Hexham preview & Kelso reflections

WHAT a day last Sunday was!

We’d picked out Kelso’s Simply Ned Chase as an ideal opportunity to pitch BREIZH RIVER into deeper waters – and he came through it swimmingly. Sean Quinlan gave him a superb ride, especially considering it was the first time he’d sat on him. Sean said afterwards Breizh River was flat out after the first half-mile but, for such a young and inexperienced horse, he jumps superbly. He needed to do that to hold his position but he answered every call, then stuck his neck out and found a bit more when Malystic briefly headed him at the last.

It was a tremendous performance, especially from a horse having just his fourth start over fences and running from 7lb out of the handicap. The handicapper won’t take kindly to it, I’m sure…we’ll see what he makes of it when Breizh River’s new handicap mark is published on Tuesday.

Either way, next stop for him is going to be Cheltenham’s Open Meeting. There are potentially a couple of races there he could run in, so we’re keeping our options open for now and see what the next few weeks tell us. 

Cannock Park wins at Cheltenham – picture courtesy of Grossick Racing Photography

I’ve also got my eye on the Arkle Trial at that same Cheltenham meeting for CANNOCK PARK (3.45). Everyone knows how much I think of this fella, who gave us our first winner at the home of National Hunt racing when making a successful hurdles debut at the Open Meeting 12 months ago. 

He makes his chasing debut at Hexham on Saturday – one of four horses we’re sending down the A1 in what equates to our busiest day (in terms of runners at least!) since we upped sticks and moved lock, stock and barrel to Hazelrigg on July 1.

I’ve been itching to get him over fences this season, but there’s no point in talking too much about Arkle Trials and future targets just yet. All of my focus is on today. It will be his first start over fences, and his first of the season too. As things stand, it’s his most important race of the season.

He’s schooled well and I’m not concerned about stepping him up to 2m4f now that he seems a more mature and relaxed horse. Ed Austin, who rides him every day at home, says he’s so well just now that he could go 12 rounds with Tyson Fury – so I think this race is coming at the ideal time!

It’s a good race for the time of year, with some up-and-coming young horses and also Benson, who won a Morebattle Hurdle only 18 months ago, lining up. It will be a proper test, but that’s exactly how it should be. If we’re to think seriously about Cheltenham next month, it’s a race he’ll need to win. Craig Nichol rides.

Captain Quint (first) and Cannock Park (second) in a schooling session

We run two in the 0-100 handicap chase over 2m at 4.55, both of whom are having their first starts for us. OKAVANGO DELTA won over hurdles for Rose Dobbin and has been in the yard here for a while. He’s not yet won over fences but Craig is keen to drop him back in trip, so we’re giving that a go in the hope it reignites his spark. He seems very well and fresh in himself, and I’m hoping an attacking ride from Craig on a stiff track like Hexham works the trick.

I’d rather not be running two against one another, as you’d rather fire your bullets at different targets, but this also looks a nice starting point for UNCLE MAC. He’s a grand horse who began life with Ben Pauling before making his way to Rose. He’s had a few issues, but it still only six and hopefully fences will bring out the best in him, having had only one start in a chase so far. Ed rides.

Finally, in the bumper Ed also gets the leg up ROYAL ROMANCE (5.25), who’s another making her debut for us after one run last season for Gillian Boanas. Although she was beaten a long way that day, we actually quite like her. She’s probably going to be more of a hurdler than a bumper horse, but it will be good to get her going and get some more experience into her. 

Here’s hoping…

Cheers,

Paul