Another winner for VRC

Hayedo (9/2) was highlighted as a horse to follow in the November Update and Gary Moore's French import scored at the third time of asking at Hereford on Tuesday. The Sea The Moon gelding had been well held on his hurdles debut at Fontwell in November before shaping much better next time at Sandown. He improved again when making all the running and, having overcome a mistake at the second last, kept on well to beat Big Boy Bobby by thirteen lengths. While he doesn't look one of the yard's leading lights, he is progressing with each start and is a quick accurate jumper. He will be allocated a rating now and I suspect handicaps will be where his future lies. The disappointment of the race was hurdles debutant Winterwatch. Rated 79 on the Flat when trained by Andrew Balding, he was anchored in rear from the outset and following two unconvincing jumps at the first couple of hurdles, deposited Sean Bowen into the turf at the third. Harry Fry's four year old has a lot to learn about his new vocation.

The New Year couldn't have started much better for ValueRacingClub.co.uk with Twistaline (7/2) scoring on her first start for the syndicate having been acquired for a mere 7,000gns in October. A filly by Showcasing, she failed to win any of her eleven starts as a juvenile for Rod Millman earning an official rating of 48. Given a fine hold up ride by former champion jockey Jim Crowley, she came late and led close home to win a shade cosily. It will be a surprise if there isn't more to come from her. It is early days but Twistaline looks another bargain buy - it isn't a coincidence racing manager James Couldwell does it on a regular basis.