Plenty of clues abound at Cheltenham on trials day, most predominately, the performances of FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES and PAISLEY PARK in their respective contests.

The former was heavily-backed to land the opening juvenile prize (12-1 in midweek to 4-1 on the day) and he turned in the sort of display that totally shook up the Triumph Hurdle picture. Always travelling well in the hands of J J Slevin, the Kapgarde gelding simply ran out of competition to carry him any further into the race at the top of the hill and from that point onwards he just kept edging further and further clear. Visually impressive, the numbers of the race also stack up to suggest he’s by far and away the quickest four-year-old we’ve seen out so far this season and he thoroughly deserves his place at the top end of the ante-post market. The only negative to find in his make-up comes from the fact he’s yet to encounter good ground (has a round action), which sometimes can be the case on day-four at the Festival, but either way, his track form and stamina are two vital ingredients he does have that other don’t possess and he only furthers Joseph O’Brien’s seeming stranglehold on the race at present.

The latter also put up a performance of some considerable merit in his trial race, The Cleeve Hurdle, and all roads now lead towards the Stayers Hurdle for Emma Lavelle’s star. Not everyone was totally converted after he landed the old Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot the time before, but even his most fervent critics must now be taking a huge U-turn in their opinions of this vastly-improved son of Oscar. Although he momentarily looked in trouble coming down the hill, he soon snapped back onto the bridle turning for home and once he faced the hill on the approach to the last, he bounded clear of his toiling rivals in a short space of time. Indeed, he almost looked as though he was dossing in front and had plenty more to give if needed, which is a sobering thought for those willing to re-oppose the seven-year-old in March. Numbers-wise, it was also worth pointing out that he ran the last circuit in a faster time than both Fakir D’Oudairies and Birchdale, which is even more creditable considering he achieved that feat on ground softened up by persistent rain during the afternoon. All-in-all, a tremendous display by a hugely talented stayer that seems to developing into a proper champion and it will take some special from something else or a massive backward step on his part for him not to oblige at the Festival in just over a month’s time.

The other major talking point from the weekend was the discussion in the racing press as to what race Frodon should go for after he valiantly landed the Cotswold Chase over a distance just short of the Gold Cup trip. On the evidence of what we saw at Prestbury Park on Saturday, Paul Nicholl’s gelding was clearly coming to the end of his tether on the long run-in and considering he had a largely un-pestered lead and saved energy by his usual slick jumping, you’d have to believe he would struggle to get home over slightly further. Moreover, he’s unlikely to enjoy the luxury of being able to dictate matters at his leisure with the likes of Native River, Bristol De Mai and possibly Coneygree, to name but three, in the line-up, so the option of dropping back to his more-favoured trip of 2m 5f of the Ryanair Chase would have to be the most sensible choice at this stage.

The other big chase of the day went the way of the progressive SIRUH DU LAC and he looks likely to go for one of the handicaps at the festival off the back of another impressive display of front-running. The other big weapon he has in his locker is his ability to take lengths out of his opponents with slick and accurate jumping and he would have to be a major contender for whichever race connections choose.

The big novice handicap at the festival looks the more likely option for KILDISART following his game effort in the second race on the card and he would have to go on the shortlist given how well he seemed to take to the fences. Depending on how the handicapper reacts, Ben Pauling’s gelding could also have the JLT as another viable option.

We were robbed of what looked set to be a rousing finish between BIRCHDALE and Brewin’Upastorm in the Ballymore Novices Trial and that is one of the main reasons why most bookmakers were largely reluctant to overreact to his slightly-tainted victory. That said, he remains a horse of some potential and it least gives connections some food for thought between now and the festival (they also have the favourite in the shape of Champ).

Over at Doncaster, DYNAMITE DOLLARS continued on his merry way up the ladder by landing the Grade 2 Lightening Novices Chase and although there appeared to moments when his main market rival, Ballywood, was travelling better, it soon became a false dawn as Paul Nicholls’ gelding quickly assumed command late on. A really likeable type who doesn’t appear to have any major flaws to his game, the son of Buck’s Boum still remains underestimated and his 7-1 quotes post-race still look on the generous side given he’s beaten the best of the British challengers fair and square so far this season.