David Pipe is a trainer very much in form at the moment and he is likely to be well represented at the Cheltenham Festival, particularly in the handicaps. Unlike many from the Pipe yard, Edmund Kean holds only one entry (engaged in the Martin Pipe conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle) but it could be that the EBF Final, set to be run at Sandown on the Saturday preceding the Festival, will be his target. Edmund Kean made his first start under Rules at the beginning of February and it is perhaps significant that his shrewd handler has rushed three quick runs into him, qualifying him for all the major handicap hurdles. The horse has certainly created a good impression, winning his two most recent starts in comfortable fashion, and he remains open to plenty of improvement, certainly appealing as one to monitor in handicaps.
Many people regarded the Nicky Henderson-trained Snake Eyes as a possible Supreme Novices' Hurdle contender at the start of the season, following a highly-promising debut effort in a Fairyhouse bumper that has worked out remarkably well. However, he is no longer entered in that prestigious prize and, for the time being at least, he could be operating within the handicap ranks after qualifying for a mark by finishing in the top four on two occasions. Considering he was so keen on his first start over hurdles, it was a bit of a surprise to see Snake Eyes ridden from the front at Doncaster on his return from over 12 weeks off, and he once again failed to settle, though he did shape well for a long way, fading after the second-last flight. Snake Eyes wasn't knocked about once his winning chance had gone and, having given the impression that there is plenty more still to come, it will be interesting to see how the assessor rates him.
Shadarpour didn't have a realistic chance in the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton, his 100/1 SP intimating as much, but he did hint at possessing a bit of ability, racing prominently for a long way before losing his place once the race started in earnest. That was Shadarpour's third start over hurdles and, considering he is likely to be allotted a fairly lowly mark after three rather nondescript efforts, he is worth keeping an eye on, particularly with trainer Gary Moore continuing to fire in the winners. There have been signs that he isn't entirely straightforward, though it is worth giving him the benefit of the doubt when he faces a lower calibre of opponent at a more realistic level.
Runners Debrief:
There were a couple of successes to report on the Notebook front with Simply Ned and Midnight Sail both bouncing back from disappointing runs to score. In fairness, Simply Ned had run perfectly well on his most recent start at Doncaster, it was his tame finishing effort on his penultimate start that was the disappointment, and he forged clear at Ayr to bag another victory for the in-form Nicky Richards. He looks sure to go well again while his yard's purple patch continues.
For a horse usually so consistent, Midnight Sail really blotted his copybook at Plumpton, but the return to a sounder surface evidently helped Alan King's charge as he resumed winning ways at Kempton. Midnight Sail appeared suited by forcing tactics, racing with zest in a dispute of the lead and looking as if he was always going to hold on when challenged. He may prove slightly vulnerable from a higher mark, though his consistency should stand him in good stead and he ought to continue running well.
Though beaten at Doncaster, Aazif is a Notebook entrant certainly not worth giving up on, possibly pressing on too soon as he weakened late on to finish fourth. He had travelled extremely well out in front, looking by far the most likely winner for much of the way, and he is definitely up to winning a similar event under a slightly more patient ride.
Master Benjamin was another horse that shaped well in defeat, finishing third at Sandown, though once again he failed to impress with his finishing effort and that would have to register as a concern, for all he does travel fluently on the bridle.
