On The Clock

It’s that time of year where changing ground sees the re-emergence of faster surface performers and where it can pay to concentrate on more recent figures at the expense of others put up by those who have spent the past few months on winter ground. Amongst a plethora of easter weekend fixtures came one outstanding time figure performance. The Big  Lense recorded a top-class pointing figure of 124 when beating useful yardstick Shentri at Higham – equaling the rating he ran to under Rules when winning at Aintree in 2023. At thirteen years of age, he is no spring chicken, but given a well-drained track that puts the   emphasis on speed he remains difficult to beat and he has not finished out of the first two in his last six runs.

Dingley was well watered and this suited Cash or Card(112)  who was un-extended when  taking the opening contest. Previously his best performances have come on heavy ground  but perhaps the key to his renaissance, after some disappointing efforts, is a change to front running tactics. He looked outstanding in the paddock beforehand and can win again.

Equally impressive was Call Me Early ( 118), always cruising in  a fast run Conditions race. He should go well in his chosen engagement at the forthcoming Hunter Chase evening at Warwick.

Try the Money (94) took the concluding maiden at Bitterley in a manner that suggests he should be able to take a standard Restricted at the same might apply to Slide Rule (90) who delivered on the promise he had shown behind Dance Ifyoucan the time before at when taking the opening event at Cherrybrook.

Hystere Bere (112) was a promising rules performer a few seasons back and showed he retains a fair amount of ability when scoring at the Kimblewick. Under Rules he had been campaigned almost exclusively at distances no greater than two and a half miles so this was an interesting change – albeit it came in a small field and on his favoured left hand circuit.   He should give his novice rider some more fun before the season’s end.

I will review Easter Monday’s fayre next week but for the moment here  are the best figures for this coming weekend’s meetings:

CHILFROME 11/04/2026

 1:00 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), 3M: Jewel In The Park (IRE) (110)

 1:30 THE KITSON & TROTMAN RESTRICTED RACE, 3M: Up Killoughey (IRE) (103) Shareyourbiscuits (GB) (99)

2:30 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 1), FOR NOVICE RIDERS, 3M: Franigane (FR) (116) Fighter Allen (FR) (112)

 3:00 THE BATTENS SOLICITORS MIXED OPEN RACE, 2M ABOUT 5F: Duc de Bourbon (FR) (124) Mount Sinai (IRE) (116)

HIGH EASTER 11/04/2026

 1:45 THE PPORA CLUB MEMBERS RESTRICTED RACE, 3M: Reel Much Fun (IRE) (103)

3:30 THE MIXED OPEN RACE, 2M ABOUT 5F: The Big Lense (124), No Risk des Flos (FR) (121))

 4:25 THE COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), 3M: Cash Or Card (IRE) (111) Fame And Concrete (IRE) (110)

HORNBY CASTLE 11/04/2026

 2:40 THE FIVE YEARS AND OVER CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), 2M ABOUT 6F: Largy Shark (GB) (113) Surprise Attack (IRE) (108))

 3:25 THE LADIES OPEN RACE, 2M ABOUT 6F: Killer Clown (IRE) (130) Summerville Boy (IRE) (130) Tag Man (IRE) (126)

 4:25 THE MENS OPEN RACE, 3M: Camdonian (IRE) (118) Surprise Attack (IRE) (118) Summerville Boy (IRE) (116

 5:00 THE MAIDEN RACE, 3M: Follow The Leader (IRE) (99) Black Aquila (IRE) (95)

SHELFIELD PARK 11/04/2026

 1:45 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3), 3M: Kansas du Berlais (FR) (110) What’s Up Harry (GB) (108)

 2:20 THE MENS OPEN RACE, 3M: What A Glance (GB) (122) Kandor (FR) (114)

 2:55 THE LADIES OPEN RACE, 3M: Camino Rocio (IRE) (126) Kansas du Berlais (FR) (124)

DUNSMORE 12/04/2026

2:40 THE JOCKEY CLUB/PPA HANDS AND HEELS CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 1), FO R NOVICE RIDERS, 3M: Franigane (FR) (116) Hidden Heroics (FR) (115) Skilful Lord (IRE) (114)

 3:20 THE INTERMEDIATE RACE, 3M: Up Killoughey (IRE) (108) What’s Up Harry (GB) (108) Woodstock Octo (IRE) (107)

 3:55 THE MIXED OPEN RACE, 3M: Beacon Edge (IRE) (110) Jet Smart (IRE) (106)

 5:05 THE MAIDEN RACE, 3M: Riskamatriark (FR) (94)

EDGCOTE 12/04/2026

 2:00 THE BICESTER WITH WHADDON CHASE HUNT MEMBERS RACE, 3M: Glancing Hill (GB) (106) Kilfilum Woods (IRE) (105) Shanty Alley (GB) (102) Cap Du Mathan (FR) (101)

 2:35 THE TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM GB POINTING BONUS YOUNG HORSE MAIDEN R ACE, 2M ABOUT 5F: Hoo’s The Jet (GB) (102)

OVERTON 12/04/2026

 3:30 THE MAIDEN RACE, 2M ABOUT 4F: Follow The Leader (IRE) (99) Claramount (IRE) (97)

PENSHURST 12/04/2026

3:10 THE MIXED OPEN RACE, 3M: Imperial Esprit (IRE) (127)

4:25 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), 3M: Imperial Esprit (IRE) (115

 5:00 THE PPORA CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 1), FOR NOVICE RIDE RS, 3M: Slipway (IRE) (108) Count Simon (IRE) (104)