Turf Talk: Ourmullion set to sparkle in pre-Christmas run-out at Chelmsford

Trainer John Best’s charge has shown all his better form on artificial surfaces, counting two victories at Chelmsford and one at Lingfield on his record so far and placing on all but two of his nine starts.

His turf record is much more ordinary having finished unplaced in four attempts and he was again all at sea at Windsor in October, weakening with a couple of furlongs to run before trailing home well beaten over 10 furlongs.

Given a break since that effort, Ourmullion is much better judged on his two course-and-distance successes in September and while he has been boosted 3lb in the ratings ahead of this contest, he still looks a winter campaigner on the upgrade.

Sandown kicks off two days of top action with White Moon expected to star in the Grade Two Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

A point to point winner back in May, he has made a fantastic start for Colin Tizzard with six-length victories at both Wincanton and Exeter already this term.

That latter came in what was only an ordinary race, but he triumphed in style under a penalty and can kick on again here with the Cheltenham Festival already touted as an ultimate aim by some.

When current connections forked out £340,000 for Night Of Glory on the eve of Royal Ascot, they probably did not have a National Hunt career in mind.

He has failed to really get to grips with British racing so far after enjoying some success for previous trainer Michael O’Callaghan in Ireland, but is interesting now his attentions are switched to jumping in the Tokio Marine Kiln Introductory Juvenile Hurdle.

Rated 92 on the level, Night Of Glory has previously handled ground with cut so he could yet find his niche.

Reigning Supreme can start his fencing career with a win in the Download The App At 188Bet Novices’ Chase at Exeter.

He won two of his three hurdles outings last year for Nicky Henderson but always looked like he was merely marking time before being unleashed over the bigger obstacles.

The six-year-old finished second in a point to point back in November 2015 and changed hands for 130,000 euros after that.

While this is a potentially tough test, Henderson will surely be disappointed if that calibre of horse cannot make his presence felt.

TURF TALK TIPS

CHELMSFORD: 5.45 Swendab, 6.15 Suprematism, 6.45 Pearl Nation, 7.15 Dirayah, 7.45 OURMULLION (NAP), 8.15 Dor’s Law, 8.45 Queens Royale.

EXETER: 12.30 Timely Gift, 1.00 Just A Sting, 1.35 Monbeg Oscar, 2.05 Flaming Charmer, 2.40 Reigning Supreme (treble), 3.15 Another Venture, 3.45 Dancing Doug.

SANDOWN: 12.50 Shanroe Santos, 1.25 Night Of Glory, 1.55 Cousin Oscar, 2.30 White Moon (next best), 3.05 Red Devil Star, 3.35 Christmas In April.

SEDGEFIELD: 12.10 Lochnell, 12.40 Bering Upsun, 1.15 Baracalu, 1.45 Pinch Of Ginger, 2.20 Cape Of Glory, 2.55 Spin The Coin, 3.25 Lucky Lucarno.