Diamond Harry can land novices' hurdle at Newbury
The five-year-old has been lightly campaigned by Nick Williams, making a winning debut in a valuable sales race at Newbury in March 2007 and not running again until taking the same prize 12 months later.
He made the perfect start to his career over obstacles when beating a fair field by Uttoxeter standards on his seasonal reappearance and then found the step up to this trip no problem at Cheltenham last time.
It can only be a plus that he has looked far from the finished article on both starts this season and although this is the sternest test of his short career, Diamond Harry should be up to the task.
Money Trix has always been held in high regard by Nicky Richards and is a fascinating runner in the Bathwick Tyres Mandarin Graduation Chase.
The eight-year-old won three of his four starts over hurdles, his only defeat coming at the hands of Black Jack Ketchum in a Grade One contest at Aintree in 2006.
After a spell on the sidelines with injury, he returned from a near-two-year absence to make an impressive chasing debut at Newcastle in January.
If Richards can keep him in one piece, he really could be anything.
There was plenty to like about Red Moloney's victory at Musselburgh earlier in the month and it will take a good one to stop him following up as he returns to the track for the totesport.com Introductory Hurdle.
The four-year-old was a seriously smart individual on the Flat for Kevin Prendergast, winning four times as well as finishing third in this year's Irish St Leger.
He was subsequently snapped up by Howard Johnson to go jumping and made the perfect start to his new career when scoring by five lengths over course and distance.
The quick ground Red Moloney is again likely to him down to the ground and he looks certain to make his presence felt.
Tartan Gunna was unlucky not to open his account at Southwell earlier this month and should be backed to make amends in the Milden Maiden Stakes at Great Leighs.
The son of Anabaa had clearly been showing plenty at home prior to his debut at Ayr, where he was sent off the market leader, but the juvenile failed to deliver as he trailed home seventh of the 13 runners.
Tartan Gunna was again well fancied for his latest outing but lost all chance when walking out of the stalls – with the winner having flown by the time he got into second place.
He can only continue to improve with racing and looks certain to get involved in the finish of what is a moderate contest.
Bluejain deserved his success at this venue a week ago and can strike while the iron is hot in the New Year Handicap.
The three-year-old turned in two sound placed efforts round here earlier in the year so it was no great surprise to see him come out on top last time.
This drop in trip should not inconvenience him and he has to be rated a major danger to all under a penalty.
Comment on this story