- Monday, 31 October 2016 16:35
- Written by David Pipe
It seems hard to believe that the first Cheltenham fixture has been and gone, the clocks have gone back, it is Halloween and tomorrow marks the first day of November. Consequently the racing has really stepped up a notch and most of the Pond House team are now ready to hit the track, although the unseasonably dry conditions means that plenty of the courses are providing ground that is quicker than ideal for some of the winter jumpers.
Last week was a productive one for the stable with the victories of Eamon An Cnoic and Mr Burgees, while there were a number of other creditable performances from the likes of Kalifourchon, Mango Cap, Impulsive American, Top Wood and Port Navas all posting decent efforts and confirming the good form of the stable.
Eamon An Cnoic started the ball rolling on Wednesday at Fakenham with a battling success in the two mile maiden hurdle. His task was certainly made slightly easier by the persistent right-handed jumping of runner-up The Blue Bomber but he was comfortably on top come the end. This was extremely encouraging considering that he was placed on his only start in an Irish point-to-point over three miles so he should have no trouble staying further and he can go on to better things.
Mr Burgees (pictured above) continued the good form of the yard when scoring in good style at Uttoxeter on Friday. He had disappointed me a little with his debut effort for the stable at Plumpton, but he jumped with much more fluency on this occasion and quickly put the race to bed when asked in the first time blinkers. Hopefully he will be able to build on this and we will see what the handicapper does with him tomorrow (Tuesday). That assessment will govern whether we turn him out again quickly or not and he has the option of going to Market Rasen on Thursday where he could compete under a penalty.
We are certainly in line for a busy time of it tomorrow when we send half a dozen runners to Exeter. The highlight of the card is the valuable Haldon Gold Cup and we will be represented in the big one by Purple ‘N Gold. He has been a great servant to the stable down the years and while this looks a tall order from 8lbs out of the handicap, he is deserving of his chance especially as there is prize money down to sixth place. The ground should suit him better than most and conditional jockey David Noonan helps offset some of the weight discrepancy with his 3lbs claim.
Looking further ahead exciting novices’ chase prospect Champers On Ice is almost ready to make his debut over fences. He has done plenty of schooling at home and has pleased me with his work and technique. A former Irish point-to-point winner, he has always had the stamp of a chaser and I am very hopeful that he will prove at least as good over the larger obstacles. He has entries this week at Newbury on Thursday, Aintree on Saturday and Ffos Las on Sunday – his participation will be decided by the ground as I would prefer some rain for him.
We look to have found a good starting point for the classy La Vaticane in the Listed mares’ chase at Newbury on Thursday. She produced a number of good efforts last season including when successful at Wincanton, although she is another who would prefer some cut in the ground.
Worcester bumper winner Red Square Revival could soon be in action over timber and is entered at Aintree along with fellow Worcester scorer Herbert Park and Cheltenham Festival winner Un Temps Pour Tout among others. Un Temps Pour Tout (pictured right) has an entry in the BTRC hurdle over 2m4f and is likely to make his seasonal debut there ahead of a possible tilt at Newbury’s Hennessy Gold Cup later in the month. He will also be given an entry in Haydock’s Betfair Chase. As usual, for all the latest on the intended runners from Pond House, do keep in touch with Chester’s Daily Chat or follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing
It just leaves me to wish the European contingent well in America for the Breeders’ Cup this weekend at Santa Anita. It is always an exciting fixture to watch and I will be keeping fingers firmly crossed for a good helping of home success.
