Information is Classified

Classified looks a fine prospect for Martin Pipe and can confirm that impression at Newbury today when he tackles Grade One company in the form of the Cantor Sport Challow Hurdle.

Winner of two out of his three starts in bumpers, the five-year-old Roselier gelding was not asked a serious question when trotting up on his debut over timber at Plumpton.

Always travelling well, Classified moved easily past Sir d'Orton, twice a winner over fences, approaching the second-last flight and skipped clear to win by 11 lengths. That looks solid form as the runner-up had finished the same distance behind the smart Rouble in a Grade Two hurdle at Sandown previously.

Europa is highly rated by trainer Tom Tate and can build on his debut win over fences by taking the H & T Pawnbrokers Children In Need Novices' Chase.

Smart over hurdles, Tate's five-year-old tackled an eight-runner affair at Hexham on his fencing bow where he had to be work fairly hard to account for Premier Drive by one length.

However, the runner-up is not without ability and neither is the third, The Grey Dyer. He steps up a couple of furlongs in trip in this race and can continue his education with another success.

Pipe unleashed another top-class prospect when Golden Alpha overcame a 32-month absence in tremendous style when bolting up by 29 lengths on his hurdling debut at Chepstow three weeks ago.

The seven-year-old gelding had not been in action since finishing last in the Aintree bumper on Grand National day in April 1999 when hot favourite.

Golden Alpha must not be missed as he continues his way on the comeback trail in the Servo Computer Services plc Novices' Hurdle.

After three wins in minor company this season, Very Very Noble deserves the chance to take on better horses and does just that in the Stan James Mandarin Handicap Chase.

With heavy frost expected the courses at Carlisle, Stratford and Southwell will have early morning precautionary inspections after all three were described as raceable yesterday.