Me worth the Wait on final day of the season

It may have taken until the final day of the season but One Jump Ahead readers were finally rewarded courtesy of Wait For Me (5/1)  in the concluding handicap hurdle at Sandown. I have been adamant for sometime that Philip Hobbs' charge has been crying out for a step up to two and a half miles and he got the opportunity to tackle the distance for the first time at the Esher track. Given a patient ride by champion jockey Richard Johnson, the seven year old crept into contention down the backstraight before mounting his challenge between the final two flights. A decent leap at the last sealed his win before powering clear to win by half a dozen lengths. Likely to be sent chasing next season, he could be aimed at something like the Silver Trophy at Chepstow in October beforehand provided the ground isn't too testing. I hope clients kept the faith - it was a long wait but a worthwhile one.

Like Wait For Me, Altior is featured in the Top 40 Prospects of OJA and Nicky Henderson's dual Festival winner rounded off his first season over fences with another breathtaking display in the Grade 1 Celebration Chase. In fact, this season's Arkle winner made the Queen Mother Champion Chase victor Special Tiara look distinctly ordinary as he swept past Henry De Bromhead's charge after the penultimate fence. An eight lengths scorer, he is a very special horse and, unless Douvan returns to his brilliant best, Altior will be the one they all have to beat next March in the Champion Chase.

Thank you to those clients who have emailed since Afjaan's (3/1) impressive win at Haydock. Pinpointed as one to watch out for in the Diary yesterday, William Haggas' charge overcame a sluggish start to win going away by a length and three quarters. His trainer couldn't have made it much clearer of his opinion of the five year old on page 74 of Ahead On The Flat. Indeed, he looked a class above the opposition here. The Royal Hunt Cup in June could be his next port of call.

A couple of horses who caught the eye this afternoon included Sir Chauvelin in the two mile handicap at Ripon. Jim Goldie's gelding stayed on well to grab second behind My Reward. Despite being ten pounds higher, this run may have put him spot on for a repeat win in the Braveheart Stakes (0-95) at Hamilton (19th May). That is, of course, provided he isn't raised more than three pounds (raced off a mark of 92).

Sam Missile was having his first run since being gelded when chasing home Fidaawy in the extended ten furlongs handicap at Doncaster this evening. Beaten half a length, James Fanshawe's string have yet to hit top form but it will be a surprise if the lightly raced four year old doesn't win a decent middle distance prize this summer. Rated 87, he could develop into a prime candidate for something like the Old Newton Cup at Haydock in early July.

Don't forget, if you haven't already ordered a copy of Ahead On The Flat, please head to the Publications section of the site in time for next weekend's Guineas meeting at Newmarket.