Next Race 

April 30th

Punchestown (Going; Yielding)

Channor Real Estate Group Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f192y

Eight have been declared for this and Cheltenhma Albert Bartlett winner Jasmin De Vaux heads the market. The choice of the Mullins four by Paul Townend the step up to 3m seemed to bring him forward having disappointed on his two previous starts  over 2m4f and 2m6f. Honesty Policy completed a hat trick when getting up close home by half a length from Regent's Stroll over 2m4f at Aintree suggesting he needed this step up in trip. His stablemate Cardcounter bids for his own hat trick here. He fell early on in his Hurdling debut at Naas and then won his next two beating Dr Eggman and Blue Mosque respectively. He steps up to 3m for the first time under rules. Jarrive De Mee is unbeaten in three starts over Hurdles, all with Good in the ground description but hasn't raced under rules beyond an extended 2m3f although he did win a point over 3m. Argento Boy has disappointed when Good is in the Ground description and wears first time cheek pieces here. Luckinthecity failed in his hat trick bid last time. He took a keen hold but was making headway when falling three out. That was last December and will love this ground. Familiar Dreams is another who failed to complete the hat trick last time when finishing over 6l back in fifth in the Grade 1 Sefton at Aintree earlier this month. He's the third of Gordon Elliotts three runners. The field is made up by Andy Slattery's Fleur In The Park who has been kept busy and is having his seventh start since the end of October when he won his Maiden around Wexford. His best form since was when second, beaten a neck, to The Yellow Clay in the Grade 2 Navan Hurdle in December. He has some useful Bumper form as well and despite been beaten 10l by The Big Westerner over 2m7f in Limerick at Christmas on Yielding to Soft the better ground here should be a help. Jasmin De Vaux has had a nice break since Cheltenham and it looks his to lose. 

Selection; Jasmin De Vaux

Best Alternative; Honesty Policy

Champion National Hunt Flat Race (Grade 1) 2m132y

Just the seven runners and the market is headed by the DRF and Cheltenham Bumper winner Bambino Fever. She travelled strongly into the straight and once she got upside runner up Heads Up at the furlong pole she quickened away and hit the line hard for an impressive win. Colcannon was unfortunate to be disqualified having won easily on his second start after his jockey weighed in light. He's a couple of placed efforts in the Spring after that and got a nice break until the end of October when he beat Heads Up by almost 3l in Galway with the two pulling well clear of the rest. He then went to Leopardstown and won the Grade 2 at the DRF. Held up in rear, he cruised up to the leaders in the straight and when given the Office by Derek O'Connor at the furlong pole he quickened away to win by over 1l. Copacabana was beaten 10l in the Cheltenham race on Good To SofT having won his only other start by 5l on Soft to Heavy with the second and third winning next time out. He;'s a big unit who would probably like more juice in the Ground. Kalypso'chance had won his first two Bumpers, the second beating Heads Up by over 4l before finishing 10l behind Bambino Fever at Cheltenham. He got a couple of bumps in the straight that day but his jockey wasn't too hard on him when his chance was gone. He's a course and distance winner on Soft ground. Switch From Diesel has run in eleven Bumpers winning three, was second four times and third twice. She was beaten over 7l by Bambino Fever at the DRF and then went to Naas and Fairyhouse winning both. Classical Creek was almost 5l behind stable companion Kalypso'chance in a Listed race in Navan last December having won on raceCourse debut at Down Royal. Chetenham Bumper winners have had mixed reults in this race. Colcannon wasn't qualified for Cheltenham and this has been the plan for him and I think he's an improving horse who is worth a chance here. 

Selection; Colcannon

Best Altrenative; Kalypso'chance

Punchestown Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m213y

Last year's Punchestown Champion Novice winner Spillane's Tower is one of just four entries for this. He won that on Yielding ground and connections will be praying the Ground doesn't dry out any more for this. He beat Monty's Star that day and returned to the course in November where he went down by half a length to Fact To File in the John Durkan with Gallopin Des Champs over 2l further back in third. He only other start was in the King George on unsuitable ground and he finished down the field. Monty's Star was almost 8l behind Gallopin Des Champs at the DRF and over 19l behind in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Having won the King George Banbridge was a disappointment in the Gold Cup, his only start since. He raced prominently but weakened after three out. After his two impressive wins it Leopardstwon at Christmas and the DRF Gallopin Des Champs was odds on for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. However he never looked happy and was badly hampered when Ahoy Senor fell and he was a well beaten second albeit he finished 12l ahead of the third. Add in the fact that he's been beaten around Punchestown on his last four appearances including the last two runnings of this means he has a few questions to answer.

Selection; Banbridge

Best Alternative; Gallopin Des Champs

April 29th

Punchestown (Going;)

Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m149y

Just six go to post and as has become the norm Willie Mullins supplies the majority with four. Kopek Des Bordes keeps the hood on that he wore for the first time in Cheltenham where he travelled strongly but made a few jumping errors particularly at the last but never looked in danger of been caught by runner up Wiliam Munny who was almost 2l back and Romeo Coolio over another 5l back in third with Karniquet, Salvator Mundi and Irancy and Karbau further back. Salvator Mundi turned around the form with Romeo Coolio at Aintree with Karbau 8l back in third a big improvement on Cheltenham while Irancy turned over Karniquet in the Grade 2 at Fairyhouse three weeks ago. Having won and placed second in his two Bumpers Whinney Hill was over 6l behind Kopek Des Bordes in Leopardstown at Chrstmas but finished 76l behind the same horse at the DRF although it was significant that he was a way bigger price in the latter. The field is completed with Jim Bolger's Fleetfoot who ran off a mark of 92 at the Curragh last month but was beaten 49l by Kawaboomga on his only start over hurdles and could be one to watch. The form with some of these Mullins runners has been swings and roundabouts and perhaps some of them weren't suited by Cheltenham's undulations. However Kopek Des Bordes has had a nice break since Cheltenham compared to his rivals who have race agian since and the way he travels suggests that barring a major blunder he should have enough to win.

Selection; Kopek Des Bordes

Best Altenative; Salvator Mundi

Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1) 3m213y

Nine go to post for this and again we have multiple Closutton entries with Mullins declaring five, three of whom head the betting. Ballyburn is on a retrieval mission following his disappointing run at Cheltenham where we was over 8kl behind the winner, stablemate Lecky Watson and over 4l behind runner up Stellar Story both of whom re-oppose here. He pulled hard and made a bad mistake at the seventh fence after which his jockey Paul Townend said he never travelled and didn't jump with fluency. He still has to prove his stamina over this trip and perhaps different tactics might be emplOyed here as he fought for his head while being held up at Cheltenham. Lecky Watson bids for a four timer following his Cheltenham win and he will have no problem with the trip or the course having won around here in January. My one reservation would be if the ground dried out any further. Impaire Est Passe beat the useful Gidleigh Park over 2m4f in Aintree and in the run before that was beaten over 10l by Ballyburn over 2m5f at the DRF. He steps up to this trip for the first time and retains the cheek pieces he wore for the first time at Aintree. Stellar Story got of to a good start over fences around here last November when beating Search For Glory a short head. He disappointed next time but ran much better at Navan in February going down by a neck to stablemate Better Days Ahead prior to his run at Cheltenham. Slade Steel was rated 151 over hurdles and in two starts over fences he's finished second both times beaten 4l by Better Days Ahead last November in Navan and just over 1l by Lecky Watson at Naas last December. He's been off since then so Market moves should ve noted. Gorgeous Tom was over 8l behind Lecky Watson at Cheltenham having finished 1l back in fourth behind Croke Park in the Drinmore which was a messy race. Ile Atlantique unseated at Fairyhouse nine days ago and was well beaten (30l) by Majborough at the DRF. He'd won his first two starts the second win coming in the Grade 2 Novice at Naas in January where he beat Firefox 5l. Champ Kiely turns out quickly having weakened in the straight when finishing over 10l behind Spindleberry at Fairyhouse. He jumped right on occasions there and was 22l behind Ballyburn at the DRF. I'll give Ballyburn another chance here.

Selection; Ballyburn

Best Alternative; Impaire Et Passe

Champion Chase (Grade 1) 2m98y

Fact To File drops back in trip here for the first time over an obstacle and there seems to be plenty of optimism for him as he's a shade of odds on to win it. He was very impressive at Cheltenham winning by 9l over 2m4f having finished second and third behind Gallopin Des Champs over 3m on his two perevious starts He won the John Durkan around here in November over the extended 2m3f  but I'm not sure I'd want to be on him over this minimum trip especially if the ground quickens up. The Cheltenham Champion Chase winner Marine Nationale peaked at the right time having been beaten by Solness on his two previous starts. He spread eagled the field winning by 18l with Captain Guiness over 1l back in third Solness a further 1l back in fourth. El Fabiolo's jumping once again let him down at Aintree and before that he disappointed behind the shock 50/1 einner Senecia. El Fabiolo's form recent form figures are 1P2F2F so he comes with a bit of a warning. I'm going with Marine Nationale.

Selection; Marine Nationale

Best Alternative; Fact To File

April 26th

Sandown (Going; Good)

Oaksey Chase (Grade 2) 2m6f164y

Nine go to post but bookmakers have it down to almost a match between Gaelic Warrior and Pic D'orhy with Gentleman De Mee adrift of those two and the rest at big double digit figures. Gaelic Warrior put a poor run behind him at the DRF when he won going away from Grey Dawning in the Bowl at Aintree. That was over 3m1f compared to to the 2m1f he had run over in his two other starts this season. It's clear to me that he needs the longer trip these days and at 7yo there should be further improvement coming. If this was at Ascot you would be tempted by Pic D'orhy who has five wins and a second place is his last six starts around there. He's run twice at Sandown and been beaten a total of 37l. He ran up to his best mark when runner up to Banbridge in the King George but at 10yo and after three wind ops I think he's vulnerable to a younger horse. The plus side is he's only had two starts this season the last back in February. Gentleman De Mee added credence to the view that he's a Spring horse when, carrying 1lb less than the top weight, he won the Topham Chase at Aintree. He'd had four very disappointing runs from November to that win, dropping 11lb in the ratings from Cheltenhma last year. Whether at 9yo he can make up the 10lb gap in ratings with Gaelic Warrior remains to be seen. Hitman continues to find it hard to get his head in front while the other Mullins runners Appreciate It, who was brought down at Aintree, and Classic Getaway have a lot to do on ratings and are probably there to pick up place money to assisting the Mullins bid for the Trainer's title. I have to go with Gaelic Warrior.

Selection; Gaelic Warrior

Best Alternative; Gentleman De Mee

Select Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m5f110y

Having won his first two starts this season, both over 2m, Kitzbuhel was stepped up to the extended 3m of the Liverpool Hurdle three weeks ago. He took a keen hold in the race and probably didn't se out the trip on what was a big step up in Grade from previous runs. He's still an unknown over this trip and is a short enough price for me at 15/8. One who is proven around the distance is Lucky Place. He was attemting the hat trick in the Stayers at Cheltenham but seemed not to see out the 3m. His two wins prior to that were over the extended 2m3f and 2m4f. His Novice form is first class, beaten less than a length by both Golden Ace and Gidleigh Park the latter in a Grade 2. He's won on Good ground so ticks a lot of boxes. The negative is the penalties he carries which mean he concedes 2lb to Kitzbuhel. Take No Chances receives 7lb from Lucky Place with her Mares allowance helping negate her penalty for a Listed Hurdle win last November. This is her eight start since October winning twice and finishing third four times. One of these wins came in the Grade 2 Warfield Mares at Ascot in January where she beat Kargesse three parts of a length. Blueking d'Oroux failed to concede 6lb to Lucky Place in the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle last November going down by 1l. He's 6lb better off here which you would think is in his favour. However he seems to have regressed slightly since then while his opponent has progressed significantly. Salver was a useful Juvenile winning four on the bounce before a 6l third to Majborough in the Triumph. He's found open company a bit more difficult this season. He was boxing on in the Relkeel at Cheltenham and was a couple of lengths behind Lucky Place when falling at the last. He's been palced in his two starts since, both behind Nemean Lion. I'll go with Lucky Place.

Selection; Lucky Place

Best Alternative; Blueking d'Oroux

Celebration Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f99y

Seven runners and Jonbon is odds on to complete a hat trick of victories in the race and join another Seven Barrows champion, Altior, who completed the feat in 2019. Mark Walsh gets to ride him for the first time in the absence of Nico De Boinville and he is a top class replacement. Jonbon was no match for the rejuvenated Marine Nationale at Cheltenham, his chances not helped by a bad mistake five out and getting caught out at the start. He made amends in the Melling at Aintree beating Protektorat by just over 3l. Energumene pulled up at Cheltenham having finsihed over 6l behind Jonbon at Ascot in January. He's 11yo now and definitely not the horse he was two years ago. Il Etait Temps hasn't run since beating Gaelic Warrior at Punchestown last May. Edwardstone is another 11yo who appears to be regressing. He was just over 2l behind Jonbon at Cheltenham last November and was over 10l behind him at Ascoy last January. Jonbon for me.

Selection; Jonbon

Best Alternative; Energumene

February 21st

Fairyhouse (Going; Soft To Heavy)

Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

Just seven go to post for this and it's a tricky little contest. Wendrock won his Maiden hurdle at Christmas and has been highly tried since without any success. he was well beaten in the Grade 1 at the DRF then was over 7l back in sixth in the Frd Winter conceding the winne r6lb and was then well beaten, 21l, behind Murcia at Aintree. Blue Lemons was one win from seven starts on the flat before joining Willie Mullins for whom he won at Gowran on debut with a comfortable 3l winning margin with the second horse 13l clear of the rest. That was on Soft ground and it's somewhat strange to me that having run a small battalion at Cheltenham in the two Juvenile hurdles he relies solely on Blue Lemons here. Whether it's because he has utmost confidence in him will be revealed. Its Bilbo has had three starts for current connections following one run in France where he was an 8l fourth to Willy De Houelle. He beat Lakota Blue on stable debut and then finished over 10 behind Hello Neighbour at Christmas before going down by a head at Limerick in March. Preparations is another with Flat experience winning one of seven starts that win coming at the seventh attempt after which she switched to hurdling and won her only start beating a short odds on favourite going away by 2l. That was only eleven days ago and it came after a six month break. The remainder have run enough to have achieved ratings which would suggest they need more improvement to be involved. I'll take a chance with Blue Lemons to redeem himself.

Selection; Blue Lemons

Best Alternative; Its Bilbo 

Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f

Kopek De Mee came from France with a big reputation but disappointed on his debut for new connections when finishing down the field at Cheltenham. He ran much better at Aintree where he went down by a neck to a useful sort in Wellington Arch who was receiving 13lb from the runner up. Gala Marceau was behind when falling three out in the David Nicholson Hurdle at Cheltenham. Her last win came seven run sago in May 2023 in Auteuil and it's probably unfortunate that she has had to come up against Lossiemouth in a lot of those runs. Again it's an interesting move by Mullins that she runs here against the Geldings and avoids the Honeysuckle Grade 1. With her stablemate Kopek De Mee heading the betting any market moves should be noted. Kala Conti has been very consistent winning four and been placed 3 times from Nine runs. However she finished down the field behind Lossiemouth at Cheltenham and needs to bounce back to the form she showed last season when beating Kargesse in a Juvenile Grade 2. Colonel Mustard is very consistent but finds it hard to get his head in front and maybe some day he will. Feet Of A Dancer has run some good races in Listed and Handicap company but this is a big step up for this Mare while her stablemate Sandor Clegane has failed to win in nine starts since April 2023 and I've lost faith in him sad to say. I'll be glad if he proves me wrong. Hopefully Kopek De Mee can start to justify the hype and he is the selection.

Best Alternative; Kala Conti

 Fairyhouse Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f

A field of eight and Heart Wood is a strong favourite in the early betting. The conditions of the race favour him as he eascapes a Grade penalty as by an anomoly the Grade 3 he won was a handicap and they don't count. So it looks like a good bit of placing by the stable for a horse who was on beaten a neck in the Drinmore last December. He probably failed to stay over 3m at Lopardstown over Christmas and then went straight to Cheltenham where he was a 9l second to Fact Or File. He's now 11lb better off with Blood Destiny who bet him 9l at Naas in January last year. The latter then went on to have some good form with Spillane's Tower in three runs winning once and beingsecond and third in the others. However he pulled up at Punchestown and was off until January when he was beaten over 8l in to third by Appreciate It and should come on plenty for that and he has won on Heavy. Found A Fifty completed a hat trick when winning the Fortria at Navan last November beating Solness a neck but pulled up behind that one at Christmas and finished 25l behind Marine Nationale at Cheltenham. He has to concede weight to all his rivals here and as much as he's done us plenty of favours over the last couple of seasons unless I see big market support for him I have to pass him over. The same could be said of Saint Sam who was beaten at odds on in Gowran having mixed hurdling and chasing successfully while Journey With Me has been well beaten in his three runs this season. Heart Wood for me.

Selection; Heart Wood

Best Alternative; Blood Destiny

April 20th

Fairyhouse (Soft To Heavy)

Inspection Sunday Morning 7.30a.m.

WillowWarm Gold Cup (Grade 1) 2m4f

 Just six go to post for this and Willie Mullins provides the top three in the betting. Champ Kiely heads the market having his first start since winning the Flyingbolt over 2m in Naas on March 1st. He only had to be pushed out between the last two fences and quickened away from the last without being asked a question. He won around Fairyhouse on his chase debut over 2m5f so course, trip and going should all be in his favour. Spindleberry has had just the two starts over fences winning both.The latest win was a Listed Mare's where she beat a Grade 2 winner Bioluminescence by over 6l here in Fairyhouse over 2m6f on Soft ground. Ile Atlantique is a bit of an  enigma for me. He showed promise in Bumpers and was beaten a neck in the Lawlor's of Naas last season having won his maiden on hurdles debut. He then ran three very poor races in the Spring. Left off after Punchestown he reappeared in Navan last December winning his chase debut by 9l. He then went to Naas in January where he beat Firefox by 5l winning the Grade 2 Racing Post Chase. However he was beaten 30l by Majborough at the DRF and hasn't run since. Down Memory Lane has his first start since January when he was an 8l runner up to Lecky Watson. That form got a boost with the latter winning the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. The Naas win came over an extended 2m3f on Soft ground. Firefox has had plenty of experience since winning on Chase debut in November. He then went to the Drinmore here in Fairyhouse wher he was unlucky in running and finished third, a neck and a short head behind the winner Croke Park and Heart Wood. Having been beaten at Naas in the Racing Post he was a bit disappointing at the DRF and Cheltenham. Kilbarry Saint looks well held by a couple here on previous form. Champ Kiely has missed Cheltenham and Aintree and comes here a fresh horse. He impressed me at Naas and gets the nod. 

Selection; Champ Kiely

Best Alternative; Down Memory Lane

Honeysuckle Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f

Willie Mullins supplies eight of the sixteen runners but it's Henry De Bromhead and Gavin Cromwell who head the market. The Big Westerner won her Point and first two starts over hurdles and may have been unlucky not to add to it at Cheltenham in the Albert Bartlett. She was making headway and was prominent three out but was hampered and lost ground after two out and despite rallying she found no extra near the finish going down by over 2l. Keith Donoghue has said that he doesn't know how he got beaten on Sixandahalf in the Dawn Run at Cheltenham. She turned into the straight on the Bridle and was cruising all the way up to the last flight only to be run down a few yards from the post by Air Of Entitlement. She had been very impressive on her Hurdles debut the run before Cheltenham when winning easily by 12l. Maughreen (61l) and Aurora Vega (22l) were a long way back in that Cheltenham race and it's strange to see them a shorter price for this than stablemate Karoline Banbou who was a 9l fourth. Of the others Swing Davis was coming to challenge Karoline Bambou here in February but stepped into the second last and came down. Whether she would have won is debateable as the winner won easily however she showed no ill effects winning next time. That'll Do Moss travels over from Fegal O'Briens yard in the Cotdwolds and has some decent form in the book while there are a few who are very unexposed. I suppose a lot will depend on when the rain stops and how quickly the ground absorbs it but I'll take a chance with Sixandahalf.

Selection; Sixandahalf

Best Alternative; Air Of Entitlement

April 12th 

 Ayr ( Going; Good To Soft)

Scottish Champion Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

Willie Mullins with the British Trainer's Championship firmly in his sights provides four of the twelve  declared for this Limited Handicap. Ethical Diamond, the mount of Patrick Mullins, heads the market. On the face of it he's a bit inconsistent but his best two run shave come on his last two starts. At Punchestown last February he was a 10l winner of a Maiden of a markm of 131 and he then went to Cheltenham for the County Hurdle and finished nearest at the finish almost 4l back in fourth behind stablemate Kargesse. Kabral Du Mathan has had just five lifetime starts. He won his only start in France in July 2023 after which he joined Paul Nicholls. He won impressively on stable debut in January last year and wasn't seen again until last November when he recorded a very easy win in a Handicap Hurdle. A mistake at Ascot in December probably cost him as he only went down by a head and he was then runner up to Secret Squirrel, who wa sin receipt 13lb, at Windsor where he hung left. It's interesting that he's thrown in here given his lack of experience. Dan Skelton will be hoping he can halt the Mullins Bandwagon with Valgrand. Fourth in the Aintree Bumper last year, a race that has thrown up plenty of subsequent winners, He went on to complete a hat trick over hurdles between May and October. However he found the step up to 2m5f beyond him last November where he led to just after two out but has been disappointing in three starts since. He was 10l back fifteenth of sixteen behind Kargesse at Cheltenham but has dropped from a mark of 140 (received after the hat trick) to 134. Market moves should be noted. Another who could spring a surprise is Bunting. Ruby Walsh gave him a good mention before the last two Cheltenham festivals. He won his only start in France on the flat before joining Mullins and won his maiden on Stable debut. Next run was the Grade 1 at the DRF in 2024. The race was won by Kargesse by just over 1l from Storm Heart with Majborough a half length back in third and Bunting the same margin back in fourth and Ethical Diamond over a further 2l back in sixth. He's been mainly disappointing in four subsequent runs and was pulled up in the Coral Cup where the 2m5f was probably beyond him. The Owner likes a punt and I'm convinced that there's a big day in him. Again market moves should be noted. Dysart Enos completed a six timer between November 2022 and January 2024. The wins came via three Bumpers and three hurdles. Included in those wins was beating Golden Ace 9l into second in the Grade 2 Mares Bumper at Aintree. She had a break from that final win until November when she ran a creditable race to to finish over 3l behind Burdett Road but was well beaten next time and then finished 19l behind Lossiemouth at Cheltenham. Kihavah hasn't been seen since finishing over 12l back in third behind Sir Gino in the Fighting Fifth. Prior to that he had been over 7l back in second to Rubaud at Kempton. He has entries for a couple of big Flat handicaps coming up so is best watched here. I'm going to kep the faith in Bunting who is available at 15/2 with Paddy Power and Bet 365.

Selevtion; Bunting (15/2 with Paddy Power and Bet 365)

Best Alternative; Kabral Du Mathan

January 5th

Aintree (Going; Good To Soft, Soft in places

Mersey Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f

Nicky Henderson makes a brave move in running the 4yo Lulamba in this as no 4yo has won it in recent times and I can only find one other who ran in it in the last ten years. He raced prominently in the Triumph and took it after jumping the last only to be chinned in the shadow of the post. He wasn't stopping up the hill so  connections will be hoping he stays this trip. Koktail Divin won two of three Bumper starts in France before before joining current connections in private deal. He was placed on his first two starts in Ireland before winning impressively at Leopardstown over 2m4f early last month when there was strong market support for him. Horaces Flyer completes a hat trick of Bumper wins when beating stablemate Tripoli Flyer by 1l in the Grade 2 Bumper at this meetimg last year He's had two starts over hurdles winning both, the last effortlessly at Newbury. He could be anything. The expensive Regent's Stroll wears a first time hood. He's won two of his four hurdle starts the defeats coming when over 7l in fourth to The New lion at Newbury and a 2l second to Fingle Bridge. Miami Magic steps up to this trip for the first time having finished over 7l back in second to Tripoli Flyer in the Grade 2 Dovecote and just over 2l behind Potter's Charm in the Formby here at Christmas. Honesty Policy is two from three over hurdles and was only beaten half a length in the other by a useful sort. On his last win he beat a previous Bumper winner and looks progressive while his trainer Gordon Elliott has won the last three running's of the race. Good And Clever was third behind Horace's Pearl in last year's Bumper and over 9l behind Regent's Stroll at Newbury. I don't have a strong opinion on this race and as good as Lulamba is in the Juvenile division his price is a bit short for me for a horse who has had just three starts. Gordon Elliott had Romeo Coolio and Bleu Du Vessy entered here also and the fact he opts for Honesty Policy who was bought by the McManus team after his last win suggests he thinks a lot of the horse and he's a sporting Each Way selection.

Selection; Honesty Policy (hald a point Each Way)

Best Alternative; Horaces Point (Each Way)

Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) 3m149y

A big field of thirteen although on ratings it looks to be between a handful. Teahupoo may have found the grounsd a bit too quick at Cheltenham but ran a great race nonetheless going down by under 2l to Bob Olinger with The Wallpark a further 6l back in third. He's never raced around Aintree so there are question marks about how he will handle conditions and the course. It's worth noting that Paul Townend in an interview on Thursday said that the Going had changed a good bit from when he had walked it in the morning to when he rode the fourth race and with no rain forecast for Friday and Saturday and warm sunshine any watering that is carried out will disappear through the day. Teahupoo did win on Yielding at Punchestown last May and given that this will only be his third start this season he may be capable of a big performance although his best performances have come when he's fresh and this is just three weeks since Cheltenham. Kitzbuhel has some decent form in gthe book from his three starts in France and has since won both outings for the Donnelly's and Willie Mullins. In the first he beat Colonel Mustard and in the secod he won the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial at Gowran. He has never raced beyond 2m2f so this is unknown territory. Home By The Lee unseated in the Cheltenham Stayers having beaten Bob Olinger in his two previous starts. He was almost 7l behind Teahupoo at Punchestown last May. Strong Leader won last year's running of this by 4l from Buddy One with Hiddenvalley Lake a further half a length back in third and went on to win the Grade 2 Long Distance at Newbury on his seasonal debut. However after bombing out in the Long Walk at Ascot he had a wind op and in his only start since he finished almost 8l behind Gowel Road, who was receiving 6lb, at Cheltenham in January. I'll take a chance with Home By The Lee.

Selection; Home By The Lee

Best Alternative; Strong Leader (Each Way)

Maghull Novices Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f176y

Just six runners but it can probably be narrowed down to a few. L'Eau Du Sud won his first four chase starts. In the Grade 1 Henry VII he beat Touch Me Not almost 4l into second place and then went on to beat Rubaud in the Grade 2 Kingmaker at Warwick before being just over 1l behind Jingo Baie in the Arkle at Cheltenham. He wears first time cheek pieces. Only By Night was three parts of a length in second behind Jango Baie in the Arkle and had won he r three previous chase starts including a Grade 2 and a Listed Mares. Having fallen on his Chase debut Kalif Du Berlais won his next two earning him a rating of 152. On his next and final start he finished almost 19l last of four behind Handstands and Jango Baie who were seperated by just a neck in the Scilly Isles. That was over 2m4f and his two wins came at 2m so it's no surprise to see him drop back to the minimum. Specila Cadeau is Flat bred by Nathaniel out of the 1,00gns winner Speciosa. He never ran on the Flat and his record is mixed winning one of five Bumpers none from six over hurdles but has won his only Chase when beating Westport Cove at Thurles. It's interesting that Henry De Bromhead throws him in here. After his run behind L'Eau Du Sud in the HenryVIII Touch Me Not finished a 9l second to Majborough at the DRF. However he weakened quickly after three out in the Arkle to finish 55l last of the five runners. L'Eau Du Sud has jad two hard races in succession and may feel the effects of it so I'm going to take a chance with Kalif Du Berlais who I think can improve a lot more. 

Selection; Kalif du Berlais

Best Alternative; Only By Night

Standard Open National Hunt Race (Grade 2) 2m209y

A maximum field of twenty for this and it's wide open with El Cairos the 11/2 favourite. He won his Point and Bumper before going down by 5l finishing fifth in the Cheltenham Bumper where he was unlucky not to have finished closer having been done no favours by Donagh Meyler on the third. Green Splendour finished over 5l behind Regent;s Stroll on debut after which he transferred to Willie Mullins. He won first time out for him and then went to the DRF wher he finished fifth just over 5l behind the winner and a neck behind Koktail Brut who was fourth. Mossy Fen Road has won his Point and Bumper his only starts, He's well bred being a half brother to Fury Road and from the family of City Island and multiple winners. However his two wins have come on Heavy and Soft. Le Labo, whose Dam is a Half Sister to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular, has won his only start and is Joseph O'Brien's first Bumper runner in Britain in five years. Quaviste won his only start while Kilwaughter was bought after winning a Down Royal Bumper at Christmas and has his first run since. Scope To Improve won his only Point impressively and made smooth progress from the back of the field to win ridden out at Naas on his only other start. He's very interesting as the Dam is a half sister to multiple winner including the trainer's Monalee and Monty's Star. There have been a lot of big priced winners of this which is not surprising given the lack of races for many of them so I'm going with a little each way on Scope To Improve.

Selection; Scope To improve (Half a Point Each Way)

Best Alternative; Le Labo (Each Way)

January 4th

Aintree (Going; Good To Soft)

 Mildmay Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 3m210y

Just eight runners go to post and Handstands is bidding for a four timer. He hasn't looked back since falling on chase debutnwinning two Garde 2's and the Grade 1 Scilly Isles in February, his last start, beating Jingo Baie a short head. After that win Ben Pauling said that Aintree was the plan and he would be better over further than the 2m4f of the Scilly Isles. He has won on Good ground so conditions sholdn't be a problem. Caldwell Bay was impressive at Cheltenham in the Handicap Chase over 2m4f and looked like he could step up in trip the way he raced to the line. He's apparently had problems with his feet and connections would like to see some juice in the ground. Dancing City represents the Mullins Team. He's Grade 1 winning form over hurdles at Aintree which is a plus. He won his first two starts over fences but was well beaten at Aintree in the Brown Advisory finishing 28l behind the winner. Last year's Albert Bartlett winner Stellar Story won on Chase debut in a Grade 2 at Punchestown in November. He disappointed next time but has put in two good efforts since, the latest when a 4l second to Lecky Watson in the Brown Advisory. He looks to me like an out and out stayer and the softer the better. He'll probably need a strong pace in Good To Soft and on hurdles form is held by Dancing City. The Changing Man has a fair bit to do at the ratings and has one win and six seconds from eleven chase starts. Quai De Bourbon is the second Mullins runner and unseated at Cheltenham last time. He's only 6yo and has plenty of improvement in him and on paper is the yard's second string. Jordans was no match for Impaire Et Passe at limerick in December, beaten 4l and ran creditably behind Jagwar at Cheltenham but is unexposed at this trip and has a bit to find on ratings. Handstands, having missed Cheltenham, might come here a bit fresher than some of his rivals and gets the selection.

Selection; Handstands

Best Alternative; Dancing City

Top Novices' Hurdle ( Grade 1) 2m103y

Romeo Coolio has had a big reputation since winning his Point two year's ago. He was runner up in the Cheltenham Bumper last year and is two from four over Hurdles. It didn't go his way in the Royal Bond where there wasn't much of a gallop but he made amends in Leopardtown winning the Grade 1 by 9l and it was no disgrace to finish third in the Supreme to two very good horses.He had Salavtor Mundi over 11l behind him in the Supreme and the hood he wore on all his four starts for present connections is left off here. He was beaten less by 2l by Sir Gino at Auteuil two years ago before joining Team Mullins but for me he's a watching brief. Tripoli Flyer missed Cheltenham and comes here looking for a four timer. However he has made jumping errors in his races and at Grade 1 level around here he might not get away with it. On the plus side he was runner up in a Grade 2 Bumper here last year so he acts on the track which is a bonus. The race looks to be between these three although there may be a lurker there and Diva Luna who gets the 7lb Mare's allowance might appeal to Each Way backers while Royal Infantry, who hasn't run since January, comes here off the back of a wind op. I'll stick with Romeo Coolio. 

Selection; Romeo Coolio

Best Alternative; Tripoli Flyer

Melling Chase (Grade 1) 2m3f200y

A disappointing field of four for this and Jonbon is the clear favourite. He won this last year and has two othe r wins around the track. Seventeen wins from twenty one starts speaks for itself and but for a horrendous mistake at Cheltenham he may have added to that tally but showed great character to get back up for second place behind Marine Nationale in the Queen Mother Chase at the Festival. Concentarting on El Fabiolo's last four starts he has made a number of jumping  errors, pulling up after a bad mistake at Cheltenham a years ago before rallying following a mistake to be second to Jonbon at Sandown last April. He wasn't seen again until the DRF las February where he fell at the second fence and ten at Navan in the Webster Cup he could only finish second to 50/1 outsider Seneccia. Protektorat would probably like a lot more juice in the ground and finished a long way behind Fat To File at Cheltenham. He was third beaten over 2l behind Jonbon in this last year. The pace will come from Matata who is the second representative for the Munir/Souede partnership. However although he won his point over 3m he has never been further than 2m1f under rules. I'll stick with Jonbon

Selection; Jonbon

Best Alternative; Matata

Sefton Novices Hurdle ( Grade 1) 3m149y

 A big field of fifteen for this and it's a wide open race. Nicky Henderson probably wants to lie down in  a dark room after the Aintree Hurdle today. Nonetheless he has a couple of live chances today including Califet En Vol. He's won two of three Hurdle starts and was second to The New Lion winner of the Turners at Cheltenham. This is Califet En Vol's first run under rules at this trip and he's won on Good ground and Good To Soft. Mister Meggit wears a first time tongue tie on his return having not run since winning over 2m4f here in November. He was very impressive that day which was on good ground  and was on the bridle between the last two while his rivals were under the pump and going on to win comfortably without being asked a serious question. Battle Born Lad has won his last two including a Grade 2  over an extended 3m at Haydock in February by over 5l with the runner up having previously gone down by a neck to the useful Yellow Car. However he jumped right on occasions and hung right throughout. Jacob's Ladder is another who has won his last two but steps up to this trip for the first time. Familiar Dreams won four Bumpers for Anthony McCann before joining Gordon Elliott. She beat Winter Fog on the flat in Tramore before a fruitless trip to Kentucky. She's had three starts over hurdles winning his last two, the latest a Grade 3 over an extended 2m6f. With the Mare's allowance she comes into the picture. Argento Boy has had mixed form but coming from the Willie Mullins yard has to be respected but his three poor runs have come with Good in the going. Moon Rocket has over 5l to find with Battle Born Lad but that neck second to Yellow Car brings him into the picture and he wears first time cheek pieces. Western Knight could benefit from the drying ground as his two wins have come on Good ground. However he looked held by Moon Rocket when unseating in Doncaster last February in the race won by Yellow Car. Ahoy Senor won this at 66/1 and Thistlecrack at 24/1 so something else might come out of the pack but I 'll go with Mister Meggit.

Selection; Mister Meggit

Best Alternative; Califet En Voi

April 3rd

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

Manifesto Novices Chase (Grade 1) 2m3f200y

A great three days racing in store for us in the coming days. Nine runners go to post for this the opener and the betting is headed by the Arkle winner Jango Baie. Having won his first chase from Springwell Boy who was giving him 8lb he was beaten a short head by Handstands at Sandown both runs over 2m4f. However he looked to have no chance over the 2m trip in the Arkle when he was out paced four out and made mistakes at the next two fences but stormed up the hill and in a driving finish got up close home. No doubt he'll be suited by the step up in trip here but it's just over three weeks since Cheltenham and he has never won on Good ground.  Impaire Et Passe wears first time cheek pieces after a poor round of jumping saw him finish over 10l behind Ballyburn at the DRF and 5l behind the runner up Croke Park. Impaire Et Passe had won his trwo other chase starts including the Grade 1 Faugheen at Christmas. Croke Park had won his previous three chase starts including two Grade 1's. Gidleigh Park pulled up on chase debut and was found to have an irregular heartbeat but on his next and only other start he beat Caldwell Potter by 4l over 2m in January at Windsor. He's won at this trip over hurdles. Rubaud will appreciate the flat track but has plenty to find on ratings. I'll take a chance with Croke Park who has had a nice break since the DRF and acts on Good ground.

Selection; Croke Park

Best Alternative; Impaire Et Passe

Anniversary 4YO Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m209y

Thirteen go to post and it's a wide open race. Live Conti has been installed as favourite. He's had just the two starts over hurdles winning at Auteuil and Wetherby. The French form is mixed, while he was a very comfortable winner at Wetherby although it looked a week race. Naturally Nimble has had three starts over Hurdles, winning one and finishing over 8l back in fourth behind Hello Neighbour in the Grade 2 at Leopardstown over Christmas. Murcia was almost 9l behind Puturhandstogether at Cheltenham giving the winner 6lb. She was also well behind Natuarally Nimble in the Leopardstown race. Mambonumberfive cost €450k when bought from France following some good runs. He pulled up on his first start for current connections and his trainer held up his hands saying he maybe wasn't fit enough as he's a brute of a horse at 17 hands high. However he made amends next time winning the Grade 2 Adonis at Kempton and has probably improved again. Wendrock carried top weight in the Fred Winter and was over 7l back from the winner Puturhandstogether but prior to that was 14l behind Hello Neighbour in the DRF Grade 1. At his current odds Mambonumberfive looks an attractive each way bet and is the selection.

Selection; Mambonumberfive (Each Way 14/1 Bet 365)

Best Alternative; Naturally Nimble

Golden Miller Bowl Chase (Grade 1) 3m210y

Grey Dawning put a poor run in the King George behind him when winning a Listed chase at Kelso in March. Prior to the King George ge was runner up tp Royal Pigaaille at Haydock in the Betfair. Spillane's Tower was disappointing in the King Geprge albeit the Good ground was against him it seems. He has won on yielding so hopefully for connections it doesn't dry out much more. He's had just the two starts this season the other being the John Durkan where he was a half length runner up to Fact To File. Ahoy Senor has a good record around here and was runner up to Minella Drama in the Old Roan back in October. However he pulled up in his next two starts and had a wind op. His first run back was in the Gold Cup and having jumped right on occasions he fell at the 15th. Gaelic Warior has diappointed over 2m1f on his last start and got outpaced over the same distance the time before but ran on suggesting he will appreciate the step up in trip. He has won at the distance over hurdles. Stage Star looks held on his run in the Old Roan by Ahoy Senor while Embassy Gardens has disappointed in Grade 1 company up to this. Djelo and The Real Whacker have put in some poor runs recently and are hard to fancy. A bit of a conundrum but I'm hoping the step up to 3m is what Gaelic Warrior needs and he is a tentative selection.

Selection; Gaelic Warrior

Nest Best; Grey Dawning

Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f.

Just six go to post and it looks a match between Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth. Lossiemouth swerved the Champion Hurdle in Favour of the Mares and duly obliged with a bloodless win while Constitution Hill fell in the Champion. He had put in a huge mistake at the last on his previous start also at Cheltenham and I'm prepared to take him on with Lossiemouth who gets the 7lb Mare's allowance. Woodhooh looks the pick of the rest.

Selection; Lossiemouth

Best Alternative; Constitution Hill

Nickel Coin Mares' Bumper (Grade 2) 2m209y

Paddy Twomey doesn't have many National Hunt horses but he might have a good one in Seo Linn. winner of two of her three Bumper starts including a Liated Mares last time out at Cheltenham in November when ridden by Billy Lee who again has the mount. The form of that Bumper is working out with the Runner Up, Siog Geal, who was beaten 5l winning twice since with the likes of Surrey Belle and La Pinsonnierre behind. Alan King, who has won this three times, has Charisma Girl who won a Listed Mares' last time a Sandown last Month a bit snugly. The trainer said that she had a little set back sinc ebut is hopeful for a good run. Jackie Hobbs has won a Point and two Bumpers, all her starts. The form of her first Bumper win is working out so she has to be respected. Strong Run was third to Seo Linn in that Cheltenham Bumper and won her next and only other start. The rest are all in double digit odds and I think the winner will come from one of the above and I'll go with Seo Linn.

Selection; Seo Linn

Best Altrenative; Jackie Hobbs

March 22nd

Newbury (Going; Good To Soft)

Bet Victor National Hunt Mares' Novices Hurdle (Grade  2m4gf118y

A big field of sixteen for this with Jasmine Bliss heading the weights. Winner of a Point, two Bumpers and two hurdles the latest when beating La Pinsonniere off level weights by 11l over this trip at Southwell for which she got raised 7lb by the Handicapper. Siog Geal will be getting 9lb off the top weight. She won her only Point when beating subsequent Bumper winner Jasmine d'Airy with the latter beaten just 2l by the highly rated Big Westerner, runner up in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, in a Point next time out. Siog Geal won her Maiden Hurdle at the first attempt but has been beaten in her two subsequent starts both over 2m  where it looked like she was crying out for a step up in trip. She gets that here. The runner up in that Maiden win has won twice since Scarlet O'Tara bled from the nose on her last start back in December and was pulled up. She had won her two previous starts and the runner up in that second win has run with credit in some subsequent starts over hurdles winning a listed Mares before finishing down the field in the Mares' chase at Cheltenham. Having bled last time she's a watching brief for me. La Pinsonniere wears Cheekpieces for the first time after that defeat to Jasmine Blue and looks the stable first string with Nico De Boinville up while James Bowen takes the mount on the lightly raced Crazierthandaisy who got of the mark last time. Rockstown Girl was in the process of running a big race on her penultimate start when falling three out at Cheltenham in November and then finished down the field at Punchestown in December. She has to carry 11-8 so Oakley Brown who claims 5lb gets the leg up. The step up in trip should suit Siog Geal who gets the nod with La Pinsonniere, now fitted with cheek pieces a good Each Way Alternative.

Selection; Siog Geal

Best Alternative; La Pinsonniere (Each Way)

January 14th

Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft) 

Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m179y

A big field of eighteen with Willie Mullins saddling eleven of them but the bookies seem to think it's near enough a three horse race. East India Dock has won his three starts 0ver hurdles the last two in Grade 2 company by 18l and 10l. Nicky Henderson will be looking for better look than he's had or maybe he feels he used it all up with Jango Baie's incredible win in the Arkle. He has the highly regarded Lulamba who has had just the two starts. He won his only start in France last October after which he was purchased privately by the Donnellys'. He went to Ascot in January where he raced prominently and made just one jumping error and won readily from Mondo Man who ran too freely. Hello Neighbour wears the hood he wore when winning the Grade 1 Juvenil at the DRF beating Galileo Dame three parts of a length with Lady Vega Allen, who he had beaten the previous run, the same distance back in third. He also won his twio starts on the Flat and seems to go on any ground. Gibbs Island  has won his two hurdle starts but this is a big step up from what he's faced so far. Sainte Lucie wears a first time hood after finishing down the field behind Hello Neighbour at the DRF. Charlus won three of his four starts in France including a Listed race. All were on the flat and he was bought for €315k after that. He reappeared at Naas in January where he won by just over 1l. He's sure to come on for it and is one to keep an eye on. Mondo Man wears a first time hood to try and get him to settle. He pulled very hard against Lulamba on his first start after coming from France and finished over 3l behind the winner. Following his run behind Lulamba he again took a keen hold and finished just under 2l behind the highly regarded winner Mambonumberfive. At 33/1 I think he's overpriced and might be worth a small each way if any bookies offer more than four palces. Willy De Houelle was fourth in the DRF and if he could produce his run when a 2l second to Nietzsche Has in Auteuil last April he could outrun his odds of 40/1.

Selection; Lulamba

Best Alternative; Mondo Man ( Each Way)

The Liberthine Mares' Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f127y

Nine go to post including three of the first four in last year's race. Limerick Lace won then and she's fitted with first time cheek pieces having finished a 25l second to Allegorie De Vassy in Fairyhouse last January her last start. Mark Walsh takes the mount on Dinoblue who got home by a neck from Allegorie De Vassy in Naas last month. She was beaten three parts of a length into second here last year with Allegorie De Vassy another 6l back in fourth. Mark Walsh has chosen to ride Dinoblue with Jack Kennedy down for Limerick Lace. Keith Donoghue rode Limerick Lace last year but rides Brides Hill here for his boss Gavin Cromwell whose horses are running well this week. She completed a four timer when winning the Grade 2 Mares at the Punchestown Festival last year by 21l with Allegorie De Vassy further back. However she's been beaten twice this season at odds on albeit when conceding weight. Shecouldbeanything looks to have it all to do at the ratings.

Selection; Brides Hill (Each Way 7/1 William Hill)

Best Alternative; Limerick Lace (Each Way)

Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f213y

No favourite has won this since  2013 and there have been plenty of winners at big double digit prices. Twenty have been declared for what can be a gruelling race for Novices. The Big Westerner won his point and his two hurdle starts the latest in Limerick over Christmas when beating Mozzies Sister just over 4l with Minello Sixo a neck away in third. He beat Argento Boy to win his Maiden but that one's jumping hasn't been great and he pulled up nest time before winning his maiden at Punchestownn on Heavy ground. Last year's Champion Bumper winner, Jasmin De Vaux, won his maiden beating The Enabler at Navan but has been well beaten in two subsequent Garde 1's and while it's his first go at this trip under rules he did win his point over 3m and looks the choice of Paul Townend. Jet Blue had a sighter around here in December and was an easy winner of the Grade 2 over course and distance on Good To Soft with Yellow Car over 9l back in third. He benefitted from the step up in trip as his two previous starts over hurdles at Auteuil were over 2m2f. Wingmen won his point but this is his first time over the trip under rules. He was beaten 12l by Final Demand at the DRF and by 11l by The Yellow Clay in the Lawlors. He acts on the course having finished second here in a Novice in December. Wendigo won his Point over 3m and hs two Bumper wins and two hurdle wins. His best form came when just under 5l back in second to The New Lion in The Challow. Derryhasson Paddy has won a Point, Bumper and two hurdles, all his starts. They have come on Heavy and Soft. Gordon Elliott won this last year with Stellar Story for Gigginstown and the same connections have Ballybow here. He finished over 3l back in second to Air Of Entitlement over 2m4f in Down Royal at Christmas and won his maiden by 9l next time before winning a Grade 3 over 3m at Clonmel. His Dam is a Half Sister to Hurricane Fly and the Down Royal form got a massive boost with Air Of Entitlement winning the Mares at Cheltenham. Intense Approach has plenty of experience having run in nine Hurdle races, three Bumpers and a Point. He's won four of the Hurdle starts, the last two over 3m and while he hasn't beaten anything of note he ticks a lot of boxes for the trends in this contest. Others have potential and given the history of big priced winners it's a race not to get too involved in. I'm going for a half point each way on Wendigo

Selection; Ballybow (half point Each Way 14/1 Bet 365)

Best Alternative; Wendigo (Each Way)

Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) 3m2f70y

Nine have been declared and with Galopin Des Champs odds on to win here might be a bit of place value. Having had his customary slow start to the season when finishing third in the John Durkan he has put up two scintillating performances in Leopardstown at Christmas and the DRF. Banbridge caused a bit of a shock in the King George albeit he was helped by the favourite not acting on the Good ground and Il Est Francais probably not seeing out the 3m. It will be a tough ask for him to get the extra 2 furlongs up the hill here. The Going will suit and the more it dries out the better. Inothewayurthinkin was supplemented for this by the McManus team. He was over 15l behind Gallopin Des Champs in Leopardstown at Christmas but halved that margin at the DRF and there could be more improvement in him. He's 8/1 favourite for the Aintree National and a big run here could see those odds shorten. Monty's Star was runner up to Fact Or File in the Brown Advisory here last year and has been runner up twice since before finishing almost 8l back behind the Favourite in the DRF. Connections won this with Minella Indo four years ago and he's quite capable of claiming a place. Corbetts Cross won the National Hunt Cup over 3m6f here last year but with Mark Walsh on Inothewayurthinkin he looks to be the McManus second string. It's hard to see any of the others getting involved and I can't oppose Galopin Des Champs.

Selection; Galopin Des Champs

Best Alternative; Monty's Star (Each Way)

March 13th 

Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft)

Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m179y

A maximum field of twenty four have been declared for this. Willie Mullins dominated this for five the first five years of it from 2016 to 2020 and he has seven of the runners here. However Gavin cromwell, whose horses have been running well Tuesday has the favourite Sixandahalf. Having had a couple of runs in Bumpers early she was campaigned on the flat with some success and winning a valuable Newmarket handicap and third in the Cesarewitch at the Curragh. She's had the one start over hurdles winning emphatically at Fairyhouse by 12l and the fact that she went of at 2/1 suggests the yard were confident. Galileo Dame won her Maiden on the flat and was placed in a couple of Listed races. She's had two runs over hurdles finishing second both times the latest in the Grade 1 Juvenile at the DRF behind Hello Neighbour and as a 4yo she gets 10lb from the Favourite although no 4yo has won this. Maughreen is fitted with  a first time hood by Mullins. She's out of a half sister to Faugheen and has had just the two starts winning her Bumper in January of last year and then winning her Maiden hurdle January just gone. Those were on Soft and Heavy ground. Karoline Banbou has good Bumper form in France but was surprisingly beaten at odds on on Hurdles debut at Naas before winning her Maiden at Fairyhouse. Again all her form is on Soft and Heavy ground. Aurora Vega is out of the great Quevega. She's won three of her four starts over Hurdles and there were excuses for her pulling up in Wexford. Diva Luna won her two Bumpers and is two from three over hudles and runner up in the other two. She beat Jubilee Alpha by over 3l in the Aintree bumper last April. The latter is improving over Hurdles and is now two wins from three. The runner up in the first of those wins, Hollygrove Cha Cha, has gone on to win a Grade 2 since. Air Of Entitlement drops back in trip having won from a subsequent winner at Down Royal last Christmas. She's won a Point and a Bumper and seems to act on most Ground descriptions. A difficult race to weigh upand the Going might dictate a lot but I'll take a chance with Sixandahalf.

Selection; Sixandahalf

Best Alternative; Galileo Dame

The Golden Miller Novices Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f127y

Another big field this time with twenty going to post. Nurburgring who was fourth in the Triumph last year and went on tp win the Galway Hurdle heads the market. He was third on chase debut and the winner was an 8l third to L'Eay du Dud and 4l to Touch Me Not in the Grade 1 Henry VIII at Sandown. Nurburgring was third again next time out in the Grade 2 Craddoxtown  8l behind Touch Me Not who was subsequently 9l behind Majborough at the DRF. Nurburgring has had a break since disappointing at Christmas having been on the go from July. Asian Master was 7l behind Majborough on Chase debut in December and was third again nextb time to Mistergif. He steps up in trip here. Having won on debut in Down Royal Firefox was a creditable half length third to Croke Park in what was a messy race for the Drinmore. He's had a couple of placed runs since behind Ile Atlantique and Majborough. Springwell Boy is proven over this trip and is a course and distance winner having won impressively in  a Grade 3 around here on his last start. Prior to that he was a 6l runner up to Jango Baie over course and distance. Answer To Kayf was fourth beaten under 3l in the Martin Pipe last year and is one from three over fences having won a Novice Handicap by 12l. Pic Roc is a consistent sort but has only won one of his eleven starts and has six seconds and a third to his name. Moon D'Orange came from the clouds to win over this trip on the New course last time for his first win in five starts over fences. Caldwell Potter has been disappointing after his big money move and possibly needs it softer than he's going to get here. Lord Thunder beat Pic Roc by over 1l last time when in receipt of 6lb and the time before was 9l behinf Handstands receiving 5lb. The Other Mozzie might appeal to some and San Salvador might be a bit of a lurker stepping up in trip albeit J J Slevin has opted for Nurburgring who, stepping up to this trip for the first time, gets the nod from me.

Selection; Nurburgring

Best Alternative; Springwell Boy (Each Way)

Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 2m4f127y

Fact to File was no match for Gallopin Des Champs in Leopardstown at Christams or the DRF. He had got off to a winning start this season winning the John Durkan from Spillane's Tower and Gallopin Des Champs continuing where he left off last season winning the Brown Advisory and completing a Hat trick in the process. Dropping back in trip should not be a problem for him. I've been a fan of Il Est Francais for a good while and while he put up a good performance in Kempton at Christmas he has burst blood vessels on a few occassions and I fear Cheltenham might not suit him. I'll be delighted if he proves me wrong but it is a negative for me. Protektorat beat Envoi Allen in this last year before going down by over 2l to Jonbon at Aintree. He was well beaten around here in November on Good ground and then went down by 6l to Djelo in Huntingdon before destroying the latter and the rest of the field by 23l at Windsor. Jungle Boogie is one of three runners for Henry De Bromhead. He was well beaten in the Gold Cup last year and has won his only start this season when beating Fil Dor in Ascot last December. He's a front runner who can travel strongly. Envoi Allen got off the mark for the season when beating Hewick in Down Royal Grade 1 last November but fell in the King George, his only two starts this season. He beat Shishkin in this in 2023. Heart Wood was 8l behind Fact To File in Gallopin Des Champs win in Leopardstown at Christmas having been betaen a Neck in the Drinmore. Master Chewy was a surprise winner last time while Hang In There hasn't run since November. Fact To File for me while if he stays healthy in the race Il Est Francais is a huge threat.

Selection; Fact To File

Best Alternative; Il Est Francais

Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f213y

A big field of fourteen for this. Last year's winner Teahupoo has followed the same route with just the one start prior to this but this year he had to play second fiddle to Lossiemouth going down by almost 4l. He would probably prefer more ease in the ground but there still seems to be plenty of confidence in him. Home By The Lee has won his two starts this season beating Bob Olinger in both the latest in the Grade 1 stayers in Leopardstown at Christmas. Lucky Place steps up to this trip for the first time. He was a staying on fourth in the Martin Pipe last year and has won both starts this season in and around the 2m4f distance, the latest on this course where he had Gowel Road a neck back in secon with Golden Ace almost 5l back in third and Langer Dan 28l back in fifth. The Wallpark completed a four timer when beating Gowel Road over 3m on the Old Course here in October and follwed that up with fourth place behind Crambo in the Long Walk in December off what was a slow place. Having been runner up to Slade Steel in the Supremme last year and beating Firefox in the Grade 1's at Aintree and Punchestown, Mystical Power has been disappointing in two starts this season and is now stepped up dramatically in trip. Rocky's Diamond is held on his run behind Home By The Lee at Christmas while Nemean Lion steps up in class in an attempt at the four timer but probably needs more rain. I'm concerned about the ground for Teahupoo so will recommend an each way on The Wallpark who is available in a few places at 7/1.

Selection; The Wallpark (EACH Way 13/2 available Paddy Power 4 places) 

Best Alternative; Home By The Lee (E.W. Paddy Power 4 places)

March 12th

Cheltenham (Old Course) Going; Good To Soft

The Baring Bingham Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m5f

Eleven declared for this and it looks a competitive heat. Final Demand impressed a lot of people when beating Wingmen (rated 139) by 12l over 2m6f at the DRF. That was just his second start over hurdles having won in a canter in Limerick at Christmas. He's also won his only Point. A negative is that he's never won with Good in the going description. The New Lion has won all his four starts, a Bumper and three hurdles. His latest win came in the Grade 1 Challow with the second, fourth and fifth winning since. The third horse, Bill Joyce, beaten over 5l was beaten 12l into third by Sixmilebridge next time giving the winner 5lb. Potters Charm was second that day bringing his unbeaten run to an end having completed a four timer when winning the Formby at Aintree. The Yellow Clay is unbeaten in four starts over hurdles the latest win coming in the Grade 1 Lawlors at Naas over 2m4f where he beat Supersundae by 8l. Kaid d'Authie beat subsequent winner Koktail Divin in Leopardstown over 2m4f at Christmas but disappointed when dropped back to 2m next time. I think The Yelow Clay looks good each way value at 6/1 and I'll go that route.

Selection; The Yelow Clay (Each Way)

Best Alternative; The New Lion

Brown Advisory Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 3m110y

A disappointing field numerically with just seven runners  declared. Willie Mullins has the first two in the market with Ballyburn at 6/5 and Dancing City 9/2. Ballyburn was never going to beat Sir Gino over 2m at Kempton but stepping up in trip to an extended 2m5f at the DRF he was a 5l winner over two time Grade 1 winner Croke Park. Dancing City is a three time Grade 1 winning Hurdler and has won his two starts over fences the latest coming in  a Grade 3 at Naas when he beat the Mare Bioluminescence who had to concede the winner 1lb. Better Days Ahead beat Stellar Story a neck at Navan last month and before that went down by a neck to Croke Park in Leopardstown at Christmas. He bet Slade Steel 4l on Chase debut. Gorgeous Tom was beaten 1l into fourth by Croke Park in the Drinmore and had fallen in between tow victories over Monbeg Park. Lecky Watson has won his two starts over fences but on hurdles form looks held while Quai De Borbon made numerous jumping errors on chase debut when an ods on favourite but won his only other Chase start when getting home by half a length at Gowran despite jumping right at the last two fences. Hopefully Ballyburn will settle better than he did at the DRF and he gets the nod here.

Selection; Ballyburn

Best Alternative; Dancing City

Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f199y

Jonbon has won seventeen of his twenty starts but his three defeats have come around here two of them on this Old Course albeit one was to Constitution Hill. He's won his three starts this season and while he was entitled to win the first two on ratings he put away Energumene readily at Ascot in January. Marine Nationale won the Supreme in 2023 but has had his problems since. He's had three starts this season finishing runner up twice and third in the other. On his latest he was 2l back behind Solness at theDRF having been over 4l behind him at Christmas. His trainer Barry Connell has been bullish about his chances this week. Energumene won this in 2023 and thyen won in Punchestown. However he was off then until December last year when he was maybe fortunate to win in Cork. He was then beaten over 6l by Jonbon at Ascot. At 11yo he's probably vulnerable to younger improving horses. Solness caused a shock in Leopardstown at Christmas winning the Grade 1 where he had Captain Guinness over 25l back in fifth. He won again at the DRF with Quilixios 24l behind and Captain Guinness 31l back. He made all in those two wins and it remains to be seen if he can do that around Cheltenham. Found A Fifty pulled up behind Solness at Christmas but was found to have a Nasal Discharge. He had previously beaten the winner a neck in a Navan Grade 2 conceding 7lb to the runner up who was hampered slightly at the last. Liberty Hunter was beasten 11l by Found A Fifty at Aintree last April but got a 7lb hike in the ratings for winning on the new Course here in December and then went to Newbury last month to finish second to Master Chewy in a Grade 2. However he still has a bit to find on ratings. Jonbon has looked impressive and gets the nod.

Selection; Jonbon

Best Alternative; Found A Fifty (Each Way)

Champion Bumper (Grade 1) 2m87y

A big field of eighteen and four of the Willie Mullins runners are in the top five in the betting. Copacabana was very impressive winning his only start when ridden clear inside the furlong pole to a 5l victory and he took a while to pull up. Patrick Mullins rides. Paul Townend takes the mount on Gameofinches who has won his Bumper having won and fallen in two points. He was odds on to win that Bumper at Punchestown and it was a very easy win. Kalypso'chance represents the Gigginstown/ Elliott combo. He won his point over 2m4f in Britain and has won both his Bumper starts posting an impressive speed figure in the latest where he beat four previous winners. Bambino Fever won the Grade 2 Mare's Bumper at the DRFto add to her win at Punchestown in December. She also won her only point. She quickened impressively at the DRF but all thise wins were on Soft ground. Aqua Force could be anything. Well related on the Dam's side she won her only start by 28l at Gowran on Soft ground last month. Paul Nicholls has never won this and has No Drama This End here who cost connections £160k after winning his Point in England. He was described by his trainer as big and backward but it didn't stop him winning his Bumper impressively in December. Idaho Sun and El Cairos are two who could be anything but I'm going with Kalypso'chance with Bambino Fever as an alternative.

Selection; Kalypso'chance

Best Alternative; Bambino Fever

March 11th

Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft)

Michel O'Sullivan Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m87y

Twelve declared for the festival opener and six of them trained by Willie Mullins. Following his demolition of the field at the DRF, Kopek Des Bordes is a clear favourite here. His jumping at the DRF was way better than when he won at Christmas around Leopardstown where he had made numerous errors and jumped left at times. He wears a first time hood here. Romeo Coolio has won two of his three hurdle starts amd was second in the other. The latest win came in the Grade 1 in Leopardstown at Christmas where he benefitted from a stronger gallop. He was runner up in last year's Champion Bumper here and looks good each way value. Workahead built on a  promising Navan debut when winning his Maiden in Leopardstown at Christmas beating subsequent winner William Munny impressively by 7l. Salvator Mundi came from France with a big reputation having finished just under 2l behind Sir Gino in Auteuil two years ago. He wasn't seen again until last year's Triumh where he finished a 17l Sixth. He's won his two subsequent starts but can be a difficult ride according to Patrick Mullins as he has a soft mouth. The concern for the favourite is he could get lit up hence the hood so I think the best option is each way value and the two that appeal are Romeo Coolio and Workahead whose slick jumping will stand him in good stead.

Selection; Romeo Coolio (Half a point Each Way 13/2 available )

Best Alternative; Workahead (Each Way)

Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices Chase (Grade 1) 1m7f 199y

A disappointing field of just five and Majborough is a short priced favourite. Last year's triumph winner was sent straight over fences this season and has impressed winning his two starts. He did make a few novicey errors at the DRF but he went clear before the last and won eased up by 7l from Touch Me Not who had been beaten almost 4l by L'Eau du Sud on his previous start. The latter is unbeaten in four starts over fences, his latest win coming in the Grade 2 Kingmaker at Warwick where he was always doing enough to beat Rubaud by 1l. Jango Baie beat Springwell Bay on his first start over fences and then went down by a short head to Handstands in the Scilly Isles. Gavin Cromwell lets Only By Night take her chance here. She's unbeaten in three starts over fences but this is a step up. Majborough is hard to oppose.

Selection; Majborough

Best Altrenative; L'Eau du Sud.

The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m3f200y. 

Eleven declared including last year's winner Lossiemouth who swerves the Champion Hurdle in favour of this. She may have been distracted by a flock of Seagulls when falling at Leopardstown in the DRF and was caught out by the pace in the Christmas Hurdle behind Constitution Hill. She beat Teahupoo in the Hattons Grace on seasonal debut. Her stablemate Jade De Grugy finished last season winning the Grade 1 Mares at Fairyhouse at the end of March. He didn't reappear until nineteen days ago when winning a Grade 3 at Punchestown. Joyeuse was supplemented for this after winning the Grade 3 William Hill Handicap Hurdle four weeks ago for which he got a hike of 15lb in the ratings. Henry De Bromhead trained July Flower when she ran in the Aintree Bumper in 2023 before she was moved to France where she had some good Graded placed form and he must have been impressed with her as he bought her back for £350k last July. She didn't run until Leoardstwon at Christmas where she beat Kala Conti in a Grade 3 Mares' hurdle. The rest look to have it all to do on ratings. It's hard to oppose Lossiemouth who has 9lb and more in hand at the ratings. Jade De Grugy and July Flower offer each way alternatives.

Selection; Lossiemouth

Best Alternative; July Flower (Each Way or Without The Favourite)

Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m87y

Just seven going to post for this and Constitution Hill is odds on to repeat his win of two years ago. He missed out last year having been plagued by a number of issues and that gave State Man the opportunity to add another Grade 1 to his CV. It's hard to believe that State Man is as big as 10/1 for this race now. Constitution Hill has had two winning starts this season winning at Kempton and around here on the New Course where he survived a bad blunder at the last. He hasn't really posted his best figures this season despite remaining unbeaten and this will tell whether he's over all the issues he had last Season. Brighterdaysahead gets a valuable 7lb Mare's Alowance. She's reported to be bigger and stronger than last year when she was runner up to Golden Ace in the Dawn Run here. She beat State Man three parts of a lebgth in the Morgiana and then blew the field away in the Grade 1 at Christmas winning by 30l from Winter Fog with State Man over another 1l back in third. Her stablemate King Of Kingsfield took her along at a trmenduous gallop that day and it will be interesting to see if he can maintain that around here. State Man went to the DRF after that for the Champion Hurdle and his task was made easier by he fall of Lossiemouth. Interesting that he's fitted with Cheek pieces for the first time here. Golden Ace improved on her previous two starts this season when dropping back to the minimum in the Kingwell and beating Burdett Road three parts of a length. I'm going with Brighterdaysahead.

Selection; Brighterdaysahead

Best Alternative; State Man (Betting without the favourite)

March 1st

Navan (Going; Heavy)

Webster Cup (Grade 2) 2m4f90y

El Fabiolo has a couple of entries at Cheltenham but looks like connections are having doubts as he turns up here. He fell early on at the DRF of a fast pace and made a very bad mistake in the Champion Chase at last year's festival and was pulled up but in between was a 4l second to Jonbon in Sandown. He's completed a six timer before the Cheltenham run but jumping is an issue. However the slower pace here because of the ground and extended distancse will hopefully help him. Grangeclare West put up a big showing at the DRF finishing about 5l back in second to Gallopin Des Champs. On his previous run, his first in he had finished 23l behind him and had pulled up in November in his first start since the previous December when he had beaten Corbetts Cross in the Grade 1 Novice. However those completed runs were over 3m and he has yet to run on Heavy ground. Fil Dor had to carry 12 sto9ne the last day and was beaten 7l into third by the winner Sa Majeste who was receiving 13lb on Soft To Heavy ground. He was beaten over 4l by El Fabiolo in Cork over 2m in December 2023. Dropping back in trip won't bother him in this ground. Gentleman De Mee has been very disappointing in three starts this season and doesn't inspire any confidence. It's not a race I want to get too involved in but Grangeclare West is worth a small wager.

Selection; Grangeclare West

Best Alternative; Fil Dor

Kelso (Going; Good To Soft)

Premier Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m2f

Ten go to post for this and it's a tricky contest. Vanderpoel come from the inform yard of Ben Pauling. He's had just the two starts over hurdles and the form of the first win got a boost with the second and third winning since. He justified the short odds in his next start going off at odds of 1/8 and this race was nominated for him after that second win. After been inclined gto swerve this in favour of an easier race next week Alan King has decided to let Castle Carrock take his chance. He probably didn't beat a whole lot when winning his only Bumper start and has just had the one start over hurdles beating the odds on (2/9fav) Diva Luna. Willie Mullins sends Chart Topper back over the water having won at Wetherby five weeks ago. This is a big step up for him but he's well related and market moves should be noted. The betting suggests it's between these three with the rest taking a walk in the market. Listentoyourheart completed a three timer before finishing fourth in a Listed Mares the last time. Roadlesstravelled completed his hat trick winning a Grade 2 at Haydock before pulling up in the Formby and has been freshened up since that. Laganhill has won hiS only two starts and could have more improvement but has drifted in the betting. Not a race toget too involved in as there could be a few here, despite the drift in the betting, who could have any amount of improvement but I'm going with Vanderpoel.

Selection; Vanderpoel

Best Alternative; Castle Carrock

February 23rd

Fontwell (Going; Soft)

National Spirit Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m3f

Just the five runners but a tricky contest to get involved in. The first three home in a valuable hurdle over 2m4f at Windsor five weeks ago resume battle here. In the race Salver set off to make all and was joined by Blueking d'Oroux for a long way with Nemean Lion stalking the pair in third. Salver kicked on before the straight where Blueking d'Oroux started to come under pressure. Going to the last Nemean Lion went upside Salver and quickened up nicely to win by half a length with Blueking d'Oroux, who didn't jump the last well, over 4l back in third. The latter was dropping back in trip having finished 4l behind Crambo in the Long Walk at Ascot. On his penultimate start Steel Ally had Punta Del Este 6l back in  sixth over 2m3f at Haydock in November and in the race before that win got to within 1l of stablemate Lump Sum who was receiving 5lb in the Welsh Champion Hurdle. On his latest start he took off with two others at a furious pace in a Premier Handicap at Ascot, made a mistake four out and dropped back through the field and was eventually pulled up before two out. Salver had some useful form last season as a juvenile completing a four timer before finishing just over 6l back in third to Majborough in the Triumph. However despite the fact that Salver is 3lb better off for that Windsor run I thing Nemean Lion, who was rated 94 on the Flat, has the better finishing kick and might do him again although it's a very close call. 

Selection; Nemean Lion

Best Alternative; Salver

February 22nd

Kempton (Going; Good, Good To Soft In Places)

Pendil Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f110y

Just the six runners for this with Rubaud installed the early favourite. A classy hurdler he's won three times around Kempton and placed on a few others also. He's had just the two starts over fences, falling when tiring behind Sir Gino in the Wayward Lad here at Christmas and then putting up a better showing at Warwick where despite losing his position three out he rallied to get to within 1l of the highly regarded L'Eau du Sud who is second favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham. The one drawback is the trip as this will be the first time to go further than 2m1f. He did win over 1m7f on the Flat in France so you would hope he would stay this trip. Imperial Saint has won three of his five starts over fences with all the wins coming at Aintree resulting in a 20lb rise in the ratings. He's won over this trip previously and appears to act on any ground. Ashdale Bob travels over from Ireland. Now a 10yo he had three unsuccessful starts over fences at the end of 2021 before reverting to Hurdles. He returned to Chasing last June and has won his two starts but hasn't been seen since the second of those at Galway last August. Boomtown has taken a walk in the betting. He's won two of his seven starts over fences, both on Good Ground. His last win came on his penultimate start when he beat Soul Icon a neck at Wincanton. He also has winning form around here. Mark Of Gold was 17l behind Handstands at Sandown having beaten Personal Ambition by over 2l on his chase debut. He is another with winning form over hurdles around here. On the face of it Nicky Henderson's decision to run Bhaloo here seems strange as he's pulled up in his last two starts. He did win his only mother start over fences but on ratings has a fair bit to find. I'd be hopeful that Rubaud would get this trip as his full brother Francin won over 2m6f and he gets a tentative selection.

Selection; Rubaud

Best Alternative; Imperial Saint

Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

Another field of six and with Nicky Henderson not declaring Lulamba and Palladium, Mondo Man is odds on to collect. A winner on the Flat in France and beaten 4l into fifth in the Prix du Jockey Club, he had an official rating of 111 on the flat. He cost current connections €520k and on his only start over hurdles he pulled very hard and despite this and and a sloppy jump at the second last after which he lost his position he ran on again after the last to go second over 3l behind Lulamba at Ascot last month with St Pancras 20l behind . Turning into the straight Mondo Man was going as well as the winner. The third horse home won during the week. Opec completed a hat trick at Newbury last November in a Listed Mares but was disappointing at Chepstow in December fading between the last two hurdles. Sauvignon won two of his three starts in France but on Stable debut for Paul Nicholls he drifted in the betting and was pulled up after three out. Another to pull up in that race was Mambonumberfive who cost current connections €450k at Arquana last July. He was a three race Maiden over hurdles in France but put up a couple of good performances. On debut he was beaten almost 4l by Nietzche Has but disappointed behind the same horse next time having raced very wide and alone down the back straight. However he ran better next time looking like a winner approaching the last before going down by over 2l. Having finished a long way behind Lulamba at Ascot St Pancras won next time out. Undoubtedly Mondo Man has the best form in the race but there are a couple of these looking for redemption which makes it very interesting. 

Selection; Mondo Man

Best Alternative; Mambonumberfive

Dovecote Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

A field of eight for this and having won his first two hudle starts and finished second, just over 2l, to Potters Bar in the Grade 1 Formby Hurdle in Aintree at Christmas Miami Magic is favourite for this. That second win came around here and the second beaten 12l and third beaten 15l have won since. The win in the Formby came on Soft ground and that may have cost Celtic Dino his chance and he could only finish over 11l back in fourth. He had won his other two hurdle starts on God ground and he was racing left handed for the first time at Aintree. Tripoli Flyer has had three starts over hurdles winning the last two by wide margins. He won one of his three Bumper starts and was runner up in the Grade 2 Aintree bumper last April and quite a few winners have com  from it. Roysse has finished second, Fallen and won on his three hurdle starts. He's pulled hard in two of them but this is a big step forward from maiden company. He has some useful form from his two Bumpers one of which he won. Roadlesstravelled pulled up in the Formby having completed a hat trick in the Grade 2 Newton novices at Haydock. He steps up in trip here for the first time under rules. Starcrossed Lover has won his two starts over hurdles but this is a big step up in class while Alan King's Blues Singer who won a Bumper here makes his hurdles debut having pulled hard last time and been beaten a long way. A really tricky contest to weigh up but I'm prepared to give Celtic Dino another chance here.

Selection; Celtic Dino

Best Alternative; Tripoli Flyer

February 15th

Haydock (Going; Good To Soft )

Rendlesham Hurdle (Grade 2) 

Eight declared for this and last year's winner Botox Has returns for another go. However he's got to concede weight to a few decent types. He's had three starts this season and improved for the softer ground on his latest start when just over 4l back in third behind Gowel Road in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle last month. He has to concede 6lb to Beauport who is rated 5lb higher than him. The latter reverted to hurdles in the Long Walk last time and finished just over 1l back in third to Crambo. He's been running over fences prior to that with mixed results. He's obviously had his problems having pulled up twice in his last five starts. He holds an entry in the Grand National and maybe it's significant that Sam Twiston Davies who rode him in the Cleeve goes to Wincanton oinstead of here. Nemean Lion has won two of his three starts this season both at around 2m4f. This is his first start at this trip and it seems strange as he won the Kingwell a year ago and had an entry for this year's race which is run at Wincanton an hour before this. Thunder Rock had mixed form over fences last season. In five starts he Pulled Up twice, won twice and was runner up in the other. On his two starts this season he pulled up in the first and was a distant 19l behind Lucky Place in the Relkeel seven weeks ago. Sounds Vision has his first run since winning at perth last April having finished 24l behind Botox Has in this last year. Indiana Dream has had just four starts, the last two over Fences. He won his only start over hurdles and first start over fences but was well beaten the last time. He wears a first time tongue tie which is a concern. Kerryhill has a first run after a wind op buthas a bit to find with the more fancied horses. Gwennie May Boy is another with plenty to find. A bit of a puzzle but I'm going to take a chance with Nemean Lion.

Selection; Nemean Lion

Best Alternative; Botox Has

Prestige Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m58y

 The going today, Thursday, is Good To Soft but with no rain forecast between now and racing so the Going description could change. Derryhassen Paddy has had just four starts, a Point. a Bumper, and two Hurdle races winning all four. However they've all been on Soft or Heavy going. The form of his first win over Hurdles was given a boost with the third and fourth winning since. Following three placed runs in Bumpers Battle Born Lad has had just the one start over hurdles beating Wendigo by 1l at Hexham last October over 2m with the two of them pulling 17l clear of the rest. Wendigo has won two of his subsequent three starts and was runner up to The New Lion in the Grade 1 Challow in December. and is now rated 137.  Bright Legend is still a maiden after nine starts over Hurdles which is surprising as he was rated 91 on the Flat after winning a Curragh maiden on Heavy going. He probably needs plenty of rain here. Gold Cup Bailly is still a Maiden over hurdles but has won three times over fences and has a rating of 138 over the larger obstacles which is 9lb more than his hurdles ratings. However he is another who has shown his best form with plenty of cut in the ground and the Owner's retained rider J J Slevin goes to Ascot to ride Blue Lord for them. Moon Rocket won his first two starts over Hurdles by 12l and 8l and then went down by a neck to Yellow Car in the Grade 2 River Don over the extended 3m having been carried left by the winner on the run in. Kepler's Law got off the mark at the third attempt winning by 30l on Heavy going. Roaring Conquest was beaten just over 2l into fourth place by Derryhassen Paddy over 2m4f on his penultimate start and won next time by over 9l over the same trip at Lingfield. Joecooker connections will be hoping that stepping up to 3m brings a big improvement as he looks held by a few on the form book. Moon Rocket for me.

Selection; Moon  Rocket

Best Alternative; Battle Born Lad (Each Way)

Wincanton (Going; Good To Soft) 

Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f50y

Just the four runners and Burdett Road is the favourite. After a Flat campaign over the Summer he got off the mark over hUrdles for this season winning a Grade 3 at Cheltenham in November and followed up with a 9l third to Constitution Hill in the Christmas Hurdle where a very bad mistake at the last may have cost him second place. His front running style should be well suited to this fast track. Golden Ace beat Brighterdaysahead in the Mares' Novice at Cheltenham in March over 2m1f. She was stepped up in trip for her two runs this season beaten 2l by Luck Place at Ascot over an extended 2m3f and by almost 5l by the same horse over a furlong further at Cheltenham. The stable has been in poor form this season but a drop back in trip could make a difference here. Brentford Hope was flattered by his proximity to Constitution Hill last month. Back in October he was just over 1l back in second place to Rubaud in the Elite Hurdle. He won his maiden around here making all and it will be interesting to see if they return to those tactics as it's difficult to win around here when held up. Hansard was withdrawn from a race last weekend as his Bloods weren't right. He was runner up to Rubaud here in the 2023 renewal of the Elite Hurdle but didn't run between December that year until Kempton last Christmas, He's some very useful Novice form and this track should suit but the conditions of the race put him at a disadvantage on ratings. Burdett Road for me.

Selection; Burdett Road

Best Alternative; Golden Ace

Ascot (Going; Good To Soft)

Reynoldstown Chase (Grade 2) 2m7f180y

Jingko Blue and Lowry's Bar met at Windsor last month and both were travelling well down to the third last where Lowry's Bar galloped straight to it ruining whatever chance he had,. To his credit he kept at it although Jingko Bay only had to be pushed out hands and heels to win it. Listening to Nicky Henderson saying they were going to come straight here to Ascot before the Windsor race was advertised makes me think that Jingko Blue might improve for that run. Prior to Windsor Lowry's Bar had gone down the Handicap route for his chase debut finishing runner up to Jagwar and then winning his next two Conceding weigh to his opponents. My one concern for him is the ground. The Changing Man keeps finding one too good for him finishing runner up in four of his last five starts, three of them as Favourite and falling in the other. Peaky Boy was bought privately after being led out unsold  for £190k at Goffs last month. He won his three starts between January and November last year for Nicky Henderson, all at Cheltenham but having only been at the O'Neill's for less than four weeks I'd prefer to act on the side of caution.  Although he has to concede 5lb to Lowry' Bar I think Jingko Blue might have had a bit up his sleeve the last day and is slightly preferred.

Selection; Jingko Blue

Best Alternative; Lowrys Bar

Ascot Chase (Grade 1) 2m5f

Last Year's winner Pic D'orhy return for another shot at it. He made all and his jumping was brilliant onn the whole to see off L'Homme Presse who jumped to his left throughout and was also slow at a lot of his fences. Pic D'Orhy then pulled up behind Jonbon at Aintree after which he had a wind op. He resumed with a win around here in November and this is his first run since. Having been over 15l behind the winner in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, L'Homme Presse didn't reappear until the King George at Kempton where he was 12l back in third where he again showed his tendency to jump left. He then won the Cotswolds by three parts of a length from Stage Star who was conceding 4lb to him. Corbetts Cross was 21l behind Banbridge in the King George and having won the National Hunt Chase over 3m6f this could be a bit sharp for him. Blue Lord was off for over twelve months before finishing down the field behind Energumene at Cork and the same behind Solness at Leopardstown at Christmas. He'll benefit going right handed and J J Slevein comes here instead of Haydock and Gowran where his boss the Double Green have runners. Le Patron has been inconsistent of late having completed a hat trick as a novice last season. There are question marks over most of these but Pic D'Orhy loves it around Ascot while Blue Lord could yet spring a surprise.

Selection; Pic D'Orhy

Best Alternative; Blue Lord

Gowran Park (Going;Soft)

Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f

A disappointing field of three headed by last year's winner Saint Sam. He pulled up next time at Fairyhouse having pulled too free and was beaten at listowel on Good ground in June. However he then ran up a hat trick with wins at Cork and Auteuil over hurdles and then the Clonmel Oil whenre his beat Fil Dor by over 6l. On his last start, at Punchestown in December, he was beaten half  length by Ballyadam who was in receipt of 8lb. By Saint Des Saints he'll enjoy any ease in the ground. Journey With Me has been poor in two starts this season beaten 36l and 44l and the De Bromhead stable has been out of form albeit there are signs it may have turned the corner. He put up a good run when winning at Fairyhouse last Easter but may have been helped by Saint Sam racing too keenly and pulling up. Saint Sam's stablemate Classic Getaway makes up the field but he's very inconsistent and has a fair bit to find on ratings. Saint Sam for me.

Selection; Saint Sam

Best Alternative; Journey With Me

February 13th

Sandown (Going; Soft)

Jane Seymour Mares' Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m3f173y

Just five got to post and very little form to go on. Holloway Queen has opened favourite. She won her first start over hurdles wityh the second and third winning since. She then went to a Listed Mares at Haydock in December and with her nearest challenger falling at the last she had a 15l victory. Hollygrove Cha Cha won her two Bumpers and first two hurdle starts comfortably. She dropped back in trip to 2m for her next start and having raced prominently appeared to get caught for toe three out. However she rallied up the straight to get back up for second suggesting she needed to step back up in trip. Willie Mullins sends over Mummy Derry for her hurdles debut having won won Bumper and placed second in the other two. She's a half sister to Spillane's Tower. This is her first start since mid November and she's never run on Soft ground. Blue Las won two of her three Bumper starts and won her Maiden hurdle at the second attempt having been runner up on hurdles debut with that winner disappointing next time. Blue Las won her maiden by 26l in a bog at Ffos Las at odds of 2/9. That'll Do Moss won two of her three Bumpers and was an easy 6l winner on debut over hurdles at Ayr last month. All of these are capable of more improvement but I think stepping back up in trip will help Hollygrove Cha Cha who gets the nod.

Selection; Hollygrove Cha Cha

Best Alternative;  Holloway Queen

Frbruary 9th

Navan (Going; Soft To Heavy)

Boyne Hurdle ( Grade 2) 2m5f180y

Seven declared and a number of them reverting to Hurdles. Minella Indo holds an entry in the Grand National where he finished third last year and on his first run back since that he was beaten just over 2l by French Dynamite at Punchestown last October. Farren Glory has to carry a 9lb Grade 1 penalty for winning the Royal Bond last season. Next time out he was going best of all when falling two out in the Grade 1 Formby at Aintree. He's had four runs over fences this season winning once and been placed three times. His stablemate, Riviere d'Etel gets a valuable Mares allowance. She's been disappointing lately and fell over fences last time when she had a tendency to jump right at Fairyhouse and clippped a couple of wings and eventually fell after colliding with one. She's won a chase over this course and the heavier the ground the better. Another stablemate Maxxum was almost 10l behind Rocky's Diamond in the Galmoy at Gowran over an extended 3m. Busselton's last two starts have been around the cross country course at Cheltenham where he was well beaten. Meet And Greet won at Limerick over Christmas which was his secon run back after a long break. His last run came in February 2022 and he has some nice bits of placed Graded Form since that Maiden hurdle win. Thedevilscoachman was second, just over 1l behind Rocky's Diamond in the Galmoy last month his first start since been beaten a long way at Fairyhouse last April. He's an inconsistent sort and had been well beaten in the Galmoy the run before that having been over 2l behind Sir Gerhard the run before. With question marks about a few I'll take a chance with Farren Glory to defy the penalty.

Selection; Farren Glory

Best Alternative; Thedevilscoachman

Selection;

Best Alternative;

Ten Up Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m7f175y

Just the five runners here and Better Days Ahead is a strong favourite. Hewas a late with drawl from the DRF last weekend and looks to have the strongetrs form here. He beat Slade Steel on chas edebut and then went down by a head to stablemate Croke Park who went on to be a 5l second to Ballyburn last weekend. He won on Heavy ground at the Cheltenham Festival last season so ground isn't an issue. Three Card Brag got off the mark over fences at the fifth time of asking around this course and distance last month. He has some good placed form behind decent horses over both fences and hurdles and looks the main danger to the favourite. Stellar Story was a long way behind Better Days Ahead the last day having beaten Search For Glory a short head the run before on chase debut. Chosen Witness was 12l behind Champ Kiely last time and the latter was 22l behind Ballyburn last weekend. Better Days Ahead for me.

Selection; Better Days Ahead

Best Alternative; Three Card Brag

February 8th

Newbury (Going; Good To Soft)

Denman Chase (Grade 2) 2m7f86y

Eight runners and it's a race not to get to involved in I think with some of these in and out of form. Bravemansgame wears a first time tongue tie having weakened quickly in the Straight in the King George last time. He was no match for the first two in the Betfair at Haydock in November and hasn't won in ten starts since winning the King George in December 2022. Djelo and the rest were blown away by Protektorat at Windsor last month finishing a 23l second to the winner. He'd beaten the winner the time before by 6l in receipt of 3l in the Grade 2 Peterborough and on seasonal debut went down by three parts of a length to JPR One in the Haldon Cup. Hitman has been second on both starts this season, to Minella Drama in the Old Roan, and couldn't give the Terrisita 22lb at Ascot last month going down by over 4l. His last win came in November 2022 although he's been runner up in the last two running's of this race. Le Patron has Grade 1 winning form when completing a hat trick in the Novice Division in late 2023. He's had a couple of bad run ssince but both were at Cheltenham while he stormed home by 7l here over 2m4f on his penultimate start conceding weigh to all of his rivals. Like Djelo he has his first start over this distance. Ga Law was well beaten at Cheltenham last time having finished runner up on his previous three starts. Sam Brown is now 13yo and while he showed up well last time this is a big step up while Eldorado Allen has probably seen better days. It's hard to be confident about any of these and Bravemansgame doesn't appeal at the price. If Djelo can settle I think he should get the trip and the stable is in in terrific form so he gets the selection

Selection; Djelo

Best Alternative; Le Patron

Game Spirit Chase (Grade 2) 2m92y

A bit of an anti climax with the withdrawl of Sir Gino. On the plus side it makes for an interesting contest in a different way. The conditions of the race greatly favour Matata who is the highest rated horse in  the race receives weight from all his rivals. He's had four starts this season winning twice and runner up twice the two wins coming by wide margins. Edwardstone won this last year but since then he's been placed in four of his six starts and fallen in the other two. His trainer Alan King writing in the Racing Post Weekender suggested that he needed further now and mentioned the Ascot Chase next week as a target. However he's here now and it will be interesting to see if he can find a spark at 11yo. Liberty Hunter has climbed up the handicap lasts season and won his only start this one getting a 7lb rise in his mark. There may be more to come. There's not much between him and Master Chewey whom he beat the last day by over 8l but is 8lb worse off here. JPR One has had only one start since winning the Haldon Cup going down by over 10l to Jonbon. He beat Matata by half a length off level weights in January 2024 but is 6lb worse off here. Matata for me.

Selection; Matata

Best Alternative; Liberty Hunter (without the favourite)

Warwick (Going; Good To Soft)

Kingmaker Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m54y

A disappointing turn out for this with just three prepared to take on the odds on favourite L'Eau du Sud. He's won his three starts over fences this season including the Garde 1 Henry VII at Sandown in December and has to carry a 5lb penalty here. Paul Nicholls is pessimistic about the chances of Rubaud in the soft ground. They decided to have a couple of runs over hurdles in the Autumn and he obliged winning both including the Grade 2 Elite. He fell on his only start over fences at Kempton over Christmas so for me he's a watching brief. Tedley has plenty of experience from seven starts over fences winning twice and placed four times. This season runs came this season and he's very exposed and it's hard to see him troubling the favourite all going well. Riskintheground, a stablemate of the favourite is here to pick up £4k for finishing in fourth as per his trainer Dan Skelton quoted in the Racing Post. L'Eau du Sud, who runs in the colurs of the late John Hales who died this week, would be an appropriate winner and is the selection

Selection; L'Eau du Sud

Best Alternative; Rubaud

February 2nd

Leopardstown (Going;)

Ladbrokes Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m5f107y

Seven face the starter for this and Ballyburn is odds on to collect. The 2m trip at Kempton at Christmas was too short for him and he was no match for Sir Gino. There's nothing of that class to face him here although Impaire Et Passe has swerved the option of the Scilly Isles at Sandown to come here. The latter has won his two starts over fences and on hurdles ratings has only 2lb to find with Ballyburn. Champ Kiely is the third Mullins runner and won his only chase in a canter but was well beaten by Impaire Et Passe over hurdles. Better Days Ahead might benefit from the drop back in trip having gone down by a head to Croke Park here at Christmas. I'll give Ballyburn another chance here.

Selection; Ballyburn

Best Alternative; Impaire Et Passe

Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (Grade1) 2m

Most people who saw the race formed the opinion that Kopek Des Bordes must have some engine to win his Maiden at Leopardstown over Christmas as he hardly jumped a hurdle on the way around to beat Kawaboomga by almost 3l with Whinney Hill a further 4l back in third. Prior to that he had won his Bumper by 13l. He'll have to jump better in this company and stablemate Kaid d'Authie could be the one to follow. Fifth, beaten just over 6l by Majborough in Auteuil he fell on his first start for current connections at Navan and the despite racing keenly he made all to beat Koktail Divin by half a length here at Christmas. Having won his first two hurdle starts Bleu De Vassy could only finish 9l back in second behind stablemate Romeo Coolio in the Grade 1 here at Christmas. Redemption Day has Grade 1 winning Bumper form but having taken a keen hold weakened and was not fluent at the last finishing 26l behind Workahead on his hurdling debut here at Christmas. If he could run to the level that he ran when beating The Yellow Clay in the Grade 1 Punchestown Bumper last May he could be in the mix with the hood that he wore in his two Bumper wins back on. Warren Greatrex sends over Good And Clever. He's a maiden in two starts over hurdles finishing over 9l behind Regent's Stroll at Newbury and a 7l third to Potters Charm in the Grade 1 Formby at Aintree and might be each way value. Kaid d'Authie is the selection.

Selection; Kaid d'Authie

Best Alternative; Redemption Day (Each Way)

Dublin Chase (Grade 1) 2m1f

Gaelic Warrior is clear favourite for this. He didn;t race with his usual gusto on his first start since May when beaten almost 4l by Solness here at Christmas  with Marine Nationale a further half length behind in third and then faded quickly around here in the Novice chase at this meeting last year. He also has a tendency to jump right which is not ideal. Marine Nationale has finished over 7l behind Quilixios the run before that and was well behind on chase debut which came after a fourteen month absence and is still a watching brief for me. El Fabiolo has his first start since finishing a 4l second to Jonbon at Sandown in April. He pulled up in Cheltenham after a bad mistake but had been unbeaten in five previous starts over fences including last years renewal of this race. With eight runners declared El Fabiolo looks a good each way bet and is the selection.

Selection; El Fabiolo (Each Way)

Best Alternative; Marine Nationale (Each Way) 

Irish Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Willie Mullins has four of the five runners and it looks a match between Lossiemouth and State Man. Lossiemouth took a while to find he feet at Kempton in the Christmas Hurdle but rallied to go down by over 2l to Constitution Hill. State Man was beaten 31l here at Christmas by Brighterdaysahead who had also beaten him in the Morgiana. The 7lb Mare's Allowance swings it in favour of Lossiemouth.

Selection; Lossiemouth

Best Alternative; State Man    

Irish EBF Mares I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m 

Not a great race for favourites with only one wining favourite in seven runnings and five of the other six were double digit priced winners. Future Prospect joined current connections for £150k after winning her point last March. She reappeared at Fairyhouse in December and was impressive in winning by 9l. Amen Kate won her only start when putting in an impressive performance beating Carrigmoornaspruce by over 7l at listowel in September. The runner up has won her nest two starts beating Galileo Springs by over 2l at Naas and then getting home by three parts of a length from Sortudo around here at Christmas. Bambino Fever won his only start in a Bumper beating Derryville by 5l at Punchestown five weeks ago. Churchfield Sunset is two from three in Bumpers including a listed Mares at Navan in November. She's had a break since and runs here in a first time tongue tie but hasn't run on Soft ground. Blue Velvet won on Good ground at Thurles in December and is a big drifter in the betting. Cameletta Vega, a daughter of the great Quevega, has been disappointing in two starts since winning at Galway in August. It's not a race to get too involved in but I'll go for Amen Kate.

Selection; Amen Kate

Best Alternative; Furure Prospect

February 1st

Sandown (Going; Soft)

Scilly Isles Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 2m4f

Just the four runners but a cracking looking race. On his only start over fences Jango Baie was a comfortable winner over an extended 2m4f at Cheltenham with the runner up Springwell Bay winning next time out. Paul Nicholls has always been bullish about Kalif Du Berlais and having fallen first time over fences he's won his next two. He steps up to this trip for the first time but should have no problem with it. Handstands fell first time over fences but made amends winning his other two starts, a Grade 2 over 3m around here and another Grade 2 over an extended 2m3f. Both were on soft ground. Mark Of Gold won his only start over fences on Good to Soft ground. He has won on soft but has also fallen a couple of times over Hurdles. On a course where jumping can be at a premium down the Railway line of fences this could be a great race to watch and for me on Soft ground Handstands' proven stamina could be an advantage and he is the selection.

Selection; Handstands

Best Alternative; Kalif Du Berlais

Leopardstown (Going; Soft, Hurdle Course, Yielding, Chase)

Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m6f

A big field of twelve and as to be expected at this Festival Willie Mullins has plenty, five to be exact.  Final Demand won his only Point start and has had just the one start over Hurdles winning impressively in a canter by 15l at Limerick over Christmas. The second and third won next time out. Supersundae took a keen hold at Naas earlier this month on his first start since May and had to settle for second place, 8l behind the Yellow Clay with last seasons Chelenham Bumper winner Jasmin De Vaux 22l behind the winner. Jasmin De Vaux didn't jump well that day and weakened after two out. Sounds Victorious was fifth in that Cheltenham Bumper, beaten over 5l, and won his maiden hurdle at the second attempt. The runner up in that race had been beaten 24l by Jasmin de Vaux in a Maiden Hurdle at Navan the time before. With the top four in the betting Willie Mullins holds a strong hand. There are a couple of relatively unexposed horses to keep an eye on so Market moves should be noted. 

Selection; Supersundae (Half point Each Way)

Best Alternative; Final Demand

Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Hello Neighbour won his two flat starts and was given a rating of 97. He went off favourite for his only start over hurdles and duly obliged. albeit by a short head, from Lady Vega Allen in the Grade 2 at Leopardstown over Christmas with Sony Bill 7l back in third. It was hard to se much in the fog but Gavin Cromwell his trainer said that he was keen in places and didn't jump as well as he can. Significantly he wears a first time hood here. Saint Lucie won her only start since coming from France when running out an easy winner of a Punchestown maiden. She gets the 7lb Mares allowance here in a race that Willie Mullins has won six times in the last ten and the last two with Fillies. Mullins also has the filly Lady Vega Allen who resumes battle with Hello Neighbour and is 1lb worse off for that Short Head loss. That was her first start since coming from France where she won her Maiden. Sony Bill has 7l to find with Hello Neighbour on that Christmas run. That was his first start since finishing runner up at Auteuil in June in a Listed Hurdle behind. Sauvignon. 

Selection; Saint Lucie

Best Alternative; Hello Neighbour

Arkle Novice Chase; (Grade 1) 2m1f

Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough was sent straight over fences when resuming in December. He tended to jump left but only had to be pushed out to quicken nicely after the last and win by over 6l from Tullyhill who nest time was beaten under 2l by the highly regarded Mistergif. Ile Atlantique's form tailed off at the big Festivals last spring. However he's got his chase career off to the perfect start winning both starts. In the first he easily accounted for the field by 9l and more. He then went to Naas for the Grade 2 over 2m early in January where he beat Firefox by a comfortable 5l with Inthepocket a further 7l back in third. Firefox had got his Chase career off to the perfect start beating Mossy Fen Park comfortably by over 3l at Down Royal in November but got beaten a half length into third by Stablemate Croke Park in a messy Drinmore. Touch Me Not is one from three over fences and was beaten just under 4l at Sandown in December by L'Eau du Sud who is unbeaten in three starts over fences. Jeannot Lapin is a monster of a horse and was a 150/1 surprise winner over Christmas while a shout out to friends of mine in the Hold My Beer Syndicate who bring over Here Comes Georgie who has won his two chase starts but takes a big step up here. Majborough for me.

Selection; Majborough

Best Alternative; Ile Atlantique

Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1) 3m

Gallopin Des Champs jumped and galloped his rivals into the ground when beating Fact To File going away by 7l in the Svills at Christmas. Monty's Star was beaten almost 4l by Fact Or File at Cheltenham in March and was 5l back in second to Embassy Gardens at Tramore on New Years Day. Hewick went down by half a length to Envoi Allen in the Gold Cup at Down Royal in November and didn't reappear until the stayers hurdle here at Christmas where he was well behind the winner. The remainder were well behind Gallopin Des Champs at Christmas and he is hard to oppose.

Selection; Gallopin Des Champs

Best Alternative; Fact To File

Paddy Power Play Card I.N.H. Flat Race (Grade 2) 2m

After the Favouritee winning the first five runings of this the last two have been won by 12/1 shots. Gordon Elliott's He Can't Dance is the early favourite on the back of his win at Navan in December on his racecourse debut. He only had to be pushed out hands and heels to beat Coyote Spirit by over 3l with Elliott being so impressed that he bought the runner up on behalf of Bective Stud. Green Splendour was moved on to Willie Mullins after finishing fifth in a Newbury Bumper last March 5l behind the winner Regents Stroll who is highly regarded. He reappeared at Leopardstown over Christmas and when they appeared out of the fog he ran on to lead inside the final furlong and win by just over 1l. I Started A Joke beat Road Exile by a nose at Limerick over Christmas with the pair 11l clear of the third and the latter won at the same track last Tuesday. Sortudo led everywhere bar the last ten metres when collared by the fast finishing Carrigmoornaspruce at Leopardstown at Christmas going down by three parts of a length with Koktail Brut, the beaten favourite, another 3l back in fourth. The latter had been an easy winner at Fairyhouse on his racecourse debut but the form hasn't worked out. Classical Creek won on racecourse debut and then finished third, beaten almost 5l, by Kalypso'chance who is Favourite for the Cheltenham Bumper. I think the winner will come from the above and while I don't have a strong opinion on the race I'll follow the money and go with He Can't Dance.

Selection; He Can't Dance

Best Alternative; I Started A Joke

January 25th

Cheltenham (Going; Good)

Finesse Juvenile Hurdle Trial (Grade 2) 2m179y

Ten go to post for this and East India Dock is a strong favourite. Rated 90 on the Flat he's won his two hurdle starts impressively including the Grade 2 Prestbury around course and distance back in November which was his last start. Paul Nicholls could have the main danger in Sauvignon. He won two of his three starts in France and makes his debut for current connections and is having his first run since last June. Market moves should be noted. Noel George sends Stencil over from France. Bought by current connections after winning readily despite racing keenly on debut he won again next time readily. However he disappointed on his third run at the end of November finishing 12l behind a horse he already beaten. He's had a nice break since then and he's one to keep an eye on. Quantock Hills dead heated with Teriferma over course and distance in December. Believeitanducan has won his two hurdle starts but on a line through Liam Swagger whom he beat last time he's a fair bit to find on the favourite. Nonetheless there can also be horse who improve greatly at this time of the year but East India Dock looks the part here.

Selection; East India Dock

Best Alternative; Sauvignon

Cotswold Chase (Grade 2) 3m1f56y

Six go to post and L'Homme Presse is favourite. He was over 15l back in fourth in the Gold Cup and didn't reappear until the King George at Christmas where he was a 12l third. The form of the stable dipped in December and January by they had a couple of winners on Wednesday to suggest they might be coming out of the slump. Gentlemansgame won the Charlie Hall in November 2023 but pulled up next time in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He was beaten at Aintree and Punchestown and reappeared at Christmas finishing 12lm behind Galloipn Des Champs. He carries a penalty for that Charlie Hall win and concedes 6lb to L'Homme Presse. Chantry House won his first race in two years when winning a Handicap chase around course and distance on New Year's Day. It looked hard work on the soft ground but he galloped out to the line. If others run to form he might find it hard to repeat that win. Stage Star has struggled since winning over the old course here in November 2023 and steps up to this trip for the first time. He's had two runs since a wind op in the summer and market moves should be noted. A few with questions to answer so I'll stick with L'Homme Presse.

Selection; L'Homme Presse

Best Alternative; Chantry House

The International Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m179y

Four are brave enough to take on Constitution Hill but are so far behind on ratings that he's 1/9. Not a betting race.

Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m

Eight go to post for what looks a tricky little contest. Crambo beat Hiddenvalley a neck in the Long Walk in December. However the latter ran poorly at Gowran today albeit the stable looks to be in poor form at the moment with fancied runners beaten.That was Crambo's first start since been trounced by Strong Leader at Aintree in April. The latter who won the Long Distance Hurdle in November was trounced by 75l in the Long Walk and has since had a wind op. Gowel Road has been runner up on his last four starts and hasn't won since October 2022. Monmiral was second, beaten over 3l, to Strong Leader in that Long Walk and might be an each way bet for some while I've given up on Botox Has who was 27l behind Crambo in the Long Walk. 

Selection; Crambo

Best Alternative; Monmiral (Each Way)

The Classic Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m5f56y

Seven runners in this and the unbeaten Potters Charm is a firm favourite. On his latest start he beat a decent field in the Grade 1 Formby at Aintree and he is rated 8lb and more higher than his rivals her. Having won his first two hurdle starts including a victory over Quebecois by 5l Bill Joyce went down by over 5l to The New Lion in the Challow last December. He's yet to race on anything better thatn Good To Soft so he may be looking for more ease in the ground. Quebecois is 5lb better off with Bill Joyce for that defeat but has yet to run on anything better than soft under rules. Potters Charm for me.

Selection; Potters Charm

Best Alternative; Bill Joyce

Doncaster (Going; Good To Soft)

River Don Novices Hurdle (Grade2) 3m84y

An open enough contest for this Novice Hurdle. Western Sunset is the early favourite on the back of a couple of wins in Novice hurdles back in November. In the second of those he beat Excello a head conceding him 5lb. The latter was subsequently beaten almont 2l by Ma Shantou when in receipt of 6lb at Warwick. These runs were of 2m4f  and on Western Knight's latest start where he stepped up to 3m he was beaten over 6l into second by Jet Blue with Yellow Car  (in receipt of 3lb) a further 3l back in third. Moon Rocket has won a Point and two Novice Hurdles comfortbaly but it's hard to know if the form is up to much. Jig's Forge fell in his first Point but then ran respectabbly to finish third next time with the first two going on to win under rules. He won his next point and the runner up subsequently won under rules. On his only start over hurdles he was ridden out to win by 6l from subsequent winner Blue Las. Gamestar Guy has has won two Bumpers and a Novice Hurdle but has never been beyond 2m1f. He should stary further over hurdles but I prefer to have a watching brief here. I think Jig's Forge could be in the mix here and he is the selection.

Selection; Jig's Forge 

Best Alternative; Western Knight

Yorkshire Rose Mare's Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m84y

Kateira has some decent form at Graded level. Runner up to Irish Point in an Aintree Novice Grade 1. She beat Jingo Baie when in receipt of 3l by almost 2l in the Grade 3 Handicap at Aintree last April. Both these runs were over 2m4f. A mistake two out ruined any chance she had on seasonal debut in the West Yorkshire in November but she made amends when dropping back in trip next time beating Della Casa Lungo by 3l over 2m5f at Kempton. On her only other start she raced keenly and weakened on the run in to finish 4l behind Crambo in the Long Walk over 3m. Jetara wears first time cheek pieces as she steps up to 3 miles for the first time. She did win over 3m7f at Limerick in October hanging on at the end to win by over 1l albeit coceding 9lb to the second. Wyenot has won two of her three starts this season including a Listed Mares over course and distance. She ended last season finishing third, almost 9l behind Golden Ace who was conceding her 5lb in a Listed Mares at Cheltenham in April. Della Casa Lungo had a wind op after her second place to Kateira last November and seemed to benefit from it and the step up in trip when winning a Handicap Hurdle at Kempton over Christmas. Over this trip I'm going to take a chance with Della Casa Lungo.

Selection; Della Casa Lungo

Best Alternative; Jetara

January 23rd

Gowran Park (Going; Soft)

John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m70

A good sized field of ten this Stayers hurdle and eight of them hold an entry in the Cheltenham Stayers in March. Hiddenvalley Lake has had just one run this season when finishing a head back in second behind Crambo in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December. He beat Beacon Edge by just over 3l in the Boyne Hurdle last February before a third place almost 5l behind the Winner Strong Leader in the Liverpool Hurdle in April with Buddy One a half length ahead of him in second place. That was off level weights and HiddenValley Lake has a 5lb penalty for the Boyne win. Prior to that Buddy One had finished just over 8l behind Teahupoo in the Stayers at the Cheltenham Festival and was 7l behind him at Punchestown in May. He's had four runs over fences winning at Galway on debut but disappointing in his next three starts. He's rate 1lb behind Hiddenvalley Lake and gets 5lb off him here which puts him right in the mix. Asterion Forlonge was 24l behind Home By The Lee at Christmas on seasonal debut and had finished 6l behind Teahupoo at the Punchestown Festival. He's now an 11yo and is vulnerable to improvers. The rest have a lot to do on ratings but Sandor Clegane might be of interest to eachway backers. He reverted to Hurdles having finished almost 8l behind Spillane's Tower at Punchestown last April and has two runs over the smaller obstacles this season finishing over 3l behind Franciscan Rock who was receiving 5lb at Clonmel and then a 13l third to Home By The Lee at Christmas. If Buddy One runs to his mark he has a great chance and is the selection.

Selection; Buddy One

Best Alternative; Sandor Clegane (Each Way)

January 19th

Windsor (Going; Soft)

Hampton Novices Chase (Grade 2) 3m

This race has been rescheduled for here after Warwick was abandoned ;ast weekend and the BHA must be disappointed with a turnout of just three runners. Jingko Blue is the highest rated having reached a mark of 140 over hurdles and getting his chasing career of to  great start with an easy win over 2m4f conceding weight all around at Uttoxeter last month. He's won three of his five starts under rules with the only disappointment coming at Cheltenham last March with the stable in the grip of a virus he pulled up behind Ballyburn so we can draw a line through that. The form of that chase win was franked with the runner up winning next time. The O'Neills will be hoping that stepping up to 3m will help Johnnywho. Having won on his chase debut at Carlisle in October he's been well beaten in two subsequent starts both Grade 2's. Lowry's Bar looks held on aline through Jagwar who was beaten over 9l by Jinko Blue at Uttoxeter. Jingko Blue for me.

Selection; Jingko Blue

Best Alterntaive; Johnnywho

Thurles (Going; Good)

Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f189y

Seven go to post and Willie Mullins has three of them. Paul Townend takes the mount on Spindleberry who got home by half a length on chase debut at Cork last month just getting up before the line. The runner up was well beaten at Naas next time. Her best run in four hurdle starts was when just over 2l back in second to stabkemate Jade De Grugy in the Grade 1 Mares at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting. Judicieuse Allen has won two of her three Chase starts but fell at the last when leading narrowly on debut. In her last win she had Penny A Hundred over 4l back in fourth. She won on her second start over fences beating She's A Fine Wine by 6l at Ballinrobe. Only By Night has been very impressive in her two starts over fences beating Mirazur West in the first on the bridle and then won agian on the Bridle when beating Nara comfortably at Cork in a Grade 2. She's a big mare who jumps well and Gavin Cromwell thinks there could be a lot more to come as he targets the Mare's Novice at Cheltenham. 

Selection; Only By Night

Best Alternative; Spindleberry

Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f189y

Ten go to post and it looks an open enough contest. Willie Mullins has four and Gordon Elliott two and the could well dominate the race. Blood Destiny pulled up when last seen at Punchestown in May where he was reported to be coughing post race. His four chase starts before that showed lots of pronise. He started off beating Heart Wood at Naas then was a 2l second to Spillanes Tower i]in Punchestown before beating Spillane's Tower by over 6l in Heavy ground in a Navan Grade 3. He was then beaten just over 3l by Spillane's Tower in the Grade 1 Gold Cup at the Fairyhouse Easter Meeting. He's never run on Good ground which is a worry and he has to concede 3lb to his rivals. Notwithstanding that Paul Townend takes the mount. Appreciate It is now an 11yo. He hasn't won since January 2023 but is a consistent sort winning eight and been placed nine times in twenty two starts. He was beaten a ling way by Embassy Gardens at Tramore earlier this month  and 16l by Energumene in the Hilly Way but has race fitness. Classic Getaway was 15l back in third in that Tramore race earlier this month on seasonal debut. He's lightly raced for a 9yo but has won four and been placed 5 times in thirteen runs. He has a course victory when winning here over 2m6f in November 2023. Having showed promise on his first two starts over fences Fil Dor disappointed in the Spring last year, However he showed a return  to form this season winning around here over 2m6f last November  and finishing second in his two other start which book ended that win. He should be hatrd fit and will appreciate the Good ground. French Dynamite is very inconsistent but has good form around here. Affordale Fury has his first start since November 2023 and Kilcruit finished down the field on his first start since August 2023. I'll take a chance with Fil Dor.

Selection; Fil Dor

Best Alternative; Classic Getaway

January 18th

Ascot (Going; Good To Soft)

The Warfield Mares Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f152y

Seven go to post and Kargese is odds on to add to he win tally. After winning at Auteuil in May 2023 she joined cuurent connections and wasn't seen until Christmas that year when finishing three parts of a length back in second to Karla Conti having run keenly. She then went on to win the Grade 1 Juvenile at the DRF  before two runner up spots behind Majborough and Sir Gino in the Grade 1's at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse. She finished the season winning the Grade 1 at Punchestown. She's been given plenty of time to recover and despite racing keenly she appears to have a big engine but has never raced on ground with Good in the description. On a line through Sir Gino Take No Chances has a bit to find with the favourite having finished 16l behind him un the Fighting Fifth. Significantly her regular pilot, Harry Skelton, has gone to Haydock. Casa No Mento was beaten a long way last time having pulled up behind Rubaud at Kempton. That was disappointing considering she won four of her five starts last season. Better ground here might help. Although Willie Mullins has had a few disappointments with runners in England recently it's hard to oppose Kargese on form.

Selection; Kargese

Best Alterntaive; Casa No Mento

Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) 2m167y

Just four runners and Jonbon is odds on to continue his winning run. He was always doing enough when beating Boothill on his seasonal debut winning by over 1l and then was an 8l winner of the Tingle Creek last month where Edwardstone fell four out. Some would say Enurgumene was a fortunate winner of the Hilly Way last month. Having his first run since April 2023 he was receiving 10lb from Banbridge who was putting down a challenge going to the last. However, as he had done at a number of fences, Energumene jumped right acorss his rival and Banbridge became unbalanced and unseated his rider. He's sure to come on for the run and if both he and Jonbon take each other on it could be a great spectacle. Edwardstone was beaten over 3l by Soul Icon last time and on previous form Jonbon has his measure with Edwardstone's trainer Alan King hoping to pick up some nice prize money. Boothill has fallen three times in his last five starts and was beaten by Jonbon in the other two. Slight preference is for Jonbon  with Enurgumene next best.

Selection; Jonbon

Best Alternative; Enurgumene

Haydock (Going; Soft)

Rossington Main Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 1m7f144y

Royal Infantry is odds on to see off his six rivals in this race classed as a Supreme Trial. He won his point at the third time of asking and was bought by connections afterwards for £60k. He won his first two Bumpers before finishing eight in the Cheltenham one. He reappeared at Chepstow in November where he made virtually all to run out a comfortable winner with a number of subsequent winner coming from some of those in behind. He then went to Haydock and over this distance and made all to win pulling up by over 8l. On ratings he's 12lb and more in hand on his rivals and unless there's a big improver in the field or the Handicapper has got it wrong it's hard to see him beaten with Trainer and Jockey in such good form the last fortnight. Having failed to win in three points Dedicated Hero won his two Bumpers . He reappeared in November for his seasonal debut and was third in a Maiden Hurdle before winning his Maiden at Kelso by over 7l last month beating the odds on favourite in the process. The second and third had some decent form and Dedicated Hero could be underestimated. Peacenik, beaten half a length by Crest Of Fortune last time, looks held on that form as the winner was over 8l behind Royal Infantry at Haydock and flatterd by that margin. John Mc Connell sends over Cloonainra from Ireland and he's had plenty of success with his raids in the last few seasons but he's a bit to find on ratings. Lucinda Russell has an intersting runner in Walking On A Dream but he often finds one too good. He's related to a couple of decent winners in Tombstone and Tintangle and was a three parts runner up to Country Mile at Ayr on Hurdles debut. He's one to watch. There are some interesting form lines here but Royal Infantry was visually impressive over Course and Distance the last time and is the selection.

Selection; Royal Infantry

Best Alternative; Dedicated Hero

January 17th

Windsor (Going; Soft)

Lightning Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m

Four go to post for this Grade 2 and Caldwell Potter is a slightly uneasy favorite. Bought for an eye watering €740k at the Browns DispersalmSale last February connections will hoping to make some inroads into that here. He'd mixed form in his Bumpers qinning one from four starts. He won two of his three hurdle starts including the Grade 1 Future Champions  where he had a number of future winners behind. Since moving to Paul Nicholls he won a Novice Chase at Carlisle early last month with the next three winning since. Twelve days later he went to Cheltenham where he looked destined for second but made  bad mistake at the last and ended up 13l back in third behind Jango Baie and over 6l behind runner up Springwell Bay who won a Grade 3 comfortably next time. The winner was in receipt of 5lb from Caldwell Potter and went up 6lb for the win while the latter was left on his mark of 151. You Wear It Well gets a 7lb Mare's Allowance but still has plenty to find on ratings. She hasn't won in six starts since recording her sixth win back in November 2023 when beating the useful Luccia in a Listed Mares. The return to a bit of decent ground will be a help. Gidleigh Park pulled up on his chase debut at kempton last November after which the vet re[ported he had an irregular heart beat. Before being well beaten in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival last March he had run up a sequence of four wins including a 6l defeat of The Jukebox Man in his only Bumper. However connections will be looking for a nice run to give him confidence here and I think he's best watched. Personal Ambition won three of his five Hurdle starts including a win over Jingo Baie in the Grade 2 at Kelso last March. On his third start over fences he was leading and the possible winner when making a bad mistake at the last and couldn't recover to go down by just over 2l to Mark Of Gold with Johnny Who another 13l back in third. His trainer has a nice bunch of Novice Chasers this season and I think this lad could out run his price. Caldwell Potter is rated to win this and dropping back in trip could be what is needed after he faded over the 2m4f last time. He seems weak in the market and slight preference is for Personal Ambition who is available at 11/2 with Bet 365

Selection; Personal Ambition (11/2 Bet 365)

Best Alternative; Caldwell Potter

January 12th

Punchestown (Going; Soft, Soft to heavy in places)

Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m198y

Just  six go to post and Willie Mullins holds a strong hand. Salvator Mundi came from France with a big reputation having finished just under 2l to Sir Gino on his only start there in April 2023. He made his debut for current connections when running a decent race in the Triumph Hurdle last March and then trounced the field by 64l and more in a maiden Hurdle at Tipperary last May. I'm not sure if there's a reason we haven't seen him out since May but it's not unusual for Mullins to give these young French recruits plenty of time. Kel Histoire was purchased by the McManus team after winning an AQPS Bumper in France in November 2023. The runner up won his next three starts, all Bumpers, and like the winner joined the Mullins team after those wins. Kel Histoire was given plenty of time and didn't re appear until last month when he was a comfortable winner of a Cork maiden hurdle. Sky Lord reappeared for the first time since beaten a neck by Sporting Glory in a Bumper last February and had a comfortable win of  Cork maiden last month. He's related to a dew winners and Henry De Bromhead thinks highly of him. I won't besurprised to see him run a big race. Willie Mullins has won this six times in the last ten years with the likes of Min, Douvan and Impaire Et Passe and I think he can add to his tally with Salvator Mundi while Kel Histoire is a big danger.

Selection; Salvator Mundi

Best Alternative; Kel Histoire

January 10th

Ffos Las (Going; Soft)

Towton Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f83y

This race has been re routed from the abandoned Wetherby card and tyhe field of seven includes a few who had been targetted at Warwick which has also been abandoned. One of those is Handstands who has to drop back in trip here. However he does have natural speed and the soft ground should bring his stamina into play. He fell first time out but atoned for that at Sandown last month when he beat Resplendent Grey over 3m on Soft ground. Cherie d'Am gets the Mares allowance. Having finished just under 2l back in third behind Johnnywho on Chase debut she won by an easy 7l at Warwick last month in a Listed Mares Chase and with the owners said to be leaving the sport they'll be hoping for some more nice Black Type wkith the Mare. Saint Davy was 4l back in third behind Handstands at Sandown on his Chase debut where  he took a keen hold. He made a couple of jumping errors and his rider dropped his whip on the run to the line and it's interesting that they take the winner on again here. The remainder look to have it all to do to be involved. Slight preference is for Handstand.

Selection; Handstand

Best Alternative; Saint Davy

January 5th

Naas (Going; Soft) Inspection @ 7.30a.m.

Racing Post Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m

Inthepocket was almost 4l back in second behind Facile Vega on chase debut in November 2023 but wasn't seen again until last October when he won in a canter by 15l from Farren Glory at Wexford. The latter won at Naas next time and was then a 6l second to Touch Me Not in the Grade 2 Craddoxtown at Punchestown with the winner going on to be runner up to the highly regarded L'Eau du Sud in the Grade 1 Henry VII Chase at Sandown last month. Firefox drops back to the minimum trip after his half length third to Croke Park in the Drinmore. It looked like he was ridden to be produced late but didn't have the speed to go by the winner and was passed close to the line by the runner up Heart Wood. On his chase debut Firefox had impressed beating Mossy Fen Park comfortably at Down Royal. Ile Atlantique was impressive on chase debut when a comfortable 9l winner over Waterford Whispers at Navan last month over an extended 2m4f. He was beaten a neck in the Lawlors here last year but was well beaten in the Three festivals. Slight preference is for Inthepocket. 

Selection; Inthepocket

Best Alternative; Firefox

Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f

Having won his point and two of three Bumpes Jasmin De Vaux won his Maiden Hurdle at short odds when beating The Enabler by just over 4l with a tiring Workahead another 5l back in third . Those two did the form no harm winning at Leopardstown over the Christmas. However the winner didn't jump well and will have to sharpen that up in this company. Having won his first two Bumpers and been a bit unlucky at Leopardstown The Yellow Clay disappointed in the Cheltenham Bumper before finishing almost 4l back in second to Redemption Man at The Punchestown Festival . He stepped up a notch over hurdles this season winning all three starts, the first two by wide margins. He struggled a bit on his last win to get up in the shadow of the post in the Grade 2 Navan Hurdle beating Fleur In The Park a neck with Mozzies Sister a further 5l back in third. The latter was beaten 4l by The Big Westerner in the Grade 2 at Limerick at Christmas while the Navan run may have left a mark on Fleur In The Park who was 10l back in fourth. Butch Cassidy, a half brother to the ill fated Champion Bumper winner Fayonagh, has had only two starts winnining his Bumper and Maiden Hurdle. The runner up in the Hurdle has disapppointed since but the Third, Shuffle The Deck, won next time. Supersundae (not to be confused with his half brother Supasundae) was over 10l back in seventh in the Supreme at Cheltenham on his stable debut having been off the racecourse for eleven months following a second place at Compiegne. He improved for that next time winning easily at Ballinrobe in May. Wingman won a Point and two of his three Bumpers. He won on Hurdles debut over 2m4f and then went to Cheltenham for a Novice Hurdle over 2m1f where he was beaten over 7l by Country Mile who won in a canter. However the winner was well beaten in the Formby next time albeit the ground may have been against him. The Yellow Clay's experience could prove crucial if Jasmin De Vaux's jumping is not up to scatch. 

Selection; The Yellow Clay

Best Alternative; Jasmin De Vaux

January 1st

Cheltenham (Going; Good To Soft)

Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m4f56y

A tricky contest with seven going to post. Golden Ace, winner of the Grade 2 Novice Mares at the Festival in March when beating Brighterdaysahead getting 5lb from the runner up, went back to Cheltenham in April and had no trouble stepping up in trip tp 2m4f and completing a four timer. She returned at Ascot in November in the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle and while disputing the lead at the last she weakened late on to finish 2l back in fourth behind the winner Lucky Place with Blueking d'Oroux and Colonel Mustard just ahead of her and Thunder Rock stopping quickly according to his jockey who pulled him up. She should come on for the run as her rider said she didn't get the trip on here seasonal debut and she's now 6lb better off with the winner here. Salver has been attracting plenty of support in early betting and is now favourite as I write. He won his first four starts as a Juvenile last season including the Finale Hurdle at Chepstow and finished the season just over 6l back in third spot behind Majborough in the Triumph Hurdle. He had one run this season when running off top weight in the Gerry Fielden he put in an eye catching run when after been outpaced he stayed on to be a 6l fourth. Whether the ground will be soft enough remains to be seen. The riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma that is Langer Dan is now rated 160 which is 11lb higher than any other horse in the race. Having got the job done in the Coral Cup at the festival he went to Aintree and went down by a nose and a short head to Impaire Et Passe and Bob Olinger and a couple of weeks later was no match for Impaire Et Passe finishing just over 2l back in second over 2m5f. He reappeared in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November but weakened from two out to finish 9l back in third behind Strong Leader. His Trainer believes he's a better horse in the Spring. Gowel Road has had three starts this season and finished runner up in them all. He hasn't won since his victory in a handicap chase at Ascot in October 2022 and was off for thirteen months after that. Thunder Rock has pulled up in his last two starts but won the time before that when getting the better of Minella Drama in a Listed chase at Kelso last March. The outsider of the field is Twig who pulled up last time in the Betfair Stayers at Haydock in November having finished 2l back in second behind Beacon Edge in the West Yorkshire Hurdle. Their seems to confidence in Salver but I'm not sure it will be soft enough for him so I'll go with Golden Ace who is a course and distance winner while keeping an eye on Langer Dan.

Selection; Golden Ace

Best Alternative; Lucky Place

December 29th

Leopardstown (Going; Yielding)

Neville Hotels Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Four runners from Willie Mullins and three from Gordon Elliott make up the seven runner field for this. Mullins has won the last six renewals and State Man the last two. State Man will surely improve for his run in the Morgiana where he finished half a length behind Brighterdaysahead who had the benefit of a run beforehand. State Man has a great record around the track and I think he'll be hard to beat. It will be interesting to see how Mystical Power performs after bombing out in the Fighting Fifth. 

Selection; State Man

Best Alternative; Brighterdaysahead

December 28th

Newbury (Going; Good To Soft)

Challow Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m4f118y

Seven runners are due to face the starter in a race that Paul Nicholls has won for the last four years. He relies on the expensive Regent's Stroll who he bought back for £660k at the Chris Giles dispersal last July having already won two Bumpers for Nicholl. On his only start over hurdles he was a comfortable winner by over 9l from Good And Clever who was 7l back in third behind Potters Bar in the Formby at Aintree on St. Stephens Day. The New Lion has won his only Bumper start and his two hurdle starts. On the first of those Hurdles starts he beat subsequent winner Belliano in to second place by almost 5l. He then beat previous winner Califet En Vol by 3l around this course and distance. Bill Joyce has wonn his point and two Bumpers impressively before disappointing in the Cheltenham Bumper but we can draw a line through that I think. He's won his two hurdle starts impressively including the Grade 2 Winter Hurdle where he was 5l clear of Quebecois. It's Hard To Know looks held on a line through Tamarind with the New line and according to the Bookies the rest are out of it. It's a toss up between the top three but Paul Nicholls' record in the race swings it for me with the well bred Regent's Stroll who is out of a half sister to Denman.

Selection; Regent's Stroll

Best Alternative; Bill Joyce

Leopardstown (Going; Good To Yielding)

Savill Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m7f80y

Eight go to post for this Home By The Lee and Bob Olinger renew rivalry following Lismullen Hurdle battle. Bob Olinger is 5lb better off here for just over 3l which technically gives him a slight advantage but it's all about what happens in running. Hewick runs here as connections decided not to travel to Kempton. He was beaten half a length by Envoi Allen in the Ladbrokes at Down Royal last month and back in May ran a big race in a Grade 1 Hurdle at Auteuil going down by over 1l to Losange Bleu, one of the top Hurdlers there. Asterion Forlonge has his first start since beaten over 6l by Teahupoo in the Stayers at the Punchestown Festival while Noble Yeats has his first run since since finishing down the field in the Grand National. Sandor Clegane has been  disappointing over fences and reverted to hurdles three weeks ago beaten over 3l giving 5lb to the winner. I think Bob Olinger can turn the tables here.

Selection; Bob Olinger

Best Alternative; Hewick

Savills Chase (Grade 1) 3m100y

There has to be a question mark about the health of the Mullins team some poor runs from some of his string over the Christmas period but until we hear otherwise we keep going. On form it looks a match between stablemates Gallopin Des Champs and Fact To File. The latter had Gallopin Des Champs almost 3l back in third when winning the John Durkan last month but I got the impression that Willie Mullins wasn't too worried with his main focus on March. Fact To File is unbeaten in four starts over fences and found no difficulty stepping out of the Novice Grade into Open company. I Am Maximus has his first start since the Grand National and surely has that target again while Gentlemansgame has his first run since May. Grangeclare West pulled up in the John Durkan on his first start since winning the Grade 1 Novice over 3m at this meeting last year when he completed the hat trick beating Corbetts Cross. Fact To File may just shade it.

Selection; Fact To File

Best Alternative; Gallopin Des Champs

Limerick (Yielding To Soft)

Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade 1) 2m3f100y

Eight go to post and it's 10/11 Impaire Et Passe, 11/2 Sa Majeste and 10/1 and bigger the rest. . The favourite got his chase career off to the perfect start with a comfortable 12l win at Fairyhouse last month. He jumped left on occassions but was never in trouble. Sa Majeste was beaten on chase debut by Search For Glory 8l at Galway in October and then getting up on the line to beat Shannon Royale over 2m7f in Tipperary last month. The drop back in trip is a slight worry. After his win a Galway Search For Glory went down by a short head to stablemate Stellar Story in a three horse race at Punchestown over 3m. Again the drop in trip isn't ideal. Good Land had his first start since fininshing over 11l behind Impaire Et Passe at Cheltenham in March 2023 when finishing 10l in third behind Ile Atlantique and Waterford Whispers in a Navan Beginners Chase. Barry Connell had high hopes for him but injury intervened. He's worth a watch in this. Mirazur West had some decent form last season winning a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse at Easter but was down the field in the Grade 1 Champion Novice at the Punchestown Festival. He was runner up on Chase debut last month where he jumped right but the concession of 7lb to the winner was the difference. The winner has won again since in the Grade 2 mares Novice at Cork three weeks ago. It's hard to oppose Impaire Et Passe and there might be value for those who don't bet odds on with place only bets or betting without the favourite on Good Land and Mirazur West.

Selection; Impaire Et Passe

Best Alternative; Mirazur West ( without the favourite or place only)

December 27th

Leopardstown (Going; Good To Yielding)

Paddy Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1) 2m1f

Gaelic Warrior has his first start since finishing runner up to stablemate Il Etait Temps at Punchestown last May having won three of his other four starts last season. He's won off long breaks previously and if fit will be hard to beat over this trip. Found A Fifty was over 8l back in second to Gaelic Warrior at Cheltenham last March but has won his three starts since. Dinoblue wears a first time tongue tie and gets the Mare's allowance. She won last year's running on this but meets stronger opposition this time. She was 10l behind Enurgumene in the Hilly Way at Cork three weeks ago on seasonal debut. Marine Nationale resumed after an extended break when a over 7l back in  second to Quilixious at Naas last month and the latter was a remoted 8l second to Jonbon in the Tingle Creek three weeks ago. It's hard to oppose Gaelic Warrior over this trip.

Selection; Gaelic Warrior

Best Alternative; Found A Fifty

Future Champion's Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Just seven go to post and it's Gordon Elliott versus Willie Mullins. Elliott has the first two in the betting with Bleu De Vassy and Romeo Coolio. Bleu De Vassy has won his two starts over hurdles this season with ease, the latest at Navan in the Grade 3 For Auction. Romeo Coolio is the pick of Sam Ewing. Following his 18l win at Down Royal on hurdles debut last month he went to the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse and in what turned out to be a bit of a sprint he was caught for a bit of toe and finished over 2l behind the winner with Sea Of Sands, who is another who would benefit from a stronger gallop, a further 3l back in third. Karniquet won his only statrt for current connections when easily accounting for his rivals in a Tramore Maiden Hurdle last month. He was runner up in his two starts in France but this is a bigger test. Karafan was almost 6l behind Kala Conti in the Grade 3 Juvenile Hurddle here last Christmas and was given a break until earlier this month when he won his maiden at Clonmel. While I think Romeo Coolio will get further in time, if he gets a strongly run race here he could be good enough.

Selection; Romeo Coolio

Best Alternative; Blue De Vessy

Limerick (Going; Yielding To Soft)

Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) 2m6f120y

Only seven runners her and it loks to be between three of them. Derek O'Connor won on Bioluminscence on her only start in a point back in November 2022 and takes the ride here for her Chase debut. She's only had five starts since that win winning two hurdles , including a Grade 3 around this course and distance last March, and runner up in two. She hasn't run since pulling up in the Grade 1 Mares at Fairhouse last March. Shecouldbeanything has been kept busy since finishing third in a Listed Mares at Killarney in May and this will be eleventh start since then. On her latest she was a 5l last of five o Croke Park in the Drinmore at Fairhyouse earlier this month. That came after she had run up a four timer. Paggane makes her chase debut for Willie Mullins. She's won two and been placed five times over hurdles but would need to take a big step forward to win this I think. Nonetheless it's interesting that the Trainer starts her off over fences in this Grade. Kiltealy Park won her only start over fences getting up on the line by a short head at Clonmel earlier this month and should appreciate this step up in trip. Bioluminescence would probably prefer a lot softer ground so Shecouldbeanything could be the one to be on providing a busy year hasn't taken it's toll.

Selection; Shecouldbeanything

Best Alternative; Kiltealy Park

Chepstow (Going; Soft)

Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

Nine go to post and French challenger Nietzche Has is the early favourite. He's had just six starts winning three and ben placed in his last two. It can be hard sometimes to get a handle on French form. He beat Willy D'Houell back in April but the latter was too keen for his own good today. On his latest start Nietzsche Has was beaten just over 1l in an Auteuil Grade 1 with the two finishing a long way clear of the rest. He goes to Stud after this. The Gredley Family and James Owen have some good juveniles and rely on Opec here. She's a very well bred filly being a full sister to Allmankind out of a full sister to successful Stallions Beat Hollow and Court Cave. She fell on debut over hurdles when 12l ahead going easily at the second last but she made up for that winning her subsequent three starts. On her latest she beat Prairie Moon by 8l with her more fancied stablemate back in third. The second and third haven't done much for the form in their next starts. Hot Fuss was rated 95 as a 2yo and finished up on the flat with an 88 rating after a few placings in valuable handicaps. On his hurdle debut he mad mistakes at the final two flights to finis a 4l second to East India Dock who went on to beat Static by 18l next time and is as low as 6/1 for the Triumph Hurdle. Hot Fuss went on to beat Galactial Charm at Sandown three weeks ago and the latter won at Fontwell today at short odds on. Melon was only rated 65 on the Flat and won his only start over hurdles when winning at Doncaster two weeks ago. If you were to go on ratings Nietzsche Has should win this comfortably but at the prices Hot Fuss is good each way value at 7/1 with Bet 365.

Selection; Hot Fuss (half a point each way 7/1 Bet 365)

Best Alternative; Opec

Kempton (Going; Good)

Wayward Lad Novices Chase (2m)

Just four go to post and it's a match between Sir Gino and Ballyburn got his chase career off to a winning start with a comfortable win at Punchestown last month.. The drop back in trip is a slight worry as most of his wins have come over further. Sir Gino is unbeaten in five starts and gets 6lb form Ballyburn. However it's his first start over fences. He showed his well being when winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last month. Rubaud is another making his chase debut and will be looking from crumbs from the table while Brookie looks outclassed. It's a toss of a coin between the top two but the benefit of a run just swings it in favour of Ballyburn.

Selection; Ballyburn

Best Alternative; Sir Gino

Desert Orchid Handicap Chase ( Grade 2) 2m

Since winning at Newbury in March, Martator has done nothing but improve in his next four starts winning all and rising 33lb in the handicap to a mark of 151. On his latest start he wa sa comfortable 11l winner from Kotmask with Sans Bruit a further neck back in third. The latter is now 12lb better off. Boothill was having his first run after a wind op when finishing over 1l back in second behind Jonbon in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham last month. He'd a disappointing end to last season but looks like he's returning to his best. Edwardstone fell four out in the Tingle Creek three weeks ago having finished just over 2l behind Jonbon in the Shloer. He has to concede weight all around and could be vulnerable to improving younger horses. Editeur Du Gite seems to have lost his way and has Pulled Up three times in his last four starts. He has a few wins around here but he doesn't appeal. Soul Icon is on a nice weight but has five runner up spots in his last six starts and was beaten a long way last of four on his last. I'm a big fan of Boothill but he has to concede 9lb to a younger horse in Martator who could still be improving.

Selection; Martator

Best Altrenative; Boothill

December 26th

Kempton (Going; Good)

Kauto Star Novices Chase (Grade 1) 3m

The Jukebox Man put in a terrofic round of jumping to beat Masaccio by 2l at Newbury four weeks ago. However he had a tendency to jump left at a lot of his fences and he hung left on the run in which won't be ideal around Kempton. He finished second behind Stellar Story and Dancing City in the two Grade 1 Novice Stayers at Cheltenham and Aintree. He likes to race prominently and the way he travelled last time and his jumping will be a huge asset around here. Hyland has won three of his four starts over fences. On his latest, a Listed race at Cheltenham, he just did enough to hold on from Resplenedent Grey. He's another who likes to race prominently and has the benefit of experience. Connections aren't aftraid to take on The Jukebox Man again with Masaccio. He was staying on the last day although I don't think he jumping at times was as fluent as the winner. He had beaten Twinjets 2l on his only other start over fences. His trainer feels the step up in trip should suit. White Rhino won five of his twelve hurdle starts, all handicaps, and ended with a mark of 128. He now runs off 141 having won his two Novice Handicap chases but this is a big step up for him. Welcome To Cartries came over from Ireland with a big reputation and a very big price tag if rumours are to be believed having won his only point by 16l. He was given a wind op before his debut for current connections and having been placed on debut won next time and then was runner up to Kerryhill in the Grade 2 River Don. However he disappointed at Ayr and had another wind op over the summer' He weakened in the final 100 yards at Sandown on his re appearance three weeks ago and is best watched. I was impressed with The Jukebox Man the last day and given that he should improve for that run he gets the nod.

Selection; The Jukebox Man

Best Alternative; Hyland

Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m

Only four go to post but it is a mouth watering affair. the big question is how will Constitution Hill perform after a twelve month lay off since sluicing home in last year's race by 17l. He's had a wind op since and we don't know what else has kept him off other than the Virus in Seven Barrows last Spring. For me he's best watched here. Lossimouth gets the 7lb Mare's Allowance and was impressive when winning the Hattons Grace four weeks ago by almost 4l from Teahupoo. Held up by Paul Townend she cruised upsides Teahupoo going to the last and was never asked a question. It was like a piece of work at home and you couldn't but be impressed. Interesting to see the 4yo Burdett Road here. Following his 10l runner up spot to Sir Gino at Cheltenham last January he was given a break until July at Ascot where he had the first of his five starts on the Flat. He resumed hurdling at Cheltenham last month getting home by half a length in a Grade 3 Handicap conceding weight to all his rivals. However, like the only other starter Lump Sum, he has a fair bit to find on ratings. Lossiemouth for me.

Selection; Lossiemouth

Best Alternative; Constitution Hill

King George VI Chase (Grade 1) 3m

Eleven are declared for this and Spillane's Tower is favourite following his run in the John Durkan where he split Fact Or File and Galloping the Champs going down by a neck to the winner. That was his first run since April so he'd be expected to come on for it. Banbridge was well beaten the only time he ran over 3m on the track. On his lastes start he was challenging Enurgumene at the last in the Hilly Way when the latter carried him right and he became unbalanced jumping the fence and unseated his Jockey. He had been well beaten the run before that by Found A Fifty at Navan in November. The ground will be in his favour but this is a stiff 3m. Grey Dawning had a gruelling race in the Betfair at Haydock last month and he looked legless on the run to the line, going down by 2l to the winner Royale Pigaille. Il Est Francais is reported to have bled on his latest start when pulling up at Auteuil. Two runs before that he had also disappointed. He looked a super star when winning the Kauto Star on this card last year but I prefer a watching brief for this  run. L'Homme Presse has been lightly raced in recent seasons and has his first start since a 15l fourth in the Gold Cup last March. He had his first start last season in January and won having been off the track for thirteen months. The stable has been hoovering up some big pots lately. The negative is he jumped left in this back in 2022 eventually unseating at the last when a couple of lengths down and clear of the third. Envoi Allen won the Ladbroke at Down Royal last month beating Hewick half a length with the favourite Gerri Colombe running abysmally. Bravemansgame has become a bit of an enigma and hasn't won in nine starts since winning this race in 2022. He had wind surgery over the summer and had to reasonable runs fiNishing second to The Real Whacker in the Charlie Hall and third in the Betfair. The latter could outrun his big price with Patrick Neville's stable hitting form again after a lean spell last season. Corbetts Cross has worn a hood for his last three runs but it is left off herE. He won the National Hunt Chase at the Festival by 17l in March before going down by almost 3l to Gerri Colombe in the Bowl Chas eat Aintree. An out and out stayer he could benefit from a strong gallop. There are two other French starters but both need big improvement. Hopefully Spillane's Tower will handle the ground and is the selection.

Selection; Spillane's Tower

Best Alternative; L'Homme Presse

Aintree (Good To Soft)

Formby Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m209y

Seven got to post and it has the makings of a cracking contest. Potters Charm has won all three hurdle starts including the Grade 2 over 2m5f at Lat Months Cheltenham meeting. He may have been flattered by the winning margin as the runner up, Valgrand, tried to make all and was haded two out and weakened and probably didn't stay while the third, Gale Mahler was probably feeling the effects of a busy summer campaign as she disappointed next time also. Country Mile is two from three over hurdles beating previous winner Wingman by over 7l at Cheltenham two weeks ago on Good To Soft ground over 2m1f. On his penultimate start he was a 3l runner up to Roadlesstravelled at Haydock on Soft  over an extended 1m7f having made a bad mistake at the last. The latter is also three from three and hus jumping over the last two at Haydock was better than the runner up. Celtic Dino is two from two over hurdles and two from three in Bumpers. On his last start he beat subsequent winner Wade's Out by over 4l at Ascot while he beat Ma Shantou 14l into second on his penultimate start with the latter winning his next two starts. Miami Magic is two from two over hurdles and both weere impressive wins of 10l and 12l. He was beaten a head in a Bumper here in May so acts on the course. Junker d'Allier has gone off favourite for his two starts over hurdles and duly obliged. He won a Novice at Bangor on the second of them with plenty in hand so it's difficult to say how good he is other than it's notable Olly Murphy runs him here. I'll take a chance with Celtic Dino.

Selection; Celtic Dino

Best Alternative; Roadlesstravelled

Leoardstown (Going; Yielding)

Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m

Willy De Houelle will have nine opponents to beat if he's to justify favouritism for this and he wears a first time hood. He had two runs in France before joining the Ricci/Mullins team. He won the first with the runner up winning four times since. On the second he was beaten 2l by the useful Nietzsche Has having jumped left and mad a mistake at the last. On his only start in Ireland he jumped left on occasions and made a number of mistakes and finished over 1l behind the winner Naturally Nimble who had the benefit of a previous run but is 3lb worse off here. Hello Neighbour makes his debut over hurdles having won his two starts on the flat and it may be significant that Gavin Cromwell runs him here. Market moves should be noted. Murcia makes her debut for Mullins having had four starts in France winning once and third in the others. By a top sire in Doctor Dino she runs in the colours of Kenny Alexander and gets a valuable Fillies allowance. Its Bilbo had Naturally Nimble 26l back at Punchestown on his only start in Ireland having finished over 8l behind Willy De Houelle at Compiegne on his only other start where he took a keen hold. It's possible some of the others can be involved but I think the winner will come from one of the above and slight preference is for Willy De Houelle.

Selection; Willy De Houelle

Best Alternative; Murcia

Racing Post Long Distance Novice Chase (Grade 1) 3m100y

Only four going to post here and three of then trained by Gordon Elliott. Croke Park was good in the Drinmore over 2m4f where he made all and had to battle hard to beat Heart Wood a neck. Prior to that he had won his chase debut by three parts of a length also at Fairyhouse. He was reported to have blood in both nostrils after that win. Brghterdaysahead beat Slade Steel 4l over 2m4f on his only Chase start and should relish the step up in trip. Stellar Story, who got up on the line to beat The Jukebox Man in the Abert Bartlett at the Festival, won on his only chase start getting the better of stablemate Search For Glory by a short head in a messy race at Punchestown. Buddy One has been disappointing in his last two starts over fences having won on chase debut at Galway in October. He had some decent form in open company over hurdles but is probably best watched here. Slight preference is for Croke Park.

Selection; Croke Park

Best Alternative; Brighterdaysahead

Limerick (Going; Yielding To Soft)

Lyons of Limerick Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

Just six go in this and it looks a close enough affair. The Big Westerner is a half sister to Stay Away Fay and has had just two career starts winning a Point, after which she was bough for £120k, and then winning a Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown by 1l with the next finisher 9l further back. Minella Sixo has won two and been runner up twice in his four starts over hurdles having won his only point. He was runner up to Potters Charm at Cheltenham back in October before beating Mister Pink half  a length at Thurles and then finishing over 2l behind Pray Tell in a Grade 3 at Cork eighteen days ago. Fleur In The Park was beaten a neck by The Yellow Clay in the Grade 2 Navan Hurdle three weeks ago over 2m4f with Mozzies Sister 5l further back. Fleur In The Park has some good bumper form to go with his hurdles form and he is the selection.

Selection; Fleur In The Park

Best Alternative; The Big Westerner

December 21st

Ascot (Going; Good To Soft)

Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) 3M97Y

Ten runners go to post for this and among them is last year's winner Crambo. However, unlike last year when he had two runs prior to it he comes here off the back of an extended break having finished 46l behind Strong Leader in the Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle last April. He did win first time out last year but that was off a fifty day shorter break. Strong Leader got off to a winning start for the season when beating Monmiral at Newbury last month. He was beaten by Blueking d'Oroux over 2m4 here last year but has improved for the step up to 3m. The Wallpark has won his last four starts and has since been bough by J.P. McManus. Since joining Gordon Elliott in May last year he has won seven times but this is a big step up from Handicaps. On his last start he beat Gowel Road  by over 2l at Cheltenhakm which earned him a 7lb rise in the Handicap. Charles Byrnes sends over Shoot First who won the Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle at Haydock last month. That was his second start after a two year lay off and he has obviously had issues as this will only be his tenth start and he'll be 9y0 in January. Another Irish runner is Hiddenvalley Lake who has his first start since finishing almost 5l behind Strong Leader at Aintree in April. Prior to that he had won the Grade2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan. He goes well when fresh so market moves should be noted. Paul Nicholls is sticking to hurdles with Blueking d'Oroux. He was over 10l back in fifth in this last year behind Crambo having beaten Strong Leader over an extended 2m3f the run before in the Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle. He's had a prep run when beaten 1l in the same race last month. Stii a 5yo he should keep improving and might be worth each way value on this ground and on a racecourse he obviously likes. Kateira gets the 7lb Mares allowance. She's had two runs this season finishing almost 5l behind Beacon Edge in the Grade 2 over 3m  at Wetherby early last month and then went to Kempton almonst four weeks ago and won a Mare's Listed Hurdle. She beat Jango Baie at Aintree last April and could well be in the mix. Botox Has was beaten 11l in this last year and pulled up behind Strong Leader at Aintree in April. On his only start this season he was 20l behind The Wallpark at Cheltenham in October. Beauport has had eleven starts over fences since he last ran over hurdles back in April 2022. He won three of his chase starts and had reached a mark of 148 over hurdles so it's interesting to see him back over the smaller obstacles. The Durkan's send over Eagle Fang but he has a bit to find on ratings. Blueking d'Oroux raced keenly in last year's race and hopefully he'll settle better here and if he does I think he's good each way value.

Selection; Blueking d'Oroux ( Each Way 10/1 Paddy Power)

Best Alternative; Strong Leader

December 20th

Ascot (Going; Good To Soft)

Noel Novices Chase (Grade 2) 2m3f175y

Just four to face the starter for this and it is a tricky event. Johnnywho got his chase career off to a winning start when winning a three horse race over 2m4f at Carlisle but was no match for the impressive The Jukebox Man at Newbury last month. He ran a couple of decent races in Graded company over hurdles last season and was beaten just 2l in the Challow behind Captain Teague. My only concern is that his trainer stated after that Carlisle win, which was on Good To Soft, that he might prefer more give over that trip. Rare Edition wears a first time tongue tie. He beat Rambo T a short head on Chase debut over 2m on Good ground last October and the runner up went on to win next time. Rare Edition was well held by the Bucksy Des Epeires next time over 2m3f. He's drifted a bit in the betting today also. Personal Ambition won three of his five starts over hurdles inncluding a Grade 2 at kelso where he beat Jango Baie by half a length. His trainer Ben Pauling has a strong hand in this division with Handstands and The Jukebox Man. He was beaten 1l on Chase debut by Lookaway in a two horse race and then could only manage a 7l fourth place behind Kalif Du Berlais at Newbury. Both those runs were over 2m. Mark Of Gold makes his chase debut at the age of 7yo having won seven of twenty starts over hurdles and three of twelve starts on the Flat. He'd a highest rating of 141 over hurdles and it's interesting that the Moore's start him over fences at this level. He's probably best watched here and at the moment is a drifter in the betting. Given the comments of his trainer after his win at Carlisle it might not be soft enough for Johnnywho and slight preference is for Personal Ambition.

Selection; Personal Ambition

Best Alternative; Johnnywho

December 14th

Cheltenham (Good To Soft)

Bristol Novices Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m

Seven go to post for this with the prolific winnir Skyjack Hijack the early favourite. He's run nine times since June and has won his last six climbing 42lbs in the ratings. He's been winning his races by wide margins although I suspect he was flattered by his win at Exeter as he had the benefit of race fitness and it remains to be seen if he can continue his progress. Clondaw General won his Point last January with a couple of winners coming from those in behind. He was bought by current connections for £150k after that. He reappeared last October winning a four runner Novice Hurdle and should improve for that. He has had just the two runs and both were on Soft.  Western Knight has won his two hurdle starts, both coming last month. In the first he beat subsequent winner Julius Des Pictons three parts of a length with the two pulling well clear of the rest. Both wins were on Good ground and he was runner up in a Bumper on Soft. Jet Blue was purchased out of Hugo Merriene's yard last month at the Aeqana Sale for €220k and now races for trainer David Cottin and owner Caroline Tisdall who has had some good horses down the year with David Pipe. Jet Blue won twice and was placed in his other three starts for Herriene and it will be interesting to see how he matches up having not raced beyond 2m2f previously. Aboutdamntime was beaten over 3l by Clondaw Warrior in his point and won next time out in his only start over hurdles. Again he's another who has only raced on Soft. Yellow Car needs to find a bit on ratings while Stop Lass has had just the one Bumper start and is best watched. A difficult one to weigh up but Clondaw General might have more rom for improvement than some of his rivals and gets the nod with the hope that he goes in the gorund.

Selection; Clondaw General

Best Alternative; Western Knight

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