Classy Paradias makes jumping debut at Lingfield on Thursday

November 28

Alan has already had a fistful of jumping winners from the younger brigade this autumn, and I am looking forward to the classy Paradias making his debut over hurdles at Lingfield on Thursday.

Paradias is rated 94 on the Flat, and, though only twice victorious, he has managed to win his owners more than £55,000 in prize money, having finished in the frame in another eight races, including several Heritage handicaps.

Having enjoyed a break after finding the ground too lively in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket, Paradias is ready to try his hand over timber, and, having run three good races at Goodwood, he should not have any problem with the undulations at Lingfield, where the good to soft ground will be fine.

Alan said:”Paradias schooled well last year and I nearly sent him juvenile hurdling, but we decided to wait 12 months. He has schooled again since he returned to the gallops, and speed rather than stamina is probably his strong point, so a fast two miles will always suit him best.”

We also have a couple of youngsters in action on Wednesday. Star Turn, who was no great shakes on the level, made a respectable first attempt at jumping when runner-up at Ludlow, and that experience should stand him in good stead for the juvenile maiden hurdle at Wetherby.

Saxons Lane, who runs in the novice hurdle at Hereford with stable jockey Tom Cannon aboard, drops back to two miles on the recommendation of Gavin Sheehan, who sensibly looked after him when he got the first flight down the back straight all wrong over this course on his jumping debut.

He swept past three horses from the second last to take the runner-up spot, but Gavin told Alan not to be afraid to come down in trip, though Irish trainer Charles Byrnes sends over that hardened Flat handicapper Reverend Hubert, who has quickly made his mark over hurdles and finished third in a hot race at Cheltenham’s October meeting.

Our other runner on Wednesday is Passionate Pursuit, who, though disappointing on her reappearance at Ludlow, has since impressed with her schooling in cheekpieces, so, hopefully, she’ll fare better with the headgear on.

Alan has declared Forever William for Taunton on Thursday. He seemed to thrive for a break after being pulled up at Wincanton last March, bouncing back to win in game style at Plumpton. He is only 3lb higher so ought to again be competitive.