Observations From Carlisle

It proved quite informative yesterday at Carlisle, where there were some interesting long-term prospects on view.

I spoke briefly with Danny Cook’s agent, Bruce Jeffrey, who told me that Sue Smith’s horses were mostly needing their first run. However the presence of owner Trevor Hemmings suggested his colours were likely to figure at some point and Bruce told me that Vintage Star had been working very well and might be able to overcome his absence. Three of the nine-year-old’s five victories have been at Carlisle while his first-time out record read 21212, followed by this latest victory.

The yard’s earlier runner for Hemmings was Vintage Clouds, who looked an out-and-out galloper. He needs to brush up his jumping while my positive message for The Phantom in the bumper proved fairly accurate, with a fine effort to finish second – albeit beaten a long way – at 25/1.

Saphir Du Rheu did all that was expected of him in beating The Young Master by seven lengths.

In common with other runners from Paul Nicholls’s yard he looked a little burly beforehand and I noticed him having a good old blow afterwards. I spent a while looking at him afterwards and have to confess he is not a horse I warm to, even though I have written him up very favourably in the Dark Horses Annual.

Bye for now