Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide 2023 - Review

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL BETTING GUIDE 20 23 REVIEW

Introduction

PAUL FERGUSON CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2023

IN PREVIOUS years, I have focused the Post-Cheltenham Review around the Grand National meeting, highlighting horses from the festival who will be worth keeping in mind, should they travel to Aintree the following month. This year, however, I decided to take a more detailed look and as such, all 28 races – some at greater length than others – are covered in the pages that you are about to read

This year’s Cheltenham Festival started with a bang and it was a pleasure to be on course on the opening day, with the Champion Hurdle success (* could easily replace ‘success’ with ‘stroll’) of Constitution Hill bettered – unless, like me, you were a backer of Love Envoi – shortly after in the Mares’ Hurdle, as Honeysuckle won at the meeting for a fourth year in a row. In all seriousness, it was a result that National Hunt racing craved and the reception that the brilliant mare received – along with that afforded to Henry de Bromhead and his family, and to Racheal Blackmore – was very special to witness first hand.

Overall and as expected, the Irish dominated, in particular in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the Ballymore and indeed, in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper Impaire et Passe looks to be a hugely exciting prospect going forward and his performance in the Ballymore was one of my personal highlights of the week, whilst, domestically, it was pleasing to see

champion trainer, Paul Nicholls, strike twice during the final two days, with Stage Star (Turners Novices’ Chase) and Stay Away Fay (Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle) who along with stable-mate Hermes Allen, should ensure that Nicholls has a high-class crop of staying novice chasers next winter

Nicholls had to settle for second place in the Gold Cup, but Bravemansgame ran a huge race and was only beaten by a genuinely top-class performer, who was given one of the rides of the week by leading jockey, Paul Townend. He ended the week with five winners, all of which came in Grade 1s, whilst Willie Mullins was leading trainer with six in total, Gaillard du Mesnil adding to the quintet which were ridden by his stable number one. As for Galopin des Champs, being only seven and unexposed as a staying chaser, there is every chance that we could see him contest two or three more Gold Cups in the coming years. Let’s hope he remains in one piece, as with Constitution Hill, as we need these star performers to elevate our sport to a wider audience.

We now look forward to Fairyhouse, Aintree and Punchestown, after which I will be hibernating for the summer, as work begins on Jumpers To Follow 2023-2024 For now, enjoy what is left of the season and I hope you find this mini publication of use.

Paul

Day One

SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

DESPITE his reversal at the Dublin Racing Festival, Facile Vega was still sent off clear favourite and although he could finish only second, left that Leopardstown form behind The front two travelled best throughout and drew clear on the run to the last, where Marine Nationale was more fluent and Barry Connell’s six-year-old ran out a 3¼-length winner, appearing to have the superior turn of foot It is likely that the pair could clash again in the Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival, a track at which both horses have won.

Third home Diverge took a huge step forward –having won a maiden on his previous start – whilst Inthepocket (4th) shaped as though he will appreciate going up in distance by half-a-mile. He will likely have Grade 1 options over 2m4f at both Aintree and Punchestown. Of the remainder, Chasing Fire travelled well to three out and ran better than the bare form, certainly for a long way. He weakened after being headed two out and it will be interesting to see if he is considered for Aintree, a track which should suit He ought to make a nice chaser next season and it seems likely that Marine Nationale will also be sent over fences in the autumn

SPORTING LIFE ARKLE CHALLENGE TROPHY NOVICES’ CHASE

THE race developed as expected, with Dysart Dynamo setting the pace – albeit, perhaps not as strongly as had been anticipated, certainly in the first part of the race – and it was pleasing to see him rise, following a tired-looking fall at the final fence. His running style would be well-suited to Aintree’s Mildmay track, so the Maghull Novices’ Chase would be an obvious target next month, although his fall did appear to be a nasty one. The top two in the market sat in behind the front-runner and having both jumped relatively soundly, they flanked Dysart Dynamo at the second last and El Fabiolo had put his stamp on the race between the final two fences. The Irish Arkle winner stayed on well to score by 5½ lengths, with Jonbon in turn 6½ lengths clear of Saint Roi in third. The winner will be difficult to beat wherever he goes (likely Punchestown), whilst the runner-up could well go to Aintree in a bid to go one place better, as he

did as a novice hurdler last year Nicky Henderson will have the option of running in either the aforementioned Maghull, or stepping up to 2m4f for the opening contest of the three-day fixture, the Manifesto Novices’ Chase The latter option would certainly be informative, as it could provide his connections with more options when thinking ahead to next season

ULTIMA HANDICAP CHASE

LUCINDA RUSSELL’S Corach Rambler won the Ultima for a second successive season, this time scoring from a mark of 146, 6lbs higher than in 2022 Again, coming from a long way off the pace, the nine-year-old went through the race more smoothly on this occasion and came home very strongly from two out, storming up the hill to fend off Fastorslow, to record back-to-back victories in the race. Upped 10lbs by the handicapper, the winner is now clear favourite for the Grand National and provided that he doesn’t lose his position in the early-part of the contest, he would have to hold very strong claims at Aintree, given that he will be racing from that same mark of 146. The runner-up remains lightly-raced – over both hurdles and fences – and given that he has won just once over the smaller obstacles, I wonder if Martin Brassil will consider the Louis Fitzgerald Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival (a race which is restricted to horses who have won no more than once)

Novices Monbeg Genius and The Goffer (travelled noticeably well) ran well and the former has proven to be very progressive since being upped to this sort of trip Versatile in terms of ground, he is now rated 145 and could follow the Cloth Cap route and run in the Scottish Grand National as a novice, although with the staying novice division not looking the strongest in the England (with the exception of The Real Whacker), perhaps he might also be considered for the Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree. Jonjo O’Neill did win that race with Holywell in 2014, on the back of winning the Ultima off a mark of 145.

Although he failed to complete, Harper’s Brook ran really well for a long way and is certainly another to take from the race Ben Pauling’s novice made a bold bid from the front, but didn’t appear

to get home and was eventually pulled-up before the last. Dropped 2lbs by the handicapper, he is one to note in a similar event over a shorter trip and immediately after the race, I thought that the Topham at Aintree could be an ideal target, despite his relative inexperience In races staged over one circuit, the Grand National course suits bold jumping front-runners and I was, therefore, pleased to see that he was handed an entry, when the race closed on Tuesday 21st March. If he isn’t up to the task, he should have little trouble in winning a nice handicap over a mid-range trip next season

UNIBET CHAMPION HURDLE

THE feature on day one went to plan, with Constitution Hill running out a comprehensive 9-length winner from State Man. Nico de Boinville opted to keep things simple and sat handy throughout on the six-year-old, who jumped slickly until reaching for the final flight The race was over from the home bend and apart from standing off the last, it was another faultless display. Eased down, he could have won by much further and we are still far from finding out how good the son of Blue Bresil could actually be. He is now expected to step up to 2m4f to contest the Aintree Hurdle, where he is likely to scare away a lot of the opposition. It will then be fascinating to see whether or not his connections opt to send him chasing in the autumn, rather than

following a similar path to this season. Given how dominant he is in the division, it would be a huge call to run in a novices’ chase on reappearance, but it does sound as though that option is being strongly considered As for State Man, he ran well in second and was 4 lengths clear of the remainder He is likely to head to Punchestown, where he should round off a hugely productive first season in open company. He, too, could go chasing next season, if his connections so wish

CLOSE BROTHERS MARES’ HURDLE

A RESULT that brought the house down, with Honeysuckle winning her second Mares’ Hurdle and at the festival for a fourth successive season She had initially led, but the slow pace resulted in Johnny Burke taking a hold of the race aboard Love Envoi and although she was ultimately beaten into second, her jockey gave her every chance and produced one of the rides of the week (despite losing). Love Envoi dictated matters for more than a full circuit and that resulted in not too many mares becoming competitive, with those held up seemingly inconvenienced by how the race unfolded. If Honeysuckle is indeed retired (decision still to be made) the Mares Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival would seem a good option for Love Envoi.

BOODLES JUVENILE HANDICAP HURDLE

WARM favourite Tekao raced far too freely and continued the poor run of Willie Mullins in this race, with the same connections’ Risk Belle finishing much closer, in third. She travelled really well into the race and was beaten just a neck and a nose, with Jazzy Matty finishing strongly between horses, to deny Byker and provide Michael O’Sullivan with a double on the opening day. The front two wore cheekpieces (as did the 4th and 5th) and given the ratings of the main protagonists, they are unlikely to step up in class before the season is out. The winner is a half-brother to Delta Work, so ought to appreciate a longer trip as he matures. French-import Bad ran well for a long way, before fading on the run to the last.

NATIONAL HUNT CHALLENGE CUP AMATEUR JOCKEYS’ NOVICES’ CHASE

A RESULT which seemed unlikely for a long way, with Mahler Mission still a couple of lengths up when crashing out two out (didn’t deserve that, having jumped

well for the most part), which left Chemical Energy clear. His stamina gave way halfway up the run-in and the result might well have been different on quicker ground, but market leader Gaillard du Mesnil was able to reel him in under Patrick Mullins and had the best part of 3 lengths to spare at the line. All three horses appeared to have a hard race and might, therefore, need time to recover. With that in mind, I would be cautious of siding with any of the trio in the coming weeks, although John McConnell has stated that he would like to run Mahler Mission in the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday If that comes too soon, he will be considered for both the Scottish equivalent and also Sandown's bet365 Gold Cup, on the final day of the season Looking ahead to next season and Chemical Energy appeals as a horse who can land a nice handicap, when getting his favoured good ground

GAILLARD DU MESNIL

15TH MARCH Day Two

BALLYMORE NOVICES’ HURDLE

DAY two got underway the same way day one ended, with a Willie Mullins-trained winner and in fact, Impaire et Passe led home a 1-2-3 for the trainer The winner travelled supremely well and as he had in his earlier races, hurdled fluently On the run to two out, Impaire et Passe and Good Land appeared to be travelling best, but upon landing at the penultimate flight, it was soon apparent that the winner was in control. Having eased to the front, off the home bend (got a lovely run up the inner), he quickened right away to run out an impressive winner It is safe to assume that he will head to Punchestown and if Facile Vega remains over 2m, it could be that he runs in the 2m4f Champion Novice Hurdle, although the son of Diamond Boy would have little trouble in dropping in distance, if his trainer opts to switch them around. His English-based owners might want to consider Aintree, where the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle would be the ideal target, and it would be no surprise to see him develop into a Champion Hurdle contender next term This performance oozed class and it is worth remembering that he is only five, with Peddlers Cross and The New One (both developed into high-class hurdlers) the last

horses of that age group to be successful in this race Runner-up Gaelic Warrior saw out the longer trip well, but was 6½ lengths off the winner and the aforementioned Good Land is another to take from the race, on the assumption that he goes chasing in the autumn Already a seven-year-old, that route seems most likely and he would have little trouble in coming back in distance a little The Turners could be his race this time next year, whilst his rider believed that the ground was softer than ideal, so it will be interesting to see if he can get any closer to the winner, should they renew rivalry at the Punchestown Festival Despite having been weak in the market the previous evening, Hermes Allen was sent off favourite and he seemed to get a little lit up when joining issue down the far side. An uncharacteristic mistake two out didn’t help, from which point he was outpaced and he looked tired when running down the final flight. He could leave this form behind over fences next season, when stepping up to 3m should suit. Paul Nicholls is reportedly considering the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle for him at Aintree, where the likely better ground is expected to suit, although he does, of course, have Stay Away Fay as a possible for the same race

BROWN ADVISORY NOVICES’ CHASE

AN INCREDIBLE finish, with the unbeaten chaser

The Real Whacker just holding on from Gerri Colombe and this was his third straight success at Cheltenham The winner again jumped very well and the result vindicated the decision to run here, rather than in the Gold Cup. Ridden positively by Sam Twiston-Davies, he controlled the race from the front and saw off long-time challenger Bronn (eventually finished 3rd) from the home turn He galloped right to the line and just held on from the fast finishing market leader. The Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree would appeal as the obvious next target, but trainer Patrick Neville suggested that he might not run again this season and if he does, it could be that he travels to Punchestown. The Charlie Hall would appeal as an early-season target next term, although Neville said that he would like to take his stable-star to Listowel in the autumn Gerri Colombe looked to get tapped for speed coming down the hill (possible that he didn’t handle the hill as well as the winner) but stayed on really strongly from the last and only just failed. Softer ground would have suited and this showed that he relished the longer trip. The more expansive New course would be more suitable next year, should he develop into a contender for the Gold Cup and Gordon Elliott has suggested that he will be considered for the Mildmay at Aintree, with the ground likely to have dried out too much by the time Punchestown takes place. Subsequent Gold Cup winner, Don Cossack, finished runner-up in the 2014 Mildmay for the Elliott stable and Gerri Colombe might need soft ground to be fully effective around a track like Aintree.

Of the remainder, Champion Bumper and Ballymore winner Sir Gerhard did well to get himself into contention coming down the hill, but early errors and that lack of chasing experience took its toll in the end, with the eight-year-old fading into ninth. Coming back in distance will suit him and both the Fairyhouse Gold Cup and Aintree’s Manifesto Novices’ Chase are likely to come under consideration, whilst former high-class hurdler Thyme Hill was also beaten a long way and given his form at the track, might be another for Aintree. It could be that he is considered for the Mildmay, whilst I wonder if the Liverpool Hurdle – a race which he won in 2021 – will also come under consideration. Likewise, if Sir Gerhard fails to jump with more fluency on his next start, it could be that hurdling is a more viable option for him next season. Cheveley Park Stud’s Richard Thompson certainly intimated as much in a recent, post-Cheltenham interview.

CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE

FOLLOWING the disappointment in the Martin Pipe in each of the past two years (bumped into Galopin des Champs in 2021 and brought down at the second hurdle last year), Langer Dan switched to the Coral Cup and came out on top in a tight threeway finish Held-up in midfield under Harry Skelton, he eased into contention and showed a fine attitude once he knuckled down to challenge the leaders after the last Runner-up An Epic Song travelled very well and this was the second successive year in which the same connections have been narrowly denied, whilst last year’s fourth Camprond went one place better (off 2lbs lower) and probably found himself in front too soon He wasn’t fluent at the last, which didn’t help, whilst Captain Conby (6th) is another to take from the race, as he, too, could be spotted moving with menace throughout. Still on the bridle when jumping two out, his effort levelled out late on, but it was a fine run and having travelled over last year, perhaps his connections will consider another trip to Aintree, where he would have options over both 2m4f and 3m.

BETWAY QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

RATHER like last year, when Shishkin failed to perform, the leading British contender Edwardstone failed to run to form and looked to be in some trouble fairly early in the race He was left behind from the fourth last (top of the hill), whilst last year’s winner Energumene was ridden more positively than had been the case in the Clarence House on trials day and he got into a fine rhythm under Paul Townend The race was all over from two out, as the reigning champion sauntered clear of Captain Guinness, who travelled well in second and finished a huge 24 lengths clear of the remainder The winner will, presumably, head back to Punchestown to defend his crown, whilst it remains to be seen as to whether or not we will see Edwardstone again this season This was a dominant display from Energumene, who appreciates soft ground

GLENFARCLAS CHASE

THE front three were a long way clear on official BHA Ratings and the race was won for a fifth time in seven years by Gordon Elliott (would have been his sixth win during this period, but for his suspension in 2021), who saddled the first two home. Again, the ground appeared to favour the winner, with Delta Work defending his crown at the expense of stablemate Galvin, who was having a first try over this

cross-country course. Both were ridden just behind the pace and they eased past Francky du Berlais (ran well for a very long way) after the second last. There was little between them approaching the fine obstacle, after which last year’s winner stayed strongly to win by 2½ lengths. Galvin looked to put his head in front after the last and the result might well have been different on slightly better ground They pulled a long way (26 lengths) clear of the third and both enhanced their claims for the Grand National at Aintree, for which they can be backed at 12-1 and 20-1, respectively Delta Work, of course, finished third last year and will be 7lbs better off with Galvin, if they re-oppose at Aintree next month. He will also be 20lbs better off with Noble Yeats, for the 22¼ lengths that he was beaten last year As for next year, both are likely to be aimed at the Glenfarclas Chase again.

JOHNNY HENDERSON GRAND ANNUAL CHALLENGE CUP HANDICAP CHASE

THE third race in a row, in which last year’s winner was looking to retain their crown and Global Citizen ran well to finish third, having made most of the running under Luca Morgan. Runner-up Dinoblue was also handy throughout and she travelled best, last off the bridle when making a fairly serious error two out, at the same fence at which Thyme White exited under Harry Cobden, when also still going well Dinoblue was even worse at the last and she was unable to prevent Maskada from drawing right away in the closing stages, to score by 6½ lengths for Henry de Bromhead The daughter of Masked Marvel stays further, so will have plenty of options going forward, whereas the runner-up – whose earlier form with Impervious was franked later in the week – would be a possible contender for the Red Rum at Aintree, with the sharper test looking sure to suit. Thyme White would be another possible for the Red Rum, although the pick of his form appears to come when he is fresh and Paul Nicholls had deliberately kept him back for the Grand Annual, having last run at Ascot in mid-November He was put up 3lbs (150), despite failing to complete Of the remainder, the winner’s stablemate Coeur Sublime ran better than the bare form would suggest (beaten 40 lengths into 12th) as he travelled noticeably well to the foot of the hill and appeared to tire on the run to two out, having raced keenly in the early part of the race. If he can relax a little more, there could be a nice prize in him in the spring, as he remains relatively lightly-raced over fences and finished just a head behind Blue Lord in

a Grade 1 at Punchestown last April. Again, Aintree’s Red Rum would be an option, with Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore teaming up to win that contest in 2019, with Moon Over Germany.

WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER

WILLIE MULLINS saddled no fewer than 10 horses in a bid to land a 13th Champion Bumper, but the race went to another Irish trainer, John Kiely, who landed his first Grade 1 since April 2016, when Carlingford Lough won the Punchestown Gold Cup A Dream To Share arrived at Cheltenham with the strongest piece of form in the book and confirmed that Dublin Racing Festival form over runner-up Fact To File, despite the much softer ground That was a concern with the winner, who boasts a Flat (and speedy) pedigree, but he again came from off the pace, to score under amateur rider John Gleeson. Still towards the rear, he was angled out coming down the hill and that ensured that he grabbed the stands side rail upon turning for home. Quickening up well, he took the lead passing through the wings of the final flight and he was 1¼ lengths too good for the second, despite shaping as though he would be even better on a sounder surface. A horse with plenty of natural pace, he could bid to land a Grade 1 double at Punchestown and is likely to be campaigned over the minimum trip once sent hurdling next season Fact To File reduced the gap from Leopardstown, but had no answer to the winner’s turn of foot It was, however, a fine effort in defeat and he had travelled well through the race He looks more of a staying type, so JP McManus shouldn’t be too concerned about them clashing again, although Willie Mullins raised the possibility that – with him already being six – he could go straight over fences, something which he did with Champion Bumper winners Florida Pearl (1997) and Missed That (2005) He is a Point-to-Point winner and looks to be a smashing long-term prospect.

Paul Nicholls’ Captain Teague ran a stormer to finish third and was the only English-trained runner in the first 11 home. He was never too far from the pace and kept on really well inside the final quarter-mile He was 3 lengths clear of the remainder and would likely set a fairly high standard, if connections opted to go to Aintree for the Grade 2, a race which Nicholls won in 2019 and 2021, with McFabulous and Knappers Hill, respectively. He has raced exclusively on soft ground to date, although being a half-brother to Sky Pirate, shouldn’t mind a sounder surface. Queens Gamble (12th) was next best of the English and she, too, could head to Aintree, where

the likely quicker ground would definitely be in her favour. She is bred to appreciate good ground and both of her Cheltenham wins were gained on a better surface, so she can readily be given another chance, under more suitable conditions She is likely to run in the Nickel Coin against her own sex on the opening day of the three-day meeting

Of the remainder, Lecky Watson (4th) ran well, given that he raced very freely early on and was sandwiched with a furlong to run He was unable to win in three starts in Ireland, so this was a much improved effort, whilst Western Diego (7th) was another who raced keenly and was also caught up in that late coming together He was fading at the time, but is another who looks to have a bright

future, whilst Encanto Bruno (11th) is another who was possibly inconvenienced by the soft ground. All of his earlier form had come on a sounder surface.

Finally, in terms of paddock appearance, I was particularly taken with both Fact To File and stable-mate Chapeau de Soleil (10th), who is a good-looking son of Soldier Of Fortune. He turned Fairyhouse form around with Better Days Ahead, but never really looked like getting involved, having been held-up for the most part He lacks experience and still appears to be quite immature, so could improve considerably once sent hurdling next season Fact To File is a big, robust sort, which is possibly another reason why his trainer is considering skipping a season over hurdles.

THURSDAY 16TH MARCH Day Three

TURNERS NOVICES’ CHASE

THE hitherto unbeaten (over fences) Mighty Potter was all the rage to provide Gordon Elliott with a third Turners in six years, but the dual Grade 1-winning hurdler could finish only third, beaten 4 lengths at the line. He jumped and travelled well for the most part, but could never get on terms with the front two (who had raced in that position throughout) and was unable to pick up on the run to two out. Angled out after the final fence, he hung to his right on the run-in and perhaps, Cheltenham isn’t his track. For the majority of this race, he still moved like a high-class chaser and stepping up in trip ought to bring about further improvement next season 5-6 on right-handed tracks, he is set to return to Fairyhouse - where he won the Drinmore Novice Chase earlier in the season - to contest the Fairyhouse Gold Cup Novice Chase on Easter Sunday and if he improves during his second season over fences, the King George at Kempton could be the ideal race for him next winter.

The race was won by Stage Star, who – as he had done on trials day – jumped really well and made it four wins from five starts over fences His two latest victories have been most impressive and with that in mind, he could be aimed at next year’s Ryanair Chase, although again, stepping up to 3m shouldn’t be an issue and Aintree is likely to come under consideration, given his prominent running style and jumping prowess That said, he has had a relatively busy campaign, so Paul Nicholls is likely to keep an open mind If he does head to Aintree, I would expect him to be handed entries in both the Manifesto and the Mildmay Novices’ Chase. Runner-up Notlongtillmay also ran a career-best, having been rated just 142 before the race Following a switch from Chris Gordon’s yard, he won his first three starts for trainer Laura Morgan, in novice handicap company off marks of 120, 124 and 134. This was another huge step forward and he, too, could be considered for the Manifesto, with him being owned by a Liverpool local, and now being rated 152 (raised 10lbs by the handicapper).

PERTEMPS NETWORK FINAL HANDICAP HURDLE

THERE were lots of horses in with a chance as they approached the final flight, but Good Time

Jonny picked up extremely well on the run-in, to win by 3¼ lengths, something which looked most unlikely for a long way. Held-up in last, he only had two horses behind him when jumping two out, but really found his stride on the run to the final flight and won going away Walking On Air (5th) didn’t enjoy the clearest of runs and remains capable of landing a nice staying prize off his current mark, whilst he has the physique for fences and is sure to be sent chasing in the autumn And, similar comments apply to The Changing Man (8th) who travelled well for a long way and should improve again once switched to fences Still only six, he won a handicap off 95 at Stratford a year ago and was running here off 128, which shows the improvement made by Joe Tizzard’s son of Walk In The Park.

RYANAIR CHASE

A THIRD winner of the week for Henry de Bromhead and a third Cheltenham Festival success for Envoi Allen, who had won the Champion Bumper (2019) and the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle (2020) when trained by Gordon Elliott. Third in last year’s Champion Chase, the nine-year-old got his career back on track with a victory at Down Royal in the autumn, but had to bounce back from a disappointing effort in the King George on Boxing Day. He did just that, with a polished display, appreciating the shorter trip, as he travelled with exuberance throughout. Never far from the pace, he loomed up on the outer as the field turned for home and once hitting the front at the second last, always looked like prevailing The post-race talk was of a Gold Cup bid in 2024, so perhaps he will be stepped back up in trip, with options over 3m at both Aintree and Punchestown, although the same connections appear to be leaning towards the Bowl with A Plus Tard (more of him shortly)

The Bowl at Aintree had been pinpointed as a likely end-of-season target for Shishkin, following his Ascot Chase success, but he struggled from the outset here and actually did remarkably well to finish as close as he did, given how he travelled and failed to jump with any great fluency. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Nicky Henderson sticks to that original plan and sends his nine-yearold to Liverpool next month. Third home Hitman raced prominently and ran well in first-time cheek-

pieces, and is another who is likely to be aimed at Aintree, where the Melling Chase would seem the logical target. He finished runner-up in that Grade 1 last year and is likely to re-oppose Fakir d’Oudairies

PADDY POWER STAYERS’ HURDLE

LAST year’s Liverpool Hurdle winner – and twice a winner of the Pertemps Final on this card – Sire du Berlais caused a 33-1 shock, staying on strongly to beat Dashel Drasher and Teahupoo in a tight, threeway finish. Runner-up in this race two years ago, the evergreen 11-year-old sat towards the head of the main pack, in what was a well-strung-out field Ridden more vigorously than the other quintet as six horses pulled clear off the home bend, he kept on tenaciously and got there under Mark Walsh to win by ¾-of-a-length. A course specialist, he beat the 10-year-old Dasher Drasher, leaving the division looking rather inconclusive (once again) in terms of a standout performer. The runner-up was then demoted to third, having interfered with market leader Teahupoo, who didn’t appear to see the trip out as thoroughly as the winner. Even softer ground would likely have helped the six-year-old, so whether we get to see him again in the spring is likely dependant on the weather, whilst the front two (past the post) could head to Aintree for the Liverpool Hurdle on Grand National day.

Charles Byrnes has nominated that Grade 1 for Blazing Khal, who lost his unbeaten record as a hurdler, finishing only sixth in the end (beaten 11¼ lengths) having looked like playing a leading role turning in Perhaps, the interrupted preparation counted against him, or the race came a little soon on the back of his Boyne Hurdle success (which was his first start in 428 days) and he remains lightly-raced and capable of further improvement Of the remainder, Ashdale Bob probably travelled best of all for 2m4f or thereabouts and although he was eventually pulled-up, again shaped with promise He doesn’t really see out this trip, certainly not on soft ground, so take note if he drops back slightly for something like the Aintree Hurdle On good ground, he just about gets 3m, but has yet to win beyond 2m4f

MAGNERS PLATE HANDICAP CHASE

AN UNSATISFACTORY start (false start resulting in a standing-start), which was very much detrimental to the chances of the runner-up Fugitif, who is often ridden handily, but found himself quite far back after missing the break. Richard Hobson’s improving eight-year-old worked his way into the contest, but was further back than ideal, in a race

which often favours those who race up with the speed. Still only sixth off the home bend, he jumped up well two out and beaten just 2 lengths at the line, it is likely that his effort making up ground cost him the race in the end It was a fine run and although he has gone up another 4lbs (153), he is one to keep onside Unexposed over this sort of trip, the Old Roan Chase appeals as an obvious target in the autumn As for the winner, Seddon was well-positioned throughout and responded really well when challenged after the last, to provide John McConnell (and jockey Ben Harvey) with a first Cheltenham Festival winner Third home Shakem Up’arry ran a sound race, whilst the lightly-raced Haut en Couleurs ran well under a welter-burden in fifth, only tiring late-on. He is another – like Fastorslow – with just one hurdles win to his name, so could revert to the smaller obstacles to contest the Louis Fitzgerald Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival The Grade 2 Devenish Chase at Fairyhouse would be another option, should his connections prefer to persist over fences, whilst he has been handed an entry in the Topham at Aintree.

JACK DE BROMHEAD MARES’ NOVICES' HURDLE

MAKING all over hurdles on the New course isn’t easy, but You Wear It Well pulled off those tactics in tremendous fashion, to win by 2¾ lengths, under a well-judged Gavin Sheehan ride, providing trainer and owner with a second festival success, following on from Present View in 2014. Beaten just once over hurdles (by Hermes Allen in the Challow Novices’ Hurdle), the daughter of Midnight Legend was coming back in trip and set a relatively steady pace, controlling things from the front. As she often does, she hurdled nimbly and wound things up from two out, quickening clear off the home bend Briefly challenged by Luccia on the run to the last, she drew away to score with a bit in hand. It was a good performance and the handicapper put Jamie Snowden’s six-year-old up by 7lbs to a revised mark of 142. Market leader Luccia faded into fourth in the end and had raced keenly (also quite keen in the paddock beforehand, with two handlers required to lead her around) and probably did a little too much She wasn’t as battle-hardened as the winner and could still develop into a high-class mare, with this experience now behind her. Interestingly, the handicapper dropped her 4lbs to 138 following this performance. As for You Wear It Well, given the programme for mares these days, I would expect her to remain over hurdles next season, with her end-goal being the Mares’ Hurdle on day one of the festival

Runner-up Magical Zoe caught the eye making up lots of ground late on, on what was her first start in 132 days. A Grade 3 winner at Down Royal in early-November, she copes with much quicker ground, so is likely to be kept on the go through the spring and this was the first defeat of her career Ridden similarly when winning at Down Royal, she clearly likes to pass horses, so is always likely to appreciate a strongly-run race And, further back, Jetara faded into 11th in the end, but showed up well for a long way and had earlier finished in front of Halka du Tabert when runner-up to Ashroe Diamond (forced to miss this race and now likely to be aimed at the Grade 1 Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse over 2m4f) in the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle She has good bumper form in the book and should have little trouble in winning a maiden hurdle before the season is out.

FULKE WALWYN KIM MUIR CHALLENGE CUP AMATEUR JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP CHASE

A VERY close finish, with four of the top five in the betting coming to the fore The front two were ridden in mid-division and patient tactics are often rewarded in this amateur jockeys’ race, where they can get racing quite early The winner Angels Dawn was delivered at the second last and was travelling much the best at the time, looking as though she might win comfortably, but Stumptown rallied after the last and actually looked to put his head in front on the run-in, only for the mare to battle back and prevail by a neck, with 5½ lengths back to Mr Incredible, who stayed on to take third. The winner holds an entry in the Irish Grand National, whilst the runner-up had gone up 10lbs for his easy Sandown success the time before and both look thoroughly progressive. The right horses fought out the finish, so this could be quite strong form

17TH MARCH Day Four

JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

WILLIE MULLINS saddled the first four home, with Lossiemouth reversing Spring Juvenile form with Gala Marceau Despite racing keenly, the grey tanked her way to the front at the top of the hill, before jumping on two out Allowed to drift over to the rail, she winged the final flight and readily quickened away from a brace of stable-mates, with a 7½-length gap back to Gust Of Wind in fourth, who was attempting to give the three fillies who finished in front of him 7lbs The winner is sure to head to Punchestown, where she will be tough to beat in the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle Next season will be much more difficult for her, especially as the juveniles don’t appear to be an overly strong bunch this year. Blood Destiny was the disappointment of the race, finishing only ninth, having raced keenly in the early part of the contest.

MCCOY CONTRACTORS COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE

DAN SKELTON won the race for the fourth time in eight years, but not with the well-backed favourite Pembroke, who didn’t jump particularly fluently and had his chance ended with a shuddering error at the second last. It was Faivoir – who returned at 33-1 and was ridden by Bridget Andrews (as was Mohaayed in 2018) – who prevailed, bouncing back to form following being pulled-up in the Betfair Hurdle The winner finished only 11th last year and was winning over hurdles for the first time since April 2021 Runner-up Pied Piper ran a cracker, attempting to concede 20lbs to the winner and he is likely to revert to Grade 1 company at Punchestown, where he will again likely find State Man too strong Slightly caught between two stones at present, he will be of interest when reverting to the Flat this summer, with him looking more than capable of landing a valuable handicap from his current mark of 96. As for Pembroke, with this experience behind him, he will be worth another chance in a similar contest and was dropped 1lb by the handicapper to 135.

Betfair Hurdle second Filey Bay gives the form a solid feel in third, whilst Ballyadam (5th) caught

the eye with how he travelled through the race He finished third behind Gaelic Warrior in the Liffey Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival, having also finished fifth in this race last year Still relatively lightly-raced, he can land a nice handicap at some stage. Petit Tonnerre (7th) is another to note, especially once stepping back up in trip and it could be that he tries 2m4f again at Aintree, where he ran really well back in the autumn on his first start out of juvenile company He has the build for fences and is likely to go chasing next term, whilst stepping up in distance could also be an option for Wonderwall (13th) at Aintree. Ideally, he wants an intermediate trip and better ground, but ran quite well for a long way, on what was his first start for 112 days and was reverting to hurdles. He was sporting first-time cheekpieces and jumped better than he had as a novice last term, and can be ridden more patiently once upped in distance. The 0-155 handicap over 2m5½f at Ayr’s Scottish Grand National meeting would be another option for Richard Spencer’s lightly-raced seven-year-old

ALBERT BARTLET NOVICES’ HURDLE

THE well-supported market leader Corbetts Cross was around a length down when dramatically running-out at the final flight, leaving Stay Away Fay to stay on strongly and provide Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden with a second Grade 1 success in as many days The winner appeared to have gotten the better of the argument at the time, and was a length too good for Affordale Fury and Sandor Clegane. A taking winner at Newbury on Rules debut, he looked a shade unlucky when beaten at Doncaster and raced prominently throughout here. His Point-to-Point victory over Grade 3 winner Monty’s Star (pulled-up in this race) reads well and he is sure to develop into a very smart novice chaser next term. Given that he has only had three races this season, he could bid to follow-up in the Sefton at Aintree, although Albert Bartlett winners are just 2-7 in that contest (the extra week is sure to help, if he does head north to Liverpool). If running, he is likely to re-oppose his Doncaster conqueror, Maximilian, whilst

Nicholls is also considering Hermes Allen for the same race, so perhaps, Punchestown could be an option for Stay Away Fay.

Runner-up Affordale Fury took a huge step forward, relishing the longer trip and he is another nice chasing prospect for next term, as is Sandor Clegane who appreciated the softer ground, having finished behind Good Land at the Dublin Racing Festival Given that he is 2-3 at the track, the Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle at Punchestown is likely to be on his agenda next month, provided that the ground is deemed suitable Letsbeclearaboutit (4th) and Three Card Brag (5th) also ran well, whilst the aforementioned Corbetts Cross was running a big race when crashing through the wings of the last It is worth remembering that he won a Grade 2 novice hurdle over 1m7½f just 19 days earlier, so could leave this form a long way behind in time. He has had six races this season, so might appreciate a break now and will come back a better horse next autumn, when he is also likely to be sent chasing

BOODLES CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP CHASE

A STELLAR performance from Galopin des Champs, who was held-up a long way off the pace and didn’t jump overly fluently in the early part of the contest However, he effortlessly made up

ground during the second circuit and had latched himself on to the tails of the leading group at the top of the hill. Travelling all over the opposition, he was angled out by Paul Townend on the run to two out and was upsides Bravemansgame at the final fence, after which he had the superior turn of foot, eventually winning by 7 lengths. Townend gave Galopin des Champs a top-class ride and being only seven, he is very much the horse to beat in the division for the foreseeable. In the shortterm, he is likely to be very difficult to beat in the Punchestown Gold Cup. The runner-up pulled 6½ lengths clear of Conflated and also ran a career best Bravemansgame has the option of running at Aintree, but having been beaten at the meeting in each of the past two seasons, perhaps Punchestown will be considered, especially as Paul Nicholls has Clan des Obeaux for the Bowl Given the hard race that he endured, it could actually be that we don't see him again this season, whilst Conflated is likely to have another crack at the Bowl, having finished just a length second in last year's race

Noble Yeats was outpaced when the tempo increased, before staying on into fourth, which should tee up his Grand National defence, whilst Ahoy Senor is another who is likely to be bound for Liverpool, provided he gets over his fall in time. Despite showing his tendency to jump to his right (only marginally in the main this time), he got into

a nice rhythm out in front and he has, in contrast to Bravemansgame, won at Aintree in each of the past two seasons, successful in the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle and the Mildmay Novices’ Chase Sounds Russian was brought down by Ahoy Senor and is another who could be Aintree-bound, provided the race doesn’t come too soon for him. Both horses contested the Many Clouds Chase at the track earlier in the campaign, a race which was won by Noble Yeats.

2022 winner A Plus Tard is another who is, reportedly, being considered for a tilt at the Bowl, given his preference to race left-handed Pulled-up before three out, he has now failed to complete on each start this season, but still appeared to be travelling comfortably – albeit towards the back of the main group – when badly hampered by the fall of Ahoy Senor He will be fresher than those who fought out the finish and ought to appreciate the spring ground at Aintree.

ST. JAMES’S PLACE FESTIVAL CHALLENGE CUP OPEN HUNTERS’ CHASE

A SHOCK as Premier Magic won at 66-1, for trainer/ rider Bradley Gibbs. Despite being hampered three out, he took over from Rocky’s Howya on the run to two out and kept on well on the run-in, from the fast-finishing Its On The Line. The runner-up is only six, so could easily be back for another crack at the race next year, whilst the real eye-catcher was Famous Clermont, who travelled well before failing to see out the trip Chris Barber’s improving eight-year-old came home in sixth under Will Biddick and would be one to take very seriously if coming back in distance to contest the Foxhunters’ at Aintree. His two earlier successes came at Wincanton and Haydock, so he clearly handles a flat track and better ground would also be a positive He was handed an entry in the 2m5f contest on Tuesday 21st March (early-closing race)

MRS PADDY POWER MARES’ CHASE

WITH last year’s second and fourth beaten much further into third and fourth, respectively, this year’s race – as expected – looked to be a stronger renewal and it was dominated by the top two in the market. Novices Impervious and Allegorie de Vassy fought out the finish, with the former showing a fantastic attitude, having been headed after the last. Dwarfed in stature by the runner-up, Colm Murphy’s athletic-looking seven-year-old maintained her 100% record over fences and could now take on the boys (again) over 3m at Punchestown. Allegorie de Vassy jumped much better than she

had done on her second start over fences (out to her right early, but straightened out despite being kept wide) and travelled powerfully throughout. A good leap at the last saw her take half-a-length out of Impervious, at which point it looked as though she would go and finish the job. She tired in the final 100 yards or so, however, as the winner stuck her head right down to record a deserved success Allegorie de Vassy holds an entry in the Fairyhouse Gold Cup, where she would receive 7lbs from the geldings, whilst her connections could probably even think about coming back in trip slightly, given how enthusiastically she races. These are two high-class mares

MARTIN PIPE CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ HANDICAP HURDLE

WHILST there might not have been a Sir des Champs, Don Poli or Galopin des Champs (all recent winners of this race) in the field, the novice Iroko continued his upwardly mobile profile to provide training duo Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero with a first festival success. Up 17lbs for a brace of Wetherby handicap wins, the five-year-old – who was well-backed during the week – raced prominently throughout and stayed on strongly, having come off the bridle at the top of the hill. He looked to be losing his position two out, but showed a fine attitude and picked up well on the run to the final flight. He shaped like going up in trip will suit and is being considered for a crack at that Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, after which he will be sent chasing next term Up to a mark of 144, he will need to take another considerable step forward to play a leading role in the Sefton In the same ownership, No Ordinary Joe (2nd) travelled noticeably well, but was probably outstayed by the winner. He was put up 4lbs for this effort (143) and will be of interest on an easier track such as Aintree, having won around Kempton over the Festive period Might I (4th) came from a long way off the pace and having finished runner-up in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle last year, is another possible for the 2m4f handicap at the Grand National fixture, although he is becoming increasingly difficult to win with (hasn’t won over hurdles, since making a successful debut at Newton Abbot in October 2021), despite often running well. And, fifth placed Imagine travelled well to the foot of the hill, then looked to drop away on the run to the final flight, before rallying to finish just 5 lengths off the winner and a short-head off Might I in fourth. His Irish novice form has a solid feel to it and this was his first start beyond the minimum trip