Notebook

I'll be making notes every week of runners that have caught the eye, I have tried to assess their potential in terms of the mark they could possibly be competing at in the future whilst looking to take advantage of some well handicapped and future stars at decent prices.

You may or may not agree with the process used but its something I believe in and have had great success with.

Week 1
4th – 11th April

4th April Musselburgh (Good to Soft)

5.20 – ESUVIA (92)

Has made all from stall 5 to leave a well strung out field in her wake; running 4.7l quicker than Luscivious (73) carrying 8lbs more you can categorically say she’s going to be a little filly to follow. This daughter of Whipper will have it to prove in larger fields when she won’t get her own way but will be a danger in 3yo sprints this year and possibly on for York.

The front 3 have all run above their par and look well handicapped, although well beaten by the winner; Diman Waters would be an interesting horse to watch next time out given Eric Alston’s ability to produce hardy sprinters and has put up a time suggesting you can be a little bit loose when it comes to finding the exact conditions as at Musselburgh next time out and should be worth a bet.

The 3rd and the 4th will have to be followed a little stricter, there times aren’t anything special and look a little unreliable although proven to be well handicapped it may be a job of setting one up for a gamble around here so watch the market for any interest especially on tracks such as Musselburgh.

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Esuvia – 88
2. Diman Waters - 85
3. Dazeen – 80
4. Dower Glen – 79
5. Hold On Tiger – 76
6. Royal Holiday – 75
7. Blue Avon – 67
8. Bronze Beau - 66

5th April Yarmouth (Soft)

1.45 – ADMISSION (78)

A newcomer for Michael Bell upset the odds on favourite Clockmaker from the John Gosden yard who admittedly gave away a ton of weight despite that it was a very promising effort as the 3yo won going away strongly, this horse is a half brother to Charm School who was not shy of putting in a group time on this kind of ground.

The winner is entered in a Conditions event at Newmarket this week although I’d be concern if the ground was quick but he remains a horse to keep on the right side of who should develop into a top handicapper given natural improvement or possibly even further dependant on what he produces this week.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Admission – 83p
2. Clockmaker – 86
3. Heaven Forbid – 76p
4. Desert Liaison – 75
5. Khajaaly – 75
6. Silent Majority - 73
7. Eywa – 70
8. Fasette – 68
9. Yashrid – 69
10. Thumbled Again – 64
11. Denton Royal – 60
12. Silver Astralis – 45
13. Ancient Greece – 46
14. Chez Vrony – 50


9th April Dundalk (Standard)

6.30 – LINGAPOUR (87)

Made heavy weather of landing his maiden when making the running for Fran Berry; he was slow to pick up when asked but found enough to last home by the narrowest of margins when challenged down the outside by David Wachman’s Echoes Of History. The well bred half brother of Linngari will appreciate a step up in distance as he looks well handicapped for a spin on the grass this summer, with more potential improvement to come over further he could excess the potential of 87.

The first 3 home were clear of the 4th home and broken their par with good times on the clock to suit, I’d assume Echoes Of History and Slade will go off short next time out but should be landing a maiden at the very least with a look towards a 0-80/85, plenty of potential shown.

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Lingapour – 86p
2. Echoes Of History – 84p
3. Slade – 86
4. Top Spin – 82
5. Benvenutto – 79
6. Bold Thady Quill – 78
7. The Lock Master – 78
8. Passed The Test – 66
9. Dark Charmer – 68

10th April Lingfield (Standard)

2.45 – RED CADEAUX (108)

Red Cadeaux has put up a real solid effort for Ed Dunlop on Saturday when stepping up in trip as he stormed from the rear under Kieren Fallon; this gelded son of Cadeaux Genereux is a little short of being able to land a listed race on this performance but given the potential of his run its inevitable they’ll head in that direction but I would assume it’s going to be important the yard make the most of his current mark and aim to strike a big handicap whilst the irons hot early on in the season.

The other two in the race of note would be Illustrious Blue and Record Breaker who have both record listed class times to 9st, they are always going to be up against low weights in these sorts of races but both showed plenty from wide draws to suggest there’s going to be a race or two in them yet.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Red Cadeaux – 93
2. Tinaar – 92
3. Illustrious Blue – 96
4. Jedi – 83
5. Record Breaker – 96
6. Topolski – 85
7. Press The Button – 88
8. Baylini – 84
9. King Olav – 84
10. Mafeking – 80
11. Cashpoint – 71
12. Unleashed - 57

11th April Curragh (Soft)

4.45 – BEAN UASAL (95)

John Oxx’s 4yo Oasis Dream filly was making her 2nd start of the campaign when running a brave 3rd behind Daffodil Walk giving away 12lbs to the eventual winner. With only 9 starts to her name the filly has stayed in training for John Oxx this year as a 4 year old which suggests there’s something more to come and I Bean Uasal down as being potentially a 95 rated sprinter along with her speed rating there’s potential for her to land a decent handicap sprint this year especially in this testing ground.

The winner Daffodil Walk was well backed to do the job and should also be taken out for the race, much like Bean Uasal she’ll have another decent race in her. The others to consider would be the seasonal debuts for Daniel Loughnane pair First In Command and Johnstown Lad who’ll be far better off with less weight to deal with.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Daffodil Walk – 91
2. Lord Rathvinden – 89
3. Bean Uasal – 91
4. Parc Aux Boules – 86
5. Majestic Pearl – 81
6. Kardyls Hope – 82
7. Snap – 78
8. Enigma Code – 79
9. Castor – 79
10. Braddock – 72
11. First In Command – 79
12. Silly Dancer – 72
13. Johnstown Lad – 76
14. San Jose City – 71
15. Trinity Scholar – 71
16. Eurosmart Lady – 68
17. Beauthea – 69
18. Dametime – 57
19. Buiochas Mor – 52
20. Liberty Island – 53

Sorry week 2 is bit late as I have been busy, week 3 to come Monday morning along with reviews of runners from Week 1 - (been a few decent prices )

Week 2
11th – 18th April

13th April Limerick (Firm)
5.55 – SLAPPER

The Paul Flynn 8yo was the beneficiary of race fitness having finished 2nd in his last race and came from the pack to score a narrow victory (hd). Having gone 4 years without winning when last scoring back on Italian soil and a short stint over hurdles Paul Flynn looks like he has got this horse back in the right frame of mind; he could pick up a decent handicap with fast ground over 7f but may need things to side his way.

Potential: 0-75, 0-80

Tsar Paul 5yo son of Xaar has relished the drop from middle distance to 7f where he has got a lenient mark and could go further this season than the eventual winner as he has more room to improve especially over 8-9f but fast ground also looks key.

Potential: 0-75, 0-80

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Slapper – 89
2. Tsar Paul – 88
3. Rubelevka Star – 85
4. Connyella – 83
5. Vera Lilley – 80
6. Deal Clincher – 79
7. Leo’s Lucky Angel – 79
8. Playdate – 77
9. Devious Soprano – 79
10. Musical Review – 78
11. One Of Three – 75
12. Philosophers Guest – 73
13. Soviet Trooper – 72
14. Police Officer – 70
15. Proud Catch – 50

13th April Pontefract (Good)
5.55 – HARRISON GEORGE

Richard Fahey’s 5yo has always threatened to put in a performance like this and has put up a Group class performance on the clock yet with talks of Heritage handicaps my initial feeling is that he’ll be a little bit exposed to those lightly raced potential pattern class horses from the bigger yards with a strong end to end gallop; yet on his evidence at Pontefract he’ll at some point during the season land a group race given there is always a few week fields and is one to watch with a bit of cut in the ground, it’ll be interesting to see what strength and depth there is up and coming at York.

Potential: G3. G2

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Harrison George – 100
2. Marvo – 87
3. Tartan Gunna – 90
4. Kiwi Bay – 88
5. Jesse James – 87
6. Persian Peril – 86
7. Rainbow Mirage – 86
8. Medici Pearl – 86
9. Handsome Falcon – 82
10. Fastnet Storm - 86
11. Daaweitza – 81
12. Ezdeyaad – 79
13. Wigwam Willie – 74
14. Moheebb – 73
15. Royal Power - 60

14th April Kempton (Standard)
9.05 – GOLD RULES

This colt looks a typical Luca Cumani handicapper and has stepped up from sprinting last year to the mile comfortably with an effortless performance at Kempton putting up a very decent time in the process, theres plenty of stamina through the pedigree and he may just improve over further and a potential big 3yo handicap in him and maybe more.

Potential: 0-105 3yo

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Gold Rules – 87
2. Lisahane Bog – 84
3. Soul Heaven – 83
4. White Devil – 83
5. Sheer Force – 80
6. Thrust Control – 75
7. Hemera – 61
8. Ana Moutabahi – 53

16th April Newbury (Good to Firm)
2.10– MEEZAAN

A vast improvement from John Gosdens Meezaan, who had previously landed a weak Lingfield maiden in October ran away with proceedings here under Richard Hills and will take some beating in his next engagement.

Potential: Listed 3yo, 0-115 3yo

High Constable is one to take from the race , previously beating the rapid improver Greyfriarschorista (Spring cup 2nd) over 9f at Wolverhampton the drop back in trip didn’t suit having stayed on well from a poor draw he’ll fare much better over further and has a race in him.

Potential: 0-105 3yo, 0-100 3yo

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Meezaan – 89
2. High Constable – 86
3. Gramercy – 85
4. Rjeef – 84
5. Oasis Dancer – 84
6. Bowmaker – 81
7. Rebel Soldier – 80
8. Mr Irons – 78
9. Be Invincible – 78
10. Russian Rock – 78
11. Gallant Eagle – 77
12. Wisecraic –74
13. Planet Red – 73

17th April Doncaster (Firm)
5.40 – VICTOIRE DE LYPHAR

Dandy Nicholls Bertolini gelding was a surprise winner at 22-1, having joined the yard from Patrick Haslam in the winter this could be another excellent recruit in the right hands. There was plenty of pace set by Nicholls other runner in which Victoire De Lyphar travelled up with the pace comfortably hitting the front 1 out and stayed there battling for the win.

Potential: Listed 3yo, 0-115

Deacon Blues for the James Fanshawe team was the least exposed in the field making his handicap debut and pleasingly travelled well off a decent gallop making strong headway before finding himself unlucky in the finish, he should improve again next time out possibly running a decent race in a big handicap this year

Potential: 0-105 3yo, 0-100 3yo

Marcus Tregoning’s Oasis Dream gelding Haadeeth who was dropping down from a listed race was held up and caught for room down the rail he should fare better in a smaller field.

Potential: 0-90 3yo, 0-95 3yo

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Victoire De Lyphar – 88
2. Jack My Boy – 85
3. Deacon Blues – 84
4. Mon Brav – 82
5. Amendable – 79
6. Haadeeth – 82
7. Crown – 79
8. Ventura Cove – 74
9. Bossy Kitty – 70
10. Raddy ‘Ell Pauline – 72
11. Jarrow – 71
12. Toga Tiger – 68
13. Flaneur – 61

17th April Doncaster (Firm)
6.50 – DANGEROUS MIDGE

Brian Meehan’s Dangerous Midge made it 2 from 2 at Doncaster in emphatic win suggesting this colt is bordering group class and his proven his ability on the clock on more than one occasion highlighting his consistency.

Potential: Listed, G3

Granston, the oldest horse in the field made a pleasing season reappearance suggesting he retains all ability and looks set for to pick up a few for the owners this year preferable in a smaller field where he can obtain an easy lead.

Potential: 0-90, 0-95

Alan McCabe’s Reve De Nuit ran a more encouraging race on quicker ground with a longer strait, he’ll pick up a race soon and it doesn’t help bumping into the likes of Dangerous Midge.

Potential: 0-90

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Dangerous Midge – 95
2. Embsay Crag – 88
3. Granston – 90
4. Rosbay – 82
5. Reve De Nuit – 89
6. The Fonz – 83
7. Tinshu - 83
8. Thunderstruck – 79
9. Chosen Forever – 74
10. Just Lille – 75
11. Red Jade – 73
12. Desert Vision - 68

17th April Doncaster (Firm)
6.50 – APHRODISIA

Ian Williams filly loves Doncaster and she was dropped right out the back before storming down the outside given a strong ride from Donohoe, she’s never been rated more than 77 in her career and will go up a few for this so something’s ticked with her and it may be a case of getting her out as soon as possible although she was given a hard ride, she may be able to pick up a 0-95 around here but I wouldn’t fancy her chances with too much weight.

Potential: 0-95

Lady Artemisia for the Marco Botti yard has every chance entering the final furlong but the weight concession with the winner eventually told although she’ll fair better for this run and looks to have some improvement left in her but fast ground is the key.

Potential: 0-95

Paquerettza has run a fine race in defeat for David Brown, the ground and trip wouldn’t have suited yet she has ran a decent time giving away weight to her rivals and a return to favoured conditions of some cut and the mile trip will leave her with better chances.

Potential: 0-90

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Aphrodisia – 88
2. Lady Artemisia – 91
3. Magic Echo – 87
4. Bollin Dolly – 83
5. Paquerettza – 88
6. Snow Dancer – 85
7. Caster Sugar –81
8. Antigua Sunrise – 74
9. Bavarica – 62
10. Faldal - 57



17th April Naas (Firm)
2.20– Zayaan

This would have pleased Kevin Prendergast after his poor run in March at Dundalk, tracking the leaders into the straight the son of Motivator challenged a few wide before staying on strongly towards the finish, the time suggests he’s going to be one to watch over a little bit further and has undoubted ability.

Potential: 0-95 3yo

Kaladena for the John Oxx stable made an eye catching debut and would have been one for most notebooks out there when finishing off strongly from the rear, given she is going to need further the race may have been a different story with another 4 furlongs and hasn’t got far to surpass the rating of 83 from Zayaan given the natural progression forth coming in her next few runs.

Potential: Maiden

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Zayaan – 83
2. Carraiglawn – 82
3. Thank Your Stars – 78
4. Lake Worth – 77
5. Kaladena – 74
6. Barrow Island – 73
7. Oh Sweet Mystery – 72
8. Little Goose Girl – 69
9. My Chum – 67
10. Cave Artist – 66
11. Blueberry Blossom – 65
12. Rondo Alla Turca – 64
13. Belfiore – 64
14. Golden Nugget – 62
15. Some Biscuit – 54
16. Book Smart - 53

17th April Newbury (Good to Firm)
3.40 – DICK TURPIN

This looked a fare renewal of the Greenham and one of the best times in recent years, Richard Hannon doubly represented made sure there was a strong pace set by Canford Cliffs but it would provide a shock as Dick Turpin landed the spoils taking advantage of Canford Cliffs dramatics. Theres no doubt he gets the mile and has put himself in the mix although more likely to go over to the French Guineas were he’ll be a decent price on the day and worth a bet.

Potential: G2, G1 3yo

Canford Cliffs, as mentioned above would have won if he kept in a straight line with some still doubting his staying credentials but he’ll be a lot stronger for this run come Guineas day; handing over the pacemaker tactics to someone else will enhance his chances when dropped out the back, Richard Hughes has perfected this on Monsieur Chevalier and has a horse with undoubted acceleration underneath him and remains a decent should for the Guineas.

Potential: G2, G1 3yo

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Dick Turpin – 97
2. Canford Cliffs – 96
3. Arcano – 88
4. Rodrigo De Torres – 87
5. Bullwhip - 83

17th April Thirsk (Firm)
4.45 – MARKAB

Henry Candy’s Markab has been a model of consistency threatening to land a top sprint for years now yet it his bold style of running in large handicaps that has made him susceptible to a late finish especially with his age and in general Markab’s been unlucky with draws. He has put up a performance here at Thirsk that suggest the old boy is still in good nick with just 26 runs to his name, he goes on anything but the faster ground seems to suit more and he’ll land a Group race this year in a smaller field such as today.

Potential: G3, G2

Damien who was a well supported 4th in the Cammidge at Doncaster stepped up on that performance here running on strongly from the rear to nearly grab all the spoils but was denied by a neck, his style of running would suit a large field handicap but he looks to have come back a much stronger 4 year old and could run some big races in Group company at big odds this year, looks like he could get 7f.

Potential: G3, G2

Advanced done his handicap mark no good by running to within 3l of the leaders here but he’s such a game horse and has to have a serious chance at Ascot this year if targeted

Potential: 0-110, 0-105

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Markab – 99
2. Damien – 99
3. Advanced – 97
4. Buachaill Dona – 97
5. Sea Of Leaves – 91
6. Enderby Spirit – 93
7. Fitz Flyer – 92

18TH April Leopardstown (Good to Firm)
3.00– BOOK OF NUMBERS

Jim Bolger’s Book Of Numbers made a horrendous reappearance at Dundalk in maiden company; admittedly second string and a race run at a ridiculously slow gallop it was still a disappointment but the horse looks to have been set up for handicaps and on his Leopardstown evidence looks seriously well in. The race was 0.68s slower than Famous Names victory that followed, Jim Bolger’s colt was a 7l 2nd behind Joshua Tree on debut as a 2yo which gives this horse’s potential a little bit of substance but I am willing to let this one go if he fails to disappoint in his next few runs.

Potential: 0-95, Listed 3yo, 0-115 3yo

The next 2 home; Aghadoe and Miss Faustina both handicap debutants look capable of coming out this informative handicap and running their low marks into the ground during the current season.

One other to note would be Thomas Mullins King’s Vintage who ran well into 7th and will fare much better when carrying less weight.

I am willing to let this race go if it turns out to be a rogue card, could prove a costly mission although we may have uncovered some really well disguised handicappers.

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Book of Numbers – 89
2. Aghadoe – 88
3. Miss Faustina – 86
4. The Lock Master – 85
5. Sacred Soveriegn – 81
6. East Of Tara – 71
7. King’s Vintage – 85
8. Andantino – 80
9. Watson’s Fancy - 69
10. Non Tiscordadime – 72
11. Luddenmore – 75
12. Big In Japan – 72
13. Na Bi Dana –69
14. Knockenduff – 76
15. Concert Piece – 67
16. Cheval Rouge – 70

18th April Leopardstown (Good to Firm)
2.30– BRUSHED ASIDE

A really nice looking filly for Dermot Weld, by Oasis dream out of Avoidance; Brushed Aside has won 2 on the bounce now and it would be a brave man to take her on next time out. She has showed her versatility on soft, standard and fast ground which gives her the resolution a tough sprinter needs and should progress well this year.

Potential: 0-95, 0-110 3yo

Rudi Valentino should be another to note from the race, the Hawk Wing gelding was running in a handicap for the first time and had to carry a big weight; lightly raced he should be able to improve just as far as the winner this year with a possible advantage of looking like theres a bit further than 6f in him with the mile on the radar.

Potential: 0-95, 0-110 3yo

Speed Rating (9st)
1. Brushed Aside – 90
2. Miss Velocity – 86
3. Rudi Valentino – 90
4. Majestic Pearl – 82
5. Here Now And Why – 85
6. African Cat – 85
7. Rigid Rock – 84
8. Money Trader – 83
9. More Lashes – 80
10. Wake Me Up - 76

Week 3

19th – 25th April

20th April Folkestone (Firm)

5.05 – BERLING

I really like this race as it has a strong feel about it with plenty of unexposed sorts from big yards with a very smart time to suit, the winner Berling fought out a tight 3 way finish and came out on top after a durable run down the rail. The winner could potentially be a listed horse in time with the ability to land a 0-110 for 3yos this year.

Dubai Bounty for Gerard Butlers ran on well from a wide draw coming from well of the pace and really did look like getting up, he is another with potential and could be a listed horse in time with a 0-110 for 3yos as a potential this year.

Mark Johnston’s Secretive made the running and shouldn’t be disregarded despite his finishing position, he’ll come on for this run and will find a 0-95 3yo.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Berling – 90
2. Shelfah – 86
3. Dubai Bounty – 89
4. Bonded – 85
5. Buffett – 82
6. Secretive – 86
7. Halyard – 83
8. Lingfield Bound – 71
9. Leitzu – 64

21st April Epsom (Good, Good to Firm)

4.05 – ALAINMAAR

This was a top performance from a typical late improver from the Michael Jarvis yard and was put up by a couple of very accurate judges in Newmarket (http://www.gallopscout.com/eBooks.htm) where you can read much more about the horse and his future this season. The performance suggests he’ll turn out to be a solid Group performer during the season with the ability to land at the very least a Group 3.

Indian Days showed he retained all ability here for James Given and he’ll find it tough in handicaps off this mark unless something radical changes but should manage to give his owners a chance in a listed event if James Given can find the right race, an unfashionable horse who will run a race at big odds.

Cill Rialaig, Hughie Morrison’s filly also made a pleasing return to action from a wide draw when staying on past beaten horses but with a Group 2 entry they may be aiming a little too high – she’ll appreciate quick ground and isn’t shy of putting in a good effort on the clock and theres a 0-95, 0-100 in her.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Alainmaar – 102
2. Hanoverian Baron – 88
3. Tartan Gunna – 91
4. Cill Rialaig – 91
5. Indian Days – 97
6. Bullet Man – 85
7. Kavachi – 88
8. Bolodenka – 84
9. Porgy – 86
10. Totally Focussed – 76
11. Ramona Chase – 69
12. Bazergan – 59
13. Never Ending Tale - 49
14. Lord Theo - 45
15. Greylami - 43


21st April Kempton (Standard)

8.50 – CROWN CHOICE

Walter Swinburn’s gelding has looked a rejuvenated horse in 2010, only 9 runs to his name the 5 year old looks to have the potential in landing a decent pot for his owners if he can translate this form to turf, showing a controlled cruising speed off a strong pace he found the required turn of foot to win comfortably and could be a nice target for the Victoria Cup, potential in landing a 0-105.

The other to note would be Rath Beckett’s Belle Des Aires who strung them along at a decent clip on her seasonal reappearance and will be a lot fitter and sharper for this run, theres a 0-95 in her on the turf in coming weeks.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Crown Choice – 92
2. New Leyf – 89
3. Belle Des Aires – 88
4. Ilie Nastase – 86
5. Carcinetto – 83
6. Mut’Ab - 79


23rd April Sandown (Good)
3.25 – FATANAH

This was a decent fillies maiden that has produced a few excellent horses in the past and Marcus Tregoning couldn’t have been happier with Fatanah’s performance, she bowled along in front and was a sitting target for some useful sorts in behind but Richard Hills found another gear inside final 2 furlongs to draw clear leaving her a horse to keep on the right side off. The race could work out well, Fatanah should have no problem running to listed level and potentially picking up a 3yo listed race before reassessing her group credentials later along the line.

Isabella’s Gem had every chance for Clive Cox whilst she was well beaten theres going to be no troubles in finding her a maiden; she may improve over further and could potentially run well in a 0-100 for 3yo fillies.

Ship’s Biscuit was well touted to win and supported to do the job, she could no nothing despite having every chance and she should pick up a maiden although there won’t be much of a price. Will be worth reassessing her credentials after with the possible ability to land a 0-90 handicap for 3yo
Sir Michael Stoute’s other runner Fascination would be one to take from the race, the least experienced in the field she showed a resolute attitude and could be anything for this run, being a half sister to Mark Johnston’s Drill Sergeant there will be plenty of stamina which may mean another step up in trip.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Fatanah – 89
2. Isabella Gem – 85
3. Ship’s Biscuit – 84
4. Fascination – 81
5. Golden Waters – 81
6. Effervesce – 80
7. Happy Mood – 74
8. Sonnellino – 70
9. Princess Of Troy – 64
10. Fantastic Cuix – 62
11. Rare Malt – 61


23rd April Sandown (Good)
3.55 – VERDANT

This was a tough performance from Verdant, well related this son of Singspiel stormed down the outside to win going away as he looks to have a progressive profile, entered in the Dante he would have to improve again given this run was a few lengths short of listed class although there should be a 0-110 3yo in him.

Averroes made the running for John Fahy and he looked to have stolen a march turning for home but didn’t see out the 10f from a high draw and should be able to find a 0-100 3yo, could be interesting dropped back to a mile.

Soul Station done his chances no good when racing far too keen and he’ll be better for more cut in the ground and possibly a step up in trip, he should find a 0-90 3yo.

Zahoo was the eye catcher, held up in the rear from a wide draw she found absolute no run twice when trying to challenge yet managed to run within 4l of the winner staying on like a train, she should be much better than her initial position and is going to rise the handicap ranks with a potential of landing a 0-95/100, stepping up in trip may provide even further improvement.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Verdant – 87
2. Rock A Doodle Doo – 84
3. Averroes – 84
4. Soul Station – 84
5. Zahoo – 79
6. Jutland – 79
7. Start Right - 83
8. Street Entertainer – 81
9. Meglio Ancora – 79
10. Higgy’s Ragazzo – 75
11. Thundering Home – 72
12. Senate – 71
13. First Cat – 69
14. Fontley – 56


23rd April Sandown (Good to Firm)
2.20 – DUCHESS DORA

This was a game performance from Duchess Dora who travelled strongly throughout before coming to the fore a little too soon for the jockeys likings but she withstood the pressure from the experienced runner up. The filly should be able to get some black type in the future with a listed raced for 3yos in her range, she may end up having to run in Group races but she’s not at that level yet.

Dorback ran well for Henry Candy on his seasonal reappearance, the trainer has produced Corrybrough and Kyllachy in this race during recent years although Dorback may not be up to that level he should find a 0-110 3yo

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Duchess Dora – 91
2. Fratellino – 92
3. Dorback – 91
4. Take Ten – 88
5. Nosedive – 88
6. Yurituni – 78
7. Di Stefano - 78


24th April Sandown (Good)
4.15 – GLASS HARMONIUM

The front two look to be in a class of their own as the ratings have suggested; the winner Glass Harmonium could be a real flag bearer for the Stoute yard and has showed genuine Group 1 form here, there may be a chance he could improve over further as he looks a progressive sort.

Barry Hills runner up Redwood showed a remarkable display after such a long time of the track and isn’t shy of recording a figure like this last year at Newmarket and he could fair better on faster ground, he’ll have a big chance of picking up a Group 1 this year.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Glass Harmonium – 101
2. Redwood – 101
3. Lahaleeb – 96
4. Crowded House – 95
5. Soul City – 94
6. Steel Tango – 94
7. Tranquil Tiger – 94


24th April Leicester (Firm)
5.15 – HAATHEQ

This looks a well handicapped John Dunlop stayer who should be capable of landing a 0-95 3yo in the future, he will benefit for much further.

The other runner to note would be Kevin Ryan’s Jimmy The Poacher who could never live with the eventual winner but should be a few lbs well in when dropped to sprinting, a 0-85 3yo wouldn’t be too far of his radar.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Haatheq - 83
2. Jimmy The Poacher – 80
3. Tribal Myth – 76
4. Truly Magic – 74
5. Sarahthecarer – 73
6. Tilsworth Glenboy – 73
7. High Holborn – 70
8. Dovedon Diva - 62

25th April Navan (Firm)
4.40 – AKDARENA

Jim Bolger’s filly upset the odds when making all at Navan reversing some two year old form with the likes of Lady Lupus and Sense of Purpose, she doesn’t look the most straight forward with a Tongue Tie and Blinkers along with the fierce swishing of the tail but on the evidence of this race she’s earnt her right to be running in a Group 1 for Fillies with the Epsom Oaks a realistic target, although she may not win she could run a gallant race although there may be a preference for quicker ground.

Dazzling Day for Kevin Prendergast was disqualified and placed 3rd, the Hernando filly was held up right off the pace and made serious ground up staying on durably towards the finish and should be competitive in Group races for fillies.

Murtagh booked to ride David Watchman’s Unity despite Aiden O’Brien’s Lady Lupus in the race; she was always up with the pace and despite being checked for a brief stride this was a pleasing run staying on at the finish. There should be a listed race for fillies within reach for Unity who’s still improving.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Akdarena – 95
2. Dazzling Day – 92
3. Unity – 92
4. What A Charm – 89
5. Hazarafa – 84
6. Sense Of Purpose – 80
7. Lady Lupus – 75
8. Hen Night – 75
9. Pirans Rock - 59
10. Alamanda - 52



25th April Bath (Firm)
3.50 – SHERMAN MCCOY

This was a real test of stamina as Cool Strike set a searching gallop which nearly paid off but it was the durable and consistent Sherman McCoy for the Rod Millman team that came out on top, he can also find a turn of foot off a slow pace which underlines his credentials. This is a stayer going places and his ability to come off a decent pace in a very fast time opens up the doors for big staying handicaps later in the year especially off his current mark after putting up a listed performance here at Bath.

Andrew Baldings Cool Strike is another who should be taken seriously, this isn’t the first time he’s run a big time around Bath and it’s only a matter of time before he lands some black type his bold style of running deserves and he shouldn’t be written off in fast ground in Listed Company.

Castillo Moon as run a very solid race for Roger Curtis and has the credentials to land a decent handicap this year, possibly a 0-95 but could be better off a slower pace dictating the tempo although he showed he’s still in decent spirit.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Sherman McCoy – 93
2. Cool Strike – 96
3. Hawridge King – 87
4. Castillo Moon – 89
5. Crocus Rose – 70
6. Brett Vale – 65
7. War Party - 0

25th Gowran Park (Good)
3.20 – AZNAVOUR

John Oxx had a first class Sunday but this horse may just be a little more than an ordinary maiden winner, owned by his wife I haven’t got this excited about a Maiden winner for a few years now and consider Aznavour to have serious potential. This race could throw up half the field as winner’s next time out, all the winners on the card carried near enough level weights and the times were solid as there were no seriously fast or slow races impacting on the time with the ground being perfect good. The winner Aznavour has incredibly hit a listed time on debut, one suggests this horse had a set back as 2 year old as I still can’t believe we haven’t see him prior to this.

The maiden has a real strong feel about it with odds on favourite and 99 rated Is Feidir Linn being a very strong benchmark, he was 5th in the Goths Million Mile and 2nd behind John Oxx’s Nebula Storm and 2nd behind Noll Wallop in a serious time as a 2yo, Noll Wallop has trained on and won the 2000 Guineas trial at Leopardstown in impressive fashion.

The winner is sure to be a Group 1 performer and I wouldn’t back against him not turning out to be so, he is entered in a Group 3 on Monday but it is worth trying to get odds on the Irish 2000 Guineas before then although I’ve had no reply back from several bookies.

Hot Sand, Is Feidir Lin, Top Spin, Drive Home and Smokie Joe should all find at least a maiden and potential handicaps from there on, they have been unlucky to be caught behind a horse of Aznavour’s potential.

Speed Rating (9st)

1. Aznavour – 96
2. Hot Sand – 91
3. Is Feidir Linn – 89
4. Top Spin – 86
5. Drive Home – 86
6. Smokie Joe – 83
7. Cape D’Or – 79
8. Moby Dick – 79
9. Dalkeith – 78
10. Father Figure – 75
11. Big Tycoon – 71
12. Western Night - 64
13. Book Smart – 64
14. Noble Ambition -43

Some excellent info there. Haven't had time to read it all yet but getting there..........will you be highlighting any you spotted as they run? My memory isn't what it used to be

[Posts: 6520Joined: 21 Oct 2008, 00:37]

Some excellent info there. Haven't had time to read it all yet but getting there..........will you be highlighting any you spotted as they run? My memory isn't what it used to be

I doubt it Fist! He"s just chucked his dummy out!

How embaressing, I sent the unfinished version on my desktop when the real version was in my documents! oh god..heres the proper version sorry.

http://www.yousendit.com/download/K0JSM ... SlJFQlE9PQ

The file is in that link, it's a .PDF file of around 1mb so shouldn't take up too much room, if you're having troubles downloading I can send via MSN or Email which are on my userprofile

RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT 2010

Dick Turpin (Multiple Group placed, Jean Prat winner), Canford Cliffs (Duel Group 1 winner) Ransom Note (Easy Britannia Winner) Society Rock (66-1 2nd in Golden Jubilee) Berling (Most progressive handicapper in 2010) Victorie De Lyphar (Reg Griffin Memorial Winner) Strong Suit (Coventry Winner) Bewitched (Listed winner) Brushed Aside (2nd in Sweepstakes) Meow (2nd in Queen Mary) Midas Touch (2nd in Irish Derby) Akdarena (3rd in Pretty Polly) Fatanah (2nd in Swettenham Stud Stakes) Alainmaar (Easy Lingfield Winner) Cill Rialaig (Duke of Edinburgh winner) Verdant (3rd in Vincent O’Brien at Epsom)) Illustrious Blue (Winner of Sagaro Stakes) Admission (2nd in Glasgow Stakes)Harrison George (Top Class York win) Meezaan (5th in French Guineas) Markab ( Group 3 winner in Ireland, 2nd in Kings Stand) Rainfall (Jersey Stakes Winner)
Plus many more….

Shortlist Entries Leaving
Ezra Church, Johnstown Lad, First In Command, Reve De Nuit, Diman Waters, Slapper, Averroes, Brushed Aside, Mujaazef, Give Your Verdict, Oneofapear, Lolly For Dolly, The Sydney Arms, Numeral, Rodrigo De Torres, Meezaan, Lowdown, New Christmas, Corporal Maddox, Iver Bridge Lad, Shavansky, Perpetually, Hot Sand, Is Feidir Linn, Top Spin, Jimmy The Poacher, Duchess Dora, Indian Days, Rudi Valentino, Advanced ,Zayaan, Lady Artemisa, Aphrodisia, Tsar Paul, Bean Uasal, Daffodil Walk, Record Breaker,



TAGSEED 27th May Newcastle
Distance: 7f
Ground: 1.11
Rating: 93.13
Potential: 0-100
Others to Note: Major Phill


This lightly raced son of Elusive City went off a well backed 15/8 favourite and landed the money in good fashion, setting an early pace he was urged along 3f out and stayed on well getting every yard of the 8 furlongs beating a decent Cumani horse in 2nd. The 4 year old looks well handicapped and has recently come out and won at Recdar where he likes to get his own way up with the pace, Tadhg O’Shea seems to like him “He's a lovely horse with a great attitude. He's a happy horse. If he were a dog, he'd meet you every morning with his tail wagging!”

HOOF IT28th May Haydock
Distance: 5f
Ground: -0.15
Rating: 88.36
Potential: 0-100 3y
Others to Note

Hoof It is a fast improving sprinter whose latest run at York shouldn’t be a mark of his ability, his run at Haydock was very good winning in effortless fashion beating the tough standard for 5f on ratings which stands at (86) and there is plenty more to come, I would fancy him over 5f in smaller fields where he performs better with a little give in the ground and has the potential to land a 0-100 for 3yos.

BEWITCHED 29th May Haydock
Distance: 6f
Ground: -0.77
Rating: 94.86
Potential: Group 3
Others to Note: Rainfall

Already an entry in the notebook but would like to confirm her progression with a very solid time here although in a true sprint race I think she’ll be found out which is why her progression in this division is limited to Group 3 until she steps up in distance, there is stamina in her pedigree and being by Dansili it may be just a matter of time before she steps up in trip as she matures with her physical attributes being a big positive.

MAN OF ACTION 30th May Newmarket
Distance: 7f
Ground: 4.09
Rating: 89.37
Potential: 0-100 3yo
Others to Note: Highland Knight, Pearl Huntsman

John Gosdens 3 year old colt put away a 16 runner field after 212 day break, this was a good performance and has later gone on to win again at Newmarket in a similar time during the later parts of June – he’s on the way up despite a very troubled winter.

FEEL THE HEAT I 31st May Redcar
Distance: 6f
Ground: 2.37
Rating: 87.50
Potential: 0-100 3y, 0-95 3y
Others to Note

This Chestnut Colt by Firebreak could be a decent little northern runner for Bryan Smart, the standard for 6f around Redcar is (83) and the best rating was by Total Gallery in 2008 who recorded (88.12) in his Two Year Old Trophy win and he’s gone on to win a Prix De L’Abbaye but I am not saying Feel The Heat will ever reach them heights but he’s progressive beating a very solid benchmark in Ezra Church and you’ll just have to dismiss his Newmarket run.

IMPERIAL DELIGHT I 3rd June Sandown
Distance: 7f
Ground: 2.76
Rating: 88.14
Potential: 0-100 3y, 0-105 3y
Others to Note: Dylanesque,Oil Strike

Imperial Delight trained by Henry Candy and ridden by Dane O’Neil was keen in the early stages but when presented with his chance he didn’t shy away gradually eating into the leaders lead, he got home going away at the finish and relished the stiff task. The 7f at Sandown is quite tough and Imperial Delight has recorded the 2nd best figure in 2 years but some way behind Atlantic Sports (95)

95 Atlantic Sport
86 Myanmar
86 Lady Grace
86 Dunn'o
86 Brassini
84 Brassini
83 Cyflymder
83 Mudaarah
83 Shakespearean
82 Eastern Hills
81 Cool Valentine
81 Cyflymander
81 Zacinto
81 Sir Issac
80 Stevie Thunder
80 Al Ghazal
79 Cyflymander
73 Private Story
71 Dreamspeed
68 Fontley

This is a promising rating and the form has yet to start working out and it’s going to be interesting to see how it goes but Imperial Delight looks very well handicapped off 78 and should defy the handicapper again next time out.




SEEHARN 4th June Curragh
Distance: 6f
Ground: 1.81
Rating: 85.99
Potential: Group 2 2y
Others to Note

A 19 runner Curragh maiden is a real test for any filly at this time of year and Seeharn showed her abilities by picking up the gears 2f where inside the final furlong she got on top to win by 1 length. This looks a decent filly for Kevin Prendergast and recently went on to pick up a Listed race on 25th of June confirming her potential.

WORKFORCE5th June Epsom
Distance: 12f
Ground: 3.68
Rating: 103
Potential
Others to Note


This seems a little silly putting up a Derby winner because everyone understands that that Workforce is a world class thoroughbred but I was truly amazed by his performance at Epsom smashing the track record in the process and I’ve expressed my thoughts on the whole subject on the forums but having the acceleration to move positions rapidly and the stamina to sustain that by mowing down the pacemaker who was in the clear then going away by 7l was fantastic. This is the best figure for the Epsom Derby I’ve ever recorded but the race its self somewhat played its hand in being the fast time it was, I wouldn’t let the idea of a fast pacemaker devalue the class of the winner and I’ve timed pacemakers in the Derby from 2001-2010 up to a designated point before they start turning downhill which makes for interesting reading;

88.39s 2010
93.88s 2009
91.28s 2008
88.67s 2007
90.16s 2006
89.21s 2005
89.29s 2001

Some may say it was ground influenced but 2010 wasn’t that dissimilar from previous years as you can see;

3.68 2010
2.39 2009
2.32 2008
1.89 2007
2.61 2006
1.60 2005
2.96 2004
3.83 2003
-0.31 2002
3.42 2001

Nevertheless the books based on performances this season and I didn’t like the Dante run enough to be confident of thinking he’d ever put up a performance like he did, the notebook is probably lacking a 3 year old in the middle distance division of supreme talent but I am not going to put any big race winner in for the sake of it and I think based on the evidence Workforce should be near unstoppable from this point forward.


HARRIS TWEED 5th June Musselburgh
Distance: 12.5f
Ground: 5.43
Rating: 91.85
Potential: 0-110 3y
Others to Note: Corsica


This was rattling fast ground at Musselburgh which would only suit those who really wanted it and Harris Tweed relished the strong pace travelling comfortably towards the front of the pack throughout and put 5l between him and the 2nd at the finish, a fine display of acceleration and stamina, this son of Hernando is a horse whose well in and has a future.

DAY OF THE EAGLE 5th June Doncaster
Distance: 7f
Ground: 4.33
Rating: 93.42
Potential: Just short of Listed Class
Others to Note: Watch Amigo

A real smart performance by Day of The Eagle at Doncaster as he looked the best horse throughout, covered up he travelled strongly and came with a powerful run inside the final 2f to run on strongly towards the finish. The card that day was interesting and it just backs up his figure on the day so that we know it’s not a rogue time which happens now and then;

93.42 Day of The Eagle
87.89 Sea Lord
86.93 Afsare

Sea Lord has won a big handicap at the Curragh on Irish Derby Day and came 8th in the Britannia whilst Afsare won the Hampton Court stakes at Royal Ascot. The Cumani trained Day Of The Eagle wasn’t right at Ascot coming 2nd last (25/26) and this certainly isn’t a sign of his ability, he’ll be back to his best and its in capable hands to recover from a horrendous run.

JEANNIE GALLOWAY 5th June Musselburgh
Distance: 7F
Ground: 5.43
Rating: 89.28
Potential: 0-90 3Y
Others to Note: Amendable, Engulf

She looked in need of her debut run at Doncaster and has come on the world for that carrying 9-7 here at Musselburgh clearing the standard over 7f here (85), she looks well in and should defy another raise from the handicapper.

BATED BREATH 7th June Pontefract
Distance: 6F
Ground: 2.40
Rating: 85.65
Potential: 0-100 3y, 0-105 3y
Others to Note

This horse has been well tipped up to be a little bit better than average and he’s going the right way putting up a decent performance at Pontefract under 9-7 on one of the stiffest sprint tracks around with a standard of (83) he’s cleared that by 3pts on his 2nd run when he’s still a inexperienced horse, he could be very nice.

SUNRAIDER 9th June Haydock
Distance: 6f
Ground: 0.73
Rating: 96.16
Potential: Group 2/3
Others to Note: Little Garcon, Walvis Bay,

Barry Hills looks to have a real nice sprinter on his hands with Sunraider who put up an exceptional time here, what the ratings are indicating is he’s a Group horse and has the ability to land an all age Group 2 or 3 especially with weight allowance, this is a serious time and it has to be justified by some means to support the evidence and we could have another Society Rock on our hands;

77.69 Sweetie Time (2.50)
99.10 Sunraider (3.20)
81.51 Dolphin Rock
84.04 Itlaaq (4.55)

The 2.50 has seen Khor Sheed (2nd) come out and win a Listed race at Newmarket with Galloping Queen (3rd) coming 4th to notebook entry Seeharn at The Curragh.

The 3.20 and race in question has seen Below Zero (4th) and pacemaker come out and hack up at Chester by 2.75l at 14-1 and just for the record his time was superb too! (92.12).

The 4.55 has seen The Galloping Shoe (3rd) come out and win a competitive race at Newcastle on Cumberland Plate day.

This couldn’t be working out better and in truth we have a really good sprinter and looking through the potential Group race sprints for 3 year olds there isn’t much meaning he’ll be forced into All Age Group races which will be perfect as he’ll be surely written off from all corners!.

BONNIE BRAE9th June Yarmouth
Distance: 6f
Ground: 2.30
Rating: 87.59
Potential: 0-100 3y, 0-95 3y
Others to Note: Sharp Eclipse

A George Margarson filly by Mujahid whose been applying her trade over a mile were she’s learnt to settle and is now ready for her drop into the sprinting division of a very lenient mark and this wouldn’t be the end of her winning as she’s recorded a really decent time for Yarmouth were the standard for 6f stands at (84)putting her joint 2nd in the table with Speedy Dollar in first with 95 and Dontavium in 2nd with 88. The way she won her race was impressive, coming well clear of her rivals and she’ll probally be starting off at a short price next time out depending how far they want to progress her but she’s capable of running competitively in 0-95 for 3yos this year.

DUNBOYNE EXPRESS 10th June Leopardstown
Distance: 7f
Ground: 1.66
Rating: 89.83
Potential: Group 1/2 2y
Others to Note: Music in The Rain

This looks another sharp 2 year old from the Kevin Prendergast stable that have Seeharn at their disposal but Dunboyne Express looks the real deal, he travelled in midfield were green in stages but he stayed on inside the straight to get up just on the line, the winning margin was a short head but the runner up had previous experience, this looks another decent sort for the impressive sire Shamardal, the horse can go either way now but Group races beckon.

LOST IN THE MOMENT 10th June Newbury
Distance: 8f
Ground: 1.86
Rating: 88.03
Potential: 0-100 3y
Others to Note: Be Invincible

Lost In The Moment a 3 year old colt closely related to the high class Luas Line picked up his win first time out in handicap company which is where he’ll probally stay but off his current mark there is a lot of room for improvement for Jeremy Noseda as he’ll rise a few grades and has more wins in him.

DECORATIVE 10th June Nottingham
Distance: 8.5f
Ground: -2.28
Rating: 90.90
Potential: Listed 3y
Others to Note: Bintalwaadi

After a knee injury it was no surprise to see Decorative not given a hard time yet he still managed to separate himself from the others in the field by his class and was able to come from the rear for Robinson to take down a typical Richard Hills ride from the front which takes some doing when he’s on a useful sort, there will be more improvement to come and has scored the 3rd best rating here behind Scuffle in 1st with (94) and Little White Lie (93) who went onto better things.

KING ZEAL 10th June Nottingham
Distance: 10
Ground: -2.28
Rating: 86.91
Potential: 0-90, 0-85
Others to Note


Barry Leavy looks to have a good thing in King Zeal off his current mark (63), James Rodgers gets the best out of this tricky horse which is a sign of a good jockey and you wouldn’t bet against him getting his hattrick although he is a low class animal and has temperament problems and may go AWOL for a few runs but should prove a profitable betting proposition this season especially at Nottingham.

HEAR THE ROAR 11th June Goodwood
Distance: 8f
Ground: -0.16
Rating: 90.21
Potential: 0-105 3y
Others to Note: Mureb, Tariq Too


This was a really nice performance from Jim Boyles 3 year old Gelding who never looked capable of a performance like this on his Yarmouth evidence but has really come on a ton, his rime of 90.21 is around 3.75 points below the standard of (94) over a mile at Goodwood but this is a pretty strong standard including the Sussex into the times, I am pretty sure this is the best 8f maiden recorded on figures which despite the ground having a bit of give too it, makes Jim Boyles Hear The Roar a very nice prospect indeed.

BEACHFIRE 12th June Sandown
Distance: 9f
Ground: 1.44
Rating: 92.96
Potential: Listed 3y, 0-100 3y
Others to Note: Revered, Nazreef

Last year this race was won by Clerk’s Choice in a time of (97) with the likes of Dancourt and Fort De Marmi in the field and this year’s race looks a good renewal, John Gosdens Beachfire is a half brother to Major Cadeaux who has a progressive profile only racing the 3 times and had a lot of ground to make up 2f out where he should a ready turn of foot to come from the rear and was going away towards the end meaning a step up in trip wouldn’t harm his chances. New Christmas was bringing in a good level of form over 8f were he was 2nd to Britannia winner Ransom Note at Doncaster, the 3rd horse Jutland has come out and won an class 3 handicap with ultimate ease.

DISTANT MEMORIES 12th June Sandown
Distance: 9f
Ground: 2.58
Rating: 96.51
Potential: Group 3
Others to Note: Oratory


Tom Tate’s 4 year old gelding is going to be real competitive coming in the 2nd part of the season where he’ll be looking at getting his preferred soft ground, the horse is a Group performer and should be able to find a race either in England or Ireland possibly France if necessary.

ELA GORRIE MOU 14th June Windsor
Distance: 8.5f
Ground: 1.82
Rating: 92.65
Potential: 0-100, 0-95
Pthers to Note

Horses who put up exceptional times at Windsor tend to be course specialists and are very profitable with Run For Ede’s, The Cayterers, Resurge putting up times in the high 80’s and coming back to repeat success and I don’t think the Charalambous horse is any different and he’ll defiantly be able to pick up a much higher class race at Windsor and he may well be useful elsewhere with having no luck at Ffos Lass last time out but he’s very well handicapped.

OYNX OF ARABIA 14th June Windsor
Distance: 10F
Ground: 1.82
Rating: 87.13
Potential: 0-90 3y, 0-95 3y
Others to Note

Another well handicapped horse from the evening meeting at Windsor on the 14th of June, he was very slow away but came on strong half way through the race growing in confidence Tadhg O’shea managed to get a 3l victory out of the 25-1 shot who was running away at the finish.



MAQAASID 16th June Ascot
Distance: 5f
Ground: 4.99
Rating: 90.21
Potential: Group 1/2 2y
Others to Note: Meow

John Gosdens 2 year old filly Maqaasid is closely related to 1,000 Guineas winner Ghanaati, she encountered trouble in running but travelled ominously well throughout and managed to grind down the classy Meow from David Wachman yard. This is a smart filly with an eye catching turn of foot and could make up into a potential 1000 Guineas prospect next year although the general feeling from Gosden is that she’s just pure speed so it’ll be interesting to see how she develops over 6f and further this year.

GROUP THERAPY I 17th June Beverley
Distance: 5f
Ground: 3.77
Rating: 94.59
Potential: Group 3
Others to Note

Now trained by Jeremy Noseda the infamous Group Therapy has put up a figure which he’s capable off putting up on a regularly basis although he’s been a very awkward and inconsistent horse yet a new change of yard looks to have sparked a revival in the 5 year old who’s genuinely needs a run first time out so he’s showing new re found life for the sport and isn’t exactly a pensioner in this division and remains one to watch for.

LADDIES POKER TWO 19th June Ascot
Distance: 6f
Ground: 3.99
Rating: 97.96
Potential: Group 1/2
Others to Note

The horse that cost the bookies millions by landing a 27 runner heritage handicap with consummate ease for new owners Derek Smith, John Magnier &Michael Tabor, she was running from a 610 day absence and looked a picture 2f out as she walked over her rivals inside the final furlong in what was a new course record, the ground wasn’t as fast as the previous 4 days;

Tuesday – 3.41
Wednesday – 4.99
Thursday – 4.11
Friday – 3.74
Saturday – 3.99

This sort of race will be hard to find in Group 1 company in a searching end to end gallop and it remains to be seen whether she can put it up against tactical opposition in the higher grades but she’s got the ability.

BREAKHEART 19th June Ayr
Distance: 8f
Ground: 4.11
Rating: 91.11
Potential: Listed 3y
Others to Note: Sand Skier, Hacienda

This was a smart performance by Andrew Baldings 3 year old gelding who had the decent Hacienda to run down 2f out in which he managed to get on top towards the finish, he wasn’t given a hard ride but stayed on strongly towards the finish and he had to fight off the late challenge from Sand Skier. This horse is well handicapped and will come on a ton for this, he should be moving up rapidly

BRUSHING 23rd June Carlisle
Distance: 11.5f
Ground: 3.45
Rating: 94.57
Potential: Listed, Conditions
Others to Note: Pendragon, Some Sunny Day

Mark Tompkins chest nut filly is clearly on the up after landing the Cumberland Plate trial she’s backed up her promise at Carlisle in a race dominated by Brian Ellison contenders and she battled out a tight finish with Pendragon where her inferior stamina and class came into fruition, I believe it’s difficult to put others close to the finish in the same Listed Conditions bracket which makes me susceptible I think it’s a case of being well handicapped and going for big handicaps were she won’t lack for speed and class but will eventually have to take a raise into pattern company but she’s well in and will have more good runs in handicap company but capable of picking up blacktype.

GREY BUNTING 23rd June Salisbury
Distance: 12F
Ground: 4.43
Rating: 89.00
Potential: 0-95 3y, 0-100 3y
Others to Note: Sparkling Smile

After winning his maiden early this month in comfortable fashion, Barry Hills Grey Bunting was making a step up into handicap company for the first time where he wasn’t disgraced by any means, the winner looks well handicapped and he was eating the ground on her in front as she looked a bit lazy and idle – a step up in trip or a stronger run race will suit Grey Bunting who I expected to go further in reaching their potential of a 0-95/100 3 year old handicap.

AATTASH 24th June Goodwood
Distance: 9f
Ground: 1.29
Rating: 91.07
Potential: 0-105 3y
Others to Note: Sarrsar

Aattash was riding in the owners second colors and was ridden in a way that was set up for the more fancied runner Sarrsar but unfortunately he didn’t read the script in what was a lovely ride by Sam Hitchcott who just get kept getting more and more out of his mount to defy those in behind who were going very poorly 2f out whilst Aattash was comfortably cruising in front , some may say he stole it in a typical Richard Hills fashion from the front but if this horse can find similar events I’d fancy him to upset a few more.

COCKNEY 24th June Hamilton
Distance: 9f
Ground: 3.46
Rating: 89.39
Potential: 0-105 3y
Others to Note: I’m Super Too

The same card which saw Hacienda who was put up earlier in the notebook confirm the promise of Breakheart with a rating of (93.42), I am going to take the 2nd horse Cockney here from the race instead of the winner who looks exposed in handicap company and the rating would illustrate the potential of an unexposed type rather than an exposed handicapper whose turned up with a performance of his career on the day although the time doesn’t lie and he’ll pick up similar races. The runner up has been very coltish in his last race but was noted to settle down in more professional manor and he briefly took the advantage approaching the final furlong where he was done by the winner in a more experienced finish, the route now will be handicaps and he looks very well in if they rate him through the winner.

SETA 24th June Warwick
Distance: 7f
Ground: 1.26
Rating: 93.79
Potential: Group 2/3 3y
Others to Note: Bahati, Dever Dream

A decent race meeting for Warwick which saw one of the talking horses of the winter grace the grace the sharp undulating Warwickshire course in a bid to relinquish her reputation, her size wouldn’t of been suited to this sort of track but was given a peach of a ride by Kieran Fallon who found trouble on the bend turning into the straight but once she saw daylight it was a relentless gallop towards the finish towering over her opponents. This was a good effort and underlined her superiority were the time was decent and she’ll improve for a more galloping racecourse with group races now beckoning again after building confidence in Listed races of late very much like Twice Over who was also given this treatment to revitalize their career.

The record for 7f at Warwick stands at (96) set by Plum Pudding in April 2009 with the runner up Dream Eater running 2nd in the Sandown Mile next time out behind Paco Boy. The standard for Warwick 7f is (83) and Seta has cleared that by a mile with (93.79) putting her 2nd in front of the likes;

91 Golden Stream
90 Broad Cairn
88 Mull of Killough
88 Amber Sunset
85 Phluke
85 Nora Mae

ZACYNTHUS 26th June Newmarket
Distance: 7f
Ground: 0.53
Rating: 85.90
Potential: Group 2/3 2y
Others to Note: Maher, Bowmaster

A race that was chock a block with Godolphin runners and it was Zacynthus who come off the pace and stayed best towards the finish, it’s going to be difficult to say what horse will prove to be the best in time but on this evidence Zacynthus looks a useful sort who put clear daylight between him and his counterparts by 2.25l. The 7f standard at Newmarket is awfully strong and any 2 year old getting within 3.10 points of that on debut is going to be very useful.

CURRENT NOTEBOOK

Aattash
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Aphrodisia
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Be Invincible
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Bonnie Brae
Bourne
Bowmaster
Breakheart
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Day Of The Eagle
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Dick Turpin
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Gene Autry
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Harrision George
Hatheeq
Hear The Roar
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I'm Super Too
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King's Vintage
Laddies Poker Two
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Lost In The Moment
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Major Phill
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Maqaasid
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Music In The Rain
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Oneofapear
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Oynx Of Arabia
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Summerinthecity
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Victorie De Lyphar
Walvis Bay
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Workfoce
Zacynthus
Zahoo

Scratched beneath the surface but failed to bring back the reward

How does one let a 10-1 Old Newton Cup winner and a 20-1 Scottish Stewards Cup runner go after revealing their potential much earlier in the season, was I too naive in my approach and failed to look at the bigger picture? You tell me.
On the 17th of April one Dangerous Midge was put up in the Notebook for a very eye catching time at Doncaster were I said “Brian Meehan’s Dangerous Midge made it 2 from 2 at Doncaster in emphatic win suggesting this colt is bordering group class and he has proven his ability on the clock on more than one occasion highlighting his consistency.”

I mentioned the word “consistency” and a horse that in general backs up good times are a solid betting proposition when finding the right conditions but what happened to his run next time out in the Jorvik Stakes, was 12 furlongs on good to firm ground off 9-5 against an average field with £25,000 up for grabs not ideal conditions? I thought they were and was on at 4-1 yet he managed to be beaten a staggering 14 lengths which I gave Brian Meehan’s horse the benefit of the doubt.

The Duke of Edinburgh was the next step at Royal Ascot, 12 furlongs and good to firm ground with £31,000 up for grabs, with niggling doubts at the back of my mind about staying the trip I took another chance at 12-1 but it looked like those doubts were confirmed when he hung badly and could never get on terms finishing in 6th.

A horse who I had put up as having the ability to be applying his trade outside of handicaps in the near future has now been beaten 14 lengths and 4 lengths in handicap company, egg on face comes to mind and my only saving grace would be “he doesn’t stay the trip” until he turns up at Haydock were he would open up at 10-1 against his toughest opposition yet running against horses that are boarding the Group/Handicap divide and it looked a stiff task for Dangerous Midge especially so soon after Royal Ascot but given a more positive ride he went on to demolish his opposition by 8 lengths – PURE ANGER! Where have I let this slide? Was the horse let down considerably after his Doncaster run and built up gradually towards this target – I couldn’t comment but it wouldn’t be the first time such a frustrating result.............

On the 30th of April I put up Lowdown for Mark Johnston in the Notebook where I said “Mark Johnston’s Lowdown showed some bright speed and handle the bends really well, he carried a lot of weight and should fare better in higher company, there’s the potential to land a 0-100 for 3 year olds for his owner and trainer, Chester could be interesting coming up.”

He did run at Chester on his next outing where I feel the ground had turned against him due to a late barrage of rain although he was given every chance but bombed out in the final 2 furlongs coming 7th of 11th beaten 7.5 lengths, he would go on to lose against a horse who finished 8th in that Chester sprint beaten 4 lengths by Lowdown who was given a considerably easy ride by Frankie Dettori, he went on to be beaten 7 lengths in a decent sprint at Newmarket and then 17 lengths in the Reg Griffin Memorial.

I now have a sprinter who has been beaten 38 lengths in his last 4 starts were I thought he would fare better in higher company which looked a ridiculous statement now and the horse had to be scrubbed from the notebook.

There would be a little break from his run in the Reg Griffin Memorial to his next run at Ripon going off as big as 9-1 in the morning before being backed into 4-1 and he would land the money, ok he’s won a 0-90 for 3yos carrying 9-7 – I knew he was capable of this back in April but why did it take so long for him to come to himself but the worst was to come when entered in the Scottish Stewards Cup on Friday he was a 25-1 shot and a race he would carry 9-0 out of the typical 3 year old handicaps for the first time but this is the kind of race I thought he could win but never after his recent form and he goes on to win by practically 4 lengths against some very useful Northern sprinters!

This is so frustrating, I can’t get Mark Johnston right and I am sure not many people can but was I can’t help believe after the Reg Griffin Memorial I was right to scratch from the notebook although for me those who follow it was a costly mistake and I need to learn how to look at the bigger picture because I am unearthing the right horse but following them at the wrong times.
Any suggestions.

Something To Enjoy After A Bad Hackwood

After such despair with Dangerous Midge and Lowdown it was quite a comforting sight to see a more uplifting image from the April notebook entries when Temple Meads & Al Aasifh completed a Newbury double at quite decent odds in truth and I don’t think there’s any comments I’d like to retract or amend with both horses living up to expectations.

Having said that “I thought it was a very poor Guineas weekend and have only managed to find this promising run over the 2 days which sums it up, Ed McMahon’s colt looked very straight forward and despite having a low draw he came off the rail to beat a decent and a more experienced colt from the Aiden O’Brien yard in ready fashion, he 2nd had every change to win but was done for a electric turn of foot. The speed rating was very good on debut and indicates a listed 2 year old but he could improve into pattern class given the natural progression and remains one for Ascot.” It was well documented today on TV about the trainer and owners thoughts over Temple Meads who was destined for Royal Ascot bar a problem and it was nice to see the horse show his potential in what is a difficult race.

The Rose Bowl went to Al Aasifh who having said that “Saeed Bin Suroor’s debutant Al Aasifh made a big impression, having to race 4 wide all the way the black colt looked a decent sort and will fare much better for this run, a maiden is obviously within reach but he could turn out to be a decent listed 2 year old” he landed the event in game style against a decent Richard Hannon 2yo Cape To Rio, the step down in trip at Royal Ascot wasn’t an inspiring piece of placement in my view with Roayh representing them over 6f in The Coventry and I’d like to know why they chose to go with Roayh instead of Al Aasifh but blacktype has been earnt now so job done I suppose.

Dunboyne Express - what a lovely performance!

20-1 for next years 2000 Guineas, bit early to say yet.