Weekend Review

While it was disappointing to see Inthewaterside get turned over in the opening two miles three novice hurdle at Ascot on Saturday, Paul Nicholls' runner still ran well over a trip on drying ground which was too sharp for him. Conceding eight pounds to the winner Pic Roc, he attempted to make all and held every chance in the homestraight. However, not for the first time, the giant six year old was tapped for speed after the second last and is crying out for three miles and fences. 

The Top 40 Prospects enjoyed better fortune on Sunday with Mister Policeman getting his chasing career back on track with a bloodless six lengths win at Punchestown. Dropping in class, Willie Mullins' charge jumped much slicker than had been the case on his previous two starts over the larger obstacles and was firmly in control when going to the front before the final fence. A trip to Cheltenham appears most unlikely and he will be an interesting proposition over two and a half in the spring - the valuable two miles five novices' handicap chase at the Punchestown Festival looks an obvious target. Ireland's champion trainer has dominated the event in recent years winning seven of the last eight renewals.

Mullins went on to complete a four timer with Tullyhill registering a nine lengths victory in the Listed novice hurdle. As a result, the grey gelding is as short as 5/1 for the Skybet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Festival. One can't help feeling that is an over reaction having been gifted a soft lead in front and dominating throughout. The son of Martaline hasn't looked a natural over timber and, once again, he was far from fluent here. Pulling away in the closing stages, he was too good for the opposition on the day but much more will be required if he is to trouble the best two miles novice hurdlers at Prestbury Park next month. The previously unbeaten No Flies On Him could never land a blow only keeping on at one pace in second. Edward O'Grady's runner had created a favourable impression at Leopardstown over Christmas but drifted markedly in the betting beforehand. The ex-pointer looked ill at ease on the sharp inner track and could muster the speed of the winner. It remains to be seen whether he lines up at the Festival - he needs at least two and a half miles with the Baring Bingham NH his race, if he crosses the water in March. 

I am working at Carlisle on Monday and then will continue to work on the new edition of Ahead On The Flat. More interviews are being lined up and I will pass on news of those during the course of the week.