La Pinsonniere

La Pinsonniere did well to finish second to Siog Geal in the Grade 2 mares' novices' handicap hurdle at Newbury on Saturday. She was fairly badly hampered at the second flight when Sunset Marquesa fell in front of her. It was early enough in the race, but it still cost her position and momentum and energy, and it had to have compromised her chance of winning the race. She did well to stay on her feet, Nico de Boinville did well to keep the partnership intact, and they did well too to get back into the race.

Nicky Henderson's mare travelled well along the inside on the run around the home turn and, seventh jumping the third last flight, she moved into a share of fourth place jumping the second last and, while she couldn't get to Siog Geal, she stayed on well from there to take second place, closing the gap to a half a length by the time she got to the winning line, clocking the fastest last four-furlong time of the race.

The five-year-old mare put up a career-best performance here, she obviously appreciated the goodish ground, and the application of cheekpieces obviously wasn't a negative. She stays this two-and-a-half-mile trip well, and she will be of interest now if she goes to one of the spring festivals.  She has been left on her mark of 118, 7lb lower than the mark she was alotted after she won her maiden hurdle, and that mark may under-rate her ability by a fair way. She obviously goes well at Newbury, and she has run well at Southwell, so flat left-handed tracks obviously suit her well. Aintree might come up a little bit quickly, but flat tracks obviously suit her well. She could be a mare for Punchestown.

Newbury, 22^nd March 2025