Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Wednesday

A few notes on tomorrow's card quickly bashed out after watching Lossiemouth win the Champion Hurdle by six and a half lengths...

Light rain is forecast overnight with sunny intervals tomorrow.

2.00 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase

A large field this year; the top three in the market are all trained in Ireland but have yet to win at the trip under rules, although Romeo Coolio and Final Demand have both won an Irish point over three miles.

Favourite Romeo Coolio is unbeaten in his four starts over fences.

On seasonal debut he beat Koktail Divin 14 lengths over two and a half miles at Down Royal; on Boxing Day he beat Irish Panther over two miles one furlong at Leopardstown - Irish Panther goes in the Champion Chase at 4.00;.and at the Dublin Racing Festival he beat Kargese - winner of the Arkle earlier this afternoon -  a neck. Connections fit a first-time hood, presumably to help him settle over the longer trip.

Final Demand won his first two starts over fences but finished behind Kaid d'Authie and Western Fold over two miles five and a half furlongs at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Koktail Divin finished behind Oscars Brother at Punchesstown in November before making all to win 21 lengths over two miles five and a half at Leopardstown. The suspicion is he's better over the shorter trip but connections have opted to run here rather than in the Jack Richards on Thursday.

Mare The Big Westerner finished second behind Jasmin De Vaux in last year's Albert Bartlett (Wendigo fifth) and may prefer more cut underfoot but Western Fold should appreciate drying ground and back in July won the Galway Plate.  

Last night I watched a replay of the Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day. 

Kitzbuhel went some clip that day on good ground, throwing in some extravagant jumps to boot. The jumping wasn't so assured next time at Sandown where once or twice he shifted out right and then unshipped Paul Townend at the sixth; Townend prefers Final Demand.

Thomas Mor and Wendigo finished second and third respectively in the Kauto Star; this track is likely to suit Wendigo better than Kempton. After winning at Ayr in January, Wendigo's trainer Jamie Snowden said:

"It was a bit of a trek up to Ayr, but it was the only three mile novice chase going left-handed between now and Cheltenham. We found at Kempton that he did jump slightly left, it's all about chase experience. 

"The Brown Advisory is is the obvious route. He's the best of the British novice chasers over three miles..." 

Moot point perhaps, given he finished behind Thomas Mor who recorded a personal best at Kempton. Philip Hobbs and Johnson White's charge held an entry for the Reynoldstown at Ascot in February but missed that appointment due to an abscess. 

The handicapper has the pair on 147; Wendigo has been well touted and is an 8/1 shot while nine-year-old Thomas Mor is 66/1 with bet365.

Since 2000 only three horses older than seven have won the Brown Advisory and they were all eight-year-olds: Rule Supreme (2004); Might Bite (2017 - although he did his best to gift the race to nine-year-old Whisper); and Champ (2020). The last nine-year-old to win was Miinnehoma in 1992, trained by Martin Pipe, ridden by Peter Scudamore, and owned by comedian Freddie Starr; the horse went on to win the 1994 Grand National.

The Irish appear to hold a strong hand; I can see Thomas Mor - fifth behind Stay Away Fay in the 2023 Albert Bartlett before a protracted spell off the track- outrunning odds of 66/1.

Western Fold is the each-way suggestion, currently 14/1 generally but 16/1 with bet365 who pay four places.   

2.40 BetMGM Cup

24 declared and highly competitive as usual. 

Connections of Jinko Blue have reverted to hurdles this season after the gelding unseated Nico De Boinville in last year's Reynoldstown. 

His hurdling has been far from foot perfect in two runs so far but his second behind Kabral Du Mathan in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle on the New Course on New Year's Day reads well. He'll appreciate better ground and his current hurdle mark is seven pounds lower than his last chase rating. 

Jinko Blue is the each-way suggestion, 10/1 at the time of writing with Betfred, Unibet and bet365 among the layers paying six places.

5.20 Weatherbys Champion Bumper

Flat jockey Colin Keane rides The Mourne Rambler.

Sean Bowen rides Broadway Ted who beat stablemates With Nolimit and Charismatic Kid along with It's Only A Game at Leopardstown five weeks ago.

It's a long, long time since I've had a bet in the bumper but Bass Hunter gets the nod on the back of these comments made by trainer Chris Gordon after the gelding had beaten Tally Ho Back and Vango Can Go at Ascot just before Christmas.

"It's brilliant. I ride Bass Hunter every day, and in my 18 years of training he's the best I've sat on at home, and I think he showed that to an extent. Cheltenham and Aintree will be considered, but for him to win at those sorts of tracks, he'll need to settle down."

Bass Hunter is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 with Ladbrokes and William Hill who are paying four places.  

Cheltenham Festival 2026 - Tuesday

Need anything from Tesco? It'll have to wait until the weekend now.

Racing may be in crisis - Brant Dunshea has recently been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA following the resignation of Lord Allen - but punters have four days of the Festival to look forward to - and six favourites obliged at Sandown on Saturday...

Last year Tutti Quanti was the only British trained runner to contest the Supreme, finishing sixth at 125/1 behind 4/6 favourite Kopek Des Bordes. At the time of writing British trained novices head the markets for the Supreme (Old Park Star) and the Turners (No Drama This End).

The final hurdle on both courses has been moved closer to the home turn after the discovery of a hole in the ground on Trials Day, the cause later found to be a collapsed drain. The run-in will now be a furlong or so in distance; I recall a number of hurdle races with a long run-in at Haydock where the apparent result changed within the shadow of the post.

The going on the Old Course is currently described as good to soft, good in places, with selective watering carried out earlier today.

1.20 Supreme Novices' Hurdle 

An intriguing renewal with the Nicky Henderson trained Old Park Star the only runner to have won at the track previously. 

Talk The Talk, Mighty Park and El Cairos spearhead a strong Irish challenge. 

With just one start over hurdles to his name Mighty Park could be anything. 

Both Talk The Talk and El Cairos are likely to be ridden for their turn of foot. 

El Cairos, bought out of the David Maxwell dispersal sale for £410,000, hasn't always appeared fluent at the hurdles but looks a bit of a speed merchant.

Back in November Mydaddypaddy was ante-post favourite for this race; his run in the Formby behind Idaho Sun is easily forgiven as four of the nine hurdles were omitted due to the low sun. 

A few in this like to go from the front including Sober Glory, described by Harry Cobden as the best novice he has ridden this season; on official ratings he has three pounds to find with Old Park Star. Finished behind Hurricane Pat at Sandown in December - Old Park Star beat that one 18 lengths at Haydock the following month. 

With the race likely to be run to suit, El Cairos is the each-way suggestion, currently 8/1 generally.

4.00 Champion Hurdle

Three mares take their chance in this year's renewal.

Favourite Lossiemouth won the Triumph in 2023 and the Mares' Hurdle over two and a half miles in 2024 and 2025; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time. 

Brighterdaysahead reversed previous Leopardstown form with Lossiemouth over two miles, beating her three and a quarter lengths in the Irish Champion Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival just over five weeks ago. To date she hasn't shown her very best form at this track. 

Golden Ace beat Brighterdaysahead in the 2024 Mares' Novices' Hurdle and had the same rival back in fourth in last year's Champion Hurdle; she was considered a somewhat fortunate winner that day after State Man, five lengths clear, came to grief at the last. 

The New Lion was one length to the good when he fell at Newcastle allowing Golden Ace to add the Fighting Fifth to her curriculum vitae. She scoped dirty when beaten in a two horse race at Wetherby in November and had no chance when second behind Sir Gino in the Christmas Hurdle. Trainer Jeremy Scott has said he thinks he has her in better order this season than last.

We haven't seen much of The New Lion since winning the Turners last year. After falling in the Fighting Fifth, he won the International on Trials Day - run on the New Course over two miles one furlong - when main market rival Sir Gino was pulled up quickly after three out having gone lame.   

Poniros won the Triumph (run on the New Course) last year at odds of 100/1. Only two five-year-olds have won since 2000: Katchit (2008) and Espoir D'Allen (2019).

Alexei raced off a mark of 127 when second behind Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle in October and five weeks later won the Greatwood over course and distance off 134. The handicapper now has him on 148; trainer Joe Tizzard has said he'll travel well into the race and then we'll find out how good he is.

Tutti Quanti was well beaten behind Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on seasonal debut. He subsequently came out to win the Gerry Feilden and then the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury by 15 lengths on heavy ground off 138. Now rated 151, he has been supplemented for this.

Golden Ace is the each-way suggestion; she looks overpriced at 10/1 with William Hill at the time of writing. 

  

5.20 National Hunt Challenge Cup

I fancied Herakles Westwood for this race last year (finished seventh behind Haiti Couleurs); he held an entry this year too but it looks as though connections prefer the Kim Muir (5.20 Thursday).

Favourite Backmeorsackme ran well when second behind Three Card Brag over three miles one furlong here in October.

Wade Out is the only course winner in this field. At Worcester in October he beat Wendigo (declared for the Brown Advisory on Wednesday) and then beat One Big Bang over three miles one furlong here in a Listed race. Cheekpieces added for the first time but this looks a stiff task under top weight.

King Of Answers (dam: Queen Of Questions) finished second behind Wendigo in an Irish point back in 2023. Having finished behind Guard The Moon at Windsor, King Of Answers sported first-time cheekpieces at Kelso next time and evident improvement followed. He has gone up ten pounds for that effort; has the odd mistake in him.

Grande Geste certainly stays having won the Grand National Trial over an extended three and a half miles at Haydock three and a half weeks ago. Co-trainers' comment in the RP Weekender [28.01-01.02.26]: 'He's very straightforward to train - you could put your granny on him.'

Holokea was pulled up behind Grand Geste at Haydock but in December looked to have a race in the bag on the New Course over three miles one and a half furlongs before being collared by Zertakt.

I'm going to forgive Holokea that run last time; Shane Fenelon takes off five pounds.

Holokea is the each-way suggestion, as I write 40/1 with bet365, Paddy Power and Sky who pay five places. 

Cheltenham, Chelsea, Cinquenta

Preparations for this year's Cheltenham Festival have been thrown into total disarray by an unexpected telephone call and the EBF Final at Sandown.

Earlier this week I was offered the chance of a ticket for Wrexham's FA Cup fifth round home tie against Chelsea on Saturday - the club's highest profile fixture since they beat Arsenal in the same competition back in 1992. 

As a lifelong fan I jumped at the chance and immediately after the call rushed off to check prices: Wrexham 6/1 in places, 4/1 the draw. 

I was tempted too, but after watching highlights of Chelsea's win at Villa Park on Wednesday evening, I decided I was never all that keen on football betting anyway...

And then, bless my old boots, two caught my eye in the European Breeders' Fund Betfair "National Hunt" Novices' Handicap Hurdle Final, handily shortened in racing parlance to the EBF Final (1.50 Sandown).

The two in question are Tennessee Tango and Cinquenta.

18 months ago, after attending Ludlow's second October meeting, I bumped into a gentleman in a local hostelry who tried to sell me a share in a horse for £2,000. 'Unusual that for a Thursday,' I remember thinking to myself afterwards. The horse in question was Tennessee Tango. 

At the time the gelding was unraced under rules but held an entry in a Wincanton bumper the following Sunday. The gent concerned clearly held the horse in high regard - a possible entry in the Festival bumper was mentioned - but I don't regularly carry that amount of cash inside the inside lining of my faux tweed jacket and, anyway, I'd done my dough at the races, so I politely declined his kind offer.

Still, I had enough about me to monitor the market for that Wincanton bumper all the same. 

Now, as a general rule, Sunday markets can be quite static early doors, no doubt bookmakers still busy counting their winnings from the day before. At around ten o'clock the opening price of 12/1 about Tennessee Tango started to contract quite sharply. By roughly midday, as I recall, he was half the price so I decided to leave well alone. In the event, Tennessee Tango drifted back out to 12/1 at the off and beat Neil Mulholland's well-backed filly Pollyana's Dream two and a half lengths.

I've followed the fortunes of Tennessee Tango ever since that bumper, which, incidentally, was run on good ground. He has further bumper form behind Windbeneathmywings, and hurdle form behind Sinchi Roca (beat Wolf Walker at Wincanton in January), Sober Glory (14/1 for the Supreme on Tuesday), Gentleman Toboot (gave subsequent Dovecote winner Klub De Reve six pounds and a beating at Exeter in December) and Mossy Fen Road.

In complete contrast Cinquenta only came on the radar five weeks ago.

My hairdresser was due to go the Wetherby races at the end of January and, in what can only be described as a blatant breach of self discipline, she asked me to mark her card. 

I did the necessary and thought I'd managed to get away scot-free when the fixture was (un)fortunately abandoned but a timeous email the following morning indicated her party were en route to Market Rasen instead so updated selections were required - as quickly as possible.

Initially Gee Force Flyer was priced up favourite in the two and a half mile novice hurdle with Cinquenta his market rival but by the off the pair had flip-flopped; the market called it correctly too with Cinquenta coming home eight and a half lengths clear.

After the race handler Jamie Snowden said:

"It was a nice performance. Cinquenta stepped up for the step up in trip and a bit of softer ground. The penny is beginning to drop, but he's a big backward baby and he's learning all of the time. Today was a slightly easier race than the ones he's been competing in. We won the EBF Final last year with Laurens Bay [off 123] and I'd say he's in a similar mould, he's a future staying chaser."

Of the pair marginal preference is for Cinquenta who has won over the distance while Tennessee Tango tries the trip for the first time.

Of course, as always, the EBF Final is a highly competitive affair; 18 have been declared for this year's renewal with the going on the hurdles track currently described as soft, good to soft in places.

Favourite Scorpio Rising is unbeaten this term, last time finishing one and threequarters lengths ahead of Top Jimmy at Windsor (Top Jimmy contests the Imperial Cup at 2.27). Readers may recall the brouhaha that followed when Harry (Skelton) met Sean (Bowen) - not Sally - on the way back to the unsaddling enclosure.

Formerly with Willie Mullins, Unknown Entity is probably well-named but remains a maiden in five starts and looks short enough in the market.

Kaka's Cousin was bought for £160,000 after being pipped a short head in an Irish point 15 months ago. He finished 15 lengths behind Starzand at Wetherby in January but looked impressive next time beating even money favourite Kocktail Bleu (second behind Klub De Reve in the Dovecote) eight and a half lengths at Kelso. 

Four Springs jumped right on occasions when second behind Sinnatra at Warwick the last day. He should prefer Sandown and sports cheekpieces for the first time; Sinnatra is currently quoted a 12/1 chance for the County Hurdle at Cheltenham next week.

Laguna Beach finished behind Hurricane Pat - holds an entry in the Turners at Cheltenham - in November and wasn't foot perfect at his hurdles when second behind Whiskey Yankee at Ascot over an extended two miles five furlongs seven weeks ago; the slightly shorter trip here should help his cause.

I'd be prepared to forgive top weight Gentleman Toboot his last run at Leicester. David Pipe's charge proved he stays the trip when beating A Pai De Nom - subsequently third in the Lanzarote and currently holding entries for the Albert Bartlett and the Martin Pipe - at Newton Abbot at the end of October. Stable form is a concern.

Race To Base finished fifth in a Uttoxeter maiden at the beginning of October and, for what it's worth, I wasn't the only one to mark that particular race up as well above average: winner De Temps En Temps went on to claim a Cheltenham novice and looked to have benefitted from wind surgery when third in a competitive Ascot handicap next time; second Tiptoptim finished third in the Challow behind No Drama This End; third Loriko has form behind Give It To Me Oj and Kripticjim while fourth Marsiac went on to beat Big Ticket in an Aintree novice.

After winning his novice at Hereford - on decent ground - Race To Base's jockey Sam-Twiston-Davies said: 'He's very quick, one of the pacier ones at home...' The gelding has his first run for new connections here and wears a tongue-tie for the first time.

Draco Malfoy can turn on the magic in the jumping department and looks a stayer in the making; he was beaten by Get On George at Doncaster just after Christmas. 

Get On George is better than he showed when pulled up behind Thedeviluno in the River Don. In their Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 28.01-01.02.26] Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith say:

"He's a lovely horse who's definitely one to watch. He could be the one to go chasing and do something similar to what Grand Geste has done this season - and better. He's got everything - he's fast, he stays, he jumps and he's got a good attitude - and this is his first season in training. It was a very good race at Doncaster last Saturday [River Don] and it wasn't our day. He's going to be better over a fence."

On his penultimate start Rathkenny, owned by Robert Waley-Cohen, made all to beat West Hill Verde at Doncaster. That reads well now given that West Hill Verde finished third in the Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso last Saturday, despite nearly coming to grief four from home. In a Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 04-08.02.26] trainer Neil Mulholland says:

"He'd won his point-to-point when we bought him. He then won his bumper first time out for us at Uttoxeter. He ran at Fontwell the second time but pulled a front shoe off, so you can put a line through that run. He then went to Doncaster and ran a lovely race to win nicely [West Hill Verde second]. He's got a great attitude and jumps well. He'll be a nice chaser next season and would be my trainer's pick." 

The two Henrietta Knight trained runners have form with Cinquenta.

Conceding three pounds Precious Metal beat Cinquenta a neck over two miles at Lingfield but didn't appear to stay behind Bollin Thou over this course and distance next time while Roi Du Risk was struggling with a circuit to go behind Cinquenta at Market Rasen but then kept on to finish third.

Jury's In finished fourth behind Starzand at Ffos Las in the autumn (Gee Force Flyer third). It was an open and shut case at Fakenham three weeks ago when Stuart Edmunds' charge beat The Boss Bear 20 lengths at Fakenham; the penalty is an 11 pound hike in the weights.

As always a very competitive renewal - it's possible to make a case for a couple of these at a price. I'm going stick with Cinquenta who hurdled fluently for the most part last time and stayed on strongly to the line. 

Cinquenta is the each-way suggestion, generally 12/1 at the time of writing with some firms paying five places including bet365 and Unibet.

Footnote: Harry Redknapp is on record saying he's found himself dreaming about The Jukebox Man winning next week's Gold Cup. I haven't had any dreams about Wrexham beating Chelsea tomorrow, basically because I haven't been able to get much sleep. In time honoured fashion, I'll aim to post some selections for each of the four days at Cheltenham.

The 2026 Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster

The 2026 Cheltenham Festival is nearly upon us. Last year I seem to recall the starters having more trouble starting than I used to have with a Vauxhall Viva bought in 1979. 

It's quite a long time since I've embraced this particular challenge but punters who travel to Cheltenham by train - thereby avoiding problems with a car that won't start -  and then opt to walk to the track - an undertaking that necessitates a lengthy stopover at The Rotunda to take on board ample liquid refreshment for the trials that lie ahead - usually turn right out of the station forecourt and then walk straight past Eldorado Road (leading to Eldorado Crescent). 

When I was younger, you know, I used to think how aptly named that road was...

Anyway, I couldn't get started on the Morebattle Hurdle (2.55 Kelso) so I've spent a bit of time on the Grimthorpe (2.30 Doncaster) instead. 

The going on the chase course is described as good to soft; heavy rain is forecast overnight and a number in this field wouldn't want to see conditions deteriorate any further.

Moroder won the 2023 running of this race off 131 carrying 10-2 and last year's renewal off 125 carrying 10-7 (Some Scope pulled up after a bad mistake). This year Moroder goes off a mark of 120 yet carries 10-11 - which only serves to highlight a drop in quality.

Earlier today top weight King's Threshold was at the head of the market but this evening Emma Lavelle's charge has relinquished top spot to Dartmoor Pirate. 

King's Threshold won the Mandarin at Newbury just after Christmas off 131 and has since missed a couple of potential engagements - the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase at this track five weeks ago and then the Swinley Handicap Chase at Ascot a fortnight ago - on account of soft ground.

Writing in this week's RP Weekender the trainer says:

"...King's Threshold showed himself a progressive chaser when winning the Mandarin at Newbury in December and, although that was nearly two months ago, he remains in good form.

"He doesn't overdo himself at home, he never stops eating, so I don't think being ready to run for a while will have sent him over the top. And I've long thought there's a big race in him."

Dartmoor Pirate won the aforementioned Great Yorkshire, beating New Order three and threequarters lengths - initially he appeared outpaced up the home straight before staying on stoutly to win with something in hand. 

Anthony Honeyball's charge has two furlongs further to travel here; the gelding has won both chase starts with a tongue-tie fitted.

New Order reopposes five pounds better off. He was left in the lead when Joyeux Machin, five lengths clear, came to grief at the final open ditch and Charlie Longsdon's charge looked to tire coming to the final flight.

His previous third behind Herakles Westwood and Katate Dori over three miles one and a half furlongs at Cheltenham reads well.

Jasmin De Grugy, stablemate of Dartmoor Pirate, wasn't foot perfect behind Herakles Westwood that day.

Hampered by the fall of Excello on the first circuit, he was towards the rear when coming to grief on the second circuit. Prior to that he'd finished fourth behind Konfusion in the Rehearsal at Newcastle; connections fit cheekpieces for the first time. 

On his penultimate start just after Christmas Some Scope, sporting a first time visor, made all to win a three mile handicap chase at Doncaster (Moroder third, beaten 12 lengths). 

Next time the visor was left off in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham where he raced in rear throughout, beaten over 70 lengths. 

After that race the vet reported the gelding had lost his left fore shoe and suffered a small overreach on his left fore leg. Four days later he underwent wind surgery.

Neil Mulholland saddles three; comments on each runner from the recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 04-08.02.26] are reproduced below.

Kelce

"He finished second at Aintree on Boxing Day behind Fortunate Man and then won at Musselburgh on Saturday [31.01.26]. He's had three wins now for us and is a good, solid horse. He's just creeping up a little bit in the ratings now, which might just allow us to get into a couple of those nicer 3m handicap chases off bottom weight. He's going the right way." 

Broomfields Cave

"He won last time out on Boxing Day at Wincanton. The third horse, Jupiter Allen, came out and won again last week [29.01.26], so the form is working out well. The ground would just be a little bit soft for him at present, but once we get a bit of proper good to soft ground again he'll be out. He's a nice staying chaser and there'll be plenty more to come from him."

Lord Accord

"We're just waiting for the ground really. He's a very solid horse and my top earner this season. He's run 37 times, winning nine and been second on six occasions. He's won more than £165,000 in prize money. He was second last time at Ascot in the Berkshire National and was in good order, giving a good account of himself. There's no reason why he can't continue to do so in the spring time when he gets his ground. He could go for the Kim Muir at the festival."

To my mind Destroytheevidence didn't see out this trip - admittedly on heavy ground - at Wincanton last month.

King Turgeon is back down to 133, his last winning mark. When last seen he finished sixth behind Blaze The Way at Cheltenham in December - nine lengths behind Herakles Westwood in fourth at level weights. 

Theformismighty bounced back to form at Newcastle last month and has only gone up three pounds.

Around this time last year, conceding 13 pounds, he was beaten a head by New Order in a novices' handicap chase at Wetherby; mighty form indeed. 

However, in between those two efforts, there have been a couple of real stinkers; he tries a trip beyond three miles for the first time.  

Jubilant's fifth behind Montregard at Ascot in November - beaten just over eight lengths - is worth a quick mention, given Montregard finished second to subsequent Reynoldstown winner The Jukebox Kid in January; to date James Owen's charge has form mostly in Class 4 handicap chases.

All of which leads back to our old friend Moroder - 12 years of age and still going strong. 

He was returned at 18/1 when he won in 2023 and 33/1 last year, both renewals run on good ground. If he gets into a jumping rhythm up front...

New Order's form stacks up well but at the prices I'm going to take a chance on Broomfields Cave who was highlighted by Neil Clark as the 'reporter's pick' in that referenced Straight from the Stable article; Bradley Harris claims three pounds.

Broomfields Cave is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 generally with the layers paying four places, but Ladbrokes and Coral stand out offering 11/1.   

The 2026 Ladbrokes Trophy at Kempton

I'm struggling to recall a one and a half mile novice stakes on the all weather that has generated quite so many column inches. Earlier this evening, under the Southwell floodlights and to the roar of a bumper crowd, Constitution Hill won nine and a half lengths. Where next?

Thirteen have been declared for tomorrow's Ladbrokes Trophy (3.35) run over three miles at Kempton Park; the going is described as good to soft, soft in places.

Katate Dori won last year's renewal 15 lengths and goes off a mark 11 pounds higher this year. 

Sam Thomas' charge is consistent but hasn't won since; on New Year's Day he was headed in the final 110 yards, as they say, beaten half a length by Herakles Westwood at Cheltenham. The handicapper raised him one pound for his trouble.

Kdeux Saint Fray was sent off 7/2 favourite for the Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase at Cheltenham four weeks ago, a race won by stablemate Jordans Cross. He appeared outpaced off the home turn but stayed on well to claim fourth. 

He steps up to three miles for the first time tomorrow; with just four chase starts to his name, I'm happy to look elsewhere. The last six-year-old to come home in front was Gloria Victis in 2000.

On seasonal debut Hoe Joly Smoke finished third behind Three Card Brag over three miles one furlong at Cheltenham in October, losing second place on the run to the line. 

After that run it became clear connections thought that, even though he stays a bare three miles, he was probably better over a shorter trip. 

The gelding finished third behind stablemate Panic Attack in the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November and then fifth behind runaway winner Glengouly in the December Gold Cup. Given a break, he's back to three miles here, sporting first-time cheekpieces to help the cause.

The Doyen Chief isn't always clean at his fences and was all out to hold Your Darling a neck over course and distance six weeks ago, Soul Icon fourth. At Bangor in November this one came to the last in front but made a mistake - Tom Bellamy lost an iron - and then appeared to be outstayed by Deep Cave.

Chance Another One is one of two Irish raiders for Emmet Mullins. 

He beat Viroflay (runs in 4.05 race) over course and distance in November and runs off a mark seven pounds higher here.

Stablemate Rising Dust has won five of his last six starts and steps up in class. Sean Bowen rides but I'd imagine Donagh Meyler has had the pick of the pair.

Lookaway looked to have a fight on his hands at this track last time but Old Cowboy looked as though he had been shot when ploughing through the penultimate flight, leaving Neil King's charge to come hone 24 lengths clear of Leader in The Park. 

After that run the trainer immediately nominated this race as the target, confident the gelding will stay the trip. Back in 2021 he beat thorough stayer Collectors Item in an Irish point-to-point.

A slight digression if I may. 

Old Cowboy was subsequently reported to have bled from the nose that day; in his analysis Nick Luck told Racing TV viewers he thought Old Cowboy would have won comfortably had he stood up. Gary Moore's charge comes with risks attached but he goes again in the Pendil at 2.25 and could be considered overpriced at 12/1.

Deep Cave was deeply disappointing when fifth off top weight in the Great Yorkshire at Doncaster last month.

Prior to that he'd won at Bangor and then pinched a race from Leave Of Absence at Ascot. 

Back in 2022 Christian Williams sent out the mare Win My Wings to win the Eider Chase at Newcastle and then some 30 minutes later Cap Du Nord to win this race. The handler harbours high hopes for Deep Cave but a shot at the Grand National will have to wait for the time being.

Henry's Friend finished five lengths behind Deep Cave at Ascot in December. The pair look closely matched on revised terms although I tend to think Ben Pauling's charge shows his best form at Ascot.

Soul Icon was only beaten two lengths by The Doyen Chief last time but his form is over shorter trips while Boombawn tries three miles for the first time, as does Leader In The Park, although Ben Pauling's inmate won a three mile point-to-point three years ago.   

Veteran Gustavian likes to go from the front but at 11 years of age is past his prime.

A number in this field have questions to answer over the trip. 

I'm going to give another chance to Deep Cave who was disappointing at Doncaster but had looked progressive before; stable form would be a concern.

Deep Cave is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 12/1 with Sky and Paddy Power, both paying four places.

The 2026 Grand National Trial at Haydock

Eleven declared for tomorrow's William Hill Half A Mill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase  (3.15 Haydock) run over three miles four and a half furlongs; the going is described as soft, heavy in places, with an 8.00 am inspection scheduled as overnight temperatures are forecast to fall to -2.

At the time of writing bet365 go 10/1 the field bar two, with more money for Myretown than Deafening Silence at the head of the market. 

Racing from the front Myretown beat The Changing Man 11 lengths in the Ultima at last year's Festival off a mark of 127. 

Next time we saw him the gelding took a crashing fall in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury in November and then four weeks ago held every chance in the Peter Marsh at this track when making a bad blunder three from home; to his credit he rallied bravely and was beaten less than three and a half lengths in fourth behind Imperial Saint (Richmond Lake second).

Generally Myretown's jumping is good but he can make a serious error in a race which is disconcerting; the stable has emerged from a protracted quiet spell (just one winner this year before today) with a treble at Kelso this afternoon: Triple Crown Ted (3/1jf); King Of Answers (11/8f); and Wal Buck's (4/1).

Whisper it quietly but Deafening Silence doesn't have too many miles on the clock.

On his first try beyond three miles, Dan Skelton's charge finished a very creditable third behind Haiti Couleurs and O'Connell in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow (Monbeg Genius fifth, Git Maker pulled up). 

The general consensus is the going that day was quicker than the official good to soft recorded. On revised terms he looks weighted to conform placings with Monbeg Genius.

Rivers Corner won the Somerset National at Wincanton four weeks ago and has gone up nine pounds to a mark of 127. I thought he beat two doubtful stayers that day - Isaac Des Obeaux and Destroytheevidence.

Back in November, 35 minutes after Grey Dawning had won the Betfair Chase - with any amount in hand - over three miles one and a half furlongs at this track, Top Of The Bill put on a bit of a show of his own over same course and distance, making all to win unchallenged, finishing seven lengths clear of Saladins Son.  

Four weeks later Grand Geste looked well-named, winning the Tommy Whittle at the track (Saladins Son fourth, Grand Albert fifth, Top Of The Bill ninth). Top Of The Bill weakened quickly before entering the home straight on that occasion - no obvious excuse forthcoming - while, to date, Grand Albert appears to have experienced intermittent problems with his fencing.

Grand Geste was subsequently sent off 5/2 favourite for the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster where the naming didn't appear quite so salient as he failed to give his running and was pulled up just after halfway. Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith's charge has been easy to back during the day.

Richmond Lake only just failed to collar Imperial Saint in the Peter Marsh, beaten a neck. Donald McCain's charge boasts a good record at Haydock - 2132 - but a standard benchmark for this event is a previous win over three miles; Richmond Lake's last win was over two years ago over a trip of two and a half miles.

Git Maker didn't go well for much of the trip when fourth in this race last year - beaten 19 lengths; he was subsequently promoted to third after 'winner' Famous Bridge was disqualified for a banned substance. 

His second behind Iknowthewayurthinkin in the 2024 Kim Muir reads well, as does his third behind Macdermott in the Scottish Grand National that year but his latest effort in the Welsh Grand National seven weeks ago didn't appear to indicate a revival was just around the corner. Connections try first-time blinkers.

Conversely Monbeg Genius' fifth in the Welsh Grand National, less than 12 lengths behind Haiti Couleurs, was a good effort (Deafening Silence third). 

After finishing fourth in the 2024 Welsh Grand National, he beat Richmond Lake five lengths in a three mile handicap chase at Uttoxeter off 142 and races off the same mark tomorrow. He meets Deafening Silence three pounds better off for a seven length deficit in the Welsh National. 

Holokea went into the notebook after narrowly failing to get back up when beaten a neck by Zertakt at Cheltenham in December; Mickey Bowen's charge looked all over the winner but idled on the run to the line. Last March Rivers Corner beat Zertakt just under four lengths in a novice chase at Newbury; Zertakt has been deliberately kept a novice with the National Hunt Chase at this year's Festival a target.

Next time out under top weight Holokea was collared in the shadow of the post by Neo King in the Fitzdares Personal Betting Service Stayers Handicap Chase at Windsor. Neo King starts here from four pounds out of the handicap but that penalty is offset by James Davies' five pounds claim; on revised terms the pair look closely matched once again.

Question marks everywhere, while a number in this field like to race from the front including Myretown, Top Of The Bill, Grand Geste and Rivers Corner; Monbeg Genius is often prominent.

This wouldn't be the strongest renewal and Myretown looks a big threat to all with a clear round. 

I'm going to take an each-way interest in Monbeg Genius, at the time of writing 10/1 with bet365 who are paying four places.  

Footnote:

After winning the Relkeel at Cheltenham on New Year's Day, Harry Skelton was of the opinion Kabral Du Mathan 'doesn't race like a three miler' while brother Dan said: "In my heart I think I trust him enough to relax enough and get the three mile trip..."

Doesn't sound like a 4/7f chance for the Rendlesham (2.05).

The 2026 William Hill Hurdle at Newbury

With today's meetings at Bangor and Sandown - and Sunday's at Exeter - abandoned, I was surprised to see Dan Skelton's mare Let It Rain chalked up clear favourite for tomorrow's William Hill Hurdle (3.20 Newbury) because I thought we'd seen more than enough of the wet stuff for the time being. 

The going on the hurdle track is currently described as heavy with 'one small area of standing water'; at the time of writing no inspection is planned, although further rain is forecast.

This race has a long history in various guises; since 1963 only two winners older than seven years of age have come home in front: Neblin (1987) and Geos (2009). 

My starting point is a Class 4 handicap hurdle at Ascot the Friday before Christmas, festively named the Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle. 

Dance And Glance just held on to pip the fast-finishing All In You a head with Let It Rain third and The Hardest Geezer fourth; one and a quarter lengths covered the first four home and all were ridden from well off the pace.

Let It Rain raced off a mark of 120 for that handicap debut and was subsequently raised four pounds for her troubles; we haven't seen her since. 

Of course, Mr Skelton knows how to lay one out for a race - Superb Story in the 2016 County Hurdle is one that tends to spring to my mind, primarily because I stubbornly refused to bet the beast. 

Earlier this season the trainer saddled another mare, Panic Attack, to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham over two and a half miles and then, 14 days later, sent the same mare out to win the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury over three and a quarter miles. 

The suspicion is this mare is ahead of her mark; the degree of understatement contained in that particular statement will be revealed in due course.

One day after the Ascot Shop Handicap Hurdle Hot Fuss separated winner Wilful and third Alexei in another festively named feature, the Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle, previously more mundanely referred to as the Ladbrokes.

That was a decent effort from Tom Dascombe's four-year-old, having previously finished well behind Tutti Quanti in the Gerry Feilden. 

On the third day of the new year All In You reversed Ascot form with Dance And Glance (Hot Fuss fourth) at Sandown, coming from well off the pace to beat that rival with something to spare. After that race handler Warren Greatrex said [RP Weekender 07-11.01.26]:

"I took a risk running him so quickly after Ascot but I needed him to get into the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury. I was worried about the heavy ground, which rode like glue, but he handled it well and actually quickened on it. I've got five weeks to get him ready for Newbury. He has plenty of gears and likes a fast pace. I'd also like to run him at Royal Ascot in the summer."

One slight concern - much of his racing to date has been on right-handed tracks. 

13 days later Hot Fuss reversed Ascot form with Wilful in the Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle at Windsor (The Hardest Geezer fourth, Milldam fifth, Poet Laureate ninth, Go Dante tenth and Bubl Dubi withdrawn after crashing through the rails and getting loose). A gutsy display from the winner, now rated six pounds higher than when contesting the Gerry Feilden, but that looked a hard race.

The Twiston-Davies yard has previously won this race with a novice (Splash Of Ginge in 2014, Ballyandy in 2019); Un Sens A La Vie makes his handicap debut off a mark of 132. 

His second to Old Park Star at Kempton in November, beaten three lengths conceding six pounds, reads well now, given that Old Park Star is currently 15/8 favourite for the Supreme at the Festival next month. To date he has raced on ground no worse than good to soft.

I must have been the only one who didn't know about Lanesborough when Ben Pauling's charge hosed up eight and a half lengths ahead of Williethebuilder (winner twice since) in a Doncaster handicap hurdle before Christmas. 

He was raised 14 pounds to a mark of 130; some were disappointed with fifth in the Lanzarote next time but it was a respectable effort, beaten 10 lengths.

Top weight Tutti Quanti finished sixth in the Supreme last year and needed the run on seasonal debut behind Celtic Dino in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow. 

He looked good in the Gerry Feilden; Persian War carried 11-13 to victory in 1968 and, in more recent times, Al Dancer (2019), Glory And Fortune (2022) and Iberico Lord (2024) all carried 11-08.

 The Hardest Geezer looks a tough nut and has been thereabouts in his four starts this term without really threatening to do the business.

Milldam has a good record on heavy ground, with Isabelle Ryder's five pounds claim an added bonus. Jamie Snowden's charge has been supported in the market during the day.

Wellington Arch and Wreckless Eric represent the O'Neill yard. The former looks the pick of the pair and beat the latter over two and a half miles at Aintree last spring; his best form is over that longer trip.

Writing in this week's RP Weekender handler Neil Mulholland says of Bucephalus:

"He probably would be a big price for a horse, who if the ground is very soft, will carry a light weight. He could give a good account of himself at decent odds. He was second last time at Haydock and we're very happy with him. He's a tough horse who gives his best."  

I'd imagine the trainer was envisaging a lower weight than 11-08; Harriet Tucker claims seven.

Go Dante, third in the 2024 renewal behind Iberico Lord and L'Eau Du Sud, finished seventh last year behind Joyeuse; Olly Murphy's charge was 26 lengths behind Hot Fuss at Windsor last time and boasts a better record in the Imperial Cup at Sandown.

Veteran Faivoir finished a creditable third in the Greatwood in November but has been well beaten twice since while Poet Laureate looked in the mix in Hot Fuss' race at Windsor before weakening very quickly at the business end.

Of the principals I like the chance of All In You, a £90,000 purchase from the David Maxwell dispersal sale who should have no problems with underfoot conditions. 

At the prices though I'm going to take an each-way interest in Dance And Glance who meets All In You four pounds better off than when beaten one and a half lengths at Sandown last month. The stable has sent out four winners from 12 runners in the past fortnight.

Dance And Glance is the each-way suggestion, 18/1 at the time of writing with bet365, Sky and Paddy Power paying five places.

The 2026 Irish Gold Cup

Willie Mullins is responsible for eight of the 13 runners declared for tomorrow's Irish Gold Cup (3.30 Leopardstown); the going on the chase track is is currently described as soft to heavy - the card is subject to an inspection tomorrow morning, with heavy rain forecast overnight.

Favourite Galopin Des Champs has won the past three renewals, going on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2023 and 2024 before being beaten by Iknowthewayurthinkin at Prestbury Park last year. 

His first defeat over fences at this track came in the Savills Chase just after Christmas when he finished third behind Affordale Fury - managed to prevail despite jumping persistently to his right - and I Am Maximus.

The consensus opinion is that a lack of fitness / ring rustiness were behind that defeat; we'll know whether age was also a contributing factor in due course.

Having the pick of the J.P. McManus owned runners, Mark Walsh has opted for Fact To File ahead of I Am Maximus and Iknowthewayurthinkin. 

Fact to File finished third behind Galopin Des Champs and Grangeclare West in last year's renewal, with Iknowthewayurthinkin fourth and I Am Maximus eighth. 

The likelihood is I Am Maximus has the Aintree Grand National as his target, having won the 2024 renewal by seven and a half lengths and then finishing second behind stablemate Nick Rockett last year (Grangeclare West third). 

That said, he ran a fine race in the Savills at odds of 50/1, hampered at the final fence and doing his best work on the run to the line.

Iknowthewayurthinkin has shown no worthwhile form since winning last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup six lengths; his jumping in the Savills looked a cause for concern. 

Gavin Cromwell's yard emerged from a protracted barren spell when the appropriately named Now Is The Hour pipped Better Times Ahead in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park eight days ago.

2024 Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior proved he was effective over further when beating Grey Dawning at Aintree in April the following year over three miles one furlong. 

Down in trip he pipped Fact To File a neck in the John Durkan in November and went mighty close in the King George at Kempton, beaten a nose and a nose by The Jukebox Man and Banbridge. He has yet to win a chase at this track.

Both Spindleberry and Firefox race beyond two miles five for the first time - although, back in 2022, the mare Spindleberry won a three mile point at Dromahane. Better judges than me have highlighted her chance and she has been supported in the market throughout the day.

Grangeclare West, Monty's Star, Lecky Watson and Stellar Story finished fourth, fifth, seventh and eighth respectively in the Savills, while Champ Kiely clipped heels and slipped up after the fourth flight. 

Grangeclare West looks to offers each-way potential; Lecky Watson and Stellar Story ran well for a long way before fading. The Henry De Bromhead yard (Monty's Star) is currently enduring a quiet spell.

With a number of layers paying four places, I looked at I Am Maximus, Grangeclare West and Lecky Watson for an each-way wager; the price about I Am Maximus has contracted.

Racing on the inside, Lecky Watson was in with a shout jumping the last in the Savills but could only stay on at the one pace, so Grangeclare West gets the nod.

Grangeclare West is the each-way suggestion, 20/1 generally at the time of writing but still 25/1 with bet365 who pay four places.

In the event the course fails its early morning inspection, the Racing Post is reporting this evening that the card will be moved to Monday.  

The 2026 Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase at Doncaster

Ten have been declared for the Great Yorkshire Handicap Chase (2.05 Doncaster); the going on Town Moor is now described as soft, heavy in places - there were several non-runners at the track today on account of the ground.

Grand Geste is priced up favourite. 

Rated 108 over hurdles, Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith's charge has certainly improved for a switch to fences, last time out beating My Silver Lining with something to spare in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock. The handicapper subsequently raised him ten pounds to a mark of 129.

Back in the autumn Deep Cave was given a favourable mention in a blog post, holding an entry in the Dragonbet / Native River Handicap Chase at Chepstow at the time. Christian Williams' inmate missed that appointment on account of quick ground but has since won at Bangor (11/1) and Ascot (10/1), on both occasions carrying none of my money.

Last time he looked a tad fortunate to sneak up the inside and pip Rex Dingle and Leave Of Absence a head on the line; carrying top weight here, he bids for a fourth consecutive win and looks to face a stiff task on the ground but it should be noted he has only gone up two pounds for Ascot.

Docpickedme beat The Changing Man two and a quarter lengths off a mark of 129 in last year's renewal of this race but that's only half the story - Walking On Air (125) looked all over the winner approaching the final flight before taking a crashing fall.

In November Docpickedme finished a creditable third behind Konfusion in the Rehearsal at Newcastle and was as tough as teak when seeing off allcomers - including Joyeux Machin in fourth, beaten just under five lengths -  in the Pennine Handicap Chase over course and distance six weeks ago.

Walking On Air was pulled up lame in the Scottish Grand National on his first outing for current connections and was well beaten over an inadequate trip at Newbury just before Christmas. Rated 137 over hurdles, he is potentially well treated on 127, although his profile overall appears inconsistent; the booking of Brian Hughes and the fitting of first-time cheekpieces both catch the eye.

Josh The Boss tries this trip for the first time.

A quick look through New Order's recent form shows the gelding jumped right on occasions at Bangor in November and then left at Sandown in December. Nonetheless Charlie Longsdon's charge was only beaten a neck by Welcom To Cartries at Sandown and his subsequent third behind Herakles Westwood and Katate Dori at Cheltenham reads very well; stable form is a concern, without a winner for 54 days.  

Sporting a first-time tongue-tie Dartmoor Pirate won his first chase at the third attempt, scooting clear of No Tackle to win nine lengths at Lingfield just before Christmas. Relatively unexposed, Anthony Honeyball's charge held two other five-day entries - the 12.05 Cheltenham (a hot novice contested by stablemates Jordans Cross and Kdeux Saint Fray) and the 2.38 Doncaster (a novice chase run over the same trip as the Great Yorkshire). I'm assuming the handler feels Dartmoor Pirate can be competitive here.

King's Threshold won the Mandarin at Newbury with something to spare last time, although his jumping took a while to warm up. Writing in the RP Weekender handler Emma Lavelle has said:

"I hope the ground isn't too soft for King's Threshold...as he's a better horse on a decent surface." 

Along with a number in this field Kelce likes to front run. On Boxing Day 2024 he was in the process of giving O'Connell a run for his money in the Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen when he came to grief at the last. 

Joyeux Machin was just under five lengths behind Docpickedme last time, yet there was a hint he didn't see out the trip that day, losing third after the last. Underfoot conditions tomorrow will be of no help in that regard.

Trainers with charges who prefer better ground often target Doncaster in the winter months for some respite from testing conditions but the weather hasn't obliged on this occasion. Five of the ten runners - Grand Geste, Docpickedme, Josh The Boss, Kelce and New Order - like to race from the front while Walking On Air tends to race up with the pace as well.

In what could turn out to be a slog in the mud I'm going to chance bottom weight Kelce, placed in six of his nine chase starts to date. Bradley Harris reduces the burden to be carried by a further three pounds and the yard has sent out seven winners from 32 runners in the past fortnight. 

Kelce is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 12/1 generally, with the vast majority of layers paying three places.

The 2025 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock

Small fields, small fields... 

Just six declared for tomorrow's Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (2.00 Haydock) but bet365, Sky and Paddy Power are paying three places.

The going is described as good to soft, soft in places, with no significant rainfall forecast before racing.

The top two in the market, Myretown and Konfusion, both hold Gold Cup entries; the former is quoted at 66/1, the latter 150/1.

Myretown shot to prominence when making all to win the Ultima 11 lengths at the Festival last year off a mark of 127. Next time out, seven weeks ago in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, off 142 he jumped to his left on occasions and took a crashing fall at the third fence in the home straight on the first circuit. 

The gelding has won three of his last five starts - and fallen in the other two. 

He certainly wouldn't want the ground to dry out much more while current stable form is a concern with just one winner recorded from 21 runners in the past fortnight.        

Racing off a mark of 115 on seasonal debut, Konfusion beat Ribeye four lengths in a Class 4 handicap chase on Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase card. 

He's now officially rated 145, having won the Rehearsal at Newcastle and the Rowland Meyrick back at Wetherby on Boxing Day. Seven days before the Rehearsal, he nodded on landing when jumping one in the back straight at Haydock, unseating Danny McMenamin in the process. All wins to date have been at distances up to - and including - three miles.

Johnnywho and Mr Derek O'Connor looked to have the Fulke Walwyn in the bag approaching the last at the Festival in March but the partnership weren't particularly fluent at that flight and couldn't reel in Daily Present up the hill, eventually beaten a neck.

Five weeks later the gelding finished fifth behind Haiti Couleurs in the Irish Grand National where he didn't appear to stay three miles five furlongs.

On seasonal debut he came home fifth behind Colonel Harry in the Grand Sefton over the National fences and was doing his best work at the finish when third behind Deep Cave at Ascot just before Christmas.

12 year old Royal Pagaille, a Haydock specialist, is burdened with a top weight of 12 stones. 

Venetia Williams' charge won the 2021 and 2022 renewals of this race and last time out ran with great credit when second behind Grey Dawning over course and distance in the Betfair Chase eight weeks ago.

However stable form has been a concern all through this season and remains so, currently without a winner for 32 days.

Back on Boxing Day 2024 Imperial Saint (137) beat Richmond Lake (142) six and a half lengths over two and a half miles at Aintree. 

In the 2025 Freebooter Handicap Chase, run over three miles and one furlong at Aintree on Grand National day, Cruz Control beat Imperial Saint (144) five lengths with Richmond Lake (140) looking all over the winner coming to two out before making a mistake and fading into eighth, beaten 34 lengths.

I've watched a replay of that race a couple of times now. Racing TV commentators seemed quick enough to say post race that Richmond Lake didn't stay the trip there but Donald McCain's charge had already finished third behind Mr Vango in last year's Peter Marsh, beaten just over three lengths off 142. 

Perhaps Richmond Lake doesn't find a lot for pressure but off 134 this year he has been given a chance by the handicapper.

Imperial Saint appeared the stronger stayer in the Freebooter, coming back to reclaim second from Erne River on the line. 

This season the gelding disappointed badly when sent off favourite for the Old Roan (won by Hitman). He appeared to become upset during the preliminaries and was reluctant to race, eventually finishing fifth. 

Next time he finished sixth behind Glengouly in the December Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

I'm going to chance Imperial Saint, owned by Richard Johnson Racing, hoping there are no further withdrawals. He's one of the runners that won't be inconvenienced by drying ground and Callum Pritchard takes off a handy three pounds. 

Imperial Saint is the each-way suggestion; 14/1 earlier in the day, he has been backed and at the time of writing is 10/1 with bet365 who pay three places.

The Classic Chase at Warwick (2025 renewal)

Warwick's Classic Chase card is subject to an 8.00am inspection with frost forecast overnight; the course has been completely covered.

A select field of eight are set to face the starter at 2.55; the going is described as soft.

L'Homme Presse, fourth behind Galopin Des Champs in the 2024 Gold Cup (Nassalam pulled up) and then third that same year behind Banbridge in the King George at Kempton, heads the weights off a mark of 162. As a result three race from out of the handicap: Destroytheevidence; Joyeux Machin; and Val Dancer.

As far as I can recall Venetia Williams' charge is the highest rated horse to contest this race - and I remember he won the 2022 Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle off 164. Hey Big Spender won the 2012 renewal of this race off 156. 

L'Homme Presse didn't come up the hill in the Gold Cup but four weeks ago he was doing his best work at the business end over the same course and distance when beaten five lengths by Blaze The Way.

Favourite Myretown appeared to win the Ultima at the 2025 Festival off 127 with something to spare. 

Next time, racing off 142 in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury, he took a crashing fall at the third in the home straight. He attempts this marathon trip for the first time; Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore clearly hold this one in high regard as they've given their charge a Gold Cup entry for which he's quoted a 66/1 chance.

Twelve months ago Mr Vango won the London National off 135 and then added the Peter Marsh and the Midlands Grand National to his tally. Five weeks ago he was pipped a short head by Twig in the Becher Chase at Aintree and was raised a further three pounds for his trouble to a mark of 155. 

After the race handler Sara Bradstock said:

"I couldn't be more delighted with him as he wants all of the trip and slightly softer ground, then you've got a big chance. He's such a big horse, you can't make definite plans."    

Resplendent Grey finished fourth behind Haiti Couleurs in the National Hunt Challenge Cup at the Festival in March, beaten 11 lengths conceding seven pounds. A fine effort - and next time Olly Murphy's charge improved again - sporting first-time cheekpieces - to win the bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

I'm not inclined to take his defeat of Handstands in the Colin Parker at Carlisle too literally as that was a tactical affair and was meant to blow away cobwebs before a run in the Coral Gold Cup. Unfortunately he never established any sort of rhythm at Newbury and, ultimately, was disappointing in eleventh, beaten some 27 lengths.

After the Colin Parker, pilot Sean Bowen said:

"I said at the start of the season that I hope he will end up as my Grand National horse."

From a yard in fine form (2 wins from 8 runs in the past fortnight) Destroytheevidence has come in for some support during the day.

In a recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 24-28.12.25] Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls said:

"He's handicapped off beating Haiti Couleurs at Chepstow first time out last season [11.10.24]. If you took that form literally then he's incredibly well handicapped, but I think we were probably ready that day and he wasn't. He ran very well last time, fighting off the horse on the outside (Hunter Legend) and then getting mugged up the inside by one (Ballycamus) he didn't see coming. He's consistent and because of that the handicapper doesn't help him. It's tough for him, but I hope he'll win something like the Forbra Gold Cup at Ludlow [run over three miles towards the end of February]. 

Connections have decided to replace the usual cheekpieces with a first-time visor.

Val Dancer won the 2024 Welsh Grand National off a mark of 126. He usually races with the pace but last time lost his pitch after the third in the Becher Chase before staying on to claim third behind Twig and Mr Vango.

Four weeks ago Joyeux Machin weakened approaching the last, ceding third place in a three mile handicap chase at Doncaster to stablemate Prince Zaltar; Harry Atkins' seven pounds claim more than compensates for the fact he races from out of the handicap.  

Nassalam won the 2023 Welsh Grand National 34 lengths off 145 and, for the first time since, races off that mark tomorrow. He underwent wind surgery after being pulled up behind Marble Sands at Cheltenham in November - he has failed to complete in five of his six starts since that Welsh National win.

Not a typical renewal of this mid-season marathon with the emphasis more on quality than quantity. Several like to race prominently including Myretown, Mr Vango, L'Homme Presse and Val Dancer. 

To my mind only four of the eight declared are guaranteed to stay; I'm going to chance the lowest rated in the field, Val Dancer, hoping he can lie up with the classier sorts likely to be cutting out the pace.

Val Dancer is the each-way suggestion, 10/1 generally with the bare eight set to go to post. 

Finally I thought Green Book worth a second look in the Pertemps Qualifier (3.32) at 20/1 with Paddy Power (four places). Last time at Sandown he jumped nicely in front and ran well up to a point before tiring on his first outing for 996 days. Fourth in the 2023 Pertemps Final off 139, he races off 133 tomorrow, although stable form is the worry with no winner for the past 25 days.   

A Sandown situation

Earlier today, on hearing of the death of Ian Balding, I dug out my copy of Brough Scott's 'Of Horses and Heroes', to read the section dedicated to Mill Reef. It begins:

"Mill Reef was so small you could put your arm over his withers. He may have measured 15.2 hands, but he was so neatly put together that he seemed even less than that - until he moved. Then there was absolute assurance at every step: at the walk, the trot, the the canter and on into the gallop. He was mesmerising."

I've struggled to get my ducks in a row for tomorrow's card at Sandown - and Hurricane Bay, my pick for the 1.50, has just been declared a non-runner.

Not the best of starts to the new year; what follows is only for those who enjoy reading about form... 

At present the course is completely covered but temperatures are forecast to fall to -3C overnight. An 8.00am inspection has been called, with clerk of the course Andrew Cooper saying the covers give the meeting 'a fighting chance'.

Small fields and good ground wouldn't constitute typical mid-winter fare at Sandown. The 2025 Veterans' Chase Final, due off at 3.05, is the feature but I've taken a passing interest in the other chase for veterans on the card, the Unibet Middle Distance Veterans' Chase Qualifier, due off at 1.50.

At the time of writing Jet Plane heads the market. 

In March 2024 Dan Skelton's charge, in receipt of two pounds, beat Can You Call two and a quarter lengths over course and distance off a mark of 124. 

He didn't jump particularly well then but stayed on to collar the eventual runner-up in the final 110 yards (as entries in the form book habitually say). The gelding went off the 22/1 outsider of eight that day; the trainer could offer no explanation for the apparent improvement in form (as entries in the form book regularly say).

Jet Plane's form rather took off after that. 

Raised two pounds, he beat William Cody 12 lengths next time out (eased inside final 110 yards) and then in October finished third behind Jagwar at Wetherby off 135. 

His second behind Gracchus De Balme in the 2025 Aintree Foxhunters reads well; after that run connections clearly decided to target the Grand Sefton (along with the Duty Free) and he was backed in to 4/1 favourite on the day. 

Pilot Harry Skelton looked to have a full tank of fuel two from home - a place looked a formality - but he stalled on the runway, finding nothing and finishing seventh, over ten lengths behind winner Colonel Harry.

Last time out he beat Moonshine Man comfortably at Leicester and the handicapper reacted by raising him seven pounds to a career-high mark of 137. The Topham in the spring is a likely target.

Can You Call's profile suggests he would prefer more cut underfoot.

Evan Williams' charge finished third behind Eldorado Allen (Numitor pulled up) in a series qualifier on the Old Course at Cheltenham in November and returned four weeks later to beat Torn And Frayed and Eldorado Allen on the New Course from a mark three pounds out of the handicap. Now rated 128, he certainly looks weighted to reverse placings with Jet Plane on their meeting in 2024.

Triple Trade appeared to have a hard enough time behind David's Well and JPR One over two miles at Cheltenham three weeks ago. The first two established a clear lead; Joe Tizzard's charge made up some ground from the rear but finished ten lengths adrift in a race that was run in a time below standard.

Minella Trump was last seen winning a hunter chase at Carlisle in May so could lack a race fitness edge while the grey Numitor has failed to complete on his last three starts and has since undergone wind surgery.

Hurricane Bay won the Prince Of Wales Cup at Fakenham in June where he wore a first-time tongue tie after it was reported he had made a noise when pulled up behind Coco Mademoiselle in the Staffordshire Plate at Uttoxeter. 

Lucy Wadham's inmate underwent wind surgery in October and ran well behind the well-regarded Moon Rocket at Doncaster at the end of November. Fifteen days later he returned to the South Yorkshire track where he ran well but only to a point, weakening badly up the home straight when fifth behind Docpickedme.

He doesn't have too many miles on the clock - in a recent Straight from the Stable article [RP Weekender 10-14.12.25] his handler described him as 'a good ground horse'. I was hoping, racing off a mark two pounds higher than when winning at Fakenham, he could be competitive on the better ground at around 11/1 - but the gelding has just been declared a non-runner.

Sigh. 

Wishing all readers a happy new year.

The 2025 Welsh Grand National

A vintage renewal of the King George at Kempton earlier today, with The Jukebox Man (7/1), owned by Harry Redknapp, beating Banbridge (16/1) and Gaelic Warrior (9/4jf) a nose and a nose, and Jango Baie (9/4jf) half a length away in fourth.  

19 runners declared for tomorrow's Welsh Grand National (2.50 Chepstow) run over three miles six and a half furlongs; the going on the chase course is currently described as good to soft and the drying ground won't suit a few in this field.

Sent off 6/1 favourite for last year's renewal, Jubilee Express finished second, one and a half lengths behind Val Dancer, with stablemate Iwilldoit third and fourth horse Monbeg Genius a further ten lengths in arrears.

Sam Thomas' charge raced off 126 that day, Dylan Johnson claiming three. He races off 130 tomorrow, having beaten Collectors Item two and a half lengths here in the Trial over three miles three weeks ago (Pats Fancy over 50 lengths behind in sixth). That represented a commendable effort by the runner-up on seasonal debut; pilot Kevin Brogan dropped his whip just after two out and meets the winner four pounds better off.

Git Maker, second behind subsequent Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin in the 2024 Kim Muir, finished third in the Scottish Grand National the following month. The gelding likes soft ground; this looks to have been the target after a prep race over the Lingfield hurdles six and a half weeks ago to blow away the cobwebs.   

Unbeaten in three starts last season Mr Vango returned as good as ever three weeks ago, pipped a short head by Twig in the Becher at Aintree (Monbeg Genius pulled up) conceding a stone to the winner. The handicapper has raised him another three pounds for that effort and he now races off a mark 20 pounds higher than when beating Collectors Item one and a half lengths in the 2024 London National at Sandown. 

Rock My Way, fifth in the Scottish Grand National in April, went into several notebooks when jumping like a stag and shooting clear from two out to win the Berkshire National at Ascot 11 lengths. After the race handler Joe Tizzard said:

"He's always been consistent but he's never done anything like that. It was a beautiful performance to watch and he actually put himself in the Grand National picture after that."  

Drying ground will not be a concern.

Haiti Couleurs won the National Hunt Challenge Cup at Cheltenham in March and followed that up by winning the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse the following month. Rebecca Curtis' charge was awash with sweat in the preliminaries that day and, once again, on his first try in Graded company, he was on edge before the Betfair Chase at Haydock last month where, caught on the back foot at the start, he failed to establish a rhythm and never jumped with much fluency, eventually being pulled up before four out.

Subsequently the trainer said:

"He came back from Haydock quite sore on his sacroiliac joint which we had medicated the Monday after, it seems to have really helped." 

He has form on better ground - in receipt of seven pounds, he beat Uncle Bert 15 lengths at Aintree just over a year ago. Now in receipt of 18 pounds, that opponent is certainly weighted to reverse the form but his ability to see out the trip has to be taken on trust. 

Keep an eye on Haiti Couleurs in the preliminaries. 

O'Connell, best on soft, won this year's London National at Sandown (Hung Jury second, Tanganyika a disappointment and pulled up before The Pond Fence); Gavin Sheehan's move up the inside rail approaching two out proved decisive. Danny McMenamin, in fine form lately, takes over tomorrow but I'm not certain this track, which can favour those that race prominently, will suit O'Connell who is often played late for a turn of foot.

Intense Raffles, winner of the 2024 Irish Grand National,  faces a stiff task off top weight. He ran well for a long way in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury last time but usually appreciates plenty of cut underfoot.

Collectors Item has some respectable efforts to his name including second in the 2024 London National behind Mr Vango - meets that rival 12 pounds better off - and beating Katate Dori in the Somerset National at Wincanton in January. He's three pounds 'well in' after that latest run behind Jubilee Express and won a novice hurdle at the track in 2022.

I thought Dom Of Mary a tad lucky to win at Newcastle last time. That day Ned Fox sent 2/1 favourite Zertakt into a clear lead between the final two flights but the gelding slowed markedly approaching the last, losing all momentum and allowing James Owen's charge to scoot away and win two and a quarter lengths. Dom Of Mary is one pound out of the handicap.

Incidentally Zertakt made amends at Cheltenham two weeks ago - handler Venetia Williams has the National Hunt Chase at the Festival in March as his target.

Nassalam won the 2023 renewal of this race 34 lengths on heavy ground off 145 - only five of the 19 to go to post completed. The handicapper duly clobbered Gary & Josh Moore's charge; back now to a mark of 145, he has been pulled up in five of his six starts since and underwent wind surgery last month.

Deafening Silence stayed on well enough when second behind Konfusion in the Rehearsal Chase at Newcastle last time (Konfusion won the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby earlier today) but was some 15 lengths behind the winner. Trainer Dan Skelton is on record saying that the gelding wants soft ground and a gap between his races; this will be the first chase with more than eight runners he has contested.

Uncle Bert blew away his field over two and a half miles at Aintree earlier this month, recording his first chase win in four starts. Now rated 140, he's four pounds 'well in' here and in January won a Haydock hurdle over an extended three miles. He's a tough cookie and weighted to reverse placings with Haiti Couleurs on Aintree form from last year but he's not guaranteed to see out the marathon trip. 

Livin On Luco made all and stayed on dourly to hold Neo King a neck in the Southern National at Fontwell six weeks ago; last December he finished sixth at Cheltenham, some 69 lengths behind Haiti Couleurs. Another one racing from one pound out of the handicap.

Tanganyika failed to build on a promising seasonal return at Sandown last time while Hung Jury, one of two veterans in the field, had no answer to O'Connell's turn of foot when second in that same race; Hung Jury is another to race from out of the handicap. 

Back in 2023 Monbeg Genius won a couple of novice chases at this track. Fourth in last year's renewal off 144, he's two pounds better off here - a bad mistake four out put paid to any chance he might have held in the Becher on seasonal debut.

Where It All Began finished fourth in the 2024 Kim Muir, eighth behind Intense Raffles in the 2024 Irish Grand National but has shown no worthwhile form since, while Beaufort Scale - six pounds out of the handicap - remains a maiden over fences and is a reserve for tomorrow's Paddy Power Chase (3.00 Leopardstown).

Pat's Fancy, the other veteran, races from a mark nine pounds out of the handicap.

Of the principals, Rock My Way and Haiti Couleurs should not be inconvenienced by drying ground.

The vote goes to Collectors Item, with the O'Neill yard now in better form; I'm hoping he can build on that effort behind Jubilee Express last time.

Collectors Item is the each-way suggestion, 10/1 generally at the time of writing, with most layers paying five places. 

Christmas musings and an Ascot handicap

Last Sunday afternoon, while watching 'The Grinch' on telly, I was suddenly distracted by a story in the Racing Post about an anonymous punter who walked into a Ladbrokes shop and collected £60 on a bet placed on Denman to win the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup. 

The punter in question discovered the sleeper "while cleaning out clothes" so I thought I'd better check out my old clothes - not an insignificant undertaking, I might add, given I don't own many new ones - just in case... I didn't manage to back Blowers at 300/1 yesterday and, of course, I'd appreciate an unexpected bonus at any time of the year. Who wouldn't? 

Following protracted searching carried out during the week, so far I've turned up a collection of items that a contestant on a Christmas edition of The Generation Game would never have seen pass by on the conveyor belt: a small HB lead pencil; one monocle with cracked lens; a pair of bicycle clips; a broken cigar; some fluff; a White Horse whisky miniature drained of its contents; a Steradent tablet; a Moet & Chandon champagne cork, and a faded black & white photo of a man known to all in the family as Uncle Fester - Fester for short; together with five tangled tissues; four sticky sweets; three thrupenny bits; two train tickets (London Waterloo to Kempton Park return); - and an old William Hill betting slip...

'Oh no you didn't!'

'Oh yes I did!'

'OH NO YOU DIDN'T!'

'OH YES I DID!'

Unfortunately there was nothing written on it.

Followers of pantomime horses, collectors of unused betting slips, read on.

Thirteen have been declared for the Ascot Rotary Club Festive Handicap Hurdle (3.35) run over one mile seven and a half furlongs; the going is currently described as soft, good to soft in places, with sunny intervals and light winds forecast.

Two weeks ago Gary Moore sent out four winners over the course of Sandown's two day meeting; his Mondo Man is priced up favourite here.

'Oh no he isn't!'

Don't start.

With a Flat rating of 105 - he finished fourth behind Calandagan in the 2024 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot - the chestnut four-year-old races off a mark of just 123 on handicap debut. 

Second over this course and distance behind Lulamba in January (pulled too hard), he subsequently finished ninth in the Triumph. A handicap blot? He remains a maiden over hurdles and, to date, has shown a preference for better ground.

Five weeks ago Alexei looked impressive hosing up six lengths clear in the Greatwood (Helnwein second, Faivoir third, Welsh Charger fourth, Fiercely Proud fifth) 

The first five from that race re-oppose here and, unsurprisingly, the handicapper has had his say. 

Alexei has been raised 13 pounds for that six length defeat of Helnwein who in turn finished seven lengths ahead of Faivoir and has been raised four pounds. Fifth horse Fiercely Proud, winner of last year's renewal of this race off 128, has been dropped one pound to 135.

Should Alexei prevail here, then connections are likely to look seriously at a Champion Hurdle entry.

Back in October 2024, David Crosse from the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate said of Helnwein in a Straight from the Syndicate article [RP Weekender 23-27.10.24]:

"He's a very exciting 2m chaser and we can't wait to see him jump a fence."

Before the start of the core 2025 season handler Alan King said in a Sporting Life article:

"We will go chasing at some stage again with him, but the plan, at the moment, is to head to the Greatwood at Cheltenham. Whether he has a run beforehand I don't know, but he has got a good record fresh. We will go to Cheltenham and then we will decide if we go chasing again.

"I think he will take to fences, but he is an early and late season horse as we lose him though the winter. He doesn't want soft, or heavy ground, even though he has form on it. He is a much better horse in the spring."

Faivoir made good ground from rear in the Greatwood to finish third but both Welsh Charger and Fiercely Proud were outpaced from two out before staying on up the hill.

Of Faivoir, handler Dan Skelton said in a recent Sporting Life stable tour:

"He is a little rascal in that he does what he wants when he wants."

There were bits and pieces for Welsh Charger at Cheltenham. He raced prominently for much of the trip and, beaten just over 13 lengths, he's certainly entitled to finish closer to Alexei; the same comment applies to Fiercely Proud. 

Take Alexei out of the Greatwood and Helnwein would have won with something to spare - I think the second recorded a personal best in the race. He meets Alexei nine pounds better off for six lengths, racing off a career high mark of 133; the handler's comments above appear to indicate it would be unwise to assume he will reproduce the same level of performance tomorrow.

Wilful finished third behind Celtic Dino and Alexei in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow in October. On that occasion Jonjo O'Neill's charge had to concede seven pounds to Alexei and was beaten just under four lengths; tomorrow he will be in receipt of 12 pounds from that rival. The yard is slowly emerging from a quiet spell.

Two make their seasonal debut - Live Conti and Wreckless Eric.

Dan Skelton had said the ground at Cheltenham in October was unlikely to be soft enough for Live Conti; subsequently the gelding was scheduled to run in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury but missed that engagement on account of soft ground. 

Connections clearly hold this one in high regard. His second behind Murcia in the Grade 1 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree in April catches the eye - six length Fred Winter winner Puturhandstogether was behind in third. 

However, since this race moved to Ascot in 2001, only three four-year-olds have prevailed: Cause Of Causes (2012); Sternrubin (2015 - in a dead-heat with Jolly's Cracked It); and Tritonic (2021). No four-year-old has carried more than 11-00 to victory.

In March Wreckless Eric snatched second from Afadil in the Imperial Cup won by Go Dante (Hardy Du Seuill fourteenth). Prior to that Hardly Du Seuil and Wreckless Eric finished fifth and sixth respectively, the pair three lengths or so behind Secret Squirrel at Windsor.

Two of Hardy Du Seuil's three hurdle wins have come at Windsor; in the past the eight-year-old has jumped to his left on occasions when racing on a right-handed track.

Olly Murphy had Indeevar Bleu and Sticktotheplan entered up but only the latter made the final declaration stage. 

This one won the Persian War at Chepstow on his first run for new connections but disappointed behind Diamond Hunter and Masked Man at Haydock next time. Good ground appears important to him; this is his first run in a handicap.

Joyeuse comes into this after filling the runner-up spot on two chase starts this season. 

Off a mark of 123, and under a textbook ride by Nico De Boinville, the grey mare beat Lump Sum eight lengths in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury in February. Tomorrow she goes off 140.

Four-year-old Hot Fuss lost two places in the final strides when fourth in the Fred Winter in March.

Beaten eleven and a half lengths behind East India Dock in the Chester Cup, the gelding finished mid-division in the November Handicap at Doncaster before coming home in sixth behind Tutti Quanti in the Gerry Feilden three weeks ago. Rated 92 on the Flat, he goes off 123.

An enthralling renewal - it's possible to make a case for several in the field.

I keep coming back to the Greatwood form; Alan King's quote about Helnwein reported on the Racing Post site this evening has helped to allay doubts:

"He has always run his best races either in the first part of the season or towards the end, but for some reason he hasn't performed well after Christmas. I was delighted with the way he travelled throughout his race at Cheltenham and, remember, he was also second in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock in May. So hopefully, he'll be right there at the finish again."  

Helnwein is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 12/1 with several layers, William Hill and Betfred amongst those paying four places.

Right, off now to see what I can find in the pockets of my tweeds...

Season's greetings.

The 2025 December Gold Cup

Eleven declared for tomorrow's December Gold Cup, to be run this year as The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup in support of the fund set up by BBC racing commentator John Hunt and his daughter Amy in memory of Carol, John's wife, and daughters Hannah and Louise. 

The going in Gloucestershire is currently described as good to soft; curmudgeonly, perhaps, given recent rains, but the forecast sunshine is likely to prove problematic and may well lead to fences being omitted.

Favourite Jagwar won the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase over course and distance at the Festival in March. He missed his intended return in the Paddy Power Gold Cup four weeks ago on account of heavy ground and shows up here surrounded by whispers he could be a Graded level performer.

His rivals may possess a race-fitness edge but the gelding tends to travel well through a race and clearly has an engine; the jumping isn't always foot perfect though while the stable is just starting to emerge from a quiet spell - Passing Pleasure won at Musselburgh on Monday and Gamesters Guy beat sole rival Moon Rocket (1/3f) in the opener at Doncaster earlier today.

Although run over a slightly shorter trip on the Old Course, last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup is a pertinent piece of form. 

Vincenzo and Hoe Joly Smoke finished second and third respectively behind Panic Attack, with Il Ridoto eighth - beaten 16 lengths - and Es Perfecto pulled up before the last, jockey Tom Bellamy reporting the gelding stopped quickly.

On revised terms Vincenzo and Hoe Joly Smoke look closely matched. 

The latter, ridden by Kielan Woods last time as stable jockey Harry Skelton was aboard the winner, made a mistake two out which may just have cost him second place. Having won over three miles, Hoe Joly Smoke is likely to benefit from the greater emphasis the New Course places on stamina but perhaps wouldn't be best suited by fences being omitted.

Five-year-old Kim Roque, second in the Listed Grand Steeple-Chase de Dieppe in the summer, has his second start for Joseph O'Brien since moving from Daniela Mele's yard in France.

On his first start for current connections he finished three lengths behind Kdeux Saint Fray over two and a half miles on the Old Course four weeks ago; he runs off a mark three pounds out of the handicap. 

Since 2000 only two runners younger than six have come home in front - Unioniste (2012) and Frodon (2016), both four-year-olds and both trained by Paul Nicholls.

I have to say I was impressed with Colonel Harry's victory in the Grand Sefton five weeks ago - was there even a hint he had more up his sleeve? 

Sixth behind Grey Dawning in the 2024 Turners at the Festival, he would probably prefer a bit more cut underfoot, but he has only been raised four pounds for that win over the National fences..

Stablemate and top weight Ga Law won the 2022 Paddy Power Gold Cup and finished second behind Il Ridoto in the 2024 renewal of the same race. 

Isabelle Ryder can claim seven but, much like my good self, he isn't getting any younger and these days is prone to make the odd mistake here and there.

Having watched a replay of last month's Paddy Power, I was struck by how open the race was as they turned for home. Il Ridoto, prominent throughout, had his chance, as indeed did Es Perfecto. 

Il Ridoto goes off a mark of 141, the same mark off which he won last year's Paddy Power (although Freddie Gingell claimed three pounds).

On his Betfair blog this evening handler Paul Nicholls said:

"The more it dries out, the better for Il Ridoto, he's a good ground horse who has bits and pieces of form on the soft but doesn't really like it."  

Imperial Saint showed a liking for the New Course when third behind Moon d'Orange in January.

Sent off 2/1 favourite at Aintree on seasonal debut seven weeks ago he disappointed, eventually finishing fifth. Subsequently the Racing Post reported Richard Johnson, manager of several syndicates, saying:

"[Imperial Saint] tweaked his backside before Aintree and and I think that's what got him upset before the race that day. He still ran okay but he definitely wasn't on his A-game. That's sorted now and I'd like to think he goes there with a decent chance." 

Just by way of an aside I suffered a similar misfortune on a car park in Braintree some years ago and had to take three months off work.

The winners have been a while coming for Venetia Williams this season but the yard appears to have turned a corner - Djelo won the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on Sunday and Authodidcate won at Uttoxeter on Tuesday.

After a poor run in the Haldon Gold Cup - fifth of six, beaten 65 lengths - Martator hinted at a return to form when second behind Calico at Ascot three weeks ago. The fact the majority of his chase form is on right-handed tracks is a concern, although he did finish midfield behind Jazzy Matty in the Grand Annual at the Festival. 

Glengouly faces a stiff task from seven pounds out of the handicap.

The 2025 Paddy Power Gold Cup wasn't the strongest renewal and similar comments apply to this race; 7/2 Jagwar could look a big price after the weigh-in.

I'm going to take a chance on Martator, the one to beat on Racing Post ratings. He has won over this trip and shouldn't be inconvenienced by drying conditions.

Martator is the each-way suggestion, 14/1 generally at the time of writing, with bet365, Paddy Power and Sky all paying four places.

The 2025 Becher Chase

There are plenty of options for a staying chaser this weekend: the London National (3.35 Sandown Saturday); the Welsh Grand National Trial (1.36 Chepstow Saturday); the Becher (2.40 Aintree Saturday); and the Scottish Borders National (2.00 Kelso Sunday). Earlier this afternoon Art Decco won the Hawke Barn Wedding & Special Events Handicap Chase run over an extended three and threequarters miles at Exeter.

Helpfully, Google (AI Mode) informs me that a staying chaser with a turn of foot is 'a highly valued description in horse racing, referring to a horse that possesses both the stamina for long-distance races and the ability to accelerate quickly at a crucial point in the race.'

Rather less helpfully, Google (AI Mode) doesn't provide an example of any such beast currently in training, and in any case comes with the catch-all caveat that AI responses may include mistakes.

Just the sort of paradox I thought I might bring up with Keira Knightley if, on the off chance, I happened to bump into her in the local Waitrose this morning, but, of course, the actress was nowhere to be seen, and I left the premises in the full knowledge I'd paid over the odds for a selection of sundry seasonal items that any Cassandra in the store would describe as nothing more than Christmas tat.

Enough.

Thirteen are set to face the starter for the Becher feature tomorrow (2.40 Aintree) run over a trip of three miles two furlongs - and over the Grand National fences; the going on the National course is currently described as good to soft, soft in places, with further rain forecast.

Favourite and top weight Mr Vango had some season last year. 

Sarah Bradstock's charge started off by winning the London National at Sandown off a mark of 135, followed up in the Peter Marsh at Haydock, and then added the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March. 

On a mark of 143 in February when the weights for the Grand National were framed, the front-runner wasn't high enough in the handicap to ensure a place in the final field of 34; now rated 152, there should be no concerns on that score this time around. 

Connections will undoubtedly have the Aintree showpiece in April as his ultimate aim; along with Monbeg Genius he makes his seasonal debut tomorrow. Both horses also hold entries in the Welsh Grand National (Chepstow Saturday 27 December), as do last year's winner Val Dancer and Westerninthepark.

Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero saddle two, Gaboriot and White Rhino.

The former, second behind Colonel Harry in the Grand Sefton four weeks ago (Excello third, Mahons Glory fourth and White Rhino ninth of the ten to finish - over 20 lengths behind the winner), races from one pound out of the handicap and won a hunters' chase over four miles at Cheltenham in 2024 so looks guaranteed to stay. 

White Rhino's chance was compromised to some extent by the fall of Seddon at the Chair, although I wasn't totally convinced he took a real cut at his fences that day. 

With just five chase starts to his name, he's relatively unexposed but wouldn't be certain to see out the trip - on his penultimate start he was pulled up behind Moroder in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster and was found to have bled from the nose. 

Of the pair Gaboriot looks the more solid option.

Seven days ago three pound claimer Tristan Durrell landed a big Saturday prize aboard a mare called Panic Attack and he goes for a famous double tomorrow aboard a mare called Galia Des Liteaux.

Last time out she finished fifth behind Sound And Fury in the Cumberland Handicap Chase at Carlisle, a pertinent piece of form. That day O'Connell (current favourite for the London National) and Westerninthepark finished ahead in third and fourth respectively, with Val Dancer last of the nine runners.

On revised terms, taking Durrell's three pound claim into account, she's weighted to finish just ahead of Westerninthepark but that only tells half the story. 

Westerninthepark travelled through much of that Carlisle race looking the likely winner; set alight by Sean Bowen approaching the last, Olly Murphy's charge found nothing for pressure, losing two places in the final 110 yards. 

The comments in running compiled by Andrew Sheret in the RP Weekender results section record that the gelding appeared to blow up after the last and remains unexposed over three miles plus; he's sired by Walk In The Park whose progeny includes Walk In The Mill, winner of this race in 2018 and 2019.

Val Dancer won last year's renewal of the Cumberland off 121 before going on to win the Welsh Grand National off a mark of 126 (Monbeg Genius fourth, Galia Des Liteaux fifth). 

Mel Rowley's charge has won five of his ten chase starts and been placed on four occasions, so has to be respected; he was beaten just over 15 lengths off 132 at Carlisle five weeks ago and has been supported in the market this afternoon.

Bill Baxter showed his liking for the National fences when winning the 2023 renewal of the Topham run over two miles five furlongs. Trainer Warren Greatrex was firmly of the opinion the grey would stay a trip but subsequent 20 length defeats in the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury and the Tommy Whittle at Haydock told a different story. 

He won a listed handicap chase over three miles at Punchestown in May - the first time he has won over that distance - but in my book still has to prove he stays three and a quarter miles.

Current stable form is the main concern with Bioluminescence (Gavin Cromwell 1 win from 61 runners in the past fortnight) and Monbeg Genius - the first runner for the O'Neill yard following a three week shutdown, Sugar Road, was pulled up at Southwell on Tuesday having bled from the nose.

Both Excello and Mahons Glory ran well to finish third and fourth respectively in the Grand Sefton but neither looks guaranteed to stay. 

Of the pair Excello is less exposed but since 2000 only two under the age of eight have come home in front - Silver Birch (2004; subsequently won the 2007 Grand National at 33/1) and Vieux Lion Rouge (2016).

By contrast, since 2000 eight winners have been aged ten or older and both Twig and Roi Mage won last time out.

Twig finished tenth behind Nick Rockett in this year's Grand National and held Courtland and Only The Bold a neck and a neck in a four runner veterans' handicap chase at Sandown four weeks ago.

Roi Mage came home in seventh behind Corach Rambler in the 2023 Grand National and won a listed cross country race in France at the end of September; Patrick Griffin's charge will appreciate any further rain. 

An open renewal with question marks surrounding a number in the field; two pertinent pieces of form are the Grand Sefton at Aintree four weeks ago and the Cumberland at Carlisle five weeks ago.

I'm going to chance Westerninthepark with Brian Hughes up. 

He travelled well the last day but the way he was passed after the last was disconcerting. In a recent stable tour article on the Sporting Life website Olly Murphy told readers:

"There could be a nice staying handicap chase in him. He didn't fulfill (sic) what we hoped he would do last season. He wants soft ground, but he is a grand horse.

"I think those nice three mile handicaps at Ascot, and races like that, are the sort of races we can look at with him.

"He won at Stratford and ran a cracker at Cheltenham at the November Meeting. He then went to Aintree and never turned up, but he ran better at Leicester.

"He ran okay in the Kim Muir, but good ground didn't suit. Hopefully he can run well at Carlisle." 

Westerninthepark is the each-way suggestion, at the time of writing 10/1 generally, with bet365, William Hill and Betfred among the layers paying four places.