4 WINNERS FROM 10 SELECTIONS: IMPOSE TOI (Advised @ 11/4), SPRINGWELL BAY (9/4), MALINA GIRL (Advised @ 12/1), IBERICO LORD (7/1)

Quote: “MALINA GIRL (Gavin Cromwell) is one of two entries for Gavin Cromwell and is expected to take a major step forward from her seasonal pipeopener over hurdles at Punchestown last month – she jumped the last with plenty left and wasn’t subjected to a hard race. Only six, the Malinas mare enjoyed a fruitful campaign over fences last term winning on three occasions, including in the Ulster National at Downpatrick (3m 4f : Soft) in early April. Given a confident ride by Keith Donoghue (611), she won by nearly four lengths off a mark of 128 and is only seven pounds higher here. Over the top by the time she pulled up in the Scottish National at Ayr, her form figures over 3m 1f are 31P and was placed at the track at this meeting last year (3m 1f). Not the biggest, she handles most types of ground.” Advised @ 12/1 WON @ 11/2

Quote: “IBERICO LORD (Nicky Henderson) seeks to give his trainer his first win in the race and owner J.P.McManus his first since Lingo obliged in 2005. A French bumper winner for Daniela Mele, the five year old was thrown in at the deep end on his British debut twelve months ago when lining up in the Grade 2 novice hurdle at this fixture (Good). Well beaten in sixth, the Cokoriko gelding then fell at the last when beaten in a novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. Following wind surgery and an absence of 96 days, he returned at Stratford (2m : Heavy) at the beginning of April and beat compatriot Beau Balko by a head. Four weeks later, the five year old was a staying on half a length second behind stablemate Under Control in a valuable novices’ handicap hurdle final at Sandown (2m : Soft) off a mark of 120. The handicapper has upped him six pounds since but there should be plenty more to come from the lightly raced gelding. Nicky Henderson commented last month: “We like him a lot and he won cosily at Stratford before a smashing second at Sandown on the last day of the campaign. He may get further than two miles and will jump fences, but there could be more to come over hurdles; he’s in the Greatwood.” His form figures on soft/heavy ground are 1F12.” WON the Greatwood Hurdle @ 7/1

Quote: “IMPOSE TOI (Nicky Henderson) featured in the Top 40 Prospects of OJA last season and was nearly included once again this time around. A dual bumper winner in France when trained by Daniela Mele, the half-brother to five times winner Floueur won half of his four runs over hurdles for Seven Barrows last term. Facile successes at Exeter (2m) and Ludlow (2m 5f) by an aggregate of 31 lengths surrounded a three and a half lengths defeat at Huntingdon (2m) on Easter Monday. The form of that race has worked out well though with the winner Brentford Hope (now rated 133) winning by 16 lengths at Newbury this month. The pair pulled 32 lengths clear of the rest. A winner on good and soft ground, the five year old could have been let in lightly off a mark of 121 with Nicky Henderson commenting: “You wouldn’t give tuppence for him in the mornings, but you’d give rather more on what he does on the track and he was ultra impressive at Exeter and Ludlow in the spring. He has tons of potential and will be a chaser, but there might be unfinished business over hurdles for now; he’s very nice.” The former champion sent out the well treated Punchestowns (rated 139) and Aegean Dawn (114) to win handicap hurdles at this meeting in 2008 and 2010 respectively. This J.P.McManus owned runner could be similarly ahead of the assessor here.” Advised @ 11/4 WON @ 2/1

Quote: “SPRINGWELL BAY (Jonjo O’Neill) is a half-brother to the useful hurdler/chaser Mint Condition. Runner-up in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival for Mags Mullins, the six year old was bought for €155,000 in April 2021. A three times winner over hurdles last season, he gained wins at Carlisle, Ascot (very impressive over 2m 3f : Good) and Wetherby (2m 3f : Soft). Sixth in a Grade 1 at Aintree (2m 4f) in the spring, he was beaten seventeen lengths. The handicapper has dropped the Kayf Tara gelding three pounds since to a mark of 137 and, while forced to carry top weight of 12st, Jonjo O’Neill’s runner has a touch of class and ought to be competitive. Placed in the Grade 2 novice hurdle (2m) at this fixture last year, he may prove best on flatter tracks but should still go close here. His first time out record is 211 and his form figures over the trip are 116.” Advised @ 9/4 WON @ 85/40

ANTE-POST SELECTION:

ROMEO COOLIO @ 16/1 for the Cheltenham Festival Bumper – Finished 2^nd

Quote: “There is a belief at Cullentra that the Kayf Tara gelding is the best bumper horse to have come out of the yard since the aforementioned eight times Grade 1 winner. His work has reportedly been of the highest order this Autumn and I wouldn’t put clients off from taking the 16/1 (Bet365, Skybet, Unibet) for the Cheltenham Festival bumper in March.”

Other WINNERS: CAMARRATE (11/10), JET LEGS (100/30, 11/4), NDAAWI (10/11), SOFT RISK (8/11), ZAIN NIGHTS (9/4, 5/1, 9/2).

Quote: “I was due to work for Racing TV at Carlisle on Monday this week until Storm Debi intervened and left the ground unsafe at the Cumbrian track. JET LEGS was due to contest the two and a half miles handicap chase, which was one of the Go North series qualifiers, at the same fixture. Martin Todhunter’s former Irish pointer progressed over hurdles last spring, especially when stepped up to three miles winning at Wetherby and Kelso in March off marks of 102 and 107. The Jet Away gelding, who began his career with Sean ‘Farmer’ Doyle across the Irish Sea, made an encouraging start to his fencing career at Carlisle last month when a staying on fourth over the intermediate trip. Weak in the market beforehand, Sean Quinlan gave him a patient ride before making ground approaching the homestraight. Ridden with the future in mind, he was around six lengths behind the winner Hello Judge, who had the benefit of a run beforehand. It was the six year old’s first outing for 215 days and he improved as the campaign went on last term. While capable of being competitive over two and a half miles, his form figures over three miles plus are 2211. Dropped a pound to a mark of 111, he is one to keep an eye on in staying handicap chases on the northern circuit this season.” WON @ 100/30 & 11/4

Quote: “ZAIN NIGHTS was a strong stayer on the Flat winning three times for Roger and Harry Charlton earning an official rating of 89 in the process. A four year old by Decorated Knight, he won twice at Newbury, including as a juvenile over a mile (Heavy), and Goodwood (2m : Good). A two lengths scorer at the last named track, he has changed hands for 75,000gns and has joined Lucy Wadham. The Newmarket trainer is responsible for 9 winners from only 37 winners (24%) this campaign and her new addition is likely to be suited by two and a half miles plus over jumps. Versatile in terms of ground, he is unlikely to be a leading novice but is the sort to win a decent handicap one day, provided he shows an aptitude for hurdling.” WON @ 9/4, 5/1 & 9/2

WELSH NATIONAL: 1^st & 2^nd NASSALAM (Advised @ 8/1) & IRON BRIDGE (Advised @ 10/1)

KAUTO STAR NOVICES’ CHASE: WINNER: IL EST FRANCAIS (Advised @ 2/1)

Quote: “NASSALAM (Gary Moore) recorded his first win since February 2022 when running away with the Welsh National Trial Handicap Chase at Chepstow (2m 7f : Heavy) this month. The six year old put in a fine display of jumping before defeating nine opponents by upwards of five and a half lengths off a mark of 141 under Caoilin Quinn (41). Gary Moore’s runner therefore incurs a four pounds penalty but is four pounds ‘well in’ compared to future engagements – both Secret Reprieve and Iwilldoit completed the double. A smart juvenile hurdler who was runner-up in the Grade 1 Finale Hurdle on this day two years ago, he was a Grade 2 winning novice chaser the following season but wasn’t at his best last winter. His trainer commented on page 87 of One Jump Ahead: “Despite running well at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, he was disappointing overall last season. One thing I would say is that he didn’t look great when he came back in after his summer holiday last year, whereas this time around he looks a lot better.” Unexposed over staying distances, his course form is 21 and his record on soft/heavy is 211221213041. It is also worth noting his record in December/January (122231). While his career wins have been gained in field sizes of 4,6,7,4,4 and 10, the Dream Well gelding was placed in a sixteen runner Grade 3 handicap chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Four 6yo’s have won the race this century, including Native River (2016) and Elegant Escape (2018). Best Price: 8/1 (Skybet, William Hill).” Advised @ 8/1 – WON the Welsh National at Chepstow (27/12/23) by 34 lengths @ 9/2.

Quote: “IL EST FRANCAIS (Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm), as discussed (see page 5), won 5 of his 6 races over hurdles, including a Grade 1 at Auteuil in November last year, and is unbeaten in two runs over fences. Both chase wins at Auteuil this season have seen the five year old dominate from an early stage and he hasn’t come off the bridle to score by an aggregate of 16 lengths. The unknowns are the track (first run right-handed), the ground (never raced on anything quicker than soft) and the trip (never raced beyond 2m 6f) but James Reveley (6 out of 6) is confident those factors won’t be an issue. With 3 of his 5 opponents tackling the trip for the first time under Rules and another unlikely to force the pace, it is possible the French raider could get a soft time in front. The prize has crossed the English Channel twice (Djeddah (1996) and Jair Du Cochet (2002)).” Advised @ 2/1 - WON the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton (26/12/23) by 11 lengths.

Quote: “The Williams family have gone close to winning the Listed junior bumper for four year olds at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day (3.50) with Romeo Brown (3^rd in 2018) and Iliade Allen (2^nd in 2022) – both trained by Nick Williams. His ex-wife Jane has her three year olds in excellent form and she is expected to be represented at Prestbury Park by KEL DU LARGE who won by three lengths on her debut at Exeter (1m 5f : Good/Soft) towards the end of October. A gelded son of No Risk At All who cost €32,000 as a two year old, he made virtually all before running on well to beat Caustic, who has finished second at Doncaster and also been placed on the Flat since. The third home Sorceleur is likely to renew rivalry, but Paul Nicholls’ runner has three and a quarter lengths to find and there is no obvious reason why he will turn the tables. It will be disappointing if he doesn’t go close and get his Devon stable off to a good start in 2024.” WON the Listed bumper at Cheltenham (1/1/24) @ 7/2

Quote: SIR GINO: “His British debut is one to look forward to and it is expected to be in the introductory hurdle at Kempton on Wednesday (1.20). Nicky Henderson’s Auteuil scorer is believed to have been catching the eye at home. Indeed, the It’s Gino gelding reportedly worked very well with recent Hereford scorer and 145 rated hurdler Call Me Lord earlier this month. There will be some long faces at Seven Barrows if he doesn’t maintain his unbeaten record at the Sunbury track this week.” WON 3 out of 3, including the Grade 1 Anniversary Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree @ 11/10 (11/4/24)

Other WINNERS: ETALON (1/6, 4/6), GENTLE SLOPES (4/5), KALIF DU BERLAIS (4/5, 10/11), PEKING OPERA (13/8), TRAPRAIN LAW (1/2 & 13/8).

Quote: KALIF DU BERLAIS: “A half-brother to Gary Moore’s dual winner Kansas Du Berlais, Paul Nicholls is believed to be excited about running his latest recruit from across the English Channel in juvenile hurdles in the second half of the season. Previously trained by Nicolas De Lageneste and Guillaume Macaire, he made his hurdles in a field of unraced horses at Compiegne (2m 1f : Heavy : LH) in late October. Ridden by Kilian Dubourg, he jumped superbly and having raced in mid division for much of the contest made good headway in the backstraight. Leading between the final two hurdles, he readily pulled away to score by five and a half lengths. The form has yet to be tested but the Masked Marvel gelding looked useful and was purchased privately for Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason, John Hales and Fred Done. The Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton (24^th February) could be his first port of call – a race the champion trainer has won five times, including with French recruits Zarkandar (2011) and Solo (2020) on their British debuts.”WON twice, including the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton (24/2/24) @ 10/11

Quote: “Owner Ray Green is looking forward to TRAPRAIN LAW’s second run over fences at Kelso on Friday (1.20). The ex-French gelding is set to line up in the 0-130 handicap chase over two miles one at the Borders track. A three times winner over timber last season, the grey made an encouraging start to his chasing career at Ayr last month when four and a half lengths third behind Marble Sands (runs in the Grade 1 Kauto Star NC on Tuesday) in a two miles novices’ handicap chase off a mark of 120. Bidding to make all, the Martaline gelding jumped well before being headed at the second last. Ray felt the ground was nearly good that day and believes he is a stone better horse on soft ground. His form figures at Kelso are 2121.” WON by 6 lengths

Quote: SAINT DAVY: “The lightly raced seven year old was due to go chasing in the Autumn but niggling problems delayed his return to action until early January. Reappearing in a 0-135 handicap hurdle at Ludlow over three miles, the former pointer moved smoothly through the race and overcame a mistake at the last to beat Grade 2 winner Emitom by a length and a half off a mark of 124. It was nearly 30 lengths back to the third. It was a pleasing start to his campaign and he will remain over timber this term. Raised six pounds since, he stays well and wants cut in the ground and, having only raced three times over hurdles, Jonjo O’Neill’s Balko gelding should have more to offer before going over fences next season. He will test his credentials in a premier handicap at Sandown on Saturday (3.10) and it will be disappointing if he doesn’t make an impact provided the ground doesn’t dry out.” WON Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown (3/2/24) @ 4/1

WINNERS: SECRET SQUIRREL (100/30)

TALKING TRAINERS: HARRY DERHAM: WINNERS: BRENTFORD HOPE (11/10, 5/2), JASMINE BLISS (7/4), KANSAS CITY STAR (6/1), MOJO EGO (5/2), SALVATORE (7/2)

Quote: JASMINE BLISS: “A lovely mare who won a point-to-point in Ireland prior to being bought at the Cheltenham May Sales. We were trying to be too clever at Ludlow on her first run for us holding her up before finishing fourth. Next time, we ran her at Wetherby and she made all the running galloping on strongly. The initial plan was to aim her at the Listed mares’ bumper at Sandown (9^th March) but there is quite a valuable mares’ bumper at Newbury (2^nd March) a week earlier, which is a possibility. She is one to look forward to in mares’ novice hurdles next season.” WON at Newbury (2/3/24) @ 7/4

7 WINNERS: SLADE STEEL (Advised @ 6/1), GAELIC WARRIOR (Advised @ 7/2). CHIANTI CLASSICO (Advised @ 7/1), CORBETTS CROSS (Advised @ 2/1), BALLYBURN (1/2), MAJBOROUGH (6/1), GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (Advised @ 5/4).

Plus: JIMMY DU SEUIL (2nd @ 66/1), ROMEO COOLIO (2nd @ 18/1) & CORACH RAMBLER (3^rd @ 20/1)

Quote: “SLADE STEEL (Henry De Bromhead) won a point for Pierce Power and has developed into a smart performer under Rules since. Nearly eight lengths behind Ballyburn in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival last spring, he beat King of Kingsfield by five and a half lengths on his hurdles debut at Naas (2m : Soft) in November. The following month, the Telescope gelding emulated stablemate Inthepocket by winning the Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle (2m 4f : Heavy) narrowly from Lecky Watson. No match for Ballyburn once again in Grade 1 company at the DRF at Leopardstown (2m : Soft) last month, his record over the minimum trip is 1312. A winner on yielding and heavy ground, he looks very much at home over a stiff two miles.” Advised @ 6/1 – WON the Sky Bet Supreme NH @ 7/2

Quote: “GAELIC WARRIOR (Willie Mullins) tackles the minimum trip for the first time since winning a Grade B handicap hurdle at the DRF at Leopardstown in February last year. Runner-up twice at the Cheltenham Festival – Boodles Juvenile Hurdle (2022) and Ballymore NH (2023) – he was a ten lengths winner of a Grade 1 novice hurdle over three miles at the Punchestown Festival last spring. Sent chasing, the ex-French gelding was a spectacular fifteen lengths winner on his fencing bow at Punchestown (2m 3f) in November making all and never looking like being headed. He then followed up in the Grade 1 Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick (2m 3f : Heavy) beating stablemate Il Etait Temps (won Grade 1 since) by five and a half lengths. The gelded son of Maxios fluffed his lines at Leopardstown last time though when getting worked up in the preliminaries (wears a hood here) and racing keenly early on in the Grade 1 novice chase (2m 5f) at the DRF. A spent force by the time he unseated Paul Townend at the final fence, he was headed soon after the fourth last with the petrol tank emptying rapidly. His record over two miles is 211. A bigger concern is his preference for racing right-handed – his form figures are 11111 compared to 633212U going left-handed. His record at the highest level is 211U. On his day, he is a top-class horse and possesses more ability than any other runner in the field.” Advised @ 7/2 – WON the Arkle Trophy @ 2/1

Quote: “CHIANTI CLASSICO (Kim Bailey) bids to enhance the impressive recent record of novices in the contest – won 5 of the last 10 renewals (Holywell off 145 (2014), Un Temps Pour Tout off 148 (2016), Coo Star Sivola off 142 (2018), The Conditional off 139 (2020) & Corach Rambler off 140 (2022)). Kim Bailey won it in 1999 courtesy of Betty’s Boy and Happygolucky was runner-up as a novice off 147 three years ago. The seven year old beat last year’s Kim Muir Chase runner-up Stumptown in an Irish point when trained by Colin Bowe. Bought for £105,000 in April 2021, he has won 7 of his career starts, including twice over fences. The Shantou gelding pulled up in the Albert Bartlett NH last season before undergoing wind surgery. Sent chasing, he won novice handicap chases at Chepstow (2m 7f : Good/Soft) and Ascot (3m : Good) off 133 and 141 in October and November respectively before finishing runner-up at Kempton (3m) last time. Two lengths behind Flegmatik (fourth in the Coral Trophy over the same C&D since) off 142, he is a pound higher now and has been kept fresh since (59 days) – his record first time out is 1211. Unexposed over staying trips, his form figures over 2m 7f plus are 1P112 and, while this will be his first appearance on the Old course, he is a dual winner at Chepstow suggesting the undulations won’t be an issue.” Advised @ 7/1 – WON the Ultima Handicap Chase @ 6/1

Quote: “J.P.McManus has won the marathon event on five occasions, namely Front Line (1995), Rith Dubh (2002), Butler’s Cabin (2007), Cause of Causes (2015) and Minella Rocco (2016) and his green and gold silks will be carried by CORBETTS CROSS. A seven year old by Gamut who won a point-to-point, bumper and twice over hurdles for Eugene O’Sullivan (same source as Meetingofthewaters), he was bought privately by Emmet Mullins on behalf of loyal patron Paul Byrne. Following a Grade 2 novice hurdle win over two miles at Naas in February last year, he was then acquired by the head of Martinstown Stud. Sent off 9/4 favourite for the Albert Bartlett NH at the Festival, he was challenging when jinking out at the last flight. Switched to fences this term, he defeated Three Card Brag and Monty’s Star by a snug three parts of a length at Fairyhouse (2m 5f) in December before chasing home the sidelined Grangeclare West in a Grade 1 over three miles at Leopardstown over Christmas. Found a seemingly easy task in a rated chase at Fairyhouse (3m) last time, he collided with Run Wild Fred at the third last and the pair hit the deck. Yet to race beyond three miles, Derek O’Connor maintains the partnership with the crack amateur seeking his third win in the contest (Chicago Grey (2011) & Minella Rocco (2016)). He is fitted with a hood for the first time.” Advised @ 2/1 – WON the National Hunt Chase by 17 lengths @ 15/8

Quote: “MAJBOROUGH (Top 40 – Willie Mullins) has become the apple of his trainer’s eye amongst the juvenile ranks with Willie Mullins viewing the Martinborough gelding as a future Cheltenham Gold Cup contender. A four and a half lengths winner on his debut at Auteuil in April last year when trained by Daniele Mele, he was acquired by J.P.McManus and spent the summer at Martinstown Stud in Co.Limerick. Niggling problems denied him the opportunity to run over Christmas but his connections were delighted with his Irish debut when third in the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at the DRF (Soft). A big rangy gelding, he led early on and produced some excellent jumps before being headed before the last. Keeping on behind stablemates Kargese and Storm Heart, he was beaten less than two lengths with his trainer saying there is plenty of improvement to come. The stiffer track on the New course will suit and different tactics will be adopted here.” WON the Triumph Hurdle @ 6/1

Quote: “GALOPIN DES CHAMPS (Willie Mullins) bids to emulate former stablemate Al Boum Photo (2019 & 2020) by winning the race for a second consecutive season. Rated 180 over fences (won 8 out of 11), he is a dual Festival winner having also captured the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle in 2021 and is unlucky not to have won three times - fell at the last in the Turners Novices’ Chase the following year. His record in Grade 1 company is 611F11112311. A length and three quarters third in the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown (2m 3f) on his reappearance in November, he was held up on that occasion and didn’t jump with his usual fluency. Reverting back to racing prominently in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown (3m) at Christmas, the eight year old was back to his best with an imperious display pulling 23 lengths clear. A four and a half lengths winner from the aforementioned Fastorslow in the Irish Gold Cup over the same C&D last month, his record over 3m plus is 111211. He is the one they all have to beat. His form figures on the New course are 1F1.” Advised @ 5/4 – WON the Cheltenham Gold Cup @ 10/11

Quote: “JIMMY DU SEUIL (French Revolution – Willie Mullins) is by the same sire as the stable’s Triumph Hurdle winner Vauban, namely Galiway, and was bought for €200,000 in October 2022 having contested a couple of French bumpers for Mickael Seror – finished second at Fontainebleau (1m 5f) when Jit Langy (fifth in a Grade 1 NH at Leopardstown behind Ballyburn last month) was fourth. Absent for 461 days, the five year old failed to reel in the aforementioned stablemate Asian Master (won again since) on his hurdles debut at Thurles (Yielding) in December with the pair eleven lengths clear of the third. He had no trouble going one better next time though when accounting for 13 rivals by upwards of nine lengths at Clonmel (2m : Heavy). The step up in trip is expected to suit and, while he has plenty to find, he arrives unexposed and open to significant improvement.” Runner-up in Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle @ 66/1

AHEAD ON THE FLAT EXTRA:

Quote: “The novice stakes over a mile and three looks a warm contest with three previous winners amongst the entries. The Kingsclere handler is set unleash a useful type in BRITISH CAMP. A son of Lope De Vega, he is a half-brother to Saint George who was runner-up in the Group 2 Queens Vase at Royal Ascot last summer for the stable. Described as a fine big horse, he is worth keeping an eye out for this week and beyond.” WON @ 18/1 at Kempton Park (13/3/24)

Quote: “The Middleham handler is excited about the twice raced MICKLEY and the gelded son of Soldier’s Call is set to reappear in a seven furlongs maiden (3-5yos) at the Nottinghamshire track this month. Fourth on debut at Newcastle, he stepped up on that effort next time when a fast finishing third from a wide draw at Redcar. Viewed as the type to get quicker as he gets older, his trainer believes he could develop into an Ayr Gold Cup contender one day.”WON @ 11/8 by three and three quarters of a length at Southwell (26/3/24)

Quote: “The head of Carlburg Stables will take on the aforementioned Maljoom with his high-class four year old CHARYN in the Listed Doncaster Mile (1.20). The son of Dark Angel failed to get his head in front last term but finished fourth in the Irish 2000 Guineas and third in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. He handles ease underfoot but Roger feels good or faster ground is ideal.” WON the Listed Doncaster Mile by three and a half lengths @ 2/1

7 WINNERS: IMPAIRE ET PASSE (Advised @ 9/4), SANS BRUIT (Advised @ 14/1), KATEIRA (Advised @ 12/1), MYSTICAL POWER (Advised @ 11/4), JONBON (Advised @ 5/2), BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (Advised @ 7/1), I AM MAXIMUS (Advised @ 8/1)

Quote: “IMPAIRE ET PASSE (Willie Mullins) was unbeaten as a novice hurdler last season, including the Ballymore NH at the Cheltenham Festival when beating stablemate Gaelic Warrior by six and a half lengths. Not quite as impressive next time in another Grade 1 at the Punchestown Festival, the six year old hasn’t managed to win during his second season over obstacles. A good second behind subsequent Stayers’ Hurdle winner Teahupoo in the Hattons Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse (2m 4f) in December, he filled the same position behind State Man over two miles at Leopardstown over Christmas. Third behind the same opponent in the Irish Champion Hurdle over the same C&D at the DRF, the Diamond Boy gelding didn’t look comfortable making the running. Like Bob Olinger, connections purposely missed the Cheltenham Festival (off 67 days) and this has been the plan since. The return to the intermediate trip (record over 2m 3f – 2m 5f is 1112) will be in his favour and Paul Townend (11112) is back on board. Rated 160, he was Willie Mullins’ only entry in a race he won with Annie Power in 2016.” Advised @ 9/4 – WON the Aintree Hurdle @ Evens

Quote: “SANS BRUIT (Paul Nicholls) races from a couple of pounds out of the handicap but looks well weighted off a mark of 130 (10st 2lb). The ex-French gelding was a Grade 3 winning hurdle in France and Grade 2 placed over fences and hurdles when trained by David Cottin. Only six, the son of Triple Threat has raced three times for Paul Nicholls, including twice over hurdles at Doncaster and Sandown (Imperial Cup). Switched to fences at Chepstow (2m : Soft) at the start of this month, he raced keenly but jumped well and looked all set to win until collared late on by Prince Quali. A free going sort, who is quick and accurate over his obstacles, this track will bring out the best in him and his low weight in such conditions is another plus.”Advised @ 14/1 – WON the Red Rum Chase @ 5/1

Quote: “Dan Skelton is responsible for 9 of the 55 entries at the six day stage, including the top weight and 2022 winner Langer Dan (declared to run in the Aintree Hurdle on Thursday though). The subsequent dual Coral Cup winner landed this event off a mark of 137 two years ago. Stablemate KATEIRA looks attractively treated off 136 having caught the eye under a sympathetic ride at Kempton (2m 5f) last month. The Kayf Tara mare was having her first start for 110 days having been beaten in a Listed mares’ hurdle at the same track over three miles in November. The stable ‘second string’ behind the winner Boombawn, she was partnered by Nico De Boinville and stayed on well in fourth. Beaten around three lengths, that run should have put her spot on for this. A three times winner over hurdles last season, she was three and a half lengths runner-up behind Irish Point in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle over C&D (Good/Soft) at this corresponding fixture last year. Those in behind included the ill-fated Hermes Allen and Letsbeclearaboutit (both high-class novice chasers this term) and subsequent Grade 1 winning hurdler Crambo (7^th). A reproduction of that performance will see the Skelton trained mare go close. Having only raced seven times over hurdles, she remains open to further improvement. Despite the fact Kateira has won twice on soft ground, she is arguably a better mare on good to soft. Her trainer commented this week: “I like the chances of Kateira, she looked like she was coming into form at Kempton last time and would be dangerous wherever she runs. She just needs a bit of nice ground.” Advised @ 12/1 – WON the William Hill Handicap Hurdle @ 5/1

Quote: “MYSTICAL POWER (Willie Mullins) is impeccably bred being by Galileo out of the Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power, who won the Aintree Hurdle at this meeting on her final career start in 2016. A Grade 2 winning hurdler, the five year old looked smart when beating Jigoro by seven lengths in the Sky Bet Moscow Flyer NH at Punchestown (2m : Soft) in January. Fitted with a hood in the Supreme NH, Willie Mullins’ runner appeared to have been delivered with a perfectly timed run when hitting the front shortly after the last but was outstayed up the hill by Slade Steel. Beaten a length and a half, it was still a fine effort on only his third hurdle start. Connections can take heart from the fact Joe Mac (1999), Straw Bear (2006), Darlan (2012), My Tent Or Yours (2013) and Jonbon (2022) all finished second in the Festival opener before going one better in this. He handles good and soft ground.” Advised @ 11/4 – WON the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle @ 11/10

Quote: “JONBON (Nicky Henderson) won an Irish point over three miles by fifteen lengths but has yet to race beyond two miles under Rules. However, on pedigree, the eight year old has every chance of staying further – his full-brother Douvan won the Clonmel Oil Chase (2m 4f) on his final career start. Unbeaten at the track, the Walk In The Park gelding won the Top Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 and the Maghull Novices’ Chase last year and his overall Grade 1 record is 21121112. An easy winner of the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November, he followed up in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown. Nicky Henderson’s charge made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes last time in the rescheduled Clarence House Chase at Cheltenham before finding Elixir De Nutz a neck too strong. Ruled out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase due to the stable being under a cloud, his record in April is 111 and at least he will arrive fresh (76 days off) – he has won first time out every season. The former champion trainer has won this three times with Remittance Man (1992), Finian’s Rainbow (2012) and Sprinter Sacre (2013) – that trio were top-class two milers who stayed this trip, too.” Advised @ 5/2 – WON the Grade 1 Melling Chase @ 11/10

Quote: “BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (Gordon Elliott) is one of three entries for Cullentra, who have won the last two renewals. The Gigginstown Stud owned mare is also entered in the Sefton NH on Friday but could run here instead. The Kapgarde mare, who cost €310,000 as a three year old, is a half-sister to former Grade 1 winning stablemates Mighty Potter and Caldwell Potter, plus French Dynamite who won over 2m 7f. The five year old was unbeaten in bumpers last term and won her first three starts over hurdles this winter, including a Grade 3 mares’ hurdle at Down Royal (2m 1f : Soft) and Listed mares’ NH at Navan (2m 5f). Dropped in trip for the Grade 2 Dawn Run Mares’ NH at the Cheltenham Festival (2m 1f : Soft) last month, she raced keenly and was undone by the steady early gallop. A staying on second, Jack Kennedy’s mount couldn’t match the winner Golden Ace’s speed on the run-in. Beaten a length and three quarters, she looks a stayer and will appreciate this longer distance. The last mare to win the prize was Silver Shred in 1996.” Advised @ 7/1 – WON the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle @ 6/5

Quote: “I AM MAXIMUS (Willie Mullins – 11st 5lb - 159), similar to aforementioned stablemate Capodanno, is owned by J.P.McManus, who is seeking his third win in the race following the successes of Don’t Push It (2010) and Minella Times (2021). Previously trained by Nicky Henderson, the eight year old has won 5 of his 14 career starts, including three times over fences. A length winner of the Irish National at Fairyhouse (3m 5f : Soft) last spring off 149 on only his fifth run over the larger obstacles, the Authorized gelding has continued to progress this term winning twice. A two and a half lengths winner of the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse (2m 4f : Soft) in early December, he was over thirty lengths in arrears of Galopin Des Champs when finishing fourth in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Festive period. Well held once again by the same opponent in the Irish Gold Cup at the DRF in February, he was back to winning ways three weeks later when trouncing Vanillier in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse (3m 1 : Soft/Heavy) by fourteen lengths conceding twelve pounds to Gavin Cromwell’s runner-up – he is four pounds better off here, too. Hedgehunter completed the Bobbyjo/Grand National double in 2005 for the same stable. Very much at home on soft/heavy ground, he runs off a mark of 159 compared to his revised Irish rating of 164. His record racing left-handed is 112424443 compared 32111 going right-handed – his career best efforts have been on right-handed tracks, namely the Irish National, Drinmore and Bobbyjo Chases. However, it is worth noting Pineau De Re had never won left-handed before winning here in 2014.” Advised @ 8/1 – WON the Grand National @ 7/1