February 13 – Newcastle – Upon Tweed – 57
There has been the odd bumper this season which has stood out from the crowd and this one should prove noteworthy going forward. Conman John was a well supported favourite to follow on from his Irish point success and all looked to be going to plan until along came Nicky Richards’ inmate to spoil the party. Exhibiting a smart turn of foot to pull readily clear in the latter stages, the son of Berkshire proved a class apart and he has the size and scope to make into a lovely chasing prospect long term. In the meantime, the champion bumper at Aintree might well be on the radar representing a stable who landed the contest with Florida Dreams two years ago.
February 14 – Kelso – El Elefante – 68
Good on the figures at Ayr previously, Lucinda Russell’s mare faced a stiffer examination on paper but she proved equal to the task by beating a trio of opponents who all came into the contest in decent form. The main feature of her win was how much she found for pressure from two out having been pestered for the lead throughout and on this evidence, she is a mare going places easily capable of mixing it against listed opposition.
February 15 – Gowran – Blue Lemons – 64
The overall standard for juveniles over in Ireland so far this season hasn’t been up to the usual level, but this fella emerged as one of the better ones we’ve seen based on the rating awarded. Tracking the pace set by the experience Kool One, Willie Mullins’ gelding loomed up going best on the run down to the last and with a good leap that carried plenty of momentum, he soon assumed command to score going away. A 130k purchase from the Richard Hannon stable after finishing down the field in the Britannia Handicap on the Flat, the doubt had to be whether the son of Blue Point would stay two miles in his new discipline but on this evidence, he proved conclusively that he does. Where he goes from here remains to be seen, but he does hold a Triumph Hurdle entry and with his trainer not having too many obvious candidates at this stage, it wouldn’t come as a major shock if he were to take his chance at Cheltenham.
February 15 – Gowran – Classic Getaway – 74
Saint Sam was a warm order to get back on track in this poorly contested Grade 2 but he proved to be disappointing and it was his lesser-fancied stable mate who ended up stealing the show. Held up off the pace, the nine-year-old was still last of the three turning for home but it soon became apparent his two market rivals had little left to offer and he stormed through for victory with seemingly plenty left to spare. Likely to be kept on home soil for the spring festivals, his need for a right-handed track justifies his lack of a Cheltenham entry and he remains one to keep on side away from the very highest level.
February 15 – Haydock – Famous Bridge – 66
A good renewal on paper beforehand of this Grand National trial and it went the way of one of the confirmed track specialists. Sporting the first-time cheekpieces, Nicky Richards’ gelding was noted latching on to the main players exiting the back straight and from that juncture was where his proven stamina became the main factor. In seeing off nearest pursuer Apple Away, the nine-year-old recorded the faster overall and final circuit sectionals combined and he certainly deserves to take his chance in the Ultima following this performance – a race in which he finished fourth last year.
February 15 – Wincanton – Golden Ace – 73
Only four runners but a race run at a fair clip thanks to the exploits of Burdett Road and that solid pace played into the hands of the proven stayer among the party. Not quite at her best on her first two starts of the season, Jeremy Scott’s mare was well backed to bounce back to form and although she looked in a spot of bother turning for home, her ability to stay beyond two miles ultimately proved the key. Although this was seen as her ultimate target of the season, she will no doubt head back to Cheltenham in a bid to repeat last year’s exploits and providing the ground doesn’t end up being too soft, the seven-year-old is likely to give another solid account.