Whisper on track for big spring after second in Ladbrokes Trophy

Simply The Betts
Third, 2m½f maiden hurdle, Newbury, Friday, December 1
This was a strong maiden and this bumper winner looked in superb shape for his first venture over hurdles. Given a positive ride from the moment the race was under way, he was bang in contention with three hurdles to jump, but the strongly run race took its toll and he had no extra to give after the final flight. I am sure he will make an impact throughout the season.

The big, scopey Lostintranslation looked fine beforehand and used his experience to good effect. Robbie Power decided to make this a true test and his jumping was good throughout. He got a little leg-weary approaching the last, but he gathered himself together to stay on for an emphatic victory. I suspect the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown could be his next port of call.

Admiral Barratry looked very fit and picked up the pieces in the closing stages. He may be worth stepping up in trip.

The impressive-looking Black Op looked to have done well for his return to the track and for most of the race he travelled with purpose, but the lack of an outing took its toll in the closing stages. He is sure to step forward from this.

Present Ranger, who is a chasing type, looked grand beforehand and shaped encouragingly, as did Second Time Around and Kapcorse.

Bigmartre
Winner, 2m½f novice handicap chase, Newbury, Friday
Harry Whittington’s gelding looked in tip-top condition. His jumping was a joy to watch as he made up ground at a number of fences and that will be a great asset as he steps up in grade.

We’ll never know whether he’d have won if Dusky Legend had stood up. This consistent mare looked well in the paddock and was just creeping into contention when she capsized two out. I’m sure she could do well over fences, so it’s a shame she’s going hurdling again.

The five-year-old Cyrname looked fantastic, but conceding a little weight to his opponents proved beyond him. However, this was a big step forward from his previous run.

Robin Waters
Third, 2m4½f novice hurdle, Newbury, Friday
This point-to-point winner looked in rude health for his debut under rules. He was given a quiet ride that brought him into contention with three hurdles to jump, but unfortunately he hit every single one of them, which caused him to finish six and a half lengths off the winner. I am sure he would have learned plenty from this first start.

Santini made a successful start to hurdling. Physically, he is still a work in progress, but he looks a nice type in the making.

Chef Des Obeaux, a tall type, was well supported in the market. He jumped and travelled economically, but despite looking very fit it seemed as if he took a blow approaching the second-last and after that he stayed on at one pace. I am sure he will make significant improvement for his next appearance.

Boreham Bill looked fit and well and ran a cracker from the front. He jumped well enough given that it was his first run over hurdles and he can step forward from this.

Bekkensfirth, Bill And Barn and Boss Mans Ladder are all future chasers.