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THE BOSS GOES DOWN UNDER

MICK strayed off the West Ilsley radar when he jetted to Australia as the first part of a working holiday which will see him link up with Sheikh Corby in time for the Japan Cup bid of HALICARNASSUS.

Mr and Mrs Channon have been residing with their great friends Colin and Karen Baker in Sydney - a welcome and deserved change of scenery for The Boss who is by all accounts 'chilling' in a way you would never see chez Channon!

Michael Jnr is to accompany Tim Corby on the Heathrow flight to Tokyo on November 18th and said: "Tim's been overseeing the yard and assisting Joe Tuite with the yearlings and you can see he can't wait to watch the great Halicarnassus run in Japan. I shall accompany him as his official bouncer."

TIGER GOES WELL AHEAD OF FRANCE MISSION

SIBERIAN TIGER showed himself to be in good order for the Criterium de Saint-Cloud 

when working seven furlongs on the trial ground on Tuesday.

The colt made short work of his lead horse, quickening-up nicely at the end as the 

horses made a left-handed turn.

He has a tough assignment in the French race won in 2006 by Passage Of Time.

HALICARNASSUS was watched by Box 41's general factotum Tim Corby as he engaged in

similar work, alonside a lead horse.

The Boss is in Australia and Corby said: "Siberian Tiger worked well and will be our

last big race runner of the European season. Halicarnassus seems in great order

and our tickets are booked to watch him run in the Japan Cup at the end of the

month."

http://www.mickchannon.tv/owner.php

CREDITS VIDEO UPLOADED

It's been an anxious wait, but the "Special Ones" of October have been commemorated on our Credits page. http://www.mickchannon.tv/credits.php

CORBY GIVES HALI A MASSIVE THUMBS-UP

TIM Corby has enjoyed what has arguably been his best year with HALICARNASSUS picking-up two Group races and the Box 41 syndicate winning with most of its number. Further to this, his own MISSIT has stamped herself a 1,000 Guineas prospect for 2008.

This morning Tim left the winter ground gallops harbouring a growing belief that Halicarnassus can make an impression in one of the world's top all-aged races, the Japan Cup at Kyoto racecourse.

Mindful that Halicarnassus will enjoy the fast ground and long home straight, as well as the guaranteed fast pace, Corby said: "He flies to Japan on November 15th and will spend five days in quarantine. He's been on the go all year but seems in great spirits. I gather the Japanese will field a very strong team this year but there's a lot of prizemoney on offer and we are more than hopeful he can surprise one or two of them."

Meanwhile MISSIT goes into winter quarters with the Stan James 1,000 Guineas her big target and Corby added: "Her race at Newbury just came a bit quick but she ran to the line. As far as the Guineas is concerned anything can happen during the winter. I think she has scope for further improvement, as she'll have to do that to be a serious candidate for the Classic."

OWNERS "FIVE TO FOLLOW" - BA BOY FLYING HIGH

Whilst the staff bicker and brawl over bragging rights as we approach the run in of their Five to Follow competition, this side of the annual contest has been fought out with the class and sportsmanship that underpins the very ethos of West Ilsley's band of Owners.

The "BA Boys" Darren Walker and Jeff Goodall have not only flown the flag proudly at the top of the table all season, but they've had their own personal battle as well - a battle that looks to have been won by Darren, sitting proudly atop with 83 points. Halicarnassus's season has played a part in everyone's position in the top ten, but it would appear that Majestic Roi might just have sealed this year's title race with her Group 1 Newmarket victory.

That would leave George Blackwell musing over what might have been. Another season long contender, Hatta Fort's selection was an inspired choice, but Darren looks to have done him on the line.

The late, great Alan Ball leads the charge in behind with Peter Taplin and Patrick Trant probably hoping that his beloved Southampton FC could reach 6th like he has at the end of the season. Sadly for the Saints Director though, there are no play-offs in the Five to Follow.

Karen and Colin Baker who are currently hosting MRC "Down Under" at the Melbourne Cup can reflect on the fact that their selections positively ridiculed the Boss's in the staff equivalent of the competition.

THE TOP TEN

Darren Walker      83	Halicarnassus, Majestic Roi, Ba Speedbird, Silca Destination, Silver Guest
George Blackwell    75	Halicarnassus, Heywood, Siberian Tiger, Hatta Fort, Manalito
Alan Ball                58	Halicarnassus, Youmzain, Aaim to Succeed, Silver Guest, Top Vision
Peter Taplin            50	Halicarnassus, Majuro, Carleton, Barraland, Novas
Jeff Goodall             49	Halicarnassus, Lucy Rebecca, Ba Speedbird, Seeking Star, Missit
Patrick Trant           47	Halicarnassus, Majuro, Rio Taffeta, Carelton, Madame Hoi
Ruth Blackwell        44	Halicarnassus, Som Tala, Novas, Dan Tucket, Willit
Mick Jones             44	Halicarnassus, Go On Be A Tiger, Dan Tucket, Millie's Rock, Silca Destination
Alison Jones           44	Halicarnassus, Lakshmi, Novas, Tuanku, Barraland
Karen Baker            44	Ajigolo, Halicarnassus, Willit, Kiribati King, Atlantic Sport
Colin Baker             43	Halicarnassus, Baddam, Narmeen, Silver Guest, Silca Destination

Whereas, I'm usually hyper critical of the staff's basement dwellers, the owner sare a different matter entirely. These poor souls can point to injury, floods and plagues of locusts, such was their poor, cruel and cursed fortune this year. They'll be back for more next year however and such is my respect for them, I'll not include their points tallies. (Suffice to say, their combined points come to 58. If they pooled their collective "talents" together as a team, the Bottom Ten would still be 25 behind leader and champion elect Darren!)

THE BOTTOM TEN

Beryl Lowe & W.F.	Fiumicino, Indiannie Moon, Millie's Rock, Manalito, Silver Guest
Dot Williamson (BA)	Capable Guest, So Sweet, Deer Daylami, Barraland, Silca Destination
Eddie Aldridge	Silca Chiave, Silca Elegance, Silca Destination, Jennifer's Joy, Kiribati King
Eileen Breslin	Royal Jet, Flashy Wings, Barraland, Banquet, Altantic Sport
Gerald Blackwell	Lakshmi, Treat, Barraland, Kiribati King, Silca Destination
Julia Aisibit (Caroline)	Heywood, Lunces Lad, Manalito, Nawaaff, Kashmina
Mrs B. Warriner (BA)	Baddam, Flashy Wings, Millie's Rock, Silca Destination, Ba Speedbird
Willis Frearson & BL	Laish Ya Hajar, Rescue, Dellini, Jennifer's Joy, Elzain
Carmel Wardley	Silca Chiave, Silca Elegance, Silca Destination, Zabeel Tiger, Power Dream
Terry Drayton	Go On Be A Tiger, Flashy Wings, Ba Speedbird, Atlantic Sport, Miillie's Rock
Sarah Jones	Mango Music, Queen of Narnia, Dubai Land, Light Sea, Millie's Rock

ALFRED GAMBLE THWARTED BY STABLEMATE

LORD Ilsley was crying into his lager at Colwick Park this afternoon after ALFREDTHEORDINARY was unable to cope with Mick's other runner Heavenly Saint in the seller which opened the card.

Our much-travelled owner didn't know whether to laugh or cry as Sam Hitchcott's mount faded into third, having started a well-backed 5-1 favourite.

Tadgh O'Shea had the last laugh as he brought Heavenly Saint home and it must be said the winner was not unwanted in the market either.

Lord Ilsley's quest to get the all-important first win into 'Alfred' will continue as there are still nine racing days before the end of the 2007 season. After that, what about the all-weather Milord?

WINTER GROUND A NURSERY FOR FUTURE STARS

BARELY is the current season at an end than our attention moves to what

we hope will be the stars of the 2008 campaign.

While the Boss is at the Horses In Training sale assistant Joe Tuite supervised the 

early tuition of fourteen yearling colts on the woodchip, including a E270,000

son of Danehill Dancer.

This fellow, purchased at the Goffs Millions Sales in Ireland, has looks to die for.

Mick has a first Sadler's Wells under his care since Champion Lion and this colt, out

of Hotelgenie Dot Com, is the living image of his sire.

My own favourite is the colt by Diktat out of Golden Silca who is without doubt the

biggest the dam has thrown up to now. Remembering how lucky the Aldridge Racing Partnership 

has been, I shall look forward to success from this fellow next year.

Other eyecatching individuals include a deep-chested son of Bahamian Bounty ex Pascali who is

in the same ownership as the Danehill Dancer.

All these yearlings were fizzed-up during their first trop up the gallop, but by

the time of their third embarkation of the strip had settled down beautifully.

JAPAN CUP INVITE FOR HALICARNASSUS

OWNER Tim Corby is dusting down his Tuxedo and readying himself for a trip to Tokyo following the news that HALICARNASSUS has been invited to run in the Japan Cup on November 25th.

Fast ground is the key to success for the son of Cape Cross who by-passed today's St Simon Stakes because of cut in the ground at Newbury.

His successes at Goodwood, Haydock and Newbury this season have been gained on a lively surface and Tim knows he can expect concrete conditions in the Far East.

"Halicarnassus has shown a liking for courses with long straights and with Japan in mind that will be a bonus. The horse is in great order and you wouldn't know he'd been on the go all year. He's been going up the all-weather as if it's the start of the season, not the finish.

We would take up the offer to run in Hong Kong a fortnight after Japan if that invite was forthcoming. Then the intention is to take him to Dubai for the carnival and he stays in training next year."

LATEST GALLOPS NOT ON-LINE "FOGGED OFF"

Sadly, the Ridgeway was swamped by mist and fog this morning so we cannot show you any of the work. Apparently every horse worked magnificently and there are numerous classic winners and a few valuable handicaps already in the bag on this morning's evidence. At least that's according to our work riders. We'll have to take their word for it.

STAFF "FIVE TO FOLLOW" UPDATE - LAST KNOCKINGS

The end of the turf campaign signifies the end of a long and arduous road and for many of us, the sooner the better.

The staff "Five to Follow" competition has become unbearable lately as squabbling has broken out during evening stables. There is no dignity and very little class in these skirmishes but those in the mix at the top of the table vying for the cash prize continue to not only bicker among themselves, but bait the "also-rans" into the bargain.

Amongst the "also-rans" in 41st place is the Boss who's now adamant that the competition is more down to luck than judgement. To back up his incessent whining, he cited the fact that his highest ever position in the competition was 14th in 2002. According to MRC, a man with such a deep rooted knowledge of all things equine should never finish so low down the table with such miserable consistency. As he himself put it, "The whole thing's ****ed!"

Be that as it may he's got no chance and we all look forward to seeing him attempt to smile and be magnanimous as he hands over the prize money to the eventual victor at the gala Christmas Party.

But who will it be?

At the top of the table we have a new leader in Stanley who not only enjoyed a place amongst our employees of the month for September (http://www.mickchannon.tv/credits.php), he also saw Majestic Roi's victory in the Sun Chariot and Missit's return to action pay dividents, stretching clear of his pursuers with 88 points.

On the other side of the coin however, things couldn't have been worse for Tom O'Brien in recent weeks. In September we all thought he had the money in the bank, but Stanley's rise to prominence not ony saw him lose his lead in the Five to Follow, he now trails the West Ilsley Apprentice Title race to Matthew Davies by 6 wins to 5 having led convincingly from March onwards.

Youmzain's lad Brazillian Pete is another former table topper who was left cursing his horse's agonising defeat in The Arc and he's surely seen his chance go when analizing O'Brien's similar selections of "Youmie", Halicarnassus and Menadha.

Likewise, Assistant Joe Tuite's brave attempt also looks doomed, whilst special mention must go to Caroline Everall. Not only does she provide news editor Neil Morrice with coffee and bacon sarnies on work mornings in an attempt to keep his strength up, but she's finishing in a not dissimilar fashion to Youmzain at Longchamp.

Pippa Jeffries is another competitor who's arrived in the top ten with a late run. The farrier and member of The Lord Ilsley Racing Club however might have let her allegiance to the now legendary Alfredtheordinary cost her. She's a little short of ammunition with Treat no longer in the yard whilst Alf seems destined to remain*.

As a footnote to the top ten round-up, the Boss's 87 year-old mum Bet lies in an admirable 9th place. With Mrs Channon some 27 points ahead of MRC, one is left to ponder whether her son's criticizm of the Five to Follow holds water. 

Either the Five to Follow is all about luck or Mick might be better off preparing for next season's competition by doting on great-grandchildren and shopping religiously in Didcot every Friday.

It's merely a suggestion.

THE TOP TEN

Stanley                  88	Majestic Roi, Halicarnassus, Jennifer's Joy, Missit, Willit
Tom O' Brien           81	Youmzain, Halicarnassus, Menadha, Nahoodh, Green Wadi
Peter                      67	Youmzain, Halicarnassus, Aaim to Storm, Atlantic Sport, Menadha
Joe Tuite                 59	Halicarnassus, Silver Touch, Dellini, Millie's Rock, Seeking Star
Amy Routledge       56	Treat, Halicarnassus, Menadha, Thunder Bay, Silver Guest
Dawn Carey            56	Halicarnassus, Silver Touch, Silver Guest, Top Vision, Legendary Guest
Caroline Everall       55	Halicarnassus, Silca Chiave, Atlantic Sport, Thunder Bay, Missit
Pippa Jeffries          54	Treat, Majestic Roi, Atlantic Sport, Bellomi, Alfredtheordinary
Brian Dale              53	Halicarnassus, Ajigolo, Silver Guest, Thunder Bay, Silca Destionation
Bet Channon           53	Sweet Lilly, Youmzain, Silver Guest, Thunder Bay, Missit
Joanne Green         52	Treat, Halicarnassus, Menadha, Missit, Kayflaa

At the bottom, it's the usual mix of tragic cases who continue to paddle towards the liferafts and slap each other down. There is one exception however.

Patrick The Turtle has scaled the lofty heights of 64th place and is now on 11 points, leaving his Landlady Susan Harding clinging to whatever credibility she has left, 10th last with eight points. In Patrick's place tumbles Gill Hedley, another member of the office engine room to show shortcomings when it comes to having even a modicum of astuteness with regards to equine judgement.

I honestly haven't the heart to single out the others. They know exactly who they are and how they continually summon up the courage to show their faces every morning is truly remarkable.

That's the only compliment they deserve.

THE BOTTOM TEN 

Sue Harding             8	Go On Be A Tiger, Lakshmi, Silca Destination, Missit, Kayflaa
Gill Hedley                6	Silca Chiave, Go On Be A Tiger, Atlantic Sport, Aaim to Storm, Kayflaa
Billy Morris               6	Elyaadi, Lunces Lad, Look to the Star, Kayflaa, Silver Guest
Steve Sweet             6	Silca Chiave, Flashy Wings, Atlantic Sport, Millie's Rock, Legendary Guest
Sarah Watkins          6	Go On Be A Tiger, Lakshmi, Silca Destination, Legendary Guest, Atlantic Sport
Tracy Young             6	College Scholar, Go On Be A Tiger, Atlantic Sport, Silca Destination, Mganga
Joanne Green           3	Flashy Wings, Silca Chiave, Silver Guest, Bahri Dubai, Top Vision
Michael Cook            3	Pretty Majestic, College Scholar, Jennifer's Joy, Bahri Dubai, Kayflaa
Lesley Twigden         3	Silca Chiave, Flashy Wings, Atlantic Sport, Look to the Star, Silca Destination
Arthur Cawley           0	Silca Chiave, Go On Be A Tiger, We're Delighted, Zabeel Tiger, Shatter Resistant
Noel Reid                 0	Flashy Wings, Silca Chiave, Yassbog, Manalito, Candle Sahara

*Note: That was merely a cheeky gag and no offence to The Lord Ilsley Racing Club or Alfredtheordinary was intended.