Juvenile Hurdlers 2021/22

[Kotkijet]

tl;dr
Caramelised - Impressive when landing brace at Stratford during the summer and had excuses when disappointing at Market Rasen. Can take a hold so connections will be hoping that headgear helps this entire to better settle.

Knight Salute - Modest flat form at three was deceptive and has basically done everything right in winning at Sedgefield and Kempton. Strongest British form on offer and conditions should suit.

Magistrato - Debut second at Auteuil working out very well and made an impressive British debut at Chepstow. Yard does well with his type in this contest and is sure to stay up the hill.

Mister Allegro - Very modest on flat in context of this contest, and landed surprise when making a winning hurdles debut at Ludlow. However, form of that race is working out and proved that was no fluke when following up at Wincanton. Jumps very well but could find stamina stretched here.

Rocky Man - Won at second time of asking on French flat in a slog. Runner-up on British debut at Chepstow and should win races although little reason for him to reverse placings with Magistrato.

Saint Riquier - Winner on flat in France but disappointed when fourth to Mister Allegro on British/hurdles bow (drifted beforehand). Settled and jumped better next time at Huntingdon but bit to find here.

Yorksea - Handicap winner in France and joins strong yard for British/hurdles campaign. Flat form not exceptional however and faces stiff task on debut.

Addosh - Fairly useful flat winner and reversed Stratford defeat at hands of Caramelised in no uncertain terms at Market Rasen. Was in process of running nice race in the Wensleydale but unseated before getting chance to prove herself. Suited by speed tests which is unlikely in this field.

Aliomaana - Reasonable maiden for John Gosden who almost confirmed debut promise when unseating at Perth with race at her mercy. Emphatic winner back at the venue and performed creditably latest when race was not ran to suit. Form gives her a chance although uncertain if she will be suited by Cheltenham.

Strong prospects
1. Knight Salute
Reasonable prospects
2. Magistrato
3. Aliomaana
Feasible prospects
4. Mister Allegro
5. Caramelised
6. Rocky Man
7. Addosh
Moderate prospects
8. Yorksea
Negligible prospects
9. Saint Riquier

[Eggs]

….well done with Knight Salute Kotkijet, did that nicely.

[Kotkijet]

Thank you Eggs Looked like I had the 1-2-3 jumping the last but the race fell apart which allowed the outsiders to fill the frame. At least the strong pace wasn't unexpected and Knight Salute had the best tools to come out on the day. Very pleasing race to watch, particularly with Addosh and Ciaran Gethings getting up alright.

Fontwell is onto its third juvenile hurdle of the season. While this particular contest only came to be in 2017, the seasonal RPRs of its average winners of 130.5 would not be out of place at the likes of Ascot or Aintree. Such a figure is peculiar for a Class 4 event and the anomaly reveals itself when looking at the previous two winners of the contest in Goshen and Nassalam. This year's renewal could potentially be of a similar construct as two Gary Moore recruits bring particular intrigue to what would otherwise be an ordinary affair. Notwithstanding, this is not to denigrate the remainder of the field as there is fair winning and placed form on offer along with a couple of flat recruits that would be of interest in most contests at this grade. Fontwell's clear round rate of 94.92% is one of the lowest in the country and the figure for newcomers 90.54% is also modest so good schooling is especially useful at the venue. Experienced runners naturally have the better strike rate, although this is less pronounced than at other racecourses and three of the four winners of this contest were making their British/hurdles debuts. The winning DIs in this contest of 0.56 mean and 0.60 median are very low, although these figures are drawn from a small sample and the previous editions were ran on softer ground. With the going described as good and rain unlikely to fall, the test may be more in keeping with the course's DIs of 1.12 mean and 1.40 median; which are close enough to standard.

Beowulf bg Michael Bell f11-2-3 (69) 78
Camelot (Thewayyouare){21-a}(0.70) No jumps relatives
Newmarket trainer Michael Bell has supplied 78 juvenile hurdlers to the division since 2004/05, and their winner to runner rate is a healthy one at 30.77%. Notwithstanding, he has ran three of his own during this time with Metaphoric winning a couple in 2008, although his last runners were nine seasons ago and all three were trained at Fitzroy House on the flat. Beowulf, who fetched 34,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale, raced on the flat under the care of Ed Walker whose former inmates count just one winner from thirteen (although the 41.67% improvement rate is more reasonable). After thrice finishing down the field as a two-year-old, Beowulf began his 2021 campaign with a mark of 56 in exchange for his testicles. He was also given blinkers for his handicap debut at Linfield at the beginning of June where after racing keenly, he did his best work towards the end of the ten furlongs to finish just over two lengths behind in third. Following a midfield finish at Yarmouth without the blinkers, Beowulf got off the mark in a Ffos Las handicap in June with the blinkers reapplied. Racing keenly while held up in rear, he made headway in the straight and showed a decisive turn of foot at the distance to ultimately run out a cosy four length winner. Beowulf followed up a fortnight later at the same venue and in a similar fashion off a mark of 65. This would be his last visit to the winners enclosure and though he ran to form when finishing third in consecutive outings at Newbury and Bath off 72, his headstrong tendencies re-emerged as he finished midfield on his final two outings without being entirely disgraced. Beowulf's pedigree gives mixed signals as while Camelot is a solid sire of juveniles (27.27% winner to runner), damsire Thewayyouare has a modest record as a sire and the damline, being North American, is bereft of jumpers. Beowolf would not be completely out of this contest on his flat form, and his sire and trainer are interesting. However, his headstrong nature is a concern and the yard has gone a month since its last winner.

Boulette bg Nigel Hawke f6-0-1 (73) 72 j2-0-1 (-) 92 102
Epaulette (Tiznow){5-f}(1.00) 0.5 Pari Passu 10th 2m Maiden Hurdle, Kilbeggan 2019
Another in a series of juvenile hurdlers to have joined Nigel Hawke from Jim Bolger, a group which has produced six winners from ten, Boulette has shown enough to take an ordinary contest at some point. A six race maiden in Ireland, his performances exceeded his official mark of 71 and he shaped as though stamina would be no concern in this sphere. His hurdling debut came at the start of September where he was slightly uneasy in the market. Sweating up beforehand, Boulette had a habit of pulling on the flat and he raced keenly off the modest pace here. Initially in midfield, he jumped the path crossing the stands, but was soon tracking the pacesetters and was within a couple of lengths of the lead jumping three out. He hurdled well enough save for skewing at the first and slightly reaching at the fourth, although the shift in gears rather caught him off guard as he got close to three out, and while he jumped the last two fine, he was not so quick in getting away from his hurdles. This cost him valuable momentum which exacerbated his lack of pace. He was about six lengths behind at the furlong marker and though able to rally after reorganising himself, he gave himself too much to do and was unable to bridge the gap in time. He shaped like a horse who should come on plenty for the experience and after a two month break, made his return at Ludlow ten days ago. Sent off the 5/2 joint favourite having been 13/8 during the morning, Boulette was keen from the outset and soon pulled himself into the lead. His advantage was extended to half a dozen lengths along the back but was amongst the pack turning for home. After conceding the lead before the penultimate flight, he faded to finish an eleven length fifth. His headstrong tendencies also impacted his hurdling as he skewed at the first, clipped the third, got in close to the fifth before his jumping further deteriorated in the straight. Boulette is capable of winning a race of this nature on his Worcester performance, the yard is in better form than at Ludlow. However, his temperament raises concerns and while hood and tongue tie have been added, the yard's runners show no discernible improvement for the first-time application of same.

Hayedo bg Gary Moore f4-0-3 (-) 84
Sea The Moon (Sholokhov){7-c}(0.65) 3/1 Hill Fairy 1st Lombardstown Mares Novice Chase (L), Cork 2008
https://www.pronoturf.es/ficha-cabal...60b8d619314a2e

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/hayedo

Starting his career in Spain before racing in France, the German bred Hayedo is set to make his British debut here. After fetching €58,000 as a yearling, Hayedo twice ran for Patrik Olave at La Zarzuela, Madrid late in the season where he would finish second over 1800m on turf, and 1900m on sand. The latter outing saw him finish nine lengths behind a horse called Speedful who would eventually move to France and race in claiming company, albeit as a seventy/eiighty-ish performer. Hayedo's third outing is much more easily quantified. Having his first run for Edouard Monfort, who has yet to export a juvenile hurdler, Hayedo reappeared in a quite valuable maiden contest at Longchamp over 2000m in May. Keen in the early stages, he pulled himself into the lead and settled better as a result. He would maintain his advantage to the distance and though outpaced by the winner, would keep on gamely to hold second. The form is of a reasonable standard with the length and a quarter winner rated 96.8, and the third rated 88. Hayedo failed to match this form on his sole subsequent outing which came over 2200m at Lyon the following month. Though running a similar kind of race, he did not settle quite so well and while he fought on bravely after being headed turning for home, he found himself swamped in the final strides, finishing just under two lengths behind in fourth. Gary Moore has a strong record with his French flat recruits with ten of his twenty-four winning as juveniles, four of whom would score first time out, and Yorksea ran a big race at Cheltenham yesterday. There is also encouragement for Hayedo's new vocation in the pedigree. Sea The Moon (Allmankind, Tritonic) has a winner runner rate of 28.57% and an improvement rate of 50%. Sholokhov is untried as a damsire but 30% of his own progeny win in the sphere and the third dam is the matriarch of winning jumpers Hill Fairy (3/1), Hey Little Boy (3/1) and North Hill (3/2). Hayedo's best flat form along with his pedigree give him the credentials to be a useful recruit. His ability on good ground is not assured however but while he appears to be the second string on jockey bookings, Hayedo could be better suited by conditions than his stablemate.

Largo Bay chg Michael Madgwick f13-1-5 (59) 63
Flintshire (Henrythenavigator){3-d}(1.08) 5/3 I'm So Lucky 1st Celebration Chase (G2), Sandown 2010
Juveniles bought after winning sellers on the flat rarely show useful form over hurdles, although they do have a respectable winner to runner rate of 26%. Largo Bay's sole flat win from thirteen came in such company when he took a ten furlong selling handicap off 56 at Linfield in mid-August. Sent off the 2/1 favourite, made all at a fair tempo before going clear in the straight to win by two lengths. After the race, he left Richard Hughes to join Michael Madgwick for the sum of ?7,200. Juvenile recruits from the former yard have yet to have a winner from ten and none of the five qualifiers have improved for the switch to hurdling. Michael Madgwick's record in the sphere is more encouraging as while his winner to runner rate of 12.5% is fair at best, his improvement rate of 61.54% is healthy and he did get a couple of wins from ?2,000 purchase Ray Diamond in 2008/09. Largo Bay has had three outings for his new handler on the flat and while he was poor at Kempton over a mile, having missed an engagement the previous month, a step up to twelve furlongs saw him run new career bests at Kempton off 60, and Lingfield off 59 twelve days ago. He will be the first hurdler for sire Flintshire, whose standing in America will make his progeny a rare sight over jumps. Notwithstanding, while the five time Group One winner has a strong preference for fast ground, his class, stamina and good height of 16.1hh, along with his being a son of Dansili and nephew of useful hurdler Summit Meeting, suggest that his progeny should hold their own over hurdles. However, the damline is less encouraging as Henrythenavigator has contributed little to the sphere and one has to go back to 5/3 in order to find a useful jumper. Largo Bay's profile is not without its positives for juvenile hurdling, but while he has a good chance of performing in the sphere, it will likely come at a lower level.

Morani Kali chg Martin Smith f7-0-0 (55) 65 j1-0-0 (-) 43 48
Charming Thought (Haafhd){3-d}(2.11) 2/1 Heavenly Chorus 1st 2m3?f Handicap Hurdle (104), Catterick 2008
Making his racecourse debut in January at Southwell, Morani Kali amassed seven starts without reaching the frame and his fourth at Kempton second time out has been a total outlier. Damsire Haafhd had a respectable record as a sire in the division, but this has not been passed through his broodmares and Representing a yard without a winning juvenile hurdler and Charming Thought does not have the profile to produce good jumpers. Morani Kali made his jumps bow at Huntingdon in early January where his starting price of 100/1 was a reflection of his chances. Always in the rear, he jumped poorly throughout and would ultimately finish a tailed off last of seven. He subsequently finished midfield on his return to the flat three weeks ago.

Moulins Clermont bg Gary Moore j1-0-1 (-) 114 121
Free Port Lux (Ungaro){3-o}(0.67) 0.5 Paris Clermont 1st 4300 Conditions Chase, Aix-les-Bains 2016

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/moulins-clermont

It is a sign of the times, probably compounded by events of the past year, that Moulins Clermont was purchased not privately or at a public auction, but on an online shop. For €70,000, he left Bertrand Lefevre to become another recruit to the Gary Moore ranks. Continuing the prototype theme, Moulins Clermont represents the first crop of jumpers by Group Two winner Free Port Lux - a giant of a horse at 1.70m who, despite being by Oasis Dream, has a stamina laden pedigree and has already produced the useful three-year-old hurdler Itours Brun. Moulins Clermont's sole start came in the Prix du Brevent at Compi?gne which is a reaonable conditions race that has been contested by the likes of Adrien Du Pont, Ibis Du Rheu, Cristal Bonus. Held up in midfield, Moulins Clermont had a propensity to get tight at his hurdles but rarely caused alarm. However, despite the race being the slowest held at the venue this term, he still looked short of pace and was doing his best work towards the end of the contest as he finished three lengths third of nine. The form is not exceptional, but it has produced a few subsequent winners and a performance rating in the early 120s would not be unreasonable. Half of Gary Moore's ten French hurdles recruits have been winners with four of those scoring first time including recent Wensleydale winner Porticello, and Fontwell scorers Botox Has and Nassalam. Moulins Clermont sets a clear standard on hurdles form and given his profile, a slog around Fontwell would seem an ideal introduction. However, with the ground forecast to be unseasonably firm, he may be vulnerable to something with more pace.

Pride Of Nepal bg Jeremy Scott f9-0-2 (63) 69
The Gurkha (Tamayuz){3-d}(0.82) 3/2 Hanover Street 1st 2m 4yo Maiden Hurdle, Tramore 2016
The record of those bought after winning sellers is covered in Largo Bay's profile, who won the race from which Pride Of Nepal was purchased for ?6,400. The latter, beaten by two lengths, was carrying eleven pounds more which puts him ahead at the weights and while still a maiden after nine starts, his subsequent second at Wolverhampton on his penultimate outing confirms superiority over Largo Bay. However, he is given to taking a keen hold and his stamina is also suspect in the context of this contest. Those formerly trained by Hughie Morrison have a solid 22.58% winner to runner rate in the sphere and new handler Jeremy Scott has won with one of his six; although his recent form could be stronger and the yard's juveniles generally need a few races under their girths. A son of first crop sire The Gurkha, who is promising to be a supplier of useful, if speedy, juveniles. Pride Of Nepal incidentally shares a damline with the aforementioned Largo Bay at 7/5. Nevertheless, a winning jumper does appear somewhat closer on his side with Hanover Street showing at 3/2. Pride Of Nepal is another recruit who could find his level, although he also wants for class and will probably appreciate a sharper test than the one offered by Fontwell.

Rhebus Road chg Oliver Sherwood f10-2-3 (74) 78 j1-0-0 (-) 73 79
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. Sire Champs Elysees has a winner to runner rate of 25.45%, and his improvement rate of 51.43% is also respectable. While there are no superstars on the damline, Rhebus Road is a nephew of Thahab Ifraj who won a handicap hurdle last year. Switching to Oliver Sherwood for his hurdling career, he joined a trainer with a healthy 39.39% winner to runner rate in the sphere, and whose charges tend to improve with the benefit of experience. Connections will be hoping for this to be the case as Rhebus Road's hurdling debut at Kempton was not encouraging. Though sent off the outsider, he was not without supporters and his price contracted from 10/1 to 15/2 at the off. However, while he probably settled as well as anything in the contest, his hurdling left something to be desired as he hopped over the second, was steady before skewing at the fifth, steady again at the next where he got in close and was already weakening when putting in a tired jump at two out. While Rhebus Road is not without potential as a hurdling recruit, he was overfaced in this company first time and it remains to be seen if he would be more enthusiastic here. Going left handed should be a positive, but there are questions to answer and the yard has gone a month without sending out a winner.

[Kotkijet]

The Yellow Mini bf Michael Wigham f14-0-1 (45) 53 j4-1-3 (110) 95 106
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. 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 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. The Yellow Mini continued in going from strength to strength with another career best at back Fontwell at the start of last month. Though initially the least fancied of three principals in a tight contest, she was supported into 6/4 joint favouritism at the off. Attempting to make all once again, she had the lead to herself up until the final flight where she was still holding a winning chance. However, while she mostly hurdled well, save for a tendency to jump right, she did get close to three out and made a real mess of the last where she barely got off the ground and stumbled badly on landing. This blunder cost her valuable momentum and quite likely the race itself as she had little left to offer on the run-in. Notwithstanding, the performance still demonstrated that The Yellow Mini is an honest sort who enjoys her new vocation. The Yellow Mini was last seen eighteen days ago at Fakenham where, racing in first-time blinkers, attracted late support to start the race at 5/1. While Fakenham would generally suit frontrunners, it was a contest inundated with trailblazers and The Yellow Mini was right in the thick of it; contesting the lead from the outset. Her hurdling was still reasonable all things considered, with mistakes only creeping in as she faded late on to nobody's surprise. Beaten thirty-four lengths, but still holding on for third, The Yellow Mini will likely appreciate her return to Fontwell. However, she is unlikely to enjoy an uncontested lead, nor will she have the services of Gavin Sheehan who skilfully guided her around Fontwell during her previous visits.

Undercover Agent bg Mark Gillard f3-0-0 (39) 39 j1-0-0 (-) 66 81
Kodiac (Rainbow Quest){1-o}(0.78) 0.5 Hoist The Colours 4th Juvenile Hurdle, Stratford 2015
Since fetching 3,000 guineas at a Tattersalls Breeze Up this year, Undercover Agent, a half-brother to the 2009 Poule d'Essai des Pouliche winner Elusive Wave, finished tailed off on two outings during August and was an eleven length last of six in a weak Lingfield claimer early last month. Trainer Mark Gillard has saddled three winning juveniles, but none would do so before their fifth attempt over hurdles and his overall strike rate stands at just 3.85%. Kodiac has a good record in the sphere with a winner to runner rate of 37.93%, and uncle Leopardi managed a win. However, this did not offset the huge task set on Undercover Agent's hurdling debut at Wincanton three weeks ago and his on course drift from 100/1 to 250/1 was not alarming. Held up in the rear, he never threatened to get competitive and he eventually finished a distance behind the winner. Notwithstanding, his jumping was not atrocious with his only errors coming when steady and close at the third, pecking at the next and going left at the sixth. While he accomplished little here, this still marked a new career best. Undercover Agent can make a better hurdler, although his sights will need to be set considerably lower.

Cirrus chf Milton Harris f14-0-3 (65) 77 j1-0-1 (-) 68 67
Starspangledbanner (Halling){5-e}(3.00) 0.5 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 15,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July sale, Cirrus had shown her best form when under a length third at 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 and indicating that a trip could be the key. 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 45% strike rate in the past fortnight, has already had three winning juveniles this term including Knight Salute who landed the Grade Two Prestbury Hurdle at Cheltenham. 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. Making her hurdling debut at the venue at the beginning of October, Cirrus was weak in the market beforehand and started the race at 16/1. Held up in midfield, she hurdled decently overall for the most part and was still moving well enough on rounding the home turn. However, fears over her first-time tongue tie manifested as she folded very tamely before finishing a thirty-seven length last of three. A respiratory noise was reported after the race and a wind operation was conducted within the week. Given a good six weeks to recover, and with the yard in white hot form, Cirrus could very well leave her debut outing behind. While there will naturally be questions to answer insofar as her wellbeing is concerned, she has at least shown herself a fluent jumper as well as capable of performing after a layoff.

Sly Madam bf Sheena West f7-0-1 (45) 49 j1-0-0 (-) 60 61
Sixties Icon (Thousand Words){4-i}(0.57) 1/1 Sly Minx 3rd Juvenile Hurdle, Fontwell 2020
Though no better than a modest maiden on the flat for Mick Channon, Sly Madam has a couple of elements to suggest improvement for the switch to hurdles. Trainer Sheena West has a strong improvement rate of 72.97% with her charges, and Sixties Icon has produced some useful juvenile fillies while also enjoying a healthy improvement rate of 53.57%. However, Sly Madam was not well fancied for her hurdling debut at Stratford six weeks ago where she faced a stiff task against two promising newcomers. Taking a keen hold while tracking the leaders, her cause was not helped by her jumping big at the early flights before becoming slow to get away from the later obstacles. Sly Madam's full-sister, Sly Minx, was beaten out of sight in this contest last season and while she might eventually outperform her sibling, there is little enthusiasm for the imminent future.

tl;dr
Beowulf - Rare juvenile hurdler for Michael Bell who won twice on the flat for Ed Walker. Capable of decent form but propensity to pull hard re-emerged and yard not in strong form.

Boulette - Horses who join Nigel Hawke from Jim Bolger have solid record in the sphere and Worcester debut second was promising. Raced to freely for own good at Ludlow and while yard is in better form, there are questions to answer.

Hayedo - German bred who started in Spain and stepped up when moving to France. Longchamp second the strongest flat form on offer and has joined a yard with strong record in this contest. May want more testing conditions but is brave and is bred to do well in sphere.

Largo Bay - Won selling handicap off 56 but yard can win with modest sorts. Sire's progeny should perform over hurdles but likely to find this company too strong.

Morani Kali - Poor on flat overall and nothing in profile to suggest he can make a hurdler. No encouragement from hurdling debut at Huntingdon.

Moulins Clermont - Third on sole outing which came in reasonable race at Compiegne. Yard does very well with his type and this contest would have been ideal on soft ground. However, may be vulnerable to pacier sort in prevailing conditions.

Pride Of Nepal - Behind Largo Bay in seller but stronger form overall. Tends to pull and stamina not assured for this trip.

Rhebus Road - Cost 70,000gns at the Tattersalls July Sale and had useful winning form on the flat. Has looked awkward at times Kempton debut left plenty to be desired. Capable of better but not sure to produce and yard on the cold list.

The Yellow Mini - Showed dramatic improvement from flat form when making winning start to hurdling career over course and distance. May have landed double at this venue but for final flight error. Honest and capable but unlikely to get easy lead.

Undercover Agent - Achieved nothing on flat and while shaped better on hurdling debut at Wincanton, still has a great deal to find with several of these.

Cirrus - Fourteen race maiden on flat but pedigree not without merit and is with a yard that can do little wrong. Jumped well but faded tamely on jumps bow over course and distance. Respiratory issues reported and has had wind done. Questions to answer but has performed after a break and dangerous to dismiss.

Sly Madam - Modest maiden who has the profile to do better over hurdles. Stratford debut was poor however, and has plenty to find here.

Strong prospects
1. Cirrus
Reasonable prospects
2. Hayedo
3. Moulins Clermont
Feasible prospects
4. Boulette
5. The Yellow Mini
6. Rhebus Road
Moderate prospects
7. Beowulf
8. Largo Bay
9. Pride Of Nepal
Negligible prospects
10. Undercover Agent
11. Sly Madam
12. Morani Kali

[Kotkijet]

Nowhere near enough time to do an essay but I have done some notes for tomorrow's contest at Leicester. Enjoy

Leicester -
DIs 1.00 median 1.27 mean - 9th lowest in GB. 4th lowest when comparing winning DIs to those beaten.
Clear round rate 98.47% 3rd highest in GB. 98.90% for newcomers. Newcomers SR of 10.99% above avg
David Pipe 8 runs 4 wins 1 place

This race -
Six runnings since 2012
Nyanza (2nd in 2014) won Aintree listed race. Six others placed at Aintree.
No trainers represented here have ever had runner.
Good to soft with rain unlikely. Weather warning for fog.

Kalzari bbf David Pipe j2-1-1 (-) - ~118
Zanzibari (Konig Turf){19}(2.60) 3/2 Korfu 1st 4000m Cross Country Chase, Milano 2021

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/kalzari

Zanzibari WR 3-5 (60%) GB&IRE, 13-43 (30.23%) 3YO France.
ex Daniela Mele (Stratagem, 2 runs 1 win; Josh d'Id 1-0)
David Pipe ex French jumpers; WR 14-28 (50%) inc Gaspara & Mr Thriller
David Pipe ex French jumpers out of claimers; WR 3-6 inc Notus de la Tour
David Pipe 1st time out w/ ex-French jumpers; 9-27 (33.33% SR)

Debut 30/8/21 3500m Moulins Maiden Hurdle (souple/G-S)
Held up in rear, slow tempo, headway second circuit, outpaced after awkward jump two out, rallied run-in, beaten 1 length second of six finishers. Nothing to form.

23/9/21 3400m Compiegne Claiming Hurdle (tres souple/very good to soft)
Ridden more prominently, led halfway, travelled well jumping last, pushed out for cosy 4l win.
Few minor errors but otherwise a nice round of jumping and, at times, clever. Went slightly right a couple of times.
Runner up a very solid yardstick at claiming class. Won twice subsequently. Third placed next two starts. Fourth won next time.
Worthy of rating in high 110s, possibly higher. Sold for €28,888 afterwards.

Angels Landing bf Ian Williams f6-1-3 (71) 76 j1-0-1 (-) 85 94
Fascinating Rock (Pivotal){7-a}(1.77) 5/3 Binocular 1st Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2010
First juv for Fascinating Rock - fair credentials for division.
Damline threadbare. Bleu Ciel et Blanc and Binocular distant relatives
Won Kempton handicap at 20/1 off 67 on final flat outing
Started joint favourite for hurdling debut at Ludlow
Held up in touch, one paced straight, 4?l third of seven
Jumped abysmally
Fifth won next time at Fontwell (trainer in better form)
Ian Williams solid record in division with Saint Riquier a good second at Cheltenham

Cirrus chf Milton Harris f14-0-3 (65) 77 j2-0-1 (-) 68 67
Starspangledbanner (Halling){5-e}(3.00) 0.5 Spiritual Art 1st 2m1f Mares' Maiden Hurdle, Newton Abbot 2011
Ran and jumped well on hurdling debut to a point before dropping out tamely.
Had wind op but jumped poorly and never went a yard on return yesterday.
Juveniles returning after one day have record of 10 runs, 2 wins, 2 places.
Milton Harris has had a winner from swift return but this was a handicapper on a sequence.
Poor Fontwell return probably due more to lack of aptitude and enthusiasm than fitness.

Instant de Bonheur bf Nigel Hawke Unraced
Karaktar (Robin des Champs){u}(0.41) 0.5 Avenir d'Une Vie 2nd Dan & Joan Moore Handicap Chase (A,142), Fairyhouse 2020
Unraced juvenile hurdlers 2.41% strike rate.
Unraced juvenile hurdlers trained by Nigel Hawke, 9.09% strike rate. (1-11, Tiger Roll)
Trainer solid record overall, winner yesterday at Fontwell.
Karaktar having first crop , no wins from eleven thus far but You're The Boss second in Listed race.
Damline; 2/1 (dam full-sister to) Sous Les Cieux 1.Royal Bond 2/1 Ainsi Va La Vie 3/1 I Got It 3/2 Sans Histoire 1.Rohan 3.Sytaj 3/3 Gauloise 4/3 Un Atout 4/4 Sir des Champs 5/5 Elixir d'Ainay 5/5 Capitaine

Lady Pacifico bf David Weston f8-1-4 (69) 76
Sir Percy (Dynaformer){1-l}(0.52) 2/2 Plain Sailing 1st 2m2?f Novices' Hurdle, Newton Abbot 2013
Initially raced in France, won 1m4f Leicester handicap on GB debut off 65
Without win but not disgraced three subsequent outings over fourteen furlongs. Stamina not an issue.
Sold for 27,000gns Tatts August
Two Tom Clover graduates, each failed to perform on sole start.
David Weston 0 from 2 with sole juvenile. 5 runs and 73 days since last winner of any description.
Cousin to winner along with two placed jumpers. Taglietelie and If In Doubt distant relatives.

Macha bf David Pipe f8-2-4 (33,5-73.7) 66
Myboycharlie (Medicean){1-k}(1.40) 2/1 Zoffalee 1st 2m1f 4yo Handicap Hurdle (112), Ballinrobe 2019

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/macha

Dual winner for Jean-Claude Rouget.
Had looked promising as 2yo but ultimately disappointing with rating dropping eleven pounds.
Won second race last time out in 2100m Dax claimer. Made all and ran on gamely. Form meh.
Bought for €15,256
Myboycharlie 1-7 GB&IRE, 4-14 3yoFR (28.57%)
Fairly useful Zoffalee only nearby jumper at 2/1. German 1000gns winner Kali also 2/1
David Pipe ex-French flat claimers 5-11 (WR 45.45%)
Adagio exception, Koi Dodville won poor races, other three winners (Nike Walker, Paricolour and Closer To Home) did so on handicap debuts after lesser performances in open company.

Pump It Up chf Richard Spencer f12-1-3 (49) 59 j1-0-0 (-) 71 79
Charming Thought (Pivotal){1-l}(2.08) 3/1 General Eliott 1st 2m?f Handicap Hurdle (100), Market Rasen 2011

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EcjWd-O4jI

Awah, a place to stay, get your booty on the floor tonight, make my day
Brave and consistent at a low level on the flat.
Pedigree not especially compelling.
Jumps debut at Fakenham three weeks ago, unfancied.
Started prominently but lost places towards end of first circuit, one paced in midfield second circuit, plugged on for 42 length fourth.
Slightly awkward but reasonable jumping overall.

Unfinished Busines grf Nigel Hawke Unraced
Clovis du Berlais (Fragrant Mix){19-a}(0.50) 2/1 Valseur Lido 1st Champion Chase (G1), Down Royal 2016
Whoever named this horse is very clever. Well done.
Unraced juvenile hurdlers 2.41% strike rate.
Unraced juvenile hurdlers trained by Nigel Hawke, 9.09% strike rate. (1-11, Tiger Roll)
Trainer solid record overall, winner yesterday at Fontwell.
First British runner for Clovis du Berlais - thrice placed in graded hurdles at 4yo, sole runner to date pulled up. Sire King's Theatre had solid record with juveniles but better with age.
Damline; 2/1 Tango Lido 3/2 Rhialco 1.Leon Olry-Roederer 3/2 Desir Apple's 5/4 Pomme Tiepy 5/4 Dostiep 5/4

Strong (bordering outstanding) prospects
1. Kalzari
Reasonable prospects
2. Lady Pacifico
3. Angels Landing
Feasible prospects
4. Macha
5. Instant de Bonheur
Moderate prospects
6. Unfinished Busines
7. Cirrus
8. Pump It Up
Negligible prospects
.

[Garrison Savannah]

Missing these essays! Hope you’re well Kotkijet

[Kotkijet]

Thanks GS. I'm missing them too... Maintaining the project was a full time job however and unfortunately, it got rather squeezed out by other obligations. Would love to figure out how to strike a balance somehow but there is no way I could maintain the previous output at this juncture. Still, there's a nice race tomorrow (well two but I only had time to work on the one!) so I am happy to put out this hobby piece. Maybe a piece or two here and there but absolutely no promises or expectations!

The Summit Juvenile Hurdle was initially contested as the Summit Junior Hurdle at Lingfield in 1975 whereafter the winner, Sweet Joe, would also take the Victor Ludorum at Haydock. Though the race became more notorious for its frequent abandonments than the horses who contested same, it was not incapable of throwing up decent sorts; particularly during the nineties with its roll call including Oh So Risky, Anzum and Hors La Loi III, winners of the Triumph, Stayers' and Champion Hurdles respectively. With jumps racing at Lingfield becoming increasingly untenable, the race was deserted for a few seasons before being given a reprieve at Doncaster in 2011 where it would also be reunited with the December Novices' Chase. Since finding its new home, The Summit Hurdle has established itself as one of the finest juvenile hurdles held in Britain before Christmas, producing four grade one winners in Peace And Co (Triumph 2014/15), We Have A Dream (Finale and Anniversary 2017/18), Quel Destin (Finale 2018) and Monmiral (Anniversary 2021). Despite facing strong competition from the Triumph Trial on Cheltenham's card, this season's renewal is still representative of the best seen to date in the country. Knight Salute, Porticello and Too Friendly all bring substantial, undefeated records to the fray while Impulsive One and Magistrato, each victims of the first named, hold feasible pretentions to reversing the form. Sacre Pierre was not beaten far when third behind Porticello at Wetherby, David Pipe introduces a talented newcomer from the flat in Kolisi, and the field is rounded off by New Reality who while a fairly useful winner, is the only one to look out of his depth.

Doncaster's winning DIs of 1.13 median, 1.35 mean, suggest a slightly more demanding stamina test than standard, although its clear round rate of 96.99% and completion rate of 90.19% still place the South Yorkshire venue within the fairest third. Five of the seven odds-on favourites in this contest since its switch to Doncaster have obliged and although no horse should be odds-on this year, it does place further emphasis on the course producing rational results. None of the race's eight newcomers have made a winning hurdling debut, although Broughton and Robertstown did finish runner-up in 2013 and 2015 for john Ferguson. No winner of this contest was breaking their maiden in the process, although since every experienced runner here has tasted hurdling success, this is much of a muchness. The going is currently described as good to soft and though overnight rain is not expected, the sky is likely to fall at some point in the afternoon.

Triumph Odds
Porticello 16/1
Knight Salute 25/1
Too Friendly 40/1
Magistrato 50/1
Impulsive One 66/1
Sacre Pierre 100/1

Knight Salute bg Milton Harris f7-1-1 (75) 85 j3-3-0 (128) 114 127
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 towards the end of September. 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. He was next seen at Kempton four weeks ago, having his second outing at a more fashionable venue against representatives of more fashionable yards. He was uneasy in the exchanges during the day, but he held a strong chance on paper and was backed in the ring from 13/2 to 9/2 at the off. Tracking the leaders off a fairly modest tempo, Mitch Bastyan had to display good strength to keep a good hold of his mount. Nevertheless, the jockey conserved enough energy to have Knight Salute in a useful position turning into the straight. Though momentarily outpaced between the final two flights, Knight Salute gained enough momentum to jump the last with a share of the lead and was able to see off his rival to the tune of a couple of lengths at the line. While he made mistakes under pressure first time at Sedgefield, there were no errors worth reporting in this contest and with his strong travelling and fluent jumping, he posted the strongest winning performance seen on a British course this season. Knight Salute's latest outing saw him take the step into graded company with aplomb when winning at Cheltenham four weeks ago. Steady in the market and sent off the 9/2 second favourite, he jumped as well as ever and travelled easily towards the rear of midfield. Going wide on the turn for home on the leaders' tails, Knight Salute was shaken up on the run to the last and though he drifted left under pressure going away from the flight, he was running true up the hill and showed good acceleration to put the best part of three lengths between himself and his rivals for a cosy success. The next five were covered by less than two lengths and the runner-up was comprehensively outclassed when failing to justify favouritism at Warwick earlier this week. Furthermore, though the visuals suggested that the Cheltenham race rather fell apart due to a strong pace, this premise is not backed up by the sectional times which indicates that despite the respectable line-up, the form is perhaps not as strong as could be expected for such a race. Notwithstanding, Knight Salute could do no more than win as he did. His form and jumping ability set the standard in this field and though his wins have all come on good, he should have no problem on softer ground and may even feasibly improve. The yard's impressive strike rate has rather dropped off in recent weeks, but Milton Harris' charges are still running to form and he was close to landing a double at Lingfield on Wednesday. Interestingly, he also sent the useful Mondul to win this contest in 2003 when it was still held at the aforementioned venue.

Porticello bg Gary Moore j2-2-0 (130) 122 123 (132 FR)
Sholokhov (Chichicastenango){31}(0.87) 2/1 Worldbest 3rd Grand Prix d'Automne (G1), Auteuil 2009

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/porticello

Francois-Marie Cottin has sent the likes of Sanctuaire, Napolitain and Star de Mohaison across the channel over the years. Cousin David has yet to match those levels as an exporter although Busselton was a creditable sort last term and this season has seen Mr Cottin take the French three-year-old division by storm with a team including leading colts Paradiso and San Bruit, and leading fillies Matilda du Berlais and La Boetie. He also saddled the first two home in the Prix Grandak prior to the pair crossing the channel for pastures new. The Prix Grandak is a debutant contest with a rich history, being the launchpad of domestic stars Saint des Saints, Bonito Du Berlais, Beaumec De Houelle, On The Go and Beaumec De Houelle, as well as talented exports in Frodon, Far West, We Have A Dream and Quel Destin. This year’s edition was taken by Porticello who having tracked the leaders throughout, made his challenge in a steady rather than explosive fashion and after taking the lead at the last, managed to pull a couple of lengths clear on the run-in. Apart from blundering at the fifth, he jumped well enough for a debutant and his style of racing was in keeping with his pedigree; being a Sholokhov nephew of the Grand Prix d’Automne third Worldbest. Notwithstanding, there is some precocity in his pedigree as his dam is a half-sister to graded placed juvenile Orcantara and the aunt of Prix Cambaceres runner-up Invicter. Furthermore, while Sholokhov is a Gold Cup winning sire, he is also responsible for Shishkin as well as classy youngsters Msassa, Esmondo and the aforementioned Invicter. Almost seven months have passed since the Prix Grandak and the form is taking a very respectable shape. Runner-up Magistrato looked very impressive when winning at Chepstow on his first run for Paul Nicholls and was subsequently a respectable fourth at Cheltenham. Third placed Imprenable won his next two starts before finishing second in the Groupe II Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy and fourth in the Groupe I Prix Cambaceres. File au Poteau in fourth won a useful conditions hurdle at Auteuil in October, fifth placed Coup de Coeur is one of the better chasers of his generation, the sixth placed Mourinho Has won a valuable handicap at the venue before finishing fifth in the Cambaceres and the only other finisher is a dual winner in the provinces. Representing a Gary Moore yard with a strong and solid record in the sphere, Porticello was thrown straight into pattern company for his British debut, which came in the Wensleydale Hurdle at Wetherby towards the end of October. His Grandak form was enough to see him sent off the 6/4 favourite and he was able to win quite comfortably in the end. However, his round of hurdling was anything but impressive and there was not a flight where he jumped especially well. Slow and untidy at the first, he hopped over the second, skewed when steady at the third, steady again when close to the fourth, close at the fifth, hit the top of the sixth, was big and steep over the seventh and two out (where he stumbled on landing) and big again over the last. Racing close to the lead throughout, he did travel well in fairness and though he did not kick on after taking the lead at the first flight in the home straight, and wandered quite conspicuously under pressure, he did eventually run out a decisive four length winner while giving away upwards of five pounds. None of the first four have been out since and though decent enough at face value, the performance was still someway short of his Auteuil outing. Porticello, in keeping with his pedigree and profile, can be described as green and unfurnished horse with the potential to make a very good horse once he matures and gets a trip. He clearly has the ability to do well in this contest although the strength of his prospects largely depends on how much he has learned during the six weeks since his last appearance.

[Kotkijet]

Too Friendly bg Dan Skelton f6-1-2 (85) 91 j2-2-0 (126) 111 122
Camelot (One Cool Cat){14-c}(0.86) 2/2 Arch Stanton 2nd 3m?f Handicap Hurdle (97), Roscommon 2018
In 2019, the Gredleys sent Allmankind to Dan Skelton for whom he won graded contests at Cheltenham and Chepstow prior to placing third in the Triumph. Last season, Stepney Causeway followed suit and landed a four timer during his first campaign in the sphere. This time around, the first such horse was Too Friendly who left George Scott with a rating of 85. Placed on his first two racecourse appearances at Lingfield over the winter, Too Friendly returned after a break to win the ten furlong maiden at Doncaster’s Lincoln meeting, winning under a confident ride with something to spare from dual subsequent winner Dhushan. He then took a step up in class when contesting the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom and while he finished sixth of eight, it still marked a career best. Too Friendly had taken a keen hold at Epsom and though cheekpieces were applied for his two subsequent outings, they failed to negate the issue as he finished closer to last than first in handicaps at Royal Ascot and at Newmarket. In Dan Skelton, Too Friendly joined one of the strongest yards in the division who along with a healthy winners to runners rate of 38.55%, also boasts some talented sorts in Bedrock, Azzuri, Nube Negra and Cabot Cliffs along with the aforementioned Gredley representatives. While Too Friendly’s granddam was the highly talented filly Marling, jumpers are a sparse breed on the damline with moderate Arch Stanton (2/2) being the only nearby relative to show form in the sphere. Camelot made a strong start to his career as a stallion in the division with his first crop spearheaded by Sir Erec and Gardens Of Babylon. His rate rather flattened out after the first crop, but this term has gotten off to a good start with wins from Realist in Ireland, and from Too Friendly himself on his hurdling debut at Stratford early this month. Though coming off second best in a flip flop battle for favouritism with Oceanline, he got his revenge in the race itself. His jumping did not get off to the cleanest start as he hopped and stumbled slightly at the first, and he was slightly reticent when big over the third. Nevertheless, despite racing keenly in the early stages, Too Friendly was travelling much the better going over the hill second time. He had to be asked to reach top gear but his response was fairly swift and though outjumped at the last by his resolute rival, Too Friendly had enough to cross the line a length to the good. He could have settled a bit better and there his hurdling could have been more consistent, but the positives outweighed the negatives and atop a solid foundation is ample scope for further improvement. After missing his engagement in the Wensleydale due to an infected foot, Too Friendly went some way to fulfilling some of that potential when comfortably securing his brace in an introductory contest at Newcastle a fortnight ago. Taking a hold in the rear off a modest tempo, Too Friendly jumped much better than at Stratford, making only a few slight errors while dashing through the snow. Still bringing up a tightly packed field at three out, he only needed shaking up to move into the lead after the penultimate flight and a superior jump to his rival's at the last gave him the impetus to shoot nearly five lengths clear on the run-in. This will be Too Friendly's first foray into pattern company and his form to date does leave him a few pounds short of the protagonists. Nevertheless, he has every right to take his place in this line-up and if he continues his improvement then he would be dangerous to discount. Indeed, a literal interpretation of proxy form through Saint Riquier and Twilight Twist makes a case for his hurdling form being the strongest here.

Impulsive One bg Nicky Henderson f8-1-5 (80) 83 j3-2-1 (127) 116 127
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. Impulsive One's third outing came at Kempton in mid-October and though slightly uneasy in the ring, drifting from 4/7 to 5/6, he was still sent off the clear favourite. Without getting a lead in the four-runner field, Impulsive One was forced to make his own running which was not ideal given his headstrong nature. Notwithstanding, his hurdling much more polished than at Plumpton and he was still on the bridle approaching the penultimate flight. There he made his only real error as he went through the top, but it did not cost him any real momentum and while he did not have enough to fend off Knight Salute's challenge on the run-in, he was still able to put nearly seven lengths between himself and the Alan King recruit in third. Given that he was conceding four pounds to the winner, seven if one accounts for the claim of the former's talented rider, Impulsive One emerges as best at the weights which in turn, makes this the strongest British performance in the sphere to date. Furthermore, Nicky Henderson has won this race twice for the double green with Peace And Co and We Have A Dream scoring in 2014 and 2017. However, the yard has not yet revealed a customary strong battalion in the division and Impulsive One has not shown himself to be of the same cloth as his predecessors. Moreover, on racecourse evidence and on breeding it is improbably that he will appreciate the cut in ground. The subsequent wind operation may bring out some improvement, but it is unlikely to be seen to best effect in these conditions.

Kolisi bg David Pipe f7-1-4 (85) 90
Harzand (Footstepsinthesand){4-o}(0.75) 2/1 Shubaat 1st 3m Handicap Hurdle (130), Southwell 2014
The sole newcomer in this line-up, Kolisi makes his debut for David Pipe having fetched 55,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale. Gelded before seeing the racecourse for William Haggas, Kolisi stepped up on his Ripon debut in April with a good second at Nottingham the following month before getting off the mark in a soft ground, ten furlong Salisbury maiden in June. Tracking the leaders from the outset, he was moved into the clear at the distance whereafter he was pushed out to win cosily by just over two lengths. His rating of 87 seemed to be at the absolute limit of his performances to date and he was unable to run to his mark on his next three outings; hanging left and racing keenly in the process. However, dropped to 84 and with blinkers applied for the first time, Kolisi ran a career best when last seen in a ten furlong Doncaster handicap on soft ground. Though still taking a hold and looking rather suspect under pressure, Kolisi was eventually able to put up a strong challenge in the final furlong, getting to within a head of stablemate Titian at the line. Incidentally, Titian, who runs at Cheltenham, remains his stablemate having changed hands for 155,000 guineas at the same sale. Juvenile hurdlers formerly trained by William Haggas have a respectable winner to runner rate of 32.35% and their improvement rate of 41.3% is just above average. Best amongst these former inmates include Bedrock and Swnymor who each cost 70,000 guineas, again at the same sale. The only previous juvenile to move from Somerville Lodge to Pond House was Royal Rationale who won one from six during the 2007/08 campaign. David Pipe's record in the sphere is a strong one with a 40.13% winner to runner rate which increases to 52.94% with flat recruits rated 80 and above. However, while the first time strike rate of such horses is a decent 23.53%, they still generally improve from their debut outings and none of the yard's winning newcomers of any description has done so outside of ordinary company. Kolisi is set to be the first runner over hurdles for the dual Derby winning Harzand. A son of Sea The Stars, cousin of numerous winning jumpers (including useful juveniles Handazan and Hazariban) and measuring at 16.1hh, Harzand has the credentials to make a sire of jumpers. Kolisi is also a nephew of useful winning hurdler Shubaat and is related 3/2 with Miss Heritage and 5/4 with Well Chief. There is certainly enough in Kolisi's profile to suggest he can make a useful recruit to the sphere and conditions should hold no concerns for him. However, he could hardly have been set a tougher assignment for his debut.

Magistrato bg Paul Nicholls j3-1-2 (127) 116 126 (129 FR)
Kapgarde (Poliglote){3-d}(1.00) 1/0 Franche Alliance 2nd Prix Beugnot (L,63.0), Enghien 2015

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/magistrato

The prestige of the Prix Grandak, and esteem of David Cottin, are already covered in Porticello's profile.
Magistrato, who also made his debut in the aforementioned race and in joining Paul Nicholls, follows in the hoofprints of Far West, Frodon, Quel Destin, Qualando and Marracudja who all started in the same contest. Fresh on his racecourse debut, Magistrato soon established a clear lead which he would ohld to the final flight where he was headed by Porticello. Jumping better overall than the winner, he done more by a lack of pace than fatigue and still managed to increase his advantage over the third placed Imprenable. A son of Kapgarde, who has an outstanding 50% winner to runner rate with his British and Irish juveniles, Magistrato's dam showed useful form over nineteen furlongs on heavy ground and is herself a half-sister to La Bague Au Roi and Kaysersberg. As such, the 3000 meters at Auteuil was unlikely to suit and while it is to his credit that he performed satisfactorily, it perhaps indicates that he would be a more longer term prospect. Nevertheless, Magistrato also looked a useful tool for this season when making a winning British debut at Chepstow in early October. Though money for Rocky Man saw him drift from a morning show of 2/5, Magistrato was still strongly fancied first time and after being available at 8/11 in the ring, contracted back into 4/7 at the off. Keen in the early stages, he made his own running at a steady tempo and though threatened for the lead at the top of the straight, was in total control at the distance and galloped on relentlessly to run out a twelve length winner from Rocky Man. Apart from being slightly untidy at the first and slow away from the fifth, there was no cause for complaint in the round of jumping as he confirmed his Auteuil proficiency. Though the race did not look strong outside of the front two, twenty-two length third placed Nazwa afforded the form some credence when finishing second off 103 on a Warwick handicap. Magistrato was then sent to Cheltenham for the Prestbury Hurdle, a race farmed by his trainer, and was sent off a well supported 6/4 favourite. Racing prominently, he was skewed over the first, tight at the second and wandered on the approach to the third. However, his jumping gave no cause for complaint from thereon. He did race quite keenly and though it was not to an alarming extent, it may have been enough to see him concede two places in the final strides. As mentioned in Knight Salute's profile, it appeared that he may have been the victim of the tactics employed. However, this is not backed up by the sectional times and while Chepstow runner-up Rocky Man still finished close in sixth, it did not give credence to the form in the context of this level. Magistrato is a useful juvenile and he is representing a yard with three wins in this contest including Monmiral who scored last year, and Quel Destin who followed the same path. Nevertheless, he has already been beaten by two of his rivals here and the only case for his reversing those placings rests on a five pound pull in the weights.

New Reality bg Nigel Hawke f6-1-0 (81) 86 j3-1-1 (112) 105 111
New Approach (Teofilo){5-f}(0.60) 2/1 Novis Adventus 1st 2m4f Handicap Hurdle (119), Worcester 2018
A winner of one from six on the flat for Jim Bolger with the form of his Tipperary success back in May working out very well, New Reality is another in the line of juvenile hurdlers to make the journey from Coolcullen to Stoodleigh. Though arguably fortuitous when making a winning hurdles bow at Perth in September, he became the sixth of the eleven such horses to win in the sphere. Starting the day as 5/2 joint favourite, he opened in the ring at 10/3 before being clipped into 11/4 co-favourite of three. Racing in midfield, he was fairly keen early but soon settled into a good rhythm. While he did not make any serious errors, he had a habit of steadying into his flights and did not get very high at three out. Making his move afterwards, he travelled strongly to loom upsides the leader at the penultimate flight. However, he was not as fluent as his rival as he hopped the flight and was slightly skewed; costing him some momentum. Though still seemingly full of running, he was not making ground on the leader and was a couple of lengths down when left in the lead at the last. There, he was very nearly brought down by Aliomaana and David Noonan did tremendously well to maintain the partnership. Such was the extent of New Reality's lead, it mattered not that his rider completed the race without irons as he passed the post fourteen lengths clear of the remainder. His next outing came at Wetherby the following month where he was backed to start the 10/11 favourite. After getting badly hampered at the first, he became lit up before settling again passing the stands. However, in an overly ambitious attempt to seize the initiative along the back, New Reality found himself with a wide lead and though he carried most of this advantage into the straight, he was quarry for his rivals. His cause was not helped by some sloppy jumping and though he was still in front at the last, a tired leap saw him capitulate as he finished a near three length second. New Reality's latest came at Warwick with first time cheekpieces applied. This headgear did not help him settle however and though he jumped better overall, he lost his prominent position along the turn for home and finished twenty-three lengths behind the winner. The soft ground may help him to leave his previous form behind if he settles better, but his official rating of 112 is still the ceiling of what he has shown thus far and would leave him with plenty to find in this company.

Sacre Pierre bg Donald McCain j3-2-1 (113) 98 114
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 29.46% winners to runners rate. He also won this contest in 2019 with Navajo Pass while Starchitect finished second for him in the 2014 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 was boosted with a minor win from Keepyourdreamsbig who also finished fourth in the Wensleydale. 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. Missing an intended engagement at Market Rasen due to stiffness Sacre Pierre made his latest appearance in the Wensleydale Hurdle six weeks ago. Starting the 11/2 third favourite of seven, he was held up in touch and jumped well enough with his only flaws being tight at the fifth and seventh and clipping the penultimate flight. Still in touch turning for home, he was the first horse under pressure but he responded in kind and in the vanguard jumping the last. He had no answer for Porticello however and while he plugged on resolutely, would also lose second in the final strides. Sacre Pierre is a likeable sort who goes well fresh and the yard is in decent enough form. A good showing would come as little surprise although he still finds himself on the same terms with Porticello with less scope to gain revenge.

Strong prospects
1. Knight Salute
Reasonable prospects
2. Porticello
3. Too Friendly
4. Magistrato
Feasible prospects
5. Sacre Pierre
6. Impulsive One
Moderate prospects
7. Kolisi
Negligible prospects
8. New Reality

[Lobos]

Agree Kot that KS looks strong. His stablemate was 2nd behind the current fav Porticello last time and Milton has come out and said that KS is far superior to that one so he expects him to beat Moore's charge.

[BigChaang]

Watched " what a shout - r.post " last night, Tom Malone reckons he's got 5 horses to come out in the new year , will beat
any of the current juveniles that have run . mentioned- Irish Hill ?, for .paul nicholls as one of those 5 .

[Birds Nest]

Watched " what a shout - r.post " last night, Tom Malone reckons he's got 5 horses to come out in the new year , will beat
any of the current juveniles that have run . mentioned- Irish Hill ?, for .paul nicholls as one of those 5 .

Tom Malone describes Irish Hill as

'German bred 3yo colt with class and stamina. Irish Hill is a two-time winner on the flat in France including a Class 2 conditions race over 1m 6f at Longchamp last time out trained by Peter Schiergen. His pedigree has Black type 100+ rated horses all down the page and his half-sister was Group 3 placed.
He is by St Leger winner, Derby runner-up and Arc fourth, Kingston Hill out of a Monsun mare (the great Monsun has produced sires of his own and a long list of top grade winners under both codes).
As you would expect by this sire, stepped up in trip on his last start, he improved again, he showed a fantastic attitude, a will to win and galloped right through the line extending all the way up the straight. He is now rated roughly 85 (UK).
He is an active strong, scopey colt who will benefit from gelding and should only continue to progress as his pedigree suggests. He is here in my yard to view.
with Paul nichols now.
Did he mention any other names?
Thanks for the heads up tho BC

[baracouda]

I was so engrossed in reading this that I missed the first half of the race.
Got on Knight Salute in-running.
I have no idea how content this good is not being snapped up for decent salary if it isn't already.

[Mighty]

Good to have you back Kotki, and was a pleasure to wake up this morning and read your essay over breakfast. Knight Salute keeps doing what’s asked of him, and he can’t do more than that.

[Sprinter Sacre]

If I had a horse I’d call it Kotkijet Salute. Thank you, sir!

[Irish Rugby]

Really worthwhile reads these. Thanks for all your efforts. Going to enjoy you dissect the Triumph horses over the next 2-3 months.