Harry Redknapp's bumper Boxing Day gets even more exciting as smart novice hurdler enters Grade 1 picture

What is already a huge Boxing Day for Harry Redknapp and Ben Pauling could now get even bigger after Taurus Bay put himself in contention for the Grade 1 William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle with a stylish victory under Ben Jones in the 2m1f novice hurdle.

The four-year-old, who was bought for £155,000 after winning an Irish point, easily accounted for 4-6 favourite Captain Hugo after the last to power away for an impressive success in the 2m1f novice hurdle.

The 15-8 winner built on his dominant debut win at Stratford in October in the three-runner contest to leave Pauling contemplating a step up to the highest level back here over Christmas. On the same day, his stablemate The Jukebox Man, also owned by Redknapp, is bound for the King George VI Chase, for which he is a best-priced 5-1.

"He looked very good," said Pauling. "They didn't go very quick but his jumping was much better than at Stratford and he didn't hang like he did there. I was more impressed with the way he jumped the last and took off.

"He could possibly come back here on Boxing Day [for the Formby Novices' Hurdle] but there are other races and I wouldn't mind stepping him up to two miles three in the Sidney Banks.

"I didn't have him down as an out-and-out two-miler, so he's probably doing it because he's good rather than being a speed machine. He's a shell of a horse who doesn't want too much graft, but he's got a big day in him."

Taurus Bay is 16-1 for the Turners Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Following this four-and-a-quarter-length victory, Taurus Bay was cut to 25-1 (from 33-1) with Coral for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. He is a 16-1 shot for the Turners Novices' Hurdle.

About 40 minutes earlier Pauling won the 2m novice hurdle at Wetherby with Starmount. When asked about the pecking order of his novices, he said: "We've got a few nice ones. Starmount's very good, and although Kalkbrenner got beat the other day, I think he's exceptional."

Bert's National pointer

Uncle Bert was cut to 16-1 (from 40) for the Coral Welsh Grand National after bringing up a double for owner-breeders James and Jean Potter in the 2m4f handicap chase.

Uncle Bert wins the 2m4f handicap chase at Aintree under Sam Twiston-Davies

Uncle Bert en route to winning the 2m4f handicap chase under Sam Twiston-DaviesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The Potters were also on the mark with Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies-trained stablemate Guard The Moon, also ridden positively by Sam Twiston-Davies, in the novice handicap chase and connections will consider a trip to Chepstow for Uncle Bert.

"It was a pretty good performance. He needs three miles and the soft ground helps," said Nigel Twiston-Davies. "His jumping was quite right last season, but he's matured. He's got an entry in the Welsh National and we'll go away and have a think."

Lord's April option

Donald McCain is casting his eye towards the Grand National meeting here in April for Lord following his victory in the Listed juvenile hurdle.

Bought for £70,000 after winning three early-season races for Olly Murphy, Lord pulled well clear of his rivals under Brian Hughes to score for owners David and Carol Shaw.

"He's very professional, honest and tough and the ground was probably a bit soft for him, but we've got away with it," said McCain.

"He'll be in the Fred Winter, but I'd be more inclined to go to trials day at Musselburgh and then back here [for the Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle]."

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