Flat information in Cheltenham Festival Update

Kalif Du Berlais was highlighted as a French import to follow in the November Update and Paul Nicholls' new recruit maintained his unbeaten record in the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton. The Masked Marvel gelding had created a favourable impression on his British debut at the same track last month and he took the rise in class in his stride. Forced to dig deep in the homestraight, he got the better Harry Derham's Givemefive by three parts of a length. The pair pulled clear of the remainder. The Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham won't be on the winner's agenda but he could head to Aintree for the Grade 1 Anniversary 4YO Hurdle. Long-term, he is a terrific prospect who will come into his own over fences. 

Leading Supreme Novices' Hurdle contender Jeriko Du Reponet received a timely form boost with Lump Sum taking the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at the Sunbury Park. Both he and Fiercely Proud had chased home Nicky Henderson's former pointer in the Grade 2 Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle at Doncaster last month and the pair dominated proceedings here. While it is likely Mark Walsh will select to partner Mysterical Power in the Festival opener, the Seven Barrows runner looks set to make his presence felt at Cheltenham with Nico De Boinville on board. A strongly run two miles on decent ground will see him in an even better light.

The most disappointing result on Saturday came in the two miles handicap chase at Chepstow. Jane Williams appeared to found an ideal confidence booster for Top 40 entry Saint Segal having fallen at the first at Sandown last time. With front runners Quel Destin and Mount Tempest amongst the field, a decent gallop was ensured and so it proved. It is therefore a mystery why Saint Segal's new partner elected to move on the heels of the leader approaching the end of the backstraight and take over before the fifth last. Not surprisingly, under twelve stone and racing on bottomless ground, the six year old came under pressure soon after the third last and was a spent force by the penultimate fence. Saint Segal needs to be held up in a well run race over two miles and delivered late. He got exactly the opposite here. 

Finally, as discussed, the Cheltenham Festival Update will be emailed to clients on Sunday 10th March. As in previous years, the Update will also include the latest Flat racing news following my interviews with the likes of Ralph Beckett, George Boughey, William Haggas and Roger Varian - and more next week. Ahead On The Flat is not due to be published until early April and therefore I will pass on news of horses due to line up at Doncaster's Lincoln meeting and other fixtures towards the end of March. It is always a popular feature, especially the news regarding the Lincoln Handicap itself.