Aintree - Thursday 9th April

April, Spring, Good-ground, Aintree. The Grand National meeting is finally here after a longer than usual gap from Cheltenham. We've had the Irish version come and gone and now it's time for 3 days of Grade 1 bonanza. Sure the Grand National itself is not the race it once was but it's still a shop window for the sport and for us purists there's still plenty to get stuck into over the week. 

13:45, Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle

Winston Junior 5/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th from the Triumph Hurdle reoppose here and there's a case for all of them. Minella Study travelled like the winner for much of the way but got run down late on. There's plenty to say he'll be better on this track and that was his only run of the calendar year so far. He's closely matched with Maestro Conti and Selma de Vary, both of whom also travelled well at Cheltenham and have big says here. Preference though is for the Fred Winter runner-up Winston Junior. Faye Bramley's Lord Byron was 5th in the Triumph so she has a fair idea of what is required from her runner here. He has ground to make up on Minella Study from their clash in December but things didn't go well for him that day and nor did they at the Festival. He was beaten by Saratoga that day but the form looks strong and the winner would have been well fancied for this had he turned up. Winston Junior had a slightly easier race at Cheltenham than those in the Triumph and still doesn't look as though he's been able to show us what he's really made of just yet. Perhaps this is the scene. 

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14:20, William Hill Manifesto Novices' Chase

Lulamba 4/6, 3pts win

It's not the strongest renewal but in Lulamba we have a real top-notcher on show. Nicky Henderson's star novice had swept all before him this season before the bubble burst in the Arkle. A mistake at the second last cost him whatever chance he had left but perhaps on quick ground he does need more of a stamina test and he finally gets that here. He's a classy sort who should be taking this unless the long season has started to catch up with him. Koktail Divin brings in classy form himself and should run well for a long way but the suspicion is Lulamba will prove too much late on.

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14:55, Racing Welfare Bowl Chase

Jango Baie 11/8, 2pts win

There is never a big field for the Bowl but 5 this year is a bit of a shame. Pic Dorhy has run well here in the past but the suspicion is that he, like Protektorat are a bit long in the tooth for the top level now. Spillane's Tower has always threatened to bag a big one and he looked classy when winning the Cotswold Chase but hasn't been seen since and it remains to be seen if connections will run him here. Impare Et Passe accounted for Jango Baie over a shorter trip here last season but things haven't been plain sailing since and he has stamina to prove. Jango Baie is favourite to exact revenge 12 months later and is without doubt the best hose in the race on this seasons' form. He had a hard race at Cheltenham but Nicky Henderson took this with Might Bite back in 2019 after he had finished 2nd in the Gold Cup and barring that race leaving a mark, he should strike again. 

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15:30, Randox Foxhunters' Open Hunters' Chase

Barton Snow 15/8, 4pts win

A typically big field Foxhunters' awaits us but this year it has a red hot favourite in the shape of Cheltenham hero Barton Snow. The big question at the festival was if the 9 year old would stay and he answered that question emphatically. The fences could catch him out as he's not a straightforward jumper but the drop in trip should make him even more dangerous. He's the best horse in the race and he should be able to take out the big Spring double in this sphere. 

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16:05, William Hill Aintree Hurdle

The New Lion 15/8, 4pts win

The Aintree Hurdle takes place after the Foxhunters this year which seems a bit strange but it's a strange renewal. The race lacks a star this year but in The New Lion and Brighterdaysahead we have the 2nd and 3rd from the Champion Hurdle who look set to dominate the betting. Alexei may have finished a lot close at Cheltenham had he not got the last all wrong but a hard season could catch up with him and he is untested at the trip. El Fabiolo has always had class but it is perhaps a couple of years to late to be taking out a race like this whilst Golden Ace has also a bit to prove now. Brighterdaysahead has always looked better over this trip but so too has The New Lion and it is the English horse who is preferred. Dan Skelton's stable star has had a pretty easy season so far and didn't look to have a hard race last time out either. He's unbeaten at the trip and is fancied to land another Grade 1 here. 

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16:40, Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase

Sans Bruit 3/1, 1.5pts win

Ryan's Rocket 12/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Sans Bruit is back looking for the hattrick and must be in any calculations. Everything is set fair for another huge run in what is probably an easier race than either of the past 2 runnings in which he's come out on top. Ryan's Rocket was well fancied for the Grand Annual but didn't get in. He ran at Kempton on the Saturday after the festival but nothing went right for him that day. He's been dropped in the weights for that and if you can put a line through it then he must have a chance here as it's not forgotten how well he won at Newbury back in November. 

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17:15, Goffs Nickel Coin Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race

Princess Day 7/2, 2pts win

Jeremy Scott's filly has looked classy in both her runs to date for connections and should take all the beating in this. She's uncomplicated and finds loads for pressure. She should cope with this faster ground and it will take a good one to go by her. 

Plumpton - Monday 6th April

I will be at Plumpton today for what will be my first visit to the Sussex track for a good few years. It's a fair card considering the quick ground which sees both a Champion Chase and a National run.

14:00, BetGoodwin Download The App Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Mild Magic 9/4, 1pt win

Local Derby deserves to be favourite here off the back of his good win at Exeter last time out and could defy a 6 pound rise. He's off 12 stone here though and he must give plenty of weight away to Neil Mullhonand's mare Mild Magic. The 6 year old hasn't registered a win yet but she's had a short career and now steps up in trip again after a good effort at this track last time out over half a mile shorter. She was 2nd in a 3 mile point last April and she looks like the type to start coming into her own now. 

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14:35, BetGoodwin Sussex Champion Handicap Chase

Matterhorn 7/1, 1pt win

A small field Sussex Champion Chase but a classy one as Arkle and Tingle Creek winner Edwardstone heads the weights. The 12 year old still retains a lot of ability but may find this sharp enough on quick ground. So too could the progressive Secret Des Deiux who drops back in trip from his win at Kempton last month. Kotmask needs a return to form whilst Scorsese could enjoy things on the front end here and isn't out of it from a low weight. Perhaps it's worth taking a chance on last year's runner-up Matterhorn. Paul Nicholl's 8 year old has an in-out look to his form but comes into his own during the Spring and this looks less competitive than 12 months ago. 

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15:10, Roy Reeve Memorial Maiden Hurdle

Loriko 5/6, 1.2pts win

Not the strongest maiden hurdle and although Flash Man could build on his Kempton promise, Loriko brings much the best form into this and should be up to the task. 

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15:45, Southern Cranes & Access Ltd Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Easy Love 13/2, 1pt win
Tennessee Tango 10/1, 1pt win

A very competitive novices' handicap hurdle in the middle of the card here. Grand Conqueror has been in great form of late but this represents a much stiffer task than he's been facing of late. Mount Anglesby looked very good at Warwick last time and he must have a chance of going in again on similar ground. Anthony Honeyball's Easy Love must have a big shout too though. The 6 year old mare pulled up on her last start but that was a tough affair on soft ground over 3 miles and she previously won well at Wincanton over this trip. She's been given a 37 day break from that and finished 3rd in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham back in October and she looks well weighted on that form. She's won here in a bumper and looks set to go well under a good 7 pound claimer. At slightly bigger odds Tennessee Tango can be forgiven a poor run last time out in a big field at Sandown as it was a very hard race on heavy ground. He'd previously looked good when winning here and he will enjoy returning to a nicer surface. 

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16:25, BetGoodwin Sussex National Handicap Chase

Sea Invasion 4/1, 1.5pts win

Perhaps not the strongest Sussex National ever run but a really open one which seems like a nice betting heat. Havaila deserves to be favourite and must have a good chance after winning very easily at Newbury last month. He likes the track, is progressive and will have been aimed at this. The market has him however. Transmission and Rivers Corner both come into this in top form but now have tough marks to defy whilst last year's winner Invincible Nao hasn't been in great form lately and this ground may be lively enough for him. Preference is for Anthony Honeyball's Sea Invasion. The 8 year old gets in here off a lovely low weight and won twice at the track last Spring. He ran a cracker at Kempton in January where he looked like this step up in trip is worth a go and he's only had a spin over hurdles since. He looks well handicapped and should go well. 

Newbury - Saturday 21st March

15:00, BetVictor British EBF 'National Hunt' Mares' Novices' Hurdle

Strong Run 13/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

This looks to have been the plan for a while for connections to claimed this prize last year. Strong Run finished 3rd here on hurdling debut last year behind a couple of useful sorts and having kept to quieter places since, she arrives here off a good mark. The heavy ground last time went against here and back on a sounder surface she must have a big chance. 

Kempton & Uttoxeter - Saturday 14th March

 I think I could write a stupendously long book about my punting week at Cheltenham this week. I don't think I've ever had such a bruising battle with the bookmakers. It was really hard stuff but with a strong chin I managed to absorb the punches and finish the week level. You can't have a magnificent year every year and I think a draw is a fair result this time around. I'll be at Kempton today. 

Kempton 14:40, Virgin Bet A Good Bet Handicap Hurdle

La Pinsonniere 11/2, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)

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Uttoxeter 15:00, JenningsBet Midlands Grand National

Aworkinprogress 11/2, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)

1pt each-way double 

Cheltenham Festival - Friday

Well here we are, Friday 13th. Gold Cup day. It's been an up and down week. How will it end?

13:20, JCB Triumph Hurdle

Maestro Conti 7/1, 2pts win
Minella Study 6/1, 2pts win

Willie Mullins has a strong hand here but it's not easy to set them all apart on what we've seen so far. Instead, it could be chancing that Britain wins this race for the first time since 2019. Maestro Conti won the trial here well in January and looks to be improving for his racing. Minella Study was mightily impressive at this track in December and has been kept fresh ever since. 

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14:00, William Hill County Handicap Hurdle

Karbau 9/2, 2pts win

This looks a more open renewal than recent times but Willie Mullins has won this in 4 of the last 6 years and looks set to strike again. Sinatra is interesting but inexperienced while Joyeuse must enter calculations now the rain has come. It could be that Karbau is the graded horse in a handicap however. He ran a cracker off an absence last time out and this has been the plan. 

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14:40, Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

Panic Attack 11/4, 2pts win

Dinoblue brings the best form into this and as last year's winner she must be respected although she's never been at her most impressive here. Instead, Panic Attack can strike for the Skelton's. Imperious this year in the Paddy Power and Coral Cup. We have no idea where the ceiling lies. 

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15:20, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Kripticjim 20/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This is a top heavy and Irish heavy market but this race often throws up a surprise. The Tizzard's have had a couple of horses run stormers this week and it could be that Trial's day winner Kripticjim has been overlooked. He seems to have bundles of stamina and loves a battle which is key for this race. 

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16:00, Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase

The Jukebox Man 7/2, 2pts win
Grey Dawning 14/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

The Gold Cup this year lacks a superstar but it's an open race. The form from the King George is key. Gealic Warrior may well have won that day if things had fallen differently but his stamina for this trip has yet to be proven and Jango Baie has the same questions. The Jukebox Man did so well to win that day when he looked beaten it could be that he will be hard to pass again here. He's unbeaten over fences and looks like he will actually improve for this track. Grey Dawning must also have a sound each-way chance now the rain has come. He's been trained to the minute for this and is a multiple Grade 1 winner. Last year's winner is respected but needs a big turnaround. 

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16:40, Princess Royal Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

Con's Roc 13/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

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17:20, Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

Andashan 16/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Cheltenham Festival - Thursday

A losing day yesterday but Final Demand (7/1) rescued the situation and L'eau Du Sud getting placed was a big swing too. We're at the halfway point now - let's see if we can't push on!

13:20, Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle

La Conquiere 16/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

The Mares' Novices' Hurdle seems to revolve around last year's Bumper winner Bambino Fever. She's only raced twice over hurdles (winning once) but has looked classy nonetheless. She is likely to turn around form with Oldschool Outlaw but she doesn't have that bombproof look about here, being so lightly raced. The Irish hold a strong hand here but Jamie Snowden thinks he has the best of the British here and has won his race before. He runs La Conquiere here. The 7 year old is lightly races herself for her age but ran a cracker to finish 2nd in a big Bumper at Aintree last Spring and won her first two hurdles very well (strong form). She came unstuck the last day when finishing 2nd at Ascot but it was a messy race and she was taking on her elders. She's well thought of and this has been the plan all winter. Must have a fair chance. 

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14:00, Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Regent's Stroll 11/2, 2pts win

This looks like a strong renewal and Sixmilebridge brings Grade 1 winning form to the table. The worry for him is that he seems to be better on soft ground and hasn't performed on his 2 previous visits to this meeting. Meetmebythesea is respected for Ben Pauling and looks to have been trained for the race but preference is for Paul Nicholls' Regent's Stroll. Connections took this race last year and look to have trained Regent's Stroll for this. He's a classy sort who's just taken time to get his act together over fences, although he put in a much improved run the last day. He's a great jumper when he's right and could be well ahead of his mark. 

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14:40, Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle

Woodhooh - Fact To File double 5/2, 3pts win

We can't beat about the bush, this is a very poor Grade 1. It's not the race of old and Woodhooh seems to have frightened a lot off. Jade De Grugy was 2nd in this last year and must have a chance 12 months on but this is her first hurdles run since (has been chasing this season) and will need to be at her absolute peak to down the favourite who could start to turn Gordon Elliott's week around. Put her in a double with Fact To File. 

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15:20, Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

Kabral Du Mathan 9/2, 2pts win
Honesty Policy 15/2, 2pts win

A really interesting Stayers' Hurdle this year. Teahupoo is back once again and continues to lead the way in this division. Older legs may start to take their toll on him however and he's had a harder season than other years, although he has looked as good as ever. On lively ground it may be worth taking him on. Bob Olinger is entitled to go well whilst Ballyburn needs a huge turnaround to get in front here. Impose Toi looked good in the back end of last year before being stuffed by Ma Shantou. He could get closer to that rival now on better terms but it's tricky to see him turning it around. Emma Lavelle's stable star Ma Shantou must have a chance here but it is Dan Skelton's Kabral Du Mathan who brings the classy edge into this. He's looked imperious on his 2 starts for this yard and bolted up in the Relkeel last time out from Jinko Blue. He's shaped as though this trip is within range and could come their swinging. At bigger odds, Honesty Policy has been weak in the market recently but must have a big chance here. He looked like a horse with a big future when winning at Aintree last April and ran a stormer to finish 3rd in the Long Walk on his only run since. He comes here fresh and with the world at his feet. 

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16:00, Ryanair Chase

See Mares' Hudle

Fact To File has been drifting but the reality is that if he turns up, he should win this. Jonbon and Banbridge are both classy horses with good runs this season but the favourite should be in the Gold Cup and is the star of the show. 

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16:40, Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle

Supremely West 4/1, 2pts win
Absolutely Doyen 14/1, 1pt win

One of the hardest races of the week. However. Supremely West could take all the stopping here. The price has collapsed and although the Skelton's didn't have a great Wednesday, their runner here is now lower in the handicap than when 3rd to Ma Shantou and Electric Mason here in October (giving both weight). At bigger odds, Absolutely Doyen just keeps on winning and connections seem to think he's a very good horse. 

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17:20, Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase

Herakles Westwood 9/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)

An open race and whilst Jeriko Du Reponet and Waterford Whispers both could be well ahead of the handicapper, they look ripe to take on in a race that can throw up an upset. Kim Roque is respected but Herakles Westwood brings good course form to the table here and is game as a pebble. He's in form and looks a fair bet. 

Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Wednesday

 A few reverses yesterday (none more so than Winston Junior in the Fred Winter....) but old Johnnywho made sure it was a winning Tuesday. We head into Wednesday full of optimism!

13:20, Turners Novices' Hurdle

Ballyfad 10/1, 1.5pts each-way (4 places)

This is one of the best renewals of the Turners that I can remember. It is unheard of to get 22 runners. No Drama This End has looked impressive on all 3 starts since sent hurdling by Paul Nicholls and this strapping chasing sort has been kept fresh since taking the Challow at Newbury in December where he did it well despite having to make the running. This big field scenario will suit him better and he looked to enjoy the course when winning here earlier in the season. He should take plenty of beating but it's reflected in his price now. Act Of Innocence looked good when winning at Huntingdon and is respected for all he lacks a bit of star potential whilst Boss Man Jack is an unknown quantity for the Skelton's now pitched into the deep end after winning lower level races very easily. I'll Sort That and Skylight Hussle must be mentioned for Irish connections but Willie Mullins has a strong hand in this and will be feared by the British. Sober won at Royal Ascot last year and got the job done over hurdles on his sole run since. This race could set up well for him and he must have a big chance for all he lacks a bit of experience over obstacles. King Rasko Grey is the choice of Paul Townend and he looks talented but it is the horse who just finished in front of him the last day who could be the answer, Ballyfad. Gordon Elliott's 5 year old won 2 bumpers and a maiden hurdle at the back end of last year in increasingly impressive style. He then went and finished 2nd in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last month (just fending off King Rasko Grey) being chinned by Talk The Talk on the line. He had to do all the donkey work himself that day and he looked like one who'll relish a stiffer test. He's a 3 mile point winner and his trainer knows what it takes to win this race having done so with Samcro for the same owners. 

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14:00, Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

Romeo Coolio 5/2, 3pts win

Just as the first race is super competitive, so is the Browns this year. This is the biggest field (16) since Denman won in 2007. Wendigo will have his supporters and looks the best of British. A stiff test round this track will suit but I have a feeling the Irish have the upper hand in this. Willie Mullins is again mob handed and his team is headed up by one time short priced favourite, Final Demand. He's a Grade 1 winner over hurdles who looks every inch a chaser but he ran very poorly the last day when put in his place by Kaid D'authie and he's now difficult to trust. Kaid D'authie himself must have a big chance in this for all the ground is a slight concern. He looks a strong stayer though. Kistbuhel shouldn't be dismissed, he could lead these a merry dance round here but it's debateable if he will see it out whilst Oscars Brother is respected at a big price for a small outfit trainer. It could be that Romeo Coolio outclasses his opposition however. A once time Arkle fancy, connections now try 3 miles for the first time in the hottest pot they could find. He defeated the Arkle winner last time out (battled on well) in the Irish version but has looked a stayer on all of his runs and it's worth remembering how he romped home over 2 and a half miles over Christmas. He powered through the line that day and the forecast ground will aid him in this first go at the trip. He's the class horse in the race and that usually tells during this week. 

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14:40, BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle

Kopek De Mee 7/1, 2pts win
Kateira 8/1, 2pts win

The Cup is one of the hardest punting races of the week and this year looks no different. Storm Heart is the class horse here and he is unbeaten this season and could defy his lofty mark. Jinko Blue and Iberico Lord are horses with lots of back class both representing Nicky Henderson who knows how to win this race whilst Puturhandstogether has Festival winning form and is respected now stepping up in trip. Dan Skelton has already won a handicap this week and it has been well documented that Kateira has been backed for this in recent weeks. She's a previous winner at Aintree's Grand National meeting and looked classy a couple of years ago. It's not been plain sailing since but she's back on a fair mark now and the suspicion is we're in for a big run. Although Willie Mullins has the favourite in Storm Heart, it's another one from Closutton who could take this. Kopek De Mee is a young horse who was fancied for last year's meeting but ran poorly. He bounced back to form to run a huge race in 2nd at Aintree in the Spring and has only been sighted once since (a poor chasing debut). He will be super fresh for this now and is open to any amount of improvement. 

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15:20, Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

Final Orders 11/2, 2pts each-way (4 places)

The Cross Country splits opinion but it's more of a punting race now it's a handicap. Gordon Elliott's Favori De Champdou deserves to be favourite after bolting up here the last day but the ground will be better here and he's gone up in the weights. Stumptown is respected looking for back to back wins but must lump a lot of weight away whilst Desertmore House has been tipped up by many. Final Orders has won over the track before and wasn't disgraced in behind the favourite the last day as he was bang there turning in before tiring in the ground. The better surface here will aid him and he's now a lot better off with Favori de Champdou at the weights. 

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16:00, BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase

L'eau Du Sud 5/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

This isn't the strongest renewal of the Champion Chase and it's fair that Majborough is a short price. He was turned over at this meeting last year and it can't be guaranteed that he will jump as well as the last day again. He's worth taking on at the prices. Il Etait Temps swept all before him since last April before putting in a laboured effort in the Clarence House last time out. He's respected if bouncing back but has a poor Cheltenham record. Instead, it may be worth chancing L'eau Du Sud one last time. Dan Skelton's grey hacked up here in November before putting in a poor run in the Tingle Creek. Connections think he has to be fresh, and he will be that here having not run since December. It's a week race this year and if the favourite underperforms in any way then L'eau Du Sud could be there to pick up the pieces. 

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16:40, Debenhams Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase

Be Aware 9/2, 2pts win
Addragoogle 18/1, 1.25pts each-way (5 places)

Another open handicap with plenty holding chances. Vanderpoel must be respected in search of the hattrick whilst Jazzy Matty won this last year and has been aimed at a repeat ever since. Inthepocket must have a chance on his classy backform and Ballysax Hank could ghost into this if granted a decent pace. His stablemate Addragoogle is interesting at a price. Only a 7 year old, Gavin Crowmwell's horse was given some interesting course experience here in October after doing well on his first few chasing starts. He just ran OK that day but a small field affair wouldn't have suited and it was a classy race. He's since won a big field handicap on Boxing Day and ran well in another at Leopardstown last time out where he looked as though he had a bigger effort in him. He's respected for shrewd connections. This could all be elementary however as Be Aware could really enjoy this set up. He's been butting heads against some good horses since sent chasing and been trying to lead all the way in most of them. He finished 2nd in a Greatwood last season and now taking a lead, he could really go well here and take a lot of beating. 

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17:20, Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Keep Him Company 13/2, 1.5pts win
The Irish Avatar 10.1, 1pt win

An open Bumper this year but Keep Him Company has plenty of form to his name and should go well here whilst The Irish Avatar has only raced once under rules but won with any amount in hand.