Neon Dream kick-starts February with a live each-way chance for Barbury

January 30

Our treble at Kempton was the highlight of January, and we return to the Sunbury course on Monday with fingers crossed that maybe Neon Dream can kick-start February in style by confirming the promise he showed on his first run for Barbury by winning what looks a competitive novice hurdle.

Alan was delighted how well Neon Dream, bought for £105,000 at the Cheltenham sale shortly after winning an Irish point-to-point last March, shaped on his debut for us when finishing an encouraging third at Prestbury Park on New Year’s Day.

Neon Dream kept tabs with those with previous experience, and, having attacked the two best-backed horses at the final flight, he was not unduly punished by Tom Bellamy when it became clear that Step Ahead and Just Golden had his measure .

Our other Kempton runner is Aribidia in the conditional jockeys maiden bumper. An 80,000gns son of Derby hero Masar, Aribidia is related to some decent winners, and, hopefully, he will give Philip Armson a good ride.