Recent Results 2009
Race results from the horses at the yard. See here for 2010 Results.
- Trainer Form - click here
to see David Arbuthnot's recent form
| Date | Runner | Course | Conditions | Rating | Race | Outcome | Jockey | OR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31-Dec-2009 | Shaded Edge [10/1]8-6 | Lin | 7St | C4 | Hc 4K | 2/8, 1/4L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| Shaded Edge chased leader, ridden to lead 2f out, kept on well until headed and no extra towards finish (tchd 9-1 and 14-1) | ||||||||
| 31-Dec-2009 | Fazza [100/30]9-3 | Lin | 7St | C6 | 2yMd 1K | 1/10, 1 3/4L | David Probert | - |
| Fazza in rear of main group, niggled along 4f out, switched to outer and headway over 2f out, chased clear winner just over 1f out, strong run to lead final 50yds (tchd 5-2 and 7-2) | ||||||||
| 20-Dec-2009 | Fazza [25/1]8-11 | Kem | 7St | C5 | 2yHc 2K | 2/11, 1/4L | David Probert | 70 |
| Fazza not much room soon after start, in rear, headway when pushed left over 1f out, headway approaching final furlong, led inside final furlong, headed close home (op 20-1) | ||||||||
| 11-Dec-2009 | Bedarra Boy [4/1]10-12 | Don | 17Gd | C4 | 3yNvH 3K | PU/15 | Jason Maguire | - |
| Bedarra Boy chased leaders, reminders after 5th, lost place approaching next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out (op 6-1) | ||||||||
| 4-Dec-2009 | Shaded Edge [15/2]8-12 | Lin | 7St | C5 | Hc 2K | 9/11, 16 1/2L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| Shaded Edge never going well in rear, never dangerous (op 7-1) | ||||||||
| 29-Nov-2009 | Leelu [9/2J]9-1 | Kem | 7St | C6 | Hc 1K | 4/13, 3L | Eddie Ahern | 64 |
| Leelu led, drew 3 lengths clear halfway, driven over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, weakened last 75yds (op 4-1 tchd 7-2) | ||||||||
| 26-Nov-2009 | Pere Blanc [10/1]11-0 | Nby | 17Sft | C5N | NHF 1K | 7/11, 18L | P J Brennan | 92 |
| Pere Blanc led, ridden, green and headed 3f out, weakened quickly (op 14-1 tchd 16-1) | ||||||||
| 26-Nov-2009 | Theatre Dance [14/1]11-10 | Nby | 23GS | C3 | HcCh 9K | 6/14, 60L | P J Brennan | 90 |
| Theatre Dance hit 3rd and 8th, always in rear | ||||||||
| 26-Nov-2009 | City Heights [20/1]10-12 | Tau | 20GS | C3 | NvH 6K | 5/14, 13½L | Daryl Jacob | 97 |
| City Heights Mid-division, ridden after 3 out, little impression until stayed on from last (op 18-1 tchd 16-1) | ||||||||
| 23-Nov-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [16/1]11-9 | Kem | 25GS | C3 | HcH 5K | 1/10, 12L | Jason Maguire | 125 |
| King Ar Aghaidh held up in touch, headway to join leaders going well after 3 out, led next, ridden when left clear last (op 22-1) | ||||||||
| 21-Nov-2009 | Oscar Park [14/1]11-1 | Hay | 25Sft | C1 | HcHL 57K | 9/16, 64L | Jason Maguire | - |
| Oscar Park in touch, effort 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out (op 16-1) | ||||||||
| 18-Nov-2009 | Leelu [9/2]8-6 | Kem | 7St | C5 | Hc 2K | 3/12, ¾L | Hayley Turner | 66 |
| Leelu led at decent pace, driven from 2f out, clung on well until headed last 50yds (op 8-1) | ||||||||
| 13-Nov-2009 | Shaded Edge [9/2]9-0 | Lin | 8St | C5 | Hc 2K | 2/9, 1½L | James Doyle | - |
| Shaded Edge close up, joined leaders 2f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, no extra when headed soon after (op 13-2 tchd 7-1) | ||||||||
| 7-Nov-2009 | Theatre Dance [20/1]10-11 | Wcn | 26GS | C1 | HcChL 39K | 13/18, 58L | Jason Maguire | 89 |
| Theatre Dance in rear, some headway 17th, soon weakened (op 22-1 tchd 25-1) | ||||||||
| 6-Nov-2009 | Bob Run [7/1]11-7 | Fon | 20GS | C4 | FHcH 3K | 2/16, 2½L | Paddy Merrigan | - |
| Bob Run towards rear, ridden and headway 3 out, stayed on to chase winner 2 out, no impression run-in (op 8-1 tchd 6-1) | ||||||||
| 26-Oct-2009 | Leelu [9/2F]9-0 | Kem | 7St | C6 | Hc 1K | 3/14, ½L | Eddie Ahern | 63 |
| Leelu led, ridden and stayed on when challenged from over 2f out, headed final 110yds, stayed upsides until no extra near finish (op 7-1) | ||||||||
| 24-Oct-2009 | Oscar Park [50/1]10-8 | Chp | 20Sft | C1 | HcHL 18K | 4/14, 36L | Daryl Jacob | 120 |
| Oscar Park held up in mid-division, headway approaching 4 out, soon no impression on leading trio | ||||||||
| 22-Oct-2009 | Shaded Edge [12/1]8-13 | Kem | 7St | C5 | Hc 2K | 6/11, 4L | Hayley Turner | - |
| Shaded Edge raced off the pace in midfield, ridden over 3f out, headway under pressure over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, weakened just inside final furlong (op 8-1) | ||||||||
| 22-Oct-2009 | Bedarra Boy [8/1]10-12 | Lud | 16Gd | C4 | 3yNvH 4K | 2/13, 2½L | Noel Fehily | - |
| Bedarra Boy held up in touch, chased winner after 6th, challenged from 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, not quicken flat (op 10-1 tchd 11-1) | ||||||||
| 19-Oct-2009 | Fazza [8/1]8-10 | Pon | 6GF | C5 | 2yMdAc 3K | 9/12, 17½L | K Fallon | 28 |
| Fazza raced wide, in touch, ridden along halfway and soon outpaced (op 17-2 tchd 7-1) | ||||||||
| 15-Oct-2009 | Bedarra Boy [15/2]10-9 | Lud | 16GF | C4 | 3yMdH 4K | PU/12 | Paddy Merrigan | - |
| Bedarra Boy tracked leaders from 2nd, saddle slipped, pulled up before 4th (op 11-1) | ||||||||
| 12-Oct-2009 | Shaded Edge [10/1]8-13 | Kem | 7St | C5 | Hc 2K | 2/12, shd | James Doyle | 76 |
| Shaded Edge in touch, ridden and one pace 2f out, stayed on under pressure approaching final furlong, finished strongly, not quite get up (op 14-1) | ||||||||
| 11-Oct-2009 | Fazza [7/1]9-3 | Lin | 5St/Slw | C5 | 2yMd 3K | 5/7, 3¾L | Hayley Turner | 57 |
| Fazza led for 1f, chased leader after, hung right bend entering final 2f, lost 2nd over 1f out, outpaced entering final furlong (tchd 15-2) | ||||||||
| 8-Oct-2009 | Leelu [12/1]8-12 | Kem | 7St | C5 | Md 2K | 1/12, nk | Hayley Turner | 62 |
| Leelu taken down early, chased leaders, went 2nd well over 2f out, led just over 2f out, soon ridden, driven and hard pressed inside final furlong, held on well | ||||||||
| 2-Oct-2009 | Rumble Of Thunder [7/1]8-4 | Nmk | 10GF | C2 | 3yHc 12K | 2/3, 2½L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| Rumble Of Thunder led, quickened over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong (op 11-2) | ||||||||
| 30-Sep-2009 | Fazza [12/1]9-3 | Not | 6GF | C5 | 2yMd 3K | 2/7, ½L | Martin Dwyer | 72 |
| Fazza led, narrow lead over 2f out, headed and no extra well inside final furlong (op 11-1 tchd 14-1) | ||||||||
| 24-Sep-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [5/1C]11-9 | Fon | 23GF | C4 | HcH 3K | 9/14, 62L | Paddy Merrigan | 69 |
| King Ar Aghaidh soon well behind and showed no interest (tchd 11-2) | ||||||||
| 22-Sep-2009 | Bedarra Boy [16/1]8-10 | Fol | 15GF | C6 | Hc 2K | 3/13, 5L | Martin Dwyer | 52 |
| Bedarra Boy chased leaders, ridden to chase leader over 2f out, led well over 1f out, headed over 1f out, edged right and one pace final furlong | ||||||||
| 14-Sep-2009 | Fazza [20/1]8-11 | Lei | 6GF | C5 | 2yMdAc 3K | 11/13, 8L | Jim Crowley | 44 |
| Fazza soon pushed along in rear, never dangerous (op 16-1) | ||||||||
| 12-Sep-2009 | Night Affair [11/2]9-4 | Goo | 5GF | C5 | 3yHc 3K | 4/10, 2¾L | Adam Kirby | 73 |
| Night Affair pressed winner to halfway, soon under pressure, not quicken over 1f out, one pace after (op 6-1 tchd 13-2) | ||||||||
| 11-Sep-2009 | Desert Sea [12/1]9-8 | Don | 15GF | C2 | Hc 32K | 11/11, 74L | Seb Sanders | - |
| Desert Sea in touch on inner, effort to chase leaders 5f out, ridden along 3f out, weakening when not much room over 2f out, soon behind and eased (op 14-1 tchd 11-1) | ||||||||
| 9-Sep-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [7/1]10-6t | Utt | 21Gd | C3 | HcH 6K | 3/9, 8¼L | Paddy Merrigan | 115 |
| King Ar Aghaidh not fluent 1st, soon behind, pushed along and struggling approaching 4th, soon lost touch, stayed on under pressure to take 3rd on long run-in, not trouble leading pair (op 13-2) | ||||||||
| 8-Sep-2009 | Shaded Edge [12/1]8-12 | Lin | 7St | C4 | Hc 5K | 10/11, 7¾L | Adam Kirby | 57 |
| Shaded Edge always in rear, ridden 4f out, never dangerous (op 16-1) | ||||||||
| 8-Sep-2009 | Leelu [20/1]8-12 | Lin | 8St | C5 | Md 2K | 3/12, 8½L | Hayley Turner | 56 |
| Leelu taken down early, chased leaders until led 6f out, ridden and headed 2f out, soon no chance with winner, lost 2nd inside final furlong | ||||||||
| 4-Sep-2009 | Coda Agency [8/1]9-2 | Kem | 16St | C5 | Hc 2K | 10/11, 92L | N Callan | - |
| Coda Agency prominent, ridden and weakened over 6f out, tailed off final 3f | ||||||||
| 26-Aug-2009 | Shaded Edge [14/1]8-13 | War | 7Gd | C4 | Hc 4K | 11/12, 8L | Hayley Turner | 59 |
| Shaded Edge chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong (op 16-1 tchd 20-1) | ||||||||
| 25-Aug-2009 | Leelu [5/1]9-1 | Sth | 6St | C6 | 3yHc 3K | 10/14, 17L | Hayley Turner | - |
| Leelu slowly into stride, soon driven along, some headway 4f out, weakened 3f out (tchd 9-2) | ||||||||
| 23-Aug-2009 | Bedarra Boy [50/1]8-9 | Fol | 12GF | C6 | 3yHc 2K | 7/12, 17L | T P O'Shea | 38 |
| Bedarra Boy hampered start, soon well behind, ridden and stayed on past beaten horses final 2f, never dangerous | ||||||||
| 22-Aug-2009 | Rumble Of Thunder [15/2]9-5 | San | 10GF | C4 | Hc 5K | 2/8, ½L | Martin Dwyer | 89 |
| Rumble Of Thunder led, clear from 8f out, 6 lengths clear over 3f out, ridden 2f out, driven and hard pressed 1f out, headed final 75yds, kept on (op 9-1 tchd 10-1) | ||||||||
| 22-Aug-2009 | Night Affair [6/1]9-4 | San | 5GF | C4 | 3yHc 5K | 7/9, 6L | Martin Dwyer | 65 |
| Night Affair soon bustled along to chase leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened entering final furlong, well held when not clear run well inside final furlong (op 8-1) | ||||||||
| 20-Aug-2009 | City Heights [25/1]10-12 | Str | 23GF | C3 | NvH 6K | F/7 | P J Brennan | - |
| City Heights held up, headway 9th, ridden after 3 out, 10 lengths 3rd and beaten when fell last (op 20-1) | ||||||||
| 19-Aug-2009 | Desert Sea [16/1]9-1 | Yor | 14GF | C2 | Hc 130K | 18/19, 26L | Seb Sanders | - |
| Desert Sea held up, effort and some headway 3f out, ridden along over 2f out and never a factor | ||||||||
| 13-Aug-2009 | Adam Kirby [3/1]9-9 | San | 5Gd | C5 | 3yHc 3K | 2/7, 1½L | Hayley Turner | 79 |
| Night Affair taken down early, led against far side rail, ridden 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, outpaced but kept on (op 11-4 tchd 5-2) | ||||||||
| 11-Aug-2009 | Leelu [10/1]8-6 | Lin | 8St | C5 | 3yHc 3K | 2/11, 1¼L | Hayley Turner | - |
| Leelu taken down early, chased leader over 6f out, ridden to lead well over 1f out, driven over 1f out, headed and one pace final 100yds (op 17-2 tchd 8-1) | ||||||||
| 11-Aug-2009 | Shaded Edge [8/1]9-5 | Lin | 7St | C4 | Hc 5K | 2/8, ¼L | Hayley Turner | - |
| Shaded Edge chased leader, ridden just over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, kept on (op 9-1) | ||||||||
| 5-Aug-2009 | Bedarra Boy [20/1]7-13 | Kem | 11St | C5 | 3yHc 2K | 8/13, 8¼L | David Probert | 46 |
| Bedarra Boy dwelt, held up in 10th, came very wide bend over 3f out and lost ground, nowhere near leaders over 2f out, ridden and kept on, nearest finish (op 28-1 tchd 33-1) | ||||||||
| 5-Aug-2009 | One Oi [10/1]9-3 | Kem | 8St | C6 | Hc 2K | 4/14, ½L | Martin Dwyer | 64 |
| One Oi took keen hold, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, progress just over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish (op 11-1) | ||||||||
| 31-Jul-2009 | Rumble Of Thunder [8/1]9-4 | Bat | 10Gd | C4 | 3yHc 6K | 2/9, ¾L | David Probert | - |
| Rumble Of Thunder chased leader, led 8f out until over 2f out, ridden and switched right over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, stayed on (op 9-1) | ||||||||
| 25-Jul-2009 | Shaded Edge [16/1]9-5 | Asc | 7Gd | C3 | Hc 7K | 13/16, 24L | Mrs S Moore | 21 |
| Shaded Edge raced in midfield, pushed along and lost place halfway, ridden and no progress over 2f out, well beaten after (op 20-1). | ||||||||
| 18-Jul-2009 | Leelu [33/1]8-2 | Lin | 10St | C5 | Hc 2K | 7/10, 4¾L | Kirsty Milczarek | 54 |
| Leelu, led at steady gallop, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong. | ||||||||
| 15-Jul-2009 | City Heights [11/1]11-0 | Wor | 24GS | C5 | MdH 2K | 7/14, 62L | Robert Thornton | - |
| City Heights held up in mid-division, headway approaching 9th, weakened approaching 3 out (op 9-1) | ||||||||
| 15-Jul-2009 | Bedarra Boy [20/1]8-11 | Lin | 10GF | C6 | 3yHc 2K | 3/10, 7¼L | Martin Dwyer | 52 |
| Bedarra Boy slowly into stride, pushed along in last, reminder 7f out, headway and edging left 2f out, kept on to go modest 3rd inside final furlong, never near leaders (tchd 25-1) | ||||||||
| 12-Jul-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [7/2F]11-3 | Sth | 22Gd | C3 | 3HcH 6K | 2/9, 1½L | Timmy Murphy | 116 |
| King Ar Aghaidh tracked leader, led after 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra (op 4-1 tchd 9-2) | ||||||||
| 8-Jul-2009 | Coda Agency [11/2]8-12 | Kem | 16St | C5 | Hc 2K | 8/11, 5¾L | N Callan | 66 |
| Coda Agency chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out (op 5-1 tchd 6-1) | ||||||||
| 8-Jul-2009 | Taste Of Honey [33/1]8-11 | Lin | 9GF | C6 | 3yHc 2K | 12/14, 17½L | Kirsty Milczarek | 24 |
| Taste Of Honey soon last, looked like tailing off halfway, plugged on (op 20-1) | ||||||||
| 7-Jul-2009 | Leelu [25/1]9-3 | Sth | 8St | C6 | MdHc 2K | 5/13, 6¼L | George Baker | 53 |
| Leelu started slowly, in rear, headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong (op 16-1) | ||||||||
| 4-Jul-2009 | Desert Sea [7/2]9-0 | San | 16Gd | C1 | L 22K | 1/6, 1L | Ryan Moore | 103 |
| A small field, but a competitive line up for this staying prize. There was a fair early gallop on, before things slowed up a little going out onto the back straight and then the field quickened again nearing the final bend. Ordinary form for the class. DESERT SEA, last seen finishing fourth in the Chester Cup, swerved the Northumberland Plate a week earlier on account of the soft ground and gained reward with a straightforward display. He was content to bide his time out the back before making his move round the home turn and found plenty for pressure when it mattered. His form figures at the track now read 211 and a crack at the Cesarewitch at Newmarket later in the season looks viable, but that would be ground dependant. It may be the Ebor for him next. DESERT SEA held up in last, progress on outer to go 2nd over 2f out, driven to lead over 1f out, gained upper hand last 100yds (op 5-1). | ||||||||
| 1-Jul-2009 | Night Affair [5/1]9-6 | Kem | 5St | C5 | 3yHc 2K | 2/7, ¼L | Martin Dwyer | 79 |
| Unusually, the first two came from the two widest stalls to dispute it throughout at a good pace - or as good a pace as is possible around a bend - with the winner always a head or a neck in front. After a protracted battle, that is how they finished. Night Affair comes out of the race with equal credit, having battled heroically in defeat despite failing to corner as well as her rival. Like the winner, she had previous form at 6f and should have no problem winning a handicap if she isn´t raised more than a couple of pounds. Took keen hold early and hanging left bend after 1f, pressed winner, sustained challenge from over 1f out, edged left and not quicken last 100yds (op 9-2). | ||||||||
| 30-Jun-2009 | Bedarra Boy [80/1]9-0 | Bri | 10Fm | C5 | Md 3K | 6/6, 31L | Simon Whitworth | - |
| A moderate maiden run at an average pace and the jockeys all decided to come over to the stands' rail in the straight. Bedarra Boy, beaten a long way in his first two starts, was struggling to stay in touch with his rivals over half a mile from home and, although he can now be handicapped, he is going to have to find a huge amount of improvement from somewhere. Held up in rear, lost touch 2f out (op 66-1). | ||||||||
| 25-Jun-2009 | Taste Of Honey [15/2]9-3 | Kem | 8St | C6 | 3yHc 1K | 8/14, 11L | Eddie Ahern | 41 |
| A very moderate handicap with just 2lb covering the field. The pace was ordinary and there were virtually six in a line across the track a furlong out. The winning time was 0.9 seconds slower than the preceding Class 4 handicap. Taste Of Honey held up towards rear, pushed along 3f out, ridden and no headway just over 2f out, never troubled leaders (op 16-1) | ||||||||
| 24-Jun-2009 | Leelu [66/1]8-10 | Sal | 10GF | C5 | 3yHc 3K | 11/11, 30L | Jim Crowley | 13 |
| Leelu went left start, never better then mid-division and behind final 3f | ||||||||
| 17-Jun-2009 | Coda Agency [6/1]9-7 | Kem | 16St | C6 | Hc 2K | 1/14, 1¼L | N Callan | 71 |
| A moderate staying handicap and the gallop seemed just ordinary. CODA AGENCY hadn't been showing much over hurdles in recent outings, but the return to the Flat suited. Another plus was the booking of Neil Callan, who did the right thing by committing for home early, and is now 3-3 when teaming up with this dour stayer. His trainer is keen to run him in a Pontefract handicap over further than 2m. Tracked leading pair, went 2nd over 3f out, led over 2f out and driven 2 lengths clear, kept on under pressure final furlong (op 7-1 tchd 15-2). | ||||||||
| 16-Jun-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [7/1]10-8 | Nab | 19GF | C3 | HcH 6K | 5/8, 8½L | Robert Thornton | 114 |
| An interesting handicap which featured some tricky performers. The race was run at a modest gallop on the first circuit. King Ar Aghaidh always prominent, every chance 2 out, ridden and weakened flat (op 8-1 tchd 10-1). | ||||||||
| 13-Jun-2009 | One Oi [11/4]9-1 | Lin | 8St | C6 | Hc 2K | 7/11, 3¼L | Richard Hughes | - |
| This looked a rather downbeat conclusion to the meeting, based on the contestants' overall ability, but a select group could at least claim to have untapped potential - and it resulted in a thrilling finish. One Oi dwelt, held up towards rear, ridden on inner over 2f out, one pace and no real impression (tchd 7-2). | ||||||||
| 10-Jun-2009 | Taste Of Honey [25/1]8-13 | Kem | 7St | C5 | 3yHc 2K | 10/14, 17L | Martin Dwyer | 26 |
| An open-looking fillies' handicap. Taste Of Honey always towards rear. | ||||||||
| 9-Jun-2009 | Bedarra Boy [100/1]9-3 | Sal | 7GF | C5 | 3yMd 3K | 14/17, 11½L | Simon Whitworth | 47 |
| A fair 3yo maiden. Bedarra Boy always towards rear. | ||||||||
| 4-Jun-2009 | Night Affair [11/2]9-7 | Lin | 6St | C5 | 3yHc 3K | 4/12, 2¾L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| An open fillies' handicap. Topweight Night Affair had not been seen since her winning debut at Wolverhampton in December and this was a sound effort against more experienced opponents. Chased winner, every chance and ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, beaten when short of room towards finish (op 6-1). | ||||||||
| 31-May-2009 | Dominican Monk [4/1]11-6 | Str | 18GF | C3 | HcCh 6K | PU/9 | Timmy Murphy | - |
| Front-runners ensured this competitive handicap was run at a fierce pace and the bottom weights fought out a tight finish. Dominican Monk pulled too hard over a longer trip last time, but could never go the pace at this shorter trip and was detached from an early stage. Soon well in rear, jumped left 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 8th (tchd 9-2). | ||||||||
| 30-May-2009 | Leelu [20/1]8-8 | Nby | 7GF | C5 | Hc 2K | 11/12, 24L | Steve Drowne | - |
| A modest, uncompetitive fillies' handicap run at a strong pace. Led until headed over 3f out, weakened 2f out (op 25-1). | ||||||||
| 29-May-2009 | Rumble Of Thunder [7/2F]9-1 | Goo | 10Gd | C4 | 3yHc 4K | 13/13, 24L | William Buick | - |
| There was a very strong pace on here and that was the downfall of favourite Rumble Of Thunder, who got an easy lead when winning at Bath last time but was persistently harried here. In the end, dropped away having set the race up for something with a finishing kick. Led at decent pace, ran wide bend 5f out, headed and weakened tamely 3f out, eased (tchd 10-3). | ||||||||
| 28-May-2009 | One Oi [9/2]8-8 | Lin | 8St | C6 | Hc 2K | 2/11, ½L | William Buick | - |
| An ordinary handicap. One Oi came with his challenge down the outside from well off thepace, but was never quite going to get there. It was an encouraging return to action, though, and he is lightly raced enough to have further improvement in him. In rear, headway on outside over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, kept on well close home, not quite reach winner (op 15-2). | ||||||||
| 26-May-2009 | Taste Of Honey [12/1]8-4 | Lei | 6GF | C6 | 3yCl 2K | 8/11, 13L | Martin Dwyer | 19 |
| A fair claimer run at a furious pace. Taste Of Honey chased leader to halfway, ridden and weakened over 1f out (op 10-1 tchd 14-1). | ||||||||
| 18-May-2009 | Rumble Of Thunder [4/1]9-0 | Bat | 10GS | C5 | 3yHc 2K | 1/15, 3¾L | William Buick | - |
| An interesting handicap involving plenty of progressive types but the relatively exposed RUMBLE OF THUNDER ran his rivals into submission and landed a gamble under a power-packed performance from the front. He had the run of the race but seems to have benefited significantly from the drop in trip and ease in the ground and should be capable of further improvement in similar conditions. Made all, ridden over 2f out, driven clear from over 1f out, unchallenged (op 5-1). | ||||||||
| 16-May-2009 | Shaded Edge [13/2]8-3 | Nmk | 7GF | C4 | Hc 5K | 5/16, 2L | Sophie Doyle | - |
| A big field of mainly exposed handicappers and plenty were in with a chance in the dip. Shaded Edge was bidding for a hat-trick off an 8lb higher mark than for the first of those successes but saw a lot of daylight on the outside of his field and can be given credit for sticking on up the hill. Always prominent, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong (tchd 7-1). | ||||||||
| 16-May-2009 | Tropical Strait [11/2]8-12 | Nby | 13Sft | C1 | L 22K | 4/8, 8¾L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| A decent Listed event, run at a solid gallop and the first pair pulled clear in a battling finish. Tropical Strait was in the process of running a solid race and booked for third, before breaking down nearing the finish, sadly with tragic consequences. Chased leaders, ridden and stayed on to press leaders inside final 2f, outpaced final furlong but clear 3rd when broke leg close home, destroyed (op 6-1 tchd 5-1). | ||||||||
| 14-May-2009 | Taste Of Honey [9/2]8-6 | Sal | 7Fm | C5 | 3K | 7/11, 9½L | Kirsty Milczarek | 39 |
| This was not much of a claimer. Taste Of Honey mid-division, ridden when switched right 2f out, weakened 1f out (op 6-1 tchd 7-1). | ||||||||
| 13-May-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [7/4F]11-12 | Fon | 20GF | C4 | HcH 3K | 5/11, 6½L | Robert Thornton | 116 |
| This was just a modest handicap hurdle. King Ar Aghaidh, solid at the head of the market, failed to meet with expectations on this handicap debut and had no obvious excuse. Tracked leaders, ridden and one pace on run to last (op 9-4). | ||||||||
| 11-May-2009 | Leelu [5/1]9-1 | Wol | 9St | C5 | 3yHc 3K | 10/12, 13L | N Callan | 47 |
| An ordinary handicap in which two progressive sorts pulled clear in the closing stages. The gallop was fair and the winner raced centre to far side in the straight. Leelu held up in touch, ridden and weakened well over 1f out (op 11-2 tchd 6-1). | ||||||||
| 10-May-2009 | Dominican Monk [3/1F]11-4 | Sth | 21Gd | C3 | HcCh 6K | 5/11, 11L | R P Flint | 122 |
| Two came clear in what was an ordinary handicap chase. Dominican Monk failed to get home on this step back up in trip, coming under pressure rounding for home and already being beaten when untidy two out. Took keen hold, tracked leaders, 4th and weakening when hit 2 out (op 7-2). | ||||||||
| 9-May-2009 | Shaded Edge [11/4F]10-0 | Lin | 7GF | C5 | Hc 3K | 1/11, ½L | Miss S Brotherton | - |
| A modest lady amateur riders' handicap. SHADED EDGE took a while to get going, but he gradually responded to his rider's urgings and just defied a penalty for his success at Salisbury last weekend; a solid effort considering he was drawn in stall one. He was racing off a career-high mark, though, and a further rise may prevent the hat-trick. SHADED EDGE in touch, pushed along and slightly outpaced 2f out, rallied inside final furlong, ran on to lead near finish (op 4-1 tchd 5-2). | ||||||||
| 9-May-2009 | Sound Accord [22/1]11-3 | Hay | 24Gd | C2 | HcH 15K | 8/16, 21L | P J Brennan | - |
| The ground was described as good, good to firm in places on the jumps course, following 4mm of overnight rain, although some felt it may have been riding slightly slower than that. It was quite a windy day, though, which would have helped to take some ofthe moisture out of the ground. This wide-open staying handicap hurdle was run at a good gallop and played into the hands of those coming from behind.Sound Accord chased leaders, pushed along 3rd, outpaced and lost place 7th, some headway 3 out, no threat (op 20-1 tchd 25-1) | ||||||||
| 8-May-2009 | Tropical Duke [100/1]8-6 | Not | 14Fm | C5 | 3yHc 4K | 8/11, 9¾L | T P O'Shea | - |
| The ground was changed to Firm, Good to Firm in places before this race. This ordinary three-year-old handicap presented a number of imponderables, not least the trip. Tropical Duke held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, edged left and weakened final furlong (op 50-1). | ||||||||
| 7-May-2009 | Bob Run [EvensF]10-12 | Wcn | 22Gd | C4 | NvH 2K | 3/13, 1¼L | A P McCoy | - |
| The market principals knuckled down for a grand battle from the second-last and pulled clear of the remainder. Bob Run looked to have plenty of stamina on his hurdling debut back in November, but blew it on his only subsequent start when chasing a strong pace. Ridden with more restraint today, he moved up to join the leaders in the home straight and looked the likeliest winner, but he was the meat in the sandwich on the run-in and as the gap between the two rivals narrowed he ducked the fight near the line. Mid-division, headway 3 out, went close 2nd 2 out and every chance until lost 2nd run-in (op 15-8). | ||||||||
| 6-May-2009 | Rumble Of Thunder [40/1]8-12 | Chs | 12GF | C3 | 3yHc 10K | 8/9, 4¾L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| A race made up mainly of unexposed three-year-old handicappers, and it should throw up a few winners. It was something of a tactical affair. Rumble Of Thunder raced keenly in midfield, outpaced 2f out, eased when no real impression final 100yds (op 33-1). | ||||||||
| 6-May-2009 | Desert Sea [14/1]9-0 | Chs | 19GF | C2 | Hc 74K | 4/16, 2L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| Nothing drawn low wanted to make the running so they pottered about. Desert Sea, raised 5lb to a career-high mark for winning at Kempton last time, was always well placed in a race not run at a strong gallop, as he was at the head of the main pack behind the leader for much ofthe race. The bare form may flatter him. Led after 1f, headed after 2f, remained prominent, regained lead over 5f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra close home. | ||||||||
| 3-May-2009 | Shaded Edge [13/2]10-7 | Sal | 7GF | C6 | Hc 2K | 1/16, 4½L | Miss G D Gracey-Davison | - |
| A typically wide-open race of its type, run at a routine pace. The runners were spread from the middle of the course to the far side and those drawn high were at an advantage. SHADED EDGE raced up with the pace and resumed winning ways with a straightforward display. He settled the race shortly after being asked to quicken two furlongs out and this proves he is just as effective on turf as he is the all-weather. A likely rise will probably find him out next time. Chased leaders, led over 2f out, ran on well, readily (tchd 7-1). | ||||||||
| 2-May-2009 | Present Glory [6/1]10-5 | Utt | 24GS | C2 | HcCh 18K | 8/17, 20L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| A very competitive handicap chase in which there were a host of chances leaving the back. Present Glory held up in touch, raced keenly, weakening when mistake 3 out (op 7-1 tchd 15-2). | ||||||||
| 28-Apr-2009 | Bedarra Boy [33/1]9-3 | Lin | 8St | C5 | 3yMd 2K | 8/11, 12L | Simon Whitworth | - |
| Quite a competitive median auction maiden on paper but a group of four broke clear leaving the back and it concerned only two entering the final furlong to fight it out. Bedarra Boy slowly into stride, always well behind, lost touch over 3f out (op 50-1 tchd 66-1 and 25-1). | ||||||||
| 28-Apr-2009 | Taste Of Honey [14/1]8-4 | Lin | 7St | C6 | 3yCl | 2K 1/9, nse | Kirsty Milczarek | - |
| An ordinary claimer in which a few had a chance on paper, including the second, who was allowed his own way in front and very nearly nicked it after kicking clear on the home turn, but he was collared in the shadows of the post by TASTE OF HONEY, who sat closest to the pacesetter throughout. The winner had looked a little flattered by her fifth at Kempton on reappearance, but this confirms that she is now going the right way after a very quiet start in juvenile maidens. The way she finished her race suggests she'll probably get another furlong. Took keen hold early, chased leader, ridden and not pace of leader over 2f out, rallied entering final furlong, edged left but ran on well to lead on post (op 8-1). | ||||||||
| 25-Apr-2009 | Oscar Park [16/1]10-12t | San | 30Gd | C1 | HcChG3 | 94K UR/14 | Timmy Murphy | - |
| The final big handicap of the season looked a competitive affair, but it was a shade disappointing that the top weight was running off a mark of only 145, as those at the head of the handicap for this contest are usually around and above 150. However, the race as a spectacle had everything, and a very unlikely-looking winner. Oscar Park held up in last pair, blundered and unseated rider 2nd. | ||||||||
| 22-Apr-2009 | Rumble Of Thunder [9/2]8-9 | Kem | 11St | C5 | Md 2K | 3/8, 4L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| Rumble Of Thunder, consistent around 1m and rated 76, got this trip well. It was all the more praiseworthy as he took a very keen hold early but showed plenty of tenacity when put under pressure. He should win any average middle-distance maiden. Soon led, driven and headed 2f out, one pace after (op 5-1). | ||||||||
| 20-Apr-2009 | Tropical Duke [33/1]8-7 | Wdr | 12GF | C5 | 3yHc 3K | 13/15, 25L | Martin Dwyer | 34 |
| A lot of unexposed sorts here, many of whom were making their debut in a handicap, and a group of five finished clear. Tropical Duke always in rear. | ||||||||
| 18-Apr-2009 | Valley Ride [7/2J]11-7 | Ayr | 25Gd | C2 | NvHcCh 12K | 2/7, 13L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| This looked a very competitive little handicap, but two dominated their rivals a long way out and had it between themselves until a jumping error made it a one-horse contest before two out. Valley Ride was readily outpaced when the tempo lifted and was no threat. Prominent, outpaced 14th, rallied 3 out, chased winner last, no impression (op 3-1). | ||||||||
| 18-Apr-2009 | Dominican Monk [11/2]10-0 | Ayr | 16Gd | C2 | HcCh 18K | 3/8, 11½L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| Quite a range of abilities on show in this, and plenty of them looked to have a negative or two to overcome. Nothing stood out as an obvious good thing, so it was not a surprise to see a less-exposed type pick up the prize. The winning time looked very good. Dominican Monk has been in fine form since going back over fences, at a lower level than this, but lost his place quite quickly after making a mistake three out. He managed to stay on past some of his rivals but was probably lucky to claim third. Held up, smooth headway before 3 out, effort when blundered next, kept on from 2 out, no impression (op 8-1). | ||||||||
| 18-Apr-2009 | Sound Accord [12/1]10-11 | Ayr | 33Gd | C1 | HcChG3 | 114K PU/17 | B J Geraghty | - |
| Ayr hosted the season's last major National to be run, and the field was bang up to scratch. The usual mix of experienced chasers and novices did battle over the marathon trip, and it was an old-timer who showed the younger generation the way home. Held up in midfield on outside, blundered 3rd and 11th, effort 19th, outpaced 22nd, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out (tchd 14-1). | ||||||||
| 16-Apr-2009 | Top Flower [4/1]10-12 | Chl | 17Gd | C4 | NHF 2K | 3/12, 3½L | Timmy Murphy | 96 |
| Some decent mares have won this race in the past, but there is no telling at this stage how good either division of the contest this year will turn out to be. The first four home had all raced before, which suggests that the form is nothing out of the ordinary.Top Flower was handed an easy lead but still looked a little green once asked for maximum effort. She finished behind Basford Lady when they last met, so this effort makes sense. Led, narrowly headed 3f out, stayed challenging, one pace snd switched left over 1f out, one pace and outpaced for 2nd close home (op 8-1). | ||||||||
| 11-Apr-2009 | Present Glory [15/8F]10-12 | Hay | 24Gd | C3 | NvCh 7K | 1/6, 6L | B J Geraghty | - |
| Only 3lb separated the six runners on official ratings, but PRESENT GLORY won with a bit in hand. He has clearly not been the easiest to train - he has been restricted to just five outings in the last three years - but he won well at Wincanton last month on only his second start over fences, and with conditions to suit, this son of Presenting followed up in good style. If he can be kept sound, he has the potential to win a decent race, but presumably connections will be careful about running him too much given his previous injuries. Tracked leaders, shaken up to lead on bit 3 out, clear between last 2, 7 lengths clear last, easily (op 7-4 tchd 13-8). | ||||||||
| 11-Apr-2009 | Dominican Monk [3/1]11-3 | Hay | 16Gd | C3 | HcCh 7K | 1/5, 1½L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| This looked a tight affair beforehand. DOMINICAN MONK took advantage of some poor perfomances from his market-rivals. He is not very big, and could do no more than win on just his fourth start over fences. He tended to jump out to his left at Kempton last time, but seemed more effective going this way round. Although a latecomer to jumping fences, he appreciates good ground and is now likely to be kept on the go through the summer. Tracked leaders, switched inside after 4 out, led 2 out, driven out (op 11-4 tchd 5-2). | ||||||||
| 9-Apr-2009 | Rith Bob [11/4]10-12 | Wcn | 22GF | C4 | Hc 2K | 2/13, 16L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| The ground was officially eased to good, good to firm in places prior to this ordinary mares' event. The race was run at a sound gallop thanks to the two front-runners. Rith Bob, second over course and distance last month, would have likely been better served by a slightly more positive ride yet found the winner in a different class. She ought to fare better when going handicapping. In touch, headway 5th, jumped slowly 6th (water) and dropped in rear, headway 3 out, staying on when hit 2 out, mistake last and chased winner but never any chance (tchd 3-1). | ||||||||
| 4-Apr-2009 | Shaded Edge [15/8F]8-10 | Lin | 7St | C5 | Hc 2K | 4/7, 4L | Martin Dwyer | 61 |
| An average handicap for the track, but the pace was solid enough. Shaded Edge, normally a consistent sort, was 5lb higher than when successful over course and distance last time, but although he was always withinstriking distance of the leaders, he didn't look happy from some way out and a token effort on the inside of the track in the home staight came to little. Chased leaders, pushed along over 4f out, effort under pressure on inner entering final furlong, weakened final 100yds (op 7-4 tchd 11-8 and 15-8 in a place). | ||||||||
| 1-Apr-2009 | Taste Of Honey [66/1]8-12 | Kem | 7St | C5 | Md 2K | 5/12, 2¾L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| Taste Of Honey's proximity does little for the form, but she had the run of the race and is probably flattered. This was still a big step up. It is possible she may have improved during her time off the track. Led to well over 1f out, faded and lost 3 places final 100yds. | ||||||||
| 29-Mar-2009 | Valley Ride [EvensF]11-4 | Nab | 27GF | C3 | NvCh 7K | 1/4, 5L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| A fair novice chase run at a sound pace considering the shortage of runners. VALLEY RIDE, who landed the odds over a slightly shorter trip at Fakenham last time, followed up in another small field. Held up in a share of third place for much of theway, he was only produced with his challenge at the second-last. He was just getting the better of the argument when he was left clear at the final fence and was able to coast home. Held up, hit 4 out, headway approaching 2 out, ridden and slight lead when left clear last. | ||||||||
| 28-Mar-2009 | Star Ar Aghaidh [11/2]11-0 | Utt | 16Gd | C6 | NHF 1K | 11/14, 20L | Andrew Thornton | - |
| It paid to be up with the pace, and the first four home finished a little way clear of the rest. Held up in mid-division, pushed along over 6f out, weakened over 3f out. | ||||||||
| 28-Mar-2009 | Desert Sea [8/1]8-13 | Kem | 16St | C2 | Hc 11K | 1/12, 1½L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| With the leader quickening it turning out of the back, it was not easy to make ground from too far back. However, Dwyer on DESERT SEA was alert to the tempo and put his mount into the race in plenty of time for it to pay dividends. The winner is lightly raced, and has proved himself on turf as well as Polytrack, so the only thing he has to overcome is his inconsistency. In touch, headway to chase leaders over 4f out, ridden 3f out, led 2f out, driven out. | ||||||||
| 27-Mar-2009 | Oscar Park [9/2]11-4 | Asc | 24Gd | C2 | HcCh 15K | PU/12 | Timmy Murphy | - |
| This feature race was a decent veterans' chase and although some of the jumping was ragged it produced a fine finish. Oscar Park had made headway from the rear to challenge on the run to the straight but was held when eased down after the penultimate fence as though something was amiss. Jumped left 1st and not fluent 2nd, held up in rear, steady progress from 14th, mistake next, closed on leaders 3 out, 5th and weakening next, pulled up before last. | ||||||||
| 27-Mar-2009 | Lavender Track [5/6F]11-5 | Fon | 19Gd | C4 | NvH 4K | F/6 | Andrew Thornton | - |
| The combination of light rain on already watered ground made conditions slippery according to the jockeys and times were slow, raising doubts over the official going description. This was a straight match on paper and the race was presented on a plate to the winner after favourite Lavender Track fell at the third-last. Pulled hard, tracked leader, jumped left 1st and 5th, mistake 6th, jumped left and fell 3 out. | ||||||||
| 26-Mar-2009 | Coda Agency [20/1]11-12 | Tow | 24Gd | C3 | HcH 6K | 12/17, 129L | Andrew Thornton | 29 |
| Despite the good ground, this was still a decent test of stamina for these hurdlers and they finished very well strung out. Coda Agency in touch on outer, ridden and weakening when mistake 9th, tailed off after next, eased after last. | ||||||||
| 25-Mar-2009 | Shaded Edge [3/1F]8-10 | Lin | 7St | C6 | Hc 2K | 1/11, 2L | Martin Dwyer | 66 |
| A weak handicap which was run at a fair pace yet nothing landed a serious blow from behind. SHADED EDGE came under pressure nearing the turn for home, but found a turn of foot when eventually hitting the front and scored in ready fashion. He had been placed over course and distance the last twice, so this was a deserved success and he reversed last-time-out form with the third on 1lb better terms. Chased leaders, ridden to lead entering final furlong, ran on well and in command final 100yds. | ||||||||
| 22-Mar-2009 | Present Glory [3/1J]11-12 | Wcn | 26Gd | C4 | HcCh 5K | 1/6, 4½L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| This modest handicap chase developed into a duel some way from the finish. PRESENT GLORY returned from a lengthy absence to finish fourth in a decent contest on his chasing debut at Ascot back in November, but had not been seen since and was clearly waiting for this better ground. A mark of 115 seemed fair enough and, having always travelled nicely, he took control of the race leaving the back. He began to idle in the straight, though, and allowed the runner-up back into the contest with a mistakethree out, but he picked up again once challenged and was good value for the win. There may be more to come from this lightly-raced ten-year-old, although he isn't one to get carried away with. Tracked leaders, joined leader 12th, led 15th, ridden when idled after 4 out, not fluent next, always doing enough, ridden out | ||||||||
| 21-Mar-2009 | Theatre Dance [5/1J]11-7 | Nby | 24Gd | C2 | HcCh 12K | 4/11, 4¾L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| A competitive handicap in which they went 5-1 the field. Theatre Dance, representing a stable in good form, had quicker ground to deal with this time and ran a fair race on his handicap debut, but he could never quite get close enough to lay down a challenge. Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, headway 14th, staying on when blundered 2 out, rallied run-in and kept on but not reach leaders | ||||||||
| 18-Mar-2009 | Sound Accord [9/2]11-8 | War | 25Gd | C3 | NvCh 6K | 3/6, 8½L | Andrew Thornton | - |
| This looked a cracking event before the off, as three of them won last time out and another finished a respectable second. It was run at a good pace and the course record was lowered as a result. Sound Accord was given a fine ride by Tony McCoy to win last time and had his chance here, but he jumped out to the right over the fences virtually throughout, something he has done before, which obviously did not help. Held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, no extra when hung left flat | ||||||||
| 17-Mar-2009 | Dominican Monk [6/5F]11-9 | Kem | 16Gd | C3 | HcCh 6K | 2/7, 1½L | Timmy Murphy | 122 |
| A modest handicap which saw the first three pull clear. Domincan Monk, 7lb higher, had every chance yet did not help his cause by jumping left at time, most notably at the penultimate fence. One cannot help thinking he would have been better off under a more positive ride over this sharper test, however. Sometimes jumped left, held up in touch, progress 7th, went 2nd 3 out, jumped left next and not quicken after, stayed on again run-in | ||||||||
| 16-Mar-2009 | Lavender Track [11/8F]10-12 | Tau | 20GS | C4 | NvH 3K | 1/13, 6L | Andrew Thornton | 108 |
| An average mares' event, run at a fair gallop. Dual bumper winner LAVENDER TRACK proved all the rage despite having been absent with injury since February last year, but her supporters rarely had a moments worry as she ran out a comfortable winner on this hurdling bow. She showed in her bumper campaign that she enjoys a sound surface and, on this evidence, will stay a little further in due course. Her stable are in great form at present and she should be capable of defying a penalty in this division. Her big target is the Listed mares' handicap at Cheltenham in April and her trainer is hoping to get another run into her beforehand. Tracked leaders, always going well, led after 3f out, ran on well. | ||||||||
| 14-Mar-2009 | Shaded Edge [3/1F]8-9 | Lin | 7St | C6 | Hc 2K | 3/14, 1L | Martin Dwyer | 62 |
| Despite the numbers very few got into this as the winner and runner-up raced clear of the field from an early stage. Shaded Edge, representing an in-form stable, has a good record at this track and did best of those that raced in the main bunch. Prominent in main group, went 3rd under pressure over 2f out, closed over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong | ||||||||
| 13-Mar-2009 | Valley Ride [4/11F]11-0 | Fak | 25GS | C4 | Ch 4K | 1/5, 3½L | Jason Maguire | - |
| Only five runners in this beginners' chase but they went a very sound gallop. VALLEY RIDE, rated 128 both over hurdles and fences, took a handy spot with a circuit to go. He was sent on soon after the second last and with his jockey determined to put him spot-on at the last the runner-up was given a second bite of the cherry. When put about his business on the run-in he quickly put it to bed and this very ready success will have done his confidence a power of good. Held up going easily, left 2nd at 12th, led after 2 out, raced idly and pushed along after, always in command. | ||||||||
| 7-Mar-2009 | Dominican Monk [11/2]11-2 | San | 16Gd | C3 | HcCh 6K | 1/6, 8L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| This looked a very modest event that probably took little winning. Virtually all of the horses had a poor run to overcome and/or were not well handicapped on their previous victories. DOMINICAN MONK was one of the more interesting horses for this, as he had run only once over fences before. He travelled with the choke out under Timmy Murphy, and won easily once getting to the front. The handicapper will probably make his life hard now after winning by a clear margin. He has always been considereda good jumper of fences at home and, even though he is ten, should win something similar. Tracked leaders from 4th, travelling smoothly on bit 3 out, challenged 2 out, soon led and clear, easily | ||||||||
| 7-Mar-2009 | Star Ar Aghaidh [20/1]11-0 | San | 17Gd | C1 | NHFL 14K | 16/18, 23L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| A nice contest for some talented and well-bred mares, but history has shown that the winner of this race has never really gone on to achieve much over hurdles or fences. Star Ar Aghaidh always in rear. | ||||||||
| 7-Mar-2009 | Theatre Dance [5/6F]11-0 | Chp | 24GS | C4 | Ch 3K | 1/4, 3½L | Andrew Thornton | - |
| An interesting beginners' chase, run at a reasonable pace considering the small field. THEATRE DANCE was the one to beat on his placed efforts in similar events won by Lodge Lane and Kornati Kid at Exeter and officially had 12lb-plus in hand on chaseratings. He travelled quite well in third but lost impetus when his attempt at a run up the inner three out was blocked and he had to work to overcome the runner-up, only asserting after the last. He is a useful novice but was below par in victory. Held up in touch, went 2nd 4 out, switched right 3 out, ridden to lead last, ran on well | ||||||||
| 7-Mar-2009 | Bob Run [9/2]11-3 | Chp | 24GS | C4 | MdH 3K | 5/15, 55L | Andrew Thornton | - |
| A modest maiden hurdle proved quite a stamina test, with the field soon strung out as the leaders set a fair pace. Bob Run, who had promised to improve for the step up in trip, chased the leader, clear of the pack for much of the way, but his exertions told. He was still in second place when blundering two out but weakened quickly. Chased leader, 2nd and beaten when blundered 2 out, tired when mistake last | ||||||||
| 6-Mar-2009 | Rith Bob [4/1]10-10 | Wcn | 22Sft | C4 | NvH 2K | 2/7, 3½L | Timmy Murphy | - |
| This ordinary mares' event was run at a routine gallop and the form is straightforward with the first three pulling well clear. Rith Bob took it up going into the final bend and made the winner work hard down the home straight. She would have been a little closer with a better leap at the final flight and this was her most encouraging effort to date. Held up in last pair, headway to lead 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, held when mistake last | ||||||||
| 5-Mar-2009 | Sound Accord [11/10]11-4 | Wcn | 26Sft | C3 | NvCh 6K | 1/3, 49L | A P McCoy | 138 |
| Two of these stood out on official figures, but it was a one-horse race from a very early stage. SOUND ACCORD, with the assistance of Tony McCoy for the first time, looked the ideal candidate to collect if the favourite made too many mistakes. He was wisely ridden up with the market leader to put him off his stride (a tactic that seemed to work) and he was so far clear up the home straight that his rider was able to take a pull. He cleared the final few fences without any problems and won as he liked. Tracked leader, led 10th, mistake 17th, soon drew clear, very easily | ||||||||
| 28-Feb-2009 | Sound Accord [13/2]11-6 | Kem | 25Gd | C3 | C3HcH 9K | 4/8, 51L | A P McCoy | - |
| A modest staying handicap for the class with the top weight being rated 7lb below the ceiling. Coda Agency had been pulled up 28-days earlier and while he at least completed here, paid for racing too enthusiastically on the early lead. Made most to 3 out, weakened rapidly before next | ||||||||
| 22-Feb-2009 | Sound Accord [5/1]11-3 | Fon | 22Gd | C2 | NvCh 12K | 2/3, 10L | Andrew Thornton | 134 |
| This looked all about the favourite and whether he could get around safely to claim a second victory over fences. He did complete without any noticeable errors, but was made to look very ordinary once under pressure. Sound Accord, representing the stable that took this race last season, was well beaten on his first try in a handicap last time and never really looked like winning here back in novice company. He also had a tendency to jump to his right. Tracked winner until approaching 3 out, rallied to go 2nd again approaching last but little chance with winner | ||||||||
| 19-Feb-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [20/1]11-3 | Hun | 21GS | C2 | NvH 13K | 7/10, 21L | Andrew Thornton | 114 |
| A competitive renewal of this Class 2 event which has been won by some decent performers over the years. The pace was fairly steady, understandable given the conditions, and the form may not prove too solid. King Ar Aghaidh prominent, ridden after 7th, weakened before next. | ||||||||
| 18-Feb-2009 | Top Flower [8/1]11-2 | Lud | 16GS | C4 | NHF 3K | 10/16, 17LL | Andrew Thornton | 96 |
| Several of those running on from the rear will have hard luck stories. Top Flower, a stoutly bred mare, was gathering pace when she was knocked sideways and could never recover. Held up towards rear, headway when badly hampered and lost place 3f out, soon ridden, no danger after. | ||||||||
| 17-Feb-2009 | Valley Ride [16/1]10-12 | Sth | 25GS | C3 | NvCh | 7K 3/6, 20L | Andrew Thornton | 125 |
| A sound gallop to this interesting novices' chase. Valley Ride, a 128-rated hurdler, had finished runner-up at Fakenham on his chasing debut. He was hopelessly outpaced three-quarters of a mile from home, but to his credit kept plugging away. All he seems to do is to stay. | ||||||||
| 17-Feb-2009 | Valley Ride [16/1]10-12 | Sth | 25GS | C3 | NvCh | 7K 3/6, 20L | Andrew Thornton | 125 |
| A sound gallop to this interesting novices' chase. Valley Ride, a 128-rated hurdler, had finished runner-up at Fakenham on his chasing debut. He was hopelessly outpaced three-quarters of a mile from home, but to his credit kept plugging away. All he seems to do is to stay. | ||||||||
| 13-Feb-2009 | Shaded Edge [7/2F]8-13 | Lin | 7St | C6 | Hc 2K | 2/13, ½L | Hayley Turner | - |
| A moderate but competitive handicap. Shaded Edge, without the cheekpieces this time, was always close up and had every chance. He has won over this trip, but is possibly even better over 6f. Took keen hold, mostly tracked leader to 3f out, stayed prominent, effort to challenge entering final furlong, not quicken last 100yds | ||||||||
| 31-Jan-2009 | Sound Accord [5/1]10-4 | San | 25GS | C2 | 8/9, 41L | PU/14 | Paul Moloney | 105 |
| This was a good handicap chase. Sound Accord, making his handicap debut, steadily lost his position following a mistake down the back, and something may well have gone amiss. In rear, headway 13th, mistake next, soon weakened | ||||||||
| 31-Jan-2009 | Coda Agency [20/1]10-0 | San | 22Sft | C1 | HcHG3 28K | PU/14 | P J Brennan | - |
| A highly competitive handicap hurdle. Chased leaders to 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out | ||||||||
| 29-Jan-2009 | Romantic Bridge [11/4]10-12 | Wcn | 22Hy | C4 | NvH 3K | 5/7, 6L | D P Fahy | 102 |
| This moderate mares' event was steadily-run until around halfway and there were still many in with a chance in between the final two flights. The form looks worth treating with a little caution. Romantic Bridge met support despite having been pulled up on her handicap debut 40 days previously and she ran her race, but shaped as though this was an insufficient test of stamina. Held up behind leaders, took closer order 3 out, effort approaching next, kept on same pace from last | ||||||||
| 26-Jan-2009 | Bluebell Ridge [9/2]8-6 | Wol | 12St | C5 | Hc 2K | 1/7, 1¼L | Catherine Gannon | 62 |
| A modest handicap. The pace seemed just ordinary, but the first two home, who finished clear of the remainder, were held up for most of the way. BLUEBELL RIDGE was denied a clear run when trying to make a move rounding the final bend, but she had travelled well throughout and found enough when switched wide with her challenge. However, she carried her head a little high, which probably explains the sheepskin noseband, and she also edged left under pressure. Held up in rear, headway on outside to lead entering final furlong, soon edged left, ran on | ||||||||
| 23-Jan-2009 | Tropical Duke [33/1]9-3 | Lin | 10St | C5 | 3yMd 2K | 7/10, 4¾L | Martin Dwyer | 62 |
| A modest maiden and a rather messy contest. The early pace was moderate and the winning time was a massive 4.38 seconds slower than the preceding handicap, which suggests the form is nothing to write home about. Prominent, losing place when came wide bend 2f out, pushed along and not on terms after | ||||||||
| 15-Jan-2009 | Tropical Tradition [6/1]8-8 | Tau | 12St | C5 | Hc 2K | 9/12, 5L | Richard Kingscote | 59 |
| Tracked leader to 5f out, stayed close up on inner, upsides over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong | ||||||||
| 15-Jan-2009 | Star Ar Aghaidh [9/2]11-2 | Tau | 17GS | C5 | NHF 2K | 4/13, 14L | Tom Scudamore | 88 |
| This ordinary mares' bumper was run at a steady gallop until the free-going Follow The Dream went on after a furlong. The first pair eventually came nicely clear. Star Ar Agahaidh, whose dam has produced winners for this stable and herself landed the Stayers' Hurdle, met some support and showed definite ability. She lost out through running too freely early on and ought to know a lot more next time. Mid-division, headway 7f out, led 5f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon one pace | ||||||||
| 12-Jan-2009 | Valley Ride [15/2]10-12 | Fak | 22GS | C3 | NvCh 6K | 2/6, 9L | Andrew Thornton | 106 |
| Valley Ride was not disgraced on his return from injury over hurdles at Cheltenham a month earlier, but he proved easy to back on this belated switch to fences and lacked the tactical speed to land a serious blow. He still showed enough to suggest he can better this initial experience when back on a suitably stiffer track. Held up in last pair, ridden and outpaced in 4th after 3 out, drifted right flat, urged into 2nd close home, no chance with winner | ||||||||
| 12-Jan-2009 | King Ar Aghaidh [7/1]11-6 | Fak | 20Gd | C4 | MdH 2K | 1/13, 3¾L | Andrew Thornton | 110 |
| A modest maiden, run at a fair gallop and the first pair had it to themselves from the home turn. KING AR AGHAIDH got off the mark as a hurdler at the second attempt and had clearly improved for his return to action at Hereford last month. There was plenty to like about his attitude when put under pressure and a big leap over the final flight sealed the race. He looked better the further he went and is bred to stay 3m without fuss, so it is likely there will be more to come as he is faced with a stiffer test. Tracked leaders, went 2nd and ridden 3 out, led last, urged clear | ||||||||
| 10-Jan-2009 | Coda Agency [100/30]9-6 | Kem | 16St | C5 | Hc 2K | 8/9, 11L | Chris Catlin | 60 |
| Coda Agency was unsuited by the moderate pace and needs an end-to-end gallop. He is also 7lb higher than his latest winning mark. Took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 4f out, well behind over 2f out | ||||||||
| 9-Jan-2009 | Bluebell Ridge [12/1]8-12 | Lin | 12St | C5 | Hc 2K | 7/11, 2¾L | Martin Dwyer | 64 |
| An ordinary middle-distance handicap, but still quite competitive. Unfortunately, the fog had become so dense that visibility was very poor. The principals finished in a bit of a heap which suggests that the form is nothing to write home about, and although the winning time was a massive 11.56 seconds faster than the preceding maiden, that race was so slowly run that comparisons are probably meaningless. In touch, under pressure 2f out, one pace after | ||||||||
| 7-Jan-2009 | Shaded Edge [11/2]8-13p | Kem | 7St | C6 | Hc 2K | 7/13, 1¾L | Martin Dwyer | 57 |
| A moderate but very competitive handicap. The early pace was ordinary, resulting in a rather messy race, and unusually for Kempton, the low draws dominated. In touch until outpaced and lost position 3f out, soon pushed along, headway again final furlong, kept on close home | ||||||||
| 3-Jan-2009 | Tropical Duke [20/1]9-3 | Lin | 10St | C5 | Hc 2K | 4/6, 10½L | Martin Dwyer | - |
| Held up in touch, pushed along 5f out, ridden and outpaced well over 2f out, no chance with leaders after | ||||||||
| 3-Jan-2009 | Tropical Tradition [3/1F]8-7 | Kem | 11St | C5 | Hc 2K | 3/7, ¾L | Richard Kingscote | - |
| Tropical Tradition, 1lb lower, stole a clear early lead and dictated. He was a sitting duck nearing two furlongs out and kept to his task gamely enough, but did have very much the run of things out in front. Set modest pace to 2f out, rallied, one pace inside final furlong | ||||||||