- Monday, 07 May 2018 11:31
- Written by David Pipe
As always these days, the new jumps season follows hot on the heels of the old and I am pleased to get underway once again. Our first runners of the new campaign came at Towcester on Sunday with Midnight Magic and Iniciar representing the stable. Midnight Magic lost all chance when whipping around at the start – he was beaten less than the ground conceded so the ability is clearly there. This was the first sign of any quirks and he is worth another chance. Iniciar was having his first start over timber for almost two years and he would have been considerably closer but for a couple of untidy jumps.
It is looking like a busy week ahead with one runner this afternoon at Kempton, while there will be four going to Exeter tomorrow. Vaniteux takes in the 2m2f handicap chase this afternoon (Monday) and he will get his favoured good ground. This represents a drop in class and he would have sound claims on his best form.
Mrs Miggins, Just Midas, Orchard Thieves and Friday Night Light will run at Exeter tomorrow night. Mrs Miggins makes her hurdling debut in the mares’ maiden contest – she has the make and pedigree for jumps and will progress with experience. Orchard Thieves makes his debut for the stable in the NH novices’ hurdle. He has a long absence to overcome but showed useful form in his only start in an Irish point-to-point where he finished runner-up to Gigginstown’s useful Trainwreck. He is fully entitled to improve. In the same race we also run Just Midas who showed ability in bumpers, including at this track – he also makes his hurdling debut.
Friday Night Light is our final runner at Exeter and he contests the 2m7½f handicap hurdle. He had a successful first season over timber, winning at Newbury and finishing placed in several other races including at Ascot. This represents a step up in trip for him and he shapes as though he will appreciate further so we will see how he gets on.
Dell’ Arca (pictured above) is an intended runner in the stayers’ handicap chase at Newton Abbot on Wednesday. He is a quality horse to have in training at this time of year and he ran a solid race when placed at Cheltenham over this trip last time and there is no reason why he should run his race once again.
Red Square Revival, Tis What It Is and Purple ‘N Gold are likely runners at Worcester on Thursday. Great Tempo, Ilovemints, Timeforben and Saint John Henry also hold engagements on the card, while Lady of Longstone is entered at Wincanton on the same day.
Dauphine Ereine, who has produced two solid efforts since her return is entered in the 3m handicap chase at Market Rasen on Friday.
Recent impressive Exeter winner Whitley Neill holds an entry in the novices’ hurdle at Warwick on Saturday, along with Ludlow scorer Miss Tynte. Ilovemints is entered at Ludlow on Sunday.
While all the recent sunshine and baking hot temperatures have been lovely for those sun dwellers among us, it has meant that the ground has dried out considerably. To think, heavy ground was the scourge for much of last season, talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous! Anyway, there is some rain in the forecast over the coming days so we will take a look at the underfoot conditions before committing too far into the future. As always, you can keep up to date with the latest gossip and runners from Pond House by reading Chester’s Daily Chat or following us on Twitter @DavidPipeRacing.
