Punctuation

Punctuation kept on well to finish third behind the progressive Saint Anapolino in the two-mile-five-furlong handicap hurdle that opened proceedings at Kempton last Saturday. He travelled well in mid-division for much of the race, and he moved up nicely around the home turn, but he just got a little out-paced when they quickened early in the home straight, before keeping on well to finish third. He made one or two little mistake on the way around too.

This was the longest trip over which Punctuation had ever raced, but he was a stayer on the flat for Fergal O'Brien, he won two-mile handicaps on the flat at York and at Goodwood last year, and he shaped here as if he would appreciate a greater test of stamina over hurdles. This was just his second run for Nicky Henderson, and he will be of interest now stepped up in trip, probably into a three-mile handicap hurdle. Winner of the conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Aintree at last year's Grand National meeting, the three-mile handicap hurdle at this year's Grand National meeting would be a legitimate target. He would also be an interesting outsider if he got into the Martin Pipe Hurdle at Cheltenham, a race in which stamina is usually a big asset.

Kempton, 22^nd February 2025