- Monday, 21 August 2017 15:56
- Written by David Pipe
It was great to be back racing after the summer break and what better way to kick it off than with a winner at Bangor on Wednesday evening? Aldrin was the one to get us back on the scoresheet when running out a ready winner of the novices’ hurdle, while there were promising runs from some Pond House newcomers suggesting that there is better yet to come...
As per usual, the summer sabbatical came to an end with action from Newton Abbot and Bangor on Wednesday and I was pleased to be back at the Devon track with three runners. I thought that Keating ran a nice first run for the stable when a close fourth in the competitive two mile handicap hurdle. Travelling well on the heels of the leaders under David Noonan he kept on at the one pace when the pace lifted in earnest – he will be suited by a step-up in trip and looks well capable of winning something similar before long. He was a first runner for my newest syndicate the Pond House Classics, who had their second runner only one hour later on the same card.
That second runner was Aero Majestic who also shaped with promise when third in the concluding bumper. Making much of the running, he too stuck on well in the closing stages despite getting buffeted around a little, finishing third. Having finished runner-up in an Irish point-to-point he should certainly benefit from a step-up in trip and some obstacles in front of him, while he also would not be inconvenienced by a bit more cut in the ground.
Aldrin (pictured above) put us back in the winners’ enclosure at Bangor that evening when easily winning the maiden hurdle under Tom Scudamore. A first winner for us for owners the Value Racing Club, he looked a decidedly useful hurdling prospect, travelling very strongly through the race and quickening away after the last to score without being asked a question. There is still a little room for improvement in his jumping and that will come with practice and he should be more than capable of winning under a penalty.
Kalifourchon was our final runner of the week when contesting the 2m7f handicap hurdle at Southwell on Sunday. He was another to run a decent race, finishing second and staying on well having made much of the running. He is feasibly weighted from a mark of 118 and his turn should not be too far away. It is certainly good to see the horses back and in decent form after the break.
Looking to this week and we do not head north for the fixtures at Hexham or Cartmel, so we are left with entries on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Of those, Lady Of Longstone is an intended runner in the concluding handicap hurdle and will be partnered by regular jockey Michael Heard.
Gabrial The Great heads to Worcester for the 2m½f handicap chase on Wednesday. He went very close to winning a similar contest on his last start but was subsequently raised 5lbs for that effort. He is in good form, although this will be hardy from his revised mark. Juste Pour Nous is also an intended runner at the meeting when he takes in the claiming hurdle.
Entries close tomorrow (Tuesday) for Newmarket’s Cesarewitch handicap in mid-October and we will have one entry as I bid to improve on the second and third places of Mamlook. Ex-French flat recruit Friday Night Light (who is also for sale) will be are only entry for the race. If you fancy a runner in one of the flat’s premier handicaps, do get in touch.
Finally, I should draw your attention to Gerry Supple who is currently in the process of losing a few pounds in order to make a spectacular return to the saddle. Gerry will be fundraising for the Key4Life charity when he contests a 1m2f charity flat race at Wincanton on 29th October. If you would like to support him in his fundraising efforts, further details can be found on his Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gerry-supple
In the meantime, you can keep up to date with all the latest news from the stable in Chester’s Daily Chat or by following us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
