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Tag: Nicky Henderson

  • Cheltenham Festival 2025 | Jonbon Primed to Break Festival Duck

    Cheltenham Festival 2025 | Jonbon Primed to Break Festival Duck

    As another Cheltenham rolls into view, for Jonbon, the 2025 edition looks poised to finally break his Festival duck.

    With this year’s annual pilgrimage to Gloucestershire now just days away, the narrative takes are piling up and in the first of BestofBets‘ Cheltenham showcases, we put trainer Nicky Henderson’s favourite for the Queen Mother Champion Chase under the spotlight.

    The son of Walk In The Park has been the bridesmaid on two occasions at Cheltenham before but on Wednesday looks to make it third time lucky.

    However, with expectations heavier on him than ever, can Jonbon finally break his festival duck?

    Festival debut

    Let us wind back the clock almost three years to March 15 2022. Henderson arrives at Cheltenham with what looks to be a vice-like grip on the Sky Bet Supreme to open the festival.

    In one corner, a precocious 5yo by Blue Bresil. Arriving at Cheltenham unbeaten under rules – despite a debut PTP loss – and having romped to 12 -length and 14-length victories; one, Constitution Hill.

    Locked at 9/4JF with Constitution Hill in the betting, stood Dysart Dynamo. As the sandwich filler, in stall 4 stood Jonbon. A 5/1 fancy, the 6yo gelding was an impressive five-from-five wins and looked to be a sizeable challenger. The reality was however, Constitution Hill was blazing his early path of dominance.

    Jonbon came home runner-up but trailed the victor by an eventual 22 lengths. Yet, his loss was somewhat an inevitability.

    Cheltenham woes

    It was his return a year later, however, where Jonbon went, for want of a better word, off the rails.

    Like the build-up to Cheltenham 2022, the 12-month period as a precursor had seen Henderson’s Novice pick up four wins on the spin, including the Top Novices’ on Grand National Weekend and the Henry VIII Chase at Sandown. Jonbon, though not the favourite in the betting, was for many the smart 2/1 punt.

    Having already beaten the 11/10 bookies pick, El Fabiolo at Aintree, Jonbon, however, never got to grips with the extra rain that lingered around Cheltenham that days and failed to contend with an issue of jumping to the left and toward the rail often.

    As the roar built, Jonbon ran out of momentum and ideas climbing the hill. El Fabiolo pounced on the inside and galloped away leaving Jonbon in the dust.

    Despite the bookies’ short price for the Willie Mullins-Paul Townend vehicle, Jonbon for many was the form horse; a theory consigned to the pages of history.

    As damaging a defeat to Jonbon’s reputation the loss was, he bounced back with victory in the Maghull Novices’ and the Celebration Chase to end the season on a high.

    Book-ending both seasons with a return win at Cheltenham in the Schloer Chase and the Tingle Creek, all arrows pointed to a resurgent third crack at Chetenham Festival glory.

    Alas for Jonbon, defeat to Elixir Du Nutz in the Clarence House festival Trial at 1/4 threw open more questions over his jumping ability over the Cheltenham fences, whilst his performance was decidedly off-colour for late January.

    Then of course, came the enormous tribulations experiences by Nicky Henderson’s stable after a virus swept his table, forcing the eventual withdrawal of not only Constitution Hill and then Jonbon, but his entire Cheltenham squad.

    For Jonbon, in the wider picture, it was 0 for 2 – also denied a crack at a third appearance – at Cheltenham, however, this year looks set to break his four-year festival duck.

    Dominance

    Whilst his run-up to another Cheltenham as a unbeaten contender is no different this year, the 9yo version of Jonbon is quite simply a more mature, better performer, with little sign of his old foibles.

    For the second year running in festival prep, the gelding has five races on his card, but after retaining not only his Celebration, Schloer Chase and Tingle Creek crowns, his last outing saw the rights put wrong of the year before, destroying the field to win the Clarence House at the second attempt ahead of Energumene.

    However, there is more than one other factor leaning heavily in his favour. Indeed, there is more than a hint of irony about Willie Mullins withdrawing both El Fabiolo and Gaelic Warrior from Champion Hurdle running – the former out of the week altogether.

    The other main difference this year, is quite simply put, his challengers look out of Jonbon’s league and its is perhaps Energumene – already dispatched this term – as his main rival in the markets.

    French raider Il Est Francais, a former Kauto Star Novices’ winner and last year’s Supreme Novices’ champ, Marine Nationale may both have other ideas, but the long and short of it is, the favourite is by a country mile the pick of the field.

    So much so, that Jonbon’s main rival could be himself.

    Succumbing to race nerves two years back, there is also has a significant mental barrier to climb in the knowledge that since 2016, no less than six market favourites at post have failed to win the Champion Hurdle.

    Nevertheless, the same old frailties seem to be a thing of the past and punters can grab Jonbon to win the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase @ 8/11 with SpreadEx.

  • Cheltenham Festival 2025 | Henderson Eyeing Festival Redemption

    Cheltenham Festival 2025 | Henderson Eyeing Festival Redemption

    As another Cheltenham Festival edges ever closer, Nicky Henderson will be keen to leave behind the nightmare of 12 months ago far in the Gloucestershire mist.

    The Berkshire trainer, now 74, has almost by sheer coincidence as many festival winners as his veteran years(73) but in 2025, Henderson brings with him one of his strongest squads.

    With the returning Constitution Hill and Jonbon heavy leading favourites of the pack, after an extremely challenging last edition, this year’s Cheltenham could be Henderson’s redemption.

    Whilst the loss of the red-hot Sir Gino to a serious leg infection is without question a huge blow, ahead of the festival, there is ample reason for optimism.

    Virus

    Last February, as another festival season moved into view, Nicky Henderson’s plans to record a 74th Cheltenham winner were hit by a hammer blow, when an equine virus ploughed through his Seven Barrows base near Lambourn.

    Forcing a number of his top names to be laid low – including Constitution Hill after a returning romp from absence in the Christmas Hurdle – he then had a shocking public gallop just weeks before the festival as a number of Henderson’s other big names – including Jonbon – saw their form and training hit the rocks.

    It was no surprise then, that the best Henderson’s troupe could muster at last year’s Cheltenham was a handful of runner-up spots, whilst Luccia grabbed third in the Champion Hurdle behind State Man and Irish Point – with an ailing Constitution Hill watching his throne taken.

    However, a year on, the picture looks very different and, as spring peeks its head into view, decidedly rosier.

    Big-name Favourites

    Firstly, the aforementioned Constitution Hill returns to Cheltenham after a two-year absence, looking to regain the same Champion Hurdle crown and make it three-from-three at the festival.

    Now post-wind surgery, the still-unbeaten 8yo – under rules – looks to move back toward his legendary form of old and throw his hat into the ring as a true great of the sport.

    Despite a scare last time on the same course over the final fence in the Unibet Hurdle, the every-popular son of Blue Bresil won a commanding Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day at Kempton for the third time.

    Is he back to his very best? The signs are there.

    On the opposite end of the spectrum but no less a big favourite of the week, Jonbon looks to make it third time lucky at Cheltenham, having been runner-up in both 2022 and 2023.

    Second – coincidentally – to an emerging Constitution Hill on festival debut, Jonbon was then left in the dirt by El Fabiolo a year later in the Arkle.

    This time around as a 9yo, he looks a far better prospect and mature. Barring plans going seriously awry, he looks hard to topple in the Champion Chase.

    Strong Contenders

    Aside from the big two, Henderson is not without chances elsewhere during the week.

    To begin with, Willie Mullins looks the trainer to beat once more in the Arkle, and is favourite to snag a third race win on the bounce with last year’s Triumph Hurdle victor and last month’s Irish Arkle winner, Majborough.

    However, Henderson is no stranger to Arkle glory on four separate occasions, most recently with Shishkin, and Jango Baie is an outside shot to pull an upset.

    With Nico De Boinville on board, the 6yo won on the New course back in December and in his eight races since debuting two years ago, has finished at worst runner-up.

    Meanwhile, in both the Pertemps and Triumph Hurdle, both Jeriko Du Reponet and Lulamba are carrying significant antepost traction.

    In the case of the former, owner JP McManus will be keen to see his charge put in better effort after being pulled up in the Sky Bet Supreme 12 months ago. Jeriko will likely go to post at 5/1 with QuinnBet as favourite and as a horse who has won in most conditions, should go well.

    Lulamba, on the other hand continues to be the recipient of nibbles from punters in the market. Race pick East India Dock has put together a run of three wins on the bounce, and his win in the Juvenile Trial Hurdle on the Old course back in November proved his credentials.

    With that said, if Henderson sees his charges off to a strong start earlier in the week, the plucky but lightly-raced 4yo comes here unbeaten and put his own case forward with his own Juvenile Hurdle win at Ascot this past winter.

    Promise

    So what can Nicky Henderson expect from the coming week?

    Win 74 should come in the shape of Constitution Hill and providing everything goes to plan in the Champion Hurdle, Nico De Boinville will have his eyes set on a strong week.

    Henderson will have quietly wished last year’s festival never happened, but now with real chances to prove his stable is back to its best, come the end of the week, Cheltenham 2025 could be one his best.

  • Four To Follow: Super surprise in store

    Four To Follow: Super surprise in store

    With Warwick and Uttoxeter, it really is a Super Saturday at Newbury today. We’ve got star quality with Shishkin in the Denman and the ultra-competitive Betfair Hurdle with trainers from both sides of the Irish Sea looking to land the big pot. Here’s four to look out for on the card in Berkshire today.

     

    Super Sam

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    2:05 – Denman Chase (Grade Two) – Sam Brown @ 11/1 (William Hill, Boylesports, BetUK)

    With heavy ground setting the precedent for the day, it makes sense to back the mud-lovers. Despite Shishkin being odds-on, he got pulled on heavy ground when it was similar ground at Sandown back in December. Nicky Henderson has said he will not pull the horse due to the ground, but we’ve seen it happen before.

    Protektorat hasn’t won a race in over a year, Hitman can’t travel three miles and Does He Know won’t act on the ground. It makes sense to back Sam Brown after his Classic Chase demolition on soft ground at Warwick last month. A three-time winner on heavy ground has seen his odds slash in half and it makes sense to back him against a vulnerable Shishkin.

     

    Surprise result

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    2:40 – Game Spirit Chase (Grade Two) – Boothill @ 9/4 (William Hill)

    With Editeur Du Gite confirmed to be pulled, four runners will go to post for a rather lacklustre renewal of the Game Spirit Chase. Edwardstone drops back to two miles after disappointing in the Silviniaco Conti Chase, but the ground looks as though is against him as it will be for his other three opponents.

    There’s only one pound in favour for Edwardstone over Boothill and Amarillo Sky. Amarillo Sky hasn’t run since last year’s Champion Chase, and Boothill is by far the most successful horse in the field. Despite the ground being as testing as it is, Boothill could spring a surprise in the mud against a top two-mile chaser.

     

    French fancy

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    3:15 – Betfair Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – Ocastle Des Mottes @ 6/1 (William Hill)

    When Willie Mullins brings one over, for a big handicap, heads do turn. The fact this is a French arrival, and a good one at that, turns even more heads. Despite after a break of over 230 days, Ocastle Des Mottes will be fully prepared for the challenge. Plus, his previous form on heavy ground in France will benefit him massively.

    Spirit D’Aunou will relish this ground. Two out of his last three wins have come on testing surfaces. And despite being raised 10lbs, and second in the weights, the ground will override those factors. Gary Moore has been focused on this race for him, the fact the ground has come up heavy is a massive plus. 9/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports) seems fair, but it could be backed in the morning.

    Nigel Twiston-Davies has won this race three times in the last ten years. Five out of the last ten years have been double figure prices. If you follow those simple trends, you’ll find Norman Fletcher. His last win came on heavy ground and was convincing. This is his first time in this company, and he comes in under the radar at a rather low weight. If he wins at 25/1 (General), we won’t be stuck eating porridge.

     

    Bumper bonus

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    4:25 – Beacons Bumper (NHF Race, Listed) – Union Avenue @ 4/1 (General)

    In a race I wouldn’t usually tip, there’s a few things I like about Union Avenue. Firstly, Jimmy Moffat is bringing this horse down from Cumbria, which must mean he thinks a lot about this horse. Secondly, the trainer is a soft ground merchant. Out of his 18 winners, with five on heavy going. Thirdly, Union Avenue finished behind a certain Captain Bellamy on his final point-to-point start, with the form franked when he won at Chepstow in October.

    The very best of luck

  • Four To Follow: Pre-Christmas Cheer

    Four To Follow: Pre-Christmas Cheer

    Christmas is just around the corner and Cheltenham serves up some pre-festive cheer with the December Gold Cup. Plus, Protektorat features in the three-mile handicap, and we get a look in to the Albert Bartlett picture with the Bristol Novices’ Hurdle. All three feature in today’s Four to Follow.

     

    A Storm Is Brewing

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    1:50 – December Gold Cup (Premier H’cap) – Thunder Rock @ 4/1 (William Hill)

    Thunder Rock looked every part of the winner when winning the Colin Parker at Carlisle. Mahler Mission backed the form up by stepping up in trip and narrowly missed out on the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Thunder Rock has performed round here before, and beaten Monmiral in the process, so has every right to be a well-backed favourite for the race.

    An underrated performer in the field is Frero Banbou. He’s looked more comfortable stepping up in distance than he did last season, and that’s been evident by placing in his last two races. His mark is only two pounds higher than his last winning one and, backed up by Cepage yesterday, Venetia Williams’ horses thrives on this type of ground at this time of year. Decent each-way chance at 11/1 (BetUK).

    Gavin Cromwell is the top trainer at Cheltenham this season so far. Six winners out of 14 runners at a 43% strike rate, he’s the man at Prestbury Park this season. He’s expressed his disappointment of Railway Hurricane being five pounds out of the handicap but has combated that with Connor-Stone-Walsh claiming the five pounds. He’s been placed twice at Cheltenham, and Ginny’s Destiny has backed up the form of his last race. Interesting at 22/1 (BetVictor, Betfred).

     

    Let’s Put On A Show

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    2:25 – The Sun Handicap Chase (Premier) – Broadway Boy @ 7/2 (William Hill, Betfred, BetUK)

    Broadway Boy was nothing short of phenomenal on his last start. His love for the course is clear, but a new challenge awaits in the galloping nature of the new course. Fakir D’oudairies’ addition to the race makes Broadway Boy’s weight light and his jumping, if anything like last time, can put him in a league of his own.

    Elvis Mail may be more suited to the borders of Kelso. But a slight three-pound raise in the weights won’t cause him much trouble. His two wins at this level should put him up there, but it’s a tougher test. He can stay and he can handle the ground too, so why can’t he run a big race? 12/1 (General) says he doesn’t.

     

    Bob’s Your Uncle

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    3:00 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade Two) – Shanagh Bob @ 9/4 (BetVictor, Boylesports)

    Shanagh Bob is another one of those exciting novice hurdlers from the Nicky Henderson yard. After the impressive Plumpton win, Henderson was reserved in his judgement and is waiting to see how he handles the step up in trip. He should handle it, given his sole point-to-point win came over three miles.

    The owner of the potato company that sponsors this race, Ronnie Bartlett, has a runner in the race that looks quite exciting. Cadell is trained by Lucinda Russell, who is arguably one of the top trainers up there with the likes of Nicholls and Henderson, and makes a gradual step up in trip, which will be relished. Potential has shone through on his first two starts over hurdles at Kelso and could show up here. A little overpriced at 6/1 (BetVictor, Betfred).

     

    The Local Hero

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    2:05 – Mares’ Handicap Hurdle – Bonntay @ 5/2 (General)

    Paddy Brennan has only two rides over Friday and Saturday. One was on Dysart Enos, which won, the other is on Bonntay. If Bonntay wins, Brennan will bring up a landmark 1500 career wins. What better horse to do it on. A two-time winner around the track, she steps up in trip for the first time since Market Rasen, and the first time up to two-and-a-half miles. It’s clear she’s been wanting the step up and she is a serious horse for the Fergal O’Brien.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: A Stroke Of Genius

    Four To Follow: A Stroke Of Genius

    We’re all heading to Newbury this Saturday to escape some of the freezing weather up North. With Newcastle cancelled, and some more likely, all eyes are on Berkshire. The Coral Gold Cup, or Hennessey if you prefer, takes centre stage with some exiting novices to look out for too. It’s another Saturday Four To Follow

     

    It’s Cold Up North

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    1:40 – Coral Handicap Hurdle – North Lodge @ 15/2 (BetVictor, Betfred)

    Despite being off the track for 602 days, North Lodge looks like a class above here. He was last seen being placed in a Grade One novice hurdle at Aintree, beating the likes of Good Risk At All, Colonel Mustard and Stage Star. With a form book like that, there’s a weight of expectation for North Lodge to start with a win. And with the ground conditions a little firmer than usual, North Lodge should relish and outperform this significant drop in class.

    That being said, Get A Tonic provides a more definite outlook. After experimenting over fences, she’s back to hurdles and racing off a decent mark of 130. A drop of five pounds is significant and may enjoy the drop back in trip too. Offers similar value to North Lodge at 15/2 (William Hill), and has already had a run for the Skelton’s.

     

    Everything Is Under Control

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    2:15 – Gerry Fielden Intermediate H’cap Hurdle (Premier) – Under Control @ 13/8 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    My BestofBets colleague Ash Symonds has waxed lyrical since the start of the season about Under Control. And I’ve succumbed to agree with him, for this race at least. Nine wins for Nicky Henderson in this race, shows how much quality can come out of it. And beating Iberico Lord only makes a simpler task of picking him as the NAP of the day. Expect him to go off odds-on.

    And Our Champ could also turn up at a rather inflated price. He was well beaten on soft ground last time out, but the ground will be more to his liking today. Rex Dingle will be hoping for another determined performance after Dashel Drasher’s narrow win yesterday, but he may have to settle for second with and impressive winner at the start of this season. Each-way claims at 16/1 (BetVictor, BetUK).

     

    Behold, My Genius Plan

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    2:50 – Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Premier) – Monbeg Genius @ 15/2 (Betfred, Boylesports)

    Probably the most improving horse in the field, Monbeg Genius has every right to be up there for this one. Ignore his Ascot run, when he was hampered, and you have a horse worthy winning any big handicap.

    The main formline is the Ultima from March, a Grand National winner and a horse who has beaten the Gold Cup winner twice is something worth noting. And, keeping it in the family, Minella Missile (Tipped on this page) won at Cheltenham and is two from two.

    Ground is no object, weight is perfect, trainer in form. What could possibly go wrong?

    Stolen Silver may look like one that’s been thrown in the deep end by the handicapper. But with Ahoy Senor’s addition, the weight he’s carrying looks doable. A win in the Native River at Chepstow assured the fact he would easily get the three-mile trip.

    Whilst it may look he wants soft ground, he will go on any. Sam Thomas is a good placing trainer and I expect he has had Stolen Silver ready for this tilt. Worth having on your side at 12/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports).

    And an outsider that could get in those extra places, Kitty’s Light. It may not be his time of the season yet, but you feel with his chasing mark he has to go for these big handicaps. He’s weighted favourably for this race, and he’s coming in here off the back of two underwhelming hurdle runs.

    He’s much better over the bigger obstacles and possesses so much quality, he’s hard to ignore at 20/1 (BetVictor, Betfred, Boylesports).

     

    Chest-Nutz Roasting

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    3:25 – Jim Joel Memorial Trophy H’cap Chase – Elixir De Nutz @ 11/2 (General)

    Master Chewy has been well backed after taking to fences well. But Elixir De Nutz displayed the quality of a six-year-old when winning the Haldon Gold Cup in fantastic fashion. Go back to the run in last year’s Game Spirit and you’ll see him plugging on when the pace got hot. Freddie Gingell is back after his big break at Exeter and can find some form for the duo.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: A Poor Turnout

    Four To Follow: A Poor Turnout

    It’s the first domestic Grade One of the season, the Betfair Chase at Haydock, featuring a high-class, yet small, field. It’s a poor turnout for Ascot’s two Grade Two races, which includes the return of a certain Shishkin. The handicap highlight is an intriguing three-mile contest, so let’s get stuck in to this week’s Four To Follow.

     

    Haydock

    Lord of the ‘Dock

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    2:20 – “Serial Winners” Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle (Premier H’cap) – Lord Snootie @ 9/1 (Boylesports)

    Crambo is a very likeable type, but no favourite has won this race in 13 years. Therefore 11/4 offers no value at all.

    Lord Snootie is back in the UK after two runs in Ireland, one credible fifth at Punchestown. Trewlawne beat Lord Snootie at Uttoxeter on his previous British start, and has backed the form with a winning chase debut. The two-pound is lenient and, despite being lightly raced, the ground will be ideal with a three mile point-to-point win coming on similar ground.

    Goshhowposh is another that makes some appeal. A good handicap mark of 121 will suit, after four career runs. His run at Exeter saw him win, going away from the field and the step up in trip will suit. He has never finished outside the top four, and can manage a four pound rise to be up there at the finish. 11/1 (William Hill)

    Emitom seems to have found a new lease of life after to moving to Alan King. A win first time out for the new stable, and a second on seasonal reappearance, he’s got something in the tank for a nine-year-old.

    He was a winner of the Rendlesham Hurdle, back in 2020, over C&D, but fell off the ladder before moving stable. A mark of 127 won’t trouble him and a decent price of 12/1 (General) is one to take.

     

    Man Against Boys

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    3:00 – Betfair Chase (Grade One) – Bravemansgame @ 4/5 (William Hill, BetUK)

    It seems self-explanatory. If Bravemansgame didn’t feature, it would be a poor Grade One. It’s a poor turnout anyway, but Bravemansgame should outclass the field.

    Dan Skelton’s runners aren’t firing first time out, which casts doubt over Protektorat. Royale Pagaille will want it much softer than advertised. It will be interesting to see what Corach Rambler does in Grade One company, and he’s a likeable figure. Best bet for me would be a tricast of Bravemansgame, Corach Rambler and Royale Pagaille.

     

    Ascot

    Smashing Shish, Poor Pic

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    1:30 – 1965 Chase (Grade Two) – Shishkin @ 4/6 (General)

    1965 was the year that Ascot introduced jump racing to the track. What is a premier racing track/venue should have bulging field sizes. Today 39 runners (pre non-runners) will take part. It’s an incredibly poor turnout, but it’s made up by the return of Shishkin. When people thought he was avoiding a tough trip first time out, I think were wrong. This a perfect race to get his season started, and a déjà vu match with Pic D’orhy too.

     

    The Other Stage

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    2:05 – Coral Hurdle (Grade Two) – Theatre Glory @ 11/4 (BetUK)

    Nicky Henderson has been particularly bullish about this horse, and I can support him on that view. Goshen is always inconsistent and won a low-class renewal last season. Blueking D’Oroux was a decent winner at Cheltenham in October but was hardly tested. Strong Leader was hugely disappointing in the Welsh Champion Hurdle. And, Sceau Royal has his best races behind him. By process of elimination, Theatre Glory is the pick.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: An Unexpected Twist? – November Meeting Day 2

    Four To Follow: An Unexpected Twist? – November Meeting Day 2

    What a way to get started to the November meeting Cheltenham. An unexpected winner in Minella Missile (tipped up here) and Triple Trade making some money for the column. However, Saturday is the big day. The Paddy Power Gold Cup takes centre stage, plus a multitude of handicaps to get stuck into. This week’s Four To Follow is…

     

    Not A Big Risk

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    1:45 – From The Horse’s Mouth Podcast Novices’ Chase (Listed) – Good Risk At All @ 15/8 (BetVictor)

    Sam Thomas is one of the emerging target trainers, meaning he targets certain races well. And with Good Risk At All he has placed him in good company. Some may argue that he got lucky at Carlisle when Giovinco fell. But I beg to differ. He was more stronger going to the line, with plenty in hand. I can’t trust Mister Coffey, not with his last win coming in 2019.

    Alaphilippe is one to consider for the place, or w/o, market. His record at Cheltenham is not half bad, despite his runs being on the new course. But a tighter track may suit going over stiffer fences, and 13/2 (William Hill) is something I can’t leave alone.

     

    You’re Invited!

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    2:20 – Paddy Power Gold Cup – Unexpected Party @ 11/2 (Unibet, Boylesports, BetUK)

    As soon as Dan Skelton announced he had this race in mind for Unexpected Party after his victory at Chepstow last month, I had to have him. I had a rare antepost bet with Unexpected Party as soon he beat Knappers Hill, who was a class act last week at Wincanton. His record on similar surfaces is perfect and has competed on the Old Course coming second. I hope the form and conditions play into his favour.

    A second selection is Easy As That. As soon as I saw what price he was during the week, I thought to back it. Now I look at his price, I regret it. But I will still back him at an each-way price. His reappearance record is astonishing; 1124211. With four wins and two places, who am I to argue against a Venetia Williams horse first time out at 9/1 (BetVictor, Boylesports).

    And I have to give a mention to Il Ridoto. He is a regular over this C&D, or is since last season, and it’s his bread and butter. With Harry Cobden jocked aboard Stage Star, the exciting Freddie Gingell gets the call up for Chris Giles’ horse. With seven pounds taken off him, he falls to under a pound of his last winning mark which was here on Trials Day. 10/1 (Unibet) is a really attractive price.

     

    Spring In Autumn

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    3:30 – Intermediate H’cap Hurdle – Springwell Bay @ 2/1 (General)

    There’s a question why Springwell Bay has been dropped three pounds for finishing mid division in a Grade One. He’s back to a winning mark as a novice, on ground which he relishes, with a trainer who is in decent form. Jonjo O’Neill will want to leave with a winner at this meeting and this is possibly his best chance.

    Londonofficecallin looks like he has gotten off lightly by the British handicapper. Rated the lowest weighted in the field, yet raised 16lbds, he has been on the upgrade all Summer for Emmet McNamara. Despite being three pounds out of the handicap, he’s still bottom weight and has place value at 11/2 (General)

     

    How Easy?

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    4:05 -Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed) – Easy Peasy @ 11/2 (General)

    I can’t believe that Willie’s in the bumper is favourite for this race. If we are going on what happened at the October meeting, this Mullins flat horse has just been sent over for some sort of practise and won’t be seen at the Festival. Easy Peasy has won both of her starts by a combined margin of five-and-a-half-lengths and can adapt to more tacky conditions to give de Boinville and Henderson a back-to-back Lucky Last.

    Although, we’ll be on the karaoke if Disco Daisy wins the bumper. She’s got good value, especially when three horses she has beat have been placed in future runs. With Minella Missile using Chepstow to her advantage, could we see Emma Lavelle training a similar type for the future? 10/1 (William Hill, 888Sport) is a price I can get involved in.

    The very best of luck!

  • Cheltenham 2023: The Cheltenham 5: Shishkin

    Cheltenham 2023: The Cheltenham 5: Shishkin

    As the days tick down of the final week before Cheltenham, we continue our festival feature with this year’s Cheltenham quintet.

    Picture the scene: Ascot 2022. After winning in the Clarence House over Energumene, all was well with Shishkin.

    Installed as 5/6f for the Queen Mother Champion Chase and seeking an 11th-straight victory, nothing could stop Nico De Boinville and the Irish gelding.

    However, Cheltenham 2022 saw it all fall flat after being pulled up when failing to make the trip.

    But now having roared back with an emphatic win a Ascot last month, is Shishkin primed for glorious redemption in the Ryanair Chase?

    Shishkin odyssey

    At the end of March, Shishkin will have been a thoroughbred racing horse for five years.

    In that time, Nicky Henderson has ran out his gelding a total of 17 times.

    During that period, just twice has the horse failed to finish a race and in only two further races has victory not been achieved.

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    It was in January 2020, where the tale of greatness began.

    Winning the British Racing Novices’ Hurdle, the then 6yo romped to an 11-length victory.

    The Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham soon followed and after stringing three more wins together, Shishkin returned to Gloucestershire in 2021.

    A hot favourite for the Arkle, his winning margin over Eldorado Allen was a length further than the year before. Shishkin was the real deal. Victory on Grand National weekend then capped a stunning season.

    Champion Hurdle woe; surgery

    Then, inexplicably, the story began to unravel.

    Unbeaten since a Newbury fall at the end of 2019, Shishkin laboured on softer turf in last year’s Champion Chase.  For want of a better phrase, everything was ‘off’.

    Struggling with the jumps and keeping pace, Shishkin was pulled up after the eighth flight.

    Somewhat sore from his no-show, trainer Nicky Henderson held back for his return until December only for his 9yo to sustain an injury.

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    Taking a kick in the preamble before the Tingle Creek at Sandown, Shishkin came third behind both Edwardstone and Greanateen.

    Adding salt to the wounds, it was then determined wind surgery would be required.

    After such certainty, suddenly everything was in up in the air. Going under the knife on January 5 however, Shishkin was raring to go.

    Which is why at Ascot only a few weeks ago it was joyous to see the returning conqueror slay the field.

    Coasting to a 16-length win over Pic D’Orhy, Shishkin was back.

    Unfinished business

    Which brings us full circle. The Shishkin camp are keen to erase last year’s woes.

    With the Ryanair now in the crosshairs, Blue Lord and the improving Allaho are set to be the main rivals.

    Expected to go off once again a well-backed favourite, it won’t escape punters, pundits and indeed his trainer and owners alike though, that the pressure is back on.

    His backers might be anxiously glancing at the current forecast and drop in temperatures but it does feel like Shishkin has unfinished business to resolve.

    Victory on the Thursday of Cheltenham week this year would be oh so sweet for a horse on a mission.

  • 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.