November 17 – Navan – I’ll Sort That – 73
The key element to the strength of this Grade 3 was the fact it was run in a time three seconds faster than the handicap over the same C&D and there was plenty to like about the way Declan Queally’s inmate forged out victory. Mistakes at the last two hurdles looked to have handed the advantage to the well-backed Theflyingking but to his eternal credit, he rallied gamely to the cause to wrestle the prize back on the long pull uphill to the line. Now 3-3 over hurdles, the son of Sandmason might not end up being top class but he will win many more races because his heart is in the right place and he is always likely to be underestimated in the market. As for the runner-up, he rather threw away what looked a golden opportunity after the last and his awkward head carriage may need monitoring if it becomes more pronounced as his career progresses.
November 17 – Navan – Found A Fifty – 72
This race was decided by the terrible blunder made by Dinoblue, who did extremely well to keep the losing margin down to just five lengths after almost coming to a standstill down the back straight. Without that race-ending mistake, she would have probably won and providing she suffers no long term damage, she looks the one to take out of the race moving forward. As for the winner, he could nothing more than take advantage of his main market rival’s tribulations and he is a thoroughly admiral performer at this level.
November 17 – Exeter – Lulumba – 70
A race strongly run thanks to the exploits of Tripoli Flyer and allowed Nicky Henderson’s gelding to shine at the first time of asking over fences. Last season’s standout juvenile had high expectations heading into this above average contest but he lived up to his star billing with an excellent round of jumping and his speed figure already puts him in a bracket verging on graded class. Likely to be asked down that route for the rest of the season, it will take a very good one to lower his colours over this side of the Irish Sea and while Kopek De Bordes may have looked impressive on the same day at Navan, his speed figure of 41 (very slow run) suggests the four-year-old holds sway for the time being.
November 20 – Warwick – Cristal D’Estruval – 64
This novices hurdle looked a good one on paper beforehand and the data suggests it is likely to work out accordingly. Harry Derham’s inmate was a good winner of an Irish point, in a quick time, and he duly repeated the dose on his rules debut, setting solid fractions before powering clear of his main market rival, Baron Noir. How far up the ladder he can go remains to be seen but he has a pleasing style of racing and jumping and useful cruising speed are likely to stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.
November 21 – Fairyhouse – Flicker Of Hope – 65
Plenty of useful sorts from hurdles faced the starter for this above-average beginners’ chase and it should turn out to be form worth following. The winner had the benefit of a previous outing over fences at Wexford and that solid grounding from that strongly run affair served him well as he stayed on best of all to withstand a whole series of challengers after the last. The feature of his performance was his solid jumping, scoring 7.7 on the RaceIQ jump index, and his technique can prove vital as he continues his climb up the ladder. As for the rest, Kiss Will will probably turn out to be the best long-term prospect and he can do better with this all-important experience under his belt.
November 22 – Ascot – Jango Baie – 79
Without a shadow of doubt, the best race of the season class-wise on paper beforehand and it did not disappoint, producing a speed figure way beyond what we have seen up to this point. The fact Il Et Francis could not get to the front as he normally prefers, suggested Gidleigh Park was knocking out solid early fractions and that gallop was maintained until the point where his lack of fitness started to take its toll. As soon as Nicky Henderson’s inmate turned for home seemingly full of running, the race over bar the shouting and he was even allowed the luxury of cruising to the line without being unduly punished (hands and heels from the last). Super strong in the final half a mile, the son of Tiger Groom left the distinct impression he would be seen to even greater effect over further as the season progresses and he looks a serious contender for the King George, where his blend of speed and stamina can prove the key component. As for the runner-up, Gidleigh Park, he came out a clear second best and the fact he finished 27 lengths clear of the race-fit, track specialist, Pic D’Orhy, is testimony to how well he ran on his seasonal bow. Based on the figures, his best effort as a novice was over two miles when he beat Caldwell Potter at Windsor and if connections do the right thing and drop him back to the minimum trip, he could easily put himself into the Champion Chase picture, a race for which he is currently 50-1.
November 22 – Ascot – Wudhooh – 64
Not a earth-shatteringly quick time but a performance that, nonetheless, caught the attention of this column just by the way Gordon Elliott’s mare took control of the race late on. Off the home turn, she looked as though she had plenty on her plate trying to run down Celtic Dino, who still appeared to have a lot to offer at the time, yet she not only readily bridged the gap, she actually brushed him aside with a degree of nonchalance. On the evidence of this display, last season’s Martin Pipe heroine looks set for another productive campaign and it will be interesting to see what route connections take her from this juncture. The safety in numbers option must surely be the Mares Hurdle but given how well she stays and how fragile those towards the top of the Stayers’ Hurdle market appear, she could easily make waves in that division too.
November 22 – Haydock – Kabral Du Mathan – 70
All eyes were focused on the two big chase races on the card won by Grey Dawning (69) and The Jukebox Man (34) but their time figures proved disappointing and this two mile handicap hurdle was one of two that usurped the Grade 1 chase. The Four Sixes ensured the race was run at a true gallop and when he fainted three out, Dan Skelton’s inmate bounded to the front. From that juncture, he readily drew clear and despite being eased down, he posted a speed figure of some note. Considering this was his first run for 224 days and it was his debut for his new yard, this effort has to go down as a very commendable one.
November 22 – Haydock – Electric Mason – 72
Traditionally, a race that often has a big bearing on future staying handicap hurdles and this years renewal should turn out to be no different. The winner turned around for with his old rival Ma Shantou but that result probably had a lot to do with the fact Chris Gordon’s inmate was better position throughout on a track where those racing up with the speed have a huge advantage. Indeed, the first four home were prominent right from the start and that is worth bearing in mind if assessing the form at face value. Of those who fared best having been held up off the pace, Horaces Pearl is one to mark up and he should do better with this all-important run under his belt moving forward.
November 22 – Punchestown – Oscars Brother – 71
Just the five runners for this Grade 3 but there was no hanging around and the winner pretty much made all. Jumping well in the main, he soon established a good rhythm from the front and even when pressed off the home turn, he impressed with the way he found plenty for pressure. A likeable type with a willing attitude, he is likely to continue to do well when the emphasis is on stamina. Of those beaten, Bossofthebrownies did well to finish as close as he did, having been patiently ridden, and he may be better served by a more aggressive ride further down the line. Long term, he could easily develop into a Irish National type.
November 23 – Punchestown – Westport Cove – 73
On a day when all eyes were on the John Durkan (Gaelic Warrior 69), it was this novice chase that produced the best speed figure (also the fastest final circuit) on the card and that number was all down to the gallop set by Willie Mullins’ inmate. A mistake two out looked to have cooked his goose but in game fashion, he rolled up his sleeves and battled back to regain the advantage from Fleur In The Park and this performance has to go down as a big step forward from the son of Muhtathir. As for the runner-up, it was probably a race he let through his fingers (slow jump at the last cost him) but he remains one to keep on side over this trip.