A Fine Line

Despite a week with only a handful of jumps fixtures, our good start to the season continued with the successes of d’Jango and Oceanline (pictured above) taking our seasonal tally to 20, which is well ahead of where we were this time last year.  Add in several more places and an impressive two thirds of all runners from Pond House so far this season have reached the frame.

D’Jango Does It Again

We managed to get last week off to the best possible start with a double at Worcester last Monday.  D’Jango, a former French National winner has been better known plying his trade over hurdles of late, but following victory at Worcester on his previous outing, we decided to revert back to fences with him over course and distance and he duly popped up again in the 2m7f chase.

They went a good pace throughout and it is testament to him that he was able to keep up the gallop as he was the only to race prominently to do so.  He made a bit of a Horlicks of the penultimate fence, but otherwise jumped much better than has been the case and Philip Armson sat tight en route to a 3½ length success.  At the age of nine he probably isn’t improving, so hopefully the handicapper will not be too hard on him, but he is clearly in fine fettle at present and will be out again shortly.

Oceanline’s Decisive Debut

We completed a double on the card when Oceanline ran out a cosy winner of the 2m4f novices’ hurdle on his first start for the stable.  Moving into contention stylishly in the straight, he only had to be pushed out to win well from a decent yardstick who has won subsequently and he looks a nice prospect for his owners, Rosemary White, Matt Lambert and Barry Wright.  They have not had the best of luck in the past and I hope that this fellow can put that right for them.

American Sniper ran well when runner-up in his second bumper earlier on the Worcester card.  Attempting to make all, he kept on well once headed and was probably beaten by a useful type for this time of year, the pair of them coming well clear of the remainder.  He has certainly done more than enough in his two starts under rules to suggest that he can win a race of this nature, although as a former Irish pointer, we know he jumps and stays well and will improve further once sent over obstacles.

Dindin also performed with credit when a close third at Uttoxeter last Tuesday and went one place better when runner-up at Stratford on Sunday.  Indeed, he looked to have the 2m1f chase at his mercy yesterday, sweeping into the lead off the home turn, although an error at the last cost him all momentum and he was reeled back in again close home.  He has taken his time to find his feet over here, but this was much more encouraging and it is only a matter of time before he gets his head in front.

The Week Ahead

We start this week at Newton Abbot today with Secret Boris and Al Roc running at Newton Abbot this afternoon (Monday).  Secret Boris makes his debut for the stable after almost a year on the sidelines, whilst Al Roc reverts to hurdles today having been in tremendous form this season, winning four times over fences.

Dindin, Red Happy and Kalma have been declared for Southwell tomorrow evening.  Red Happy was in good form at the back end of last season, winning three times and he ran an excellent race when runner-up in the Norfolk National at the beginning of May.  The drop back to 3 miles should suit and he will not be inconvenienced by the prevailing good ground.

Kalma contests the concluding 2m4½f handicap hurdle and was very unlucky on her debut for the stable at Uttoxeter last week, when she was carried out at the last flight of hurdles when delivering her challenge.  She runs in the colours of the David Pipe Racing Club and I will be hoping for a change of luck for them.

Itacare contests the 2m7½f handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter on Wednesday and he has been in great form of late, winning at Ludlow and finishing in the frame in his other starts.  He remains well above his last winning mark but continues to perform creditable so gets little respite from the handicapper.

Texard runs in the 2m4f handicap chase on the same card and he produced a cracking effort when winning at the track last time.  He is 5lbs higher in the weights this time, but the extra half mile looks sure to suit and Philip Armson offsets that rise with his 5lbs claim.

Later in the week, we have plenty of entries at Worcester on Thursday, Market Rasen on Saturday where the Summer Plate is the feature (Red Happy, Al Roc and Texard engaged) and Newton Abbot and Stratford on Sunday.  We will decide on those a little later in the week.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Last week marked the ninth anniversary of the passing of David Johnson.  I can barely believe where that time has gone.  Most racing fans will recall the famous blue and green colours that were carried to many a victory for me and my father, notably the 2008 Grand National success of Comply Or Die in just my second season with a licence.  DJ was a tremendous character and an incredible supporter of racing and of course, the team at Pond House.  He remains very much missed but fondly remembered.

National Racehorse Week

Following on from last week…just a reminder that we will be participating in the National Racehorse Week again this year.  If you have ever wanted to take a look around the famous Pond House racing stables, now is your chance.  Details of the open morning, on Saturday 17^th September have now been added to the official website and you can book your place be clicking here.  Be quick though as numbers as limited and strictly by booking only.

Congratulations!

Finally, congratulations to Tom Scudamore and his bride, Sara on their wedding on Saturday.  They were married in a lovely service at St Hallows Church in Woolsery.  The sun shone on the happy couple and we all had a fabulous time.  For some reason though, Tom didn’t fancy riding at Perth on Sunday…I can’t think why!