We’ve had the King George and the Welsh National so far. So now we complete the hat-trick with the Challow Novices’ Hurdle. Plus three more Grade One’s in Ireland, featuring the Savills Chase and the return of a dual Gold Cup champion.
Newbury
Ready To Roar
2:55 – Challow Novice’s Hurdle (Grade One) – The New Lion @ 15/8 (General)
Regent’s Stroll looked very handy on debut at this course back in November and this has always seemed to be the target. But this is no open and shut case and the form from that maiden hasn’t worked out well. But it doesn’t take long to find the best horse in the race.
The New Lion has raced over hurdles twice tackling this trip and has looked imperious in doing so. The form from Chepstow worked out and Newbury’s is yet to be tested. Dan Skelton may be out of form but this horse posses a lot of talent and has looked like a Graded hurdler in the making.
Don’t also discount Bill Joyce who looks like another Graded hurdler in the making for Jonjo & AJ O’Neill. He has already picked up a Graded race at Sandown. Plus his only blot in the copybook came in the G1 Champion Bumper, which can be ignored. 7/2 (General).
Leopardstown
Cheering Him Home
2:00 – Savills Hurdle (Grade One) – Home By The Lee @ 2/1 (Unibet)
It’s surprising that Bob Olinger never turns up in the early part of the season considering what a good and consistent hurdler he is. But at Christmas time, Home By The Lee seems to just come alive. Joseph O’Brien has been on a big Christmas raid with a King George, and the Paddy’s Reward Club Chase at Leopardstown yesterday. It’s no surprise and I’m fully on board with another O’Brien hopeful.
Looking at each-way prices, Sandor Clegane has rerouted back to hurdles after never quite making the cut over fences. He did place twice and is a hardy horse can always fight out for the minors, and one day is due a top-level Graded success. It might not be the day today but no surprise to see him giving more towards the end to fill the placings. 12/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports).
More Glory For GDC
2:35 – Savills Chase (Grade One) – Galopin Des Champs @ 4/5 (Betfred)
Galopin Des Champs is the best three-mile chaser around. There’s no question about that but this year faces tough opposition from the Green and Gold army. Fact To File, Inothewayurthinkin and I Am Maximus provide the rivalry, but this should prove to be quite easy for GDC and will have been primed to go down the same route for his bid for an historic third Gold Cup.
However one of the opposition that I would like to put in behind the top pick is Inothewayurthinkin. Don’t forget that he is a Grade One novice chaser after winning at Aintree. It was clear that the John Durkan trip didn’t suit him so this step back up to three miles will be much better and can easily get back on to placing terms. 10/1 (Boylesports).
Limerick
Searching For Something
1:40 – Faugheen Novice Chase (Grade One) – Search For Glory @ 10/1 (BetVictor)
This may be a step in the right direction for Search For Glory after scoring over two mile and six furlongs on debut. He’s a good winner over three miles when hurdling but this will be a good distance to win going Grade One chasing and maybe we will see him more over this trip for a little while longer. Interesting to note that Sam Ewing, now the top rider when Jack Kennedy is away, is booked aboard which clearly says that this is Gordon Elliot’s best chance of the day.
The Very Best of Luck!
