DREAMING JUMPS IN FOR CIAN WIN

Karl Hedley follows the changing seasons across the Irish Sea

- Karl Hedley

Summer is now fading fast, and the focus rightly begins to shine on the National Hunt season proper in Ireland.

I have previewed some notable types who have run over the past couple of weeks, who should be progressing for their respective yards as the winter draws in, and as the jumps season gets into full swing.

The Cian Collins-trained Has Me Dreaming flew home on the run-in to snatch victory late on in the opening 2m maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan at the beginning of September.

Clonshire River looked booked for victory when driven into the lead before the final flight. Has Me Dreaming still had plenty to do jumping the last in third but Jordan Gainford got a great tune from the unfancied 5yo gelding as he got up in the dying strides for a half-length success.

The winner, by My Dream Boat, had shaped with promise when third on his debut at Roscommon last month.

Collins said: "He's a lovely horse.

He was big and green the last day, and improved a ton for it. We think a lot of him and he's for sale. If I can find an owner, I'd like to keep him in the yard. I'd say he'll be better over further and hopefully he'll keep improving."

Zefania stayed on stoutly to open her account over jumps in the mares' maiden hurdle later on the same card. The John McConnell-trained runner went to post as a well-supported 15/8 favourite in the 2m3f contest and was driven into the lead just before the final flight. Lady Nightingale, who was defying her massive price in the market, came to press her over the last, but the daughter of Maxios found plenty for Alex Harvey to record a two-length success.

Harvey said: "It took her a very long time to warm up into things. I was getting in under my hurdles and after a mile I was able to switch her out and she warmed into it then.