Three of Sunday’s winners have star potential

Cheltenham's Paddy Power Open Meeting has long been the source of future stars – Denman, Katchit and Exotic Dancer have been amongst the winners in recent years – and this time around looks no exception according to Timeform.

The Halifax-based experts have awarded the rare ‘large P’, which indicates a horse that is capable of significant improvement, to Grade 2 winner Diamond Harry and have issued very positive assessments of both Tatenen and Punchestowns, too.

Diamond Harry (144P) showed marked improvement upped in grade and won in a style suggesting there is loads more improvement to come. The Halifax gurus believe he’s a star in the making and he very much has it in him to take high rank among the season's novice hurdlers.

Punchestowns (154p) was hugely impressive on his return, traveling notably strongly and eventually winning with any amount in hand from a horse, in Ballydub, who himself appeared well-treated beforehand. Timeform suggest that he’s very much one to follow and that he could prove a serious World Hurdle candidate come March – good news for those who have backed him as high as 149-1 on Betfair. Inglis Drever, the reigning World Hurdle champion, is rated 169 by Timeform and is set to reappear at Newbury at the end of the month.

Tatenen (152p) followed up his Aintree win in fine style, impressing with his jumping and he recorded a time that compares well with that for the following handicap. Timeform believe he’s likely to continue to take plenty of beating and he clearly boosts his stable's already very strong team for the Arkle.

Kieran Packman, Timeform’s Communications Manager, commented:  “The Open Meeting provided three days of competitive and exciting racing and we were particularly taken with the performances of three winners on Sunday.

“It’s very early to be talking about Cheltenham Festival prospects, but it will be no surprise if all three are live contenders when March comes around if they can build on the abundant promise they showed on Sunday.”

Leading World Hurdle contenders

Inglis Drever      169

Kasbah Bliss       168

Blazing Bailey     163

Kazal                 162

Punchestowns    154p

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