French section winner Majolique looks smart

The French Revolution section in One Jump Ahead has been in good form in recent weeks and that trend continued on Sunday. Majolique (15/8) won her only start on the Flat at Longchamp in May last year before being bought privately. The daughter of Tigron has been given plenty of time to settle into her new surroundings at Closutton and she belied her lack of experience to win in good style on her hurdles bow at Naas on Sunday. Absent for 283 days, Willie Mullins' new recruit still look green colliding with the wings of the second last hurdle. However, she display a smart turn of foot to quicken away after the last to register a four lengths victory under Paul Townend. Entered in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, it is possible that will come too soon with Aintree appearing to be a better option. She is a strong traveller with a turn of foot and the Flat track at Liverpool will bring out the best in her. Having said that, it is worth remembering Pentland Hills didn't make his hurdling bow until the 25th February in 2019. Twelve months later, Burning Victory won on her hurdles debut on the 22nd February. The latter was also a filly and could lightning strike twice? Either way, the Kenny Alexander owned filly is a promising type who can only improve.

Regular subscribers to One Jump Ahead will recall that the unbeaten Irish pointer Minella Premier featured in the Top 40 Prospects last season. Unfortunately, the Shantou gelding who was acquired for £400,000 and joined Nicky Henderson failed to see a racecourse last winter having incurred an injury. Transferred to Richard Hobson, the six year old defied an absence of 658 days before winning the bumper at Fontwell on Sunday. Partnered by Paul O'Neill, the former John Nallen inmates moved smoothly throughout before being pushed out to score by a length and three quarters. It was an excellent performance and it makes you wonder what might have been had he enjoyed more luck earlier in his life.