RACING NOTEBOOK

Based on races viewed, Spy’s analysis and list of horses worthy of serious consideration next time:

December 29th: Newbury: It was a French import to the fore once more in the Class 3 juvenile hurdle when, despite a 10lbs penalty – earned for two wins across the Channel – Top Notch proved too strong for his rivals. Bustled along approaching the last, he found his stride on the run-in to clear away. Top Notch is another forceful addition to the Nicky Henderson juvenile team. Held up and confidently ridden, Mick Jazz again failed to pick up in the closing stages as expected. Stuck in the mud here last time, there were no such excuses now. Lack of stamina seems to be the chink in his armour. Perhaps he will have his day on fast ground and an easy track in the spring. A third-last blunder did not help Ryeolliean, who was sent on between the last two but made to look pedestrian by the winner’s turn of foot.

Caught in the shadow of the post by Bertie Boru last time at the Hennessy meeting, Phone Home was unable to run up to that in the Class 3 handicap chase. An infrequent winner (1 from 21 going into this), he was soon brushed aside down the straight. On only his fifth chase, Azure Fly jumped modest opposition into the ground (took a liberty with the second-last though).

In what looked like a quality renewal of the Challow Hurdle, three fought it out from the last and there was little between them. Confirming Cheltenham form with Blaklion (this time at levels – was getting 3lbs last time), Parlour Games was delivered late to find extra on the run-in. With pace-setting Blaklion rallying after the last, he and Parlour Games have pretty much run their Cheltenham form to the ounce. In between the two, Vyta Du Roc lost an unbeaten record in this country but went down in style. Once again he was rowed along a good way out but kept responding to mount a serious challenge from the last. Blaklion has lost nothing in defeat. These three are decent stayers in the making and were not that far clear of four-year-old One Track Mind – another to note for the future. Recent Ascot winner, Arpege D’Alene found this altogether too much too soon.

Noel Fehily and Sam Twiston-Davies – two jockeys in flying form – were seen at their best in the Class 2 handicap hurdle. Under a positive drive from Fehily, Polamco kept finding despite a sustained challenge from Morito Du Berlais on the run-in. Two indifferent leaps at the last two hurdles did not help Morito Du Berlais, who had travelled strongly throughout and possibly should have won. Either way, with form that ties in with On Tour, Cup Final and Dawalan, he lends plenty of substance to this contest. After an absence since October there was plenty to like about the run of third-placed Saffron Wells who, if left alone by the handicapper, has a chance of winning next time in the right company.

Despite fluffing more than one flight, Clean Sheet (almost down at the second-last and landing on all-fours at the last) was lifted home by Barry Geraghty in the novice hurdle. Careless at Sandown last time, Clean Sheet will obviously be more effective once he gets the hang of hurdling. He is in the right hands o learn his trade. Seven Nation Army, well beaten by Different Gravey here last time, boosted that form when beaten narrowly in second. Another with form, Great Try, was third so there is every reason to be positive about this as a race. Laurium (stable mate of the winner), who made a mess of the last, ran well enough on his hurdling debut to suggest he will not be a maiden in this sphere for long.

December 27th: Kempton: Carrying a 10lbs penalty in the Class 3 juvenile hurdle, Bivouac (hampered by a swerving Swivel halfway on the far-side) put up a fine performance to collar San Benedeto on the run-in. Described as a work in progress by his trainer, Triumph Hurdle contender or not, Bivouac is full of potential. On his first run in this country, San Benedeto set off in front, setting a slow pace, giving his hurdles plenty of air but sticking on strongly. Long term he looks a chaser. Swivel was a distant third. After running so well on debut, Storm Force Ten ran a wretched race in fourth. At the revised weights he was entitled to run Bivouac close. Untidy at the third-last he was already going nowhere at the time.

Hard on the heels of his Grade 1 victory at Sandown, Vibrato Valtat followed up in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad with a dashing leap at the last which sealed it when alongside Three Kingdoms. Deep Trouble was in contention when taking a heavy fall at the last. Once again God’s Own (given every chance) left the impression there are other things on his personal agenda.

This was Special Tiara’s day as he made all, jumping boldly in the Grade 2 Desert Orchid to frighten the life out of his rivals. Aided by Special Tiara’s solitary mistake at the third-last, only Balder Succes could mount a challenge down the straight. However it was short-lived. Although tired in the end, Special Tiara recovered his equilibrium to ping the last two. Last a winner in April 2013 – of a Grade 1 at Aintree beating Overturn – he was on song here against some dubious rivals.

For a three-year-old Chatez was put in at a ludicrously short price in the highly competitive closing handicap. A touch keen early, he appeared to move up threateningly on the turn only to stop quickly. The final flight fall by Chesterfield gifted the race to Cloonacool who held on by a whisker from a fast-closing Violet Dancer. Starluck ran on for third on a course that plays to his strengths. At present, after the Cheltenham win, the handicap is back in charge.

At CHEPSTOW Bristol De Mai entered Triumph Hurdle reckoning when skating away with the Grade 1 for juveniles. The ground was very testing so an element of caution is required. However, he had decent form in France and in beating Karezak the form is there to be seen. The Wallace Line ran through beaten horses for third with Baron Alco plugging on having made the running and a couple of unwelcome mistakes. Several failed to fire: Golden Doyen and Old Guard the most notable.

December 26th: Kempton: Superior jumping allowed Jollyallan to supplement his latest win at Newbury in the Class 2 novice. A good-bodied type he was more tested here than in his last two ventures over timber, but when shaken up between the last two flights he shrugged off the challenge of Sempre Medici with pacemaker Arzal a beaten-off third. As when winning at Cork, Sempre Medici guessed at several obstacles. Classy on the Flat, he was unconvincing in this better company – a series of errors costing him ground. He fluffed the last when mounting a challenge and until he gets the hang of this lark will struggle. One would imagine this is one association Ruby Walsh will be in no hurry to renew. Although beaten a fair way, Zip Top, who was second to Camelot in the 2011 Racing Post Trophy, shaped with promise.

Making all in the Class 3 handicap chase, Stellar Notion impressed with his jumping on only his second start over fences. With the exception of an untidy jump at the last when he got in tight, he was safe and clever. Knock House was another to jump soundly in second. Generous Ransom and Quite By Chance did little wrong but were unable to quicken when it mattered. These four were clear. It was a big ask for four-year-old Katgary on his first attempt over fences who was soon back-pedalling. River Maigue’s jumping was sketchy. Clobbered by the handicapper over hurdles, The Skyfarmer does not look happy over these bigger obstacles.

Seven set out, only three completed in the Grade 1 Feltham Chase (now the Kauto Star). Over three miles the pace was keen from the start with Carraig Mor and Coneygree mixing it up front. Saphir Du Rheu was first to exit. Never travelling he slithered to the ground after a soft mistake. Only five and a most progressive staying hurdler last year, it looks as if they are asking too much too soon of him over fences. Carriag Mor was found out by this keener pace than at Newbury last time and capsized in the straight first time round. Creepy put paid to his chances with an early error and was subsequently pulled-up. Sausolito Sunrise was closing on Coneygree when crashing out at the middle fence on the far-side. In the end Coneygree, the only one to find a rhythm and to jump cleanly, made all, pulling well clear. Tony McCoy’s persistence aboard a reluctant Warden hill was repaid with a distant second ahead of a desperately tired Virak.

So it was win number eight over timber for Faugheen in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle. Back to two miles, the shape he makes over his hurdles may not please the purists but he is a big strong type that gets from one side to another. Bar bunny-hopping the last he flipped over his hurdles today and sauntered clear early in the straight. Purple Bay was beaten a respectful distance in second, ahead of long time leader Blue Heron. The rest were burned off one by one and no constructive case can be made for any of them overturning this form at Cheltenham. Sign Of Victory moved up halfway down the back straight but could not go on. Irving was always struggling.

Newly equipped in cheekpieces, it was another vintage day for Silviniaco Conti in the King George. A race he won last year, he made all, at times jumping with flamboyant ease and putting his rivals (many of whom looked like non-stayers) to the sword. Although they were queuing up to challenge on the turn for home, Silvianiaco Conti quickened clear, confirming already established form. With the exception of Champagne Fever these were rivals he had beaten in the past. A reproduction of this form at Cheltenham would make him a Gold Cup winner in waiting, but it would appear he is at his best over three miles and round here. Dynaste ran through ragged rivals to take an honest second ahead of Al Ferof, who is not at his best over three miles but has run to the line. Champagne Fever jumped fluently but ran as if he was feeling the pinch at the end. Mistakes ruled out Menorah and Cue Card (surely this is too far in any case). Johns Spirit ran above himself and but for a mistake two out (his only one) may have been placed. Of course he still has to prove conclusively he stays three miles.

Alternatif became another success story from France for team Pipe. Having scored at Wincanton again with Batavir who defied his penalty for winning at Ascot, in Alternatif it would appear they have a horse from a similar mould. He just lasted home in the Class 3 handicap in the face of a strong challenge from the last delivered by Theinval. Hawaii Five Nil was still in with a chance at the turn where he seemed outpaced before running on for fourth. He is worth watching, perhaps over three miles.

20th December: Ascot: Irish Saint, third to Vibrato Valtat in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novice at Sandown over two miles, looked comfortable over the extended trip in the graduation over two miles and five-and-a-half. A decent staying hurdler, proof he can cope with this distance over fences in such testing conditions means his options are greatly extended. Although left clear at the last the race was already safely in the bag. Only five, he is a decent jumper with a definite future. As usual Puffin Billy set out to make the running. Although a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes did not help his cause he was still in front two out but running on empty when, exhausted, he barely took off at the last. In getting up after what looked like a horrendous fall he has certainly used up a life or two. Although back on his feet and to all intents and purposes unscathed, that may not be the end of the story. Bouncing back from such a fall cannot be taken for granted. It can only be hoped he will recover from such an unfortunate incident.

In a complete turnaround from the last when Zarkandar was cantering and apparently home for all money in the Long Walk, Reve De Sivola snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Despite several mistakes, including at the final flight, Reve De Sivola recovered in dramatic style to peg back Zarkandar who went from hero to zero on the run-in, having no answer when it mattered. The pair was clear of Aubusson, who had his limitations exposed in this class. Reve De Sivola was recording his third victory in this event – confirming that for whatever reason he comes alive on this day at this course for this race. As for Zarkandar, classy horse though he is; his day only comes when the moon is in the right phase. On a more personal note: Daryl Jacob’s ride on the winner underlines what a good jockey he is when given the opportunity.

With Houblon Des Obeaux, Hey Big Spender and Sound Investment hoisted to personal high marks by the handicapper in the Listed handicap chase, The Young Master was the first horse in the handicap pundits came to with a workable weight. Despite a fourteen pound hike for winning the Badger Beer – a race for which he was ineligible – carrying 10st 9lbs he was still able to beat his elders. In truth for the money this race fell short. As ludicrous as it was to run last time, his trainer part-redeemed himself by cherry-picking an ideal target here. The Young Master does jump well (shifted left-handed at a couple) but was in control from the turn. Winning from 144 today and likely to be 150 next time; only five coming on six, he is still eligible for top staying novice events.

Not many stood out at the weights in the Ladbroke – dominated by those who had proven form at this level. Very useful dual-purpose contender Bayan, who was fourth in a decent handicap on the Flat at Leopardstown in September after a decent second in a hurdle at Galway from 141, toughed it out from the final flight when the chasing pack threatened to cut him down. Bayan’s close third to Whisper in the Coral Cup emphasises what a good horse he is. The handicapper gave him a chance here but is unlikely to repeat his generosity. Winning from 146, Bayan is heading for a mark in the low 150s. Pine Creek cruised on the scene between the last two but found the winner too determined. With only limited experience over hurdles, Actival has run a fine race in third – the same can be said of Shelford and, for different reasons for top weight Garde La Victoire who finished fifth.

December 19th: Ascot: Desilvano won what was a weak Class 3 maiden hurdle over 2m 6f on his hurdling debut. In beating Bally Beaufort and Buckhorn Timothy he has done all that was asked but will need to improve again if he is to follow up on a track such as this. After promise at Aintree and Cheltenham, Champagne Present ran a shocker in what represented a drop in class. From flag-fall he was much too keen, pulling and racing with a cocked jaw. He did settle for the final part of the race but by then the damage had been done. Walking through the last he was beaten a long way in fourth. A decent jumper, he is better than this but if he continues to prove so headstrong he will never show it.

Jumping won the day for Dance Floor King who put his hat-trick on the board in the novice handicap chase, holding Garrahalish’s run from the last. Cold March was a close third but Fond Memory and Key To The West ruined their chances with sloppy fencing.

Only three turned up for the Supreme Trial but they were quality rivals. All three were in a line at the second-last where Emerging Talent came down. This left L’Ami Serge to follow up on his easy Newbury handicap, sweeping aside Killultagh Vic, who was the preferred Willie Mullins representative from a five-day entry of nine. The winner is a strong stayer and handles soft ground.

The Grade 2 novice was a fascinating contest. Winner of two soft chases, Ptit Zig is athletic and neat at his fences and was able to put his experience to good use. Only five and a decent hurdler last season, Ptit Zig should not be underestimated. Two miles is probably a minimum. In contrast chase debutant Josses Hill is big and gangly. Giving his fences plenty of air he was largely safe although a mistake at the downhill ditch upset his rhythm. Back on terms at the turn he was awkward at the second-last and laboured thereafter. The Arkle might not be ideal; he probably wants a nice flat track like Newbury where he can establish his stride. Dunraven Storm made the running but appeared to fizzle out tamely once pressed. He had a hard race at Sandown thirteen days ago and it may have left its mark.

The Class 3 handicap hurdle over 2m 6f was all about French import Batavir. Able to make all under his own terms, he was fluent at his hurdles and clearly enjoyed this extra trip. Only hand riding was required to seal it and roll back the years for the old firm of Pipe and McCoy.

17th December: Newbury: They tended to blunder their way round in the opening juvenile novice event, predictably dominated by first-timers. Soft ground meant they finished legless. Zarib eventually got the better of Jalingo. Having been clear at one stage, Magic Magnolia ran on for third. Penalised Blue Atlantic got very tired; mistakes down the straight put paid to Winner Massagot, who had travelled like the winner up to that point but appeared to run out of petrol.

First-time blinkers did the trick for Gevrey Chambertin in the Class 3 handicap chase. It’s been a while since his win at Haydock but he set off in front today, giving his rivals a jumping lesson. They did finish very tired but he found extra for pressure on the run-in. The question is whether he can, or will, reproduce this run next time. After only one outing over fences, Kaki De La Pree made a valiant effort but was eventually held. Astigos ran okay in third without looking likely to relinquish his long-standing maiden record over fences.

Stamina-laden Laser Hawk slogged it out to thwart Beast Of Burden in the Class 4 maiden hurdle. On his first effort over timber, with a good action Beast Of Burden did little wrong, jumping neatly and cleanly and travelling like the winner from some way out. After landing a gamble in a bumper in October, he may have needed this, particularly in such messy and unsuitable conditions. He should soon go one better. Communicator fails to convince.

Outsider of the four Tinker Time took the Graduation Chase over three miles, quickening from the last fence in what up to then had been a slowly run affair. By Turtle Island – a well-known mud lark himself – he handled the soft ground. Masters Hill was second with favourite Easter Day only third. Having his first run since beating subsequent RSA winner O’Faolains Boy at Ascot a year ago, Easter Day made the running, jumping well until appearing to blow up over the last fence before the comparative sprint to the line. Conceding 7lbs to the first two he still emerges as best in show, something he should confirm next time. Walkon was the first to check out with a tame performance.

Third at Grade 1 level at Punchestown in April, Value At Risk looked a very useful recruit to hurdles when making all and strolling home in the Class 4 novice. His opponents had only shown snippets of form in lesser company so this was not one of Newbury’s strongest maidens, but Value At Risk has transferred undoubted class to timber and should go on from here. Foryourinformation was a remote second.

December 13th: Cheltenham: After a promising debut at this course last month when just denied by Golden Doyen, Hargam was understandably a warm order in the Class 2. Ponderous over the first two, Hargam’s jumping was sketchy until the pace lifted when he warmed to his task. In the end his class was crucial but he will need to improve again to be considered a serious Triumph Hurdle candidate. Neat and nimble, he is more of a Flat racer in composition than a jumper but he did knuckle down in the closing stages. Karezak put his experience to good use, jumping professionally and proving a tough nut to crack from the last when he and Hargam were clear. Considering he was conceding 3lbs to Hargam, there is a case to be made for him defeating the winner at levels next time. However, it is more likely that, assuming he can sharpen his hurdling on a better surface (something McCoy was quick to suggest), Hargam will confirm the form under such terms. Stars Over The Sea was a distant third having proved too keen early.

There is always a danger that small field chases can lead to misleading results. Impressive on chase debut here when beating useful yardstick Colour Squadron, Champagne West hardly jumped a fence this time in the Class 2 novice – either looking hesitant or getting underneath his obstacles. Basically his rhythm was absent from the first fence. Given his biggest threat, Little Jon, threw away his chance when refusing at the top of the hill, Champagne West made a meal of beating Un Ace. The promise remains. By way of an endorsement of Tony McCoy’s comments after Hargam’s first race win, Richard Johnson was quick to blame the gluepot ground for impeding his mount’s jumping, claiming we will see the best of Champagne West on a better or wetter surface. Little Jon had jumped well up to his departure but is not without a trait or two. Reported to be fine after what could have been a catastrophic incident to both horse and rider, to this observer Little Jon appeared to be lame on his nearside foreleg.

Sew On Target returned to winning form in the Class 2 handicap. In beating Astracad there is not too much to say about this. Solar Impulse was a bit novicey. When he gets it right he gets it right, and when he gets it wrong he is still clever enough to keep himself out of trouble. However his mistake at the top of the hill left no room for recovery and his jockey wisely called it a day. Only four, he needs to return to an easier track.

Only raised 5lbs for winning the Paddy Power but carrying 11st 11lbs, Caid Du Berlais had plenty on to follow up in the Grade 3 Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. His premature departure at the ditch on the far-side (pulled-up after a disastrous error) was a forerunner to a race that was about to fall apart. Having jumped his opposition into the ground at Ascot last month, a 13lbs hike failed to impede Niceonefrankie. Barrakilla struggled past top weight Edgardo Sol for second.

Beaten by Parlour Games over this track last month but otherwise boasting a perfect record over hurdles, Blaklion gave weight and a beating to his rivals in the Grade 2 novice hurdle over three miles. An injection of pace on the turn sealed it and he was pretty much on his own from then on. The plan is for him to return for the Festival in the Alfred Bartlett. Outsider Anteros was second, nabbing a tiring Port Melon (who has still to show what many suspect he is capable of) for the runner-up spot.

After a wretched day for team Twiston-Davies, The New One turned the tide with a proficient performance in the Grade 2 International Hurdle. Always travelling well off a fast pace, his jumping was slick and he quickened away when pressed by his only serious rival – Vaniteux. Together at the last but going marginally the better, conceding 8lbs to the smart Vaniteux and disposing of him in a fairly run race, this has to be The New One’s best effort of the current season. Although the ground was not deemed as ideal for the runner-up, decent though he is (again made all the right moves throughout the race) it cannot be forwarded as an excuse. Frankly the rest had no place in the line-up, but this is jump racing and strange results are always possible. Mighty Moose took matters into his own hands when refusing to take part. Bertimont continues to impress with his hurdling but was left in the dust from the turn.

With ears pricked throughout, confirmed Cheltenham-lover Rock On Ruby took advantage of favourable conditions in Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle to dish out a beating to a gallant Volnay De Thaix. Now nine, it is unlikely Rock On Ruby will attempt to regain his Champion Hurdle crown. A tilt at the World Hurdle may tax his stamina; whereas the Aintree Hurdle over 2m 4f, in which he was touched off by The New One this year, might be a more realistic target.

Doncaster: The Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle was all about one horse: Peace And Co. Having his first run in this country – last seen in June – he blitzed useful rivals to leapfrog his way to the head of the Triumph Hurdle betting. The way he had his rivals strung out suggests he is useful at worst. Dual winner Starchitect was left toiling in his wake in second.

12th: December: Cheltenham: Although a short price to defeat his three rivals in the Class 2 novice chase, this was no formality for Kings Palace who faced a rematch with Sausalito Sunrise on 8lbs worse terms for a four length beating from last time. However, on only his second run over fences Kings Palace impressed. He carries himself well, has an intelligent outlook and for a big horse is quick over his fences, constantly getting his rivals in trouble. Pressed by the closing runner-up, when asked to come up at the last he winged it. With a bigger field in something like the RSA he will not enjoy such an uncontested lead, but that may not be crucial for him. All we can say based on evidence so far is that he looks a natural over fences and he is not a horse to oppose lightly next time. Sausalito Sunrise had difficulty keeping tabs with the free-flowing Kings Palace. A mistake at the seventh last was a precursor for a couple of other untidy jumps when in the winner’s slipstream, meaning he was unable to sustain his challenge in the straight. Return Spring was a never dangerous third, whilst a series of mistakes resulted in Vivaldi Collonges never being able to land a blow.

Buck Mulligan was caught close home by Al Alfa in the handicap chase restricted to conditional jockeys. Hollow Blue Sky responded to his jockey’s urgings to recover from a couple of errors and stay on for third. He is not a bad sort but lacks gears. He will probably stay further.

Last a winner on this course in April 2013, the tricky but talented Starluck was coaxed home by the excellent Nico de Boinville to gain the nod in the Class 3 handicap hurdle from Goohar. Had he hung on, the giant Goohar may have lost the race in the stewards’ room as he gave Starluck a hefty bump a hundred yards out. With Kalimantan third, this race is unlikely to send out future winners.

It would appear the handicapper has caught up with The Ould Lad for now. A decent enough effort was not quite enough to overhaul the in-form ten-year-old Benbane Head.

Being rowed along and seemingly going nowhere, looking to be safely held on the turn, Big Easy picked up from the last to force a photo with the progressive Ulzana’s Raid. Since winning the Cesarewitch Big Easy has not had the rub of the green over hurdles but has once again run to his best here from a personal best mark of 140. The winner is described as a future star over fences by his trainer, but as things stand – only a five-year-old – he is not a bad hurdler. As this win was achieved from a rating of 143, he is closing fast on a high of 150.

Carrying a 10lbs penalty, dual Plumpton winner Seedling caught long-time leader Some Plan in the concluding Class 3 novice hurdle. The pair was clear. Well-supported Padge may look the part and going into this have supporting form, but after today he looks little more than an expensive slow boat to China. A hard-puller on whom his rider had to forfeit early ground in order to get him settled, he ponderously negotiated the last three flights without ever threatening to close the gap. Presumably his future lies over fences but he has to improve his demeanour if he is to justify his reputation.

6th December: Aintree: After two unsuccessful tries over timber, Ballybolley put it all together here when making all in the Class 3 hurdle. Jumping slickly on a faster surface which seemed to suit, he had his rivals in trouble some way out. This did not look a strong field; although but for a mistake at the second-last, Great Try would have made the winner work harder.

Nyanza’s win in the following novice – restricted to three-year-old fillies – did not amount to much. They jumped scrappily down the straight, the winner eventually asserting on the run-in from first-timer Intense Tango (should get off the mark at a lesser track) and Brise Vendeenne.

The only comment of note from an ordinary handicap chase won by Bincombe was to highlight the ride Jamie Moore gave to runner-up Dineur. I counted at least twelve strokes of the whip. No complaints if you backed Dineur – here was a jockey doing his damndest to win and nearly succeeding – but unless the rules are changed to allow a modicum of common sense to pervade, they have been contravened here in a major way.

The Charge Of The Light Brigade that was the Becher Chase claimed half the field. Now thirteen, Oscar Time jumped these fences superbly, picking up an exhausted Our Father at the last. Having handled the fences well, Mendip Express arrived with a potent challenge on the long run-in. Judging by the way he finished he might just be back for the National in April with a squeak of a chance.

As at Haydock last time, Dawalan dropped the bridle at a crucial stage of the Class 2 handicap hurdle. This meant having looked all set to smoothly slice through the field, he was in trouble. Aided by advice from Barry Geraghty, Daryl Jacob refused to take no for an answer and conjured a second run from his mount, who was only fifth jumping the last. Dawalan swamped those in front of him when he quickened. This was a strong field and his form to date is solid. As last time, he gives the impression he will stay three miles, in which case his finishing kick will be pivotal.

In only jumping ten fences (low sun; so there is a chance for someone that can manufacture glare-proof goggles for jockeys and sunglasses for horses) the four runners for the Class 1 Listed Betfred Chase over 3m 1f had to negotiate less obstacles than in a two mile chase. With a five furlong run-in, after the exit of a bumbling Holywell, Ma Filleule looked sure to pick up Sam Winner who, rousted along, kept on doggedly. In the end he held Medermit who eventually deprived the mare of runner-up spot. Having jumped well bar for clouting the second-last, it would seem Ma Filleule may not be quite up to her current rating.

Cedre Bleu almost landed the Grand Sefton but predictably when push came to shove he decided it wasn’t for him. This left Poole Master to recover form on what was a big day by his standards. It was a tough race by any standards. The weight rather than the mark (still 155 is too high these days) beat Hunt Ball.

Sandown: There is no stopping Nicky Henderson at present – he supplied the first two in the Class 3 novice hurdle. Delivered at the last, Caracci Apache’s win was something of a surprise to his stable on this his debut over timber. His better fancied stable companion Clean Sheet travelled well for most of the race, jumping economically and putting in a giant leap at the last which momentarily looked to have secured victory. Lacking the turn of foot of the winner and now in the best possible hands, after only one run in a point he is entitled to improve greatly for this experience, particularly, one would have thought, over further. Considering the conditions the time was keen; and in third Aso provides a reasonable benchmark for the form.

To an extent this was the day when the excuses dried up for Cup Final. After promising efforts behind Irving last year and a good third on debut this season at Cheltenham (form ties in with the useful and progressive On Tour), a current mark of 127 made him look well treated in the Class 2 handicap. The race was not over-competitive – made less so by the refusal of Home Run to take part. Travelling well throughout, the result was never in doubt when he loomed large between the last two flights. He could not be called impressive but apparently he will improve for better ground so there may be more to come as the season unfolds.

As it turned out, the way they ran the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novice Chase suited Vibrato Valtat. So often a horse that saves something for himself, a fast pace allowed him little time to think about shirking the issue and he responded from the last to gobble up the two (Dunraven Storm and Irish Saint) that had been intent on taking each other out.

Despite looking unwilling at times (a sentiment emphasised by his jockey), Snake Eyes deserves some credit for bouncing back after nearly a year’s absence in the listed handicap hurdle. With a high head carriage and a tendency to hang when under pressure, produced late (but not late enough according to McCoy) he got away with it here from a mark of 123. Amore Alato (another returning from a lengthy absence) was narrowly beaten in second, followed by War Singer and Ruacana.

Dodging Bullets had his day in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek when he picked up Somersby from the last. This was not a vintage renewal but it could be as a six-year-old Dodging Bullets has turned a corner. Stiffer tasks await. Somersby ran as well as ever in second, Hinterland (winner of the Henry VIII on this card last year) finished strongly in third. Balder Succes and God’s Own were let down by indifferent jumping. Third Intention stepped up on anything so far achieved in fifth. The vagaries of this business were illustrated when Oscar Whisky (representing an all-conquering of late Nicky Henderson) fell with fatal consequences at the first on the far side.

5th December: Sandown: The opening juvenile hurdle looked a good event. Baraka De Thaix’s third to Golden Doyen and Hargam in the JCB Triumph hurdle Trial at Cheltenham looked the best on offer, but his jumping on this testing ground let him down and he dropped away in the straight. He has to be better than this. Hugely attractive Bivouac – a French import with limited form – travelled and jumped and despite fluffing the last picked up on the run-in to settle the issue. Well-regarded by his stable, but to an extent a work in progress who may not be ready for the Triumph in March, he has a future. Hurdling debutant Storm Force Ten ran an admirable race in second although, when the chance presented itself at the last he did lack the winner’s turn of foot. Recent winner of a juvenile here in November and carrying a 10lbs penalty, Baron Alco has run a stormer (coming out the best at the weights) and this has done his chances at Grade 1 level later in the season no harm at all.

After close to two-and-half miles there were three in a line as they raced into the closing stages of the Grade 2 novice. Despite looking in trouble turning for home, stamina kicked in for Vyta Du Roc down the straight and he edged it at the last and held on in an all-out finish. Considering he was carrying a penalty this was a good performance and provided Nicky Henderson with yet another high profile winner. Another that appeared to have had enough on the turn, Shantou Bob rallied for pressure to work his way back into the contest. The mare Tara Point had made the running and jumped well at every hurdle but understandably she ran out of gas in the final few strides. It was still a fine effort in third.

Stamina won the day for Black Thunder in the intermediate chase where, having jumped well in the lead, Corrin Wood, possibly in need of the outing, called it a day after jumping the Pond. Black Thunder is a decent sort without looking like a horse destined for the top drawer.