April 1 – Wincanton – Lord Churchill – 67
The well fancied Beau Speed ensured this bumper was strongly run and the winner proved equal to the task on his debut. The early market moves suggest this wasn’t unexpected and he’s an interesting prospect going forward, one who should do well over further in time. Whether he runs again this season remains to be seen but he worth noting in a similar contest under a penalty.
April 2 – Kelso – Poet’s Whisper – 62
The word on the street prior to this bumper at the Borders venue was Nicky Richards’ inmate was one of the nicest types to run from the Greystoke stable this season and the son of Poet’s Word didn’t disappoint. Momentarily outpaced rounding the home turn, he soon latched back onto the bridle once straightening up for the judge and he was noticeably strong at the finish. On the evidence of this display, he will get further in time and he rates a nice prospect for a yard that does really well with this type.
April 4 – Haydock – Outlaw Peter – 70
A very competitive veterans chase torn apart by Paul Nicholls’ inmate, who improved significantly for the better ground and first-time cheekpieces. He won the big 2m4f handicap off a higher mark at Ayr’s Scottish National meeting two years ago and that looks a natural next target. Of the rest, Genois was the only one to make any noticeable headway from the back of the field to finish a creditable second and he is worth noting when he tackles trips beyond 2m4f.
April 5 – Cork – Funiculi Funicula – 72
The ever reliable Wingman is the guide to the form of this beginners chase and Willie Mullins’ inmate did well to run him down late on. The feature of his winning performance was his jumping under scrutiny on the final circuit and that sound technique should stand him in fine stead when he tackles more stiffer assignments.
April 5 – Plumpton – Indemnity – 70
A very strong handicap hurdle run at a fast pace courtesy of the antics of Mondo Man and everything set up perfectly for Emma Lavelle’s gelding to shine. The way he cruised through the race before easing well clear was very striking and he remains a well handicapped horse on the evidence of this display.
April 5 – Fairyhouse – He’s On Fire – 65
Probably not the greatest Grade 2 ever run but it witnessed a high class performance from a young novice very much going the right way. The race took a while to develop but the final circuit time points to the winner running to a very high standard and he appeared to win with plenty in hand. Whether he runs again this season remains to be seen, but he is one definitely kept on side in the short and long term.