Two smart prospects for Top 45

There was some excellent racing on Wednesday with a host of promising youngsters being unleashed. There were two winners from as many runners in the Top 45 with ex-pointers New Rules and Palinca scoring impressively at Chepstow and Wexford respectively. It is great to see Paul Nicholls with another potentially high-class horse and the 14 times champion trainer will have been delighted with New Rules' victory in the two and a half miles maiden hurdle. Given plenty of time to settle in at Ditcheat, the Walk In The Park gelding made all the running and readily saw off the persistent challenge of market leader Red Acres Max winning by four lengths. His trainer suggested that the Grade 2 Winter Novices' Hurdle at Sandown (4th December) could be next, although the Grade 1 Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury is also likely to be under consideration - stablemate No Drama This End completed the notable double last season.

Less than ten minutes later, Palinca looked a well above filly outclassing her rivals in the two miles maiden hurdle at Wexford. Purchased for £400,000 in March having won her Irish point for Cormac Doyle, the daughter of Goliath Du Berlais made all the running jumped fluently before pulling away off the home turn. Highly regarded by Henry De Bromhead, she will go in search of black type next and looks a live contender for the Grade 2 Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The all conquering Dan Skelton won both divisions of the two miles maiden hurdles at Chepstow with St James's First and A Sight To Sea. The latter is highlighted in Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers section - neither he or New Rules will feature in any other horses to follow publications - and he looked a Graded performer in the making, too. Bought privately after winning a point for Paul Pierce, he was due to contest a bumper at Wetherby last spring but was withdrawn due to the drying ground. While he still has plenty to learn, there is no doubt he possesses a huge amount of ability stretching away to score hard held by fourteen lengths. Likely to be kept to the minimum trip for now, the Affinisea gelding won't have any trouble staying further.  

Then, to round off an enjoyable afternoon, Don't Panic (5/2) made a winning start to his career in the concluding bumper at the Monmouthshire venue. His trainer Paul Nicholls commented on page 92 of One Jump Ahead: "He goes nicely at home and is one to look out for in bumpers." 

At the risk of repeating myself, One Jump Ahead subscribers are fortunate to have Declan Phelan's views when it comes to the Irish pointing scene. A Sight To Sea, New Rules and Palinca were all were highlighted by Declan - he is the best in the business by a country mile. Contrast his views to the guesswork which is spouted on social media and the countless podcasts. 

Just a reminder that the November Update will be emailed to clients on Thursday week (12th November) - if you haven't ordered the Updates, please head to the Publications section of the site. 

Talking of the November Update, I received news on Wednesday morning regarding two exciting youngsters purchased by J.P.McManus and who will be training them during the winter and beyond. Both have the potential to be top notchers, including one recruited from the Flat.