March 29th

Meydan Results

As one season started with Doncaster and Kempton, World Cup night signified the end of another in Dubai.

Variety Club made up for his blip last time, returning to winning ways in the Godolphin Mile. Able to get across from an outside draw, he made all. He and runner-up, last year’s winner Soft Falling Rain, were the first two throughout. We know a bit about Soft Falling Rain; Variety Club is out of a similar mould.

Flotilla flew late to grab third, just ahead of Gold City and the useful Japanese horse Brightline, who, posted wide, was prominent throughout only to tire in the last furlong. Shuruq was muscled out of contention from her double-figure draw. All her best form is on an artificial surface.

Cavalryman looked unlucky in the Dubai Gold Cup but to an extent he was the architect of his own downfall.

Once they quickened with five to race he was off the bridle and outpaced; only finding his stride down the straight when it was too late. This is not the first time he has failed to deliver.

Certerach was the beneficiary, getting first run and holding on. Star Empire was a decent third; earlier form with the winner suggesting they have run as they should.

Ernest Hemingway can be marked up after getting chopped for room but still moving forward when most were on the retreat. Something awaits him in the near future. Dabadiyan finished reasonably well whilst Songcraft looked a non-stayer. Simenon (not suited by the way the race was run but even so dropped out very quickly) and Saddler’s Rock both underperformed. The years may have caught up with them both.

Toast Of New York – winner of two events at Wolverhampton going into this – sprung something of a surprise in a cut-and-thrust UAE Derby. He did get the run of things whereas several rivals were toiling after a gruelling set of fractions.

Asmar was slow to stride and posted wide for most of the trip. Under the circumstances he has run well to finish second. He has improved with every run this season.

Emirates Flyer was another to shrug off a rough passage in third. Giovanni Boldini, unluckily touched off by Outstrip in the Breeders’ Cup, never really found his stride but did finish down the straight to force a photo for third. Long John could never get involved.

The bullet that is Amber Sky blazed from the start of the Al Quoz, shooting away and maintaining a searching pace throughout. He had looked very quick in Hong Kong and again here. Over the minimum and on a fast surface, he is very hard to peg back. That should be borne in mind if he turns up at Royal Ascot.

Ahtoug, who has held his form throughout the Carnival, just outpointed Shea Shea in second. Shea Shea is not making things easy for either himself or his jockey these days. Plum last after a casual break, he did claw back ground but to get up he needed Amber Sky to stop.

After victory in the Al Quoz, Hong Kong doubled up in the Golden Shaheen when Sterling City was stroked home by the excellent Jose Moreira, picking up his fellow-countryman, Rich Tapestry. On fresh air in the last hundred yards, Rich Tapestry is better over five.

Japan has another serious international contender in Just A Way judging by his demolition job of a top class field in the Duty Free.

Not ideally placed turning for home but possibly helped by the leaders folding off a strong pace, he sauntered to the lead down the straight and was soon clear. The time was fiercely fast. On this evidence, this son of Heart’s Cry is capable of mixing it with the best Europe can throw his way. Given their commitment Japan deserves a star and in Just A Way they have one.

Hitherto unbeaten Vercingetorix loomed at the turn but had no answer to the winner. Even so he was an honourable second and was carried out on his sword.

Dank ran on through a tired field to take third. According to her trainer she will improve for this run, making her a force to be reckoned with in events confined to her sex.

The Sheema Classic was a rough affair – made all the more so by a fatal injury suffered in running by Mars. The ascendency of the East continued when Japan Cup winner Gentildonna beat a strong field.

Cirrus Des Aigles was a brave second, but it still looks as if ten furlongs is his preferred trip. Ambivalent was a surprising third, ahead of the moody starter that is Empoli. Magician got no run but was closing at the finish.

After a dismal day, Godolphin claimed the big prize with African Story. He has had a chequered run into this (reportedly lame last time) and was not an obvious winner beforehand.

However, in a race where no quarter was given, courtesy of a blistering pace set by Mukhadram, not many got a look in. Mukhadram sustained his gallop to the end finishing clear in second.

Once again, Cat O’Mountain left the impression he would have gone close with a decent draw. He finished strongly in third and has now consolidated the opinion that, on synthetics at least, he is a top class contender.

The Hong Kong duo did not act on the track. Akeed Mofeed ran in snatches but kept on at the end. Military Attack was further back. Ruler Of The World ended a wretched day for the boys from Ballydoyle – finishing next to last.

Doncaster Results

When we last saw him Graphic was a much improved performer – winning four on the bounce. His win in the Listed event was the highlight of his progression as he withheld Fencing (entitled to improve for his first run since last summer) and Custom Cut. The winner may step up in trip to a mile and quarter next for the Earl of Sefton at Newmarket.

Oisin Murphy got it right in the listed Cammidge Trophy. On tacky ground he was always up with the pace before driving his mount forward in the last furlong to get the better of a tussle with Captain Ramius. Jack Dexter had his chance and has run well enough in third, ahead of veteran Jimmy Styles. Missing a beat at the stalls and never close enough to land a blow, Maureen deserves another chance.

Once again it seemed as if those close to the pace were favoured in the Spring Mile. Past Lincoln winner, Brae Hill, pulled out plenty to hold Stand My Ground and Yourartisonfire. Richard Fahey, who trained the winner, was also responsible for Farlow who did pick up some ground in fourth, ahead of Showboating, but they finished strung out after these.

Not much can be drawn from the win of Ocean Tempest in the Lincoln. Having made no show in Meydan, he was at home on this ground. Tullius was an honourable second from top weight.

Kempton Results

Tiggy Wiggy had the juvenile race won after a hundred yards. A fast start ensured she got the rail and, cornering well, she quickened off the bend to draw clear. They may not have been a great lot in behind but by all accounts this victory was expected and achieved in a fair time – particularly considering she never saw another rival. It seems reasonable to expect her to win again.

Beaten four lengths by Magician at Chester but not seen since last year’s Royal Ascot meeting, Contributer made light work of the Listed Magnolia Stakes despite looking burly. This win augers well for his upcoming season.

Modernstone rallied to snatch second from Squire Osbaldeston who tired late on. Trumpet Major failed to fire. The trip cannot be cited.

Salutation made all and quickened away from the chasing pack in the Class 2 Roseberry Handicap. Having appeared to have lost his way last season, he had slipped to a reasonable mark – one that will be re-adjusted after this. Grendisar continues to run well and finished second ahead of Rebellious Guest who was given every chance but was beaten by the weight.

Two track records went here, attributable to a strong tailwind according to those at the track.

Trinityelitedotcom was responsible for the second record in the Class 2 sprint handicap. On a day when races were won from the front, he held on from Absolutely So, who possibly got going too late but finished strongly. Hoof It was third in a race where the principals made it all go pretty much according to plan.

Hasopop does not look the easiest of characters to deal with, but in finishing second in the conditions stakes, he still gives the impression a mile will suit him better.

March 22nd:

Lingfield Racing

With the run of the race, penalised Stepper Point lasted home in the listed handicap sprint over the minimum from Iftisam (staying on and will be better suited by a return to six) and Even Stevens.

One false step here can mean the end of any chance and well-drawn Ladies Forever (also penalised in that she did not receive her fillies’ allowance) was soon in trouble as she sacrificed her position at the bend, being thrown wide after receiving a bump. She finished strongly but the damage was done. Unlucky today, with the onset of the Flat, there will not be too many opportunities for her at this sort of level in the future.

Considered a possible Guineas outsider, despite the widest draw of all in thirteen, Ertijaal was a short price for the listed over seven furlongs.

Second to Toormore on debut at Leicester and then a six length winner at Yarmouth, Ertijaal – a good-looking son of Oasis Dream that did not look fully wound up – soon negated his draw with an early burst of speed that took him across the field.

Sent on at the turn he failed to stretch away in the threatened manner but did enough to win. Admittedly green and all at sea on this sharp track, he looks more of a sprinter than a Guineas candidate. He could be a decent six furlong horse.

Dundalk maiden winner American Hope was closing fast at the line and could be of interest next time. He should have no problem coping with an extra furlong. The form is anchored to a degree by the third and fourth – Major Crispies and Sir Robert Cheval, although there are races to be won with the latter. A staying-on Expert looks ready for a step up in trip, whilst Brazos was a disappointment. As it stands this is listed form at best.

Robin Hoods Bay created a turn up in the Winter Derby, beating a strong field with a last furlong charge.

Windhoek was unlucky in second. Given a hefty bump at the start that shuffled him to the back, he travelled into the race in very strong style at the turn but had used up too much gas to hold on.

After a rough passage in Dubai last time, he deserves a change of fortune. Fragile to a degree, he is particularly effective on an artificial surface.

Fifth to Shanshaawes at Meydan earlier in the month, Aussie Rules was third ahead of Dick Doughtywylie – who runs well at this track. Last year’s winner Farraaj and Circumvent were next to finish.

Not for the first time, Grandeur, who it seems is best fresh and in top company playing for places, seemed to find this too much like working for a living. Despite his overall record, he is not one to place any great faith in.

Shafrah was too good for his rivals in what looked an ordinary maiden over a mile. With form in the book, this success did not come out of turn. L’Importante, Sea Here and Court Room scrapped it out for places.

Now seven, George Guru will never reach the heights once envisaged but took another step in the right direction for his new yard when holding on in Class 2 handicap from a fast-closing Brocklebank, who probably got going a stride too late. With Spiritual Star and Atlantic Crossing next to finish this was not a bad affair. After a couple of promising efforts of late, Stasio was a tame fifth.

Van Percy started his season in the best possible manner with a win in the Class 3 handicap from a mark of 87. In prevailing in a tight finish over Scottish Star and Swing Alone, he was greatly aided by the valuable 3lbs claim of his able rider.

14th March:

Cheltenham:

JCB Triumph Hurdle:

You need to travel to win a Triumph and on only his third outing over timber Tiger Roll did that throughout, striking the front at the last and forging clear. By Authorized and unraced on the Flat, this inexperienced gelding readily reversed places with Leopardstown winner Guitar Pete. It seems reasonable to expect him to improve again.

Kentucky Hyden (probably better with more ease in the ground) was second ahead of consistent Guitar Pete. Daryl Jacob lost an iron as a result of a snapped leather on Calipto (travelling as well as the winner at the top of the hill) making the partnership unfortunate to a degree.

Calipto deserves another chance at Aintree, particularly if Tiger Roll fails to turn up. Royal Irish Hussar has yet to recover his early season form, although, in finishing sixth, the signs are he may be on the way back.

County Hurdle:

In a fiercely run event, dual Cheltenham winner Lac Fontana swooped late to supply Paul Nicholls and, perhaps more importantly, Daryl Jacob with their first winner at the meeting. Lac Fontana (eighth in last year’s Triumph Hurdle) clearly likes this track.

Lightly raced Arctic Fire continues to improve and arrived at the last to throw down a major challenge that was only just foiled.

Montbazon came back to his best with a massive run in third. Fourth in the 2012 Supreme Novices’ and stuck in the mud at Newbury when needed it on his belated return in the Betfair, this was a step in the right direction.

Diakali (third behind Jezski in a Grade 1 on his latest outing) was an honourable fourth from top weight and a mark of 154. In fifth, Flaxen Flare was another to lend added credence to a strong event. An always prominent Cheltenian weakened rapidly approaching the last and was pulled up but apparently returned sound.

Albert Barlett Novices’ Hurdle:

Heralded as the novice banker from the stable that had already gobbled up the Supreme and the Neptune, unbeaten Briar Hill wins no prizes in the parade ring. An old-fashioned jumper to look at, he fell five out: sufficiently far out to prevent any conclusion.

In a race that was run at a fast pace and turned into last man standing, Very Wood, beaten three lengths by Briar Hill last time when in receipt of 7lbs, outstayed his rivals up the hill. Deputy Dan looked all set for victory when kicked on at the turn, but he jumped the last in the manner of a tired horse, struggling on for second.

Apache Wood, who was second to Briar Hill in the race mentioned, should have confirmed places with Very Wood on 3lbs better terms. He ran on for third, emphasising the worth of the Punchestown event Briar Hill won.

Looks aren’t everything and it would be premature to decry Briar Hill. His jumping had looked suspect to some in Ireland and perhaps that is the chink in his armour. Champagne West was fourth ahead of Masters Hill. Kings Palace tried to win the race the hard way by making the running. This is his style of racing but he flattened very quickly at the turn, eventually suffering an exhausted fall at the last. Were it not for the fact he has won over this trip, you could be forgiven for assuming failed to stay. Only eight out of eighteen finished.

Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup:

There have been some who-would-have-thought-it results to this race in its history – we had another here. Fast ground took its toll on the day. Essentially they were going off too quickly and front-runners were not getting home.

Once again they went off like hot butter slipping from a knife. Having hacked round comfortably for a circuit, Last Instalment (a soft ground horse) was already beginning to crack when unseating approaching the top of the hill. The incident probably did him a favour as it later emerged he had broken down. Gradually the complexion of the race changed.

Six broke clear on the approach to the last, where it seemed as if Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth were about to fight it out; in the event both were unplaced. On the clamber to the line, Lord Windermere – last for most of the way but out of the scrum up front – began to close.

Under a hard drive he short-headed On His Own with The Giant Bolster a close third. Next came Silviniaco Conti and a veering Bobs Worth – who probably felt the ground. Lyreen Legend made up the sextet.

Lord Windermere won last year’s RSA from Lyreen Legend, form that hardly entitled him to win a Gold Cup – but that is often the nature of this event. It was a messy finish that prompted a stewards’ inquiry. Without being rude, from a form perspective, the final ruling makes no difference.

As Gold Cups go, this ranks as one of the worst we have seen; therefore the door is open for a new order to break through the ranks next year.

Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle:

Late-developer Full Shift, raised 11lbs for easily snapping up a so-so handicap at Kempton last month, was the market order. He was always struggling against much stiffer opposition and having dropped away three out, did run on again through some very ragged opposition. Presented with something of a baptism of fire, he should not be judged too harshly.

Don Poli provided another Irish winner, staying on too strongly for Thomas Crapper.

Having given the field a fifteen length start, Urbain de Sivola got into contention at the top of the hill and eventually finished fourth. It was a long way back to the fifth horse, One Lucky Lady. Full Shift was not the only disappointment. The Skyfarmer and Vieux Lion Rouge also found this too hot for their liking.

Grand Annual Chase:

The final drama of the meeting belonged, as it started, to Davy Russell. Savello provided his third winner on a day he and connections will not forget. Carnage ensued in behind in an X-rated contest. Next Sensation was mowed down after cutting out so much of the running, eventually finishing fourth. There is nothing to take from this, except to state how easy this game appears when you are winning and how difficult when you are not.

13th March:

Cheltenham:

JLT Novices’ Chase:

Approaching the last there was inevitability about victory for Taquin Du Seuil who, needing all McCoy’s strength on the run-in, gradually overhauled his rivals.

A big lump of a horse and once considered as an Arkle candidate (for which he was joint favourite at the start of the season), he was beautifully handled and balanced despite looking awkward at times. This trip of 2m 4f is ideal at present.

Despite a shaky round of fencing last time at Warwick Uxizandre jumped boldly and well in the lead, only surrendering the advantage close home.

Double Ross was a gallant third. He is holding his form well throughout the year and handles this track. Wonderful Charm appeared to underperform but did plug on to finish upsides Felix Yonger. Oscar Whisky was an early casualty and Djakadam, although not a natural round here, was still in contention when getting caught out by the fence at the top of the hill.

Pertemps Final:

The two top weights fought out a desperate finish, Richard Johnson excelling on Fingal Bay in the closing stages to lift his tired mount to the line after fluffing the last and being headed.

Winning this from a mark of 148, handicaps are probably off the agenda from now on. Narrowly touched off in second, Southfield Theatre was caught on the line. Eleven-year-old Pineau De Re was third. Although out of the money, Broadway Buffalo was a lot closer to Fingal Bay this time, presumably more at home on this sounder surface. On similar ground, it is possible he may go well at Aintree.

Ryanair Chase:

Back to his best, Dynaste gained revenge for defeat in this last year with a massive victory and making that abysmal Boxing Day run history.

As a horse that stays three miles, they went plenty quick enough for him but his jumping stood up and as stamina came in to play he got ever closer, winging the last and, perfectly delivered by Tom Scudamore, taking it up halfway up the run-in.

Hidden Cyclone was a decent second ahead of Rajdhani Express. Hunt Ball ran above himself in fourth and there might be a payday in him before the close of the season.

Ladbrokes World Hurdle:

One of the races of the meeting was dominated by the two six-year-olds in the field. In a strong renewal of the event, More Of That spearheaded the new order.

Unbeaten, he started the year with success in a handicap at Wetherby from a mark of 130 and ran to something like 165 here. The sky would appear to be the limit.

Annie Power travelled strongly if a little too keenly early and delivered her challenge at the last, only to be beaten by a stronger individual. She has done nothing wrong and further options are open. She has stayed but at this level it may pay to revert to shorter. She will need time to recover from this.

Putting some indifferent runs behind him, At Fishers Cross was third. Zarkandar picked up the pieces in fourth, ahead of Big Buck’s, who ends his career with an honourable effort. Last year’s Neptune runner-up, Rule The World was only just behind him in sixth.

Byrne Group Plate:

A strong-travelling Ballynagour struck late to deprive Colour Squadron at the last. Not always the most consistent of characters (apparently he had been known to bleed), the winner dotted up on this occasion.

Colour Squadron looked the winner for a long way; once again he was a bridesmaid. He had no answer to the winner’s sweep up the hill but is his own worst enemy. Tatenen and Johns Spirit were next to finish at one of the lesser events at the meeting; although Third Intention is worthy of a mention in his first handicap as he ran well enough from a mark of 143.

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Cup:

Spring Heeled was a somewhat fortunate winner of this.

Cause Of Causes travelled sweetly throughout despite having to check on more than one occasion. Coming to win at the last, he ploughed through it. Gathered together by Nina Carberry, he closed the winner down but the damage was done. In a race strewn with error, Indian Castle’s mistake at the last – when already beaten – prevented him from obtaining a possible place.

March 12th:

Cheltenham:

Neptune Novices’ Hurdle:

The same firm – that of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh – responsible for Vautour in the opener yesterday, repeated the dose with Faugheen.

Always handy, despite indifferent hurdling at the third and second-last, he was sent on at the turn, soon had his rivals in trouble and flew the last.

Apparently Faugheen is not the easiest horse to train, but he maintained his unbeaten record without too much trouble here, landing some sizeable bets in the process.

Ballyalton was second and Rathvinden third. Red Sherlock was a disappointment. Based on their running at Cheltenham in January he should have been much closer to Rathvinden than the fading dot in the distance he became.

Killala Quay and Twelve Roses came next ahead of Lieutenant Colonel, who looks more of a chaser. Well-touted Cup Final was a big disappointment. Although it was asking a lot for him to win, he could never go the pace and his hurdling was sketchy. Better was expected and will surely be forthcoming in time.

RSA Chase:

In a race run at a breakneck pace, on only his fourth attempt, O’Faolains Boy came out the best of a depleted field. According to Barry Geraghty, he was on and off the bridle throughout but he knuckled down in a war of attrition on the run-in.

Smad Place was runner-up ahead of Morning Assembly. Ballycasey was an always prominent fourth. He weakened quickly in the manner of a non-stayer.

McCoy worked wonders to get Carlingford Lough into contention. The horse did not take to the track and looked ill-at-ease on the ground. He made a succession of mistakes yet McCoy crept into contention running down the hill. Unsurprisingly, Carlingford Lough ran out of gas over the last two. There was carnage in behind. Corrin Wood went off too fast for his and everyone else’s good. Black Thunder brought down Many Clouds (was not going that well at the time); Don Cossack and Le Bec were next to go.

Coral Cup:

After a narrow defeat by Saphir Du Rheu in the Welsh Champion Hurdle, with a 5lbs claim all but negating a 6lbs rise, Whisper continued an upward curve with victory off 153.

Always travelling strongly, Whisper – a model of consistency this season – rose to the occasion when hitting the front approaching the last and regaining the lead close home when headed by Get Me Out Of Here. The Henderson stable has gone close on a couple of occasions already this week; this result turned the tide. Connections are already excited about the winner’s prospects over fences next season. Bayan and Smashing came next ahead of Dell’ Arca.

Queen Mother Champion Chase:

Two words sum this up: Well Done! Well done to Sire De Grugy and all those associated with him.

Well done to Gary Moore for deflecting the slings and arrows from those that decried his horse’s chance over this track and for preparing him to beat his left-handed hoodoo.

Well done to Jamie Moore for keeping a cool head and giving the horse a championship ride.

Well done of course to the horse for coping in the heat of battle.

Somersby and Module (much improved this season) were next to finish. Captain Conan was beaten after two fences and pulled up pretty soon after. He was found to be lame behind.

Hinterland was brought down by Bally Green. But this was all about Sire De Grugy who has won the last seven out of his eight races and can be rightfully referred to as the two-mile champion.

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap:

The dual purpose High Chaparral gelding, Hawk High sprung something of a surprise in a race where having a bet was asking for trouble. Not an obvious winner, he was probably suited by the faster surface.

On his English debut, Katgary jumped and travelled well and was slightly hampered at the second last and then stuttered into the final flight. On this evidence he looks useful (apparently had tanked at home) and should be winning very shortly. To send Dawalan off at 7/2 in a race such as this was plain crazy!

Champion Bumper:

Unsurprisingly this was a good looking field and one that will probably throw up plenty of winners.

Dermot Weld supplied the winner, though not perhaps with the expected one. By Dansili, Silver Concorde, who likes firm ground, stayed on strongly once he hit the front to defy Shaneshill. Apparently the winner might try his luck at Royal Ascot.

Irish horses dominated here; they supplied the first six home. Black Hercules, who cut out a lot of the running and stayed on resolutely, was an eye-catching fourth. His immediate future is over hurdles.

Of the rest, Vigil, stable mate of the winner but more suited to ease in the ground, was far from disgraced in fifth whilst the four-year-old Modus, who was one of the paddock picks, raced wide for most of the way but still appeared apparently full of running at the top of the hill. He only lost his pitch in the straight but still stayed on under considerate handling. He oozes class and has a future

11th March:

Cheltenham: Supreme Novices’ Hurdle:

Last year it was Champagne Fever for Willie Mullins and the Irish, this year it was Vautour. A touch keen from the start, Ruby Walsh had him perfectly settled and the horse jumped like an old hand – that is with the exception of a minor error at the third last.

All class, he had his field ragged at the turn and a spectacular leap at the last sealed it. The chasing pack was headed by Josses Hill (lost a shoe), with the well-regarded Vaniteux – who is only now coming to himself – in third. Sgt Reckless made up acres of ground to scythe through the field from stone last at one stage to grab fourth.

Luckless Wilde Blue Yonder was fifth with the winner’s stable mate Wicklow Brave sixth. Irving was never sighted with a realistic chance and presumably some explanation will be forthcoming. In truth this was all about the winner who recorded a fast time and looks destined for even higher honour.

Arkle Trophy:

On only his second run over fences, Western Warhorse created a major upset here to grab a last gasp success from the bold frontrunner Champagne Fever.

A fizzy sort over hurdles that has often done too much too soon, he was settled much better by the application of a hood, running down his main rival in the shadow of the post. Talent has never been a problem for Western Warhorse; temperament is the potential barrier and there is no guarantee he will replicate this form.

Champagne Fever had the race won everywhere but at the line. A big chaser that will surely gain compensation for this narrow defeat, he fought off rival after rival with his determined style of running and accomplished jumping.

The much smaller Trifolium did not jump as well as he can but was always shadowing Champagne Fever, laying down his challenge from the turn but lacking the strength to get by. He kept on in honest style to finish third ahead of Dodging Bullets.

Rock On Ruby made a howler of a mistake at the third and was always struggling thereafter. He is not a natural chaser.

Baylis & Harding Handicap Chase:

In a race run at a lightening pace and catalogued with sketchy jumping throughout, Hollywell, last year’s Pertempts Final winner over hurdles, rattled off a three-timer over fences after success this season at Catterick and Doncaster.

Arguably a strong travelling Ma Filleule was a tad unlucky when clouting the third last, which caused his rider to lose his irons. Even so she crossed the last in front only to be deprived in the last hundred yards.

Only an optimist would try to pinpoint future winners from this. The Package did well enough after nearly a year off in third with Green Flag staying on stoutly enough in fourth.

Stan James Champion Hurdle:

This was the day when Jezki finally lived up to the hype.

Having been close to the top guns on many an occasion, this time the cards fell in his favour. Wearing a first time hood, crucially, he poached a lead approaching the turn and stuck on strongly.

Many will feel My Tent Or Yours may have been unlucky. Travelling supremely well throughout, he was not sufficiently slick at the top of the hill or at the second last to close the winner down when needed.

He tried valiantly from the last but Jezski had the race won by then and held on by a diminishing margin.

A horrible fall suffered by Our Conor on the far side knocked The New One back and he did well to claw back much of the lost ground. Again his supporters will cry foul. He was a fast finishing third, so the stage is set with everything to play for should there be a renewal between the first three.

Hurricane Fly travelled strongly but at the age of ten some of the gloss is missing these days and well though he has performed, paydays like this are probably a thing of the past.

OLBG Mares’ Hurdle:

progressive and tough mare Glens Melody – a dual Warwick winner this season – almost foiled stable mate Quevega in her bid for an unprecedented six-timer.

As in last year’s race, Quevega was not travelling from the top of the hill but Walsh gradually nursed her into contention and then, in an emotional finish, ran down Glens Melody from the last. Quevega was returning after her Punchestown win last April. Now aged ten, it could be this is her swansong at the Festival.

Terry Biddlecombe National Hunt Chase:

Three stood out beforehand: Foxrock (best form but unproven over four miles); Shutthefrontdoor (every indication he would stay) and the most likely to handle this extreme trip Shotgun Paddy.

This was reflected in the market. On a faster surface than they were accustomed to, a series of mistakes put paid to their respective chances. In addition Foxrock looked as if he failed to stay this trip of four miles. Shutthefrontdoor was never on an even keel.

Shotgun Paddy did the best of the trio and possibly would have pulled it off but for a final mistake two out. He recovered and was able to launch a final narrowly thwarted challenge.

As it was Midnight Prayer lasted with lightly-raced Suntiep – another to blunder his way round – finishing from out of the clouds to take third. On an easier surface, with youth on his side, he could be the one to take from this.

Rewards4Racing Novices’ Handicap Chase:

A chapter of incidents dominated. Consistent Present View (won two and placed in other three this season) got the breaks and made them count.

Attaglance was unwisely switched by his jockey on the run-in, which cost him the race. Re-aligned, he was closing fast when it was all over.

A mistake at the last prevented Pendra from mounting a final effort in third and Ahyaknowyerself took fourth. A jolting early mistake prevented Ohio Gold from playing any further part. Art Of Logistics made a shuddering error late on. In short this ground found out these novices, many of whom were travelling a stride too quickly for comfort.

8th March:

Sandown Results

It’s difficult to know how good the small field was for the juvenile handicap; all we can say is the winner, Dormello Mo is a lot better.

An expensive purchase from France where he won a small race over hurdles, he left a moderate fourth at Exeter behind him in this. Always travelling, he jumps well and it was plain for all to see he was cantering over his rivals in the straight. A big leap at the last sealed success.

The Imperial Cup was perhaps not as competitive a renewal as some, although the improving Baltimore Rock looked progressive in getting the better of Gassin Golf, who remains a maiden over timber but is doing nothing wrong.

Vibrato Valtat clung on for third ahead of Regal Encore who cruised for much of the way but in this, his first venture in a handicap, failed to find what was expected off the bridle. To be fair he kept on. With his stable not in the best of form, it is reasonable to expect there will be another day.

Wolverhampton Results

Hasopop can be forgiven defeat in the opening event where a wide draw made things difficult. He was doing plenty of good work in the closing stages and a return to a mile will suit. Over a trip that is ideal, Chookie Royale quickened clear on the turn.

Meydan Results

On a star-studded programme, Super Saturday did not disappoint. The opening event went to maiden Asmar who had posted promise on each of his three runs to date.

As suspected he thrived for this step up to a mile and a quarter. Enterprisingly sent on at halfway by Richard Hughes, who was unhappy with the slow early gallop, Asmar soon had his rivals toiling and drew clear in the straight.

Emirates Flyer, who had beaten the winner over a mile last time, was shoved along down the far side. In typical Barzalona style he was asked to swing wide in the straight. Even so he was beaten on merit. A strict line through the runner-up suggests the improving Asmar is not far behind Long John over this trip, so he might give him a run for his money in the UAE Derby on World Cup night.

The importance of jockeyship here cannot be overstated. Once again, a piece of brilliance sealed success in the Group 3 sprint. Winner of this last year and now seven; over the minimum, on a flat track and on fast ground, Shea Shea is a monster.

Prepared to forfeit ground in order to secure the near rail, Soumillon dropped in and then produced his mount to win cleverly. Considering this was his first race of the season, this was an encouraging reappearance.

Ahtoug lunged late in second ahead of Dux Scholar and a closing Sole Power, who, although entitled to improve for the run, will struggle to overturn this form with Shea Shea in the Al Quoz.

Rich Tapestry struck a blow for Hong Kong when claiming the Group 3 over six furlongs. It has been a while between drinks for him but he has acquitted himself well in top grades. Winner of this and the Golden Shaheen last year, after an indifferent comeback run, Reynaldothewizard recovered something like his best form in second.

Complicate maintained current improvement with another solid effort in third ahead of Jamesie, another continuing to thrive in the desert. Jersey winner Gale Force Ten showed a glimmer. The decision to drop Soft Falling Rain in trip was perplexing beforehand – even more so afterwards as, predictably, he could never match strides with six furlong specialists. He was not disgraced however, so after this pipe opener a return to seven or a mile and on Tapeta will be to his advantage.

Not many got into the Group 3 over a mile where Shuruq, on whom on this occasion Barzalona seemed to get things right, ran down hot favourite Variety Club.

Shuruq’s best form has been on an artificial surface although nothing so far achieved matches this. Variety Club was in the first two throughout but looked a tired horse when striking the front. He had no answer to the filly’s closing burst. Capital Attraction and Forjatt (third to Vercingetorix three weeks ago) were third and fourth in a strongly run event.

Not for the first time, Empoli declined to take up his invitation to race, on this occasion in The Group 2 City Of Gold on turf. After a cracking effort behind Tasaday last time his non-participation was a disappointment.

In a typical last furlong dash, Excellent Result squeezed through to grab the spoils from Songcraft (who on level terms with many of these should have been weighted out of this) and a closing Mount Athos.

From his wide draw, Meandre was a gallant fourth with Dabadiyan and Sheikhzayedroad on the heels of the principals. Arc fifth – the bull that is Penglai Pavilion – was turned out looking as if he has done particularly well since last year. He was not disgraced and should improve for this outing.

Considered by many to be a fortunate winner last time, Prince Bishop repeated the dose in the Group 1. In the process he confirmed form with African Story who many considered unlucky last time.

Once again Prince Bishop rewarded Fallon’s bravery as the jockey chartered a bold run up the inner, much as he had done on Excellent Result earlier. Sanshaawes and Surfer were next to finish ahead of Cat O’Mountain who was again asked to achieve the impossible. Behind for much of the journey, he turned for home in an impossible position but grabbed ground on the run to the line. It seems on an artificial surface he is not far behind the best on show. Granted a decent run, he would have gone very close here. This is the second time he has taken part in a horror show for his followers.

Unbeaten Vercingetorix was always in the right place in the Group 1 Jebel Hatta, once again pouncing at will under a shrewd ride from Soumillon. There were a couple of hard luck stories in behind but the common denominator with Vercingetorix is that he keeps winning. He will now head to World Cup night with excellent claims. Vancouverite kept on gamely, depriving Anaerobio of second.

Spencer on Trade Storm once again allowed his rivals too much rope. Mars finished strongly but he is a dodgy character that cannot be relied upon.