The National Hunt season has begun in mouth-watering fashion in 2019 with so many of the games superstars putting their best foot forward again on seasonal debut. The November meeting at Cheltenham was reduced to two days due to adverse weather but proved to be very informative indeed. On the Saturday Kerry Lee’s mare Happy Diva was an impressive winner of the Bet Victor Gold Cup. That performance was eclipsed however on the Sunday when the supremely talented Defi Du Seuil lowered the colours of Politologue to win the Grade Two Schloer Chase. The win sent him rocketing to the front of the market for the Grade One Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park on Saturday 7^th December.

The Tingle Creek is one of the highlights of the season and no race in our sport has a more illustrious role of honour. All-time greats such as Desert Orchid, Flagship Uberalles, Moscow Flyer, Kauto Star, Master Minded, Sprinter Sacre and Altior have all tasted victory in this iconic race.

 

This year’s renewal sees two previous winners Un De Sceaux and Politologue take their chance against some bright new stars. It will undoubtedly be a race to savour and will wet the appetite for another outstanding festive season of Racing.

The two day Tingle Creek meeting also showcases some of the stars of the future in the Henry VIII Novices Chase as well as offering a platform for our favourite stayers in the London National. There really is something for everyone so if you love National Hunt Racing then you’ll have a fantastic time at Sandown Park, one of the U.K’s finest racecourses. To secure your tickets at the best possible price BOOK NOW

The long wait is nearly over for National Hunt fans as we accelerate towards another season of top class racing at Prestbury Park. The Cheltenham Showcase meeting on Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th of October is seen by many of the leading yards as an ideal starting point for the season for many of their stable stars. For many trainers the ultimate glory is to return in March and win at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival and what better preparation for that than to give their charges some of the course experience which often proves to be so crucial come the spring.

Last year we had two high quality days of racing with the highlight on the Friday being a typically tenacious performance from Lil Rockerfeller in landing the ‘Matchbook Time To Move Over’ Novices Chase on just his second chase start. Having already run over fences this season back in August he could well return again with his heart on his sleeve and dazzle the crowd once more.

On the Saturday last year the Paul Nicholls’ trained Modus got up in the dying strides to beat the ever consistent Duke of Navan in the Randox Health Handicap Chase. He has been called a few names in the past but on his day Modus shows all the ability in the world and on this occasion he was not to be denied.

With a quality couple of days of racing in prospect and a chance to see some of the stars that we love what better way to kick off the National Hunt season. You can also kick start your weekend early by celebrating the new Jump racing season at Cheltoberfest. This is new for 2019 and brings you live music from The Bierkeller Boys, a range of local real ales, and tips from a racing tipster before racing commences. Think of lots of tweed, lederhosen, and bunting aplenty to fully embrace the Cotswolds / Austrian theme! If it’s more of a family day your looking for then remember that normal attire is fine too and under 18’s get free entry to this meeting!

To secure your tickets at the best possible price – BOOK NOW

2,000 GUINEAS

It is not often that a Classic is defined by the horses who are absent, but that might well be the case for this year’s 2,000 Guineas. From March onwards we have seen Quorto, hot ante post favourite Too Darn Hot, Autumn Stakes winner Persian King, Covenntry winner Calyx and Greenham Stakes winner Mohaather have all been ruled out for reasons of injury or different targets, which has given us an incredibly open renewal of the first classic. If you’re planning on going to Newmarket and still need tickets then click here to get them at the cheapest possible rate.

As is so often the case with this, Aidan O’Brien has the two chief cards, with Magna Grecia and Ten Soverigns heading the market. Magna Grecia, last seen winning what was a very tight finish to the Vertem Furiity Trophy (previously known as the Racing Post Trophy). He’d previously been edged out of the Autumn Stakes by Persian King, who has since bolted up in the Prix de Fontainebleau. The form of his Doncaster win has been mostly boosted, with Great Scot (fifth) in the Greenham and Kick On (also runs here) taking the Fielden Stakes.

He has obvious claims, but he has shaped as a stayer who might be better going at least 10 furlongs and those who are willing to take the 10/3 (a perfectly fair price), should consider backing him for the Derby.

Whilst Magna Grecia is a strong stayer of a mile, Ten Sovereigns boasts arguably the most raw speed in the field. A seven length winner on his debut at the Curragh, he made short work of the Round Tower Stakes before showing a good attitude to get the better of Jash in the Middle Park Stakes, the pair clear of the third. He has plenty to recommend him, although the trip is a question mark on breeding especially in what’s sure to be a well run race.

Madhmoon was initially set to go for the Irish 2,000 Guineas after his defeat in a Leopardstown trial for the race, where he hit the front with promise but was just outpointed late on by a race fit rivals receiving 3lbs. He should be running on faster ground and it’s very hard to forget how impressive he was when beating Sydney Opera House on his maiden and then when beating Broome impressively on Irish Champions Weekend. That form stacks up brilliantly given how Broome has since finished a close second in the Jean Lagadere at Longchamp and then bolted up in the Ballysax Stakes, and he might actually end up giving Hamdan Al Maktoum just as good a chance as Moohaater.

Skardu showed a fine attitude and a great deal of improvement to take the Craven Stakes on just his second run, battling hard to get the better of Momkin, with the previously unbeaten Set Piece in third. All three ran fine races, but Royal Marine had easily the worst run before finishing fourth, with Christophe Soumillion being swamped over the top by the first three as the race developed quickly. He didn’t finish too badly given he had no chance, and with a clear run today, the Prix Jean-Luc winner would be of significant interest.

Advertise represents the best of the juvenile form (below a mile) last season, having finished second in the Dewhurst after a very fruitful juvenile campaign. He ought to be there or thereabouts, and will be hard to kick out of the frame for all that a couple of other contenders made more appeal.

Godolphin supplemented Al Hlalee, a Listed winner at Deauville last summer who was seen that form boosted by Great Scot without running since. He’s a bright prospect, but on that bare form, must have improved over the winter to be seriously involved here. Godophin also have Dark Vision, who didn’t get a great run in the Chelmsford Kentucky Derby trial. On the visual impression of his Vintage Stakes third he’d be interesting, but the form of that doesn’t match others. Shine So Bright was well handicapped and given a good ride when taking the Free Handicap (when Azano was a big disappointment in third) and will be under a lot more pressure today from the get go. Duke Of Hazard has been beaten by a number of horses at the head of the market and neither King of Change nor Name The Wind, useful horses both, have shown Group 1 potential in their wins.  Raakib ALhawa was highly thought of, enough to run in the Vertem Futurity last season, but he didn’t handle the step up and Van Beethoven, Sporting Chance, and the Irish Rover look a little exposed.

 

Advice: 1 pt each/way Madhmoon (15/2 Ladbroke, 7/1 general), 1 pt each/way Royal Marine (9/1 Bet365, Ladbrokes, General)

 

1,000 GUINEAS

The 1,000 Guineas is just as open, with Qabala a rightful favourite after winning the Nell Gwyn with a swooping run. That was a fiercely contested renewal (Mot Juste second, Angels’ Hideaway third, Look Around fourth) and if anything she ought to improve for this trip and just the second run of her life, so she’ll take the beating although the market has found her in decent time.

Skitter Scatter, now in the training care of John Oxx (who has partnered with Pat Prendergast) had a huge boost when Lady kaya (the horse she beat impressively in the Moyglare in September), bolted up in the Irish 1,000 trial at Leopardstown. She has shown an excellent turn of foot in two wins on slower ground but Is a good to firm ground winner and won’t be far away – indeed her form is arguably the strongest here. Lady Kaya, so impressive at Leopardstown, is actually here and cannot be ignored either.

Iridessa was third behind Lady Kaya that day and fifth in the Debutante, but on her only two starts over a mile (and on good ground) she bolted up in a good maiden and then won the Fillies Mile, responding brilliantly to pressure to outstay both Hermosa and Pretty Pollyanna. She was extremely authoritative here back in September and a big field could well see her get the sort of test she relishes; A well run mile on good ground. With a run behind her (and not a bad one at that) she makes a lot of each/way appeal.

Just Wonderful didn’t handle slow ground when well behind Skitter Scatter in the Moyglare but she got the better of Fred Darling winner Dandhu in the Rockfel and did well to be fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Filles Turf. She’ll get her surface today, and has to be involved in the conversation.

Fairyland has only been beaten once in five starts, having edged out The Mackem Bullet twice to take the Lowther Stakes and then the Chevley Park at the backend of last year. The trip is a question for her, as is the form on a line through The Mackem Bullet’s Breeders’ Cup effort, but she remains a top prospect for sprinting if that should be her game in the future. Another Ballydoyle horse, Fleeting, has had her May Hill win boosted by the good run of Star Terms, and is an interesting entry here for the Ballydoyle team.

Dandhu looked as if she was going to be an easy winner of the Fred Darling stakes a furlong out, but did well to get the better of a close battle between Iconic Choice (2^nd), So Perfect (third) and Star Terms (fourth). That was another excellent effort in group company and if she sees out this last furlong well, she can’t be far away. Antonia De Vega was a big disappointment in the Fillies’ Mile but the nature of her maiden win on the July Course (runner up group placed since) and her come from behind win in the Prestige Stakes was that of a very smart horse indeed.

Two worries for her today are that the form of the Prestige stakes hasn’t worked out well at all, and that there wasn’t an explanation given for her dire run in the Fillies’ Mile. She remains an exciting prospect, perhaps for longer distances down the line. Garrel Glen might find this all a bit too hot for her.

 

Advice: 1 pt each/way Ididessa (8/1 general)

Here are the updated ratings of the top horses following the Cheltenham Festival courtesy of Graham Richards. For more information and resources go to http://grahamrichardsonline.co.uk/

JUVENILE HURDLERS

 

	TIMEFORM	FORM & SPEED FIGURE	FORM ONLY
PENTLAND HILLS	146	145	149
FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES	143	142	146
BAND OF OUTLAWS	141	141	144
COEUR SUBLIME	141	140	142
GARDENS OF BABYLON	142	139	143
FUSIL RAFFLES	140	138	142
PIC D’OHRY	145	137	146
QUEL DESTIN	135	132	138
COKO BEACH	131	132	134
ECCO	131	130	133
CRACKER FACTORY	134	129	134
ADJALI	130	128	136
TORPILLO	131	128	136
CHRISTOPHER WOOD	136	127	136
ROCKY BLUE	133	127	135
TIGER TAP	134	127	135

 

NOVICE HURDLERS

 

	TIMEFORM	FORM & SPEED FIGURE	FORM ONLY
KLASSICAL DREAM	154	154	155
CITY ISLAND	151	150	153
THOMAS DARBY	147	149	151
AL DANCER	148	148	151
ITCHY FEET	146	148	150
MINELLA INDO	147	147	152
GRAND SANCY	144	146	149
EARLY DOORS	152	145	153
ANGELS BREATH	144	144	148
CHAMP	148	143	151
COMMANDER OF FLEET	145	143	147
SOUTHFIELD STONE	140	142	145
BRIGHT FORECAST	146	141	148
GETAWAY TRUMP	144	141	144
BIRCHDALE	143	141	145
ELIXIR DE NUTZ	142	140	147
QUICK GRABIM	146	139	147
ARAMON	145	139	146
BREWIN’UPASTORM	144	139	147
DALLAS DES PICTONS	146	139	146
AYE AYE CHARLIE	140	138	142
MISTER FISHER	143	137	143
DICKIE DIVER	137	137	142

 

NOVICE CHASERS

 

	TIMEFORM	FORM & SPEED FIGURE	FORM ONLY
DUC DES GENIEVRES (FR)	165	162	165
TOPOFTHEGAME	162	159	164
SANTINI	161	158	163
LE RICHEBOURG	158	153	159
DEFI DU SEUIL	157	153	159
DYNAMITE DOLLARS	153	152	156
DELTA WORK	160	151	161
LOSTINTRANSLATION	155	151	156
A PLUS TARD	161	150	162
LALOR	152	148	154
KALASHNIKOV	147	148	152
GLEN FORSA	153	148	153
THE WORLDS END	147	148	154
LA BAGUE AU ROI	147	148	150
CILAOS EMERY	155	147	152
SPIRITOFTHEGAMES	151	147	152
ORNUA	147	147	151
GETABIRD	150	147	152
BAGS GROOVE	150	147	153
KNOCKNANUSS	152	146	153
US AND THEM	150	146	152
WINTER ESCAPE	155	146	154

 

TOP CHASERS

 

	TIMEFORM	FORM & SPEED FIGURE	FORM ONLY
ALTIOR	180	174	179
AL BOUM PHOTO	170	173	174
CYRNAME	173	171	177
CLAN DES OBEAUX	170	169	173
BRISTOL DE MAI	169	168	171
WAITING PATIENTLY	168	167	171
FRODON	167	167	170
THISTLECRACK	169	167	171
UN DE SCEAUX	169	167	170
MIN	169	166	171
NATIVE RIVER	165	166	169
ASO	166	166	169
POLITOLOGUE	166	165	169
BALKO DES FLOS	164	165	168
ROAD TO RESPECT	166	165	168
ANIBALE FLY	164	165	167
FOOTPAD	172	165	169
DOUBLE SHUFFLE	168	164	167
FOX NORTON	165	163	167
TIGER ROLL	164	163	167
SCEAU ROYAL	164	163	166
KEMBOY	168	163	169
PRESENTING PERCY	169	162	169

TOP HURDLERS

 

	TIMEFORM	FORM & SPEED FIGURE	FORM ONLY
ESPOIR D’ALLEN	170	167	170
PENHILL	164	164	164
BUVEUR D’AIR	163	163	167
PAISLEY PARK	166	162	169
APPLE’S JADE (Mare)	162	161	165
SUPASUNDAE	162	160	164
FAUGHEEN	161	158	166
SAMCRO	162	158	163
MELON	162	158	162
SAM SPINNER	162	157	164
SHARJAH	157	156	161
WICKLOW BRAVE	158	151	157
BRAIN POWER	156	156	159
PETIT MOUCHOIR	162	155	160
PRESENTING PERCY	160	155	158
SAMCRO	162	154	160
BEDROCK	159	153	158
SILVER STREAK	157	153	157
LAURINA	155	153	157
GLOBAL CITIZEN	153	152	157

 

TOP BUMPERS

 

	TIMEFORM	FORM & SPEED FIGURE
ENVOI ALLEN	123	124
GET IN THE QUEUE	120	121
BLUE SARI	119	118
ABACADABRAS	115	117
MALONE ROAD	117	117
METICULOUS	110	117
KING ROLAND	116	116
THYME HILL	119	116
MIDNIGHT RUN	110	114
ASK FOR GLORY	112	113
ANDY DUFRESNE	111	113
MCFABULOUS	112	113
LONGHOUSE SALE	111	112
SEMPO	111	112
MASTER DEBONAIR	111	111
EDEN DU HOUX	114	110
IMPERIAL ALCAZAR	112	109
THE GLANCING QUEEN	107	109
THATSY	111	108

 

 

Cheltenham Day 3 Recap and Results

There is only one day to go in the Cheltenham Festival and if your predictions have been hitting the wall, you have some the final opportunity to redeem yourself. The third day of the festival (St. Patrick Thursday) was full of action especially in the highlight race of the day, the Stayers’ Hurdle. This race was expected to be a battle mainly between Faugheen, Paisley Park and last year’s runners up Supasundae. The weather was nice although a little damp and several people were able to make it to Prestbury Park to witness the action. For the punters, the day was generally a good one for those who had played their cards right as most of the chosen favorites made it to the first three positions. As you wait for the Gold Cup on Friday, here is a review of what transpired on the third day in black and white.

The JLT Novices’ Steeple Chase was the first race and it was, without doubt, a delight to the fans. The favorite of the race, Defi Du Seuil did the gamblers and his trainer Collin Tizzard proud but some credit should also be given to his jockey Barry Geraghty. Geraghty came into the competition ready for a battle of wits and he managed to stalk down Lostintransition before charging Defi forward to the finish line. Lostintranslation took the second position and MengliKhan the third. In the Pertemps Final, the first three positions were occupied by Sire Du Berlais, Tobefair and Not Many Left in that order. The race was a thrilling experience given that Sire rose from struggling for some space in the final lengths to become the top. Tobefair also surprised fans with his determination and were it not for Sire finding a gap, the 40/1 horse would have carried the day. Frodon registered perhaps one of the best victories for the day in the Ryanair Chase. He managed to hold the number one position from the start of the race to the finish line. Aso and Road To Respect took the second and third positions respectively.

The Gold Cup is just around the corner and being the greatest race of the event, many people are bracing themselves for the entertainment that comes with it in addition to the money returns from bets. Bookies have gone out of their way to ensure you have all the necessary stats for the race. To begin with, the last 20 competitions have never had a winner with a price greater than 8/1 and since the beginning, the highest price that has ever made it first to the finish line was 25/1 in 1998. Again, for the last 20 years, over 50% of winners had ratings of 170 and above. The name also seems to matter in these races although most people consider it a far-fetched variable. Single-word name horses do not make it to the top three positions with as much frequency as two- or three-word name horses. Finally, the ages 7-9 have produced 90% of the last 20 winners and thus it is expected that even the winner in this competition will not be far from that bracket.

When it comes to Cheltenham races, one has to have a strategy and this is what Paisley Park’s jockey seemed to have in mind. For about 90% of the course, Paisley maintained his position at the middle of the park only to beat his rivals down to their knees. Sam Spinner and Faugheen took the second and third positions respectively. In the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Handicap Chase, Siruh Du Lac, Janika and Spiritofthegames occupied the first three positions. The Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices Hurdle was won by Eglantine Du Seuil (50/1) followed by Concertista (66/1) and Tintangle (40/1). Finally, Any Second Now managed the top position in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase. The runners-up was Kilfilum Cross and in the third position was The Young Master.

Cheltenham Day One Preview – By Will Kedjanyi

The day is here! This is an updated day 1 preview, changed to account for prices and final fields. Best of luck to all.

 

13:30, Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)

 

Ante Post Position: 1 pt each/way Al Dancer, Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (10/1 general), February 15^th

 

Really competitive – there are at least six strong contenders one would count there – and for regular readers, the ante-post position on Al Dancer is very strong after his win in the Betfair Hurdle. 11/4 feels about right for his position now given that there’s nothing not to like about him, but should he get shorter, beware; eleven of the last 14 favourites to be sent off at 2/1 or shorter in the Supreme were beaten. Get Me Out Of Here, My Tent Or Yours and Kalashnikov all finished second after winning the Betfair Hurdle.

 

 

Four year olds are quite rare runners in the Supreme but Joseph O’Brien’s huge strength in depth means we’re likely to see Fakir D’oudaries here. The wide margin winner of the Triumph Hurdle Trial here on Trials Day won by 13 lengths and still had more in hand, and with Sir Erec and Gardens of Babylon for the Supreme, it’s obvious to send him here.

 

Binocular and Rippling Ring both ran big races in the 2008 Supreme but Torpichen couldn’t cut it a year later. Only two have even tried since; Marsh Warbler, a 22/1 shot who was 11^th in 2011, and Kudha, a 200/1 shot who ran like one when 13^th last year. Fakir is old enough if he’s good enough, but he’s also short enough at 7/2 for my liking.

 

 

The market has curved its overreaction to the defeat of Angel’s Breath at Kempton in the Dovecote, and he looks to be the right price now. It has been a long time since we’ve seen one, let alone two, Willie Mullins horses as big as 10/1, but that is the case for Klassical Dream and Aramon, who had a tremendous battle in what used to be called the Delolitte at Leopardstown last time out.

 

The pair were six and a half lengths clear of Vision D’honneur, who is a solid yardstick based on his Punchestown win, and both look to be strong stayers at the trip, like Mullins’ other winners here. There’s literally nothing not to like about either of them although it’s interesting to note that they’ve done their running on fast ground by jumping standards, much like the rest of the field. Klassical Dream has perhaps looked to be the stronger stayer of the two, but there’s precious little between them.

 

 

It is fairly rare that you can get novice form tested against all aged contenders, but that is the case with Elixir De Nutz’ Tolworth win. Colin Tizzard’s five year old has been a different horse since moving from Philip Hobbs, finishing second on his debut here in October before winning his next three, including the Tolowrth Hurdle. There he beat Grand Sancy, who has since beaten Secau Royal and Vision Des Flos in the Elite Hurdle, and Southfield Stone, who went onto beat Angel’s Breath in the Dovecote.

 

That was also not a fluke; Elixir had previously given nearly a stone and a beating to Jarvey’s Plate, a wide margin listed winner after that, and even his November win has produced two different winners in behind.

 

There is very little not to like about him, but he is a noted front runner and whilst racing prominently is helpful in the Supreme, there is sure to be a ton of pace on at the front end. That is not an issue for Grand Sancy, who was fourth in what used to be the The Ladbroke at Christmas, following up a good listed win with that eye-catching effort there, and he battled brilliantly to take the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

 

 

He is rather experienced for a Supreme winner, although a huge amount of his improvement has come after a wind surgery in the offseason, and most Supreme winners of recent times have had plenty of racing beforehand. The last ten winners had run 4+ times over hurdles before they lined up for the Supreme.

 

 

Mister Fisher has been highly rated for a long time – he was well backed to win a bumper at Kempton in the week of the Festival – and he has really begun to come of age recently, taking a traditional trial for this at Kempton over Christmas. He won the Haydock trial in good style, showing a bright turn of foot to get the better of Bright Forecast, although the runner up did lose ground when they turned into the back straight.

 

Whilst Mister Fisher has done some of his best work late, there are questions for him to answer; Namely those of how he would handle this track and hill combined, although the ground ought to be no issue.

 

 

Thomas Darby was third to Mister Fisher at Kempton when giving 5lbs – having been beaten by just five lengths – and the rest of his form stacks up very well, including a defeat of Elixir De Nutz here in October. A strongly run race ought to suit him too.

 

 

Advice: 1 pt each/way Grand Sancy (12/1 general)

 

 

 

14:10, Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

 

Ante Post Position: 1 pt each/way Kalashnikov, Arkle (14/1 Betfair, Paddy Power) 25^th August, 1 pt each/way Paloma Blue, Arkle (14/1 general)

 

 

Competitive, to say the least. Lalor’s debut back in November over course and distance was one of the most impressive performances of the season, so it was a surprise when he was so baly beaten in the Henry VII Chase at Sandown. He’s not had a race since – unseasonably fast ground has kept him off the track – but has pleased trainer Kayley Woolacott at home and in a racecourse gallop at Exeter too. Dynamite Dollars, since a winner against Kalashnikov in the Wayward Lad, has given that form a strong look and perhaps the favorite is happier going left handed in ground conditions that don’t represent a slog, as Sandown did that day.

 

After the desperately disappointing injury to Le Richebourg, there’s now a choice for JP McManus. His Defi Du Seuil has come right back to form, winning a strong novice chase at Exeter in fine style before then taking the Scilly Isles Chase, with a narrow defeat in the Dipper in between. All of that form has come over further than 2 miles, but that tends to be a positive when it comes to the Arkle and he’s improved his jumping tenfold – but will he run?

26 days ago it looked as if Glen Forsa was going for the Close Brothers’ Handicap Chase. Four minutes later he now comes here as a leading contender, following his brilliant defat of Kalashnikov in the rescheduled Kingmaker. In a tour de force from the front, he had Amy Murphy’s charge struggling from the back straight before sealing the deal around the pond fence and winning by a remarkable 19 lengths.

 

 

The key to weighing up his chance lies in how trustworthy one thinks his Kingmaker victory is; If you are taking a 19 length defeat of Kalashnikov at its merit, then he has probably the best chaser performance this season; However, given the lame performance of Kalashnikov there, that is impossible to take at face value; However his previous defeat of Glen Rocco at Kempton was that of a horse pushing graded status and his extra stamina dna bality to handle soft ground give him two big advantages.

 

Duc Des Genievres is not a horse that many would have had as an Arkle type, but a couple of defeats and one impressive Gowran Park win later, he’s now as short as 5/1. And it’s understandable why – he’s improved with every chase start and his stable’s leading contender Cliaos Emery won’t be there anymore.

 

Stamina is not a bad thing for the Arkle, but it remains to be seen where a horse who has so obviously improved going back up in trip finds the speed, especially as he was fifth in the Ballymore last year.

 

 

We have two ante post positions here, but neither are anything to be overly excited about; The form of the Supreme has worked out poorly, and Kalashnikov and Paloma Blue haven’t necessarily impressed over fences so far. A deluge of rain would be good for Kalashikov would be helpful, and a dry week would be good news for Paloma Blue, but neither looks good enough at this stage.

 

 

Hardline won the Matchbook Betting Exchange Novice Chase at Limerick with the better jump at the last before finishing third in the Flogas Novice Chase. The rain that has arrived is good news for him and his 10 length defeat of Us And Them doesn’t look too bad now here. With the pace of th likely race and his running style, he has become a strong contender in the markets and will not be far away. Ornua has suddenly found himself as a contender through Dynamite Dollars but must improve still.

 

Knockanauss will be a bold sight out in front if he puts in a clean round but he could be forced to go too fast too early.

 

Advice: 1 pt win Hardline (5/1 general)

 

 

14:50, Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

 

 

It’s hardly difficult to spot that last year’s winner Coo Star Sivola is only 3lbs higher following a less successful campaign, and that this has probably been the aim. His festival record is a fine one and Paul Nicholls has been in flying form coming upto the Festival and Give Me A Copper was very eye-catching in Masters’ Handicap Chase at Sandown. However, the market has more than discovered him already and he is essentially making value for others.

 

 

 

Minella Rocco is extremely well handicapped on the basis of his best form from last season, a fourth in Leopardstown’s Savils Chase. A former Gold Cup winner up, his runs in the Costswold Chase and an Exeter Handicap Hurdle were clear sighters, and the argument for him is very clear. The biggest issue? His jumping, which has let him down on many an occasion.

 

 

A fascinating contender here would be Magic Of Light, the rapidly progressive eight year old mare who unseated before the going got serious in the Bobbyjo Chase. She has previously just been outsped by the very consistent mare Happy Diva over a trip which was more than inadequate, as shown by impressive wins in a Listed Mares chase and also the OLBG Mares’ Hurdle. She should love the course here and is versatile regarding ground, so has to be of major interest.

 

Vintage Clouds has really good form apart from the Welsh National – after which he was given a wind op – and if he’s at peak fitness then he is well overpriced too.

 

 

Mister Whitaker’s impressive early season return seemed to have him set for good things and whilst two runs in competitive handicaps might have disappointed some, a step up in trip could do him good. One wonders if he’s used his best mark, though.

 

General Principle ran an eye-catching race in the Grand National trial, which was his fourth and best run of the season. He didn’t go too badly in the Thyestes the time before and whilst the Grand National might be the choice for last season’s Irish National winner, he will be suited by the rain that’s hit the course.

 

Singlefarmpayment, fifth in this last year, has frustrated more punters than Betbright in the last week but he hasn’t run a bad race since last January and he might well get better ground than he did last year. Trusting him to win another battle is a different matter.

 

 

Advice: 1 pt each/way Magic Of Light (20/1 general), 1 pt each/way Coo Star Sivola (9/1 general)

 

 

 

 

15:30, Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) 

 

Ante Post Position: N/A

 

 

 

Potentially one of the races of the festival if the leading contenders run to their best. Last year’s winner Buveur D’Air was surprisingly outsped by Verdana Blue in the Christmas Hurdle but has been flawless otherwise – he was made to work very hard by Melon in what seemed to be a weaker renewal last year. His versatility regarding tactics and ground

 

 

Apple’s Jade has been taking all before her since a below par third in both Mares’ races at last year’s Festival and Punchestown. It’s impossible to find a fault in her front running romp in either of her three Grade 1 wins, and the time of those successes checks out too. The questions for her to answer relate to the pace, as she will be pressured from the front – some might also pick  on her course record as she’s just 1/3 at the festival, and was flat according to many last year.

 

 

Laurina is the unknown factor in the race. Last year’s Mares’ Novices Hurdle winner frequently looks good enough to run at this level, but has faced nothing of the sort – because connections haven’t let her step up to that very level, either through choice or convenience. Many readers here may well have bigger prices about her, and some will fancy her on the strength of her stable’s obvious affection for her, but the form of the leading pair is too compelling to ignore.

 

 

Verdana Blue has been improving hand over fist and her defeat of Buveur D’air in the Christmas Hurdle looked fair and square at the time (and appears to be since). A nice tune up at Kempton should have her spot on for here, but quick ground appears to be vital to her chances and there’s been rain about recently.

 

 

Sharjah might have benefited from a mad gallop in the Morgiana but there was no fluke about his impressive win in the Ryanair Hurdle at Christmas. He will get a strong pace to run at, that form gives him a reasonable place prospect, and he appears to be improving, so an each/way case can be made. He handles cut but the quicker the round the better for him too.

 

 

Melon pushed Buveur D’Air to the limit in this last season after a bad run and he has taken the same sort of route this time around, running poorly in the Irish Champion Hurdle after what looked to be a promising return in the Ryanair Hurdle. If one takes the view that last season’s contest is the best form on offer, then he is big at 14/1 each/way.

 

Supasundae has finished second in the Hattons’ Grace, Ryanair, and Irish Champion Hurdle, and just like last season, he is improving through the campaign. He looks a solid each/way contender, although it’s interesting to note that he ended up winning at Punchestown in the Champion Hurdle after runner up finishes in the Champion and Aintree Hurdles.

 

 

Nico De Boinville’s choice of the seemingly back to form Brain Power raised an eyebrow or two when declared but the way he travelled and jumped when taking the International Hurdle suggested that he wasn’t that far from taking a hand in a Champion of this nature. He’s a talented horse, but that International Hurdle form did not look the strongest and other contenders here have produced stronger finishes. Silver Streak was second there but would probably want quicker ground whilst Global Citizen, who won the Haydock trial, is probably going to be asked to go too fast here.

 

Espoir D’Allen has disappointed just once since arriving from France and has impressed with his turn of foot for each of his seven hurdling wins, but the juvenile form – bar Stormy Ireland, and even then that’s a stretch, has not really worked out. A strongly run race ought to bring out the best in him, but he must still make a big leap on his best form. Farclas has gone to pot.

 

Advice: No bet.

 

 

 

16.10, OLBG Mares’ Hurdle (Registered As The David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle) (Grade 1) 

 

 

If, as the market suggests, Apple’s Jade and Laurina both head to the Champion Hurdle, then Benie Des Dieux, who thought so hard to beat Midnight Tour here a year ago, will become of the most popular selections of the week. The case for her is obvious and Willie Mullins has prepared Quevega for this without a run standing on their head, but she is very short at 5/6, priced as if she is a winner already.

 

 

Limini, who was back to form when fourth in the Galmoy Hurdle, apparently hadn’t been letting herself down on the ground since the summer and a tough flat season, but that shouldn’t be an issue her and she is a major each/way contender at her best, which includes a close third in 2017 behind Apple’s Jade.

 

 

Stormy Ireland, second to Laurina at Punchestown last time, has also bumped into Espoir D’Allen before and had previously been a really impressive winner over Good Thyne Tara at Punchestown. She’s got a lot of raw ability and now jumps better, but one worries if she’s not better at shorter than this trip and she will do her best running early.

 

 

The first British trained contender in the betting is Roskana, who has had just the one run this season, a sighter at Sandown which was presumably to get her ready for this race. Dan Skelton’s seven-year-old was extremely progressive last season, ending the season with a  second to Santini in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. Before that she had taken a competitive handicap novices’ final at Newbury in her first graded outing and there’s little not to like about her claims on that evidence, especially if this turns into a slog as can be rather common. She had horses with strong staying novice form behind her last year and the recent rain also isn’t going to be an issue for her either.

 

 

Cap Soleli, second by a distance to the brilliant Laurina here last year, will have her chances enhanced by more rain although she’s not been seen since. Mia’s Storm has already seen the ground become too slow for her. Jester Jet has done all her racing on good ground this season but handles it softer.

 

Lady Buttons hasn’t been able to stop winning this season and the versatile nine-year-old, who has been both chasing and hurdling this season. The last time she was at Grade 1 level, she was a creditable fourth in the Maghull but this looks more her bag – have we seen the best of her?

 

 

Elimay made a good Irish debut when second to Good Thyne Tara but will need to improve a great deal on that if she’s to make an impact here. Apple’s Shakira didn’t show much on her comeback after disappointing at both spring festival, and she’s hard to trust. The winner of the Jane Seymour Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, Queenohearts, will be hoping for lots more rain after another victory over Danse Idol, this time giving 5lbs more than in December when she also ground out victory at Haydock. She has lots of admirable qualities, but also more than 20lbs to find.

 

 

Advice: 2.5 pts each/way Roskana (9/1 Paddy Power, Bet365, Hills)

 

 

16:50 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed Race)

 

 

A Plus Tard jumps out here. A very young import – just five – from France, he has put his experience to good use, finishing a close second on his debut, and he then gave a good beating to the very smart Duc Des Genieveres, who has since won impressively at Gowran, and he caught a tartar in the shape of Winter Escape last time. A mark of 144 feels fair and the weather shouldn’t bother him.

 

 

Towards the bottom, Shady Operator’s form catches the eye and a mark of 139 doesn’t look unfair at all. Joseph O’Brien already has Tower Bridge here too, who might be better suited to a step up in trip. Highway One O One ought to go well from the front.

 

 

Riders On The Storm is the current favorite after running in some strong races, and he managed to get the better of the subsequent dual winner Impact Factor at Punchestown. Movewiththetimes was a disappointment at the last festival and hasn’t completed since, but a mark of 140 just dangerously underestimated his chances, so watch the market.

 

Advice: 1 pt each/way A Plus Tard (8/1 on Sunday, now 6’s)

 

 

 

17:30, National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase (Grade 2)(Class 1)

 

 

Perhaps not the best race to play in now. The market is dominated by OK Corral, the impressive winner of the Hampton Novices’ Chase at Warwick, and Ballyward, who won the Naas Racecourse Business Club Novice Chase when left in front by the fall of Discorama.

 

Both ought to go well, although that is reflected in their prices already and if pushed one might say that Ballyward would make a little more appeal in a slog. Discorama is the right price now, having been a couple of points too big after Naas, but there are other contenders such as Mortal, who has been running over trips too short on ground too fast for Joesph O’Brien, and last year’s fourth Impulsive Star.

 

 

He was behind OK Corral at Plumpton but that was a woefully inadequate test and he proved it with a gutsy win in the Classic Chase at Warwick last time out, and even his fourth from last year now looks a lot better; Rathvinden won the Bobbyjo Chase and is going for the National with a leading chance whilst Sizing Tennessee (third there) bolted up in the Hennessy afterwards. Second Ms Parfois was then a runner up in a Grade 1 at Aintree, underlining the form. He looks to have a solid each/way chance again.

 

Chef Des Obeaux disappointed at the spring festivals last season when thrown into bigger fields and a poor round of jumping at Chepstow last time doesn’t do much to reassure one about his claims.

 

Also, an each/way chance is taken on Jerrysback lasting the trip. Phllip Hobbs’s seven year old surprised the market when getting the better of Mulcahys’ Hill at Bangor on December with a huge amount in hand, and he has since finished second in two Graded contests, the first behind JLT contender Vinndication, and the second when perhaps tapped for toe a bit behind Casatafirore at Haydock over 2 and a half miles. He had Le Breuil well behind that day and this step up in trip and softer ground will definitely suit – it’s simply a matter of how far.

 

Advice: 1 pt each/way Impulsive Star (14/1 Coral, Ladbrokes, Hills)