Impressive Chivers set to score again in spite of probable leap in the weights

Richard Birch casts his eye over the festive action away from the bright lights to pinpoint a handful of winners who could be making headlines next time

It normally takes a well above-average performer to defy a penalty in a bumper, and there was lots to like about the way Paul Nicholls’ four-year-old followed up a course-and-distance success at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

Making all, the son of Kapgarde found plenty for pressure in the final furlong and can rate much higher in due course.

Bonza Girl

A step up in trip duly brought out further improvement in Bonza Girl as she completed a hat-trick in low-grade handicap hurdles at Fontwell's Boxing Day meeting without having to be asked a serious question.

Gaining in confidence with every success, she will still be rated only about 112 when reassessed, and the four-timer looks likely.

Jeremy Scott: trainer of the improving Bonza GirlCredit: Harry Trump

Chivers

At the same meeting, the strong suspicion that Chivers had got into handicaps over fences on a lenient mark was confirmed by the result of this 2m2f handicap chase.

After travelling strongly, the seven-year-old pulled clear from the third-last, impressing with his fluent, accurate jumping.

The handicapper will doubtless take stern action after this 15-length success over Sky Full Of Stars, but few would bet against Chivers following up.

Stand Up And Fight

When Derek O’Connor, the master of Irish hunter chases, states: "I think he could be a little bit special", it’s time to sit up and take note.

Stand Up And Fight, a lightly raced six-year-old, attracted plenty of support prior to the off at Down Royal on Boxing Day and never really gave his backers a moment of anxiety. He was firmly in command at the line and should rack up a sequence in hunter chases.

Derek O'Connor: 'I think Stand Up And Fight could be a little bit special'Credit: Grossick Racing

Yalltari

Yalltari always promised to make a far better chaser than hurdler, but he could be even better than many expected following an authoritative all-the-way win over Bob Mahler at Chepstow on Welsh National day.

His jumping at times was spectacular and he scored with far more in hand than suggested by the official winning margin of two and a half lengths.

The 2m5f novice handicap chase at January's Cheltenham festival trials day could prove an ideal target.

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