Good Early Season Form

Although quiet numerically last week with only four runners, I remain pleased with the form of the horses as we were on the mark with a couple of winners as well as a second.  The successes of Al Roc and Vernon Subutex last week and Mr Tambourine Man this afternoon, took our tally for the season to four at this early stage and we will be looking to add to that this week with a few more jump meetings on the agenda.  Meanwhile, I will be on my travels later in the week with the Doncaster Horses In Training Sales taking place.

Al A Wilson Winner

Al Roc (pictured above) had run a number of decent races since joining the Pond House team at the turn of the year and he rewarded the faith of owners Fergus and Judith Wilson when successful in the 2m5f handicap chase at Newton Abbot on Wednesday.  He travelled well under Philip Armson over this shorter trip and jumped much better than his principal rival once challenged in the straight, regaining the advantage with a good leap at the last and battling on gamely to record his first victory in this country.

Vernon Subutex was a second winner on the week for the Wilson’s when making a successful British debut in the 2m6½f handicap chase at Stratford on Sunday.  In conceding stacks of weight and giving a decisive beating to runner-up Helford River, he was producing a very taking first effort.  Unfortunately, he pulled-up sore after the line and was immediately dismounted by Philip Armson.  He is back at Pond House and will need some time on the sidelines, but still only a five year old, he has time on his side and will receive the best care and attention as he recuperates.

Lady Reset ran her usual game race when runner-up over 1m2f at Doncaster on the flat on Saturday.  She was trying to concede stacks of weight to an improving three year old and was probably recording a personal best effort on the level.  She is as tough as old boots and has come out of her race really well.  Versatile too, she will revert back to hurdles tomorrow at Huntingdon.

The Week Ahead

We started this week in the best possible fashion at Ffos Las this afternoon (Monday) with Mr Tambourine Man in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.  He was a good winner at Exeter on his penultimate start, but bettered that here with a convincing success from a 5lbs higher mark…more about that next week!

Awesomedude, Lady Reset and Morgenstern all run at Huntingdon on Tuesday.  Awesomedude, a multiple winner on the level, who showed promise in two starts over timber last term, will make his seasonal reappearance in the maiden hurdle.  As eluded to earlier, Lady Reset will contest the mares’ handicap hurdle, whilst Morgenstern will run in the novices’ handicap chase.  There are a few small fields, so we will try to take advantage of those to pick up as much prize money as possible.

Cadeau d’Or will run in the 2m3f maiden hurdle at Warwick on Wednesday.  A useful flat performer, he produced a creditable first effort over timber when third behind a couple of useful subsequent winners, Knappers Hill and Diligent at Newton Abbot.  I hope that he can build on that promise and go well here for the Golden Gift Partnership.

Via Dolorosa will be our other runner on Wednesday, when he contests the 3m2f handicap chase at Southwell.  He bolted up over slightly shorter at the track in March and ran another good race when second at Market Rasen last time.  He is a useful type to have on the go at this time of year and he should run his usual honest race.

Koi Dodville and Morgenstern are likely runners at Market Rasen on Thursday, the former in the 2m4½f handicap hurdle, the latter in the 2m3f handicap chase, whilst Dindin has a choice of engagements at Worcester on Friday or Fakenham on Sunday.

Somerset National winner, El Paso Wood is an intended runner in the 3m3f handicap chase at Stratford on Saturday evening.  He has shown he handles a sound surface and will have no problem with the marathon trip.

Sales Season

I will be heading north midweek to attend the Doncaster Horses In Training Sales which gets underway on Wednesday.  This sale has been a happy hunting ground for me in the past.  We purchased five horses last year, all of which won subsequently, including Sidi Ismael (who racked up a hat-trick) and Romain de Senam.

Indeed, I also purchased Main Fact from this sale for the princely sum of £6,000 and we all know what he went on to do!  I have been busy looking through the catalogue and have an exciting shortlist of potential jumpers for the season ahead.  If you would like to join our winning team, do get in touch as I would be pleased to have a no obligation chat to discuss your requirements.  I can buy to order and they do not need to cost a king’s ransom (see Main Fact above!).

Grab A Bargain!

I also have a number of exciting horses already for sale at Pond House.  They have some nice form and represent good value.  Hory, a winner last time out at Fariyhouse has a good amount of ability for a horse in his price bracket, whilst Jet Smart looked extremely promising when runner-up in his only start in an Irish point-to-point.  With the horses either side of him that day subsequently selling for prices of £200,000 and €200,000, he represents incredible value at less than half that price.  For more information, please take a look at my horses for sale page.