My Timeform: Three jumps horses to note

Joker de Mai (Timeform rating c126+)

Third, 2½m handicap chase, Ludlow, Wednesday 4 February

Joker de Mai had taken a step back in the right direction when fourth at Newbury and stepped up on that to finish third at Ludlow in a race that could prove strong form for the grade. Joker de Mai was beaten by three and a quarter lengths, finishing behind a couple of last-time winners, and he shaped better than the bare result given he lost significant ground when a rival went wrong in front of him before the twelfth fence. That incident caused him to drop to last place, but he was in touch again by the turn for home and was delivered with a challenge in the home straight, holding every chance at the second last. He didn't sustain his effort as well as the front pair home but showed enough to suggest he's one to be interested in again.

Powerful Paddy (h108p)

Runner-up, 2½m maiden hurdle, Thurles, Thursday 5 February

Powerful Paddy had to settle for second on his hurdling debut and first start for Willie Mullins, but he shaped well and is likely to improve for the experience. Powerful Paddy raced in mid-division, took closer order from four out and was on the heels of the leaders when making a mistake at the second last and losing momentum. That left him with an uphill task but he stayed on strongly to take second close home, leaving the impression he would have finished closer to the winner had he avoided an error at such a crucial stage. He showed fair form in bumpers for Alan McIntyre, finishing placed on a couple of occasions, but he can improve on that level for his powerful new yard that often extracts significant improvement from recruits.

Saratoga (h122p)

Runner-up, juvenile conditions hurdle, Naas, Saturday 7 February

Saratoga was beaten three-quarters of a length by the promising Highland Crystal, who had won a listed race at Newbury when last seen, but he pulled eight and a half lengths clear of the third, markedly improving on the form he had shown when placed on his first couple of starts over hurdles. As a useful stayer on the Flat, it's likely there's more to come from the progressive Saratoga and he appeals as a leading contender for the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. His half-brother, Brazil, won this conditions hurdle en route to scoring at the Festival, while Band of Outlaws and Aramax also completed the same double. Jazzy Matty is another recent Fred Winter winner who used the Naas race as a stepping stone on the way to Cheltenham.