Neil Morrice looks at six horses who could all impress over the jumps in the coming weeks.
IWILLDOIT Aintree November 11th
IWILLDOIT was one of a number of horses that suffered from the Stewards’ decision to omit hurdles and fences in the straight owing to a low sun. A winner on his first run back for each of the last two seasons, the former Welsh National winner led at what became the last (three out) and valiantly tried to stay in front only to be claimed in the last few strides. It’s reasonable to think that this super jumper would have prevailed, given normal circumstances. On the positive side, this should have helped tee him up for some big staying chase targets including a return to Chepstow at Christmas.
MASTER CHEWY Aintree November 11th
In the two-mile handicap chase, connections of MASTER CHEWY knew they had a problem when all the fences in the home straight were omitted. He’d jumped like a stag when scoring on his chase debut at the same track, and in fairness to him looked the winner until the final 50 yards. He looks a very useful recruit to handicaps and is a classy individual who can pay to follow for Nigel Twiston-Davies.
CHILLINGHAM Newcastle November 11th
Moving the November Handicap to an all-weather course saved the final big handicap of the turf Flat season but made a nonsense of a race that’s usually run at a decent clip and requires stamina to come into play. The leaders did so reluctantly and on a tight rein, meaning that the race became a sprint over the final three furlongs. This did not suit CHILLINGHAM, who though running through beaten horses in the final furlong faced a hopeless task. I’ve never been an advocate of running the historic Northumberland Plate on the all-weather, and hope the authorities can think of a better way of saving the November Handicap should rain threaten Doncaster’s final fixture of the season in the future.
STEEL ALLY Ffos Las November 12th
STEEL ALLY put in a controlled round of hurdling from the front in this novice hurdle. In the colours of the course’s owner, he looked to have shrugged aside the attentions of his main market rivals, but a silly mistake at the last cost him momentum and he was overhauled by 25-1 shot Three Cliffs Bay. He is a winner without a penalty, and should soon make amends.
PILSDON PEN Warwick November 7th
For a horse that was having a first run over fences in a competitive handicap, PILSDON PEN ran a cracker. Though easy to back, he made a move on the home bend but appeared to blow up between the last two fences and weakened into a distant third behind Pepe Le Moko. He had a good blow afterwards and will be fitter next time. He’s a wonderfully consistent performer and is one to follow around the smaller courses.
MIGHTY MOTH Ascot November 4th
MIGHTY MOTH did not go unsupported for this first run over hurdles in which she was probably too keen for her own good. She was the only one to try to mix it with favourite and second favourite Jango Baie and Tellherthename, but finished well clear of the remainder. She will have derived significant benefit from the run and should win if taken to a smaller track next time.
