Darran

We move on to Terang for the 2nd meeting of the season where we have a maiden hurdle a BM120 Hurdle and an Open Steeplechase.
Race 1 (1.50am)
Although it wasn't a strong maiden hurdle at Warrnambool last time this doesn't look any better and I suspect the horses involved there will be here as well. I'm not sure why but the 3rd home White Heath is shorted in the betting than the 2nd home Hitch Hiker Jamie. I was on the 2nd last time and he ran really well from the front to be just denied by Chenners. Granted White Heath was only about 1/2L behind him, but I think Hitch Hiker Jamie can go one better and certainly looks the better value. High Rolla was a few lengths back in 4th and can go well again as well.
Hitch Hiker Jamie 1pt @ 7/2 with Bet365
Race 2 (2.30am)
This could be an interesting tactical affair as 3 of the 5 runners like to get on with it. Rexmont may go too quick for them all, but he faded very badly to finish at Warrnambool last time. He should have been quite fit from the flat so he looks a bit short in the betting to me. Goodwood Zodiac was last that day and the jockey said he shouldn't have held the horse up, but then if he rides him up with the speed here he might end up doing too much. So Belafonte also likes to make the running as well so we could see a strong gallop. If they all take each other on it might just set things up for the two hold up horses in the race Coleridge and Hierarchal who also happen to be the two outsiders in the contest. Coleridge finished 2nd just in front of Rexmont last time and he is fairly consistent so looks worth taking a chance with. Hierarchal was pretty consistent last season in maiden hurdles as well including when being just beaten by So Belafonte and on that form there is little between them. He got a deserved win at Warrnambool in July and has got himself fit with a couple of runs in picnic races (basically the Oz version of pointing but on the flat) including winning last time. Those two look over priced to me with the 3 favourites all wanting to make the running.
Coleridge 0.5pts @ 15/2 with Bet365
Hierarchal 0.5pts @ 15/2 with Bet365
Race 3 (3.10am)
Cheners makes his chasing debut here after finally breaking his maiden tag over hurdles last time and he jumped well in his chase trial last week. He does look under the odds here though. Zataglio, Lucques and Ascot Red were 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the chase race at Warrnambool and I think Ascot Red can reverse the form. The 1st 2 got a bit of an easy lead that day and Ascot Red ran like he would come on for the run. I thought when Ascot Red closed up at the 2nd last that he would go and win, but his run flattened out and he faded in the home straight. He is a better horse than those two for me and with that run behind him I think he can get the better of them.
Ascot Red 1pt @ 8/5 with Bet365

We move on to Terang for the 2nd meeting of the season where we have a maiden hurdle a BM120 Hurdle and an Open Steeplechase.
Race 1 (1.50am)
Although it wasn't a strong maiden hurdle at Warrnambool last time this doesn't look any better and I suspect the horses involved there will be here as well. I'm not sure why but the 3rd home White Heath is shorted in the betting than the 2nd home Hitch Hiker Jamie. I was on the 2nd last time and he ran really well from the front to be just denied by Chenners. Granted White Heath was only about 1/2L behind him, but I think Hitch Hiker Jamie can go one better and certainly looks the better value. High Rolla was a few lengths back in 4th and can go well again as well.
Hitch Hiker Jamie 1pt @ 7/2 with Bet365
Race 2 (2.30am)
This could be an interesting tactical affair as 3 of the 5 runners like to get on with it. Rexmont may go too quick for them all, but he faded very badly to finish at Warrnambool last time. He should have been quite fit from the flat so he looks a bit short in the betting to me. Goodwood Zodiac was last that day and the jockey said he shouldn't have held the horse up, but then if he rides him up with the speed here he might end up doing too much. So Belafonte also likes to make the running as well so we could see a strong gallop. If they all take each other on it might just set things up for the two hold up horses in the race Coleridge and Hierarchal who also happen to be the two outsiders in the contest. Coleridge finished 2nd just in front of Rexmont last time and he is fairly consistent so looks worth taking a chance with. Hierarchal was pretty consistent last season in maiden hurdles as well including when being just beaten by So Belafonte and on that form there is little between them. He got a deserved win at Warrnambool in July and has got himself fit with a couple of runs in picnic races (basically the Oz version of pointing but on the flat) including winning last time. Those two look over priced to me with the 3 favourites all wanting to make the running.
Coleridge 0.5pts @ 15/2 with Bet365
Hierarchal 0.5pts @ 15/2 with Bet365
Race 3 (3.10am)
Cheners makes his chasing debut here after finally breaking his maiden tag over hurdles last time and he jumped well in his chase trial last week. He does look under the odds here though. Zataglio, Lucques and Ascot Red were 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the chase race at Warrnambool and I think Ascot Red can reverse the form. The 1st 2 got a bit of an easy lead that day and Ascot Red ran like he would come on for the run. I thought when Ascot Red closed up at the 2nd last that he would go and win, but his run flattened out and he faded in the home straight. He is a better horse than those two for me and with that run behind him I think he can get the better of them.
Ascot Red 1pt @ 8/5 with Bet365

A quick look back at Leicester's race on Friday first and it saw a good front running ride from Tom Scudamore on the winner who will know doubt be Aintree bound now. I can see him running well although you do wonder if he will be able to reverse form with Cat Tiger let alone beat the other possible leading contenders. Peacocks Secret has run well in 2nd and ought to be able to find a winning opportunity this season and the 3rd Killiney Court benefitted from the jockey change and the drop in trip. Clondaw Westie was disappointing again back in 6th.
This will be a briefer preview than is sometimes the case as I had my vaccine yesterday and my arm is hurting whilst I type! Handily though for me there are only two possible winners. I am just as happy to oppose Maitree Express as I was when he was meant to run at Ludlow and as I keep saying I'm Wiser Now will always find at least 1 too good. 
I was pretty strong on Golden Tobouggan when he was due to run in this contest in 2019, but he didn't want to come out onto the track and had to be withdrawn. I'm even stronger on him this time around as his form is miles clear of anything else in the rest. I was a bit surprised he was so well backed at Wincanton last time as he needed to step up a fair bit on his Maisemore October win, but he duly showed the sort of form in the 2019 season when he finished 2nd to 3 good horses. He added a 4th one to that at Wincanton when Caid Du Berlais beat him in what was a very good performance. I honestly can't see how anything else in the race could have finished 2nd in that Wincanton contest and a repeat should be more than enough.
The other one who has a chance for me is Envoye Special who was 3rd to Chameron and Cousin Pascal at Leicester. Now he was 29L behind them, but we know that form is strong and he will appreciate the better ground here. He travelled well into the race, but didn't see the race out in the conditions especially given the opposition. He showed promise on his 5th behind Salvatore at Larkhill in December as well. I want him onside just in case something happens to Golden Tobouggan, but I am very strong on the favourite winning this.
Golden Toubouggan 4pts @ 13/8 with Betfair
Envoye  Special 1pt @ 11/2 with Bet365

A quick look back at Leicester's race on Friday first and it saw a good front running ride from Tom Scudamore on the winner who will know doubt be Aintree bound now. I can see him running well although you do wonder if he will be able to reverse form with Cat Tiger let alone beat the other possible leading contenders. Peacocks Secret has run well in 2nd and ought to be able to find a winning opportunity this season and the 3rd Killiney Court benefitted from the jockey change and the drop in trip. Clondaw Westie was disappointing again back in 6th.
This will be a briefer preview than is sometimes the case as I had my vaccine yesterday and my arm is hurting whilst I type! Handily though for me there are only two possible winners. I am just as happy to oppose Maitree Express as I was when he was meant to run at Ludlow and as I keep saying I'm Wiser Now will always find at least 1 too good. 
I was pretty strong on Golden Tobouggan when he was due to run in this contest in 2019, but he didn't want to come out onto the track and had to be withdrawn. I'm even stronger on him this time around as his form is miles clear of anything else in the rest. I was a bit surprised he was so well backed at Wincanton last time as he needed to step up a fair bit on his Maisemore October win, but he duly showed the sort of form in the 2019 season when he finished 2nd to 3 good horses. He added a 4th one to that at Wincanton when Caid Du Berlais beat him in what was a very good performance. I honestly can't see how anything else in the race could have finished 2nd in that Wincanton contest and a repeat should be more than enough.
The other one who has a chance for me is Envoye Special who was 3rd to Chameron and Cousin Pascal at Leicester. Now he was 29L behind them, but we know that form is strong and he will appreciate the better ground here. He travelled well into the race, but didn't see the race out in the conditions especially given the opposition. He showed promise on his 5th behind Salvatore at Larkhill in December as well. I want him onside just in case something happens to Golden Tobouggan, but I am very strong on the favourite winning this.
Golden Toubouggan 4pts @ 13/8 with Betfair
Envoye  Special 1pt @ 11/2 with Bet365

Hands up I made a mistake by over complicating the Catterick race on Wednesday. I should have been more trusting on Cousin Pascal's Leicester 2nd as he was on odds on shot on that form. What was a bit frustrating was his trainer went on the pointing form not long before the race to explain the reason why he disappointed at Alnwick was that he travelled to the track poorly and had suffered a long journey. Once you had a reason for that disappointment it was easier to want to back him on Wednesday. He duly bolted up whilst the two I put up ran poorly. King Of The Clothe has run well enough in 2nd although he strikes me as a horse that will stick to pointing once it starts again at the end of the month. Dr Kananga was really well backed at big odds and ran with credit before tiring and finishing 3rd. The form clearly isn't strong, but the winner had any amount in hand.
Tango De Juilley heads the betting for the 2m contest at Leicester this afternoon and whilst you will be worried that last weeks effort might have left a mark given he's a 13yo who hadn't run for 4 years, his form is miles clear of anything else in the race. It was a superb effort to push Cat Tiger so close last week and he will be looking to qualify for Aintree here only having to finish in the 1st 4 to do so. 2m in testing ground shouldn't be an issue and he ought to be hard to beat.
Dale Peters has already landed 1 hunter chase with a newcomer from Ireland this season and he has another one here who has been running in points over there early in the season. He was running well enough in opens having looked on the downgrade before then. This trip ought to be fine and he has joined a good trainer.
Clondaw Westie has his conditions for the first time this this season as he loves the mud as he showed when winning at Ffos Las a year ago. I said before his run at Musselburgh that it seemed a strange one that connections were running him over 3m3f as he didn't look like he would stay and so it turned out. He now drops right back in trip to 2m and he ought to be capable of showing better than he did against Porlock Bay at Kimble on quick ground and last time.
Killiney Court is one of those runners that will benefit from being ridden by a pro jockey from the one who was riding him in points. The other key with him is he clearly doesn't stay 3m. This trip looks ideal for him based on his rules form in Ireland so it's easy to think we will see an improvement on his pointing form. He has been a drifter this morning.
Simon Cross runs two who have both been off for a long time. Matorico has been off for 1082 days and Oliver's Hill 432 days. Both have the back class to run well in this, but it's hard to think either will be up to that and the latter always wanted good ground.
An Scairp has seen plenty of money at big prices and I can sort of understand it as the 2nd to Southfield Theatre at Higham a year ago would give him a place chance. The ground looks to be an issue though and I'm not sure we have seen enough in his two hunter chase efforts including at Ludlow last time. 
I wrote most of the above last night and this paragraph was where I discussed Argot's chances and he was the one horse in the race I thought was over priced. Annoyingly he is now a non-runner.
Tango De Juilley is the right price and he ought to win so there doesn't really seem to be any value in trying to take him on. There is a bit of guesswork needed with the next 3 in the betting with Clondaw Westie needing the drop in trip and the return to heavy ground to to work, Peacocks Secret you are mainly relying on the trainer and Killiney Court you are relying on the jockey switch and the drop in trip. I don't exactly feel strongly on any of them and can understand why at the time of writing they are around the same price. I was going to put up a bet on Argot, but now he is a non-runner I am not currently recommending a bet on the race. I will keep an eye on the markets and see if any opportunity arises and will update the thread if there is.

Hands up I made a mistake by over complicating the Catterick race on Wednesday. I should have been more trusting on Cousin Pascal's Leicester 2nd as he was on odds on shot on that form. What was a bit frustrating was his trainer went on the pointing form not long before the race to explain the reason why he disappointed at Alnwick was that he travelled to the track poorly and had suffered a long journey. Once you had a reason for that disappointment it was easier to want to back him on Wednesday. He duly bolted up whilst the two I put up ran poorly. King Of The Clothe has run well enough in 2nd although he strikes me as a horse that will stick to pointing once it starts again at the end of the month. Dr Kananga was really well backed at big odds and ran with credit before tiring and finishing 3rd. The form clearly isn't strong, but the winner had any amount in hand.
Tango De Juilley heads the betting for the 2m contest at Leicester this afternoon and whilst you will be worried that last weeks effort might have left a mark given he's a 13yo who hadn't run for 4 years, his form is miles clear of anything else in the race. It was a superb effort to push Cat Tiger so close last week and he will be looking to qualify for Aintree here only having to finish in the 1st 4 to do so. 2m in testing ground shouldn't be an issue and he ought to be hard to beat.
Dale Peters has already landed 1 hunter chase with a newcomer from Ireland this season and he has another one here who has been running in points over there early in the season. He was running well enough in opens having looked on the downgrade before then. This trip ought to be fine and he has joined a good trainer.
Clondaw Westie has his conditions for the first time this this season as he loves the mud as he showed when winning at Ffos Las a year ago. I said before his run at Musselburgh that it seemed a strange one that connections were running him over 3m3f as he didn't look like he would stay and so it turned out. He now drops right back in trip to 2m and he ought to be capable of showing better than he did against Porlock Bay at Kimble on quick ground and last time.
Killiney Court is one of those runners that will benefit from being ridden by a pro jockey from the one who was riding him in points. The other key with him is he clearly doesn't stay 3m. This trip looks ideal for him based on his rules form in Ireland so it's easy to think we will see an improvement on his pointing form. He has been a drifter this morning.
Simon Cross runs two who have both been off for a long time. Matorico has been off for 1082 days and Oliver's Hill 432 days. Both have the back class to run well in this, but it's hard to think either will be up to that and the latter always wanted good ground.
An Scairp has seen plenty of money at big prices and I can sort of understand it as the 2nd to Southfield Theatre at Higham a year ago would give him a place chance. The ground looks to be an issue though and I'm not sure we have seen enough in his two hunter chase efforts including at Ludlow last time. 
I wrote most of the above last night and this paragraph was where I discussed Argot's chances and he was the one horse in the race I thought was over priced. Annoyingly he is now a non-runner.
Tango De Juilley is the right price and he ought to win so there doesn't really seem to be any value in trying to take him on. There is a bit of guesswork needed with the next 3 in the betting with Clondaw Westie needing the drop in trip and the return to heavy ground to to work, Peacocks Secret you are mainly relying on the trainer and Killiney Court you are relying on the jockey switch and the drop in trip. I don't exactly feel strongly on any of them and can understand why at the time of writing they are around the same price. I was going to put up a bet on Argot, but now he is a non-runner I am not currently recommending a bet on the race. I will keep an eye on the markets and see if any opportunity arises and will update the thread if there is.

Hands up I made a mistake by over complicating the Catterick race on Wednesday. I should have been more trusting on Cousin Pascal's Leicester 2nd as he was on odds on shot on that form. What was a bit frustrating was his trainer went on the pointing form not long before the race to explain the reason why he disappointed at Alnwick was that he travelled to the track poorly and had suffered a long journey. Once you had a reason for that disappointment it was easier to want to back him on Wednesday. He duly bolted up whilst the two I put up ran poorly. King Of The Clothe has run well enough in 2nd although he strikes me as a horse that will stick to pointing once it starts again at the end of the month. Dr Kananga was really well backed at big odds and ran with credit before tiring and finishing 3rd. The form clearly isn't strong, but the winner had any amount in hand.
Tango De Juilley heads the betting for the 2m contest at Leicester this afternoon and whilst you will be worried that last weeks effort might have left a mark given he's a 13yo who hadn't run for 4 years, his form is miles clear of anything else in the race. It was a superb effort to push Cat Tiger so close last week and he will be looking to qualify for Aintree here only having to finish in the 1st 4 to do so. 2m in testing ground shouldn't be an issue and he ought to be hard to beat.
Dale Peters has already landed 1 hunter chase with a newcomer from Ireland this season and he has another one here who has been running in points over there early in the season. He was running well enough in opens having looked on the downgrade before then. This trip ought to be fine and he has joined a good trainer.
Clondaw Westie has his conditions for the first time this this season as he loves the mud as he showed when winning at Ffos Las a year ago. I said before his run at Musselburgh that it seemed a strange one that connections were running him over 3m3f as he didn't look like he would stay and so it turned out. He now drops right back in trip to 2m and he ought to be capable of showing better than he did against Porlock Bay at Kimble on quick ground and last time.
Killiney Court is one of those runners that will benefit from being ridden by a pro jockey from the one who was riding him in points. The other key with him is he clearly doesn't stay 3m. This trip looks ideal for him based on his rules form in Ireland so it's easy to think we will see an improvement on his pointing form. He has been a drifter this morning.
Simon Cross runs two who have both been off for a long time. Matorico has been off for 1082 days and Oliver's Hill 432 days. Both have the back class to run well in this, but it's hard to think either will be up to that and the latter always wanted good ground.
An Scairp has seen plenty of money at big prices and I can sort of understand it as the 2nd to Southfield Theatre at Higham a year ago would give him a place chance. The ground looks to be an issue though and I'm not sure we have seen enough in his two hunter chase efforts including at Ludlow last time. 
I wrote most of the above last night and this paragraph was where I discussed Argot's chances and he was the one horse in the race I thought was over priced. Annoyingly he is now a non-runner.
Tango De Juilley is the right price and he ought to win so there doesn't really seem to be any value in trying to take him on. There is a bit of guesswork needed with the next 3 in the betting with Clondaw Westie needing the drop in trip and the return to heavy ground to to work, Peacocks Secret you are mainly relying on the trainer and Killiney Court you are relying on the jockey switch and the drop in trip. I don't exactly feel strongly on any of them and can understand why at the time of writing they are around the same price. I was going to put up a bet on Argot, but now he is a non-runner I am not currently recommending a bet on the race. I will keep an eye on the markets and see if any opportunity arises and will update the thread if there is.

Hands up I made a mistake by over complicating the Catterick race on Wednesday. I should have been more trusting on Cousin Pascal's Leicester 2nd as he was on odds on shot on that form. What was a bit frustrating was his trainer went on the pointing form not long before the race to explain the reason why he disappointed at Alnwick was that he travelled to the track poorly and had suffered a long journey. Once you had a reason for that disappointment it was easier to want to back him on Wednesday. He duly bolted up whilst the two I put up ran poorly. King Of The Clothe has run well enough in 2nd although he strikes me as a horse that will stick to pointing once it starts again at the end of the month. Dr Kananga was really well backed at big odds and ran with credit before tiring and finishing 3rd. The form clearly isn't strong, but the winner had any amount in hand.
Tango De Juilley heads the betting for the 2m contest at Leicester this afternoon and whilst you will be worried that last weeks effort might have left a mark given he's a 13yo who hadn't run for 4 years, his form is miles clear of anything else in the race. It was a superb effort to push Cat Tiger so close last week and he will be looking to qualify for Aintree here only having to finish in the 1st 4 to do so. 2m in testing ground shouldn't be an issue and he ought to be hard to beat.
Dale Peters has already landed 1 hunter chase with a newcomer from Ireland this season and he has another one here who has been running in points over there early in the season. He was running well enough in opens having looked on the downgrade before then. This trip ought to be fine and he has joined a good trainer.
Clondaw Westie has his conditions for the first time this this season as he loves the mud as he showed when winning at Ffos Las a year ago. I said before his run at Musselburgh that it seemed a strange one that connections were running him over 3m3f as he didn't look like he would stay and so it turned out. He now drops right back in trip to 2m and he ought to be capable of showing better than he did against Porlock Bay at Kimble on quick ground and last time.
Killiney Court is one of those runners that will benefit from being ridden by a pro jockey from the one who was riding him in points. The other key with him is he clearly doesn't stay 3m. This trip looks ideal for him based on his rules form in Ireland so it's easy to think we will see an improvement on his pointing form. He has been a drifter this morning.
Simon Cross runs two who have both been off for a long time. Matorico has been off for 1082 days and Oliver's Hill 432 days. Both have the back class to run well in this, but it's hard to think either will be up to that and the latter always wanted good ground.
An Scairp has seen plenty of money at big prices and I can sort of understand it as the 2nd to Southfield Theatre at Higham a year ago would give him a place chance. The ground looks to be an issue though and I'm not sure we have seen enough in his two hunter chase efforts including at Ludlow last time. 
I wrote most of the above last night and this paragraph was where I discussed Argot's chances and he was the one horse in the race I thought was over priced. Annoyingly he is now a non-runner.
Tango De Juilley is the right price and he ought to win so there doesn't really seem to be any value in trying to take him on. There is a bit of guesswork needed with the next 3 in the betting with Clondaw Westie needing the drop in trip and the return to heavy ground to to work, Peacocks Secret you are mainly relying on the trainer and Killiney Court you are relying on the jockey switch and the drop in trip. I don't exactly feel strongly on any of them and can understand why at the time of writing they are around the same price. I was going to put up a bet on Argot, but now he is a non-runner I am not currently recommending a bet on the race. I will keep an eye on the markets and see if any opportunity arises and will update the thread if there is.

My initial thoughts before having a good look at this race was that I was pretty confident that Cousin Pascal was going to take all the beating. The 2nd to Chameron at Leicester 3 weeks ago is head and shoulders above what anything else has achieved in this race and if he repeats that then chances are he wins. The problem though is that the Leicester run was way above anything he had done before. The handicapper put him up 18lbs for it which sums things up. The time of the race was 17 seconds quicker than the other division which is obviously a good thing. Chameron's rider did say after the race though that he hated the ground so he has probably under performed and the 3rd home isn't a strong stayer. On his previous start he was only 3rd at Alnwick and had Mr Pepperpot 10L in front of him and he carried 3lbs less. I think ultimately he's price is no value because all you have to go on is one piece of form which has suddenly appeared almost from nowhere. It looks like it is going to be wet today so I suspect the ground will head towards his liking, but his stamina isn't fully confirmed as there are mixed messages in his form and the Leicester race was 2m6f.
King Of The Clothe comes from the Wincanton contest which is working out pretty horribly so far. He was 5th beaten 40L by Sametegal, but he needed his first run of last season when he was 5th behind Shantou Flyer at Larkhill so there is reason to think he will improve for the run. The head 2nd to Duhallow Tornado a couple of runs later was a good effort. All his runs had been on now worse than good to soft prior to the Wincanton run so there would still be a doubt about him if there was a lot of rain. His trainer and jockey could hardly be in better form thought right now.
No Limitations was 2nd to Premier Magic in the other division of the Leicester race that Cousin Pascal was 2nd in. As I mention above the difference in times between the two races was huge and that would be a concern. I'm not sure he wants this sort of stamina test either, but he does have place claims.
Rattle The Cage had been off the course for nearly 2 years before his course and distance 4th last month. He was bang in contention at the 2nd last and just got a bit tired which wasn't a surprise. He was beaten less than 6L though and was only just caught for 3rd place. Duhallow Tornado was 2nd and he's won since which is a plus for the form and although I was initially concerned by the fact the finishers were fairly close to each other I do think we can upgrade his run given the long layoff. We know he stays and we know he wont care what the ground is come race time. Granted he doesn't win often, but he certainly has place claims at the very least based on his run last time.
Eco Warrior is the other one in single figures (at the time of writing) and he has a decent win record in points. He did pull up at Alnwick on his seasonal debut, but he might have needed that and it was his first poor run since 2017. Obviously the concern is he's 11 and he could be going backwards, but I have the image of his run at Musselburgh a year ago where he flew home to finish 3rd and get less than 3L behind Virak. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he did something similar here and the jockey change is a plus for me as well.
The only other one worth a mention is Mr Pepperpot purely because on Alnwick form he does have the beating of the favourite here. He didn't run too badly at Wetherby, but he faded badly there and it's never happened for him in 3 hunter chases to date.
So for me we have a 16 runner field but only 5 that I can really see have a chance of winning. If he repeats the Leicester run then I find it hard to see Cousin Pascal getting beat, but for me he's no value given that run stands out like a sore thumb in his form and his stamina isn't guaranteed. King Of The Clothe might not want the rain to come and the form of that Wincanton race does concern me. He certainly wouldn't be a surprise winner, but again his price seems tight enough. Instead I am going to take a couple who we know will stay and wont mind what the weather does. Rattle The Cage ran a huge race over course and distance last time and this looks weaker than that. If he can build on his first run for 2 years then he has a great chance of being in the first 3 at the very least. That image of Eco Warrior flying home at Musselburgh wont leave my head and this will be even more of a stamina test as well as a positive jockey change. I will take those 2 e/w and hope we can get the favourite beat.
Rattle The Cage 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with most bookies
Eco Warrior 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365

My initial thoughts before having a good look at this race was that I was pretty confident that Cousin Pascal was going to take all the beating. The 2nd to Chameron at Leicester 3 weeks ago is head and shoulders above what anything else has achieved in this race and if he repeats that then chances are he wins. The problem though is that the Leicester run was way above anything he had done before. The handicapper put him up 18lbs for it which sums things up. The time of the race was 17 seconds quicker than the other division which is obviously a good thing. Chameron's rider did say after the race though that he hated the ground so he has probably under performed and the 3rd home isn't a strong stayer. On his previous start he was only 3rd at Alnwick and had Mr Pepperpot 10L in front of him and he carried 3lbs less. I think ultimately he's price is no value because all you have to go on is one piece of form which has suddenly appeared almost from nowhere. It looks like it is going to be wet today so I suspect the ground will head towards his liking, but his stamina isn't fully confirmed as there are mixed messages in his form and the Leicester race was 2m6f.
King Of The Clothe comes from the Wincanton contest which is working out pretty horribly so far. He was 5th beaten 40L by Sametegal, but he needed his first run of last season when he was 5th behind Shantou Flyer at Larkhill so there is reason to think he will improve for the run. The head 2nd to Duhallow Tornado a couple of runs later was a good effort. All his runs had been on now worse than good to soft prior to the Wincanton run so there would still be a doubt about him if there was a lot of rain. His trainer and jockey could hardly be in better form thought right now.
No Limitations was 2nd to Premier Magic in the other division of the Leicester race that Cousin Pascal was 2nd in. As I mention above the difference in times between the two races was huge and that would be a concern. I'm not sure he wants this sort of stamina test either, but he does have place claims.
Rattle The Cage had been off the course for nearly 2 years before his course and distance 4th last month. He was bang in contention at the 2nd last and just got a bit tired which wasn't a surprise. He was beaten less than 6L though and was only just caught for 3rd place. Duhallow Tornado was 2nd and he's won since which is a plus for the form and although I was initially concerned by the fact the finishers were fairly close to each other I do think we can upgrade his run given the long layoff. We know he stays and we know he wont care what the ground is come race time. Granted he doesn't win often, but he certainly has place claims at the very least based on his run last time.
Eco Warrior is the other one in single figures (at the time of writing) and he has a decent win record in points. He did pull up at Alnwick on his seasonal debut, but he might have needed that and it was his first poor run since 2017. Obviously the concern is he's 11 and he could be going backwards, but I have the image of his run at Musselburgh a year ago where he flew home to finish 3rd and get less than 3L behind Virak. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he did something similar here and the jockey change is a plus for me as well.
The only other one worth a mention is Mr Pepperpot purely because on Alnwick form he does have the beating of the favourite here. He didn't run too badly at Wetherby, but he faded badly there and it's never happened for him in 3 hunter chases to date.
So for me we have a 16 runner field but only 5 that I can really see have a chance of winning. If he repeats the Leicester run then I find it hard to see Cousin Pascal getting beat, but for me he's no value given that run stands out like a sore thumb in his form and his stamina isn't guaranteed. King Of The Clothe might not want the rain to come and the form of that Wincanton race does concern me. He certainly wouldn't be a surprise winner, but again his price seems tight enough. Instead I am going to take a couple who we know will stay and wont mind what the weather does. Rattle The Cage ran a huge race over course and distance last time and this looks weaker than that. If he can build on his first run for 2 years then he has a great chance of being in the first 3 at the very least. That image of Eco Warrior flying home at Musselburgh wont leave my head and this will be even more of a stamina test as well as a positive jockey change. I will take those 2 e/w and hope we can get the favourite beat.
Rattle The Cage 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with most bookies
Eco Warrior 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365

My initial thoughts before having a good look at this race was that I was pretty confident that Cousin Pascal was going to take all the beating. The 2nd to Chameron at Leicester 3 weeks ago is head and shoulders above what anything else has achieved in this race and if he repeats that then chances are he wins. The problem though is that the Leicester run was way above anything he had done before. The handicapper put him up 18lbs for it which sums things up. The time of the race was 17 seconds quicker than the other division which is obviously a good thing. Chameron's rider did say after the race though that he hated the ground so he has probably under performed and the 3rd home isn't a strong stayer. On his previous start he was only 3rd at Alnwick and had Mr Pepperpot 10L in front of him and he carried 3lbs less. I think ultimately he's price is no value because all you have to go on is one piece of form which has suddenly appeared almost from nowhere. It looks like it is going to be wet today so I suspect the ground will head towards his liking, but his stamina isn't fully confirmed as there are mixed messages in his form and the Leicester race was 2m6f.
King Of The Clothe comes from the Wincanton contest which is working out pretty horribly so far. He was 5th beaten 40L by Sametegal, but he needed his first run of last season when he was 5th behind Shantou Flyer at Larkhill so there is reason to think he will improve for the run. The head 2nd to Duhallow Tornado a couple of runs later was a good effort. All his runs had been on now worse than good to soft prior to the Wincanton run so there would still be a doubt about him if there was a lot of rain. His trainer and jockey could hardly be in better form thought right now.
No Limitations was 2nd to Premier Magic in the other division of the Leicester race that Cousin Pascal was 2nd in. As I mention above the difference in times between the two races was huge and that would be a concern. I'm not sure he wants this sort of stamina test either, but he does have place claims.
Rattle The Cage had been off the course for nearly 2 years before his course and distance 4th last month. He was bang in contention at the 2nd last and just got a bit tired which wasn't a surprise. He was beaten less than 6L though and was only just caught for 3rd place. Duhallow Tornado was 2nd and he's won since which is a plus for the form and although I was initially concerned by the fact the finishers were fairly close to each other I do think we can upgrade his run given the long layoff. We know he stays and we know he wont care what the ground is come race time. Granted he doesn't win often, but he certainly has place claims at the very least based on his run last time.
Eco Warrior is the other one in single figures (at the time of writing) and he has a decent win record in points. He did pull up at Alnwick on his seasonal debut, but he might have needed that and it was his first poor run since 2017. Obviously the concern is he's 11 and he could be going backwards, but I have the image of his run at Musselburgh a year ago where he flew home to finish 3rd and get less than 3L behind Virak. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he did something similar here and the jockey change is a plus for me as well.
The only other one worth a mention is Mr Pepperpot purely because on Alnwick form he does have the beating of the favourite here. He didn't run too badly at Wetherby, but he faded badly there and it's never happened for him in 3 hunter chases to date.
So for me we have a 16 runner field but only 5 that I can really see have a chance of winning. If he repeats the Leicester run then I find it hard to see Cousin Pascal getting beat, but for me he's no value given that run stands out like a sore thumb in his form and his stamina isn't guaranteed. King Of The Clothe might not want the rain to come and the form of that Wincanton race does concern me. He certainly wouldn't be a surprise winner, but again his price seems tight enough. Instead I am going to take a couple who we know will stay and wont mind what the weather does. Rattle The Cage ran a huge race over course and distance last time and this looks weaker than that. If he can build on his first run for 2 years then he has a great chance of being in the first 3 at the very least. That image of Eco Warrior flying home at Musselburgh wont leave my head and this will be even more of a stamina test as well as a positive jockey change. I will take those 2 e/w and hope we can get the favourite beat.
Rattle The Cage 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with most bookies
Eco Warrior 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365

My initial thoughts before having a good look at this race was that I was pretty confident that Cousin Pascal was going to take all the beating. The 2nd to Chameron at Leicester 3 weeks ago is head and shoulders above what anything else has achieved in this race and if he repeats that then chances are he wins. The problem though is that the Leicester run was way above anything he had done before. The handicapper put him up 18lbs for it which sums things up. The time of the race was 17 seconds quicker than the other division which is obviously a good thing. Chameron's rider did say after the race though that he hated the ground so he has probably under performed and the 3rd home isn't a strong stayer. On his previous start he was only 3rd at Alnwick and had Mr Pepperpot 10L in front of him and he carried 3lbs less. I think ultimately he's price is no value because all you have to go on is one piece of form which has suddenly appeared almost from nowhere. It looks like it is going to be wet today so I suspect the ground will head towards his liking, but his stamina isn't fully confirmed as there are mixed messages in his form and the Leicester race was 2m6f.
King Of The Clothe comes from the Wincanton contest which is working out pretty horribly so far. He was 5th beaten 40L by Sametegal, but he needed his first run of last season when he was 5th behind Shantou Flyer at Larkhill so there is reason to think he will improve for the run. The head 2nd to Duhallow Tornado a couple of runs later was a good effort. All his runs had been on now worse than good to soft prior to the Wincanton run so there would still be a doubt about him if there was a lot of rain. His trainer and jockey could hardly be in better form thought right now.
No Limitations was 2nd to Premier Magic in the other division of the Leicester race that Cousin Pascal was 2nd in. As I mention above the difference in times between the two races was huge and that would be a concern. I'm not sure he wants this sort of stamina test either, but he does have place claims.
Rattle The Cage had been off the course for nearly 2 years before his course and distance 4th last month. He was bang in contention at the 2nd last and just got a bit tired which wasn't a surprise. He was beaten less than 6L though and was only just caught for 3rd place. Duhallow Tornado was 2nd and he's won since which is a plus for the form and although I was initially concerned by the fact the finishers were fairly close to each other I do think we can upgrade his run given the long layoff. We know he stays and we know he wont care what the ground is come race time. Granted he doesn't win often, but he certainly has place claims at the very least based on his run last time.
Eco Warrior is the other one in single figures (at the time of writing) and he has a decent win record in points. He did pull up at Alnwick on his seasonal debut, but he might have needed that and it was his first poor run since 2017. Obviously the concern is he's 11 and he could be going backwards, but I have the image of his run at Musselburgh a year ago where he flew home to finish 3rd and get less than 3L behind Virak. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he did something similar here and the jockey change is a plus for me as well.
The only other one worth a mention is Mr Pepperpot purely because on Alnwick form he does have the beating of the favourite here. He didn't run too badly at Wetherby, but he faded badly there and it's never happened for him in 3 hunter chases to date.
So for me we have a 16 runner field but only 5 that I can really see have a chance of winning. If he repeats the Leicester run then I find it hard to see Cousin Pascal getting beat, but for me he's no value given that run stands out like a sore thumb in his form and his stamina isn't guaranteed. King Of The Clothe might not want the rain to come and the form of that Wincanton race does concern me. He certainly wouldn't be a surprise winner, but again his price seems tight enough. Instead I am going to take a couple who we know will stay and wont mind what the weather does. Rattle The Cage ran a huge race over course and distance last time and this looks weaker than that. If he can build on his first run for 2 years then he has a great chance of being in the first 3 at the very least. That image of Eco Warrior flying home at Musselburgh wont leave my head and this will be even more of a stamina test as well as a positive jockey change. I will take those 2 e/w and hope we can get the favourite beat.
Rattle The Cage 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with most bookies
Eco Warrior 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365

My initial thoughts before having a good look at this race was that I was pretty confident that Cousin Pascal was going to take all the beating. The 2nd to Chameron at Leicester 3 weeks ago is head and shoulders above what anything else has achieved in this race and if he repeats that then chances are he wins. The problem though is that the Leicester run was way above anything he had done before. The handicapper put him up 18lbs for it which sums things up. The time of the race was 17 seconds quicker than the other division which is obviously a good thing. Chameron's rider did say after the race though that he hated the ground so he has probably under performed and the 3rd home isn't a strong stayer. On his previous start he was only 3rd at Alnwick and had Mr Pepperpot 10L in front of him and he carried 3lbs less. I think ultimately he's price is no value because all you have to go on is one piece of form which has suddenly appeared almost from nowhere. It looks like it is going to be wet today so I suspect the ground will head towards his liking, but his stamina isn't fully confirmed as there are mixed messages in his form and the Leicester race was 2m6f.
King Of The Clothe comes from the Wincanton contest which is working out pretty horribly so far. He was 5th beaten 40L by Sametegal, but he needed his first run of last season when he was 5th behind Shantou Flyer at Larkhill so there is reason to think he will improve for the run. The head 2nd to Duhallow Tornado a couple of runs later was a good effort. All his runs had been on now worse than good to soft prior to the Wincanton run so there would still be a doubt about him if there was a lot of rain. His trainer and jockey could hardly be in better form thought right now.
No Limitations was 2nd to Premier Magic in the other division of the Leicester race that Cousin Pascal was 2nd in. As I mention above the difference in times between the two races was huge and that would be a concern. I'm not sure he wants this sort of stamina test either, but he does have place claims.
Rattle The Cage had been off the course for nearly 2 years before his course and distance 4th last month. He was bang in contention at the 2nd last and just got a bit tired which wasn't a surprise. He was beaten less than 6L though and was only just caught for 3rd place. Duhallow Tornado was 2nd and he's won since which is a plus for the form and although I was initially concerned by the fact the finishers were fairly close to each other I do think we can upgrade his run given the long layoff. We know he stays and we know he wont care what the ground is come race time. Granted he doesn't win often, but he certainly has place claims at the very least based on his run last time.
Eco Warrior is the other one in single figures (at the time of writing) and he has a decent win record in points. He did pull up at Alnwick on his seasonal debut, but he might have needed that and it was his first poor run since 2017. Obviously the concern is he's 11 and he could be going backwards, but I have the image of his run at Musselburgh a year ago where he flew home to finish 3rd and get less than 3L behind Virak. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he did something similar here and the jockey change is a plus for me as well.
The only other one worth a mention is Mr Pepperpot purely because on Alnwick form he does have the beating of the favourite here. He didn't run too badly at Wetherby, but he faded badly there and it's never happened for him in 3 hunter chases to date.
So for me we have a 16 runner field but only 5 that I can really see have a chance of winning. If he repeats the Leicester run then I find it hard to see Cousin Pascal getting beat, but for me he's no value given that run stands out like a sore thumb in his form and his stamina isn't guaranteed. King Of The Clothe might not want the rain to come and the form of that Wincanton race does concern me. He certainly wouldn't be a surprise winner, but again his price seems tight enough. Instead I am going to take a couple who we know will stay and wont mind what the weather does. Rattle The Cage ran a huge race over course and distance last time and this looks weaker than that. If he can build on his first run for 2 years then he has a great chance of being in the first 3 at the very least. That image of Eco Warrior flying home at Musselburgh wont leave my head and this will be even more of a stamina test as well as a positive jockey change. I will take those 2 e/w and hope we can get the favourite beat.
Rattle The Cage 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with most bookies
Eco Warrior 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Bet365

My initial thoughts before having a good look at this race was that I was pretty confident that Cousin Pascal was going to take all the beating. The 2nd to Chameron at Leicester 3 weeks ago is head and shoulders above what anything else has achieved in this race and if he repeats that then chances are he wins. The problem though is that the Leicester run was way above anything he had done before. The handicapper put him up 18lbs for it which sums things up. The time of the race was 17 seconds quicker than the other division which is obviously a good thing. Chameron's rider did say after the race though that he hated the ground so he has probably under performed and the 3rd home isn't a strong stayer. On his previous start he was only 3rd at Alnwick and had Mr Pepperpot 10L in front of him and he carried 3lbs less. I think ultimately he's price is no value because all you have to go on is one piece of form which has suddenly appeared almost from nowhere. It looks like it is going to be wet today so I suspect the ground will head towards his liking, but his stamina isn't fully confirmed as there are mixed messages in his form and the Leicester race was 2m6f.
King Of The Clothe comes from the Wincanton contest which is working out pretty horribly so far. He was 5th beaten 40L by Sametegal, but he needed his first run of last season when he was 5th behind Shantou Flyer at Larkhill so there is reason to think he will improve for the run. The head 2nd to Duhallow Tornado a couple of runs later was a good effort. All his runs had been on now worse than good to soft prior to the Wincanton run so there would still be a doubt about him if there was a lot of rain. His trainer and jockey could hardly be in better form thought right now.
No Limitations was 2nd to Premier Magic in the other division of the Leicester race that Cousin Pascal was 2nd in. As I mention above the difference in times between the two races was huge and that would be a concern. I'm not sure he wants this sort of stamina test either, but he does have place claims.
Rattle The Cage had been off the course for nearly 2 years before his course and distance 4th last month. He was bang in contention at the 2nd last and just got a bit tired which wasn't a surprise. He was beaten less than 6L though and was only just caught for 3rd place. Duhallow Tornado was 2nd and he's won since which is a plus for the form and although I was initially concerned by the fact the finishers were fairly close to each other I do think we can upgrade his run given the long layoff. We know he stays and we know he wont care what the ground is come race time. Granted he doesn't win often, but he certainly has place claims at the very least based on his run last time.
Eco Warrior is the other one in single figures (at the time of writing) and he has a decent win record in points. He did pull up at Alnwick on his seasonal debut, but he might have needed that and it was his first poor run since 2017. Obviously the concern is he's 11 and he could be going backwards, but I have the image of his run at Musselburgh a year ago where he flew home to finish 3rd and get less than 3L behind Virak. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he did something similar here and the jockey change is a plus for me as well.
The only other one worth a mention is Mr Pepperpot purely because on Alnwick form he does have the beating of the favourite here. He didn't run too badly at Wetherby, but he faded badly there and it's never happened for him in 3 hunter chases to date.
So for me we have a 16 runner field but only 5 that I can really see have a chance of winning. If he repeats the Leicester run then I find it hard to see Cousin Pascal getting beat, but for me he's no value given that run stands out like a sore thumb in his form and his stamina isn't guaranteed. King Of The Clothe might not want the rain to come and the form of that Wincanton race does concern me. He certainly wouldn't be a surprise winner, but again his price seems tight enough. Instead I am going to take a couple who we know will stay and wont mind what the weather does. Rattle The Cage ran a huge race over course and distance last time and this looks weaker than that. If he can build on his first run for 2 years then he has a great chance of being in the first 3 at the very least. That image of Eco Warrior flying home at Musselburgh wont leave my head and this will be even more of a stamina test as well as a positive jockey change. I will take those 2 e/w and hope we can get the favourite beat.
Rattle The Cage 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with most bookies
Eco Warrior 1pt e/w @ 14/1 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)

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)

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 

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 

After a frustrating start to the season with a lot of 2nd places things have really picked in the last 2/3 weeks. We have now had 19 races of the season and 11 of the last 13 races where there have been bets have shown a profit (there was one unofficial bet which did also show a small profit). So far I have staked 40pts and there is a profit of 40.83pts. That's a really strong position to be in at this stage of the season and given how tough last season was at this stage I am more than happy. There is now a break until Catterick next Wednesday, but I will look back at yesterday's race first.
Obviously it was frustrating the two horses I didn't think had a chance were withdrawn as they were both helping to make the market, but the thing that matters was the fact there was a decent profit on the race. Both Trio For Rio and Garde Ville were well backed and the former ran out a really impressive winner. He was always up on the pace and bar a mistake 5 out there wasn't really a moments worry. I think the form is useful enough and there was talk of Cheltenham's hunter chase night after the race which seems like a sensible target. It was a big boost to Salvatore's form and I now think he is the stables main hope of their 3 entries at Cheltenham.
Garde Ville got a bit out paced, but stayed on well down the straight to get himself into 2nd place. He couldn't get near the winner and then jumped the last very big and held on for 2nd by a length. He probably isn't quite as good as he was when he won the John Corbet, but it was good to see that he didn't bounce from the Haydock effort. You also have to say it was a boost to the form of Bob And Co.
I said before the race that Diamond King's jockey switch was a huge plus for him and the 13yo ran a cracker. Even with his usual jockey on he would have a chance in one of these based on this effort. Master Dance probably wants a slightly shorter trip, but again I think he's run a good race. Dieu Vivant was given a bit of an odd ride as he was held up in last for a fair way. He got himself into some sort of contention leaving the back, but he certainly never looked like winning. He wasn't far behind the 2nd in 5th in the end, but I just wonder if he is going to continue to be a frustrating type and as I said in the preview this race fell apart last year.
Miss Seagreen was a big disappointment and there wasn't an obvious reason behind it. It doesn't exactly do much for the Hazel Hill form though and as I mention above Salvatore to me looks the stables main hope for Cheltenham although hard to know if they will run more than one.

After a frustrating start to the season with a lot of 2nd places things have really picked in the last 2/3 weeks. We have now had 19 races of the season and 11 of the last 13 races where there have been bets have shown a profit (there was one unofficial bet which did also show a small profit). So far I have staked 40pts and there is a profit of 40.83pts. That's a really strong position to be in at this stage of the season and given how tough last season was at this stage I am more than happy. There is now a break until Catterick next Wednesday, but I will look back at yesterday's race first.
Obviously it was frustrating the two horses I didn't think had a chance were withdrawn as they were both helping to make the market, but the thing that matters was the fact there was a decent profit on the race. Both Trio For Rio and Garde Ville were well backed and the former ran out a really impressive winner. He was always up on the pace and bar a mistake 5 out there wasn't really a moments worry. I think the form is useful enough and there was talk of Cheltenham's hunter chase night after the race which seems like a sensible target. It was a big boost to Salvatore's form and I now think he is the stables main hope of their 3 entries at Cheltenham.
Garde Ville got a bit out paced, but stayed on well down the straight to get himself into 2nd place. He couldn't get near the winner and then jumped the last very big and held on for 2nd by a length. He probably isn't quite as good as he was when he won the John Corbet, but it was good to see that he didn't bounce from the Haydock effort. You also have to say it was a boost to the form of Bob And Co.
I said before the race that Diamond King's jockey switch was a huge plus for him and the 13yo ran a cracker. Even with his usual jockey on he would have a chance in one of these based on this effort. Master Dance probably wants a slightly shorter trip, but again I think he's run a good race. Dieu Vivant was given a bit of an odd ride as he was held up in last for a fair way. He got himself into some sort of contention leaving the back, but he certainly never looked like winning. He wasn't far behind the 2nd in 5th in the end, but I just wonder if he is going to continue to be a frustrating type and as I said in the preview this race fell apart last year.
Miss Seagreen was a big disappointment and there wasn't an obvious reason behind it. It doesn't exactly do much for the Hazel Hill form though and as I mention above Salvatore to me looks the stables main hope for Cheltenham although hard to know if they will run more than one.

A look back at yesterday's action first which was very profitable to continue the good run. Alcala had a pretty simple task in the end with Looking Well not really performing anywhere near his best. Point The Way ran a lot better when pulling up behind the winner last time, but it's pretty weak form really.
Captain Buck's was very much on a going day as he always looked the winner. I think this was the better of the two performances at Musselburgh. It was a shame to see Absainte come down because she was going to finish 2nd and it would have meant that every bet would have been a winner. She deserves to win one of these because she has bumped into some useful rivals so far in hunter chases and this was probably a personal best. Dark Mahler was well backed and landed e/w money for coming 2nd and was obviously a step up on what he had shown so far this season. Six A Side never really threatened and he came 3rd, whilst Bletchley Castle made it a strong pace, but had nothing left after 4 out.
What a ride by Bryony Frost on Caid Du Berlais at Wincanton. I think everyone probably expected Dashing Perk to make the running, but Bryony made sure that he didn't get the chance to by being very aggressive early on. As we have seen over the years Bryony is very good from the front and when you know your horse stays a bit further than this she knew she was likely to get away with it. He put in some great leaps on the way round and he never looked like getting beat. He has been entered at Cheltenham, but after his last two efforts in the race that did surprise me. Clearly he can be a player at Punchestown though and surely his campaign should be based around that. Golden Tobouggan landed the e/w support that had happened the night before and to be fair it was a hell of an effort and a big step up from his Maisemore win. He can surely win a hunter chase after this effort. Dashing Perk somehow ended up going off favourite in the end and he's run a solid race in 3rd. If he finds a race where he can get to the front then I am sure he will be winning.
Onto today's race and it is one of the more competitive ones we have had so far this season. The important thing though is I want to be against the front two in the market. We all know that Nicholls can get one ready after a lay off so the fact Copain De Classe has been off for 2 years isn't a concern, but the trip has to be a big one. He's never been anywhere near this far before and it isn't even as if he was really good before. His last win came over 2m2f at Kempton in October 2018 off 130 and he is currently off 127. To me if Nicholls thought he was well handicapped he would have gone down that route and there are some useful horses in this. I'm not saying he can't win, but he is a shocking price all things considered.
Another horse who is a shocking price is Maitree Express. How on earth a maiden winner is shorter than hunter chase and open winners I don't know. The horse who beat him at Kimble was 3rd next time and although he finally broke his maiden at Larkhill in December chances are it wasn't a strong race and certainly nothing like this. I can't have him at all and is clearly priced up by the fact he is in the Waley-Cohen colours.
Dieu Vivant won this race last year although he didn't really have much to beat in the end with the Evs money favourite unseating and the 6/4 2nd in disappointing. He did run well in a handicap here last week when finishing 2nd off 124 and that brings him right into this. The concern I have is that anytime he has been on ground quicker than soft he has been a big disappointment. That is enough for me to pass him over, but again he could easily win this.
Miss Seagreen ran well behind Hazel Hill in the opening hunter chase of the season and that was on the back of beating Captain Bucks at Larkhill. She made a bad mistake at the water last time and that didn't help her cause. Also the ground was a massive worry about her that day so the fact she will have quicker ground here should be a big plus. She is a big player for me.
Diamond King won a bad hunter chase at Worcester in May 2019 and was well beaten in his only start last season at Cocklebarrow. I find it hard to see him being good enough to win this even though the jockey change is a big plus.
Master Dancer has won on the flat, over hurdles and in a point, but this is his first try over rules fences. He had decent enough form over hurdles and his two point runs were solid last season. First of all Silsol beat him and then he won a novice riders race. I'd be a bit surprised if he was good enough to win this, but I can see him running well enough.
Trio For Rio had become a bit disappointing for Warren Greatrex, but on his first pointing start for his new trainer he ran really well to finish a close 3rd to Salvatore at Larkhill in December. That race was won in a quicker time than Miss Seagreen's race on the same card and they carried 21lbs more than she did. That run makes him a big player for me here.
Fishy Story has won 9 of his 19 point starts, but I would be a bit surprised if he was up to this. One who I do think is over priced though is Garde Ville. Granted there is a concern that he will bounce, but as I wrote at the time I thought he ran a really promising race against Bob And Co at Haydock. There is every chance he blew up in what was obviously a very strong contest, but he would have finished a creditable 4th if allowed to complete the race. The last couple of seasons he has been in action (he missed 2020) he has come on massively for his seasonal return so that also bodes well. 
Given I think the front two in the betting are there to be taken on with I am going to put up 3 against them. First of all Miss Seagreen will surely go close on this better ground as she should be able to build on the course and distance run from last time. I think Garde Ville is the most over priced horse in the race and hopefully he doesn't bounce as I think he is capable of hitting the frame here. I am also backing Time For Rio as his Larkhill run makes him a player and he also looks over priced to me.
Miss Seagreen 1.5pts @ 7/2 with most bookies
Garde Ville 0.75pts e/w @ 33/1 with William Hill
Time For Rio 0.5pts e/w @ 17/2 with William Hill
NB this was written last night to be posted this morning so it was written before the Nicholls horse came out.

A look back at yesterday's action first which was very profitable to continue the good run. Alcala had a pretty simple task in the end with Looking Well not really performing anywhere near his best. Point The Way ran a lot better when pulling up behind the winner last time, but it's pretty weak form really.
Captain Buck's was very much on a going day as he always looked the winner. I think this was the better of the two performances at Musselburgh. It was a shame to see Absainte come down because she was going to finish 2nd and it would have meant that every bet would have been a winner. She deserves to win one of these because she has bumped into some useful rivals so far in hunter chases and this was probably a personal best. Dark Mahler was well backed and landed e/w money for coming 2nd and was obviously a step up on what he had shown so far this season. Six A Side never really threatened and he came 3rd, whilst Bletchley Castle made it a strong pace, but had nothing left after 4 out.
What a ride by Bryony Frost on Caid Du Berlais at Wincanton. I think everyone probably expected Dashing Perk to make the running, but Bryony made sure that he didn't get the chance to by being very aggressive early on. As we have seen over the years Bryony is very good from the front and when you know your horse stays a bit further than this she knew she was likely to get away with it. He put in some great leaps on the way round and he never looked like getting beat. He has been entered at Cheltenham, but after his last two efforts in the race that did surprise me. Clearly he can be a player at Punchestown though and surely his campaign should be based around that. Golden Tobouggan landed the e/w support that had happened the night before and to be fair it was a hell of an effort and a big step up from his Maisemore win. He can surely win a hunter chase after this effort. Dashing Perk somehow ended up going off favourite in the end and he's run a solid race in 3rd. If he finds a race where he can get to the front then I am sure he will be winning.
Onto today's race and it is one of the more competitive ones we have had so far this season. The important thing though is I want to be against the front two in the market. We all know that Nicholls can get one ready after a lay off so the fact Copain De Classe has been off for 2 years isn't a concern, but the trip has to be a big one. He's never been anywhere near this far before and it isn't even as if he was really good before. His last win came over 2m2f at Kempton in October 2018 off 130 and he is currently off 127. To me if Nicholls thought he was well handicapped he would have gone down that route and there are some useful horses in this. I'm not saying he can't win, but he is a shocking price all things considered.
Another horse who is a shocking price is Maitree Express. How on earth a maiden winner is shorter than hunter chase and open winners I don't know. The horse who beat him at Kimble was 3rd next time and although he finally broke his maiden at Larkhill in December chances are it wasn't a strong race and certainly nothing like this. I can't have him at all and is clearly priced up by the fact he is in the Waley-Cohen colours.
Dieu Vivant won this race last year although he didn't really have much to beat in the end with the Evs money favourite unseating and the 6/4 2nd in disappointing. He did run well in a handicap here last week when finishing 2nd off 124 and that brings him right into this. The concern I have is that anytime he has been on ground quicker than soft he has been a big disappointment. That is enough for me to pass him over, but again he could easily win this.
Miss Seagreen ran well behind Hazel Hill in the opening hunter chase of the season and that was on the back of beating Captain Bucks at Larkhill. She made a bad mistake at the water last time and that didn't help her cause. Also the ground was a massive worry about her that day so the fact she will have quicker ground here should be a big plus. She is a big player for me.
Diamond King won a bad hunter chase at Worcester in May 2019 and was well beaten in his only start last season at Cocklebarrow. I find it hard to see him being good enough to win this even though the jockey change is a big plus.
Master Dancer has won on the flat, over hurdles and in a point, but this is his first try over rules fences. He had decent enough form over hurdles and his two point runs were solid last season. First of all Silsol beat him and then he won a novice riders race. I'd be a bit surprised if he was good enough to win this, but I can see him running well enough.
Trio For Rio had become a bit disappointing for Warren Greatrex, but on his first pointing start for his new trainer he ran really well to finish a close 3rd to Salvatore at Larkhill in December. That race was won in a quicker time than Miss Seagreen's race on the same card and they carried 21lbs more than she did. That run makes him a big player for me here.
Fishy Story has won 9 of his 19 point starts, but I would be a bit surprised if he was up to this. One who I do think is over priced though is Garde Ville. Granted there is a concern that he will bounce, but as I wrote at the time I thought he ran a really promising race against Bob And Co at Haydock. There is every chance he blew up in what was obviously a very strong contest, but he would have finished a creditable 4th if allowed to complete the race. The last couple of seasons he has been in action (he missed 2020) he has come on massively for his seasonal return so that also bodes well. 
Given I think the front two in the betting are there to be taken on with I am going to put up 3 against them. First of all Miss Seagreen will surely go close on this better ground as she should be able to build on the course and distance run from last time. I think Garde Ville is the most over priced horse in the race and hopefully he doesn't bounce as I think he is capable of hitting the frame here. I am also backing Time For Rio as his Larkhill run makes him a player and he also looks over priced to me.
Miss Seagreen 1.5pts @ 7/2 with most bookies
Garde Ville 0.75pts e/w @ 33/1 with William Hill
Time For Rio 0.5pts e/w @ 17/2 with William Hill
NB this was written last night to be posted this morning so it was written before the Nicholls horse came out.

A look back at yesterday's action first which was very profitable to continue the good run. Alcala had a pretty simple task in the end with Looking Well not really performing anywhere near his best. Point The Way ran a lot better when pulling up behind the winner last time, but it's pretty weak form really.
Captain Buck's was very much on a going day as he always looked the winner. I think this was the better of the two performances at Musselburgh. It was a shame to see Absainte come down because she was going to finish 2nd and it would have meant that every bet would have been a winner. She deserves to win one of these because she has bumped into some useful rivals so far in hunter chases and this was probably a personal best. Dark Mahler was well backed and landed e/w money for coming 2nd and was obviously a step up on what he had shown so far this season. Six A Side never really threatened and he came 3rd, whilst Bletchley Castle made it a strong pace, but had nothing left after 4 out.
What a ride by Bryony Frost on Caid Du Berlais at Wincanton. I think everyone probably expected Dashing Perk to make the running, but Bryony made sure that he didn't get the chance to by being very aggressive early on. As we have seen over the years Bryony is very good from the front and when you know your horse stays a bit further than this she knew she was likely to get away with it. He put in some great leaps on the way round and he never looked like getting beat. He has been entered at Cheltenham, but after his last two efforts in the race that did surprise me. Clearly he can be a player at Punchestown though and surely his campaign should be based around that. Golden Tobouggan landed the e/w support that had happened the night before and to be fair it was a hell of an effort and a big step up from his Maisemore win. He can surely win a hunter chase after this effort. Dashing Perk somehow ended up going off favourite in the end and he's run a solid race in 3rd. If he finds a race where he can get to the front then I am sure he will be winning.
Onto today's race and it is one of the more competitive ones we have had so far this season. The important thing though is I want to be against the front two in the market. We all know that Nicholls can get one ready after a lay off so the fact Copain De Classe has been off for 2 years isn't a concern, but the trip has to be a big one. He's never been anywhere near this far before and it isn't even as if he was really good before. His last win came over 2m2f at Kempton in October 2018 off 130 and he is currently off 127. To me if Nicholls thought he was well handicapped he would have gone down that route and there are some useful horses in this. I'm not saying he can't win, but he is a shocking price all things considered.
Another horse who is a shocking price is Maitree Express. How on earth a maiden winner is shorter than hunter chase and open winners I don't know. The horse who beat him at Kimble was 3rd next time and although he finally broke his maiden at Larkhill in December chances are it wasn't a strong race and certainly nothing like this. I can't have him at all and is clearly priced up by the fact he is in the Waley-Cohen colours.
Dieu Vivant won this race last year although he didn't really have much to beat in the end with the Evs money favourite unseating and the 6/4 2nd in disappointing. He did run well in a handicap here last week when finishing 2nd off 124 and that brings him right into this. The concern I have is that anytime he has been on ground quicker than soft he has been a big disappointment. That is enough for me to pass him over, but again he could easily win this.
Miss Seagreen ran well behind Hazel Hill in the opening hunter chase of the season and that was on the back of beating Captain Bucks at Larkhill. She made a bad mistake at the water last time and that didn't help her cause. Also the ground was a massive worry about her that day so the fact she will have quicker ground here should be a big plus. She is a big player for me.
Diamond King won a bad hunter chase at Worcester in May 2019 and was well beaten in his only start last season at Cocklebarrow. I find it hard to see him being good enough to win this even though the jockey change is a big plus.
Master Dancer has won on the flat, over hurdles and in a point, but this is his first try over rules fences. He had decent enough form over hurdles and his two point runs were solid last season. First of all Silsol beat him and then he won a novice riders race. I'd be a bit surprised if he was good enough to win this, but I can see him running well enough.
Trio For Rio had become a bit disappointing for Warren Greatrex, but on his first pointing start for his new trainer he ran really well to finish a close 3rd to Salvatore at Larkhill in December. That race was won in a quicker time than Miss Seagreen's race on the same card and they carried 21lbs more than she did. That run makes him a big player for me here.
Fishy Story has won 9 of his 19 point starts, but I would be a bit surprised if he was up to this. One who I do think is over priced though is Garde Ville. Granted there is a concern that he will bounce, but as I wrote at the time I thought he ran a really promising race against Bob And Co at Haydock. There is every chance he blew up in what was obviously a very strong contest, but he would have finished a creditable 4th if allowed to complete the race. The last couple of seasons he has been in action (he missed 2020) he has come on massively for his seasonal return so that also bodes well. 
Given I think the front two in the betting are there to be taken on with I am going to put up 3 against them. First of all Miss Seagreen will surely go close on this better ground as she should be able to build on the course and distance run from last time. I think Garde Ville is the most over priced horse in the race and hopefully he doesn't bounce as I think he is capable of hitting the frame here. I am also backing Time For Rio as his Larkhill run makes him a player and he also looks over priced to me.
Miss Seagreen 1.5pts @ 7/2 with most bookies
Garde Ville 0.75pts e/w @ 33/1 with William Hill
Time For Rio 0.5pts e/w @ 17/2 with William Hill
NB this was written last night to be posted this morning so it was written before the Nicholls horse came out.

Thanks for the winner. Will have to look for the "hunters chase" category instead of under "racing chat" in the future.  I'm a bad web site navigator
 

Can't believe both the horses I was desperate to oppose have now become non-runners. So frustrating that.