There was a suspicion that Champagne West had been let in lightly by the assessor ahead of his handicap debut at Wincanton on Boxing Day, and those thoughts were confirmed as Phillip Hobbs' novice hurdler comfortably justified strong market support. Champagne West, who shaped with promise on his sole start in bumpers, boasted some strong form in novice hurdles - the race he finished second in at Ascot had worked out especially well - and it was impressive how far clear of the field himself and another unexposed horse (subsequent wide-margin winner Deputy Dan) had pulled at Warwick. The bare form of that Warwick win was worth much more than an opening mark of 123 and Champagne West, whose jumping is improving with experience, had little trouble winning the Pertemps Qualifier at Wincanton. Always prominent, Champagne West had his rivals in trouble turning for home and looked in firm control when Upswing fell at the final flight. It was an authoritative performance from a horse that could yet make an impact at graded level, but connections may be keen to continue in handicaps for the time being with a 9 lb rise looking more than fair.
Pass Muster was a fairly useful performer on the Flat and he exploited a lenient hurdling mark in good style at Musselburgh in November. He has been beaten on both starts since, firstly under a penalty at Exeter and then under his revised mark back at Musselburgh, but there is good reason to suspect that he remains fairly treated and can win again when conditions are in his favour. Pass Muster had the misfortune of bumping into the thriving and well-handicapped Portway Flyer at Exeter, and then the deteriorating ground went against him last week. Best suited by an easy two miles on a sound surface, Pass Muster travelled like the best horse at the weights for much of the way at Musselburgh, moving powerfully, leading four from home and only headed on the run-in by a big improver. Pass Muster clearly handles testing ground but he is at his best when the emphasis is on speed and he is a horse to note when conditions start to improve.
Timeform Notebook:
It was a profitable festive season for followers of the Notebook as Merlin's Wish, Many Clouds and Whisper all won. Merlin's Wish still hasn't convinced fully with his jumping but he stays extremely well and has improved of late, faced by thorough tests of stamina. He should carry on improving and could be an ideal type for races such as the Eider. Many Clouds had a simple task to complete at Wetherby but he did it in good style, jumping boldly and underling just how well he has taken to fences. Whisper is seen as a future chaser, but he had been running well in competitive handicap hurdles and managed to capitalise on the drop in class at Newbury. He was suited by how the race developed at Newbury, though, and could find things tougher up in the weights and back in more competitive events so is removed from the list.
Champagne At Tara failed to build on a promising hurdling debut when finishing fifth at Kempton, but he very much caught the eye, finishing with running left having raced keenly and been anchored in rear. He remains open to plenty of improvement and is one to note, particularly when qualified for handicaps. Close House made little impression against Oscar Whisky and Taquin Du Seuil but he has taken to fences well enough and can win when dropped to a lower grade.
Shutthefrontdoor - Disappointed last time but earlier efforts suggest he can develop into a smart novice.
Straidnahanna - Has twice shaped well in strong novice events and could do better in handicaps.
Merlin's Wish - Unexposed staying handicap chaser who will continue to be difficult to beat.
Close House - Once again shaped as if three miles was too far; will be suited by return to shorter.
Many Clouds - Genuine type that has taken well to chasing, already showing improved form.
Famousandfearless - Seemingly well regarded and type to improve for switch to handicaps.
Champagne At Tara - Shaped well on hurdling debut under considerate ride. Not knocked about last time.
Regal Encore - Looks set to enter handicaps on a lenient mark and is sure to progress.
Champagne West - Progressive novice that defied opening handicap mark with ease.
Pass Muster - Still potentially well treated based on fairly useful Flat form.
