The 2025 Eider Chase

Eighteen have been declared for tomorrow's Eider Chase (2.10 Newcastle) with the going currently described as good to soft, soft in places. 

Collectors Item carries top weight; I've still to forgive myself for missing him in the Somerset National at Wincanton last time - he won at odds of 14/1 - having given a clear indication of a return to form on his previous start where he finished one and a half lengths behind Mr Vango in the London National at Sandown.

Jonjo O'Neill's charge was raised four pounds after that win at Wincanton but Jack Hogan's three pound claim offsets most of the increase.

Favourite O'Connell goes for a four-timer here. 

Having won the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen on Boxing Day by nine and a half lengths (Kelce one length in arrears when falling at the last), connections decided to try their luck down south in a handicap chase at Sandown.

Gavin Sheehan rode one cool race out the back that day, steadily making ground over the last half mile to jump the final fence in fourth and then scoot up the hill to win going away. 

The handicapper has raised the gelding eight pounds for his trouble; without wishing to carp that performance, I noted that five of the eight opponents that day were over nine years of age.

He has shot up 22 pounds since winning at Carlisle on December 1st; Peter Kavangh claims three while Gavin Sheehan rides Passing Well who led three out in the Surrey National at the end of last month but was pipped on the line by Sporting Ace (Major Dundee pulled up).

That looked a hard enough race on heavy ground at Lingfield just three weeks ago; Sporting Ace has gone up five pounds, Passing Well four.

Last year Anglers Crag beat Prince Des Fichaux a neck in this with Major Dundee unseating Tom Bellamy two out when ridden in third. 

Anglers Crag tries again this year off a mark four pounds higher; Brian Ellison's charge was fourth behind Magna Sam in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh 20 days ago, losing two places after the last. Second spot was claimed by Bodhisattva who goes off the same mark again tomorrow.

Brian Ellison hasn't had a jumps winner for 57 days while John McConnell's yard has struggled this winter.

Prince Des Fichaux races from two pounds out of the handicap this time and hasn't shown a lot since that effort in last year's race (behind Bretney twice - in the Highland National at Perth in April and the Scottish Borders National at Kelso in December). Handler Ewan Whillans has sent out two winners from 11 runners in the past fortnight.

Choosethenews won a point over three miles in 2022 but most of his racing under rules to date has been over trips around the two and a half mile mark. He has been well supported in the market during the day and his run behind Giovinco in February might suggest 126 is a lenient mark.

Having been pulled up behind O'Connell on his penultimate start, last time he finished second behind If Not For Dylan over two miles seven and a half furlongs at this track (Lord Roco a close third, Prince Des Fichaux pulled up). 

Lord Roco has yet to win a race over fences.

Ilikedwayurthinkin likes to race up with the pace and, despite his age, comes into this in good form having won easily at the track over three miles six at the end of November and then finishing second under top weight behind Undeniable Alibi at Ayr last month. 

Owned by J.P. McManus, this one has been supported in the market during the day; Ben Haslam hasn't had a jumps winner for 83 days.

Egbert looks the pick of Alan King's two; writing in the RP Weekender the handler tells readers the bug that hit the yard is easing off now and continues:

"This has been the target for Egbert since he won the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock in December. 

"He's not an easy horse to catch right but he's working well and the further they go the better - he kept grinding away at Haydock, having been off the bridle a long way out, and he'll be suited by this thorough test of stamina. 

"Major Dundee couldn't handle the absolutely bottomless ground at Lingfield in the Surrey National but he didn't give himself a hard race and he's come out of it fine. 

"He was running well when he unseated two out in last year's Eider, holding third place at the time. He would definitely have been placed and he's five pounds lower now."

I've heard Henry Daly, when discussing Bretney, say that the further they go, the better he goes. 

In the past Alistair Jones has called this ten-year-old 'inconsistent' in the RP Weekender and a quick look at his profile might confirm that opinion with blinkers, cheekpieces and a visor tried on various occasions during his career. 

He seems best when able to lead from the front - on his penultimate start he beat Your Own Story 10 lengths in the Scottish National at Kelso. At the time of writing he's 33/1 with William Hill, having been 40s in places earlier in the day which, to my untrained eye, looks big should he turn up on a going day.

Your Own Story's subsequent sixth in the Welsh Grand National behind Val Dancer reads well enough, although Lucinda Russell's charge appeared to lose his pitch mid race before staying on from two out.

Irish raider History Of Fashion has three chase wins to his name and they've all have come at Down Royal and Fairyhouse - both right-handed tracks. 

Two of those wins have come this term for seven pound claimer Harry Sexton, the most recent a Listed race over three mile five and a half furlongs at the beginning of December.

Back in May Gaboriot won a hunter chase at Cheltenham over a distance of four miles and half a furlong while his third behind King Turgeon in the Great Sefton in November certainly catches the eye.

The chestnut was due to run in the Edinburgh National but was declared a non-runner after a poor scope. He comes to this fresher than a few in the field and the yard has sent out a couple of winners in the past week.

Three of Chemical Warfare's six chase wins have come at Newcastle and he has won over an extended three and a quarter mile trip at Sedgefield. 

I was under the impression the Pipe stable used to target this race in the past but perhaps I'm mistaken as Comply Or Die (2008) is their only previous winner. The yard is going through a quiet spell at the moment - just one win from 21 runs in the past fortnight.

Knockanore goes beyond three miles for the first time.

The lowest official handicap ratings of the winner since Merigo won off 125 in 2009 are:

2016: Rocking Blues 126

2017: Mysteree 127

2024: Anglers Crag 126

In a highly competitive affair I've decided to focus on those in the field that have previously shown some form around the four mile mark: Anglers Crag, Gaboriot, Your Own Story, Bodhisattva, Major Dundee, Bretney and Prince Des Fichaux.

Gaboriot is the each-way suggestion, as I write still 12/1 with Paddy Power and Betfair who pay five places.

The 2025 Grand National Trial at Haydock

Everybody agrees - this race isn't a trial for the Grand National in April, so it's time to call it something else.

Ten have been declared to run over the extended three and a half mile trip; the going at the Lancashire track is currently described as good to soft but light rain is forecast throughout the day tomorrow.

Top weight and course specialist Royal Pagaille takes his chance with the result that half of the field race from out of the handicap. 

During the day we have seen Val Dancer and Jubilee Express, first and second in the Welsh Grand National seven weeks ago, supplanted at the head of the market by Yeah Man and Git Maker.

Irish raider Yeah Man won this last year off a mark of 133 (with Famous Bridge unseating at the 17th fence when travelling well enough); Yeah Man goes off 144 tomorrow.

Git Maker races from five pounds out of the handicap off 133. 

Jamie Snowden's charge finished third off that mark in the Scottish Grand National at Ayr in April. On his first start this season he finished last of 12 in a handicap hurdle at Windsor four weeks ago; that looks like a preparatory run for this.

Val Dancer is six pounds 'wrong' at the weights, Jubilee Express eight, although Dylan Johnston's three pound claim reduces the deficit to five.

Royal Pagaille continues to drift in the market as he tries this trip for the first time. 

At the age of 11 it looks a stiff task conceding a minimum of 17 pounds to all opponents but his record at Haydock reads 112111P.  

On his penultimate start in the Betfair Chase in November his jumping wasn't quite as assured as we'd seen in the past and last time he didn't jump well at all before being pulled up. 

With regular pilot Charlie Deutsch riding at Ascot, Sean Bowen has been called upon to do the pushing, the shoving and the steering.     

Famous Bridge is two pounds 'wrong' but likes Haydock - his figures at the track read 11U3. 

Nicky Richards' charge was a tad disappointing when only third behind Egbert and Jacks Parrot in the Tommy Whittle eight weeks ago. Sent off joint favourite with Yeah Man for this last year when rated 139, he unseated Sean Quinlan so remains unproven at the trip; connections try cheekpieces for the first time.   

Where It All Began finds the fences getting in the way on occasions but on his penultimate start he was still in contention in the Welsh National - four lengths fourth - when sprawling on landing four from home.

Three mares take their chance: Apple Away, Galia Des Liteaux and Royal Pagaille's stablemate Fontaine Collonges.

Apple Away has been well backed during the day and is now generally a 6/1 shot. 

She wouldn't be the biggest and I've never been totally convinced by her jumping of a fence - a quick look at her profile might suggest she has shown her best form over fences when racing right-handed.

Galia Des Liteaux and Fontaine Collonges finished behind Val Dancer and Jubilee Express in the Welsh National.

Galia Des Liteaux came home fifth, beaten 17 lengths, while Fontaine Collonges made little impression and was pulled up in the home straight when behind.

Off 142 Dan Skelton's charge went agonisingly close behind My Silver Lining in the 2024 running of the Classic Chase at Warwick, so looks feasibly treated here on 140 with Tristan Durrell claiming three.

Fontaine Collonges likes Haydock too - her figures at the track read 101. 

On her penultimate start she beat Monbeg Genius 12 lengths here and that one won a Class 2 Handicap Chase at Uttoxeter last Saturday.  

It's been a volatile market and there's probably more volatility to come.

I'm drawn to the chance of Galia Des Liteaux who stays the trip and races off her lowest mark since winning the Yorton Stallions  Mares' Novices' Chase at Bangor in November 2022. 

She meets Val Dancer 17 pounds better off than in the Welsh National (if I've done my calculations correctly) and is joint top-rated with Apple Away on Racing Post ratings.

Galia Des Liteaux is the each-way suggestion, currently 10/1 with Ladbrokes who pay three places.     

The 2025 William Hill Hurdle at Newbury

What's this? William Hill sponsoring the Betfair Hurdle? 

It used to be the Tote before that, didn't it? And, before that, Schhh... You Know Who. 

Anyway, the final field of eighteen for tomorrow's William Hill Hurdle (3.35) has some notable absentees including Tellherthename, Hansard and Bo Zenith.

The going at Newbury is currently described as good to soft, soft in places, with light rain forecast overnight.

Favourite Secret Squirrel won the Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle with something to spare on soft ground at Windsor three weeks ago (with Navajo Indy fourth, Beat The Bat seventh, Go Dante eleventh and Givemefive 30 lengths adrift in thirteenth place) and carries a five pounds penalty here.

Nico De Boinville was described as, on occasions, 'agricultural' by Tom Scudamore in a recent Times article appraising the riding styles of the leading contenders for the David Power Jockeys' Cup; Nico was aboard the winner that day at Windsor and he rides Joyeuse for Nicky Henderson and owner J.P. McManus tomorrow.

The Henderson yard has a good record in this race with six previous wins: Sharpical (1998); Geos (2000 and 2004); Landing Light (2001); My Tent Or Yours (2013); and Iberico Lord (2024).

Grey mare Joyeuse goes off a mark of 123; in the past ten years the lowest official handicap rating of the winner was 132 (Violet Dancer in 2015). 

Two mares have come home in front in the past 30 years: Mysilv (1995); and Spirit Leader (2003).

Navajo Indy, fourth at Windsor, won the Gerry Feilden over course and distance at the end of December (Our Champ third) and meets Secret Squirrel five pounds better off for a three length defeat; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time.

The last horse to carry more than 11-08 to victory was Persian War in 1968 which means I haven't looked too closely at the chances of Lump Sum, Iberico Lord and Favour And Fortune. 

Iberico Lord won this last year off a mark of 134 but things haven't gone to plan over the larger obstacles this season and he finished some 20 lengths behind Nemean Lion at Windsor three weeks ago.

Similarly the last horse older than seven to collect the spoils was Geos some 21 years ago so I haven't spent too much time looking at Aucunrisque, Washington, Go Dante and King William Rufus.

That said, the first-named made all to win the 2023 renewal off 138 and, back in November, won an Ascot handicap on good ground off 129 (Mirabad third and Williethebuilder pulled up). 

He looks feasibly weighted off 133 but will need the rain to stay away.

I certainly wouldn't describe myself as au courant with French Flat form (or British Flat form for that matter) but Mirabad's second in a Listed race at Fointainebleau back in November 2023 over one mile seven furlongs looks respectable - he was headed in the final 50 yards.

And he has done well for Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole since moving this side of La Manche. 

Last time at Cheltenham on his second start in a handicap hurdle, the gelding decided he wanted none of the steady early pace set by Magic Seven, pulling his way to the front before the fourth flight and duly winning five and a half lengths. 

The handicapper duly raised him 10 pounds. 

Fiercely Proud brings strong form to the table.

On seasonal debut Ben Pauling's charge had come under pressure when falling two out in an Ascot handicap won by Our Champ. 

He was subsequently sixth behind Burdett Road in the Greatwood before pipping Kabral Du Mathan a short head in the Ladbrokes Hurdle at Ascot just before Christmas (Our Champ fifth, Favour And Fortune sixth, Go Dante pulled up and Secret Squirrel two lengths third when falling at the final flight).

He has been raised nine pounds for that win to a mark of 137 and probably prefers racing on a right-handed track.

Our Champ's defeat of Break My Soul by a nose at Ascot (Fiercely Proud fell) reads well, particularly as the stable was under a cloud at the time; Freddie Gordon dropped his whip on the run to the line that day but still managed to get the job done.

On Gerry Feilden running Our Champ meets Navajo Indy three pounds better off for a five length defeat which isn't reflected in market prices at the time of writing.

Beat The Bat had Josh The Boss in arrears when second behind Steel Ally over two miles three furlongs at Haydock in November before finishing seven and threequarters lengths behind Secret Squirrel at Windsor. 

Stable form has been a concern this season - odds on chances Anno Power and High Fibre have both been turned over in the past fortnight.

I like Josh The Boss but since 2023 he has been racing over trips around the two and a half mile mark - the step back to two miles may not help the cause.

I've never been convinced by Williethebuilder but Minella Missile, a half brother to Monbeg Genius, went in the notebook after winning a Cheltenham novice hurdle in November 2023. 

At that time handler Evan Williams described him as a staying novice with a turn of foot but he's clearly had problems since; I'm surprised to see him entered up here - he's one for another day maybe.

I had the Harriet Dickin trained Dodger Long pencilled in for this but he never made the five day declarations and I was surprised by the absence of Tellherthename when the final field was announced on Thursday.

Two are on the each-way shortlist: Mirabad and Our Champ.

I've watched a recording of Mirabad's race at Cheltenham again and, to be perfectly honest, I don't quite know what to make it. 

Several of those in behind - Wreckless Eric, Bo Zenith and Spirits Bay - haven't turned up here but the grey Tintintin had previously finished fourth behind Burdett Road in the Greatwood; as the gelding rounded the home turn that day the on-screen speed indicator read 35 mph. 

A fast run two miles will suit his style of racing but this is a step up in class and a current mark of 130 is two pounds below the lowest rated winner of the last ten years.

Plenty of use was made of Our Champ on the front end at Ascot the last day (beaten 27 lengths into fifth behind Fiercely Proud); on Gerry Feilden form he's not too far behind Navajo Indy. 

Our Champ gets the vote.

Our Champ is the each-way suggestion, 25/1 with the sponsors who pay five places; I've taken 22/1 with Paddy Power who are paying six places. 

The 2025 Scottish Champion Chase

Twelve have been declared for tomorrow's Scottish Champion Chase run at Musselburgh over a trip of two miles four and a half furlongs. 

In a week when several meetings have been abandoned on account of waterlogging, officials at the Scottish track have indicated they have watered to maintain the current going, described as good to soft.

Favourite The Kalooki Kid looked good in a Doncaster novice chase last time but he faces several battle-hardened performers here and is short enough in the market with just two starts over fences to his name. 

The grey Marble Sands won a novice chase over course and distance this time last year and, after two appetisers on the all-weather in the autumn, has shown consistent form over fences this term - third behind Frero Banbou in the Rehearsal at Newcastle and second behind Springwell Bay at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

In the past Saint Segal has been known to jump quite low over his fences; he seems more suited by this trip these days. 

On his penultimate start he appeared to lose his chance at the start, eventually finishing a ten length fifth behind Le Patron at Newbury (Sir Psycho sixth). 

Next time out, again at Newbury, he beat Beau Balko 11 lengths and Walking On Air 34 lengths - the latter-named appeared to have the Great Yorkshire Chase within his grasp when coming to grief at the final fence at Doncaster on Saturday.

Just over 12 months ago Fidelio Vallis beat Corrigeen Rock over course and distance in the Auld Reekie Handicap Chase. 

He hasn't shown the same form on two starts since, with the result Harry Dereham's charge is back on that last winning mark of 140; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time here. 

Stablemates Sir Psycho and Kansas City Star are also in the line-up. 

The former fell on his only chase start for Paul Nicholls but won his first chase start for Dereham - over two miles three furlongs; he has yet to win over further but has been the subject of market support during the day. 

The latter didn't jump well when pulled up behind Terresita at Ascot a fortnight ago.  

This feels like a big weekend for the Dereham yard after Storm Bert washed his gallop away at the end of November; 15 have been declared in total across four cards, including Queens Gamble (Rachael Blackmore up) in the Listed mares' handicap hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday (12.40). 

Minella Drama won the 2023 renewal of the Auld Reekie and proved he's still a force to be reckoned with by making all to beat Hitman, Ahoy Senor, Stage Star and Unexpected Party in the Old Roan at Aintree in the autumn.

Lucinda Russell saddles two, Corrigeen Rock and Traprain Law. 

Corrigeen Rcok won this race last year off 139 and looks feasibly handicapped this time off 142, with Alan Doyle claiming five. 

The gelding doesn't come into the race in the same form though - he didn't jump well behind Boomslang in this year's renewal of the Auld Reekie 31 days ago.

Traprain Law's famous green and yellow silks belong to owner / breeder Raymond Anderson Green. 

On his first try at two and a half miles Traprain Law finished behind Marble Sands at Carlisle at the beginning of November; on revised terms the gelding is entitled to finish upsides Marble Sands provided, of course, he sees out the trip.

The Big Chap comes over from Ireland and on his first run in this country goes off a mark one pound higher than his Irish mark. To date Paul Flynn's charge has not won beyond two miles three.

On his last run for Noel Meade Lieutenant Command finished down the field in the 2023 Galway Plate off 141. 

After a break of of 479 days the 11-year-old was pulled up behind Trelawne on his first run for Tim Reed and then finished second behind Grandads Cottage at odds of 125/1 at Carlisle in December.

All of which leads on to Arizona Cardinal.

Last April Stuart Edmunds' charge won the Topham at Aintree (2m 5f) on soft ground off 137. 

On his first run this term he was pulled up behind Neon Moon in the Native River at Chepstow and promptly underwent wind surgery.

On his next start in the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham he finished eighth, beaten just over 16 lengths, outpaced from two out over a trip just short of three miles six furlongs.

Now, he was due to run in the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster last weekend but was withdrawn on account of the quick ground. 

There was some talk of a Grand National plan but, during the week, after his mare Marsh Wren had been scratched from the National entries, the trainer confirmed that Arizona Cardinal would once again be aimed at the Topham:

"He ran well for a long way at Cheltenham last time. That was a test as to whether he might be worth considering for the Grand National but his stamina gave way and it told us all roads lead back to the Topham."

Arizona Cardinal held two entries for the weekend - this race (for which Ciaran Gethings was jocked up midweek) and the Virgin Bet Masters Handicap Chase over three miles at Sandown. 

I thought connections would opt for Sandown - the horse has won over three miles previously and appreciates soft ground but, not for the first time, I was mistaken.

While drying ground over this shorter trip at Musselburgh wouldn't be ideal, if the plan has been a repeat bid for the Topham since mid December (i.e. after the cross country race), then I'm reasoning he'll need to be reasonably competitive tomorrow. 

The worry would be that, in a race with plenty of early pace, he might struggle to hold a position and become detached.

Layers are offering 20/1 (four places) and I've succumbed to temptation.

Arizona Cardinal is the each-way suggestion, 20/1 generally at the time of writing, with several layers paying four places.

The 2025 Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase

Seventeen have been declared for tomorrow's renewal of the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (3.15 Doncaster) - previously known (for a while, anyway) as the Sky Bet Handicap Chase; the going on the chase track at Donny is currently described as good to soft, good in places.

There have been some big-priced winners of this race in recent years: 

Takingrisks, 40/1 in 2021

Windsor Avenue, 40/1 in 2022

Cooper's Cross, 16/1 in 2023 

Annual Invictus, 16/1 in 2024

Last year Forward Plan just failed to collar front-running Annual Invictus, with Charlie Uberalles third, Erne River fifth and Famous Bridge eventually pulled up following a significant error at the third.

Forward Plan, Charlie Uberalles and Erne River have all shown a liking for this track, as have Docpickedme and Raffle Ticket. 

Young Buster ran well behind Egbert in the three mile novice chase at this meet last year, losing second spot to Snipe after Paddy Brennan dropped his hands on Fergal O'Brien's charge in the shadow of the post. 

It's no surprise to see The Changing Man and Forward Plan at the head of the market. 

The Changing Man has still to win a race over fences in eight starts.

Joe Tizzard's charge ran with credit behind Frero Banbou in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle at the end of November; he was raised five pounds for that effort and another two after finishing second to Victtoriono at Ascot just before Christmas. Should he win here, I don't think anyone would begrudge connections their moment in the sunshine.

Forward Plan raced off 129 when beaten a nose last year with Ben Godfrey claiming three. He goes off 138 tomorrow with Chad Bament claiming ten so, in effect, is on a mark just two pounds higher.

Truth is, I've always held a slight reservation about this horse after this quote from handler Anthony Honeyball [RP Weekender 23-27.11.22]:

"His trouble is that he tends to jump nine out of ten fences like an old pro and then really balls one up."

Still, the horse won the Coral Trophy at Kempton last February (Bowtogreatness third) despite a number of jumping errors... 

Charlie Uberalles beat Docpickedme and Forward Plan over course and distance in December when racing from three pounds out of the handicap; he's effectively four pounds higher tomorrow.

Snipe's second behind Val Dancer at Carlisle last time looks decent form as the winner subsequently added victory in the Welsh Grand National to his list of achievements.

Emma Lavelle has her string in excellent form - 5 wins from 18 runs in the past fortnight (28% strike rate) - and Tightenourbelts comes into this on the back of wins at Exeter (where he beat Beachcomber) and Ludlow. He jumped well at Ludlow but could be vulnerable off a mark of 140.

Frero Banbou proved he stayed the trip by winning the Rehearsal but that looked a hard enough race; he was prominent in a Kempton handicap over Christmas before finishing 10 lengths adrift of Beachcomber.

Famous Bridge had a slog in the Haydock mud last time when just clinging on to third in the Tommy Whittle while Idalko Bihoue's profile appears inconsistent and grey mare Sine Nomine has been contesting hunter chases for the most part.

Bowtogreatness, owned by Harry Redknapp and trainer's wife Sophie Pauling, was impressive when making all to beat Destroytheevidence in a novice chase at Newbury in November but didn't appear to appreciate being pestered up front in the Rehearsal where he was pulled up before two out. Just two pounds higher than his last winning mark, he's unlikely to get his own way up front - connections fit cheekpieces for the first time.

Arizona Cardinal is better with more cut underfoot - the Topham at Aintree is a likely target.

Walking On Air has been out of form so far this term and holds an alternative entry in the 12.40 at Cheltenham. 

Docpickedme hinted at a return to form in a handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter before running a stormer behind Charlie Uberalles over course and distance six weeks ago; on revised terms, there's little between the pair.

Young Buster doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock and would be entitled to improve on his seasonal debut behind Elvis Mail at Kelso but he has been weak in the market today. 

Ten-year-old Erne River has shown his best form at Doncaster. 

On his penultimate start, sporting first-time blinkers, he raced wide in fourth before appearing a tad unfortunate to lose his footing at the twelfth, giving five pound claimer Tom Broughton no chance. 

The pair were reunited in a hurdle race at the track over Christmas where they finished fourth behind Super Survivor. Fifth in this race last year off 137, beaten just under seven lengths, Erne River goes off 131 tomorrow - and with Tom Broughton's five pound claim he's effectively 11 pounds better off.

Raffle Ticket tries this trip for the first time while most of Sure Touch's form is over a shorter distance.

A very competitive renewal - it's possible to make a case for a number in the field. 

As the tapes go up, there will be the customary dash to secure a prominent early position. 

Of those that have run well at the track previously, Erne River looks well treated but the unseating in first-time blinkers is unsettling. 

Nick Kent's charge had been taken wide on the first circuit that day but the mistake at the twelfth came when he was racing in amongst horses. Next time out in the hurdle race he was settled on the inside rail but in a small field of just six.

Snipe looks one of the more solid options but is priced accordingly so I'll take the chance and hope the blinkers prove more of a help than a hindrance - Erne River is the each-way suggestion, 16/1 with several layers at the time of writing, all of whom pay five places.  

The 2025 BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at Ascot

I still can't quite fathom how Collectors Item was allowed to go off at 14/1 for the Somerset National at Wincanton on Thursday; on his previous start Jonjo O'Neill's charge had shown his best form this term when second behind Mr Vango in the London National at Sandown, beaten one and a half lengths at odds of 25/1.

Mr Vango goes in the Peter Marsh at Haydock tomorrow, provided the Lancashire track passes its morning inspection at 8.30 - temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing overnight.

Of the eight declared for the Peter Marsh, in my book Trelawne, Imagine, Richmond Lake and Bill Baxter don't look guaranteed to stay the trip.

The going at Ascot is described as good to soft, good in places.

Fourteen have been declared for the BetMGM Holloway's Handicap Hurdle at 2.50.

Between them Nicky Henderson and Gary & Josh Moore are responsible for three entries apiece, with Nigel Twiston-Davies and Fergal O'Brien each saddling two runners. 

Favourite Bo Zenith moved from Gary & Josh Moore's yard to Nicky Henderson's in October and ran an eye-catching third behind Mirabad at Cheltenham five weeks ago on his first run for 610 days. 

That was the gelding's first run in a handicap and he has been raised three pounds for his trouble; the step up in trip should suit but the 'bounce' factor after such a long layoff would be a concern.

Stablemate Doddiethegreat hasn't been in top form so far this term but a mark of 129 could look lenient after the race.

Altobelli does not look the easiest ride. 

He ran no race whatsoever in the Betfair Hurdle in February. Five weeks ago he went off 13/8 favourite at Doncaster where he looked certain to finish out with the washing before staying on to eventually finish one length adrift of winner Jungle Jack. Connections try first-time cheekpieces.

Aston Martini had Jungle Jack in arrears on her first run in a handicap at Bangor before finding herself outpaced over two miles in the Gerry Feilden next time. The step back up in trip looks a plus; stable jockey Nico De Boinville is aboard Doddiethegreat.

Philip Hobbs & Johnson White have their team in excellent order - 5 wins from 11 runs in past fortnight - but to date Georgi Girl's best form has been seen in mares' races.

Josh The Boss won the Silver Trophy at Chepstow with something up his sleeve but ran a disappointing race behind Steel Ally at Haydock eight weeks ago. After that race connections indicated he'd prefer a faster surface; his chance is respected here with Mr Jamie Neild claiming seven.

I thought Spirit d'Aunou showed his best form for a while in first-time cheekpieces behind Jipcot at Newbury three weeks ago. He won off this mark at Sandown in 2023.

Course and distance winner Goshen is the best horse in the race on official ratings but is difficult to predict while Move It Like Minnie clearly didn't like jumping fences.

Earlier today I watched a recording of Wilful's last race at Taunton - his first run in a handicap. 

The gelding went into the notebook in August after beating Onlyamatteroftime by nine lengths at Worcester while conceding five pounds to the Willie Mullins trained runner. Onlyamtteroftime's rating was 123 at that time - but now he's on 115. 

Jonjo O'Neill's charge led for most of the way at Taunton but was swallowed up by the field approaching the last, eventually finishing eighth of the nine runners, beaten just under seven lengths. A blanket finish in the end and this looks far more competitive.

At the age of ten Stoner's Choice faces a stiff task against younger opponents while Soigneux Bell races from six pounds out of the handicap.

On the shortlist are Kamsinas, Bowenspark, and Spirit d'Aunou.

At Aintree in October Kamsinas beat Bowenspark three and a quarter lengths before finishing a creditable fourth to Steel Ally at Haydock (Josh The Boss ninth, Bowenspark tenth). 

I'd be prepared to forgive both Josh The Boss and Bowenspark their run behind Steel Ally.

Back in November 2023, after Kamsinas had won the Newton Novices' Hurdle at Haydock, handler Fergal O'Brien said of his charge:

"...I thought he was very unlucky at Cheltenham [27.10.23], he got blocked coming down the hill and he ran on very well. What I loved about it was even though he'd had a fair old bang and a rough ride he threw himself over the last. He's got a great will to win. He loves being a racehorse."

Kamsinas looks a solid option but caries his share of weight. 

On that Aintree run Bowenspark is weighted to reverse placings with Kamsinas but this represents his first run on a right-handed track. The booking of David Bass suggests Bowenspark could race more prominently than at Haydock.

I'm going to side with Spirit d'Aunou, back on his last winning mark, with Freddie Mitchell able to claim five pounds - I'm hoping Gary & Josh Moore's charge can build on last month's run at Newbury.

The form of the yard would be a concern although Salver ran a fine race in defeat behind Nemean Lion at Windsor earlier today.

Spirit d'Aunou is the each-way suggestion, 18/1 with layers generally, most of whom are paying four places. 

Cold comfort

As a belated Father's Day present, a few weeks ago I was given tickets to tomorrow's Classic Chase meeting at Warwick; unfortunately that particular avenue of enjoyment has been scuppered by the cold weather -  along with the Coral Lanzarote Hurdle Day meeting at Kempton and the William Hill Medieval Raceday at Wetherby.

The feature from the Wetherby card, the Towton Novices' Chase, has been expeditiously transferred to the replacement meeting at Ffos Las which still has to pass an inspection tomorrow morning. 

The Met Office reports overnight temperatures at the Welsh track will remain above freezing while an update on Turftrax indicates the course was 'raceable' at 11.30 this morning.

Nonetheless, such is my disappointment at the abandonment of the Warwick fixture, I can barely summon the strength required to open a form book, never mind identify an each-way wager that makes any appeal.

Rosscahill and One Big Bang dominate the market for the DragonBet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle (2.58). 

The former looked beaten after the last last time but stayed on powerfully to deny Ben Solo and tries this new trip on his first run in a handicap; the latter, second behind Shoot First at Haydock on his penultimate start, looked held on 127 at Cheltenham - connections fit cheekpieces for the first time.

Soft ground at Ffos Las saps like nowhere else - Rosscahill, Mahland, Up For Parol, Stolen Silver, Balkardy, and Classic Concorde have all previously won at the track.

Mel Rowley's team are in good form but the price about Mahland has disappeared.

Stolen Silver, rated 154 over fences, goes off 141 and held five day entries for the Lanzarote and the Pertemps Qualifier at Warwick. This looks less competitive but the Sam Thomas trained grey jumped the Aintree hurdles as though they were fences nine weeks ago.

Up For Parol held the same five day entries as Stolen Silver, with the Lanzarote the probable target, Jamie Snowden's charge having finished sixth, third and thirteenth in the last three renewals of the Kempton showpiece.

On seasonal debut Up For Parol came home second, 18 lengths behind runaway winner Henri The Second in a Pertemps Qualifier at Sandown five weeks ago, with West To The Bridge a further 11 lengths adrift in fourth.

Classic Concorde finished ninth behind Val Dancer in the Welsh National last time but is rated six pounds higher over hurdles.

Madaket is reported to have schooled well over fences; Micheal Nolan reported the gelding 'stopped quickly' in a Chepstow handicap hurdle 15 days ago. 

Alan De Banks and Balkardy both race from out of the handicap. 

The former makes his handicap debut for a yard that hasn't sent out a winner for 61 days while the latter has struggled over the larger obstacles. Handler Evan Williams recently said of his charge [RP Weekender Straight from the Stable 26-30.12.24]:

"He's not very big and fences get in his way sometimes, but he's very genuine. He's a joy to have around the place and I hope he can carry on giving a good account of himself."

When I learnt of the replacement activity organised as a substitute for my Father's Day trip to the Warwick races, any enthusiasm I might have mustered for a Ffos Las fancy sapped straight out of my shoes - a walk around Kenilworth's Castle & Abbey Trail.

I'll keep my powder dry for another day. 

The first Sandown selection of 2025...

At Cheltenham on Wednesday that Lounge Lizard jumped the fences as though he'd spent the previous night on someone else's  sofa.

Bit of a disappointment - and not the start to the new year I was hoping for.

And I'm struggling to find an each-way wager that makes much appeal on tomorrow's Unibet Veterans' Chaseday card at Sandown.

The going at the Esher track is described at soft, good to soft in places, with overnight temperatures forecast to go down to -1; an inspection will take place at 7.30 am.

Eight have been declared for the Read Nicky Henderson's Weekly Unibet Blog (1.50) with Etalon, Hunter Legend and Roccovango vying for favouritism.

Back in the autumn in a stable tour article handler Dan Skelton said the following about Etalon:

"The plan is to go for the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. I think the track at Exeter will be perfect for him. I can not tell you why he ran the way he did at Aintree [seventh of ten behind Found A Fifty in the Maghull Novices' Chase] as the rest of the season had been seamless.

"If you win a Haldon Gold Cup you would be tempted to give the Tingle Creek a go as Jonbon is likely to scare off most horses.

"It is either that or you leave him and go for the Desert Orchid at Kempton, which is a limited handicap, and that might suit him well, but we will cross that bridge after Exeter." 

In the event Etalon raced in second for much of the trip at Exeter but when the taps were turned on in the home straight, he made a slight error four out and then a more substantial one three from home that effectively put paid to his chance; he finished last of the five runners, 29 lengths behind winner JPR One.

Since then he has finished last of nine behind General Medrano in the Jim Joel Memorial Trophy at Newbury before staying on under a hold-up ride to finish fifth behind Libberty Hunter at Cheltenham three weeks ago (Triple Trade fourth).

Clearly he comes into this with a question or two to answer but back in February the gelding beat Gunsight Ridge nine lengths over two miles at the track. This represents his first try over fences at the trip and, in these calmer waters, has to have every chance on his best form.

Dan Skelton also saddles top weight Unexpected Party who was perhaps a tad fortunate to beat Libberty Hunter in the Grand Annual at the Festival in March. 

With brother Harry's enthusiasm to establish a lead in the David Power Jockeys' Cup standings - £500,000 to the jockey who rides the most winners covered by ITV racing during the season - being widely reported in the media, Etalon appears to be the stable's main hope.

To date no such lofty ambitions have been expressed by connections of Hunter Legend who won the Silver Fox at Leicester seven days ago; Venetia Williams' charge races from one pound out of the handicap here but Ned Fox claims three.

Aged nine, Roccovango only has three chase starts to his name but Olly Murphy's charge can boast two wins and a second - beaten a nose by Guard Your Dreams at Warwick in October where his tendency to jump right probably proved his undoing. 

That habit shouldn't be a cause for too much concern at Sandown and the handler will presumably have a line on this one's chance with Etalon through stable companion Gunsight Ridge.

Jupiter Du Gite likes to race from the front.

Back in April he was beaten 49 lengths by Carbon King at Uttoxeter but it would be unwise to take that form at face value. 

Four weeks ago Gary and Josh Moore's charge tried three miles for the first time here and was far too keen for his own good out in front, eventually passed by Holy Joe Smoke and Passing Well after the last on the run up the hill.

Back in January last year Joe Tizzard said of Triple Trade [RP Weekender 17-21.01.24]:

"He's had a hell of  season, winning twice and also being placed twice. He was a cheap horse, so it's great for his owners. He's on the upgrade and in a big way. He'll go to Lingfield for a race on Sunday and won there as a novice hurdler. Hopefully that goes well before we have some more fun with him in the spring."

Triple Trade finished fifth of six runners at Lingfield that day off a mark of 138 - and hasn't won since. As a result, on 127 tomorrow, he looks feasibly handicapped, having won off 135 at Ascot just over 12 months ago. Last time out he was six lengths clear of Etalon behind Libberty Hunter at Cheltenham.

In a trappy looking affair the two outsiders, Hubrisko and Carbon King, have been under consideration. 

Carbon King went into the notebook when beating Fine Casting at Ffos Las in December 2023. Evan Williams subsequently said in a Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 28.02-03.03.24]:

"He ran a very good race first time out for us [eighth behind Nemean Lion at Ffos Las] and it was nice to win with him at Ffos Las. He was 25/1 and we didn't really fancy him but he handled the ground exceptionally well. We've run him up in grade the last twice, which was tilting at windmills a bit, but he'll be fine back in calmer waters. I'd like to stay chasing with him and Ffos Las plays to his strengths - he handles the ground there, which a lot of horses don't."

He fell at the last when beaten behind Jupiter Du Gite at Uttoxeter in March before beating Fine Casting (a second time) at the same track in April.

After two runs over hurdles this season, he finished fifth on his first chase start of the term, just under 14 lengths behind Kotmask at Ascot.

Hubrisko has his second run for Harry Dereham whose gallop was left 'unfit for purpose' by Storm Bert at the end of November. 

On his last run for Willie Mullins in August 2023 Hubrisko made all to win a beginners' chase at Killarney. 

In five chase starts to date, he has been placed in four and was kicked at the start when finishing ninth at Galway (August 2023); after the race the vet reported the gelding had a haematoma on his his right fore elbow and abrasions to his right fore cannon, so that run is easily forgiven.

On his first run for new connections he was always behind in a hurdle race at Newbury. 

He goes off 134 here, a mark three pounds lower than he won from over in Ireland. The yard appears to have recovered from the setback caused by Storm Bert, recording 3 wins from 8 runs (38% strike-rate) in the past fortnight.

In a Stable Tour piece, the handler commented:

"He has some useful bits of form on his record..." 

Carbon King has been backed down from 28/1 earlier today and is now 14/1 with most layers; as his very best form has come on heavy ground, I would have preferred to have seen further rain.

I'd envisage Hubrisko will race prominently with, amongst others, Jupiter Du Gite. 

I'll close my eyes, say my prayers and take a small each-way interest in Hubrisko at around 16/1 tomorrow morning, provided, of course, the track passes its 7.30 am inspection...  

A chance at Cheltenham on New Year's Day (2025)

Cheltenham must survive a 7.30am inspection tomorrow as a yellow weather warning for wind is currently in place. 

The going for the New Year's Day card is currently described as good to soft, with heavy rain forecast in the morning. 

Nine have been declared for the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase (2.05) run over two miles four and a half furlongs on the New Course.

Gemirande, Springwell Bay and Colonel Harry are at the head of the market. 

18 days ago Gemirande won the December Gold Cup over course and distance and appeared to have something up his sleeve; Venetia Williams' charge has been raised eight pounds. 

Springwell Bay had no answer to Jango Baie over course and distance last time but Jonjo O'Neill's charge, beaten six and a half lengths that day, was conceding eight pounds.

Colonel Harry didn't appear to stay when well beaten behind The Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. 

Prior to that, on seasonal debut, Jamie Snowden's charge was beaten just under four lengths in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial at Carlisle. Taking into account Nick Slatter's three pound claim aboard Marble Sands, the pair meet on similar terms again. 

Marble Sands hasn't always looked the easiest of rides and probably won't appreciate further rain.

Midnight River, having finished third in the 2023 Paddy Power Gold Cup, won what looked a more competitive renewal of this race last year off 145. 

Dan Skelton's inmate has won over a trip of three miles plus and has been talked of as a potential Grand National horse but the gelding has been out of form so far this season; last time, like Colonel Harry, he was well beaten behind The Kandoo Kid in the Coral Gold Cup.

On his penultimate start Irish raider Lisnamult Lad sprang a 20/1 shock over a trip of two miles four on the Old Course, making all to beat Weveallbeencaught half a length; last time he fell in the Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan when in the lead.

On his blog trainer Paul Nicholls has said the following about top weight Hitman:

"He is difficult to place because he is handicapped to the hilt but he ran another fine race when a close second to Minella Drama in the Old Roan at Aintree late in October. He then suffered a nasty bout of colic on the way home and spent the next fortnight at our vets. So we lost the best part of a month with Hitman before he was able to start regular exercise again.

"He has done plenty of work since that setback and seems in fine form now but it's possible he might just need the run under top weight in this Premier Handicap at a track where he has performed with credit in the past."

What a wonderful horse Seddon is!

John McConnell's charge beat Fugitif two lengths in the 2023 Magners Plate over course and distance and this autumn won a Qualified Riders race at Listowel at the age of 11 - his current Irish Flat rating is 88. 

As his handler said in a Straight from the Stable article a year ago [RP Weekender 27-31.12.23]:

"He's very straightforward and he doesn't owe us anything."

This time last year Henry Daly sent out Rapper to win a three and a quarter mile chase at this meet by 10 lengths. 

Now, not for one moment would I suggest Mr Daly is going to repeat the trick with Lounge Lizard but the gelding's second behind Ga Law over course and distance at the Trials Day last January reads well (Il Ridoto third, Victtorino and Hitman behind).  

The yard boasts a 31% strike-rate over the past fortnight (four wins from 13 runners); the 12/1 available when I started to write this post has completely disappeared.

8/1 with most layers now, Lounge Lizard is the each-way suggestion for New Year's Day.

With best wishes to all readers for a very happy new year. 

The 2024 Welsh Grand National

Season's greetings. 

Sixteen are set to face the starter for this year's renewal of the Welsh Grand National (2.50 Chepstow); the going is currently described as soft, good to soft in places.

Market leader Monbeg Genius has three chase wins to his name - and two of those have come at Chepstow. 

He was beaten 12 lengths by the mare Fontaine Collonges at Haydock three weeks ago and meets that rival five pounds better off, allowing for the three pound claim Ned Fox makes on Venetia Williams' charge.

His third behind Corach Rambler off 140 in the 2023 Ultima reads very well but a mark of 144 here looks stiff. 

Stable jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr rides stablemate Iron Bridge who will be expected to come on for his seasonal debut when third behind Val Dancer at Carlisle (Your Own Story pulled up); the yard recorded a quick-fire double with Red Dirt Road and Fortunate Man at Aintree earlier today. 

Iron Bridge finished a remote second off 142 behind Nassalam last year so looks feasibly treated on 136; Mel Rowley's charge has been raised five pounds for that Carlisle victory.  

It's worth noting that in the past 20 years only five winners have managed to carry more than 11-00 to victory: Halcon Genelardais (11-03, 2006); Synchronised (11-06, 2010); Native River (11-12, 2016); Elegant Escape (11-08, 2018); and Nassalam (11-03, 2023).

The mare Galia Des Liteaux was beaten threequarters of a length in the Classic Chase at Warwick last year before finishing eighth in the Aintree Grand National; trainer Dan Skelton indicated in a pre-season briefing that this race has been the target.

Sam Thomas saddles two, both making their seasonal debut - 2021 winner Iwilldoit and the seven-year-old Jubilee Express. The latter is much shorter in the market but has just four chase starts to his name.

Gordon Elliott saddles Where It All Began and Stuzzikini.

The former won the Grand National Trial at Punchestown last February before finishing fourth in the Kim Muir and then eighth in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse where he didn't jump particularly well. 

The market suggests this one, wearing first-time blinkers, is the pick of the pair.

After pulling up behind Bangers And Cash in a handicap chase at Exeter in November 2022, The Newest One was campaigned solely over hurdles until winning an amateur riders' chase at Cheltenham in October (Amateur and Atlanta Brave both pulled up). 

His fifth behind Grand Sefton winner King Turgeon at Cheltenham last time looks respectable and Twiston-Davies' charge won a novice hurdle by 19 lengths at this track last December. 

Evies Vladimir wouldn't be the safest of conveyances while Classic Concorde has a high hurdle rating but hasn't run in a chase since June 2023. 

Campaigned mostly on right-handed tracks, No Hubs No Hoobs won the Devon Stayers Handicap Chase at Exeter in April and finished 22 lengths behind Remastered on seasonal debut at Wincanton nine weeks ago. 

I tipped Amateur each-way at 66/1 for this last year; racing from the front and jumping slightly right, he went well for a long way but had nothing more to give and was pulled up before the first in the home straight. He has been pulled up on all three starts this season. 

Two each-way chances are on the radar.

Currently a 12/1 shot, Val Dancer has been backed in the run up to the race. After the win at Carlisle last time, trainer Mel Rowley said:

"Val Dancer did quite well last season and has really strengthened up and grown over the summer. He really wants cut in the ground and he could be a type for races like the Midlands Grand National."

Atlanta Brave's threequarters of a length second to Surrey Quest off a mark of 121 in the Mandarin Handicap Chase last December reads well (winner was subsequently beaten a nose by Macdermott in the Scottish Grand National). 

Kerry Lee's charge has yet to win a race over the larger obstacles but was highlighted by Keith Melrose, Racing Post betting editor, as a horse to follow this season (The Big Jump Off, Racing Post Monday 21st October).

Just four days later the gelding was pulled up three out at Cheltenham; next time he was fourth of five, beaten five lengths by Roccovango at Uttoxeter.

The yard was slow into its stride this term but has recorded two wins from nine runs in the past fortnight (22% win strike-rate).

There's a hint this may be a year too soon but the fact Kerry Lee's inmate won a maiden hurdle at this track in January 2023 is a positive and I note connections have opted to fit cheekpieces for the first time.

Generally a 14/1 shot, Ladbrokes and Coral stand out offering 18/1 at the time of writing. 

Atlanta Brave is the each-way suggestion, with both Ladbrokes and Coral paying five places.  

Retail frustrations at Christmas and the 2024 Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle at Ascot

I begin this yuletide post with a slight digression on customer service - an occasional hobby horse of mine. 

I think we'd all agree good customer service should be lauded.

Six years ago, at precisely this time of year, I was only too happy to record Marks and Spencer's outstanding customer service in a post entitled 'A gift horse at Christmas'. 

Similarly, poor customer service needs to be called out as well.  

I'm afraid, six years on, standards at the once outstanding Marks and Spencer appear to have slipped.

A couple of months back I signed up for a Sparks card and, as instructed, downloaded the M&S app. The main motivation was to receive a free hot drink after six hot drink purchases - a modest enough goal, I think you'll agree, but, these days, that's about all I have the stomach for.

Anyway, it wasn't clear to me how the app was supposedly recording my coffee purchases so last week I asked a helpful member of store staff to explain. She showed me the app on her phone; a digital card popped up showing each purchase on her device, a feature that clearly wasn't working on my mine. A call to the helpline was required.

Two assistants - one customer, the other technical - quickly offered the same diagnosis and both were rather adamant: I didn't have the requisite digital profile and the simple answer was I needed to go away (as soon as) and create one. Having registered months earlier, I knew this couldn't be the case but my humble protestations were given short shrift.

Such larks with Marks! Chasing a free coffee felt like harder work than chasing a free bet.

Anyway, Plan B kicked in - details of the sorry saga were sent in a separate mail to somebody else and a prompt reply followed, the start of which is reproduced below:

"Thank you for contacting us at M&S.

"I'm sorry you had to go through this process, as a shopper my self [sic] I understand how frustrating you are."

Naturally, when I showed this response to my wife, she could only concur. 

Still, I was surprised to hear that rumours of my retail notoriety had reached the lower echelons of Marks and Spencer's nationwide support team... 

Retail therapy like that - it's enough to drive anyone to the formbook.

13 have been declared for the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (3.35), the finale at Ascot tomorrow where a crowd of over 19,000 is anticipated; I have no doubt certain patrons amongst that number will have successfully claimed at least one free hot drink from Marks and Spencer.

The going is described as good to soft.

Five weeks ago Be Aware and the mare Dysart Enos finished second and third respectively behind Burdett Road in the Greatwood at Cheltenham (Fiercely Proud sixth, Go Dante ninth); on revised terms the pair look closely matched.

Unbeaten four-year-old Kabral Du Mathan had the Boodles at Cheltenham as a target last March after winning the Chatteris Fen Juvenile Hurdle at Huntingdon but he never got there after suffering a setback. 

Paul Nicholls' inmate has been well backed through the day; this represents the gelding's first race with more than eight runners.

Three four-year-olds have come home in front in the past 20 years: Cause Of Causes (2012); Sternrubin (dead-heated with Jolly's Cracked It in 2015); and Tritonic (2021). 

Flashy chestnut Secret Squirrel, trained by Hughie Morrison and owned and bred by his wife Mary, finished third behind Our Champ over course and distance seven weeks ago (Fiercely Proud fell two out when disputing second) and is six pounds better off here; the trainer won this with Marble Arch in 2001 and Not So Sleepy in 2019 and 2020. 

The market currently rates Secret Squirrel a 6/1 chance while Our Champ is 20/1 in a place - having been 40s earlier in the week.

Favour And Fortune was sixth in the Supreme in March before winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr in April. Writing in the RP Weekender, Alan King says:

"He's come to hand quicker than I expected after his hock injury and he might have returned to action at Doncaster last weekend. 

"I decided that he would benefit from waiting a week and I was delighted with how he worked on the grass last Saturday.

"While I'm sure there will be improvement in him, as he's not run since last April, I believe that he's ready to run well."

The yard won this with Raya Star in 2011 and Tritonic 2021.

Top weight Steel Ally jumped well to make all and win at Haydock over two miles three furlongs off a career-high mark last time. Sam Thomas' charge has gone up another six pounds for that effort; it was testing at Haydock so better ground here should help but I'm not certain the step back in trip will.

Fiercely Proud is better going right-handed so his sixth under a hold-up ride in the Greatwood is easily forgiven. However he finished behind Be Aware, Steel Ally and Secret Squirrel in the Novices' Championship Final won by Helnwein at Sandown in the spring.

Rated 77 on the Flat in Ireland, front-runner Impero beat decent yardsticks Norman Fletcher, Aucunrisque and Jilaijone in a conditional jockeys' handicap at Cheltenham in October off 119 and has since won a Musselburgh novice hurdle over two and a half miles; the yard hasn't recorded a win so far this month.

Black Hawk Eagle proved no match for Norman Fletcher at Huntingdon last time while 2021 winner Tritonic finished last of 11 runners on the all-weather at Kempton 10 days ago and is clearly considered the stable's second string.

Kihavah, rated 101 on the Flat, is at his best on good ground and was declared a non-runner late this afternoon. 

Go Dante's nose defeat of Faivoir in the Imperial Cup at Sandown last March reads well. Olly Murphy's charge still has the look of one with something in hand of his current mark (132) but things don't appear to have gone to plan this term. 

He finished fifth behind Lump Sum in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las (weakened gradually from two out) and underwent wind surgery the very next day. Next time in the Greatwood he faded out of contention approaching the last and was beaten 19 lengths.

In a Straight from the Stable article just over a year ago [RP Weekender 01-05.11.23] Olly Murphy said:

"He wants very soft ground..."

When this race was priced up earlier in the week, I thought two horses looked overpriced - Our Champ and Go Dante's stablemate Alnilam, who never made the final declarations, presumably on account of the ground.

Our Champ beat Break My Soul a nose in the Lavazza Handicap here, despite conditional jockey Freddie Gordon dropping his whip in the final 110 yards. On revised terms the gelding has roughly two and a half lengths to find with Secret Squirrel and has been supported in the market through the day.

Hughie Morrison has said he thinks Secret Squirrel is well handicapped whereas Chris Gordon is on record saying the handicapper has probably 'got' his charge now.  

The Gordon yard has been slow to come to hand this season but King William Rufus won a handicap hurdle six lengths at the track earlier this afternoon.

Our Champ is the each-way suggestion, 16/1 in a couple of places but at the time of writing 20/1 with bet365 who pay four places. 

Anyone fancy a coffee?

The 2024 December Gold Cup at Cheltenham

Eleven have been declared for tomorrow's December Gold Cup (1.50 Cheltenham) with the going on the New Course described as good to soft, good in places.

At the time of writing there has been strong support for five-year-old Madara who now heads the market. 

On his first run for Dan Skelton four weeks ago he made eye-catching late progress to finish fourth in the Paddy Power Gold Cup (run on the Old Course) behind Il Ridoto and Ga Law (Fugitif fifth, In Excelsis Deo unseated rider). 

The gelding, previously trained in France, already has 12 chase starts - and four victories - to his name; both Unioniste (2012) and Frodon (2016) have won this race as four-year-olds in recent times.

Freddie Gingell, claiming three pounds, came home in front on Il Ridoto in the Paddy Power Gold Cup; the handicapper reacted by raising Paul Nicholls' charge to a mark of 149. 

Unfortunately Freddie picked up an injury when unseating from Siam Park at Taunton yesterday and has been stood down. The trainer's daughter Miss Olive Nicholls now takes the ride and claims seven; the horse is a drifter in the market this evening. 

Ga Law didn't always look that quick over his fences in the Paddy Power and also made one or two niggling errors. That said, he was closing on the winner up the the hill so the switch to the New Course should help his cause and he has the assistance of Gavin Sheehan in the saddle. 

Earlier in the week I watched a recording of last year's race. 

Il Ridoto and Frero Banbou took no prisoners up front that day and raced clear of their rivals from the eighth; the former, with Bryony Frost up, went on from two out and jumped the last five lengths to the good but the pair were caught in the final strides by Fugitif and Gavin Sheehan (Frero Banbou third, Grandeur D'Ame fourth).

Fugitif tries to win this year's renewal off a mark one pound lower than last year - the handicapper has clearly given him every chance. At nine years of age, Richard Hobson's charge is older than ideal - since 1994 there has only been one winner aged over eight: Coole Cody in 2021.

Top weight Stage Star won the 2023 Grade One Turners Novices' Chase and subsequently the 2023 running of the Paddy Power off 155 (Il Ridoto third, Fugitif fourth). He looks to face a stiff task off 162; in the last 20 years Frodon in 2018 is the only winner to carry more than 11-08.

In Excelsis Deo is a course and distance winner who should appreciate drying ground; Harry Fry's charge has the ability to be competitive but he didn't jump well in the Galway Plate in July and last time unseated Brian Carver with a bad mistake four from home in the Paddy Power.    

Gemirande finished some 25 lengths behind In Excelsis Deo over course and distance in April on his penultimate start but looked impressive at Ascot last time on seasonal debut, beating Nocte Volatus seven lengths. He goes off a career high mark of 136 tomorrow.

Le Patron won the Grade One Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown last year and showed his best form since when beating Scarface seven lengths at Newbury 15 days ago. On his one start at Cheltenham to date he was pulled up in the Turners at the Festival; his chance is respected although drying ground may not be ideal.

With just three chase starts under his belt Guard Your Dreams is the least experienced of these over the larger obstacles while I thought Sure Touch a tad disappointing in fifth in the Grand Sefton where he raced in rear for most of the way before staying on up the run-in. He underwent wind surgery six days after that effort.

Grandeur D'Ame's two length defeat of Ga Law (Il Ridoto sixth) at Chepstow nine weeks ago reads well. Writing in the RP Weekender handler Alan King says:

"The December Gold Cup has been the plan ... for some time.

"He loves to be fresh so after he won at Chepstow on his reappearance we decided to put him away and train him for this.

"Grandeur D'Ame finished fourth in this race last year and I think he's a better horse now. He's certainly working like one and he's in a good place at present."

Form lines aplenty to choose from; I like the look of the Chepstow race back in October.

At the time of writing Grandeur D'Ame is generally priced up at 8/1. 

Rather than the usual each-way play, I'm going to back Grandeur D'Ame to win with Sky who offer money back as cash (up to a maximum £10.00) if your selection finishes second, third or fourth. 

Storm Darragh and the Becher feature

Inspections have been called for tomorrow's cards at Sandown (7.30 am),  Aintree (7.00 am), Chepstow (7.30 am) and Wetherby (7.00 am) as Storm Darragh moves in. 

At 40/1 with William Hill (four places) I had thought Monte Igueldo worth a second look in the Becher feature at Aintree (2.07) but there's an amber weather warning for wind in place, with the forecast predicting gusts up to 65 mph. 

On his first start since July Monte Igueldo ran well for a long way behind Celebre d'Allen at Bangor last month, fading out of contention with a niggling error at the final flight, eventually finishing third. He was beaten under ten lengths, Major Dundee some 12 lengths further adrift in sixth.

For whatever reason Gary Hanmer's charge ran without the declared tongue-tie that day; he looks weighted to reverse the form with the winner here as Micheal Nolan has been booked to ride, replacing seven pound claimer Callum Pritchard.

His experience over fences doesn't compare with the rest of the field but Chianti Classico carries 12-00 and he sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap with just 10-03. 

Vic Venturi in 2009 was the last winner to carry top weight to victory; in the last ten years only two have won carrying more than 11-00: Blaklion (11-06 in 2017); and Ashtown Lad (11-05 in 2022).

At the head of the market King Turgeon beat Gaboriot four and a quarter lengths in the Grand Sefton four weeks ago but the step back up in trip is likely to benefit the latter.

Last year Chambard, with Miss Lucy Turner up, came home 13 lengths clear of Coko Beach (Percussion third, Celebre d'Allen fourth); if racing goes ahead, the partnership will try to repeat the trick off a mark five pounds higher. 

To use a phrase picked up from clerks of the course around the country, I'll take another look in the morning, but it's difficult to be optimistic that racing will go ahead given the forecast. 

The 2024 Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle

Coral Gold Cup day at Newbury tomorrow but I'm off to Newcastle instead where they have been watering to maintain good ground.

13 have been declared for the Rehearsal Chase at 3.20, run over a trip of two miles seven and a half furlongs.

To my mind three would definitely prefer slower going - Jet Plane, Frero Banbou and Anglers Crag - while there are question marks surrounding a few others in the field. 

Market leader The Changing Man has yet to win a chase after six attempts but he appeared to be travelling well enough in fourth when coming to grief in the Badger Beer won by Al Dancer on good ground at Wincanton three weeks ago. 

While most of his form to date is on softer ground, he won a Stratford handicap hurdle on good in March 2022; after that race trainer Colin Tizzard's representative indicated the gelding 'liked the drying ground on that occasion'.

Team Tizzard have been in fine form this season, recording 7 wins from 29 runs in the past fortnight; Hey Big Spender won three renewals of this race for the yard in 2011, 2013 and 2014.

Earlier today The Jukebox Man, trained by Ben Pauling and owned by Harry Redknapp, won the John Francome Novices' Chase at Newbury. Unfortunately Mr Redknapp had an alternative engagement in Cardiff so wasn't at the track to see a comprehensive display.

Tomorrow Bowtogreatness, trained by Ben Pauling and owned by Harry Redknapp and Sophie Pauling, is priced up second favourite for this race. 

Somewhat surprisingly Mr Redknapp hasn't shared his diary arrangements with me so he may, or may not, be at the track but last time out Bowtogreatness made all to beat Destroytheevidence over this trip on good ground at Newbury, form that reads very well. 

That was the gelding's first win in 12 chase starts; afterwards the trainer indicated he expected his charge to 'come on a ton' for the race, implying the win would provide a timely boost to the horse's confidence.

I like Neon Moon but I thought he was a tad lucky to win the Native River at Chepstow in October (raised just four pounds afterwards) as both Pull Again Green and Manofthepeople made separate jumping errors at the third last.

Nevertheless he ran creditably in third behind Chianti Classico at Ascot last time off 136. He goes off the same mark tomorrow but in the past hasn't always backed up one good run with another one.Wind surgery over the summer may have helped his cause in that respect.

The Pipe yard won this with Bonanza Boy (1989); Carvill's Hill (1991); Run For Free (1992); and Junior (2012).

Last week, in a Straight from the Stable article in the RP Weekender, Nick Alexander said of Donny Boy:

"I think White Rhino is very progressive and Donny Boy nearly beat him at Ayr this month. The plan with him is to go back up to 3m and run him in the Rehearsal Chase...

"I'm hoping he can run very well there and we can look at similar top-level handicaps."

The gelding's third behind Sharjah in the Novices' Champion Handicap Chase at Ayr in April reads well, with the likes of Abuffalosoldier fourth, Marble Sands sixth and Special Rate eighth. 

That said, he has yet to win a race over fences and last time jumped out to his right on occasions; he has drifted in the market today. 

The stable won the 2018 renewal with Lake View Lad.

In contrast Gustavian has been supported in the market and is now as low as 7/1 with some layers. Last time he was hampered by the fall of The Changing Man in the Badger Beer but stayed on to finish a 27 length third behind Al Dancer.

Two years ago, in a Straight from the Stable piece [RP Weekender 23-27.11.22], handler Antony Honeyball said of Gustavian:

"His trouble is that he tends to jump nine of his ten fences like an old pro and then really balls one up."

Stablemate Blackjack Magic won the 2023 renewal of the Badger Beer on seasonal reappearance but wasn't always fluent at the fences thereafter.

Top weight Marble Sands wouldn't be the easiest ride but the grey is certainly talented and beat Colonel Harry (goes in the Coral Gold Cup 3.00 Newbury) in the Colin Parker at Carlisle four weeks ago.

However most of his races to date have been over shorter trips and he could struggle to reverse placings with Donny Boy at Ayr in April.

On his first start for Lizzie Quinlan Special Rate made a bad mistake to unseat Sean (Quinlan) in White Rhino's race at Ayr while both Some Scope and Kinondo Kwetu were pulled up behind Senior Chief at Cheltenham five weeks ago.

Gavin Sheehan reported the former, previously second behind Does He Know in the Grimthorpe in March, 'jumped poorly' and has had wind surgery since.

The latter has some interesting pieces of form to his name this summer and is certainly worth a second look at a price.

Kinondo Kwetu has held an entry in my summer notebooks for the past three years - this year Sam England's charge was noted finishing fourth behind Cruz Control at 25/1 in the Freebooter at Aintree in April.

Unfortunately he appeared to regress on his next three starts (unplaced, pulled up, pulled up) before winning a five runner handicap chase at Uttoxeter off 137. After that race jockey Jonathan England said:

"Kinondo Kwetu had lost his confidence, he's always been a horse who had a little think about it. 

"Hopefully he can get going again. It's very much confidence with him."

He subsequently won at Worcester at the end of August (Hang In There second, Pull Again Green third) and then finished second at Perth behind Hidden Depths (has form this month with Chianti Classico and Pic D'Orhy) before the no-show at Cheltenham.  

He pulled up on his only other start at Cheltenham behind Whacker Clan in October 2023. There's (just) a hint he may prefer a flat track.

He certainly will appreciate underfoot conditions and, on his best form, looks likely to outrun odds of 33/1; I'm hoping he doesn't overthink things and manages to bring his 'A' game to proceedings. 

33/1 with some layers, Kinondo Kwetu is 28/1 with Sky who pay an extra place.

Kinondo Kwetu is the each-way suggestion, 28/1 with Sky paying five places.  

A Haydock manifestation

How times have changed! 

These days dictionaries tend to have their very own 'word of the year' - can you believe it? - and this year Cambridge Dictionary's is 'manifest' which, apparently, can mean "to imagine achieving something you want, in the belief that doing so will make it more likely to happen".

Writing in yesterday's Times, Deborah Ross informed readers that both singer Dua Lipa and gymnast Simone Biles have put their success down to manifesting.

Having followed jump racing for a number of years, I'm obliged to report that I gave up on manifesting quite some time ago - although I didn't call it manifesting at the time - primarily because, to put it bluntly, it didn't work, no matter how hard I tried to visualise all my race day selections coming home in front...

Here's another selection to add to that long list of runners that in the past I imagined would come home in front but which manifestly failed to do so.

The going at Haydock is currently described as good to soft, with the weather forecast that I'm looking at predicting light showers. 

Beat The Bat heads the market for the Betfair Racing Podcasts Handicap Hurdle (1.15). 

Harry Fry's charge hasn't been seen for the best part of twelve months, having finished just under three lengths behind Dysart Enos - a creditable third in the Greatwood last Sunday - in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham last December. 

He was carrying a penalty that day and has his first run in handicap company here off a mark of 132, a mark Robbie Wilders feels can be exploited at some stage this season [RP Weekender 06-10.11.24].

Doyen Quest heads the market for the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at 2.30, having won at Cheltenham in facile fashion last Saturday; prior to that run Dan Skelton's charge was beaten four lengths by Josh The Boss in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow. 

That form reads well; owned by John Neild, Josh The Boss is regularly ridden by his son Mr Jamie Neild who can claim a valuable seven pounds.

Four weeks ago Kamsinas won an Aintree handicap hurdle over two and a half miles with Bowenspark third, Ballygeary fifth and the mare Lavida Adiva sixth. 

Bowenspark was beaten three and a quarter lengths that day, his first run in a handicap, and he meets the winner four pounds better off here; connections have opted to fit a visor for the first time. 

Sam Thomas has his string in excellent form - three wins from six runners in the past fortnight. 

He saddles Steel Ally who was beaten a neck by Doyen Quest conceding 12 pounds at Newbury in March and was beaten a length by Lump Sum conceding five pounds in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las six weeks ago. 

The handicapper raised Steel Ally three pounds for that effort but the rise is offset by Dylan Johnson's three pound claim. This represents his first try beyond two miles and a half furlong.

Course winning form is always worth noting at this track and Punta Del Este won over course and distance last December. 

This French bred took a while to acclimatise over here and loves heavy ground. After his charge won a handicap hurdle at Ayr in April at odds of 25/1, handler Dan Skelton said:

"That was a complete surprise. Punta Del Este is a funny horse, he's obviously got ability and he won very well at Haydock in the winter but he kind of runs as he wants to and I'm not a great predictor of him." 

Connections took Anyharminasking out of the Greatwood on Sunday on account of the ground. 

Back in October 2023 I felt he would have beaten Nemean Lion with a good jump at the last in the Welsh Champion Hurdle but he hung left-handed on the run to the line and, to my mind, has struggled to reproduce similar form since.

Having failed to complete in two novice chases, last year's winner Park Annonciade reverts to the smaller obstacles and tries to repeat the trick off a mark just two pounds higher; enthusiasm is tempered by the fact he took a heavy fall at Ayr just three weeks ago.

Off a mark of 123 Fine Casting beat Jungle Jack 11 lengths over course and distance in December 2022 but Ben Pauling's charge hasn't won since.

This looks a difficult introduction to handicap company for four-year-old Knight Of Allen and we haven't seen a lot of N'Golo since he won the 2022 Swinton Hurdle. 

Lively Citizen's profile suggests two miles is his trip while Dans Le Vent won the 2021 running of the Stayers' Hurdle on this card but will be 12 years of age on January 1st.

A competitive renewal. I've spent much of the afternoon visualising Sam Twiston-Davies going on after the final flight to carry Trevor Hemmings' famous colours to victory. 

Bowenspark is the each-way suggestion, currently 10/1 with Ladbrokes, William Hill and bet365, all paying four places.

The 2024 Paddy Power Gold Cup

Fifteen are set to face the starter for this year's renewal of the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.20 Cheltenham); the going on the Old Course is described as good, good to soft in places.

Last season Ginny's Destiny won three chases at the track (one on the Old Course, two on the New) before finishing second behind Grey Dawning in the Turners Novices' Chase at the Festival - a mistake at the penultimate flight looked costly.

It's no surprise to see Paul Nicholls' charge priced up clear favourite but his profile suggests he may prefer more cut in the ground and, to date, the gelding has not won on seasonal debut - he missed his intended prep at Newton Abbot as the meeting was abandoned  

Stablemate Stage Star won this last year off a mark of 155 on seasonal debut and is the only favourite to have obliged in the past decade.

Ga Law won the 2022 renewal off 142 and tries to repeat the trick this year off 155. 

Jamie Snowden's charge ran well when second behind Grandeur D'Ame at Chepstow five weeks ago (Il Ridoto fifth, Editeur Du Gite ninth and Jetoile last of 10 runners). 

Il Ridoto finished fourth behind Ga Law in the 2022 renewal off 140 and third last year behind Stage Star off 144. 

Still only seven years old, this represents his second run after wind surgery in July. Although technically running from out of the handicap, Il Ridoto can compete from his correct mark courtesy of Freddie Gingell's three pound claim. 

Formerly trained by Gordon Elliott, Imagine cost 320,000 euros and has his first run for Harry Dereham; with just three starts over fences to his name, Imagine is the least experienced chaser in this field.

I'm a fan of  Protektorat who did me a favour when winning the Ryanair at the Festival in March. 

Dan Skelton's inmate has to give a minimum of 12 pounds to his opponents and, to my mind, really wants soft ground to be seen at his best. His participation means five race from out of the handicap: Hartur d'Arc; Madara; Il Ridoto; Straw Fan Jack; and Weveallbeencaught.

Lets Go Champ ran out of petrol in the closing stages of the Galway Plate in the summer, eventually finishing sixth - beaten eight and a half lengths - behind Pinkerton. The step back in trip here should help his cause and good ground suits.  

Not for the first time In Excelsis Deo's jumping was peppered with mistakes in the Galway Plate while Janadil fell at the first. Connections try first time blinkers on Janadil; the last horse older than nine years of age to come home in front was Clear Cut in 1975.

Of Hartur d'Arc trainer Gavin Cromwell says in this week's RP Weekender:

"He was very good in the Leinster National [3m 1f] and I'm not sure he stayed the trip in the Irish National [3m 5f] on his final run. He isn't a slow horse and we'll bring him back in trip for his first run back - he's in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham's November meeting and he could go back there at some point, maybe in December."

Irish trained runners don't have a strong record in the race; the last Irish trained horse to collect the spoils, Tranquil Sea in 2009, was the first Irish winner for 29 years.

Fugitif, fourth in this last year off 153, beat Il Ridoto a short head in the December Gold Cup four weeks later but, along with Ga Law, was subsequently pulled up behind Protektorat in the Ryanair.

Of those at fancy prices the most interesting is possibly Weveallbeencaught on his third run for Christian Williams. In first time cheekpieces this one finished half a length behind Lisnamult Lad over course and distance three weeks ago; enthusiasm is tempered by the fact he is 10 pounds 'wrong' at the weights.

It's a bold decision by Team Skelton to allow Protektorat to take his chance; his presence gives the handicap a rather lop-sided feel. In a race that more often than not goes the way of a young chaser, I've struggled to find an each-way wager. 

After some deliberation I've decided to take an each-way interest in Henry De Bromhead's lightly raced nine-year-old Lets Go Champ on this step back to two and a half miles; Mike O'Connor can claim three.

Lets Go Champ is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 11/1 with William Hill and Ladbrokes, both paying four places. 

Finally, it's early days, I know, but glancing at Sunday's Greatwood Hurdle (3.30 Cheltenham) northern raiders Cracking Rhapsody and Florida Dreams are closely matched on form and both are of interest at around 25/1. 

The 2024 Grand Sefton Handicap Chase

Five of the ten declared for the 63rd running of the Badger Beer Handicap Chase (3.30 Wincanton) have still to record a victory over three miles or beyond, yet I'm struggling to find an each-way angle that makes much appeal.

With the price about Forward Plan shortening markedly this afternoon, I've decided to take a quick look at the Grand Sefton (2.40 Aintree) instead.

The going on the National course is described as good to soft, good in places and 13 are set to face the starter.

Current favourite Frero Bambou was third in this last year off 133 but hasn't won a chase beyond two miles one and a half furlongs in 26 attempts.

Percussion, second last year off 128, has a good record over these fences but hasn't come home in front - third in the 2022 renewal and third in both the 2022 and 2023 renewals of the Becher Chase.

Veteran Latenightpass also boasts a good record over this course and distance, having finished second in the 2021 Foxhunters before going one better to win the 2022 renewal and then finishing fifth last year. Strong family ties surround this horse - the gelding is owned and bred by Pippa, mother of trainer Tom Ellis, with Gina Andrews, the trainer's wife, in the plate.   

Six-year-old King Turgeon has plenty of experience over fences for one so young and appeared to have made significant progress during the summer months when seen winning at Chepstow 11 days ago; he races from out of the handicap.

Idalkho Bihoue, the other six-year-old in the line-up, has just four chase starts to his name and has, in the past, raced from the front. Since 2004 only one six-year-old has collected the spoils - As De Mee in 2016.

Sure Touch brings strong form to the table having pipped Soul Icon a neck in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July. The gelding has been trained specifically for this race since that run with handler Olly Murphy issuing an upbeat bulletin earlier in the week.

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero won this last year with the ill-fated Gesskille and will be hoping for a good run from Gaboriot. This one has been well supported in the market this evening; Mr Harry Myddelton looked a tad unfortunate to unseat at the Canal Turn in this year's Foxhunters.

I've tended to associate Outlaw Peter with right-handed tracks - Kempton in particular - but his defeat of Soul Icon at Ayr in April while conceding seven pounds merits every respect; on a line through Soul Icon he would appear to have the beating of Sure Touch. However several from the Nicholls' yard have needed their first run of the season. 

Harpers Brook had wind surgery at the end of June and makes his debut for the Skelton stable. In the past this one has pulled himself up when getting to the front although on his penultimate start he beat Sacre Coeur seven lengths at Sandown off a mark of 136. There's a long run-in here; caution advised.

Authorised Art finished second behind Ash Tree Meadow in the 2023 Galway Plate when trained by Willie Mullins. Now with Gary and Josh Moore, he has his share of weight on this first chase start for new connections.

Last time seen Richmond Lake weakened after the final flight in the Topham, eventually coming home 29 lengths behind winner Arizona Cardinal (Frero Banbou pulled up) while Irish raider Galon De Vauzelle won easily at Listowel six weeks ago but is another to race from out of the handicap.

Vintage Fizz had the Summer Plate at Market Rasen as his main summer target; he finished sixth behind Sure Touch, beaten over 16 lengths. Five and a half weeks later he was sent off 5/2 favourite for a Class 2 Handicap Chase at Worcester where he ran no race at all behind Kinondo Kwetu.

Given a break, he returned at Wetherby three weeks ago; he appeared to hold a slight advantage jumping the last before finishing fourth behind the well-regarded Jagwar, beaten just over three lengths.

Compared to Market Rasen, Jedd O'Keefe's charge meets Sure Touch nine pounds better off here, is just one pound higher than his last winning mark, and is possibly better going left-handed.

I keep coming back to the Summer Plate form and, to my mind, Vintage Fizz looks overpriced at 40/1 with William Hill (4 places) and 28/1 with Sky (5 places). I'm hoping he takes to the fences and runs his race. 

Only for those with a particularly strong constitution, Vintage Fizz is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 28/1 with Sky who pay five places.

The 2024 Sodexo Live! Gold Cup at Ascot

Shocked and saddened to hear today of the death of Alastair Down, barely one week after the press room at Cheltenham had been renamed in his honour.

On last week's annual pilgrimage to the Ludlow races, the thick fog enshrouding Cleehill proved the precursor to a chastening day of sport with monies wagered remaining firmly ensconced in bookmakers' satchels. 

In the novice hurdle La Marquise, third in the mares' bumper at Aintree in April, looked in a spot of bother off the home bend yet, despite being hampered by Oh My Johnny three out, still won going away from Kalium while So Said I, well supported for the Queen Boudicca Mares' Chase Series Qualifier, was rather outpaced from four out, eventually finishing fifth.

During the evening debrief (held, of course, in a local hostelry), I happened to chance upon two part-owners of So Said I who indicated the mare ideally needs more cut underfoot. 

The same owners also had a strong word for Tennessee Tango - on racecourse debut the gelding foiled a gamble in the bumper at Wincanton on Sunday - who could be a Cheltenham horse in the making.

11 have been declared for the Sodexo Live! Gold Cup Handicap Chase (3.45 Ascot) where the going is described as good.

Kim Bailey saddles two course and distance winners: favourite Chianti Classico and veteran Two For Gold. 

The former won the Ultima at Cheltenham in March off a mark of 143 and now races off 152.

The latter had no answer to 20/1 winner Victtorino in this race last year on his seasonal debut but ran well nonetheless to finish a six length second. 

Both horses would ideally prefer more give underfoot.

Senior Chief and The Short Go advertised the well-being of Henry De Bromhead's string at Cheltenham last weekend - the yard has sent out eight winners from 29 runners in the past fortnight - and Amirite runs for the Irish handler tomorrow. 

The gelding's one chase win came at Fairyhouse over two miles five furlongs in October 2022. 

His fifth off this mark behind Minella Cocooner in the bet365 Gold Cup reads well and he ran well for a long way sporting first-time cheekpieces in the Galway Plate back in July before fading after the last. The cheekpieces have been left off here; good ground suits.

Our Power won this race on seasonal debut in 2022 off 136; on his next run he pipped Flegmatik a neck in the Coral Trophy at Kempton. 

The target last year was the Coral Gold Cup but racing in midfield Sam Thomas' charge fell at the 14th fence and hasn't been seen since. 

The trainer has said his charge will come on for the run.

Highstakesplayer certainly looks a player here and has been backed accordingly. Tipped up as a progressive sort in a number of places, I just wonder if he'd prefer this race were run at Kempton.

Neon Moon, who did me a favour at Ludlow on seasonal debut last year, won the Native River at Chepstow on seasonal debut this year and is effectively now just four pounds higher. 

To my mind, he looked a tad fortunate that day as both Pull Again Green and Manofthepeople made an error at the third last which left the door open. 

In the past he hasn't always managed to back up a good performance next time out.

Hidden Depths and Mylesfromwicklow look closely matched on recent Market Rasen running. 

The former takes a step up in class while trainer Dan Skelton has said he doesn't see this trip a problem for the latter who holds an each-way chance. 

Skelton also saddles Flegmatik who beat Chianti Classico two lengths at Kempton in January; on a strict reading of the formbook the gelding is weighted to confirm placings. 

However he finished well behind Grandeur D'Ame at Chepstow three weeks ago, sent off at odds of 50/1, and connections have once again decided to leave the cheekpieces off.  

Solo tries this trip for the first time and would ideally prefer more cut while Kitty's Light probably has targets later in the season.

At the time of writing the money is for the top four in the market. 

I'm going to take an each-way chance with Neon Moon who will like the ground and has run well at Ascot before. In the past David Pipe's charge has struggled to back up a good performance next time out but this represents his second run since wind surgery in July.

Neon Moon is the each-way suggestion; at the time of writing William Hill stand out offering 11/1 paying three places. 

Winter warmers on the way

I'm Ravenous showed his appetite for the jumps game by pipping Isle Of Sark a head in a maiden hurdle at Sedgefield last week; after the race winning trainer Ben Pauling said: 'The season is hotting up...' 

It most certainly is, although not perhaps to a temperature of 400C, as the BBC weather app recently forecast for the city of Nottingham. 

The Racing Post has highlighted Dan Skelton's red-hot start to the new campaign. 

With over £440,000 in prize money banked at the end of last month, Skelton, pipped for the trainers' title by Willie Mullins last year, is more than £250,000 ahead this term.

Chepstow's two day meeting this weekend traditionally marks a change of pace in proceedings.

The mare Flying Fortune won the Persian War Hurdle with something to spare today, having won the Fixed Brush Final at Worcester a fortnight ago. 

Stablemate Letterston Lily, third behind Flying Fortune at Worcester, goes in tomorrow's Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow 4-Y-O Hurdle (2.10) . Enthusiasm is tempered by the fact regular pilot Sean Bowen is booked to ride Roaring Legend.   

In the Silver Trophy (3.20) only two from a field of eighteen have seen a racecourse in the past eight weeks - Tritonic and Forever William. 

Twinjets currently heads the market for the Native River Handicap Chase (4.35); with just three chase starts to his name, Paul Nicholls' charge meets more experienced rivals and, to date, hasn't convinced over the larger obstacles.

I like Arizona Cardinal who finished off last season winning the Topham at Aintree but he races off a career high mark of 142 and 8/1 doesn't make much appeal.

Nassalam won last year's Welsh National at this track by an astonishing 34 lengths off 145. He was duly hammered by the handicapper and is set to carry top weight.       

Team Twiston-Davies, habitually amongst the front runners around this time of year, have made quite some start this term, recording eight wins from 25 runners (32%) in the past fortnight. 

Sam will probably feel Scottie's Sister was one that got away at Ludlow on Wednesday, the jockey dropping his whip after the last and finishing half a length second to the Alan King trained One Glance.

With my annual trip to the Shropshire track coming up I carried out some preliminary spadework on the card for that first Ludlow meet of the new term. 

Rickety Bridge and Mostly Sunny dominated the market in the Remembering Margaret Roberts Novices' Hurdle (3.05) while Highly Recommended had been noted as an 'eyecatcher', making modest late headway in a Worcester race three weeks earlier. 

Mel Rowley's charge was priced 40/1 on Tuesday evening but, quite reasonably, I reasoned it was highly unlikely both market principals would underperform in a race of this nature so didn't place a wager of any kind.

In the event 4/7 favourite Rickety Bridge jumped poorly throughout and was beaten a long way out while 7/4 chance Mostly Sunny appeared to slip on the home turn allowing Highly Recommended (22/1) to saunter home 17 lengths clear.

To quote Ben Pauling: 'The season is hotting up...' 

Market Rasen Summer Plate 2024

A field of sixteen is set to contest tomorrow's Summer Plate (3.15 Market Rasen) with the going currently described as good.

When Born Famous won last year's renewal off 115 (Fix At All eighth, La Domaniale ninth, Francky Du Berlais eleventh), Iain Jardine's mare became the first winner with a rating below 137 in over ten years. 

Top weight Al Zaraqaan races off 138 tomorrow.

Francky Du Berlais, trained by Peter Bowen, collected the spoils off 139 in 2022, having won off 137 in 2021. 

The handler has an eye-catching record in the race, having won on six other occasions (Stately Home 1997; Ballycassidy 2003; Yes Sir 2006; Iron Man 2007; Snoopy Loopy 2008; and More Buck's 2018); he relies on Francky Du Berlais and Statuario in a bid to win for the first time with eldest son Michael officially registered joint trainer.

In June Francky du Berlais finished third behind Parisencore over two and a half miles in the Perth Silver Cup (Fix At All eighth) while stablemate Statuario beat Hang In There a neck in course record time in the Perth Gold Cup over three miles.

Since then Francky finished third behind Charlie Uberalles at Cartmel while Statuario was raised nine pounds for that neck defeat of Hang In There who subsequently came out to win the Uttoxeter Summer Cup on his first try beyond three miles. 

Connections are reportedly considering entering Group company with Hang In There, the Charlie Hall at Wetherby in November mentioned as a possible target.

Earlier today Mole Court was displaced at the head of the market by Boombawn who finished third behind Al Zaraqaan on his penultimate start and second behind Matterhorn last time over a shorter trip. 

The step-up in distance here should suit; he has just three chase starts to his name but Harry Skelton prefers this one to stablemate Riskintheground.

Mole Court likes to race up with the pace; Ben Pauling's charge has won five of his eight chase starts and finished fourth behind Hang In There in the Uttoxeter Summer Cup.

Soul Icon jumped slightly right when beaten a length by Raffle Ticket at Aintree in May; Market Rasen should suit better but Keiran Burke's charge has yet to win in six starts over fences - and the handicapper raised him three pounds to boot. 

Sure Touch has finished in the first three on all five starts over fences; he came home over 25 lengths clear of Statuario when winning on soft ground at Perth in April. The booking of Harry Cobden catches the eye.

Yccs Portocervo won the trial race over course and distance four weeks ago, holding Vintage Fizz a neck on the line. The pair look closely matched on revised terms but, to date, Vintage Fizz has shown a tendency to jump left at the obstacles.

At 11 years of age Dinons doesn't have a lot of miles on the clock. He has just his second start for Brian Ellison after being withdrawn from the three mile race won by Cap Du Nord at Perth on Sunday on account of the ground. 

The other 11-year-old in the field, The Big Lense, finished third behind the Peter Bowen trained Jerrash over course and distance 13 days ago.

Previously with Michael Scudamore, Fix At All, my selection for last year's renewal, came up short off this mark (125) and was well beaten by Parisencore last time.

Three mares have come home in front in recent years: Casablanca Mix (2019); Really Super (2020); and Born Famous (2023).   

The only mare in this year's race, La Domaniale, was beaten a neck by Francky Du Berlais in 2022 off a mark of 125 but was well behind Born Famous last year running off 133.

Stablemate Prince Escalus has shown his best form over a shorter trip.

Statuario's defeat of Hang In There looks strong form - Peter Bowen's charge also holds the Perth track record over two and a half miles - but the handicapper has had his say and this race often goes to a younger animal.

With just four chase starts Parisencore is perhaps less exposed than a few in this field and won the Perth Silver Cup going away on his first try beyond two miles one furlong; raised three pounds, Nicky Richards' inmate gets the nod.

Parisencore is the each-way suggestion, generally 11/1 with most layers paying five places.

In the Summer Handicap Hurdle (2.40) I thought top weight Fringill Dike and Kihavah both worthy of a second look. 

Fringill Dike races off 132 but is rated 142 over fences while Kihavah goes off 127 but boasts a Flat rating of 95.