December 15 – Navan – Midnight It Is – 72
Not a particularly classy card by the track standards but the Meath venue did bare witness to a strongly run handicap chase over the minimum trip that is worth noting for future reference. Dont Go Yet was responsible for the solid early tempo and it was only at the last fence when the 10-year-old succumbed to those held up off the speed and the winner was one of three who benefitted most by how the race panned out. Having his first run of the season, Gavin Cromwell’s inmate defied his 323-day absence with a degree of comfort and in doing so, he surpassed his previous best speed figure at Fairyhouse by some margin. Clearly a chaser on the up, the hat trick could well be within his range.
December 16 – Naas – Lecky Watson – 66
A quality beginners’ chase kicked off the card at the Kildare venue and in a race where the cream rose to the top from an early stage, Willie Mullins’ inmate was the one who shone brightest. Up against Slade Steel and several others who have pretentions to make it big over fences, the son of Valirann needed to bring a useful game to the party at the first time of asking to his new discipline and by and large, his technique stood the test. Ultimately, he jumped better than Slade Steel in the final analysis and considering the trip was some way short of his best, his performance deserves plenty of merit. Although he clearly isn’t devoid of pace, he is likely to be seen to better advantage over further and he joins several other leading lights from this stable to enter the great Cheltenham festival debate as to where they are likely to end up. Of those beaten, Blizzard Of Oz was probably the biggest eye-catcher and he deserves to be noted when stepping up in trip, while Answer To Kayf was noted having his second round over fences pottering around in midfield with a view to getting handicapped. Long term, he is one worth bearing in mind for the newly-vamped 2m4f novices handicap that replaces the old Turners at the Cheltenham Festival.
December 18 – Ludlow – Tightenyourbelts – 70
Only six runners went to post for this three mile handicap chase but it produced a smart speed figure for the grade, thanks to the early pace set by Found On. Once he gave way exiting the back straight, Emma Lavelle’s inmate picked up the baton and from three out he never looked like relinquishing the lead. In fact, he drew further clear in the closing stages and he ended up winning with a degree of comfort, which didn’t seem possible midway through the contest. On this evidence, he looks a chaser still on the rise and he will no doubt have bigger fish to fry before the season is out.
December 20 – Uttoxeter – Knockanore – 65
A return to form for both horse and trainer in this competitive handicap chase and data that suggests it was a decent one of its kind. Runner-up to the progressive Jasmin De Grugy on his previous outing at Southwell, Ryan Potter’s gelding readily went one place better and he can be seen to good effect under similar conditions next time.
December 21 – Ascot – Victtorino – 74
A strong staying handicap run at a good clip and it saw another Venetia Williams-trained inmate walk away with yet another big Saturday prize. An eye-catching third in the Coral Gold Cup previously, the six-year-old was given a similar patient ride by Charlie Deutch but this time he jumped much better going right-handed and his late run was perfectly timed. Clearly well suited by the Berkshire venue, he is less predictable elsewhere but there is doubting his qualities when everything is in his favour and he deserves to be followed accordingly.
December 21 – Ascot – Fiercely Proud – 71
A race that suited those ridden off the strong pace set by a tearaway group of three and Ben Pauling’s inmate was best placed to take advantage. Although not miles off the gallop early, he was far enough away not to expended too much energy but more importantly, the distance he built up over eventual runner-up, Kabral Du Mathan proved crucial. Just getting the better of the argument after a sustained dual from two out, Ben Pauling’s inmate finally delivered the goods in one of these big handicaps and hopefully he can build on this effort going forward. The runner-up deserves extra praise for being the only one of the chasing pack to offer any resistance to the winner and the fact he finished 17 lengths clear of the rest backs up the view he remains a progressive young hurdler capable of more.
December 21 – Haydock – Sunnyvilla – 69
A dominant display by a horse having his first run for Nicky Richards and on this evidence he rates a good bet to go in again if returning to the Merseyside venue. A strong front runner with a solid jumping technique, he is tailor made for the layout of the track and no doubt connections will be trawling through the programme book with a view to returning to the scene of the crime.