Supporting the Injured Jockeys Fund ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
First of all thanks to all who have contributed to the club's IJF Fundraiser in 2026!
Our format will be similar to 2025. We will have a panel of four guests who will provide selections for each race on the evening before racing takes place. There will also be a range of 'naps' of the week from friends of NMRC.
If all goes to plan the selections will be uploaded here around 9pm on Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday - Thursday in good time for the next day's racing.
For the Gr 1 races where there is a hot favourite panel members may also look for an alternative strategy such as a forecast or 'betting without the favourite'. In the big handicaps the panel may nominate two or three horses to go on a 'shortlist'. In some of the races where form is less clear (bumpers, cross-country, hunter chase etc) then panel members may decide it best to have 'no strong opinion'.
Gordon Armistead will have all the form information from his on-course visits to the main UK & Ireland key trials races ahead of Cheltenham whilst Phil Evans will have a wide range of past festival statistics on hand to help members draw up their big race ‘shortlists’. Martin Unsworth will also be bringing his ante-post form expertise to the meetings each evening. Graham Rossiter (Betfred TV) will also be joining the main panel.
As the results are confirmed during the week I shall highlight winning tips in red and placed horses in blue - using standard e/w terms (so extra places may still win).
Before the main daily tips arrive here are some details from other Racing Professionals;
SUSAN CORBETT (Trainer) Got to be Minella Study for Adam Nichol - JCB triumph Hurdle -already won over CD in Dec - and Wendigo EW in the Brown Advisory.
BRIAN GOODWILL (Retired Judge) Sinnatra in The County Hurdle, 1.18 Friday 13 March. The Skelton stable has a good record in the race and the form behind Captain Hugo looks good after that horse's win in The Morebattle.
PAUL FERGUSSON (Weatherbys Guide) My banker for this year’s Festival comes up nice and early, with OLD PARK STAR fancied to land the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for Nicky Henderson. Unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, he looks to possess the ideal blend of speed and stamina for the race. Given that it looks a deep race this year, I’d expect him to ease out to a bigger price next Tuesday morning. At a bigger price, CELTIC DINO (currently 33/1) is worth noting in the County Hurdle, with the drying ground coming in his favour. He had Alexei, Wilful and Tutti Quanti (all big race winners subsequently) in behind at Chepstow before running well against Wodhooh at Ascot. I had expected him to wait for Aintree but it seems that the County is the target and if he gets his conditions, I suspect he’ll go off a fair bit shorter. From a mark of 147, he faces no easy task but brings a class angle to proceedings.
GERALDINE MCKAY (Cartmel) We have two - one from me and one from James our Clerk (I won’t say who is who) Minella Study in the Triumph Hurdle & Majborough in the Champion Chase.
MALCOLM TOMLINSON (Course commentator) - Cheltenham Nap as promised: Kabral Du Mathan (Stayers Hurdle 3.20 Thursday)
JONATHAN GARRETT (Kelso) - Thanks Phil - what fun! I can't remember when I last saw a novice hurdler jump and gallop like Sober Glory - 12/1 in the Supreme Novices looks like a good price for the training team that won the bet365 Morebattle Hurdle on Saturday. If I had a second choice, I would pay close attention to the recent Kelso winner King Of Answers (Lucinda Russell) in whichever race he ends up in - but particularly should he make it into the Ultima Chase (a race Lucinda has made a recent habit of farming).
MATT CHAPMAN (ITV) - Old Park Star Supreme 🙏
DAVID CARR (Racing Post) - King's Threshold each-way in the Kim Muir - currently 25-1 in a place.
PAUL JACOBS (Daily Star) - Hi Phil. My nap of the week is Storm Heart in the BetMGM Handicap Hurdle (former Coral Cup). In my eyes he is a possible grade one horse and if Workahead runs well in the Champion Hurdle as an outsider, that should back up the Red Mills form. Visa Versa if Storm Heart wins this then Workahead could be interesting in the County Hurdle.
RICHARD HOILES (ITV) - Hi Phil, My nap would be Thedeviluno in the Albert Bartlett on Friday. I thought his defeat by Doctor Steinberg was down to a the race being run at a crawl and he proved the suitability of a test of stamina when winning at Doncaster last time. He is not short of speed as he beat Skylight Hustle over 2m earlier in the season but this test looks as if it should be right up his street.
ANDY GIBSON (Cheltenham Trail) - Hi Phil. No point in giving a short one so for my nap of the week I will go with Ammes who is currently a 10/1 shot in what was the Fred Winter. He is closely matched with Minella Study who is interestingly trading at shorter odds for the Triumph despite seemingly having a lot more on his plate.
My biggest bets of the week are two each ways on C'est Different and Supremely West in the Pertemps Final. I see the latter has been backed off the boards in recent days.
A couple of lively outsiders I have backed are Celtic Dino 25/1 and Secret Squirrel 33/1 both in the County. One might be be best on soft ground the other maybe less so.
In the 'getting out stakes' I have backed Act Of Authority ew at 20/1. He was second to Wodhooh in the race in 2025 and was clearly given a considerate ride with the Martin Pipe in mind last time out.
CORNELIUS LYSAGHT (Former BBC Racing) - Majborough has long been my banker in the QM Ch Chase but the absence of last year’s winner makes him a bit short. So I’d go with Maestro Conti to win the Triumph Hurdle - the turn of foot displayed on Trials Day was something to behold.
REBECCA MENZIES (Trainer) - Hi Phil - I'll go with Minella Study EW (Triumph Hurdle) and look out for Collinksi & I am Simba elsewhere
RYAN MANIA (Jockey) - Talk The Talk (Supreme or Turners)
ANDREW THORNTON (Retired Jockey) - Koktail Divin (Brown Advisory or Jack Richards)
GORDON BROWN (Racing TV) - Saratoga (Juv H’cap) Hi Phil - Thursday 4.00 Cheltenham Banbridge - cheers Gordon
STEPHEN DARBYSHIRE (Hexham Preview Panel) - Ubatuba EW (Albert Bartlett)
RIHARD JOHNSON (Retired Jockey) - No Drama This End (Turners/Albert Bartlett)
JOEL PARKINSON (Trainer) - Grand Geste (NH Challenge Cup)
JONATHAN DOIDGE (Independent Newspaper) - Puturhandstogether (MGM Hurdle/County Hurdle)
MICHAEL SHINERS (Skybet) - Jump Allen (MGM Hurdle/County Hurdle/Martin Pipe Hurdle)
JASON HEAVEY - Hi Phil - So nap of the week is MUSTANG DU BREUIL on Tuesday in the Fred Winter.
STEVE LEWIS HAMILTON (Pro Punter) - Hi Phil. Bob Olinger in the Stayers hurdle
FRIDAY PANEL PICKS
Andy White (PTP Correspondent - Racin' Magazine)
Hi Phil, In the Princess Royal Open Hunter Chase my Nap would be Barton Snow one of four in the race for Joe O’Shea to beat the very strong Irish Challenge. Of his other three I would select Paul Marvel as a long shot e/w selection.
Gordon Armistead
Triumph It’s mostly maiden form for the Irish runners apart from Selma De Vary. I am not sure even the Mullins stable knows whether she or one of the maiden winners is the stables best. Anyway I think the Brits have a chance with Minella Study who was so impressive here in December. County He’s a bit short for me but I have been fancying Karbau for this for quite a while and with Paul Townend choosing him that encourages me more. At a bigger price Helvic Dream has an each way chance. Mares Chase Last year’s winner Dinoblue is the likeliest winner but is prone to make mistakes. Spindleberry’s best form is on heavy and she turned in a shocker last time and I can’t have Panic Attack being good enough. I’ll take a chance with July Flower who will appreciate going back up in trip. Albert Bartlett A race that often goes to a big priced winner. Jalon D’oudairies has improved with every run since missing last season. He was third behind last year’s Albert Bartlett winner Jasmin de Vaux and Romeo Coolio in the 2024 Bumper. Hipop de Loire third in the Doncaster Cup and sixth in the Ebor is a huge price. Both are each way value. Gold Cup I can find reasons not to back all of these so I doubt if I will be having a bet. If Paul Townend can settle Gaelic Warrior he is the most likely. Hunters Fourth time lucky for Its on the Line? Panda Boy is an interesting contender under the excellent John Gleason but it’s a no bet race for me. Martin Pipe Open Secret for the Elliot yard has graded form at the course and looks a fair price at 18/1. Of the British Andashan has improved this season and Dylan Johnson is an eye catching booking. Again both are each way.
Martin Unsworth
Race 1 : Triumph Hurdle I don’t think there is much between Proactif and Macho Man so I don’t understand why proactive is so much shorter. Paul Townend selects Selma De Vary and Mullins has already said it was only half ready at the DRF. I’d love to see Minella Study win it Bet : Selma De Vary, Macho Man Lay : Proactif
Race 2 : County Hurdle
Stakes to a minimum – Sinnatra is described as a mentally immature graded horse who could step up. Obviously the 2 x Mullins horses at the front of the market have chances. Bet : Sinnatra
Race 3 : Mares Chase
I have a thing here were I lay Dinoblue at Cheltenham – ive won 3 and lost 1 – and I will be doing it again. This years race is a lot deeper than last. Panic Attack has improved all season and could conceivably step up again. Spindleberry isn’t suited by conditions but as a grade 1 winner has the best form. Diva Luna missed its prep because of injury – but is highly rated. Only By Night has always sidestepped 2m4f – so I’d be against it here – though it brings excellent form from last years Arkle – but Gavin Cromwell always questioned if it stays further. Lay : Dinoblue
Race 4 : Albert Bartlett I’m on Hipop de Loire at 66/1 Antepost here – so I'm sticking to it. Its run at Galway isn’t bad at all and it ranks up with the best of these with the subsequent exploits of the Tony Martin horse Bet : Hipop De Loire
Race 5 : Gold Cup
For me if Inothewayurthinkin turns up in good form it wins – but it’s a big if. The king George form looks a bit iffy to me. Banbridge was with these 3 – and we know he wouldn’t stay this trip on this track. Gaelic Warrior has only ever won at this trip on a flat track, Jango Baie has never won over further than 2m5f and the Jukebox Man only just beat them. Haiti Coleurs is the only stayer in the front 4 in the market. The performance at Chepstow was top class carrying top weight. Bet : Haiti Coleurs, Inothewayurthinkin
Race 6 : Hunter Chase No great opinion – Stattler was a decent level under rules. I do think Paul Nicholls is desperately trying to win this with his daughter – they had a good go with shearer last year – and rock up with Golden Son this year – he was previously highly rated – would probably take a chance with that Bet : Stattler , Golden Son
Race 7 : Martin Pipe I’m all over Kel Histoire ante post at 16s – end of story Bet : Kel Histoire
Graham Rossiter
1.20 - No Selection.
2.00 - Karbau e/w (Nap) potential to be miles ahead of her mark / Townend’s only handicap ride of the week, take the hint.
2.40 - July Flower (e/w) looked good at Cheltenham earlier this season / will enjoy any rain that arrives
3.20 - Mondouiboy (e/w) looked v good at Ascot / pedigree suggests will improve again for a thorough test of stamina / held in v high regard by Ben Pauling
4.00 - Grey Dawning (e/w) - overpriced on his betfair chase and previous festival win / wasn’t fully wound up when beaten latest / looks the ew value in the race now though wouldn’t want a bog
4.40 - no selection
5.20 - Wendrock (e/w) - similar profile to a lot of the yards horses who have performed well in this race / ran cracker in the Fred Winter last year.
Phil Evans
1.20 - SELMA DE VARY - Leopardstown (DRF) form usually holds up well in this race and Willie Mullins has won five of the last six renewals. 2.00 - KARBAU - Willie Mullins/Paul Townend have a strong record in the race. An EW alternative is ABSURDE who has winning form at Cheltenham and last ran on the flat in the Melbourne Cup. 2.40 - SPINDLEBERRY - Willie Mullins has won 3/5 renewals so far and as this is not a great favourite's race the selection at 11/2 offers a bit of EW value. If we ignore the last run in the Irish Gold Cup the mare has won 5/5 other chases. 3.20 - KAZANSKY (EW) - Even though the Leopardstown form and strong Mullins-Townend record in the race all points to Doctor Steinberg winning, as no favourite has won the race since 2013 I will swerve the favourite and go with the Leopardstown DRF runner up in the hope that the faster ground may reverse the DRF placings. 4.00 - GAELIC WARRIOR ran well in the Irish Gold Cup and with the Mullins/Townend partnership winning four of the last seven renewals looks likely to run another big race. FIREFOX was 4th in the Irish GC and may be worth a small EW at 40/1 or a first 4 finish (16/5). 4.40 - No Selection. 5.20 - Gordon Elliott has won four times since 2017 so will plump for three of his (all ew) at odds of 18/1. If any market moves on Friday may double my stakes! SA FUREUR, OPEN SECRET & STEDE BONNET.
THURSDAY PANEL PICKS
Graham Rossiter
1.20 Carrigmoornaspruce (e/w Nap) tough and consistent mare / form looks progressive/ connections delighted with her homework coming into this.
2.00 Slade Steel (e/w) - drop in trip will suit / well handicapped on his best form
2.40 - No Selection
3.20 Honesty Policy (e/w) cracking effort on comeback run / versatile regards ground / improving 6yo
4.00 - No Selection
4.40 - Electric Mason (e/w) - rock solid hcap form this season / been kept fresh for this
5.20 - Herakles Westwood (e/w) excellent amateur booked / acts well at Cheltenham Martin Unsworth
Race 1 : Mares Novices Hurdle
Bambino Fever – that’s it. Bet : Bambino Fever
Race 2 : Jack Richards Handicap
This has obviously been the target for Regents Stroll since the first day of the season but unlike Caldwell Potter last season its priced in. I don’t get the Meetmebythesea gamble – winning two 5 runner races by a length and then put in its place at Newbury. If it had still been 4/1 I’d be a layer. Stencil looks to have had this target since the beginning of the season also after it was wrestled into 5th on its chase debut at Cheltenham. There could be more scope in this mark. Bet : Stencil
Race 3 : Mares Hurdle Should just be typing Woodhooh and moving on – but its starting to niggle that Gordon Elliotts don’t seem to be running well (I think he’s 2 seconds from 28 so far – and 5 winners in 64). Jade De Grugy is the Mullins chosen one for the race and at the prices it could be worth taking the Favourite on. Bet : Jade De Grugy
Race 4 : Stayers Hurdle
Could double up as a veterans event. This division is crying out for a new star. Bob Olinger is 11 and De Bromhead is in horrendous form. I cant have Teahupoo has had 3 goes and only won 1 – on top of that said to need it soft – and the Elliott form factor coming into play. Ballyburn is intriguing that they are persisting down this route – and using some equipment for the first time. Kabral Du Mathan surely doesn’t stay but looks to be going off favourite for some reason. Ma Shantou has improved through the season and might just continue to do so. Bet : Ma Shantou, Ballyburn Lay : Kabral Du Mathan
Race 5 : Ryanair Chase
He can chuck in a stinker – but Fact To File is much the likeliest winner. Bet : Fact To File
Race 6 : Pertemps Final
Shenanigans afoot – Bold Endeavour has achieved the feat of going on holidays to Laura Morgans and coming back 15lb lighter. Supremely West has been wrestled into losing positions all season. Melbourne Shamrock suddenly came into form when they felt they might need a penalty to get in. Yeah Man should have won the qualifier he was in but didn’t – and finds himself with the biggest Irish tax out of all the handicap runners at the festival. Any of them could win. Bet : Bold Endeavour , Yeah Man
Race 7 : Kim Muir
Don’t have much of an opinion here – wanted to do Prends Garde A Toi – but the Elliott form is going to see it walk right out if woodhooh doesn’t win. Can Willie Mullins finally break his handicap chase hoodoo? Road To Home after trotting up over 2m – goes off fav for a 3m race last season. One run this season - P – There has to be a plan somewhere ???
Bet : Prends Garde A Toi , Road To Home
Gordon Armistead
Mares Novice It looks a match and a huge disparity in the betting seeing that Oldschool Outlaw beat Bambino Fever when they met. The best thing might be to ignore the pair and go for Carrigmoornaspruce at 9/2 without the two of them. She never runs a bad race. Jack Richards A very classy renewal. I have had Slade Steel in mind for this for a few weeks. At a bigger price Old Man Dingle looks big at 25/1 each way. Mares Hurdle Wodhooh has been getting a bit lazy in her races, but she is by far the likeliest winner. With Jade de Grugy having been chasing Feet of a Dancer without the favourite at 4/1 might be the answer. Stayers The lack of any pace with no obvious front runner would be the main danger to Teahupoo. Kabral du Mathan has looked good but is the unknown at the trip so again take that pair out of the calculations and Bob Olinger at 7/2 without the pair might be the way to go. Ryanair Fact to File will surely win again. Jonbon has had two hard races in the last few weeks, and I think his great record of never being out of the first two will go here. Banbridge’s festival record is poor so the exacta of Fact to File to beat stable mate Impaire Et Passe (a festival winner himself) could be worth a try. Pertemps Supremely West has been favourite for this for most of the season but we have had three 25/1 winners in the last four runnings. Qualifier race winners have a dreadful record in the final, but I hope that might end. Leopardstown winner Dukes Silver at 25/1 and Naas winner Melbourne Shamrock (blinkers replacing cheek pieces) at 18/1 both each way should be in the mix. Kim Muir I think Jericho de Reponet is the worst value favourite of the week. Road to Home with Patrick Mullins getting down to hi minimum weight at 14/1 and King’s Threshold at 25/1 both have each way chances.
Phil Evans
1.20 - ECHOING SILENCE (EW) - Ideal profile is an Irish trained 6yo that also won LTO. 2.00 - NO SELECTION - New race in 2025. 2.40 - JADE DE GRUGY - 11/18 wins in this race for Willie Mullins (all 1st/2nd favourites). 3.20 - MA SHANTOU (EW) - 7yo is the preferred age group and Cleve Hurdle runners often run well in the race. The horse has also won last three races run at the track. 4.00 - FACT TO FILE - Last year's winner but unbackable to me at 4/6 at time of writing! 4.40 - NO STRONG OPINION - If pressed would suggest modest EW on three RED DIRT ROAD, CLASSIC KING, LAVIDA AVIDA - all 20/1 to 33/1. 5.20 - THE ENABLER & PRENDS GARDE A TOI (Both EW). G Elliott has a solid record in the race with both horses in a positive age group based on past winners. WEDNESDAY PANEL PICKS
Graham Rossiter
1.20 - Shuttle Diplomacy (e/w) - placed at big odds in the champion bumper last season / getting the hang of the hurdling game now / will enjoy going up in trip 2.00 - Koktail Divin (e/w) - produced a monstrous performance latest start / brilliant jumping will be a huge asset in this race / spring ground at this trip ideal 2.40 - Lucky Place (e/w) - looked happier back over hurdles LTO / good course form / placed in this race in 2024 2.40 - Iberico Lord (e/w) - Lanzarote hurdle win looks very strong form / likes these big field hcaps 3.20 - No Selection 4.00 - Quilixios (w/o Majborough) rev f/c with Majborough - goes very well fresh / trainer v happy with his preparation 4.40 - Inthepocket (e/w) - Grade 1 winner over hurdles / shaped well LTO and could be v well handicapped if anywhere near back to his best 5.20 - No Selection
Martin Unsworth
Turners Novices Hurdle : Sober is a royal Ascot winner and comes here over the supreme. No Drama This End hasn’t done anything wrong but doesn’t seem to have beaten much on balance. Ballyfad steps up in trip after showing good speed over the 2m. Gordon Elliot has always said it would be a better horse over a longer trip. Bet : Ballyfad , Sober
Brown Advisory: The Big Westerner needs softer ground – and the stable continues in terrible form. Romeo Coolio is too short for a horse that probably wants 2m4f – though it has the class to win. Wendigo has done nothing wrong all season and looks the best of the Brits. I’m taking a chance on Oscars Brother – it might need softer ground – but its improved all season and might just keep going (I’ve also backed it for the grand national). Bet: Oscars Brother, Wendigo
Bet MGM Cup: Kateira has been the gamble of the race in the last few weeks – it last won a handicap off 136 and its 141 now, admittedly it was the last time it ran in a handicap. The Yellow Clay is either a plot for this – or its just not that good – im going with the latter. I’m fascinated by Kopek De Mee, backed in to 5/2 Fav for the Martin Pipe last year it ballooned every hurdle on the way to finishing virtually last – but then ran a cracker at Aintree making up a ton of ground over the last and only just missing out. One run over fences all season and back to hurdles for some unfinished business – Mark Walsh selects to ride. Bunting was backed for this race last year – but ran a stinker out front – its Tony Bloom – I’m having a saver. Bet: Kopek De Mee, Bunting
Cross Country: I laid Stumptown last year – I’m back for more ! Lay : Stumptown
Queen Mother Champion Chase: If Majborough stays on its feet it wins – and I don’t really feel the horse is that bad a jumper. I’m probably going to play the lengths markets here as if he’s ridden handy and kicks on early he may win a fair distance. Bet: Majborough
Grand Annual Chase: Be Aware made a few errors at Windsor but still went close. Inthepocket has been the gamble but its not getting any younger at 9. I like Release The Beast in this. Second to Addragoole who he re-opposes today – he got no sort of run that day – I think this is a well handicapped horse – and if you look for an old quote about this horse online “he works like no other” Bet: Release The beast
The Champion Bumper: I don’t think it’s a particularly good bumper this year. Love Sign Daunou looks like it needs further already. I think one of the 4 year olds could win this – Our Trigger is a half brother to Gaelic Warrior and showed decent form first time up. Quiryn is flat bred and related to group winners in France. I wouldn’t put anyone off Mets Ta Ceinture getting all the allowances for the Skeltons. Bet: Our Trigger, Quiryn
Gordon Armistead (Racin Magazine)
Turners A bigger field than normal. Do we right off the Irish novices after the Supreme? No Drama This End could be short now so I will stay with the Irish and the Elliot second string Skylight Hustle. Brown Advisory Romeo Coolio is very short for his step up in trip. Plenty will be testing his stamina including Oscars Brother who will definitely stay and he looks a decent each way price. Bet MGM Cup A wide open race. Bunting sank in the mud at the DRF but the quicker ground here will suit him much better Cross Country Favori De Champdou cruised in here in January and the eight pound rise shouldn’t stop him. Champion Chase Majborough if he runs like last time out will win. I looked at the without market but at the prices nothing appealed. Grand Annual Again wide open. Jazzy Matty has done me two good turns at the festival and I am not going to desert him, Bumper Those with graded form don’t look anything special. The Irish Avator won his maiden bumper easily and the runner up has given the form a big boost since.
Phil Evans (Festival Guides)
1.20 NO DRAMA THIS END - Race generally won by a well backed horse that also won LTO. 2.00 ROMEO COOLIO - A common profile of past winners is a 7yo who won LTO and has odds of 8/1 or shorter. 2.40 JINGKO BLUE & IBERICO LORD (BOTH EW) - It generally pays to look towards the top end of the handicap for a 7/8yo that has won one of its last three completed races. N Henderson has 4 wins since 2010 so have plumped for his pair in a very open race. 3.20 NO SELECTION - new race in 2025. 4.00 NO STRONG OPINION - If pressed would suggest a modest EW bet at 50/1 on CAPTAIN GUINNESS - won/placed in the race for last three years. 4.40 NO STRONG OPINION - if pressed both BOOTHILL & MARTATOR appear reasonably well handicapped and may be worth a modest EW investment at 33/1 & 40/1. 5.20 BROADWAY TED (14/1) & MOONVERRIN (25/1) may be worth an EW bet in a race where the Leopardstown form has held up well in the past.
TUESDAYS PANEL PICKS
Phil Evans (Festival Guides)
1.20 TALK THE TALK - Leopardstown form usually fares well in this race. 2.00 KOPEK DES BORDES - Willie Mullins has won 6 of the last 11 renewals. 2.40 SARATOGA - The Naas race form usually fares well in this event. 3.20 HYLAND - Festival winner in 2023. 4.00 LOSSIEMOUTH - Three festival wins to date & unbeaten at the track. 4.40 BOOSTER BOB - Cheltenham race LTO has produced 4 winners since 2019. A smaller EW selection is GUARD YOUR DREAMS - LTO winners have won 6 of the last 7 renewals in this event. 5.20 NO SELECTION - New race in 2025.
Gordon Armistead (Racin' Magazine)
Supreme I think this is a pretty deep renewal and I found this the hardest race of the day with plenty of imponderables. Not a betting race for me and at least three are being talked up as the next big thing. Arm twisted I would just go for Mighty Park just because of the way Willie Mullins has been talking about it. Arkle I have doubts about Lalumba’s jumping over the first few fences and Kopek Des Bordes at 6/4 makes no appeal. I will take a chance with Kargese. Fred Winter The Skeltons have plenty of short priced ones in the handicaps this week. The Mighty Celt was never put in the race on his stable debut at Haydock and has more experience than many of these. 20/1 looks decent each way value. Ultima Jagwar has an upgrade jockey wise but is a silly price and the others short in the betting don’t make much appeal. Blaze the Way won well from L’Homme Presse here in December and no doubt this has been the target since. Mags Mullins has had a festival winner and is in form. 16/1 each way is very fair. Champion Hurdle I can’t have The New Lion so its between the two Irish mares. Brighterdaysahead needed the run at Christmas and it looked a fair and square win at the DRF. She will do for me. Plate A race full of supposed plot horses which I am happy to ignore. It’s not a great race. Zurich won here in October and his third at Doncaster to Jordans Cross looks fine. His stable mate Theatre Native is an alternative at a big price. National Hunt Chase The handicapper has had another go at Grand Geste but he jumps and he will stay all day.
GRAHAM ROSSITER
1.20 - Talk The Talk - marked himself down as top class novice when winning a Grade 1 from an unpromising position LTO. stronger pace here should see him improve again. 2.00 - No Selection 2.40 - Ammes (e/w) looks well handicapped for shrewd trainer / form of his Wetherby listed 2nd looks strong 2.40 - Quinta Do Lago (e/w) ran well for a long way in warm races the last twice / likely to be suited by hustle and bustle of this race / trainers runners always respected 3.20 - Leave Of Absence (e/w NAP) - progressing fast / well punted in Grade 2 LTO and ran well on ground softer than ideal / prominent run style helps here too 4.00 - Anzadam (e/w) - was just 11/4 when ran 2nd in Fighting Fifth (travelled like best horse) - ignore small field/soft ground runs - expect a career best effort off a fast pace 4.40 - No Questions Asked (e/w) - Strong form in Graded races this season / drying ground will help him at this trip / stable won this 2 years ago 4.40 - O'moore Park - (e/w) overprice on his placed form at Cheltenham / strong gallop will suit 5.20 - No Selection
MARTIN UNSWORTH
Race 1 : Supreme Novices hurdle
I think the best horse in here over hurdles and 2 miles next season is El Cairos. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a horse quicken like this one – and if they have it upsides jumping the last I think it clears away. Talk the Talk wants further – Old Park Star and Mighty Park are chasers ion the making – though it wouldn’t surprise if Mighty Park is good enough to win Bet : El Cairos , Mighty Park Lay : Old Park Star
Race 2 : Arkle Chase If it jumps round Kopek Des Bordes wins. Lulamba will be running over 2m4 -3m next season – and looks like it needs it this season. Kargese and Steel Ally to chase it home. Bet : Kopek Des Bordes Lay : Lulamba
Race 3 : The Fred Winter Saratoga is plenty short and the value has long gone. Winston Junior has chances – but again long since found and backed. Glen to Glen was rated 90 on the flat and comes from a stable which does well in the race. Don’t be put off be him not having a run for 93 days – the stable fished for a mark back in January and knew they would get in so didn’t need to run again. Bet : Glen To Glen
Race 4 : The Ultima Don’t have a big opinion in the race. The Greenall stable is hitting form so it wouldn’t surprise if Jagwar wins and it needs to be in the 3 to get a run in the grand national (its 33s and its better handicapped than iroko). Myretown could bounce back – and Handstands could run very well and prove to be just as well handicapped. Bet: Myretown , Handstands
Race 5 : Champion Hurdle If The New Lion stands up – I can think it wins. Without the fall at Newcastle it would be unbeaten over hurdles – so when it’s completed – its won. I get it only beat Nemean Lion and Brentford Hope by a short distance last time – but the race turned into a sprint so in context it beat a 104 rated flat horse in a sprint finish – that’s good enough for me. Lossiemouth isn’t a genuine 2 miler and Brighterdaysahead had disappointed the last 2 festivals so may not like the course, though it has been campaigned differently this year. Bet : The New Lion
Race 6 : The Trustatrader Plate Mclaurey has been the gamble – but one of the Mullins clan described it as a bit of a dog on a preview – it was fully expected last year and nothing came to light as a problem. Madara is laid out for this and by Dan Skeltons own admission has stacks in hand. Downmexicoway would have chances – but the Henry De Bromhead stable form is a concern. Midnight it is ran well in last years Grand Annual - staying on well up the hill so this extra distance may help, but again the Cromwell stable is a bit in and out. Bet : Madara , Midnight it is
Race 7 : National Hunt Chase Backmersackme is too short to back but won well last time and will like the extra trip and could prove to be well handicapped still. Newton Tornado has improved all season – but again is short. Holloway Queen won really well last time at Newbury. It needs Soft ground really but the extra trip should help slow everything down and its improving. Bet : Holloway Queen
AI GENERATED SELECTIONS
Supreme Novices Hurdle : 🏇 Predicted 1-2-3 🥇 Old Park Star 🥈 Mighty Park 🥉 Sober Glory