Koktail Divin shows his true worth

French Revolution entry Koktail Divin returned to form at Leopardstown on Monday running on a decisive six length victor of the opening two and a half miles maiden hurdle. The Masked Marvel gelding had shaped with an abundance of promise on his Irish debut over the same C&D over Christmas. However, he failed to build on that next time at Fairyhouse when finishing a remote third behind the smart pair Kawaboomga and William Munny over two miles. That came at a stage in the season when the De Bromhead stable were struggling - 2 winners from 55 runners during January. Found a good opportunity at the Dublin track, he appreciated the return to the intermediate trip and, having hit the front between the final two flights, he wasn't hard pressed to register his first win over timber. A former AQPS Flat winner in his native country, he is an interesting propostion for the spring, especially on decent ground. He wouldn't look out of place in a Graded novice hurdle at Aintree. 

I had an enjoyable trip to deepest Somerset over the weekend - the weather was excellent and everyone at Paul Nicholls' was in fine form, including the 14 times champion trainer himself I was also fortunate to have a meal with Anthony Bromley, along with his son Ben, on Saturday evening and discuss all things Cheltenham, the Double Green and plenty of other topics, including darts and snooker. I will be passing on all the news I gained from the visit in the One Jump Ahead Cheltenham Festival Update, which will be emailed to clients on Sunday (9th March).

Please go to the Publications section of the site to order a copy of the Update, if you haven't already done so.