Heading to the west country

Top 40 entry That's Nice produced her best effort over fences to date with a much better performance in the staying novice chase at Newbury on Friday. Nicky Henderson's mare had run poorly at Exeter and Doncaster earlier in the campaign. Following a break of 76 days and stepped up in trip, the J.P.McManus owned runner jumped and travelled strongly and looked set for victory earlier in the homestraight. However, she weakened tamely approaching the second last and was a spent force soon afterwards. Perhaps the trip stretched her or there was more to it than that - she carried her tail in an awkward position. Beaten fifteen lengths by the 142 rated winner Miami Magic, she is well treated off 119 on this evidence. If dropped back in trip next time, she will hopefully go one better next time.

One of last year's Top 40 entries, Talk To The Man made it two out of two over timber when defying a penalty in the two and a half miles novices' hurdle. The former Irish pointer had won comfortably on his hurdles bow at Taunton earlier in the month and he produced an even better display here making all and proving too strong for Irish raider The Big Clubman. Very much a chaser in the making, he will stay further and is at his best on decent ground.

The Walk In The Park gelding is trained by Paul Nicholls and, as discussed, I am heading to Ditcheat over the weekend and attending the Million in Mind open day. It is always an enjoyable day and I am very much looking forward to catching up with the fourteen times champion trainer to discuss his Cheltenham Festival runner. The unbeaten No Drama This End, Regents Stroll and Tutti Quanti are the stable's three strongest challengers, plus some interesting entries in the handicaps. 

My findings from deepest Somerset will be included in the One Jump Ahead Cheltenham Festival Update. If you haven't ordered a copy, please head to the Publications section of the site. The Update is £15.00. I will be back to update the Diary and answer email queries on my return. Enjoy the weekend.