Two more exciting prospects for Top 40

Newbury's two day Winter Festival got underway on Friday and the Top 40 Prospects unleashed two more exciting young prospects. Nicky Henderson has dominated the two miles maiden hurdle which kicked off the card in recent years, including subsequent Grade 1 winners Buveur D'Air and Jonbon, and the former champion trainer introduced former Irish pointer Jet Powered. Purchased for 350,000gns in December last year, the five year old has been given time since arriving at Seven Barrows and underwent wind surgery. Jumping superbly, he readily brushed aside his opponents with a smooth eleven lengths victory. He looks a smart young horse with a big future. As short as 4/1 for the Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle, he is expected to head to Ascot for the Grade 2 Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle (16th December) - Henderson has won the two miles event on seven occasions. 

Just over an hour later, another ex-Irish pointer Stay Away Fay (15/8) produced a strong staying performance to take the two and a half novice hurdle - the event has been won by Grade 1 winners Santini, Bravemansgame and Stage Star in recent times. Paul Nicholls' new recruit, who cost £305,000, jumped neatly but came under pressure turning for home. However, Harry Cobden's mount kept responding and wore down the longtime leader Russian Ruler after the last before pulling away to win by a handful of lengths. Expected to improve for the outing, he will more at home on easy ground and could be one for something like the Grade 2 Leamington Novices' Hurdle at Warwick (14th January). Very much a chaser in the making, he is another fine prospect for the champion trainer.

The Top 40 Prospects has produced 11 winners from 21 runners, including some smashing horses for the future. There are 5 more runners from the section running over weekend, so hopefully there are a few promising types amongst them.