November 2 – Carlisle – The Jukebox Kid – 69
As we have seen many times in the past, these novice handicap chases are often a rich source of future winners and this race at the Yorkshire venue should turn out to be no different. Grand Geste ensured the gallop was strong from the outset and he soon had most of his rivals at full stretch, all bar Ben Pauling’s inmate who had little trouble popping away in second. Once the leader began to falter three out, the son of Jukebox Jury soon took advantage and he stayed on powerfully all the way to the line to record a convincing success. The key element towards the strength of this form was the overall speed figure in comparison to the two listed races won by Paggane and Resplendent Grey – which was significantly quicker – and providing the data turns out to be an accurate guide, he is likely to make hay in the early part of the season before the handicapper realises his true worth. As for the runner-up, Grand Geste, he should have no trouble landing a similar contest up north when he doesn’t come across such a talented opponent, while the third, First Confession, may be seen to better effect over three miles next time.
November 4 – Fairyhouse – Bossofthebrownies – 61
On paper, not one of the stronger races of its kind run at the track in recent times but it produced a superb display from an old school type horse from a trainer who always has his novice chasers well educated on their debuts. Only average over hurdles, Mouse Morris’ inmate looked a natural from the word go and by the time he had slipped effortlessly into the lead rounding the home bend, it was a case of how far he was going to win bar a fall. Negotiating the final two fences with equal aplomb, the son of Ovovango stretched away to score with any amount in hand and he looks a smart recruit who should take higher rank as the season progresses.
November 6 – Clonmel – Il Etait Temps – 69
A disappointing turnout for Clonmel’s premier race of the season but at least the regulars were treated to a fine display from one of Ireland’s leading chasers from 2m to 2m4f. Lightly raced in recent times, Willie Mullins’ inmate looked to have way too much class for his three rivals beforehand but even so, the way he went about his work must have delighted connections. Bounding clear in the closing stages, he posted a very useful speed figure on his first outing since dishing out a beating to Jonbon at Sandown on the final day of last season and on the evidence of this display, he will be one of the main players in the Tingle Creek back at the same venue in a month’s time.
November 8 – Aintree – Mambonumberfive – 68
Javert Allen made sure this competitive handicap chase was run at a sound gallop and Ben Pauling’s inmate came through the test with flying colours. Making his seasonal/chasing bow after disappointing in a Grade 1 over hurdles at the same track on his final start to last term, brighter things were expected of the four-year-old over fences and those beliefs look well founded based on the evidence of his initial display. Jumping well in the main, he stayed on best of all to lead at the last and even though he was getting tired late on, he still had enough left to repel the attentions of Highland Legacy and Glengouly. How high he can go over fences only time will tell, but he has plenty of scope and he is also in the right hands to realise his potential. Of his nearest pursuers, the runner-up is arguably the other one to take from the race and he should continue to pay his way in races of this nature.
November 8 – Aintree – Bubble Dubi – 66
The final three hurdles in the straight were omitted due to low sun but a race to still take seriously from a form perspective given the speed figure. The winner, returning from a 623-day break, maintained a honest gallop throughout and if anything, was as strong at the finish than any other part in the race. Whether he can build on this performance remains to be seen, but this has to go down as a tremendous effort on the horse’s part, not to mention his trainer for getting him so fit after the long absence. Of the rest, Don’t Mind If I Do might be worth another chance to make amends for his defeat due to the fact he was extremely keen throughout the first mile and a half of the journey. Unsurprisingly, his effort rather flattened out on the long run for home but he did keep on well for third and he certainly has the engine to do some damage in similarly run events now the fizz has been shaken out of his system.
November 8 – Kelso – Walks The Talk – 63
Another winning raid by John McConnell and this mare seems to be improving at a rapid rate of knots based on the speed figure she produced. Setting a good gallop from the outset, she kept up the pace on the final circuit, so much so, she was much quicker than three handicap hurdles on the card. Life will no doubt become tougher from this juncture but she has a willing and likeable attitude and she is very dangerous when left to do her own thing from the front.