The Big Bite continues to impress

Top 40 entry The Big Bite made it two out of two over hurdles with an impressive nineteen lengths victory in the Introductory Novices' Hurdle at Haydock on Wednesday. Tom George's gelding had won in good style on his jumping bow at Chepstow a month earlier and he made all here under Noel Fehily. Admittedly, the runner-up Demopolis hadn't raced for over 550 days and his other market rival Darksideoftarnside fell at the second hurdle, but there was still a lot to like about the way The Big Bite quickened up smartly between the final two flights. His rider reportedly mentioned the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown (5th January) afterwards, which is a race his stable won last season with subsequent Skybet Supreme NH winner Summerville Boy. He looks a cracking prospect with genuine Cheltenham Festival aspirations.

It is only early December but the Top 40 Prospects is responsible for some very exciting young prospects including Envoi Allen, Epatante, Kalashnikov, Malone Road, Santini and The Big Bite and there are hopefully plenty more who have yet to reappear this winter.

Kim Bailey's team continue in fine form and the Gloucestershire based handler sent out a double at Haydock. Newtide (11/10) looked a thorough stayer when winning the two miles seven maiden hurdle by four lengths, while the well regarded Mr Grey Sky (9/4) made a winning start to his career in the concluding bumper. A gelded son of Fame And Glory, Bailey spoke very positively about the four year old on page 52 of One Jump Ahead. As I have stated before, he has been a terrific addition to the Talking Trainers section.