Remember My Name - Western Art (But You Can Call Me Artie)

It's a small world...

I have said before that you can never tell where this blogging escapade will lead. Sometimes - like a knock at the door - someone says hello. Unexpectedly.

You may remember that I wrote about a horse called Western Art, which used to be trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam and owned by Matthew Green & Ben Sangster. Western Art's story was told to me by my brother. He got talking to a chap who owns a livery yard and mentioned the name Western Art. My brother fondly remembered this colt because he followed his two-year-old racing career. This chance meeting detailed a story which illustrates the highs and lows of horse racing. Western Art struggled with injuries to a point where it cut his racing career short and in the process put his life in the balance...

I detailed the original post from my brother's words. It was part of a story which I never quite imagined would be fully realised. Fate - call it what you like - has a strange way of making you sit up and listen to other's words. This week - out of the blue - I received an email from the owner of Western Art (Artie as he is now called). Alex happened to stumble across our post titled  Remember My Name - Western Art and kindly detailed the truth about her now prized, healthy, beautiful horse...

This story touched my heart the first time and the more I learn about Artie the more it makes me realise what a responsibility we all have for the horses that give us so much enjoyment. Alex has kindly given permission to publish her emails. However, I will put them on hold for a while because she is going to send a couple of photographs of Artie and upon arrival I will write a post about his his racing career but most importantly his bright future which now thrives because of  the love of his adoring owner.

Frankel - Amazing

Amazing victory from Frankel. Never seen anything like it. A great tribute to horse, trainer & jockey.

1:50 Thirsk (30th April) - Result

Quite a restricted auction maiden for colts and fillies over 5f on good ground.

A large field of 15 runners, where a high draw can be a significant advantage.

This flying five furlong suits more experience juveniles and a slow start can make winning hard work. Taking that in mind, and the nature of this race, debutantes will need to be pretty straight to figure.

Triggerlo, trained by Mick Channon, has run creditably on all starts and appreciated the drop from stakes class to a restricted auction race at Leicester. To be fair, beyond the winner, that looked a moderate race. This is a lovely-looking colt and taking everything into account he should be placed, holding a fighting chance of gaining that elusive first win. The downside is that although he has a fair level of pace he looks a galloper and doesn't have much in the way of a turn of foot. With a couple of speedy types in opposition he may even be slightly outpaced. It is likely the speed horses will struggle to finish and Triggerlo will gallop to the line. Channon has a decent strike rate at the course. And I can imagine connections will be doing their utmost to win. He has fair place claims and the most proven form horse in this field but he may be vulnerable.

The two speedsters mention above are Umph and Profile Star. Both have their limitations but they are the types to be suited by Thirsk. Cathy Gannon was booked to ride both Evans juveniles and for that reason I would consider Aljosan the better of the Evans pair. In fact, I am surprised Gannon's mount is such a big price (12/1 on Betfair) and could well be backed.

Profile Star has plenty of pace. He is a fair-looking sort, too. I can imagine Lee Newman will sit handy and try to keep a little bit for the finish. They may just go full throttle and try to sneak a lead. Either way this colt has pace and will definitely travel well for most. The crunch for Profile Star is whether he can last to the finishing line. That's the gamble. His form isn't that different to Triggerlo. At a price he has a fighting chance. If betting, I would be tempted to try and lay the stake at short odds in running because there may be takers. It was slightly concerning that he hung at Doncaster, although it didn't seem to stop him. An interesting candidate in his own way.

Of the debutantes, Farang Kondiew has been supported. Declan Carroll has trained a number of talented two-year-olds and it should be noted that this colt was entered to run in the Brocklesby, which catches the eye. He has trained juveniles to win on debut and previous Brocklesby entrants have shaped well in their careers. Even with these positives, it would be some performance to win this on debut simply because a number of runners have so much more experience. A slow start, inexperience, or connections intent on not pressing too many buttons all bring about concerns. If a truly talented individual he could win this with ease. However, that is a big question and at the price, although interesting, it may pay to take a watching brief.

A similar story can be told for Amadeus Denton. I am a big fan of Michael Dods and he is the type of trainer who often slips under the radar. His juveniles feature good place claims on debut. However, unless speculative odds I would rather watch.

Fayr Fall has experience but the Redcar race doesn't look the strongest form. If improvement is on the cards - which is can be with Tim Easterby's - then this gelding by Fayruz may have place claims.

Conclusion: A high draw and experience will go a long way to winning this race. Although a couple of the debutantes are interesting at the prices they do not seem to hold much value. Umph and Profile Star are likely to go from the front. They are both limited to some extent but they could well last well into the final furlong. Profile Star may go well at a price although equally vulnerable in the last 100m. Triggerlo is probably the most consistent. I can imagine connections will be disappointed if he doesn't win. He has fair place claim. He will be there about at the finish. But will he have just enough ability to win. It is a close call.

HCE: ''A big field but not too many got involved. Profile Star was well backed and showed his natural speed before hanging across the course taking Amadeus Denton wide in the process. After a stewards' enquiry he was called the winner. Dods' (2nd) drifted in the betting but ran a superb race on debut from a low draw. Fayr Fall ran on to take third. It may have been no more than an average race with a few who disappointed - noteably Triggerlo. Channon's youngster drifted alarmingly just before the off, especially on Betfair. It was such a weakness that you have to wonder if someone knew there was a worry about his performance.''

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Greatwood is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of racehorses particularly those that have fallen on hard times. Established in Devon 13 years ago as a registered charity. Their aim is to provide the racehorses that enter the Charity with safe secure and rewarding futures.


Millions of race goers are swept away by the excitement during a race, but does anyone think about the 'also ran' whose career is coming to a close and whose future may be uncertain? A very large number of racehorses leave the racing industry every year and sadly a significant number of these horses fall on hard times through lack of care, understanding, experience, attention and love. We are a safety net for these horses that have fallen on hard times after their racing days are over. It is our role to take in as many as we can, to restore their morale and to retrain them for happy and useful lives in other disciplines. The horses that enter the Charity are rehomed on a foster-loan basis and are monitored regularly in their new home for life.

Why they need funding

It is increasingly difficult to raise funds to help these horses who to the public may appear to the public 'elite and cared for' but can be found to be suffering as acute a hardship as any neglected fell pony. Rehabilitating ex-racehorses is expensive (and can cost in excess of 5000 per annum per horse), but the horse could be priceless to the person who cares for it in the end. The Horseracing Industry has taken significant steps in recent years to help Greatwood, as one of the three centres accredited by the British Horseracing Board, to minimise the problem cases amongst racehorses leaving Racing and gives Greatwood considerable financial support but this is barely a quarter of the costs of the overheads.

Greatwood have discovered over the years that horses out of training need the specialist care they are able to offer. Unless this care is received initially these horses may quickly become unmanageable, and end up in a state of neglect to be sold cheaply at auction. Thus beginning the downward spiral endangering their health and well-being. Sadly this is the route that has been followed by many of the horses before arriving at Greatwood. The implementation of recognised and professional methods in the mental and physical treatment of the ex-racehorse enables them to enjoy an active life in a new discipline for many years. Horses that leave Greatwood are only ever sent out on loan, and are monitored twice yearly. If the standards expected are not upheld, the horse is returned to us.

Why we are supporting them


OLBG.co.uk is passionate for supporting charities such as Greatwood. Many of our members bet and tip on racehorses day in day out, they love the sport and the horses. By supporting Greatwood, as well as giving much needed money to help their work, we hope to raise awareness for the need of such charities which wouldn't be able to survive without donations.










To show this support and to raise awareness OLBG.co.uk is the proud sponsor of the Greatwood Open Day on the 2nd of September 2007, with a donation of  £4000.


These funds will go towards the up keep of over 50 retired horses stabled at the yard, and will hopefully spur many more people and companies to take OLBG.co.uk's lead in supporting them.


For more information about Greatwood, please visit the Greatwood Website


Note: You may remember a while back that I made a blog post about the touching story of ex-racehorse Western Art who has been brought back to fitness by his new owner. Well, I have been contacted by 'Artie's' owner and she detailed his story. I have asked for her permission to post the email on HCE and all being well it will be posted on Sunday. I think it is important that we all take a responsibility regarding horse welfare and the re-training/retirement of race horses young and old.

3:50 Leicester (29th April) - Result

A EBF fillies' maiden.

Another small field.

John Gosden is setting records this year having two-year-old runners in April. It's nothing extraordinary - but interesting in its own way. His first runner, Vinnie Jones, was outpaced on debut. However, physically he is an attractive juvenile. Today Gosden has two runners. Fanoos is fancied in the betting. This filly is likely to be a looker as she cost a whopping 120,000gns. Money talks. This daughter of Dutch Art is out of Miss Otis, a filly I remember well trained by Peter Winkworth. Gosden has a fair win and place rate with his debutantes. Clearly, debutantes are a law unto themselves. However, this filly owned by Hamdan Al Maktoum has already been given a stakes race entry, which adds to her potential. At restrictive odds there is little to gain betting today. Potentially a talented juvenile.

Pyman's Theory was substantially backed on debut. Quite a nice-looking filly by Exceed And Excel, Dascombe/connections must have been surprised they didn't win on debut. They are a very good judge of their two-year-olds. The betting spoke volumes. However, they lost. It happens. Reviewing the race, with the first three clear of the field, it looked a fair performance. But Always Ends Well being beaten, yesterday, at Brighton brings slight issues about the form. On the one side, the money for Dascombe's juvenile on debut suggests this two-year-old has ability. Today we will learn a little more. I get the feeling Pyman's Theory has ability.

Another juvenile with form is Dark Ages. Quinlan's filly was quite well backed on debut and looked fit and ready to run. It is difficult to assess the form of that race although Marie's Fantasy being beaten with ease at Yarmouth - a truly restricted race that was probably on a par with plating class - brings a few doubts. Miss Banu won at Newmarket with Dark Ages a few lengths back. Channon's victor is very small. She was beaten on debut and it just might be the case the race wasn't as strong as many imagined. Quinlan has fair win and place claims with his juveniles on their second start. Today's running will answer a few questions and for that reason it is a watching brief.

Reina Sophia ran in a restricted race on debut and needs to improve to figure here.

Alan McCabe has done well with his juveniles this season and Unforgiving - a cheap purchase - may go well at a price. The main reason for that opinion is the booking of Seb Sanders who has a very good strike rate with the stable. The negative is that McCabe has a poor win rate with his debutantes. On balance, this daughter of Red Clubs may struggle but a interesting candidate in ways.

A difficult race to assess with the major fancies at so so prices. Fanoos is the prospect horse in this race. Pyman's Theory is probably the best value with place claims.

HCE: ''Pyman's Theory won this in fair style. Backed late on she moved in comfortable fashion. Dark Ages led for most but never posed a threat to the five-length winner. The third, Reina Sophia, ran a similar race on debut. Fanoos was very well backed for most of the day but drifted in the build up to the race only to be backed once more. An attractive horse, she was always on the back foot, struggling to go the pace. Whether Gosden's juvenile needed the run only time will tell. However, it is probably the case she needs 6f. Fancied debutantes seem to come in two forms: easy winners or easy losers. It is rarely straightforward - that first race. There may be better to come.''

HCE Snippets: Trainers' Talk About Recent 2yo Runners

Apostle
(Michael Bell)
16th April, Leicester

Today we have seen Apostle run not as well as expected as he had been putting in some decent efforts at home. He was outpaced early on and when finally travelling he dropped away inside the final furlong. He is a nice horse and maybe a step up to six furlongs will be on the cards with him


Bayleyf
(John Best)
21st April, Folkestone

Two-year-old Bayleyf made his racecourse debut in a Maiden Stakes over 5f again under Luke Morris. He was ridden and made progress 2f out, staying on well to take 2nd place near the finish. John said "he ran with really great promise and I was very happy with his perfornance. He was very green and pulling a little bit hard early on but settled nicely in the middle part of the race and then stayed on well towards the end. He should improve dramatically for that and I think he was certainly the best horse in the race and I would be confident to say that wherever he goes next he will be hard to beat." 


Signifer
(Mick Channon)
15th April, Newbury

Signifer marked the first ever racecourse appearance for Insignia Racing whose purple and maroon silks finished a hugely promising second to Magic City in the first two year old maiden of the season at Newbury this afternoon.


The son of Titus Livius has impressed Mick hugely in the past three months and travelled ominously throughout, only to bump into the winner who has already received quotes of 6-1 for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in June.


Speaking from Newbury, Insignia Racing's Tina Dawson almost couldn't have been happier.


"That was a fantastic performance in a race that traditionally involves plenty of subsequent winners. Signifer cost a fraction of the price that many of today's competitors did, but he looks a super prospect.


"Mick has been very enthusiastic about him since he stepped his work up at West Ilsley and that is for all to see on the gallop videos. We've had a great day and although it would have been nice to go one better, all the talk in Newbury's Box 41 this afternoon is about our next target.


"I'll have to wait and see what Mick comes up with, but it's been a great start. We have the Roundel Syndicate's other colt Vexillum still to come - probably over six and seven furlongs, whilst the Ensign Syndicate has Represent and Doctor Banner almost ready to go. Mick is delighted with all of them at present and our cheapest purchase Signifer looks a steal for only fifteen thousand guineas."



Excavator
(Roger Charlton)
28th April, Bath

Excavator runs this afternoon for the first time in the 3.40 pm at Bath. He is a gelding that I bought at Doncaster Sales in September and he has shown plenty of speed, although his family is full of stamina. The ground will be fast but he is a good mover and I hope will run well.


Tioman Legend
(Roger Charlton)
18th April, Newbury

Yesterdays runners all came back happy and well from their races at Newbury. Tioman Legend showed signs of inexperience and will appreciate stepping up to 6 furlongs in due course but showed enough promise to suggest that he is going to win in the next few months. Federation is a rather highly strung filly but she behaved extremely well and was running on in the closing stages, suggesting that she would be suited by 8 and eventually 10 furlongs. Al Kazeem had a good blow after his race and got a little tired in the final furlong. He also did not have the clearest of runs but I was pleased with his performance and I think the race will prove to be well up to standard. Run For The Hills for a moment threatened to get involved in the finish but his run faded and he is due to continue his racing career in Singapore where I hope he does well.


Flurry Of Hands
(Ann Duffield)
16th April, Ripon

Flurry Of Hands came into season this morning but, having never run her before, we had no idea if being in season would help, or hinder her prospects, as all fillies are different. So, we took our chances. Stall one was the worst draw and, having jumped well enough, she hung out to her right away from the other runners and into the middle of the track. Her jockey, Martin Lane managed to get her back in a straight line but she was bumped by another horse. Finally she got in behind the other runners and into the race itself, running on very well in the final stages. Once she got going, she didn't want to pull up, which is a good sign. She was not beaten that far and will improve markedly for the experience.


Oneniteinheaven
(Ann Duffield)
19th April, Pontefract

At Pontefract this afternoon, Oneniteinheaven ran very well on her debut finishing fifth, Daisyclipper ran a blinder in a very warm race, relaxing more than last time and our first runner for Sir Robert Ogden acquitted himself well under Paul Hanagan to finish third. I managed to get the open day several mentions by both Graham Orange - the voice of Yorkshire racing and Stuart Machin, racing commentator. Back home the lads have done a great job, the walker floor is almost repaired, the Canadian hay I wasnt so pleased with, was taken away and replaced, and water experts arrived to advise on an irrigation system for the gallops, which are more than thirsty, having gone without water for too long.

George Baker Makes Interest Point About Grand National

April 19, 2011 (Blog Entree)


Tuesday 19th April....

Monday evening, so it must be Windsor....

Confusingly, we headed there last night with a "nationwide gamble" in Ancient Greece. A nice horse. With dual purpose options. But as the winner of a Yarmouth Claimer last Summer in amongst some pretty average runs, it was difficult to understand the punt...

AG looked magnificent. Superby turned out by Annalee. And ran well until tiring through the final furlong. A drop back in trip could be the answer, but I personally am looking forward to seeing him over a hurdle in time. He has schooled really well....

A beautiful morning here today. We have just worked Stefanki, National Hope and Jacks Revenge up the grass. A few more about to work second lot. The feel of a mid-June early morning. We do need some rain though. A few National Hunt horses waiting in the wings. It will come...

The Grand National debate raging on. The one issue that has confused me in particular is why the bodies of the dead horses were left on the track as the runners came around on the second circuit. To my mind, this has never happened before. And only served to accentuate their deaths to those watching, at the same time creating some pretty gruesome and sad footage. I am not for one moment suggesting that these two sad fatalities be swept under the carpet, "out of sight, out of mind". Fatalaties and the reasons for their occurrence need to be addressed and assessed. But in all my many years of Grand National watching, both live at Aintree and on TV, previous fatalities have, I am pretty sure, been removed from the course before the runners reappeared on the second circuit. Why did it not happen on this occasion, necessitating the bypassing of a couple of fences, including Bechers, and, to my mind, polarising viewers minds on the sad green tarpaulins on the ground......????

3:40 Bath (28th April) - Result

An EBF Median Auction over 5f 11y on firm ground.

If past fortunes are to be heeded there is only one horse to note in this race - Verbeeck. Ed McMahon has a 63% (5/8) strike rate at Bath in the last five years and the majority of these runners have been owned by John Fretwell. This trainer/owner partnership have always been a force to be reckoned with and last year was no exception with the likes of Temple Meads & Electric Waves. Their better juveniles usually appear early in the season and Verbeeck a son of Dutch Art -  £34,000 yearling - will have his share of supporters. At restrictive odds it may be best to tread careful simply because debutantes often make up their own rules of racing. However, there is much to point to a big run from this youngster.

*Miss Astragal hails from Richard Hannon's stable and one of a couple of entrants/rides for Hannon & Hughes at the course. The betting will give the best indicator to this ones chances and if priced 11/4 & less is likely to run a big race. It is often difficult to assess the Hannon youngsters because they are the focus of the media and punters alike, which means they can often be under priced. I would prefer to watch and learn more about this filly today. (*NR)

Roger Charlton has a good record at Bath. At present, Excavator is quite fancied in the betting. In general, Charlton's juveniles improve for racing. Surprisingly, he has only had 13 or so juveniles which have started at odds of 13/2 & less when making their debut in at least five years. Those attained a fair win and place rate. However, such a small number of fancied juveniles on debut strongly suggests his two-year-olds are more likely to need the run. If priced 13/2 & less this gelding may have claims. However, a weakness in the betting would not bring about confidence. He has a much better win and place rate with juveniles on their second start and such infrequent debutant winners tempers enthusiasm.

David Evans has training early season two-year-olds down to a fine art and he is an intelligent  trainer. Choisirez was second string on debut - a stakes race at Nottingham. His first string - Choice Of Remark - failed to win by a narrow margin. It is a sign of encouragement that this filly ran at such a level; it often indicates a juvenile with winning potential. This is quite an attractive filly. After being outpaced, she ran on quite well suggesting there was more to come. Although Evans doesn't have the best win rate at the course, his fancied juveniles have respectable win and place statistics on their second start. The form of that debut is ordinary but I can see this daughter of Choisir making the most of her experience and improving a good deal.

HCE: ''Disappointing to see Miss Astragal a non runner. Difficult to assess the merit of this race although it could be decent. John Hills' B Fifty Two was very well supported and travelled well before being pushed out by Seb Sanders. Hills can be rather hit and miss with his fancied runners but this was a performance full of promise. Excavator showed good speed and may benefit from the run. Charlton does well with his juveniles on their second start and will be primed next time. Verbeeck was send off favourite but was weak in the betting just before the start. He is a good-looking colt  but wasn't helped by a tardy start. In the latter stages he wandered in behind the eventual winner which cost him any chance of getting competitive. I certainly wouldn't give up on this youngster and can see him improving a good deal. McMahon knows his horses and this juvenile will be winning soon.''

2:20 Pontefract (27th April) - Result

An EBF maiden for colts and fillies over 5f. Fair prize money for this so it may attract one or two with potential.

Sweet Chillie showed an element of ability in a restricted auction race at Ripon on debut. This relatively cheap bay filly was quite fancied in the betting that day and finished third. Not the biggest, she was ridden as though pretty fit and ready but never quite got to the front two. That was probably no more than an average performance. It was noticeable how readily this daughter of Intikhab was held by the second Beau Mistral. Barron has respectable win and place claims with his fancied juveniles on their second start and with experience on side is likely to run into a place.

Brian Meehan is a trainer to respect with juveniles on their second start. Safari Storm was run off his feet in the early stages at Windsor before plugging on at the finish. The winner and second looked in a different class to the others. It is slightly concerning that this colt by Dubawi was sandwiched between two juveniles that have been entered for selling races (Aquasulis & Middleton Flyer). In addition, he is quite small with a scratchy action. The major positive is that Meehan has very good win and place claims with his fancied juveniles on their second start. It may be the case Safari Sun will leave that form behind him today. It is also encouraging to note that he has been entered to run in a stakes race. A juvenile with good place claims.

Alan McCabe has done well with his juveniles this season and he is a very capable trainer. Sabusa is no world beater but isn't without ability. He is quite an attractive colt and shown a basic level of form which suggests he could win a small race. Pontefract is likely to suit because he has a tendency to be outpaced although with fitness and experience he will probably look quite speedy compared with a number  of these debutantes. On form, Sabusa could sneak into a place. However, there is something of a negative on the jockey booking. Originally, in the early declarations, Seb Sanders was booked to ride. He has a very good strike rate with McCabe, It is strange to note that Sanders is now riding Eve Johnson Houghton's debutantes Bling King. Darryll Holland is now taking the ride on Sabusa. He doesn't seem to have ridden for McCabe in the last five years.

Eve Johnson Houghton doesn't have the best win rate with her debutantes although she can certainly train juveniles to win on their racecourse bow. If it wasn't for Sanders switching rides I wouldn't give this colt by Haafhd much time. To be fair his breeding suggests that he will be better over further. However, the jockey booking could well be a clue that something is expected. There doesn't seem any reason why Sanders wouldn't ride Sabusa, so it may be logically to consider (time will tell) that this colt has some hope. It would be significant if this juvenile was backed. An interesting runner.

Of the others, Brimstone Mill has place claims if priced 13/2 & less, although Hills' two-year-olds often struggle to win on debut.

Superplex would be interesting if substantially backed as John Quinn's stable have gone very well at this course in recent years.

HCE: ''An easy victory for Sweet Chillie who was always sitting in a handy position and always looked in command. The Seb Sanders jockey booking mystery revealed that Bling King was fancied to some extent beating Sabusa. Safari Sun was well backed and suffered interference at the start but didn't progress from his debut and looks limited.''

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5:45 Wolverhampton (26th April)

A maiden for colts and fillies over this turning 5f 20y.

Nine juveniles compete but this is likely to involve four major two-year-old trainers.

Jeremy Noseda is a trainer to respect with his two-year-olds. Monnoyer, a colt by Dutch Art, cost 50,000gns, out of a 5f sprint winner. This chestnut is fancied in the betting and likely to go off favourite. In recent years, over half of Noseda's juveniles have a starting price of 13/2 & less for their debates. He attains a fair win rate with over half of these runners being placed. It is a positive note that Monnoyer has been entered to run in a stakes race and also the Phoenix Stakes (Group 1). The lilac Roy silks have seen many a victory with Noseda. In recent years Forgotten Voice, Waffle & High Alert have won on debut. In addition, this talented trainer features a good win rate at the course.The negative, as for all juveniles making their racecourse bow, it is never easy to win on debut. Inexperience can be costly. Monnoyer is one of the more likelier types but at restrictive odds is probably best watched.

It's quite unusual to see John Gosden with a two-year-old runner in April - the first in at least five years. Vinnie Jones is a home bred by Piccolo out of the mare Fen Guest who was trained by Rae Guest for C J Murfitt. Gosden features a fair win and place rate with his fancied juveniles on debut (very similar to Noseda). His win rate at Wolverhampton is 17% in the last five years, which isn't the most impressive strike rate. It is worth noting that the trainer's first juvenile runner of the season for many years has not been successful. This year may, of course, be different. However, I get the feeling few of his juveniles are natural sprint types and Vinnie Jones may struggle over this 5f.

Richard Hannon has been in fine form with his two-year-olds this season and Wolfgang is certainly one of the more interesting candidates. This bay colt (a cheap purchase at £15,000) was entered to run at Nottingham at the weekend but was withdrawn, probably due to fast ground. Much of the dam's family raced on dirt in the US so this surface may be a positive. Andrew Tinkler [owner] has invested a huge amount of money this season and now a familiar face within many stables. Reports suggest this youngster has been going well. Hannon has only an average win rate at the course.

Tom Dascombe has started this season on a positive note - firing in the winners. Lord Ali McJones cost 40,000euros. The key point about Dascombe's juveniles is the betting. The stable seem to have a very good idea of the capabilities of their youngsters and a weakness in the market is generally a negative.  However, of all these trainers here he is most likely to win with his fancied debutantes. In fact, this affable trainer is a rarity because he has a better strike with his fancied first timers than those running on their second start. If this bay colt has a starting price of 7/1 & less, it has fair win and place claims. If outside this betting guide, (10/1+) it's chances are significantly less.

An intriguing race but not the easiest to assess. The Noseda horse has claims but at restrictive odds is best watched. Wolfgang hails from a stable that must be respected. Lord Ali McJones would have fair each-way chances if fancied in the betting but at this moment is weak in the betting. If backed, it would be more encouraging.

HCE: ''A comfortable performance from Monnoyer who took his time to realise what was expected. Noseda's youngster could go on from this and Hanagan talked of him in glowing terms. With Wolfgang and Vinnie Jones showing little it may not have been the strongest contest. He looks a capable juvenile. Courtland Kings shows much more today after two nondescript runs. Dascombe's Lord Ali McJones was backed after being weak n the exchanges for much of the day. He travelled with the leaders and held every chance until the Monnoyer put the 2nd & 3rd in their place.''

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3:00 Warwick (25th April) - Result

A selling stakes race over this flying 5f.

Experience counts for a lot at Warwick - a fast start is often the difference between winning and losing. On the contrary, a slow start makes this a mountain to climb. For that reason the debutantes lose favour here.

There are a collection of form horses. Van Go Go won last time out at Redcar after finishing second on debut. Dascombe gave a brief about this filly after her recent win and said she was a 'now horse'. This filly has a penalty for that success but this daughter of Dutch Art has a fair level of speed and a determined sort. By all accounts this is a slight drop in class and a proven juvenile is a very good starting point in such lowly races. The key point you want in a horse racing at plating level is an individual who can run to the line. Many will show speed for four furlong then cry enough - Van Go Go will take some beating.

Of the rest, *Sea Poet is quite an attractive colt for this grade. Haynes' youngster had no chance after a slow start at Folkestone and ran with more elan at Bath. On the face of it that looked quite encouraging. However, that form could well be moderate for those behind the winner. This half-brother to Pycian may have place claims.

The two most likely debutantes are I'm Talking and She's Cool Too. Both hail from trainers who can win with juveniles on their racecourse bow. However, they will need to be tuned-up to win.

The former, trained by David Evans, may have stronger claims if heavily supported because the stable have a form line with Van Go Go through Middleton Flyer. Many of their two-year-olds have been for racecourse gallops, which is a plus. On balance, I would favour Van Go Go. It is best to let juveniles prove they have ability rather than imagine at this level.

She's Too Cool comes from an owner (E A Brook) who does very well with Bill Turner. In fact he has had at least a couple of Brocklesby winners. Turner can get his juveniles ready for their debut but they can also be rather hit and miss.

Van Go Go is a proven winner and most of these will struggle to achieve that goal. Experience is key at Warwick with many of these being outpaced from the start. The others will show speed till four furlongs before dropping away. Dascombe's two-year-old will take some stopping.

*NR

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Paul Cole Blog Update: Leaning Towards the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches for Rimth!

We got her ready for the Fred Darling, where as some of the others had been got ready for the Guineas, the extra time would be beneficial it would allow her to freshen up although she has come out of her race really well and seems to be in great form. The pace may also suit her in france with Christophe Soumillon being the confirmed rider in the saddle would give you that extra bit of confidence.

Lilly Again who has been bought by Dr Marwan Koukash who was unsuited by the downhill at Newmarket is heading for the Sporting Bet Micheal Seely Memorial at York. Cheherazad who ran so promisingly at Newbury is provisionally running in the 7 furlongs maiden fillies at Chester, the track would not be ideal, she is a big filly but the ground would suit. Flashbang was unsuited by the fiirm ground at Newmarket could well contest the maiden fillies at Kempton where the surface should suit he. Serial Sinner who has come out of her Windsor race well will probably run in the mile maiden stakes at Kempton which has probably got some of the best ground around at the moment. Vicona who ran so well at Newbury will contest the maiden filies at Bath on thursday. Moynahan who stays in training is coming on extremely well. We are very pleased with Red Courtiers run at Newbury some good to soft ground over a mile and a half would suit. We are very pleased the way Silver Heels has come out of his race at Windsor, he put in a very good performance considering he was not wound up. Commisar was never at the races at Newbury the penny failed to drop but he sill ran creditable, he could well contest the Makfi Future Stars maiden at Newmarket on Sunday. Although we are slightly down on two year olds we are very pleased by the way they are shaping up. Royal Blush is pencilled for York where we expect to have plenty of runners.

Comments:

To me the National solution seems fairly simple reduce the field to thirty taking the ten lesser lights out and removing the traps i.e the drops behind the fences which catches the horses out.

Regarding the wip, it is essential for use in races but should not be used to punish the horses, the vision of tired jumpers giving there all being thrashed is the most unsightly spectacle in racing.

Cockney Fire strikes at Leicester

Cockney Fire's win at Leicester on Saturday gave dual Anglo-Irish Guineas winner and national stud stallion Cockney Rebel his first winner as a stallion and our sixth two-year-old winner of the new Flat campaign, which is hardly a month old. The stable continues its good run with two-year-olds with the half sister to Kumbeshwar winning by one and a half lengths in the hands of Cathy Gannon for owner Graham Amey.

An Easy Shift for Factory Time in Bath Maiden

Things seem to look good for our two year olds in 2011 as our third juvenile win of the season and our second winner on debut came in the form of Factory Time at Bath.

The son of first season sire Baltic King made light work of his opponents in taking the median auction maiden last night, travelling nicely throughout and picking up to win by two lengths under Chris Catlin.

 This victory maintains Jaber Abdullah's 100% record with his two year olds this season (OK, so he's only had two runners!), but it was the nature of his victory that made Mick smile.

"He's a smasher - he's a six furlong horse already, but I had no qualms about sending him this early over five. Chris couldn't pull him up and he'll improve hugely for that experience. He was up against two with previous experience which is always a boost and he has that touch of class.

"Regardless of how far they might need in time, if a horse has quality, he should win over the shortest trip.

"He's a big horse who can only get better."

Gatepost Wins in Style for Dr Marwan Koukash

Gatepost: on the gallops

A two year old maiden race taken with consummate ease against some highly tried (in the relative scheme of things) opposition as Dr Marwan Koukash's Gatepost romped home by three lengths going away under Jamie Spencer.

The son of Footstepsinthesand has always been a total professional since his arrival at West Ilsley and today's victory on debut hopefully underlines the strength of our juveniles at this very early stage of the season.

"I'm delighted with that," commented Mick, "but I expected him to go very well. Marwan was on the phone this morning and I forgot to remind him that we have a 100% record in his colours!


"This is a lovely colt and we'll look at the Lily Agnes at Chester, which is Marwan's favourite track and always the intentional next step if he went well today.

"He's a smashing guy to train for, he's a sportsman and wants to see his horses running as regularly as possible. That's always been my philosophy and he's recouped some of his outlay on the colt with the Racing Post's Yearling Bonus which is great. We have a lot in common - I'm a doctor like him although I'm yet to find out what he got his doctorate for."

We aren't in the know ourselves, but it's probably a better earnt qualification than Mick's, which he got from Southampton University for kicking a ball around over thirty years ago.

Latest News From Doncaster Breeze-up Sales

DBS managing director Henry Beeby is satisfied with today's trade, saying: "The DBS Breeze-Up sale staged a strong comeback last year following a tough sale in 2009 so we are obviously very pleased to have returned another set of improved figures today.


DBS Breeze-up Sale - average rises ten per cent


DBS Breeze-up Sale stats:

Offered: 157

Sold: 108 (69%; 2010: 76%)

Aggregate: £3,183,500 (-2%)

Average: £29,206 (+10%)

JOIN PROFESSIONAL GAMBLERS NEWSLETTER 

Median: £20,000 (+1.3%)

Colts average: £33,085

Fillies average: £20,679

Leading buyer: Peter and Ross Doyle, seven bought for £343,000

Leading vendor: Mocklershill, 11 sold for £531,000

No. of successful pinhooks (listed as sold on last sales appearance + approx. expenses): 48 of 96

No. of six-figure lots: 3 (2010: 5)


DBS BREEZE-UP SALE TOP FIVE LOTS (£) Lot Breeding Purchaser Price

152 ch c Hard Spun - Saudia Sean Quinn 140,000

112 b c Teofilo - Mamela Robin O'Ryan 110,000

72 ch c Shamardal - Genoa David Redvers 105,000

128 ch c Compton Place - Our Little Secret David Redvers 90,000

69 b c Clodovil - Forest Storm Peter & Ross Doyle 88,000

Heading the successful pinhooks was the sale-topping Hard Spun colt, who was sold for £140,000 having cost Cara Bloodstock $15,000 at last year's Keeneland September Sale.

It was also good to see fledging vendor Mayfield Stables, fronted by Ronaldo de Jesus Souza and Tania Browne, turn a profit on their Exceed And Excel filly(118); knocked down to Andy Oliver for £5,000 as a yearling, she went on to sell for £75,000 to Blandford Bloodstock.

DBS managing director Henry Beeby is satisfied with today's trade, saying: "The DBS Breeze-Up sale staged a strong comeback last year following a tough sale in 2009 so we are obviously very pleased to have returned another set of improved figures today.

"Most significant has been the ten per cent rise in average (on topof the same rise in 2009) which is all the more pleasing when we have sold two less six figure lots than 12 months ago. The drop in the clearance rate (still a respectable 69 per cent) has clearly demonstrated that the market remains selective and this trend very much mirrored that seen in Newmarket last week with fierce competition for the best, good interest in the middle range but weakness at the bottom.

"The clear message is that the focus must be on quality and we are extremely grateful to our regular band of vendors who have provided us with a really commercial and classy bunch of two year olds. We have been delighted to see a number of serious pinhooking touches to reward these intrepid speculators and we look forward to watching this year's DBS Breezers following the likes of Dream Ahead on the track this year and beyond."
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Prominent jumps owner Michael Buckley, whose colours were carried to Grade 1 victory at Aintree by Spirit Son and Finian's Rainbow, could be in for a change of pace after spending £80,000 through Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock for a Yankee Gentleman colt set to join Harry Dunlop.

The colt represented the partnership behind Dream Ahead, that of vendor Tally Ho Stud and agent Federico Barberini, who secured him for just $11,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Sale.

"I know Michael from my time at Nicky Hendersons," said Dunlop. "He's already got half of a filly with me and he very kindly said he would send me a two-year-old as well.

"This colt is first one we've bought at the breeze ups this year. I thought he went really well - he looked a real athletic type."

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Lot 187 - a Marju filly who was unsold for 12,500gns at last week's Tattersalls Craven Sale finds a new home at the second go, selling to Michael Dods for £14,000.

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The £48,000 sale of a Pivotal filly today concluded a productive couple of days for Jim McCartan of Gaybrook Lodge Stud, who started the week by selling a daughter of War Front for $275,000to agent Buzz Chace at the OBS Spring Two-year-old Sale in Florida.

The Pivotal filly was snapped up by McCartan for 26,000gns at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Sale and will join Richard Fahey after selling to Highfield Farm.

The War Front, in whom McCartan owned a share, turned an even better profit, having been bought under the name of New Mission Bloodstock for $80,000 at Keeneland last September.

"We had decided beforehand that if we bought the War Front, we would send her to Brandon Rice and Alexander de Meric to breeze as they were just starting out and were recommended by a friend," said McCartan. "In the meantime, the stallion came good and then she performed on the day."

He added: "The fillies have been good to us this year. We also had a nice touch at Kempton with an Azamour filly and the Pivotal was a lovely genuine type who will hopefully go on and win some nice races."

Lot 152 - Willie Browne turns a big profit on his Hard Spun colt as John Quinn outbids Robin O'Ryan at £140,000. At $15,000, the colt was the cheapest colt sold by his Grade 1-winning first-crop sire at last year's Keeneland September Sale.

"He had everything - the looks, the pedigree and he galloped," said Quinn. "He's been bought for Peter Clay who races Maxilead Ltd. I think he'll be a 6f or 7f type of two-year-old."

Although by a stallion that ran on dirt, the colt hails from a family that excelled on turf for Prince Fahd Salman; a half-brother to the French Listed-placed The West's Awakes, he is out of Saudia, a juvenile winner for Paul Cole and daughter of Yorkshire Oaks heroine Bint Pasha.

Lot 128 - David Redvers is on his way to becoming the leading buyer at this sale after paying £90,000 for a flashy son of Compton Place from Yeomanstown Stud.

The second foal out of Listed winner Our Little Secret, the colt was a 20,000gns purchase by Yeomanstown at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Sale.

Lot 121 - first purchase by Sir Robert Ogden as his racing manager, Barry Simpson, secures a son of Royal Applause from Mocklershill for £68,000. The colt, out of juvenile winner Nebraska Lady, cost Willie Browne £10,000at the DBS Premier Yearling Sale.

Lot 112 - Robin O'Ryan signs for a £110,000 son of Teofil0, a colt for whom Bobby O'Ryan paid 75,000gns for as a foal.

The colt has been bought to race for a new partnership with Richard Fahey.

Stats update - the average is running at £28,372 (+ 6.5 per cent from 2010) for 47 sold.

However, in keeping with many sales during the past year, it is all or nothing for vendors. The clearance rate is a dismal 58 per cent while of the 47 sold, 16 made £10,000 or less. Seven lots have failed to attract the minimum bid of £5,000.

Lot 97 - a timely update works wonders for Brendan Holland's Dubawi filly when she sells for £80,000 to owner Norman Steel. She beecomes the first filly to crack the £50,000 mark in the process.

Unsold for £23,000 in this ring last August, she is a half-sister to Barefoot Lady, who staked her 1,000 Guineas claim last Wednesday with a game victory in the Nell Gywn Stakes. The pair are out of 1998 Woodcote Stakes winner Lady Angharad.

Lot 72 - David Redvers secure the first six-figure lot of the day, a Shamardal half-brother to Listed winner Brindisi for £105,000. Mags O'Toole was the underbidder.

Redvers was acting on behalf of Sheikh Fahad al Thani, who is present DBS today and was sitting in Redvers office during the bidding.

"He'll have six weeks in a field and physically, he did one of the most impressive breezes whichwas matched by his time," said Redvers. "Apart from Dubawi, there's no other stallion on fire like Shamardal and this colt had a stallion's pedigree. We haven't decided yet who will train him."

One of only two by his sire in the catalogue, the colt is out of the Listed-placed Genoa and hails from the famous Hollingsworth family of Buoy, Bireme and Yawl. He was unsold at 29,000gns at Book 2 of last year's Tattersalls October Sale.

Lot 69- Peter and Ross Doyle make their third purchase of the day, going to £88,000 for a Clodovil half-brother to the Listed-placed Fann from Mocklershill.

Lot 68 - the pinhooking partnership of Federico Barberini and Tally Ho Stud sold Dream Ahead at this sale last year and Anthony Bromley of Highflyer Bloodstock will be hoping lightning strikes twice after going to £80,000 for the stud's son of Californian sire Yankee Gentleman.

Bromley was acting on behalf of Harry Dunlop and prominent jumps owner Michael Buckley.

The colt was picked up by Barberini for just $10,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Sale. In another exampleof his ability to spot a bargain, Barberini also purchased Sunday's Premio Pariolo winner Al Rep for just £6,500 at the 2009 DBS St Leger Festival Sale.

The Yankee Gentleman is a half-brother to a minor American two-year-oldwinner and out of a half-sister to the stakes-winning dam of high-class turf sprinter Morluc.

Lot 51 - a big result for Thomond O'Mara of Knockanglass Stables as his Speightstown colt goes the way of Stephen Hillen at £80,000. Gordian Troeller was the underbidder.

Hillen was acting on behalf of Marwan Koukash, who plans to send the colt to Michael Bell.

O'Mara's TR Bloodstock paid just $19,000 for the colt at Keeneland last September. He is the fifth foal out of the Listed-winning Dynaformer mare Dynamous and a half-brother to a winner in Canada.

Lot 31 - Twitterhorse, the Twitter syndicate launched last week by James Knight, Eamonn Wilmott and trainer Jeremy Gask, secures a Dark Angel colt through Sackville Donald for £21,000.

Bought back by his vendor for 15,000gns at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Sale, the colt is out of an unraced half-sister to Grade 1 winner Ventura. He was consigned by Meadowview Stables.

"We are absolutely delighted to have found such an exciting horse within our budget," said Eamonn Wilmott,managing director of Horses First Racing. "When we were looking at the possible picks last night I really didn't think we would be able to afford such a nice Dark Angel colt with his page.

"We have been very fortunate to have - with the help of twitter - assembled a tremendous team. Nicknamed the Icemen, for they are calmness in the ring, the team includes trainer Jeremy Gask, bloodstock agents SackvilleDonald (who kindly donated their services for free), James Knight and Simon Rowlands."

Wilmott added: "The response to the #twitterhorse syndicate since it was launched last week has been quite astounding with members joining from as far away as Australia and America and with the syndicate already oversubscribed with 59 members. The excitement amongst the membership since the horse was bought has being brilliant to witness. Let us hope we have bought ourselves a nice prospect."

The team will be launching #Twitterhorse2 shortly.


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DBS takes a break from selling to award Richard Hannon with the sale company's annual Willie Stephenson Award in recognition of his support of DBS.

Hannon was the inaugural award winner back in 1992 when he trained Lyric Fantasy to become the first two-year-old winner of the Nunthorpe Stakes. On this occasion, he stepped forward to receive the award from Harry Beeby, standing appropriately beneath a banner of Hannon's Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Canford Cliffs.

"This gentleman has been a mighty supporter of DBS over the years," said Henry Beeby. "Any sales company relies on the horses it sells and Richard has trained so many good ones - a Classic winner and brilliant miler in Canford Cliffs, Coventry Stakes winner Strong Suit and German 1,000 Guineas Penny's Gift.

"I'm sure Richard would be the first to say that none of it would have been possible with out his partnership with Peter and Ross Doyle."

Lot 17 - Charlie Gordon-Watson, a rare visitor to this sale, makes his presence felt by fighting off Ross Doyle at £80,000 for a first-crop son of Lawman. Stephen Hillen was another keen to secure the colt but dropped out as the bidding hit £60,000.

"He's going to Roger Charlton," said Gordon-Watson, who was last in a DBS sales ring 12 years ago. "I didn't think he would make that muchbut we like Lawman and got one in Newmarket last week. He's one of the few stallions in this book who is a Classic winner.

"This colt was out of a Sadler's Wells mare from a good family. Hopefully he's going to be a nice horse that will make a three-year-old as well."

Consigned by Oak Tree Farm, the colt was a 30,000gns purchase by Mags O'Toole at Book 1 of last year's Tattersalls October Sale. He is the first foal out of Beech Gardens, ahalf-sister to South African champion Kundalini from the further family of the brilliant Kooyonga.

Lot 14 - first no bid of the sale belongs to a Strategic Prince gelding that was bought back for £10,000 at the DBS Premier Yearling Sale

Lot 4 - a daughter of Amadeus Wolf sells for £16,000 to Stephen Hillen standing alongside Kevin Ryan, who trained the stallion to win the Middle Park Stakes.

In fact, Ryan's association with the family runs deeper since he also trains Hamza, Amadeus Wolf's first winner who shares his granddam, Group 3 winner Lady Alexander, with this filly.

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Today's sale will start in five minutes with lot 2 - lot 1 was sold for £40,000 at the Goffs Kempton Sale


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What they're saying:


"We haven't stopped showing since the breeze but then again, having a large consignment can make it seem busier and confuse things a bit.

"I was concerned about the ground as it was very quick, uneven and rough." Willie Browne

Willie Browne: was concerned about the ground at the breeze

"While Newmarket was good for me, it was a bit up and down. If you hadn't got what they wanted, you were in trouble but if you ticked most of the boxes, you got paid. For me, the middle market was more robust on the second night.

"It's busy enough here at the moment, which you'd expect it to be as a few of the horses came up well.

"I'm down on numbers this year. It was a deliberate decision as everyone is nervous at the moment - the horses have got to perform and tick all the boxes otherwise you're in trouble." Malcom Bastard

"Overall, I've got a good bunch of horses. There isn't much point in worrying how trade will be - I sold all mine at Newmarket and if they're good enough to sell here they will." Brendan Holland, Grove Stud

"Newmarket probably lacked a few of the big horses. But I found it difficult to buy in the middle range at around the 40 - 60,000gns mark. There are a couple of nice horses here thathopefully will fit the bill." Amanda Skiffington

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Potential stand-out lots include:

42) ch f Pivotal - Dance Set; granddaughter of LowtherStakes winner Dance Sequence who strode out well

51) b c Speightstown - Dynamous; colt out of Listed winner who turned in a professional breeze

68) b c Yankee Gentleman - Foolish Party; a colt from the family of high-class US turf sprinter Morluc who went well in his breeze

69) b c Clodovil - Forest Storm; one of a number from Mocklershill that caught the eye

97) ch f Dubawi - Lady Angharad; owns a major update as a half-sister to last week's Nell Gwyn Stakes winner Barefoot Lady

121) b c Royal Applause - NebraskaLady; looked well bought at £10,000 in his breeze

130) ch c Namid - Pearl Egg; a €17,000 yearling purchase who is another that could have been well bought

148) b c Le Vie Dei Colori - Ros The Boss; another to turn in a professional breeze, this colt is offered by Malcolm Bastard, recent consignor of Native Khan

152) ch c Hard Spun - Saudia; the only juvenile by his Grade 1-winning first crop sire in the catalogue, this colt is a grandson of Yorkshire Oaks winner Bint Pasha

165) b c Dark Angel - Slow Jazz; bred to be quick as a colt out of a Listed-winning three-parts sister to Zieten and Blue Duster

170) b c Red Clubs - Stop Out; turned in a respectable time despite not helping himself by cocking his jaw

183) ch c Elusive Quality - Top Ten List; first foal out of a multiple stakes winner in Canada


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IT could have been a long night for trainer Stan Moore, who was so engrossed in watching the DBS breeze videos yesterday evening that he got locked in the sales complex. According to one anonymous trainer, Moore was stuck for hours until finally freed at a late hour.

"There he was," says the trainer, taking much delight in the story, "ringing every number he could find in the catalogue until someone took pity and let him out."

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THE breeze-up circus rolls on to Doncaster today for the DBS Breeze-up Sale, which starts at 10.30am.

View the DBS Breeze-up catalogue

This sale led the way among all breeze-ups in 2006 when DBS graduate Speciosa became the first breezer to win a Classic. Since then, a number of graduates have upheld the sale's name, among them Paco Boy, Dream Ahead and Marine Commando.

Sir Robert Ogden paid 635,000gns for two lots at last week's Tattersalls Craven Sale and so the presence of his racing manager, Barry Simpson, at yesterday'sbreeze was a welcome feature of pre-sale activity for some vendors. Ogden is likely to be present at today's sale, as he was at Newmarket.

The international trend evident last week at Newmarket is also likely to continue with DBS hopeful of participation from Hong Kong and across Europe.

One slightly worrying aspect is the large number of withdrawals - 34 in total already. They include an Amadeus Wolf colt (40) who gave rider Bruno Neto a nasty tumble at yesterday's breeze.

The withdrawals are as follows: 1, 6, 10, 13, 16, 20, 33, 35, 40, 47, 55, 58, 59, 67, 76, 86, 94, 100, 107, 109, 114, 126, 127, 140, 144, 146, 166, 169, 172, 174, 182, 188, 189 and 191.

Late Racing Post Yearling Bonus eligibles: 4, 9, 45, 82, 88, 95, 98, 156 and 187

Lot 158 is NOT named Monsieur Dellic in GB

Lot 158 was born on May 9 2009 and NOT January 1 as stated

Lot 177 was born on April 13 2009 and NOT January 1 as stated