle. With only three rivals, including French Champion Hurdle winner Gemix (hopelessly at sea over these hurdles), once again, his class was obvious. Slipstreaming Salubrious, he picked him up with something to spare. He continues to progress and, like Kings Palace, is another on the day we have yet to see the best of.

Royal Irish Hussar emptied very quickly at Doncaster in the Grade 2 novice hurdle, not looking the same horse we saw last time at Cheltenham. Making the running as usual, the writing was on the wall some way out. Rather than find his second wind, this time he faded away tamely.

Fox Norton, a neck behind Royal Irish Hussar at Market Rasen before the winner of that day began his upward climb to potential stardom, held on narrowly from hurdling debutant Broughton – another ex-Mark Johnston inmate from the Flat that has joined the Ferguson stable and looks to have a future at this game.

 Saturday December 7th:

Sandown Results

Vaniteux’ s win over Vibrato Valtat in the novice hurdle represented smart form.

The runner-up, looking all set to collect when popping the last and apparently in command, had previously finished eleven lengths behind Quick Jack in a competitive Cheltenham handicap. However, under a confident ride Vaniteux quickened in the style of a smart recruit on the run-in, winning with plenty in hand. He looks like another powerful addition to the Henderson yard.

Saphir Du Rheu, the only four-year-old in the line-up, routed the opposition in the Class 2 Pertemps qualifier over 2m 6f. With Home Run and Whisper filling the places (although tagged by the handicapper they are useful sorts), this had the makings of a solid event.

The way the winner cruised to the front and then dispensed with his rivals indicates this step up in trip has brought about plenty of improvement. Currently rated 130 – a mark about to become history – he could be a cut above this level and will likely stay three miles.

The Henry VIII Chase, the first of the Grade 1’s, went to experienced novice Hinterland. Second to Captain Conan in this event last year, he maintained his jumping whilst several fiddled away their chances. Ultimately the best hurdler in the field, Grandouet, provided the biggest challenge. A faller on debut, he handled these fences well. Taquin Du Seuil never looked that happy. On this evidence he found the trip too sharp and probably the ground too lively. A mistake on the far-side did not help, but he did not look an Arkle winner today.

After the run of Vibrato Valtat in the opener, Deep Troublefurther franked the Quick Jack form with an extraordinary win in the Listed handicap.

Scything through the field in smooth fashion, he apparently had events under control approaching the last until running down the hurdle, drifting right across the track and leaving his rider without irons.

In gathering him together and keeping him going, this was a great effort from Leighton Aspell. Urbain De Sivola posted a promising first run of the season in second ahead of harshly weighted River Maigue, who needs the handicapper to relent somewhat.

Sire De Grugy had his day in the sun when grabbing the Tingle Creek. A slight fluff five out failed to stop him bearing down on his rivals at the Pond fence, after which he was soon in control.

This was probably him at his best at a track that suits. His record at Cheltenham ( where so far he has failed to shine) means, Sprinter Sacre or not, the Champion Chase may not be his race. Somersby ran on after a mistake five out to grab second from Captain Conan.

The last race – a class 2 handicap ambitiously called the London National – provided brutal viewing in one way or another. Won by There’s No Panic, it will go down as the last leg of a five-timer for the Paul Nicholls yard after two important wins at Aintree and three high-profile successes here.

Aintree Results

Dropped in trip to two miles, Splash Of Ginge made all, drawing clear down the straight in the maiden hurdle.

The opposition may not have been that strong (hurdling debutant Gabrial The Great finished very tired in second), but he was an emphatic winner.

The fairly exposed by now Gitane Du Berlais – behind Guitar Pete in Ireland – made the most of a soft opportunity to beat Mystery Drama in the Listed juvenile. Like the first winner, she made all without being seriously challenged. A clever piece of placing, her win pays credit to Royal Irish Hussar (who beat Guitar Pete with some ease at Cheltenham).

Course winner, Unioniste dished it out to more experienced rivals in the Listed chase. Only five, he made one slight error but in the end outstayed Wishfull Thinking.

Being honest, with The Giant Bolster unseating and Katenko, Our Mick and Wayward Prince all misfiring, it is tempting to wonder what the winner actually achieved. However, Unioniste obviously likes it here, stays and jumps pretty well and should be noted if back here fresh in April.

Friday December 6th:

Sandown Results

Lightly-raced on the Flat and easy winner of his only race over timber at Plumpton, Violet Dancer supplemented that success in the Class 3 novice hurdle.

He should not be dismissed in better company as despite a speedy pedigree, he seems to have taken to this game. His trainer – not normally one to claim his geese are swans – speaks highly of him.

Sweet Deal jumped well on his debut until a couple of novicey errors on the back. Always pushed along to get on terms, he finished a tired fourth.

Second to easy Newbury winner Valdez at Exeter, The Italian Yobdefied top weight and a mark of 125 in the Class 3 novice handicap. Feature of his win was an accomplished round of jumping – he never put a foot wrong. This asset will stand him in good stead in this sphere.

There may be another day for Royal Guardsman who, although no star, would have finished closer but for a couple of errors (one at the second-last that was bad enough to put him on the floor. He did well to recover and finish fourth). This was only his second attempt over the big obstacles and three miles round a lesser track should suit.

The Grade 2 novice hurdle looked a match between recent Cheltenham winner Saint Roque and impressive Ascot scorer Beat That.

Both were run down by Killala Quay, who was beaten in a tough handicap at Cheltenham last time and took advantage of a last flight blunder by Beat That. He may have won in any case.

Beat That is a lovely looking big son of Milan but he remains weak. It could be we will have to wait until next season for him to show his best. Without the luxury of being able to dictate in this better company, he was not slick or athletic enough when it mattered. He led approaching the last but landed on all fours, dropping back to third but rallying on the run-in.

Saint Roque made the running until headed before the last and on this occasion could only plug on. He looks more of a three mile chaser.

Only three turned out for the Class 1 chase, won by the outsider of the pack, Vino Griego. Despite a mistake two out, he had the pace to dismiss long time leader Rolling Aces, who jumps well enough but lacks a turn of foot.

Any chance Harry Topper had was sacrificed by a sequence of jumping errors.

Saturday November 30th:

Newbury Racing

The win of Valdez in the novice handicap was not without incident. With main market rival Black River exiting after a silly mistake on the far-side, and Flaming Charmer never managing a rhythm, despite running about, Valdez eventually drew clear for an easy win.

Obviously his mark of 135 is now shot on this his second win from as many outings over fences; but he still needs to prove he can mix it in a more competitive field. A quote of 20/1 for the Arkle is unlikely to tempt many.

The Grade 2 handicap hurdle was a typically competitive event.Vendor was hard to nominate, having shown little over hurdles or fences since finishing third in the 2012 Fred Winter behind Une Artiste.

However, apparently second-string behind Batonnier, he sprinted clear on the run-in to thwart long-time leader Shotavodka.

Don’t Be Late took the raise in class in stride to produce a spirited challenge from the last and Saphir Du Rheu was another to run above form so far shown in fourth.

Gassin Golf finished fifth after looking a danger to all early in straight. This extended two miles probably stretched his stamina.

Celestial Halo, something of a revelation over three miles in the twilight of his career, made all, drawing the sting from his three rivals in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle.

At Fishers Cross (unbeaten in six hurdles last season) was closing him down on the run to the second-last when a mistake put him out of contention. Unfortunately, having lost his undercarriage, it was the worst kind of error. He appeared to finish sore and having jumped tentatively throughout in any case, can only be watched next time.

Medinas, off the bridle for much of the last mile, plugged on for a distant second; Reve De Sivola was a never-travelling third.

Established form lines rose to the top in the Hennessy. Having finished third in the Grade 3 United House Gold Cup at Ascot and a winner of the Topham last season, aged only six, Triolo D’Alene – rated 147 – gained another big race for the powerful Nicky Henderson stable.

The two big jumping yards dominated the finish as Rocky Creek, representing Paul Nicholls – a stable that has been in fine form this week – roared back to his best in second.

The 4lbs he had to concede to the winner made the difference. Jumping well and perfectly positioned throughout, Rocky Creek was given every chance by the excellent Daryll Jacob. It remains to be seen where he can go next.

Theatre Guide ran the race of his life in third. Soft ground will probably bring out even more from him.

Highland Lodge (second to Standing Ovation at Wincanton) was fourth ahead of feasibly weighted Merry King – who stays well and could be the sort for something like the Welsh National.

Houblon Des Obeaux and Lord Windermere need to be cut slack from the assessor. After a year and nine months on the sidelines (last seen when winning the Reynoldstown in February 2012), Invictus travelled dangerously well for a long way, only fading in the last half mile. Well weighted at present, providing he comes out of this intact, he may be a different prospect next time.

Having derived benefit from his comeback attempt at Ascot earlier this month, Filbert rang down the curtain on the meeting with success in the Class 2 handicap chase.

Newcastle Racing

It was a case of back to business for My Tent Or Yours in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. Although it is unlikely he was facing any serious Champion Hurdle rivals, he pinged his hurdles, winning with something in hand.

Much improved Cockney Sparrow was a game second ahead of Grumeti. The form of the Elite Hurdle is already looking shaky so it was no surprise that the winner of that, Melodic Rendezvous, was unable to break the trend – finishing a beaten-off fifth.

Friday November 29th:

Newbury Racing

The day started with a Class 3 hurdle that has a record of throwing up live Triumph Hurdle candidates.

Calipto, one of two to dominate the betting, had finished second in France on his hurdling debut and travelled with a ease throughout here, pouncing at the last to win comfortably.

This performance left his trainer enthusing, suggesting Calipto is still inexperienced and that there will be no rushed campaign – the Triumph not being the all-important target. Apparently Calipto may reappear at Cheltenham in January.

Actival, another French import that had won on his solitary outing, plugged on for second.

Chocala, for whom there was a strong word on-course, made most of the running, jumping well in the main, but he was unable to resist the winner’s thrust.

The well-bred Dawalan looked a touch one-paced back in fourth; the rest were well beaten.

For much of the Pertemps Hurdle qualifier, first Western Warhorse then Twelve Roses looked likely winners.

Bowling along in front, Western Warhorse looked comfortable in control on the turn but was soon treading water. On this first attempt at three miles, the inescapable conclusion is he failed to stay.

Strong-travelling Twelve Roses lasted longer but looked very tired from two out and eventually struggled home for fourth. His run, from a mark of 130, pays some tribute to More Of That who beat him last time.

Mickie quickened from the last to pick up the pieces ahead of Pateese and Red Not Blue. Sketchy hurdling form Chiberta King, an improved campaigner on the Flat last season, scuppered his chances.

Beforehand, it appeared the key horse in the Grade 2 novice chase was The Romford Pele, who was third last time at Cheltenham to Taquin Du Souil and Oscar Whisky.

Sponsored by Fuller’s (the brewers), one could be forgiven for thinking The Romford Pele had partaken some of their product. He was an accident waiting to happen over his fences, although despite blundering his way round, he did complete.

Up To Something made a bold attempt to make all, but once again it was a Paul Nicholls-trained contender (ably assisted by Daryll Jacob who has risen to the challenge as No 1 jockey for this high-profile yard), Wonderful Charm that proved too good. His jumping was not without the odd fault, but he travelled strongly enough and came up when it mattered.

It was a rough-and-tumble day for punters. They plunged on Sign Of A Victory in the closing novice hurdle. Stepping beyond bumpers for the first time, Sign Of A Victory looked the possible winner approaching the second-last but a novice mistake slammed the door in his face.

Allowed to coast home in fourth, with this run behind him he should go close next time. Wilde Blue Yonder survived a similar hurdling incident to the favourite when holding off Seedling and Tiqris.

Thursday November 28th:

Newbury Racing

Winner of two hurdles in France and at Kempton on debut here,Volnay De Thaix only had to jump round to win a very poorly contested novice, in which ultimately, third and fourth failed to stay.

This left The Master Remover to chase home the winner, but basically, with the winner in a different league, this was two races in one.

Backed to win, Top Dancer jumped very well in the Class 3 amateur riders’ chase. Connections may be tempted to bring him out swiftly next week at Sandown for a similar contest and where the booking of today’s rider, Mr J J Codd, would be an added bonus. A current mark of 114 seems to underestimate Top Dancer’s ability.

Bohemian Rhapsody travelled like the winner throughout in the Class 4 novice handicap.

Moving ominously closer he struck the front approaching two out, but an error at the last probably cost him success. Fourth in the November Handicap at Doncaster, this was an accomplished bid from a four-year-old who should win a decent handicap over hurdles this season. His current mark of 110 will rise, but even so he should remain competitive.

Beforehand the Grade 2 novice chase looked a match between Just A Par and Third Intention.

On his second outing over the big obstacles, Just A Par, who was bought from Ireland for the price of two Ferraris, made just about all. Despite his racing experience, Just A Par looked green, but he never made a semblance of a mistake and eventually drew right away.

Very likeable, Just A Par is classy and although he may take time to peak (he is only six), he looks a potential top-notcher.

In second, the more experienced Third Intention (conceding 7lbs) was quickly put in his place down the straight. Rated 151, a literal (and doubtless misleading) interpretation of this form gives the winner a mark in the region of 160.

More success for the Nicholls yard in the next as Easter Day put his Chepstow chasing debut on fast ground into perspective with a proper win from a mark of 135.

Jumping like a veteran, he cruised into the lead approaching the second-last and is another useful recruit to the chasing ranks. The more experienced Whats Happening (winner of two chases in Ireland) was outpointed but should make his mark in less exacting company.

Benefitting from different riding tactics, in the listed handicap registered as the Gerry Feilden, Ifandbutwhynot made all the running from what was, on his best form at least, a slightly lenient mark of 133.

Chatterbox loomed large but apparently an abscess meant he had missed work so probably blew up. This was only his fourth run over hurdles and there should be more to come from him.

Looking in fine trim, Puffin Billy ran a tame race. Although weighted to his best, he was entitled to do better. It is not the first time he has disappointed.

Saturday November 23rd:

Haydock Results

In the Class 2 Intermediate Hurdle, Far West did not exactly endorse the Elite Hurdle form when he had chased home Melodic Rendezvous.

Handed every chance as his rivals made fiddly mistakes, Far West turned for home travelling as well as any. His effort soon fizzled out though and it was disappointing he only beat outsider Morning Royalty.

Although well behind Far West in the Triumph, Rolling Starreappeared looking a totally different prospect. Much stronger now, despite a couple of careless errors (nothing serious) he knuckled down over the last two to win with authority.

More brilliance from McCoy saw a cosy win in the end for More Of That, who was never travelling better than on the run-in in the Class 2 handicap.

Galvanised from an impossible position, he quickened away to confirm the impression gained last time at Wetherby that he is well above average and ahead of the handicapper.

Blue Fashion and Special Catch were left floundering once the winner began his run.

A week before the Hennessy, we had the best staying chase of the season in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase and time for many of us to eat our words.

Cue Card ran the opposition ragged to win his first event over an extended three miles. Always jumping quickly and fluently, Cue Card put his rivals to the sword one by one. Down the straight, just when those of us that expected him to fold, Cue Card found more.

First Silviniaco Conti then Dynaste were shrugged off. When a horse with Cue Card’s natural ability can nurture his speed over a trip, he will always be dangerous and this was the story now. So next stop the King George at Kempton.

In only his second season over fences, Dynaste ran a great race in such elevated company and there will be another day. Silviniaco Conti ran as well as ever. His best form is on flat tracks and on this evidence it is hard to make a case out for him winning a Gold Cup.

After such a poor showing last time, Long Run was an uncomplicated fourth. The rest were not good enough; only Bobs Worth ran below expectations. With hindsight, this track was against him. Even so, he faded tamely. He needs a stiffer test of stamina and should not be written off just yet.

Ascot Results

Al Ferof beat solitary rival French Opera in a farcical turn-out for the Grade 2 chase. In a virtual school-round, he jumped the better, but he does have an alarming habit of guessing on occasion, something he will not get away with against better company.

The weight concession greatly aided Annie Power to retain an unbeaten hurdle record in the Grade 2.

Zarkandar stuck on gamely in front and it was only after the last that the mare asserted. But for the 11lbs she received from the runner-up, it would have been much closer.

Sunday November 17th:

Cheltenham Results

The Grade 2 Supreme Novices’ trial attracted only a field of four. Sea Lord, on a six-timer beforehand, faced his stiffest task, especially giving 3lbs to The Liquidator – his nearest rival in the betting.

The story of Sea Lord is simply told. Once again, as we saw with Standing Ovation on the first day, it is no good expecting horses to act like machines. Sea Lord is willing but conditions – not necessarily against him – were not ideal. In this company you do not get away with nearly-but-not-quite. As a horse that wants better ground, this was always a risky assignment.

The Liquidator set off in front, soon putting his rivals to the sword. Apart from landing too steeply at the second-last, he jumped cleanly and had too much pace.

Sea Lord was nursed along by the excellent Denis O’Regan, who accepted his fate some way out – only chasing his mount along for second place on the run-in.

Sea Lord wants a flatter track and faster ground. Aintree may be his gig in the spring; although, with the excuses mounting up, the jockey asserts he wants further.

Being brutally frank, today’s conditions were not ideal, but he may not be that good. As for the winner, he looks versatile. He will stay two-and-a-half should connections favour a tilt at the Neptune.

Next up was the Arkle trial. Again, with Raya Star and Dodging Bullets vying for favouritism in a five-runner field, the inescapable conclusion was that better candidates for the big day wait in the wings.

Uttoxeter winner Raya Star was first to commit, but Dodging Bullets – winner of his only start over fences at Kempton and a classy if somewhat enigmatic hurdler – shadowed him and soon put the issue beyond doubt.

A big robust type, Dodging Bullets is an ideal chaser that jumps and travels but does not always find what is expected off the bridle. Nevertheless, he did all that was required here, looking as if there was plenty in reserve.

Apparently he is likely to go to Sandown next. His trainer is not in a hurry to over-race him on the approach to the Festival in March.

On what we have seen this weekend, at this stage, Friday’s winner Taquin Du Seuil looks a better Arkle prospect for his owner than Dodging Bullets. Both will stay further.

Saddled with a 10lbs penalty in the Listed Shloer Chase, Sire De Grugy brought a touch of class to the contest in a bid to win his sixth chase. In contrast to some questionable placing over the course of this three-day meeting, the option to take up this engagement seemed sound.

Early in the race, Sire De Grugy guessed at his fences and never looked comfortable, finishing off with two dicey heart-in-mouth leaps at the last two. Maybe his early mistakes unnerved him; maybe this is not his track (although he was a good second to Captain Conan in this race last season). Either way, this was not a convincing performance in a weak race.

The fact that Kid Cassidy was able to overhaul him on the run-in surely dispels any Queen Mother aspirations. McCoy was at his best on the winner – a horse that has limitations and is somewhat fragile.

Four-year-olds dominated the feature race of the day, the Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle.

An expensive purchase from France, lightly-raced Dell’ Arca edged out Triumph Hurdle third, Sametegal, who was conceding 16lbs.

Flaxen Flare, another four-year-old that maintains his form, was a laudable fourth having travelled strongly for much of the way. Weight beat him.

Sandwiched between the principals, an enterprisingly-ridden Rawnaq was third.

Saturday November 16th:

Cheltenham Results

Having cut their teeth round lesser tracks against easier opposition, it was time for several Triumph Hurdle aspirants to face the music and each other in the Grade 2 – the first serious novice test of the season.

Never out of the first two, Royal Irish Hussar has come a long way since fiddling his way round Market Rasen on debut. One by one his rivals dropped away until it was left to dual Irish winner Guitar Pete to provide the only danger at the last. Here, Royal Irish Hussar made his only mistake but soon gathered himself together to stride clear on the run-in.

A classy recruit to this game, he has a lovely Flat racing pedigree and looks to match. Although he is not over-big, he appears to have peaked physically and clearly has an engine. He is the best juvenile novice seen so far.

Guitar Pete’s runs to date suggest he is a decent benchmark. Not much else made an impact. Carlisle winner, Azza made an attempt but was brushed aside from two out. Biggest disappointment was ex-French three-time winner Art Mauresque, who must be better than shown here.

Novice chasers got their turn in the Grade 2 over an extended three miles. It turned into a battle between two that had only raced once over fences, but they do look like good novices.

Le Bec justified market confidence, producing a good round of jumping and lasting from Shutthefrontdoor. Like the winner, the runner-up took the fences in stride. If anything, on the uphill slog, he was coming back.

Both have enviable attitudes and they look assured to stake major claims in the long distance events to come.

Sam Winner was not beaten far in third, but African Gold was a disappointment. He jumped well enough for most of the race but a mistake at the third-last put paid to his chance when warning signs were already flashing. To be frank, normally a real trier, he threw in the towel a little too quickly for comfort and it could be fencing is not his game.

The long-distance chasers treated the crowd to a stirring battle over the last two fences in the Grade 3 handicap chase over an extended 3m 3f.

Alvarado quickened on the run-in to beat Knockara Beau, Bradley and last year’s winner Monbeg Dude. The story of the race was pretty much one of last man standing.

Spring Heeled looks something of a monkey. He came there cruising after a mistake woke him up; plainly he failed to stay, but he also gave the impression he was only looking for an excuse to back off.

Despite the assessor’s best efforts to stop him, Johns Spirit defied a 10lbs rise for his latest and endorsed handicap win over course and distance in the Paddy Power.

Although his chance was there for all to see, the rise did seem harsh. Left in front over the last after the fall of Easter Meteor, he just lasted in the face of a late thrust from the for now well-handicapped (at least over fences) Colour Squadron.

The runner-up moved stylishly throughout and may have been a tad unfortunate as he was hampered by the last fence fall of Easter Meteor.

In third, Hidden Cyclone did best of those at the head of the weights. He has decent form in Ireland and obviously ran to his best.

Despite the numbers, this may not have been the best quality Grade 3 handicap. From 6lbs out of the weights, Attaglance was fourth ahead of poorly-treated Rajdhani Express. With the exception of Colour Squadron, those in the money may struggle in similar company off revised marks.

Return Spring gave trainer Philip Hobbs immediate compensation for the narrow defeat of Colour Squadron in the listed handicap. In an incredible finish, he denied top weight Salubrious in the dying strides with Southfield Theatre third.

As you would expect, several nice novices turned out for the Grade 2. Fourth in the race last year, unpenalised Creepy took advantage of some rivals probably booked for fences.

Persian War winner, Timesrembered, made a valiant attempt to concede 7lbs to the winner.

In third, old-fashioned chasing type, Port Melon, created a big impression. He jumped well only to be found wanted for foot from the last. A winner of two points in the spring, he should win over timber without too much problem, but anything this work in progress achieves in this sphere is surely a bonus. He could be back here in two years time for a Gold Cup.

Lingfield Results

Thewandaofu may have been flattered by her fifth in a sub-standard Rockfel, but was good enough to beat three rivals in the Class 5 novice.

Her cause was helped by the antics of serious market rival, Epic Voyage, who lugged in toward the rails, giving his jockey little chance of riding him out properly.

A great slab of thing, if they can sort Epic Battle out he should leave this run behind. The winner is rated 90, which will make life tough from here on.

Prince Alzain enjoyed the run of the race to snatch the listed event. It was a case of right place at the right time, although he probably would have won in any case, but it was messy.

Uramazin (66/1 chance), Tales Of Grimm and Tinshu were all hostages to fortune that finished strongly after the winner had sailed for home.

Valbchek finally got his head in front in the Listed event. To be honest he was hard to fancy today but the ability has always been there. He had to thread a path through a tightly packed field on the rail which suited, as he had no time to consider his situation. He had some decent rivals in behind in Take Cover, Lancelot Du Lac, Hawkeyethenoo and Hitchens.

November 15th:

Cheltenham Results

Standing Ovation never looked remotely comfortable in the class 3 for amateur riders.

With his rider giving up the outside to no one, he was swung ride at all the bends and either gave his fences too much air or, as was the case at the ditch on the far side twice, got underneath them.

He also raced keenly, possibly indicating this was one run in quick succession too many. It is also worth pointing out his wins have all come right-handed.

All in all, what looked like an easy opportunity beforehand from a penalty, proved to be a bridge too far.

Handy Andy was the one to cash in, ahead of Charingworth – a ten-year-old whom his trainer asserts is better over two-and-a-half.

Anay Turge, closely weighted with Eastlake on their Aintree running last time, proved that was the form to concentrate on here, pulling clear on the run-in after a strongly run class 2 chase.

In second, from the in-form Tizzard stable, Sew On Target will not have deflated followers of Johns Spirit in tomorrow’s Paddy Power Gold Cup.

The favourite, Renard, gradually closed in the final stages without landing a blow. He is considered by his connections to be a better prospect over further – possibly three miles. That does beg the question: why run over two?

Oscar Whisky jumped well enough on his chase debut without giving the impression he is a natural.

Left in front early by the erratic exploits of one-time leader The Cockney Mackem (almost stopped dead at the first), Oscar Whisky jumped right at most fences but did knuckle down when the pace quickened into a virtual sprint from two out.

Two-and-half is probably short of his best so he might develop into an RSA candidate; but now aged eight approaching nine, fences are something of an afterthought.

Considering he gave the runner-up 5lbs, the win of Taquin Du Seuil should not be underestimated. Claiming speed to be his forte, connections consider him a possible for the Arkle.

The success of Thomas Crapper in the intermediate class 3 hurdle lends the opportunity to plenty of strap-lines, all of which will be resisted here.

Not obviously well-handicapped, he kicked on from the turn and then again when challenged over the last by Angles Hill.

By all accounts third horse Whisper ran pretty much to expectations from a mark of 137.

Free To Dream stayed on strongly in fifth. More should be heard of him, possibly over fences.

Warden Hill was impossibly placed throughout but did pick off a few late on and is worth another chance at this level on a less exacting track.

That clever Tony Martin produced another handicap good thing in the novice handicap when lightly-raced Quick Jack – short enough in the betting beforehand but proving the money was not misplaced in running – hosed up despite a wide berth. Produced like the assassin’s sword by Ruby Walsh, he made a mockery of a mark of 113.

November 11th:

Kempton Results Review

The first division of the maiden looked a competitive affair. After having shown promise over course and distance on debut, well-supported Warrior Of Light set the seal on victory over a furlong out.

In a race where it paid to race handy, Rapid Advance made eye-catching ground from some way back to snatch second. This represented a vast improvement on his debut when stuck in the mud at Leicester. This surface suited him much better and he should win next time.

Canova, another that had shown promise on his only outing – at Newbury behind Strait Run – gave this a solid look by finishing third.

The second division was dominated by Godolphin, their newcomer, the Authorized colt Elite Army, getting the better of Intermedium inside the last furlong. They were first and second throughout in a race that, despite a faster time, did not look as strong as its predecessor.

November 9th:

Doncaster Results

Jazz, not inconvenienced by soft ground, finally broke his duck in the Class 5 maiden over six furlongs where he made all to beat Resolute and Direct Times.

Division 2 supplied something of a shock when after such a good effort in a listed event at Newmarket last week, the smooth travelling Penny Drops failed to quicken in the ground as unraced Indy drew away.

Penny Drops did appear to be losing her coat last week and this run may have come too soon and when she was over the edge. She will start next year favourably handicapped.

Well-backed Penina further underlined the folly of backing fillies at this time of year when finishing stone last in the nursery from a lowly mark of 66.

Black Caesar ran well enough in fourth, behind Kenny The Captain and Torchlighter who were involved in a tight finish.

Lincoln winner Levitate ended the season as he started it with victory at this track in the Class 2 handicap. By now it was soft bordering on heavy.

Jack Dexter capped a successful second half of the season with a listed win from the much improved mud-lover that is Highland Colori.

Conduct, noted in running last time over 1m 2f at York, was always travelling extremely comfortably in the final big race handicap of the season, eventually winning with some authority from a couple of outsiders in Rio’s Rosanna and Open Eagle. He did cope well with conditions, making a mockery of his unchanged mark of 96. A fragile type that does not stand too much racing, he looked good today but will be raised the best part of 10lbs for this.

At Wincanton, not much went right in running for Melodic Rendezvous in the Grade 2 hurdle. Almost slipping on the turn and jumping the second-last poorly when third, he came back to pass Triumph Hurdle runner-up and well-backed Far West at the last.

Considering he was conceding 4lbs to the winner, this was a smart performance and suggests a lucrative season awaits. Word is the winner has improved plenty since last year and will do so again.

The manner of Standing Ovation’s victory in the listed handicap chase suggests that even with a substantial hike from his present mark of 120, he can make his presence felt in stronger handicaps. He could just creep into the Hennessy, where he would be of interest.

Breeders’ Cup Result

Santa Anita Racing Results Review

Suddenly, with the long shadows of winter looming, British two-year-old form was given a major shot in the arm by the victories of Outstrip and Chriselliam in their respective championship events on Friday.

Perfectly delivered by Mike Smith, Outstrip pounced on Giovanni Boldini late to claim the colt’s event, with Bobby’s Kitten for the USA back in third.

Outstrip’s win pays a handsome compliment to his Dewhurst conqueror, War Command and also to Toormore – who beat him at Goodwood.

In fact, as well as bolstering War Command, the run of the first two emphasises the strength of Toormore’s form as he has beaten both contenders this season. Add the highly promisingBe Ready (said to be Outstrip’s superior at home), Australia, even Free Eagle (worth another chance), Kingman (something to prove), along with possibly Berkshire and we have an encouraging list of colts for next year. On a windy afternoon in early November, next season’s classics promise to realise the high standard they are designed to meet.

Chriselliam proved to be a revelation in the fillies equivalent, flashing clear of American contenders Testa Rossi and Colonel Joan.

She displayed an impressive turn of foot (to an extent absent at Newmarket) and looks the real deal for next season. Connections have always claimed her to be their best filly, so it has now been proved. Clearly, she has bloomed late in the season but that does not mean she will not be fighting fit for Newmarket next May.

Vorda had a torrid time. Thrown wide at the first bend, she was always struggling thereafter. Her defeat cannot be put down solely to this (certainly did not help though) or, more importantly, the trip. If anything, she appeared to stay on well enough and should not be judged too harshly – better to claim this was a bad day at the office for her. It could be Vorda is considered a two-year-old in essence – in part explaining the decision to come here.

France probably have a better 1,000 Guineas candidate in Miss France, about whom no doubts regarding trip seem to exist.

Dank gained a gritty success over Romantica in the Fillies and Mares.

The aptly named Magician, conjured by the boy-genius that is Aidan O’ Brien, (like some policemen he looks younger than he is) gave Ryan Moore a momentous double on the card when scything through rivals in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Magician soon swept clear from The Fugue. It was a furious pace and Moore kept his customary cool at the rear before delivering a devastating challenge. Not seen since a poor run in the St James’s Palace in June, as the only three-year-old in the pack, Magician’s win was further testament to O’Brien’s golden touch.

Another success for the imperious Galileo, and a first attempt at twelve furlongs for Magician (ran on Lasix), excuses for failure were stacked up beforehand.

The Fugue possibly had a tougher task in running given her position in the race (much closer to an unforgiving pace than the winner, but no fault of Buick’s – you have to ride from your position rather than take a pull).

However, Magician’s finishing kick meant he was the likely winner in any case. The Fugue leaves here unbowed.

To succeed at racing, you need to check your ego in at the entrance gates. Those constantly looking for applause get nowhere – applause only pays the bills if you happen to be a thespian or a comedian.

We are all reduced to a bit of both in turn and ultimately to fools in this business, so it is not my intention to poke a silly accusative finger at anyone when I compile these reports. The aim is to improve our joint chances of making some sense of an often crazy pursuit.

So, no malice is intended when I say the decision to run Olympic Glory in the Mile on fast ground was a poor one. In mitigation, I stated as much before the race in the strongest possible terms, but no matter.

Predictably, Olympic Glory ran flat and was never seen with a chance. It could be that he dislikes racing round bends; almost certainly, with all his best form on ground no faster than good, firm ground is not ideal.

Let me say up front, I have a great deal of time for Team Hannon. Their horses run to merit, are well turned out and usually perfectly ridden. In general, if you fancy one of theirs and it doesn’t win – you only have yourself to blame.

The Hannons are always approachable and a credit to racing. However, if they have a fault (most of us have at least one), it is the tendency to sometimes stubbornly over face horses when so-called judges (Ladbrokes made Olympic Glory a lay) can see they are making a mistake.

They were guilty here of asking a horse to achieve what was, to all intents and purposes, the unachievable. In the race, home confidence proved well-placed when the monster that is Wise Dan proved too tough. Having won the race last year, the champ returned to grind out a hard-fought success over outsiders Za Approval and Silentio, with Silver Max in fourth.

In the Classic, they raced for a total of five million dollars. It was a brutal clash down the straight with the Gary Stevens-ridden Mucho Macho Man squeezing home ahead of Will Take Charge and Declaration Of War, who was perfectly delivered by Joseph O’ Brien.

Declaration Of War ran a mighty race although he may have tired in the last half furlong on the dirt surface. With last year’s winner and the strongly fancied Game On Dude both beaten, this looked a strong renewal.

Saturday November 2nd

Newmarket Racing Results Review

The first of the Class 4 maiden for fillies that has a good record for the future went to the a daughter of Selkirk, Queen Of Ice. Able to cope with the ground, she was doing her best work on the uphill climb to nab her two nearest opponents. The winner is another decent juvenile produced by William Haggas.

In second, on her third attempt, Makruma set only a reasonable standard.

Apparently struggling early, another debutant, Angelic Air,arrived inside the last furlong looking like the winner. Understandably, her exertions caught up with her and she faltered close home. Nevertheless, for a daughter of Oasis Dream on ground this soft, she turned in a satisfactory debut and looks a sure-fire future winner.

It was experience to the fore in the following division (lacked the substance of the first), where on her fifth attempt, Miss Lillie narrowly outpointed Eastern Belle, who had shown promise in a similarly uninspiring maiden here last time.

Loch Ma Naire (no obvious promise at Kempton on only start) was third ahead of Godolphin newcomer True Match. All the signs are this was only an ordinary event.

Hartnell justified cramped odds when winning the Class 3 Zetland Stakes over 1m 2f – which is a long way for two-year-olds. By Authorized, he clearly stays very well and should be effective in that sphere next season.

However, he blitzed his opponents here and is very much on the upgrade. It would be a mistake to look upon him as a one-trick pony. The only serious opponent, Montaly (beat yesterday’s maiden winner Idder by five lengths last time) was unable to land a blow in second, lending credence to Hartnell’s effortless win.

After finishing second to Fillies’ Mile third Ihtimal in the May Hill, in the light of Chriselliam’s success in Santa Anita last night, Majeyda’s chance of defying a 3lbs penalty in the listed event increased. At least that was many people’s reasoning and the way the crime fitted the punishment after the event. This was not the strongest field but Majeyda – out of her depth in the Marcel Boussac last time – was too good. A strongly-built daughter of Street Cry, she would seem a natural for Dubai in March.

Adhwaa and Island Remede were next to finish ahead of Rosehill Artist. They finished well-strung out in behind.

Newbury Spring Cup winner Half A Sixpence, who seems in his element on the soft, romped away with the Class 3 handicap. Runner-up, the lightly-raced Magistral, could be of interest next year in a similar early season handicap – particularly on less testing ground.

Full credit is due to Nabucco for getting up in the face of adversity (mostly of his own making) in the listed event. Fully effective on soft, he was nudged from some way out and kept on doggedly to wriggle through a gap and collar Proud Chieftain.

Once again soft ground came to the aid of Penitent in the listed event, which he just won at the expense of French Navy and Tulius.

Last year’s UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs, having his first run since this year’s Dubai carnival, was far from disgraced, keeping on once headed. Sure to return to Meydan next year, it seems he retains ability.

In last place, this is the third time Lanansaak has failed to back up a decent run. It would appear she is at her best after lengthy absences.

Newmarket concluded its season with an undistinguished handicap won by Piceno.

Wetherby Racing Results Review

Transferring a good level of bumper form to hurdles, Gone Too Farbeat a decent field in the class 3 novice hurdle, jumping economically and well. He should progress over timber.

In second and third, Varom and Gassin Golf failed to seriously test the winner but were not disgraced.

Now twelve approaching thirteen and with a mind of his own, making Tidal Bay a lay in the Grade 2 hurdle he won last year seemed a no-brainer. Looking as if he wants the comparative luxury of fences as opposed to the immediacy of hurdles, he fiddled his way over the obstacles, was last off the bridle and rallied after a careless jump at the last to catch Medinas on the run-in. This was a smart piece of placing by Paul Nicholls and a great piece of riding from Sam Twiston-Davies. This run will put Tidal Bay spot-on for the Hennessy, where he will surely meet many better treated rivals.

With Long Run drastically underperforming, Benefficient predictably failing to stay, and Cape Tribulation failing to fire, the Grade 2 Charlie Hall went to Harry Topper from last year’s runner-up Wayward Prince.

Unioniste was handed a clear chance but a flat last-fence leap put paid to that. He probably wants further. This was a good reappearance from the winner, who needs to improve again to replicate anything achieved by last year’s winner, Silviniaco Conti.

More kamikaze pilots returned to base than runners in the concluding handicap hurdle so it is hard to fully evaluate its worth. After winning a novice at Folkestone last season, also on the soft, from a mark of 130, More Of That once again handled conditions to respond to a typical McCoy drive from the last to deny a fit Twelve Roses. If this outing brings the winner on, he could well go in again.

Roi Du Mee exposed various weaknesses in his Grade 1 rivals at Down Royal.

First Lieutenant was quick to backpedal;

Sizing Europe (yet to win at this trip) gave the impression three miles is the very top end of his stamina in second.

If nothing else, we do know Roi Du Mee is particularly effective in the soft.

Friday November 1st:

Newmarket Racing Results Review

Sea Defence stepped up on a passable opening effort at Kempton to win the first division of the maiden over seven furlongs.

He beat the other with form Think Again – the pair coming clear. With Mizzen Mast in the pedigree, the winner is a powerful sort that recorded a good time considering the ground.

With three runners having rateable form, the second division looked stronger but was run in a slower time than the first.

Idder got up in determined fashion to withstand a late lunge from Zee Zeely. Both have improved from only promising first outings.

Having finished behind Pretzel on debut, form horse Stetchworth, although only narrowly beaten, was effectively last of three back in third. He looked the winner from some way out but lacks a change of gear.

Warbrook (not a fancy pedigree) was the only one from outside the obvious to take the eye in fourth. He should be winning in ordinary company soon. A Kempton maiden would be ideal.

Quickening at the right time meant Cape Factor, who loves soft ground, won the listed event over six furlongs. She stole first run – may have won in any case – but runner-up Penny Drops (angling for room) only got going when it was too late. When it is this soft, it is difficult to make up ground but Penny Drops did her best. On the back of only one outing this was a good effort and Penny Drops (not the most imposing filly) should soon shed the maiden tag.

For a daughter of Elusive Quality, Genuine Quality stayed on in atrocious conditions for third.

Despite disappointing in the soft at Salisbury last time, Expert handled conditions today to beat Mar Mar in the conditions stakes that history shows favours two-year-olds.

Wetherby Racing Results Review

Royal Irish Hussar took another step forward in his new career at Wetherby. Mentioned after a clumsy round of jumping at Market Rasen, he was slicker in the air though there is still room from improvement. Nevertheless, the margin of his victory suggests he continues to improve.

May Results 2014

Posted on by Bryle

May 30th: Newmarket: Summer is apparently here, with the first of the 2014 meetings scheduled to be run on the July course. Bitter Lake took the first race – a Class 4 for juvenile fillies over six furlongs. A good-sized daughter of Halling, despite having to be angled out to the centre of the course, once she hit her stride, even on holding ground, she showed an impressive turn of foot. Visually she was impressive, although it remains to be seen what she beat. She could be decent and has the scope to progress. Apparently her immediate target is the Albany. In second, Kinematic stepped up markedly on her debut at Ascot when she was only ninth of eleven. It was a similar story with the third, Looking Good, who had finished fifth of six in an ordinary event at Sandown last time. In fourth, if realistically campaigned, Hound Music – who was carried wide by the winner – finished nicely, making her perhaps the most interesting betting proposition next time if turning up at Kempton or Wolverhampton.

Paying two-and-half million for a yearling is asking for trouble. However, Qatar Racing took the chance with the Galileo colt Hydrogen who made his belated appearance in the Class 5 maiden over 1m 4f. Unfortunately his price tag will be a permanent millstone round his neck after what was only a moderate debut. Those of a charitable nature could point to the ground and to the fact he was not beaten far by the horse that finished sixth in the Dante. But clutching at straws is expensive. On the face of it, his failure to make an impact in this sort of maiden does not augur well. Wonderstruck, the only filly in the field, will probably improve plenty for this, only her second outing. By Sea The Stars, she is very well related and her debut at Ascot when behind Marsh Daisy has already been advertised by the winner’s success at Goodwood. The Ribblesdale is next on the agenda, where she will not be out of place. Forever Now and Karraar (third to Connecticut at Newbury) will surely win in turn. Saab Almanal may not have stayed this trip but was probably flattered by his proximity to The Grey Gatsby at York in any case.

So disappointing last time, Cloudscape ran better in the Class 3 handicap, but he does have an awkward action and pulled too hard early on. He looked all set to win when striking the front over a furlong out but was worn down by the giant Top Tug – who was behind Cloudscape at Newmarket and looks well-treated from a mark of 84. Even a rise in the weights should not prevent Top Tug from following up. His action suggests this ground, or at least easy ground, will always suit. The pair was clear.

May 29th:

Sandown Results:
The Listed National Stakes, so often a dress rehearsal for Royal Ascot and won last year by Rizeena, went to another filly this time round when Tiggy Wiggy pounced a furlong out. Beaten in a decent listed event at York last time that should throw up winners, she was patiently ridden and quickened strongly in soft ground. The Queen Mary is an obvious target. There was money for Brocklesby winner Cock Of The North who was fizzy at the start, reluctant to load and started slowly. He did stay on but without looking likely to trouble the winner. Chester runner-up Roudee made most of the running and finished third.

Brown Panther shrugged off his 2lbs penalty to clear away in the Henry II Stakes. He is a powerful galloper that stays well and was suited by these conditions. High Jinx ran up to his best in second, ahead of Whiplash Willie who, after his comeback win at Salisbury has now put two good runs back-to-back. Of the rest, Girolamo was fourth and Tiger Cliff a never-nearer fifth. Connections of Tac De Boistron will presumably be pleased with the showing of stable mate Seismos, who was beaten just over five lengths in sixth.

With only three runners the Brigadier Gerard was always going to be a tactical affair. Run in driving rain, Sharestan – a horse with a good record fresh – just lasted. Fallon was excellent on the winner, as was Martin Lane on the runner-up Sheikhzayedroad. In throwing down a last furlong challenge, Lane risked a whip ban on a mulish individual, all but pulling the prize out of the fire. The combination was in front a stride after the line. With a 3lbs penalty, Top Notch Tonto was not disgraced in last place and it could not be said he failed to stay, although the time on the soft ground was understandably slow. The withdrawals of Hillstar and Remote greatly devalued the event.

Not for the first time Ryan Moore excelled in the Listed Heron Stakes. Winning for the first time since twelve months ago, this success knocked off the brick dust Master Carpenter had accumulated on his head after banging it on a wall. Beaten by the likes of Kingman and Western Hymn this year, this ground, a return to a mile and a tactically aware ride from Moore all contrived to make it his night. Indy was beaten a respectable distance in second whilst End Of Line, who was only seven lengths adrift in the French Guineas, carried his head awkwardly and was a laboured third.

Proven soft ground performer Ishikawa won the concluding handicap with something to spare despite a late lunge from Dream Walker, who was third to Chil The Kite at Newbury last time.

May 22nd: Goodwood Results: Plenty of rain softened the track from good to soft. Stepped up to six from his debut Portamento made light of the Class 4 maiden. As the only one with experience it is hard to know what he actually achieved in drawing away from Estidhkaar – for whom there was market support. By Dark Angel, the runner-up took a while to grasp the message.

Solo Hunter caused an upset in the Class 4 handicap. By Sleeping Indian, this step up in trip was not guaranteed to suit as he was beaten twelve lengths only four days ago at Ripon over a mile. But in a slog on soft ground (they clocked ten seconds slow), it seemed to do the trick – at least on this occasion. Gothic did not get an opening when needed down the straight but Ryan Moore stuck to his guns on the inner and eventually found room. This ground was not ideal for Gothic who has still improved on his run at Sandown last time. Thrice-maiden Loving Home was close up in third and should be opening his account before long. Fast Delivery was once again intractable in that he pulled too hard. He looks a lost cause.

In a race that was sixteen seconds slow, Story Writer got off the mark on turf in the Class 4 handicap over two miles. He had a duel with Kashgar over the final two furlongs, the pair clear of Lion Beacon, who will improve on a faster surface. Where that puts him though is questionable.

Possible Hunt Cup contender Russian Realm won the Class 2 handicap, showing he has benefitted from his latest run at Ascot. He made short work of last year’s runner-up George Guru and So Beloved, who, with his awkward action is not one to bank on. For the money on offer this was not a strong handicap.

The Pretty Polly form, on which current Oaks favourite Tagrooda claims are largely based, is beginning to look shaky. Neither the second nor fourth (Jordan Princess and Uchenna) made any impression in the Height Of Fashion where the Pivotal filly Marsh Daisy who – like many of the progeny – relishes easy ground. To be fair she looks an improving filly. The ground probably scuppered the chances of Jordan Princess, who is probably better than this; however, it is likely – as suggested at the time – that this year’s Pretty Polly was only a moderate renewal. Taking a line through the runner-up Eastern Belle, last week’s Newbury winner Volume is a much better prospect than the well-beaten Jordan Princess. Psychometry was another inconvenienced by the easy surface but at least she put up a show of sorts in third.

Black Shadow lost his maiden tag in an ordinary class 5. However, although entitled to win, he did so with something in hand, suggesting a handicap from a reasonable mark may not be out of the question.

Sandown Results: Dame Liberty, a lengthy filly by Tamayuz, made all for a tidy success in the Class 5 maiden for fillies. Hemmed in on the rails at one point, Russian Heroine was always going to have to play her experience card to mow down the winner but, once extracted for a run she only kept on at one pace to nab second. A sixth furlong will help. The expensive Invincible Spirit debutant, Blue Aegean, looked green but showed ability in third.

The ground may have been responsible for the defeat of Provenance in the Class 4 handicap. The early gallop was slow causing her to fight for her head until she settled after a couple of furlongs. Her mark of 84 is not harsh, but she had to concede weight to Reedcutter and Cape Icon, who were both just too strong. Ryan Moore looked after Provenance who may repay his kindness.

Despite pulling hard early, Elite Army, representing the strong form of Windshear from the last meeting, found plenty when presented with a gap, eventually running out an easy winner. If his antics can be curbed he is capable of progressing further. By Authorized, he has plenty of substance. It was a Godolphin one-two with Gold Trail, who looked the winner early in the straight, running out of puff on this testing ground but hanging on for second.

Mutakayyef, second to Barley Mow in a listed Newmarket event last time when stepping up to ten furlongs, told us little when winning his maiden by a wide margin. As suggested by his pedigree, soft ground is no problem. There could be more to come over a mile-and-a-half.

May 17th: Newbury Results: On firming ground, the competitive Class 4 maiden went to Connecticut, for whom everything went right. Despite a wide draw, his rider got him out and across and, after promise at Newmarket when third to Munjaz, Connecticut showed a willing attitude down the straight. He eventually collared Smiling Stranger (third to Criteria at Kempton) with a hard-pulling Mange All third. This was a step in the right direction for the winner, who has a King Edward entry at Royal Ascot but may not be quite up to that standard. Obsidian ran on promisingly in a race that appeared to favour those that raced prominently.

Now seven and with plenty of gruelling miles on the clock, Mount Athos, ridden closer to the pace than usual, picked up the pieces to grab the Listed Aston Park. With Battalion curling up tamely and Sky Hunter (should have been suited by this step up in trip but wasn’t) not proving a threat, it was left to Forgotten Voice to chase him home.

The class 2 handicap featured several that were down to winning marks. Back to his Cambridgeshire-winning mark of 2012, Bronze Angel was the most popular. He hit the front over a furlong out but was eventually run out of a place. Chil The Kite, fourth in the Lockinge on this day last year, pounced inside the final furlong and cleared away. Only four but with his fourth trainer, Fort Knox flashed home late for second. This trip of seven may be a minimum. Dream Walker was third in what looked like a who’s-turn-is-it-today handicap.

Stepped up in grade, Cannock Chase, beautifully settled by Ryan Moore, won the Class 2 London Gold Cup from a mark of 89 like a horse going places. Like most Lemon Drop Kid’s he is a real looker. With a sparkling turn of foot, it may be this trip of ten furlongs is his optimum. Raised 11lbs for his Sandown success, Windshear chased him home valiantly but could not get on terms. This was a strong handicap. After the win of Volume yesterday and this effort from Windshear, the run of Cloudscape last time (beat them both) is all the more perplexing. Satellite went into premature orbit when pulling hard early but Frankie Dettori kept something in reserve. Not surprisingly, it was not enough. The son of Danehill Dancer needs to settle down if he is to take up some lofty engagements.

Despite doubts, Olympic Glory, settled to perfection by Frankie Dettori, rewarded a bold policy by the Hannon camp when winning the season’s first Group 1 – the Lockinge. The ground was not ideal but, although firming, there was still juice left. Travelling well throughout, he maintained a fine record of first-time out successes for three seasons. Tullius stepped up to the challenge in much better company to finish second, emphasising once again the strength of this year’s Lincoln. The eye was drawn to the monster that is Verrazano. On his first run for new connections and looking as if it would bring him on, he finished third, serving up a warning that he is likely to transfer Grade 1 American form to this country before long. A great mover that was nudged home once the winner had committed, he is all quality. In time he could turn out to be the best in show.

The Class 4 maiden over seven furlongs looked of questionable quality. Recent form rose to the top but it was moderate form at best. Skaters Waltz emerged best from debutant Telefono and Between Wickets. Bon Voyage – a serial maiden was fourth – next came the unraced gelding Polybius, who has an action more suited to a Lipizzaner than a racehorse. He hits the ground like a pneumatic drill and will surely be more effective in the soft; or, possibly on the all-weather. Be warned though; this race was poor by Newbury standards and anything stepping outside a modest parameter is being set up for a reversal.

Covered up, Aertex took the fillies’ handicap. It is a hard race to make too much of, but apprentice-ridden Cay Dancer (a stable mate of the winner) did finish strongly and a step up in trip may bring about improvement next time.

Newmarket Results:
Always travelling well, a step in trip to 1m 6f seemed to improve an already upward Van Percy who won the Class 2 handicap with ears pricked. They may not have been the best in behind.

Coulsty came out of nowhere to land the listed event, narrowly beating Toofi who had run so well in one of the sales races at the Craven meeting. It was a bunch finish. Windfast was a close third, ahead of Parbold who, after a rough passage, only got going when it was all over. Complicit was next, ahead of a disappointing Aeolus who, after looking unlucky in the Free Handicap – a race that is throwing out mixed messages at present – was never travelling. His best form is with cut in the ground and this surface may have been responsible. He is worth another chance. Gamesome has an action that needs to be seen to be believed (races on three legs); it was therefore no surprise he was well beaten.

Following some speculation by jockeys, it seemed after the running of the Class 2 sprint trophy that, on this occasion, racing on the stands’ side presented a definite advantage. At least those in the centre seemed disadvantaged. Why this sort of situation should exist at a course like Newmarket is something of a mystery. Be that as it may, Eastern Impact scooted up the nearside to grab this from Fear Or Favour and a closing Stomp. Roger Charlton, responsible for the latter, also fielded Stars Above Me, who, although coming with a challenge, was soon out with the washing from her position. Apparently the trainer’s justification in running two was that there were no other suitable races to be found. Really?

Hugging the rail, Pinzolo, although not looking entirely in love with his task, appeared to battle on once headed to win the Listed. As already stated he may have benefitted from the strip of ground he raced on. In second, out in the middle of the ocean, Master Carpenter did no harm to the form of Western Hymn.

Although apparently disappointing on his second run, that was put into perspective by the end of the season so Yuften was entitled to win an ordinary maiden without too much fuss. This he achieved in the Class 4, endorsing his debut second to Barley Mow at Newbury. Racing up the favoured strip of ground, he came right away. Fourth to Dante runner-up Arod at Windsor, Kinshasa ploughed a furrow on the unfavoured middle of the track and having lost his pitch, kept on again up the hill to finish fourth. He should be marked up for this. A step up in trip may suit. He will be qualified for handicaps after his next run.

Built to carry big weights if necessary, stepping up in trip to a mile-and-a-half, Miner’s Lamp settled better than when we last saw him to make all in the concluding Class 3 handicap. Alex My Boy staged a last furlong challenge that only narrowly failed.

May 16th: Newbury: The class 4 maiden over six furlongs for two-year-olds has a decent record. The market was on the money, centring on Adaay and Aledaid. Once he got the hang of it, Adaay quickened like a decent horse, showing a good turn of foot and winning with something to spare. The most expensive Kodiac to have gone through the ring, he looks as good a two-year-old as we have seen so far this year. Aledaid finished only fifth having travelled nicely. Out on the wing for most of the journey, the way the race was played out did not help. A good-looking son of Acclamation, he should win next time.

The Listed Swettenham Stud for fillies looked a quality event. Volume, third to Cloudscape and subsequent Sandown winner Windshear at Newmarket, made all under a confident ride from Richard Hughes, who saved plenty up his sleeve. Lahinch Classics for Ireland was her nearest pursuer. Newmarket maiden winner Hadaatha travelled into the race but lugged left when it mattered, forfeiting her chance. You could put it down to greenness, but, notably weak in the market, it could be she is not straightforward. Inchila was a close fourth. Only small, she lacks scope.

Clouds Rest flashed out of the gates to make all in the Class 3 conditions stakes. A Beverley winner, she was too sharp for her rivals. The Sir Percy debutant, Persun finished best of a tight bunch for second. Spirit Of Xian was inches away, ahead of Expensive Date who took an age to load but came back in promising style. This was not the strongest event of its type.

Arab Dawn took the eye at when winning at Goodwood last time and continued his progression in a strong Class 4 three-year-old handicap. Personal Opinion did not get the run of the race in second but the winner had a little left in the locker. Notarised and Raven Ridge added substance in third and fourth.

On a day that belonged to Richard Hughes, Musical Comedy made it four when nursed home in the listed. He was always in the right place and struck inside the last furlong to hold Naadirr. No excuses are forwarded for Mushir who was a strong second in the Free Handicap. He was always struggling from two lengths off the pace. It could be he wants to return to seven or maybe, considering he had a 3lbs penalty, this is pretty much as good as he is.

York: Speedy two-year-old fillies lined up for the listed race that opened the card. Patience Alexander, a nine-length winner at Wolverhampton, eventually wore down dual-winner Tiggy Wiggy. The winner is a natural for the Queen Mary. Kodiac was responsible for the first two. Eventual favourite Zuhoor Baynoona stepped up on her Yarmouth debut in third. In fourth and fifth, Appleberry and Don’t Tell Annie want noting. Both won their maidens on stiff tracks and, although not slow, were unable to go the early pace here. They stayed on strongly doing their best work in the closing stages and can be expected to recover the winning thread in the right event over six furlongs.

With a Hardwicke entry, the course whisper was that the Monsun colt Arab Spring was a Group horse in a handicap in the Class 2. Rated 96 after winning his maiden at Kempton and a handicap at Doncaster this year, he represented Sir Michael Stoute who won the event last year with Sir John Hawkwood. Although racing from a high enough mark (up eleven pounds from last time), Arab Spring was taking on decent but exposed opponents. To be fair beating handicappers of their nature is never easy for horses with limited experience (this was only his fourth racecourse experience). A fluent mover that travelled strongly throughout, Arab Spring found plenty once he hit the front. Athletic and neat, he is very likeable and can continue to progress, although life will get harder for him from here on. Reading between the lines it would appear his non-committal trainer favours one of the big Royal Ascot handicaps.

Gospel Choir emphasised what a versatile campaigner he is when winning the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup. Having shown speed over nine furlongs on debut before claiming a couple of notable scalps in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket over twelve furlongs, he took a further step up in trip of two furlongs in his stride, although he was helped by a slow pace and drying ground. A mile-and-a-half may be his best trip. A splendid example of Galileo but out of a Pivotal mare, he is not bred to stay this far but, eased into the lead over a furlong out, he found plenty when challenged – and challenge him they did! Ryan Moore gave him the perfect ride. One of his many attributes is that he gives horses time to respond without immediate recourse to the whip. He had a very willing partner here. With a 4lbs penalty, Tac De Boistron has run a mighty race in second and his advance towards the Ascot Gold Cup continues. Tiger Cliff was close up in third. After a slow early gallop, in behind plenty took the eye. Ahzeemah, Camborne and Seal Of Approval were the chief protagonists to give connections encouragement for the future.

Lustrous made all to land the listed event although she may have been fortunate to an extent as the runner-up, Radiator, failed to advance her claims when tanking early. She has done well physically since last season and if this was a one-off should make amends.

The Class 3 handicap over five furlongs was all about Newcastle winner, G Force who won in impressive fashion. Well backed, they knew what they were doing as he found a change of gear from some way back to make up a lot of ground, not easy to do over the sudden death distance. A mark of 87 was fair enough beforehand but he made a mockery of it. He will stay six no problem (it might improve him judging by the way he was powering clear in the closing stages) and looks destined for better things.

Newmarket: Juventas put her experience to good use when winning the juvenile Class 4 maiden for fillies. By Sixties Icon, this sixth furlong was of benefit. Dutch Party was an always prominent second ahead of Rose Of Kiev. In fourth, Ski Slope made up a lot of ground in the last furlong on her debut and should know more next time.

Outlaw Country put up a fine debut against experienced rivals after missing the break in the novice stakes. Honours were shared between Dougal and Justice Good.

Groundbreaking might be all right although his win in the Class 3 handicap should not be taken too literally. He looks a sulky sort and did win first time last year before failing to progress. There was a ground excuse in October but he will need to defy a hefty hike in the handicap to win again.

May 15th:

Salisbury Results
There were no real stars on show in the opening Class 5 maiden for juveniles. That is to say with the exception of Richard Hughes, who timed his run to perfection on Beacon to claim Windsor runner-up Fine Prince close home. With 66/1 shot Amber Crystal (who had showed nothing at Kempton on only outing) in third, one has to question the worth of the race. Beacon did win cosily but will need to be significantly better than the bare form to make an impact at a better level.

The Class 4 handicap, confined to three-year-old fillies over ten furlongs, placed an emphasis on stamina as several participants were not stoutly bred. Richard Hughes struck once again when delivering the Rock Of Gibraltar filly Crystal Nymph late from a slow pace. The filly was breaking her maiden from a mark of 72, mugging Melrose Abbey close home. The runner-up will stay further but not in a hurry. She has a rounded action and will always need cut. Pace-setter Rosehill Artist kept on for third, although it is far from certain she will stay this trip in a truly run event. For those with a forgiving nature, Surcingle did race on three shoes so can possibly be accorded another chance.

There was a time when some in the Hannon camp would have nominated War Spirit as their possible Guineas candidate. Water and bridge have seen plenty of each other since; War Spirit has been gelded and, from a mark of 70 was unable to make the most of a perfect pitch in the Class 5 handicap. He travels well but did not give his rider a lot of help. Brighton winner Issemist and Suitsus were the two to beat him.

The well-bred Hidden Gold got off the mark at the first time of asking in her maiden. With another high-profile newcomer in Too The Stars unplaced, this average to moderate event looked better on paper than it did in real time.
The second division featured more of the same with debutants Sultanina and Desert Snow finishing first and second. They will be worth more at the paddocks than on the racecourse.

York Results
On a day when all eyes were on the three-year-old colts in the Dante, older fillies and mares got their chance in the Group 2 Middleton Stakes over the same trip.
Second to Dalkala in this last year, Ambivalent, third to Gentildonna in the Sheema Classic in March, made the running until headed by Secret Gesture over a furlong out. There was a time when that would have been her cue to withdraw, but she resolutely fought back to finish nicely on top. She has turned into a pretty good mare.

Odeliz upheld the Newmarket form of Esoterique (beaten six lengths in the Dahlia) in third. Mango Diva was always in rear until making some headway for fourth, ahead of the penalised The Lark, who appeared to blow up in the last furlong. Thistle Bird faded tamely under a tender ride.

The Grey Gatsby’s Dante win has boosted even further the claims of Australia for the Derby. Beaten six lengths in the Guineas, his win here says it all. It is hard to nominate anything that finished behind him as having any sort of chance in the Derby. Despite a tendency to drift right (there was an inquiry) The Grey Gatsby is an honest sort who always runs with credit in this company, having finished second in the Craven this year and the Champagne at two. This is as far as he wants to go. He may take up an engagement in the French Derby over this trip. Easy Windsor maiden winner Arod was second and is expected to improve considerably for this, only his third run. Like the winner (although it is not as cut and dried) there has to be a slight stamina doubt. Impressive at Newmarket, True Story was uneasy beforehand and never travelled that well. There was a point down the straight when it appeared as if he would take a hand, but essentially he lacks a turn of foot. Putting a brave face on this reversal, connections consider the Derby trip will bring out the best in him. Excuses at this level are expensive; a place is the best they can dream of.

Last year’s winner Navajo Chief, benefitting from a masterly Fallon ride, repeated the dose in the Listed Hambleton Handicap. Fort Bastion looked to have the race in the bag inside the last furlong but the winner and his jockey were determined. Prince Of Johanne scraped into third ahead of one of a clutch of monkeys in Tales Of Grimm, who wanted no part in proceedings until running on late. Biggest villain of the piece was Fury. Even from such a tempting mark, his backers knew what they were getting into. Handily placed and given every chance, when the going got tough he backed off pretty quickly.

Shamshon carried his penalty to a cosy success in the conditions stakes. It is tempting to consider five is his trip although Dettori seems to feel six is his optimum. Time will tell. Either way he joins a growing band of decent second-season sprinters. One Chance and Eccleston were next. Third in the Middle Park last year – form that Astaire flagged up as strong to such an extent yesterday – Justice Day should have done better than finishing a remote fourth.

The first juvenile six furlong event of the season was the Class 3 maiden – yes, it’s that time of year already; it will soon be the Coventry! The extra furlong made all the difference to the result – a result that may not play any part in Royal Ascot proceedings. Bossy Guest edged ahead near the finish from Mister Universe, who should be winning soon. Silver Ranger covers a lot of ground with his stride and stuck on in third. Again, he is a winner waiting to happen. Gaudy ran with promise in fourth. It is tempting to conclude this was a nice collection and that those remaining maidens should rectify that if not asked to fly too high too soon.

May 14th: York: On drying ground (the time was at variance with the official description of soft with good patches), bumper/hurdles and Flat maiden winner Clever Cookie won the competitive Class 2 handicap from a mark of 88. He came from a good way back to negate a wide draw. Last week’s Chester winner was second, ahead of Awake My Soul and Pasaka Boy. Being honest not many of these held secrets from the handicapper. That said Rye House may be capable of improvement. Looking ring-rusty he was angled for a run over a furlong out that shut in his face. A big unit, he picked up again without looking likely to recover. Silvery Moon and Lahaag are others that have run better than their places suggest.

Money for Aetna, from the ultra-sharp Mick Easterby stable, was not misplaced in the Class 2 handicap. She finished strongly, denying the in-form Baccarat who travelled well for most of the trip. Apparently easy ground brings out the best in her. According to her ebullient trainer she will always be hard to beat at this level when conditions are in her favour so there may be another handicap in her. After a tame second season, Blaine, now gelded and with a good record at York, was the last to challenge and was close up in third. Fast Shot was fourth. Despite the numbers this was a race that went pretty much as expected. Not for the first time Yeeoow checked out quickly. He does seem to find it difficult to get his head in front and rarely runs two races alike.

Once-raced Madame Chiang – a winner at Yarmouth in October last year – battled on under a determined ride to land the Group 3 Musidora. A big filly by Archipenko that handles ease in the ground, she has done well since last season but it is questionable whether this represents Oaks form. However, she is scopey enough to come on again but ground could be the key to her. Lily Rules chased her home in second, ahead of Regardez and maiden Nancy From Nairobi. A keen and reluctant-looking Queen Of Ice (ran as if in season) was fifth. Of the rest, Shama made the running but would not have been suited by the ground. Cambridge is not there yet. A fine big filly, she needs more time. The impression left was that as a field, these could all beat each other in turn.

Four came clear in the Group 2 Duke Of York, ultimately dominated by the penalised Group 1 winners, Maarek and Astaire. Time and again, the Prix l’abbaye winner Maarek will take advantage of any chinks in his opponents’ armour. On this sort of ground he is always a serious player. His strength was decisive in the closing stages as he mowed down the three-year-old Astaire who has run a stormer returned to sprinting. Statistically this was almost mission impossible for Astaire but, prominent throughout, he almost pulled it off. This augurs well for the remainder of the season. Unlike the winner, he is not ground dependent and he should grab a major prize. Es Que Love and Mass Rally were next of the bunch of four that broke away. There was a surprisingly long break back to Hawkeyethenoo in fifth. Nothing else deserves a mention, although, in particular, Jack Dexter was a major disappointment.

They have bided their time with That Is The Spirit who was an impressive winner at Doncaster in March. Once again, on ground with cut, he was prominent throughout in the Class 3 handicap and was soon in control, smashing a mark of 90 in the process. He travels nicely and is smart enough to keep himself out of trouble in these sorts of events. Shot In The Sun was a decent second. Idea took the eye in behind. Tenderly-ridden on only his second actual race in public (unseated rider on debut), he can do better and should not be pressed to win from his present mark of 79. Provident Spirit (second to the winner at Doncaster) was all over the place from his disadvantageous low draw.

Only five turned up for the Class 3 novice stakes, which did not look a strong event. Inexperienced on debut at Newcastle, Mignolino knew more today, getting the better of disappointing favourite Captain Colby a furlong out and then holding Abscent Friends. Outpaced early, Winstanley made good headway to take third. A step up to six furlongs should suit and help him get off the mark.

10th May: Lingfield: A big day for the track with the running of the Derby and Oaks trials. Fillies first, and Windsor winner Honor Bound beat many better fancied opponents to cause something of a surprise. By Authorized, she has handled easy ground well to nut an unfortunate Criteria virtually on the line. This was Criteria’s best effort. Clearly the trip was no problem – the ground was probably not ideal for her but she battled willingly. Momentus was third, ahead of Sandown winner and stable mate of the winner, Kallisha. Trying to land a Listed event with an established maiden filly is never that straightforward, and despite the figures, Casual Smile (in front of Criteria at Newmarket last season) was squeezed out down the straight but was already giving out negative signals. Queen’s Prize pulled much too hard early and predictably paid the penalty.

Snow Sky (second to Western Hymn at Newbury) won the colts’ trial, looking as if this step up to just short of a mile-and-a-half brought about improvement. It would be a surprise if Snow Sky is good enough to enter the Derby picture after this but the win clearly provides a boost for his Newbury conqueror. Distressed after Epsom when behind Our Channel last time, Hartnell returned to something like his best in second. He did not handle the track that well and was staying on at the finish. On a similar surface he could make his mark later in the season in distance events. In third, Sudden Wonder probably stayed this trip but may be better at shorter. Blue Hussar picked up ground from a long way back in fourth. On only his second start, this has to go down as a promising effort. Red Galileo is looking either slow or disinterested, or possibly both. Munjaz took an early tug and was well beaten. Mekong River also failed to fire.

Ascot: We got a master class from Frankie Dettori in the Listed Buckhounds Stakes. He squeezed and cajoled home Gatewood, who was winning for the first time since returning from Australia where he so often battled against unsuitably firm ground. There were no such worries here on a rain-softened surface. Gatewood has been labelled an under-achiever and a confident-inducing ride brought his best to the fore. The penalty beat Pether’s Moon, who had run so well at Newmarket last week behind Gospel Choir. Elidor ran above himself in third. Harris Tweed is not firing on all cylinders as yet.

Amulet, a filly with a proven record on soft ground, made all to win the fillies’ handicap from a mark of 84. Behind Be My Gal at Goodwood last time; although not to be taken literally, her win has paid the winner from that day a compliment. Ribbons stalked the winner but despite coming there strongly, only got going too late. By Manduro, it is stating the obvious to say ten furlongs should suit her better.

Despite finishing second, in what was probably only an ordinary contest, Mubtaghaa just about came out best in the two-year-old event won by Moonraker. The winner had the perfect run and was clear a furlong out, but his stride shortened in the final 100 yards allowing the runner-up and Winslow to cut back his lead.

Having travelled like the winner for a long way, Chatez was narrowly foiled at Haydock by the shock winner Red Stargazer in the Class 3 handicap. They should find something for Showpiece before long, although the jury is out as to his trip. Having looked a seven furlong horse, he did finish strongly over this mile. Newbury winner Matalleb can be forgiven this run. Not beaten that far, his pedigree and action suggests he will always be more effective on a better surface.

May 9th:

Chester Results
Two years ago as a two-year-old, Here Comes When was touted as a horse with classic pretensions. Plenty has happened since. Gelded after his last outing in the Jersey at Royal Ascot; a course winner here, he scooted away with the Class 2 handicap from a mark of 95. Visually attractive in success; although he carries his head at an angle and may not be straightforward, he emphasised the current form of his yard and now faces a hike in the weights. On only his third outing, and on ground probably too soft, Abseil kept on for second and of the two may be the better prospect next time.

Having already demonstrated an ability to handle soft ground, Kingfisher finished off strongly to grab the Dee Stakes. This is not his ideal surface but he does cope with it. He outstayed the penalised Bow Creek to finish nicely on top. Somewhat, also with a penalty, and Century, stable mate of the winner, both stayed on. Century will appreciate a faster surface and could pop up in something at Royal Ascot.

Only four turned up for the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes. Four became two from some way out, when it was a long way home for highest rated Hillstar on ground he doesn’t like. Hard though he and Ryan Moore tried, they could not get to the powerhouse that is Brown Panther. Hillstar probably stayed the trip but he will always be more effective on good (not firm) ground. The winner will now be aimed at the Ascot Gold Cup.

May 8th: Chester: The Group 3 went to Noble Mission, who put back-to-back wins on his score card, once again making all the running. As at Sandown, he kept galloping despite a challenge from Telescope, who was the only credible danger from some way out. All we can conclude is that soft ground and front-running tactics seem to suit Noble Mission, who kept on resolutely. As for Telescope, this tight track and trip was not guaranteed to suit. He has bettered his Sandown run, but not by much and those banking on him realising hopes once held will be hoping a step up in trip will bring about improvement. Last year’s winner Dandana was a distant third in this better field. Ektihaam, already a horse with a chequered career, pulled hard and was soon a spent force. The market told its story and he looks like one to be wary of.

Orchestra claimed the Chester Vase in similar fashion to Ruler Of The World last year. A real eye-catcher by Galileo, he won despite looking slightly awkward on the track. Although pressed to the line by Romsdal – who very nearly stole the race – Orchestra left the impression he was the best in show. He has done well since last year and there is more to come. Scotland ran slightly better than at Newbury but was a remote third. Seagull Star headed the rest in a fair renewal.

Ryan Moore was brilliant on a reluctant Ballymore Castle in the two-year-old event that was run in a rainstorm. Close proximity with a filly accounted for the horse becoming stirred up in the paddock. In the race it appeared he was outpaced and going nowhere until Moore plotted a course one off the outside and drove him up, eventually winning with something in hand. He was entitled to beat London Life and Hell Of A Lord on form so has hardly set the form book alight. The win was all about the jockey.

May 7th: Chester: Despite a 9lbs weight disadvantage with a disappointing Cheerio Sweetie and a wide draw, Mukhmal shrugged off such adversity to defy the market in the Lily Agnes. Fast away, he was too strong for Roudee and Charlie’s Star, who ran better than at Newbury and looks ready for six.

Rain got in pretty quickly and stamina was very much the order in the Cheshire Oaks. Anipa made just about all from Secret Pursuit. In third Bright Approach (whose form was franked on Saturday by Be My Gal), stayed on, leaving the impression she could be the best filly in the field. This was only her second race and she did well considering this represented a rise in class from her Newbury maiden and crucially was found to be coming into season after the event. The Ribblesdale is her next objective. Psychometry was a never nearer fourth, but hers was a satisfactory return. Terrific is probably better than her finishing position but it is stretching the imagination to perceive her as an Oaks contender. Brown Diamond probably failed to stay but her habit of starting slowly and then giving her jockey no assistance makes her an undesirable proposition.

Suegioo won a drama-filled Chester Cup at his first attempt over an extreme trip. Dashed to the front from right out the back, Angel Gabrial threatened to take out the winner when veering right a furlong out when clear. Communicator stayed on for third, ahead of Mubaraza, who, not for the first time, travelled strongly without finding too much.

The best we could have said for Sir Maximilian before the class 2 sprint handicap was that he runs well fresh and handles cut. He picked up the trailblazing duo of Caspian Prince and Ballista.

A babyish and staying-on fifth in the Wood Ditton, Prince Of Stars looked as if the penny is dropping when running out an easy winner of his maiden. His opponents were moderate but he is potentially much better.

Swan Song, Masamah and Trinityelitedotcom, the front three throughout, took the sprint condition event by the throat from the start and dominated. Swan Song picked up Masamah inside the last furlong. Lucky Beggar could never go the pace but was free on his way to the start in any case.

Storm Force Ten continued the good run of the Andrew Balding yard with a narrow win in the Class 3 handicap from a mark of 79. Captain Morley and Swivel filled the places in an ordinary handicap.

May 4th: Newmarket: A tough looking Class 2 handicap ended up being all about Mighty Yar, who had lost his unbeaten record in the listed Further Flight at Nottingham in the soft over 1m 6f last time. According to his jockey (the admirable Ryan Moore) he was struggling to an extent on the quickening ground today, but found his stride up the hill. Confidently handled he got up close home. A mark of 89 will be revised to something in the low-to-middle nineties, which should not preclude further success. By Teofilo, 1m 4f may be his trip for now, although something like the Ebor could be on the agenda. He also holds an engagement in the Hardwicke but plenty of improvement is required before he could be seriously considered for that. Miss Marjurie and Amrullah were next to finish ahead of Rosebery winner Salutation.

In a close scrap for the Group 3 Dahlia Stakes, Integral went down with all guns blazing to Esoterique. To an extent Integral compromised her chances by getting fretful and warm beforehand. Once launched, she finished very strongly. Fancied to open her account for the season, this was a fair enough reappearance and one that suggests she will make her mark in similar events later in the year.

Last year’s Oh So Sharp Stakes supplied all the answers to the 1000 Guineas. But for a dubious reappearance at Maisons-Lafitte in the Imprudence, Miss France, winter favourite for this, would have been a warmer order but her attitude that day did not please everyone when she pulled too hard and looked recalcitrant. She was a different filly today, roaring up a hill she is familiar with to withstand Lightning Thunder. A strong daughter of Dansili that was always prominent, her trainer is adamant she will stay further and the Prix Diane is likely to be her next assignment. Lightning Thunder had gone over the edge on her last run of the 2013 season but returned with renewed vigour here. Best fresh, a filly with plenty of depth, she almost stole the race and should be primed for a lucrative season; although, of course, she will be contesting all the best races. Dual Meydan winner, Ihtimal put up her best performance in third. Allowing for the fact she was match-fit it could be we should not expect any further improvement. Pace-setting Manderley (fifth in the Fred Darling) proved a revelation in holding on for fourth. Euro Charline reversed Nell Gwyn form with Sandiva in fifth ahead of Majeyda, another to figure prominently from the same event. Rizeena looked very well but could not confirm juvenile form with Ihtimal in seventh. Vorda proved she stayed but, although ahead of Miss France at Maisons-Lafitte, was unable to beat her today. Joyeuse was not ideally placed at the rear considering the early pace was not fierce, but she did finish to a degree, running out of puff in the last furlong. It could be she has not quite seen out the trip. Tapestry lost her action at halfway and appears to have sustained some sort of setback.

As the only filly, Elite Gardens deserves credit for holding the colts in the juvenile event. She became Godolphin’s first two-year-old winner of the season, responding to Fallon’s urgings as Aktabantay staged a late lunge. Symbolic Star was third in a race that should throw up the odd winner.

It’s been a tough weekend for the message men. Taghrooda redressed the precarious balance to a degree when winning the Pretty Polly. By Sea The Stars (who could be one of the stallions of the year) out of Ezima, on ground considered by her trainer to be firming up to the tune it could be against her, Taghrooda eased clear of only fair opposition to win impressively. She is now favourite for the Oaks have skittled Jordan Princess and Sound Reflection.

Zee Zeely may have been fortunate to win the Class 2 handicap, although he is currently fairly treated from a mark of 79. The articulated truck that is Miner’s Lamp did particularly well to stage a last furlong challenge considering he pulled much too hard early and refused to settle. Despite a steadier of 95, he has plenty of scope if only he can learn to pull himself together.

May 3rd:

Newmarket Results
Niceofyoutotellme kicked off the Guineas meeting with victory in the Class 2 handicap. Best when fresh, a horse with dodgy feet but that likes Newmarket, he held on in the face of a late challenge from Ajmany. Always well thought of but lightly raced, Ajmany should win something decent before long if standing training. Bold Sniper was coming back in trip and made up a lot of ground to challenge inside the last furlong. Trumpet Major travelled like the winner from the dip; either his weight (rated 106) or the trip found him out as he failed to find what was expected in the last hundred yards. To give him the benefit of the doubt maybe nine furlongs was too far, but he has disappointed in the past and is not one to plan a holiday over. Farraaj was another to carry a big weight with distinction in a handicap worthy of its status.

On drying ground, after two spins at Meydan, tough warhorse Sole Power claimed the Group 3 Palace House – a race he won last year. Once hitting the rising ground his finishing kick was decisive. Kingsgate Native was a narrow second, ahead of pacesetting Hot Streak, who has performed well for a three-year-old against such experienced rivals. Pearl Secret never looked happy on this ground – he needs cut.

After a run that oozed promise over nine furlongs at the Craven meeting, returned to a more suitable trip in the Group 2 Jockey Club, we saw Gospel Choir at his best. This was a canny piece of training and his handler can conjure yet more from this highly likeable son of Galileo who may be Group 1 bound. In second, Pether’s Moon was another to produce a personal best. 10lbs clear in the ratings, Trading Leather was a warm order but failed to relax and consequently found little at the business end. Yet to win first time out, he may do better next time but his reputation is built on his three-year-old career. He now faces opposition that threatens to be much better than those he battled with last season. It could be a long year for him. In fifth, hindsight suggests they were plenty quick enough to contest such a level with Brass Ring. His was a decent enough run but unfortunately a mark of 98 will surely be sacrificed now, thus precluding high-profile handicaps.

Night Of Thunder, the horse that burnt fingers at Newbury when comprehensively beaten by Kingman, gained spectacular revenge in the 2000 Guineas. Despite swerving across the track he was too good for Kingman today, who may not have been quite so effective over a mile. Take out the winner and the right horses all filled the places in this first classic of the season. Night Of Thunder, unbeaten before Newbury, may be a very good horse; there seems no logical reason to crab his win – it was merely a surprise! Australia came out best of those on the stands’ side, producing a mighty effort in third considering his relative inexperience. Obviously the Derby looks a credible target. Free Handicap winner Shifting Power ran a big race in fourth. Charm Spirit, Toormore (jockey claims the horse ran flat but that remains to be seen – he was only beaten four lengths), War Command and The Grey Gatsby all appear to have run well enough from this viewpoint. Those that are in a rush to extract Australia from the race for Epsom might like to have a look at the run of Kingston Hill. Outpaced early he was staying on strongly over the last furlong. The fact he has yet to find his feet at home has been well documented and there is every chance this run will pull him together.

The handicap won by Nova Champ did not look that strong. He made all in first time cheek pieces, but will not be allowed so much rope next time and off a revised mark.

A very good looking field lined up for the Listed event, ultimately dominated by one-time classic prospect Barley Mow. Making all, this son of Zamindar seemed to thrive over this trip of ten furlongs. After a couple of indifferent efforts this season, perhaps this trip is the making of him. He is a fine-looking specimen. Beaten in a decent maiden at Newbury, Mutakayyef almost snatched victory and was not helped by receiving two bumps at the business end. Again, this trip has brought out the best in this son of Sea The Stars. Although he looks a handful, Pinzolo held on to third ahead of Postponed. After such a promising run in the Craven it was disappointing Postponed could only manage fourth. This trip was in his favour but, to be frank, he looked a trifle one-paced. On the back of a strong handicap here last time, Cloudscape was put in his place in this better company. It would appear after an early season rampage the Gosden yard is now finding a more realistic level.

Hors De Combat was a ready winner of the concluding handicap. Tackling a mile for the first time seemed to suit. He travelled strongly and produced a decent turn of foot. This looked a decent race. Born In Bombay, who has fancy entries, looks like a well handicapped horse that can win something decent before too long. Not for the first time Golden Town proved to be his own worst enemy. He again failed to keep a straight course and needs to sort out his attitude if he is to realise his potential.

May 2014

Posted on by Bryle

Thursday May 22nd

Goodwood: 2.40: As a son of Danehill Dancer, GOTHIC was never going to be suited by conditions at Sandown last time when fourth to Windshear. Facing an easier assignment now and on a more suitable surface he is taken to recover the winning thread. Fast Delivery was too free at Nottingham when runner-up in a contest that did not look particularly good at the time and that has so far failed to work out. A facile win at Wolverhampton has done nothing to advance his claims in this much more complex event.

3.15: They appear to have found a good opportunity for LION BEACON who, despite a non-staying pedigree, looks ready for a step up in trip after narrowly going under over 1m 7f last time.

Sandown: 5.55: Experience is taken to count here as after a decent debut at Windsor, RUSSIAN HEROINE gets her chance against a couple of attractively-bred first timers.

SATURDAY MAY 17th:

Newmarket: 2.55: Whether Aeolus would have won the Free Handicap with a clear run is debatable; what is beyond dispute is that the form of that event is strong and as a horse on the upgrade, he gets the clear scent of black type now in this listed event. He is taken to overpower Toofi and the consistent but somewhat exposed Parbold.
3.30: Roger Charlton currently fields the front two in the market here. Stomp attempts a hat-trick but faces his stiffest task and may find his stable companion Stars Above Me presenting the biggest threat.
Newbury: 1.30: After a run brimming with promise at Newmarket, despite this looking a competitive maiden, Connecticut is the one to aim at and should be hard to beat.
3.15: Cannock Chase is the one to catch the eye here in this his first venture in a handicap from a mark of 89. Having easily won a Windsor maiden that has worked out embarrassingly well, he could be well-treated. Winshear has been hiked up 11lb since winning at Sandown and will do well to confirm that form with runner-up Collaboration, let alone carry off the prize. As always this threatens to be a tough handicap to win.
3.50: The JLT Lockinge sees the start of the Group 1 season. The form book states that Olympic Glory is at his best on soft ground and with it drying out by the hour, it seems conditions will swing away from him. Add to that a checkered history and he looks like a horse to oppose. This is not the strongest of fields but Verrazano has won approaching a million-and-half dollars in the States where he is a proven Grade 1 performer. This is his first venture on turf but if he is to justify the move to Aidan O’Brien, considering the money that must have changed hands, this represents a soft target and one he will need to make an impact in. Tullius seems best on an easy surface, a remark that clearly applies to Top Notch Tonto. Expect Montiridge to go close on this better ground, but Verrazano looks the horse to run down.
Aeolus and Verrazano appeal as the day’s best bets and worthy of investment.

FRIDAY MAY 16th:

Newbury: 2.00: Hadaatha justified a lofty home reputation when opening her account at the first time of asking at Newmarket in April. A filly with plenty of substance and with a stout pedigree, she should be even better now she steps up to ten furlongs. From a yard whose females can appear revved-up second time and even end up in a stew, it might pay potential backers to check her well-being at the start before making a financial decision.
4.45: After a narrow defeat by Shifting Power in the Free Handicap, if all goes well with Hadaatha, Mushir looks poised to complete a double for connections in this listed event. Shifting Power boosted already strong form when subsequently finishing fourth in the 2000 Guineas and Mushir, a smart unbeaten juvenile who looked as if the run would bring him on last time, is taken to play the speed card against some useful rivals now.
York: 2.45: Tac De Biostron and Gospel Choir threaten to dominate what is nevertheless a strong field for the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup. After two positive efforts this season, including when impressively disposing of better fancied rivals last time at Newmarket, in receipt of 4lbs the progressive Gospel Choir is preferred. Although not short of finishing speed, the son of Galileo should have no trouble with the extra yardage. He is a classy addition to the staying ranks.

YORK SPRING MEETING
MAY 15th:

2.45:
The majority of the Derby money, informed and otherwise, has been for Australia since the 2000 Guineas. By all accounts he has been tearing down the place at Ballydoyle and will line-up at Epsom carrying the confidence of his strong team.
For once Godolphin appears to have a credible alternative in True Story, who takes another step towards a possible showdown with Australia when contesting the Dante.
Based on the performance we saw in the Feilden at Newmarket, he should pass what is potentially a stiffer task now. Particularly impressive at Newmarket, aided by the Fallon touch at home and on the course, he could be Godolphin’s biggest chance of Epsom glory yet.
First things first as the son of Manduro will need to win impressively to warrant serious Derby consideration. No betting proposition at odds-on, True Story, returning to action last month after a nine month absence, should nevertheless make up for lost time in one of the week’s most intriguing trials.

3.15:
With conditions sure to suit and his yard in such good form, Fury is so well in at present he is hard to ignore here.
This listed handicap is competitive but a mark of 95 means Fury is thrown in at the shallow end. The booking of Ryan Moore is an added bonus.
Last year’s winner Navajo Chief has almost certainly been primed for another crack at this, whilst Ingleby Angel and Alfred Hutchinson (needs to transfer all-weather form to turf) are other possibilities, but a double-figure price about Fury is too tempting to resist.

3.50:
This conditions stakes represents a soft target for Middle Park third Justice Day, who ought to be too good for this opposition.

4.25:
In this six furlong contest where we have little to go on, representing stables that tend to send out their debutants firing on all cylinders, on paper the race looks to be between Gaudy and Silver Ranger. Both look certain to appreciate ease in the ground based on breeding.

YORK SPRING MEETING
MAY 14th:

It looks like the long lunches are out this week. York begins its three-day spring meeting on Wednesday and is joined by Newbury and Newmarket on Friday.
Soft ground is predicted for the opening day at York, and when it gets soft on the Knavesmire it can get very cloying. The first two events are tricky handicaps.
After a blank second-season and a run of some promise first time this year, Blaine could be well-treated in the 2.15. However, his pedigree and overall record does not give rise to encouragement on this sort of ground. Representing an in-form yard and with a run under his belt, Baccarat will handle conditions (draw to be okayed) so is probably a safer call, but there are numerous dangers – not all of them equine.

On a day likely to be dominated by those coping with conditions, impressive Kempton winner Queen Of Ice looks guaranteed to thrive on the ground in the Musidora at 2.45. An entry in the Ribblesdale indicates connections feel confident she will stay this trip at least. The way she made all last time (admittedly against three rivals where she was allowed to dominate) indicates stamina should not be a problem here. Cambridge is another that should have no ground excuses and, comparatively unexposed, she should confirm last year’s form with Regardez so long as returning match fit. Madame Chiang is another proven on the ground but Shama has a pedigree that suggests she may struggle. Although not a confident selection, Queen Of Ice is taken to come out on top.

3.15: As the winner of the Group 2 Gimcrack and Group 1 Middle Park last year, Astaire is the interesting contender in this Group 2 now that he reverts to sprinting. Although worth a shot, plainly the attempt at seven in the Greenham was beyond him and he will be more at home over this trip. Versatile as regards ground, he threatens to be too classy for these rivals, although according to my arithmetic, as a dual Group winner he is saddled with an 8lbs penalty. It is tough enough for three-year-olds to beat their elders at this time of year without the inclusion of such a steadier. Should his class prevail he will surely be tough to beat at the highest level later in the season. The durable Jack Dexter represents substance over style and will be hard to kick out of the frame on ground that suits. Maarek is another that will slosh through the ground and after a run over an inadequate five furlongs at Naas last time, despite his penalty, last year’s Abbaye winner looks sure to make his presence felt. Astaire may be the class act and the one to bag the most prize-money by the end of the season, but faces a tall order today.

3.50: Despite the presence of several lurkers at the foot of the handicap (Idea and Tea Leaf being the most obvious), it is conceivable that we may not have seen the best of Provident Spirit as yet. Closely matched with That Is The Spirit on Doncaster running, Provident Spirit was slow to stride that day and showed he had improved with an easy win at Newmarket next time. The race he won was not strong (runner-up beaten in ordinary company since) but the manner of victory was eye-catching. A big son of Invincible Spirit with plenty of scope, who won on ground that looked on the firm side at Newmarket, he has not been unduly assessed with a mark of 87. He could be too good for most of these.

The card ends with a hard-to evaluate two-year-old event and a tough-looking handicap that should have bookmakers rubbing their hands in anticipation.
In all, a day for caution…

TOTESCOOP SATURDAY
– MAY 10th:

HAYDOCK: 2.25: As always this is a trappy three-year-old handicap complicated by the inclusion of several unexposed types. Having won in style last time at Epsom, it appears we have not seen the best of Chatez as yet. Unless taking on a real tartar, a mark of 86 still gives him every chance in handicap company.

LINGFIELD: 2.20: Criteria has always appealed as a long-term project after what was a promising debut at Goodwood back in September last year. Although held by Casual Smile on a subsequent run at Newmarket later that month when both were behind the new Oaks favourite Tagrhooda on the same course, she has plenty of scope and this trip – over which she won at Kempton at the end of April – brings out the best in her. It could also be significant that stable jockey William Buick elects to come here to partner her rather than ride at Ascot.

2.55: The inclusion of two Aidan O’Brien runners [Mekong River and Blue Hussar] further complicates the colts’ Epsom trial. Munjaz duly won his maiden at Newmarket at the Craven meeting but as yet does not appeal as a horse with classic pretensions. Apparently Hartnell finished distressed at Epsom last time so should possibly be assessed on his other runs, in which case he should go close. This trip will pose no problems for him, whereas Sudden Wonder may find this stretching his stamina to the limit.

4.00: With a proven record on easy ground, the mere presence of progressive Dalayna from a powerful French stable is enough to strike fear in the hearts of her opponents. She looks a major player, particularly with a run already under her belt this year.

ASCOT: 2.40: After such a good run last week at Newmarket when runner-up to Gospel Choir, Pether’s Moon will be a popular proposition to many in the Listed Buckhounds Stakes. On the face of it there was nothing wrong with that reappearance, particularly as he had Trading Leather behind him. However, last year’s Irish Derby winner did pull himself out of serious contention early and, although only penalised by 3lbs, such an added burden threatens to stiffen this task. An on song Harris Tweed would pose a serious threat and Gatewood, although held by Area Fifty One on Doncaster running, has always left the impression he is better than we often see and that one day he will put it all together.

3.15: This stiff mile should suit Ribbons, whose comeback effort at Kempton in April suggested she would be hard to beat next time. This return to handicap company should suit her.

3.50: It may not be very original but after two excellent runs this season Brownsea Brink gets the call in a fiercely competitive Victoria Cup. A seven furlong winner that was third to Gabrial’s Kaka in the Newbury Spring Cup last time from this same mark, he has to be a leading player at least. Versatile as regards ground and, even with the aid of the valuable Oisin Murphy on board, he still has the beating of Purcell on Lingfield form. He is even drawn ideally in the middle so has plenty in his favour. Finding dangers is not difficult but a short-list of ten is no use to anyone. Granted a trouble-free passage, Brownsea Brink should go well.

CHESTER MAY MEETING – FRIDAY 9TH

Heavy rain has further complicated an already difficult meeting, so it is a case of being ultra-careful on the final day.
2.15: Century has a low and fast-ground action that found him out at Doncaster in the Racing Post and conditions will surely be equally unsuitable today. Stable mate Kingfisher has bits of form and is more likely to handle conditions after a half-decent effort in the Ballysax last time.
2.45: Before the advent of rain this looked a suitable target for Hillstar. As it is Mount Athos is probably a safer option.
3.50: Postscript, Gabrial’s Bounty and Gatepost all represent Dr Marwan Koukash and all have similar profiles in that they look to have been prepared for a crack at this. As they handle the ground, the market will be the best guide.

CHESTER MAY MEETING – THURSDAY 8TH

1.45: Squire Osbaldeston always appealed as the type to do better as a four-year-old. A typical Mr Greeley colt with plenty of substance, that impression was confirmed to an extent with what so far this year looks like an improved record. Although non-handicap form can be deceiving, his latest third to Contributer puts him in here with a solid chance. The handicapper’s reaction in raising him to a mark of 99 threatens to make life tough, but this is not a quality handicap. If he is to defy a revised mark he has a chance to do so in this company.
2.15: After running the opposition ragged at Sandown over this trip, Noble Mission has nothing to fear from Telescope on 3lbs worse terms. Or so you would think. Noble Mission’s past record does not exactly instil confidence that he will reproduce that and Telescope is entitled to improve for his first run of the season. Whether this trip of ten furlongs is the optimum for Telescope has yet to be determined and, as a big unit, the son of Galileo may also struggle with the constant turns of this track. The race is further complicated by the inclusion of Ektihaam, who just about brings the best form to the table. If fully tuned, he would be a serious contender.

2.45: Of course this was the race used to launch Ruler Of The World’s Epsom challenge and if they all stand their ground we once again should see a strong renewal of the Chester Vase. Having finished third in the Ballysax on only his second start, Carlo Bugatti lines up with the sort of profile we are used to seeing from a Ballydoyle representative. He could obviously turn out to be anything and it looks significant that jockey bookings suggest he carries the main hopes of the stable in preference to the promising Orchestra. Seagull Star looks the best of the home team.

3.50: Ballymore Castle took the eye on debut at Newbury and with an ideal draw gets his chance here.

CHESTER MAY MEETING – WEDNESDAY 7TH:

Here we are, the first two classics are behind us and now we start the countdown to Epsom. Although providing clues for the Derby and Oaks, the three-day Chester meeting is a great event in its own right and promises to supply a fine spectacle. Usual rules of engagement apply here; ideally you want a low draw and you do need plenty of luck in running.

As always the meeting starts with the Lily Agnes for juveniles at 1.45. Accorded 9lbs for one-and-a-half lengths with Mukhmal on their running at Musselburgh, the well-drawn Cheerio Sweetie will be popular to gain amends. Ease in the ground should also be of benefit to this daughter of Captain Rio. Several opponents are difficult to assess though. Roudee could be useful in this grade and better was expected of Magical Memory at Newbury in an event that usually throws up a winner or two. It would be nice to hit the ground running, but at this stage a section looks elusive.

The heavy battalions are present in the Cheshire Oaks, Aidan O’Brien looking likely to supply the favourite in Terrific, who is bred to appreciate this step up in trip. Thus far her form is average at best but we all know how fillies can bloom at this time of year so her presence alone is sufficient to instil caution. Although less likely to improve markedly for the trip, Psychometry is a filly with plenty of potential in her second season. Bright Approach’s Newbury form has been franked and as she was not fully tuned that day and will appreciate this trip, is another live danger. Brown Diamond is interesting. Fourth to Oaks favourite Taghrooda in September and then an eye-catching finisher at Newbury in April behind Matalleb and Mutakayyef (who almost denied Barley Mow and several high-profile rivals in a listed event at Newmarket last week), a step up in trip looks likely to suit. If coping with this distance of eleven furlongs, this Oaks and Ribblesdale entry looks classy enough to make her presence felt. Again this is not cut and dried but Brown Diamond could represent value.

The Chester Cup is never easy – this year being no exception. Favourite Mubaraza has a record of running well without winning and looks a weak finisher. That was certainly the case last time at Ripon when he failed to find much after looking the likely winner for most of the way. In any case that form with Angel Gabrial may need improving upon. There is a word for Glenard and course winner Communicator – who is fit after four runs from the turn of the year and represents a yard in sparkling form – ought to go well. Although poorly drawn, the fit Shwaiman, always liked by his yard, and who may be capable of better than we have so far seen, is another to respect.

The Class 2 handicap over five furlongs is another tricky contest. The two to take the eye are Ballesteros –whose last win came here two years ago and ran with some promise last time – and another course and distance winner in Ballista, wearing first time cheek pieces. The draw may scupper Ballesteros – who in any case will want soft ground – whereas Ballista has the look of a horse trained with this in mind.
3.50: Presently we are in the dark as to the worth of the run of Prince Of Stars in the Wood Ditton. The winner looked okay but several in behind raise questions. In any event, there is little to choose between him and Computer. Ghosting’s third at Kempton reads well, but he has been gelded since, wears a hood and a tongue-tie so something of a leap of faith is required for would-be backers.

4.25: Well drawn Lucky Beggar has a favourite’s chance of winning this without looking like a good thing. Trinityelitedotcom looks a worthy alternative in a sprint that could go one of several ways.

5.00: Although he managed to get himself beaten at 1/3 at Lingfield, Anglo Irish has not looked back since, winning two races, including a handicap of only moderate merit last time. A mark of 82 is not prohibitive in what looks like a moderate affair that nevertheless still includes a couple with pretensions to better than we have so far seen.

NEWMARKET – SATURDAY MAY 3RD:

It’s four in the afternoon, the beginning of May.
I’m writing you now just to see if you’re better.
Newmarket is chilly but I like the view cross the Heath.
They serve Adnams and Banks beer through the evening…
In a missive that is primed to break all known rules associated with racing reports, I have started strongly. Some might complain I have already lost their attention along with my marbles. Experts will tell you such posts as the one that follows should only contain three hundred words at most. Admit it; with the allocation of almost a third of my so-called permitted content you are already perplexed. Join the club, most of us wander around permanently perplexed. Do it for long enough and they consign you to a home and feed you clear soup that dribbles down your chin.

Let me therefore explain to the handful of you that are left. It is the Newmarket Guineas meeting on Saturday – but then, being a racing feature, I am guessing you knew that. The opening four lines I chose to use to illustrate that fact are made in homage to Leonard Cohen, who, as far as I know, has nothing whatsoever to do with Newmarket or betting on horses in general. Although, to digress even further, the lyrics of Dress Rehearsal Rag do include the line: Ah, but I thought you were a racing man!

That aside, the lines that introduce this piece are a loose transcript of his excellent and darkly bewitching song: Famous Blue Raincoat. For those in low spirits after events on Saturday, both works of brilliance mentioned feature on Leonard’s CD, Songs Of Love And Hate. Listen to those, Avalanche and Love Calls You By Your Name and your lives may never be the same again!

In an article when I am breaking as many rules as it is possible to break and remain in gainful employment, not having mentioned a horse after, what, at least four-hundred words – it is my intention to go the whole hog. Normally race evaluators sit on the fence as much as possible. Let’s face it, no one wants to look a fool and horses are no respecters of reputations. Most of them fashion a career out of making fools of everyone they come into contact with. Say something won’t win and it will just to spite the one making the prediction. Say it is a certainty and it might begrudgingly oblige, but only after the would-be soothsayer has shed half a stone in liquid weight from his brow.

So for those of us doing the predicting, circumspection (no, circumspection does not involve the use of a scalpel) is the order of the day. Not on this occasion! What follows is X-rated stuff. Move over Leonard, pass the razor blade, I am alongside you.

In another time, if wrong I would risk the stocks or an ordeal by fire – only escaping with my life if right. In itself that is not a good bet. Heads you don’t win, tails you lose. Mercifully, times have changed!

Herewith the secrets of Newmarket’s card tomorrow: The skies are darkening ominously as I write but it is too late now. The die is cast. The pyres are being built; the axe man is sharpening his utensil. Tickets are changing hands for the ceremony at exorbitant rates. Even for those that draw a betting blank, on Saturday, in the event of my failure there is something to look forward to…

3.10: The angle here is to oppose second-favourite Pengai Pavilion whose main claim to fame is his fifth in the Arc behind Treve. As fine an example of Monsun as you will find, he ran as if capable of better at Meydan on World Cup night when fifth in the City Of Gold behind Excellent Result, Songcraft and Mount Athos. That and his Arc effort are fair runs but don’t equate to anything so far achieved by last year’s Irish Derby winner Trading Leather, who, although on past performances needs a run or two before operating at full throttle, is likely to be fuelled-up for this Group 2. Tougher assignments loom later in the year. Trading Leather is not only the obstacle the Godolphin representative faces. Gospel Choir served notice he would be a force in these sorts of events after shaping with promise in the Earl Of Sefton over an inadequate nine furlongs. Although 10lbs behind Trading Leather on official figures, the best of him is yet to be seen. The same remark applies to the highly progressive Brass Ring who is plunged into the deep end after winning a Lingfield handicap from a mark 90 from subsequent winner Viewpoint. Obviously other options exist, yet connections feel confident Brass Ring can acquit himself with credit in exalted company, which is a distinct possibility. So his and the presence of Gospel Choir makes the apparently simple less so.
3.50: The 2,000 Guineas – and the ground appears to have come right for Kingman who, after the performance of his life at Newbury in the Greenham, lines up as the dragon to slay. Australia carries the sharpest lance. Actually, the word is that its point is sharper than one of Leonard’s razor blades. The rhetoric emanating from Ballydoyle – with its intense bloodstock interests it often publicly floats on castles of air – is that we are not dealing with a windbag here. If, as word has it, Australia has the speed to win one of the most competitive Guineas in recent years, we might as well gift him the Derby now and save everyone else the bother. Toormore, Charm Spirit, the notoriously lazy worker that is War Command (ten lengths behind Australia on his latest breeze-up), Outstrip, Noozhoh Canarias and even Ertijaal all have claims, are not slow and are not racehorses as a second career. But apparently they face a monster.

To complete the portfolio, word has it that, even allowing for the fact he is not prone to exert himself in the morning, Racing Post winner Kingston Hill is more inclined to read the paper in the mornings than contribute to its headlines. The current score at his stable is: Tiddles the cat six – Kingston Hill nil!

So it’s AUSTRALIA. Kingman is a fair favourite but the obvious is not always the answer.

A second and equally appealing betting opportunity presents itself an hour and ten minutes later in the Newmarket Stakes where we see the reappearance of Craven third Postponed. Having looked like a possible Group 1 contender after freewheeling home behind Guineas candidate Toormore over a trip patently short for him, the son of Dubawi gets his chance to confirm that impression over this trip of 1m 2f. Of course he takes on the highly likeable Cloudscape, whose form from the same meeting when beating subsequent Sandown winner Windshear reads well and makes him a serious adversary. However, if POSTPONED is to become the horse he has looked on more than one occasion, he should be up to beating the respected but, as yet, comparatively unproven (at least in this company) Cloudscape. On a day when I am wearing a hat emblazoned with the words DOGMATIC – I suggest, in a race that is hotter than a vindaloo on a Friday night, the rest, decent though they may be, can be disregarded.

So there it is: the man that is temporarily out of range acquires bravery beyond his mettle. Between now and that last pint of Adnams I have a couple of answers. I only hope I turn out to be a prophet of fortune rather than doom…
Threatening letters to the usual address in Switzerland please…