Smooth success for Mydaddypaddy

I have been fortunate enough to be working for Racing TV each time the Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle antepost favourite Mydaddypaddy has been in action over obstacles, including at Haydock Park on Wednesday. Facing two rivals, the well bred four year old produced another polished performances oozing class throughout before readily quickening up between the final two flights. Dan Skelton's runner got in tight to the penultimate hurdle but otherwise his jumping was slick and accurate. Admittedly, his two opponents are unlikely to scale the heights over timber but the Kayf Tara gelding was in a different league toying with the pair from flagfall. A winning margin of seven lengths underestimated his superiority. As discussed on the channel, the Skelton trained runner has the lot - pedigree, looks, speed and a sharp jumping technique. His next assignment is expected to be the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day as he continues his tour of the north west. The opposition on Merseywide could include the unbeaten novices Idaho Sun and Upon Tweed amongst others. 

British trained runners have won 4 of the last 10 runnings of the Cheltenham Festival opener, namely Altior (2016), Summerville Boy (2018), Shishkin (2020) and Constitution Hill (2022), and three of those were exceptional horses. For the first time in a few years, the home contigent of novice hurdlers looks strong and may yet prove a match for messrs Elliott and Mullins next spring. 

Later in the afternoon, I spoke to Harry Derham and Conor Stone-Walsh regarding a couple of horses who feature in the Top 40 Prospects and their thoughts will be included in the Christmas Special, which is due to be published on Tuesday 23rd December. I am working once again at Aintree on Saturday and hope to chat to a few more connections regarding running plans over the Festive period. 

If you haven't ordered your copy of the Christmas Special, please head to the Publications section of the site. The Update will include full analysis of the major races over the Christmas period including the King George, Welsh National and some top-class action across the Irish Sea.