- Monday, 24 August 2020 15:23
- Written by David Pipe
We were unable to improve our tally last week, hitting the crossbar on a number of occasions although we have already put that small matter right with success at Southwell today. Whilst frustrating to reach the frame, at least the horses are in good order and hopefully we will be able to convert a few more of those 2’s into 1’s.
Percy Street produced another good effort to finish runner-up in the feature handicap hurdle at Fontwell last Tuesday. Percy has always had plenty of ability and perhaps does not win as often as he ought to, but he has done precious little wrong of late and stayed on well to finish a clear second to a useful type in Chapmanshype. Indeed, he would have finished considerably closer had he not been caught in a pocket just as the race was developing, having to switch wide around weakening rivals on the home turn. There are more races to be won with him based on this evidence, although when that will be will be down to Percy Street!
Sexy Lot also filled the runner-up spot in the novices’ hurdle at Newton Abbot on Friday. On her only her second outing over hurdles (and her first since January), she jumped and travelled nicely before getting tired in the closing stages. A great big filly, she is sure to improve for the outing and the experience. She should get a handicap mark now and that will offer her her best chance of success. She has done more than enough to suggest that she should be winning races over timber.
Old favourite Dell’ Arca also produced a decent effort when third at Uttoxeter on Sunday in the staying handicap chase. He may be eleven years of age now but he retains all of his enthusiasm at home and this was encouraging. Always handy, he was well in touch until losing his position when the leaders got first run on him three out and was always struggling to bridge the gap after that. He did stay on in good fashion in the closing stages and can add to his impressive tally soon.
Obviously due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ownership experience is clearly very different to what it has been in previous times although I am pleased to have heard some encouraging reports of late. In what has been very challenging times for the racecourses, it is good to hear the likes of Stratford, Newton Abbot and Market Rasen are going the extra mile to look after owners and staff alike so a big well done to them.
This Week
Looking at this week and we have started well with Miss M (pictured above) following up her debut success with another convincing win under a penalty at Southwell. She quickened up in really good style and looks a very nice type for this time of year.
Tomorrow we run Lady Reset and the aforementioned Percy Street at Bangor. Lady Reset has shown glimpses of ability in a couple of outings and she contests the mares’ novices’ hurdle. She is another who will be better suited to handicaps. Meanwhile, Percy has plenty in his favour and should go well once again in the 2m3½f handicap hurdle at 1.35pm.
We are likely to head to Sedgefield on Thursday where we have three entries in the juvenile hurdle. They have all arrive at Pond House from France and I have been pleased with what I have seen. We are likely to run Sans Logique who finished runner-up on the flat at Vichy last time behind a horse that has won again subsequently. He has pleased me with his schooling at home and should go well on his hurdling debut. He is likely to be our final runner of the week.
Time For A Top Up
It is that time of the year again when we will soon be topping up our woodchip and sand gallops. It is a long, laborious process but its importance cannot be understated. By topping up the surfaces to their optimum levels ahead of the winter months, it means that they will ride smoothly and consistently therefore reducing the risk of injury. The depths of both surfaces are checked at regular intervals and recorded to ensure there are no uneven patches of ground.
Racing Club Recruit
Finally, I am pleased to announce a nice new recruit to the David Pipe Racing Club. Unraced three year old filly Crystal Bluebell has just come into training and will be sporting the colours of the club over the winter months. Beautifully bred by Michael Poland (breeder of Kings Theatre), Crystal Bluebell is by popular sire Blue Bresil out of Solar Crystal, meaning that she is related to numerous winners. Leased to the club by her owner/breeder, she will start off in a bumper and is sure to give members of the club plenty of enjoyment this season and if you would like to be part of it, we are only too pleased to welcome new applicants. You can find further details by clicking here…
