THE UK had its fair share of quality jumps action as well. At Ascot, Fidux (147) blew a good handicap hurdle apart, posting an excellent time, and it’s no wonder given he has the best part of a stone in hand of the handicapper.

Meanwhile, Anemoi (127) and Pym (130) came clear of the field in what’s traditionally a decent novice hurdle, Pym the one to take from the race having shaped like he wants further, carrying the penalty.

Over fences, Wenyer-readyfreddie (144) jumped impeccably and came clear of the field, in spite of the steady gallop, posting some smart closing numbers which suggest that he too looked to have around a stone in hand of his mark.

NOTABLE RUNS

Wetherby hosted a good two-day meeting, which produced several notable runs.

Thistle Do Nicely (141), trained by Jamie Snowden, showed a smart turn of foot to seal the deal in the novice hurdle last Saturday, posting a remarkably similar level of form to Kalashnikov – eventual second in the Supreme Novices Hurdle, and winner of the Betfair Hurdle – when winning the corresponding race in 2017.

Thistle Do Nicely looks one of the best British hurdling prospects of the season thus far and could be similarly heading to the top.

On Friday, Cracker Factory (140),trained by Alan King won an unusually strong three-year-old hurdle for this point in the season, looking a remarkably tough and generous horse for his age.

He’ll likely end up just below the level required to win the Triumph Hurdle, but his attitude should stand him in good stead as he gets older, with many horses of his vintage tending to train off after their juvenile season.

The headline race at Wetherby – the Charlie Hall Chase – looked a below-par renewal prior to its running and seemingly confirmed that on the clock. Definitly Red (158) set solid fractions, jumped well, and was typically generous for pressure.

He’ll again have a good season, without likely reaching Grade-1 heights. Black Corton (151) jumped sketchily at times, and was certainly better than the bare result because of it.

Interestingly, he seems to jump better when behind horses, rather than when leading, something Bryony Frost realised mid-way through the race when she took a pull. A mark of 153 would be workable for the Ladbrokes Trophy, if they go down that route.

Anytime Will Do (141) won, penalised, in what looked a competitive novice hurdle at Bangor-on-Dee. The sectional profile of the race was excellent, and he looks out of the top drawer.

My Mate Mark (133), a good National Hunt flat horse, ran an extremely promising hurdling debut in second. He looks one for the notebook and will inevitably win a novice hurdle on next start.