Just as a horse might take a while to settle into its new surroundings, so too does a Bachelors Hall. Though the cold snap should have been used to catch up on the reviews, it was mostly spent kicking up bedding and using scent to establish my territory. However, with racing returning to a full schedule, the backlog had to be trimmed lest it become indestructible. This batch of reviews brings us to the Fifth of February, and leaves a backlog of just twenty-seven. If there is anything missed then please let me know.
Balkardy 25/01/2021 Plumpton 2m Maiden Hurdle
Though by Balko and closely related to top French juvenile Roll On Has, Balkardy was not well supported ahead of his hurdling debut at Warwick. Nevertheless, he overcame some early trepidation and ran a creditable race to finish third among capable sorts. He was available to back at 16/1 during the morning, but a spate of withdrawals saw him sent off as the even money favourite by default. Racing in third position of the five runners, he was steady and close at the first, but jumped the next two flights decently enough. However, after being hampered by the wretched Glass Of Bubbles, his jumping became more nervy as he steadied into his remaining flights and took off with caution. Insofar as the race itself was concerned, he was always close enough, but found himself outpaced on the turn for home and was not given a hard time thereon. His allotted mark of 110 is based considerably more on potential than achievement, but the unexposed Balkardy can progress if this race has not badly affected his confidence. 99
Glass Of Bubbles 25/01/2021 Plumpton 2m Maiden Hurdle
Gave the second and third flights plenty of air. Looked to do the same at the fourth but took off too early and did not get a great deal of purchase with her hind legs. She fell on to the hurdle with her forelegs still on the take-off side, causing her to trip over and land directly on her head. Her neck was likely broken instantly. Her jumping had been untidy first time out, but was cleaner on her second outing and though cautious, did not appear to be putting herself at undue risk during this contest. The flight was omitted in the next race due to low sun. The meeting was close to being abandoned due to the state of the ground and the surface, in conjunction with the filly probably jumping a shadow, contributed to her fall. The death of Glass Of Bubbles was preventable.
Sweet Will 28/1/2021 Gowran Park 2m Handicap Hurdle (94)
Sweet Will was having his sixth start over hurdles, and his second in handicap company. He was beaten thirty-six lengths at Fairyhouse a fortnight earlier over half a mile further, and his mark being eased to 94 still left his with plenty to find on what he has shown over hurdles. His jumping is generally reasonable and though he is not particularly nimble, he got through this round without causing alarm with his biggest blemish being that he steadied into the first. He travelled comfortably enough in the rear, but while he made some minor headway along the back, he was labouring some way out and would ultimately finish fifty-seven lengths behind the winner. He has been dropped a further two pounds, but unless better ground brings about considerable improvement, it is a mark on which he may continue to struggle. 50
Ahaziah 28/1/2021 Gowran Park 2m Handicap Hurdle (99)
Ahaziah is rated just 37 on the flat, but though he had yet to finish within nineteen lengths of a winner in three outings, his form has been stronger in this sphere. He improved between his first and second outings, and did not need to do so again to outrun his 125/1 odds when seventh behind French Aseel at Leopardstown over Christmas. His rating of 99 was a fair one on balance, and he was quietly fancied to take advantage having been backed from 16/1 to 11/1 before the off. Racing keenly in a prominent position, he clipped the second but otherwise jumped cleanly. However, he began to fade on the climb at the five furlong point and stopped alarmingly quickly shortly afterwards. His stamina is not entirely assured for a thorough test in this discipline, but this performance was so bad that there was likely something amiss. He has been dropped to 97 as a result which is a workable mark if he can regain his form. 0
DONCASTER 29th January
Preview review
Strong prospect Megan did not travel as well as she had done previously and was quickly pulled up in the straight as though something were amiss. Nevertheless, Megan aside, the prospects list was still rather skewiff. Progressive made minor progress on her debut outing, but not to the extent anticipated and ran keenly without being able to see out the race. Talking About You slightly underperformed but still ran a reasonable race. Her Indoors was underestimated but the trainer did state that she had schooled better and that Doncaster would suit her better than Kempton. The improvement was not especially dramatic and while the words of connections can sometimes be heeded, given their sparsity and inconsistencies, they would not be something worth utilising as a matter of course.
Race review
The second of the season's two listed open contest for fillies and the third renewal of this particular event. Bringing together the first three of Aintree's edition, it looked the strongest running thus far although Megan ran no kind of race and Progressive was unable to find sufficient improvement. The winning time was quicker than the fair looking novice hurdle on the card, although they went no gallop and the novice handicap won by a 94 rated animal was run in a faster time. The standard of hurdling was not abysmal, but none of the field posted particularly fluent rounds. The form looks broadly reliable for what it is, but could not be considered particularly strong. Especially not for pattern class.
Her Indoors had been progressive during a light flat career, and vindicated the connections' expectations with a respectable debut second at Aintree in December. She did not need to improve on that performance when left in the same spot by a faller at Kempton over Christmas. Alan King reported that she schooled well since her last run and intimated that Doncaster would suit her better than Kempton. While she had a five pound pull with Talking About You for a seven length defeat at Aintree, she was still fairly uneasy in the market drifting from 9/2 in the morning to 11/2 at the off. Her Indoors had not jumped particularly well on either of her previous outings, nonetheless, Adrian Heskin was more proactive on the approaches on this occasion. While she was still far from polished, missing the fourth and fifth while very untidy at three out, she put in more good jumps than bad and though going slightly left over the last, she was still quick and the momentum was enough to carry her to the line. Held up but always in contention, she hit the front after being ridden at the distance. She did not see off the challenge of Talking About You until the final half furlong but her rival faded to leave her with a good five lengths in hand. While this was largely a listed win in name only, it still marks a new career best and this progressive filly can find more success this season. More probably, as suggested by her rider, on another galloping track going left handed. 120
Talking About You has been the revelation of the season, going from decidedly suspect squiggle bearer out of claiming races to a four time winner over hurdles, twice in listed company. These victories meant that she had to carry a five pound penalty here, but she was still favourably weighted on ratings and was sent off a steady 5/2 second favourite. Her jumping has rarely been clean at the best of times and she made several minor errors once again as she was steady over the first and last while clipping three hurdles and getting close to another two. Though she disputed the lead throughout, she never gained a clear advantage and while she saw off Gilbertina by the third last, she was unable to repel the challenge of Her Indoors and had given best on the run in. Talking About You was far from disgraced but while she was approximately level best at the weights, the performance did fall a little short of her peak efforts and she might again benefit from freshening up. 120
Volkovka was tried in an Italian listed race on the flat, and while her spell with Simone Brogi ended in claiming company, she still achieved form which is above average for the sphere. While she was mediocre in her first couple of runs over hurdles, she was able to win at the third time of asking at Market Rasen and was able to build on that performance with a narrow second at Taunton last time. She had yet to match her flat form and while she was progressing in the sphere, the fact she still had something to find with her rivals was reflected in her starting price of 14/1. Held up in the rear, she still had all but a pulled-up rival ahead of her turning for home. Headway was made throughout the straight, but it was not sufficient to make a serious challenge and she finished a never nearer eight lengths third at the line. Her jumping was not as tidy as it had been at Taunton as she was steady, close and untidy at several of these. Nevertheless, by virtue of her relative finishing position, it still represents a career best over hurdles. Volkovka's being raised to 119 is harsh based on what she has achieved to this point, but she is a progressive sort who may benefit from stepping up in trip. 112
Progressive landed a Newcastle fillies' novice stakes on the second of her four starts on the flat for Roger Varian, building on her success with respectable efforts in middle distance handicaps. Her hurdles/stable bow came over this course and distance a month prior, and while her task was simplified by the omission of several hurdles and the underperformance of her market rival, her two-and-a-quarter length defeat of Gilbertina was of sufficient promise to allow her to start the relatively uneasy 9/4 favourite here. Racing keenly just behind the leaders, her early jumping was marked by greenness as she hopped over the first, wandered on the approach to the second before missing the flight, and getting in close to the third. Given more encouragement by the jockey, she jumped the next few better and appeared to be travelling strongly approaching the penultimate hurdle. However, she was steady going into the flight and found little off the bridle whereafter she was slow going over the last and lost third place on the run-in. The additional hurdles and stronger pace alongside her inability to settle properly likely contributed to her being unable to see out the race. Though this was an improvement on her debut outing, it was not to the extent anticipated and her rating of 118 is not yet justified. Nevertheless, Progressive's hurdling career is still in its embryonic stages and there is no reason why she can not build on this performance as she matures. 110
Gilbertina achieved nothing in two flat outings, but belied odds of 200/1 to finish just over eighteen lengths third to Megan at Leicester on her hurdling debut. She showed that this was not a fluke performance when second to Progressive over this course and distance last time out. Nevertheless, she still had plenty to find on the principals and was easy to back in the market. She had been error prone on her previous outings another untidy round here as she got in tight to the early obstacles while steadying and getting close to the three in the straight. Disputing the lead for much of the contest, she lost her position jumping three out and would only fade from there before being the last of five to finish. This broadly matches her previous course and distance outing, but still leaves her short of her 112 rating. 105
Breadcrumbs has finished ahead of rivals on her two bumper outings as well as her hurdling debut behind Progressive the previous month. However, she had been well beaten on each occasion and her starting price of 250/1 was a fair reflection of her chances here. Initially tracking the leaders, she was tight and untidy at most flights and found herself getting detached before the turn for home before pulling up. 0
Megan's flat form in Germany is not readily quantifiable, but she had been competing in pattern company and she looked a very useful prospect when scoring on her hurdles debut at Leicester in November. On the strength of that performance, she was sent off favourite at Aintree next time and while she could only finish third, there was a case for her turning the tables on Talking About You and Her Indoors. This was not immediately apparent in the betting, but she did half in price through the day and started at 11/4. Held up in midfield, she put in the cleanest round of jumping, but was never travelling as well as she had done in the past. Though she was still well in touch turning for home, there had been some minor distress signals and she was pulled up very quickly after jumping the third last. This was clearly not her showing and it has transpired that she had burst a blood vessel. 0
Asharann 29/1/2021 Doncaster 2m½f Novices' Handicap Hurdle (102)
Asharann showed fair form on his first three flat starts, but was poor on his latter outings and continued that regression on his first two runs over hurdles. His fourth at Market Rasen marked something of a resurgence and while he was not kindly treated on his handicap debut debut over this course and distance a month prior, he was not disgraced in finishing fifth. His drop to 102 was much closer to his hurdles best and with experience in the conditions, his starting price of 15/2 looked fair. Half of the flights were omitted which may have been to his detriment as he is usually a reasonable jumper and apart from getting close to the second, jumped well enough once again. However, an inability to settle has been a feature of his outings to date and despite the trialling of a hood, it was repeated here. Initially held up in the rear, he made some headway to move into a midfield position, but would fade again once the race began to unfold. Asharann has been dropped again to 100, a mark off which he could feasibly be competitive on the proviso that he settles better. 79
Riviere d'Etel 29/1/2021 Navan 2m1½f Rated Novice Hurdle
Riviere d'Etel had shaped with promise when second on her hurdling debut at Auteuil in September, and was very impressive when winning on her Irish introduction on New Year's Eve. Despite taking on older horses, including one who had contested a Grade One last time, and being worst at the weights due to her mark of 133, she had been backed from evens to 8/13 during the day. The reverse happened in the ring and she started an uneasy 11/10 favourite. There had been headstrong tendencies on her first two outings and with none of her opponents electing to make the running, Riviere d'Etel ran keenly when setting her own pace. Though not to an alarming extent, this did impact her jumping as she skewed over the third and got in close to the fifth while showing a general tendency to go slightly right over her hurdles. While headed towards the end of the back straight, she was still travelling easily enough in contention at the first two in the straight where she jumped neatly. However, she began to get tapped for toe on the run to the last where she jumped big and was hampered by a more imposing rival in the aftermath which made her less inclined to fight for second place. Nevertheless, this was not a massive disappointment as she was beaten by inexperience as much as anything and this helped substantiate her Punchestown success. Though Riviere d'Etel is bred to flourish as a juvenile, and there is no reason why she can not supplement her profile this season, she is shaping as though experience and potentially more of a trip will be to her benefit. 133
Laralei 29/1/2021 Navan 2m1½f Rated Novice Hurdle
Finishing third in claiming company on her final flat outing, Laralei shown no aptitude or promise on her hurdles debut at Fairyhouse last month and the 300/1 starting price was not a generous one. Held up in the rear, she made errors and was detached before pulling up prior to the straight. She apparently made a noise. 0
En Couleur 30/1/2021 Doncaster 2m3½f Handicap Hurdle (108)
En Couleur showed some promise on his racecourse debut when third in a Southwell maiden, and after achieving little on his next two outings, outran odds of 125/1 to finish just over eleven lengths fifth to First Impression at Wetherby in November. He broadly matched that performance when third at Catterick in December and his allotted mark of 108 was a fair reflection of same. While not crying out for a trip, the additional half mile was not patently beyond his scope and he started the race fifth in the market at 9/1. Slightly keen initially while held up in mid-division, he got in slightly tight to the first three hurdles and went slightly to his left on the three away from the stands. Nevertheless, apart from being untidy and pecking at four out, there was nothing especially alarming about his jumping. After making steady headway, he entered the straight travelling well although he soon began to wander in a green rather than tired fashion. However, he was never able to bridge the gap on the leaders and after reaching for the last, he would weaken into fifth on the run-in. While he likely found the final furlong a bridge too far at this stage, it was still a solid performance in what was likely a competitive affair and dropped to 107, he has the scope to be reasonably treated in a less taxing contest. 104
NAAS 31st January
Preview review
The strong prospect, aided by the stiff nature of the contest, won the race, the four reasonable prospects filled the next four places, and the leading feasible prospect finished sixth. Willywampus did well to finish within twelve lengths of the winner but his jumping was very good and had been noted in the preview.
Race review
The meeting passed an inspection with the ground described as barely raceable. While this was a maiden containing only one Triumph entry, there were several potentially useful sorts in the line up. The race was taken by the Triumph entry and though the first six were covered by just over five lengths, they each had a right to finish as they did. Despite some bunching in the early stages, the overall level of jumping was to a decent standard and there were no obvious hard luck stories among the principals. The pace was steady but honest and while the winning time was the slowest over the distance on the card, it still creditable in relation to the handicap hurdle. While the contest has no pretentions to being of a high calibre, it has an above average shape to it and should produce winners.
Coltor was lightly raced on the flat, winning at the third time of asking in a soft ground Killarney maiden in October. By Free Eagle and closely related to Limini, there was every chance he could thrive in the discipline and he made a decent impression first time when a commendable, if one-paced second to French Aseel at the December Festival. Though a beaten favourite at Punchestown next time, he still substantiated his debut performance while shaping as though a thorough test of stamina was necessary. His jumping had largely been decent and apart from steadying and getting tight at the first, and reaching before slightly stumbling at the last, he posted another decent round and was particularly fluent over a few in the back. Always tracking the leaders, he jumped into the lead at the penultimate flight and while the slightly untidy jump at the last cost him momentum, he was always doing enough to fend off two challengers on the run in. He was trimmed just ten points to 40/1 for the Triumph which is a fair reflection of his standing in the division. Nevertheless, while he would not be one of the leading juveniles of the season, he is an above average type with a future in this game with give in the ground. 125
Showbusiness fetched €76,000 at the Arqana Summer sale ahead of joining the powerful Gordon Elliott yard. While he did not receive an entry for the Triumph, he is bred to do well in the discipline and this twice raced maiden achieved enough during the summer to suggest he can be competitive here. Though he drifted from 7/2 to twice the price during the morning exchanges, he was fairly steady in the ring and was sent off at 11/2. He was keen during the early stages on his first run following a 208 day break, but had clearly been schooled well as apart from getting low at the first, put up an error-free round of hurdling. Tucked in behind the front runners, he moved well into the straight and was within a length of the leader jumping the last. However, while his rider became more animated with a furlong to go, he was unable to bridge the gap quick enough and failed by a neck to make a winning debut. It can not be said for certain that a more proactive ride would have seen him succeed, but this was still a taking debut performance in any case and with his class and aptitude already apparent, a contest of this nature should be well within the scope of a fitter Showbusiness. 125
Zoffanien won twice on the flat in France for Yan Durepaire and was third at Limerick and Punchestown either side of a mildly disappointing sixth at the latter venue on Boxing Day where he had not jumped as well as in his other outings. His latest third at Punchestown had seen him finish over three lengths ahead of Coltor and was the strongest hurdling form coming into this contest. Another who settled just behind the leaders, he jumped the penultimate flight with a share of the lead but was unable to take the initiative and while he saw the race out well enough, he was relegated to third behind two better stayers. Notwithstanding, this was another career best and while he made a few minor errors during the course of the race, he is largely a proficient hurdler. Along with being fairly treated on 116, he can also continue to progress. 125
Persia achieved a strong level of form as a two-year-old, the highlight being a useful second in a Leopardstown Grade 3. While he did could only finish down the field in a pair of Autumn handicaps, his form was still of a good standard and his switch to Joseph O'Brien saw him enter the early Triumph markets. Despite being by Galileo, his pedigree is not an obvious one for the sphere and an entry was not made for that contest. Nevertheless, while he started the day at 8/1, he was backed into as low as 2/1 before drifting back out to 7/2 at the off. Tracking the leaders throughout, his jumping left something to be desired as he wandered into the first, went through the top of the third, got in close to the next and despite being ridden on the approach to three out, missed the flight and pecked on landing. He was always close enough if good enough, but while he was able to pass two rivals on the run-in, he never looked threatening. Notwithstanding, this was a fine effort in first time tongue tie on his first run for 129 days and having subsequently been gelded, there is reason to assume that he build on this performance. 122
Halifax came into the contest with a sole piece of flat form in the shape of a second in a modest provincial contest. However, by Saddler Maker and related to the likes of Parrain, Blazer and Osana, Halifax is much more traditionally bred for a jumps career than the bulk of his juvenile counterparts. Initially something of a forgotten horse in the market, he attracted nibbles during the day before plunging from 9/1 to 7/2 in the ring. He raced freely in France and was fairly keen for much of this contest while getting a lead. Without making any serious errors, his hurdling was marked by inexperience as he was cautious over the first two and slightly close to several others along the way. He began to lose his position to pacier types turning for home, but did not fade in the manner of a tired horse and plugged on at the one pace to finish within four lengths of the winner. For a horse with such obvious scope and little experience, this was a likeable debut and while his future looks brighter in the long term, he can be competitive at this level as a juvenile. 121
Toughari looked no better than moderate prior to his hurdling debut last Autumn, but after a tepid introduction to the sphere, was able to get off the mark in a low grade Fairyhouse handicap and has largely been progressive without winning. He was last seen running to a career high when runner-up in mid December maiden back at Fairyhouse. Toughari had not been the most confident hurdler on his four previous outings, but there was likely some improvement in his schooling during his fifty day sabbatical as while he was easy to back in the marked, he posted his best round to date here. Racing from the front, he slightly reached at the second but got over it quickly and was decent over his jumps along the back. Toughari entered the straight leading the field, but would be headed on the approach to two out where he made his first real error as he steadied and did not get particularly high. This was most likely due to his getting tired and although he did not fold completely, he was passed by the remaining leaders. Notwithstanding, Toughari's decent hurdling enabled him to reach a new level of form which has now seen him exceed his official mark of 112. While he may be vulnerable to better stayers in similar contests, Toughari would pose a real threat on a sharper circuit. 120
Willywampus began his three-year-old campaign with a rating of 80, but was twice well beaten in a pair of handicaps last June and three uninspiring efforts saw him start this race at 125/1. Nevertheless, there had been doses of good hurdling amidst the form figures of 8F7 and his round here was probably the best in this contest. Racing in midfield, he was rather lit up entering the back but after reaching at the third, was noticeably quick at the next three and turned for home in shouting distance of the leaders. His stamina would give out following his earlier exuberance, but he still had enough to finish best of the remainder, putting up his best performance since his two-year-old days. This was not the first time he failed to see out a race and stamina will continue to be a concern in the future. Nevertheless, he did not fade as dramatically as previously and if he can find a sharp enough contest then his mark of 106 could see him well treated. 113
Brides Hill is related to winning hurdlers, and did not see a racecourse until a fortnight prior at Punchestown where she started at 200/1. She jumped poorly in the rear but was able to make some headway without threatening. She once again started at 200/1 and was settled in the rear of midfield. Her hurdling was still unfurnished as she was big and untidy over several and went left over the penultimate flight. Nevertheless, she was never in danger of getting detached and was able to pass a couple of rivals in the straight to finish a thirteen and a half length eighth, six lengths ahead of the remainder. The jockey's report that she hung left up the straight was corroborated by video evidence. Brides Hill improved significantly on her racecourse debut and though she still has some way to go at this stage, there is time left in the season for her to be competitive in moderate company. 112
Iberia was kept to pattern company in all seven outings following a winning debut at the Curragh in June 2019 and his rating of 102 is the highest brought to the division. His switch to John Halley rather than Joseph O'Brien tempered enthusiasm ahead of his hurdling debut at Leopardstown in December where he drifted from 15/2 to 20/1. Nevertheless, he was jumping and travelling creditably enough before getting badly baulked on the last and was the closest thing to an unlucky loser in that contest. Steady in the market on this occasion, he raced fairly prominently, but was prone to making errors and began to lose his position prior to leaving the back. He was not tailed off in finishing just under twenty lengths behind the winner, and this marks a step up on the bare form of his debut effort. Nevertheless, it also paints a more reliable depiction of his credentials in this sphere and while he would not be a forlorn hope in ordinary company, there is a discernible gap between this and his flat ability. 106
Baltinglass Hill ended his first spell on the flat with a rating of 75, although nothing he did on the racecourse justified such a figure. He ran no sort of race on his hurdling debut at Gowran Park, and though he jumped better at Punchestown earlier in the month, he still finished tailed off. Held up in the rear, he had most of the field ahead of him turning into the straight, but was able to pass three rivals prior to the race's conclusion to post a new career best in either code. His allotted rating of 95 is potentially feasible if this outing is a true reflection of his ability, although his inability to consistently hurdle neatly will likely keep him vulnerable. 101
Saeer joined Gordon Elliot for 9,000 guineas after a four race flat career with Sir Michael Stoute saw him earn a mark of 63. His first three outings over hurdles have come within the space of a month with his first two outings coming in Punchestown maidens. The in-running comments of "unfancied, held up, minor headway, jumped reasonably before finishing fairly tired" could be replicated on each occasion. Saeer's jumps career has hitherto been one of absolute anonymity, and though he is not devoid of some talent, will likely continue in that vein until he is allotted a handicap mark. 99
Anno Maximo placed second off 60 on his penultimate start for Michael Bell and while his flat form is unremarkable, his pedigree suggests he could potentially fare better over hurdles. He did not create a favourable impression on his debut at Punchestown when making minor errors without leaving the rear, and he was slow over a few here while running a similar race. Anno Maximo finished closer on this occasion, albeit he was still beaten by nearly forty lengths and does not conjure any real enthusiasm at this juncture. 87
St James's Square cost $2,400,000 as a yearling, but finished towards the rear on his sole outing at Naas as a two-year-old for Aiden O'Brien before being withdrawn from an intended engagement at Gowran Park last June. Another to join John Halley, there is no indication on breeding that he might flourish in the sphere, but the booking of Rachael Blackmore retrained his starting price to 25/1 at the off. Held up in touch, his hurdling lacked fluency as he missed the first couple and was steady and/or untidy at the fourth, fifth and sixth. He was still alongside the runner-up three furlongs from home, but would fade tamely from there. This being his first outing for over sixteen months, he was entitled to finish the race quite tired and he hung in for long enough. It might be rash to assume he can be competitive next time out and his stamina for the discipline is not assured. Nonetheless, a better assessment of his capacity would come with more evidence. 86
Kashi failed to progress after his debut second at Kempton for Andrew Balding and was sold for 8,000 guineas. Not unfeasibly bred for his new vocation, Kashi overcame some early errors to jump reasonably at Punchestown without getting involved in the race. However, nothing in that performance suggested he could be competitive here. Starting at 250/1, he raced keenly and made made a succession of errors without leaving the rear. 83
Sheer Bravado showed little on his first three outings for Jim Bolger, but would develop into a fairly useful type and land a hat-trick in handicaps during the Autumn. Subsequently sold for 62,000 guineas, had the quality to fare well in the division along with a somewhat feasible pedigree. However, he was lukewarm in the market, drifting from 16/1 in the morning to 80/1 in the ring before being nibbled into 50/1 at the off. Racing keenly while tracking the leaders on the inside, Sheer Bravado was still in the leading group turning for home, but would fold very tamely from thereon. Apart from being slightly big over the second and rather close to three out, he jumped reasonably for a debutant and it is possible that he just blew up on his first start for thirteen weeks. Nevertheless, all of his winning on the flat was done over a mile and less and even if he learns to settle, stamina will remain an unresolved concern. 78
Shantou Lucky, making his racecourse debut, was the chosen mount of Jonathan Moore. He fetched less as a store horse than as a yearling and was easy to back in the market before jumping poorly and never leaving the rear. 60
Charlie Bassett reached the frame on seven occasions on the flat and jumped reasonably well on his two hurdles outings in December. However, his stamina is not assured for the discipline and after racing in midfield, would stop quickly prior to leaving the back straight. This performance was bad enough to assume that something may have been amiss, but he still has questions to answer. 0
Hisdaywillcome is a half-brother to two winning jumpers but was sent off at 400/1 for his racecourse debut. Very keen in the early stages, he was untidy at the first, steep at the second and was pulled up after the third as his saddle had slipped. 0
Bigz Belief 31/1/2021 Naas 1m7½f Handicap Hurdle (114)
Though without a win from fourteen starts under either code, Bigz Belief had been improving with each run over hurdles and was not harshly treated on his best form. He had not been seen in over ten weeks, but was the subject of some support in the market, backed in the ring from 8/1 to 13/2. His hurdling had been generally decent prior to his break, but he was somewhat rusty on his return as he steadied and hopped over the first couple while getting close and reaching at several others. Tracking the leaders for much of the race, he was getting pushed along while still in the back straight. To his credit, he did not lose his position although by the same token, he did not make any real headway either. He made a bad blunder at the penultimate flight after being bumped by a more imposing rival on the approach, but was able to stay on one paced to finish sixth. His mark remains unchanged and while he did not run to his best on this occasion, it was satisfactory reappearance nevertheless and he ought to be competitive at this kind of level if he can regain his fluency. 109
WARWICK 3rd February
Preview review
The review of the preview for this race is a rather frustrating one. The winner had much the highest rating coming into the contest, but was not given the strong prospects on account of his potentially being fresh after his absence. Nevertheless, it was noted that this freshness might be mitigated by the sharp nature of Warwick which proved to be the case. Otherwise, the race appeared to very much be between the first three which is what transpired with the trio pulling a long way clear.
Race review
Historically a strong contest for the venue without being one which produces top class sorts, this year's renewal looks to have a similar shape. Three horses came into the contest with above-average, winning form, and this trio dominated proceedings. The quality of hurdling was below the standard usually expected from horses of the class, but the pace was solid enough and the winning time respectable in comparison with the class 3 handicap which closed the card. The front three pulled clear of the remainder to a satisfactory degree, and while the principles are at different stages of their developments, the form looks reliable at this juncture.
Cabot Cliffs was no better than a fair maiden on the flat for Charlie Hills, but he immediately showed himself better over hurdles with a debut win at Uttoxeter and a third in the Wensleydale Hurdle a fortnight later. He ran too freely for his own good next time at Cheltenham and was given an eleven week break prior to his return here. There were concerns that his absence might exacerbate his free going tendencies, but a circuit like Warwick would help mitigate some of that damage. As it transpired, while he was still fairly keen, Harry Skelton was able to restrain him to a satisfactory level as he made the running at a sensible tempo. The more pressing concern was his jumping as although he never looked in danger of making any serious errors, he did expend a fair amount of energy by hopping over his hurdles and on one occasion could be described as "flamboyant". There was also a tendency to wander on the approach to the flights, but neither of these foibles were massively to the detriment of his performance as he posted a new career best in beating a useful looking, unexposed pair. It is likely that he physically developed during his break and with scope for improvement in the psychological sense, he can continue to progress as a hurdler. Though it might be fanciful to consider an early chasing career for Cabot Cliffs, his trainer has sent Pretty Reckless, Pain Au Chocolat, Notnowsam and Allmankind to win chases as four-year-olds with the latter pair being flat recruits. 131
Sage Advice had a progressive profile on the flat, winning a Tipperary handicap off 73 on his penultimate for Joseph G Murphy before fetching 65,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn sale. Following a wind operation and a four month break, Sage Advice recouped some of that outlay with a taking introduction to hurdles at Kempton. Settling better than he had done on the flat and jumping well for a debutant, he ran out a very comfortable six length winner from a Tinnahalla who would frank the form with a win of his own. Holding a Triumph Hurdle entry, Sage Advice was the subject of solid support in the market and started the race as even money favourite. Once again racing fairly keenly, he settled in behind the leaders and jumped the first five hurdles better than anything else in the field. His first error of the race came at three out where he missed the flight and blundered badly, costing him momentum in the process. Though he recovered enough to get on an even keel with Cabot Cliffs at the penultimate flight, he was not altogether tidy and he conceded the impetus once again. Asked for a big one at the last, he cleared it decently enough, but while he plugged on gamely, he was unable to make inroads on the winner. While Sage Advice might have finished closer with a clear round, there is no guarantee that he will have mastered Cabot Cliffs and his Triumph entry looks ambitious in light of this performance. Nevertheless, it was still a respectable second outing in the sphere and with further progress likely, his mark of 127 looks very fair. 129
Goodbye Stranger joined a rare class of animal when winning a juvenile hurdle on his racecourse debut in December, and while the bare form gave him something to find here, it had been substantiated in the interim. Furthermore, Goodbye Stranger was decidedly immature at Newbury and of those in this particular line-up, his scope for improvement was the greatest. Ridden less conservatively than he had been last time, he was held up in touch for much of the contest. However, while he was able to eventually move into contention on the approach to the final flight, he had not travelled quite as strongly on this occasion. Furthermore, he was prone to making errors including getting close to the first and sixth, flattening the fourth, being untidy over the next and landing off-stride over the final two. Goodbye Stranger closed to within a couple of lengths of the winner and passed the post alongside Sage Advice, and while he was not as visually impressive, he did step up from a form perspective. Goodbye Stranger holds a Triumph entry, but while he is probably the most compelling long term prospect to emerge from this contest, he will likely need more time to fulfil his potential. 129
Caldwell, a full-brother to a winning novice, was placed on two of his three starts for Dermot Weld before joining Michael Scudamore for 28,000 guineas at Tattersalls. His hurdling debut came at Wetherby in late December and while he was no match for Hacker des Places, he still had fifty lengths in hand over the third. Though he handled the heavy ground well enough on that occasion, his hurdling was far from impressive and he was similarly moderate here as he hopped and skewed his way around the Warwickshire venue. Initially settled towards the rear, he made headway along the back and began the turn for home in second place. However, he quickly found himself outpaced and a tired jump at the penultimate flight marked the end of his involvement whereafter he finished nineteen lengths behind the third. Notwithstanding, he still improved on his Wetherby outing and while he has yet to match his flat form, his allotted mark of 102 could be workable if he is able to brush up his hurdling. 104
Admiral Balko, another whose sole racecourse appearance came in a juvenile hurdle, had finished second in a Bangor maiden twelve weeks earlier behind subsequent Finale also-ran and Taunton handicap winner Pyramid Place. He shaped well for a newcomer as he jumped soundly and travelled cosily before succumbing under pressure. Racing prominently here, he was less proficient this time around as he developed a habit of steadying into his hurdles while getting too close in the process. While he jumped three out a length behind the leader, he soon found himself outpaced and would come home in his own time some twenty-four lengths behind the winner. Hurdling at speed around a sharp venue, Admiral Balko was unable to match his Bangor performance. Nevertheless, he is still in the early stages of his career and while he can be competitive in moderate company as a juvenile, Admiral Balko is probably one for next season and beyond. 101
Alberic, a de-facto stablemate of Admiral Balko, was pulled up at Huntingdon on his racecourse debut, and fared little better when beaten twenty-five lengths over this course and distance in December. Held up in the rear and overly cautious over the first two, he made minor headway along the back before an error three from home sealed his race. Alberic posted his strongest performance to day, but it still leaves him short of his allotted mark of 95 and he will likely need another season before he comes into his own. 86
Kimberley ran creditably without winning for James Fanshawe, but following a 10,500 guineas sale, has achieved little to date over hurdles. She was untidy over the first and while she moved to a midfield position, a skewed and slow jump at the fifth saw her fall to the rear and she was struggling when steady and untidy over the next. This was no better than any of her previous outings and her new mark of 75, while very generous on her flat form, is difficult to justify on recent evidence. 52
Balzac finished twelve lengths behind Palace Pier on his sole outing as a two-year-old, and after operations to his wind and tackle, made all to comfortably score at Newbury last July. Switching to Stuart Williams for the sum of 30,000 guineas, he was twice withdrawn for refusing to enter the stalls and his attentions were diverted to hurdling. While Balzac's flat form and pedigree (half-brother to useful juvenile Cerberus) made him potentially interesting in this company, he was very weak in the market beforehand having drifted from 9/1 in the morning, to 33/1 at the off. Racing prominently on the outside while running fairly keenly, he made a succession of novicey errors and quickly lost his position towards the end of the back before pulling up at the top of the straight. As this was his first outing for over two-hundred days, he was entitled to want for fitness and although he has questions to answer, his profile remains feasibly credible for the time being. 0
Yorkshire Gold managed to win on his debut as a two-year-old and was not disgraced in the Grade 3 Acomb Stakes on his next start. However, he was tailed off on his next two outings and was allowed to leave Kevin Ryan for just 1,500 guineas last July. Racing in the rear, Yorkshire Gold got over the first well enough, but was very slow and untidy from there and was detached a long way from home. 0
Sergeant 4/2/2021 Wincanton 1m7½f Novices' Hurdle
A dual winner in Germany on the flat, Sergeant had been disappointing over hurdles thus far, beginning with a thirty-five length fourth in a poor Leicester contest on his British debut before pulling up at Musselburgh the following week. He showed some promise when a running on fifth in a Lingfield jumpers bumper, but was allowed to start at 125/1 for this novice event. Outside of the front two, this contest was much of a muchness with few ever getting involved. Sergeant can count himself amongst the anonymous as apart from pulling early in the rear and getting close to the first, he did nothing of note, positive or negative. Beaten sixty-four lengths in the end, he probably ran a career best over hurdles but is still some way short of his 74 rating. His flat form entitles him to be better and he might be able to make an impact in modest company over further. 69
CATTERICK 5th February
Preview review
Similar to the Warwick preview, the winner was passed over despite bringing the strongest flat form into the race on account of his free running style. Once again, it was noted that the sharp nature of the Catterick circuit might mitigate against this problem. Homme Public brought strong credentials from France, but his trainer's record with debutants should have dampened confidence. Nevertheless, the expressed sentiments were belied in practice by the caveats. Frustrating though this can be, the pair finished a long way clear of the remainder in keeping with the less exacting details of the preview. Warranty arguably disappointed, but he might have performed better but for returning lame on his off-hind.
Race review
Though traditionally little better than the average race for the venue, this year's renewal featured a Triumph entry making his British debut, the nephew of Triumph winner who had shown respectable form over hurdles. The withdrawal of Feldspar deprived the race of some depth, but the quality of the front two was apparent as they pulled twenty-three lengths clear of their opposition. The ground was very testing and the fog was such that the fourth flight was invisible to the cameras. Notwithstanding, it was still the quickest race on the card by second per furlong against the standard, although much the slowest juvenile at the venue this term which emphasises the bottomless state of the ground.
Tinnahalla ran to a fairly useful standard in a flat career with Jamie Osborne which saw him finish runner up on four occasions. By Starspangledbanner, who is beginning to look proficient in the division, and closely related to Thomas Hobson, Drifter and Celestial Halo, Tinnahalla had every chance of doing better in this sphere. Though sporting a hood for his hurdling debut at Newbury in December, he still pulled to hard for his own good which caused him to make several errors. It was to his credit that he was beaten by just ten lengths and he built on this effort with a good second to Sage Advice at Kempton. While he was still unable to settle, an improved round of jumping led to an improved performance from a form perspective and he enjoyed solid support ahead of starting a 13/8 joint-favourite here. Sent straight to the front from the outset, he was still fresh within himself but was noticeably calmer than on previous outings. His jumping was also as strong as it had been to date and while he still made errors, they mostly came in the form of him clipping the top of his flights as he attacked them at speed. Carrying an advantage of around a length for most of the contest, he was joined at the penultimate flight where his rival's blunder returned Tinnahalla to a clear lead. From there, he was able to sustain his momentum and extended his superiority to just under three lengths passing the post. A better attitude was rewarded with a win and a new career best. His progression should be sustained and he looks capable of defying a penalty at this level. However, the handicapper saw fit to raise him sixteen pounds to 126 for this performance which is just beyond what has been achieved thus far. 123
Homme Public made his racecourse debut in an AQPS newcomers' hurdle at Auteuil in September, before returning to the Paris track the following month finishing second on each occasion. The form of both contests has been subsequently bolstered and while his jumping has not always been error free, he hurdles more neatly than otherwise and has shown a good attitude in defeat. Homme Public has since joined an Oliver Greenall yard which while sending out safe jumpers, tends to leave work on its first time out runners. Nevertheless, the strength of his French form did not require him to be fully wound for his British bow and he started the race in a share of favouritism. Tracking the leader throughout, he hurdled cleanly for much of the contest save for getting slightly tight to a couple of flights. Though tapped for toe turning into the straight, Homme Public moved alongside Tinnahalla approaching two out, but his stumbling on landing saw him concede the impetus to his rival and a slow jump at the last put paid to his chances. It would be speculative to suggest that better hurdling might have won him the day, but it can be assumed that he will have learned plenty for the experience. The 100/1 available for the Triumph looks appropriate, but while his mark of 125 exceeds his bare form, it ought to be a fair mark given his stable's charges typically improve from their introductions. 120
El Jefe's second off 51 on his latest flat outing did not warrant his being backed from 33/1 to 16/5 for his hurdling debut at Wetherby, and though he jumped well enough, he was eventually beaten by over a hundred lengths. Though not the subject of such a dramatic plunge for his return, he still attracted outside support, starting at 12/1 having opened at 18/1. Held up in the rear, he posted another safe round of jumping making only minor errors at the fifth and sixth. El Jefe made headway from the turn for home, and although he stood no chance with the front two, he was able to run on into a twenty-three length third at the line. This marks a new career best under either code and while he would need to find a modest contest in order to be competitive in open company, his safe hurdling could see him make an impact from a low enough mark. 97
Machios ran eight times on the flat for Andrew Balding, earning a win, two places and a rating of 72 in the process. By Maxios and related to jumps winners, his price tag of 25,000 guineas looked reasonable for a hurdling prospect and he was quietly fancied ahead of his jumps bow at Musselburgh in December. A tendency to pull hard on the flat followed him over hurdles and while his jumping was more reasonable than otherwise, he was still beaten thirty-three lengths by Fiveandtwenty. Steady in the market following a two month break, he sweated in the preliminaries and was keen in the early stages which caused him to make errors early on. His hurdling settled along the back but he had already lost his prominent position which he would not regain. Essentially matching his Musselburgh form, his mark of 103 looks stiff at this juncture, although there is the possibility of him bridging that gap if he learns to settle better. 93
Warranty was a comfortable winner of a Beverley maiden handicap on his final start for Mark Johnston and his pedigree suggested he could do well in his new vocation with Harry Whittington. His introduction to hurdling at Wetherby was a disappointing one as a series of sloppy jumps mark a lacklustre performance and his quest for redemption at Kempton was curtailed as he was carried out in the early stages. Nevertheless, the conditions at Sandown early in January appeared to suit as he ran a new career best to finish third to Hudson de Grugy. However, his sloppy jumping re-emerged and though he hung onto the leaders for much of the race, he began to falter towards the end of the back and would only fade from thereon. It transpired that he was found lame on his off-hind which would go some way to explaining this performance. If he is able to recover both physically and mentally then he can be competitive in the right scenario, although his rating of 114 is a stiff one on all available evidence. 89
Salamanca School is another former inmate of Mark Johnstons, but after collecting a win and two places from three runs as a two-year-old, was unable to replicate that form during his second season and he left Middleham after finishing a thirteen length second in a Goodwood seller. Following a wind operation and a near five month break, he was thrown in at the deep end for his hurdling debut at Ascot where he weaken quickly after holding a prominent position up to the home turn. Salamanca School might have been expected to perform better for stripping fitter, but despite being in calmer waters, was a big drifter in the market. Always in the rear, his early jumps were not especially tidy and while he hurdled better from there, he was never able to progress through the field and was ultimately beaten by just over forty lengths. Though it might be too soon to write off Salamanca School, he is becoming disappointing. 82
North Point was rated seventy on the flat for David Elsworth and though comfortably beaten on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield in late September, it was not an effort devoid of promise. However, he would not be seen again for four months and his reappearance against older novices at Ludlow saw him virtually pulled up. Completely unfancied on his return to the juvenile ranks, he sweated in the preliminaries, jumped big at the first, and while he was alright over the next three hurdles, his jumping deteriorated from the fifth and he would finish completely detached. North Point's rating of 92 exceeds his achievements to this date and he is in need of a revival. 36
Lanval achieved very little in three outings during the Autumn for David Menuisier and joined Sam England for just 1,000 guineas. Though sire Camelot can get good juveniles, there was no other cause for encouragement in his profile and Lanval jumped poorly in the rear before pulling up before two out. 0
Park Lane Dancer 5/2/2021 Catterick 2m3½f Handicap Hurdle (92)
While no better than moderate on the flat, Park Lane Dancer's hurdling career began with a fair third in a weak Sedgefield contest in October. Though he was beaten into seventh on his next two outings at Musselburgh and Market Rasen, he broadly ran to the same level. He reportedly bled on his penultimate outing and although he jumped safely enough on his first two runs, his round of jumping last time was the poorest to date. Following a two month absence, Park Lane Dancer's return came in handicap company over half a mile further, and on ground softer than anything previously encountered. His mark of 92 did not seem generous and he drifted from 9/1 in the morning to 28/1 at the start. The closing contest on a card ran on bottomless ground, there was no indication on breeding that these conditions would suit, although he did hint at staying prowess on his Sedgefield bow. Initially racing in mid-division, his jumping was marked by his getting slightly tight to his hurdles without any major cause for alarm. However, he drifted back through the field and was under a strong drive for most of the back stretch without making any real inroads. He turned into the straight in closer order, although his progress was glacial and his tripping over the last did not help his cause. Nevertheless, the race took on a dramatic evolution on the run-in where the leader's saddle had slipped, and though Park Lane Dancer appeared to be treading water with a furlong left to run, he finished quicker than anything else and looked briefly as though he could snatch victory on the line only to run into the rear of the faltering leader with his turnoff blocked by his other rivals. While beaten into fourth, it can be argued that Park Lane Dancer was an unlucky loser - his being a beneficiary of the leader's tack malfunction notwithstanding. In a move sure to infuriate connections, he has since been raised a pound to 93. Nevertheless, he has shown that a trip has brought about improvement and if he can maintain this level of form then he could feasibly be well treated in the appropriate circumstances. 100
