Irish Pointers winner Cristal D'Estruval (11/4)

At the risk of repeating myself, the Irish Pointers section in One Jump Ahead unearthed another promising youngster in Cristal D'Estruval (11/4) who won on his Rules debut at Warwick on Thursday. A four year old by Crystal Ocean, who won narrowly in his sole point for Colin Bowe in February, he was subsequently purchased for £400,000 at the Cheltenham Festival Sale the following month. Out of Aurore D'Estruval, who was a dual Listed winning hurdler and runner-up in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle when trained by John Quinn, he beat some useful rivals in the two miles maiden hurdle looking a fine long-term prospect. Making all the running under Paul O'Brien, he was challenged at the penultimate flight by warm favourite Baron Noir before pulling away on the run-in. A three lengths scorer, his trainer Harry Derham suggested afterwards that the gelding is likely to be kept to the minimum trip for the time being and will contest another novice hurdle under a penalty over the Festive period. Incidentally, the horse who beat Cristal D'Estruval in his point-to-point at Lisronagh also features in Declan Phelan's article (page 171) and runs on Friday. 

Seven and a half lengths back in third was Bossman Jack who shape with plenty of encouragement for the future. Partnered by Charlie Todd, who was deputising for Harry Skelton (his wife has gone into labour) , the Wincanton bumper winner was patiently ridden. Making smooth headway down the backstraight and jumping fluently, the gelded son of Jack Hobbs looked a threat turning for home. However, his effort petered out on the line in and he is expected to improve significantly for the outing and experience. The well bred five year old will be tough to beat next time.