Best Of Bets

Tag: ITV Racing

  • Four To Follow Bets Been A While

    Four To Follow Bets Been A While

    It’s only been the two weeks since a Four To Follow, however we return to action with a bang with the Grade One Clarence House Chase featuring a ding-dong battle between two heavyweight chasers. Plus a surprise entry in the Warfield. Then Haydock has some good premier action with the Peter Marsh Chase included.

    Ascot

    Back After A While

    1:40 – Warfield Mares’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Kargese @ 4/7 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    It’s surprising that Kargese reappears here, just a little over eight weeks until the Cheltenham Festival. She’s a two-time Grade One winner and placed behind both Majborough and Sir Gino in two other Grade One’s. Against the British Mares’, she should find this an incredibly easy task. Especially, making her appearance after a while off the track.

    Once more I am sticking with Punchestown Festival winner Casa No Mento to record her best finish this season. She didn’t offer much over fences at Bangor and pulled up on reappearance in a Listed hurdle at Kempton. However, she seems to go better right-handed which suits today after picking up wins at Hereford and Punchestown earlier in her career. On song she’s the best of the Brits. 10/1 (General).

    Trés Bon

    3:32 – Clarence House Chase (Grade One) – Jonbon @ 8/13 (General)

    It’s a two-horse race at the end of the day, but it’s a race we have dreamed of. The late Shishkin got the better of this Irish foe two years ago, but he ran game that day in defeat. In the Hilly Way, Energumene was much the best and the form has worked out with Banbridge (who unseated at the last that day) winning the King George subsequently. Plus, unlike Jonbon, he does have that title of Champion Chaser, for which he did not earn by divine right.

    However, Jonbon has looked a different beast this season. He made all and was always doing enough in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham, before routing the field in the Tingle Creek Chase. Many will say that his opposition has never really been quality, but he has beaten Grade One chasers throughout his career. He has every right to collar Energumene, who is two years his elder. Nicky Henderson always does well with top level two-mile chasers. Jonbon can carry on the tradition.

    Haydock

    Heroic Surprise?

    1:55 – Rossington Main Novice’s Hurdle (Grade Two) – Dedicated Hero @ 4/1 (General)

    Favourite Royal Infantry has the course and ground knowhow and demolished the field back in November and has the addition of an in-from jockey. Yet I find myself drawn to Sandy Thomson’s talented novice. Dedicated Hero has been seen best over two miles and won his last Kelso maiden hurdle by 7.5L on soft ground. He’s continually progressive, and it what looks like a weak renewal of the race there could be some advantage to him.

    Royale Return

    2:30 – Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Royale Pagaille @ 2/1 (General)

    Four-time course and distance winner Royale Pagaille has won this race twice carrying top weight twice on particularly heavy ground. He still showed he’s got plenty still left in the tank and has the beating of the young whippersnappers who concede weight from him all round. It will not make a difference to someone who is undoubtedly a Haydock legend.

    Who could potentially rival him? Well, Iwilldoit has been in some good form of late particularly producing an eye-catching run in the Welsh National coming from the clouds, literally, to place third. Undoubtedly a staying chaser who may have spring targets in mind and this may potentially prove to be a difficult task nonetheless. 9/1 (General).

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow New Year Same Outcome

    Four To Follow New Year Same Outcome

    A Very Happy New Year to all viewers of the is page. I hope you’ve all will celebrate wisely and responsibly today with a few winners to pocket the first round of drinks of the year. Today we’re back at Cheltenham for some more competitive action, weather permitting. Let’s make it a winning start to 2025

    Power Through The Year

    1:30 – Betfair Handicap Chase – Our Power @ 100/30 (BetVictor)

    Our Power ran a fantastic race at this venue last time out when placing 3L second to the hat-trick achieving King Turgeon in December. He still looks to be on a competitive mark with the talented conditional Dylan Johnston taking a further three pounds off. With rain expected to cover the country, including Prestbury Park, over New Year’s Night the conditions may pave to be beneficial for Sam Thomas’ ten-year-old.

    Major Return

    2:05 – Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Colonel Harry @ 7/2 (General)

    Colonel Harry couldn’t replicate what Datsalrightgino could do in the Coral Gold Cup previously. But, stepped back to a more comfortable two-and-a-half miles may bring out the better in him. He falls sharply in the handicap and this looks to be more at this level. The last time he raced at Cheltenham was in a Grade One contest, but it’s clear that he was aiming too high. This is a perfect opportunity.

    Dan Skelton has won this race twice in the past ten years. And on a big raceday like this, a winner from his stable would not go amiss. Midnight River won here on this card two years ago. He’s now three pounds higher than that mark and without many of the regulars in a Cheltenham two-and-a-half mile contest, he can run into the places. 10/1 (General).

    New Year Fireworks

    2:40 – Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle – One Big Bang @ 3/1 (Unibet)

    The combination of Harry Cobden and James Owen is one that cannot be ignored. When the best jockey rides one of his talented hurdlers, it usually comes out on top. One Big Bang enjoys soft ground and performed admirably at Haydock previously in a race that cut up and finished well ahead of the rest. More soft ground is expected and he can go one better.

    From that same race Catch Him Derry ran too quickly off the sharp bend at Haydock. Ignore that run and look back at previous form when winning on soft ground at Ayr back in April. He’s due a big performance and we didn’t see the best of him on the cut up ground that Haydock produces, and on a galloping track it might be better suited. 5/1 (General).

    Salivating

    3:15 – Relkeel Hurdle (Grade Two) – Salver @ 5/2 (Boylesports)

    Last year’s Festival saw Salver place behind two Grade One winners in Majborough and Kargese on soft ground in the Triumph Hurdle. His best performance came at around this time last year in the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on deep ground too. Handicap company didn’t help him first time out, even though he was admirable in fourth, and graded company will bring the best out of him.

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow More More More

    Four To Follow More More More

    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

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    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

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    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

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    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

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    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!

  • Four To Follow Day After Boxing Day Bonanza

    Four To Follow Day After Boxing Day Bonanza

    After the most chaotic, and successful, day of the racing calendar, we have another day of top class action to get stuck into. This time we head to East Wales for the Welsh National at Chepstow, as well as the last of the Kempton action and Leopardstown too.

    Chepstow

    Genius Contender

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    2:50 – Welsh Grand National (Premier Handicap Chase) – Monbeg Genius @ 11/2 (General)

    Monbeg Genius has been unlucky yet brave at this level. He’s placed third in the 2023 Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and third in the 2023 Coral Gold Cup. He is due a big win and this might be the one to suit. A big galloping track and soft underfoot conditions will suit him well. His only run this season came at Haydock in the gruelling staying handicap chase finale, which can often be used as a form guide for this contest.

    But after that incredible performance at Haydock, Fontaine Collonges cannot be discounted. She hasn’t managed to stay over three-and-a-half miles but seems to come alive at Christmas, with last year’s Rowland Meyrick the performance to watch for. This will ultimately be tougher than that, but she looks to have come out of Haydock well and Venetia Williams will not look to come out Christmas empty-handed. 10/1 (General).

    Or could a returning performer steal the show. Iron Bridge was fighting out his own Welsh National when 34 lengths behind Nassalam just pulling out by three parts of a length to grab second. With no Nassalam in the race he can act on a surprising six-pound lower mark than last year. He’s a proper staying chaser that won’t be far from the finish. 8/1 (Betfred).

    Kempton

    Burn Baby Burn

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    1:55 – Wayward Lad Novice’s Chase (Grade Two) – Ballyburn @ 11/10 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    After Constitution Hill delivered with all the hype around him, I’m sure that Ballyburn can do the same. With no two-mile novice chase at Leopardstown this year it was either stepping him up or bringing him here. And after his 13 length victory on debut, he looks imperious. Sir Gino was brilliant winning the Fighting Fifth but this may be a stretch too far throwing him in on chasing debut against this titan.

    Give It Some Welly

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    2:30 – Desert Orchid Limited Handicap Chase (Grade Two) – Boothill @ 11/4 (General)

    Boothill has experience over this course and distance but just failed when it was a level weight contest. Now in a handicap, he can take advantage of some of his rivals and looks well-placed. It’s been a bit of a luckless story for Boothill since winning the Wayward Novice’s Chase back in 2021, running into Edwardstone and Jonbon and the likes. This looks like a very gettable Grade Two today.

    But do not discount Editeur Du Gite, who has won this race for the previous two years running when it was both a level weight and a limited handicap. He comes into this in not the best form but has been racing over further. He’s down a big four pounds in the handicap with a further five pounds taken off to make him extra competitive. A possible hat-trick could be incoming. 13/2 (General).

    Leopardstown

    Don’t Feel Blue

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    1:05 – Paddy’s Reward Club Chase (Grade One) – Dinoblue @ 5/1 (General)

    There’s two weaknesses to the top two. Gaelic Warrior hates Leopardstown and Found A Fifty will possibly want further and hasn’t won his first two starts of the season all the comfortably. With weaknesses to exploit, Dinoblue can take full charge of her mares’ allowance to grab yet another Grade One and retain her title. The form from both the G2 Hilly Way at Cork and the G1 Punchestown Champion Chase has been given a huge boost with Banbridge winning the King George. All signs point to the Green and Gold.

    But don’t forget about Captain Guinness, the Champion Chaser. He’s hasn’t just won that as a fluke, he was great jumper at Cheltenham and fully earnt his right. He finished within a neck of Banbridge last season at Punchestown but needs to turn up to be at his best. Too bigger price for a champion in this brilliant contest. 5/1 (General).

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Five To Follow Boxing Day Bonanza

    Five To Follow Boxing Day Bonanza

    Boxing Day. Quite possibly the most chaotic, mad and incredible day of the racing year. 10 meetings, four Grade One’s and everything else in between.

    Today we pick out the main action from Kempton, Aintree and Wetherby. It’s five best bets from the five best races.

     

    Kempton

    Music To My Ears

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    1:20 – Kauto Star Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – The Jukebox Man @ Evs (William Hill)

    In what seems to be a less-than-Grade-One-quality Grade One, The Jukebox Man can carry on his fine progression over fences. He was incredible in the Grade Two John Francome at Newbury, pitch perfect over every fence. He does come up against Hyland, who was great twice at Cheltenham, but looks to outclass them here.

     

    Die On The Hill

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    1:55 – Christmas Hurdle (Grade One) – Constitution Hill @ 6/5 (General)

    There are two reasons to why I’m picking this most troubled horse over the mare Lossiemouth. One is he is clear on ratings, even with the allowance that Lossiemouth is given. Two is that Nicky Henderson would never have come to Kempton if he wasn’t 100%. It’s been a tumultuous time for Constitution Hill, and it’s understandable why people will be against him. But with only two other runners he hasn’t got much competition in the way and will be a welcome Boxing Day treat.

     

    A Boxing Day Knockout

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    2:30 – King George VI Chase (Grade One) – Il Est Francais @ 9/2 (William Hill)

    It’s the Boxing Day highlight, with one of the bets fields we have seen in recent memory. Four runners from Ireland, three from France, one former winner and 24 Grade One’s shared between them.

    But I feel I have to side with Il Est Francais. We felt as though his Kauto Star romp was a fleeting showing of his talent after he pulled up last time out in France. However, he’s been primed for this race and seemed to look comfortable last time out. French chasers face a lot more difficult on the continent, and we should see a return to what we saw on Boxing Day last year.

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    There is stern opposition that are worth a mention and representing Ireland, Banbridge looks as though this could be a suitable race. The big question is whether he can stay the three-miles, but he has placed at this distance when racing in point-to-points. The ground is a big plus for him and he also notched up the G2 Silviniaco Conti Chase here last January. Paul Townend is also booked aboard. More than capable. 5/1 (BetVictor).

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    Who’s the best of the Brits though? My vote goes to L’Homme Presse. He’s been lightly raced and almost forgotten about. In 2022 he unseated when looking well at the last fence and finished a valiant fourth in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup last year. He runs for the in-form Venetia Williams and, it may come as a surprise but is the top-rated in the field. Overpriced at 10/1 (William Hill).

     

    Aintree

    On The Charm Offensive

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    1:05 – William Hill Formby Novice’s Hurdle (Grade One) – Potters Charm @ 7/4 (General)

    This looks to be a good field for the newest addition to the Boxing Day festivities. When he turned up to the November meeting, we all thought it would be a close match between him and Valgrand. Instead, we saw Potters Charm open up by 11 lengths. Admittedly, the step down in trip is a bit of unusual thinking from Nigel Twiston-Davies and not opting to go to the Challow at Newbury. There will be some thinking behind it and can outclass these.

    Don’t discount Country Mile who won at a canter last time out at the December meeting at Cheltenham after being held up before picking up all his rivals and sauntering to the line. There’s no guarantee he will do that here but he won’t be too far off. 5/1 (William Hill).

     

    Wetherby

    Totally On Top Of It

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    1:35 – William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Cruz Control @ 7/2 (William Hill)

    And to round off the Boxing Day bonanza, we have the only premier handicap of the day up in West Yorkshire. Cruz Control makes his first start over fences after reappearing over hurdles and was a disappointing seventh. He’s a good staying chaser and looks to compete over the marathon distances. He comes into the race off a four-pound higher mark than his previous win at Aintree in the Red Rum.

    Good Boy Bobby has been competing in veterans’ chases so far but is down to a competitive handicap mark for his age. He has a claimer that takes off a further seven pounds and is much lower than his 2021 winning mark. Definite possibilities. 9/1 (William Hill).

     

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Four To Follow Strong Fancies at Ascot

    Four To Follow Strong Fancies at Ascot

    Before we gear up for Christmas and the Boxing Day madness, we have one last Group One at Ascot with the Long Walk Hurdle. Strong Leader, Crambo and The Wallpark all feature for another strong renewal of the big race. Plus plenty of good handicap action to go alongside.

    Go and be Great

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    1:50 – Howden Graduation Chase – Iroko @ 11/10 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Last time out at Haydock, Iroko could be forgiven for his run on the particularly wet and boggy conditions when finishing half a length second to Trelawne. This time the ground looks like it’s in his favour but is surrounded by three Irish raiders. However, they’re not the absolute best that Ireland can offer, and although James du Berlais looks threatening on ratings, Iroko should come on for his first run this season and offer a more polished round of jumping.

    A Strong Choice

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    2:25 – Long Walk Hurdle (Grade One) – Strong Leader @ 15/8 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    Strong Leader has developed into a proper Grade One hurdler and trainer Olly Murphy thinks the world about him. And despite a weak renewal in the Long Distance Hurdle, he won with ease to blow the cobwebs off. One slight negative may be that he hasn’t won right-handed. However he was a length second to one of today’s opponents Blueking D’Oroux over a shorter trip in November in 2023. Today, I see no issues with him and should primed for his second Grade One.

    Don’t discount last year’s Crambo, however. This is his first outing this season and Fergal O’Brien horses to have a tendency to win early on in their campaigns. It’s clear he’s been aimed at this race once again, and without a prep run one might be concerned. But last season he came out of handicaps to step up right to the mark, and this might be the one time to catch him this season. 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

    V For A Venetia Victory

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    3:00 – Silver Cup Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Victtorino @ 2/1 (William Hill)

    It’s not a Saturday in the middle of the bleak midwinter without a Venetia Williams winner on Saturday. And one of the horses she will look to have primed, for a second bite of the cherry, is Victtorino. He didn’t live up to the expectations of headline news in the Racing Post for the Coral Gold Cup but stayed on well to finish third. Now off an unchanged mark, one pound higher than last year’s winning run and two wins from three at Ascot, he’s the obvious choice to go with here.

    With the edition of the David Power Jockey’s Cup, Harry Skelton has now taken advantage to win at least one race on ITV until the end of the season. And Flegmatik represents, possibly, his best chance of the day. He comes back into handicap company and is five pounds lower than his run two starts back, after never impressing in Grade Two company. He has a better record going right-handed after success at Kempton in January. He’s also three pounds lower than his third-place mark in last year’s contest. Great chance at 11/1 (General).

    Starting a Kabral

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    3:35 – Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – Kabral Du Mathan @ 7/2 (William Hill)

    Unbeaten in three starts, Kabral Du Mathan may find this field testing. However, he bossed the field last time out on handicap debut, on only his third start. The second-placed horse then went and won yesterday boosting the form no end. The ground should be to his liking and looks to be the only Paul Nicholls’ horse that, if campaigned right, may see the season out unbeaten again (famous last words!)

    Fiercely Proud was no where near fit looking back on his run in the Greatwood Hurdle, yet it was a decent effort to finish sixth. The Pauling team must still think a great deal of him to put him back in a premier handicap and will have targeted this race since the day after his disappointing Greatwood run. 10/1 (General).

    The Very Best of Luck!

  • Cheltenham Christmas Meeting – Day Two: Four To Follow

    Cheltenham Christmas Meeting – Day Two: Four To Follow

    A few pre-Christmas celebrations start at Cheltenham, as we head to Prestbury Park for some December fireworks on the racetrack. Day Two sees more of competitive action and including the December Gold Cup.

     

    Follow That Star

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    1:50 – Nyetimber December Gold Cup H’cap Chase (Premier Handicap) – Stage Star @ 6/1 (William Hill)

    Paul Nicholls’ horses are now starting to find their form in this part of the season. After their initial first run, it seems that they perform up to their potential second-up. That’s why Stage Star makes appeal. He wasn’t totally disgraced in the Old Roan when carrying top weight on his first run for the season. That run will have blown away the cobwebs and we should see the Grade One Stage Star turn up today.

    In his last five runs, Ga Law’s record reads 1P222. Incredible consistency who also has a good strike record at Cheltenham too with two wins and one second from five starts. This looks to be his bread and butter and has won on the New Course here too, another feather in his cap. He will aim to be up at the finish once more. 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports).

    In Excelsis Deo was unlucky to unseat Bryan Carver in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but this looks a more manageable job if he gets a clear round of jumping. He looks well-handicapped in the field and also finished second on this card 12 months ago, before relishing the step up in trip in the Spring. One day he’ll score one of these big handicaps at Cheltenham. 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Liberty And Freedom

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    2:25 – BetMGM Handicap Chase – Libberty Hunter @ 5/2 (BetVictor)

    It’s quite interesting that Libberty Hunter has been waited on until December. However, he was good winner second-up in December after falling first out last season. If trainer Evan Williams feels he’s fit to win first time out, the who am I to argue. Ground is a slight concern as I think he may want it a bit softer, but he steps markedly down in Grade after placing in the G1 Maghull Novices’ Chase at Aintree.

    We didn’t see the real Triple Trade last time at Ascot but is over a stone down in weight today which ahs to be considered. The last time he won was almost a year ago, so December may be the time to catch him before the handicapper has his way. 7/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Cheltenham Heist

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    3:00 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Skyjack Hyjack @ 7/4 (General)

    Arguably one of the best horses in training is making a step in the right direction. After scorching the turf in the French Furze at Newcastle, it was only a matter of time before Skyjack Hyjack got his first taste of Cheltenham. On the more galloping New Course, it should suit his front-running style that even the jockey’s are still oblivious too. To make things even better for his chances, trainer Jennie Candlish is on fire with 28% strike rate and an across-the-card double yesterday.

     

    Maybe Take This One

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    3:35 – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle – Take No Chances @ 6/1 (William Hill)

    It wouldn’t be a Saturday meeting without Harry Skelton nudging up another win. And Take No Chances, like Libberty Hunter steps markedly down in Grade from the G1 Fighting Fifth where she did finish 17 lengths ahead of G1 winner Mystical Power. She does carry top weight after her Listed Wetherby win, but she posses a lot of talent.

    Has everyone just forgotten about Wodhooh? She won a Doncaster Listed mares’ hurdle last time out and she remains unbeaten in five starts over hurdles. To make things arguably better, she drops below her 130 mark today as Danny Gilligan claims three pounds to make her competitive. More than an each-way chance at 14/1 (William Hill).

  • Cheltenham Christmas Meeting – Day One: Four To Follow

    Cheltenham Christmas Meeting – Day One: Four To Follow

    A few pre-Christmas celebrations start at Cheltenham, as we head to Prestbury Park for some December fireworks on the racetrack. Day One sees plenty of competitive handicaps and, potentially, some exciting novices’ too.

     

    Potter About

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    12:40 – SSS Super Alloys Novice’s Chase – Caldwell Potter @ 11/10 (William Hill)

    The trend with this race is usually the winner has had a run beforehand. The other factor is four of these races have been won by Nicky Henderson. But we’re yet to see Jango Baie and he comes into the race against tough opposition against Caldwell Potter. He impressed me most of all with his jumping style at Carlisle, and that stiff test could prove to be beneficial to his cause racing at Cheltenham.

     

    Cheltenham Christmas Chianti

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    1:50 – Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Coming Soon Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap) – Chianti Classico @ 6/4 (General)

    And the winner for most ridiculous name for a race this year is… THIS ONE!

    But we shouldn’t have a ridiculous winner of the race as Cheltenham Festival winner Chianti Classico looks to double up from Ascot. It was an impressive feat carrying top weight and winning in such easy style and looks to outclass this field in this small handicap. We may not see him much more after this however, if the Grand National is on the cards.

     

    Shakin’ It Up

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    2:25 – Unibet Middle Distance Veterans’ Handicap Chase – Shakem Up’Arry @ 5/1 (William Hill)

    This looks one of the best handicaps in what is arguably one of the more welcome additions to racing. The Veterans’ series is a true delight to watch many old faces to battle once more. And Cheltenham course and distance scorer Shakem Up’Arry looks to be competitive once more. He was an excellent winner of this year’s Plate as well as the New Year’s Day Handicap Chase. He knows his way around, and more importantly, goes well fresh.

    Eldorado Allen may be forgotten about in the field. He returned with a decent second on seasonal reappearance behind Torn And Frayed at Warwick, but the handicap may work in his favour for such a wide margin. He should appreciate the better ground too, but the underlying factor is he hasn’t won in two-and-a-half years. That could all change today. 8/1 (William Hill).

     

    Magic Madrik

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    3:00 – Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase – Iceo Madrik @ 7/2 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet)

    Iceo Madrik has shown a new zest for life now going over the banks in France. French X-Country’s are known to be perilous, so it may look like a walk in the park for Iceo Madrik. Don’t forget that French raider Sweet David won the previous X-Country Chase at Cheltenham, so the those from the continent are always worth some value.

    Looking to hopes more our side of the water, Mister Coffey raced to finish second in that X-Country chase last time, just improving up the hill. It seems this might be his calling, and with one race under his belt he could prove to tough opposition to a more experienced French rival. 9/2 (William Hill).

  • Four To Follow – Just About On

    Four To Follow – Just About On

    Sandown survives, which means we can get on with a high-class day of action that includes two Grade One’s, and some competitive handicaps. Let’s see who is going to tackle a tricky Esher track well today.

     

    Second No More

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    1:15 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle – Henri The Second @ 4/1 (General)

    Following the Paul Nicholls’ trend this season, Henri The Second should have come on the for run after returning to hurdles here. However, he steps up to three miles for the first time but will shape up like he will need it. He’s a half-brother to chaser Enrilo so should have plenty of energy in the tank as well. He looks the ideal candidate, with a slight drop in the weights.

    Despite the outsider, Up For Parol looks to have a decent each-way chance. He’s been consistent for quite a while and has placed in this company before, when racing in the 2023 Lanzarote Hurdle. Trainer Jamie Snowden is in good form with both winners and places too, so should be round about at the finish. 14/1 (General).

     

    Worth A Touch

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    1:50 – Henry VIII Novice’s Chase (Grade One) – Touch Me Not @ 9/2 (William Hill)

    This will be a small but competitive novice’s chase, particularly with two Irish raiders making their way over. L’eau Du Sud and Down Memory Lane look talented themselves but Touch Me Not has the best experience on soft ground and is a Grade Two winner. L’eau Du Sud was the winner of a weaker Grade Two, which may lead to him getting beaten.

     

    On For Jonbon?

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    3:00 – Tingle Creek Chase (Grade One) – Quilixios @ 6/1 (William Hill)

    Considering Jonbon doesn’t have to beat much in Great Britain, he faces a tougher test to retain his Tingle Creek crown. There’s no doubt he won’t finish outside the top two, but in a hot field he can come under pressure.

    Quilixios is a talented chaser, who just happens to be around at the same time as Energumene, Gaelic Warrior, Found A Fifty, etc. And his seven-and-a-half length victory beating odd-on favourite Marine Nationale at Naas, showed he has a good turn of foot too. Sandown should suit, the ground should suit, and his price should be a lot shorter than it is.

     

    Van To Go

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    3:35 – London National Handicap Chase – Mr Vango @ 9/2 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet)

    Mr Vango showed an incredible attitude and likeness for the marathon trips. But he could never get into a rhythm in the Scottish Grand National. He should be suited returning from a break today and might be the one to make the best of the worse conditions at Sandown. He still looks well handicapped off the same rating he had for the Scottish Grand National and Nico de Boinville is an attractive booking.

    After his mishap in the Cross-Country Chase, Tommie Beau returns to the track with a more straightforward layout in front of him. Unless he takes the wrong final fence up the homestraight. He’s completely versatile on the ground and has competed in a few local Nationals before so can handle the marathon trip well. Not bad each-way at 10/1 (William Hill).

  • Four To Follow – Got Gold?

    Four To Follow – Got Gold?

    One of the feature handicap highlights of the season falls upon us. Formerly the Hennessey, the who will take the prestigious Coral Gold Cup? Plus two more competitive handicaps at Newbury and Newcastle and the small matter of the G1 Fighting Fifth.

     

    Newbury

    A Gold Gamble

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    2:25 – Gerry Feilden Intermediate H’cap Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – Queens Gamble @ 5/1 (William Hill)

    Queens Gamble has been rather consistent returning to form after a break. Reading 121, she can make it four in a row over hurdles in a race she’s been trained for since returning from Summer. Although we would have liked to have seen her more last season she has form to act with Casa No Mento winning twice subsequently. The ground seems to be drying, in her favour, at Newbury too.

    Nicknamed “the Ferrari” Liari was an underrated horse last season, particularly in the British juvenile division. He returned with a decent third at Chepstow, where the winner subsequently placed on his next start behind a good horse in Givemefive. But before pulling up at Cheltenham, he bossed fields at Wincanton, Aintree and Musselburgh in the Scottish Triumph Hurdle. 7/1 (BetVictor).

    Another stand-out British juvenile was Salver, who makes his reappearance after finishing third in the G1 Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. The second-placed horse that day finished second at Aintree and won at Punchestown, so the form stacks up. He may want a bit more juice in the ground, but this represents a big drop in grade. 9/1 (William Hill).

     

    Rank And File

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    3:00 – Coral Gold Cup H’cap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Colonel Harry @ 9/1 (William Hill)

    This goes without saying, one of the poorest renewals of the “Hennessey” for a while. Usually, you can identify a potential Gold Cup horse in this race, but this field don’t seem to have the capability.

    But it’s still a great betting race, and I’ve identified Colonel Harry as the potential winner. He’s a second season chaser and has already had a prep run, which is a big plus in this race. He runs for the same trainer jockey and owners of the great Datsalrightgino, last year’s winner, and has a very similar profile and book of form.

    Despite being a shorter price than the top pick Broadway Boy looked to have the credentials of a top-level handicap chaser when he won over this distance at Cheltenham back in December last year. He returned with a decent third, twelve-and-a-half lengths behind Senior Chief who reopposes today. It’s a question of whether he will suit a galloping track and slightly better ground than soft. Has been well-aimed at this race to try and deliver. 13/2 (William Hill).

    Henry’s Friend looks like a decent each-way bet, if you consider his Grade Two win at Ascot denying Kilbeg King in a thriller. He made a seasonal reappearance over hurdles, but suits fences much better. Runs for the Ben Pauling team who picked up a Grade Two winner yesterday. 12/1 (General).

     

    Newcastle

    Gold Gino

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    2:10 – Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade One) – Sir Gino @ 11/10 (William Hill, Boylesports)

    Super-sub Sir Gino replaces Constitution Hill. But he isn’t just some run of the mill second-season hurdler. This horse bolted up the hill and Cheltenham and went clear up the run-in at Aintree against the Triumph Hurdle second. Despite a well-bred Grade One winner in Mystical Power coming over to plunder a big prize for Willie Mullins, Sir Gino has shown more class.

     

    Bow To Redknapp

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    3:20 – Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Premier H’cap) – Bowtogreatness @ 15/2 (William Hill)

    Bowtogreatness showed great class in handicap company last time out, beating a decent Kim Bailey horse who won Chepstow beforehand. He also ran against two subsequent winners in a Cheltenham novice chase who have backed the form up for him to go well here, under a lenient four-pound rise for the in-form Pauling team.

    Neon Moon has been pretty consistent this season and put up an admirable performance against Chianti Classico at Ascot at the start of the month. He won first time out at Chepstow and looks to be riding the crest of a wave in the handicap. His window seems narrow, so this may the last chance to see the best of him before the spring. 8/1 (General).