WINNERS: PANIC ATTACK (6/1), KIKIJO (11/2)

Quote: “PANIC ATTACK (Dan Skelton) will become the first mare to lift the prize since Happy Diva in 2019, if successful. A daughter of Canford Cliffs who was previously handled by Willie Mullins and David Pipe, the nine year old has only raced four times for Dan Skelton and only once over fences (1 from 1). A five lengths winner at Windsor (2m 4f : Soft) in January off 125, she is ten pounds higher now, but this has been the plan ever since. Denied by a head in a handicap hurdle at Warwick (2m 5f : Soft) in February, she hasn’t run for 280 days – her first time out record is 12473. Off the track for 649 days between February 2023 and December 2024, her course form figures are 18, 14, 4, 1, 7 and 4 (old course 18, 14, 4, 7). Lightly raced over fences, she prefers soft ground (1011333412) and is the choice of Harry Skelton (312). Dan Skelton is 0 from 8 in the race but has finished second twice and third. Three 9yo’s have won the race in the last nine years. Best Price: 6/1 (generally).” PANIC ATTACK WON the Paddy Power Gold Cup @ 6/1

Quote: “KIKIJO (Philip Hobbs & Johnson White) is unexposed over staying distances and should have more to offer off his mark of 120. A hurdles winner in France prior to being bought privately, the five year old won over fences at Newbury in February (2m 4f : Soft) off 117 before finishing runner-up at the same track (2m 6f : Good/Soft) the following month. Purchased by the Richard Johnson Racing Club for £60,000 to remain in the yard, the Estejo gelding reverted back to the smaller obstacles on his reappearance. Contesting a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle at Aintree (3m : Good), he was tackling three miles for the first time. Having been tapped for speed after the penultimate flight, Callum Pritchard’s mount stayed on after the last to finish three lengths fourth behind Ernest Grey. This stiffer track and slower ground (Soft ground record 151) will suit this relation to useful staying chaser Ungaro.” WON @ 11/2

French Revolution – Part II: FEEL GUT (4/7), FIRE WARNING (8/11), MAESTRO CONTI (8/13, 5/2), QUIRYN (9/4)

Quote: FEEL GUT: “Leading owners Joe and Marie Donnelly bought Sir Gino and Salvator Mundi after the Grade 1 winning pair finished first and second in the Prix Wild Monarch at Auteuil in April 2023. The same patrons have acquired the first two home in the Prix Pride of Kildare at the same venue (2m 2f : Very Soft) last month, namely Macho Man and this gelded son of Dschingis Secret. A half-brother to Listed hurdle winner Hipsters, he was trained by Jeremy Da Silva and wore a hood on his debut at the Parisian track. Partnered by Ludovic Philipperon and positioned on the outside, he raced and jumped with plenty of enthusiasm. Having dropped back to midfield down the backstraight, he made ground approaching the hometurn but was only sixth jumping the penultimate flight. Staying on well on the run-in, he finished five lengths behind the impressive winner. It was a promising start to his career and he has joined Nicky Henderson and will bid to follow in the hoofprints of Lulamba and the aforementioned Sir Gino and develop into a high-class juvenile hurdler this term.” WON by six and a half lengths on his UK debut at Warwick (23/1/26)

Quote: MAESTRO CONTI: “Live Conti won the Prix Pride of Kildare at Auteuil in 2024 before being bought by Anthony Bromley and developing into a very useful juvenile hurdler for Dan Skelton last term. Rated 143 and runner-up in the Grade 1 4yo Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree in the spring, the Cokoriko gelding has a bright future, especially when going chasing next season. The Newmarket based bloodstock agent bought his half-brother Maestro Conti for the same owners, namely Hales, Speelman, Mason and Hogarth, following an impressive victory on his hurdles debut at Moulins (RH : 2m 1f : Heavy) in September. Similar to Live Conti, the Prince Gibraltar gelding was trained in France by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm. Ridden by James Reveley, he sat in behind the leaders on the rail before jumping to the front at the last down the backstraight. Stretching away after the penultimate flight, he scored by six and a half lengths impressing his jockey in the process. The third, who was beaten ten lengths, won at Auteuil in late October. Expect him to be given a similar campaign to his older sibling and make his UK debut for Dan Skelton in January / February. He is an exciting prospect.” WON twice @ 8/13 & 5.2 before finishing second in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Quote: QUIRYN: “Unraced, he could be one for the new series of NH Academy Hurdle races for three year olds. Previously trained in France by Philippe Decouz he is a gelded son of Sottsass out of a ten furlongs winner on the Flat and a half-brother to Jonjo O’Neill’s Trapista. He was entered to run on the Flat during the summer but didn’t make it to a racecourse before being bought privately by Willie Mullins. He is set to race in the well known colours of Miss M.A.Masterson of Appreciate It fame.” WON by nine lengths on his bumper debut at Naas (9/1/26) @ 9/4

Talking Trainers: DAVID PIPE: WINNERS: GENTLEMAN TOBOOT (7/4), KINGSTON QUEEN (5/1), NEON MOON (4/1), NO WALKOVER (5/6, 2/1), PHANTOMOFTHEPOINTS (11/2), RED WINE SUPERNOVA (15/8), WAY OF STARS (2/1).

Quote: KINGSTON QUEEN: “An exciting mare who I was thought was very good on her hurdles debut at Chepstow earlier this month. She had a great season in bumpers last term winning twice, including the Listed Alan Swinbank Mares’ bumper at Market Rasen, before being placed in a Grade 2 at Aintree’s Grand National meeting. We only ran her against geldings at Chepstow because we were keen to get a run into her because she generally improves for her initial outing. She did it very nicely and we have a few options in the coming weeks. I view her as a two and a half miles plus mare but we could drop her back to two miles on soft ground – there is a Listed mares’ novices’ hurdle at Newbury (29^th November) later this month. She is versatile and proved it at Aintree by running so well on decent ground over two miles on a sharp track.”WON Grade 2 mares’ novices’ hurdle at Warwick (2m 4f) @ 5/1 (7/2/26)

Quote: NO WALKOVER: “A big strong beast of a horse, he has taken time to come to hand but is getting there now. Unlucky not to win his point-to-point in Ireland, he was narrowly beaten after a mistake at the last. The ground that day was barely raceable and we will start him off in a bumper on soft ground. I think he is the sort to go under the radar and surprise a few people.”WON bumpers at Chepstow (5/6) & Aintree (2/1)

Quote: RED WINE SUPERNOVA: “She is a lovely filly who was unfortunate not to win her point-to-point for Colin Bowe in Ireland. A faller at the second last, she was still weak when first arriving. However, she has strengthened up a lot since and we are looking forward to running her in a mares’ bumper. She has a very good attitude.”WON @ 15/8 on Rules debut in a bumper at Sedgefield (26/12/25)

Other WINNERS: GNOMON (4/7),MEETMEBYTHESEA (5/4, 5/2, 9/1)

Quote: “Ben Pauling unleashes the J.P.McManus owned MEETMEBYTHESEA over fences at Wetherby on Saturday in the two miles novices’ handicap chase (2.00). Successful in three of his four races over hurdles last term, his sole defeat came in the EBF Final at Sandown in March. Beaten less than a length, he reportedly scoped badly afterwards and is considered better than he showed that day. Speaking to his trainer during the summer, the five year old is expected to be campaigned with the two and a half miles novices’ handicap chase at the Festival in March in mind. That is likely to be his chief target this term. Officially rated 133, it would be no surprise to see him win at the West Yorkshire venue before trying his hand in Graded events before the spring (which necessarily being good enough).” WON three out of four over fences, including the Jack Richards’ Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival @ 9/1

WELSH NATIONAL: HAITI COULEURS (Advised @ 8/1 – WON @ 5/1

Quote: “HAITI COULEURS (11st 13lb - Rebecca Curtis) seeks to enhance still further the good recent record of Welsh trained winners (3 of the last 6 runnings). Officially rated 154 – the Dragon Dancer gelding was bought for £68,000 in January 2022 having run in two Irish points for Harley Dunne. A three times winner over hurdles (rated 150), the eight year old has improved since switched to fences winning 4 of his 6 starts – he progressed twenty pounds over the larger obstacles last season winning the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival (3m 6f : Good/Soft – 18 runners – beat Rock My Way by four and a half lengths conceding three pounds and now eleven pounds worse off) and the Irish National at Fairyhouse (3m 5f : Soft/Heavy – 30 runners) off 141 in the spring. Successful in a Pertemps qualifier over hurdles at Newbury (3m : Good/Soft) in November off 145, he produced a lifeless display in the Betfair Chase at Haydock three weeks later eventually pulling up before four out. Absent for 35 days since, his trainer Rebecca Curtis commented earlier this month: "After Haydock we found he had a very sore sacroiliac joint over the top of his back and he was in a lot of pain," said Curtis. "That explains the poor run and why he didn't jump very well. Whether he did it at Newbury, I don't know, but it was definitely there and affecting him. We've had it medicated, which seems to have sorted him out, and at least it answers the poor show. I think anyone with half a brain cell could see he didn't go from the start and it was no reflection on ability or anything like that. I wouldn't run him if it was an absolute bog and ideally you don't want to carry a big weight in the Welsh National, but he carried 12st at Newbury and he does seem very well at home, so I'm not going to rule it out. In the space of a couple of weeks since Haydock he's put weight on again and is like a caged bull." Effective in large fields, his record on soft/heavy ground is 2241131. Likely to be ridden by champion jockey Sean Bowen (4111311P), he is a high-class chaser and the track will be much more to his liking than Haydock. Synchronised (rated 150 in 2010), Native River (155 in 2016) and Elegant Escape (151 in 2018) all won the prize off lofty ratings. Best Price: 8/1 (generally).” Advised @ 8/1 – WON the Welsh National @ 5/1

Quote: “BENTRAGHHILL (Irish Pointers – Willie Mullins): Placed in his sole point, the Getaway gelding has two entries in bumpers at Leopardstown – 3.30 on Saturday and 3.40 on Sunday. A half-brother to triple Listed winning mare Party Central, one of his owners Vincent Caldwell, of Captain Cody fame, sent me an email saying the four year old is ‘working well and we are very excited to see him on the track.” WON bumper on his Rules debut at Leopardstown (28/12/26) by four and a quarter lengths @ 2/1

Quote: “NO WALKOVER (Irish Pointers – David Pipe): One of Moments In Time’s chief opponents on Friday, the four year old attempts to defy his penalty have scrambled home on his Rules debut in a similar event at Chepstow over a month ago. A fine big strapping gelding by Poet’s Word, the Pond House runner travelled like a class act for the majority of the contest until forced to battle inside the final furlong and gaining the advantage on the line. A nose winner, this flatter track may suit him better, although dry ground is an unknown. Arguably David Pipe’s most promising youngster.”WON at Aintree on Boxing Day @ 2/1

Quote: “Finally, being an Ambassador for Value Racing Club, I am keeping my fingers crossed SOLLY’S GOLD will make his presence felt. Trained by James Owen (10 winners during the last 14 days), the Soldier of Fortune gelding who is a half-brother to five winners ran out a ready winner at Wetherby (2m : Soft) earlier this month. Partnered by Jack Andrews, he made smooth headway in the homestraight before striking for home over one out. Pushed clear to win by five and a half lengths, the second and third had been placed beforehand. Covering the third last furlong in 12.86 seconds, he hit a top speed of 35.56mph in testing conditions, according to Race Iq. Sam Twiston-Davies rode him work on racecourse side at Newmarket on Monday and reportedly ‘loved him.’ It is therefore hoped the 33yo will be on board on New Year’s Day.” SOLLY’S GOLD WON the Listed bumper at Cheltenham (1/1/26) @ 9/4

French Revolution – Part III: WINNERS: CHARME DE FAUST (5/6), LEADER D’ALLIER, MISTERDOC (9/4, 30/100), MOULIN LABBE, MUSTANG DE BREUIL

Irish Angle: WINNERS: MR FINCH (11/8), ORDER OF TIME (6/5), EVEN THO (8/11, 7/2)

Quote: “Finally, Willie Mullins was also shopping and he secured in another private sale a four year old mare called EVEN THO: handled for her sole point by Pat Doyle, a sibling of The Enabler, she was oozing class and mocking her rivals and had a maiden at Dromahane at her mercy save for slipping on landing over the last fence and exiting the race. Owner of a high cruising speed, she looks a safe bet to translate the point promise into a bumper win for Willie.” WON 2 out of 2 in bumpers, including a Grade 2 mares’ event at the Punchestown Festival (29/4/26) by 16 lengths @ 7/2.

Talking Trainers: SAM THOMAS: WINNERS: ALFIE’S PRINCESS (15/8), C’EST DIFFERENT (11/4), STEEL ALLY (10/11)

Quote: ALFIE’S PRINCESS: “Withdrawn at Hereford on Saturday due to the ground, she runs in a mares’ handicap chase at Wincanton on Friday (12.53) and I am looking forward to seeing her back in action. Runner-up on her chasing debut at Ffos Las in the Autumn last year, she came back jarred up hence we haven’t seen her since. It has been a long road back, but she is a talented mare and we have done loads of work with her. Twice a winner over hurdles, I hope she will develop into a nice chaser.”WON @ 15/8 at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

Quote: C’EST DIFFERENT: “A work in progress, he is 17hh and a three miles chaser in the making. He has been progressive over hurdles winning twice at Carlisle and Chepstow in the space of five days last season. He improved again when scoring impressively on his reappearance in a Pertemps qualifier at Market Rasen last month. We have been pleased with him since and he appears to be in really good form at home. The plan is to run him in a three miles handicap hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day (3.10). If he can win there, we will put him away until the Pertemps final at the Festival in March. I think he is a really good horse and have always liked him. We were gutted when he got beaten on his debut in a bumper at Chepstow, although it turned out to be a decent race won by Sober Glory.” WON @ 11/4 at Newbury (14/1/26)

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL ANTE-POST SELECTIONS:

SARATOGA @ 12/1 – McCoy Contractors Juvenile Handicap Hurdle – WON @ 10/1

MEETMEBYTHESEA @ 12/1 – Jack Richards’ Novices’ Handicap Chase – WON @ 9/1

Tuesday 10^th March

“It is nine years since a home trained runner landed the ‘Fred Winter’ with Irish trained participants dominating in recent seasons. Expect the market to fluctuate between now and March with a number of possible runners still needing to have their third run to qualify.

Padraig Roche won the 2022 version with the aforementioned Brazil, who unexpectedly managed to beat the 129 rated Gaelic Warrior conceding eight pounds. The same stable are hoping to repeat the dose with another former Ballydoyle inmate SARATOGA who, like Munsif, needs another run over obstacles to qualify. A grey son of Camelot and a half-brother to the St Leger and Irish Derby winner Capri, he was rated 92 on the Flat for Aidan O’Brien. A winner over a mile and six on bottomless ground at Listowel in September, he wasn’t beaten far in a premier handicap at Naas next time. Outclassed behind Trawlerman in the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot in October, he joined Roche and was gelded soon afterwards. Placed in two runs over hurdles at Punchestown (Yielding) and Naas (Heavy), he was less than three lengths behind Kai Lung at the latter venue late last month. Ridden with the future in mind, his owner J.P.McManus has won three of the last six renewals and this lightly raced sort looks tailormade for it. Saratoga is 12/1 with Bet365, while he is available at 10/1 with Paddy Power & Sky Bet (NRNB).”

Thursday 12^th March

“As discussed in the November Update, speaking to Ben Pauling during the summer this has been the target for MEETMEBYTHESEA all season. Unbeaten in two runs over fences and officially rated 139, the six year old needs to run once more before the entries on Tuesday 17^th February – entered in the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick (1.50) & Game Spirit Chase at Newbury (2.45) both on Saturday. Owned by J.P.McManus, the former Irish pointer has purposely been campaigned over two miles this term winning at Wetherby (Soft) and Ayr (Heavy). A half length winner of a novices’ handicap chase at the latter in November off 133, he defeated Push The Button who filled the same position in the Grade 2 Noel Novices’ Chase at Ascot next time. Off the track for a couple of months, Ben Jones’ mount was rusty early on in a small field novice chase at the Scottish track but warmed to his task and won going away by a length and three quarters from Grade 2 winning novice hurdler Dedicated Hero conceding six pounds. The only time the Watar gelding has tackled two and a half miles under Rules, he was denied by less than a length when a close third in the EBF Final at Sandown in March last year (16 runners). Found to have scoped badly afterwards, he is unexposed over the trip and considered a Graded horse in the making – see page 108 in One Jump Ahead. Capable of handling big fields, he handles good to soft and heavy ground with the only unknown being the track – this will be his first visit to Cheltenham as he has essentially been campaigned on flat tracks. Otherwise, he must have excellent claims. In terms of prices, MEETMEBYTHESEA is available at 12/1 (William Hill NRNB– four places), although only five recognised firms have priced up the contest.”

WINNERS: JINGKO BLUE (Advised @ 14/1 – WON @ 9/2), MEETMEBYTHESEA (9/1), GAELIC WARRIOR (Advised @ 7/2)

Plus: BREAK MY SOUL (Advised @ 25/1 – 3^rd), JOYEUSE (Advised @ 25/1 – 3^rd), JUMP ALLEN (Advised @ 20/1 – 3^rd), QUEBECOIS (E/W @ 10/1 – 3^rd)

Quote: “JINGKO BLUE (Nicky Henderson) appears to be the number one contender from Seven Barrows in a race they have won four times since 2010. A point winner over 2m 4f when trained by Rob James, the Great Pretender gelding cost his current connections £225,000 in February 2023. A dual winner over hurdles and fences during his novice days, including a Grade 2 novice chase at Windsor last winter, he unseated his rider in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot next time which resulted in an injury which required surgery to his back. Off the track for 280 days, the seven year old returned over hurdles in November contesting a valuable staying handicap at Haydock (3m : Good/Soft). Beaten sixteen lengths in seventh (reportedly needed the run), he dropped back in trip next time finishing a good second behind Kabral Du Mathan in the Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m 4f : Good) on New Year’s Day. Headed just after the last, James Bowen’s mount couldn’t match the winner’s turn of foot, but it was an encouraging display nevertheless and it should have put him spot on for this (off 69 days since). Effective on most types of ground, his form figures over 2m 4f are 1211P12.”Advised @ 14/1 – WON the BetMGM Cup @ 9/2

Quote: “MEETMEBYTHESEA (Ben Pauling) has been aimed at this since his narrow defeat in the EBF Final at Sandown (2m 4f ; Good/Soft) off 128 this time last year (scoped dirty afterwards). A three times winning hurdler, the six year old has won two of his three races over fences and is considered on a good mark of 139. Purposely kept to two miles this winter, he scored at Wetherby (Soft) and Ayr (Heavy) in November and January respectively. Strong at the line on the latter occasion, he ran in the Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury in order to qualify for this. Ben Pauling reported that the J.P.McManus owned runner hated the ground and never figured behind Lulamba. His record on good to soft ground is 1113 and he has only raced once over.”WON the Jack Richards’ Novices’ Handicap Chase @ 9/1

Quote: “GAELIC WARRIOR (Willie Mullins) is the only runner from Closutton following the defection of dual winner Galopin Des Champs on Friday with the stable seeking a fifth win since 2019. The eight year old will be competing at his fourth Festival (221) and the former Arkle winner’s record at Grade 1 level is 211U12231132. Owned by Rich and Susannah Ricci, the Maxios gelding came good last spring winning the Grade 1 Bowl at Aintree (3m 1f : Good/Soft) and Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown (2m 6f : Good). His winning run continued on his return to action when getting the better of Fact To File in an epic and sustained duel in the Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown. A neck separated the stablemates. That effort may have taken the edge on him in the King George at Kempton (3m : Good) but he still ran a blinder finishing a short head third behind The Jukebox Man. Five lengths in arrears of old rival Fact To File in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown (3m : Soft), he ran well but the Dublin chase course (U232) doesn’t bring out the best in him – Patrick Mullins makes the point there isn’t a running rail to settle him in behind horses because the runners tend to fan out across the track. Unexposed over three miles plus (132), he is expected to be ridden by Paul Townend (211111U123113) and has leading claims. Best Price: 7/2 (generally).”Advised @ 7/2 – WON the Cheltenham Gold Cup by 8 lengths

Quote: “BREAK MY SOUL (Ian Donoghue) was sold for £290,000 having won her point-to-point for Denis Murphy. The daughter of Doyen subsequently won 2 of her 8 starts for Nicky Henderson (both on decent ground in the spring of 2024) before being sold for £70,000 in January last year. She has raced seven times for her current connections with three of those runs in Grade 1 company. Beaten less than three lengths by Grade 1 winning novice chaser Kitzbuhel in the Grade 3 Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran Park (2m : Soft) in February 2025, she was then fourth in the Aintree Hurdle behind Lossiemouth. Switched to fences, she jumped well before quickening away to win a mares’ beginners chase at Gowran Park (2m : Heavy) in November. Having fallen short in Graded company on her next two runs, she wasn’t knocked about when chasing home Pure Steel at Punchestown (2m : Heavy) last time. A three times winner on good or good to soft, she will be very much at home in this type of race and is fairly treated off 136 (rated 140 over hurdles).”Advised @ 25/1 – 3^rd in the Grand Annual Chase

Quote: “JOYEUSE (Nicky Henderson) made a mockery of her rating of 123 when winning the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury (2m : Soft) last season. Raised fifteen pounds, the ex-French mare is without a win in six races since. However, two of those runs were over fences and she has looked happier back over smaller obstacles on her last couple of outings. Nicky Henderson believes she was coming to win when making a mistake at the last in a Grade 2 mares’ hurdle at Ascot (2m : Soft). Last four behind Ooh Betty, the handicapper has dropped her three pounds since to a mark of 135. Beaten less than two lengths by Wodhooh in a mares’ handicap hurdle on the New course (2m 4f) in December 2024, she beat Tutti Quanti at Taunton (2m : Soft) on her British debut earlier that year. Bought for €235,000 in November 2022, she is from the family of the stable’s Champion Hurdle winner Epatante and has only raced eight times over hurdles. Kargese was the first mare to win the prize last year since Spirit Leader in 2003.” Advised @ 25/1 – 3^rd in the County Hurdle @ 12/1

Quote: “JUMP ALLEN (Willie Mullins) is also entered in the BetMGM Cup and County Hurdle but this looks his ideal target in a race his stable have won four times. Rated 133 (same as his Irish mark), the Manduro gelding has only raced half a dozen times over hurdles winning twice, including at Sandown (2m 4f : Good) on the final day of last season. Off the track for 295 days, the seven year old won a charity race at Punchestown (2m : Heavy) last month and he is even better over further – his record over 2m 3f – 2m 5f is 511. At his best during the second half of the season, his form figures between February and May are 131211.”Advised @ 20/1 – 3^rd in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle @ 8/1

AHEAD ON THE FLAT NEWS

WINNERS: FELICITAS (11/1), FIRST PRINCIPLE (11/4), GETHIN (7/4), POWER FIZZ (2/1), SYNCRONICITY (6/4). Plus: NEVER LET GO (2^nd @ 25/1)

Monday 6^th April – Listed MAGNOLIA STAKES – KEMPTON (2.55)

“Another lightly raced four year old, GETHIN, was unfortunate not to win at Listed level towards the end of last year. Runner-up at Saint-Cloud and Newmarket, he was ruled out of the summer following a setback after his impressive win at Newbury in April. The son of Ghaiyyath is set to make an impact in Group races over middle distances this term and can go well on his reappearance next month.”GETHIN WON @ 7/4

“FELICITAS – An exciting filly who won on her debut at Lingfield in December. Entered in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, the daughter of Teofilo has a bright future.” WON @ 11/1 on her reappearance at Sandown (24/4/26)

“NEVER LET GO – Successful in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot last summer, the four year old has physically thrived during the winter and the Listed Snowdrop Stakes at Kempton (28^th March) is a possible starting point.”2^nd in the Listed Snowdrop Stakes @ 25/1

“POWER FIZZ – Three times winner in 2025, his campaign was cut short in late spring due to a few issues. However, the four year old is back in work and will reappear on the all-weather soon. He is viewed as a potential contender for the Buckingham Palace Handicap at Royal Ascot this summer.” WON @ 2/1 at Newcastle (27/3/26)

“SYNCHRONICITY – An unraced full-sister to Ombudsman, she is a filly by Night of Thunder who goes particularly well at home. Likely to make her debut this month, she will be considered for a trial in the spring if everything goes to plan. Don’t miss her.” WON on her debut at Newbury (17/4/26) @ 6/4

WINNERS: JANGO BAIE (Evens), BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (Advised @ 2/1), WILL THE WISE (9/1), ZEUS POWER (Advised @ 8/1), BOSSMAN JACK (Advised @ 7/2)

1^st & 2^nd TOPHAM CHASE – WILL THE WISE (9/1) & ILE ATLANTIQUE (Advised @ 12/1)

Quote: “JANGO BAIE (Nicky Henderson) was runner-up in his Irish point (2m 4f) for Michael Goff before being purchased for £170,000 in February 2023. The seven year old was rated 146 over hurdles winning the Grade 1 Formby Novices’ Hurdle at this track in December 2023. Rated 167 over fences, he won the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham last season and has improved again since stepped up in distance this winter. A nine lengths victor of the Grade 2 1965 Chase at Ascot (2m 5f : Good) in November, he was only beaten half a length by The Jukebox Man in fourth in the Grade 1 King George Chase at Kempton (3m : Good). Taken wide throughout, he was unlucky not to finish even closer. Kept fresh for the Cheltenham Gold Cup (3m 2f : Good/Soft), the Tiger Groom gelding ran well in second, only to be beaten by an exceptional winner. Eight lengths in arrears, his record at the track is 123 and Nicky Henderson has won this twice (Might Bite (2018) & Shishkin (2023)). His form figures over three miles plus are 42 and his record in April is 23.” WON the Bowl Chase by 16 lengths @ EVENS

Quote: “BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD (Gordon Elliott) is a four times Grade 1 winning mare who has produced some brilliant performances during her career – her 30 lengths victory in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Hurdle at Leopardstown in December 2024 stands out, plus her easy victory in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle over C&D earlier the same year oozed class. For some reason though, the well bred daughter of Kapgarde has failed to shine in three runs at the Cheltenham Festival (242) – her form figures away from Prestbury Park are 111111111321. A three and a half lengths winner of the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown (2m : Heavy) in February, she beat Lossiemouth in decisive fashion. Willie Mullins’ mare turned the tables in the English version at Cheltenham (Good/Soft) last month with six and a half lengths separating the pair. A half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Caldwell Potter (won over 3m 1f at the track), her record over 2m 4f is 113. Three mares’ have won the event this century (Asian Maze (2006), Annie Power (2016) & Epatante (2022)) and her owners Gigginstown House Stud won it with Abacadabras five years ago. She is reportedly in great shape at home.” Advised @ 2/1 – WON the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle @ 13/8

Quote: “WILL THE WISE (Gavin Cromwell) won twice over hurdles before finishing sixth in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival last term. Switched to the larger obstacles, he got off the mark at fourth time of asking when winning by nearly three lengths at Galway (2m 2f : Yielding) in October. Fourth in the Troytown Chase at Navan (3m : Heavy) in November off 136, on only his fifth run over fences, he chased home Madara in the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last time. Eight pounds better off for seven and a half lengths, this longer trip will favour Gavin Cromwell’s runner – the old course at Prestbury Park would have been sharp enough for him – and it is not inconceivable the seven year old will turn the tables here. With regular rider Keith Donoghue unable to do the weight (10st 5lb), it is hoped either conditional Eoin Staples or Conor Stone-Walsh (314) will be on board. The stable have had 6 winners during the last fortnight.”WON the Topham Chase @ 9/1

Quote: “ZEUS POWER (Joseph O’Brien) is another who is entered in the Mersey NH on Saturday. Placed in bumpers at Galway in October (both on yielding ground), he has continued to improve with each outing over hurdles winning twice and earning an official rating of 144. The Protectionist gelding won at Thurles (2m : Yielding/Soft) and Navan (2m : Soft/Heavy) in the space of four weeks. Off 53 days, the five year old ran a remarkable race in the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival. Positioned in rear, he made relentless progress inside the final half a mile staying on powerfully to grab third position. Around three lengths behind King Rasko Grey, his running style suggests he will be even better over this trip and a reproduction of that effort will make him hard to beat – according to Race Iq, Joseph O’Brien’s runner covered the last five furlongs in 12.79, 12.83, 14.26, 14.45 and 14.66 seconds. The first two home (King Rasko Grey and Act of Innocence) took 15.50 and 15.83 seconds to cover the final furlong. Not devoid of speed, he stays well, too.” Advised @ 8/1 – WON the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle @ 3/1

Quote: “BOSSMAN JACK (Top 40 – Dan Skelton) is a half-brother to the 156 rated chaser and dual Grade 2 winner Gidleigh Park. An impressive bumper winner at Wincanton (Good/Soft) in January last year, the six year old has reportedly been immature and given plenty of time to develop. Subject to an educational ride on his hurdles bow at Warwick (2m : Good/Soft) in November, he was a ready winner of his next two starts at Ffos Las (2m : Soft) and Chepstow (2m : Soft) scoring by thirteen lengths at the latter venue. Up in class and distance in the Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (2m 5f : Good/Soft) in March, the Jack Hobbs gelding was given a safety first, round the outside, ride by Harry Skelton. Making good headway coming down the hill, he was challenging for third position when blundering at the last. Beaten around four lengths in sixth, his trainer feels he would have been third without his mistake late on. Rated 146, he is unexposed and this track will suit him – he is 2 from 2 on Flat tracks. Dan Skelton won this with a similar type, My Drogo, in 2021.” Advised @ 7/2 – WON the Grade 1 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle @ 11/4