- Monday, 29 October 2018 16:57
- Written by David Pipe
The rain meant that we had a few more runners last week, although unfortunately there was not sufficient juice in the ground for a large raiding party at Cheltenham for their first meeting of the season. It is very difficult to predict the ground at this time of year and is very frustrating when you declare to run on one type of going and end up racing on a completely different surface. The rain at Cheltenham only arrived during racing on Saturday and quickly changed the watered good going to good/soft and the times would suggest that it became quite testing with some relatively slow times in the latter races.
Last Week’s Runners
I thought there were a number of promising performances last week, not least from amateur jockey Fergus Gillard who was having just his second ride under rules when fifth at Exeter aboard Dream Free on Tuesday. Having lost his place down the back straight the sixteen year old kept persevering with his mount and they made up plenty of ground in the straight to finish an encouraging fifth. The pair could well renew their acquaintance in another amateur riders’ race, this time on the level at Nottingham on Wednesday.
Another youngster showing great promise was the beautifully bred Glen Vine, a four year old gelding by Robin des Champs out of our Cheltenham Festival winning mare Gaspara. He finished runner-up in what looked like a well above average bumper at Worcester on Wednesday on his racecourse debut, staying on determinedly in the closing stages despite showing distinct signs of inexperience. This was a really promising performance and he can only improve for the experience. I am delighted to have a runner in the famous Trevor Hemmings colours and he has a nice youngster here going forward.
Whitley Neill also ran a cracker on the Worcester card to finish a close third in the final of the Fixed Brush hurdle series. After struggling to go with them early in this very competitive handicap over 2m4f, he made up plenty of ground in the straight and a step-up in trip looks to be on the cards for him.
Teaser, a recent acquisition from a Leicester seller on the flat, made his debut for the stable in the juvenile hurdle at Wincanton on Sunday. While a little keen early on this first start over timber, he stuck to his task well and was still in with every chance when the winner jinked approaching the last, causing our runner to do the same. The resulting mistake put paid to his chance of victory, but he showed more than enough to suggest he will be winning something similar and will be out again before too long.
The Week Ahead
A certain degree of educated calculation is going to be required again this week. Many of the courses are still offering fast ground (with Taunton having to abandon their card Wednesday meeting), while rain later in the week could still alter that significantly and therefore we will have no runners today (Monday) or tomorrow.
Jacbequick is engaged in the two mile handicap hurdle at Fakenham on Wednesday, although he also holds an entry at Carlisle on Sunday. We have no entries at Sedgefield and Stratford on Thursday where the ground remains unseasonably fast with no significant rain in the forecast in the interim.
Mrs Miggins, Whitley Neill and Another Annie are entered at Uttoxeter on Friday, although they will be requiring some rain in the meantime if they are to take their chances. A similar comment applies to Ramses de Teillee who is in the Sodexo Gold Cup over three miles at Ascot on Saturday.
At least the prevailing good ground should suit Vaniteux who has a choice of engagements at Ayr on Saturday, while exciting bumper winner Know The Score, Jacbequick, You Say What and Dauphine Ereine complete our entries for the week at Carlisle on Sunday.
Tattersalls Sales
Although we may be quiet on the racecourse this week, there is still plenty to focus on, not least the Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale from Newmarket which gets underway today. I have been spending countless hours going through the catalogue with a fine toothcomb trying to unearth potential jumping stars. Hopefully we will be find a bargain or two along the way. We have picked up stars of the sport such as Pridwell and Contraband at these sales in the past, while more recently multiple winner Street Entertainer proved a really good buy. If you would like to join the ranks of owners or shareholders at Pond House please do get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Timeform’s Top 50
Many thanks to the Timeform Organisation for sending a copy of their Horses To Follow book. It is always a much anticipated read and this year it includes Mr Big Shot who they consider to be one of the finest prospects for the season ahead. They are good judges, so I certainly hope they are correct. For more details click on the following link: https://www.timeform.com/horse-racing/shop/horses-to-follow.
City AM
The first instalment of my weekly racing column for city business publication City AM went to press on Friday. I am thrilled to be working with the forward thinking team at City AM - it is an exciting opportunity. While it appears in the paper edition around the nation’s capital on a Friday, it is also available digitally through their website and will preview my weekend runners. For all other information from the stable, keep up to date with Chester’s Daily Chat or follow us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing
A Terrible Tragedy
Finally, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the owner of Leicester City football club and owner of numerous high profile flat horses under the King Power banner. He was tragically killed along with the pilot and three other passengers when his helicopter crashed shortly after taking off following Leicester City’s football match on Saturday. A great supporter of racing in this country, he will be very much missed.
