RACING NOTEBOOK

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

RACING NOTEBOOK 2015

January 31st: Sandown: On very soft ground and run in driving rain, after a pedestrian pace, Pain Au Chocolat eased clear of his major rivals to take a major step up in grade since winning at Plumpton. Carrying a 4lbs penalty Old Guard stuck on for second without ever looking likely to trouble a convincing winner. Expensive French import The Saint James, who was keener than ideal, clouted the second-last and was eased down once all chance had gone.

Garde La Victoire ensured a proper gallop in the Listed hurdle. Making the running he was headed by Jollyallan from the last but, responding generously for pressure, he fought back. Jollyallan once again made mistakes (most notably at the second-last). As for Bristol De Mai, for a technical three-year-old, he has run about as well as can be expected. He was taking on battle-hardened older horses here and, despite promise against his own age, he found them too strong.

After a stuttery round of fencing on debut at Limerick, Gitane Du Berlais was a somewhat unlikely winner of the Grade 1 beforehand. Bar an awkward leap at the first, she scooted round this exacting track to make all. Only Irish Saint posed a problem after the Railway fences, but he was legless over the last. Champagne West made a hash of the Pond first time and after several errors fell at the fourth-last. He needs a flat track and probably three miles. Grumeti was a distant third; Splash Of Ginge threw away any chance with a sloppy round of jumping. His trainer has now decided he needs to go left-handed!
These were the major races on a day when arguably racing should not have taken place. Of course they will race on a lake these days. It is dubious whether anything of value was thrown up in the subsequent events.

As a novice, Foryourinformation’s mud-splattered third from a mark of 131 in the Welsh Champion Hurdle [Handicap] at Fos Llas pays a compliment to Value At Risk who had beaten him point-blank at Newbury.

January 29th: Meydan: A winner here three weeks ago, I’m Back was always handily placed in the dirt handicap and only had to be nudged out to double-up. Ten-year-old Tiz Now Tiz Then took second ahead of Artigiano, who appeared to adapt to this his first attempt on dirt. This should have put an edge on him and he should be considered next time. Storm Belt made up a deal of ground to take fourth.

With the benefit of a run under his belt, Ahtoug pounced late to lift the five furlong handicap on turf. Not exactly a prolific winner, he was perfectly delivered by Doyle tonight to head Lancelot Du Lac with Sir Maximilian in third. Second to Hototo here three weeks ago, Fityaan once again got going when it was all over to finish fourth. Apparently outpaced early, he is worth a spin over six. Medicean Man served notice he is likely to play a part in proceedings as the meeting develops when closing on the principals inside the last furlong. With smart form in South Africa, Banaadeer checked out tamely after an eight month absence and was apparently pulled up after crossing the line.

One Man Band held on in a desperate finish with Filfil in the dirt handicap over a mile. Lanark flashed home late for third, depriving Alareef who looked a likely winner early in the straight and probably wants to return to seven.

Cladocera put up a smart performance in disposing of her rivals in the Group 2 Cape Verdi. The result was never really in doubt once she stretched away inside the last furlong – the fit Zurigha the only filly capable of keeping tabs on her from that point. Anahita made a reasonable Dubai debut but it is fair to say this was not the best of renewals of this event.

With Russian Soul and favourite Another Party fluffing the start, well-treated Muaanid had his path greatly smoothed in the seven furlong dirt handicap. He flew the gates and made just about all on the inner. Although tiring at the line, Muaanid hung on by a diminishing margin ahead of Encipher and United Color. It’s hard to be dogmatic – he did recover ground – but the suspicion is Another Party is more of a turf horse.

They rolled out the big guns for the Group 2 Al Rashidiya, which beforehand looked a match between True Story and Vercingetorix. Not for the first time True Story was on his toes beforehand, needing the stalls blanket. Always lobbing, Vercingetorix eased to the front down the straight to win like the good horse we know him to be. True Story did not help himself but we have been on this false trial with him before and once again, racing awkwardly, he was exposed as below this class. Vercingetorix is a monster in this sort of league. Mr Pommeroy, narrowly beaten by Haafaguinea here two weeks ago, was an honourable if outclassed third.

Now seven and dropped into handicap company, after ten months absence, Hunter’s Light came back to winning form in a competitive ten furlong turf handicap from a mark of 112. Jockeys need to be at their best to win at Meydan. Those that hesitate or ride predictably are found out. Riding his third winner of the night, James Doyle can mix it with the best. Elleval was second, whilst Pilote – admittedly not an easy horse to win with – was done no favours by Barzalona – who sat too far from the pace. Although swinging down the straight, the bird had flown. Mushreq finished strongly in fourth – once again, his jockey gifted the winner too much rope.

January 24th: Cheltenham: They loped round for most of the way in the JCB Trial, the race developing as they made their way down the hill. Karezak was in front on the run to the last but hot favourite Peace And Co, who was settled in behind, loomed large and soon put the race beyond doubt. In a farcical event it is hard to be over critical; he did give his hurdles plenty of air and did not look particularly nimble, but without question he has an engine. Beaten six lengths by Bristol De Mai at Chepstow, runner-up Karezak is a fair benchmark. Zarib was a distant third but has run okay in this better grade. Storm Force Ten picked up fourth without telling us much. Bivouac was inconvenienced by the slow pace and a mistake at the last sealed his fate. After his stable’s assertion that he is a long-term project and Cheltenham was off the radar, it was something of a surprise to see him in the line-up.

In contrast to the opening race they took no prisoners in the Class 2 novice chase. Stellar Notion set a fierce gallop he failed to maintain, allowing an always travelling Generous Ransom to ease to the front two out. His solitary mistake was at the last – which he got underneath, but he held on dourly by a diminishing margin. Astigos was second with Irish Cavalier doing well from a stiffish mark in third.

Many Clouds went from the Hennessy to a Grade 2 (carried a Grade 1 winner’s weight) when toughing it out in the Betbright Chase. Always to the fore, he shrugged off Black Thunder from the top of the hill then resisted the strong challenges of Smad Place and Dynaste on the run-in. This was a rugged effort from an improver that has to be rated in the high 160s after this and will go to the Gold Cup with a live chance on similar ground. Receiving 8lbs from the winner, Smad Place sprinted from the last but was not quite good enough. He just falls short of this standard. As always Dynaste did his best. Although it would be wrong to say he failed to stay, his best form is undoubtedly over shorter.

With so many question marks hovering over it, the Grade 3 handicap was an odd affair. Having pulled up in the Hennessy when last seen, Annacotty’s stamina propelled him home in first-time cheekpieces. He shaded veteran Big Fella Thanks close home with a staying-on Tap Night rattling home strongly for third. He could be about to strike. But for a couple of jolting errors, fourth placed Little Jon would have figured for major honours. At present a precarious proposition, if his jumping is ironed out he should win something similar. Easter Day was travelling as well as anything when capsizing at the downhill fence. Easter Meteor looks a doubtful stayer.

A major disappointment at Sandown after two hurdle wins at Huntingdon, Ordo Ab Chao gained his biggest success in the Grade 2 novice over 2m 4f. With top class bumper form to his credit, Value At Risk had the perfect start to hurdles when hosing up at Newbury but found this an altogether tougher task. In front but under pressure approaching the last, he dropped back to third but, helped by the rail, rallied on the climb to the line. Considering this was only his second outing over timber there was nothing wrong with this effort. Vago Collonges was close in third and kept on strongly, as did Robinsfirth in fourth. These were clear of Some Buckle.

Right from the start Reve De Sivola and Cole Harden blazed in the Cleeve, but in the end erratic jumping put paid to Cole Harden as a gallant Saphir Du Rheu ground down a determined Reve De Sivola in a blitz finish. Coming back to hurdles suited Saphir Du Rheu, who was on a crest of a wave when last seen over this discipline. Much happier over timber than he was over fences and now a contender for the World Hurdle, this would appear to be his game for the immediate future. Un Temps Pour Tout did not jump quite so slickly as the first two but was good enough to be in with a shout at the last and was not beaten far in third.

Owing to a low sun they only jumped five flights in the closing handicap hurdle over two miles. With a run-in of close to half-a-mile, Lightentertainment, who has been operating over further, pounced on Dell’ Arca, who, on the opposite side of the track, had his ears pricked and looked as if he thought he had done enough. Considering he is badly handicapped, Royal Irish Hussar ran with promise, but as an ex-Flat racer that was to be expected.

January 22nd: Meydan: Scandinavia rules! Beat Baby opened the card, winning only a moderate dirt handicap over six furlongs from Speed Hawk, who was pulled-up on turf here two weeks ago but came back with a rattling run. They were clear of the slightly disappointing Sholaan, who has a checkered record.

It was slow motion stuff down the straight in the dirt handicap over twelve furlongs. Having made the running Henry Clay (second to I’m Back – form that took a hammering tonight) faded over a furlong out in the manner of a horse that didn’t quite get home. He finished a tired third behind outsider Toolian and Farrier. Busker and Dragon Falls (the others to represent the I’m Back form) were well beaten.

The stallion Street Cry had a field day in the following dirt handicap, siring the first four home. With form at Southwell (a similar surface to this) Hunting Ground landed some thick bets when powering away unextended. He is a big sort, ideally suited to dirt and could easily go further. The two form choices, Cry Joy and Street Act were second and third, although they were unable to pose threats. On his first try on this surface a never travelling Malekov appeared to hate the experience.

Hitherto the winner of only a maiden but placed in top company in South Africa, Umgiyo was delivered late from a fast pace by the excellent Soumillon to win the Gulf News Handicap over nine furlongs on turf. Ocean Tempest and Tenor were next with Our Channel leaving the impression he did too much too soon, although he did plug on. Third to True Story last time, although beaten a similar distance here, Pilote did not exactly endorse that form.

Tamarkuz got it right at the gates tonight and was always cruising in the dirt handicap over a mile. When things go his way, his ability shines through and he was in control here from some way out, leaving Haatheq and Empire Storm to give vain chase.

Stepped up in grade to a Group 2 Safety Check repeated the dose that so successfully banished his rivals in a handicap last time. He races generously with ears pricked; always leaving the impression there is plenty under the bonnet. Once again he found plenty when asked, and further improvement should not be ruled out. His jockey seems to think he will stay a mile. Eastern Rules and Zahee scrapped it out for the minors with Anaerobio shaping as if he might better this next time.

Despite rearing as the gates opened, Al Saham squeaked home in the concluding handicap over 1m 4f. In a slowly run affair he was able to get the better of a tight bunch on the line, holding a late finish from Fire Fighting with Earth Drummer, Eye In The Sky, Excellent Result and Saxo Jack involved in a scrum for the minors.

January 17th: Ascot: On a big day for the Henderson yard, Top Notch provided the ideal start for them in the Class 3 juvenile hurdle. Impressive at Newbury, Top Notch had to be shaken up to dispose of a revitalised Golden Doyen (flopped last time in desperate ground at Chepstow) from the last. Top Notch jumps nimbly and has a high cruising speed, although his stable – that has several higher profile representatives in the Triumph – may feel, however promising Top Notch is, other targets are more suitable.

The novice handicap chase over 2m 3f was an inconclusive affair. Once the pace lifted Traffic Fluide’s jumping deteriorated, maybe not markedly but enough to make life tough at the end of a gruelling contest in unforgiving ground. He was picked off by Kings Lad at the last.

Two consistent mares, Bitofapuzzle and Carole’s Spirit, had a right set-to in the Grade 2 restricted to mares. Although dog-tired after three miles they kept on determinedly despite being out on their feet. Bitofapuzzle’s record speaks for itself – now three from four – whilst the runner-up (four from five over hurdles) was attempting to concede 5lbs to her main rival. Stalwart stayer Land Of Vic finished from off the pace to close down the front two after the last without ever looking likely to make it.

Lyvius looked all set to lift the competitive Grade 2 handicap over 2m 3f when taking it up on the run to the last. He bungled his way over the final flight, allowing a game and determined Baradari to claim victory in the dying strides. This soft to heavy ground appears to play to his strengths. Garde La Victoire was thwarted by his weight rather than his mark. Le Mercurey, who showed little on his debut from France when behind L’ami Serge at Newbury, ran much better from a mark of 144, keeping on for third. There are races to be won with him. After an exuberant jumping display from the front, Rayvin Black ran out of stamina.

So it was Dodging Bullets today – a horse that with the aid of a tongue tie is at last realising his potential. In the straight he proved too strong for Sprinter Sacre and, at the age of only seven, this is his year for Queen Mother glory if he remains in his present heart. Looking very fit beforehand and slightly on edge in the prelims, Sprinter Sacre took a while to find his rhythm, spending a good deal of time in the air at his fences. However, over the last five he began to devour them as he used to, looking set to return with a Group 1 success. Barry Geraghty was suitably easy on him once it became clear that was not to be the case. Just getting him back to action has to be a major achievement for all concerned. Doubtless he will go to Cheltenham. However, one has to be realistic: on this evidence, even allowing for improvement come the hour, he is not the horse of two years ago.

Fifth in the Grand Sefton in December, after a poor run at Wincanton next time, Rebel Rebellion returned to his best in the Class 2 handicap chase. Fox Appeal tried to run him down but a few mistakes in the country combined with top weight made the difference. Eastlake looked dangerous on the turn but his run petered out down the straight. Third was the best he could manage. The handicapper has put the brakes on Niceonefrankie for now.

Out Sam eventually got the job done at short odds in the novice hurdle over 2m 6f but perhaps not in the manner his price suggested. Although class had its say he did get in close to his hurdles early, only asserting over the final two. After wins for Thomas Brown, Tea For Two and Foryourinformation, the form from his Newbury win hardly needs advertising. Perhaps he will improve again for returning to a left-handed track. Stable companion Lessons In Milan ran encouragingly in third and should be winning soon.

The fields were small and the ground heavy at Haydock. With Close Touch ruled out of the four-runner chase by a mistake three out (not travelling that well at the time) Colour Squadron had every chance to play a part. Once and for all we have to conclude he is a dodge. Although only jumping the last in third, he ducked in and looks determined to hang on to his maiden tag over fences.

Although he won the trial, The New One hardly looked like a Champion Hurdle winner in the process. Jumping to his right, despite desperate ground it was hard work for him to collar Bertimont. The runner-up is a splendid jumper of hurdles and it is not beyond the realms of possibilities that he could take a high profile handicap before the end of the season if connections accept he finds this company too hot.

January 15th: Meydan: Two cleared away in the UAE 1000 Guineas Trial: the only four-year-old Ad Idem and a closing Local Time, who eventually nailed the long-time leader on the line. Winner of the Oh So Sharp, a daughter of Invincible Spirit, Local Time handled the dirt surface although she had to be rousted to get up. The way she finished suggests an extra furlong will suit. Good Place reared at the start so under the circumstances did well to finish fourth.

Having finished third to I’m Back only last week, Le Bernardin won what looked a much more competitive heat with authority from Famous Kid and Energia Davos, who was fit from a recent spin at Lingfield and finished as if a bit further would not go amiss. With good local form, Storm Belt who was narrowly beaten for third lends plenty of substance to the event.

Layl won the following handicap with some ease.

Dewhurst fifth Maftool threw away his chance in the 2000 Guineas Trial with a desperately slow start. Gathering reserves he made progress on the wide outside, finishing strongly without threatening to get to grips with Mubtaahij. The moral winner, he was the architect of his own downfall here. Although Doyle was not unduly hard on him he might require a reasonable interval to recover from what was in all probability a gruelling experience on his first try on dirt. He will need to sharpen up at the gates next time. Mubtaahij beat his stable companion – the year older Ajwad – with Zephuros acquitting himself well enough in fourth on his debut on this surface. Volatile (may not have stayed) and Unorthodox looked fazed by conditions.

With good form here, benefitting from a finely judged ride from James Doyle, Haafaguinea was produced to land the turf handicap in the dying strides. Mr Pommeroy (a recent expensive purchase from France) attempted to capitalise on a favourable draw when sent on at the turn. He kept on bravely but was a sitting duck for the closing winner. Star Empire came back to action with a reasonable run in third. Now nine, he should improve for further but time is no longer on his side.

Now nine, the 2013 Golden Shaheen winner Reynaldothewizard roared back to form in the Listed over six furlongs. Heavily bandaged and pottery in his slower paces, he swooped on Muarrab, who looked home for all money when easing to the front in the straight. However, his response was only limited once a determined winner served it up. United Color battled on for third.

Belgian Bill finally got his head in front in a fierce handicap to end the night. Dark Emerald flashed home late on the inside for second. They were packed tightly in behind. On the heels of the principals, Horsted Keynes who had an interrupted passage was not beaten far, should be spot on next time.

January 14th: Newbury: It was a so-so start. After only a fair debut in October at Chepstow, French import Brook was much too good for his opponents in the novice hurdle. Hitting the front over the last he cleared away to beat moderate opposition. With Simba Hills flagging on the run-in, penalised Norse Legend regained second.

Top Gamble extended his unbeaten chase record in the Class 3 handicap from a mark of 143. Making all, he is an economic rather than a flamboyant jumper that put himself right on a couple of occasions. He still looks something of a baby that does things in his own style. Far West tested him the most to finish an honourable second. Money was for debutant Mountain King whose indifferent jumping (underneath a couple, landed steeply at others) compromised his chance.

A commendably patient Barry Geraghty (is there a better jockey riding?) refused to panic aboard odds-on Sugar Baron when it appeared cajoling was not having an effect down the straight in the novice hurdle. Given time, Sugar Baron eventually took control, drawing clear after the last. An Ascot bumper winner over an extended two miles, a neat jumper, he gives the impression he will improve for further. He is in the right hands to realise undoubted potential. Ar Mad set the winner something to do when clear turning in but eventually finished very tired.

Rons Dream made short work of her opponents in the Class 4 novice for mares. She bounded clear of her chief market rivals, Gabriella Rose and Carnival Flag, in the manner of a mare that handled these soft conditions the best.

January 10th: Kempton: As the only winner in the field Officer Drivel conceded 7lbs and upwards to his rivals in the Class 4 juvenile hurdle. This was his seventh attempt over hurdles; he made all and kept on strongly in sapping conditions to hold the filly What A Scorcher, to whom he gave a stone. Hers was a fair enough debut, as was that of Triple Chief in third; although, save from observing the winner had finished fifty-six lengths behind Peace And Co at Doncaster, it is hard to foresee this having any impact on subsequent events of note. Expensive newcomer Race to Glory offered little encouragement for the future, whilst the gambled-on Very Intense – who had finished in front of Officer Drivel at Doncaster – failed to jump well enough to mount a threat.

Aided by the mistake of Cocktails At Dawn at the first ditch on the final circuit, in what looked a two-horse affair beforehand, Cold March had every chance in the Class 3 handicap chase when sent on early in the straight. Not over big he doesn’t get high at his fences but his jumping is adequate. Dog-tired, he was caught in the last gasps by Lost Legend.

Kingscourt Native won a nondescript Class 3 novice hurdle very easily from poor opponents. Sensibly and patiently ridden in the conditions, despite guessing the last he was never in danger.

After his heroic effort at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, Hunt Ball flattened quickly in the Listed chase here. Although he bowled along for much of the way, a combination of a quick comeback (only three runners for £17,000 and facing a weight rise the decision was understandable) along with ground softer than he likes put paid to his chances once the race started in earnest. Young gun Balder Succes was in command down the straight and left to win as he liked from Fox Appeal.

Clearly well handicapped from a mark of 134, the giant Tea For Two romped away with the Listed Lanzarote Handicap. Including his rider’s allowance, he must have thought he was loose. Jumping much better this time, he had a decent field strung out from the turn. Little Boy Boru was second, ahead of Saffron Wells who travelled well but could only stay on at one pace. Warrantor may have failed to stay; Hello George was too keen; Hammersly Lake needs to be cut some slack from the handicapper.

Warwick: Grand Vision jumped the opposition, and ultimately himself, into the ground in the Listed novice chase. Having made the running, he surrendered the lead on the approach to the last when Sego Success steamed by. They were walking up the run-in. Penalised Deputy Dan was third, these three clear of Mickie who, on this evidence, is wasting her time over fences, hardly having jumped one with any fluency.

Jonjo O’Neill seems to be on the way back. Join The Clan became his second winner on the day when taking the Pertemps Qualifier over 3m 2f.

Form horse Shantou Bob was never in a rhythm in the Grade 2, struggling from a way out. He plugged on for third behind Three Musketeers, who has improved a great deal since attaining a point blank success at Wetherby. As this was only his third start and as his yard seems determined to look after him (no Cheltenham) he should continue to ascend the ranks. Ballagh was another to raise his game after a promising debut at Newbury when second to Different Gravey. Jumping fluently throughout, although possibly finding this ground tackier than ideal, he made the winner pull out all the stops. A taking individual, so long as his stable does not reach for the stars too soon he can repay an expensive purchase tag with interest.

The slog that was the Betfred Classic chase over 3m 5f suddenly became a ragged affair from four out. As one by one they dropped away, it was left to last year’s Welsh Grand National runner-up, Hawkes Point, in first-time blinkers, to see it out best.

January 8th: Meydan: The carnival that is Dubai started its 2015 cycle with a dirt handicap over nine furlongs. It is not an event we are likely to be referring to in the coming weeks. It was largely dominated by those fit from recent runs. I’m Back won his first race in two years in defeating Henry Clay. Busker made up plenty of ground; there was promise of sorts by an always prominent Dragon Falls. The experiment of trying El Estruendoso on dirt appeared to fail.

In a keen little handicap over five, Ahtoug found early freshness along with his weight enough to anchor him. He did close over a furlong out but was unable to sustain his run. To an extent Hototo got away from the field. Second in this last year, he finished nicely clear of fast-closing Fifyaan and Caspian Prince. Ajeeb was another to close at the death. Over what was almost certainly an inadequate trip, on this only his second run for new connections, Saayerr shaped with promise. Caught out for toe a furlong out, he rallied inside the distance to finish on the heels of the placed horses. A handicap over six would seem ideal for this former Group 2 winner when with William Haggas.

Back on dirt, Faulkner extended his current run to three in the seven furlong handicap that was run at a breakneck pace. Raised 12lbs since his last win here, he looked in trouble halfway up the straight but eventually pulled clear close home. Tamarkuz flopped from the stalls and made up an ocean of ground on the wide outside to take second from an always prominent Shaishee.

A feature of Meydan is that it often attracts those that have suffered various setbacks or those that teeter on the edge of a cliff. Greek-tragedy from last year, True Story (now gelded and equipped with first-time cheekpieces) is one such example. He returned to action in the Listed over nine furlongs on turf. Once again True Story looked on edge in the preliminaries. However, never worse than second he quickened on at the turn and went clear. This was certainly not an overdue win and although it is early days he may be on the way back, particularly now his optimum trip has been established. If he can build on this, the Duty Free over ten furlongs would be a realistic target. Last year’s winner Mushreq was second ahead of Pilote. Once-smart Be Ready (a flop in the Craven) showed nothing.

Surfer, now proven on dirt, took Round 1 (Group 2) of the Maktoum Challenge, easing ahead at the turn and finding in the last furlong when pressed by Frankyfourfingers. The winner was fit from a recent win on Tapeta, whereas the runner-up – useful in France last season – will surely improve for this outing. Haatheq was third, ahead of Gold City and Emirates Flyer who, to be truthful, are not up to Group 2 standard. Outstrip did not look happy on the surface.

Safety Check was a runaway winner of the concluding handicap over seven furlongs on turf. Relatively straightforward and consistent, he would not have blown out a candle afterwards and could easily defy a rise in the ratings.

January 3rd: Sandown: It was murky and soft here: an early start saw the Dalakhani newcomer Arabian Revolution prove much too good for five ordinary rivals in the juvenile. It was a case of the winner doing less wrong than the rest, most of whom did their best to throw any chance they had away. Rathealy (already exposed as moderate after two runs) was second. Tea In Transvaal provided connections with only a modicum of encouragement in third. The fact the winner was allowed to start at a generous 3/1 tends to suggest such an emphatic win was not expected. Time will tell whether he can cut it against proper opposition.

Against her own sex after her second in the Fighting Fifth, Aurore D’estruval successfully carried an 8lbs penalty in the listed hurdle. Hanging on grimly from Dark Spirit, she has proved she stays this trip of two-and-a-half in atrocious conditions. Having had her career curtailed by injury, Mischievous Milly jumped and travelled (as she invariably does) but blew up after her one chancy jump at the last. Her trainer is keen to emphasise the run will bring her on.

It was heart in the mouth stuff in the Class 3 handicap chase over 2m 4f. Fairy Rath made all and kept on strongly on an already pock-marked surface. There may not be much to take from this, although on only his second attempt over the bigger obstacles Until Winning gave cause for optimism until a couple of novicey mistakes put paid to his chances. He should not be judged too harshly.

Never worse than second, Mr Mole – not the easiest of customers to deal with at one time but on this evidence a reformed character – won his second chase of the year to confirm Exeter form with Brick Red. Recent Ascot winner Dance Floor King made the running and rallied on the run-in when headed. These three were clear – the other four never landing blows.

Only four turned up for the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle. With eleven-year-old maiden Thelordbewithyou available at 500/1, in reality only three were relevant participants. Once a tired Shelford capitulated at the last, L’ami Serge was already powering clear of Jolly’s Cracked It. The winner has quickly worked his way to Grade 1 level on this his third race on these shores. A big athletic individual, L’ami Serge has plenty of class and the ability to quicken which will stand him in good stead for the Supreme at Cheltenham.

With three winners under his belt, Tony McCoy’s mount Amore Alato – second here last time to Snake Eyes – was keenly backed in the Class 2 handicap hurdle but was never dangerous. A feature of the day was how well front-runners did in these conditions and again, Rayvin Black won his race from the front. Balgarry was with him for most of the way and hung on for second. Bouvreuil shaped with promise in third on his debut from France. Only four (in fact biologically a three-year-old) he made up steady ground and should be able to exploit his rating in due course.

The slog that was the day ended with a Class 2 handicap chase over an extended three miles. Having taken something of a thumping, despite squeezing its price bookmakers found plenty of takers for Unioniste who was always in the first four and cleared away from the last two fences. Apparently the plan is to chart a course for the Grand National. Bertie Boru got the better of a separate contest for second, whilst from a mark of 154 on unsuitable ground, top weight Triolo D’alene ran a fine race to snatch third.

1st January: Cheltenham: Prestbury Park rang in the new with a highly competitive novice hurdle – a Class 3 over two and half – a possible curtain-raiser for the Festival that is only ten weeks away. Beaten three lengths by Out Sam when victim of a race-changing blunder at the last at Newbury, Exeter winner Thomas Brown made just about all, fighting back when headed by another Exeter winner, Robinsfirth, over the last. The pair was clear of Zeroeshadesofgrey, who found these opponents much tougher than those he had encountered when running up a sequence of soft victories at Uttoxeter (twice) and Doncaster. As rather feared, Different Gravey was fazed by such exalted company. Green, hesitant at a few of his hurdles, he stayed on in the straight for fourth, leaving the impression he is not yet ready for this kind of test. This track also looked against him. He needs to return to a more conventional course.

The Class 2 handicap over 3m 2f looked a nightmare to solve beforehand and so it proved – providing a 25/1 winner. In first-time blinkers Mon Parrain (not on most short lists) defied top weight to beat the gambled on Our Father. Having travelled like a dream for most of the way, it cannot be claimed – as suspected in this quarter – that Our Father failed to stay. The winner of one chase in his career (at this track), he gave it a go but was unable to peg back the winner. It would seem he is a weak finisher.

It was not all plain sailing for the classy Ptit Zig in the Grade 2 over 2m 5f but eventually his turn of foot, allied to neat jumping, proved crucial. Unbeaten over four races over fences it is impossible to crab Ptit Zig, who has speed to win at two and stamina to succeed at this sort of trip. In would appear the Arkle is now off the agenda. It may be early days but The King George at Kempton looks tailor made. Champagne West, who has competed in his three chases at this course, was much more fluent than when scrambling to victory last time. He made Ptit Zig stretch to pass him but in the end had no answer. Maybe he is an RSA contender. In what amounted to a separate contest for places, Top Totti nicked third from Ned Stark up the hill. Ned Stark lacked the speed to jump on terms with the first two in a fast run race and was burnt off at the turn. He is an old-fashioned chaser that needs a drop in grade and a step up in trip.

This was the day when, having got it wrong last time here, Splash Of Ginge got it all right over fences to land a Grade 3 handicap chase. Always stalking the pace, there was not a semblance of a mistake and he defied a mark of 145 (aided by his rider’s allowance). Hunt Ball turned in a massive effort from 152 to finish second. He jumped well and took no prisoners when taking the lead some way out. Presumably the handicapper will tinker with a mark that is already on the high side, making life even tougher in the future. Caid Du Berlais put a poor run here last time behind him to finish third. Several pricked bubbles could be seen floating over the horizon. Rolling Aces pulled too hard under his young rider to give himself a chance so under the circumstances did well to finish fourth. Tenor Nivernais fiddled his way round. As usual Ericht jumped erratically. Champion Court gave some hope for the future. Baileys Concerto had his limitations exposed.

Money for Rolling Maul (33/1 to 10/1) proved well placed in the Class 2 handicap. He prevailed in a scrappy finish just when Knight Of Noir had poked his head in front. Obviously this was a great day for all concerned with the winner, who raced in first-time blinkers and apparently relished this trip of three miles. Tom Scudamore gave Knight Of Noir (who failed to jump slickly) a wonderful ride from an uncompromising position at the top of the hill to arrive on the run-in with the race all but won. Ulzana’s Raid was a spent force three out; Sybarite gave a moody display and novice Southfield Vic found this company too hot.

The fairytale that jump racing can provide was supplied by Rock On Ruby who consolidated his Relkeel win here in December when cruising strongly throughout in the Class 2 and holding Vaniteux from the last. Giving 8lbs to the runner-up this was a cracking performance from the former Champion Hurdler, who seems well suited by this trip of two-and-a-half these days. Vaniteux was not foot-perfect but arrived at the last only to falter. The way his stride shortened on the climb to the post, it looks certain his stamina gave out. Cole Harden was close up in third, leaving the impression a return to three miles will suit. Beat That travelled and jumped for a long way. Understandably, over an inadequate trip and after a nine month absence, he did fade on the run to the last.