The 2026 bet365 Gold Cup

Fourteen have been declared for tomorrow's bet365 Gold Cup (3.30 Sandown), with four - Ask Brewster, Montregard, Our Power and Road To Home - re-routed here having being withdrawn from last Saturday's Scottish Grand National at Ayr on account of the heavy ground. Gabby's Cross took his chance in that race seven days ago but didn't jump well and was eventually pulled up.  

The going at the Esher track is described as good, good to firm in places, with jockeys at today's Flat meeting reporting plenty of watering has taken place. 

Five weeks ago Havaila beat Some Scope seven lengths in a handicap chase at Newbury off a mark of 116. To quote from Richard Russell's analysis of the race in the RP Weekender:

"HAVAILA went through this like a dream, comfortably called the winner a long way out, with a monster leap at the last not needed but still impressive."

16 days later Gary and Josh Moore's charge, racing off 125, won the Sussex National at Plumpton 'readily' over an extended three and a half miles (Transmission nine lengths back in third). The chestnut has been described as a similar type to former stablemate and Welsh Grand National winner Nassalam (now with Tom Ellis); after that win jockey Caoilin Quinn said:

"Havaila travels very strongly and jumps superbly. He seems to love this better ground and he's still on the up."

Havaila - now rated 135 over fences, 71 on the Flat - still holds an entry in next month's Chester Cup for which he is quoted a 66/1 chance with Paddy Power...

This afternoon In D'Or and Montregard are challenging Havaila for favouritism. 

Favourites do not have a good record in this race; since Mr Frisk in 1990, only one outright market leader has obliged - Kitty's Light in 2023.

Bought out of the David Maxwell dispersal sale for £220,000, In D'Or has run twice for current connections, finishing third to Welcom To Cartries at this track in December and then third behind The Jukebox Kid at Ascot in January (Montregard second, last week's Scottish Grand National winner Kap Vert fourth).

In D'Or won the 2025 renewal of that Ascot race off 125; although weighted to reverse recent form with Montregard, his current mark of 137 looks high enough to me, while his run when sixth behind Haiti Couleurs in the 2025 National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham (Rock My Way second, Resplendent Grey fourth, Transmission fifth) hints that this trip may test the limits of his stamina.

On two other trips to Ascot this season Montregard has come home in front on both occasions, last time off a mark of 128 (Invincible Nao beaten over 30 lengths in sixth). He is now 16 pounds higher than in the autumn and tries this trip for the first time; trainer Tom Lacey thinks he will stay.

Just over six weeks ago Ask Brewster held Road To Home a neck on good ground in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham run over an extended three and a quarter miles; after five starts Willie Mullins' charge remains a maiden over fences but on revised terms here is weighted to come home ahead of Ask Brewster.

Resplendent Grey won last year's renewal of this race carrying 10-02 off a mark of 142 - one pound out of the handicap; Olly Murphy's charge tries to repeat the feat this year carrying top weight off a mark ten pounds higher and conceding a minimum of eight pounds to all his rivals. 

The grey didn't jump well behind Panic Attack in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November and connections replace the blinkers tried in the Ultima with cheekpieces. He is the best horse in a substandard renewal.

Sporting a first time visor Transmission beat Rock My Way 12 lengths in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh at the beginning of February but next time was outpaced by Havaila coming to the last in the Sussex National. 

A horse aged either seven or eight has won nine of the past ten renewals.

Back in November Rock My Way won the Berkshire National at Ascot off 131 and last time gave Isaac Des Obeaux six pounds and a right run for his money in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, eventually conceding defeat on the run-in, beaten eight lengths.

Joe Tizzard and Brendan Powell should have a reasonable idea where they stand with Rock My Way in relation to Livin On Luco as Rivers Corner pipped that one a short head at Exeter five weeks ago. Team Tizzard are going through a quiet spell although Striking A Pose made all to win at Newton Abbot last week and West Orchard has won the V2 Radio Handicap Hurdle at Fontwell this evening.

Livin On Luco won the Southern National at Fontwell in November and finished a respectable fourth behind Haiti Couleurs in the Welsh National but was well beaten behind Anglers Crag in the Eider; the slightly shorter trip here should help.

Henry's Friend won at Ascot on seasonal reappearance but has been a bit disappointing since; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time, with handler Ben Pauling saying he has been trained for this race.

Our Power, 20 lengths behind Rock My Way in the Berkshire National, hasn't won for over three years and this season in particular has appeared out of sorts; potentially well handicapped if returning to some sort of form, he sports first-time blinkers.

Certainly Red has always had a soft spot for Sandown.

Lydia Richards' veteran finished seventh behind Kitty's Light in the 2023 running of this race and a close-up fourth behind Minella Cocooner the following year. After a protracted spell on the sidelines he came home a very third creditable third behind Calimystic at this track last month despite jumping left on occasions; now 12 years of age, younger rivals are likely to have a bit more toe.

Invincible Nao, stablemate of Havaila, runs from two pounds out of the handicap.

Livin On Luco and Rock My Way are on the shortlist; both looked to have hard enough races last time out. Philip Hobbs won this with Lacdoudal (rated 152) in 2006 and Monkerhostin (rated 153) in 2008 but, on balance, I prefer the form of Rock My Way and hope he can run his race after those exertions in the Midlands Grand National.

Rock My Way is the each-way suggestion, 14/1 generally, with most layers paying four places.

Footnote:

Two I'll monitor in the Novices' Championship Final (1.45 Sandown) are Race To Base and Desertmore News.

The former beat Captain Hugo in a Hereford bumper this time last year and finished fifth in a Uttoxeter maiden on seasonal debut. The winner, De Temps En Temps, is now rated 126, second Tiptoptim finished third in the Challow behind No Drama This End, and fourth Marsiac is on 127. After he won next time (again at Hereford) jockey Sam Twiston-Davies said: "He's very quick, one of the pacier ones at home, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him stay at the minimum trip." Pulled up on his first run for new connections over 2m 4f on soft ground, he has undergone wind surgery since.

After the latter won a novice hurdle at Sedgefield last month, handler Tom Ellis said: "We probably pitched Desertmore News in a bit too deep at Kempton [the Dovecote] but I do hope he's going to get to that level at some point. It might well be when he has fences in front of him, but the final of the series will be the aim for now. He's a big, scopey type who likes nice ground and is very straightforward - it's exciting."

The 2025 bet365 Gold Cup

On Monday 10th March Dan Skelton was priced up 1/6 to collect his first British trainers' title; six and a half weeks later, Willie Mullins is priced up 1/12 to collect his second British trainers' title.

Dan Skelton leads Willie Mullins by £68,483 this evening but tomorrow's card at Sandown will be pivotal.

The bet365 Gold Cup, due off at 4.10, is worth £98,473 to the winner and Willie Mullins is responsible for ten of the 20 runners. 

His Grangeclare West, third behind stablemates Nick Rockett and I Am Maximus in the Grand National three weeks ago (Minella Cocooner seventh, Threeunderthrufive and Monbeg Genius pulled up), carries top weight on a mark of 168, thereby ensuring 11 in the field run from out of the handicap - including stablemates O'Moore Park, Spanish Harlem, Chosen Witness and Klarc Kent. 

Skelton's sole entry, Hoe Joly Smoke, is 13 pounds 'wrong'.

Paul Townend, third on the Mullins trained Quai De Bourbon in the Irish National at Fairyhouse on Monday, rides favourite High Class Hero here. This one won a three mile point at Loughbrickland in November 2021 but has yet to win over that distance or beyond under rules.

Dancing City was well beaten in the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham in March and then parted company with Townend in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree; back in May last year he finished half a length ahead of High Class Hero in the Grade 1 Channor Real Estate Group Novices' Hurdle at Punchestown.

Danny Mullins and Minella Cocooner were victorious in this race last year (Threeunderthrufive weakening from three out to finish thirteenth) and the partnership try to repeat the trick this year off 155, a mark just four pounds higher.

Four of the Mullins runners contested the Scottish National at Ayr a fortnight ago: Chosen Witness, Olympic Man, Spanish Harlem and Klarc Kent. 

Chosen Witness raced prominently but was eventually pulled up while both Olympic Man and Spanish Harlem didn't fence particularly well on the day; Klarc Kent on the other hand jumped the final flight three lengths to the good before being collared on the run to the line by stablemate Cool Cody.

Lombron, with Rachael Blackmore up, was pulled up on his sole start over three miles while O'Moore Park was beaten by the Skelton trained Riskintheground over an extended two and a half miles at Cheltenham ten days ago.

To my mind Minella Cocooner appeals most from the Mullins runners but there's no value in his current price.

Having said that, searching for a viable each-way play is beginning to look like something of a fool's errand.

Paul Kealy put up Victtorino in the RP Weekender. 

This one is best going right-handed and has won on good ground previously but stable form has been poor recently, although Hunter Legend obliged for connections at Bangor yesterday.

The suspicion is both Jonjo O'Neill runners - Monbeg Genius and Collectors Item - would want more cut underfoot.    

Resplendent Grey and Transmission finished fourth and fifth respectively behind Haiti Couleurs at Cheltenham in March (Klarc Kent eighth) - that form received a boost on Monday when the winner picked up the Irish National at Fairyhouse; off level weights, I'd expect Resplendent Grey to confirm the form.

Knockanore won the Eider 16 lengths in February but finished 33 lengths behind Mr Vango in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter - and is 15 pounds 'wrong' here.

I'm going to take a chance with King's Threshold who has won his last three but still goes from eight pounds out of the handicap. 

Writing in the RP Weekender [29.01-02.02.25] trainer Emma Lavelle said:

"He has plenty of ability but he's a fine-margin horse - he wants everything right for him. I've just fired his palate because he can make a bit of a noise and I think there are plenty more races in him. He's got himself well handicapped this season."

He has won on good ground and going right-handed; the trip is a step into the unknown.

King's Threshold is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 22/1 with Paddy Power who pay six places. 

bet365 Gold Cup 2024

At the end of a long wet winter, this week they've been watering at Sandown - can you believe it? - as Willie Mullins closes in on his first British trainers' title.

The going at the Esher track is currently described as good; 20 have been declared for the feature bet365 Gold Cup (3.35) which is run over an extended three and a half mile trip.

Clear favourite Kitty's Light brings strong form to the table, having finished third (placed second) off 139 in the 2021 renewal of this race; third behind Hewick off 145 in 2022; and then beating Moroder two and a half lengths off 140 last year (Annual Invictus sixth, Certainly Red seventh, with Enrilo falling at the second fence). 

A week earlier Kitty's Light had won the 2023 Scottish Grand National, run on good ground, off the same mark, with Threeunderthrufive fourth, beaten just over six lengths, and Flash Collonges coming to grief at the nineteenth fence when in contention.

Still only eight years of age, Christian Williams' charge is a one-off and races off 145 this year, having finished fifth behind the Willie Mullins trained I Am Maximus in the Aintree Grand National just a fortnight ago.

Prize money of just over £95,000 goes to the winner and W.P. Mullins attempts to land the pot by saddling three: Nick Rocket; Minella Cocooner; and Aime Desjy.

Minella Cocooner finished a four length third and Nick Rocket a thirty length seventh behind Intense Raffles in the Irish Grand National on heavy ground 26 days ago. 

A non-runner in the Brown Advisory at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, Amirite completes the challenge from the other side of the Irish Sea. 

Rachael Blackmore appeared to leave Henry De Bromhead's charge with plenty to do when fifth behind Meetingofthewaters at Leopardstown over Christmas.  

Le Milos won the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in 2022; at around 8/1 Dan Skelton's charge is certainly priced up on that effort. 

Campaigned solely over hurdles this season, he has generally been out of sorts. 

A couple of months ago I read that connections had decided to write this year off and were intending to start afresh next term. 

He could bounce back to form on better ground but on balance his entry here probably represents a final throw of the dice for the trainer as he tries to catch Willie Mullins. 

Last time out Threeunderthrufive beat a revitalised Rapper with something to spare in the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot but faces a stiff task off top weight here; next time out Rapper fell when up with the leaders in the Kim Muir at the Festival.

Threeunderthrufive's stablemate Enrilo passed the post first in the 2021 renewal of this race but was subsequently disqualified, placed third, and really hasn't hit the same heights since. 

Certainly Red certainly likes Sandown but he has not been jumping well this term. 

He threw away his chance when second behind Java Point at this track in February and the jumping was again a problem when third behind Sam Brown in a Veterans' Chase at Ascot five weeks ago. Connections will hope the application of first-time cheekpieces has the desired effect.

Slipway would probably prefer more cut underfoot, as would Sam Brown and Weveallbeencaught who is unexposed but has yet to win in four chase starts.

Does He Know has his share of weight and wouldn't be the easiest to predict but he appeared to enjoy himself at the head of affairs in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster eight weeks ago. 

Having his second start since wind surgery, Bangers And Cash is likely to race up with the pace and is feasibly handicapped on 132 having won over this distance off this mark at Taunton 13 months ago.

My shortish shortlist comprises three that are known to need better ground.

Kinondo Kwetu caught the eye when fourth at 25/1 behind Cruz Control (Sam Brown second) in the Freebooter at Aintree a fortnight ago. 

On his first start for 168 days, Sam England's inmate lost two places from two out and is entitled improve for the run. His third behind Twig in the Summer Cup at Uttoxeter last June reads well. 

Annual Invictus beat Forward Plan a nose on good ground in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster on his penultimate start. Seventh in the Kim Muir last time, he was hampered by the fall of Rapper at the seventeenth and lost his position. He meets Kitty's Light on similar terms to last year when sixth behind that rival.

Perhaps Courtland looks a little high in the handicap after four wins last summer but Peter Bowen's charge was 80/1 earlier in the week and is now generally a 33/1 shot. 

The last of those summer victories, back in August, was the Class 2 Peter Dawson Forget-Me-Not Handicap Chase at Worcester where he came home 12 lengths clear. 

Last time he was an unlikely winner over an inadequate trip at Hereford as Mackenberg was some 15 lengths to the good when that rival jumped out left at the last and unseated the unfortunate Theo Gillard who later reported his saddle had slipped.

It has been a long, gruelling season and perhaps I've a touch of that end-of-term feeling, thanks for asking. With the value appearing to have disappeared from Kinondo Kwetu's price (11/1 generally), it's Annual Invictus who gets the nod. 

Annual Invictus is the each-way suggestion, currently 16/1 with most layers who are paying five places.

bet365 Gold Cup 2023

Racing off a mark of 149 and with Jordan Gainford claiming thee, Hewick won last year's bet365 Gold Cup by eight lengths from Musical Slave with Kitty's Light third and Enrilo pulled up.

Since then Hewick has won a Galway Plate and was in the process of running a big race at odds of 40/1 when coming to grief two from home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup six weeks ago.

Hewick is now rated 168; it's no surprise to see connections opt for the Oaksey Chase at 2.50. 

After by-passing the Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday on account of yielding ground, they won't have been too pleased to see 12mm of rain fall at Sandown yesterday evening; today's Flat card at the Esher track was abandoned on account of false patches of ground.

The going on the chase course is currently described as good to soft, soft in places; and soft, good to soft in places, on the hurdle course. Sunny intervals and light winds are forecast.

Market leader Kitty's Light won the Scottish Grand National at Ayr just seven days ago and bids to become the first horse since Hot Weld in 2007 to pull off this double; favourites do not have a good record in the race.

Christian Williams' charge, third off 145 last year, is well handicapped racing off 140, and is as tough as my old boots. 

Connections fitted cheekpieces for last week's Scottish National and they seemed to help as the gelding travelled well through the race and jumped more fluently than has been the case in the past. The aids remain in place for tomorrow's race. 

Eighteen are set to face the starter with five set to race from out of the handicap: Musical Slave (10-01); Mucho Mas (9-11); Court Master (9-09); D'Jango (8-06); Red Happy (8-06).

Second favourite Revels Hill was beaten a length by Coolvalla in the Devon Stayers Handicap Chase at Exeter five weeks ago. There wouldn't be a lot between the pair on revised terms but at the time of writing the latter named is twice the price. 

Back in November, on his first run in a handicap chase, Coolvalla won off a mark of 90; Chris Gordon's charge has won five of his six chase starts to date and now starts off 135 - there could yet be more to come.

Stablemate Annual Invictus has been on the radar since finishing second to Faivoir in a novice chase at Uttoxeter in 2021. He has raced mainly over hurdles this season, although he finished eighth in the Kim Muir last time; the handicapper dropped his chase rating four pounds for that effort. 

Handler Harry Fry said of Revels Hill in a Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 14-18.12.22]:

"He...was sent off favourite for the London National at Sandown this month. Unfortunately, the race was a disaster as he was very badly hampered at the eighth, which cost him a lot of ground. All Kevin [Brogan] could do was get him back into the race gently, but the damage was done by then. Clearly his record suggests he's best in the spring and the plan is to give him his next run in February and then hopefully target a nice staying race in March or April - something like the Midlands National if it's not too testing." 

Paul Nicholls saddles three. 

Enrilo passed the post first in the 2021 renewal but was subsequently disqualified and placed third after causing interference; he has only completed twice in seven subsequent runs. The handler is quite bullish on his blog:

"I don't think I've had Enrilo as well since he won the race two years ago before losing it in the steward's room (sic) for causing interference just short of the line. I've always felt there was a big race in him off his current mark and have employed a different approach training him this time." 

Frodon goes beyond three miles two and a half furlongs for the first time. He faces a stiff task off top weight conceding a minimum of nine pounds to all his rivals; the Gold Cup trip appeared to stretch his stamina in 2021. He's not getting any younger either; no horse older than nine has won in the past ten years.

Broken Halo has won his last two over three miles at the course but those victories came in races restricted to military riders and this is obviously a much sterner test. 

The form of this year's Ultima is working out rather well. 

Winner Corach Rambler won the Aintree Grand National next time out; second Fastorslow beat the Cheltenham Gold Cup first and second, Gaillard Du Mesnil and Bravemansgame, in the Punchestown Gold Cup on Wednesday; and eighth Threeunderthrufive finished fourth behind Kitty's Light at Ayr last Saturday.  

However fourth, The Goffer, was pulled up in the Irish Grand National 19 days ago while sixth, Tea Clipper, wouldn't be guaranteed to see out this extended trip. 

Annsam is no mug and in my book is always better going right-handed. There's no denying Evan Williams' charge has his own way of clearing the obstacles and this track takes some jumping - I note he was pulled up behind Farinet on his only previous run here in a listed novices' handicap chase two years ago. 

Certainly Red was never competitive in a hurdle race at Ascot last month. 

His form over the larger obstacles warrants closer inspection and includes a six length defeat of Gemirande here over two and a half miles in January. That form reads well; he goes beyond three miles one for the first time but wasn't stopping when winning the Dick Hunt Trophy at Wincanton (Moroder eleventh). Although much of his form is on right-handed tracks, on occasions he has shown a tendency to jump to his left.

A year ago Moroder won over this sort of trip at Exeter and bounced back to form in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster eight weeks ago, beating Undersupervision a neck; he has been raised five for that effort. The official going that day was described as good and it looks as though he's flexible with regard to underfoot conditions. 

Mucho Mas comes into this in decent form having beat Feivel here seven weeks ago. Enthusiasm is tempered by the fact he's forced to carry seven pounds more than his long handicap weight.  

Musical Slave wouldn't be the easiest of individuals to predict. Second off 130 last year he looks feasibly treated; in February he beat Mister Malarky (another one difficult to predict) in a veterans' handicap chase at Exeter but was pulled up in the Kim Muir last time.

It's possible to make the case for a few of these. Both Revels Hill and Coolvalla held an entry in last week's Scottish National but have opted to come here. 

Only three of the past ten winners have been returned at single figure odds. 

Moroder gets the nod - he stays, underfoot conditions won't affect his chance and his profile suggests he comes to himself at this time of year.  

Moroder is the each-way suggestion, 12/1 generally, with Sky, Paddy Power and William Hill among the layers paying six places. 

bet365 Gold Cup 2022

There as a dramatic finish to last year's bet365 Gold Cup with Enrilo passing the post threequarters of a length ahead of Potterman with Kitty's Light a short-head behind in third. 

Following the inevitable stewards' inquiry, Potterman was awarded the race with Kitty's Light promoted to second and Enrilo demoted to third having hung badly left and hampered Kitty's Light racing up the hill; most commentators felt Kitty's Light would have have won given a clear run. 

The three do battle once again tomorrow along with Cap Du Nord who was only beaten five lengths in fifth. Enrilo is just one pound higher, Potterman two, Kitty's Light effectively five as Jack Tudor no longer claims three while Cap Du Nord goes off a mark five pounds lower.

15 face the starter at 3.32 tomorrow; the going is described as good, good to firm in places.

For some time this race has been the specific target of both Enrilo and Potterman.

Enrilo hasn't had the best of seasons - falling in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury and then pulling up behind Commodore at Cheltenham in December when sent off the 11/4 favourite. He ran better next time when fourth behind Cap Du Nord and Kitty's Light in the Coral Trophy at Kempton in February; to my mind he doesn't look the easiest of rides but Paul Nicholls tells readers of his Betfair blog the horse is 'ready to run for his life'.

Favourites do not have a good record in the race; Alistair Jones' preview in the Weekender indicates the last outright market leader to oblige was Mr Frisk in 1990.  

Christian Williams has certainly made a name for himself in recent weeks with the likes of Kitty's Light, Cap Du Nord and nine-year-old mare Win My Wings who became the first horse since Willsford in 1995 to win the Eider Chase at Newcastle and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in the same season. 

She beat stablemate Kitty's Light seven lengths in the Scottish National (Fidux fourth, Prime Venture sixth with Via Dolorosa and El Paso Wood both pulled up) but has subsequently been clobbered 14 pounds by the handicapper; this looks a tough task. 

Kitty's Light isn't the biggest of individuals though; to date connections have preferred to avoid early scrimmaging and ride their race from the rear. The gelding was pulled up after suffering interference in the Ladbrokes Trophy - he has finished second four times this term. Cheekpieces are tried for the first time and I wonder whether Jack Tudor will give his mount a more prominent ride tomorrow.

Of his three runners Williams is on record saying he'd place his fiver on Kitty's Light.

Underfoot conditions will suit Irish raiders Hewick and Streets Of Doyen; the former doesn't look particularly well handicapped even allowing for Jordan Gainford's three pound claim while I'm not convinced the trip will play to the latter's strengths. 

The only Irish trained winner in the past 20 years was Church Island in 2010. 

In the same timeframe only four have carried more than 11-00 to victory: Puntal 11-04 (2004); Lacdoudal 11-05 (2006); Tidal Bay 11-12 (2012); and Potterman 11-09 (2021). 

Flegmatik is another with concerns about the trip but off a featherweight Musical Slave's chance is respected. 

Cheekpieces seemed to help this one beat Enqarde with something to spare at Haydock last Saturday and he goes off the same mark tomorrow. Back in January in receipt of one pound he finished just two lengths behind Win My Wings at Exeter.

Domaine De L'Isle finished fourth in the Becher behind Snow Leopardess, tenth in the Eider behind Win My Wings and unseated Harry Bannister at the Chair at Aintree a fortnight ago. 

Step Back likes it at Sandown and won the 2018 renewal; no horse older than 11 has ever come home in front.

At the time of writing the top of the market is centred around Enrilo, Kitty's Light and Win My Wings.

The bookmakers aren't taking any chances with Musical Slave; several pay five places and 12/1 about Potterman looks fair value. Last year's 'winner' underwent wind surgery in January and won the Borders Handicap Chase at Kelso last month.

I thought Fidux ran well at odds of 66/1 on his first try at a marathon trip in the Scottish National three weeks ago. 

That was his first outing for 112 days; Daryl Jacob takes the ride once again. 

The gelding certainly isn't weighted to reverse form with Kitty's Light or Win My Wings but he has won off this mark previously - the shorter trip and better ground here should help his cause.

Paddy Power, Betfair and William Hill are paying five places and offer 22/1 at the time of writing. 

Fidux is the each-way suggestion. 

bet365 Gold Cup 2021

The bet365 Gold Cup (3.40 Sandown) is the feature tomorrow on the card which traditionally brings down the curtain on the jumps season. 16 have been declared with the official going described as good, good to firm in places.

Plan Of Attack heads the market. 

Last time out Henry De Bromhead's charge was travelling well enough in first time blinkers when coming to grief three out in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival (Bob Mahler brought down when staying on). Connections have decided to stick with the blinkers but 9/2 looks short enough for one that has failed to complete in three of his four runs this season. 

Favourites have a poor record in this with Beau (6/1jf) in 2000 the last one to come home in front.

Enrilo was pulled up behind Shan Blue in the Kauto Star at Kempton over Christmas (Golan Fortune fourth, beaten eight lengths) but found handicap company much more to his liking at Newbury next time out.

Paul Nicholls' gelding is relatively inexperienced with just four chase starts to his name but has nevertheless been widely tipped up; the yard has won this previously with Ad Hoc (2001 and 2003), Tidal Bay (2012) and Just A Par (2015).

Golan Fortune is similarly inexperienced over fences and was disappointing behind Time To Get Up in a strong renewal of the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter five weeks ago - the second that day, Mighty Thunder, won the Scottish Grand National last weekend. 

Handler Phil Kirkby is on record saying he had expected much better and I'd imagine Tom Scudamore will look to give the gelding a more prominent ride than he had at Uttoxeter. 

The Badger Beers Silver Trophy Handicap Chase run at Wincanton in November provides a key piece of form. 

That day El Presente finished fast to pip Potterman a short head at level weights with the four-year-old Kitty's Light impressive, finishing third, beaten three and a quarter lengths after suffering interference three from home.

Connections of all three appear to have targeted this race. 

Kim Bailey sent El Presente to Ludlow for a spin last month where he was beaten eight and a half lengths into third by Checkitout. That looked a decent effort by Nigel Twiston-Davies' inmate but connections then decided to go to Haydock nine days later where Checkitout checked out four out, eventually finishing eighth. 

After that race the trainer's representative said the race had come too soon after Ludlow; with the benefit of hindsight it doesn't look the ideal preparation for this race and the layers seem to agree pricing Checkitout at 28/1.

Potterman hasn't been seen since unseating Tom Cannon in the Hennessy at Newbury. He missed his intended prep at Taunton on account of the ground.

Kitty's Light took in a couple of jumpers' bumpers and a handicap hurdle before staying on stoutly last time to deny Didero Vallis a neck over a trip of three and a quarter miles at Kelso. If successful, Christian Williams' charge will be the first five-year-old to collect the spoils.

Prior to that Wincanton run El Presente beat Irish Prophecy a length over three miles at Exeter, the pair clear. 

Cheekpieces have clearly helped Emma Lavelle's charge; writing in the RP Weekender [02-06.12.20] the handler states:

"He's up to a mark of 142 and I'd be looking seriously at the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown or the Scottish National as both are run on courses where galloping and jumping are at a premium."  

The worry would be whether he'll stay the extended trip. His run over three and a quarter miles behind Soldier Of Love at Newton Abbot in September suggests he was running on empty approaching the last.

Two with no stamina queries are Supreme Escape and Bob Mahler. 

The former won over three miles six and a half furlongs at Chepstow last time and has been well backed today while the latter won the 2020 Edinburgh National and ran well for a long way in the West Wales National at Ffos Las at the beginning of the month before weakening to finish fourth. Warren Greatrex has trained just 18 winners this season. 

Top weight Crosspark has been admirably consistent in long distance races this term without managing to get his head in front. Tidal Bay carried 11-12 to victory in 2015 off a mark of 154.

I'm not convinced this trip is going to bring out the best in Cap Du Nord.

Three old-timers are set to take their chance - The Young Master, Smooth Stepper and Doing Fine. 

The Young Master has an excellent record in this race; he won the 2016 renewal and finished second behind Talkischeap in 2019. I note the gelding underwent wind surgery last summer.

Smooth Stepper is an out and out stayer who prefers plenty of cut underfoot; he may struggle to keep tabs on the leaders on quicker ground. 

Trainer Alex Hales states:

"He's been aimed at this race all season but I was hoping for softer ground. I'll have to walk the course in the morning before making a final decision on his participation." 

Doing Fine won the London National over course and distance in December, holding Crosspark threequarters of a length; he finished behind Golan Fortune in the Midlands Grand National last time.

It may not be the race it once was but, as ever, it's a very competitive affair. 

Irish Prophecy is of interest but that doubt about his ability to see out the trip persists while Golan Fortune should be in the mix if running his race. 

I'm going to stick with the Badger Beers form and have an each-way wager on El Presente who shaped as though he'd stay at Wincanton; Kim Bailey's yard boasts a 20% win strike over the past fortnight.

El Presente is the each-way selection, currently 9/1 with Paddy Power and Bet Victor who are both paying five places.

bet365 Gold Cup 2019

Several of the usual suspects line up in a field of twenty declared for tomorrow's final day feature at Sandown - the bet365 Gold Cup is due off at 3.35.

Tidal Bay lumped 11-12 to victory in 2012 and is the only winner to carry more than 11-0 in the past ten years. Favourites don't have the best of records with Mr Frisk the last outright market leader to oblige in 1990.

Step Back bids to become the first back-to-back winner since Topsham Bay (1992/93) - last year Rock The Kasbah was 13 lengths adrift in second place with Present Man third, The Young Master eighth and Rathlin Rose pulled up.

Racing from the front, Step Back was highly impressive that day but he starts from a mark ten pounds higher tomorrow. Midweek there was a glut of money for Mark Bradstock's charge which prompted the handler to remark his charge is fragile and can be a tricky customer - connections fit cheekpieces for the first time.

Step Back, along with Rock the Kasbah and Joe Farrell, contested the Grand National three weeks ago.

Step Back didn't help the cause by jumping markedly right in the National before pulling up after the Canal Turn on the second circuit. Rock The Kasbah didn't appear to relish the Aintree challenge at all and was brought down at the 18th flight. Joe Farrell weakened from four out and was pulled up before the penultimate flight.

Of the three Joe Farrell is of most interest. The ground, currently good, good to firm in places, should suit but regular readers will know I feel his programme this term has looked a little rushed - following last year's Scottish National win, his seasonal debut took place at the beginning of March and this will be his fourth run. I'm not certain what riding priorities apply but I note regular pilot Adam Wedge is aboard the Evan Williams trained Prime Venture who would appreciate any rain that falls.

Talkischeap is short enough in the market, presumably on the back of two runs behind La Bague Au Roi and a second place behind On The Blind Side; that one did the form no favours in the RSA Chase.

Beware The Bear was set to carry top weight in the Scottish National a fortnight ago but was withdrawn on the morning of the race on account of fast ground. Connections will want the rain to arrive and he looks to face a stiff task off 160, conceding a minimum of five pounds to all his rivals. That said, Nicky Henderson's charge has looked a different horse since blinkers have been applied - his victory in the Ultima Chase at the Cheltenham Festival reads well (Flying Angel fifth, Give Me A Copper fell).

You could - if you wanted - make a case for Flying Angel on the back of that run but current stable form figures read just one win from 24 runs in the past fortnight.

To my mind there isn't an awful lot of value near the head of the market so in search of an each-way chance in reasonable form I've come up with Philip Hobbs' second string Rolling Dylan.

In December this one was beaten a head and a neck into third by Cogry and Singlefarmpayment in a Cheltenham handicap run on good ground. Post race I seem to recall Luke Harvey telling viewers that if Cogry had wanted a scrap with a couple of weak finishers, these two were among the best in the business.

A little unfair? Or maybe not? Since then the gelding couldn't get anywhere near Beware The Bear at Cheltenham on New Year's Day (costly mistake at fifth) but looked in with a shout at Sandown the next time before failing to quicken in soft ground.

His second the last day at Taunton reads well - he was raised three pounds for that effort - but perhaps is one he should have won (comment in running: 'led after two out, idling last'). He was pipped a head that day by Samuel Jackson ridden by James Best. James Best takes the ride tomorrow so I'm hoping he'll have a good idea of what's required should he, perchance, find himself in with a chance...

Philip Hobbs' inmate should handle underfoot conditions even if rain arrives and clearly handles a right-handed track.

Rolling Dylan is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 22/1 with Paddy Power who pay one fifth the odds six places.

bet365 Gold Cup 2018

Unfortunately a curtailed post for the last selection of the season due to intermittent technical issues...

Twenty are declared for the final day feature at Sandown (3.35) and on past trends those carrying less than 11-0 (including those racing from out of the handicap) are the ones to concentrate on.

Several in the field ran in this race last year and contested the Hennessy in December; a number of runners appear out of sorts.

Course and distance winner Carole's Destrier is of interest having fallen to an attractive handicap mark; if the rain stays away, better ground will help and connections fit cheekpieces for the first time.

However at a bigger price I'm going to chance Relentless Dreamer. This one stayed on into a well-beaten third behind Full Jack in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh and then finished sixth behind Master Dee in the Betdaq Handicap Chase at Kempton.

After a poor season Rebecca Curtis sent out Joe Farrell to win the Scottish National at odds of 33/1 last weekend. I'm not suggesting for one moment she can repeat that sort of trick seven days later with Relentless Dreamer but I'm hoping the better ground will bring out a respectable run from her charge.

33/1 is quoted in places; Sky Bet pay one fifth the odds six places.

Relentless Dreamer is the each-way selection with Sky Bet.

Sandown's bet365 Gold Cup 2017

In the past I've noted a certain similarity between selecting a birthday card for Mrs Tips and selecting a horse for Sandown's bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase, both of which, incidentally, occur around this time of year.

You've done it all several times before, you've been around long enough to know what's required and, if you get my drift, you don't want to spend too much money; you've picked the odd winner here and there, a few efforts have managed to scrape a place, several others have barely mustered a mention in passing whilst the vast majority have fallen into a category that can best be described as egregious.

Judging by the uncharacteristic affection displayed, this year's card can be considered something of an eased-down winner but any thoughts of a famous 'spring double' have to be tempered, I'm afraid, as I rate my chances of tipping the winner of the 2017 Sandown showpiece as, at best, minimal.

Still, one out of two isn't bad.

With just thirteen declared, the smallest field for many a long year, many will feel Neil Mulholland holds the key to the race; his three runners head most betting lists.

Mulholland won last year's renewal with The Young Master who pipped Just A Par a short head (stablemate The Druids Nephew fifth, Theatre Guide eighth, Le Reve pulled up) and the gelding tries again off the same mark after falling at Becher's first time in the Grand National three weeks ago; previously he had finished sixth in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival (The Druids Nephew seventh and Theatre Guide eighth).

Priced up favourite, Doing Fine comes to this in fine form with a low weight to boot but this represents a step-up in class; favourites have a poor record in the race - the Weekender indicates the last outright favourite to oblige was Mr Frisk in 1990.

The Druids Nephew is certainly fresher than some and will sport a first-time visor; I've read somewhere that he was distracted by the fall of Vintage Clouds and Vic De Touzaine's unseating two out in the Ultima. To my mind he probably makes most appeal of the Mulholland horses; however on Racing Post ratings his mark of 142 is some way behind the top two, Doing Fine and Benbens, who are rated 166.

The trainers' title race this side of the Irish Sea may lack the drama of the Willie Mullins / Gordon Elliott showdown but it's still undecided - Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls saddle two apiece.

Vyta Du Roc's sixth in the Hennessy reads well and last time out he lost a shoe at Kempton; Sugar Baron was well supported for the Scottish National seven days ago but he got no further than the first and then proceeded to race loose for much of the trip.

Just A Par won the 2015 renewal and appeared to be worried out of it last year so his chance has to be respected while this is the first time Present Man races beyond three miles one.

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Benbens is the other runner who competed in the Scottish National last week and what a race he ran at odds of 50/1!

The twelve-year-old finished third, beaten two and a quarter lengths, with his amateur jockey, Mr Z Baker, putting up two pounds overweight... Nigel's son Sam takes over the steering tomorrow but the worry is that effort together with the travelling involved may have taken its toll.

With Rock The Kasbah not certain to stay, I'm leaning towards What's Happening for an each-way wager.

Tom George's charge has clearly had his injury problems but back in April 2015 he won over three and a half miles on good ground at Cheltenham.

Following a long spell on the sidelines he ran second behind Perfect Candidate at Exeter in February (Masters Hill, Theatrical Star, Harry Topper, As De Fer and Buywise amongst those in behind) before finishing eleventh in the Kim Muir. The handicapper has dropped him a pound for that effort and I'm hoping there is some further improvement to come.

At 16/1 What's Happening is the each-way selection.

Rightly Altior is long odds on for the Celebration Chase at 3.00 but BetVictor price Special Tiara 5/1 while Sky Bet go 9/2; I admit to being tempted. Special Tiara was particularly quick over the obstacles in the Champion Chase six and a half weeks ago. He won the 2015 renewal of this race, having finishing third at Cheltenham that year.

On a line through Fox Norton, Altior wins comfortably but the Tizzard yard were going through a quiet spell at the time. The official handicapper rates Altior one pound superior.

The times of the Festival races were:

Altior:
Arkle 14.03.17  3m 55.50s (slow by 3.50s); beat Cloudy Dream six lengths;

Special Tiara:
Champion Chase 15.03.17 3m 55.40s (slow by 3.40s); beat Fox Norton a head.

I wouldn't blame anyone for not following but at 5/1 I'll stay loyal to Special Tiara who did me a big favour at the Festival last month.

bet365 Gold Cup 2016

The curtain falls on the 2015/6 NH season at Sandown tomorrow.

After years spent in the shadow of A P McCoy, Richard Johnson will deservedly collect his first jockeys' title.

In marked contrast, the trainers' title is still undecided; at the time of writing Paul Nicholls leads Willie Mullins by some £44,000. The Ditcheat handler saddles four at Chepstow's evening meeting  - Rainy City finished third in the 4.30 and Simon Squirrel was unplaced in the 5.00; Ruben Cotter goes in the 6.05, Whispering Storm at 8.05.

Tomorrow's finale promises an enthralling conclusion; Nicholls remains odds-on to win the title.

The highlight on the Sandown card is the bet365 Gold Cup at 4.10.

I thought last week's Scottish Grand National handicap rather 'compressed' but incredibly this end-of-season finale sees the bottom weight allotted 10-11 - just five of the twenty runners will carry less than 11-0!

Paul Kealy makes a strong case for The Young Master in the Weekender but on the back of the trainer's comments I'm going to side with stablemate Carole's Destrier. I tipped this one for the Ultima Handicap on the opening day of the Festival but he ran no sort of race whatsoever and was pulled up.

Neil Mulholland points out this has been the target for the selection since winning the London National over this course in December. The horse has also undergone a breathing operation since.

In an ultra-competitive looking event, Carole's Destrier (12/1) is the each-way suggestion; he comes to this fresher than some of his rivals. Most layers offer a quarter the odds four places; bet365 and Sky Bet pay five places.   

bet365 Gold Cup 2014

The curtain falls on the 2013/4 National Hunt season at Sandown tomorrow with the highlight the bet365 Gold Cup due off at 3.50. Twenty have been declared with the going likely to ride soft following today's persistent rain.

In the past decade three winners have carried more than 11 stones to victory - Puntal (2004), Lacdoudal (2006) and Tidal Bay (2012).

Five of the field took part in the Scottish Grand National a fortnight ago - Godsmejudge (second), Summery Justice (fifth), Midnight Appeal (fell) with both Roalco Des Farges and Rigadin De Beauchene pulled up. I tipped the last-named for the Ayr showpiece but his jumping was poor that day; the rain will help the cause tomorrow but fencing is always at a premium here. Godsmejudge showed improved form to finish second but that was just two short weeks ago and this race may have come a shade too quickly.

Rose Of The Moon, Twirling Magnet and Burton Port all fell in the Aintree Grand National, the last two at the first and second obstacles respectively, so they'll come to this fresher than some.

Same Difference, well behind Spring Heeled at the Festival, was second in this race last year while Hadrian's Approach was fifth. That was a fine effort from Nicky Henderson's gelding at the tender age of six and one year on I'll take a small each-way interest (14/1 in places) hoping Barry Geraghty can squeeze out some further improvement; recent seven-year-old winners include Beau (2000), Ad Hoc (2001) and Lacdoudal (2006).

Champion chaser Sire De Grugy will be long odds-on for the Celebration Chase at 3.15. There's a fair chance Australia Day won't make it to the start if the ground comes up particularly soft which will leave just seven in the field and as a result snag any potential each-way betting opportunity...

Had the rain not arrived, Polly Peachum, named after a character in The Beggar's Opera and owned by Lady Tennant, would have been of considerable interest in the listed hurdle at 4.25. I saw the mare win in emphatic style at Warwick some five weeks ago and she has come out since to display a turn of foot and land a competitive listed hurdle at Cheltenham. I fear the easy going is likely to blunt that turn of foot.

Bet365 Gold Cup 2013

This week in racing...

The Jockey Club launches a retail bond with an eye to raising £15 million for redevelopment at Cheltenham racecourse;

Mahmood Al Zarooni is banned for eight years in what has very quickly become the biggest doping scandal ever to hit the sport in this country.

Unfortunate timing some might say.

Tomorrow's mixed card at Sandown, where the bet365 Gold Cup is the highlight, brings the curtain down on one of the most persistently wet National Hunt seasons in recent memory.

In the past decade three trainers have won this feature twice (Paul Nicholls, Ferdy Murphy and Philip Hobbs) while just three horses have managed to carry 11 stones or more to victory - Puntal (11-4, 2004), Lacdoudal (11-5, 2006) and Tidal Bay (11-12, 2012); tomorrow just five of the twenty strong field carry less than the 11 stones. In the same timeframe none of the favourites has obliged.

This year's renewal can't really be considered vintage but it looks jolly competitive and by inference difficult to solve.

Doncaster's Grimthorpe Chase was run on ground good / good to firm in places. Quentin Collonges hasn't always been the most fluent of jumpers but that day he jumped for fun and ran his field ragged from the front; he has an additional four furlongs to complete here but found extra when challenged by Mr Moss who doesn't look the easiest ride and races right-handed for the first time.

On his penultimate run in the Kim Muir Becauseicouldntsee was beaten some 19 lengths by Same Difference while conceding ten pounds. Here the handicapper appears to have given the gelding a chance as he races in receipt of seven pounds from the Twiston-Davies inmate - at the time of writing Same Difference is near the head of the market yet Becauseicouldntsee is priced as big as 33/1 with William Hill.

At those odds Becauseicouldntsee is put up as a speculative each-way selection for this season's final showpiece.

The season's finale at Sandown

Tomorrow's mixed card at Sandown marks the end of the the National Hunt season with the highlight the bet365 Gold Cup at 3.10. The going is currently described as soft, good to soft in places (heavy on the Flat course); amongst the twenty declarations are several who were last seen in the Aintree Grand National a fortnight ago. This race has thrown up some big-priced winners in recent years including Bounce Back (14/1 2002); Puntal (25/1 2004); Jack High (16/1 2005); Monkerhostin (25/1 2008); and Church Island (20/1 2010) - no favourite has obliged in the past ten years.

Two that immediately catch the eye are West End Rocker (fell at the second in the National and not allowed to take his chance in last week's Scottish National on account of the ground) and Major Mallarkey who finished second to Master Overseer in the Midlands Grand National seven weeks ago and comes from a stable that is bang in form. The drawback is everyone else is thinking along the same lines so those beasts are near the head of the market as is Le Beau Bai who won the Welsh National on heavy ground last December.

It's the end of term and I've looked around for something to back at a fancy price but to be honest I've struggled so I'll stick with West End Rocker who was my original selection for the National provided the ground came up soft.      

In the Celebration Chase, having had burnt fingers with Wishfull Thinking a couple of times this year, I'm not inclined to be tempted by his apparent return to form in the Melling Chase at Aintree; it's worth noting he has never won over this trip. Last year's winner French Opera deserves every respect but I'm going to side with Somersby. Hen Knight's charge has to concede weight all round but may prove up to the task.

And, of course, it all starts again the very next day at Wetherby where the first race of the new National Hunt season, the National Festival Circus Is Here Today Novices' Hurdle, is due off at two o'clock...

Final curtain call at Sandown

The curtain comes down on another jumps season at Sandown tomorrow. Public reaction to the fatalities in the National and the use of the whip currently dominate the sport's agenda but champion trainer Paul Nicholls asserts 'jumping is in great heart' in today's Times.That view isn't shared by two Northern-based stalwarts, Ferdy Murphy and Harvey Smith (former showjumper extraordinaire and husband of trainer Sue Smith), who shared some outspoken opinions about life up North with Alan Lee in yesterday's edition of the same paper. A couple of quotes...

Murphy: 'The North has been raped. Jump racing here is being turned into glorified point-to-pointing.'
Smith: 'You can't get sense out of London [the BHA]. After all these years and all the calls I've made, I've never found where the buck stops.'
Murphy: 'I would only give myself another three years if nothing changes.'
Steve Charlton [senior valet for jumps jockeys in the North]: 'Prize money up here is derisory now... Anyone trying to run a business in northern jump racing is pushing water uphill.'
Murphy: 'Wetherby is a disgrace these days. They claim they have no money and all they are putting on is rubbish.'

The 2011 Cheltenham Festival, regarded as vintage by many observers, seems light years away. Towcester racecourse, one of the first, if not the first, to experiment with free admission, has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of change by requesting permission to run all races next season with whip use prohibited.

The feature on Sandown's mixed card is the bet365 Gold Cup Chase, still referred to as the Whitbread by old-timers such as myself. 18 will face the starter this year; the official going is described as good, good to firm in places. No favourite has obliged in the past decade and in the same timeframe only two horses have won carrying more than 11 stones (Puntal 2004 and Lacdoudal 2006). Seven of the last ten winners have been priced 10/1 or bigger - Puntal was a 25/1 chance in 2004. Last year's winner Church Island heads the weights and is likely to race prominently, a comment that applies to Baby Run who made amends for unseating young Willie Twiston-Davies at Cheltenham by winning the Aintree Fox Hunters' Chase for the same rider. Elder brother Sam takes over tomorrow. A case can be made for several of these in what appears a run-of-the-mill renewal; I've looked for something at a price. David Pipe's ten-year-old Faasel catches the eye with five pound claimer Conor O'Farrell in the plate - totesport offer 20/1 at the time of writing. William Hill go 33/1 Major Malarkey who has the assistance of top jock Aidan Coleman. The latter has tended to show his better form with cut while Faasel's second to Ballabriggs at last year's Festival reads well now; I'll take an each-way interest in Faasel at 20/1.

Paul Nicholls' Sanctuaire is likely to be odds-on in the opener after a facile victory in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last week. I will oppose with Clerk's Choice provided he's priced up around 2/1 (as he is in the tissue). He'll appreciate quick ground; connections deliberately missed Aintree after the gelding ran a stormer in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Celebration Chase doesn't make much appeal as a betting medium. French Opera would have been of interest but has had two hard races in the past five weeks and the same comment applies to ColinTizzard's Oiseau de Nuit. Cornas has tended to show his best form on soft ground while Chaninbar has refused to race on his last three 'starts'. It all seems to point to Tataniano but the Andy Stewart owned gelding disappointed on his seasonal debut, missed Cheltenham with a muscle problem and is another who has better form to his name when there's cut underfoot. I'll watch with interest.

And that's it for another jumps season.  Of course, it all starts again with almost indecent haste - at Plumpton on Sunday...   

Sandown's end of term meeting

Tomorrow's mixed card at Sandown marks the end of the National Hunt season, the highlight being the bet365 Gold Cup (still referred to as 'The Whitbread' in our house). Twenty are set to face the starter for this trip just shy of three and three quarter miles; half the field comes from three big stables - Paul Nicholls has entered four while both David Pipe and Philip Hobbs have three runners each. Favourites don't have a good record and only two winners have carried more than eleven stones in the past decade. I've gone for something with a low weight that will act on the ground at an each-way price - Jonjo O'Neill's Nostringsattached, 14/1 with William Hill this evening, is the suggestion.

All eyes will be on Twist Magic in the Celebration Chase at 2.30. In the past he has performed particularly well at Sandown and, if he consents to put his best foot forward, he's the clear form choice. Having said that, he refused to race in the Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday. The travelling over to Ireland is likely to have taken its toll but this evening Paddy Power offer 11/8 which many would consider big should he decide to take an interest. If you're tempted to take an interest, monitor his behaviour in the paddock before placing a bet - at Punchestown it was clear beforehand he was in one of his reluctant moods. Of the others I prefer Oh Crick to Fix The Rib - the latter's jumping at Newbury on his penultimate run wasn't great. Last year Twist Magic won this with Mahogany Blaze just run out of second by Kalahari King. On that occasion Mahogany Blaze was an 11/2 shot yet this evening he's 11/1 with totesport - provided the bare eight go to post Mahogany Blaze each-way looks decent value in my book.

Petit Robin is the form choice in the 1.30 but with the prices on offer I'll sit on the sidelines while the opening Flat v. Jump Jockeys handicap is always worth watching and will, no doubt, be keenly contested.

For those who have followed the selections through the week at Punchestown, tomorrow is the final day of the 2010 Festival. Much to my surprise (and, no doubt, yours as well) I haven't been doing too badly with three winners and two seconds from seven selections. In the only Grade One race on Saturday's card, the Airshow 100 Champion Four Year Old Hurdle, I'll side with Barizan - his run in the Triumph at Cheltenham last month was one of the highlights of the season. On form he's closely matched with both Carlito Brigante (missed Aintree and so comes here relatively fresh) and his Aintree conqueror Orsippus, while it would be unwise to dismiss Sweet My Lord, given the form of anything Willie Mullins has run over the past few days. I just hope Barizan is well enough to do himself justice after two tough races in the last five weeks.

Sandown finale

I've just watched 8/13 favourite Ask hold Hattan half a length in Sandown's Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes. The jolly has held on well enough and you'd expect improvement, this being his first run of the season, but he didn't certainly didn't win in the manner you'd want from an odds-on shot.

On paper the 7.15 at Bangor this evening looks between Quizzene and Abstract Art; I prefer the latter and will get involved if 5/2 becomes available.

Tomorrow's dual code card at Sandown acts as the final curtain for this jumps season, the highlight being the Bet365 Gold Cup. Ten of the declared nineteen run from out of the handicap; will the Scottish National winner Iris De Balme be able to take this long distance chase just one week later? The way the horse sprinted up the home straight at Ayr suggested there was more to come - amateur Charlie Huxley keeps the ride here. I've lost patience with Ungaro; perhaps it's a little unkind but in my book he has become 'difficult to win with'. Royal County Star comes over from Ireland after a mid-season break and second place in the Irish National. He is set to run off his correct mark here, looking a player from a yard that knows the time of day. Royal County Star gets the vote.

On official ratings Monet's Garden is the one to beat in the Celebration Chase while Full House will appreciate good ground and could be considered an each-way longshot in the competitive-looking 2.10 provided he's fit enough to do himself justice on this his first run for six months.

I don't really study Flat form. In the Bet365 Mile Sir Michael Stoute's course and distance winner Rob Roy is officially the top-rated animal; on his seasonal debut he takes on seven opponents, six of whom have already had the benefit of a run this year. I will consider taking a chance if the horse is priced around the 7/2 mark.