Mick Channon Stable Tour
16 Aug 2005
Mick Channon has probably always had an eye for the ladies, however, since he began training racehorses it is the four-legged variety that have captivated his imagination.
He has trained some top quality fillies over the years, in particular Bint Allayl and Queens Logic. This year he has found another that looks likely to be rated alongside that august pair, Flashy Wings.
Two-year-olds are the life blood of his operation at West Ilsley and there are plenty of other juveniles on the team who can more than hold their own in top company. Here he talks about his pick of the youngsters, including some unraced ones that he holds in high regard.
AHMEDY
B c Polish Precedent — Nawaji.
Progressive colt, beaten a head by Under My Thumb on debut at Folkestone on July 7 then beat Congressional same distance over seven at Redcar ten days later.
“He’s more a next year horse, he’s a bit weak and only scrambled home to win but a nice horse in the making. He wants a mile but isn’t strong enough to get it but he has got some speed. Won’t run until mid-September and ground won’t be a problem either way.”
AJIGOLO
Ch c Piccolo — Ajig Dancer.
Beat Sunrise Safari second time out and ran best race in defeat when fourth to 12 to Masta Plasta in the Norfolk. Readily beat Soto latest start when back to six furlongs at Doncaster July 14.
“He’s immature but shows a lot of ability and I think he is at least Listed class and will probably run in the Roses at York. Five or six furlongs won’t be a problem but I won’t want to run him on very soft.”
ALMOST SPINNING
ch f Spinning World — Almost A Lady.
Plenty of ability shown in two runs, latest when fourth of 15 to Chatila at Newbury on August 12 over six furlongs.
“She should win over seven furlongs but nothing’s gone right for her and she’s had to have two stalls tests. I feels there’s a lot more to come but I’m reluctant to really kick on with her although I know she’s ready to win but will be better next year.”
ASAAWIR
b f Royal Applause — Triple Joy.
Won two of four starts after appearing to go wrong on debut at Windsor when virtually pulled up. Latest win was off 80 in Chepstow nursery which will rise and make things tricky. All runs at six furlongs.
“Ted Durcan thought she was wrong behind at Windsor but I knew she was alright and she won next time. She’s quite nice and I’ll keep her for the Watership Down Stud race. She could go for the Solario at Sandown on August 20 and I don’t think seven furlongs would be a problem. However, the Dick Poole at Salisbury might be better. Any ground is ok.”
B A FOXTROT
B c Foxhound — Aunt Susan.
Won three from five including first two on soft and heavy but handles good. Apparently outclassed when 13 of 14 to Red Clubs in Coventry at York latest start when ground was contentious issue.
“He came back from York with a sore joint which is why he hasn’t run and I blame the slippery ground. I’ll wait till the backend and possibly the Middle Park. Six isn’t a problem but he’s a sprinter and loves soft ground.”
CALL MY NUMBER
B c Grand Lodge — Screen Idol
Followed up encouraging Goodwood debut third to Private Business with half length win over Luberon when upped to seven furlongs at Beverley latest start June 16.
“He’s a mile horse for next year and he’ll be out again in September. He’s a big horse and needs time. He’s in three bits at the moment but will be good when everything comes together. He’ll handle any ground.”
CELESTIAL PRINCESS
B f Observatory — Affair Of State.
Left moderate debut behind when finishing second twice, notably to smart Nasheej at Newbury on June 30. Justified odds on when beating Creative Mind half a length over seven furlongs at Carlisle July 6 latest start.
“Nasheej has won a Group Three and I think mine’s a nice filly but perhaps not so good as that form reads. She is a big filly and still weak which is why she hasn’t run for a while. I’ll bring her back for a nursery then have a look at her. Her family improve with time. She’ll be better at a mile.”
CHAMPIONSHIP POINT
B c Lomitas — Flying Squaw.
Smart winner of two starts, beating Global Genius on second in possibly substandard Chesham at York. Plenty of potential.
“I know he’s a decent horse and will probably run at Deauville on August 21 over a mile providing the ground isn’t too soft. He’s a trainers dream who keeps finding it and will want middle distances next year. I favour the Racing Post Trophy but the ground might be a concern. There’s also the Royal Lodge.”
DREAM ROSE
B f Anabaa — Hiddnah.
Placed second three times in five starts over five, six and seven. Best effort possibly the latest when length and a half second over seven to Galileo’s Star at Sandown July 27 on good to soft.
“The only time she disappointed was in Ireland when she was dehydrated. I think seven or a mile will be alright. I don’t think she’s a star but I’m desperate for her to win. A nice filly and ground’s not a problem.”
FLASHY WINGS
Ch f Zafonic — Lovealoch.
Best juvenile filly of the season, progressive and unbeaten in three starts. Most impressive when beating Salut D’Amour in Queen Mary at York. Yet to race beyond five furlongs.
“She’s up there with the best I’ve had and is very special and will run in the Lowther at York and after that the Cheveley Park. I’m not worried about six furlongs but I don’t think she’d want soft ground. I’m not saying she won’t handle it but there’s others will handle it better.”
HANOONA
Ch f Zafonic — Wedoudah
Beat Bee Seventeen on Newmarket debut May 20. Not disgraced when fifth in Listed and Group Two on two subsequent outings, third to Rumplestiltskin at the Curragh on August 7 latest.
“She ended up making the running last time which didn’t suit but she still ran well to finish three lengths behind, Needs a mile and holding up on decent ground. Looks Listed class at least.”
HAZEYMM
B c Marju — Shimna.
Eyecatching two lengths seconds of 11 to Extreme Measures over seven furlongs at Newbury on August 13, only start.
“We think a lot of him and he’s just got to go and win his maiden now. He’ll be in all the big races like the Royal Lodge and Racing Post Trophy. He’s nice, probably as good a colt as I’ve got, although I’m not sure if he’s better than Championship Point.”
MUSIC NOTE
B c Indian Ridge — Samara Middle East.
Improved with each of two runs, latest when half length second to Doctor Scott over a mile at Hamilton August 8.
“A real nice horse that needs to settle but wants all of a mile. I don’t mind a bit of soft but I’m not sure about him on it, definitely not heavy.”
PUSKAS
B c King’s Best — Chiquita Linda.
Won Newmarket maiden in April but best performance in defeat when length third to eight to Strike Up The Band in Listed race at Goodwood May 18. Unraced since.
“He came back from Goodwood with a sore shin and I’ve had to go quiet with him but he’s working well and he’ll be pretty decent when the ground comes up soft. He could run in the Morny at Deauville. I’m very pleased with him.”
QUEEN OF FIRE
B f Dr Fong — Sonic Sapphire.
Beat Rosinka and 18 others at Newbury on June 30 debut, best performance in defeat when length fourth of 8 to Donna Blini at Cherry Hinton. Well beaten ninth of 12 to Mixed Blessing in Princess Margaret at Newbury July 23.
“It wasn’t a total surprise when she won at 50-1 because I’d already made the Cherry Hinton entry. I think it was weakness kicking in that got her beaten so far last time. With my good horses in the past I’ve usually taken a pull after Ascot. Because she started later I didn’t do it with her. She’s on a break now and she’s definitely Listed to Group Three class.”
ROYAL POWER
b c Xaar — Magic Touch.
Beat Wicked Daze five lengths when upped from five to seven furlongs on fourth start. Slightly disappointing third to six to Zennerman at Warwick on soft latest effort July 7. Initial mark of 83 might be exploitable.
“He was a bit of a playboy so I got the fizz out of him with three runs over five furlongs. I was a bit disappointed at Warwick but it was a messy race. I’ve given him a break to come back for nurseries and he should be good enough off his mark. Quite a nice horse.”
SALUTE HIM
B c Mull Of Kintyre — Living Legend.
Won Folkestone debut on soft over five on March 30 and showed preference for give when beating Shogun Prince off 81 in seven furlong Newbury Nursery on July 31. Should still be competitive off 84.
“A big horse that will be better over a mile but still weak. Might only have a couple more runs this year, I’m not in a hurry.”
SILCA’S SISTER
Ch f Inchinor — Silca-Cisa.
Improved on debut to beat Dazed three lengths in a Newbury maiden on July 22 that is working out well.
“I didn’t think the race she won was very good but plenty of winners have come out of it. We always thought plenty of her. She had a dirty nose early in the spring which held her up, could have been a blessing and she does for the Morny at Deauville. He family don’t mind any ground. Seven to a mile’s not a problem.”
UPPER HAND
Ch c Mark Of Esteem — Pelagia.
Won Yarmouth debut May 10 by a length and a quarter from The Snatcher. Improved on that third and most recent start when two and a half lengths second of six to Always Hopeful in Goodwood Group Two over six furlongs. All three starts with give underfoot.
“He’s a monster of a horse that’s related to Alcazar so I thought he’d be backend but he did some good work with decent horses. It was just weakness that found him out at Goodwood. Six furlongs is perfect but as for ground it just happens to have been good to soft when he’s run. Good ground would be ok. He’ll go for the big sales race at Newmarket.”
YASOODD
Br c Inchinor — Needwood Epic.
Won seven furlong Ayr maiden by three lengths from Silent Times on June 18 but best effort in defeat when two lengths third of 11 to Horatio Nelson in Group Three at Newmarket July 7. Slightly disappointing latest run when sixth of seven to Sir Percy at Goodwood July 27.
“I always thought he was ok but he got a bit warm at Goodwood but I can’t say he didn’t run his race because he as only beaten four lengths. Might be as good as he is but even on that he should be Listed class. He’ll get further than seven in time and ground isn’t an issue.”
ZAHARATH AL BUSTAN
Ch f Gulch — Cayman Sunset.
Placed in all four starts, one at six and three over seven. Nailed on for any normal maiden and should win a nursery off 79.
“She’ll be better over a mile, hits a flat spot over seven then stays on. Will definitely win on any ground.”
Unraced.
HISTORIC APPEAL
B c Diesis — Karasavina.
“Big, strong horse that might run at Salisbury on August 19 but not if it’s too firm. He’ll want a mile plus but she should find a race this year.”
RAJAALL
B c Royal Applause — Gorgeous Dancer.
“Half brother to Imperial Dancer that is ready to run. Similar to his brother but will need a mile plus. A very nice horse that will definitely win this year.”
SILVER TOUCH
B f Dansili — Sanpala.
“Monster of a filly that could be anything. Showed a nice bit of speed early in the year, has had a break and been turned out. She could certainly win this year but will only run once or twice, over seven or a mile.”
Trainers choice: “Flashy Wings is up there with the best I’ve had.”
Dark horse: “Rajaall will win this season.”
Weighted to win: “Zaharath Al Bustan should be competitive.”
James Given Stable Tour
19 Jul 2005
There are few better credentials for a racehorse trainer to have — apart from multi-millionaire — than veterinary surgeon. It certainly hasn’t hindered the likes of Dermot Weld and Mark Johnson.
So James Given has a lot going for him and since his arrival as a trainer some seven years ago he has justifiably gained a reputation as one who thinks through what he is doing. Not for him the “throw enough mud at the wall and some will stick” approach.
With no petro dollar backing it is hard for him to hit the group race scene with regularity but he does so when the horse is good enough. He has made his mark in big handicaps such as Ebor and Chester Cups with Hugs Dancer, his handling of which was an object lesson until he was sold to Australia.
Here Given talks about his pick of the team he trains in Lincolnshire, including some unraced two-year-olds that should be noted for later in the season when the ground eases.
Older horses.
GRAMPIAN
6 b h Selkirk — Gryada.
Smart middle distance handicapper yet to win beyond a mile and a half but shows enough to think he will get 14 furlongs. Unlucky in running on penultimate start when close fourth to Zeitgeist and head second to Lost Soldier Three off two pounds higher mark of 98 latest start. Has been 105.
“I though his last run was very good until the last 100 yards but then I think he threw it away when he got in front and started snaking around. Next time you see him he’ll be wearing blinkers and that will most likely be the Ebor. He’s off 98 and I’m certain he could win another race off that but with a penalty he’d be off 105 in the Ebor which would be a waste of time so he won’t run before. He’s come out of his last race very well. I think he’s better this year than last. Good fast ground is fine.”
HUGS DESTINY
4 b g Victory Note — Embracing.
Half-brother to Ebor and Chester Cup winner Hugs Dancer and like him appears to be improving with age and is relatively lightly raced with only ten starts. Has dropped from 71 to 55 on latest outing when narrowly beaten by Son Of Thunder when dropped from 11 to nine furlongs at Carlisle on July 6.
“When Seb Sanders got off him at Carlisle he did say he would stay a mile and a half alright but I’m not sure he’s ready for it yet as the family develops late. He’s gone up to 57 and I think he’s capable of getting to 70 this season. He’s got options coming up over a mile and a quarter and runs at Ayr on July 19 where he has a solid chance. Handles fast ground well.”
NESSEN DORMA
4 b g Entrepreneur — Goldilocks.
Middle distance handicapper who reached career high of 83 last year but had to drop to 75 before winning at Ripon in May. Three decent subsequent efforts off 80, latest a four length fourth to Inchnadamph over 14 furlongs at Haydock July 14. New mark of 82 appears restrictive.
“He did very well on his penultimate start when he was just beaten by Valance at Carlisle on ground that was too quick. The last time he ran it was a bit loose and I’ll wait until there is a bit of cut. I’m still not sure about the trip and won’t rule out a mile and six again. I think he can be competitive off his mark because he’s getting more mature, physically and mentally.”
RILEY BOYS
4 ch g Most Welcome — Scarlett Holly.
Mile handicapper that has been in good order this year and finally won for the first time in over a year when beating Little Jimbob three quarters of a length at Beverley on July 1. Has been moved from 78 to 80 but looked competitive off 81 earlier in the season.
“He is quite frustrating because he should have beaten Langford when he finished a length second at Doncaster on June 12 but didn’t appear to try. In fact his conversion of seconds to wins hasn’t been good enough so I tried a visor and that didn’t work on his penultimate outing. I know that a mile at Beverley suits him very well. He’s easy to place because he handles any ground. It might be hard once he moves up from 81 but I’m going to try him over ten furlongs.”
ROCK LOBSTER
4 b g Desert Sun — Distant Music.
Handicapper that appears effective from nine to 12 furlongs. Two sound efforts off 63 but slightly disappointing latest effort off 66. Won off 60 over ten furlongs at Nottingham last July.
“His last race was a particularly tight handicap, it was a very hot day and I felt he ran flat. I’d like to think he’ll drop a pound or two and I’m sure he will win, but the handicapper almost has him so like a lot of horses, he needs things to fall his way. His right trip is probably a mile and three — I’m not sure he truly stays further but he handles quick ground well.”
SUMMITVILLE
5 b m Grand Lodge — Tina Heights.
Good class mare who’s career high came on third start at two when winning Group Three May Hill Stakes at Doncaster, last time successful. Reached career high of 112 when third to Islington in Yorkshire Oaks following year. Has performed with credit in defeat this year, with close seconds to Red Bloom and Tarfah over nine furlongs and a mile despite looking effective over further. Disappointing favourite when third of five to Mango Mischief in Chepstow group three over ten furlongs latest start.
“There are two schools of thought with her owners. One half wants to up her to a mile and a half and drop her to listed class and win while the others want to stay at ten furlongs and go for the big ones because she seems just as likely to run well in one of them. “I think she went too fast at Chepstow. Ten furlongs is ok but I’d be happy for her to drop back to nine furlongs or even a mile, which Darryll Holland agreed with after Chepstow. I’d like to run her in the Nassau at Goodwood because she can up her game and loves fast ground and last year’s race was relatively weak, which might happen again if it was rattling hard.”
Three-year-olds.
BOWNESS
B f Efisio — Dominio.
Unraced at two and won second start over six furlongs at Wolverhampton on June 24. Debut rating of 68 looks winnable.
“I think there is room for manoeuvre with her rating. She split a pastern which stopped her racing last year. I was very pleased with her at Wolverhampton, had to do it the hard way, came round the outside. I think a straight five will suit her better but with her injury I would be wary running her on firm ground and I think she wants some ease. She might be useful when conditions are right.”
EPICUREAN
Ch f Fruit Of Love — Arminda.
Something of a rarity in being a debut winner from a yard that is not renowned for such. Beat Dante’s Diamond three lengths over seven furlongs at Catterick on July 13.
“She was very slow to come and it wasn’t until the second half of June that she was actually getting home in her work. Then I saw the Catterick race which looked weak. I think she’ll want a mile and possible ten furlongs and I’m anticipating a rating of somewhere between 70 and 75 and could turn into an 80 plus horse. I need to find the right race and not a massive field.”
FOLGA
B f Atraf — Desert Dawn.
Won five furlong maiden at Musselburgh last September and successful over same distance at Bath, May this year off 70. Has finished second last three starts and moved to 82 but appears to be improving.
“She likes it fast and although she has been beaten over six I think she will probably get it because she was too free. She’s had a short break and I might run her over six at Doncaster on July 11.”
VANADIUM
B c Dansili — Musianica.
Unraced at two and two wins from five starts this season at six and seven furlongs. Beaten off 76 in St James Palace when 100-1 and beaten subsequent start when upped to 81. Diet would help.
“He ran in the St James Palace because it put him in the market place for Hong Kong as his two half brothers, Mensa and Volata did well over there. The handicapper did say that he could justify putting the horse up 14 pounds. He did run very flat on his last outing but I do think we’ve got more than a fighting chance of winning a race or two off this mark. I do think he’s probably a 90-plus horse and I’m not sure about a mile, seven is probably better. He handles fast ground and I think there is a good race in him.”
WOOD SPRITE
B f Mister Baileys — Woodbeck.
Showed little on debut last year over a mile but looked much better when moved to 14 furlongs for second outing and first of this year when two and a half lengths second of nine to subsequent winner Pearl’s A Singer at Catterick on July 6.
“She has taken an age to come to hand this year and she was only just coming right when she finished second. She was very green and Jamie Spencer was confident after that he would beat the winner if they met again. What she does is stay as you’d expect of a half sister to Franklins Gardens. She wouldn’t want it too quick. It’s important to win with her and there is a mile and six maiden at Lingfield at the beginning of August, but the ground must be ok.”
Two-year-olds.
CARRIETAU
B c Key Of Luck — Carreamia.
Disappointing second start when second of nine to Royal Power at Thirsk but that was only two days after running close fifth to Observatory Star on debut at Ripon so excuse.
“He shouldn’t have run so quick so forget the second outing but the debut was good and the plan is to win with him now. I think he’s more of a seven furlong horse and I think any ground except extremes.”
GIG’S MAGIC
Ch c Gulch — Magic Of Love.
Best of three starts was penultimate when short headed by Sand Cat over six furlongs at Wolverhampton. Qualified for nurseries.
“He was disappointing last time out at Newcastle when he was beaten a long way out. The ground was a bit firm and loose which might explain it. He’s come back and worked well since and he’s in a nursery at Wolverhampton on July 22 over six furlongs, although he might be a seven furlong horse in the making.”
GIVE IT TIME
B f Kayf Tara - Startino
Unraced.
“She has got a great action for a big framed filly, covers the ground sweetly. Very willing. She won’t run till later but she is one to watch out for, certainly next year. I wouldn’t be surprised is she turned out pretty good.”
JEU D’ESPRIT
B f Montjeu — Cielo Vodkamartini.
Unraced.
“A very nice filly who showed good speed early on, everything looked great, but she’s kept growing therefore she’s a bit weak and some way off a run. However I think she can win a maiden.”
OSOLOMIO
Unraced.
B c Singspiel — Inanna.
“He’s done nothing but improve, I’m very happy with him and although he’s bred for middle distance he’s not slow. I like the way he goes and he’ll run around mid-August.”
TRICK OR TREAT
B f Lomitas — Trick Or Ace.
Unraced.
“Despite the way she’s bred she’s showing quite a bit of speed and might start over five furlongs — works like a sprinter. She’ll run towards the end of July.”
TROOP THE COLOUR
B/br c Theatrical — Winsome.
Unraced.
“A nice horse that’s beginning to pull himself together nicely. Big stride, quite round in his action and wouldn’t run until the backend.”
VIRGINIA ROSE
B f Gallileo — Riscoto.
Unraced.
“Coming along nicely but still carrying condition. Travels really nicely and might come sooner than I think.”
Trainers choice: “There is a good handicap in Grampian.”
Dark horse: “I am very pleased with Virginia Rose.”
Weighted to win: “Bowness is fairly treated.”
value Sports bets at decent prices watch them go in......