Six horses to take away from the action at Newbury, Newcastle and Fairyhouse

Elusive Belle
1st, Newbury, Friday

The Flat elements of this mare's pedigree mean the sound surface and truly run nature of Newbury's novice handicap chase on Friday were always likely to suit and that proved the case when she delivered a slick display under Sam Waley-Cohen.

Soundly beaten on more testing ground at Bangor on her first start this autumn, the daughter of Elusive Pimpernel was, similar to many of Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows string, likely to come on for that seasonal reappearance and it will be intriguing to see which route she takes.

There has always been a touch of class about Elusive Belle, who won by 19 lengths on her stable debut at Wincanton last year and was third to Champion Hurdle heroine and stablemate Epatante in the Gerry Feilden 12 months ago.

Part-owner Robert Waley-Cohen is already pondering which British-based stallion she will visit when her time as a broodmare comes, but before that she could make her mark in a top 2m handicap chase in the spring if conditions are in her favour.
James Burn

1st, Newcastle, Saturday

This stoutly bred three-year-old was always going to improve with time and distance and he lived up to his pedigree on the Flat, getting off the mark when stepped up to 1m4f at Southwell in October.

He looks still to be progressing judged on the workmanlike way he got the job done on his hurdling debut at Newcastle.

Always travelling strongly and jumping well, he found plenty on the run-in to lead near the finish and get the better of a rival who was rated 12lb superior on the Flat and also had the benefit of hurdling experience.

Trainer Alan King is a master at placing juveniles and should win more races with Son Of Red.
David Carr

Son Of Red (Daryl Jacob) makes a winning start over hurdlesCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

N'Golo
3rd, Fairyhouse, Sunday

The Royal Bond was run in a time more than ten seconds slower than the preceding juvenile hurdle and that did not suit N'Golo. This five-year-old has done remarkably well to perform so admirably over two miles as he is crying out for further.

He pulled Paul Townend's arms out for the best part of a mile and a half on Sunday. When the tempo increased on the home turn, he was tapped for toe. Ballyadam had more pace than him and that instant acceleration stole a vital few lengths after the second-last.

He scooted clear while N'Golo was trying to find top stride.
When he did hit top gear, N'Golo devoured the ground and was beaten only two lengths into third. It was a fine effort in the circumstances.

Running in a slowly run 2m event like this will stand him in good stead when he steps up in trip and the Ballymore should be made for him. There will be more unexposed types going into that race, but odds of 25-1 look much too big.
David Jennings

Ardlethen
6th, Newbury, Saturday

It is credit to Ardlethen's natural ability that he was able to finish sixth in the Ladbrokes Trophy despite plenty going against him.

He was quite slow getting into the race – even for a horse who prefers being held up – and then the fall of Vinndication came just in front of him when he was beginning to get into a rhythm. He would not have won this race, however, as I am not totally convinced he stayed the trip.

The way he travelled and the manner in which he jumps suggest he is more than capable of winning a big pot. Perhaps a sharper three miles would be more preferable and, if he gets soft ground, the Silver Cup could be an interesting target.
James Stevens

The Conditional
3rd, Newbury, Saturday

David Bridgwater's stable star moved considerably better through the Ladbrokes Trophy than he had in the morning big-race betting – and that bodes well for his prospects across the rest of the campaign.

Having spent much of the week as ante-post favourite, The Conditional was an enormous drifter during the final countdown, perhaps reflective of his yard's recent form and a feeling that the Newbury ground would be quicker than ideal.

All that being so, what the Ultima Handicap Chase winner did was enormously encouraging. Having cruised into contention, he slightly faded in the closing stages, although given this was his opening run of the season that was perfectly understandable.

This was a personal-best performance but there should be better still to come. The Randox Health Grand National has been mooted as a potential target. It is one that already makes plenty of appeal.
Lee Mottershead

Captain CJ
3rd, Fairyhouse, Sunday

I wouldn't mind keeping Captain CJ on side for the remainder of the season in the hope he can plunder a big staying handicap chase.

The Porterstown Handicap Chase won by Court Maid at Fairyhouse on Sunday was no ordinary running of the race with the purse raised to €125,000 and the quality boosted as a result.

Captain CJ ran a cracker and kept on better than most in third, shaping like he can bag one of these attritional handicaps before the season is out.
Brian Sheerin

Read more:

Cloth Cap proves a perfect Trophy fit after storming home under happy Scudamore

Ballyadam cut to 7-1 for Supreme as Gordon Elliott lands four-timer

No fireworks but Honeysuckle extends flawless record with second Hatton's Grace

Brilliance of Envoi Allen will force rivals to duck and dive before Cheltenham

Class act Epatante tightens grip on Champion Hurdle market with dazzling victory

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