4 OJA winners including Son of Camas (8/1) & Azzerti (8/1)

It was Grade 1 winning novice hurdler Champ who captured the headlines on his chasing debut at Newbury on Thursday. Nicky Henderson's King's Theatre gelding, who was rated 152 over hurdles, made a smooth transition to the larger obstacles with a good round of jumping. A bold leap at the second last saw Barry Geraghty's mount come back on the bridle and he soon had the measure of the front running Dashel Drashel. A three and a half lengths winner, the former champion trainer mentioned the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day as a likely target, although he could be aimed at Newbury's Winter Festival at the end of the month in the meantime. 

One Jump Ahead had another terrific day at the Berkshire track with 4 winners, namely Zanza (3/1), Silver Forever (7/4), Azzerti (8/1) and Son of Camas (8/1). 

The concluding bumper looked an interesting affair beforehand - 5 of the 13 runners were included in OJA. The first four home were all featured, including the Nicky Henderson trained winner Son of Camas. Disappointing on his debut at the Punchestown Festival last spring, he proved a different proposition here under James Bowen. Well supported (11/1 into 8/1) beforehand, the four year old stayed on strongly to beat stablemate Timberman by two lengths. The Creachadoir gelding features in owner Jared Sullivan's interview in OJA on page 52. Two and a quarter lengths back in third was Cadzand who was having his first run under Rules for Dan Skelton. The Stowaway gelding had won his only point-to-point for Tom Lacey before being bought privately. Tom leaves readers in no doubts about what he thinks of the four year old on page 93 of OJA. Staying on well, he is capable of winning a similar event before going jumping. I thought he travelled like a very good horse.