Paradias looks an exciting recruit when kick-starting new career in style

Paradias, a smart handicapper on the Flat, did everything the Barbury team had hoped for when making a winning debut over hurdles at Lingfield today.

Going off 2-1 favourite, Paradias never gave his supporters much reason for concern, despite being a reluctant leader from half-way after fighting jockey Gavin Sheehan over the early obstacles.

However, settling better as the race progressed, Paradias was in a different class, pulling clear after the final flight and beating second-rate opposition in impressive fashion.

Gavin, who has a good strike-rate when riding for Alan, said:””Paradias was taking a fair tug early on, but his strong point is his jumping and he was brilliant considering it was his first time over jumps.

“It was also clear that he was thoroughly enjoying himself out there, and he went through the line very strong, which was encouraging. He is a horse with a big, long stride, and I am sure the better the race the more effective he’ll be.”

Matt Chapman, on duty for Sky Racing, suggested that Paradias might be one to take on the Irish in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, but Alan has always felt that the horse’s strength was his speed, and before today he had mentioned easy tracks like Kempton and Taunton would suit him better, and, looking further ahead, maybe Aintree might be preferable to Cheltenham come the spring.

Then again, Alan could do worse than have a look at Kempton over Christmas, but I have always been warned against ‘flying the plane’, so I’ll button my lip and leave future plans to the trainer and Paradias’s team of owners.