October 19 – Kempton – Bluey – 68

An exemplary round of jumping on chase debut by Emma Lavelle’s mare and she looks one to follow in this sphere in the coming months. Best in small fields when able to dominate over hurdles, she looked happy adopting a similar role from the outset at the Sunbury venue and she never put a foot wrong at any stage. Connections must have been delighted with the start she made and she can be placed to good effect against her own sex – particularly as there is a good programme for mares.

October 19 – Limerick – French Dynamite – 73

A 1-2 for local trainer Eric McNamara and a second time the shrewd handler has captured this prize following on from Real Steel the previous year. A case could be made for stable mate Weveallbeencaught being slightly unlucky not to land a gamble in second but it would be harsh to deny the winner his day in the sun as he has often been the bridesmaid over the years. Either way, the speed figure of the race suggests it should turn out to be reliable form.

October 24 – Cheltenham – French Ship – 66

A very strong handicap run at a sound clip and the winner made up for his untimely exit in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow two weeks earlier. The way he travelled before quickening right away from his field was in the style of an improving and well handicapped horse and remains one to keep on side. Of the rest, Navajo Indy shaped well on his seasonal bow and the same comments could be said about Classic King on his first out since the Spring and wind surgery.

October 24 – Cheltenham – Calico – 71

A strong pace throughout and the winner did well to power clear from his rivals having been to the fore from the outset. Winner of the corresponding race the year before, he clearly goes well fresh and even at the age of nine, he seems better than ever. The big eye-catcher down the field was stable mate Unexpected Party and it came as no surprise to see his pilot hit with a 10-day ban for his considerate handling of his mount. Expect Dan Skelton’s grey to be more competitive further down the line.

October 24 – Sligo – Our Lucky Lady – 65

A surprisingly good figure produced by a horse shedding her maiden tag but the data suggests there was no fluke about her performance. The fact she not only posted the quickest overall time on the card, but ran the last circuit 3.8 seconds better than the 148-rated Colonel Mustard over the same C&D backed up that view and she could be one to consider under a penalty in a mares novice event.

October 25 – Cheltenham – Ma Shantou – 71

A strong handicap for the grade backed up by the fact they produced a 5.5 faster time than the Class 2 novice event over the same C&D won by Conman John earlier on the card. Progressive as a novice last season until found out in the Albert Bartlett, Emma Lavelle’s inmate took advantage of a drop back into handicap company and on this evidence, he looks a well treated horse going forward. In the short term, he could take in the valuable 3m hurdle at Haydock on Betfair Chase day and long term, he has the final of the Pertemps Series as an option now he has qualified.

October 25 – Kelso – Thistle Ask – 71

A strong front running performance by Dan Skelton’s inmate and the assessor might have a task keeping tabs on him in the short term. Despite slipping badly on landing and losing his hind end three out, he still had enough left in the locker to maintain the gallop all the way to the line and considering this was his first run for 265 days, there should be more to come next time.