Alan King Stable Tour

[Hoof]

More positive news for first horse on thread from Wayne I was at Doncaster last Saturday and started off on board Featherintheattic in the beginners' chase.

He jumped and travelled okay in a pocket on the inside but then hit the ditch six out when slightly blinded going into the fence which knocked the stuffing out of him. I then just gathered him up and let him pop his way home up the straight.

He wasn't suited by the soft going and will be much better on some decent ground - his wins have come in the spring when the going was much drier.

Ulys Du Charmil ran a really good race to finish second to Robbie and he has just bumped into an in-form rival.

He will also be better on good ground and you have to remember he is just a four year old and has a lot still to learn but he has a good way about him and will progress.

Midnight Sail ran another very solid race as he jumped well and travelled, came to make his challenge but just couldn't get past a decent horse in Easter Meteor.

He really deserves to get his head in front as he does nothing wrong and is ultra-consistent although he continues to creep up in the handicap.

The sixth-last fence at Doncaster on Saturday was my nemesis as Helpston came down there in the handicap chase.

He had jumped great up to that point but was always in top gear although I do think he would have kept galloping to the line and picked up some prize money.

It was encouraging that he showed more than he did at Fakenham so it will be a case of going out again and having another crack as he seemed to be fine after the mishap.

I was extremely pleased with Arabian Heights at Newbury in midweek on his debut in the maiden hurdle.

He is a strong type at home so it was important to get him settled early on as he puts quite a lot of effort in.

He got tired at the second last but has shown us enough to suggest he'll do well once he learns to race properly over hurdles as he can't do things the same way as he did on the Flat.

Dalavar ran fine in the novice hurdle but he needs to learn to settle and that should happen as the penny drops.

If Haydock goes ahead on Saturday then I ride Bakbenscher for Alan King in the handicap hurdle over two and half miles.

He ran at Newbury last time and was a bit unfortunate as he got hampered by some fallers twice in the race and it interfered with his progress.

He goes well on soft ground as he has shown at Lingfield and Exeter in the past - the going will be very wet and hopefully he will be able to handle that better than the others.

 

[JohnC]

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Cheltenham 2013 Calendar

Highclere Thorougbreds


SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER 2012
Let's hope for a Christmas cracker at Kempton on Boxing Day

THERE might be no Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day, but the quality of racing looks as hot as the Christmas pudding we will all be devouring 24 hours earlier, so Alan, never one to send a horse to the races to make up the numbers, is hoping to get a slice of the action with one or more of his four runners.

It could be a long day, because we are in the first with newcomer Hung Parliament and also in the finale with mud-loving Secret Edge, while in between we have Lovcen making his debut over fences in the Feltham Novices' Chase and Raya Star taking on the big boys in the Christmas Hurdle.

Alan said:"Countrywide Flame is favourite for the Christmas Hurdle, but we are rated only 3lb behind the Fighting Fifth Hurdle winner, so Raya Star is entitled to take his place in the field. He has been in good form since his second to Oscar Whisky at Ascot, while Lovcen has schooled fine and we are looking forward to getting him started over fences."
Bakbenscher saves the day at Haydock

DOUBTLESS, Alan feared the worst when he picked up his Racing Post on Saturday to be confronted by the Page One banner headline "King For A Day" but, while the wheels came off at Ascot, where Smad Place ran a blinder in the Long Walk but just got outstayed by Reve de Sivola, Balder Succes lost the plot in The Ladbroke and Hold on Julio ultimately paid the penalty for some sketchy jumping in the Listed handicap chase, up at Haydock Bakbenscher saved the day when winning the staying handicap hurdle.

Reflecting on those performances, Alan said: "I was delighted with Smad Place, and it is so pleasing to be able to put that Wetherby disappointment behind us. He just got outstayed by Reve de Sivola in the testing ground but, hopefully, it won't be quite as heavy in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, and we might have a look at the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham or the National Spirit at Fontwell as his next race.

"Balder Succes lost a shoe, but he was never going and he seems to panic in a big field, while Hold On Julio needs a confidence-booster, so we might go back hurdling with him.

"However, Bakbenscher was smashing. He simply loves that heavy ground and we will see what the handicapper does before formulating a plan."

Wayne Hutchinson, who rode Bakbenscher, said: "Haydock was brilliant, and it was great to see him bounce back after his disapppointing run at Newbury, where it was probably a combination of the bounce factor and getting hampered early in the race. He has had his problens, but he is a star on this ground."

 

[Hoof]

King in Weekender ..


Grumeti was third in the Triumph Hurdle behind Countrywide Flame last year, before turning the tables with that rival in the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle at Aintree's John Smith's Grand National meeting. However, he has not been seen since finishing second on the Flat at Goodwood last May.

King, writing in his exclusive column for the Weekender said: "He is over his injury and back working, in fact he did his strongest piece of work to date on Tuesday. I was delighted with that and he continues onwards and upwards. At this time I am very hopeful of him being ready for Cheltenham, although I haven't made any entries yet."

While there is no return date set for Grumeti, Bensalem is in line for his first start in 651 days in a 2m5f graduation chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Winner of a Grade 3 handicap at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival, Bensalem has also been out through injury and will benefit from the run, as King added: "I must warn you that I have left a fair bit to work on. The ground won't be a concern to him as he has won on everything ranging from good to heavy."

 

[johnno]

Couple more for the notebook

Ludlow last Thursday saw the lone Notebook horse in action this week as Ulys Du Charmil was out to build on his promising first run at Doncaster.

He looked an attractive proposition racing off the same mark of 117 in the handicap hurdle but was found out once again by this winter's consistently deep ground.

He travelled and jumped nicely and moved up with an effort on the home turn but was soon toiling and he finished well held in fifth - although he did manage to plug on in pretty brave fashion.

There is no doubt in my mind he can win races off his current rating but it is going to be a waiting game with him as drier conditions in the spring should see him in a far more encouraging light.

I was taken with the performance of stablemate Franklino at Warwick on his comeback in the novices' handicap hurdle and he is worth adding to the list of horses to follow.

He has obviously had a problem as he has not been on a racecourse since June 2011 but he showed enough to suggest he can start making up for lost time.

He remains a maiden over hurdles but has always been held in some regard by Alan King although never really fulfilling expectations during his juvenile season.

He has some interesting form in the book - he was beaten under three lengths at Doncaster on one occasion by the pretty smart Local Hero (now rated 151) - so a current mark in the lowish 100s suddenly becomes very attractive.

I don't think King would persevere with him if the ability had gone or he did not believe Franklino was up to winning a race - he is very much one to keep an eye on particularly when we get an extended drier spell - eventually.

 

[mayo]

King said: "All options are open at the moment. Smad Place will go for the National Spirit at Fontwell first and I'm not sure about Walkon.

"He will either run in the two-mile-and-five handicap chase at Cheltenham next weekend, or the Cleeve Hurdle - it will probably be the chase.

"Lovcen hates chasing and might go for the Cleeve as it's tough off his handicap mark.

"Bensalem has been off for two years and was due to go for a handicap chase at Haydock this weekend but I doubt it will be on. I'd imagine he'd run in one of the handicap chases at the Festival."

 

[Sprinter]

I was very pleased with Franklino's run at Warwick last Saturday and it was nice to get him going again.

He travelled well and jumped super, then took a blow turning into the home straight and galloped on right to the line.

He will improve for the run as he has had a long time off but as I said it was very pleasing and he can build on that first effort as he retains his ability.

It did not really happen for West End Rocker back over hurdles in the Pertemps Qualifier as we were hoping to rebuild his confidence.

It was a competitive race, they went pretty quick and he was flat out all the way and I am sure the run will not have done him any harm but I don't know where they will go with him from here.

He is difficult horse to place and one option is veteran chases, but I am worried that we may have seen the best of him. I think what happened at Aintree last year has left a mark unfortunately but if he can get over that, then he could well win a veterans' event.

Godsmejudge ran his heart out when second in the Classic Chase at Warwick and he gave me a fantastic ride. It was only his fourth run over fences and it was it superb for him to jump as well as he did for a novice.

I was gutted he got beaten in the manner that he did but it was one of those things and he gave the winner Rigadin de Beauchene 6lb so overall we were thrilled with him.

He is a tough little horse and something like the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival could be the race for him.

Reddy Tobouggie was fourth on debut in the closing bumper and he also put up a pleasing effort for Alan King. He was well behaved and showed a good attitude so will improve for the experience - there was a lot to like about the run.

I was on board Dalavar in the novice hurdle at Newbury in midweek and he is progressing with racing as he has started to settle a lot better as he learns his job.

He finished closer this time to Alan's other horse Uxizandre - he stays well and he will probably be one for novice handicap hurdles.

Iona Days ran well for a long way in the handicap chase and he was out quite quickly after running over the Christmas period. He might have been a tiny bit flat, the ground was a little bit too tacky for him and he is probably on a high enough handicap mark.

But he ran his race and could pop up in due course as he is a big strapping horse who might be better carrying more weight in a lesser race.

I have a quick update on one of the stable favourites, Bensalem, who did have an entry this weekend after a long spell on the sidelines and has been entered in the World Hurdle. He was in at Haydock and I think connections were keen to get him started again.

I schooled upsides him on Monday and he is in great nick, while I rode him in a piece of work myself last week. It is great to have him nearly back to making a return.

 

[Sprinter]

^wayne hutchinson

 

[Yeehaa]

Wayne again

It was a quiet start to the week with the weather but I was back in at Alan's (King) on Thursday morning.

All the horses have been able to get out and we are lucky up at the Barbury Castle estate as we have no roads to contend with and they can go straight out into the fields.

It means that they have been exercising in the snow plus we also have an indoor school and I did a couple of lots on some of the younger horses on Thursday.

I was back in again on Friday morning in the indoor school and schooled Walkon and Lovcen over some hurdles and both are very well.

I have three rides at Cheltenham on Saturday and I start with Bless The Wings in the 2m5f handicap chase - I am really looking forward to getting back on him.

He has done nothing but improve this season and he is up 5lb from his win at Newbury and I would like to think he can still find that weight rise off his current mark.

This will be his toughest assignment but I am hopeful of a big run - he won on the same day last year so we know he acts at the track. He goes into the race with a live chance and we think he has the necessary improvement in him.

Kumbeshwar takes his chance in the rearranged Victor Chandler Chase and he is there to pick up as much prize money as posssible against Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire.

There are a few more runners this time so it is more competitive but he is as tough as old boots as I have said before so we will give it a shot. He is fit and has been kept ticking over at home.

I ride Lovcen in the Cleeve Hurdle and we have got the feeling that he has not really enjoyed chasing on his last two starts.

He ran at Kempton behind Dynaste in the Feltham over Christmas and then at Leicester but seemed not to have the appetite for it so it is back over hurdles - he was a lot happier on Friday morning when I schooled him.

He was a Grade One winner at Aintree last season and is penalised for that win in this company but has a touch of class and surely has place claims.

Walkon also runs for Alan and he is in good nick as he comes back over hurdles with there obviously being a gap in the staying hurdles division now with Big Buck's out for the season.

We will try and fill that void and he is also a Grade One winner over hurdles so I would think he has an outstanding chance for the stable.

It is good to be back racing at last as it has been a long week and I would say that Bless The Wings is my best chance on Saturday.

 

[Yeehaa]

The man is poxed...

"Salden Licht suffered a bad suspensory and won't be able to race again, and we are in the process of trying to sort him out a good retirement home," King told his website, www.alankingracing.co.uk

"He was a smashing, versatile horse for us.

"He won three races in France before we got him, but he won again on the level at Doncaster, clocked up three wins over hurdles, as well as finishing third in the Grade One at Aintree, and then completed the full house when winning over fences at Plumpton in January."

 

[JohnC]

Alan King is hopeful that Kempton jumpers' bumper winner Fair Trade could be a factor in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Once smart enough to run in the 2000 Guineas when in the care of David Elsworth, the six-year-old demonstrated his class with a convincing victory over Champion Hurdle possible Pearl Swan and will now return to hurdles with the Festival on the agenda.

"His two runs for us over hurdles has (sic) taught him to settle much better and he showed his class in what I think was a hot field," King said in his exclusive Racing Post Weekender column.

"That will have done his confidence the world of good and we will now revert to hurdles in Kempton's Dovecote Hurdle.

"If all goes well there then I would hope he could be a Supreme Novices' Hurdle contender."

King also offered an upbeat report on the long-absent Bensalem and smart juvenile hurdler Grumeti, who were part of a small team sent to Kempton to work on Tuesday.

"Grumeti worked with Iolith over a mile and a half in a decent piece of work," confirmed King.

"Both Choc (Robert Thornton) and Wayne (Hutchinson) were delighted with their respective mounts.

"After the changeover I got Manyriverstocross and Bensalem - who has been out of action since April 2011 due to injury - to do a similar piece and again both pleased me with their efforts.

"The day out should hopefully have brought the team on and we can now sit down and start making plans in the near future."

 

[Yeehaa]

Wayne

I drew a blank at Cheltenham Trials day last weekend but Bless The Wings was found out by the heavy ground behind Katenko in the Murphy Group Chase. He jumped and travelled great in the early stages as usual but had not raced on worse than soft going before and was in trouble at the top of the hill.

It was all purely down to the testing conditions and I think we will see a much better performance from him back at the Festival in March.

Kumbeshwar was fifth behind Sprinter Sacre in the Victor Chandler Chase and he has finished just about where he was entitled to, picking up some more prize money. He is going to have a break now to freshen up and a race like the Grand Annual at Cheltenham in March will be his target.

Lovcen was disappointing in the Cleeve Hurdle and he has not run a race. He seems to be sulking and is just not in love with racing at the moment.

I said last week that he is a Grade One winner so has the class but he is not enjoying things - I am not sure what the boss (Alan King) will do with him next as it is case of rejuvenating him a bit.

I had one ride at Towcester on Thursday on board Crystal Swing in the handicap hurdle and he has run much better than his finishing position of eighth suggests.

He has been quite keen through his career but settled much better this time although he got lit up slightly at the bottom of the hill. He led to the second last and this was quite an encouraging run. There should be more to come on better ground in the spring.

I was at Kempton for the jumpers bumper card and rode Stage King, who was sixth behind Ericht.

It was his first run for Warren Greatrex after a couple efforts in Ireland and I was very encouraged. I dropped him in to give him the chance to learn to settle and I think that he is ready to see a hurdle now.

He enjoyed the surface at Kempton so I think that two and half miles on decent ground could see him win a maiden hurdle. He showed a good attitude and looks like being a fun horse for the spring.

I have just one ride this weekend - on Medinas in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on Saturday. He has been consistent this year and has climbed the weights but is a tough horse and the trip and ground should be no problem. The going will be very deep and it will be a case of who handles it the best but he has got a chance.

Alan runs Balder Succes in the same race and he didn't like the hustle and bustle of the Ladbroke at Ascot last time. He will cope with conditions well - as he did at Haydock when I rode him - and I saw him school over six flights of hurdles on Thursday - all is good with him.

 

[johnno]

Medinas: Likely to be aimed at the Cheltenham Festival
The five year old showed a tenacious attitude to win the two and a half mile limited handicap at Ffos Las on Saturday despite the extremely testing ground and it's no surprise that his trainer, Alan King, isn't concerned about the possibility of testing ground at Cheltenham.

Reflecting on the performance King said: "He is such a tough little horse, and I was always quietly confident that he would handle the ground as I remember his first run in a bumper at Wetherby, where it was bottomless. I nearly pulled him out that day, but we took a chance and he sailed through the mud and was only a beaten a length by a more experienced horse (Distime)."

Jockey Wayne Hutchinson praised Medinas for having "the heart of a lion", observing "every time I asked for a bit more he delivered for me.

"Medinas coped with the ground exceptionally well, but I think his break had done him good, too. He had two tough races in the space of 16 days around October-November time, but the boss has freshened him up, and he was really bouncing at Ffos Las," Hutchinson added.

Medinas is set to be handed entries in both the Coral Cup and the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival.

King also saddled Balder Succes in the Welsh showpiece but he weakened into eighth having travelled well and is set to be dropped in trip with King believing that a lack of stamina was to blame.

 

[Old Vic]

ALAN KING, who has won two out of the last three runnings of the Kingwell Hurdle, is out to land Saturday's Grade 2 again with Raya Star and not Grumeti who was originally pencilled in for the race.

The Simon Munir-owned Raya Star, 40-1 for the Stan James Champion Hurdle, has been described by King as a model of consistency and followed a Listed handicap win at Ascot in November by finishing second in a Grade 2 there later that month.

He then produced a career-best effort to finish second to Darlan in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton.

King wrote in his column in the Racing Post Weekender: "His latest run in the Christmas Hurdle when second to Darlan
makes good reading and having had a small break he is fresh and well and is in great shape ahead of Saturday."

King's wins in the Kingwell - backed by Bathwick Tyres - have come courtesy of Katchit (2008) and Mille Chief (2011).

 

[Hoof]

interesting update on his website. Nice to hear Invictus back. Beat Bobs Worth last time we saw him

AN autumnal morning at Barbury, but it stayed dry and, together with Peter and Trish Andrews, owners of Smad Place, it was great to be back on the gallops watching Alan King's jumpers taking another step towards returning to the racecourse.

It was the first time this season that Smad Place and Roberto Pegasus, in whom the Andrews's also have a half-share, have done three canters, and Alan confirmed that the plan is for Smad Place, a high-class staying hurdler, to go novice chasing this winter.

Alan said: "We have not yet schooled the novice chasers this season - we only school them on the grass, which has been too firm, so it will be another four to six weeks before we pop Smad Place and company over the bigger obstacles.

Barbury certainly look to have an embarrassment of riches in the novice department, with the likes of Balder Succes, Kenai Peninsula, Raya Star, Two Rockers, Valdez, Meister Ekhardt and possibly Medinas all pencilled in for a switch in codes.

Alan added: "We have 118 horses in already with a few to buy if I can find them, and it is terrific to have both Invictus and Montbazon back. They are returning from injury, so they will stay cantering for another month or so before we give them some faster work.

"I am not sure where we will start Montbazon off, but we are certainly looking at the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in November for Invictus, though we will take it one step at a time."

Grumeti was next to come up the gallop, along with McVicar and The Pirate's Queen, and Alan said:"Grumeti has enjoyed what was his first summer holiday, so he won't be ready for a race on the Flat at the back-end, and he will start back hurdling around November time, as will L'Unique, who did us proud last season and has really strengthened up through the summer."

The Andrews's are also involved in Lovcen, who was out in the paddock, having been exercised at first lot, so we popped into to see him on our way back from the gallop.

Lovcen had looked an exciting young prospect when winning at Aintree the season before last, but he lost the plot completely last winter, leaving the owners and Alan somewhat baffled.

However, it seems that Lovcen might have turned the corner. Alan explained:"It was very frustrating, but it eventually transpired that the horse was suffering from a liver ailment.

"Ironically, Uriah Heep had the same complaint, and he bounced back to finish an excellent third on the Flat at Kempton last weekend, so, hopefully, Lovcen's problems are also behind him. The lads who ride Lovcen are adamant that he feels a completely different horse than he did last year, so fingers crossed we can get him back to the sort of form he was showing in the spring of last year, and the plan is to stay hurdling."


and ......

Obviously there have been a few new recruits, and further down the line we can look forward to the arrival of Tiger Cliff and First Mohican from Lady Cecil.

"They are both high-class Flat racers and it was very exciting when Henry Ponsonby, who runs the syndicate that own them, confirmed that they will be coming to us for jumping.

"Tiger Cliff won the Ebor and First Mohican has shown himself a Group horse on the level, but I understand that both will have one more race and then enjoy a break at Kingwood before arriving here."

 

[Old Vic]

Two rockers put up as rsa type by mark howard


Two Rockers - Alan King:
The Neptune found him out. He’s a better horse with plenty of cut in the ground. The manner of his victory at Haydock in February marks him down as a good jumper and a strong stayer. I would have thought the RSA would be on his agenda. You’d like to think more RSA than the four miler. *

 

[Sefton]

ARALDUR
Track Araldur View form
9-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Spadoun (FR) - Aimessa (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: P/14421-4
Handicap hurdler/chaser effective from two and a half to three miles, raced over timer for much of last season and won twice, latest by a neck from Bravo Bravo at Chepstow in April off 135. Two and a half lengths fourth of 20 to Battle Group in three-mile handicap hurdle at Haydock in May. Stays on 141.

“Consistent last season and he is going to stay hurdling, all he wants is two mile six to three miles on soft ground. He’ll win again off this mark because the ground would have been quick enough at Haydock on his last start.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - coral.co.uk Handicap Hurdle (2m 4f), Chepstow, 12 Apr 2013
WON - Free Bets At Gg.com Novices' Hurdle (2m), Towcester, 28 Mar 2011
2nd - Widmerpool Novices' Hurdle (Div 2) (2m), Leicester, 4 Jan 2011

BALDER SUCCES
Track Balder Succes View form
5-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Goldneyev (USA) - Frija Eria (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 083U5-1F
Smart two-mile hurdler rated 145 and made an excellent chase debut when beating three quarters of a length over two and a half miles at Chepstow October 12.

“Extremely happy with his novice chase debut but Choc Thornton said that two miles three was as far as he’d want to go. There is a good chance we’ll take him to Cheltenham a week later to get some experience of the track over two miles.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - BetVictor Robert Mottram Memorial Trophy Novices' Chase (2m 3f 110y), Chepstow, 12 Oct 2013
4th - Kirby Gate Maiden Stakes (1m 3f 183y), Leicester, 23 Sep 2013
5th - totepool.com Sussex Champion Hurdle (Handicap) (2m), Plumpton, 31 Mar 2013

BATONNIER
Track Batonnier View form
7-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Spadoun (FR) - La Bazine (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 552-2321
Smart two and a half mile hurdler when last raced in 2012 and rated 126 when beating Broadbackbob three lengths at Cheltenham in January that year.

“I might just stay hurdling with him for the time being. Had a year off with a leg and has been fired. I am very happy with him at present.”

VIDEO FORM
3rd - Reading Post Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2m 3f 110y), Ascot, 29 Oct 2011
2nd - Sharmans Agricultural Ltd Maiden Hurdle (2m 4f 110y), Southwell, 28 Apr 2011
5th - Visit chancelloroftheformchecker.co.uk Daily Standard Open NH Flat Race (1m 6f), Fontwell, 28 Jan 2011


CALL ME A STAR
Track Call Me A Star View form
6-y-o; bay mare
Breeding: Midnight Legend (UK) - Second Call (UK)
Trained by A King
Form: 2-134212
Useful novice hurdle mare from two to two and a half miles and finished with career-high 136.

“Because of the opportunities for mares, she’ll stay hurdling over two and a half to three miles – not sharp enough for two. It was a good performance when she finished second at Kempton on her last start giving a lot of weight.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - 32red Casino E.b.f. Mares' 'national Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (2m 3f 110y), Doncaster, 1 Mar 2013
2nd - 32red Casino Mares' Novices' Hurdle (2m 110y), Doncaster, 4 Feb 2013
4th - totepool.com Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Listed) (2m 1f), Taunton, 30 Dec 2012


CARRAIG MOR
5-y-o bay gelding
Breeding: Old Vic - Lynrick Lady (IRE)
Trained by A King
Irish point winner on sole start in December 2012.

“Won is only point in Ireland and is ready to go novice hurdling.

FAIR TRADE
Track Fair Trade View form
6-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Trade Fair (UK) - Ballet (UK)
Trained by A King
Form: 506008-5
Won twice over hurdles as a novice last season plus jumpers bumper and moved from a mark of 120 though to 129.

“He’s schooled well and will go chasing over two, possibly two and a half miles on good ground.”

VIDEO FORM
2nd - Felix Rosenstiel's Widow & Son Introductory Hurdle (2m), Ascot, 23 Nov 2012
23rd - Royal Hunt Cup (Heritage Handicap) (Str) (1m), Ascot, 20 Jun 2012
8th - Hampton Court Stakes (Listed) (1m 2f), Ascot, 17 Jun 2010

FIRE FIGHTER
Track Fire Fighter View form
5-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Tiger Hill (IRE) - Firecrest (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 312
Decent juvenile novice when last raced in 2012 and beaten a neck by Kappa De Cerisy that February at Sandown off 123.

“Had a year off with a leg but back in work. With his mark will stay handicap hurdling and could be alright.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - williamhill.com Handicap (1m 5f 194y), Wolverhampton, 23 Sep 2011
WON - ladbrokespoker.com Handicap (1m 7f 92y), Folkestone, 4 Aug 2011
WON - lipscomb.co.uk Handicap (1m 4f), Folkestone, 7 Jul 2011


GODSMEJUDGE
Track Godsmejudge View form
7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Witness Box (USA) - Eliza Everett (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 2012131
Quality staying novice chaser last season who finished with a third win from seven starts over fences when winning Scottish National off a mark of 139. Now 148.

“He’ll head to Cheltenham for a three and a half mile chase at the November meeting. After that we’ll be working back from Aintree but I won’t be trying to preserve handicap marks – a lot can go wrong. I would think the staying chase at Warwick in January would be an early target having only just been beaten in it last season. The Welsh National ground would be too heavy for him.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - BetVictor Non Runner Free Bet Cheltenham 2013 Beginners' Chase (3m 1f), Folkestone, 18 Dec 2012
2nd - Jenkinsons Caterers Beginners' Chase (2m 7f), Stratford, 1 Nov 2012
WON - Betfred 'Bonus King' Handicap Hurdle (3m), Uttoxeter, 31 Mar 2012


GONE TOO FAR
Track Gone Too Far View form
5-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Kayf Tara (UK) - Major Hoolihan (UK)
Trained by A King
Form: 2-1
Smart bumper performer, second in decent Newbury event won by Oscar Rock in November then won comfortably at Kempton in May.

“He’s been schooling well over hurdles and will go straight into novices. Lovely horse.”

GRUMETI
Track Grumeti View form
5-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Sakhee (USA) - Tetravella (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 1F1131-4
Smart juvenile hurdler in 2012 winning fourth of seven starts beating Countrywide Flame in grade one event at Aintree in April. Won on flat then off track until finishing fourth of five to Court Minstrel in handicap hurdle at Ayr in April off 153. Dropped to a mark of 151.

“He’ll stay hurdling because we were very pleased with his run last season in the Scottish Champion Hurdle behind Court Minstrel when he had top weight and it was his first run of the year. Solid and the track was sharp. In good order.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - Leo Bancroft Signature Haircare Handicap (1m 4f), Ascot, 12 May 2012
WON - totequadpot Novices' Hurdle (2m 1f), Taunton, 30 Dec 2011
2nd - Keltbray Handicap (1m 2f), Ascot, 24 Jul 2011

 

[Sefton]

HANDAZAN

4-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Nayef (USA) - Handaza (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 21253-13
Useful juvenile hurdler won who from six and dropped from 133 to 126 on reappearance at Chepstow October 12 when beating Another Hero 11 lengths over in two mile handicap at Chepstow. Now up to 134.

“I was very pleased with him at Chepstow because I thought the ground wasn’t testing enough and the trip might have been on the short side. Under the right conditions he might be able to cope with his increase.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - Download The BetVictor App Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (2m 110y), Chepstow, 12 Oct 2013
6th - Longines Sagaro Stakes (Group 3) (2m), Ascot, 1 May 2013
5th - Yorkshire Radio Supporting Yorkshire Racing Juvenile Hurdle (2m 110y), Doncaster, 9 Jan 2013

HEROD THE GREAT
Track Herod The Great View form
3-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Sakhee's Secret (UK) - Pella (UK)
Trained by A King
Form: 21
Middle distance Flat handicapper made promising juvenile hurdle debut when length and three quarters second to Dispour at Bangor October 3.

“Did well Bangor and improved for it so goes to Uttoxeter on October 17. Should be up to winning but will have his limitations.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - Teenage Cancer Trust Juvenile Hurdle (2m), Uttoxeter, 17 Oct 2013
12th - Betfair Funds The Pja Doctor E.b.f. Maiden Stakes (7f 9y), Leicester, 11 Sep 2012

HOLD ON JULIO
Track Hold On Julio View form
10-y-o; brown gelding
Breeding: Blueprint (IRE) - Eileens Native (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 5U2550-P
Staying handicap chaser, has been 148 and now 140. Rated 132 over hurdles.

“Goes to Cheltenham on October 19 for a three-mile novice hurdle. I just feel it’s a good move to make the most of him being a novice. I think the hard race he had to finish fifth in the Hennessy last year left its mark.”

VIDEO FORM
5th - A.p. Security Veterans' Handicap Chase (3m), Ascot, 7 Apr 2013
U - Champagne Bollinger Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Listed) (3m), Ascot, 22 Dec 2012


INVICTUS
Track Invictus View form
7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Flemensfirth (USA) - Clashwilliam Girl (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 301-1131
Top-class novice chaser when last raced in 2012 beating subsequent RSA Chase and 2013 Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth at Ascot in February.

“Back cantering and working away nicely. The target is the Hennessy at Newbury if we can get him ready. Whether I can get a run into him before I don’t know, but he is in good order.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - Sodexo Prestige Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (3m), Ascot, 18 Feb 2012
WON - Totepool Novices' Chase (2m 4f), Plumpton, 5 Dec 2011
WON - Herefordshire Growing Point Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (2m 5f 110y), Hereford, 17 Nov 2011


KENAI PENINSULA
Track Kenai Peninsula View form
5-y-o; grey gelding
Breeding: Tikkanen (USA) - Realms of Gold (USA)
Trained by A King
Form: 7-41741
Progressive novice hurdler last season winning two from four and ending with length defeat of Irish Buccaneer off a mark of 123 in two mile five handicap at Kempton in April. Now 128.

“Has just schooled for the first time over fences and went well. He’ll want two and a half plus but he’s going to be very interesting.”

VIDEO FORM
7th - crownhotel-bawtry.com 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (2m 3f 110y), Doncaster, 29 Dec 2012
WON - Bet totepool Text tote To 89660 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (2m 3f 110y), Taunton, 29 Nov 2012
4th - Promiseworks Standard Open NH Flat Race (2m 1f), Taunton, 30 Oct 2012


LOVCEN
Track Lovcen View form
8-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Tiger Hill (IRE) - Lady Hawk (GER)
Trained by A King
Form: 1-55648
Smart staying hurdler rated 150 but failed in both attempts over fences in January and unraced since. 145 over hurdles and 140 in chases.

“Was wrong last season and we discovered he had a liver problem. We’ve treated that and he seems to be in very good order now. He didn’t like chasing so he’ll go back over hurdles in staying handicaps.”

VIDEO FORM
4th - Leicester Annual Members Novices' Chase (2m 7f 110y), Leicester, 8 Jan 2013
F - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The River Don Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2) (3m 110y), Doncaster, 28 Jan 2012
WON - British Stallion Studs E.b.f. 'national Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (qualifier) (2m 5f), Towcester, 26 Nov 2011


L'UNIQUE
Track L'unique View form
4-y-o; bay filly
Breeding: Reefscape (UK) - Sans Tune (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 41131
Quality juvenile hurdler last season winning three from five and ending with success in two- mile Grade 1 Matalan Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April when rated 135. Now 142.

“I’m excited about her and she’ll start in the mares’ race at the Wetherby Charlie Hall meeting. She’ll start at two but two and a half will be fine.”

MEDERMIT
Track Medermit View form
9-y-o; grey gelding
Breeding: Medaaly (UK) - Miss D'hermite (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 2-132234
Smart chaser around two and a half miles and ok over further. Off track since April 2012 when rated 167 after finishing length third in Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and finished three lengths fourth to Follow The Plan in Grade 1 Betfair Bowl over three miles at Aintree.

“Won’t be ready until Christmas but we might run him in a hurdle race before looking at fences.”

VIDEO FORM
2nd - Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1) (2m 5f 110y), Ascot, 18 Feb 2012
3rd - Amlin 1965 Chase (Grade 2) (2m 3f), Ascot, 19 Nov 2011
WON - Panbet.com Supports Vote Mccoy Novices' Chase (2m 1f), Plumpton, 13 Dec 2010

 

[Sefton]

MEDINAS
Track Medinas View form
6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Malinas (GER) - Medicis (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 6-22411P
Quality handicap hurdler who won two mile five Coral Cup over two miles five at Cheltenham in March by two lengths off 148. Went to career-high 154 and pulled up in Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree won by Solwhit.

“Very good order and will have one run in a handicap hurdle and if we are struggling he might go and jump a fence. The only reason for the slight reticence is that he’s not very big but he is tough.

VIDEO FORM
WON - William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle (Limited Handicap) (2m 4f), Ffos Las, 2 Feb 2013
WON - 888sport Novices' Hurdle (2m 6f 110y), Fontwell, 3 Apr 2012
WON - British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing E.b.f. 'national Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (qualifier) (2m 4f), Hereford, 5 Mar 2012
MEISTER ECKHART
Track Meister Eckhart View form
7-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Flemensfirth (USA) - Carrabawn (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 1135-223
Hurdler that seems best around two and a half miles and campaigned well at a high level in three runs last season moving from 142 to 147 and finished with four-length third to Minella Forfitness in two and a half mile handicap at Aintree in April Now 150.

“Will go novice chasing having already schooled well during the spring.”

VIDEO FORM
2nd - totepool National Spirit Hurdle (Grade 2) (2m 4f), Fontwell, 24 Feb 2013
WON - Best Odds At oddschecker.com Novices' Hurdle (2m 4f), Ffos Las, 26 Dec 2011
WON - Become A Go Racing In Kildare Member (Pro/Am) Flat Race (2m 3f), Naas, 16 Oct 2011
MONTBAZON
Track Montbazon View form
6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Alberto Giacometti (IRE) - Duchesse Pierji (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 12-32114
Smart novice hurdler when last raced in 2012 and rated 144 when finished under two lengths fourth to Cinders And Ashes in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“He’s back cantering and will definitely stay hurdling this season.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - Attheraces.com Track Your Favourite Horse Maiden Hurdle (2m), Plumpton, 30 Jan 2012
WON - DBS Spring Sales Bumper (Standard Open NH Flat Race) (2m 110y), Doncaster, 5 Mar 2011
NED STARK
5-y-o bay gelding
Breeding: Wolfe Tone (IRE) - Last Moon (IRE)
Trained by A King
Placed in Irish point in March.

“Second in his only Irish point but is shaping up very well.”

PANTXOA
Track Pantxoa View form
6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Daliapour (IRE) - Palmeria (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: F231112
Useful middle-distance hurdler that is getting better over fences and already has won last three chase starts moving from 119 to 136 when beating Brassick a length at Chepstow over three miles on October 1. Now 142.

“Progressive and I have him entered foe the three mile novice chase at Cheltenham on October 18. He’s some a fair way already but hasn’t finished. Wouldn’t want it bottomless so is one that could have a mid-winter break.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - 32Red Novices' Limited Handicap Chase (3m), Chepstow, 1 Oct 2013
WON - Collect totepool Winnings At Betfred Shops Chase (Handicap) (3m 1f 110y), Ffos Las, 23 Aug 2013
WON - Stratford Food Festival Here September 14/15 Handicap Chase (2m 7f), Stratford, 13 Aug 2013
SEGO SUCCESS
Track Sego Success View form
; bay gelding
Breeding: Beneficial (UK) - The West Road (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form:
Won Irish point in February.

“Irish point winner and we like him a lot for novice hurdles.”

SMAD PLACE
Track Smad Place View form
6-y-o; grey gelding
Breeding: Smadoun (FR) - Bienna Star (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 23F-3233
Very useful staying hurdler, without a win in four starts last season but consistent in highest grade and had an official rating of 158.

“He’s going novice chasing and has schooled very well recently. He could be ready to go late October, early November.”

VIDEO FORM
2nd - Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (3m 1f), Ascot, 22 Dec 2012
2nd - Betfair. Don't Settle For Less Handicap Hurdle (2m 3f 110y), Ascot, 18 Feb 2012
WON - Bet Mobile At BetVictor.com Holloway's Hurdle (Grade 2 Limited Handicap) (2m 3f 110y), Ascot, 21 Jan 2012
TWO ROCKERS
Track Two Rockers View form
6-y-o; bay gelding
Breeding: Milan (UK) - Foxhall Blue (IRE)
Trained by A King
Form: 1-1118
Staying novice hurdler won first three starts and went from 132 to 145 before finishing last of eight to The New One in Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Now rated 144.

“He’s going novice chasing but we’ve got to wait for soft ground, that’s the key to him plus three miles.”

VIDEO FORM
WON - Haygain Hay Steamers Clean Healthy Forage Novices' Hurdle (2m 5f), Towcester, 20 Dec 2012
WON - Aspers Casino Northampton British Stallion Studs E.B.F. 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Qualifier) (2m 5f), Towcester, 1 Dec 2012
VALDEZ
Track Valdez View form
6-y-o; chestnut gelding
Breeding: Doyen (IRE) - Skew (UK)
Trained by A King
Form: 2171302
Useful two-mile novice hurdler that appeared to stay two and a half based on final start when dropped from career-high of 135 to 132 and now back to former mark.

“The plan is novice chasing but he might have a run over hurdles first and could go to Chepstow for the Silver Trophy.”

VIDEO FORM
3rd - Sig Insulation E.b.f. 'national Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (qualifier) (2m 110y), Doncaster, 20 Feb 2013
WON - Race Passes At Timeform.com Novices' Hurdle (2m), Plumpton, 14 Jan 2013
WALKON
Track Walkon View form
8-y-o; grey gelding
Breeding: Take Risks (FR) - La Tirana (FR)
Trained by A King
Form: 5P-22P52
Smart novice chaser last season from two to two and a half miles that has been tried over further with inconclusive results. Has been rated 153 and off 146 when excellent three quarters of a length second to Triolo D’Alene in two mile five Topham at Aintree in April. Now 151.

“He’ll start in the Paddy Power and after that we’ll work towards Aintree again – he loved it last season but he won’t see those fences again until the National in April.”

VIDEO FORM
2nd - Bet With Your Mobile At victorchandler.com Holloway's Hurdle (Grade 2 Limited Handicap) (2m 3f 110y), Ascot, 22 Jan 2011
WON - Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (2m 110y), Chepstow, 27 Dec 2008

 

[Sefton]

ALAN KING on Monday disclosed that his long time stable jockey Robert 'Choc' Thornton is no longer automatic first pick for his runners because the role is now effectively shared with Wayne Hutchinson in an arrangement that was working well for the stable.

Thornton will ride race favourite Invictus in the Hennessy Gold Cup a week on Saturday while Hutchinson will go to Newcastle to partner Grumeti in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle the same day.

The trainer said he now asks owners which rider they want under a change to his previous policy.

Hutchinson has proved a highly successful understudy during the last two seasons when Thornton has undergone spells out of action through injury.

Thornton missed this year's Cheltenham festival after breaking his arm and Hutchinson won the Scottish National on the stable's Godsmejudge on whom he kept the ride at Cheltenham this weekend despite his colleague's availability.

King said: "I have a chat with the owners and see which way they want to go. It is self explanatory.

"On a Saturday they are often at separate meetings anyway. I have no issues with it. I think people make more of it than needs to be made."

 

[mayo]

Stable shut for a bit.

Kumbeshwar was Alan King's last runner "for a week or so" with the trainer still unhappy with the health of his string.

Although Tickity Bleue dead-heated on New Year's Eve and Kumbeshwar was a respectable third in the Fairlawne Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on Wednesday, Barbury Castle has been quiet of late after a good start to the season proper.

"We have had only two winners since December 3 and while I have never been more delighted to get a dead-heat than I was at Warwick, the horses are clearly not right, so it is time to stop," King told www.alankingracing.co.uk.

"Some horses have had inflammation in their lungs and we must get to the bottom of the problem.

"It's a shame as we had made our best start to a season, and the horses were in terrific form in October and November, but a few alarm bells started to ring during Hennessy week and, though, Invictus apart, that was another good weekend, we have had precious little to celebrate since.

"It is frustrating, but we need to be patient and do the right thing by the horses, so until they come right again it is best to take a pull.

"Maybe a few years ago I would not have handled a similar situation so well and would have soldiered on, but you learn by experience and if the they are not right you have to be very careful.

"The worst thing you can do is to run your horses when they might be carrying something - that could well mean losing the horse for later in the year when most of the big Festivals are run."

King's Champion Hurdle hope Grumeti was one of the notable disappointments over the period and he said: "Grumeti's scope on the Monday before the Christmas Hurdle was good, but he ran no sort of race at Kempton and was beaten with half a mile still to run.

"He blew very hard afterwards and came back wrong, so he is on antibiotics, but it just goes to show how hard it is to judge whether a horse is right or not before you run them.

"Before Kempton Grumeti was showing all the right signs, so it is very difficult, but we will give him a bit of time now and if he comes right in time we could go for something like the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton in February."