3 winners from the selections. Aldaary who looks like a monster and could be very special wins by an easy 9l at 4/7 and will surely be stepped up quickly. Young Fire who travelled very smoothly to take down the hot favourite and the rest of the field by 3-3/4l at a generous 6/1 when selected and another winning NAP in Minella Indo at 8/11. A horse of real class, a true superstar who I’m sure has some huge wins forthcoming this season.
2.05 Cheltenham
A very intriguing early season race for these four year olds. The one to beat here is ALLMANKIND, who was the best of these last year and rates an obvious contender. This gelding won his first three starts over hurdles, notably the Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle over course and distance and the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow. He was too keen when last seen in this years Triumpth Hurdle and can learn from his big race credentials so there should be more to come. Two and a half lengths separated Allmankind and Botox Has here in November and despite giving 4lbs to his rival, it’s a fairly sizeable gap to bridge on terms. Likewise, Allmankind had another of these rivals, Nordano, a long way behind when storming to a dominant nine length win in the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow over Christmas in very eye catching style, travelling smoothly throughout. This will be his last run against four year olds, so I expect him to use his experience wisely and run a very big race here. Dan Skelton has said he will take a good deal of beating and I second this with stable in scintillating form. Major player.
3.50 Cheltenham
Of many fascinating races on this high quality Cheltenham card is the Class 2 handicap chase over 3 miles 1 furlong and the horse that looks most interesting is Dan Skelton’s COBRA DE MAI. This impressive 8 year old offers a lot of value at the prices, having been consistent at this track over the years, not least when staying on sixth in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the festival this year, which is about the best form on offer. He made his seasonal return at Fontwell where he looked like he needed the runaround and he should now be primed for this, being 4lb lower than his sixth in the Ultima. Stable are flying at the minute and so he’s hard to ignore, he can make his presence felt and I expect him to be bang there.
The Frodon and Bryony Frost love story looks set to continue in to another season and he rates a chief threat with course and distance form, winning over this track and trip in early 2019. I have always felt Frodon would appreciate a more firm surface, with his bold front running gallop, so he’s also interesting.
2.55 Doncaster
Aidan O'Brien has a terrific record in this race, winning it twice in the last three years and nine times in total. His leading contender WEMBLEY has been very consistent throughout his career so far, winning once and placing five times. This Galileo colt got off the mark in terrific style during the summer at Roscommon and it looks as though this colt thrives on soft ground. He also has solid form on good ground, running very well finishing second behind Thunder Moon in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh. That set him up tremendously well for a primed run in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket when a close second to stablemate St Mark's Basilica staying on well making headway approaching final furlong after being at the rear for the majority of the race. His two recent Group 1 runner up finishes offer the best form heading into what looks to be a weak renewal of the race this year and he’s the one to beat.
Megallan can pose a big threat if getting the run of the race this time, after an eye catching fourth to One Ruler in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes over 1m soft, staying on well. However, this is an even bigger step up but he is of interest. One Ruler is capable of even better, as is King Vega. However there are uncertainties over the ground for both.
