December 31 – Uttoxeter – Don Hollow – 68
Usually, when two pull miles clear of a competitive handicap, it often means the form is fairly good and this race should turn out to be the case. Dan Skelton’s inmate had been beaten upwards of ten lengths on each of his last five starts, so this was a massive return to form. However, the overall figure suggests this was no fluke and he, along with the runner-up, El Granjero, deserve to be followed accordingly.
January 1 – Fairyhouse – Allegorie De Vassy – 72
Willie Mullins’ mare has been a bit hit-and-miss over the last couple of seasons but this display was a reminder of what she can do when at her best. Jumping off with a degree of purpose, she soon got into a lovely rhythm up front and she set a pace that had her rivals at the pin of collars throughout. On this evidence, similar tactics will no doubt be the order of the day in future and she now heads in the direction of the Opera Hat Chase for mares at Naas next month.
January 1 – Cheltenham – Kalif Du Berlais – 67
Paul Nicholl’s gelding just had two to beat but he made light work of the task at hand, once again, impressing with his execution. Really good on his previous outing at Newbury, the five-year-old didn’t have to run quite as quick here but his jumping was extremely sound and it bodes well for future ventures back at the track. Where he goes from here only time will tell, but he is definitely worth an entry in the Arkle, it’s just a question of whether a race of that nature might come a year too soon. Either way, the son of Masked Marvel is a prodigious talent.
January 2 – Huntingdon – Vanderpoel – 68
Ben Pauling has already unleashed a couple of potentially smart novices so far this season in the shape of Meetmebythesea and Jig’s Forge but there’s every chance based on the data, this fella could be the pick of the trio. Strong in the market beforehand, the six-year-old was just as strong in the race itself and although he was coming to the end of his tether at the line, he had done more than enough to seal victory. Held in high regard by connections, no doubt he will be raised in grade next time out and long term, he could be swerve Cheltenham altogether and go for the 2m4f Grade 1 at Aintree. As for the rest, runner-up George’s Lad once again caught the eye with the way he conducted himself and an ordinary maiden hurdle should easily come his way next time – especially over further.
January 3 – Lingfield – Etretat – 80
Due to the lack of National Hunt racing over the weekend, our attentions were drawn to matters on the all-weather and this 1m2f handicap at Lingfield was the first of three to come under scrutiny. In a race run at a searching pace, Charlie Johnston’s inmate was best placed to take advantage of a pace collapse in the latter stages and he just had enough in the locker to repel the late thrust of Tribal Wisdom who, in contrast, was given far too much to do. Versatile on most all-weather surfaces and tracks, the four-year-old can continue to pay his way.
January 4 – Wolves – Roaring Legend – 81
The market concentrated on Wonder and Optician to the exclusion of the rest but that turned out to be unwise as Olly Murphy’s inmate made a mockery of the pre-race betting activity. Always well placed, the grey kicked nicely off the home turn and although it momentarily looked as though Winder was going to offer some resistance, he soon turned him away. Winning with plenty in hand and posting a decent time figure to boot, the five-year-old has to be of some interest when he goes back to the same C&D at a later date.
January 4 – Wolves – Smart Hero – 80
As we know, it’s hard to make ground up on the far side rail at the Dunstall Park venue, but this fella was one of only a few of late who managed to pull off such a feat. Coming from last to first in the home straight, he exhibited a smart turn of foot to wrestle the prize off Cynosure close home and his numbers, both overall and final sectionals suggest this was a fair effort by James Tate’s inmate.