TIM UNDERWOOD HORSES TO FOLLOW

Tim Underwood is one of pointing’s true characters. He rode his last winner aged 63, had his final mount in 2020 at 72 (although he claims not to have officially retired) and still rides out daily – at the age of 77. He remains one of the most successful owner-trainers in the country, having previously been national leading owner and leading trainer (seven horses or fewer). Last year, he won his first South Midlands Area trainers title, taking on and beating the bigger yards. Typically Tim, when we asked him for five horses to follow, he gave us six!

Tim posing with prolific winner Tempelpirate (Caroline Exelby)

Garde La Peche

I bought him via Thoroughbid from Henry de Bromhead’s yard. She cost £170,000 after winning her Irish maiden, and has won under rules, gaining a highest handicap mark of 109. She fits the bill for the new 0-110 rated Conditions Races with a mares allowance, and will run at the end of November at Larkhill.

Kedg West

A real mystery horse who just couldn’t get home so I asked for him to be given a non-stayers ride at Lockinge – in hindsight, he possibly should have won. He was then second at Kingston Blount, then ran there again in a truly-run race and won. Watch this space?

Kedg West and Charlie Marshall win at Kingston Blount (Neale Blackburn) 

Minella Laoch

Ran three times in Ireland, finishing fourth on each occasion. The form does give me a little bit of hope, as the horse that finished second last time has gone on to win a hurdle. He’s cantering away and will hopefully run in February.

Song For My Father

Was unlucky not to win three in a row and had possibly gone off the boil on his last run at Kingston Blount. Another for whom the plan is to run at Larkhill, in the Restricted.

Song for My Father and Phil York en route to Kingston Blount success (Neale Blackburn)

Stranger Danger

Just hasn’t had the rub of the green and did have some very smart form in Ireland. We nearly lost him with colic in his first year, which put him out for the season. Last season, he went lame behind and I thought he had recovered, so we ran at Parham and poor Charlie Marshall was unfairly unseated. He was then a good second at Kingston Blount needing the run, but then a bad second in the Members at Kimble, after which he a bad came home crippled lame with a hairline fracture, which he must have sustained early in the season.

Who’s Houdini

After his first run at Larkhill, I thought he would go on to win his Maiden and hopefully progress, but he then ran a terrible race at Charing and pulled up. Then, at Penshurst, he looked all over the winner at the second last when he lost Phil York.Hemade a terrible noise after that, so I sent him to Ben Brain’s (veterinary practice) for the works!He’s doinggood work now and will go back to Larkhill in November.