Finian's Rainbow (and other pots of Cheltenham gold)

Aside from the Festival victors, some sure-fire future winners were also on show last week. Chris McGrath picks eight who caught the eye

Sprinter Sacre (Nicky Henderson) Third, Stan James Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Their trainer has long been in raptures about Sprinter Sacre, as a prospect for fences, but Spirit Son was reckoned better suited to the demands of this race and was duly preferred by the stable jockey, Barry Geraghty. In the event, however, it was Sprinter Sacre who went best for longest, only to lose vital impetus when thumping the final hurdle. He still made the podium behind Al Ferof and Spirit Son, beaten barely five lengths, and his physique already identifies him as an ideal sort to boss the Arkle field next year.

Finian's Rainbow (Nicky Henderson) Second, Irish Independent Arkle Trophy

Another near miss for Seven Barrows in the second race of the meeting – and another horse with an obvious destiny for next season. Jumping magnificently, Finian's Rainbow was turning the screw too tightly for most from a long way out. In the process, however, he inadvertently set things up for Captain Chris, himself an obvious prospect to break into the big time over longer distances. In his probable absence, Finian's Rainbow could prove a tough nut to crack at this trip for Sizing Europe.

On Borrowed Wings (Alan Fleming) Eighth, Centenary Novices' Handicap Chase

Must sort out his jumping, a couple of blunders leaving him with no chance as the race developed up ahead, but the way he kept on again up the hill suggested he could yet come good over three miles. The lesser tempo at that trip might also take the pressure off his technique over fences, but he has only had four chases and remains entitled improve in that respect with experience.

Divine Rhapsody (Philip Rothwell) Seventh, Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Boldly laid out for this race after winning a valuable bumper at the Punchestown Festival on his debut, fully 11 months earlier, and perhaps lack of experience since accounts for the fact that it was all happening a bit too quickly from halfway. It was impressive, then, to see him regroup to such good effect, storming into midfield up the hill. He has the build and raw ability to excel over hurdles, granted a sufficient test of stamina.

Son Amix (Thomas Cooper) Second, Pertemps Handicap Hurdle

Having previously seemed to have his limitations exposed, pottering around in conditions races, he has come into his own in big-field handicaps and here cut through from the rear with dazzling ease. Ultimately he proved unable to wear down the track specialist Buena Vista, but could fare better still returned to shorter distances.

Beautiful Sound (Gordon Elliott) Third, Byrne Group Handicap Plate

This was an extraordinary performance from a horse who only resumed in the autumn after a three-year disappearance. Completely tailed off after a couple of early mistakes, he was also hampered as he started to work his way back into contention, and did not look too comfortable on the drying ground. Somehow he still managed to make the frame, beaten barely five lengths, and he looks guaranteed to win a decent prize once his stamina is properly tested.

Deal Done (Dessie Hughes) Third, Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap

While ultimately beaten pointless by the runaway winner, for a good while he had everything else in big trouble as he piled it on from the front, disclosing an unsuspected engine. 0Admittedly, it is hard to know whether to attribute that new gusto to the longer distance, the visor, or the better ground, but some combination of these elements may well produce better again on another day.

Mister Carter (Tommy Stack) Unseated rider, JCB Triumph Hurdle

Gave his rider a ghastly trampling after discarding him at the second last, and that was not the first time his jumping has been an issue during his brief hurdling career. If he can iron out errors, he could be an interesting contender for valuable handicaps next season. He was decent on the Flat and, as a 50-1 shot still going well, had looked poised to show improved form on this better ground.

Turf Account

Chris McGrath's Nap

Ronnie Howe (5.10 Southwell)

Long time since he won a race, but looked ready to do so when blasting clear over 7f here last time, only to flatten out into fifth. This trip is much more suitable.

Next best

Royale's Charter (3.50 Kempton)

Worth another chance on better ground today, having failed to pick up in softer going last time.

Where the money's going

Twice Over is in heavy demand with Coral for the Dubai World Cup on Saturday and is now 9-4 from 3-1.