Wandering Eyes

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today’s Observations features a well-bred Australia filly for Luca Cumani. 5.00 Kempton, Cond, £6,000, 2yo, f, 8f (AWT) With trainer Luca Cumani’s curtain call imminent, GRACEFULLY DONE (IRE) (Australia {GB}) follows up a debut fourth over this trip at Doncaster last month. Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor’s half-sister to Listed Prix Michel Houyvet winner Only A Pleasure (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) out of GI Matron S. victress Sense of Style (Thunder Gulch) faces a baker’s dozen in this synthetic bow. It features Al Shaqab Racing’s unraced Al Daiha (GB) (Olympic Glory {Ire}), who is an Ed Walker-trained 180,000gns TATOCT half-sister to three stakes performers headed by GSW GI First Lady S. third Indian Blessing (GB) (Sepoy {Aus}); and the Ralph Beckett-trained debutante Philonikia (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who is kin to recent G1 The Metropolitan runner-up Brimham Rocks (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). 5.30 Kempton, Cond, £6,000, 2yo, f, 8f (AWT) Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s unraced EITHAAR (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is a homebred half to stakes-winning G1 Prix de l’Opera third Hadaatha (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) out of stakes-winning G1 1000 Guineas third Hathrah (Ire) (Linamix {Fr}). Opposition to the Owen Burrows trainee includes Abdullatif Al-Abdulrazzaq’s debutante Manorah (Ire) (The Factor), who is a half-sister to G1 St Leger-winning sire Arctic Cosmos (North Light {Ire}), from the Roger Varian stable. View the full article

The keynote address at the National HBPA’s annual convention in March of 2019 will be a panel of representatives from the recently-established Thoroughbred Idea Foundation, the HBPA announced Tuesday. The panel is scheduled for Mar. 13, opening day of the three-day convention at the Sand Key Sheraton Hotel in Clearwater, Fla. Panelists will be board members Craig Bernick, Jack Wolf and Corey Johnsen, along with TIF executive director Patrick Cummings. Other convention speakers will include Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, founder of the consulting company Racing Matters; economist Dr. Steven Vickner from the University of Louisville College of Business’ equine industry program; Jen Roytz, executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project; as well as a panel discussion led by prominent racing talk-show host Steve Byk on the topic of how the industry can best utilize statistical information in the future. Details on registration and agenda will be available soon at nationalhbpa.com. “There are a lot of good things going on in horse racing, a lot of good buzz,” said Eric Hamelback, chief executive officer of the National HBPA. “The Thoroughbred Idea Foundation is committed to putting out productive, well-thought-out ideas that we can all back to make our industry better. There is so much going on that it made sense to have a panel of their representatives–who come from different horse and business backgrounds–rather than just one keynote speaker. This promises to be a can’t-miss session, and I know I can’t wait to hear their thoughts and how we can all work together for positive change that benefits every aspect of our sport.” The non-profit TIF was formed earlier this year to create an active forum for the exchange of ideas with the mission of “improving the Thoroughbred racing industry for all stakeholders, especially its primary customers–horseplayers and owners–through the exchange, curation and advocacy of sound, data-driven ideas shared with and implemented by the sport’s existing entities,” according to the organization’s website, racingthinktank.com. View the full article

One of television’s most prominent personalities, Chris Harrison is known worldwide as the host of “The Bachelor”–a ratings winner since its debut in 2002–and a host of spin-offs. But horse racing fans know Harrison as one of the original hosts of TVG. Where does his love of racing come from? We caught up with a busy Harrison on the set of The Bachelor to find out. TDN: One of your earliest jobs was at TVG. Do you ever find yourself handicapping The Bachelor field at the beginning of a new season? CH: Oh, yeah. It’s definitely the same thing as a sporting event or a horse race. You’ve got your frontrunners who come out early, who go out too fast and try to lose it, and then you have those that treat it as the marathon that it is and not a sprint, so it’s very much a horse race. TDN: Are you a good Bachelor handicapper? CH: No, I’m probably better handicapping at the track than I am at The Bachelor mansion. You would think after 17 years I’d be much better at predicting how this goes, but I’m not. TDN: Do you miss horse racing? Do you still go? CH: I still enjoy it. I don’t get to go as much, because my Bachelor and Bachelorette specials happen during the big moments. During the Breeders’ Cup I’m on the road somewhere around the world for The Bachelor, and the first Saturday in May, we’re wrapping up The Bachelorette, so usually I’m somewhere around the world with a computer at four in the morning trying to watch it. I’ve known Bob Baffert and Mike Smith for years because of my TVG days, and this year, with the Triple Crown, I was really excited for the connections. They were going for the Triple Crown and I was in the Maldives with [contestant] Becca [Kufrin], literally on the other side of the world, at two or three in the morning trying to find a live broadcast of the Belmont to find out if Justify was going to win the Triple Crown. TDN: Did you succeed? CH: I think I got it moments later, and not live, because we were frantically trying to figure it out, but it was new to me, so it was just as exciting. TDN: Has this job made you more optimistic about true love, or less? CH: It’s made me as optimistic as I always was, but it’s also made me more of a realist. There’s that one component and that one thing that resonates around the world. The show is so popular in America, but it’s just as popular in South Africa and Australia, because it’s a currency we all understand and that’s love and companionship, so it definitely translates across all those barriers and borders. To read the rest of The Last Word with Chris Harrison in the TDN Weekend, click here. View the full article

‘TDN Rising Star‘ Beach Patrol (Lemon Drop Kid–Bashful Bertie, by Quiet American), a three-time Grade I winner and runner-up for Eclipse Award-winning turf male in 2017, has been retired from racing and will enter stud in Japan in 2019. The 5-year-old has been purchased from Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani’s Al Shahania Stud by LEX Inc. in a deal brokered by Lexington-based Dr. Naoya Yoshida of Winchester Farm. A $250,000 Keeneland November weanling acquisition by Gary and Mary West, Beach Patrol won his maiden at third asking and in his first run for trainer Phil d’Amato in March 2016, then wired a Santa Anita allowance to earn the ‘Rising Star’ designation. Sold to Jim Covello, Sheep Pond Partners and Head of Plains Partners after narrowly missing in the GII American Turf S., the dark bay was a wide-trip third in the GI Belmont Derby two starts later before breaking through at the top level with a head success in the GI Secretariat S. A determined second in the 2017 GI Turf Classic, Beach Patrol was a good third when trying 11 furlongs for the first time in the GI United Nations S., then cut back to 10 panels and edged clear late to win the GI Arlington Million. An impressive five-length winner of the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational last October (see below), Beach Patrol had a new partner in the form of Al Shahania Stud for the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf and he covered himself in glory with a strong second-place effort behind Talismanic (GB) (Medaglia d’Oro) while finishing ahead of former BC Turf and multi-jurisdictional Group 1 winner Highland Reel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). He resumed with a runner-up effort to Yoshida (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}) in this year’s Turf Classic over ground perhaps easier than ideal. Trained through the final 14 starts of his career by Chad Brown, Beach Patrol retires with a record of 19-5-7-3 and earnings of $2,532,945. “He is a very well-balanced, correct and good-looking horse,” said Al Shahania’s Dean Lavy. “We [Al Shahania] are pleased to be associated with the next phase of his career and we are sure he will be a success.” Bred in Kentucky by Nancy Shuford, Beach Patrol is out of a full-sister to MGSW & GISP Allamerican Bertie and a half-sister to MGSW & GISP Hurricane Bertie (Storm Boot). His paternal grandsire Kingmambo has proved popular in Japan, having sired the likes of G1 Japan Cup hero El Condor Pasa, Tokyo Yushun winner and prominent sire King Kamehameha (Jpn) and MSW & G1SP Faridat. WATCH: Beach Patrol storms away to win the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic View the full article

3rd-AQU, $70K, Msw, 2yo, 1mT, 1:47 p.m. ET Repole Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbreds teamed up to acquire MORETTI (Medaglia d’Oro) for $900,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale and he debuts in this spot for Todd Pletcher. Out of Grade I winner Rigoletta (Concerto), the bay is a half-brother to last term’s GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Battle of Midway (Smart Strike). This is also the family of graded winners Patternrecognition (Adios Charlie) and Gourmet Dinner (Trippi). Chad Brown is always dangerous with a firster on the turf and he sends out Peter Brant’s Demarchelier (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The bay is out of an unraced full-sister to Irish Highweights Yesterday (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) and Quarter Moon (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), who is the dam of Group 1 winner Diamondsandrubies (Ire) (Fasnet Rock {Aus}). The juvenile also hails from the family of Group 1 winners Aussie Rules (Danehill) and Allergretto (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Mark Hennig unveils the first foal out of Grade I-winning ‘TDN Rising Star’ My Conquestadory (Artie Schiller) in Bourban War (Tapit). The bay sold for $410,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale and was followed into the ring by his dam, who summoned $1.5 million from SF Bloodstock and Newgate Farm carrying a full-sibling to this colt. Tom Albertrani saddles yet another well-related first timer in Art Object (Twirling Candy), a full-brother to MGSW young sire Danzing Candy. A three-quarter sibling to MSW Cedartown (Candy Ride {Arg}), the $130,000 KEESEP buy is out of Talkin and Singing (Songandaprayer), a half-sister to MGISW Better Talk Now (Talkin Man), who sold to Summer Wind Equine for $550,000 in foal to Candy Ride at the 2016 KEENOV sale. Cherie DeVaux, longtime assistant to Brown who recently opened her own stable, unveils a half-brother to GIII Matt Winn S. victor King Zachary (Curlin) in Rochambeau (Noble Mission {GB}). Kiaran McLaughlin also debuts a half-sibling to Grade III-winning sophomore in Eagle Two (Trappe Shot), who is kin to Oklahoma Derby hero and MGISP Lone Sailor (Majestic Warrior). Their second dam is GISW Aldiza (Storm Cat), who produced GSW Altesse (A.P. Indy) and the dam of GSW Far From Over (Blame). TJCIS PPs. —@CDeBernardisTDN View the full article

When a 2-year-old as talented as Vekoma registers an impressive victory in a graded fall stakes at a major racetrack, a couple of things generally happen. View the full article

WinStar Farm will receive the 2019 Jim Host Sports Business Award when the winners of the eighth annual Bluegrass Sports Awards are honored Jan. 30, 2019 at the Lexington Convention Center's Bluegrass Ballroom. View the full article

Cable Bay (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who first yearlings realized up to £15,000 this year, will once again stand for £6,500 at Highclere Stud in 2019. The G3 John of Gaunt S. and G2 Challenge S. winner had opened at a fee of £6,500 in 2016, dropped to £5,000 in 2017 and was £6,500 this year. Cable Bay also had yearlings sell for £110,000, £90,000, £62,000, etc., at Goffs UK. View the full article

Bungle Inthejungle (GB) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}), whose current tally of 24 winners is joint-second only to No Nay Never on the first-season sires table, jumps to €12,000 next year at Rathasker Stud. He had stood at €5,000 his previous four years at stud. Bungle Inthejungle’s first crop includes a pair of stakes winners: the G3 Molecomb S. winner Rumble Inthejungle (Ire), and Italian listed winner Sopran Artemide (Ire). “Bungle Inthejungle exceeded expectations with his first crop of runners in 2018,” said Rathasker’s Maurice Burns. “When we purchased ‘Bungle’ he was said to be honest and tough, in Mick Channon’s words, ‘as brave as a lion’ and this characteristic has been passed on to each of his progeny–they have a will to win. We have watched each of his runners very closely and he not only physically stamps his stock but he gives them soundness of mind also–that battling attitude that stallion masters hope year- in-year-out their freshman sires can reproduce. For us Bungle Inthejungle has been a revelation, the way he upgrades his mares is palpable and thus, we really look forward to the future as his quality of mares improves. We believe that in time he can become a real force in the stallion ranks.” Rathasker also stands G2 July S. winner Anjaal (GB) (€5,000), whose first foals are two next year, and Clodovil (Ire) (€10,000), who has progeny earnings of over £13-million and 44% lifetime winners to runners. View the full article

Bucklands Farm & Stud will be renamed Chapel Stud and will relocate to Worcestershire. It will continue to stand Hellvelyn (GB), Coach House (GB) and Pearl Secret (GB). Roisin Close, owner of the stud, said, “We look forward to welcoming breeders to our new state-of-the-art stud and accessible location, where we will continue to offer a professional, affordable and personal service that we have become known for when based at Bucklands Farm.” Chapel Stud’s three stallions will all remain at their 2018 fees for next year: Hellvelyn and Coach House at £3,000 and Pearl Secret at £4,000. View the full article

For a yard set in the jumping heartland of Dorset’s Blackmore Vale, last season represented the pinnacle of achievement. Staying chasers are the essence of Venn Farm Stables and Native River’s Cheltenham Gold Cup success took the yard to new heights, which the Tizzards – Colin, son Joe and daughter Kim – will be seeking to build upon this term. The remainder of the family’s dairy herd are set to go to the sales and now every last ounce of energy will go into preparing a powerful team for the biggest prizes. “We’re expected to have big winners now and we expect to have them ourselves,” says the trainer. “Last season couldn’t have gone much better, but the key is that these good horses don’t last forever – even Cue Card has gone – and you’re always looking for the next one, the good young horses coming through. I think we’re in good shape there. “We’ve never had a team of novice chasers like the one we’ve got this season, it’s our best bunch ever by a long way and the future is very exciting. Elixir De Nutz and Eldorado Allen could be top novice hurdlers as well, and we have plenty of nice bumper horses that we haven’t done a lot with yet, and strength across the board. “The cows have got to the stage where they need investment in the parlour, and do we want to commit to milking cows? No. A yard like this doesn’t stop and we’re committing to taking our racing to another level again.” Stable profile Yard Venn Farm Stables Where Milborne Port, nr Sherborne, Dorset Started training 1995 Horses in yard 110 Members of staff 33 Assistants Joe Tizzard, Kim Tizzard, Chris Wald Head girl Leia Crocker Travelling head lad Ritchie Young Jockeys No stable jockey but we get to choose from the likes of Harry Cobden, Richard Johnson, Robbie Power and Tom Scudamore Conditionals Angus Cheleda, Ben Godfrey, Harry Kimber Secretaries Pauline Tizzard, Debbie White Stable sponsor Coral Website colintizzard.co.uk WINNERS IN BRITAIN 2017-18 79 2016-17 57 2015-16 50 2014-15 38 PROFIT/LOSS TO £1 STAKE 2017-18 -£159.35 2016-17 +£8.75 2015-16 -£46.75 2014-15 -£79.46 PRIZE MONEY 2017-18 £1,975,899 Allchilledout Pedigree: nine-year-old gelding Alflora (sire) – Miss Chinchilla (dam) Owner: Gale Force Six Form figures: 4P/7P3P- Racing Post Rating: 119 chase; Official rating: 103 chase A good, solid little horse, handicapped pretty much to what he is but will run as soon as we get some rain and will give his syndicate of owners plenty of fun this year. Small fields and soft ground suit him best. Bally Longford 10g Gold Well – Stay On Line Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 6/43PP1- RPR 142c OR 131c Got the hang of things at the back end of last season, winning nicely at Newbury. He’s another who’s waiting for some decent ground and I don’t think he’s badly handicapped off his current mark over 2m4f to 3m. Bally Longford – Leighton Aspell wins from Private Malone – Gavin Sheehan. The Be Wiser Insurance Handicap Chase (Class 3) Newbury 23/3/2017 ©cranhamphoto.comBattle Of Ideas 5g Fracas – Haven’t A Notion Coral Champions Club P634-54 RPR 116h, 113c OR 116h, 115c Won a novice hurdle last season at Plumpton and we gave him a spin over fences in a 2m2f novice handicap at Kempton last month but, although he jumped well, it all happened a bit quick for him. A step up to 2m4f on a galloping track will be right up his street and a 0-120 novice handicap is well within his scope. He’s starting to grow up and there are races to be won with him this season. Bears Rails 8g Flemensfirth – Clandestine PM Warren 295641- RPR 121c OR 110c A huge horse who takes a lot of work and goes out twice a day leading up to a run. He’s a consistent chap who finally got enough help from the handicapper to win at the end of last season. I think he’s still on a workable mark and would be ideally suited by carrying top weight in a 0-110 handicap chase. He’s done plenty of schooling and is just waiting for the rain. Beaufort West 4g Getaway – Blessingindisguise Taylor and O’Dwyer 2-9 RPR 94b OR – Ran down the field in a Chepstow bumper last month, looking promising for most of the race but stopping very quickly from the back of two out. Nothing showed up at home, so we’ll give him a spin in a novice hurdle in the next couple of weeks and see where we go from there. He came to us with a good reputation, having been second in a point-to-point in Ireland. He’s still got some growing to do but we think a bit of him. Black Centaur 5g Oscar – Arcanum Mrs C Davies, Mr A Selway, Mr P Wavish 1 RPR 90 (point) OR – We bought him at Doncaster in August. He won his only point-to-point and looks a lovely prospect, but he’s just cantering away at the moment and will run around Christmas time. I imagine he’d go novice hurdling straight away, but we’re still learning about him. Boy Named Sioux 7g Indian Danehill – Annie’s Gift The Corse Lawners 73P- RPR 87h OR – Joined us from Ruth Jefferson and is a beautiful horse who does everything nicely at home. He’s had two runs over hurdles and schools well, so we’ll stick him in a novice hurdle over 2m to 2m4f and get a mark for him. He works well and we’re looking forward to seeing him out. If I could sum up last season in one word . . . How about two words? Gold Cup! Bramble Brook 8g Kayf Tara – Briery Ann Brocade Racing 1643-16 RPR 130c OR 126c Took a while to come good but he finally did and was consistent last season, winning a couple and working his way up through the handicap. I think he’s still improving and he’ll run in 0-130 or 0-140 handicaps over 2m4f to 3m on safe winter ground. Brynmawr 8g Double Trigger – Little Feat Geoff Nicholas 2/58122- RPR 126h OR 125h Was hurdling last year and running consistently well. He’ll go chasing this season and will want 3m-plus on soft ground, so we’ll start him off in a novices’ limited handicap as soon as the rain arrives. He’s had a touch of a leg before and has a high knee action, so we’ll have to be patient. Buckhorn Timothy 9g Tamure – Waimea Bay The Buckhorn Racing Team 200/11P- RPR 143c OR 136c Won his first two handicap hurdles last year but then pulled up in the Welsh National with a minor leg injury. He’d had pelvic injuries before, so we took our time and he was out for the rest of the season, but he’s back in now and well and will be ready to run in a few weeks off a mark that means he’ll have to compete in the bigger chases. He jumps and he stays all day and I wouldn’t rule out another shot at the Welsh National. Buckhorn Timothy (Tom Scudamore) wins the 2m 3f novices handicap chase Huntingdon 15.1.16 Pic: Edward WhitakerCarrick Roads 4g Robin Des Champs – Jay Lo Brocade Racing 80- RPR 67b OR – A lovely bumper horse, a big baby who’s far better than the two runs we managed to get into him last season. He looks a lot different now, has filled out nicely and will start off in novice hurdles over 2m4f. Christmas In April 6g Crillon – Similaresisoldofa Swallowfield Racing 5/34P-13 RPR 120h OR 121h Bought at the horses-in-training sale out of Nicky Henderson’s and finished third at Cheltenham last month on his first run for us, a lovely effort from a horse who should be able to pick up a nice handicap hurdle, although he’s already schooled well over fences. You might see him over hurdles again soon and I’d say he’s a big, strong boy who’ll go on decent ground but won’t have any problem when it gets a bit softer either. Coastal Drift 4g Black Sam Bellamy – Absalom’s Girl Brocade Racing 7- RPR 70b OR – Another baby who was weak last year and is a different horse now, a lot stronger than when he had his only run in a bumper. He’s been schooling over hurdles and will be out as soon as the ground eases a little. Copperhead 4g Sulamani – How’s Business Mrs GC Pritchard 779- RPR 88b OR – We managed to get three bumper runs into him last term and his form doesn’t read as well as the quality of his efforts. He’s strengthened up a lot since then and has been entered up in novice hurdles everywhere for a fortnight, but he’s a big lad who won’t be risked on quick ground. Cucklington 7g Kayf Tara – Ardrom Mrs Christine M Hinks 55112-P RPR 117c OR 112c Won five last year, including a charity race at Larkhill with his 72-year-old owner on board. He took two years to grow into his shell but we finally reaped the rewards of our patience and, although he was pulled up in the amateur riders’ handicap chase at Cheltenham last month, making a couple of blunders that stopped him in his tracks, he’s very good around Wincanton and there’s a race back there in three weeks’ time that we’re aiming him at. He wants every bit of 3m and you could see him running in a Sussex National or something similar. Cyrus Darius 9g Overbury – Barton Belle Mr and Mrs G Calder and PM Warren 9/14315- RPR 150h OR 148h A Grade 2 winner over hurdles and a useful chaser who joined us at the beginning of the summer from Ruth Jefferson. He’s been in a long time, has schooled well over hurdles and fences and is ready to run, but we haven’t quite decided where we’re going to go with him. We’re very excited to have him and he looks a top-class 2m4f chaser in the making. CRYUS DARIUS Ridden by Brian Hughes wins at Kelso 16/2/17 Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723Darlac 5g Lucarno – Pail Mel Mrs GC Pritchard 5/27-1 RPR 128h OR – We had all sorts of problems with him last year and could never quite get him right, so we turned him away when the ground quickened up, gave him plenty of time and he sluiced up by 17 lengths on his first run of the season in a maiden hurdle at Fontwell last month, making all and jumping really well for what was an eyecatching victory. He ran in point-to-points before we got him, jumped well and got 3m, so I imagine we’ll give him his chance against some better ones at Cheltenham this month. He’s an exciting horse. Dinos Benefit 6m Mr Dinos – Beneficial Lady A Maddox and S Langdon 244133- RPR 107h OR 115h Winning point-to-pointer who landed a mares’ novice hurdle at Chepstow in March. The plan is to give her a couple of spins over hurdles to take advantage of her mark and then send her chasing. She’s been entered up but we’re waiting on the ground. Drinks Interval 6m King’s Theatre – Dame Fonteyn The Land Value Partnership -021211 RPR 150c OR 147c She’s been a cracker for us, a real revelation, winning three out of four novice chases on decent ground this summer, including when bolting up over 3m at Chepstow last time on good to soft. Fences have been the making of her and the plan is to take her to Market Rasen on Thursday for a mares’ Listed chase. Her style is to go off in front and gallop them into the ground, and I think there’s more to come from her. Duc Kauto 5g Ballingarry – Kauto Lorette Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 80-U658 RPR 86h OR 90h A weak horse last year who wasn’t really finishing his races and got a low rating as a result. He’s had a wind operation, looks physically stronger and I’d like to think he’s a fair 2m hurdler starting off a workable mark. Dark horse Eldorado Allen 4g Khalkevi – Hesmeralda JP Romans and Terry Warner 23- RPR 115h OR – A really useful ex-French horse who’s just waiting for the ground to come right but looks like one of our nicest novice hurdlers. He’s got a good page and wasn’t cheap, but he’s schooled very well, works beautifully and will probably start off over 2m while we find out a bit more about him. Everything about him is really likeable. Elegant Escape 6g Dubai Destination – Graineuaile JP Romans 212133- RPR 156c OR 151c Has an entry in the Ladbrokes Trophy on December 1 and, as a progressive second-season chaser who has won round Newbury over 3m, he ticks a lot of boxes for the race, going there with a similar profile to Native River, who won it in 2016. He was beaten a length by Samcro in his only point-to-point and won a couple of novice hurdles but then was really weak for a while before taking a big step forward last season, winning at Newbury and Exeter, being placed in hot novice chases at Kempton, Cheltenham and Aintree and improving all the time. The Ladbrokes Trophy has been our plan since Cheltenham and we’d like to get a run into him beforehand. If the rain doesn’t come we may start to run out of time, but at least he’s a hardened sort with experience at the big meetings. I think he’s a good horse – a beautiful looker, big and strong – and he can progress again this season. The winner Elegant Escape (Tom O’Brien,left) makes a mistake at the last fence but beats Thomas Patrick (Richard Johnson) in the 3m Intermediate Chase Sandown 11.11.18 Pic: Edward WhitakerElixir De Nutz 4g Al Namix – Nutz Terry Warner 16-F2 RPR 122h OR 130h Joined us from Philip Hobbs in the summer and ran a lovely race when second in a maiden hurdle at Cheltenham last month. He’d been a bit fragile mentally but he’s matured with age and behaved really well at Cheltenham, leading until halfway up the run-in, and is an exciting prospect who will no doubt be seen in all the top novice hurdles this campaign over 2m. Empreinte Reconce 4f Voix Du Nord – Petite Fille JP McManus 1/5-16 RPR 105h OR – Won nicely in a novice hurdle over 2m at Newton Abbot in June and Aidan Coleman got off her and said she’s a bit better than the average summer mare, so we saved her until the first Chepstow meeting last month, where she ran well enough over 2m4f but blew for a long time afterwards. She’s sharpened up no end for that and we’ll find a mares’ hurdle for her somewhere at around 2m4f. She’s not the biggest but she’s got an engine. Faustinovick 4g Black Sam Bellamy – Cormorant Cove For sale 2- RPR 88 (point) OR – Irish point-to-point runner-up who we bought for £170,000 at Aintree in April – the horse he finished behind fetched £330,000 at Cheltenham. He looks the real deal at home, works very well and will be out in a novice hurdle when the ground changes. He’s for sale and looks a very smart prospect. Flaming Charmer 10g Flemensfirth – Kates Charm Tom Chadney & Peter Green 214545- RPR 128c OR 121c Now qualifies for veterans’ races and will run in one at Sandown on Sunday. He goes well fresh, so we’ve done plenty of work with him and he’s schooling nicely. Flo’Sboy Sam 5g Tobougg – Madam Flora Wendy Pope and Tim Swaffield PRP-154 RPR 107h OR 110h Had a soft-palate operation in the spring and won on his next start, in a 2m5f handicap hurdle at Wincanton on good ground. He’s a nice handicapper who was a bit late coming back in and is a month or more off a run, but he’ll be campaigned over fences when he’s ready and should have a good season. Fly To Mars 4g Schiaparelli – Patsie Magern Brocade Racing 6 RPR 92b OR – A weak baby last year but has strengthened up, is well bred and will be seen out in novice hurdles in a month’s time. Fox Norton 8g Lando – Natt Musik Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 211/12P- RPR 174c OR 167c A former Champion Chase runner-up and winner at both the Aintree and Punchestown festivals, he injured himself in the King George last year – pulled a tendon and a bit of bone off the back of his knee – so he was late coming back in and you won’t see him until the second half of the season. He’s cantering away and doesn’t seem to have lost any of his ability, so I think he can have a productive campaign at around 2m4f at the big meetings. We’ll start him in the new year with the Ryanair Chase as his main target. Fox Norton (Bryan Cooper) wins the Shloer Chase Cheltenham 19.11.17 Pic: Edward WhitakerGentleman Jon 10g Beat All – Sudden Spirit JP Romans 53F3P-1 RPR 140c OR 130c Former Badger Ales winner who won his last race in the spring – a 3m1f handicap chase at Wincanton on good ground – but had a bad bout of colic in the summer and did well to pull through after having two operations and two feet of intestine removed. He’s back in now, has made a full recovery and can take up where he left off as a good, consistent handicap chaser in the second half of the season. Golden Etoile 4m Muhtathir – Golden Firebird Mel Fordham Racing 4- RPR – OR – A tiny mare but a little rocket up our gallops and is ready to run in a mares’ novice hurdle within the next couple of weeks. She ran on the Flat and over hurdles in France and we’ll start her at 2m as she’s very quick. Golden Sunrise 5g Stowaway – Fairy Dawn Brocade Racing 324132- RPR 128h OR 126h A lovely, big horse from the Doncaster sales, he improved all last season but never showed much respect for hurdles and is a much better jumper of a fence. We’ll go novice chasing with him this season over 2m4f to 3m and he’s a strong, galloping horse who should take another step forward. Grand Vision 12g Old Vic – West Hill Rose JK Farms 0/1216F- RPR 151h, 142c OR 137h, 139c A bonny chap who won a veterans’ race at the beginning of last term and a decent handicap chase at Wincanton. We thought he was tailor-made for Aintree so we sent him to the Foxhunters’ and he was just warming up when he was blocked off at the Canal Turn and fell. It seems like he’s been around forever – he joined us as a four-year-old – but he was as good as ever last season, so we’ll start him off in veterans’ races again and see how the year goes before deciding whether to go back to Aintree. Highest Sun 4g Sunday Break – Highest Price Ashley Head 1- RPR – OR – A new horse and a new owner, he won on the Flat in France and landed his only hurdle over there by 16 lengths, but that was in April, which means he can’t run in novice hurdles over here. We entered him in a handicap hurdle but the BHA won’t give him a mark yet and, although we’ve already schooled him, it would be a big shout to go straight into a novice chase on his second National Hunt outing, so we’re looking at introductory hurdles for him. He looks the part and shows us plenty at home. Jaytrack Parkhomes 4g Multiplex – Sudden Beat DT Hoyland, JS Hoyland, JP Romans 10-5 RPR 109b OR – Ran well in a decent bumper at the last Cheltenham meeting after making most of the running. He’ll run in a novice hurdle next, possibly at Wincanton on Saturday. He’s definitely progressed since last season and looks set to have a good campaign over 2m4f. Kalarika 5m Kalanisi – Katariya Gale Force Three 40612-5 RPR 97h OR 94h Didn’t have much luck in running on her reappearance in a handicap hurdle at Chepstow last week and didn’t jump the last three flights too well, but it was a pleasing run nonetheless and she’ll take a lot of beating next time off what looks a nice mark. Kauto The King 4g Ballingarry – Kauto Luisa Jenny Perry and Celia Goaman 343-4 RPR 101b OR – A big, athletic horse who progressed in bumpers last year and learned plenty. He has grown and strengthened since and will run in novice hurdles once the ground comes right. Star quality Kilbricken Storm 7g Oscar – Kilbricken Leader A Selway and P Wavish 311313- RPR 154h OR 152h Although he’s a seven-year-old with an Albert Bartlett win under his belt, he’s filled out again this summer and looks bigger and stronger than ever. Last year he was quite narrow but he’s blossomed since and looks sure to improve again on what he’s done so far. He backed up that Cheltenham Festival run with an equally good effort at Punchestown and, having already won a point-to-point and schooled sensibly and well, he’s a natural to go novice chasing this season. We’re just waiting on the ground before embarking on what should be an exciting campaign over 3m, with the RSA being his main target. You’ll see him as soon as it rains. KILBRICKEN STORM Ridden by Harry Cobden wins at CHELTENHAM 16/3/18 Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723Kings Lad 11g King’s Theatre – Festival Leader GF Gingell 6-11215 RPR 147c OR 138c Has been hard to train all his life but has been brilliant through the summer, winning three, including a veterans’ chase over 3m at Chepstow last time. He’s not getting any younger but he’s in his best form ever and wasn’t at all disgraced in a better event at Ascot on Saturday, up another 7lb but still bang there until the second last. We’ll drop him back into veterans’ races now and I’m sure he’ll continue to do us proud. Kings Walk 7g King’s Theatre – Shuil Sionnach Mrs Jean Bishop 163/314- RPR 124h, 121c OR 123h, 120c Won a nice handicap hurdle at Kempton last season and showed up well when he had a run over fences at Wetherby, so he’ll go novice chasing when the ground is right. He hasn’t had too many runs because he’s been weak, but he’s filled out and strengthened and the bigger obstacles should be ideal for him. Lamanver Pippin 5g Apple Tree – Lamanver Homerun Dr Donna Christensen 2- RPR 104b OR – Runner-up in his only bumper for Harry Fry in the spring, he’s a beautiful, big horse who schools really well and is ready to run when we get some give in the ground. Lillington 6g Westerner – Kind Word The Colin Tizzard Racing Club 3U2-114 RPR 129c OR 122c Our racing club owns this one and he’s just started to fulfil his potential, winning at Newton Abbot in the summer and Stratford in the autumn before finishing an excellent fourth at Cheltenham last time. That was over 2m and I think he’s asking to be stepped up in trip, so although he’s gone up 19lb in the handicap, I think there’s more to come over further. Little Vern 4g Oscar – Silver Valley Nightingale Syndicate 0- RPR 77b OR – A big, weak baby last year but stronger this now and has had a wind operation because he was a little bit noisy. He’ll be ready to run in six weeks or so and should give his syndicate some fun. Lizzie Langton 7m Kayf Tara – Madam Flora Wendy Pope & Tim Swaffield 0/42F-7P RPR 90b, 85h OR 84h Joined us last year and seems to go wrong every time we run her, but she’s shown signs of form over hurdles and jumps a fence really well, so she may start in a mares’ novice limited handicap at Warwick on November 21. She could be at the right end of the handicap. Master Debonair 4g Yeats – Swincombe Flame Sprayclad UK 12 RPR 116b OR – Won at Sedgefield and then was just touched off by a five-year-old in a decent bumper at Cheltenham last time. He’s a beautiful young horse with a hell of a page and an engine to go with it, so now we just have to decide what route to take with him. We’ve already schooled him over hurdles but we think he’s good enough for the Champion Bumper, so we have the option of saving him for that. It’s a nice problem to have. Mister Malarky 5g Malinas – Priscilla Wendy and Malcolm Hezel 517320- RPR 124h OR 126h Won a nice novice hurdle at Kempton last year and will now go over the bigger obstacles. We’ll wait for the ground before running him in a 0-130 novices’ limited handicap chase over 2m4f, and I think fences will be the making of him. He wouldn’t want the ground really heavy but we wouldn’t risk him on quick either. Molineaux 7g King’s Theatre – Steel Grey Lady John and Heather Snook 321231- RPR 130h OR 130h Seriously consistent last season, winning a couple of hurdles, he’ll go novice chasing this year and I think fences will suit him because he was a fluent jumper of hurdles. He’s a good sort with plenty of potential. Mount Rushmoore 6g Shantou – Knock On The Door Jenny Perry and Celia Goaman 13224- RPR 128h OR 125h A big horse, probably 17.2hh, who came to us after the Cheltenham sales last year and turned in some decent performances in novice hurdles. He’s been schooled and you’ll see him novice chasing soon, but he wants some proper soft ground first. My Lady Grey 4f Presenting – Wassailing Queen The Alyasan Partnership 643-4 RPR 95b OR – Ran well in bumpers last season but pulled muscles in her back end and won’t be out until mid-December. She’ll go novice hurdling and is bred to want 2m4f, which is just how she looked in her bumpers. Nativegetaway 5g Getaway – Clonsingle Native Orchard Racing 3-523 RPR 123h OR – Third in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham on his first run for us after coming from point-to-pointing, which was a thrill for his new syndicate. If we take him anywhere half sensible he’ll be winning soon, and he looks a 3m novice hurdler of some potential. Star quality Native River 8g Indian River – Native Mo Brocade Racing 1113/11- RPR 178c OR 176c Last season couldn’t have gone any better, despite the fact that we couldn’t run him until February because he’d jarred himself up in the Gold Cup the year before. We were lucky that Newbury wasn’t called off for his prep run in the Denman Chase, but he won well, we never missed a day with him, got a couple of gallops in at Larkhill, and the Gold Cup win was the kind of result a yard like ours lives for. He’s had a proper summer out, came back in on August 1, he’s in beautiful form and the route plans itself now. He’ll go to the Betfair Chase at Haydock, and if that goes well we’ll look at the King George and the next leg of the million-pound bonus, then on to the Gold Cup again and either Aintree or Punchestown. Every time we’ve run him he’s improved, and there’s no reason to suspect he’s stopped improving yet, so there’s every chance he could take another step forward this season. He won the Gold Cup on very soft ground but nobody here thinks he needs that going. He’s certainly not dependent on it and if it came up a standard good-to-soft Gold Cup in March, he’d love it. I think all of racing would like to see a repeat of his battle with Might Bite – two tough horses that don’t curl away from the fight and bounce straight back within a couple of days. We haven’t schooled him yet but everything’s bang on for him at the moment. NATIVE RIVER Ridden by Richard Johnston wins the Gold Cup at CHELTENHAM 16/3/18 Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723Never Learn 7g King’s Theatre – Hamari Gold Brocade Racing, JP Romans, Terry Warner 2432-11 RPR 116c OR 111c Has won his last two starts round Fontwell, which you wouldn’t necessarily think would suit a big, long-striding boy like him, and you could even say he’s been winning in spite of the track. The handicapper put him up 8lb for the last win over 2m6f but he’s an improving horse who jumps well and over 3m-plus he’s definitely going the right way. New To This Town 7g Milan – Jade River Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 4340/12- RPR 135h OR 132h Won a 2m maiden hurdle round Ludlow last year but was schooled over fences all season and will now go novice chasing. He came to us with a big reputation and has a lot of ability, although he’s a little bit fragile. If we can keep him right, he’ll be an exciting chaser. Norse Legend 7g Norse Dancer – Methodical Woodhaven Racing Syndicate 7P3453- RPR 120h OR 109h Has to have soft ground but is a consistent little chap who has schooled over fences. I’d imagine we’d give him a spin in a 0-110 hurdle before going chasing, but we’re waiting for the rain. On Demand 7m Teofilo – Mimisel Ms Christine Thomas & Jim Hoyland 37-2512 RPR 125c OR 125c Consistent mare who can handle good ground and will run in the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton on Saturday. She won a 2m5f novice chase at Newton Abbot last month and, although she’s a novice, she jumps well and should get in off a handy weight at Wincanton, a track where she’s already won. Padleyourowncanoe 4g Nayef – Pooka’s Daughter Kevin Corcoran, Aaron Pierce, Chris Weare 1249-23 RPR 134h OR 136h Turned up 12 months ago as a 62-rated Flat campaigner and we just thought we’d have a little bit of fun with him, but he’s progressed into a real nice horse. He was fourth in the Fred Winter last season and has come back with good placed efforts over 2m at Chepstow and Cheltenham, although the jockeys have all come back and said he’s better over 2m4f. If it comes up soft we’ll run him in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham over 2m, but if it’s not you’ll see him in a decent handicap over further. He’s really gutsy and I think he has a nice race in him. Pingshou 8g Definite Article – Quest Of Passion Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 414013/ RPR 149h OR 148h Grade 1 novice hurdle winner over 2m at Aintree in April 2017 but missed last season with a tendon injury. Last year we were talking about going down the hurdle route but we’ve schooled him over fences already, he’s done it well and he’s a big lad who looks like a chaser. He’s got very low mileage and once the ground comes right you’ll see him in a 2m novice chase. PINGSHOU (Robbie Power) Wins The Grade 1 Crabbies Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree 7/4/17 Grossick PhotographyQueen Of The Wind 5m Shirocco – Kaydee Queen Chasing Gold Racing Club 54P16-7 RPR 104h OR 104h Made a bad mistake two out on her reappearance over 2m4f on good ground at Southwell, which cooked her goose, but she’s certainly capable of winning off her current mark and we’ll find a little mares’ handicap for her up to that kind of trip. She scored on soft ground last season over 2m. Quite By Chance 9g Midnight Legend – Hop Fair T Hamlin, JM Dare, JW Snook, JT Warner 7-52584 RPR 153c OR 135c A consistent horse who gets few favours from the handicapper as a result. He’s run well from 2m to 3m over the years, had a wind op in January and will no doubt win in his turn. Quiz Master 6g Ask – Good Bye Dolly Brocade Racing 53122-2 RPR 121h OR 122h Lovely, strong horse who steadily got the hang of hurdling last season, won one and his last bit of form, over 2m5f at Warwick, worked out very well. He’s a decent type who’ll go novice chasing over 2m4f once the ground comes right. Reserve Tank 4g Jeremy – Lady Bellamy The Reserve Tankers 3 RPR 113h OR – Made a very pleasing novice hurdle debut at Chepstow over 2m last month, jumping well and travelling well before getting a bit tired. He’ll probably go to Newbury on Thursday and looks above average. Robinsfirth 9g Flemensfirth – Phardester Christine Knowles & Wendy Carter 21U/421- RPR 149c OR 148c Won a decent handicap at Cheltenham last December but tweaked a leg and was late coming back in. He’s a big horse who hits the ground hard and will want proper soft ground, but he’s back in full work now and is the type who’ll go well in long-distance handicaps in the second half of the season – maybe a Midlands National or something similar. Rockpoint 5g Shirocco – Tinagoodnight John and Heather Snook 35327-2 RPR 123h OR 121h Ran well last year without winning a novice hurdle and managed to find one too good when odds-on at Exeter in May. I think we’ll stay novice hurdling for the time being and let him get one under his belt, but he’s a nice young horse who’ll go novice chasing before too long. Royal Vacation 8g King’s Theatre – Summer Break Mrs Jean Bishop P/3P50P- RPR 155c OR 143c A Grade 1 novice chase winner at Kempton two years ago, he struggled a bit last season but he’s had his wind tweaked and hopefully he’ll be better for it. Off his mark he has to run in all those big long-distance handicap chases and maybe he’ll be one for the Welsh National. Ruffling Feathers 4g Presenting – Oilily Robert and Sarah Tizzard 84-8 RPR 97b OR – Got the hang of things in bumpers last year and has been schooled ready to run in a 2m4f novice hurdle when the rain arrives. A nice prospect. Russian Hawk 4g Malinas – Sparron Hawk The Gosden Mob 3- RPR 103b OR – Beautiful young horse we bought as an unbroken three-year-old. The penny didn’t drop until late on his bumper debut at Wincanton in April, but he flew home that day, has started schooling and is about three weeks off his first run in a novice hurdle. I think in time he’ll want a trip, but we’ll start him off around 2m somewhere like Exeter, where he’ll have plenty of time to learn his job. He’s a baby but a real nice prospect and definitely has an engine. Sandy Beach 8g Notnowcato – Picacho Brocade Racing 3P/7332- RPR 138c OR 119c Looked really impressive a couple of years ago but last season he was consistent without fulfilling his promise. He’s come back in and is schooling well, ready to go when the ground is right, and still has the ability to win off his mark. Sartorial Elegance 7g Kayf Tara – Blue Ride RG Tizzard 77P43-5 RPR 127c OR 107c Was rated 128 at one time but last season it didn’t really happen for him and he’s slipped down the ratings. It was a nice first run back at Ffos Las last month over a 2m5f trip that was probably a bit sharp for him, and I’d say he’s a 3m chaser who’s at the right end of the handicap again. Shanahan’s Turn 10g Indian Danehill – Chanson Indienne Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 0/892P-3 RPR 154c OR 136c Finished third in a handicap at Chepstow last time, staying on over 2m4f and looking as though he’d get further. He was second behind Ultragold in the Topham last year and I’ve no doubt we’ll give him a run and then take him up to the Grand Sefton on December 8, because he operates well round Aintree. He’s also eligible for veterans’ chases. Shanahan’s Turn and Johnny Burke win thetote.com Galway Plate Galway Festival Photo: Patrick McCann 29.07.2015Shoal Bay 5g Gold Well – Ring Hill Mrs RJ Skan 46P2-60 RPR 133h OR 128h Has had a couple of runs already this season in handicap hurdles, travelling well but not jumping fluently at Stratford, then finishing down the field at Cheltenham. We’ve gone off that idea now and we’ll school him over fences because he’s grown into a big horse with a good engine who should be a decent novice chaser. Silverhow 7g Yeats – Monte Solaro Swallowfield Racing 21231-0 RPR 137c OR 132c Consistent and won at the back end of last season at Sandown but needed the run on his reappearance. He’s a useful 2m4f to 3m handicap chaser who likes a bit of give and is still capable off his mark. Sizing Brisbane 10g Nayef – Elaine Tully The Deer Leap Dining Club 4/7/6/826/ RPR 113c OR 113c Missed last year but has new owners who are happy to give him another try, so he’s back in, looking fine and should give them some good days this season. Sizing Codelco 9g Flemensfirth – La Zingarella Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 6PP48-2 RPR 162c OR 156c Won at Aintree and Punchestown the season before last but last year didn’t happen for him until the spring, when he got beat narrowly in a decent handicap at Uttoxeter. The handicapper has probably got hold of him and his mark doesn’t give us any choice but to go for the biggest staying handicap chases. He’s had a wind op and we’ll look at the Welsh National, Midlands National, maybe even the Grand National, although he’s not quite good enough to be a Gold Cup horse. Sizing Cusimano 5g Midnight Legend – Combe Florey Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 662-215 RPR 118h OR 118h Made a good reappearance in a strong novice hurdle at Cheltenham and went up 1lb for it. He’s more than capable of winning a handicap off that mark and wherever he goes next he’ll take a lot of beating, although it’s only a matter of time before he goes chasing. Sizing Granite 10g Milan – Hazel’s Tisrara Ann & Alan Potts Ltd P136-06 RPR 145h, 162c OR 136h, 156c Opened up a load of new options for us last season when we stepped him up to 3m and he ran really well in a Grade 1 at Punchestown. He seems to be a spring horse and we struggle with him at this time of year, but when he gets some sun on his back and some spring ground, plus a little bit of ease from the handicapper, he comes right. He was well beaten over hurdles at Ffos Las on his reappearance, but has lots of options over hurdles or fences. I like the idea of an end-of-season campaign when the Gold Cup horses are finishing off. Sizing Tennessee 10g Robin Des Champs – Jolivia Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 1233P-1 RPR 153c OR 148c A ten-year-old novice over fences last season, he finished third at Cheltenham in the four-miler and won well at Fontwell off top weight in a decent handicap on his return. The Ladbrokes Trophy will be his next target, he stays the trip well, jumps well and is reliable, so should do himself justice. Slate House 6g Presenting – Bay Pearl Eric Jones, Geoff Nicholas, John Romans 1145F8- RPR 145h OR 141h Looked seriously good in winning two over hurdles at Cheltenham last autumn, including a Grade 2, then the wheels fell off a little bit and he cracked a bone in his knee on his final run at Aintree. He’s just started back cantering and will go novice chasing around Christmas. He’s a very good horse, maturing all the time, who needs good ground. Slate House (Harry Cobden,3) beats Summerville Boy in the 2m novice hurdle Cheltenham 19.11.17 Pic: Edward WhitakerStorm Home 6g King’s Theatre – Miss Mayberry JP Romans F110-54 RPR 129c OR 132c Has run well enough in two novice chases this year, slowly getting the hang of jumping. The further he went round Cheltenham over 2m last time, the better he got, so we’ll step him up to 2m4f and he’ll be winning one soon. Theatre Guide 11g King’s Theatre – Erintante Mrs Jean Bishop 36PF7-0 RPR 160c OR 141c A great old servant, a dual Grade 3 chase winner, he just got a bit tired in a veterans’ race at Chepstow last time and will be campaigned in that kind of event this season, with Sandown his target at the end of the season. He’s not getting any younger but he’ll have his day in the sun. The Brothers 5g Flemensfirth – Laboc DT Hoyland, JS Hoyland, JP Romans 5374-04 RPR 111h OR 109h Lovely, big horse who has shown glimmers of form. He didn’t quite get home over 2m7f at Chepstow last time, so we’ll drop him back to 2m4f and be patient while he keeps growing. He’s not quite the finished article but is going the right way. The Dutchman 8g King’s Theatre – Shivermetimber Sprayclad UK 7/261PU RPR 153c OR 148c Won the Peter Marsh last season before running well in the Grand National. The Ladbrokes Trophy and the Welsh National will be his main targets in the first half of the season and I’m sure he’ll go back to Aintree again because he was travelling and jumping well when he unseated on the second circuit. We’ve learned how to train him better this year, because he likes to be at the front of the string and almost goes out on his own a lot of the time. He loves making the running in his races and you have to let him get into his own rhythm, because he’s got no patience. He looks better than ever. The Russian Doyen 5g Doyen – Namloc The Gosden Mob 231516- RPR 136h OR 138h He’s schooled really well and will be a much better novice chaser than he was a novice hurdler, although he did win a couple at around 2m. We’re waiting for the ground but I think he’s a smart prospect. He probably wants 2m4f. Third Intention 11g Azamour – Third Dimension Robert and Sarah Tizzard 8F4/82P- RPR 163c OR 143c Has been in the yard eight years and has been a model of consistency. Has had a small operation to remove a splint bone and that held us up, but you’ll see him from Christmas onwards, with the veterans’ final at Sandown as his main target. He goes well fresh. Star quality Thistlecrack 10g Kayf Tara – Ardstown John and Heather Snook 1112/54- RPR 174c OR 165c We were always up against it with him last season after injury but because of his age we couldn’t afford to give him a whole season off. He looked big and heavy for his reappearance over hurdles at Newbury and ran like it; then we were really pleased with his fourth in the King George but he got a stress fracture behind and had to stand in his box for two months. That mended itself and we had him fit again and really well at the back end but we ran out of time and ground, which was a shame. He had six weeks out in the field and was back in, schooling well and looking great again, but he missed the Charlie Hall on Saturday because of the ground, so we’re now itching to get a run into him. We’re looking at the Ladbrokes Trophy and the BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham, but we won’t risk him on good to firm ground. The other options are to wait and go straight to Haydock for the Betfair Chase, or lump big weights round in handicaps, which wouldn’t be ideal, but this will probably be his last season at the top and we’ve got to get him started somewhere. He’s working like he used to work in the days when he was untouchable, so we’re excited to get going with him; he’s got to do it on the track, of course, but I see no reason why he can’t. He’s not made it to a Gold Cup yet and that’s the owner’s dream, but March is a long way off. Thistlecrack in the Long Distance Hurdle Newbury 1.12.17 Pic: Edward WhitakerTikkapick 8g Tikkanen – Takeanotherpick The Con Club 3F32P4/ RPR 102c OR 94c Off all last year with a leg, he’s a 3m handicap chaser who’s more than capable of winning a race but needs cut in the ground. Ultragold 10g Kapgarde – Hot D’Or Brocade Racing, JP Romans, Terry Warner 92P01-4 RPR 152c OR 148c Has won the last two Topham Chases and we’re keen to give him a shot at the Grand National this season. He’s still a novice over hurdles and we were happy enough with his reappearance over the smaller obstacles at Cheltenham, where he just got a bit tired, but it’s all about Aintree in April for him. We’ll give him a spin in the Becher Chase next, but the big worry for the National is that he’s a 2m4f horse who’s not guaranteed to stay the trip. The plus is that he comes alive when he sees those big fences, and I remember they used to say that 2m4f horses win the National; then again they also say that 11-year-olds don’t win the National, so we’ll have to see, but we’re very keen to try. Unsafe Conduct 5g Pasternak – Symbiosis The Alyasan Partnership 6675-16 RPR 115h OR 110h A highly strung horse who ran his race before he even got on to the track at Stratford on his seasonal debut and never settled once the tapes went up. That’s been his problem all his life, but hopefully with that run under his belt he’ll remember what he learned last year and not be so keen. If he can do that, we know he’s got some ability, he can win off his mark and there’s a race for him on Thursday at Market Rasen. Valhalla 8g Scorpion – Fox Theatre JP Romans and Terry Warner 1135-33 RPR 135h OR 137h Good consistent horse who won a beginners’ chase and a novices’ limited handicap last season and found good ground over 2m2f round Kempton plenty quick enough for him last time. Give him 2m4f in 0-140 handicaps and he’ll soon be winning again. Viconte Du Noyer 9g Martaline – Zouk Wood Ann & Alan Potts Ltd P6-0230 RPR 156c OR 140c He’s been a bit late coming back in, having run on into the summer, but he’ll be back in action around Christmas. He’s not the most consistent but when he puts it all together he’s got some decent form. He’ll run in 2m4f to 3m handicap chases and can handle some serious cut in the ground. Vision des Flos 5g Balko – Marie Royale Ann & Alan Potts Ltd 21622-U RPR 150h OR 148h One of our top novice hurdlers last year, finishing second in Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown. We took him to Ffos Las for his first novice chase last month and he was a bit fresh, stumbled at the back of the sixth fence and unseated Tom Scudamore. It was just one of those things, he was doing a bit too much, but he’s schooled well since and he’ll be out again soon, with 2m4f his trip. I’m really excited about him. Watcombe Heights 8g Scorpion – Golden Bay RM Harvey-Bailey 2264-36 RPR 125h, 122c OR 123h, 120c Consistent horse who ran well in handicap hurdles last year without winning, had a spin at 2m5f over fences, jumped well and will wait for the ground to have one more run in a hurdle before going handicap chasing. Waterloo Warrior 6g Kalanisi – Vindonissa Brocade Racing 64-22PF RPR 123c OR 117c Took a heavy fall two out at Chepstow on his second run back and isn’t the easiest ride. He runs in blinkers and takes a bit of stoking up but he’s capable of winning off 117. He came back a bit stiff and won’t be out for a month or so, but he has the ability. Wee Saxon 9g Kayf Tara – Countess Point Sax Purdie 12/ RPR – OR – Joined us this season after running well in point-to-points, but he’s been fragile all his life, which is why he’s a nine-year-old with only two runs behind him. It’s all about this season for him and he looks the part, a nice big horse who works well and will start off over 2m4f in a novice hurdle to tell us a bit about him. West Approach 8g Westerner – Ardstown John and Heather Snook 1356P-3 RPR 148c OR 142c Good third in a 3m1f handicap chase at Cheltenham last month, having nearly bolted when Richard Johnson woke him up early on. He went clear and led to the second last before being overhauled between the last two, and on that kind of form I think he could win a decent race over 2m4f. He’s run some huge races without landing his big pot, but it will happen. I can’t tell you when, but it could be next time in the BetVictor Gold Cup at the next Cheltenham meeting. Dark horse White Moon 6g Sholokhov – Westalin Brocade Racing 5F/1117- RPR 132h OR 137h An exciting horse who won on his third point run and bolted up in his first two novice hurdles before running no race at all in a Grade 2 over 2m4f at Sandown last December. It turned out he’d fractured his pelvis, and when he’d just recovered from that and was on course for Cheltenham, he showed signs of stiffness and we stopped with him. He’s come back in just fine and is a lovely, big sort who could be the forgotten horse of our novice chase brigade, over 2m4f to 3m. Wizards Bridge 9g Alflora – Island Hopper The Butterwick Syndicate 3P11P-4 RPR 133c OR 122c Won three handicap chases for us last season, from 2m3f to 3m2f on good and soft ground, giving his family syndicate a lot of fun along the way. He’s in a 0-140 over 3m on Tuesday. The post Colin Tizzard Stable Tour appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

You’d struggle to find many easier winners than yesterday’s NAP from Picks From The Paddock but can they repeat that today? Best Bet Of The Day 13:40 Huntingdon Strong Resemblance has had four attempts over fences but three of these came at the unique course of Cartmel and has had a couple of promising runs over hurdles since switching stables, following up a decent second at Ayr with a victory here at Huntingdon earlier in the month. He reverts back to the larger obstacles off a 4lbs lower mark at a more conventional track and this looks to be a winnable race so he is taken to get off the mark over fences and gain another victory for his new trainer. Sargeant Brody won a point-to-point earlier in his career but hasn’t fired in two attempts over fences this autumn and Midnight Gem is still looking for her first chase victory despite thirteen prior attempts so the bigger danger looks to be Opechee who needs to prove his stamina over this trip but has won over the larger obstacles and was a decent second last time out. Strong Resemblance (WIN) Chelmsford 16:15 – Regular (WIN) 16:45 – Lunar Deity (WIN) 17:15 – Sea Fox (WIN) 17:45 – Matterhorn (WIN) 18:15 – The Eagles Nest (E/W) 18:45 – Kay Sera (WIN) 19:15 – Jorvick Prince (WIN) Hereford 13:00 – Auld Sod (E/W) 13:30 – Precious Bounty (WIN) 14:00 – Jarveys Plate (WIN) 14:30 – Irish Prophecy (WIN) 15:00 – Miss Mash (WIN) 15:30 – De Rasher Counter (E/W) 16:00 – Furiously Fast (E/W) Huntingdon 13:10 – Red Royalist (WIN) 13:40 – Strong Resemblance (WIN) 14:10 – Embole (WIN) 14:40 – Azure Fly (WIN) 15:10 – Kingston (WIN) 15:40 – Logan Rocks (WIN) Lingfield 12:50 – Parody (WIN) 13:20 – Down The Highway (WIN) 13:50 – Champion Chase (E/W) 14:20 – Vincenzo Mio (WIN) 14:50 Lillington (WIN) 15:20 Evron (WIN) 15:50 Finnegans Garden ((WIN) The post Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Tuesday 13th November appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Star Australian rider Hugh Bowman will take part in next month’s Longines International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley after successfully appealing the one-month suspension he copped in the Melbourne Cup. Bowman got the 35-meeting ban reduced to 23 meetings on Tuesday, which means he can ride again from November 27 and ensures he will be able to compete in the IJC on December 5 before partnering Werther at the Hong Kong International Races on December 9. The reigning “... View the full article

Happy Valley specialist Caspar Fownes concedes he was worried about the future of his stable newcomer Champion Supreme before a simple gear change proved pivotal. The Australian three-year-old arrived in Fownes’ yard earlier this year and was struggling to make an impression before the trainer instigated a change in fortune by putting blinkers on the gelding. Champion Supreme then flew home for an eye-catching fifth on debut. “He wasn’t showing much early days until I smacked... View the full article

John Size’s exciting duo of Red Warrior and Country Star will prove hard to beat again on Wednesday night, according to the master trainer. They have both won two from three starts in their Hong Kong careers to date and have been the stand-out performers at Happy Valley this season. Size expects the two three-year-olds to continue moving through the grades before a possible four-year-old series tilt for Red Warrior if his promising trajectory continues. While the 10-time champion trainer... View the full article

Summer Wind Equine's Chasing Yesterday brought her record to three wins from four starts in the $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes Nov. 12 at Del Mar. View the full article

A weanling colt by Dialed In topped all returns during Monday’s eighth session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. The first of two Book 5 sessions saw 234 offerings change hands for gross receipts of $5,197,600. The average was $22,212 and median was $14,500. The RNA rate was 21.48%. Hip 2767, the aforementioned session topper, sold to Brookstone Farm for $145,000. He was consigned by Brendan and Olive Gallagher’s Frankfort Park Farm, which had purchased him in utero for $35,000 at this sale 12 months ago. The Mar. 2 foal hails from the extended female family of Grade I/Group 1 winners Elusive City, Coup de Fusil and Lukes Alley, but got a more immediate pedigree boost when 2-year-old half-sister Belle Laura (Mucho Macho Man) finished third in Keeneland’s GII J.P. Morgan Chase Jessamine S. last month before competing in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Click for Thorostride Video Inspection. The second-priciest purchase of the day was racing or stallion prospect War Chest (War Front), who was picked up by Meah/Lloyd Bloodstock on behalf of BG Stables and D Meah Racing from the Lane’s End consignment as hip 3135. Out of MGSW Wine Princess (Ghostzapper), herself a daughter of Horse of the Year Azeri (Jade Hunter), the $500,000 KEESEP yearling was a Belmont Park maiden special weight winner on debut last September and has since hit the board in a pair of optional claimers on the NYRA circuit. Agent David Meah purchased recent GI Shadwell Turf Mile S. hero Next Shares (Archarcharch) at this same auction 12 months earlier. “We got him under budget, and we are happy,” Meah said of War Chest. “He is the one horse of the day we wanted. If he wins [allowance races in Southern California], he will make his money back in two races. If we get super lucky and get some black-type, we have a chance to do things in the future [with him at stud]. BG Stables stands stallions in California.” Meah’s wife Anna will train the current 3-year-old. The session’s top mare was Holidays Saratoga (Harlan’s Holiday) (hip 2873), who sold as property of Fairlawn for $85,000 to ERJ Racing LLC. The winning daughter of MSW Saratoga Humor (Distorted Humor) and half to MGSW Heart Stealer (Speightstown) was carrying her first foal by Will Take Charge. Keeneland November continues Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Visit www.keeneland.com for more information. View the full article

Kuah defers Forever Young's comeback race View the full article

Big lead gone, but Duric ready for last stretch View the full article

MG1SW Shalaa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who will have his first yearlings in 2019, anchors Al Shaqab’s Haras de Bouquetot roster at €22,000 next year. MG1SWs Toronado (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) (€12,000) who has 22 winners so far and Olympic Glory (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}) (€8,000), who has 18 scorers led by the recent listed heroine Watch Me (Fr), will both have 3-year-olds next term. Four Bouquetot residents are expecting their first foals in 2019: G1SW Al Wukair (Ire) (Dream Ahead) at €8,000, G1 Prix Jean Prat winner Zelzal (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is also priced at that fee, dual Classic scorer Brametot (Ire) (Rajsaman {Fr}) will stand for €6,000 and Ectot (GB) (Hurricane Run {GB}) is set at €5,000. Classic hero Style Vendome (Fr) (Anabaa) will also command €5,000, as will new recruit and G1 Prix d’Ispahan victor Mekhtaal (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). View the full article

The Kentucky HPBA’s foundation is holding a raffle for one 40-inch television and two 32-inch televisions with all proceeds going to the family of exercise rider Odanis Acuna, who was tragically killed in an accident at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the Kentucky HBPA office, 3729 S. Fourth Street in Louisville across from the track’s backstretch, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET; or from Julio Rubio, the HBPA’s backstretch services coordinator and Hispanic liaison, on the Churchill Downs backside. The drawing will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27 at noon. Winners need not be present. Checks can be made payable to the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Foundation. View the full article

Trainers Tom Amoss and Genaro Garcia concluded Indiana Grand’s 120-day run Nov. 7 with 45 wins a piece, sharing the title of co-leading trainers of the 2018 season. Garcia earned his second straight title at Indiana Grand, also picking up the honor in 2017. A native of Mexico, Garcia had 297 starters and maintained a 41 percent in the money average. Horses from the Garcia Stable earned in excess of $905,580. “I’m really happy to have won the title this year and I want to say thank you to the owners and Indiana Grand,” said Garcia. “All of my two-year-olds did really well this year, and I was so glad to see that. It was exciting to see how they went through the whole process from breaking them to seeing them get to the track and race so well this year.” Joining Garcia atop the trainer standings is Amoss, who picked up his sixth leading trainer title in the past eight years. A native of Louisiana, Amoss won titles from 2011-2014 and was back on top of the standings in 2016. Horses from his barn in 2018 were tough, winning 45 of 136 starts for a 33 percent win average and a 61 percent top three average. “Winning a title is an honor for the stable and a reflection on all the people who work with us, especially the owners who entrust us with their horses,” said Amoss. “I’m not there as often as I’d like, but every time I go, the casual fans are so nice and enthusiastic. Indiana Grand is always a breath of fresh air when I visit.” View the full article

Cheveley Park Stud announced their eight-strong roster and fees for 2019 on Monday. The roster is led by the venerable Pivotal (GB) (Polar Falcon), responsible for 146 stakes winners and 28 Group 1 winners, at a private fee. Young Group 1 sire Intello (Ger) (Galileo {Ire}) is also doing his part with his first top flight winner, Intellogent (Ire) in the G1 Prix Jean Prat and will command £20,000. MG1SW Ulysses (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) has been priced at £17,500 and is expecting his first foals in 2019. New to the Cheveley Park fold is Group 1 winning juvenile Unfortunately (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}) at £7,500. G1 Diamond Jubilee S. and G1 Sprint Cup victor Twilight Son (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) has his first weanlings going to the sales and will stand for £8,000. Mayson (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), at £6,000, Lethal Force (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) at £4,500 and Garswood (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) at £3,500 round out the roster. View the full article

Keeneland and Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington announced Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has donated items belonging to Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify to the 2018 Sporting Art Auction, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Ann Hanley Parkinson’s Research Fund. The Sporting Art Auction will be held Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. ET in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion. Baffert donated a halter worn by 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify and horseshoes worn by both Justify and 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. The horseshoes are framed with two Sports Illustrated magazines featuring American Pharoah and Justify that are signed by Baffert and Triple Crown-winning jockeys Victor Espinoza and Mike Smith. Letters of authenticity from Baffert accompany the halter and horseshoes. “Jill and I are happy to have this unique opportunity to share a bit of racing history with fans of American Pharoah and Justify, and in doing so benefit Ann and her efforts to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease,” Baffert said. “The dual horseshoe arrangement is one of a kind. Before we have donated individual or sets of shoes from either Pharoah or Justify, but never together. This will definitely be a piece of memorabilia that no one else has.” Ann Hanley, wife of WinStar Farm General Manager David Hanley who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 49, founded the Ann Hanley Parkinson’s Research Fund in 2016 to underwrite research into an experimental treatment available only at the University of Kentucky. “I am honored and wowed how Bob and Jill Baffert, Keeneland and the Thoroughbred community continue to support this unique and worthy cause,” Hanley said. “I can safely say that without their support, this clinical trial could not be as far along as it is. I am blessed to be part of this community knowing that the Thoroughbred industry is working to make a difference in so many people’s lives. Because this procedure taps into the body’s own repair mechanism without the use of drugs, funding is not readily available. The clock is ticking for people with Parkinson’s disease and the only way we can slow the ticking is to have many groups working together to bring their talents to end this dreadful disease.” Keeneland Association donated $25,000 in support of the Ann Hanley Parkinson’s Research Fund on opening Saturday of the 2018 Fall Meet. “The Sporting Art Auction provides another meaningful way for Keeneland to support worthy causes in the community and horse industry,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “We thank Bob for this generous donation of Triple Crown memorabilia, which is certain to create excitement among racing fans and support Ann and her fight against Parkinson’s disease.” View the full article

Coulsty (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}–Hazium {Ire}, by In the Wings {GB}), who won the G3 Prix de Meautry Lucien Barriere, has relocated to Norman Court Stud in England after beginning at Rathasker Stud in Ireland. The stallion, who has his first foals on the ground this year, will stand for £4,000. “Coulsty is a typical son of Kodiac in that he was talented and precocious, and like his father he only sires bay foals,” said Rathasker’s Maurice Burns. “Rathasker have a number of very good foals by Coulsty that will be going to all the major yearling sales in 2019. I think this horse will really suit British breeders.” Added Norman Court Stud’s Tina Dawson, “We’re thrilled Maurice approached us about standing this horse. I’ve always liked him, he’s a typical gutsy, genuine, honest sprinter and at £4,000 he represents real value.” Norman Court is also home to veteran sire Sixties Icon (GB) (Galileo {Ire}–Love Divine {GB}, by Diesis {GB}) who will command £6,000 (Oct. 1 SLF). From his 11 black-type winners, the G1 St. Leger hero has already sired Group 1 winners Sixties Song (Arg) and Crazy Icon (Arg). View the full article