WINNERS: ROCK THE KASBAH (Advised @ 10/1), FIRST ASSIGNMENT (Advised @ 11/4 – WON @ 6/4), SCEAU ROYAL (Advised @ 13/8)

Quote: “ROCK THE KASBAH could only finish sixth in the same handicap chase at Chepstow last month which he had won twelve months earlier (five pounds higher now). A three times winner over fences, Philip Hobbs’ gelding will be suited by this longer trip having finished sixth and runner-up in the last two renewals of the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown. Rated 147, he stays well and has been placed at Cheltenham in the past. His stable have won this with Gold Cap (1994) and Sausalito Sunrise (2015). The ground ought to suit and his trainer is in very good form (11 winners in the last 14 days). Best Price: 10/1 (Bet365, BetVictor, Boylesports, William Hill).” Advised @ 10/1, WON @ 9/1.

Quote: “FIRST ASSIGNMENT was trained to win his only Irish point by Cormac Doyle and he beat Red River (rated 145 over hurdles for Kim Bailey) by a length and a half. Bought for £40,000, he has won two of his five races over hurdles for Ian Williams and still looks attractively handicapped off a mark of 130. The Vinnie Roe gelding won at Huntingdon (2m 4f) before finishing third in the EBF Final at Sandown in March. Returning to action at Cheltenham last month, he landed a gamble when scoring by a short head (2m 5f) off a mark of 125. Yet to race beyond two miles five, Tom Scudamore (2131) said afterwards: “He’s more about stamina.” He is therefore expected to improve over this longer distance and can defy a five pounds rise in the weights.” Advised @ 11/4, WON by 9 lengths @ 6/4.

Quote: “PALMERS HILL has other entries at the meeting but would be of definite interest if running here. A winning pointer for Denis Murphy who was subsequently bought by J.P.McManus for £310,000, the Gold Well gelding looked a smart prospect when winning by a length and a half on his Rules debut at Uttoxeter (2m) in October last year. Disappointing in his subsequent two outings at Ascot (2m 5f) and Sandown (handicap debut), he has had a long break since (287 days). First time out could be the time to catch him and, if in the same form as he was at Uttoxeter over a year ago, Jonjo O’Neill’s lightly raced five year old could be well in off a mark of 124.” WON @ 7/1

FRENCH REVOLUTION – Part II: WINNERS: EXTRA MAG (11/10), FUSIL RAFFLES (4/1, 13/8), STYLE DE VOLE (2/5)

Quote: FUSIL RAFFLES: “Another three year old by Saint Des Saints who has joined the champion trainer, he was purchased on behalf of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede having raced twice over hurdles for Guillaume Macaire. A four and a half lengths winner on his debut at Senonnes (2m 2f : Soft) in July, he was then beaten a neck a fortnight later at Les Sables (2m 1f : Good). The third has won since. He is another for juvenile hurdles.” WON the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton (23/2/19) @ 4/1 & the Grade 1 juvenile Hurdle at Punchestown (4/5/19) @ 13/8.

Plus: BEAKSTOWN (5/4 & 6/1), CHRISTOPHER WOOD (10/11, 6/5), GLITTERING LOVE (4 out of 4: 9/5, 6/5, 2/1, 11/4) (PISTOL WHIPPED (13/8), PRAECEPS (5/2, 8/11)

Quote: “My contact at the Dan Skelton keeps telling me BEAKSTOWN is a proper horse. Featured on page 132 of One Jump Ahead as one of Declan Phelan’s Irish Pointers, the Stowaway gelding held an entry in Graded company at Cheltenham on Friday but he bypasses that engagement. He does, however, hold entries at Uttoxeter (12.50) and Wetherby (12.30) on Saturday, plus another at Hereford on Monday (2.45) and Chepstow on Wednesday (1.40). Runner-up in a Kempton bumper last February, I was sent a video of him schooling on Thursday morning and he worked beautifully. He is one to look forward to.” WON @ 5/4 & 6/1 (Grade 2 Leamington NH at Warwick (12/1/19))

Quote: “Nicky Richards has his team in good order at present with four winners this month already. The lightly raced GLITTERING LOVE could prove a well handicapped six year old once stepped up to three miles for the first time under Rules. Owned by Paul and Clare Rooney, the Winged Love gelding is a half-brother to nine times winner Riptide and has shown little in five runs under Rules (yet to race beyond two and a half miles). Rated 92 over hurdles as a result, he fared much better in point-to-points for Nicky’s daughter Joey Richards winning four out of five. Successful at Friars Haugh (twice), Corbridge and Overton (all over three miles) between January and March this year, he was well held in a novices’ handicap hurdle at Sedgefield in April over an inadequate two and a half miles. He could be a different proposition over three miles this winter, especially if sent novice handicap chasing.” WON 4 out of 4 – SP’s of 9/5, 6/5, 2/1 & 11/4 – with his official rating rising from 92 to 125.

TALKING TRAINERS: KEITH DALGLEISH: WINNERS: ALRIGHT SUNSHINE (30/100, 8/11), BEAST OF BELSTANE (11/4), BORN FOR WAR (11/4), CHICA BUENA (4/1), GLORIOUS LADY (13/2), I’M TO BLAME (5/6, 2/5), MIXBOY (100/30), ONE NIGHT IN MILAN (100/30), SPORTING PRESS (11/1, 11/4).

Quote: BORN FOR WAR: “Had his first run for us at Musselburgh last week finishing fourth over hurdles. I thought he looked a bit ring rusty and I am inclined to stick some headgear on him next time. Still a maiden, we might try him over fences sooner rather than later.” WON by 13 lengths at Musselburgh (26/11/18) over fences and wearing a visor for the first time @ 11/4

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 2018

WINNERS: BIRCHDALE (2/1), HUMBLE HERO (5/2), LADY BUTTONS (Evens, Evens), SIR EREC (11/8, 13/8), TEDHAM (4/1)

Quote: “McManus is also the new owner of the 109 rated Flat racer SIR EREC. A son of Camelot and from the family of Queens Vase winner Mahler, he only raced a handful of times on the level improving with each start. A half length winner of a ten furlongs maiden at the Curragh in late August, he then beat The King by four lengths in a Listed contest at Limerick (1m 4f : Heavy) in October. Joseph O’Brien’s charge produced a career best on his most recent start when two and a half lengths third behind Stradivarius and Thomas Hobson in the Group 2 Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot (2m : Soft) a week later. Significantly, he holds an entry in the three year old maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on Thursday (12.10) in which subsequent Triumph Hurdle winner Ivanovich Gorbatov made a winning start to his jumping career. If he shows an aptitude for his vocation, he possesses the talent to be a top-class hurdler and the 20/1 (Bet365, Skybet & William Hill) for Festival glory next March is tempting.” WON twice at Leopardstown, including the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle (3/2/19) @ 13/8

Quote: “Despite the fact TEDHAM has failed to win any of his three races over hurdles this Autumn/Winter, the Jonjo O’Neill trained could prove a well handicapped novice off an opening mark of 125. A well bred four year old by Shirocco out of Donald McCain’s dual Listed winner Alegralil, he shaped with plenty of promise in his bumper at Warwick last spring finishing third behind Umndeni. Switched to hurdling this season, he finished fourth behind Al Dancer (won twice since and now rated 141) at Carlisle and then third to The Big Bite at Chepstow. On both occasions, he impressed with the way he travelled during his races before finding two potentially top notch novices too strong late on. Runner-up behind Getaway Trump in desperate ground at Exeter last time, he had previous winners Remastered and Samarquand (rated 135) behind him. Yet to race beyond two miles one, he is bred to appreciate further.” WON @ 4/1 at Wincanton on his handicap debut over 2m 5f (5/1/19)

HUNTER CHASERS: WINNERS: SAUSALITO SUNRISE (11/10), SHANTOU FLYER (8/15, 10/11), UCELLO CONTI (4/6, 4/7, 7/2)

FEBRUARY 2019

BETFAIR HURDLE: AL DANCER WON @ 5/2

Quote: “AL DANCER bids to become the eighth novice to win the race in the last ten years and provide Nigel Twiston-Davies with his third victory (Splash of Ginge (2014) & Ballyandy (2017) – both six year old novices). The Al Namix gelding started his career with Christian Williams before being transferred to Naunton. Successful in a bumper at Bangor last spring, he then finished a creditable fourth in the Grade 2 championship event at Aintree. The six year old is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, including when beating subsequent winners Windsor Avenue (twice) and Tedham at Carlisle in October. A comfortable winner at Ffos Las under a penalty, he then made a mockery of an opening handicap mark of 129 at Cheltenham in December. An eleven lengths scorer from Not That Fuisse (won since), he has been raised twelve pounds but it may not be enough to halt his progress. Already towards the forefront of the ante-post market for the Sky Bet Supreme NH at Cheltenham, he ought to go very close off 141, if he is to make an impact in the Festival opener. Unbeaten with Sam Twiston-Davies on his back, he handles good and soft ground but may not want bottomless conditions.” WON the Betfair Hurdle by three and three quarters of a length @ 5/2.

WINNERS: EMITOM (6/4), L’AIR DU VENT (10/11), MISTY WHISKY (5/1)

Quote: “Harry Fry has his eye on another Listed bumper for his potentially exciting mare MISTY WHISKY. The EBF Stallions/TBA Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt race at Sandown (9^th March) has been earmarked for the progressive daughter of Stowaway. A half-sister to four times winning stablemate Air Horse One and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ One For Rosie, she was pitched in against the geldings on her debut at Aintree in November. In receipt of seven pounds, she was sent off 11/10 favourite in a small but select field. The steady early gallop didn’t play to her strengths with the front running and more experienced Sojourn dictating matters. Denied by a length and three quarters, she stayed on well to fill the runners-up berth (fifth has won since). Reappearing less than a month later at Ludlow, Sean Bowen’s mount made no mistake next time when beating List One by three lengths pulling clear in the home straight. His rider was impressed saying: “Misty Whisky is very nice. She was very green at Aintree and I was probably there too soon today, but all she does is gallop. She'd come on massively and learned a lot from Aintree and went through that soft ground fine, but went on better ground at Aintree, so I'm sure she's fairly versatile.” Reported to be improving all the time by her trainer, her ultimate target this term is the Grade 2 mares’ bumper at Aintree (4^th April). It may take a good one to stop her winning at the Esher venue en route.” WON the Listed mares’ bumper at Sandown @ 5/1

AUTUMN POINTERS: WINNERS: CHANTRY HOUSE (8/13), MINELLA MELODY (9/10), MOUNT IDA (13/8), SOPAT (4/1), WALK AWAY (13/8)

Quote: “The headline mare from the autumn, in terms of price was MINELLA MELODY (by Flemensfirth): she arrived at Boulta in December with a tall reputation and made light work of making a winning debut: the substance of that race is questionable but her style was pleasing on the eye. She has apparently changed hands for a sum in the region on £300,000 (private deal) and will be in the future care of Henry De Bromhead.” WON by 12 lengths at Gowran Park (9/3/19) on her Rules debut @ 9/10.

Quote: “Out of the geldings, I will pick one six year old: WALK AWAY, a relentless galloper, he survived a final fence scare to win on his debut at Ballindenisk: another bought by Henry De Bromhead, this big unit by Black Sam Bellamy will be a fine 130+ staying handicap chaser.” WON by 9 lengths at Thurles (7/3/19) on his hurdling debut @ 13/8.

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL HANDICAPS PREVIEW: SIRE DU BERLAIS (Advised @ 10/1 – WON the Pertemps Final @ 4/1), DALLAS DES PICTONS (WON @ 7/2 at Leopardstown, plus advised @ 16/1 for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ HH at Cheltenham finished 2^nd @ 7/2 favourite.

Quote: “J.P.McManus has won the Pertemps Final (Thursday 14^th March) twice this century (Creon (2004) & Kadoun (2006)) and the legendary owner is responsible for both SIRE DU BERLAIS and THE ORGANIST. The former is trained by Gordon Elliott and has only raced nine times over hurdles and is unexposed over three miles. Beaten seven and a half lengths in fourth in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Hurdle at the Festival last March, the seven year old is now rated two pounds lower off a mark of 142. The Poliglote gelding has only raced twice this season finishing eighth in a two and a half miles handicap hurdle at Naas in November. Stepped up to three miles for the first time in a Pertemps qualifier at Leopardstown’s Christmas fixture, Davy Russell’s mount kept on in the closing stages to finish sixth and was only around ten lengths behind the winner Cuneo. From the family of Howard Johnson’s Becher Chase runner-up and Grade 2 winning novice hurdler Royal Rosa, the ex-French gelding handles most types of ground and is guaranteed a place in the line-up with his rating. Elliott won the race last season with Delta Work and this has probably been the plan all season (10/1 generally).” SIRE DU BERLAIS (Advised @ 10/1) WON the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival @ 4/1

The CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2019

5 WINNERS: A PLUS TARD (Advised @ 8/1), TOPOFTHEGAME (4/1). ENVOI ALLEN (Advised @ 4/1), SIRE DU BERLAIS (Advised @ 6/1), SIRUH DU LAC (9/2)

Plus: COKO BEACH (Advised @ 25/1 – 2^nd @ 14/1), ANIBALE FLY (Advised @ 25/1 – 2^nd @ 22/1)

Quote: “A PLUS TARD (featured on page 128 of OJA) had alternative entries at the Festival in the RSA and JLT Novice Chases suggesting he may be fairly treated here off 144. Twice a winner over hurdles in France, including a Listed contest at Auteuil, when trained by Dominique Bressou, he was subsequently bought by Cheveley Park Stud and has run three good races over fences for Henry De Bromhead. Runner-up at Gowran in October, he then beat subsequent 15 lengths winner Duc De Genievres (runs in the Arkle) by three and a quarter lengths at Naas in December. Beaten around two lengths by Winter Escape (fifth in a Grade 1 next time) in Graded company at Punchestown last time in receipt of a stone, he is lightly raced and is a superb jumper. Chapoturgeon won this as a five year old and there have been two Irish trained winners (Finger Onthe Pulse (2008) & Tully East (2017)).” WON the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase by 16 lengths @ 5/1 (Advised @ 8/1)

Quote: “TOPOFTHEGAME (Top 40) won a point-to-point for Donnchadh Doyle before being bought for £120,000. A dual winning hurdler who was rated 154, he won a Grade 3 handicap at Sandown before finishing a neck second in the Coral Cup twelve months ago. Returning to chasing (fell at Newbury on his fencing bow last season) this time around, he was runner-up behind Defi Du Seuil at Exeter (2m 3f) having forfeited over twenty lengths at the start. The giant seven year old then looked certain to win the Grade 1 Kauto Star NC at Kempton when jumping to the front at the third last, only to get run out of it after the final fence by the high-class mare La Bague Au Roi (won another Grade 1 since). Paul Nicholls has purposely kept him fresh since and the Flemensfirth gelding is reportedly in tip-top shape. The former champion trainer has won this twice (Star De Mohaison (2006) & Denman (2007)).” WON the RSA Chase @ 4/1

Quote: “ENVOI ALLEN (Top 40) was purchased for £400,000 in February last year having won his only point by ten lengths for Colin Bowe. Unbeaten in three races under Rules for Cheveley Park Stud and Gordon Elliott, he won at Fairyhouse and Navan (Listed) in the space of a fortnight in December before returning at Leopardstown last month. Taken wide by Jamie Codd, the Muhtathir gelding stayed on strongly to beat a host of promising types by upwards of a length and a quarter from Meticulous in the Grade 2 event. He sets the standard but this will be his stiffest test to date.” WON the Grade 1 Festival bumper @ 2/1 (Advised @ 4/1)

Quote: “SIRE DU BERLAIS is another leading fancy from the Elliott yard. Seven and a half lengths fourth in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey HH last year off 144, he is only a pound higher now and qualifies for this having finished sixth at Leopardstown last time. It was the first time he had tackled three miles and was staying on under Davy Russell. The Poliglote gelding has only raced twice this term and this has obviously been the plan all year. From the family of Becher Chase runner-up Royal Rosa, he is unexposed over the trip and is very much shortlist material.” WON the Pertemps Final @ 4/1 (Advised @ 6/1)

Quote: “SIRUH DU LAC has been in terrific form this season winning all three of his starts. The progressive six year old has scored at Newbury, Exeter and Cheltenham off marks of 123, 129 and 134. A head winner from the aforementioned Janika at the last named venue, he has been raised a further seven pounds since. Nick Williams’ charge handles most types of ground and has won five of his seven races over fences. A tremendous jumper, he looks capable of defying that rise in the weights.” WON the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase @ 9/2

Quote: “COKO BEACH is one of five entries Gordon Elliott (Flaxen Flare (2013) & Veneer of Charm (2018)) has left in at the five day stage. A four and a half lengths winner at Nantes (Very soft) when trained by Francois Nicolle, he was bought soon afterwards and plunged straight into Grade 2 company at Leopardstown over Christmas. Sent off 6/1 and backed on the day, he was beaten twenty one lengths in ninth on much quicker ground. Last time, he performed a lot better (again on good ground) in a slowly run juvenile hurdle at Naas last month. Beaten eight lengths by the aforementioned Band of Outlaws, he is now five pounds better off with the ex-Flat racer and a combination of a stiffer track and more testing conditions ought to see the pair finish closer here. I think he is an interesting outsider who could be a different proposition on slower ground.” Advised @ 25/1 – 2^nd in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle @ 14/1

Quote: “ANIBALE FLY was a running on third in the race last year, eight and a half lengths behind Native River. Tony Martin’s stable star has only raced twice this term – withdrawn twice at Leopardstown due to drying ground. Beaten nearly twenty five lengths in the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at Cork (2m) in December, he was a good second behind Monalee in the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park last month. Keeping on in the closing stages, he was fourth in the Grand National last season and will relish the return to this longer trip. His record at Grade 1 level is 32P2F3. The softer the ground the better, he arrives fresh and has definite each-way claims, granted suitable conditions.” Advised @ 25/1 – 2^nd in the Cheltenham Gold Cup @ 22/1

FESTIVAL PREVIEW ROUND-UPS:

ANTHONY BROMLEY:Quote: PENTLAND HILLS (Triumph Hurdle): “An inexpensive buy out of Chris Wall’s yard, he won twice on the Flat. He then had ringworm when he first joined Nicky (Henderson). It was therefore a rushed preparation prior to winning very easily at Plumpton on his hurdles debut last month. He beat a useful horse and is an interesting contender for the Triumph Hurdle.” WON the Triumph Hurdle @ 20/1

TALKING TRAINERS: PAUL NICHOLLS: WINNERS: FRODON (9/2), TOPOFTHEGAME (4/1)

Quote: FRODON: “He has had an amazing season winning three out of four, including the Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham last time over a trip which was only eight yards short of the Gold Cup distance, according to Simon Claisse. He is in seriously good order at home, too, and he looks great. Entered in both the Ryanair and Gold Cup, it will be a last minute call but I suspect he will end up running in the former.” WON the Ryanair Chase @ 9/2

Quote: TOPOFTHEGAME: “A huge horse who has been a big baby but has a big engine. He won a Graded handicap hurdle at Sandown last season before being narrowly beaten in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. Unlucky on his reappearance over fences at Exeter, he missed the start and must have forfeited over twenty five lengths. He just spooked at something but still ran a lovely race behind Defi Du Seuil. Then, last time in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton, he hit the front too soon and was run out of it late on. Harry (Cobden) learned his lesson because he held on to Clan Des Obeaux a bit longer and won the King George later the same day. I think he will develop into a Gold Cup contender next season. The plan is to run him in the RSA Chase.” WON the RSA Chase @ 4/1

TALKING TRAINERS: GORDON ELLIOTT: WINNERS: ENVOI ALLEN (2/1), SIRE DU BERLAIS (4/1), TIGER ROLL (5/4)

Quote: ENVOI ALLEN: “He is a three mile chaser in the making and has looked good in all three of his bumpers this season. His preparation has gone well and I couldn’t be happier with him.” WON the Grade 1 Festival bumper @ 2/1

Quote: SIRE DU BERLAIS: “He worked very well on Friday morning. Fourth in the Martin Pipe HH last year, the longer trip here will suit him.” WON the Pertemps Final @ 4/1

Quote: TIGER ROLL: “Keith Donoghue rides him in the Cross Country chase on Wednesday. He worked well on Tuesday morning and has had a brilliant preparation.” WON the Cross Country chase by 22 lengths @ 5/4

DATES FOR THE DIARY:

Quote: “This is one for Flat racing fans. I interviewed Karl Burke last month (he was en route to watch Liverpool play Bayern Munich at Anfield) and he is very keen on an unraced filly called ROBOTIQUE DANSEUR. By the same sire as stable star Laurens, namely Siyouni, she is entered in the French 1000 Guineas and the Middleham trainer believes she is very good.” WON at Newcastle (29/3/19) @ 9/2

Saturday 23^rd March – NEWBURY – 5.00 Goffs UK Spring Sale Bumper

“Harry Fry has won the last two renewals of this £50,000 event courtesy of Bullionaire and Caribert and Paul Nicholls’ former assistant can land the hat-trick. GET IN THE QUEUE looks well bought at £40,000 as a three year old having won both his starts. A gelding by Mount Nelson, he won at Uttoxeter in December by nine lengths in the same event the ill-fated stablemate Neon Wolf won two years earlier. The five year old then bolted up under a penalty at Exeter last month by sixteen lengths conceding sixteen pounds to the runner-up. Held in the highest regard, he runs here in preference to the Festival bumper.” WON by four and a half lengths @ 1/3.

The AINTREE GRAND MEETING 2019

WINNERS: FELIX DESJY (Advised @ 8/1), MIN (Advised @ 5/1)

Quote: “FELIX DESJY was a useful bumper horse finishing sixth in the championship event at the Cheltenham Festival last season having raced too keenly. The six year old has been in and out over hurdles this campaign winning impressively at Galway on his reappearance in October. Below par on his next three outings, Gordon Elliott’s gelding was back to form in January when winning the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer NH at Punchestown (Good) by five lengths. Given a break, he was a creditable fifth in the Supreme NH at Cheltenham last month, holding every chance turning for home. Beaten eleven lengths, he looks a better horse on a flatter track and Aintree ought to suit him.” Advised @ 8/1 WON the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle @ 7/2

Quote: “MIN was beaten a neck by Poltilogue in the race last year having raced keenly early on. The eight year old had looked better than ever during the first half of this season winning the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase at Punchestown in December by a length and a half before winning another Grade 1 over two miles at Leopardstown (for the second consecutive year) in February by six lengths. However, Willie Mullins’ Walk In The Park gelding produced a lacklustre performance in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham finishing a well beaten fifth behind Altior. His record over 2m 4f is 121 and he is a triple Grade 1 winner. Ireland’s champion trainer won this with Boston Bob five years ago and he has a major contender again. Ruby Walsh (11211115) is expected to take the ride.” Advised @ 5/1 WON the Grade 1 Melling Chase by 20 lengths @ 2/1