February 22 – Fontwell – Minella Premier – 69
Only four runners for the concluding bumper at the Sussex venue but three were extremely well touted beforehand and it proved to be a very strongly run race, backing up the view it was an above-average affair. Red Acres Max ensured the pace was honest from the start and although he battled on well when headed by the eventual winner, he could not quite cope with the Richard Hobson’s inmate late on. Switched to his current handler after originally joining Nicky Henderson following an Irish point win, the son of Shantou looks an exciting prospect and he would be an interesting proposition should he take his chance in the Aintree bumper in a month’s time.
February 25 – Wincanton – Aguellid – 65
Probably not the strongest of maiden hurdles but a useful speed figure all the same and the winner might prove much better than his current mark further down the line. Philip Hobbs & Johnson White’s inmate has been a work in progress in his first few forays over hurdles, getting him to settle being half the battle, but he proved more tractable on this occasion and, as a result, he had plenty left when asked for his effort after the last. Winning with more in hand than the bare result suggests, the five-year-old chestnut clearly has a big engine and he will be very interesting in handicaps, where a big field and strong gallop with play into his strengths.
February 27 – Newbury – Miami Magic – 69
Back in class after contesting a Grade 1 previously, this looked a good opportunity for Stuart Edmonds’ innate and apart from a little heart flutter four out, he readily got the job done. The son of Leading Light looked to be in control until putting down at the first in the home straight and he momentarily had to be shaken up. However, once regathering his thoughts, he bounded clear after a spectacular jump at the last and his 15 length victory didn’t flatter him in any way. As we saw at Cheltenham earlier in the season, decent ground suits him best and he could easily step up to the plate at Aintree granted such conditions.
February 28 – Kelso – Montemares – 70
As expected, Starmount ensured this Grade 2 was run at a sound clip and Tom Lacey’s inmate was one of the few who stood the test. Indeed, many of the fancied horses were struggling before leaving the back straight, yet the son of Frontiersman found it all very easy. How good he can be, only time will tell, but he is well worth his place in better company at Aintree and he is not one to be dismissed lightly.
February 28 – Newbury – Rubber Ball – 74
Neil King’s horses have been in fine fettle in recent times and this lad was well found in the market beforehand. Back down in trip, on better ground and off a good mark, the six-year-old duly landed the punt with a bit to spare and his winning speed figure highlighted the depth of his performance. Entered in the Imperial Cup this weekend, he clearly goes there in excellent nick.
February 28 – Newbury – Heltenham – 72
A wide open race beforehand but it was won by a horse who had solid credentials over the C&D. It was surprising, therefore, to see Dan Skelton’s inmate sent off 20-1 under his ideal conditions and the result was a totally believable one despite his SP. Both he and Blow Your Wad, finished a long way clear of the rest and the runner-up might end up being a interesting contender in one of the handicaps at Aintree now seemingly returning to some of his best form.