November 24 – Punchestown – Fact To File – 70
Not a vintage time figure by any means but the form still looks strong going forward. All the right names were bang there at the last and the winner showed he is a chaser of some substance in beating off fellow second season novice, Spillane’s Tower, and old guard, Galopin Des Champs and Fasterorslow. The fact he managed to be so effective over 2m4f bodes well for the rest of the campaign when upped in trip and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the Gold Cup hero at Leopardstown either in the Lexus or Irish Gold Cup. As for the runner-up, this performance also proved he belongs at the top table and he too, will no doubt be asked to face his old rivals again in either one or both of the aforementioned contests.
November 24 – Punchestown – Touch Me Not – 72
A bit of a turn up in this Grade 2 Chase but the numbers suggested it was no fluke by the winner who jumped well in the main and won on merit. Having looked nothing special at Tramore previously, this was obviously a big step forward and it’s just a case of whether he can build on this display in more stiffer tasks down the line. Of those beaten, Nurburgring continues to suggest he wants much further than two miles and he could even develop into a Brown Advisory horse as the campaign progresses.
November 29 – Newbury – Kalif Du Berlais – 73
A very strong novices handicap chase run at a fast pace and the from is worth following accordingly. The winner had fell on his chasing bow at Carlisle so there was a certain degree of blocks needing to be rebuilt, but as it turned out, his jumping proved to be his asset. Pin point accurate when he needed to be in the home straight, Paul Nicholls’ inmate kept on gamely to repel the persistent challenge of race-fit Tedley, and he left the impression he had a good deal more in hand at the line than the bare margin suggested. Reportedly going to be kept over the minimum trip for the time being, the scopey son of Masked Marvel is definitely worth a crack at a graded race next time and on the evidence of this effort, he will more than hold his own. In contrast to how the winner was ridden, Asta La Pasta was given too much to do by Harry Skelton and, as a result, had little chance of bridging the lost early deficit. He did, however, make up at least five lengths on Kalif Du Berlais in the final mile and under a more positive ride next time, he can continue to thrive in 2m4f handicaps.
November 30 – Fairyhouse – Anzadam – 67
Just an even gallop set by Bottler’Secret and that meant the overall time figure was just decent without being spectacular but the way the winner quickened from two out was the most impressive part of his display. Still on the bridle turning for home while others were flat to the boards, Willie Mullins’ gelding arrived at the last going best and without being asked too many serious questions, he scampered away to score with any amount in hand. Posting 59.3 from three out to the line, the son of Authorized was 5.6 seconds quicker than handicap winner Big Chou and 4.5 better than the maiden hurdle winner Ballygunner Castle and considering he wasn’t fully extended, his effort deserves even more merit. Quite where he ends up at the end of the season only time will tell, but rest assured, this lightly raced four-year-old is a fair talent in the making and he certainly provides food for thought for his connections, who also have State Man and Sir Gino in the Champion Hurdle conversation. Put it this way, there are worse 25-1 chances than him for the big one in March at this stage, especially when you consider the cloud surrounding Constitution Hill and the likelihood that Brighterdaysahead will head down the Mares’ Hurdle route.
November 30 – Newcastle – Sir Gino – 73
This year’s renewal of the Fighting Fifth was billed as a clash between Sir Gino and Mystical Power, but with the latter failing to fire, the way was paved for the former to capture all the headlines. The early exploits of Kihavah ensured Nicky Henderson’s gelding had a target to aim at turning for home and without being resorted to maximum pressure, he readily pulled clear of his toiling rivals after the last. Posting a career high time figure, the four-year-old has surely put his potential chasing career on hold for the time being and he looks a genuine Champion Hurdle contender based on this evidence. His current odds of around 5-1 seem more than fair.
November 30 – Newbury – Navajo Indy – 73
A breakaway group of three ensured this year’s renewal of the Gerry Fielden was run in a fast time and the winner benefitted from being taken back off the early gallop. Although there were several travelling better than him turning for home, Tom Symonds’ gelding found the most for pressure and he ended up winning with a degree of authority. Not for the first time, the son of Nathaniel has shown strong form at the Berkshire venue and the most likely target will surely be the Betfair Hurdle back there later in the season.