New handicap marks

Tuesday morning, 7.00am.
The BHA publish the latest Ratings Database announcing the ups and downs in handicap ratings based on performances in the first 7 of the last 9 days.
Newly qualified horses are also handicapped for the first time. Normal qualification for a handicap mark is after 3 runs over jumps, occasionally just two or even one if those were a win or a couple of close-up placings.
Eagerly anticipated in the offices of trainers the length and breadth of the country.....

So , pop pickers :

• Enemy At The Gate - new in on a hurdle mark at OR98. That'll be based on his two runs in May & October 2021 then
• Maid Of Houxty  - down 1 to a chase mark of OR88. Might need a little more help but will continue to run on her merits
• So Many Roads - up 5 spots to 99 after his success at Ayr just after New Year. He's improving so.....

Eternally Yours is the only one of our handicappers who doesn't qualify for a 0-100 event, the lowest level of NH racing.
But that doesn't stop our horses running competitively for, as well as a couple of winners this season, the likes of Shoeshine Boy, Eden Mill, Maid of Houxty have finished second in races. And Nights In Venice, upcoming at Wetherby on Saturday could well be challenging over the last as well.

Ayr on Monday

Dodlandswise followers were rewarded with a nice return from the each way advice when Eden Mill finished 2nd in the 2 mile handicap hurdle. Incessant rain had turned the going to heavy and although the times of races were slow, it was a severe test of stamina for participants.

Betwixt and between for Eden Mill as he undoubtedly prefers better ground but ideally will be suited by further than 2 miles. His jumping is improving (bar a tired mistake at the final flight) but the TD9 Racing gelding was caught for a turn of foot after 4 out. To his credit, he battled on bravely to keep in touch with his rivals - bar the clear winner on the day Fia Fuinidh - and with stern assistance from Craig in the saddle, stuck his head down towards the line to finish in second place.

In the following bumper, Bollin Matilda made her debut. Our concern beforehand that this was quite a nice race and that she may have been overfaced were somewhat justified. Our mare raced close up in this 6 horse race until not being able to go with the injection of pace for the final 4 furlongs. She didn't capitulate though and came home about 20 odd lengths in arrears.
She's quite a nice filly, not overbig, with the shape of a sort who will be suited by 8 flights of hurdles. But that may be left until next season as we look to give her more experience in bumpers, in better ground in the Spring.

And finally....

Newcastle All Weather specialist Pallas Lord returns to that track when tackling 1 mile and 10 opponents at 12.40 on Thursday. He finished 4th over a furlong shorter last time at Newcastle on 2nd January, beaten under 2 lengths and re-united with Ryan Sexton claiming 3lb, he looks to have a solid each way chance here.

 
Pallas Lord (Shay)