Promising Jpr One to be entered for the Betfair Hurdle after stylish success

Monday: Taunton

Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard revealed Jpr One would be among the entries for next month's Grade 3 Betfair Hurdle after the exciting five-year-old made it two wins from three starts in the 2m3f novices' hurdle.

The John Romans-owned gelding returned to the track exactly a month after defeat at Cheltenham to comfortably shoulder a 7lb penalty from his debut win at Exeter and score by six and a half lengths under Brendan Powell.

Tizzard said: "He looked the winner at Cheltenham going to the last and just got chinned on the line. He should have won today but it's never straightforward with a penalty and he did it nicely.

"I'm sure he'll get further but I would have no problems dropping him back to two miles in a better-run race. He's just a nice horse, a lovely youngster. That's only his third run and he's not done a lot wrong."

Newbury's valuable 2m½f handicap on February 12 could be next on the agenda, with Tizzard adding: "The entries close for the Betfair Hurdle on Tuesday and I'm going to stick him in that and have a look.

"He's got a mark of 131 and he'll have a couple of entries in the two- and two-and-a-half-mile novices at Cheltenham but there's nothing set in stone yet. We'll make a few entries and have a little look. I don't think it'll do him any harm to appear at one of the festivals in the spring ready for next year."

Mathan marches to victory after mammoth absence

On a day full of classy performances, Cap Du Mathan made a striking return to the track to land the 2m3f handicap by nine and a half lengths under Harry Cobden.

The Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old had not been seen since winning a maiden hurdle at Plumpton in January 2020, but emphatically defied the 714-day layoff.

Harry Cobden looks back at his rival as he pulls clear on Cap Du Mathan at TauntonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Welcome winner

Gloucestershire trainer Grant Cann enjoyed a first winner of the season when 5-2 favourite Queen Of The Court, ridden by Archie Bellamy, obliged in the 2m7f handicap chase.

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The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday