Juvenile Hurdlers 2015/2016

Good man!

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

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

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

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

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

Sires
Consortium - Teofilo (5) 58%
Albert Herring - Tobougg (4) 30%
Oceane - Kentucky Dynamite (2) 100%
Jersey Bull - Clodovil (2) 27%
Konnos Bay - Phoenix Reach (1) 32%
Our Nipper - Grape Tree Road 25%
Auld Fyffee - Haatef 17%
Darebin - It's Gino 0% (first runner)
 
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The first super exciting prospect makes his debut today at Chepstow in Adrien du Pont who was described by Anthony Bromley as "maybe the best of them (juveniles sent to Ditcheat)". He had one win in France, an easy win at Enghien.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sires
Adrien du Pont - Califet (5)
Sky Lino - Martaline (2)
Nosper - Whipper (2)
Sceau Royal - Doctor Dino (1)
Social Climber - Strategic Prince (1)
Layerthorpe - Vale Of York
Capatosta - Flashy Bull
 
If anybody's still interested in the "Arbitrary 1"s, Adrien du Pont would get a big one.

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

Amongst his rivals will be Market Rasen runner up Pinkie Brown.
 
Sceau Royal ran a cracker and just help off the highly rated Adrien Du Pont. Owned by Mr Simon Munir & Mr Isaac Souede, who have some lovely horses on their books.
 
Two very nice looking juveniles. Was a little concerned that the rags were still in contention in the straight but the front two pulled very nicely clear. Whilst Sceau Royal was the more forward of the two, I felt that if the race had been run again then Adrien du Pont would have won but it was still a fairly harsh decision by UK standards.
 
Pinkie Brown pulled too hard and weakened two out.

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

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

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

The actual wording is "for juvenile four yrs old only" which is just as well since Top Notch won in the previous March before contesting last season's renewal. So Adrien du Pont would indeed qualify.
 
Cheers BH. I couldn't find where it was properly defined and an unofficial site was calling it 'a novice hurdle for juveniles aged four over 2m1f of the new course.'
 
Wetherby's national hunt season kicks off with a the traditional Maiden juvenile and as with previous renewals, it isn't a massively strong affair. Those with experience bring little form and the top two flat recruits are both maidens.

Sarafina was twice a runner up on the flat in selling company and brings the strongest jumps form in her twenty-four length fourth at Cartmel. She met softer than good ground for the first time in her fourteen race career last time at Perth and finished a tailed off last of ten. Danny O'Ruairc demonstrated an element of promise as a two-year old before being thoroughly outclassed in the Acomb stakes and has regressed ever since landing on an official mark of 51. He finished some twenty-five lengths ahead of Sarafina on his hurdles debut but was still beaten by well over a distance himself. Bond Starprincess is another refugee from the Perth race (finished ninth) and though she did enough on the flat to suggest she can stay, she only has a mark of 41. 53 flat rated No Rum was overfaced on his debut at Market Rasen but still jumped poorly and was beaten by one hundred and fifty lengths. Hey Bob's flat rating off 33 looked harsh and he made it over the first at Sedgefield before running out.

Our Thomas is a four race maiden but he brings a solid profile encompassing a nice spectrum of ground conditions. He was a six length third on his debut in an above average Ripon maiden and was clear of the remainder before running fairly useful dual hurdle winner Chebsey Beau to two and a half lengths. He ran keenly when third behind two subsequent winners including the massively improved Star Storm. With an official rating of 80, he was sent to another maiden rather than taking advantage of his mark and was a nine length second to the Fanshawe filly Pecking Order. Not the safest conveyance and his favouritism reflects the standard of opposition above all else but he's bred for the game and is the first string of Tim Easterby's trio. Quill Art has had three runs on the flat, all of them taking place at Wolverhampton in maidens back in the winter. Gelded before he even saw a racecourse, he was too green to do himself justice on his debut in a nine and a half furlong event and hung left before weakening on his second start in a similar contest. Dropped to a mile and half a furlong for his third start, he was second to a green Gosden debutant (who hasn't been seen since) and was the third best in the race due to the interference caused to the inconsistent Water Dancer. Stormin Tom is certainly the most successful horse in the field having thrice been allowed into the winners enclosure this season. The first two of his three wins occurred in ten furlong handicaps on good to firm. The first coming in late April at Nottingham off 51 and the second off 61 at Beverley in June. The latest success came, rather encouragingly, on good to soft ground over a mile and a half at Ripon off 65 so the trip, the ground and the configuration wouldn't be a problem here. He's since finished fifth on each of his three subsequent starts, two of them over trips longer than a mile and a half. The Lampo Genie has plied the bulk of his career at Haydock and it was there where he collected his sole success in a mile and a half maiden. Those in behind that day have mostly gone onto become steady 70/80 odd rated performers so this single piece of form is pretty much as strong as anything in the race. However, The Lampo Genie has beaten only one horse home in all of his next five starts and trip, going and headgear doesn't seem to have an effect on arresting the decline. Harley Rebel is the other horse in the field to have at least won a race and that came in a Kempton handicap over eleven furlongs off 50. There were five subsequent winners behind so the form has worked out well for the level although none have breached the "useful" barrier. He hasn't been seen since finishing third next time at Bath on firm ground back in early May and has missed a couple of engagements since. Poet Mark has twice finished fourth in staying handicaps over the summer though they were both on ground firmer than good and off a rating of 48. Lord Of Words's best effort of six starts this season was a nine length ninth in a good to firm Redcar handicap off 51. Angrove Fatrascal will be the first skewbald I've seen running in a juvenile and I hope he stays safe.

Arbitrary 1-2-3*
1. Stormin Tom
2. Our Thomas
3. The Lampo Genie

Hey Bob 4/2 Tiger Groom 2nd Grand Prix d'Automne (G1), Auteuil 2002
Danny O'Ruairc 5/5 Go Native 1st Fighting Fifth Hurdle (G1), Newcastle 2009 (.5 Roman General)
Stormin Tom 6/4 Ashkazar 1st Kingwell Hurdle (G2), Wincanton 2009 (6/6 Adrien du Pont 5/3 Indian Jockey 6/3 Shawiya)
Poet Mark 4/3 Spirit Of Adjisa 1st Champion Novice Hurdle (G1), Punchestown 2011
The Lampo Genie 3/3 Valain 3rd Guinness Handicap Hurdle (Grade C, 132), Listowel 2009 (3/4 Big McIntosh)
Lord Of Words 3/2 Murmure 3rd Grand Course de Printemps H. Hurdle, Auteuil 1991
Angrove Fatrascal 6/2 On Tap 1st Handicap Hurdle (122), Newcastle 1989
Our Thomas .5 Deepsand 1st Handicap Hurdle (121), Perth 2013
Bond Starprincess 2/1 Pagan Starprincess 1st Mares' Hurdle (G2), Doncaster 2009
Quill Art 3/1 Englishtown 1st Handicap Hurdle (120), Southwell 2009
Harley Rebel 5/2 Kaytak 1st Handicap Hurdle (110), Newbury 1993
No Rum 3/1 Alzaro 3rd Maiden Hurdle, Uttoxeter 1998
Sarafina no jumps relatives

Sires
Our Thomas - Dylan Thomas (4) 48%
Stormin Tom - Dylan Thomas (4) 48%
Harley Rebel - Cockney Rebel (1) 20%
Quill Art - Excellent Art (1) 20%
Bond Starprincess - Monsieur Bond (1) 14%
Poet Mark - Vale Of York 50%
Hey Bob - Big Bad Bob 30%
The Lampo Genie - Champs Elysees 30%
Lord Of Words - Thousand Words 25%
No Rum - Alfred Nobel 0% (only runner)
Danny O'Ruairc - Fast Company 0% (only runner)
Sarafina - Mullionmileanhour 0% (only runner)
Angrove Fatrascal - Angrove Spottedick 0% (first runner)
 
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Only had chance to do pedigrees which is a shame as today's maiden looks decidedly more substantial than yesterday's.

Borak 5/4 Bacchanal 1st Stayers’ Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2000* (2/2 Paco Jack 5/4 Crossbow Creek 3/3 Running Wolf .5 Ardmay)
Chic Name 3/1 Vie De Reine 3rd Prix Ferdinand Dufaure (G1), Auteuil 2002
Celestial Magic 4/1 Its Time For A Win 1st Topham Chase (132), Aintree 2002 (6/3 Camden Tanner)
Duke Of Sonning 2/2 Gibb River 1st Handicap Hurdle (144), Sandown 2012 (2/2 Goblet Of Fire, Bishop Wulstan 2/2 Arabian Oasis)
Champagne Ransom 4/3 Trouble At Bay 1st Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (G2), Kempton 2004
Mister Dick 5/3 Buddy Marvel 1st Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (G2), Kempton 1998 (1/0 Lyric Melody)
Diamond Joel .5 Cloudy Spirit 6th David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (G2), Cheltenham 2012 (2/1 Norma Hill)
Midtech Star 2/2 Dishdasha 1st Novices' Chase, Ludlow 2009
Lucie Rie 4/4 You Need Luck 3rd Juvenile 3-Y-O Hurdle (G3), Fairyhouse 2003
Philba 3/2 Widely Accepted 1st 3YO Maiden Hurdle, Killarney 2005

Sires
Champagne Ransom - Mastercraftsman (5)
Chic Name - Nickname (2)
Philba - Cockney Rebel (1)
Duke Of Sonning - Duke Of Marmalade (1)
Celestial Magic - Black Sam Bellamy
Lucie Rie - Excellent Art
Mister Dick - Great Journey
Borak - Kodiac
Midtech Star - Kodiac
Diamond Joel - Youmzain
 
Now that the season is beginning in earnest, I've decided to go through the Triumph market and perhaps introduce the horses that will be aiming to make a big splash in this division over the next few months.

Zubayr 16/1 bg Paul Nicholls Flat 2-0-1 -34 RPR80 OR- Hurdles unraced
Authorized (13) 5/4 Zarkandar 1st Aintree Hurdle (G1), Aintree 2013 (5/2 Zaiyad 5/3 Zaidpour 5/3 Zaynar 5/2 Zafarabad 4/1 Zabadi 2/1 Zafar)
The early leader of the Triumph market, he was subject to a bidding war between Harold Kirk working for Willie Mullins, and Tom Malone working for current connections. A final bid of €380,000 was sufficiently damaging to the wallets (or egos) to call an armistice and the spoils went to Somerset. Quite what justified such a price for a two run maiden has one befuddled but two people who get paid loads of money spend loads of money on horses agree that he looks very nice (Tom Malone actually said "He was full of class, a real looker, with great athleticism, who looked tailor-made for jumping". Both of his starts occurred at Longchamp, the first of which in the middle of May when third over 2200 meters on good ground in thePrix des Gobelins (Aga Khan first string). A race for newcomers, Alain de Royer Dupré has used the contest to introduce to introduce a couple of decent types in recent years including Tercentenary runner up Shikarpour and group performer Ashkiyr. The winner, Clariden, was placed at both Compiegne and Chantilly before returning to Chantilly to finish down the field although the runner up, Launched, has fared better picking up races at Compiegne and Deauville before finishing runner up in a Saint Cloud listed contest earning a valeur of 42 (OR93). The remainder in behind have done little since with the exception of stablemate and Aga Khan second string Vazirabad who has become the undisputed leading stayer of his class in France. Back at Longchamp, this time over a mile and a half, Zubayr plugged on to finish fourth in the Prix du Marche Aux Fleurs where he wasn't given the harshest ride. Winner Harlem won his sole subsequent start which was a listed race at Vichy in July, the runner up hasn't been seen since, although the third, Syndromos, won next time at Chantilly and was purchased by Alan Potts in whose colours has ran average races over hurdles at Auteuil. Clear enough of the rest, there's been just the one subsequent winner from those behind him which was Corybas taking an Amiens contest. Overall, Zubayr's form has a smattering of class but is nothing special given the price tag. There is some encouragement in the pedigree as is to be expected for a product of Aga Khan's stud and Authorized is a good source of juvenile hurdlers (Zamdy Man, Commissioned, Tiger Roll, Belltor). Zubayr is unlikely to see the racecourse again until the new year.

Allblak des Places 20/1 blg Willie Mullins Flat unraced Hurdles 2-0-2 32- RPR111 OR-
Full Of Gold 4/2 Don't Be Shy 1st Game Spirit Chase (G2), Lingfield 2006 (4/2 Kruguyrova .5 Queen des Places 4/2 Top Of The Sky 4/3 Acclaimed)
The Irish hype horse is another maiden although this one has at least proven that he can jump hurdles having had two runs under the tutelage of François Nicolle (who recently launched Volnay De Thaix, Un Temps Pour Tout and The Saint James). His debut was back in February at Bordeaux (he's the one in the black with red sleeves - held up to begin with but moves into a tracking position on the rail) where he was beaten seven lengths into third after a mistake at the last. The winner, Fingertips (since joined David Pipe) was runner up on his only subsequent start when giving weight to Romain de Senam (since joined Paul Nicholls). Runner up Castel Roque hasn't won since but was placed twice Auteuil before switching his attention to chasing where he actually finished ahead of Buddy Banks on debut. There were a further seven lengths to the rest of the field, none of whom have collected a race of their own with the strongest form of the bunch coming in Auteuil and Enghien claimers. Allblak des Places had his next start towards the end of March at Enghien where he jumped economically at most of his hurdles before running the season's leading 3-y-o chaser, Buddy Banks, to a head and pulling ten lengths clear of the remainder. Whilst it is worth pointing out that the winner was giving the Mullins recruit nine pounds and it was a real howler at the last by the winner, this was a step up on the debut effort. The third placed Passage Dombasle finished seven lengths behind Adrien du Pont before matching Romain de Senam at the weights and the fourth placed Ikrapol was beaten three and a half lengths (rec 9lbs) by Adrien du Pont and has since joined that horse at Ditcheat. He's been described as a rangy sort and will be carrying the colours made famous by Hurricane Fly.

Oceane 20/1 bg Alan King Flat 7-1-2 0241-373 RPR92 OR84 Hurdles 1-1-0 -1 RPR108 OR-
Kentucky Dynamite (2) no jumps relatives
The first in the lists to have won a race, not least over hurdles and in the UK. Oceane had four runs on the flat as a two year old for Keven Borgel culminating with a win in an amateur race at Marseille. Whilst the initial BHB rating of 84 looked a little harsh, there were a couple of subsequent 80 rated performers in behind in the aforementioned race. That BHB rating was vindicated on his UK debut at Salisbury where was less than a length behind St Leger winner Simple Verse and Melrose Handicap winner Polarisation. Whilst he was beaten in his next two starts by a combined thirty-seven lengths, he was well backed ahead of his hurdles debut at Fontwell. A little taken aback by the new task early on, he soon settled into a rhythm and jumped very nicely for the most part before forging twelve lengths clear on the flat under a hands and heels drive. An impressive debut where he was different class from the remainder (the runner up ran to a similar level next time at Huntingdon) and though the form itself is a long way off Cheltenham standard, it was one full of potential. He is still entered in at Kempton this weekend where we might learn a bit more about him.

Edelpour 25/1 grc Alan Fleming Flat 4-2-1 5-112 RPR107 OR103 Hurdles unraced
Mastercraftsman (5) .5 Ebaziyan 3rd Champion Hurdle (G1), Punchestown 2008 (1/2 Ebadiyan 2/1 Erzen 4/2 Noyan)
Edelpour was another subject of a protracted battle of bidders and this time it was between Gerry Hogan and some chap who wanted to take him to Australia. Instead of a life down under to possibly contest a Melbourne Cup and maybe enjoy a career at stud, Barry Connell's €450,000 secured Edelpour's probable vasectomy as well as a longer, wetter and riskier career. Fifth on his sole two year old start at Leopardstown, he kicked off his three year old career with a win in a soft ground, mile and a half Gowran Park maiden after which the next four horses in behind have gone on to be 80 rated handicappers. He struck again in dogged fashion in a less competitive conditions race over the same trip on heavy ground at Sligo from a 94 rated animal. His latest start on the flat was in the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes[/url] at Leopardstown. Over the same trip as his previous two starts but on good to firm this time, Edelpour shaped as though further won't be an issue at all. Whilst never looking like passing St Leger third Fields Of Athenry, he did push him to the line and the form is given a solid look by third placed Roheryn who filled the same slot in the valuable Petingo Handicap. Being Aga Khan bred, there are umpteen relatives who've fared well over hurdles although he is closely related to Supreme Novices' winner Ebaziyan as well as possible Triumph winner Ebadiyan. Mastercraftsman made a most promising start with his first crop of hurdlers, Matorico, The Wallace Line and Intense Tango being the best of last season's crop.

Fixe le Kap 25/1 grg Nicky Henderson Flat unraced Hurdles 3-0-1 52-4 RPR114
Kapgarde (2) 5/3 Kotkijet 1st Grand Steeplechase de Paris (G1), Auteuil 2001/2004 (5/4 Kalkir 5/5 Katenko 3/2 Baby Norm)
Nicky Henderson saddled the first three in last season's Triumph Hurdle so it is natural that his three purchases to date will take a high perch in the early Triumph market. Fixe le Kap has had three starts, all at Auteuil, all coming on either very soft or heavy ground. The first was at an unfancied 27/1 in the Prix Rush[/url] (a race for hurdles debutants) where he jumped well enough but faded late on. The winner, Choeur du Nord, has won again, the second has since finished second and the aforementioned Romain de Senam was just behind. Next time in the Prix Champaubert[/url], he belied his 16.9/1 odds by finishing second. Making the running with a solid jumping exhibition, he found only the Prix Rush victor Choeur du Nord too strong but he did keep on to the line. The aforementioned Castel Roque was four lengths behind, Lyon chase winner Commingeois was another five behind and Konigssar, who completed the field beat the winner next time out before disappointing in listed company. Overall, the form definitely has a solid look if not quite a substantial one. Fixe le Kap's final French start came in the Prix de Pouilly[/url] over an additional 500 meters. Quite comfortably beaten in the end, the race was won by Punch Nantais who went on to finish fourth in a listed hurdle and is now probably the second best 3yo chaser in France. Neither the second nor third have been out since and those behind haven't achieved much. Boasting blue blooded chasing pedigree, his sire, Kapgarde, is more than capable of producing hurdlers although it's over fences where they really seem to flourish with current French staying kingpin Milord Thomas being the most notable of his progeny.

Khezerabad 25/1 chg Nicky Henderson Flat 4-2-0 -1146 RPR99 Val43.5 (OR96) Hurdles unraced
Dalakhani (3) 4/1 Khayrawani 1st Coral Cup (G3, 144), Cheltenham 1999 (2/1 Khayrabad 5/2 Khairabar)
Another ex-de Royer Dupre/Aga Khan animal, Khezerabad has already enjoyed two victories. The first came on his debut in a ten furlong event for unraced males at Maisons Laffitte where he ran out a most comfortable eight length winner. Whilst there was very little in behind, at least the third placed Artificier is slumming it in provincial handicaps off around 74. He followed up with another success in a valuable conditions race at Saint Cloud over a mile an a half which he took in a thoroughly game manner. The runner up, Five Fifteen since filled the same slot in a listed race at Saint Cloud and a Group 3 at Angers. The third, Big Blue, won his own listed race at Deauville before chasing home Vazirabad in a Longchamp Group 3 before finishing fourth behind the same horse in a Group 2 on Arc day. Khezerabad then tasted defeat for the first time in a Vichy listed race on good to soft where he was six lengths behind the aforementioned Harlem before tasting it again on very soft ground at Deauville in the race won by his Saint Cloud victim Big Blue. It might be that soft ground may be the undoing of this horse as his mother seemed to have a similar aversion to the mud.

Red Hammer 25/1 bg Nicky Henderson Flat 4-0-1 6-325 RPR82 Val37 (OR82) Hurdles unraces
Falco 2/2 Hei Mao 4th Claiming Hurdle, Machecoul 2014
Well beaten on his sole two-year-old start over six at Maisons Laffitte, there was more encouragement on his three-year-old bow over a mile at Longchamp (maroon Qatar racing colours). It wasn't the strongest Longchamp maiden with the only subsequent winner finding his success at claiming level and the equivalent of 79 being the strongest rating. Red Hammer came closest to winning when grabbed by the post in a bunched finish at Compiegne over a mile on good to soft. The quality of that race is a little sounder with the range of subsequent ratings falling around the late seventies and mid eighties. His last race came in a mile handicap at Saint Cloud where a close fifth despite twice meeting trouble in running. He since fetched €105,000 at the Arqana sales.

Let's Dance 25/1 bf Willie Mullins Flat unraced Hurdles 1-0-1 2- RPR- OR-
Poliglote (6) 2/2 Gitane du Berlais 1st Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (G1), Sandown 2015 (1/0 Baraka du Berlais 3/3 Turn Over Sivola)
Running for Guillaume Macaire, Let's Dance has had only the one start and that came on April Fools Day at Fontainebleau (the Bob's Worth/Afrad looking colours). Held up off the pace, she came from a mile behind in the straight despite jumping large and though never threatening her stablemate winner, managed to accelerate nicely from the third horse. The winner, Vallee du Nil has not won since and her best subsequent effort was when runner up behind the above mentioned Commingeois in a Lyon chase last month. The third placed horse is a 23 race maiden, the fourth has been placed at Chateaubriant and Nantes and the fifth collected a Royan La Palmyre claimer before being thrice beaten in similar company. The form does leave a fair bit to be desired but there is absolutely nothing wrong with her pedigree.

Riven Light 25/1 bg Willie Mullins Flat 6-1-3 -2231314 RPR93 Val41 (OR93) Hurdles unraced
Raven's Pass (1) 3/3 Runswick Royal 1st Premier Chase (Listed), Kelso 2015 (3/3 No One Tells Me 5/3 Ossmoses)
Another to have been purchased at Arqana, this one left the Carlos Laffon-Parias yard after six starts for the sum of €200,000. Making his debut in May over a mile at Saint Cloud, Riven Light started at 16/1 when beaten six lengths by French 2000 guineas fourth Karar before filling the same slot at Longchamp (dark blue, grey stars) when running the 108 rated group performer De Treville to a short head. Returning to Saint Cloud for the inappropriately named Prix Good Luck, he ran into Group 2 winner Dariyan so he set his sights lower and went to Le Croise Laroche where he finally got off the mark in cosy enough fashion ahead of the roughly 82 rated Zanskar. After returning to Maisons Laffitte when giving weight away and finishing close to lower listed level Royana, he regained the winning thread at Vichy where he readily put two and a half lengths between himself and the 82 rated Ilek. His final start was in another conditions race at Longchamp in early September where he was fourth, giving weight and finishing within a length of Group 2 fifth Parade Music. Raven's Pass has yet to be truly tested as a jumps sire but there is encouragement in that he already has the useful Aqalim on his roster.

Adrien du Pont 33/1 bg Paul Nicholls Flat unraced Hurdles 2-2-0 1-1 RPR116 OR-
Califet (5) 5/3 Ashkazar 1st Kingwell Hurdle (G2), Wincanton 2009 (4/1 Shawiya, Shaihar 4/3 Staying Article)
Two starts, two wins for the highly touted son of Califet. The first win came when still trained by Donatien Sourdeau de Beauregard (not renowned for being an export trainer) in a 3300 metre hurdle at Enghien (maroon and grey stripes). He was somewhat keen in the earlier stages, his jumping ranged between economical and not so economical and he had to be kept up to his work in the end but he was very clearly the superior horse in the race. The runner up, King's Socks, was a comfortable winner back at the track before finishing a five length fourth then a six length second to France's leading Juvenile Device. Third placed Ikrapol was twelve lengths behind Buddy Banks and Allblak des Places and has since joined Paul Nicholls and back in fourth was another aforementioned, Passage Dombasle. On his UK debut at Chepstow, he was back as if defeat was out of the question. Definitely fresh, he made a couple of blunders along the way although none so severe as to cost him momentum. It took him a while to close in on his sole serious rival and it wasn't until after the line that he passed Sceau Royal but in a somewhat controversial turn of events, he was handed the race in the stewards room. Ultimately, the run did have to go down as something of a disappointment as there seemed to be a big gap between the first two on French form. Nevertheless, Adrien du Pont certainly has an engine and is far from the finished article. Indeed, his style of jumping suggests that he might actually be better suited by larger obstacles.

Asangy 33/1 bc Trainer unknown (possibly Alan Fleming) Flat 5-3-1 -34111 RPR82 Val39 (OR85) Hurdles unraced
Gentlewave (1) 4/1 Connaught River 2nd Cathcart Challenge Cup (Listed), Cheltenham 1984 (2/1 Universal Truth)
After the sad loss of Our Conor and the disappointing Minsk, owner Barry Connell seems determined to have a very good juvenile hurdler. Along with the €450,000 spent on Edelpour, he's invested another €225,000 in this Italian bred. After two starts in entire races at Senonnes and Lyon, Asangy was off the mark at the third time of asking in grim fashion over eleven furlongs at Cavaillon (black and red). It was not a strong contest although the runner up does have a rating of around 75. Asangy took his next two starts in handicap company back at the larger tracks. Firstly over a mile and a half on good ground at Saint Cloud then over the same trip and on the same ground at Longchamp in June. Naturally the level of flat form isn't the highest of the French imports but he is improving with every run and has a most likeable attitude.

Leoncavallo 33/1 bg John Ferguson Flat 7-1-1 77-62144 RPR71 OR66 Hurdles 4-4-0 -1111 RPR134 OR140
Cape Cross (10) 6/5 Fait Le Jojo 1st Handicap Hurdle (132), Ascot 2002
A horse whose progress has been well documented in this thread, he is the undisputed king of the summer juveniles with four cosy wins from four starts. He didn't seem 100% genuine on the flat and his sole success in that sphere came in a Wolverhampton handicap off 62. However, he took an immediate liking to hurdling with his first success coming at Stratford in July where though he was a little green, he was most taking in his jumping. His next win came at Newton Abbot where he had next to nothing to beat and was still a little green but he didn't have to break sweat to win by eighteen lengths. He was out less than a week later at Stratford where he made light work of a double penalty. It was his final start at Market Rasen[/url] where he truly put his stamp on the summer division in what is traditionally the championship event of sorts. Though a little steady at the second and third, he was otherwise foot perfect and giving weight all round, he needed to be shaken up but the response was instantaneous and he quickly put fourteen lengths between the rest. It would be obvious to say that it's not difficult to win four on the bounce in the summer but in fairness to the horse, the one he beat on his debut, Paddys Runner, has won twice since and of those in behind at Market Rasen, Duke Street has won at Ludlow, Cooper was previously a very cosy winner at Sedgefield from a solid yardstick and the tailed off Cahill ran respectably at Huntingdon. There would still need to be further improvement if Leoncavallo is to become a Triumph contender and there's no telling yet if John Ferguson will get many more recruits but summer Juveniles can go on to be competitive in better company (Katchit, Countrywide Flame, Quazar etc)

Rashaan chg 33/1 Colin Kidd Flat 1-0-0 -0 RPR45 OR- Hurdles 2-2-0 -11 RPR115 OR-
Manduro (2) 3/2 Tiger Groom 2nd Grand Prix d'Automne (G1), Auteuil 2002 (3/2 Rifawan 3/4 Notus de La Tour 2/1 Rayshan)
Another ex-Aga Khan inmate although he was sold for a much less princely sum after one run with Michael Halford for €8,500. His sole flat start at Dundalk was a bit of a nothing beaten sixteen lengths in a seven furlong maiden. There were bits and pieces for him in the market before his hurdles debut at Roscommon and though he was sent off at 33/1, his slick jumping and stylish manner of victory were not unexpected. It would be of some concern that none of his fourteen rivals that day have gone on to even be placed but he followed up with another win, this time at Listowel. Tracking the leaders, he travelled and jumped nicely throughout and when he turned the screws, he forced a couple of errors out of his most serious rival and the style he took his later hurdles was breathtaking. Furthermore, the form is taking a nice shape to it with the second and third filling the first two slots next time at Gowran and the fourth has twice been placed since. Similar to Leoncavallo, he could only really beat what was in front of him but he's done it with the minimum of fuss and is the best seen in Ireland thus far.

Sceau Royal bg 33/1 Alan King Flat 1-0-0 3- RPR- OR- Hurdles 3-1-1 71-1d RPR116 OR-
Doctor Dino (1) 6/3 Kalamalka 135? 2nd Galway Plate (Listed, 9-12), Galway 1988
Formerly with Guillaume Macaire, Sceau Royal had one start as a two-year-old at Fontainebleau when going off at 44/1 and finishing four and a half lengths third behind Campione who actually picked up a rating of 95 before getting beaten twenty-three lengths when last seen in the Prix du Jockey Club. On the strength of this, he went off as second favourite of fifteen runners on his hurdles debut at Enghien (blue, yellow sleeves, black cap). It wasn't to be however as after settling in rear, he had one heck of a passage and whilst he was making some ground late on, an error at the last ended any chance of a place finish. It wasn't a bad race with Buddy Banks winning it and the runner up Roi Mage running quite respectably also but overall, it wasn't a great race either. Sceau Royal was sent off as favourite to atone for this run in a 3300 meter contest at Bordeaux. Taking up the running some way from home, he put the race to bed in a matter of strides finishing four lengths ahead of subsequent Dax winner Rue Palatine. Roman was the only other horse behind with subsequent form which came in big city Claimers and saw him matched with the uninspired Instagram. As such, it was reasonable to expect him to find Adrien du Pont a step too far at Chepstow but he acquitted himself well and could have kept the race had his jumping not cost him a precious length or two towards the end. Nevertheless, he didn't appear to be the best horse in the race in any case.

And that's all I can do for today.

Here's the remainder of the Triumph market

40/1 Doubly Clever
50/1 Vallee du Nil (still trained in France)
66/1 Paddys Runner
80/1 Goudevivre (another still in France)
100/1 Big McIntosh
100/1 Lake Champlain
100/1 Mountainside
200/1 Dominada
200/1 Retro Valley

And here's seven horses I think have a good probability of being listed sooner or later

Baraymi
Capeland
Favorito Buck's
Fingertips
Ikrapol
Romain de Senam
Vilman

I'm going to be super busy over the next fortnight by which time there'll probably be another ten added to the markets. Nevertheless, if I'm able to find a spare few hours here or there then I will try to fill in the gaps with the pedigrees and appropriate video form links.
 
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What can you tell me about Fou et Sage BH? His form looks very decent in France. Possibly tough for him to make all tomorrow but a few dodge pots in the field.
 
He's been following Bonito de Berlais home in France which is very good form. The drop back to two miles will be in his favour and his action suggests he'll be better on better ground. I understand Skelton likes him and he wouldn't be pitching here if he felt he is out of place.

It'sa pretty tough start but he's an ew price and worth a bet.
 
The drift probably answered the question. He was never put into the race so I'd imagine they were looking for a mark for later handicap targets.

The only other alternatives were the French form doesn't stand up, which is unlikely, or he simply wasn't fit enough. Whatever the explanation, the market knew.
 
I'd be careful with Fout et Sage, Paul.

He was flattered by his proximity to BdB in the Prix d'Indy and the Pepinvast, and was left looking flat-footed both times. The rest of his form left him with plenty to find in a very-strong race, and the market could simply have been a necessary correction, following him being over-bet in the morning.

Skelton might well be able to get him handicapped to win a race, but far from wanting a return to 2m, I think he wants stepped-up into staying trips on bottomless ground. I think yesterday's outing was more a case of never being able to stay on terms, rather than never being put into the race.
 
Quite liked how Culture de Sivola battled back for second in the Juvenile at Fakenham yesterday. Nick doesn't seem to have a whole lot of firepower this season so I'm hoping this one wins a nice race or two.
 
One of the worst juvenile hurdles of the season run at Limerick today.
The winner by Jeremy is a fine strong sort that should oblige again.
Never Again, also by Jeremy was pulled up after saddle slipped.
She should be a winner in waiting also as was jumping like a buck and loved the soft going.
 
Been a while (work, travel, illness, stuff) since posting ITT but would rather have another crack then completely lose track of the remainder of the season. Couldn't sleep due to congestion and headache so did pedigrees for today's race at Ludlow to distract from said headache and congestion. Now that I'm tired enough to sleep again, the light's coming out (joy!).

Couple of really interesting newcomers in Alan King's Who Dares Wins and Dan Skelton's Fouberg. The latter is an unraced full brother to last season's second best French Juvenile and disappointed-on-sole-British-start Fou Et Sage and is also closely related to Triumph runner up Far West. The trainer hasn't fired yet this season with his Juveniles but he is capable in the sphere as proven by Zarib last term. Who Dares Wins won three on the bounce for Richard Hannon in the summer on standard and firm ground and wasn't disgraced on soft at York last month off 85. Jumping has long been the plan for him and while there's not a lot of jumping on the dam's side, the influence of Jeremy is more than ample compensation.

Fouberg 2/1 Far West 2nd Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2012 (1/1 Fou Et Sage, 2/1 Fabulously, 3/1 Present Bleu, 3/2 Hammersly Lake)
Celestial Magic 4/1 Its Time For A Win 1st Topham Chase (132), Aintree 2002 (6/3 Camden Tanner)
Light Breaks 4/2 Major Inquiry 3rd Kingwell Hurdle (G2), Wincanton 1991 (3/1 Notable Graduate)
Sandgate 3/3 Torphichen 1st Fishery Lane Hurdle (Listed), Naas 2009
Midtech Star 2/2 Dishdasha 1st Novices' Chase, Ludlow 2009
Overlord 3/2 Gandalf 1st Handicap Hurdle (92), Down Royal 2007
Who Dares Wins 5/3 St Pancras 1st Novices' Hurdle, Sedgefield 2006

Sires
Who Dares Wins - Jeremy (10) 42%
Light Breaks - Dylan Thomas (4) 51%
Overlord - Lawman (2) 21%
Fouberg - Sageburg (five 3YO hurdle winners from sixteen runners in France this year)
Midtech Star - Kodiac 48%Celestial Magic - Black Sam Bellamy 30%
Sandgate - Compton Place 15%
 
tocororo has just confirmed the fast time figure recorded by Ivanovich Gorbatov at Leopardstown on 27 December. IG is top of my figures up to press for the TH. The 2nd 3rd in that race need keeping right side of too...Let's Dance+ Lagostovegas..in fact i'd be watching the runners from that race up to the 7th just for more conformation.
 
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