
CHIPLEY PARK SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY
Preview by Jake Exelby
The PPORA Level 2 Conditions Race for Novice Riders at Chipley Park on Sunday 26th January is one of three PPORA races this weekend. It has attracted 13 entries, and could be a head-to-head between the licensed yard of David Pipe – who is supporting the amateur sport where he started by providing rides to up-and-coming pilots – and pointing stalwart Jo Priest, one of the most under-rated handlers in the game. Both have two entries. Pipe will rely on Fighter Allen, winner of a similar contest at Wadebridge recently, or Sidi Ismael, a close second in the Open on the same card. Neither are yet jocked-up, but will not lack assistance from the saddle. Chaddesley Corbett holds the key to Priest’s selection – Llandinabo Lad won there over Christmas, while Everything Now scored impressively in December 2023 but has not raced since. Both riders, William Badlan and Alexandra Ingram respectively, are useful. Dennis Pugh’s Doc Carver has won this race for the past two years under the owner-trainer’s daughter Rebecca but is 14 now and may need the race on his seasonal debut, while The Kings Writ is top-rated for Josh Newman and won for Hannah Morgan at Wadebridge in December, but was firmly put in his place by Fighter Allen last time, is another 14yo, and carries a big penalty.
COCKLEBARROW SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY
Preview by Russell Smith
At Cocklebarrow, the PPORA are supporting a Level 2 Conditions Race for Novice Riders and trainer Lily Bradstock is looking to her Larkhill winner Myth Buster to provide Lexie New with a boost. The Letcombe Bassett trainer reported: "He is my absolute favourite. Lexie lost her horse (Jaisalmer) last week, so she can have a spin on him to cheer her up." This race has attracted the day's biggest entry of 17 and Olive Nicholls could run Ballyadam Destiny, who finished third in a similar contest at Chaddesley Corbett. "I was delighted with him there," she said. "He is a tricky horse to gauge. We have played around to see what works and it's given him a bit of confidence." The Composeur, who won this race last year for Jacqueline O'Neill and is now with Tommy Morgan, could bid for a repeat, while his Edgcote conqueror, Imperial Esprit, should strip fitter for his Horseheath pipeopener.
HORSEHEATH SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY
Preview by Ray Newby
An entry of 11 for the opening contest of the afternoon the PPORA Conditions (Level 2) for
Novice Riders Aramax won here on New Year’s Eve under Cian Murphy when landing a
similar contest by 2¼L from Drop Him In with a possible rival today, Master Malcolm a
further 5L adrift in 3 rd . Aramax would have to give Master Malcolm 3lbs if they renew their
rivalry.. Myth Buster won a Ladies Open at Larkhill early last month when beating I K Brunel
by 2 ½L under Lily Bradstock. He’s due to be partnered today by Lexie New who boasts an
excellent strike rate, but they have to give weight to all their rivals. Precious Bounty won a
three-runner grass root rider’s race at Badbury Rings in November by a distance to give
Marina Bealby, her first and so far only career win. He’s another who would be giving weight
to all his rivals bar Myth Buster. Young Rich hails from the Gina Andrews stable and was 4 th
on her latest run at Chaddesley Corbett last month going down by just over 18L to
Llandinabo Lad. He’s due to be partnered by Molly Legg who has yet to ride a winner from
17 attempts. Dragon D’Estruval ran here on New Year’s Eve in the Conditions race won by
All Is True but finished 7 th and last that day and others make more appeal. Red Maple would
be making his seasonal reappearance today and he won a similar novice rider’s race at
Ampton last season on his seasonal debut and horses from trainer Nick Wright’s yard are
usually well primed for their reappearances. Monkey Puzzle is a consistent sort in these
contests but usually needs his first run to gain full fitness and is now into the veteran stage
and his best performances have been around Ampton.
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