February 26 – Kempton – Opera Bello – 81
Impressive on his debut over the C&D, Charlie Appleby’s inmate was bidding to follow in the footsteps of stable mate Notable Speech, won took the same contest on route to 2000 Guineas glory, and on the evidence of this display, he could easily end up following suit. Tracking the pace going easily throughout, the son of Ghaiyyath exhibited a smart turn of foot to pull well clear of the rest and with the overall speed figure pointing towards a performance of a pattern-race standard colt, it would become no surprise if he were to head straight to Newmarket for a tilt at the first Group 1 of the season.
February 28 – Lingfield – The Glen Rovers – 85
Based on our numbers, easily the best handicap run so far this all-weather season and the rise through the ranks of the winner has been nothing short of remarkable. Lucy Wadham’s gelding began his winning rampage off a mark of 63 and even now 22lb higher, he still managed to dish out a sound beating to several track specialists on his first attempt at the Surrey venue. The way he quickened up to go by Charlotte’s Web in the home straight was impressive stuff and based on this effort, his winning run might not yet be over.
March 1 – Kelso – Jet To Vegas – 71
A strong field assembled for this traditional pre-Cheltenham Grade 2 novice hurdle and it was won in terrific style by a horse who went into the contest slightly under the radar. Always prominent chasing the pace set by Vanderpoel, Lucinda Russell’s inmate eased to the front when the front runner could offer no more turning for home and despite the attentions of the strongly-fancied Chart Topper, he saw out the trip well to score in convincing fashion. Reportedly heading to Aintree bound for his final start of the campaign, the son of Jet Away can more than hold his own in better company.
March 1 – Doncaster – Moroder – 72
A competitive affair run at a sound clip and it saw the winner bounce back to form in a race that he had won before. Clearly well suited by the flat, galloping track and better ground, Seamus Mullins’ inmate saw off the persistent challenge of the well-backed The Kniphand in the final half a mile and there didn’t appear to be any fluke about his performance. Whether he can repeat the same level of form next time is debatable but it’s worth pointing out he has gone well in the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown previously and on good ground, he could easily be in the mix again.
March 1 – Kelso – Grey Dawning – 73
Just the four runners but there looked to be just one winner throughout the three mile journey and it was good to see Dan Skelton’s grey back to something approaching his best. Clearly, his exploits in the Betfair Chase did more lasting damage than at first anticipated and his effort in the King George backed up that view. However, allowed to bowl along at his own leisure at the Borders venue proved a welcome fillip and he will no doubt carry forward his renewed confidence to the Aintree Bowl next month.