Race To Watch / Timeform / 18 December 2008 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

An eye-catching 19 length victory by Kangaroo Court makes Friday December 12's novice hurdle at Doncaster one to watch.

Whilst most eyes last Friday were trained on the action from Cheltenham's International meeting, the corresponding card at Doncaster contained a race sure to throw up winners over the course of this season. It was the third contest on the day, the CDM (Barnsley) Utility Consultants Ltd 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle, and was most notable for its wide-margin winner Kangaroo Court.

Emma Lavelle's four-year-old gelding was making just his second start under rules, having finished seventh in an Ascot bumper on his only other outing. The form of that bumper has worked out quite well, and having been sent off at odds of [9.0] at Doncaster, Kangaroo Court raced a little freely early on but cruised into contention, smoothly going clear before the second last and scoring by 17 lengths, needing riding only briefly after the final flight. Given that he was an Irish point winner in the spring, Kangaroo Court is most likely to stay beyond 19 furlongs in time, though given the zest with which he travelled here there would appear to be no need at all to step him up in trip for the time being. He is sure to take his place in Graded company sooner rather than later.

The distant runner-up was Honest John, who had been sent off the even-money favourite by virtue of his smart bumper form, which included a win in the Grade 2 Championship Bumper at last season's Grand National meeting. Having shaped as though in need of the run back at Aintree for his hurdling debut, Honest John again looked slightly laboured at Doncaster, though kept on suggesting that the trip wasn't to blame. He still finished clear of the remainder and is worth another chance to try and match his above-average bumper runs.

The other two horses to make the frame are also entitled to show more on future runs.

Crop Walker has obviously had his problems - managing only one run in the 2007/8 season - and here he made eye-catching progress late on without being subjected to an overly-hard time. Assuming he can stay sound, Crop Walker would be worth keeping on side in a similar event over two-and-a-half miles or more.

Perkan Warbeck jumped much better than on his hurdling debut at Fontwell and, having found himself tapped for pace once the tempo increased, he stayed on well to finish strongest of all in fourth. Given how he shaped here, it may well be worth upping Perkan Warbeck in trip to three miles straight away.

A couple of others further back also caught the eye.

Colombard shaped in contrast to both Crop Walker and Perkan Warbeck, travelling well and looking likely to pose a threat three out only to fade from contention and finish sixth. Colombard may be worth another try at two miles, though the fact that he was easy to back suggests he may prove better for this run.

Grand Union, though showing less promise than most, shaped as though a step up in trip would suit on his second start in five days. He is now qualified for a handicap mark and would be of interest in that sphere.

Alderley Rover made several mistakes, which ultimately cost him as he fell at the penultimate hurdle, though he was involved in a battle with Honest John for second at the time. Alderley Rover should give a good account if turned out in a similar event in the near future.