December 29 – Kelso – Country Code – 70
A generously run affair thanks to the exploits of Imperfectlyperfect and as a result, the speed figure posted by the winner was well above the normal average figure associated with a race of this nature. The fact he was eased down in the closing stages points towards Ruth Jefferson’s gelding having the potential of even more to come and The River Don, the race mentioned in the post-race chat, could well be within his capabilities. Further afield, he is one worth considering for the Albert Bartlett and remains one we urge members to keep on side. Nice type.
December 29 – Leopardstown – Lossiemouth – 77
It was very much a case of anything Sir Gino can do, I can do just as well, as Willie Mullins’ mare as she put down her own marker for the Champion Hurdle. They went steady enough in the early stages but the free-going Anzadam injected some well-needed pace to the race halfway down the back straight and that move resulted in the overall speed figure to be close to par for a race of this nature. Just shy of her previous according to our data (previous best 79 in the Christmas Hurdle), it would be a massive shame if connections took the easy option of the Mares Hurdle, as it would rob fans of potentially one of the clashes of the festival in March. As for runner-up, Brighterdaysahead, this was much more like her best form and she proved she still has a place in this division. Whether she can erode the memories of last season’s total blow out in the Champion Hurdle remains the only issue with her going forward.
December 31 – Punchestown – El Fabiolo – 67
Firstly, it was good to see Willie Mullins’ gelding happy in his work after a series of confidence-shattering falls over fences and surely connections will stay over hurdles in the foreseeable future. Impressive on the eye, the only thing that slightly takes the gloss off his performance, however, was the fact, he shared the same overall figure and final lap splits with Linden Arden, who is rated almost 50lb inferior. On the positive side, it was impossible to tell how much he left in the tank and we will find out whether he can get back to being a champion again when he takes on stiffer opponents further down the line.
January 1 – Tramore – Heart Wood – 77
Tramore’s big race of the season, often used as a stepping stone by Al Boum Photo towards his Cheltenham preparations and a good field was dismantled by Henry De Bromhead’s gelding, who must surely have big festival aspirations of his own after this performance. Always to the fore with Croke Park, the pair forced a strong pace from the start and with his main market rival, Champ Kiely, failing to get into any sort of rhythm in behind, he took full advantage by striding clear on the final circuit. Posting a career high according to our data (76 in last season’s Ryanair), the post-race chat by connections suggest they are leaning towards having another crack at Fact To File in the same race and at this stage, he represents perfectly logical each-way material at 16-1 in a race where it is easier to rule out many of those quoted ahead of him in the betting than rule in.
January 1 – Tramore – Stede Bonnet – 68
The opening maiden hurdle on the card looked like a match on paper between Gordon Elliott’s inmate and Arslan and in a protracted duel involving the pair from some way out, it was the former how came out on top. In the early stages it seemed as though his main market rival was going slightly better but once it became a question of who wanted it more, the son of Walk In The Park had all the answers. This victory not only enhanced his reputation, it also paid another handsome complement to Upon Tweed, who beat him readily at Ayr previously, and based on the data they have produced, they are both worth keeping on side.
January 1 – Cheltenham – Kabral Du Mathan – 72
This looked a golden opportunity for Dan Skelton’s inmate to continue his climb through the ranks and despite making one mistake, it went as smooth as the market suggested. He might not have beaten a stellar field but the time was good and considering he looked to be in a low gear as he hit the line, there is no limit to how high he could go. Cornered by the press afterwards, his trainer strongly suggested the six-year-old would swerve Cheltenham for this season and is more likely to go down the Aintree Hurdle route, a decision that is bound to do his long term prospects no harm.
January 3 – Sandown – Sinnatra – 73
For those who have been keeping up and making a note of the best pre-Cheltenham speed figures in the two mile novice division will notice this fella has now put himself into the top bracket with this display at the Esher venue (Koktail Brut 73, Old Park Star 72, Idaho Sun 72). Sent off 1-8 he had very little to gain and plenty to lose if things didn’t go well but as events panned out, his performance carried much more substance than it appeared at first glance. Un-pestered for the early lead, he clearly had a charmed life out in front but the fact his main market rival, Fouronefever, was punch drunk before he eventually fell at the last, suggested the son of Walk In The Park had served up a proper gallop. Even allowing for the fact he was heavily eased in the closing stages, it was significant he managed to run three seconds quicker than the more established handicappers over the same C&D in the final race on the card and that 0-140 contest has plenty of substance behind it too (winner goes for the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury next). Heading into the Esher venue with an official rating of 129, he came out with his mark slightly adjusted to 133 but on the evidence of the data, that appears daylight robbery for future events. Make no mistake, this six-year-old is going places fast and he is in the right hands to take full advantage of what ever path is chosen. One to follow.