IT was good to see some familiar faces out last weekend over jumps, but Firefox at Down Royal on Friday impressed me the most, writes Page Fuller.

He won, as an odds-on favourite in a beginners’ chase should do, but there was enough to establish him as a top contender for the novice chase division this year.

He put in a fantastic round of jumping, considering it was his chase debut, gaining a +9.81 length advantage on the field through his jumping throughout the race.

What impressed me most, however, was Firefox’s efficiency in the air. He only lost 3.76mph on average at his obstacles. To put that into context, the most efficient jumper in the Champion Chase the day after was Hewick, who lost 3.85mph on average at his fences.

He saw the two and a half mile trip out far better than when he was fourth in the Lawlor’s of Naas, reflected by his Finishing Speed Percentage of 109.42%, and brings an exciting level of form to the novice chase division.

His effort last week suggests that he may well have improved for the switch to chasing and I wouldn’t be surprised if he landed some big pots on the run up to Cheltenham in March.