WITH jumps racing finally back in the saddle, Hinton Thunderbolt can preserve the feelgood factor at Plumpton.

Trained in Herefordshire by Grand National-winning handler Venetia Williams, this unexposed eight-year-old clearly has a bright future over fences.

Hinton Thunderbolt had just four starts over timber, but showed up encouragingly each time, winning twice.

His final foray was arguably the most impressive as he clinically outmanoeuvred fair yardstick Ambrosinni at this track in March 2008.

Yet given his scope and size, Williams’ gelding was always going to make a chaser and it soon became clear he was marking time before heading over fences.

Things have presumably not been straightforward, however, as he did not make his chasing debut until December.

It was worth waiting for, though, as Hinton Thunderbolt confirmed his aptitude for testing conditions to get to within eight lengths of the race-fit Ernst Blofeld, who should soon be competing at a higher level.

With everything seemingly in his favour for the four-runner SIS+ Beginners’ Chase, expect Williams’ charge to emphatically make up for lost time.

Salden Licht is an intriguing runner in the Book Online At plumptonracecourse.co.uk Novices’ Hurdle.

Alan King’s six-year-old excelled on his hurdling debut at Newbury and can rubberstamp his Cheltenham credentials with another big show in this two-mile showdown.

A good card is in the offing at Fakenham, where Cut The Lugsreilly has a good chance in the Hannah Hunter 17 Today Maiden Hurdle.