Get Timeform's reaction to three notable performances in the novice chase ranks last week.
Stay Away Fay (Timeform rating c150p)
3m Grade 2 novice chase, Sandown, Friday 8 December
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus Benefits
A new race, effectively an amalgamation of the old Worcester and December novice chases, run lately at Newbury and Doncaster respectively, this scheduled to fall between the 2 former dates, the inaugural running attracting a trio of very promising novices, notably a Grade 1 winning novice hurdler from last season, the form looking well up to Grade 2 standard.
STAY AWAY FAY (IRE) followed up his debut win over fences with what's becoming a typically gutsy effort, looking to be going less well than the runner-up but responding gamely when ridden, sure to progress further; led, jumped well in main, kicked on after 4 out, hampered approaching 3 out, shaken up straight, hampered again, headed briefly 2 out, found plenty; he's reportedly unlikely to run in the Kauto Star, perhaps Kempton not his track, the Cotswold and Reynoldstown mentioned as options, the Broadway, a race which should be right up his street, the main aim.
Le Patron (c149)
2m Grade 1 novice chase, Sandown, Saturday 9 December
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsA Grade 1 novice won in the previous two seasons by Edwardstone and Jonbon, this a decidedly lesser renewal and marred by a fatal injury to Iceo, a couple of the others not coming up to expectations and the winner sent off the outsider of the field, his victory a highlight on an excellent afternoon for his yard, its second victory in the race following another unconsidered 5-y-o Ar Mad in 2015.
LE PATRON (FR) has taken well to fences and completed a hat-trick, up in grade and down in trip, seen to advantage under a well-judged ride which made this a proper test of stamina; prominent, travelled well, led after 4 out, ridden after 2 out, kept on run-in, ridden out.
Indiana Dream (c143p)
2½m beginners' chase, Navan, Saturday 9 December
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsSome of the jumping left a fair bit to be desired, but the winner is clearly an exciting prospect.
INDIANA DREAM (FR) had created a good impression when winning a Fairyhouse maiden on his sole start over hurdles and it was a similar story sent chasing 11 months on; patiently ridden, not always fluent (notable error at the fourth), took closer order circuit out, produced to lead between last 2, cruised clear.
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org
