Top 40 winner Happygolucky

Happygolucky provided the Top 40 Prospects with another winner with the six year old scoring on his chasing debut at Stratford on Thursday. The Jeremy gelding was rated 139 over hurdles but has always been viewed as a chaser in the making. His task was simplified when market rival Harry Senior (broke his pelvis) pulled up before the fifth fence but he still ran out a comfortable victor. Tapped for speed approaching the final fence, he picked up well and was firmly in control crossing the line six and a half lengths in front of his nearest rival. Kim Bailey's charge promises to be even better over three miles and is the sort to develop into a useful staying chaser. 

Kim Bailey has his string in splendid form and that comment also applies to Harry Fry and the Dorset based handler sent out two more winners at Newton Abbot during the same afternoon. Paul Nicholls' former assistant felt Mille Sussurri was well treated off a mark of 107 and so it proved as the lightly raced gelding scored on his handicap debut. Given a patient ride by Sean Bowen, he had to be pushed out to win by two and a quarter lengths. There are more races to be won with the Milan gelding.

Stablemate Metier, who is featured in the Changing Codes section of One Jump Ahead, made an impressive start to his hurdling career with a ten lengths win. Bought out of Andy Slattery's yard for 150,000gns a year ago, he has been given time and that patience looks set to be rewarded. The Mastercraftsman gelding jumped fluently throughout and was toying with his rivals some way from home. Pushed clear after the second last, he handles slow ground well and looks above average. 

Fry sends a strong team to Uttoxeter on Friday with five runners and it will be disappointing if he leaves empty handed. I am heading to Wetherby for a competitive card which features two Listed events. It promises to be an interesting afternoon with a terrific card at Down Royal, too.