Star Gate a star of the future

Sandown Friday

IN the past 25 years, no fewer than six winners of the Grade 2 Winter Novices’ Hurdle have gone on to future success at the Cheltenham Festival, but recent runnings have been less fertile, and with only three going to post on heavy ground last week, there is a degree of doubt about how strong the form is.

That said, Star Gate, the 5/4 winner, looks an exciting prospect for Evan Williams, and he had plenty to spare after Nico de Boinville sent him past the pace-setting Sending Love, who folded rather tamely, leaving Valleres to stay on for second, eight and a half lengths adrift of the impressive winner. It may be hard to pin down the exact merit of Star Gate, but the winning jockey was certainly pleased with him saying: “I do this job for horses like that; they really do get you out of bed in the morning.”

He could head to Newbury for the Challow Hurdle at the end of the month, but no doubt the ultra-patient Williams will be keen to mind him for the longer term, which urges caution for backers.