Race Report - 25th November 2011
12.50 Yorkshire Radio Supporting Yorkshire Racing Novices' Hurdle (2m1/2f)
Debutant Embsay Crag set a determined tempo but was reeled in approaching the last by eventual winner GOGEO, who powered home for Alan Swinbank and Fearghal Davis. The 7-4 favourite was tracked through by runner-up War Poet, arguably a better horse on the Flat, but never looked like giving best when the tempo increased. War Poet did nevertheless build on his distant fourth in a Listed event previously.
1.25 Visit theconistonhotel.com Skipton, North Yorkshire Novices' Chase (2m3f)
ERADICATE, partnered by David Bass, looked in a league of his
own on the form book and, despite an error mid-race, eventually
stamped his class on his two toiling rivals. Nicky Henderson's
runner tracked Moonstreaker for much of the race but eased clear of
Adam Pogson's mount with two fences to jump. Moonstreaker,
returning from a lay-off, ran well enough to collect second place
prize money.
2.00 Countryside Alliance Handicap Hurdle (3m1/2f)
Easby Park was well backed but couldn't make his presence felt. Instead it was Jonjo O'Neill's TARVINI who spreadeagled the field, pulling clear of Jewelled Dagger approaching the final flight to win by about 23 lengths. It was a particularly impressive display given that he looked to be the first in trouble leaving the back straight. The promising Maurice Linehan, claiming 10lbs, gave the JP McManus winner a fine ride, just as he had at Huntingdon previously.
2.35 Stowford Press Handicap Chase (2m3f)
James Ewart's top weight QUICUYO proved too good for this opposition, supplementing a success at Carlisle on his re-appearance in October and a decent second at Aintree off this mark last time. He made all for Nick Scholfield, jumping boldly to hold Milgen Bay, who plugged on to be beaten seven lengths despite putting in an erratic display of jumping. Close up in third was Gold Cup winner Long Run's jockey Sam Waley-Cohen on the one-paced Otage De Brion.
3.05 Mirror Punters Club Novices' Handicap Chase (3m)
BENEFICIAL REFORM gave James Ewart and Nick Scholfield a quickfire double, stretching clear of Chicago Outfit to gain his first win of the season. Lightly raced over fences, this ex-pointer gave the impression he can progress from his modest mark of 108. Less impressive, however, was Ely Brown who ejected Ben Poste mid-race. Thankfully the young rider emerged unscathed.
3.40 Doncaster Annual Members Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2m31/2f)
The well-fancied PEEDEEQUE took the finale for David O'Meara and Denis O'Regan. The five-year-old hadn't been seen on a racecourse since finishing down the field at Worcester in May for Andy Turnell, but travelled well for most of the race before picking off China House in the closing stages. He wasn't as fluent as expected at the second last and had to dig deep - perhaps to get a second wind - in the drive to the line.
