Excellent afternoon for OJA followers

For the second consecutive week, I spent an enjoyable afternoon at Carlisle with some excellent action. The star of the show was undoubtedly Johnnywho who had a successful start to his fencing career in the opening two and a half miles novice chase. Jonjo O'Neill's runner was rated 138 over timber running well in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury last Christmas. A former Irish point winner for Ellmarie Holden, he warmed to his task at the Cumbrian venue and was still on the bridle when leading on the run-in. Pushed clear to record a length and a half win, he will improve again when tackling further. A Graded event is likely to be next and that will tell us more but he couldn't have made a better start. 

Johnnywho features in Jonjo's interview in One Jump Ahead and it proved to be a profitable day for followers of the Talking Trainers section. There were five winners in total, namely Johnnywho (2/1), Barlovento (9/2), Illico De Cotte (9/4), Plaisir Des Flos (11/4) and La Marquise (7/4). The last named was Jamie Snowden's horse to follow on page 137 of OJA and the daughter of Beaumec De Houelle did well to win on her hurdles bow at Ludlow having been badly hampered at the third last. The four year old, who showed a good level of form in bumpers last term, quickened up smartly after the last to win going away. 

Finally, Kloth of Utopia is featured in the French Revolution section and the Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm trained gelding got his career firmly back on track with an authoritative win at Auteuil. Below par last time at the Parisian track having raced too keenly early, the J.P.McManus owned runner was suited by a change of tactics making all under James Reveley and outclassing his ten opponents winning eased down by a dozen lengths. He looks a highly promising youngster who was set to be featured in the Top 40 Prospects until disappointing last time. There is no mistaking his talent.

Talking of talented performers, I received two very positive bulletins regarding the horses featured on pages 11 and 20 of OJA earlier today. Don't miss them on their seasonal reappearances. It is an exciting stage in the season.