I am delighted that the form of the yard continues as we move from summer into autumn with three more winners in the first couple of weeks of this month.
Representing Bob won on what was his handicap, chase and seasonal debut at Stratford earlier in the month. He has been a ‘slow burner’ but finally the penny is beginning to drop and he showed a good attitude to get up on the run to the line after a super round of jumping. Gavin loved him and there should be a lot more to come from him now, and I look forward to maximising his potential as the season progresses.
Representing Bob wins on his chasing debut.
No Anxiety had won on his chasing debut in May, and after a summers break, he continued where he left off with a wonderful jumping display under Gavin to win well at Hereford. He is a gorgeous 5-year-old, who stays well and looks a really promising horse for the team.
No Anxiety continues his progression in novice chases.
It was lovely to see Beholden get his head back in front too under a lovely front running ride from Page at Wincanton to win under a penalty. He hasn’t been the most straightforward so to win two novice hurdles shows that he has the ability, and when it all clicks into place he can surely keep improving too. He will head off on holiday now and when he comes back, I’d have thought he could win on the flat before perhaps a spell novice chasing next summer.
Beholden wins under a penalty.
It was lovely to be represented in the first two Graded races of the autumn, and Up For Parol ran a belter to be 3rd in the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow. He was beaten by two horses that had had a prep run, so I’d have thought he will come on hugely for that run, and we’ll look to send him novice chasing now over slightly shorter and on softer ground. He could be quite exciting….. Meanwhile, Chapmanshype didn’t disappoint in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy when finishing in mid division. He has had a good summer once again, and after a respite from the handicapper, he can win Class 2 handicaps next summer.
Up For Parol is 3rd in the Grade 2 Persian War.
I was thrilled to see our first homebred, Midnight Centurion, run so well to be 2nd on hurdling debut where he was beaten only a neck. Obviously, it was a shame to be 2nd beaten such a narrow margin, but we have lots to work on, and he should improve a lot for that run, and we look to have a bright future with him over hurdles and beyond as a future chaser.
Midnight Centurion is beaten a neck on his hurdling debut.
Spitfire Girl was also runner up, when 2nd in a bumper at Fontwell earlier this month on really soft ground after an absolute deluge. She looks a lovely individual, but we’ll take it slowly with her as she is only 4 years old. She certainly has a bright future. College Oak was 3rd on the same card when making his chasing debut. He didn’t really appreciate the rain sodden turf, and will be better suited to genuine good to soft ground which he should encounter this autumn. Tallow For Coal was also 3rd on his chasing debut, and is another who will improve as the season progresses especially on softer ground.
Last season’s Jane Seymour Grade 2 winner, Anythingforlove was 4th on her chasing debut, which I was pleased with as it was on good ground, and without a mistake at the last she would have finished 3rd behind a couple of higher rated horses. She is another who will improve for her seasonal debut as she likes her food! The same can be said for Kiltealy Briggs who was beaten 3 lengths at Uttoxeter on his seasonal return.
It was disappointing that Guinness Affair couldn’t land the four timer, but unfortunately he came back with an injury that will put him out of action for a bit. Whilst it was frustrating to see Hardy Du Seuil come down at the first in a two runner novice chase at Wetherby. Thankfully he is none the worse for the incident and has schooled brilliantly since. I look forward to seeing him out again shortly.
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