- Monday, 31 August 2020 11:12
- Written by David Pipe
We were among the winners again last week with Miss M (pictured above) producing another great display to score at Southwell last Monday. On only her second start over hurdles, she jumped with aplomb apart from a slight mistake two from home, but I was especially impressed with the manner in which she quickened between the final two flights when Tom Scudamore asked her to go. She picked up in really good style, quickly putting distance between herself and her rivals to score by a decisive eight lengths.
She is already looking considerably better over hurdles than on the flat and we are going to have to look at stepping her up in grade based on this evidence. A first horse for owner Chris Norminton, she has certainly given him an exciting introduction to the sport.
We introduced hurdling newcomer Sans Logique at Sedgefield on Thursday and although he was unable to justify favouritism, finishing fourth in the juvenile hurdle, he was only beaten three lengths despite being hampered approaching the last.
He has not been with us very long and there is certainly further improvement in him and I was pleased enough with his jumping for a first attempt. The ground at Sedgefield was pretty quick and he will probably be suited by a slightly softer surface. The first three home all have some decent bits of form and he was conceding 7lbs to the two immediately ahead of him so he should be more than capable of winning something similar.
THE WEEK AHEAD
With no jumps cards there are no runners from the stable this Bank Holiday Monday, with our first runners coming at Newton Abbot tomorrow. There we run Collingwood Court in the novices’ hurdle, Story Of Friends in the staying handicap hurdle and old favourite Dell’ Arca in the staying handicap chase.
Story Of Friends has looked worth a try over further this term, staying on in the closing stages over two and two and a half miles. He wouldn’t be without a chance if getting this longer trip.
Dell’ Arca produced a better effort last time at Uttoxeter when finishing third after just getting caught in a pocket as the race was developing. An eleven year old now, he holds no secrets from the handicapper but should go well once again.
We have a number of entries at Southwell on Thursday and will likely run either Highlander Madrik or Ranco in the juvenile hurdle. They have both done plenty of schooling at home and have pleased me with what they have shown to date.
Mrs Miggins has a choice of engagements at the fixture, whilst Group 3 flat winner Ladykiller holds an entry in the maiden hurdle - he could be a very smart recruit to hurdling. Airton and Malangen round-off our entries on the card in the staying handicap hurdle.
Miss M, who is unbeaten in two starts over hurdles is entered in the mares’ novices’ hurdle at Sedgefield on Friday. She has been a revelation since switching to timber and whilst she needs to improve again under a double penalty she is rapidly improving.
We make entries for the weekend at Fontwell and Stratford at noon today and are sure to have a few engaged there, whilst tomorrow sees the Newmarket Cesarewitch entries closing. We will be making an entry for convincing Haydock winner Leoncavallo and that will be his next intended target. We may also make an entry for Ladykiller.
PHYSIO
We pride ourselves on the facilities available to the horses at Pond House and those include the services of leading equine physiotherapist Maggie Turner (pictured right). Maggie joins us regularly to treat the horses as well as give the others a check over to make sure there are no underlying problems surfacing – as the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure.
WYLIE ONTO A WINNER
Whilst representing the team at Sedgefield on Thursday, unbeknown to the majority of us at the yard, travelling head lad Craig Wylie was actually moonshining as a successful greyhound owner. His dog “Dingle Pub” was winning an A5 contest at Sheffield by five lengths – he wasn’t unbacked either as he was sent off the 15/8 jolly.
When asked why he hadn’t told any of his fellow workmates, Craig insisted that having told everyone to back him three times previously without success, he wasn’t going to do that again…some judge! As for the winning margin, the handicapper will certainly take a dim view – has he learnt nothing during his time at Pond House?!
NEXT GENERATION
We were joined on Saturday by Margot Scudamore who came to the yard to ride out alongside her dad, Tom. Margot, who had been competing in pony races last season, looked extremely good in the saddle and Tom took to Twitter to suggest that she was the most stylish Scudamore ever to ride the Pond House gallops…I’m not sure I can disagree with him either!
JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
Finally, sincerest congratulations to Doctor Guy Mitchell who fulfilled a long-held ambition when riding a winner at Goodwood on Sunday. Guy, 46 (a racecourse doctor at the track) won the first division of the amateur riders’ handicap aboard 50/1 chance The Game Is On.
He lost his left eye as a three year old and had first applied for his riding licence at the age of 16, only finally obtaining it in the last couple of years. This was Guy’s fourth race ride and a landmark first success. We are all thrilled for him and in awe of his inspirational story.
