Lingfield - Tuesday 1st April 2025

 It's a struggle at the moment to find much worth betting on during the week. It's the start of Aintree's Grand National meeting on Thursday which will bring with it plenty of punting action so I won't be pressured into an untoward bet in the meantime. The jumping cards at Kempton and Fakenham tomorrow leave a lot to be desired so I've turned my attention to the flat action on Lingfield's all-weather surface where I hope to have found one at a nice price. 

16:48, Weekly Free Bets With BetMGM Extra Handicap

Port Road 6/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

This is a fairly low level affair but it's an open enough contest over the mile. There is no doubt that Urban Sprawl is well handicapped on old form and is once again well fancied here but he often finds himself vulnerable late on and Lingfield really does lend itself to horses who like to come fast and late. To that end I'm happy to take a chance that Port Road will finally shed his maiden tag here. Simon Dow's 4 year old was heavily punted at Kempton last time only to finish second to a horse of James Fanshawe's who was in receipt of lumps of weight. It's worth noting that Fanshawe's yard is in hot form and his winner that day was always going to be hard to beat off a lowly handicap mark when he got his act together so I think it was a fair effort from Port Road to finish second there. That was over 7 furlongs and he has been shaping as if this slightly longer trip is what is required for a little while now. He's drawn 2 so should get plenty of cover and with Urban Sprawl likely to set a decent pace here I fancy that this race could really be set up for the selection. 

Doncaster & Kempton - Saturday 29th March 2025

 It has been a mightily quiet week, I've not found a horse worth punting on for the duration. But the flat is back tomorrow with the Lincoln at Doncaster but there is also a pretty good card at Kempton (where I will be). I think I've found a few.

Doncaster

13:50, William Hill Bet 10 Get 10 Spring Mile Handicap

Pressure's On 6/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)

The ground at Doncaster will not be anywhere near as testing as in previous years and it's perhaps helped to produce what looks on paper to be one of the better cards in recent times. The Spring Mile is for horses that did not make the cut for the Lincoln which is run later on the card. Ed Dunlop's Pressure's On has snuck into the very bottom of this race and as such has found himself well fancied with top jockey Rossa Ryan up in the saddle. He looked like a fair handicapper last year when running good races in defeat but stepped up to win at Newmarket in the Autumn on soft ground. He showed his versatility 3 weeks ago when second at Wolverhampton over a shorter trip and that I suspect would have put him spot on for this. He's progressive now and is at the right end of the weights. It remains to be seen how his draw will pan out (6 of 22) but he looks sure to run a big race. 

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15:35, William Hill Lincoln

Godwinson 16/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)
Native Warrior 11/1, 1pt win

The first big race of the 2025 flat season is here and it looks to be an up to scratch renewal. I've decided to pick out one on either side of the track here. William Haggas has been the King of big handicaps in the past and even though he may not have the strike rate he once did in these affairs he still knows the time of day. His runner here, Godwinson, is a likeable 5 year old who ran a massive race on seasonal debut last year to finish 2nd in the Spring Cup at Newbury and when given a mid-summer break he bounced back to win at Goodwood. He's still fairly handicapped now and given his record fresh I'm not surprised that his master trainer has aimed him at a prize he likes. He's drawn 3 (last year's winner was drawn 2) and on the other side of the stalls will be Native Warrior in berth 21. He ran against Notable Speech on seasonal debut last year before finishing 3rd in the Britannia at Royal Ascot (first home his side of the draw) before finishing 2nd at Goodwood. He races here off the same mark as when runner-up at Goodwood and after so few runs this 4 year old is still open to any amount of improvement and he is twice the price of his stable mate Thunder Run. 

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17:20, William Hill NRMB On The Grand National Apprentice Handicap

Run Of Luck 7/1, 1pt win

I don't normally enjoy betting on amateur races but Run Of Luck here has really taken my eye. He is 1 pound out of the handicap but runs here off a light weight and is open to way more improvement than the 17 runners ahead of him in the market. The draw (17) is a worry and he will have to be dropped in but since he has been handicapping his form is 2nd, 1st, 2nd. He's improving and has a really promising jockey in Liam Wright aboard. 

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Kempton

14:05, Virgin Bet Queen's Prize Handicap

Cool Party 8/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Charlie Johnston's 5 year old is a course and distance winner who arrives here off just a pound lower mark than when last successful. He enjoys leading and for one reason or another that has been happening much lately but with Silvestre De Sousa gets on well with this fella and I'm sure given the size of the prize fund here (and the unhappy draw in stall 9) that he will make the running and look to stretch the field. Connections are masters at aiming their horses at the big race and they look to have everything in their favour to bag this one. 

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14:40, Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Rosebery Handicap

Mount Atlas 4/1, 2pts win

Andrew Balding is firing 3 bullets at this and with Oisin Murphy obliged to ride for Kingpower it has fallen to Hayley Turner to ride the likely favourite. She did win on this lad at Ascot last season in a decent race and it has often been said how Ascot form and Kempton form reads well together. He followed that run up by finishing second in the Old Rowley Cup at Newmarket. This son of Derby winner Masar is how off a mark of 98 but this will be just his 3rd handicap run and he could go onto better things after this. 

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17:00, Virgin Bet Fives Handicap

Aramram 7/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Richard Hannon's string is in decent form and his 4 year old here managed to win first time up last year off a 245 day break. He improved at a rate of knots last year to finish runner-up in the Ayr Silver Cup before winning what I feel was a decent handicap at Wolverhampton. He was over the top when down the field on heavy going at Newbury on his final start in the Autumn but returns off a mark of 89 which still looks very manageable and given his upward trajectory I expect him to go close here. 

Newbury - Saturday 22nd March 2025

 I have taken a bit of a break from punting since Cheltenham but we've a decent card at Newbury tomorrow so it's time to get back in the saddle. 

14:05, Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Calimystic 7/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Nicky Henderson's novice bumped into a decent one of Emma Lavelle's at Doncaster on hurdling debut who was running very well in a big race at Sandown earlier this month before departing at the last. He duly won well at that track last time out over this trip in nice style. He is incredibly unexposed after just 2 hurdle starts and looks like he could be plenty better than an opening mark of 118. 

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14:40, BetVictor Home Of The Saturday Superboost Handicap Chase

Scarface 6/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)

This isn't the first time I have backed Joe Tizzard's chaser this season. He perhaps flatters to deceive but his form in the spring of 2024 read 1st, 1st, 2nd. That 2nd came at Cheltenham in April off a 5 pound higher mark than he races off here. He likes this trip, track and ground and I think we can forgive him a poor effort last time as it was in a fast run affair on ground which would have been easier than ideal. 

Cheltenham Festival 2025 roundup

 Another year comes and goes and I can't imagine there will ever be another Festival like this one. Talk about a roller coaster ride of emotions. Here's how I got on. 

Tuesday was the golden day and one of the best afternoon's I've ever had on a racecourse. I had backed Kopek Des Bordes ante-post in a few doubles so that was a nice way to start the meeting. Leau Du Sud was a bit of a reversal in the Arkle and I was disappointed to see him find little up the run-in despite jumping the last in front. The Changing Man was placed in the Ultima to make sure that race was not a losing one and I didn't see the point in taking on Lossiemouth in the Mare's Hurdle so advised her at 4/6. She duly obliged. Constitution Hill's fall was a minor setback in the Champion Hurdle but it was the final 40 minutes that got things really going. Hopefully may of you read my sole ante-post write up for this year's Festival and saw that I advised to back Puturhandstogether at 14/1. I had backed him plenty ante-post and also decided to plough in at 10/1 the night before. Mark Walsh never looked like getting beat on the 4 year old and his victory made sure I couldn't lose for the week. The week's 'good thing' Haiti Couleurs duly went and won the last as well to round off a mighty day. I had taken plenty of odds ante-post but also went in on a 35/1 double with Puturhandstogether in the Fred Winter. All in all it ended up being one of the best days I have ever had on a racecourse. 

I needed it however, as what was to come over the next 3 days was painful. I continued where I left off on the Wednesday as The New Lion got the job done in determined style. I had backed him plenty in ante-post markets since I was on hand to watch him hack up in the Challow at Newbury. That made sure the day couldn't be a disaster but unfortunately I got very involved in the Coral Cup after letting the Brown Advisory pass me by. I just couldn't get Impose Toi out of my head and after backing him at 17/2 on Tuesday night, I weighed in again at 10/1 on the exchanges to heavy degrees (all win only). He looked the winner throughout much of the race and despite jumping the last looking good, he was picked off up the run-in to finish second. That was a bad reversal. But not to worry I thought to myself as I had Jonbon at 10/1 for the Champion Chase. Well, we know what happened there - he crashed into the open ditch and it was game over. Stumptown covered my loses on the Coral Cup but doing the business in the Cross Country but like with Impose Toi I felt as though Unexpected Party needed to be well supported in the Grand Annual. I had plenty on at 6/1 but when he drifted on the exchanges I had more and then even more on. Like Impose Toi, I went through most of the race thinking he would win but Harry Skelton couldn't quite muster up a response after the last and he also finished second. I finished the day with no luck in the bumper and so after a fantastic start to the day with The New Lion going in, I ended up handing all of the winnings back to the bookies to just break even on the day. 

I wish I could have broken even on Thursday. I had been backing Sixandahalf for the Dawn Run for a few weeks now and coming down the hill she was all over the winner. Heck! jumping the last she was all over the winner but was pipped on the line by an outsider under Rachael Blackmore. The handicaps didn't go much better either. I had no returns in any of them apart from Masaccio finishing a gallant 3rd in the Plate at 10/1 to help me at least break even on that race. I was well and truly behind the 8 ball come the last race. But I didn't worry as my biggest bet of the day was to come. I couldn't see Johnnywho getting defeated in the Kim Muir. He looked to have been plotted up for this race all season by running over the wrong trip and now he had top amateur jockey Dereck O'Connor in the plate, he would surely deliver the goods. He was 13/2 and I had to step in, and step in again on the off once I saw the weight of money. I had enough on that if he were to win I would not only go from being well down on the day to level but actually end up turning a nice profit. However, just like Impose Toi, just like Unexpected Party and just like Sixandahalf - Johnnywho went from all over the winner when he jumped the last in front, to an agonising runner-up after getting mugged on the line. I was despondent and walked off the course before the the 3rd placed horse had even crossed the line. 

Thursday was a bad day but Friday would get worse. I had been at Ascot to see Lulamba run for the first time in the UK. I was happy with what I saw as I had backed him at 12/1 for the Triumph Hurdle before that and come the day was sitting pretty as he was the well fancied 5/2 second choice in the market. All he had to do was win and I would have recouped all of my Thursday losses. Easy right? No, no, no. Lulamba jumped the last in second behind the favourite, East India Dock, but fought his way past that opponent to lead up the run-in but, would you believe it, the 100/1 shot Poniros came from the clouds and nabbed us on the line. I was crestfallen. Valgrand underperformed in the County and I was badly out of luck in the Albert Bartlett as Wendigo was hampered when making a move on the home bend and that was that. But surely Galopin Des Champs would win. I had managed to sneak a few little bets on him ante-post for the Gold Cup. Nothing mad but if he got the job done it would at least cover the losing bets in the race before. But no, not even the greatest staying chaser in a generation could get me out of trouble and he was beaten before they even jumped the last fence. All 4 favourites in the Championship races had been defeated. I managed to find the 3rd in the Foxhunters after that but a real blank in the last race of the meeting meant that Friday was a real punting nightmare - a far cry from the dreamland I was in on Tuesday. 

I know many punters who lost their shirts last week and so I count myself lucky that I still managed to make a nice profit on the week but it was a story of what could have been with so many agonising seconds. If Impose Toi, Unexpected Party, Sixandahalf, Johnnywho and Lulamba had all managed to hold on up the run-in then I would have had by a long way the best Festival of my life. But they didn't and so it wasn't. This is what punting does to you. This is what horse racing does to you. But I love it and I can't wait to do it all again in 12 months time!

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Friday

 Can you believe it that we are here already - the final day! It has been a strange week with more downs than ups for racing fans with the week's superstars failing to deliver (Constitution Hill, Jonbon, Ballyburn, etc...). Still, despite the cold, it has been an entertaining few days as ever and here we go one last time. 

13:20, JCB Triumph Hurdle

Lulamba 2/1, 3pts win
East India Dock 2/1, 1pt win

I was on Sir Gino at 16/1 for last year's Triumph and never got a run for my money but I fancy Lulamba to make amends for the same connections. I was at Ascot when he made his UK debut and was most impressed with how he looked in the paddock. He's a big horse who will make a chaser and so it was all the more impressive how much speed he showed to cruise into contention at the Berkshire track. He's open to bundles of improvement and should take all the beating here with East India Dock likely to pose the biggest danger. 

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14:00, William Hill County Handicap Hurdle

Valgrand 8/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

I could go on all day about the Irish horses here but to be honest, I'm struggling to split them and as such I am happy to take a chance on Dan Skelton's novice - Valgrand. He bolted up by half the track here in the Autumn but hasn't got anywhere near that form in his subsequent runs. He's been put away for this race by the master trainer though and I'm sure he'll be cherry ripe now. He looked a decent horse the day he won and if he can bounce back to similar form, on ground he likes, then he must be going close. 

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14:40, Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase

No bet

I'm sorry but I have no time for this race at the Festival. Move this to Sandown at the end of the season and I'll take a view but for me this will be the time to get a cup of overpriced coffee. 

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15:20, Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Wendigo 8/1, 1.5pts win
Jet Blue 7/1, 1pt win

I've been a fan of Wendigo for this race for a while and the recent market move has filled me with some confidence. He looked like a novice going places earlier in the season before finding The New Lion too hot to handle in the Challow. He ran well that day though to come through for second and is shaping like he'll relish this trip. Jet Blue is also on the list as I cannot get how well he won by here the last day out of my mind. The French have had a torrid week but this won at least has won at the track and looks sure to run well. 

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16:00, Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase

No bet

Sit back, relax and watch the relentless galloper Gallopin Des Champs win his third Gold Cup. 

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16:40, St. James's Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters' Chase

Willitgoahead 5/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)
Ontheropes 25/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Willitgoahead has been bought by powerful connections and sent to Gordon Elliott to do a job, and that is to win this race. He has been winning plenty of races in points but the last day he really impressed when winning a hunter chase well after travelling and jumping supremely. He's the up and coming force in this field and should go very well. At big odds I think Ontheropes should run well. He was classy under rules and is a stout stayer, as he showed when 5th in last season's Scottish Grand National. He ran well to finish 2nd in a decent hunter chase last time out when coming from behind and this race could really set up well for him to put in a good finishing effort. 

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17:20, Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

No Questions Asked 16/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)
Electric Mason 33/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

Kopeck De Mee will take up a huge part of the book here but he's short enough and won't take my money. I'm aware he could be thrown in though so I'm taking a chance on 2 each-way in stead. Ben Pauling has had a poor week but he has been very bullish about the chances of his novice here. No Questions Asked ran a mighty race to finish second in the Sidney Banks at Huntingdon before winning at very short odds last time and that should have him spot on for this. He's totally unexposed and could turn out to be a lot better than these seasoned handicappers. Another novice I like at big odds is Chris Gordon's Electric Mason. He didn't run badly in the Challow at Newbury and is similarly unexposed. 

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Thursday

 A real nearly day on Wednesday for me as although The New Lion and Stumptown both went in, Impose Toi and Unexpected Party both finishing second was a tough pill to swallow. Thursday's card looks very hard indeed so I have gone hunting value. Here we go again!

13:20, Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle

Sixandahalf 11/4, 3pts win

This is one of the most open renewals of this races to be run. It's a huge field and loads are completely unexposed. I like the chances of both the Paul Nicholls mares Jubilee Alpha and Just A Rose but I do think they may struggle against the Irish here. Galileo Dame must have a great shout in receipt of plenty of weight but I just cannot get away from Gavin Cromwell's Sixandahalf. This 5 year old developed into a really decent flat horse last summer in a campaign that culminated in a 3rd place finish in the Irish Cesarewitch. Her jumps debut last time out was impressive in that she dashed away from her rivals after the last to win by a widening 12 lengths. She jumped like a pro and I think she can go on to take very high rank in this sphere over the next few years. 

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14:00, Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase

Firefox 6/1, 1.5pts win
Pic Roc 11/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)

This is the first year in which this race has been turned into a handicap and I think it was the right decision and this is a proper punting race. I like 2 in this. Firefox looks to be the class horse in this race. He ran very well in all of the top novice hurdles last Spring and won convincingly on chasing debut in the Autumn. He's been running well to be placed at graded level since then on bad ground and I expect him to really enjoy this drop in class and the better ground. At bigger prices Ben Pauling's Pic Roc appeals. He ran a mighty race to finish second in a big field handicap hurdle at Sandown this time last year and has run very respectably so far in his chasing career. He came to grief on debut but put that behind him to finish second at Exeter over a slightly shorter trip and then again at Newbury over a slightly longer trip. This distance could be the goldilocks distance for him. He attempted to give 6 pounds to Issam at Exeter on bad ground so it was no bad effort to be beaten by a neck and last time out at Newbury he looked all over the winner coming to the last before being outstayed by Lord Of Thunder who was also in receipt of 6 pounds. He's in here off a nice racing weight and I think he should be going very close. 

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14:40, Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle

D Art D Art 7/1, 1.5pts win
Karl Des Tourelles 18/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)
Super Survivor 33/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)

This is a proper fiendish race and as such I have had to pick out 3 runners which is against my usual MO. D Art D Art looks a right handicap snip here. He came from a mile back to finish 3rd at Navan over a trip slightly shorter than this before finishing 2nd in his trial at Carlisle. He looked all over the winner that day before tiring up the hill on bad ground. That was no bad effort and with his claimer taking 5 pounds off he looks extremely well weighted here. At bigger prices I like Karl Des Tourelles. Although he hasn't added to his debut win yet, he looked like a horse going places when 2nd in his trial at Punchestown in November. That is to date his only go over this trip and I fancy he's got plenty more improvement to come, let's not forget that he was 2nd in a Grade 2 last spring and has been kept fresh for this since a run over an inadequate trip last time out. And lastly I couldn't forgo a bet on Super Survivor at big odds. He hasn't looked back since sent back hurdling by connections at the start of the season. He is a real strong stayer who should be running on well here when others have cried enough. He's won his last 2 starts in decent style and still finds himself running off a nice weight. He looks a good each-way bet.

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15:20, Ryanair Chase

Il Est Francais 11/4, 3pts win

Put your seatbelt on - this is going to be wild! French superstar Il Est Francais finally makes his long awaited Cheltenham appearance. He looked a real chasing superstar when bolting up in the 2023 Kauto Star over 3 miles at Kempton and had the King George over that course and distance sewn up turning in over Christmas before being run down after the last by Banbridge. Take the winner out of that race and the French galloper would have run out a convincing winner of that great race and would surely be lining up in Friday's Gold Cup. I expect James Reveley to gun it from the get go and he will take some stopping over this shorter trip. I can see him being many lengths clear coming down the hill and although Willie Mullins' Fact To File is greatly respected, I just think he could be left with too much to do to real in the big French hope. 

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16:00, Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle

Lucky Place 15/2, 1pt each-way (4 places)

Given how the week has gone, I feel we must take on Teahupoo here. I was keen on The Wallpark but his price has really contracted in recent days and he is likely to be left with a lot to do turning in. Instead I fancy Lucky Place to finally land a championship race this week for Nicky Henderson. This 6 year old finished 4th in last year's Coral Cup at a time when the stable's horses were under a cloud and he hasn't looked back since. He looked progressive when winning the Ascot Hurdle in November before putting in a career best performance to win the Relkeel here on New Year's Day from subsequent Cleeve Hurdle winner Gowel Road and recently crowned Champion Hurdle victor Golden Ace. He wasn't stopping at the line that day and he is the most unexposed horse in the race. He could be anything still and is the value at the current prices. 

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16:40, TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase

Masaccio 10/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)
Personal Ambition 20/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This is very difficult and although the novice Jagwar must have a great chance, I fancy a couple of other novices. Alan King's Masaccio is now 6 pounds better off with Jagwar than when they met on Trial's Day and I fancy that he can get his own back here on a sounder surface in a bigger field. Masaccio has plenty of experience in big fields and should really enjoy the better ground conditions here. His form when second to The Jukebox Man in November is probably the best on offer here and he should be going close. At bigger odds, Personal Ambition could run well. He hasn't managed to get his head in front over fences yet but has been running well in classy races and looked set to win at Ascot before blundering at the final fence. He defeated this year's Arkle winner over 2 mile 2 furlongs at Kelso last year and this will be his first go over this trip, which could unlock further improvement. He ran 4th off top weight in a decent race at Newbury in November and he will carry a lot less weight on his back here. 

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

Johhnywho 13/2, 2pts win

I don't really like this race but Jonjo O'Neill's Johhnywho could make a mockery of this on his first attempt at this trip on handicap debut. He has top amateur jockey Dereck O'Connor in the saddle and I fancy that if he gets into a nice rhythm that he could come there swinging off the home bend. 

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Wednesday

 We have day 1 under our belts already and what a day it was with a golden last 40 minutes. It's Champion Chase day now but there's some fiendish handicaps to try and sort out too. 

13:20, Turners Novices' Hurdle

The New Lion 15/8, 2.4pts win

What a fantastic start to the day we have in store. The best novice hurdler in Britain, The New Lion, takes on the Irish juggernaut that is Final Demand. And there's a host of impressive pretenders up against them too. Sixmilebridge looked very good indeed when scooting up over this track on Trial's day from re-opposing Potters Charm but the suspicion is that he's better on a softer surface and I that race turned into a proper war from the home bend. He may not uphold form with the runner-up. The Yellow Clay is unbeaten in his last 4 starts and is battle hardened but I just don't think he has the class of the front two in the market. That market is headed by Final Demand who put in a monster performance at the Dublin Racing Festival to hammer his opponents by 12 lengths. He looked relentless that day and I'm sure this drop in trip will be fine for him but one does have to think that he may have been better suited by going up in trip for the Albert Bartlett on Friday. This is as strong a renewal as you like and he may just struggle to power away from this field on better ground on a more speed favouring track. To that end I fancy Dan Skelton's big talking horse The New Lion to come out on top. I was at Newbury to witness both of his wins and although he looked good in November it was the speed he showed in the Challow Hurdle to dismiss his rivals with consummate ease up the run in that really impressed. He is such a good looking horse who has plenty of boot about him and I just think that he will be better suited by the test that this race will pose than the Irish horse. I think The New Lion is a future star and hope he get's Dan Skelton's week started. 

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14:00, Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

Ballyburn 4/6, 3pts win

A bit like the Arkle, it must be said that this is a pretty poor renewal and made worse by the fact that there will be no representatives from Britain now that leading fancy The Jukebox Man is on the injury list. The ground looks set to have a big part to play as Dancing City will probably find this lively enough and this race may not favour such a dour stayer. Ballyburn however, looked like a star when hacking up on this day last year and, bar finding Sir Gino too hot to handle over the minimum trip at Kempton in December, he has shaped like a top class chaser this season. His jumping style can be crabbed, as can the bare level of his form but he's the class act in this race and I don't see him fluffing his lines. I'd rather be with him than against. 

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14:40, Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle

Impose Toi 17/2, 1.5pts each-way (6 places)
Be Aware 5/1, 1pt win

The Coral Cup is always one of the hottest handicaps of the week and this looks no different. I quite fancied Jipcot given his running style and that I don't think he's been shown to best effect on his last 2 runs. He will have to come from a mile back however, which will be harder on this ground and his price has collapsed and is now shorter than I am willing to take. Beat The Bat is another who must be on the short list but has also seen his price contract in the past 24 hours and he is a difficult horse to win with. Comfort Zone and Bunting will have their fair share of supporters to fire in another one for the Irish but I fancy Impose Toi for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville. This 7 year old has only had 8 runs under rules and looks to be improving with every run. He was sent off a short priced favourite for last year's Lanzarote Hurdle over about this trip. He finished third that day but I wonder if he was feeling the affects of a huge run at Ascot in December when he finished 2nd to Luccia who went on to place in last year's Champion Hurdle. That was outstanding form and after a break he returned to win a decent race at Newbury with relative ease. He's been put up 7 pounds for that, but it was warranted and I marked up that run as he didn't look 100% fit despite being an impressive figure in the parade ring. He looks like a nice horse this lad and I think there's plenty more improvement to come. I love that he's coming here fresh as that seems to be when to catch him and I think he can go close for connections who have a fair record in this race. I will also have to recommend a wager on Dan Skelton's Bew Aware who has been completely laid out for this race having won it for the past 2 years with Langer Dan. He looked like this sort of trip would suit when he finished second in a big field at Sandown this time last year and returned from a break to finish a mighty second to Burdett Road in the Greatwood Hurdle in November. He disappointed at Ascot in December but had excuses that day and like Impose Toi, he comes here fresh. He should go close. 

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15:20, Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase

Stumptown 5/2, 2pts win

I think it was a good idea to turn this race into a handicap as it wasn't really drawing in the punters for the past few years. It's more open this time around but I do think the favourite has an outstanding chance. He is top weight but they are all pretty exposed beneath him and Gavin Cromwell knows the time of day with these sorts of horses. His improving 8 year old could not have won any easier in his trial over this course in December and although he has been slapped with an 8 pound rise, it's fair to say that it could still underestimate him. 

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16:00, BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase

Jonbon 5/6, 3pts win

This year's Champion Chase is perhaps not as strong as previous renewals but in the shape of Jonbon we have a worthy favourite. He may not be Sprinter Sacre or Altior but he has won 17 of his 20 races and put in an amazing performance to bolt up in last season's Celebration Chase at Sandown in April after being forced to miss this race. 12 months is a long time in racing however and since then Nicky Henderson's star chaser hasn't put a foot wrong in winning all 3 of his starts this year with increasing ease. He gets better as the season goes on and his jumping has never been so astute. He should have far too much class and speed for his inferior rivals here and I fully expect him to have his crowning glory on Wednesday. 

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

Unexpected Party 6/1, 2pts win
JPR One 10/1, 1pt win

Unexpected Party is another one who could make it a good day for trainer Dan Skelton. He arrives here 6 pound higher than when successful last year but that may not be enough to anchor this likeable grey who is very likely to appreciate this decent ground. He has undoubtably been aimed at this race all season long and it looks as though this is a slightly easier race than 12 months ago. He must be backed. There's a lot of Irish up against him at the front of the market but I wonder if the biggest danger could come from Joe Tizzard's top weight JPR One. He has had just 3 runs since finishing seventh in last year's Arkle but he won a strong renewal of the Haldon Gold Cup on the first of those back in November. That was on good ground, which he seemed to enjoy and since then he has been butting heads with proper graded horses on soft winter ground. I fancy that on this ground, in a big field, he will show his better side again and he is by no means handicapped out of this. 

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17:20, Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Kalypso'chance 9/2, 2pts win

I must admit that this race has really stumped me this year. I just think that the Willie Mullins horses aren't as good as they have been in previous years and there's not a lot between them. The form of the Copacabana and Gameofinches runs can be drawn into question and they were only a few weeks ago. I think the British have a fair hand with No Drama This End and El Cairos respected but the one I have come down on in the end is Gordon Elliott's Kalypso'chance. He looked imperious on his two runs at the back end of 2024 and looks to have been kept fresh for his assignment since. The stable knows a good bumper horse when they see it and by all accounts he has been showing the right signs at home. He has really hit the line well in his races and the form is as good as anything in the race. He's a lovely mover who should be fine on this ground and I fancy he should run well. 

Cheltenham Festival 2025 - Tuesday

 Right, here it is. The greatest show on turf and the best sporting week of the year. The Cheltenham Festival is in town and nothing else matters. The Irish armada has landed and look set to sweep all before them but we have some powerful cannons to fire back, most from the imperious Nicky Henderson stable who will be looking to gain revenge for the stable sickness that curtailed his 2024 campaign. Bar the covid-stricken 2021 Festival I haven't missed a single race since I started going every day back in 2016. I love it, it's the summit of sport and let's hope for another profitable week. We start with Champion Hurdle day, the Tuesday and here's my rundown. 

13:20, Michael O'Sullivan Supreme Novices' Hurdle

Workahead 17/2, 1pt win
Kopek Des Bordes EVS, 3pts win

The opener for the week. The Supreme. Bring on the roar. This is all about the Willie Mullins springer that is Kopek Des Bordes. This time last year nobody had heard of the favourite and by Christmas he still hadn't even jumped a hurdle in public. He was a mightily impressive bumper winner last season for sure and was sent off a warm order to get off the mark over flights on Boxing Day and he duly delivered but it was a far from convincing display in the jumping department. Straight after that race he was freely available at 12/1 for the Festival opener but it was what he did at Leopardstown during the Dublin Racing Festival last month that really made us all stand up and listen to his tune. Sent off the short priced favourite in the Grade 1 on the first day, he jumped nicely all the way round and quickly put a dozen lengths between himself and the pack turning round the home bend to win by, let's face it, a mile. The form of that race can be crabbed and this will be the fastest ground he's faced but he looked like an aeroplane that day and looks like a new Irish star in the making. He is however, not without his faults. He got quite worked up at Leopardstown and was mightily keen in the race itself. He managed to defy those issues with the minimum of fuss the last day but Cheltenham will place bigger demand on his temperament and he is up against better opposition here in what will I'm sure be a sterner run affair that could place his jumping under pressure. I wouldn't dissuade anyone from backing him but at the current odds I fancy the chances of Henry de Bromhead's 7 year old, Workahead. This big strapping lad hacked up in a 3 mile point before being sent to his current connections. He ran a fine race on hurdling debut to finish a decent third in a hot maiden hurdle but the next day he was sent into the lead and jumped like a seasoned pro. He galloped and galloped and had everything behind him in trouble turning in before staying on stoutly up the run in. Cheltenham should really suit this fella and I expect him to be to the fore here, which has been no bad thing in the past for this race. The form of that maiden hurdle win has worked out as well as a graded race with re-opposing William Munny (second that day) bolting up at Listed level last time out. Workahead is a lovely horse and I think he looks like a fair alternative should the favourite fluff his lines. William Munny is respected as he has improved with every run and did look good the last day albeit he lacks the wow factor that some of these could have. Romeo Coolio should run well and is not a bad each-way bet by any means with the form in the book and Salvator Mundi could be there or thereabouts if he jumps and settles better than when winning a strange running of the Moscow Flyer last time out. Tripoli Flyer looks the best of the poor British turnout (just a measly 2 runners) and is a strong finisher who could outrun his odds. He's not a terrible each-way bet at 25/1. 

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14:00, My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices' Chase

L'Eau Du Sud 9/2, 2pts each-way (2 places)

Let's be honest, this is a poor renewal of the Arkle. Sir Gino's shadow looms large over this race. I was at Kempton on the 27th December to witness Nicky Henderson's youngster put in one of the best chasing debuts I have ever seen and it's fair to say we have been robbed of a barn-stormer of a race due to his injury. Fingers crossed he makes a full recovery and is back here in 12 months time to line up in Wednesday's Champion Chase. Sir Gino is not here however, and in his absence Willie Mullins' 2024 Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough looks set to go off a warm order. This 5 year old has looked all class over fences, winning as he liked on both his debut at the back end of 2024 and in the Irish Arkle last month. He has a tendency to take a fence with him however, and with just 5 runners, this could turn into a sprint for home which wouldn't suit this strong finisher. It shouldn't suit Jango Baie either but it could play into the hands of last year's County Hurdle runner-up L'Eau Du Sud. Dan Skelton's star novice chaser hasn't looked back since sent chasing in the Autumn and brought up the 4 timer in the Kingmaker last month at Warwick. They got racing very far out that day and although he only beat Rubaud by a short distance, he was much the best that day and the runner-up has since won the Pendil at Kempton. But what I love about this horse is how he sprinted away from his opponents in the Arkle Trial at this course in November. He hacked round and jumped slickly before powering away up the hill to win by a hard held 11 lengths. What was impressive is how he jumped the last level with his opponents but showed a devastating turn of foot. That was also run on similar ground conditions to what he will face here. I think at 9/2, he's a sound each-way bet to return your money if he finishes second.

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14:40, Ultima Handicap Chase

The Changing Man 7/1, 1pt each-way (6 places)
Broadway Boy 15/2, 1pt win

The first 'impossible ' race of the week. The Ultima is notoriously competitive and this year looks just about as ferocious as any other year with it being 7/1 the field. Plenty here come into this with big chances and connections eyeing a big day with some improving handicappers. Katate Dori will be popular after his demolition job at Kempton last month. My worry is that Kempton is very different to Cheltenham and he has been clobbered with a 12 pound rise for winning a race that he pinched round the home turn. I quite liked Crebilly for a festival race in the build up as he is now 2 pound lower in the weights than when second in last year's Plate on the Thursday but he has been out of form for 12 months now and I'm not prepared to take a single digit price about him bouncing back. Myretown was also on my agenda as I think he's well weighed but his jumping really worries me given that he was very clumsy on chase debut and fell at Windsor in January. He did win well enough last time out but that was a 3 runner affair and as much as I think he will improve past this mark, I worry that his jumping will be put under too much pressure here. Instead I fancy the chances of The Changing Man from the west country stable of Joe Tizzard. This 8 year old hasn't done much wrong since falling at Wincanton in the Badger Beer in the Autumn. He has finished runner-up 3 times in big field handicaps before getting his head in front at Ascot last month. He knows what these races are all about and although he's been working up the handicap he looked good the last day and can perhaps morph into a graded performer next season. One who connections already think of in those terms in Broadway Boy who arrives here off a mark of 150 which is 2 pound higher than when second in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury at the back end of 2024. He has a fantastic Cheltenham record having won here over fences twice already and has been kept fresh for this since a below par run on New Year's Day. He'll no doubt have been freshened up for this and that Newbury form puts him right in this. 

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15:20, Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle

Lossiemouth 4/6, 3pts win

Ugh, well this isn't what we wanted. A mare of Lossiemouth's ability should be running in the Champion Hurdle. If Constitution Hill had an off-day or fell (which he nearly did last time out) then Rich Ricci's standout mare could have been bang there to pick up the pieces and fight it out for the big one but unfortunately Cheltenham allows for the big names to avoid each other so we have to take it for what it is. If we're cutting to the chase then it's fair to say that Lossiemouth only loses if something goes wrong. She miles and miles ahead of these on the figures and even her run in defeat to Constitution Hill at Kempton on Boxing Day is ahead of what her opposition her could produce. I don't want to be betting against her. 

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16:00, Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

Constitution Hill 8/13, 2.6pts win

Here we are then, 12 months on from State Man's benefit we have the undefeated Constitution Hill back and bidding to emulate the great Hurricane Fly in regaining the Champion Hurdle. Nicky Henderson's star is the most talented hurdler I have ever set eyes on and even though he hasn't quite looked as stratospheric since his return from.... let's call them 'issues', he still looked in great nick when downing Lossiemouth in the Christmas Hurdle off a big layoff (didn't look 100% in the paddock). He didn't need to come off the bridle when winning the International here in January but let's be clear about this, anyone who is backing against him is doing so on the basis that they don't think he is as good as he once was; because if he is then he will put Brighterdaysahead in her place and swan up the hill to racing immortality. That is what I think awaits the great horse. In the shape of Brighterdaysahead he faces the biggest challenge of his career. She is a brute of a mare who will be in receipt of a monster 7 pound sex allowance from Constitution Hill. Her jaw-dropping slamming of State Man at Leopardstown in December was one of the great hurdling performances of all time and in any other year she would be a hot favourite to extend the good record that her gender have in this event. This is no normal year however. Constitution Hill is no normal horse. Sit on the edge of your seat and get ready for this, it's going to be unbelievable. 

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16:40, Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Advised ante-post: Puturhandstogether 14/1, 2pts win

Puturhandstogether 7/1, 2pts each-way (6 places)
Stencil 5/1, 2pts win

Ah, the Fred Winter. Many people's most hated race of the week. 22 totally unexposed 4 year olds who have been smuggled away all winter long in soft ground, slowly run races suddenly hammering along on good ground in a fast run, big field affair. What's not to love! I can't go through every runner but J P McManus looks to have a good hand here with the front 3 in the market. French trained Stencil must have a smashing chance on the back of his runner-up effort to Triumph Hurdle favourite East India Dock on Trial's Day in January. He's been put away since and could well be a proper graded horse in a handicap. He must be respected but the one I am most interested in is his owner-mate Puturhandstogether for last year's winning trainer Joseph O'Brien. This Irish juvenile is bred to be classy flat horse given that his sire is Commonwealth Cup winner Caravaggio and he is out of a Galileo mare. He undoubtably gets his stamina from his mother's side of the family but showed plenty of boot on the level to win a 10 furlong Curragh handicap last summer. He was given a fair flat mark of 84 for that victory and looked like a stayer in the process. He was sent hurdling swiftly enough by connections however, which speaks volume in itself. He had a fine educational debut at Punchestown in November but I loved the way he despatched a 20 runner field at Cork in December from re-opposing Turn And Finish (won since in the UK). He just hacked round that day and could have won by further should Mark Walsh had wanted him to. He ran a fine race last time out when faced with very heavy ground at Fairyhouse. He was second that day but nothing about that race went to plan and if he had of won it then he'd be much higher in the weights here (it is worth noting that last year's winner hadn't won a race before). I think the key to this fella will be the ground and fast pace. He looked pacy on summer ground last year and this will be the first time he's had such conditions since sent jumping. He was at home in a 20 runner field in December and I think he'll relish this too. Mark Walsh has chosen to ride and I think he should be going very close all being well. 

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17:20, Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices' Handicap Chase

Haiti Couleurs 4/1, 3pts win

Let's not dance around this, Rebecca Curtis' 8 year old looks like he could be well ahead of his current mark of 135. I loved everything about what this horse did when winning well here in December. He's has looked a real strong stayer (won a heavy ground 3 mile hurdle at Bangor so not short on stamina) and has been kept away from fences since that day to protect his mark. The trainer knows how to win at the Festival and she looks to have trained her flagship runner to the minute for this. I hope this is one for the smaller yards and a British one at that. 

Sandown - Saturday 8th March

 I will be at Sandown tomorrow for the Imperial Cup, a meeting I have not missed in a very, very long time. It's always a great day and fingers crossed it looks like being nice weather too. I'll give the run down of the first 5 races.

13:15, Betfair Racing Podcasts Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Melon 9/4, 2pts win

On paper this looks an open race with plenty of these looking ahead of their mark. Risk It All looks like he will end up being much better than an opening handicap mark of 109 but he really needs to learn to race and until he does, he doesn't look a punting option. Galactic Charm represents the same stable, who do well in this race, and he ran a mighty race on hurdling debut to finish second to Fred Winter bound Hot Fuss here back in December. He followed that up with a win at Fontwell but that was a very poor race and he pulled up last time out, albeit in a strong race, at Cheltenham. He doesn't look to have as much in hand off a mark of 117 as some of these. Lucky Bere looks a staying type and is respected now tackling a stiffer track but preference is for the top weight here in the shape of Melon. He has impressed since sent hurdling by connections and won from a subsequent Listed winner on debut at Doncaster despite a howler at the last. He struggled in bad ground at Chepstow in a decent race after that but bounced back to win readily at Wetherby 44 days ago (3rd won since) and he is winning races suggesting that there is plenty more in the tank. I think this track will suit and he will be stepping on up through the ranks in time. 

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13:50, European Breeders' Fund Betfair 'National Hunt' Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final

Belliano 9/2, 2pts each-way (5 places)
Malinificent 33/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

What a great race this is, as usual it must be said. I expect the form of this race to work out well and most in this are ahead of their marks it's just working out who is the furthest. Meetmebythesea certainly looks ahead of his mark but the market has a firm grip on him now and it's not impossible that The Kemble Brewery could turn around form from their last meeting now on better terms and this step up in trip sure to suit. They are at the top of the handicap and must give weight to plenty of nice types though. Emma Lavelle's string is in decent form and she must have a decent chance here with George's Lad after a facile success over a similar trip at Doncaster last time out but Belliano hasn't looked back since sent hurdling by connections and looks a potential graded horse in the making. He finished a gallant second to The New Lion at Chepstow back in October before seeing off a subsequent winner in game style at Ascot on his next start. That was over 2 miles 5 furlongs and he looked a stayer that day but what impressed me was the speed he showed at Market Rasen last time out when he readily saw off re-opposing Silver Thorn after the last. His form looks solid and after the pace he showed last time out I cannot see this slight drop in trip being an issue, especially on this much stiffer track. I expect him to be galloping dourly up the hill late on. At the prices I do think Malinificent should run well under champion jockey elect Sean Bowen. Connections knew they had a horse who would benefit from a stamina test after seeing him perform well in points but elected to keep him to the minimum trip for his 3 efforts in maiden hurdles to date. He has been finishing his races well but finding things happening too fast for him. He's up in trip on handicap debut and he too should appreciate this stiffer track. The form from the last day at Bangor I think will hold up well and it's also worth noting that he's been doing all of his running on heavy ground so there's every chance he'll find further improvement now faced with a nicer surface. 

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14:25, Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle

Lump Sun 10/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)
Wreckless Eric 10/1, 1pt each-way (5 places)

This is one of the more open renewals of the Imperial Cup that I can remember. Go Dante must surely have a great chance returning to defend his crown off a 2 pound lower mark but the ground his year will be much better than 12 months ago and he doesn't exactly come into his in much form. Spirits Bay is respected with Sam Twiston-Davies set to ride for the first time and Bo Zenith surely has the potential to bag one of these big races but is clearly fragile and isn't the most solid of options. Lump Sum however, is as consistent as you like and if not for the handicap blot that was Joyeuse, Sam Thomas' classy hurdler would have defied top weight to win the William Hill Hurdle last month. He's 3 pounds higher here but this does not look as difficult a race as that day and the only 2 times he has been outside of the first 3 over hurdles has been when tacking grade ones. I expect him to go close again today along with Jonjo O'Neill's unexposed 5 year old Wreckless Eric. Keilan Woods' mount won off a 10 pound lower mark at Cheltenham back in November when coming from a long way back but ran just as well at the December meeting when beating everything bar the runaway winner the next day. He suggested that day that he was still a bit ahead of the handicapper and he can be forgiven for a below par run at Windsor last time out as the course did not suit him and the ground would have been softer than ideal. He will be more at home on this better surface and considering how much he relished the hill at Cheltenham at the back end of 2024, I can see him finishing off very fast here. 

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15:00, British Stallion Studs EBF Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race

Chrisma Cat 15/8, 1pt win

Supreme Malinas is respected for the Skelton's as a Listed winner already and she will find this easier than the bumper she contested at Windsor the last day but she has shown her hand and may not be quite at home on this better ground. A Path To Ronda, Phillipa's Choice and Easy Love are unexposed and come here off the back of easy enough wins but on form they have a bit of ground to make up on Alan King's mare Chrisma Cat. This 5 year old won an ordinary bumper at Warwick in November but stepped up markedly on that to go very close to winning a Listed event at Market Rasen last time out. She would have won that race with a couple more strides and her running style suggests that she will love the hill here. She should take plenty of beating in receipt of 4 pounds from Supreme Malinas. 

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15:35, Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase

Java Point 9/2, 1pt win

This is a wide open handicap chase considering there are just 6 runners. Goshen must have a chance back at a track he has run well at in the past and in a less competitive race but he isn't a reliable choice. Dreaming Blue comes into this in form having finished second over course and distance last time out but he does look handicapped up to his best. Hoe Joly Smoke looked like a horse on the up when bolting up here in December but ran no sort of race at Newbury last time out and he needs to bounce back from that. Excello is a difficult horse to decipher as he has been running poorly over hurdles this season but now goes chasing off a 12 pound lower mark than he raced off at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival. If he shows the level of form he did in December of 2023 then he's certainly up to winning this but again, he isn't overly reliable so instead preference is for Henry Oliver's Java Point. This 10 year old arrives here off just a pound higher mark than when winning the Masters Chase over course and distance in February of last year, and this does not look at tough a race as that. He was in form earlier in the season when running well in competitive events at Cheltenham before pulling up in a tough race at Ascot last time out when he never travelled. He's back at a course he likes, on ground he will relish and after a dry start to 2025, the stable is 1 for 1 in March so far.

Wincanton - Thursday 6th March 2025

 Unfortunately my selection at Kempton on Wednesday was a non-runner but I quite fancy one at Wincanton tomorrow to make up for this mishap. 

17:20, Gore Browne IM Handicap Hurdle

Feet On The Ground 4/1, 2pts each-way (3 places)

I really think Fergal O'Brien's 7 year old is well handicapped off a mark of 99. She's shaped with real promise in much better novice events than this of late and has been found a very winnable race for her first go in a handicap. Will be there or thereabouts. 

Kempton - Wednesday 5th March

 The Blueberry One ran appallingly today and I can't help but feel the track looked all wrong for him really. He's a big galloper and just never looked comfortable round Market Rasen on good ground - suspect give underfoot is preferable and I'll be interested as to where he does turn up next. Anyway, off to Kempton tomorrow evening. 

17:30, Unibet More Extra Place Races Handicap

Too Sweet 6/1, 1pt each-way (3 places)

Raphael Freire's 3 year old is massively unexposed here and arrives off the back of a decent effort to finish second of 12 at Chelmsford last time out after a 190 day break. He will strip fitter for that here and she is bred to be a lot better than this mark. 

Market Rasen - Tuesday 4th March 2025

 I am back from my weekend in London. I enjoyed seeing Wimbledon play although it was a bit of a shame they lost 1-0 to Bromley after having so many clear cut chances. I toured Stamford Bridge on Sunday and it was more interesting that I thought to be honest, it's a nice ground although you'd think capacity would be more than it is. Anyway, after a couple of winners put up at Newbury on Saturday hopefully we can kick on now we're into March - the best month of the year!

Market Rasen

16:05, Bet At racingtv.com Handicap Hurdle

The Blueberry One 7/2, 1pt win

I've tipped up this horse a few times lately but for one reason or another he hasn't actually run. Hopefully today is the day!