December 14 – Carlisle – Cristal D’Estruval – 69
Harry Derham’s inmate did not have to beat much in this novices’ hurdle but once again he posted the sort of speed figure to suggest he is not far off top class. Unlike his victory at Warwick when he had to knuckle down to see off subsequent winner Baron Noir, this was no more than a stroll but the fact he managed to post such a good number is testimony to his natural ability. Likely to tackle the Supreme Trial at Haydock next, that sort of examination will tell us whether he is worthy of adding to the Cheltenham conversation but given that track should play into his strengths, it would come as no surprise to see him come through with flying colours.
December 15 – Naas – Prends Garde A Toi – 69
All eyes were on Funiculi Fanicula on his chasing debut but he turned out to be a major disappointment and it was left for Gordon Elliott’s gelding to show his true worth. Himself, below par at Punchestown previously, the son of Kapgarde found life outside of Grade 2 level more to his liking, as he battled on bravely after the last to just outpoint King Alexander on the climb to the line. Judged on this display and his overall profile, the 2m4f journey seems to suit him best and he may be one to consider for the big novices’ handicap at the Cheltenham festival. As for the runner-up, this was a perfectly respectable chasing debut and he should be placed to good effect in future.
December 15 – Naas – Oldschool Outlaw – 66
This mares’ only novice hurdle was supposed to be all about Bambino Fever but she came up just short of the day and it allowed Gordon Elliott’s inmate to take advantage. Impressive when making a winning start in a bumper for new connections, the daughter of Walk In The Park proved equally effective on her hurdles debut and while there could be an argument to suggest the runner-up was a shade unlucky, that could also be a dangerous view. A mare with a willing attitude, she has the potential to take her game to another level and whether that will be over two miles or further, she commands the greatest respect. As for Bambino Fever, she jumped well enough but she was just caught out trying to give an advantage in track position against her main market rival. Likely to benefit greatly from this initial effort, Willie Mullins’ inmate should be a different proposition next time and beyond.
December 17 – Newbury – Mighty Bandit – 66
A keenly-contested handicap chase and it was no surprise to see previous C&D form of the winner upheld. Warren Greatrex’s inmate had just found one too good in the shape of Mambonumberfive a month earlier but with that all-important run under his belt, he put his vital track experience to good use as he went one place better. The way he jumped and travelled before staying on well late on was indicative of a horse who has taken well to his new vocation and he looks sure to continue to progress throughout the remainder of the season. The runner-up, Highlands Legacy, also paid a handsome complement to Mambonumberfive, and it will be interesting to see where Ben Pauling’s unbeaten chaser goes next.
December 19 – Ascot – Bass Hunter – 68
Chris Gordon’s inmate created a favourable impression on his rules debut at Newbury and he continued his progressive with an even more notable success in this much deeper race. Up against many with high reputations, the son of Authorized soon had all of his rivals hot under the collar and despite idling a shade in the final two furlongs, he had sufficient left in the locker to repel the late thrust of Tally Ho Back. Likely to be aimed at either one of the big championship bumpers at the end of the season, a good deal will depend whether he learns to settle down in the interim but whatever his fate, he clearly has plenty of natural ability and is one with a bright future. As for the the runner-up, he took a huge step forward from his initial display at Newton Abbot and he should easily be capable of winning a bumper before making his mark over hurdles.
December 19 – Ascot – Vanderpoel – 71
Just the four runners for this novices chase but it was run at a sound tempo thanks to the exploits of Excelero and the race set up nicely for Ben Pauling’s inmate, who left behind a below-par effort at Lingfield previously. Time may tell he bumped into a useful one in the shape of Noble Park (good speed figure) at the Surrey venue but on the evidence of that display and the one here, two miles seems to be his ideal trip. The handicapper will obviously have his say but he could be just the type for something like the Grand Annual at Cheltenham later in the season and other decent pots await him along the way.
December 20 – Ascot – Impose Toi – 73
A competitive renewal of the Long Walk Hurdle which went a long way to answering several pertinent questions regards the Stayers Hurdle later in the season. A decent speed figure suggested it is believable form and the winner backed up his success in a similar contest at Newbury previously. He also gives the impression he is doing the bare minimum when he hits the front and that makes him potentially even more dangerous moving forward. As far as UK three mile hurdlers go, Nicky Henderson’s inmate sets a good standard for now and 8-1 still comes across as being reasonable value for a horse still learning the ropes in this division. As for the rest, Honesty Policy did his Stayers Hurdle credentials no harm with a run of some promise and there is plenty of substance to the argument he has the ability to turn around the form later in the season. The way he hit the line backs up that view and this was a very encouraging start to his campaign. At 8-1 currently, he also makes quite a bit of appeal.
December 20 – Ascot – Wilful – 73
As ever, a keenly contested two mile handicap to close proceedings at the Berkshire venue but it was turned into a bit of a procession by a horse who dominated from start to finish. Setting decent fractions from the outset, Jonjo O’Neill’s inmate was still going better than most turned for home and once kicking in the turbo from that juncture, he asserted his superiority in no uncertain terms. Hitting the line hard, he scored with any amount in hand and the only real surprise was he was allowed to go off at 15-2, considering his form from the Welsh Champion Hurdle looked so strong. Clearly still on the upgrade, plenty more handicaps of a similar nature should be still well within his compass.