Weight no issue for classy jumpers - four things we learned this week

After the previous weekend of deflating non-runners, Constitution Hill and L'Homme Presse came to the fore in scintillating style, while there was more joy for the Skeltons with Le Milos in the Coral Gold Cup. Here are four things we learned from the last week's racing . . .

1. We should trust the trainers to get it right

There had been understandable disappointment the Saturday before when Constitution Hill and L'Homme Presse were pulled out of their engagements at Ascot due to unseasonably good ground.

Field sizes remain an issue and to see a walkover on a big day was a blow for the sport, but the subsequent criticism levelled at trainers was puzzling.

We should not focus our disappointment on those who are simply doing right by their horses and, one week on, Constitution Hill and L'Homme Presse dazzled us at Newcastle, performances we may not have seen had they run on different surfaces.

We can disagree with decisions trainers make on placing horses, but when it comes to horse welfare, we should trust they know best.
Owen Goulding

2. Big weights are no barrier to success for classy jumpers

L’Homme Presse and First Street joined an extremely welcome group of classy jumpers to give weight away to all rivals in decent handicaps this autumn.

We might not have quite reached the heights of Denman winning the Hennessy off a mark of 174, but Saturday’s winners of the Rehearsal Chase and Gerry Feilden added to this month’s similarly impressive weight-carrying triumphs by the likes of Greaneteen (Haldon Gold Cup), Frodon (Badger Beer), Does He Know (Jewson Handicap Chase) and I Like To Move It (Greatwood Hurdle).

L'Homme Presse: impressive under a big weight at NewcastleCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The bold decision of L’Homme Presse’s connections is to be applauded in particular, with last season’s star novice being rerouted to Newcastle after missing his intended return at Ascot.

The 1965 Chase was a much softer target than giving weight away in the Rehearsal, but he had the class edge and only enhanced his Gold Cup prospects.

For the sake of boosting interest in the winter programme, let’s hope more of jump racing’s leading lights turn up in similar company.
Matt Butler

3. Henderson is building a serious arsenal at Seven Barrows

Constitution Hill was emphatic in the Fighting Fifth and it was not that surprising to see him cut to a general 8-13 for the Champion Hurdle in March.

He was not the only classy Henderson horse on display, though, with Jet Powered quickening to an impressive success in Newbury's opener on Friday, before Champ held off Paisley Park in a thrilling Long Distance Hurdle.

One day later and Luccia maintained her unbeaten record with a seamless hurdling debut, launching her firmly into the festival equation, before First Street followed in Epatante's footsteps by winning the Gerry Feilden.

Add into the mix the likes of Shishkin, Jonbon and Marie's Rock, and it is clear Henderson has a serious squad for the core jumps season.
Owen Goulding

4. Paisley Park can still hang at the top of the staying division

The typical Paisley Park formula in recent seasons has been to hit an almighty flat spot before staying on to great effect in the closing stages, and that was showcased when third in last season's Stayers' Hurdle.

That was not, however, on display in the Long Distance Hurdle on Friday at Newbury, where he travelled ominously well and would likely have beaten Champ had he met one of the final two hurdles on a good stride.

Paisley Park (far right) is narrowly denied by Champ at NewburyCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

He is now into the veteran stage of his career, but the fire clearly burns brightly for the Emma Lavelle-trained ten-year-old and if he travels with such zest in subsequent races, he will be a big danger in the top staying races this season.

Cheltenham is a horses-for-courses track, and at 25-1 Paisley Park is a tempting each-way price in the Stayers' Hurdle market.
Owen Goulding

Members' Club subscribers can read more from The Last Word:

Maturing Harry Skelton has mastered the art of patience

Not just the Constitution Hill show as L’Homme Presse could be a real star too

Is L’Homme Presse a Gold Cup contender? Our handicapper assesses his victory

Catch our in-depth review of the weekend's racing every Monday in the Racing Post. With big-race analysis from Grand National-winning jockey Leighton Aspell, Chris Cook's take on the weekend action, eyecatchers from the Raceform team, things we learned from the week and much more, it is not to be missed.