Tuesday Review

Albeit at short prices, there were a couple of useful performances by novice hurdlers on Tuesday. Jamie Snowden was present to see Wilde's Legacy score on his jumping bow at Newcastle in the two miles one maiden hurdle. A dual bumper winner at Lingfield and Huntingdon, the Poet's Word gelding was beaten around a dozen lengths in the Festival bumper at Cheltenham in March. Despite a couple of sluggish leaps at the fourth and third last, the five year old warmed to his task and was fluent over the final two obstacles before stretching clear to win by four and a half lengths. Likely to contest another novice under a penalty, his trainer suggested that the Grade 1 Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree (26th December) could be a mid season target. He will need to brush up his jumping but possesses plenty of ability and ought to have a bright future. 

Rattlin Home claimed the notable scalp of subsequent Festival bumper winner The Mourne Rambler when winning an Irish point for Pat Turley in October. Bought privately afterwards, the El Salvador gelding chased home the well regarded Fine Shot in a bumper at Kempton in February. Having his first run over timber in the two miles novice hurdle at Bangor, he was much too good for the opposition travelling well before pulling clear after the second last. Dan Skelton indicated beforehand that he still has something to learn jumping wise and therefore he is likely to gain more experience in an ordinary novice with a penalty rather than being plunged into Graded company. 

It was disappointing to see Cayenne only finish fifth in the bumper at Newcastle - the Ghaiyyath gelding was last off the bridle having travelled strongly but weakened inside the final furlong. Strong in the market beforehand, a big run was evidently expected and it is hoped he can make amends in the near future.