Traprain Law an improving young chaser

Traprain Law was highlighted as a horse to follow over the Festive period in the Christmas Special and the grey didn't disappoint routing the opposition in the two miles one handicap chase at Kelso on Friday. His owner Ray Green was pleased with his chasing debut at Ayr in November but was expecting significant improvement on easier ground and so it proved. The ex-French gelding was heavily supported beforehand - 11/8 on Thursday evening - and he made all the running before pulling away for a six lengths win off a lenient looking mark of 120. Only five, he was recording his third win at the Borders track and, while he will be facing a hefty rise in the ratings, the Lucinda Russell trained runner is a fast improving young chaser. Bigger prizes lie ahead.

The curtain came down on Leopardstown's four day Festival and it was pleasing to see Ballyburn prove a cut above his opponents in the maiden hurdle. Willie Mullins' charge had finished runner-up on his hurdles bow at Punchestown over the minimum trip and appreciated the step up in distance here. Stretching clear after the second last, Paul Townend's mount crossed the line 25 lengths clear of his nearest pursuer. He is a high-class novice hurdler and Graded company will presumably be next with a return to the same track for the Dublin Racing Festival most likely. The five year old is another smart prospect for the Top 40 Prospects in One Jump Ahead.

Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers section provided the first winner of the four day Festival, namely No Flies on Him (3/1), and it was also responsible for the finale winner, too. Jalon D'Oudairies (9/4) followed up his victory on his Rules debut at Fairyhouse by outstaying Redemption Day in the bumper and looking a fine long-term prospect in the process. A big strapping gelding by No Risk At All, the four year old made all the running and readily saw off the challenge of the former Cheltenham Festival bumper runner-up to record a two and three quarters of a length win. The Gigginstown House owned winner is expected to remain in bumpers this term before going hurdling in the Autumn. Granted luck, he ought to have a big future. 

I am working at Haydock Park on Saturday and will therefore update the Diary at some stage over the weekend. In the meantime, the third horse down on page 152 of One Jump Ahead is one to keep an eye on. He is due to run on Sunday.