Authorised Speed looks high-class

There were a couple of runners in the Top 40 Prospects at Lingfield on Tuesday and, while one of them failed to handle the attritional conditions (trainer explained afterwards), Authorised Speed revelled in the soft ground producing a superb performance on his hurdles bow. The five year old fared best of the British in the Cheltenham Festival bumper when filling fifth position behind Facile Vega and had reportedly thrived physically during the summer. Although a shade keen early on in the two miles three maiden hurdle, the Authorized gelding jumped well and took over at the third last. He readily sauntered clear on the bridle and crossed the line full of running to win by fifteen lengths. He may not have beaten much but it was a very taking performance suggesting races such as the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury (31st December) or Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown (early January) could be on his agenda - granted soft ground, a drop back to two miles is unlikely to be an inconvenience. Gary Moore has trained some very good horses and Authorised Speed could be one of the best, if staying healthy. 

Search For Glory was another winner for Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers article with the Fame And Glory gelding justifying cramped odds in the concluding bumper at Fairyhouse. Bought for £200,000 having won his sole point for the Costello family, he looked a strong stayer pulling away for a four and three quarters of a length win under Harry Swan. Hurdling is likely to be on his agenda next.