Friday, February 7, 2003

LADBROKES EARLY PRICES FOR TOMORROW & SUNDAY

THE BAJAN BANDIT IS A POSSIBLE FOR THE MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL

The talented chaser was pulled up in a Grade 2 novices' chase at Wetherby last weekend, but has a fine career record overall, being unbeaten in bumpers, including the 2001 Martell Champion Standard National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree, winning four of his five starts over hurdles and taking two out of four chases (runner-up as well) to date over the bigger obstacles.

"The Bajan Bandit is on a course of antibiotics - we just found a little bit of mucus when we scoped him when he got home and, although he looked terrific, he probably had a slight lung infection at Wetherby," reported the Scottish trainer. "We'll see how he is when we scope him again in a couple of weeks' time after a canter but it shouldn't be too serious.

"The Bajan Bandit is in the weights for the National and, if we wanted to run and if the horse was fit and well, he would get into the race," explained the handler. "I would have to see how he recovers from his latest infection and then see how he runs next time."

The furthest distance that the Commanche Run gelding has won over is two miles, five furlongs in a novices' chase at Ayr on Boxing Day, when he pulverised his six rivals by 21 lengths. However, Lungo is convinced that his stable star would have no problem with the four and a half miles of the Martell Cognac Grand National.

He said: "He comes from a family of four-mile stayers and has a long-distance chasing pedigree. He's bred to stay a long, long way so he's a suitable horse for the National, although it might be a year too soon for him and I'll have to discuss it with the owners."

Lungo is equally adamant that his charge's novice status would not be a barrier to him running creditably at Liverpool.

"It all depends on the style that the novice has of jumping and the type of horse it is. When I was riding if you won a novices' chase, you were only eligible for other novice events that the horse had already been entered for and the following month you were no longer able to run in novice races," recalled Lungo. "Nowadays, novices can run in novice races for the whole season.

"The Bajan Bandit has a right look at each fence and he's fairly deliberate and careful at measuring his stride. I think he would have as good a chance of getting around Aintree as any of the other horses, although I'm not saying that he will definitely run."

Lungo has also entered another novice, Skippers Cleuch, for the Martell Cognac Grand National, although the nine-year-old is unlikely to get in off his weight of 9st 8lb, with the maximum field allowed being 40 horses.

"Skippers Cleuch is rated 128 and he wouldn't get into the race off that mark - to even get the opportunity to run it looks like you need to be on around 132, " commented Lungo.

The nine-year-old is unbeaten in his nine completed starts but made an uncharacteristic error on his last start in a handicap chase at Ayr on January 25.

"Skippers Cleuch had jumped really, really well and he's a mature horse but we've obviously had a hiccup since I entered him for the National. He hit a fence and unseated Tony Dobbin at Ayr and any sort of worthy consideration [as to future targets] would come after we see how he does next time out," the trainer added.

Alan Juckes today revealed that Mantles Prince is being aimed at the Martell Cognac Grand National and the trainer hopes the nine-year-old will not be balloted out.

Mantles Prince has been given a weight of 10st 1lb and currently requires at least 18 horses higher in the weights or on the same weight to drop out to be guaranteed a place

In 2002 Mantles Prince finished in the first three in all six starts over fences which included two victories. The first of these successes came in a beginners' chase at Punchestown in the January, when subsequent Hennessy Gold Cup winner Be My Royal was 11 lengths adrift in third. Three months later Mantles Prince returned to the same venue where he finished the seven-length runner-up to Irish Independent Arkle Chase winner Moscow Flyer in the Grade 1 Swordlestown Novices' Chase.

On his only previous start at Aintree, he was the runner-up to Mister Morose in the Grade 1 Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle in 2000.

"I'm quite happy with 10st 1lb - we didn't really know what sort of weight Mantles Prince would be allotted as he's come over from Ireland and we couldn't judge the reaction of the handicapper," said Juckes.

"He's relatively inexperienced, despite finishing second to Moscow Flyer, albeit Moscow Flyer won very easily. However, Mantles Prince did beat Be My Royal in Ireland. He is not a particularly big horse but, touch wood, he seems quite straightforward."

Mantles Prince last ran for former trainer Pat Hughes in a one mile, five furlong handicap on the Flat at Downpatrick in June, when fourth to Indy Carr.

"We got Mantles Prince in September and there's no real reason he hasn't run for us yet. He's had leg problems in the past but he's run and won since those," explained the Worcestershire-based trainer.

"He'd actually been to the sales once but didn't make his reserve and we bought him privately from Pat Neary. We'd spoken to Pat Hughes who told us he was straightforward and there were no problems with him. We've just gone very gently and he might just go straight to the Coral Eurobet Cup [at Cheltenham on Wednesday, March 12] or he might have a run on the Flat first."

Asked if the Emarati gelding, who has never raced over further than two and a half miles, was bought with the Martell Cognac Grand National as a main aim, Juckes replied: "No, not really - we chucked the dice on the board! I've seen videos of him winning over fences and he jumps carefully - that might be a good thing or a bad thing in the National and he's not really a flamboyant jumper."

The first forfeit stage for the 2003 Martell Grand National is on Tuesday, February 18, with the details of the horses left in announced the next day.

STRONG DEMAND

Ticket and badge sales for the three-day 2003 Martell Cognac Grand National Meeting, which runs from Thursday, April 3, to Saturday, April 5, are very strong and patrons are advised to buy for all three days as soon as possible. Tickets and badges are on sale through the ticket hotline on 0151 522 2929.

LATEST BETTING NEWS

Ladbrokes - Balthazar Fabricius said: "Ladbrokes have not yet changed any of the prices we put out after the publication of the weights. We have always wanted to be on the right side of Ad Hoc and have had him at 10/1 for a long time. Just after Christmas we laid a bet of £25,000 on Davids Lad at 20/1. We subsequently cut him to 16/1 and then 14/1. He would lose us over half-a-million at this stage and that will probably rise to £1 million by 'National day. He would be our biggest loser."

William Hill - Jennie Prest declared: "The main horses supported after the publication of the weights have been Chives (16/1 from 20/1), Monty's Pass (20/1 from 33/1) and Amberleigh House (28/1 from 33/1)."

Coral - David Stevens commented: "Coral has not changed any of its odds for the Martell Cognac Grand National since the publication of the weights. Obviously, the race is always a very open affair and we believe in being bold at this stage. Support remains strong for Ad Hoc at 14/1 and we are happy to have him as our joint-favourite. Carbury Cross is our other joint-favourite at 14/1, although other firm are going a bit longer. Other horses supported include Iris Bleu and Gingembre, while we have also seen bit of money for the outsider Maximize."

Tote - Jeremy Scott explained: "Since the publication of the weights, we have seen support for Monty's Pass, who is now 20/1 from 33/1. We have also seen a fair amount of money for Amberleigh House at 33/1 and, if that continued over the next couple of days, we would have to shorten him."

THE MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL

Class A, Showcase Handicap, Total Prize Fund 600,000, 3.45pm, Aintree, Saturday, April 5, 2003. Four Miles & Four Furlongs (Over the Grand National Course). For six-year-olds and upwards which are allotted a rating of 110 or more by the Senior BHB NH Handicapper following a review of the horses entered and after taking account of races run up to and including February 1. Horses which are not qualified for a rating in Great Britain or Ireland at January 22 may also be entered. Such horses may be eligible for a weight providing the Handicapper is satisfied that the horse's racecourse performances to February 1 would merit a minimum rating of 110, and that the horse has either won a Steeple Chase or Hurdle Race, or has run at least three times collectively in Steeple Chases or Hurdle Races run under the Rules of Racing of the same Recognised Turf Authority by February 1. At the Handicapper's discretion, such horses may be allotted a rating. The decision of the Senior BHB NH Handicapper shall be final. Entries closed Wednesday, January 22, 2003 (149 entries), entries revealed Thursday, January 23, 2003. Weights revealed Tuesday, February 4, 2003. First confirmation stage Tuesday, February 18, 2003; second confirmation stage Tuesday, March 18, 2003. Five-day confirmation stage Monday, March 31, 2003. Final declaration stage 10am, Thursday, April 3, 2003. Confirmation of riders must be made by 1.00pm Thursday, April 3, 2003. Form figures supplied by Weatherbys and are correct up to and including the racing of Wednesday, February 5, 2003. May not include some overseas form.

Form Horse Age/Wgt Owner Trainer
4011-44 FLORIDA PEARL (IRE) 11-11-12 Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE
4F0-102 MARLBOROUGH (IRE) 11-11-12 Sir Robert Ogden Nicky Henderson
212P-611 BEHRAJAN (IRE) 8-11-10 The Behrajan Partnership Henry Daly
402P-14U CYFOR MALTA (FR) 10-11-09 David Johnson Martin Pipe
0/124-13 KINGSMARK (IRE) 10-11-09 Sir Robert Ogden Martin Todhunter
0U-P1424 FOXCHAPEL KING (IRE) 10-11-08 Sir Anthony O'Reilly Mouse Morris IRE
14P52-F WHAT'S UP BOYS (IRE) 9-11-08 R J B Partners Philip Hobbs
2P41/-323 GINGEMBRE (FR) 9-11-07 Lavinia Taylor Lavinia Taylor
F21-252 HUSSARD COLLONGES (FR) 8-11-07 Nick Bannister Peter Beaumont
213-2663 RINCE RI (IRE) 10-11-07 Frank Moriarty Ted Walsh IRE
12/32P2- SHOTGUN WILLY (IRE) 9-11-07 Graham Roach Paul Nicholls
U/534-30 FIRST GOLD (FR) 10-11-06 J P McManus Francois Doumen FR
0314-52 FADALKO (FR) 10-11-05 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
332040 BATMAN SENORA (FR) 7-11-04 G Polinski Ian Williams
F133-22 CHIVES (IRE) 8-11-03 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight
0F-1142 MORE THAN A STROLL (IRE) 11-11-02 Mrs D Grehan Arthur Moore IRE
23PF5-11 IRIS BLEU (FR) 7-11-01 David Johnson Martin Pipe
03P2-411 MINI SENSATION (IRE) 10-11-00 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
B4-5123 AD HOC (IRE) 9-10-13 Sir Robert Ogden Paul Nicholls
1543F-4 DAVIDS LAD (IRE) 9-10-13 Eddie Joe's Racing Syndicate Tony Martin IRE
121101 STORMEZ (FR) 6-10-12 David Johnson Martin Pipe
4/04554- PAPILLON (IRE) 12-10-11 Betty Moran Ted Walsh IRE
PP-P3314 BALLINCLAY KING (IRE) 9-10-10 Ian Guise, Brian Leatherday & Nicola Spence Ferdy Murphy
1U6-P6P CARBURY CROSS (IRE) 9-10-10 Anne Duchess of Westminster Jonjo O'Neill
1-0FF24 BINDAREE (IRE) 9-10-09 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
3561-0P BOUNCE BACK (USA) 7-10-09 Belinda Harvey Martin Pipe
420-U04 EXIT SWINGER (FR) 8-10-09 Sandicroft Stud I Martin Pipe
2152-1P2P TAKAGI (IRE) 8-10-09 D Cox Edward O'Grady IRE
P51-04F TAKE CONTROL (IRE) 9-10-09 David Johnson Martin Pipe
320-131 YOULNEVERWALKALONE (IRE) 9-10-09 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
F11-21P0 THE BUNNY BOILER (IRE) 9-10-08 The Usual Suspects Syndicate Noel Meade IRE
P513-360 BLOWING WIND (FR) 10-10-07 Peter Deal Martin Pipe
3540P-1P YOU'RE AGOODUN 11-10-07 Jeff Lammiman Martin Pipe
251/6-324 BOBBY GRANT 12-10-06 John Thompson Peter Beaumont
U/221/-32 GO ROGER GO (IRE) 11-10-06 J P McManus Edward O'Grady IRE
00/4/13-25 KATARINO (FR) 8-10-06 Robert Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson
4552F1/- RED MARAUDER 13-10-06 Norman Mason Norman Mason
P1PP-502 RED STRIKER 9-10-06 Norman Mason Norman Mason
4P2-202 SOUTHERN STAR (IRE) 8-10-06 Trevor Hemmings Henrietta Knight
101-112P THE BAJAN BANDIT (IRE) 8-10-06 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
425-540 WHITENZO (FR) 7-10-06 Malcolm Pearce & Mr Gerry Mizel II Paul Nicholls
3133-13 ZAFARABAD (IRE) 9-10-06 Elaine Baines Philip Hobbs
4F2-132 LOGICIAN (NZ) 12-10-05 Robert Roulston Andrew Balding
3P6313 MONTY'S PASS (IRE) 10-10-05 Dee Racing Syndicate Jimmy Mangan IRE
56F0-0F RATHBAWN PRINCE (IRE) 11-10-05 T J Culhane Dessie Hughes IRE
1//52-1113 HERMES III (FR) 8-10-04 Thurloe Thoroughbreds IV Nicky Henderson
22-33220 PALADIN (FR) 8-10-04 Naji Pharaon Jacques Ortet FR
1210F0- MAJED (FR) 7-10-03 Sandicroft Stud II Martin Pipe
01-3632 AMBERLEIGH HOUSE (IRE) 11-10-02 Halewood International Ltd Ginger McCain
0-133212 ARDENT SCOUT 11-10-02 Alicia Skene & W S Skene Sue Smith
1162-44 MAXIMIZE (IRE) 9-10-02 Lady Vestey Henrietta Knight
1/1P1P-P MONTIFAULT (FR) 8-10-02 Mrs A E Fulton Paul Nicholls
2P66FP-F PARIS PIKE (IRE) 11-10-02 Major Ivan & Tizzy Straker Ferdy Murphy
112142 POLAR CHAMP 10-10-02 The Reims Partnership Martin Pipe
112/P1/5/- STORMYFAIRWEATHER (IRE) 11-10-02 Bridget Hanbury Nicky Henderson
24532P0 CREGG HOUSE (IRE) 8-10-01 Kathleen Kennedy Paddy Mullins IRE
P-0543P GOOD SHUIL (IRE) 8-10-01 Audrey Healy Tom Taaffe IRE
21312-2 MANTLES PRINCE 9-10-01 R T Juckes Alan Juckes
2P/2131- TORDUFF EXPRESS (IRE) 12-10-01 Two Plus Two Paul Nicholls
41U513 GOGUENARD (FR) 9-10-00 Trevor Hemmings Sue Smith
5122-130 GUNNER WELBURN 11-10-00 William Ritson/David Hall Andrew Balding
1163-105 GUNTHER MCBRIDE (IRE) 8-10-00 Mike Tuckey Philip Hobbs
22P500- ROYAL PREDICA (FR) 9-10-00 Peter Deal, J S Dale & Allan Stennett Martin Pipe
1131//20- SIBERIAN GALE (IRE) 11-10-00 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
1415-4P SUPREME GLORY (IRE) 10-10-00 Chris Moorsom Pat Murphy
F/10616-0 TREMALLT (IRE) 12-10-00 Silkword Racing Partnership Tom George
P5U-413 WONDER WEASEL (IRE) 10-10-00 D A Halsall Kim Bailey
342050 DJEDDAH (FR) 12-9-13 Haras d'Ecouves Francois Doumen FR
21/2/B/60- MELY MOSS (FR) 12-9-13 Darren Mercer & Lucille Boden Charles Egerton
112210- BURLU (FR) 9-9-12 Martin Pipe Martin Pipe
1100F-0 RED ARK 10-9-12 Dorothy Mason Norman Mason
110F-P10 CARRYONHARRY (IRE) 9-9-11 Drs' David Silk J Castro M Gillard P Walker Martin Pipe
16-630R30 KIRMAR (IRE) 9-9-11 Sir Denis Forman Pat Fahy IRE
13r5-1P MACS GILDORAN 9-9-11 Margaret McManus Willie Mullins IRE
6-013310 ROBBO 9-9-11 The Scarth Racing Partnership Mary Reveley
20-31200 BRAMBLEHILL DUKE (IRE) 11-9-10 South Wales Shower Supplies T/A Faucets Venetia Williams
F425154 EMPEREUR RIVER (FR) 11-9-10 P Matran Jacques Ortet FR
1F/12P1- GRANIT D'ESTRUVAL (FR) 9-9-10 Walter Gott Ferdy Murphy
21/D111/- KILLUSTY (IRE) 9-9-10 Lady Lloyd Webber Charles Egerton
20-12113 LORD JACK (IRE) 7-9-10 Trevor Hemmings Nicky Richards
21PP-65 MURT'S MAN (IRE) 9-9-10 Derek Millard Paul Nicholls
1126UP- SPOT THEDIFFERENCE (IRE) 10-9-10 J P McManus Enda Bolger IRE
600032- DARK STRANGER (FR) 12-9-09 Terry Neill Martin Pipe
P5421-1 FATEHALKHAIR (IRE) 11-9-09 R Wagner Brian Ellison
PUFP-46P FRANTIC TAN (IRE) 11-9-09 The Bunkers Hill Mob Denis Caro
44/P-11U0 HALEXY (FR) 8-9-08 Sir Robert Ogden Venetia Williams
1P2-3213 HISTORG (FR) 8-9-08 Jim McCarthy Ferdy Murphy
11P/PPP- JOLLY GREEN GIANT (IRE) 10-9-08 Paul Green Paul Webber
1341-11 SIR FROSTY 10-9-08 J F Tucker John Ryall
111P/-11U SKIPPERS CLEUCH (IRE) 9-9-08 Ashleybank Investments Limited Len Lungo
35PP-05 SMARTY (IRE) 10-9-08 Tracy Brown Mark Pitman
PP-3U1UP BALLYBOUGH RASHER (IRE) 8-9-07 Comtake-Welding Engineering Specialists Howard Johnson
310-031 JAYBEJAY (NZ) 8-9-07 Lady Clarke Martin Pipe
25F21-F IT'S HIMSELF 11-9-07 P M Barrett Tony Martin IRE
2PP-214 KIT SMARTIE (IRE) 11-9-07 Donald Forster Donald Forster
U2403P-0 NORTHERN SOUND (IRE) 10-9-07 James Treacy Paul Roche IRE
21214-0 RITH DUBH (IRE) 11-9-07 J P McManus Jonjo O'Neill
1U53-12 SILVER STEEL 8-9-07 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
1112F-P TIMBERA (IRE) 9-9-07 Mrs J M Breen Dessie Hughes IRE
00316P0 AKARUS (FR) 8-9-06 A J White Martin Pipe
2252-2F1 BARRYSCOURT LAD (IRE) 9-9-06 Roseberry Racing Martin Pipe
22-12F3P HANDYMAN (IRE) 9-9-06 Elizabeth Hodgson and Denise Winton Philip Hobbs
10-2235 STORM DAMAGE (IRE) 11-9-06 Terry Curry,Colin Lewis,Penny Mitchell & J Olds Paul Nicholls
4F-53030 BE MY MANAGER (IRE) 8-9-05 The Earl Cadogan Henrietta Knight
4111/54- BERLIN BLUE 10-9-05 Peter J Douglas Engineering Robert Stronge
22P/PFP- INN AT THE TOP 11-9-05 Sylvia Blakeley Jim Turner
23PP-0P0 MORAL SUPPORT (IRE) 11-9-05 Tom & Evelyn Yates Stan Moore
2P3/P/FP- NIKI DEE (IRE) 13-9-05 George Dilger Peter Beaumont
4B2F010 QUALITY FIRST (IRE) 10-9-05 Felix Sheridan Heather Dalton
42/111/1- SCRAHAN CROSS (IRE) 10-9-05 Russell McAllister Jonjo O'Neill
63PP-4P ACKZO 10-9-04 Nicola Spence Ginger McCain
2621-2231 HEDGEHUNTER (IRE) 7-9-04 Niall Quaid Willie Mullins IRE
13-4314 LANMIRE TOWER (IRE) 9-9-04 Rowfield Racing Alan King
1-331P3 SKYCAB (IRE) 11-9-04 P H Betts (Holdings) Ltd Josh Gifford
F543P5 GAILOORN DE MEE (FR) 9-9-03 Fergus Wilson Yannick Fertillet FR
11P-1P1 JURANCON II (FR) 6-9-03 David Johnson Martin Pipe
F-00465 MODULOR (FR) 11-9-03 Fergus Wilson Yannick Fertillet FR
1-142353 ROBERTY BOB (IRE) 8-9-03 P J H Wills Henry Daly
12U41-1 SHELTERING (IRE) 11-9-03 Adair Catherwood Edward O'Grady IRE
45534 WHEREAREYOUNOW (IRE) 6-9-03 Raymond Mould Nigel Twiston-Davies
4-64364U4 DELGANY ROYAL (IRE) 11-9-02 Glen Devlin Dessie Hughes IRE
500-225 BALLYAMBER (IRE) 8-9-01 Sean Mulryan Willie Mullins IRE
64032-54 CEANANNAS MOR (IRE) 9-9-01 Major Christopher Hanbury Nicky Henderson
FP-4140 SAD MAD BAD (USA) 9-9-01 Peter Savill Mary Reveley
1-1223D TRINITRO 12-9-01 Liv Saether Myskja Rune Haugen NOR
1F-06451P BILLY THE SNAKE (IRE) 10-8-13 Ouncel Syndicate Pat Hughes IRE
511523 CHERGAN (IRE) 10-8-12 Copland, Hardie and Steel Sue Bradburne
P160-11 KINGS MISTRAL (IRE) 10-8-12 R V Shaw Patrick Chamings
PU4503- KHAKI CRAZY (FR) 8-8-11 Archie Gooch Martin Pipe
12-F20P LIVINGSTONEBRAMBLE (IRE) 7-8-11 Favourites Racing Willie Mullins IRE
F26/-F41 COQ HARDI DIAMOND (IRE) 9-8-10 Catherine Howard Noel Meade IRE
6P-532FP CIMARRONE COVE (IRE) 8-8-09 Philip Matton Nicky Henderson
02-5222F KILLULTAGH THUNDER (IRE) 7-8-09 Rose Boyd Willie Mullins IRE
511115 PESSIMISTIC DICK 10-8-09 Frank Flynn and Richard Madden Hughie Morrison
61-11F00P PRECIOUS MUSIC (IRE) 10-8-09 Thomas Farrell Gerard Farrell IRE
2P046-PP SHANNON GALE (IRE) 11-8-09 J P McManus Christy Roche IRE
322P-03P SIGMA DOTCOMM (IRE) 7-8-09 J A Boyle Noel Meade IRE
241-F22F TOM'S PRIZE 8-8-08 Mrs P Joynes John Spearing
52/100P//- SCOTIA NOSTRA (IRE) 11-8-07 Favourites Racing Venetia Williams
00115-1 KAPATCHI (FR) 12-8-06 Fergus Wilson Yannick Fertillet FR
2P6/-323P NO PROBLEM (IRE) 12-8-06 T Cronin Pat O'Keeffe IRE
214FPP0 PRANCING BLADE 10-8-06 Gavin MacEchern Nigel Twiston-Davies
1341130 MOTHERS HELP 8-8-05 Berkshire Commercial Components Ltd Dai Williams
P4U513- FOLLY ROAD (IRE) 13-8-04 Miss L Horner Dai Williams
3211/1P/-4 LAMBRINI GOLD 9-8-04 Halewood International Ltd Ginger McCain
133-P566 MR BOSSMAN (IRE) 10-8-04 Norman Mason Norman Mason
2P06P-0 SCOTMAIL BOY (IRE) 10-8-04 George Tobitt Howard Johnson
61PP-26 STORM OF GOLD (IRE) 10-8-04 Reliance Car Hire Services Ltd Dai Williams
33BU3-4 TUESDAY (IRE) 8-n/q Violet O'Leary Willie Mullins IRE

149 Entries
34 Irish-trained
7 French-trained
1 Norwegian-trained

SCOOP6 PUNTERS LOOK TO CONTINUE WINNING STREAK

Since the last day of the flat season (9-Nov 2002) the Scoop6 Win fund has been landed by punters on ten of the 13 Saturdays, a strike rate of 77% compared with the 40% average.

"The stats suggest there has never been a better time to play the Scoop6 and be in with a chance of landing a windfall," said Tote spokesman Jeremy Scott. "Not only has the Win fund been landed on ten of the 13 Saturdays since November 9th but on one of the Saturday's it wasn't won we more than compensated by paying out a £487,000 Bonus fund payment to £8 staking Paul Freeman."

"Since the end of the flat season we've paid out more than £875,000 in Win fund payments and over £756,000 in Bonus fund dividends on the Scoop6. If you include Place payments that comes to more than £2 million of Scoop6 cash. The best news for small staking punters is that they've hovered up around 80% of that cash (those investing £20 or less!)"

19 winners from last Saturday qualify to play for the £23,439 Bonus prize fund and will land all or a share of the cash if they can find the winner of the Tote Gold Trophy from Newbury.

Saturday's Scoop6 legs are:
leg 1 1.40 Ayr - Ben Nevis Handicap Chase
leg 2 1.55 Newbury - Stuart Eaton 40th Birthday Handicap Hurdle
leg 3 2.10 Haydock - Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
leg 4 2.30 Newbury - Sodexho Prestige Game Spirit Chase
leg 5 3.05 Newbury - Tote Gold Trophy Hurdle
leg 6 3.35 Newbury - Aon Chase

FIGURES UP ACROSS THE BOARD AT TATTERSALLS FEBRUARY SALE

"As ever the quality lots have had no shortage of admirers but most importantly for a Sale of this nature we have seen realistic reserves rewarded by a good clearance rate. There have been more than double the number of five figure transactions than at this Sale last year, and the top price of 50,000 guineas was also a record for a mare at the February Sale, which bodes well for the long term future of the fixture."

The top price for the sale was the 50,000 guineas paid for the five year old Classic placed mare MISS MELTEMI. The Group 1 Oak's d'Italia third was offered carrying to Champion older miler DANSILI who stands at Prince Khalid Abdullah's Banstead Manor Stud, outside Newmarket, and it was Hedsor Stud's Tim Lock who secured the mare with a single bid. The daughter of MISWAKI TERN whose dam BLU MELTEMI was also placed in the Oak's d'Italia was offered by leading consignor Jamie Railton and was a record price for a broodmare at the February Sale.

The second highest price for the day and the top price for a filly in training was the 38,000 guineas paid for the three year old filly BLACK BELT SHOPPER. Consigned from Barry Hills' Faringdon Place Stables, the three year old daughter of DESERT PRINCE out of the UNFUWAIN mare KOUMISS had been placed in the Listed Silver Tankard Stakes at Pontefract last year and was purchased by locally based bloodstock agent Jill Lamb on behalf of an undisclosed British breeder.

IPI TOMBE ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT IN AL FAHIDI FORT

Immediately after the event Chairman of the Dubai World Cup, Les Benton, issued an invitation to the connections of Ipi Tombe for the filly to run in the Dubai Duty Free however consideration will also be given to running her in the Dubai World Cup on March 29.

The filly demolished a class line-up conceding weight to all, smashing the race record by over two seconds in what was the one of the best trials seen for the Dubai Duty Free in recent years.

The filly provided her rider Kevin Shea with a winner on his first ride at Nad Al Sheba and ironically, Naheef¹s win in the evening's other feature, the AED350,000 Listed Al Rashidiya, provided his rider Kerrin McEvoy with his first win in the Emirates since arriving a week ago.

Ipi Tombe arrived in the Emirates with a huge reputation, having won eight of her ten starts and despite having to concede weight to all rivals, she justified the high praise, easily accounting for Royal Tryst and Trademark in absolutely brilliant style.

"She does it all for you, all I have to do is make sure I am in the right place," Shea said.

Shea said that luck had gone his way when he was forced to stay on the fence aboard Ipi Tombe however he clarified that had she been beaten she would have been unlucky.

"I was stuck there, there was nothing I could do so I took my chances," he said.

"I had a bit of luck tonight, had I not won would have been a most unlucky loser."

Ipi Tombe continued the magnificent run of success enjoyed by Shea and trainer Mike de Kock after a year in 2002 that saw them "win just about every feature race in South Africa" while she gave her trainer his second Pattern win in the Emirates having earlier won the Al Nakhlee with Victory Moon.

That colt runs attepts further Pattern success next Thursday when he lines up in the US$250,000 Group III UAE 2000 Guineas, the first leg of the Dubai Triple Crown.

Naheef became Godolphin's first winner of the year when he gave the stable their third win in four runnings of the Al Rashidiya when he defeated Celtic Silence and Clodion.

McEvoy's arrival in the Emirates came through his success in the Emirates Challenge, a competition held between jockeys in the UAE and Australia over the two meetings that made up the One Event Two Racemeetings Alliance between the Dubai Racing Club and Melbourne Racing Club last year.

McEvoy's four winners on Dubai Day at Caulfield secured him his ticket to Dubai and allowed him to renew his association with Godolphin, whom he rode Beekeeper for in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups last Spring.

Erwan Charpy continued to strongly defend his Trainer's Championship title, Keeping in touch with runaway leader Mazin Al Kurdi by preparing a winning double, the Purebred Arabian Djolly Good preceding Prado's Wish's win in the Pearls of Dubai International Sales Stakes Prelude.

The win of Djolly Good also gave young apprentice Helen Keohane her first win in the Emirates.

Champion jockey Ted Durcan also kept in touch with leader Wayne Smith with his success aboard Al Ash Hab in the final event.

NAD AL SHEBA
Thursday, February 06, 2003
Weather: Fine. Dirt Track: Fast. Turf Track: Good

All races dirt unless stated.

The figures beside the race conditions (ie 00-80) are for horses rated in that division and these figures are in pounds. The UAE Dirham (Dhs) is fixed at US$3.68.

Race One: Airlie Stud Trophy. 1,500m.

Thoroughbreds. NH & SH 3YOs & Up. Ltd Conds.

Prizemoney: Dhs55,000. 1st: Dhs27,500. 2nd: Dhs13,200. 3rd: Dhs7,700. 4th: Dhs4,950. 5th: Dhs1,650.

1. SEEKING THE PRIZE (GB) 61kg
1998 ch h Zafonic - Dancing Prize (Sadler's Wells)
Owner: Bouresly Racing Syndicate
Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud Ltd
Trainer: R Alford. Jockey: G Hind.

2. QUICK ACT (IRE) 61kg
1999 b g Sadler's Wells - Don't Rush (Alleged)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum
Breeder: Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd
Trainer: J Sadler. Jockey: J Murtagh.

3. TAFASEEL (USA) 53kg
2000 dk b/br c Belong To Me - Runup The Colors (AP Indy)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: W S Farish
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: R Hills.

Then came (in order): Onfowaan (USA), Mr Hand (ARG), Nazeeh (USA), Littleton Gandolf (IRE), Old Dorset (USA), Pride Of Dubai (USA), Linethrower (IRE), Rischio (USA), Harvard (USA), Shagara lady (IRE), Glenmorangie (GB), South Carolina (USA), Desert Whisper (GB). 16 ran. Margins: 3len, 1.5len, .5len. Time: 1:31.19. (Last 800m: 49.99)

Race Two: Byrne Equipment Rental Cup 2,400m
Purebred Arabians. Handicap 4YOs 77-97. 5Y0s 65-85
Prizemoney: Dhs80,000. 1st: Dhs40,000. 2nd: Dhs19,200. 3rd: Dhs11,200. 4th:
Dhs7,200. 5th: Dhs2,400.

1. DJOLLY GOOD (US) 50.5 carr 47.5kg
1996 b h Djendel - Bygosh Bygolly (Golly)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Pamela A Wedel
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: H Keohane.

2. MAWKAB (GB) 58.5kg
1998 ch h Izentespeshal - Madera De Piboul (Manganate)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Trainer: G Duffield. Jockey: R Hills.

3. ISET LA BELLE (FR) 53kg
1997 b m Dormane - Gibeciere (Dunixi)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Bernadette Morans Savioz
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: R Mullen.

Then came (in order): Nedjam Lotois (FR), Eldjani (GB), Badji Du Monteil (FR), Mash Hoor (FR), Never Mind (US). 9 ran. Margins: 3.75len, 3.5len, 1.5len. Time: 2:49.40.

Race Three: Penguin Engineering Trophy 1,400m
Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs+. Ltd Conds.

Prizemoney: Dhs75,000. 1st: Dhs37,500. 2nd: Dhs18,000. 3rd: Dhs10,500. 4th: Dhs6,750. 5th: Dhs2,250.

1. WILDE (GB) 57.5kg
1999 b g Polish Precedent - Wildwood Flower (Distant Relative)
Owner: Suhail Salem bin Ghadayer
Breeder: Raffin Stud
Trainer: P Rudkin. Jockey: M Hills.

2. AL MOHALLAB (FR) 57.5kg
1999 b g Marju - Deyaajeer (Dayjur)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Breeder: Shadwell Estate Co Ltd
Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: R Hills.

3. OCEAN STAR (GB) 57.5kg
1999 ch g Lycius - Limerick Belle (Roi Danzig)
Owner: Mohammed Rashid bin Ghadayer
Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: S Hamel.

Then came (in order): Binsina (GB), Media Story (USA), Quick Flash (ARG), Luzern (GB), Al Muntasir (AUS), King's Secret (USA), Attlee (USA), Rednap (USA). 11 ran. Margins: 2.25len, 1.5len, sht hd. Time: 1:35.30. (Last 800m: 49.25)

Race Four: Pearls of Dubai International Sale Prelude 1,700m.

Thoroughbreds. NH & SH 3YOs sold at Pearls of Dubai International Sale. Ltd Conds.

Prizemoney: Dhs100,000. 1st: Dhs50,000. 2nd: Dhs24,000. 3rd: Dhs14,000. 4th: Dhs9,000. 5th: Dhs3,000.

1. PRADO'S WISH (USA) 54kg
2000 b c El Prado - Bracey (Prince Alydar)
Owner: Abdullah Hassan Al Rostamani
Breeder: Jerry M Cutrona, Jeanne H Cutrona & Michael Hill
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: S Sanders.

2. DUBAI GUEST (CAN) 54kg
2000 c Grand Slam - Social Director (Deputy Minister)
Owner: Bouresly Racing Syndicate
Breeder: Windfields Farm Ltd
Trainer: R Alford. Jockey: W Ryan.

3. NAVIDENO (ARG) 57 carr 55.5kg
1999 b c Louis Quatorze - Nazarena (Logical)
Owner: Ziad Galadari
Breeder: La Quebrada
Trainer: Satish Seemar. Jockey: R Moore.

Then came (in order): Tangeriano (ARG), Restructured (USA), Golden Fitz (ARG), Nassab (USA), Samid (ARG), Alocadito (ARG), He's Due (USA), Victory Jacket (ARG0, Southern Partner (USA). 12 ran. Margins: .75len, 2.75len, 3.5len. Time: 1:45.03. (Last 800m: 50.12)

Race Five: Al Fahidi Fort (Listed) 1,600m (Turf).

Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ & SH 3YOs & Up.

Prizemoney: Dhs350,000. 1st: Dhs210,000. 2nd: Dhs70,000. 3rd: Dhs35,000. 4th: Dhs17,500. 5th: Dhs10,500. 6th: 7,000
1. IPI TOMBE (ZIM) 58kg
1998 b f Manshood - Carnet De Danse (Dance In Time)
Owner: Team Valour, Winstar Farm & Sunmark Partners
Breeder: P J Moore
Trainer: M de Kock. Jockey: K Shea.

2. ROYAL TRYST (USA) 57kg
1997 ch h Kingmambo - In On The Secret (Secretariat)
Owner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Earl H Schultz
Trainer: J Sadler. Jockey: J Murtagh.

3. TRADEMARK (SAF) 57kg
1996 b g Goldmark - Popular (Elliodor)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: D Cohen & Sons Pty Ltd
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: T Durcan.

Then came (in order): Compton Admiral (USA), Conflict (FR0, Masterful (USA), Meshaheer (USA), Millennium Dragon (GB), Ibn Al Haitham (GB), Atlantis Prince (GB). N/R: Calcutta (GB), Dancal (IRE).10 ran. Margins: 2.25len, 3.25len, 3.5len. Time: 1:37.00. (Last 800m: 48.54)
Comment: A stunning performance by the champion South African filly IPI TOMBE in what is the best trial for the Dubai Duty Free seen in recent years. The filly arrived with a record of eight wins and two seconds from 10 starts in her native Zimbabwe and South Africa and while she was the winner of two Group I events in South Africa this could have been considered her sternest test. In a field with an average rating of 109, IPI TOMBE completely dominated and while tougher opposition will arrive for the Group
I Dubai Duty Free on March 29, judging by this performance the filly will be able to cope with it. Afterall, there she will get the full allowance for the fillies in contrast to here where she had to concede weight to all rivals having to carry the penalties for the Group I wins. Sitting midfield, the filly didn't have to go around a horse and while she was advantaged by a succession of inside runs, her acceleration showed her to be a filly of the highest order. On this performance whatever beats her in the Dubai Duty Free will be the winner. These were quality horses chasing her and yet she treated the with absolute contempt, being eased down in the final 50m when the race was run. ROYAL TRYST again tried hard but it appears there is always one better than him, his second placing following on from his previous effort when second to Feet So Fast in the HH The President Cup. His performance here was confirmation of his National Day Cup win earlier in the season when he had TRADEMARK behind him, that horse being third here. The Godolphin quartet were disappointing, MASTERFUL, as expected, getting to the front but he was under pressure shortly after straightening. MESHAHEER stayed on well and will benefit from the run while MILLENNIUM DRAGON may be better suited by a drop back to 1,400m. CONFLICT raced wide and got to the front at the 500 but tired in the run to the line while the run of COMPTON DRAGON was good and he will no doubt improve. All honours, however, were with the winner, her time of 1:37 easily beating the three previous runnings of this event, Grazalema (1:39.70) in 2000, Superiority (1:39.93) in 2001 and Swiss Law (1:39.53) last year. A dominant performance by a truly top class mare.

Race Six: Al Rashidiya (Listed). 2,000m (Turf).

Thoroughbreds. NH 4YOs+ SH 3YOs+
Prizemoney: Dhs350,000. 1st: Dhs210,000. 2nd: Dhs70,000. 3rd: Dhs35,000. 4th: Dhs17,500. 5th: Dhs10,500. 6th: 7,000
1. NAHEEF (IRE) 55.5kg
1999 b c Marju - Golden Digger (Mr Prospector)
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Gainsborough Stud Ltd
Trainer: S bin Suroor. Jockey: K McEvoy.

2. CELTIC SILENCE (GB) 55kg
1998 b c Celtic Swing - Smart N'Noble (Smarten)
Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum
Breeder: P D Savill
Trainer: J Wickham. Jockey: R Mullen.

3. CLODION (IRE) 55kg
1996 b h Nikos - Didia Clara (Sea Break)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Claude Cohen
Trainer: M Al Kurdi. Jockey: T Durcan.

Then came (in order): Bonecrusher (GB), Nowrass (GB), Lightning Arrow (USA), Aerican Badger (SAF), Divine Task (USA), Kelly (SAF), Al Moulatham (GB). N/R: Simeon (GB), Grand Jete (SAF). 10 ran. Margins: 1.25len, 2len, nk. Time: 2:03.80. (Last 800m: 50.40).

Comment: NAHEEF has always been a horse that has carried with him a fair amount of expectation and he ran right up to that here with a very good performance to win this fourth renewal of the Al Rashidiya. Benefiting from an inside barrier NAHEEF secured an inside run at the top of the straight and created a gap over the chasing pack which was headed by CELTIC SILENCE. NAHEEF had actually quickened nicely and while CELTIC SILENECE did issue a challenge NAHEEF always appeared to have his measure and on the line was coming away again on the line. CLODION and NOWRASS were both tardy to begin but soon caught up with the rest of the field after they had gone 600m however CLODION's performance to finish third. Ironically in the 2001 running of the Al Rashidiya CELTIC SILENCE and CLODION filled the same positions behind MUSHA MERR. DIVINE TASK, as expected, settled back in the field but never got into the race and was disappointing in finishing eighth. He is clearly a better horse than that and is worth another chance. NAHEEF was having his first run here since his sixth to Asian heights at Kempton and there is no doubt he will improve further. He is obviously a horse that has matured a great deal and will get better. CELTIC SILENCE also ran well on his first start for new trainer Jaci Wickham and will no doubt improve while CLODION, who secured a run after the withdrawal of SIMEON, showed that his previous effort was not his true form, getting to the line well to finish third. BONECRUSHER's effort to finish fourth was good and he will his share of races.

Race Eight: Irish National Stud Trophy 2,000m.

Thoroughbreds. Handicap. NH 4YOs+ SH 3YOs+ 60-85.

Prizemoney: Dhs80,000. 1st: Dhs40,000. 2nd: Dhs19,200. 3rd: Dhs11,200. 4th: Dhs7,200. 5th: Dhs2,400.

1. AL ASH HAB (USA) 57kg
1999 ch c Dixieland Band - Meteor Cap (Capote)
Owner: Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd
Trainer: K McLaughlin. Jockey: T Durcan.

2. DUBAI DOWN UNDER (NZ) 60kg
1997 b g Prized - Skylarking (Twig Moss)
Owner: Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Mesdames J A Glazebrook & J M F Gould
Trainer: S Seemar. Jockey: R Moore.

3. DEODATUS (USA) 58.5kg
1998 b h Darshaan - Intripidity (Sadler's Wells)
Owner: Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum
Breeder: Darley Stud Management Inc
Trainer: E Charpy. Jockey: Sanders.

Then came (in order): Ocean Of Stors (IRE), Dubai Vision (FR), Riordan (USA), Landslide (IRE), Rajjaaf (GB), Nessuno (BRZ), Muwassi (GB), Starlight Festival (IRE). 11 ran. Margins: .5len, 1.25len, 5.75len Time: 2:04.13. (Last 800m: 51.55)

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