Darran

Updated totals for the season after 31 races stand at 29.33pts profit from 67.5pts stakes

Caid Du Berlais had a very easy task at Warwick and that should put him spot on for Punchestown in a months time as he bids for the hat-trick. He is in at Aintree next week, but I would be surprised if he went there now. It didn't go so smoothly his stablemate Monsieur Gibraltar at Fakenham though a few minutes later. I don't really know what to make of his effort, but it was miles below the form he was showing in 2019. He ran like he needed it or that the wind op he had hasn't worked. He should have stayed 3m round Fakenham and I don't really buy into the possible theory that he doesn't handle the track. Hopefully he will see the real Monsieur Gibraltar next time out as he is a class horse on his day. Peacock Suit was a massive move in the market from 100/30 into 13/8 although my feeling is this was a false move based on the Asian markets rather than people really thinking he was going to win because 13/8 was a crazy price really. He always travelled better than the favourite though and was an easy winner although he didn't need to better his Leicester run in the end. The 2nd is interesting because I was adamant that Gina Andrews had looked after Right To Reply at Bangor back in 2018 as he finished 4th in testing ground on his first run back after a wind op. He was then ridden by his then owner on his next start and he wasn't the best in the saddle and after that he pulled up at Stratford. This was his first run since and he was given a sensible ride and was able to pick up 2nd place as the favourite faltered. If he can build on this he should be able to pick up a race.
Onto Ludlow later today and the race basically centres around San Benedeto. If he runs up to his current mark of 138 then he wins this. The problem is he hasn't really run a good race for a while now and is clearly on the downgrade. Now those races are stronger than this contest so into calmer waters we might see him bounce back to winning ways, but for me he's about the right price at 5/4. 
Chef D'Equipe made a winning hunter chase debut at Wincanton last February, but the race basically took little winning as the 2nd hasn't done much for the form back in handicaps since. It was a comfortable enough success in the end though after he had set a pretty fast pace after taking a keen hold. His last 3 races he has led and with Bletchley Castle also in the race we could see the pair of them take each other on. He also had a very in and out profile last season and my feeling is he is worth taking on.
We then come to two horses who ran here over 3m at the start of the month with Master Dancer finishing a length in front of Dieu Vivant. Dieu Vivant just looks a horse who is always going to frustrate unless things fall in his lap as they did when he won a hunter chase last February. He was held up in last place made headway leaving the back, but he never really looked like he was going to play a serious part. It surprises me that he is a shorter price than Master Dancer given he finished behind him and I thought he ran the more promising race. It was his first start for a year when he won a point at Badbury Rings so he is entitled to come on for the run. He travelled really nicely into the race as well and looked certain to play a part jumping 4 out only for his lack of fitness/stamina told late on. He ought to be better over this trip and I can see the likely fast pace suiting him and giving him something to aim at.
The next two in the betting both ran over course and distance last week. I've already mentioned that Bletchley Castle doesn't look like he will get an easy led which will not help him and although Zamparelli ran well enough I do think this looks a stronger contest.
The fear when you fancy one e/w and there are 8 runners is that we see a non-runner, but hopefully all 8 go to post because I like the chances of Master Dancer to at least get in the 1st 3. The favourite could easily be too classy for them, but there are reasons to think he could be beatable here, especially at the current price. I would have Master Dancer about half the price he is at the time of writing and certainly shorter than Dieu Vivant in the market. There was plenty to like about his run last time and this test looks perfect for him based on that effort.
Master Dancer 1pt e/w @ 10/1 with Bet365

Caid Du Berlais had a very easy task at Warwick and that should put him spot on for Punchestown in a months time as he bids for the hat-trick. He is in at Aintree next week, but I would be surprised if he went there now. It didn't go so smoothly his stablemate Monsieur Gibraltar at Fakenham though a few minutes later. I don't really know what to make of his effort, but it was miles below the form he was showing in 2019. He ran like he needed it or that the wind op he had hasn't worked. He should have stayed 3m round Fakenham and I don't really buy into the possible theory that he doesn't handle the track. Hopefully he will see the real Monsieur Gibraltar next time out as he is a class horse on his day. Peacock Suit was a massive move in the market from 100/30 into 13/8 although my feeling is this was a false move based on the Asian markets rather than people really thinking he was going to win because 13/8 was a crazy price really. He always travelled better than the favourite though and was an easy winner although he didn't need to better his Leicester run in the end. The 2nd is interesting because I was adamant that Gina Andrews had looked after Right To Reply at Bangor back in 2018 as he finished 4th in testing ground on his first run back after a wind op. He was then ridden by his then owner on his next start and he wasn't the best in the saddle and after that he pulled up at Stratford. This was his first run since and he was given a sensible ride and was able to pick up 2nd place as the favourite faltered. If he can build on this he should be able to pick up a race.
Onto Ludlow later today and the race basically centres around San Benedeto. If he runs up to his current mark of 138 then he wins this. The problem is he hasn't really run a good race for a while now and is clearly on the downgrade. Now those races are stronger than this contest so into calmer waters we might see him bounce back to winning ways, but for me he's about the right price at 5/4. 
Chef D'Equipe made a winning hunter chase debut at Wincanton last February, but the race basically took little winning as the 2nd hasn't done much for the form back in handicaps since. It was a comfortable enough success in the end though after he had set a pretty fast pace after taking a keen hold. His last 3 races he has led and with Bletchley Castle also in the race we could see the pair of them take each other on. He also had a very in and out profile last season and my feeling is he is worth taking on.
We then come to two horses who ran here over 3m at the start of the month with Master Dancer finishing a length in front of Dieu Vivant. Dieu Vivant just looks a horse who is always going to frustrate unless things fall in his lap as they did when he won a hunter chase last February. He was held up in last place made headway leaving the back, but he never really looked like he was going to play a serious part. It surprises me that he is a shorter price than Master Dancer given he finished behind him and I thought he ran the more promising race. It was his first start for a year when he won a point at Badbury Rings so he is entitled to come on for the run. He travelled really nicely into the race as well and looked certain to play a part jumping 4 out only for his lack of fitness/stamina told late on. He ought to be better over this trip and I can see the likely fast pace suiting him and giving him something to aim at.
The next two in the betting both ran over course and distance last week. I've already mentioned that Bletchley Castle doesn't look like he will get an easy led which will not help him and although Zamparelli ran well enough I do think this looks a stronger contest.
The fear when you fancy one e/w and there are 8 runners is that we see a non-runner, but hopefully all 8 go to post because I like the chances of Master Dancer to at least get in the 1st 3. The favourite could easily be too classy for them, but there are reasons to think he could be beatable here, especially at the current price. I would have Master Dancer about half the price he is at the time of writing and certainly shorter than Dieu Vivant in the market. There was plenty to like about his run last time and this test looks perfect for him based on that effort.
Master Dancer 1pt e/w @ 10/1 with Bet365

It really ought to be an across the card Sam Loxton double today as he has two classy horses in Caid Du Berlais and Monsieur Gibraltar who look a fair way above their rivals. Caid Du Berlais has only one serious rival at Warwick in Bishops Road. Bishops Road did win over this trip at Cheltenham in 2019 and in theory hammering Risk A Fine by 32L is a very strong piece of form, but that one hated the track and ground that night and it meant Bishops Road had little to beat. I think he will find himself out paced round here on good ground as I get the feeling Will Biddick will repeat Bryony Frost's Wincanton tactics of an aggressive front running ride and he just won't be able to catch him. Golden Tobouggan who was 2nd at Wincanton was beaten at Stratford, but given he got so worked up before the race I wouldn't pay any attention to that run. The others have no chance unless something unusual happens although I suspect Iftriaaq might be capable of showing a bit more than he has so far over this trip on better ground.
If you have a long memory I put Monsieur Gibraltar up as a bet in a handicap at Uttoxeter in the summer off 138 only for him to be a non runner annoyingly. For me he reached new heights in 2019 and he won 7 on the bounce including a very good win at Wincanton beating Risk A Fine by 9L which was shown to be top class form by what that horse went on to do. He only got chance to run once last year but he bolted up at Larkhill at short odds. I guess the slight concern is that this is his jockey's first ride in a while so he won't be at match fitness, but the horse is an easy ride so it shouldn't make too much of a difference. The other thing people might look to was his poor performance over course and distance in 2017, but that came not long after a trip to Ireland for the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown where he ran poorly so I can easily forgive him that effort. He ought to have too much class for these.
Peacocks Secret should follow him home as well. Dale Peters has his horses in good form at the moment and he rode and trained a couple of winners yesterday on pointing's return. He put up a gallant effort to finish 2nd to Tango De Juilley at Leicester over 2m and that form is clear 2nd best here. The one slight concern would be the trip, but he seemed to stay well enough in Irish points in October and November and he should really stay the trip round Fakenham on good ground.
Pair Of Jacks has been priced up on his BHA rating of 123 and not his very ordinary pointing form in 2018/19. His been off the track for nearly 2 years and he has little chance for me.
There isn't really a betting opportunity at Warwick, but I like the forecast play at Fakenham although it could be worth taking a price as I suspect Pair Of Jacks will continue to drift. It is currently evens with Bet365.
Monsieur Gibraltar to beat Peacocks Secret 2pts f/c
A quick look back on Ascot on Sunday and although I suspect Magna Sam was going to finish 3rd it was still a shame to see him come down at the last and at least I was right that he had the potential to run a much better race than he had. He hit the front between the final two fences, but I suspect his jockey should went for home a bit too early. I can see him picking up a race on the back of this against the right rivals. Alcala looked in trouble turning for home, but eventually got on top on the run in. Hard to know what to make of him really, but maybe he just needs a bit further now as well as not being quite as good as he was last season. Tanit River jumped poorly again as he did at Fontwell, but still ran well to finish 2nd. He might find a race, but his jumping will always stay a concern. Teeton Surprise didn't go a yard and looks one to be very wary off.

It really ought to be an across the card Sam Loxton double today as he has two classy horses in Caid Du Berlais and Monsieur Gibraltar who look a fair way above their rivals. Caid Du Berlais has only one serious rival at Warwick in Bishops Road. Bishops Road did win over this trip at Cheltenham in 2019 and in theory hammering Risk A Fine by 32L is a very strong piece of form, but that one hated the track and ground that night and it meant Bishops Road had little to beat. I think he will find himself out paced round here on good ground as I get the feeling Will Biddick will repeat Bryony Frost's Wincanton tactics of an aggressive front running ride and he just won't be able to catch him. Golden Tobouggan who was 2nd at Wincanton was beaten at Stratford, but given he got so worked up before the race I wouldn't pay any attention to that run. The others have no chance unless something unusual happens although I suspect Iftriaaq might be capable of showing a bit more than he has so far over this trip on better ground.
If you have a long memory I put Monsieur Gibraltar up as a bet in a handicap at Uttoxeter in the summer off 138 only for him to be a non runner annoyingly. For me he reached new heights in 2019 and he won 7 on the bounce including a very good win at Wincanton beating Risk A Fine by 9L which was shown to be top class form by what that horse went on to do. He only got chance to run once last year but he bolted up at Larkhill at short odds. I guess the slight concern is that this is his jockey's first ride in a while so he won't be at match fitness, but the horse is an easy ride so it shouldn't make too much of a difference. The other thing people might look to was his poor performance over course and distance in 2017, but that came not long after a trip to Ireland for the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown where he ran poorly so I can easily forgive him that effort. He ought to have too much class for these.
Peacocks Secret should follow him home as well. Dale Peters has his horses in good form at the moment and he rode and trained a couple of winners yesterday on pointing's return. He put up a gallant effort to finish 2nd to Tango De Juilley at Leicester over 2m and that form is clear 2nd best here. The one slight concern would be the trip, but he seemed to stay well enough in Irish points in October and November and he should really stay the trip round Fakenham on good ground.
Pair Of Jacks has been priced up on his BHA rating of 123 and not his very ordinary pointing form in 2018/19. His been off the track for nearly 2 years and he has little chance for me.
There isn't really a betting opportunity at Warwick, but I like the forecast play at Fakenham although it could be worth taking a price as I suspect Pair Of Jacks will continue to drift. It is currently evens with Bet365.
Monsieur Gibraltar to beat Peacocks Secret 2pts f/c
A quick look back on Ascot on Sunday and although I suspect Magna Sam was going to finish 3rd it was still a shame to see him come down at the last and at least I was right that he had the potential to run a much better race than he had. He hit the front between the final two fences, but I suspect his jockey should went for home a bit too early. I can see him picking up a race on the back of this against the right rivals. Alcala looked in trouble turning for home, but eventually got on top on the run in. Hard to know what to make of him really, but maybe he just needs a bit further now as well as not being quite as good as he was last season. Tanit River jumped poorly again as he did at Fontwell, but still ran well to finish 2nd. He might find a race, but his jumping will always stay a concern. Teeton Surprise didn't go a yard and looks one to be very wary off.

We have another Paul Nicholls long odds on favourite for this contest and Alcala ought to win as the odds suggest. There is nothing as good as Salvatore who beat him at Musselburgh and I'm not sure it is any harder than the contest he won up in Scotland the last time. The drop back in trip will suit him as well so it is hard to pick any holes in him.
Clear 2nd in is Tanit River who was running a big race at Fontwell when he unseated at 2 out in the race won by The Gallloping Bear. It is hard to know where he would have finished that day, but it was obviously a promising run. The problem is it was his best run for years and certainly looked like it would be an improvement on his pointing form from last year. I'm not sure I trust him to repeat that effort here and I am happy to take a chance of something else finishing 2nd.
Straidnahanna didn't show enough for me at Leicester on his stable debut so I will pass him over and instead I will risk the other two outsiders.
Magna Sam won the race when Alcala fell at Ludlow last season and although a lucky winner it was still a good performance. Now in two races since, at Leicester last February and the same Ludlow this year, he has pulled up and not shown a great deal. I do though think it doesn't take too much of a leap of faith to think he could do better today. First of all he enjoyed being prominent in a small field at Ludlow last year and in a bigger and stronger field this year he wasn't able to do that. At Leicester the ground was very testing and he clearly hated it. Back on a quicker surface should suit so he could go better here.
I must admit when Teeton Surprise somehow finished 3rd at Wetherby behind Duhallow Tornado last month I wasn't thinking I would be tempted to back him in someway next time out, but again I think there is a chance he could show better form here. The Wincanton run wasn't a total shocker and he had shown promise at Larkhill behind Salvatore in December. That effort came on good ground as did his Maiden win in 2019 and his Restricted win last year. With pointing starting again tomorrow he could easily go and find an Intermediate rather than run in a hunter chase, but clearly connections think he can pick up some prize money behind Alcala. Cheekpieces go on for the first time which isn't a bad thing based on the Wetherby run and he is only 8 with just 8 runs to his name so there could be more to come. With the niggle that Tanit River might not run his race I am happy to chance the forecast of Alcala to beat Magna Sam or Teeton Surprise to small stakes.
Alcala to beat Magna Sam 0.5pts f/c
Alcala to beat Teeton Surprise 0.5pts f/c

During the first lockdown my attention turned to Australia and I was posting flat racing tips every Saturday from March to November. What I had never really done before though was pay real close attention to Australian jumps racing, but discovered that there was money to be made from it. With there not being a huge amount of races a year, plus a relatively small pool of horses I thought that it could easily become another part of my betting armour. So I am going to attempt to cover the whole season and see if I can do as well this time around. The season starts with 3 races at Warrnambool on Monday morning.
Race 1 (1.25am)
A BM125 steeplechase gets the season underway and we have 5 runners. Ascot Red only had 1 run over jumps last season and he won the same race at Ballarat in August for the 2nd year running. Both wins were on a Heavy10, but he has gone close on a quicker surface both over jumps and flat. Has had a much needed prep run on the flat because his 1st up record is shocking and has a good chance here. Lucques tends to run well enough, but he does find it very hard to get his head in front. Zatagilo hasn't won since June 2018, but his last 2 jump starts last season were good 2nds and he has had a prep run on the flat. Newbury shows glimmers of promise, but didn't show a great deal last season so I'm fairly happy to pass him over. Steam Roller pulled up lame at Casterton on his last hurdle start in June. He has done well on the flat wince winning twice including a BM70 at Moonee Valley. He makes his chase debut here and trialled OK over them recently although he wasn't asked for much of an effort. He does have to give 7kgs to Steam Roller, but I think Ascot Red is the won to beat here. He's done well over fences and I think his experience could give him the edge of Steam Roller. I would completely rule out the two outsiders either although both do find it hard to win.
Ascot Red 1pt @ 11/8 with William Hill and Betfred
Race 2 (2.05am)
An Open Hurdle is the 2nd race and there is very little between Goodwood Zodiac, Double Bluff and Rexmount in the betting. Goodwood Zodiac has shown little in 3 flat starts recently, but they were his 1st runs since May 2019. Did well over hurdles in 2019 winning 2 of his 4 starts. Double Bluff is another not seen over hurdles since 2019 having last run in the Grand National Hurdle when disappointing although he did win a couple of times that season. He didn't appear again until New Year's Eve and ran well on the flat in a BM78 at Moonee Valley last month. Rexmont was impressive in his maiden hurdle win at Coleraine on his only hurdle start last season. He has done well in 5 flat starts this prep winning one and he has also won a hurdle trial. Of the other two Sollerane wouldn't be out if it completely having run OK in a couple of good races at Sandown and Ballarat last season after winning a maiden hurdle at Pakenham in April. I was quite taken with Rexmont's win last season and think he can progress into a decent hurdler so I will take him to land this contest.
Rexmont 1pt @ 9/4 with William Hill & Betfred
Race 3 (2.45am)
The 1st maiden hurdle of the season looks a pretty weak affair. You only have to look at the fact that Chenners, who has had 16 hurdle runs, is 2/1 2nd fav at the time of writing. He has shown on the odd occasion that he could land one of these at some point and he did win on the flat in January. The percentage call has to be to take him on though. My Kings Counsel just heads the betting, but he didn't look a world beater in his runs over both hurdles and fences last season. Instead I will take a small chance on one of the hurdling newcomers Hitch Hiker Jamie. The 4yo has only had 11 starts so is by fair the least exposed runner in the field. He looks like he will make a hurdler based on his trials. He won both of them and jumped well as well. I don't think it is a race to go overboard on, but to me he looks value at the prices given the front two of the market don't exactly set a high standard.
Hitch Hiker Jamie 0.5pts @ 13/2 @ Betfair and Betfred 

Good to get a winner on the board with Hierarchal winning at Terang last week. We now move to the Oakbank carnival over the Easter period and it is a meeting I would love to get to one day as it looks a great place to go racing. We have two races on Sunday morning a BM120 hurdle and a BM120 chase.
Race 1 (3am)
Cleaver comes over from New Zealand where he won a maiden hurdle in October on his 3rd start over hurdles. He has had a couple of prep runs on the flat and there is every chance the maiden win is the best piece of form here. Rexmont didn't lead at Terang which was slightly surprising, but he still had little left at the finish and was only 3rd. He might not get an easy lead here either as Creative Harmony was very keen in the maiden hurdle at Terang so there is a chance they could set the race up for a finisher. Mazaz won that maiden hurdle at Terang which wasn't a strong race, but connections think he has improved since last season. He likes a quicker surface so this will be his time of year and he might just continue to improve. Mr Coyne is fairly limited, but his best run of last season was at Pakenham on similar going to today and he had Mazaz just behind him in 3rd. He is the favourite at the time of writing which surprises me, but he has been running well on the flat so I would imagine that has plenty to do with it. I am going to make Cleaver the main bet, but I will cover Mazaz as there is a chance he could build on the maiden win.
Cleaver 1.5pts @ 11/5 with Bet365
Mazaz 0.5pts @ 16/5 with Bet365
Race 3 (4.20am)
Historic had a good win in August 2019 and had useful form around that. He won a maiden on the flat last March, but that was his only start of last year. He's had just the one trial this year in preparation for this and as much as I think he's the best horse in the race I just wonder if he might not be fully tuned up for it. My King's Counsel was a surprise winner at Terang and I think Chenners could reverse the form at these weights as he was beaten less than a length in 3rd. Macklemore is a stablemate of Cleaver's and he finds it hard to get his head in front. I also think he might be better over a longer trip. Newbury shows glimpses of promise, but is a frustrating horse. If Historic is fit 1st up then he ought to win, but I am going to side with Chenners who we know is fit and this is a race I think he is capable of winning.
Chenners 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365

Good to get a winner on the board with Hierarchal winning at Terang last week. We now move to the Oakbank carnival over the Easter period and it is a meeting I would love to get to one day as it looks a great place to go racing. We have two races on Sunday morning a BM120 hurdle and a BM120 chase.
Race 1 (3am)
Cleaver comes over from New Zealand where he won a maiden hurdle in October on his 3rd start over hurdles. He has had a couple of prep runs on the flat and there is every chance the maiden win is the best piece of form here. Rexmont didn't lead at Terang which was slightly surprising, but he still had little left at the finish and was only 3rd. He might not get an easy lead here either as Creative Harmony was very keen in the maiden hurdle at Terang so there is a chance they could set the race up for a finisher. Mazaz won that maiden hurdle at Terang which wasn't a strong race, but connections think he has improved since last season. He likes a quicker surface so this will be his time of year and he might just continue to improve. Mr Coyne is fairly limited, but his best run of last season was at Pakenham on similar going to today and he had Mazaz just behind him in 3rd. He is the favourite at the time of writing which surprises me, but he has been running well on the flat so I would imagine that has plenty to do with it. I am going to make Cleaver the main bet, but I will cover Mazaz as there is a chance he could build on the maiden win.
Cleaver 1.5pts @ 11/5 with Bet365
Mazaz 0.5pts @ 16/5 with Bet365
Race 3 (4.20am)
Historic had a good win in August 2019 and had useful form around that. He won a maiden on the flat last March, but that was his only start of last year. He's had just the one trial this year in preparation for this and as much as I think he's the best horse in the race I just wonder if he might not be fully tuned up for it. My King's Counsel was a surprise winner at Terang and I think Chenners could reverse the form at these weights as he was beaten less than a length in 3rd. Macklemore is a stablemate of Cleaver's and he finds it hard to get his head in front. I also think he might be better over a longer trip. Newbury shows glimpses of promise, but is a frustrating horse. If Historic is fit 1st up then he ought to win, but I am going to side with Chenners who we know is fit and this is a race I think he is capable of winning.
Chenners 1pt @ 2/1 with Bet365

It's rare I get something quite so wrong, but I can only hold my hands up and say I got this one badly wrong. The trainer didn't think Garde Ville would win over this trip and the jockey also thought he would struggle to win so why did he win? My thinking is he just turned out to be the best horse in the race and that he was able to keep up because he had the class edge over his rivals. He's clearly in good form at the moment as well which also helped, but if you have a class edge then you can get away with not having your optimal conditions. 
Bletchley Castle didn't go as hard as he did at Musselburgh and that certainly helped him at the finish to come 2nd. He'd need a fairly weak heat to go one better, but he could well find one. Guttural did find himself outpaced and he didn't get going until late on, staying into 3rd after the last. On this he needs a bit further, but it was a promising run which he might be able to build on with the caveat that this isn't strong form. Zamparelli looked like he might actually win at one stage and it was a more promising effort. I'd struggle to want to back Capitaine anytime soon and Love Around ran as well as he could have hoped. Like I say though I think the form is pretty weak and the winner won despite not really wanting this trip.
As for my two tips the less said about them the better really. Jenkins downed tools all to easy and was miles away from the horse who showed up well for a long way at Doncaster. Copain De Classe was well backed so clearly a good performance was expected. As much as he didn't jump well you can't help but think this wasn't his true running at all. Annoyingly the stewards clearly wanted to sod off home because they didn't get connections to explain the performance.
Needless to say there won't be a preview for the 3 runner race at Newbury today given we have a 1/10 favourite and I will be back for Ascot on Sunday.

It's rare I get something quite so wrong, but I can only hold my hands up and say I got this one badly wrong. The trainer didn't think Garde Ville would win over this trip and the jockey also thought he would struggle to win so why did he win? My thinking is he just turned out to be the best horse in the race and that he was able to keep up because he had the class edge over his rivals. He's clearly in good form at the moment as well which also helped, but if you have a class edge then you can get away with not having your optimal conditions. 
Bletchley Castle didn't go as hard as he did at Musselburgh and that certainly helped him at the finish to come 2nd. He'd need a fairly weak heat to go one better, but he could well find one. Guttural did find himself outpaced and he didn't get going until late on, staying into 3rd after the last. On this he needs a bit further, but it was a promising run which he might be able to build on with the caveat that this isn't strong form. Zamparelli looked like he might actually win at one stage and it was a more promising effort. I'd struggle to want to back Capitaine anytime soon and Love Around ran as well as he could have hoped. Like I say though I think the form is pretty weak and the winner won despite not really wanting this trip.
As for my two tips the less said about them the better really. Jenkins downed tools all to easy and was miles away from the horse who showed up well for a long way at Doncaster. Copain De Classe was well backed so clearly a good performance was expected. As much as he didn't jump well you can't help but think this wasn't his true running at all. Annoyingly the stewards clearly wanted to sod off home because they didn't get connections to explain the performance.
Needless to say there won't be a preview for the 3 runner race at Newbury today given we have a 1/10 favourite and I will be back for Ascot on Sunday.

I fear a 9 runner race could be the biggest field we see before Aintree given pointing is coming back on Monday. Ludlow have put up some decent prize money though for this contest which is also run for the Ludlow Gold Cup.
I have tried to find out if the Georgina Nicholls who trains Capitaine is actually the former wife of Paul Nicholls and whilst the Racing Post archive would suggest it is, it has been known to be wrong so it could be just a coincidence. Anyway at the time of writing they train the front two in the betting and I certainly prefer the chances of Copain De Classe. He has been off the track for over 2 years, but given the yard that shouldn't be a concern. His last win was off 130 in a Kempton handicap over 2m2f on good ground. You might remember he was due to run here at the start of the month and I was desperate to take him on, but that was over 3m on soft ground. This test will be very different and much more suitable. 
Capitaine ran OK up to a point at Wincanton and he should come on for the effort when 5th behind Caid du Berlais. He had been 7th in a point at Larkhill in December, but I suspect he just failed to stay that day. He has a chance, but he does seem a bit short in the betting based on his two runs for Georgina.
I have no idea why they are running Garde Ville over this trip especially round a track like Ludlow. He is a stayer and he got outpaced last time when finishing 2nd to Trio For Rio over 3m here earlier in the month. A drop back to 2m4f and good ground in a race that is likely to be run at a decent enough clip will see him struggle to go the gallop in my view. If he can keep up then he would have a chance of winning, but he wouldn't be for me.
Jenkins was beaten 70L at Doncaster last time, but that doesn't tell the whole story for me. He was actually in contention until making an error at 4 out and he was a doubtful stayer before the race anyway. That was basically his 1st run in a year as he unseated at the 4th at Catterick. His old form would suggest 2m4f on good ground on a flat track would be ideal for him and I can see him going well here if building on that Doncaster effort.
Zamparelli has had a wind op since running poorly at Barbury on his first start of the season in December. That would have to work for him to have a chance here, but his form for Dan Skelton would give him a squeak especially as conditions will suit.
I thought Guttural ran better than the bare result at Leicester last time when 5th behind Tango De Juilley. He travelled quite well into the race and ended up getting tired on bad ground which wouldn't have suited. I was considering putting him up as a bet as this test should be much more suitable, but I'm just not sure he is actually good enough to win.
Bletchley Castle is the likely front runner and he set a fast pace at Musselburgh 3 weeks ago before fading into 5th. This is a couple of furlongs shorter which should help him and his opposition wouldn't want to give him too much rope, but he had done his running before they got to 2m4f that day and I wouldn't fancy the horses in front of him in this contest. He's probably slightly over priced, but at the same time I would be surprised if he actually won.
Love Around won the point to point bumper at Stratford 2 years ago (ironically the 2nd that night runs at Chepstow today), but that wasn't a strong race and he pulled up in two Restricted's since then. Sam Cavallaro is now 15 and was a 43L 2nd to Arthur's Secret in this 2 years ago. This no doubt will be a prep run though as I am sure the hope is he can bid to win the 2m race on Cheltenham's hunter chase night for a 4th time having won it in 2015, 2016 and 2019.
The suspicion is that Copain De Classe will have too much class for his rivals here and he is the main bet in the race. I will also have Jenkins on side though as for me he ran much better than his finishing position suggests at Doncaster and this shorter trip is going to be much more suitable for him.
Copain De Classe 2pts @ 7/4 with Betfair
Jenkins 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with Bet365

It was a cracking race, agree Hazel Hill did well but he was always just struggling to go the pace, knew he would battle on! Very unlucky on Bob and Co especially at the price you got.

What a fantastic race this year's renewal served up and it was the most exciting finish of the week. I knew Porlock Bay was a class horse, but I was worried he wouldn't stay this far and thought Aintree was going to be his race. He proved me wrong though as he put in a superb performance. He jumped really well and it looked like he was always in front of Billaway on the run in. The form of his Wincanton win hasn't worked out, but clearly as discussed at the time he was given a pretty negative ride and if they had been bolder on him then you have to think he would have run out an easy winner that day. No future targets were mentioned after the race and I was surprised to not see him entered at Aintree, but I guess Stratford could the target now. It was good to see a British pointing success as well.
Billaway 2nd for the 2nd consecutive year and he put in his best performance of the season. He made the odd mistake, but his jumping was better than it has been in the past. He also didn't hit the flat spot he had in his previous races this season, maybe Paul Townend made the difference on that one. You would imagine he will bid to make it 3rd time lucky next year. He has been entered at Aintree and if he takes to it he has a leading chance.
Stake Wallace wasn't closer to the winner than he was last year, but was further behind Billaway. He stayed on well to just grab 3rd on the line, but he had been hampered when Bob And Co departed at 3 out so he would have finished a bit closer without that you would imagine. It was another solid run after his 4th last year, but he will be 11 next year and it is hard to see how he can finish any closer next season.
Latenightpass ran a stormer in 4th to land the e/w money having been in the front rank until he began to drop away turning for home. It was good to see him back up his Warwick win though and he would be another you would imagine would enjoy Aintree. I can also see Stratford being a likely target as well as he ought to be well suited to that test at the end of the season.
Fair play to Hazel Hill who performed really well to finish 5th and he certainly did better than I thought he would. His jumping let him down though as he jumped out to his right and made a couple of errors along the way as well. I'm sure connections are delighted with the 13yo and he might well end up back in the winners enclosure before the season is out.
Mighty Stowaway was next and he never threatened to get involved at any stage. Last year's winner It Came To Pass was just behind in 7th and he was a fair way below the form he showed last year. He made a bad mistake at the 9th though and although he did briefly look like he was going to play a part he ended up dropping away pretty tamely. I would imagine he will stick to Irish hunter chases from now on. Mr Mantilla was prominent for a fair way, but was well beaten in the end as I suspected he might be. He's clearly one to keep an eye on though as he has the potential to progress given how unexposed he is. Red Indian was going OK until he made a bad mistake at the 16th and he was a beaten horse after that. Stand Up And Fight was the last to finish and he was a big disappointment.
Chameron backers knew their fate early as he jumped terribly and had to be pulled up after the 6th. Hard to know why he did that and he is clearly better than it although I suspect they will go back pointing with him to get his confidence back. Given he went off at 12/1 last year I was surprised to see Law Of Gold start at 125/1 this time around as to me he looked to hold better claims, but as it turned out he did worse. Given his John Corbett Cup win a couple of years ago I can see him being aimed at Stratford in May which should see a better performance. Salvatore was let down by his jumping and he was pulled up like his stablemate Wishing And Hoping.
I have kept Bob And Co until last and it was certainly a case of what might have been as he was travelling every bit as well as the 1st two at the time of his departure. His jumping was actually pretty good for most of the way although he did make the odd niggly mistake. He jumped the 3rd last a bit skewwhiff and he couldn't get his landing gear out properly so he stumbled on landing. Sean tried hard to stay on, but he had little chance really and his chance was gone. He was found to have blood in his nostril after the race although it wasn't mentioned if he burst or not and it clearly wasn't bothering him at the time of his departure. Who knows where he would have finished, but surely he was going to finish 3rd at worse and it is a massive shame we didn't get to find out how good he is. Wherever he goes next his owner will be back on and although he has been entered at Aintree he looks the back up option to Cat Tiger.
So we were treated to a thrilling race and as per usual the winning time was 10 seconds slower than the Gold Cup. This ought to be the only time pro riders get to ride in the race, but at least we had the race this year which for me was the most important thing.
 

I have watched the Cheltenham race twice, but do want to give it another viewing before giving my final thoughts, but needless to say Bob And Co's departure was frustrating given how well he was going at the time. At least Latenightpass landed the e/w money at a big price. Fakenham doesn't need another viewing and although I wasn't sure about Ennistown in the early stages given his strange head carriage he obviously had a very easy task in the end. I think they would be better off making the running with him myself. It's hard to know what he achieved here given the race took no winning due to The Dellercheckout bombing out. It was very much an off day for him and he has big questions to answer now.
The Carlisle race looks like being a match between The Galloping Bear and Duhallow Tornado. Wonderoftheworld was useful in Ireland when last seen in 2019, but the trainer's two hunter chase runners haven't done much so I suspect he will need the run. Senor Lombardy has put in two creditable performances in hunter chases so far especially last time at Kelso when going down a couple of lengths to Kilkishen. I'm not sure he's the strongest of stayers though certainly when compared to the two at the head of the market. He ought to come 3rd though.
I thought The Galloping Bear was very impressive at Fontwell on his hunter chase debut. Granted the 2nd probably hasn't stayed, but then Sametegal had beaten Porlock Bay at Wincanton and despite me having concerns about the worth of that form prior to Friday clearly that needs a rethink. I'm clearly not saying The Galloping Bear is better than Porlock Bay, but he is clearly very progressive, loves testing ground and looks an out and out stayer. It is also very interesting that connections are sending him from Somerset for this.
The first time blinkers worked a treat at Wetherby for Duhallow Tornado. He travelled nicely and jumped well which was the complete opposite from the week before a Catterick where he was hardly on the bridle at any stage. With Road To Rome running poorly he had very little to beat there though, but then that is hardly his fault and he couldn't have done it any easier. Like The Galloping Bear he is an out and out stayer who loves testing ground. What needs to happen though is that the blinkers work for a 2nd time as that isn't always the case.
Pass The Hat has been backed at big prices this morning which is a strange one. I know he caused a shock here a couple of years ago over shorter, but he's shown little since then and I can't see him even hitting the frame here let alone winning.
I don't think the prices are quite right as I would have them a bit closer together, but I also think that The Galloping Bear will win so the forecast makes the most appeal as all things being equal they will be finishing 1st and 2nd.
The Galloping Bear to beat Duhallow Tornado 1pt f/c

I have watched the Cheltenham race twice, but do want to give it another viewing before giving my final thoughts, but needless to say Bob And Co's departure was frustrating given how well he was going at the time. At least Latenightpass landed the e/w money at a big price. Fakenham doesn't need another viewing and although I wasn't sure about Ennistown in the early stages given his strange head carriage he obviously had a very easy task in the end. I think they would be better off making the running with him myself. It's hard to know what he achieved here given the race took no winning due to The Dellercheckout bombing out. It was very much an off day for him and he has big questions to answer now.
The Carlisle race looks like being a match between The Galloping Bear and Duhallow Tornado. Wonderoftheworld was useful in Ireland when last seen in 2019, but the trainer's two hunter chase runners haven't done much so I suspect he will need the run. Senor Lombardy has put in two creditable performances in hunter chases so far especially last time at Kelso when going down a couple of lengths to Kilkishen. I'm not sure he's the strongest of stayers though certainly when compared to the two at the head of the market. He ought to come 3rd though.
I thought The Galloping Bear was very impressive at Fontwell on his hunter chase debut. Granted the 2nd probably hasn't stayed, but then Sametegal had beaten Porlock Bay at Wincanton and despite me having concerns about the worth of that form prior to Friday clearly that needs a rethink. I'm clearly not saying The Galloping Bear is better than Porlock Bay, but he is clearly very progressive, loves testing ground and looks an out and out stayer. It is also very interesting that connections are sending him from Somerset for this.
The first time blinkers worked a treat at Wetherby for Duhallow Tornado. He travelled nicely and jumped well which was the complete opposite from the week before a Catterick where he was hardly on the bridle at any stage. With Road To Rome running poorly he had very little to beat there though, but then that is hardly his fault and he couldn't have done it any easier. Like The Galloping Bear he is an out and out stayer who loves testing ground. What needs to happen though is that the blinkers work for a 2nd time as that isn't always the case.
Pass The Hat has been backed at big prices this morning which is a strange one. I know he caused a shock here a couple of years ago over shorter, but he's shown little since then and I can't see him even hitting the frame here let alone winning.
I don't think the prices are quite right as I would have them a bit closer together, but I also think that The Galloping Bear will win so the forecast makes the most appeal as all things being equal they will be finishing 1st and 2nd.
The Galloping Bear to beat Duhallow Tornado 1pt f/c

Fakenham always used to have a hunter chase on this card and then they got rid of it for a few years before it returned in 2019. I have put up both winners as well since it returned so hopefully I can make it a hat-trick this afternoon. 
As the betting suggests I do think the race is a match between The Dellercheckout and Ennistown. The Dellercheckout did really well in his first 3 starts of last season when winning at Barbury, Sheriff Hutton and then on hunter chase debut at Ludlow when beating Monbeg Gold in decent style. That run sets the hunter chase standard, but he did go to Haydock for The Walrus and bombed out big time. Possibly the heavy ground was to blame but he also got a wind op in his time off the track and given the fact he still wears a tongue-tie there was clearly an issue with his wind. He returned in December at Barbury in the same race he had won the year before and he ran OK finishing a 14L 3rd to Marcle Ridge. That run suggested he needed it, but he's had another 3 months off so the benefit of that run has probably gone.
Regular readers may remember that I had Ennistown as a big eye-catcher when he was 4th behind Hazel Hill on his debut for new connections in January. He wasn't put into the race at all and was able to finish a keeping on 4th. The concern is that form hasn't been boosted at all since (unless Hazel Hill goes and runs well at Cheltenham an hour before!). He then went to The Walrus at Haydock and he didn't jump that well before pulling up. This race is obviously weaker than that contest and the crucial thing for me is that after running on testing ground both times this season he finally gets on to a sounder surface which will be much more suitable for him. The booking of Brian Hughes is very interesting and as I have mentioned before I'm a big fan of the trainer after what he did with Risk A Fine a couple of years ago.
Djin Conti is the only other one who can possibly win and he needs to come on for the run at Fontwell, but that was his first run for over year. Won a handicap at Warwick in April 2019 off 119 so is capable, but I'd want to see more than he showed at Fontwell to want to seriously consider backing him.
I think there is every chance we will see an improved performance from Ennistown and I will take him to beat The Dellercheckout and to be honest I would rate his Ludlow effort better than The Dellercheckout's 3rd at Barbury.
Ennistown 2pts @ 2/1 with Bet365

Fakenham always used to have a hunter chase on this card and then they got rid of it for a few years before it returned in 2019. I have put up both winners as well since it returned so hopefully I can make it a hat-trick this afternoon. 
As the betting suggests I do think the race is a match between The Dellercheckout and Ennistown. The Dellercheckout did really well in his first 3 starts of last season when winning at Barbury, Sheriff Hutton and then on hunter chase debut at Ludlow when beating Monbeg Gold in decent style. That run sets the hunter chase standard, but he did go to Haydock for The Walrus and bombed out big time. Possibly the heavy ground was to blame but he also got a wind op in his time off the track and given the fact he still wears a tongue-tie there was clearly an issue with his wind. He returned in December at Barbury in the same race he had won the year before and he ran OK finishing a 14L 3rd to Marcle Ridge. That run suggested he needed it, but he's had another 3 months off so the benefit of that run has probably gone.
Regular readers may remember that I had Ennistown as a big eye-catcher when he was 4th behind Hazel Hill on his debut for new connections in January. He wasn't put into the race at all and was able to finish a keeping on 4th. The concern is that form hasn't been boosted at all since (unless Hazel Hill goes and runs well at Cheltenham an hour before!). He then went to The Walrus at Haydock and he didn't jump that well before pulling up. This race is obviously weaker than that contest and the crucial thing for me is that after running on testing ground both times this season he finally gets on to a sounder surface which will be much more suitable for him. The booking of Brian Hughes is very interesting and as I have mentioned before I'm a big fan of the trainer after what he did with Risk A Fine a couple of years ago.
Djin Conti is the only other one who can possibly win and he needs to come on for the run at Fontwell, but that was his first run for over year. Won a handicap at Warwick in April 2019 off 119 so is capable, but I'd want to see more than he showed at Fontwell to want to seriously consider backing him.
I think there is every chance we will see an improved performance from Ennistown and I will take him to beat The Dellercheckout and to be honest I would rate his Ludlow effort better than The Dellercheckout's 3rd at Barbury.
Ennistown 2pts @ 2/1 with Bet365

Fakenham always used to have a hunter chase on this card and then they got rid of it for a few years before it returned in 2019. I have put up both winners as well since it returned so hopefully I can make it a hat-trick this afternoon. 
As the betting suggests I do think the race is a match between The Dellercheckout and Ennistown. The Dellercheckout did really well in his first 3 starts of last season when winning at Barbury, Sheriff Hutton and then on hunter chase debut at Ludlow when beating Monbeg Gold in decent style. That run sets the hunter chase standard, but he did go to Haydock for The Walrus and bombed out big time. Possibly the heavy ground was to blame but he also got a wind op in his time off the track and given the fact he still wears a tongue-tie there was clearly an issue with his wind. He returned in December at Barbury in the same race he had won the year before and he ran OK finishing a 14L 3rd to Marcle Ridge. That run suggested he needed it, but he's had another 3 months off so the benefit of that run has probably gone.
Regular readers may remember that I had Ennistown as a big eye-catcher when he was 4th behind Hazel Hill on his debut for new connections in January. He wasn't put into the race at all and was able to finish a keeping on 4th. The concern is that form hasn't been boosted at all since (unless Hazel Hill goes and runs well at Cheltenham an hour before!). He then went to The Walrus at Haydock and he didn't jump that well before pulling up. This race is obviously weaker than that contest and the crucial thing for me is that after running on testing ground both times this season he finally gets on to a sounder surface which will be much more suitable for him. The booking of Brian Hughes is very interesting and as I have mentioned before I'm a big fan of the trainer after what he did with Risk A Fine a couple of years ago.
Djin Conti is the only other one who can possibly win and he needs to come on for the run at Fontwell, but that was his first run for over year. Won a handicap at Warwick in April 2019 off 119 so is capable, but I'd want to see more than he showed at Fontwell to want to seriously consider backing him.
I think there is every chance we will see an improved performance from Ennistown and I will take him to beat The Dellercheckout and to be honest I would rate his Ludlow effort better than The Dellercheckout's 3rd at Barbury.
Ennistown 2pts @ 2/1 with Bet365

I'm not backing it again, but lots of people will be reading the preview who haven't had a bet yet which is why I have put it up again as I would still make it a bet at the odds. As for Fakenham I am about to write my preview for that.

Fakenham always used to have a hunter chase on this card and then they got rid of it for a few years before it returned in 2019. I have put up both winners as well since it returned so hopefully I can make it a hat-trick this afternoon. 
As the betting suggests I do think the race is a match between The Dellercheckout and Ennistown. The Dellercheckout did really well in his first 3 starts of last season when winning at Barbury, Sheriff Hutton and then on hunter chase debut at Ludlow when beating Monbeg Gold in decent style. That run sets the hunter chase standard, but he did go to Haydock for The Walrus and bombed out big time. Possibly the heavy ground was to blame but he also got a wind op in his time off the track and given the fact he still wears a tongue-tie there was clearly an issue with his wind. He returned in December at Barbury in the same race he had won the year before and he ran OK finishing a 14L 3rd to Marcle Ridge. That run suggested he needed it, but he's had another 3 months off so the benefit of that run has probably gone.
Regular readers may remember that I had Ennistown as a big eye-catcher when he was 4th behind Hazel Hill on his debut for new connections in January. He wasn't put into the race at all and was able to finish a keeping on 4th. The concern is that form hasn't been boosted at all since (unless Hazel Hill goes and runs well at Cheltenham an hour before!). He then went to The Walrus at Haydock and he didn't jump that well before pulling up. This race is obviously weaker than that contest and the crucial thing for me is that after running on testing ground both times this season he finally gets on to a sounder surface which will be much more suitable for him. The booking of Brian Hughes is very interesting and as I have mentioned before I'm a big fan of the trainer after what he did with Risk A Fine a couple of years ago.
Djin Conti is the only other one who can possibly win and he needs to come on for the run at Fontwell, but that was his first run for over year. Won a handicap at Warwick in April 2019 off 119 so is capable, but I'd want to see more than he showed at Fontwell to want to seriously consider backing him.
I think there is every chance we will see an improved performance from Ennistown and I will take him to beat The Dellercheckout and to be honest I would rate his Ludlow effort better than The Dellercheckout's 3rd at Barbury.
Ennistown 2pts @ 2/1 with Bet365

Fakenham always used to have a hunter chase on this card and then they got rid of it for a few years before it returned in 2019. I have put up both winners as well since it returned so hopefully I can make it a hat-trick this afternoon. 
As the betting suggests I do think the race is a match between The Dellercheckout and Ennistown. The Dellercheckout did really well in his first 3 starts of last season when winning at Barbury, Sheriff Hutton and then on hunter chase debut at Ludlow when beating Monbeg Gold in decent style. That run sets the hunter chase standard, but he did go to Haydock for The Walrus and bombed out big time. Possibly the heavy ground was to blame but he also got a wind op in his time off the track and given the fact he still wears a tongue-tie there was clearly an issue with his wind. He returned in December at Barbury in the same race he had won the year before and he ran OK finishing a 14L 3rd to Marcle Ridge. That run suggested he needed it, but he's had another 3 months off so the benefit of that run has probably gone.
Regular readers may remember that I had Ennistown as a big eye-catcher when he was 4th behind Hazel Hill on his debut for new connections in January. He wasn't put into the race at all and was able to finish a keeping on 4th. The concern is that form hasn't been boosted at all since (unless Hazel Hill goes and runs well at Cheltenham an hour before!). He then went to The Walrus at Haydock and he didn't jump that well before pulling up. This race is obviously weaker than that contest and the crucial thing for me is that after running on testing ground both times this season he finally gets on to a sounder surface which will be much more suitable for him. The booking of Brian Hughes is very interesting and as I have mentioned before I'm a big fan of the trainer after what he did with Risk A Fine a couple of years ago.
Djin Conti is the only other one who can possibly win and he needs to come on for the run at Fontwell, but that was his first run for over year. Won a handicap at Warwick in April 2019 off 119 so is capable, but I'd want to see more than he showed at Fontwell to want to seriously consider backing him.
I think there is every chance we will see an improved performance from Ennistown and I will take him to beat The Dellercheckout and to be honest I would rate his Ludlow effort better than The Dellercheckout's 3rd at Barbury.
Ennistown 2pts @ 2/1 with Bet365

So time to sort out my final views ahead of the race. I am still very confident about Bob And Co winning the race and think the current 9/2 still represents a fair price if you haven't got the bigger prices already. We know he handles testing ground well, but I actually think given the way he travels that he will be even better on better ground. What it will do is help him see out the trip so that is certainly a plus. I thought it was very interesting that Andy Holding mentioned on the Oddschecker preview for Cheltenham that Bob And Co had recorded a sensational time figure for his Haydock win. Andy really knows his stuff wen it comes to times which is how he makes money from the game so that just increases my confidence. For me he is the one they all have to beat.
Billaway is clearly going to be thereabouts, but as I mention in the main preview I think he will trade bigger in running given he is likely to hit a flat spot. It Came To Pass seems about the right price now to me. I do expect him to show an improved showing from his two runs this season, but there is still a bit to be taken on trust and there isn't any juice in the price now. Staker Wallace has been backed and although a top 4 showing wouldn't surprise I just don't see him staying well enough to win this. A lot of shrewd people fancy Red Indian, but doesn't look any value to me at the current odds. He has looked good in both his point wins, but he has beaten very little and he would have to run a personal best for me to win this. He could be capable of doing so, but any value in his price has long gone. Andy also mentioned that Chameron had clocked a good figure at Leicester and he will appreciate the better ground as well. I was tempted to back him given Cobden is on, but I'm just not sure he will be good enough. Porlock Bay still isn't a big enough price for me to want to chance him given the doubts about his stamina. His trainer thinks he proved he stays at Wincanton, but I disagree and Wincanton and Kimble are both flat tracks. Law Of Gold will love the ground and should come on loads for the Doncaster run and he was half tempting, but I just wonder if he will be quite good enough.
Given I have a nice position on Bob And Co I am going to add 3 more e/w especially given bookies are going 4 places. First up is Latenightpass who I think is at least 10 points bigger than he ought to be. Highway Jewel might not be here, but he will represent a piece of form I reckon is very strong. Given how many front running winning rides we have seen this week that will play into this ones hands and as he showed at Warwick he can set a fast pace and keep it up. He has idled in both hunter chase wins so I don't think we have got to the bottom of him yet. He's a course and distance winner as well and I reckon he can run a huge race.
I am going to cover Stand Up And Fight who has beaten Billaway this season. As I mention in the preview above the trip at Down Royal was too short when finishing behind him after that. He looks an out and out stayer and although he might have preferred more cut I still think he will be finishing strongly. Also given how the Irish are doing this week I ought to have at least one of those covered.
It was obvious Alex Edwards would stick with Hazel Hill, but I still think his brother has a better chance with Salvatore at a much bigger price. Again he looks a stayer and had little luck behind Latenightpass in the Intermediate Final. He looks an improved horse this season based on his two wins and at 40/1 I think at the very least he can outrun his big odds.
Bob And Co 2.5pts @ 9/2 with Bet365 (if not already on at bigger prices)
Latenightpass 1pt e/w @ 25/1 with Betfair
Stand Up And Fight 0.5pts e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365
Salvatore 0.25pts e/w @ 40/1 with Bet365

It's not been as active as last year due to their not being much pointing on either side of the Irish Sea, but I hope my Road To The Cheltenham Foxhunter thread has proved to be useful again this season. If you want to read any of that thread then the link is here.
 
Just the 24 runners entered at this stage in the race that used to be known as the Foxhunter and that is a maximum field so we could be looking at a smaller than usual field. I think that could be down to the fact we won't have some of the horses who run because either their jockey wants to ride in the race or their owners just want a day out. It's also been harder to qualify with no pointing and I do think sometimes you get horses who qualify and connections think they may as well give it a go. There is class in the race though. The last two winners are set to line up and last year's 2nd currently heads the market although I don't think he is right market leader. Here is my thoughts on all 24 runners.   Billaway - Found It Came To Pass too good last year and has 10L to make up on the winner this time around. He has had 3 runs this season and was beaten on his return at Fairyhouse by Stand Up And Fight. He followed that up though with two wins at Down Royal and Naas in the two main prep races for Cheltenham. Now he has started to hit a flat spot in his races and has looked in trouble but has so far always come back on the bridle to win pretty comfortably in the end. If that happens again then I reckon he will trade bigger in running than he currently is. The one concern with him is his jumping as a mistake at the last probably cost him victory at Fairyhouse and he didn't jump well last time. Connections blamed the heavy ground for that, but he will need to do better in that department. He is clearly a leading contender, but it could be worth backing him in running as I think he will trade bigger in running.   Bob And Co - This time last year I wouldn't have fancied him at all for this race as I didn't think he would stay, but in this game you should always be open to change your mind and I certainly have regards to him. Quite simply I think he wins and I think he should be favourite. I'm sure everyone remembers how unrideable he was on his British debut at Warwick when ridden by his owner and that still seems to play on peoples minds when talking about him, but he has settled really well in his 3 starts after that. If there had been a crowd then I guess that would have been a concern as it could have buzzed him up so the fact there isn't means I have no worries on that front. He has recorded RPR ratings of 150, 150 and 155 for his 3 wins and he has a pointing/hunter chase rating of 150 which is higher than It Came To Pass who is rated 146 and who recorded a RPR of 155 when he won this last year. His win at Haydock was the best performance we have seen in a hunter chase so far this season. To have a good field that spread out was some effort and the pulled up Garde Ville boosted the form when 2nd at Ludlow last week. His jumping was always foot perfect, but I wonder if that was just a bit of rustiness as he also put in some superb leaps along the way. He never looked like falling though and he clearly has some engine. His trainer believes the wind op has improved him which is scary for his opponents and it is one reason why I think he will see out the trip. Harry Cobden has chosen Chameron over him, but I will talk more about that when discussing him. It doesn't worry me though as there are reasons behind it in my view. Finally as much as David Maxwell should be riding him and he is a much improved jockey in recent years, it is clearly a plus for his chances that he will be ridden by a pro jockey. For me he is the best horse in the race and hopefully he will be able to prove it.   Chameron - First of all I will deal with why I think Harry Cobden has chosen him over Bob And Co. When the horse went pointing last season Harry became one of the owners and I would imagine he still would be if amateurs were allowed to ride in the race. That for me would be the main reason behind the decision, but I wonder if he also wanted to be loyal to Sam Loxton after Rose's sad death last year. He had become frustrating under rules for Nicholls, but was very impressive when winning 2 points at Larkhill last season. He returned at Leicester last month and made harder work than I thought he would in beating a weak field, but Harry said he hated the ground and the front two were miles clear. Better ground at Cheltenham should see him build on that effort. The 2nd came out and won at Catterick on Wednesday which was a boost to the form albeit he won a weak contest. He would have small stamina concerns as the only time he has run over this far he finished a well beaten last. I can see him going well, but I'm not sure he is good enough to actually win.   Hazel Hill - Was ruled out of a double bid on the day last year which was a shame because surely his chance of landing this for a 2nd time has gone now. He was stuffed by Highway Jewel at Chaddesley Corbett in December and although he won at Ludlow in good style you can pick all sorts of holes in that form. The 2nd Ravished and 4th Ennistown were pulled up behind Bob And Co at Haydock and the 3rd Miss Seagreen was stuffed at Ludlow last week. I'd imagine that Alex Edwards will choose him if the Rowley's run all 3 of their entries, but you could argue he has the worse chance of the 3 on current form.   It Came To Pass - Bolted up last year at 66/1 having been 300/1 during the morning and you couldn't rule out him doing the same again. His chance wasn't obvious last year, but he had beaten Billaway in a hunter chase at Cork in April 2019 so you couldn't say it was a total shock. I thought he ran a really promising race on his seasonal return at Fairyhouse behind Stand Up And Fight and Billaway. He finished 4th that afternoon, but his trainer had said beforehand he would need the run and the ground wasn't ideal so for him to run so well before tiring late on was good. I would imagine he would have had a prep run in a point again as per last year, but was forced into running in a Thurles hunter chase instead last month. To be fair to connections they were pretty honest in saying that he was there as a prep run so the fact he was never put into the race wasn't a great surprise. What was a surprise was that he unseated his rider at 3 out as it was out of shot and he doesn't usually make mistakes. Even so it was basically a similar run to when he pulled up in his prep run last season. He clearly thrives at this time of year and unless the ground is bottomless he would have a leading chance.   Latenightpass - A course and distance winner having landed the Intermediate Final on hunter chase night 2 years ago. He looked like he would win easily that night, but then idled on the run in which is something he also did when winning on his seasonal debut at Warwick. I thought that was a hell of a performance because he raced freely and helped set a blistering gallop which led to some good horses being really beaten. Marcle Ridge who was 6th last year was beaten 35L in 4th, Ange Des Malberaux who was running a big race when falling at Ludlow in Hazel Hill's race was beaten 60L in 6th, Monbeg Gold pulled up and he ran really well to finish 2nd at Doncaster and 6th Dr Des and pulled up Sonneofpresenting have also run with credit since. The one horse who has let the form down on the face of it was 3rd home The Worlds End as he was stuffed at Haydock, but I reckon the two quick races and the hard race he had at Warwick left its mark so I wouldn't be quick to use him as a solid yardstick. Given I fancied Highway Jewel to run a big race in this before she wasn't entered I have to give him a great e/w chance here for a yard who have been flying so far this season.   Law Of Gold - Landed the 2019 John Corbet Cup at Stratford and ran a decent enough race to finish 7th in this race last year. I thought he ran a good trial for this at Doncaster last month when he ran like he needed the run behind Silsol and Monbeg Gold. He is only 8 so you would imagine there is more progression to come, but he still has 38L to turn around on It Came To Pass as well as having Billaway and Staker Wallace in front of him. He might be capable of closing the gap and the quicker the ground the better for him, but I'm not sure he is good enough to go and reverse that form.   Mighty Stowaway - Was very impressive when beating Rewritetherules by 30L in an Open at Tinahely in October, but never looked like landing a serious blow at Fairyhouse when Stand Up And Fight and Billaway finished in front of him. He's not been seen since and I find it hard to see how he can reverse the form and I would imagine It Came To Pass will reverse the form.   Monbeg Gold - Was outbattled by Silsol for me at Doncaster and I reckon Law Of Gold will reverse the form of that Doncaster run so I find it hard to give him much of a chance.   Mr Mantilla - Just had the 6 runs in Irish points between November 2019 and December last year. He has won 5 of them and was beaten just a head in the other. He is clearly useful, but it is very hard to win this race with no rules experience and so little experience full stop. I don't think it's great he's been off the track for so long either and although he's a dark horse I do think it is hard to see him being good enough to win at this stage of his career.   Porlock Bay - Another to come over from France and he put in a superb performance to win on his British debut at Kimble in November. That came over 2m4f which was the furthest he had ever been in a race at that point. He then stepped up in trip to 3m1f at Wincanton where he finished 2nd to Sametegal. I thought he should have won that race and he was given a very negative ride in an effort to just qualify for Cheltenham and to stay the trip. The problem is we still don't really know if he will stay in this and the form has been shot to pieces. Sametegal was beaten at Fontwell at long odds on and clearly isn't a strong stayer. The 3rd was stuffed at Doncaster, the 4th was stuffed at Leicester and the 6th somehow finished a well beaten 3rd to Duhallow Tornado at Wetherby after being tailed off. So essentially he has been beaten by a horse who doesn't really stay and the ones in behind aren't up too much. He clearly has an engine and he would interest me at Aintree, but I think he will be outstayed here.   Ravished - No doubt his trainer will fancy him, but I can't give him any chance at all. What I will say is if we get a good surface it will help him, but he's already been beaten by Hazel Hill and Bob And Co so hard to see how he can win this.   Red Indian - Very shrewd of connections to get his qualification in nice and early by winning two Ladies Opens at Bishops Court and Alnwick. He had lost his way a bit under rules so I can see why connections have gone down this route with him and he is Kelly Morgan's only horse in training. There has to be some stamina concerns as he's never looked like he does fully see this trip out, but he didn't run too badly in the Peter Marsh at Haydock last January over nearly this far. Top Wood finished a very close 2nd in this for connections 3 years ago and he finished 3rd two years ago so they certainly know what is needed for this race. The bare form of his pointing wins is nothing special and the two horses directly behind him at Alnwick have been well beaten in hunter chases since, but I do think he has place chances.   Salvatore - For me he is the leading hope of the 3 entered from the yard. He was very well backed in the Intermediate Final won by Latenightpass 2 years ago. He didn't have a great deal of luck as he found himself outpaced as well as getting badly hampered twice in quick succession at the top of the hill. He finally stayed on well to finish 3rd. He looks a stayer based on that but he did manage to win at Didmarton last March which isn't a stamina test. That was his 3rd win last season in 4 starts with the defeat a close 3rd to Foxhunter 3rd Shantou Flyer. This season he won at Larkhill and I initially thought the form wasn't that strong, but with the 3rd Trio For Rio impressively winning at Ludlow I have had 2nd thoughts on that. I should add though that the 2nd has disappointed since. He then went to Musselburgh and he outstayed Alcala in the Scottish Foxhunter. Alcala went back their to win last week although it was a weak race. He's only 8 and I can see him finishing his race off very strongly and he could hit the frame.   Sonnofpresenting - A complete no hoper.   Staker Wallace - I thought he had a massive chance in the race last year and he finished a decent enough 4th. This season he finished 2nd in his first two runs in points and then was hard held in winning a maiden hunters chase at Limerick. He then went to Naas and finished a good 2nd to Billaway. My concern about him though is his stamina as to my eye he lost ground on Billaway from the final fence to the line that day and as much as I can see him running well again I can see his effort flattening out again on the run in as it did last year.   Stand Up And Fight - He finished 6th in this 2 years ago and he was given a rare poor ride by Derek O'Connor. On that effort he looked one for future years, but after disappointing on his comeback run at Thurles he went onto win a point rather than come over to Cheltenham. He was tried in a handicap in the summer and pulled up there so the suspicion was he had completely lost his way, but then went and beat Billaway at Fairyhouse in November. He was only 4th behind him at Down Royal, but that race is over 2m5f and he could never go the pace to get himself involved. He ran on well again at Thurles last time when just beaten by Jury Duty. I think he probably needs to step up on that to win this, but he finished 2nd in a Grade 2 novice hurdle to Al Boum Photo in 2017 and he will stay well so I give him an e/w chance.   Wishing and Hoping - Some people were hoping he was going to run in the race last year, but connections thought he needed another years experience. He beat Duhallow Tornado on his seasonal return at Maisemore in October, but then was surprisingly beaten by Leicester winner Premier Magic at Chaddesley Corbett. Stepped up on that when 2nd at Haydock to Bob And Co, but was 17L behind him that day and I don't see how he can get anywhere near to reversing that form.   Verdict - I will no doubt add to the ante-post bet I have had on Bob And Co next week once we get the enhanced place terms, but I am really strong on Bob And Co winning this. I think he is the best horse in the race and he should be favourite. His jumping wasn't always as good as it could be at Haydock, but he never looked like falling and it proved once again that he has a serious engine. He has to fully prove he stays this far, but the wind op will help on that front and his trainer thinks it has improved him. Billaway has to be respected, It Came To Pass should bounce back from his run last time and make a bold bid of making it back to back wins, whilst Red Indian, Stand Up And Fight, Latenightpass and Salvatore all make some sort of e/w claims at this stage.   Already advised  Bob And Co 1pt e/w @ 25/1 Highway Jewel 0.5pts e/w @ 66/1 (N/R)

So time to sort out my final views ahead of the race. I am still very confident about Bob And Co winning the race and think the current 9/2 still represents a fair price if you haven't got the bigger prices already. We know he handles testing ground well, but I actually think given the way he travels that he will be even better on better ground. What it will do is help him see out the trip so that is certainly a plus. I thought it was very interesting that Andy Holding mentioned on the Oddschecker preview for Cheltenham that Bob And Co had recorded a sensational time figure for his Haydock win. Andy really knows his stuff wen it comes to times which is how he makes money from the game so that just increases my confidence. For me he is the one they all have to beat.
Billaway is clearly going to be thereabouts, but as I mention in the main preview I think he will trade bigger in running given he is likely to hit a flat spot. It Came To Pass seems about the right price now to me. I do expect him to show an improved showing from his two runs this season, but there is still a bit to be taken on trust and there isn't any juice in the price now. Staker Wallace has been backed and although a top 4 showing wouldn't surprise I just don't see him staying well enough to win this. A lot of shrewd people fancy Red Indian, but doesn't look any value to me at the current odds. He has looked good in both his point wins, but he has beaten very little and he would have to run a personal best for me to win this. He could be capable of doing so, but any value in his price has long gone. Andy also mentioned that Chameron had clocked a good figure at Leicester and he will appreciate the better ground as well. I was tempted to back him given Cobden is on, but I'm just not sure he will be good enough. Porlock Bay still isn't a big enough price for me to want to chance him given the doubts about his stamina. His trainer thinks he proved he stays at Wincanton, but I disagree and Wincanton and Kimble are both flat tracks. Law Of Gold will love the ground and should come on loads for the Doncaster run and he was half tempting, but I just wonder if he will be quite good enough.
Given I have a nice position on Bob And Co I am going to add 3 more e/w especially given bookies are going 4 places. First up is Latenightpass who I think is at least 10 points bigger than he ought to be. Highway Jewel might not be here, but he will represent a piece of form I reckon is very strong. Given how many front running winning rides we have seen this week that will play into this ones hands and as he showed at Warwick he can set a fast pace and keep it up. He has idled in both hunter chase wins so I don't think we have got to the bottom of him yet. He's a course and distance winner as well and I reckon he can run a huge race.
I am going to cover Stand Up And Fight who has beaten Billaway this season. As I mention in the preview above the trip at Down Royal was too short when finishing behind him after that. He looks an out and out stayer and although he might have preferred more cut I still think he will be finishing strongly. Also given how the Irish are doing this week I ought to have at least one of those covered.
It was obvious Alex Edwards would stick with Hazel Hill, but I still think his brother has a better chance with Salvatore at a much bigger price. Again he looks a stayer and had little luck behind Latenightpass in the Intermediate Final. He looks an improved horse this season based on his two wins and at 40/1 I think at the very least he can outrun his big odds.
Bob And Co 2.5pts @ 9/2 with Bet365 (if not already on at bigger prices)
Latenightpass 1pt e/w @ 25/1 with Betfair
Stand Up And Fight 0.5pts e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365
Salvatore 0.25pts e/w @ 40/1 with Bet365