Aintree aim on the table for Vegas?

THERE was a surprise in the Premier Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso on Saturday, as Lucinda Russell’s Jet To Vegas turned over the hot favourite Chart Topper, spoiling the Willie Mullins landing party, writes Page Fuller.

He had been fairly consistent this season, finishing second in a National Hunt flat race and two maiden hurdles before landing a novice hurdle at Ayr in January.

Nothing to write home about though, and this was an impressive step up from this six-year-old.

He sat close to the pace set by Vanderpool, and ensured they went a strong gallop in front. He attacked his hurdles with zest and this was reflected in the average speed at which he approached all of his obstacles.

His average entry speed of 31.68 mph was the fastest posted by any horse on the day, including those running in the two two-mile hurdles that followed. He was also incredibly slick in the air, meaning that he was taking lengths out of his rivals at each of his obstacles and, despite jumping right, recorded a Jump Index of 9.1, which was also the highest of the meeting.

In fact, it was the best jumping performance recorded by any horse over the weekend at any meeting. Considering it gained him an advantage of nearly 10 lengths on the runner-up through jumping alone, it’s not hard to argue that it must have played a part in landing the victory.

He demonstrated an impressive ability to travel and jump at pace, and maintain that to the line. His slight tendency to jump right didn’t seem to bear any impact on that either, so it will be exciting to see how he fairs when stepping up again in some of the spring festivals like Aintree.