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Pinkerton had to settle for second in this competitive and valuable handicap hurdle but he again left the impression that he's on a good mark and can land a decent prize.
Merlin Giant ultimately proved too strong up the run-in, scoring by two and a half lengths after travelling stylishly, but Pinkerton also impressed with how powerfully he moved into contention and he too stuck to his task, pulling three lengths clear of the third, who in turn was three lengths ahead of the fourth.
Pinkerton, like the winner, is a lightly-raced hurdler who remains capable of better. This was only his fifth start over hurdles and his second in handicap company.
He had looked unlucky not to win on his handicap debut at Down Royal last month when a final-flight error seemed to be the difference between victory and defeat.
Timeform Eyecatcher: Saturday
I AM MAXIMUS
Second, 2m5f beginners chase, Fairyhouse, Saturday 3 December
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsThis was a very interesting maiden chase which was run at a true gallop and predictably dominated by the two at the head of the betting, the winner and I Am Maximus disputing the lead throughout.
I Am Maximus really should have made a winning start over fences on his first start for Willie Mullins, but an indifferent round of jumping ultimately cost him on the day.
He made a series of novicey mistakes (jumped to his left throughout) but a markedly left jump at the second last upset his rhythm and he led narrowly when a slow leap at the last didn't help his cause. I Am Maximus rallied on the run-in and was only narrowly denied and he looks a banker for a similar event next time, especially if found a race on a left-handed track.
Timeform Eyectacher: Friday
TILE TAPPER
Second, 2m3f handicap chase, Exeter, Friday 2 December
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsThere was an awful lot to like about Tile Tapper's return to action in the Martin Jones Decorative Specialists Handicap Chase and the eight-year-old should soon be back in winning action.
He went smoothly through the contest here and while never threatening to get to the runaway winner Shakem Up'Arry, he showed signs of tiredness in the closing stages and should strip fitter next time.
If he does he showed more than enough to suggest his current mark isn't going to prove beyond him.
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsAdmittedly, Aljari is becoming a little frustrating, but he continues to leave the impression he is ready to cash in on a much reduced mark and, with that in mind, he is worth persevering with on the all-weather.
He made an encouraging start for this yard over the same course and distance last month where he met trouble at a crucial stage, and he once again wasn't seen to best effect here, stopped in his run twice this time.
Aljari typically travelled well and was sent for a run on the rail entering the straight, but he soon met interference, and he was again stopped in his run when building momentum inside the final furlong. He is some 17 lb below his last winning mark and would be of serious interest if pitching up at Newcastle where his run style will be seen to better effect, or Kempton where there is a longer straight for him to organise himself. Aljari is more than capable of winning races at six or seven furlongs in the coming weeks.
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsThis was a useful handicap which produced a bunched finish and the winner was probably seen to better effect than the second and third, but he was hardly winning out of turn following his two previous efforts and it looks solid enough form.
Witch Hunter was having his second run back from a break after losing his way on turf through the summer and left the impression he is up to winning similar events on the all-weather through the winter.
He was patiently ridden after being hampered at the start and he once more met with some trouble when beginning to make his challenge in the straight, having to switch paths in the final 100 yards but sticking to the task well. It is worth remembering that Witch Hunter finished runner-up in a listed event over this course and distance in March and he is one to remain interested in if kept on the go.
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsGentleman de Mai was unsuited by a steady gallop when a staying-on fifth on his handicap debut at Kelso earlier this month and it was a similar story at Ayr on Tuesday as another sedate tempo failed to bring his stamina into play.
Gentleman de Mai, a €110,000 purchase after finishing runner-up behind Journey With Me in an Irish point, will come into his own as a staying chaser, but he has shown enough in this sphere to suggest he can land a handicap hurdle before long if granted a sufficient test of stamina.
It's also worth noting that both handicaps the lightly-raced Gentleman de Mai has contested appeal as being strong pieces of form for the grade, so he will encounter easier opportunities.
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsHaku had produced a career best when filling the runner-up spot at Southwell a couple of weeks ago and confirmed that promise with another improved showing here to finally get off the mark.
Settled just behind the leaders in the early stages, he travelled well and quickly forged clear after being produced to lead on the bridle with less than two furlongs to run, ultimately winning by two and three-quarter lengths in ready fashion.
Admittedly, Haku was seen to maximum advantage in a steadily-run affair, but he's a scopey sort who has made a positive start for his new yard, this being just his fourth run for Mark Loughnane (formerly trained by John Butler).
There could well be more to come as his connections plot a profitable campaign on the all-weather this winter.
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