Jade De Grugy another smart one for Top 40

Jumps fans were treated some top-class perfomers on Thursday, not least from last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs who trounced his seven opponents by upwards of 23 lengths in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown. Beaten on his latest two outings, including in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on his reappearance, the dual Cheltenham Festival winner was back to his best here with a dominant display. Upped in distance and ridden more prominently, he joined the front running Conflated approaching the second last before taking control. On this evidence, the seven year old will be the one they all have to beat in March. Despite winning four Grade 1 events, perhaps the ex-French gelding is at his very best when racing left handed. His record racing left-handed is 16111F111 compared to 2P11123.

Stablemate Gaelic Warrior made it two out of two over fences without coming off the bridle to win the Grade 1 Faugheen Novices' Chase at Limerick. Patrick Mullins' mount led from flagfall producing some flamboyant leaps in the process before sauntering home by five and a half lengths. A short price favourite for the Turners Novices' Chase at Cheltenham in March, his rider was quick to point out that Prestbury Park doesn't bring out the best in him due to his tendency to jump to his right. However, he also argued that the New course will suit him more than the Old course, which both his two previous runs at the meeting have been on. Either way, it is a fantastic talent and one of the most exciting young chasers in training at present. It will be interesting to see if connections consider a tilt at the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown (3rd February) rather than a trip to Leopardstown for the Dublin Racing Festival during the same weekend. 

Ireland's champion trainer began the day by sending out Jade De Grugy to score impressively on her Irish debut in the opening two and a half miles maiden hurdle at Leopardstown. A bumper winner in France in October 2022 before being sold for €230,000 ten days later, the Doctor Dino filly was prominent from the outset racing alongside point/bumper winner Butcher Hollow. Taking control at the second last, she steadily drew clear in the manner of a smart filly. Considering her lack of experience and an absence of 452 days, it was a very good performance. Owner Kenny Alexander has another above average filly on his hands and Jade De Grugy continues the excellent spell of the Top 40 Prospects in One Jump Ahead.