No Comment (2/1) wins for the Top 40

No Comment won for the third time over hurdles this season when defying a double penalty at Plumpton. Indeed, it was the gelding's second win at the Sussex track as he conceded ten pounds to the useful Minella Awards, who was having his first run for Harry Fry. The winner was always travelling well and only had to be shaken up after the last to win by a couple of lengths. Improving with racing, the fitting of a hood has certainly helped No Comment settle. It will be interesting to see where he heads next. I wasn't convinced he was good enough to be competitive in something like the Neptune Investments NH at the Cheltenham Festival but not many novices defy double penalties and he will go there with plenty of experience. Something like the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial NH at Huntingdon (9th February) could be a target en route to the Festival. Ironically, the runner-up Minella Awards was a warm favourite in that event last season but could only finish fifth. No Comment was an expensive horse to follow on his first two starts over timber this Autumn but he has really got his act together ever since and has been a good inclusion in the Top 40 Prospects in One Jump Ahead.