A FEW miscellaneous jumps performances are worth a mention, including the wins of Grand Paradis (142) in the Grade 3 novice hurdle at Thurles, Momella’s (135) listed win over fences at Exeter, Sam’s Adventure’s (145) Eider Handicap Chase success at Newcastle, and Brewin’upastorm’s victory in the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.

The last-named race was small but select and one in which the form should hold up. The winner (156 here, 157 previously) was helped by McFabulous (155 here, as previously) jumping sketchily but is a very smart sort in his own right. Molly Ollys Wishes (144) confirmed that she did indeed improve last time.

The two bigger races on the flat at Lingfield on Saturday were rather unsatisfactory affairs, especially the Winter Derby won by Forest Of Dean (105) after he got first run on fast-finishing Felix (remains on 107). Lord Riddiford took the Listed Hever Sprint but might not have improved on his previous 97 in the process.

Significant US wins

Elsewhere, there were significant wins in the US for Wholebodemeister (115, though her win came in an unexceptional time) in the Davona Dale Stakes and for Greatest Honour (111) in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Verry Elleegant (109) probably did not need to be at her very best to win the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes at Randwick in a bunched finish, and Timeform Australia reports that the Australian Guineas at Flemington, won by longshot Lunar Fox, was the worst in recent years.