PNicholls

It was a big day for the stable at Taunton - and thankfully the big guns delivered. All eyes were on Dildar on his hurdling debut, and I was delighted with the win. I had made no secret of the fact that he had been pleasing me at home - impressing as much in his homework as all my highly-rated, top juveniles - so some people may have been expecting a lot more from him than a narrow win. But the track is where they have to deliver, and I was thrilled with the victory. Yes, the level of form wouldn't be anywhere near that of Pearl Swan (officially rated 146), Ranjaan and Hinterland (141), but you only have to look at how the first two improved from their debuts to see the potential. He jumped a bit novice-y in sticky ground but he showed his Flat speed to take the race and the...