January 23 – Gowran – Nick Rockett – 71

As you would expect from a race of this magnitude, a solid gallop was set from the outset and, as a result, it became a proper test of stamina for which only a handful survived. Having proven himself in several decent contests at a higher level as a novice, and in the Paddy Power Chase on his comeback run, Willie Mullins’ was one of the few who seemed likely to be suited by such an examination, and so it proved. The way he galloped on strongly in the latter stages pointed towards a horse with endless reserves of stamina and he looks the type who could come into his own over further. The only thing that might hold him back in future is his jumping – which can be a bit sketchy at times – but other than that slight negative, he is a very likeable type.

January 24 – Sandown – Castle Carrock – 67

Diva Luna proved all the rage in the opening contest to Sandown’s Friday card and she looked to be in control turning for home, However, Alan King’s inmate loomed up going equally as well on the run down to the last and from that point, he soon got the better of his more stronger fancied market rival to win going away. Considering this was his first run for his new stable, his performance deserves everyone’s full attention and the time figure he produced suggested he can take higher rank among his peers through the remainder of the season. As for the runner-up, she will be better served going back against her own sex and she is not one to right off just yet. despite this costly defeat.

January 24 – Doncaster – Storming George – 60

There has been one or two tasty bumpers emerging of late and this one run on Town Moor could well turn out to be another if the time figure is any guide. The winner wasn’t particularly well fancied but that shouldn’t detract from what was a highly promising performance, afforded even more praise on account he didn’t receive the clearest of runs down the straight. Of the rest, the third home, Tiddlesley Wood was the only one who made an impression from the back of the field and he should have little difficulty in finding a suitable opportunity next time.

January 25 – Cheltenham – East India Dock – 75

Having already set the juvenile scene alight with his spectacular display at the Paddy Power meeting, big things were anticipated from James Owen’s gelding on his return to Prestbury Park and he didn’t disappoint. Setting out to make it a proper test from the start, the son of Golden Horn soon has most of rivals at full stretch and by the time he turned for home, only Stencil could go with him. Strong up the hill (58.9 from two out to the line compared to Constitution Hill’s 58.5), he appeared to still have plenty left under the bonnet and the time figure we awarded him, represents the fastest one we have ever given a juvenile prior to the festival. Whether he can run fastest in March is open to debate, but either way, he sets a very high bar for the rest to try and reach and on all known evidence, he should be favourite for The Triumph. As for the runner-up, he can expected to be handed something around the 135 mark, making him a viable proposition for The Fred Winter at the festival, and if he were to be sent down that route, Noel George’s inmate would be the one to beat.

January 25 – Fairyhouse – Kawaboomga – 68

There has been plenty of confusion surrounding the overall standard of this crop of novice hurdlers but without doubt, this was the best contest of its kind run in Ireland so far this season. William Munny set out to make it a proper test and as the betting suggested beforehand, only Koktail Divin and Kawaboomga were able to go the pace but after the last was when the winner’s turbo kicked in and in the end, Willie Mullins’ inmate recorded an impressive success. The way he hit the line strongly hinted he would be seen to even greater advantage over further and he has to enter the conversation for The Turners at the festival in March.

January 25 – Cheltenham – Jagwar – 66

The market heavily favoured Billytherealbigred from the two Oliver Greenall runners but the weaker of the pair proved to be the strongest on the day. Jumping better than he had done in his three previous chases, the son of Karaktar showed an impressive turn of foot to mow down his stable mate from two out and as far as Cheltenham trials are concerned, it is hard to find a better one on the card (with the exception of EID). Interestingly, his backend sectional from three out to the line of 56.0, was 1.6 seconds quicker than L’Homme Presse from the same point and with the potential of more to come, it is easy to see why he is clear favourite to land the novices’ handicap over the same course in March. Of the ones in behind, Masaccio did his festival credentials no harm by keeping on well for third and owned by the McNeill family, it would come as no surprise if he were lined up for a tilt at the Ultima Handicap, a race they sponsor. At 16-1 currently, he doesn’t look too bad value now he has had a spin around the track.