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Alan King Stable Tour

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Another one for my followers :D

Arabian Heights
Middle distance Flat handicapper rated 84. Yet to run over hurdles. “Hobdayed in the summer which will help him and he schooled very nicely and starting to go alright – he was never right last season. He’ll be ready towards the end of November.”

Ardlui
Useful juvenile hurdler winning one from four and improved in staying handicaps on the Flat, good second off 85 in two-mile handicap at Ascot in early October. “He’s improved on the Flat and the plan is to go to Newmarket for a two-mile handicap at their last meeting then he’ll go jumping. The step up in trip on the flat plus a hobday and gelding have all helped him.”

Balder Succes
Won four novice hurdles on the spin last season, the first in France and failed to complete in final two outings at Grade 1 level and too early to form any opinion as to improvement at that level. “He’ll start at Haydock on Betfair Chase day in the four-year-old hurdle. Last season promised so much but ended up being disappointing. The reasoning behind Haydock is that it won’t be a big field – I’d be against running him in a big handicap first time back.”

Bless The Wings
Decent novice handicap chaser last season winning two from five around two and a half miles and improving from 119 to 138. Well beaten both starts off that rating. “Might well start at the Charlie Hall meeting at Wetherby over two and a half miles but he’ll soon be going up to three. Although he didn’t get three over hurdles two years ago I think that was because he ran with the choke out. Far more settled now.”

Call Me A Star
Smart bumper mare winning twice and second on other two stars. Finished on a high when length and a half second to Eleven Fifty Nine in a mares'bumper at Aintree in April. “Very happy with her progress and she goes to Uttoxeter on November 2 for her hurdling debut. I think she’s as good filly as we’ve had. She can take a grip so she’ll start at two.”

Fire Fighter
Useful in three starts over hurdles, winning once and placed in remainder. Rated 128 having ended season on 123 when a neck second to Kapga De Cerisy over two at Sandown in February. “He’s back in work progressive and last year season we were training him for the Fred Winter but he had a setback. Only three runs over hurdles, a stayer on the Flat so we’ll step him up in trip. Could be more to come.”

Godsmejudge
Consistent staying handicap hurdler last season and moved from 118 to 123 after beating Hassadin two and three quarter lengths at Uttoxeter in March. “Fine and has schooled well, goes to Stratford on November 1 for a novice chase - a 0 to 125 which means he’s only 2lb wrong. Thorough stayer.”

Gold Ingot
Signs of ability on both bumper starts, debut at Ascot when fourth to Royal Guardsman in February looked better. “Just about ready to start in novice hurdles, looked good at Ascot then probably didn’t let himself down on faster ground at Warwick.”

Grumeti
Top-class juvenile hurdler, beaten three and three quarter lengths when third to Countrywide Flame in Triumph Hurdle but beat that one by a length in Aintree equivalent off 148. Starts this season off 153. “Not been in that long and just starting fast work and his first run will be the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and I wouldn’t see him being ready before.”

Handazan
Rated 94 on the Flat and never really got over mistake early on hurdle debut at Chepstow October 13 but ran a sound second to Far West. Won gamely on next start beating Four Two near four lengths at Aintree October 29. “I wasn’t too disappointed that he was beaten at Chepstow because he was only just ready to run. Sharpened up no end for that and he proved that with a very game win at Aintree last time. He’ll come on again for that experience.”

Hold On Julio
Progressive ex-hunter who moved from 117 to 145 last season winning twice at Sandown. Encouraging comeback when length and a quarter third to Balthazar King in an extended three-mile handicap chase at Cheltenham October 20 off 144. Now 148. “Very pleased with him at Cheltenham and he’ll now go straight for the Hennessy at Newbury. No run before and we’ll just prepare him steadily for that.”

Hollow Penny
Second on both bumper starts, yet to race over hurdles. “Like him and he’s done very well – working a lot better than he did last season. I can’t make up my mind whether to give him one more bumper run or go hurdling. Schooled well.”

Hot Whiskey
Placed in two Irish points, satisfactory debut at Wincanton in two mile six hurdle October 28 when fourth to Weekend Millionaire. “Progressive and made his debut at Wincanton on October 28 over two miles six and showed a very good attitude. It’s very much a learning curve this year before he goes over fences next season.”
 
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Katchit
Former top-class hurdler rated 166 at his best. Down to 151 when last seen and well beaten in two and a half mile hurdle at Ascot in November 2011. “Cantering now but you won’t see him until the New Year but if it all goes well we might see him over a fence. Hasn’t yet schooled.”

Letsby Avenue

Won sole start in Haydock bumper in April. “A backward horse last season so we took our time and he did well to win because he stumbled when he was pulled out. I don’t think he’ll run in another bumper because the 7lb penalty might be too much but he’ll be out mid-November. Might go up to two and a half miles.”

Lovcen
Top-class staying novice hurdler, fourth to Brindisi Breeze at Cheltenham then beat Fingal Bay over three miles at Aintree in April when rated 142. Now 150. Ran well at Aintree on October 28 in a three-mile handicap hurdle finishing fifth to Ely Brown, beaten about eight lengths. “Happy with him at Aintree and the plan is to go for another hurdle at the Paddy Power meeting and after that we’ll decide whether he’ll stay hurdling or jump a fence. Schooled over fences last spring.”

Manyriverstocross
Smart novice hurdler from two to two and a half miles when last seen in 2010 when third in Greatwood Hurdle rated 138. “He was in good form then suffered a little stress fracture so he’s on the easy list but he’ll be back. I was getting him ready for the Greatwood but it’ll be Christmas time now. Haven’t decided if he stays hurdling or goes chasing.”

Mcvicar
Modest middle distance handicapper for Mick Channon but much better effort on hurdle debut when beating Fisher just over a length at Kempton on October 21. “He’ll school again and I’ll have a look at the Wensleydale Hurdle at Wetherby on November 2. It’s possible I might give him an easier race than that next time because although he’ll be sharper I don’t want to over face him.”

Medinas
Winner from two to three miles in novice hurdles last season and rated 125 on reappearance when just under three lengths second to Bondage in two mile five handicap at Cheltenham on October 20. Now 135. “Thrilled me at Cheltenham but not quite so happy with the extra 10lb. I still think he’ll win with that mark, though. He does need a bit of time between his races.”

Montbazon
Top-class, two-mile novice last season winning twice and rated 144 when close fourth to Cinders And Ashes in Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Now 147. “I’m not getting a clear run with him and if he does appear it won’t be until the second half of the season.”

Pantxoa
Maiden hurdler from two to two and a half miles and rated 128 when making sound chase debut when 13 lengths fourth to Rebel Rebellion over two three at Exeter on October 23. “I think it was a good novice chase he ran in at Exeter but he needs further so he’ll step up in trip next time. It’s likely he wants better ground because it was riding quite slow for him at Exeter. I’ll look at Huntingdon or somewhere like that.”

Raya Star
Smart two-mile handicap hurdler winning three last season and rising to 143 finishing with three and a quarter length defeat of Local Hero at Ayr in April. Now 149. “He’ll go to Ascot on November 3 for a handicap hurdle then the Greatwood. Depending on what happens there I think he’ll be jumping fence after that.”

Salden Licht
Smart hurdler from two to two and a half miles, finished last season off career high 156 when ten lengths third to Oscar Whisky at Aintree. “He’s going novice chasing and did well in a couple of schools recently. Still a little bit away fitness-wise because he did very well but I’d like to think he’ll be ready towards the end of November.”

Salmanazar
Won sole bumper start at Towcester in February. “Won well at Towcester and I’d think it will be two and a half miles when he comes out towards the middle of November.”

Secret Edge
Useful juvenile from two to two and a half miles and rose from 131 to 142. “Not that well handicapped so will start in the intermediate hurdle at the Paddy Power meeting.”

Simply A Legend
Unraced “Bumper horse that’s going as well as any of them at the moment. I like what I’ve seen so far.”

Smad Place
Progressed to being a smart staying hurdler last season, finished third in the World Hurdle and then going well when unseating rider at ninth in Liverpool Hurdle off a career-high of 161. “He’s going to Wetherby for the three-mile hurdle on November 2 then he’ll go to the Newbury Hennessy meeting for the staying hurdle there. After that we’ll take a view as to whether he stays hurdling of goes over fences.”

Tante Sissi
Smart mare over two and a half miles who won Mares’ Final at Newbury off 120. Well held off 127 next and final start at Cheltenham won by Kells Belle in April. “Has done well over the summer, doing good work and ready to start in the mares’ handicap hurdle at Wincanton on November 10. There might be a decent hurdle in her but she could jump a fence if she had to.”

Turn Over Sivola
Gradually improved last season and won a two-mile hurdle at Plumpton in May from Battlecat. “Did well last season and is progressing well. Has entries coming up at Bangor and Taunton which should suit him well.”

Valdez
Plenty of promise winning two bumpers last season and showing good attitude when fourth to Up To Something in decent contest at Newbury in March. Beaten a neck by Kings Flagship in a two-mile novice hurdle at Wincanton on October 28. “He probably ran his best race when he was beaten in the Doncaster Sales Bumper at Newbury. He was gassy that day but still ran very well and I was pleased with his hurdle debut at Wincanton when he was just run out of it. Likes some give in the ground and will certainly improve for that.”

Walkon
Looked good winning his two-mile chase debut at Exeter last December but never built on that in four starts and dropped from 153 to 148. Now 143. “He’s very well and in good order and will have an entry for the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Whether he goes there or a graduation chase I haven’t yet decided. I don’t know why he lost his form last season.”

West End Rocker
Decent staying chaser winning the Becher Chase off 137 but fell at the second in the Grand National off 149. “In very, very good form and might go to Wincanton for the Badger Ales Chase. After that we’ll be thinking about going back to the Becher. However, the Grand National will not be on the agenda because he lost the plot at the start.
 
Hoof thanks for these.

King seems to have a loot of horse who don't train on or get injured. Just saying...does he train them too hard ?
 
Thanks hoof ...think king has been unlucky myself.
 
Alan King has got more work into his team than most of his big-name rivals and the easy victory of Bless The Wings at Wetherby on Friday confirmed that King is a trainer out to get to among the winners before other stables are fully into swing.

His Smad Place is going to take a great deal of beating up at Wetherby in the John Smith's Hurdle, as he will not have lack of fitness as an excuse.
 
SUNDAY 04 NOVEMBER 2012
Reflections from the boss on a ‘brilliant week’

RAYA STAR topped up a magnificent week for Barbury when defying the welter burden of 11st 12lb to win the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Ascot yesterday, but, while Alan's initial thoughts were to let him run off his revised mark in the £100,000 Racing Post Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 18, he stressed this morning that this plan was "not set in stone".

He explained: "You'd expect Raya Star to go up 5lb or 6lb when the new ratings are released on Tuesday and, while I'd gladly take that for having won a £28,000 plus race, we will digest the handicapper's reaction before making a decision, and Plan B would be to wait a week and run instead in the Grade 2 Coral Hurdle over two-and-a-half miles back at Ascot.

"I must confess that I was surprised he was sharp enough to win first time out off that weight and, hopefully, there is a bit more improvement to come. Wayne (Hutchinson) said that he is much more relaxed than he was this time last year and that he felt like a different horse, but we won't make our minds up whether to stay hurdling or go over fences until after his next run."

Reflecting on what a brilliant week we have enjoyed – six winners and another nine finishing in the frame – Alan conceded that the one disappointment was Smad Place's comeback run in the West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby.

He said: "Overall, I could not be happier, but Smad Place was disappointing and never travelled like he usually does. He seemed fine going into the race, so it is all a bit of a mystery, but we will have him checked over before deciding whether or not to stick with the plan to take on Big Buck's again at the Hennessy meeting at Newbury."

Alan was similarly happy with Lidar, who finished second under a huge weight at Ascot. He added: "That was smashing, He really battled when he was headed, which was encouraging and, while I am not making any excuses, we could have done without the second last fence having to be dolled off. However, he was giving 25lb to the winner, allowing for the 10lb claim of the conditional, so it was a terrific run from our fellow."

Besides the pair we told you about that Alan bought off Andrew Tinkler at last week's Tattersalls Horses-in-Training Sales, he revealed that two more have arrived, one that he purchased out of Sir Michael Stoute's stable and the other who came via Thurloe Thoroughbreds.

He said: "We got Uriah Heep from Stoute's. He is by Danehill Dancer, and he broke his maiden for Sir Robert Ogden at Goodwood and will be a good addition to our squad of juvenile hurdlers, while James Stafford (Thurloe) bought Kuda Huraa out of Roger Varian's yard. He is a Montjeu four-year-old who has already won a couple on the all-weather as well as finishing third in a decent handicap at Newmarket, so he, too, looks a useful acquisition.
 
Raya Star likely to go back to Ascot

HAVING digested Raya Star's rise in the ratings, Alan has come to the conclusion that it would make more sense to give the Racing Post Hurdle a miss at Cheltenham on Sunday week and wait instead for the Coral Hurdle back at Ascot six days later.

Alan, delighted that the team have clocked up 12 winners this month, explained: "Raya Star is now on a mark of 155, so he would have to shoulder topweight of 11st 12lb at Cheltenham which would be a huge ask.

"It is more likely that he will return to his favourite course on November 17 (he won The Ladbroke there last season and, of course, produced that herculean performance on the Royal Heath last week-end) for the two and a half-miler, where he would be on level terms with the opposition, albeit which might well include Oscar Whisky."

The fact that the weather enabled Alan to gallop the horses twice a week on the grass earlier than in previous seasons has been a big factor in their coming to hand so soon, and, despite a couple of reverses earlier in the week, the boss could not be happier with the way things are panning out.

He added: "Call Me A Star, who made a winning debut over hurdles at Uttoxeter, would be as good a mare as I have trained, and the plan is to send her for the Listed Mares Hurdle at Newbury on Hennessy week-end.

"We have a schooling session this morning after which we will decide week-end plans, but I can tell you that Handazan, who showed such courage to win in bad ground up at Aintree, was at the vets last week being gelded. The race in the back of our minds was always the Finale Junior Hurdle at Kempton over Christmas, so he has plenty of time to get over the operation."



TUESDAY 06 NOVEMBER 2012
Food for thought as Raya Star takes a 6lb hike

THERE is no rush to decide, and Alan will digest over the next week whether to run Raya Star in the £100,000 Racing Post Hurdle (formerly the Greatwood) at Cheltenham on November 18, having seen his brave Ascot winner take a 6lb rise in the ratings when the new lists were released by the official handicappers this morning.

Raya Star, who showed tremendous guts to defy 11st 12lb on the Royal Heath in what was a hugey competitive race, is now on 155, but Alan concedes that it was "about what I expected" and he will see how the horse is at the week-end before making his mind up whether to go to Cheltenham or return to Ascot for the Coral Hurdle a week later.

Meanwhile, Bless the Wings, who also showed a great attitude when winning at Wetherby last Friday, has been raised 8lb to a mark of 145, while Lidar, who ran a smasher at Wetherby, too, in finishing second under a big weight, goes up 4lb to 147.

Ardlui, who won on the Flat at Newmarket last week, takes a 5lb hike to 95 - he will go back hurdling but could be one for the Chester Cup next year, Alan. Remember, he has run well on the Roodee before.
 
Wayne Hutchinson's Blog

It's good to be back and getting into the swing of things again and I had a couple of winners last weekend, starting with Bless The Wings at Wetherby.

This was a good comeback and despite making a mistake at the first, he jumped well and won nicely so he's returned in fine fettle.

He progressed all last year and I think there will be more to come this season when he's stepped up to three miles. Hopefully he will be able to turn up for some good handicaps at the Saturday meetings.

Raya Star has been very good to me and he won another good race at Ascot last weekend.

It was a lovely performance off topweight on a mark of 149 and he has really grown up with his racing. There was a false start and last year that would have seen him lose his head but it didn't affect him at all and he has really settled down.

He relaxed beautifully in the race as well and travelled really strongly before showing his battling qualities to get the better of It's A Gimme.

Alan (King) always leaves a little bit to work on with our horses first time out so there is definitely more to come. I am not sure what his next target is - it may be the the race that used to be the Greatwood at Cheltenham or possibly the conditions hurdle over two and half miles at Ascot that Overturn won last year.

He has gone up to a mark of 155 now so is entitled to take his chance against the better opposition now.

Lidar and Nataani also ran good races in defeat at Ascot last weekend.

Lidar normally has to have things fall exactly right for him but he surprised me as he showed all the right qualities and a good attitude when finishing second to Gus Macrae.

He will be competing in some good two-mile handicaps but doesn't want the ground too soft.

Nataani took a big step up in class after winning three races over the summer but he gave me a good ride. He should see out three miles if ridden with a bit more restraint against that sort of quality of opposition.

Looking ahead to Sandown on Saturday, I ride Rayadour for Alan on his debut in the juvenile hurdle.

He is a very interesting recruit and I had a sit on him on Thursday when I schooled him over nine flights.

He went very well and is a horse we like at home - he used to be owned by the Aga Khan and I would say he's my best ride of the weekend.

A quick word now on a couple of the Alan's runners at Wincanton on Saturday - Balder Succes and West End Rocker.

I schooled upside Balder Succes the other day and although things did not go to plan on his final two starts last season at Cheltenham and Punchestown, he has not been affected.

He is a lovely horse, has done really well over the summer and remains unexposed so we will know much more about him after the Elite Hurdle.

West End Rocker has also done well after his summer break and I think the plan is to campaign him a lot more aggressively this season.

The Badger Ales Trophy looks a good place to start him off and he's in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and also the Becher Chase again.

I think that a target like the Grand National is out of the question but he should be going for the big staying handicaps again on Saturday afternoons.
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Alan King is on a fact-finding mission with Balder Succes in the totepool.com Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

The four-year-old won on his first three starts over hurdles in Britain last season, but failed to complete in the major juvenile events at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals in the spring and so has questions to answer at this level.

"Balder Succes is arguably our most exciting runner this weekend," the Wiltshire handler told his website, www.alankingracing.co.uk "He runs ...nchestown, so we do not know how good he is."
 
Walk On looks the part as he warms up for Paddy Power

MONDAY is a schooling morning at Barbury, but, despite suffering a hangover from having the week-end double off on the social circle – Richard Hughes’s Champion Jockey party followed by Mike Cattermole’s Stag lunch on Sunday – I braved raw temperatures and incessant drizzle to let you know how Walk On got on in his final ‘pop’ at first lot in readiness for Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

“He jumped super”, declared Choc Thornton after taking Walk On over the triple line of fences on the all-weather three times, and Alan also expressed his satisfaction, observing “that was just what we wanted, and he looks to be in great form for Saturday.”

‘Choc’ then schooled recent recruit Fair Trade over hurdles, mixing it both on the grass and the all-weather.

Fair Trade, who ran in Makfi's 2000 Guineas when with David Elsworth, also had a spell with Hughie Morrison before joining us a month ago, and owner Raymond Tooth asked his racing manager, Tony Stafford, to make the trip down from Hackney for the schooling session, which necessitated a 5am departure for the former Daily Telegraph racing journalist.

Tony said:”Fair Trade is a big horse with no end of scope, but he has not helped his cause by getting very buzzed up, so it was great to see him so relaxed this morning. Maybe it is the change of scenery, but he looks a different horse and could be quite exciting.

“It is the first time that I have seen schooling down here, and it made the early start more than worthwhile, especially since we were treated to freshly-laid poached eggs for breakfast by Alan’s wife, Rachel.”

It was also the first time that Fair Trade has schooled on the grass, and Alan was pleased how athletic he was for a horse of his size.

He said:”Fair Trade worked well last Saturday, and I have been pleased with his schooling as he can get in close and still put himself right.

“I’d like to start him off on a flat track, and we will look for a race next week or maybe the week after.”

Romulus d’Artaix also impressed schooling over fences, as did Arabian Heights over hurdles.

Alan added:”We bought Arabian Heights this time last year out of Sir Mark Prescott’s yard, and, though he had a few issues, he is now working so much better.”



SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2012
No winners but Alan is "happy enough"

APART from French recruit Rayadour, Alan was delighted with the performances of our Saturday runners even though we did not have a winner.

Reflecting on the day, the boss said: "Rayadour got hampered at the first at Sandown, lost his confidence and got stuck in the ground, but the experience will have done him good and he remains a decent juvenile hurdle prospect.

"Jojabean, who finished third at Wincanton, will come on a lot for that. His brother, Raya Star, got better as he got older and it will hopefully be the same with this fellow.

"Balder Succes will also improve for his Elite Hurdle run, It was well documented that he had a bit of a troubled preparation, but he was not knocked about and should come on a lot, too.

"West End Rocker plugged on as we thought he would in the Badger Ales Trophy, and he will now go for the Becher Chase at Aintree. He is also entered in the Welsh National, but he would not want bottomless Chepstow ground, so we will monitor that one.

"Tante Sissi got tired in the ground and could have done without the rain, while Henry San has run another smashing race in ground that would have been plenty soft enough for him. He will have a winter break now."
 
Nick Luck likes this one

Call Me A Star (Alan King)

I was hugely impressed with this mare at Uttoxeter last week, when she beat old adversary Eleven Fiftynine in good style.

What characterised her performance was not only the class she showed in bumpers last season, but also an ability to settle more readily, allowing her to find more in the finish. Races against her own sex look there for the taking, but she is a good bit better than that, and it would be no surprise were she to emerge as the key danger to Quevega in the David Nicholson, a race her trainer would dearly love to win.
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The new Punjabi ?

Fair Trade, who finished tenth in the 2000 Guineas in 2010, is on course to make his hurdling debut in the next couple of weeks.

Still owned by Raymond Tooth, the five-year-old left David Elsworth before the start of the latest Flat season and joined Hughie Morrison. He failed to recapture his best form - he was rated rated as high as 110 - and has now joined Alan King for a campaign over obstacles.

"Fair Trade worked well last Saturday, and I have been pleased with his schooling as he can get in close and still put himself right," King told www.alankingracing.co.uk.

"I'd like to start him off on a flat track, and we will look for a race next week or maybe the week after."

Tooth's racing manager Tony Stafford said: "Fair Trade is a big horse with no end of scope, but he has not helped his cause by getting very buzzed up, so it was great to see him so relaxed on the gallops.

"Maybe it is the change of scenery, but he looks a different horse and could be quite exciting."end
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OUR main hope of the weekend is the genuine and consistent Raya Star who heads to Ascot for the Coral Hurdle. He’s progressed with every run over hurdles and this will be his first run outside of handicap company against potentially some very useful opponents.
Desert Joe is another likely to run at Ascot on Saturday having finally got off the mark at Chepstow last month. He has come out of that race particularly well and the Playboy Club London Novices’ Hurdle looks the most likely target. Yes, it’s a quarter of a mile shorter than last time out, but there isn’t anything for him over 3 miles and we’ve got no choice but to drop him in trip.
Balder Succes is a possible for the 2 mile hurdle at Haydock if he pleases me in his final work. He finished a really good third to Zarkandar at Wincanton last time and I would be disappointed if that hasn’t brought him on a good bit. Another possible for Haydock is Trigger The Light who will celebrate his 12th birthday at the end of the month. He retains all his enthusiasm and is ready to start again.
As far as Sunday’s action is concerned, Godsmejudge has pleased me since finishing second at Stratford on his chasing debut and assuming the race is not out of the ordinary, he should go well in the novices’ handicap chase.
 
Balder success goes in ...& Raya Star the main hope ?
 
LAST WEEK

It was encouraging to see so many good performances from our youngsters, particularly Two Rockers and Kenai Peninsula.

Two Rockers was making his debut for the yard when successful in a 2m5f novice hurdle at Towcester. This winning point-to-pointer took what was clearly an above-average contest and I couldn’t have been happier.

Everything he does over hurdles is a bonus because he has the stamp of a 3m chaser, but we won’t over-face him and plan to take things one step at a time. If you could have seen him on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after he had run, he looked in terrific shape. He is a horse I would suggest readers keep on their side.

Kenai Peninsula is on an upward curve and the step up to 2m3½f obviously helped when beating some highly regarded individuals to take a Taunton novice hurdle. Despite being sent off at 16-1 I was hoping for a good show as his bumper form warranted it, and his schooling at home had given us plenty of encouragement. On that evidence a more galloping track would help again and we will look for a suitable race, probably over Christmas.

Another youngster who showed a deal of promise was Gone Too Far, who finished second in a competitive bumper at Newbury. He was the first of my bumper runners this season and, like all of mine, would benefit for that first run, so to see him run a highly-rated rival to a length on his debut was very heartening. The winner Oscar Rock was a little more battle-hardened, but I have no complaints as my fellow ran a cracking race. ‘AP’ was very pleased with the horse, so we will look for a couple more races this season, but I’m in no hurry.

Lotus Pond was my other bumper horse last weekend and again he gave me plenty to feel happy about. He faced a stiff task for his debut when taking on the far more experienced Red Devil Boys, who looked pretty useful.

Lotus Pond, who runs in the Grand National-winning colours of Trevor Hemmings, was seven lengths clear of the third home and looks to have an exciting future. He is not the sort of horse you would want to be hurrying at this stage of his career, but all in all it was a smashing first effort.

One old boy who really shone was Oh Crick. You all know how much affection I have for him and to see him run and jump with such enthusiasm was particularly heartening.

Josh Newman gave him a super ride and clearly the pair of them get on well, so there are no plans to swap jockeys in the near future. He was beaten by a progressive and well-handicapped horse in Ulck Du Lin, but even as he approaches his tenth birthday it is clear his will to win is undiminished.

Bless The Wings is genuine and I was delighted when he made it two from two for the season when taking a 2m4f handicap chase at Newbury last Saturday. He travelled beautifully throughout the race and once he hit the front idled a little. Thankfully the runner-up came at him with plenty of time to respond and he dug deep to hang on by a neck. He will bid for his hat-trick on New Year’s Day at Cheltenham, where there is a suitable race for him.

Ardlui looks a different proposition this year and his effort when taking third in a 2m3f handicap hurdle against mainly older horses was much better. He seems to be happier this season and his jumping was impeccable. Looking at that effort I would think he wants a further step up in trip, but on that evidence he shouldn’t be long in winning again.

Initially I was disappointed when Call Me A Star came home third in the 2m½f Listed mares’ novice hurdle, but on reflection she held up her form with Eleven Fifty Nine and the front two are pretty smart. My mare settled well enough and is sure to improve with racing.

There is no substitute for class and Bobs Worth illustrated that when taking the Hennessy Gold Cup under a big weight. I thought Hold On Julio had a great racing weight but experience has proved again that these top chasers just go half a stride faster and take the lesser horses out of their comfort zone earlier than normal.

That was the case for Hold On Julio, yet it was still a decent effort as he ran on well in the home straight to take fifth place. I will now look to run him with a bigger weight against slightly lesser opposition, which is probably going to be his ideal.

The Grand National is his main target this season so we will work backwards from there. I have no firm plans but a race I have often used, with some success, is the Warwick Classic in the new year.

Bakbenscher didn’t enjoy the best of passages when finishing down the field in the 3m1f handicap hurdle. He got badly hampered twice by fallers and still came there looking dangerous three out. I don’t know whether it was the ground or the interference he suffered that took it out of him, but he seems fine now. It was out of character as he generally finishes his races well.

Godesmejudge was my real disappointment because he had been working so well at home and I was convinced he had more to offer. I did say last week that we were dropping him in trip to 2m6f from 3m as there were no other options, so it could be he wants to step up and not down in distance now.

Finally Vendor ran no sort of race in the Listed Gerry Feilden Hurdle when trailing home last. I have no idea why as he seemed in good order beforehand, but we will get to the bottom of it as he will be subjected to several tests this week.

THIS WEEK

Saturday

I always enjoy having runners at Aintree and hopefully I have a couple with live chances.

West End Rocker was an impressive 22-length winner of the Becher Chase 12 months ago and he bids to retain the trophy this weekend. He had a bad experience on his last visit to Liverpool when only getting as far as the second fence before falling in the Grand National.

My theory is that the hullabaloo of the big day got to him and he lost all concentration in the process.

I was happy enough with his comeback run when a distant third on a track that he was not ideally suited to. He will run off a 5lb higher mark than last year, but if he can reproduce the form of last year then that hopefully wouldn’t stop him.

I also run a potentially smart ex-French recruit called L’Unique, who finished fourth in a Listed fillies’ hurdle at Auteuil on her only start. She has pleased me since arriving and is one that is sure to improve for the experience.

Tante Sissi is my top-rated mare and she runs in a 2m4f handicap hurdle restricted to her sex at Sandown. On her seasonal return she ran a big race until tiring on the run-in. Hopefully that has blown the cobwebs away and she should go well, although she is not at her best on soft ground.

I have entered Ardlui, Araldur and Medinas in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle over 2m6f. At this stage I am unsure who, if any, of the trio will run.

Ardlui will be monitored throughout the week as he only ran last Saturday, Medinas has an engagement at Aintree and Araldur has been off the track for some time and will work on Wednesday morning.

Turn Over Sivola has been given an entry in the 2m½f Listed handicap hurdle and this progressive individual is a possible. However, he wouldn’t want it bottomless and will only run if I am happy with the ground.

I have also made a tentative entry for Kumbeshwar in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase as there may only be a handful of runners and there is huge place-money to be picked up. I will monitor the declarations before deciding on his participation.

Jojabean holds an entry in the opener, the 2m½f NH novices hurdle. Again I will look at the strength of the opposition before committing.

Sunday

I have a few entries at Warwick on Sunday, the first being Rayadour, who would head here if he doesn’t run at Market Rasen on Thursday.

In the 2m5f maiden hurdle I have made two entries. Salmanazar looked a fair prospect when victorious in his sole bumper at Towcester in February. He ran an encouraging race at Exeter last month on his hurdling debut and should have improved for that experience.

Midnight Prayer also has an entry but has been off the track for some time and will benefit from the outing.

My final entry of the weekend is Champagne N Caviar in the bumper. He is a relatively new arrival to the team, having had one run for Rebecca Curtis in May.

NEWS

I must take this opportunity to congratulate Alastair Down on winning his third HRWA for Journalist of the Year.

Alastair is one of the finest writers in his field and I felt this award was well deserved as I have long been an admirer of his work. He is a master with words and is respected throughout the industry.

Unfortunately he is nearing the end of his period as a broadcaster on Channel 4 Racing, which is very disappointing, and he will be greatly missed.

GALLOPS GOSSIP

One horse racegoers continue to enquire after is Grumeti, who had suffered a setback earlier this year and hasn’t run since the Flat season. I am pleased to report he is progressing well and I was delighted with his work on Tuesday morning. I am not sure where or when he will start but he looks in excellent condition.
 
Big week at Barbury - in more ways than one!

STANDING on the top of the gallop at second lot this morning, you could barely see the end of your nose, let alone spot a future star coming up the rise, but with Cheltenham's pre-Christmas meeting being staged this week-end the air of expectation shone through the fog, and, together with leading owner Max McNeill, I soon forgot that my toes were fast turning into icicles.

There is certainly plenty to look forward to on Saturday, not only with Walkon, who heads a strong squad heading for Cheltenham, but also with Alan's wife Rachel celebrating a landmark birthday (I am too much of a gent, Rachel, to mention figures) and the stable's Christmas Party in the evening.

Alan, who himself will enjoy a 46th birthday drink on Thursday, is pleased how well the team are running, and Max, who makes the journey down from Sonning every three weeks or so to spend a morning on the gallops with the boss, boasts an infectuous enthusiasm that spirals right through the yard.

It might have been a "pea-souper" out there this morning, which did not help when you were trying to assess the well-being of a certain grey (Walkon), but even my untried eye saw enough through the gloom to be convinced that Walkon worked superbly with recent Taunton winner Kenai Peninsula, and he looks in top order for the Paul Stewart IronSpine Charity Gold Cup

Max said:"I have been very lucky to have owned some good horses over the last few years, and this season I seem to have quite a few good ones.

"We have the likes of Walkon, Handazan, Grumeti and Kumbeshwar to look forward to, while I have a one-sixth share in Lovcen, who will run in outlandish new colourful colours of the Barbury Apes for the first time in his next race, while I also love Franklino, who broke down as a juvenile hurdler but has that will and determination to get better and better.

"I get attached to all my horses and they all have different characters - they are like your kids as you love them all for different reasons. Walkon is obviously a particular favourite because he has been through so much.

"Walkon was such a good juvenile hurdler, but then he injured his tendon so badly that he was 0.33mm away from having to be put down, so when you watch your horse cheat death, having had more than two years off the track, it gets pretty emotional when they manage to get back on the racecourse.

"We were really pleased how well Walkon ran to finish second to Al Ferof in the Paddy Power Gold Cup. Time may well show that he was taking on a King George VI Chase winner that day, and I hope he was as I have had a few quid on Al Ferof for Kempton, but we are only 5lb higher and there is no Al Ferof around this time, so if he runs the same race on Saturday he has to be right there at the finish.

"Sure, we have had our setbacks the last couple of years, none more so than when we lost Mille Chief, who had so much more to offer, but that is part of the game, and you accept that these things happen when you sign on as an owner.

"We have decided against running Handazan at Cheltenham on Saturday. Far West beat us 12 lengths at Chepstow first time out, and, while I'd almost guarantee that he would not beat us that far if we took him on again at the week-end, our fellow's main target for the first half of the season has long been the Finale Junior Hurdle at Chepstow on December 27, so why risk what would certainly be a tough race so close to his chief objective ?"

Handazan, who has been gelded since he won at Aintree at the end of October, has quickly recovered from the operation, and he worked brilliantly at first lot this morning.

Max added:"We toyed with the idea of entering him for Plumpton next Monday as a prep for Chepstow, but, though we would probably have got away with a breeze round there, Alan says that he does not need a race before the Finale, so we would rather have him fresh for the Grade 1, and it would be great to have a winner on the BBC's last day televising racing."

Assessing his other equine stars,Max said:"Grumeti is all class, while Kumbeshwar, who picked up 25 grand for chasing home Sprinter Sacre in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown last Saturday, is like a prize fighter, and he would be one you would love to have in the trenches with you.

"Sprinter Sacre could have knocked Kumbeshwar down three times, and he would still have got up and come back for more. He is such a tough character, and he has improved so much since we got him."

Outlining plans, Alan said:"Grumeti had that summer hiccup, but he has made phenomenal progress this past month. However, the clock is ticking too fast to enable us to make the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, so we will look for one race somewhere in January before taking in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton en route to the Champion.

"Kumbeshwar is just amazing. Looking at him this morning, you would now know that he ran against the best two-miler chaser in training last week-end. He went for a walk this morning, but he will be so fresh by the end of the week that we will have to gallop him again, otherwise he would be dangerous. He went up 5lb for Sandown, and I think he deserves a crack at the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton over Christmas."

Hold on Julio had his first canter since his fifth place in the Hennessy this morning - "he did not have the necessary class for that, but he ran on well up the straight so I was pleased with that effort, especially as he pulled a few muscles," said Alan - while it was good to see Bensalem back from his summer's convalescence in Ireland, and the boss reckons he could be back on the track in the second half of January.

Raya Star has been entered for the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday, but Alan stressed that he is reluctant to take on Oscar Whisky again and would probably opt out unless something prevented the favourite from running, while Smad Place, who missed a return clash with Big Buck's at Newbury's Hennessy meeting as Alan was "not happy with him", could reappear in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot next week-end.
 
Wayne Hutchinson on doncaster rides

Moving on to this weekend, I have four rides up at Doncaster on Saturday and I start with Featherintheattic, who makes his chasing debut.

We were very pleased with his run at Kempton and he is in very good order. I schooled him over six fences on Friday morning - he jumped lovely - and we are looking forward to get him started.

Doncaster could be his ideal track as he is a good traveller and it will be interesting to see how he runs.

Ulys Du Charmil has had a couple of engagements recently and I think that Alan has been waiting for some better ground.

I think that he is off a competitive mark and I am hopeful of a big run from him.

Midnight Sail has run well around Doncaster before on better ground and he has been ultra-consistent this year which means he has crept up the weights. He is in good order and sure to be competitive.

Helpston needed the run last time at Fakenham when he was pulled up and things happened too quickly for him around that sharp track.

He is a smashing big type and I think Doncaster will suit him more so hopefully we will see a different horse to first time.

Overall, I am looking forward to Featherintheattic but Ulys Du Charmil could be a hidden gem so look out for him.
 
FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012
Victory for Walkon would set the seal for a weekend of celebrations

CHAMPAGNE is chilling nicely in preparation for tomorrow night's double-celebration – Rachel's birthday and the staff Christmas party – and things really will go with a swing if the boss gets his wish in the afternoon, success for Walkon in the £100,000 Paul Stewart IronSpine Charity Challenge Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Walkon has done nothing wrong since finishing an excellent second to Al Ferof in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here last month, and Alan said: "I have heard the theory that Walkon might be best fresh, but when he first came to us he ran four times in two months and won three of them.

"He then finished second in the Triumph and promptly went one better in the Anniversairy Hurdle at Aintree three weeks later, so I am not sure how much credence there is in that line of reasoning.

"We have never really had a clear run with Walkon since his juvenile season, so for me if the horse is sound it doesn't much matter whether there is two weeks or six months between his races.

"He did not lose much weight for his Paddy Power run, and there was 12 lengths back to the third, so I have no complaints about going up 5lb, and if he is in the same sort of form he is the one they all have to beat.

"He did a nice sharp bit of work on Tuesday morning and goes there in top condition - his preparation has gone great and the ground won't be a problem, so now we just need luck in running."

We also run Handazan, Oh Crick and Midnight Appeal at Cheltenham, and the boss added: "I spoke to Max (McNeill) and we have had a change-of-mind and decided to run Handazan. The race has cut-up, and, though we have obviously got to find 12 lengths with Far West, our fellow might have improved for being gelded since he won at Aintree.

"Josh Newman got a good tune out of Oh Crick when they were second at Newbury last time and his 7lb claim will again be invaluable in the Jenny Mould Chase, while Midnight Appeal finally broke the ice over hurdles at Hereford last time, and, though this looks a lot tougher, he, too, will hopefully run well.

"At Doncaster we run Ulys du Charmil and Midnight Sail. Ulys du Charmil was our 1000th winner when he scored at Market Rasen last back-end, and he runs in his first handicap up there off a handy weight, while Midnight Sail has run two smashing races this season, finishing second both at Stratford and Market Rasen, so fingers crossed he will again be thereabouts."
 
Notebook adds

A new entry to the list of horses to follow over the coming weeks is Ulys du Charmil, who finished a very good second to the in-form Robbie at Doncaster on Saturday.

Alan King's four year old was making his return to action after scoring in a maiden hurdle at Market Rasen in May and like many of his stable companions, is likely to benefit from that first outing.

He displayed a good cruising speed through the race but was ultimately outstayed by the winner which suggests he will be best suited when the emphasis placed slightly less on stamina.

He raced that day from a mark of just 117 and has the scope to make an impact in handicaps at that level.
 
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