No substitute for class

As discussed, it has been a mixed week for the Top 40 Prospects in OJA but thankfully the section received a timely boost on Saturday with a double, courtesy of The New Lion and Sir Gino. The pair produced high-class performances and remain exciting prospects for the remainder of the season and beyond.

The New Lion had created a lasting impression on his hurdles debut at Chepstow last month and confirmed the view with a three lengths victory from five last time out winners at Newbury. Confidently ridden by Harry Skelton, the Kayf Tara gelding jumped well and moved smoothly into contention after the third last. Pushed out to beat the well regarded Califet En Vol, there is every chance he will return to the Berkshire track for the Grade 1 Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury (28th December). As stated previously, I suspect there won't be many better home trained novice hurdlers this term and, while tougher tests lie ahead, he is unlikely to disgrace himself.

Further North, Sir Gino proved an able deputy for stable companion Constitution Hill when routing his six opponents in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and, in doing so, providing Nicky Henderson with his ninth victory in the race. The unbeaten four year old was due to go chasing at Kempton last Monday but plans changed once it became clear his stablemate wasn't fit to travel to Gosforth Park. While many have criticised his jumping in the past, the ex-French gelding was sharp throughout and toyed with Welsh Champion Hurdle winner Lump Sum in the homestraight. Stretching clear on the run-in, he crossed the line eight lengths in front, a margin which could have been doubled had Nico De Boinville wished. While market rival Mystical Power failed to fire, it was still a dominate display from Nicky Henderson's new superstar. His jockey could be for a tricky decision on Boxing Day, although which one I would be favouring.

Elsewhere, the Changing Codes feature in OJA has already unearthed above average juvenile hurdlers East India Dock and Total Look. Campaign Trail (5/2) was bought out of Ralph Beckett's yard for 200,000gns in October last year and was making his belated jumping bow at Doncaster. Sat in behind the leader, Kim Bailey's new recruit looked well schooled and only had to be shaken up on the run-in before registering a six lengths victory. A proven stayer on the Flat, the Mastercraftsman gelding threatens to be even better over further.