Next Race 

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)

December 19th

Ascot (Going; Good)

Noel Novices' Chase (Grade 2) 2m2f181y

Five runners and not a lot to chose between a couple of them. No Questions Asked put in a great round of jumping bar the last where he shifted left on his seasonal and chasing debut to win comfortably. He then went to Newbury for the Grade 2 John Francome where he was headed at the last and could find no extra going down by 2l to the useful Wendigo. He drops back one furlong in trip here which may suit and we know he acts on the course. Steel Ally won his only start over fences with a comfortable win at Carlisle where he benefitted by receiving 11lb from his rivals. That was over 2m but he has won at 2m3f over Hurdles. He was pulled up in two of his last three starts at the end of last season and wore a first time tongue tie at Carlisle and although he quickened up nicely I wonder if his wind is catching him a bit at times. Jax Junior has come in for plenty of support in the last 24 hours. On his chase debut at Uttoxeter in October he was beaten 16l into second by Lump Sum. He then went to Kempton last month where he left Jeriko Du Reponet 12l back in second. It was the runner up's seasonal debut over a trip short of his optimum but nonetheless the winner kept on well and won going away. Push The Button won on chase debut and was then runner up on his only other start. He's a bit to find on ratings and was inconsistent over hurdles last season when tried over various trips. Personal Ambition, a stablemate of No Questions Asked, looks the yard's second choice and has pulled up twice in his last three starts. No Questions Asked gets 3lb from Steel Ally and that might just sway it in his favour.

Selection; No Questions Asked

Best Alternative; Steel Ally 

December 13th

Cheltenham (New course) Going; Good To Soft

The Bristol Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m7f123y

Just thes even runners for this Albert Bartlett Trial. Conman John has been installed the early favourite on the back of his two successful runs over hurdles He got home by a short head in the first of them with Great Fleet over 7l back in third and then he beat the latter by 3l conceding him 5lb at Kelso next time over 3m. Great Fleet was subsequently 42l behind No Drama This End over 2m5f here last month and then went on to win over 2m at Kelso. Dan Skelton, trainer of Great Fleet has two in the race with brother Harry aboard Carlenrig. He won his point in the North of England by 15l and while the quality of the restquentlyof the field might not have been great it was impressive the way he just lobbed along before going away from his rivals. That was his only start in a point and he appeared eleven months later at Chepstow five weeks ago. There he was held up at the back of the field while at times racing keenly. He moved through the field at the end of the back straight and went second after two out but was no match for the winner although he was never asked for much only ridden hands and heels from the back of the last. He's a big sturdy horse who'll make a chaser in time and Dan Skelton was surprised how well he ran over the extended 2m3f at Chepstow believing he would be seen to better effect over 3m. He's sure to improve fort hat run and it's worth noting that the third horse was 14l back from the runner up. Olly Murphy has got off to a great start this season and runs They Call Me Hugo who won on his first under rules when winning at Ffos Las last month the runner up, who finished 14l ahead of the third was beaten subseqently. That was over 2m4f and he won his point at the third attempt over 2m4f. Nicky Henderson runs Reckless Spending who was third on his only start over hurdles to a horse rated 128. He's entitled to come on for the run as it was his first start since May when he was beaten 9l in a Bumper having been off since finishing a 3l second to Skylight Hustle in a Point over 3m. The latter won his Maiden at Fairyhouse last Month and had some useful form in a couple of Bumpers so I wouldn't rule out Reckless Spending with the Seven Barrows team starting to find a bit of form. The Tizzards have won this twice in the last ten years and have Kasino Des Mottes who won a Novice at Kempton last month. However on the run before that he was over 19l behind Conman John on the Old Course here. That looked to me like an educational run and it's interesting that they take the favourite on again here. Big Cadillac is the second Skelton runner and he was beaten over 5l by by the expensive and highly regarded Starzand over 2m4f at Ffos Las last month. Prior to that he had won his only starts in a Point and a Bumper. He's having his second run back after a wind op. The Twiston-Davies team run Intosomethinggood who is three form eight over Hurdles. He was beaten 62l by No Drama This End around here last month and is still only rated 125. Conman John, who has to concede 3lb to his rivals, has drifted slightly in the early market. But I've been interested in Carlenrig since watching his Chepstow run and I think he can come forward form that run and be in the mix here and as I'm writing this he's shortened in the betting and is now 13/2 having been 9/1 at one stage.

Selection; Carlenrig (13/2 freely available)

Best Alternative; Reckless Spending

Cork (Going; Yielding To Soft)

Coolmore Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m200y

Eight go to post and we have a sgtrong favourite in Kargese who is having her first start over the larger obsatcles. She was the highest rated of these when running off a mark of 148 at Punchestown last May. She just had the three starts last season and was a short odds on favourite on her first when beaten three parts of a length to Take No Chances in the Grade 2 at Ascot in January. She then won the County Hurdle at Cheltenham before finishing 6l behind State Man at Punchestown. Jalila Moriviere has had a run over fences when coasting home by 24l at Sligo in afive runner race. She had mixed from over Hurdles. Break My Soul also won her only start over fences when winning at Gowran last month with the runner up  subsequently finishing 9l back in third behind Westport Cove in the Grade 2 Cradoxxtown. Kala Conti is an interesting one with perhaps a bit of value. She beat Kargese over hurdles when in recewipt of 3lb by three parts of a length in December 2023. That for was turned around at the DRF. Her best form was when a 4l second to July Flower in a Grade 3 at Leopradstown last Christmas for which she got a 7lb rise in the Handicap. She disappointed at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse before getting a break. She reappeared in a Mares chase two weeks ago where she had a comfortable win jumping particularly well up the home straight. Joseph O'Brien runs one in the same ownership as Kala Conti. She's had just the one start when winning at Compiegne in France. She gets a 7lb allownace as a 4yo. The rest look to be racing for crumbs. Jack Kennedy was sweet on Kala Conti after her win in Cork and she could be the value in this race

Selection; Kala Conti

Best Alternative; Kargese

Hilly Way Chase (Grade 2) 2m1f

Majborough has won three of his four starts over fences his only defeat coming in the Arkle at Cheltenham when bad mistakes art the last two fences probably cost him and went down by three parts of a length and a head to Jango Baie and Only By Night with L'Eau du Sud three parts of a length back in fourth. He's odds on here but can have a few hairy moments in his races and has a tendency to jump left on occasions. Found A Fifty was no match for. He was much better when dropped back in trip for the Fortria at Navan beating Dinoblue by 5l. Those two runs should leave him spot on for this. Energumene is rising 12yo and probably vulnerable to these younger opponents. He may have been a bit fortunate to win this last year as Banbridge blundered and unseated JJ Slevin after been interfered with going to jump the last. The latter is reported by trainer Joseph O'Brien to be not as forward in his preparation as last year and the Market reflects that. Majborough for me.

Selection; Majborough

Best Alternative; Found A Fifty

Huntingdon (Going; Soft)

Peterborough Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f189y

Charlie Hall winner Djelo heards the five runners here, He won this last year in similar conditions and the 7yo should continue to improve. Willie Mullins sends over Saint Sam who has his first start since finishing three parts of a length back in second to Found A Fifty in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last April. Harry Cobden gets the leg up with Freddie Gingeel retaining the ride on Hitman who caused a mild surprise when winning the Old Roan at Aintree in October and has his first start since. He is 6lb worse off with Djelo who beat him over 3l at Newbury over 3m last February. Boombawn was over 4l behind Hitman at Aintree but is 3lb better off here. At 11yo Edwardstone looks to have gone backwards and lets hope he gets around safely for connections. Djelo for me.

Selection; Djelo

Best Alternative; Saint Sam

December 6th

Sandown (Going; Good To Soft)

Henry VIII Novices Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f99y

A select field of four for this and Lulamba is odds on to take it home. As a 4yo he gets a 7lb allowance and given that he saw of some useful Novices when winning by 10l on chase debut at Exeter last month it's understandable.  Be Aware looks like he could be quite good over fences winning by 4l on debut and then finishing a credible second to July Flower at Cheltenham last month. Lump Sum had some useful form over hurdles and won his only chase by 16l last October. He didn't beat a whole lot that day but if he runs up to his Hurdle mark he could be the main danger to the favourite. Alnilam has won his two starts over fences but the runnerp in the last one let the form down a Puunchestown recentlt beaten a long way although there may have been excuses. Lulamba was foot perfect at Exeter and he'll need to be here as the line of railway fences can be tricky. However he was the best of these over hurdles and if he can maintain his progress and with the 7lb allowance he could be hard to beat.

Selection; Lulamba

Best Alternative; Lump Sum

Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f99y

A race to savour and Jonbon with attempting to win it for the third consecutive year and Nicky Henderson has decided on first time cheek pieces in an attempt to sharpen him up after his last run at Cheltenham. During that race he had a few poor jumps and lost his position and he had to be niggled along for a while before three out and ended up a 15l runner up to L'Eau du Sud. The latter had looked more than decent completing a four timer at Warwick last season and finishing over 1l back in fourth behind Jango Baie in the Arkle. and then no match for Kalif Du Berlais at Aintree. Willie Mullins sends over Il Etait Temps. After beating Gaelic Warrior at Punchestown in April 2024 he didn't reappear until Sandown last April where he cruised up beside Jonbon at the second last and only had to be pushed out hands and heels to win by over 5l. He had a bloodless victory in the Clonmel Oils last month winning by 18l. Liberty Hunter fell in the ASrkle and unseated behind L'Eau du Sud last month while Boothill pulled up at Ascot two weeks ago. I find it hard to oppose Il Etait Temps who is the selection.

Selection; Il Etait Temps

Best Alternative L'Eau du Sud

Navan (Soft)

Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f

Six go to post and it's a tight betting heat. Gordon Elliot loves nothing more than winning at his loal track and he has three here. the betting is headed by Classical Creek ridden by Sm Ewing and Port Authority the mount of Dnny Gilligan both at 5/2. Number one Stable Jockey is on Kavanis priced at 9/2. Classical Creek won a Bumper and Point and was third in his only other Bumper. He won his Maiden hurdle after an eleven month break on Soft/Heavy Ground around this course and distance last month winning by 8l. Port Authority won his Point easily and his Maiden Hurdle by 17l. They were his only starts. The form of the point hasn't worked out yet while the maiden Hurdle win was just four weeks ago. He was withdrawn from his race in fairyhouse last Sunday. Kovanis is in the same ownership (Gigginstown) as Classical Creek. He won his point by 10l from Daydream Nation and won his Bumper with the third placed horse winning his maiden very easily next time.. He disappointed in a Fairyhouse Bumper on Soft/Heavy. He was third on his reappearance which was his hurdles debut over 2m where he got outpaced goinf to the last and on his next start he had a comfortable win around Clonmel on Soft. Thedeviluno beat the Gordon Elliott trained Skylight Hustle at Gowran last month and the latter came out next time at Fairyhouse without coming off the bridle. Daydream Nation won his maiden by 16l but if we take Pointing form srtictly Kovanis has the beating of him. There's a lot of rain forecast and some of these have no or poor form on a heavy surface. One who does is Port Authority and maybe the trainer knew something when he took him out at Fairyhouse last week so he gets the selection.

Selection; Port Authority

Best Alternative; Classical Creek

December 5th

Sandown (Going; Good to Soft)

Winter Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m3f 178y

Just the five runners and the Paul Nicholls trained No Drama This End is odds on to add the Grade 2 Hyde Hurdle he won at Cheltenham last Month. It tells to how highly rated connections thought of him that they put him in there for his first Hurdle start. He had won his point and  a Bumper but things didn't go right for him in the Champion Bumper. He beat a useful horse in Heads Up in the Hyde going clear in the run in. Tormund Giantsbane won his point and his Bumper before going down by a neck in his second Bumper last December. He didn't reappear until last month at Carlisle wher he won his first start over hurdles by over 2l. However the runner up was beaten a long way by No Drama This End in the Hyde. Olly Murphy has The Blue Room for Bective Stud. He won his Bumper at the third attempt and then won his Maiden Hurdle at Chepstow last month by three parts of a length from Double Measure with the two pullinG 25l clear of the third. The runner up was beaten since. The winner should come from these three and I find it hard to oppose No Drama This End who is the selection. 

Selection; No Drama This End

Best Alternative; The Blue Room (without the favourite)

Esher Novices Chase (Grade 2) 3m42y

Just the four starters and it's an interesting contest. Doyen Quest beat Quebecois 10l at Exeter last Month. The winner had two runs before that the second of those when just over 2l back in second to Speculatrix over an extended 2m3f at Chepstow. He got a nine pound hike in the ratings for that win and it remains to be seen if he may have been flattered by the winning margin. That run at Exeter was his first since April for Quebecois who also had a wind op during the summer. We can also factor in that the stable didn't seem to be firing on all cylinders at the time. Quebecois is rated 6lb below Doyen Quest and gets 3lb from him. Given the expected improvement for his first run I expect them to be a lot closer here. Salver is the highest rated of these. He ran up a four timer in his first starts after coming over from France  during the 23/24 season including the Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow before finishing the season when third, beaten just over 6l, to Majborough in the Triumph. He ran respectably in Graded races last season without winning. He's had one start over fences when no match for Lulamba at Exeter who had him over 10l back in third. This will be his first go at 3m. Laurens Bay won his Bumper and two of his five hurdle starts but was the lowest rated of these over hurdles.. He's had just the one start over fences and beat his only opponent by 7l over 3m at Uttoxeter which got him a 6lb rise in the handicap which still leaves him with a bit to find with some of these. Quebecois improved for the step up to 3m when winning at Ayr last April and this trip will be ideal. I expect him to take a big step forward from Exeter and make him the selection.

Selection; Quebecois

Best Alternative; Laurens Bay

November 30th

Fairyhouse (Yielding To Soft)

Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

Ten go to post and it's a tricky little contest so I think I may look for a bit of each way value. Love Me Tender has won a Bumper Maiden Hurdle and Grade 3 Novicee Hurdle, the latter at Tipperary last month where he beat a couple of hirses in the 120's by a cosy 6l. All his wins came on Good To Yielding. He is also only a 4yo but has to concede 3lb to his older rivals. KoktaiL Brut has good place form in Grade bumpers and got off the mark on his only start over hurdles winning by a very easy 9l from Colcannon who had beaten him 2l in the Grade 2 Bumper at the DRF. That win came on Heavy ground but he did win a Bumper on yielding and a Point on Soft. Gameball won his Bumper and maiden hurdle his only two starts and both on Good ground. The runner up in his hurdle win was well behind Blake at Down Royal next time. The latter had plenty of experience on the Flat in Britain winning twice and been placed three times in nine starts. He made his Irish debut at Cork last March in a Maiden Hurdle and was no match for the winner, finishing a 6l runner up, in what was his first race since the previous October. He didn't reappear until Leopardstown last month when he was awarded a flat handicap in the Stewards Room having been badly interfered with by the first horse past the post. Then next time at Down Royal he jumped beautifully and although it turned into a sprint hsi jump at the last put the issue beyond doubt and he won by almost 55l. I was there that day and was impressed by him albeit he's a leggy horse and I think he can improve again. Eachtotheirown was runner up in his two Bumpers before winning his Maiden Hurdle at Galway last month. Port Authority won his only Point by 8l and his only hurdle start by 17l on Soft to Heavy ground. He looks the Elliott second string with Sam Ewing in the saddle. The Passing Wife won three of his six Bumpers and his only start in a Point. He ran in a hurdle race before his Bumpers and had his second start over the smaller obstacles when beaten 2l in to third at Gowran three weeks ago. He's obviously well regarded as he went off favourite for his last two Bumper runs which he won and for that Maiden Hurdle at Gowran. It's hard to tie some of the form with runners here but I was impressed by Blake at Down Royal and he is worth an each way bet here.

Selection; Blake ( half point each way) 12/1 Paddy Power, Boyle Sports

Best Alternative; Koktail Brut

Drinmore Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m4f55y

Just Six go to post in a race that has had a few thrilling finishes over the years. Romeo Coolio is a short priced favourite to add to his chase debut win at Down Royal last month where he beat Koktail Divin by 14l with the latter running a good race in the Florida Pearl last week finishing a 3l third to Oscars Brother. Gold Dancer won one of his two hurdle starts in France but failed to win in four starts over hurdles for current connections. They were all with Soft in the Going. However he has won his three starts over fences all on good or Good To Yielding ground. On his penultimate start he beat Westport Cove by over 2l in a Galway Grade 3 and the runner up has won his next two starts including the Grade 2 Craddoxtown at Punchestown last week. They've been bigging up Ol Man Dingle in the media this week. He's two from two over fences including a Grade 3 at Cork earlier this month where he had Mossy Fen Park, who had beaten Oscars Brother the time before, back in third. He was three from ten over hurdles so connections should know more about him after this. The rest look out of it. Romeo Coolio for me.

Selection; Romeo Coolio

Best Alternative; Ol Man Dingle

Hatton's Grade Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f

Six runners but the bookies have it priced as a two horse race. Tehupoo won this in 2022 and 2023 but had to play second fiddle to Laossiemouth last year' Following that he didn'r reappear until the Cheltenham Festival wher he went down by under 2l to Bob Olinger  and then got his reward at Punchestown beating Asterion Forlonge by over 4l. I don't think he'd want it much drier than it is as he is more effective with plenty of juice in the ground. Ballyburn has his first start over hurdles since winning at Punchestown in May 2024, He's had five starts over fences since with mixed results. Willie Mullins now plans to aim him at the Stayers at Cheltenham in march and he's expected to step up to 3m after this at Leopardstown over Christmas. Like Teahupoo it's his first start since Punchestown. Mystical Power has ben a disappointment in three starts since scoring a double over Firefox at Aintree and Punchestown in 2024. He's another who Mullins is now going to aim at the Stayers. Teahupoo for me.

Selection; Teahupoo

Best Alternative; Ballyburn

November 29th

Newcastle (Going; Good To Soft)

Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m190y

A five runner field that hopefully will tell us a lot. Constitution Hill is on a recovery mission after flopping last season. He looked to be continuing his dominace of the Grade when winning the Christmas Hurdle and then the International. However he fell four out in the Champion Hurdle and crashed out again at the second last at Aintree before finishing 27l behind State Man at Punchestown. As usual Nicky Henderson is making positive noises, but we've heard that many times before. I'd love to se him do himself justice but for me he's a watching brief. The New Lion steps into open company following a stellar season. He won his first two starts, a Maiden and a Novice before stepping up in grade to win the Challow (Grade 1) where he had the useful Wendigo almost 5l back in second. On his next and final run of the season he got the better of The Yellow Clay by three parts of a length in the Baring Bingham at the Festival. His last three wins were over an extended 2m4f twice and 2m5f at Cheltenham and the drop back in trip might be a slight concern althought the Skelton's plan is for him to end up in the Champion Hurdle (2m) and hopefully the ground will stay a sit is or go to soft although the rain prediction is less that a 50% chance for most of the time up to post time. Anzadam has had just the four starts so far. The 5yo moved to Willie Mullins after winning his two starts in France in the Autumn of 2023. He wasn't seen again until the Autumn of last year when he strolled to an easy victory in the Grade 3 at the Fairyhouse Christmas Festival winning by over 6l from Kala Conti who was flattered by that margin. He wasn't seen again until the end of January at Naas when he had another comfortable win in the Grade 3 Limestone Lad by 11l from Beacon Edge over 2m. Connections are aiming for the Champion Hurdle so he'll have to prove he's worth the entry here. Last season's Champion Hurdler, Golden Ace, who may have been fortunate to collect as State Man fell at the last when 5l clear. State Man got his revenge at Punchestown but is now sidelined for the season. Golden Ace went off at 4/11 on seasonal debut but ran no sort of race finishing 28l in second to Kateira (who is a full sister to The New Lion) in a two horse race. Probably best watched. Connections are probably between a rock and a hard place with Nemean Lion who has been a great servant for them winning seven and been placed in four from fifteen starts. He's got to carry top weigh in Handicap Hurdles with his mark of 151  but managed to complete a hat trick winning a handicap hurdle, a valuable conditions hurdle and finally the Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell last February. He pulled up in the Stayers at Cheltenham on his first attempt at 3m. He wears a first time tongue tie. A few questions will be answered here and slight preference is for The New Lion

Selection; The New Lion

BestAlternative; Anzadam

November 28th

Newbury (Going; Soft Hurdles course Good To Soft Chase Course)

John Francome Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f187y

Six go to post for what could well be a cracking contest. Wendigo is a useful sort winning two his Bumpers two Hurdles and runner up in two hurdles. On his only other start over hurdles he was unlucky to be interfered with and stumbled two out in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival. He made his chase debut at Worsester last month and looked a winner going to the last. He got bumped by the eventual winner on the run for home eventually going down by a head to Wade Out who has won a Cheltenham Listed Chase since. Wendigo has improved for his first run the last two seasons and he comes here with a great chance. According to his trainer, Paul Nicholls, Regents Stroll was very immature last season. He won his Maiden and was sent to the Grade 1 Challow next where he was over 2l behind runner up Wendigo who was almost 5l behind the winner The New Lion who is now second favourite for the Champion Hurdle. Regents Stroll returned in the New Year to be runner up in races either side  of winning a Novice Hurdle at Wincanton albeit the last run was in the Grade 1 Mersey over 2m4 when he was just half a length behind the winner Honesty Policy. Kingston Pride was bought out of Nicky Henderson's during the summer and on his first starts for new connection s he won a three horse race at Perth as the outsider of three, helped by the fall of the odds on favourite Tripoli Flyer three out. No Questions Asked won a Novice Handicap Chase on his Chase debut at ascot just over three weeks ago. He had been cosistent over Hurdles winning three and been placed in two of his six starts. He was well beaten in the Martin Pipe on his final start last season. He comes from a yard in form so can't be discounted. Crest Of Fortune finished last season at Aintree with a third in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices Hurdle beaten over 2l by Julius Des Pictons. He won twice and was placed four times, all his starts over hurdles. He made his chase debut at Cheltenham last Month finishing just over 2l to Zurich conceding him 10lb. King Of Kingsfield makes the trip back over the Irish Sea having pulled up at Cheltenham last month where he never travelled after a mistake at the first and another three out. On his penultimate start before that in a Grade 3 at Roscommon he had finished over 2l back in third to Westport Cove conceding 4lb to the winner who did the form no harm winning the Florida Pearl at punchestown last Sunday. He has been kept going over the Summer winning three times over fences but the Cheltenham run was his third start in twenty five days. I think the benefit of a run will stand to Wendigo who comes from a stable, and with a jockey, both in great form.

Selection; Wendigo

Best Alternative; Kingston Pride

Long Distance Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m57y

Seven go to post and it might be a tricky little contest to figure out. Lat year Strong Leader got the better of his three opponents by over 3l. This year's race looks to have a bit more depth to it. after winning here last year Strong Leader was tailed off in the Long Walk at Ascot in December. He probably needed it next time at Cheltenham in January before having a break and going to Aintree where hi was beaten almost 3l into second by Hiddenvalley lake. He was off then until Wetherby earlier this month where he beat Take No Chances a neck conceding the runner up 7lb. According to Nicky Henderson Ipose Toi shows nothing at home, however he won two Bumpers in France and in twelver starts over hurdles for current connections he's run twelver times, won five and been placed in an other six. He won around here in a Handicap Hurdle on this weekeend last year and didn't reappear until the Coral Cup at the festival where he was a 3l second to Jimmy Du Seuil hewas then fourth and second at Aintree and Punchestown. He won on seasonal debut beating Chasing Fire by just over 3l and has gone up to a mark of 153. After that run Henderson thought he wasn't going to be a Graded horse but the handicapper has made up his mind for him. On ratings he has 3lb in hand on Strong Leader due to the conditions of the race. Take No Chances appears to have benefitted from a step back up in trip beaten a neck in that Wetherby race as he had been beaten in mid range races the four times before. He meets Strong Leader on the same terms here. Hewick was beaten 28l in the Charlie Hall having won at Thurles over Hurdles the time before that last month. Gavin Sheehan appears to have been jocked off with trainers son Paddy back on board. Doddiethegreat was third, beaten over a length in Strong Leader's race at Wetherbyand meet him on the same terms here. He looks the second choice of the Henderson pair. Ahoy Senior looks a shadow of what he was and Botox Has hasn't won in seven starts since winning the Rendelsham on heavy ground at Haydock in February of last year. The weights slightly favour Impose Toi and he gets the selection albeit there is nothing between him and Strong Leader.

Selection; Impose Toi

Best Alternative; Strong Leader

November 23rd

Punchestown

Craddockstown Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m43y

Just the five going to post and Fleur In The Park shades favouritism from Westport Cove and it looks to be between them. Fleur In The Park has had just the two runs over fences but he impressed in both winning by over 6l on debut then beating Tullyhill by 8l in Wexford. He struggled to get his head in front over hurdles winning just once in seven starts and being placed in another four of them. He was unlucky to be in a Novice division that was so strong and it's noteworthy that he opts out of open class hurdling and goes chasing. Westport Cove is very experienced over fences and is two wins and three seconds from eight runs. He lost his form a bit after five runs on Heavy ground over Hurdles winning on his first start in that discipline and having just two placesfrom his eight starts. He's had five runs since April and it looks to me that he likes a nice bit of ground conditions. Relieved Of Duties won first time out over fences and Gordon Elliott sent him to Cheltenhma's October meeting where he finished over 4l back in second to Alnilam who ran off a mark of 141 and is now rated 145. Kilbarry Saint is very exposed and connections are hoping or a bit of Black Type for the Mare. Qualimita was beaten over 3l into second on her only start over fences. The winner was rated 140 over hurdles while Qualimita was a lowly 118 over hurdles. Not the greatest renewal of this race but slight preference is for Fleur In The Park.

Selection; Fleur In The Park

Best Alternative; Westport Cove

John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1) 2m3f150y

A big field of eleven ate due to face the starter and seven of them are trained by Willie Mullins. He has the favourite in Fact To File who won this last year and. He was subsequently beaten in two starts over 3m by Gallopin Des Champs before winning the Ryanair by 9l from Heart Wood a Cheltenham. He disappointed over 2m at the Punchestsown Festival and makes his seasonal debut here over what is probably his best trip. Gaelic Warrior disappointed at Leopardstown over Christmas and the DRF but came alive at Aintree to win the Grade 1 Bowl and then went to Sandown and won the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase. Those two defeats were over 2m and stepping up in  trip seemed to be the answer. There's talk about him going for the Gold Cup. Fastorslow won this in 2023, was unlucky to unseat in the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following March but made amends in the Punchestown equivalent. He ran in this race last year but could only finish fourth after which he was found to have an injury and has been off the racecourse since. The word is he's been back in training for a good while  so like the other favourites paddock inspection will help. Inothewayurthinkin was beaten 36l in last year's race and was out of the frame in two subsequent starts behind Gallopin Des Champs before winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He's ran three times at Punchestown and been well beaten on each occassion and with the Cromwell team only operating at a 3% strike rate over the last fortnight I'll take a watching brief on him. Heart Wood has had a run this season when beating Moonbeg Park by just under 2l  here at Punchestown. That was over 2m7f as was his previous win at Wexford in October last year and was only beaten a neck in the Drinmore (2m4f) next time. Lecky Watson completed a hat trick when winning the Brown Advisory last March but fell at the Punchestown Festival. This is his first start since. The remainder probably have their eyes on the prizes next Spring at Fairyhouse and Aintree. Fact To File to shade it.

Selection; Fact To File

Best Alternative; Gaelic Warrior

November 22nd

Haydock (Going; Good To Soft, Soft in places)

Newton Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f144y

Just six runners and the Double Green team look to have a nice horse on the hands with Masked Man. Brought along by the Crawfords in Larne to win his Point in very impressive fashion he then moved to the Twiston-Davies yard ans they went straight over Hurdles with him and he duly obliged, again impressively, when winning a Novice hurdle y 12l at Chepstow last month. He made all at Chepstow but had been held up in his Point. The runner up at Chepstow came out and won by 8l at Wetherby next time. Sticktotheplan has won three and been second twice in his five hurdle starts and is now rated 143. On his last start he won the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow. However all his wins have been on Good ground. The Skeltons are in great form and run Double Measure here. He won his only Bumper and on his only start over hurdles he was held up and made progress three furlongs out up the long Chepstow straight but an awkward jump at the last didn't help and he failed to peg back the winner going down by three parts of a length. He wasn't knocked about and got a nice hands a heel ride in the finish so should learn plenty and come on for that run. Diamond Hunter was runner up in three of his four Points and pulled up in the other. They were all on Yielding or Good To Yielding. On his only Hurdles start he ran out a 24l winner around Plumpton on Good ground Good To Soft in places with his main rival not jumping fluently and weakening before two out. Jony R caused a surprise at Down Royal three weeks ago winning at 16/1 from Kalyps'chance by 9l with that one winning last week in the Grade 3 Monkstown Hurdle at Navan. The Egytian Ginge is a second Twiston-Davies runner but his form doesn't suggest he can win this. There are a few of these who could be anything but I'll take a chance with Masked Man.

Selection; Masked Man

Best Altrenative; Sticktotheplan

Betfair Chase (Grade 1) 3m1f125y

Royale Pagaille who has won the last two runnings of this renews rivalry with last year's Runner up Grey Dawning. Grey Dawning looked to have had the measure of his rival going to the last but the petrol was running out and he didn't jump it too well and Royal Pagaille found more from the back of the last. The winner ran poorly in four subsequent starts while Grey Dawning pulled up in the King George and then won next time in a Listed Kelso Chase before finishing 3l behind Gaelic Warrior at Aintree In the Bowl. Significantly those last two runs were on better ground than Haydock. Haiti Couleurs doesn't have many miles on the clock for an 8yo. He'd a memorable season just gone wining four of his six starts culminating in the Irish National at Fairyhouse. He resumed two weeks ago winning a Handicap hurdle a Newbury, however he has 12lb to find with Grey Dawning at the ratings. Handstands fell on chase debut last season but won his next three, two Grade 2's and a Grade 1. He disappointed on his return at Carlisle three weeks ago where he didn't jump well. However Ben Jones his jockey had a job pulling him up. His trainer is expecting a big run here. Gordon Elliott sends over Stellar Story who won on chase debut a year ago but has been beaten on four starts since including a 4l second to Lecky Watson in the Brown Advisory. However he'll probably need more rain to have a chance here. The Skeltons are in great form at the moment and winning lots of pots before Willie Mullins starts sending over some of his stars and they have Grey Dawning here. However I just wonder if he sees out the final furlong of this trip. I'm a big admirer of Handstands who was impressive last season. We can draw a line through him pulling up in Aintree as he was badly interfered with and lost touch and his jockey did the right thing. He's still only 6yo and should have plenty of improvement in him and his trainer, Ben Pauling, says he looks magnificent so I'll give him a sporting chance. 

Selection; Handstands

Best Alternative; Haiti Couleurs

Ascot (Going; Good To Soft, Good in places)

1965 Chase (Grade 2) 2m5f

Just five going to post but it's a tricky contest to weigh up. Il Est Francais has had his ups and downs since winning the Kauto Star so impressively in December 2023. He's been moved permanently to England where there are better opportunities for him as he's best going right handed. Noel George has sent him to his father Tom and he's been trained for the King George. He's been installed the early favourite but hasn't run since May and I'm prepared to watch him here. Jango Baie has had a wind op over the summer. He had top class Novice form last season winning a Grade 2 and Grade 1 and been placed in two Grade 1's, all his starts. He finished the season beaten just over 1l by Impaire Et passe at Aintree. He has to concede 3lb to the favourite despite been rated 7lb below him. Pic D'orhy loves it around here winning five times including the last two running's of this. If he was to win here it would push him over the £1 million in winnings. He is now a 10yo and has to concede weight to his rivals. However he has had the benefit of a run when finishing 1l back in second behind Djelo in the Charlie Hall three weeks ago. Gidleigh Park was a short head in front of Jango Baie in the Aintree race last April and had beaten Caldwell Potter by 4l the run  before. Hopefully he has put his problems behind him as he looked an exciting prospect in the '23-'24 season. Master Chewy was second in the Old Roan last month but has to concede weight to all but Pic D'orhy who gets the selection.

Selection; Pic D'orhy

Best Alternative; Jango Baie

The Ascot Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m3f63y

Nine go to post and Wodhooh is a clear favoorite. From Septmeber 2023 until last March she won seven consecutive races and then went to Aintree where she took a big step up to Grade 1 company and finished second, just under 3l , to Lossiemouth who went clear towards the finish. The conditions of the race favour her and she gets 10lb from Potters Charm who is rated 9lb lower than her. At Wetherby three weeks ago, on his first run back after a wind op, he stumbled and fell just after four out. He had completed a four timer when winning the Formby (Grade 1) at Aintree last Christmas but was a beaten odds on favojurite next time and then had two very disappointing runs. Celtic Dino comes here instead of Haydock presumably looking for better ground as his three wins over hurdles have come on Good ground. One of those wins came at this meeting last year so he likes the course. I think he's a live each way chance. Altobelli finished a long way behind in the Liverpool Hurdle last April in what was a big step up in trip and Grade. They've given him a wind op since and this is his first run back. Kateira beat a disappointing Golden Ace in a two horse Mares hurdle at Wetherby earlier this month. That was her first run since January when she was beaten a head by Jetara in a Grade 2 Mares. Crambo has his first run since May and drops back to this trip for the first time  in two years. He beat Hiddenvalley Lake in the Long Walk here last December but had three disappointing efforts subsequently. Nemean Lion pulled up in the Stayers at Cheltenham and is fitted with a tongue tie for his first start since. The conditions of the race are very favourable to Wodhooh who we know can win off extended breaks and she gets the selection while Celtic Dino looks good each way value at 6/1 in a few places.

Selection; Wodhooh

Best Alternative; Celtic Dino

Punchestown (Going; Soft To Heavy)

Florida Pearl Novice Chase (Grade 2) 3m51y

Rocky's Diamond was the highest rated of these over hurdles and has been installed the early favourite. He's had two runs over fences, winning impreesively first time over 2m2f at Galway where he made use of his stamina and won by over 5l with the runner up winning next time. The fourth My Great Mate had finiushed almost 4l behind King Of Kingfield on chase debut in July and the winner ran off a mark of 145 at Cheltenham last week. Oscars Brother was runner up on his first two chase starts before beating O'More Park by over 3l at Galway last month. He's been given a rating of 140. Koktail Divin was a 14l runner up to Romeo Coolio at Down Royal three weks ago. That was his first run since April so improvement can be expected however he was rated 17lb lower than the favourite over hurdles. Bossofthebrownies beat Union Station 13l on chase debut at Fairyhouse earlier this month in what looked a poor race. That was his first win in eight starts under rules and he would need considerable improvement on his hurdles form to figure here although fences are maybe what he needs. He also won in a first time tongue tie. Prends Garde A Toi was second on chase debut having won one of six hurdle starts. He'll need to show a big improvement over fences. Nurburgring has been pretty inconsistent with some good form followed by some poor efforts. He's had seven starts over fences winning just one, at Killarney in July. He's had three runs since then so unless there is a market move I can't see him figuring. Rocky's Diamond impressed me when winning at Galway and gets the selection.

Selection; Rocky's Diamond

Best Alternative; Koktail Divin

Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m160y

Just the four runners and Lossiemouth is odds on to collected another Morgiana for Willie Mullins. He's won twelve of the last fourteen runnings and he has two chances here with Irancy backing up Lossiemouth. The favourite has won eleven of her thirteen starts and there are excuses for the defeats. She's the highest rated horse in the field and gets the 7lb Mares allowance. However the plan was to go to the Hattons Grace next weekend with her but with State Man out the Closutton team have to re-arrange the deck chairs. Irancy is interesting. He won his Maiden in Mid November last year around here and didn't re-appear until the Cheltenham Festival wher he was well beaten in the Supreme. He then won the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse at Easter before hosing home by 9l at 16/1 in the Grade 1 Champion Novice at the Cheltenham Festival. He's only had seven starts and has had a few issues but is one to be wary of. Ndaawi represents Gordon Elliott who has won it twice in the last fourteen years. He's just two from eight over hurdles and one of those wins was when he got the Galway Hurdle in the Stewards room after being interfered with after the final hurdle. The handicapper gave him a 9lb rise after that and he should be race fit as he's ran in two big handicaps in Chester and Newmarket the last two months. Glen Kiln is in good form having won two of his last three and made a bad mistake and unseaated at the last when in  front at Tipperary. Has a good bit to find on ratings. It's hard to find fault with Lossiemouth who is the selection but Irancy is an unknown quantity stepping out of Novice company and may be a danger.

Selection; Lossiemouth

Best Alternative; Irancy

With plenty of rain forecast for the next 24 hours racing Saturday must be in doubt on both sides of the Irish Sea. 

Precautionary Inspection at 07.30hrs Saturday

November 15th

Cheltenham (Going; Soft, Good To Soft in places)

The Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m87y

Twelve go to post and there are a few interesting French recruits. Two of them, Parchment and Precious Man head the early market. Parchment won his only start in France and the form of that race is working out with the third and fourth winning since with the fourth, Hells Storm,  now rated at 63.5kg which is around 140lb. Precious Man, who runs in a tongue tie, comes from the inform Skelton yard. He ran twice in France and placed second first time out then won by a Neck at Auteuil from a horse who has won twice since and is rated 66.5kg. Gavin Cromwell sends over Secret Force who beat two time hurdle winner, Hopes Are High, by over 6l at Punchestown last month albeit he was getting 10lb from the runner up who re-opposes here. Secret Force has won on the Flat on Heavy ground. James Owen only had a handful of horse back in the 22-23 season when he started training under rules but he expanded rapidly and has won the last two running's of this with Burdett Road and East India Dock. He has two runners here for the same connections, the Gredley Family, Hallelujha U and Kate O'Reilly. Hallelujah U makes his hurdles debut having finished the Flat season on a rating of 101. He won just twice from nine starts,once on the flat and once on the all- weather. But it was the Grade 2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot that elevated his ranking as he was just over 2l back in sixth behind the winner Carmers. Kate O'Reilly gets the Fillies allowance. She won her only start over Hurdles running out an easy 4l winner. She won twice on the all weather also. One Horse Town has won all three starts over hurdles by wide margins to add to his two wins from seven starts on the Flat (All-Weather). He's been given a rating of 123 so it will be interesting to compare him with the French recruits. Galactique has won two of his three hurdle starts, all around Fontwell. This is a big step up. The remainder are all fancy prices and have been taking a walk in the betting. Generally I wouldn't have a bet with so little collateral form but if the French ratings are right then the Bookies have got the market righ and I've a slight preference for Parchment.

Selection; Parchment

Best Alternative; Precious Man

Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices Chase (Grade 2) 1m7f199y

Just the six runners here. July Flower had an impressive and effortless win on her seasonal and chase debut last month at Limerick Her trainer Henry De Bromhead had her for a few months in the 2022-23 season before her owner moved her back to France where she started her career. Altogether she's won four and been placed in five from ten starts in France so it's interesting that De Bromhead went to €350k to buy her back in July 2024. She won first time up for him at leopardstown at Christmas in a Grade 3 beating Kala Conti and Jetara. She finished down the field in two subsequent Grade 1's before her Summer break. Dan Skelton always felt that Be Aware would be better for jumping a fence. A keen racer over hurdles he was fitted with a hood for his chase debut at Stratford sixteen days ago and settled much better to win comfortably by 4l in the race the trainer won with L'Eau de Sud last year. Burdett Road makes his chase debut here and having run unsuccessfully in the Group races on the flat over the summer he finished 1l behind Rubaud in a Listed hurdle at Kempton. We know he acts around Cheltenham and he won the Greatwood hurdle here last year beating Be Aware half a length giving him 3lb. Stencil travels over from France having disappointed in the Fred Winter at the Festival following a good run when finishing 10l behind East India Dock in January. He's won two of his three starts in France but with with only five career starts he's hard to weigh up as he ran to freely in the Fred Winter and apparently lost a shoe. Brentford Hope has been slipping down the rankings since beaten just over 1l by Rubaud in the Elite Hurdle a year ago. He's been off since April and makes his chase debut here. He wears a tongue tie as usual but the cheek pieces he's worn on his last three starts are left off. Breaking Cover has plenty of experience and has won three of his five chase starts and been second in the other two. On his last start he went down by a length to Blueking d'Oroux at Wincanton a week ago. That was a hard race and he's been a big drifter here. Both Henry De Bromhead and Dan Skelton are in great form and it's hard to separate the two horses but with the 7lb Mare's Allowance slight preference is for July Flower.

Selection; July Flower

Best Alternative; Be Aware

Navan (Going; Soft To Heavy) 

Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f50y

With County Meath under a Yellow Rainfall warning the situation regarding the Going is been monitored. If racing goes ahead it could be attritional for the horses. The Yellow Clay loves it around Navan and won twice  here last season before winning the Grade 1 Lawlors at Naas. He was then beaten three parts of a length by The New lion in the Turners where he had Final Demand almost 5l behind him in third. He looked a tired horse when falling at the last at Punchestown in the race won by Final Demand and he can be forgiven that run as he had a busy season for a Novice. Jetara has had three spins on the Flat since resuming after a four month break in September. She finished last season with a third in the Aintree Stayers beaten just over 5l by Hiddenvalley Lake and at Punchestown beaten almost 7l by Teahupoo and she won't mind if it turns up Heavy. Maxxum won a couple of Grade 2's last Spring either side of pulling up at Cheltenham in the Coral Cup and after his win in April the trainer said that he was probably beter in a smalL field. Mozzies Sister has been busy and consistent over the last thirteen months running ten times, winning twice and only once out of the first three when finishing 4th on a Grade 3 at limerick She was beaten over 5l by The Yellow Clay in the Grade 2 Navan Hurdle last December but has race fitness here having won a Mare's Hurdle at Wexford three weeks ago. Colonel Mustard was in receipt of 5lb when beaten almost 3l by Maxxum at Fairyhouse last Easter and finally got his hesd in front for the first time in twenty one starts when winning at Sligo last Month. He's ultra consistent winning twice and been placed fourteen times in twenty two hurdle starts. Grandero Bello looks outclassed. The Yellow Clay had a winning run at Down Royal before his success here last year and I have a slight concern that in testing conditions against race fir horses he might be vulnerable. His curent odds of 8/13 don't appeal to me and a better option bight be Jetara for whom Jesse Harrington has booked Paul Townend. Unfortunately with only six runners there's no full each way betting so a small wager recommended.

Selection; Jetara

Best Alternative; Maxxum

Fortria Chase (Grade 2) 2m

Seven go to post for this and Marine Nationale heads the market. It took him to his fourth start, the Champion Chase,  to win last season as everything was geared to Cheltenham and he duly obliged, beating Jonbon 18l after El Fabiolo fell while disputing the lead two out and Favourite was found to have an abrasion inside his left fore fetlock. Nontheless it was a comfortable win. He then went to Punchestown and won the Irish equivalent beating Captain Guinness by a very comfortable 7l. The latter re-oppses here on 8lb better terms and has won around here on Soft to Heavy. He did pull up in this last year but was found to be clinically abnormal post race. Lat year's winner Found A Fifty had a pipe opener at Down Royal two weeks ago when finishing over 6l behind Envoi Allen. Following two poor runs after winning here last year he finished the season winning the Grade 2 in Faeryhouse at Easter on Soft To Heavy. Having been beaten in two open races last season Dinoblue won the next three in Mares company including at the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals. She has never run at Navan previously and appears to go on any ground. Hercule Du Seuil is the second McManus/Mullins runner and the mount of Paul Townend while Mark Walsh rides Dinoblue for his boss. Hercule Du Seuil finsihed off last season winning a Grade 3 at Killarney beating stablemate Blood Destiny, his first win in five starts since October 2023. Solness was beaten a neck by Found A Fifty last year then was beaten 25l by Jonbon before two good wins at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival and the DRF before finishing behind Marine Nationale at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Touch Me Not won the Craddockstown last November beating Farren Glory and Nurburgring. He then had two good runner up finishes behind L'Eau du Sud and Majborough before disappointing at Cheltenham and Aintree and looks stable's second choice. Given Marine Nationale's profile last season it's not beyond reason that he might follow a similar path. Gordon Elliott loves nothing better than winning here at his local track and Found A Fifty with the benefit of that Down Roayal run might be value over a course and on ground he likes.

Selection; Found A Fifty (7/1 Paddy Power, Bet 365)

Best Alternative; Captain Guinness

November 14th

Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft) Races on the Old Course

Shloer Chase (Grade 2) 1m7f199y

Jonbon faces six rivals here as he bids to win this for the third straight year. One of the most consistent horses he has never finished outside the first two in twenty three starts winning eighteen. He has 11lb and more in hand with his rivals on ratings and the early betting reflects that as hettRoad and  is odds on to collect. He's had a wind op over the summer but has won on every seasonal debut. He was beaten twice last season, first in the Champion Chase where he had a slow start and then a big mistake at the fifth last and then at Sandown where he may have been over the top. L'Eau du Sud won his first four chase starts last season before going down to Jango Baie and Kalif Du Berlais at Cheltenham and Aintree. He beat Rubaud in a Grade 1 at Warwick and won at this meeting last year in the Grade 2 Arkle but there are those who think it was a weak Novice division last season. This race will tell connections where they stand and as he is only a 7yo he should have more improvement in him. Liberty Hunter was 4l down and still in touch when falling three out in the Queen Mother. He's had consistent form over fences when he's completed but has fallen twice. Edwardstone is now 11yo. He was beaten just over 2l by Jonbon in this last year but his form tailed off after Christmas, going down by over 10l to Jonbon at Ascot and then two big defeats at Newbury and Sandown. Matata was well beaten behind Calico on seasonal debut last month which was  surprising as he had been pretty consistent over fences last season winning twice and been placed four times, all his starts, including runner up to Calico in the same seasonal debut race last year. He's dropped from a high of 163 last February to a mark if 157 here. Anthony Honeyball has his horses in fine form and is represented by Brookie here. He was almost 8l behind Calico in the aforementioned Cheltenham race on seasonal debut and his two wins from seven chase starts have come in handicaps. Haddex Des Obeaux hasn't run since December 2023 and is best watched. On his last start he was beaten just under 5l by Jonbon in the Grade 1 Tingle Creek. It's hard to oppose Jonbon while the Skelton's are in great form at the minute having had eleven winners this past week and L'Eau du Sud could well prove a danger. 

Selection; Jonbon

Best Alternative; L'Eau du Sud

The Hyde Novices Hurdle Grade 2) 2mff (Old Course)

There appears to have been a good crop of Bumper Horses around last year and Heads Up was one of them. Onn his first two Bumper starts he was beaten 10l by Windbeneathmywings and just under 3l by Colcannon, both of whom look useful. He won next time out from numerous subsequent winners before finishing second, over 4l, behind Kalypso'chance. He then put up probably his best performance when after an eighty seven day break he finished over 1l back in second to Bambino Fever in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. He reappeared at Listowel in September to run out a very comfortable winner having led from the first Hurdle and despite guessing at the last cruised home. No Drama This End won his Point by a wide margin on Soft ground and then was very impressive when quickening well on the Soft ground to beat Keop Des Bordes by over 3l under a hands and heels ride. He was ninth in the Champion Bumper on Good To Soft and it's interesting that Paul Nicholls starts him off over Hurdles here and he's a horse that Harry Cobden thinks a lot of. Welonlyhavedeone won his point at the second attempt having falling on his first. He finshed down the field in his first Bumper, on Good ground at Galway but was a 12l winner next time on same course early last month on his hurdles debut. He returned there nineteen days ago and looked to be going slightly the best going to the last but stepped at it and came down gifting the race to the highly regarded I'll Sort That. Dan Skelton runs two here and Harry Skelton has chosen Great Fleet. Winner of one of his two Bumpers he's run twice over Hurdles this Season' The first was at Kelso  where he raced in touch with the leaders but weakened approaching the last to finish over 7l back in third. That was over 2m5f and he next stepped up to 3m for a Novice around this course. He raced keenly but was still going easily before the last but weakened on the run in to finish second 3l behind Conman John who had also beaten him at Kelso. Moneygarrow won a Point and a Bumper but was beaten 14l into second by the very impressive Windbeneathmywings at Ascot last December. He's had one run over hurdles where he was an 11l third to Sticktotheplan at Chepstow in the Grade 2 Persian War last month. Fountains Blenhein won his first Bumper bu having run to freely weakened and was eased to finish a long way last in the Grade 2 Aintree Bumper. He reappeared at Fontwell last month and helped by his two main rivals coming to grief in the carnage at the first he ran out a 34l winner. The Honeyball stable is in good form but tis is a big step up. Henry De Bromhead and Jockey Darragh O'Keeffe are in terrific form and send over King's Bucks who comes here instead of a Maiden Hurdle at Navan where he holds an entry. He won his Point, was second in his Bumper and a 6l fourth on his Hurdling debut over 2m. His trainer feels he needs this step up in trip. Destination Dubai won his first two Bumpers and then was second beaten almost 3l in the Grade 2 Aintree race to Green Splendour. He the won his Maiden Hurdle by11l at Hexham in May and was put away until reappearing at Wetherby last Month and winning a four horse race over an extended 2m3f. This is a big step up for him. The Twiston-Davies team have Intosomethinggood. A three race maiden in Bumpers he's won three and been placed twice in seven starts over hurdles but despite that Sam Twiston-Davies rides the Honeyball horse. Market moves should be noted. The Russell-Scudamore team rely on Imperfectlyperfect from their three entries for this. He won his Bumper at the second attempt and then reappeared at Hexham last month to win his Maiden Hurdle. Connections say that he will improve for the run and that there's plenty more to come. It's interesting that a lot of trainers are running horses here and plenty of winners should come from it. However Heads Up whose am is out of a half sister to Denman and comes from a yard who do well here looked impressive at Listowel to add to his good Bumper form and he gets the nod. You could take your pick who might pose the biggest challenge but it might be significant that King's Buck makes the journey form Ireland and he might be an Each Way alternative. 

Selection; Heads Up

Best Alternative; King's Buck (Each Way)

November 8th

Wincanton (Going; Good To Firm)

Rising Stars Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f

The Going on the Chase course is Good To Firm, Good in places and the course are watering with light showers forecast. Hopefully there will be no scratchings as this race has attracted just five runners and a short priced favourite in Blueking d'Oroux. He made his Chase debit on his seasonal reappearance at Neton Abbot last month when his jumping was a bit rusty and he was up against an experienced handicapper. He should come on for that run and the word is he's improved physically over the Summer and the stable have high hopes for him. Henry De Bromhead sends over Cobra Queen although Jockey in form , Darragh O'Keeffe, stays at home for Gowran Park. She's an improving Mare who has won her last two starts going up 18lb in the ratings and gets a 7lb allowance here. She comes here fit after a Summer campaign. Breaking Cover is three from four over fences this season and runner up in the other going up 15lb in the ratings. This is a big step up for him but with over £8k for third and over £4k for fourth it's probably worth a chance. Rightsotom was beaten 33l on his only start over fences and wears first time cheek pieces to the regular Tongue Tie. Settle Down Jill was beaten 10l on her only start over fences and is owned by the Sullivan Group and Dan Skelton. They're probably hoping for a place and a bit of Black type. She finished a 6l fourth in a Listed Cheltenham Mare's Bumper a year ago from which plenty of winners came out. However it's hard to see past Blueking d'Oroux who is short enough at 8/11.

Selection; Blueking d'Oroux

Best Alternative; Cobra Queen

Elite Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f50y

The going on the Hurdle course is Good, Good To Firm in places.

Rubaud has won the last two runnings of this. Having gone chasing after last year's win he has followed his previous year's preparations by winning the Listed Hurdle in Kempton last month beating Burdett Road by 1l. Even with his penalty he has 14lb in and more in hand on his three rivals. Hamlet's Night is a 4yo who has had just four starts over Hurdles albeit he's won two and been runner up in the others. This is a huge step up. Tax For max was rated 137 over Hurdles in the Spring of 2023. However he was off the track for two years up until last September and has been beaten in two runs since. Frere d'Armes was running in Hunter Chases last season and in three Handicap chases and a Handicap hurdle this season he's been beaten by large double digit distances. Harry Skelton, stable Jockey going to Aintree is probably a hint. Rubaud is very short for most people but I can't oppose him.

Selection; Rubaud

Best Alternative; Hamlet's Night

November 7th

Exeter (Ground; Good) 

Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase; (Grade 2) 2m1f109y

Six go to post for this. Paul Nicholls has won four of the last ten runnings of this while the Tizzards also have a good record with Joe winning the last two and Colin the 2021 race. Last year's winner JPR One reappears here. He beat Djelo three parts of a length only having to be pushed out. He failed to win in four subsequent starts. He races off a mark 4lb higher than last year but he does run well fresh. Kalif Du Berlais is still only a 5yo so he should improve plenty from last year when he made his Chase debut. He fell first time out, won his next two but then failed to stay the 2m4f on heavy ground at Sandown in February. Given a break he reappeared at Aintree in the Grade 1 Maghull and putting in a terrific round of jumping to win by over 3l and while his two main rivals may have disappointed you can't ignore how much Nicholls and Harry Cobden think of this horse. The Venetia Williams stable is only getting going now and has had just four runners so far but Djelo showed it could be in form winning the Charlie Hall last Saturday. Her runner Martador has had plenty of experience chasing having run over the larger obstacles sixteen times winning five and being placed in seven. Those five wins came consecutively between March and November last year. However the Handicapper may have caught up on him and he was well beaten in his subsequent five starts. According to his trainer Jane Williams, Saint Segal is much more confident this season having appeared to mature more. He won on Seasonal debut beating Il Ridoto by almost 5l in a Handicap Chase at Chepstow last month. He is the likely pace in the race and will have no problem with the trip and the quicker the ground the better. Thistle Ask and Here Comes Georgie are both 9lb out of the Handicap and will be hoping for crumbs should something befall the others. Joe Tizzard says the best time to catch JPR One is first time out but Paul Nicholls claims that Kalif Du Berlais is right up there with the best 2m chasers he has trained which is some accolade. Kalif Du Berlais for me.

Selection; Kalif Du Berlais

Best Alternative; JPR One

November 6th

Clonmel (Going; Yielding To Soft)

Clonmel Oil Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f

A small field of four and Willie Mullins, who has won seven of the last ten runnings including the last three, has two of the field, Il Etait Temps heads the market. After winning atthe Punchestown Festival in 2024 he wasn't seen again until last April when he beat Jonbon by over 5l over 2m. He won the Grade 1 Manifesto at Aintree over 2m4f so this trip shouldn't be a problem and he wears a tongue tie and a hood. He has to concede 9lb to his two main rivals which could make it interesting but at 7yo he should still be improving. One of those rival's is his stablemate Gentleman De Mee. He seems to reserve his best form for the Spring and he was beaten by big double digit distances in three starts last season and then went down by almost 6l to Senecia on Heavy over 2m4f in the Grade 2 Webster Cup at Navan in March. He then came out and won the Topham Chase off a mark of 155 having been as high as 165 a year before. The 2024 Irish National winner, Intense Raffles starts his season off here having pulled up in Aintree. It's a trip short of his optimum so he's probably best watched. Senecia, despite winning the Webster Cup where she beat El Fabiolo, Filo Dor, Gentleman De Mee and Grangeclare West, is really inconsistent winning just two of sixteen starts over fences and been placed four times. In the Fortria Chase at Navan last November he was beaten just over 1l into third by Found a Fifty and Solness on Yielding so he is capable of a big run but comes with a health warning. Although his price is short enough, 1/2, for a lot of people it's hard to oppose Il Etait Temps given the profile of his opponents although if it came up heavy a very small wager on Senecia might be worthwhile.

Selection; Il Etait Temps

Best Alternative; Senecia (if going changes to Heavy) half point win.

November 1st

Down Royal (Going; Good To yielding)

Champion Chase (Grade 1) 3m

The course had 9mm rain overnight but with strong winds the Going remains Good To Yielding on the Hurdles Course and Good, Good To yielding in places on the Chase course.

Seven have been declared for this, the first Grade 1 of the season and the market is headed by Envoi Allen who has won two of the last three runnings and was a neck second in the other. In all he's won five of his six starts on the course and runner up in the other, making him a bit of a course specialist. It also tells us that he runs well first time out. Ground will not inconvenience him and his Jockey, Darragh O'Keeffe is quite bullish about his chances. However he is an 11yo which is a slight negative. Hopefully enough rain will get into the ground to let Spillane's Tower take his chance. He has won on yielding when beating Monty's Star at Punchestown last year but if it stays good he must be a doubtful starter. He disappointed on good ground in the King George last December and was no match for Gallopin Des Champs at Punchestown on Yielding. On his only other start last season he was a half length second to Fact To File in the John Durkan. Found A Fifty got last season off to a great start winning the Grade 2 at this meeting and following up in the Grade 2 Fortria at Navan a fortnight later. However he had two disappointing runs at Leopardstown and Cheltenham before winning the Grade 2 at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting. He steps up to 3m for the first time and Jack Kennedy has opted for him over stablemates Stellar Story and Western Fold. The latter, who won the Galway Plate, completed the four timer in the PWC Chase (Grade 2) at Gowran where he readily accounted for Affordale Fury by just over 4l on Yielding To Soft ground. Affordale Fury was having his first start since February so can be expected to come on for that run. He's obviously had his problems as that February run was his first since November 2023. Back in the Spring of that year he went down by 1l to Stay Away Fay in the Albert Bartlet at Cheltenham and was a 10l second to Gaelic  Warrior at Punchestown. Stellar Story won the Albert Bartlett in 2024 and beat Search For Glory in the Florida Pearl on Chase debut last November on Soft. I think ground will be key for him and the more rain the better. There are a few if and buts about some of these but Found A Fifty is now coming into his prime and is worth a shout here at 11/2 with Boyle Sports amongst others.

Selection; Found A Fifty

Best Alternative; Spillane's Tower 

Kildress Plumbing Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f120y

Gordon Elliott has won four of tha last five runnings of this including the last three and has three of the six runners here with his Firefox heading the market at 5/6. He won comfortably on chase debut at this meeting last year but in five subsequent starts he failed to win albeit coming up against some top class performers. In his next sgtart after Down Royal he was beaten half a length in third place in the Grade 1 Drinmore by Croke Park and Heart Wood with Gorgeous Tom, who seemed to have been left behind after the second last, a further half length behind in fourth in a driving finish. He was a well beaten favourite behind Caldwell Potter at Cheltenham before going down by over 4l to Spindleberry in Grade 1 Gold Cup at Fairyhouse at Easter. Gorgeous Tom had won his Novice in a Grade 3 at Cork twelve months ago but in two subsequent starts after Fairyhouse he was beaten over 8l by Lecky Watson at Cheltenhma and by 32l by Champ Kiely at Punchestown both over the extended 3m. I'm not surprised they went up to 3m after the 2m4f of the Drinmore as the way he finished suggested  he had been caught for speed two fences out but he finished best of all. It's interesting that he starts off here over the intermediate trip. Speculatrix gets the Mares allowance and comes here race fit having been campaigned throughout the summer. She's won two of her four starts over fences, the lates in a Listed Novice at Chepstow and connections will be hoping for a bit of Black Type for her as her rating of 127 leaves her a fair bit behind some of the others but conditions mean . Her Stablemate Croke Park on the evidence of the early market is third choice of the Elliott team although that maybe is not surprising given that this race is short of his best trip. He had entries for the Charlie Hall and the Champion Chase today but Gordon probably feels that a hard race at this stage is not what he wants. Paddock inspection will tell us a lot and I'll be there making notes. His final two starts were disappointing having completed a hat trick at Christmas and beaten 5l by Ballyburn at the DRF and he has to concede 7lb to Gorgeous Tom and 10lb to Firefox. The rest look outclassed. Firefox is running over his optimum trip around a course where he is two from two while his main market rival has to concede 3lb to him.  

Selection; Firefox

Best Alternative; Gorgeous Tom

Wetherby (Going; Good )

The West Yorkshire Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m

Just five go to post and Strong Leader shades favouritism from Potters Charm. Strong Leader had just the four starts last season winning the Long Distance at Newbury on debut before trailing in 75l behind the winner in the Long Walk at Ascot after which he had a wind op. He then went to Cheltenham in January where he was 8l behind Gowel Road after which he was off until Aintree where he had to be ridden a bit more prominently than he likes because of the slow pace and finished second almost 3l behind the winner Hiddenvalley Lake. He's the highest rated horse in the race but has to concede between 3lb and 8lb to his rivals. Potters Charm ran up a sequence of five wins between March and December last year four of them over hurdles including the Grade 1 Formby at Aintree. The latter was over 2m but his other hurdle wins were at 2m4f and 2m5f.  He was beaten in his next two starts to finish the season. He's had a wind op and steps up to this trip for the first time under rules. Take No Chances won the Listed Mares at this meeting last season following a placed effort in a valuable handicap at Chepstow three weeks previously She follows a similar route here having run in the same Chepstow race. After her win here she went down by 2l to Wodhooh at Cheltenham then beat Kargese by three parts of a length at Ascot before being no match for Lossiemouth on her next two starts. She steps up to 3m for the first time. Winter Fog has been a good servant to connection winning six and placed nine times in thirty one starts. However he is now 11yo. He should be race fit having run a few times this summer the latest in the Cesarewitch earlier this month where he finished 11l behind the winner having won a ladies Maiden around Tramore. Doddiethegreat wears a tongue tie and cheek pieces. The latter were applied after he pulled up in two starts last Decmeber and January and they appear to have made a difference as he went on to beat Jeriko Du Reponet in the Pertemps final at Cheltenham and then those places were reversed at Punchestown. Now a 9yo he'll be staying over hurdles as he didn't take to fences. All prize money he earns goes to the Doddie Weir Foundation so nobody would be grudge him a win. Strong Leader likes to come off a strong gallop and while a few of these like to race prominently I wonder if anyone is prepared to make it. Nonetheless Strong Leader is the best horse in the race and might just have enough to win it.  

Selection; Strong Leader

Best Alternative; Take No Chances  

Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2)

Six go to post for this including last year's winner The Real Whacker. However his form dipped aftrr that and he was well beaten in three subsequent runs. He reappeared at in a handicap hurdle at Perth last month and running of a mark 10lb lower than his chase mark he finished over 3l back in second to a well treated winner. He wears first time cheek pieces. Protektorat ended last season  finishing 3l back in second to Jonbon over 2m4f in the Melling at Aintree. He had finished a long way behind Fact To File in the Ryanair at Cheltenham having put Djelo to the Sword over 2m6f at Windsor with the latter 23l back in second. That was a turnaround as the placings had been reversed the time previously over 2m4f in the Peterborough at Huntingdon. He's a consistent sort and in his last eleven starts he's won twice , placed six times and only been out of the first four once. He wears a tongue tie having had wind ops in the past. Shark Hanlon sends over Hewick who warmed up for this winning a three runner Hurdle race at Thurles last month. He couldn't handle the ground in Auteuil last May but a repeat of his run in the Champion Chase at Down Royal on this day last year where he went down by half a length to Envoi Allen will put him in the shake up. After been trounced by Protektorat at Windsor Djelo beat Hitman in the Denman at Newbury but his nexttwo runs were abysmal beaten 65l and 37l at Cheltenham and Aintree. There is a theory that he's an Autumn horse and prior to winning the Peterborough last December he was a close second to JPR One in the Haldon Cup. Indeed six of his seven wins have come before the end of December. Pic D'orhy won on seasonal debut at the end of November last year and wasn't seen again until February when winning the Grade 1 Ascot Chase from Corbetts Cross by 10l. On his next and final start he pulled up behind Gaelic Warrior at Sandown in April. He's very consistent but the furthest he's ever run before was 2m5f. GA Law was beaten 16l by Djelo in the Denman and Pulled Up on his next two starts before running a good race to finish third, beaten just over 5l, to Gaelic Warrior at Sandown last April. Last year's winner The Real Whacker has to concede weight to a number of his rivals and with the ground staying Good Hewick might be worth a bet.

Selection; Hewick

Best Alternative; Protektorat

October 26th

Aintree (Going; Good)

Old Roan Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f200y Mildmay Course

Seven go to post and it's made a tricky one to judge by virtue of the fact that none of them have had a run since April. Imperial Saint heads the market and looking at his form you can see why. He started last season here at Aintree off a mark of 124 and finished the season with a mark of 144. In that time he won three races, all at Aintree and finished with a runner up spot on the same course. Boombawn won his Novice chase in May last year and after  four more unsuccessful efforts won the Grade 2 Rising Stars at Wincanton in November. He was beaten overv  3l by Impaire Et Passe at the Grand National Meeting last April. He won over hurdles here the race before his Novice win so he acts on the course but has to concede 9lb to the favourite. Master Chewy has won three and been placed in four from thirteen runs over fences He has winning form around here at thsi meeting in 2023 and in April last year he was beaten a head by Found A Fifty. He beat Liberty Hunter in Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury last February but followed that getting well beaten by Fact To File (22l) in the Grade 1 Ryanair at Cheltenham and by Il Etait Temps (25l) in the Grade 1 Celebration at Sandown last April. Ahoy Senor was just over 2l back in third behind Minella Drama here last year but it went downhill after that Pulling Up in his next two starts after which he had a wind op in January. He reappeared in the Cheltenham Gold Cup where he fell and then here at Aintree in The Bowl in April he weakened from three out to finish 20l behind the winner. He has good form around the track and this trip should suit him better but he has to concede weight all around. Hitman was second in last year's race which has been the story of his career winning 3 and placing second ten times and four third places in 25 chase starts. He runs with cheek pieces and a tongue tie having had four wind ops.  Last year's winner Minella Drama is another who wears a tongue tie. He's pulled up in three of his last six starts including two of his three starts after winning here. He was beaten 35l in the other. He had a wind op two years ago and has had just seven starts since then so comes with a bit of a health warning for me. Ryan Potter won this two years ago with Jetoile at 25/1. He runs Knockanore here who has gone up 34lb in the handicap since winning by 13l in December over 2m4f and again winning three starts laster over an extende 3m1f at Newcastle by 16l. He's had two runs down the field since but the handicapper has shown him no mercy rising him 15lb after the penultimate run. He runs here off 142. Without seeing them in the flesh it's difficult to know where these are at in terms of fitness but I'll go with Imperial Saint who's trainer the Hobbs/White team seem to have their horse hitting a bit of form now.

Selection; Imperial Saint

Best Alternative; Boombawn

October 24th

Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft)

The Sharp Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m87y

A tricky contest with twelve going to post and going could play a par in this depending on how much rain comes in the next twenty four hours. Connections gave £180k for Un Sens La Vie after he won his point at the second time of asking. He went on to win a Bumper and Maiden hurdle, his only other starts, comfortably both at Market Rasen. The hurdle win came ten days ago although he should be ok with the turn around as it was no more than a strong piece of work for him. Ground Conditions should be ok. Fortune De Mer wears a first time Hood having raced too keenly at Uttoxeter on his seasonal debut nineteen days ago. He was going best of all two out but found little going to the last finishing almost 5l back in third. That was his first run over hurdles having won one of his four Bumper starts and he should improve for it and if the hood helps him settle he should be a player. Jack Hyde has plenty of experience over hurdles winning three of his seven starts. He also won three of his four Bumpers. He won at odds of 1/7 on seasonal debut having raced keenly over the 2m1f and then went to Chepstow for the 2m4f Persian War where he again raced keenly and was going backwards from two hurdles out to eventually finish a 13l fifth. Interesting that he's dropped back in trip here. Olly Murphy is in scintillating form and has had eight winners from his last nine runners as I write. He's operating at a 52% strike rate for the last fourteen days and runs Sir Galahad here. A six race Maiden on the Flat for John Ferguson he won his first four for Murphy and then a few jumping errors on his next two probably didn't help. He was given some time off after the first of those two runs and resumed in twenty seven days ago. He wears cheek pieces here which he wore for his final three flat starts but didn't wear them over hurdles and they might help his jumping. Charles Byrnes has Run For Mahler. Having won once and been placed twoce in four Bumpers this Mare made her Hurdles debut at Listowel last month and was no match for the useful Carrignoornaspruce going deown by over 5l to finish second. The winner had won the Grade 3 Bumper at Punchestown last April and had been a 13l thrd to Bambino Fever at the DRF so the form is fairly useful. Run For Mahler then went to Thurles eight days ago and beat Qualimita a neck although it looked to me that she had a bit in hand at the finish. Market moves should be noted. John Mc Connell is no starnger to winning at this meeting and is represented by Jackson Lamb who has won his last two at Bellewstown and Kelso. He won the fist of those quite comfortably but had to work hard at Kelso to justify his odds on favouritism, getting home by a neck from Jentobello.. The Last Cloud has won his last three, all at Perth and all as Favourite. This is a big step up. Tony Mullins sends over Paul's Dream who has won two and palced second three times in twelve Hurdle starts. Two of those wins and two places have come in his last four starts. Doctor Blue has his first start over hurdles having won one of three Bumper starts and is worth keeping an eye given the Sam Thomas / Doug Walters connection. Mr Loughlan has won his last two but takes an big step in Grade here. Un Sens A La Vie looked impressive the last day and won't be inconvenience by ease in the going while I expect a better run from both Fortune De Mer and Jack Hyde and while there may be a lurker among the rest I'll go with Un Sens A La Vie

Selection; Un Sens A La Vie

Best Alternative; Fortune De Mer

October 10th

Chepstow (Going; Good To Soft)

Persian War Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m3f100y
Eight runners and a tricky contest to pick over and one very interesting hurdling deburant. Queensbury Boy is a clear favourite in the early betting. He won a Point, a Bumper and two hurdle races in five starts before a disappointing run in the Grade 1 Novice hurdle over 2m4f last May at the Punchestsown Festival. He’s been rateD 131 by the handicapper and with his Owner, David Maxwell, announcing his intention to sell all his horses following his retirement from race riding connections will surely have him primed for a big run. Sticktotheplan has to concede 5lb to the favourite following his win in the listed Hurdle at the Galway festival after which he changed Hans and is now with Olly Murphy who has a 32% stroke rate as I write with jockey Sean Bowen even better at 40%. Former owner Cormac Farrell had a high opinion of the horse and he has two wins and two seconds in his four hurdle starts. He took the braveman’s route in Galway that day, held up in rear and crept into it up the rail. He didn’t get a clear run after the last but when the gap appeared he showed a nice turn of foot going away. That was over 2m but he did win his maiden over 2m4f. He wears a first time hood. Moneygarrow has his first run over hurdles. He won his Point and his first Bumper before finishing a 14l runner up to the exceptional Windbeneathmywings at Ascot. On his only other start he was unable to concede 17lb to Our Boy Stan who might be a useful type for Ben Pauling this winter. Fergal O’Brien has won this twice in the last ten years and runs Jack Hyde here. He’s got plenty of experience over hurdles having won three of his six starts, all on Good to Soft. He’s also battle hardened for racing having run in two points and three Bumpers. He has a bit to find on ratings but won on his seasonal debut four weeks ago at Newton Abbot. Gordon Elliott sends over Kainsbourg who won a Listowel two weeks ago. He’s another with plenty of experience, winning twice and being placed 3 times in eight starts over hurdles and winning his two starts in French Bumpers. It’s interesting that James Bowen gets the leg up with the stable jockeys staying at home for Downpatrick. Krak makes his debut for the Twiston-Davies team but still in the Double green silks of Munir and Suede. He was sent to the Crawfords in Antrim for his early education and was third in his first three hurdle starts before winning a handicap at Cork last April. He’s been off since and it’s interesting that he starts off in a Grade 2. One that really interests me is Kilwaughter. He won his only start in Ireland beating subsequent winner The Flying King by three parts of a length with another subsequent winner, Strong Link 15l back in third. The runner up went on to be beaten a neck by I’ll Sort That who then won his Maiden Hurdle by 13l in Listowel two weeks ago and who is expected to be good enough for graded company. Kilwaughter then went to Punchestown where he took a keen hold and could find no extra from a furlong down eventually finishing third. He was bought for £120k after his win in Ireland and his trainer Philip Hobbs won this with the great Thyne Hill so it’s interesting to see him make his hurdles debut here and coincidently Thyne Hill won  this on his hurdles debut. The field is completed by Lavarie who has won his last four starts but still has plenty to find on ratings. Nonetheless his trainer, James Owen, is in great form on the Flat and Jumps so, as always, market moves should be noted. It's a really difficult race to weight up so early in the season but I'm going to take a chance on Kilwaughter with a little each way at 16/1.

Selection; Kilwaughter half point each way 16/1 Bet365

Best Alternative; Moneygarrow

Oct 4th 

Gowran Park 

PWC Champion Chase

Five runners go to post for our first Grade 2 of the season. As I was waiting for my lap top to fire up the favourites have flipped flopped with Galway Plate winner, Western Fold, now favourite from Blood Destiny. That was a very good performance in the Plate carrying 11st 10lb ( Handicap Mark 148)and it completed a hat trick for the winner who had won at Tipperary in May off a mark of 134 and won at Ballinrobe off 138. He turns up here off 157 which is 5lb higher than his main rival Blod Destiny who also has to concede 3lb to Western Fold. Blood Destiny is a consistent sort winning three of his ten starts over fences and being placed in six. He has a win over Spillane's Tower in a Novice Chase (G3) at Navan in March last year but the latter turned the tables in the Grade 1 at Fairyhouse next time. He has had a break since finishing 4l back in second to Zanahiyr at the Galway Festival where he hung right up the straight. Affordale Fury looked like making up into a good horse with good placed form in Grade 1 Hurdles and won on Chase debut at Galway in October 2023. However he was very disappointing next time at Navan the following month and wasn't seen again until last February when he appeared to have the winning of a Chase at Fairyhouse only to blunder and lose momentum at the last fence. This is his first run since then. His jumping has let him down more than once and while he obviously goes well fresh it's probably best to keep a watching brief. Donnchadh Doyle is better known as a Point to Point handler and owns Monbeg Park. Formerly trained by the Owner's brother Sean he was transferred to young trainer Jack Foley over the summer in a bid to re-kindle  his ability following a couple of disappointing runs. However on his debut he pulled up in the Kerry National at Listowel last week and I think the drop back in trip will help although I think he might find a few to good. Rebel Gold is now a 12yo. However he put up a good performance on his last start which was in the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse back in April when he finished fourth 1l behind Blood Destiny who was third on Soft/heavy Ground and they meet on similar terms here. The more I look at it the more I think it's a bit of a banana skin with couple on redemption missions and whether the Handicapper has got his ratings right. One to keep an eye on in the market is Affordale Fury but if the ratings are correct Western Fold has a big swing in his favour at these weights so he gets a tentative selection.

Selection; Western Fold

Best Altrenative; Blood Destiny