Next Race
December 8th
Cork (Going; Yielding To Soft)
EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m160y
Eight go to post for this decent pot. Only By Night got her chase career off to the perfect start when easily accounting for useful hurdler Mirazur West at Tipperary last month. The winner jumped well and travelled strongly to win going away by over 6l. She won three times before Christmas last year so maybe this is her time of year. Nara has had two runs over fences. She took a strong hold on her first start but fell five out and again ran keenly on her second and despite not being fluent at a few fences won pulling up by over 7l. Zenta was a good Juvenile hurdler winning a Grade 3 and Grade 1 and finishing third in the triumph just over 2l behind Lossiemouth. She ran in the Grade 3 Novice at this meeting last year finishing over 5l back in third and went to the Drf and Cheltenhma without success. She had a spin around Ballinrobe in a chase last May but couldn't quicken when asked. The rest look held on related form. Zenta was a classy juvenile hurdler and a return to that form could see her win here.
Selection; Zenta
Best Alternative; Only By Night
Hilly Way Chase (Grade 2) 2m160y
Six of the eight runners for this are trained by Willie Mullins and Energumene, after almost six hundred days since his last run, heads the market. At his best who would have no problem seeing off these but there must be a question of how ready he is and the fact that he is a 10yo rising 11yo. He has won this twice with Willie Mullins dominating the race with nine wins in the last ten years and all bar one were favourite. Dinoblue has been very consistent over fences winning five and being placed in the other six. She won the Grade 1 at Leopardstown last Christmas which completed a four timer for her and was subsequently placed in a couple of Grade 1's. Since winning the Bumper at Cheltenham in 2020 Ferny Hollow has only run four times the last of these in February. He's won all four but stable jockey Paul Townend has opted for Energumene. Blue Lord hasn't run since finishing 6l behind Fastorslow in last year's John Durkan. He has won off long breaks before an has master tactician Danny Mullins doing the steering. Banbridge would like it to dry out and was very disappointing in the Fortria last month. Dinoblue can take advantage of her allowance.
Selection; Dinoblue
Best Alternative; Blue Lord (Each Way)
Huntingdon (Going; Good To Soft)
Peterborough Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f189y
A tricky contest given that we have no explanation as to why Ginny's Destiny weakened so quickly at Cheltenham last month when pulling up in the Paddy Power where he went off favourite. He had improved over 20lb according to the handicapper throughout last season, initially in Handicaps, before finishing off the in two Grade 1's where he was runner up to Grey dawning and Il Etait Temps respectively. Protektorat was 0ver 17l back in sixth in the Paddy Power but had finished last season winning the Ryanair at Cheltenham and over 2l back in third to Jonbon at Aintree. That form would win this and he is rated 12lb higher that Ginny's Destiny, who gets 6lb from him, but there is a feeling that he is better going left handed and this goes right. Djelo completed the hat trick on his first three starts last season but fell after being badly hampered at the first in Lingfield next time. He was runner up and third on his next two starts both Grade 1's. He had a prep for this in the Haldon Cup at Exeter last month when he was three parts of a length back in second to JPR One who ran a decent race in the Tingle Creek today. Nickle Back beat Djelo 7l in the Scilly Ilses in February on Good ground but was disappointing on his next two starts and hasn't run since April. Minella Drama won the Old Roan at Aintree on seasonal debut last October. He's a consistent sort winning eight and placed ten times in twenty three starts. That was his first win since February last year and having to concede weight to some of his rivals might be too much. Ginny's Destiny ran poorly first time out last season but improved to win his next three starts so connections will be hoping for similar here. Dan Skelton has his string in great form and as I write five of his last six runners have won and Protektorat might just shade it.
Selection; Protektorat
Best Alternative; Ginny's Destiny
December 7th
Sandown (Going; Soft)
Henry VIII Novices Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f99y
Just five runners o to post here. L'Eau du Sud has been impressive in winning his two starts over fences this season, the latest coming in the Grade 2 Arkle Trial at Cheltenham last month where he stalked the leaders into the straight and quickened up going to the second last to win in a canter by 11l. Given the ratings of his opponents he was entitled to win it but it still looked impressive. Gordon Elliott sends over two Down Menory Lane the mount of Mark Walsh for the McManus Team. He won a Point and two Hurdle races before disappointing at Christmas. He didn't reappear until three weeks ago when he easily accounted for the useful King Of Kingsfield, who didn't jump the last too well, and Nurburgring who was over 8l back in third. Down Memory Lane travelled and jumped well and should be in the mix. Rubaud makes his Chasing debut after winning two valuable hurdle races. However looking at his form I don't think he'd want the going to go soft. Touch Me Not is the second Elliott runner. He's had two runs over fences finishing a neck second to Facile Mode in October at Punchestown and returning there two weeks ago to win the Grade 2 Craddoxstown from stable companion Farren Glory, who had won his Novice at Naas, with Nurburgring 8l back in third. Soul Icon has been second on his last five starts and has failed to win in eight starts over fences. He usually bucks out and makes the running but I think he'd prefer if there was no more rain. Down Memory Lane just shades it for me.
Selection; Down Memory Lane
Best Alternative; L'Eau du Sud
Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f99y
One of the highlights of the season and Jonbon is a short priced favourite to complete the hat trick of victories in it. He got his season off to a good start when beating old rivals Boothill and Edwardstone by over 1l and three parts of a length. Quilixios put a couple of disappointing runs at the back end of last season behind him when beating Marine Nationale by over 7l at Naas last Month. His jumping was superb at Naas and with it being at a premium down the Railway fences at Sandown he should give a good account of himself. He made all at Naas and I can see him making it again here. Edwardstone has failed to beat Jonbon in four outings including last year's running of this when almost 3l back in second. He's 10yo now and despite the bullishness of his trainer he's vulnerable to the younger improvers. Boothill has finished behind Jonbon the three times they met including the 2022 running of this race. That was a fine effort in the Schloer last month, his first run back after a wind op. He had a couple of falls last season but his confidence appears ok now. JPR One had some decent form last season and was desperately unlucky in the Arkle Trial a year ago unseating his rider with the race at his mercy. He had a summer wind op and showed the benefit of it with a fine win in the Haldon Cup at Exeter last month and could be of interest to Each Way backers who don't fancy odds on betting. Master Chewy had a couple of good runs last year including a head second to Found A Fifty at Aintree. However he's held on his run behind JPR One at Lingfield on soft in January. However he is normally a good jumper which will help here. Solness has been mixing Hurdles and Fences and on his latest start he was a neck back in second behind Found Fifty when in receipt of 7lb in the Grade 2 Fortria at Navan last month. Jonbon is short enough for most punters so I recommend an Each Way on Quilixios if all eight run or without the favourite.
Selection; Quilixios (Half Point Each Way 6/1 William Hill)
Best Alternative; JPR One (Each Way)
Navan (Going; Good To Yielding)
Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f
Seven go to post for this and The Yellow Clay, who is unbeaten in his two starts this season, is a short priced favourite. He didn't have tio be at his best to win his maiden at Down Royal and the drop back in trip to 2m4f was no problem around this course three weeks ago when he was very impressive winning by 10l in the Grade 3 Monksfield. Mozzies Sister won her Point and two of four Bumpers and runner up in the other. She won her Maiden at Galway in October and takes a big step forward here. She gets 10lb from the Favourite here. Patter Merchant was beaten 14l here by Bleu De Vassy over 2m last month but had won his maiden over an extended 2m5f at Galway in October . Fleur In The Park was over 12l behind The Yellow Clay the last day. Highly unusual to see the Mullins representative at double digits in the betting buty that's the case with My Great Mate. He's plenty of racing experience winning two of four Bumpers and has won two of his five starts over hurdles and been placed in the remainder. However he was beaten a long way in two Garded Bumpers. Rockstown Girl was going ok when falling three out at Cheltenham last month while Will The Wise won his Point and Bumper before finishing 9l back in second on his only start over hurdles. It's hard to oppose The Yellow Clay who gets the selection.
Selection; The Yellow Clay
Best Alternative; Mozzies Sister
December 6th
Sandown (Going; Good To Soft)
Winter Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f
Six go to post here and it looks a competitive race. Bill Joyce won his Point and two Bumpers before finishing down the field in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. That may have come to quick after his win at Warwick on Heavy ground where he beat previous winner Joyau Allen by over 8l. He reappeared at Carlisle last month where he comfortably accounted for his rivals. Kingston Pride has won three of his four starts, a Point, Bumper and Maiden Hurdle the latter at Uttoxeter three weeks ago with the runner up Land Afar winning at Ludlow on Wednesday. Quebecois was runner up in his only Point before current owners bought bim for £320k. That point form seems to be working out as the first and third have both won under rules. Quebecois himself won his first Bumper before running to freely at Cheltenham and fading out of it. He resumed over Hurdles last October winning his Maiden by a comfortable 8l. Pony Soprano was obviously unfancied when third in his only Bumper start last February. He wasn't seen again until October when beating the odds on favourite Sorceleur who came out last month and won on successive days. Ballytechno didn't show much in three Bumpers when Owner ridden. He moved to James Owen's yard and was beaten 1l on Hurdles debut before going on to win his next two. The form however doesn't look particularly strong. Admiral Stewart won his Maiden Hurdle two weeks ago having finished a 9l second in a Bumper on seasonal and stable debut having been bought for £130k after winning his Point last January. Bill Joyce for me.
Selection; Bill Joyce
Best Alternative; Quebecois
Esher Novices Chase (Grade 2) 3m
Resplendent Grey started off last season with a 9l second to Captain Teague and ended it winning a Handicap Hurdle at Uttoxeter. He won on chase debut at the latter track in October and then went down by half a length to Hyland at The November Cheltenham meeting in a Listed Novice Chase where a mistake two out didn't help his chance. Handstands fell on Chase debut. He completed a hat trick of wins over hurdles last season but weakened from two out in the Gallaghers at Cheltenham. It's possible the season caught up with him. He won his point also so I expect he's been well schooled since his fall. Welcom To Cartres makes his chase debut although he did win a Point two years ago. He was off for almost a win after that Point win and had three runs over hurdles winning once and runner up twice including to Kerryhill in the Grade 2 River Don. He then disappointed at Ayr in April on Soft and has had a wind op over the Summer. Market moves should be noted. Saint Davy makes a belated debut over fences. He won his Point three years ago and wasn't seen for nother eleven months until he won a Carlisle Bumper. He went onnto win his Maiden Hurdle before disappointing at Aintree. He was off until January this year and won his first two including a valuable handicap here at Sandown before disappointing on Heavy ground at Uttoxeter. Probably best watched although market moves should be noted as he goes well when fresh. Cadell and Riskintheground don't appeal on a Soft surface. I'll take a chance with Handstands
Selection; Handstands
Best Alternative; FResplenedent Grey
December 1st
Fairyhouse (Going; Yielding)
Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m110y
Romeo Coolio is a strong favourite here following his impressive hurdles debut at Down Royal . He's also won a point and Bumper and was runner up in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March. His stablemate Bleu Du Vassy has won both his starts over hurdles impressively. Willie Mullins throws five at the Elliott pair and Paul Townend has chosen Belloccio. He's had plenty of experience on the Flat winning six times raeching a high rating of 106 He's had just one start over hurdles for Mullins winning readily at Punchestown last May. The rest of the field will be race fit having raced over the summer but make little appeal. Romeo Coolio was very impressive last time and gets the vote.
Selection; Romeo Coolio
Best Alternative; Bleu De Vassy
Drinmore Chase (Grade 1) 2m4f
Six got to post but it looks a two horse race. Firefox has always looked like he'd make a chaser and he didn't disappoint at Down Royal being too good for the field. He jumped well and travelled strongly during the race. He finished last seaon finishing runner up to Mystical Power twice. Heart Wood beat Corbetts Cross at Wexford over 2m7f in October. He has plenty of experience having had six starts over the larger obstacles but I wonder if he'll find this trip a bit sharp. Firefox for me.
Selection; Firefox
Best Alternative; Heart Wood
Hatton's Grade Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f
Just four declared but it's basically a match between Lossiemouth and Teahupoo who is attempting to win it for the third time. You would expect Teahupoo to be fully wound up for this as connections have said he goes straight to the Cheltenham festival next. My only worry is that over this trip he may need slower ground. Lossiemouth gets a valuable 7lb mares allowance. She's won eight of her nine starts and could be deemed to be unlucky in the other. She's won over this trip before when stepping up for her last two starts. Gordon Elliott has the other two runners and maybe they might try to set the pace. There's nothing between the top two in the betting but the allowance just might swing it for Lossiemouth.
Selection; Lossiemouth
Best Alternative; Teahupoo
November 30th
Newcastle (Going; Good)
Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m
With Constitution Hill on the injured list Sir Gino's career of Fences has been stalled to step in as a replacement. It can be difficult for 4yo's to step into open company but he looks to have a lot going in his favour in what could well be a match between him and Mystical Power. I don't normally dig too heavily into sectional times but their respective figures for Aintree last April would suggest there is little or nothing between them. Mystical Power is rated by the Handicapper 2lb above Sir Gino so tomorrow will tell a tale. The latter created a huge impression the way he put 10l between himself and Burdett Road at Cheltenham in January but next time at Aintree took a keen hold which make his figures all the more impressive. Mystical Power's only defeat came when beaten over 1l by Slade Steel in the Supreme at Cheltenham. He then went to Aintree and Punchestown, beating Firefox on both occasions. Lump Sum was over 14l behind Mystical Power in the Aintree race but returned last month to win the Welsh Champion Hurdle albeit he was receiving weight from the runner up. However he has a bit to find on ratings with the top two. At this stage of the season it's a hard race to call and not one to get too involved in but Mystical Power for me.
Selection; Mystical Power
Best Alternative; Sir Gino
November 29th
Newbury (Going; Good To Soft)
The Berkshire Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f187y
Six go to post for this with some exciting Novices among them. Captain Teague won two of his four Novice Hurdle starts lasts season including the Grade 1 Challow around here. He was very disappointing in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham next time and had a wind op over the Summer. His prep for this didn't go according to plan as he got a walk over at Exeter but the stable is hitting form now with a strike rate of 29%. My biggest worry is the ground which has gone from Soft to Good To Soft overnight and could dry out further and Captain Teague has never run on Good ground. The Jukebox Man beat Cleatus Poolaw on Yielding to win his Point and had decent form over hurdles winning two and being placed in the other three including a third place, beaten under 2l, to Captain Teague in the Challow. He's the highest rated of these over hurdles and while he won his point on Yielding all his form on the track has come with plenty of give in the ground. Johnnywho won his first three starts, a point a Bumper and a Novice Hurdle before finishing 4l behind the winner in the Challow. He was 7l behind Gidleigh Park next time before disappointing in the Albert Bartlett. He got his chasing career off to the perfect start at Carlisle last month when having a cosy win over his two rivals. He should come on for that but has never been able to back up his three previous wins which came after an extended break. He has won on Good To Soft but has never run on anything better. Masaccio won on Chase debut when beating Twinjets 2l over this course and distance three weeks ago. He was beaten over 9l in the Challow last December and has a bit to find on ratings with his main rivals. Boombawn has been campaigned on Good ground over the summer. On his latest start, three weeks ago, he got home by a neck from Soul Icon in the Grade 2 Rising Stars at Wincanton but has to carry a 5lb penalty for that. I'm going to take a chance on Johnnywho.
Selection; Johnnywho
Best Alternative; Captain Teague
Long Distance Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m
A disappointing field of just four for this. The market is headed by Strong Leader who ran some good races iun defeat last season before getting his head in front at Aintree last April in the Grade 1 Stayers. Having Good ground in the description will help him. The Aintree win came following a break after his third place in the Cleeve Hurdle last January. Langer Dan generally doesn't show much form over the winter with Dan Skelton believing he's a Spring Horse. He's won the Coral Cup the last two seasons at the Cheltenham Festival but now off a mark of 160 that's no longer an option. This is his first attempt at 3m. Monmiral was rated 153 over hurdles a couple of years ago. His chasing career looked to have got off to a promising start with a couple of good placed efforts but went downhill from there. He resumed hurdles last February and won the Pertemps final at Cheltenham off a mark of 138. On to Aintree after that and he could do no better than a 12l fifth in the Grade 3. He resumed three weeks ago finishing third of four beaten 20l around this course and distance. Like a lot of the Nicholls runners he possibly needed that run and should come on for it. Flight Deck looks outclassed. Strong Leader doesn't appeal at odds on and it may be significant that Paul Nicholls lets Monmiral take his chance here.
Selection; Monmiral
Best Alternative; Langer Dan
November 24th
Punchestown (Going; Soft)
Craddockstown Chase (Grade 2) 2m43y
Farren Glory was a classy hurdler and got his chas ecareer off to an impreesive win at Naas a fortnight ago. The Drinmore was suggested by Gordon Elliott as his next target so it's interesting to see him turn up here instead of Fairyhouse next week. Jordans has had two runs for Joseph O'Brien since arriving from France where his form tailed of a bit after after winning four of his first five starts. He was runner up to San Salvador at Listowel beaten just over 1l before beating Monbeg Park by half a length at Punchestown last Month. The runner up wa srated 133 so that is a decent performance for the winner. Facile Mode's form has been patchy to say the least but he got his chase career off to a winning start when beating Touch Me Not a neck at Punchestown last week. Sportinthepark progressed over fences winning at the third time of asking when easily accounting for the field at Galway last month. Nurburgring gets a valuable 8lb allowance and was third beaten almost 9l by Down Memory Lane at Navan last week. He is rated 150 over hurdles so market moves should be noted. I was impressed by Farren Glory at Naas and he gets the selection.
Selection; Farren Glory
Best Alternative; Jordans
John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase (Grade 1) 2m3f150y
Nine declared for what should be a cracking race. Fact To File and Fastorslow share favouritism from Gallopin Des Champs. Fact To File won three of his four starts over fences last year culminating in the Brown Advisory where he beat Monty's Star by almost 4l. That was over an extended 3m and dropping back in trip is a slight concern. Gallopin Des Champs was almost 2l behind Fastorslow in this last year but got his revenge in the DRF and won the Cheltenham Gold Cup where Fastorslow unseated. The latter got his revenge at Punchestown in May winning the Gold Cup there, He seems to have the Measury of Gallopin Des Champs around here. Spillane's Tower is a course and distance winner and beat Monty's Star three parts of a length here in April over 3m1f but looks the McManus second choice. Grangeclare West hasn't run since beating Corbetts Cross at Leopardstown at Christmas and it's hard to see anything else getting involved. Fastorslow for me.
Selection; Fastorslow
Best Alternative; Fact To File
November 23rd
Haydock (Going; Good To Soft)
Newton Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f144y
Just seven go to post and it's a tight betting affair between three of them.
Country Mile for the Skelton's heads the early market. Runner up on his point on good to soft he won his Bumper in impressive fashion at Huntingdon in April with the runner up winning over hurdles next time out. He re-appeared at Ayr last month and won cosily by three parts of a length from a Lucinda Russell horse who was finishing second for the fourth time in a row. The O'Neill's have Roadlesstravelled who having pulled up in his first point went on to win next time after which he changed hands for £215k. He's won his two starts for current connections, the latest coming three weeks ago. His wins have all come with good in the ground and while he pulled up on yielding to soft he was badly hampered and had lost his chance. Lily Du Berlais finally got her head in front at the fifth attempt having been highly tried in Graded races. Her win came in a Maiden at Syr in April and she followed up the following month at Kelso in a Handicap Hurdle. She's highest rated of those with a mark. Rocheval has won all three starts on Soft but hasn't run since March while Saracen Beau won very easily at Ayr three weeks ago on only his second start and could be anything. With very little form line s to go on it might pay to follow market moves. Country Mile doesn't want it any Softer so I'll take a chance on Roadlesstravelled to continue the good run.
Selection; Roadlesstravelled
Best Alternative; Lily Du Berlai
The Lancashire Chase (Grade 2) 3m58y
Grey Dawning had a busy campaign by today's standards Last Seasomn winning three of his six starts and placed in the rest. His best performance came in the Turner's at Cheltenham where he beat Ginny's Destiny by 2l. He has needed his first run of the season previously but his trainer said he's been harder on him this time to get him fit. Nonetheless I think he'll want plenty more rain to help his cause. Royale Pigaille won this last year beating a disappointing Bravemansgame by over 6l. However next time he fell at Cheltenham in January and this is his first run since. He's another who's probably more effective with plenty of give in the ground. Ahoy Senor got what looke like an educational run in the Old Roan last month. Indeed Peter Scudamore said that they wanted to get him to settle and it seemed to work with his jumping much better. They also said that some of his erratic jumping was from a foot problem which they've ironed out. Bravemansgame had a third wind op prior to his seasonal debut in the Charlie Hall last month where he was over 3l second to The Real Whacker. He wears first time Blinkers but it's hard to have confidence in him particularly with Harry Cobden preferred to go to Ascot. Limerick Lace gets the Mares allowance but on ratings has it all to do while Capadanno wa supplemented after Corbetts Cross was ruled out. He beat The Real Whacker in January at Cheltenham but has disappointed since. Hewick has race fitness and ran a great race at Down Royal going down by half a length to Envoi Allen. Gold Tweet travel over from France but will be loking for more rain. I'll take a chance with Ahoy Senor
Selection; Ahoy Senor (6/1 Ladbrokes and others)
Best Alternative; Hewick (Each Way)
Ascot (Going; Good)
Pic D'Orhy is odds on to get his season off to a winning start here. He's ha a wind op over the summer having pulled up behind Jonbon at Aintree. He won two of his three other starts last season and was runner up to Banbridge in the other and won this race last year off a similar break. Dashel Drasher has his first run over fences since April last year having been campaigned over Hurdles in the meantime. His best run over hurdles came when getting the better of Paisley park by a head at Newbury. Interesting that he drops back in trip but at eleven years old his best days are probably behind him. Le Patron ran up a hat trick last season off a low mark and has it all to do on ratings while the rest look outclassed. Pic D'Orhy for me.
Selection; Pic D'Orhy
Best Alternative. Dashel Drasher
Ascot Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m3f58y
Golden Ace improved over her four starts lasts eason winning all including the Grade 2 Dawn Run at the Festival, the form of which was endorses by subsequent Grade 1 wins by Brighterdaysahead and Jade De Grugy. She finished the season winning a Listed Mares impressively in April. Blueking d'Oroux won his first two last season including this race before appearing not to stay in the Long Walk. A bump two out and a mistake at the last put paid to his chances next time. Thunder Rock had mixed form last season winning twice and pulling up twice in Chases, This is his first run over hurdles since winning a Novice in April 2022. Lucky Place is lightly raced having had just five starts over hurdles and one Bumper. He's consistent winning once and placed second four times in all his starts. He went down by half a length to Gidleigh Park in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in January before finishing 5l behind Langer Dan in the Coral at the Festival during a time the Stable was riddled with the virus. Interesting the Henderson throws him in here for his seasonal debut. Salver completed a four timer last year before finishing 6l behind Majborough in the Triumph. It's a big step into open company here while Colonel Mustard, while consistent, has found it hard to win in fifteen starts since his last victory. A tricky contest to weigh up but Golden Ace gets a valuable weight allowance which might be good enough.
Selection; Golden Ace
Best Alterntaive; Blueking d'Oroux
Punchestown (Going; Yielding)
Florida Pearl Novice Chase (Grade 2) 3m
A hugely disappointing field of three for this. All trained by Gordon Elliott and all owned by Gigginstown. Jack Kennedy has opted for Stellar Story over Search For Glory who already has had a run over fences when beating Sa Majeste in Galway last month. Both have won on soft and heavy ground but Stellar Story has performed on better ground which probably swings it in his favour though it's a close call.
Selection; Stellar Story
Best Alternative; Search For Glory
Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m148y
Eight declared with State Man the odds on favourite. Since falling back in December 2021 his only defest in thirteen starts has been to Constitution Hill in last year's Champion Hurdle. He's won the last two running's of this off a similar break. However if he's not at his best his stablemate Lossiemouth could well spoil the party. She's only lost once in nine starts and getting the Mares allowance makes it interesting. Brighterdaysahead impressed at Down Royal three weeks ago and the benefit of that run could see her in the mix. Daddy Long Legs was over 9l back in third that day. Sir Gerhard reverted to Hurdles last December with mixed results. He won over 2m in Cork in March on deep ground and this is his first run since Punchestown where he was well beaten by State Man. It's hard to know how forward the Mullins team are but given that State Man has won this the last two times it's hard to oppose him.
Selection; State Man
Best Alternative; Brighterdaysahead
November 16th
Cheltenham (Going; Good)
Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m87y
Ten go to post for this. East India Dock heads the early market for the GRedley Family and James Owen who won last year's running with Burdett Road. They also had Liam Swagger entered but rely on this lad who was impressive when winning at Wincanton last month. He won twice on the flat and had a rating of 89. My Noble Lord won four on the flat before winning his onoy start over hurdles when justifying odds on favouritism at Chepstow last month. Prairie Angel won his maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe last August then had three spins on the flat winning twice before winning over hurdles at Down Royal a fortnight ago. It's hard to equate the Irish and Brtish form so market moves should be noted. Static has won twice over hurdles in France and slipped up and ran out in two Chases there (yes they run 3yo's over fences in France). On his only start for current connections he was beaten a neck by Liam Swagger at Wetherby two weeks ago in a race where the fancied Model Approach fell at the fourth and Torrent was almost 4l back in third having been beaten over 4l by the same horse the run previously. It's always difficult this early in the season to pick one but East India Dock appeals to me.
Selection; East India Dock
Best Alternative; My Noble Lord
Arkle Challenge Trophy Trial Novices Chase (Grade 2) 1m7f199y
Eight go to post for this and we have a strong favourite in L'Eau du Sud for the Skeltons. He won twice in twelve starts over hurdles but was highly tried and earned a rating of 138. He won his only start over fences when running out an easy 10l winner at Stratford last month and this has been a target for him for a while. Like a lot of horses, Lookaway seemed to lose his form after the Challow Hurdle last December when he was beaten just over 1l by Captain Teague. He had completed a hat trick before going down by 2l to Iberico Lord in a Grade 3 prior to the Chalow. He resumed on a winning note winning a two runner Novice Chase at Uttoxeter two weeks ago. Petit Tonnerre won three hurdle races and was rated 140 before going chasing. However he failed to win in four starts and reverted to hurdling, again without success and dropped to a mark of 125. He resumed this season over fences and after been outpaced three out at Aintree he kept on well to finish three parts of a length behind the winner Imperial Saint. He is one to watch and market moves should be noted. San Salvador was over 3l back in fourth to Path d'Oroux here last month having won his won previous starts. Noble Anthem was just over 2l in third in that Cheltenham race but the winner has let the form down since. I'll go with the money and L'Eau du Sud.
Selection; L'Eau du Sud
Best Alternative; Petit Tonnerre (E.W.)
Navan (Good To Yielding)
Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f
Bob Olinger won this last year with Zanahiyr 1l back in second and Home By The Lee who was conceding 9lb another 4l back in third. The latter is now 14lb better off with Bob Olinger and 9lb better off with Zanahiyr. Following last year's win Bob Olinger won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham and was then a 5l runner up to State Man at Leopardstown before going down by a nose to Impairen Et Passe at Aintree and might have got up in a few more strides. Home By The Lee went the stayers route after this last year and was placed twice in four starts. Zanahiyr reverts to Hurdles after five runs over fences with his best run a 1l second to Pinkerton on the Galway Plate. He gets 5lb from Bob Olinger. Jetara is a consistent sort. She was no match for Ballyburn at Punchestown in May finishing over 3l behind the winner who won easily. She had a break until Limerick last Month where she got home by a short head in a Mares Listed Hurdle and she warmed up for this with a win on the Flat at the Curragh two weeks ago. Dawn Rising has his first run over hurdles since Pulling Up at Cheltenham in March 2023. Since then he's had eleven runs on the flat winning twice, the latest in a Grade 3 at the Curragh two weeks ago. Market moves should be noted. I'll take a chance with Bob Olinger but with a lot of these having their seasonal debuts market moves should be noted.
Selection; Bob Olinger
Best Alternative; Jetara
Fortria Chase (Grade 2) 2m
Six go to post for this and it looks a competitive affair. Found A Fifty gave weight to everything and beat Pinkerton who was receiving 14lb by 2l in the Grade 2 at Down Royal two weeks ago. He had a good blow afterwards and should come on for that. Banbridge had Captain Guinness a neck back in second when winning the Champion Chase at Punchestown last April and ground is the key for him so it should be ok here. Banbridge and Captain Guinness both have to give 3lb to Found A Fifty which could be crucial. Gentleman De Mee was beaten over 1l by Captain Guinness but is 10lb better off here but hasn't run since May. Race fitness could be a factor here and Found A Fifty gets the nod.
Selection; Found A Fifty
Best Alternative; Banbridge
November 15th
Cheltenham (Going; Good)
Shloer Chase Grade 2) 2m (Old Course)
Jonbon had the measure of Edwardstone lasts season beating him by over 9l in last year's running of this and almost 3l at Sandown in December and it's hard to oppose him. Boothill's season fell apart after a good start last year where he won his first two but fell in the next two before finishing over 7l to Jonbon at Sandown last April. He's had a wind op since. Unexpected Party ran four days ago and is looking for crumbs.
Selection; Jonbon
Best Alternative; Edwardstone
The Hyde Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m5f (Old Course)
Six go to post for this but the Betting Market suggests it's a two horse race. Potters Charm was runner up in a Point after wich he was purchased by current connections for whom he's won his Bumper and two hurdles, all his starts. In his last win which was over 2m4f around here his jumping wasn't fluent and despite a small mistake at the last he kept on well to beat Minella Sixo by 2l with the two pulling clear of the third. Valgrand was very impressive when beating Gale Mahler here over 2m last Month. He went clear after two out and raced away to a 17l win. Whether that can be taken literally remains to be seen. The runner up re-opposes here and the step up in trip should help. She was attempting a seven timer the last day having won a Listed Hurdle at the Galway Festival. The rest have it all to do. I'll take a chance with Valgrand.
Selection; Valgrand
Best Alternative; Potters Charm
November 9th
Wincanton (Going; Good)
Rising Stars Novices' Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f
I see some well known Trainers bemoaning the dry spell resulting in small fields. Just five go for this but in the last ten years the biggest field in this was six and there were a few years where only three turned up. It's a competitive contest. Handstands won his only Point before changing hands for £135k. He won his next three stats over hurdles beating the useful Jango Baie in the last of them. He then finished 42l behind Ballyburn at Cheltenham but having had his three wins come in an eight week period it may have been too much for a young horse. He makes his chase debut here. Insurrection has won two and placed three times in all his starts over hurdles. He's had the benefit of a run over fences when second to Springwell Boy in a Listed race at Chepstow in last month. Coming from the Nicholls yard I expect him to improve for that and he will appreciated the ground. Having won eight hurdle races Soul Icon has found it difficult to get his head in front over fences. In seven starts he's been second four times with the widest margin being 1l. He's been placed in Graded company and Good ground should suit. Boomtown was a short head behind Insurrection at Chepstow last month and has plenty of experience winning one of his five starts over fences. Glynn has had eight starts over the larger obstacles. He completed a hat trick of wins in August/ September and was runner up to Numitor last time over this course and distance. However he does have an Unseat and Fall in those Chase runs. Like a lot of the Paul Nicholls horse I expect Insurrection to improve for his Chepstow run and while there's nothing between him and Boomtown his jockey Harry Cobden likes him a lot . Ben Pauling has his string in Good order but I'm reluctant to take a chance on Handstands first time over fences.
Selection; Insurrection
Best Alternative; Boomtown
Elite Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f50y
A disappointing field of just three for this. Harry Derham has sent out thirty tow individual horses who have won fourteen races this season and eleven of them have won first time out. He runs Brentford Hope here who has his first start since finishing 5l back in second behind Daddy Long Legs, trying to conced 8lb to the winner, at the Punchestown Festival. He's had nine sarts over Hurdles winning five and been placed three times and has a rating of 148. Last year's winner Rubaud is rated 147 and has followed last years route winning his prep at Kempton where he impressed giving 6lb and a 7l beating to the useful Kihavah. He was expected to go Chasing this year and I think that will still be the plan after this. Henry De Bromhead sends over Aspire Tower also rated 148. He's had his problems having not run form April 2021 to October last year. He got off the mark last month at the ninth attempt since his last win in October 2020. However he did jump left that day which won't be ideal around here. He was rated 160 in his pomp. Rubaud has to concede 6lb to is rivals and I'd like to see Aspire Tower run again so I'll take a chance with Brentford Hope.
Selection; Brentford Hope
Best Alternative; Rubaud
November 8th
Exeter (Going; Good)
Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 2m1f109y
Just six go to post for this and it looks reasonably competitive although the going could play a big part in the outcome. JPR One has his first start since finishing down the field in the Arkle at Cheltenham. He's had a wind op since and wears a first time tongue tie. He was impressive last season starting off with a mark of 130 and running in the Arkle off 150. He won twice , was third once and was desperately unlucky at the November Cheltenham meeting when stunbling and unseating after the last when 3l clear and looking a winner. The Tizzards won this twice in the last three years and believe this horse is Grade 1 standard and will decide which route to take after the race. Venetia Williams has run just eight horses this season winning twice. She relies on Djelo here who was kept busy last season. He started off winning his first three starts but was badly hampered and fell at the first next time. He was placed twice on his next starts before finishing down the field at Aintree behind Found A Fifty. Etalon was just in front of Djelo at Aintree having won his three other starts that season and rising 21lb in the ratings. Bryony Frost travels back from France where she's now based to ride Sans Bruit for Paul Nicholls. She won on him on his penultimate start in a Grade 3 at Aintree last April but the 10lb penalty for that seemed to catch him out on his last start at Ayr nine days later when beaten 8l by Tommy's Oscar. He might prefer more juice in the ground. The Tizzards give Harry Cobden the leg up on Scarface. He won three and was placed four times in eight starts last season and had a prep for this when well beaten at Cheltenham last month. Heltenham has his first start since falling at Ayr last April while he was well beaten by Sans Bruit this run before. His form up to that had been pretty decent winning three and been placed twice in six starts and it could be that a couple of hard races took their toll. Looks the second choice of the Skelton pair. JPR One is a strong traveller and jumps well and this might be good enough here.
Selection; JPR One
Best Alternative; Djelo
November 7th
Clonmel (Going; Good)
Clonmel Oil Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f171y
Another tricky little contest where six go to post and acase can be made for most of them. Fakir d'Oudairies, whowon this in 2021, heads the early market. He's been lightly raced since his last win in January 2023 and had a prep run for this in the Kerry National where he didn't jump as well he can and was never a factor. The pace in the race should be Saint Sam who can sometimes be a bit keen. He's won his last two starts at Cork in August and Auteuil in September, both over hurdles. Solness is another on a hat trick having won a three horse race at Sligo last time and beating The Banger Doyle at Listowel in December with the latter winning next time out. Fil Dor had two promising runs last Autumn when runner up to Dinoblue and El Fabiolo but disappointed subsequently beaten a long way in two before pulling up behind Banbridge at Punchestown in April, his last start. Likewise Bronn had two good runs in the Spring of 2023 behind Gerri Colombe and the Real Whacker at Aintree and Cheltenham respectively but in four subsequent runs has disappointed, pulling up in the last two. He's been moved to Tom Gibney's in an effort to rejuvenate him so best watched. Slight preference is for Fakir d'Oudairies notwithstanding the fact the Saint Sam's Trainer, Willie Mullins had won seven of the last ten runnings.
Selection; Fakir d'Oudairies
Best Alternative; Saint Sam
November 2nd
Down Royal (Going; Good To Yielding)
Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 2) 3m
Just five go to post for this and Gerri Colombe is odds on to repeat last year's success where he beat Envoi Allen a neck. Gerri Colombe should be coming into his peak now. He was unfortunate to come up against Gallopin Des Champs at Leopardstown and Cheltenham last season. He's effective on Good ground so conditions should be in his favour. Envoi Allen didn't run again until the Cheltenhma Festival where he went down by 4l to Protektorat in the Ryanair. Hewick's connections have decided not to go to Wetherby for the Charlie Hall and instead have paid €15,000 to supplement him for this. He comes here race fit having finished third to French Dynamit in the Grade 3 at Punchestown last month. Delta Work and Visionarian will looking for scraps with the latter tackling this trip for the first time since winning his point in 2019. It's hard to oppose Gerri Colombe for a trainer who has a great record at this meeting.
Selection; Gerri Colombe
Best Alternative; Hewick
Bottlegreen Ladies Day 2024 Chase (Grade 2).
Another small field of five and Found A Fifty is odds on to win it. He got plenty of experience last season winning three and finishing runner up three times in all his six starts. However he has to carry a 10lb penalty for Grade 1 success which brings some of his opponents into play on ratings. One of those is Pinkerton who completed a hat trick in the Galway Plate and has gone up 17lb since winning at Punchestown last May. Lucid Dreams has won six and placed ten times in twenty one starts but like the rest of the field could be fighting for scraps. Found A Fifty was runner up in the two Arkle's last season (Leopardstown and Cheltenham) and finished up winning the Grade 1 Maghull at Aintree and Pinkerton will have to run a career best to best him I think.
Selection; Found A Fifty
Best Alternative; Pinkerton
Wetherby ( Going; Good) 3m45y
West Yorkshire Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m26y
A trappy enough contest early in the season. Kateira from the inform Skelton yard shades favouritism. Having been runner up to Irish Point in the Grade 1 Mersey Hurdle in April 2023 she had a split season last time running twice in the Autumn and then reapearing at Kempton in March where she may have needed the run and she went on to Aintree and beat the useful Jango Baie (conceded 3lb) by almost 2l. With the Skelton yard running at 29% wins to runs she must have a great chance. Sandor Clegane reverts to Hurdles having had five unsuccessful runs over fences last season. Paul Nolan fits first time cheek pieces and if he can re discover the form of his Novice Hurdle campaign where he won twice and was beaten just over 1l to Stay Away Fay in the Albert Bartlett he might have a chance. However while he has form on yielding he bombed out his only time on Good To Yielding. Thunder Rock reverts to hurdles after two season's chasing where he won four including two Listed Chases, the latest beating Minella Drama. He pulled up behind Gerri Colombe at Aintree on his final start last season and it's interesting that he reverts to Hurdles where he has a mark of 149 compared to 156 over Fences. Dashel Drasher is now 11yo and vulnerable to young improving horses. He had a couple of fine runs last season including beating Paisley Park. Beacon Edge has changed hands recently but Gordon Elliott must think there's a day in him still. Rated 158 over Hurdles in his pomp the former winner of the Grade 1 Drinmore has lost his way a bit and is now rated 145. He can be a bit of monkey and others are preferred. I'll be keeping an eye on Allmankind. His owners have moved him from the Skeltons'where he appeared to have gone a bit sour and he's now with James Owen where he appears to have had a bit of a resurgence in form. He was rated 164 over fences a couple of seasons ago and it's interesting he's entered here after a couple of third places in his two runs recently. I'll take a chance on Kateira, whose full brother The New Lion was hugely impressive during the week, from a yard that's flying at the moment.
Selection; Kateira
Best Alternative; Thunder Rock
Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) 3m
Having declared Grey Dawning the Skelton's have now withdrawn him due to the quickeming going. That won't inconvenience Bravemansgame whose bedt run last year came in the King George on Good ground. It's arguable that he was a bit unlucky in going down to Hewick by just over 1l having been interfered with at the second last. Conflated unseated at the first on seasonal debut at Punchestown last month, his third unseat in six starts. He was a 7l third in the Ryanair and then was just over 1l behind Jonbon in the Melling at Aintree. He's rated 1lb higher than Bravemansgame. French Dynamite will be race fit having raced over the summer and winning at Punchestown in the Grade 3 last monthbeating Minella Indo. The Real Whacker has been very disappointing since moving up into open company and is best watched. Sam Brown is another who has never really recaptured his novice form while Hang In There has been campaigned over the summer which might help him run into a place of this mark. It's not a race I want to get involved in but despite a poor start to the season the Paul Nicholls' team are showing a bit more form and having had another wind op Bravemansgame might just have enough to win here. If Conflated and Danny Gilligan manage to keep the partnership intact Conflated is capable of running a big race
Selection; Bravemansgame
Best Alternative; Conflated
October 27th
Aintree
Old Roan Chase
Disapointing that only 5 go to post for such an early season prestigious chase. This is a race that has thrown up some suprises in the past. Winner of the Paddy Power Gold Cup and a likable run in the Ryanair last year, Stage Star has in recent years shown that he performs well when fresh. Although there have been some questions over the Nicholl's stable his front running tactics may test his rivals at this stage of the season. Where is the likely danger to come from? Well all 3 of the main opposition - Ahoy Senor, Minella Dream and Hitman can be hard to follow but always capable of putting in that one good run from time to time. Minella Dream finished 2nd here last year but never really pushed on from that performance for the remainder of the season. Ahoy Senor has produced some very good performances on this course and was only touched off in The Bowl by Gerri Colombe last year. A repeat of that performance certainly puts him in the mix. Hitman went close here in 2022 and is off a decent mark. It's going to be difficult to ignore Dan Skelton's effort to become champion trainer this year and Unexpected Party's win in the Grand Annual Chase is hard to ignore. Given it's so early in the season and Stage Star's record of running well when fresh I think with his front running ability he may be just too sharp for the others.
Selection: Stage Star
Best Alternative: Ahoy Senor
October 11th
Chepstow (Going; Soft)
Persian War Novices Hurdle 2m3f100y (Grade 2)
The first thing I do when looking at the form for this race is check the Paul Nicholls runner. But strangely for someone who has won this in three of the last four running's and four in the last ten he has no runner. However, Fergal O'Brien, who has won it twice in the last ten, is represented by the early favourite Ryan's Rocket. He won his second start in a point and the third, Moon D'Orange, is now rated 130. He has won his last two starts after finishing second to the useful Fiercely Proud who was susequently runner up in the Grade 2 Dovecote and third beaten 2l by Jeriko Du Reponet in a Doncaster Grade 2. He's not ground dependent but hasn't run since May. John McConnell sends over Intense Approach and has to be respected. However he has had his jumping issues and fallen twice and pulled up once in six hurdle starts. He's won a Point and two Bumpers and his last two starts over hurdles and his trainer says he has an engine. His last two wins have come over 2m6f and 2m5f so dropping back in trip, albeit on a stiff course might not be ideal, particularly if there is a bit of pace in the race which will test his jumping. Harry Cobden has been booked for the ride and the horse comes here race fit. Flying Fortune is another who is race fit and gets a valuable 7lb Mares allowance. She won two of her four starts in Bumpers but took a while to register a win over hurdles finally doing it at the sixth atempt. She then ran up a hat trick on her next three starts, the latest coming at Worcester last month. However on he start before her first win she showed a good level of form going down by over 2l to Gale Mahler who went on to win her next two including a Listed race at Galway. Flying Fortune raced off the pace that day and travelled beautifully into contention but couldn't match the winner who is now rate 135. The Skelton's are never shy about tackling these Graded races and they rely on the twice raced Juventus De Brion. In the second of those, back in February, he was third behind a couple of decent sorts who are both rated 132. Vincenzo was fourth in that February race behind Juventus De Brion after which he had a wind op. He went on to win second time out after that in April but hasn't run since. Handlethekettle fell in his two Points back in the Sring. He reappeared over hurdles at Listowel in June finishing over 6l behind the easy winner after which he changed hands fo €50k. He reappeared last month where he went off the odds on favourite and duly obliged despite sweating up beforehand. He's best watched here. A difficult race to predict early in the season but for me Ryan's Rocket has the form in the bookand looks the one for me.
Selection; Ryan's Rocket
Best Alternative; Flying Fortune
Oct 5th
Gowran Park (Going; Good)
PWC Champion Chase 2m4f (Grade 2)
Eight go to post for this and Elliott and Mullins dominate the betting with two runners each. Mullins has won the last four runings of this, three of them with Easy Game who is an absentee this time. Instead he relies on Saint Sam and Saint Roi while Elliott relies on Conflated and Ash Tree Meadow. The latter, who won the 2023 running of the Galway Plate, was disappointing in this year's renewal finishing down the field. Prior to that he had beaten French Dynamite by over 5l while conceding 8lbs to him and then went down by over 5l to Facile Mode at Punchestown. He missed Listowel to come here but carries a 5lb penalty which leads him vulnerable to a few. Conflated hasn't won in nine starts since beating Kemboy in the Savills Leopardstown in December 2022. His best run was probably in the Melling Chase at Aintree last April when going down by just over 1l to Jonbon. He might need this having not run since May 1st and is likely heading to Down Royal next month for the Ladbrokes where he was a gallant third last year. Saint Sam was a 5l runner up to Easy Game at Listowel in June before a bloodless win over hurdles at Cork, He went to Auteuil last month where he was a 1l winner. However he is another who has to acrry the penalty leaving him at a disadvantage on ratings. After disappointing in the Galway Plate, Saint Roi came out four days later and conceding lumps of weight all around made all to win over 2m2f. Afterwards Willie Mullins was very complimentary about him saying that when things go right for him he's as good as anything. Solness won at Listowel two weeks ago but has a bit to find on ratings. French Dynamite hasn't won in eleven starts since October 2022 and has slipped down in the ratings. He looks held on his run behind Ash Tree Meadow at Killarney in April and probably needs to run a career best to figure here. He's a half brother to Mighty Potter, Caldwell Potter and Brighterdaysahead. Visionarian has had two runs for Gavin Cromwell since moving from Peter Fahy's yard. In the first he never travelled and was pulled up and then was held up in rear and made no impression when beaten 30l in a hurdle race at Bellewstown. Espanito Bello's form figures of late wouldn't inspire apart from a third to Ferny Hollow at Naas in February and he has it all to do on ratings. I think it could be a one two for Mullins and Saint Roi might be the one to lead them home.
Selection; Saint Roi
Best Alternative; Saint Sam
