October 28 – Ffos Las – Kalkbrenner – 68
Ben Pauling has made a terrific start to the is season and this son of Getaway created one of the biggest impressions on his hurdling debut. Well backed beforehand, the five-year-old soon got into a good rhythm just behind the speed and after picking up the running two out, he stayed on well for a convincing success. So far, his speed figure of 68 has only been usurped by the potentially very smart Love Me Tender in Ireland and he looks to have a very bright future in this division before embarking on a lucrative chasing career. Of the rest, the runner-up, The Price Of Peace, deserves a special mention as he made a bad mistake at the second last that ultimately cost him victory. That said, it was a very promising start by Rebecca Curtis’ inmate and this former Irish point winner should make amends next time. Klimt Madrik and Lon Chaney also made encouraging debuts and should be noted in similar contests in due course.
October 30 – Stratford – Be Aware – 71
A well run handicap chase courtesy of the exploits of Grandeur D’Ame and it enabled Dan Skelton’s inmate to post a very smart speed figure on his chasing debut. A useful handicap hurdler often accused of not finding much off the bridle, it looks as though the advent of fences might just make a man of him based on this evidence and he should take higher rank in this discipline throughout the rest of the season. There were also encouraging efforts by Cerendipity and The Widdow Maker and they should pay to keep on side next time.
October 31 – Down Royal – Romeo Coolio – 71
One of last seasons top novice hurdlers made his eagerly-awaited debut over fences and Gordon Elliott’s inmate did not disappoint. Understandably, a little cautious early on, he soon warmed to his task and his leap at the final ditch – what turned out to be the last he would jump due to low sun dolling off fences – was indicative of how much scope he harbours. Okay, the opposition may not have been great, but the manner of his victory and, more importantly, his speed figure suggests he is already right up to Graded class in his new vocation and he looks sure to be asked to go down that route next time, with the Drinmore at Fairyhouse the obvious target for a horse of his ability. One to follow.
October 31 – Uttoxeter – Lump Sum – 66
The Kalahari King Novices’ Chase has always produced plenty of top class performers over the years and this season’s renewal should turn out to be no different. Sam Thomas’ inmate was a warm order beforehand to translate his smart hurdling form to fences at the first time of asking and he did so with some aplomb. The way he jumped and travelled before pulling right away from a small, but select field, must have pleased his connections no end and he already looks like he will be a better chaser than he was over hurdles. As for the runner-up, Jax Junior, he well extremely up to the point where he got visibly tired and he should come on for the run and do well in plenty of decent races over fences, particularly over further.
November 1 – Wetherby – Djelo – 74
As is often the case nowadays, The Charlie Hall attracted a small field but it was still a race run at a strong clip courtesy of the exploits of Pic D’Orhy. Paul Nicholls’ gelding was still tearing along at a fair rate until a mistake four out rather checked his momentum and it soon became apparent, Djelo was likely to take him at any time. Fair play to the front-runner, therefore, for hanging tough for as long as he did and he eventually had to be carried out on his shield over a trip that stretched his stamina to the limit. Back going right-handed over shorter trips will surely see Pic D’Orhy back in the winner’s enclosure and races at Ascot and Kempton look the obvious route for him later in the season. As for the winner, he once again proved he is a very smart chaser on his day – usually before Christmas before his form tails off – and the Peterborough Chase looks next on the agenda, his most notable success last season.
November 1 – Ascot – Alexei – 72
The speed figure for this competitive handicap hurdle was very good so this should turn out to be strong form. The winner had run extremely well on his seasonal bow in the Welsh Champion Hurdle, which we highlighted, and that effort proved to be easily the best form, winning with a touch of swagger. A strong traveller, tailor made for these kind of big-field, handicaps, Joe Tizzard’s inmate looks just the type to go well in the Greatwood Hurdle, his next assignment. The runner-up, Indemnity, lost nothing in defeat and he impressed with the way he handled this step up in class. The third, Moveit Like Minnie, also stuck to her task bravely and he should continue to thrive in races of this nature too.
November 1 – Down Royal – Lieber Nic – 64
Easily the most competitive race of the four hurdle races on the hurdles and was no surprise to see it produced the best speed figure. Balko D’ange took the field along at a solid pace and when he gave way, Henry De Bromhead’s inmate picked up the baton and carried it all the way to the line. Winning with quite a bit in hand, he confirmed he is a horse going places at this level and he remains one to keep on side before the ground deteriorates.