2015/16 Jumps Issue 2 - action-packed edition

Headlines

Card is Ace in the Pack at Haydock

Douvan Trots up

Vautour slogs home at Ascot

Augusta Kate

Bristol De Mai scores at Warwick

Onenightinvienna wins at Exeter

Shaneshill

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 2m 5f novice chase, Vautour ( Bob, Cliff, Lee, Neil, Peej, Steve, Tony), went to post, edged left at fences, made all, mistake 11^th, going well before 2 out, shaken up before last, and pressed, driven out flat, winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 26.2 points.

At Haydock in the 3m grade 1 Lancashire Chase, Cue Card (Neil), took his chance, always gioing well behind leader, led approaching 3 out, cruised clear approaching last, winning easily by 7l He gets 55 points.

At Exeter on Sunday in the 3m novice chase, Onenightinvienna (Bob) went to post, chased leader, nudged along from 10^th, short of room from 4 out, till switched left approaching 2 out, upsides at last, led on flat, stayed on well to win by 1 ¾ l. He gets 28 points.

At Navan in the 2m 1f beginners chase, Douvan (Not Cod), took his chance, made all, 6 l clear ½ way, reduced advantage 4 out, still travelling well and in command from 2 out, clear when slight mistake last, eased run in winning easily by 9l.

He gets 13.1 points.

In the 2m bumper Augusta Kate ( Martin), took her chance settled behind leader in 2^nd, took closer order before straight, smooth headway to lead approaching final furlong ridden clear winning easily by 7l  She gets 43.4 points.

At Warwick in the 2m novice chase, Bristol De Mai (Neil), went to post, Made all , jumped well, clear approaching 2 out, winning easily by 19l. He gets 23.4 points.

Today at Thurles in the 2m 2f beginners chase, Shaneshill (Tony), took his chance, Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, progress to lead after 3 out, asserted before last and kept on well run-in, winning comfortably by 3 ¾ l. He gets 22.4 points.

  The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                      November        Total

Neil                   117.7                117.7 

Bob                   113.1             113.1

Tony                 107.3               107.3

Martin                87.8               87.8

Cliff                   72.3                72.3

Steve                  66.6                66.6

Lee                     62.7               62.7

Peej                   61.5              61.5

Cod                    27.3                27.3

News

Top Notch, who was runner-up to Irving at Haydock last Saturday on his seasonal reappearance, renews rivalry at Newcastle on Saturday in the Fighting Fifth hurdle. He will be Nicky Henderson's sole representative after the Seven Barrows trainer withdrew his two other entries, Hargam and Sign Of A Victory at the 48-hour final declaration stage.

Saphir Du Rheu will be giving away upwards of 7lb to each of his 16 rivals in Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, In Coneygree's absence, Nico De Boinville can still ride a Gold Cup winner as he takes the mount on Bobs Worth. Smad Place has been well supported for Alan King. Sixth in the race last season when his trainer felt he needed the run, he has not made the same mistake this season and arrives on the back of a comfortable success over Fingal Bay at Kempton. King also runs Ned Stark

Cheltenham Foxhunter winner On The Fringe Trainer Enda Bolger is looking to kick off the 10-year-old's campaign in the same hunter chase he has contested at Down Royal for the past two seasons.could make his seasonal return on Boxing Day

 

            

2015/16 Jumps Issue 1 - first Punter of the winter competition

Headlines

That’s The Way to Do It

John Sizing Up Nicely

Canyon to big for Faugheen

Sacre Sprints to Victory

Bell Rings Victory note

Report

It only took until the second race of the day to get the competition started, as in the 2m 4f novice chase, More of That ( Bob, Tony), went to post. Jumped well, close up, nudged along after 3 out, challenged 2 out, led last, pushed clear winning comfortably by 2 ½ l. He gets 14.5 points

On Sunday in the 21m grade 2 chase, Sprinter Sacre ( Cod, Steve ), took his chance, tracked leaders, led on bit after 4 out, in command from next, winning comfortably winning by 14l. He looked as though he is back to being a real force this season.

He gets 27.3 points.

At Cork in the 2m maiden hurdle, Bellshill ( Peej), went to post, tracked leaders when not fluent 1^st, chased leaders in 3^rd till closer before 3 out, , disputed lead before 2 out,

Travelled easily to lead soon after, not extended to win by 9l. He gets 22.2 points.

At Punchestown in the grade 2 novice chase, Sizing John ( Cliff) went to post, led and disputed lead, led narrowly from 7^th, extended lead from 4 out, pushed along and going best 2 out, driven clear approaching last and stayed on well, winning by 8l. He gets 43 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Morgiana hurdle, Nichols Canyon ( Bob, Martin, Tony), took his chance, made all, not fluent 1^st, raced keenly 3l clear at ½ way, reduced advantage at 5^th, pressed closely between last 2, ridden and lead again approaching last, all out closing stages , winning by ½ l. He gets 31.3 points.

On Monday at Plumpton in the 2m 3f novice chase, Le Mercurey (Lee), went to post, Tracked leader until approaching 4th, chased leading pair, 2nd again 6th, ridden to challenge between last 2, led last, well in command run-in winning by 6l. He gets 23.4 points.

           The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                      November        Total

Bob                   45.8                45.8

Tony                 45.8                45.8

Cliff                   43                    43

Martin                31.3               31.3

Cod                    27.3                27.3

Steve                  27.3                27.3

Lee                     23.4               23.4

Peej                   22.2               22.2

Neil

News

Nicky Henderson appeared content with Whisper, Peace And Co and Josses Hill after the trio enjoyed a racecourse gallop at Newbury. Whisper is due to run in the Long distance hurdle at Newbury next weekend. Peace And Co, who extended his unbeaten record to four when winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, is set to return to Prestbury Park for his seasonal debut in the International Hurdle on December 12.

Sara Bradstock continues to hope for the best after Coneygree suffered a minor setback on Monday The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is due to contest the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on Saturday week, but his participation was thrown into doubt when he spread a plate.Bradstock, who is assistant to her trainer-husband, Mark, is keeping her fingers crossed for a swift recovery with a weekend gallop judged crucial to Coneygree's plans.

 

2015/16 Jumps - The Points Scorers

I'm trying to keep up with the Editor's good work with this new feature - wish me luck!

At the end of the season the top points scorer will be named the Boozy Punter Horse of the Season.

218 - Cue Card (55 + 109.2 + 53.8)
183.2 - Smad Place (124 + 59.2)
144.2 - Douvan (13.1 + 26.6 + 26.1 + 52.2 + 26.2)
142.2 - Sprinter Sacre (27.3 + 26.6 + 61.2 + 27.1)
125.4 - Vroum Vroum Mag (26.2 + 46 + 53.2)
124 - Bristol De Mai (23.4 + 22.6 + 35 + 43)
118.6 - Annie Power (11.1 + 56.2 + 51.3)
113.6 - Le Mercurey (23.4 + 37 + 53.2)
108.8 - Long Dog (53.4 + 55.4)
107.6 - Bellshill (22.2 + 32.8 + 52.6)
106.4 - No More Heroes (53.6 + 52.8)
86.6 - Limini (33.2 + 53.4)
83.7 - Yorkhill (11.6 + 16.6 + 29.1 + 26.4)
77.6 - Un Temps Pour Tout (77.6)
77.2 - Faugheen (26.1 + 51.1)
73.6 - Yala Enki (38.4 + 35.2)
73.4 - Shaneshill (22.4 + 27 + 24)
72.1 - Don Cossack (16.1 + 56)
71- On the Fringe (34.6 + 36.4)
67 - Sizing John (43 + 24)
66.8 - Minella Rocco (66.8)
65 - Vautour (26.2 + 12 + 26.8)
57.6 - Nichols Canyon (31.3 + 26.3)
56.4 - Gevrey Chambertin (24.8 + 31.6)
56 - Al Ferof (56)
55.4 - Killultagh Vic (23.2 + 32.2)
49.4 - Might Bite (49.4)
46 - Born Survivor (23.8 + 22.2)
43.7 - Wait for Me (22.4 + 21.3)
43.4 - Augusta Kate (43.4)
43.3 - Don Poli (16.8 + 26.5)
38.9 - Djakadam (26.9 + 12)
38.3 - Un De Sceaux (26.3 + 12)
34.4 - Many Clouds (34.4)
30.7 - More of That (14.5 + 16.2)
28 - Onenightinvienna (28)
27.7 - Silviniaco Conti (27.7)
27.3 - Champers on Ice (12.8 + 14.5)
26.4 - The New One (26.4)
24.6 - Tombstone (24.6)
24 - Road to Riches (24)
22.6 - Allblak Des Places (22.6)
22.3 - L'Ami Serge (11.2 + 11.1)
16.1 - Top Notch (16.1)
12 - My Tent Or Yours (12)
12 - Valseur Lido (12)
11.1 - Petit Mouchoir (11.1)

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Monbeg Charmer

Monbeg Charmer 4 y br g Daylami – Charming Present (Bob)

Twice raced un beaten gelding he made his debut in an Irish point, winning a 3m 4y old maiden by 12l from Song of The night at Killmalock in April this year. He made all that day and was reportedly one of the most visually impessive winners of the point season. Now trained by Charlie Longsdon, he won a 2m 1f bumper at Carlisle recently beating Berkshire Downs 8l, and should make up in to a very nice novice hurdler as the season goes on.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Buster Dan Dan

Buster Dan Dan  7 y bg Buster King – Ms Monroe (Cod)

Useful sort who has won 4 of his 17 starts and been placed in 4 others under rules and also won 2 point to points.  His victories under rules came in a Down Patrick maiden hurdle in August 2014, beating Better Back Bob, 1 ¼ l over 2m 7f, then a 2m 4f Punchestown Handicap hurdle in October beating  Top Cat Henry 7 ½ l.  He then won a 2m 4f handicap hurdle at Killarney in July this year beating Kennedys Mor 4l, and in September at Listowel in a similar event beat Master Appeal 4 ½ l.  He should give the Cod Squad some fun

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Coneygree

Coneygree   8 y bg Karinga Bay – Plaid Maid  ( Cliff, Cod, Tony)

Top class chaser who’s Gold Cup win was one of those fairy tale National Hunt moments. How ever with 8 wins from 10 runs, and un beaten over fences, his win should be taken at face value and not a fluke and he will be a tough nut to crack again this season. He was un beaten last season, starting with victory at Newbury in November, taking a 2m 4f novice chase by  1 ½ l from Dell Arca, and followed up at Kempton in December, taking the 3m grade 1 Kauto Star novice chase by 40 l from Warden Hill. He then went to Newbury in February and took  a 2m 7f grade 2 novice chase by 7l from Houblon Des Obeaux. Connections then had to deceide between the RSA novice chase or Gold Cup., and took the brave decision to go for the big one. They were rewarded as Coneygree ran his rivals ragged and came  home 1 ½ l in front of Djakadam.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Might Bite

Might Bite 6 y bg Scorpion – Knotted Midge (Martin)

Well named and unbeaten gelding who has run 3 times, making his debut at Newbury in January this year, in a 2m ½ f bumper, finishing 3^rd to West Approach , beaten 3 ½ l. He then won a 2m 4f novice hurdle at the same track at the end of March beating Royalraise 15l , and finished the season with victory at Cheltenham in April taking another 2m 4f novice buy 1 from Souriyan to whom he gave 7lb. He has novice chase entries.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Bobs Worth

Bobs Worth.10 y bg Bobsback- Fashioiste (Cod, Steve)

Top Class chaser who lost his way last season, but looked in very good form when reappearing over hurdles at Aintree recently, beating stable mate Simonsig who is also on the come back trail. He remains unbeaten over hurdles and it will be interesting to see if he goes back over fences or stays over hurdles in the long distance events. With the top division of staying chases looking very competitive this season , the hurdles route may look more attractive after his recent win, although he also has an attractive weight in the Henessey and could switch between both codes..

What ever he does he looks back to something like his best and will set a high standard where ever he runs.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Whisper

Whisper 7 y bg Astarabad – Belle Yepa (Martin, Pee, Steve)

A high class hurdler, who is due to remain over hurdles this season and no doubt campaign in the top staying events again. A winner of 8 of his 15 starts, he only ran 3 times last season, starting in a beginners chase at Exeter in January this year when he was 3 ¼ l 2^nd to Ceasar Milan, over 2m 3f. He then reverted to hurdles and was stepped up in trip when finishing 5^th at the festival in the grade 1 3m World Hurdle, 10 ¼ l behind Cole Harden, then finished the season with victory at Aintree in the 3m 1f grade 1 stayers hurdle, beating Cole Harden 3 1/2l. He will be a major player this season in the long distance hurdles

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Peace and Co

Peace and Co  4 y bg  Falco – Peace Lina  (Martin, Peej, Steve, Tony)

Nicky Henderson may be under strength currently but one that could be a huge start for the stable this season is this unbeaten gelding. He made his debut in France in June 2014, winning a 2m 1f hurdle at Clairfontaine by 3 ½ l from Ballotin. He made a winning English debut in December the same year taking a grade 2 , 2m Juvenile hurdle by 19 l from Starchitect and followed up at Cheltenham In January this year , taking a similar event over 2 m 1f from the useful Karezak by 3l and finished the season with a neck victory over stable mate Top Notch at the festival in the Triumph Hurdle. He will be aimed at the top 2 m hurdles this season.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Simon Squirrel

Simon Squirrel 5 y bg Robin Des Champs- Misty Heather (Lee).

Highly regarded at Ditcheat, he was in Lee’s string but ran only once last season after suffering set backs. He made his debut at Chepstow in April 2014, beating the useful Rock The Kasbah (received 3lb) 4 ½ l in a 2m bumper. He was then absent until reappearing at Ascot in December in a similar event but was only 8^th to Supasundae beaten 19 1/4l and was not seen again. He made a winning reappearance recently , winning a 2m 2f novice hurdle at Newton Abbott beating Barranco Valley 2l, and is one to watch.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Dodging Bullets

Dodging Bullets 7 b g Dubawi – Nova Cyngi   (Cliff, Steve, Tony)

A top class chaser , he has won 10 of his 27 starts but took a big leap forward last season in terms of form as he ended up winning  the 2m Grade 1 Champion Chase at Cheltenham. He raced just 4 times last season, and a lot of the improvement is put down to the fitting of a tongue tie. He started the season at Cheltenham in a 2m listed chase in November, finishing 3^rd beaten 2l by Uxizandre, then went to Sandown in December and won the 2m Grade 1 Tingle Creek chase by 2 ½ l from Somersby. He followed up at Ascot in January taking the 2m 1f grade 1 Clarence house chase by 3l from Sprinter Sacre, then finished the season by taking the 2m grade 1 Queen Mother Champion chase at the festival, again beating Somersby by 1 ¼ l this time. He will be aimed at the same 3 races again this season.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Vibrato Valtat

Vibrato Valtat 6 gr g Voix Du Nord – La Tosca Valtat (Neil, Peej, Steve)

For a six year old he is quite heavily raced having won 7 of his 22 starts. He really came in to his own last season, winning 4 of his 9 starts, and was another to race over both hurdles and fences, although notably all those victories were over fences and that will be his game this season. He took a 2m novice chase at Warwick in November beating Thomas Crapper by 1 l, then the 2m Grade 1 Henry V111 novice chase at Sandown in December beating Dunraven Storm by 2l. He then took a 2m grade novice chase at Kempton in December beating Three Kingdams ½ l and his final victory was at Warwick in another grade 2, 2m novice chase beating Top Gamble 4 ½ l. He finished 4^th at the festival , finishing 13 l behind Un De Sceaux in the Arkle, then finished 2^nd at Aintree in the 2m 4f Grade 1 novice chase, beaten 4l by Clarcam, and finished at Sandown with a 4^th in a grade 1 2m chase, finishing 8 ½ behind Special Tiara after being badly hampered at the first. He will be aimed at the Tingle Creek in the first part of the season.

2015/16 Jumps Profile - Saphir Du Rheu

Saphir Du Rheu 6 gr g Al Namix - Dona Du Rheu (Bob, Cliff, Lee, Neil, Steve, Tony)

A very exciting young chaser with the potential to go to the very top, and is the stables main Gold Cup hope which says a lot about him. He has won 7of his  16 starts, He had a mixed season last time, running over hurdles and fences, he started over fences at Newbury in November, un seating in a novice chase behind Coneygree, then won at Exeter in December beating Horizontal Speed 11 l in a 2m 3f Novice Chase. He then fell at Kempton in aGrade 1 novice chase, again won by Coneygree, then won a 3m grade 2 hurdle at Cheltenham in January by a neck from Reve De Sivola. He then finished 2^nd in the Grade 1 3m World Hurdle at the festival, beaten 3 ¼ l by Cole Harden and rounded off with victory at Aintree, taking the 3m 1f Grade 1 Mildmay novice chase by 15 l from Carraig Mor.  His early season target is the Hennessy Gold Cup