FORTUNE HUNTING

Andy Ayres offers his pick from the paddocks, coiled and ready to spring

- Andy Ayres

WINDSOR January 17 (soft, good to soft in places) 3m novice hurdle (Class 2) Smart winner DERRYHASSEN PADDY (Lucinda Russell) is built like Rocky's big brother and did well to win on a track that didn't play to his strengths. Connections are itching to get this fella over fences, and he will make a Premier League novice chaser next season.

3m novices' handicap chase (Class 3) Fair form MYRETOWN (Lucinda Russell) looked in the pink and was running a belter until going belly-up at the tricky third last. He would have been involved at the business end but for that blip and should be a nice little earner this spring.

2m handicap hurdle (Class 2) Red-hot contest KNICKERBOCKERGLORY (Dan Skelton) couldn't have looked fitter and set a personal best to finish third after making the running. He's happier than a hippo in the mud and would have an each-way squeak in the Imperial Cup at Sandown on March 8.

WINDSOR January 19 (soft) 2m4f novices' handicap hurdle (Class 3) Fair form

HARTINGTON (Joe Tizzard) is still raw as a bowl of sushi and ran a cracker to finish second. He's open to plenty of improvement and is nailed on to pinch a half decent prize if connections steer clear of the bright lights.

3m handicap hurdle (Class 2) Ordinary race for the grade MINELLA MISSILE (Evan Williams) wasn't wound-up on this first outing for 429-days and shaped better than his finishing position - ninth - suggests. There's plenty left in the locker, and he could pop up at a decent price.

2m national hunt flat (Class 2) Impressive winner

IDAHO SUN (Harry Fry) has got muscles on his eyebrows and powered away to win this by clear water. He travels like a top-notcher and should develop into a classy novice hurdler next season.