Cheers Barjon
Wanted to do previews for the races at Kempton and Wetherby but thanks to 48 hour declarations not being a thing on the busiest week of racing of the sodding year, I have only had time to preview the Finale Hurdle. Enjoy
With the festive weather being rather sensible this year, the first Grade One juvenile hurdle of the season is set to place on its intended date. The Finale Hurdle did not have a winner follow up in the Triumph until Mysilv landed the brace in the 1993/94 season. Nevertheless, since its establishment in 1971, in which that season's Triumph winner would place third behind Ballytruckle, the Finale Hurdle has maintained solid claims to being the most important juvenile hurdle this side of the New Year. During the seventies, winners included classy sorts in Fighting Kate and Decent Fellow while in the 1974 renewal, the ill-fated Philominsky handed the great Night Nurse his first defeat over hurdles. The eighties began with future Champion Hurdle runner-up and useful jumps sire Broadsword winning in 1980. Though a few lean years followed the race's move to the Welsh National card in 1981, Out Of The Gloom and High Knowl went some way to redeeming the race's standing while Wahiba would place in both the Finale and the Triumph in 1987/88. 1988 saw Royal Derbi, Ikdam and 100/1 shot Bradbury Star beaten upwards of fourteen lengths and the nineties began with festival winners Crystal Spirit and Oh So Risky finishing second and fifth respectively although only Mysilv would make an effort in maintaining those heady heights in 1993. The new millenium started with a bang as Jair du Cochet got the better of Bilboa. Good Bye Simon, Franchoek and Walkon counted themselves as the classiest winners of the 2000s while popular talents Turko, Fair Along, Twist Magic and Reve de Sivola would also appear. Countrywide Flame and Smad Place trailed March Warbler in 2011 since which, Bristol de Mai, Defi du Seuil, Allmankind and Adagio have headed the roll call, with Houblon des Obeaux, Sam Winner, Kentucky Hyden and Old Guard amongst the numerous talented beaten horses over the past decade.
With twelve runners set to face the starter, this season's renewal will have the largest field since 2007. Nevertheless, quality is not compromised by quantity as save for the absences of Knight Salute, Interne de Sivola and In This World, the line-up is very much representative of the best seen in the British division to date. The twelve youngsters have between themselves thirteen wins and £156,197 in prize money. Five bring unbeaten records and the three maidens have each ran creditably in races worth over £19,000 to the winner. While it is folly to speculate on the future impact of this contest, there is a healthy blend of proven form and vast potential amidst the field.
Though the meeting will almost certainly go ahead without the threat of a pesky inspection, a searching stamina test still awaits these young animals. Chepstow's winners' DIs of 0.87 median, 1.20 mean are lower only at Cheltenham and Hexham, although the completion rate of 86.66% being of a average nature is indicitive of the class of runner and its relative fairness as a hurdling test (96.38% clear round). Such fairness is also reflected in the strong record of odds-on favourites, with the 80% strike rate being the highest of all British courses with more than eleven such juveniles; not that anything here should start odds-on. Since 2004, seven winners of this contest started on the flat (6.93% SR), seven had jumps experience in France (19.44%) and two were unraced prior to competing in British juveniles (25%). Several in this field have made the running and/or raced prominently. The going is currently described as good and while Boxing Day should be dry, heavy rain is expected on the morning of the race.
Triumph Betting
Forever Blessed 25/1
Porticello 25/1
Rocky Man 25/1
Skycutter 40/1
Forever William 50/1
Iroko 50/1
Magistrato 50/1
Tease And Seize 50/1
Saint Segal 66/1
Forever Blessed bg Harry Fry j2-2-0 (128) 118 120
Zoffany (Oasis Dream){4-r}(1.40) 3/1 Total Command 1st 2m4f Maiden Hurdle, Great Meadow 2012
One of two runners in the field whose racecourse debuts came in this division, Forever Blessed first venture came at Ffos Las towards the end of October. Costing €22,000 as a yearling Forever Blessed is from the quality Juddmonte distaff line of Wince and Quiff. Total Command, who won a hurdle in America, is the closest jumper on the damline although the useful Ulundi and Master Dino appear further back. Zoffany has a solid record in the division with a winner to runner rate of 26% and improvement rate of 48.15%, although the same could not be said of damsire Oasis Dream who even including Forever Blessed, has a strike rate of just 5.56%. Given that Irish bred unraced debutants had a strike rate of 2.03% going into the Ffos Las contest, and that trainer Harry Fry was hitherto without a first-time out scorer, the stats were against Forever Blessed in what looked a decent little contest. Nevertheless, he received outside support in the betting, starting at 17/2 having been available at 17/2. Held up towards the rear in a fairly steadily run affair, Forever Blessed was asked to take closer order on the turn for home and though his response was not immediate, he travelled comfortably on the run to the penultimate flight and landed with a lead which would be extended by a few lengths at the last. From there, he was pushed out to win by a cosy eleven lengths. Apart from steadying and getting close to the second, there was little complaint in his hurdling with his being slightly novicey at the first and three out being the sum of his offences. A couple of his rivals disappointed and other than the fourth running to a similar level next time, the form has yet to be tested. Nevertheless, he was backed as though defeat was out of the question when reappearing in an introductory contest at Sandown early this month and duly landed odds of 4/9. Racing prominently this time, he jumped into the lead at the distance and went further ahead as the line neared, winning by eighteen lengths from a previous winner. He posted another decent round of hurdling, with only a few clippings down the back and his being rather big at two out counted against him. Again, the bare form is not of a high standard and strictly speaking, his official mark of 128 exceeds his performances by roughly half a stone. Notwithstanding, his place in the field is still warranted by his efforts to date and he is very much entitled to improve given his inexperience. Furthermore, he has already shown himself adept in testing conditions and is versatile regarding tactics. There is a lack of proven form and his ability to fully get a trip at this level remains to be seen, but a strong showing for his trainer's first runner in this contest can not be discounted.
Forever William chg Alan King f8-0-5 (73) 81 j1-1-0 (-) 110 118
Sea The Moon (Arch){3-l}(1.00) 2/1 Gallic Destiny 1st 2m3f Novices' Hurdle, Fontwell 2015
Alan King is an outstanding trainer of juvenile hurdlers and his record in this particular contest reads as two winners and three placings from eight runners. Interestingly, his two winners and his runner-up (Franchoek, Walkon and Karezak) all came into the race having been out within a fortnight of the race. Though less experienced than the aforementioned, Forever William will be making a quick reappearance having won on his hurdling debut at Newbury twelve days ago; the same race where Walkon finished second to Zaynar before winning at Chepstow. An eight race maiden on the flat, Forever William had been given to racing lazily as well as keenly, and was also seen to hang to his right. Cheekpieces were applied on his penultimate flat start at Nottingham where he made up a lot of ground in a fourteen furlong handicap but was unable to find the post in time. He failed to justify favouritism back at Nottingham on his final flat outing over two miles, expending a fair amount of energy by pulling hard early. His final rating of 73 would not be the highest among juvenile recruits, but his best performances are still respectable in the context of this contest both historically and in this term's running. By Sea The Moon, whose Allmankind and Tritonic countribute to his winner to runner rate of 29.41%, Forever William is a nephew of winning novice Gallic Destiny, with the useful Alsaada appearing at 3/2 on the damline. The Newbury contest had been won four times by his trainer in the past decade and has been contested over the years by the likes of Clan des Obeaux, Third Intention and Hebridean as well as the aforementioned Walkon and Zaynar. Sent off a steady 6/1 third favourite, Forever William was initially held up in midfield before moving into a more prominent position along the back. Though caught rather flat footed on the cross section, he was back on the bridle in the straight and jumped two out with a share of the lead where he made his only error in the race. There was no immediate acceleration under pressure, but he stayed on strongly on the run-in, winning by over four lengths. The quality of form is difficult to quantify as four of the first five home were making their hurdling bows. Nevertheless, the newcomers each brought solid flat form and represented good yards while the third placed finisher was well backed to atone for a disappointing debut. Furthermore, the winning time does compare favourably to that set by the promising I Am Maximus in the following maiden hurdle. Forever William is difficult to appraise on a sole outing, promising that it was, particularly as he was not the most straightforward on the flat. Nevertheless, the switch to hurdling appears to have given him a refreshed outlook on the game and as the chosen representative of a confident trainer who knows this race as well as anybody, he ought to be taken seriously.
Genuflex bg Milton Harris f11-1-5 (74) 79 j3-1-2 (113) 104 114
Holy Roman Emperor (Galileo){1-i}(1.13) 0.5 Gendarme 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (88), Limerick 2021
A winner on the flat for Richard Hannon, Genuflex earned his initial victory at the third time of asking in a Windsor nursery off 74 last August. Though he failed to supplement this success in eight further attempts, Genuflex did run to form over ten furlongs during the spring and summer including on his latest outing in that sphere when showing good tenacity but failing to make all in a Nottingham classified stakes. He subsequently joined the capable Milton Harris for 20,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale. By a Holy Roman Emperor who wins his fair share, and being a half-brother to a winning handicap hurdler, there was every chance he could build his profile over hurdles. He was well backed to do so on his stable/hurdling debut at Ludlow early in October and only subsequent Huntingdon winner, Mister Allegro, prevented his landing the 20/1 come 5/1 plunge. Though occasionally tight at his hurdles, Genuflex posted an efficient round of jumping overall and travelled well in midfield for much of the contest. In contention turning for home, he found himself outpaced between the last two and was slow getting away from the final flight. Nevertheless, he plugged on along the run-in to snatch second in the final strides with subsequent improver Saint Riquier another four lengths behind. Entering calmer waters at Sedgefield eleven days later, Genuflex's profile saw him sent off a worthy 4/11 favourite. Making his own running from the outset, he raced keenly while setting a modest tempo. Though he hit the top of the third, rather missed the sixth and ran down the penultimate flight, his jumping was neat enough overall. Genuflex entered the straight half a dozen lengths clear of his rivals and after being shaken up away from two out, was in cruise control for the rest of the race; crossing the line seventeen lengths clear of the remainder. Stepping up to Listed company for Wetherby's Wensleydale Hurdle, Genuflex appeared to be quite overfaced, although he was supported in the ring from 14/1 into 10/1 at the off. Held up in the rear off a quite modest gallop, he still had only one behind turning for home. It was a tightly packed bunch however and was able to follow the increased pace in the straight, jumping the last within a length of leader Porticello. Though he was no match for the ultimately comfortable winner, he did get the better of a battle for second in the final strides. This marked a new career best, exceeding the best of his flat efforts in the process. Milton Harris has been having a fantastic season and he did saddle Mondul to finish second in the 2003 running of this contest so it may be dangerous to underestimate his charges. However, even Genuflex's best form would still leave him with a good deal to find in this company and it is difficult to see where he can find the necessary improvement in conditions which are unlikely to see him at his strongest.
Iroko bg Oliver Greenall b1-0-0 j1-0-1 (-) - 131
Cokoriko (Martaline){u}(0.33) 1/0 Boscraie 1st 3600m 4yo AQPS Chase, Auteuil 2015
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/iroko-1
The Prix Isopani is a three-year-old contest held at Auteuil in September for AQPS horses making their hurdling debuts. Established in 2012, its most famous graduate is Bristol de Mai who landed the 2014 renewal before making a winning British debut in the Finale Hurdle three months later. Other talented sorts to come out of the Isopani familiar to British and Irish racegoers include Alcala (2nd in 2013), Calett Mad (3rd in 2015) and Dame de Compagnie (2nd in 2016) while Figuero would be the most notable graduate who stayed to ply his trade in France. Last season's second and third, Homme Public and Houx Gris each made immediate moves across la manche with the ill-fated latter finishing third in the Finale and fourth in the Fred Winter for Paul Nicholls. The former, who would win at Market Rasen, was acquired by Oliver Greenall and it is that trainer who unleashes this year's Isopani second in Iroko. He started his career with Emmanuel Clayeux, whose exports in the sphere have a terrific winner to runner rate of 66.67%, and include the likes of Defi du Seuil, Apple's Jade, Une Artiste and Qualando. Sire Cokoriko has a fine winner to runner rate of 31.34% with French three-year-olds, headed by Polirico, while dam Boscraie won a four-year-old chase at Auteuil in 2015. The damline also features plenty of other winners such as Ouest Vendeen, Un Vendeen and Rock And Co at 2/1, and three other winners out of the third dam. Iroko first saw action in an AQPS bumper at Moulins where he finished a one paced, ten length fourth behind a cousin of Espoir d'Allen who has since joined Willie Mullins, a length ahead of a subsequent Fontainebleu winner. With the services of James Reveley, who was carrying a kilo overweight, Iroko was sent off the fifth favourite of thirteen for the Isopani. Held up in touch, he jumped soundly over his first five hurdles before missing the sixth where he stumbled on landing while reaching for a leg. This did not appear to have a discernible impact on his confidence and he was prominent turning for home. He had no answer for the winner's turn of foot, but ran on strongly to put just over a length between himself and the remainder. The form of the race has since been franked by the winner, who won a good conditions race back at the venue, as well as the third who has landed two good races of his own including the €63,000 Prix Chalet. Though difficult to quantify a solitary performance in a field of newcomers, a mark in the early 130s would not be unreasonable. Subsequently purchased by JP McManus, Iroko could make into a serious recruit to the division and is entitled to respect even in this company. However, while Oliver Greenall has a solid record in the sphere, and is actually the leading British trainer of juveniles with a 100% clear round record (128 runs and counting without a fall or unseat), his charges invariably come on for their first outings with only one from thirty-five scoring first time.
Magistrato bg Paul Nicholls j3-1-2 (127) 116 126 129FR
Kapgarde (Poliglote){3-d}(1.00) 1/0 Franche Alliance 2nd Prix Beugnot (L,63.0), Enghien 2015
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/magistrato
The prestige of the Prix Grandak, and esteem of David Cottin, are covered in Porticello's profile.
Magistrato, who also made his debut in the aforementioned race and in joining Paul Nicholls, follows in the hoofprints of Far West, Frodon, Quel Destin, Qualando and Marracudja who all started in the same contest. Fresh on his racecourse debut, Magistrato soon established a clear lead which he would ohld to the final flight where he was headed by Porticello. Jumping better overall than the winner, he done more by a lack of pace than fatigue and still managed to increase his advantage over the third placed Imprenable. A son of Kapgarde, who has an outstanding 50% winner to runner rate with his British and Irish juveniles, Magistrato's dam showed useful form over nineteen furlongs on heavy ground and is herself a half-sister to La Bague Au Roi and Kaysersberg. As such, the 3000 meters at Auteuil was unlikely to suit and while it is to his credit that he performed satisfactorily, it perhaps indicates that he would be a more longer term prospect. Nevertheless, Magistrato also looked a useful tool for this season when making a winning British debut at Chepstow in early October. Though money for Rocky Man saw him drift from a morning show of 2/5, Magistrato was still strongly fancied first time and after being available at 8/11 in the ring, contracted back into 4/7 at the off. Keen in the early stages, he made his own running at a steady tempo and though threatened for the lead at the top of the straight, was in total control at the distance and galloped on relentlessly to run out a twelve length winner from Rocky Man. Apart from being slightly untidy at the first and slow away from the fifth, there was no cause for complaint in the round of jumping as he confirmed his Auteuil proficiency. Though the race did not look strong outside of the front two, twenty-two length third placed Nazwa afforded the form some credence when finishing second off 103 on a Warwick handicap. Magistrato was then sent to Cheltenham for the Prestbury Hurdle, a race farmed by his trainer, and was sent off a well supported 6/4 favourite. Racing prominently, he was skewed over the first, tight at the second and wandered on the approach to the third. However, his jumping gave no cause for complaint from thereon. He did race quite keenly and though it was not to an alarming extent, it may have been enough to see him concede two places in the final strides. It initially appeared that he may have been the victim of the tactics employed. However, this is not backed up by the sectional times and while Chepstow runner-up Rocky Man still finished close in sixth, it did not give credence to that form in the context of this level. Magistrato is a useful juvenile and he is representing a yard with two wins (Quel Destin and Adrien du Pont) and seven placings in this contest. Nevertheless, he has already been beaten by Porticello at Auteuil and Saint Riquier at Cheltenham and the only case for his reversing those placings rests on his experience at this venue, albeit on better ground.
Porticello bg Gary Moore j3-2-1 (132) 122 132
Sholokhov (Chichicastenango){31}(0.87) 2/1 Worldbest 3rd Grand Prix d'Automne (G1), Auteuil 2009
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/porticello
Francois-Marie Cottin has sent the likes of Sanctuaire, Napolitain and Star de Mohaison across the channel over the years. Cousin David has yet to match those levels as an exporter although Busselton was a creditable sort last term and this season has seen Mr Cottin take the French three-year-old division by storm with a team including leading colts Paradiso and San Bruit, and leading fillies Matilda du Berlais and La Boetie. He also saddled the first two home in the Prix Grandak prior to the pair crossing the channel for pastures new. The Prix Grandak is a debutant contest with a rich history, being the launchpad of domestic stars Saint des Saints, Bonito Du Berlais, Beaumec De Houelle, On The Go and Beaumec De Houelle, as well as talented exports in Frodon, Far West, We Have A Dream and Quel Destin. This year’s edition was taken by Porticello who having tracked the leaders throughout, made his challenge in a steady rather than explosive fashion and after taking the lead at the last, managed to pull a couple of lengths clear on the run-in. Apart from blundering at the fifth, he jumped well enough for a debutant and his style of racing was in keeping with his pedigree; being a Sholokhov nephew of the Grand Prix d’Automne third Worldbest. Notwithstanding, there is some precocity in his pedigree as his dam is a half-sister to graded placed juvenile Orcantara and the aunt of Prix Cambaceres runner-up Invicter. Furthermore, while Sholokhov is a Gold Cup winning sire, he is also responsible for Shishkin as well as classy youngsters Msassa, Esmondo and the aforementioned Invicter. Almost seven months have passed since the Prix Grandak and the form is taking a very respectable shape. Runner-up Magistrato looked very impressive when winning at Chepstow on his first run for Paul Nicholls and was subsequently a respectable fourth at Cheltenham. Third placed Imprenable won his next two starts before finishing second in the Groupe II Prix Georges de Talhouet-Roy and fourth in the Groupe I Prix Cambaceres. File au Poteau in fourth won a useful conditions hurdle at Auteuil in October, fifth placed Coup de Coeur is one of the better chasers of his generation, the sixth placed Mourinho Has won a valuable handicap at the venue before finishing fifth in the Cambaceres and the only other finisher is a dual winner in the provinces. Representing a Gary Moore yard with a strong and solid record in the sphere, Porticello was thrown straight into pattern company for his British debut, which came in the Wensleydale Hurdle at Wetherby towards the end of October. His Grandak form was enough to see him sent off the 6/4 favourite and he was able to win quite comfortably in the end. However, his round of hurdling was anything but impressive and there was not a flight where he jumped especially well. Slow and untidy at the first, he hopped over the second, skewed when steady at the third, steady again when close to the fourth, close at the fifth, hit the top of the sixth, was big and steep over the seventh and two out (where he stumbled on landing) and big again over the last. Racing close to the lead throughout, he did travel well in fairness and though he did not kick on after taking the lead at the first flight in the home straight, and wandered quite conspicuously under pressure, he did eventually run out a decisive four length winner while giving away upwards of five pounds. Though decent enough at face value, the performance was still someway short of his Auteuil outing. Nevertheless, in keeping with his pedigree and profile, he could have been described as green and unfurnished horse with the potential to make a very good horse once he matures and gets a trip and he demonstrated significant improvement in his constitution during the six weeks which preceded his latest outing, which came in the Grade 2 Summit Hurdle at Doncaster just over a fortnight ago. Solid in the market and sent off the 6/4 favourite, Porticello jumped much better overall with tight and steady leap at the first followed by four good jumps from the front. Increasing the tempo on entering the straight, Porticello made his first real error three out as he rather hopped onto the top of the flight, flattening it in the process. He was good when shaken up on the approach to the penultimate hurdle and though still showing signs of greeness, was still doing enough to fend off the proven speedsters Knight Salute and Impulsive One. However, his immaturity would manifest with another clumsy leap over the last which cost him momentum and two positions in a matter of strides. Despite having to track back briefly, Porticello managed to regain second on the run-in and may well have finished closer but for his transgressions. Whether he would have been able to outbattle Knight Salute is another matter. Nevertheless, the Summit performance would still be much the strongest domestic form and supplements the promise shown in the Grandak. While Gary Moore, who enjoyed a Boxing Day treble at Fontwell, has yet to win the Finale, he has saddled Nassalam, Sussex Ranger and Adopted Hero to finish placed and Porticello has arguably more potential than any of these. With further improvement still a very feasible prospect, particularly on this softer ground, Porticello sets a strong standard for his rivals to match.
Rocky Man bc Dan Skelton f2-1-0 (-) j2-0-1 (-) 109 121
Doctor Dino (Speedmaster){7-a}(0.33) 2/1 Rosarina 1st 3500m 4yo Conditions Hurdle, Toulouse 2009
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/rocky-man
Dan Skelton won this race in 2019 with Allmankind and is responsible for In This World, who features most prominently of the British trained horses in the Triumph markets. Nevertheless, his chosen one for this year's Finale is the twice raced maiden, Rocky Man. By Doctor Dino, half of whom's British and Irish juveniles (including Sceau Royal, Fil Dor, Good Ball and Dino Mite) won during their first campaigns and his three-year-old jumpers in France have an outstanding winner to runner rate of 42.86% from ninety-one horses. Though the damline is less prolific in the sphere, which is understandable given that the third dam was a Chilean import, Rocky Man's auntie did win a four-year-old hurdle at Toulouse. After making an inconspicuous debut at Machecoul back in February, Rocky Man got off the mark in emphatic style when winning a restricted two mile contest at Saumur. Initially racing in the lead, he was restrained to settle behind the leaders passing the stands first time. He would take up the running again leaving the back for the final time and was ridden into the best part of a ten length lead at the distance before being eased in the last hundred metres. The race, being worth just €10,500, has produced just one subsequent winner in a modest Argentan hurdle, although the well beaten runner-up has run consistently in subsequent outings so his valeur of 29.0 (63.8) gives some indication of the form's merit. Rocky Man's DI of 0.33, along with his winning over two miles during the spring, may leave him vulnerable to the pacier juveniles in the upper echelons, and he found himself at the hands of a comprehensive drubbing by Magistrato on his British/hurdling debut at Chepstow in early October. He does possess a strong reputation however and was subject to solid market support beforehand which saw him sent off the 3/1 second favourite. Tracking the leader throughout, posted a perfectly acceptable round of jumping with only his being slightly steady and tight at the first, and somewhat untidy and slow getting away from the last, being his only blemishes. Rocky Man briefly threatened the lead at the top of the straight, but had no answer for Magistrato's relentless galloping. Next seen in the Grade 2 Prestbury Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, Rocky Man had some outside support in the market, but was still sent off the 11/1 fifth favourite of nine. Held up at the rear of the field, Rocky Man was just about in touch on the turn for home, but never even feigned any serious involvement and was outpaced by all rivals; front-runners, closers and all. To his credit, he finished within five lengths of the winner in conditions which were patently unsuitable. Several of his opponents have stronger form in the book, but there is a real possibility that these conditions could see significant improvement from Rocky Man and with the yard back in form with a Market Rasen double, a good showing would not come as a surprise.
Romeo's Bond bg Milton Harris f5-0-0 (55) 60 j2-1-1 (111) 102 102
Monsieur Bond (Daylami){20-c}(1.67) 0.5 Stimulating Song 1st 2m5f Handicap Hurdle (128), Cheltenham 2020
Stablemate of Genuflex, Romeo's Bond ran five times on the flat without starting shorter than 22/1, or finishing nearer than fifth. Prior to his switching to hurdles, sire Monsieur Bond had just one winner from seventeen in the division. Nevertheless, half-brother and stablemate Stimulating Song has shown useful hurdles form despite also having a speedy sire in Stimulation. The application of cheekpieces, the yard's fine season and the abysmal quality of the field saw Romeo's Bond start the 3/1 second favourite on his hurdling bow. Held up in touch in a steadily run affair, Romeo's Bond joined the leader three from home and was travelling strongest, albeit slightly awkwardly, on the run to two out. After a clean jump at the last, he wandered both due to pressure and being alone, but still won comfortably in the end. His jumping was also reasonable, with his only real flaw coming when getting tight while hopping over the second. Very little can be said of the form and a better evaluation can be made of his second to Forever Blessed at Sandown early this month. A big drifter during the day before being clipped four points to 12/1 in the ring, Romeo's Bond tracked the leaders and though unsure at times, was largely proficient over his hurdles. The race was beginning to fall apart behind the leading trio when he was steady and close before slipping on landing at the penultimate hurdle. This cost him whatever of the little chance he had with Forever Blessed, but he was still able to grab a remote second at the post. Romeo's Bond comes into this contest with the lowest rating in the field; a mark which exceeds anything he has done over flat or hurdles to the best part of ten pounds. There is little in his profile to suggest he can get seriously involved in this contest.
Saint Riquier grc Ian Williams f3-1-0 (-) - j4-0-3 (123) 111 122
Le Havre (Montjeu){5-g}(0.60) 3/2 Fashion Mix 1st 3300m 3yo Conditions Hurdle, Cagnes-sur-Mer 2004
https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/saint-riquier
Several former inmates of Mikel Delzangles have done well in juvenile hurdles with the likes of Ranjaan and Dispour contributing to a solid 27.78% winner to runner rate. While his higher rated exports often command six figures in public auction, Saint Riquier joined Ian Williams after getting knocked down for €33,000 at the Arqana Summer Sale. Well beaten at Fontainbleau on his sole outing at two when slow out of the stalls, he ran a nothing race on his February reappearance at Machecoul over 2350m in testing conditions. He returned after a four month break in a 2200m French bred's maiden contest at Erbray. Initially held up in touch, he moved into a more prominent position during the second circuit and while he did not completely understand the game, Saint Riquier did enough work in the straight to eventually win by a short neck. The runner-up, in receipt of three and a half kilos, is rated in the early sixties and the remaining form would give Saint Riquier a mark on the cusp of 70. Le Havre has had one winner from six in Britain and Ireland, while his winner to runner rate in France, where his progeny are headed by the useful Chaptal, is a solid 18.92%. There are few jumpers on the damline, although Fragrant Mix at 3/1 is a reasonably capable sire of jumpers. Saint Riquier's British/Hurdling debut came at Ludlow early in October and there was little confidence in the market. Starting the day at 10/3, he opened on course at 13/2 before drifting out to 10/1 at the off. Starting the race keenly but settling better before long, his hurdling left a fair bit to be desired. Stumbling slightly on landing at the first, he was tight at the third, steady and close over the fourth, slow over the next before rather missing the sixth. Notwithstanding, after initially racing in the rear, he made good headway along the back and despite getting baulked at the penultimate hurdle, was still in a challenging position on the run to the last. However, he skewed badly over the final flight and could only plug on at one pace to finish fourth behind Mister Allegro and Genuflex by just under six lengths. Saint Riquier was then seen at Huntingdon on Halloween where he was more solid in the market and sent off the 13/8 favourite. Held up in midfield and settling better in first-time cheekpieces, Saint Riquier also improved in the hurdling department. Unfazed by getting blocked on landing at the first, he jumped his hurdles well enough with his only errors being getting close to the fifth and skewing when slow at the next. Making headway to join the leaders at the top of the straight, he led briefly on the run between the final two and held a share of the lead at the last. However, while he ran gamely enough to the line, Alan King's Twilight Twist was able to pull out a decisive length with the front two pulling a long way clear. Ian Williams does not typically overface his juveniles at Cheltenham and indeed had the Fred Winter second in 2005. Nevertheless, this did not prevent his being sent off the 50/1 outsider in the Prestbury Hurdle. Tucked in just behind the leaders, Saint Riquier put in a solid round of jumping blemished only by a couple of insignificant errors. Though seemingly having only the one gear at the business end of the race, proving no match for Knight Salute, he was able to take advantage of the fading Magistrato to run into second in the dying strides. Three weeks later, Saint Riquier was made favourite to shed his maiden tag in a such named contest at Warwick. However, his jumping, while reasonable early on rather deteriorated over the last three hurdles. That said, though he had no trouble matching Graystone up to the back of the straight, and did finish twelve lenghts ahead of the remainder, he had no answers or excuses for the winners seven length superiority. Saint Riquier really should not end the season without a win, but while he should not be disgraced here, he will most likely find more than one too good.
Saint Segal bg Jane Williams j1-1-0 (-) 117 109
Saint des Saints (Ballingarry){9}(0.71) 1/0 Bal Celtique 3rd Prix Predicateur (L,57.0), Auteuil 2016
Like Forever Blessed, Saint Segal made his racecourse debut in a British juvenile hurdle. Unlike Forever Blessed, Saint Segal is a French bred whose first time strike rate as unraced juveniles stood at a still interesting 4.35% ahead of his Bangor debut. Costing €51,000 as a two-year-old, Saint Segal is certainly the more traditionally bred of the pair. Sire Saint des Saints has a winner to runner rate of 32.43% which includes the likes of Monmiral, Le Rocher and Fusil Raffles. Dam Bal Celtique finished third in a listed handicap at Auteuil and has already produced a pattern placed filly in Celtic Girl. The Williamses of George Nympton are also no strangers to running decent unraced juveniles with Me Voici and Reve de Sivola (first and third in this very contest) two leading examples. Making his debut at Bangor back in November, Saint Segal was sent off a fairly steady 3/1 favourite. Tracking the leader, he was shaken up to challenge three furlongs out before going into the lead under a drive a furlong from home; after which he was pushed out on the run-in to win by three cosy lengths. Slightly novicey over the first couple of hurdles, Saint Segal settled into a sound enough rhythm and while he clipped a few towards the end, there can be no real dissatisfaction with his jumping. The pace was not the quickest, but the time was still quite reasonable. However, though the form is not completely without substance, the runner-up failed to justify favouritism at Leicester next time and the third quite likely ran below his best. Notwithstanding, Saint Segal's career has started on a solid foundation and as the stable has produced two winners and three thirds in this race, a fair effort would not be unexpected.
Skycutter bg Philip Kirby f13-1-7 (89) 96 j2-2-0 (127) 120 123
Scissor Kick (Hurricane Run){17-b}(0.39) 2/1 Kyrov 1st Prix Cambaceres (G1), Auteuil 2021
Scissor Kick was a Group Three winning sprinter in Australia by a Caulfield Guineas winner in Redoute's Choice. The former was zero from four in this sphere, but the Danehill line is capable of producing sires of winning juveniles. Coming from the Danehill line is not the most pertinent element of Skycutter's pedigree as his granddam, along with being a sibling to three winnng jumpers including Brave Helios, has produced this season's champion three-year-old hurdler in Kyrov. Damsire Hurricane Run, whose record with juveniles is a positive one, gave more than a hint towards latent stamina in Skycutter's pedigree who was campaigned accordingly on the flat. Initially with Jo Hughes, Skycutter finished fourth over a mile in listed company at two before breaking his duck at the sixth time of asking in a ten furlong, heavy ground, Compiegne maiden at the end of October. After two respectable runs in the spring, Skycutter arrived at Phillip Kirby's with a rating of 88. Two neck defeats at Ripon and Newbury saw his mark creep up to 91 and while he finished down the field at Ascot and York, he bounced back to form with a good fourth in the November Handicap. His mark of 89 makes him much the highest rated flat recruit in the field, and second only to one in the British division thus far. Such a mark was sufficient in seeing him start odds-on for his hurdling debut at Wetherby where he faced one of Oliver Greenall's who was rated just a pound lower on the flat. Going straight into the lead, Skycutter had a tendency of wandering and while he was clever enough to correct a mistimed leap at the second, developed a habit of jumping to his right. Having things his own way up front, he was able to dictate a stop start tempo which worked much to his benefit and to the detriment of his rivals. Despite an unorthodox style of travelling and jumping, along with a bad error from his main rival, Skycutter was able to run out a convincing six and a half length winner. Skycutter's next port of call was an introductory hurdle at Musselburgh where he started the 1/2 favourite. He once again had his own way up front and went into the straight with a lead of over a dozen lengths. The runner-up was able to close to within a length at the half-furlong marker, but could make no further inroads from there and Skycutter did enough to win by two and twenty-nine lengths. Given how the race unfolded, it is difficult to get an accurate measure of the form's worth and a comparison of times with the handicap on the card is also tricky due to that race having an uneven tempo. Notwithstanding, it can be confidently said that Skycutter can jump well when going the right direction and is not without pace or class. There are reasons to suspect that he may have been flattered in some regards and if he jumps as he did at Wetherby then he will be in trouble. An unknown quantity with unquestionable ability and aptitude, but others have more substantial profiles.
Tease And Seize bg Olly Murphy f7-0-2 (64) 67 j2-2-0 (-) 106 112
Motivator (Anabaa){5-h}(1.27) 2/2 Silverlord 1st 2m Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal 2010
A maiden after seven starts on the flat for Rod Millman, Tease and Seize has already bettered his two handicap placings by making it two from two over hurdles. Joining Olly Murphy, a trainer with a good winner to runner rate and solid improvement rate, helped in his cause although there is also some credit in his pedigree. A cousin of winning hurdler Silverlord, Tease and Seize is also by a Motivator who has little issue getting winning juveniles as his rate of 34.21% attests. Five months after finishing fourth in a Salisbury handicap, Tease And Seize made his hurdles bow at Ludlow where he was just squeezed out of a three way battle for favouritism. Held up off a solid tempo, Tease and Seize jumped nicely over the first six hurdles. Making his move forward towards the end of the back, he was a couple of lengths behind the lead at three out where he got in fairly close. Still on the bridle while taking a hold, he rather reached at two out but despite wandering, held a length's lead over the last whereafter he was pushed out for a cosy four length success. He returned at the start of December for a similar contest at Market Rasen where he was a solid 6/5 favourite. Racing in midfield under a keen hold, he posted another round of jumping which was sound in the early and middle parts. Making his move after turning into the straight, he comfortable got to the leaders at the penultimate flight where he was somewhat untidy. Shaken up on the run to the last, he jumped upsides his rivals and despite a slightly awkward jump, was then able to put distance between himself and his rivals, running on for another four length success. Tease And Seize has shown himself a capable juvenile and could improve further for the conditions. However, despite winning twice, the standard of form he has shown thus far leaves him more to find than most in this field.
Strong prospects
1. Porticello
Reasonable prospects
2. Forever William
3. Rocky Man
4. Forever Blessed
Feasible prospects
5. Iroko
6. Magistrato
7. Saint Segal
8. Skycutter
Moderate prospects
9. Saint Riquier
10. Genuflex
11. Tease And Seize
Negligible prospects
12. Romeo's Bond