Youngsters to the fore at Newcastle

Following a couple of inspections, racing went ahead at Newcastle on Thursday and Jonjo O'Neill claimed the first three races. Crebilly was acquired for £100,000 over a year ago having finished third in an Irish point-to-point. He filled the same position on his Rules debut in a bumper at Huntingdon in March on his Rules debut behind the useful Crambo. The Soldier of Fortune gelding switched to hurdles at Gosforth Park and ran out an emphatic 21 winners. Taking over from longtime leader Ballabawn at the third last, he readily pulled away and will hopefully develop into a decent novice before going chasing next term.

Those comments also apply to Imperial Merlin who made it two out of two over timber in the two miles six novice later on the card. John Quinn's half-brother to Grade 2 winner Secret Investor had impressed when scoring at Catterick last month and his task was simplified by market rival Supreme Gift ducking out before the hometurn. Billy Garritty's mount still displayed signs of greenness but ran away from his two rivals in the homestraight to win hard held by 14 lengths. His trainer indicated afterwards that the five year old will learn his trade over hurdles this term before embarking on his chasing career next Autumn. The Kalanisi gelding has a bright future and his progress is well worth monitoring. It will be interesting to see what mark the handicapper gives him next week. Three miles will be his trip eventually.

The bumper which rounded off the card produced a good finish with Boy De La Vis winning on his first start for Jimmy Moffatt. Bought for £52,000 having run in a couple of points for Francesca Nimmo and a bumper for Robin Dickin, the Diamond Boy gelding is well regarded. Indeed, I spoke to Jimmy at Haydock recently and he thinks the four year old is the best he has got. A length and three quarters winner, he accounted for the debutant Impatient who was expected to go close by the Jackdaws Castle team, while James Couldwell (Value Racing Club) was delighted with the third Had To Be Hugo, who looks a strong stayer. The last named was having his first outing for Rebecca Menzies following his £30,000 purchase after finishing second in an Irish point for Donnchadh Doyle. The gelded son of Ocovango looks another good addition to the VRC team. 

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