Haydock Review

Sandy Thomson's horses continue in fine fettle with War Soldier (2/1) defying a penalty in the two miles novice hurdle at Haydock on Friday. The former Irish pointer had caught the eye on his reappearance at Wetherby and confirmed the promise at Newcastle next time. Officially rated 116, the Soldier of Fortune gelding enjoyed a tow into the race from the free going Matata and took over at the final furlong. Driven out to score by three parts of a lengths, he is a progressive young horse who could end up in something like the Grade 2 Premier Novice Hurdle at Kelso (4th March) in early spring. Long-term, the five year old ought to make a useful chaser. His trainer's interview in the Christmas Special has already produced three winners, namely Blue Baloo (10/1), Carcaci Castle (7/4) and War Soldier (2/1).

The afternoon at the Merseyside track very much belonged to Jonjo O'Neill who sent out a treble. The lightly raced Iron Bridge made it two wins from three starts over fences when being left alone in the staying novices' handicap chase. Unfortunately, market leader Crystal Glory was pulled up towards the end of the backstraight having produced some superb leaps beforehand. It transpired Nicky Richards' exciting youngster was lame on his right hind leg. Fingers crossed it isn't a serious injury because the six year old is held in the highest regard at Greystoke. 

Elsewhere, Credrojava maintained her unbeaten record when taking the Listed mares' novice hurdle at Taunton. A point winner in Ireland for Sean Doyle, she changed hands for £80,000 in February and the Presenting mare has now won three out of three since joining Harry Fry. Given an excellent ride by Johnny Burke, she reeled in longtime leader She's A Saint after the last to prevail by a length and a quarter. While effective over the minimum trip, she gives the impression she will be even better over further. It is possible she will follow stablemate Love Envoi's route last term by tackling the Grade 2 mares' novice hurdle at Sandown (2m 4f) on Thursday 16th February. Paul Nicholls' former assistant also won it with Jessber's Dream in 2016. She is proving a cracking buy and has plenty more to offer.