StevieDay1983

I'm going for three home wins today:
Brentford vs Leicester
Leicester are on a four-game losing streak and Brentford are flying high in 8th having won four of their last 5 home games. The form book is so in Brentford's favour that it's almost written for a Leicester win, but I'm backing Brentford here.
Wolves vs Leeds
With one win in their last 5 games, Leeds' form is hardly stellar, and their away form is even worse with four losses in their last five away games. Having said that, Wolves are hardly in-form, but Leeds are a mess so I think Wolves will get the win today.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
As an Arsenal fan, I'm hoping that Palace don't get an 'Assistant Manager' bounce. Arsenal are flying the league, but the Europa League game against Sporting Lisbon could be costly with Saliba and Tomiyasu coming off injured. However, Palace are in poor form and can't buy a goal right now and Arsenal are at home so I'm backing the Gunners here.
Brentford, Wolves, Arsenal Treble (5.15) at bet365

Thanks for the heads up, Harry. We'll have our tech geniuses take a look and see if there's any reason behind it that we can fix. 

The "bell" icon for notifications seems to be working differently of late. Used to be the case you could hover over it and see recent notifications and go to one if you wanted to. Now you have to click on it and go to the screen listing your full notifications. Any chance we could have the "hover/view" option back?
Being as popular as I am on here it's starting to get too much like hard work keeping up with all those likes and thanks!  

Form is temporary but class is permanent. That's certainly the case with the Punters Lounge Fantasy Football League this week as @Gazza's United's Palmers Allstars have extended their lead at the top but they are being chased down by the veteran @Team Sagga's Team Sagga! It's all getting very cosy again at the top with some big names starting to move into a nice position. The top two delivering 100 plus point totals this week.
Surpassing the 100 point mark was an achievement earned by a number of teams this week but it was @Dan Williams and his Haven't Jota Clue side that picked up the highest score of the week with 110 points. A superb accolade given he didn't rely on any triple captain points. Putting his faith in the Brighton and Brentford players did the trick. He pipped @DLL's Pain in Diaz who got 109 points.
The Name of Shame this week is shared between two teams this week. Terry Barker's Short Positioning and Mark Knight's Intel Football could only manage 22 points each in a low-scoring week for them.
The deadline for this weekend's matches is 6:30pm GMT on Friday 17th March!

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle is open to horses aged four or older. It is run over three miles and there are twelve flights of hurdles to be jumped. Looking back, the race has produced some top quality horses who have gone onto much better things including The Nice Guy, Bobs Worth, Unowhatimeanharry, Penhill, Minella Indo and of course Monkfish.
This is a race where favourites have a historically bad record. Only one of the last ten have won (At Fishers Cross in 2013). There has only been one eight-year-old winner of the race. The remainder have been aged five to seven. Since its inception in 2005, Willie Mullins has won the race three times and the likes of Gordon Elliott of Paul Nicholls have never won it.
Jonjo O’Neill has won the race twice with the likes of Black Jack Ketchum in 2006 and Wichita Lineman in 2007. Guaranteed stamina is over three miles is a valuable asset as twelve of the last thirteen winners had previously won over the trip.
Embassy Gardens
Stepped up to three miles last time out and won literally doing handstands. He saw off Kilbree Warrior by an impressive thirty-five lengths. Willie Mullins sees him as a real chasing type but the form of that last win has not worked out at all. He may just have been best on the day. Yet to prove it at the highest level but no surprise if he does given his yards’ record in the race.
Three Card Brag
Has been beaten in lesser events than this and beginning to look exposed at the very top level. He did put his head in front in what was literally an egg and spoon race at Fairyhouse at the end of January beating Spanish Harlem by a dozen lengths. It is just very hard to see him figure here given the talent pool on offer.
Corbetts Cross
This horse is improving at a rate of knots and put in a power packed display when handing out a six length beating to Martha Devine in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse in mid January. He certainly improved for the step up in trip and has recently left the yard of Eugene O’Sullivan to be trained by Emmett Mullins. There is more improvement to come without a shadow of doubt and he is an intriguing contender.
Hiddenvalley Lake
Needs to improve dramtically on what we have seen so far. He was beaten at odds on when last seen out at Clonmel in a three-mile Grade two race. He was a grade three winning hurdler at Cork last season and he may well have just needed the run, but others are far more experienced already and this would be an adventure into the unknown.
Sandor Clegane
Again he needs to improve and take another step forward. There was nothing wrong with his placed effort in a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival where bumped into Good Land. Paul Nolan will be pleased with what he saw and may feel that this extra couple of furlongs will suit his six-year-old gelding. He cannot be ruled out and may well play a part in the proceedings here.
Favori De Champdou
Has won his last three races with the minimum of fuss and all over this trip and looks to be Gordon Elliotts best chance of ending his hoodoo in this particular race. He took the step up into Grade two company in his stride when seeing off the well regarded Letsbeclearaboutit. All of his best form has come with plenty of give in the ground and the form has already been franked by the runner up. Definetly not out of this.
Monty’s Star
Improved dramatically from his first to his second start this season and put a dent in the aspirations of Hiddenvalley Lake last time out at Clonmel. Minella Indo used that same race as a stepping stone to success here and no surprise if this Henry De Bromhead trained runner follows in the footsteps of his former stablemate.
Letsbeclearaboutit
Won a maiden hurdle by twenty-two lengths but has something to find with a couple of these including Favori De Champdou and Hiddenvalley Lake. Needs to take another step forward but clearly she is going the right way and make play a small part.
Selected Ante-post Prices
Corbett’s Cross 9/2, Hiddenvalley Lake 11/2, Three Card Brag 7/1, Embassy Gardens 7/1, Sandor Clegane 10/1, Favori De Champdou 10/1, Monty’s Star 12/1. Letsbeclearaboutit 14/1
Key Trends:
8 of the past 11 winners either won or were placed in a bumper race
6 of the last 8 winners were Irish trained
13 of the last 17 winners finished first or second last time out
Summary
Monty’s Star looks the right type that can carry on his improvement. It was something of a shock that he turned over his better fancied stablemate the other week, but he is clearly a smart type. His trainer took the same route with Minella Indo back in 2019 and it could well pay dividends. Corbetts Cross is a liekable type and could well give the selection something to think about and Gordon Elliott seems to hold stronger claims this time around with Favori De Champdou.
Punters Lounge Tip: Monty's Star E/W @ 25/1 @ Betvictor

The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle is a fiercely competitive handicap run over an extended two miles on the new course and there are eight flights of hurdles to jump. Traffic problems often occur here and can produce nightmare scenarios for both runners and riders as they can often find themselves blocked in at certain stages.
Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton have been the trainers to focus on in recent years having won the last six of the last seven renewals between them (three apiece). It often pays to ignore exposed runners with seven of the last ten winners having nine or fewer runs over hurdles. A trend that has emerged in recent renewals is that ex-flat horses seem to be coming to the fore and as French horses seem to be developed at an enhanced rate, they seem to be well suited to this type of challenge.
Year Horse Age Trainer Jockey 2022 State Man 5 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2021 Belfast Banter 6 Pat Fahey Kevin Sexton 2020 Saint Roi 5 Willie Mullins Barry Geraghty 2019 Ch’tibello 8 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 2018 Mohaayed 6 Dan Skelton Bridget Andrews 2017 Arctic Fire 8 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2016 Superb Story 5 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 2015 Wicklow Brave 6 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2014 Lac Fontana 5 Paul Nicholls Daryl Jacob 2013 Ted Veale 6 Tony Martin Bryan Cooper 2012 Alderwood 8 Thomas Mullins Tony McCoy Below are selected runners who are competing in the County Hurdle. I shall provide some recent form notes to help point you in the right direction of identifying the winner.
Filey Bay
Trainer: Emmett Mullins
Jockey: Mark Walsh
Has been a profitable addition to the Emmet Mullins team since leaving Declan Wall late last year. The seven-year-old picked up wins at Doncaster and Wincanton in decent handicaps at similar trips. He was last seen finishing runner-up to Aucunrisque in the Betfair Hurdle. There is no doubt he is a talent and no surprise if he were to put his best foot forward here. A lack of experience around this track hasn’t stopped the last three winners of this race and he could well go close.
Hunters Yarn
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend
Has impressed on his two most recent starts with wins at Navan and Naas. Crucially he has experience in large fields and that experience will be invaluable here. He remains progressive and could well give Willie Mullins another winner in this race. He put some six lengths between himself and Imagine on his most recent run and there should be plenty more improvement left in him.
Pembroke
Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton
A winner of two low-grade races late last year and was then upped in class to compete in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle in January. A well-backed favourite that day, but could not get to Rock My Way who got the first run on him. With no experience in large fields and no flat experience to fall back on, he may well struggle in a race of this nature.
Gin Coco
Trainer: Harry Fry
Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Warmed up for this by being a good second to I Like To Move It over this course and distance in the Greatwood Hurdle last November. You only have to look as far back as 2016 when Superb Story plotted an identical path to victory as Harry Fry will be well aware. The Irish have had a firm grip on this race in the last three years, but he does look to be the best that the home contingent has to offer. The form of the race has been boosted again following subsequent wins for the winner as well as First Impression, Mark Of Gold and Sonigino. He has to be rated a threat to all.
Winter Fog
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Kieran Callaghan
Now in the care of Willie Mullins having left the care of Emmet Mullins. The nine-year-old won on his sole start for the Closutton handler when taking a handicap at Leopardstown just after Christmas. He pulled some six-and-a-half lengths clear of a decent field that day and there could well be more to come. He is also entered in the Coral Cup, but this could also be a viable target for him. If he runs he is likely to go extremely well having gained invaluable course experience in the Pertemps Handicap where he finished a solid fourth to Third Wind.
Path D'Oroux
Trainer: Gavin Cromwell
Jockey: Keith Donoghue
Has gained two wins already this season at Galway and Navan. The most recent came in January when he got the better of Ifiwerearichman and Glamorgan Duke. It is difficult to assess just how good that form is though and others look to have stronger claims. He is clearly on an upward curve and if the ground were to turn soft, his claims would be enhanced. Based on what I have seen so far, he needs to improve again.
Sharjah
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Mr P W Mullins
Has been a wonderful servant to Willie Mullins down the years and has run some great races here in the past. He had to settle for the runner-up spot in two Champion Hurdles behind both Epatante and Honeysuckle. This looks the more likely of his three potential entries and with his sights lowered, this race could be tailor-made for him. Willie Mullins won this with Arctic Fire who had a similar profile to Sharjah. He cannot be discounted and may well be the forgotten horse.
First Street
Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Was a good second to State Man in this last season, but Willie Mullins surely knows how good that form is and what it would take to beat him again. He was last seen upped in class when contesting the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton. On a line through I Like To Move It, Gin Coco would appear to have the beating of him also. He continues to move up the ratings but the handicapper may now have his measure.
[coffers ids="betfair-exchange"]
Saint Sam
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Jack Foley
This type of race looks to be what suits him best as he was a fair second to Jeff Kidder here a couple of seasons ago in the Boodles Juvenile. He does have plenty of good form over this trip and he is well used to big fields. He doesn’t always give the impression that he wants to win but no surprise if he were to pop up in a race like this.
Ballyadam
Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore
Has spent a lot of time in the wilderness and hinted at a return to form when last seen chasing home Gaelic Warrior in a good handicap at the Dublin Racing Festival. He was far from disgraced in this race last year when fifth in a big field to State Man and the yard has signalled that they are in fine form following wins by Maskada and Honeysuckle this week. On that basis, it would be foolish to rule out a big run.
Aucurnisque
Trainer: Chris Gordon
Jockey: Tom Cannon
Genuinely surprised to see him entered here as all of his wins have come on flatter tracks such as Newbury, Aintree and Kempton. He is a really progressive and likeable sort but the handicapper may just have him in his grip now. He has been raised twenty-one pounds in the space of a year. Likely to run very well before fading.
Prairie Dancer
Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
Jockey: Brendan Powell
Was beaten a distance by Marine Nationale in a Grade One Novice Hurdle and by Brazil on what was his seasonal reappearance. Has it all to do here as his form seems to be tailing off rather than improving. Others also have far more experience of this track and his chances look to be remote.
Magnor Glory
Trainer: Terence O'Brien
Jockey: Michael O'Sullivan
Comes into this pretty fresh on the back of a nearly six-month lay-off. The more rain that falls looks to be against him as all recent wins have come on ground described as good. He has a top claimer on board though in Mikey O’Sullivan and they could grab minor honours.
The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle Race Forecast Prices
9/2 Filey Bay, 7/1 Hunters Yarn, 8/1 Sharjah , 8/1 Gin Coco, 10/1 Winter Fog, 10/1 Pembroke, 12/1 Aucunrisque, 12/1 Path D'oroux, 16/1 First Street , 20/1 Ballyadam , 20/1 Saint Sam , 20/1 Magnor Glory , 25/1 Prairie Dancer
The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle Race Key Trends
6 of the last 13 winners were trained by Willie Mullins
18 of the last 22 winners were novices or second-season hurdlers
13 of the last 19 winners used to race on the flat
8 of the past 15 winners have returned at SPs of 20/1 or bigger
The McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle Race Tips
Sharjah could well be the one here. The nine-year-old has this as his only realistic target this season and we know that he certainly acts on the track. He still has a bit of class about him and as his trainer has shown in the past, he can get the older types right back to their very best for this race. With Winter Fog and Hunters Yarn also in the field, Willie Mullins holds very strong claims here
Selection: BACK SHARJAH E/W @ 8/1 WITH BET365
If you want to find out the best bookmaker promotions, look at our Cheltenham Festival betting offers page.
All odds are correct at the time of writing.
 
 
 

hin fifty-five days of this race. No French horse has won this since Snow Drop in 2000. Of the home contingent, Nicky Henderson has won the race four times in the last twenty years and two of those came within the last six (Peace And Co and Pentland Hills). Five of the last six winners of this race won last time out.
Year Horse Age Trainer Jockey 2022 Vauban 4 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2021 Quilixios 4 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 2020 Burning Victory 4 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2019 Pentland Hills 4 Nicky Henderson Nico De Boinville 2018 Farclas 4 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 2017 Defi Du Seuil 4 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson 2016 Ivanovich Gorbatov 4 Aidan O’Brien Barry Geraghty 2015 Peace And Co 4 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty 2014 Tiger Roll 4 Gordon Elliott Davy Russell 2013 Our Conor 4 Dessie Hughes Bryan Cooper 2012 Countrywide Flame 4 John Quinn Dougie Costello Below are selected runners competing for Triumph Hurdle. I shall provide some recent form notes to help point you in the right direction of identifying the winner.
Lossiemouth
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend
Was rather unfortunate at Leopardstown as she was given a brutal ride at the back of the field. When given the office to mount a challenge, her stablemate Jourdefete actually drifted back on top of her and she lost any sort of chance. It was left to another stablemate in Gala Marceau to pick up the prize as a consequence. This will likely attract a big field so she cannot afford to find herself in a similar position. Whether that has any bearing on how she runs here is anyone’s guess. Her class may shine through.
Gala Marceau
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Danny Mullins
Jumped well in the main and enjoyed better fortune when beating Lossiemouth at the Dublin Racing Festival. He certainly wasn’t stopping on the run to the line and whether she would have beaten him with better luck in running will always be open to scrutiny. Gala Marceau improved markedly from his first run and is likely to improve further going forward. He has to have every chance of lining up here and looks to be a major player.
Blood Destiny
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Mr P W Mullins
Made all the running in a facile win at Punchestown back in January beating Common Practice by eighteen lengths. He is clearly a very useful sort and it was a clear improvement on what he had shown previously when winning at Cork. Paul Townend will find it a difficult choice between the Mullins trio and you have to respect his decision either way. Blood Destiny carries the familiar colours of the great Florida Pearl and it would be great to see them back in the winner’s enclosure at the Festival.
Zenta
Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Mark Walsh
Completely unexposed and is now two from two over hurdles for her canny handler. As a filly she receives weight from her male counterparts and having won a Grade Three race on her most recent start, it would be foolish to dismiss her claims. Running in the familiar colours of JP McManus, she could well be anything and is of interest.
Jupiter Du Gite
Trainer: Gary Moore
Jockey: Niall Houlihan
Caught the eye when winning on their debut at Newbury back in December. He came here for a trial a few weeks ago over the course and distance and was ultimately put in his place. That was particularly disappointing and he is unlikely to trouble the Irish battalion in this.
The JCB Triumph Hurdle Key Trends
9 of the past 14 winners were unbeaten
6 of the past 8 winners started their careers in France
7 of the last 10 winners have been trained in Ireland
The JCB Triumph Hurdle Tips
Lossiemouth can atone for a luckless run at the Dublin Racing Festival and Paul Townend’s decision to ride her over her stablemates has to be respected. As a filly, she receives a very handy pull in the weight with her male counterparts and that could make a lot of difference. The most pressure is likely to come from stablemate Blood Destiny, who will most likely try and make all once more.
SELECTION: BET LOSSIEMOUTH TO WIN AT 7/4 WITH BET365
If you want to find out the best bookmaker promotions, look at our Cheltenham Festival betting offers page.
All odds are correct at the time of writing.

Mr Incredible - I think it is fair to call him a bit of a monkey as he has been reluctant to race in the past. His rider has said that he really should be going for the Midlands National on Saturday, but Patrick wants to become just the 3rd jockey to win all 3 races at the meeting so he is running here instead. He seemed to be on a going day last time at Warwick when staying on for 2nd behind Iwilldoit. If he repeats that effort then he is a big player here, but the drop down in trip might not be ideal.
Annual Invictus - Has won over fences here, back in October 2021 over 2m4f, but he hen seemed to go the wrong way over fences and this season he has gone back over hurdles to great success winning here in November and at Newbury last month. If he brings that form back over fences he'd be an e/w chance in this, but that could be a big if.
Beauport - Won a Listed Race at Carlisle on chasing debut in October, but his jumping hasn't been as good since at both Haydock and here on New Years Day when a 20L 4th to The Real Whacker. Clearly nothing of his class in this and a stamina test might suit him more based on his hurdles form.
Farinet - James King is a very good booking for a horse who has disappointed on his 2 starts including over course and distance on New Years Day and was then even worse at Ascot last time. On his seasonal return in December though he was a very good winner of the Welsh National Trial at Chepstow and he wouldn't be the first horse from the yard to bounce back to form at this meeting.
Rapper - He was the winner of that course and distance race on New Years Day and he is only 5lbs higher here. He ran OK at Sandown last time over a slightly shorter trip and the fact that a very good jockey in Alice Stevens is able to claim 3 is no bad thing either. Horses in 1st time headgear tend to do well at this meeting and he has a visor on for the first time.
Dunboyne - Has had a very in and out season having refused to race in November at Punchestown and then winning over 2m4f a week later at Gowran Park. He then pulled up at Fairyhouse the following month, before bouncing right back to form in the Thyestes back at Gowran when going down a short head to Carefully Selected. Jamie Codd has won this race 4 times and if he is on a going day then it is easy to see him going close.
Coeur Serein - Was 8th in the Pertemps Final here last season and he has only had 4 races over fences going into this. He pulled up here first up in October, but did better when a close 2nd at Chepstow in December. He then disappointed at Doncaster later that month before going to Newbury and winning a 3 runner race last month. Can run well although doesn't strike me as a likely winner.
Slipway - We know he stays well as he won the Highland National at Perth last April. He then had a break and when he returned he added the Southern National at Fontwell to his CV. He was terrible when favourite last time though in the Edinburgh National. Gina Andrews is a top booking and if he bounces back to his Perth and Fontwell form then he has a solid e/w chance.
Defi Bleu - Very in and out and never seems to follow a good run with another. He was 2nd in the Cork National in November, but then ran 3 poor races before finishing 3rd in the Grand National Trial a Punchestown last month. Has an e/w chance if on a going day, but chances are he wont be.
Royal Thief - Won on his first start over fences back in October 2020, but was then brought down the following month at Punchestown. Clearly had issues since then because he didn't run again until January where he bolted up by 10L at Punchestown. He has been hammered in the handicap on the back of that though and is 15lbs higher here, but clearly he is very unexposed and he might be up to it.
Lord Accord - Ran in the Cleeve Hurdle last time, but was well beaten and ran OK in the Coral Gold Cup when 9th the time before. Won here at the October meeting and was a good 2nd to Frodon in the Badger Beer at Wincanton. Is capable of running well, but I suspect he might need better ground.
Punitive - Had looked fairly progressive prior to running poorly in the Thyestes last time. Had won over 3m5f at Fairyhouse the time before and was 2nd over 3m1f here at the November meeting. If he bounces back he's another that wouldn't be out of this.
Dr Kananga - Started life in points and was very impressive when winning a hunter chase at Hexham in May 2021. Struggled when going handicapping to start with, but then found his form and won easily at Chepstow and Sandown last February. Was an OK return over hurdles at Bangor in November, but was well beaten in the Becher Chase the following month and as no better in a Grade 2 over hurdles last month at Haydock. Would imagine he will try and make all, but will find it hard to do so.
Stumptown - Only 6, but has looked very progressive the last twice wining by 12L at Thurles in January and then by 7L at Sandown las month an the 2nd has franked the form since. Has gone up 12bs for that, but there could easily be more to come from him.
Fontaine Collonges - Was very disappointing when sent off favourite for the Grand National Trial at Haydock last month and he had run well on is previous two starts this season when he won at Haydock and was a staying on 4th a Kempton over 3m. Again he is another one who could easily go well if he bounces back to form.
Musical Slave - Did win at Exeter last time and does have Derek O'Connor on top, but this 10yo is more exposed than most here and he might struggle in a race like this.
Emir Sacree - Seemed to enjoy stepping up to 3m at Sandown last time when a good 3rd, but would need to find improvement from somewhere to land a blow in this.
Western Zara - 3rd to Punitive at Fairyhouse in December, but was poor last time at Leopardstown in December and whilst she does have scope for improvement she does need to find a fair bit.
Captain Cattistock - Landed the 4m race here on hunter chase night and has done well since going back handicapping including winning over course and distance in April. Run well this season without winning including finishing 2nd in the Edinburgh National last time. This is tougher, but he can go well.
Angels Dawn - Has run really well since going handicap chasing having finished a short head 2nd at Punchestown on New Years Eve, before winning at Down Royal the following month. She then unseated at 2 out when still in contention in the Grand National Trail last time and this progressive mare should have more to come.
Ballykeel - Finally got off the mark over fences last time at Fairyhouse, but whilst he was 1/2L behind Angels Dawn at Down Royal in January that one does look more progressive.
Coo Star Sivola - Has struggled in 3 runs so far for this yard.
Didero Vallis - 3rd in this last year and is 8lbs lower this year, but he looks badly out of form at the moment.
Verdict - This is one of the toughest races of the meeting and the shortlist is pretty big. Of the shorter priced horses I think Angels Dawn makes most appeal as she has a low weight here and looks progressive. There are quite a few here who if you forgive their previous run then would have a big chance and given Venetia Williams won this race last year with a 40/1 shot I give both Farinet and Fontaine Collonges good chances at big prices. I am just going to side with Rapper though. He is a course and distance winner on soft ground and didn't run badly at all down in trip at Sandown last time. I like the angle of the first time visor and Alice Stevens is very good value for her 3lbs claim.
Rapper e/w @ 25/1 with Bet365 6 Places

The Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle is the second youngest race at the Festival (the Mares Chase being the youngest), run over two miles and 179 yards of the new course. The race has only been run seven times with Willie Mullins winning five of them. Of the seven runnings we’ve had three skinny favourites obliging, two second favourites, a 15/2 chance and a 50/1 rag. Last years renewal fell to Harry Fry’s Love Envoi.
LUCCIA
Warm favourite here and Nicky Henderson’s mare has an unbeaten record on the line. Looked good in winning two bumpers and two novice hurdles latterly at Exeter in listed company. Looks smart and the one to beat though has to shoulder a 5lb penalty. Nico De Boinville takes the reigns.
MAGICAL ZOE
One of 5 Henry De Bromhead runners in a race named after his late son. Unbeaten in a bumper and two novice hurdles. Beat Nikini a length last time and Aidan Heskin takes the ride. 5lb penalty to carry here.
YOU WEAR IT WELL
Has won 3 of her 4 hurdles with her only defeat coming at the hands of the smart Hermes Allen in the grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury on New Year’s Eve. Bolted up in the Jane Seymour Mares’ Nov Hurdle at Sandown since. Claims although dropping in distance not certain to suit. Trained by Jamie Snowden and ridden by Gavin Sheehan. 5lb penalty to carry.
BELLE THE LIONESS
Another Henry De Bromhead trained runner, this one ridden by Darragh O’Keeffe. Landed the odds when breaking her duck over hurdles in Thurles maiden last time out and will need to step forward to take a hand in finish. 3lb penalty here.
AHORSEWITHNONAME
Was runner up in this race last season at 50/1 to Love Envoi and subsequently won twice on the level. Major flop at odds on when last seen on Boxing Day and Nicky Henderson has others with better chances today.
BANNTOWN GIRL
Only won one of her career twelve starts and up against it here for Irish handler Stephen Gerard Carey and jockey Keith Donoghue.
ENDLESS ESCAPE
Former point to pointer who’s run up a sequence of four wins in minor novice hurdle company under Ben Jones for trainer Ben Clarke. This much tougher and needs to step up again.
FOXY GIRL
Another Henry De Bromhead runner with Rachael Blackmore taking the ride. Broke her duck last time when winning a Limerick maiden hurdle by 4L from a Mullins runner who’s won since. Unexposed and could possibly take a hand in finish.
HALKA DU TABERT
A point to point winner (by 45L), a bumper and a maiden hurdle before a credible third in grade 3 company at Fairyhouse in January. Only rated 3lb behind favourite Luccia at these weights and holds each way claims with Davy Russell riding for Gordon Elliott.
JETARA
Stepped her game up when runner up in grade 3 mares novice hurdle at Fairyhouse last time when going down by a length and a quarter to Ashroe Diamond. Jessie Harrington’s charge has small each way claims.
LADYBANK
Runs in the Honeysuckle colours of Kenny Alexander and another trained by Henry De Bromhead. Dead heated with Princess Zoe in a maiden hurdle at 40/1 at Punchestown in January. Aidan Coleman takes over here and will need to raise her game.
LOT OF JOY
One of two Willie Mullins runners and the pick of stable jockey Paul Townend. Very easy winner of Fairyhouse maiden hurdle at odds of 1/7 following two second places in maiden hurdles. Hard to assess but connections suggest she’s a player.
MULLENBERG
Won 3 of her 7 starts over hurdles for trainer Milton Harris. Best effort however was last time at Kempton when chasing home the Paul Nicholls trained Rubaud in a grade 2 hurdle. Will need to improve again to feature.
NIKINI
Willie Mullins’ ‘2nd’ string ridden by Patrick Mullins. Beaten a length by Magical Zoe at Down Royal last time in grade 3 company and 5lb better off here so should turn the tables. Solid each way chance.
POETIC MUSIC
Locally trained by Fergal O’Brien. 6th in last year’s Champion Bumper here and has taken well enough to timber winning twice. Was 11 1/2L behind Luccia at Newbury in November and 5lb better off now. Looks held.
PRINCESS ZOE
Very smart flat performer in the care of Thomas Mullins. Joined on post on hurdling debut at Punchestown by 40/1 poke Ladybank. Will need to do better here but is rated 106 on the flat so could well do that under Danny Mullins.
SHECOULDBEANYTHING
Another Gordon Elliot runner who’s shown decent enough form in listed/grade 2 company on last two starts. Ridden by Jordan Gainford here and only has officially 2lb to find with Luccia. Lively outsider.
STILL CIEL
The weakest of the De Bromhead quintet and looks out of her depth here. More likely to finish last than first!
THE MODEL KINGDOM
A consistent mare trained by Noel Meade. Kept good company on last two starts but likely to find several of these too good for her.
INSPIRATICE
Rank outsider trained in the West Country by Nicky Martin. Shown nowhere near enough to trouble the placings.
UNDER CONTROL
Very interesting runner from the same yard as Luccia. Owned by JP McManus and ridden here by Mark Walsh, she’s won two hurdle races, firstly in France before joining Nicky Henderson and winning comfortably in a Newbury juvenile hurdle. Trainer mooted afterwards she was more likely to go to Aintree but she’s obviously come out of that win well and looks a player here getting weight from all as shes a four year old.
summary:-
Luccia is the obvious one and will be hard to beat although she does have to carry a 5lb penalty here like dangers Magical Zoe and You Wear It Well. Her class may tell and she can take this with her stable companion Under Control who won on the bridle at Newbury a fortnight ago the best outsider.
1 Luccia @ 13/8 William Hill
2 Under Control
3 Lot Of Joy

Previously known as the Mildmay Of Flete, the Festival Plate is a handicap chase run over the intermediate trip of 2M 4F 127 yards of the new course. Novices have an excellent record in the race with 6 of the last 7 winners in their first or second season over fences. The past 7 winners have contested a graded novice hurdle or novice chase. Stables that have done well in the race in the past include David Pipe who collectively with his father Martin have won 7 of the last 25 renewals whilst both Venetia Williams and Nicky Henderson have won the race multiple times. Ireland have won 4 of the last 7 renewals. Last year’s 22/1 winner Coole Cody broke a four year run of well backed horses winning.
HAUT EN COULEURS
Willie Mullins representative heads the weights and has a touch of class about him. Fell at the last when looking likely to beat the smart Fakir D’Oudairies at Thurles in January and chased home Janidil, who heads for the Ryanair earlier in the card, at Gowran Park in a grade 2. First handicap here and will be ridden by Michael O’Sullivan who excelled when winning the opening race of the meeting on Marine Nationale and is excellent value for his 3lb claim.
TWO FOR GOLD
Smart last year but pulled up in last season’s Grand National and only 5th in Grand Sefton at Aintree on re-appearance. Kim Bailey’s veteran needs to bounce back here with regular rider David Bass riding.
STOLEN SILVER
Capable on best form and his runner up to Midnight River over course and distance on New Years Day gives him a squeak but flopped last time at Warwick and has questions to answer now under Sam Twiston-Davies for trainer Sam Thomas.
MIDNIGHT RIVER
Has won 2 of his 3 starts this season for Dan Skelton including over course and distance in New Years Day by 2 1/4L. 7lb higher here and on a career high handicap mark. Brother Harry in the saddle and suited by the mud.
ESCARIA TEN
One of three Gordon Elliott runners ridden today by Aidan Heskin. A bit hit and miss nowadays but has small each way claims on his very best form.
FUGITIF
In good form this season winning well at Chepstow over Christmas and followed that up with a highly credible second beaten a length to Il Ridoto over course and distance. 2lb better off today and Richard Hobson’s charge has each way claims especially if any more rain hits the track.
IL RIDOTO
Trainer Paul Nicholls has talked this one up coming into the Festival. Appeared to see the trip out better when winning over course and distance in January in first time cheek pieces and if working for a second time is a serious player here.
DATSALRIGHTGINO
A novice trained by Jamie Snowden who’s kept good novice company in his six starts over fences. Up another 4lb for latest second to Solo in a grade two. Creeping up the handicap but has a good shout to hit the frame.
EMBITTERED
7th in the Grand Annual last season. Running well enough in handicap company in Ireland this season for trainer Joseph O’Brien though has to prove he truly stays this intermediate trip. Bryan Cooper rides.
WAR LORD
Useful novice last season (4th in Arkle here). Came back to form last time in first time tongue tie but needs to step forward again for West Country trainer Joe Tizzard.
COOLE CODY
Last year’s winner who can race today off of a 2lb lower mark. Loves this track but shown precious little on his last two starts and hard to fancy now especially as Even Williams’ charge is now 12 years old.
SO SCOTTISH
Sold to JP McManus since his promising runner up effort at Ascot in November and reportedly aimed at this contest. 8lb higher now though and any rain would be against him as his best form is on good. In the hands of the shrewd operator Emmet Mullins and has to be taken seriously if not too soft.
SEDDON
Irish trained (John McConnell) and bolted up in 16 runner Leopardstown handicap chase over this trip over Christmas winning by 13L. Handicapper has clobbered him since though having shunted him up 20lb. 5lb claimer Ben Harvey takes the ride.
MARVEL DE CERISY
One of two Henry De Bromhead runners. Lightly raced over fences and this is his fourth start over them today. Rachael Blackmore rides in his first handicap and could be well treated.
CHAMPAGNE GOLD
The second Henry De Bromhead runner who will be ridden by Aidan Coleman today. Also lightly raced over fences but not seen since runner up over course and distance last October and has a 146 day absence to overcome.
SHAKEM UP’ARRY
Won well on re-appearance at Exeter and was well backed in handicap over course and distance when finishing 5th of 16 beaten 11L to Midnight River and now 7lb better with that rival. Owned by Harry Redknapp and trained by Ben Pauling. Likely outsider.
MARS HARPER
Lightly raced novice trained by Gordon Elliott. Ran well only 11 days ago at Leopardstown in finishing runner up but hasn’t won for awhile and needs a personal best under Jordan Gainford.
GEVREY
Another Gordon Elliott runner who won at Limerick last October but flopped last time on heavy ground and hasn’t been seen for 110 days. Sam Ewing rides.
HEREDITARY RULE
Not seen for 125 days and this John McConnell trained eight year old may struggle on ground that may be too soft for him.
CELEBRE D’ALLEN
Has dropped to his last winning mark following three efforts this season. In the hands of Philip Hobbs and Johnson White and not without an each way shout here with Michael Nolan doing the steering.
FRERO BANBOU
Dropped in the weights and has each way claims here. Trainer Venetia Williams has been out of form this last week mind and that’s a worry.
BORN BY THE SEA
Been awhile since Paul Gilligan’s nine year worried the judge and hard to fancy much here today. A big outsider.
CAPTAIN TOM CAT
Not seen for 104 days and has plenty on here for the Dr Newland camp. Charlie Hammond rides.
BOWTOGREATNESS
Lightly raced over fences. This is only his fifth start over the bigger obstacles. Will need to up his game here for local handler Ben Pauling and jockey Kevin Brogan.
GEMIRANDE (1st reserve)
In form Venetia Williams trained seven year old. Each way claims if getting in race although stable form has to be a worry.
IL COURRA (2nd reserve)
Big outsider and hard to fancy for Irish trainer C W J Farrell even if getting a run.
Summary:-
A wide open renewal of the Plate Handicap Chase. So Scottish has been on my radar for this race for awhile but I could only fancy him if the ground was on the good side having been bought since his last run by JP McManus. Top weight Haut En Couleurs can be competitive but preference today to small stakes each way is the Paul Nicholls trained Il Ridoto who appeared to benefit from first time cheek pieces last time and can go well despite a 8lb rise.
1 Il Ridoto 8/1 EW bet365 6 places
2 Haut En Couleurs
3 So Scottish

The main race on day 3 of the Cheltenham festival is the Stayers Hurdle. It is the leading long-distance hurdle in the National Hunt calendar. It is run over 2 miles, 7 furlongs and 213 yards and is open to horses aged 4 years or older. Off time is 3.30.
The most prolific winner is the phenomenal Big Buck’s , who won the race 4 years in a row from 2009.
11 go to post and some bookmakers are offering each-way terms of 4 places which make this a good betting proposition.
I have looked at the statistics over the last 9 years and these are my key conclusions.
6- and 7-year-olds have much the better record. They have won 8 times from 55 attempts with a profit of 64 points at SP. The older horses have won just 1 from 68 attempts with a loss of 66 points.
The best odds forecast range is 7/1 to 20/1. These horses have produced 6 wins from 59 runs and a profit 53 points.
This leaves 2 horses. I would suggest backing these each way with bookmakers offering 4 places.
GOLD TWEET 11/1
HENRI LE FARCEUR 25/1

First run in 1912 the Paddy Power Stayers Hurdle is the premium staying hurdle of the national hunt season with some doughty stayers including Inglis Drever, Big Bucks and Thistlecrack having won it in the not too distant past. Gavin Cromwell has won the race the last two years with his Flooring Porter. They’ll be racing on the new course over a distance of just 7 yards short of three miles.
ASHDALE BOB
Been beaten by two of the principals in Teahupoo and Home By The Lee this season and although he stays well, Jessie Harrington’s 8 year old may struggle in this company.
BLAZING KHAL
Bounced back from a 428 day absence to win a grade 2 2m 5F hurdle at Navan last month and the Charlie Byrnes trained 7 year old has a major chance as long as he doesn’t ‘bounce’. Trainers son Philip takes the ride.
DASHEL DRASHER
Mixes hurdling and chasing to great effect. Two fine efforts in defeat here on last two starts but may just come up short again for West Country trainer Jeremy Scott. Place chance at best.
FLOORING PORTER
Has won this race for the last two seasons. Has finished behind rival Home By The Lee on both starts this season but trained for this race for trainer Gavin Cromwell and it would be no shock were he get the treble up although he will need to bring his A game to pull it off.
GOLD TWEET
French raider trained by Gabriel Leenders who was not unbacked when winning over course and distance at the Trials meeting in January by 3L from Dashel Drasher (Paisley Park back in 3rd). Has claims on that effort and can run well each way with Johnny Charron in the saddle as he was last time.
HENRI LE FARCEUR
The second French trained contender trained by Hugo Merienne and ridden by Felix De Giles. Very hard to assess his form but official handicapper rates him some 27lb behind the top rated Teahupoo so best watched.
HOME BY THE LEE
Joeseph O’Brien trains this eight year old who appears better than ever this season winning grade 1 and 2 contest at Navan and Leopardstown respectively. Impressive victory last time over Christmas at the latter venue and stays well. Can make his presence felt in the finish.
KLASSICAL DREAM
Went off favourite for this last season when only 5th. Willie Mullins’ 9 year old split Teahupoo and Honeysuckle in the Hattons Grace over 2m 3F back in early December and been off since. Has a good record fresh so absence since not a problem. Can outrun his odds with Paul Townend on board.
PAISLEY PARK
3rd in this last year and seems to have been around for ages. 11 years old now and won this in 2019. Behind Gold Tweet last time and may not be the force of old. Trained by Emma Lavelle who’s gone 29 runs and 23 days since her last winner.
SIRE DU BERLAIS
Another eleven year old trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Mark Walsh. Held by several of these and impossible to fancy.
TEAHUPOO
Has won 8 of his 11 career starts and took his form to another level when stepped up to 3M for the first time at Gowran Park in the grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle in January on very soft ground sluicing up by an eased down 15L. All his wins have come on soft and heavy and although his trainer Gordon Elliott believes all ground come alike will no doubt be suited if there’s plenty of juice in the ground. Davy Russell takes the ride and is the one to beat as long as there’s give in the ground.
Summary:-
Teahupoo remains unexposed at the trip and as long as there’s give in the ground can take the Stayers Hurdle for Gordon Elliott and Davy Russell. Blazing Khal has obvious claims if not ‘bouncing’ following his win 32 days ago whilst the Mullins runner Klassical Dream can also run well coming here a fresh horse.
1 Teahupoo @ 11/4 William Hill
2 Klassical Dream
3 Blazing Khal

The Ryanair Chase is a Grade One Chase open to horses aged five or older. It is run on the new course over a distance of around two-and-a-half miles. There are seventeen fences to be jumped and it offers horses an opportunity to gain top-level festival success over a mid-range trip. Proven Grade One form is required to win this as is previous Cheltenham form.

Since its inception, all fourteen previous winners had won over a trip of at least two-and-a-half miles, with ten of those winners already having won a Grade One. The market usually finds the winner of the race quite well with eleven of the last thirteen winners coming from one of the front three in the betting market on the day. Eleven out of the last fourteen winners had won or been placed at the Festival previously.

Year Horse Age Trainer Jockey 2022 Allaho 8 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2021 Allaho 7 Willie Mullins Rachael Blackmore 2020 Min 9 Willie Mullins Paul Townend 2019 Frodon 7 Paul Nicholls Bryony Frost 2018 Balko Des Flos 7 Henry De Bromhead Davy Russell 2017 Un De Sceaux 9 Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2016 Vautour 7 Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2015 Uxizandre 7 Alan King Tony McCoy 2014 Dynaste 8 David Pipe Tom Scudamore 2013 Cue Card 7 Colin Tizzard Joe Tizzard 2012 Riverside Theatre 8 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty
Ryanair Steeple Chase Runners

Below are the runners for the Ryanair Chase. I shall provide some recent form notes to help point you in the right direction of identifying the winner.

Shishkin

Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico De Boinville

A winner of eight out of his ten chases is a fantastic stat and he produced a great performance in the Ascot Chase last month to beat Pic D’Orhy by sixteen lengths. That seemed to suggest he was right back to somewhere near his best and given that he is two from three on this track he would command the utmost respect anyway. Whilst his rivals are no back numbers, they do not match what he has done or come close to it. If fully on song he should win this in a canter.

Blue Lord

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend

Whilst his record reflects that he has won three out of his last four races, they were quite dire. He beat no more than seven horses in any of those races and when upped to this level last time, he was easily usurped by stablemate Gentleman De Mee. He has yet to prove he is fully effective on this track as he was beaten all to easily by Edwardstone in the Arkle last year. There are others better than him in this race.

Janidil

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Mark Walsh

Fared best of the rest when runner-up in this race last season finishing some fourteen lengths behind Allaho. He won a weak Grade 2 race last time where he got the better of stablemate Haut En Couleurs. I expect him to put in another solid round here and for his jockey to deploy similar hold-up tactics. Likely to be doing all of his running on when the winner has already sewn up the victory, but place prospects once more.

Fury Road

Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Davy Russell

Has not won a Grade 1 Chase since beating Run Wild Fred in the Neville Hotels Novices’ Chase back in 2021. He is genuinely consistent but has a bit to find with Conflated who beat him six lengths at Leopardstown back in December. He was then taken apart in the Irish Gold Cup at the Dublin Racing Festival last month where he finished third to a breath-taking Galopin Des Champs. This is not as hot of a race but he will likely find a couple too good yet again.

Envoi Allen

Trainer: Henry De Bromhead
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

A former winner of the Champion Bumper and also the Ballymore who again put up another solid performance when placed behind Energumene in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last season.  Whilst he won on his seasonal reappearance at Down Royal, that was followed by an inferior effort in the King George at Kempton. The stable has been out of sorts all year and it is hard to see him turning back the clock to recapture the former glory days.

French Dynamite

Trainer: Mous Morris
Jockey: Darragh O'Keefe

It would be a monumental shock if French Dynamite proved good enough to take this. A winner at races of up to Grade 3 so far in his career, he has yet to show any enthusiasm for achieving much more. He has been beaten by a few of these this season including Fakir D’Oudairies, Conflated and GA Law. Nothing has suggested he is capable of reversing form with any of them.

GA Law

Trainer: Jamie Snowden
Jockey: Jonathan Burke

A costly error saw him fall for the first time in his career during the Skybet Chase at Doncaster back in January. Prior to that, he won a Grade 3 over this course and distance beating Fury Road just under a length. Circumstances last time will not have done his confidence any favours coming into a race such as this against horses that are proven to be his superior. He will likely get around but in his own time.

Hitman

Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden

Has purposefully been confined to racing on flat tracks such as Newbury, Sandown and Aintree, so the decision to give him a start on such a challenging course is somewhat of a surprise. He has been beaten in lesser events so fully expect more horses to finish in front of him than behind him.

Chacun Pour Soi

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Danny Mullins

Not the force of old and has never really seemed happy on this course. His eighteen-length demolition by Fakir D’Oudairies last time really has flagged his regression and he looks to have fallen out of love with the game. If he were somehow to recapture his multiple Grade One-winning form he would shake up a few of these, but the chances of that happening here are remote.

Ante-post Prices

4/5 Shishkin, 11/2 Blue Lord, 7/1 Janidil, 10/1 Fury Road, 12/1 Envoi Allen, 16/1 French Dynamite, 20/1 Ga Law, 25/1 Chacun Pour Soi, 25/1 Hitman

Ryanair Steeple Chase Runners Key Trends

Willie Mullins has won this prize five times in the last seven years

The last 9 winners were all French-bred

16 of the last 18 winners were in the front three of the betting

Ryanair Steeple Chase Tips

SHISHKIN is rated head and shoulders above this opposition who have at times proven somewhat disappointing this season. Nicky Henderson seemed to have his eight-year-old right back to where he wanted him when winning the Ascot Chase last time out. He is the only horse rated above 170 in this field and horses with such ratings have won four of the last five renewals of this race. There would be no more popular winner if Shishkin turns on the style that he is more than capable of.

Selection: Shishkin @ 5/6 with William Hill

All odds are accurate at the time of writing.

The Turners Novices’ Chase is open to horses aged five years and older and is run on the new course over a distance of two and a half miles. There are seventeen fences to be jumped and last year saw Bob Olinger make the most of a fall by Galopin Des Champs who appeared to be coasting to victory until sprawling onto the floor after the last fence.

There have now been ten quality renewals of the March Chase and eight of those winners were trained in Ireland. Eight of the previous ten winners had already raced at a previous Cheltenham Festival and seven of the winners had also won a Graded novice chase last time out. Willie Mullins has a fantastic record in the race having won it four times and last year Samcro became the eldest horse to win it at the age of eight.

Year Horse Age Trainer Jockey 2022 Bob Olinger 7 Henry De Bromhead Rachael Blackmore 2021 Chantry House 7 Nicky Henderson Nico De Boinville 2020 Samcro 8 Gordon Elliott Davy Russell 2019 Defi Du Seuil 6 Philip Hobbs Barry Geraghty 2018 Shattered Love 7 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 2017 Yorkhill 7 Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2016 Black Hercules 7 Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2015 Vautour 6 Willie Mullins Ruby Walsh 2014 Taquin Du Seuil 7 Jonjo O’Neill Tony McCoy 2013 Benefficient 7 Tony Martin Bryan Cooper 2012 Sir Des Champs 6 Willie Mullins Davy Russell
Turners Novices’ Chase Runners

Below are selected runners who hold entries for the Turners Novices’ Chase. I shall provide some recent form notes to help point you in the right direction of identifying the winner.

Mighty Potter

Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Davy Russell

Incredibly impressive when winning the Grade 1 Novices’ Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival last month and put some eight lengths between himself and Adamantly Chosen. He was quietly fancied to run well in last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and uncharacteristically pulled up. He has certainly improved for the switch to fences and he beat likely rival Banbridge by over eighteen lengths in the Drinmore Novices’ Chase back in December. No surprise if he were to confirm that form here.

Banbridge

Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
Jockey: JJ Slevin

Was a gallant second to El Fabiolo at the Dublin Racing Festival in the Irish Arkle last time out. Doing all of his best work at the finish, he hinted that he could yet again have a say in a race at the Festival. He stormed to success in the Martin Pipe last season and relished every part of the steep uphill finish. He has already taken a liking to these fences as he won a Grade Two race here back in November. He has an awful lot of work to do to reverse the form with Mighty Potter but he should go well.

Appreciate It

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend

Had been well fancied to land the Irish Arkle at the Dublin Racing Festival just last month but found very little for pressure. That was hardly an ideal preparation for this but as a previous Supreme Novice Hurdler he has to command respect at the track. The last time he attempted this trip was in a bumper at Leopardstown that he won, so maybe a return to it could conjure some improvement. He disappointed badly in the Champion Hurdle last season at the Festival. Even now tackling these fences, there have to be reservations about backing him.

Balco Coastal

Trainer: Nicky Henderson
Jockey: Nico De Boinville

Outgunned by Gerri Colombe in the Scilly Isle Novices’ Chase at Sandown last month. A brave performance all the same, but Gordon Elliott should have a fair handle on how good that form actually is. Nicky Henderson won this race with Chantry House a couple of seasons ago, so knows exactly the right type of horse to send into battle here. Went well here in a Grade 2 Hurdle last season but disappointing that he hasn’t tried again since over fences and has been kept to flat tracks. May be found wanting up this hill at the end.

Stage Star

Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden

This looks to be a little above his paygrade having been placed in lesser company a couple of runs back. He is a winner of three of his last four races though including a novice handicap over this course and distance at the end of January. Will sure be there to pick up the pieces if there are any faults over the leading contenders. Will need a lot of luck to go his way.

Christopher Wood

Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Harry Bannister

Is without a win in over two years and it is difficult to see it coming here. He has finished second on his last two starts in much lesser company and this really will be an uphill struggle.

James Du Berlais

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Daryl Jacob

Has been injury-prone since joining Willie Mullins back in 2021. He did make a winning seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse in a beginners’ chase. That was followed up with a beleaguered effort at the Dublin Racing Festival, where he trailed in last of the six runners beaten thirty-one lengths. Needs a miracle to turn that form around.

Notlongtillmay

Trainer: Laura Morgan
Jockey: Adam Wedge

Has not looked back since joining Laura Morgan and now comes here in search of a five-timer. Whilst he does deserve a shot in higher company, he may have bitten off a little more than he can chew here. He has won his last two races by a combined twenty-five lengths but this is very much a step into the unknown.

Unexpected Party

Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton

Was beaten twenty-four lengths by Jonbon in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December and has been well beaten in lesser company subsequently. Looks completely out of his depth here and will do well to complete.

Ante-post Prices

Evens Mighty Potter , 7/2 Banbridge , 4/1 Appreciate It , 10/1 Balco Coastal , 12/1 Stage Star , 16/1 James Du Berlais , 66/1 Unexpected Party , 66/1 Notlongtillmay , 100/1 Christopher Wood

Turners Novices’ Chase Key Trends

11 of the last 12 winners contested a Graded novice chase last time out

9 of the last 12 winners were trained in Ireland

11 of the 12 winners had raced nine times or less over hurdles.

Turners Novices’ Chase Tips

Mighty Potter has done nothing wrong in two starts this year and has made an effortless switch from hurdles to fences. His last two wins have been emphatic and if in the same mood, he will take some stopping here. He already has the beating of Banbridge and should be able to confirm that form here despite late support for the latter.

Appreciate It is also a talent on his day and if he were to recapture his best form, he could well provide the main threat. Both are rated some eight pounds clear of Banbridge who loves it around here but is often found out at this very top level.

Selection: Mighty Potter @ 11/10 with Betfred

All odds are accurate at the time of writing.

The Queen Mother Champion Chase is a Grade One National Hunt steeplechase open to horses five years or older. It is run over two miles and the participants are invited to jump thirteen fences.
Three of the last six renewals have gone to an Irish raider upping their game at this discipline. Older horses between the ages of eight and ten tend to do well in this. All previous winners had experienced a previous run at Cheltenham and each of the last ten winners had won at least five previous chases.
CAPTAIN GUINNESS
Henry De Bromhead’s 8 year old has 16lb to find on official ratings and looks out of his depth here. Ridden by Rachael Blackmore he was a grade 2 winner at Navan last November and chased home Blue Lord at Leopardstown over Christmas. Place chance at best.
EDITEUR DU GITE
Great record at Cheltenham winning three of his five starts and arrives in a rich vein of form having won the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton over Christmas prior to beating two of today’s rivals in Edwardstone and Energumene over course in distance in the Clarence House Chase in January. He loves to bowl along in front and those tactics will no doubt be employed here by Niall Houlihan for trainer Gary Moore. Will be dangerous if allowed a soft lead.
EDWARDSTONE
Alan King’s big hope of a winner at the meeting. Top novice chaser last season winning the Arkle Chase at last year’s meeting. Impressed on his re-appearance when winning the Tingle Creek at Sandown by 9L from Greaneteen. Was headed in the final strides by Editeur Du Gite last time over course and distance and must be a major player here under his regular pilot Tim Cannon.
ENERGUMENE
A consistent two mile chaser who won this last year and looks the most likely winner to my eyes. Trained at Closutton by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend he’s won 10 of his 13 runs under rules and can surely be forgiven his latest run behind Editeur Du Gite and Edwardstone when beaten just under 7L. His trainer stated afterwards that the horse was struggling with the painted white take offs which they don’t have in Ireland! A strange excuse but we can always excuse a horse a poor run and he can bounce back here.
FUNAMBULE SIVOLA
Was a 40/1 runner up to Energumene in this last year beaten 8 1/2L. Venetia Williams’ charge bounced back to form when winning the 4 runner Game Spirit Chase at Newbury last month but will need a career best to get amongst the leaders today. Charlie Deutsch rides.
GREANETEEN
Smart two chaser on his day trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Harry Cobden. 9L behind Edwardstone in Tingle Creek and turned over at odds on in Game Spirit behind Funambule Sivola last time. Best on good ground and todays testing ground unlike to suit.
NUBE NEGRA
Useful on his day but was pulled out on the morning of this race last year due to soft ground and conditions look unlikely to suit here. Trained by Dan Skelton and ridden by his brother Harry he was 17L behind Editeur Du Gite at Kempton over Christmas and is hard to fancy on this ground.
Summary:-
Not the best renewal of the Queen Mother Champion Chase which revolves around the front three. They all met over course and distance in January where Editeur Du Gite came out best. It’s maybe a different story today with the Willie Mullins trained Energumene fancied to bounce back to form and beat his two old advisory’s and follow up last year’s victory under Paul Townend.
1 Energumene
2 Edwardstone
3 Editeur Du Gite

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is open to horses aged five or older and is run over a distance of three miles and six furlongs. There are thirty-two obstacles to navigate around, each one presenting a new challenge to the horses that attempt them. In running, the horses meet obstacles like no other including cheese wedges, railed hedges, several types of ditches, banks and jumps. It is run on a figure of eight style course and all runners try to circumnavigate three completed laps. Horses can qualify for the race by placing in preparation races run at Punchestown, Pau or any of the three races run at this track in November, December or March.
Statistics prove that the Irish have dominated in this sphere in recent years as they have taken seven of the last ten renewals. Only one six-year-old has won this race in the last decade and only two favourites have won the race within the same time-frame. Last year saw Delta Work emerge as a leading cross country horse when he defeated three time winner of this race and his stablemate Tiger Roll.
**Delta Work **
Ran a cracking trial for this when a good third over the course and distance carrying near top weight at the end of January. He finished a little over four lengths behind Back On The Lash, but should easily turn that form around off level weights here. He ususally needs a couple of runs to get him into shape so no surprise to see him run again just a couple of weeks later. Out of his depth now in graded chases, the ten-year-old was beaten over a dozen lengths by Blazing Khal at Navan over an inadequate trip. That run should have blown away any cobwebs and put him spot on for a repeat bid here.
Galvin
Was a useful chaser in his day, but much like his stablemate Delta Work, he seems to have lost the plot in regular chases. He won the Grade One Savills Chase at Leopardstown just over a year ago, but he has looked a pale imitation ever since. If he takes to these fences he has to be a threat to his stablemate in the same way that Delta Work was to Tiger Roll last year. Of the pair Delta Work was rated higher over regulation fences and no surprise if Galvin finds his stablemate too good once again here.
Good Bye Sam
Willie Mullins has never won this race but Good Bye Sam is an intriguing contender. He has been kept to Hunter Chases since joining the Clostutton based yard and has never finished outside of the places in any of his five runs to date. He made his Cross Country debut at Punchestown last spring where he finished a good second to Vital Island. The form of the race has been franked on multiple occasions so that is a positive sign. He is still only lightly raced but as he has never been to this track before he will need to have his wits about him. Likely to make the frame once more but one to keep on the right side of for the future.
Samcro
Another formerly useful chaser who won a Grade One Novice Hurdle at the Festival when beating Melon in the Marsh Chase back in 2020. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then and his attentions have been turned to the pointing scene. He has proved to be a revelation on that circuit and has won on each of his last three outings. At his best he would still struggle to match the class of either Galvin or Delta Work. He looks to be here for the experience and perhaps there are brighter days ahead for him.
Hip Hop Conti
Not much is known on this side of the channel about this young French chaser. He is remarkably consistent at home and has won three of his last five starts including at listed level. All of his best form has come with plenty of give in the ground, so if conditions deteriorate he could well have a live chance. History dictates that six-year-olds do not have a good record in this race although interestingly Daniel Cottin brought Easysland over at the same age and he won. Unlike Easysland though, Hip Hop Conti has no previous experience of the track and that could prove his undoing.
Prengarde
Prengarde used to have a lofty reputation an was a regular winner for the Laganeste Macaire yard a couple of seasons ago. Since joining Enda Bolger he has looked lifeless and has pulled up in two of his three runs. This looks like mission impossible for the seven-year-old and he is readily overlooked.
Back On The Lash
He is locally trained by Martin Keighley but his moment in the sun came over this course and distance just a few weeks ago when getting the better of Deise Aba and Delta Work. Off level weights here though he will struggle to confirm that form against last years' winner of this race. Likely to run a huge race all the same and has to have an each way squeak.
Minella Times
Did not take to this course and distance when last seen pulling up in a race won by Back On The Lash at the end of January. The former Grand National winner was effectively broken following his win in that great race and has been on the downgrade ever since. It looks highly unlikely that a return here will spark a revival and he probably deserves retirement now.
Summary
This looks a great opportunity for Delta Work to follow in the footsteps of stablemate Tiger Roll by racking up a sequence of wins at this track and in this race. He ran his heart out in a practice for this behind Back On The Lash over the course and distance a few weeks ago and he will be cherry ripe on the day. Back On The Lash is locally trained and deserves credit for his win last day and he could well make the frame once more. Galvin is an intriguing contender and if taking to the track could well be in the mix too.
Punters Lounge Tip: Delta Work @ EVS NRNB at Betfred - Click Here To Bet
by Karl Hedley @Tumbleweed King

Ultima Handicap Chase - 2.50 Cheltenham 
The first handicap of the week is run over 3 miles 1 furlong of the old course with 23 runners going to post. 10 of the last 13 winners had run at Cheltenham earlier in the season with 9 of the last 11 wearing some form of headgear. Novices have a good record in the race having won 5 of the last 9 renewals. The race was won last year by novice Northern raider Corach Rambler trained by Lucinda Russell who’s back to defend his title.
FANION D’ESTRUVAL
4th in last season’s Ryanair Chase (beaten 28L). One of three Venetia Williams runners. Has a chance on his third beaten 9L by the fancied Into Overdrive at Wetherby on Boxing Day on 9lb better terms. Top weight today and will be ridden by 5lb conditional jockey Miss Lucy Turner. One of the better outsiders.
HAPPYGOLUCKY
Kim Bailey’s 9 year old was runner up in this two years ago to Vintage Clouds off of a handicap mark 5lb lower. Came back from a long absence when 3rd in Rehearsal Chase won by the useful L’Homme Presse with Into Overdrive in 2nd. 8lb better off here for 3L and if we can forget his subsequent flop at Cheltenham over a shorter trip has definite each way claims with David Bass riding.
REMASTERED
Claims on his best form which include a 1/2L runner up in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury last November and a comfortable win at Kempton around Christmas time. Flopped badly however back over hurdles at Sandown since. Somerset based trainer David Pipe does well in this race and he will be ridden by David Noonan. The Grand National is the aim and has each way claims on best form.
THE BIG BREAKAWAY
One of two Joe Tizzard trained chasers in field. Last seen when runner up in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow for which he’s been raised 3lb for. Can make the occasional blunder and will be ridden today by Brendan Powell. A thorough stayer who won’t mind the conditions.
THREEUNDERTHRUFIVE
6th in last year’s Brown Advisory. 6th in Classic Chase at Warwick last time and down a pound. Trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by A Heskin for the McNeill Family. Probably better than we’ve seen this season and sports a first time tongue tie here today. Capable of running well.
FASTORSLOW
Was runner up, only beaten a short head in last season’s Coral Cup and has the feeling of one that has been laid out for this. Trained in Ireland by Martin Brassil he’s only had two starts over fences both in the top grade and off of a 6lb higher handicap mark than last year is one for the short list. Will be ridden by J J Slevin.
THE GOFFER
Gordon Elliott’s only representative comes into this in excellent form having won a grade A handicap chase at Leopardstown last month in his first handicap over 2m 5f. Yet to prove he truly stays this far and has to race off of a 11lb higher handicap mark. Davy Russell takes the reigns.
TEA CLIPPER
Fourth in this last year off of a 2lb lower mark. Not disgraced on his first two starts over fences this season and was outclassed when reverting to grade 2 company over hurdles last time out at Newbury in the Long Distance Hurdle. Stan Sheppard takes the ride for Tom Lacey.
INTO OVERDRIVE
Northern trainer Mark Walford has been amongst the winners in the last week and trains this 8 year old who will be ridden by Jamie Hamilton. Has won five of his last six starts climbing some 35lb in the weights. Last seen winning the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby on Boxing Day from the smart Gold Cup bound Sounds Russian (5lb higher now) He missed the Skybet Chase with a slight niggle but has been away for a gallop at Manton and holds excellent claims.
CORACH RAMBLER
Cosy winner of this race last year and back to have another go off of a 6lb higher handicap mark. Trainer Lucinda Russell is in red hot form at present winning with 10 of her last 26 runners and looks sure to go close with the only negative being that we havn’t seen 9 year old since a fine 4th in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury last November.
CLOUDY GLEN
Winner of the 2021 Ladbroke Trophy (old Henessey!) though hasn’t raced much since. Venetia Williiams’ 10 year old made a pleasing re-appearance when third of fourteen to stable mate Quick Wave in the Betfred Grand National Trial at Haydock and with Charlie Deutsch riding is another lively outsider.
NASSALAM
Gary Moore’s six year old has been popular in the ante post market having run well here on New Years Day when 3rd to Midnight River over 2m 4 1/2F. An improver but that’s as far as he’s raced over so has stamina to prove with trainer’s son Jamie Moore in the saddle.
KARL PHILIPPE
Three wins from eight starts over fences all over 2m 4F and this represents a step up in trip for Fergal O’Brien’s eight year old. Stamina a major issue for this Jack Hogan ridden gelding.
TOP VILLE BEN
Ran well at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown in February when third to The Goffer beaten only 3L. 6lb better off here and looks overpriced on that run although is well held by Into Overdrive on his previous run. The oldest in the field and likely to find several too good for the Philip Kirby trained runner. Thomas Dowson rides.
MONBEG GENIUS
A seven year old improver trained by Jonjo O’Neil and ridden by his son Jonjo Junior. Has won three of his four starts over fences rising 18lb and with novices having a good record in the race and with conditions ideal can run well.
GOOD BOY BOBBY
Is looking well handicapped now having shown little in three starts this season and currently rated 6lb lower than his last win which came in the 2021 Rowland Meyrick. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ 10 year old is getting on a bit though and with Daryl Jacob riding for his bosses Simon Munir and Isaac Souede is likely to find a few too good for him today.
OSCAR ELITE
Ran a highly credible third in this last year to Corach Rambler and returns on 5lb better terms for 3L. Joe Tizzard’s eight year old was last seen winning a sub standard renewal of the Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot and a case can be made for him with Harry Cobden an eye catching jockey booking.
ICEO MADRIK
First run for David Pipe having transferred from David Cottin in France. 3 wins from 17 starts in his native country but impossible to assess properly although is most likely best watched under Jack Tudor riding for Professor Caroline Tisdall.
LASKALIN
Third of Venetia Williams’ runners who will be ridden by Shane Quinlan who still claims 3lb. Won first time out back in November at Ludlow and is now 7lb higher following three runs since including when flopping at Ascot last time under Lucy Turner. Hard to fancy on that effort.
HARPER’S BROOK
A lightly raced seven year old trained locally by Ben Pauling. A winner at Bangor in November but ran poorly here on New Year’s Day in a novice chase won by The Real Whacker. Has yet to race beyond 2m 4F and stamina has to be a doubt with Tom Cannon in the saddle.
FANTASTIKAS
The second of Nigel Twiston-Davie’s runners. First time cheek pieces and a tongue tie are employed here for this eight year old who ran 7th when only a 8/1 chance beaten some 13L in this race last year. He’s rated 12lb lower now so has a healthy 18lb pull for that beating with the winner Corach Rambler. Very well handicapped now and with Sam Twiston-Davies in the plate can out run his odds.
THE WOLF
Olly Murphy trains this out and out stayer who’s hard to win with. He’s been dropped 8lb for his efforts this season and is getting to a very winnable handicap mark but it’s hard to fancy him much here today.
GLAMORGAN DUKE
Irish raider whose best run this season was when chasing home The Goffer in the Bulmers Leopardstown Chase last month. Out of his depth when unseating in the Bobbyjo Chase since he has a squeak although it’s been a while since Paul Gilligan’s 10 year old troubled the judge.
Summary:-
A cracking renewal of the Ultima with several holding good chances. Last year’s winner Corach Rambler won well and despite a 6lb higher mark can go well for the in form Lucinda Russell stable. Back in 7th that day was Fantastikas who’s now 18lb better off for a 13L beating which can pull the two closer together especially with the latter sporting first time cheek pieces and a tongue tie. Into Overdrive is my idea of the likeliest winner however. He represents some of the best staying handicap chase form around and can go close. Happygolucky has run well in this race before and is another with decent each way claims. Irish raider Fasterslow ran very well at the meeting over hurdles last year and has kept the best company over fences in two starts this season. He’s a very interesting contender.
1 Into Overdrive
2 Fasterslow
3 Fantastikas

Back On The Lash - Was prominent for a fair way in this race last year, but ended up not really seeing it out in the heavy ground and pulled up. He ran really well at the November meeting here when 3rd in good handicap over the normal course. He then ran over this course and distance in January and took full advantage of it being a handicap as he won carrying 10-5 and had Delta Work just under 5L back in 3rd, but he was carrying 11-7. It doesn't really need me to highlight that off levels here he is going to have a much stiffer task to uphold that form.
Coup De Pinceau - He put in a very good performance to land the 4m contest on Hunter Chase night here in April and didn't run too badly at Cartmel where he finished 3rd before it was discovered he shouldn't have run in the race because the hunter chase season hadn't ended yet. He ran OK at Musselburgh back in November, but pulled up last time in the Devon National. Should be outclassed in this field though.
Deise Aba - 'Did not enjoy the Grand National course last year, but clearly enjoyed this course as he finished to Back On The Lash here in January. He had to carry 2lbs less in that race so off levels here he shouldn't really reverse the form with the winner nor uphold the form with Delta Work.
Delta Work - Was the party pooper in this contest last year when getting up in the last 110 yards to beat Tiger Roll by 3/4L. He followed that up with a superb 3rd in the Grand National off a huge weight (he had to carry 13lbs more than Noble Yeats). Clearly both of those runs are way superior to what most of these could achieve. He's returned in good form this season as well. First up he won the Risk Of Thunder Chase at Punchestown over their banks course in November and then he was a good 3rd giving all that weight away here in January. Tiger Roll would often warm up for this in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan and that's what Delta Work did last month where he ran creditably behind Blazing Khal. He looks in the same form as last year and is the one they all have to beat.
Diesel D'Allier - Has done well over this course since coming over from France. He was 3rd to Back On The Lash in November 21 and then won the following month. After that there was nothing wrong with his 4th in this race although he was 30L behind Delta Work which shows how much ground he has to make up. He was disappointing on his only run so far this season in the January contest over this course and he will need to come on plenty for that. If he does then he might have a small e/w chance given his good record at the track prior to that run.
Easysland - Was a superb winner of this contest in 2020 and was 2nd to Tiger Roll in 2021, but he has run terribly in every run since then including when only 9th in the January contest over this course. If somehow he did re-find his form then he would be a player, but that would appear to be very unlikely.
Foxy Jacks - Ran in the Ultima at The Festival last year when 14th. Was 3rd to Delta Work in the Risk Of Thunder back in November and was a close 5th in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. His only run over this course and distance was in the January race but he fell at the 15th. He was well beaten at the Dublin Racing Festival last time back in handicap company. On that 3rd at Punchestown he has an e/w chance in this as he looked like this longer trip would help him.
Francky Du Berlais - Ran way above his odds when 5th in the January race over this course, but again he would have benefitted by the fact that was a handicap and there doesn't seem any reason why he should reverse the form on these terms.
Franco De Port - A Grade 1 winner over 2m1f at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting back in 2020 and that was his last victory. He has run some good races in defeat however and he clearly stays well having finished 3rd in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris last May. That race is over 3m6f and whilst not a cross-country race as such they do have to jump different obstacles in that contest which should bode well for his first run over this track. All his runs have been in Grade 1 or 2 races this season and he's run solidly on the whole. He should appreciate this drop down in class and if he does take to the track then he can be a leading player.
Galvin - Finished 4rh in last year's Gold Cup which obviously is a top class effort in the context of this race. This season he landed a Grade 3 at Punchestown in October, but he hasn't been so good on his next two starts only beating 1 home at Down Royal and then well beaten at Leopardstown in the Savills Chase where he was a long way behind Franco De Port. The trainer has reported that he has schooled well over the fences so likely to go close.
Hardline - Has been running in points for most of the season winning a couple, but that form way below what would be needed to win this and was only 6th at Punchestown in a much lesser race than this over their banks course
Lieutenant Rocco - Won a handicap at Kempton last time off a mark of 122 which is way below what will be needed here and he looks like he might be a doubtful stayer as well.
Mortal - Given it was his first run for a year he ran really well to finish 4th here in January only 7L behind Back On The Lash. He clearly enjoys this track as he finished 4th here in December 2021 as well. Clearly has something to find, but if he comes on for the run he has a place chance.
Plan Of Attack - He was the horse who followed Delta Work and Tiger Roll home in this race last year although he was 22L behind the winner. He's not really run that well on his 4 subsequent starts though which would be a concern. There was a glimmer of promise when he stayed on here in January to finish 7th after finding himself outpaced. On balance though he will do very well to repeat last year's 3rd let alone do any better. 
Gin On Lime - Won a Grade 3 Novice Chase at Tipperary in October 2021 over 2m4f and he then won the infamous match race here at the November meeting when My Drogo came down at 2 out. She's run well enough in defeat since and was a fair 4th in the Kerry National last time, but that was back in September and I'm not sure she wants this trip. Also it remains to be seen to how she takes to the track.
Snow Leopardess - Seems to be coming back into form and ran well for a long way here in January before fading into 6th place. She put in an even better performance at Haydock last time in the Grand National Trial to finish a close 2nd to Quick Wave. The softer the ground the better for her and whilst she needs to find something to win this on these terms she could well offer e/w value.
Verdict - Given this isn't a handicap it is hard not to see the 3 classy horses coming to the fore here. Delta Work was so impressive here last year when beating Tiger Roll that I think he can land the race for the 2nd time. For me he is coming into this race in better form than his stablemate Galvin. Franco De Port looks to be e/w value at the prices especially as he was in front of Galvin last time and his run in France last May suggests this sort of test should suit him. There are others who can run well headed by Snow Leopardess who seems to have found her form again, but unless something very unusual happens it is hard to see how any of those outside of the front 3 in the betting can possibly win.

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is open to horses aged five or older and is run over a distance of three miles and six furlongs. There are thirty-two obstacles to navigate around, each one presenting a new challenge to the horses that attempt them. In running, the horses meet obstacles like no other including cheese wedges, railed hedges, several types of ditches, banks and jumps. It is run on a figure of eight style course and all runners try to circumnavigate three completed laps. Horses can qualify for the race by placing in preparation races run at Punchestown, Pau or any of the three races run at this track in November, December or March.
Statistics prove that the Irish have dominated in this sphere in recent years as they have taken seven of the last ten renewals. Only one six-year-old has won this race in the last decade and only two favourites have won the race within the same time-frame. Last year saw Delta Work emerge as a leading cross country horse when he defeated three time winner of this race and his stablemate Tiger Roll.
**Delta Work **
Ran a cracking trial for this when a good third over the course and distance carrying near top weight at the end of January. He finished a little over four lengths behind Back On The Lash, but should easily turn that form around off level weights here. He ususally needs a couple of runs to get him into shape so no surprise to see him run again just a couple of weeks later. Out of his depth now in graded chases, the ten-year-old was beaten over a dozen lengths by Blazing Khal at Navan over an inadequate trip. That run should have blown away any cobwebs and put him spot on for a repeat bid here.
Galvin
Was a useful chaser in his day, but much like his stablemate Delta Work, he seems to have lost the plot in regular chases. He won the Grade One Savills Chase at Leopardstown just over a year ago, but he has looked a pale imitation ever since. If he takes to these fences he has to be a threat to his stablemate in the same way that Delta Work was to Tiger Roll last year. Of the pair Delta Work was rated higher over regulation fences and no surprise if Galvin finds his stablemate too good once again here.
Good Bye Sam
Willie Mullins has never won this race but Good Bye Sam is an intriguing contender. He has been kept to Hunter Chases since joining the Clostutton based yard and has never finished outside of the places in any of his five runs to date. He made his Cross Country debut at Punchestown last spring where he finished a good second to Vital Island. The form of the race has been franked on multiple occasions so that is a positive sign. He is still only lightly raced but as he has never been to this track before he will need to have his wits about him. Likely to make the frame once more but one to keep on the right side of for the future.
Samcro
Another formerly useful chaser who won a Grade One Novice Hurdle at the Festival when beating Melon in the Marsh Chase back in 2020. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then and his attentions have been turned to the pointing scene. He has proved to be a revelation on that circuit and has won on each of his last three outings. At his best he would still struggle to match the class of either Galvin or Delta Work. He looks to be here for the experience and perhaps there are brighter days ahead for him.
Hip Hop Conti
Not much is known on this side of the channel about this young French chaser. He is remarkably consistent at home and has won three of his last five starts including at listed level. All of his best form has come with plenty of give in the ground, so if conditions deteriorate he could well have a live chance. History dictates that six-year-olds do not have a good record in this race although interestingly Daniel Cottin brought Easysland over at the same age and he won. Unlike Easysland though, Hip Hop Conti has no previous experience of the track and that could prove his undoing.
Prengarde
Prengarde used to have a lofty reputation an was a regular winner for the Laganeste Macaire yard a couple of seasons ago. Since joining Enda Bolger he has looked lifeless and has pulled up in two of his three runs. This looks like mission impossible for the seven-year-old and he is readily overlooked.
Back On The Lash
He is locally trained by Martin Keighley but his moment in the sun came over this course and distance just a few weeks ago when getting the better of Deise Aba and Delta Work. Off level weights here though he will struggle to confirm that form against last years' winner of this race. Likely to run a huge race all the same and has to have an each way squeak.
Minella Times
Did not take to this course and distance when last seen pulling up in a race won by Back On The Lash at the end of January. The former Grand National winner was effectively broken following his win in that great race and has been on the downgrade ever since. It looks highly unlikely that a return here will spark a revival and he probably deserves retirement now.
Summary
This looks a great opportunity for Delta Work to follow in the footsteps of stablemate Tiger Roll by racking up a sequence of wins at this track and in this race. He ran his heart out in a practice for this behind Back On The Lash over the course and distance a few weeks ago and he will be cherry ripe on the day. Back On The Lash is locally trained and deserves credit for his win last day and he could well make the frame once more. Galvin is an intriguing contender and if taking to the track could well be in the mix too.
Punters Lounge Tip: Delta Work @ EVS NRNB at Betfred - Click Here To Bet
by Karl Hedley @Tumbleweed King

Class preview there, @Tumbleweed King. Backing your pick for the tipster competition so fingers crossed! Very tough one to call though with some of those odds flying around.

Close Brothers Mares Hurdle 4.10 Cheltenham
The Close Brothers Mare’s Hurdle (or the David Nicholson Mare’s Hurdle as it was formerly know) has only been run fifteen times with Ireland winning twelve of those and Willie Mullins taking nine of those dozen. His super mare Quevega (dam of Facile Vega) won this race no less than six times on the bounce between 2014 and 2019 which must surely go down as one of Mullins’ greatest training performances. Last year the race was wrestled away from Ireland by Nicky Henderson’s Marie’s Rock at 18/1 with Ireland filling the next five places home. The race is run over the old course and the mares will race over 2M 3F 200 yards.
BRANDY LOVE
One of three Willie Mullins here and presumably the pick of the stable’s number one jockey Paul Townend. Missed Cheltenham on morning of mares novices’ hurdle last year due to injury but beat the winner of that race Love Envoi by a comfortable 8L at Fairyhouse the following month in a first time hood. Back from a 311 day absence when easy to back and finishing a 4 3/4L third to Queens Brook who she was giving 9lb to. Sure to have come forward for that run and holds each way claims here.
ECHOES IN RAIN
5th in this last year prior to runner up in Punchestown Champion Hurdle to Honeysuckle the following month. Last seen when an easy winner of a grade 3 at Naas in January and only has 7lb officially to find with today’s top rated Honeysuckle. A negative here though has to be the fact that Willie Mullins’ number one pilot Paul Townend has chosen to ride Brandy Love.
EPATANTE
One of three Nicky Henderson trained runners in today’s field. Bumped into stable companion Constitution Hill twice before a comfortable winner at Doncaster in January. 2020 winner of the Champion Hurdle and runner up the last two years to Honeysuckle in same race. A very slick hurdler who will be ridden by his regular jockey Aidan Coleman today and should go close with conditions to suit.
HONEYSUCKLE
Dual winner of the Champion Hurdle who takes this route rather than challenge Constitution Hill and State Man in this years renewal. The top rated in the field and her two starts this season suggest she retains plenty of ability. A 4 3/4L second to State Man maybe good enough for her to take a hand in the finish. Will be ridden as per usual by Rachael Blackmore and is trained in Ireland Henry De Bromhead.
LOVE ENVOI
Won the mares novices’ hurdle at the meeting last year but was firmly put in her place a month later by Brandy Love at Fairyhouse. A dual winner at Sandown this season in handicap and listed company and the ground can’t be soft enough for her. Officially rated 12lb behind Honeysuckle but on her favoured terrain has place claims. Trained by Harry Fry and will be ridden today by Jonathan Burke.
MARIE’S ROCK
Winner of this contest a year ago by 1 3/4L from Queens Brook. Unbeaten since at Punchestown (grade 1) and Cheltenham (grade 2). Runs here in preference to a tilt at the stayers hurdle where her stamina would have been tested going up in trip. Trained at Seven Barrows by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico De Boinville. Impressed last time and a big player today.
MIDNIGHT GINGER
Trained locally by Andrew Martin and totally outclassed here. Should comfortably finish last under James Martin.
QUEENS BROOK
Runner up to Marie’s Rock in this last year following an interrupted preparation. Been a bit hit and miss so far this season but did beat the re-appearing Brandy Love last time though was in receipt of 9lb. Davy Russell rides for Gordon Elliott and could out run her odds as has been aimed at this race since last year.
SHEWEARSITWELL
The weakest of the Mullins trio who will be ridden today by Danny Mullins. Looked good at Leopardstown over Christmas when a comfortable 4 1/2L winner over Queens Brook over today’s distance. Bit to find on ratings but obviously has plenty of talent.
THEATRE GLORY
The third candidate from the Nicky Henderson yard. Was supplemented at a cost of just under £5k for this and will need to finish in the first five to recuperate that. Daryl Jacob takes the ride and looked good at Warwick last time out last month but that was on good ground and soft ground today will be against.
Summary :-
One of the races of the Festival with dual Champion Hurdler Honeysuckle the one to beat. She’s unbeaten in three starts at the Festival having won this race in 2020 and the two subsequent Champions. Last year’s winner Marie’s Rock looks a serious player whilst her stable mate Epatante also has strong claims. Echoes In Rain was an original ante post fancy of mine but with Paul Townend choosing Brandy Love over her is now dismissed. The latter could be the most interesting one but can be a bit wayward (wears a hood) and hasn’t had the ideal preparation for this. With everything considered it’s going to be Honeysuckle for me to win her fourth race in the last four Festivals and bring the house down.
1 Honeysuckle
2 Marie’s Rock
3 Brandy Love

Class preview there, @Tumbleweed King. Backing your pick for the tipster competition so fingers crossed! Very tough one to call though with some of those odds flying around.

Sporting Life Arkle Novices' Chase - 2.10 Cheltenham 
The Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase is run on the old course and is actually 21 yards short of two miles. A couple of key stats for the race are that six or seven year olds have won nine of the last ten renewals (the exception being last years winner, the 8 year old Edwardstone) and nine of the last ten winners have finished first or second in all of their completed chase starts.
BALLYBREEZE
Trained by local handler Samuel Drinkwater. Not seen since winning on chase debut last October in a novice handicap at Chepstow. Looks out of his depth here with three stone to find on official ratings.
DYSART DYNAMO
One of four Willie Mullins runners in race. Went off joint favourite in last years Champion Hurdle when falling three from home when travelling well. Taken well to chasing landing the odds when winning a four runner novice chase at Leopardstown over Christmas with his usual exuberant style from the front. Similar tactics were employed in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival when only run out of it after the last finishing 10 1/2L fourth to stable mate El Fabiolo. Looks the pace to the race here with Danny Mullins in the saddle.
EL FABIOLO
A smart novice hurdler who was only a neck behind Jonbon at Aintree last spring. Trained by Willie Mullins he’s made a a great start to fencing winning at Fairyhouse by 19L and the Irish Arkle Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown last month by 10L from Banbridge (Dysart Dynamo back in third). Big chance here with Paul Townend taking over from Darryl Jacob.
HA D’OR
Another Willie Mullins trained runner who has won one of his three starts over the bigger obstacles. Second last time out at Navan in a a grade three leaves Rich Ricci’s gelding with a bit to find with the principals having a stone to find on official ratings.
HOLLOW GAMES
Gordon Elliott’s representative. Comfortable winner at Navan on fencing debut back in November but struggled when upped to this grade at Leopardstown over Christmas finishing 4th of 5 behind Saint Roi. Hopes rest on a recent wind operation improving him. Davy Russell rides.
JONBON
Trained at Seven Barrows by Nicky Henderson. A smart hurdler who chased home his stable companion Constitution Hill in the Supreme on this day last year prior to getting the better of El Fabiolo in a ding ding finish at Aintree triumphing by a neck. Unbeaten in three starts over fences at Warwick by 7L, Sandown by 8L and Warwick again by 5 1/2L. Didn’t impress everyone with that latest success when he actually looked in trouble in a match when a 1/16 chance! Eventually got the job done and the horse who gave him that scare Calico has won a handicap since. A major player under Nico De Boinville.
SAINT ROI
Races in the same ownership as Jonbon in the green and gold silks of JP McManus. A grade one winner at Leopardstown over Christmas on his second start over fences but unseated his rider when a 10/1 chance at the fifth in the Irish Arkle won by El Fabiolo. Only has 9lb officially to find with the principals and has each way claims.
STRAW FAN JACK
Trained in Wales by part time beauty saloon owner Sheila Lewis. Has won two of his three starts over fences but in much lower class and looks out of his depth here.
EFFERNOCK FIZZ
The most experienced of the nine runners having run ten times over fences. The only mare in the contest so can claim the 7lb sex allowance. Last seen winning a three runner mares only novices chase at Ludlow last month and looks out of her depth here.
Summary:-
It’s hard to look beyond the front three here with Willie Mullin’s Dysart Dynamo certain to lead them along at a fair pace and if backing him you’re sure to get a decent run for your money although as at Leopardstown last time he’s likely to run out of puff on the final climb to the finish. El Fabiolo has done nothing wrong in his two starts over fences and appeals as the most likely winner here having blitzed his field in the Irish Arkle last month. Jonbon is a big danger mind having won all three of his starts over the bigger obstacles. It should be right royal battle between the Mullins and Henderson chasers with preference slightly for the former.
1 El Fabiolo
2 Jonbon
3 Dysart Dynamo

Facile Vega is the likely favourite. He was a well beaten favourite last time.
Mullins record with beaten favourites at the festival is 2 wins from 62 runs.

The Skybet Supreme Novices Hurdle (Grade 1) – 1:30PM
The opening two-mile contest is often run at a furious gallop, and it has often paid to sit in behind any frontrunner in recent years. Constitution Hill, Appreciate It, Shishkin, and Klassical Dream have all come from off the pace to win in the past three renewals. Leading trainer, Willie Mullins has a fantastic record in the race and has taken the coveted prize back across the Irish Sea on no fewer than seven occasions. Statistics show that horses need to have run at least twice so far this season and no winner in the last twenty renewals has won with any headgear (cheekpieces, visor or tongue-tie).
 
Year
Horse
Age
Trainer
Jockey
2022
Constitution Hill
5
Nicky Henderson
N De Boinville
2021
Appreciate It
7
Willie Mullins
P Townend
2020
Shishkin
6
Nicky Henderson
N De Boinville
2019
Klassical Dream
5
Willie Mullins
R Walsh
2018
Summerville Boy
6
Tom George
N Fehily
2017
Labaik
6
Gordon Elliott
J Kennedy
2016
Altior
6
Nicky Henderson
N De Boinville
2015
Douvan
5
Willie Mullins
R Walsh
2014
Vautour
5
Willie Mullins
R Walsh
2013
Champagne Fever
6
Willie Mullins
R Walsh
2012
Cinders & Ashes
5
Donald McCain
J Maguire
                                                                                                                      FACILE VEGA (155)– WILLIE MULLINS & PAUL TOWNEND
Was far too keen for his own good when last seen in the Tattersalls Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. Uncharacteristically he made a few errors and folded tamely two from home. The jockey came in for criticism and justifiably so. Willie Mullins is a master at bringing the good ones back and being a son of Quevega, this boy is all talent. He is a previous winner here as he took the champion bumper last season. Stats are against him but he will take some beating if back on song.
MARINE NATIONALE (150)– BARRY CONNELL & MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN
Hasn’t been seen since winning the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse back in December where he beat Irish Point by a head. That form on its own is not spectacular and the runner up has been readily brushed aside on a couple of occasions since. The stable think the world of him though and he comes here unbeaten. This looks to be the toughest field he has ever faced and a lack of experience at Cheltenham may count against him too.
IL ETAIT TEMPS (155) – WILLIE MULLINS & DANNY MULLINS
Caused at massive shock at the Dublin Racing Festival by finishing some twenty lengths ahead of his much preferred stablemate Facile Vega. He travelled supremely well from off a strong pace and gathered up his rivals some way from home. He ran on to record a near ten length victory over Inthepocket. He is certainly improving at a rate of knots and a fast run race could well set this up for him yet again. Four previous winners of the Tattersalls Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown have followed up here at Cheltenham within the last decade including Champagne Fever, Vautour, Klassical Dream and Appreciate It. If he has strengthened up again, he will prove a force to be reckoned with.
TAHMURAS (142) – PAUL NICHOLLS & HARRY COBDEN
Tahmuras is a proven Grade One winner and looks to be riding on the crest of a wave for Paul Nicholls. Unbeaten in three starts since going hurdling, the six-year-old looks to be the Ditcheat handlers best chance of winning this race since Al Ferof back in 2011. The form of that most recent race has been franked by Nemean Lion who won a Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle just the other day and he certainly has strong each way claims.
HIGH DEFINITION (UNRATED) – JOSEPH O’BRIEN & JJ SLEVIN
He won on his debut for Joseph O’Brien in a pleasing fashion and got the better of Jetara. He was upped in grade but made costly errors and unseated his rider in no uncertain terms in the Tattersalls Novices’ Hurdle. He would really need to brush up his jumping and he departed too early to determine how much of a say he would have had in the finish. This course takes no prisoners and any flaws in his ability will be found out. This looks too big an ask at this stage.
CHASING FIRE (136) – OLLY MURPHY & AIDAN COLEMAN
Has been an impressive winner of all three starts so far this season. His wins have all been at a much lower level than any of his rivals and the form has been badly let down by the runner up subsequently. He is still open to any amount of improvement though and if he was trained by Henderson or Mullins he would be a much shorter price. Whatever he does here he will learn from and he can go onto bigger and brighter things next year.
RARE EDITION (138) – CHARLIE LONGSDON & SAM TWISTON-DAVIES
He had looked progressive earlier in the year but his tendency to jump right got him turned over at Huntingdon last time. If he does that here he will be in big trouble early on. Having been beaten in listed company last time he really does look up against it here. Charlie Longsdon has only ever trained six winners at this course since 2011 and all have been at a much lower level. Rare Edition may be one of the best he has ever trained but that still doesn’t look good enough,
DIVERGE (UNRATED) – WILLIE MULLINS & PADDY MULLINS
Was a wide margin winner at Punchestown when last seen out at the end of January. Despite beating the likes of Mon Couer and Slanagaibhgoleir, nothing from the race has come out to frank the form which is very disappointing. This looks a lot more difficult than the opposition he faced last time and both Danny Mullins and Paul Townend prefer their chances over him. That has to say a lot and he is readily passed over.
INTHEPOCKET (145) – HENRY DE BROMHEAD & RACHAEL BLACKMORE
Was no match for Il Etait Temps in the Tattersalls Novices’ Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival last month. The yard has been struggling for form all year so it was a positive performance. Connections left it to the very last minute to declare him for this but he should be able to make the frame if further improvement comes. He relishes testing ground so if the rain continues to come it will bring him into the picture further.
DOCTOR BRAVO (140) – GORDON ELLIOTT & DAVY RUSSELL
Has yet to finish outside the first three places in any start and lost his maiden status over hurdles at Down Royal back in January. He was then upped in class into Grade 3 company and he ran well finishing third to stablemate Fil D’Or. He would take to take another massive leap forward to think that he could be in with troubling the best of these. Likely to run well for a while before fading in the closing stages.
DARK RAVEN (145) – WILLIE MULLINS & DARYL JACOB
Was perhaps given a little too much to do last time when beaten by both Il Etait Temps and Inthepocket at the Dublin Racing Festival. He looked like taking the runner-up spot but fluffed his chance at the second last flight of hurdles. A stronger gallop is likely to be on the agenda here and that may well suit him better. Not out of this by any means and could well be the proverbial dark horse in the line-up.
STRONG LEADER (133) – OLLY MURPHY & SEAN BOWEN
Was runner-up to Encanto Bruno in a bumper around here back in October. Since then he has gone on a three race unbeaten run winning a further two bumpers at Uttoxeter and Aintree. He also made a winning debut over hurdles at Southwell but this will take a massive leap forward. The yard are in fantastic form though and no surprise if he defies his likely long odds to pass a few of these when they have cried enough.
FENNOR CROSS (134) – JOHN MCCONNELL & SIMON TORRENS
Is a smart dual purpose performer and has already scored twice over this course and distance including in Grade 2 company. He has not been seen in action since mid-November, but he has won after similar breaks in the past so is unlikely to be found wanting for fitness. If the major players fail to run their race he could well take full advantage. He is interesting all the same and he will likely have better days ahead of him.
PALACE BOY (125) – FERGAL O’BRIEN & PADDY BRENNAN
Was firmly put in his place by Luccia in a Novices’ Hurdle last month. That is a level below what is required here and he looks completely out of his depth. Will be truly found out in this company.
Ante-post Prices
7/4 Facile Vega , 7/2 Marine Nationale , 5/1 Il Etait Temps , 8/1 Tahmuras , 12/1 High Definition , 16/1 Diverge , 20/1 Dark Raven , 20/1 Chasing Fire , 20/1 Inthepocket , 20/1 Doctor Bravo , 25/1 Rare Edition, 33/1 Strong Leader , 50/1 Fennor Cross , 150/1 Palace Boy
Key Trends
9 of the past 10 winners won last time out.
6 of the past 8 winners were rated 153+
8 of the last 10 winners were trained by Willie Mullins or Nicky Henderson.
SUMMARY
IL ETAIT TEMPS could well be the answer to this tricky puzzle. There was no fluke about the manner of his last won in top class company during the Dublin Racing Festival. With Facile Vega now with a cloud hanging over him following his blow-out in the same race he will have competition for the lead here and that could put him in an uncomfortable position. The winner of the Tattersalls Novices’ Hurdle has won this four times in the last decade and all were trained by Willie Mullins. Paul Nicholls can take comfort in the fact that he has a Grade One winner in the shape of Tahmuras. His recent win was given a significant boost at Kelso quite recently and he may outrun his double priced odds.
Selection: IL ETAIT TEMPS
Edited 1 minute ago by Tumbleweed King (see edit history)