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Juvenile Hurdlers 2021/22

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  • #91
    It is here. Britain's strongest juvenile hurdle ran to date this season is finally amongst us! Make sure you're prepared for this momentous occasion by reading an excruciatingly comprehensive guide to the race

    Market Rasen's juvenile hurdle on the 'Prelude' card was a selling race in 2003. That contest was won by Quick who was bought in for 3,600 guineas ahead of a career which saw him place at the Cheltenham festival. With the exception of 2005, it has since been a Class 2 contest and carries a very respectable roll call that would warrant a title along the lines of the Triumph Hurdle of the Summer. Indeed, 2006 winner Katchit would follow up in the real deal at Cheltenham later that season while Franchoek, second in 2007, and Barizan, winner in 2009, would each finish second in the Festival showpiece. Recent years have been comparatively barren with the latest graduate to reach the front five in the Triumph being 2015 winner Leoncavallo. Nevertheless, the likes of Fox Norton, Cliffs of Dover and Talking About You have emerged from this race to collect pattern races during the same season. This year's renewal looks representative with the field headed by a pair who are each unbeaten in two starts and have some of the strongest form in the division seen to date. Strength is further bolstered by a couple of likely improvers who were placed on their sole starts, and potentially a winning Irish raider. Set in the town where one of the first purpose-built combined fire and police stations in the UK was built, Market Rasen is a fairly tight, right handed circuit with minor undulations. Favouring sharper sorts, its average winners' DIs of 1.31 median, 1.70 mean, are some of the highest in the country and while they drop for this particular contest, this would be more due to class than any real stamina requirements. The clear round rate of 95.74% is fractionally below the national average although it does see more juveniles pull up than standard. Odds-on shots at the course have a 51.22% strike rate but while their record in this contest reads as three losers from as many runners, those with multiple previous wins take more than their fair share of renewals. The ground is currently riding as good and is being watered to maintained. Little to no rain is forecast before post time.

    Caramelised bc Alan King f4-0-0 (73) 75 j2-2-0 (-) 116 120
    Dansili (Cozzene){9-e}(1.67) 2/2 Lord Condi 1st 2m1?f Novices' Hurdle, Plumpton 2018
    On top of being the winningmost trainer of juvenile hurdlers since 2004/05, Alan King has a winner to runner rate of 48.61% and an overall strike rate of 23.39%. His record in this particular contest is also noteworthy as his fourteen runners have yielded three wins (Silencio, Katchit and City Dreamer) and four places including Franchoek and Cracker Factory. This year, he is represented by a Caramelised who has had the race as a target since completing a course and distance double at Stratford five weeks ago. A four race maiden for Richard Hannon, he had finished nearer last than first on each outing and had shown himself a free running sort. Nevertheless, his rating of 73 is well above average for the time of year and is also the highest brought into this contest. Concerns over an inability to settle manifested on his hurdling debut in late July as he pulled hard up to the point he was sent for home. Held up in touch from the outset, he moved to track the leaders going out onto the second circuit and travelled nicely to challenge for the lead entering the straight. Shaken up to take a length advantage on the approach to the last, it took no more than a hands and heels drive to quickly extend his lead and cross the line seven lengths to the good. Caramelised posted a safe round of jumping without being consistently fluent, and the form of the race was boosted when a month later when the runner-up, Fred Bear, landed division one of Caramelised's most recent outing half an hour before he faced the starter himself. Backed as though defeat was out of the question, he went from 4/7 to 4/9 in the ring, causing all his rivals to be squeezed out by his market share. Initially tucked in just behind the leaders, he settled better than he had first time around and though he was lit up after the third, Tom Cannon regained the bit by the time they reached the hill second time; which is also where Caramelised moved stylishly into the lead. Shaken up ever so gently on the turn for home, he entered the straight with an advantage of half-a-dozen lengths and, without any impetus from the rider, that gap was extended to thrice the amount at the line. Apart from getting slightly big at the first and maybe brushing the top of two out, Caramelised put in an exhibition round of jumping that would not have looked out of place during a veteran hurdler's schooling session. Furthermore, the fact that he completed the run-in in a faster time than the previous race while on the bridle shows that he has a tremendous amount of speed for the division. His tendency to race freely might become a concern when the stiffer competition emerges, but he was still better than first time out, which is encouraging given that he is still an entire. The Lincolnshire showpiece was earmarked immediately afterwards and five weeks later, he comes into the contest setting a standard which is the best part of stone ahead of what his rivals have achieved over hurdles. Caramelised's profile is not entirely bombproof however as the yard has gone a fortnight without a winner; although he has not saddled any short priced flops during the period. Furthermore, while he has not gone right handed over hurdles, 41.67% of Dansili's juveniles at Market Rasen have either won or reached the frame. On all known information, Caramelised's exploits and profile give him a healthy cushion over his opponents. Nevertheless, his trainer's recent form can not be completely ignored and as all of the potential challengers have been off the track for at least a month, it is not impossible for one or two of them to have improved in the meantime.

    Sacre Pierre bg Donald McCain j2-2-0 (113) 98 109
    On Est Bien (Goldneyev){8-a}(1.22) 1/1 Gold Tweet 1st Prix Hopper (G3 4yC), Compiegne 2021
    An unraced horse with a good French pedigree prior to making a winning debut at Uttoxeter, Sacre Pierre is a full-brother to the good young jumper Gold Tweet along with two others who have shown respectable form in Apollo Creed and Chuck Bass. Granddam Jance was a good three-year-old hurdler in 1996 while the 1999 Prix Alain du Breil third Kidder appears at 3/1 on the damline. Fetching €8,000 at the Osarus two-year-old breeze up, his trainer Donald McCain has a strong record in the sphere with a 29.09% winners to runners rate, although his best result from three runners in this contest came when Breakfast finished third in the 2018 running. There was not a great deal of confidence in the market ahead of his Uttoxeter bow in late July as he drifted from a morning show of 11/2 before starting the race at twice that price. Nevertheless, he settled nicely in the rear and was not asked to make his move until three furlongs from home. Though his response to being shaken up was not immediate, he got to within a length of the leaders at the last and showed very good acceleration once given the office by Brian Hughes to win by six lengths. The form has since been boosted with Keepyourdreamsbig winning at Worcester next time out. Irishracing reported that Sacre Pierre was "not that fluent", but this does him a disservice. While he was sticky at the second, a bit late at the fifth and got close to the last, his better jumps outweighed his flawed ones and he was actually quite neat by and large. He made his second appearance five weeks later at Cartmel and he set the standard over his three rivals. A solid, long odds-on favourite, Sacre Pierre initially tucked in behind the leaders before going to the front entering the wood side second time round. His early jumping lacked fluency as he was steady and close at the first two before clipping the fourth. However, he soon remembered his job at the halfway stage and was neat over the next three. Though he was briefly and narrowly headed leaving the back, Sacre Pierre soon found another gear to see off his challenger. He did wander quite erratically on the approach to the last, but this was much more likely due to a lapse in concentration than any temperament concerns as he was smooth around all of the other turns, and ran true along the run-in. Beyond his being in good shape and confirming the promise of his debut, not much more was learned from that outing. The form was nothing special, but he is capable of jumping well and is not short of an engine. Still very much unexposed with his yard in reasonable form, it will be interesting to see how he handles this step up in class; even if his bare form leaves him with a bit to find.

    Whyzzat bg Denis Gerard Hogan f15-0-3 (56) 74 j2-1-0 (-) 109 105
    Dark Angel (Desert Prince){7-a}(3.00) 2/1 Under Oath 1st 4yo Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal 2005
    Costing 160,000 guineas as a yearling, Whyzzat failed to face the starter for George Scott and was sold to current connections for 9,000 guineas at last year's Tattersalls July Sale. While he reached the frame on three occasions, he failed to win during his sixteen race flat career, including in claiming company. Though initially rated 75 after his first three outings as a two-year-old, he went into his Roscommon debut with a rating of 58. Denis Gerard Hogan has a modest winner to runner rate of 12.24%, but he also has a strong clear round rate of 98.36% and none of his juveniles have fallen or unseated first time out. Accordingly, Whyzzat posted a good and consistent round of jumping first time with his only flaw coming at the last where he was very slightly steady and clipped the top of the flight. Prominent from the outset, he tucked in behind the leaders and travelling strongly, jumped into a share of the lead at three out. Ridden into a lead of a length after the penultimate flight, he opened the gap to the best part of four lengths which he would maintain to the line. Seemingly exposed on the flat, he showed some aptitude for this game and probably ran close to his flat best first time out. He next appeared at Down Royal towards the end of August and while his Roscommon form was not tremendous, it was solid enough to give him a live chance. However, his trainer had been going through a lean patch and there was little confidence in the market as he drifted from 9/2 in the morning to 11/1 at the off. He had jumped well on his hurdling debut and there was no cause for complaint in his round here either as he took each flight without mishap. Nor was there anything wrong with the way he travelled as he settled well just behind the leaders and was always close enough if good enough. While improvement between first and second outings would generally be a given, it would be an exaggeration to describe this as a flop as he was only a few pounds below his Roscommon performance and the form was substantiated by Bell Ex One and Realist at Listowel last Sunday. Trainer form might be the most plausible explanation although it could also be that he was feeling the effects of having his thirteenth race of the year. Declared to participate in a Dundalk handicap on the eve of this race, this outing could either set him right for Market Rasen, or leave him fatigued for the long journey to Lincolnshire. The yard is still out of form but Hogan's sole runner at Market Rasen has been a winner and Paddy Brennan has been booked for the ride. Whyzzat's form leaves him with a bit to find with a couple of his prospective rivals, but he would not be ruled out entirely should he face the starter.

    Crane bg Nicky Henderson f6-1-1 (72) 77 j2-0-1 (-) 73 70
    Oasis Dream (Pivotal){6-e}(1.82) 3/2 Little Green 1st Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (G2), Fairyhouse 2011
    Winning on the flat as a two-year-old for Michael Bell, Crane joined a leading trainer in Nicky Henderson for a new hurdling career which began at Stratford in late July. After drifting from 9/4 to 3/1 in the morning, Crane was trimmed back into 11/4 to start the race as second favourite. However, while he was settled reasonably well and was in a good position behind the leaders, he was let down quite considerably by his jumping. Big and slow to get away from the first, he was slightly close to the second, steady and close at the third, and tight over the next three - the sixth he rather hopped over. Under pressure and losing ground from thereon, he was slow over the last and finished the race nearly forty lengths behind the winner. Poor jumping contributed to his undoing, although his stamina is also up for question and his being by Oasis Dream did not give great cause for optimism beforehand in any case. Crane returned to Stratford a month later and he was not fancied to attain immediate absolution. His jumping was better second time round as while he was steady, close and untidy at the first here, he hurdled more fluently from thereon, making only minor errors occasionally. Keen in the early stages, he went to the front from flagfall but eventually managed to settle better when an even more headstrong animal gave him a lead. Crane briefly moved back to the front climbing the hill but was easily brushed aside in a matter of strides by the winner. The runner-up also had his measure quite comfortably but Crane was able to win the battle for third from a very tired rival. While losing ground on Caramelised between their outings, Crane did improve by a few pounds from his hurdling debut. However, he is still a long way from his two-year-old efforts and though the in-form Nicky Henderson won this race with sole runner Royal Irish Hussar in 2013, Crane will need to have improved very dramatically over the past thirty-three days to be competitive here.

    Scots Gold grg Dan Skelton f6-0-0 (66) 70 j1-0-1 (-) 98 103
    Dark Angel (Duke Of Marmalade){8-f}(1.40) 3/2 Major Drive 1st 2m5f Handicap Hurdle (106), Sedgefield 2004
    For four out of the past six seasons, Dan Skelton has had a strike rate in the division exceeding 20% and is already off the mark this term with Knotty Ash scoring at this track back in June. That horse disappointed next time so the master of Lodge Hill will be represented by Scots Gold. Despite failing to place in six starts for Tom Dascombe (whose former inmates have a solid record), Scots Gold was not entirely disgraced on the flat and the form of his penultimate outing at Nottingham, in which he only narrowly failed to reach third at the post has worked out well. Making his hurdles bow at Stratford in Fred Bear's contest, he started the day as favourite. However, with his yard out of form at the time, he would drift from a morning 7/4 to 3/1 at the off. Settled in mid-division and some way off the pace, he made steady headway along the back before coming under a drive going over the hill. While he managed to get to within a few lengths of Fred Bear approaching the home turn, and was able to outlast the long time pursuer, he was unable to make further inroads on the winner along the straight. He still had upwards of ten lengths over his remaining rivals, headed by the useful looking Aliomaana, and his jumping was good for a debutant; his only errors being a bit late at the fourth, which he still negotiated well, and getting slightly slightly close at three out. It was a likeable debut with a performance close to his flat best and Scots Gold could very well improve for the experience. He would be of greater interest were the yard known to be in form. However, Dan Skelton has not saddled a single runner for three weeks so the only clues in that regard are carried by Dazzling Glory in tomorrow's opener.

    tbc...

    Comment


    • #92
      Stigwood bg Alex Hales f8-0-1 (52) 66
      Kodiac (Sadler's Wells){22-a}(1.20) Allow Me 1st 2m3?f Handicap Hurdle (120), Catterick 2012
      The only hurdling debutant in the line-up, Stigwood ended an eight race flat spell for Eve Johnson Houghton with a solitary placing and a rating of 52. He joined Alex Hales, whose winner to runner rate in the sphere stands at 12.50%, for 8,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July sale. Sire Kodiac has a strong winner to runner rate of 39.29% and half-brother Allow Me was a fairly useful handicap hurdler. Alex Hales sent the 57 rated Hiconic to win first time out last season before finishing second in this contest. However, Stigwood already has the lowest flat rating without having to contend with his lack of experience which would be crucial in a race of this nature.

      Von Melas bg Michael Easterby f4-0-1 (61) 53 j1-0-0 (-) 55 49
      Battle Of Marengo (Rock Of Gibraltar){16-c}(0.82) 2/1 Karawaan 2nd 2m Handicap Hurdle (106), Tipperary 2021
      Initially rated 64 after three spins on the flat, Von Melas only hinted at that type of mark when plugging on to finish a fourteen length third in a ten furlong novice stakes at Nottingham in early August. He was last seen at Ayr nine days ago where that mark continued to look stiff and he has since been dropped to 61. Prior to his Ayr outing, Von Melas made his hurdling debut at Stratford behind Caramelised thirty-three days ago. He is feasibly bred to do better over hurdles as Battle Of Marengo has had three winning juveniles from nine, and while Rock Of Gibraltar is not as strong a damsire as sire, uncle Karawaan has managed to place over hurdles. However, his pedigree saw him start no shorter than 50/1 and racing keenly in the rear, his hurdling lacked fluency and he merely passed beaten horses towards the end. Though Von Melas is relatively unexposed and his yard's juveniles typically improve with experience, he has yet to show he can be remotely competitive in this kind of company

      Addosh bf Stuart Edmunds f11-1-4 (71) 78 j1-0-1 (-) 83 79
      The Gurkha (Dubawi){10-a}(0.63) 3/2 State Crown 1st 2m1f Handicap Hurdle (110), Newton Abbot 2021
      Of all the active trainers in Britain and Ireland who have had fifteen of more juvenile hurdlers since 2004/05, only Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls have a strike rate higher than the 25.64% of Stuart Edmunds. Before Addosh made her hurdling debut at Stratford, the yard's first-time strike rate of 42.86% was bettered only by Nicky Henderson and Desmond McDonogh. Prior to selling for 15,000 guineas at Tattersalls in July, she had amassed a win and three places on the flat for Hugo Palmer and her BHA mark of 71 made her strong at the weights both at Stratford and again here. Her pedigree is not without its potential either as while The Gurkha is one of Galileo's speedier sons, he is related to good jumpers and the sireline does well in the sphere. Damsire Dubawi has a 26.67% winner to runner rate in that role which includes Leoncavallo and State Crown - the latter being a 3/2 relative of Addosh who won a handicap hurdle as a juvenile last season. Steady in the market throughout the day, she did drift out to 15/2 in the Stratford ring, but this was on account of the confidence behind Caramelised and she still started second favourite. Held up in the early stages, she pulled hard in patches but was able to settle reasonably well before too long. Towards the rear at the fifth, she made robust headway in a short amount of time along the back and was travelling strongly just behind the leaders two flights later. Addosh was the last pursuer on the bridle approaching the home turn, but had been completely outpaced by the winner who was long gone before they could see the stands. Nevertheless, while no match for the Caramelised, the remainder of the field were left in her wake and there were sixteen and thirteen lengths between herself, the third and the fourth. Addosh jumped some of her hurdles quite well, although she was steep at the first, very untidy at the third and low at the last while also showing a slight tendency to go right. Overall, it was a satisfactory introduction and while she was a class below the winner, there was enough to suggest she has a future in this sphere. Though not a headcase, she could still settle better which might enable her to run a more consistent race insofar as pace is concerned. Better hurdling should come with experience and she may even be served well by going right handed. Addosh has ample scope for improvement and while there is no obvious reason for her to reverse placings with Caramelised, a good showing can not be discounted.

      tl;dr
      Caramelised - Sets clear form standard on his two wins at Stratford and was particularly impressive last time out. Yard has strong record in this race although its lack of any recent winners is a slight concern.

      Sacre Pierre - Unraced on flat but made it two from two at Cartmel recently. Unexposed with scope for further improvement, although he would still have a bit to find with Caramelised.

      Whyzzat - Regressive on flat but won Ireland's curtain raiser at Roscommon in early August. Slightly disappointing next time but form still decent. Scheduled to race at Dundalk on the eve of this contest.

      Crane - Winner on flat for Michael Bell and joined Nicky Henderson for his hurdling career. However, his two efforts to date leave him with a great deal to find and stamina is not assured.

      Scots Gold - Fair on flat for Tom Dascombe without reaching the frame. Was promising on his hurdling debut at Stratford and form has since been boosted by the third. Trainer form is currently an unknown.

      Stigwood - Moderate on flat and while new trainer is capable of readying one first time, lack of form and experience are massively detrimental in the context of this race.

      Von Melas - Little flat form and lacked fluency when well behind Caramelised on hurdles debut. Fit from recent run but too much to do in this company.

      Addosh - Flat winner for Hugo Palmer and mark from that sphere gives her chance on these terms. Joined underrated yard for hurdling career and while unlikely to reverse placings with Caramelised, debut outing not without promise.

      Strong prospects
      1. Caramelised
      Reasonable prospects
      2. Sacre Pierre
      3. Scots Gold
      4. Addosh
      Feasible prospects
      5. Whyzzat
      Moderate prospects
      6. Crane
      Negligible prospects
      7. Von Melas
      8. Stigwood

      Also, I try not to do this often but it is a relatively big race for the sphere and I did put a fair amount of effort and love into those four thousand-ish words. While it hasn't been mentioned recently, I am still doing this against the backdrop of the assorted naffness that comes with living in a homeless shelter. So if you have the means, it could potentially be really helpful to my long term stability if you gave the preview a like and/or share on twitter. Plus, you can rest assured that your act of charity won't end up in my veins which means you get all of the satisfaction of helping the homeless without any of the neuroticism from wondering whether you've helped or enabled ​​​​​​​​​​​

      Thank you ​​​​​​​​​​​

      Comment


      • #93
        I can’t do anything on twitter but I’m delighted you continue to provide these updates on FJ, always a fascinating read.
        And I’m sorry to hear about your continued struggles, I wish you well…

        Comment


        • #94
          Fascinating read Kotki, and had a little dabble on Caramelised double with Bob O last night when C was evens. Found that Sacre Pierre is a non runner this morning, so Caramelised really should win today. Will be interesting watching!

          Sending you best wishes, and thanks again for the write up. Definitely paying much closer attention to the novice hurdle division after finding this thread.

          Edit: that didn’t go to plan at all. Caramelised never seemed to settle and seemed very off
          Last edited by Mighty; 25 September 2021, 02:52 PM.

          Comment


          • #95
            Good circulation for the Market Rasen preview so many thanks to all who helped that to happen Thanks also to those who simply read the essay. Its creation is always a rewarding process in its own right and that anybody would take the time to observe same is always humbling. Now being a neurotic perfectionist who can never be pleased, I was actually quite disgusted with myself for how I presented the preview in relation to how it worked out. Always better to learn from the past rather than carry it and with the future in mind, there is a preview due for tomorrow's race at Sedgefield which should be up before supper

            Preview review
            Easily the most frustrating preview written this season. Much as I like to imagine that I am detached from my own ego, I must admit that I still enjoy being "right" on the rare occasions that it happens. Notwithstanding, I also appreciate being "wrong" as it provides me with an opportunity to learn about myself along with my processes. Indeed, a single, clear instance of having a blind spot revealed is more valuable than a hundred instances of being "right". However, it can not be understated how much I fear and detest being misconstrued, which itself is often a result of my misrepresenting myself. Which brings me to the preview written on a race that has likely already faded from the memories of those who watched it. The preview, as it existed in my own mind as an informative rather than advisory entity, was a resounding success. Regarding the underperformance of Caramelised, the records of the course's (and in particular, the race's) odds-on shots was highlighted as was the potential for others to improve during the month that most of the field had been absent. Winner Addosh, who had actually been given the 'strong prospects' ahead of Caramelised at Stratford, was noted to have the best chance on flat ratings and also came with the statement that "a good showing can not be discounted". However, due to the rigid fashion of the 'prospects list', the interpretation would be Caramelised, two horses, Addosh. Annoyingly, I was tempted to be clever and make Addosh the 'strong prospect' as while direct evidence placed her behind Caramelised, the distinction between the pair in the opening shows was wider than it should have been. It could also be emphasised that regardless of the quantity or order of horses in the various categories, their being placed in a category is a more explicit descriptor of their chances than their position within same which oft times comes down to the splitting of hairs. However, any rumination on these qualifiers puts risk on my veering towards "tipster" territory which I am decidedly against. I do not write the previews in order to answer a question or solve a puzzle. I write the previews so that the race can be given its greatest degree of context. After all, the horses are dramatis personae and the race is just one act. In this regard, my preview is not to guess what the playwright has in store. Rather, it is to surmise what has come before this particular act and how the characters arrived to this point in order to better appreciate the scene as it plays out before its audience.

            Still, if there is anything I can pinpoint from a strictly informative standpoint, it would probably be that while Caramelised was more sensible on his latest Stratford win, it should not automatically eliminate all prior instances of him being a rather boisterous creature.

            Race review
            Invariably the strongest juvenile hurdle held in Britain before October. Previous participants including the likes of Katchit, Franchoek, Barizan and Fox Norton, and the subsequent strike rates of 23.53% for winners and 14.10% for all runners each being four points above average. This year's edition looked up to standard, although it was diminished by the absence of Sacre Pierre. Furthermore, the clear standard setter was disappointing and while there was nine lengths back to the third, the front five were covered by less than fourteen lengths. The early pace was modest and the winning time was just under four and eight seconds slower than the other races at the card over the same distance. Nevertheless, the front two jumped well enough and were the clear best on the day. While the form is unlikely to emerge as pattern class, it is still above average for the division and probably reliable save for the favourite's underperformance.

            Addosh won on the flat for Hugo Palmer and her rating of 71 made her strong at the weights here. Joining a vastly underrated trainer in the sphere, she made a satisfactory introduction to the sphere at Stratford and her chances were much stronger than the 14/1 offered overnight. She was even available at 9/1 in the ring and while her being backed into 5/1 by flagfall may have been stable confidence, it would very feasibly have been an appropriate self-adjustment of the market. Just as she had been on her debut at Stratford, she was held up in the rear once again; albeit off a much slower pace. Though rather hopping over the first, she jumped well in this contest and travelled powerfully to get within striking distance as the pace increased around the home turn. She was slightly tight at the penultimate flight but this did not cost her any momentum and needed only to be nudged on the approach to the last to get to the front. Popping over the flight neatly, she was pushed out to score by a comfortable five and a half lengths. Reversing Stratford placings in no uncertain terms with Caramelised, this was a big step up on her debut performance. Addosh is still a little off her flat best but the way she travelled and jumped here is indicative of her fulfilling the promise shown first time round. She is also the first winner over jumps for her sire The Gurkha. She was very well suited by the speedy nature of this contest and while she may not appreciate more testing conditions, she has the scope to develop into quite the weapon under similar circumstances. 108

            Scots Gold had fair form on the flat for Tom Dascombe without reaching the frame, and his promising hurdles debut at Stratford has since been boosted by Aliomaana, who finished one place behind him on that occasion. His trainer has a strong record in the division and while he had gone three weeks without any runner, his mare ran to form in the novice hurdle half an hour earlier. Clipped in two points to start the race as clear 3/1 second favourite, Scots Gold was initially held up in touch and made headway along the back to move into second turning for home. While briefly relegated to third between the final two flights, and rather steep on landing at the last, he jumped back into second at the last. Scots Gold was readily outpaced by the winner on the run-in, but was still able to pull three lengths clear of the remainder. Other than being tight and untidy at the third, Scots Gold posted a respectable round of jumping in keeping with what he had shown first time. His performance was a step up on his debut outing and surpassed what he had achieved on the flat. Dan Skelton will likely have much stronger juveniles in his team for the coming season, but the limits of Scots Gold's potential have not yet been fully realised and a win in an ordinary contest ought to be well within his scope. 108

            Caramelised would not be the strongest flat recruit at Barbury Castle, but despite having headstrong tendencies, made a fine start to his hurdling career and was particularly impressive last time when winning by nineteen lengths from Addosh at Stratford. The withdrawal of Sacre Pierre made his task easier on paper and while he was slightly weak in the market, he was still sent off the 5/6 favourite. Very keen going to post, Caramelised also struggled to settle in the race itself and was taking a keen hold behind the slow pace set by the leaders. He found himself left in the lead at the fourth and while he did not go tearing off in front, he was never travelling with any particular ease. His hurdling was also much below the standard of what he posted last time as he made errors at every flight; big at the first, close at the second, tight into the third, big again at the fourth, right at the fifth, clipped the sixth, untidy at two out and tight over the last. Though he traded at 1.60 in-running, a fraction lower than his starting price, he was never able to put his mark on the race and had little answer once he forfeited his lead shortly after the penultimate flight. It was not a disgraceful performance as he was still better than all of his other outings apart from his impressive win last time. It is more likely he was hampered by the sense of occasion on this particular day than his being exposed as no better than this. He could possibly benefit from a gelding operation, but while he is perhaps not the most secure conveyance and his Triumph aspirations are probably lofty, he should not be generally written off on the basis of this outing. 113

            Crane won as a two-year-old for Michael Bell, but while he has joined a leading trainer in Nicky Henderson, his breeding and overall profile are not particularly strong for this endeavour. Twice beaten a distance by Caramelised on his two previous hurdles runs, his starting at 11/1 could only be attributed to his yard rather than his own performances. Going into the lead from flagfall, Crane was at least travelling with vigour but was still steady when approaching his hurdles which briefly cost him his position at the second. He moved into a clear lead passing the stands but was so hesitant and slow over the fourth that he lost at least twenty lengths and was shuffled back into last. Crane jumped acceptably over the next and while he still made errors from there, he was less apprehensive when he saw others jump before him. Crane ultimately kept on to finish fourth and got within two lengths of Caramelised at the line. However, as well as getting a very conspicuous breather, he was also suited by stamina being rendered a non-issue. As such, while this marks an improvement of over two stones on paper, it is not one guaranteed to be repeated and unless he is very generously treated by the handicapper, Crane will be better suited by a return to the flat. 103

            Von Melas came into this contest with little flat form and lacked fluency on his sole hurdles outing two starts prior. There are strands of optimism within his profile although his 125/1 starting price here was a fair reflection of his chances. He was ridden more prominently here than on previous occasions and his hurdling was considerably better than first time round. Though he lost positions along the back and as well as some distance on the straight, his finishing just under fourteen lengths fifth was much his strongest performance to date. His placing rather anchors the form and he may be flattered by the result due to the race's complexion. Notwithstanding, Von Melas was still unexposed coming into this contest and if he can show that this effort was not an anomaly, he can be competitive in moderate company going forward. 100

            Stigwood was the sole hurdling debutant in this field and while the yard is capable in this sphere, his modest flat form and inexperience left him plenty to find here. Always towards the rear, Stigwood was big and untidy over several of his obstacles and was never in a position to get involved in the race before finishing a distance behind the winner. A better evaluation of his ability might me made in calmer waters, but he offers no strong promise going forward. 83

            Whyzzat won Ireland's curtain raiser at Roscommon in early August and was not disgraced when seventh in stronger company at Down Royal last time. He had bypassed a Dundalk handicap to race here and Paddy Brennan was an interesting booking. However, the yard is not in good form at the moment and it is likely that Whyzzat, who is better over hurdles, eschewed domestic targets given the general strength of the winners races that are outnumbered by maiden contests. Though going as low as 4/1 during the morning, Whyzzat opened at 6/1 in the ring before drifting to twice that price by post time. Racing in midfield, Whyzzat hurdled soundly but the distress signals were out leaving the back. He was tired over the penultimate flight and weakened from there before being left with the wooden spoon on the run-in. Whyzzat is almost certainly better than this, but even if the yard was in better form, he may struggle to defy a penalty unless finding an especially weak contest or a favourable handicap mark. 88

            Comment


            • #96
              Sedgefield is set to host its first juvenile hurdle of the campaign on Tuesday. While the County Durham venue has been graced by the likes of Countrywide Flame, Orsippus and Marsh Warbler during the autumn, the two previous runnings of this particular contest were less prestigious with 2008 winner placing fifth in that season's Wensleydale, and last year's third, Kings Creek, also finishing fifth in the Scottish Triumph. By and large, Sedgefield's juvenile hurdles take little winning as their winners' seasonal RPR of 109.91, and average flat rating of 63.8 attest. Nevertheless, this year's edition should at least be up to standard as while it is a maiden, a couple bring respectable placed form over hurdles and two of the newcomers have shown enough on the flat to win a race of this nature. Although left handed and undulating with an uphill finish, Sedgefield's winning DIs of 1.40 median, 1.53 mean, are higher than average and these figures are not significantly lower than those of the average participant. However, the clear round rate of 95.32% still makes it a tricky circuit and its completion rate of 79.10% is one of the lowest in the country. Though newcomers are not aversely affected by the jumping test, their strike rate at the venue of 8.37% is lower than the 11.64% of experienced runners. The going is currently described as good although while it is forecast to be dry overnight, showers are expected just before post time.

              Babajan bg Amy Murphy f13-2-3 (68) 76 j1-0-1 (-) 95 100
              Acclamation (First Defence){1-l}(3.57) 2/1 Safari Journey 1st 2m1f Handicap Chase (L,130), Ascot 2010
              Amy Murphy enjoyed her most successful season in the division last term and while Sabre Jet disappointed at Stratford, Babajan made a much better showing at Plumpton nine days ago. Formerly with Richard Hannon prior to a 12,000 guineas sale at Tattersalls in July, Babajan won two of his thirteen starts on the flat with both wins coming within a fortnight of each other in January. After scoring in a five-runner Kempton handicap off 69, he followed up in a four-runner contest at Newcastle off three pounds higher. Babajan's latest flat efforts had been subpar and his tendency to pull, along with a lack of experience beyond an extended mile, gave cause to stamina concerns ahead of his Plumpton bow. He was easy to back in the market as he drifted from 12/1 to 20/1 during the day's trading, and doubled in price to 40/1 in the ring. Presumably in an effort to conserve energy, he was held up from the outset off a sensible early gallop. The blinkers he had worn on his last six flat outings were removed, yet Babajan settled without any fuss and although he was off the bridle midway down the back, he stayed on to jump the penultimate flight in third position where he would remain to the winning post. This is more to his credit considering that his hurdling was not fantastic as he was close and untidy at four flights during the race. While Babajan did not match his flat form, this performance was a step in the right direction and having settled nicely for his new handler, there is ample potential for him to return to something like his best in this sphere. Babajan will want to hurdle better than first time and may have to reaffirm his ability to settle in a race without an obvious frontrunner. Nevertheless, he comes into this contest as a lively contender on known form.

              Knight Salute bg Milton Harris f7-1-1 (75) 85
              Sir Percy (Unfuwain){11-c}(0.50) 2/1 Kalko 1st Juvenile Hurdle, Kelso 1993
              Costing 14,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale, Knight Salute would not have caught many an eye with his purchase fee. Nevertheless, he is still within the 82nd percentile of rated flat recruits and could be one to outrun his price tag. Starting his career with Andrew Balding, he followed up a debut second at Wolverhampton with a win at Sandown before being allowed to take his chance in the listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury. Not disgraced in finishing fifth of seven, he shaped as though he would be suited by further; as per his pedigree. He subsequently finished last on his final outing at two and on all three starts at three, but ran closer to form when last seen in a Bath handicap over a mile on good to firm. Sire Sir Percy has a good winner to runner rate of 26.83% in the sphere while damsire Unfuwain has a similarly strong rate of 28.57% with his broodmares along with a solid improvement rate of 52% from fifty qualifiers. Knight Salute is also a nephew of three winning hurdlers while Long Walk third Top Spin appears on the next row with Winning Fair runner-up Loch Long also on the damline at 3/2. Although Knight Salute has, on the face of it, been disappointing this season, his pedigree indicates that he has not been campaigned to best effect. Given his inherent ability, Knight Salute looks the type to relish his new vocation and with trainer Milton Harris having the strongest clear round rate of any British trainer with more than 120 runs at 98.40%, he should be in the right hands to better realise his potential. Furthermore, the yard is currently in strong form with the likeable juvenile filly Aliomaana among the yard's recent winners. There may be qualms insofar as fitness is concerned as Knight Salute will be returning from a three month absence, and the yard's juveniles typically improve from their debut outings; although Pyramid Place (who was also in a first time hood) came within a short head of making a winning debut for the yard last October after an even longer break.

              Wee Dracula brg Iain Jardine f5-0-0 (40) 40
              Awtaad (Manduro){4-r}(1.11) 3/1 North Lodge 1st 2m Novices' Handicap Hurdle (88), Hereford 2005
              Starting his career with Katie Scott, Wee Dracula beat just one of his fifteen rivals home in a couple of minor events last year before returning in mid-August for Iain Jardine. Wee Dracula's outings for his new trainer, who's record with juveniles is a fair one, have resulted in him finishing down the field on three occasions including in a Hamilton seller last time out. Sire Awtaad is having his first crop but though not short on class, is fairly short in stature and is not laden with stamina. The presence of Manduro is a boost, and the distant damline includes Notre Jury (3/2) Nurmi (3/4) and Network (4/1). However, these positives would not be sufficient in giving Wee Dracula an interesting profile first time out.

              We Still Believe bbg Ben Haslam f10-2-2 (66) 72
              Lawman (Footstepsinthesand){13-d}(1.13) 3/1 Luxi River 1st 2m6f Beginners Chase, Thurles 2007
              Making his racecourse bow last September and having his first four starts at Newcastle, We Still Believe got off the mark at the fourth time of asking on his handicap debut back in January off 57. Though he failed to show on his first turf outing, he doubled his tally in a nine furlong Hamilton handicap towards the end of May off a perch of 62. Shaping like he would be suited by further, he led from just over a furlong out to win by a couple of lengths in a contest that worked out well for the level. Though he did not add to that victory, he was beaten a length and three quarters and a neck when third at Haydock and Redcar off 67 before running quite flat when last seen at Ripon six weeks ago. Sire Lawman wins his fair share in the division and while Footstepsinthesand has yet to win as a damsire, the granddam is a half-sister to a winning chaser while other winners Blacktofy and L S Lowry also appear on the damline at 3/2. Ben Haslam has a solid 24.00% winner to runner rate in the sphere and his first time strike rate of 12.5% is above average, although the yard could be in stronger form. We Still Believe would certainly be up to this type of standard, but there are a couple here with more substantial profiles.

              Williewinamillion bg Michael Easterby f5-0-0 (48) 57
              Charm Spirit (Mr Greeley){4-h}(1.29) 3/1 Mayfield Prince 23rd 2m Maiden Hurdle, Naas 1994
              Michael Easterby is the only trainer represented here to have won with a juvenile at Sedgefield, coming when City Ground won a novice in 2011, although this comes from fourteen attempts since 2004/05. The yard's overall winner to runner rate of 10.96% is below average and their runner here, Williewinamillion, has shown next to nothing in three outings since returning in mid-August. Neither of Charm Spirit's juveniles achieved anything, nor have his older runners over hurdles. Mr Greeley has a fair record as a damsire, but while the dam is a half-sister to Jack Hobbs, the distaff side has little in the way of jumping credentials until Katie T and Due Reward are found at 5/4.

              Alice Kitty chf Gordon Elliott f6-1-2 (72) 77 j3-0-0 (-) 89 84
              Bobby's Kitten (Galileo){1-n}(0.82) 2/1 Kilburn 1st 2m Maiden Hurdle, Plumpton 2011
              Initially with Jessica Harrington, for whom she would win a Ballinrobe claimer before a €5,000 switch to Denise Foster/Gordon Elliotts, Alice Kitty was well fancied ahead of her hurdling debut at Roscommon at the start of August. However, she took a real clattering when falling at the first and paying homage to the "allez opi-omi lady" from the Tour de France. She would make it no further at the second time of asking when (softly) unseating at Killarney and these experiences saw her sent off at 22/1 for her latest outing at Down Royal. Racing in the rear, she was steady at the first and slow jumping would repeat itself on numerous occasions. While she passed a few beaten horses in the straight, she never threatened to make an impression. Alice Kitty was an unused reserve at Punchestown a fortnight ago and unless she has gained confidence over hurdles, she may be better served by a return to the flat. Gordon Elliott's record in the sphere is an outstanding one, but his two forays to Sedgefield have not resulted in success, despite Al Dafa and Glorious Zoff bringing winning hurdles form. While Alice Kitty has the flat form to do better, it is likely that her primary function of travelling to Sedgefield is to keep stablemate Mr Caplan company during the journey from County Meath.

              No Escape bf Richard Spencer f1-0-0 (-) 41 j1-0-0 (-) 36 37
              Cityscape (Lawman){13-c}(3.00) 4/1 Breidin 1st 2m2?f Handicap Hurdle (82), Downpatrick 2006
              Beaten ten lengths at Kempton last September on her only previous racecourse appearance, No Escape fared little better on her hurdles debut at Market Rasen at the beginning of last month. Though her trainer has had a winner in the sphere, there is little enthusiasm to be had about the pedigree with Cityscape without a winning juvenile from six. Racing in a first time hood, No Escape jumped poorly in the rear and was receiving reminders as early as the second. While she was still just about in touch turning for home, she eventually finished nearly fifty lengths behind the winner.

              Ramure bf Stuart Edmunds j4-0-0 (112) 99 97
              Maresca Sorrento (Blue Bresil){9-c}(0.33) 2/1 Ocean's Wind 1st 3900m 4yH Saint Malo 2016

              The first of this season's juvenile hurdlers imported from France to see a hurdle in Britain or Ireland was the hitherto thrice raced maiden Ramure. Formerly with Patrice Lenogue, she made her racecourse bow on the first of June in Compiegne’s Prix du Grand Maitre – a debutant contest won in the past by the likes of Analifet, Triana du Berlais and Cicalina. Sent off the outsider of the field, Ramure jumped reasonably well, but was firmly beaten when getting brought down at the penultimate flight. Nine days later, she reappeared at Dieppe where she jumped well enough in a prominent position, but weakened tamely on leaving the back stretch and ultimately finished tailed off. Taking a step up in class on her return to Compiegne, she put up another mostly sound round of hurdling and was still in a fighting position entering the straight before losing touch on the approach to the last, finishing just over eighteen lengths behind the winner. Patrice Lenogue has been responsible for three juveniles in the UK thus far with a winner coming in the form of David Pipe’s €140,000 Hexham hero Great Tempo. Sire Maresca Sorrento has yet to have a winner from six juveniles outside of France, but he has gotten his fair share of winning juveniles in his native country. The dam failed to win over jumps, but is a sibling of a Saint Malo winner, and top class sorts in Tamarindo (3/1), Sun Storm (3/1) and Djakadam (3/2) descend from the third dam. The most intriguing part of Ramure’s profile was her joining Stuart Edmunds, whose winner to runner rate in the division now stands at 52.94% after Addosh won the valuable Market Rasen contest on Saturday. Ahead of her stable/British introduction at Fontwell just over three weeks ago, Ramure was a drifter during the day, but steady enough in the market and sent off the 2/1 second favourite. She was ridden with more patience than she had been in France, but made smooth headway along the back and travelled well into a challenging position entering the straight where she traded at 1.54 in-running. Managing to get within a length of the lead jumping the penultimate flight, she was keeping tabs on the winner all the way to the last before said horse jumped in front of her on landing. This forced Ramure to reorganise herself and her inexperience showed when coming under pressure as she wandered, giving the impetus to the winner. Sensibly, she was not given a hard time from there by Ciaran Gethings. Mostly fluent over hurdles in France, she was not quite so smooth over Fontwell's hurdles as she made a mistake at the second, wandered approaching the third and seventh and got very close to the sixth due largely to a lapse in concentration. Nevertheless, Ramure will have learned plenty from this outing and the winner that day, The Yellow Mini, ran well when second at Plumpton next time; a literal interpretation of which gives Ramure an edge over Babajan. Ramure sets the standard on hurdles form, particularly on these terms, and looks likely to leave her Fontwell form behind given acclimatisation and experience over British hurdles; particularly with the yard in strong form.

              Babajan - Dual winner on flat for Richard Hannon. Concerns over stamina and ability to settle were unfounded on hurdling debut and though he could have jumped better, a repeat performance would give him a chance.

              Knight Salute - Winner at two for Andrew Balding and tried at listed class where not disgraced. Last on all three starts this term but perhaps was not campaigned to best effect. Interesting recruit to hurdles for in-form and capable yard.

              Wee Dracula - Poor on flat and while trainer and pedigree not without promise, faces stiff task first time.

              We Still Believe - Won twice on flat this season and pedigree not without its positives. Trainer does get first time winners in sphere but a couple have more substantial profiles.

              Williewinamillion - Modest five race maiden and sire not adept in the division.

              Alice Kitty - Won a flat claimer on final start for Jessica Harrington but hurdles runs have seen calamity followed by caution. Represents interesting raiding stable but much to prove at this juncture.

              No Escape - Poor on sole flat outing last term and poor on sole hurdles outing this term.

              Ramure - Well beaten on three starts over hurdles in France but still ran to good level of form in context of this race. Promising British/stable debut at Fontwell and likely to improve further for in-form yard.

              Strong prospects
              1. Knight Salute
              Reasonable prospects
              2. Ramure
              Feasible prospects
              3. Babajan
              4. We Still Believe
              Moderate prospects
              5. Alice Kitty
              Negligible prospects
              6. Wee Dracula
              7. Williewinamillion
              8. No Escape

              Comment


              • #97


                Strong prospects
                1. Knight Salute
                Reasonable prospects
                2. Ramure

                Feasible prospects
                3. Babajan
                4. We Still Believe
                Moderate prospects
                5. Alice Kitty
                Negligible prospects
                6. Wee Dracula
                7. Williewinamillion
                8. No Escape
                [/QUOTE]

                Well that wasn't too bad

                Comment


                • #98
                  Apologies for not getting the Sedgefield review out yet. Has been a very busy couple of days with the volunteering as well as some very promising movements that might lead to my being less homeless. Review will have to be done when it done, but since tomorrow's tidy looking contest at Fontwell has a deadline, here is the preview. Enjoy

                  Fontwell is set to host its second juvenile hurdle of the season and while only five have have taken up their entry, it is not without its quality. Historically, this contest was a maiden hurdle until it was opened up to winners in 2017. Though not without its useful sorts dropping their maiden tags, including Personal Column, Tyrrells Wood and Oceane, the overall quality of the race has increased in recent years with Sussex Ranger, Botox Has and Balko Saint among the contest's capable graduates. This season's renewal looks up to standard as winning hurdling form is brought by two participants, while a pair of newcomers bring intriguing profiles. Three of the four latest runnings of this race were taken by newcomers and their strike rate in corresponding contests of 13.79% since 2004/05 surpasses the 8.33% of experienced runners. Fillies also have a stronger record than usual at this time of year with their strike rate during late September and early October being 13.64% compared to the overall rate at the course being 7.69%. A flat, left handed circuit with sharp turns, Fontwell's winning DIs of 1.14 median, 1.40 mean, are just on the lower side of average. However, the course's completion rate of 83.75%, and clear round rate of 94.92%, are in the lower quarter. As the ground is currently described as good to soft, plenty of rain is forecast overnight, the race is the third hurdle race on the card and a few of these are known to make the running, the trip could take more getting than usual.

                  Keepyourdreamsbig bg Olly Murphy j2-1-1 (106) 90 103
                  Vision d'Etat (Enrique){4-r}(0.78) 1/0 Take This Waltz 1st Prix d'Essai des Pouliches, Enghien 2011
                  Though the French three-year-old hurdling scene is replete with newcomer contests akin to two-year-old maidens on the flat, such as the Prix d'Essai des Pouliches/Poulains for example, Britain and Ireland have no such contests and young jumps breds are a rare sight before their fourth birthdays. However, Keepyourdreamsbig, whose dam won the 2011 running of the Prix d'Essai des Pouliches, was one such oddity when he made his debut at Uttoxeter in late July. A representative of Vision d'Etat's final crop, a sire with a very good record in the sphere, Keepyourdreamsbig is also a nephew of Prix Aguado fifth Great Shudder along with three other winners. Passing the Tattersalls Ireland ring for €25,000 as a yearling, Keepyourdreamsbig was the first unraced newcomer to represent Olly Murphy - a trainer with a solid 20.83% winner to runner rate in the sphere. Despite taking on two previous winners, he was not without support at Uttoxeter, starting at 6/1 having opened at 10/1. Held up in touch, he made his move on the turn for home and appeared to be travelling the strongest at the distance - trading at 1.2 in-running. However, while he loomed alongside Burristo, it took him most of the run-in to finally get his measure by which time subsequent Cartmel winner Sacre Pierre had already flown. Though his jumping was safe, it did lack the winner's neatness as he was prone to giving his flights more air than necessary. Nevertheless, this was an issue that ought to resolve itself with experience and having shown enough tenacity to win the battle for second, a race of such nature looked well within his scope. Such a race occurred thirty days ago at Worcester where he was backed into favouritism prior to the off. Taking the lead early, albeit at a sedate tempo, he jumped more neatly than on his debut with the only criticisms being that he was somewhat big and skewed over the third and slightly tight at the fourth, two out and the last where he was bumped on the approach. Injecting more pace turning for home, he was challenged up the straight by Corporal Jones (who would return slightly lame) and after leaving him behind on the run-in, had built up enough of a lead to fend off the fast finishing Boulette by half a length. With more assured hurdling than first time, this marked an improvement of roughly half a dozen pounds and there should be further to come with experience. Keepyourdreamsbig's attitude, ability and aptitude are enough to suggest that he is is capable of defying a penalty. However, this contest does not look a straightforward assignment and while he is bred to go on the ground, he has yet to prove it himself. Furthermore, trainer form is once again a concern with the yard without a winner for over three weeks and most of its recent participants running below form.

                  George Bancroft chg Charlie Longsdon f6-2-0 (68) 70
                  Australia (Cacique){8-h}(0.87) 2/2 Paseo 3rd Summit Juvenile Hurdle (G2), Doncaster 2019
                  Rated 61 when joining Charlie Longsdon for 28,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July sale, George Bancroft would have been a reasonably interesting recruit to the game without drawing a huge amount of attention. By Australia, whose juveniles have a 21.43% winner to runner rate with two thirds of his progeny improving for the switch in codes, George Bancroft is also a cousin of Paseo who finished third in the 2019 Summit Juvenile Hurdle. Former inmates of Roger Varian’s have a healthy 31.03% winner to runner rate and George Bancroft’s last effort as a resident at Carlburg Stables was a gallant all-the-way success in a twelve furlong Chepstow handicap. Charlie Longsdon, himself boasting a sound 27.03% winner to runner rate that includes the likes of Songe, Forth Bridge and Harristown, took the unusual step of giving his new recruit another spin on the flat. In another twelve furlong handicap, this time at Ripon, George Bancroft made light of his four pound rise in the weights, making all once again to win by three lengths in first-time cheekpieces. Though still off a mark of 61, this effort was sufficient in compelling JP McManus to add him to his team of juvenile hurdlers. George Bancroft has a nice profile in all regards and as his flat rating is already the highest in this contest, it will be interesting to see how far he can carry his improvement over hurdles. However, while the yard is currently in decent form which includes a double at Warwick on Thursday, his juveniles tend to improve with experience as the first time out strike rate stands at 5.88% with no such wins coming from flat recruits. Moreover, George Bancroft is unlikely to enjoy the easy lead which has served him in recent starts and while the ground should not be a concern on breeding, his two flat wins came on firm and good to firm.

                  The Yellow Mini bf Michael Wigham f14-0-1 (45) 53 j2-1-1 (113) 100 104
                  Cannock Chase (Primo Valentino){22-d}(1.00) 2/2 Arakhan 1st 2m4f Novices' Hurdle, Aintree 2019
                  Without a win to her name in fourteen starts on the flat, The Yellow Mini raced under the care of Polly Gundry until late July. Her best outing in that sphere came at the end of June when finishing three quarters of a length second in a Bath handicap off 45, though no effort either side matched that performance. Making her hurdling debut at Fontwell early in September, she was the first runner over hurdles for sire Cannock Chase, a stallion with feasible credentials given his sireline, DI and height. She is also a cousin of a winning novice hurdler and while trainer Michael Wigham had not had a runner in the sphere since November 2016, he had previously sent out two to win first time. Not completely unfancied at 16/1, she was ridden with confidence, disputing the lead from the outset. With the front two racing alongside each other for most of the contest, it was only when her rival, Sir Taweel, began to fade leaving the back that she moved into a clear advantage. French import Ramure managed to get within a length after jumping quicker at two out, but The Yellow Mini kept on doggedly to keep her rival at bay. She also ran with more purpose on the run-in to cross the line with just over three lengths in hand. While she clearly relished this new discipline, her hurdling was not without its blemishes. Distracted by her rival when making minor errors over the first two, she was slightly big over the third and sixth, steady when clipping the next, outjumped at two out and went right at the last. Notwithstanding, these errors were not especially to her detriment and it is an area where she can improve with experience. She came out again a fortnight later at Plumpton where she was steady in the market at 9/2. The front running tactics from Fontwell were employed again here and setting a sensible gallop, The Yellow Mini put in a good round of jumping with only minor errors and her wandering occasionally counting against her. She had all but one of her rivals in trouble on leaving the back and while Impulsive One was in a different league, the remainder of the field were held by the best part of four lengths and upwards in the end. She Yellow Mini posted a new career best effort and is clearly enjoying her new vocation. Being an honest sort, she may lack the scope for much more improvement. Nevertheless, her winning form over this course and distance sets the standard here and the retained services of Gavin Sheehan give her a respectable chance despite a likely challenge for the lead.

                  Vunipola bg Emma Lavelle f2-0-0 (-) 68 j1-0-0 (-) 33 40
                  Vadamos (Marju){1-n}(0.50) 2/1 Vorashann 1st 2m1?f Handicap Hurdle (116), Fontwell 2020
                  Though more noted for her exploits outside of the division, Emma Lavelle has gotten her fair share of winners and she enjoyed particular success in the 2000s with Bouggler and Crack Away Jack. However, juvenile hurdling has taken a backseat at Bonita Racing Stables and the last time one of hers found the winner's enclosure was in April 2017. Her first runner this term was Vunipola who ran twice for Brian Meehan at the backend of last year. Having already had a wind operation prior to his debut, Vunipola ran with credit in finishing just over three lengths fifth at Kempton over a mile, but would not build on that effort at Lingfield on New Year's Eve and was absent until his hurdling debut at Worcester a month ago. His pedigree is not unfeasible, being a Vadamos gelding from the family of Vazirabad (2/1), Vorashann (2/1) and Visibility (3/1), and while he went out to 12/1 from an opening morning show of 6/1, he was steady in the ring and sent off at 17/2. However, he was very fresh on his first outing in eight months and along with making errors at the third, fifth and sixth, would never leave the rear of the field. Vunipola has the potential to do much better on paper, but there is little encouragement to be drawn his finishing tailed off behind Keepyourdreamsbig and while the Emma Lavelle yard is in decent form, Vunipola would have plenty to prove at this juncture.

                  Cirrus chf Milton Harris f14-0-3 (65) 77
                  Starspangledbanner (Halling){5-e}(3.00) 2/1 Spiritual Art 1st 2m1f Mares' Maiden Hurdle, Newton Abbot 2011
                  A fourteen race maiden on the flat, Cirrus has failed to reach the frame in six outings since finishing third at Nottingham in early May, and has beaten just one of her twelve rivals home in her two starts for Milton Harris. Leaving Richard Hannon for 15,000guineas at the Tattersalls July sale, Cirrus had shown her best form when under a length third on the aforementioned Nottingham off 73, and on her final outing for her former handler when just over two lengths fifth of seven at Bath off the same mark; with both of these performances coming on good to soft ground. While this alone would be a tenuous cause for optimism, there are further positives in the profile. Her sire, Starspangledbanner, was a four time Group One winner in Britain and Australia, and while his most notable successes came over sprint distances, he also won the Caulfield Guineas at three. While a sprint bred sprinter should not make into a sire of juvenile hurdlers, his own sire Choisir has a 30% winner to runner rate, a 72.73% improvement rate, and another son of his in Olympic Glory has also made a promising start with comparable figures of 37.5% and 50% respectively. Starspangledbanner himself has two winners from six in the sphere with Can't Stop Now winning on soft, Tinnahalla beating Homme Public on heavy, and Kentucky Hardboot finishing second on soft at Newbury. Cirrus is out of a half-sister to a winning hurdler with other winners Strawman (3/1) and Royal Master (3/2) on the damline. Milton Harris, who boasts a 43% strike rate in the past fortnight, has already had two winning juveniles this term including Knight Salute who won at the first time of asking at Sedgefield on Tuesday. That performance also maintained the yard's 100% clear round rate for juvenile debutants with the figure of 45 putting atop all British trainers. Furthermore, the only other juvenile acquired by Milton Harris from the Hannon team was when Gulf Punch was bought out of a claimer in 2009 (as a two-year-old, it should be noted) from Hannon Sr before winning three times during her first campaign. While a first-time tongue tie might be a concern, it has a 17.6% success rate when employed by the stable. Cirrus has hung left on occasion, although that might be mitigated by her going in that direction at Fontwell. With the relatively good fortunes of both fillies and newcomers in this kind of contest, as mentioned in the introduction, the fact that her she is well treated at the weights on her flat rating, and the likelihood that the race can be run to suit, Cirrus has enough in her profile to suggest a good performance is plausible in this field..

                  tl;dr
                  Keepyourdreamsbig - Bred to be a French juvenile hurdler and improved on promising debut with a win next time at Worcester. Though bred to handle conditions, is unproven on ground and trainer form is a concern.

                  George Bancroft - Dual winner on flat, including for current jumps yard last time out. Bred to do well in the sphere and attracted the attentions of JP McManus. Best form on fast ground however, and is unlikely to get an easy lead.

                  The Yellow Mini - Very modest maiden on flat but clearly relished the switch to hurdling when making a winning bow over course and distance last month. Proved that was no fluke at Plumpton last time and retains the services of jockey who knows the course well.

                  Vunipola - Lightly raced and not without promise on flat debut last year. Joined capable yard and pedigree not without positives, but little promise when tailed off behind Keepyourdreamsbig on hurdling debut.

                  Cirrus - Fourteen race maiden and not at best on latest flat outings. However, yard is in tremendous form and knows what it's doing with its juveniles and sire's progeny has made bright start in sphere, including on softer ground. Well treated, receives weight all round and has favourable course trends pertinent to sex and experience.

                  Strong prospects
                  1. Cirrus
                  Reasonable prospects
                  2. The Yellow Mini
                  3. George Bancroft
                  4. Keepyourdreamsbig
                  Feasible prospects
                  .
                  Moderate prospects
                  5. Vunipola
                  Negligible prospects
                  .

                  Originally posted by Joleg View Post
                  Well that wasn't too bad
                  Pretty good wasn't it?

                  Probably the biggest price a winning "strong prospect" is ever likely to be but I definitely made sure to enjoy the moment

                  Comment


                  • #99
                    Originally posted by Kotkijet View Post
                    Apologies for not getting the Sedgefield review out yet. Has been a very busy couple of days with the volunteering as well as some very promising movements that might lead to my being less homeless.
                    Great to hear this K, hope it all works out for you…

                    Comment


                    • Hi Kotkijet, do you have any quick thoughts on Beraz? (https://www.ownersgroup.co.uk/Home/S...iosoeillasmtbz)

                      Comment


                      • Originally posted by Sprinter Sacre View Post
                        Hi Kotkijet, do you have any quick thoughts on Beraz? (https://www.ownersgroup.co.uk/Home/S...iosoeillasmtbz)
                        Hi Sprinter
                        This is the first time I have seen that horse's name

                        Going to have a crack at the Sedgefield race first but might have a look at Beraz tomorrow if I find the time.

                        Comment


                        • Oh crap... forgot to actually post the Kempton preview

                          Alrighty... So no longer homeless and living in a spacious (for me) canal-side property in a very nice area. Still getting used to the whole not being homeless thing though and will probably want carpets, curtains and stuff before I feel properly settled. Also very ring rusty so don't expect magic or anything. Past reviews are long gone so will just go along with previews and reviews from now onwards rather than torment myself by trying to get out of a hole. Here is the preview for tomorrow's contest at Kempton. Will see if Sedgefield gets done. Cheers.

                          Kempton is set to host the first of its four juvenile contests of the season. Though generally weaker than the Adonis and the one held after Boxing Day, historically, it is still strong for the time of year. Quel Destin got off the mark in this contest in 2018 ahead of a fruitful campaign while the contest also launched the British hurdling careers of Cerium, Saticon, Aldopicgros and Stars Over The Sea. Just the four runners have been declared for this year's renewal, but it should be up to scratch with two undefeated hurdlers taking on a pair of flat recruits with respectable form and very capable trainers. Kempton is a flat, right handed circuit with a reputation of being a speedy circuit. However, it's winning DIs of 1.04 median, 1.26 mean are low compared to other courses as well as the beaten runners at the venue. Though stamina would theoretically become more of an issue on a testing surface, the figures for this contest (invariably ran on good ground) are consistent with the standard for the course. Clear round and completion rates are a touch on the fairer side of average and newcomers are at no discernible advantage or disadvantage. Those with winning form have a solid record in this contest with penalised runners winning three and placing in ten from fifteen outings. The going at Kempton is currently described as good, good to firm in places, and there is no rain forecast before post time.

                          Triumph Odds
                          Impulsive One 40/1

                          Impulsive One bg Nicky Henderson f8-1-5 (80) 83 j2-2-0 (127) 113 120
                          Union Rags (Lonhro){4-m}(1.77) 2/2 El Picador 1st Juvenile Hurdle, Musselburgh 2019
                          Winning one of his eight starts for William Haggas, Impulsive One had shown useful form on the flat at up to twelve furlongs. Making the switch to Nicky Henderson, he has built on that foundation over hurdles with wins of twelve and ten lengths. His hurdling debut came at Plumpton in the middle of September where he held an outstanding chance on paper. Despite opening at 11/8 in the morning, he went out to 7/2 at one point on course before being trimmed back into 11/4 at the off. However, there was no rationale for his drift offered during the race itself. Tracking the leaders from the outset, he was lit up by the stumble of Fred Bear at the first, but either through the first time application of the hood, James Bowen's handling or Impulsive One's own nature, he had settled nicely after a furlong or so. He made a good impression with his jumping overall, as while he was skewed over the second and reached slightly at the next and though he went through the fifth, his round was characterised by speed, neatness and enthusiasm. Travelling strongly throughout, Impulsive One took the lead turning for home full of running and quickly established a wide advantage after the last before being eased close to the line to win by twelve lengths. His second jumps outing came at Huntingdon eleven days ago where there was no such uncertainly in the market as he started at 1/4 favourite. The hood was retained although he pulled considerably harder than at Plumpton with the most obvious explanation being that he had to make his own running. His hurdling was not as fluent either as he crashed through the first, stumbled after skewing at two out and was low at the last where he was also slow in getting away. Nevertheless, while he also clipped several of the flights in between, it was still a neat enough round for a juvenile and he never looked in danger of losing the contest. There may be concerns over his free running nature although despite the small field size, he may be able to get a lead from Rhebus Road. Beyond this, he just about sets the standard at the weights on the form of his Plumpton win and should enjoy the surface before presumably being put away when the winter ground becomes more prevalent. Furthermore, Nicky Henderson has won this contest twice with Overpriced Mixer (2020) and Tinagoodnight (2007) with his only loser being a class below Impulsive One.

                          Knight Salute bg Milton Harris f7-1-1 (75) 85 j1-1-0 (-) 107 112
                          Sir Percy (Unfuwain){11-c}(0.50) 2/1 Kalko 1st Juvenile Hurdle, Kelso 1993
                          Costing 14,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale, Knight Salute would not have caught many an eye with his purchase fee. Starting his career with Andrew Balding, he followed up a debut second at Wolverhampton with a win at Sandown before being allowed to take his chance in the listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury. Not disgraced in finishing fifth of seven, he shaped as though he would be suited by further; as per his pedigree. He subsequently finished last on his final outing at two and on all three starts at three, although these runs all came over an inadequate trip. Still within the 82nd percentile of rated flat recruits it was surprising to see him drift out to 18/1 on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield nearly three weeks ago. Racing in a first time hood, he was keen while held up in the rear. Nevertheless, he jumped neatly up to the closing stages where he missed the sixth, reached at the penultimate flight and got in close to the last. Notwithstanding, these latter errors were not to the detriment of his performance given his superiority on the day. Making very smooth headway towards the end of the back, he moved strongly into second place over two out and cruised into the lead approaching the last whereafter he was ridden clear to pass the line nine and six lengths clear of the remainder. Though it was standard fare as far as Sedgefield is concerned, and the winning time was modest, the twenty length fourth finished a quarter of that distance behind the winner when third at Wetherby earlier in the week. Trainer Milton Harris continues to be in strong form and while there is an alternative juvenile contest available at Sedgefield, it could be interesting that he has opted to send Knight Salute here, and his stablemate to County Durham. Though there are a couple of pounds to find with Impulsive One on the latter's debut outing, the second showing puts Knight Salute in a strong position at the weights and he would be dangerous to underestimate even in this company; particularly as he will likely come on for fitness and experience.

                          Painless Potter bg Alan King f9-0-3 (77) 93
                          Camacho (Dubai Destination){16-c}(1.00) 2/0 Silk Affair 1st Fred Winter Juvenile HcH (G3,125), Cheltenham 2009
                          Since 2006, Alan King has had ten runners in this conest, half of who would win including newcomers McVicar and Saticon. His representative this year will be the the 77 rated Painless Potter who ran nine times without winning on the flat for his trainer. Despite his maiden tag, Painless Potter is not without respectable pieces of form; most notably his finishing just over four lengths fifth in last season's Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. The subsequent rating of 95 has seen him struggle, although leniency from the handicapper saw him twice place third off 79 in ten furlong handicaps during the summer. The strongest of which came on his penultimate outing in a Racing League contest at Lingfield where he briefly led at the furlong pole before being passed by two fast finishers. The form of that race has not quite worked out, but he can be forgiven his latest showing where he found himself outpaced in a slowly ran affair. Sire Camacho has had winners in the sphere, although his winner to runner rate of 13.04% is the lowest of those represented here. The damline is intriguing however as granddam Silk Affair won the Fred Winter and is herself a sibling of five other winning jumpers including the useful Arthur's Gift and Direct Bearing. Though Painless Potter has not been set an easy introduction to his new career, he is in very good hands for his new vocation and his flat form does not leave him with much to find against his penalised opponents.

                          Rhebus Road chg Oliver Sherwood f10-2-3 (74) 78
                          Champs Elysees (Verglas){14-f}(2.20) 2/1 Thahab Ifraj 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (106), Kempton 2020
                          Starting his career with Ralph Beckett, it took Rhebus Road seven attempts to get off the mark on the flat. Sporting a first time visor in a twelve furlong handicap at Beverley off 63 in early July, he looked a tricky ride, hanging markedly to his left under pressure. Nevertheless, he still made all to run out a comfortable four-and-a-half length winner and was able to command a price tag of 70,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale. Rhebus Road stayed at Kimpton Down for his next three outings and was able to double his tally when last seen at Newmarket in a ten furlong handicap off 70. Headgear removed and ridden with more restraint, he took up the running at the distance against the rail and though he carried his head awkwardly at times, was always doing enough to fend off his rivals by upwards of half-a-length. Switching to Oliver Sherwood for his hurdling career, he joins a trainer with a healthy 39.39% winner to runner rate in the sphere and while his overall first time strike rate of 9.38% is average, his sole runner in this contest finished second in 2019. Sire Champs Elysees has a winner to runner rate of 25.93%, and his improvement rate of 51.43% is the strongest in the contest. While there are no superstars on the damline, Rhebus Road is a nephew of Thahab Ifraj who won a handicap hurdle at this venue last year. Overall, Rhebus Road looks another interesting recruit to the game and should be up to winning ordinary contests. However, this is not a soft introduction to the sphere and his tendency to hang left will be much to his detriment if repeated here.

                          Strong prospects
                          1. Knight Salute
                          Reasonable prospects
                          2. Impulsive One
                          3. Painless Potter
                          Feasible prospects
                          4. Rhebus Road
                          Moderate prospects
                          .
                          Negligible prospects
                          .

                          Comment


                          • Juvenile hurdling returns to Sedgefield in what is a standard looking affair for a course with typically modest contests. Average winners of this event achieve a seasonal best RPR of 111 although l'Aigle Royal and Gold Desert (winners in 2014 and 2020 respectively) would reach the frame in Doncaster's Summit Hurdle while 2018 winner Chica Buena would follow up in the Listed Fillies' race at Aintree. The latest edition looks moderate as apart from the sole participant with hurdling experience, the field is comprised of flat maidens without any carrying an official rating exceeding 60. Although left handed and undulating with an uphill finish, Sedgefield's winning DIs of 1.40 median, 1.52 mean, are higher than average and these figures are not significantly lower than those of the average participant. However, the clear round rate of 95.32% still makes it a tricky circuit and its completion rate of 79.10% is one of the lowest in the country. Though newcomers are not aversely affected by the jumping test, their strike rate at the venue of 8.7% is lower than the 11.54% of experienced runners. The going is currently described as good with light showers expected through the evening and morning.

                            Ben Asker bg Paul Robson f5-0-2 (59) 65
                            Rock Of Gibraltar (Grand Lodge){2-f}(2.38) 2/2 Pour Vous Et Nous 1st 3400m 3yo Conditions Hurdle, Dieppe 2019
                            Former jockey and current funeral director, Paul Robson, has recently joined the training ranks and enjoyed his first winner last month when Flamboyant Joyaux took a Kelso handicap chase last month. While the fighting career of word class wrestler come unabashed meme Ben Askren is very dead, the birth of Paul Robson's career as a trainer of juvenile hurdlers is born with the similarly named Ben Asker, who reached the frame on his two most recent flat outings for Willie McCreery. These outings each came over seven furlongs at Dundalk with a placing off 60 was followed by a seven-and-a-quarter length third in a claimer back in March in which he was advertised for €10,000. His best flat form is within a few pounds of anything else brought to this race by the other newcomers and while his propensity to hang his head under pressure may be a concern, there is every chance that his seven month break will have given him time to mature. By the same token, the seven month absence means he has fitness to prove and those formerly trained by Willie McCreery count just one winner from fourteen in the sphere. Sire Rock Of Gibraltar has a solid 24.66% winner to runner rate and cousin Pour Vous Et Nous was a winning juvenile in France. Yet to be tested beyond a mile on the flat, Ben Asker shapes as though he can get the trip although there is a chance he might be a bit too fresh first time after his break.

                            Drumfire chg Susan Corbett Unraced
                            Night Of Thunder (Pivotal){13-c}(1.24) 3/1 La Mandragola 1st 2m Maiden Hurdle, Clonmel 2004
                            Tiger Roll and Cubomania are a notable pair of Darley dispersal horses who made their debuts in juvenile hurdles with the latter costing just ?4,500 in 2016. Drumfire cost 4,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Guineas Sale and joins a Susan Corbett yard with one winning juvenile from eight, but with three from five improving for a switch in codes. He is set to be the first British runner over jumps for 2000 Guineas and Lockinge winner Night Of Thunder. Though failing on his sole outing beyond a mile, Night Of Thunder has produced winners at a trip. Furthermore, Night Of Thunder stands at an acceptable 1.64m and sons of Dubawi are capable of producing winning juveniles. The damline is fairly threadbare although the granddam is a sibling of a winning hurdler and Rite Of Passage also appears at 4/3. Notwithstanding, racecourse debutants have a first time strike rate of just 2.33% and Drumfire would appear to be the stable's second string on jockey bookings.

                            Genuflex bg Milton Harris f11-1-5 (74) 79 J1-0-1 (-) 97 98
                            Holy Roman Emperor (Galileo){1-i}(1.13) 0.5 Gendarme 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (88), Limerick 2021
                            The only participant with hurdling experience, Genuflex is also the only flat winner set to face the starter. This victory came at the third time of asking in a Windsor nursery while under the care of Richard Hannon. Though he failed to supplement this success in eight further attempts, Genuflex did run to form over ten furlongs during the spring and summer including on his latest outing in that sphere when showing good tenacity but failing to make all in a Nottingham classified stakes. He subsequently joined the capable Milton Harris for 20,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale and by a Holy Roman Emperor who wins his fair share, and being a half-brother to a winning handicap hurdler, there was every chance he could build his profile over hurdles. He was well backed to do so on his stable/hurdling debut at Ludlow eleven days ago and only one horse prevented his landing the 20/1 into 5/1 plunge. Though occasionally tight at his hurdles, Genuflex posted an efficient round of jumping overall and travelled well in midfield for much of the contest. In contention turning for home, he found himself outpaced between the last two and was slow getting away from the final flight. Nevertheless, he plugged on along the run-in to snatch second in the final strides. That contest was taken by a surprise winner and the third and fourth ran below expectations, but the form is still respectable. The best of these on the flat to the tune of a good ten pounds, Genuflex showed more than enough on his hurdling debut to suggest he sets a very tough target for his opposition.

                            Great Commission bg Ben Haslam f2-0-1 (-) 61
                            Nathaniel (Halling){A16}(0.74) 0.5 Duke Of Condicote 2nd Juvenile Hurdle, Warwick 2020
                            Following a lacklustre debut outing at Hamilton in mid-August, Great Commission left his debut performance well behind a month later when finishing a neck third in a Beverley novice stakes at 100/1. Leading from the outset, he would only forfeit his lead at the half-furlong marker and would run on gamely in defeat. The runner-up, who was beaten at 1/7, won by over eight lengths at Kempton next time and the trio finished over four lengths clear of the remainder. Though possibly flattered by the beaten favourite's underperformance, this was still a most encouraging effort in the context of this race. Furthermore, there is plenty to like about the pedigree as Nathaniel's strong winner to runner rate of 38.46% is bolstered by the likes of Zanahiyr, Burning Victory and Navajo Pass, while Great Commission's half-brother Duke Of Condicote finished second to Adagio on his hurdling debut at Warwick last season. Ben Haslam's winner to runner rate of 23.08% is a respectable one and his record with first time juveniles is solid enough. While his lack of experience will count against him on his hurdles debut, there is more than enough potential in his profile to suggest he could give Genuflex something to ponder.

                            Lucy Rules bf Mike Sowersby f9-0-1 (47) 55
                            Vadamos (Kodiac){1-k}(0.68) 2/1 Zaftil 8th 2m1f Novices' Hurdle, Exeter 2011
                            Formerly with Ollie Pears, whose former inmates have yet to win from sixteen outings in the sphere, Lucy Rules ran her best race on her penultimate outing when second off 50 in a Thirsk selling handicap over a mile back in July. She has since been withdrawn for refusing to enter the stalls at the same venue before missing the break and finishing down the field at Carlisle last time. New trainer Mike Sowersby has had just one winning juvenile from thirty-five since 2004/05 and although sire Vadamos has already had a winner over hurdles from his first crop, there is no jumping form on the damline.

                            Shamrock Wine bf Brian Ellison f9-0-0 (44) 47
                            Epaulette (Tobougg){4-h}(0.60) 0.5 Star Ascending 6th 2m Handicap Hurdle (99), Uttoxeter 2016
                            Brian Ellison is the winningmost trainer of juvenile hurdlers represented in this contest and 31.82% winner to runner rate is supplemented by a strike rate at Sedgefield of 19.23%. His first-time rate with flat recruits is also a healthy 16%, although this drops to just 4.35% when accounting for those rated 61 and below. Shamrock Wine, following a nine race flat career, brings an official mark of 44 and the two instances where she finished closer to first than last came in moderate mile handicaps during the summer. Epaulette has had a winning juvenile from five, but there is little promise on the damline or from the damsire.

                            Sisu bf Susan Corbett f6-0-0 (56) 60
                            Lawman (Manduro){16-c}(0.82) 3/1 Salontyre 1st 2m1f 4YO Handicap Hurdle (126), Exeter 2010
                            Susan Corbett has had one winning juvenile from eight, although three from five qualifiers have improved for the switch in codes and though rated just 56, Sisu is set to be her highest rated recruit from the flat. Initially trained by Sir Mark Prescott, Sisu finished fourth of twelve on her debut at Kempton last November before finishing nearer last than first on five subsequent outings including two during the summer. Sisu has been fairly consistent in her modesty and she moved to Northumberland after a 7,000 guineas sale at Tattersall's August sale. Lawman wins his fair share with juvenile hurdlers, Manduro has a winner to runner rate of 37.5% as a damsire, and along with being a cousin of winning pointer Sleepysaurus, the fairly useful Salontyre (3/1), winning German hurdler Saitensohn (4/2) and the classy Salden Licht (4/3) also appear on the damline. Sisu's apparent troubles with handling Epsom could be a concern on this undulating circuit, and her bare form is modest in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, the yard was a short head from leaving the cold list earlier this week and in the context of this line up, a respectable effort would not be out of the question.

                            Strong prospects
                            1. Genuflex
                            Reasonable prospects
                            2. Great Commission
                            Feasible prospects
                            3. Sisu
                            Moderate prospects
                            4. Ben Asker
                            Negligible prospects
                            5. Shamrock Wine
                            6. Drumfire
                            7. Lucy Rules

                            Comment


                            • Excellent , Many Thank's Kotkijet , I was hoping you might do a preview for these races ., I backed Knight Salute last time @ 18-1 . very nice .
                              And i am quite sweet on Impulsive One , having been at Plumpton when he won , and the following race boosted that , although as you say
                              he made a few iffy Jumps ...
                              At sedgefield i'm sticking to Genuflex , counting on his previous experience to see him through.
                              Excellent News as well , that you have found a place of your own ..

                              Comment


                              • Kotkijet

                                Very pleased to hear that you are 'no longer homeless', keep up the good work. Onwards and upwards

                                Comment

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