A Review of the 2002/3 jumps season
This is very much a personal look back at the horses that won for me (and a few that didn’t) or that caught my eye for one reason or another.
Abalvino (9) – An old favourite of mine, Abalvino is a bold jumping handicap chaser who ran 6 times last season, and although only winning once, was very consistent. His form, figures were 332210. His well deserved win came in a class C handicap at Newbury. Abalvino ran another cracking race in defeat when only collared close home by Harvis.
Alvino (6) Henrietta Knight’s gelding went on the A list partly as a result of bumper form and partly because his dam was a top class staying hurdler. Alvino only ran twice 10 2002/3. He finished distressed after his first outing in 3rd place on unsuitable ground but came in at 11/4 on good ground at Ludlow.
Another General (8) A horse with an impressive strike rate. He won 4 out of 5 in 2002/3 and 2 out of 3 last season as a novice chaser. He started with a 2nd at Taunton and followed up with wins at Ayr and Doncaster. One of the secrets to this horse seems to be that he needs a break between races.
A Piece of Cake (10) Was another very profitable runner who won 3 of his 6 races at 7/4, 11/4 and 20/1. The first 2 of these were at Ayr ridden by Fergus King beating Hugo De Grez by 1/2 length on the second occasion. His last run was arguably the best when the grey jumped soundly and stayed on well to take the Scottish Borders National over 4 miles at Kelso under Alan Dempsey. He almost certainly improved for the step up in distance. I arrived in Ladbrokes just in time to see this race and I was the only punter in the place to have backed the 20/1 winner. One of the season’s better moments!
Ar Muin Na Muice (7) Apparently the name means “on the pig’s back” in gaelic. When trained by Caroline Hutchinson in Ireland this chestnut mare won 3 out of 4 bumpers. Won 3 novice hurdles for Jonjo O’Neill last season (odds of 1/3, 1/2 & 11/8) The last of these was in a valuable handicap at Newbury where Glenmoss Tara was 2nd. Ar Muin Na Muice looks a chasing type although she has not always been the most fluent of jumpers.
Armaguedon (5) A bumper horse with Lenny Lungo described as “a big rangy sort.” Won at Ayr and Newcastle before possibly being found out by the heavy conditions when 3rd in the Christmas bumper at Chepstow. Possibly failed to get home when down the field at Aintree in April.
Armaturk (6) Useful hurdler and novice chaser from 2002/3 Armaturk only managed one win, which came in a 4 runner event at Wincanton. Went on to contest a valuable chase in Japan without success.
Ask Henry (7) Half brother to Valley Henry and former winning pointer. Won at Chepstow in January and was a good second to Stormez at Newbury.
Atlantic Crossing (6) A nice sort trained by Peter Beaumont. After showing some speed in bumpers won a couple of novice hurdles at Carlisle and Haydock, beating Valleymore in the latter.
Atum Re (6) Paul Webber has always thought highly of this horse. Won once at 10/1 at Wincanton but largely disappointing in his other 3 starts.
Azertyuiop (6) A smart hurdler in 2001/2, won all his 4 novice chases, culminating in an 11 length victory in the Arkle at Cheltenham with Impek and Isio filling the minor places. The ex French flat and hurdles winner looks a possible future Champion Chaser. Two of his wins were at 5/4 with the others odds on.
Bacchanal (9) One of the saddest moments of the season was the death of Bacchanal when falling at Cheltenham. He had always been a high class performer winning the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham (2000) as the Feltham Chase (Kempton) and the AON Chase (Newbury). Third to Best Mate oin the King George. I backed him when he won over hurdles at Newbury but then came the fatal fall.
Baracouda (8) One of my more surprising profit makers was Baracouda. Amazingly he was allowed to start at 9/4 for the Stayers Hurdle at the Festival and duly obliged from Iris’s Gift.
Barryscourt Lad (9) This former hunter chaser won the Great Yorkshire chase at Doncaster at 9/2. As he only ran 3 times this gave me a decent profit. He was ridden by Roddie Green at Donny who commented that the horse was “bloody brave” and “stays all day.” Unfortunately the horse sustained an injury at Doncaster that kept him out of action for the rest of the season.
Barton (10) Prior to the start of the season Barton had won 14 of his 19 races and the classy ex hurdler had looked an outstanding novice chaser. His reappearance in 21002/3 was delayed by a torn ligament in his foot and he showed little form in his 4 starts.
Beethoven (7) Noel Chance’s gelding had looked a horse with a bright future after winning a bumper and a novice hurdle in 2001/2. A novice chasing campaign looked on the cards but tragically the horse collapsed and died after his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow in December.
Behrajan (8) Top class chaser who gave me a 7/1 winner when prevailing at Ascot in December carrying 11 stone 12. Went on to finish 5th behind Best Mate in the Gold Cup.
Benbyas (6) One of my old favourites from 2001/2 where I made a good profit backing him. I left him off my list this time but still followed his fortunes. He won at Doncaster beating Full Irish by 19 lengths and was also a good 3rd to Chauvinist in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot. He is a very genuine sort, loves to bowl along in front and jumps superbly.
Best Mate (8) From a quality point of view the star of the A list has to be Best Mate who gave me my second winning Gold Cup bet in succession, albeit at a shorter price this time round. Henrietta Knight’s champion won all 3 of his races and was only odds on once. A true star.
Bolt Action (7) Impressive winner of a 15 runner novice on his hurdling debut at Chepstow but fatally injured next run at Wincanton. He was a hugely impressive winner of his only point to point and impeccably bred, his dam being a former Irish Grand National winner. He was an exciting prospect.
Bourbon Manhattan (5) There were certainly good reports about this Alan King gelding before he saw a racecourse and he confirmed that promise by winning bumpers at Taunton and Newbury. He was 6th of 25 in the Cheltenham festival bumper behind Liberman on ground that was probably a shade too quick. Looks the sort to do well over hurdles next season.
Brooklyn Breeze (6) Lenny Lungo’s gelding recorded wins at Aintree, Musselburgh, Ayr and Perth, all ridden by Tony Dobbin.
Brooklyn Breeze looks open to further improvement and is potentially useful. His first win came in a bumper and the others in novice hurdles.
Byron Lamb (6) Tony Dobbin nominated this horse has one to follow. Had shown fairly useful form in 2001/2 winning a bumper and 3 novice hurdles. He has taken to fences well and won at Ayr twice and Hexham. His best effort was when runner up to Vol Solitaire at Kelso.
Camp Nou (6) Won 2 out of 5 at 7/2 and 6/4. A fair handicap hurdler.
Campaign Trail (5) This one had shown a modicum of ability on the flat and was not knocked about in 4 novice hurdles during 2001/2. As a result he looked to be starting the season on a fair handicap mark. He obviously appreciated the testing conditions at Carlisle when winning a class D handicap there but sustained a bad cut and was not seen again until January when he was dropped back to novice company and won at odds on. He looks to be still on the upgrade.
Carbury Cross (9) A very smart handicap chaser at his best but failed to win in 7 starts last term, occasionally showing some reluctance to compete. His best runs were when 6th to Be My Royal in the Hennessy and 7th in the Aintree Grand National where he ran well for a long way.
Chicuelo (7) Much was expected of Martin Pipe’s Chicuelo after he won the big summer steeplechase at Market Rasen. Without quite living up to his pre season billing he still won 4 times from 7 starts, and his shortest price was 4/5 (twice). He is normally visored and his jumping is not always the most fluent.
Chives (8) Ran well enough in good company. He was runner up on 3 occasions to Kingsmark at Haydock, Mini Sensation in the Welsh National and Valley Henry in the AON chase at Newbury. He then ran a very creditable 7th to stable companion Best Mate in the Gold Cup before being pulled up in the Grand National where he burst a blood vessel.
Chopneyev (5) Richard Phillips had a good season with this ex French flat horse that had not been disgraced in Pattern-class company in his native country. He won 3 of his 6 starts last season, the 3rd coming in a grade 3 handicap at Sandown where he rallied after a bad mistake 2 out. He was also a very good 2nd of 12 to Korelo in a valuable Ascot handicap on his next start.
Cloudy Grey (6) I started to follow this grey after reading a glowing report in an interview with Emma Lavelle. He won a couple of bumpers at Hereford and Haydock in good style before finishing a good 2nd to Best Mate’s full brother Cornish Rebel in a high Class bumper at Newbury. Seems to have a bright future.
Coolnagorna (6) A winner of a couple of bumpers at Cork before joining the Jonjo O’Neill stable. He turned into a very smart novice hurdler winning at Chepstow (beating Tana River), Sandown (beating Thisthatandtother) and Newbury (by 29 lengths). He finished 2nd in the Royal & Sun Alliance novice hurdle at the Cheltenham festival but was disqualified and placed last for causing interference. It was a tragic loss for his connections when he fell and broke a leg and was destroyed on his next run at Aintree.
Cornish Rebel (6) Full brother to Best Mate who picked up well to win a grade 2 bumper at Newbury before disappointing in the championship bumper at Cheltenham.
Cracking Dawn (8) Robert Alner’s former multiple Irish Point to point winner won a novice chase at Haydock in November at 9/4 on his only start.
Crimson Pirate (6) Half brother to Lenny Lungo’s Contracts Scotland. Trainer Ben De Haan put this one forward as a horse to follow in a stable interview. Second to Calling Brave at Kempton on his hurdles debut in November he confirmed that promise when a convincing winner of a maiden hurdle at Huntingdon 4 months later. Described by his trainer as a “big Baby” he should continue to progress.
Dancing Bay (6) A dual purpose horse with Nicky Henderson who won a couple of novice hurdles. Odds on both times.
Dark N Sharp (8) Did me proud in 2001/2 winning at Aintree and finishing 3rd in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham festival. Failed to win in 6 starts last season but ran well on occasions, notably when 3rd behind Young Devereaux and Seebald at Kempton, 3rd to Parlashan in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham and 3rd at Aintree off a 13lbs higher mark than when winning the same race the year before.
Desmond Tutu (6) Won 3 of his 8 starts including novice hurdles at Exeter and Wincanton.
Direct Access (8) From the point of view of my A list system Direct Access was very profitable. He won well first time out at Kelso at 4/1 and on his only other run he was pulled up in the Hennessy when quietly fancied despite being 7lbs out of the handicap.
Do L’Enfant D’Eau (4) This ex French horse with Philip Hobbs probably went in to a lot of horses to follow lists on the basis of flat and hurdles form in his native country. He had been narrowly beaten by Golden Flight at Auteill. He certainly didn’t disappoint winning 5 times. The 4th of these was a handicap hurdle at Newbury where Reviewer was 2nd and the last a novice handicap hurdle at Warwick beating Indien Royal by 7 lengths carrying 11 stone 12. He looks a tough, progressive and useful juvenile.
Double Honour (5) A horse I had followed on the flat where he had been runner up in the Group 2 Goodwood Cup. He won novice hurdles at Huntingdon and Exeter (twice) and was also 3rd to Foreman at Kempton.
Drombeag (5) An Irish Point to point winner who won the second of his two bumpers for Jonjo O’Neill at Carlisle.
Dungarvan’s Choice (8) An old favourite of mine. He failed to make an impact in his first 2 attempts in novice chases but galloped his rivals into submission at Newbury when reverting to a handicap hurdle, winning at 9/2. On his only other run he finished 2nd to handicap good thing Valleymore at Uttoxeter giving away lumps of weight.
Epervier D’or (5) This was another ex French horse that looked to have potential to do well here. He had won over hurdles at Enghien and looked a god chasing prospect in the hands of Paul Nicholls. He quickly rattled off 3 straight wins in novice chases at Wetherby, Exeter and Kempton, beating the useful Got One Too in the last of these. Subsequently 2nd to Farmer Jack at Kempton. Has since died.
Eternal Spring (6) Won a falsely run 4 runner event at Cheltenham beating Classified in December. Fell in 3 of his other 4 starts.
Europa (7) I decided to keep this useful chaser on my A list and he paid his way with 2 wins out of 4 starts at odds of 7/4 and 13/8, both at Doncaster. He is sometimes let down by his jumping.
First Love (7) The Queen’s horse, First Love failed to live up to some of the hype about him, only winning 1 of his 4 starts, and that at 5/6. He is a fine jumper but seems to lack a turn of foot and he can take a strong hold. He is probably best allowed to stride on in front.
Flame Creek (7) Is another horse that I have followed for some time and he made me a nice profit winning 3 out of 5 at odds of Flame Creek 4/5 100/30 & 9/4. His best run was when winning a Grade 2 race at Haydock in January. He duly took his chance in the Champion Hurdle but disappointed both at Cheltenham and in the Scottish equivalent. He was reported to have been suffering from a respiratory infection. The plan now is to send him novice chasing and he ahs already had a couple of facile victories. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Noel Chance send him back over hurdles in the autumn however.
Fondmort (7) Along with the likes of Armaturk and Dark ‘N Sharp, I kept Fondmort on the A list from the previous season. He only won once but that was at the nice price of 5/1 in the Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham. He also ran well when 2nd to Poliantas at the sametrack. He is usually a sound jumper.
Forest Gunner (9) Forest Gunner won 2 of his 3 starts but I only latched onto him after the first win. He is a sound jumper and stays well. He also seems to get on well with his rider, the trainer’s wife Carrie Ford who is able to claim 5lbs at the moment. He could be interesting in handicap company next season.
Fork Lightning (7) Half brother to the temperamental chaser Moving Earth and an Irish pints winner. He proved a fairly useful novice hurdler for Alan King winning at Kempton and Cheltenham.
Full Irish (7) I have followed this horse since he made his debut in a bumper at Perth in April 2001. He was second that day to another debutant, Keen Leader. After a successful season in 2001/2 in novice hurdles Lenny Lungo had difficulty in placing the horse last season. He started the season winning a 3 runner handicap hurdle at Sedgefield off 10 stone 6.After that he would asked to carry big weights in handicaps and as he is only a small horse this is always going to be a problem. It is doubtful whether he has the size or scope to make a top chaser.
Glenmoss Tara (8) Described by trainer Nicky Richards as a “lazy sort” Glenmoss Tara faced a fairly easy task when winning in style at Catterick in her hurdling debut. She followed up with two further wins in the North before coming 2nd of 16 to Ar Muin Na Muice at Newbury.
Golden Goal (7) Venetia William’s chaser had done really well for me in 2001/2 and looked to be on the right track for the new season when finishing a fine 2nd to Poliantas at Wincanton, with Fondmort back in third. Sadly he later died on an accident at home on the gallops.
Grey Abbey (9) An old favourite of mine, Grey Abbey failed to win on his 4 starts. He put in creditable efforts when tiring in the closing stages in a grade 2 chase to finish 4th to Marlborough and when 3rd at Cheltenham.
Hand Inn Hand (7) I retained Hand Inn Hand on my list from 2002 and was rewarded with 4 wins. Hand Inn Hand’s most valuable win was in a Grade 2 event at Kempton where he won at his longest price of 3/1. Henry Daly’s charge took his chance in the Arkle where he was 5th behind Azertyuiop.
Hersov (7) Nicky Henderson’s Hersov won the first 2 of his 3 starts as a novice chaser and made me a profit. He was put forward in stable interview by trainer Nicky Henderson as his best horse to follow. Beat Over The Storm by a neck at Kempton.
Horus (8) It isn’t often that you get good odds about a Pipe/McCoy horse. Horus, a former start pointer went off at 3/1 when winning at Newbury and followed up at Cheltenham at 5/2. Failed to show quite the same sparkle in 4 subsequent starts he gave me a profit, which is the main thing.
Hunter’s Tweed (7) An example of the theory that you should never give up on a horse (well almost never) was Hunters Tweed. Peter Beaumonts charge failed to trouble the judge in any of his first 5 starts and was looking an expensive flop. He went on to win 2 of his last 3 starts though at odds of 9/2 and 6/1. In fairness he was not winning out of turn as his form figures in those first 5 races were 23332.
Hussard Collonges (8) Peter Beaumont’s high class chaser ran well without winning. He was 2nd to Marlborough in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby, 5th in the Hennessey giving plenty of weight away to those in front of him and 2nd to Truckers Tavern in the Peter Marsh at Haydock when conceding over a stone.
Ibal (7) Ibal had been a useful handicap hurdler and put in some good performances in novice chases last season winning 4. These included a 10 length victory over First Love in a 3 runner event at Sandown.
Impek (7) Henrietta Knight’s former decent hurdler took to chasing admirably winning 3 of his 5 starts, only once at odds on. He was disappointing when last of 3 finishers behind Le Roi Miguel. He is an edgy sort and has been troublesome at the start.
Inching Closer (6) Purely from a profit point of view few did better than Jonjo O’Neill’s gelding Inching Closer who won 2 of his 3 starts at 4s and 6s in handicaps at Haydock and Cheltenham, the latter being the 24 runner Pertemps final.
In Contrast (7) This Philip Hobbs trained hurdler is another horse that I have followed for some time. He ran well in top class company last season including a 6th in the Champion Hurdle behind Rooster Booster. He sole win came in the 5 runner Scottish Champion Hurdle where he beat Thisthatandtother.
Inca Trail (7) Inca Trail was bound to attract plenty of interest last season, being a full brother to best mate. As things turned out he only won 1 of his 5 starts and that was long odds on. He was a very creditable 3rd behind Rhinestone Cowboy and Liberman in a bumper at Cheltenham in November and 2nd to Lord Sam on his hurdles debut the following month. He went on to win a maiden hurdle at Ludlow before finishing 8th in the Supreme Novices at the Festival. It will be interesting to see how he progresses.
Indalo (8) Venetia Williams gelding won a couple of novice hurdles and a handicap from his 9 starts. Tends to make jumping errors.
Irish Hussar (7) I have followed this horse for quite a while. He won 3 of his 5 starts the best price being 3/1. Irish Hussar turned into a smart novice chaser and ended the season with a win in a Grade 2 at Aintree.
Iris’s Gift (6) Jonjo O’Neill had a marvellous season and his hurdler Iris’s Gift gave me the most wins with 6 from 7 starts, although all bar one were odds on. Possibly his best run was his only defeat when he ran Baracouda to 3 parts of a length in the Stayers hurdle at the Festival. He had looked a novice out of the top drawer at Cheltenham and showed there was absolutely no fluke about that effort, when following up at Aintree in the Martell Cognac Novices Hurdle. He is one of the best staying hurdlers around, novice or not, and is also a great chasing prospect.
Isio (7) Ex French gelding and useful hurdler in 2001/2. Proved to be a smart novice chaser winning 3 times. Reportedly difficult to train. Best run when 3rd in the Arkle behind Azertyuiop and Impek.
Ivanoph (7) Consistent handicap chaser whose only win last season came at Wincanton in November. Second on 3 occasions including a 2nd of 5 to Abalvino at Newbury.
Jakari first went into my notebook when finishing 5th in a bumper at Ascot behind Beethoven and First Love in February 2001. A minor injury limited him to one run (which he won) over hurdles in 2001/2. He came back with a bang last season winning 2 of his 6 races at 9/2 and 5/2.
Joly Bey (6) Bought from France by Anthony Bromley and thought by some good judges to be a decent chasing prospect. Won 4 times from 9 starts last season. On his last run he was 3rd behind Irish Hussar and It Takes Takes Time in a grade 2 at Aintree. Good jumper.
Joss Naylor (8) won 3 of his 4 starts. Two were odds on and the last 5/4. He had been a smart hurdler who was runner up to Ilnamar in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and he made a promising start to his chasing career. He bear Jakari by 13 lengths on his second run at Bangor and beat Tarxien by a short head at Cheltenham on his 3rd.
Keen Leader (7) looked likely to be one of the stars of the season based on his 2001/2 hurdles form. After falling first time out at Cheltenham he strung together 3 wins at Haydock, Wetherby and Ascot. Disappointing when 5th behind One Knight in the Royal Sun Alliance. Possibly found the ground too fast for him. He certainly has a poor record at Cheltenham.
Kingscliff (6) Kingscliff gave me a winner in what turned out to be a highly successful Cheltenham Festival from a personal point of view. He was a most impressive winner of the Foxhunters Chase at odds of 11/4. It is reported that he will switch to handicaps next year and he looks a very exciting prospect.
Kingsmark finished 4th in the Aintree Grand National in 2002. He only ran twice last season, winning the first of these in the Edward Hanmer Memorial Chase at Haydock, his favourite course. Chives was 2nd and Grey Abbey 5th. Kingsmark won at 100/30.
Kombinacja (5) This mare came here from Poland with a big reputation having won the equivalent of the Fillies triple crown in Poland. Disappointed in her two runs over hurdles last season but has since won twice in the Summer season so there may be better to come.
Kopeck (5) Purely from a profit making point of view Kopeck was my “horse of the year.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from this aptly named brother to the ill-fated Rouble. Connections paid 75,000 guineas to secure him and he paid some of that back when coming in at 33/1 at Ascot. He only ran once after that, finishing last after reportedly coughing in the week prior to the race. I wonder what will happen to him now that his trainer has retired?
Korelo (5) I added this one to me B list mid season. Won 3 times including 2 valuable handicaps. Beat Chopneyev in heavy ground at Ascot in February and followed up in the Imperial Cup at Sandown in gruelling conditions. Failed to land the double 4 days later when 5th of 30 in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham.
Latalomne (9) Failed to win from 4 starts but best remembered last season for falling 2 out in the Queen Mother Champion Chase when holding every chance having fallen at the same fence the year before.
Le Duc (4) This ex French horse proved expensive to follow after joining Paul Nicholls with high expectations. He tended to find rather less than expected when it mattered until coming good on his 7th and final start to win a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Aintree beating Spectroscope.
Le Roi Miguel (5) Ex French, athletic individual who impressed when winning a novice hurdle at Newbury in 2001/2 and as a result went onto many lists to follow. In his first 2 novice chases he was beaten by One Knight and Impek respectively and then fell at the Cheltenham Festival. He confirmed his earlier promise though with a powerful display to take the Martell novice chase at Aintree beating Vol Solitaire and Impek.
Liberman (5) A dual bumper winner in Ireland before joining Martin Pipe Liberman was 2nd to Rhinestone Cowboy at Cheltenham in November before returning to the Gloucestershire track to win the Cheltenham Festival bumper.
Laouen (5) won a bumper for Lenny Lungo in 2002 and progressed to score 4 times from 5 starts over hurdles, his best price being 9/4.
Lord Moose (9) I backed Lorde Moose when he won a handicap chase at Sandown in November at 9/4. He also ran particularly well when 2nd to the mighty impressive Killusty also at Sandown. Generally his career has been plagued by injury.
Lord Sam (7) I had high hopes of Lord Sam at the start of the season on the basis of some very encouraging bumper form. He didn’t let me down winning his first 3 runs. Despite his 100% career record none of these wins were odds on, showing the benefit of supporting smaller, but capable trainers. Lord Sam lost nothing in defeat on his last outing finishing a very creditable 4th to Hardy Eustace in the Royal & Sun Alliance novice hurdle at Cheltenham.
Man Murphy (7) was well placed by his trainer and won 5 of his 7 starts, mainly early in the season. Only 2 of these were odds on, which made him a profitable A lister. Ironically his luckiest victory was when 1/3 and left in the lead at the last when trailing by 8 to 10 lengths.
Maybe The Business (7) A former winner between the flags Maybe The Business won a couple of bumpers in 2001/2, including a victory over Lenny Lungo’s Laouen at the Scottish National meet at Ayr. Showed some promise over hurdles winning at Folkestone in between less impressing performance but collapsed and died after his 5th run at Doncaster.
Midland Flame (8) A son of Un Desperado, with Henrietta Knight. Was a fair hurdler but the long-term future was always going to be over fences. He had run quite well earlier in the season, including a 3rd to Isio but by far his best run was his last, winning a valuable 16 runner handicap novice chase at Aintree.
Mini Sensation (10) I was financially involved in the 2 races that Mini Sensation won last season. He was gambled on from 20/1 down to 8s when landing the Welsh National from Chives, with my selection, Gunner Wellburn back in 3rd. I had my money on his though when he was pushed clear to readily win the National Trial at Uttoxeter. He is a real mud lover who excels in a test of stamina.
Mister Wellard (6) Went on my A list after winning the Perth Festival bumper. Easy winner of a bumper at Taunton in October and looked a bright prospect before being fatally injured at Exeter on his second hurdles outing.
Montalcino (7) Smallish gelding and useful hurdler. He impressed on his chase bow beating First Love by 15 lengths at Newbury. Sadly he was fatally injured in his next race.
Moscow Flyer (9) I had a successful Cheltenham Festival betting wise and Jessica Harrington’s chaser gave me a winner at 7/4 in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. A superb jumper and worthy champion.
Moss Harvey (8) Useful hurdler, Moss Harvey made a successful start to his chasing career with wins at Fakenham and Kelso. Very disappointing on 2 subsequent starts jumping Badly to the right. Returned to hurdles and finished a respectable 4th of 16 at Haydock.
Mr Woodentop (7) Trained by Lenny Lungo, Mr Woodentop won 2 of his 3 starts but was odds on both times. A winner of all his 4 completed starts over hurdles. A real national hunt bred horse that stays well but is not over quick. Won twice at Ayr, once in a handicap hurdle over an extended 3 miles and then in a weak chase. Jumped badly on final start and was pulled up at Carlisle.
Nas Na Riogh (4) Ex French filly who won 3 of her 7 starts last season. Well clear of the rest when 2nd to Jonjo O’Neills Spectroscope on British debut at Kempton. Won novice hurdles at Sandown, Chepstow and Fontwell. Fell in the Triumph Hurdle but otherwise not out of the first 3. A tough sort that relishes testing ground.
Native Emperor (7) Jonjo O’Neill proved a trainer to follow and his Native Emperor scored once from 4 starts at 13/2. This came in a Listed handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on his first outing. Also a good 2nd to the ill fated Bacchanal in a Grade 2 hurdle at Newbury.
No Collusion (7) Spent much of 2001/2 as a training companion for stablemate Looks Like Trouble but managed to win a bumper at Newbury as well. Won novice hurdles at Hereford and Fontwell. Was 2nd on 2 other starts. Has had breathing problems.
Novi Sad (5) My first bet of the season was on Novi Sad in a bumper at Market Rasen. He finished 5th – an inauspicious start. Patience was rewarded however when the horse managed to win 2 of his 9 starts at the very attractive odds of 12/1 and 8/1.
Old California (4) I followed Old California as a 3 year old on the flat when trained by John Dunlop. He won twice then and duly obliged first time out over hurdles at Fontwell and looked a good prospect before falling fatally in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. A great loss to his connections.
One Knight (7) won on his chase bow beating Le Roi Miguel and Hand Inn Hand at Chepstow. He then jumped badly when beaten at Newbury but went on to win twice at Exeter and then take the Royal and Sun Alliance (won the year before by Hussard Collonges). One Knight was a particularly profitable selection as he only lost once and his wins came at 11/4, 11/8, 1/2 and finally 15/2 at Cheltenham. Although his jumping sometimes gives cause for concern he remains a promising staying chaser.
Palarshan (5) Although all winners count equally from a system point of view it is always nice to get a big race winner. Palarshan is a horse I have monitored since reading a favourable report from Anthony Bromley at the start of the 2001/2 season. He had been harshly treated by the handicapper on his hurdle form and as a result connections sent him novice chasing. On his first 2 outings Palarshan finished second to other A listers, Impek and Vol Solitaire. He went on to win his last 2 races, the second of these being the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival. Dark N’ Sharp was 3rd and Vol Solitaire 4th in that race. Palarshan came in at a very rewarding 8/1.
Rhinestone Cowboy (7) Jonjo’s Rhinestone Cowboy was hyped up after a series of ridiculously easy wins culminating in an effortless demolition of Thisthatandtother at Wincanton. Sent off as 5/2 favourite for the Champion Hurdle “The Cowboy” was no match for Rooster Booster on the day, finishing third. It represented a good effort for a novice who owed his position at the head of the market more to hype and potential than actual achievement. It will be fascinating to see how he progresses.
Sh Boom (5) A son of Alderbrookhe moved from Kim Bailey's yard to join Jonjo O'Neill. Made a good start to his hurdling career, winning twice and finishing 6th (promoted) of 19 in the Royal and Sun Alliance Novices at Cheltenham.
Sharpastrizam (8) won 6 times in 2001/2 but failed to win in any of his 5 starts last season. This was probably just a case of being too high in the weights as he never dropped down to his highest ever winning mark.
Silver Knight (5) Trained by Tim Easterby. Won novice hurdles at Hexham and Catterick and creditable 3rd of 5 to Brooklyn Breeze at Perth. Not the easiest of rides. Winning odds were 9/2 and 11/10.
Sir Rembrandt (7) Won both his races which is just what you need for my A list system. He is an interesting chasing prospect with Robert Alner and won his races at 4/1 and 7/2. The wins were in novice chases at Newbury and Cheltenham, beating It Takes Time and The Villager on the second occasion. Looks a potentially top class chaser.
Rose D’April (6) won 2 out of 5 starts at 2/1 and 11/10.
Seebald (8) His form figures were 222f21. He was twice second to Young Devereaux, conceding lumps of weight both times. His other seconds were also in the highest company, behind Edredon Bleu and Native Upmanship. Always game in defeat and deserved his win on last start in a valuable chase at Sandown.
Shotgun Willy (9) A classy chaser that I have followed for some time. Won impressively first time out in March in the Red Square Vodka Chase at Haydock to put himself among the leading contenders for the |Grand National. Disappointing at Aintree where asked to carry 11 stone 9. 5th of 19 when reappearing at Ayr in the Scottish National.
Skippers Cleuch (9) Looked a future star in his bumper and novice hurdle career and returned to action last season after a long lay off through serious neck and back problems. Started the season with wins in novice chases at Kelso and Wetherby but disappointed when upped in class on 2 subsequent runs. It remains to be seen if he can recapture his old sparkle.
Slooghy (FR) (7) Picked out a a “dark horse” to follow by Anthony Bromley. He had run well in defeat 3 times and deserved his win in a Newbury handicap when out battling Martin Pipe’s Ravenswood at the very nice price of 10/1. Tough and progressive he should be a chasing type.
Spectroscope (4) This 310,000 gns yearling ran with a bit of promise on his only run on the flat as a 2 year old and I duly put him on my flat A list for 2002. After 3 abysmal efforts as a 3 year old I cut my losses and gave up on him. Needless to say he suddenly found a remarkable change of form and won a handicap at Goodwood at 5/2 to land a big gamble. How does Jonjo O’Neill get away with this sort of thing? Having learned my lesson I stuck with him when sent over hurdles. He won 3 of his 6 starts, all odds aginst and the last one was 20/1! He made a promising start to his hurdles beating Nas Na Riogh at Kempton in one of two wins at that track. His best performance was when capturing the 27 runner Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Ran another good race when head 2nd of 19 to Le Duc on his last start in a Grade 2 event at Aintree.,
Stars Out Tonight (6) A fairly typical Henrietta Knight steeplechaser. After fair form as a hurdler won 2 of his 4 starts as a novice chaser at Exeter and Wincanton at odds of 5/2 and 5/6.
Strong Flow (6) Looked a decent recruit to Paul Nicholls’s yard having won an Irish point to point. He was 2nd on his first start at Southwell and an impressive winner of his only other start at Taunton.
Supreme Glory (10) There will always be a place in my heart for this fine steeplechaser since I backed him at 10/1 to win the Welsh National in 2001. He seemed to have lost some of his form until running an absolute blinder to finish second in the Grand National at 40/1.
Supreme Toss (7) 3rd to Thisthatandtother in a bumper 10 2001/2 this gelding with Richard Phillips looked one to follow last year. He proved just that winning all his 3 novice hurdles at Warwick Leicester and Uttoxeter. On the last of these runs he beat Ar Muin Na Muice by 14 lengths. May well be capable of better still.
Tana River (7) This ex Irish point-to-point winner was 2nd on his first 2 outings over hurdles, catching a real tartar in Coolnagorna on the second of these. Emma Lavelle’s gelding went on to reel off 3 wins on the bounce at Exeter, Leicester and Sandown. The last of these was a remarkable performance carrying 11 stone 12 in a Grade 3 when showing a fine turn of foot in the mud to sweep through and win from an impossible looking position.
Tees Components (8) Something of an enigmatic character, a former bumper winner who has also won on both turf and all weather on the flat. Thought at one time to be too injury prone to race over hurdles was sent out by Mary Reveley to win 2 of his 4 starts last season, including an effortless victory in a Grade 2 event at Doncaster. Folded tamely on his subsequent start behind Iris’s Gift. He has since won in the summer season outclassing his rivals at Kelso.
Telemoss (9) This smart ex-hurdler was one of my main hopes for 2002/3 season as a novice chaser. He obliged by winning his first 3 starts without coming off the bridle. Upped in class on his next start he was last of 4 behind Tarxien in a Grade 1 race at Sandown. He reportedly broke a blood vessel.
Temple Dog (7) an Un Desperado gelding was 7th in the Championship bumper at the 2002 Cheltenham Festival and kept up the good work in 2003 by winning all his 4 novice hurdles. He looks a chasing type and certainly looks open to further improvement.
The Bajan Bandit (8) Failed to fulfil the promise of his bumper and hurdle wins last season. Won a couple of novice chases at Carlisle and Ayr but ran poorly when upped in class. Was found to have a nasal discharge after one of his poor runs.
The Biker (6) Was 3rd in a top class bumper at Punchestown and looked a likely star when moving to Martin Pipe. Made all to win both his novice hurdles.
The Villager (7) Won 3 times in 2001/2 and I had him down as a likely type for handicap hurdles last season. As it turned out he won his first handicap at Chepstow (10/11) before going novice chasing winning at Bangor and Exeter. Also ran well in defeat when 3rd to Sir Rembrandt and It Takes Time in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham and 2nd to hand Inn Hand with Hunters Tweed 3rd at Haydock.
Thisthatandtother (7) Excellent bumper form from 2001/2 (4th in Cheltenham Festival Bumper) highlighted him as a horse to follow. He won 3 novice hurdles, all at Wincanton, the last being a grade 1. He was also 2nd on 3 occasions, to Coolnagorna, Rhinestone Cowboy and In Contrast in the Scottish Champion hurdle. He looks the type to make a chaser.
Tom Costalot (8) A tough reliable handicap chaser who jumps soundly. Trained by Susan Nock. He battled on gamely from the last to land a handicap chase at Warwick with his other win coming at Cheltenham. His winning odds were 5/4 and 11/4 from 6 starts.
Tramantino (4) A winner on the flat when trained by Henry Candy Tramantino showed an impressive turn of foot to win on his hurdles debut from Nas Na Riogh at Newbury but failed to progress from there and was largely disappointing.
Truckers Tavern (8) An old favourite of mine who is held in the highest regard by his trainer Ferdy Murphy. Fel at the first at ascot but went on to land the Peter Marsh at Haydock at 9/2 in a thrilling finish with Hussard Collonges. He was then a good 3rd behind Valley Henry and Chives in the Newbury AON Chase but the best was yet to come, Although unfancied at 33/1 he put in a tremendous run on unsuitable ground to finish second to the imperious Best Mate in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Turgeonev (8) Turgeonev who failed to win in 8 starts. His highest ever winning mark is 131 in January 2002 but he started last season on 148 and had only dropped down to 140 by the end of April 2003. He had proved a moneyspinner for me in 2001/2 winning 4 times.
Unleash (4) I had Unleash on my flat A list when trained by Sir Mark Prescott where he did well for me. Looked a likely hurdler when going to Philip Hobbs and after a couple of “sighters” won at Ludlow and Stratford. Since the end of the jumps season he has won another hurdle and also the prestigious Northumberland Plate on the flat.
Valley Henry (7) Paul Nicholl’s chaser is another that I have followed closely for some time. He again had a good season winning 3 from 6. The best of these was in the Grade 2 AON Chase at Newbury where he beat Chives and Truckers Tavern. His jumping has let him down on occasions but he jumped well that day and enjoyed the sound surface. Ran a good 4th to Best Mate in the Gold Cup. Valley Henry is a talented if slightly fragile horse mentally.
Vanormix (4) Vanormix had run 4 times on the flat in France finishing runner up once before joining Martin Pipe. He won a couple of novice hurdles at Exeter but is best remembered for parting company with AP McCoy at the last fence at Cheltenham where McCoy lost an iron and fell off.
Vol Solitaire (5) Won 5 from 9 including a win at 3/1. Paul Nicholl’s Welsh Champion Hurdle winner had always looked a chasing type. His wins included a Novice Chase at Cheltenham and he ended the season with a convincing win in a Grade 2 race at Ayr. He proved best going left handed and was suited by a step up to two and a half miles in his last start. Sadly he has since died after an accident in a field at home.
Warjan (6) I retained Warjan on my list from the previous season. Warjan is lightly raced and I get the feeling he may be hard to train. Anyway he won at Sandown first time out at 8/1. He didn’t do a great deal in his subsequent 3 starts but – job done as far as my profits were concerned.
Young Devereaux (10) An A list horse from 2001/2 came back better than ever last season after a lengthy absence through injury winning valuable handicaps at Ascot and Kempton.
Young Ottoman (7) Trained by Victor Dartnell Young Ottoman had a consistent season in novice chases. He started with a 3rd behind Sir Rembrandt and Ask Henry at Newbury and won at Plumpton before coming 3rd in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival over 4 miles. A consistent horse with a good attitude.
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