C'est Jersey can start new year with a bang

Weekend runners

C'est Jersey will be our first runner of the new year when he goes in the 2m4f maiden hurdle (12.20) at Fairyhouse on Sunday and he's definitely one of our better chances of a winner this weekend. We were disappointed when he got beaten into second place at Navan a few weeks ago. He had been placed over hurdles in France and that was his first start for us, but he made a bad mistake at the second-last and we're hoping for better this time. He's in very good form.

We think Bargy Lady could go close in the 2m mares' maiden hurdle (12.55). She jumped quite well on her hurdles debut at Wexford last month when finishing fourth and we think she has progressed since. She won a bumper at Listowel in September and is in good form.

Arbre De Vie, who goes for the the beginners' chase (2.40) over just short of 2m6f, is rated 148 over hurdles. We were disappointed when he got beaten on his debut over fences at Thurles last season and this race will be his second chase and his first start since April. We're hoping he's ready to give a good account and the trip and the ground will suit.

Next Destination is a fine big sort by Dubai Destination and we got him from the John Costello academy after he won his only point. He makes his racecourse debut in the bumper (3.45) and is fresh and well and ready for action. We're hoping he will continue the good run being enjoyed by our bumper horses.

Alelchi Inois is our sole runner at Tramore on Sunday and we expect him to represent us well in the 2m5f Listed chase (2.15). He's been in very good form through the summer and autumn and looks to have an obvious chance at a track where he won on his only previous visit.

That was in May 2014 when he achieved the first of his eight victories over fences, winning by 20 lengths. He'd probably prefer better ground, although he seems to be a bit more adaptable nowadays.

My week

The way she jumped and travelled on her way to a 30-length win was pretty special and she proved to be in a different league to her rivals. We got her from France where she won on the Flat before winning two hurdle races and I'd imagine we'll now keep her to mares' chases for now, but on what she showed at Limerick she could be a mare with a very bright future.

Another of our Limerick winners who did the job well was Penhill, who got back on the winning trail in the 3m Grade 2 Guinness Novice Hurdle on Thursday. We thought and hoped that stepping up in trip might reap benefits and might help brush up his jumping, which hadn't been good when he ran in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse on his previous start, and the longer trip certainly seemed to suit. It opens up plenty of options for him.

Deloitte could be next for Beach

Airlie Beach, who retained her unbeaten record when landing the Grade 2 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse a few weeks ago, wasn't involved over Christmas.

She's had a busy year and we never thought she would progress all the way to winning a Grade 1. However, she kept on improving and having had a break she chould be back in action in the coming weeks.

The Grade 1 Deloitte Hurdle at Leopardstown in February is a race we might consider for her.