Thursday Review

Diva Luna made it two wins from as many starts over fences when collecting her second Listed mares' chase of the campaign at Warwick on Thursday. A high-class bumper performer a couple of seasons ago, Ben Pauling was never happy with the former pointer last winter despite being placed at the Cheltenham Festival. An impressive scorer at Bangor on her chasing bow last month, she readily saw off her two opponents at the Midlands track having no trouble returning to the intermediate trip. A three and a half lengths winner, the Diamond Boy mare looks capable of taking on the geldings and the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown in early February next year is a possible target. Effective on most types of ground, she has enough speed for two miles but stays further and is a fine chasing prospect for her in form team. 

Punchestown rescheduled their card which had been abandoned last weekend and Espresso Milan won on his first run since joining Willie Mullins. Featured in One Jump Ahead last year, the lightly raced gelding shaped with promise in three runs in bumpers for Fergal O'Brien without getting his head in front. The son of Milan was strong in the market ahead of the two miles maiden hurdle and it proved justified as he got the better of stablemate Blue Velvet on the run-in to win by a length a half. Owned by Stewart Andrew, of Nick Rockett fame, the Bradford based patron also had the highly regarded Ned Hill in training with O'Brien last season. He, too, has left for pastures new and it will be interesting to see what the Closutton team can achieved with that twice raced youngster, too.

Hopes were high that Nicky Richards would have a productive afternoon at Newcastle and, while the Greystoke team left Gosforth Park with their eleventh winner of the season courtesy of the progressive Baratablet, it proved a slightly underwhelming afternoon for the Cumbrian based operation. Jo Coko was well backed prior to having his first run for Richards in the staying novices' handicap chase having been transferred from the now retired James Ewart during the summer. However, his supporters knew their fate early in the homestraight as his effort petered out soon after the third last. Believed to be favourably treated off 112 for his fencing bow, he has something to prove after this. Stablemate Thorneylands was also sent off favourite in the bumper on his first public appearance and, for much of the contest, the Getaway gelding looked the most likely winner. Showing signs of inexperience, he was unleashed inside the final quarter of a mile but couldn't peg back the once raced Ronnie Russet being denied by half a length. Compensation awaits. 

Brian Hughes was on board both Baratablet and Ronnie Russet and the former champion is riding tremendously well at present - 16 winners in the last fortnight for 12 different handlers.