20th April

Three of the races at Newbury today were run under standard, which raises fears as to whether the ground will be a little too lively for our fella. On the positive side Pinpoint looks in very good shape, fitter than just about every other horse in the yard, judged from watching them before and after exercise this morning. Pinny did the usual pre-race solo breeze. I blinked and missed it. He has a good record fresh, and has had a better preparation than for the Victoria Cup last year.

Some may think that 8f on a fast flat track will be a bit sharp for him. I don’t think so. In my opinion his best form ratings last year were achieved in the Victoria Cup if you add 3 or 4 lbs for the interference he suffered, and best of all in the Cambridgeshire. There he was making ground smoothly 3f out and going best of all stalking the leaders, at that point. He tired in the final furlong losing 2nd place, and then almost losing 3rd on the line. That is not a horse who needs 10f to show his best. For me he is effective at 7-10f and may stay further. His optimum distance has yet to be established. What he does need is a strong pace and he does well held up coming through the field. Ideal for big field handicaps.

So I think he has a fair chance tomorrow as long as the Going is not too fast. Hopefully they will water some more overnight? There are plenty of lightly raced 4YOs in the race and the main dangers may come from that direction.

Best price overnight is with Ladbrokes at 20/1. Whether you think that is value depends on your view of him being happy on the ground, your interpretation of his form and what set of ratings you trust.

19th April

Pinpoint is second top weight of the 23 declared for Saturdays race. The draw is so-so in 11. In the last few years high numbers have had much the better of it, though in general there is no significant draw advantage on the Newbury straight mile. The front runners seem to be spread across the draw. Hopefully they will come down the centre, rather than congregate on the stand rail. There has been no rain, so we are dependant on the extent of watering carried out. The present going report is Good (Good/Firm in places) Going Stick 7.9. Tomorrows racing will tell us more.

17th April

Interesting gallops this morning with many of the horses having engagements in the next 10 days. Oaks entry Marzelline (Monday Windsor) looked in good shape, as did Eastern Emperor (Monday Windsor). Etain (Friday week Wolves) came up with Count Ceprano (Monday Windsor), Viking Spirit (Victoria Cup) worked impressively with Golden Platitude (Tuesday Folkestone), and the first 2YO entries Outside Edge (prob Saturday Nottingham) and Greystoke Prince (prob Monday Windsor) did a serious piece of work over 4f. Nordwind and Stotsfold are down to run at Epsom Wednesday.

Pinny had an enjoyable 7f spin with Adenium (Saturday Wolves) and Mighty Missouri (Saturday Nottingham). He tracked the other two going nicely, and when Mighty Missouri went on he followed through, full of running. The final 3f in 37.43 secs. He scoped clean yesterday in the normal pre-race check. So the immediate worries now turn to the ground at Newbury and shoeing on Thursday morning. There is always something.

Timeform have Pinny with lots to find with most of the field and particularly with My Paris (11 lb !), Mosharref, Langford and Marajaa. The Racing Post ratings will turn out to be much closer to the truth, but hopefully not very close. Time will show that Timeform has seriously underestimated the Cambridgeshire form. No doubt their ratings will be “tweaked” between now and Saturday, which hardly boosts the credibility of their publications in general, and “Racehorses of 2006” in particular.

16th April

34 entries in the Newbury Spring Cup. Top weights Prince of Light 106, Zero Tolerance 102, Pinpoint and Rio Riva 100. Adam Kirby is down to ride. Rio Riva was a staying on 2nd in the Lincoln, cutting the winners lead right down in the last 50 yds. He has gone up 3lb but will probably be one of the favourites. Acheekyone was one of the favourites for the Lincoln until taken out late, I think due to a minor injury. European Dream won the Lincoln consolation, the Spring Mile, by 6 lengths and has been put up 12 lbs for that. A few have been racing with credit on the AW. There looks to be plenty of pace in the race - Shot To Fame, Prince of Light, Prince of Thebes and Zero Tolerance are front runners, and Rocamadour and My Paris press the pace. There may be others?

Expect Pinny to be prominent in any early market, though it would be a surprise if three or four are not shorter prices.

14th April

David Macham has kindly passed on the details of Friday when Pinny (Adam Kirby) did a nice piece of fast work with Nordwind. He pulled several lengths clear, readily responding to Adam’s encouragement. 35.5 for the final 3f (Dons timing). So Pinny is very much on course for Newbury. The ground is reported as Good (Good/Firm places), 8.3 on the Going Stick. This sounds OK as long as it does not dry out over the next week. In March/April, as a rule of thumb, I usually assume that the ground will be slower, by one grade, than reported by Clerks of the Course. In June/July/August it is often faster. As the Newbury Spring Cup meeting includes some prestigeous Group 3 races - John Porter, Greenham, Fred Darling - the chances of non watered fast ground look remote.

6th April Good Friday

Another gallop with Golden Platitude today. GP led this time, by a length or so, Pinny shaken up 2f out to challenge but unable to get upsides, 37.1 for the final 3f. Golden Platitude is to be entered in two races, the first on 21st April. Today I heard him described as quirky and unreliable, and doubts were expressed about him coming out of the stalls. The possibility of specialist help to overcome this problem was mentioned. Whatever, GP obviously has ability and his first race or two will be worth watching. Pinpoint is close to full fitness, and a fast piece of work is likely next week. For Pendley the season will really get up and running next week with plenty of runners planned in the rest of April.

Another interesting form pointer for Pinny watchers tomorrow. Charlie Cool and Dansili Dancer, 2nd and 4th at Newbury run in a 10f Listed race at Kempton tomorrow. Charlie Cool is the overnight favourite on Betfair.

   

3rd April

Pinpoint worked with Golden Platitude(Adam Kirby) over 7f again on Tuesday. Pinny led a length or more up until Jenny seemed to “wait” for Adam about 2 furlongs out. GP came upsides and then ahead, and Jenny pushed Pinny to respond, which he did but staying a neck or so down, the last 3f in 38.4 secs. So progress is maintained. Golden Platitude is an unraced 4YO miler who has been close to a run on occasions but injuries have prevented that so far. He is quite well thought of though, and should he get to the track this season it will be interesting to see how he does. Pinpoint usually blows hard after a canter but he seemed to recover quicker after this one. Probably the first fast work next week?

1st April

Pinpoint was in good shape on the gallops Saturday. It was a modest speed canter with Golden Platitude, I think, in 44.5 for the last 3f. Nordwind led them early but went further and further clear, on the bridle, showing his well being and fitness. He will be worth keeping an eye on as he is thriving as Pinny’s companion. But I seem to remember saying that about Sky Quest this time last year. :-(  Pinpoint did a faster piece of work on Friday, Saturday’s was just an exercise canter.

Saturday’s Two Year Old Breeze Up was very well run by Robert Eddery, who has the 2YOs well forward compared with any year I can remember. There are even one or two entries being made, which is astonishing news for watchers of the stable 2YOs who usually have nothing to watch until well into May. 3YO Count Ceprano is one of the Top 10 “Horses To Follow” in Timeforms publication.


30th March

There is now a Betting Blog elsewhere on the website where I shall endeavour to make some money backing sprinters.
Feedback to mwwebsite@f2s.com if you wish, but not too much abuse please.

27th March

The gallops were shrouded in mist this morning. Pinpoint was out second lot again, this time with Golden Platitude his galloping partner. Visibility was no better than 100 yds so the first we knew he had set off was when he arrived in the pulling-up area. Jenny seemed very chuffed with him. Later I asked how fast they had gone which provoked a minor debate about how fast is fast and “racing people speak”. In the parlance they apparently went a swinging canter developing into a half-speed gallop, then quickening up for the final two? furlongs, Pinny shaken up. At one point Jenny mentioned 32 mph :-)

Thank heavens for Turftrax. You can get some idea of how fast racehorses are actually going after the commentor tells you they are going a crawl or a modest pace and the data says 40 mph+. I shan’t be happy until racehorses have full Formula One telemetry................................Not really.

Pinny seems very much on course for Newbury. In fact there is an air of relaxation about whether he will need a racecourse gallop. After the gallop he showed off his mud rolling skills. He has a favourite hay strewn rolling spot.

23rd March

Promotion to 2nd Lot today. He came up from the bottom with Nordwind. Pinny almost upsides. Nordwind started a little free, wanting to go faster, Pinny just loping along at a comfortable pace. Nordwind stayed just in front and they finished the final 3f in 41.1 secs. Again faster than last time and Pinny did it easier than previously. He is getting there. No word about a racecourse gallop yet.

Jenny seems 100% happy with him. The current regime is to be out in the field only from midday to around 4 pm. He seems a happy horse, noticeably improving in appearance and fitness each time I see him this year. Danny is very happy with the condition of his feet.

Stablemate Overturn has been put in the 2,000 Guineas, which is six weeks away. The entry cost £770 and the stable is usually quite sparing in its Group race entries so it will be interesting to watch progress. I missed seeing him 1st lot but with Count Ceprano he tends to take the eye in the trotting ring, although neither seem especially forward to me.

21st March

Received a letter this morning confirming that the plan is to run him in the Newbury Spring Cup on Saturday 21st April. With a full month to go this is very early to be firming up on a run. It is a reflection that Walter is fully happy with his progress so far. It is going to be a long four weeks and exciting to wonder what lies ahead this season?

Another of Pinnys old sparring mates Great Plains (5th at Newbury) won a Listed race at Abu Dhabi the other day. Blue Bajan who I hoped might win the Lincoln is going for the Winter Derby (Group 3) at Lingfield this Saturday. When you have an Ante-Post voucher, even a little one, one part of you cannot help but wish him a very minor training setback today. In any case the Lincoln is a more realistic target isn’t it? What can they be thinking of. :-)

17th March

Yesterday Pinpoint cantered in a group with Nordwind, Cape Diamond and Golden Platitude. From the bottom he stayed in close touch with Nordwind until struggling just a little in the final furlong, only losing a length or so. The final 3f in 43.5 secs. Faster again than 10 days before. In just that time he has got considerably tighter and less wintry to my eyes. He is still on course for the Newbury Spring Cup if everything continues to go well.

Beforehand he showed the funny side of his nature having a brief argument with Jenny. Walking around the yard before exercise he suddenly decided it would be a better idea to go back to his box. He lost the argument as usual. Then back from exercise waiting for the electric gates to open he takes a fancy to a bush and starts tucking in.

After the Spring Cup the plan will be to go up to 10 furlongs, rather than stay at 8f.

13th March

Another cracking photo from Sid.



6th March

Pinpoint came up from the bottom of the gallops, seven furlongs, for the first time this year. He was led by Nordwind, with Cape Diamond and another behind him. By halfway Pinny was holding the others up. He struggled for the last two furlongs, with Nordwind heading off into the distance and Cape Diamond coming passed. Still he managed 47 seconds for the final three, which is much quicker than two weeks ago. The steady progress continues, and Jim and Jenny seem happy with him.

Viking Spirit took the eye earlier, though he is only doing steady canters at this stage. Possibly he will have one prep run before the Victoria Cup on 12th May.

28th February

Sid, Partnership Manager at Pendley, sent me these photos of the daily routine. Pinpoint and Nordwind, mud splattered as usual, being washed down by Jim and Jenny.



20th February

Pinpoint had his first canter of the year on Friday and another today. Following Nordwind from the barn at a very sedate pace, he ran out of puff after about 3 furlongs. Pinny then struggled up the hill, tailed off, the time 52+ secs for the final 3f. Jenny deflected my mockery by saying he was fine and doing better than early last year, which is true. She will not have a bad word said about him, even in jest. In fact Pinny did not start cantering in 2006 until the end of March, so he is well ahead of last year.

It was great to see him back in action. The plan is three canters this week, then daily canters from next week onwards, very gradually stepping up the pace.

13th February

Pinpoint’s preparation is now going well. Today he went, with companion Nordwind, for a long walk and trot around the lanes. Jenny thinks that he will do his first canter from the barn (4 furlongs) sometime this week. The feet receive daily treatment, but are improving, and he is on his second set of shoes already, so that is OK.

It is very early days but he looks to be on target for the Newbury Spring Cup, still over two months away. There is also talk of unfinished business at Royal Ascot, and if you want to look ridiculously far ahead the Magnet Cup and emulating Fairmile’s achievement there.

Apparently he enjoyed rolling in the snow last Friday, and the bad weather has changed his routine. Now he stays in his box apart from a few hours out in the field after exercise, coming in before it gets dark. He seems settled and more friendly, and will go 24 hours without box walking. This can only help his training in terms of looking after his feet, what he eats etc.

4th February

We went to the stables to see Pinpoint on the way to the QPR game yesterday. Better news! The feet are coming along well enough. He is being ridden regularly now and Jenny took him out walking on the roads 3rd lot on Saturday morning. Jim was happy with progress. So that is a big relief. Pinny himself seems to be a happier horse. He was more sociable than I have known him for a very long time. In his box after exercise having a feed, he was happy to be fussed over for as long as we stayed.

Well Formal Decree won his first Group race in Dubai. It was over 9 furlongs again, which is surely too sharp for him to be seen at his best, particularly on a fast surface. He fell out of the stalls losing several lengths, was in a clear last place most of the way, and had a lot to do in the straight. Steadily he made ground and just got up with a final flourish. He tended to edge left and had quite a hard race, so you would not want to be backing him in another fast ground 9 furlong race. Hopefully connections understand that they must go up in trip now? The Sheema Classic is the race. BTW James Willoughby was consistently talking nonsense about Formal Decree on Racing UK. Take no notice. TV pundits are the very last people to listen to about racehorses. They are not analysts, they are talkers, paid to entertain. FD will improve and win a better race (Group One or Two) at 10 furlongs on soft ground or 12 furlongs, sooner or later.

25th January

More interesting form at Nad Al Sheba today. Ex-stablemate Fairmile won the first race, a 10 furlong handicap. He travelled sweetly through the race. To win he had to hunt down the leader who went well clear early in the straight. A good effort. Fairmile was off a handicap mark of 99, one less than Pinpoint. There is probably very little between them in terms of ability, Pinny preferring easy ground and Fairmile fast ground. Great Plains was close behind in third place. He made most of the running in the Newbury race Pinpoint won, eventually finishing 5th. The last race was another 10 furlong handicap. This was won by Tabadul who was three lengths second to Pinny at Salisbury.

The encouraging form boosts just keep coming. Maybe Blue Bajan is worth a minor wager in the Lincoln? He has made relentless progress in the last three seasons, he impressed in the Cambridgeshire and goes well on soft. Tabadul was shortened in the betting today, but surely is not the right type?

20th January

Formal Decree was impressive at Nad Al Sheba, considering that 9 furlongs, on a fast track with a modest pace, is well short of his optimum. He won off a handicap mark of 110 and will surely be winning Group races soon. Good ones. Charlie Cool looked the likeliest winner 2 furlongs out, but again just plugged on one paced. No doubt he will go up another pound or two in the handicap, but is capable of winning soon. They both did Pinpoint’s form proud. The first four horses pulled six lengths clear of the rest and are probably all ahead of the handicapper. That’s the good news.

The bad news is Pinpoint’s feet. Their condition has worsened over the last two months. Danny the Farrier said that they are treating the feet to harden them up. He seemed optimistic that he could overcome the problems, although he did say that Pinpoint has the worst feet of any horse he has dealt with. Walter was his normal serious self, emphasising the problem. Pinny is presently being kept indoors to aid treatment. He looked a miserable sight, confined to quarters, backside to the door, outside rugs on, head down not moving a muscle. Though this is his typical resting stance when outside. Nordwind is in the box next door. The feet are going to be a worry for several weeks, at the very least.

18th January

For Pinpoint watchers there is a fascinating race at Nad Al Sheba today. Formal Decree and Charlie Cool both run in a classy 9 furlong turf handicap at 5.35 pm. Of course these horses were just behind Pinny when he won at Newbury. Then Formal Decree won the Cambridgeshire where Charlie Cool was eighth, after which CC was a good third in the Listed race at Lingfield that Blue Bajan (2nd in the Cambrideshire) almost won. So Pinpoint is in Dubai today, in form lines, if not in person. Come on my son !

I have to say that it is a surprise to see Formal Decree still at 9 furlongs. It suggests that todays is more of a prep race for the bigger 10-12 furlong races at the Carnival. He is 13 lbs up on his Newbury handicap mark. Charlie Cool is the Racing Post selection in a 12 runner competitive field.

In the following race are two of Pinny’s other sparring partners, Holiday Camp and Notability.

3rd January 2007

Nearly all of the horses are back in their boxes now. Away from the harshest weather, and ready for the slow steady pre-season build-up. Not Pinpoint, he keeps company with Barolo, Nordwind and one other in the field behind the village. When I visited yesterday I never got within a 100 yds of him. Typical. Everything is OK though, which is a relief.

Plan A is to go for the Newbury Spring Cup on Saturday 21st April. This is a Heritage handicap over the straight Newbury mile. There is no Plan B. The Lincoln Handicap was never an option. Apart from the difficulty of getting him ready in midwinter whilst trained from a field, the Lincoln is to be run at Newcastle this year. This would necessitate a night away, which is not a good idea for Pinpoint.

I expected the stables to be a rather gloomy and deserted place with nothing much going on, but that was not the case. There were a few people about, looking forward to the flat season, still three months away. Viking Spirit is to be aimed at the Victoria Cup apparently. Shares in the Two Year Olds seem to be going quite well. The Cambridgeshire Channel 4 feature on Pinpoint and Fairmile would not have done any harm in this regard. It was great advertising for Walter and Pendley Stables. A Fusaichi Pegasus colt is the first one to really take the eye. He found twelve owners in no time at all. Quite a few syndicates are now full. A Diktat colt out of Grey Princess is current favourite to get to the track first. By that time half of Mick Channons 2YO string will have raced. ;-) The home bred foals, now yearlings just, came over to see us. As usual they are a delight to watch and stroke. Shaggy coated and mud splattered, always inquisitive to see what is going on, they competed for our attention. The older horses are sociable too after a few weeks out in the fields. Several bear the scars of minor disagreements with their stable mates. When they go out into the fields there is a hierarchy to establish and maintain. It is a different world.