Helpston

Helpston ran a race that was full of promise in chasing home the highly talented Pause And Clause in a two-mile-five-furlong novices' hurdle at Kempton on Saturday. They didn't go a great gallop through the early stages, which wouldn't have suited the son of Sir Harry Lewis at all. Moreover, the turning track wouldn't have been ideal, given that he is a tall strapping individual who towered above all of his rivals.

Pam Sly's gelding is unquestionably a staying chaser in the making, and he had trouble negotiating his hurdles on Saturday. It was almost as if they were so small as to be inconsequential. He is sure to come into his own when he is sent chasing, and he could be a staying novice chaser to follow next season. In the interim as a hurdler, even on the face of it this was a really useful performance. He travelled well throughout, and even when he landed flat-footed over a couple of his obstacles, he only needed a shake of the reins from Warren Marston to get him back on an even keel and travelling comfortably again. It never looked like he would trouble the winner, but he was clear second best, and he was conceding weight to all of his rivals, 8lb to the winner. Pause And Clause is being touted as a Ballymore Properties horse, and Helpston is one for the Albert Bartlett short list if he is allowed take his chance in that contest.

7^th February, 2009

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