Easily the most intriguing performance on a relatively low-key week came at Navan last Sunday where the Willie Mullins-trained Un De Sceaux absolutely annihilated his two rivals in a conditions hurdle. Odds of 1/12 suggested that the unbeaten six-year-old faced a simple task and he duly coasted to a 53-length triumph.

The race itself did nothing more than confirm Un De Sceaux’s wellbeing but it once again raised the question as to how good this gelding might be. A possible Champion Hurdle contender, he already holds a rating of 156 and has won his four starts over hurdles by an aggregate of over 100 lengths. Admittedly he has yet to take on top-class opposition but Un De Sceaux has repeatedly given the impression that he could be a hurdler of the very highest standard. It will be utterly fascinating to see how he copes when upped in grade for next month’s Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran.

Cheltenham challengers

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With Cheltenham less than eight weeks away, the thoughts of many are fixed firmly on Prestbury Park, and of particular interest at present is the novice hurdle division. Usually by this stage of the season one or two standout performers have emerged but even with the likes of The Tullow Tank, Briar Hill and Faugheen, a definitive order has yet to take shape.

The latest horse to put his Cheltenham credentials on the line was Vautour in a Grade 2 at Punchestown last weekend and the Supreme Novices Hurdle favourite was made to work hard for victory. Western Boy gave the Mullins-trained winner quite a fright and this wasn’t the performance that many expected from Vautour. However, time may show that the first two home in this race are both very smart and it was encouraging to see that they left a 132-rated rival 11 lengths back in third.

Across the Irish Sea, Mullins tested the strength of the English novices by running Upazo in the Tolworth Hurdle. That one’s third-place finish behind Royal Boy should provide the champion trainer with a good guide to the strength of the novices across the Irish Sea. With so much still to happen between now and March it promises to be a fascinating few weeks in the novice hurdle division.

Solwhit out for Cheltenhem

It emerged last week that the country’s leading hope for World Hurdle glory, Solwhit, will miss a bid for back-to-back successes in the Cheltenham event. However, Noel Meade still hopes that Monksland could make this year’s renewal, having been forced to miss the 2013 edition due to a late setback. Monksland has not run since defeating Zaidpour in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown 13 months ago.

Keeneland January sale

No sooner has the dust settled on 2013 than the new sales year is already up and running. The first major thoroughbred auction of the year took place in America last week in the shape of the Keeneland January Horses Of All Ages Sale. Turnover for the four days came in at over $41m, which was 9% down on last year. The average of $39,937 dropped marginally but the $20,000 median was up by 33% and the 80% clearance rate made for good reading.