Timeform Horses In Focus: Aux le Bahn, Breedsbreeze and Giorgio Quercus

Horses In Focus / Timeform / 11 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Get the Timeform verdict on three up-and-coming National Hunt horses, two with Cheltenham entries...

Noel Chance's Aux le Bahn is lightly-raced for a seven-year-old, and whilst disappointing in novice hurdles last season, he looks set to make a much better fist of things this time round judged on his performance in a handicap hurdle at Newbury on Saturday. He travelled strongly in customary fashion before finding plenty for pressure after an awkward leap at the penultimate flight, and was going away at the line. He's clearly had his problems but if he can remain sound has the potential to do better again.

Breedsbreeze confirmed himself a star in the making when taking his tally over fences to two from two in the Rising Stars Novice Chase at Wincanton on Saturday. He was every bit as impressive here as when winning on his debut at Bangor, soon tracking the leader and in complete command near the finish having gone on again three out and jumped well in the main. He'll be very hard to beat wherever he goes next and looks likely to go right to the top this season. Although reportedly regarded as being best going right-handed there was nothing wrong with his effort left-handed last time and he should be followed wherever he reappears next.

November is early to be talking about Triumph Hurdle contenders, but Giorgio Quercus has joined a yard which traditionally does very well with its juveniles and he seems sure to take high rank amongst that age group in 2008/9. He made a smooth return from five-and-a-half months off at Hereford on Sunday, racing with plenty of zest up with the pace and winning with stacks in hand after cruising clear from three out. His jumping was most assured bar a mistake at the last and he looks sure to build on this.