Frustrating Friday

Cheltenham's three day November meeting kicked off on Friday with good to soft ground but rain is forecast for Saturday. Induno appeared a well handicapped runner in the opening conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle. Racing off a mark of 115, the lightly raced gelding was seeking to enhance David Pipe's already impressive record in the two miles five contest. Everything seemed be going to plan on the approach to the second last but Fergus Gillard's mount didn't find as much as expected after the home turn. Well held in fourth, the six year old was beaten four and a quarter lengths. I am not convinced he stayed at the trip and may be worth dropping back in distance. Or perhaps that is as good as he is, although I find that hard to believe having watched his bumper win at Ffos Las over twelve months ago. Stablemate's Eamon An Cnoic and Panic Attack were bitterly disappointing later on the card.

Away from Prestbury Park, there were due to be two runners in the Top 40 Prospects at Fairyhouse but Farouk D'Alene was withdrawn. I contacted Fran Berry who was working at the track for Racing TV and he informed me that the unbeaten gelding is being saved for the Grade 3 For Auction Novice Hurdle at Navan next weekend. Stablemate Fiston Des Issards finished runner-up on his Rules debut in the two miles maiden hurdle. A big strapping ex-pointer, the Buck's Boum gelding had every chance but lacked the pace over the last couple of hurdles before staying on behind a race fit rival. Very much a chaser, he won't be long before he goes one better over a longer trip. Despite his defeat, the five year old remains a smashing long-term prospect.