Charles Darnay (11/4) wins Listed Wensleydale Hurdle

Featured in the Changing Codes section of One Jump Ahead, the 83 rated Flat racer Charles Darnay won the Listed Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle at Wetherby on Friday. Twice a winner on the all-weather on the level, the Planteur gelding was novicey over the first three obstacles - jumping to his left - before warming to his task. Making ground on the outside under Johnny Burke, he led after the second last before producing a bold leap at the final flight. Pushed out to score by three and a quarter lengths, he has only raced six times and ought to improve with experience. One would imagine his next target will be the Grade 2 Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham's Paddy Power meeting (14th November) - James Owen won the contest with Burdett Road (2023) and East India Dock (2024).

Olly Murphy dominated the card at Uttoxeter with Gordon Elliott's former assistant being responsible for four winners - Hold The Serve jumped well to win the two miles beginners chase and looks potential Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase material for the Cheltenham Festival, while Merry Wood showed a good turn of foot to win the mares' maiden hurdle. The latter jumped carefully and will need to sharpen up when tackling better company but evidently possesses plenty of ability. The stable ought to have added the bumper to their tally, too. Having highlighted conditional jockey Troy Walsh as a name to look out for in the saddle this winter, the young rider failed to follow the script giving the well touted Lou Prince too much to do in the finale. Fitted with a red hood beforehand, the winning pointer was anchored in rear and was still in the same position rounding the hometurn. Despite making up plenty of ground inside the final three furlongs, the four year old was set an impossible task. Beaten a length and a neck, this was one that got away. 

The drying ground at Down Royal meant half of the field declared for the two miles three beginners chase were non runners. That left the way clear for Grade 3 winning hurdler Matin Midi Et Soir to score readily at the first time of asking over fences. Below par when well held in Grade 1 company on his Irish debut at the Punchestown Festival, the ex-French gelding jumped well throughout here and only had to be shaken up to assert after the second last. A five and a half lengths winner, the former Francois Nicolle trained inmate is expected to be given an entry in the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (29th November) - his stable have yet to win the two and a half miles. Time will tell what proves to be the Doctor Dino gelding's optimum trip.

Subscribers to the Royal Ascot Update will recall that a number of unraced two year old were highlighted. These included the well bred Venetian Storm (7/2) who was purchased for 1,100,000gns as a yearling. Trained by Ed Walker, the daughter of Night of Thunder was all the rage for her debut at Nottingham earlier this month. However, she fluffed her lines trailing in a remote last of eight. Thankfully, she translated her homework to the track in the six furlongs novice stakes at Newmarket on Friday winning in impressive fashion by two and a quarter lengths. A half-sister to the stable's Group 1 winning sprinter Makarova, she looks a black type filly herself for next year and is one to look forward to.

I am working at Wetherby tomorrow and, whilst it is far from a vintage renewal of the Charlie Hall Chase, it is an opportunity to speak to a few trainers and jockeys regarding future plans etc. The most valuable information will be shared in the November Update, which is due to be emailed to clients on Thursday 12th November. Please head to the Publications section of the site to order all 5 of the One Jump Ahead Updates, if you haven't already done so. Thank you very much to those clients who have ordered - the response once again has been superb and much appreciated.