Cheltenham Festival 2026 - the betting debrief

Shown below the recorded loss to level stakes (1 point win, 0.5 points each-way) of the blog's highlighted selections, returns calculated to the price taken when the wager was placed.

Outlay: 9 points

Return: 8.5 points

Profit / Loss: -0.5 points

Loss as a percentage of outlay: 5.55%

Jingko Blue (won, 10/1) and Bass Hunter (third, 10/1) provided some transient relief on Wednesday but the other seven selections - El Cairos, Golden Ace, Holokea, Western Fold, Impose Toi, Herakles Westwood and The Jukebox Man - were all soundly beaten. After the Gold Cup trainer Ben Pauling indicated The Jukebox Man had made a respiratory noise - as, indeed, I did myself.

Gaelic Warrior was simply magnificent in the Gold Cup while Lossiemouth was similarly imperious in Tuesday's Champion Hurdle, landing a famous double for owner Mrs S. Ricci.

Willie Mullins was top trainer at the meeting for the eighth consecutive year (eight winners) and Paul Townend the top jockey for the fifth consecutive year (five winners). Ireland won the Prestbury Cup 15-13.

Once again shambolic starts plagued the meeting and, on the Thursday, both Willie Mullins and J P McManus indicated they were unhappy with the amount of watering that had taken place as favourite Fact To File was withdrawn from the Ryanair Chase.

To my untrained eye, it looked like a Festival for layers rather than punters but, to finish on a more positive note, the overall attendance over the four days of 226,223 represents a 3.7% increase on last year's figure of 218,093.

Need anything from Tesco, PG? Of course I do - I've a list as long as your arm...

Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Friday

The pre-race talk of young pretenders in the Stayers' Hurdle proved wide of the mark with two 11-year-olds, Home By The Lee and Bob Olinger, finishing first and third respectively.

Also noted - since Cath Williams took over the training licence from husband Evan who has been found guilty of assaulting a dog walker, she has had, to date, just the two runners, both at Cheltenham. Ask Brewster won the Kim Muir earlier today at 22/1 while Libberty Hunter finished second in the Champion Chase yesterday at odds of 50/1.  

At the time of writing the going is described as good, good to soft in places, with rain forecast overnight and light showers during the afternoon tomorrow.

 

4.00 Cheltenham Gold Cup

Last week Galopin Des Champs, Gold Cup winner in 2023 and 2024, and second behind Inothewayurthinkin in last year's renewal, was declared a non-runner for this year's race after suffering a setback. Stablemate Gaelic Warrior was immediately promoted to the head of the market but presently The Jukebox Man holds that spot priced at 100/30, with Gaelic Warrior 7/2, Haiti Couleurs 11/2 and Jango Baie on the drift at 6/1.

In this year's King George at Kempton - a race for the ages that rescued this Christmas - The Jukebox Man, owned by Harry Redknapp, famously pipped Banbridge a nose, with Gaelic Warrior a further nose away in third and Jango Baie half a length adrift in fourth. 

An extended three and a quarter miles around the New Course at Cheltenham is a very different proposition to three miles at Kempton. 

Maddy Playle writes in the RP Weekender:

"If I had a list of horses to oppose at this year's festival Gaelic Warrior would be towards the top.

"I cannot fathom why he is favourite for the Gold Cup as, despite being an Arkle winner, he does not seem particularly well suited to Cheltenham. He was beaten in the Fred Winter off a mark of 129 before being bested by Impaire Et Passe in the following year's Ballymore Novices' Hurdle.

"...in my view [he] seems better suited to intermediate distances due to his tendency to race enthusiastically..."     

The Jukebox Man is unbeaten over fences and looked a shade unlucky when collared by Stellar Story in the shadow of the post in the 2024 Albert Bartlett.

Jango Baie rallied to win last year's Arkle and then won the 1965 Chase at Ascot in November in a quick time.  

Haiti Couleurs disappointed on his first try in Graded company, pulled up in the Betfair Chase at Haydock won by Grey Dawning. Just after Christmas he won the Welsh National carrying 11-13 and then the Grade 2 Denman Chase at Newbury five weeks ago.

In a recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 25.02-01.03.26] handler Rebecca Curtis said:

"He didn't particularly like the heavy ground in the Denman at Newbury but won by seven lengths and it will have sharpened him up for the Gold Cup. That's the one we all want to win."

In receipt of six pounds Spillane's Tower beat L'Homme Presse threequarters of a length and Grey Dawning five lengths in the Cotswold Chase on Trials Day. 

Both L'Homme Presse and Envoi Allen are at the veteran stage; the last horse older than nine to come home in front was ten-year-old Cool Dawn in 1998.

Inothewayurthinkin has run poorly on his three starts this season following last year's exploits. 

At one point trainer Gavin Cromwell indicated it was doubtful whether his charge would defend his crown but the gelding was backed at around 18/1 last week and sports first-time cheekpieces. The yard is emerging from a torrid season; several have run well in recent days and Final Orders won the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase on Wednesday.

Firefox stayed on from the rear to claim fourth behind Fact to File in the Irish Gold Cup last month but all his previous form has been gained over shorter distances.

Gold Tweet caused a shock when winning the 2023 Cleeve Hurdle; that will seem as nothing if he were to win the 2026 Cheltenham Gold Cup. 

A very open renewal. Only two of the top five in the market have form over the trip: Haiti Couleurs and Inothewayurthinkin; of the pair I prefer the former.

Maddy Playle wrote, 'Gaelic might win but not with my cash,' and I'm in the same camp. Jango Baie's drift in the market this evening is disconcerting so The Jukebox Man gets the vote. 

The Jukebox Man is the win selection, 3/1 generally at the time of writing.

Pushed for time but a very quick footnote on Piper Park in the Mares' Chase (2.40). She's is on the 'dark horse' list after a creditable second behind Jasmin Bliss in a Listed Mares' Chase at Huntingdon five weeks ago; two out she looked the likely winner.

Quoting the form analysis:

"Sporting a first-time tongue-tie, she'd only had two previous starts under rules but evidently has bundles of ability and could even step forward for this first start in 405 days. An intriguing prospect."

By my reckoning she'll need to step forward in excess of 20lbs to have even a remote chance here but at 125/1 - I missed 150/1 - I thought she was worth some of my hard-earned shrapnel.

Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Thursday

In the introduction to last year's Thursday Festival post I wrote:

"Two days in, and there have been some unsatisfactory starts to races..."

Twelve months later and we don't appear to be much further forward. This evening the Racing Post reports an allegation of racial abuse by Nico De Boinville has been lodged with the stewards following chaotic scenes before the start of the Turners earlier today.

The going on the New Course is currently described as good, good to soft in places.

A couple of suggestions for Thursday...

3.20 Stayers' Hurdle 

Teahupoo finished third behind Sire Du Berlais and Dashel Drasher in the 2023 renewal of this race, beat Flooring Porter in 2024, and finished second behind Bob Olinger last year.

Last time out Gordon Elliott's charge won the Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown with Bob Olinger second, Ballyburn third, and Home By The Lee fourth.  

After winning the Relkeel aboard Kabral Du Mathan on New Year's Day jockey Harry Skelton said: 

"He doesn't race like a three miler."

Dan Skelton said:

"In my heart I think I trust him enough to relax enough and get the three mile trip, but the question is can he stay three miles hard as a six-year-old when you're against those battle-hardened horses who have been doing it for eight to ten runs over many years." 

His first try at the trip was scheduled to be in the Rendlesham at Haydock in mid February, for which he was priced up 4/7 favourite, but he was pulled out on account of the ground.

Former trainer Paul Nicholls posted this comment on his blog [13.02.26]:

"Kabral Du Mathan as some will know I bought and trained previously and to me, he was a speed horse. He only just got beat in a Scottish Champion Hurdle and he was obviously effective over 2m 4f last time..." 

Writing in this week's RP Weekender Tom Segal names Kabral Du Mathan as the horse he's most looking forward to seeing at the Festival and continues:

"...his win in the Relkeel Hurdle at the track [beat Jingko Blue, winner of the BetMGM Cup today, five and a half lengths] ..was one of the most impressive performances of the season.

"What I liked most was the way he snapped straight back on the bridle after an early mistake and then how he sprinted away from some decent rivals up the hill.

"Over the years one punting maxim that has always worked for me is to concentrate on finding the horse who can run the fastest whatever the trip. It's always better to back fast horses going up in distance than slow ones who are proven over the trip..."   

Ballyburn didn't appear to stay when 14 lengths behind Teahupoo in the Christmas Hurdle; connections fit a hood for the first time here and he has been well supported in the market this evening.  

Honesty Policy, the other six-year-old in the field, finished third behind Impose Toi in the Long Walk at Ascot just before Christmas (Doddiethegreat fifth, Gwennie May Boy pulled up).

Ma Shantou looked good when beating Impose Toi seven lengths in the Cleeve on Trials Day (Doddiethegreat third); connections won this with Paisley Park in 2019. Writing in the RP Weekender trainer Emma Lavelle says:

"While he's probably susceptible to something with an extra gear, that's less of a worry in this race than in most others as it's a thorough test and you need a genuine ability to stay, which he has." 

Impose Toi was conceding six pounds in the Cleeve; Nicky Henderson has said:

"Impose Toi has done nothing wrong all season and what he really wants is good ground." 

Hewick, one of three 11-year-olds in the field, will appreciate good ground and can give a good account on his first run after wind surgery.

Impose Toi looked good beating Strong Leader in the Long Walk and is better than we saw in the Cleeve; with good ground to suit, he gets the vote.

Impose Toi is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 with bet365 who pay four places.  

The Ryanair (4.00) will be one to watch rather than bet on, while the ground has gone against Kikijo, my fancy for the Pertemps Final (4.40). 

5.20 Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup

Favourite Jeriko Du Reponet hasn't always jumped with fluency over the fences; jockey Mr Derek O'Connor is an amateur in name only. 

Herakles Westwood is my pick for this. 

Last time out he beat Katate Dori and New Order over three miles one and a half furlongs on the New Course; that form reads well. 

He has run well at Cheltenham previously, although he failed to land a blow behind Haiti Couleurs over the extended trip in last year's National Hunt Challenge Cup. In a Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 07-11.01.26] handler Warren Greatrex said:

"All three of his starts this season have been at Cheltenham and it's a track that suits him. He needed his first run but still finished second and then ran a good fourth to Blaze The Way in a premier handicap chase. He then got his head back in front on New Year's Day when he stayed on well all the way to the line. He did it nicely and jumped well. Looking ahead he could go for one of the festival handicaps such as the Ultima or Kim Muir. And looking even further ahead, the Welsh Grand National would be a target. He handles just about any ground."  

Herakles Westwood is the each-way suggestion, 9/1 generally, with a number of layers paying five places.

Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Wednesday

A few notes on tomorrow's card quickly bashed out after watching Lossiemouth win the Champion Hurdle by six and a half lengths...

Light rain is forecast overnight with sunny intervals tomorrow.

2.00 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

A large field this year; the top three in the market are all trained in Ireland but have yet to win at the trip under rules, although Romeo Coolio and Final Demand have both won an Irish point over three miles.

Favourite Romeo Coolio is unbeaten in his four starts over fences.

On seasonal debut he beat Koktail Divin 14 lengths over two and a half miles at Down Royal; on Boxing Day he beat Irish Panther over two miles one furlong at Leopardstown - Irish Panther goes in the Champion Chase at 4.00;.and at the Dublin Racing Festival he beat Kargese - winner of the Arkle earlier this afternoon -  a neck. Connections fit a first-time hood, presumably to help him settle over the longer trip.

Final Demand won his first two starts over fences but finished behind Kaid d'Authie and Western Fold over two miles five and a half furlongs at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Koktail Divin finished behind Oscars Brother at Punchesstown in November before making all to win 21 lengths over two miles five and a half at Leopardstown. The suspicion is he's better over the shorter trip but connections have opted to run here rather than in the Jack Richards on Thursday.

Mare The Big Westerner finished second behind Jasmin De Vaux in last year's Albert Bartlett (Wendigo fifth) and may prefer more cut underfoot but Western Fold should appreciate drying ground and back in July won the Galway Plate.  

Last night I watched a replay of the Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day. 

Kitzbuhel went some clip that day on good ground, throwing in some extravagant jumps to boot. The jumping wasn't so assured next time at Sandown where once or twice he shifted out right and then unshipped Paul Townend at the sixth; Townend prefers Final Demand.

Thomas Mor and Wendigo finished second and third respectively in the Kauto Star; this track is likely to suit Wendigo better than Kempton. After winning at Ayr in January, Wendigo's trainer Jamie Snowden said:

"It was a bit of a trek up to Ayr, but it was the only three mile novice chase going left-handed between now and Cheltenham. We found at Kempton that he did jump slightly left, it's all about chase experience. 

"The Brown Advisory is is the obvious route. He's the best of the British novice chasers over three miles..." 

Moot point perhaps, given he finished behind Thomas Mor who recorded a personal best at Kempton. Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's charge held an entry for the Reynoldstown at Ascot in February but missed that appointment due to an abscess. 

The handicapper has the pair on 147; Wendigo has been well touted and is an 8/1 shot while nine-year-old Thomas Mor is 66/1 with bet365.

Since 2000 only three horses older than seven have won the Brown Advisory and they were all eight-year-olds: Rule Supreme (2004); Might Bite (2017 - although he did his best to gift the race to nine-year-old Whisper); and Champ (2020). The last nine-year-old to win was Miinnehoma in 1992, trained by Martin Pipe, ridden by Peter Scudamore, and owned by comedian Freddie Starr; the horse went on to win the 1994 Grand National.

The Irish appear to hold a strong hand; I can see Thomas Mor - fifth behind Stay Away Fay in the 2023 Albert Bartlett before a protracted spell off the track- outrunning odds of 66/1.

Western Fold is the each-way suggestion, currently 14/1 generally but 16/1 with bet365 who pay four places.   

2.40 BetMGM Cup

24 declared and highly competitive as usual. 

Connections of Jinko Blue have reverted to hurdles this season after the gelding unseated Nico De Boinville in last year's Reynoldstown. 

His hurdling has been far from foot perfect in two runs so far but his second behind Kabral Du Mathan in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle on the New Course on New Year's Day reads well. He'll appreciate better ground and his current hurdle mark is seven pounds lower than his last chase rating. 

Jinko Blue is the each-way suggestion, 10/1 at the time of writing with Betfred, Unibet and bet365 among the layers paying six places.

5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Flat jockey Colin Keane rides The Mourne Rambler.

Sean Bowen rides Broadway Ted who beat stablemates With Nolimit and Charismatic Kid along with It's Only A Game at Leopardstown five weeks ago.

It's a long, long time since I've had a bet in the bumper but Bass Hunter gets the nod on the back of these comments made by trainer Chris Gordon after the gelding had beaten Tally Ho Back and Vango Can Go at Ascot just before Christmas.

"It's brilliant. I ride Bass Hunter every day, and in my 18 years of training he's the best I've sat on at home, and I think he showed that to an extent. Cheltenham and Aintree will be considered, but for him to win at those sorts of tracks, he'll need to settle down."

Bass Hunter is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 with Ladbrokes and William Hill who are paying four places.  

Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Tuesday

Need anything from Tesco? It'll have to wait until the weekend now.

Racing may be in crisis - Brant Dunshea has recently been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA following the resignation of Lord Allen - but punters have four days of the Festival to look forward to - and six favourites obliged at Sandown on Saturday...

Last year Tutti Quanti was the only British trained runner to contest the Supreme, finishing sixth at 125/1 behind 4/6 favourite Kopek Des Bordes. At the time of writing British trained novices head the markets for the Supreme (Old Park Star) and the Turners (No Drama This End).

The final hurdle on both courses has been moved closer to the home turn after the discovery of a hole in the ground on Trials Day, the cause later found to be a collapsed drain. The run-in will now be a furlong or so in distance; I recall a number of hurdle races with a long run-in at Haydock where the apparent result changed within the shadow of the post.

The going on the Old Course is currently described as good to soft, good in places, with selective watering carried out earlier today.

1.20 Supreme Novices' Hurdle 

An intriguing renewal with the Nicky Henderson trained Old Park Star the only runner to have won at the track previously. 

Talk The Talk, Mighty Park and El Cairos spearhead a strong Irish challenge. 

With just one start over hurdles to his name Mighty Park could be anything. 

Both Talk The Talk and El Cairos are likely to be ridden for their turn of foot. 

El Cairos, bought out of the David Maxwell dispersal sale for £410,000, hasn't always appeared fluent at the hurdles but looks a bit of a speed merchant.

Back in November Mydaddypaddy was ante-post favourite for this race; his run in the Formby behind Idaho Sun is easily forgiven as four of the nine hurdles were omitted due to the low sun. 

A few in this like to go from the front including Sober Glory, described by Harry Cobden as the best novice he has ridden this season; on official ratings he has three pounds to find with Old Park Star. Finished behind Hurricane Pat at Sandown in December - Old Park Star beat that one 18 lengths at Haydock the following month. 

With the race likely to be run to suit, El Cairos is the each-way suggestion, currently 8/1 generally.

4.00 Champion Hurdle

Three mares take their chance in this year's renewal.

Favourite Lossiemouth won the Triumph in 2023 and the Mares' Hurdle over two and a half miles in 2024 and 2025; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time. 

Brighterdaysahead reversed previous Leopardstown form with Lossiemouth over two miles, beating her three and a quarter lengths in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival just over five weeks ago. To date she hasn't shown her very best form at this track. 

Golden Ace beat Brighterdaysahead in the 2024 Mares' Novices' Hurdle and had the same rival back in fourth in last year's Champion Hurdle; she was considered a somewhat fortunate winner that day after State Man, five lengths clear, came to grief at the last. 

The New Lion was one length to the good when he fell at Newcastle allowing Golden Ace to add the Fighting Fifth to her curriculum vitae. She scoped dirty when beaten in a two horse race at Wetherby in November and had no chance when second behind Sir Gino in the Christmas Hurdle. Trainer Jeremy Scott has said he thinks he has her in better order this season than last.

We haven't seen much of The New Lion since winning the Turners last year. After falling in the Fighting Fifth, he won the International on Trials Day - run on the New Course over two miles one furlong - when main market rival Sir Gino was pulled up quickly after three out having gone lame.   

Poniros won the Triumph (run on the New Course) last year at odds of 100/1. Only two five-year-olds have won since 2000: Katchit (2008) and Espoir D'Allen (2019).

Alexei raced off a mark of 127 when second behind Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle in October and five weeks later won the Greatwood over course and distance off 134. The handicapper now has him on 148; trainer Joe Tizzard has said he'll travel well into the race and then we'll find out how good he is.

Tutti Quanti was well beaten behind Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on seasonal debut. He subsequently came out to win the Gerry Feilden and then the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury by 15 lengths on heavy ground off 138. Now rated 151, he has been supplemented for this.

Golden Ace is the each-way suggestion; she looks overpriced at 10/1 with William Hill at the time of writing. 

  

5.20 National Hunt Challenge Cup

I fancied Herakles Westwood for this race last year (finished seventh behind Haiti Couleurs); he held an entry this year too but it looks as though connections prefer the Kim Muir (5.20 Thursday).

Favourite Backmeorsackme ran well when second behind Three Card Brag over three miles one furlong here in October.

Wade Out is the only course winner in this field. At Worcester in October he beat Wendigo (declared for the Brown Advisory on Wednesday) and then beat One Big Bang over three miles one furlong here in a Listed race. Cheekpieces added for the first time but this looks a stiff task under top weight.

King Of Answers (dam: Queen Of Questions) finished second behind Wendigo in an Irish point back in 2023. Having finished behind Guard The Moon at Windsor, King Of Answers sported first-time cheekpieces at Kelso next time and evident improvement followed. He has gone up ten pounds for that effort; has the odd mistake in him.

Grande Geste certainly stays having won the Grand National Trial over an extended three and a half miles at Haydock three and a half weeks ago. Co-trainers' comment in the RP Weekender [28.01-01.02.26]: 'He's very straightforward to train - you could put your granny on him.'

Holokea was pulled up behind Grand Geste at Haydock but in December looked to have a race in the bag on the New Course over three miles one and a half furlongs before being collared by Zertakt.

I'm going to forgive Holokea that run last time; Shane Fenelon takes off five pounds.

Holokea is the each-way suggestion, as I write 40/1 with bet365, Paddy Power and Sky who pay five places. 

Cheltenham, Chelsea, Cinquenta

Preparations for this year's Cheltenham Festival have been thrown into total disarray by an unexpected telephone call and the EBF Final at Sandown.

Earlier this week I was offered the chance of a ticket for Wrexham's FA Cup fifth round home tie against Chelsea on Saturday - the club's highest profile fixture since they beat Arsenal in the same competition back in 1992. 

As a lifelong fan I jumped at the chance and immediately after the call rushed off to check prices: Wrexham 6/1 in places, 4/1 the draw. 

I was tempted too, but after watching highlights of Chelsea's win at Villa Park on Wednesday evening, I decided I was never all that keen on football betting anyway...

And then, bless my old boots, two caught my eye in the European Breeders' Fund Betfair "National Hunt" Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final, handily shortened in racing parlance to the EBF Final (1.50 Sandown).

The two in question are Tennessee Tango and Cinquenta.

18 months ago, after attending Ludlow's second October meeting, I bumped into a gentleman in a local hostelry who tried to sell me a share in a horse for £2,000. 'Unusual that for a Thursday,' I remember thinking to myself afterwards. The horse in question was Tennessee Tango. 

At the time the gelding was unraced under rules but held an entry in a Wincanton bumper the following Sunday. The gent concerned clearly held the horse in high regard - a possible entry in the Festival bumper was mentioned - but I don't regularly carry that amount of cash inside the inside lining of my faux tweed jacket and, anyway, I'd done my dough at the races, so I politely declined his kind offer.

Still, I had enough about me to monitor the market for that Wincanton bumper all the same. 

Now, as a general rule, Sunday markets can be quite static early doors, no doubt bookmakers still busy counting their winnings from the day before. At around ten o'clock the opening price of 12/1 about Tennessee Tango started to contract quite sharply. By roughly midday, as I recall, he was half the price so I decided to leave well alone. In the event, Tennessee Tango drifted back out to 12/1 at the off and beat Neil Mulholland's well-backed filly Pollyana's Dream two and a half lengths.

I've followed the fortunes of Tennessee Tango ever since that bumper, which, incidentally, was run on good ground. He has further bumper form behind Windbeneathmywings, and hurdle form behind Sinchi Roca (beat Wolf Walker at Wincanton in January), Sober Glory (14/1 for the Supreme on Tuesday), Gentleman Toboot (gave subsequent Dovecote winner Klub De Reve six pounds and a beating at Exeter in December) and Mossy Fen Road.

In complete contrast Cinquenta only came on the radar five weeks ago.

My hairdresser was due to go the Wetherby races at the end of January and, in what can only be described as a blatant breach of self discipline, she asked me to mark her card. 

I did the necessary and thought I'd managed to get away scot-free when the fixture was (un)fortunately abandoned but a timeous email the following morning indicated her party were en route to Market Rasen instead so updated selections were required - as quickly as possible.

Initially Gee Force Flyer was priced up favourite in the two and a half mile novice hurdle with Cinquenta his market rival but by the off the pair had flip-flopped; the market called it correctly too with Cinquenta coming home eight and a half lengths clear.

After the race handler Jamie Snowden said:

"It was a nice performance. Cinquenta stepped up for the step up in trip and a bit of softer ground. The penny is beginning to drop, but he's a big backward baby and he's learning all of the time. Today was a slightly easier race than the ones he's been competing in. We won the EBF Final last year with Laurens Bay [off 123] and I'd say he's in a similar mould, he's a future staying chaser."

Of the pair marginal preference is for Cinquenta who has won over the distance while Tennessee Tango tries the trip for the first time.

Of course, as always, the EBF Final is a highly competitive affair; 18 have been declared for this year's renewal with the going on the hurdles track currently described as soft, good to soft in places.

Favourite Scorpio Rising is unbeaten this term, last time finishing one and threequarters lengths ahead of Top Jimmy at Windsor (Top Jimmy contests the Imperial Cup at 2.27). Readers may recall the brouhaha that followed when Harry (Skelton) met Sean (Bowen) - not Sally - on the way back to the unsaddling enclosure.

Formerly with Willie Mullins, Unknown Entity is probably well-named but remains a maiden in five starts and looks short enough in the market.

Kaka's Cousin was bought for £160,000 after being pipped a short head in an Irish point 15 months ago. He finished 15 lengths behind Starzand at Wetherby in January but looked impressive next time beating even money favourite Kocktail Bleu (second behind Klub De Reve in the Dovecote) eight and a half lengths at Kelso. 

Four Springs jumped right on occasions when second behind Sinnatra at Warwick the last day. He should prefer Sandown and sports cheekpieces for the first time; Sinnatra is currently quoted a 12/1 chance for the County Hurdle at Cheltenham next week.

Laguna Beach finished behind Hurricane Pat - holds an entry in the Turners at Cheltenham - in November and wasn't foot perfect at his hurdles when second behind Whiskey Yankee at Ascot over an extended two miles five furlongs seven weeks ago; the slightly shorter trip here should help his cause.

I'd be prepared to forgive top weight Gentleman Toboot his last run at Leicester. David Pipe's charge proved he stays the trip when beating A Pai De Nom - subsequently third in the Lanzarote and currently holding entries for the Albert Bartlett and the Martin Pipe - at Newton Abbot at the end of October. Stable form is a concern.

Race To Base finished fifth in a Uttoxeter maiden at the beginning of October and, for what it's worth, I wasn't the only one to mark that particular race up as well above average: winner De Temps En Temps went on to claim a Cheltenham novice and looked to have benefitted from wind surgery when third in a competitive Ascot handicap next time; second Tiptoptim finished third in the Challow behind No Drama This End; third Loriko has form behind Give It To Me Oj and Kripticjim while fourth Marsiac went on to beat Big Ticket in an Aintree novice.

After winning his novice at Hereford - on decent ground - Race To Base's jockey Sam-Twiston-Davies said: 'He's very quick, one of the pacier ones at home...' The gelding has his first run for new connections here and wears a tongue-tie for the first time.

Draco Malfoy can turn on the magic in the jumping department and looks a stayer in the making; he was beaten by Get On George at Doncaster just after Christmas. 

Get On George is better than he showed when pulled up behind Thedeviluno in the River Don. In their Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 28.01-01.02.26] Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith say:

"He's a lovely horse who's definitely one to watch. He could be the one to go chasing and do something similar to what Grand Geste has done this season - and better. He's got everything - he's fast, he stays, he jumps and he's got a good attitude - and this is his first season in training. It was a very good race at Doncaster last Saturday [River Don] and it wasn't our day. He's going to be better over a fence."

On his penultimate start Rathkenny, owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, made all to beat West Hill Verde at Doncaster. That reads well now given that West Hill Verde finished third in the Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso last Saturday, despite nearly coming to grief four from home. In a Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 04-08.02.26] trainer Neil Mulholland says:

"He'd won his point-to-point when we bought him. He then won his bumper first time out for us at Uttoxeter. He ran at Fontwell the second time but pulled a front shoe off, so you can put a line through that run. He then went to Doncaster and ran a lovely race to win nicely [West Hill Verde second]. He's got a great attitude and jumps well. He'll be a nice chaser next season and would be my trainer's pick." 

The two Henrietta Knight trained runners have form with Cinquenta.

Conceding three pounds Precious Metal beat Cinquenta a neck over two miles at Lingfield but didn't appear to stay behind Bollin Thou over this course and distance next time while Roi Du Risk was struggling with a circuit to go behind Cinquenta at Market Rasen but then kept on to finish third.

Jury's In finished fourth behind Starzand at Ffos Las in the autumn (Gee Force Flyer third). It was an open and shut case at Fakenham three weeks ago when Stuart Edmunds' charge beat The Boss Bear 20 lengths at Fakenham; the penalty is an 11 pound hike in the weights.

As always a very competitive renewal - it's possible to make a case for a couple of these at a price. I'm going stick with Cinquenta who hurdled fluently for the most part last time and stayed on strongly to the line. 

Cinquenta is the each-way suggestion, generally 12/1 at the time of writing with some firms paying five places including bet365 and Unibet.

Footnote: Harry Redknapp is on record saying he's found himself dreaming about The Jukebox Man winning next week's Gold Cup. I haven't had any dreams about Wrexham beating Chelsea tomorrow, basically because I haven't been able to get much sleep. In time honoured fashion, I'll aim to post some selections for each of the four days at Cheltenham.

The 2026 Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is nearly upon us. Last year I seem to recall the starters having more trouble starting than I used to have with a Vauxhall Viva bought in 1979. 

It's quite a long time since I've embraced this particular challenge but punters who travel to Cheltenham by train - thereby avoiding problems with a car that won't start -  and then opt to walk to the track - an undertaking that necessitates a lengthy stopover at The Rotunda to take on board ample liquid refreshment for the trials that lie ahead - usually turn right out of the station forecourt and then walk straight past Eldorado Road (leading to Eldorado Crescent). 

When I was younger, you know, I used to think how aptly named that road was...

Anyway, I couldn't get started on the Morebattle Hurdle (2.55 Kelso) so I've spent a bit of time on the Grimthorpe (2.30 Doncaster) instead. 

The going on the chase course is described as good to soft; heavy rain is forecast overnight and a number in this field wouldn't want to see conditions deteriorate any further.

Moroder won the 2023 running of this race off 131 carrying 10-2 and last year's renewal off 125 carrying 10-7 (Some Scope pulled up after a bad mistake). This year Moroder goes off a mark of 120 yet carries 10-11 - which only serves to highlight a drop in quality.

Earlier today top weight King's Threshold was at the head of the market but this evening Emma Lavelle's charge has relinquished top spot to Dartmoor Pirate. 

King's Threshold won the Mandarin at Newbury just after Christmas off 131 and has since missed a couple of potential engagements - the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase at this track five weeks ago and then the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot a fortnight ago - on account of soft ground.

Writing in this week's RP Weekender the trainer says:

"...King's Threshold showed himself a progressive chaser when winning the Mandarin at Newbury in December and, although that was nearly two months ago, he remains in good form.

"He doesn't overdo himself at home, he never stops eating, so I don't think being ready to run for a while will have sent him over the top. And I've long thought there's a big race in him."

Dartmoor Pirate won the aforementioned Great Yorkshire, beating New Order three and threequarters lengths - initially he appeared outpaced up the home straight before staying on stoutly to win with something in hand. 

Anthony Honeyball's charge has two furlongs further to travel here; the gelding has won both chase starts with a tongue-tie fitted.

New Order reopposes five pounds better off. He was left in the lead when Joyeux Machin, five lengths clear, came to grief at the final open ditch and Charlie Longsdon's charge looked to tire coming to the final flight.

His previous third behind Herakles Westwood and Katate Dori over three miles one and a half furlongs at Cheltenham reads well.

Jasmin De Grugy, stablemate of Dartmoor Pirate, wasn't foot perfect behind Herakles Westwood that day.

Hampered by the fall of Excello on the first circuit, he was towards the rear when coming to grief on the second circuit. Prior to that he'd finished fourth behind Konfusion in the Rehearsal at Newcastle; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time. 

On his penultimate start just after Christmas Some Scope, sporting a first time visor, made all to win a three mile handicap chase at Doncaster (Moroder third, beaten 12 lengths). 

Next time the visor was left off in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham where he raced in rear throughout, beaten over 70 lengths. 

After that race the vet reported the gelding had lost his left fore shoe and suffered a small overreach on his left fore leg. Four days later he underwent wind surgery.

Neil Mulholland saddles three; comments on each runner from the recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 04-08.02.26] are reproduced below.

Kelce

"He finished second at Aintree on Boxing Day behind Fortunate Man and then won at Musselburgh on Saturday [31.01.26]. He's had three wins now for us and is a good, solid horse. He's just creeping up a little bit in the ratings now, which might just allow us to get into a couple of those nicer 3m handicap chases off bottom weight. He's going the right way." 

Broomfields Cave

"He won last time out on Boxing Day at Wincanton. The third horse, Jupiter Allen, came out and won again last week [29.01.26], so the form is working out well. The ground would just be a little bit soft for him at present, but once we get a bit of proper good to soft ground again he'll be out. He's a nice staying chaser and there'll be plenty more to come from him."

Lord Accord

"We're just waiting for the ground really. He's a very solid horse and my top earner this season. He's run 37 times, winning nine and been second on six occasions. He's won more than £165,000 in prize money. He was second last time at Ascot in the Berkshire National and was in good order, giving a good account of himself. There's no reason why he can't continue to do so in the spring time when he gets his ground. He could go for the Kim Muir at the festival."

To my mind Destroytheevidence didn't see out this trip - admittedly on heavy ground - at Wincanton last month.

King Turgeon is back down to 133, his last winning mark. When last seen he finished sixth behind Blaze The Way at Cheltenham in December - nine lengths behind Herakles Westwood in fourth at level weights. 

Theformismighty bounced back to form at Newcastle last month and has only gone up three pounds.

Around this time last year, conceding 13 pounds, he was beaten a head by New Order in a novices' handicap chase at Wetherby; mighty form indeed. 

However, in between those two efforts, there have been a couple of real stinkers; he tries a trip beyond three miles for the first time.  

Jubilant's fifth behind Montregard at Ascot in November - beaten just over eight lengths - is worth a quick mention, given Montregard finished second to subsequent Reynoldstown winner The Jukebox Kid in January; to date James Owen's charge has form mostly in Class 4 handicap chases.

All of which leads back to our old friend Moroder - 12 years of age and still going strong. 

He was returned at 18/1 when he won in 2023 and 33/1 last year, both renewals run on good ground. If he gets into a jumping rhythm up front...

New Order's form stacks up well but at the prices I'm going to take a chance on Broomfields Cave who was highlighted by Neil Clark as the 'reporter's pick' in that referenced Straight from the Stable article; Bradley Harris claims three pounds.

Broomfields Cave is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 generally with the layers paying four places, but Ladbrokes and Coral stand out offering 11/1.   

The 2025 December Gold Cup

Eleven declared for tomorrow's December Gold Cup, to be run this year as The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup in support of the fund set up by BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy in memory of Carol, John's wife, and daughters Hannah and Louise. 

The going in Gloucestershire is currently described as good to soft; curmudgeonly, perhaps, given recent rains, but the forecast sunshine is likely to prove problematic and may well lead to fences being omitted.

Favourite Jagwar won the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase over course and distance at the Festival in March. He missed his intended return in the Paddy Power Gold Cup four weeks ago on account of heavy ground and shows up here surrounded by whispers he could be a Graded level performer.

His rivals may possess a race-fitness edge but the gelding tends to travel well through a race and clearly has an engine; the jumping isn't always foot perfect though while the stable is just starting to emerge from a quiet spell - Passing Pleasure won at Musselburgh on Monday and Gamesters Guy beat sole rival Moon Rocket (1/3f) in the opener at Doncaster earlier today.

Although run over a slightly shorter trip on the Old Course, last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup is a pertinent piece of form. 

Vincenzo and Hoe Joly Smoke finished second and third respectively behind Panic Attack, with Il Ridoto eighth - beaten 16 lengths - and Es Perfecto pulled up before the last, jockey Tom Bellamy reporting the gelding stopped quickly.

On revised terms Vincenzo and Hoe Joly Smoke look closely matched. 

The latter, ridden by Kielan Woods last time as stable jockey Harry Skelton was aboard the winner, made a mistake two out which may just have cost him second place. Having won over three miles, Hoe Joly Smoke is likely to benefit from the greater emphasis the New Course places on stamina but perhaps wouldn't be best suited by fences being omitted.

Five-year-old Kim Roque, second in the Listed Grand Steeple-Chase de Dieppe in the summer, has his second start for Joseph O'Brien since moving from Daniela Mele's yard in France.

On his first start for current connections he finished three lengths behind Kdeux Saint Fray over two and a half miles on the Old Course four weeks ago; he runs off a mark three pounds out of the handicap. 

Since 2000 only two runners younger than six have come home in front - Unioniste (2012) and Frodon (2016), both four-year-olds and both trained by Paul Nicholls.

I have to say I was impressed with Colonel Harry's victory in the Grand Sefton five weeks ago - was there even a hint he had more up his sleeve? 

Sixth behind Grey Dawning in the 2024 Turners at the Festival, he would probably prefer a bit more cut underfoot, but he has only been raised four pounds for that win over the National fences..

Stablemate and top weight Ga Law won the 2022 Paddy Power Gold Cup and finished second behind Il Ridoto in the 2024 renewal of the same race. 

Isabelle Ryder can claim seven but, much like my good self, he isn't getting any younger and these days is prone to make the odd mistake here and there.

Having watched a replay of last month's Paddy Power, I was struck by how open the race was as they turned for home. Il Ridoto, prominent throughout, had his chance, as indeed did Es Perfecto. 

Il Ridoto goes off a mark of 141, the same mark off which he won last year's Paddy Power (although Freddie Gingell claimed three pounds).

On his Betfair blog this evening handler Paul Nicholls said:

"The more it dries out, the better for Il Ridoto, he's a good ground horse who has bits and pieces of form on the soft but doesn't really like it."  

Imperial Saint showed a liking for the New Course when third behind Moon d'Orange in January.

Sent off 2/1 favourite at Aintree on seasonal debut seven weeks ago he disappointed, eventually finishing fifth. Subsequently the Racing Post reported Richard Johnson, manager of several syndicates, saying:

"[Imperial Saint] tweaked his backside before Aintree and and I think that's what got him upset before the race that day. He still ran okay but he definitely wasn't on his A-game. That's sorted now and I'd like to think he goes there with a decent chance." 

Just by way of an aside I suffered a similar misfortune on a car park in Braintree some years ago and had to take three months off work.

The winners have been a while coming for Venetia Williams this season but the yard appears to have turned a corner - Djelo won the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday and Authodidcate won at Uttoxeter on Tuesday.

After a poor run in the Haldon Gold Cup - fifth of six, beaten 65 lengths - Martator hinted at a return to form when second behind Calico at Ascot three weeks ago. The fact the majority of his chase form is on right-handed tracks is a concern, although he did finish midfield behind Jazzy Matty in the Grand Annual at the Festival. 

Glengouly faces a stiff task from seven pounds out of the handicap.

The 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup wasn't the strongest renewal and similar comments apply to this race; 7/2 Jagwar could look a big price after the weigh-in.

I'm going to take a chance on Martator, the one to beat on Racing Post ratings. He has won over this trip and shouldn't be inconvenienced by drying conditions.

Martator is the each-way suggestion, 14/1 generally at the time of writing, with bet365, Paddy Power and Sky all paying four places.

The 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup

Tomorrow's Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.20 Cheltenham) is to be run in memory of Irish trainer Edward O'Grady who sent out 18 Festival winners between 1974 and 2006.

He trained Tranquil Sea to win this race in 2009 - and we haven't seen an Irish winner since. Five have crossed the Irish Sea to take their chance tomorrow. 

The going at Cheltenham is currently described as soft, good to soft in places, with a precautionary inspection called for 7.30 tomorrow morning as further heavy rain associated with Storm Claudia is forecast. 

Talking to ITV cameras before this afternoon's finale, clerk of the course Jon Pullen pointed out the rain was due to stop around 1.00 am and, with drying conditions, he was 'hopeful' racing could go ahead - the card would be given every chance.     

A final field of fifteen was declared on Thursday but this evening top weight and market leader Jagwar has been declared a non-runner on account of the ground. 

Vicenzo, a big horse who goes well fresh and generally needs time between his races, has replaced Jagwar at the head of the market. Sam Thomas' charge has yet to win over this trip but the stable has sent out five winners from seven runners in the past fortnight. 

Last year's winner Il Ridoto tries to repeat the trick this time off a mark just one pound higher.

Paul Nicholls' inmate raced from out the handicap that day but caries 11-08 tomorrow which indicates this year's running wouldn't be considered the highest quality renewal - last year top weight Protektorat was rated 167 and five others runners in the field of 15 ran off a mark in the 150s.

The lowest rated winner in the past decade is Coole Coady (137) in 2020.

Dan Skelton saddles three -  Panic Attack, Hoe Joly Smoke and Riskintheground. 

Harry rides the mare Panic Attack which suggests she's the stable's best chance - in a recent stable tour article the handler said:

"The plan is to give her one run and go for the Paddy Power Gold Cup."

She hasn't had that one run - last seen out at Warwick in February - and spent more time hurdling than chasing last season. Three of her five chase starts have been in mares' only races which I find off-putting but clearly this has been the target for some time and the stable is operating at a 26% win strike rate over the past fortnight.

On seasonal debut stablemate Hoe Joly Smoke ran well at this track over three miles one furlong when third behind Three Card Brag three weeks ago. 

Connections subsequently indicated they felt their charge didn't see the trip out that day as they'd done plenty of work with the horse and fitness wasn't the issue - the gelding has won over three miles but not beyond. I feel the step back to two and a half miles wouldn't necessarily suit - yet to win over the distance under rules - although the rain should help his stamina come into play.

Riskintheground won the Silver Trophy Handicap Chase on the New Course in April (Il Ridoto over ten lengths adrift in seventh) but his form is mostly on decent ground.

Thecompanysergeant finished two and threequarters lengths behind Jagwar in the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase at the Festival in March (Il Ridoto over 20 lengths adrift in twelfth). On a strict reading of that form he was closely matched with Jagwar but Gavin Cromwell's gelding hasn't been in the same form this summer and has drifted out to 9/1 with some layers.

Henry De Bromhead saddles two - Coming Up Easy and the mare Theatre Native.

Last year Lets Go Champ raced prominently before eventually finishing third for the yard; Coming Up Easy is a progressive front runner in a rich vein of form having won his last three starts in Ireland, the last a Listed handicap chase at Killarney. This one has won a Limerick maiden hurdle over two miles five on heavy ground and didn't appear to stay three miles behind Three Card Brag at Navan in January.

The booking of Sean Bowen for Theatre Native is interesting; she won the Aston Martin Mares' Novices' Handicap Chase on the New Course in April.

When the rain arrives, so does money for Venetia Williams trained runners - Hunter Legend has more than halved in price over the past 24 hours. He has won five of his 11 chase starts; this will be the first chase he has contested with more than eight runners in the field.

Hold-up ride Conyers Hill was sixth behind Jazzy Matty in the Grand Annual in March and has yet to win over this trip while veteran Es Perfecto doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock and finished fifth behind Caldwell Potter in the Jack Richards at the Festival in March (run on the New Course) - that day he lost three places after the final fence. 

The last horse older than nine to come home in front was Clear Cut in 1975.

While Bad has turned out to be rather good since blinkers were fitted for the first time in January - he has won three of his six chase starts - the arrival of rain looks a bit of a negative for Ben Pauling's runner. Lady Cricket, the last mare to come home in front, won the 2000 renewal as a six year old and since then only four horses have replicated the feat: Celestial Gold (2004); Exotic Dancer (2006); Johns Spirit (2013); and Ga Law (2002).

Stablemate of Thecompanysergeant The Other Mozzie finished a further two places behind Es Perfecto in seventh in the Jack Richards and hasn't won beyond two miles two furlongs while Issar D'Airy's form over two miles with Martator and Libberty Hunter reads well enough.

In summary, not the highest quality renewal of the race once known as the Mackeson Gold Cup and it's no real surprise to see connections decide to withdraw Jagwar - which has seen prices contract.

Hoe Joly Smoke and Coming Up Easy were the two each-way chances under consideration; Henry De Bromhead's charge gets the nod although the handicapper doesn't appear to have been overly lenient with a mark of 142.

Coming Up Easy is the each-way suggestion, currently 9/1 with bet365 and William Hill both paying four places, provided, of course, the card passes tomorrow morning's inspection. 

Footnote

I've spent a lifetime struggling to sort the wheat from the chaff and I realise it must be even harder for blog readers, so here's a helpful little pointer.

Last month, in a post entitled 'Hoping to come on for the run', I indicated Deep Cave was worth a second look in the Native River Handicap Chase at Chepstow. After winning the opening handicap hurdle at Aintree on Grand National day, trainer Christian Williams had said of his charge:

"It's probably taken us a long time to figure him out, but we thought he'd be better on nice ground and he's going to be very special over fences next year. He won a novice chase in France, so he's not a novice, but hopefully he'll be a Saturday horse."

In the event Deep Cave didn't run at Chepstow on account of the ground but he did contest the Weatherbys and Birdie Calendars Handicap Chase at Bangor on Wednesday - and won at odds of 11/1.

Did you bet it, PG?

Good Lord! No! Who ever backs a Saturday horse on a Wednesday?

Factual correction published 15.11.25 @ 17:15

Happy Diva was the last mare to win the race - in 2019 - not Lady Cricket as stated above. 

Aintree aspirants

Seven days after this year's Gold Cup, I found myself in Cheltenham - Inothewayurthinkin. 

Actually, I was there for my daughter's wedding.

In the evening of the following day, the day after the main event in a manner of speaking, while my wife and I were looking for a quiet place to eat with the aim of recharging run-down batteries, we came across a review of The Tivoli, penned by The Times' restaurant critic Giles Coren.

Mr Coren describes the establishment as '...a wonderful, huge old building on Andover Road in the grand/shabby curate's egg of a town that is Cheltenham.' 

Now, for at least 40 years I've considered Cheltenham - the home of National Hunt racing - a place of sacred pilgrimage, to be spoken of in revered, hushed tones only; the tweed set may baulk a little at Mr Coren's irreverence but I found it singularly refreshing.

The accompaniment to our meal at The Tivoli was a Blues playlist that proved most invigorating; as I paid the bill and handed my feedback form to the waitress, I asked if she would be so kind as to send me details of the playlist.

To date, I haven't heard a pip, and it must be a 33/1 longshot I ever will. 

I've noticed that about organisations generally - they have no qualms in pestering you for feedback yet when you ask for feedback on your feedback, they can't be bothered to respond...

Anyway, the Lincoln at Doncaster takes centre stage tomorrow; Ascot's card on Sunday - the main jumps meeting of the weekend - has seen field sizes decimated by the drying ground; a visit to wolfwinner online pokies au is probably a more productive use of one's time.

Court Cian goes in the finale at 5.40 - an acquaintance of mine owns a share. 

Apparently the gelding's comfortable win at Market Rasen last time came as a bit of a surprise to connections so I might give the guy a bell beforehand, just to see what they're expecting this time around.  

With Aintree on the horizon, I've spent a bit of time looking for horses whose connections have, at some point previously, indicated this forthcoming Aintree meet was a possible target. 

The list below is far from exhaustive and I'm sure the whole exercise will prove little more than an exercise in futile displacement activity; still, it beats watching the news on the television.

Arayapearl / Peter & Mickey Bowen

Straight from the Stable [RP Weekender 26-30.03.25]:

"She has never run before but works really well at home. We haven't had time to give her a run in between but her work is better than any of our youngsters. She's a really nice filly and will run in the Aintree bumper as well. She'd be my dark horse." 

Battle Born Lad / Mark Walford 

Talented but quirky individual.

After passing the post to win the Grade 2 Prestige Novices' Hurdle at Haydock 15.02.25, he unseated jockey Jamie Hamilton. Later the jockey said:

"He's not an easy ride as he's free-going, he hangs and always looks for a way out. He was still full of it, I turned in and couldn't believe how well I was going. I'd say Cheltenham would be too soon, but there's always Aintree." 

Castle Carrock / Alan .King  

Bought out of Nicky Richards' stable for £100,000 after winning a bumper at Ayr on good ground. Beat 2/9f Diva Luna in a Sandown novice 24.01.25 and then third behind Jet To Vegas in the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso 01.03.25. Trainer states [RP Weekender 26-30.03.25]:

"Castle Carrock will be in the 2m and 2m 4f novice hurdles. If they look red hot, we have the option of giving him an extra week and waiting for Ayr instead." 

Charisma Cat / Alan King

Won the Listed mares' bumper at Sandown 08.03.25. Trainer states [RP Weekender 26-30.03.25]:

"...Charisma Cat is a possible for the mares' bumper on the opening day. 

"I haven't done a lot with her since her win at Sandown and I'd want to be 100 per cent happy with her if I was to run. Otherwise we'll put her away."

Holds an entry (5.15 Thursday)

Dedicated Hero / Sandy Thomson 

After winning the Grade 2 Rossington Main Hurdle at Haydock 18.01.25 rider Ryan Mania said:

"The original plan was the Premier Hurdle at Kelso as he's won twice there and then maybe Aintree..."

Declared a non-runner on the day in Kelso's Premier Hurdle.

Fingle Bridge / Olly Murphy 

Beat Regent's Stroll in a Listed novice at Exeter 09.02.25; needs proper soft ground. 

Horaces Pearl / Fergal O'Brien 

Won Newbury novice 28.02.25 over extended 2m 4f; jumping still a work in progress. Beat stablemate Tripoli Flyer in last season's Aintree bumper. Possible target: Grade 1 novice race.

Jet To Vegas / Lucinda Russell 

Won Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso 01.03.25 despite jumping right, Castle Carrock nine and a half lengths third. Afterwards trainer said:

"He normally has to go right handed but it was worth taking a chance here. As he got tired, he jumped straight, when he was fresh he jumped right handed. He'll go to Aintree."

Jurancon / David Pipe  

Has form behind The Kemble Brewery and beat Tripoli Flyer in a Chepstow maiden 06.11.24. After winning on handicap debut at Newbury 01.03.25, trainer David Pipe said:

"He has got a great attitude, which is half the battle, and we might have a look at Aintree with him."  

Appears best suited by soft ground.

Live Conti / Dan Skelton 

Formerly with Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm in France. Won at Wetherby on stable debut for current connections 12.02.25 and was quoted a 20/1 chance for the Triumph Hurdle. After that Wetherby win the trainer said:

"We got Live Conti in November and I'm glad we didn't run him earlier as he's really improved in the last month and keeps thriving. 

"The form of his Auteuil race is very good and we'll decide whether we go to Cheltenham or go to Aintree, but he's a horse who is further down the line as he's already quite furnished and strong."

Holds entry in Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (2.30 Thursday)

Lounge Lizard / Henry Daly 

I tipped Lounge Lizard for a race at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. After the event (fourth, 21 lengths behind Springwell Bay) I wrote that his jumping 'left a lot to be desired, looking laboured and cumbersome on more than one occasion'. 

In an apparent return to form, the rascal won the Prestige Developments John Bigg "Oxo" Handicap Chase at Huntingdon 02.03.25. After the race the trainer said:

"Lounge Lizard was unfortunate because it absolutely bucketed it last time and he doesn't like that wet ground. [Pulled up behind El Rio at Kempton 07.02.25]. I'm not sure if he didn't get a bit bored in the closing stages today. He jumped very nicely today and the plan is Aintree [Topham]. We got as far as declaring him last year, but unfortunately he went lame 24 hours before because he banged himself. He ran in the Becher last term and ran well, jumped well and enjoyed it, but it was very soft and he never got home. We set out our stall to run in the race last year and again this year."   

At the time of writing quoted 25/1 for the Topham Handicap Chase (4.05 Friday); needs 13 runners to scratch to make the cut. 

Moon Chime / D.Killahena & Graeme McPherson 

Back on track at Stratford last time 10.03.25. After that race Graeme McPherson said:

"It's nice to see Moon Chime back and like the horse we thought we had. We had his wind done after Carlisle and at Ludlow last month it didn't work, but everything fell into place there. I think we'll look at the two-mile conditionals' race at Aintree [on April 4]. We've got a great lad in Nick Slatter who has won on him so the race could be tailor-made for him. Then possibly we can go on to the Swinton at Haydock. He loves a good quick two miles and we can look at better races again."  

Rubber Ball / Neil King 

Aintree mooted a possibility after Rubber Ball won a novice hurdle at Newbury 08.02.25. 

The Kalooki Kid / Nicky Richards 

Won the Scottish Champion Chase at Musselburgh over an extended two mile four furlong trip 01.02.25. After the race the trainer said:

"The Kalooki Kid is a good traveller, good jumper and that was a good display on just his third chase. He's doing well for a young horse and my owners are local from Kirkcaldy so they are over the moon. I don't know what the handicapper will do, but I think he's got Aintree written all over him. There's a two-and-a-half-mile chase that might suit him, and looking towards next year, something like the Paddy Power at Cheltenham might suit." 

Holds an entry in the Manifesto Novices' Chase (1.45 Thursday)

There Runs Mary / Olly Murphy. 

Cost 105,000 euros. Wins a mares' bumper at Wincanton 30.01.25 in a time 7.7 seconds faster than the second division of the race. Next time unable to concede weight to Heron In The Park in mares' bumper at Newbury 01.03.25. Mares' bumper identified as a possible target but not entered up.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - the betting debrief

This year seven of the blog's eight highlighted selections came under starter's orders over the four days - Langer Dan was a non-runner, declared to be suffering from a respiratory infection on the morning of the Stayers' Hurdle.

Shown below the recorded loss to level stakes (1 point win, 0.5 points each-way with each-way returns calculated to one fifth the odds):  

Outlay over four days: 7 points

Return over four days: 1.9 points

Profit / Loss: -5.1 points

Loss as percentage of outlay: 72.86%

Brief notes on individual selections:

Malina Girl (bet struck:14/1 each-way; third in Ultima)

Good run behind Myretown and The Changing Man. Winner impressive.

Herakles Westwood (bet struck: 20/1 each-way; seventh in National Hunt Challenge Cup)

Towards rear; never threatened.

Potters Charm (bet struck: 14/1 each-way; fifth in Turners)

Outpaced by market principals off home bend.

Libberty Hunter (bet struck: 33/1 each-way; fell in Champion Chase)

Four lengths down and creeping into contention when falling three out.

Primoz (bet struck: 20/1 each-way; fourteenth in Grand Annual)

Lost any chance in chaotic start.

Protektorat (bet struck: 6/1 win; fourth in Ryanair) 

Outpaced from three out; winner Fact To File impressive.

Our Champ (bet struck: 50/1 each-way; sixth in County Hurdle)

Led; tapped for toe off home bend, stayed on up the hill. 

The Champion Hurdle set the tone for a dramatic week with the two former winners in the field, Constitution Hill and State Man, both falling, the latter at the last when five lengths clear. Golden Ace, trained by Jeremy Scott, picked up the pieces.

Inothewayurthinkin denied Galopin Des Champs a third victory in the Gold Cup while Fact To File put up an imperious display in the Ryanair.   

Marine Nationale, forever associated with Michael O'Sullivan, proved a fitting winner of the Champion Chase while Bob Olinger denied Teahupoo in the Stayers' Hurdle.

The final result of the Prestbury Cup: Great Britain 8 Ireland 20

Just one British trained runner contested the Supreme and there were no British entries in a final field of seven in the Brown Advisory. 

Once again Willie Mullins was the leading trainer at the Festival, equalling his previous record total of 10 winners. He fielded 11 of the 18 runners in the Triumph and won it with 100/1 shot Poniros who was racing over hurdles for the very first time. 

Shambolic starts and the drop in attendance figures are two topics we're likely to hear more about in the coming days.  

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Friday

Earlier today Frank Keogh reported that the attendance on Wednesday was the lowest seen at the Festival since 1993.

Fact To File looked something special in the Ryanair this afternoon and, in other news, Frankie Dettori has announced he's filing for bankruptcy...

Malina Girl ran a creditable third on Tuesday but otherwise it has been a miserable, downward spiral for the blog's selections. Only one pick for the final day - and I'm not confident it's going to turn the tide... 

1.20 Triumph Hurdle

No bet for me in a race I'm not particularly fond of. 

Willie Mullins saddles 11 of the 18 runners; Paul Townend rides filly Lady Vega Allen. 

Tom Segal penned a piece in the RP Weekender [29.01-02.02] headlined "Flat-bred East India Dock set to find Triumph beyond him". To summarise, most of the current Flat bred horses aren't bred to stay any further than a mile whereas Jumps bred horses are stronger - and classier. 

Tom believes East India Dock won't be strong (or classy) enough to compete with the likes of Lulamba or a yet-to-be-revealed Mullins marvel.

Last time out East India Dock beat Stencil 10 lengths over the Triumph Hurdle course and distance on Trials Day; Stencil, sent off 11/4 favourite for the Fred Winter on Tuesday, finished down the field in 15th, with the comment 'weakened before the last' noted.

As a slight digression, I see East India Dock had a Flat rating of 89, Mondo Man a Flat rating of 111. 

The issue for the Gary Moore trained Mondo Man is he needs to learn to settle - he patently failed to do so in the Adonis at Kempton three weeks ago. On his previous run, in receipt of 10 pounds, he finished three and a half lengths behind Lulamba, despite having pulled hard in rear; he's in the same ownership as Botox Has and Nassalam.

Back in 2020 the same yard ran Goshen  - Flat rating of 80 at the time - in this race; ten lengths clear coming to the last, he made a mistake and dumped Jamie Moore on the turf. 

Connections fit a hood for the first time tomorrow and Brian Hughes replaces Caoilin Quinn in the saddle. I'll keep an eye out for the partnership during the race - a decent pace should help their cause.

2.00 County Hurdle

Sixteen declared. 

Absurde won this last year off 138 before embarking on a Flat campaign that culminated in a trip to Australia; this year he goes off 146. 

Willie Mullins' charge benefits from a hold-up ride and likes to weave his way through the field at the business end of a race. Last time out he finished fifth in the Melbourne Cup behind Knight's Choice, beaten under two lengths.

Paul Townend rides stablemate Kargese. Last time out this one was beaten at odds of 2/5f in the Warfield Mares' Hurdle run on good ground at Ascot. Since 2010 the Mullins yard has trained the winner of this on seven occasions.

The Skelton yard regularly targets this race and have had plenty of success in recent years with Superb Story (2016); Mohaayed (2018); Ch'tibello (2019) and Faivoir (2023). Valgrand flies the flag this year but he ran no sort of race when last seen behind Ooh Betty at Kempton over Christmas.

Hansard was fourth in that Kempton race and subsequently ran well behind Golden Ace (won the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday!) in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton. The yard is in better form now, operating at a 25% win strike rate over the past fortnight.

Cracking Rhapsody looked good in the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso 13 days ago; connections will pick up a bonus if they win here but Ewan Whillans' charge has tended to show his very best form at Kelso. 

I'm going to have a bet on Our Champ in this because I think he's overpriced at 50/1 provided the ground has dried out sufficiently and the showers stay away. 

Back in October he won the Lavazza Handicap Hurdle run on good ground at Ascot, beating Break My Soul a nose with Secret Squirrel third, Afadil fourth and Fiercely Proud falling when disputing second. 

The yard were going through a lean spell at the time - as they are now - but he got the job done that day despite Freddie Gordon dropping his whip in the final 110 yards. 

Secret Squirrel has subsequently won a competitive handicap at Windsor, Afadil was third in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last Saturday while Fiercely Proud reversed form with the selection in the Ladbrokes at Ascot in December run on good to soft ground.

I bet Our Champ in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury five weeks ago where soft ground went against him; he finished eighth behind Joyeuse (Secret Squirrel fell at the last, Fiercely Proud pulled up and later found to be suffering from an irregular heartbeat).

He ran without the tongue-tie at Newbury but it's back in place now. He has won on the Old Course here and ran third behind Tintintin on the New Course last April.

In a stable tour article [RP Weekender 26.02-02.03] handler Chris Gordon said:

"He'll go for the County Hurdle and he'll run really well if it dries up."

At the time of writing the going on the New Course is good to soft - the showers will need to stay away before the off.

Our Champ is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 50/1 with William Hill and bet365, both paying five places. 

4.00 Cheltenham Gold Cup

Galopin Des Champs will face eight rivals in his bid to win a third successive Gold Cup. 

Henrietta Knight, who trained Best Mate to achieve the feat (2002 -2004), thinks he will win.

Banbridge is no pushover on drying ground while course and distance winner Inothewayurthinkin, supplemented at a cost of £25,000, is 7/1 favourite for the Aintree Grand National.

Inothewayurthinkin and Monty's Star were fourth and fifth respectively behind Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Corbetts Cross didn't appear to have the best prep behind Pic D'Orhy at Ascot last month and wouldn't be suited by drying ground while The Real Whacker and Gentlemansgame were both pulled up in this race last year.

Ahoy Senor has shown his best form at Aintree, Royal Pagaille at Haydock.

At 6/1 Banbridge was an each-way bet to nothing but the price has disappeared; a race to watch and savour then.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Thursday

An emotional second day with victories for Marine Nationale in the Champion Chase and Jazzy Matty in the Grand Annual.

Two days in, and there have been some unsatisfactory starts to races - a debate for another day, no doubt.

A couple of suggestions for Thursday...

3.20 Ryanair Chase

A hot looking renewal.

Favourite Fact To File won the Brown Advisory here last year despite jumping right on occasions. 

He beat the current Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs over two miles three and a half in November and has since twice finished behind Galopin Des Champs over an extended three miles at Leopardstown - no disgrace at all - in the Savills Chase over Christmas and in the Irish Gold Cup last month.

I'm guessing connections have reasoned they're not going to beat Galopin Des Champs so they step back in trip here. Connections of last year's winner, Protektorat, followed a similar path after finishing fifth behind the same horse in the 2023 Gold Cup.

Protektorat did the blog a favour in this race last year and this has been his target. 

Things went awry in the Peterborough Chase won by Djelo where hold-up tactics patently failed to work. Allowed to bowl along in front at Windsor next time, Dan Skelton's charge comfortably beat that rival 23 lengths. 

He is seen at his best sitting just off a strong pace which he's likely to get with Il Est Francais in the field.

Il Est Francais went into everyone's notebook when jumping like a stag to make all and win the 2023 renewal of the Kauto Star at Kempton; he might prove difficult to catch on the front end. Since moving to Tom George in 2022 all his racing has been at either Auteuil or Kempton Park.

Henry De Bromhead saddles three; the yard is slowly emerging from a lean spell. 

Jungle Boogie may be 11 years of age but he doesn't have many miles on the clock (just five chase starts to date). Sixth in last year's Gold Cup - mistake three out when travelling well enough - he's another to step back in distance. On his sole start since, he won comfortably at Ascot in December although main rival Iroko (11/8f) was hampered and came a cropper at the first.

Envoi Allen, another 11 year old, won the 2023 renewal of this race and finished second behind Protektorat last year. Rachael Blackmore rides, suggesting this one might be the stable's main hope.

Heart Wood finished seven and a half lengths adrift of Fact To File in the Savills Chase over Christmas.

Master Chewy showed plenty of resolve when beating Libberty Hunter in the Game Spirit at Newbury last time; this represents his first chase start beyond two miles one furlong.

Hang In There likes decent ground but on his first run since November he's likely to have other targets during the spring / summer. 

Only three horses older than nine have won this since the inaugural running in 2005: Fondmort (2006); Our Vic (2008); and Albertas Run (2011). 

I'm staying loyal to Protektorat.

Protektorat is the win selection, generally a 6/1 shot.

4.00 Stayers' Hurdle

Teahupoo won this last year but could prove vulnerable on drying ground. 

Handler Joseph O'Brien had a strong word for Home By The Lee in a TV snippet on Tuesday..

Connections seem confident Lucky Place can stay this trip. He gave weight and a beating to Gowel Road, Golden Ace (won the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday), and Langer Dan on New Year's Day.

Off a mark of 145 The Wallpark gave Gowel Road four pounds and a two and a half length beating in a Pertemps qualifier over course and distance in the autumn. He made up plenty of ground late on in the Long Walk to finish fourth behind Crambo last time; drying ground will suit.

Langer Dan isn't the easiest to predict but he tends to show his best form at this time of year. Second behind a horse called Galopin Des Champs in the 2021 renewal of the Martin Pipe, he won the Coral Cup in 2023 and 2024 and steps up to three miles for the first time.

Dan Skelton said in a stable tour before the start of the core season:

"I do have concerns about how he behaves in the autumn and the winter because historically he hasn't been good. 

"He just gets a lot easier in the spring...

"Unless the first thee runs are absolutely diabolical we want to have a go at the Stayers' Hurdle."

Bob Olinger has twice finished behind Home By The Lee this season.

If Crambo could transfer his Ascot form to Cheltenham (won the last two renewals of the Long Walk Hurdle) he would be no 28/1 shot. Johnny Burke reported he ran flat in this last year when ninth while a bad mistake at the fifth last saw him finish fifth behind Gowel Road in the Cleeve on Trials Day (Monmiral second but declared a non-runner).

Nemean Lion has been in rude health this term, winning at Windsor in January (Langer Dan fifth) and beating Steel Ally a neck in the National Spirit at Fontwell. He steps up to three miles for the first time here, having been withdrawn from the Rendlesham at Haydock last month on account of the ground. 

After the National Spirit connections were reportedly thinking of bypassing this meet but have clearly had a change of heart. At the time Kerry Lee said:

"What a tough little cookie. Neman Lion loves racing and loves a fight.

"I think this gives me three possibilities. We might look at Auteuil, Fairyhouse and then there's of course the option of a Grade 1 at Aintree, whether over two and a half miles or three. He had a hard race so we'll have to see how he is in a couple of weeks." 

The suspicion is this may come too soon after the Fontwell race.

Buddy One was fourth in this race last year, beaten under nine lengths, but he doesn't appear to have taken too well to chasing this term. Last time out, reverting back to hurdles, he was pulled up behind Rocky Diamond in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park.

At 6/1 Home By The Lee looks an each-way bet to nothing against Teahupoo; The Wallpark has been well supported today.

It's inherently risky but I'm going to chance Langer Dan; he appeared to stay three miles when third behind Strong Leader in the Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in November and this was the stated plan in the autumn. 

Two consecutive wins in the Coral Cup read well; I'll be hoping the horse has engaged 'spring' mode.  

Langer Dan is the each-way suggestion, 12/1 generally, with most layers paying four places. 

I won't have a bet in the prosaically named TrustATrader Plate (4.40) but I've seen a comment somewhere yet have struggled to dig it out... 

Connections think course and distance winner Jagwar is a Graded level performer. If that's the case, he'll need to go close in this handicap off his current mark.

Finally, I note that Aworkinprogress, having missed the cut for the National Hunt Challenge Cup on Tuesday, has missed the cut for the Kim Muir at 5.20 but he holds an entry in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter on Saturday for which he is currently priced up 6/1 favourite.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Wednesday

Still recovering from the high drama of the Champion Hurdle earlier this afternoon in which the two previous winners, Constitution Hill and State Man, both fell, the former four from home, the latter at the last when five lengths clear. 

Golden Ace (25/1) won, with Burdett Road (66/1) second and Winter Fog (150/1) third; the trifecta paid £4,432. 90.

1.20 Turners Novices' Hurdle

Writing in the RP Weekender before the Dublin Racing Festival, Tom Segal was of the opinion The New Lion was the most exciting novice seen this season. Then Final Demand beat Wingmen 12 lengths in impressive style at Leopardstown. 

At the time of writing Final Demand and The New Lion share favouritism.

Yellow Clay beat Wingmen 11 lengths at Naas at the beginning of the year. 

In receipt of five pounds Sixmilebridge beat Potters Charm eight and a half lengths on the New Course on Trials Day. After the race Team Twiston-Davies admitted they had run there 'as an afterthought' and regretted doing so.  

Before that defeat Potters Charm had won twice on the Old Course in the autumn and then won the Formby Novices' Hurdle at Aintree on Boxing Day. 

Back on the Old Course, and sporting a first-time tongue-tie, Potters Charm rates an each-way play.

Potters Charm is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing available at 14/1 with most layers. 

4.00 Champion Chase

Over the years I've had some wagers in this: Pearlyman, Latalomne - going well and fell two out two years on the trot, Special Tiara and, in 2004, Venn Ottery each-way @ 40/1. 

Owner Mr O.J. Carter declared Venn Ottery for the race without telling trainer, Mr P. Nicholls; unfortunately Mr Carter didn't declare the tongue-tie... 

The notes in-running state: "disputed second and going well two out, soon no chance with winner (Azertyuiop), ridden and weakened rapidly run-in."

Venn Ottery eventually finished fifth, beaten 23 lengths, but to this day I still maintain, if he had run with a tongue-tie, as intended...

Favourites have only won three of the past ten renewals but Jonbon has had a season to remember, winning the Schloer, the Tingle Creek and the Clarence House (Energumene second); many will feel he would be a deserved winner.

He was declared a non-runner for last year's renewal on account of the poor form of the Henderson yard at the time; prior to that he hadn't jumped well on the New Course when mugged by Elixir Du Nutz in the re-arranged Clarence House.

Energumene, owned by Tony Bloom, beat Captain Guinness 10 lengths in the 2023 renewal and isn't lightly dismissed, even at the age of 11. 

Mr Bloom also owns the heavily backed Bunting who has his first run in a handicap in the Coral Cup (2.40); given a mark of 135 by the Irish handicapper, he races off 139 in that two mile five contest. 

At Leopardstown over Christmas Solness beat Marine Nationale (third), Captain Guinness (fifth) and Found A Fitfy (pulled up). 

Then at the Dublin Racing Festival Joseph O'Brien's charge beat Marine Nationale (second), Quilixios (fourth) and Captain Guinness (sixth) - that looked a hard enough race on yielding ground and Marine Nationale posed a viable threat after the last.

Found A Fifty gave Solness seven pounds and a neck beating at Navan in November despite jumping right on occasions; that tendency to go right won't help his cause here. 

I'm pleased to see connections of Libberty Hunter have opted for this rather than the Grand Annual in which he was second last year (behind Unanswered Prayers) on just his fourth start over fences. 

Owners Mr & Mrs William Rucker have adopted a patient approach with this one; he doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock for a nine year old. Ideally he wants softer ground but the uphill finish should play to his strengths and I think he can outrun odds of 33/1 - provided he can keep tabs on the early pace. 

The ratings tells us he has something to find with every other runner in this field but I like this horse and will have a bet.

Libberty Hunter is the each-way selection, 33/1 generally. 

4.40 Grand Annual

I'm going to take an interest in Primoz on the back of this comment made by trainer Lucinda Russell at Kelso on 14.02.25:

"Primoz is one of the most talented horses we've dealt with and we've changed his training programme a bit. I don't know where he'll go next but he's a very talented horse if we can get some consistency into him." 

I wrote that just before the yard's Myretown proved a blot on the handicap in the Ultima earlier today.

Primoz is the each-way suggestion, 20/1 in places with layers paying five places.

I'll pass on the Brown Advisory - a final field of seven all trained in Ireland -  and I usually end up feeling a bit dizzy after the Cross Country. My nap for the bumper, Windbeneathmywings, is out injured. That's racing, as they say. 

This evening spare a thought for Paul Townend. Five lengths clear coming to the last and another Champion Hurdle beckons. A long stride, a hurdle clipped, State Man falls, and it all disappears before your very eyes.

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Tuesday

I'm struggling to recall a run-up to the Festival quite like it.

Greg Wood talks of the Festival at a crossroads in The Guardian while Cheltenham's new chief executive, Guy Lavender, predicts a fall in attendance from last year's figure of 229,999 (over four days).

The Sunday Times' royal editor Roya Nikkhah, in conversation with Nicky Henderson, talks of 'the 70,000-strong crowd expected on the first day'; that figure might prove optimistic.

Layers are reportedly bracing themselves as the following first day accumulator has proved popular with punters: Kopek Des Bordes (Supreme); Majboro (Arkle); Lossiemouth (Mares' Hurdle); and Constitution Hill (Champion Hurdle).

Beware bookmakers crying wolf.

Just two British trained runners contest the Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle (1.20), the race this year named in memory of the jockey who won the 2023 renewal aboard Marine Nationale and died from injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles on February 6th.

Tripoli Flyer, trained by Fergal O'Brien, didn't jump particularly well when winning the Dovecote at Kempton 17 days ago but after the race his handler said:

"Tripoli Flyer has got a huge engine. Johnny [Burke] said you can put him where you want in a race, he's got an explosive bit of speed about him.

"I think he's genuinely better going right-handed and he does jump a bit right, but if it's nice ground I think he's earned his chance to go to the Supreme." 

Paul Nicholls saddles Tutti Quanti; on his blog the handler says:

"...on all known form he has a mountain to climb in this Grade 1."

Majboro faces just four opponents in the Arkle (2.00), Constitution Hill six in the Champion Hurdle (4.00). 

In receipt of the mares' allowance Brighterdaysahead looks a threat to the current champion whose speed over the hurdles is a sight to behold; I've no intention of having a bet in the race.  

For those considering a wager in a handicap, Kevin Blake provides a useful analysis of the marks allocated to Irish trained runners, along with a potted history of the trials and tribulations encountered by British and Irish handicappers in recent times.

Two each-way suggestions for Tuesday; the going on the Old Course is described as good to soft.

2.40 Ultima Handicap Chase

Before his last run in the Reynoldstown three and a half weeks ago, The Changing Man had contested a number of competitive handicaps during the season, finishing second in the Rehearsal at Newcastle, second in the Howden Silver Cup at Ascot and second in the Great Yorkshire at Doncaster. 

By comparison, the win in the Reynoldstown had the look of a genteel schooling session with odds-on favourite and main rival Jingko Blue sprawling on landing at the third and unseating Nico De Boinville; the handicapper reacted by raising The Changing Man two pounds. 

Course and distance winner Broadway Boy likes to race from the front and was an excellent second behind The Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury late in November, with Victtorino third and Henry's Friend fifth. 

Perhaps that race took more out of him than initially thought as he didn't jump well at the track on New Year's Day. He has been given every chance to recuperate.

Prior to the Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton I'm sure I heard Sam Thomas describe runaway winner Katate Dori as 'slow'. He looked anything but that day, beating Hyland an eased-down 15 lengths. 

12 pounds higher in the handicap now, he has done a lot of his racing on right-handed tracks.

Both Lucinda Russell trained runners look unexposed. 

Myretown likes to race from the front whereas Whistle Stop Tour gained experience at the track last time when fifth behind Jagwar over a trip shorter than ideal. 

The trainer nominated the latter as her lively outsider of the week in the RP Cheltenham The Ultimate Guide publication.

Victtorino had a hard enough race when beating Threeunderthrufive a nose at Ascot 24 days ago while Henry's Friend meets Broadway Boy on worse terms than in the Coral Gold Cup.

Two under consideration are Malina Girl and Famous Bridge.

Malina Girl has run well here previously and back in December 2023 looked a threat to all when coming to grief three out in a race won by Broadway Boy; she was on a mark of 146 that day and goes off 142 tomorrow. The last Irish trained winner of this was Dun Doire in 2006.

Famous Bridge, fourth in this last year off 139, goes off 142 after scooting away from Apple Away to win the Grand National Trial at Haydock 24 days ago. First-time cheekpieces seemed to bring out improvement last time and they're retained here.

Malina Girl is the each-way suggestion, 14/1 generally, with several layers paying six places. 

5.20 National Hunt Challenge Cup

Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott have both won three renewals in the past ten years; this is the first year the race will be run as a handicap.

Favourite Now Is The Hour beat Don't Rightly Know 17 lengths in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Prestige Novices' Hurdle at Haydock 12 months ago. On his four subsequent starts - all over fences - he hasn't  got his head in front but he couldn't quite reach the leaders at Navan seven weeks ago. 

Haiti Couleurs beat Transmission two and threequarters length at Cheltenham back in December over an extended three mile one furlong trip; they look closely matched. The fourth that day, Moon D'Orange, beat Grandeur D;Ame a short head in a handicap at the track on Trials Day.

I've just watched a replay of that race in December - Haiti Couleurs showed up prominently and jumped well while Transmission was slightly detached in rear for much of the trip, jumping low and out to his right on occasions. In addition he appeared slow at a couple of fences but the further they went, the more involved he became - the extra half mile here looks sure to suit.

Rebecca Curtis said of Haiti Couleurs [RP Weekender 05-09.02.25]:

"... the National Hunt Chase is the plan. I think it'll be the perfect race for him because I think the further he goes the better he'll be. We probably won't run before the festival to try to keep the mark of 135, although we have the option of a spin over hurdles." [third behind Santos Blue, Newbury, 08.02.25.]

Will Do was second over three miles three furlongs in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown 19 days ago. He looks Gordon Elliott's best chance; Jack Kennedy rides, having returned from injury on March 3rd.

Aworkinprogress has just missed the cut but is four from four over fences, winning at Lingfield last time; he's a horse for next year.

Resplendent Grey didn't jump particularly well behind Jagwar last time but has been the subject of market support.

Herakles Westwood won well at Windsor on his penultimate start (Gericault Roque third, Kyntara pulled up) and then ran flat at Newbury next time - I think he's better than he showed there. The step up in trip is a bit of a step into the unknown.

Gericault Roque has clearly had problems but back in 2022 he finished second in the Classic Chase at Warwick off 133, second in the Ultima behind Corach Rambler off 138 and third behind Le Milos in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury off a mark of 139. His third at Windsor in January was his first run in more than two years.

With Gericault Roque as low as 8/1 at the time of writing, I'm going to chance Herakles Westwood.

Herakles Westwood is the each-way suggestion, 20/1 generally with most layers paying five places.

A chance at Cheltenham on New Year's Day (2025)

Cheltenham must survive a 7.30am inspection tomorrow as a yellow weather warning for wind is currently in place. 

The going for the New Year's Day card is currently described as good to soft, with heavy rain forecast in the morning. 

Nine have been declared for the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (2.05) run over two miles four and a half furlongs on the New Course.

Gemirande, Springwell Bay and Colonel Harry are at the head of the market. 

18 days ago Gemirande won the December Gold Cup over course and distance and appeared to have something up his sleeve; Venetia Williams' charge has been raised eight pounds. 

Springwell Bay had no answer to Jango Baie over course and distance last time but Jonjo O'Neill's charge, beaten six and a half lengths that day, was conceding eight pounds.

Colonel Harry didn't appear to stay when well beaten behind The Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. 

Prior to that, on seasonal debut, Jamie Snowden's charge was beaten just under four lengths in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial at Carlisle. Taking into account Nick Slatter's three pound claim aboard Marble Sands, the pair meet on similar terms again. 

Marble Sands hasn't always looked the easiest of rides and probably won't appreciate further rain.

Midnight River, having finished third in the 2023 Paddy Power Gold Cup, won what looked a more competitive renewal of this race last year off 145. 

Dan Skelton's inmate has won over a trip of three miles plus and has been talked of as a potential Grand National horse but the gelding has been out of form so far this season; last time, like Colonel Harry, he was well beaten behind The Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup.

On his penultimate start Irish raider Lisnamult Lad sprang a 20/1 shock over a trip of two miles four on the Old Course, making all to beat Weveallbeencaught half a length; last time he fell in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan when in the lead.

On his blog trainer Paul Nicholls has said the following about top weight Hitman:

"He is difficult to place because he is handicapped to the hilt but he ran another fine race when a close second to Minella Drama in the Old Roan at Aintree late in October. He then suffered a nasty bout of colic on the way home and spent the next fortnight at our vets. So we lost the best part of a month with Hitman before he was able to start regular exercise again.

"He has done plenty of work since that setback and seems in fine form now but it's possible he might just need the run under top weight in this Premier Handicap at a track where he has performed with credit in the past."

What a wonderful horse Seddon is!

John McConnell's charge beat Fugitif two lengths in the 2023 Magners Plate over course and distance and this autumn won a Qualified Riders race at Listowel at the age of 11 - his current Irish Flat rating is 88. 

As his handler said in a Straight from the Stable article a year ago [RP Weekender 27-31.12.23]:

"He's very straightforward and he doesn't owe us anything."

This time last year Henry Daly sent out Rapper to win a three and a quarter mile chase at this meet by 10 lengths. 

Now, not for one moment would I suggest Mr Daly is going to repeat the trick with Lounge Lizard but the gelding's second behind Ga Law over course and distance at the Trials Day last January reads well (Il Ridoto third, Victtorino and Hitman behind).  

The yard boasts a 31% strike-rate over the past fortnight (four wins from 13 runners); the 12/1 available when I started to write this post has completely disappeared.

8/1 with most layers now, Lounge Lizard is the each-way suggestion for New Year's Day.

With best wishes to all readers for a very happy new year. 

The 2024 December Gold Cup at Cheltenham

Eleven have been declared for tomorrow's December Gold Cup (1.50 Cheltenham) with the going on the New Course described as good to soft, good in places.

At the time of writing there has been strong support for five-year-old Madara who now heads the market. 

On his first run for Dan Skelton four weeks ago he made eye-catching late progress to finish fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (run on the Old Course) behind Il Ridoto and Ga Law (Fugitif fifth, In Excelsis Deo unseated rider). 

The gelding, previously trained in France, already has 12 chase starts - and four victories - to his name; both Unioniste (2012) and Frodon (2016) have won this race as four-year-olds in recent times.

Freddie Gingell, claiming three pounds, came home in front on Il Ridoto in the Paddy Power Gold Cup; the handicapper reacted by raising Paul Nicholls' charge to a mark of 149. 

Unfortunately Freddie picked up an injury when unseating from Siam Park at Taunton yesterday and has been stood down. The trainer's daughter Miss Olive Nicholls now takes the ride and claims seven; the horse is a drifter in the market this evening. 

Ga Law didn't always look that quick over his fences in the Paddy Power and also made one or two niggling errors. That said, he was closing on the winner up the the hill so the switch to the New Course should help his cause and he has the assistance of Gavin Sheehan in the saddle. 

Earlier in the week I watched a recording of last year's race. 

Il Ridoto and Frero Banbou took no prisoners up front that day and raced clear of their rivals from the eighth; the former, with Bryony Frost up, went on from two out and jumped the last five lengths to the good but the pair were caught in the final strides by Fugitif and Gavin Sheehan (Frero Banbou third, Grandeur D'Ame fourth).

Fugitif tries to win this year's renewal off a mark one pound lower than last year - the handicapper has clearly given him every chance. At nine years of age, Richard Hobson's charge is older than ideal - since 1994 there has only been one winner aged over eight: Coole Cody in 2021.

Top weight Stage Star won the 2023 Grade One Turners Novices' Chase and subsequently the 2023 running of the Paddy Power off 155 (Il Ridoto third, Fugitif fourth). He looks to face a stiff task off 162; in the last 20 years Frodon in 2018 is the only winner to carry more than 11-08.

In Excelsis Deo is a course and distance winner who should appreciate drying ground; Harry Fry's charge has the ability to be competitive but he didn't jump well in the Galway Plate in July and last time unseated Brian Carver with a bad mistake four from home in the Paddy Power.    

Gemirande finished some 25 lengths behind In Excelsis Deo over course and distance in April on his penultimate start but looked impressive at Ascot last time on seasonal debut, beating Nocte Volatus seven lengths. He goes off a career high mark of 136 tomorrow.

Le Patron won the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown last year and showed his best form since when beating Scarface seven lengths at Newbury 15 days ago. On his one start at Cheltenham to date he was pulled up in the Turners at the Festival; his chance is respected although drying ground may not be ideal.

With just three chase starts under his belt Guard Your Dreams is the least experienced of these over the larger obstacles while I thought Sure Touch a tad disappointing in fifth in the Grand Sefton where he raced in rear for most of the way before staying on up the run-in. He underwent wind surgery six days after that effort.

Grandeur D'Ame's two length defeat of Ga Law (Il Ridoto sixth) at Chepstow nine weeks ago reads well. Writing in the RP Weekender handler Alan King says:

"The December Gold Cup has been the plan ... for some time.

"He loves to be fresh so after he won at Chepstow on his reappearance we decided to put him away and train him for this.

"Grandeur D'Ame finished fourth in this race last year and I think he's a better horse now. He's certainly working like one and he's in a good place at present."

Form lines aplenty to choose from; I like the look of the Chepstow race back in October.

At the time of writing Grandeur D'Ame is generally priced up at 8/1. 

Rather than the usual each-way play, I'm going to back Grandeur D'Ame to win with Sky who offer money back as cash (up to a maximum £10.00) if your selection finishes second, third or fourth.