Poor day

It was a poor day to say the least for followers of One Jump Ahead with both Top 40 entrants finishing second on Saturday. Shallwehaveonemore travelled strongly and jumped beautifully and everything appeared to be going to plan in the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton. However, things changed rapidly going to the second last with his jumping going to pieces over the final two obstacles as he emptied quickly. Only beaten a length it was disappointing he couldn't get the better of longtime leader Aucunrisque. Admittedly, he raced enthusiastically early on but nothing like earlier in the season at Ascot and he should have finished off better here. Rated 133, it is hoped he skips the Cheltenham Festival and is aimed at something like the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr (2nd April) but he needs to learn to relax because at the moment he isn't fulfilling his undoubted potential.

It was also disappointing to see Soft Risk lose his unbeaten record at Newcastle. The six year old had made short work of winning his first three races over hurdles and didn't look overburden off a mark of 123 on his handicap debut. Partnered by Sean Quinlan for the first time, Nicky Richards' gelding held every chance but couldn't reel in the more battle hardened winner Since Day One. Three and a lengths in arrears, the experience won't have been lost on him and hopefully connections elect to give him more practice before his summer break. 

The biggest disappointment of the day belonged to Burrows Saint who finished a distant third of four in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse. Fourth in last year's Grand National, he had run well against stablemate Al Boum Photo at Tramore on New Year's Day but he produced a tame effort here dropping out of contention on the homestraight. While he is clearly better than he showed here, he will go to Aintree with something to prove. Perhaps he didn't enjoy the underfoot conditions.