Big Buck’s returned to action in the Cleeve Hurdle. I felt he was at least a stone below his best which is a worry even allowing for improvement. This is demonstrated by Timeform’s figure of 156 (20lb below his best) and his RPR of 160 (18lb below his highest figure). Something to consider is the fact he has had either two or three races prior to the Festivals. On the plus side, Big Buck’s jumped and travelled well through the race. Suffice to say he looks to have a fight on his hands to regain his World Hurdle crown. The winner, Knockara Beau is unlikely to figure in a championship race in March, while At Fishers Cross showed something of a return to form. His jumping, whilst improved, was still ponderous at times. He travelled well through the race but gives vital ground away with his jumping. Given his well-documented issues with his back, that is understandable. However, it was disappointing, given was produced to win the race at the last hurdle, not to see him pass Knockara Beau on the run-in. His profile suggests soft/heavy ground is needed to produce his very best. FSF ratings suggest Reve De Sivola ran 11lb below his best. Given he was beaten just under eight lengths I feel his hard race at Ascot may have cost him the win here. Boston Bob had every chance turning for home. To my eyes, he weakened like a horse with something amiss.

Le Rocher won impressively and resides at the top of both Timeform’s and RPR ratings. He enjoys both track and heavy ground. Better ground is something of an unknown. However, he won on good to soft at Dieppe last June. Kentucky Hyden ran another game race solidifying the form. Vicenzo Mio was given a cavalier ride, which would be best served on an easier track.

The Giant Bolster ran out a game winner of the Argento Chase. He was 12lb below his best RPR rating which sums up the race as a supposed Gold Cup trial. Harry Topper ran a fine race under top weight. Not the most fluent of chasers, he never looked like falling and received a good ride from Mr Maguire.

Red Sherlock kept his unbeaten status, holding off the Willie Mullins trained Rathvinden. Both his Timeform and RPR ratings see him near the top of the novice hurdling division. With his jumping and stamina are proven, one hopes his habit of flashing his tail under pressure is down to immaturity. Rathvinden ran an honest race but was just not quite good enough. His jumping improved as the race developed. One would imagine, Mr Mullins has a horse residing at Closutton with stronger credentials for the Neptune Hurdle itself.

Annie Power bolted up at Doncaster without improving either her Timeform or RPR figure. This was her third win in the UK. The furthest she has gone is two and a half-miles and she does not look devoid of speed suggesting the Mares Hurdle may come into play along with the Champion Hurdle. Annie Power tends to race with the choke out leading one to suggest at this stage of her career one the shorter trips may prove the way to go. With Quevega pleasing at home and the race seemingly up for grabs, a shot at the World Hurdle may be on the cards. Her form in the Punchestown version of the World Hurdle is rock solid.

Valdez kept his unbeaten record over fences when successful at Doncaster. He took a while to get going having not jumped as well as he can. A likeable sort, he cannot be discounted in what is, at present, an open-looking Arkle.

Hurricane Fly completed his third win in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown. The race was run in a time just under two seconds slower than the maiden hurdle. Despite an untidy jump at the last flight, “The Fly” found enough reserves to hold off the persistent challenge of Our Conor. The latter is improving all the time but may lack the strength for a Champion Hurdle at this stage of his career. However, it is worth noting he improved his best juvenile RPR by 14lb when successful in the Triumph Hurdle. Jezki is not going to improve into a realistic contender until he settles in his races. He is a strong looking horse that should make a chaser one day. However, over hurdles I see no reason why he will reverse form Supreme Novices Hurdle with MTOY in the Champion Hurdle. Indeed, that form indicates MTOY and Hurricane Fly have similar claims to the opening day’s showpiece.

Trifolium took the Irish Arkle in good style. However, the race was something of a disappointment with both Felix Yonger and Mozoltov running well below their respective form shown in December. Perhaps the winner was the one most at home on the prevailing ground underhoof.

*Annie Power receives 7lb mares allowance which should be added to her figure