THE END OF THE NATIONAL HUNT SEASON

05-05-2017

THIS WEEK It's been a much quieter week up at Hill Barn as we pass the end of National Hunt season.  So as we draw into the summer and turnout out the majority of the horses for their well deserved holidays, there's naturally much less entries and general news to report.  As a result we have therefore decided to change the frequency of these updates for the time being to every other week, rather than weekly.  For now to give you an insight into what we've got in store over the next few months; whilst focusing on the new summer jumping prospects we have to look forward to, Harry will also be dashing around to various sales and excursions to France and Ireland in search of next seasons superstars, and somewhere in the mix he's also getting married in July! REPORTS Benefit of Luck took another step in the right direction, with a staying on 2nd at Chepstow last Friday.  He can be keen in his races, so he was dropped in off a steady pace.  As the pace lifted his jumping got better and he came into the straight with every chance.  He jumped the last 3 well but wasn't able to pick up as well as the more streetwise winner Burrenbridge Hotel.  It was was another step forward, especially coming back in trip.  He has since been given a mark of 108 by the handicapper and is likely to step significantly up in trip next time out. ENTRIES Jack Bear is set to make his handicap hurdle debut at either Ffos Las on Tuesday or Newton Abbot on Wednesday.  He has come back from his break a more mature individual and has schooled nicely.  A mark of 108 looks very workable in comparison to his flat ability, but he needs to reproduce his jumping at home on the track.  If he does this he should run very well. Tierra Verde holds Mares bumper entries at Hexham next Saturday and Worcester the following Wednesday.  She ran a blinder to finish 2nd on ground that was a touch quick for her at Wetherby last time out and has come out of that race in great form.  She has shown on both starts that she's up to winning one of these, and granted some rain she should have every chance of getting her head in front. Pasaka Boy holds entries at Ludlow next Sunday, Kempton next Monday and Southwell next Tuesday, with Kempton looking the likely target at this stage.  He was a classy 10f horse at his peak on the flat and has settled into the routine at HWR very well.  His schooling has gone well and he's in good form at home.  The relative speed test at Kempton should suit him and give him the best chance of getting the trip.  We look forward to learning some more about him. Charlie Papa Lima is set to make his hurdles debut at Southwell next Tuesday, but also has the option of running at Plumpton on the Monday.  He has improved for his Fontwell bumper run, which was a very pleasing performance and he's schooled nicely in preparation for this.  He will start over 2m and will improve as he steps up further throughout the summer.  He's a nice prospect. Salto Chisco is set to step back in trip at Kempton next Monday.  He ran very well on his return to hurdles at Stratford last time out, travelling powerfully and looking the winner turning for home, before weakening in the final furlong.  Stepping back 2f should help, as should the drop in class.  He should be very competitive off his revised mark of 107. Until next time...