Stay Away Fay digs deep

Last season's Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner Stay Away Fay made a winning start to his chasing career at Exeter on Friday. Paul Nicholls' runner was forced to dig deep though having been headed soon after the third last. The Shantou gelding rallied well and won going away by a length and three quarters. His jumping was slick and he is bound to improve for his reappearance. There is a new Grade 2 novice chase at Sandown (8th December) next month which appeals as a likely target rather than the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. A strong stayer, he is an exciting chasing prospect. 

Grey Dawning wasn't disgraced in third finishing nearly three lengths behind Stay Away Fay and is expected to progress as the season progresses. Given the fact the grey hadn't run since falling in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in April, a clear round was the priority and, having held every chance over the last few fences, he kept on at the one pace. While he may not possess the class of the winner, Dan Skelton's gelding is more than capable of winning a decent prize over fences. It is worth remembering the six year old was beaten on his first appearance last season and never stopping improving thereafter. 

It is a busy day on Saturday with some excellent action on both sides of the Irish Sea. I am heading to Aintree for Racing UK and looking forward to catching up with a few trainers - any news will be passed on in the November Update, which is emailed to clients next Thursday. Don't be surprised if Lucinda Russell has a successful afternoon. The dual Grand National winning trainer has a dozen runners spread between Aintree and Kelso.