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Foreword by Nick LUCK, 7 times Broadcaster of The Year
“Whenever I am lucky enough to work with Mark Howard on Racing UK, it rains. Often it rains quite hard; sometimes it is also cold; either way, it always rains.
If we are rostered together at Chester in May or York in August, the morning can look quite promising, only for the black clouds to gather in time with the first bar of the opening credits. Mark, invariably without a coat suitable to withstand the elements, complains far less than the southern softie sitting on his left, safe in the knowledge that his subscribers are about to be the grateful recipients of another winner.
Over time, this has reinforced two things: first, that he is extremely well-suited to the more rugged demands of the winter game and, second, that his ability as an accurate forecaster remains peerless. As such, it is hardly surprising that One Jump Ahead is more successful than ever after all these years.
I think it is true for many of us that we only really start to re-engage with the jumping season when the leaves start to fall and the Racing Post start to publish details of trainers’ Open Days. For Mark, sourcing the best horses and most important power bases in National Hunt racing is a year-round labour of love. He is constantly able to take the pulse of jump racing, which is why - for example - a trainer like Tom Lacey was given a full stable tour in last year’s edition on the back of a season that had yielded 21 winners without a whole load of fanfare.
Duly, Lacey then pumped out 39 winners at a remarkable 25% strike rate, delivering a level-stakes-profit of £79.80. Similarly, Mark recognised that Olly Murphy’s start to his career was so unusual that it needed a prominent position in this book before it was a given that he would become another West Midlands powerhouse. They are featured once again, alongside so many of the OJA regulars like Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs and Alan King, who have given so generously of their time over the years.
Of other inclusions this time around, it was great to see the burgeoning fortunes of Fergal O’Brien and Anthony Honeyball, to witness the renaissance (reflected here) of the prolific Donald McCain and to see such a depth of quality in the novice hurdling team of Kim Bailey, who arguably has his strongest squad since his mid-90s heyday.
And of course - getting down to brass tacks - Mark can consistently find you quality animals amongst his Top 40 Prospects. With such a distillation of quality in the top stables, it is sometimes hard (and foolish) to look beyond the obvious, but here there is always a nugget or two: this time last year, I might only have needed it confirmed that Samcro was the second coming, but I confess to knowing next to nothing about Black Op until I read about him between these covers.
Mark has again produced a belter here - there are few stones unturned and most angles covered. Industry and professionalism shine through again, but most of you already know that - come rain or rain - One Jump Ahead will never let you down.”
Owners’ Enclosure – Exclusive interview with Jared SULLIVAN
25 horses covered – in training with Nicky Henderson, Willie Mullins, Harry Fry, Olly Murphy
Rich RICCI & racing manager Joe CHAMBERS nominate their horse to follow for 2018/2019
Stable Interviews:
Kim BAILEY (37 horses featured), Harry FRY (49), Philip HOBBS (69), Anthony HONEYBALL (24), Alan KING (70), Tom LACEY (26), Donald McCAIN (53), Olly MURPHY (38), Paul NICHOLLS (84), Fergal O’BRIEN (39), David PIPE (39).
Quotes from One Jump Ahead:
“I think he is one of our best youngsters and he is a horse I am very much looking forward to.” PHILIP HOBBS
“I think he is exceptional.” TOM LACEY
“He was recommended to me and I think he is an exciting prospect.” DONALD McCAIN
“We have a very nice team of horses for the winter and I would say this is the one I am most looking forward to.” OLLY MURPHY
“We have given him lots of time since and he now looks twice the horse he was.” ALAN KING
“He is a gorgeous-looking horse whom I knew well and I am sure he will be a well-known name by the season’s end.” Leading Bloodstock agent ANTHONY BROMLEY
“This is a very exciting horse, the sheer power of his gallop could lead to a stellar track future.” DECLAN PHELAN, Irish point-to-point expert
One Jump Ahead (160 pages) also features the following sections:
The Top 40 Prospects – 21 of the 40 have yet to race for their new trainer/connections. Last year’s Top 40 Prospects produced a level stakes PROFIT of £58.90 (£10 stake). They included 5 Grade 1 winners, namely BLACK OP, DORTMUND PARK (12/1 & 16/1), FINIAN’S OSCAR, LALOR (14/1) and SAMCRO (4 wins including the Ballymore NH at Cheltenham).
Bromley’s Best Buys – Leading Bloodstock Agent ANTHONY BROMLEY highlights 32 new recruits from France and Ireland. 29 winners at a strike-rate of 27% in last year’s article, including the unbeaten Grade 1 winner WE HAVE A DREAM (5 from 5) and ON THE BLIND SIDE (3 wins).
Changing Codes – half a dozen Flat horses who are set to go hurdling for the first time.
English Pointers – my Racing UK colleague JONATHAN NEESOM picks 12 horses who raced between the flags in the UK last season and caught his eye. His selections in the 2017/2018 edition yielded a £10 level stakes PROFIT of £93.80 with a strike-rate of 40%. They included CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK (3 wins), DAN MCGRUE (2 wins) and Grade 1 winning novice hurdler SANTINI (3 wins).
French Revolution - 42 horses who have joined J.P.McMANUS, GORDON ELLIOTT, GIGGINSTOWN HOUSE STUD, WILLIE MULLINS (23 horses), HENRY DE BROMHEAD, TOM GEORGE, NOEL MEADE NICK WILLIAMS, VENETIA WILLIAMS and have yet to run for their new connections. Last year’s article produced 31 winners from 112 runners (28%), including smart novices ESPOIR D’ALLEN (4 wins), MITCHOUKA (4 wins), SAGLAWY (Grade 2 winner), SAINT CALVADOS (3 wins) and SHARJAH (2 wins).
Irish Pointers - expert DECLAN PHELAN highlights 54 pointers to follow from across the Irish Sea who will race under Rules this winter. Last year’s feature yielded 37 winners at an impressive strike-rate of 30% and they included CHOOSEYOURWEAPON (9/1, 5/6), GLOBAL CITIZEN (3 wins including the Grade 2 Dovecote NH), MR WHIPPED (3 wins), ON THE BLIND SIDE (3 wins including two Grade 2 victories), RAPID ESCAPE (3 wins) and SPEAK EASY (10/1).
Stable Gossip - news from leading owners TREVOR HEMMINGS & ROGER BROOKHOUSE, plus snippets from the stables of MICK EASTERBY, SUE SMITH (Unraced Bumper horse)& VENETIA WILLIAMS. Last year’s article produced 19 winners at a strike-rate of 25% showing a £10 level stakes PROFIT of £230.50 in the process. The selections included BALLYMOY (3 wins), GOOD BOY BOBBY (3 wins), I JUST KNOW (4/1), KALASHNIKOV (3 wins including the Betfair Hurdle @ 8/1) and MIDNIGHT SHADOW (11/1 & 25/1 - Scottish Champion Hurdle).
Appendix – a full and comprehensive analysis of the 2 mile chasers, 2m 4f chasers, staying chasers & 2 mile hurdlers
Index – 730 horses included
How To Order
Price: £9.99 including postage (except £5 extra for overseas)
Available direct from:
Mark Howard Publications Ltd. 69 Fairgarth Drive, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire. LA6 2FB.
Also available from:
WH SMITH Ltd (ISBN: 978-0-9929224-6-7) or online from whsmith.co.uk
Other specialist horse racing shops:
TINDALLS (Newmarket)
I shall be producing 5 One Jump Ahead Updates throughout the 2017/18 National Hunt season. Each Update comprises information about the horses in One Jump Ahead, an update from top Bloodstock Agent Anthony Bromley, Bumper News, Ante-Post Advice (recommendations for the major races), Big-Race Previews and News from Ireland from one of the most informed Irish experts Declan Phelan. Please note, the Updates are ONLY AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL (Not Post).
It is £6 per Update (except £10 for the CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL version) or £34 for ALL 5 via EMAIL.
Summary of the 2016/2017 Updates:
What The Clients Said:
I shall be producing 5 One Jump Ahead Updates throughout the 2018/19 National Hunt season. Each Update comprises information about the horses in One Jump Ahead, an update from top Bloodstock Agent Anthony Bromley, Bumper News, Ante-Post Advice (recommendations for the major races), Big-Race Previews and News from Ireland from one of the most informed Irish experts Declan Phelan. Please note, the Updates are ONLY AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL (Not Post).
It is £6 per Update (except £10 for the Cheltenham Festival version) or £34 for ALL 5 via EMAIL.
Summary of the 2017/2018 Updates:
What The Clients Said:
“Very good bonus information in Spring Watch, Festival Update Mark.” K.M.
“Caribert, the icing on a very big cake. Thank you for another great tip.” D.W.
“Very impressive 14/1-12/1 second and a 3/1 nice winner today. Top up from Cheltenham much appreciated.” P.H.
“Thanks for the excellent information in Cheltenham email 1 and 2 in Lincoln no mean feat.” A.P.
“A wonderful Festival enhanced by the comments of yourself and Declan. A great read and great value - it always pays for itself!!” D.H.
“I just wanted to email to say thanks for the Cheltenham Update which provided a number of winners over the week and it proved a great help in narrowing down those big fields in what has been one of the best weeks racing I can remember. The info from the preview nights was great and from which I had Tiger Roll to win the Cross Country.” M.L.
“Well Mark where do we begin? Outstanding Cheltenham once again. Many thanks. Blow by Blow the icing on a large cake. Well played sir.” S.R.
“Nice work Mark, pretty incredible given the ground and the near misses too...great week.” M.B.
“I just wanted to thank you once again for a wonderful Cheltenham Update. Rounded off today with the Newbury result. Great value as always.” M.F.
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The PADDY POWER MEETING 2017
5 WINNERS: APPLE’S SHAKIRA (Evens), FINIAN’S OSCAR (10/11), FOX NORTON (4/5), MELROSE BOY (11/4), ON THE BLIND SIDE (9/2)
Quote: “MELROSE BOY is trained by Harry Fry who has won the last two renewals of this courtesy of Unowhatimeanharry (off 123 in 2015) and Behind Time (115 last year). Bought for €65,000 as a three year old, he is making his handicap debut off 123 having failed to win any of his three starts over hurdles last term. However, the Saint Des Saints gelding ran some good races in defeat bumping into some smart rivals. Third at Uttoxeter a year ago, he then finished seven lengths runner-up to Grade 2 winner and Skybet Supreme NH third River Wylde at Ludlow. Third at Wetherby last time, he was only beaten around two lengths by Eaton Hill and Mount Mews (Grade 2 winner and now rated 145) over two miles three. Kieron Edgar will partner him for the first time and he is very much shortlist material.” WON by 6 lengths @ 11/4
Plus: KALASHNIKOV (4/7 & 8/1), PETE SO HIGH (7/1, 100/30), SALDIER (4/9, 10/1)
Quote: “KALASHNIKOV (see page 128 in One Jump Ahead) looks set to develop into a flagbearer for his promising young trainer Amy Murphy. A two lengths winner of a bumper at Wetherby in the spring, the four year old returned to the West Yorkshire track for his hurdles debut on Charlie Hall Chase day and produced a scintillating display. Jack Quinlan’s mount jumped quickly and accurately throughout and bounded clear after the second last to register a ten lengths victory. Unlike his full-sister Kalane, he coped well with the slow ground and looks a horse with a bright future. His trainer suggested afterwards that the Kalanisi gelding will run under a penalty in another novices’ hurdle at Doncaster (2nd December).” WON TWICE, including the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (8/1).
BROMLEY’S BEST BUYS – Part II: WINNERS: NAYATI (10/11, 8/11), REDICEAN (11/8, 8/13, 10/11) & STYLE DE GARDE (5/4).
OWNERS ENCLOSURE: JARED SULLIVAN
WINNERS: CHEF DES OBEAUX (2/5, 11/8, 13/8), CUT THE MUSTARD (3/1), DARIUS DES BOIS (7/2), DIESE DES BIEFFES (4/9, 5/2), GETAREASON (4/6), LAURINA (1/4, 13/8, 4/7, 2/11), MSASSA (1/4), RIO VIVAS (7/2), SAGLAWY (2/5, 13/8), SANDSEND (11/4), STORMY IRELAND (2/7), TURTLE WARS (3/1).
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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2017
The IRISH ANGLE by Declan PHELAN: WINNERS: BURNING AMBITION (4/6), DANNY KIRWAN (13/8), GILGAMBOA (5/4, 6/4, 8/13), KNOW THE SCORE (1/2), SANDSEND (11/4), SOMETIME SOON (2/1), WHISPERINTHEBREEZE (6/4)
Quote: “My banker of the holiday session is in the other hunter chase at Limerick on the 27th: a maiden hunters’ chase, most of the runners will never be found guilty of winning a track race. The highly progressive BURNING AMBITION can land the prize in comfort. He won his maiden point at Cragmore in February (defeating the recent handicap winner Black Scorpion (won off 109 at Clonmel)): since then Burning Ambition has added another three wins to his tally, including two in the recent autumn session. Last time in his first spin in Open grade he hammered Sambremont at Maralin. The ground at Limerick churns up over the four day festival and the ability to handle tacky/heavy ground is vital. Burning Ambition will have no trouble on that count. Incidentally, his partner Rob James who has been a top 4 point rider for the last two seasons (amassing over 80 winners), has actually to date never partnered a track winner. Burning Ambition will set that record straight. Unfortunately, the odds of reward will not be generous: I would price him up as a comfortable odds on shot to dismiss any of his rivals in a point, if available a price in the 6/4 range should be snapped up, as this horse as upwards of two stone in hand on these modest rivals in this hunter chase (3.10 Limerick 27th).” WON by 13 lengths @ 4/6
Quote: “The hunter chase scene is about to crank up a notch or two and we have a couple of races in that code in Ireland this Festive period. GILGAMBOA has been slow to come to hand this Autumn, disappointing at Castletown Geoghegan in October: however, he dropped a vital clue that he is steadily progressing when losing out in a photo finish at the start of this month at Mainstown. He was placedfourth in the 2016 Aintree Grand National and I gather the Aintree Foxhunters in April is his main target. Race conditions are tailored to suit him in the Down Royal hunters’ chase (26th) and in a race lacking strength in depth, he should return to the winner’s enclosure.” WON at Down Royal (26th December) @ 5/4
Quote: “SOMETIME SOON: bay son of Shantou, provided trainer David Christie with his first ever four-year-old maiden winner when bolting up on his debut at Kirkistown (Yielding/Soft) in November: apparently owned then by former bookmaker John Stuart. Middle sized, he seemed to have a lovely racing attitude and was beautifully relaxed during the race for rider Barry O’Neill. Captured by Gigginstown for £225,000 at the December Sales and he will be trained by Gordon Elliott. I can see him developing into a Grade 2/3 style chaser for new connections and a likely bumper winner too.” WON @ 2/1 at Fairyhouse (24/2/18)
Plus: BENIE DES DIEUX (Evens, 9/2, 3/1), CAID DU BERLAIS (9/2), DEMI SANG (11/10), DUKE OF NAVAN (6/1), I’M TO BLAME (Evens), KILDISART (5/1), SAYO (8/11), VIRAK (10/11, 5/4), VIVALDI COLLONGES (9/2)
Quote: BENIE DES DIEUX: “Trained by Willie Mullins, the ex-French six year old has produced two tremendous rounds of jumping on both her starts over fences. A thirty lengths winner on her chasing debut at Limerick a year ago, she was forced to miss the rest of the season. However, the Great Pretender mare returned at Carlisle early this month and barely came out of second gear to beat four rivals by upwards of eight lengths in another Listed chase. I was working for Racing UK at the Cumbrian venue and spoke to her rider David Mullins afterwards. The Grand National winning jockey was very impressed and felt she could be effective from two to three miles and didn’t envisage any problems when racing on better ground. Granted luck, she could be something special and a Grade 1 winner in the making.” Won next three races, including Grade 1 wins at Cheltenham (9/2) & Punchestown (3/1).
Quote: “CAID DU BERLAIS is rated 143 over hurdles and fences and is a four times winner under Rules and has been placed twice at the Cheltenham Festival (form figures 230F8). The eight year old was eighth in the Pertemps Final last March and made his point-to-point debut at Larkhill earlier this month. Trained by Rose Loxton, he ran out an easy 20 lengths winner of a Ladies Open. It will be interesting to see if he returns to Paul Nicholls if aimed at the Foxhunters’ at Cheltenham this spring. Either way, he should have no trouble winning his share of hunter chases.” WON the Champion Hunters’ Chase at the Punchestown Festival by 21 lengths @ 9/2
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FEBRUARY 2018
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL HANDICAPS PREVIEW: BENIE DES DIEUX (WON the mares’ hurdle (9/2)), THE STORYTELLER (WON the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase @ 5/1)). Plus: MALL DINI (2nd in the Kim Muir @ 4/1), NUBE NEGRA (3rd in the Fred Winter Hurdle @ 15/2)
Quote: “This time last year, THE STORYTELLER was being aimed at the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle having won twice at Down Royal and Thurles. Indeed, the Shantou gelding was one of the market leaders in the ante-post lists. Unfortunately, Gordon Elliott’s charge incurred an injury which ruled him out of the Festival and the remainder of his novice campaign. Rated 142, he finished a creditable runner-up behind Chateau Conti in a conditions hurdle at Fairyhouse in November on his return to action. His connections then decided to send him chasing and the seven year old jumped slickly before beating subsequent winners Sutton Manor and Livelovelaugh by upwards of four and three quarters of a length at the same track less than a month later. Stepping up in class, he contested a Grade 3 novice chase at Punchestown and appeared to have plenty more to offer when pecking badly at the penultimate fence. Although rallying to hold every chance at the final obstacle, his effort petered out on the run-in but Davy Russell’s mount was only beaten four and a half lengths by the high-class Invitation Only. Elliott will no doubt be keen for The Storyteller to head to the Festival this time around, having missed out twelve months ago. Entered in the JLT and RSA Chases, he is officially rated 147 over fences and could yet end up in one of the handicaps, namely the Ultima Chase on the opening day or the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate (2m 5f). Stablemate Diamond King was sent off 5/1 favourite for the latter event last year off a mark of 150 as a novice. The Shantou gelding would need to run once more though to qualify for the handicaps and he holds three entries over the weekend – Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown (2.25 Saturday), Grade 1 Flogas Novice Chase at Leopardstown (3.00 Sunday) & Grade A 2m 5f handicap at Leopardstown (4.10 Sunday). He is a horse with a high cruising speed and big engine and the fact he handles good and soft ground is a bonus. Whichever race he contests at the Festival, he is worthy of a second look.” WON the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate @ 5/1
Plus: WINNERS: CASSE TETE (6/1), TOPOFTHEGAME (11/2), WESTEND STORY (5/4). Plus: BLEU ET ROUGE (Advised @ 16/1 – 2nd in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (10/2/18))
Quote: “Despite only finishing seventh and beaten thirty six lengths, I thought CASSE TETE ran better than the statistics suggest in the Grade 3 two miles five handicap chase at Cheltenham last Saturday. The Poliglote gelding was a ten lengths winner over fences at Auteuil for Guillaume Macaire in October 2016, prior to joining Gary Moore. A twenty seven lengths winner at Sandown’s Imperial Cup meeting last spring on his fourth run for his new connections, he jumped badly left at Ascot on his reappearance before Christmas and never got involved. Back in action a month later at the Trials meeting last weekend, he held every chance at the top of the hill but couldn’t land a blow before keeping on. Casse Tete is related to a two miles seven winner in France and looks well worth a try over a longer trip. Still only six and lightly raced over fences, I will be surprised if there isn’t more mileage in his rating of 133 (dropped four pounds).” WON next time at Warwick @ 6/1
Quote: TOPOFTHEGAME: “Raised three pounds since, he looks well worth a try over three miles for the first time under Rules and the giant gelding gets the opportunity at Sandown on Saturday (3.00) in an ultra competitive eighteen runner handicap hurdle.” WON at Sandown @ 11/2
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The CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2018
8 WINNERS: COO STAR SIVOLA (5/1), BUVEUR D’AIR (4/6), SAMCRO (8/11), ALTIOR (Evens), DELTA WORK (Advised @ 14/1), THE STORYTELLER (Advised @ 10/1), LAURINA (Advised @ 8/11), BLOW BY BLOW (Advised @ 20/1)
Quote: “COO STAR SIVOLA is trained by Nick Williams who came agonisingly close to winning the 2009 renewal with Maljimar only to be collared close home by a galvanised Wichita Lineman. Rated 140 over hurdles, the six year old boasts good Festival form having finished third in the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle in 2016 and fourth in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ HH last year. Having run well in defeat against the likes of Finian’s Oscar, Kalondra and Frodon over fences earlier in the season, he appreciated the step up to three miles for the first time at Exeter last month when winning a novices’ handicap by fourteen lengths off 135. Raised seven pounds since, his record at Cheltenham is 23164324 with his form figures on the Old course reading 233. A handful of novices have won this in the last fourteen years and there is no reason why he won’t go close. He handles any ground.” WON the Ultima Handicap Chase @ 5/1
Quote: “DELTA WORK was a winner on the Flat in France for Emmanuel Clayeux before joining Gordon Elliott. A twenty lengths winner on good ground at Punchestown last May, he has run well in defeat since. The Network gelding was third behind stablemate Samcro in a Grade 3 at Navan before finishing runner-up in a Grade 2 at Limerick. Less than four lengths fourth behind behind Total Recall in a three miles handicap at Leopardstown last month, he was conceding eight pounds to Willie Mullins’ Ladbrokes Trophy Chase winner. Three and a half lengths third last time in a Pertemps qualifier at Punchestown later the same month, his record over three miles is 243. Still unexposed, it is only 22 days since his last run but he races off 139 compared to 141 in Ireland.” Advised @ 14/1 – WON the Pertemps Final @ 6/1
Quote: “THE STORYTELLER has only raced three times over fences winning on his chasing debut at Fairyhouse (2m 5f) before finishing third behind Invitation Only at Punchestown – making a crucial mistake at the second last. Seven and a quarter lengths seventh behind Monalee in the Grade 1 Flogas NC at Leopardstown last time, he is officially rated 147. Potentially better than his mark, there are two minor concerns. Firstly, he lacks experience over fences – stablemate Diamond King was sent off 5/1 favourite for this last year off a mark of 150 and pulled up following an early mistake. Secondly, his record on left handed tracks is 4th and 7th. Gordon Elliott’s charge handles most surfaces and it is hoped either Jack Kennedy (212) or Davy Russell (3rd) takes the ride.” Advised @ 10/1 – WON the Brown Advisory Handicap Chase @ 5/1
Quote: “BLOW BY BLOW is trained by Gordon Elliott who intends to run four in this. The Grand National winning handler is keen to win the event following near misses by Toner D’Oudairies (2012) and Noble Endeavor (2015). A Grade 1 winning bumper horse for Willie Mullins (won 3 out of 4), the Robin Des Champs gelding joined Elliott before suffering an injury which sidelined him from April 2016 until November last year. Twice a winner over hurdles this term, he was successful at Navan (2m 7f) in December before being well held behind Next Destination in Grade 1 company at Naas in early January. However, he was back to form under Rachel Blackmore last time in the Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial NH at Thurles (Champagne Classic was third in the same race last year en route to victory here). A fourteen lengths winner from the same connections’ Gun Digger, his trainer feels he doesn’t want the ground too soft. Rated 144, he is well treated if judged on his bumper form.” Advised @ 20/1 – WON the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle @ 11/1
The horse I am most looking forward to seeing run at the Cheltenham Festival:
RICH RICCI: BENIE DES DIEUX (WON the mares’ Hurdle @ 9/2)
OWNERS ENCLOSURE: JARED SULLIVAN: WINNER: LAURINA (4/7)
Quote: LAURINA: “We think she is very good and I know both Willie (Mullins) and Ruby (Walsh) feel she is one of their best chances of the week in the Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on Thursday. An easy winner of both her starts since arriving from France, she looked an exceptional filly in the Grade 3 at Fairyhouse last time. Willie doesn’t usually talk his horses up but he has been very enthusiastic about her. I don’t think the state of the ground matters to her.” WON by 18 lengths @ 4/7
TALKING TRAINERS: GORDON ELLIOTT: WINNERS: BLOW BY BLOW (11/1), THE STORYTELLER (5/1), TIGER ROLL (7/1)
Quote: “I am planning to run BLOW BY BLOW, FLAWLESS ESCAPE, FLAXEN FLARE and SIRE DU BERLAIS in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle and it is a race I am very keen to win. I think Blow By Blow will go well provided the ground dries out.” BLOW BY BLOW WON @ 11/1
Quote: THE STORYTELLER: “His form in Graded company is very good but he lacks experience. That would be my concern but otherwise he must have a major chance.” WON @ 5/1
Quote: TIGER ROLL: “He has been to Cheltenham twice recently to school around the Cross Country course and is in very good form. Keith Donoghue will take the ride and his preparation has gone well.” WON @ 7/1
The IRISH ANGLE by Declan PHELAN
Quote: “The Elliott horse that appeals to me is BLOW BY BLOW: it is conceivable that he may top the weights, though as explained, with a slim weight range than will be insignificant: he was a top class bumper horse, winner of the 2016 Grade 1 championship bumper at Punchestown: in his bumper days he conquered Death Duty and Moon Racer. Beset by niggling injuries, he was parked up for a season. He commenced hurdling this winter and it has been a slow haul back to form: he scrambled home to win a 2m 7f maiden hurdle at Navan in December, and then faded tamely from the second last when sixth to Next Destination in a Grade 1 at Naas. He came alive for the first time this season a fortnight ago at Thurles: the race was the Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial: in 2017 Gigginstown/Elliott won this contest with Champagne Classic before arriving at Cheltenham and winning the Martin Pipe. It may have been the persuasive female handling of Rachel Blackmore or the blinkers or both, Blow By Blow picked up the running entering the homestraight and galloped right away: he won by fourteen lengths and it could have been twenty five and it took Rachel two furlongs too pull him up. The sheer power of his stride at the finish was a rare sight. Running as close as 22 days to the Festival is not ideal: the ground at Thurles was not too bad, dead on the good to soft side, than genuine soft and unlikely to have taken as much out of a horse as opposed to heavy ground. The handicapper in the UK has slapped a mark of 144 on Blow By Blow which on the surface looks tight: from that Thurles race, Roaring Bull was running on fumes and a weakening second when falling at the last: the handicapper has given that horse a mark of 138 for this race: not in a million years would Roaring Bull get within an asses roar of Blow By Blow on those terms, hence Blow By Blow may be favourably treated. Without delving into the 141 initial entries for this race, I would imagine that Blow By Blow is the only Grade 1 winner amongst the troop. If Gordon can book a jockey who can humour this big chestnut gelding into action, then he can produce fireworks. He handles all variety of grounds, that Grade 1 win was on good ground. Now, if Blow By Blow does not fancy the task at hand, he will be a beaten docket inside the first half mile. If he settles into a rhythm, his class and staying power may surface at the climax. As risk/reward outsiders go, at 20/1 Blow By Blow is deserving of support.” WON the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle @ 11/1
SPRING WATCH: Quote: “Harry Fry won the Goffs UK Spring Sales bumper at Newbury (24th March) last year with Bullionaire and Paul Nicholls’ former assistant is set to run the twice raced CARIBERT in the 2018 renewal. The Ballingarry gelding justified strong market support on his racecourse debut at Wincanton in November. Making all, he stayed on strongly to beat Hideaway Vic by four and a half lengths. Ten lengths runner-up behind Time To Move On (won again since) under a penalty at Exeter less than a month later, he has been freshened up since and Fry confirms the five year old in good form at home. His stable are in fine form at present (3 winners at Kempton last Monday) and Caribert should go well at the Berkshire track.” WON @ 5/2
Quote: “Switching codes, I interviewed William Haggas and David O’Meara for Ahead On The Flat last month and both trainers have leading hopes for the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster on the same day. William feels ADDEYBB is a Pattern horse in the making and the four year old has wintered well. Ideally suited by some ease in the ground, the head of Somerville Lodge thinks a mile is his bare minimum but still expects the four year old to go well. However, I can also pass on a very positive mention for O’Meara’s LORD GLITTERS. “A horse with an incredible turn of foot, we purchased him at the Arqana Sale in France in July having watched a replay of some of his races. He showed a lot of speed and is a horse who is best covered up and delivered late. Runner-up at Ascot over seven furlongs in early October on his first run for us, he then produced a super performance to win the Balmoral Handicap over a mile and at the same track on Champions day. Beaten a neck in a Listed race at Newmarket last time, he has only raced on soft ground for us but we don’t feel it is a necessity. Bought as a replacement for Mondialiste who has retired, he is a different type of horse to him. We have high hopes for him this year over seven furlongs and a mile,” reports his trainer.” 1st & 2nd in the Lincoln Handicap
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The AINTREE GRAND MEETING 2018
4 WINNERS: WE HAVE A DREAM (Advised @ 9/4), MIGHT BITE (4/5), TERREFORT (Advised @ 7/2), SANTINI (Advised @ 9/4). Plus: SHANAHAN’S TURN (Advised @ 40/1 – 2nd @ 14/1)
Quote: “WE HAVE A DREAM is rated 145 having won 4 of his 7 races and is unbeaten since joining Nicky Henderson. The Martaline gelding didn’t manage a win in three outings in France but he hasn’t looked back since arriving at Seven Barrows. A ten lengths winner at Doncaster in Grade 2 company, he then beat Sussex Ranger by a length and a half in the Grade 1 Finale Hurdle at Chepstow over Christmas. A four and a half lengths winner at Musselburgh in February, he was forced to miss the Triumph Hurdle. A winner on good and heavy ground, he has been off for 67 days, which is an advantage, and the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede owned gelding looks set to play a leading role.” Advised @ 9/4 WON by 7 lengths
Quote: “TERREFORT is trained by Nicky Henderson who has won this with Irish Hussar (2003), Burton Port (2010) and Might Bite (2017). A winner over hurdles and fences at Clairefontaine in France when trained by Guillaume Macaire, the five year old has won two of his three races since arriving at Seven Barrows. A ten lengths winner of a novices’ handicap chase at Huntingdon off a mark of 137, he then won the Grade 1 Scilly Isles NC at Sandown by a neck from subsequent Grade 2 winner Cyrname. Seven lengths runner-up behind Shattered Love in the JLT NC at Cheltenham last time, he was conceding six pounds to Gordon Elliott’s mare, who has since finished an unlucky second in the Grade 1 Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse. This will be his first run beyond two miles six but I will be surprised if he doesn’t stay. Yet to race on ground quicker than soft, Banjo (1995), Star de Mohaison (2006) and Big Buck’s (2008) won this as five year olds.” Advised @ 7/2 WON the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase @ 3/1
Quote: “SANTINI won his only English point-to-point at Didmarton by fifteen lengths last season before being snapped up for £150,000 in March last year. The Milan gelding has won two of his three starts over hurdles for Nicky Henderson and is rated 150. He beat stablemate Chef Des Obeaux by four and a half lengths at Newbury in December before reeling in subsequent Festival runner-up Black Op close home in a Grade 2 novice at Cheltenham’s Trials meeting in late January. Four and a half lengths third in the Albert Bartlett NH last time, he has yet to race on ground better than soft but gives the impression he will handle it. The six year old is an exciting prospect and it would be no surprise to see him sign off his novice hurdle career with a Grade 1 victory.” Advised @ 9/4 – WON the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle @ 6/4
Quote: “SHANANHAN’S TURN is well handicapped off a mark of 134 having won the Galway Plate for Henry De Bromhead off 142 in 2015 (hasn’t won since but has only had seven races). Absent due to a stress fracture from July 2016 until November last year, the ten year old has only raced twice for Colin Tizzard. A remote eighth of nine over two miles at Cheltenham in November, he had a wind operation and didn’t return to action until the Festival last month. Although beaten twenty three lengths in ninth, the Indian Danehill gelding travelled strongly for a long way and was still in contention turning for home. Dropped three pounds since, he was once rated 153 and will hopefully have Robbie Power on his back for the first time. Despite his age, he has only raced 19 times.” Advised @ 40/1 – 2nd @ 14/1 in the Topham Chase
The horse I am most looking forward to seeing run at Aintree: ANTHONY BROMLEY: WE HAVE A DREAM (WON @ 2/1)
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Andrew BALDING, Owen BURROWS, Roger CHARLTON, Keith DALGLEISH, William HAGGAS, Iain JARDINE, David O’MEARA, Hugo PALMER, David SIMCOCK, Roger VARIAN.
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Once again, I shall be producing 3 Ahead On The Flat Updates. The first Update will be a preview of the prestigious Royal Ascot meetingin June, the second will be a preview of the historic four day York Ebor meeting in August and the third will concentrate on the major Autumn races. There will be an in-depth analysis of races such as the Cambridgeshire, Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe and Cesarewitch. Please note, the Updates are ONLY AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL (Not Post).
It is £10 for the Royal Ascot Update and £6 for the York & Autumn Updates (or £19 for ALL 3) via EMAIL.
Summary of last year’s 3 Ahead On The Flat Updates:
What The Clients Said:
“The juvenile section in the York update has helped to get my autumn punting off to a flying start. Aim Of Artemis being the latest to perform well today despite that market drift. Top drawer information as ever.” S.P.
“Thank you so much for One Master...brilliant piece of info and I also love all the snippets you get on your travels...from a very long and loyal supporter.” T.N.
“There’s only one master and that’s you Mark ! Thanks.” S.L.
“Superb information in the Autumn 2017 Update. The Grand One Master noted One Master for filly sprints in the coming weeks who obliges at the fantastic price of 20/1. Congratulations and thank you so much.” W.G.
“Well done with Mabs Cross (5/1), highlighted as one to follow in your York update. As always, the advice is much appreciated.” W.S.
“That was a fantastic pointer to the horses victory today that you wrote about in the Ebor Update. It simply had to be backed as your finger was "Right on the Button." Brilliant tipping !” T.B.
“Autumn update delivers in style.. boom!!, Withhold £30 Win & £10e/w @ 25/1.. Lagostovegas £10e/w. Great info.” D.W.
“Brilliant advice for the Cesarewitch.” B.J.
“Well done Mark...great foresight in the Autumn Update!!!...Had to back it after your comments in the aformentioned.” D.G.
“First and third in the Ces advised at big prices ante post is no mean feat, Well done.” D.F.
“Unreal Mark. 1st and 3rd. Fair play!!!!” J.M.
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6 WINNERS: LE BRIVIDO (Advised @ 7/2 WON @ 2/1), QEMAH (Advised @ 4/1 WON @ 5/2), ATTY PERSSE (Advised @ 8/1 WON @ 7/1), WINTER (4/9), SEPTEMBER (11/8), THE TIN MAN (Advised @ 8/1 WON @ 9/2)
Plus PROJECTION (Advised @ 16/1 E/W 3rd in the Wokingham Stakes @ 15/2) & MUTAKAYYEF (Advised @ 8/1 E/W – 2nd @ 5/1)
Quote: “LE BRIVIDO was a €105,000 breeze-up purchase and the Siyouni colt has won 2 of his 3 races for Andre Fabre. A two lengths winner of an all-weather six and a half furlongs maiden at Chantilly in November, he won by three parts of a length on his reappearance at the same track in April (6f). Stepped up significantly in class and distance, he was only beaten a short head in the French 2000 Guineas at Deauville. He looked set to prevail until outstayed close home by Bramelot. Three lengths clear of Group 1 Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet, he will relish the trip and brings Classic form into the race.” Advised @ 7/2 WON the Jersey Stakes @ 2/1
Quote: “QEMAH is a dual Group 1 winner having captured the Coronation Stakes and Prix Rothschild last season (record at the highest level is 33113). Third in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in September, she reappeared in the Group 3 Chartwell Stakes at Lingfield last month over seven furlongs and finished runner-up behind Mix And Mingle. Yet to race on fast ground, Jean-Claude Rouget’s filly will appreciate the return to a mile and the fact she doesn’t carry a penalty (despite two Group 1 wins last year) is a huge bonus.” Advised @ 4/1 WON the Duke of Cambridge Stakes @ 5/2
Quote: “ATTY PERSSE is a son of Frankel who made a winning start to his career at Sandown last year. Roger Charlton’s colt then won over the same C&D in the Esher Cup in April by a short head off a mark of 87. Stepping up in trip, he then lost his unbeaten record in a ten furlongs handicap at Haydock. Beaten a length and three quarters by Laraaib, he was conceding eight pounds to Owen Burrows progressive winner. Held in high regard, he tries a mile and a half for the first time and has always looked a quality colt. I think he is better than he showed last time.” Advised @ 8/1 WON the King George V Stakes by three lengths @ 7/1
Quote: “The other possible runner from the same yard I particularly like is SEPTEMBER, who was O’Brien’s first two year old to win first time out in 2017. Beautifully bred being a daughter of Deep Impact out of four times Group 1 winner Peeping Fawn, she looked a filly of the highest potential when trouncing ten rivals by upwards of five and a half lengths in a seven furlongs maiden at Leopardstown (Yielding) this month. Leading with a furlong to run, she powered clear from Kevin Prendergast’s Himmah. She threatens to be even better on a sounder surface.” WON the Chesham Stakes @ 11/8
Quote: “THE TIN MAN attempts to provide James Fanshawe with his second win in the race following the victory of Society Rock in 2011. Rated 117, he was only eighth in this contest last year having endured a far from ideal preparation (see page 72 of AOTF). However, the Equiano gelding enjoyed a very good season overall winning three times culminating in victory in the Qipco Champions Sprint over C&D in October. A length winner from Growl, he had previously chased home Quiet Reflection in the Betfred Sprint at Haydock having been slowly away. Reappearing in the Duke of York Stakes, he was forced to carry a Group 1 penalty and ran well in fifth (the same position Twilight Son finished under a penalty before winning this last year). Beaten six and a quarter lengths, he tired late on but has reportedly thrived since and his stable are in much better form now. His record at Ascot is 1481 and the Newmarket trainer feels a slight ease in the ground brings out the best in the five year old (although he has won three times on good to firm).” Advised @ 8/1 WON the Diamond Jubilee Stakes @ 9/2
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6 WINNERS: CRACKSMAN (4/6), ULYSSES (4/1), MAGIC CIRCLE (7/2), THREADING (Advised @ 5/1 WON @ 9/2), MARSHA (Advised @ 10/1 WON @ 8/1), MOJITO (3/1)
Quote: “ULYSSES is trained by Sir Michael Stoute who hasn’t won this since 2006 but is bidding for his sixth win in the prestigious event. Fourth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf behind Highland Reel, he has looked better as a four year old winning the Eclipse at Sandown in July. Jim Crowley’s mount held on by a nose to beat Barney Roy. Fourth in the King George since, he will be suited by the return to ten furlongs (record over the trip 212131). This track should bring out the best in him, too.” WON the Juddmonte International Stakes @ 4/1
Quote: “MAGIC CIRCLE is unbeaten at York (won over this trip in July last year) and has won won 5 of his 16 career races. Third in the Irish November Handicap last Autumn having been drawn in stall 22, he runs off the same mark here. Having had a seasonal pipeopener in the Queen’s Prize, Ralph Beckett’s five year old ran a tremendous race in the Chester Cup finishing fifth behind Montaly considering he was berthed in stall 18. A non stayer in the Ascot Stakes last time, he held every chance turning for home but didn’t get home. Harry Bentley (3 from 3) rides him for the first time since October 2015 and his form figures over two miles are 115 (only defeat came in the Queen’s Prize this spring when he was being prepped for the Chester Cup). Absent since June (67 days), he handles decent ground but is a better horse on an easier surface. As discussed, the stable had their first winner of the month at Thirsk on Monday following no runners between the 8th and 21st August.” WON @ 7/2
Quote: “MARSHA has won 6 of her 15 races earning an official rating of 114. Sir Mark Prescott’s four year old is due to retire to the breeding sheds at the end of this year and she will take with her an impressive CV which includes a Prix de L’Abbaye win. She started this year well, too, with a victory in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket under a penalty. Third in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, she has three and a quarter lengths to find with Lady Aurelia. A short head second in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh next time, she was a running on third in the King George at Goodwood on her latest outing. Three lengths in arrears of Battaash, she didn’t enjoy the clearest of passages and the testing ground wouldn’t have played to her strengths either. It was her first start on soft ground, plus Charlie Hills’ winner was better drawn. Therefore it is not impossible she could turn the tables. Unbeaten at York having won the Listed City Walls Stakes last summer, her form on flat tracks is 2131121 and her form figures over five furlongs on flat tracks and racing on good or quicker ground is 1121.” Advised @ 10/1 WON the Nunthorpe Stakes @ 8/1
Quote: “MOJITO, as discussed on page 4, has won his last two races in handicaps over seven furlongs at Sandown and Newmarket off marks of 83 and 88 respectively. Seven pounds higher now, he prefers fast ground and the return to a mile shouldn’t be an issue – he was too keen over the trip at Doncaster in early June but it was only a week after his reappearance and William Haggas was trying to get him qualified for the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot. Plus, the Requinto colt won over a mile at Newcastle as a two year old. Third at York on his racecourse debut, he has a major chance here.” WON @ 3/1
WINNERS: AIM OF ARTEMIS (11/4), CLAIRETTE (10/11), HERCULEAN (11/10), HUMBLE GRATITUDE (8/11), IMPERIAL PAST (5/2), JUST IN TIME (5/2, 13/8, 5/4), KOZIER (Evens), MABS CROSS (5/1), WHO DARES WINS (7/1)
Quote: “Another surefire maiden winner, if her debut is anything to go by, is the Sir Michael Stoute trained AIM OF ARTEMIS. By the Brazil bred sire Leroidesanimaux out of a Galileo mare, she is a half-sister to the stable’s triple Listed winner Abingdon. She stayed on strongly behind The Mums and the highly regarded Beshaayir in a six furlongs maiden at Newbury last Friday. The yard’s two year old’s invariably improve for their first run and she will be a different proposition over a longer trip, too. Ryan Moore used hands and heels in the closing stages and that patience will be rewarded in the long run-in.” WON next time at Leicester (12/9) @ 11/4
Quote: “This time last year arguably the most exciting juvenile of 2016 was the unbeaten Fair Eva who had blitzed her rivals in the Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot. Unfortunately, Roger Charlton’s filly has not won since fluffing her lines in the Lowther Stakes behind Queen Kindly. Her full-brother HERCULEAN is apparently waiting in the wings to make his racecourse debut and is believed to be above average. The son of Frankel, out of Group 1 winning sprinter African Rose, has been given entries in the Royal Lodge Stakes and Dewhurst Stakes and his first outing is sure to attract plenty of attention.” WON at Ascot (8/9) on his debut @ 11/10
Quote: “Charlie Appleby has sent out 22 juvenile winners in 2017 at a strike-rate of 35% and he is believed to be excited about the prospects of the unraced IMPERIAL PAST. A colt by Dubawi out of an Australian Listed winner, his racecourse debut is imminent and a big run is expected. The fact he has been given entries in the Mill Reef and Middle Park Stakes suggests he isn’t short of speed.” WON on his debut at Yarmouth (20/9) @ 5/2
Quote: “Other Flat horses from the yard to watch out for are JUST IN TIME, a three year old by Excelebration who ran on strongly on his handicap debut at Leicester this month. Suited by the easy ground, it was his first race since November and a mark of 60 looks favourable. The step up to twelve furlongs at the Midlands track was very much to be his liking.” WON his next 3 races @ 5/2, 13/8 & 5/4
Quote: “David Armstrong has horses with various trainers, including Michael Dods. The pair are responsible for the progressive three year old sprinter MABS CROSS. Bred to be quick being a daughter of Dutch Art out of Miss Meggy (won the Listed Hilary Needler Stakes for Tim Easterby), she only cost 3,000gns as a yearling. Unraced as a juvenile, she has made up for lost time since winning three of her five races this term. A drop back to five furlongs has proved beneficial, racking up victories at Newcastle, Windsor (off 74) and Haydock (82). I was working for Racing UK at the last named venue in late June and she produced an impressive display of speed to beat Midnight Malibu by a couple of lengths. Raised a further eight pounds to a mark of 90, she has enjoyed a break since having had a handful of runs in a little more than two months. Her trainer feels she is black type material and is being prepared for an Autumn campaign.” WON at Listed event at Musselburgh (9/10) @ 5/1
Quote: “CRACKSMAN: One can’t help feeling the Frankel colt is unfortunate not to have won a Classic this season. Indeed, one win from three starts in 2017 hardly does him justice. A short head winner from the ill-fated Permian in the Classic Trial at Epsom in the spring, John Gosden’s charge was forced to miss the Dante Stakes at York due to soft ground and therefore missed the opportunity to gain more experience. I feel that lack of match practice cost him Epsom Derby glory. Even though he had won at the track in the spring, he didn’t look comfortable rounding Tattenham Corner and eventually finished third. Only beaten a length by Wings of Eagles and Cliffs of Moher, he held every chance inside the final quarter of a mile but the opportunity to win Flat racing’s biggest prize had been missed. I think time will show he was the best horse in the race. Reappearing in the Irish version at the Curragh four weeks later, Pat Smullen took over in the saddle with Frankie Dettori sidelined due to injury. Forced to challenge widest of all, he was tapped for speed with two furlongs to run before staying on strongly. While he reversed placings with his Epsom conqueror, he found the winning post coming to soon with another Ballydoyle inmate, namely Capri, prevailing by a neck. Set to stay in training next year, Gosden has suggested he may only have one more race this year (entered in the English and Irish Champions Stakes) and that will be in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday. He ought to take all the beating with conditions looking ideal.” WON his next 3 races – 2 Group 2s and 7 lengths winner of the Group 1 Qipco Champions Stakes at Ascot
Quote: “YELLOWHAMMER: Held an entry towards the end of March on the all-weather but didn’t make her three year old debut until the backend of July suggesting she hasn’t been the easiest to train. However, the Raven’s Pass filly has her fair share of ability winning a Newmarket maiden as a juvenile and a 0-85 handicap on the July course last month on contrasting surfaces. Defying an absence of 272 days, Roger Charlton’s filly overcame traffic problems before collaring the race fit and in-form Pastime to win by a nose off a mark of 76. With that run under her belt, a three pounds rise is unlikely to halt her progress and she is a filly to keep on the right side of between now and the end of the year. The fact she handles most types of ground is a major plus. Yet to race beyond seven furlongs, she is expected to improve over further.” WON @ 5/2 & 2/1
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CESAREWITCH: WITHOLD (Advised @ 20/1 WON @ 5/1), LAGOSTOVEGAS (Advised @ 25/1 – 3rd @ 10/1)
Quote: “WITHHOLD, as discussed on page 7, is a promising four year old who appears to have a lot more to offer for his new connections. Beaten nearly five lengths by Daphne and Weekender at Newbury over an inadequate twelve furlongs on his belated reappearance in September, it was his first run for eleven months and is entitled to improve. A winner over two miles last backend when handled by Charlie Hills (beat London Prize at Haydock), Roger Charlton has inherited an interesting prospect who appears to handle most surfaces. Currently number 51, the four year old isn’t certain to get a run but, if he does, then the Champs Elysees gelding could emerge as a leading candidate. Best Price: 20/1 (Bet365)” WON by three and three quarters of a length @ 5/1
AUTUMN WATCH: WINNERS: DYNAMIC (4/1), ONE MASTER (20/1), WITHOLD (5/1)
Quote: “Whilst interviewing William Haggas for Ahead On The Flat in February it was evident that he held DYNAMIC in high regard and considered the daughter of Teofilo one of his brightest prospects amongst his three year old fillies. He commented: “Unfortunately, she developed an abscess on her chest during the winter and therefore won’t be running until the second half of the season, which is a real shame because she looks such a lovely filly. She spent three weeks in hospital and we were concerned we might lose her at one stage. Third on her only start at Newbury last Autumn, she ran a lovely race and was still a big, green filly last year. She will stay at least a mile and a quarter.” She made her belated reappearance in a mile maiden at her local track in late August and justified strong market support to beat Hugo Palmer’s debutant Stage Name by nearly four lengths. Granted a lenient looking mark of 80 for her handicap debut at Sandown less than a month later, Dynamic encountered all sorts of trouble in running before finishing fifth still on the bridle under Oisin Murphy. Two and a half lengths behind the winner UAE Queen, she would have gone mighty close with a clear run. She will benefit from a step up in trip and is handicapped to win more races. I will be amazed if she isn’t better than an 80 rated filly. I think William Haggas was hoping she would have been an Oaks contender until her setback during the winter.” WON at Newmarket (25/10) @ 4/1
Quote: “Stablemate ONE MASTER doesn’t look overburdened either having been allocated an official rating of 75 following her bloodless win at Yarmouth this month. A daughter of Fastnet Rock she is from a family her trainer knows well, being out of Group 3 winner Enticing. The three year old didn’t make her debut until mid August when a staying on third behind Equitation (won again since) in a six furlongs maiden at Doncaster. She confirmed the promise a month later when beating seven rivals by upwards of two and three quarters of a length. Given her pedigree, she wouldn’t have necessarily relished the testing conditions, which makes the performance even more meritorious. She ought to be hard to beat in fillies’ sprint handicaps.” WON a Listed race at Ascot (7/10) @ 20/1
Quote: “WITHHOLD ran very well on his first start for Roger Charlton at Newbury last weekend. Bought out of Charlie Hills’ yard for 170,000gns last Autumn, the Champs Elysees gelding had reportedly been held up by an injury in the spring hence he hadn’t seen a racecourse for nearly eleven months. Contesting a twelve furlongs handicap at his local track, Robert Winston’s mount travelled strongly and led between the final two furlongs but was unable to match either Daphne or Weekender late on. Beaten around five lengths, it was a pleasing performance over a trip shy of his best. A winner over a mile and five and two miles for his previous connections, he beat subsequent Imperial Cup and Northumberland Plate consolation winner London Prize at Haydock last October off a mark of 80. Only seven pounds higher now, the four year old handles easy ground but is possibly better suited by a livelier surface. I will be surprised if Charlton doesn’t place the lightly raced gelding to advantage before the end of the year. He is a talented horse who looks capable of winning a good staying prize. Indeed, he holds an entry in the Cesarewitch but isn’t certain to get a run being number 51 on the list.” WON the Cesarewitch at Newmarket (14/10) @ 5/1
Plus: WINNER: GRONKOWSKI (4/1)
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