OJA winners Bass Rock (8/1) & Trapista (6/1)

There was some terrific action over the weekend with One Jump Ahead very much amongst the winners. The Top 40 Prospects had a frustrating few days with the Gary Moore trained pair Houka D'Oudairies (16/1) and Shallwehaveonemore (2/1) finishing second at Huntingdon and Ascot respectively. The former belied a big drift in the market by running a cracker on her UK debut in the mares' novice hurdle at the Cambridgeshire track, while the latter would surely have won comfortably had he settled early on. There is no doubt the four year old possesses a real engine and will be winning good races provided he consents to relax during his races. 

The one bright spot for the Top 40 on Saturday was the victory on American Mike in the concluding bumper at Down Royal. Gordon Elliott was winning the two miles one event for the seventh successive year - including with subsequent Grade 1 winners Death Duty (2015) and Sir Gerhard (2020) - and his latest scorer looked a potential top notcher. Highlighted by Declan Phelan, the Mahler gelding was cruising throughout with Jamie Codd looking over his shoulder for non existent dangers as he sauntered to a seven lengths win. His trainer indicated that a Listed event at Navan (18th December) will be next - Elliott has won 5 of the last renewals of that contest, including with Samcro (2016), Envoi Allen (2018) and Sir Gerhard (2020). There is a feeling that American Mike may not possess the speed of Sir Gerhard but he certainly possesses a lot of class and seemingly handles any ground. He is already ante-post favourite for the Festival bumper next spring and is an exciting prospect.

Talking of Gary Moore, he has been a superb addition to the Talking Trainers section of OJA - his interview has produced 6 winners already. The West Sussex handler had 2 winners at Ascot on Saturday and another 4 at Lingfield twenty four hours later. Overall, the stable had 14 winners from 47 runners during October. 

The French Revolution section (pages 137 - 148) has made a bright start with Fil Dor (5/4) and Trapista (6/1) the latest couple of winners. The former looks arguably the best juvenile hurdler we have seen so far this Autumn. Gordon Elliott's charge jumped and travelled beautifully when toying with his rivals at Down Royal on Saturday. A big strapping grey gelding by Doctor Dino, he readily pulled clear after the third last to win eased down by sixteen lengths. His next assignment is expected to be the Grade 3 juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse (28th November) - stablemate Zanahiyr won the race in 2020. He is another smashing long-term prospect who will jump fences one day. Trapista was well supported (12/1 into 6/1) shortly before the off and the J.P.McManus owned filly stayed on strongly to beat the aforementioned Houka D'Oudairies by five lengths conceding twelve pounds in the process. She looks a fine addition to Jackdaws Castle. 

The Handicap Snips section also had a profitable day on Sunday with Bass Rock (8/1) winning on his seasonal reappearance at Carlisle. The Ray Green owned gelding was running on an eight pounds higher mark than when successful at Ayr during the spring. However, it didn't halt the five year old who brushed aside some useful rivals in the two and a half miles handicap hurdle at the Cumbrian track. Having travelled powerfully, he pulled away after the last to win by five lengths off a mark of 123. Despite the fact he has yet to race beyond two miles five, I wonder if he may be given an entry in the £100,000 staying handicap hurdle at Haydock (20th November) - formerly the fixed brush hurdle. Long-term, he will come into his own over fences. I am delighted Ray has another quality horse on his hands.

One Jump Ahead winners on Saturday: American Mike (4/7), Envoi Allen (4/11), Fil Dor (5/4), Frodon (3/1), Gaelik Coast (2/1), Kandoo Kid (11/1), Lossiemouth (12/1), Nassalam (3/1), Soaring Glory (5/1) and Tamar Bridge (11/10).

One Jump Ahead winners on Sunday: Barony Legends (Evens), Bass Rock (8/1), Gredin (5/2), Papa Tango Charlie (15/2), Sopran Thor (7/2), Trapista (6/1) and Zhiguli (9/2).

On a sad note, both Cadzand and Johnbb lost their lives at Huntingdon and Ascot respectively over the weekend. 

Please remember that One Jump Ahead is still available via PDF (we have sold out of hard copies, although it is possible to order a copy via Amazon and the Racing Post shop). I am currently working on the November Update which will be published on Thursday 11th November). I am delighted to announce that Anthony Bromley is penning an article re his recent purchases at the Horses in Training Sale last week. I spoke to Anthony at Wetherby on Saturday and he informed me that he bought 18 horses (10 jumpers and 8 for the Flat). The Update is £8.00 or £40.00 for all 5. Please head to the Publications section of the site for full details.