'There should be plenty more to come' - our expert marks your card

Marronstown
Trainer: David Christie
3rd, 2m1f maiden hurdle, Down Royal, January 24
Fermanagh handler David Christie is carrying all the cards in the hunter chase division. He is responsible for the first three in the betting for the St James's Place Festival Hunters Chase at Cheltenham, but his exploits are not confined to that area as this son of Frozen Fire showed plenty of promise on his racecourse debut last week.

A winner in two of his three point-to-point starts last year, he overcame some adversity to run with credit in this Down Royal maiden hurdle. His jumping was a little sticky early on, but he did manage to work his way into contention. In the latter stages he was hampered by a faller and was awkward at the final flight when his chance had gone, but he stuck to his task and was value for finishing a little closer.

He is bred to be effective between 2m and 2m4f, and looks a candidate to improve and perhaps win a maiden hurdle of a reasonable standard. Chasing will be his game down the line.