Top 40 entry Kel Histoire was suggested at 66/1 and 50/1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle in the November Update and, while the ex-French gelding has a long way to go to reach that level, he made a good start to his jumping career at Cork on Friday. Willie Mullins had been complimentary about the four year old during the Autumn and he was sent off a short price favourite, despite the presence of compatriot Kilgame (too bad to be true having come off the bridle on the hometurn). Novicey over his obstacles early on, Mark Walsh's partner warmed to his task and was very good over the three flights in the homestraight. Yet to be asked for his effort after the second last, he quickened up before producing a fine leap at the final hurdle. A three and a half lengths victor, it was his first start for 398 days and the youngster can only improve for the experience. Whether he is thrown in at the deep end in something like the Grade 2 Moscow Society Novices' Hurdle at Punchestown in January, time will tell. Either way, he is a fine prospect.
Melon was highlighted as a juvenile hurdler to follow in the November Update and the Olly Greenall and Josh Guerriero trained three year old made a successful start to his new vocation. A winner on the Flat at Haydock in late September, the Adlerflug gelding was bought back to stay in the yard for 68,000gns last month with a view to going jumping. Supported in the market as though defeat was out of the question, Henry Brooke's mount looked set for a decisive win approaching the penultimate flight. However, a mistake at the last meant his backers were forced to sweat before Melon regained the advantage late on to register a length and three quarters win with fifteen lengths back to the third. Having only raced a handful of times during his career, there should be plenty of improvement forthcoming.
Thank you very much to those clients who have purchased the Christmas Special - I spent most of Friday studying the Welsh National. If you haven't ordered your copy, please head to the Publications section of the site. The Christmas Special is £8.00.
POST
Mark Howard Publications Ltd.
69 Fairgarth Drive
Kirkby Lonsdale
Carnforth
Lancashire
LA6 2FB
TELEPHONE
015242 71826
FAX
015242 79010
EMAIL
mark.howard@mhpublications.co.uk