Charyn (2/1) another winner for Cheltenham Update

Declan Phelan's Irish Pointers section unearthed another smart prospect in the shape of Harbour Highway (9/5) in the bumper at Navan on Saturday. Trained by Emmet Mullins, the Youmain gelding raced prominently before staying on stoutly to beat Mywayofthinkin by three and a half lengths. The five year old looks a strong stayer and may head to the Punchestown Festival in the spring. He is a fine prospect for two and a half miles plus novice hurdles next season.

Paul Nicholls nominated ten unraced bumper horses in One Jump Ahead including Regent's Stroll (7/2). The Walk In The Park gelding made it two out of two in the valuable Goffs UK Spring Sales bumper at Newbury on Saturday. Successful at Ascot on his debut in November, he produced another fine performance here responding well to pressure and pulling away in the closing stages. A £175,000 purchase, Harry Cobden's mount scored by five lengths and is another who will come into his own over middle distances and further over obstacles next term.

The Cheltenham Festival Update continues to produce winners - this time on the Flat. The Roger Varian trained Charyn (2/1) was nominated for the opening Listed Doncaster Mile and the four year old didn't disappoint on his seasonal return. The grey had run well in the Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes last term and appreciated the drop in class here. A three and a half lengths winner, the Group 2 Bet365 Mile at Sandown (26th April) is likely to be his next target.

Finally, William Haggas had a terrific start to the new season. While Montassib recorded his first Pattern race success in the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster, stablemate Post Impressionist won a Grade 3 handicap at Rosehill in Australia. 

Both William Haggas and Roger Varian feature in the Talking Trainers section of the new edition of Ahead On The Flat. Thank you very much to those clients who have already ordered their copy. The response has been superb and greatly appreciated. If anyone would like an order form with full details, please email me at mark.howard@mhpublications.co.uk Copies of AOTF and the Updates can be ordered via the Publications section of the website.