Nic Doggett analyses Saturday's informative novice contests from Newbury.
Novices emerge with reputations intact
Newbury 14:05 Betfred Goals Galore Novices' Chase (For The Hallowe'en Trophy)
CUE CARD may never live up the hype which surrounded him early in his career but he's turning into a bit of a force in this realm and, although it's hard to see the Arkle suiting him ideally, he didn't do his Festival claims any harm here.
He got an easy, uncontested lead, and although not electric at his fences he was clever when needed. As Minella Class departed, Joe Tizzard started to wind up the gallop and he was still moving well in-front turning in.
He made a mistake at the second-last, but his rivals were jumping stickily by then, and although he idled late on, he never looked like losing. He's exuberant in the way he races and it's hard to crab any of his form this year; he looks tailor-made for Aintree in all honesty.
For Non Stop was held up and travelled kindly throughout, making up ground on the inner before the home turn. However he made quite a serious error four from home and, despite running on with a bit of gusto after the last, was never going to claw back the winner.
Although not wanting to be harsh, it was slightly disappointing the way the race got away from him and it would be nice to see him put it all together sooner rather than later. Mind you a big field and strong pace at Cheltenham, whether in handicap or graded company, would be likely to bring out the best in him.
Walkon was keen early on and, having been niggled along before the final half mile, made a bad error at the final ditch before a blunder at the next fence snuffed out any slim chance he still held.
It wasn't a disastrous performance stepping up in class, but it was one which suggested he could have done with a stronger early pace. He's got Cheltenham form though, having finished second to Zaynar in the Triumph, and it would be no surprise to see him run in either the Arkle, or perhaps the new Jewson race.
Minella Class had jumped well prior to his departure, which was a result of over-jumping and slipping, rather than anything else. He'll be interesting wherever he goes next.
Newbury 15:05 Bathwick Tyres Challow Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1)
This win didn't convince bookmakers but
FINGAL BAY is still unbeaten and having another battle like this is no bad thing ahead of March. He certainly looks to have heart as well as class and he needed both here.
His hurdling was fast and fluent, so much so that he jumped to the front before the home turn. He was still going well when taking a two length lead two hurdles from home but then seemed to idle and both Ballyrock and Double Ross were hot on his heels again.
A poor jump at the last may have put him in trouble but his jumping held up under pressure and he was able to quicken again after the final flight, for an easier victory than the margin might suggest.
The ground was sticky and far from ideal, so he remains very much the one to beat at the Festival, whichever race he goes for. He stays but has speed so the Neptune looks the more obvious race at this stage of his development.
Runner-up Ballyrock ran a blinder and if repeating this effort next time should be the horse to beat. The Hereford winner was never too far off the (modest) pace and although he seemed to get a little left behind when the winner originally quickened, his stamina came into play late on and he went down fighting. Three miles could unlock even more improvement.
Double Ross made the early running and was arguably keen enough, so connections will be delighted with the heart he showed when headed. Like the rest of the field his future looks to lie over fences, but if his sights are lowered next time then it wouldn't be wise to give him too much rope in front.
The disappointment of the race was Top Of The Range who was held up early on. That may not have been the ideal place to be but he was well-beaten before three from home and stopped very quickly. He appeared to dislike the ground here, so is worth another chance on better going; watch out for him at his owner's racetrack Ffos Las. Fill The Power was left behind before the home turn.
