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Published in mid September 2024
Foreword by Nick LUCK, 9 times Broadcaster of The Year
Owners’ Enclosure – Exclusive interview with Rich RICCI
Rich RICCI & racing manager Joe CHAMBERS nominate their horse to follow for 2024/2025
Stable Interviews:
Harry DERHAM, Tom LACEY, Donald McCAIN, Gary & Josh MOORE, Olly MURPHY, Paul NICHOLLS, Fergal O’BRIEN, Jonjo & A.J. O’NEILL, Ben PAULING, Nicky RICHARDS, Lucinda RUSSELL, Dan SKELTON & Jamie SNOWDEN.
Quotes from last year’s One Jump Ahead:
MAJBOROUGH
“J.P.McManus has won the Triumph Hurdle twice with Ivanovich Gorbatov (2016) and Defi Du Seuil (2017) and the multiple champion owner has recruited a couple of potentially very good juvenile hurdlers from France during the spring/summer. From a familiar source, namely Daniela Mele, who has supplied Grade 1 winners Capodanno, State Man and Zenta in recent years, Majborough looked a smart sort when winning on his debut at Auteuil in April and has joined Willie Mullins. Ireland’s seventeen times champion trainer has won three of the last four runnings of the Triumph Hurdle.”
MAJBOROUGH won the Triumph Hurdle @ 6/1
SIR GINO
“While leading owners Joe and Marie Donnelly have yet to win the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival – Haut En Couleurs came closest when third in 2021 behind Quilixios – Nicky Henderson has captured the Grade 1 event on seven occasions, including with four French breds.The colts and geldings version of the Listed Prix Wild Monarch has been contested by subsequent Grade 1 winners Footpad (2015), Gaelic Warrior (2021) and State Man (2020) in recent years and there is every reason to believe the 2023 edition was a smart renewal. As discussed, it was dominated by Sir Gino and Salvator Mundi with the pair pulling ten lengths clear of the remainder. The It’s Gino gelding was trained by Carlos and Yann Lerner and he raced keenly early on. His jumping was excellent throughout though and more accurate than the runner-up, while the most impressive aspect of his performance was the fact he rallied to regain the advantage on the run-in having been so free during the first half of the race.Nicky Henderson and the Donnelly’s may have another Grade 1 performer on their hands. His British debut is eagerly anticipated.
SIR GINO won 3 out of 3 including the Grade 1 Anniversary 4yo Hurdle
LARK IN THE MORNIN
“LARK IN THE MORNIN belongs to Sean and Bernardine Mulryan and is by Soldier Hollow. A neck winner of his only start at two, he beat Immutable (won twice since and rated 87) at Listowel (1m : Soft) in September 2022. Reappearing over ten furlongs at Cork (Good/Yielding) in April, the 130,000gns breeze-up buy finished fourth behind the subsequent Listed Dee Stakes runner-up Alder and London Gold Cup winner Bertinelli. Another to be gelded during the summer, he is from the family of the 2012 Gerry Feilden Hurdle winner Lyvius and is therefore bred for jumping. Having only raced twice, he has plenty of potential.”
LARK IN THE MORNING won the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle @ 9/1
One Jump Ahead also features the following sections:
The Top 40 Prospects – Last year’s Top 40 produced 52 winners at a strike-rate of 39%. They included 7 Grade 1 winners – BALLYBURN, CAPTAIN TEAGUE, GREY DAWNING, IL EST FRANCAIS, JADE DE GRUGY, MAJBOROUGH & SIR GINO – and 3 Cheltenham Festival winners – BALLYBURN, GREY DAWNING & MAJBOROUGH.
Changing Codes – Flat horses who are set to go hurdling for the first time. The 2023/24 edition included Cheltenham Festival winner LARK IN THE MORNIN (9/1) and INTELLOTTO (10/1).
French Revolution – the most exciting recruits from across the English Channel. The feature has included Grade 1 winners A PLUS TARD, BLUE LORD, BURNING VICTORY, CAPODANNO, DEFI DU SEUIL, EL FABIOLO, ESPOIR D’ALLEN, GAILLARD DU MESNIL, GALA MARCEAU, IMPAIRE ET PASSE, IRISH POINT, KARGESSE, KLASSICAL DREAM, and QUILIXIOS in recent years. Last season’s selection yielded 23 winners at a strike-rate of 19%. 43 new recruits were highlighted in the 2023/2024 version – 23 were trained by WILLIE MULLINS. For the sixth time, triple French Champion jockey JAMES REVELEY has added his comments to the majority of those featured.
Irish Pointers - expert DECLAN PHELAN highlights the pointers to follow from across the Irish Sea who will race under Rules this winter. Last year’s feature unearthed 36 winners from 124 runners (29%). 41 horses in detailed essay format were covered in the 2023/2024 edition. This season’s selections included the first THREE home in the Cheltenham Festival bumper – JASMIN DE VAUX (9/2), ROMEO COOLIO (18/1) & JALON D’OUDAIRIES (3/1).
Unraced Bumper Horses – a selection of highly regarded youngsters who have yet to be seen in public. Last year’s batch featured winners CELTIC DINO (7/2), DISCO DANCER (25/1) & FLEUR AU FUSIL (10/3 & 10/1 – Grade 2).
Appendix – a full and comprehensive analysis of the 2 mile chasers, 2m 4f chasers, staying chasers & 2 mile hurdlers
Index – with full page numbers
How To Order
Price: £14.99 including postage - please note we are only posting to the UK. Overseas sales are PDF ONLY. Alternatively, overseas clients can order via AMAZON.
Available direct from:
Mark Howard Publications Ltd. 69 Fairgarth Drive, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire. LA6 2FB.
I shall be producing 5 One Jump Ahead Updates throughout the 2024/25 National Hunt season. Each Update comprises information about the horses in One Jump Ahead, Ante-Post Advice (recommendations for the major races), Big-Race Previews, News from Ireland from one of the most informed Irish experts Declan Phelan and Significant Sales. Please note, the Updates are ONLY AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL (Not Post).
It is £8 per Update (except £12 for the Cheltenham Festival version and £10 for the November one) or £46 for ALL 5 via EMAIL.
Summary of the 2023/2024 Updates:
What The Clients Said:
“Just a quick note to say congratulations and thank you, for some really excellent selections in your Nov-23 Update. Malina Girl and Iberico Lord in particular, made my Sunday! You were also very unlucky with a few bets that finished 2nd. You remain the BEST in the business.” J.S.
“Just wanted to say thanks for the winners provided in your November Update, I’ve been with you for about two years now and your books both jumps and Flat are an excellent read with fantastic info, just by reading them the time and effort you must put in is extraordinary and very much appreciated.” C.D.
“Just wanted to say congratulations and thank you for a superb November Update. Even to my small stakes, I finished the weekend well ahead. I must confess that I don't always back all the selections, but I use the update information as a starting point for my studies, as I find your race synopsis' hugely informative in making my choices. Unfortunately, I backed L'Eau Du Sud rather than Iberico Lord, but I did have the 12/1 on Malina Girl, to top up success from the first two days. Thanks again Mark. I really appreciate the time you put into One Jump Ahead and the updates. Great reading and excellent value for money.” I.P.
“Well done with Impose Toi, a great start for the update. As always, information of this quality is very much appreciated.” W.S.
“I came very close to a nice treble but had double and singles. Would have been nice if Crebilly stayed up as going well. There’s always one as the saying goes. Well done on the analysis and conclusions.” G.M.
“Some cracking selections in the November Update, nice work and plenty more to lookout for.” A.A.
“Many congrats and thanks a lot Mark. Incredible tipping.” G.C.
“Congratulations on your first class Cheltenham Update resulting in me having a great weekend (Impose-Toi, Springwell Bay, Malina Girl, Iberico Lord & returns on the each way selections). Sincere thanks for that and your continuing superb analysis across all formats. Your Updates are always eagerly awaited and your obvious hard work compiling them is very much appreciated.” T.B.
“Just dropping a line to say very well done on the November Update. It’s a great read, jam packed with information. And your selections are mind blowing. In a world of little thanks, I just wanted to say, “exceptional Update“ - as they always are! Cheers and well done again on a superb piece of writing and selections. Great read.” B.V.
“Once again a superb Update full of information and interest. A first class piece of work for Christmas Eve. Very many thanks.” B.C.
“Congratulations Mark an excellent service and day's work, one of the best Cheltenham first day ever.” P.S.
“Just a quick note to say well done and thank you for the superb advice today with four winners. As always, hugely appreciated.” W.S.
“I thought the information and write ups by Mark on the 1st day of Cheltenham were outstanding. However, I backed JIMMY DU SEUIL "without the favourite" BALLYBURN @ 19.5 on Betfair in the 1st race on Day 2 of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. WHAT INFORMATION. A Happy and Hugely Satisfied Customer of many years.” G.H.
“Having a great Cheltenham Thanks for all your hardwork. I'm nicely infront After 2 days. BUT that little 18/1 shot of Andrew Balding British Camp was fantastic. Great stuff.” A.S.
“Just wanted to say the Cheltenham Update has been beyond belief. Fantastic tipping by yourself, there’s surely no one better in the game.” J.R.
“Congratulations on the performance of both the Cheltenham Update & One Jump Ahead – Majborough, in particular, was an inspired Triumph Hurdle selection back in the autumn, 16/1 was gratefully taken. A hat-trick of winning Triumph selections from you is just fantastic. Well done, you deserve the match ball! This has become a tradition now, saying well done after the Triumph, as usual we will open a bottle of the good stuff to celebrate.” S.H.
“Just wanted to email and say what fantastic info that was this week. What a great week. Your information and contacts are 2nd to none. Had clients in the Chez Roux restaurant down at the festival on Tuesday and Wednesday and the winners provided certainly kept the Guinness and champagne flowing. Still recovering now. Great end to Wednesday with Jasmin du Vaux and British Camp.” S.C.
“Thanks for making this another very successful festival. Loads of winners from your Update. I always have 2 or 3 Ante-posts from OJA, couldn’t decide on a bumper horse, so had 2 in the Triumph, £40 on Majborough at 20/1 was my best of the week. 2nd best bet of the week was on the flat at Kempton thanks to you, British Camp, what a great tip.” D.F.
“It was a winter made thoroughly enjoyable and interesting thanks to OJA, your Updates and some more personal communications. For all of those and for your superb ante-post selections (Romeo Coolio and Majborough were the highlights for me) along with your advice re British Champ, I want to say a huge and sincere thank you. You’re truly outstanding.” T.S
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4 WINNERS FROM 10 SELECTIONS: IMPOSE TOI (Advised @ 11/4), SPRINGWELL BAY (9/4), MALINA GIRL (Advised @ 12/1), IBERICO LORD (7/1)
Quote: “MALINA GIRL (Gavin Cromwell) is one of two entries for Gavin Cromwell and is expected to take a major step forward from her seasonal pipeopener over hurdles at Punchestown last month – she jumped the last with plenty left and wasn’t subjected to a hard race. Only six, the Malinas mare enjoyed a fruitful campaign over fences last term winning on three occasions, including in the Ulster National at Downpatrick (3m 4f : Soft) in early April. Given a confident ride by Keith Donoghue (611), she won by nearly four lengths off a mark of 128 and is only seven pounds higher here. Over the top by the time she pulled up in the Scottish National at Ayr, her form figures over 3m 1f are 31P and was placed at the track at this meeting last year (3m 1f). Not the biggest, she handles most types of ground.” Advised @ 12/1 WON @ 11/2
Quote: “IBERICO LORD (Nicky Henderson) seeks to give his trainer his first win in the race and owner J.P.McManus his first since Lingo obliged in 2005. A French bumper winner for Daniela Mele, the five year old was thrown in at the deep end on his British debut twelve months ago when lining up in the Grade 2 novice hurdle at this fixture (Good). Well beaten in sixth, the Cokoriko gelding then fell at the last when beaten in a novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Following wind surgery and an absence of 96 days, he returned at Stratford (2m : Heavy) at the beginning of April and beat compatriot Beau Balko by a head. Four weeks later, the five year old was a staying on half a length second behind stablemate Under Control in a valuable novices’ handicap hurdle final at Sandown (2m : Soft) off a mark of 120. The handicapper has upped him six pounds since but there should be plenty more to come from the lightly raced gelding. Nicky Henderson commented last month: “We like him a lot and he won cosily at Stratford before a smashing second at Sandown on the last day of the campaign. He may get further than two miles and will jump fences, but there could be more to come over hurdles; he’s in the Greatwood.” His form figures on soft/heavy ground are 1F12.” WON the Greatwood Hurdle @ 7/1
Quote: “IMPOSE TOI (Nicky Henderson) featured in the Top 40 Prospects of OJA last season and was nearly included once again this time around. A dual bumper winner in France when trained by Daniela Mele, the half-brother to five times winner Floueur won half of his four runs over hurdles for Seven Barrows last term. Facile successes at Exeter (2m) and Ludlow (2m 5f) by an aggregate of 31 lengths surrounded a three and a half lengths defeat at Huntingdon (2m) on Easter Monday. The form of that race has worked out well though with the winner Brentford Hope (now rated 133) winning by 16 lengths at Newbury this month. The pair pulled 32 lengths clear of the rest. A winner on good and soft ground, the five year old could have been let in lightly off a mark of 121 with Nicky Henderson commenting: “You wouldn’t give tuppence for him in the mornings, but you’d give rather more on what he does on the track and he was ultra impressive at Exeter and Ludlow in the spring. He has tons of potential and will be a chaser, but there might be unfinished business over hurdles for now; he’s very nice.” The former champion sent out the well treated Punchestowns (rated 139) and Aegean Dawn (114) to win handicap hurdles at this meeting in 2008 and 2010 respectively. This J.P.McManus owned runner could be similarly ahead of the assessor here.” Advised @ 11/4 WON @ 2/1
Quote: “SPRINGWELL BAY (Jonjo O’Neill) is a half-brother to the useful hurdler/chaser Mint Condition. Runner-up in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival for Mags Mullins, the six year old was bought for €155,000 in April 2021. A three times winner over hurdles last season, he gained wins at Carlisle, Ascot (very impressive over 2m 3f : Good) and Wetherby (2m 3f : Soft). Sixth in a Grade 1 at Aintree (2m 4f) in the spring, he was beaten seventeen lengths. The handicapper has dropped the Kayf Tara gelding three pounds since to a mark of 137 and, while forced to carry top weight of 12st, Jonjo O’Neill’s runner has a touch of class and ought to be competitive. Placed in the Grade 2 novice hurdle (2m) at this fixture last year, he may prove best on flatter tracks but should still go close here. His first time out record is 211 and his form figures over the trip are 116.” Advised @ 9/4 WON @ 85/40
ANTE-POST SELECTION:
ROMEO COOLIO @ 16/1 for the Cheltenham Festival Bumper – Finished 2nd
Quote: “There is a belief at Cullentra that the Kayf Tara gelding is the best bumper horse to have come out of the yard since the aforementioned eight times Grade 1 winner. His work has reportedly been of the highest order this Autumn and I wouldn’t put clients off from taking the 16/1 (Bet365, Skybet, Unibet) for the Cheltenham Festival bumper in March.”
Other WINNERS: CAMARRATE (11/10), JET LEGS (100/30, 11/4), NDAAWI (10/11), SOFT RISK (8/11), ZAIN NIGHTS (9/4, 5/1, 9/2).
Quote: “I was due to work for Racing TV at Carlisle on Monday this week until Storm Debi intervened and left the ground unsafe at the Cumbrian track. JET LEGS was due to contest the two and a half miles handicap chase, which was one of the Go North series qualifiers, at the same fixture. Martin Todhunter’s former Irish pointer progressed over hurdles last spring, especially when stepped up to three miles winning at Wetherby and Kelso in March off marks of 102 and 107. The Jet Away gelding, who began his career with Sean ‘Farmer’ Doyle across the Irish Sea, made an encouraging start to his fencing career at Carlisle last month when a staying on fourth over the intermediate trip. Weak in the market beforehand, Sean Quinlan gave him a patient ride before making ground approaching the homestraight. Ridden with the future in mind, he was around six lengths behind the winner Hello Judge, who had the benefit of a run beforehand. It was the six year old’s first outing for 215 days and he improved as the campaign went on last term. While capable of being competitive over two and a half miles, his form figures over three miles plus are 2211. Dropped a pound to a mark of 111, he is one to keep an eye on in staying handicap chases on the northern circuit this season.” WON @ 100/30 & 11/4
Quote: “ZAIN NIGHTS was a strong stayer on the Flat winning three times for Roger and Harry Charlton earning an official rating of 89 in the process. A four year old by Decorated Knight, he won twice at Newbury, including as a juvenile over a mile (Heavy), and Goodwood (2m : Good). A two lengths scorer at the last named track, he has changed hands for 75,000gns and has joined Lucy Wadham. The Newmarket trainer is responsible for 9 winners from only 37 winners (24%) this campaign and her new addition is likely to be suited by two and a half miles plus over jumps. Versatile in terms of ground, he is unlikely to be a leading novice but is the sort to win a decent handicap one day, provided he shows an aptitude for hurdling.” WON @ 9/4, 5/1 & 9/2
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WELSH NATIONAL: 1st & 2nd NASSALAM (Advised @ 8/1) & IRON BRIDGE (Advised @ 10/1)
KAUTO STAR NOVICES’ CHASE: WINNER: IL EST FRANCAIS (Advised @ 2/1)
Quote: “NASSALAM (Gary Moore) recorded his first win since February 2022 when running away with the Welsh National Trial Handicap Chase at Chepstow (2m 7f : Heavy) this month. The six year old put in a fine display of jumping before defeating nine opponents by upwards of five and a half lengths off a mark of 141 under Caoilin Quinn (41). Gary Moore’s runner therefore incurs a four pounds penalty but is four pounds ‘well in’ compared to future engagements – both Secret Reprieve and Iwilldoit completed the double. A smart juvenile hurdler who was runner-up in the Grade 1 Finale Hurdle on this day two years ago, he was a Grade 2 winning novice chaser the following season but wasn’t at his best last winter. His trainer commented on page 87 of One Jump Ahead: “Despite running well at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, he was disappointing overall last season. One thing I would say is that he didn’t look great when he came back in after his summer holiday last year, whereas this time around he looks a lot better.” Unexposed over staying distances, his course form is 21 and his record on soft/heavy is 211221213041. It is also worth noting his record in December/January (122231). While his career wins have been gained in field sizes of 4,6,7,4,4 and 10, the Dream Well gelding was placed in a sixteen runner Grade 3 handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Four 6yo’s have won the race this century, including Native River (2016) and Elegant Escape (2018). Best Price: 8/1 (Skybet, William Hill).” Advised @ 8/1 – WON the Welsh National at Chepstow (27/12/23) by 34 lengths @ 9/2.
Quote: “IL EST FRANCAIS (Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm), as discussed (see page 5), won 5 of his 6 races over hurdles, including a Grade 1 at Auteuil in November last year, and is unbeaten in two runs over fences. Both chase wins at Auteuil this season have seen the five year old dominate from an early stage and he hasn’t come off the bridle to score by an aggregate of 16 lengths. The unknowns are the track (first run right-handed), the ground (never raced on anything quicker than soft) and the trip (never raced beyond 2m 6f) but James Reveley (6 out of 6) is confident those factors won’t be an issue. With 3 of his 5 opponents tackling the trip for the first time under Rules and another unlikely to force the pace, it is possible the French raider could get a soft time in front. The prize has crossed the English Channel twice (Djeddah (1996) and Jair Du Cochet (2002)).” Advised @ 2/1 - WON the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton (26/12/23) by 11 lengths.
Quote: “The Williams family have gone close to winning the Listed junior bumper for four year olds at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day (3.50) with Romeo Brown (3rd in 2018) and Iliade Allen (2nd in 2022) – both trained by Nick Williams. His ex-wife Jane has her three year olds in excellent form and she is expected to be represented at Prestbury Park by KEL DU LARGE who won by three lengths on her debut at Exeter (1m 5f : Good/Soft) towards the end of October. A gelded son of No Risk At All who cost €32,000 as a two year old, he made virtually all before running on well to beat Caustic, who has finished second at Doncaster and also been placed on the Flat since. The third home Sorceleur is likely to renew rivalry, but Paul Nicholls’ runner has three and a quarter lengths to find and there is no obvious reason why he will turn the tables. It will be disappointing if he doesn’t go close and get his Devon stable off to a good start in 2024.” WON the Listed bumper at Cheltenham (1/1/24) @ 7/2
Quote: SIR GINO: “His British debut is one to look forward to and it is expected to be in the introductory hurdle at Kempton on Wednesday (1.20). Nicky Henderson’s Auteuil scorer is believed to have been catching the eye at home. Indeed, the It’s Gino gelding reportedly worked very well with recent Hereford scorer and 145 rated hurdler Call Me Lord earlier this month. There will be some long faces at Seven Barrows if he doesn’t maintain his unbeaten record at the Sunbury track this week.” WON 3 out of 3, including the Grade 1 Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree @ 11/10 (11/4/24)
Other WINNERS: ETALON (1/6, 4/6), GENTLE SLOPES (4/5), KALIF DU BERLAIS (4/5, 10/11), PEKING OPERA (13/8), TRAPRAIN LAW (1/2 & 13/8).
Quote: KALIF DU BERLAIS: “A half-brother to Gary Moore’s dual winner Kansas Du Berlais, Paul Nicholls is believed to be excited about running his latest recruit from across the English Channel in juvenile hurdles in the second half of the season. Previously trained by Nicolas De Lageneste and Guillaume Macaire, he made his hurdles in a field of unraced horses at Compiegne (2m 1f : Heavy : LH) in late October. Ridden by Kilian Dubourg, he jumped superbly and having raced in mid division for much of the contest made good headway in the backstraight. Leading between the final two hurdles, he readily pulled away to score by five and a half lengths. The form has yet to be tested but the Masked Marvel gelding looked useful and was purchased privately for Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, John Hales and Fred Done. The Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton (24th February) could be his first port of call – a race the champion trainer has won five times, including with French recruits Zarkandar (2011) and Solo (2020) on their British debuts.”WON twice, including the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton (24/2/24) @ 10/11
Quote: “Owner Ray Green is looking forward to TRAPRAIN LAW’s second run over fences at Kelso on Friday (1.20). The ex-French gelding is set to line up in the 0-130 handicap chase over two miles one at the Borders track. A three times winner over timber last season, the grey made an encouraging start to his chasing career at Ayr last month when four and a half lengths third behind Marble Sands (runs in the Grade 1 Kauto Star NC on Tuesday) in a two miles novices’ handicap chase off a mark of 120. Bidding to make all, the Martaline gelding jumped well before being headed at the second last. Ray felt the ground was nearly good that day and believes he is a stone better horse on soft ground. His form figures at Kelso are 2121.” WON by 6 lengths
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Quote: SAINT DAVY: “The lightly raced seven year old was due to go chasing in the Autumn but niggling problems delayed his return to action until early January. Reappearing in a 0-135 handicap hurdle at Ludlow over three miles, the former pointer moved smoothly through the race and overcame a mistake at the last to beat Grade 2 winner Emitom by a length and a half off a mark of 124. It was nearly 30 lengths back to the third. It was a pleasing start to his campaign and he will remain over timber this term. Raised six pounds since, he stays well and wants cut in the ground and, having only raced three times over hurdles, Jonjo O’Neill’s Balko gelding should have more to offer before going over fences next season. He will test his credentials in a premier handicap at Sandown on Saturday (3.10) and it will be disappointing if he doesn’t make an impact provided the ground doesn’t dry out.” WON Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown (3/2/24) @ 4/1
WINNERS: SECRET SQUIRREL (100/30)
TALKING TRAINERS: HARRY DERHAM: WINNERS: BRENTFORD HOPE (11/10, 5/2), JASMINE BLISS (7/4), KANSAS CITY STAR (6/1), MOJO EGO (5/2), SALVATORE (7/2)
Quote: JASMINE BLISS: “A lovely mare who won a point-to-point in Ireland prior to being bought at the Cheltenham May Sales. We were trying to be too clever at Ludlow on her first run for us holding her up before finishing fourth. Next time, we ran her at Wetherby and she made all the running galloping on strongly. The initial plan was to aim her at the Listed mares’ bumper at Sandown (9th March) but there is quite a valuable mares’ bumper at Newbury (2nd March) a week earlier, which is a possibility. She is one to look forward to in mares’ novice hurdles next season.” WON at Newbury (2/3/24) @ 7/4
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7 WINNERS: SLADE STEEL (Advised @ 6/1), GAELIC WARRIOR (Advised @ 7/2). CHIANTI CLASSICO (Advised @ 7/1), CORBETTS CROSS (Advised @ 2/1), BALLYBURN (1/2), MAJBOROUGH (6/1), GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (Advised @ 5/4).
Plus: JIMMY DU SEUIL (2nd @ 66/1), ROMEO COOLIO (2nd @ 18/1) & CORACH RAMBLER (3rd @ 20/1)
Quote: “SLADE STEEL (Henry De Bromhead) won a point for Pierce Power and has developed into a smart performer under Rules since. Nearly eight lengths behind Ballyburn in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival last spring, he beat King of Kingsfield by five and a half lengths on his hurdles debut at Naas (2m : Soft) in November. The following month, the Telescope gelding emulated stablemate Inthepocket by winning the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle (2m 4f : Heavy) narrowly from Lecky Watson. No match for Ballyburn once again in Grade 1 company at the DRF at Leopardstown (2m : Soft) last month, his record over the minimum trip is 1312. A winner on yielding and heavy ground, he looks very much at home over a stiff two miles.” Advised @ 6/1 – WON the Sky Bet Supreme NH @ 7/2
Quote: “GAELIC WARRIOR (Willie Mullins) tackles the minimum trip for the first time since winning a Grade B handicap hurdle at the DRF at Leopardstown in February last year. Runner-up twice at the Cheltenham Festival – Boodles Juvenile Hurdle (2022) and Ballymore NH (2023) – he was a ten lengths winner of a Grade 1 novice hurdle over three miles at the Punchestown Festival last spring. Sent chasing, the ex-French gelding was a spectacular fifteen lengths winner on his fencing bow at Punchestown (2m 3f) in November making all and never looking like being headed. He then followed up in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick (2m 3f : Heavy) beating stablemate Il Etait Temps (won Grade 1 since) by five and a half lengths. The gelded son of Maxios fluffed his lines at Leopardstown last time though when getting worked up in the preliminaries (wears a hood here) and racing keenly early on in the Grade 1 novice chase (2m 5f) at the DRF. A spent force by the time he unseated Paul Townend at the final fence, he was headed soon after the fourth last with the petrol tank emptying rapidly. His record over two miles is 211. A bigger concern is his preference for racing right-handed – his form figures are 11111 compared to 633212U going left-handed. His record at the highest level is 211U. On his day, he is a top-class horse and possesses more ability than any other runner in the field.” Advised @ 7/2 – WON the Arkle Trophy @ 2/1
Quote: “CHIANTI CLASSICO (Kim Bailey) bids to enhance the impressive recent record of novices in the contest – won 5 of the last 10 renewals (Holywell off 145 (2014), Un Temps Pour Tout off 148 (2016), Coo Star Sivola off 142 (2018), The Conditional off 139 (2020) & Corach Rambler off 140 (2022)). Kim Bailey won it in 1999 courtesy of Betty’s Boy and Happygolucky was runner-up as a novice off 147 three years ago. The seven year old beat last year’s Kim Muir Chase runner-up Stumptown in an Irish point when trained by Colin Bowe. Bought for £105,000 in April 2021, he has won 7 of his career starts, including twice over fences. The Shantou gelding pulled up in the Albert Bartlett NH last season before undergoing wind surgery. Sent chasing, he won novice handicap chases at Chepstow (2m 7f : Good/Soft) and Ascot (3m : Good) off 133 and 141 in October and November respectively before finishing runner-up at Kempton (3m) last time. Two lengths behind Flegmatik (fourth in the Coral Trophy over the same C&D since) off 142, he is a pound higher now and has been kept fresh since (59 days) – his record first time out is 1211. Unexposed over staying trips, his form figures over 2m 7f plus are 1P112 and, while this will be his first appearance on the Old course, he is a dual winner at Chepstow suggesting the undulations won’t be an issue.” Advised @ 7/1 – WON the Ultima Handicap Chase @ 6/1
Quote: “J.P.McManus has won the marathon event on five occasions, namely Front Line (1995), Rith Dubh (2002), Butler’s Cabin (2007), Cause of Causes (2015) and Minella Rocco (2016) and his green and gold silks will be carried by CORBETTS CROSS. A seven year old by Gamut who won a point-to-point, bumper and twice over hurdles for Eugene O’Sullivan (same source as Meetingofthewaters), he was bought privately by Emmet Mullins on behalf of loyal patron Paul Byrne. Following a Grade 2 novice hurdle win over two miles at Naas in February last year, he was then acquired by the head of Martinstown Stud. Sent off 9/4 favourite for the Albert Bartlett NH at the Festival, he was challenging when jinking out at the last flight. Switched to fences this term, he defeated Three Card Brag and Monty’s Star by a snug three parts of a length at Fairyhouse (2m 5f) in December before chasing home the sidelined Grangeclare West in a Grade 1 over three miles at Leopardstown over Christmas. Found a seemingly easy task in a rated chase at Fairyhouse (3m) last time, he collided with Run Wild Fred at the third last and the pair hit the deck. Yet to race beyond three miles, Derek O’Connor maintains the partnership with the crack amateur seeking his third win in the contest (Chicago Grey (2011) & Minella Rocco (2016)). He is fitted with a hood for the first time.” Advised @ 2/1 – WON the National Hunt Chase by 17 lengths @ 15/8
Quote: “MAJBOROUGH (Top 40 – Willie Mullins) has become the apple of his trainer’s eye amongst the juvenile ranks with Willie Mullins viewing the Martinborough gelding as a future Cheltenham Gold Cup contender. A four and a half lengths winner on his debut at Auteuil in April last year when trained by Daniele Mele, he was acquired by J.P.McManus and spent the summer at Martinstown Stud in Co.Limerick. Niggling problems denied him the opportunity to run over Christmas but his connections were delighted with his Irish debut when third in the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at the DRF (Soft). A big rangy gelding, he led early on and produced some excellent jumps before being headed before the last. Keeping on behind stablemates Kargese and Storm Heart, he was beaten less than two lengths with his trainer saying there is plenty of improvement to come. The stiffer track on the New course will suit and different tactics will be adopted here.” WON the Triumph Hurdle @ 6/1
Quote: “GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (Willie Mullins) bids to emulate former stablemate Al Boum Photo (2019 & 2020) by winning the race for a second consecutive season. Rated 180 over fences (won 8 out of 11), he is a dual Festival winner having also captured the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle in 2021 and is unlucky not to have won three times - fell at the last in the Turners Novices’ Chase the following year. His record in Grade 1 company is 611F11112311. A length and three quarters third in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown (2m 3f) on his reappearance in November, he was held up on that occasion and didn’t jump with his usual fluency. Reverting back to racing prominently in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown (3m) at Christmas, the eight year old was back to his best with an imperious display pulling 23 lengths clear. A four and a half lengths winner from the aforementioned Fastorslow in the Irish Gold Cup over the same C&D last month, his record over 3m plus is 111211. He is the one they all have to beat. His form figures on the New course are 1F1.” Advised @ 5/4 – WON the Cheltenham Gold Cup @ 10/11
Quote: “JIMMY DU SEUIL (French Revolution – Willie Mullins) is by the same sire as the stable’s Triumph Hurdle winner Vauban, namely Galiway, and was bought for €200,000 in October 2022 having contested a couple of French bumpers for Mickael Seror – finished second at Fontainebleau (1m 5f) when Jit Langy (fifth in a Grade 1 NH at Leopardstown behind Ballyburn last month) was fourth. Absent for 461 days, the five year old failed to reel in the aforementioned stablemate Asian Master (won again since) on his hurdles debut at Thurles (Yielding) in December with the pair eleven lengths clear of the third. He had no trouble going one better next time though when accounting for 13 rivals by upwards of nine lengths at Clonmel (2m : Heavy). The step up in trip is expected to suit and, while he has plenty to find, he arrives unexposed and open to significant improvement.” Runner-up in Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle @ 66/1
AHEAD ON THE FLAT EXTRA:
Quote: “The novice stakes over a mile and three looks a warm contest with three previous winners amongst the entries. The Kingsclere handler is set unleash a useful type in BRITISH CAMP. A son of Lope De Vega, he is a half-brother to Saint George who was runner-up in the Group 2 Queens Vase at Royal Ascot last summer for the stable. Described as a fine big horse, he is worth keeping an eye out for this week and beyond.” WON @ 18/1 at Kempton Park (13/3/24)
Quote: “The Middleham handler is excited about the twice raced MICKLEY and the gelded son of Soldier’s Call is set to reappear in a seven furlongs maiden (3-5yos) at the Nottinghamshire track this month. Fourth on debut at Newcastle, he stepped up on that effort next time when a fast finishing third from a wide draw at Redcar. Viewed as the type to get quicker as he gets older, his trainer believes he could develop into an Ayr Gold Cup contender one day.”WON @ 11/8 by three and three quarters of a length at Southwell (26/3/24)
Quote: “The head of Carlburg Stables will take on the aforementioned Maljoom with his high-class four year old CHARYN in the Listed Doncaster Mile (1.20). The son of Dark Angel failed to get his head in front last term but finished fourth in the Irish 2000 Guineas and third in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. He handles ease underfoot but Roger feels good or faster ground is ideal.” WON the Listed Doncaster Mile by three and a half lengths @ 2/1
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7 WINNERS: IMPAIRE ET PASSE (Advised @ 9/4), SANS BRUIT (Advised @ 14/1), KATEIRA (Advised @ 12/1), MYSTICAL POWER (Advised @ 11/4), JONBON (Advised @ 5/2), BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (Advised @ 7/1), I AM MAXIMUS (Advised @ 8/1)
Quote: “IMPAIRE ET PASSE (Willie Mullins) was unbeaten as a novice hurdler last season, including the Ballymore NH at the Cheltenham Festival when beating stablemate Gaelic Warrior by six and a half lengths. Not quite as impressive next time in another Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival, the six year old hasn’t managed to win during his second season over obstacles. A good second behind subsequent Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo in the Hattons Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m 4f) in December, he filled the same position behind State Man over two miles at Leopardstown over Christmas. Third behind the same opponent in the Irish Champion Hurdle over the same C&D at the DRF, the Diamond Boy gelding didn’t look comfortable making the running. Like Bob Olinger, connections purposely missed the Cheltenham Festival (off 67 days) and this has been the plan since. The return to the intermediate trip (record over 2m 3f – 2m 5f is 1112) will be in his favour and Paul Townend (11112) is back on board. Rated 160, he was Willie Mullins’ only entry in a race he won with Annie Power in 2016.” Advised @ 9/4 – WON the Aintree Hurdle @ Evens
Quote: “SANS BRUIT (Paul Nicholls) races from a couple of pounds out of the handicap but looks well weighted off a mark of 130 (10st 2lb). The ex-French gelding was a Grade 3 winning hurdle in France and Grade 2 placed over fences and hurdles when trained by David Cottin. Only six, the son of Triple Threat has raced three times for Paul Nicholls, including twice over hurdles at Doncaster and Sandown (Imperial Cup). Switched to fences at Chepstow (2m : Soft) at the start of this month, he raced keenly but jumped well and looked all set to win until collared late on by Prince Quali. A free going sort, who is quick and accurate over his obstacles, this track will bring out the best in him and his low weight in such conditions is another plus.”Advised @ 14/1 – WON the Red Rum Chase @ 5/1
Quote: “Dan Skelton is responsible for 9 of the 55 entries at the six day stage, including the top weight and 2022 winner Langer Dan (declared to run in the Aintree Hurdle on Thursday though). The subsequent dual Coral Cup winner landed this event off a mark of 137 two years ago. Stablemate KATEIRA looks attractively treated off 136 having caught the eye under a sympathetic ride at Kempton (2m 5f) last month. The Kayf Tara mare was having her first start for 110 days having been beaten in a Listed mares’ hurdle at the same track over three miles in November. The stable ‘second string’ behind the winner Boombawn, she was partnered by Nico De Boinville and stayed on well in fourth. Beaten around three lengths, that run should have put her spot on for this. A three times winner over hurdles last season, she was three and a half lengths runner-up behind Irish Point in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle over C&D (Good/Soft) at this corresponding fixture last year. Those in behind included the ill-fated Hermes Allen and Letsbeclearaboutit (both high-class novice chasers this term) and subsequent Grade 1 winning hurdler Crambo (7th). A reproduction of that performance will see the Skelton trained mare go close. Having only raced seven times over hurdles, she remains open to further improvement. Despite the fact Kateira has won twice on soft ground, she is arguably a better mare on good to soft. Her trainer commented this week: “I like the chances of Kateira, she looked like she was coming into form at Kempton last time and would be dangerous wherever she runs. She just needs a bit of nice ground.” Advised @ 12/1 – WON the William Hill Handicap Hurdle @ 5/1
Quote: “MYSTICAL POWER (Willie Mullins) is impeccably bred being by Galileo out of the Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power, who won the Aintree Hurdle at this meeting on her final career start in 2016. A Grade 2 winning hurdler, the five year old looked smart when beating Jigoro by seven lengths in the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer NH at Punchestown (2m : Soft) in January. Fitted with a hood in the Supreme NH, Willie Mullins’ runner appeared to have been delivered with a perfectly timed run when hitting the front shortly after the last but was outstayed up the hill by Slade Steel. Beaten a length and a half, it was still a fine effort on only his third hurdle start. Connections can take heart from the fact Joe Mac (1999), Straw Bear (2006), Darlan (2012), My Tent Or Yours (2013) and Jonbon (2022) all finished second in the Festival opener before going one better in this. He handles good and soft ground.” Advised @ 11/4 – WON the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle @ 11/10
Quote: “JONBON (Nicky Henderson) won an Irish point over three miles by fifteen lengths but has yet to race beyond two miles under Rules. However, on pedigree, the eight year old has every chance of staying further – his full-brother Douvan won the Clonmel Oil Chase (2m 4f) on his final career start. Unbeaten at the track, the Walk In The Park gelding won the Top Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Maghull Novices’ Chase last year and his overall Grade 1 record is 21121112. An easy winner of the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November, he followed up in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. Nicky Henderson’s charge made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes last time in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham before finding Elixir De Nutz a neck too strong. Ruled out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase due to the stable being under a cloud, his record in April is 111 and at least he will arrive fresh (76 days off) – he has won first time out every season. The former champion trainer has won this three times with Remittance Man (1992), Finian’s Rainbow (2012) and Sprinter Sacre (2013) – that trio were top-class two milers who stayed this trip, too.” Advised @ 5/2 – WON the Grade 1 Melling Chase @ 11/10
Quote: “BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (Gordon Elliott) is one of three entries for Cullentra, who have won the last two renewals. The Gigginstown Stud owned mare is also entered in the Sefton NH on Friday but could run here instead. The Kapgarde mare, who cost €310,000 as a three year old, is a half-sister to former Grade 1 winning stablemates Mighty Potter and Caldwell Potter, plus French Dynamite who won over 2m 7f. The five year old was unbeaten in bumpers last term and won her first three starts over hurdles this winter, including a Grade 3 mares’ hurdle at Down Royal (2m 1f : Soft) and Listed mares’ NH at Navan (2m 5f). Dropped in trip for the Grade 2 Dawn Run Mares’ NH at the Cheltenham Festival (2m 1f : Soft) last month, she raced keenly and was undone by the steady early gallop. A staying on second, Jack Kennedy’s mount couldn’t match the winner Golden Ace’s speed on the run-in. Beaten a length and three quarters, she looks a stayer and will appreciate this longer distance. The last mare to win the prize was Silver Shred in 1996.” Advised @ 7/1 – WON the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle @ 6/5
Quote: “I AM MAXIMUS (Willie Mullins – 11st 5lb - 159), similar to aforementioned stablemate Capodanno, is owned by J.P.McManus, who is seeking his third win in the race following the successes of Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021). Previously trained by Nicky Henderson, the eight year old has won 5 of his 14 career starts, including three times over fences. A length winner of the Irish National at Fairyhouse (3m 5f : Soft) last spring off 149 on only his fifth run over the larger obstacles, the Authorized gelding has continued to progress this term winning twice. A two and a half lengths winner of the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (2m 4f : Soft) in early December, he was over thirty lengths in arrears of Galopin Des Champs when finishing fourth in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Festive period. Well held once again by the same opponent in the Irish Gold Cup at the DRF in February, he was back to winning ways three weeks later when trouncing Vanillier in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse (3m 1 : Soft/Heavy) by fourteen lengths conceding twelve pounds to Gavin Cromwell’s runner-up – he is four pounds better off here, too. Hedgehunter completed the Bobbyjo/Grand National double in 2005 for the same stable. Very much at home on soft/heavy ground, he runs off a mark of 159 compared to his revised Irish rating of 164. His record racing left-handed is 112424443 compared 32111 going right-handed – his career best efforts have been on right-handed tracks, namely the Irish National, Drinmore and Bobbyjo Chases. However, it is worth noting Pineau De Re had never won left-handed before winning here in 2014.” Advised @ 8/1 – WON the Grand National @ 7/1
(Print copy sold out - digital PDF copy available)
The Top Flat Horses To Follow for 2024
Price: £10.99 including postage – please note we are only posting to the UK. Overseas sales are PDF ONLY.
Published in early APRIL 2024
Foreword by Ed CHAMBERLIN, ITV Racing
“I’ve known Mark Howard for many years now and he’s an outstanding analyst and judge. He’s also got a contact book that is the envy of everyone in the game.”
Stable Interviews – 500 horses covered in Talking Trainers:
Charlie APPLEBY (34 horses covered), Andrew BALDING (62), Ralph BECKETT (60), Ed BETHELL (33 including 4 two year olds), George BOUGHEY (54 including 12 two year olds), Karl BURKE (45), Tim EASTERBY(59 including 17 two year olds), William HAGGAS (85), Roger VARIAN (69).
Quotes from Talking Trainers:
“A very nice colt and his next target is the Group 3 Greenham Stakes
at Newbury (20th April).” CHARLIE APPLEBY
“Progressive last season, we are hoping he will develop into a smart middle distance horse this year. His owners have been patient and we are hoping he will develop into a Duke of Edinburgh Stakes contender at Royal Ascot (21st June).”
ANDREW BALDING
“Well bred, she is a filly we like a lot. Quite masculine, she is a strong filly who possesses enough speed for a mile but will stay ten furlongs plus. We have given her some smart entries.” RALPH BECKETT
“One of our exciting prospects, he is a lovely big horse who was immature last year. Seven furlongs or a mile is likely to be his trip and he could be a Britannia / Jersey Stakes horse at Royal Ascot.” ED BETHELL
“In all likelihood, we will start him off in a Derby trial over ten furlongs and he should stay a mile and a half. A colt with a very good temperament, I really like him.”
KARL BURKE
“Unraced, she is a dark one who has done very well physically during the winter. The Bridget Maiden Fillies’ Stakes at Newbury (19th April) over seven furlongs is an option in the spring. A filly with a good attitude, we will be giving her some smart entries.” WILLIAM HAGGAS
“I like him and his work had been good prior to making his debut. We thought he would run very well that day but he came back with an injury. Back in work, he will reappear in April/May and is one to keep on the right side of.” ROGER VARIAN
Ahead On The Flat (160 pages) also features the following sections:
The Top 40 Prospects – Last season’s selections included Royal Ascot winners COPPICE & COURAGE MON AMI, plus Group 1 winner MEASURED TIME and progressive three year old NAQEEB (Rated 104).
Owners’ Enclosure – Racing manager Joe Foley runs through the pick of the CLIPPER LOGISTICS horses for 2024. Last year’s interview featured half a dozen unraced two year olds including Group 1 winning juvenile FALLEN ANGEL.
Bromley’s Best Buys – Leading bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley highlights the pick of the Flat horses he has purchased in the last twelve months, including a daft of unraced two year olds. The top-class filly RELIEF RALLY (Won 4 out of 5 including the Group 2 Lowther Stakes) was featured last season.
Maidens In Waiting – a selection of lightly raced three year olds who ought to be shedding their maiden tags shortly. SHAMIDA (3 wins including two Group 3 victories) provided the highlight in 2023.
Significant Sales – a group of horses who will be racing for new connections this summer having gone under the hammer in recent months. The winners last season included MORNING SUN (15/2 & 3/1) & MOONSPIRIT (9/2, 5/1, 9/2).
Stable Gossip – the latest news from Sir Michael Stoute’s powerful yard.
Unraced Three Years – a selection of three year olds who are set to make their racecourse debuts this spring onwards. Those featured last year included the Group 2 Royal Ascot winner GREGORY (3 wins), FAKHAMA (Won first time out @ 16/5), KING LEAR (11/10), MAHBOOB (6/5), NEW BUSINESS (6/5), PERFUSE (11/10, 5/6), QUEEN FOR YOU (4/1), REMINDER (4/1, 11/2) and ZIRYAB (6/4).
Appendix – a comprehensive analysis of the leading sprinters, milers, middle distances and stayers for the season ahead
Index – anextensive index covering over 600 horses
How To Order
Price: £10.99 including postage – please note we are only posting to the UK. Overseas sales are PDF ONLY.
Available direct from:
Mark Howard Publications Ltd. 69 Fairgarth Drive, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth, Lancashire. LA6 2FB.
Available from specialist horse racing shops:
ISBN: 978-1-9161259-7-1
Ahead On The Flat Updates – VIA EMAIL ONLY
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:
“Once again it is an outstanding piece of work, with so much detail. You have said to me before it's your hobby, but you deserve nothing but the highest praise not only for each publication but the updates as well, as all are thoroughly researched and are compulsive reading. And already the winners are beginning to flow.” M.M.
“Absolutely excellent publication, worth its weight in gold, year in, year out. A lot of punters are very indebted.” K.F.
“Thanks for the incredible service and depth of Knowledge passed on this year.” C.H
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5 WINNERS: RIVER TIBER (Advised @ 15/8), PADDINGTON (Advised @ 9/4), DOCKLANDS (Advised @ 14/1), TAHIYRA (Advised @ 4/5), DAWN RISING (2/1)
Quote: “RIVER TIBER (Aidan O’Brien) was one of five entries for Ballydoyle at the five day stage and they rely on this unbeaten colt. A 480,000gns purchase, the son of Wootton Bassett blew his six opponents apart when winning by 10 lengths on his first outing at Navan (5.5f : Soft). The form wasn’t strong but Aidan O’Brien’s colt couldn’t have won any easier. Dropped back to five furlongs next time at Naas (Good), he took a while to engage top gear before pulling away inside the final furlong to win by two and a half lengths (fourth has won since). Ireland’s champion trainer has won this nine times and a step up to six furlongs will see him to even better advantage.”Advised @ 15/8 won the Coventry Stakes.
Quote: “PADDINGTON (Aidan O’Brien) was acquired for €420,000 as a yearling and he, too, is getting better with every run. Ironically, the Siyouni colt’s only defeat came at Ascot (7f : Good) on his debut in September when finishing eight lengths fifth. The Ballydoyle inmate hasn’t looked back since though winning his maiden at the Curragh (7f : Yielding/Soft) by five lengths around six weeks later. Returning to action in the Madrid Handicap at Naas (7f : Heavy) in late March, he defied a mark of 97 to win comfortably by a length and three quarters. It was a similar story in the Listed Tetrarch Stakes at the Curragh (1m : Soft) when defeating stablemate Drumroll (won since) by a length and a half. Four weeks later, Aidan O’Brien’s colt passed his sternest test to date when winning the Irish 2000 Guineas at the same track (Good) by a couple of lengths from stablemate Cairo. Overcoming a slow start, Ryan Moore’s mount soon found himself in a prominent position and he hit the line hard winning by two lengths. Unbeaten over a mile, he hasn’t raced on good to firm but looked comfortable on good ground last time. He is battle hardened now and the sort to keep on progressing.” Advised @ 9/4 WON the St James’s Palace Stakes.
Quote: “GREGORY (Unraced Three Year Olds – John & Thady Gosden) has been bought by Wathnan Racing having been previously owned by Normandie Stud. The Golden Horn colt is out of the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes winner Gretchen and a half-brother to Listed winner Lionel and from the family of stout stayers Duncan and Samuel. Unbeaten in two races, he looked well above average when winning on his debut at Haydock (1m 3.5f : Good) in late April hitting the line hard and scoring by a length and three quarters. He then emulated his older brother by winning the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood (1m 3f : Good) the following month. Despite showing signs of inexperience and not looking comfortable on the track, he warmed to his task and was firmly on top at the finish winning by three lengths. Improving all the time, he is bred to be even better over this trip and is very much shortlist material.” WON the Queens Vase Stakes @ Evens
Quote: “DOCKLANDS (Harry Eustace) is proving a bargain buy (£16,000) having built a progressive profile winning 2 of his 4 starts. A colt by Massaat, he was narrowly beaten on his sole outing as a juvenile finishing second at Haydock (7f : Good/Soft) in August. Absent until March (237 days), Harry Eustace’s charge filled the same position behind the unbeaten 109 rated Cicero’s Gift at Wolverhampton (1m). Beaten a length and a half, he got off the mark at Kempton (7f) the following month scoring by a length and a quarter. He then made a mockery of his opening rating of 80 when beating half a dozen rivals by upwards of six and a half lengths at Ascot (1m : Soft) in May. Hayley Turner barely moved a muscle as he sauntered clear. Raised a stone since, his trainer had his first Royal winner with Latin Lover last year and his rider has three Royal victories on her CV – all three have been on the straight course at the track, which she rides particularly well. Fast ground is an unknown but otherwise he has excellent prospects.” Advised @ 14/1 WON the Britannia Stakes @ 6/1
Quote: “SAINT LAWRENCE (Archie Watson) is set to have his first run for his new yard having been transferred from Roger Varian. Half-brother to Royal Ascot winner Daahyeh, he hasn’t won since his juvenile career when he scored twice including at Listed level (lost his last 13 starts). Last season he was a length third in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket and sixth in the King’s Stand Stakes at the Royal meeting. Gelded in August, he hasn’t shone in his two runs at HQ this spring and has dropped three pounds to a mark of 100 – his lowest since April 2021. On the pick of his form, the son of Al Kazeem is well treated and his course form is 426 – he was runner-up to dual Wokingham winner Rohaan in the Group 3 Pavilion Stakes over C&D as a three year old. It is a case of whether Archie Watson can rekindle his enthusiasm.”WON the Wokingham Stakes @ 22/1
Quote: “The curtain comes down on the meeting with Willie Mullins seeking his fifth win in the race since 2012. The dual winner Stratum will be attempting to win it for a third time and there is every possibility the ten year old will be ridden by Frankie Dettori (his final ride at Royal Ascot). However, the marathon event could go to compatriot DAWN RISING who warmed up for this with a pleasing effort in the Group 3 Saval Beg Stakes at Leopardstown (1m 6f : Good) last month. The Galileo gelding was making his first appearance since pulling up in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March (63 days). Rated 102 on the Flat and 136 over jumps, the six year old was runner-up in the Group 3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket behind Al Aasy when trained by Aidan O’Brien. He was then off for second year before going jumping for Joseph O’Brien last summer. Twice successful, including a Grade 3 win at Navan (2m 4f : Soft), he was then placed in Grade 1 company at Naas in January. Beaten two and a half lengths at Leopardstown, the J.P.McManus owned gelding had Ascot Gold Cup bound Emily Dickinson behind him. The step up in trip should suit and he can spoil the Italian’s leaving party.” DAWN RISING WON the Queen Alexandra Stakes @ 2/1
Other WINNERS: ANCIENT WISDOM (1/6, 2/1, 5/4), DIEGO VELAZQUEZ (2 wins), FIRST OF MAY (9/4), GOLDEN STRIKE (4/6), LA YAKEL (13/8), NEVER ENDING (5/2), NINETY NINE (13/8), RARE JEWEL (5/4),
Quote: “NINETY NINE finished fourth on her first start at Wetherby this month in a five and a half furlongs fillies’ maiden. A daughter of Dandy Man out of Red Balloons who was a useful performer and Group placed for Fahey, she was only beaten a length and a quarter having made a big mid race move. Oisin Orr’s mount was the quickest during the third and fourth furlongs covering them in 11.09 and 11.04 seconds before her effort slightly flattened out. On this evidence, she will take some stopping next time and is quick enough to drop back to the minimum trip.” WON next time at Hamilton @ 13/8
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WINNERS: CONTINUOUS (4/1), NIGIRI (5/1)
Quote: “CONTINUOUS (Aidan O’Brien) would be Ballydoyle’s fourth victory in the race, if successful and he is their sole representative. A son of Japanese bred stallion Heart’s Cry, he is rated 112 having won 2 of his 5 starts. An unbeaten juvenile, including a Group 3 contest at Saint-Cloud (1m : Very Soft) in France, he is without a victory in three outings this year. A length and a half third in the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York (1m 2f : Good/Firm) behind The Foxes in May, he could only finish eighth in the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly. Three and a half lengths runner-up behind King of Steel in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot (1m 4f : Good/Firm in June, he handles most surfaces and is fresh after a break of 61 days.” WON the Great Voltigeur Stakes @ 4/1
Quote: “DRAGON LEADER (Clive Cox) is expected to be ridden by Ryan Moore (10 from 34 for the stable) and the son of El Kabeir is unbeaten in two starts. Purchased for £45,000, he showed a smart turn of foot to win by a length and three quarters on his debut at Salisbury (6f : Good/Firm) in June. He returned to the same track a couple of months later and, having made the running, battled back well to regain the advantage having been headed inside the final furlong. Scoring by a nose, the first two were four lengths clear of the rest. His wins have been gained in field sizes of 7 and 9 and this will be a different proposition. Rated 84, he is open to further improvement though.” WON the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Stakes @ 7/2
Quote: “NIGIRI runs here in preference to another entry at Kempton earlier in the week and she, too, is progressing well at present. A 300,000gns yearling, she is a half-sister to Listed winner Encrypted (liked fast ground) and is rated 80. Following three runs, Ralph Beckett’s filly was allocated a mark of 68 and took advantage by winning at Haydock twice by an aggregate of five and three quarters of a length. Those victories were gained over seven furlongs and a mile and is sharpening up all time. It will be a surprise if the Lope De Vega filly hasn’t more to offer. Three year olds have won 7 of the last 9 renewals.” WON @ 5/1
Quote: “COLTRANE (Andrew Balding) has won 6 of his 20 starts and is rated 117. Andrew Balding’s six year old won the Melrose Stakes at this meeting in 2020 and was a distant second behind Quickthorn in this event in 2022. A three times scorer last year, including the Ascot Stakes and Doncaster Cup, he looked better than ever when winning the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes at Ascot in the spring by nearly five lengths. He arguably produced a career best when denied by three parts of a length in the Ascot Gold Cup to Courage Mon Ami and wasn’t disgraced in third in the Goodwood Cup. Expect him to run well once again on a track we know he likes.” WON the Lonsdale Cup @ 11/4
Interview with JOE FOLEY, Racing manager for CLIPPER LOGISTICS: WINNERS: FLIGHT PLAN (15/2), INDIAN RUN (17/2)
Quote: “INDIAN RUN goes for the Acomb Stakes on Wednesday and we think he will improve significantly by stepping up to seven furlongs. He is a big horse who hit the line hard at Ascot and we are expecting him to continue to progress throughout the season.”WON the Group 3 Acomb Stakes @ 17/2
STABLE INTERVIEW with Ed BETHELL: WINNERS: INITIO (10/11), REGIONAL (10/1), SANCTION (13/8)
UNRACED JUVENILES: WINNERS: NIGHT RAIDER (9/2), SPIRITUAL (9/1), SPUN TO GOLD (9/2)
Quote: “Karl Burke has sent out 40 juvenile winners in 2023 and the Spigot Lodge team are looking forward to unleashing the Clipper Logistics owned NIGHT RAIDER. A colt by Dark Angel, he is bred to be quick being a half-brother to James Tate’s Group 3 Palace House Stakes winner Far Above. Entered in the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury, he cost 155,000gns as a foal and, having spoken to the owner’s racing manager Joe Foley on Sunday morning, the colt is held in the highest regard. Don’t miss him on his debut.” WON by 9 lengths on his debut at Southwell (12/12/23) @ 15/8
Other WINNERS: CLASSICAL SONG (4/6), GHOSTWRITER (10/11, 100/30), LETSBEFRANKABOUTIT (2/1)
Quote: “Less than twenty four hours earlier, GHOSTWRITER was arguably even more impressive in the same colours over the same course and distance in a similar event. The Clive Cox trained colt won the second division of another ‘newcomers’ contest in a time of 1m 25.88 seconds compared to 1m 27.75 seconds recorded by See The Fire. Both races were run on ground described as good, although William Buick who rode in each one felt the surface had tightened up by the Saturday. A colt by Invincible Spirit who was bought for 100,000gns as a foal, he impressed in the paddock beforehand and, having led approaching the rising ground, Richard Kingscote’s mount stretched clear to win hard held by three and a half lengths. Ghostwriter covered the fifth and sixth furlongs in 10.94 and 10.96 seconds and looked above average in the process. Out of a dam who was runner-up in the Listed Chester Oaks, he should have no difficulty staying a mile. He doesn’t hold any fancy entries at the moment, but expect that to change shortly. The Haynes, Hanson and Clark Novices’ Stakes at Newbury (22nd September) over a mile, which unearthed Epsom Derby winners Shahrastani and Authorized, could come under consideration, while the Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes at Newmarket (28th September) over seven furlongs or Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at the same track two days later may prove to be other realistic assignments.” WON the Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket (30/9/23) @ 100/30
Quote: “LETSBEFRANKABOUTIT is another name to remember – there was a strong word for Paddy Twomey’s debutant who held entries in the Gimcrack, Champagne and National Stakes. The draw beat him and it won’t be long before the Sioux Nation colt gain compensation. The County Tipperary based trainer has sent out 8 juvenile winners from only 28 runners and the €240,000 breeze-up purchase is high in the pecking order.” WON a Group 3 next time @ 2/1
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PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE: ACE IMPACT (Advised @ 100/30)
Quote: “ACE IMPACT (Jean-Claude Rouget) was bought for €75,000 and is unbeaten in five career starts, including the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly (1m 2f : Good) in June. A three and a half lengths winner, he quickened up smartly inside the final furlong to beat Big Rock who has also finished second in the Prix Jacques Le Marois and Prix du Moulin (both over a mile) since. The Cracksman colt, who began his career at Cagnes-Sur-Mer (1m 2f : AW) in January, was then given a break of 72 days before returning in a Group 2 at Deauville (1m 2f : Good/Soft) in August. A three parts of a length scorer from last year’s Group 1 National Stakes winner Al Riffa, he won snugly under Cristian Demuro (4 from 4) with Jean-Claude Rouget commenting: “Ace Impact is never overwhelmed in his races, it's more that he wants to start fast - heading into the first turn he was pulling quite hard - and Cristian has the job of getting him covered up and to drop the bit. That's why he gets quite a long way back. But with that long home turn at Deauville you can always make the ground up. He pulled himself up a bit once he hit the front. He accelerated very sharply and once he'd gone past, he knew the race was won.” Stablemate Al Hakeem won the same race before finishing fourth in the Arc last year. A winner on heavy and good ground, he tackles the trip for the first time – he is a half-brother to 1m 3f winner Alessandro – and makes his first visit to Longchamp. Rouget and Demuro combined to win the race with Sottsass in 2020 and he will become the first three year old colt to win the prize since Golden Horn (2015), if successful. Best Price: 100/30 (Coral).” WON the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe (1/10/23) by a length and three quarters
Quote: “GHOSTWRITER (Clive Cox) cost 100,000gns as a foal and is unbeaten in both starts. A colt by Invincible Spirit owned by Jeff Smith, he was an emphatic three and a half lengths winner on his debut at Newmarket (July course – 7f : Good) in August. Stretching away in the closing stages, he readily saw off the 84 rated Run Boy Run. Clive Cox’s runner then followed up at Ascot (7f : Good/Firm) earlier this month. Despite shouldering a six pounds penalty, he picked up well inside the final furlong to win going away by a length and a quarter – the fourth (Military Artist) was an easy winner at Kempton last week. His trainer remarked afterwards: “Ghostwriter is in the Royal Lodge and that'd be our plan. He's shown an ability to handle Newmarket, albeit on the July course, and we just love him. It's great to be having that dream and Plan A. We were really impressed with him first up. He's coped with his penalty well today and I loved the way he stretched away there. He's clearly going to get the mile well and he's progressed mentally, and physically he's getting better all the time.” It will be a surprise if he isn’t even better over this extra furlong. Richard Kingscote, who partnered him on the July course on his debut, is back on board.” WON the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket (30/9/23) @ 100/30
Quote: “ROHAAN has been a terrific advert for the training skills of David Evans winning 9 times since being bought out of George Scott’s yard for 20,000gns in October 2020. The Mayson gelding was rated 55 when joining the Monmouthshire handler and the five year old has Group 2 and 3 wins, plus the Wokingham Handicap twice on his CV. Without a victory in eight races this term, his official rating has dipped from 113 to 102 and he has become dangerously well handicapped. There was a lot to like about his performance in the Ayr Gold Cup last week finishing seventh from a disadvantageous draw in stall 25. Berthed widest of all on the stands side, he flashed home under Ben Curtis and was beaten less than two lengths. The first six home were drawn in stalls 14, 12, 8, 13 and 3. Dropped two pounds since, Evans has the option of utilising his declining mark in the Coral Sprint Trophy at York (14th October), although he has disappointed in two previous visits to the track. Alternatively, he could return to his beloved Ascot – his form figures at the Berkshire venue are 11011407.” WON at Ascot (6/10/23) @ 2/1
UNRACED JUVENILES: WINNERS: MARKOON (11/2), MATSURI (5/6), QAZAQ (5/6)
Quote: “There are a couple of Roger Varian debutants to watch out for, too, including MATSURI who is owned by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum. A chestnut colt by Sea The Stars, he is out of dual Listed winner Along Came Casey and is therefore a half-brother to Group 3 winner Feliciana De Vega. Purchased for 700,000gns as a yearling, he is one for a backend maiden or novice stakes over seven furlongs or a mile. Equally, another Carlburg Stables resident who has yet to hit the track is the Nurlan Bizakov owned QAZAQ. A son of Kingman, he is out of Qabala who won the Group 3 Nell Gwyn Stakes and finished third in the 1000 Guineas for the same connections four years ago. He is bred to be above average.”
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