Exhibition Stuff

Galopin Des Champs was back in action on the second day of Fairyhouse's Easter Festival and arguably the hottest property in National Hunt racing didn't disappoint with another dazzling display in the Grade 1 novice chase over two and a half miles. Making all the jumping, the six year old's jumping was electric - even when he got in close to a few fences (the fourth last and final fences), the ex-French gelding was clever and never looked like hitting the deck. Most unfortunate to lose his unbeaten record over the larger obstacles at Cheltenham last month, he toyed with three useful opponents stretching 18 lengths clear after the last. It was the perfect end a near perfect first season over fences. While he possesses the speed to run over two and a half miles, it will be a surprise if he isn't tried over three miles next term with the Cheltenham Gold Cup surely the number one target. He is a phenomenal horse - don't forget where you heard about him first.

Brandy Love was featured another who featured in the Top 40 Prospects in One Jump Ahead last season and I am kicking myself for not including her again this time around. Forced to miss the mares' novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the former Irish pointer gained ample compensation in the Grade 1 mares' novice hurdle at Fairyhouse. Despite showing a tendency to jump to her right late on, she was too good for Cheltenham winner Love Envoi beating Harry Fry's runner by eight lengths. Given the fact the Jet Away mare will be more at home racing left-handed, she looks tailormade for the Dawn Run Mares' Hurdle next year. She may have her quirks, but she stays well and has a lot of talent.

The Top 40 in Ahead On The Flat have made a positive start and Walk of Stars (4/5) made it 5 winners from 8 runners when claiming the ten furlongs conditions stakes at Newbury on Sunday. The Dubawi colt had reportedly worked well with Newmarket winner New London earlier in the week and was backed accordingly. Partnered by James Doyle, he travelled strongly and looked set to win comfortably entering the final couple of furlongs. He was forced to dig deep though and fend off the challenge of stablemate Hafit. A neck separated the pair with six lengths back to the third Berkshire Rebel. Given the fact he was only having his third run and he beat two rivals rated 106 and 98, it was a smart performance. His breeding suggests he will be even better over further and is another exciting prospect for Godolphin. The Group 2 Dante Stakes at York (12th May) could be next.