The past week the following horses have caught the eye and are ones to look out for.
Flat only I'm afraid for jumps fans.
Monday 19th January
Emerald Rock – Nicky Vaughan
Beaten little over 2.5L in a fair maiden, 4yo Johannesburg colt Emerald Rock stayed on takingly in a 9.5f maiden at Wolverhampton having run green when getting outpaced halfway. Keeping on well for hand riding the colt having his first run for around 14 months finished his race to suggest he will be one to keep an eye out for over middle distances in the not too distant future. Another run to secure a handicap mark should be on the agenda and he looks one that can pay his way in 10 – 12f handicaps this season.
Top Seed – Ian Williams
A horse that is starting to appear very well handicapped looked to have excellent claims on my figures in a competitive 9.5f 0-75 handicap on Monday but his performance suggests he is definitely one to keep on the right side of. Travelling comfortably early in the rear of the field, he was soon outpaced halfway when the field quickened. Not ever really knocked about he slowly found his stride and despite being slightly detached in last turning in he found a good finishing kick to come home very strongly in 6th finishing just over 2L off the 2nd Will He Wish and only about 7L off the well treated winner Ahlawy. Currently off 66 I wouldn’t be surprised if Top Seed was dropped another lb for this effort and he would appear a very strong bet in a 0-65 handicap stepping back up to 1m 4f. He is a horse that is sure to find the winners enclosure again very shortly especially when back over a more suitable trip.
Tuesday 20th January
Straight Face – Miss Gay Kelleway
5yo Princely Heir gelding who won three races around March – April in 2008 having been placed off 42 in February. Has struggled with the handicapper of late but put up a promising performance a month ago at Lingfield when 3lb higher. Much improved effort off a mark of 50 at Southwell on Tuesday outpaced throughout before running on takingly in the final furlong to grab a close 5th. The 3rd has since upheld the form with a pleasing close 5th on Friday at Wolverhampton and Straight Face gives the impression a return to form is imminent. Entered with Neil Callan booked on Thursday at Southwell again over 6f I would be interested in how he runs, but will take a watching brief as the time to catch him will be back over 7f around Kempton. He is a good few pounds better at the Surrey venue and his effort on Tuesday suggested a win was not too far away.
Wednesday 21st January
Punching – Connor Dore
Former nice handicapper for Gay Kelleway who won off a 2lb higher mark in May. Recent efforts have been okay but in a nicely run race on Wednesday at Wolverhampton the Kyllachy gelding shaped with a fair degree of promise coming from off the pace to run home nicely in 5th without too hard a ride from the saddle. Certainly benefits from running at the West Midlands venue and is most effective over 6f when there is plenty of pace in the race. Poor efforts have come when ridden forwards but in a similar grade shortly over 6f he looks sure to go close. Runs on Tuesday at Southwell and when he last ran there he was a creditable 2nd over the straight 5f racing wide throughout. Clearly not phased by the Nottinghamshire track he should be of interest especially from stall 3.
Foreign Investment – David Evans
A notable eye-catcher on debut over the 6f at Wolverhampton on Wednesday and having looked quite tubby in the paddock and a little wet behind the easy, the Desert Prince filly ran a race full of promise. Slowly away and allowed to find her feet she was still somewhat detached turning for home but stayed on nicely for hand riding throughout the final 2f. Without making a serious impact on the winner she stayed on without a slap from her rider to press for 3rd close home. Only beaten by horses with previous experience the half sister to Bolton Hall and Sweet Fury (won over 7f and further at 3 years and older) looks sure to come on a ton for this debut effort and when stepped up to 7f she looks sure to be found a similar opportunity in maiden company. A 4,500gns purchase she looks a bargain and is one to stay on the right side of and should reward in maiden company next time.
Ten Pole Tudor – Ron Harris
Well handicapped type who if the handicapper doesn’t punish him too harshly for this fine effort in 2nd is ready to win. Off 59 he would be a strong bet over 7f or 1m in 0-60 company shortly and his performance here needs upgrading given he was hampered early and then got outpaced badly having lost momentum. Switched very wide entering the straight he came strongly home down the wide outside just failing to get up in the closing stages. Had he not been hampered early or got a split through horses at the top of the straight I have no doubt that he would have won and the 4yo Royal Applause gelding would look a good bet on Wednesday at Kempton providing he gets a good draw. The longer straight looks sure to suit and with four front runners entered and all jocked up (Kabis Amigos, Downhill Skier, Rio L’Oren & Free Tussy) he looks sure to get the strong pace he needs to come and pounce late.
Thursday 22nd January
Rain Stops Play – Nicky Richards
A rare runner on the flat for Nicky Richards at Wolverhampton but the well backed Rain Stops Play despite being beaten 8L in a banded race should not be ignored if found a similar opportunity over the same course and distance. Travelling best throughout he couldn’t buy any room turning in and was hampered 3 or 4 times before carried badly wide. Not knocked about he picked up late for a remote 5th but the trouble he met between the 3 and 1.5f markers certainly cost him any chance here. He is clearly not the same class as he was a few years ago when useful or Mick Channon and then Mick Quinn but with a clear run he would have surely been in the shake up. There is another 9.5f 0-45 at Wolverhampton on February 13th whilst there is a 0-50 hcp over the same trip on the 17th of February. It would be no surprise to see the Desert Prince gelding aimed at these two races and he could notch up a quick double. He’ll be hard to beat if electing for the race on the 13th given the standard of opposition will be similar to what he faced the other day.
Friday 23rd January
Kidlat – Brendan Powell
A 10,000gns purchase for Brendan Powell at the Autumn Horses In Training Sales from Luca Cumani and this massive Cape Cross colt could make an exciting hurdler in time for Mr Powell. A good worker last season for Cumani he used to keep company with Presvis and Monte Alto so he is clearly capable of a decent level of ability. Despite it seeming a fair gallop at Lingfield, the big horse got unbalanced leaving the stalls and despite being tucked in off what seemed an okay pace he was a little keen. The field seemed to slow it down before kicking into the straight and he still had plenty of horses to pass when keeping on inside the final 2f and making his run up the inside probably wasn’t totally ideal. Looks the type who would improve for a more genuine pace so Wolverhampton is likely to suit him better and over 1m 2f he is the type of horse that can easily collect a handicap shortly off his mark of 74. Hayley Turner wasn’t over hard on the lightly raced horse who was beaten little over 3.5L and whilst the temptation will be there to step up to 1m 4f, I feel things will drop his way better in a true run 10f handicap. He is clearly learning and improving with experience and is a horse to keep on the right side of. In a 0-75 or 0-80 over 1m 2f shortly he would appeal as a decent bet to me.
Aggbag – Brian Baugh
A true Wolverhampton 7f specialist who hinted a return to form was imminent on Friday in a 0-55 handicap where the first five home contained 4 horses coming into the race in good form and possibly on the right side of the handicapper. Aggbag was just in front of Nabeeda at the death who led at a scorching pace and given Aggbag likes to be handy he done well to be as close as he did getting driven for home around 3f out. The front three all came from off the pace and were going away at the finish but Aggbag looks the one to take from behind the three given he had been out of form recently and this run was certainly a sign of better things to come. He would be interesting in a similar contest without so much pace influence next time, but is only one to note at Wolverhampton as he is a different class of horse around there than anywhere else. A race on the 9th Feb over 7f (0-52) would be ideal but he may struggle to turn the form around with the 3rd horse Stargazy (rated 51) who is also being aimed at that race and met trouble in running here before finishing to good effect. Aggbag should find his opening shortly and is another to keep on the right side of.
Saturday 24th January
Misyaar – Michael Jarvis
Now handicapped the daughter of Dubai Destination looks sure to score when dropped back to 7f providing she is given a mark no higher than the low 70s. A fair work horse at home she showed her best form on debut when very green and keeping on well in 3rd in a maiden which has thrown up 6 places from four horses (in front and behind) since and her next two starts have hinted promise. A clear non stayer on her penultimate start she looked to have each way claims yesterday and approaching the final furlong she looked to have the race in safe keeps having joined the leaders 2.5f out and kicked for home taking a commanding towards the final furlong. Weakening rapidly late on she was beaten around 5L at the finish and clearly showed whilst the pace wasn’t strong that the mile was currently beyond her capabilities. The first two home had been subject to some positive gallop vibes and the winner had been working clear of Friday’s winner Signella suggesting she was quite smart, whilst the 2nd had been working very well with easy Wednesday winner Pearl Of Manacor prior to this run. If Misyaar is given a mark say 74 or lower I would fancy her strongly back over 7f in a handicap around Lingfield or Wolverhampton up to 0-80 level. A fillies race would be ideal.
Sunday 25th January
Cecily – Sir Mark Prescott
A funny one this as she technically looks handicapped to her ability at present but having travelled well throughout she failed to quicken late on but wasn’t losing ground at the end. Rosie Jessop wasn’t hard on her and also had her a bit deep so she couldn’t really lay down a battle to the winner or placed horses. This horse interests me providing they step her up to 7f and I would like to see her dropped in instead of being ridden on the pace. She looks the type to win a 0-85 over that trip and may be better suited going to Lingfield. A return to fillies only races probably wouldn’t go a miss either. I think the handicapper may drop her a lb for this but if she were to appear in a 0-85 7f fillies handicap at Lingfield, I would be very interested in her chance.
Marmooq – Michael Attwater
Whilst he hasn’t won off this high a mark before I feel he certainly will if trying another 0-65 off 64 around Wolverhampton or Kempton. He was going nicely tracking the pace and looked sure to go close turning in when short of room and shuffled back at a crucial point. Getting out late he flew home to snatch 4th and would have won with another 100yrds. I think he can definitely go down as a very unlucky loser and would be one to beat in similar company shortly.
Amber Moon – Jamie Osborne
I would be careful of this horse being raised again in the weights, having been 2nd off 45 twice and now a close 4th when rated lowest (50) of the first four home today with handicap marks, but if allowed in a handicap off 50, this horse will win a 0-52 or 0-55 around Wolverhampton over the extended mile. She was always travelling like the best horse in the race and she lost her chance when caught on heels turning in, attempting to switch out wide Shane Kelly was forced to change his mind and then switch again to the inner. Whilst he literally only lost 3 or 4 strides in the process it allowed the first 3 home to just get that run ahead of her and by running home up the rail she was actually running on a part of the track very few horses quicken up off of. Having lost momentum it’s hard to pick up again and had she been able to switch out turning in I think she would have won. 2nd at Southwell when hanging away her chance a few days earlier she has now had 3 races in just over 2 weeks but she seems to be taking her racing well. She is entered in a one mile apprentice race at Lingfield this week but I doubt she will get in and for me the key to her is around here. There is a 46-60 handicap over the extended mile at Wolverhampton on February 14th and providing this filly finds herself no higher than 55, I think she would be a bit of a good thing in that level. There are no real options on Saturday or Sunday before the handicapper has the chance to reassess her and providing he leaves her off 50 she is certainly capable of winning over the extended mile at Wolverhampton.
Regards
Chris
Flat only I'm afraid for jumps fans.
Monday 19th January
Emerald Rock – Nicky Vaughan
Beaten little over 2.5L in a fair maiden, 4yo Johannesburg colt Emerald Rock stayed on takingly in a 9.5f maiden at Wolverhampton having run green when getting outpaced halfway. Keeping on well for hand riding the colt having his first run for around 14 months finished his race to suggest he will be one to keep an eye out for over middle distances in the not too distant future. Another run to secure a handicap mark should be on the agenda and he looks one that can pay his way in 10 – 12f handicaps this season.
Top Seed – Ian Williams
A horse that is starting to appear very well handicapped looked to have excellent claims on my figures in a competitive 9.5f 0-75 handicap on Monday but his performance suggests he is definitely one to keep on the right side of. Travelling comfortably early in the rear of the field, he was soon outpaced halfway when the field quickened. Not ever really knocked about he slowly found his stride and despite being slightly detached in last turning in he found a good finishing kick to come home very strongly in 6th finishing just over 2L off the 2nd Will He Wish and only about 7L off the well treated winner Ahlawy. Currently off 66 I wouldn’t be surprised if Top Seed was dropped another lb for this effort and he would appear a very strong bet in a 0-65 handicap stepping back up to 1m 4f. He is a horse that is sure to find the winners enclosure again very shortly especially when back over a more suitable trip.
Tuesday 20th January
Straight Face – Miss Gay Kelleway
5yo Princely Heir gelding who won three races around March – April in 2008 having been placed off 42 in February. Has struggled with the handicapper of late but put up a promising performance a month ago at Lingfield when 3lb higher. Much improved effort off a mark of 50 at Southwell on Tuesday outpaced throughout before running on takingly in the final furlong to grab a close 5th. The 3rd has since upheld the form with a pleasing close 5th on Friday at Wolverhampton and Straight Face gives the impression a return to form is imminent. Entered with Neil Callan booked on Thursday at Southwell again over 6f I would be interested in how he runs, but will take a watching brief as the time to catch him will be back over 7f around Kempton. He is a good few pounds better at the Surrey venue and his effort on Tuesday suggested a win was not too far away.
Wednesday 21st January
Punching – Connor Dore
Former nice handicapper for Gay Kelleway who won off a 2lb higher mark in May. Recent efforts have been okay but in a nicely run race on Wednesday at Wolverhampton the Kyllachy gelding shaped with a fair degree of promise coming from off the pace to run home nicely in 5th without too hard a ride from the saddle. Certainly benefits from running at the West Midlands venue and is most effective over 6f when there is plenty of pace in the race. Poor efforts have come when ridden forwards but in a similar grade shortly over 6f he looks sure to go close. Runs on Tuesday at Southwell and when he last ran there he was a creditable 2nd over the straight 5f racing wide throughout. Clearly not phased by the Nottinghamshire track he should be of interest especially from stall 3.
Foreign Investment – David Evans
A notable eye-catcher on debut over the 6f at Wolverhampton on Wednesday and having looked quite tubby in the paddock and a little wet behind the easy, the Desert Prince filly ran a race full of promise. Slowly away and allowed to find her feet she was still somewhat detached turning for home but stayed on nicely for hand riding throughout the final 2f. Without making a serious impact on the winner she stayed on without a slap from her rider to press for 3rd close home. Only beaten by horses with previous experience the half sister to Bolton Hall and Sweet Fury (won over 7f and further at 3 years and older) looks sure to come on a ton for this debut effort and when stepped up to 7f she looks sure to be found a similar opportunity in maiden company. A 4,500gns purchase she looks a bargain and is one to stay on the right side of and should reward in maiden company next time.
Ten Pole Tudor – Ron Harris
Well handicapped type who if the handicapper doesn’t punish him too harshly for this fine effort in 2nd is ready to win. Off 59 he would be a strong bet over 7f or 1m in 0-60 company shortly and his performance here needs upgrading given he was hampered early and then got outpaced badly having lost momentum. Switched very wide entering the straight he came strongly home down the wide outside just failing to get up in the closing stages. Had he not been hampered early or got a split through horses at the top of the straight I have no doubt that he would have won and the 4yo Royal Applause gelding would look a good bet on Wednesday at Kempton providing he gets a good draw. The longer straight looks sure to suit and with four front runners entered and all jocked up (Kabis Amigos, Downhill Skier, Rio L’Oren & Free Tussy) he looks sure to get the strong pace he needs to come and pounce late.
Thursday 22nd January
Rain Stops Play – Nicky Richards
A rare runner on the flat for Nicky Richards at Wolverhampton but the well backed Rain Stops Play despite being beaten 8L in a banded race should not be ignored if found a similar opportunity over the same course and distance. Travelling best throughout he couldn’t buy any room turning in and was hampered 3 or 4 times before carried badly wide. Not knocked about he picked up late for a remote 5th but the trouble he met between the 3 and 1.5f markers certainly cost him any chance here. He is clearly not the same class as he was a few years ago when useful or Mick Channon and then Mick Quinn but with a clear run he would have surely been in the shake up. There is another 9.5f 0-45 at Wolverhampton on February 13th whilst there is a 0-50 hcp over the same trip on the 17th of February. It would be no surprise to see the Desert Prince gelding aimed at these two races and he could notch up a quick double. He’ll be hard to beat if electing for the race on the 13th given the standard of opposition will be similar to what he faced the other day.
Friday 23rd January
Kidlat – Brendan Powell
A 10,000gns purchase for Brendan Powell at the Autumn Horses In Training Sales from Luca Cumani and this massive Cape Cross colt could make an exciting hurdler in time for Mr Powell. A good worker last season for Cumani he used to keep company with Presvis and Monte Alto so he is clearly capable of a decent level of ability. Despite it seeming a fair gallop at Lingfield, the big horse got unbalanced leaving the stalls and despite being tucked in off what seemed an okay pace he was a little keen. The field seemed to slow it down before kicking into the straight and he still had plenty of horses to pass when keeping on inside the final 2f and making his run up the inside probably wasn’t totally ideal. Looks the type who would improve for a more genuine pace so Wolverhampton is likely to suit him better and over 1m 2f he is the type of horse that can easily collect a handicap shortly off his mark of 74. Hayley Turner wasn’t over hard on the lightly raced horse who was beaten little over 3.5L and whilst the temptation will be there to step up to 1m 4f, I feel things will drop his way better in a true run 10f handicap. He is clearly learning and improving with experience and is a horse to keep on the right side of. In a 0-75 or 0-80 over 1m 2f shortly he would appeal as a decent bet to me.
Aggbag – Brian Baugh
A true Wolverhampton 7f specialist who hinted a return to form was imminent on Friday in a 0-55 handicap where the first five home contained 4 horses coming into the race in good form and possibly on the right side of the handicapper. Aggbag was just in front of Nabeeda at the death who led at a scorching pace and given Aggbag likes to be handy he done well to be as close as he did getting driven for home around 3f out. The front three all came from off the pace and were going away at the finish but Aggbag looks the one to take from behind the three given he had been out of form recently and this run was certainly a sign of better things to come. He would be interesting in a similar contest without so much pace influence next time, but is only one to note at Wolverhampton as he is a different class of horse around there than anywhere else. A race on the 9th Feb over 7f (0-52) would be ideal but he may struggle to turn the form around with the 3rd horse Stargazy (rated 51) who is also being aimed at that race and met trouble in running here before finishing to good effect. Aggbag should find his opening shortly and is another to keep on the right side of.
Saturday 24th January
Misyaar – Michael Jarvis
Now handicapped the daughter of Dubai Destination looks sure to score when dropped back to 7f providing she is given a mark no higher than the low 70s. A fair work horse at home she showed her best form on debut when very green and keeping on well in 3rd in a maiden which has thrown up 6 places from four horses (in front and behind) since and her next two starts have hinted promise. A clear non stayer on her penultimate start she looked to have each way claims yesterday and approaching the final furlong she looked to have the race in safe keeps having joined the leaders 2.5f out and kicked for home taking a commanding towards the final furlong. Weakening rapidly late on she was beaten around 5L at the finish and clearly showed whilst the pace wasn’t strong that the mile was currently beyond her capabilities. The first two home had been subject to some positive gallop vibes and the winner had been working clear of Friday’s winner Signella suggesting she was quite smart, whilst the 2nd had been working very well with easy Wednesday winner Pearl Of Manacor prior to this run. If Misyaar is given a mark say 74 or lower I would fancy her strongly back over 7f in a handicap around Lingfield or Wolverhampton up to 0-80 level. A fillies race would be ideal.
Sunday 25th January
Cecily – Sir Mark Prescott
A funny one this as she technically looks handicapped to her ability at present but having travelled well throughout she failed to quicken late on but wasn’t losing ground at the end. Rosie Jessop wasn’t hard on her and also had her a bit deep so she couldn’t really lay down a battle to the winner or placed horses. This horse interests me providing they step her up to 7f and I would like to see her dropped in instead of being ridden on the pace. She looks the type to win a 0-85 over that trip and may be better suited going to Lingfield. A return to fillies only races probably wouldn’t go a miss either. I think the handicapper may drop her a lb for this but if she were to appear in a 0-85 7f fillies handicap at Lingfield, I would be very interested in her chance.
Marmooq – Michael Attwater
Whilst he hasn’t won off this high a mark before I feel he certainly will if trying another 0-65 off 64 around Wolverhampton or Kempton. He was going nicely tracking the pace and looked sure to go close turning in when short of room and shuffled back at a crucial point. Getting out late he flew home to snatch 4th and would have won with another 100yrds. I think he can definitely go down as a very unlucky loser and would be one to beat in similar company shortly.
Amber Moon – Jamie Osborne
I would be careful of this horse being raised again in the weights, having been 2nd off 45 twice and now a close 4th when rated lowest (50) of the first four home today with handicap marks, but if allowed in a handicap off 50, this horse will win a 0-52 or 0-55 around Wolverhampton over the extended mile. She was always travelling like the best horse in the race and she lost her chance when caught on heels turning in, attempting to switch out wide Shane Kelly was forced to change his mind and then switch again to the inner. Whilst he literally only lost 3 or 4 strides in the process it allowed the first 3 home to just get that run ahead of her and by running home up the rail she was actually running on a part of the track very few horses quicken up off of. Having lost momentum it’s hard to pick up again and had she been able to switch out turning in I think she would have won. 2nd at Southwell when hanging away her chance a few days earlier she has now had 3 races in just over 2 weeks but she seems to be taking her racing well. She is entered in a one mile apprentice race at Lingfield this week but I doubt she will get in and for me the key to her is around here. There is a 46-60 handicap over the extended mile at Wolverhampton on February 14th and providing this filly finds herself no higher than 55, I think she would be a bit of a good thing in that level. There are no real options on Saturday or Sunday before the handicapper has the chance to reassess her and providing he leaves her off 50 she is certainly capable of winning over the extended mile at Wolverhampton.
Regards
Chris