Dropped to a lower grade, Zimbabwe positively ridden on this occasion, showed what is is capable of with an easy victory in a decent time at Fontwell, Jan 26. The ground was slower than advertised which suggests that good ground is not essential. Its defeat by Mondul on heavy ground at Lingfield Dec 13, where it was making its hurdles debut, did not reflect its true ability. It was a good performance by the winner that day, though I would expect Zimbabwe to reverse that form should they meet again in the Triumph. In the other division of the Fontwell race Locksmith beat its opponents including third Lord Of Beauty by a minimum of 29 lengths. It does not look an easy ride but for a jockey of Tony McCoy's strength and ability not that difficult. Evidence suggests that a fair amount of give in the ground is ideal.

Mondul won another slowly run misleading event, a Gd2 at Cheltenham on Jan 24. Principal sufferer in this event was Howle Hill. The going may not have been as fast as connections would have liked and the course at Cheltenham is not considered ideal for this speedy flat recruit. As the race was slowly run, the conditions should have had less impact, however, when Ollie McPhail quickened from the front on the winner on the final bend, Howle Hill was too far back to ever make the ground up. The situation was accepted straight away by Richard Johnson, the horse hardly had a race. It will be a different proposition come Aintree if the ground is riding fast enough, when a minimum of 136 is expected.

Power Elite won the Gd2 Cashmans Juvenile at Leopardstown, Feb 8, from Nopekan and Quel Doun. The time was not exciting but the first two look sure to improve, having come from off the pace here to get into contention.

Power Elite confirmed its ability by winning a Gd3 at Fairyhouse, Feb 21. Wild Passion 112, with the same connections, ran an excellent debut over hurdles to come home a staying on second. It was receiving 12lb including the jockey's allowance here. It had useful flat form in Germany culminating in a German St Leger second. A stiffer track such as Cheltenham plus an anticapted stronger gallop should see marked improvement. Both are capable of 130+.