CHIANTI FLOWS AS NEW LION GROWLS

Prior to the National Hunt season 'proper' getting underway at Chepstow the question on many people's lips was whether or not Willie Mullins would target a second consecutive British trainers' title.

His British runners have been few and far between - as have his Irish runners in fairness - which suggests that he will be following a similar approach, in that he will focus on his domestic title and - if he is in contention come the spring - he will likely give it a big push as with last season.

So, who has hit the ground running? Kim Bailey is certainly one, with Chianti Classico probably the highlight of the opening weeks of the season, successful under top-weight and from a mark of 152 at Ascot. The Ultima winner is now rated 157 and verging on returning to open company, although the Grand National (reportedly) remains the long-term aim. The Kemble Brewery remains a bright young prospect for the Bailey stable and he beat a subsequent winner on return at Worcester and defied a penalty, in more workmanlike fashion, at Ffos Las.

He looks ready for a rise in class and after one more run, he would be eligible for the Betfair Hurdle in February, something which might come under consideration in the New Year. With Bailey going well, it has helped new stable-jockey Tom Bellamy settle into the role quickly and the transition has been a seamless one.

With David Bass opting to go freelance prior to this season, the door was left open and Bellamy appears to have grabbed his opportunity with both hands. It is also worth noting that Bailey intends on bringing his long-serving assistant, Matthew Nicholls, on to the license in the not too distant future, so things are certainly developing at Thorndale Farm.