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.

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 Far beat 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.

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 Star reappeared 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.