November 12 – Ayr – Sixmilebridge – 69
Just a small field but they went a good gallop from the start and despite looking at one stage as though he might throw it away, Fergal O’Brien’s inmate recovered his poise to score on chasing debut. He seemed to get into a lovely early rhythm and then for some peculiar reason, he chucked in a couple of indifferent leaps to allow his two rivals back into the contest. Luckily for him, his main market opponent, Derryhasssen Paddy jumped even worse, presenting him with the lead again, and he galloped out well once regaining the advantage. As far as debuts go, he deserves a 7 out of 10 and this Grade 2 winner over hurdles can find more improvement as the season develops.
November 12 – Bangor – Diva Luna – 64
Ben Pauling has made a tremendous start to the season with his novices and this mare created a favourable impression on her chase debut. Setting out her stall from the outset, the six-year-old mare was very slick through air and she soon had several well fancied rivals in trouble leaving the back straight. Keeping on well from that juncture, she went on to score by a wide margin from her nearest pursuer, Joyeuse, and on the evidence of this display, she should take high rank against her own sex for the remainder of the season.
November 12 – Bangor – Lu’Dor – 68
A spectacular display of raw galloping in testing conditions from a horse who appears to just be getting the hang of the game. Several occasions last season he appeared to flatter to deceive but that was probably due to him not quite being the finished article but here he was super strong throughout and looked like relinquishing his early advantage. Moreover, the time figure he posted suggested it was a performance of some repute and even though the assessor has tried his best to derail him (up 13lb), Tom Symonds’ inmate still might have the last laugh granted similar conditions.
November 13 – Punchestown – Koktail Brut – 71
Only two counted on form in this novice hurdle and Gordon Elliott’s inmate proved more proficient on the day in all departments than Colcannon. Settling well in front, he set decent fractions from the start until he gradually wound up the pace turning out of the back straight and it was from that point he got Colcannon to feel the pinch. Superior jumps at the last two hurdles simplified his task but either way, he probably would have won anyway and he looks a nice prospect going forward. As for the runner-up, he could do with tidying up his jumping and settling better but with this all-important run under his belt, there is every chance he will do so next time. All in all, two smart novices that will pay to keep on side.
November 14 – Cheltenham – L’Eau Du Sud – 73
All eyes were on Jonbon on his seasonal bow but, not for the first at Cheltenham, he fluffed his lines and that left the pathway clear for Dan Skelton’s inmate to take advantage. That said, he might have won anyway even if Nicky Henderson’s multiple Grade 1 winner had been on his A-game and given the speed figure, it may pay to take that view. The way he jumped and travelled pointed towards a horse right at the peak of his powers and he should in no way be underestimated in the Tingle Creek, his next assignment.
November 15 – Cheltenham – July Flower – 72
A proper test served up by Be Aware and Henry De Bromhead’s mare proved equal to the task. The two dominated the market and race itself right from the start and it was only the winner’s superior speed that allowed her to come clear of her main rival from the last up the hill. The daughter of Pastorius had looked good on her chasing debut at Limerick but this proved to be a totally different test altogether in terms of pure pace and the way she attacked her fences on the way round was a sigh to behold. Now she is proven over the track, connections will no doubt by working back from the Arkle and this division is beginning to look a little stacked with the likes of Lulumba and Kopek Des Bordes in its midst, odds of 20-1 for a mare of her class looks too big. As for the runner-up, he lost nothing in defeat and he will surely be seen to better effect over further next time. His jumping index was the best in the field and he looks a very smart recruit to the chasing ranks.
November 15 – Wetherby – Meetmebythesea – 66
Despite just five runners going to post, a cracking novices’ handicap chase on paper beforehand and it certainly lived up to star billing, producing a very useful speed figure. Ben Pauling’s inmate was well fancied to make the ideal start over fences and he duly obliged, showing tenacity to fend off his main rivals after the last. Jumping well in the main, this was a encouraging start from a young horse destined for better things as a chaser and he is in the right hands to maximize his potential.
November 16 – Cheltenham – Alexei – 75
The most competitive handicap run so far this season and it produced the best speed rating we have awarded any race. Heading into the contest following two excellent efforts in victory and defeat, the only question mark hanging over Joe Tizzard’s inmate was his ability to handle testing conditions but he proved he could in no uncertain terms, running out a very comfortable winner. Clearly a horse at the peak of his powers at present, further success looks likely, albeit he might have to step into graded company sooner rather than later. Further down the line, a race like the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton could prove ideal.
November 16 – Navan – Answer To Kayf – 74
The irony was not lost on me when this fella landed his biggest pot to date as it was the only time I have not supported Terence O’Brien’s inmate in recent times. The nine-year-old had run well over 3m7f at the Punchestown Festival, thus proving his stamina, and the ability to stay beyond three miles proved key in this gruelling event. Despite totally missing out the final ditch four out, he recovered he poise well to re-join the leaders two out and from that juncture, he stayed on best of all to score going away. Likely to be upped in trip throughout the season, he comes across as an ideal type for the Grand National later in the season and at the same time, he paid a handsome complement to Shanbally Kid who thrashed him at the Kildare venue last season. At time of writing, Shanbally Kid is available at 66-1 for the Grand National, which seems huge given how well the race has worked out subsequently.