Embedded Files
April 29th
Punchestown (Going; Yielding)
Channor Group Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f190y
A big field of fourteen and it's a trappy affair. Apart from a poor run at Christmas The Passing Wife has pretty strong form over Hurdles at 2m with the likes of Koktail Brut and Thedeviluno but didn't break his Maiden tag until here in January when he cruised home over 2m3f from the odds on Doctor Du Mesnil. He stepprd up to 3m at Cheltenham in the Albert Bartlett and having had a slight lead over the last from Fruit De Mer he was collared inside the final furlong by Johnny's Jury and lost second on the post to Fruit De Mer. He has had plenty of racing experience having run in six Bumpers winning three and seems to go on any ground. Doctor Steinberg, who wears a first time hood, pulled up in the Albert Bartlett having run too freely early on but had won his previous three starts with the form working out well. That was a good run by Fruit De Mer who was having only his fourth run under rules so there could be more improvement to come. Zanoosh comes here and has three entries later in the week. She completed the five timer when winning the Grade 1 Mares Hurdle in Fairyhouse at Easter. Expresso Milano looks to be second choice of the Mullins team with Danny in the saddle. He was well behind in the Albert Bartlett having won his only other two starts over hurdles. The dam is a half sister to Bob Olinger. Spinningayarn is the mount of Jack Kennedy. He was 10l back in fifth in the Albert Bartlett but had won two of his three starts this season. Harry Derham sends over Le Frimeur who has won both starts under rules and won his only point. This is a big step up in Grade for J J Slevin's mount. Love Me Tender won his first two Hurdle races on Good To Yielding but could only finish third in both Grade 1's he contested amd then was a well beaten fourth over 2m4f at Fairyhouse. He steps up to 3m for the first time. I Started A Joke finished just in from of Love Me Tender and 3l behind Generous Risk at Fairyhouse and has a bit to find with some of these. Kazansky pulled up in the Albert Bartlett but had finished an 8l second to Doctor Steinberg at the DRF with Frankie John 27l behind the winner. There's no hill to come up here to the finish so I think The Passing Wife might be suited by this and gets the nod.
Selection; The Passing Wife
Best Alternative; Doctor Steinberg
Champion I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 1) 2m132y
Champion Bumper winner Mourne Rambler heads the ten runner field for this. That was only his second run under rules and he won the first in Leopardstown at Christmas. Boycetown was 3l back in fourth at Cheltenham having having won his previous start in Down Royal at Christmas. Dromard has won his only start when cruising home by 21l in Gowran last month. The Wager was over 4l back in seventh at Cheltenham with Love Sign d'Aunou 17l behind the winner. Both had won their previous starts the latter by 24l in Naas on Heavy ground over 2m2f. Most of the rest have to find a bit more with Mourne Rambler. The more forgiving ground here compared to the quick Cheltenham surface might bring a few closer as most of them have won on Yielding so Market moves should be noted. Dromard has had just one run on Heavy and while Doctor Dino's geberally like good ground Mourne Rambler is the preferred choice.
Selection; Mourne Rambler
Best Alternative; Boycetown
Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m213y
Just five runners but it should be a cracking contest. Gold Cup winner Gaelic Warrior got the better of Fact To File by a neck here in the John Durkan back in November but the positions were reversed at the DRF with Fact To File winning by 5l. There is a school of thought that Gaelic Warrior doesn't like Leopardstown but he has run well there in the past. Fact to File missed Cheltenham and might come here the fresher horse. Last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Inothewayurthinkin came back to a bit of Form at Cheltenhma this year when 10l back in third in the Gold Cup. He had looked a pale shadow of last year's hero in three prior runs this season. Grangeclare West unseated at the first in the Grand National and has been well beaten by the top two this season. Champ Kiely won at this meeting last year but was 28l behind Fact To File at the DRF while this might come to quick after his eight place in the Antree National and is probably here to pick up valuable place money in the Mullins attempt to overhaul Godon Elliott in the trainers Champiomship. I'll go with Fact To File.
Selection; Fact To File
Best Alternative; Gaelic Warrior
April 28th
Punchestown (Going; Yielding)
Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m132y
Nine are due to go to post for this and the line up doesn't disappoint. The question is who can maintain their form to this point in the season. El Cairos fell with the race at his mercy at Christmas and then had a morale boosting win at Thurles albeit making another mistake at the last. He took a keen hold at Cheltenham and having jumped the second last in about fourth he found no extra up the hill to finish 9l behind the winner. He did finish second in a Bumper here last year so he acts on the course and is the pick of Jack Kennedy. Skylight Hustle wears a first time hood as he drops back in trip having weakened quickly before falling three out in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham. He's won his two starts prior to that including the Grade 1 in Leopradstown at Christmas, both on Yielding ground. Le Labo unseated and fell on his two starts before beating Blake a neck at Naas in a Grade 3 last month. That was a good run as the runner up had won at Down Royal and was beaten a head by Koktail Brut in the Royal Bond. The latter had a few poor runs after that but was impressive in Fairyhouse at Easter when winning the Grade 2 albeit he was helped by Blake falling at the last. Eachtotheirown has plenty to find on Royal Bond and Supreme Hurdle form but wears a first time hood having been very keen in what was a slow run race at Cheltenham. Sober completed a hat trick before finishing down the field in the Supreme but Paul Townend picks him over the other two Mullins runners Too Bossy For Us and Free Spirit. I'll give El Cairos another chance.
Selection; El Cairos
Best Alternative; Sober
Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) 3m213y
Shortly after declaration time Kitzbuhel was 4/5fav for this with 7/1 and bigger the rest. he's been easing a bit since as the market corrects itself. Kitzbuhel had won his first two Chase starts before unseating at Sandown in the Scilly Isles where he jumped righ at a number of fences. He made amends in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham where he beat his more fancied Stablemate Final Demand by three parts of s length with Oscars Brother over 5l behind the winner. The latter had won his previous two starts including the Florida Pearl over course and distance where he beat Koktail Divin 3l Predators Gold won on chase debut at Navan last December before going down by over 4l to Kappa Jy Pyke in a Grade 3 Novice around here in January. His next run was in the Gold Cup at Fairyhouse where he was making smooth headway three out and was challenging when falling two out. The race was won by Fleur In The Park by almost 3l from Kappa Jy Pyke. Western Fold won the Galway Plate and PWC at Gowran. But having ran two solid races when placed in Grade 1's he was 30l behind in the Brown Advisory and unseated at Fairyhouse. July Flower has been a bit disappointing in her last two runs but gets a Mares Allowance. Spanish Harlem has pulled up in three of his last four starts and unseated in the other having won his two starts prior to that. Kitzbuhel has the form and is the selection.
Selection; Kitzbuhel
Best Alternative; Fleur In The Park (each way)
Champion Chase (Grade 1) 2m98y
A small but select field of five and can Marine Nationale get back to winning ways. He won his last year but this season has been a bit stop start gettin in just the two runs. He was second to Solness at Christmas and a 19l second to Majborough who showed what he was capable of when things go right. Marine Nationale then suffered a setback and missed Cheltenham while Majbourough reverted to his poor jumping and could only finish seventh, over 25l behind winner Il Etait Temps in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The latter had completed a five timer in the Tingle Creek but fell two out in the Clarence House. He was beaten 9l by Marine Nationale in the Supreme three years ago though whether that has any relevance remains to be seen. Energumene beat Blood Destiny 6l in the Grade 2 in Fairyhouse at Easter but was 44l behind Majborough at the DRF. With just two run sthis season Marine Nationale should come here a fresh horse and with first time cheek pieces might be aable to see off the opposition.
Selection; Marine Nationale
Best Alternative; Il Etait Temps
April 25th
Sandown (Going; Good)
Oaksey Chase (Grade 2) 2m6f164y
Seeven runners and an open contest. Blow Your Wad is the highest rated and has 7lb and more in hand on his rivals. He's well bred and is out of a half sister to Faugheen. Since moving from Tom Lacey to the Moores last Janaury he's won one of his our starts and gone up 6lb in the Ratings. He's had two wind ops and runs in a tongue ti and cheekpieces and has won five and been placed eight times in twenty two starts. Doyen Quest will appreciated the good ground. He was a long way behind Gold Dancer at Aintree 0n Good to Soft but that was his first start since January and he should come on for the run. Matterhorn pulled up at Ascot in December on his first start since May and didn't reappear until Plumpton earlier this month where he ran a big race over a trip probably short of his optimum when going down by 2l in a valuable handicap chase. Etalon was taken out of a race at Perth during he week and looks the Skelton's second choice as he would probably prefer a bit of ease in the ground. Mahon's Glory likes to be prominent but Tom Hughes and the Hold My Beer Syndicate will probably have to aim their sights lower. Matterhorn has only had the two starts this season and might have a bit more improvement in him stepping back up in trip.
Selection; Matterhorn
Best Alternative; Doyens Quest
Celebration Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f99y
Jonbon didn't run at Aintree with this in mind. He was well beaten at Cheltenham in the Ryanair but it's possible that two hard races at Ascot in January and February left a mark. In January he beat Thistle Ask by 3l and then in February Pic d'Orhy by over 1l with Blow Your Wad and Edwardstone over 14l further back in third and fourth. As usual Nicky Henderson is bullish about his chances and as winner of this in '23 and '24 and never having been out of the first two in his career he has to be respected. Thistle Ask won his final start for James Ewart in February last year and was then transferred to the Skelton's and was then moved to the Skeltons after Ewarts retirement. He won his first four starts for them impressively rising 43lb in the Ratings before the Jonbon defeat. He likes to gom off in front and it will be interesting to see if he's taken on by Solness. The latter was beaten a Neck by Grey Dawning over 2m4f at Aintree having disappointed on the Soft ground at the DRF. Prior to that he had beaten Marine Nationale over 2m1f at Christmas having led from the second fence. JPR One was behind Jonbon and Solness at Cheltenham and Aintree and it's hardc to see past the top three. It's possible that Thistle Act and Solness could take each other on and set it up for Jonbon so I'll take a chance with our old favourite to regain his crown.
Selection; Jonbon
Best Alternative; Solness
Select Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m5f110
Kabral Du Mathan didn't stay the 3m in the Stayers at Cheltenham fading up the hill from the last to end up almost 6l behind Home By The Lee. It's interesting that they're giving him another run rather than put him away until he goes chasing next year. He's been impressive in his two other starts this season winning both, the second one beating Jingko Blue by over 5l in ther Relkeel at Cheltenham in January with Lucky Place over 7l back in third. The latter was beaten 19l by Home By The Lee at Aintree. He got a 9lb rise in the ratings for a 6l win in the 2m5f premier Handicap Hutrdle at Cheltenham last month. He gets 2lb from Kabral Du Mathan. Altobelli has plenty to do on ratings but will appreciate the Good ground while French Ship has disappointed since winning twice last Autumn. It's interesting that the Hobbs team are running him here. It's interesting to see Rubaud step back up to this trip. He won ove r the extended 2m4f at Kempton in February last year. On his penultimate start he was just over 1l back in second to Alexei over 1m7f on Heavy at Wincanton. Considering the ground was against him and the winner's subsequent run in the Champion Hurdle it was a good run. He went back over fences in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham but was pulled up. It's Kabral Du Mathan for me.
Selection; Kabral Du Mathan
Best Alternative; Jingko Blue
April 18th
Ayr (Going; Soft, Good To Soft in Places)
Scottish Champion Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m
Tutti Quanti won the Premier Handicap Hurdle at Newbury on Heavy ground in February by 15l carrying 12st and the handicapper responded accordingly, rising him 13lb in the weights. He was next 20l back in the Champion Hurdle and has to concede 16lb and more to his rivals here. Tellherthename is favourite for the Skelton's. He's had just two starts this season finishing 2l behind Push The Button in October and over 7l behind Wilful, who was conceding 11lb to him, in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. He won three of six starts for Ben Pauling, no luck in four for the O'Neill's before moving to the Skelton's before Cheltenham. He wears a first time hood. Captain Hugo has had seven lifetime starts winning four and been placed twice. On his latest start he beat Serious Challenge in Kelso's valuable hurdle race last February. His only run on Soft was when second of three, beatn 4l, to Taurus Bay at Aintree early December. All In You pulled up behind Tutti Quanti in the Newbury race and hasn't run since. Prior to that he beat Dance And Glance over 1i on Good ground at Sandown having been a head back in second to him at the same weights on Soft at Ascot where he was given a lot to do and a mistake at the last didn't help. Gibbs Island won on Good ground at Chepstow in October but in four runs since, three on soft and 0ne on Good To Soft, he's finished down the field. But that has brought him back down to a mark just 1lb above his Chepstow winning mark. Ooh Betty was 7l back in the County hurdle having beaten La Conquiere in the Grade 2 Warefield Mares at Ascot in January. She'll appreciate the ease in the ground but has had a number of wind surgeries. Queenie St Clair won once in 26 starts in Ireland. That win came for Noel Meade back in October 2023. She had seventeen unsuccessful starts for two trainers after that before moving to Nick Scholfield last December. She's won three of her five starts since but this is a big step up. She's in off a nice weight and has the assistance of the Champion jockey. Secret Squirrel was a decent Novice. He has won his two Bumpers and won three and placed in four of his eleven hurdle starts. He fell in a Grade 3 at Newbury in February last year and was off the course until February of this year when he was beaten just over 8l in to third by Alexei in the Kingwell at Wincanton on Heavy ground. He then went to Cheltenham but may have been a victim of the "Bounce" (where a horse runs well after a long lay off and then poorly next time). His best form has come on soft. Alexei did that Wincanton form no harm finishing almost four lengths back in fourth in the Champion Hurdle. On a flat track like here and on soft ground I think Secret Squirrel is a bit of each way value as I'm prepared to forgive him his last run. In a wide open race he's an each way selection.
Selection; Secret Squirrel (half point each way 14/1 Bet 365 and others)
Best Alternative; Tellherthename
April 11th
Aintree (Going; Good To Soft)
Maghull Novices' Chase (Grade 1)m1m7f176y
Eight go to post for this. Salvatore Mundi was a bit of a talking horse when he came from France to Willie Mullins. The trainer started him off in the Triumph and he finished down the field. He won his next start by a wide distance in May and didn't reappear until January and won the Moscow Flyer, He disappointed at Cheltenham but made amends beating Romeo Coolio at Aintree. He's had three goes over fences finishing second , beaten just over 1l, to Kappa Jy Pyke who has put in two decent performances since. No match for Romeo Coolio at Christmas he beat fishery Lane 28L at Thurles last February. Connections paid €420k for Mighty Bandit at the Caldwell dispersal sale. He's had a few wind ops since and connection concentrated on the Flat giving him thirteen runs before going chasing and he's repaid them winning three of his four starts and second to Mambonumberfive in the first. In the latest he beat Queens Ganble by 17l earning a rating of 152. Kala Conti was taken out of the Willow Warm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse last Sunday. She's two from three over fences and beat Kargese by 16l in a Mare's Novice at Cork last December. She was then beaten by Sixmilebridge in the Scilly Isles with Jack Kennedy blaming the ground. She's had a break since then. No Questions Asked was very disappointing at Cheltenham and has the cheek pieces applied here. He beat Be Aware 1l of level weights the run befor Cheltenham and was just 2l back in second behind Wendigo in the John Francome at Newbury back in November. He's only been out of the places three times in thirteen runs and two of those were at Cheltenham. He was 6th beaten 6l here in the Bumper two years ago. He could appeal as an each way bet. Be Aware is fitted with a tongue tie after also disappointing at Cheltenham. He has a lot of seconds beside his name and ran poorly here in the Handicap hurdle last year. The rest are all big prices and look to have plenty to do. I'm going to take a chance with Kala Conti.
Selection; Kala Conti
Best Alternative; Salvator Mundi
Mersey Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f
Thirteen go to post and it's a tricky enough race to pick a winner. Bossman Jack was just over 4l back in sixth to King Rasko Grey at Cheltenham with Ballyfad a further 3l back in tenth and Soldier Reeves was fourth beaten just over 3l. A couple of things to take out of that race. Soldier Reeves was last jumping the second last. He still had about ten in front of him jumping the last which he bunny hopped but he powerd up the hill making up about 10l and nicked fourth on the post. Bossman Jack raced wide throughout. He was closing on the leaders, about 2l down approaching the last but ploughed through it going down on his knees. To his credit he was getting back at them. Ballyfad got kicked at the start. He raced prominently and was fourth jumping the second last but couldn't quicken with the leaders and got oased by a few up the run in. Montemares was fourth in the Chalow to No Drama This End having won a maiden and a novice before that. He took a keen hold in the Challow and was disputing second two out but weakened on the run in. He got back in the winners circle at Kelso in a valuable Grade 2 hurdle. The runner up who was beaten over 6l had been beaten 7l by Mydaddypaddy who in turn was beaten over 1l into third in the Supreme. Lord Byron was just over 3l back in fifth in the Triumph but in the run prior to that was beaten over 17l back in fourth to Montemares over 2m2f in the Grade 2 at Kelso. He gets a 10lb allowance form the older Geldings and connections like a punt. Scorpio Rising takes a big step up in Grade but has won his last four and with the Champion jockey on board for Olly Murphy who has his string in great form he can't be discounted. Rooster Crowing travels over from France. On his last start he was beaten almost 3l into third by Leader Sport who has won five of his seven starts and Losange Bleu one of the best National Hunt horses in France winning thirteen and placed 8 times in twenty three starts. Other than that though his form is patchy. Charisma Cat has won twice and placed second three times in all five hurdle starts. She is also three wins and a second from five Bumper runs the only poor run coming in the Mares Garde 2 Bumper here last year.
Selection; Bossman Jack
Best Alternative; Ballyfad
Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m149y
Eleven go to post for this and last year's Mersey Hurdle winner Honesty Policy takes on the first two in last year's running of this, Hiddenvalley Lake and Strong Leader. After last year's win Honesty Policy was stepped up to 3m at the Punchestown Festival and was beaten half a length by Jasmin De Vaux. He's had two runs this season, over 1l back in third run the Long Walk behind Impose Toi and with Strong Leader a neck in front of him in second. He took a strong hold in the Stayers at Cheltenham and weakened going to the last to finish 7l back in fifth. Strong Leader has had a wind op since finishing last of the six runners in the Cleeve at Cheltenham last January and wears first time tongue tie to go with the cheek pieces he's had on his last three starts. He got the season off to a good start winning the Grade 2 at Wetherby before finishing second to impose Toi twice and should come here a fresh horse having swerved the Festival. Hiddenvalley Lake disappointed at Punchestown after winning here last year and didn't reappear until February where he was 43l behind Staffordshire Knot on Heavy ground in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan. He had two runs prior to last year's win and I would expect he'll improve for the better ground. Jingko Blue reverted to Hurdles this season and on his second start finished runner up to Kasbral Du Mathan in the Relkeel although he was over 5l back. He then stepped up to 3m at Cheltenham for the Handicap Hurdle and made nearly all to win by 6l. Home By The Lee was well beaten at Christmas but bounced back with two wins in the Galmoy and the Stayers at Cheltenham. Impose Toi pulled up in the Stayers at Cheltenham with connections unable to offer an explanation. Air Of Entitlement won the Martin Pipe and steps up in trip for the first time but his dam is a half sister to Rogue Angel winner of the Irish National.
Selection; Strong Leader
Best Alternative; Impose Toi
Weatherby's Bumper (Grade 2) 2m209y
A maximum firld of twenty and like the Mares race little form to go on for a lot of them. Bass Hunter cost €145k as a store and was bought privately after winning his Point at the third attempt. He won his first Bumper unchallenged by 8l with the next three finishers all winning next time. In the second Bumper run the made all and it waas only in the final furlong that the rest of the field made any impression and he was never asked a serious question by his jockey Freddie Gordon. He then went to Cheltenham where he led and was headed over one furlong out but kept on the to finish about 3l behind the winner. Look Me was unfancied when second to I'm Slippy in the Sales race at Fairyhouse at Easter last year. Like a lot of the Double Green Team he was trained early on by Stewart Crawford and after this he transferred to Willie Mullins. He reappeared at Fairyhouse last February and ran out a comfortable 5l winner of a four runner Bumper on Heavy ground. The Perfect Poet has won his only start and is one of four for Trainer Ben Pauling. One Knight has had two runs for Emma Lavelle sinc been moved from a previous Trainer for whom he ran once and disappointed. However he looks a nice sort having won both starts for his new trainer. Having won comfortably in December 2024 he didn't reappear until last month when he had another easy win at Hereford. He didn't beat a whole lot on his first win and the fact that he went off at odds on for his latest suggests that connections think he's pretty useful. Rices Pool was beaten 1l on his only Point start and was sent off favourite to win his only start for Ben Pauling with a bit in hand. Stable jockey Ben Jones takes the mount on this half brother to multiple winners including Slate House. Ronnie Russet has improved with each of his runs and has won his second and third starts, the latest by 11l. That was at Newcastle in January on Good To Soft and he's had a break since then. Risky Obsession was beaten a long way in a Listed race at Nebury in February on Heavy ground. He had won his other Bumper start on Good to Soft at Windsor and his only Point on Good to Yielding. In the Windsor race he beat the Evens Favourite Smile John Boy.
Selection; Risky Obsession (Half Point each way 14/1 William Hill)
Best Alternative; Look Me
April 10th
Aintree (Going; Good To Soft)
Mildmay Novices Chase (Grade 1) 3m210y
Just the eight runners and it's an open race. There's been a bit of flip flopping in the early betting and at the moment Salver is favourite at 7/2. He was 3l back in third behind Kitzbuhel in the Brown Advisory having had plenty to do three out. He had been fourth, over 5l behind Kitzbuhel in the Kautu Star where Wendigo was third beaten almost 4l. Either side of the Kempton run Salver had beaten Doyen Quest. Wendigo went to Ayr after Kempton where he was a comfortable 22l winner but fell at Cheltenham when 6l down at the last. Gold Dancer was second in the Novice Handicap Chase at Cheltenham giving 6lb to the winner Meetmebythesea. That was over an extended 2m4f. Prior to that he had been 13l behind Oscars Brother in the 3m Ten Up at Navan on heavy ground. That was his only start over the trip in thirteen runs. Miami Magic beat Regent's Stroll by 4l when receiving 5lb at Cheltenham last January and next time was 7l back in third behind Sixmilebridge and Kala Conti in the Scilly Isles at Sandown before having an easy win in a Novices Chase at Newbury. Regent's Stroll had beaten Jeriko Du Reponet at Wincanton in a match before that January defeat to Miami Magic and was 7l back in third in the Novices Handicap at Cheltenham. All those runs were at 2m4f and connections believe he's been crying out to step up in trip. Jordans Cross looks held on his run in the Novicess Handicap at Cheltenham but he did win three of four starts prior to that including at 2m around Aintree. The belief is that this track will suit Wendigo better than Kempton or Cheltenham and I'll give him another chance here.
Selection; Wendigo
Best Alternative; Salver
Top Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m103y
Just six go to post and Sober Glory is an odds on chance in a race where he has 10lb and more in hand with his rivals on ratings. He was beaten over 1l in the Supreme by Old Park Star. He was going best of all turning in and led at the last wher he ploughed through it losing momentum. He then got a bump from Mypaddydaddy and hit the rail before rallying. He had Baron Noir 6l back in fourth and despite been beaten over 2l by the latter in a Bumper he is now rated 10lb higher than him. Baron Noir had won a classy Bumper at the Punchestown Festival last May with plenty of good winners in behind. Sinnatra wears a first time hood. He's had six hurdle starts winning twice and been placed three times. On his second hurdles start he was almost three lengths back in second to Act Of innocence over 2m but was almost 9l behind hin when stepped up to 2m3f. The latter is now rated 148. Sinnatra was beaten 6l into fifth in the Fred Winter. Staring Fifteen is the only Irish starter. On his hurdles debut he was beaten 1l by Talk The Talk at Limerick, won his next start at the same track but was 10l back in seventh to Talk TheTalk at the DRF. It has to be Sober Glory for me
Selection; Sober Glory
Best Alternative; Baron Noir
Melling Chase (Grade 1) 2m3f200y
Seven go to post headed by Ryanair winner Heart Wood. He was an emphatic 10l winner from Jonbon at Cheltenham and it may be significant that Henderson has declined to run Jonbon, who won the last two running's of this, instead sending him to Sandown in a fortnight for the Grade 1 Celebration Chase. Heart Wood warmed up for Cheltenham by winning at Tramore on New Year's Day over 2m7f in the Grade 3. Grey Dawning wears first time cheek pieces following a disappointing run at Cheltenham where he was over 16l back in the Gold Cup. He's had seven starts, all at 3m or further, since finishing third to Il Etait temps in the Manifesto over 2m4f here last year. Gidleigh Park hasn't been seen in Public since pulling up behind Jonbon at Ascot in January where he jumped poorly and ran flat according to his jockey. He did have an issue with Atrial Fibrilation whenpulling up at Kempton in November 2024 but returned with a win the following January at Windsor. He was beaten just over 1l in the Manifesto by Impaire Est Passe in last year's Manifesto at this meeting. L'Eau du Sud was beaten over 5l into third in the Maghull last year but got off to a winning start thiss eason beating Jonbon at Cheltenham on Soft. He's been well beaten on his other two starts by 18l and 12l on Good To Soft and I think he's need the ground to come up soft for him to b at his best. JPR One has 16l to find on his run in the Ryanair and if we ignore the run of Solness at the DRF he had a great run behind Marine Nationale, beaten half a length, at Christmas and it seems to me that his best runs in the last two years are on no worse than Yielding. Saint Segal has some good form in Grade 2's but needs to step up again to figure here having pulled Up at Cheltenham. Heart Wood for me.
Selection; Heart Wood
Best Alternative; Gidleigh Park
Sefton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m149y
A field of thirteen but a spread of 23lb in the ratings among them so we can probably narrow it down to a handful. Albert Bartlet winner Johnny's Jury heads the field having completed a hat trick at the Festival. He made a lot of headway from the back of the field and still had a lot to do jumping the last. Mondoui'boy, who finished fourth, raced prominently and having led approaching the last weakened inside the last 100 yards. The flat track here might help. He had won his two starts before that the second at Ascot with the second and third winning since. No Drama This End was a victim of the shambolic start at Cheltenham and Harry Cobden wisely pulled him up. He got jocked off here and Sam Twiston-Davies gets theleg up as , according to Paul Nicholls he'll be riding him next year. The trainer also said that he'd like more rain for him which seems strange as he won the Challow on good ground. Zeus Power was third to King Rasko, beaten just over 3l, in the Turners. He's won his two starts before that both over 2m and it's intersting he steps up to 3m here. Dalston Lad has won his last three, the last two at Haydock over this trip on Good To Soft. Talk To The Man has Harry Cobden up and won his two hurdle starts to date. The last was over 2m4f and although he won his Point over 3m this is his first attempt under rules. Kripticjim was 13l behind in the Albert Bartlett, his first start over the trip. He'd won his previous three over 2m4f but has plenty to find on ratings. The flatter track might help Mondoui'boy and he gets the selection.
Selection; Mondoui'boy
Best Alternative; Zeus Power
April 9th
Aintree (Going; Good To Soft)
Anniversary 4yo Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m209y
Ten runners for this and the second , third and fourth from the Triumph in Cheltenham re-oppose and head the market. Selma De Vary may have been unlucky at Cheltenham as Paul Townend attempt to go for a gap he was entitled to Harry Skelton on moved to his right as Townend got to his girths forcing Townend to pull his mount back and switch inside losing over 1l and a bit of momentum. Prior to Cheltenham Selma De Vary had been runner up, beaten over 4l, to Narcisco Has with Mange Tout over 1l further back in third. Selma De Vary had three hurdle runs in France winning the third. She wore a hood and tongue tie in all three but the tie was not used in her two runs for Mullins. It's re applied here. Maestro Conti had won all three starts prior to Cheltenham, the best coming in the Finesse where he had One Horse Town and Lord Byron behind. Minella Study looked like he didn't stay up the hill as well as some of the others as he was over 1l up on the second and third half way up the hill from the last. A return to a flat track and a sounder surface should be an advantage. Mange Tout won her only start in France by 15l. She won on her Irish Debut at Down Royal in November and then beat Narcisco Has by almost 3l in the Grade 3e Juvenile at Fairyhouse at the end of November. She didn't run again until the DRF where the runner up overturned the form leaving her 6l back in third. This is her first start since then. Winston Junior was beaten over 6l by Minella Study at Cheltenham in December and won next time at Ascot. He then went to the Fred Winter where he was just over 2l back in second to Saratoga. It's 40/1 and better the rest. I think Selma De Vary was a shade unlucky at Cheltenham and this smaller field will help.
Selection; Selma De Vary
Best Alternative; Winston Junior
Manifesto Novices Chase (Grade 1) 2m4f
Lulamba is short odds on to collect here. He won four on the bounce before Cheltenham but connections were forced to run him in the 2m Arkle with 2m4f Novice removed from the programme. He was still there going to the second last but a bad mistake cost him and he could never pull back the couple of lengths he lost. The step up in trip will help. Koktail Divin put up an impressive performance winning a beginners at leopradstown over 2m5f at Christmas but seemed to find the 3m1f of the Brown Advisory to far, fading from the back of the second last. The drop back in trip should help but he needs to find improvement on ratings. Jax Junior was 18l behind Lulamba in the Arkle. It's hard to see him winning this unless misfortune befalls the favourite but he should be suited by the track and step up in trip. Mambonumberfive found the Heavy going at Warwick against him last time and has had a break since. He had won his three chase starts this season prIor to Warwick. However he was well beaten in the Juvenile Hurdle around here last year. Blueking d'Oroux has dropped down the ratings over fences and has a bit to find. It's hard to oppose Lulamba who has 12lb and more in hand on ratings.
Selection; Lulamba;
Best Alternative; Koktail Divin
Bowl Chase (Grade 1) 3m1f
Just five go to post for this and hopefully there will be enough juice in the ground come post time for connections to allow Spillane's Tower face the starter. Jango Baie is a bit uneasy in the betting as I write. He was beaten just over 1l in the Manifesto her last year but resumed in November beating Gidleigh Park and Pic D'Orhy in the 1965 Chase at Ascot. He then finished a half length fourth in a great finish to the King George before going to Cheltenham where he was an 8l second to Gaelic Warrior in the Gold Cup. Impaire Et Passe was brought down at the Punchestown Festival and didn't reappear until last February when he won the Red Mills at Gowran by just over 1l comfortably. He then went to Cheltenham where he was never travelling and was pulled up after five out. The Vets could find nothing wrong. Trying to get a run into Spillane's Tower has proven problematic with ground conditions not in his favour. He finished down the field in a Hurdle race at Naas in November and then finished almost 9l behind El Fabiolo in third in a hurdle race at Punchestown the end of December. He finally got his chance over fences and took it beating L'Homme Press. Protektorat was 1/12fav when winning at Kelso last time having won at Windsor, his first run back after his fifth wind op. He was well placed by the Skeltons to avail of the conditions of those races where he received weight from lower rated opponents. He was beaten just over 3l by Jonbon in the Melling last year. He's 11yo now and his opponents are only coming to their peak. Pic d'Orhy has only had one start at 3m out of thirty seven races and that was when beaten1l by Djelo in the Charlie Hall last December. Impaire Et Passe likes Aintree and can add a third course win here.
Selection; Impaire Et Passe
Best Alternative; Spillane's Tower
Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f
Just seven go to post for this and it is likely to turn into a match between Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion, second and third respectively to Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle. Brighterdaysahead won the Mersey over course and distance two years ago and I can forgive her the poor runs at thye back end of last season. She seems to go on most ground and gets the 7lb Mare's Allowance. Many people have said that The New Lion is not a 2m horse. He won all four of his Novice starts in and around 2m4f. It probably happened a bit too quick for him when he fell in the Fighting Fifth and he benefitted from Sir Gino pulling up in The International. El Fabiolo was 21l behind Brighterdaysahead at the DRF but his two wins since returning to hurdles have come at 2m3f. He is now a 9yo but only had four runs over hurdles before going chasing where he reached a high of 175. Alexei is a progressive sort. He was still there going to the last in the Champion Hurdle but made a howler of a mistake going down on his hind quarters and ultimately finished over 9l behind Lossiemouth but more importantly over 2l back from The New Lion in fourth. He did win over 2m3f but not at this level. Golden Ace was a quarter of a length behind Alexei at Cheltenham and was probably a fortunate winner of the Fighting Fifth. Potters Charm has won his last two, the latest at Fontwell last February. He was beaten 18l by The New Lion at Cheltenham last year and had a wind op afterwards. He's a course winner over 2m1f and could go well here. Lucky Place hasn't won in six starts since winning the Relkeel at Cheltenham in January last year. There's nothing between Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion the Mare has the course and distance form and with the 7lb allowance shades it.
Selection; Brighterdaysahead
Best Alternative; The New Lion
Nickle Coin Mares Open Bumper (Grade 2) 2m209y
A maximum field of twenty and with not a lot of form to go on with some of them it's probably a race not to get involved with for Betting. However it is worth watching back as quite a few winners have come out previous running's. Princess Day has won her two Bumpers starts to go with her win in her only Point. She was very impressive on her latest win at Newbury only having to be pushed out for a 5l win over the runner up, Fairy Park, who had travelled strongly to the furlong pole. Nan's Choice changed hands for a big sum after winning her Bumper at the second attempt. She got home by an easy 5l from the odds on Favourite. Now with the Skeltons she could have any amount of improvement in her. Ti'mamzel has won two of her three Bumpers including winning the Listed race at Sandown on her latest start where she beat numerous previous winners. It's fair to say that Burds Of A Feather can be a bit of a handful. In four Point To Point starts she Unseated, Fell and Ran Out before winning by 11l at Dromahane. She won her only Bumper by 19l at Warwick but had to be withdrawn next time from a Listed race in Sandown having bolted before the start. She obviously has potential and if starts will make it a strong pace but she comes with a health warning. Emerald Quest is a half sister to the prolific winner Sole Pretender. She won her Bumper at the second attempt, hosing home by 15l back in January with the runner up subsequently beaten 31l by Princess Day. Fairy Park could improve for that run behind Princess Day as it was her first start in eleven Months after her Point win in Dromahane and she ran quite freely. Lennon Grove is 4lb better off with Ti'mamzel for finishing almost 9l back in third in the Sandown Listed Mares. She's been improving through her four Bumper starts. Kiltybo represent the connection who sold Nan's Girl to the Skeltons. Well beaten by Lennon Grove on rules debut she has won her next two starts, both on Soft/Heavy. The runner up in her last win was ebaten a long way at Fairyhouse last Monday. Tiktok Casey won on Soft /Heavy in Naas before a good effort at the DRF where she was over 1l back in third to Monverrin who was subsequently over 10l behind the winner at Cheltenham. Alan King has a couple in the race, Martini Majesty and Seven Stars. The latter is related to a couple of Mares who were placed in this and to numerous winners for the stable and the trainer has won three of the twenty runnings of the race. Princess Day had the advantage of a run when beating Fairy Park at Chepstow and I can see the latter coming forward for that run. At 12/1 she looks a value each way bet and is the selection'
Selection; Fairy Park (each way 12/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes four places)
Best Alternative; Princess Day
April 6th
Fairyhouse (Yielding To Soft)
O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m
Ten runners, five of them from Team Mullins and he has the first four in the betting. Majolique has had just the two lifetime starts winning a Fillies race at Longchamp last May and a Listed Hurdle at Naas in February where Michonne was 4l back in second and Adrienne a further 4l back in third. Proactif went off favourite for the Triumph Hurdle but faded to finish 13l behind the winner. Whether it was that he was in among other horses having raced prominently on his other two starts it's hard to know as connections could offer no explanation for his poor form shown and the vet found nothing wrong. He had beaten the winner by 6l in France. At Fairyhouse in January he beat Stablemate Macho Man comfortably by almost 3l and the latter pulled up after a terrible mistake at the fourth in the Triumph. Moulin Labbe was beaten 21l by Kai Lung at Naas in January but was much better at Navan in February winning by 13l. North Shore was a useful Flat horse in France winning once and been placed in his other three starts. He earned a rating of 42kgs (about 93lb). He's been highly tried over Hurdles but has finished 11l behind Narcisco Has twice before finishing 22l behind the winner in the Triumph. Harwa was well beaten in the Fred Winter having won his Maiden by over 8l. Minella Boss has improved with every run over hurdles but needs a lot more here. Although she doesn't have the experience of some of these the fact that Wilie Mullins started Mojolique off in a Listed Hurdle suggests that they think a lot of her and having swerved Cheltenham she gets the nod here.
Selection; Majolique
Best Alternative; Macho Man
Rathbarry and Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2)
Ten go to post for this and it looks an open enough race. When Kawaboomga finished second to Kopek Des Bordes in December 2024 he looked a nice prospect. He confirmed that when winning his Maiden at Fairyhouse next time with subsequent winners William Munny, Koktail Divin and Zanoosh filling the next three places. He wasn't seen again for over twelve months until last February when he was fourth beaten just over 3l by Storm Heart. The latter is 3lb worse off here and was over 10l back in third behind Jingko Blue, who was in receipt of 7lb, at Cheltenham. The Yellow Clay was making headway but stumbled and fell three out at Cheltenham and prior to that the 3m might have stretched his stamina in Leopardstown at Christmas where he was 33l behind Teahupoo. Glen Kiln had an impossible task conceding 4lb to El fabiolo on his penultimate start but saw off Karbou in a Grade 3 at Naas in January his last start. Slade Steel reverts to Hurdles after six unsuccessful runs over Fences. He was runner up in four of them to the likes of Lecky Watson and Predator's Gold and Cheek Pieces are applied for the first time to go with his tongue tie. Bowensonfire won at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting and the DRF but was unable to concede the weight in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham finishing almost 9l back in thirteenth with just 4l covering from the fourth finisher down to Bowensonfire. Blizzard Of Oz won at Thurles last month beating Timeless Treaty by just over 1l. Farren Glory pulled up two out in Cheltenham while Brewin'upastorm, the 2024 winner, returns at 13yo to have another go having ran Potters Charm to 2l at Fontwell in February. Although I'm afraid of the dreaded bounce back affecting Kawaboomga the fact that he missed Cheltenham is a plus and he gets the selection here.
Selection; Kawaboomga
Best Alternative; Glen Kiln (Each Way)
Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f
Just six go to post for this Valuable prize. Found A Fifty has been a great servant for connections. He got this season underway with a 6l fourth to Envoi Allen in the Gold Cup at Down Royal. He improved next time to beat Dinoblue in the Fortria and then he beat Majborough and Energumene in the Hilly Way. However he was well beaten at Leopardstown at Christmas and a head behind Marine Nationale who was 19l behind the winner Majborough at the DRF where he had Energumene 25l behind him in fourth. He disappointed in the Webster Cup where he was found to be blowing hard afterwards and was quickly turned out at Cheltenham eleven days later where he was never travelling and after jumping badly right at the sixth Jack Kennedy pulled him up. Energumene is now 12yo and hasn't won in five starts since winning the Hilly Way in 2024. Saint Sam was second to Found A Fifty in this race last year, beaten three parts of a length, with Blood Destiny another 6l back in third. Saint Sam has had two runs since, Pulling up in Huntingdon on Soft ground and finishing over 15l back in third in the Webster Cup. After Fairyhouse last year Blood Destiny was campaigned through the Summer winning at Listowel and runner up at Galway and Killarney. He was then beaten over 6l into third in the PWC behind Western Fold and Affordale Fury who were both receiving 3lb from him which was not a bad run. He was given a break until January but pulled up here at Fairyhouse where his jockey said he never travelled and made a noise though the vet found nothing wrong. He then went to Naas in February for his last start and beat Touch Me Not by 5l. Down Memory Lane gets up to 6lb from his rivals. He pulled up in Cheltenaham where he was hampered at the first and was never travelling after that and was pulled up before two out.. That run came after he won a Listed chase in December at Navan his first start since finishing down the field in the Galway Plate. Sa Fureur gets 6lb from most of these and had two good runs behind Zanoosh and Impaire Et Passe before finishing 14l back in mid division at Cheltenham. Found A Fifty is the highest rated horse in the race but it's hard to have confidence in him after two poor runs so I'll take a chance with Blood Destiny.
Selection; Blood Destiny
Best Alternative; Saint Sam
April 5th
Some interesting statistics from Tony Keenan in this week's Irish Field. Since 2015 Willie Mullins has trained 21 of the 31 Easter winners that came directly from Cheltenham. However since 2015 in the four years when Easter fell early it has been a struggle for horses coming from Cheltenham. 2016 (Zero) 2018 (Four) 2021 (three) and 2024 (one)
Fairyhouse (Going; Yielding To Soft)
Donohue Marquees Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)
Just eight runners for this and the market is headed by Leader d'Allier from the Wilie Mullins stable. Winner of five of his six Bumper starts in France he was a 9l runner up to Ballyfad on stable debut at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. He went to Punchestown a month later and beat subsequent winner Straight John by 9l readily. He hasn't run since. Le Labo beat Blake by a neck in the Grade 3 Kingfurze at Naas last month but is 3lb worse off here. He's had some jumping issues and unseated and fell on his other two Hurdle starts. Blake took a few bumps after the last in that Naas race. He'd won well at Down Royal in November and went down by a head to Koktail Brut in the Royal Bond and was then over 8l back in fifth to Talk The Talk at the DRF. He wears first time cheek pieces. Heads Up has top class Bumper from and having won his maiden at the first attempt he went down by 3l to No Drama This End in the Grade 2 Hyde at Cheltenham in November. He disappointed next time but beat Lazare de Star by three parts of a length in a Listed Hurdle at Punchestown over 2m last February. The Royal Bond may have left a mark on Koktail Brut who was disappointing next time. He was then over 6l back in fourth to Talk The talk at the DRF before finishing down the field at Cheltenham in the Supreme. Too Bossy For Us looks to be the second choice for Closutton. However he is rated 140 and as I was writing this Friday P.M. he came in from 14's to 7's. Now whether someone made a mistake or it was the market talking remains to be seen. Leader d'Allier is a clear favourite but if all eight go to post Blake, in the first time cheek pieces, looks good each way value at 7/1 with William Hill.
Selection; Blake (Each Way 7/1 with William Hill. Look for Best Odds Guaranteed)
Best Alternative; Too Bossy For Us (Each Way)
Paddy Kehoe Suspended Ceilings Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f
Willie Mullins has a good record in this and he has six of the twelve runners including the top three in the betting. He's On Fire had three runs in France, the best of them the last when he was beaten a short neck by a horse who won a Listed Hurdle next time. He has had just one run for current connections when a 20l winner over an extended 2m3f at Carlisle in February with the second winning next time. It's hard to know what to make of the form but the French Handicapper rated him 60kgs which is around 133 and he's now 138. The mount of Paul Townend he is the early favourite. Kiely's Place won the second of his Point's in March last year. He wasn't seen again until February when he won his Maiden Hurdle by an easy 9l. The runner up was subsequently beaten 4l by Shuttle Diplomacy who himself was a 5l fifth in the Turners at Cheltenham. Love Me Tender won his first two Hurdle races including an easy win in the October Grade 3 at Tipperary. He was then an 8l third to Skylight Hustle at Christmas and followed up with a 14l third to Doctor Steinberg at Cheltenham. He has to concede 3lb to the above two. Charles Byrnes puts first time cheek pieces on I Started A Joke. He had decent form in Bumpers beating Road Exile on debut and 4l back in sixth in the DRF Grade 2 Bumper last year. Plenty of winner's have come from that race. He won his Maiden at the fourth attempt but on the run before that he was beaten just over 6l by King Rasko Grey who was in receipt of 8lbs. That was on Soft to Heavy at Limerick. At the DRF he was beaten just under 2l by Bowensonfire who gave him 14lb. If the cheek pieces work he definitely has each way potential. Saint Baco beat Lazare de Star by 4l when winning his Maiden in December and the latter has won since and was beaten less than 1l by Heads Up on his latest run last February. However a negative is that Saint Baco fell at Cheltenham. Your Proof beat King's Buck by over 1l on his only hurdles start. That was over an extended 2m5f on Soft/Heavy at Limerick's Christmas meeting. That was his first start since November 2024 and he's been given a break since that run at Christmas. Gordon Elliott is operating at only 8% win rate in the last fourteen days and his pair, Lazare de Star and Generous Risk have been big drifters in the market. I Started A Joke missed Cheltenham so should come here feresh and the application of first time cheek Pieces should sharpen him up.
Selection; I Started A Joke (11/2 Paddy Power)
Best Alternative; He's On Fire
Honeysuckle Mares Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f
Twelve go to post as connections chase a bit of valuable Black Type for their Mares Pedigree. Old School Outlaw is the early favourite despite her trainer being out of form lately. She was beaten just over 1l in teh Grade 2 Mares race at Cheltenham with Place De La Nation another 1l back in third, Charme De Faust a further 1l back in fourth. Jackie Hobbs was fIfth almost 6l behind the winner while Carrigmoornaspruce, Kingston Queen, Amen Kate and Blue Velvet were further back while Future Prospect pulled up. Of concern is the fact that the Mares race was run on quick ground and some trainers reported their horses coming home stiff and sore from Cheltenham. Zanoosh didn't go to Cheltenham but won in Limerick on the same day as the Cheltenham race but on Soft/Heavy ground beating How's Hannah by three parts of a length. How's Hannah went off Favourite that day getting 3lb from the winner who was completing a four timer while the runner up was having only her second start over hurdles. They meet off level weights here and How's Hannah wears a first time tongue tie. Jamie Snowden sends over A Path To Ronda with Sean Bowen taking the mount. She was beaten 2l by Kingston Queen at Warwick in February on Heavy ground over 2m3f but won her next wining over 2m on Good To soft at Kelso. The main question to ask ourselves is can any of these turn the Cheltenham form around and the answer is yes but preference for me is Zanoosh.
Selection; Zanoosh
Best Alternative; Charme De Faust
Willow Warm Gold Cup (Grade 1) 2m4f
Kappa Jy Pyke from the Willie Mullins taem is slight favourite as I write. He is bidding for the hat trick having won his two Chase starts, the latest a Grade 3 at Punchestown in January. Jacob's Ladder, who has won twice since , was over 3l back in second with Predators Gold a further 1l back in third with Pure Steel tailing off after a bad mistake but making amends when winning next time. Fergal O'Brien sends over Sixmilebridge who was last seen beating Kala Conti by 5l in the Scilly Isles at Sandown in January. He's three from three over fences and rated 150. Galway Plate winner, Western Fold, had three subsequent good runs before disappointing in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham and with the Elliott Team out of form it's hard to back him or stablemate Kala Conti with any confidence. Having beaten The Big Westerner on Chase debut at Fairyhouse in November. Jimmy Du Seuil was well beaten by Final Demand at Limerick in December and then fell at the DRF and ooks to be the third choice of the Mullins runners while Fleur In The Park was disappointing on Soft ground last time having run some decent races prior to that.. This is a very open contest with less than one point covering the top three in the betting. Willie Mullins has won six of the last seven runnings but not always with the stables first choice and I'm hoping Sixmilebridge might spoil the party here.
Selection; Sixmilebridge
Best Alternative; Kappa Jy Pyke
March 21st
Newbury (Going; Good To Soft)
National Hunt Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f118y
A big field of eighteen for this Limited Handicap and the connections of many will be hoping for any type of Black Type for finishing in a place. The Grade 2 Mares Bumper at the Grand National Meeting in Aintree throws up plenty of subsequent winners and last year was no exception. Strong Run was sixth, beaten 11l, in last year's Aintree Bumper and has had three starts over hurdles this season. In the first of them she was almost 9l behind Jackie Hobbs over 2m here in November . She then stepped up to 2m4f at Southwell with the finishers strung out like the washing behind her. On her last start, at Wincanton on Heavy ground, she led narrowly at the last but hung right and found no extra to go down by just over 1l. She's a full sister to both Strong Leader and Strong Glance and this trip and ground should be ideal for her. Her Trainer Fergal O'Brien won this last year with Siog Geal. Getawhiskey was over 12l back in tenth in that Aintree Bumper and has mixed results in four Hurdle starts. Fourth on debut on Good ground over 2m she fell next tiome at Aintree having over jumped the hurdle. She then won over 2m at Windsor before finishing 9l back in fourth to the useful Khrisma over 2m at Market Rasen. She's a full sister to One For Rosie who won on all types of ground and has to be respected coming from the Skeltons'. Charisma Cat was beaten 13l in the Aintree Bumper and has won once in four hurdle starts and been runner up in the rest. On her hurdles debut which was over 2m here last November in a Listed Mares she was over 3l back in second to La Conquiere. The winner is now rated 132 and it was interesting that Alan King started Charisma Cat off in a Listed race. She won her Maiden at the third atempt and in her last start she was beaten just under 2l by Khrisma at Market Rasen last month. Fresh As A Daisy won her first start over hurdles and on her third and last start was beaten over 1l by Indanya who reopposes on 5lb worse terms. However with De Boinville going to Kelso to ride Khrisma James Bowen takes the mount on Fresh As Daisy. Betty's Daisy was 26l behind Seo Linn at Aintree but won her maiden hurdle at the second attempt and was then 1l back in second to Jackie Hobbs at Warwick. She ahs to concede weight to most of her rivals including. Watamu beat Khrisma on Good ground by a short head in December but could only finish 5l behind her on Soft next time. She comes here instead of Kelso and the better ground will suit her. I'm hoping the winner will come from one of the above. Charisma Cat has to concede weight to her rivals as does Betty's Daisy and I think Strong Run who gets 8lb and 7lb from them respectively could be the answer.
Selection; Strong Run
Best Alternative; Watamu (each way)
March 13th
Cheltenham (Going; Good, Good To Soft in Places)
Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m179y
This could be a right Cavalry charge with a maximum field of twenty due to start. Willie Mullins holds a strong hand with Proactiv and Selma De Vary heading the market. Proactiv has won his only two starts at Auteuil and Fairyhouse where he beat stable companion Macho Man by a comfortable 3l. The third horse, beaten 9l by the winner, Quinta Do Lago was an 8l fifth in the Fred Winter on Tuesday. Macho Man had won his only other start at Auteuil and the runner up was a very easy winner at Warwick next time and the third at Warwick won next time. Selma De Vary ran twice on the Flat and three time over hurdles in France. He won the third of those hurdle starts and was given a rating of 66kg by the French handicapper. On his only start for the Mullins team he was second in the Grade 1 Juvenile at the DRF to Narciso Has who was favourite for this until he had a setback ruling him out. Maestro Conti has won all his three starts including the Grade 2 Trial here in January. In the latest, around this course and distance he beat Winston Junior who was just over 2l back in second in the Fred Winter giving ilb to the winner, and One Horse Town who was a 2l second to Maestro Conti in the Grade 2 Trial. Highland Crystal is by up and coming sire Crystal Ocean out of a half sister to Envoi Allen. She won all three starts to date and in the latest benefitted from the 7lb fillies allowance to beat Saratoga three parts of a length. Minella Academy has had just one start and won it while Mon Creuset won in Nantes but was 9l back in fourth to stablemate Kai Lung at Naas. The latter was having his first start in Ireland having running six time on the flat in France. I expect the winner to come from one of the above. With the ground on the good side there are a number of the fabcied horses who have no form on it so it's probably best to bet small in this. I'm looking for an each way value and Maestro Conti fits the bill and he is 7/1 generally.
Selection; Maestro Conti (E.W. 7/1 generally available)
Best Alternative; Minella Study (Each Way)
The Liberthine Mares Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f127
Just nine going to post headed by last year's winner Dinoblue. She went on to beat Allegorie De Vassy at Punchestown to prove it was no fluke. She started this season with a runner up spot in the Fortria wher jumping errors didn't help her and was beaten 5l by Found A Fifty. She's won her two subsequent starts impressively the lates where she had Bioluninescence 11l back in second. She was entitlled to win those and faces a sterner test here. Panic Attack has won all three starts this season, the last two over 3m2f and 3m.The penultimate win was in the Coral Cup and she carried just 10st 5lb to win readily by over 6l. She obviously had a bit in hand but she is now a 10yo with plenty of miles on the clock. Spindleberry is five from six over fences having pulled up when stepped up to 3m at the DRF where she took a keen hold. She has won her two starts before that and at the end of last season won the Grade 1 at Fairyhouse beateing Firefox and Champ Kiely in the process. She seems to go on any ground and likes to make the running. Only By Night was runner up in the Arkle last year having won a few Mares chases prior to it. . She had won her three starts prior to that including a Listed and Grade 2 Mares. This season she beat Champ Kiely a head in a Grade 3 at Naas but was disappointing behind Solness in Leopardstown at Christmas where she wore first time cheek pieces which are retained as she steps up in trip for the first time. The rest look to have plenty to do although July Flower had decent form in France and beat Kala Conti back in December 2024. I think Spindleberry could be the answer here.
Selection; Spindleberry
Best Alternative; Only By Night (Each Way)
Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f213y
Another maximum field of twenty two so with Doctor Steinberg heading the market. he's won his three hurdle races with ease. In the first he beat subsequent winner Frankie John bu an easy 5l at Galway. He tehn went to Navan for Grade 2 Navan Hurdle and beata Thedeviluno readily by 5l with the latter going on to win the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster. The Passing Wife disappointed at Christmas but had won twice in Bumpers in the Summer and beaten 2l by Thedeviluno in his Maiden Hurdle and then third by over 1l tp Koktail Brut and Blake in the Royal Bond. He finally won his maiden at Punchestown in January beating Doctor Du Mesnil by 9l on Heavy ground. Mondoi'boy has won his two hurdle starts but has plenty to find on ratings. Spinningayarn has won her last two getting a 13lb rise in the handicap for her 6l win over Parnell Street at Punchestown last time. Kazansky was an 8l second to Doctor Steinberg at The DRF and had beaten County Final in the Grade 2 in Limerick at Christmas. Moneygarrow was over 7l behind No Drama This End on the Old Course here last November and went on to win her subsequent two, the latest over 3m at Windsor but still has a bit to find on ratings. King's Bucks steps up to 3m for the first time under rules but did win at 3m in a point. Was just over 3l third to No Drama This End in November. Doctor Steinberg looks the one to beat and King's Bucks looks a decent each way bet with four or five places on offer.
Selection; Doctor Steinberg
Best Alternative; King's Bucks
Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m2f70y
Eleven go to post for the this and Gaelic Warrior shares favouritism with The Jukebox Man. The latter got the better of Gaelic Warrior b y a short head in the King George. Gaelic Warrior then went to the DRF and was a 5l second to Fact To File. Jango Baie was half a length back in fourth in the King George and had beaten Gidleigh Park on his only other start this season. He won the Arkle this year but should stay this trip. Haiti Coleurs, winner of last year's Irish National., has won three of his four starts this season. He won the National Hunt Chase here last year so the further they go the better. Expect him to be prominent. Last year's winner Inothewayurthinkin wears first time cheek pieces after three dismal efforts this season. He had a tired looking fall at the last in the DRF when behind but he had a similar profile going into last year's race. Market moves should be noted and Mark Walsh had the chance to ride Spillane's Tower who will want the rain to get into the ground but did beat L'Homme Prese by three parts of a length on this course in January. Envoi Allen hasn't run sinc ehis seasonal debut at Down Royak last November where he won the Gold Cup. He's won ten Grade 1's, three at this Festival, but at 12yo this might be beyond him. Hopefully he comes home safe. Firefox and Gold Tweet look to have plenty to do. I've had The Jukebox Man in my tracker for that last few seasons and I'll stick with him here while Haiti Coleurs might be an each way bet.
Selection; The Jukebox Man
Best Alternative; Haiti Coleurs (Each Way)
March 12th
Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft)
Dawn Run Mares Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m179y
Another field with the maximum twenty two runners. Last year's Champion Bumper winner Bambino Fever is a clear favourite and wears a first time tongue tie. Her only defeat in six starts under rules came on Hurdles debut when she went down by half a length to Oldschool Outlaw who had the benefit of a previous run. Bambino Fever made amends next time running out an easy 12l winner at Fairyhouse. Oldschool Outlaw went on to have an easy win at Fairyhouse beating two time winner Place De La Nation by 9l. Carrigmoornaspruce won on Hurdles debut and then was second in a Grade 3 Mares at Down Royal before going down by 5l to Skylight Hustle in the 2m Grade 1 Novice at Leopardstown. She has each way chances. Charme De Faust was second on her only French start and won on her only start for current connections with an easy 9l win at Thurles on Heavy ground. Echoing Silence won her Bumper and two of three hurdle starts. She would need to improve further to win this I think and I wouldn't put it past her Trainer Henry De Bromhead with finding that improvement. Betting suggests the rest are racing for crumbs. It's not surprising that we have the maximum here as swcond third and fourth can be worth it for the Black ype when these Mares go to the Breeding shed. However I'm going with Bambino Fever
Selection; Bambino Fever
Best Alternative; Old School Outlaw
The Jack Richards Novices Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 2m179y
The maximum twenty for this and it's a puzzle. Meetmebythesea finished 51l last of six behind Lulamba in the Game Spirit on his last start in February. Prior to that he won two of three chase starts. I think it's fair to say he's failed to live up to his price tag of £650k. Regent'sStroll has struggled to live up to his price tag when retained for £660k form an owner's dispersal. Paul Nicholls who trained him must have thought a lot about him to that price to keep him in the yard. He was a half length second to Honesty Policy in the Grade 1 Novice hurdle over 2m4f at Aintree last year. On chase debut in November he was over 6l third to Wendigo. He improved on that to beat Jeriko Du Reponet in a Match at Wincanton but then went down by over 4l to Miami Magic over this course and distance in January. Jordan's Cross beat Quebecois by a nose ovefr course and distance in January and got a 6lb rise for that. He's an improving sort winning three of his four starts over fences but fell in the other. Sixmilebridge completed a hat trick when beating Kala Conti in the Scilly Isles at Sandown in January where the Favourite Kitzbuhel fell early on. Slade Steel won three of five hurdles and was placed in the other two. However in Chases he's found one too good for him in four of his five starts and was brought down in the other. He drops back in trip here having raced over 3m last time. Stencil won twice in France but has been campaigned in England for his last five starts and finally got off tha mark at the fifth attempt winning a Novice chase at Chepstow by over 6l. He's raced off the same mark for his last four starts and again here. Wingman has been second twice and third once in three starts over fences but was well beaten behind the likes of Final Demand and Kaid d'Authie. Kiss Will was 21l back in second to koktail Divin at leopardstown and the wa second to Soldier In Milan over 2m7f at punchestown beaten over 1l with the rest 15l further back. The Bluesman beat Western Zephyr last time and has risen 20lb in the Handicap this season. Stencil has started to show a bit of form and gets in off a nice weight and while I haven't any strong opinions on tye race an eaach way interest might pay off.
Selection; Stencil (half point each way)
Best Alternative; Jordans Cross (Each Way)
The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f56y
Wodhooh is odds on for this. Winner of the Martin Pipe over course and distance elast year she went to Aintree and was over 2l back in second to Lossiemouth which was her only defeat in ten runs for current connections. She beat Celtic Dino on seasonal debut and beat Feet Of A Dancer giving her 8lb in Leopardstown at Christmas. This is her first start since. Jade De Grugy reverts to hurdles after three runs over fences. She won her last start by 18l having finished almost 3l behind The Big Westerner in the Dawn Run in Limerick at Christmas. She was over 7l behind Lossiemouth in this last year with Take No Chances another 2l further back. Feet Of A Dancer is 8lb worse off for that Leopardstown defeat to Wodhooh but went to Doncaster next for the Yorkshire Rose and beat Dream On Baby 2l with Jetara another 5l back in third. Wodhooh for me.
Selection; Wodhooh
Best Alternative; Jade De Grugy
Stayers Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f213y
Teahupoo got turned over by Bob Olinger in this last year but has won three Grade 1's since at the Punchestown Festival, the Hatton's Grace where he beat Ballyburn by a Nose and the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown where he had Bob Olinger 7l back in second and Ballyburn the same distance back in third. As he had won a hurdle in France in 2023 as a 3yo connections of Kabral Du Mathan were force to go the handicap route for the 24/25 season in England and he ran some terrific races winning once and then runner up in three consecutive runs including beaten a neck by Cracking Rhapsody giving that one 2lb. The owners transferred him to Dan Skelton over the summer and he's won his two starts for them being very impressive last time when beating Jingko Blue by over 5l over an extended 2m4f on the New Course. He impressed a lot of people that day where he travelled strongly and went clear on the run in. Honesty Policy completed a hat trick last year culminating in the Grade 1 at Aintree wher he beat Regent's Stroll a neck. He was then beaten half a length by Jasmin De Vaux at the Punchestown Festival. He's had just one start this season when third, beaten over 1l to Impose Toi and Strong Leader in the Long Walk in December. Ma Shantou won two of three handicaps this season before trouncing Impose Toi, who was conceding 6lb to the winner, by 7l around the New Course here in January in the Cleeve. Home By The Lee and Hewick looked held by some of these on previous form. Kabral Du Mathan is only a 6yo and improving and it's interesting the the Skeltons have decided to come here rather than the Aintree Hurdle over 2m4 as the trainer suggested after his last win was an option so I'll take a chance with him.
Selection; Kabral Du Mathan
Best Alternative; Tehupoo
Ryanair Chase ( Grade 1) 2m4f127y
Last year's impressive winner Fact To File is clear favourite (8/11) for this with Banbridge next best at 7/1. He went down by a neck to Gaelic Warrior in the John Durkan on seasonal reappearance but found the 3m around Kempton toomucjh in the King George. He then put in a terrific run at the DRF beating Gaelic Warrior 5l and Gallopin Des Champs a further 8l back. Dropping back in trip is no issue. Banbridge was beaten a nose in the King George having had three poor runs following his win in it the previous Christmas. Impaire Est Passe has had just one run since being brought down at Punchestown last April. That run came in the Grade 2 Red Mills four weeks ago where he readily accounted for Sa Fureur. This will be a stiffer task. Jonbon has had four runs this season winning his last two. The latest win came when he beat Pic D'orhy by over 1l in the Grade 1 Ascot Chase over 2m5f. He wears the cheek pieces he's had for his last three runs. Heart Wood was 9l back in second here last year but along with others will need big improvemnets to beat the favourite who is the selection.
Selection; Fact To File
Best Alternative; Impaire Est Passe
March 11th
Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft)
Turners Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m5f 0ld Course
A maximum field of twenty two runners for this and I think by Wednesday the Going will have changed to Good all around. No Drama This End is the clear favourite. He's unbeaten in three runs over Hurdles including over this course and distance. On his latest start he won the Grade 1 Challow at Newbury on Good ground comfortably. The second and third haven't run since but the fourth, beaten 8l, has won on his next appearance winning the Grade 2 at Kelso eleven days ago. Ballyfad was beaten a short head by Talk The Talk over 2m at the DRF on heavy ground. On his only other start over hurdles he beat Leaderd'Allier by over 9l at Leopardstown over 2m showing a good turn of foot. He also won his Point and his two Bumpers. However the concern for me is how he comes out of the DRF after a hard race on Heavy ground. Willie Mullins has six declared. King Rasko Glory was half a length behind Talk The Talk in the DRF race and I imagine like Ballyfad he'll appreciate the step up in trip. Prior to the DRF he had beaten Shuttle Diplomacy by almost 3l in a Limerick Maiden Hurdle at Christmas, Both those runs were on testing ground and he is the choice of Paul Townend. Sober raced on the Flat in France until August 2024. He had his first run over hurdles the following May when he was 6yo and is unbeaten un three starts over the smaller obstacles beating the useful Road Exile in the Moscow Flyer in January. He has won over the trip before and seems to go on all types of ground. Skylight Hustle was beaten just over 2l by Thedeviluno on his hurdles debut with the winner going on to to finish second to the highly regarded Doctor Steinberg and then winning the Grade 2 River Don in January. Skylight Hustle himself won his subsequent two starts , the latest in the Grade 1 Novice in Leopardstown at Christmas. Age Of Innocence just failed by three parts of a length to concede 20ln to Minella Yoga at Newbury over 2m on his penultimate start but won a Listed Hurdle next time out stepping up to an extended 2m3f. Sortudo had some good placed Bumper form and was 7l back in seventh behind Bambino Fever in the Champion Bumper here last year, He won his maiden hurdle impressively before going down by over 2l to I'll Sort That who is unbeaten in four starts over Hurdles. Bossman Jack won his Bumper and two of three Hurdle starts but takes a big step up in class here. He has to be respected representing the Skeltons. I've been with No Drama This End all season and will stick with him here.
Selection; No Drama This End
Best Alternative; Sober (Each Way)
Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 3m1f
Romeo Coolio wears a first time hood as he steps up to 3m for the first time under rules. He did win his only point over 3m and won at Down Royal and the Drinmore over 2m4f. It was obvious in his two runs at Christmas and the DRF that stamina was his suit as he just held on by half a length and a neck respectively. He beat Koktail Divin by 14l on chase debut but the latter went on to finish a 3l second to Oscars Brother in the Florida Pearl before destroying the field at Leopardstown over Christmas winning by 21l. Final Demand wears a first time tongue tie after disappointing at the DRF where he was over 12l back in third to the impressive Kaid d'Authie. He had been impressive in winning his two starts before that. He's had three runs in testing conditions which is a concern. Kaid d'Authie was beaten just over 1l by Kitzbuhel on chase debut but won his next two starts the latest in the Grade 1 at the DRF. He posted some impressive jumping stats there but tries this trip for the first time. Wendigo beat No Questions Asked on his second chase start having gone down by a head to Wade Out the run before. He was then almost 4l back in third to Kitzbuhel at Kempton where the track didn't play to his strengths and then had a penalty kick at Ayr where he won by 22l. The Big Westerner gets the Mares allowance. She followed up her second to Jimmy Du Seuil on chase debut by winning the Grade 2 Dawn Run at Limerick in December beating Jade De Grugy by almost 3l. Galway Plate winner Western Fold was over 4l back in second to Kaid d'Authie over an extended 2m5f at the DRF. He beat Oscars Brother by 8l over just short of 3m in Tipperary back in May. With some bookies offering four places he might appeal as an each way chance to some. I think the winner will come from one of the above. I've been a Wendigo fan since I put him in my tracker a couple of years ago but I think this track night be too sharp for him while I'd be concerned about the hard race Romeo Coolio had on hearvy ground last time. Kaid d'Authie was impressive the last day putting up some impressive jumping starts and he gets the nod here albeit I'd be betting small on it.
Selection; Kaid d'Authie
Best Alternative; Koktail Divin (Each Way)
Champion Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f199y
Majborough threw his chance away here in the Arkle last year with mistakes at the last two fences but still got to within three parts of as length with the winner Jango Baie. He jumped poorly on his reappearance at Cork in the Hilly Way and was over 1l back in second to Found A Fifty. Third in the Grade 1 at Christmas he was fitted with cheek pieces for the DRF and they seemed to do the trick as he jumped much better despite taking a keen hold and left Marine Nationale 19l back in second. L'Eau du Sud was beaten over 1l into fourth in last year's Arkle. He's had just he two starts this season beating Jonbon by 15l over this course and distance but was below par in the Tingle Creek finishing 18l behind the winner Il Etait Temps who had Jonbon 9l back in second. Il Etait Temps then fell next time at Ascot in January. He has the usual hood removed here today which on the face of it appears strange as he's worn it in all starts since November 2022. Quilixios was in the process of running a big race when coming down at the last in last years renewal of this. He hasn't run since so keep an eye on betting markets. Irish Panther was beaten half a length to Romeo Coolio at the DRF having won his only other chase start but on ratings has a big task to win here. If Majborough jumps like he did at the DRF I believe he has the engine to win here.
Selection; Majborough
Best Alternative; L'Eau du Sud
The Champion Bumper (Grade 1) 2m87y
A maximum field of twenty two runners and it's wide open with Bookies going 5/1 and bigger the field. Willie Mullins has won six of the last ten running's while Gordon Elliott has won two of that ten. It's not a great race for favourites either with just two winning in the last ten running's. However the longest priced winner was 11/1 which suggests that those towards the top of the market are the ones to focus on. As you might expect Mullins has the favourite in Love Sign d'Aunou in the Ricci colours. He won his only start in a point back in April and reappeared at Naas last January where he hosed home on Heavy ground by 24l. Gigginstown don't normally target this race but have four representatives here, Keep Him Company has Jack Kennedy up for Gordon Elliott. Bought for £220k here twelve months ago after winning his only Point he's had two starts in Bumpers winning at Fairyhouse in November and Leoparsdtown in December the latter on Good To Yielding. The third horse in the December race was an unlucky loser at the DRF in the Grade 2 Mares when his jockey stopped riding 50 yards from the line and got pipped by a head. A painful experience for us both. The Irish Avatar represents the Mullins/Gigginstown alliance and is the mount of Harry Cobden. Second in his Point when favourite last April he joined Gigginstown for €200k and reappeared at Navan in January where he comfortably saw off Low Kick another Gigginstown horse who came out and won next time impressively. Quiryn is the mount of Paul Townend. A flat bred horse with an aversion for starting stalls this 4yo won his only Bumper start very easily at Naas by 9l. Only Cue Card has won as a 4yo since 1995. The Mourne Rambler sees a rare appearance for Colin Keane. Runner up in his only Point He won going away on his only Bumper start in Leopardstown at Christmas. The third horse who was over 5l behind the winner was beaten 4l by Keep him Company at Fairyhouse in November. Bass Hunter is one from three in Points but has won his two Bumpers, the latest a Listed race at Ascot in December. A few winners have come from his first Bumper while he beat a few previous winners in the Listed race. Looks like being the pace in the race having gone into commanding leads in both Bumpers but will need to settle better here. Mets Ta Ceinture is an interesting runner for the Skeltons with Harry preferring her over the other two stable starters. She's having her first run for the yard having been bought for a whopping €710k at Arqana. She won two of her three bumpers in France and was second in the other, a Grade 2. She ran in a tongue tie in them all but does not wear one here. She gets the 4yo and Fillies allowance so she is getting up to 17lb from her rivals. Market moves should be noted. Charismatic Kid was beaten by over 3l at the DRF by stablemate Broadway Ted having gone off favourite. Will probably appreciate a sounder surface and could reverse places. In what looks an open contest with very little form to go on I'll take a chance with Keep Him Company.
Selection; Keep Him Company
Best Alternative; The Mourne Rambler
March 10th
Cheltenham (Good To Soft)
Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m87y Old Course
A big field of twenty are due to face the starter and it's a quality field. Old Park Star has won all three starts over hurdles the last two by wide margins. On his last styart he beat a 136 rated horse by 18l in a Grade 2 at Haydock in January so he could be anything. He's won on the New course here but that is more of a galloping track and here on the old it is quite sharp. Another who could be anything is Mighty Park. He finished second in his only run in a Point last April and didn't reappear until January when he beat his stable companion Roc Dino by 38l. The latter was having his first start since the previous February and improved a good bit next time out in Thurles two weeks later to finish 3l back in second to El Cairos who was an easy winner. El Cairos had fallen on Hurdles debut with the race at his mercy in Leopardstown at Christmas. He was a 5l second in the Champion Bumper here last year. Talk the Talk was looking like the winner in Leopardstown in the Grade 1 at Christmas when he stumbled and fell after jumping the last. He had won his two hurdle starts prior to that and made amends when hanging on by a neck from Ballyfad at the DRF. That was on Heavy ground and it remains to be seen if it left a mark. Mydaddypaddy won his only Bumper and two hurdle races prior to the Formby at Aintree in December. The fact that so many hurdles were omitted probably didn't help him and he went down by just over 3l to Idaho Sun. Leader d'Allier won five of his six Bumper starts in France and went down by over 9l to Ballyfad on Hurdles debut in Leopardstown at Christmas. He improved on that to beat Straight John by 9l in Punchestown the end of january. The fact that Sober Glory, rated 148, is 14/1 tells you all you need to know about the quality of the field here. He won his only Point and all three of his Bumpers. He's also won three of his four Hurdle starts with his only defeat coming on his second Hurdle start when he ran well below par. Koktail Brut had a hard race when beating Blake by a head in the Royal Bond in November and was very disappointing in Leopardstown at Christmas. He ran credibly at the DRF when 6l back in fourth to Talk Of The Town. A wide open contest but I think the tarck will suit El Cairos and he gets the nod.
Selection; El Cairos
Best Alternative; Old Park Star
Arkle Novices Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f199y Old Course
Just the seven runners and it looks a match between Kopek Des Bordes and Lulamba. Kopek Des Bordes won the Supreme here last year, his third consecutive win. However he was well beaten at Punchestown. He reappeared for his chase debut in Navan last November and strolled home by an impressive 13l. The runner up was a 14l second to Kargesse in Leopradstown at Christmas. Kopek Des Bordes hasn't run since that Navan win having had a set back but track form is a big plus and there is no doubt he haas an engine. Lulamba has done nothing wrong since being chinned by Poniros in the Triumph last year. He's been impressive in winning his three starts over Fences and seems to act on any going and while he did benefit from an age allowance in the first two he beat useful fields in the process. Kargese, who gets the 7lb Mares allowance, went down by a neck to Romeo Coolio at the DRF having beaten Lovely Hurling by 14l at Leopardstown over Christmas. Steel Ally had Mambonumberfive 27l back in third when winning the Grade 2 at Warwick over four weeks ago on Heavy ground and had won his two previous races both on Soft. The soft ground didn't suit Mambonumberfive who had won all three starts over fences prior to that including a win over Mighty Bandit who has won his next three starts. and is now rated 152. Jax Junior drops back to the minimum trip having won over 2m4f at Kempton in the Pendil Chase last time. He's well held on his run behind Steel Ally at Ascot in December. Lulamba has had three runs over fences compared to Kopek Des Bordes who has just run and that experience just sways it in favour of Nicky Henderson's horse for me.
Selection; Lulamba
Best Alternative; Kopek Des Bordes
Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m87y Old Course
Nine go to post and we have three Mares in the top four of the betting. Lossiemouth looks to be the pick of the Willie Mullins three with Paul Townend on board. She beat Brighterdaysahead in Leopardstown at Christmas ut the runner up turned the tables on her at the DRF. Lossiemouth wears first time cheek pieces here and has winning form on the Old Course which is a plus. The New Lion is another with winning form on the Old Course. However that was over 2m5f and in his two starts this season he has dropped back to 2m1f. In the Fighting Fifth last November he was ahead going to the last but clipped the top and came down handing the race to Golden Ace with Anzadam over 1l back in second. The New Lion beat Nemean Lion by over 1l on the New Course on his only other start in the Grade 2 International. Dan Skelton, his trainer, is bullish about his ability to compete at this distance at this level. Brighterdaysahead was well beaten in this last year but I would draw a line through that as she had a hard race at the DRF. Golden Ace was a fortunate winner of this race last year when State Man fell at the last. After her win in the Fighting Fifth in November she was no match for Sir Gino in the Christmas Hurdle going down by 6l and this is her first start since. Poniros looks held by Lossimouth and Brighterdaysahead on his 14l third to them at the DRF albeit that was his first start since Royal Ascot in June. Alexei has plenty to find on ratings while Tutti Quanti was supplemented after his 15l win carrying top weight in the William Hill last month. Anzadam was almost 7l behind Lossiemouth at Christmas on Good To yielding but 15l behind Brighterdays ahead on Heavy at the DRF while Worahead was off for ten months after trailing in here in the Supreme last year having won his Maiden beating the well regarde William Munny by 7l at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting in 2024. On that run in January he was well beaten but showed improvement next time going down by over 1l to Storm Heart. The word is Brighterdaysahead is a stronger Mare this year and if the DRF hasn't left a mrark I think she can win here.
Selection; Brighterdaysahead
Best Alternative; Lossiemouth
February 28th
Kelso (Going; Good To Soft)
Premier Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m2f25y
Ten runners due to go to post for this and a case can be made for several of them. Having been runner up in two Bumpers, Le Beau Madrik won his two starts over hurdles, both at Newcastle over 2m1f and an extended 2m4f. The latter was an easy win while on his first win he had Gaelic Rover 1l back in second and the latter won a Maiden by 10l next time. Starmount won his Point at the second attempt in December 2024. He wasn't seen again until last December when he won his Novice hurdle. He reappeared three weeks later in the Formby at Aintree but ran disappointingly on ground that his trainer said was too quick for him. Back on Soft ground he was an easy winner at Wetherby last month. Drying ground would be a concern here for me. The Last Cloud is fairly exposed having had nine starts over hurdles. He completed a hat trick of wins, all at Perth, last September and has been placed four times in his remaining six runs. His wins have all come on Good ground aLthough he has some good results on Good To Soft. Montmares has two wins from three starts and was beaten almost 8l by No Drama This End in the Challow at Newbury in December. He's dropping back in trip here. The one that interests me the most is Lord Byron. Bought out of Ballydoyle privately after two runs on the Flat he was beaten 1l on Hurdles debut before finishing 4l back in fourth behind Maestro Conti, One Horse Town and Minella Yoga In the Grade 2 Finesse at Cheltenham. The winner of that is third favorite for the Triumph and Lord Byron gets between 12lb and 15lb from his rivals here as a 4yo. He's stoutly bred out of an Aga Khan mare who won over 1m4f and in a race where there are a number of horses who like to race with the pace I can see Lord Byron finishing strongly.
Selection; Lord Byron (10/1 Bet 365)
Best Alternative; Le Beau Madrik
February 21st
Kempton (Going; Good To Soft)
Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m
With the start of Cheltenham just over two weeks away just six face the starter. Back in November Precious Man had his first start since May and his first since coming from France and was beaten almost 4l into second by One Horse Town who was receiving 5lb and had the benefit of race fitness. Precious Man had a wind op after that and reappeared in january where he ran out an easy winner of a Class 3 Hurdle, winning by 4l conceding his rivals 10lb. He's 5lb better off with One Horse Town here. The latter, after his win over Precious Man was a 10l third to Minella Study at Cheltenham and then a 2l second to Maestro Conti in the Grade 2 Finesse where La Luna Artiste was over 4l back in fifth. That was on Soft ground and on her other two starts La Luna Artista had won an Exeter Bumper on Good To Firm and a Mares Hurdle on Good To Soft. It's possible a return to a sounder surface might improve her chances and she receives 12lb from the top two. It's hard to believe that Paul Nicholls (Falls Of Acharn) and Nicky Henderson (Allure and Fantasy World) have their runners in double figures in the betting. Allure has his first start since arriving from France and wears a first time tongue tie while I Nico De Boinville has chosen Fantasy World who went of at 30/100 on his only start over hurdles and was beaten 15l into fourth. Precious Man for me.
Selection; Precious Man
Best Alternative; One Horse Town
Pendil Novices Chase ( Grade 2) 2m4f110y
A disappointing fiel of four and Jax Junior is odds on to win. On his penultimate start, in mid December, he was 20l behind Steel Ally at Ascot where he was found to have bled and was very unwell back in his stable. He was given a wind op and reappeared at Sandown three weeks ago where the procedure appeared to do the trick and he went clear on the run in for a 4l win. He beat Jeriko Du Reponet 12l here in November so likes the track. The one caveat I have is that over this trip he would not won't it any softer. Go West beat Elysian Knight 3l at Musselborough three weeks ago on Good To Soft and has improved in each of his four starts over fences. Paul Nicholls runs him here instead of Blueking d'Oroux who also had an entry. The Mare Jasmine Bliss is at a disadvantage at the weights having to carry a 5lb penalty. Nonetheless she has had just two starts over fences and could have more improvement but has 16lb to find with the favourite. Old Cowboy was beaten 25l by Go West over hurdles here last April. He won his second start over fences but then fell here last month. It can be a risk backing horse who have bled but sometimes you have to rust the process until it falls so it's Jax Junior for me
Selection; Jax Junior
Best Alternative; Go West
Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m
A field of twelve and it looks a very open contest. The Skeltons have the favourite in Double Measure. He won at the third time of asking having been dropped in Grade after finishing over 9l back in fourth in the Grade 2 Newton back in November. He won his only Bumper back in April and in his first hurdle start he was beaten three parts of a length by The Blue Room who was a 5l runner up to No Drama This End next time. Klub De Reve won his maiden at the third attempt when keeping on to win by 10l here back in December. However he's 5lb worse off with the Favourite if this was a Handicap. Mustang Du Breuil is interesting. As a 4yo he gets up to 10lb from his rivals. He won his only start at Auteuil in October and then transferred to Nicky Henderson. On his only start since, he was a comfortable winner at Doncaster where his kockey, James Bowen, said that he was very good. He's not qualified to run in the Fred Winter and his owner J.P. McManus has two of the top three in the betting for the Triumph so it's notable that connections come here. Looking through his runners this Season, Onlyforfrankie, is the highest rated horse in Alastair Ralph's stable. He's won two of his three starts over hurdles and beat the 137 rated Mossy Fen Road by 4l at Musselburgh three weeks ago. Although connections of the runner up (1/3fav) were scratching their heads, the winner had hosed in by 17l on his previous start at Taunton. Loaded And Locked takes a big step up in Grade having won a Class 4 Hurdle atv Hereford last Month. The same applies to Stormin George. Keep an eye on the Market for Lexington Wood beaten half a length by Ballyfad in a Down Royal Bumper last November and having his first start for new connections and Koktail Bleu who was a 3l second to Idaho Sun in a Windsor Bumper in January 2025 but has his second start in eight days. I think Mustang Du Breuil might be a bit of value here.
Selection; Mustang Du Breuil (8/1 Ladbrokes)
Best Alternative; Double Measure
February 14th
Ascot (Going; Soft)
Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (Grade 2) 2m7f185y
Just four runners and ground conditions could be vital here. Thomas Mor is a shade of odds on for this on the back of his second to Kitzbuhel in the Kauto Star at Kempton at Christmas, However, that was on Good ground and he has failed to win in five run on soft and soft to heavy. Now a 9yo he's been lightly raced having had five Point runs and ten under rules. He is rated 10lb higher than his nearest rival The Jukebox Kid who receives 3lb . The latter is an improving 7yo who won over this course and distance last time out in a Handicap Chase on Soft ground. Winner of two of his three starts over fences he should have more improvement in him. Joe Tizzard has his horses in good form and is represented by The Western Knight who has won his last two starts having been well beaten on Chase debut over 3m. His latest win came on Soft but a Negative is regular jockey Brendan Powell is going to Wincanton. Crest Of Fortune looks held on Kautos Star run although he was reported to have bled. The ground is a worry with me for the favourite so I'm going with The Jukebox Kid.
Selection; The Jukebox Kid
Best Alternative; Western Knight
Ascot Chase (Grade 1) 2m5f13y
Six runners headed by the great Jonbon. He's won around here in the past so the track won't be an inconvenience. He had a wind op after been beaten at Sandown last April but when coming back in November had to settle for second place behind L'Eau du Sud at Cheltenham and Il Etait Temps at Sandown. He got back on the winning trail next time when beating Thistle Ask by 3l in the Clarence House here last month. He's won over 2m4f at Aintree in Soft ground and his point over 3m on Yielding to Soft. Pic D'orhy has won the last two runnings of this. He got this season off to a promising start when beaten 1l by Djelo in the Charlie Hall but was well beaten three weeks later in the 1965 Chase here with the race probably coming to soon after Wetherby. He's been given a break since then and isn't without a chance. The rest have no chance on ratings with Edwardstone, now 12yo, the best on ratings fully 14lb and 10lb behind the top two. Jonbon for me.
Selection; Jonbon
Best Alternative; Pic D'orhy
Haydock (Going; Soft) Inspection 8.a.m
Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m58y
Kabral Du Mathan is another odds on favourite and has to see off five opponents to justify the odds. He was transferred from paul Nicholl to the Skeltons over the Summer and following a wind op was very impressive on seasonaml debut, racing clear over 2m3f here in November to win by 12l conceding weight to all but one rival. He reappeared in te Relkeel at Cheltenham last month and went clear after the last. He's a strong traveller stepping up to this trip for the first time but the Stayers at Cheltenham was mentioned after his last win so connections must be confident about him getting the trip. French Ship fell on his seasonal debut but won his next two before being no match for Iberico Lord, who was receiving 7lb, in the Lanzarote. He's gone up 18lb in the ratings this season and it remains to be seen if he can improve further. He's rated 8lb behind the Favourite who has to conced 6lb to him and he does act on Soft ground. Henri The Second had a wind op over the Summer, his second. Lightly raced for a 9YO he's had sixteen starts winning five and been placed in five. He's won on Heavy but is rated 13lb behind our Favourite. Beauport has his first run back after a wind op having pulled up behind ImposeToi in the Long Walk. He was second in this last year beaten over 7l off a mark of 154 but the form of that race looks poor now. Lud'or was over 3l back in third behind French Ship at Newbury. Kabral Du Mathan is unproven on Soft ground in Britain so I'll go with French Ship
Selection; French Ship (7 (6/1) on Betfair Exchange)
Best Alternative; Henry The Second
Prestige Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m58y
Ten declared Thursday so the chance of some each way betting if at least eight stay in. It will be a stiff test for these novices and it looks a wide open race. Reckless Spending has come in for a bit of support and is now 7/2 Favourite however this Going is a complete unknown for him as the worst he's won on is Good To Soft when he coasted home at Kempton over a 2m5f trip twelve days ago by 15l. He did jump to his right that day. He had been well beaten in a Cheltenham Grade 2 over 3m the run before in December and in his only start in a Point he was a 3l second to the useful Skylight Hustle now rated 145. Dalston Lad was getting 10lb from Runner up Stay Away Fay whom he beat just over 1l over this course and distance last month on Good To Soft in a career best. Lon Chaney won his Maiden at the third attempt when an easy winner at Uttoxeter last December where the step up in trip to 3m may have helped. He had a good run in his third Point To Point back in November 2024 when beaten a head into second by Road Exile who is now rated 134 over hurdles and if he was to make similar improvement he would be in with a shout here. Ubatuba is out of a half sister to Gidleigh Park and has won his two starts over Hurdles by wide margins. Both came at leicester over 2m4f and he had a disappointing odds on favourite back in third the last day. The latter goes in the 1.15 at Ascot. Legendary Luke is well bred being out of a half sister to the great Native River. He's won his two hurdle starts but takes a big step up here. Whiskey Pete was runner up to Starzand in his only Bumper start and has won his only Hurdle start when beating a number of previous winners over 2m5f at Ascot last month. He wore a tongue tie that day and it's retained here. Kasino Des Mottes is 6lb better off for being 4l behind Whiskey Pete at Ascot but that was the winner's first start since March and he should improve for it. Skuna Bay looks held on his Leicester run behind Ubatuba although Lud'or, who runs in the Rendlesham, beat him 2l at Wetherby a year ago. I haven't got a firm opinion on this but Reckless Spending has probably the best placed form and I'll go with him,
Selection; Reckless Spending
Best Alternative; Dalston Lad
Wincanton (Going; Heavy) Inspection 8.a.m.
Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f50y
Only four runners and Alexei is odds on to collect. He's improved 20lb this season winning two and being placed in his other two starts. His trainer has his string in good form and the stable jockey has picked him over their runners at Ascot and with question marks over his rivals it's easy to see the confidence in him. Rubaud is trained 20 minutes from the track and has won the Elite Hurdle here three times including last November. However when he ran in this two years ago on Heavy he was beaten 19l by Nemean Lion. He returned to Hurdles this season after a couple of disappointing runs over fences after which he had a wind op but the Ground is a red flag for me. Secret Squirrel has some useful form. Unfortunately he's fallen twice, either side of a win where he beat Kabral Du Mathan. That second fall came last February and he hasn't run since. Intellotto has his first start for a new yard and hasn't been since since finishing down the field in a Curragh handicap last September. Alexei for me.
Selection; Alexei
Best Alternative; Secret Squirrel
Gowran Park (Going; Heavy)
Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) 22m3f70y
Just the four runners and two of them trained by Willie Mullins. Impaire Et Passe is favourite but hasn't been seen in public since being brought down at Punchestown last April. Prior to that he had beaten Gidleigh Park in the Manifesto at Aintree. He's won on Heavy ground and while he has won after a long lay off he's not had one as long as this. Sa Fureur is rated 6lb lower than the favourite and receives 9lb from him. However to me his rating is suspect, achieved when he got an 8lb rise for beating Mars Harper at Navan in December 2024. He's not run over fences since and has had six hurdles starts instead, the best probably his last when a 2l second to Zanoosh over 2m4f on Soft To Heavy. Classic Getaway won this last year when beating Saint Sam 6l in a three horse race. He's had two runs this season finishing well beaten in both but drops back in trip for this. Danny Mullins who rode him last year retains the ride. Buddy One has been disappointing recently. He wears first time cheek pieces but he's pulled up three times on Heavy Ground.
Selection; Impaire Et Passe
Best Alternative; Classic Getaway
February 8th
Navan (Going; Heavy)
Boyne Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m5f180y
What's sure to be a severe test of stamina hads attracted a field of six. Staffordshire Knot was beaten half a length by Home By The Le in the Galmoy at Gowran seventeen days ago having won his previous two. It remains to be seen how much that has taken out of him but Jack Kennedy prefers him over his two stable companions. Hiddenvalley Lake won this two years ago but hasn't run since the Punchestown Festival last year. Better Days Ahead has his first start since the Fairyhouse Grand National last April and this is his first Hurdles start since May 2024. Irancy steps up to this trip for the first time having been very disappointing in his two starts this season. Colonel Mustard seemed to have gone the right way at last when winning his first two starts in the Autumn but was well beaten in the Long Walk at Ascot last December. Maxxum has been well beaten in the Lismullen here and the Hattons Grace. Not a day to bet heavily but Staffordshire Knot is the current form horse and gets the nod.
Selection; Staffordshire Knot
Best Alternative; Colonel Mustard
Ten Up Novice Chase (Grade 2) 3m
Oscars Brother has had a break since winning the Florida Pearl last November where he beat Koktail Divin 3l with Bossofthebrownies a further short head away third. The runner up went on to route the field at Leopardstown over Christmas. Gold Dancer's three Chase wins have come on a sounder surface and he was beaten 8l by Final Demand at Limerick on Soft to Heavy at Christmas having finished the same disatance behind Romeo Coolio in the Drinmore. Ground appears to be big negative. Bossofthebrownies is 5lb better off with Oscars Brother here. He's had two runs since the Florida Pearl and finishing third and second, the latest to Argento Boy where he faded towards the finish. Western Walk was 11l behind Final Demand at Limerick and has a fair bit to find on ratings. The Wallpark has been a big disappointment in his four chase starts having run off a mark of 15 in the Grade 1 Liverpool, Hurdle last April and third in the Stayers at Cheltenham. His trainer Gordon Elliott has a great record at his home track so market moves should be noted. I have to go with Oscars Brother.
Selection; Oscars Brother
Best Alternative; Bossofthebrownies
February 7th
Newbury (Going; Heavy)
Denman Chase (Grade 2) 2m7f91y
If racing goes ahead the Going will be extremely testing with rain forecast for this afternoon and overnight.
A disappointing turnout for this with just four facing the starter and it's basically a match between Haiti Coleurs and L'Homme Presse. Haiti Coleurs got his season off to a winning start over 1 furlong further than today when winning a Handicap Hurdle here in November. The Betfair came too soon for him and he was pulled up four out. He made amends winning the Welsh National at Chepstow next. Connections were keen to run at the DRF but weather was going to cause travel problems. L'Homme Presse has been runner up in both starts this season. The latest when three parts of a length back in second to Spillane's Tower at Cheltenham two weeks ago. However the stable has been out of form for much of the season and are operating at about 6%. Leave Of Absence and Riskintheground have a lot to fond on ratings and will battle it out for third and fourth. I'll stick with Haiti Coleurs.
Selection; Haiti Coleurs
Best Alternative; L'Homme Presse
Game Spirit Chase (Grade 2) 2m92y
Lulamba is odds on to beat his six more experienced rivals here. He had an entry in the Kingmaker Novices at Warwick so Nicky Hemderson must be confident he can account for these. He's won both his chase starts impressively and a s a 5yo he should have loads of improvement. He's shortened to odds on in the betting and next best is Saint Segal at 5/1. The latter steps out of Handicaps having been runner up in the Haldon Cup before winning a valuable handicap at Kelso and then finishing over 9l behind Be Aware in the Desert Orchid at Chriaatmas where he had to concede 9lb to the winner Thistle Ask. Liberty Hunter fell in the Champion Chased last March and on return in November unseated in the Schloer.. He was well beaten in the Tingle Creek where a bad mistake four out saw him beat a retreat. Master Chewy won this last year but had a few disappointing efforts after that. He is fitted with a tongue tie and on his second run back after a wind op at Kempton last moth he was 2l back in second behind Edwardstone and might appeal as an each way bet. Calico probably needs better ground than he's likely to get here. He's won his two starts this season but hasn't been seen since November and is drifting like a barge in the betting. Meetmebythesea has won both his chase starts but needs to find plenty more in this company although the ground will definitely suit. Lulamba for me.
Selection; Lulamba
Best Altrenative; Saint Segal
Warwick (Going; Soft)
Kingmaker Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m54y
Another small field with just the three runners. Mambonumberfive came over from France with some good hurdle form. However he'd just one win in three starts but fences sem to have made him. He's won his three starts over the larger obstacles culminating in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad at kempton over Christmas where the Favourite, Lump Sum, ran below par. The latter's stable mate, Steel Ally, had plenty of experience over hurdles winning twice and placed five times in tem starts although he Pulled Up in the other three. He's won his two chase starts having been fitted with a tongue tie in the first of them. On the second of them he won the Grade 2 Noel at Ascot. Mirabad won first time out over fences but wa s7l behind Mambonumberfive in the Wayward Lad. Slight preference over this trip is for Mambonumberfive.
Selection; Mambonumberfive
Best Alternative; Steel Ally
Jane Seymour Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m3f
Nine go to post for this Mares race. The consistent Kingston Queen who has won three of her seven starts under rules and been placed in thye remainder. She was jsut over 2l back in third behind Aeo Linn in the Aintree Bumper last April and got her hurdles career off to the perfect start beating Kripticjim at Chepstow in November and the latter has won his next three starts including the Grade 2 at Cheltenham a fortnight ago. On her only other start she was a well beaten third behind runaway winner Old Park Star at Cheltenham last November over a trip short of what she probably needs. All her runs under rules have been on Good To Soft but she did win her only Point start on Soft.The Aintree Bumper is throwing up some good winners also so it's no surprise that Kingston Queen is Favourite here. White Noise has won her last three all on Good or Good To Soft. Given a mark of 109 after her first win (second start) she won easily at Market Rasen over an extended 2m2f and got a further 10lb rise. That didn't stop her winning a Mares' Handicap Hurdle at Newbury over 2m conceding weight to all but one rival and keeping on well to win by 5l. She got another 9lb rise for that and will appreciate the step up in trip here. Good Girl Kathleen travels over from Emmet Mullins' yard in Ireland. On her latest start she was an easy winner of a Grade 3 over an extended 3m where the favourite didn't perform having been struck into. She has to concede 5lb to her rivals and I'd be concerned that the trip might be on the short side for her and she is drifting in the betting as I write. Supreme Malinas is two from two over hurdles having won just one of her four Bumper starts. On her last start she was all out to beat Park Princess by a nose with A Path To Ronda over 1l back in third. That was a Listed Mares at Haydock last December and she's been freshened up since after a hard race. Park Princess won a Fontwell maiden next time. Dream Shadow is two from three over hurdles the latest over 2m4f on Heavy ground at Ayr. She was 3l behind Kingston Queen in a Market Rasen Bumper in January last year and might appeal to each way backers. It look an open contest but I'll go with Kingston Queen.
Selection; Kingston Queen
Best Alternative; White Noise
February 2nd
Leopardstown (Going; Soft Chase Course; Heavy Hurdle Course)
Nathaniel Lacy Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m6f53y
This is sure to be a test of stamina for these Novices. As I write this Doctor Steinberg is a clear favourite, fully eight points ahead of his nearest rival in the betting. Yet he is still odds against at 6/5. Having won one of his four Bumpers he improved to win his two Hurdles starts. in the first he beat Frankie John comfortably by over 5l in a Galway Maiden over an extended 2m5f in October. He then went to Navan in December for the Grade 2 Hurdle where he had another comfortable win over Thedeviluno over 2m4f on Soft To Heavy. The latter went on to win the Grade 2 River Don at Doncaster last weekend. Kazansky is next best in the betting. Winner of one of his three points for Sam Curling he was a cheap enough buy for connections after that and is now with Gordon Elliott. Having unseated on his first hurdle star when hampered by a faller at the last he won next time at Cork by almost 2l with the third a further 22l behind. that was over 2m1f and he stepped up to 2m7f for his next start at Limerick over Christmas and got home in the Grade 2 by a head from County Final. Tackletommywoowoo has had ten hurdle starts. He's only ran once on Soft and was well beaten. However that was ove 2m and his form improved significantly when stepped out to 3m after another two fruitless efforts. He's ran six times at 3m and won three going up 30lb in the ratings aand is now off 135. Santo Sospir looks to be second choice of the Elliott runners with Sean Bowen up. Winner of his only Bumper he's won two of his three hurdle starts, once on Soft To Heavy over an extended 2m3f at Puinchestown and then on heavy ground at Clonmel over 2m1f where he was an easy winner from Baby Kate. Love Me Tender is one who might interest each way backers. Winner of his only bumper and his the bought by the McManus team he went on to win a Grade 3 at Tipperary over 2m before finishing third, beaten over 8l, bySkylight Hustle in the Grade 1 Future Champions at Leopardstown last month over 2m. Considering the winner had previously beaten Thedeviluno by just over 2l I think at current odds of 12/1 he is Good Each Way value provided he handles the ground and looking at his pedigree I think he will. Gordon Elliot has another two runners but they look held on form. It's hard to knock the form of Doctor Steinberg and he gets the selection.
Selection; Doctor Steinberg
Best Alternative; Love Me Tender (Each Way or without the Favourite)
Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
Just seven due to go to post and the 11l and impressive winner of the Christmas Grade 2, Narciso Has, is an odds on Favourite. He had North Shore a short head further back in third with Barbizon over 1l back in fourth. Prior to that Narciso Has was beaten almost 3l by Mange Tout in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse with the winner getting 3lb from the second. Mange Tout is now 4lb better off here. Selma De Vary has her first start for the Ricci / Mullins team and wears a first time hood. Her last start was her seasonal debut when she won by 9l in a thirteen runner field. She was held up out the back off a slow pace an at Half way was about 12l back from the leader. With all but one of the field going the outside route at Auteuil she was switched to the inside with four of the eleven flights to jump and made up plenty of ground. She took it up at the second last and despite a poor jump at the last sprinted clear under hands and heels. It will be interesting to see how her jumping holds up if there is a bit of pace on. Bertutea won on heavy at Limerick in a maiden having placed in two starts over hurdles at Auteuil. Immediate Effect won his only start over hurdles having won twice on the All weather for Sir Mark Prescott with a rating of 89. Narciso Has put up a time quicker than the preceding two races both over 2m at the Christmas meeting albeit carrying 8lb less than Ballyfad in the Maiden and while Mange Tout is better off at the weights than she was when beating him she had the benefit of race fitness. Bookies price it up as a two horse race and a repeat of that Christmas run should see Narciso Has do a repeat. But keep an eye on Selma De Vary who ran in France of a rating of 145
Selection; Narciso Has
Best Alternative; Selma De Vary
Arkle Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m1f
A disappointing field of three for this and Romeo Coolio is odds on to add to his three wins over fences. Having won over 2m4f on his first two starts, including the Drinmore, he was made to fight all the way to the line here at Christmas by Irish Panther over this trip eventually getting on top by half a length. Kargesse was beaten 16l by Kala Conti on Chase debut at Cork in December after which she went to Leopardstown last month and had a bloodless victory winning a five runner chase by 15l from Lovely Hurling. Downmexicoway is two from three over fences. On his second start he wa an 8l second to Gold Dancer before beating Drumgillon in Heavy at Gowran giving 8lb to the runner up. This is a big test for him. Romeo Coolio bet Koktail Divin by 14l at Down Royal back in November and the latter was hugely impressive when winning at Leopardstown at Christmas and as I've been with him all season I'll stick with him here.
Selection; Romeo Coolio
Best Alternative; Kargesse
Irish Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m100y
The question on everone's lips will be, can Gallopin Des Champs win this for the fourth time. There were a few prophets of doom after the Savill sat Christmas but a cool headed look at the race suggests he has a great chance here. In previous years he's had a blow out in the John Durkan but missed that this year. He was having his first race since Punchestown and having been prominent he led two out and was only headed approaching the last and only lost second in the dying stridews. He was only beaten just over 3l by Affordale Fury who had the benefit of three previous runs so was race fit. Thirteen face the starter and Willie Mullins saddles eight of them including the top three in the early betting. Gallopin Des Champs is favourite but drifting slightly now at 13/8. Next in the Betting is Gaelic Warrior at 13/2. He beat Fact To File a neck in the John Durkan but went down by two noses to The Jukebox Man and Banbridge in the King George with Jango Baie half a length back in fourth. Fact To File was well beaten in the King George having taken a keen hold. There is a doubt about him getting the extended 3m as he faded from the back of the last losing second in the last strides here last year. Affordale Fury had three good runs before winning the Savills. The form of those races was good and he's gone up 19lb in the ratings and starting to fulfil the promise he showed in his early days before a couple of setbacks. Inothewayurthinkin won last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup but has been very disappointing in two runs this season been beaten a total of 94l behind Gaelic Warrior (The John Durkan) and Affordale Fury (The Savills). Reports of him working better lately are encouraging but he's best watched unless a significant Market move. Spindleberry has won all five chase starts, the best of then in the Grade 1 over 2m4f at Fairyhouse last Easter where she had Firefox of 4l back in second. She won a point but she does like to lead and this is her first time over 3m under rules. Despite connections being bullish about her she has a bit to find with the favourites and just might be setting it up for others. I Am Maximus and Grangeclare West both improved on poor runs in the John Durkan to finish second and fourth in the Savills. They could be in the shake up if the favourite under performs. I'll give Gallopin Des Champs the nod around one of his favourite tracks.
Selection; Gallopin Des Champs
Best Alternative; Gaelic Warrior
I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m
Just seven go to post and another possible match according to the early betting. It's Only A Game was runner up on debut last May at Punchestown. He returned there in November and beat Boycetown by over 3l. He was covered up and got a lovely run up the rail to quicken away and only had to get one tap behind the saddle to run out an easy winner on Soft To Poet. The runner up went to Down Royal at Christmas and won by 18l. Charismatic Kid has had just one run, winning readily by over 6l. He must have impressed Gordon Elliott who had the fourth, subsequent winner, With Nolimit as he went to £300k to secure the winner at the December Cheltenham sale. Rojuco Mac has had three starts, all in Bumpers. On the second of them he went down by half a length to Ballyfad at punchestown in November. He then went to Limerick at Christmas where he won by under 1l and the third Court Compliance won a Maiden Hurdle next time. Broadway Ted one of four Elliott horses won his only start, at Ayr last December. Generous Risk has been placed in all three Bumpers and won a Point while With Nolimit made amends for been a beaten favourite at Navan winning well around here at Christmas. It's Only A Game for me.
Selection; It's Only A Game
Best Alternative; Charismatic Kid
February 1st
Leopardstown (Going;
Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m5f107y
Just five runners and a short priced favourite in Final Demand (2/5). He beat Wingman by 13l on Chase debut on Heavy ground at Navan and then won the Grade 1 Faugheen at Limerick's Christmas meeting beating stablemate Gold Dancer by a very easy 8l, no mean feat as the runner up was rated 152. Jimmy Du Seuil was 43l last of the four runners. The handicapper has given Final Demand a mark of 158. Kait d'Authie looked a decent prospect when beating Koktail Divin at Leopardstown Christmas 2024. He had two disappointing runs after that before winning at Punchdestown in April. Beaten just over 1l by Kitzbuhel on Chase debut in November he beat Wingman by 10l at Fairyhouse on New Years Day. That was over 2m6f and. Galway Plate winner Western Fold went on to beat Affordale Fury in the PWC at Gowran next time before finishing over 5l back in third behind Envoi Allen in the Gold Cuo at Down Royal. He's rated just 1lb behind the favourite but whether he can see out the trip on testing ground is the question. I can't oppose Final Demand who is a clear favourite also for the Brown Advisory at Cheletnham.
Selection; Final Demand
Best Alternative; Kaid d'Authie
Tattersalls Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
This could be a classic. Talk The Talk looked to have the Future Champion Hurdle at his mercy here at Christmas but stumbled and fell after the last. He looked a bit gren approaching it and having watched the race back for this he also appeared to dive at the second last. Skylight Hustle went on to win it and that's a great form line. Le Divin Enfant (wears a first time hood here) was 11l back in fourth with Mister Pessimistic 23l back in sixth. King Rasko Grey won his only start over hurdles when a comfortable 3l winner over Shuttle Diplomacy on Soft To Heavy. The latter was a good winner of a Maiden at Naas last week . Coming from Closutton King Rasko Grey has to be respected and appears the pick of the Mullins team with Paul Townend up. Ballyfad is unbeaten in a Point, two Bumpers and his Maiden Hurdle where had a very easy 9l win over Leader d'Allier who came out and won his maiden last week by 9l at Punchestown. He won his second Bumper on Soft To Heavy so ground won't inconvenience him. The Reverand was rated 102 on the flat when Owner Tony Bloom moved him from William Haggas to Willie Mullins. He's had just one start over hurdles when a comfortable winner of a Maiden winning by almost 5l. He's won on Soft and Heavy and Harry Cobden rides. Starting Fifteen won his maiden at Limerick's Christmas meeting on Heavy ground having finished 1l back in second to Talk The Talk at the same venue in October while Blake who impressed me when winning at Down Royal went down by a head in a thriller with Koktail Brut and The Passing Wife in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse and won on the Flat around here on Heavy ground. Ballyfad for me.
Selection; Ballyfad
Best Alternative; Shuttle Diplomacy
Dublin Chase (Grade 1) 2m1f
Six go to post with five of them wearing some sort of head gear. Majborough (first time cheep pieces) jumped poorly when second to Found A Fifty at Cork on his seasonal debut in December and again here at Christmas he didn't always jump with any fluency having taken a keen hold. He ended up just over 3l back in third behind Solness and Marine Nationale here at Christmas with Found Fifty 18l behind the winner. Personally I'd like to see him settle more in his races as he's always likely to make jumping errors the way he races. Marine Nationale (Tongue Tie) was a 2l second to Solness in this last year and if the going stays testing does Barry Connell want to possibly leave his Cheltenham race here. He's a drifter in betting and now 9/4 from evens. Solness wears a first time visor, instead of usual cheek pieces, to go with his usual tongue tie. If it stays testing going could be an issue. Energumene (first time cheek pieces) was 9l behind Found A Fifty at Cork in December and at 12yo might find it all a bit quick as connections had planned to step him up in trip this year. Senecia (blinkers) keeps turning up in Grade races but two wins in nineteen chase starts tells it's own story. Not a race I'd want to bet big in if at all but Majborough might be the one best suited by the ground and gets the nod.
Selection; Majborough
Best Alternative; Found A Fifty
Irish champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
Six go to post and with State Man on the sidelines it's up to Lossiemouth to carry the Closutton torch for the four Mullins runners. Lossiemouth fell in this last year but won her next three all at the major festivals. She got her season off to the perfect start winning the Morgiana last November beating Glen Kiln 19l. She then went to Leopardstwon at Christmas for the December huerdle and got the better of Brighterdaysahead by 1l. That wa the latter's first run since May and she can be expected to come on for that. Anzadam won his two starts in Fance and his first two for Willie Mullins but was off from January last year untik November when finishing over 1l behind the winner Golden Ace. He was amlmost 7l behind Lossiemouth when fourth of the eight in that December Hurdle. Harry Cobden rides and I'm sure there's a big race in him. Having fallen in three of his last four starts over fences El Fabiolo returned for his first start since April when winning a Punchestown Hurdle by 8l from Glen Kiln over 2m3f with Spillane's Tower a head back in third. On a strict line through Glen Kiln he looks held by Lossiemouth. Triumph Hurdle winner Poniros hasn't run since Royal Ascot but you always worry when you see Danny Mullins on one of his uncles when they have multiple runners in a race. Casherdale Lad was over 6l third in the aforementioned December Hurdle which was a career best but needs to improve more to win here. Brighterdaysahead might have improved enough from her first run to win here.
Selection; Brighterdaysahead
Best Alternative; Lossiemouth
Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race
Twelve runners for a race Willie Mullins has won four times in the last five runnings. But he does'nt have the favourite here. That honour falls to Tom Cooper and his Cheltenham winner Celestial Tune. This Mare was beaten just over 4l by Bud Fox at Punchestown in April. She was then off then until Listowel in September when she was a comfortable 9l winner in what was probably a poor enough race. She then went to Cheltenham's November meeting where she readily won by 3l. It's hard to way up the form of those two wins but that Punchestown race could yet prove decent as apart from Bud Fox who may have been affected by whatever ailed the Cromwell horse recently the next four have all won since. For a stable that usually has multiple runners in this race, Willie Mullins has just one repressentative. It's probably not surprising as he doesn't seem to have dominated Bumpers thiss eason like he usually does. His representative here is Wonderful Everyday. Having won on debut at Punchestown last April when an unfancied 16/1 she had Brosna Shine almost 4l back in third. She was sent over to Huntingdon in December for her next run but having gone off evens favourite she was a big disappointment finishing over 11l back in tenth. After that Punchestown third which was her first start Brosna Queen re appeared at Fairyhouse last December and stayed on well to win by 3l with the second Aramita, having her first start, pulling 16l clear of the third. Brosna Queen looks the pick of the two Sonny Carey runners with Jody Townend getting the leg up on recent Punchestown winner Lilannbee who who took four starts to gain that win. Moonverrin won at the second attempt but Pa King who rode him in those races takes the mount on Brosna Queen. Gordon Elliott runs Dawn Of Light who is a half sister to Bravemansgame. She's having her first start under rules having having won her Point at the second attempt. That 20l win was enough to get current connections to pay £370k for her at the Cheltenham November sale. Generally I think the trainer likes them to have a nice introduction so watch market moves. Royal Hillsborough wonat the first attempt in a four runner Ayr Bumper last February. Pulled up next time at Fairyhouse at Easter. She reappeared at Navan in November for a Mare's Listed Bumper but was no match for Old School Outlaw, beaten 0ver 6l into second with Brosna Queen a further14l back in fifth. That was on Heavy ground. I think this horse is overpriced and coming from a stable that interrupted the Mullins winning run in 2022 and I'm recommending her as an each way selection
Selection; Royal Hillsborough (Each Way)
Best Alternative; Celestial Tune
Hopefully racing goes ahead for one of the highlights of the year. Check back in for Updates.
Sandown ((Soft)
Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 2m4f
Just the four runners, two of them Irish, with Kauto Star winner Kitzbuhel representing Willie Mullins. Harry Cobden gets the leg up and he got back from injury with a winner at Wincanton Thursday. That Kauto Star win was over 3m but he did win over 2m4f at Punchestown in November. Kala Conti has won her two starts over fences, both at Cork. On her latest she beat Kargesse 16l in a Grade 2 Mares. She gets the 7lb mares allowance with narrows the gap on ratings. Sixmilebridge has won his two starts over fences. Hevwas maybe a bit fortunate when Derryhassen Paddy probably injured himself when clouting the third last. Sixmilebridhge then won a three runner novice by 13l. Miami Magic beat Regent's Stroll by 4l last time when getting 5lb from the second. Kala Conti for me.
Selection; Kala Conti
Best Alternative; Kitzbuhel
January 24th
Cheltenham (New Course) (Going; Soft)
The Finesse Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m179y
Ten declared but the Bookies have priced it up as a two horse race. Dan Skelton has Maestro Conti here. winner of his only start in France, the third horse that day Bourban Has has subsequently won at Auteuil and is rated 151 by the French Handicapper. Maestro Conti changed hands privately after that and had his only start for new connections at Kempton over Christmas where he travelled strongly and only had to be shaken up to go clear and win by a comfortable 9l. Minella Yoga won his first start at Fairyhouse last November and Owner/Trainer John Nallen made a nice profit on this €35k yearling when Paul Nicholls went to £360k to get him at the November Cheltenham sale. He had his only start for new connections when he availed of all the allowances as a 3yo up against older horses and was pushed out to beat Age Of Innocence by three parts of a length with the third placed horse 12l behind. Minella Yoga was getting 20lb from the second but it was impressive nonetheless. One Horse Town completed a four timer when winning a Grade 2 on Heavy ground around the Old Course here but was beaten almost 10l into third around the New Course next time at the December meeting. Tenter Le Tout has had three starts and won his last two. The latest win came in the Grade 2 Finale at Chepstow last month when he was an easy winner with the odds on Favourite running poorly and the second favourite Pullin Up. All his runs have come on Good To Soft. Gordon Elliot has sent a small team over and Hardy Stuff represents him here. He pulled up first time out having hung badly left on the bend at Cork. He then finished 3l behind Quinta Do Lago at Punchestown with Ole Ole 1l behind the winner. He turned the table on the runner up on his next outing when getting the better of Ole Ole by a head at Leopardstown last month. It's probably not the strongest of the Irish form but he should get a handicap mark after this which will qualify him to run at the Festival. The French are represented by Miss Des Boullats. She's had eight starts over hurdles winning twice and placed twice. As is their practice she's also had two starts over fences without sucess. One of her wins came in an Auteuil Listed race and she was also second in a similar contest. She has a French rating of 141. La Luna Artiste was a very easy winner of her only Hurdle start having won her only Bumper and could be anything. Maestro Conti's two runs have come on sharp right handed tracks, Moulins and Kempton, and with the stable in form and a jockey who rides the track as good if not better than anyone at present he has a great chance once he copes going left handes. Minella Yoga gets 3lb from him and is of a rating of 129 while One Horse Town rated 131 has to give Minella Yoga 5lb and the Favourite 2lb. I'll stick with Maestro Conti.
Selection; Maestro Conti
Best Alternative; Minella Yoga
Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) 3m1f56y
Grey Dawning is odds on to collect here and he ticks a lot of boxes. He won the Betfair at Haydock on his seasonal debut last November and has won and placed second on his two starts around this course. The win came on Soft ground over 2m4f and I have one reservation and that is 3m1f on Soft ground. L'Homme Presse comes from a stable completely out of form not having had a winner with her last seventeen runs although there was hope when she had a runner up Thursday. L'Homme Presse didn't make his reappearance this season until mid December having been off since Pulling Up at Ascot last February. He stayed on in that December race around this course over 3m2f and you would expect him to come on for the run albeit he's now 11yo. Spillane's Tower will have his ground here. He was not himself when well beaten on his reappearance last November but showed improvement when third to El Fabiolo in a Hurdle race at Fairyhouse where he got outpaced after the second last but ran on to suggest that he needed the step up from that 2m3f. The stable have been giving out positive vibes and at 8yo he shouLd be capable of further improvement. Flooring Porter has his first start since the Kerry National win in September 2024 and while the stable seems to have hit form again he's best watched. Spillane's Tower is worth a chance here.
Selection; Spillane's Tower
Best Alternative; Grey Dawning
The International Hurdle (Grade 2)
Super Sub Sir Gino is odds on to add this to his win in the Christmas Hurdle having stepped in to replace Constitution Hill. He's unbeaten in all his seven starts, one of them over fences, and bar a fall he should win here. The New Lion fell when leading by 1l at the second last hurdle in the Fighting Fifth. The Skeltons are persisting at 2m although his four hurdle wins have all come between an extended 2m3f and 2m5f. He receives 3lb from Sir Gino. Nemean Lion and Brentford Hope will pick up some nice place money.
Selection; Sir Gino
Best Alternative; The New Lion
Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m7f213y
Just the six runners. Stepping up to 3m has been the making of Impose Toi. He's won his three starts this season including the Grade 1 Long Walk at Ascot last month where he had had Strong Leader just over 1l back in second. He had beaten the latter half a length on his previous start in the Grade 2 Long Distance at Newbury. Ma Shantou has had three starts this season winning twice both here at Cheltenham and one of them on the New Course. They have been in Handicaps so it's a big step up for him and on ratings he has a bit to find but connections will know where they stand with him after this. Doddiethegreat looks held by Impose Toi on Ascot form while last year's winner Gowel Road lost his way afterwards. Impose Toi for me
Selection; Impose Toi
Best Alternative; Strong Leader
The Classic Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f56y
Eight declared and Act Of Innocence is the early favourite. He went down by three parts of a length to the 3yo Minella Yoga who was receiving 20lb from the runner up. On his first start over hurdles he went off favourite and beat subsequent winner Sinnatra by almost 3l. That November win was his first start since a Bumper win last March. Taurus Bay has won a Point and two hurdle races, all his starts. His latest win came at Aintree where he quickened up between the last two flights and was driven out to beat Captain Hugo by over 4l. The latter went on to win next time out. Heads Up had five decent runs in Bumpers the best being the last when he finished second just over 1l behind Bambino Fever. He won his maiden hurdle at the first attempt with the runner up winning his next two. Heads Up had just one more start when finishing 3l back in second to No Drama This End in the Grade 2 Hyde Hurdle around the Old Course here. However the stable is out of form with not many runners so far this year. The Blue Room was a 5l second to No Drama This End at Sandown in December having won his maiden Hurdle at Chepstow at the first attempt. He's one from three in Bumpers. Fortune Timmy is two from three over hurdles and while he won his last start by 24l it was a poor race. Of more interest is the race he didn't win. He went to Kempton for his second hurdle start and finished third, beaten over 4l to Old Park Star who is now rated 151. A negative is the form of the stable recently with one win in fourteen runs. Kripticjim has won his last two and has won over the distance. The worry is the first time tongue tie and if he has a little issue with his wind conditions might not suit. Adonedeal looks the Olly Murphy second string and Open Secret travels over from Cullentra having got off the mark at the third attempt on Soft To Heavy over 2m3f. Taurus Bay for me.
Selection; Taurus Bay
Best Alternative; Fortune Timmy each way
Doncaster (Going; Soft)
River Don Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m84y
Carlenrig was all out to beat They Call Me Hugo a short head at the Cheltenham December meeting over 3m in the Grade 2 Bristol Novices and carries a 5lb penalty for the win. Prior to that he had been beaten by the Rocking Man at Chepstow. The latter was in receipt of 3lb and gets 5lb here. That was the latter's first hurdle start and he should improve. Kicour La was beaten half a length in his only point on Heavy going with nine of the thirteen starters pulling up and another havingb a tired fall at the last. He moved to Ben Pauling's after that and has won his two starts both at Leicester over the extended 2m4f on Soft and the last one on heavy by 13l. He is rated 131 and gets 5lb from Carlenrig who is rated 132. Thedeviluno was second in the last three of his four Bumpers. He then got off the mark at the first time of asking over hurdles on Heavy ground over 2m from Skylight Hustle who won the Grade 1 Future Champions at Leopardstown last month having won his maiden by 21l at Fairyhouse late November. However seconditis hit Thedeviluno neXt time in the Grade 2 Navan Hurdle when beaten almost 5l by Doctor Steinberg over 2m4f on Soft to Heavy. Country Code was placed in his two Points and has won his two Hurdle starts the latest at Kelso where he was eased down in the last 100 yards to win readily by over 5l. He's been given a rating of 130 and his trainer Ruth Jefferson won this two years ago with Kerryhill. The slowest he's run on has been Good To Soft. The Price Of Peace makes the long journey from Rebecca Curtis' Pembrokeshire yard. He's two from three over hurdles the latest win coming at Chepstow on Good To Soft over an extended 2m3f when he cruised home by 11L at odds of 1/6. He never got out of a half speed against what was probably a poor field. He is definitely one to watch in the market. Intosomethinggood is 4lb better off for finishing over 2l behind Carlenrig at Cheltenham last time over 3m. Something could well come out of the pack but I think the winner will come from one of the above. With the ground soft and light rain forecast for Friday along with the ground been churned up by Friday's racing it is difficult to evealuate when many of these have not run on very testing conditions amd as I write this at lunchtime Friday there are fifteen non runners on today's Doncaster card. I think the percentage play here is a small each way and I recommend a half point each way on The Price Of Peace who can be got at 15/2 Bet 365 and Paddy Power with both offering four places at 1/5th the odds.
Selection; The Price Of Peace (15/2 Bet 365 and Paddy Power 4 places)
Best Alternative; Kilcour La (Each way 11/2 Paddy power four places)
Yorkshire Rose Mares Hurdle (Grade 2)
Feet Of A Dancer had an entry for the Galmoy at Gowran yesterday but Paul Nolan must feel confident as he travelled her over from Wexford and indeed the Bookies make her favourite at 5/2. She beat Mozzies Sister on seasonal debut at Punchestown in Soft To Heavy in November's Listed Mares over 2m2f and then was beaten just over 2l by the excellent Wodhooh in a Grade 3 Mares at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting. She's been improving year on year and while she's never won over this trip connections must be confident. Jetara won this last year beating Kateira a head but has been in and out in eight subsequent starts and was 56l behind back in seventh behind Teahupoo at Leopardstown over Christmas. Market moves should be noted. That'll Do Moss steps up to the trip for the first time under rules although she did win a Point over 3m. She won a Bumper and her Maiden Hurdle but could only manage place money in five subsequent starts. Best of her form would be when beaten just over 2l to Aurora Vega in the Grade 1 Mares at Fairyhouse last Easter. On her latest start she was almost 3l back in third to Nurse Susan at Sandown earlier this month over 2m4f and was staying on at the finish having been outpaced suggesting she needed to step up in trip. Dream On Baby has been on the go since August and is another with seconditis finishing runner up in five of her eight starts since then. Emmet Mullins sent her to Kempton in November for a Mares Listed Hurdle which she won over 2m5f with That'll Do Moss over 15L back in fourth. Lavida Adviva won over course and distance on her last start back in December and you couldn't rule her out. Feet Of Dancer gets 2lb from Jetara and it might just swing it for Paul Nolan's Mare.
Selection; Feet Of A Dancer
Best Alternative; That'll Do Moss
January 22nd
Gowran (Going; Heavy)
Galmoy Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m7f110y
Seven go to post and it's whoever handles the ground the best. Staffordshire Knot showed plenty of promine early in his career but struggled when he went over fences and reverted to Hurdles. It's taken him a while but he has started to get it together now and when stepped up to 3m at Punchestown in November he gave weight to all his rivals winning by over 5l on Soft To Heavy ground. He dropped back to 2m6f at Clonmel early December and strolled home by 10l. Danny Gilligan takes the ride while Jack Kennedy is on stablemate Gerri Colombe. It was a disappointing return for the latter at Leopardstown over Christmas having been off for almost fourteen months. He seemed to back off at his fences and lost ground and Jack pulled him up before the 9th. The Vets gave him a clean bill of health afterwards and he's fitted with first time cheek pieces. However I think he's a watching brief while Gordon Elliott is not sure if he'll be a Gold Cup horse but maybe a Grand National one down the road. Having won the Lismullen Hurdle on seasonal debut last season and going on to win the Grade 1 at Leopardstown that December Home By The Lee unseated at Cheltenham and was never travelling at Aintree and was Pulled Up. He then finished 13l back in sixth behind Teahupoo at the Punchestown Festival. He didn't reappear until Leopardstown at Christmas and was over 15l behind Teahupoo. He is inconsistent but having wore a visor at Christmas he's back in blinkers which wore when winning at Leopoardstown in December 2024. Last year's winner Rocky Diamond was subsequently well beaten at Cheltenham and Punchestown. He was sent chasing in September and showed a lot of promise in winning at Galway. He was beaten three parts of a length in a Listed race next time, going off at evens ands was a bit disappointing when an 8l fifth in the Florida Pearl. That might not have been too bad a run given the second was a runaway winner over Christmas at Leopardstown. His stablemate, Mozzie Sister is a consistent Mare her form doesn't look strong enough although as a 7yo she should have plenty of improvement to come. Farnciscan Rock looks well held by Staffordshire Knot on their Clonmel run while Langtry Lady, who has won twice over 2m around here her only wins in eight starts, steps up to the trip for the first time. Staffordshire Knot gets 9lb for Home By The Lee and 5lb from Rocky's Diamond and looks to be progressing nicely so gets the selection.
Selection; Staffordshire Knot
Best Alternative; Rocky's Diamond
January 18th
Windsor (Going; Soft)
Hampton Novices Chase (Grade 2) 3m60y
Another tricky contest for this Grade 2 stamina test. Six go to post and the early betting has Salver as favourite. He was a 10l third to Lulamba on chase debut before beating Doyen Quest, who was conceding 3lb, by 12L at Sandown over 3m and finally beaten over 5L back in fourth behind Kitzbuhel in the Kauto Star last month. He wears first time cheek pieces and carries a 5lb penalty. Moon Rocket won his first chase start and then got beaten half a length when 1/3 fav in a match. Both those runs were at Doncaster. Jumping a fence seems to have improved Wade Out who has won his two starts over the larger obstacles. He beat Wendigo a head at Worcester over 2m4f and then went up to 3m at Cheltenham where despite some indifferent jumping he stayed on to beat subsequent winner One Big Bang by just over 3L. He's now rated 145 but has to carry a 5lb penalty. Doyen Quest has plenty of experience winning two of his five Chases. He was however beaten 12l by Salver last time at Sandown with Laurens Bay another 4l behind. Jeriko Du Reponet won his only Point and then won his first three starts for connections culminating in a Grade 2 at Doncaster but pulled up in the Supreme when the Seven Barrow stables was hit with the virus. He pulled up when he resumed in a chase November '24 and was put back over hurdles where he had a couple of place efforts before turning the tables on Doddiethegreat to whom he was runner up at Cheltenhma by beating him comprehensively at Punchestown last May. He resumed back over fences in November finishing 12L back in second to Jax Junior over 2m2f and was beaten just over 4l in a Match with Regent's Stroll over 2m4f. He's back up to 3m here having won over the trip at Punchestown. He's the highest rated horse in the race and receives weight from three of his main rivals so he gets my vote here.
Selection; Jeriko Du Reponet (7/1 Bet 365)
Best Alternative; Moon Rocket
Thurles (Going; Yielding)
Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f198y
Jade De Grugy is long odds on to cillect here following her second place behind The Big Westerner at Limerick over Christmas. Rated 151 over hurdles which was well ahead of her rivals here. Next in the betting is Tareze from the De Bromhead yard at 5/1 but all most can hope for is a place and some valuable Black Type.
Selection; Jade De Grugy
Best Akternative; Tareze
Horse and Jockey Hotel Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f66y
Just the five runners and four of them for Willie Mullins. Last year's winner Appreciate It is back but carrying 5lb more than last year. He went to Aintree after this but was brought down and went to Sandown later that month finishing 5L behind stablemate Gaelic Warrior. He warmed up for this finishing almost 5l back in second to Affordale Fury who was getting 10lb from the runner up. James Du Berlais is inconsistent and since coming from France wherer he won four times he's just managed two wins in twenty starts, atvFairyhouse in January 2023 and at Punchestown last April. He's had two runs this season beaten a long way at Punchestown in the John Durkan and was third of three to Iroko at Ascot in December. Nonetheless the Owners are still persisting with the 10yo. Gentleman Du Mee developed a reputation as a Spring Horse early in his career and all his six wins have come from February to April. He's been beaten a long way in two starts this season though Mark Walsh has chosen him over the other Mc Manus runner Hercule Du Seuil.The latter who wears a Hood and a tongue tie pulled up behind Solness at Christmas having faded from the third last. Prior to that he was an 8L third to Found A Fifty in the Fortria at Navan. His best bit of recent form was when just under 6l back in third to Il Etait Temps and over 3l behind the second Gaelic Warrior in the Grade 1 at Punchestown last May. Monbeg Park who wears Blinkers and has a tongue tie had the benefit of race fitness when runner up to Heart Wood in the Grade 3 at Punchestown last October. However the rest of his form has been poor since winning a Listed Handicap,chase last March. Not a race I'd be inclined to get involved in too heavily if at all. All five have tongue ties but I'll take a cjance with James Du Berlais who has attracted a bit of support.
Selection; James Du Berlais
Best Alternative; Hercule Du Seuil
January 17th
Ascot (Going; Good To Soft)
Warefield Mares' Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f157y
The Grade 2 Mares' Bumper at the Aintree Grand National meeting can throw up plenty of subsequent winners and last April's race is no exception. While the winner, Seo Linn, was beaten next time out six of the next eight finishers have won since. They include La Conquiere who was beaten half a length and is now 7/4 fav for this on Friday morning. She was given a break after Aintree and resumed last October winning a maiden hurdle with the runner up winning her next two starts. She then went to Newbury and won a Listed Mares' Hutdle from a number of previous winners. She's only had the four starts and as a 7yo should improve further. Nurse Susan won a Lingfield in January 2024 and wasn't seen again until Cheltenhma last March where she was out the back of the TV in Wodhooh's race. She had two further starts finishing down the field before winning at Cheltenham last December and again in a Listed Mares' at Sandown last month. She's been a big drifter since opening as favourite on Thursday. Joyeuse is out of a half sister to Epatante and both are by No Risk At All. However she hasn't yet reached the same level as her sister. Beaten just under 2l by Wodhooh at Cheltenham in December 2024 she went onto Newbury in February last year and beat Lump Sum by 8L in a Grade 3. She's mixed hurdles with chases since with her hurdle form disappointing and two runner up spots in her two chase starts. It's hard to fancy her but given the McManus/ Henderson connection betting markets should be watched. Sunset Marquesa is 4lb better off with Nurse Susan having been beaten 4l in the Sandown LisTed Mares last month while Ooh Betty seems to have lost her form in her last three runs. La Conquiere looks to be a progressive sort and gets the selection.
Selection; La Conquiere
Best Alternative; Nurse Susan
Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) 2m172y
Just the four runners and Il Etait Temps is odds on to collect. Unbeaten in his last five starts he's easily accounted for Jonbon in two of them. He's won seven of his nine chase starts his two defeats coming at the hands of Gaelic Warrior. Jonbon won this last year but having won the Melling Chase at Aintree in April he's been runner up in his next three starts the latest a 9l defeat by Il Etait Temps at Sandown in the Tingle Creek in December. Thistle Creek has won his last five starts, the last two in the Haldon Gold Cup and the Desert Orchid, both Grade 2's. However he hasn't met horses of the quality of the top two here and it will be interesting to see how he gets on in this company. Gidleigh Park was a top novice hurdler but has had a health issue. However he put that behind him when beating Caldwell Potter at Windsor twelve months ago before going down by just over 1L to Impaire Et Passe at Aintree. He resumed around here in November finishing a 9L second to Jango Baie over 2m5f. He's of interest with trainer Harry Fry dropping him back to 2m the distance he won over at Windsor before been stepped out in trip for his last two starts. It's hard to oppose Il Etait Temps.
Selection; Il Etait Temps
Best Alternative; Jonbon
Haydock (Going; Good To Soft)
Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f144y
Paul Nicholls lost a number of promising horses over the Summer when their owmers moved them on and the Ditcheat stable cat will be in hiding if one of them, Old Park Star, justifies odds on favouritism winning this. Placed in his three starts for Nicholls Old Park Star was brought out by Nicky Henderson to win first time up at Kempton last November with the second and third winning neXt time. He then went to Cheltenham where he only had to be shaken up turning for home and powered up the straight for an emphatic win by 12l beating a number of previous winners in the process. He has been given a rating of 142 by the Handicapper. Hurricane Pat looks to be the main danger to the favourite. Winner of two of his three starts in Bumpers he's won his two hurdle starts the latest a Listed race where he readily accounted for Soldier Reeves by over 5L. The winner is 5lb worse off here but Soldier Reeves has been a big drifter in the betting. Japetus has won two Bumpers and his two Hurdle starts but needs to improve a fair bit on ratings. Old Park Star is hard to oppose.
Selection; Old Park Star
Best Alternative; Hurricane Pat
January 16th
Windsor (Going; Soft)
Lightning Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m
A tricky little five runner contest. Be Aware is the early favourite and has the Hood back on after racing keenly without it last time when over 9l behind Lulamba who was in receipt of 6lb. Prior to that he had finished over 1l behind July Flower at Cheltenham with the winner getting the 7lb Mares allowance. He had conceded weight to all his rivals when winning on chase debut. He is a worthy favourite but the one negative is him settling in the race. Hansard has had plenty of hurdling experience but has had just the three starts over fences. Well beaten by Jax Junior on debut he was an easy winner next time before finishing a 7l second, in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad, to the highly regarded Mambonumberfive who was getting 6lb from the runner up. I think there's more improvement to come as he had a highest rating over hurdles of 142 and is 138 over fences. No Questions Asked has had three runs over Fences. He won the first beating subsequent winner Virofly over 2m3f before finishing second, beaten 2l, to highly regarded Wendigo in the Grade 2 John Francome over 2m4f before taking a keen hold in the Noel Novice chase where he weakened before the last finishing 12l back in third. That was over 2m3f on Soft. He has won on Soft over Hurdles at 2m so if he can settle he could put up a bold showing. Alnilam won his first two chase starts but jumping has let him down onhis subsequent two runs. In the Grade 1 at Sandown last month he sprawled badly on landing five fences from home losing a lot of momentum and Sean Bowen let him jump the next two before pulling him up. He then went to the Wayward lat at Kempton where he nearly lost his jockey at the second after leaving his hind legs in the fence. However he managed to still race prominently until weakening three out and looks held by Hansard on that run although he might prefer this slower ground. Roadlesstravelled has his first run over Fences. He pilled up when last seen at Kelso last March and had pulled up in the Formby the run before that. Probably not suited by the soft ground and best watched. If Be Aware settles he will be hard to beat as he is a very good jumper but Hansard offers a bit of value and I'll take a chance with him.
Selection; Hansard
Best Alternative; Be Aware
January 11th
Punchestown (Going; Yielding)
Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m122y
A small field of four declared and one of them, Frankie John, ran in the Grade 2 at Naas Friday. Wiilie Mullins has two and one of them, Sober, heads the early market. He's seven wins from twenty starts on the Flat, nineteen of them in France. He was transferred to Willie Mullins after winning in August 2024 and reappeared at Killarney last May winning a Novice Hurdle from Arch Empire. He then went to Royal Ascot where he won the Queen Alexandra Stakes over 2m5f143y. This is his first run since. The other Mullins runner, Free Spirit, has his first run for the stable having had two runs in France where he was a well beaten second on debut at Auteuil before winning by a head at Dieppe last June. Road Exile won a point and one of his two Bumpers, he was second in the other. He made his seasonal debut and first hurdles start at Down Royal in November. I was there that day and he caught the eye as one of the best looking horses in the paddock but it was obvious he would come on for the run. He was third to Blake, beaten 5l, in that Down Royal Race and the form was boosted when Blake went down by just a head to Koktail Brut in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse. Road Exile then went to Navan where he won his Maiden Hurdle beating Copacabana by three parts of a length with the two of them pulling 11l clear of the third. Frankie John beat Jalon d'Oudaireis at Leopardstown over Christmas but was 24l behind I'll Sort That at Naas on Friday. Race fitness might count here and I'll go with Road Exile who Paddy power are offering at 11/2.
Selection; Road Exile (11/2 Paddy Power)
Best Alternative; Sober
January 10th
Kempton (Going; Good)
Silviniaco Conti Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f110y
Just the four runners and Kalif Du Berlais is a shade of odds on to provide Paul Nicholls with a fourth win in the race. He disappointed over 2m4f last season at Sandown and dropping back to 2m for the Maghull at Aintree he impressed when winning without Harry Cobden having to get too serious on him. He disappointed on his seasonal debut at Exeter last November in the Haldon Cup but Thistle Crack blew that race apart and a lot of the Nicholls horses seemed to need a run. After the race Harry Cobden felt he might have to step up in trip and he gets that chance here. He's bred to get further and as this is a race celebrating a Nicholls start I doubt the trainer would run him if he didn't think he had a chance. Edwardstone is now 12yo and after a disappointing run at Cheltenham in November he ran better in the Peterborough at Huntindon finishing 5l back in second to Djelo who was an easy winner. Boombawn was a further 16l back in fourth and had been over 4l behind Hitman in the Old Roan. Having finished 2l behind Hitman in the Old Roan last October Master Chewy was very disappointing next time after which he had a wind op. He reappeared in the King George around here but was 39l behind the winner and has to conced weight all around here. I'll have to stick with Kalif Du Berlais.
Selection; Kalif Du Berlais
Best Alterantive; Edwardstone
Warwick (Going; Good) Abandoned
Hampton Novices Chase (Grade 2) 3m
Wade Out heads the field for this Grade 2. He has won both starts over fences, the first at Worcester where he got the better of Wendigo by a head with the latter winning the Grade 2 John Francome at Newbury next time and running a good race in the Kauto Star at Kempton to finish under 4l behind Kizbuhel on a track that probably didn't suit. Wade Out went to Cheltenham for his second run over fences and beat two subsequent winner readily despite running and jumping sluggishly mid race. Moon Rocket is another with two runs over fences winning the first by 13l and then going down by half a length when odds on in a two runner race. He had some decent form over hurdles but this is a step up on his two chase starts so far. Doyen Quest has had five starts over fences starting off back in May with a win over Calagogo over this course. His jumping let him down at Chepstow in October handing the race to Speculatrix when not fluent at the last. He made amends next time beating Quebecois 10l and had that one 32l behind next time when finishing 12l back in second to Salver. However it may be significant that Harry Skelton, the stable jockey, heads to Kempton. Laurens Bay is 3lb batter off having finished 4l behind Doyens Quest in the Salver race. The Jukebox Kid is lightly raced for a 7yo. He won on Chase debut but next time was unable to concede weight to his rivals at Cheltenham finishing 8l back in fourth. Hollywood Cha Cha gets the Mares alowance and won at Exeter last time. She looks an improving sort, is stepping up to this trip for the first time and is one to watch in the Market. It's a bit of a puzzle this race. Wade Out jumped and raced sluggishly the last time and will need to improve as it can be hard to make up ground around here while the form of some of his rivals is hard to weigh up. It's probably a case of follow the money so I'll go with Wade Out.
Selection; Wade Out
Best Alternative; Hollywood Cha cha
January 9th
Naas (Going; Yielding)
Ballymore Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f
Nine runners for what used to be called The Lawlors Hurdle. The last ten years have seen the race dominated by the big two with Gordon Elliott shading willie Mullins by five wins to four with Henry De Bromhead getting the other win. Favourites also have a good record winning seven of the ten. Mullins has the top two in the market as I write. Saint Baco, a half brother to the trainers Saint Roi, has had just one start for the yard having come from France. That run came at Navan last month, his first start in fifteen months , and he had a comfortable win beating subsequent winner Lazare de Star by almost four lengths. His two starts in France were a decent run on the flat followed by a hurdle debut where he was beaten three parts of a length into third with the first two winning again since. Sortado had five Bumper runs winning once and been second twice before a 7l seventh in the Champion Bumper and then beating I'll Sort That by 12l at Fairyhouse. He resumed at Cork in November where he had a comfortable 8l win over Jalon d'Oudairies. Classical Creek won his Point and a Bumper before finishing almost 5l behind stablemate Kalyypso'chance at Navan in December 2024. He didn't reappear until November at Navan where he won comfortably by 8l from Fillyoureye. He was well fancied that day going off at 4/9fav. I'll Sort That has won two Bumpers and three Hurdles. His only defeats came when going off at 100/1 on debut and the aforementioned defeat by Sortudo. This trip looks ideal as he dropped back to 2m for his latest win and did well to get back up to beat Theflyingking in the Grade 3 For Auction Hurdle at Navan in November. Lord Rouge looks the second string for Gordon Elliott. He was runner up in his only point last February and reappeared at Cork last month winning by just under 2l with the first two pulling 25l clear of the third. Fruit De Mer won his only Point back in April 2024 and was off the track until May last year when second in a Bumper. A big raw horse he was absent again until November when he won a Maiden Hurdle over 2m3f around here. Switch From Diesel has some very good Bumper form beating Carrigmoornaspruce in a Fairyhouse Listed race and finishing second to Bambino Fever, beaten just over 2l, in the Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival. She's finished second in her two hurdle starts, both Mare's races. Letos takes a big step up in class although he should be race fit having had three starts since October. He was second twice and won a listed Handicap Hurdle here in November beating The Nagger Reidy, who was in receipt of 15lb, by over 1l with the runner up winning at Leopardstown over Christmas. It can be hard to make sense of some of the French form and I think Saint Baco is probably short enough in the betting. One I do like in I'll Sort That who put in an impressive performance in a Maiden Hurdle at Listowel in September in a time quicker than the Novice hurdle that followed and looks good each way value to me.
Selection; I'll Sort That (half point each way 9/1 Ladbrokes and Coral)
Best Alternative; Sortudo
January 1st
Cheltenham (Going; Good)
Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f56y (New Course)
Lucky Place and Gowel Road, first and second in last year's renewal, renew rivalry but both may find in hard to give 6lb to Kabral Du Mathan. Moved on to the Skeltons by his owners having been in the care of Paul Nicholls for whom he won twice and was runner three times, all his starts, he had a wind op over the summer and was impressive when stepping up in trip for his new trainer he cruised home by 12l at Haydock conceding weight all around. Lucky Place has had two runs over Fences this season, being placed in both. He beat Gowel Road by three parts of a length last year giving the runner up 6lb and they meet on level weights this time. Jingko Blue was well beaten at Haydock last month his first start since February but looks the second choice of the Henderson pair with Nico De Boinville on Lucky Place. Gowel Road has run his last ten races at Cheltenham winning once and been placed five times. The Real Whacker and Kamsinas look to have plenty to do and Kabral Du Mathan should be good enough here.
Selection Kabral Du Mathan
Best Alternative; Lucky Place
December 29th
Leopardstown (Going; Good To Yielding)
December Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
Lossiemouth won the Morgiana by 19l last month and the benefit of that run might stand to her here. She finished up last season winning over 2m4f at Cheltenham and Aintree. Brighterdaysahead demolished the field in this last year but it may have left it's mark as she was well beaten in the Champion Hurdle and again at Punchestown. She had won at Down Royal and the Morgiana prior to that, beating State Man in the latter. The Anzadam bubble deflated somewhat in the Fighting Fifth when he lost his unbeaten record going down by over 1l to Golden Ace. A lot of the Mullins horses seemed to need a run this season so there may be improvement. Hello Neighbour was a very good juvenile but the conditions of this don't favour him. I'll take a chance with Brighterdaysahead
Selection; Brighterdaysahead
Best Alternative; Anzadam
Newbury (Going; Good To Soft)
Challow Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f118y
Eight go to post and No Drama This End is odds on to continue his winning ways. Winner of a Point and a Bumper he finished 9l down in the Champion Bumper in March be fore resuming with two impressive victories including the Grade 2 Winter Novices at Sandown last month. Ditcheat are making all the right noises and they know a good one when they have it. I've had Starzand in my Tracker for quite a while now. He cost £230k after winning his Point at the second attempt and it takes a good one to win at Dromahane where he coasted home by 25l. He was very impressive in his next start a Bumper at Ffos Las and wasn't seen again until October when he won his Maiden over 2m4f. He's sure to come on for that and he looks a horse that will be well suited to Newbury and indeed this race was mentioned as a target immediately after that victory. Montemares is only a 4yo which makes it a bit tough for him. He's done nothing wrong so far winning his two starts both, Hurdle races. Kalkbrenner cost connections £120k after winning his Point twelve months ago. He was fourth in an Ayr Bumper next time in April and had a break until October when winning a Maiden at Ffos Las with the next three winning next time out. Indeed the fourth, Klimt Madrik, beat him a Neck at Newbury on his next start and but 6lb worse off here. No Drama This End may be all his connections claime he is but I think some of the others are overpriced so I'll go each way Starzand who is 15/2 with Bet 365.
Selection; Starzand (Each Way 15/2 Bet 365)
Best Alternative; Ka;kbrenner (Each Way 11/1 Bet 365)
December 28th
Leopardstown (Going; Yielding)
Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f80y
This has the makings of a cracking contest. Ballyburn reverted to Hurdles to win the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse last month beating Teahupoo by a nose. Bob Olinger who beat Teahupoo in the Stayers at Cheltenham makes his seasonal debut while The Yellow Clay, beaten by three parts of a length by The New Lion over 2m5f in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham went down by almost 3l to Colonel Mustard over 2m4f in the Lismullen at Navan last month. Home By The Lee has disappointed since winning the Lismullen and following up that by winning this race last December. He wears a first time visor. Rocky's Diamond also wears a first time visor reverting to Hurdles but looks held by Bob Olinger and Teahupoo on Cheltenham and Punchestown form. Mystical Power has lost his way while Jetara would need a huge step forward. Ballyburn has a good record around here while Teahupoo has never run here and that just swings it in favour of Ballyburn for me.
Savills Chase (Grade 1) 3m100y
A big field of twelve although the bookies seem to suggest that it's a three horse race as they go 16/1 and better bar the top three. Gold Cup winner. Inothewayurthinkin was a long way behind Gaelic Warrior in the John Durkan last month and after he ran a similar race last year he went on to be no match for Gallopin Des Champs in this race and at the DRF. Having finished 6l behind the winner in the Gold Cup Gallopin Des Champs went to the Punchestown Festival where he put his three opponents to the sword coming home by 22l from Spillane's Tower. Having finished behind Fact To File in last year's John Durkan Fastorslow was off the track until this year's renewal wher he was a distant third to the winner. His jumping was a bit rusty but he should improve for the run. Champ Kiely was beaten over 6l by Ballyburn in the Grade 1 Novice at the Punchestown Festival last April. He resumed at Naas last month winning a Grade 3 by a short head from Only By Night. Gerri Colombe has had just one run since winning the Bowl at Aintree in April 2024. He had finished over 3l behind Gallopin Des Champs in tyhe Gold Cup on his previous start. His last run was in the Gold Cup at Down Royal in November 2024 so he's probably best watched here. There are a few Grand National types in this and they're probably best watched and it's hard to believe that Croke Park who won two Garde 1's last season is 66/1. There a are questions to be answered by a few of these so I'm going to take a chance with Fastorslow
Selection; Fastorslow
Best Alternative; Gallopin Des Champs
Limerick
Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m5f
A disappointing turn out of four and thre of them from Willie Mullins. Final Demand is shortt odds on to continue His run of success which was only interupted by The New Lion at Cheltenham. Jimmy Du Seuil beat The Big Westerner 4l at fairyhouse last month and the runner up franked the form today. Gold Dancer beat Westport Cove in July and Downmexicoway in a Tipperary Grade 3 but was 8l back in second to Romeo Coolio last time. Final Demand demolished Wingman by 13l on chase debut last month and it's hard to oppose him.
Selection; Final Demand
Best Alternative; Jimmy Du Seuil
December 27th
Leopardstown (Going; Yielding)
Paddy Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1) 2m1f
It’s a tricky enough race to call. Majborough put in a shocking round of jumping at Cork in the Hilly Way three weeks ago but I heard different tactics will be employed here. Despite the jumping he managed to get within a length and a half of the winner Found A Fifty. Majborough had won a Fairyhouse novice and the Novice Grade 1 at Leopardstown at the DRF before finishing third, less than a length behind the winner Jango Baie after bad mistakes at the last two in the Arkle. He had been pretty novicey at the DRF also and again at Punchestown where he won the Grade 1 by 14l. He obviously has an engine but jumping is letting him down. Last year Marine Nationale had three runs before Cheltenham. He was second twice and third once before his runaway success in the Queen Mother. The third place was in last years’s renewal of this behind Solness and Gaelic Warrior. Found A Fifty pulled up in this last year with a nasal discharge and was well behind Marine Nationale at Cheltenham. He won the Easter Grade 2 at Fairyhouse to wrap up his season. He made no impression over 3m behind Envoi Allen finishing over 6l back in fifth at Down Royal last month. But dropping back to 2m at Navan he beat the error prone Dinoblue comfortably in the Fortria before the win in the HiLly Way. Only By Night got to within three parts of a length of Jango Baie in the Arkle in a career best but was 14l behind Majborough at Punchestown. She beat Champ Kiely at Naas last month but needs the others to underperform. Solness is back for more on his first start since April while Captain Guinness pulled up in the Fortria for the second year in a row and looks held by the main protaganists and it’s hard to see Willie Mullins with a 66/1 chance in a Grade 1 but that’s the price of Hercule Du Soleil. I’ll take a chance with Found A Fifty
Selection; Found A Fifty
Best Alternative; Marine Nationale
Future Champions Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
Le Divin Enfant had two runs in France before joining Willie Mullins. On the second of those he was beaten over 10l by Lulamba in October 2024. He didn’t reappear until Thurles last month where a seventeen runner field turned into a three horse race and as they turned for home Le Divin Enfant strolled away to win by 23l in what was no more than a half speed bit of work. Skylight Hustle comes here instead of taking up his entry for the Formby at Aintree. Runner up on his Hurdles debut to Thedeviluno he coasted home by 21l next time at Fairyhouse last month. Love Me Tender has won all his three starts, a Bumper and two hurdles, the latest a Grade 3 in October at Tipperary where he coasted home by 6l. It’s hard to know what to make of the form as the second and third have been disappointing since while he won his maiden hurdle by 18l. He’s gone off at odds on in all three starts and as he’s owned by JP McManus Mark Walsh rides while Paul Townend rides the other Mullins runner Le Divin Enfant. Talk The Talk has attracted some support in the early betting. Trained by Joseph O’Brien for the Double Green team he moved there after finishing runner up in a Newbury Bumper which may turn out to be a decent bit of form. He’s won his two Hurdle starts since then including the Grade 3 at the Fairyhouse Christmas Festival where he went clear to win by over 7l. Koktail Brut won one of his five Bumpers following his win in his Point. He’s stepped up over hurdles winning both his starts including the Grade 2 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse where he beat Blake by a head. Miss Pessimistic has won his point, Bumper and Maiden Hurdle, all his starts and could be anything while The Passing Wife was only a short head behind Skylight Hustle at Gowran and over 1l behind Koktail Brut in then Royal Bond. Carrigmoornaspruce has plenty of experience in Bumpers with some excellent form particularly at Leopardstown and has been first and second in her two hurdle races. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have farmed this race for the last ten years with it going 6 to 4 in favour of Mullins with five favourites winning in that time. So it can be a difficult race to figure out. Both trainers have two runners but I’m slightly in favour of Skylight Hustle.
Selection; Skylight Hustle
Best Alternative; Talk The Talk (Each Way)
Limerick (Going; Soft To Heavy)
Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2)
Seven declared but essentially it’s a two horse race. The Big Westerner has had just six career starts winning a Point and two hurdle races including the Garde 2 Novice here last Christmas. She then finished over 2l back in second to Jimmy Du Seuil in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham last March before pulling up at Fairyhouse. She resumed last month for her Chase debut and finished a 4l second to Jimmy Du Soleil over 2m5f. A half sister to Stay Away Fay staying will be her game and I expect her to improve for that first. Jade De Grugy won five of seven starts over Hurdles including a couple of Garde 1’s including her final start last season at Punchestown. She resumed at Cork last month for her chase debut but jumping let her down and she faded tamely in the straight. A lot of the Mullins horses have needed their first run this season but she’ll need to improve her jumping. She was 6l behind the runner up that day, Farfromnowhere, who in turn was over 9l behind the winner Kala Conti. The remainder have to improve a lot on their ratings or form with some of these to figure. I’ll go with The Big Westerner.
Selection; The Big Westerner
Best Alternative; Jade De Grugy
Kempton (Going; Good)
Wayward Lad Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m
Lump Sum beat Jax Junior 16l on Chase debut and then finished third to Lulamba, beaten almost 10l, in the Grade 1 Henry VII at Sandown. Mambonumberfive has won his two starts over fences while the form of the first one has held up well. He gets the 4yo 6lb allowance. Having won his first two starts over fences Alnilam pulled up behind Lulamba at Sandown and the recent form of his Trainer Olly Murphy is a concern. Mirabad has to be respected representing the Skeltons. He’s had just one start over fences beating Joyeuse, who was receiving 4lb by just over 2l. The latter let the form down next time. Hansard won at the second time of asking when readily accounting for two rivals at Lingfield a fortnight ago having disappointed when beaten 29l by Jax Junior at Kempton on Good ground. I’ve had Mambonumberfive in my tracker since he came over from France and I’ll stick with him here.
Selection; Mambonumberfive
Best Alternative; Lump Sum
Desert Orchid Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 2m
Thistle Ask is likely the pace angle in this race as he likes to bowl along in front and has done so to great effect winning his three starts since joining Dan Skelton. However having started off the season on a mark of 115 he is now running off 146 so life might just become a bit more difficult. On his last start he led the field a merry dance in the Haldon Cup and they could never get to him and he beat Saint Segal 7l with JPR One a further 15l back in third. Saint Segal won at Kelso next time but went up 7lb for it leaving him just 3lb better off than at Exeter. Gabriels Getaway last won in January 2024 and didn’t run again until March 2025 but in five starts has failed to win. His best run was probably when beaten over 3l around here by Bad in a 2m2f Handicap Chase. He has just 10-3 on his back. Sans Bruit won the Sussex Champion Chase at Plumpton last April but in his three starts this season he’s been well beaten. Since finishing over 1l back in second to Jonbon in the Shloer in November 2024 Boothill has lost his way. He fell in this last year, his first run after the Shloer and in his other three he was tailed off last in two and pulled up in the other. He’s been a great servant for connections but I’d be surprised and delighted if he found his form again. Ryan’s Rocket unseated on his final start last season but resumed last month with a win at Newbury for a career best. He’s on an upward trajectory and if Thistle Ask and Saint Segal go off and cut each other’s throats he might just pick up the pieces so he gets a sporting selection from me.
Selection; Ryan's Rocket
Best Alternative; Thistle Ask
Chepstow (Going; Dood To Soft)
Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m
Macktoad won his only start in France back in May and Joined Gary and Josh Moore after that. He won his only start for them when winning by over 3l at Sandown last month. The Moores have won this twice in recent years with Salver and Porticello. Manlaga makes her debut for Nicky Henderson having won her only start in France back in March. The fourth horse has won two Grade 3's since while the runner up has yet to run for Willie Mullins. Sonic Pioneer was rated 76 on the Flat and has had just one start over hurdles winning by 14l at Sandown last month. The second and third are trained by the Moores with the third having won since. Kaldoun Des Roc was third to Macktoad at Sandown beaten over 4l by the easy winner but the Skelton's are prepared to take him on again. I'll stick with Macktoad.
Selection; Macktoad
Best Altermative; Sonic Pioneer
December 26th
Kempton (Going; Good To Soft)
Kauto Stars Novices Chase (Grade 1) 3m
Six go to post with the Willie Mullins trained Kitzbuhel the early favourite. He won his only two starst over hurdles in Ireland last season, both over 2m, but was well beaten over 3m at Aintree and over 2m5f at Sandown, the latter to Blueking d'Oroux by three parts of a length. He resumed at Punchestown last month for his Chase debut and beat stablemate Kaid d'Authie just over 1l over 2m3f. Wendigo was beaten a head by Wade out, who also won next time out, on chase debut. Wendigo went one better next time beating No Questions Asked and Regent's Stroll in the Grade 2 John Francome at Newbury. He was unlucky in the Albert Bartlett over 3m at the Cheltenham Festival when hampered and stumbling badly two out but stayed on to be an 8l fifth. He's sure to get the trip here. Salver was beaten over 10l by Lulamba over 2m1f on chase debut but romped home by 12l when stepped up to 3m in a four runner Esher Novices Chase (Grade 2) at Sandown three weeks ago. Blueking d'Oroux beat Salver a head over hurdles last April and was off until October when he was beaten three parts of a length on Chase debut having gone off 2/9fav. He made amends next time when winning the Rising Stars at Wincanton although the runner up was a long way behind July Flower next time. Crest Of Fortune looks held by Wendigo while Thomas Mor takes a big step up in class. I'll go with Wendigo
Selection; Wendigo
Best Alternative; Salver
Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
Sir Gino is a short odds on favourite to win this. He hasn't run since this meeting last year when seeing off Ballyburn in the Wayward Lad. Still only a 5yo he's been lightly raced this will be just his seventh start since April 2023 winning all his starts. Golden Ace was somewhat fortunate to win the Champion Hurdle and Fighting Fifth with opponents falling with the races apparently at their mercy. Celtic Dino was well beaten by Tripoli Flyer here last February but the latter has since disappointed while Celtic Dino put in a fair performance when going down to Wodhooh, who was reiving 7lb, by over 2l. Rubaud hasn't been seen in public since winning the Grade 2 Elite at Wincanton six weeks ago. Tripoli Flyer won three on the bounce including the Garde 2 Dovecote here last February but then disappointed at Aintree and Punchestown. He resumed this season over fences but was disappointing in his two starts. Wears first time cheek pieces. Give It To Me Oj won five in a row from April to October when he beat Hamlet's Night a neck which was the same distance Rubaud beat the latter in the Elite. However Give It To Me Oj was beaten over 18l when stepped up in class to Grade 3 albeit he was asked to give weight all around with the winner receiving 13lb. I'm not going to oppose Sir Gino but if you don't fancy the shorties then Celtic Dino without the favourite might be the bet.
Selection; Sir Gino
Best Alternative; Celtic Dino (without the favourite)
King George VI Chase (Grade 1) 3m
Eight runners and you could make a case for plenty in what could well be the race of the day. Last year's first and second Banbridge and Il Est Francais reoppose but such is their form that they are the outsiders here. Banbridge was well beaten in his next two starts and was reportedly behind where was last year when beaten 49l in the Hilly Way three weeks ago. Il Est Francais disappointed in the Gold Cup then won a minor Hurdle race in France . He moved to Tom George from son Noel's over the summer and connections have been bullish about his chance despit him pulling up at Ascot last month. Gaelic Warrior just hung on to beat Fact To File in the John Durkan over 2m4f last month. He did win over 3m1f in the Bowl at Aintree last April but many think his style of running is better suited to shorter trips. Jango Baie had a wind op prior to winning at Ascot last month where he had the useful Gidleigh Park 9l back in second. He came from a long way back to win the Arkle at Cheltenham last March having been unable to go the early pace. That Ascot win over 2m5f was the furthest he's been in his career to date. Fact To File won last year's John Durkan but was then beaten by Gallopin Des Champs in Leopardstown at Christmas and the DRF where in the latter he was upsides the winner jumping the last but the last 100 yards seemed to catch him out. The Jukebox Man won the Kauto Star here last year and didn't reappear until Haydock last month where he beat the subsequent Graduation Chase winner Iroko by over 2l giving the runner up 3lb. That was over 2m5f and having won around here over 3m last year he should have no problem with the trip. Djelo, winner of the Charlie Hall and Peterborough Chase in his last two starts, is a 16/1 chance which shows you the quality of the field. He was well beaten by Gaelic Warrior and Fact To File in Cheltenham and Aintree but his form suggests he shows his best form between November and February. Master Chewy has his first run after a wind op but is hard to fancy. A few with questions to answer but I think The Jukebox Man who ahs speed and stamina, jumps well and should come on for his last run is worth a chance.
Selection; The Jukebox Man
Best Alternative; Fact To File
Aintree (Going; Soft)
Formby Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m209y
Eight go to post and with an odds on favourite there might be a bit of each way value. Mydaddypaddy was installed favourite for the Supreme after winning his first Hurdle start at Carlisle. He then went to Haydock wher hios two opponents had won the previous starts and he trounced them. Jumping well and held up he cruised upsides going to the third last, was clever and nimble when getting in close to the second last and then clearing the last in style before cantering to a 7l victory. You could see the excitement in Trainer Dan Skelton afterwards and it looks like this trip will be perfect for him. Idaho Sun won his first two Bumpers and then was doing his best work at the finish when over 6l back in sixth in the Champion Bumper. He's won his two Hurdle starts this season the latest by 11l at Bangor. It's hard to know how good the form is and this is a tougher test. Starmount fell in his first Point and won his second. He mad an excellent start to his rules career winning a Novice hurdle unchallenged at Wetherby. He's a half brother to Stage Craft and has a pedigree full of stamina. He'll be doing his best work at the finish but his action suggests he will prefer soft ground. Diamond Hunter was runner up in three of his four points and pulled up in the other. He won his novice hurdle by 24l and was stepped up to Graded class in the Newton hurdle at Haydock last month where he got home by almost 2l from a numbe rof previous winners. It's hard to get away from how impressive Mydaddypaddy was at Haydock and he gets the Selection.
Selection; Mydaddypaddy
Best Alternative; Starmount (Each Way)
Leopardstown (Going; Yielding To Soft)
Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m
A tricky little contest with ten runners going to post. Both Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins have won this three times in the last ten years with Elliott having the better recent record, three of the last five. Favourites have a good record winning seven of last ten with four of them odds on. The other winners were at 7/2, 14/1 and believe it or not Apples Jade at 12/1. Mullins has Narciso Has who is a shade of odds on as I write. He won his only start in France when beating a subsequent winner at Auteuil last April. A private purchase by J P McManus he reappeared at Fairyhouse last month in the Grade 3 Juvenile but was no match for Mange Tout, who had won at the Down Royal Meeing earlier that month, going down by almost 3l with Adrienne another 9l back in third. Mange Tout's trainer , Gordon Elliot runs Barbizon. Rated 101 on the Flat when trained by John Murphy he won his only hurdles start when easily acounting for Ben Hur at Navan in a Maiden Hurdle last month. The latter confirmed the form with the third when winning next time so it looks like that was a decent race and it's one Elliott won with Kala Conti who went on to win this two years ago. North Shore makes his hurdles and stable debut having won one of four starts on the Flat in France. His Trainer Gavin Cromwel won this last year with Hello Neighbour who was also having his first start over Hurdles. Quinto Do Lago has won his two Hurdle starts for Jesse Harrington. But on a line through the runner up in the latest he has a bit to find with the favourites. Nonetheless all these are possibly open to various levels of improvement although history shows us that Favourites generally oblige. However I was impressed with Barbizon at Navan and think he might just prevail.
Selection; Barbizon
Best Alternative; Ben Hur (Each Way)
Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m1f
We've been hearing how good Romeo Coolio was going to be since he won his Point at Belclare back in March 2023 after which he was bought by current cinnections for £420k. We were told he was always going to be a better chaser and after two runs it's hard to doubt that. He's two wins and three places in all five hurdle starts but his performances in his two chase starts have have been outstanding beating Koktail Divin by 14l at Down Royal and then in the Drinmore beating Gold Dancer, rated 157, by 8l without coming off the bridle and been eased towards the finish. Those wins were over 2m4f but I don't see dropping back in trip a problem. Willie Mullins runs Salvator Mundi who came from France with a big reputation. He was nursed along by his trainer until early this year. He was no match for Romeo Coolio in the Supreme but turned the tables on him at Aintree. He's had one run over fences when finishing second to stablemate Kappa Jy Pyke at Thurles who was rated 17lb inferior to him over hurdles. Salvadore Mundi made the running that day and should improve but whether it's enough to worry Romeo Coolio remains to be seen. July Flower won the Grade 3 Mares Hurdle here last Christmas. She's won her two chases this season the latter a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. Irish Panther looks to have taken a step forward from his hurdling form since Going Chasing. He won his only Chase start impressively beating subsequent winner Jacob's Ladder at Naas last month with the third, Pure Steel also winning next time. However this is a step up again. Westport Cove was beaten over 2l by Gold Dancer at Galway in July but has won his two subsequent starts, a Grade 3 at Roscommon and the Grade 2 Craddockstown at Punchestown but jockey bookings suggest he's the Mullins second string. Nurburgring has put in three disappointing runs since winning at Killarney in July. Salvatore Mundi could improve a lot but Romeo Coolio has been very impressive and is the selection with July Flower offering good each way value as an alternative.
Selection; Romeo Coolio
Best Alternative; July Flower (Each Way)
Limerick (Going; Heavy)
Defender Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m7f
Just the six runners for this test of stamina. The Big Clubman fell on Point debut and was runner up next time with the winner and third both going on to win under rules. He won first time out for new connections when beating subsequent winner Parnell Street by 2l at Wexford over 2m. He stepped up to 2m4f next time in the Grade 3 Monksfield at Navan on heavy ground but having been patiently ridden he couldn't get to the winner Kalypso'chance and finish just over 1l back in second place. County Final went off at big odds on his first two starts but got off the mark next time when starting at Evens favourite and winning by 16l in a Maiden Hurdle at Navan. He went down the handicap route next time but went down by over 1l unable to concede27lb to the winner who won again at Thurles to complete a hat trick. Santo Espoir is one of two Gordon Elliott runners. He won his Bumper in February and probably needed the run when fourth at Wexford. He then won his next start getting home by 1l in a big field at Punchestown. To be ridden by Alex Harvey he's now shortened up in the betting ahead of stablemate Kazansky the mount of Danny Gilligan. The latter won his point at the third attempt and unseated at the last on his first hurdle start when badly hampered by a faller at Down Royal. He made amends at Cork three weeks ago when winning a Maiden by almost 2l. Yeshil was 21l behind Kopek Des Bordes at Leopardstown last Christmas and didn't reappear until Punchestown last month when winning a Maiden Hurdle by over 1l but on the face of it would need to improve more to feature. However he comes from the De Bromhead yard so merits respect. Barra Rua has won a Bumper and Maiden hurdle, both at Tramore and been placed in his two other hurdle starts. She's now got her handicap mark and is probably here lookingfor a bit of Black Type. Slight preference for The Big Clubman who is the selection.
The Selection; The Big Clubman
Best Alternative; County Final
December 20th
Ascot (Going; Good To Soft, Soft in places)
Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m102y
Eleven go to post for this and Crambo is attempting to win it for the third time in a row. However his form since last year's win doesn't inspire and he has strong opposition to overcome if he's to achieve this. Honesty Policy has been kept over hurdles and it looks like he'll be aimed at the Stayers races. He's had just the five starts over Hurdles winning three and been second in the rest. He improved all season progressing from Maiden hurdles to winning the Grade 1 Mersey over 2m4f and then went down by half a length to Albert Bartlett winner Jasmin De Vaux in the Grade 1 Novice Stayers at Punchestown in what was a career best. He has his owners other staying prospect, Impose Toi, to contend with here. The latter got his season off to a winning start in Aintree in a Handicap Hurdle conceding 12lb to the runner up which forced connections to step up to Graded company which he did winning at Newbury by half a length from Strong Leader who was conceding 6lb to the winner. Strong Leader is 6lb better off here and he also has the benefit of two runs this season. However he is much better going left handed and finished 75l behind Crambo here last year. Crambo himself was eight of eight last month over 2m3f 48l behind Wodhooh with Potters Charm just 8l behind the winner in third. The latter had fallen early on at Wetherby on his season debut but had run up an impressive sequence last season before disappointing at Cheltenham. David Cottin sends over Jet Blue from France. He moved to Cottin's yard last December having been bought out of Hugo Merriene's stable for whom he won twice and was placed three times, all his starts for him. Interestingly, going back to November 2022 when he was with Alain Couetil , for whom he won a Grade 2 Bumper, he was beaten just over 6l by July Flower in a Grade 1 Bumper. On his first start this season he was beaten 22l by Losange Bleu over 2m5f at Auteuil. He returned to that track last month and over 3m he improved to finish a 6l second to Losange Bleu who has won thirteen and been placed seven times in twenty two starts. Altobelli was beaten almost 10l by Wodhooh here last month, his first run back after a wind break. He had won twice around here over 2m3f in January and February but disappointed at Aintree in April. Colonel Mustard seems to have found his mojo winning a minor race at Sligo and then beating The Yellow Clay in the Grade 2 Lismullen at Navan. He's only gone 3m once in his career when beaten over 12l by Teahupoo at Punchestown last April. A tricky contest but with a doubt about Strong Leader going right handed I'll go with Honesty Policy for Gordon Elliott who has his string in great form with Jet Blue a sporting each way chance as an alternative.
Selection; Honesty Policy (5/2 available generally)
Best Alternative; Jet Blue (Each Way)
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