November Update winner Hill Sixteen (2/1)

Hill Sixteen was highlighted as a horse to follow in the November Update and the former Sue Smith trained gelding won by 46 lengths at Ffos Las. Bought for £46,000 at the Goffs UK September Sales, the seven year old was part of Trevor Hemmings' dispersal sale and is now owned by Million In Mind. Trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies, the ex-pointer dropped back in trip and was running off a mark of 126 in the two miles three handicap chase. Taken wide throughout, he was prominent before taking over leaving the back straight. Moving clear once in the home straight, the Court Cave gelding sauntered away to win hard held. I text Anthony Bromley and he is considering a couple of options at Newbury's Winter Festival next week, including one over hurdle, for Hill Sixteen before he is reassessed. Given his wide margin win, he is set for a hefty rise in the ratings.

Another former Irish pointer Phoenix Way was featured in the Top 40 Prospects of One Jump Ahead last season and the Harry Fry trained gelding made a fine start to his fencing career at Warwick. A leading fancy for the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival last spring, the Stowaway gelding was withdrawn minutes before the 48 hours declarations in March due to a fibrillating heart. Back in action on Wednesday, he jumped well and quickened up smartly to edge out Strategem close home. The fact he could win over two miles on his reappearance bodes well for the rest of the campaign because we know he stays three miles.