6 WINNERS FROM 12 SELECTIONS: TRANSMISSION (11/4), DOYEN QUEST (Advised @ 3/1), HAMSIYANN (Advised @ 5/1), PEAKY BOY (9/5), ABUFFALOSOLDIER (Advised @ 6/1), BURDETT ROAD (Advised @ 5/1). Plus: LETS GO CHAMP (Advised @ 14/1 – 3^rd @ 15/2), SURREY QUEST (14/1 – 2^nd)

Quote: “Seven year olds have won 3 of the last 6 renewals. Transmission and Read To Return represent that age group this time around. Twelve months ago, the latter was the selection when the Tony Martin trained runner finished strongly in sixth under an ordinary ride, which resulted in his inexperienced jockey being suspended for 20 days. The Fame And Glory gelding is only a pound higher and is feared with Finian Maguire taking over in the saddle but he may prefer softer ground. The one I like is the Neil Mulholland trained TRANSMISSION who was placed in two point-to-points in Ireland, including behind Grade 2 winner Colonel Harry. Without a victory in eight starts under Rules for Colm Murphy, the Doyen gelding joined his current yard last season winning twice over hurdles at Plumpton (Soft & Good) off marks of 119 and 124. Fifth behind Saint Davy in a £100,000 Grade 3 handicap at Sandown in February, he ran well back over fences at Cheltenham (3m : Good) last month. Contesting a six runner novices’ chase, the Mulholland runner found the 141 rated Hyland too strong but was the only horse in the line-up to give the winner a race jumping and travelling well. Seven lengths clear of the third, he will appreciate the return to handicap company off his mark of 129 and the booking of Patrick Mullins looks significant. His form figures on decent ground are 24482312 and his stable have had three winners during the last fortnight.” TRANSMISSION WON @ 11/4

Quote: “DOYEN QUEST (Dan Skelton) had two options at the meeting and tackles three miles for the first time. A former UK pointer, the six year old has won 3 of his 7 races over hurdles including twice at Newbury and Cheltenham (2m 4f : Good) last spring. Successful off marks of 112 and 119, the Doyen gelding looked better than ever when a staying on second in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow (2m 3f : Good/Soft) last month. Beaten four lengths by Josh The Boss, the form has been franked subsequently by his stablemate Take No Chances who won a Listed mares’ hurdle at Wetherby next time, while the fourth Lowry’s Bar was runner-up over fences at Bangor this week. The sixth (Tightenourbelts), ninth (Act of Authority), sixteenth (American Sniper) and Irish Hill (pulled up) have also scored since. Suited by drying conditions, he is related to three miles winner Nom De Guerre and is therefore bred to stay further. Raised three pounds since his last run, he remains attractively treated off 125.” Advised @ 3/1 WON @ 5/4

Quote: “Tony Martin won this a couple of years ago with Unanswered off a mark of 111 and stablemate HAMSIYANN lines up here off an identical mark. The four year old has only raced four times over hurdles having been bought for €250,000 in July 2023 out of Jean-Claude Rouget’s yard in France. Twice a winner over middle distances in his native country, the son of Lope De Vega was placed over hurdles at Ludlow and Ascot (1m 7f : Good) last spring. A length and a quarter behind Royal Way on his handicap debut at the latter track in March off 109, he stayed on strongly suggesting a longer trip will suit. Back on the level, he stayed on strongly in second behind stable companion Alphonse Le Grande in the Chester Cup consolation (2m 2f : Good/Firm) off 87 in May. The winner subsequently ‘won’ the Cesarewitch at Newmarket only to lose the prize in the stewards’ room (has been reinstated since). He was conceding thirteen pounds, too. Unexposed, he appears to have been let in lightly here off a feather weight of 10st 2lb. Speedo Boy won this as a four year old in 2018. Daniel King, who has ridden 42 winners in Ireland (0 from 7 at Cheltenham) will do the steering.” Advised @ 5/1 WON @ 2/1

Quote: “PEAKY BOY (Nicky Henderson) is another possible for the former champion trainer. A five lengths point winner in Ireland for Denis Murphy, the Kayf Tara gelding was later sold for £240,000 in March 2022. Twice raced in bumpers for Michael Scudamore, including a win at Newcastle (Soft), he was then sidelined for 410 days, underwent wind surgery and transferred to Nicky Henderson. Sent hurdling, he won a maiden hurdle at Cheltenham (2m 4f : Heavy) on New Year’s day by five lengths from the EBF Final winner Champagne Twist before defying a penalty over the same C&D (Good) in April. A two and a quarter lengths scorer, the aforementioned Leader In The Park was back in fourth. Unbeaten on the New course, this will be his first run on the Old course. His first time out record is 121 and a mark of 132 could underestimate him.” WON @ 9/5

Quote: “ABUFFALOSOLDIER (Warren Greatrex) has only raced seven times over fences winning by ten lengths at Newbury (2m 6f : Good/Soft) off 120 in January (wore cheekpieces for the first time). Beaten less than five lengths behind Sharjah in a decent novices’ handicap chase at Ayr (3m : Soft) in April, the seven year old shaped nicely under top weight on his seasonal return at Exeter (3m : Good/Soft) last month. Attempting to make all, he jumped boldly out in front and, despite being headed two out, he rallied and stayed on to fill the runners-up berth off 129 conceding twelve pounds to five year old Jupiter Allen. It is worth noting the cheekpieces (134) were left off but expect them to be refitted here. Placed on the New course over hurdles on New Years Day in 2023, his four career wins have been gained on good and good to soft ground. His second time out record is 112 and Sean Bowen will take the ride, unless the weights rise, in which case his brother James (105261342) will be on board once again. Yet to race beyond 3m 1f, the Mahler gelding is from the family of smart chaser Kingsmark who was fourth in the Grand National.” Advised @ 6/1 WON @ 100/30

Quote: “BURDETT ROAD (James Owen) is rated 109 on the Flat having won the Golden Gates Handicap at Royal Ascot last year and the Listed Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket (1m 4f : Soft) by eight and a half lengths (runner-up has won a similar event since) in late September. Sixth behind Kyprios in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup at Ascot on champions day last month, he looks potentially well treated over jumps off a mark of 133. The former Roger Varian (0 from 3) and Michael Bell (3 from 8) trained four year old has only raced three times over hurdles winning twice at Huntingdon and Cheltenham – including a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at this meeting last year. Ten lengths runner-up behind Sir Gino on the New course in January, he was ruled out of the Triumph Hurdle due to a minor setback. However, he has looked better than ever on the Flat this summer/autumn and James Owen has his string in splendid form – 12 winners from 43 runners in the last fortnight. Four 4yos have won the race this century with Old Guard (2015) being the latest. Harry Cobden (2 from 3) is expected to be back on board. Best Price: 5/1 (generally).” Advised @ 5/1 WON the Greatwood Hurdle @ 5/1

French Revolution – Part II: KURASSO BLUE (9/2), LADY VEGA ALLEN (2^nd in Grade 2 at Leopardstown (26/12/24) on his Irish debut @ 10/1 & 4^th in the Triumph Hurdle), LIVE CONTI (Runner-up in the Grade 2 4YO Hurdle at Aintree (3/4/25) @ 16/1), LULAMBA (4/5, 11/10), MISS ALTEA BLUE (4/5), ZAOCHEN ENKI (Evens).

Quote: LULAMBA: “Another Auteuil winner who has found his way to the UK, he is a cracking type who is residing at Seven Barrows in Berkshire. Arnaud Chaille-Chaille, of Galopin Des Champs fame, trained him to win the Prix Isopani (2m 2f : Heavy) at the Parisian track last month. A big scopey gelding by Nirvana Du Berlais, he was positioned on the outside in mid division by Florent Bayle before making a move halfway down the backstraight. Switched to the inside, he jumped upsides at the final flight before pulling away on the run-in to register a five lengths victory. The form has yet to be fully tested, although the fifth won at the same track last week, and the Chaille-Chaille horses tend to improve with experience. He could be top-class. As discussed in the Introduction, Nicky Henderson has won the Triumph Hurdle on seven occasions but not since 2019, although Sir Gino would have gone close last spring. The former champion trainer may have unearthed another major contender for March. Like Sir Gino, he belongs to Joe and Marie Donnelly.” Grade 1 winner at the Punchestown Festival and runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival

Quote: KURASSO BLUE: “Yannick Fouin was responsible for subsequent Grade 1 and Cheltenham Festival winners Impaire Et Passe, Lossiemouth and Min and the same French handler was in charge of this Masked Marvel gelding. Around eight lengths fifth on his Flat debut at Clairefontaine (1m 4f : Good/Soft) in August, he improved when switched to hurdles the following month. Tackling the first division of the colts and geldings version of the Prix Finot at Auteuil (2m 2f : Very Soft) – Protektorat finished second in the same race in 2018 - he was ridden by Baptiste Le Clerc and was soon in front. Jumping neatly and accurately, he was challenged over the final two flights before running on stoutly to win going away by two and a half lengths. A tall chestnut who wore a noseband, stamina looks his strong suit and jumping fences won’t be an issue eventually. Although the fifth has won since, the form has taken a few knocks and the winning time was nearly three and a half seconds slower than the second division. However, he is very much one for the future having been bought by agent Alex Elliott on behalf of Robcour and has joined Gordon Elliott.” WON at Limerick (13/3/25) @ 9/2

Quote: LIVE CONTI: “Protektorat is a triple Grade 1 winner for Dan Skelton and owners Sir Alex Ferguson, John Hales and Ged Mason and the same combination have another potentially exciting prospect on their hands in the unbeaten Live Conti. Trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, he debuted in the Prix Pride of Kildare at Auteuil (2m 2f : Very Soft) in mid September under James Reveley. Having been in rear early on, he came through to lead with over a circuit to run. Headed before the homestraight, the triple champion jockey was seen at his best as the Cokoriko gelding wore down Larzac (sold since) to prevail by a short head. It was four and a half lengths back to the third and the winning time was nearly four seconds faster than the other three year old hurdle later on the same card. The fourth has won since. I contacted James Reveley last week and asked if he was impressed: “Very much so – he’s a strong stayer,” was his reply. From the same breeder as multiple Grade 1 winner Silviniaco Conti, he was purchased by leading agent Anthony Bromley (also bought Protektorat) and is a horse with a big future.” WON at Wetherby on his British debut before finishing runner-up in the Grade 1 4YO hurdle at Aintree (3/4/25) @ 16/1

Talking Trainers: JAMES OWEN: WINNERS: BURDETT ROAD (7/2), EAST INDIA DOCK (4/5 & 1/2), JUBILANT (2/1), LAVENDER HILL MOB (Evens), ONE BIG BANG (11/2), OPEC (9/2).

Quote: BURDETT ROAD: “He is in great form at home and runs in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on Sunday (3.30). Lightly raced over hurdles, he has been running very well on the Flat this summer/autumn winning the Listed Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket by a wide margin. The form has been franked since with the runner-up winning a similar event on the all-weather. We have been riding him more positively on the Flat and I think he has enjoyed that. Sixth in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup at Ascot on champions day, I thought it was a hell of run behind Kyprios considering it was two miles on heavy ground and he is only a four year old. It is easy to forget he is only four. If he translates his Flat form to jumping, he should be very competitive on Sunday. He won a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle on the Old course at Cheltenham last season and we know he stays well. A well run handicap ought to suit him and his preparation has gone well. I think he will be progressive over hurdles.”WON the Greatwood Hurdle @ 7/2

Quote: EAST INDIA DOCK: “The plan is for him to run in the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday (12.35). Rated 89 on the Flat for James Fanshawe, he showed a good level of form and I was very pleased with his victory on his hurdles debut at Wincanton. Indeed, I thought he did very well to win because Wincanton wouldn’t be his ideal track, where the emphasis is on speed. The runner-up was rated 88 on the Flat and it turned out to be one of the best juvenile hurdles run so far. We were keen to get some experience into him before Cheltenham this weekend. A half-brother to Burdett Road, he has come out of the race well and I think he will be progressive over hurdles. He loves jumping and is versatile in terms of ground.”WON Grade 2 at Cheltenham (16/11/24) by 18 lengths @ 4/5

Quote: OPEC: “A full-sister to Allmankind, she was unlucky on her hurdles debut when falling at the second last at Market Rasen during the summer. She made amends winning nicely at Wetherby next time and then we decided to give her a bit more experience at Fakenham a fortnight later. Despite the fact the track didn’t suit her, she won well enough and the handicapper has given her a mark of 107. Her target is the Listed fillies’ juvenile hurdle at Newbury (29^th November). She is a nice progressive filly.” WON Listed fillies’ juvenile hurdle at Newbury (29/11/24) by 8 lengths @ 9/2

Other WINNERS: GIBBS ISLAND (100/30 & 4/1),HELLO NEIGHBOUR (9/4 & 85/40), KEPLER’S LAW (7/4),LAVENDER HILL MOB (Evens), MELON (8/15 & 4/1), MISS CYNTHIA (11/4), ST PANCRAS (33/1 & 1/5),THEY’RE CHANCERS (13/2), WENDROCK (3/1)

Quote: “It is 28 years ago since Rough Quest won the Grand National for owner Andrew Wates and trainer Terry Casey. The same patron paid 95,000gns for the improving three year old ST PANCRAS who has joined Toby Lawes. Bred by Cheveley Park Stud and out of a Group 2 winning mare, he raced three times for Richard Hannon before being transferred to Martyn Meade mid summer. A dual winner at Pontefract (1m 4f : Good) and Southwell (1m 6f), the son of Siyouni scored by seven lengths at the latter venue and is a strong stayer. Rated 86, he has only raced seven times and appears suited by decent ground.” WON twice, including the Listed Scottish Triumph Hurdle at Musselburgh (1/2/25) @ 33/1

Quote: “Herefordshire trainer Tom Lacey is to take charge of a couple of new recruits owned by RaceShare. GIBBS ISLAND was rated 84 for Andrew Slattery in Ireland. A full-brother to the 112 rated Flat racer Live Your Dream, he won over a mile at the Curragh (Yielding/Soft) as a two year old. While he failed to get his head in front in a dozen runs this year, the Iffraaj gelding finished runner-up on three occasions, including at Leopardstown (1m 2f : Heavy) on his final outing. Rated 84, he handles most types of ground and ought to be suited by a sharp two miles. He cost his new connections 70,000gns.” WON on his hurdles debut at Sedgefield (26/1/25) @ 100/30 & the Victor Ludorum Hurdle at Haydock (15/2/25) @ 4/1

Quote: “Owner Patrick Sheanon tasted Graded juvenile hurdle success last spring when the Gavin Cromwell trained Bottler’secret won at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. The same combination will be hoping for a similar success with the unbeaten Flat racer HELLO NEIGHBOUR. A half-brother to six times winning jumper A Wave of The Sea, the Harzand gelding didn’t make his debut until the second half of September winning a fourteen furlongs maiden at Navan (Good) by half a length. The form was subsequently boosted with the second, third and fourth winning afterwards. Dropped back in trip less than a month later, the three year old won a rated event at Roscommon (1m 2f : Soft) by three lengths from the 85 rated Cheeky Wink. All set to go jumping now, he is another potentially exciting recruit and it will be a surprise if he isn’t competing in Graded contests this winter. Look out for him in the three year old maiden hurdle at Leopardstown (27^th December) over Christmas.” WON Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at Leopardstown (26/12/24) on his jumping bow @ 9/4 and then WON Grade 1 juvenile hurdle over the same C&D (1/2/25) @ 85/40

Quote: “Regular readers of the Updates will be aware that my Racing TV colleague Gordon Brown often passes on snippets of information he has gleaned at the various racecourses. The last instalment is regarding two unraced bumper horses belonging to Paul and Clare Rooney. The pair feature in Nicky Richards’ interview on page 117 of One Jump Ahead – THEY’RE CHANCERS and WANDERINGINTHEDARK. When speaking to Nicky at his Greystoke yard, he couldn’t remember which one was by Milan or Soldier of Fortune. To clarify:

THEY’RE CHANCERS (IRE) 4 b g Milan – Valentines Lady (IRE)

WANDERINGINTHEDARK (IRE) 4 b g Soldier of Fortune (IRE) – Miss Fleming

Gordon was chatting to Nicky at Kelso recently and he passed on a positive bulletin regarding the pair. Indeed, he was uncharacteristically bullish about both horses. Expected to make their debuts in bumpers in the coming weeks, I suggest keeping a close eye on the entries.” THEY’RE CHANCERS WON on his racecourse debut at Ayr (21/1/25) @ 13/2

KING GEORGE CHASE: WINNER: BANBRIDGE (7/1)

Quote: “BANBRIDGE (Joseph O’Brien) was advised at 33/1 for this in One Jump Ahead (see page 179) and, with ground conditions likely to be in his favour, I remain hopeful the eight year old will play a leading role. Placed in two of his three point-to-points over three miles when handled by Colin McKeever, he has only raced once over the trip under Rules – a well beaten 12^th in the Grade 1 Sefton NH at Aintree in April 2022 – when arguably over the top for the season. From the family of three miles plus winning chasers Major Malarkey and Valley Henry, the Doyen gelding is bred to stay. Rated 165, he has won half of his ten starts over fences and his record at Grade 1 level is 032191. Successful in two of his three races last term, including the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase at the track (2m 4f) in January 2024, he beat Pic D’Orhy by a length and three quarters in receipt of three pounds. Reportedly in need of the outing on his reappearance in a Grade 2 chase at Navan (2m) last month, Joseph O’Brien’s charge stepped up markedly on that effort when still very much in contention when colliding with dual Champion Chase winner Energumene (off 593 days) at the last before losing his rider in the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at Cork (2m : Yielding). Conceding ten pounds to Willie Mullins’ six times Grade 1 winner, it was a tremendous run and, provided this doesn’t come too soon (18 days ago), he arrives in fine form. His trainer issued a positive bulletin last week saying: “He obviously won at Kempton over two-and-a-half last year and looked like he needed every yard of the two-and-a-half that day. He’s obviously not a slow horse and can compete effectively at two miles, but I think the test of three miles at Kempton suits a horse with a bit of pace and a bit of class. It remains to be seen if he can go that far, but I don’t see why not. The drier the surface the better he’s going to be, but he is effective on ground that’s not deep. When he won at Cheltenham over hurdles in the Martin Pipe it was pretty slow that day but whatever way you look at it, it was a fantastic run in Cork, giving Energumene ten pounds and getting as close to him as he did. He was going to give him a run, whether he’d have beaten him who knows, but he was giving him a run for his money down to the line. It was a fantastic run, especially as we’ve been working towards Christmas." Unbeaten at the Sunbury track, his record racing right-handed is 8141311U and his form figures when racing in the UK are 101119. The ground is the key to his chance – his form figures on good to soft and good ground are 141101121114U compared to P3211739 on soft. His record in December is 73U (two of those runs were on unsuitably soft ground) and with J.J.Slevin claimed to ride in Ireland, Paul Townend (rode at Navan in November) takes over in the saddle. There have been five Irish trained winners this century, including two of the last three.” WON the King George at Kempton (26/12/25) @ 7/1

Talking Trainers: OLLY GREENALL & JOSH GUERRIERO: WINNERS: JAGWAR (4/1 & 3/1), MELON (4/1)

Quote: JAGWAR: “A progressive young chaser who is a much stronger horse this season, he jumps fences very well. A winner at Wetherby and Bangor, we don’t think he was at his best last time when finishing third at Uttoxeter. He was quiet afterwards and it explains his slightly lacklustre effort. He was strong at the finish in both his wins over fences but that wasn’t the case at Uttoxeter. We have given him a break since and may bring him back for the novices’ handicap chase at Cheltenham’s Trials meeting (25^th January). Two and a half miles suit him, although I think he will stay three miles eventually. He is learning to settle now because he was quite keen over hurdles last season.”WON twice at Cheltenham, including the Festival @ 4/1 & 3/1

The Irish Angle by Declan Phelan: WINNERS: HERON IN THE PARK (4/1), KOVANIS (Evens), KSAR FATAL (Evens), ROAD EXILE (4/9)

Quote: “As ever, the Monbeg brand produced smart winners: out of the 15 maidens exclusively confined to mares in the four year old age category, the most taking victor was HERON IN THE PARK: she oozed class when scoring at Borris (good) in December: she has gears and in winning she clocked the  fastest time on a card which also included two 4 year old gelding maidens and a decent Open lightweight: a mare with size, she is a sibling of the 2022 Betfair Hurdle winner Glory And Fortune and she commanded a price of £280,000 at the Tattersalls Sale in December and has joined Tom George. She is a mare I advise you pay respect to.” WON on Rules debut in mares’ bumper at Newbury (1/3/25) @ 4/1

Quote: “A steel grey gelding called KOVANIS maintained a strong gallop at Portrush (good ground) in October, pulling clear from two out to defeat a stacked field readily, clocking a fast time. Sold to Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown for £330,000, he looks a readymade Graded class jumper and more than capable of winning an ordinary bumper. Entered at Leopardstown & Limerick on Saturday (28^th December): he will give a good account in his chosen engagement.” WON at Leopardstown (28/12/24) on his Rules debut @ Evens

Other WINNERS: BIOLUMINESCENCE (4/5),CASUAL OBSERVER (6/4),LA ZOUBIDA (5/2), LE TIEP’S SACRE (100/30), THEY’RE CHANCERS (13/2)

Quote: “BIOLUMINESCENCE featured in Declan Phelan’s Irish Pointers section last season and the J.P.McManus owned mare justified her inclusion winning twice including a Grade 3 mares novice hurdle at Limerick (2m 6f) in March. A big strapping six year old, she is built for fences and returns to the same C&D on Friday for the Grade 2 mares’ novice chase (1.27). The more rain the better for Gavin Cromwell’s mare whose first time out record is 12. The daughter of Walk In The Park is reunited with Derek O’Connor who steered her to her point-to-point win in November 2022. Her course form is 21 and a bold showing is expected.” WON Grade 2 mares’ novice chase at Limerick (27/12/24) @ 4/5

Quote: “As discussed in the November Update, Gary and Josh Moore have taken charge of the 111 rated Flat racer Mondo Man, who was acquired for €520,000 at the Arqana Arc Sale. The same outfit were also active at the Arqana Deauville Autumn Horses in Training Sale last month and purchased the twice raced LE TIEP’S SACRE for €150,000. A three year old by It’s Gino, he is out of a three times chase winner in France and was previously handled by David Cottin. Four lengths runner-up in an AQPS Flat race at Granville (Right-Handed : 1m 4f : Good/Soft) in late August, the winner has scored over hurdles since and the third has also won. Two months later, he was sent hurdling and reappeared in the Prix Emilius at Auteuil – an Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo won the race in 2020 – over two miles two (Heavy). Racing prominently, he was taken wide by Felix De Giles and ran solo along the hedge down the backstraight. Tapped for speed when the pace lifted leaving the backstraight, he stayed on well in third behind the Arnaud Chaille-Chaille trained winner Hassadam. A staying type, he is an interesting recruit who now belongs to Sunville Rail Limited.”WON at Fontwell (6/3/25) @ 100/30

Quote: “THEY’RE CHANCERS is discussed in One Jump Ahead (see page 117) and the November Update. Owned by Paul and Clare Rooney, the four year old’s debut is imminent and is another to pay close attention to. A gelded son of Milan, he is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Edwulf and held an entry at Newcastle earlier this month. Richards wasn’t prepared to risk him on unsuitable ground at Gosforth Park and that patience is expected to be rewarded early in the New Year.” THEY’RE CHANCERS WON on his racecourse debut at Ayr (21/1/25) @ 13/2

WILLIAM HILL HANDICAP HURDLE: WINNER: JOYEUSE (Advised @ 8/1 – WON @ 9/2)

Quote: “JOYEUSE (Nicky Henderson) is number 39 on the list at the time of writing and therefore isn’t guaranteed a run. However, if the daughter of No Risk At All makes the cut, then she is very much shortlist material. From the family of Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, she hails from the same source, namely Armand Lefeuvre for whom she won an AQPS Flat race in October 2022 before being snapped up by J.P.McManus for €235,000 the following month. The six year old has only raced three times over hurdles for Nicky Henderson and looks favourably treated off a mark of 123. A half length winner at Taunton on her UK debut in January last year, she missed the remainder of the season with her stable struggling for form in the spring. Six and a half lengths third in a Introductory Hurdle at Ascot behind Celtic Dino, she was reportedly in need of the run that day. She then made her handicap debut in a mares’ event at Cheltenham (2m 4f : Good/Soft) in mid December and ran well in second off 119. Nico De Boinville’s mount moved strongly through the contest until meeting a few traffic problems in the homestraight. Staying on well behind the unbeaten Woodhooh (6 from 6 and rated 136), she was beaten a length and three quarters in receipt of eight pounds. The third Take No Chances claimed the notable scalp of Grade 1 winner Kargese in a Grade 2 mares’ hurdle at Ascot next time giving the form a very solid look. Raised four pounds since, she remains well handicapped and the drop back in distance is unlikely to pose any problems. A winner on good and soft ground, she has plenty going for her. Best Price: 8/1 (Betfred, Bet Victor, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, Skybet, William Hill).” Advised @ 8/1 for the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Newbury (8/2/25) WON by 8 lengths @ 9/2

ANTE-POST SELECTION:

GRANGECLARE WEST @ 66/1 for the Grand National at Aintree – 3^rd @ 33/1

“The entries for the 2025 RANDOX HEALTH GRAND NATIONAL at Aintree (5th April) were revealed earlier this week with a total of 90 horses featuring on the list, including 22 individual Grade 1 winners. The weights will be published on Tuesday 11^th February with the highest rated entry being Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe, while last year’s winner I Am Maximus is officially rated ten pounds higher than twelve months ago off 169.

In recent years, the emphasis has been on class horses – Graded horses – with Many Clouds (won off a mark of 160 in 2015), Tiger Roll (159 in 2019) and I Am Maximus (159 last year). I suspect that trend will continue and my shortlist consists of four proven high-class staying chasers, three of which are Grade 1 winners.

My strongest fancy is INOTHEWAYURTHINKIN who was advised at 33/1 on page 177 of One Jump Ahead. Those thoughts haven’t changed, although they were complicated earlier in January when his trainer Gavin Cromwell stated on Nick Luck’s podcast: “I’d say he’s unlikely to go to a (Grand) National. His jumping has been good this season and I certainly don’t want to go to the National and give him a fright and spoil all that. We’ll have to keep improving but the mindset is that if we give him a chance, we can (work towards the 2026 Gold Cup), but I certainly don’t want to put him on the back foot. We’re going to do the right thing by the horse and give him every chance.” However, since then the seven year old has been entered and one would imagine his owner J.P.McManus is keen for him to run. A full brother to stablemate Limerick Lace who finished tenth in the race last year, he is a stronger stayer than his Festival winning older sibling. The gelded son of Walk In The Park flourished when stepped up in trip last season winning the Kim Muir at Cheltenham (3m 2f) under twelve stone off a mark of 145 and then followed it up by winning the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree by four lengths, with the same owner’s Iroko trailing in his wake. The further he went, the better he looked. His jumping was an issue last term and he was far from fluent around the Mildmay course last spring. Cromwell’s charge looked much more polished in that department though when finishing an encouraging fifth in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas (with the exception of the tenth fence). Not entered in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he lines up in the Irish Gold Cup at the DRF on Saturday (3.30) and then we will see what his connections decide. He looks tailormade for the Grand National. If getting the go ahead, it remains to be seen whether retained rider Mark Walsh (11221) or Keith Donoghue will be at the wheel. Best Price: 33/1 (Bet365, Skybet)

The other potential runner whose profile I like is GRANGECLARE WEST – one of ten entries trained by Willie Mullins. Unfortunately, like Inothewayurthinkin, there is an element of risk of backing him ante-post due to the fact one of the qualifications is that the horse must have raced at least six times over fences and, at the time of writing, the nine year old has only run four times – he is due to have his next run in the Irish Gold Cup on Saturday. A point winner for Denis Murphy, prior to being bought by Cheveley Park Stud for £430,000, he hasn’t had a lot of racing – only 10 starts during his career, five of which have been in the highest company – but is a high-class horse. Unbeaten as a novice chaser last season, he beat Heart Wood (rated 159) and Corbetts Cross (163) at Naas (2m 4f) followed by an even more emphatic victory in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown (3m), beating the latter again by half a dozen lengths. A setback cut short the rest of his novice career and the Closutton runner was reportedly in need of the outing when pulling up in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown on his reappearance in November. The Presenting gelding ran much better last time when sixth in the Savills Chase – still in contention after the second last, he couldn’t match his dual Gold Cup winning stablemate Galopin Des Champs thereafter but it was a more than satisfactory performance. Officially rated 159 – the same as last year’s winner I Am Maximus, he is considered well handicapped by his trainer and his owners will surely be keen to have a runner in the Grand National. Admittedly the trip is an unknown, but he comes from the family of Gunner Welburn who finished fourth in the National in 2003 and won the Foxhunters over the same fences two years earlier. Best Price: 66/1 (Bet Victor, Unibet, William Hill).”

5 WINNERS: KOPEK DES BORDES (Advised @ Evens), HAITI COULEURS (Advised @ 9/2), JIMMY DU SEUIL (16/1), KARGESE (Advised @ 7/1), WODHOOH (9/2).

Plus: IMPOSE TOI (Advised @ 10/1 – 2^nd in the Coral Cup)

Quote: “JIMMY DU SEUIL (Willie Mullins) ran in two French bumpers prior to be bought for €200,000 in October 2022. Absent for 461 days, he developed into a high-class novice hurdler last season winning at Clonmel (2m : Heavy) by nine lengths in January last year before staying on well in second behind stablemate Ballyburn in the Grade 1 Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle over C&D. Below par in Grade 1 novice events at Aintree and Punchestown during the spring, the Galiway gelding hasn’t been seen since (off 313 days). Good fresh, the six year old makes his handicap debut off a rating of 146. His record on soft/heavy ground is 12 compared to 52245 on good or good to yielding and good to soft ground. Three of his five runs over hurdles have been at the highest level. The Closutton outfit won this in 2018 with Bleu Berry.”WON the Coral Cup @ 16/1

Quote: “KARGESE (Willie Mullins) was a top-class juvenile hurdler last term winning Grade 1 events at Leopardstown and Punchestown and runner-up in the Triumph Hurdle behind Majborough twelve months ago. The five year old has won 4 of her 9 races over hurdles and looks well treated here off 141. Too keen on her reappearance in a Grade 2 mares’ hurdle at Ascot (1m 7f : Good), it was her first start for 259 days and she spoilt her chance during the first half of the race. Three parts of a length second behind Take No Chances, she ought to get a strong early pace which will be beneficial. Spirit Leader was the last mare to win this in 2003. Three of her stable’s seven previous winners of this were five year olds, including ex-French racers Saint Roi (2020) & State Man (2022).” Advised @ 7/1 – WON the County Hurdle @ 3/1

Quote: “INTHEWAYURTHINKIN (Gavin Cromwell) has been supplemented (£25,000) and is expected to be the choice of Mark Walsh (11221). Rated 160, he is unbeaten over 3m 1f plus and made a mockery of a mark of 145 when winning the Kim Muir off 12st twelve months ago. The well bred seven year old then followed up in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree (3m 1f : Soft) defeating Iroko by four lengths. Even though he has failed to win in three races this season, Gavin Cromwell’s stable star has run well twice in the Savills Chase and Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown – both on drying ground – finishing fifth and fourth respectively. Seven and a quarter lengths behind Galopin Des Champs at the DRF, he will relish this longer distance and is unbeaten on the New course. His half-sister Limerick Lace is also a Festival winner and, while easier ground would be a positive, he has strong each-way claims.” WON the Cheltenham Gold Cup @ 15/2

Quote: “HAITI COULEURS (Rebecca Curtis) will seek to provide his trainer with her sixth Festival winner and her first since 2020 – Rebecca Curtis won this with Teaforthree in 2012. Bought for £68,000 having run in two Irish points for Harley Dunne (42), the eight year old finished 60 lengths behind Now Is The Hour in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Haydock (Heavy) last season before winning twice at Chepstow and Bangor. Switched to fences this term, he has won two of his four races scoring at Aintree (3m 1f : Good) and Cheltenham (3m 1f : Good/Soft) off 125 and 130 (now rated 135). A two and three quarter lengths winner on the latter occasion, he beat Transmission who reopposes here (four pounds worse off) – the fourth Moon D’Orange has won since. In order to protect his chase mark, the Dragon Dancer gelding ran over hurdles last time finishing a good third at Newbury (3m) behind Santos Blue. Ben Jones (2212) takes over in the saddle and his record on stiff/undulating tracks is 2121.”Advised @ 9/2 – WON the National Hunt Chase @ 7/2

Quote: “WODHOOH (Gordon Elliott) failed to win any of her four starts on the Flat for Sir Michael Stoute (rated 71) before being sold for 50,000gns in July 2023. The Le Havre mare has proved a revelation since sent jumping winning all six of her races for Gordon Elliott. A dual Listed winner at Newbury and Doncaster last term, she returned from an absence of 322 days to win a mares’ handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (New course : 2m 4f : Good/Soft) in December. Ridden by Danny Gilligan, she raced handily before running on strongly to score by a length and three quarters off a mark of 130. Rated eleven pounds higher now (could be top weight here), the form of that victory couldn’t have worked out much better – the runner-up Joyeuse won the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Newbury next time and is now rated 138, the third won a Grade 2 mares’ hurdle on her next start and the fourth has won a Listed event since. A winner on good and soft ground, she is a terrific mare and lines up here rather than the Coral Cup. Team Elliott have won this three times, including with the 140 rated Better Days Ahead last year. Indefatigable (2020) was the last mare to win the prize.”WON the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle @ 9/2

Quote: “KOPEK DES BORDES (Top 40 – Willie Mullins) was bought for €130,000 as a three year old store and is a half-brother to Grade 1 winning French chaser Utopie Des Bordes (2m 6f). A most impressive winner of the valuable Geroge Mernagh Memorial Sale Bumper at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival (Heavy) last year, he has looked even better over obstacles this winter. Despite racing too enthusiastically and jumping erratically, the No Risk At All gelding beat highly regarded stablemate Kawaboomga (won since but now sidelined) by nearly three lengths in a two miles maiden hurdle at Leopardstown (Yielding) on St Stephen’s Day – Klassical Dream won the same event en route to winning the Supreme NH in 2018. Stepped up in class, Willie Mullins’ potential new star returned to the same C&D for the Grade 1 novice hurdle (Soft) and treated the 16,103 audience to a spectacular display. With Paul Townend at the wheel for the first time, his jumping was much more assured. Racing handily, he took control after the third last flight and, once seeing off the loose horse (Eastern Legend) approaching the penultimate hurdle, he produced a bold leap there and his victory was sealed. Staying on strongly, the five year old crossed the line thirteen lengths in front of 144 rated stable companion Karniquet – his fastest furlong (1m 6f) was in 13.51 seconds. A reproduction of that performance will make him mighty tough to beat. Provided he relaxes in the preliminaries (wears a hood for the first time), he sets the standard.” Advised @ Evens – WON the Sky Bet Supreme NH @ 4/6

Talking Trainers: PAUL NICHOLLS: WINNERS: CALDWELL POTTER (7/1 & 11/4)

Quote: CALDWELL POTTER (Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase (2.00 Thursday)): “We bought him out of Gordon Elliott’s stable over a year ago, but he hasn’t been the easiest to train suffering with feet problems last spring. However, we have been much happier with him this season winning over fences at Carlisle on his reappearance. I then ran him back too quick at Cheltenham twelve days later and he finished third. Runner-up behind Gidleigh Park at Windsor last time, the track didn’t suit him. The late John Hales was determined to buy him and was adamant he wanted two miles, but I think he wants further. Either way, he wants cut in the ground and we haven’t seen the best of him. Entered in the novices’ handicap chase at Cheltenham on Thursday off 146, there is still plenty in the tank and a lot more to come from him. I think he will keep on improving and could be ideal for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham next season.” WON the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase @ 7/1

National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase

“Rebecca Curtis won the race in its former guise over four miles with Teaforthree in 2012. The Welsh handler has entered the progressive HAITI COULEURS in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase, but this looks a more suitable target off his mark of 135 (connections have the option of running him again in order to qualify him for the Ultima and Kim Muir). Twice raced in Irish points for Harley Dunne, the eight year old was bought for £68,000 in January 2022. Following a lengthy spell on the sidelines (727 days), the Dragon Dancer gelding improved over hurdles winning twice last spring at Chepstow and Bangor (both over 2m 7f on soft/heavy ground). Switched to fences in the Autumn, he built on an encouraging chase debut at Chepstow in October by winning his next two starts. A fifteen lengths scorer in a small field novices’ handicap chase at Aintree (3m 1f : Good) the following month off 125, he produced an even better display in a similar contest at Cheltenham (New course : 3m 1f : Good/Soft) in December off a five pounds higher mark – Corach Rambler won the same race in 2021 en route to Festival glory. Those in behind included Transmission and Peaky Boy, who both won at the Paddy Power meeting, plus Moon D’Orange (won at the Trials meeting) and Beachcomber (won by 10 lengths at Kempton next time). Only raised five pounds since, his biggest asset is his jumping and he stays well, too. Viewed as a potential Welsh National horse, he could prove better than that and develop into a Graded chaser. Available at 7/1 (Unibet) or 6/1 (NRNB with Bet365 & Skybet), he is priced at 10/1 & 12/1 (NRNB with Bet365 & Skybet) for the Ultima Handicap Chase but needs to run once more to qualify. It is hoped he runs in the novice event.” HAITI COULEURS Advised @ 7/1 WON the National Hunt Chase @ 7/2

Ryanair Chase

“Despite sending out 4 winners on St Stephen’s Day and six winners in total over the Christmas period, the form of the Henry De Bromhead stable is a concern with the Festival fast approaching. The Co.Waterford handler has had only 2 winners from 57 runners during January. With that in mind, it may not be advisable to be selecting one of his likely runners until the stable show a sign of returning to form. However, the 25/1 (Bet Victor & Unibet) or 16/1 (NRNB Bet365 & Ladbrokes) available about HEART WOOD is too good to resist. There are doubts about the participation of many of the market leaders – Fact To File could go the Gold Cup route, I am not convinced Spillane’s Tower will line up having not taken the journey to Kempton very well, Il Est Francais is more likely to contest the Queen Mother Champion Chase, Banbridge is being trained for the Gold Cup and Grey Dawning isn’t going to leave his box until April. There is every chance El Fabiolo will run here following his outing at Leopardstown on Sunday (2.10) but Willie Mullins former Festival winner has never raced beyond 2m 2f and has something to prove. De Bromhead has won this twice with Balko Des Flos (2018) and Envoi Allen (2023) and I like the idea that Heart Wood will arrive fresh (75 days off). A dual winner over fences, including a valuable Grade 3 handicap chase at the DRF this time last year off a mark of 136, he caught the eye next time when travelling strongly in the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase at Aintree. Last off the bridle, he led at the second last but didn’t get home behind the impressive winner Inothewayurthinkin. Reappearing in a Listed chase at Wexford (2m 7f) in October, he beat Festival winner Corbetts Cross by seven lengths in receipt of fifteen pounds. A neck second in the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse behind Croke Park (won another Grade 1 since), he was fourth to Galopin Des Champs in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown (3m) over Christmas. Once again, his stamina appeared to erode after the second last. With a rating of 159, the ex-French gelding needs to improve but a stiff two and a half miles on the New course at Cheltenham ought to suit. His form figures over the intermediate trip are 2212.” HEART WOOD Advised @ 16/1 – 2^nd

Quote: “DERRYHASSEN PADDY (Irish Pointers – Lucinda Russell): Unbeaten in four career starts, including twice over hurdles this term, he is a big strong individual and a relentless galloper. The Arctic Cosmos gelding won cosily on his reappearance at Uttoxeter (2m 4f) in November beating Farland and Lud’or by upwards of a length. Absent for 54 days, the former pointer took his form to another level when stepped up to three miles for the first time at Windsor’s Winter Millions Festival last month. Showing a tendency to jump to his right, Lucinda Russell’s runner showed a terrific attitude to edge out Dan Skelton’s mare Honky Tonk Highway in the closing stages to prevail by a nose, with in excess of eight lengths back to the third. Better ground is an unknown – all four of his races have been on soft and heavy – and he is likely to be seen next in the Grade 2 novice hurdle over three miles at Haydock (15^th February). Ill-fated former stablemate Brindisi Breeze won the same contest before following up in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2012. Available at 33/1 (Bet Victor & Ladbrokes) for the Grade 1 contest at the Festival, he an interesting contender and won’t disgrace himself in March.” Advised @ 33/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival – 3^rd @ 10/1

Quote: “FINAL DEMAND (Irish Pointers – Willie Mullins): Runs in the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday (1.20) and is entered in the Supreme / Turners and Albert Bartlett NH at the Festival next month. A fifteen lengths winner of a two miles five maiden hurdle at Limerick over Christmas, the Walk In The Park gelding looked a horse of considerable potential in the process. Leading four out, he covered three of the last four furlongs in 13.60, 12.51 and 13.31 seconds, which are impressive figures for Limerick at that time of year. The form has received a boost, too, with the second and third winning since. Corbetts Cross won the same race in 2022 before lining up in the Albert Bartlett NH at Cheltenham (unlucky when running out at the last). It will be disappointing if he doesn’t make a major impact on Saturday and at the major spring Festivals.”Dual Grade 1 winner at the DRF at Leopardstown (1/2/25) @ 11/8 & the Punchestown Festival (2/5/25) @ 7/4