Best Of Bets

Category: Horse Racing

  • CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023: Current Trainer Form

    CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023: Current Trainer Form

    CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023: Current trainer form

    The biggest event in the national hunt campaign is nearly upon us and with that, the betting for the leading trainer 2023 is well underway. The racing experts at BestofBets have looked at each candidate to find out who’s most likely to bring home the Cheltenham Top Trainer Award.
    Historically, this prestigious award has been fought out between Irelands most recognised trainers; namely, Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott. However, looking at this year’s field and it’s set to be a lot more competitive.

    Whether you will be attending Prestbury Park throughout the week or watching the dramatic action from the comfort of your home, many of you will have varying opinions on any of the 28 races during the Cheltenham Festival.

    We all know a fiend for the form book or someone who relies on trainer comments to formulate fancies, but yard form is something that is key to the chances of any horse at the four-day action-packed party.

    Therefore, we will be sharing with you the hottest and coldest trainers heading into jump racing’s Olympics.

    Before we start, both Willie Mullins and Paul Nicholls are in flying form and have obvious claims, but they are not included on the list to try and highlight the chances of other trainers.

    Gavin Cromwell

    Operating at an 18% strike rate from 34 runners, the Gavin Cromwell yard has been in good form over the last two weeks, a period that has included two winners this weekend.

    The County Meath stable have won the last two renewals of the Stayers’ Hurdle with Flooring Porter and the eight-year-old is looking to do the same and make it a hat-trick this year.

    With a eight-horse string team, hopefully Cromwell’s strong form around Cheltenham (5/31) can continue to help propel his squad to success next week.

    David Pipe

    Moving onto David Pipe, the legendary trainer has sent out as many winners as Cromwell over the last two weeks (six), however, they have come from seven fewer runners (27).

    Unfortunately for Pipe, his last Cheltenham Festival winner came in the 2017 Ultima Handicap Chase thanks to Un Temps Pour Tout, but the son of Martin Pipe could have up to eight runners this year.

    With the yard currently flying high on 68 victories this campaign – his highest winners total since the 2015/16 season – hopefully the Grand National-winning trainer can make a welcomed return back to the famous winner’s enclosure.

    Gordon Elliott

    We couldn’t end this section without mentioning the trainer trying to chase down Willie Mullins at this year’s Festival, and that’s Gordon Elliott.

    Operating out of Cullentra House, Elliott has 161 individual entries at this year’s Festival, though many are entered for multiple races.

    A hat-trick on the weekend for the former trainer of Festival legend Tiger Roll brought his fortnightly total up to 10 winners from 50 runners and with the greatest four days on turf just around the corner, it’s almost guaranteed that his horses will be cherry-ripe for Gloucestershire’s grandest event.

    Jessica Harrington

    Moving on to the trainers who could be on a better run of form, Jessica Harrington, trainer of the 2017 Champion Hurdle winner Jezki, is 0-25 over the jumps and has yet to pick up a winner in 75 days.

    Having only trained three winners this campaign in Ireland from 84 runners (4% strike rate), Harrington is way below her season high total of the last decade (51) that was achieved in both 2016/17 and 2018/19.

    The County Kildare operator has no horses entered between now and the Leinster National on Saturday and she could have a maximum of five horses running at the Festival, a team that includes Stayers’ Hurdle contender Ashdale Bob.

    Henry de Bromhead

    This may come as a little bit of a surprise, but the reigning Gold Cup-winning trainer has been a bit of an absentee to the winner’s enclosure recently.

    Having won the blue-ribboned event the last two years thanks to Minella Indo and A Plus Tard, Henry de Bromhead has yet to train a winner in the last 15 days from 15 runners.

    The County Waterford-based operator looks to be well represented this year thanks to the two previously mentioned horses, Honeysuckle, Envoi Allen, and Hiddenvalley Lake to name just a few, however, a change up in fortune would be well received ahead of the curtain raising Supreme Novices’ Hurdle next week.

    Venetia Williams

    And finally, bringing it back to the British, a change in luck would seemingly be well received for Venetia Williams over the next week as she has trained only 1 winner from her last 20 runners.

    On the big stage, the Kings Caple-based trainer has been fairly useful, having picked up the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in February with Funambule Sivola, a Champion Chase competitor this year.

    Holding entries in Gold Cup, Ryanair, and many handicap, a 5% strike rate from the last two weeks would have to be a small concern heading into the Festival.

  • Festival Focus: Juvenile Races

    Festival Focus: Juvenile Races

    Festival Focus: Juvenile Races

    The juvenile races have been an interesting watch this season. It’s debatable about the future of British jumps racing, given that four Graded juvenile hurdles were won by the Irish. But the festival can often give us the answer. Here’s a look at the two juvenile hurdles, plus the bumper. Bets of Bets takes a further look.

    Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – 2m 87yds – Premier Handicap 

    As predicted, the top of the market is littered with Irish runners. Tekao heads the Emerald Isles’ challenge for a certain W P Mullins. He has some good form behind his back, including Comfort Zone on his maiden. He finished third in the Spring Juvenile at Leopardstown, as Lossiemouth and Gala Marceau went off ahead. He looks a solid horse and has quite a weight on his back, that he looks capable to defy.

    Byker for Charles Byrnes also looks a good sloid horse, finishing a close third at Naas last time out. He actually broke his maiden tag this year at the back end of January, beating Mighty Mo Missouri (who Tekao also beat when he shed his maiden tag). On evidence, he’s a decent jumper of hurdles but stays on home really well.

    Nusret won the Adonis as a prep race, but the question is which race does he go to. There’s debate around whether Nusret attends the Festival or goes to Aintree/Punchestown. His run in the Adonis was made for him; nice good ground and a right-handed track, which jockey Daryl Jacob said suits him a lot. He has some decent Irish form behind him, and made the British look feeble in defeat at Kempton.

    Risk Belle was winning races in France, before she was bought by the green and gold of J P McManus and sent to Willie Mullins. Her Irish record now reads 54F. But because she isn’t a maiden, it makes her quite appealing when you remember this race is a handicap. The British handicapper puts her 4lbs better than her Irish equivalent, and looks decently handicapped.

    Gary Moore holds the cards for the British and Perseus Way and Bo Zenith sit next to each other in the market. Perseus Way was actually the best of the British in the Adonis, and laid down a slight challenge to Nusret. His form book has been boosted, particularly his run at Huntingdon, as second Samuel Spade won on his next run. The Graded form from the Finale has also worked out well with Comfort Zone winning on Trails Day.

    Bo Zenith hasn’t had too many starts over hurdles, but has broken his maiden tag thanks to a win up at Haydock, beating Cianciana and previously fancied Paul Nicholls horse, Afadil. You could argue the handicapper has been quite harsh on him, given that he is less experienced over hurdles and the form from his British debut hasn’t worked out well.

    Verdict: Perseus Way; The debate can be settled, that British racing is in safe hands. Well for this race anyway. The form has worked out tremendously well for this horse, and with a run over C&D earlier on in the season, will put him at an advantage to the others. Currently 12/1 with bet365.

    Each-way pick: Punta Del Este; You don’t have to look to far down to find him. He finished third behind Bo Zenith at Haydock, which was his first British start. He grew into the race, and stayed on well up the run-in, and that could benefit him at Cheltenham. A decent pick at 14/1 with bet365.

    Weatherbys Champion Bumper – 2m 87yds – Grade One

    This race will be won by Willie Mullins. Fact. He has 14 runners entered. That’s nearly a third of the entries. And as of writing, none of the are favourite.

    That position is held by A Dream To Share for John Kiely. Unbeaten on all starts for the unsung hero of small stable Irish racing, he put in a great performance at the DRF to deny the Mullins brigade. The question is the weather. When I started to write these previews, not a drop of rain was forecast. Now it looks like the Festival will start off soft, and stay that way. But the Clerk of the Course, Jon Pullin, doesn’t know either. A Dream To Share looks like he’ll prefer the better side of good to soft.

    The Irish bumpers have been dominated by Willie Mullins, and Simon Munir and Issac Souede. The Double Green army have invested heavily in the Irish market, after being involved in British racing for so long. There investment has paid off, with the next two in the market of that partnership. It’s For Me was eye-catching by winning his only Irish start by nine lengths on deep ground at Navan, but the form hasn’t worked out particularly well (despite the second placed horse being a long distance third on its next start)

    Fun Fun Fun was kept warm in her box since her debut back in October. She then went to beat Lily Du Berlais by nine-and-a-half lengths. With that eye-catching run behind her, plus being kept fresh for the Festival, and with a mares allowance, she looks a lot better than the price she is.

    Gordon Elliott runs Better Days Ahead, which ahs been kept fresh since the start of December. He beat Chapeau De Soleil by almost four lengths on deep ground at Fairyhouse. The only negative I would have for him; is he hasn’t run over a left-handed track.

    You then have to scroll down a bit to find the first of the British runners. Queens Gamble looked an almost banker for the Bumper, after winning over C&D twice, winning by a combined distance of 18 lengths. She succumbed to her defeat in the Alan Swinbank at Market Rasen but only lost by a length, on a track that isn’t even like Cheltenham. I predict there may be a big gamble on the day for Queens Gamble.

    Verdict: Fun Fun Fun; Really took to this mare at Leopardstown, and if she comes here, she has plenty going for her and at 9/1, with bet365, she can’t be sniffed at.

    Each-way pick: Queen’s Gamble; Just because she’s at an each-way price, she should be a win bet for her record at Cheltenham. In a way, she has everything going for her too. It’s just that the British haven’t won the bumper since Ballyandy in 2016…

    JCB Triumph Hurdle – 2m 179yds – Grade One

    In recent years, this race hasn’t produced many recognisable Cheltenham Festival winners, apart from Tiger Roll. Hopefully, we can see some bright young stars come through to win here in the future.

    As always, the Irish dominate with Blood Destiny top of the shop. We were expecting to see him at Leopardstown, but Mullins has decided to keep him fresh for the Festival. He was impressive on debut winning by five lengths, then even more impressive when winning by 19 lengths at Fairyhouse in deep ground. Winning distances like that just cannot be touched.

    Lossiemouth wasn’t disappointing at the DRF. Paul Townend put her in the wrong position and was riding hard, and getting a response, on Lossiemouth. She did manage to bridge the gap, but to no avail. You could say that she does have the staying power for the trip that Gala Marceau may lack.

    But Gala Marceau was actually impressive. The way she went away from Lossiemouth was a brilliant turn of foot. Arguably you could, on paper evidence, say that ground benefitted her that day, but Lossiemouth did come home the strongest and will be looking fired up in the paddock to get revenge.

    A surprising French raider entered the market, with a Welsh name. St Donats, trained in France hasn’t been seen since last November but is a Grade One winner. Whilst the ground description says heavy, the ground was probably somewhere nearer the soft side of good-to-soft. But the winning margin puts St Donats in a league of his own. Can he follow up Gold Tweet’s shock win in the Cleeve?

    Talking of C&D winners, Comfort Zone. The winner of two Grade Two races in the UK, and one on trails day, beating Scriptwriter. He looked well suited to the track, and the challenge of Scriptwriter up the hill really pushed him on, and he showed that little bit more to win. Arguably, the form isn’t worked out too well, with Scriptwriter finishing distant in the Adonis (Active Duty finished third on his next start). But Course form helped Pied Piper finish a close second to Vauban last year, it could prove vital again.

    It’s unclear whether Bo Zenith comes here, but may hold an each-way chance, but Scriptwriter will definitely come to this race. If Milton Harris stuck on £1000 each-way then he must know something. That bet was put on before his Adonis run, but he had excuses. You could argue he prefers to go left-handed than right, the ground was too firm for him, the loose horse caused carnage at the third last, even though he hit the hurdle pretty hard himself. But two good Cheltenham runs, can’t be dismissed.

    Verdict: Blood Destiny; It’s hard to stay away from the favourite. The form has worked out, his individual performance is one of the best, and he’s been kept fresh for the festival. What more could you ask at 15/8 with bet365?

    Each-way: Scriptwriter; A lot of things went wrong in the Adonis. Cross a line through it and get over it, he’s a had two fantastic races at Cheltenham. And a grand each-way from the trainer, isn’t just chucking money away.

  • Festival Focus: Novice Chases

    Festival Focus: Novice Chases

    Festival Focus: Novice Chases

    There’s been some exciting novice chases all season, and the best of the best will compete at Cheltenham. Best of Bets takes a deep dive into the four novice chases during the week.

    Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase – 1m 7F 199yds – Grade One

    There have been some stellar Arkle’s down the years. This one, however, seems to only be about two horses. Jonbon vs El Fabiolo.

    Starting with the Irish challenge, there was a lot to like about El Fabiolo’s win in the Irish Arkle. He jumped effortlessly, and put in strides when he needed to, and when he was asked by Daryl Jacob to extend, he did so. He suited the two mile trip, and the slight drop won’t be a problem, as he can get the top end of two miles. The last time he faced Jonbon, El Fabiolo was flawless bar the last hurdle, but if he can put in a performance similar to Leopardstown, Jonbon may be in for a tough test.

    But Jonbon won’t go down lightly. Supreme horses, who come to the Arkle, have a good record in the race. Jonbon finished behind Constitution Hill, and made up for it by winning at Aintree, holding off his Irish rival. Course form may prove to be the difference, as Jonbon has raced around the Old Course before and handled it well, whilst El Fabiolo hasn’t stepped foot at the Festival. Jonbon has been a class above his rivals, but hasn’t faced staunch opposition until now.

    Others that may head to the Arkle include Dysart Dynamo, who burnt out in the Irish Arkle, and will need to put in a similar performance to his novice chases debut to get anywhere close to the two at the top of the market. The Flyingbolt Novice Chase on Saturday, should confirm the last few of the Arkle field.

    Verdict: Jonbon; It’s a tight contest between the top two, but Jonbon just edges it with the Festival experience, but El Fabiolo will make it an entertaining race to watch. Jonbon is 13/8 with bet365.

    Each-way pick: I fear there won’t be many runners in this year’s Arkle, but one that should come here is Flame Bearer. Would prefer it to be softer, but if he runs well in the Flyingbolt then he should come here, and not be too disgraced. Currently 50/1 with bet365, at time of writing.

    National Hunt Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys’ Novices’ Chase – 3m 5F 201yds – Grade Two

    This race is for stayers’. We could see the future Gold Cup winner, or maybe the Grand National winner from this race. Tiger Roll won this race in 2017, a year later he won the National. Who could follow in his footsteps this year?

    The favourite is Gaillard Du Mesnil, who looks to be a future National horse after finning third in last year’s Irish National. Staying trips is his forte, as his latest run behind Mighty Potter confirms. He won the Nevills Hotel Chase over Christmas, which does point to this race as well as the Brown Advisory, and seen as he has already been placed in that race, Willie Mullins places him here, and looks like it’s his to lose. However, the last favourite that won the race was Back In Focus in 2013.

    But he does face competition. Mahler Mission, raced here in October and lost by a staggering 61 lengths. It was his first start of the season, and since then he has gone on to finish a close second to Churchstonewarrior. He was the one to take out of the race that day, and looked like he could stay further. This may be his trip, if cut in the ground comes.

    Churchstonewarrior had multiple seconds earlier in the season before winning at Navan. He can get three miles easily, but this trip is a whole lot further, and may face another tricky opponent in Gaillard Du Mesnil.

    Chemical Energy has been kept fresh for this race, but disappointed on his last start in a Grade Three. He was sloppy over his fences, compared to his Cheltenham run in October. His best form comes over good ground, and if the ground stays like that then maybe he holds a more than an each-way chance.

    Verdict: Mahler Mission; this is the race that has been outlined for him all season, and with previous course form, he could lay down a very big challenge to the short-priced favourite. Best price is 7/1 with bet365.

    Each-way pick: Chemical Energy, may go off shorter on the day if the ground is firm enough, but he is one to consider at a small each-way price of 8/1, with bet365.

    Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – 3m 80yds – Grade One

    Personally, I think this is one of the worst races of the week, certainly one of the worst renewals of the race. There doesn’t seem to be a standout performer in this novice chases division.

    Some people think that Gerri Colombe is the standout pick, which is why he is the favourite. However, he hasn’t competed over three miles and is making a big step up in trip from his win in the Scilly Isles. L’Homme Presse used that route last year, but looked like he needed the step up. Gerri Colombe, whilst classy, didn’t look like he was needing a step up in trip and 2/1 is just too short to have him. Plus he doesn’t have any course experience.

    The Real Whacker has raced three times at Cheltenham this season, and has won twice over fences. He seems to love Cheltenham, especially after his last race on the new course. On the old course, he jumped out to the right, slightly, but his front-running style has earned him plaudits. But has he had enough experience to win the race, with just two chase starts and six starts over his whole career.

    Sir Gerhard has been aimed at the Brown Advisory this year, making a marked step up in trip since his chasing debut over two miles. He stepped up last year to win the Ballymore, but I fear this may be too much of a step up.

    Ramilies holds an entry in both the National Hunt and the Brown Advisory, but this looks to be the more likely destination, given the same owners have Gaillard Du Mesnil in the National Hunt. After being penalised for barging last time out, he held on well to cross the line in first position. Horses who raced in last year’s Albert Bartlett have a good record in the race, with six winners in the last 13 renewals, Ramilies finished sixth.

    Thyme Hill does hold a chance, and after cheek pieces worked wonders at Kempton last time out, he’ll be looking to come here with some vigour and a point to prove. He is one of the oldest horses in the race as a nine year old, and was meant to go chasing last term. This race may have come a year too late for him, I fear.

    Verdict: Ramilies; Looks to stay all day, and the Albert Bartlett form for this race should work out in his favour, he may need cut in the ground, but 12/1 with Sky Bet, is a great price for a race which doesn’t look too appealing.

    Each-way pick: It’s a bit hit and miss at this stage knowing what will definitely come to this race. McFabulous wasn’t talked about during Paul Nicholls’ stable tour, so if does he comes here he could present a long-shot, each-way value at 80/1 with bet365, who are Non Runner No Bet.

    Turners’ Novices’ Chase – 2m 3F 168yds – Grade One

    From the worst, to, possibly, the best race of the week. People in the racing world are deciding what their NAP’s of the week are, and mine comes here.

    Firstly, the outright favourite Mighty Potter has been flawless over fences. His wins have encapsulated the minds of the racing public and is a serious talent. Two Grade One’s under his belt, he loves the trip of two and a half, and could stay further in the future. The only slight worry, and it is very, very, slight, is whether he can handle the course after he was pulled up in last year’s Supreme. It doesn’t just sit right with me that his only uncompleted start came at the Festival.

    However, one who loves the track is Banbridge. Two out of two at the track, and after his run in the Arkle trial in November, it was plain to see that two-and-a-half was his trip. He did get beat by Mighty Potter, over a right-handed track, but produced an eye-catching run in the Irish Arkle, finishing incredibly well. Joseph O’Brien has a small jumps stable, but they are all of a high quality, as he’s picked up four Grade Two’s in the UK this year. Could he pick up a Grade One?

    Appreciate It is on the same course as Banbridge after his run in the Irish Arkle, although he looked more like a two mile horse, rather than needing the step up in tri[p. He got outgunned on the line for second, and was underwhelming in the race overall. His jumping needs to be at a standard of his first two chase starts to have a chance here.

    Stage Star is Nicholls’ pick for the race, after impressing last time out over C&D in a handicap. He stays at the same winning mark too. His only weakness would be the ground, as he would want some cut rather than rattling good ground, but has no problem with staying on the new course.

    Balco Coastal finished second to Gerri Colombe in the Scilly Isles, and as the winner makes the step up, Nicky Henderson decided to stay at the trip, which is ideal. Solo has franked the form with his Kempton run, but faces two big opponents at the top of the market.

    Verdict: Banbridge; NAP of the week for me, his Cheltenham record is brilliant and his jumping has been brilliant. If he can produce a finish like he did in the Irish Arkle, then Mighty Potter will have a very stern test.

    Each-way bet with BetUK Balco Coastal; should stay on strongly given the distance between him and Gerri Colombe. The ground should suit too, and has some course experience finishing second in last year’s Classic Novices’ Hurdle on Trails Day.

  • Festival Focus: Mares’ Races

    Festival Focus: Mares’ Races

    Mares’ Races have been a recent edition to the Cheltenham Festival, and there have been some moments that went down in Festival history. Best of Bets takes a look at the Mares Hurdle and Mares Chase.

    Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle – 2m 3F 200yds – Grade One

    The Mares Hurdle was only established in 2008, yet it has given us horses, and races, that will forever be part of the Festival picture. Quevega, Annie Power and Marie’s Rock, who triumphed last year.

    This year the Queen of hurdling is set to come to the Mares’ Hurdle to look to regain her title which she won in 2020. Honeysuckle might not have had a vintage season, but she has performed admirably in defeat. Coming up against two staying horses in the Hatton’s Grace, and a young Irish talent in State Man in the Irish Champion Hurdle, she looks to bow out of her career with a win at the Festival.

    She does face tough competition, as Marie’s Rock looks to defend her title. Only two runs since her Festival heroics, she backed it up by winning at Punchestown in April then in the Relkeel in January. Lightly raced, she looks the one to give Honeysuckle a big challenge. But, as of writing, Seven Barrows hasn’t confirmed if she will defend her title here, or go for the Stayers’ Hurdle on Thursday.

    Brandy Love was recently acquired by the Donnelly’s, and on her belated return to the track, she put in a disappointing performance to finish third behind Queens Brook. Having said that, she has been very lightly raced, only four runs over hurdles. And, maybe, that inexperience may let her down.

    Love Envoi is a former Festival winner, having won the Mares’ Novices’ last year. Again, lightly raced, she backed up her efforts by winning the Listed Mares’ Hurdle at Sandown. The only slight concern is the ground. Forecasts still predict good ground, and with only one run on Good to Soft, which was a three-quarter length win, she’s unproven over the surface.

    Echoes In Rain looked back to her best when winning last time out at Naas. She faces a step up in trip, she has raced over two-and-a-half miles but fell in the Hatton’s Grace. Last year she performed poorly, finishing fifth, but a turn around in form this season, may see her as an each-way pick.

    Verdict: Love Envoi; despite having no run over good ground, she has won at Cheltenham. Youthful, and lightly raced seems the key to this race. Sadly, I can only see Honeysuckle bowing out quietly. 7/1 best price for Love Envoi with William Hill.

    Each-way pick: West Balboa looks a little overpriced. She won a Lanzarote that fell apart and matches some of the criteria needed to win the race. Her last graded race was the 2021 Challow Hurdle, and could spring a surprise at 33/1 with bet365.

    Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase – 2m 4F 127yds – Grade Two

    This is only the third running of the race, so it’s hard to pull any trends or any facts and figures from a newly established race.

    The past two winners have gone off at 9/4, if that means anything, but neither were favourites, so maybe those second or third in the market have a better chance.

    Allegroie De Vassy is looking to become the first favourite to win the race, but from what I have seen this season, she shouldn’t be up at the very top. She jumps markedly to the right, which is a huge negative around Cheltenham, she looks very keen in her racing, another negative, and she’s a novice who’s racing against more experienced horses. For me, she just can’t be trusted.

    Impervious is also a novice, but has been the complete opposite to her market rival. She’s not only been the best in her division, but has been as good as the boys, given her last run was very eye-catching. She looks a very mature novice and could go well.

    Jeremys Flame looks a good thing for Gavin Cromwell. Having won her last start at Huntingdon, by some margin, this looks the ideal race since she didn’t quite cut it against the boys at Grade One level. Cromwell could well have placed this horse perfectly.

    Out of all the Festival previews that I have heard, Magic Daze looks to be overpriced. And they’re right. Magic Daze was very keen to take a lead in last year’s Arkle. But since then, particularly on better ground, she’s been an outstanding improver, beating Dinoblue convincingly last time out in the Opera Hat. She has as bigger chance as anyone.

    Sadly it doesn’t look as though we will be seeing Galia Des Liteaux at the Festival due to the ground, and Zambella could go here, but doesn’t look like a match for the Irish.

    Verdict: Magic Daze; The price that she is, makes her look a fantastic bet. Plus she’s improved a lot this season, and there’s a lot to like at 10/1 with bet365.

    Each-way pick: Elimay has never finished outside the top two of this race. She clearly likes the track and can go and grab a place if she wants at 25/1 with Ladbrokes.

  • CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023: Three in-form jockeys 

    CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023: Three in-form jockeys 

    CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023: Three in-form jockeys 

    The roar of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is less than a week away and punters across the land are sharpening their pencils and finalising their fancies for this year’s Cheltenham Festival.
    Plenty of factors affect anyone’s choice of horses in every race, but one that has to be considered is jockey form heading into the biggest four days of the national hunt season.
    Therefore BestofBets will be highlighting three riders who have been experiencing a mustard run of form lately.

    NICO DE BOINVILLE 

    The stable jockey at Seven Barrows could have a very successful week at jump racing’s Olympics this year as Nico de Boinville should have a good book of rides from the flag fall of the Supreme Novices Hurdle to the weighed-in chime of the Martin Pipe.
    Constitution Hill, Jonbon, and Marie’s Rock are just three of the horses that the Gold Cup-winning jockey could be riding on just the first day of the Festival.
    Add Shishkin, Luccia, and Walking On Air into that mix and de Boinville could have a very live chance of taking home the jockeys’ title for the week.
    Having won the Grade 1 Ascot Chase with Shishkin in mid-February, de Boinville has fired in three winners from his last six rides, so if he can continue this into next week, he will be on great form.

    JORDAN GAINFORD 

    Moving over to Ireland, Jordan Gainford has had a terrible time hitting the post in recent weeks, having ridden seven seconds, three thirds, and just two winners from his last 25 mounts.
    The Irish jockey is two from six over in the UK this season to go alongside his 29 winners back over the water, a campaign that has included Grade 1 success on Gerri Colombe in both the Scilly isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown and Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick and victory in the American Grand National on Hewick in October.
    With Jack Kennedy out of the Festival through injury and Davy Russell back to take over the reins, Gainford will be picking up plenty of rides for Gordon Elliott and other trainers throughout the week, so he is one to be on the side of for sure.

    HARRY COBDEN 

    And finally, bringing back to Britain, Harry Cobden is in some serious form this season, something that has continued into the top races.
    91 winners from 320 runners for Paul Nicholls’ stable jockey sees him riding at a 28% strike rate for the 2022/23 campaign thanks to winners on Tahmuras, Bravemansgame, and Hermes Allen at Grade 1 level alone.
    I love Cobden as a jockey as I think there are very few riders I would have on one of my horses ahead of him – he is super slick over a fence and is a great judge of pace, as seen by his victory on Solo in the Grade 2 Pendil Novices’ Chase last month at Kempton.
    With rides on the three horses mentioned above as well as Afadil, Stage Star, and Greaneteen, Cobden is sure to be right in the mix all week.
  • Cheltenham 2023: The Cheltenham 5: Constitution Hill

    Cheltenham 2023: The Cheltenham 5: Constitution Hill

    Of every horse paraded around Cheltenham at this year’s festival there can surely be no bigger certainty. At least, on paper.

    Constitution Hill doesn’t just do wins; they come with elan, grace, elegance and above all sheer thunder.

    Having romped to the Supreme Novices’ crown last year on his Cheltenham bow, Nico De Boinville has since not seen his mount win by less than 12 lengths.

    Even those two occasions saw veritable canters to victory at Sandown last January and also at Newcastle at the start of the calendar year.

    Looking to seal the Champion Hurdle this year, can anyone touch Constitution Hill at Cheltenham?

    A sporting Constitution

    When we talk about Constitution Hill, this horse lives up to his name.

    But such the meteoric rise to stardom, his career has not yet reached its two-year anniversary.

    Nevertheless, trainer Nicky Henderson has groomed one of the finest thoroughbreds around, even if a maiden outing saw his only career defeat to date.

    Pipped by a head to Anyharminasking at Tipperary in April 2021, this rest as they say is history.

    Almost to underline the scorn of losing his first race, the distance this British gelding has won by from that point has been startling.

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    Preparing for Cheltenham with successive destructive takedowns of last year’s runner-up Epatante, Constitution had marked territory for this very week in March.

    Yet, it was the size of winning margin 12 months ago that still stands as the most staggering of performances.

    A year on from that 22-length blitz of Jonbon, can any horse even hope to hold a candle when faced with the might of Constitution Hill and the Cheltenham roar?

    State Man lurks

    The one figure who threatens to play spoiler is State Man.

    Simply put, there is no true way to compare just how Willie Mullins’ 6yo could match up to the might of his foe.

    However, after taking down Honeysuckle and Vauban this term, the pedigree is there, not to mention State Man being a Cheltenham winner last year in the County Hurdle.

    Then, there is also the small matter of a six-win streak coming into this contest.

    The general consensus is, if State Man can remain with Constitution Hill turning for home and heading up the hill, Paul Townend will fancy his chances of going nose to nose with Nico.

    But getting to that point is going to be a tough task. 1/4 odds say as much.

    If stable reports are to be believed, Constitution Hill is coming into the best form of the season just in time for Cheltenham week.

    For all that stand before him, that is a fearsome thought.

  • Cheltenham 2023: The Cheltenham 5: Honeysuckle

    Cheltenham 2023: The Cheltenham 5: Honeysuckle

    When Honeysuckle debuted back in April 2018 at Dromahane in a mares maiden over 3m, her 15-length win was the start of a labour of love.

    Purchased for just €100k at Goffs Punchestown sales, Henry De Bromhead’s most prized of assets has gone on to earn over 13 times that amount.

    To be exact, £1,359,885 million.

    So good was Honeysuckle, few thought she would ever be beaten and until last year there were few signs to the contrary.

    Like all that compete on Cheltenham week, some legacies will continue whilst others begin their own odyssey.

    For Honeysuckle, this year will be the final chapter of an epic saga.

    Though this year may have seen her unbeaten streak ended, can this most wondrous of mares still ride off into the sunset in a blaze of glory?

     

    Honeysuckle: A Cheltenham legacy

    In what will be her fourth pilgrimage to Gloucestershire, Honeysuckle has known little else than how to climb the hill and win.

    Taking her bow at Cheltenham in 2020, Honeysuckle arrived at the festival 8-0 and edged out Willie Mullins’ 4/6f Benie Des Dieux in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.

    Then moving to double figures unbeaten, she returned a year later to claim her first Champion Hurdle.

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    The last time Cheltenham came into view, it was 15-0 and sure enough, a 16th win came with a handsome victory over Epatante in retaining the crown.

    Quite simply with Rachael Blackmore in tow, Honeysuckle was relentless.

     

    A first defeat

    However, winning the Punchestown Champion Hurdle a month later would prove the end of the run.

    This season has brought a statistic not familiar on these – or any other – shores; defeat.

    Third in the Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse back in December, Honeysuckle was then edged out again by a burgeoning State Man at Leopardstown in the Irish Champion Hurdle.

    That forced the hand of owner Kenneth Alexander.

    Whilst State Man will now face-off with Constitution Hill for Honeysuckle’s two-year crown, some punters have lamented not seeing a three-way fight.

    But reality has told a different story.

     

    Mares’ swansong glory?

    Now close to 10-years-of-age, Honeysuckle just doesn’t have the final kick in her arsenal.

    Perhaps then, it is almost fitting that Blackmore and her trusty steed go into battle for very possibly the final time where it all began: The Mares’ Hurdle.

    Without a doubt, it has been tough year for both horse and jockey.

    In the case of a certain 33-year-old from County Tipperary, back in 2021 the world was Blackmore’s oyster.

    The first-ever female jockey to the win the Grand National aboard Minella Times, she also won Leading Jockey at Cheltenham that same year.

    Champion Hurdler with Honeysuckle for the first time in 2021, last term brought more uncertain times but her mount was always the sure thing 12 months ago.

    But that is not the case this year.

    With the duo coming into this contest with successive losses, Blackmore also comes into the festival without a single winner in over a fortnight.

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    In many ways, there may not be much riding on one final race; and yet in so many others, the stakes are huge.

    But taking a second Mares’ win will be no easy task and Marie’s Rock will be in no mood to step down from the throne, nor will a still-improving Love Envoi.

    However, for such a grand horse not to bow out with a win at Cheltenham would be close to a travesty.

    It is sure to be an emotional occasion, not only for horse and rider but for the De Bromhead clan after their own personal tragedy last year.

    After a career the very definition of storied, can Honeysuckle add the gold standard and go four-for-four at Cheltenham?

    If she does, there won’t be a dry eye in the house.

  • Festival Focus Novice Hurdles

    Festival Focus Novice Hurdles

    Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 87yds – Grade One

    The curtain-raiser for the entire week. The roar will sound the start of the festival. And this year’s looks to be more open than ever before, thanks to Facile Vega bombing out of his prep run.

    He is still the antepost favourite, best price 7/2, and with good reason. He is a course and distance winner, after winning last year’s bumper, he is the highest rated horse in his category and trained by top trainer Willie Mullins. So what’s not to like? Well, over his three hurdle starts, Facile Vega led from the front, which became his downfall at Leopardstown as he raced too freely. Over bumpers, he was always held up then burst through the field at the finish. Tactics like that in the Supreme are risky, front runners are more likely to win than those held up. He could well go off favourite on the day, but outright favourites have won twice in the last ten years.

    So who can beat him? Marine Nationale is second favourite, unbeaten and a Grade One winner. The only thing that could hold back Barry Connell’s hope, is that he hasn’t raced since the start of December and horses coming off the back of a long break, haven’t won this race since Captain Cee Bee won after a break since mid-November in 2008.

    The winner of the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival have accounted for four of the past 10 winners of the Supreme. Il Etait Temps falls into that category, despite being beaten by Facile Vega before. His running style would suit in the Supreme, tracking the leaders and pouncing on them with a few furlongs to travel. The Mullins second-sting has form at the Festival after finishing fifth in last year’s Triumph Hurdle.

    The British aren’t without hope as Tahmuras won the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown. The Tolworth provided last year’s winner, Constitution Hill, and the 2018 winner Summerville Boy. Paul Nicholls hasn’t won the Supreme since 2011 with Al Ferof, and his last Festival winner was the 2020 Champion Chaser Politolouge. However, Nicholls has had a stellar season and is due a win at the Festival, Tahmuras could break the duck.

    Verdict: Il Etait Temps could get the week underway to a great start for the Closutton team. With hurdle form at the Festival, and a great run last time out he could be the one to go with at 5/1 with BetVictor.

    Each-way pick: Rare Edition wasn’t too disgraced in the Sidney Banks, drops back in trip and with good Kempton form, looks a little overpriced at 25/1 with Betfair.

    Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 5F – Grade One

    Wednesday’s opener looks really competitive at the top of the market, with three vying for favouritism, and if the market battle is tense, just wait for the action on the track.

    Hermes Allen has everything in his favour, bar one. He is the Challow Novices’ Hurdle winner. No horse has done the double, out of 18 winners of the Challow to run in the Ballymore. However, he has C&D form, you could argue the form got franked by Weveallbeencaught winning on New Year’s Day. His front-running style isn’t keen, it’s strong, and four favourites have won this race have won the last five renewals. Can Hermes Allen break the Challow curse?

    Impaire Et Passe looks like the strongest opposition, despite having only two runs over hurdles, the furthest on debut at 2m 3F. This Mullins runner looks like he needs soft ground to run well, and given the weather forecast for Cheltenham looking dry, it doesn’t hold out much hope for this novice.

    The buck then passes to Gaelic Warrior, who has been crying out to go further. Easily winning a 2m handicap hurdle at the DRF last time out, it seems that the Ricci team want to come here. Gaelic Warrior has festival form, losing by a head to Brazil in the Juvenile handicap hurdle. You could argue he wants a bit more cut in the ground looking back, but he should be perfect for the race come what may.

    Grade One winners Champ Kiely and Good Land could both have says in this race, but they lack Cheltenham form, and the ability to go well on good ground. Inthepocket came second in the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle, which has produced three winners of the Ballymore in the last 10 years, but is unclear what ground he would suit.

    Favori De Champdou won the Grade Two hurdle at Limerick over Christmas, which produced 2014 winner Faugheen. He’s versatile over the ground, and the form was franked by Letsbeclearaboutit winning in the New Year.

    Verdict: Hermes Allen. I think you can’t pass up the favourite. The ground and the Cheltenham form are so strong, that if Gaelic Warrior were to turn up here, he’d have a tough time trying to keep up with Hermes Allen, 5/2 with bet365.

    Each-way pick: Marble Sands won the Sidney Banks and goes here for local trainer Fergal O’Brien. He finished fifth in the Challow on soft ground, which wasn’t his surface and should be suited to better ground at the Festival. 66/1 with SBK.

    Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 179yds – Grade Two

    A fairly new edition to the Festival line-up, established in 2016, this Mares Novice Hurdle still has to find its feet in the pecking order of races at the Festival. In the early days the favourites would always come through. Now it seems to be little tougher.

    Luccia, for Nicky Henderson, is the favourite after demolishing her opposition at Exeter, against the boys no less, and she is effective over good ground and a worthy favourite. She has been lightly raced but has targeted races well which is why she should be heading here and not the Supreme.

    However, this race has been dominated by the Irish. Last year Love Envoi put a stop to that, but most of Luccia’s opposition are from Ireland including Ashroe Diamond. She’s been placed in two Grade One’s this season, before going on to win the Solerina Mares’ Novice Hurdle, which is a good trial race. Ground wise, she is good on any surface but should prefer the better side of good to soft.

    Magical Zoe for the Henry de Bromhead team is another eye catcher, with an unbeaten record to her name. She was last seen at Down Royal in November wining the Grade Three Feathered Lady Mares Novice. Ground shouldn’t be a problem, but maybe the long layoff might hamper her chances slightly.

    You Wear It Well for Jamie Snowden has performed really well this season too. Finishing second to Hermes Allen in the Challow, she steps down in distance after dominating the Jane Seymour at Sandown. She also catches the eye with her ground record, and her graded experience too.

    Princess Zoe has only raced once over hurdles, which may be a negative, but her experience over the flat will play to her strengths. She will need it softer, but her maiden shows that she is open for improvement.

    Verdict: Ashroe Diamond; Two Grade One placings, a dominant win in the Solerina is enough for me to make her my pick at 7/2 with Betfair.

    Each-way pick: Saylavee came fifth in the Solerina, but her better performances have come over better ground, and could spring a surprise at 20/1 with William Hill.

    Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 7F 213yds – Grade One

    This is the race which has produced Gold Cup winners Bobs Worth and Minella Indo, who won at 50/1. This is the trend the race has taken in recent years, with the last winning favourite in 2013. Double figure prices are the ones to have in theis race.

    Corbetts Cross has only had one run over three miles, in a handicap hurdle, and was seen winning a trial usually associated with the Supreme at Navan last Sunday. It shows that he ahs the stamina and could rpovde the goods for Emmet Mullins.

    The long-time antepost leader Embassy Gardens after winning a five-runner novice hurdle by 35 lengths in January. Racing over three miles seems to be his forte and the ground, should stay firm enough for him to have a chance.

    Absolute Notions has made the step up in trip after finishing behind Good Land at the DRF, which, on evidence, looks to be beneficial. Good on good-to-soft ground and some Grade One experience makes him look overpriced in the market.

    Sandor Clegane for Paul Nolan finished behind Absolute Notions, and also looks like a step up in trip can help. Hard to say what ground he will suit, after being beaten by higher quality opposition in the past so he looks to be an interesting runner.

    Monty’s Star beat Hiddenvalley Lake in the Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle, a good trail that de Bromhead uses for this race. There’s no questioning he’ll get the trip, it’s a question of will he get it soft enough underfoot.

    Maximillian and Rock My Way look to lead the British challenge, Rock My Way with Cheltenham form holds the cards, but it’s a big step up for Syd Hosie’s hope, after winning the Classic on Trails Day. The River Don hasn’t been the best trial over the year’s to Maximillian’s downfall.

    Verdict: Absolute Notions; Grade One experience, looks to want to go further a double figure price across the board. At 12/1, with BetVictor, now he should go off shorter on the day.

    Each-way pick: Seabank Bistro seems to have fallen under the radar this season after being touted for last year’s bumper. Raced well at Cheltenham, looks to be stepping up in trip to good effect. Each-way shout at 22/1, with BetUK.

  • Cheltenham Countdown: Ones to watch at Kelso, Newbury and Doncaster

    Cheltenham Countdown: Ones to watch at Kelso, Newbury and Doncaster

    Not that we’re counting or anything, but just two weekends remain on the countdown to Cheltenham 2023.

    Though some have already plotted and planned their journey to Gloucestershire later this month, for others, this weekend holds the earlier priority.

    Saturday in particular sees action at Kelso, Newbury and Doncaster.

    However, so close to the festival will anything be learnt from Saturday’s three cards?

    We’ve picked out one name to watch from each meeting.

     

    13:50, Kelso, Morebattle Hurdle (Group 2, 4yo+, 2m)

    There is a strong Cheltenham presence on hand in our pick from Kelso, the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle.

    Teddy Blue is our punt in Scotland.

    A sixth run of the season for Gary Moore’s ride since wind surgery, the 5yo was third at 10/1 over the same distance at Newbury last time out.

    Finishing behind Aucunrisque and Filey Bay last month in the Betfair Hurdle however, Jamie Moore rode Teddy Blue to victory in January at Lincoln.

    Moore could jump back into the saddle in favour of Caolin Quinn here and will be looking to impress with his current steep price in the SkyBet Supreme next up.

    Could a 6/1 shot with Ladbrokes and Coral be a tidy earner for punters? We believe it can.

     

    14:45, Newbury, BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup (Group 1, 5yo+, 2m4f)

    Saturday’s sole Group 1 contest in Berkshire comes from the BetVictor Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase and we are turning to Zanza to make it three wins in-a-row at Newbury.

    At the time of writing, none of the seven-strong field are making the trip to Cheltenham but this is nonetheless very competitive.

    In the case of Zanza, the mount of Tom O’Brien came home a hefty 16/1 winner by seven lengths on this very course less than a month back.

    A prior win in front of the Berkshire Stand came in late November, sandwiched by a seventh at Wetherby exactly a month later – won by Ultima Handicap favourite, Into Overdrive.

    To say Zanza has form at Newbury is an understatement and at 11/4 for 5 places with William Hill, has to be worth a decent stake.

     

    15:15, Doncaster, Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase (Group 2, 5yo+, 3m2f)

    Our third punt of the weekend comes from South Yorkshire and the Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster.

    Here at BestofBets we prefer to veer from the favourites and look for better value, but Cooper’s Cross does look the choice here.

    The father-son duo of Stuart and Sam Coltherd are currently with two options for Cheltenham: The Ultima or the Magners Plate.

    The latter could carry greater hopes for the Irish 8yo but the trip here could be revealing.

    The journey here is just 1f longer than the Ultima so if the gelding does impress, an about turn could yet be on the cards.

    Cooper’s Cross has happy memories of Doncaster with victory last time out and in total has won half of his contests this term.

    In the last seven outings the horse has come at worst third – with the exception of being pulled up at Sedgefield last January.

    Races in the region of 3m suit Cooper’s Cross and having beaten Cap Du Nord just over a month ago, has the pedigree to come on top.

    And, if we consider a price of 9/4 with PaddyPower for the current pundit’s pick, Cooper’s Cross can deliver.

     

  • Festival Focus: Novice Hurdles

    Festival Focus: Novice Hurdles

    With the Festival just 12 days away, racing fans are at fever pitch. In this series of previews with BestofBets, we start with the novice hurdles, often competitive and great look to what the future champions could look like.

    Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 87yds – Grade One

    The curtain-raiser for the entire week. The roar will sound the start of the festival. And this year’s looks to be more open than ever before, thanks to Facile Vega bombing out of his prep run.
    He is still the antepost favourite, best price 7/2, and with good reason. He is a course and distance winner, after winning last year’s bumper, he is the highest rated horse in his category and trained by top trainer Willie Mullins. So what’s not to like? Well, over his three hurdle starts, Facile Vega led from the front, which became his downfall at Leopardstown as he raced too freely. Over bumpers, he was always held up then burst through the field at the finish. Tactics like that in the Supreme are risky, front runners are more likely to win than those held up. He could well go off favourite on the day, but outright favourites have won twice in the last ten years.
    So who can beat him? Marine Nationale is second favourite, unbeaten and a Grade One winner. The only thing that could hold back Barry Connell’s hope, is that he hasn’t raced since the start of December and horses coming off the back of a long break, haven’t won this race since Captain Cee Bee won after a break since mid-November in 2008.
    The winner of the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival have accounted for four of the past 10 winners of the Supreme. Il Etait Temps falls into that category, despite being beaten by Facile Vega before. His running style would suit in the Supreme, tracking the leaders and pouncing on them with a few furlongs to travel. The Mullins second-sting has form at the Festival after finishing fifth in last year’s Triumph Hurdle.
    The British aren’t without hope as Tahmuras won the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown. The Tolworth provided last year’s winner, Constitution Hill, and the 2018 winner Summerville Boy. Paul Nicholls hasn’t won the Supreme since 2011 with Al Ferof, and his last Festival winner was the 2020 Champion Chaser Politolouge. However, Nicholls has had a stellar season and is due a win at the Festival, Tahmuras could break the duck.
    Verdict: Il Etait Temps could get the week underway to a great start for the Closutton team. With hurdle form at the Festival, and a great run last time out he could be the one to go with at 5/1 with BetVictor.
    Each-way pick: Rare Edition wasn’t too disgraced in the Sidney Banks, drops back in trip and with good Kempton form, looks a little overpriced at 25/1 with Betfair.

    Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 5F – Grade One

    Wednesday’s opener looks really competitive at the top of the market, with three vying for favouritism, and if the market battle is tense, just wait for the action on the track.
    Hermes Allen has everything in his favour, bar one. He is the Challow Novices’ Hurdle winner. No horse has done the double, out of 18 winners of the Challow to run in the Ballymore. However, he has C&D form, you could argue the form got franked by Weveallbeencaught winning on New Year’s Day. His front-running style isn’t keen, it’s strong, and four favourites have won this race have won the last five renewals. Can Hermes Allen break the Challow curse?
    Impaire Et Passe looks like the strongest opposition, despite having only two runs over hurdles, the furthest on debut at 2m 3F. This Mullins runner looks like he needs soft ground to run well, and given the weather forecast for Cheltenham looking dry, it doesn’t hold out much hope for this novice.
    The buck then passes to Gaelic Warrior, who has been crying out to go further. Easily winning a 2m handicap hurdle at the DRF last time out, it seems that the Ricci team want to come here. Gaelic Warrior has festival form, losing by a head to Brazil in the Juvenile handicap hurdle. You could argue he wants a bit more cut in the ground looking back, but he should be perfect for the race come what may.
    Grade One winners Champ Kiely and Good Land could both have says in this race, but they lack Cheltenham form, and the ability to go well on good ground. Inthepocket came second in the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle, which has produced three winners of the Ballymore in the last 10 years, but is unclear what ground he would suit.
    Favori De Champdou won the Grade Two hurdle at Limerick over Christmas, which produced 2014 winner Faugheen. He’s versatile over the ground, and the form was franked by Letsbeclearaboutit winning in the New Year.
    Verdict: Hermes Allen. I think you can’t pass up the favourite. The ground and the Cheltenham form are so strong, that if Gaelic Warrior were to turn up here, he’d have a tough time trying to keep up with Hermes Allen, 5/2 with bet365.
    Each-way pick: Marble Sands won the Sidney Banks and goes here for local trainer Fergal O’Brien. He finished fifth in the Challow on soft ground, which wasn’t his surface and should be suited to better ground at the Festival. 66/1 with SBK.

    Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 179yds – Grade Two

    A fairly new edition to the Festival line-up, established in 2016, this Mares Novice Hurdle still has to find its feet in the pecking order of races at the Festival. In the early days the favourites would always come through. Now it seems to be little tougher.
    Luccia, for Nicky Henderson, is the favourite after demolishing her opposition at Exeter, against the boys no less, and she is effective over good ground and a worthy favourite. She has been lightly raced but has targeted races well which is why she should be heading here and not the Supreme.
    However, this race has been dominated by the Irish. Last year Love Envoi put a stop to that, but most of Luccia’s opposition are from Ireland including Ashroe Diamond. She’s been placed in two Grade One’s this season, before going on to win the Solerina Mares’ Novice Hurdle, which is a good trial race. Ground wise, she is good on any surface but should prefer the better side of good to soft.
    Magical Zoe for the Henry de Bromhead team is another eye catcher, with an unbeaten record to her name. She was last seen at Down Royal in November wining the Grade Three Feathered Lady Mares Novice. Ground shouldn’t be a problem, but maybe the long layoff might hamper her chances slightly.
    You Wear It Well for Jamie Snowden has performed really well this season too. Finishing second to Hermes Allen in the Challow, she steps down in distance after dominating the Jane Seymour at Sandown. She also catches the eye with her ground record, and her graded experience too.
    Princess Zoe has only raced once over hurdles, which may be a negative, but her experience over the flat will play to her strengths. She will need it softer, but her maiden shows that she is open for improvement.
    Verdict: Ashroe Diamond; Two Grade One placings, a dominant win in the Solerina is enough for me to make her my pick at 7/2 with Betfair.
    Each-way pick: Saylavee came fifth in the Solerina, but her better performances have come over better ground, and could spring a surprise at 20/1 with William Hill.

    Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 7F 213yds – Grade One

    This is the race which has produced Gold Cup winners Bobs Worth and Minella Indo, who won at 50/1. This is the trend the race has taken in recent years, with the last winning favourite in 2013. Double figure prices are the ones to have in theis race.
    Corbetts Cross has only had one run over three miles, in a handicap hurdle, and was seen winning a trial usually associated with the Supreme at Navan last Sunday. It shows that he ahs the stamina and could rpovde the goods for Emmet Mullins.
    The long-time antepost leader Embassy Gardens after winning a five-runner novice hurdle by 35 lengths in January. Racing over three miles seems to be his forte and the ground, should stay firm enough for him to have a chance.
    Absolute Notions has made the step up in trip after finishing behind Good Land at the DRF, which, on evidence, looks to be beneficial. Good on good-to-soft ground and some Grade One experience makes him look overpriced in the market.
    Sandor Clegane for Paul Nolan finished behind Absolute Notions, and also looks like a step up in trip can help. Hard to say what ground he will suit, after being beaten by higher quality opposition in the past so he looks to be an interesting runner.
    Monty’s Star beat Hiddenvalley Lake in the Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle, a good trail that de Bromhead uses for this race. There’s no questioning he’ll get the trip, it’s a question of will he get it soft enough underfoot.
    Maximillian and Rock My Way look to lead the British challenge, Rock My Way with Cheltenham form holds the cards, but it’s a big step up for Syd Hosie’s hope, after winning the Classic on Trails Day. The River Don hasn’t been the best trial over the year’s to Maximillian’s downfall.
    Verdict: Absolute Notions; Grade One experience, looks to want to go further a double figure price across the board. At 12/1, with BetVictor, now he should go off shorter on the day.
    Each-way pick: Seabank Bistro seems to have fallen under the radar this season after being touted for last year’s bumper. Raced well at Cheltenham, looks to be stepping up in trip to good effect. Each-way shout at 22/1, with BetUK.