Juvenile Hurdlers 2017/2018

Just going to hijack this thread if you don't mind...

Here are the leading trainers of Juvenile Hurdlers over the past five seasons (top 100 horses by RPR from each of the past five seasons)
Paul Nicholls 39
W P Mullins 36
Alan King 32
Gordon Elliott 23
Nicky Henderson 21
John Ferguson 18
Gary Moore 16
David Pipe 13
John Quinn 13
Dan Skelton 12
Mrs John Harrington 11
Jonjo O'Neill 9
Nick Williams 9
Charlie Longsdon 7
D T Hughes 7
Donald McCain 7
Noel Meade 7
A P O'Brien 6
Brian Ellison 6
Philip Hobbs 6
A J Martin 5
Tim Vaughan 5
Venetia Williams 5
Charles O'Brien 4
Dr Richard Newland 4
Evan Williams 4
Joseph Patrick O'Brien 4
Neil Mulholland 4
Nigel Hawke 4
Tim Easterby 4
Warren Greatrex 4
Alan Fleming 3
E J O'Grady 3
Gavin Cromwell 3
Harry Fry 3
Harry Whittington 3
Mick Channon 3
Miss Ellmarie Holden 3
Neil King 3
Oliver Sherwood 3
Seamus Mullins 3
Tony Carroll 3
Bernard Llewellyn 2
C Byrnes 2
Charlie Mann 2
D K Weld 2
David Dennis 2
Desmond McDonogh 2
Don Cantillon 2
Ian Williams 2
James Eustace 2
Jamie Snowden 2
Jennie Candlish 2
Jim Goldie 2
John C McConnell 2
John Ryan 2
K J Condon 2
Lucinda Russell 2
Michael Mulvany 2
Micky Hammond 2
Nigel Twiston-Davies 2
Noel Quinlan 2
Oliver Greenall 2
Patrick J Flynn 2
Robert Stephens 2
Ross O'Sullivan 2
Steve Gollings 2
Stuart Edmunds 2
A L T Moore 1
A Oliver 1
Andrew Balding 1
Andrew Lynch 1
Andrew McNamara 1
Anthony Mullins 1
Ben Pauling 1
Chris Gordon 1
Colin Bowe 1
Colin Kidd 1
D J Bunyan 1
David Evans 1
David Harry Kelly 1
E Bolger 1
E D Delany 1
Ed de Giles 1
Emma Lavelle 1
Eugene M O'Sullivan 1
Gary Brown 1
George Moore 1
Henry Oliver 1
J F O'Shea 1
J Halley 1
J J Lambe 1
Jamie Osborne 1
Jim Best 1
John J Walsh 1
John Joseph Hanlon 1
John Joseph Murphy 1
John Patrick Shanahan 1
Jonathan Sweeney 1
Joseph G Murphy 1
K R Burke 1
Kieran Purcell 1
Kim Bailey 1
Laura Young 1
Lucinda Egerton 1
Lucy Wadham 1
Martin Keighley 1
Michael Blake 1
Michael Madgwick 1
Michael Scudamore 1
N Williams 1
P A Fahy 1
Patrick G Kelly 1
Paul Nolan 1
Paul W Flynn 1
Peter Casey 1
Peter Hedger 1
Peter Niven 1
Phil Middleton 1
R Phillips 1
Reg Hollinshead 1
Richard Fahey 1
Richard Hobson 1
Richard Lee 1
Richard Spencer 1
Robert Alan Hennessy 1
Robert Collet 1
Robert Walford 1
Rodger Sweeney 1
Sabrina J Harty 1
Sarah Humphrey 1
Seamus Durack 1
Seamus Fahey 1
Sheena West 1
Tom George 1
Tom Symonds 1
V T O'Brien 1
W McCreery 1

Leading Sires
Authorized 18
Cape Cross 13
Jeremy 12
Mastercraftsman 10
Galileo 9
Saint Des Saints 9
Soldier Of Fortune 8
Montjeu 7
Sinndar 7
Azamour 6
Califet 6
Dylan Thomas 6
Great Pretender 6
High Chaparral 6
Manduro 6
Nayef 6
Rock Of Gibraltar 6
Voix Du Nord 6
Big Bad Bob 5
Danehill Dancer 5
Poliglote 5
Saddler Maker 5
Sir Percy 5
Teofilo 5
Duke Of Marmalade 4
Halling 4
Muhaymin 4
Nickname 4
Notnowcato 4
Sea The Stars 4
Shirocco 4
Al Namix 3
Arakan 3
Aussie Rules 3
Bushranger 3
Cockney Rebel 3
Dalakhani 3
Dansili 3
Dom Alco 3
Dubai Destination 3
Dubawi 3
Footstepsinthesand 3
Hurricane Run 3
Iffraaj 3
Kapgarde 3
Kentucky Dynamite 3
Kodiac 3
Martaline 3
Monsun 3
Montmartre 3
Motivator 3
Multiplex 3
New Approach 3
Pivotal 3
Pour Moi 3
Raven's Pass 3
Sageburg 3
Sakhee 3
Act One 2
Adlerflug 2
Alhaarth 2
Aqlaam 2
Assessor 2
Ballingarry 2
Barathea 2
Beneficial 2
Bering 2
Bernardini 2
Black Sam Bellamy 2
Blue Bresil 2
Canford Cliffs 2
Clodovil 2
Dark Angel 2
Doctor Dino 2
Echo Of Light 2
Elusive Pimpernel 2
Enrique 2
Equerry 2
Excellent Art 2
Fastnet Rock 2
Haafhd 2
Indian Haven 2
Intikhab 2
Lando 2
Lawman 2
Norse Dancer 2
Oasis Dream 2
Oratorio 2
Papal Bull 2
Passing Glance 2
Poet's Voice 2
Rail Link 2
Red Clubs 2
Redback 2
Sakhee's Secret 2
Sholokhov 2
Slickly 2
Spirit One 2
Stormy River 2
Tiger Hill 2
Turtle Bowl 2
Westerner 2
Windsor Knot 2
Yeats 2
Zanzibari 2
Zoffany 2
Acclamation 1
Ad Valorem 1
Air Chief Marshal 1
American Post 1
Anabaa Blue 1
Antonius Pius 1
Archange D'Or 1
Astarabad 1
Avonbridge 1
Balko 1
Baltic King 1
Barastraight 1
Beat Hollow 1
Bertolini 1
Birdstone 1
Cacique 1
Camacho 1
Captain Marvelous 1
Captain Rio 1
Choisir 1
Conillon 1
Corri Piano 1
Creachadoir 1
Dai Jin 1
Dandy Man 1
Davidoff 1
Delfos 1
Della Francesca 1
Denham Red 1
Deportivo 1
Diamond Green 1
Discover D'Auteuil 1
Doyen 1
Dr Fong 1
Dragon Dancer 1
Dream Well 1
Dutch Art 1
Early March 1
Exit To Nowhere 1
Falco 1
Fine Grain 1
Frozen Power 1
Full Of Gold 1
Gentlewave 1
Gris De Gris 1
Hard Spun 1
Hernando 1
Imperial Dancer 1
Indian Rocket 1
Intense Focus 1
Invincible Spirit 1
Irish Wells 1
It's Gino 1
Kahyasi 1
Kallisto 1
Kandidate 1
Keltos 1
Khalkevi 1
King's Best 1
Kyllachy 1
Laverock 1
Laveron 1
Lavirco 1
Layman 1
Le Fou 1
Librettist 1
Limnos 1
Linda's Lad 1
Lope De Vega 1
Lord Du Sud 1
Lord Of England 1
Loxias 1
Lucarno 1
Lucky Story 1
Majestic Missile 1
Makfi 1
Medicean 1
Moss Vale 1
Naaqoos 1
Network 1
Noroit 1
One Cool Cat 1
Overbury 1
Paddy O'Prado 1
Peintre Celebre 1
Policy Maker 1
Proclamation 1
Protektor 1
Reefscape 1
Refuse To Bend 1
Reste Tranquille 1
Rip Van Winkle 1
Robin Des Pres 1
Roderic O'Connor 1
Russian Blue 1
Saffron Walden 1
Samum 1
Shaanmer 1
Shamardal 1
Silver Cross 1
Sixties Icon 1
Smadoun 1
Special Kaldoun 1
Stormy Atlantic 1
Strategic Prince 1
Street Cry 1
Tamayuz 1
The Carbon Unit 1
Three Valleys 1
Tirwanako 1
Tobougg 1
Trade Fair 1
Turgeon 1
Vale Of York 1
Vol De Nuit 1
Whipper 1
Youmzain 1
Zamindar 1

Leading Damsires
Sadler's Wells 26
Darshaan 10
Highest Honor 8
Galileo 7
Rainbow Quest 7
Cadoudal 6
Grand Lodge 6
Alzao 5
Anabaa 5
Danehill 5
King's Theatre 5
Linamix 5
Mansonnien 5
Night Shift 5
Red Ransom 5
Smadoun 5
Barathea 4
Desert Prince 4
Diesis 4
Kingmambo 4
Lear Fan 4
Machiavellian 4
Mark Of Esteem 4
Pivotal 4
Trempolino 4
Big Shuffle 3
Cadeaux Genereux 3
Dr Fong 3
Efisio 3
Generous 3
Giant's Causeway 3
Indian Ridge 3
Kendor 3
King's Best 3
Lost World 3
Montjeu 3
Nikos 3
Poliglote 3
Revoque 3
Robin des Champs 3
Rock Of Gibraltar 3
Royal Academy 3
Video Rock 3
Acatenango 2
Act One 2
American Post 2
April Night 2
Bertolini 2
Bluebird 2
Caerleon 2
Common Grounds 2
Dalakhani 2
Dansili 2
Denham Red 2
Dom Alco 2
Dubawi 2
Dynaformer 2
Entrepreneur 2
Fairy King 2
Garde Royale 2
Gone West 2
Groom Dancer 2
Hernando 2
In The Wings 2
Invincible Spirit 2
Josr Algarhoud 2
Kadalko 2
Key Of Luck 2
Lahib 2
Lando 2
Langfuhr 2
Lesotho 2
Lion Cavern 2
Marchand de Sable 2
Marju 2
Monsun 2
Nayef 2
Pistolet Bleu 2
Saint Ballado 2
Saint Des Saints 2
Samum 2
Scenic 2
Selkirk 2
Sheyrann 2
Singspiel 2
Suave Dancer 2
Subotica 2
Surumu 2
Theatrical 2
Tiger Hill 2
Traditionally 2
Unfuwain 2
Useful 2
Valanour 2
Vettori 2
War Chant 2
Woodman 2
Abdonski 1
Acclamation 1
Adieu Au Roi 1
Akarad 1
Alderbrook 1
Alleged 1
Always Fair 1
Anabaa Bleu 1
Apple Tree 1
Arazi 1
Artan 1
Ashkalani 1
Bad Conduct 1
Bahri 1
Ballacashtal 1
Ballingarry 1
Baryshnikov 1
Be My Guest 1
Belong To Me 1
Bering 1
Bernardini 1
Bien Bien 1
Blushing Flame 1
Bob Back 1
Bonnet Rouge 1
Call Me Sam 1
Cape Cross 1
Cee's Tizzy 1
Chamberlin 1
Chef de Clan 1
Cherokee Run 1
Chief's Crown 1
Cloudings 1
College Chapel 1
Country Reel 1
Courtroom 1
Cozzene 1
Cyborg 1
Danehill Dancer 1
Dark Stone 1
Dashing Blade 1
Daylami 1
Della Francesca 1
Desert Style 1
Diktat 1
Distant View 1
Dixieland Band 1
Dom Pasquini 1
Don Pasquini 1
Dubai Destination 1
Dumaani 1
Dushyantor 1
El Gran Senor 1
Epervier Bleu 1
Exceed And Excel 1
Ezzoud 1
Fabulous Dancer 1
Fantastic Light 1
Fasliyev 1
Fleetwood 1
Fort Wood 1
Gold And Steel 1
Goldneyev 1
Grape Tree Road 1
Great Commotion 1
Green Desert 1
Green Tune 1
Greensmith 1
Gulch 1
Halling 1
Hamas 1
Hawk Wing 1
Hawker's News 1
Hector Protector 1
High Chaparral 1
Honor Grades 1
Housamix 1
Imperial Ballet 1
Inchinor 1
Irish River 1
Iron Duke 1
Jeune Homme 1
Johannesburg 1
Kahyasi 1
Kaldoun 1
Kaldounevees 1
Karinga Bay 1
La Nain Jaune 1
Lake Coniston 1
Lavirco 1
Le Glorieux 1
Lemon Drop Kid 1
Lil's Boy 1
Lomond 1
Lujain 1
Lure 1
Lyphard's Wish 1
Maelstrom Lake 1
Medaaly 1
Medicean 1
Miswaki 1
Mizzen Mast 1
Mont Basile 1
Mozart 1
Mr Greeley 1
Mt. Livermore 1
Mujtahid 1
My Risk 1
Namid 1
Nashwan 1
Nebos 1
Network 1
Next Desert 1
Niniski 1
Nombre Premier 1
Nomination 1
Nononito 1
Northern Crystal 1
Noverre 1
Observatory 1
Ocean Of Wisdom 1
One Cool Cat 1
Panis 1
Pennekamp 1
Pharly 1
Platini 1
Polish Precedent 1
Port Etienne 1
Primo Dominie 1
Priolo 1
Private Account 1
Pursuit Of Love 1
R B Chesne 1
Ragmar 1
Rahy 1
Redback 1
Redoute's Choice 1
Ride The Rails 1
Rienzi 1
Riverman 1
Robellino 1
Roi de Rome 1
Royal Applause 1
Sagamix 1
Sakhee 1
Salse 1
Saumarez 1
Second Empire 1
Seeking The Gold 1
Sendawar 1
Septieme Ciel 1
Shirley Heights 1
Siam 1
Signe Divin 1
Simon du Desert 1
Sinndar 1
Sleeping Car 1
Slew O'Gold 1
Solar One 1
Solido 1
Spectrum 1
Spinning World 1
Starborough 1
Stepneyev 1
Sternkoenig 1
Stravinsky 1
Swain 1
Tagel 1
Take Risks 1
Timber Country 1
Tip Moss 1
Titus Livius 1
Top Ville 1
Top Waltz 1
Tour d'Or 1
Tropular 1
Turgeon 1
Turtle Island 1
Unbridled's Song 1
Urban Ocean 1
Waajib 1
Where Or When 1
With Approval 1
Xaar 1
Zafonic 1
Zamindar 1
Zilzal 1

Source Trainers
*horse had spent bulk of pre-UK/IRE hurdling career with trainer/unraced* 133
G Macaire 23
M Johnson 16
G Cherel 15
A O'Brien 9
F Nicolle 8
R Hannon 8
A Balding 7
A De Royer-Dupre 7
M Bell 7
C Hills 6
K Borgel 6
M Halford 6
S Foucher 6
T Trapenard 6
A Chaille-Chaille 5
A Fabre 5
C Appleby 5
J Oxx 5
M Stoute 5
A Oliver 4
E Clayeux 4
G Lyons 4
J Bolger 4
J C Rouget 4
J Gosden 4
M Channon 4
M Delzangles 4
N Devilder 4
P Chapple-Hyam 4
R Charlton 4
R Collet 4
S bin Suroor 4
A Adeline de Boisbrunet 3
F M Cottin 3
H Morrison 3
J J Murphy 3
M Tregoning 3
N Clement 3
P Butel 3
R Beckett 3
T Carmody 3
W Haggas 3
Y Fouin 3
A Wohler 2
B Meehan 2
C Lerner 2
C Scandella 2
C Wall 2
D Smaga 2
E Dunlop 2
H A Pantall 2
H de Lageneste 2
J L Pelletan 2
J Portman 2
J Tate 2
L Cadot 2
M Prescott 2
N Leenders 2
P Schiergen 2
R Chotard 2
S Culin 2
W Muir 2
A Carson 1
A Clement 1
A Duffield 1
A Jarvis 1
A Lamotte d'Argy 1
A Perrett 1
B Letourneux 1
C Baillet 1
C Head-Maarek 1
C O'Brien 1
D Barron 1
D Guillemin 1
D Kubler 1
D Lanigan 1
D Nicholls 1
D O'Meara 1
D Rabhi 1
D Sourdeau de Beauregard 1
D Wachman 1
D Weld 1
D Windrif 1
E de Giles 1
E Leenders 1
E Lellouche 1
E Lynam 1
E Vaughan 1
F Head 1
F Matzinger 1
F-X de Chevigny 1
G Baker 1
G Butler 1
G Rarick 1
H Billot 1
H Blume 1
H Dunlop 1
H Palmer 1
I Pacault 1
J Best 1
J Crowley 1
J Dunlop 1
J Given 1
J Hirschberger 1
J L Guillochon 1
J Legatte 1
J Murtagh 1
J Noseda 1
J P Carvalho 1
J P Shanaham 1
J Pease 1
J-L Pelletan 1
K Burke 1
K Condon 1
K Dalgleish 1
K Prendergast 1
K Stubbs 1
L Cumani 1
L Dace 1
L Viel 1
M Botti 1
M Figge 1
M Hambro 1
M Meade 1
M Rolland 1
M Seror 1
P Bary 1
P Chevillard 1
P de Chevigny 1
P Deegan 1
P Fahey 1
P J Fertillet 1
P Leblanc 1
P Lenogue 1
P Peltier 1
P Prendergast 1
R Brotherton 1
R Fahey 1
R Millman 1
R Varian 1
S Brogi 1
S Cerulis 1
S Crisford 1
T Clout 1
T Puitg 1
T Tate 1
W Figge 1
W Himmel 1
W Knight 1
W Musson 1
Y Durepaire 1
 
Yay! Epsom Derby day is finally upon us which means only one thing;- It's the first Juvenile Hurdle race of the season!!! Indeed, that there are seven O'Brien horses in that flat race, it could wind up being a Triumph trial in itself.

Nevertheless, we must focus on the present which takes us, as always, to wonderful Hexham. While today's race is effectively a maiden contest, there are several prolific yards represented in this year's renewal including that of Brian Ellison's who has taken two of the past five runnings. Flying the flag for the Yorkshire handler is Bowban. The Makfi entire had three runs during the winter and was placed on each occasion. His second over ten furlongs at Newcastle would be the strongest of those efforts with the subsequent form of those around him giving him a mark in the mid seventies. However, as with all maidens with high place strike rates, there comes a question regarding his attitude and while he hasn't looked like a menace, he has looked rather immature in his races. That he retains his testicles adds to concerns although it is noted that his trainer won the 2014 edition with another entire. The yard hasn't been among the winners recently and his absence wouldn't be assuring either. Bowban brings just about the best form to the table and is consistent but there would be too many doubts surrounding the horse, particularly as he's been described as "a bit safe" over his hurdles. City Dreamer has yet to breach the first three in six attempts, four last term and two since his gelding operation over the winter. On both starts this term, he's been unable to give his running due to traffic issues. At Doncaster, he was squeezed completely out of the race just as it was beginning in earnest while at Nottingham, he missed the break and was completely denied his run when challenging inside the final furlong. While it's difficult to say he certainly would have won, he could very well have been in the shout. Despite these mishaps, there seems nothing wrong with his attitude and has reportedly been schooling well. The standard of his form isn't world beating but on potential, he could be very close to Bowban and along with a recent run under his belt, he is the sole Hexham representative of an Alan King yard enjoying plenty of winners. Hot Lick had five starts on the all weather, finishing a staying on third in a Kempton twelve furlong handicap, before joining Dan Skelton. Not much was expected on his stable debut at Chepstow and after running keenly in first time tongue tie, he was beaten thirteen lengths off 55. While he warrants respect as his yard's sole track visitor today (albeit a yard that's been sending out plenty of beaten favourites recently) and is a probable stayer, he's someway behind the principals on form and his temperament is questionable. Costa Percy wasn't disgraced at Newcastle three starts ago when fifth in a mile maiden and being by Sir Percy out of a Sadler's Wells mare gives him a nice profile. However, he has been utterly out of form on his latest two starts and would need hurdles to invigorate him quite significantly here. Parkwarden was fourth in a Novice Auction Stakes at Newcastle last June but has only been seen once since last August where he was beaten fifteen lengths off 54 in a Redcar mile handicap. Stablemate Born To Boogie finished third on her debut in a Ripon Novice Stakes last April over five furlongs and was "only" beaten five lengths into eighth on her return in a Newcastle Handicap. Yet to race beyond seven furlongs though she could stay but was well beaten last time out and best form leaves her with plenty to find.

Arbitrary 1-2-3
1. City Dreamer
2. Bowban
3. Costa Percy

*nb - Significant rain would increase Bowban's prospects while *possibly* decreasing those of City Dreamer on the basis that Casamentos (and Giant's Causeways tend to perform better on quicker ground)

Relatives
Bowban 3/1 Kawagino 5th Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2007
Parkwarden 3/1 Drumshambo 3rd Carey Group Hcp Chs (147), Ascot 2013
Costa Percy 2/2 Fin Vin De Leu 1st 3m2f Novices' Chase, Newton Abbot 2011
Born To Boogie 3/2 Honour High 2nd 3m2f Handicap Hurdle (127), Fontwell 2008
City Dreamer 2/1 Tri Na Ceile 2nd 2m4f Mares Hurdle, Galway 2015
Hot Lick .5 Scarlet Minstrel 2nd 2m2f Maiden Hurdle, Stratford 2016

Sires
Costa Percy - Sir Percy (5) 35% jumps winners/runners
Parkwarden - Bushranger (3) 29%
Bowban - Makfi (1) 29%
Born To Boogie - Bahri 36%
City Dreamer - Casamento no jumps runners
Hot Lick - Phoenix Reach 30%
 
Great read as always BH. Clearly the Hexham juvenile race is today's highlight [emoji3]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
viking said:
Great read as always BH. Clearly the Hexham juvenile race is today's highlight [emoji3]
Click to expand...

That goes without saying!

Bowban's a NR, there's a breeze here at Hexham and the sun is beaming down. Also discovered that the Skelton runner isn't fancied. Difficult to ever describe a maiden 1/2 shot as value but really can't see this one getting beat.
 
Tom Malone paid €220k on behalf of Alan and Ann Potts for Kap Ocean, a 3yo Kapgarde gelding sold by Norman/Janet Williamson at today's Tattersall's Sale.
 
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What can I say about the Hexham race? While the selection did went 1.05 at the last and I did technically get the reverse forecast, the emphatic and complete depletion of this season's Juvenile kitty unequivocally states that when I get it wrong, I get it very wrong indeed. At least one can take comfort in the fact that if an "Arbitrary 1" flops, I won't lose any money. So after a brief hiatus, the thread goes from the land of castles to the land of a bloke who wrote several plays based in castles. The third Juvenile race of the season takes place at Stratford and with five fair recruits from the flat, including three winners, the winner of this will probably take the mantle of this season's leader.

The Raven Master made his racecourse debut in March and has had five starts thus far, finishing placed on the latter two. He was third at Lingfield on his handicap bow over a mile and a half where held the lead up to the last half furlong before occupying the same position in a Beverley handicap on his first run on turf. The form is taking a solid if unspectacular shape about it and would be within half a stone of the other leading contenders in this field. He has joined Dan Skelton's in-form yard from Michael Bell who is one of the leading sources of juvenile hurdlers including the likes of Ruacana, Forth Bridge and Rock Of Leon who won first time out for the same, Dan Skelton. The trip and ground ought to be within his remit and while there would be a slight concern over his being an entire, he's appeared straightforward enough on all racecourse appearances thus far. Mauricio starts his hurdling career for the red hot Dr Richard Newland yard after being claimed out of a poor, soft ground Roscommon Maiden Claimer. He ran away a convincing winner as he was entitled to on the pick of his debut run at Dundalk where he finished five lengths behind Chester Vase third and Coolmore pacemaker The Anvil, and three lengths ahead of the 80 rated Modern Approach. Between those two runs, he finished closer to last than first in three maidens on decent ground and still looked fairly green when breaking his duck last time out. Lucky Esteem had four starts as a two year old, twice finishing runner up in seven furlong Musselburgh maidens. She has not been seen since August last year although there is the sense that this is a Roger Brookhouse personal project as he owned the dam, Dream Esteem (placed in the Swinton Hurdle and at the Aintree festival), along with the sire who was fairly useful on the flat but didn't quite match that level in three runs over hurdles. Lucky Esteem has joined a perfectly capable yard for juvenile hurdling although stallions from the Storm Cat line have been unconvincing in their attempts to produce young hurdlers. Taxmeifyoucan won on his seasonal reappearance at Southwell mile and a half handicap by an intriguing fifteen lengths. What's more, the runner up that day has made the frame on each of his five starts. However, that race basically fell apart in front of him and he's since demonstrated in three subsequent starts that he essentially has one gear and will probably be suited to a bit further in time. Phoenix Dawn is the most experienced horse in the field and took a Windsor nursery last October. Of his three starts this term, his best was when second in a Salisbury classified stakes and while it wasn't the classiest affair, he did well to recover from some severe traffic issues. It is also intriguing that his full brother, Xenophon, took this corresponding contest in 2011 for the same yard. However, the yard bang out of form, there may be more favourable opportunities in time. The unraced Bab El Mandeb makes the long journey from Kinross and his trainer can get juvenile winners. However, there is very little evidence on paper to suggest he's a patent hurdler. Kenyan has improved on each of his four runs although his finest effort last time out came when eight lengths fifth in a Lingfield handicap off 47. He should stay the trip and Seamus Durack can get early season juveniles but Kenyan needs to find some improvement here. Yorkshire Star finished just over three lengths second in a Leicester debut last July and regressed on his subsequent five starts. He's since been gelded since he was last seen in the autumn but there's nothing in his pedigree to suggest he can stay the trip even if he had the class to be competitive here. Piccoloro has been beaten a combined 115 lengths in three maiden races and his trainer has had just one jumps winner in three years.

Arbitrary 1-2-3
1) The Raven Master
2) Mauricio
3) Lucky Esteem

Relatives
Lucky Esteem 2/1 I'm So Lucky 1st Celebration Chase (G2), Sandown 2010
Piccoloro 5/4 Sky's The Limit 1st Coral Cup (144), Cheltenham 2006
Mauricio 3/2 Ring The Boss 2nd Kingmaker Novices' Chase (G2), Warwick 2008*
Yorkshire Star 4/4 Sotovik 1st 3m Handicap Hurdle (117), Perth 2012
Kenyan 3/1 House Music 1st 2m2f Prix Beugnot Hcp Hurdle (Listed), Auteuil 2007
Taxmeifyoucan 2/1 Double Account 1st 3m1f Handicap Hurdle (114), Huntingdon 2003
The Raven Master 2/1 Almarmooq 1st 4m Pennsylvania Hunt Cup (Listed), Unionville 2015
Phoenix Dawn 1/1 Xenophon 2nd 2m Handicap Hurdle (112), Hereford 2012
Bab El Mandeb no jumps relatives

*Mauricio also 3/2 Theatre Girl, Flash Of Genius, Confilct Of Interest, 3/3 Sizing Symphony, Monbeg Theatre, 3/4 Overland Flyer

Sires
The Raven Master - Raven's Pass (3) 28% jumps winners/runners
Taxmeifyoucan - Beat Hollow (1) 44%
Phoenix Dawn - Phoenix Reach 32%
Kenyan - Kendargent 24% FRA (0-2 UK)
Yorkshire Star - Fast Company 21%
Piccoloro - Piccolo 14%
Bab El Mandeb - Blame 0% (0-1)
Mauricio - Helmet no jumps runners
Lucky Esteem - Yorgunnabelucky no jumps runners
 
The first Class 3 juvenile of the season takes place tomorrow at Newton Abbot. With an inflated prize fund and the lure of a mere six pound penalty (as opposed to the standard seven pound) for previous winners, we've been rewarded with a maiden.

Two with hurdling experience line up, both of whom came from last week's contest at Stratford. Phoenix Dawn belied his trainer's poor form (which has continued since) by finishing second by a short head. It was a race he had probably targeted given his connections' history with same and this outing may well be an afterthought - striking while the iron is hot so to speak. While he jumped fluently in the main, there were a few occasions where he lacked fluency which may well have cost him the win. He ought to have learned from the experience and the performance would rank as one of the best seen thus far. Yorkshire Star was five lengths behind in fourth but was the more fluent of the two. What's more, he was making his first start of 2017 and in doing so, put up a seemingly performance much improved from his flat exploits. It must be noted that he did struggle at selling class on the flat so whether he has improved leaps and bounds or if the Stratford contest was a poor one remains to be seen. That this speedily bred son of Fast Company found himself outpaced on numerous occasions hints at the latter. Stablemate Il Sicario makes his debut for Bill Turner after being claimed out the Mark Johnson yard when winning a Leicester claimer last month. He did run a little green on that occasion and the runner up wasn't exactly dying to win the race. Nevertheless, it wasn't a horrible seller, they finished strung out and the horse had a reasonably consistent profile going into the race. He clearly carries with him more class from the flat than Yorkshire Star who exceed expectations although the yard is still without a jumps winner since April 2016. After City Dreamer making slightly disappointing and extremely disappointing for the yard, Amadeus Rox will be Alan King's second representative of the season. He's had four runs this year, all in handicaps, all off 57 and at 1m4f or 1m6f. He ought to have the stamina for the game and is a model of consistency. However, despite his experience and the first time cheekpieces, he seemed very immature last time at Leicester and while the horses Alan King runs on the flat before hurdling can do well, they typically bring ratings in the mid seventies and above. Charlie Rascal showed some ability on his first three starts last summer over seven furlongs for Peter Chapple-Hyam. However, he has not built on those efforts and while there hasn't been a massive regression on his step up to a mile and a half, other than the winners and runners up, the form of his recent races has been mediocre. Nevertheless, his yard did take this corresponding race last term, albeit with a horse some ten pounds stronger on the flat. Performance Art is a half sister to the decent hurdler Macnicholson although her sire has get a winner over jumps from 38 starts. Her best effort on the flat was when fourth in a ten furlong Brighton handicap off a mark of 50. While this doesn't rule out handicap potential down the line, she'd do well to win here. Hot N Sassy had nine starts on the flat last year for Stan Moore last term finishing closer to last than first on all but her debut. Her official rating of just 37 sum up her chances here. Vision de Gloire has yet to see racecourse action but is an interesting runner nonetheless. Trainer Nick Williams does well with juveniles going straight over hurdles with Abracadabra Sivola and Night Of Sin being decent enough while Diable De Sivola won on his first start last July before finishing fifth in the Fred Winter. He's from a jumping family and his young sire, Vision d'Etat, has produced fourteen winners in his fledgling career including last season's leading juvenile De Bon Coeur. While the betting may provide clues, this isn't the sternest initial test and on paper at least, he'd be best placed to take advantage of any soft that appears in the going description.

Arbitrary 1-2-3
1. Vision de Gloire
2. Il Sicario
3. Phoenix Dawn

Relatives
Vision de Gloire 3/1 Phonidal 3rd Prix Leon Olry-Roederer (G2), Auteuil 2006
Performance Art .5 Macnicholson 2nd Killashee Handicap Hurdle (135), Punchestown 2015
Amadeus Rox 2/2 Vivacissimo 1st 2m2f Handicap Hurdle, Auteuil 2012
Yorkshire Star 4/4 Sotovik 1st 3m Handicap Hurdle (117), Perth 2012
Hot N Sassy .5 Cellarmaster 2nd 2m1f Handicap Hurdle (110), Killarney 2006
Il Sicario 3/1 Hidden Cove 1st Juvenile Hurdle, Cheltenham 1991
Phoenix Dawn 1/1 Xenophon 2nd 2m Handicap Hurdle (112), Hereford 2012
Charlie Rascal 2/1 Long Road 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (93), Wincanton 2006

Sires
Amadeus Rox - Falco (1) 22%
Vision de Gloire - Vision d'Etat 20% UK 41% FRA
Phoenix Dawn - Phoenix Reach 31%
Yorkshire Star - Fast Company 27%
Charlie Rascal - Myboycharlie 20%
Hot N Sassy - Arcano 18%
Il Sicario - Zebedee 11%
Performance Art - Art Connoisseur 0% (0-5)
 
The juveniles visit Uttoxeter for the first time this season and along with three with experience, there are a couple of low level flat winners. Pretty much all of these horses, lovely though they all are, lack either talent, constitution or both.

Of the three who have ran, City Dreamer produced the strongest form when runner up at Hexham in June. His jumping was reasonable although he did jump right on a few occasions and while he looked like the winner for a moment in the straight, he was beaten by a horse who had a bit in hand. Next time at Market Rasen, he dropped out quickly in the back straight and it later emerged that he had bled. However, while he travelled in the early stages, his jumping was never assured and for the time being, he doesn't look like a horse entirely in love with the game. Kenyan's best effort on the flat came when fifth off a mark of 47 in a Lingfield handicap so filling the same position on his jumps debut at Stratford marked a career best. He raced prominently for most of the race and only faded in the straight. His jumping was decent enough decent enough save for a nod on landing two out and seemingly gave his running. As such, it's difficult to see where he can find further improvement and this will be the first time he encounters any kind of soft ground. Mauricio finished eighteen lengths behind Kenyan but rated 25lb superior and on the flat and going off as a well backed favourite for an in-form yard, better was clearly expected. His racing keenly is a plausible excuse for his poor showing but he was also green on the flat. Furthermore, his jumping was rather over-big on that occasion and while he has plenty of scope for improvement (has the second best flat rating in the field and is related to the likes of Theatre Girl and Sizing Symphony), he wants to show it on the racecourse. Tim Vaughan often features prominently during the summer although he has been rather lean this season. He saddles his first juvenile of the season in Ettihadi who joined the yard from Hugo Palmer for £40,000. Since the switch, Ettihadi beat only one home in a Doncaster handicap and was sixth of eight in a slowly ran one mile six furlong handicap at Ffos Las where they finished in a heap. While his official rating of 71 is the best brought from the flat and he has a nice size about him, he's ran very green since being stepped up in trip and the jockey booking is standard for the yard. Padleyourowncanoe has spent the bulk of his flat career in moderate company on the all weather although not without success or credit. He won over a mile at Southwell in March and effectively matched that form on his latest two starts at Wolverhampton where third over a mile and a half and runner up over two furlongs longer. He seems to enjoy a strong pace, is an assured stayer and while the blinkers are removed here, he's been running honestly enough recently. Crucial Moment is out of a half sister to Medicean and got off the mark at the eighth attempt in a mile handicap at Southwell in April. However, without being disgraced, he failed to build on that success in two subsequent starts at Bath over a mile and a mile two. His trainer can get poor horses to run respectably over hurdles but handicaps will probably see this gelding to better effect. Mick The Poser is a half brother to Artisit's Muse (runner up in Punchestown's Champion 4YO Hurdle), his trainer is capable of training juveniles and his career best effort on the flat came when stepped up to eleven furlongs at Carlisle last time. Nevertheless, he was still beaten nearly thirteen lengths there running on past beaten horses and may well do better further on down the line. The only filly in the race,Cecilator, ran the race of her life when fourth in a Salisbury maiden. This effort appears to be an anomaly however as she's finished no closer than twenty five lengths to the winner on her five other starts.

Arbitrary 1-2-3
1. Padleyourowncanoe
2. Ettihadi
3. Mauricio

Padleyourowncanoe 3/1 Albuhera 1st Fulke Walwyn Novices' Chase (G2), Newbury 2005
Mauricio 3/2 Ring The Boss 2nd Kingmaker Novices' Chase (G2), Warwick 2008
Cecilator 4/3 Ellerslie Tom 3nd Swinton Hurdle (G3, 135), Haydock 2008
Ettihadi 3/2 Goodwood Mirage 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (132), Wetherby 2014
Mick The Poser 1/2 Chase End Charlie 1st 2m3½f Maiden Hurdle, Doncaster 2016
City Dreamer 2/1 Tri Na Ceile 2nd 2m4f Mares Hurdle, Galway 2015
Kenyan 3/1 House Music 1st 2m2f Prix Beugnot Hcp Hurdle (Listed), Auteuil 2007
Crucial Moment 4/3 Arimero 12th Anniversary 4-Y-o Hurdle (G2), Aintree 2004

Sires
Padleyourowncanoe - Nayef (6) 31% winners/runners
Crucial Moment - Pivotal (3) 39%
Ettihadi - Rip Van Winkle (1) 25%
Kenyan - Kendargent 0% UK 22.5% FRA
Cecilator - Delegator 0% (0 runners)
City Dreamer - Casamento 0% (1 runner)
Mauricio - Helmet 0% (1 runner)
Mick The Poser - Art Connoisseur 0% (6 runners)
 
Commentariolus just bought at Tattersalls Ascot sale by Gordon Elliott to go Juvenile Hurdling, the first Frankel to do so.

For sale if you fancy it !
 
Looking forward to Apple's Jade's sister Apple's Shakira take on Gumball in the Triumph Hurdle trial at Cheltenham (first race Saturday)
 
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The French (or ex-French 3yo's) I have running to a mark of around 140 or higher so far this season are as follows:

Envoye Special
Master Dino (3)
Santa Adelia (2)
Ajas
Calotin
Tunis (5)
Gold Filly
Gryffichop
Briouze (2)
Beau Gosse (3)
Whetstone (2)
Emirat
Pesk Kbrel
Klassical Dream

Edited to add the following have run to a similar level over fences:

Piton des Neiges (2)
Echiquier Royal (2)

Martin
 
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Tanlic said:
Speedo Boy was all over the shop, stumbled at a vital time, looked like he wanted to knock his rivals over going to the last but when he picked up the race was over very quickly.

He could be a novice to keep on the right side of and run up a sequence
Click to expand...


The above post was ignored by all but at least the trainer thinks he's good enough to tackle Gumball in the Triumph Hurdle trial tomorrow.

RJ seems to think Gumball only needs to turn up so I don't expect Speedo Boy will beat him but he could give him something to think about...With NJH sending one unknown quantity should be very interesting
 
Wow!!! if it were deeper into the season Not saying she is not special it's just abit early in the season to be thinking Triumph good thing
 
Mares' Novices' Hurdle is for 4 year olds and upwards so yes

That said the Triumph is worth over 70k the mares 45k so it will depend what else he has hidden in the barrows
 
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He said immediately afterwards that he’ll keep her busy, she has a lot to learn still & she’ll end up in the Triumph. Geraghty said ability wise she’s up there with Defi at that stage but that he knew his job at that stage, he was street wise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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