Live the dream with Jessber at Kempton

RACING: Paul Nicholls’ charge is ready to pick up where she left off

JESSBER’S DREAM proved quite a star for Harry Fry last season and can pick up where she left off for new connections in the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle at Kempton.

The six-year-old changed hands for £190,000 during the summer, and new handler Paul Nicholls certainly has plenty to work with judged on her efforts during the 2015-16 campaign.

Jessber’s Dream finished fourth behind the classy La Bague Au Roi in an Aintree bumper on her British bow. But quickly sent over hurdles she never looked back in placing first or second on each of her six subsequent runs.

Victories at Lingfield and Exeter as well as a Grade Two verdict at Sandown in February prompted connections to make the step up to Grade One level in the spring, sending Jessber’s Dream to Fairyhouse at Easter.

While she was eventually well beaten by Jer’s Girl that day, she deserved plenty of credit in finishing second, particularly as third-placed Asthuria has already boosted the form with a fine victory on her return.

Jessber’s Dream is a classy recruit for the Ditcheat team and can repay a small chunk of her purchase price.

All eyes will be an ALTIOR as he makes his chasing bow in the tworunner Weatherbys Supports Starlight Novices’ Chase and it will be a huge shock if he cannot strike at the first time of asking.

Nicky Henderson has had his eye on this race for some time with the six-year-old after connections decided to skip a Champion Hurdle-focused campaign in favour of a switch straight to fences.

Henderson has made no secret of the fact he thinks this horse is special, and Altior can now start to confirm that impression in the chasing sphere too.

NOCHE DE REYES can make the most of a drop back in company for the At totepoolracing For All Your Racing News Handicap Chase at Ludlow. SELECTIONS:

KEMPTON: 12.55 Coup De Pinceau, 1.25 Altior, 2.00 JESSBER’S DREAM (NAP), 2.35 Andy Kelly, 3.10 Vinegar Hill, 3.40 Satanic Beat.

LUDLOW: 12.40 Djarkalin, 1.10 Adrrastos, 1.40 Phangio, 2.15 Acadian, 2.50 Noche De Reyes, 3.20 Scotchtown, 3.50 Lac Sacre.

DOUBLE: Jessber’s Dream and Altior.