VISTA COULD BRIGHTEN UP

Jeremy Grayson reports on last month’s jumps action at the country tracks

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BANGOR, May 16 (Good)

2m3f123yds (+64yds) 0-95 Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle (class 5)

It is this race, rather than the preceding Ffos Las fifth (2m) in which he refused to settle and then lost a shoe, on which to gauge most sensibly ASTA LA VISTA’s present attainment level in handicap hurdles. Over 7l clear of the third, and arguably value for closer proximity to the winner having been crossed by him late on, the son of Telescope additionally appreciated this first realistic assignment stepped back up to around 2m4f as much as his pedigree indicated he would. Brighter days likely lie over fences eventually for Charlie Longsdon’s 5yo half-brother to Kerry Lee’s Grade 1 winning chaser Kylemore Lough, but not before picking up a moderate hurdle of this nature and trip beforehand. Slower ground is yet to be tried outside of maiden company; proving more effective on it than hitherto would obviously keep options open in the event of a soggy summer.

STRATFORD, May 17 (Good to firm, good in places)

2m213yds (+60yds) 0-110 Novices’ Handicap Chase (class 4)