2 winners for the Top 40 and unlucky not to be 3

The Top 40 Prospects in One Jump Ahead had a couple of winners, including Apple's Shakira who made it three out of three over hurdles since joining Nicky Henderson at Cheltenham and, in doing so, cemented her position at the head of the ante-post market for the Triumph Hurdle. However, it would almost certainly have been three on the day had Black Op jumped the final flight better in the Grade 2 novices' hurdle at the same track. Ironically, Tom George's charge had jumped beautifully prior to that and looked in control rounding the hometurn. Unfortunately, the ex-pointer got in tight at the last and lost momentum, giving the eventual winner Santini a sniff. Nicky Henderson's gelding didn't need a second invitation and he wore down Black Op close home to prevail by three parts of a length. It was twenty nine lengths back to the third. A frustrating result to say the least.

Just a reminder, I am currently working on the February Update, which will be emailed to clients on Thursday (1st February). The Grand National entries are published on Wednesday and I want to make sure my ante-post selection which I have included in the Update is amongst them. If you would like to order a copy, please go to the Publications section of the site - it is £6.00.