Gordon off to a flyer with a double

One of the new additions in this year's One Jump Ahead is an interview with Chris Gordon and the Winchester based handler made an excellent start to the campaign with a double at Fontwell on Friday. Indeed, the twice raced Lord Baddesley (7/2) was Chris's horse to follow for this season and the Doyen gelding, who showed promise in two bumper starts last term, made a winning start to his hurdling career. Patiently ridden early on, the five year old stayed on well from the second last to win going away by four and a half lengths from market leader Fearless. He looks a nice prospect who will make a chaser eventually.

Stablemate Pres (11/4) completed the double in the staying handicap chase under ten pounds conditional jockey Nathan Brennan. The six year old made virtually all and kept on well to win by a couple of lengths in a dour finish. Rated 117, don't be surpised if he is back at the Sussex track for the Southern National (0-140) on Sunday 15th November. Stamina is very much his strong suit.

Nicky Richards' interview has produced a couple of nice priced winners this week, including Glinger Flame (6/1) at Hexham on Friday. The grey raced three times over fences last term but his trainer felt he wasn't enjoying chasing hence the decision was made to revert back to hurdles at the Northumberland track. Carrying top weight in the two and a half miles handicap hurdle, the eight year old was given a fine ride by Brian Hughes being produced after the last to win by a head off a mark of 130. He is now unbeaten in four visits to Hexham. 

If anyone hasn't ordered a copy of One Jump Ahead and wishes to do so, please get those orders in soon because we have less than 400 copies left. There is no plan to have a reprint.

There is some excellent racing over the weekend both on the Flat and over jumps. Fingers crossed those selections in the Autumn Update give a good account of themselves and OJA unearths a few more exciting prospects. Enjoy the weekend.