December 7 – Huntingdon – Djelo – 76
Venetia Williams’ star was a warm order to land this prize for the second season and he never gave his supporters too many anxious moments. Plain and simply he was in a different league to his opponents and he could be called the winner a long way from home. The likeable feature about the seven-year-old is his economy of effort over his fences and his efficient technique enables him to save bundles of energy for the business end. Just as good in the Charlie Hall previously, he now heads to Kempton for the Kin George and on this evidence, he thoroughly deserves his place in the line-up.
December 7 – Cork – Kala Conti – 72
Gordon Elliott’s mare had taken the notable scalp of Jade Du Grugy on her chase debut over the same course and she completed giant killing act number two with a similarly dominant display over Kargese on her return visit. Despite dropping down in trip, she showed sufficient speed to cope with her better-fancied rival and her speed figure suggested there was no fluke about the result. Seemingly much better over fences than she was over hurdles, the five-year-old has the aptitude to continue her progression and graded races await this likeable mare next.
December 11 – Warwick – Old Clayesmorian – 61
A bumper run at a sound gallop and Ben Pauling looks to have another promising horse on his hands if the speed figure proves a good guide. The four-year-old was always well positioned and he found plenty for pressure once picking up the running in between the last two flights. Unlike many of his stable runners in races of this nature, he was relatively easy to back (16-1) which suggests there should be more to come from the son of Jack Hobbs and he looks the type to do well over further once tackling fences and hurdles. Of the rest, Oykel Bridge caught the eye with the way he finished off his race and he has the size and scope to do well in the winter game.
December 12 – Cheltenham – Old Park Star -72
Nicky Henderson’s gelding was highlighted on this column after he scored at Kempton previously and he continued to make a big impression in this division with performance of even more substance. The imposing five-year-old dictated matters throughout and as soon as he set sail for home, he lengthened all the way to the line in impressive fashion. Pressed for an immediate reaction in the post-race interview, it was revealing to hear both jockey and trainer suggest he might be seen to even greater effect over further and those comments probably say more to the merits of stable mate Act Of Innocence who was just as impressive on his hurdles debut at Newbury. Reading between the lines, this son of Well Chosen could well turn out to be more of a Turners type, whereas Act Of Innocence is likely to be campaigned over the two-mile trip leading towards the Supreme.
December 13 – Cheltenham – Minella Study – 67
This race looked to be at the mercy of previous course winner One Horse Town but he proved no match for the similarly unbeaten winner, who impressed with all facets of his game. The way he jumped and travelled took him towards the head of affairs without too much strain and once straightening up for home going best, he gradually drew clear to register a comfortable success. Obviously, it is still very much early days in this division – Willie Mullins, for one, hasn’t had a meaningful runner as of yet – but this guy should in no way be underestimated when some of the bigger guns come out and his numbers so far to date back up that view.
December 13 – Cheltenham – Zertakt – 71
They went a proper gallop in this race and it was no real surprise the race fell apart towards the business end. Venetia Williams’ inmate was actually one of the first of the main players to feel the strain but he gradually worked himself back into a position of strength and a good jump at the last carried his momentum passed dying rivals on the climb up the hill. A stout stayer with a likable attitude, the seven-year-old is one to keep on side when the emphasis is on stamina and it comes as no surprise to hear his long term goal is the National Hunt Chase back here in March. As for the beaten favourite, The Jukebox Kid, he seemed to suffer from chasing a very hot pace over this trip and his jumping, although accurate enough, suggested he might be better off going back right-handed.
December 13 – Fairyhouse – Fierce Handay – 67
An ordinary-looking handicap by the track standards but the speed figure posted by the winner suggested otherwise and he rates one to follow. Extremely well backed to reverse recent placings with Kentucky Beach, Noel Meade’s inmate did so in no uncertain terms and there looks more to come from this lightly-raced gelding. Likely to be out again over the Christmas period, he could be one to pay for the odd turkey or two.
December 13 – Doncaster – Lanesborough – 67
Ben Pauling’s inmate was one of the gambles of the day (4-1 the previous day down to 5-4 on the off) and he didn’t give his supporters too many anxious moments. Noted travelling supremely well throughout, he assumed command with a good jump two out and from that juncture, he strode majestically clear to record a facile success. Clearly he will receive a shot across the bows by the assessor but it is probably fair to say he had a reasonable amount to play with in the first place and his revised rating is likely to carry him forward into much bigger assignments further down the line. Expect some notable entries by connections for this improving son of Diamond Boy in future and merits plenty of respect in any of his chosen targets.