The New Year started brightly for the Top 40 Prospects with Diva Luna getting off the mark at the second attempt over hurdles when making all at Cheltenham on Wednesday. A Listed and Grade 2 bumper winner last term, the mare looked in need of the outing when runner-up on her hurdles bow at Lingfield last month. Stepping up in distance and taking on the geldings, Ben Pauling's mare made all the running and jumping well. Despite coming under pressure after the last, the six year old stayed on well to score by nearly two lengths. Her trainer believes she is quick enough for two miles with the Grade 2 Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Festival being her target. The stiff New course over two miles one will place an emphasis on stamina which is a plus. Expect to have another run before mid March.
Later on the same card, Gnomon was advised for the Listed four year old bumper in the Christmas Special. An impressive winner on his debut in a junior bumper at Exeter, Ralph Beckett's runner had reportedly worked with the 103 rated Macduff in the lead up to the race but ruined his chance by racing too keenly during the first half of the race. The Time Test gelding was still in contention turning for home but failed to stay the trip weakening inside the final furlong. He was never going to get home in such conditions having raced with the choke out.
I was disappointed by the finishing effort of Top 40 entry President Scottie in the novices' handicap chase at Ayr on Thursday. Nicky Richards' gelding ran a race full of promise on his fencing bow at Haydock and appeared to have been found a good opportunity here. Given a positive ride by Danny McMenamin, his jumping was largely very good and the seven year old was seemingly in control halfway down the backstraight. However, he was reeled in by the second last and beaten fair and square in third. Three miles will see him in a better light and ridden with more restraint and I have no doubt he is handicapped to win races over fences off his mark of 125. It is worth noting Nicky Richards' horses have been in terrific form during November and much of December but none of his last 13 runners have won.
POST
Mark Howard Publications Ltd.
69 Fairgarth Drive
Kirkby Lonsdale
Carnforth
Lancashire
LA6 2FB
TELEPHONE
015242 71826
FAX
015242 79010
EMAIL
mark.howard@mhpublications.co.uk