REVIEW |
A mixed day weather wise with some extremely wintry showers
mixed with quite pleasant sunny spells. Amazingly (considering the amount of
snow and rain that had fallen) the going was good and the track was in good
condition. Racing kicked off at 12:00pm with the Members race. Only 4
went to post and Morag Neill had to be at her strongest to win on Mozielaw
who stays all day but isn’t the quickest. Native Alibi was a decent second
under Charley Shirley-Bevan with these two well clear of Sporty Spice. The
form may amount to little but it would not be a surprise to see either of
the first two win again at some point this season. The PPORA Restricted was won by the mainly unfancied Snooty
Eskimo and Henry Norton who got the better of Wild Edgar (Andrew Richardson)
after the pair had led throughout. These two finished 10 lengths ahead of
Timberley (Tom Oates) and the rather disappointing Faster Sweep (Ran
Morgan). This race was quite a quick time so it may be unwise to write off
any of the first four home. All should be capable of wining races. Snooty
Eskimo was a shock winner but there was nothing about the manner of his
victory to suggest it was a fluke, he may however find it difficult to step
up in grade as he has taken a long time to actually win a race. Perhaps
Novice riers events or weaker confined’s later in the season might be his
best bet. The Ladies Open was taken by the Pointing debutant Mytimie
who boasted useful form under rules for Malcolm Jefferson. He is now part of
the Pauline Robson, David Parker, Ray Anderson Green triumvirate which are
always due the utmost respect in any race. Mytimie went clear three out but
had to be shaken up to hold off the late run of Pharmistice (Nicola Stirling)
with Dere Street (Rose Davidson) and Balisteros very close up in the minoe
places. Commanche Law was fifth and the first five were only separated by
about 4 lengths. I was quite taken by Mytimie’s performance but the manor
in which the others closed on him on the short run in suggests that he may
have stamina limitations on a tougher track/softer ground. 2 ½ mile Hunter
Chases might suit him better. Of the others, Pharmistice always wins races
towards the end of the season and the others are all capable of scoring in
turn. The Men’s open was won by 20/1 shot Falcons Flame (Roger
Green) who stayed on well to defeat Epsilo De La Ronce (W Ramsay) with Welsh
March (Nigel Tutty) third. Tis was probably a weak Men’s open and the
winner had never shown any sign of being up to this class. His task was made
easier by the falls of Katinka (Favourite) who fell quite early on and
Lively Dessert who was running quite well when falling 3 out. The time was
slower than the restricted so it will be difficult to make a case for most
of these against the better quality Open horses that we have already seen
this season. Rose Davidson took the Confined for Novice Riders race on
Passing Danger who had been successful last season for George Whites
Rennington Racing Club. She rode a patient race to produce Passing Danger to
challenge Johnny’s Gone (Charley
Shirley-Bevan second again) and Harden Glen (J Riding) jumping the last and
win going away. Passing Danger is useful and can win again. My only worry is
that Rose Davidson (who is getting better all the time) might not be up to
beating the likes of Pauline Robson or Nicola Stirling in a tight finish.
This was an encouraging Northern area debut for Johnny’s Gone who had been
successful in Wales last season and he may find a race at some point this
season. Harden Glen ran his usual consistent race but just looks one paced
and may find it difficult to score in this kind of company. The two maidens were moderate affairs. The Mares Open miden
was one in good style by Sharp Fountain (Clive Storey) who stayed on too
strongly for Tallaburn (Allistair Findlay). Steady Lass (Richard Nichol)
completed to take third place. They were the only three (from seven) to
finish. Clive Storey completed his Maiden’s double aboard the Ian
Stark (OBE) newcomer Bilingual. Bilingual had been fractious in the paddock
but showed a good attitude despite running a bit green close home to justify
favouritism. Ian Stark has had some useful young horses in the past
including Maximise and while it is premature to make comparisons, Bilingual
made a good impression and can only improve for the experience. Three Spires
was quietly ridden out the back by Andrew Richardson but came with a good
run to challenge coming to the last only to be outpaced by the winner. Three
Spires was showing a vast improvement in form and this son of Mystic Music
should win a maiden before long. Perennial loser Rutherford was third and he
always flatters to deceive.(No doubt he will now bolt up having said
that!!). Toorak and Storm Ahead were the others to finish and although they
may well come on for the run I would not be able to make any excuses for
them on this evidence. All in all a pleasant if perhaps unremarkable days racing. Mytimie looked the best horse on display and it will remain to be seen the route they choose to take with him. Bilingual may well be able to follow up in restricted company if we see him again in Points. The next Northern area meeting is at Alnwick this Sunday (The College Valley and North Northumberland meeting). First race is again 12:00pm. |