A fearless foursome, from Ayr....

12.50 Ayr 21f Class 4 hvy cn

AKILAK, fresh, BF, 11/10f fc
Relatives distance preferences suggest he may not stay this trip & is a bit of a short price to take about him finding out.

1.25 Ayr, 21.5f hvy Class 4 hn

CEDRUS LIBANI, fresh, 6/4f fc
This guy is bred to stay.

1.55 Ayr 16f hvy Class 3 cn

KILMACKILLOGE, fresh, 5/2 2f fc
Has more tips, more postdata ticks, higher speed figures & better odds than the main oppostion - could be the value here.

3.00 Ayr 16f hvy (0-110) ch

+24 +32 FEARLESS FOURSOME, fit, (ex7), 7/4f fc, a Bubbling Under selection using Raceform’s SS, has already won since being noted & the opposition here doesn’t look up to much - not one has a win to it's name in their last 6 outings. Be lucky to get 2/1

Can a little bit of history repeat itself today?

Two races to be concerned with today, a Noted horse worth opposing & a Bubbling Under, worth going with.

2.45 Taunton 23.5f gs (0-120) c

+16 +15 ABRAGANTE, Noted, is running off a mark 11lb higher than when winning & notching his best speed figure over ½ mile shorter than today’s trip at Haydock in early November. Is going to be a short price today on the back of his hurdle win at Exeter & could be worth taking on, especially with something like….
+29 +26 YANN’S, Prev, fresh, CD, is on a mark 6lb lower than his last winning one, which just so happens to have been here over CD with today’s jockey on board. In fact he’s won twice over this CD with today’s pilot & both times after a layoff.

3.15 Taunton 19f gs (0-110) cj’s c

+31 +20 BELUGA, doubts about ground & course & no McCoy this time.
+34 +27 SITTING DUCK, CD, BF, less question marks & every chance today of reversing placings with above.

I should get some time to do a review seeing as the Racing world will have a quiet patch before Xmas & that should help me get a pre-Crimble December Notebook update out before the big meeting at Kempton on Boxing Day.

It's the Ladbroke @ Ascot.....

We've got horses running at all four stix meetings today....

12.25 Hayd Class 3 16f hvy cn

SS RPR TS
109 139 99 FLYING ENTERPRISE(IRE), CD, fit, SS rate this horse better than Tidal Fury & gave a figure higher than TS, which is rare.
97 128 128 PRINCIE AZZURRO(FR), on my reckoning, would be better off in a h’cap & jockey booking suggests he’s not here to win.
107 149 153 TIDAL FURY(IRE), BF, returns to trip & similar ground as winning debut but this is Haydock where the fences are harder than Carlisle. Has 8/14 tips & is favourite on the strength of what is looking more like a dubious TopSpeed figure by the day. The value here could be Flying Enterprise’s RPR of [139].

1.10 Ascot (0-153) 24f gd c

19 29 -15 HARRIS BAY, fresh, CD, the type that does just enough. This could turn in to an advert for the chances of Lou Du Moulin Mas in the Welsh National, like Paul Nicholls said, ‘we were beaten by a well h’capped horse.’
25 20 18 Copsdale Lad, prev
28 22 17 Graphic Approach, prev, these two are ahead on the figures though & I’m tempted to split my stake three ways but is it worth it, just to double your money?

1.40 Ascot Class 3 19.5f gd hn

28 -3 -3 TIPPERARY ALL STAR(FR)
31 2 7 OVERSTRAND(IRE)
37 11 10 6 g ACAMBO, fresh & of the classier types I prefer this one but…
34 13 2 VERASI
35 16 1 TARLAC(GER), CD, fresh, beat 6 horses with no speed figure last time & doesn’t warrant being fav in my book.
34 14 12 PIRATE FLAGSHIP, nr fresh
37 32 23 KINGS QUAY, BF, has been a lot of support for this one but 4yo’s don’t do too well in this race.
45 38 32 PILCA(FR), bang in form & I know the odds are shortening every time I look at them. He’s ahead on the figures, even for accounting that he’s out of the h’cap proper. His two recent wins were on ‘gd ground & the way he hit the front two out over a furlong further last week suggests he could be thereabouts again. 6yo’s don’t have a good record either but I’m proposing an EW bet at the best price you can get. A split stake then.

2.05 Hayd (0-159) 20f hvy h

20 23 -7 JAZZ D'ESTRUVAL(FR), CD, fresh, won this last year & never been out of the first three in his career.
18 21 17 OSCAR PARK(IRE), fit, almost as good a placement record as above, in fact, if you just count first & second’s, it’s better. If you disregard those below on trainer form, this guy is ahead on speed figures & I could be tempted.
24 26 23 WHISPERED PROMISES(USA)
28 29 21 UNITED(GER)

2.10 Ascot Grade 1 25f gd h

The fav, Mighty Man is the best part of 10lb clear on three sets of figures. Will be hard to beat.

2.35 Hayd (0-140) 24f hvy c

25 10 -18 WILD CANE RIDGE(IRE)
39 32 10 STRONG RESOLVE, CD, BF, fresh but trainer form no good. A good race to leave alone though someone tips Rosie Redman & she tops the figures & is 20/1 – if you’re desperate.

2.45 Ascot (0-139) 16f gd h

102 127 126 HERE'S JOHNNY(IRE)

Upped in class a bit here, 10/s forecast, if he drifts to say 16/s could be worth a place.

3.00 Fairy $8k 21f hvy cn

125 123 ANSHIRE TOWER(IRE), fit 7/2 fc
122 112 SLYGUFF RORY(IRE), fit, 5/2f fc

Interesting little match (albeit with 14 other runners) between two Noted horses – it has taken Slyguff three runs to notch his figures, whereas Anshire Tower scored his on his chase debut and should come out on top. You could always ‘dutch ‘em!

3.05 Hayd Class 4 20f hvy hn

148 124 121 LITTLE ROCKER(IRE), you could see how Here’s Johnny gets on in the 2.45 Ascot, this is slightly less competitive.
36 8 9 WITCH WIND

3.25 Newc (0-130) 20f st c

41 21 13 SILVER SEDGE(IRE), CD, fit, improver
39 28 20 LORD RODNEY(IRE), D, fresh, improver
44 20 20 GREAT AS GOLD, CD, fit

I thought I saw a decent bet here until I noticed Great As Gold who clocked a figure some time ago. He is with the same trainer as that Transit who beat Bongo Fury on Tuesday and has a similar form profile. Could be a real live wire and at current odds of 9/1 forecast I suggest we split our stake, 2/3rd’ on Lord Rodney, whose form got a boost by the 3rd last Saturday & a 1/3rd on this Great As Gold.

Soon, I will be doing a suggestion review to see which types of race our horses do best in and it's about time we had a December Notebook to give oursleves a head start over the Xmas period.

Some quality racing today at Ascot & one at Uttoxeter.

1.25 Ascot (0-112) 17f gs c

13 13 CHARLTON KINGS(IRE)

A chance to redeem himself, has less questions to answer than most.

2.00 Ascot Gr 2 16f gs nh

MOON OVER MIAMI(GER)
ORPEN WIDE(IRE)
PEPPORONI PETE
TAGULA BLUE(IRE)
ALBINUS

A hot novice hurdle but will Pepporoni Pete be up to it? At forecast odds around evens I think he is worth taking on with a couple of EW's.

2.35 Ascot Gr 2 19f gs cn

A quality little novice chase with all runners Noted, the favourite has only lost recently to an Arkle prospect so it will be interesting to see if he can uphold the form.

3.10 Ascot (0-140) 17f gs c

13 10 BAMBI DE L'ORME(FR)
15 5 JERICHO III(FR)
29 25 COSSACK DANCER(IRE)
46 39 MAMBO DES MOTTES(FR)

Mambo has to be the h’cap snip of the day.

Uttox Class 4 16f hvy cn

OPERA DE COEUR(FR)

Caused a Stewards Enquiry in his running behind Lennon (another Arkle hope) & if you can get the 4/5 forecast I think it would be value. Better value than Natal as there is less opposition.

There are a possible 3 win & a couple of EW bets here but afer Newbury I'm not suggesting anything for a while.

Mid-week @ Newbury....

12.15 Newbury Class C hn 16.5f st

MARODIMA, Noted, sf fresh, maybe too keen last time, the second's let the form down a bit but at forecast odds of 7/s worthy of interest.
Airbound,In a race normally won by Nicky Henderson it is interesting to see his jockey sat here at 33/1 - a little EW.
O'Neill's & King's pairs, a hot little novice.

12.5 Newb (0-125) 24f st cn

9 7 HOT 'N' HOLY 17 Posted, 11 ticks, FineformMax Rated, Shld confirm the form of those that re-oppose & besides Hobbs' horse there is little different to last time. 10 tips. 2/f fc
11 9 REACH FOR THE TOP(IRE) 13 Noted, sf & Eased whn btn. 8 ticks. Yet to win a race.
FROM DAWN TO DUSK 31 Noted, fresh 6 ticks, dark horse of the race being chase debut. Fresh again now, but this is different ground & trip than anything he was used to at hurdles.
17 19 HELTORNIC(IRE) 17 Posted,
14 14 HASHID(IRE) 11 Noted, sf & pb last time. 8 ticks but a whole mile further than last time.
23 24 IRISH RAPTURE(IRE) 17 Posted, 9 ticks

1.20 Newb Class 4 16.5f st hn

OCO 49 Noted, sf fresh & fresh again, solid form behind Roll Along last time, the stable are in form & this one is 5/1 joint 2nd fav with 7/13 tips & clear on the figures.

1.55 Newb (0-110) 18.5f st cn

20 16 BRAVE VILLA(FR) 21 Posted, is up in trip here in a race slightly more competitive than he's used to. At forecast odds of 5/1 with 5/13 tips, on the back of three improving personal bests, it might be worth chancing he can stay. But what of trainer form?

2.25 Newb (0-130) 23.5f st cn

10 8 WILD IS THE WIND(FR) 11 Noted & back to something like the trip where he gained his personal best.

3 Newb Class 4 19f st hn

CARNIVAL TOWN 21 Posted, highest hurdle sf running today.
MOUNT SANDEL(IRE) 15 Posted, RFsf, 'gng wl' in 'st, Easy wnr, lks a fair prospect
At 6/s & 5/2 you could take on the favourite, he has no speed figure to stamp his class.

8 bets suggested in 6 races.

Pipe's Bongo Fury @ Sedgefield

12.10 Folkstone Class 5 (0-90) hn 22.5f hvy

(+12) Our Samson, Noted as Bubbling Under & is ahead on the figures here. The distance is right but the ground is softer today & his forecast odds are a little short when there are safer bets today.

1.10 Folkstone Class 4 25f st

Snakebite, fit, Noted personal best & improving, figs suggest a class above these, 14/14 tips. Twice behind Denman over shorter trips and although this is the job he was bred for & form figures suggest that the trip will suit again it is a short price to be asking questions about.

3.10 Folkstone Class 4 22.5f hvy

Evelith, fit, Prmsng newbie
Leading Authority, fit, Posted, could be the one to benefit most from today’s conditions.
Noble Bily, fit, Noted, bf, ground was ‘gd when he achieved his figures.

Interesting little race but the action today is at:

1.50 Sedgefield Class 3 (0-120) 21f hvy

(-20) Fourty Acers, 7 ticks, Having clocked a 98 speed figure I can estimate his rating at about [123], here he is off’ve 120 OR, that’s about right & you couldn’t say for sure he is well in.
(+15) Topinambour, 8 ticks, must have more chance of toppling the Pipe horse than King Of The Arctic later.

2.50 Sedgefield Class 3 (0-130) 16.5f hvy

(-2) Bongo Fury, 6 ticks, Posted, fit, personal best last time, In receipt of 7lb when beating a [100,OR] by 7l’s, albeit comfortably: it may be stable form & McCoy’s strength in a finish that decides this. If she does win the second last time, Hashid is more well h’capped than I thought. At first glance I thought she hadn’t got in lightly but the fact that Master Albert was rated [125, OR] in 3rd livens it up a bit. According to Raceform’s SS, Bongo Fury clocked a Class A time last week. This is the class factor; King Of The Arctic may look interesting and in any other race he would be a good thing in a normal Class C but when there is something as unexposed as Bongo Fury’s h’cap mark you may begin to wonder. He was running round with 0-106 – 115’s when he achieved his best, this is a rise in class. Somehow I feel Bongo Fury is above being well h’capped, this is her h’cap debut and on last week’s figures is entitled to a rating much higher – she could be just passing through the handicap sphere.

(+23) King Of The Arctic, 10 ticks, Noted, fit, personal best last time, the only negative being the stable’s form but this was a fair personal best achieved only 20 days ago but then they had a winner yesterday.

Interesting scenario on the figures today, Fourty Acers has to overcome a gap much wider than Bongo Fury and does not have a figure that suggests he can, the opposite can be said for Bongo. She is the safest bet today especially if Fourty Acers wins...

Monday 11th December

12.40 Plump Class 4 16f hvy

LEAMINGTON LAD(IRE) (11) Noted/about 2b Posted, has the figures here but it was a Pipe horse who beat him last time. If they are both 2/1+ you could do the pair, otherwise the Noted horse is worth a single win bet.

12.50 Ayr Class 4 16f st

ECHO POINT(IRE) (35) Noted, fresh, BF & D, well clear on the figures. FC 1/3f - too short for me, maybe one just not to oppose.

1.10 Plump Class 3 17f hvy

GENTLEMAN JIMMY (19) Posted, fit, D & clr here but
AFRAD (23) Noted, fit, D, BF, would have clocked a decent time if had styd up last x.
At forecast odds of 2/1 a piece they have got to be worth a bet each against the field.

2.15 Plump Class 3 26f hvy

29 ZIMBABWE (10) Noted as Bubbling Under & on the top of his game unlike the others headed by Tallow Bay (+24) but on previous form Dad’s Lad would be clear here. Again I'd take the two against the field if 2/1 or better.

2.25 Ayr (0-123) 25f st

-7 STRONG RESOLVE (29) Noted, Prev, fresh, CD, BF, can be rated higher on previous form but
9 SEE YOU THERE (26) Noted, nr fresh, D
28 HUGO DE GREZ(FR) (16) Noted, fit & CD, figure could be double if based on previous form which would put him well clear & a bit of a stand out. A single win bet is suggested.

3.00 Ayr Class 4 20f st

-7 ROTHBURY (22) Noted, fit & D, OR puts clear here. Better off here than a handicap. 6/4 or better would do for a single bet.

All in that is 5 races covered & a possible 8 suggestions.

Saturday 9th December

Cheltenham, st

12.20 Class 2 jnh 17f

Katchit, Noted, CD, sets a fair standard & if you fancy anything to beat this you may as well back it now for the Triumph Hurdle.
Tritonix, Posted & no doubt bought & trained with the Triumph in mind. If you can get 2/1 each about these two, that should do.

12.55 Class 2 (0-146) hc 16.5f

(+18) Kalca Mome, Noted & I had fancied for the big race @ 40/s, sitting here at 6/1 but
(+11) Marked Man, Prev, a yr fresh
(+25) Bohemian Spirit, Prev, CD, fresh & useful trainer, interesting EW at 12/s.
(+17) Another Joker, Prev

1.30 Class 1 Grade 2 h 21.5f

Black Jack Ketchum, Noted, CD, 8 months fresh
Blazing Bailey, Prev, has more Postdata ticks than Black Jack. & he’s never been this fast on the figures. Ran 3rd in what’s turning into a vintage Triumph Hurdle behind what is now two Grade 1 ante-post favs. I can see this one giving the fav a fright.

2.05 Class 2 nc 21f

Aztec Warrior, Noted, nr fresh
Don’t Pust It, Posted, fresh & nearly 2 stone to the good on figures, a class above this lot.
Heez A Dreamer, Noted
Mr Pointment, Posted, fresh

2.40 Class 1 Grade 3 (0-157) hc 21f

Nearly all Noted but

(+16) Reveillez, Prev, CD, ground ?
(+22) Copsdale Lad, Prev, frsh, wrong ground?
(+30) Tikram, Prev, CD, fresh & stable flying & 16/s forecast an EW prospect.
(+10) Bannow Strand, Prev, CD, 8 months fresh,
(+23) Madison Du Berlais, Prev, new trip

3.15 Class 1 Grade 2 h 17f

Abysmal turn out for the money.
Small field, tactical affair, should have no bearing on future results, other than Hardy will be a tough nut to crack.
Hardy Eustace, Noted
Detroit City, Posted

3.45 Class 1 Grade 2 (0-150+) nh 24f

(=) Massini’s Maguire, Posted, C, fresh, solid form but
(+7) Flight Leader, Noted
(+49) Labelthou, Posted, fit & class above this judged on last week’s performance. Strongest Win prospect of the day.

Market Rasen

12.40 Class 4 nh 17.5f

Interesting newcomer, noted as a NR earlier in the week, Leslingtaylor.

1.15 Class 4 (0-108) hh 19.5f

(+9) Le Millenaire, Prev, stable had a fresh winner yesterday. 25/1 outsider, a field 8 plus, EW prospect

1.50 Class 3 (0-125) hc 20f

(+9) Roman Ark, Posted & for trip & could be ready now after a couple of prep races.
(+9) Stan, Prev
(+29) Salhood, Prev, CD, fresh

3.00 Class 2 (0-137) hc 25f

(+8) Mon Mome, Prev, 8 months fresh
(-10) Iron Man, Noted, C
(+10) Strike Back, Prev
(+13) Pass Me By, Prev, 8 months fresh
(+11) Moustique De L’Isle, Prev, CD,
(+13) Exstoto, Prev, C, BF, fresh

3.30 Class 2 (0-139) hh 17.5f

(+4) Premier Dane, Prev, fresh
(+11) Caraman, Prev, fresh,
(+6) Portavadie, Prev, fresh

Navan, hvy

1.00 £7k nh 16f

Gripit N Tipit, Noted, fresh

1.30 £7k nh 20f

Aitmatov, Noted
Johnnie Dillinger, Posted

Have left the Irish runner on to see how they fair but there are 10 bets suggested today in 8 races, 7 Win & 3 EW.

Dec 8th @ Cheltenham

Cheltenham, gd/st

12.10 Class 2 (0-135) nc

Aces Four, Noted, has speed figure in favour & is the outsider here.
Patsy Hall, Noted
& the fav, Standin Obligation, has everything but a decent speed figure. Now is the acid test & I think he’s up to it. The fav has finished in the first two 9/10 times in this race, if he’s in for a fright today it should come from Aces Four. I'm tempted to suggest a reverse forecast with these two.

12.45 Class 2 (0-125) hc

(-32) Yaboya, Noted
(+8) Glengarra, Noted
(+23) Whereareyounow, Prev, CD
(+16) Glenfolan, BF

There is also the 4yo allowance of Original Fly to consider & on the figures wouldn’t like to recommend anything here.

1.20 Class 1 (0-156) hc

1 (+3) My Will, Noted & as ‘so consistant.’
4 Commercial Flyer, has never won in a field this size.
9 (+15) Nil Desperandum, Noted & sets the standard as solid recent form.
10 (+28) Liberthine, Noted. & trainer’s choice of three, including the highest figures. Stands out on the figures especially with jockeys (7lb), tempted to EW on this one.

1.55 Class 2 (0-144)

(-10) Spot The Difference, Noted, CD
(+16) Never Compromise, Noted, hvy
(+17) Heads On the Ground, Noted, BF, hvy
(+16) Lonesome Day, Noted, hvy

(+10) Ivoire de Beaulieu, Prev, CD

2.30 Class 3 (0-135)

(+12) Daryal, Noted
(+14) Manhatton Boy, Noted. & for this race. More to come from this one & could be the bet of the day.
(+24) Pilca, Noted. For being bttr than a ‘seller.’ At forecast odds of 16/s, what with recent rapid improvement & this being a 16 runner h’cap I suggest a little EW.

3.05 Class 2 (0-154)

(+1) Refinement, Noted

(+21) Material World, Prev
(+16) Valley Ride,
(+2) Ostfanni, BU Accordello
(+19) Freetown, Prev, CD
(+19) Totally Scottish, BU

3.40 Class 2 (0-125) nh

Kicks For Free, Noted & for this race. Trnr/race & form hot.
Battle Cry, Noted as Bumper, trnr form sad

November Notebook

6 m ACCORDELLO(IRE) h Aintree, ggs
The h’cap hdle won by Accordello(Ire) showed a steep rise in class, from a £3k - £20k race, coming from last to first in the final ½ mile. For me she ran her best race last season on ‘hvy ground when tried over 3m @ Haydock. Her dam Marello won 8/11 starts inc two Grade 2’s & Ascot’s Long Distance Hdle & had a Timeform rating of [160]. I believe Accordello(Ire) will prove to be v well h’capped, especially when stepped up in trip.

7 g ACCORDING TO JOHN(IRE) cn Carl, st
There was a fine dual in the 20f Novice Chase won by According To John(Ire). He was up against Royal Rosa(Fr), a horse rated 24lb his superior over hurdles, perhaps that’s why for the first time in 5 starts he wasn’t made favourite. There being 10l’s back to the 3rd, I feel both acquitted themselves rather well and should prove worth following throughout this jump season.

8 g ACES FOUR cn Newc, st
Making all & being Eased down when beating an OR of [132] is not going to help your own OR but this was a fair time so their must be more races up north he can win.

5 g AFSOUN(FR) h Newb, st
Twice behind Detroit last term & now carrying top wght to a win in a Listed race. Is said to have schooled over fences but aftr this will stay hrdling for a bit & I suggest it shld only be a bit because I wldn’t have said this was an ultra comp event & being raised by the best part of a stone he may struggle in future. He may have boosted Detroit’s form but this falls 10lb short of what Straw Bear just did fr Iktitaf.

6 g AKILAK(IRE) cn Carl, sgs
If Speed Figures are anything to go by then the first two home in the first race up at Carlisle on the 6th Nov were something to take note of. The second Akilak(Ire) was giving the winner more lbs than lengths he was beaten by so should be able to make his mark in this sphere as well. This was as good as anything he did over hurdles but he does seem to come back best after a break.

6 g ALBINUS hn Newb, st
Fair time, fair debut, behind some quality hurdlers. Rated in the 100’s on the flat 18 months ago, will come on a lot for this.

7 g ALL STAR(GER) cn Ascot, gs
Another stable introduces what could be their intended runner for the Arkle. That of Nicky Henderson & his German bred All Star(Ger). Confirmed favoritism & had 3 horses with official of ratings in excess of 110 behind – not a bad debut.

6 g AN ACCORDIAN(IRE) b Chelt, st
The Bumper looked a quality do as well, however the winner, Cork All Star(Ire) is said to be waiting for the Champion Bumper @ Cheltenham for his next race. What with there being 13l’s back to the 5th we may have to look to the placed horses, 2nd An Accordian(Ire), 3rd Battle Cry & 4th Leading Authority(Ire), to get a gauge on the winner’s merits.

* 7 g ANOTHERCOPPERCOAST(IRE) cn Cork, gs
Came out best in a hardy dual & in the process clocked the time of the meet. 29 days (slr) here & P Carberry was in the plate.

6 g AZTEC WARRIOR(IRE) cn Folk, gd
From Folkestone on Tuesday, it looks like Henrietta Knight has got another chaser with potential to exploit after Aztec Warrior(Ire) beat two horses who had official ratings of [125] or over. Connections are not concerned about a step up to 3m either.

5 g BALLY CONN(IRE) b Towc, hvy
A fair bumper, 1st two well clr & put up some decent figures, no doubt there will be some races to be won before he goes chasing.

6g BATTLE CRY b Chelt, st
The Bumper looked a quality do as well, however the winner, Cork All Star(Ire) is said to be waiting for the Champion Bumper @ Cheltenham for his next race. What with there being 13l’s back to the 5th we may have to look to the placed horses, 2nd An Accordian(Ire), 3rd Battle Cry & 4th Leading Authority(Ire), to get a gauge on the winner’s merits.

11 g BAY ISLAND(IRE) c Towc, gd
Justified the odds, time of the meet under top weight in the longest race. Not the first time has won ‘fresh’ & consistent @ Class 4 level.

9 g BEWLEYS BERRY(IRE) c Aintree, ggs You have to be pleased with Eurotrek’s running in the Becher Chase under top weight but the 2nd, Bewleys Berry(Ire), didn’t run a bad race either considering it was his first time over the National fences and this could be the one to take from the race as a better value National prospect.

7 g BILLY BRAY c Towc, st
I have to put Billy Bray in here as he clocked the fastest time of the day @ Towcester, he’s running tomorrow (27/11/06). He looks as solid as Brave Villa (won twice since noted) but is running 5 furlongs more on ‘st ground. Was a BF, back to 2m ‘st or 2½m ‘gd, that’s ‘myesti!’

9 g BISHOP’S BRIDGE(IRE) c Ascot, gs
Money where my mouth is time, after saying, ‘it’s going to be close but whoever beats Turgeonev, will win again.’ Won by ½l, was the less exposed & is still on the up. Confirmed the odds today so betting could be guide to future merits.

* 8 g BLUEBERRY BOY(IRE) cn Punch, hvy
All eyes were on Iktitaf(Ire) @ Punchestown but the Grade 2 Nov Chase earlier, was run in a fair time as well. The front two, Blueberry Boy(Ire) & the mare, Gemini Lucy(Ire), were 8l’s clear of the others which included two previously noted horses. This was a fine Chase debut by the winner. And the second has won 4/6 chases.

7 g BLYTHE KNIGHT(IRE) hn Bang, gdUttox, hvy
There was a cracking little card at Bangor on the 8th. How long since a Lincoln winner became a hurdler? There is an old adage that milers from the flat make the best hurdlers. One thing we do know about Blythe Knight(Ire), he won’t mind a big field and on this evidence could literally be anything. Disappointed @ Uttoxeter on ‘v soft’ ground – I knew he was a lay that day. Improved sf but there was no way he was going to bt true jump bred, mudlarks. He’ll be back!

8 g BOB BOB BOBBIN c Bang, gd
I could be leading more with my heart than my head with this one but the feature race of the day was won by a personal favourite of mine, Bob Bob Bobbin (I was very fond of his mother). I think the Welsh National has been the intention all along, he certainly likes the course and won’t mind if there is more than just a cut in the ground. Showed that he is probably not good enough to win a Welsh National in the Rehearsal Chase later.

6 m BONCHESTER BRIDGE h Chelt, st
Being 14l’s clear of the third, Bonchester Bridge is also one to be noted, although now she has had two races in quick succession she may need a little rest to enable her to come back fresh. The winner has to be the best h’capped hurdler I’ve noted as yet. Got beat by Mountain Approach, ridden by Micky Fitz at the end of the month & raised 7lb which may have an effect on future prospects.

7 g BOUGOURE(IRE) cn Sedge, st
Now btn twice but clocked a fair time here, BF, made a couple of errors & only btn a length, 20l’s clr of 3rd. Will have his day but may need freshening up after these two runs.

6 g BOYCHUK(IRE) cn Newb, gs
Doesn’t want it any ‘st’r then ‘gd/st, improved for the step up to 3m as suggested when previously noted, is floating around 20/s for the Royal & Sun Alliance @ Chelt. Bt an odds on hotpot with no fluke here. Confirmed 3m bit later in month & looks a real staying chase prospect.

8 g BRAVE VILLA(FR) cn Bang, gd/Chep, hvy
There was 20l’s back to 3rd in the Nov H’cap Chase @ Bang on the 8th. The ½l 2nd, Brave Villa(Fr), who was put up 6lb, has already gone on to score by 12l’s & followed that up as well. The figures here pinpoint the first two as ideal for inclusion as ‘well h’capped.’@ Chep under 12-2, still clocked time ahead of OR. Cld still squeeze another win but will need a rest soon.

7 g BRIAREUS cn Newb, gs
Champ Hrdle 6th & now another Arkle prospect, I’ve included the 3rd & 4th because this was a quality nov chase even tho there was 9 & 5l’s back to them. Aintree may suit more than Chelt.

* 7 g CADOGAN(FR) hn **
A couple of good performances were ran @ Punchestown. Cadogan(Fr) ran a good race in the Collier Jackson Stops Hurdle. To ‘comfortably,’ achieve the best time on the card (at a Festival course), merits a mention at least.

* 8 m CAILIN ALAINN(IRE) cn Clon, hvy
Held in some regard, this fast improving mare has made it 2 / 2 in chases with this capable performance. Maybe prefer the ground a bit drier as well. Could well go against the geldings in the Drinmore Chase.

* 8 g CANE BRAKE c Navan, hvy
The quality race, of a quality card & figures to match (just). The fact that he was eased down may mean he’ll go up more than 10lb. There must be another race in him – he’s only just had his 2nd run for a new stable. 6/9, ‘st or worse, 20+f.

6 g CARNIVAL TOWN hn Chep, hvy
Lost out by a sh hd to a 1/2f & ran the sf of the meet. A step up in trip to 3m wldn’t hurt.

* 6 g CASEY JONES(IRE) hn Navan, hvy
Lost no caste in defeat here, there was still 4 prev winners behind & clocked a fair time. They say he wld prefer the ground a bit drier to be seen at his best.

6 g CEDRUS LIBANI(IRE) hn Hexh, st
The race run in the fastest time was won by the horse with the least experience, bar the bumper. In beating an odds on hotpot, the trainer owned, Cedrus Libani(Ire) was hardly off the bridle & his future engagements must be worth looking at.

6 g CERIUM(FR) c Ascot, st
Another wind operation! This race can usually throw a good’yun & after having carrying a fair weight round here, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be this one for the Notebook. Trainers chasers are bang inform by the end of the month.

5 g CORK ALL STAR(IRE) b Chelt, st
The Bumper looked a quality do as well, however the winner, Cork All Star(Ire) (with the same Owner/Jockey combo as the aforementioned All Star) is said to be waiting now for the Champion Bumper @ Cheltenham for his next race. What with there being 13l’s back to the 5th we may have to look to the placed horses, 2nd An Accordian(Ire), 3rd Battle Cry & 4th Leading Authority(Ire), to get a gauge on the winner’s merits.

10 g DEFERLANT(FR) c Font, st
Last 4 wins here @ Fontwell, had two prev winners beind here, clocked personal best & is on the upgrade.

4 g DEGAS ART(IRE) j Aintree, ggs
The opening Juvenile Hdle made it 2/2 for the A & G Wylie owned, Degas Art(Ire). He ran a fair time giving weight all round on a course that was said to have not played to his strengths – a tilt at the Triumph would appear likely.

9 g DEMI BEAU c Ascot, st
I wasn’t going to put this in here until the same stable’s, State Of Play showed what this trainer is capable of. The Grand Annual is on the ‘wish-list’ for this one & after this ‘hot h’cap’ win, who knows!

7 g DENMAN(IRE) cn Exeter, gd
Confirmed the short odds & one of the best nov chasers seen out so far. Is on course for the Royal & Sun Alliance Chase, so this trip of 17.5f is way on the short side. Followed this up, unlike the placed horses but has failed to impress since this. Unless he’s fresh he could have serious opposition on the big pay days.

10 g DEFERLANT(FR) c Font, st
If he goes up 10lb for this (bloody Sundays) it will still leave him well h’capped after this fast time 3 miler. His last four wins have been here.

5 g DETROIT CITY(USA) h Chelt, st
At Cheltenham’s Open meet, most of the action for me was on the final day where Detroit City(Ire) laid his claim on the Champion Hurdle, he too lugged top weight around the course in blistering fashion. He was two whole stone better than Tiperrary All Star(Ire) on official ratings & I have no doubts that he will be a serious contender, especially as the ground is likely to be a little better.

7 g DON'T PUSH IT(IRE) cn Chelt, st
Won 3 of last 4 starts & another good run here behind Denman(Ire). When the least experienced horse puts up the time of the meet,& especially on a Cheltenham card – it is time to sit up & take note.

6 g DREAM ALLIANCE cn Exeter, gs
Another horse introduced into the Cheltenham betting @ Exeter on Friday, this time for the Royal & Sun Alliance Chase, by the way of Dream Alliance, who clocked a fair time in the Nash Dash Nov Chase. Confirmed the odds here & it will be interesting to see if he can climb the ranks.

11 g EUROTREK(IRE) c Aintree, ggs
You have to be pleased with Eurotrek’s running in the Becher Chase under top weight but as the winner’s career has been plagued by injury and will be turning 11 next year and having being made favourite – it could be the second here, Bewleys Berry that proves the value.

5 g FAIR ALONG(GER) cn Chelt, st
Somerset trainer P J Hobbs showed off another string to his bow in the opener with Fair Along(Ger) seeing off the Nicholls’ hotpot Natal(Fr). For some reason this kind of reminded me of 1997 Champion Hurdle winner Make A Stand; it’s just a question of what is going to get near him. I will be following him with intrigue this season all the way to the Arkle. Case almost proven at Sandown.

* 4 g FINANCIAL REWARD(IRE) j Limer, gs
The fastest race on the card was run by Juvenile newcomer, Financial Reward(Ire), trained by W P Mullins, who is better known for his Bumper horses. With in-running comments such as ‘quickly clear’ in ‘st’ ground & a speed figure that puts in him in the Juvenile Top 10 on his bow – well worth taking note.

6 g FLINTOFF(USA) cn Towc, hvy
Just pipped aftr having the lead twice in the fastest race on the card. H’capped has left his rating unchanged, which by all accounts leaves him well ‘capped, especially on bttr ground.

* 7 g FOOTY FACTS(IRE) hn Navan, hvy
Quality race in a fast time, 5 prev winners btn, showing all the signs of a future Festival winner. >2m.

4 g FREEZE THE FLAME(GER) j Newb, gs
Tops the Juvenile sf’s aftr trying to giver winner 7lb, clr of 3rd but like I said about the winner, this is not Triumph material but may prove a gd yardstick as to what is!

7 g GEEVEEM(IRE) cn Plump, gs While P Nicholls, is @ Aintree with Eurotrek, he introduces another couple of promising chasers for the future. Geeveem(Ire), in the stayer’s division, is supposed to be being kept to the minor tracks, ran the faster time but it was the French import, New Little Bric(Fr) that was nominated by the trainer as one of his best novice chasers. These were the best races on the card in time terms.

* 7 g GEMINI LUCY(IRE) cn Punch, hvy All eyes were on Iktitaf(Ire) @ Punchestown but the Grade 2 Nov Chase earlier, was run in a fair time as well. The front two, Blueberry Boy(Ire) & the mare, Gemini Lucy(Ire), were 8l’s clear of the others which included two previously noted horses. This was the mare’s first real defeat, she had won 4 / 5 chase starts & had fell on the other. She’ll be back!

7 g GENTLEMAN JIMMY cn Ling, gd
A fine chase debut, 50/1 2nd behind My Way De Solzen, btn 14l’s but still clocked a fair time. Shld win before the h’cap mark sets in.

7 g GUNGADU cn Newb, gs BF, Grade 2, decent time, well clr of third, a tendancy to jump to the Rght didn’t help but Boychuk was expected to be bttr @ 3m. Still amongst the top 3 mile novice chasers. Bttr R/hndd?

7 g HALCON GENELARDAIS(FR) h Hayd, gs
After the running of the second (Irish Wolf(Fr)) behind Inglis Drever @ Newbury, the form of the Betfair H’cap Hurdle winner, Halcon Genelardais(Fr), gets a major boost & his chances in the Welsh National are enhanced (P Nicholls permitting!).

8 g HARRIS BAY c Ascot, gs
Won ‘cheekily’ in arguably the fastest & longest race on the card. Like the trainer of the second & BF, said when he went in at Newbury, ‘we were beaten by a well h’capped horse.’ Harris Bay, with Hen Knight who knows how to place a 3m chaser.

7 g HE’S THE GAFFER(IRE) c Font, st
May prove well h’capped aftr wght revision. A fair second in a fast pace race, the extra ¼ mile may have proved too far, try back to 3m.

7 m HELTORNIC(IRE) c Newb, hvy
Cld prove well h’capped aftr wght revision, came up ag’ some big stable hotpots here. One for the lesser courses maybe?

8 g HERE'S JOHNNY(IRE) nh Uttox, hvy
Sf of the meet, lost by 3/4l under his penalty but still bt the improving Blythe Knight & there was 22l’s to the 4th – cld prove a gd yardstick.

* 7 g HOLLY TREE(IRE) hn Cork, st
Holly Tree(Ire) in the opening Novice Hdle, improved her personal best & won ‘Easily.’ There was 27 l’s back to the 3rd.

8 g HOT 'N' HOLY cn Newb, hvy
Ran the time of the day over the longest dist. Having only won by a nk & 5l’s I can’t see him being raised more than 7lbs which will leave this P Nicholls’ chaser as one of his best h’capped.

7 g HOWLE HILL(IRE) cn Warw, gd
Ran the best time of the day under a penalty in a race that has been known to produce a good one in the past. Could easily be another.

12 g HUGO DE GREZ(FR) c Newc, st
Another non-staying FR bred? The x they r a changing! Gets in as a system qualifier & sf noted as just Bubbling Under but aftr being raised 13lb his revised rating is still 7lb short of his sf & 12lb below his RPR, v Well H’capped & by th eturn of the year will be a system qualifier on a different front, so gets in.

9 g I HEAR THUNDER(IRE) c Aintree, ggs
It was the Grand Sefton winner, I Hear Thunder(Ire), that gets in here as the most well handicapped chaser of the meet. Young enough & versatile enough to become a bit of a standing dish at this course over the next couple of seasons. Especially when fresh it would appear.

* 6 g IKTITAF(IRE) h Punch, hvy
Saving the best till last, the Morgiana Hurdle winner, Iktitaf(Ire), recorded the fastest hurdle figure of the season so far with a Champion Hurdler in his wake. His form got another major boost when Straw Bear won the Fighting Fifth with such authority, a week later @ Newcastle. There are reasons to believe though that he is at his best on ‘st ground.

11 g IMPEK(FR) c Exeter, gd
Stable second string, Racing Demon being the favourite(UR)(won next time out) put up a sparkling performance on the clock. Always one to consider, especially when fresh.

8 g IRISH RAPTURE(IRE) cn Newb, hvy
Showed improvement in coming 2nd here in a fast run race. Only btn a nk, shldn’t go up by more than 5lb & that will still leave him well h’capped.

7 g IRISH WOLF(FR) h Hayd, gs
Progressive & consistent hurdler but after running Inglis Drever, so close at Newbury, I’m not sure what the h’capper will do..

7 m ISLAND OF MEMORIES(IRE) cn Chep, st
H’capper has left unchanged for clocking a time ahead of her rating behind Brave Villa, this leaves her in his position a couple of races ago, ie. Well H’capped

5 g JASS b Newb, hvy
2nd in a fast time bumper under his penalty which puts him in the top 10 sf’s for bumpers of the season so far.

10 g JAZZ D'ESTRUVAL(FR) h Hayd, gs
Seem silly not to have a horse who has been placed in their last 10 starts in one’s Notebook. Prefers the ‘hvy side of ‘gd.

* 7 g JUSTPOURIT(IRE) cn Fairy, hvy
A bf, lost no caste in defeat trying to give wght to a JP McManus hotpot, there was 11l’s back to the 3rd in this, the fastest race on the card.

10 g JUVEIGNEUR(FR) c Newb, st Career best behind State Of Play & now one of the best h’capped chasers in training. Am I really considering two (FR) breds for the Welsh National? Big field, stiff trak’ & ‘st grnd…

8 g KARANJA h Newb, gs
Qualified for the Pertempts Final if the chasing game don’t work out but ran a decent time for the distance here. 1st time cheek pieces may have been relevant here. Requires a bit of mud…

7 g KAUTO STAR(FR) c Hayd, gs
I’m hoping there is more than one future winner on this page but @ Haydock I think I saw a certainty. All eyes were on Kauto Star(Fr), with the question, ‘does he stay?’ hanging over him in the Betfair Chase. There was a £1m bonus up for grabs for any horse to win this, the King George & the Gold Cup, at the off, Kauto was 25/1 to complete that treble. After what the Racing Post analysis described as ‘one of the most impressive successes put up by a 3m chaser in recent years,’ he is as little as 5/1 to achieve that feet.

* 9 g KERRYHEAD WINDFARM c Navan, hvy
This may be the one to take on revised wghts as a future winner but until we know what the h’capper has in mind, just Noted

7 g KILLAGHY CASTLE(IRE) cn Newb, gs
Owned by a Greek shipping merchant family & bt last seasons Champ Hrdle 6th on their chase debuts. Yet more Arkle prospects, this is Newbury in November & this was the highest sf of the day, Quality…. A stiff 2m with ‘cut, or 20f. Won’t be going for the Sun Allaince..

8 m LABELTHOU(FR) hn Towc, st
Another to take from Towcester would be the winner of the mare’s only novice hurdle, Labelthou(Fr) beat the other 15 runners by 31 & 17l’s. Winning jockey, Barry Fenton said, he’d never sat on anything that went through the mud as impressively as this. Beat an odds on hotpot when following up & clocked a time which suggests to me that she is at present the most well handicapped hurdler in training! May be dependent on soft ground though.

8 g LAUNDE(IRE) c Hayd, gs
The only other chase on the card was run in a time above it’s class. I could be breaking my rules in noting horses with unfashionable trainers (at least we’ll get a price) but by my reckonings the first three home are some of the most well h’capped chasers from the whole week. Launde(Ire) seems a useful front runner & the booking of McCoy may be relevant.

* 7 g LE TOSCAN(FR) hn Clon, hvy
The best times recorded were produced from the first two in the 20f Novice Hurdle, from a card that included a Grade 2. The winner, Le Toscan(Fr), in Easily fashion and (5½l’s clear of) the second, Well Run(Ire), (who in turn some 23l’s in front of the remainder) put up some decent figures. They both won their previous races but I doubt either has won their last. Two to follow for the time being.

6g LEADING AUTHORITY(IRE) b Chelt, st
The Bumper looked a quality do as well, however the winner, Cork All Star(Ire) is said to be waiting now for the Champion Bumper @ Cheltenham for his next race. What with there being 13l’s back to the 5th we may have to look to the placed horses, 2nd An Accordian(Ire), 3rd Battle Cry & 4th Leading Authority(Ire), to get a gauge on the winner’s merits.

6 g LEADING CONTENDER(IRE) hn Chep, hvy
Odds on & just landed the fastest race of the meet. Qualified for h’caps now & wld be interesting off anything <[120]. Said to be crying for 3m.

7 g LENNON(IRE) cn Aintree, ggs
Now a dual CD winner @ Aintree didn’t have to be at his best to win the Amberleigh House Nov Chase. He didn’t impress as much as his debut but will be interesting in a proper race & is on my Arkle shortlist.

4 g LIBERATE j Here, gs
PJ Hobbs revealed another string to his bow & some strength in depth to his assault on the Triumph Hurdle. For when a Juvenile to be recording the best time of the meeting, it has to be noted. Liberate, who was 33/s & still is, for the Triumph, after this looks worth a little E/W Ante-Post, on my reckoning he will give all the present day favourites a run for their money.

6 g LITTLE ROCKER(IRE) nh Uttox, hvy
Fastest race on card, confirmed last seasons Promise & bt an OR of [121] – may require the ‘st though or a strong pace.

* 7 g LONESOME DAY(IRE) c Punch, hvy
A couple of good performances were ran @ Punchestown, firstly, Lonesome Day(Ire), being the younger of the first three in the Risk Of Thunder Chase, his h’cap mark should be the least affected by the h’capper and he should be in for a fruitful campaign.

8 g LORD RODNEY(IRE) c Hayd, gs
The only other chase on the card was run in a time above it’s class. I could be breaking my rules in noting horses with unfashionable trainers (at least we’ll get a price) but by my reckonings the first three home are some of the most well h’capped chasers from the whole week. Lord Rodney(Ire), who rallied to within 2l’s of the winner was returning to action after 170 days, so should be race fit next time.

* 4 f LOUNAOS(FR) j Navan, hvy
Justified the odds on in a fair time which puts in the top 10 sf’s, made gd hdwy through the mud so cld follow up before a rest.

* 8 g MAC THREE(IRE) cn Cork, st
Another previously noted, didn’t have to beat his best to beat these 17 others, ‘Easily’ with 15l’s to the 2nd, 7/4f fr an opening 5/4 – watch the ££!!

6 g MASSINI’S MAGUIRE(IRE) hn Chelt, st
Have only added since the 3rd won the Hennessy. Although the Royal & Sun Alliance was mentioned & run in a fair time, it wasn’t the best of the day but after Newbury in November this form looks a lot more solid.

* 6 g MICK THE MAN(IRE) b Navan, hvy
Form evs – 1/2f & won this bumper, ‘not extended.’ Betting & manner of victory suggest that Mick is not one to oppose lightly.

* 6 m MILL HOUSE GIRL(IRE) hn Chelt, gs
Made the race with strong early pace & was only hdd after the last. Ridden by M Fitzgerald here in what was dubbed the best novice hdle ran so far. Seems to like all goings.

6 g MOON OVER MIAMI(GER) hn Chelt, gs
Requires a true run race & got it here in what was dubbed the best nov hdle run so far this season. Made rapid progress to lead on the line & is said to be going for the Supreme Novice Hdle back here in March.

7 g MOSSBANK(IRE) cn Cork, gs
Lost out in a hardy dual in the time of the meet, giving 4lb to the sh hd winner. 14 days (slr) suggest he may be best when ‘fresh’. Still ranks with the Top 10 Irish novice chasers, so far.

7 g MR PRICKLE(IRE) c Weth, hvy Ran the fastest time on card, a 9lb rise may not be enough to stop his Progression according to my figures.

4 m MY PETRA j Newb, gs
Was noted after Huntingdon win as half the field failed to complete the course. Improved on that @ Newbury. And now jumps into the Juvenile top sf’s. This may be Newbury in November but it is not Triumph material, she prove a gd yardstick as to what is.

7 g MY WAY DE SOLZEN(FR) cn Ling, gd
So much for Newbury in November, if we didn’t have enough Arkle contenders as it is, this goes straight to the top of season so far nov chase sf’s. Then comprehensively beaten by Fair Along but improved figures in the process.

6 g NENUPHAR COLLONGES(FR) cn Bang, gd There was 20l’s back to 3rd in the Nov H’cap Chase @ Bangor on the 8th. The ½ l 2nd, Brave Villa(Fr) was put up 6lb has already gone on to score by 12l’s (& again since) so the 8lb that Nenuphar Collonges(Fr) was raised by may not prove sufficient to stop him winning again. Alan King’s horses are in very good form at present.

6 g NEPTUNE COLLONGES c Newc, st
This blows Bob Bob Bobbin out of the Welsh National equation & if the figures are anything to go by, maybe himself. This was a career best, a stone bttr than when second to Our Vic last time but he will have to find another stone improvement if State Of Play heads for the same race. A quality staying chaser maybe but his OR is above his best sf’s & that is not what I call well h’capped. Not dependent on ‘st, cld be a Gold Cup horse.

6 g NEW LITTLE BRIC(FR) cn Plump, gs
While P Nicholls, is @ Aintree with Eurotrek, he introduces another couple of promising chasers for the future. Geeveem(Ire), in the stayer’s division, is supposed to be being kept to the minor tracks, ran the faster time but it was the French import, New Little Bric(Fr) that was nominated by the trainer as one of his best novice chasers. These were the best races on the card in time terms.

* 8 g NICKNAME(FR) c Navan, hvy
Beat some seasoned chasers here on his reappearance in this the fastest race on the card, 3 of his elder rivals were rated 10lb his superior. Not anymore I doubt but said to love the mud & could go up another ½ mile & could be in for an interesting campaign.

6 g NIGHTFLY(IRE) hn Ling, gd
A fair time was recorded in the 19.5f nov hdle on the 8th by the winner who was said to have won without being given a hard introduction – this means there is probably improvement to come.

6 g NOUS VOILA(FR) cn Warw, gd
A fair chase debut behind Howle Hill, well fancied & ran a good time on ground firmer than ideal. Should be able to build on this.

5 g O’MALEY(FR) cn Newb, gs
The 4yo allowance didn’t work here but still clocked a fair time in 3rd ag’ two worthy Arkle contenders. Will find easier races than this.

11 g OMNI COSMO TOUCH(USA) c Newb, st
Was clr of 5th & aftr this truly run race & revised terms wld seem well h‘capped. Probably needs to lower his sights a little.

5 g OPERA MUNDI(FR) cn Newb, st
This is where the 4yo allowance did work, although some say he wld have won without it. Stables Taranis won this last yr & is now rated [149], a 17lb rise still leaves a blot on the h’cap & yet to produce a sf to merit that but will be interesting to see how he fares ag’ the bttr opposition he will now have to face.

* 5 g ORBIT O'GOLD(USA) hn Down P, hvy Beat the AP/JP hotpot being Eased with 27l’s back to the 3rd. Well worthy of a mention.

8 g OSCAR PARK(IRE) h Newb, gs A fair second in a big h’cap on seasonal reap, raised 8lb for losing, may have been stitched but cld walk something a little less competitive as this. Prefer bttr than ‘st grnd?

6 g OUNINPOHJA(IRE) hn Taunt, gd
Only gets in because that is one of the highest RPR’s for a debut @ Taunton – said to be following stable’s Natal’s hoof prints, so a CD win in December will do nicely.

6 g PABLO DU CHARMIL(FR) cn Exeter, gdFont, st
Another interesting Novice Chaser was introduced @ Exeter from the DE Pipe stable by the name of Pablo Du Charmil(Fr). This was a promising debut and there is a slight rumour going round that this is Pipe’s Arkle horse. Definitely one to follow. Followed up @ Fontwell. Improved his figures but was ‘all out’ to maybe 18f ‘st stretching his stamina, is going to have to build on this to be a serious Arkle contender this yr.

* 7 g PATSY HALL(IRE) cn Down R, st
Was noted for running a fair time but the second & third here have gone in since, so this is looking like solid form. Has fallen since.

7 g PILCA(FR) h Mussl, gf
I had made a mental note of Pilca as Bubbling Under for inclusion last time, was gutted to see he won @ 12/s here. By far the fastest race on the card & it may not be over yet! Better than a seller maybe but to take on Manhattan Boy a little optimistic at Cheltenham.

8 g PREACHER BOY c Newb, st
Won’t go for the Welsh National if it is too ‘st but has to be a live contender for any big stayer’s chase.

6 g PRINCIPE AZZURRO(FR) cn Towc, hvy
Won the fastest race on the card & only upped 2lb – got to be heading for a nov h’cap.

8 g RASHARROW(IRE) cn Kelso, gs
Another Nov Chaser stole the show & got his career back on track after his saddle had slipped when an odds on hotpot for his debut. Rasharrow(Ire), this time confirmed the odds in the fastest race on the card, another Arkle contender? This one don’t like it too ‘soft’ which augurs well for Cheltenham. May not like the stiff up hill finish though.

7 g RACING DEMON(IRE) c Hunt, gs
BF behind stablemate Impek last time, the Demon got his career back on track in the Peterborough Chase. With a trainer who knows what it takes to win a King George.

9 g ROMAN ARK c Hayd, gs
The only other chase on the card was run in a time above it’s class. I could be breaking my rules in noting horses with unfashionable trainers (at least we’ll get a price) but by my reckonings the first three home are some of the most well h’capped chasers from the whole week. & the well backed 3rd, Roman Ark, must find a little race up north, maybe over another ½ mile.

8 g ROYAL ROSA(FR) cn Carl, st
Made fav to beat a 5 / 5 hdle winner after an absence of 18 months & didn’t fair too badly coming in 2nd, 10l’s clear of the 3rd. Has had leg problems but was rated [140] over hurdles. Came up against a good one here & should be able to build on this chase debut.

7 g RUBBERDUBBER c Chelt, gs
Has to come in here after justifying favoritism & beating some tough old cookies. Has now won 3 / 4 completed starts, is still improving & stays further than this 2m. McCoy in the plate here.

8 g SAINTSAIRE(FR) c Newb, st
A change of stable, a wind op, whatever happened to good old form? Revised rating is said to be being preserved for the Victor Chandler in Jan.

5 g SCHIEHALLION(IRE) b Newb, hvy
Mickey Fitz, in his final Newbury in November, what a way to go! I almost put this horse in the book on breeding alone but he is well connected & now he has some decent figures. Safely One2Follow but how long before we see 7/s again?

7 g SEA THE LIGHT h Leic, gd
At Leicester on Monday, Sea The Light, was a well backed seasonal debutant. Built on the promise shown last year when running the cards best time & beat 3 previous winners in the process. There must be room for improvement. Said to be going chasing soon though.

6 g SILVERBURN(IRE) hn Newb, st Straight into the top 10 sf’s for nov hdles, bt an OR [125] quite convincingly. Into Chelt betting for Sun Alliance.

8 g SOUTHERN VIC(IRE) c Navan, hvy
A BF in the biggest race, clocked the best sf of the day. Holds a Grand National entry & will be running in h’caps. Looks like he’ll be vulnerable to any other Cane Brake’s but may make a useful yardstick. He wldn’t want his rating going up too much before the big day.

7 g STATE OF PLAY c Newb, st
Trainer & Equine POW, sf still ahead of his OR. There is talk of the King George, Gold Cup & even the Welsh National. I was thinking that he cld still be well h’capped..be interesting wherever he goes from now. Too small for the Gold Cup, best fresh when then grnd’s ‘st’er than ‘gd.

6 g STOLEN MOMENTS(IRE) hn Weth, st
I have to risk it! Accordello(Ire), winner of a £20k H'cap Hdle @ Aintree was in receipt of a 7lb mare's allowance & had been freshened up by a spin on the flat when she beat this fellow by 1/2 a length in a £3k Mdn Hdle @ Wetherby. That form got a massive boost considering there was 7l's back to the 3rd of the other 18 runners. I'm not sure what this will do to his h'cap rating but I reckon if he gets in off anything under an OR of [120] - 'tis good. Connections will probably take in a Nov Hdle somewhere on the northern circuit along the way though for this bumper winner who just happens to be a full brother of Brave Villa, a lowly h'cap chase winner of last week. Having been off the course for 7 months, he will strip fitter next time out!

6 g STRAW BEAR(USA) h Newc, hvy
Now won 5/7 starts & one loser was to Iktitaf. A fine performance here but only goes to bolster the form of the Irish horse. May have a chance in the Champ if it came up ‘st but will be interesting to see if he takes on Detroit between now & then.

7 g TAGULA BLUE(IRE) hn Newb, st
H’capper has left OR unchanged aftr getting within 2l’s of Silverburn(Ire). Clocked a time 8lb ahead of his rating & is now one of the best h’capped hurdlers – said to prefer bttr ground so even more so when meets his requirements.

6 g TARLAC(GER) h Ascot, st
A German bred horse was brought out for his seasonal debut & made ‘gd hdwy’ through the race – always a good sign in ‘st’ ground. He is said to favour a bit of cut in the going & a strong pace.

* 7 g THE WANDERING MAN(IRE) b Cork, st
Another ‘Easy,’ winner was The Wandering Man(Ire) in the final bumper. Carried a penalty & gave weight all round, an RPR >120 & that is worth noting.

5 g TIDAL FURY(IRE) cn Carl, sgs
The first two home in the first race up at Carlisle on the 6th Nov were something to take note of. The winner Tidal Fury(Ire) was eased down so there should be more to come when he gets his favored soft ground.

7 g TIPPERARY ALL STAR(FR) hn Chelt, st
First & foremost into my notebook was the heavily backed Irish raider Tipperary All Star(Ire) who literally crucified this field of 20 runners under top weight. Still only a novice he can come back for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in March but even if the handicapper puts him up by a stone I’m inclined to think he has at least another big handicap in him along the way.

4 g TRITONIX(IRE) j Bang, gd
The yard of PJ Hobbs would now seem to house horses owned by JP McManus, hence the booking of AP McCoy for the introduction of a decent Juvenile in Tritonix(Ire). Having won the Triumph Hurdle a couple of times in the last 3 years I can see him going for it again with the likes of this one. Followed up but has beat little of any consequence.

5 g TURKO(FR) cn Winc, gd 2/2 over fences for this fast time winner who may be better going L/hndd. Two of the 4 behind have won since & this could be one of trainer P Nicholls’ better ones. Another case of best ‘fresh’ though.

6 g TURNSTILE cn Sedge, st
Clocked a fair time, bt a horse rated @ [120] OR & their was 20l’s to the 3rd. Has won on the flat, over hrdls & can progress as a chaser.

11 g UMBRELLA MAN(IRE) c Kemp, gs Defied a 17lb hike & still landed hat trick, recorded highest RPR on a card with no sf’s to go on. Shld have plenty of options from 20-24f.

8 g UNGARO(FR) cn Hunt, gs
Ungaro(Fr), in the 20.5f Nov Chase, gave weight & a beating to his 4 opponents in a fair time. This was a career best & as long as he has a month or so between races he should continue to give a good account of himself.

* 6 g WANANGO(GER) cn Fairy, hvy
You mean they have German horses in Ireland now? And this JP McManus owned nov chaser put up the fastest time on the card on the 8th. JP seems to have horses with more trainers than ever. C O’Dwyer rode today.

* 6 g WELL RUN(IRE) hn Clon, hvy The best times recorded were produced from the first two in the 20f Novice Hurdle, from a card that included a Grade 2. The winner, Le Toscan(Fr), in Easily fashion and (5½l’s clear of) the second, Well Run(Ire), (who in turn some 23l’s in front of the remainder) put up some decent figures. They both won their previous races but I doubt either has won their last. Two to follow for the time being.

5 g WHAT A BUZZ b Towc, hvy
A fair time to this bumper & this fellow shld win a sim event especially on the northern circuit.

8 g WHISPERED SECRETS(GER) c Newb, st
Was staying on @ the finish in a race with fair pace over a trip short of best on unfavourable ground. Comes out best aftr h’capper has had his say. 20f ‘gd, shld prove sufficient.

6 g WICHITA LINEMAN(IRE) hn Chelt, st
Have only added since the 3rd won the Hennessy. Although the Royal & Sun Alliance was mentioned about the winner & it was run in a fair time, it wasn’t the best of the day but after Newbury in November this form looks a lot more solid.

7 g WOGAN cn Newb, gs
Clocked a fair time in 4th btn 16’s in a quality nov chase behind two genuine Arkle candidates. Will find easier races.

* 9 g YOUNG DESPERADO(IRE) cn Naas, st
Having been off the track for a full 30 months he came back with a vengeance to run the race of his life to win a 17 runner Beginners Chase in a decent time by 17l’s. I know types such as this that come back from a lengthy absence can suffer from the ‘bounce’ effect but the ‘in running’ comment of ‘smooth hdwy’ shows his fitness. I can see him adding to this and making up for lost time especially given a month or so between races.