First Flow is all class at Huntingdon

THE Grade 2 Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon last Sunday saw Kim Bailey’s classy but error-prone First Flow (David Bass) score an impressive victory.

Upped in trip to two and a half miles, and despite his usual mixed round, he travelled like a top-class horse to beat Funambule Sivola (Venetia Williams/Charlie Deutsch) and Haldon Gold Cup hero Eldorado Allen (Colin Tizzard/Brendan Powell).

The 12/1 shot won by over four lengths, looking strong at the finish, and must now go down as a Ryanair possible, although the Ascot Chase looks perfect for him, given how well he coped with the track when beating Politologue in the Clarence House Chase last term.

Allmankind started a warm favourite, but he was let down by his jumping, and was last of the five to finish. He goes well fresh, and is likely to be given a break before a crack at the Melling Chase in April.

O’Sullivan winner

THE listed hurdle for juvenile fillies at Aintree last Saturday saw Irish yards dominant, with Sea Sessions winning for Ross O’Sullivan and Johnny Burke, and leading home fillies trained, respectively, by John McConnell, Gavin Cromwell, and Joseph O’Brien.

Willie Mullins suffered a reverse when Elimay was beaten at 2/5 in the listed mares’ chase, with the race going to Nigel Twiston-Davies’s Zambella under Daryl Jacob.

The winner still had a chance when falling in the Grade 2 at Cheltenham last March won by Coolreevy, and could head back there after this fine effort.

One to follow

THE talking point of last Saturday, outside of the graded races, was the stunning performance of Constitution Hill (Nicky Henderson/Nico de Boinville) in the opening novice hurdle at Sandown.

Three horses from leading yards appeared to travel well at the second-last hurdle, but the winner showed the rare ability to quicken on the soft ground and won by 14 lengths and 17 lengths from Might I and Outlaw Peter, and has catapulted himself to the forefront of the Supreme Novices’ betting.

His trainer was not stinting in his praise for the winner when he said: “Constitution Hill is the most extraordinary creature I’ve come across in years. He will go back to his stable and go to sleep now. I hope he’s high class and he’s definitely a chaser for the future.”

The Blue Bresil gelding was sourced from Barry Geraghty, via points handler Warren Ewing.