There was plenty to like about the way Jasmin de Grugy made a winning debut over fences at Southwell on Tuesday in his first handicap Chase in the colours of JP McManus.
Sired by Masked Marvel, he came into his own once handicapping over hurdles last season, winning his last three starts at a modest level and started the new campaign off a mark of 108.
His schooling over fences at home was a bit blasé at first but improved with practise and his jumping at Southwell was very good in the hands of his regular jockey Richie McLernon.
Jasmin de Grugy travelled nicely from the off, began to make progress in the last half mile, led at the second last fence and readily drew clear to win unchallenged by six lengths.
He’s a horse that is improving steadily and it will be interesting to see how far he can progress.
We are not in a rush to run him again quickly under a penalty and will let the handicapper have his say before making plans for his next start.
