Another exciting prospect from France for Champion

In addition to giving One Jump Ahead a favourable plug on his twitter page, Paul Nicholls kindly text me on Sunday morning to pass on news of another potentially exciting addition to Ditcheat. The once raced Irandando Has was beaten a neck on his hurdles debut in a Listed contest at Auteuil earlier this month when trained by Francois Nicolle. A three year old by No Risk At All, he was acquired by Anthony Bromley on behalf of John Hales. The Newmarket agent purchased Monmiral and Politologue for the same patron following one run at France's premier jumping track. Unlikely to be over raced this term, his long-term future lies over fences but he is one to look forward to in the New Year. 

I was also in contact with dual champion jockey James Reveley on Thursday after he had partnered Il Est Francais to victory at Auteuil. The four year old who finished runner-up in three AQPS bumpers is now unbeaten in two runs over hurdles. A two and a half lengths winner of a conditions event on Thursday, he is now owned by Richard Kelvin-Hughes and was having his first run for Tom George having been previously handled by Nicolas De Lageneste. While he is likely to be campaigned in the UK at some stage, that is unlikely to be in the near future according to James. Only four, he will make a terrific chaser one day. He will almost certainly be featuring in One Jump Ahead this time next year.

Despite only finishing third, Lionel shaped well on his first start for John and Thady Gosden in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot. Returning from a break of 97 days and not seen since finishing last of eight in the Irish Derby, the son of Lope De Vega was stepping up in trip and was given a patient ride by Jamie Spencer. Making headway in the homestraight, his momentum was checked when Thanks Monica hung to her right. Eased off soon afterwards, he was beaten less than two lengths and remains a good staying prospect for next year.

As far as the horse highlighted on page 182 of One Jump Ahead is concerned, his performance was in keeping with the betting market. A big drifter before the off, he was positioned in rear throughout and never asked for any effort. Likely to be dropped a few pounds as a result, I haven't lost faith because he is a fine looking horse who jumps well. A breathing problem was also reported to the stewards afterwards so don't be surprised if he undergoes a wind operation or is fitted with a tongue tie in future, or both.