RACING got the lift it badly needed on Saturday when Cue Card produced a magnificent performance to beat Coneygree in the Betfair Chase. After a miserable few weeks, the sport finally created positive headlines and the pair of chasing superstars could clash again in the King George VI Chase. Meanwhile, the National Hunt season is really in full swing and all roads lead to the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury this weekend. For now, here are some more horses who have caught the eye in the past fortnight…

LAKE VIEW LAD (pictured above): Made an encouraging chasing debut at Newcastle where he jumped fluently and only just gave best to a nice horse of Brian Ellison’s. He was giving away plenty of weight and that was a very good run. He should pay his way in 2m to 2m 4f novice chases in the north on soft ground. In fact he handles deep ground particularly well.

REPORT TO BASE: Ridden with confidence by Leighton Aspell, this strong travelling four-year-old won impressively first time out at Uttoxeter and looks one to follow in novice hurdles. Looks more than capable of following up.

FORTIFIED BAY: Probably had an impossible task trying to defy a penalty in a warm Uttoxeter bumper but stuck to his task well to finish third behind Benechenko. He is a big, strong type who should stay well.

SEGO SUCCESS: Travelled kindly on his reappearance at Bangor and only lack of conditioning on his first run back probably stopped him winning. He looks ripe to pick up a big staying chase off a mark of 141 although he does not want extremes of ground.

CLONDAW SHANE: Looked all over the winner in a Wincanton novice hurdle before being worn down by a Paul Nicholls hotpot. Travelled and jumped and looks certain to win races.

GAYEBURY: Loved the way this six-year-old jumped and battled on his hurdling debut. Looks progressive and uncomplicated and will be a tough nut to crack.

GLOBAL STAR: Big, powerful gelding who was touched off in a bumper at Haydock but looks the type to progress with experience.

Be lucky!