Another promising youngster by Jeremy

Jeremy is responsible for some promising youngsters this season, including Birchdale, Jerrysback and Mister Fisher, and he is also the sire of Bold Plan (6/4). One of Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers in One Jump Ahead, Evan Williams' charge ran well at Newbury on his hurdles debut in November before disappointing next time at Southwell. Given a break of 62 days, the five year old returned to action at Taunton on Monday and appreciated the step up to two miles three. Contesting the first division of the novices' hurdle which opened the card, he stayed on strongly under Sean Bowen to beat Southfield Stone by a length and a quarter. He looks a smashing long-term prospect for the Mr & Mrs Rucker.

It has been a tough winter for Anthony Honeyball with no winners from only five runners during December. However, things appear to have taken a turn for the better for the former jockey with two winners from three runners in January and Dunhallow Gesture got off the mark over hurdles at the third time of asking at the West Country track. Rated 123, the daughter of King's Theatre had been placed at Newbury and Lingfield. Dropping back to the minimum trip, she received a positive ride and made all to win by a couple of lengths. The Grade 2 mares' final at Newbury (23rd March) looks an obvious target and, if the seven year old can recapture the pick of her bumper form, she will be a major force at the Berkshire track next month.

Finally, Phoenix Way who is featured in the Top 40 Prospects, received a form boost on Monday when Third Wind won the second division of the two miles novices' hurdle. A length separated the pair when they met at Plumpton last month with Harry Fry's gelding emerging on top. Currently sidelined, it is hoped he is back in action sooner rather than later.