Irish Pointers winner Elusive Dreams (5/2)

You can't keep a good man down and Paul Nicholls continued his terrific run of form at Aintree on Friday. Stable stalwart Rubaud gained his seventh Grade 2 victory when providing his trainer with a record breaking ninth win in the rescheduled Haldon Gold Cup. The eight year old ran creditably in the Listed Panoramic Hurdle at Carlisle last month and was gaining only his second success over fences here. With the exception of one mistake down the backstraight, Sam Twiston-Davies' mount jumped well, including at the last, before staying on strongly to beat JPR One by six and a half lengths off a mark of 144. During the last three days, the former champion trainer has sent out 5 winners from 11 runners and has some strong chances at the same track on Saturday.

While it may not have been the most prestigious event of the afternoon, the performance of the day came from Elusive Dreams in the two and a half miles maiden hurdle at Hexham. Featured on page 170 of One Jump Ahead in Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers section, the six year old was purchased for £85,000 in November last year having won his only start 'between the flags' for Enda Bolger. Trainers Ann and Ian Hamilton have a terrific record with their recruits from the Irish pointing scene - dual Grade 2 winner Tommy's Oscar being a prime example -  and they appear to have unearthed another one. Racing enthusiastically, the Mahler gelding made all the running and, having jumped superbly, he pulled away in the homestraight to win hard held by eleven lengths. It will be interesting to see where he goes next - I will hopefully see Ian Hamilton at Carlisle on Monday. The £20,000 The French Furze Novices' Hurdle at Newcastle (28th November) could be a possibiility, although he doesn't look to be crying out for another two furlongs. He is a smashing prospect for the remainder of this season and beyond and could develop into a household name on the northern circuit.

All in all, it was another successful day for followers of One Jump Ahead with five winners on Friday. They included Elusive Dreams (5/2), Risky Obsession (Evens), Rubaud (4/1). Ruby Island (9/4) and Smokehouse (13/8 into 4/7).

As discussed, I am working at Aintree on Saturday and will therefore be back to update the Diary on Sunday. Just a reminder, the November Update will be emailed to clients on Thursday next week (12th November). If you haven't ordered the Updates, please head to the Publications section of the site.