Stencil (3/1) looks a top notcher for Top 40

The Top 40 Prospects in One Jump Ahead maintained its unbeaten record thanks to exciting juvenile hurdler Stencil (3/1) winning at Compiegne on Monday. The Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm trained gelding was bought by J.P.McManus having won over the same C&D in May. Reappearing after an absence of 161 days in a conditions hurdle, the Masar gelding raced with plenty of enthusiasm in rear during the early stages under James Reveley before making headway towards the end of the backstraight. Still on the bridle approaching the final flight, he was pushed clear to win hard held by three lengths. The triple champion jockey commented on page 40 of OJA: "I think he could be top-class. He has loads of speed and looks a Triumph Hurdle horse." It is difficult to argue with that following his latest win. Thank you to those clients who emailed after the race - Stencil's performance certainly brightened up an otherwise run of the mill start to the week.