Somemothersdohavem (6-1) booked his place in the JCB Triumph Hurdle when springing a minor upset in Doncaster's 32Red.com Juvenile Hurdle.

The John Ryan-trained gelding stormed to the front after long-time leader Aazif folded and stuck on well to score by two and a half lengths from King Of Dudes. Swnymor, the 1-2 favourite, was another half a length away in third.

Ryan said: "Whether we are punching above our weight or not I don't know, but the idea is to go to Cheltenham (for the Triumph). The test there will suit him, but whether he has ability to take them on I don't know. He has beaten decent horses today."

Swnymor is also an intended runner in the Triumph, despite his defeat. Trainer Tim Vaughan believes his first run since falling in the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow will have done him good.

"I didn't want to take him there on the back of a fall. He had a good blow and was a bit hesitant at his hurdles. The run will bring him on. We would have loved him to win here on the bridle, but he had missed a lot of work so hopefully he will be sharper for this," said Vaughan.

Permit holder Jessica Westwood is dreaming of Cheltenham after Monkerty Tunkerty, her only horse in training, put up a good performance to win the 32Red Casino Veterans' Handicap Chase.

Westwood set out from her Somerset base at 6.30am but it was a worthwhile journey as her 11-4 favourite shrugged aside a decent field of seasoned campaigners in just his fourth handicap to show he would not be out of place at the Festival, sticking to his task well to beat Marufo by two and three quarter lengths.

"He's my first runner here and he's my only horse in training.He's still learning and made a few mistakes because they went such a gallop and he's not used to that. It took five hours to get here but was definitely worth it. He's in the JLT Specialty and hopefully he will go there," said Westwood.

The John Ferguson-trained Purple Bay (even-money favourite) just held Wilde Blue Yonder by a head in the 32RedPoker.com Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race, and Ferguson said: "We'll see in a week about whether to think about Cheltenham. If not, there's always Aintree."

Dante's Storm (11-10 favourite) will try to improve on his fifth in the Foxhunter Chase two years ago when he returns to Cheltenham after a 10-length victory in the CGA Foxhunter Trial Hunters' Chase.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests