Juvenile Hurdlers 2015/2016

[Bachelors Hall]

Cheers lads. I do feel "Doubly Clever" after that one! HoHo!

[Irish Stamp]

Well done BH!!

[Bachelors Hall]

Cartmel's sole three-year-old race of the season takes place at the Cumbrian delight tomorrow and it is a race with a warm history. The much missed Countrywide Flame is the most prominent of those on the race's honour roll but there are other interesting winners. These including Slimi who went on to take a Prelude Chase and three winners of Wensleydale Hurdlers, Callisto Moon (2007), Aviation (2005) and Burnt Imp (1993) - the last named also finishing runner up in that year's Finale Hurdle behind the brilliant Mysilv. Given the nature of the course, there have also been a few lesser lights including Maidstone Mixture (2008) who used the race as a prep for "hopefully staying out of the bloody way" in the St Leger and Triumph Hurdle, and the rather forgettable pair of Memorable (1994) and Prelude To Fame (1996). This year's renewal is likely to go one way rather than the other, with two low grade flat winners who were runner up on debut taking on flat maidens.

Our Kylie won a ten furlong nursery off 63 last term but has been largely disappointing on the flat this year. However, she is a daughter of Jeremy and had been earmarked for a hurding career since last year so it wasn't a huge surprise that she bounced back to form on her hurdling debut. At the beginning of the month, she went to Market Rasen and put in a very clean round of jumping whilst chasing home previous winner Retro Valley and in the process, becoming one of the few Juveniles to finish ahead of a Bloomfields horse. The form has been let down a bit by the winner disappointing at Newton Abbot but all the same, she jumped and raced in the manner of a horse capable of winning races and she sets a fair standard here. Secrets Safe was hopeless as a two-year-old but sprang to life in a maiden handicap at Southwell when landing a plunge in no uncertain terms. He then reverted to being a disappointment before changing hands for £15,000 and joining Shark Hanlon. He made his debut at Newton Abbot just under three weeks ago where he was no match whatsoever for Leoncavallo under Richard Johnson and the champion jockey elect rides again here. His jumping wasn't particularly good but it wasn't horrific either and the standard of this race wouldn't be especially daunting. With respect to the trainer, there's always the chance that Secrets Safe could find unexpected improvement although the yard did send out a beaten favourite here on Saturday and he could well just be a travelling companion for the yard's fancied runner in the later Handicap Chase. Boldbob made his debut in the same race contested by Our Kylie after an uninspiring flat career. He made the running before finishing thirty lengths fifth but there was encouragement in his jumping and he's possibly capable of better but there's a lot of ground for him to make up on runner up that day.

Azyaan was rather late to the course only making her debut in May. That was in a mile and a half fillies' maiden at Beverley where she finished three lengths third. The form is reasonable for the course with two 80 rated handicappers ahead of her and a handicap winner off 69 not far behind. She could have been flattered by that run however as she hasn't been anywhere near that standard in three subsequent starts beating only a couple home in two similar maidens before being completely tailed off on her handicap bow at Pontefract. She is by Mastercraftsman though and Kevin Ryan did win with the only other animal he sent to Cartmel in the past five years. Seraffimo has not shown a great deal in ten starts on the flat although he was only beaten half a length in an Ayr handicap off 45 in May on good to firm ground. That was a clear peak in his career though and he's twice been easily beaten off a similar mark on easier ground. Sarafina is even more experienced with twelve starts on the flat and has been placed twice in selling company - incidentally, both occasions were over ten furlongs at Lingfield behind horses who've gone on to show nothing in Juvenile Hurdles. Whilst she is rarely demolished in races, her mark of 44 reflects her ability and she makes her debut for her third yard here. Bond Starprincess has not achieved a great deal in five starts on the flat with her best effort coming last time out when beaten just over nine lengths in a two mile Beverley handicap off 45. That was an improvement on all her prior efforts so it can be assumed that the trip suited her. Furthermore, her trainer, George Moore, has won this race three times in the past with Aviation (2005), Turf Trivia (2010) and Ste-Jen (1992).

Arbitrary 1-2-3*
1. Our Kylie
2. Secrets Safe
3. Bond Starprincess

Secrets Safe 4/3 Karly Flight 1st Prix Renaud du Vivier (G1), Auteuil 2002 (4/3 Sunday Flight, King Flight 4/3 Kharasar)
Azyaan 5/3 Grey Salute 1st Tote Gold Trophy (Listed, 63), Newbury 1989
Seraffimo 5/2 Novello Allegro 2nd Irish Champion Hurdle (Listed), Leopardstown 1993
Our Kylie 6/2 Jurado Express 5th Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (G1), Punchestown 2003 139 (5/3 Premier Portrait, Shesaportrait)
Bond Starprincess - Monsieur Bond (1) 2/1 Pagan Starprincess 129 1st Mares' Hurdle (G2), Doncaster 2009
Boldbob .5 Khelino PU 4YO Maiden Hurdle, Cork 2012
Sarafina no jumps relatives

Sires (Juveniles in 500 list) Overall % jumps winners - jumps runners
Our Kylie - Jeremy (10) 41%
Azyaan - Mastercraftsman (5) 33%
Boldbob - Verglas (2) 18%
Seraffimo - Monsieur Bond (1) 16%
Bond Starprincess - Monsieur Bond (1) 16%
Secrets Safe - Arcano 0% (only one jumps runner)
Sarafina - Mullionmileanhour 0% (no jumps runners)

[Bachelors Hall]

OK... I hope I'll be up to date with all the UK reviews at some point tomorrow but in the meantime, there's the small matter of a race at Worcester.

The first Juvenile of September is also the first Juvenile Maiden. It's also a rare Juvenile Hurdle for Worcester and in keeping with the rare theme, the course normally associated with waterlogging and concrete hard ground will actually stage the season's first serious looking Juvenile Hurdler. Taking on this serious looking animal will be a trio from a Stratford race from last month along with a couple for fair winners from the flat.

Nicky Henderson's huge filly Champagne Ransom was the best finisher of the Stratford three finishing a twenty-one length fourth behind Leoncavallo. She wasn't any great shakes on the flat for Mark Johnson and she appears to have ran to a similar level over hurdles but she knew enough about the game to suggest she's capable of improvement and at least carries some hope for the future. Layerthorpe was a further twenty-two lengths behind in sixth which was probably fair as his form was steadily deteriorating on the flat. His jumping was big, slow and cautions and was badly outpaced before leaving the back straight. Whistler Mountain was yet further twenty-seven lengths behind after pulling hard and jumping all but one of the flights poorly. That he completed is the only way it can be said that he improved on his jumps debut at Newton Abbot. Chic Name hasn't been seen since the middle of June at Market Rasen but had ran thrice over hurdles in France beforehand. The form of those French runs wasn't really inspiring and his debut effort at the Lincolnshire track offered no encouragement. There wasn't any confidence in the market beforehand and though his jumping style suggested he may be somewhat better over fences in the future, he didn't do enough to hint at any immediate success.

Hadfield is another to have joined the formidable John Ferguson ranks and as impressive as many of his charges have been, this son of Sea The Stars is the most exciting recruit from the flat so far this season. He had two runs in the Godolphin blue in France for Andre Fabre, the first in a May Maiden for unraced colts and geldings at Chantilly. The ground was very soft that day and he was beaten by two and a quarter lengths but he should have finished a lot closer as he was stuck behind a wall of horses just as the race reached its climax. The form has stood up reasonably well as the runner up, Pretorio, was since second in a Le Lion D Angers listed race and fourth in a Group Two at Deauville earning an equivalent official rating of 91 (he was given an RPR of 102 for the latter performance). The sixth, Harlem has won a listed race at Vichy and indeed, all of those in the first six have either won or been placed at a large track. Later that month, he was runner up in a Saint Cloud Maiden over a mile and a half on good ground. Here, he finished three quarters of a length behind Fort Moville who's got an equivalent rating of 93 after his sixth in a Chantilly Group Three and a couple of placings in Deauville conditions races. Four and a half lengths behind were a 76 and 77 rated pair and in all, these pieces of form are head and shoulders above anything seen from the flat this season. What's more, he seems to carry the right build and attitude to make an impact over hurdles, especially at this level. Dylan's Storm represents the same connections of dual Juvenile winner Retro Valley and like him, Dylan's Storm has been busy having had nine races so far this year. He was able to win one of those, a handicap off 62 over seven furlongs at Brighton, and he's also been within three lengths of the winner on another four occasions. There would be a concern over his stamina though as most runs were at a mile or under and ten furlongs at Brighton really seemed to stretch him. Furthermore, he was beaten miles last time at Bath over just under a mile and a half so unless they go a complete crawl here, it's difficult to see him getting home although rather amusingly, he is distantly related to one of this season's top Juveniles Leoncavallo. Big McIntosh has been even busier for John Ryan and this will be his fourteenth visit to a racecourse this year alone. He also has stamina concerns although they are not as pronounced as the previous horse and his win at Kempton over a mile off 58 demonstrated that he is capable of fighting when needed. He was last seen a week ago so this big horse won't lack for fitness. Ourlittle Senorita is a rare runner for trainer Imogen Pickard (who in fairness, had a winner at Newton Abbot just over a week ago) and an even rarer representative for sire Fantastic Spain who apparently won a Grade Three on the turf in America. She made her sole start in a mile and a half Maiden at Ffos Las towards the end of June where she was sent off at 100/1 and finished a forty-eight length last of seven.

Arbitrary 1-2-3*
Hadfield
Champagne Ransom
Big McIntosh

Layerthorpe 2/1 I'm Supposin 4th Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1997
Ourlittle Senorita 5/5 Bellator 3rd King George VI Chase (G1), Kempton 2000**** (6/5 The Beruki)
Chic Name 3/1 Vie De Reine 3rd Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1), Auteuil 2002 (3/2 Vino Griego 4/1 Deep Care)
Dylan's Storm 4/3 Fait Le Jojo 1st Handicap Hurdle (132), Ascot 2002 (5/6 Leoncavallo)
Champagne Ransom 4/3 Trouble At Bay 1st Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (G2), Kempton 2004 (4/1 Roi de Saron)
Big McIntosh 4/3 Valain 3rd Guinness Handicap Hurdle (Grade C, 132), Listowel 2009 (2/1 Vivaldi, 3/1 Phone In)
Hadfield 4/3 Green Ideal 1st Juvenile Hurdle, Newbury 2001
Whistler Mountain 6/4 Telramund 1st Prix Wild Monarch Hurdle (Listed), Auteuil 2007

Sires
Champagne Ransom - Mastercraftsman (5)
Hadfield - Sea The Stars (3)
Chic Name - Nickname (2)
Big McIntosh - Bushranger (1)
Whistler Mountain - Oasis Dream (1)
Layerthorpe - Vale Of York
Ourlittle Senorita - Fantastic Spain
Dylan's Storm - Zebedee

[Bachelors Hall]

Sedgefield's card opens with a nice little Juvenile Hurdle which features two winners and an interesting newcomer from the flat. The ground looks like being on the firm side of good and a couple have been known to lead.

Retro Valley has already won twice this season, both wins coming at Market Rasen, but he tasted defeat last time at Newton Abbot. There, he made an uncharacteristic mistake three out and his race was over in a matter of strides but he had looked better beforehand and his latter Market Rasen win has since produced a winner in Boldbob. That was his sixteenth start of 2015 so he may well have been feeling the effects of a long season although it was also on ground he hadn't shown appreciation for and he certainly didn't seem suited to setting the pace. It will be firmer ground at Sedgefield and with him likely to be given a lead, he has a sound opportunity to atone under a talented seven pound claimer. Egmont is a likeable and consistent sort who's already proven himself a much better hurdler than flat performer. He shown his toughness when winning at Hexham and he maintained his form behind leading Juveniles Doubly Clever at Uttoxeter and Leoncavallo at Stratford. Indeed, he has the beating of Retro Valley on a very strict line through Doubly Clever. Nevertheless, he does seem very one paced and one dimensional and whilst the contours of Sedgefield will suit, the going and distance might see him at a disadvantage against a couple here. Fortuna Glas was virtually pulled up on his debut behind Egmont at Hexham although he did close the gap to about twenty-five lengths next time in a first time hood. He hinted at promise on the flat but he's yet to demonstrate that he can jump sufficiently.

Cooper has been another busy bee this year and will be lining up for the twelve time this year at Sedgefield. He has not had a bad 2015 picking up plenty of prize money and he posted a career best effort last time out, breaking his duck at Ripon off 74 in a mile handicap. What's more interesting is that afterwards, the trainer said that he had been schooling very well and was being targeted at the decent Juvenile Hurdle at Market Rasen toward the end of the month. However, Cooper has a very prominent Achilles heels in that he hangs right and has done so every time he's gone left handed. Cutting his balls off hadn't worked and neither had applying cheekpieces and whilst this wouldn't be an issue at Market Rasen, it's clearly going to be an issue at Sedgefield if the problem manifests itself again. Well I Never is unraced and represents Ray Craggs' local breeder-trainer-haulage operation. Whilst it's a lot to ask for a newcomer to acquit himself well against winners, Mr Craggs did have a runner up at the course last week and the horse is related to fine 'turn of the century' chaser Robbo so he has a fair chance of beating the rank outsider. Hey Bob has had seven starts on the flat and has yet to finish within sixteen lengths of the winner despite competing at the lowest level. He is related to the horse who won the opening Juvenile Hurdle in Ireland though and Dr Cox did amuse me in Scrubs.

Arbitrary 1-2-3*
1. Retro Valley
2. Egmont
3. Cooper

Hey Bob 4/2 Tiger Groom 180? 2nd Grand Prix d'Automne (G1), Auteuil 2002 (4/2 Rifawan, 4/4 Notus de La Tour, 4/3 Rashaan)
Well I Never 3/1 Robbo 2nd Tripleprint Gold Cup (G3, 139), Cheltenham 2000
Cooper 3/1 Tomahawk 1st Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (122), Kempton 1993 (3/1 Bandelero, 5/5 Lord Jim)
Egmont 2/1 Orzare 3rd Holloway's Hurdle (G2, 130), Ascot 2012 (4/1 Feux d'Artifice)
Fortuna Glas 4/1 Fruit Defendu 1st 3YO Maiden Hurdle, Fairyhouse 2000
Retro Valley no jumps relatives

Sires
Egmont - Notnowcato (4) 33%
Fortuna Glas - Verglas (2) 20%
Retro Valley - Vale Of York 50% (him and one other horse)
Hey Bob - Big Bad Bob 33%
Cooper - Sir Percy 32%
Well I Never - Josr Algarhoud 21%

[Bachelors Hall]

Uttoxeter - 26th July - 1m7f168y - Soft

Another four runner affair although it did feature two winners - both of whom had beaten the dubious Mojawiz last time. The ground was out and out soft for the first time this season and the gallop was subdued.

Doubly Clever was only fair on the flat but he comfortably made it two from two over hurdles here. Racing somewhat keenly whilst tracking the runner up throughout most of the race, his jumping was also compromised occasionally but it was still an improvement on his debut effort. He was a bit fractious down at the start and just like at Newton Abbot, he wandered around quite a bit when asked to go clear so he has some growing up to do mentally. Nevertheless, he won nicely in the end and whilst a double penalty will obviously make things more difficult, he's up to winning one of the Class 3 juveniles provided the opposition isn't too strong. Egmont stepped up a fair amount on his flat form when winning at Hexham in remarkable conditions and he appears to have maintained that standard of form. He jumped better than the winner with his only real mistakes coming under pressure in the straight. He is a likeable sort but he isn't especially talented and it's easier to see him win a handicap or a seller than it is another one of these under a penalty. Auld Fyffee jumped a little to the right at the first and was a bit slow, albeit better, at the second before jumping perfectly fine for the rest of the race. After a poor first run over hurdles at Uttoxeter, she improved on her latest start and more or less matched that form at the weights with the winner which suggests she's likely to be a consistent sort. She won a claimer as a two-year-old and a race at that kind of level may be within her reach. Naval Action was only fair at best on the flat for Mark Prescott and had disappointed on both subsequent starts. His hurdling debut didn't offer much hope for the future as he was slow and deliberate in many of his jumps. After being outpaced, he fought his way back into contention leaving the back but was soon left behind again and ultimately finished well beaten.

Market Rasen - 2nd August - 2m148y - Good (8.4)

Market Rasen's third Juvenile of the season was roughly a carbon copy of the one a fortnight earlier with a few newcomers thrown in for good measure. In the end, the finish was fought out by two game animals and the field crossed the line more or less as expected so the form should hold up. A decent enough gallop was set but the time was slower than the novice and the Class 5 handicap ran later in the card.

Retro Valley was improving on the flat and followed up his success from a fortnight ago under a penalty with a game performance making it five wins overall for 2015. He jumped marginally to the left at most of his jumps but he was still clean and tidy in doing so apart from at the fourth where he was a little wild and stumbled a bit on landing. Nevertheless, he found his feet swiftly and the overall standard of jumping was a step up from his debut effort. As with his flat wins, he demonstrated toughness here again as he pulled out a bit more when the runner up closed on him on the run in. He will probably have to go for a Class 3/2 contest now to lessen the burden of his double penalty and there will almost certainly be stronger types emerging before the graded contests start but he' got a very likeable attitude and there's further improvement to come. Our Kylie was the first Jeremy offspring to run this season and as befitting of her sire, the switch to hurdles turned around what was becoming a disappointing 2015. She left her back legs in at the penultimate flight and steadied a little into the last. However, neither of these errors were too detrimental and she put in a very safe round overall whilst demonstrating sufficient promise that she can be even more polished. She had to be switched after the last but this didn't affect the result as she had a furlong to make up the ground and was close enough if good enough. Nevertheless, she did battle on all the way to the line and with hurdling looking like her métier, she looks sure to win races. Arabian Oasis demonstrated promise in the Godolphin blue but he also looked a bit iffy to put it nicely which is probably why this son of Love Divine is facing hurdles so early in his career. He jumped to the right a couple of times went through the fourth but like the other Bloomfields inmates, had clearly been well schooled. A little keen early, he was soon put back on the bridle and was travelling strongly along the back straight. However, as they turned in and he was asked a question, his concentration went to pieces and along with never looking like giving a substantial effort, he barely even noticed the last hurdle and was rather fortuitous to have remained upright afterwards. This cost him any chance he may have feasibly held and he finished third largely because he was there in the first place. Like a couple others of his stablemates, he clearly has the talent to win one of these but he would have to lose that squiggle first and foremost. Robben was six lengths behind the winner on their first encounter at the track but that margin doubled here despite him being better off at the weights. His jumping was roughly on a par with his debut display putting in a couple of nice leaps along the way along with a couple of awkward ones. It was probably the stronger pace what did for him as his leaps were tired in the straight and on the balance of his profile and his breeding, he probably doesn't have the stamina to see out a truly run hurdles race. Boldbob had over thirty pounds to find with the protagonists on the best of his flat efforts this year and he set a decent gallop by himself so his thirty length defeat at the end was inevitable. Nevertheless, it wasn't a run bereft of promise as he was still holding the lead until right before the home straight, his hurdling was nice and tidy even when beaten and he wasn't given a hard time once headed. He's not good enough to win anything remotely average but there was enough to suggest there might be a small race in him somewhere. Toboggan's Gift was very keen early, got scrubbed along passing the stands first time and jumped right on occasion. She made headway along the back and was still just about in touch on the turn but she lost her place quickly and shown only a modicum of promise. Londonia had the most hurdling experience here but it didn't translate to improvement as he was hesitant at the first, lost ground at halfway and tired in the straight where tailed off. It is difficult to envisage any success over hurdles for the Paco Boy gelding. Wagstaff was untidy at the first two flights but otherwise jumped well whilst chasing the leader. However, he was already losing ground before the fifth and ultimately finished tailed off. La Vien Zen clattered into the first, refused to settle, was getting detached with a circuit to go, was slow at the fourth, scrambled over the fifth and pulled up soon afterwards which was all in keeping of her perceived prospects beforehand.

Newton Abbot - 12th August - 2m167y - Good To Soft (Soft in places) (6.2)

Just the five lined up here and the favourite (the only one with UK hurdles experience) was miles ahead in the betting but there were a couple of winners from the flat to take him on. They were slow and bunched to begin with but they went a fair steady gallop once La Voix had been sent into the lead after the second.

Leoncavallo was most convincing on his Stratford debut and was a completely different class to these. He was still slightly green and had to be steadied in the early stages but he settled down once given a lead after the second. He wandered a little approaching the third, just brushed the top of the fourth and was untidy at the sixth but otherwise, it was a fine round of jumping - particularly at the final two obstacles. After travelling into the lead at the fifth, he effortlessly strode away on the turn from the back straight and won how he liked. Clearly he beat very little here but for now, it's a case of not knowing how good he is until he's beaten. Secrets Safe was the lowest rated on the flat but had landed a gamble in February and Richard Johnson was an interesting booking for this Irish Raider. Slightly untidy at the first, he jumped the second fine despite an impeded view. The third he jumped big, the fourth he stood off from a way out and at the fifth, he was big, slow and out to the left. His only really horrible jump was at the sixth where he landed on all fours but he was the last of the field to keep up with the winner before being swiftly outpaced and running down two out. Secrets Safe was very hit and miss on the flat at a very low level and that may well translate over hurdles but there remains a possibility of collecting a small prize. La Voix began her career with Guillaume Macaire and had every chance of winning a claimer in her native France but was blatantly one of the yard's lesser lights. She was slightly big over the second and third and made a tired leap two out but unsurprisingly, she was probably the best jumper in the race overall. What she has in relative jumping prowess, she lacks in class and though she won the battle for tailed off third, she'd probably have to wait for handicaps and claimers before she can be competitive. Idle Talker was twice a winner on the flat at a low level and belying his sprinting sire, looked suited by a trip. However, his jumping was atrocious as he stumbled at the first, almost lost James Davies at the second, slowed into the fourth and fifth and made a mess at the sixth after which he completely lost touch. He had apparently schooled well but was returned to the flat afterwards where he won a mile four handicap at Brighton and will be staying in that discipline for the time being. Whistler Mountain, a former stablemate of the winner, did not have the obvious profile of a Juvenile hurdler and was not a natural over his hurdles as he was cautious over most jumps and was getting detached at an early stage before tailing off.

Stratford - 20th August - 2m70y - Good (Good to firm in places)(7.5)

It was a quick reappearance for Leoncavallo after his bloodless victory at Newton Abbot a week earlier. He went off long odds on favourite again although it was under a double penalty against much more experienced opposition and a Nicky Henderson newcomer. They went an even gallop throughout.

Leoncavallo taught us little about him at Newton Abbot other than the fact he is classy for the time of year and knows how to jump. It was much the same here although there was a bit more substance. Whereas at Newton Abbot, he was still a little green and made a slight error, he settled immediately here and didn't put a single foot wrong - even when short of room at the sixth. The double penalty meant that he still had company turning for home but he needed only to be shaken up to put space between himself and the field and he finished back on the bit. It will be interesting to see if he can hold still his own when the really good juveniles come out. Auld Fyffee was already making her fourth start hurdles and after improving on every effort, put in her career best here. Putting her experience to use, she jumped very well here and was keeping hold of the winner turning in. She was swiftly dispatched though and the gulf in class told also in the twenty-one pounds between the two but she's capable of picking up a small race. Egmont, also making his third start over hurdles, put in a professional round of jumping save for the last where he made a hash of it. He simply wasn't good enough for the winner but it was another solid run on a par with his previous two excursions and he should continue to pay his way at this level over hurdles. Champagne Ransom was a maiden after ten starts on the flat for Mark Johnson though she probably would have won a small handicap but for swerving the finish. A big filly, she's joined a monster stable with Nicky Henderson and though she made a few minor errors, she clearly knew her game. Unfortunately, she wasn't making waves on the flat and her lack of talent seems to have transferred to the jumps. Nevertheless, there's enough about her to suggest she can at least run into a place in a lesser mares' race. Fortuna Glas was hopeless on his debut at Hexham and as well as being keen early, didn't jump a single flight without error. Still, he managed to finish ahead of a couple and was within thirty-five lengths of the winner so by that metric, he stepped up. Layerthorpe hadn't exactly been wiped out on the flat but his handicap mark was on a steady decline and the switch to hurdles didn't arrest that deterioration. He jumped very big and cautiously over most of the hurdles and while he was still just about in touch with the leading pack, he was quickly outpaced and finished a long way behind. Whistler Mountain demonstrated no promise on his debut and after pulling hard and jumping all but one of his hurdles poorly, he finished tailed off.

Newton Abbot - 22nd August - 2m167y - Good to Soft (5.9)

This was a fascinating contest with three undefeated juveniles going head to head and a pecking order was firmly established in the process. The pace was very slow in the early stages and though the outsider was dropped with a circuit to go, the race didn't begin to take shape until three out. Nevertheless, they still finished almost four seconds faster than the later Novices' Handicap which is a rare occurrence for juveniles even accounting for the rain and the standard of the all age race.

Doubly Clever was carrying a double penalty without any allowance but he still finished ahead and joins Leoncavallo on the top perch. His head carriage wasn't particularly orthodox but he was settled nicely all the same and jumped well throughout before stalking the runner up in the straight. He made his move between the final two despite still being a bit green, it was over in a matter of strides and he lost no momentum at the last despite more or less stepping over it. Trainer Michael Blake indicated afterwards that he would be put away until the spring and aimed at something like the Fred Winter. On the evidence seen so far, it wouldn't be a wild reach for him to at least get into the race. Mountainside was the highest rated of the leading trio on the flat although his attitude wasn't absolutely convincing on his winning debut at Market Rasen. Like the winner, he jumped and travelled perfectly well up to the straight but despite the cheekpieces and his making the better jump at the penultimate flight, his head did bob to the side and once headed, he never looked like putting up a fight. He was most probably second best on the day in any case and he's clearly talented enough to make light work of a single penalty but there will be that niggling concern over his resolution until he dispels said uncertainty. In a contest of this nature, someone's bubble was going to be burst but even so, Retro Valley was disappointing. Like the front two, his jumping and travelling was fine until he got to three out but there, he made an error, was headed and his race was over in a matter of strides. Whilst not a top notcher, he's still a bit better than this and it's plausible that neither the easier ground, nor having to set his own pace, would have suited him. La Voix jumped well as she had done on her debut but was getting outpaced with a circuit to go and had minimal involvement in the race. She was in contention for a poor claimer before being carried out so there's still a grade for her but it would be a couple of levels below this one.

Stratford - 27th August - 2m2f148y - Good (Good to soft in places)(6.8)

Auld Fyffee was the sole juvenile representative in this mares' handicap hurdle and indeed, the first Juvenile to run in a handicap this term. She carried ten stone off a mark of 94. Going off as 7/2 favourite. It took her a short while to get settled and she was clearly the smallest animal in the field by some way but to her credit she did jump well. In the end, it all happened too quickly for her and she finished a twenty-six length fifth. Her handicap mark has also been reassessed meaning she will carry an extra three pounds so she might find it a bit easier back among her age group.


Cartmel - 31st August - 2m1f46y - Good

Cartmel really is a law unto itself and as such, the form wouldn't be guaranteed to transfer elsewhere. Not that the form is likely to be massively strong in any case. Nevertheless, they did go a decent gallop and there were no real hard luck stories.

Boldbob shown next to nothing on the flat and was beaten by thirty lengths on his debut at Market Rasen. However, he did jump well on his debut and remained in contention for long enough given he was making the running so there was a level of promise. That promise was fulfilled with a professional performance from the front. Boldbob is only a small animal but he isn't short on courage and even though his jumping wasn't as polished as it was on his debut, it was decent enough and the enterprising ride on the contours of this course were ideal for him. He's no world beater and if this race was ran at a Chepstow then he would have been beaten by a good ten lengths. But he has his attributes and this probably won't be his last success. Secrets Safe was inconsistent on the flat but is forging a solid profile for himself over hurdles, filling the runners up spot for the second time. As with his debut at Newton Abbot, his jumping wasn't a polished exhibition although he was rather gangly and inelegant over a few of them which suggests he'd be much better suited by a galloping track. He is limited though and this wouldn't be far behind what he's capable of but it's enough to be competitive at a low level. Our Kylie is the one who underperformed against her debut effort and is clearly capable of much better than this. That she was being stoked along after just three flights is indicative of her mood on the day. Whether it was down to her not liking the course (she does perform on less sharp tracks) or if she was just having an off day (she had several on the flat) remains to be seen but she can't be readily discounted just yet. Sarafina didn't bring strong form from the flat and was well beaten in the end but she at least jumped nicely and made some headway on the second lap. She's unlikely to be competitive in open Juveniles but she might be capable in a low grade later on down the line. Azyaan had the highest flat rating on account of her debut effort at Beverley but she never confirmed that ability and it was a lacklustre effort here. She was clumsy at a couple and an error three out killed any enthusiasm for the gig. She's the product of a speedy and precocious damline so she'd be better off at the paddocks on this evidence. Seraffimo was a runner up on the flat once in a Class 6 but even that level looks unattainable over hurdles as he didn't jump with any efficiency and was being scrubbed along after the second.

Worcester - 2nd September - 2m - Good To Soft (Soft in places)

Worcester's rare Juvenile Hurdle was a maiden which brought two winners from the flat and several who'd been well beaten already over hurdles. The form wouldn't be overly strong but they finished in a feasible order and after going a fair gallop, they finished three seconds quicker than in the all age maiden and Class 4 handicap later on the card.

Hadfield was head and shoulders above the field and flat form but he didn't win as comfortably as some had anticipated. Like most John Ferguson horses, his jumping was spot on but he was getting wake up calls from Aidan Coleman from as early as the third although he was never losing ground in the rear. This wasn't brand new as he'd been rousted along in the early stages of his latest start at Saint Cloud. On the sweeping bend between the fourth and third last flights, he cruised from second last to second place with minimum fuss, covering a fair amount of gorund in the process. Once he was in a challenging position, it looked like a bit of a fight but in truth, he was never going to be beaten and when he got rid of his challenger, he looked as though he had plenty left in him at the end. So despite being niggled along, taking a while to lose his challenger and edging on the flat, this was a likeable performance. For much of the race, he wasn't going forward as one would have expected but this was almost certainly down to greenness and laziness more than anything else and as he matures, he could end up being a useful tool. Chic Name had been very disappointing on his debut at Market Rasen but after a long break and perhaps being buoyed by the fixed brush hurdles, he made a much better impression here. With the cheekpieces back on, he jumped well in the main from the front and kept attacking his clearly superior foe before keeping on after the last. He was the clear second best on the day and the way the field was stung out behind suggests that a poor race should be within his compass. Particularly if he encounters this type of hurdle again. Champagne Ransom wasn't much cop on the flat and only hinted at promise on her debut but that promise was fulfilled in a sense with a clean round of jumping, finishing a solid third. She'd not going to be a world beater and this would more or less be as good as she's likely to be but she acquitted herself honourably here and a small race is attainable. Dylan's Storm was a further ten lengths back in fourth and despite jumping well and bringing a respectable flat rating in the context of this race, he didn't appear to see out the trip which was a suspicion beforehand. He's got the class to figure at this level but this son of Zebedee yet to prove he has the stamina. Layerthorpe was, for all intents and purposes, anonymous throughout the race. Never really in contention, never really getting detached and never making any noticible errors. Insofar as jumping and finishing position were concerned, this was an improvement on his debut but little to suggest he's be anything more than unremarkable on the racecourse. Big McIntosh had the capacity to play a minor role in this race but he pulled early and lacked fluency before emptying out turning for home. He's now got a lot to prove if returning over hurdles. Whistler Mountain's first two runs over hurdles were devoid of encouragement and though he was still at the vanguard at the end of the back straight, he dropped out very tamely after paddling through four out and was tailed off in the end. Ourlittle Senorita was tailed off on her sole start on the flat and after pulling hard, making errors and getting tired, she was pulled up at the end of the back.

[Bachelors Hall]

Arbitrary 1-2-3*
1. Mountainside
2. Dylan's Storm
3. Jersey Bull

Mountainside 3/1 Vaporetto 1st Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil Hurdle (G1), Auteuil 1999 (4/1 Video Tape 4/1 Vaux Le Vicomte 2/2 Llanes)
Dylan's Storm 4/3 Fait Le Jojo 1st Handicap Hurdle (132), Ascot 2002 (5/6 Leoncavallo)
Jersey Bull 3/2 Mistinguett 2nd Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1996 (3/3 Mistanoora, Rimsky, 4/3 Simarian, 3/3 Financial Reward)
Fazenda's Girl 3/3 What's Up Doc 2nd Novices' Chase, Uttoxeter 2011

Sires
Mountainside - Dubawi (5) 53%
Jersey Bull - Clodovil (2) 29%
Dylan's Storm - Zebedee 0% (sole runner)
Fazenda's Girl - Stimulation 0% (no runners)

[Colin Phillips]

Bloody hell, that's some post, thanks for the time and effort.

[Bachelors Hall]

Sorry for absence. Have been out of sorts recently but the worst seems to be over. Can't really do a proper preview for tomorrow's race but have done pedigrees.

Pinkie Brown is interesting in that he represents the form of Paul Nicholl's newcomer Romain de Senam and the Simon Munir owned Shakapon - that line coming in this race at Fontainebleau http://www.equidia.fr/play/live/course/2015-04-01/r2/c3

Runner up Romain de Senam went on to win a race at Enghien before making the switch and winner Shakapon went on to be runner up at Enghien before finishing down the field in an Auteuil listed race. Those behind Pinkie Brown haven't exactly gone on to greatness but they have held fair form in the lower echelons. Pinkie Brown himself looked far from the finished article on his sole start and did make a few errors but the overall level of form is respectable in the context of this race.

Leoncavallo has been by far the best seen this season and his first Stratford win was given a boost last week as the runner up Paddys Runner enjoyed a bloodless success at Plumpton. The penalties incurred over his three wins have meant that this race is the only one he can run in. Cooper is also undefeated and barely broke sweat when comfortably beating solid yardstick Retro Valley at Sedgefield. The form of Duke Street's handicap win at Beverley is as good a piece as any brought from the flat this season and though he disappointed in the Melrose on his last start for Mark Johnson, his £46,000 transfer to Dr Richard Newland's yard is an interesting one. Sikandar was bought out of Mick Halford's for 40,000GNS as a dual purpose prospect and he collected a Doncaster handicap for good measure on his debut for Brian Ellison although he's another who needs to put a disappointing run at York behind him. Cahill has been with Alan King since he began his racing career and although he has bits and pieces of form, it's still a bit behind that shown by the aforementioned newcomers. No Rum hasn't shown enough in three flat starts for Ralph Beckett to suggest he can figure here and was most tailed off on his sole run for his current yard last month.

Sikandar 3/1 Mistinguett 2nd Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1996 (3/2 Mistanoora, Rimsky, 2/2 Simarian, 4/3 Financial Reward)
Cahill 3/3 Grumeti 1st Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle (G1), Aintree 2012 (3/3 Ellerslie Tom, 3/3 Distant Memories)
Leoncavallo 6/5 Fait le Jojo 1st Handicap Hurdle (132), Ascot 2002
Pinkie Brown .5 Fox Norton 1st Handicap Hurdle (140), Taunton 2015 (2/1 Bluedonix)
Duke Street .5 Act Of Kalanisi 4th Henry VIII Novices' Chase (G1), Sandown 2012 (4/1 Tangaroa)
Cooper 3/1 Tomahawk 1st Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (122), Kempton 1993 (3/1 Bandelero, 5/5 Lord Jim)
No Rum 3/1 Alzaro 3rd Maiden Hurdle, Uttoxeter 1998

Sires
Leoncavallo - Cape Cross (10) 37%
Sikandar - Medicean (1) 39%
Cahill - Lawman (2) 18%
Pinkie Brown - Gentlewave (1) 67%
Duke Street - Duke Of Marmalade (1) 13%
Cooper - Sir Percy 45%
No Rum - Alfred Nobel 0% (first runner)

[Bachelors Hall]

Another rushed one I'm afraid as I've been stuck at work covering for the past I forget how long and it completely slipped my mind that there was a race today. Have a fair bit of catching up to do as well as two races in the next three days plus a family I haven't seen in a while along with countless other chores.

Bangor plays host to a tidy little contest with four who've shown a degree of hurdles form along with a Donald McCain newcomer.

Paddys Runner was a maiden on the flat with a couple of placed efforts to his name and started favourite on his jumps debut at Stratford. On that occasion, he ran into a hot one in Leoncavallo and while nothing has since come out from those behind him, he did beat them by a wide margin. He returned to the flat in a competitive handicap at Chelmsford where he was below par but made no mistake back over hurdles last time at Plumpton putting twenty-nine lengths between himself and his weak opposition. Impulsive American had a fairly substantial career on the flat in France making nine visits to the track and earning a valeur of 29 which equates to an OR of 64. It was off this mark he made his UK/David Pipe/sans testicles debut in an apprentice handicap at Carlisle where he was too keen for his own good and ultimately cut little ice. Next time at Chepstow, he was much better behaved and ran all the way to the line and won by half a length. He was rather fancied on his hurdles debut at Perth just over a week ago but his reluctance to settle and his unfurnished jumping put a huge dent in his chance but he was starting to get the hang of things towards the end of the race in an effort not bereft of promise. Chic Name almost won a low grade claimer in his native France over hurdles but looked hopeless on his UK debut at Market Rasen. After a couple of months off the track, he put up a much better performance at Worcester back in cheekpieces when a clear second behind John Ferguson's newcomer Hadfield (who may well have followed up at Perth with cleaner jumping). Our Kylie was always a hurdler in the mind of trainer Tony Coyle and was a pleasing second on her debut at Market Rasen behind the fairly solid Retro Valley. She was rather disappointing next time at Cartmel when fifteen lengths third behind a horse she'd previously beaten comprehensively although she was never travelling that day and did not seem to enjoy the track. Aussie Berry had five starts on the flat for Michael Bell with his best effort probably coming on debut when third in a Wetherby maiden. Since then, he somewhat regressed in two more maidens and ran no race on his handicap debut at Pontefract. He was slightly better last time at Lingfield in that he wasn't tailed off and managed to beat one of his nine opponents home. He's stayed with the same owner and makes his debut for Donald McCain who has won the last two runnings of this particular race.

Arbitrary 1-2-3*
1. Paddys Return
2. Chic Name
3. Our Kylie

Chic Name 3/1 Vie De Reine 3rd Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1), Auteuil 2002 (3/2 Vino Griego, 4/1 Deep Care)
Our Kylie 6/2 Jurado Express 5th Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase (G1), Punchestown 2003 139 (5/3 Premier Portrait, Shesaportrait .5 Joan d'Arc)
Impulsive American 3/4 Slim Pearl 1st Prix Bournosienne (G3), Auteuil 2006 (.5 Senna Da Silva)
Aussie Berry 4/2 Tissifer 1st Novices’ Hurdle, Newton Abbot 2001
Paddys Runner .5 Icy Reply 1st Mares Hurdle, Navan 2014

Sires
Our Kylie - Jeremy (10)
Aussie Berry - Aussie Rules (3)
Chic Name - Nickname (2)
Paddys Runner - Sir Percy
Impulsive American - American Post

[Aughex]

This doesn't look rushed at all, its proper top stuff!

[Bachelors Hall]

Good man!

Today's maiden at Fontwell doesn't provide a great deal from those with hurdles experience but there are three newcomers with form representing yards who can train juveniles.

Auld Fyffee has the most experience over hurdles and has been exposed as fair but no better than fair. She won a Wolverhampton claimer as a two year old but has fared a bit better over hurdles finishing within ten lengths of both Leoncavallo and Doubly Clever (albeit without remotely threatening). Her last visit to the track was in handicap company where the official mark of 94 was rather beyond her reach (now 97) and whilst she's back in a more comfortable sphere, she'd be vulnerable to the stronger sorts from the flat. Jersey Bull had twenty one starts on the flat and probably shown his strongest form over sprint distances as a two year old, picking up a Ripon maiden along the way. Nevertheless, he maintained a fair level of form as a three year old at around a mile without winning again. He made his hurdles debut at the beginning of last month over today's course and distance and despite his keenness and iffy jumping, he did finish a close enough second behind Mounatinside. Nevertheless, the two and three quarter length margin was most flattering as the winner was doing everything in his power to throw the race and again, his overall form is below that shown by some of the newcomers. Konnos Bay was beaten ninety-two lengths in three starts on the flat including two sellers and whatever infinitesimal chance he may have had on his jumps debut was blown after whipping at the start before jumping very slowly.

Oceane had four runs on the flat as a two year old for Keven Borgel culminating with a win in an amateur race at Marseille. Whilst the initial BHB rating of 84 looked a little harsh, there were a couple of subsequent 80 rated performers in behind in the aforementioned race. That BHB rating was vindicated on his UK debut at Salisbury where was less than a length behind St Leger winner Simple Verse and Melrose Handicap winner Polarisation. His latter two runs were not to the same level including a seventeen length third of eight last time at Newbury. However, he's from the same source as one time decent King/McNeill juvenile Walkon and this better ground might see a resurgence in form so if he's anywhere near his Salisbury form then he'll take a world of beating. Darebin has had four starts on the flat so far, the strongest of which coming at Lingfield when beaten by a nose by dual subsequent winner Bishop's Leap. He's not been seen since beaten by sixteen lengths at Goodwood in July and has skipped a couple of hurdles entries in the meantime. He does represent Gary Moore who has a fine record at this track including with juveniles (has taken two of the last ten renewals of this race). Consortium is still a maiden after nine starts on the flat, eight for David Simcock, but has held his form nicely finishing in the first three five times and his OR of 65 is very fair. His sire, Teofilo, has made a very strong start with his hurdlers and after changing hands for 21,000 guineas, he joined Neil King who knows the time of day when it comes to juveniles (Lil Rockerfella being his strongest last term). Furthermore, his pedigree is inundated with national hunt horses including several who performed as juveniles. He has the profile of one potentially useful provided he can shake off his "nearly horse" tag. Albert Herring is a maiden after six flat starts, the highlight coming when third off 50 in a Chepstow handicap behind Duke Street. He was completely tailed off on his sole subsequent start off the same mark. Our Nipper hasn't had a single start flat and turf and this homebred son of Grape Tree Road looks more a long term prospect with competent marathon runner Upham Atom being the closest winner in his pedigree. The yard did have a decent juvenile last season in the shape of Norse Legend.

Arbitrary 1-2-3*
1. Consortium
2. Oceane
3. Auld Fyffee

Konnos Bay 3/2 Tiger Groom 2nd Grand Prix d'Automne (G1), Auteuil 2002 (1/1 Flying Phoenix 3/2 Rifawan 3/4 Notus de La Tour 3/2 Rayshan)
Jersey Bull 3/2 Mistinguett 2nd Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1996 (3/3 Mistanoora, Rimsky, 3/4 Simarian, 3/3 Financial Reward)
Consortium 4/2 Ikdam 1st Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1989 (.5 Raktiman 4/2 Estacado 4/1 Gay George 4/3 Snowy Lane 3/3 Leanne 3/1 Franciscus)
Darebin 3/1 Dark'n Sharp 3rd Grand Annual (145), Cheltenham 2003
Albert Herring 2/3 Pafadas 1st Prix de Chambly (listed), Auteuil 2013
Our Nipper 7/3 Mr Moonraker 1st National Spirit Hurdle (Listed), Fontwell 1982 (2/1 Upham Atom)
Auld Fyffee 1/2 Aland Islands 1st Novices' Hurdle, Doncaster 2012 (1/2 Champagne James, Rory O'Moore)
Oceane no jumps relatives

Sires
Consortium - Teofilo (5) 58%
Albert Herring - Tobougg (4) 30%
Oceane - Kentucky Dynamite (2) 100%
Jersey Bull - Clodovil (2) 27%
Konnos Bay - Phoenix Reach (1) 32%
Our Nipper - Grape Tree Road 25%
Auld Fyffee - Haatef 17%
Darebin - It's Gino 0% (first runner)

[Bachelors Hall]

The first super exciting prospect makes his debut today at Chepstow in Adrien du Pont who was described by Anthony Bromley as "maybe the best of them (juveniles sent to Ditcheat)". He had one win in France, an easy win at Enghien.

http://www.equidia.fr/play/live/course/2015-04-07/r1/c2

Runner up King's Socks won his next race before twice posting respectable efforts behind leading French juvenile Device.

Sceau Royal doesn't get a mention in OJA but does represent Alan King and did pick up a Bordeaux contest on his second start for Guillaume Macaire.

http://www.equidia.fr/play/live/course/2015-03-27/r2/c6

Runner up Rue Palatine went on to collect a small race at Dax and fifth placed Roman was beaten in a couple of claimers at the Paris tracks before finishing runner up at Dieppe.

Sky Lino is an unraced Martaline half brother to a couple of minor winners in France and looks much more a long term prospect.

Nosper was sold out of a claimer for €10,000 and his official flat rating equated to 68 but both the price tag and the rating look high.

Flat maiden Capatosta, who joined Charlie Mann for 16,000GNS, and Social Climber who sold for £15,000 after two runs in Ireland (the debut effort being quite respectable), are related to each other.

Layerthorpe is the best related in the race but hasn't inherited a great deal of hurdling talent as evidenced by his two runs thus far.

Layerthorpe 2/1 I'm Supposin 4th Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1997
Adrien du Pont 5/3 Ashkazar 1st Kingwell Hurdle (G2), Wincanton 2009 (4/1 Shawiya,Shaihar 4/3 Staying Article)
Sky Lino 4/3 Marcus du Berlais 3rd Irish Grand National (134), Fairyhouse 2005 (4/3 Michel le Bon .5 Sky Royale)
Social Climber .5 The Crafty Butcher 145 4th Woodlands Park Novice Chase (G2), Naas 2015
Capatosta 3/3 The Crafty Butcher 4th Woodlands Park Novice Chase (G2), Naas 2015
Sceau Royal 6/3 Kalamalka 2nd Galway Plate (Listed, 9-12), Galway 1988
Nosper 3/1 Chiffonard 7th Juvenile Claimer, Auteuil 2006

Sires
Adrien du Pont - Califet (5)
Sky Lino - Martaline (2)
Nosper - Whipper (2)
Sceau Royal - Doctor Dino (1)
Social Climber - Strategic Prince (1)
Layerthorpe - Vale Of York
Capatosta - Flashy Bull

[Bachelors Hall]

If anybody's still interested in the "Arbitrary 1"s, Adrien du Pont would get a big one.

Also, Device makes his return in the Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy today at half one hour time.

Amongst his rivals will be Market Rasen runner up Pinkie Brown.

[Toffee]

Sceau Royal ran a cracker and just help off the highly rated Adrien Du Pont. Owned by Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede, who have some lovely horses on their books.

[EC1]

Sceau Royal ran a cracker and just help off the highly rated Adrien Du Pont. Owned by Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede, who have some lovely horses on their books.

result reversed

[Bachelors Hall]

Two very nice looking juveniles. Was a little concerned that the rags were still in contention in the straight but the front two pulled very nicely clear. Whilst Sceau Royal was the more forward of the two, I felt that if the race had been run again then Adrien du Pont would have won but it was still a fairly harsh decision by UK standards.

[Irish Stamp]

Pinkie Brown pulled too hard and weakened two out.

Bar that and the filly CDB in the race it was just Device beating horses he's been beating since the Spring so the Cambaceres looks likely to be fairly one sided unless one of the nice fillies turns up to take him on.

The best three year old hurdler out there at the moment though had far more attempts than those in the UK in the main and unlikely to end up at Cheltenham.

Martin

[archie]

Am I right in thinking that Adrien Du Pont isn't qualified for the Triumph because it's a novice hurdle and he won at Enghien on April 7th?

[Bachelors Hall]

Am I right in thinking that Adrien Du Pont isn't qualified for the Triumph because it's a novice hurdle and he won at Enghien on April 7th?

The actual wording is "for juvenile four yrs old only" which is just as well since Top Notch won in the previous March before contesting last season's renewal. So Adrien du Pont would indeed qualify.